Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive differentiation of Festuca rubra along a climate gradient revealed by molecular markers and quantitative traits

Species response to climate change is influenced by predictable (selective) and unpredictable (random) evolutionary processes. To understand how climate change will affect present-day species, it is necessary to assess their adaptive potential and distinguish it from the effects of random processes. This will allow predicting how different genotypes will respond to forecasted environmental change. Space for time substitution experiments are an elegant way to test the response of present day populations to climate variation in real time. Here we assess neutral and putatively adaptive variation in 11 populations of Festuca rubra situated along crossed gradients of temperature and moisture using molecular markers and phenotypic measurements, respectively. By comparing population differentiation in putatively neutral molecular markers and phenotypic traits (QST-FST comparisons), we show the existence of adaptive differentiation in phenotypic traits and their plasticity across the climatic gradient. The observed patterns of differentiation are due to the high genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the populations from the coldest (and wettest) environment. Finally, we observe statistically significant covariation between markers and phenotypic traits, which is likely caused by isolation by adaptation. These results contribute to a better understanding of the current adaptation and evolutionary potential to face climate change of a widespread species. They can also be extrapolated to understand how the studied populations will adjust to upcoming climate change without going through the lengthy process of phenotyping.
Restless legs syndrome, sleep, and quality of life among adolescents and young adults.

OBJECTIVE Clinical reports in children implicate restless legs syndrome (RLS) with sleep and behavior problems. However, population-based studies on this association in adolescents and young adults are limited. Furthermore, few studies have evaluated the association between symptoms consistent with RLS and quality of life (QoL). STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study included 214 Caucasian and Hispanic adolescents and young adults aged 12-20 years. Symptoms consistent with RLS were based on four essential criteria and if the symptoms occurred ≥ 5 days/ month. Trouble falling asleep was present if reported "yes, still have the problem. " Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Pediatric QoL Inventory. Three summary QoL scores ranging from 0-100 were evaluated; higher scores indicated better QoL. RESULTS Participants were 50% male and 68.1% Caucasian. Prevalence of RLS was 8.4% (n = 18). RLS was associated with trouble falling asleep (OR = 3.1, p = 0.049), and trouble falling asleep was associated with worse Psychosocial Health scores (Coeff. -5.6, p = 0.004) and Total Scale scores for quality of life (Coeff. -4.6, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of symptoms consistent with RLS in this community-based sample of adolescents and young adults, aged 12-20, is comparable to rates reported in older cohorts. Symptoms consistent with RLS may be associated with trouble falling asleep and psychosocial distress that may contribute to a lower health-related quality of life.
12 Gene Therapy Applications for Fracture Repair

Cassandra A. Strohbach1, Donna D. Strong2 and Charles H. Rundle3 1Military Performance Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, 2VA Loma Linda HealthCare system, Research 151, Loma Linda, CA Department of Medicine, Biochemistry & Microbiology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 3Musculoskeletal Disease Center, VA Loma Linda HealthCare system, Research 151, Loma Linda, CA, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
Around Classical and Intuitionistic Linear Logics

We revisit many aspects of the syntactic relations between (variants of) classical linear logic (LL) and (variants of) intuitionistic linear logic (ILL) in the propositional setting. On the one hand, we study different (parametric) "negative" translations from LL to ILL: their expressiveness, the relations with extensions of LL and their use in the proof theory of LL (cut elimination and focusing). In particular, this bridges the intuitionistic restriction on sequents (at most one conclusion) and the focusing property of linear logic. On the other hand, we generalise the known partial results about conservativity of LL over ILL, leading for example to a conservativity proof for LL over tensor logic (TL).
Intraepidermal nerve fiber density at the distal leg: a worldwide normative reference study

The diagnostic reliability of skin biopsy in small fiber neuropathy depends on the availability of normative reference values. We performed a multicenter study to assess the normative values of intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density at distal leg stratified by age deciles. Eight skin biopsy laboratories from Europe, USA, and Asia submitted eligible data. Inclusion criteria of raw data were healthy subjects 18 years or older; known age and gender; 3‐mm skin biopsy performed 10‐cm above the lateral malleolus; bright‐field immunohistochemistry protocol, and quantification of linear IENF density in three 50‐µm sections according to published guidelines. Data on height and weight were recorded, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated in subjects with both available data. Normative IENF density reference values were calculated through quantile regression analysis; influence of height, weight, or BMI was determined by regression analyses. IENF densities from 550 participants (285 women, 265 men) were pooled. We found a significant age‐dependent decrease of IENF density in both genders (women p < 0.001; men p = 0.002). Height, weight, or BMI did not influence the calculated 5th percentile IENF normative densities in both genders. Our study provides IENF density normative reference values at the distal leg to be used in clinical practice.
A useful diagnostic method to reduce the in-hospital time delay for mechanical thrombectomy: volume perfusion computed tomography with added vessel reconstruction.

