Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Native range genetic variation in Arabidopsis thaliana is strongly geographically structured and reflects Pleistocene glacial dynamics

Despite Arabidopsis thaliana's pre‐eminence as a model organism, major questions remain regarding the geographic structure of its genetic variation due to the geographically incomplete sample set available for previous studies. Many of these questions are addressed here with an analysis of genome‐wide variation at 10 loci in 475 individuals from 167 globally distributed populations, including many from critical but previously un‐sampled regions. Rooted haplotype networks at three loci suggest that A. thaliana arose in the Caucasus region. Identification of large‐scale metapopulations indicates clear east–west genetic structure, both within proposed Pleistocene refugia and post‐Pleistocene colonized regions. The refugia themselves are genetically differentiated from one another and display elevated levels of within‐population genetic diversity relative to recolonized areas. The timing of an inferred demographic expansion coincides with the Eemian interglacial (approximately 120 000 years ago). Taken together, these patterns are strongly suggestive of Pleistocene range dynamics. Spatial autocorrelation analyses indicate that isolation by distance is pervasive at all hierarchical levels, but that it is reduced in portions of Europe.
Evaluating Stakeholder Management Performance Using a Stakeholder Report Card: The Next Step In Theory and Practice

In the highly competitive health care environment, the survival of an organization may depend on how well powerful stakeholders are managed. Yet, the existing strategic stakeholder management process does not include evaluation of stakeholder management performance. To address this critical gap, this paper proposes a systematic method for evaluation using a stakeholder report card. An example of a physician report card based on this methodology is presented.
Recursive partitioning analysis of prognostic factors in three Radiation Therapy Oncology Group malignant glioma trials.

BACKGROUND Despite notable technical advances in therapy for malignant gliomas during the past decade, improved patient survival has not been clearly documented, suggesting that pretreatment prognostic factors influence outcome more than minor modifications in therapy. Age, performance status, and tumor histopathology have been identified as the pretreatment variables most predictive of survival outcome. However, an analysis of the association of survival with both pretreatment characteristics and treatment-related variables is necessary to assure reliable evaluation of new approaches for treatment of malignant glioma. PURPOSE This study of malignant glioma patients used a non-parametric statistical technique to examine the associations of both pretreatment patient and tumor characteristics and treatment-related variables with survival duration. This technique was used to identify subgroups with survival rates sufficiently different to create improvements in the design and stratification of clinical trials. METHODS We used a recursive partitioning technique to analyze survival in 1578 patients entered in three Radiation Therapy Oncology Group malignant glioma trials from 1974 to 1989 that used several radiation therapy (RT) regimens with and without chemotherapy or a radiation sensitizer. This approach creates a regression tree according to prognostic variables that classifies patients into homogeneous subsets by survival. Twenty-six pretreatment characteristics and six treatment-related variables were analyzed. RESULTS The years). Patients younger than 50 years old were categorized by histology (astrocytomas with anaplastic or atypical foci [AAF] versus glioblastoma multiforme [GBM]) and subsequently by normal or abnormal mental status for AAF patients and by performance status for those with GBM. For patients aged 50 years or older, performance status was the most important variable, with normal or abnormal mental status creating the only significant split in the poorer performance status group. Treatment-related variables produced a subgroup showing significant differences only for better performance status GBM patients over age 50 (by extent of surgery and RT dose). Median survival times were 4.7-58.6 months for the 12 subgroups resulting from this analysis, which ranged in size from 32 to 256 patients. CONCLUSIONS This approach permits examination of the interaction between prognostic variables not possible with other forms of multivariate analysis. IMPLICATIONS The recursive partitioning technique can be employed to refine the stratification and design of malignant glioma trials.
Development of A b terminal end-specific antibodies and sensitive ELISA for A b variant

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative affliction associated with memory dysfunction. Senile plaques are a pathological hallmark of AD, and amyloid b (Ab) peptides are a major component of these plaques. Ab peptides are derived from proteolytic cleavage of the Ab protein precursor (APP) by band c-secretases to generate two principal species, Ab1–40 and Ab1–42. We have developed antibodies against the Nand C-termini of these peptides, and an ELISA for accurate and sensitive quantitative assessment. Sandwich ELISA composed of N-terminus (Ab1) end-specific antibody, clone 82E1, and C-termini end-specific antibodies, and clones 1A10 and 1C3 for Ab40 and Ab42, respectively, detects full-length Ab1–40 and 1–42 with a sensitivity in the sub single digit fmol/ml (equivalent to single digit pg/ml) range with no cross-reactivity to APP. A combination of C-termini antibodies and an antibody against the middle region of Ab detects mouse Ab in non-transgenic mouse brains. 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Intraseasonal and Interannual Variability of Extreme Dry and Wet Events over Southeastern South America and the Subtropical Atlantic during Austral Summer

