Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circulatory variables and the flight performance of birds

SUMMARY When considering the `burst' flight performance of birds, such as during take-off, one of the most important structural variables is the ratio of the mass of the flight muscle myofibrils with respect to body mass. However, when considering `prolonged' flight performance the variable of interest should be the body mass ratio of the mass of the flight muscle myofibrils that can be perfused sustainably with metabolites via the blood supply. The latter variable should be related to blood flow (ml min-1), which in turn has been shown to be a function of heart muscle mass, the value of which is more easily obtainable for different species than that for the mass of perfused muscle. The limited empirical evidence available suggests that for birds and mammals the rate of maximum oxygen consumption scales with heart mass (Mh) as Mh0.88 and that for birds Mh scales with body mass (Mb) as Mb0.92, leading to the conclusion that the rate of maximum oxygen consumption in birds scales with an exponent of around Mb0.82. A similar exponent would be expected for the rate of maximum oxygen consumption with respect to the flight muscle mass of birds. This suggests that the sustainable power output from the flight muscles may ultimately be limiting the flight performance of very large flying animals, but as a result of circulatory constraints rather than biomechanical considerations of the flight muscles per se. Under the particular circumstances of sustainable flight performance, calculations of rates of metabolic energy consumed by the flight muscles can be compared directly with the estimates of biomechanical power output required, as calculated using various aerodynamic models. The difference between these calculated values for rates of energy input and output from the muscles is equivalent to the `apparent' mechanochemical conversion efficiency. The results of one such analysis, of the maximum sustainable flight performance of migratory birds, leads to the conclusion that the efficiency of the flight muscles appears to scale as Mb0.14. However, much of this apparent scaling may be an artefact of the application and assumptions of the models. The resolution of this issue is only likely to come from studying bird species at either extreme of the size range.
The CD19+ B‐cell counts at peripheral blood stem cell mobilization determine different levels of tumour contamination and autograft purgability in low‐grade lymphoma

Summary. The tumour load of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvests and the outcome of ex vivo immunomagnetic B‐cell purging was investigated in 19 patients with low‐grade lymphoma. To quantify the tumour load, we combined fluorescence‐activated cell sorting measurement of CD19+ B‐cells and determination of the B‐cell light chain ratio (LCR) with consensus complementarity‐determining region III‐polymerase chain reaction (CDRIII‐PCR) and gene scan analysis. The number of tumour cells was calculated using B‐cell extracts from the PBSCs. Two different patterns were distinguished. In eight patients (42%) with CD19+ B cells > 1% in the apheresis product, a high tumour load was found, characterized by a monoclonal LCR, positive PCR in seven out of eight cases, > 5 × 107 extracted lymphoma cells in six out of seven PCR‐assessable cases, and the presence of residual lymphoma after purging in six of seven cases. In 11 patients (58%) with < 1% CD19+ B‐cells in the product, a low tumour load was indicated by a polyclonal LCR, positive PCR in only 4 out of 11 cases, > 5 × 107 extracted lymphoma cells in zero out of four PCR‐assessable cases, and the presence of residual lymphoma after purging in zero out of four of these cases. The level of residual lymphoma following purging largely depended on the level of tumour contamination. CD19+ B‐cells > 50/µl in the peripheral blood at mobilization predicted a high tumour load in the apheresis product.
Analysis of the Disease Potential of a Recombinant Retrovirus Containing Friend Murine Leukemia Virus Sequences and a Unique Long Terminal Repeat from Feline Leukemia Virus

