Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Cell Wall Microdomain Surrounding Plasmodesmata in Apple Fruit

In fleshy fruits ripening is generally associated with a loss in tissue firmness resulting from depolymerization of wall components and separation of adjacent cells. In the regions of the wall that contain plasmodesmata, the usual sequences of ripening events, i.e. depolymerization of the middle lamellae and splitting of the walls, are not observed. In the present study we attempted to characterize in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruit the structural microdomain of the cell wall that surrounds the plasmodesmata by in muro visualization of the cell wall components. Anionic sites of galacturonic acids were labeled with cationic gold. Low-esterified homogalacturonans were labeled with the monoclonal antibody JIM 5. In addition, a polyclonal antibody directed toward [beta](1->3)-glucopyranose was used to target callose in situ. The results indicated that the plasmodesmata-wall complexes were surrounded by a pectic microdomain. This domain was composed of low-esterified homogalacturonans that were not involved in calcium cross-bridging but were probably surrounded by a cationic environment. These structural features may result in the prevention of normal cell wall separation in regions containing plasmodesmata. However, observations by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy suggested that splitting of these walls ruptured the plasmodesmata and ultimately resulted in the spatial separation of adjacent cells.
On a Non-local Gas Dynamics Like Integrable Hierarchy

We study a new non-local hierarchy of equations of the isentropic gas dynamics type where the pressure is a non-local function of the density. We show that the hierarchy of equations is integrable. We construct the two compatible Hamiltonian structures and show that the first structure has three distinct Casimirs while the second has one. The existence of Casimirs allows us to extend the flows to local ones. We construct an infinite series of commuting local Hamiltonians as well as three infinite series (related to the three Casimirs) of non-local charges. We discuss the zero curvature formulation of the system where we obtain a simple expression for the non-local conserved charges, which also clarifies the existence of the three series from a Lie algebraic point of view. We point out that the non-local hierarchy of Hunter-Zheng equations can be obtained from our non-local flows when the dynamical variables are properly constrained.
From Clarity to Efficiency for Distributed Algorithms

This article describes a very high-level language for clear description of distributed algorithms and optimizations necessary for generating efficient implementations. The language supports high-level control flows in which complex synchronization conditions can be expressed using high-level queries, especially logic quantifications, over message history sequences. Unfortunately, the programs would be extremely inefficient, including consuming unbounded memory, if executed straightforwardly. We present new optimizations that automatically transform complex synchronization conditions into incremental updates of necessary auxiliary values as messages are sent and received. The core of the optimizations is the first general method for efficient implementation of logic quantifications. We have developed an operational semantics of the language, implemented a prototype of the compiler and the optimizations, and successfully used the language and implementation on a variety of important distributed algorithms.
Independent and Combined Effects of Socioeconomic Status (SES) and Bilingualism on Children’s Vocabulary and Verbal Short-Term Memory

The current study explores the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) and bilingualism on the linguistic skills and verbal short-term memory of preschool children. In previous studies comparing children of low and mid-high SES, the terms “a child with low-SES” and “a child speaking a minority language” are often interchangeable, not enabling differentiated evaluation of these two variables. The present study controls for this confluence by testing children born and residing in the same country and attending the same kindergartens, with all bilingual children speaking the same heritage language (HL-Russian). A total of 120 children (88 bilingual children: 44 with low SES; and 32 monolingual children: 16 with low SES) with typical language development, aged 5; 7–6; 7, were tested in the societal language (SL-Hebrew) on expressive vocabulary and three repetition tasks [forward digit span (FWD), nonword repetition (NWR), and sentence repetition (SRep)], which tap into verbal short-term memory. The results indicated that SES and bilingualism impact different child abilities. Bilingualism is associated with decreased vocabulary size and lower performance on verbal short-term memory tasks with higher linguistic load in the SL-Hebrew. The negative effect of bilingualism on verbal short-term memory disappears once vocabulary is accounted for. SES influences not only linguistic performance, but also verbal short-term memory with lowest linguistic load. The negative effect of SES cannot be solely attributed to lower vocabulary scores, suggesting that an unprivileged background has a negative impact on children’s cognitive development beyond a linguistic disadvantage. The results have important clinical implications and call for more research exploring the varied impact of language and life experience on children’s linguistic and cognitive skills.
Tumor Immunology, toward a Success Story?

