Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-resolution reconstruction method of segmented planar imaging based on compressed sensing

The segmented planar imaging detectors have attracted intensive attention because of its superior imaging performance and structural compactness. The structure of radial SPIDER is investigated and the imaging progress is mathematically analyzed according to the Van Cittert-Zernike theorem. Due to the sparse sampling density in the frequency domain resulted from restriction of the structure, the imaging quality of SPIDER is unsatisfactory. In this paper, a reconstruction algorithm based on the compressed sensing theory is proposed to reconstruct the sparse signal from far fewer sampling density than the Nyquist–Shannon sampling criterion. The objective function, measurement matrix and sparse matrix are discussed according to the physical mechanism of SPIDER. The TV/L1 minimization and alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) are used to obtain high-resolution images. Simulation results of image reconstruction demonstrate that the imaging resolution is improved remarkably than the original image.
Cultivated Olive Diversification at Local and Regional Scales: Evidence From the Genetic Characterization of French Genetic Resources

Molecular characterization of crop genetic resources is a powerful approach to elucidate the origin of varieties and facilitate local cultivar management. Here we aimed to decipher the origin and diversification of French local olive germplasm. The 113 olive accessions of the ex situ collection of Porquerolles were characterized with 20 nuclear microsatellites plus their plastid haplotype. We then compared this collection to Mediterranean olive varieties from the Worldwide Olive Germplasm Bank of Marrakech, Morocco. High genetic diversity was observed within local French varieties, indicating a high admixture level, with an almost equal contribution from the three main Mediterranean gene pools. Nearly identical and closely related genotypes were observed among French and Italian/Spanish varieties. A high number of parent–offspring relationships were also detected among French varieties and between French and two Italian varieties (‘Frantoio’ and ‘Moraiolo’) and the Spanish variety (‘Gordal Sevillana’). Our investigations indicated that French olive germplasm resulted from the diffusion of material from multiple origins followed by diversification based on parentage relationships between varieties. We strongly suggest that farmers have been actively selecting olives based on local French varieties. French olive agroecosystems more affected by unexpected frosts than southernmost regions could also be seen as incubators and as a bridge between Italy and Spain that has enhanced varietal olive diversification.
Hypoxia-inducible factors-α as a regulator for forkhead box protein M1 in pulmonary artery hypertension

Hypoxia is defined as decreased levels of oxygen in the cells, which are caused by vascular and pulmonary diseases. The catalysts of hypoxia in the physiological role are important in all living cells, whereas its metabolic dysfunction is related to many diseases. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) activity should be controlled by providing HIF modules. Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) plays a crucial role in the maintenance and differentiation of airways epithelial cell lining, especially during embryonic life, where it is essential in the formation and proliferation of pulmonary vessels. FOXM1 is overexpressed in the pulmonary artery smooth muscle in response to hypoxia through the elements that are present in the promoters of FOXM1; therefore, it was used to diagnose patients with pulmonary artery hypertension.
Prognostic Significance of Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction Assessed by Two-Dimensional Echocardiography in Hospitalized Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography right ventricle ejection fraction (2D-TTE-RV-EF) calculated using 2D-TTE and compare the results with conventional RV function parameters such as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV fractional area change (RV-FAC) in hospitalized dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) patients. Methods: This is a prospective, observational study that includes 122 DCMP patients. RV was modeled as a part of an ellipsoid enabling calculation of RV volume by combining three echo measurements. RVEF is then calculated (2D-TTE-RV-EF). P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to determine the predictors of inhospital outcomes. Results: The mean age of study population was 51.2 ± 9.2 years with male: female ratio of 1.8:1. Mean value of LV-EF (Simpson biplane model) and 2D-TTE-RV-EF (ellipsoid model) was 33.6% ± 7.1% and 38.1% ± 11.2%, respectively. About 41 (33.6%) patients experienced inhospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). In multivariate regression analysis, New York Heart Association class III or IV status, reduced LV-EF, reduced 2D-TTE-RV-EF, and cardiogenic shock at presentation were found to be independent predictors of in MACE. Analysis of receiver operator characteristic curve demonstrated that the optimal cutoff value of 2D-TTE-RV-EF for predicting inhospital MACE was 32.8%. Conclusion: Quantitative assessment of RV function with 2D-TTE-RV-EF improves the risk stratification beyond provided by LV-EF; the prognostic value may be better than that provided by TAPSE and RV-FAC.
Social information affects Canada goose alert and escape responses to vehicle approach: implications for animal–vehicle collisions

