Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anatomical adaptations of Astragalus gombiformis Pomel. under drought stress

The present study was designed to study the effect of drought on root, stem and leaf anatomy of Astragalus gombiformis Pomel. Several root, stem and leaf anatomical parameters (cross section diameter, cortex, root cortical cells, pith, leaf lamina and mesophyll thickness) were reduced under moderate to severe water deficit (20–30 days of withheld irrigation). The stele/cross section root ratio increased under moderate water deficit. The root’s and stems vascular systems showed reduced xylem vessel diameter and increased wall thickness under water deficit. In addition, the root xylem vessel density was increased in these drought conditions while it was unchanged in the stems. The stomata density was increased under prolonged drought conditions whereas the stomata size was untouched. The leaf vascular system showed reduced xylem and phloem tissue thickness in the main vein under moderate to severe water deficit. However, in the lamina the vascular tissue and the distance between vascular bundle were unaffected. Our findings suggest a complex network of anatomical adaptations such as a reduced vessel size with increased wall thickness, lesser cortical and mesophyll parenchyma formation and increased stomata density. These proprieties are required for the maintenance of water potential and energy storage under water stress which can improve the resistance of A. gombiformis to survive in arid areas.
Forced suction thrombectomy after carotid stenting in patients with massive thrombus and acute extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of emergency carotid stenting and recanalization using the modified Penumbra System (PS) technique for cases of acute extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and massive thrombus with acute ischemic stroke symptoms. Methods The clinical outcomes of patients with tandem occlusion of the ICA and middle cerebral artery (MCA) who underwent recanalization by a modified PS technique after carotid artery stenting during the period December 2009 to June 2011 were reviewed. Results Five patients with tandem occlusion of the ICA and MCA were enrolled. The mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission was 13 (range 9–18). The median time from symptom onset to arrival at hospital was 260 min. The median time lag between arrival at hospital and intra-arterial administration was 70 min. Recanalization by stenting of carotid artery occlusion was successfully performed in all patients. The mean number of recanalizations using the modified PS technique for distally migrated thrombus was 3. Complete recanalization of the MCA was observed in all patients. Symptomatic hemorrhage transformation did not occur during the hospital stay in any of the subjects. At discharge, the mean NIHSS score was 2.2 (range 1–6). At the 3-month follow-up the modified Rankin Scale was excellent in three of the five patients, good in one patient and poor in one patient. Conclusions The modified PS technique after carotid artery stenting is a safe and effective treatment for patients with a massive thrombus extending into the distal portion of the ICA and a tandem occlusion of the ICA and MCA.
Development of a control system for an omni-directional vehicle with step-climbing ability

This paper proposes a control method for wheels to pass over rough terrain. In our previous work, we have developed a holonomic mobile mechanism capable of running over steps. The mechanism realizes omni-directional motion on a flat floor and passes over uneven ground in forward and backward directions. The vehicle has seven special wheels with cylindrical free rollers and two passive body axes that can adapt to rough terrain. Seven actuators are located in each wheel; therefore, our vehicle system requires the rotation velocity of each wheel to be coordinated. However, it is difficult to keep such coordination among the wheels — as the vehicle passes over the step, the load applied to the wheel tends to heavy and irregular. Therefore, we propose a new control system for synchronization among the wheels. In this paper, the following two topics are discussed: the load adjustment so as not to exceed the maximum torque of the actuator in some of the wheels and keeping the balance of rotation velocity among the wheels. Our novel control method adjusts the output value by referring to the state of the other wheels. The performance of our system is investigated by means of computer simulations and experiments using our prototype vehicle.
Adaptation of Mycobacteria to Growth Conditions: A Theoretical Analysis of Changes in Gene Expression Revealed by Microarrays

