Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological Performance in Clarkia Sister Taxa with Contrasting Mating Systems: Do Early-Flowering Autogamous Taxa Avoid Water Stress Relative to Their Pollinator-Dependent Counterparts?

Consistent differences in the physiological performance of wild populations of closely related plant taxa may be the result of environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity or adaptive evolution (or a combination of the two). Here we report the results of a field study of physiological and fitness-related traits in geographically proximate sister taxa in the annual wildflower genus Clarkia (Onagraceae) and interpret the differences between them in light of their ecological and reproductive differences. Within two pairs of taxa, the predominantly autogamous (self-fertilizing) taxon flowers and completes its life cycle before its pollinator-dependent (predominantly outcrossing) counterpart growing in sympatry or at similar elevations in the southern Sierra Nevada. Selfers generally exhibited higher rates of photosynthesis and transpiration than their outcrossing sister taxa, and, except for the earliest-flowering (autogamous) taxon, both photosynthetic and transpiration rates tended to decline as the season progressed. Within taxa, high photosynthetic rates were positively correlated with lifetime fruit production, and selfers had lifetime fruit production equivalent to or higher than that of outcrossers, despite the fact that the latter had higher aboveground stem biomass. These patterns are consistent with the hypothesis that natural selection has favored higher gas exchange rates in selfers to allow them to achieve their faster life cycles and so escape seasonal late-spring drought. An alternative explanation is that the differences in gas exchange rates represent environmentally induced plastic responses to the cooler temperatures and higher soil moisture content in early spring. Further experimental work is necessary to distinguish between these hypotheses.
Interactive comment on “Revisiting global satellite observations of stratospheric cirrus clouds” by Ling Zou et al

The only negative I can see with the paper is that it puts the CALIPSO results first, so at first glance it "merely" looks like it is confirming already known facts (ie Pan and Munchak’s climatologies), with updated reanalyses and retrievals. I find the CALIPSO results are the less interesting – unless I’m mistaken Section 5 shows very little improvement in stratospheric cirrus detection or improved understanding compared to P&M. The MIPAS results appear to me much more interesting: showing that the cover of stratospheric cirrus is double the one previously thought is an important result. Unless I’m mistaken, it is the first time that MIPAS stratospheric cirrus are presented. I feel your work would be better served if the paper led with the fully-new MIPAS results and put them in perspective against the already-known CALIPSO detections.
Towards High-Resolution Annual Outdoor Thermal Comfort Mapping In Urban Design

Global warming and increasingly dense cities lead to poor outdoor thermal comfort that may not only be detrimental to our health and well-being but also decreases social and commercial activities. Although workflows for the analysis of thermal comfort exist, they have yet transitioned into the quotidian architectural design process. Our workflow allows for annual outdoor comfort analyses that are seamlessly integrated into a commonly-used CAD environment. We simulated the annual outdoor thermal comfort on a university campus and discuss which simplifications seem appropriate by means of preliminary on-site measurements. The results exemplify the possibility to conduct such analyses within reasonable time and accuracy if some simplifications to the UTCI estimation are acceptable.
SOLDER-JOINT RELIABILITY OF A 0.65MM PITCH MOLDED ARRAY PACKAGE FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS

BGA components used in high reliability automotive microprocessor applications have historically been 0.8mm pitch or larger. Recently, emerging market requirements have pushed BGA pitches down to 0.65mm. However, industry expectations of solder-joint reliability remain constant; customers expect cyclical thermal fatigue lifetimes to be the same as, or in some cases more robust than prior generations of packages. In addition, automotive Tier 1 electronics manufactures often include drop test and other board mounted testing criteria to mitigate the risk of module level failure during SMT, module or final vehicle assembly. The paper reports the board level reliability of a 0.65 pitch, 10x10mm MAPBGA (molded array plastic BGA) package used as an automotive radar microprocessor. Thermal fatigue life was assessed per IPC-9701A using AATS (airto-air thermal shock) between -40oC and +125oC, while drop testing followed the JEDEC JESD22-B111A at 1500G’s. Six package configurations were studied: each combination of two package BGA pad surface finishes (Ni/Au and OSP [organic solderability preservative]) and three package solder ball alloys (SnAg, SAC405, and SAC-Bi [a Bi containing SAC derivative]). PCB variables included pad diameter, and the effect of interstitial through vias in the BGA footprint. The solder-joint lifetimes from the AATS tests were observed to depend on the package variables, with Ni/Au BGA pads performing better than the OSP pads. The PCB variables were not significant. By contrast, the OSP BGA pad finish had better drop test performance.
nanocząstki, nanocząstki tlenku cyrkonu, fitotoksyczność, Lemna minor