Background Animal–vehicle collisions represent substantial sources of mortality for a variety of taxa and can pose hazards to property and human health. But there is comparatively little information available on escape responses by free-ranging animals to vehicle approach versus predators/humans. Methods We examined responses (alert distance and flight-initiation distance) of focal Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) to vehicle approach (15.6 m·s−1) in a semi-natural setting and given full opportunity to escape. We manipulated the direction of the vehicle approach (direct versus tangential) and availability of social information about the vehicle approach (companion group visually exposed or not to the vehicle). Results We found that both categorical factors interacted to affect alert and escape behaviors. Focal geese used mostly personal information to become alert to the vehicle under high risk scenarios (direct approach), but they combined personal and social information to become alert in low risk scenarios (tangential approach). Additionally, when social information was not available from the companion group, focal birds escaped at greater distances under direct compared to tangential approaches. However, when the companion group could see the vehicle approaching, focal birds escaped at similar distances irrespective of vehicle direction. Finally, geese showed a greater tendency to take flight when the vehicle approached directly, as opposed to a side step or walking away from the vehicle. Conclusions We suggest that the perception of risk to vehicle approach (likely versus unlikely collision) is weighted by the availability of social information in the group; a phenomenon not described before in the context of animal–vehicle interactions. Notably, when social information is available, the effects of heightened risk associated with a direct approach might be reduced, leading to the animal delaying the escape, which could ultimately increase the chances of a collision. Also, information on a priori escape distances required for surviving a vehicle approach (based on species behavior and vehicle approach speeds) can inform planning, such as location of designated cover or safe areas. Future studies should assess how information from vehicle approach flows within a flock, including aspects of vehicle speed and size, metrics that affect escape decision-making.
Can Organisational Culture of Teams Be a Lever for Integrating Care? An Exploratory Study

Introduction: Organisational culture is believed to be an important facilitator for better integrated care, yet how organisational culture impacts integrated care remains underspecified. In an exploratory study, we assessed the relationship between organisational culture in primary care centres as perceived by primary care teams and patient-perceived levels of integrated care. Theory and methods: We analysed a sample of 2,911 patient responses and 17 healthcare teams in four primary care centres. We used three-level ordered logistic regression models to account for the nesting of patients within health care teams within primary care centres. Results: Our results suggest a non-linear relationship between organisational culture at the team level and integrated care. A combination of different culture types—including moderate levels of production-oriented, hierarchical and team-oriented cultures and low or high levels of adhocracy cultures—related to higher patient-perceived levels of integrated care. Conclusions and discussion: Organisational culture at the level of healthcare teams has significant associations with patient-perceived integrated care. Our results may be valuable for primary care organisations in their efforts to compose healthcare teams that are predisposed to providing better integrated care.
Sound Level Calibration: Microphones, Ear Simulators, Couplers, and Sound Level Meters

Abstract This article describes the instrumentation used for the calibration of audiometric equipment and how the sound level measurements are traced back to national/international references. Couplers and ear simulators are crucial for the measurement of the output of audiometric transducers. Therefore, special attention is given to their specification, application, and testing.
Sex matters: Otolith shape and genomic variation in deacon rockfish (Sebastes diaconus)

Abstract Little is known about intraspecific variation within the deacon rockfish (Sebastes diaconus), a recently described species found in the northeast Pacific Ocean. We investigated population structure among fish sampled from two nearshore reefs (Siletz Reef and Seal Rock) and one offshore site (Stonewall Bank) within a <50‐km2 area off the Oregon coast. Fish from the three sample sites exhibited small but statistically significant differences based on genetic variation at >15,000 neutral loci, whether analyzed independently or classified into nearshore and offshore groups. Male and females were readily distinguished using genetic data and 92 outlier loci were associated with sex, potentially indicating differential selection between males and females. Morphometric results indicated that there was significant secondary sexual dimorphism in otolith shape, but further sampling is required to disentangle potential confounding influence of age. This study is the first step toward understanding intraspecific variation within the deacon rockfish and the potential management implications. Since differentiation among the three sample sites was small, we consider the results to be suggestive of a single stock. However, future studies should evaluate how the stock is affected by differences in sex, age, and gene flow between the nearshore and offshore environments.
Organic farming expansion drives natural enemy abundance but not diversity in vineyard‐dominated landscapes