OBJECTIVEVolume perfusion CT (VPCT) with added CT angiography (CTA)-like reconstruction from VPCT source data (VPCTA) can reveal multiple intracranial parameters. The authors examined the usefulness of VPCTA in terms of reducing the in-hospital time delay for mechanical thrombectomy.METHODSA total of 180 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at the authors' institution between January 2014 and March 2017 were divided into 2 groups: a CTA-based thrombectomy decision group (group 1: CTA) and a VPCTA-based decision group (group 2: VPCTA). Multiple time interval categories (from symptom onset to groin puncture, from hospital arrival to groin puncture, procedure time, from symptom onset to reperfusion, and from hospital arrival to reperfusion) were reviewed. All patients underwent clinical assessment with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and the modified Rankin Scale, and radiological results were evaluated by the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score.RESULTSIn all of the time interval categories except for procedure time, the VPCTA group showed a significantly shorter in-hospital time delay during the prethrombectomy period than did the CTA group. The 3-month modified Rankin Scale score was significantly lower in the VPCTA group (2.8) compared with the CTA group (3.5) (p = 0.003). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in the other clinical and radiological outcomes.CONCLUSIONSCompared with CTA, VPCTA significantly reduced the in-hospital time delay during the prethrombectomy period.
A pilot study of quality of life of patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer after gene therapy.

BACKGROUND The effects on quality of life (QOL) after a Phase I/II clinical trial of a combination of osteocalcin promoter-driven herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (Ad-OC-TK) gene therapy and valacyclovir (VAL) were investigated for patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS The QOL of six patients was prospectively assessed after gene therapy on days 0, 14, and 28. A modified questionnaire was created based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire's prostate cancer-specific module (EORTC QLQ-PR25). RESULTS The scores of all items significantly improved along with the total score. Further, bodily pain was significantly reduced on day 28. Moreover, the rate of change in the serum prostate-specific antigen levels from day 0 to day 28 was significantly correlated with the rate of change in bodily pain. CONCLUSION In this clinical trial, Ad-OC-TK plus VAL treatment significantly improved the short-term QOL and bodily pain of patients with localized recurrence or bone metastases of HRPC.
Investigations of Some Biomarkers and Nutrients During Malaria Infection in Children in Sinar State-Sudan

Malaria is a distressing health problem that posses a socio-economic burden of considerable magnitude for communities in developing countries. It causes some immunological and hematological changes particularly inflammatory biomarkers and hemoglobin. Research is extensively required in this area to promote health services and to target radical solution to the problem. The study was done to investigate some biomarkers and nutrients during malaria infections in Sudanese children in Sinar State-Sudan and how these biomarkers may relate to factors such as age and hemoglobin which in children may be important in disease progression and control. Thirty-two samples of blood were collected from 16 malaria patient from Sinar hospital and 16 apparently healthy individuals from the same area as control group from which serum was separated. The investigations were carried out to estimate serum C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) and serum magnesium as a nutrient in the two groups. High sensitive and highly specific techniques were used for biomarker determinations. Results showed that children of different age groups with Malaria have significantly high levels of C-reactive protein, mean ± SE 5.93 ±1.52).
Prospective Study of Proportions and Causes of Cancellation of Surgical Operations at Jimma University Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia

Most hospitals in developed countries invest considerable resources in maintaining operating suites and having surgeons and theatre staff available on an agreed schedule [2]. However, in developing countries where resources are limited, cancellation of elective surgical operations due to various preventable reasons is a common phenomenon in most hospitals [2, 3]. It is well recognized that cancellation of patients from elective theatre operating lists increases cost, decreases efficiency, duplicates workload and wastes operating room time [1, 4]. Cancellation of elective surgical procedures also causes significantly emotional trauma to the patients as well as their families and the community in general, and its impact on hospital resources is great due to prolonged hospitalization and high cost of health care [1, 5, 6]. Elective surgery cancellations always lead to insufficient utilization of manpower and hospital resources and can also lead to an increase in patients’ treatment expenses due to prolonged hospital stay and in many cases, repetitions of pre-operative preparations and management [6, 7].
Sodium hydrosulfide upregulates mRNA and protein expression of TGF-α in gastric mucosa in experimental model of stimulated gastric acid secretion in rats

