Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Within‐population variation in prevalence and lineage distribution of avian malaria in blue tits, Cyanistes caeruleus

The development of molecular genetic screening techniques for avian blood parasites has revealed many novel aspects of their ecology, including greatly elevated diversity and complex host–parasite relationships. Many previous studies of malaria in birds have treated single study populations as spatially homogeneous with respect to the likelihood of transmission of malaria to hosts, and we have very little idea whether any spatial heterogeneity influences different malaria lineages similarly. Here, we report an analysis of variation in the prevalence and cytochrome b lineage distribution of avian malaria infection with respect to environmental and host factors, and their interactions, in a single blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) population. Of 11 Plasmodium and Haemoproteus cytochrome b lineages found in 997 breeding individuals, the three most numerous (pSGS1, pTURDUS1 and pBT7) were considered separately, in addition to analyses of all avian malaria lineages pooled. Our analyses revealed marked spatial differences in the prevalence and distribution of these lineages, with local prevalence of malaria within the population ranging from over 60% to less than 10%. In addition, we found several more complex patterns of prevalence with respect to local landscape features, host state, parasite genotype, and their interactions. We discuss the implications of such heterogeneity in parasite infection at a local scale for the study of the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases in natural populations. The increased resolution afforded by the combination of molecular genetic and geographical information systems (GIS) tools has the potential to provide many insights into the epidemiology, evolution and ecology of these parasites in the future.
Metabolite kinetics in C6 rat glioma model using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate

In addition to an increased lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio, altered metabolism of a malignant glioma can be further characterized by its kinetics. Spatially resolved dynamic data of pyruvate and lactate from C6‐implanted female Sprague–Dawley rat brain were acquired using a spiral chemical shift imaging sequence after a bolus injection of a hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate. Apparent rate constants for the conversion of pyruvate to lactate in three different regions (glioma, normal appearing brain, and vasculature) were estimated based on a two‐site exchange model. The apparent conversion rate constant was 0.018 ± 0.004 s−1 (mean ± standard deviation, n = 6) for glioma, 0.009 ± 0.003 s−1 for normal brain, and 0.005 ± 0.001 s−1 for vasculature, whereas the lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio, the metabolic marker used to date to identify tumor regions, was 0.36 ± 0.07 (mean ± SD), 0.24 ± 0.07, and 0.12 ± 0.02 for glioma, normal brain, and vasculature, respectively. The data suggest that the apparent conversion rate better differentiate glioma from normal brain (P = 0.001, n = 6) than the lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio (P = 0.02). Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell cycle-dependent regulation of Greatwall kinase by protein phosphatase 1 and regulatory subunit 3B

Greatwall (Gwl) kinase plays an essential role in the regulation of mitotic entry and progression. Mitotic activation of Gwl requires both cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1)-dependent phosphorylation and its autophosphorylation at an evolutionarily conserved serine residue near the carboxyl terminus (Ser-883 in Xenopus). In this study we show that Gwl associates with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), particularly PP1γ, which mediates the dephosphorylation of Gwl Ser-883. Consistent with the mitotic activation of Gwl, its association with PP1 is disrupted in mitotic cells and egg extracts. During mitotic exit, PP1-dependent dephosphorylation of Gwl Ser-883 occurs prior to dephosphorylation of other mitotic substrates; replacing endogenous Gwl with a phosphomimetic S883E mutant blocks mitotic exit. Moreover, we identified PP1 regulatory subunit 3B (PPP1R3B) as a targeting subunit that can direct PP1 activity toward Gwl. PPP1R3B bridges PP1 and Gwl association and promotes Gwl Ser-883 dephosphorylation. Consistent with the cell cycle-dependent association of Gwl and PP1, Gwl and PPP1R3B dissociate in M phase. Interestingly, up-regulation of PPP1R3B facilitates mitotic exit and blocks mitotic entry. Thus, our study suggests PPP1R3B as a new cell cycle regulator that functions by governing Gwl dephosphorylation.
Portfolio management by an investor and suggesting the optimal portfolio using sharpe model