Background Microarray analysis is a powerful technique for investigating changes in gene expression. Currently, results (r-values) are interpreted empirically as either unchanged or up- or down-regulated. We now present a mathematical framework, which relates r-values to the macromolecular properties of population-average cells. The theory is illustrated by the analysis of published data for two species; namely, Mycobacterium bovis BCG Pasteur and Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2 155. Each species was grown in a chemostat at two different growth rates. Application of the theory reveals the growth rate dependent changes in the mycobacterial proteomes. Principal Findings The r-value r (i) of any ORF (ORF(i)) encoding protein p (i) was shown to be equal to the ratio of the concentrations of p (i) and so directly proportional to the ratio of the numbers of copies of p (i) per population-average cells of the two cultures. The proportionality constant can be obtained from the ratios DNA: RNA: protein. Several subgroups of ORFs were identified because they shared a particular r-value. Histograms of the number of ORFs versus the expression ratio were simulated by combining the particular r-values of several subgroups of ORFs. The largest subgroup was ORF(j) (r (j) = 1.00± SD) which was estimated to comprise respectively 59% and 49% of ORFs of M. bovis BCG Pasteur and M. smegmatis mc2 155. The standard deviations reflect the properties of the cDNA preparations investigated. Significance The analysis provided a quantitative view of growth rate dependent changes in the proteomes of the mycobacteria studied. The majority of the ORFs were found to be constitutively expressed. In contrast, the protein compositions of the outer permeability barriers and cytoplasmic membranes were found to be dependent on growth rate; thus illustrating the response of bacteria to their environment. The theoretical approach applies to any cultivatable bacterium under a wide range of growth conditions.
Oviposition Behavior of Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Different Rice Cultivars in Louisiana

ABSTRACT The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), is a pest of a variety of graminaceous crops in the southern United States, including sugarcane, maize, and rice in Louisiana. This study examined several aspects of D. saccharalis oviposition behavior on rice (Oryza sativa). The vertical distribution of egg masses on four phenological stages of rice in the field showed that D. saccharalis prefers to oviposit on the uppermost portions of rice plants, regardless of plant stage. In greenhouse choice experiments, females strongly preferred plants at the boot and panicle differentiation stages over plants at the tillering stage for oviposition. Greenhouse studies were also conducted to quantify the oviposition preference of D. saccharalis for different cultivars of. When plants were at the tillering stage, cultivars Cocodrie, Priscilla, Bengal, Cheniere, and CL161 were more preferred than cultivars Jupiter, XL723, and XP744. When plants reached the panicle initiation stage, cultivars Cocodrie, CL161, and Priscilla were more preferred than Bengal, Cheniere, Jupiter, XL723, and XP744. Females also oviposited significantly more egg masses on the adaxial surfaces of rice leaves than on the abaxial surfaces. These results will facilitate scouting and management of sugarcane borer and can be used as a foundation for the development of sugarcane borer resistant cultivars.
Thymus-Derived Regulatory T Cell Development Is Regulated by C-Type Lectin-Mediated BIC/MicroRNA 155 Expression

ABSTRACT Thymus-derived regulatory T (tTreg) cells are key to preventing autoimmune diseases, but the mechanisms involved in their development remain unsolved. Here, we show that the C-type lectin receptor CD69 controls tTreg cell development and peripheral Treg cell homeostasis through the regulation of BIC/microRNA 155 (miR-155) and its target, suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1). Using Foxp3-mRFP/cd69+/− or Foxp3-mRFP/cd69−/− reporter mice and short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated silencing and miR-155 transfection approaches, we found that CD69 deficiency impaired the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) pathway in Foxp3+ cells. This results in BIC/miR-155 inhibition, increased SOCS-1 expression, and severely impaired tTreg cell development in embryos, adults, and Rag2−/− γc−/− hematopoietic chimeras reconstituted with cd69−/− stem cells. Accordingly, mirn155−/− mice have an impaired development of CD69+ tTreg cells and overexpression of the miR-155-induced CD69 pathway, suggesting that both molecules might be concomitantly activated in a positive-feedback loop. Moreover, in vitro-inducible CD25+ Treg (iTreg) cell development is inhibited in Il2rγ−/−/cd69−/− mice. Our data highlight the contribution of CD69 as a nonredundant key regulator of BIC/miR-155-dependent Treg cell development and homeostasis.
Effect of stage 2 kindling on local cerebral blood flow rates in rats with genetic absence epilepsy