Objective(s): Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) has been shown to modulate the gastric acid secretion. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on TGF-α expression in gastric mucosa in rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (6 per group). To determine the effect of NaHS on gene and protein expression of TGF-α in gastric mucosa in response to gastric acid, the acid output induced by gastric distension. At the end of experiment, rats were euthanized by anesthetics, and gastric effluents, in addition to mucosa were collected to measure the pH of gastric effluents and to quantify protein and gene expression of TGF-α. Results: The stimulated gastric acid upregulated expression levels of TGF-α in gastric mucosa. These levels were higher in animals pretreated with NaHS. Conclusion: TGF-α upregulatory effect of sodium hydrosulfate implied that TGF-α is involved in the acid inhibitory effect of NaHS.
Recurrent wheezing in the third year of life among children born at 32 weeks' gestation or later: relationship to laboratory-confirmed, medically attended infection with respiratory syncytial virus during the first year of life.

OBJECTIVE To quantify the relationship between recurrent wheezing (RW) in the third year of life and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, prematurity, and neonatal oxygen exposure. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study linking inpatient, outpatient, and laboratory databases for cohort assembly and logistic regression analysis. SETTING Integrated health care delivery system in Northern California. PARTICIPANTS A total of 71,102 children born from 1996 to 2002 at 32 weeks' gestational age or later who were health plan members for 9 or more months in their first and third years. MAIN EXPOSURES Laboratory-confirmed, medically attended RSV infection during first year and supplemental oxygen during birth hospitalization. OUTCOME MEASURES Recurrent wheezing, quantified through outpatient visits, inpatient hospital stays, and asthma prescriptions. RESULTS The rate of RW in the third year of life was 16.23% among premature infants with RSV and 6.22% among those without RSV. The risk of RW increased among infants who had an RSV outpatient encounter (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.07; 95% CI, 1.61-2.67), uncomplicated RSV hospitalization (AOR, 4.66; 95% CI, 3.55-6.12), or prolonged RSV hospitalization (AOR, 3.42; 95% CI, 2.01-5.82) compared with infants without RSV encounters. Gestational age of 34 to 36 weeks was associated with increased risk of RW (AOR, 1.23; 95% CI 1.07-1.41) compared with 38 to 40 weeks, while a gestational age of 41 weeks or more was protective (AOR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81-0.99). Supplemental oxygen exposure was associated with increased risk at all levels. CONCLUSION Laboratory-confirmed, medically attended RSV infection, prematurity, and exposure to supplemental oxygen during the neonatal period have independent associations with the development of RW in the third year of life.
Behavior of Lode Dependent Plasticity at Plane Strain Condition and its Implication to Ductile Fracture

Variety of metals are complex materials exhibiting various behavior under different loading. Many metallic materials exhibit Tresca-like behavior rather than von Mises. It means different behavior in tension under plane strain and uniaxial stress conditions. This might be described by Lode dependent plasticity which should result in better prediction in force or torque responses of material tests. Good agreement between computation and experiment is also very important when calibrating the ductile fracture criteria. Several tests under plane strain and uniaxial stress states were carried out on aluminum alloy 2024-T351 where the Lode dependency was significant. The Lode dependent plasticity was implemented along with von Mises and Tresca-like yield criteria, which resulted in improvement of force–displacement responses of plane strain tests simulations. But it also caused significant change in the stress state of tensile flat and grooved plates which wrongly approached uniaxial tension condition. This inconvenience prevents plane strain experiments from using for calibration of ductile fracture criteria under these circumstances.
Design and Technology of Liquisolid Compacts

During the emergence of a new drug it is very important to ensure its systemic bioavailability. Majority of the drugs in the developmental pipelines confronts with the problem of poor solubility; which will result in reduced dissolution rate there by hampering its bioavailability. Here comes the need of liquisolid technique which is a novel and promising approach to overcome these consequences. This technique utilizes the powder solution technology which is based upon the dissolution of the insoluble drug in the nonvolatile solvent and admixture of drug loaded solutions with appropriate carrier and coating materials to convert into acceptably flowing and compressible powders. The liquisolid technology can also be used both for the enhancement and the retardation of drug release by suitably altering the adjuvants. This aricle highlights the relevancy, formulation and designing of the liquisolid systems.
A Multicore-Aware Runtime Architecture for Scalable Service Composition