PROOF OF IMMUNOSURVEILLANCE AND THE IMMUNOEDITING CONCEPT The beginning of the second millennium marked a turning point for tumor immunity, on the basis of a series of data obtained in mice and in humans. The enhanced susceptibility of immunodeficient mice to the formation of chemically induced or spontaneous tumors clearly showed that the immune system can eliminate nascent tumors (1). A few years later, the investigations showing that high densities of T cells, particularly with a Th1 and cytotoxic polarization, in different locations of a primary tumor, correlate with favorable prognosis for disease-free and overall survival in large series of cancer patients also strongly supported the fact that a natural immune reaction controls invasion and metastasis (2). Most importantly, these results also proved the establishment of a long-term memory against cancers and suggested that it could be reactivated with tumor vaccines. Such breakthroughs had major consequences for the tumor immunity field. They paved the way for a new era for tumor immunology, building on solid foundations, and leaving behind more than 50 years of errances since the concept of tumor immunosurveillance had been put forward. However, tumors develop, invade tissues locally, metastasize in distant organs, and ultimately cancer can be life threatening. During these last 10 years, we also learnt that the immune system “sculpts” tumors, leading to the formation of tumor variants that escape immunosurveillance, and/or inducing suppressive conditions that facilitate tumor outgrowth. Thus, cancer immunotherapy should aim at boosting anti-tumor immunity by breaking immune tolerance or using adoptively transferred expanded tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (already present in the tumor). This last approach has yielded promising results in terminally ill cancer patients.
Evolutionary Association of Stomatal Traits with Leaf Vein Density in Paphiopedilum, Orchidaceae

Background Both leaf attributes and stomatal traits are linked to water economy in land plants. However, it is unclear whether these two components are associated evolutionarily. Methodology/Principal Findings In characterizing the possible effect of phylogeny on leaf attributes and stomatal traits, we hypothesized that a correlated evolution exists between the two. Using a phylogenetic comparative method, we analyzed 14 leaf attributes and stomatal traits for 17 species in Paphiopedilum. Stomatal length (SL), stomatal area (SA), upper cuticular thickness (UCT), and total cuticular thickness (TCT) showed strong phylogenetic conservatism whereas stomatal density (SD) and stomatal index (SI) were significantly convergent. Leaf vein density was correlated with SL and SD whether or not phylogeny was considered. The lower epidermal thickness (LET) was correlated positively with SL, SA, and stomatal width but negatively with SD when phylogeny was not considered. When this phylogenetic influence was factored in, only the significant correlation between SL and LET remained. Conclusion/Significance Our results support the hypothesis for correlated evolution between stomatal traits and vein density in Paphiopedilum. However, they do not provide evidence for an evolutionary association between stomata and leaf thickness. These findings lend insight into the evolution of traits related to water economy for orchids under natural selection.
Concentration of organochlorines in human brain, liver, and adipose tissue autopsy samples from Greenland.

Organochlorines are persistent lipophilic compounds that accumulate in Inuit people living in circumpolar countries. Organochlorines accumulate as a result of the Inuits' large consumption of sea mammal fat; however, available data are limited to blood lipids, milk fat, and adipose tissue. We report results of organochlorine determination in liver, brain, omental fat, and subcutaneous abdominal fat samples collected from deceased Greenlanders between 1992 and 1994. Eleven chlorinated pesticides and 14 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners were measured in tissue lipid extracts by high-resolution gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Mean concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, 2, 2'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene, ss-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, trans-nonachlor, and oxychlordane in adipose tissue samples from Greenlanders were 3-34-fold higher than those measured using the same analytical method in samples from Canadians in Quebec City, Quebec. Brain lipids contained lower concentrations of all organochlorines than lipids extracted from other tissues. Organochlorine residue levels in lipid extracts from liver, omental fat, and subcutaneous abdominal fat samples were similar, with the exception of ss-hexachlorocyclohexane, which reached a greater concentration in liver lipids than in lipids from both adipose tissues (4-fold; p < 0. 05). Comparisons with available international data on adipose tissue levels reveal that the organochlorine body burden in the Inuit population of Greenland is presently among the highest resulting from environmental exposure. ImagesFigure 1
An Approach for Empirical Evaluation of Model-Driven Engineering in Multiple Dimensions

Evaluating methodologies and tools for software development has been subject of research for a while and various quantitative techniques have emerged. However, a common problem in any evaluation method is to select appropriate evaluation criteria. This paper describes the evaluation method and some results of work on empirical evaluation of model-driven engineering and its infusion in industry in the context of industrial participants in the EU research project MODELPLEX. The evaluation method combines qualitative and quantitative assessment, and observations with perceptions. It takes advantage of a combination of a) context-dependent research questions based on the goals of each industrial partner in adopting model-driven engineering and how it is applied, b) the Technology Acceptance Model to summarize the perceptions regarding model-driven engineering, and c) a questionnaire to evaluate opinions regarding specific tools and techniques. The method has been useful in identifying criteria for evaluation and has produced interesting results.
DiFiSec: An Adaptable Multi-level Security Framework for Event-Driven Communication in Wireless Sensor Networks