Abstract Organic farming is seen as a prototype of ecological intensification potentially able to conciliate crop productivity and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. However, how natural enemies, an important functional group supporting pest control services, respond to organic farming at different scales and in different landscape contexts remain unclear. Using a hierarchical design within a vineyard‐dominated region located in southwestern France, we examine the independent effects of organic farming and semi‐natural habitats at the local and landscape scales on natural enemies. We show that the proportion of organic farming is a stronger driver of species abundance than the proportion of semi‐natural habitats and is an important facet of landscape heterogeneity shaping natural enemy assemblages. Although our study highlights a strong taxonomic group‐dependency about the effect of organic farming, organic farming benefits to dominant species while rare species occur at the same frequency in the two farming systems. Independently of farming systems, enhancing field age, reducing crop productivity, soil tillage intensity, and pesticide use are key management options to increase natural enemy biodiversity. Our study indicates that policies promoting the expansion of organic farming will benefit more to ecological intensification strategies seeking to enhance ecosystem services than to biodiversity conservation.
Phylogeography and population genetics of pine butterflies: Sky islands increase genetic divergence

Abstract The sky islands of southeastern Arizona (AZ) mark a major transition zone between tropical and temperate biota and are considered a neglected biodiversity hotspot. Dispersal ability and host plant specificity are thought to impact the history and diversity of insect populations across the sky islands. We aimed to investigate the population structure and phylogeography of two pine‐feeding pierid butterflies, the pine white (Neophasia menapia) and the Mexican pine white (Neophasia terlooii), restricted to these “islands” at this transition zone. Given their dependence on pines as the larval hosts, we hypothesized that habitat connectivity affects population structure and is at least in part responsible for their allopatry. We sampled DNA from freshly collected butterflies from 17 sites in the sky islands and adjacent high‐elevation habitats and sequenced these samples using ddRADSeq. Up to 15,399 SNPs were discovered and analyzed in population genetic and phylogenetic contexts with Stacks and pyRAD pipelines. Low genetic differentiation in N. menapia suggests that it is panmictic. Conversely, there is strong evidence for population structure within N. terlooii. Each sky island likely contains a population of N. terlooii, and clustering is hierarchical, with populations on proximal mountains being more related to each other. The N. menapia habitat, which is largely contiguous, facilitates panmixia, while the N. terlooii habitat, restricted to the higher elevations on each sky island, creates distinct population structure. Phylogenetic results corroborate those from population genetic analyses. The historical climate‐driven fluxes in forest habitat connectivity have implications for understanding the biodiversity of fragmented habitats.
Circulating and Disseminated Tumor Cells in Breast Carcinoma

Hematogenous dissemination of single tumor cells from the primary tumor is a common phenomenon in most solid malignancies. In breast cancer, presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow predicts poor clinical outcome, both in early and metastatic setting. Beyond that, persistence of CTCs/DTCs is associated with shorter relapse-free interval as well. Numerous studies have shown that these cells differ from tumor cells in the primary tumor with regard to hormone and HER2 receptor status and it has been hypothesized that some of them might be in fact cancer stem cells. Recently, the first positive study on CTC-based therapy interventions has been presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2018, demonstrating that detection of CTCs may guide treatment decisions in metastatic HR-positive HER2-negative disease. In this review, we present the current state of evidence of tumor cell dissemination and discuss the implications for future trials.
Geography, seasonality, and host‐associated population structure influence the fecal microbiome of a genetically depauparate Arctic mammal

Abstract The Canadian Arctic is an extreme environment with low floral and faunal diversity characterized by major seasonal shifts in temperature, moisture, and daylight. Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are one of few large herbivores able to survive this harsh environment. Microbiome research of the gastrointestinal tract may hold clues as to how muskoxen exist in the Arctic, but also how this species may respond to rapid environmental changes. In this study, we investigated the effects of season (spring/summer/winter), year (2007–2016), and host genetic structure on population‐level microbiome variation in muskoxen from the Canadian Arctic. We utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the fecal microbial communities of 78 male muskoxen encompassing two population genetic clusters. These clusters are defined by Arctic Mainland and Island populations, including the following: (a) two mainland sampling locations of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut and (b) four locations of Victoria Island. Between these geographic populations, we found that differences in the microbiome reflected host‐associated genetic cluster with evidence of migration. Within populations, seasonality influenced bacterial diversity with no significant differences between years of sampling. We found evidence of pathogenic bacteria, with significantly higher presence in mainland samples. Our findings demonstrate the effects of seasonality and the role of host population‐level structure in driving fecal microbiome differences in a large Arctic mammal.
The impact of patient factors on use of antifungal medicines in adults with life-threatening illness: a cross-sectional study in 34 English hospitals