Since the composition of portfolio is a factor considered by the managers, shareholders and other interested individuals and institutions. Therefore, it is essential for them to recognize and inform of the components of portfolio. How to shape the portfolio of the company, its impact on performance and effective at the company, and its relevance with systematic risk of companies is noteworthy for shareholder, financial managers, creditors, as well as competitors of the companies.
The Safety and Analgesic Efficacy of Intranasal Ketorolac in Patients with Postoperative Pain

BACKGROUND:We evaluated the safety and efficacy of multiple doses of intranasal ketorolac tromethamine (ketorolac) for postoperative pain. METHODS:This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients undergoing major surgery who were randomized to receive intranasal ketorolac, 10 mg or 30 mg, or placebo every 8 h for 40 h. After surgery, patients with pain intensity of at least 40 on a 100-mm visual analog scale were assessed at 30 min and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 h after receiving the study drug. Patient-controlled IV morphine provided supplemental analgesia. RESULTS:Among 127 patients enrolled, morphine use during the first 24 h was significantly less in patients receiving 30 mg of ketorolac (37.8 mg) than in the placebo group (56.5 mg) and in the 10-mg ketorolac group (54.3 mg). Over 48 h, the 30-mg ketorolac group used significantly less morphine than the placebo group. Summed pain intensity differences at 4 and 6 h significantly favored the 30-mg ketorolac group over the other groups. The rates of pyrexia and tachycardia were significantly lower in the ketorolac 30-mg group than in the placebo group. Other adverse events were reported with similar frequency in all treatment groups and most were considered unrelated to treatment. CONCLUSION:Thirty milligrams of intranasal ketorolac demonstrated significant analgesic efficacy compared to 10 mg of intranasal ketorolac and placebo.
The effect of glucose infusion on glucose kinetics during a 1-h time trial.

PURPOSE AND METHODS To investigate the effect of glucose infusion on glucose kinetics and performance, six endurance cyclists (VO2max = 61.7 +/- 2.0 (mean +/- SE) mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) completed two performance trials in which they had to accomplish a set amount of work as quickly as possible (991 +/- 41 kJ). Subjects were infused with either glucose (20% in saline; carbohydrate (CHO)) at a rate of 1 g x min(-1) or saline (0.9% saline; placebo (PLA)). It was hypothesized that time trial performance would be unaffected by the infusion of glucose, as endogenous stores of CHO would not be limiting in the PLA trial. RESULTS Plasma glucose concentration increased from 4.8 +/- 0.1 mmol x L(-1) to 5.9 +/- 0.3 mmol x L(-1) during the PLA trial and from 4.9 +/- 0.1 mmol x L(-1) at rest to 12.4 +/- 1.1 mmol x L(-1) during the CHO trial. These values were significantly higher at all time points during the CHO trial compared with PLA (P < 0.001). In the final stages of the time trial, Rd in the PLA trial was 49 +/- 5 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) compared with 88 +/- 7 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1) in the CHO trial (P < 0.05). Despite these differences, there was no difference in performance time between PLA and CHO (60.04 +/- 1.47 min, PLA, vs 59.90 +/- 1.49 min, CHO, respectively). Infused carbohydrate oxidation in the last 25% of the CHO trial was at least 675 +/- 120 micromol x kg(-1) and contributed 17 +/- 4% to total carbohydrate oxidation. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that glucose infusion had no effect on 1-h cycle time-trial performance, despite an increased availability of plasma glucose for oxidation and evidence of increased glucose uptake into the tissues.
Development of functional LH Receptors on pig cumulus–oocyte complexes cultured in vitro by a novel two‐step culture system