Abstract Intraseasonal and interannual variability of extreme wet and dry anomalies over southeastern Brazil and the western subtropical South Atlantic Ocean are investigated. Precipitation data are obtained from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) in pentads during 23 austral summers (December–February 1979/80–2001/02). Extreme wet (dry) events are defined according to 75th (25th) percentiles of precipitation anomaly distributions observed in two time scales: intraseasonal and interannual. The agreement between the 25th and 75th percentiles of the GPCP precipitation and gridded precipitation obtained from stations in Brazil is also examined. Variations of extreme wet and dry anomalies on interannual time scales are investigated along with variations of sea surface temperature (SST) and circulation anomalies. The South Atlantic SST dipole seems related to interannual variations of extreme precipitation events over southeastern Brazil. It is shown that extreme wet and dry events in the cont.
Expression of angiostatin cDNA in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 and its effect on implanted carcinoma in nude mice.

AIM To transfect murine angiostatin cDNA into human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 and to investigate its effects on implanted carcinoma in nude mice. METHODS A eukaryotic expression vector of pcDNA3.1-mAST containing murine angiostatin was constructed. Then pcDNA3.1-mAST plasmid was transfected into cell line SMMC-7721 by Lipofectamine. The resistant clone was screened by G418 filtration and identified by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Nude mice were divided into three groups of 10 each. Mice in blank control group were only injected with SMMC-7721 cells. Mice in vector control group were injected with SMMC-7721 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1 (+) vector, whereas mice in angiostatin group were injected with SMMC-7721 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-mAST plasmid. Volume, mass and microvessel density (MVD) of the tumors in different groups were measured and compared. RESULTS Murine angiostatin cDNA was successfully cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1 (+). pcDNA3.1-mAST was successfully transfected into SMMC-7721 cell line and showed stable expression in this cell line. No significant difference was observed in the growth speed of SMMC-7721 cells between groups transfected with and without angiostatin cDNA. Tumor volume, mass and MVD in the angiostatin group were significantly lower than those in the blank control group and vector control group (P<0.01). The inhibitory rate of tumor reached 78.6%. Mass and MVD of the tumors only accounted for 34.6% and 48.9% respectively of those in the blank control group. CONCLUSION Angiostatin cDNA could be stably expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 without obvious inhibitory effects on the growth of SMMC-7721 cells. When implanted into nude mice, SMMC-7721 cells transfected with angiostatin cDNA show a decreased tumorigenic capability. It suggests that angiostatin can inhibit tumor growth through its inhibition on angiogenesis in tumors.
The fee tendering and service quality issue revisited

Purpose – It is a little over 20 years since mandatory fee scales were abolished by UK professional bodies. During this period fee levels have fluctuated with economic demand, and new procurement strategies such as partnering have been developed, but there is still a widespread view in industry that fee levels are too low. This view is shared by many professionals, and perhaps more surprisingly by clients, even in the current construction and property boom. The purpose of this paper is to report research on the link between competitive fee tendering and clients' perceptions of service quality in the UK property industry. The main hypothesis is that there is a causal relationship between service quality and the method of appointment of the professional.Design/methodology/approach – The research involved unstructured interviews with clients and professionals and a postal questionnaire study of one 133 UK based clients. The questionnaire study was a repeat of a similar survey conducted eight years previously.
Influence of Fiber Posts on the Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Maxillary Central Incisors with Different Dental Defects

Objective: Obtain information on the influence of fiber post placement on the fracture resistence of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors with different dental defects. Materials & Methods: Forty human maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated and randomized into four groups. Each group was prepared according to the number of residual walls, ranged from 0 to 3. Then each group was divided into two subgroups: first restored with glass fiber post and the second without post. In no-post group, gu a percha point 2mm below the CEJ was removed. In the other group, glass fiber post was cemented by leaving at least 4mm of apical seal. Both groups were restored with light-cured composite resin. Then all specimens were subjected to static linear loading in a universal testing machine at an angle of 135° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth with a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min un l fracture. Results: In groups with glass fiber posts, the subgroup with three coronal walls showed the highest fracture resistance (717.9 N). The group with glass fiber posts and without coronal walls showed the lowest fracture resistance (451.0). The results show that there was no significant difference in the fracture resistance among groups with and without fiber posts when there were three coronal walls (P=0.24). The same results were obtained with no coronal walls le (P=0.805). The placement of the fiber post had no significant effect on the fracture mode (P>0.05), and the fracture pa ern was mainly favorable. Conclusion: Endodontically treated teeth restored with glass fiber posts did not have significantly increased fracture resistance.
Expression of Endothelin 1 and Its Receptors in the Hypoxic Pregnant Rat1