Purpose: Genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) are resistant to the progression of kindling seizures. We studied local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) changes in brain regions involved in seizures in both GAERS and nonepileptic rats (NEC) to map the differences that may be related to the resistance to kindling.
Live Births Resulting from Swamp Buffalo Oocytes Matured , Fertilised and Cultured in vitro

In this study, developmental competence of early-stage buffalo embryos resulting from swamp buffalo oocytes matured and fertilised in vitro with murrah buffalo spermatozoa was determined after culture in either: (A) TCM 199 + 10% buffalo calf serum and a cumulus cell monolayer (cumulus cell monolayer) or (B) the amniotic cavity of a developing chick embryos (CEAm). The proportion of early stage embryos developing to morula and blastocyst stages was greater in the cumulus cell monolayer treatment group (35.7compared to the CEAm treatment group (10.6%) Non-surgical transfer of these embryos to swamp buffalo recipients (cumulus cell monolayer: n=24 embryos; CEAm: n=6 embryos) resulted to the birth of a male (26 kg) and a female (21 kg) F1 buffalo calves. These results indicated that pre-implantation stage buffalo embryos cultured in cumulus cell monolayer and CEAm are viable to term after transfer to recipient buffalos
Apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with sepsis.

CONTEXT Recent investigations into the pathogenesis of sepsis reveal an important role for apoptosis. The present study was designed in order to assess the peripheral blood mononuclear cells' (PBMCs) apoptosis and the plasma levels of molecules associated with apoptosis belonging to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/tumor necrosis factor type-1 receptor (TNFR I) pathway in patients with sepsis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-two patients with sepsis and 20 healthy subjects were included in the study. The percentage of PBMCs' apoptosis was examined using annexin-V at the time of blood draws (0 time). PBMCs were incubated for 24 hour at 37°C in medium (spontaneous apoptosis) and in the presence of TNF-α. After incubation, the percentage of apoptotic cells was counted. Plasma levels of TNF-α and soluble TNFR I (sTNFR I) were also measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS PBMCs of patients showed a higher proportion of apoptotic cells than PBMCs of controls at 0 time. After 24 hour incubation, spontaneous apoptosis of PBMCs was nearly as high as that of TNF induced apoptosis. Compared with healthy volunteers, patients with sepsis had elevated levels of TNF-α and sTNFR I. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that a higher fraction of PBMCs was undergoing apoptosis in vivo in patients than controls. Enhanced in vitro apoptosis has also been observed in patients with sepsis, suggesting that a greater number of mononuclear cells in the peripheral circulation of patients are preprogrammed in vivo to undergo apoptosis. The circulating levels of both TNF-α and sTNFR I from patients were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than controls. The increase in levels of TNF-α is proportional to that of sTNFR I (r = 0.908), indicating that sTNFR I may have a protective effect in the early stage of sepsis.
Turnover in the Social Services: Turning over to the Benefits

Turnover in the social services is generally linked conceptually and empirically to stress, burnout, and other job-related attitudes. In addition, turnover is often associated with numerous negative organizational consequences. This article illuminates the benefits of turnover for clients and workers and describes agency-adaptive responses that minimize the disruptive effects of turnover. Recommendations are offered for distinguishing functional turnover from dysfunctional turnover.
Sex differences in electrocortical activity in human neonates

Cerebral cortical activity in healthy, full-term human neonates (10 boys and 10 girls) was evaluated using spectral estimation of electroencephalogram frequency content with new equipment and analysis technique allowing the assessment of the lowest frequencies (i.e. infraslow waves). The activity was analysed under quiet sleep and active wakefulness taking sex into consideration. During sleep, the mean amount of infraslow activity was 27% larger in boys, whereas during wakefulness the average amount of higher frequencies was 17% larger in girls. Both these differences indicate an earlier maturation of cortical function in girls than in boys.
Reading with central scotomas: What can we learn from simulation studies?