We show in the present study that freshly isolated pig cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) display a limited response to LH, as assessed by the expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2) mRNA, activation of protein kinase A (PKA), production of hyaluronic acid (HA) and progesterone, cumulus cell expansion and resumption of meiosis. These data indicate that freshly isolated COCs do not possess a sufficient number of functional LH receptors (LHR). However, the expression of Lhr significantly increased during the culture of COCs in vitro in a medium supplemented with FSH. Assuming that the effect of FSH on LHR induction is mediated via cAMP signaling pathways, we developed a new culture system, in which the COCs were pre‐cultured for 72 hr in a medium supplemented with dbcAMP. The pre‐cultured COCs remained in the germinal vesicle stage, their cumulus investment underwent a dramatic increase in size and gap junctions between the cumulus cells were preserved. The stimulation of such COCs with either FSH or LH led to the resumption and completion of meiosis, activation of PKA, expression of Has2, synthesis of large amounts of HA and progesterone, and extensive expansion of cumulus cells. We conclude that the formation of functional LHR is stimulated in cumulus cells during the culture in vitro in a cAMP‐dependent pathway. The dbcAMP‐treated COCs thus represent a new model in which the resumption of meiosis and cumulus expansion can be induced exclusively by the action of recombinant LH. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 751–761, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laryngeal Papillomatosis Associated Dysplasia in the Adult Population

Objectives: The objectives were to determine the prevalence of laryngeal dysplasia and associated human papilloma virus (HPV) subtypes in adult patients, 18 years or older, suffering from laryngeal papillomatosis at a tertiary care institution. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Patients with biopsy proven laryngeal papillomatosis were identified via chart review. All available pathology specimens were reviewed by a dedicated head and neck pathologist to confirm/refute the diagnosis of laryngeal dysplasia, and grade the level of dysplasia. Interrater agreement was compared using cross-tabulation methods. Specimens identified to be positive for dysplasia underwent further testing via in situ hybridization for low-risk (6/11) or high-risk (16/18) HPV subtypes. Results: Of the 85 subjects identified to have laryngeal papillomatosis, 24(28%) demonstrated laryngeal dysplasia. There was good interrater agreement on the presence of dysplasia; however, there was only fair agreement on the grade of dysplasia. Of the pathology specimens tested for HPV subtype, the majority of patients (62%) were positive for HPV 6/11, including all high-grade dysplasia patients. Three (12%) dysplasia specimens were negative for both high- and low-risk HPV subtypes. Conclusions: We found a 28% prevalence of dysplasia in our patient population with the majority of patients positive for low-risk HPV subtypes indicating that high-risk HPV subtypes do not predispose laryngeal papilloma patients to dysplasia.
Kirjallisuuskatsaus: Eläimet osana matkailutoimintaa

Tourism is one of the social practices in which human-animal encounters are direct and conscious. Animals not only play a key role in the creation of tourism and leisure experiences, but they have even become icons and symbols of destinations around the world. Hence, the theoretical problematization of human-animal relationships is clearly reflected in the tourism context, where animals are turned into resources controlled by tourism organizations to serve organizational goals. It is not surprising that concern for the rights and welfare of animals used in tourism has been growing among tourism scholars and the public in general. This literature review contributes to a better understanding of human-animal encounters in tourism by examining the focus of this discussion within the scope of tourism studies. Results indicate that human-animal encounters in tourism have largely been approached from ethical, consumer and management perspectives. In doing so, most attention has been on evaluating the role of animals in the production of different tourism experiences, as well as their rights and welfare in relation to the work they perform. Relatively few studies have examined the position, meaning and active agency of animals as a part of human-animal tourism encounters.
Localization of the cytochrome cd1 and copper nitrite reductases in denitrifying bacteria

The locations of cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens and copper nitrite reductases in Achromobacter cycloclastes and Achromobacter xylosoxidans were identified. Immunogold labeling with colloidal-gold probes showed that the nitrite reductases were synthesized exclusively in anaerobically grown (denitrifying) cells. Little immunogold label occurred in the cytoplasm of these four strains; most was found in the periplasmic space or was associated with cell membranes. Immunogold labeling of thin sections was superior to fractionation by osmotic shock for locating nitrite reductases. The results support models of dentrification energetics that require a periplasmic, not a cytoplasmic, location for nitrite reductases.
An improved model predictive controller for highly reliable grid connected photovoltaic multilevel inverters