State of the art security research in the field of wireless sensor networks has focused on providing security in a coarse-grained, full-fledged and static fashion. This implies providing confidentiality, data authentication, data integrity and freshness to the entire spectrum of communication between the participating nodes in a network. In this paper however we advocate that as a result of a number of factors relating wireless sensor networks, providing security in similar fashion for the entire communication set isn't a pragmatic approach and does not precisely reflect the application level security requirements. We therefore propose DiFiSec, a dynamic, fine-grained and adaptable security framework that supports various levels of plug gable security for distinct data communication sets depending on the context, environment and criticality of the data. These plug gable security levels can be enacted at the levels of component wirings and receptacles, hence empowering application users to select only the most appropriate security respecting the resource-constrained nature of WSNs. Furthermore, to support system evolution and changing application requirements DiFiSec offers runtime adaptability. A prototype of this system has been implemented on SunSPOT sensor nodes where we have evaluated our approach in comparison with other network security variations.
A reliable PPV characterization method for memristor-based oscillators

PPV (Perturbation Projection Vector) modeling is an unifying theory for the characterization of the general oscillators. However, for the emerging memristor-based oscillators, the existing PPV abstraction method, which is based on the direct PSS/PXF simulation, encounters the convergence problem due to the hidden state. In this paper we propose a reliable PPV abstraction method based on the conversion from PRC (Phase Response Curve) — a concept from the biological discipline. This conversion method is verified rigorously by transistor-level simulation of Colpitts and ring oscillators circuits. Then we apply the proposed method to the PPV characterization of the memristor-based oscillator, and successfully obtain its PPV from the conversion of PRC.
Institutional Heterogeneity in Social Dilemma Games: A Bayesian Examination

A main research focus in many Social Dilemma Games is the suitability of external institutional treatments in inducing socially optimal outcomes. It is likely that participating subjects exhibit unobserved heterogeneity in their reaction to these treatments. This type of “institutional heterogeneity” has to date not found much attention in the experimental literature. We propose a Hierarchical Bayesian estimation framework to highlight these heterogeneity effects. We illustrate that models that ignore treatment-specific heterogeneity can severely under-estimate the variability in treatment-induced decisions amongst the subject population. The resulting misleading picture of comparative treatment effects can lead to sub-optimal institutional choices and related policy decisions.
The Metabolism and Disposition of the Oral Direct Thrombin Inhibitor, Dabigatran, in Humans

The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran (BIBR 953 ZW, β-alanine, N-[[2-[[[4-(aminoiminomethyl)phenyl]amino]methyl]-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-5-yl]carbonyl]-N-2-pyridinyl) were studied in 10 healthy males, who received 200 mg of [14C]dabigatran etexilate (BIBR 1048 MS, the oral prodrug of dabigatran) or an i.v. infusion of 5 mg of [14C]dabigatran. Radioactivity was measured in plasma, urine, and feces over 1 week. The metabolite pattern was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line radioactivity detection, and metabolite structures were elucidated by mass spectrometry. Dabigatran etexilate was rapidly converted to dabigatran, with peak plasma dabigatran concentrations being attained after approximately 1.5 h; the bioavailability of dabigatran after p.o. administration of dabigatran etexilate was 7.2%. Dabigatran was predominantly excreted in the feces after p.o. treatment and in the urine after i.v. treatment. The mean terminal half-life of dabigatran was approximately 8 h. The predominant metabolic reaction was esterase-mediated hydrolysis of dabigatran etexilate to dabigatran. Phase I metabolites accounted for ≤0.6% of the dose in urine and 5.8% of the dose in feces following p.o. administration and ≤1.5 and 0.2%, respectively, following i.v. administration. Dabigatran acylglucuronides accounted for 0.4 and 4% of the dose in urine after p.o. and i.v. dosing, respectively. In vitro experiments confirmed that dabigatran etexilate is metabolized primarily by esterases and that cytochrome P450 plays no relevant role. These findings suggest that pharmacologically active concentrations of dabigatran are readily achieved after p.o. administration of dabigatran etexilate and that the potential for clinically relevant interactions between dabigatran and drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 is low.
Facilitating Alzheimer Disease Research Recruitment