Abstract Endothelin 1 (EDN1) plays a primary role in the pathophysiology of hypoxia-induced fetal growth restriction in the rat. In this study we evaluated the effects of chronic maternal hypoxia on the expression of endothelin and its receptors and on receptor binding activity in the uterus and placenta of the rat, in order to elucidate their roles in hypoxia-induced fetal growth restriction. Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained in either a normoxic or a normobaric hypoxic (12% O2) atmosphere from Gestational Days 18–21. Uterine and placental tissues collected on Gestational Day 21 were assayed for Edn1, Ednra, and Ednrb (endothelin receptors) mRNA expression by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, for localization of EDN1 and its receptors by immunohistochemistry, for EDNRA and EDNRB protein expression by Western blot, and for receptor binding activity by homologous competitive binding assays. EDN1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the hypoxic placenta, but not in the uterus, compared with normoxic controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased EDN1 specifically in the labyrinth of the placenta. Receptor mRNA levels were not significantly affected by hypoxia, but EDNRA protein expression was significantly decreased specifically in the uterine placental beds. Receptor binding decreased significantly in response to hypoxia in all tissues investigated, compared with controls. These results suggest that chronic maternal hypoxia results in increased expression of EDN1 in the placenta but not in the uterus, and that reduced binding activity, rather than regulation of receptor expression, is a mechanism by which these tissues regulate the local hemodynamic response to increased endogenous placental EDN1 in the setting of hypoxia.
Cooperative Routing Protocols in Wireless Body Area Networks ( WBAN ) : A Survey

Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) is composed from the embedded sensors on the body that monitors the vital signs of the body are certain organs. Sensors collect data on the different parts of the body and send them to the sink. In the recent years, significant researches are done for reliable, secure and efficient communications of sensors to transfer collected data from sensors to the sink. Reducing of network lifetime is one of the most important criteria’s in WBANs and most of the presented articles in the last years, are focused on providing cooperative routing protocols to achieve minimum energy consumption and longer network lifetime. On the other hand, Packet Reception Ratio (PRR) is another metric has been considered in WBANs’ routing protocols to have higher rate of successfully received packets in the sink. We try to list and present some of the recent articles that provide cooperative routing protocols that attempt to reduce network lifetime and PRR.
Flow cytometric measurement of circulating endothelial cells: The effect of age and peripheral arterial disease on baseline levels of mature and progenitor populations

Age and cardiovascular disease status appear to alter numbers and function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Despite no universal phenotypic definition, numerous studies have implicated progenitors with apparent endothelial potential in local responses to vascular injury and with cardiovascular disease in general. To further define the role of this lineage in peripheral artery disease (PAD), we developed a multiparameter flow cytometry assay to analyze multiple phenotypic definitions of progenitor cells (PCs), EPCs, and mature endothelial cells (ECs) and evaluate effects of age and PAD on baseline levels of each subset.
Tetracycline resistance mediated by ribosomal protection

Resistance to tetracycline may be mediated by one of three different mechanisms: (i) an energy-dependent efflux of tetracycline brought about by an integral membrane protein (20); (ii) ribosomal protection by a soluble protein (5, 23), or (iii) enzymatic inactivation of tetracycline (33), which occurs rarely. This minireview concentrates exclusively on the second mechanism of tetracycline resistance.
Space-time coding for capacity enhancement in future-generation wireless communications networks

We present a simple yet novel space-time coding (STC) approach, based on a logical extension of simple convolutional codes. We compare this STC scheme with known transmission techniques, including space-time transmit diversity (STTD) and BLAST, in terms of code construction and performance. We present simulation results of actual performance, and discuss the reasons for, and implications of, the performance trends observed.
A Gross Error Occurred When Treatment Planning a Guided Surgery Case

This case history illustrates how a mistake, when manufacturing the radiographic guide, can duplicate itself when placing the implants through the surgical template. This led to a disastrous aesthetic result. This case history also illustrates yet another reason for constructing a provisional restoration in the first instance before proceeding to the final restoration using a titanium substructure or bonded bridgework.
Factors associated with upper respiratory tract disease caused by feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica in cats: experience from 218 European catteries