Wzrost produkcji nanomateriałów oraz ich szerokie wykorzystanie przyczynia się do rozprzestrzeniania nanocząstek w środowisku. Z opublikowanych danych wynika, iż są one stabilne w wodzie, wysoce reaktywne a ich niewielkie wymiary umożliwiają szybką penetrację do tkanek i narządów, stąd też mogą wywoływać szkodliwe efekty u organizmów wodnych i lądowych. W pracy zbadano ekotoksyczność nanocząstek tlenku cyrkonu w stosunku do rzęsy wodnej Lemna minor (rzęsa drobna). Badania przeprowadzono w zakresie stężeń od 500 mg/l do 0,34 mg/l. Wykazano, iż nanocząstki tlenku cyrkonu wpływały szkodliwie na wzrost rzęsy drobnej Lemna minor. W najwyższych badanych stężeniach (500–3,9 mg/l) badane nanocząstki hamowały zarówno wzrost liczby listków jak również i ich powierzchni. Wyznaczona wartość stężenia EC50 po 168h dla nano-ZrO2 w stosunku do powierzchni listków rośliny wynosiła 277 mg/L, natomiast w stosunku do liczby listków > 500 mg/L. Dodatkowo, w zakresie stężeń 1,9–0,9 mg/l zaobserwowano niewielką stymulację wzrostu rzęsy drobnej Lemna minor w obecności badanego nanozwiązku. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują także, iż badany nanozwiązek w stosunku do rzęsy drobnej Lemna minor jest bardziej toksyczny od tego samego związku w „makro” postaci, Wskazuje to, że forma nano danej substancji może wskazywać inne właściwości i stanowić dużo większe zagrożenie dla środowiska niż ta sama substancja w dużej formie
Predictive factors for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after curative treatments

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common neoplasm worldwide. Recurrence of HCC after resection or loco-regional therapies represents an important clinical issue as it affects up to 70% of patients. This can be divided into early or late, if it occurs within or after 24 months after treatment, respectively. While the predictive factors for early recurrence are mainly related to tumour biology (local invasion and intrahepatic metastases), late recurrences are mainly related to de novo tumour formation. Thus, it is important to recognize these factors prior to any treatment in each patient, in order to optimize the treatment strategy and follow-up after treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence available regarding predictive factors for the recurrence of HCC, according to the different therapeutic strategies available. In particular, we will discuss the role of new ultrasound-based techniques and biological features, such as tumor-related and circulating biomarkers, in predicting HCC recurrence. Recent advances in imaging-related parameters in computed-tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging will also be discussed.
Detection and Prevalence of Substance Use Among Juvenile Detainees

The Northwestern Juvenile Project is a study of 1,829 juveniles sampled from intake at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center in Chicago, IL. Researchers gathered extensive self-report data on substance use and collected urine samples for drug analysis. This Bulletin describes the self-report and urinalysis findings, with the goal of providing practical guidance for juvenile justice policymakers and administrators planning drug detection and treatment programs.
PHYTOTHERAPEUTIC APPROACH AGAINST ALUMINIUM INDUCED BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN ALBINO MICE