Middleware for web service orchestration, such as runtime engines for executing business processes, workflows, or web service compositions, can easily become performance bottlenecks when the number of concurrent service requests increases. Many existing process execution engines have been designed to address scalability with distribution and replication techniques. However, the advent of modern multicore machines, comprising several chip multi-processors each offering multiple cores and often featuring a large shared cache, offers the opportunity to redesign the architecture of process execution engines in order to take full advantage of the underlying hardware resources. In this paper we present an innovative process execution engine architecture. Its design takes into account the specific constraints of multicore machines and scales well on different processor architectures, as shown by our extensive performance evaluation. A key feature of the design is self-configuration at startup according to the type and number of available CPUs. We show that our design makes efficient use of the available resources and can scale to run thousands of concurrent business process instances per second, highlighting the potential and the benefits for multicore-awareness in the design of scalable process execution engines.
Detection of Replica Node Attack Based on Hybrid Artificial Immune System Technique

In the recent years, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) provide an economically feasible solution to a diversity of applications. The applications include object tracking and environmental monitoring. However, security of sensor nodes is critical because of the unattended nature of the network and thus they are prone to many attacks. One such attack is the node replication attack which corrupts the entire network by compromising few sensor nodes. Few of the techniques are proposed to detect the node replication attack using witness finding strategy and centralized detection methods are used for static networks. These methods incur high communication and memory overheads and induce problems related to security and efficiency. This paper proposes to solve these issues using Enhanced eXtremely Efficient Detection (Enhanced XED) and integrated Artificial Immune Systems (iAIS) model to detect the clones which are not resilient against collusive replicas. The advantages of the proposed method include (i) increase in the detection rate, (ii) decrease in the false rates, (iii) effectiveness and (iv) low energy consumption. The performance of the proposed work is measured using Bandwidth, Message drop, Energy, Overhead, Average Delay and Packet Delivery Ratio. The implementation is done using ns2 to exhibit the actuality of the proposed method. KeywordsWireless Sensor Networks, Node replication attack, Bcells, Dendritic Cells, eXtremely Efficient Detection
Distributed Network Monitoring and Debugging with SwitchPointer

Monitoring and debugging large-scale networks remains a challenging problem. Existing solutions operate at one of the two extremes — systems running at end-hosts (more resources but less visibility into the network) or at network switches (more visibility, but limited resources). We present SwitchPointer, a network monitoring and debugging system that integrates the best of the two worlds. SwitchPointer exploits end-host resources and programmability to collect and monitor telemetry data. The key contribution of SwitchPointer is to efficiently provide network visibility by using switch memory as a “directory service” — each switch, rather than storing the data necessary for monitoring functionalities, stores pointers to end-hosts where relevant telemetry data is stored. We demonstrate, via experiments over real-world testbeds, that SwitchPointer can efficiently monitor and debug network problems, many of which were either hard or even infeasible with existing designs.
Yield of Polyphenolic Substances Extracted From Spruce (Picea abies) Bark by Microwave-Assisted Extraction

Closed-system microwave-assisted extraction was applied to extract total phenolics from spruce (Picea abies) bark, using 96.6% ethanol as an extractant. The influence of particle size (0.3; 1.0; 2.5 mm), time (3 to 20 min), and temperature (60; 80; 100 °C) on polyphenol recovery was also studied. Higher extraction temperature and smaller particle size resulted in a higher yield of extracted polyphenols. However, the effect of extraction time on yield was more complicated. The effect of all three factors is tentatively explained.
Low-Dose Rituximab for Active Moderate to Severe Graves’ Orbitopathy Resistant to Conventional Treatment

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report low-dose rituximab effect in Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) resistant to conventional treatment. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records, filled in according to the European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) standards, of patients with active moderate-to-severe GO who received low-dose rituximab after failure of conventional treatment. Efficacy was defined by a decrease of the clinical activity score of 2 points or <4/10. Results: Among 219 patients treated between 2012 and 2016 by pulse methylprednisolone, possibly followed by oral steroids and/or orbital radiotherapy, 15 (6.8%) finally received 100 mg rituximab doses (cumulative dose, 100–400 mg) owing to persistent active disease. Rituximab showed efficacy within 2 months in 13 of 15 (87%), stable at 1 year. No significant effect was observed on proptosis, lid fissure width, and eye motility. Conclusion: Low-dose rituximab showed sustained anti-inflammatory effect in most patients with active GO resistant to conventional treatment.