ABSTRACT We have molecularly cloned a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) (clone 33) from a domestic cat with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The long terminal repeat (LTR) of this virus, like the LTRs present in FeLV proviruses from other cats with AML, contains an unusual structure in its U3 region upstream of the enhancer (URE) consisting of three tandem direct repeats of 47 bp. To test the disease potential and specificity of this unique FeLV LTR, we replaced the U3 region of the LTR of the erythroleukemia-inducing Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) with that of FeLV clone 33. When the resulting virus, F33V, was injected into newborn mice, almost all of the mice eventually developed hematopoietic malignancies, with a significant percentage being in the myeloid lineage. This is in contrast to mice injected with an F-MuLV recombinant containing the U3 region of another FeLV that lacks repetitive URE sequences, none of which developed myeloid malignancies. Examination of tumor proviruses from F33V-infected mice failed to detect any changes in FeLV U3 sequences other than that in the URE. Like F-MuLV-infected mice, those infected with the F-MuLV/FeLV recombinants were able to generate and replicate mink cell focus-inducing viruses. Our studies are consistent with the idea that the presence of repetitive sequences upstream of the enhancer in the LTR of FeLV may favor the activation of this promoter in myeloid cells and contribute to the development of malignancies in this hematopoietic lineage.
Cost-effectiveness of fluticasone propionate in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating disease and places a large financial burden on health-care systems and society. We prospectively evaluated the cost-effectiveness offluticasone propionate (FP) treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, who were symptomatic on regular bronchodilator therapy. METHODS An economic analysis was performed in a 6-month, randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing FP 1,000 microg/day with placebo in 281 patients aged 45-79 years with symptomatic moderate-to-severe COPD. Data on clinical efficacy, health-care resource use and productivity loss associated with the management of COPD were prospectively collected. The main outcome measures were the incremental cost-effectiveness of achieving a > or = 10% improvement in FEV1 and of remaining exacerbation-free throughout the study. The economic evaluation was costed from the perspective of the NHS (direct costs) and of society (direct and indirect costs). RESULTS FP was significantly more effective than placebo in terms of the proportions of patients demonstrating a > or = 10% improvement in FEV1 (32 vs. 19%; P = 0.02) and remaining free of moderate/severe exacerbations (75 vs. 63%; P = 0.02). The difference between the groups in total costs was not significantly different. Incremental cost-effectiveness analyses showed that the additional clinical benefits of FP relativeto placebo, in terms of a > or = 10% improvement in FEV1 or an increased number of patients free of moderate/severe exacerbations, were achieved at minimal additional costs from an NHS perspective (additional 0.25 pounds per day for bath) or at a net saving from a societal perspective. Sensitivity analysis showed that these results were robust to changes in the underlying assumptions. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with FP was associated with statistically significant clinical benefits in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD currently symptomatic on regular bronchodilator therapy. As the differences in direct and total costs compared with placebo were small and non-significant, this treatment can be considered cost-effective in this patient population.
A fundamental approach to EMI resistant folded cascode operational amplifier design

This paper introduces four design guidelines targeted at improving the susceptibility of circuits to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and applies these to the practical design of folded cascode operational amplifier topologies with a high degree of immunity to conductive EMI injected in their input terminals. Simulations illustrate how an increased immunity to EMI can be obtained using the presented systematic approach. As will be shown, a modified recycling folded cascode topology exhibits an optimal immunity to EMI without overly sacrificing other design parameters.
High‐Resolution Localization of Lactoferrin in Human Neutrophils: Labeling of Secondary Granules and Cell Heterogeneity

We studied by electron microscopy the topography of the iron‐binding protein lactoferrin in human peripheral blood neutrophils by immunogold labeling of thin‐sectioned cells. We show that fixation in 0.3% glutararaldehyde, supplemented by 2% formaldehyde, and combined with embedding in the hydrophilic resin LR White results in excellent preservation of the lactoferrin antigenicity and of the neutrophil microanatomy. Most of the immunogold marking was seen on the specific (secondary) granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, thus strengthening prevailing views on the subcellular distribution of lactoferrin in neutrophils. We document that a minority (8‐10%) of neutrophils showed significant amounts of lactoferrin associated with a flocculent, protein‐like material seen inside large cytoplasmic vacuoles. We show that circulating neutrophils comprise 6‐10% of cells that are virtually devoid of lactoferrin labeling. This finding provides specific cytochemical support for the concept that human polimorphonuclear leukocytes are made up of a heterogeneous population of cells.
Evolution of regulatory interactions controlling floral asymmetry

A key challenge in evolutionary biology is to understand how new morphologies can arise through changes in gene regulatory networks. For example, floral asymmetry is thought to have evolved many times independently from a radially symmetrical ancestral condition, yet the molecular changes underlying this innovation are unknown. Here, we address this problem by investigating the action of a key regulator of floral asymmetry, CYCLOIDEA (CYC), in species with asymmetric and symmetric flowers. We show that CYC encodes a DNA-binding protein that recognises sites in a downstream target gene RADIALIS (RAD) in Antirrhinum. The interaction between CYC and RAD can be reconstituted in Arabidopsis, which has radially symmetrical flowers. Overexpression of CYC in Arabidopsis modifies petal and leaf development, through changes in cell proliferation and expansion at various stages of development. This indicates that developmental target processes are influenced by CYC in Arabidopsis, similar to the situation in Antirrhinum. However, endogenous RAD-like genes are not activated by CYC in Arabidopsis, suggesting that co-option of RAD may have occurred specifically in the Antirrhinum lineage. Taken together, our results indicate that floral asymmetry may have arisen through evolutionary tinkering with the strengths and pattern of connections at several points in a gene regulatory network.
The Crypt-Dwelling Primary Bacterial Symbiont of the Polyphagous Pentatomid Pest Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