Multilevel Inverters play key role in grid integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Although power semiconductor devices in multilevel inverters represent the most expensive and vulnerable parts according to the recent reliability surveys. Thermal stresses in power semiconductor devices represent the main cause of their failures. Therefore, improved controllers with lower thermal stresses are highly demanded. Conventional finite control set model predictive control (MPC) utilizes a high sampling rate to select the optimum switching state from all possible states. Consequently, high power losses and high thermal stresses are produced in this type. This paper introduces an improved model predictive controller (MPC) for preserving high reliability for grid connected single phase full bridge five level T-type inverter. The proposed controller selects the optimum switching sequence to drive the inverter from a set of switching sequences with an optimized switching transitions. The proposed MPC features constant switching frequency with minimized switching transitions of power devices and voltage balance of DC-link capacitors. The results of the designed and implemented case study are presented to validate the superiority of the proposed controller.
Lower incidence of acute GVHD is associated with the rapid recovery of CD4+CD25+CD45RA+ regulatory T cells in patients who received haploidentical allografts from NIMA-mismatched donors: A retrospective (development) and prospective (validation) cohort-based study

ABSTRACT To investigate the effects of non-inherited maternal antigen (NIMA) on clinical outcomes and immune recovery, especially of regulatory T cells (Tregs), in patients who underwent unmanipulated haploidentical transplantation. A retrospective cohort (n = 57) and a prospective cohort (n = 88) were included. All patients received haploidentical allografts from sibling donors. Reconstitution of immune subsets, including Tregs, was determined using multicolor flow cytometry. In the retrospective cohort, the cumulative incidence of grades II–IV acute GVHD in patients with NIMA-mismatched donors was significantly lower than that of cases with NIPA-mismatched donors (14.8% vs. 43.30%, p = 0.018). Patients with higher percentages of CD4+CD25+CD45RA+ T cells (naive Tregs) within CD4+ T cells recovered on day 30 (≥1.55%) experienced a significantly lower incidence of grades II–IV acute GVHD than that of cases with lower percentages of naive Tregs (<1.55%) (13.8% vs. 46.4%, p = 0.010). Multivariate analysis showed that NIMA mismatch and the percentages of naive Tregs were associated with the incidence of grades II–IV acute GVHD [p = 0.050, and 0.031, respectively]. In the prospective cohort, the association of NIMA mismatch [HR = 0.365, 95% CI, 0.169–0.786, p = 0.010] or higher percentages of naive Tregs recovered on day 30 (≥1.55%) [HR = 0.114, 95% CI, 0.027–0.479, p = 0.003] with a lower cumulative incidence of grades II–IV acute GVHD was further demonstrated. No effects of NIMA mismatch on chronic GVHD, transplant-related mortality, relapse, disease-free survival, or overall survival were found. Our results confirmed the role of NIMA mismatch in acute GVHD and provided the first demonstration, based on clinical data, that recovered Tregs may be involved in the effects of NIMA on acute GVHD in a haploidentical transplant setting.
Evaluating Human T Cell Receptor Gene Expression by PCR

This unit describes the use of PCR to characterize and quantify rearranged transcripts from specific T cell receptor variable gene families in human tissue and peripheral blood lymphocytes. The strategy outlined in this unit has been extensively used on different sources of human tissue including brain, spinal cord, and skeletal muscle. A protocol is provided to clone and sequence PCR‐amplified cDNA transcripts to study the junctional diversity of the expressed genes. A support protocol describes a method for reverse transcribing total RNA to make the cDNA required by the other protocols.
Restructuring Care for Older Adults Undergoing Surgery: Preliminary Data from the Co‐Management of Older Operative Patients En Route Across Treatment Environments (CO‐OPERATE) Model of Care