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in adults 65 years of age and older. ARMD often results in scotomas affecting the fovea, leading to central field loss. We used simulated scotomas in normally sighted young adults to test the impact of scotoma size and location on reading. We measured reading rate and eye movement patterns and found that the number of letters masked by the scotoma is more important than the size of the scotoma in degrees of visual angle and that forcing subjects to attend below a simulated scotoma results in better reading than when they are forced to attend to either the left or the right.
On Large Random Graphs of the "Internet Type"

We analyse a random graph where the node degrees are (almost) independent and have a distribution with finite mean but infinite variance. We sketch a proof that the distance between two arbitrarily chosen nodes of the giant component grows as slowly as , where denotes the number of nodes. Many steps of the proof are made rigorous, whereas some remain still on an intuitive level. It is shown that very large nodes form a spontaneously arising “core network” which plays a crucial role in the connectivity, although its proportional size goes to zero as .
Cryptococcus gattii Infections

SUMMARY Understanding of the taxonomy and phylogeny of Cryptococcus gattii has been advanced by modern molecular techniques. C. gattii probably diverged from Cryptococcus neoformans between 16 million and 160 million years ago, depending on the dating methods applied, and maintains diversity by recombining in nature. South America is the likely source of the virulent C. gattii VGII molecular types that have emerged in North America. C. gattii shares major virulence determinants with C. neoformans, although genomic and transcriptomic studies revealed that despite similar genomes, the VGIIa and VGIIb subtypes employ very different transcriptional circuits and manifest differences in virulence phenotypes. Preliminary evidence suggests that C. gattii VGII causes severe lung disease and death without dissemination, whereas C. neoformans disseminates readily to the central nervous system (CNS) and causes death from meningoencephalitis. Overall, currently available data indicate that the C. gattii VGI, VGII, and VGIII molecular types more commonly affect nonimmunocompromised hosts, in contrast to VGIV. New, rapid, cheap diagnostic tests and imaging modalities are assisting early diagnosis and enabling better outcomes of cerebral cryptococcosis. Complications of CNS infection include increased intracranial pressure, severe neurological sequelae, and development of immune reconstitution syndrome, although the mortality rate is low. C. gattii VGII isolates may exhibit higher fluconazole MICs than other genotypes. Optimal therapeutic regimens are yet to be determined; in most cases, initial therapy with amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine is recommended.
A Reflection-based Proof Tactic for Lattices in Coq

Coq is a proof assistant featuring a tactic-based interactive theorem prover. The latest incarnation comes with over 150 tactics that assist the user in developing a formal proof. These tactics range from the simple and mundane to the ‘allpowerful’. Some examples from the latter category are the omega tactic that solves a goal in Presburger arithmetic and the ring and field tactics that solve identities modulo associativity and commutativity in ring and field structures. This paper presents a new proof tactic that decides equalities and inequalities between terms over lattices. It uses a decision procedure that is a variation on Whitman’s algorithm and is implemented using a technique known as proof by reflection. We will paint the essence of the approach in broad strokes and discuss the use of certified functional programs to aid the automation of formal reasoning. This paper makes three contributions. Firstly it serves an an introduction to using proof by reflection approach Coq. This utilizes the Ltac language and two recent extensions to the Coq system: type classes and the PROGRAM extension. Secondly it gives a certified implementation of Whitman’s algorithm in Coq, with proofs of correctness and termination. Thirdly, the final product of this work is a useable proof tactic that can be applied to proof goals involving equalities and inequalities in lattice theory. The rest of the paper is organized as follows: Section 2 will give a short introduction to Coq, highlighting the concept of a proof term, and will refresh the necessary details of lattice theory. We will give a motivation for the problem in Section 3, and a Coq-based introduction to free lattices along with the decision
Improved design technique for the realization of wireless sensors' antennas in dissipative media