In the modern life the exposure of Aluminium is inevitable as it is released primarily from natural process and anthropogenic sources. It is the third most abundant element in nature accounting for nearly 8% of the Earth’s crust.Humans are exposed to Al by packaging, medicines, water and air. Daily intake of Al from food ranges from 2.5 -13 mg/day. Despite of its low persistence it exhibits toxicity to humans. Drinking water also contributes around 0.4mg /day. The present study is aimed for amelioration in treatment of aluminium induced toxicity by phytotherapy. Swiss albino mice weighing (25±5g) were taken and randomly divided into five groups. Al is xenobiotic that induces free radical mediated toxicity and reproductive toxicity and interferes with a number of body functions such as CNS, Liver, and Kidney. Hb% and RBC decreased remarkably while WBC count increased due to Al, thereby indicating altered metabolism. Al showed significant rise in serum transaminases, creatinine, blood urea and lipid peroxidation in brain. The decreased activity of brain marker Acetylcholinestrase (AchE) is direct indication of oxidative damage resulting in free radical generation. Treatment with therapeutic agents (Triphala and garlic) caused reversal of the biochemical parameters thereby recouping the variables towards normal levels. Significant recoupment in the blood biochemical and tissue biochemical parameters was observed with Allium sativum per se and in combination with Triphala.
Sociological Analysis of Child Abuse in Balochistan

This study focus on child abuse in an association to family decorations of acknowledgment dismissal towards their children and the impact of demographic factors in Pakistani socio-cultural setting. The concerns over rising incidence of child abuse and neglect have received global attention. A number of national and international organizations have shown serious concerns and are demanding strict measures to tackle the issues of child protection.400 children (76% male & 26% female) of age ranging from 8-19 years were randomly selected. The data were collected from Quetta city. The results indicated that low monthly income of the family are one of the momentous elements of child abuse.
Suspected congenital hyperinsulinism in a Shiba Inu dog

Abstract A 3‐month‐old male intact Shiba Inu dog was evaluated for a seizure disorder initially deemed idiopathic in origin. Seizure frequency remained unchanged despite therapeutic serum phenobarbital concentration and use of levetiracetam. The dog was documented to be markedly hypoglycemic during a seizure episode on reevaluation at 6 months of age. Serum insulin concentrations during hypoglycemia were 41 U/μL (reference range, 10‐29 U/μL). The dog was transitioned to 4 times per day feeding, diazoxide was started at 3.5 mg/kg PO q8h, and antiepileptic drugs were discontinued. No clinically relevant abnormalities were identified on bicavitary arterial and venous phase contrast computed tomographic imaging. The dog remained seizure‐free and clinically normal at 3 years of age while receiving 5.5 mg/kg diazoxide PO q12h and twice daily feeding. Seizures later occurred approximately twice per year and after exertion, with or without vomiting of a diazoxide dose. Blood glucose curves and interstitial glucose monitoring were used to titrate diazoxide dose and dosing interval. Congenital hyperinsulinism is well recognized in people but has not been reported in veterinary medicine.
Molecular detection of genotypes and subtypes of Cryptosporidium infection in diarrheic calves, lambs, and goat kids from Turkey.

The studies on Cryptosporidium infections of animals in Turkey mostly rely on microscopic observation. Few data are available regarding the prevalence of Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes infection. The aim of this study is to analyse the detection of Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes from young ruminants. A total of 415 diarrheic fecal specimens from young ruminants were examined for the Cryptosporidium detection by use of nested PCR of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the highly polymorphic 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene followed by sequence analyses. The results of this study revealed that 25.6% (106 of 415) of the specimens were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. infection. We identified 27.4% (91/333), 19.4% (13/67), and 13.4% (2/15) of positivity in calves, lambs and goat kids, respectively. Genotyping of the SSU rRNA indicated that almost all positive specimens were of C. parvum, except for one calf which was of C. bovis. Sequence analysis of the gp60 gene revealed the most common zoonotic subtypes (IIa and IId) of C. parvum. We detected 11 subtypes (IIaA11G2R1, IIaA11G3R1, IIaA12G3R1, IIaA13G2R1, IIaA13G4R1, IIaA14G1R1, IIaA14G3R1, IIaA15G2R1, IIdA16G1, IIdA18G1, IIdA22G1); three of them (IIaA12G3R1, IIaA11G3R1 and IIaA13G4R1) was novel subtypes found in calves and lambs. Additionally, three subtypes (IIaA11G2R1, IIaA14G3R1, and IIdA16G1) were detected in young ruminants for the first time in Turkey. This results indicate the high infection of Cryptosporidium in Turkey and suggest that calves, lambs, and goat kids are likely a major reservoir of C. parvum and a potential source of zoonotic transmission.
Genomic insights in moss gibberellin biosynthesis