Surgery is common in older adults, so geriatric and surgical providers need to develop expertise in the care of older adults undergoing surgery. The Co‐management of Older Operative Patients En Route Across Treatment Environments (CO‐OPERATE) program is a clinical and educational collaboration between geriatrics and several surgical specialties at Veterans Affairs Health Care Connecticut. Individuals in CO‐OPERATE are co‐managed during the pre‐, peri‐, and postoperative periods. General surgery, urology, vascular surgery, orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery all participate in the program, with geriatrics expertise provided by a geriatrician, geriatric nurse practitioner and a geriatric clinical pharmacist. In the initial 3 years, there were 211 CO‐OPERATE participants; 31% were evaluated preoperatively, and 62% of the individuals seen preoperatively were seen in clinic. There was a median of three recommendations per consultation. At discharge, 56% returned to the community. Individuals seen preoperatively were more likely to return to the community (63%) than those seen after surgery (50%, P = .10). Geriatrics co‐management with a variety of surgical specialties is feasible and may be associated with higher rates of discharge back to the community.
Electronic structure of the superatom: A quasiatomic system based on a semiconductor heterostructure.

The electronic structure of the superatom, a recently proposed mesoscopic system made of a spherical semiconductor heterostructure, is investigated by a self-consistent local-density-functional calculation. Numerical results on AlGaAs-GaAs superatoms reveal that the atomic-orbital picture can be successfully applied and that the ground-state configuration is stable at $T\ensuremath{\sim}1$ K. The electronic level structure, however, is quite distinct from that of ordinary atoms because of the absence of the $\frac{1}{r}$ singularity in the potential.
Impacts of electric vehicles on the transient voltage stability of distribution network and the study of improvement measures

Electric vehicles connected directly to the distribution network are expected to increase the base electric loads and reduce the stability of a power system. Meanwhile, equipped with bidirectional battery chargers, electric vehicles can work in V2G mode, as spinning reserve, and enhance grid stability. This paper discusses the charger technologies, requirements and proposes transient voltage stability margin index considering the impacts of dynamic loads on the transient voltage stability grid. Based on the index, the paper evaluates and compares the impacts of electric vehicles charging loads, static loads and combined loads on the transient voltage stability of distribution network and proposes the improvement of considering the V2G mode for the transient voltage instability situation of electric vehicle charging. The model of bidirectional battery chargers and IEEE16 bus test systems are performed by MATLAB & SimPowerSystems, and the availability of the index is confirmed.
Provenance-Based Attestation for Trustworthy Computing

We present a new approach to the attestation of a computer's trustworthiness that is founded on provenance data of its key components. The prevailing method of attestation relies on comparing integrity measurements of the key components of a computer against a reference database of trustworthy integrity measurements. An integrity measurement is obtained by passing a software binary or any component through a hash function but this value carries little information unless there is a reference database. On the other hand, the semantics of provenance contain more details. There are expressive information such as the component's history and its causal dependencies with other elements of a computer. Hence, we argue that provenance data can be used as evidence of trustworthiness during attestation. In this paper, we describe a complete design for provenance-based attestation. The design development is guided by goals and it covers all the phases of this approach. We discuss about collecting provenance data and using the PROV data model to represent provenance data. To determine if provenance data of a component can provide evidence of its trustworthiness, we have developed a rule specification grammar and provided a discourse on using the rules. We then build the key mechanisms of this form of attestation by exploring approaches to capture provenance data and look at transforming the trust evaluation rules to XQuery language before running the rules against an XML based record of provenance data. Finally, the design is analyzed using threat modelling.
Farm Workers of the Future: Vision-Based Robotics for Broad-Acre Agriculture

Farmers are under growing pressure to intensify production to feed a growing population while managing environmental impact. Robotics has the potential to address these challenges by replacing large complex farm machinery with fleets of small autonomous robots. This article presents our research toward the goal of developing teams of autonomous robots that perform typical farm coverage operations. Making a large fleet of autonomous robots economical requires the use of inexpensive sensors, such as cameras for localization and obstacle avoidance. To this end, we describe a vision-based obstacle detection system that continually adapts to environmental and illumination variations and a visionassisted localization system that can guide a robot along crop rows with a complex appearance. Large fleets of robots will become time-consuming to monitor, control, and resupply. To reduce this burden, we describe a vision-based docking system for autonomously refilling liquid supplies and an interface for controlling multiple robots.