The interest in the exploitation of wireless sensor networks in dissipative media (other than the free space) is nowadays growing in importance, thanks to the identification of new fields of application. This paper introduces an efficient design methodology for an easy definition of the geometrical characteristics of the antenna. The proposed procedure takes into account the coupling mechanism with the surrounding medium, as well as the electromagnetic interaction with the electronic and metallic components that form the sensor. In this way, the design of the radiofrequency components is carried out by means of a simplified iterative pre-conditioned modeling procedure that avoids expensive running times typical of a complete full wave method. Results obtained for the design of mobile sensor networks floating in underground water conduits confirm the adequacy of the proposed method.
A Unified Annotation Scheme for the Semantic/Pragmatic Components of Definiteness

We present a definiteness annotation scheme that captures the semantic, pragmatic, and discourse information, which we call communicative functions, associated with linguistic descriptions such as “a story about my speech”, “the story”, “every time I give it”, “this slideshow”. A survey of the literature suggests that definiteness does not express a single communicative function but is a grammaticalization of many such functions, for example, identifiability, familiarity, uniqueness, specificity. Our annotation scheme unifies ideas from previous research on definiteness while attempting to remove redundancy and make it easily annotatable. This annotation scheme encodes the communicative functions of definiteness rather than the grammatical forms of definiteness. We assume that the communicative functions are largely maintained across languages while the grammaticalization of this information may vary. One of the final goals is to use our semantically annotated corpora to discover how definiteness is grammaticalized in different languages. We release our annotated corpora for English and Hindi, and sample annotations for Hebrew and Russian, together with an annotation manual.
Charter School Enrollments in Context: An Exploration of Organization and Policy Influences

Using the 1999-2000 Schools and Staffing Survey Public Charter School Questionnaire (U.S. Department of Education, 2000), this article provides an in-depth description of charter schools in the United States and presents multivariate analyses of the enrollment of low-income and minority students in the population of charter schools, taking into account both school organizational and state policy characteristics. The results suggest that management by for-profit educational management organizations (EMOs) can have both positive and negative effects on low-income and minority enrollment depending on EMO type and urban location. Notable were the strong and significant results on the importance of state policy characteristics in terms of shaping charter school enrollments of low-income and minority students.
House dust mite allergen in US beds: results from the First National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing.

BACKGROUND Although exposure to house dust mite allergen is a major risk factor for allergic sensitization and asthma, nationwide estimates of dust mite allergen levels in US homes have not been reported. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dust mite allergen in beds of US homes and to identify predictors of dust mite allergen concentration. METHODS Data were obtained from the first National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing, a cross-sectional survey of 831 permanently occupied noninstitutional housing units that permitted resident children. Dust mite allergen concentration (Der f 1 plus Der p 1) was determined from a dust sample collected from a bed. The percentages of homes with concentrations at or greater than detection, 2.0 microg/g bed dust, and 10.0 microg/g bed dust were estimated. Independent predictors of allergen concentration were assessed with multivariable linear regression. RESULTS The percentages of US homes with dust mite allergen concentrations at or greater than detection, 2.0 microg/g, and 10.0 microg/g were 84.2% (SE, 1.73), 46.2% (SE, 2.0), and 24.2% (SE, 2.1), respectively. Independent predictors of higher levels were older homes, non-West census regions, single-family homes, no resident children, lower household income, heating sources other than forced air, musty or mildew odor, and higher bedroom humidity. CONCLUSION Most US homes have detectable levels of dust mite allergen in a bed. Levels previously associated with allergic sensitization and asthma are common in US bedrooms. Predictors can be used to identify conditions under which homes are more likely to have increased dust mite allergen levels.