Abstract Gibberellins are phytohormones that are essential for proper growth and development of flowering plants. In bryophytes, however, the presence of gibberellins has not been firmly established, because previous reports of gibberellin-like activities were not accompanied by definitive chemical identification. By comparison, the other classical phytohormones auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid and ethylene have been unambiguously detected in both mosses and liverworts, and their functions have been demonstrated to be very similar to those in flowering plants. The study of gibberellins in bryophytes lagged behind those of other phytohormones presumably because of the bewildering complexity and diversity in their chemical structures. In addition, working with bryophytes becomes even more challenging given their small size and the lack of obvious developmental mutants in the gibberellin signaling pathway. On the other hand, the recent sequencing of the Physcomitrella patens genome provides exciting opportunities to tackle this problem. Genes that may be involved in gibberellin biosynthesis have now been identified, paving the way for molecular genetic experiments that could reveal the role of gibberellins in bryophyte development. As bryophytes represent the earliest diverging lineages of land plants, such studies can also provide insights into how the gibberellin pathway may have evolved in the course of land plant evolution.
Efficient production of transgenic bovine by microinjectio n and cloning technology of early embryos

(Die effiziente Produktion von tragenden Rindern nach Mikroinjektion und Klonierung fruher Embryonalstadien) Summary The present results suggested the feasibility of EGFP-gene for non-invasive selection of transgenic bovine embryos at the pre-implantation stage by using the fluorescence microscope and linking the marker gene contacted with a desired gene. However, these injected embryos showed impaired development and high rate of the mosaic expression. Therefore, we conducted to transfer the EGFP gene fragment into the bovine fetus fibroblasts using Liposome for expressing bright green fluorescence in the whole part 1CM. EGFP has a great advantage as a marker, cells or organ can be observed at any time in their viable and intact and easily connected with pharmaceutical protein in vitro. Additional advantages of nuclear transfer combined with transgenic become obvious when it is compared with microinjection techniques. In the future, we can produce the pharmaceutical proteins from cow using nuclear transfer with EGFP gene.
Budesonide versus systemic corticosteroids in IgA Nephropathy

Abstract IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by mesangial deposition of dominant, polymeric, galactose-deficient IgA1 molecules of gut-associated lymphoid tissue origin. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of targeting the mucosal immune system dysregulation underlying IgAN pathogenesis with a pH-modified formulation of budesonide with a maximum release of active compound in the distal ileum and proximal colon. We did a retrospective study evaluating the efficacy of budesonide (Budenofalk) in the treatment of IgAN. From a retrospective cohort of 143 patients with IgAN followed in our department we identified 21 patients that received treatment with budesonide. These patients received budesonide at a dose of 9 mg/d in the first 12 months, followed by a dose reduction to 3 mg/d for the subsequent period. Only patients that received a 24-month treatment with budesonide were included in the analysis (n = 18). We matched the budesonide-treated cohort to 18 patients with IgAN treated with systemic steroids from the same retrospective cohort. Efficacy was measured as change in proteinuria, hematuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate over a 24-month period. Treatment with budesonide was associated with a 24-month renal function decline of -0.22 (95%CI, -8.2 to 7.8) ml/min/1.73m2, compared to -5.89 (95%CI, -12.2 to 0.4) ml/min/1.73m2 in the corticosteroid treatment group (p = 0.44, for between group difference). The median reduction in proteinuria at 24-month was 45% (interquartile range [IQR]: -79%; -22%) in the budesonide group and 11% (IQR: -39%; 43%) in the corticosteroid group, respectively (P = .009, for between group difference). The median reduction in hematuria at 24-month was 72% (IQR: -90%; -45%) in the budesonide group and 73% (IQR: -85%; 18%) in the corticosteroid group, respectively (P = .22, for between group difference). Treatment with budesonide was well tolerated with minimal side effects. Budesonide (Budenofalk) was effective in the treatment of patients with IgAN at high-risk of progression in terms of reducing proteinuria, hematuria and preserving renal function over 24 months of therapy.
Multiple nanosecond pulsed electric fields stimulation with conductive poly(l‐lactic acid)/carbon nanotubes films maintains the multipotency of mesenchymal stem cells during prolonged in vitro culture