ABSTRACT A recent invader of North America, the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål) is a polyphagous pentatomid that harbors a gammaproteobacterial mutualist in the crypts of specialized midgut gastric caeca (region V4). Histological analyses revealed a single rod-shaped morphology abundant in distal V4 midgut caecal crypts. A strong fluorescence signal was detected when thin sections of these tissues were hybridized with a fluorescently-labeled, Enterobacteriaceae-specific oligonucleotide probe. A single operational taxonomic unit (OTU) assigned to the Pantoea genus represented >99% of 3,454 16S rDNA amplicons obtained from midgut V4 tissues and egg samples. Detection of H. halys primary symbiont in DNA extracted from eggs suggested vertical maternal inheritance as the mode of intergenerational transmission. Consistent detection of the bacterial symbiont in geographically distinct H. halys populations strongly supports an intimate association between these two organisms. An inferred phylogeny of gammaproteobacterial symbionts of pentatomids placed the Pantoea-assigned OTU from H. halys within a clade distinct from primary bacterial symbionts of related stink bugs, Nezara viridula (L.) and Eurydema rugosa Motschulsky. Given these data, Candidatus “Pantoea carbekii” is proposed as the name of the primary bacterial symbiont of H. halys.
The impact of management consultants on public service efficiency

Public sector organisations often make use of management consultants in policy implementation, but we know little about the outcomes. The paper reports one of the first quantitative evaluations of the impact of consulting advice on efficiency of public sector organisations. We employ an extensive dataset covering English NHS acute care hospital trusts over a four-year period. Based on PCSEs estimations, the findings show a significantly positive relationship between consulting expenditure and organisational inefficiency. These results lend support to critical accounts of management consulting, highlighting the need for organisations to be circumspect in deciding whether and how to use these services. Watch a vodcast by one of the authors: https://www.youtube. com/watch? v=cw8S8D70DDg.
Intrahepatic Mass-Forming Cholangiocarcinoma: Relationship Between Computed Tomography Characteristics and Histological Subtypes

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the value of multi–detector row computed tomography (MDCT) in differentiating the small-duct (SD) and large-duct (LD) types of intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinomas (IMCCs) and predicting patient prognosis. Methods The 4-phase MDCT image findings of 82 patients with surgically confirmed IMCCs (60 SD-type and 22 LD-type IMCCs) were compared between 2 types using univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall survival rates for 78 patients with available information were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Arterial hyperenhancement, round or lobulated contour, and lack of bile duct encasement were significant MDCT features suggesting the SD type, and lymph node enlargement was significantly associated with the LD type (all P's < 0.05). The presence of those 3 SD-type-suggestive features (MDCT-suggested SD type) demonstrated high specificity (90.9% [20/22]) in differentiating the SD type. Patients of MDCT-suggested SD type without lymph node enlargement (n = 24) demonstrated significantly better overall survival than other groups. Conclusions Preoperative MDCT features of IMCCs can help differentiate the SD and LD types and predict patient prognosis.
Effects of plant genotype and growth stage on the structure of bacterial communities associated with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The effects of genotype, plant growth and experimental factors (soil and year) on potato-associated bacterial communities were studied. Cultivars Achirana Inta, Desiree, Merkur and transgenic Desiree line DL12 (containing T4 lysozyme gene) were assessed in two field experiments. Cross-comparisons between both experiments were made using Desiree plants. Culture-dependent and -independent approaches were used to demonstrate effects on total bacterial, actinobacterial and Pseudomonas communities in bulk and rhizosphere soils and endospheres. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprints prepared with group-specific primers were analyzed using multivariate analyses and revealed that bacterial communities in Achirana Inta plants differed most from those of Desiree and Merkur. No significant effects were found between Desiree and DL12 lines. Plant growth stage strongly affected different plant-associated communities in both experiments. To investigate the effect of plant-associated communities on plant health, 800 isolates from rhizospheres and endospheres at the flowering stage were tested for suppression of Ralstonia solanacearum biovar 2 and/or Rhizoctonia solani AG3. A group of isolates closely resembling Lysobacter sp. dominated in young plants. Its prevalence was affected by plant growth stage and experiment rather than by plant genotype. It was concluded that plant growth stage overwhelmed any effect of plant genotype on the bacterial communities associated with potato.
Clinical Aspects of DWI

Diffusion‐weighted MR imaging (DWI) is capable of imaging ischemia‐induced changes in water protons in either animal or man. Technical developments are described that allow the routine clinical utility of DWI in a stroke setting to provide objective criteria beyond the neurological exam by which the pathophysiology of stroke can be evaluated. To date, DWI has provided unique information concerning detection and evaluation of acute, symptomatic lesions from older, chronic strokes, detection and localization of small deep infarcts and reversible ischemic neurologic deficits and transient ischemia. Clinical DWI studies suggest that the temporal behaviour of ADC can critically improve the evaluation of clinical ischemia.
An induced-fit kinetic mechanism for DNA replication fidelity: direct measurement by single-turnover kinetics.