Alzheimer disease (AD) research faces challenges to successful enrollment, especially to clinical trials and biomarker studies. Failure to recruit the planned number of participants in a timely manner threatens the internal validity and success of clinical research, raising concerns about external validity and generalizability of results, and possibly leading to disparities in disease treatment. Methods to improve recruitment exist, but require varying levels of staff effort and financial resources, and evidence of effectiveness is often lacking or inconsistent. In this review, we summarize some of the available methods to improve AD research recruitment, the available literature to support or refute these strategies, and some of the experiences at the authors’ AD Research Centers. We discuss the use of community-based participatory research principles and participant registries as a means to enhance research enrollment and increase diversity of research samples.
A Miniature Force Sensor for Prosthetic Hands

Tactile sensing is an important part of the development of new prosthetic hands. A number of approaches to establishing an afferent pathway back to the patient for tactile information are becoming available including tactors and direct stimulation of the afferent nerves. Tactile information can also be used by low-level control systems that perform simple tasks for the patient such as establishing a stable grasp and maintaining the grasping forces needed to hold an object. This abstract reports on the design of a small fingertip load cell based on semi-conductor strain gauges. Since this load cell is so small (measuring only 8.5mm in diameter and 6.25 mm in height), it easily fits into the tip of an anthropomorphic mechatronic hand. This load cell is tested by comparing a time series of force and moment data with reference data acquired from a much larger high-precision commercial load cell.
Performance analysis of three-phase PWM rectifiers for high power quality applications

New power quality issues have brought new concerns about how the electrical devices connected to the mains behave and how their behaviour affects the mains quality and, consequently, other energy consumers. In result of these recent concerns, various new standards were made to limit the harmonic pollution that each device may produce. Diode rectifiers are one of the main polluters, not complying with these standards. The necessity for alternatives reaffirmed PWM rectifiers as a viable alternative. PWM additional capabilities as unity power factor and energy regeneration are other advantages that can be decisive in certain applications. This paper compares diode and PWM rectifiers. It analyses the performance of these systems and explores the PWM systems’ new capabilities. A Matlab/Simulink model has been made to allow the comparison. Simulation results are then verified by laboratorial implementation of the model. Simulation and experimental results are presented and commented.
Developing and Disseminating Water-Saving Rice Technologies in Asia

• Rice cultivation systems in Asia need transformational changes in crop establishment methods due to dwindling water resources, rising labor costs, and inadequate labor during the peak farming periods. • Proven water-saving technologies for both irrigated and rainfed rice cultivations such as direct seeded rice and alternate wetting and drying are available, and their wide dissemination—combined with suitable improved rice varieties that best respond to local agroecology—has promising prospects in closing existing wide yield gaps and helping boost food security in Asia. • For scaling the adoption of water-saving technologies and improved rice varieties, the modernization of agricultural practices— including precise land leveling, mechanized seeding, precise water management, efficient weed control, efficient nutrient management, and mechanized harvesting and threshing— needs to be introduced together to help farmers realize positive returns from the shift in rice cultivation systems. • Governments can play an important role in scaling the adoption of advance technologies by supporting research and development, improving institutional outreach of extension services, investing in critical utilities and infrastructure that support water-saving technologies, and introducing regulatory reform to institute incentives for farmers. NO. 60
Predicting Mortality in Patients with Diabetes Starting Dialysis

Background While some prediction models have been developed for diabetic populations, prediction rules for mortality in diabetic dialysis patients are still lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify predictors for 1-year mortality in diabetic dialysis patients and use these results to develop a prediction model. Methods Data were used from the Netherlands Cooperative Study on the Adequacy of Dialysis (NECOSAD), a multicenter, prospective cohort study in which incident patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) were monitored until transplantation or death. For the present analysis, patients with DM at baseline were included. A prediction algorithm for 1-year all-cause mortality was developed through multivariate logistic regression. Candidate predictors were selected based on literature and clinical expertise. The final model was constructed through backward selection. The model's predictive performance, measured by calibration and discrimination, was assessed and internally validated through bootstrapping. Results A total of 394 patients were available for statistical analysis; 82 (21%) patients died within one year after baseline (3 months after starting dialysis therapy). The final prediction model contained seven predictors; age, smoking, history of macrovascular complications, duration of diabetes mellitus, Karnofsky scale, serum albumin and hemoglobin level. Predictive performance was good, as shown by the c-statistic of 0.810. Internal validation showed a slightly lower, but still adequate performance. Sensitivity analyses showed stability of results. Conclusions A prediction model containing seven predictors has been identified in order to predict 1-year mortality for diabetic incident dialysis patients. Predictive performance of the model was good. Before implementing the model in clinical practice, for example for counseling patients regarding their prognosis, external validation is necessary.