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) gradually lose multipotency when cultured for prolonged durations in vitro, which significantly hinders subsequent clinical applications. Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) have been recently investigated to overcome this problem in our lab; however, the differentiation potency of MSCs could only be partially and transiently recovered because the nsPEFs can only be delivered to suspended cells once. Here, we develop a new strategy to apply multiple nsPEFs to adherent MSCs with conductive films to mitigate the decreasing multipotency of prolonged cultured MSCs. The poly(l‐lactic acid)/graphitized‐carboxylated functionalized carbon nanotubes (PLLA/CNT) films were fabricated as conductive cell culture platforms. Both single and multiple nsPEFs stimulation could significantly increase the differentiation potential of MSCs, as evidenced by upregulated expression of chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic‐related gene (SOX9, RUNX2, and PPAR‐γ), as well as increased production of proteoglycans, mineralized calcium, and triglycerides. Multiple nsPEFs stimulation demonstrated significant efficacy in upregulating expression of pluripotency genes of OCT4A (3.5‐ to 4.5‐folds), NANOG (3.5‐ to 4.0‐folds), and SOX2 (1.5‐ to 2.0‐folds) and stably maintaining high expression of these genes for nearly 23 days. Notably, nsPEFs stimulation did not significantly shorten telomere length. In conclusion, multiple nsPEFs stimulation could effectively mitigate decreasing multipotency of MSCs during prolonged in vitro culture.
A continuous dynamic beam model for swimming fish

When a fish swims in water, muscle contraction, controlled by the nervous system, interacts with the body tissues and the surrounding fluid to yield the observed movement pattern of the body. A continuous dynamic beam model describing the bending moment balance on the body for such an interaction during swimming has been established. In the model a linear visco-elastic assumption is made for the passive behaviour of internal tissues, skin and backbone, and the unsteady fluid force acting on the swimming body is calculated by the 3D waving plate theory. The body bending moment distribution due to the various components, in isolation and acting together, is analysed. The analysis is based on the saithe (Pollachius virens), a carangiform swimmer. The fluid reaction needs a bending moment of increasing amplitude towards the tail and near-standing wave behaviour on the rear-half of the body. The inertial movement of the fish results from a wave of bending moment with increasing amplitude along the body and a higher propagation speed than that of body bending. In particular, the fluid reaction, mainly designed for propulsion, can provide a considerable force to balance the local momentum change of the body and thereby reduce the power required from the muscle. The wave of passive visco-elastic bending moment, with an amplitude distribution peaking a little before the mid-point of the fish, travels with a speed close to that of body bending. The calculated muscle bending moment from the whole dynamic system has a wave speed almost the same as that observed for EMG-onset and a starting instant close to that of muscle activation, suggesting a consistent matching between the muscle activation pattern and the dynamic response of the system in steady swimming. A faster wave of muscle activation, with a variable phase relation between the strain and activation cycle, appears to be designed to fit the fluid reaction and, to a lesser extent, the body inertia, and is limited by the passive internal tissues. Higher active stress is required from caudal muscle, as predicted from experimental studies on fish muscle. In general, the active force development by muscle does not coincide with the propulsive force generation on the tail. The stiffer backbone may play a role in transmitting force and deformation to maintain and adjust the movement of the body and tail in water.
Comparing body condition of moose (Alces alces) selected by wolves (Canis lupus) and human hunters: consequences for the extent of compensatory mortality

Predators commonly select prey of inferior quality compared with the average animals found in the population. Consequently, predation may often be compensatory to other sources of mortality. We tested whether wolves (Canis lupus L., 1758) in Scandinavia selected moose in poor body condition by comparing mandibular marrow fat (MMF) of wolf-killed moose (Alces alces (L., 1758)) with harvested moose. Model selection analyses indicated that MMF levels were lower for wolf-killed moose compared with harvested moose, but an unbalanced sample design between years for the two causes of death (wolves and harvest) may have confounded a clear interpretation of the results. Nevertheless, corrected MMF levels (to 1 April) showed that a significantly (p = 0.006) higher proportion of the wolf-killed calves (18.5%) were below the level often assumed to reflect acute malnutrition (<20% MMF) compared with harvested moose calves (3.3%). For wolf-killed yearlings and adult females, 5.6% and 8.3%, respectively, had MMF below t.