Objectives To describe the use of antifungal medicines in English hospitals in adults with life-limiting illness and to investigate the association between socio-demographic variables and the use of high-cost formulations. Methods Pseudonymised patient-level information extracted from hospital pharmacy systems in 34 English acute general hospitals was linked to a National Health Service database of diagnoses and procedures. National Information Governance Board for England and Ethics approval was granted. The impact of socio-demographic variables on the use of high-cost formulations was assessed using stepwise logistic regression across 13 disease groups. Hospital guidelines on the use of antifungals were sourced and compared. Results People with haematological malignancies and unconfirmed infection formed the largest disease group (49.3%). Fungal infection was confirmed in an additional 12.6%. Guidelines focused on antifungal use in neutropenic patients. No guideline cited patient age, deprivation, gender or ethnicity as independent factors influencing treatment. Fluconazole dominated use (75% admissions). Significant associations were found between age, gender, deprivation and ethnicity and the use of high-cost antifungals. However, the direction of that association was not consistent across disease groups. Conclusions This study found widespread use of fluconazole, echoing results of earlier studies across Europe. It also found associations between patient factors and high-cost antifungal use that are not easily explained by disease, comorbidities, contraindications, guidelines or any systematic bias against particular groups of patients. It is clear that the drivers of antifungal therapy in hospital are complex and that antifungal stewardship poses a significant challenge for pharmacy.
Responses of four dominant dryland plant species to climate change in the Junggar Basin, northwest China

Abstract Aim Dryland ecosystems are exceedingly sensitive to climate change. Desertification induced by both climate changes and human activities seriously threatens dryland vegetation. However, the impact of climate change on distribution of dryland plant species has not been well documented. Here, we studied the potential distribution of four representative dryland plant species (Haloxylon ammodendron, Anabasis aphylla, Calligonum mongolicum, and Populus euphratica) under current and future climate scenarios in a temperate desert region, aiming to improve our understanding of the responses of dryland plant species to climate change and provide guidance for dryland conservation and afforestation. Location Junggar Basin, a large desert region in northwestern China. Methods Occurrence data of the studied species were collected from an extensive field investigation of 2,516 sampling sites in the Junggar Basin. Ensemble species distribution models using 10 algorithms were developed and used to predict the potential distribution of each studied species under current and future climate scenarios. Result Haloxylon ammodendron and A. aphylla were likely to lose most of their current suitable habitats under future climate scenarios, while C. mongolicum and P. euphratica were likely to expand their ranges or remain relatively stationary. Variable importance evaluation showed that the most important climate variables influencing species distribution differed across the studied species. These results may be explained by the different ecophysiological characteristics and adaptation strategies to the environment of the four studied species. Main conclusions We explored the responses of the representative dryland plant species to climate change in the Junggar Basin in northwestern China. The different changes in suitability of different species imply that policymakers may need to reconsider the selection and combination of the afforestation species used in this area. This study can provide valuable reference for the management and conservation of dryland ecosystems under future climate change scenarios.
Not only anti-inflammation, etanercept abrogates collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting dendritic cell migration and maturation

The application of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) is a major breakthrough in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While the anti-inflammatory nature of TNFi is thought to contribute to the therapeutic effects, recent data show that the pharmacology of TNF-α blockade is probably more complex than previously thought. This study investigates whether etanercept (ETN), one of the TNF antagonists, suppresses arthritis development through modulation of dendritic cell (DC) functions. Bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with ETN for 24 hrs. DC functions, including maturation and migration, were determined. DCs from the lymph nodes (LNs) of ETN-treated collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were analyzed for phenotypes and subsets. ETN efficiently inhibited the phenotypic maturation both in vitro and in vivo. ETN treatment delayed the onset and reduced the severity of arthritis in CIA mice. Moreover, ETN treatment strongly down regulated the number of both myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) in LNs, possibly due to the depressive effect on the expression of CXCR4 on DCs in peripheral blood. The impaired DC migration to local LNs by ETN down regulated the number of T cells and B cells, and changed the LN cellular composition. The data show that TNF-α blockade has profound effects on DC maturation and migration, which may contribute to its immune regulatory effects in RA patients.