A full history of the management practices and the prevalence of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) at 218 rescue shelters, breeding establishments and private households with five or more cats was recorded. Oropharyngeal and conjunctival swabs and blood samples were taken from 1748 cats. The prevalences of feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV), Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica were determined by PCR on swab samples. An ELISA was applied to determine the prevalence of antibodies to B bronchiseptica. The rates of detection by PCR of each pathogen in the cats in catteries with and without ongoing URTD were, respectively, FHV 16 per cent and 8 per cent; FCV 47 per cent and 29 per cent; C felis 10 per cent and 3 per cent; and B bronchiseptica 5 per cent and 1·3 per cent; the seroprevalences of B bronchiseptica were 61 per cent and 41 per cent, respectively. There was evidence that FHV, FCV and B bronchiseptica played a role in URTD. The risk factors associated with the disease were less than excellent hygiene, contact with dogs with URTD, and larger numbers of cats in the cattery or household.
Proteome Dynamics in Biobanked Horse Peripheral Blood Derived Lymphocytes (PBL) with Induced Autoimmune Uveitis

Equine recurrent uveitis is the only spontaneous model for recurrent autoimmune uveitis in humans, where T cells target retinal proteins. Differences between normal and autoaggressive lymphocytes were identified in this study by analyzing peripheral blood derived lymphocytes (PBL) proteomes from the same case with interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein induced uveitis sampled before (Day 0), during (Day 15), and after uveitic attack (Day 23). Relative protein abundances of PBL were investigated in a quantitative, label‐free differential proteome analysis in cells that were kept frozen for 14 years since the initial experiment. Quantitative data could be acquired for 2632 proteins at all three time points. Profound changes (≥2‐fold change) in PBL protein abundance were observed when comparing Day 0 with 15, representing acute inflammation (1070 regulated proteins) and Day 0 with 23 (cessation; 1571 regulated). Significant differences applied to proteins with functions in integrin signaling during active uveitis, involving “Erk and pi‐3 kinase are necessary for collagen binding in corneal epithelia,” “integrins in angiogenesis,” and “integrin‐linked kinase signaling” pathways. In contrast, at cessation of uveitic attack, significantly changed proteins belonged to pathways of “nongenotropic androgen signaling,” “classical complement pathway,” and “Amb2 integrin signaling. ” Several members of respective pathways were earlier shown to be changed in naturally occurring uveitis, underscoring the significance of these findings here and proofing the value of the induced model in mimicking spontaneous autoimmune uveitis. All MS data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange consortium via the PRIDE partner repository (dataset identifier PXD005580).
Accuracy and precision of a photographic system for the three-dimensional study of facial morphology

ABSTARCT Background: Facial analysis is vital for orthodontic treatment planning but traditional methods of facial analysis are incapable of fully capturing the three-dimensional complexity of the human face. The purpose of this study was to determine the precision and accuracy of facial anthropometric measurements obtained through low-cost digital three-dimensional photogrammetry system. Materials and methods: Eighteen standard craniofacial measurements were obtained from faces of thirty young adults using two methods: calipers and 3D photos (obtained with a Photomodeler system). After marking anthropometric landmarks on the faces of the sample, direct measurements were taken using calipers then five photographs were taken at different angles and 3D model constructed and the same measurement were taken using Photomodeler. Differences between two methods were calculated. To test the precision of the new photogrammetric system, measurements were repeated on the same photographs by the researcher and then by another examiner and also a new set of photographs were taken for each individual and measurements were done on them. Three different precision estimates were calculated to measure random error for the new method. Results: Systematic errors between the two methods were found for seven measurements but most mean differences were clinically insignificant (below 2 mm). In terms of measurement precision, no systematic biases were found between repeated measurements on the same photographs or on different photographs and our precision estimates showed a clinically acceptable level of repeatability for the Photomodeler system. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Photomodeler 3D photogrammetry system can provide accurate and reliable facial measurements. It is relatively fast and requires only inexpensive equipment.
Regulation of stem cell function by protein ubiquitylation

Tissue homeostasis depends largely on the ability to replenish impaired or aged cells. Thus, tissue‐resident stem cells need to provide functional progeny throughout the lifetime of an organism. Significant work in the past years has characterized how stem cells integrate signals from their environment to shape regulatory transcriptional networks and chromatin‐regulating factors that control stem cell differentiation or maintenance. There is increasing interest in how post‐translational modifications, and specifically ubiquitylation, control these crucial decisions. Ubiquitylation modulates the stability and function of important factors that regulate key processes in stem cell behavior. In this review, we analyze the role of ubiquitylation in embryonic stem cells and different adult multipotent stem cell systems and discuss the underlying mechanisms that control the balance between quiescence, self‐renewal, and differentiation. We also discuss deregulated processes of ubiquitin‐mediated protein degradation that lead to the development of tumor‐initiating cells.