An exonuclease-deficient mutant of T7 DNA polymerase was constructed and utilized in a series of kinetic studies on misincorporation and next correct dNTP incorporation. By using a synthetic oligonucleotide template-primer system for which the kinetic pathway for correct incorporation has been solved [Patel, S.S. , Wong, I. , & Johnson, K. A. (1991) Biochemistry (first of three papers in this issue)], the kinetic parameters for the incorporation of the incorrect triphosphates dATP, dCTP, and dGTP were determined, giving, respectively, kcat/Km values of 91, 23, and 4.3 M-1 s-1 and a discrimination in the polymerization step of 10(5)-10(6). The rates of misincorporation in all cases were linearly dependent on substrate concentration up to 4 mM, beyond which severe inhibition was observed. Competition of correct incorporation versus dCTP revealed an estimated Ki of approximately 6-8 mM, suggesting a corresponding kcat of 0.14s-1. Moderate elemental effects of 19-, 17-, and 34-fold reduction in rates were measured by substituting the alpha-thiotriphosphate analogues for dATP, dCTP, and dGTP, respectively, indicating that the chemistry step is partially rate-limiting. The absence of a burst of incorporation during the first turnover places the rate-limiting step at a triphosphate binding induced conformational change before chemistry. In contrast, the incorporation of the next correct triphosphate, dCTP, on a mismatched DNA substrate was saturable with a Km of 87 microM for dCTP, 4-fold higher than the Kd for the correct incorporation on duplex DNA, and a kcat of 0.025 s-1. A larger elemental effect of 60, however, suggests a rate-limiting chemistry step. The rate of pyrophosphorolysis on a mismatched 3'-end is undetectable, indicating that pyrophosphorolysis does not play a proofreading role in replication. These results show convincingly that the T7 DNA polymerase discriminates against the incorrect triphosphate by an induced-fit conformational change and that, following misincorporation, the enzyme then selects against the resultant mismatched DNA by a slow, rate-limiting chemistry step, thereby allowing sufficient time for the release of the mismatched DNA from the polymerase active site to be followed by exonucleolytic error correction.
3-D dynamic path planning for UAV based on interfered fluid flow

A 3-D dynamic path-planning algorithm based on interfered fluid flow (DA) is proposed for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in dynamic environment. This paper first describes the mathematical modeling of convex obstacles. Then the static algorithm based on interfered fluid flow (SA) is introduced and improved, whose planning path conforms to the general characteristic of phenomenon that running water can avoid rock and arrive at destination. By updating the information of obstacles and obtaining the relative velocity, we then transform the dynamic problem to static problem. Therefore, DA is simplified by adopting SA. Finally, this dynamic algorithm proves to be efficient for real-time path planning by simulation results.
Interaction of estrogen receptor‐α transactivation domain with nuclear proteins of mouse brain: p68 RNA helicase shows age‐ and sex‐specific change

Estrogen receptor (ER)‐α interacts with nuclear proteins to mediate its multiple functions in the brain. However, it is not known which proteins interact with the ERα‐transactivation domain (TAD) in mouse brain and whether they change with age and sex. Therefore, we have used affinity‐purified GST‐tagged mouse ERα‐TAD fusion protein for interaction with nuclear proteins from the mouse brain. The pull‐down assay and far‐Western blotting detected four nuclear proteins of 100, 80, 68, and 50 kD. We have recently identified the 80‐kD protein as MTA1 and demonstrated its decrease in old age. Here we report alteration in the interaction and expression of the 68‐kD protein of adult and old mice of both sexes. This protein was identified as p68 RNA helicase through NCBI database search, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting. Further analysis showed that the extent of its interaction was relatively lower in old mice of both sexes and in male mice of both ages compared with their counterparts. However, the expression of p68 was significantly lower in old males compared with adult males, although other groups did not show significant changes. Such age‐ and sex‐specific interaction of p68 suggests its implication in ERα‐mediated brain functions during aging. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Liberating Curricula as a Social Responsibility for Promoting Social Justice and Student Success Within the UK Higher Education Institution (HEI)

Integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as part of a higher education institution (HEI) organisational strategies and practices to address economic and social inequality is no longer a new phenomenon. This promotes increased levels of involvement, choice, and diversity, and is aligned with recent initiatives to widen participation improve representation and promote attainment. CSR may also be encapsulated within frameworks through which HEIs may identify and self-reflect on institutional and cultural barriers that impede minority ethnic (ME) staff and students' progression and attainment. This chapter is informed by discussions concerning CSR within higher education in relation to the aims and objectives of education; student progression and attainment as a university's socially responsible business practice and act of due diligence, to improve representation, progression and success for ME students; curriculum vs. education and the function of a liberating curriculum as a vehicle to enhance academic attainment and promote student success.