Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of root-resistance by leaf-herbivory follows a vertical gradient

Abstract Leaf-herbivory can lead to systemic changes in root metabolism and resistance. As yet, it is unknown if these changes affect the whole root system, or if they are more pronounced in the upper root parts, which are closer to the actual site of attack. As this spatial aspect may be an important determinant of the interactions that can be expected to occur within the rhizosphere, we investigated if leaf-herbivore induced root resistance differs between upper and lower roots of maize. We also tested if the density of leaf-herbivores correlates with intensity of the root response. The systemic increase in resistance was found to be more pronounced in the upper than the lower roots and was independent of leaf herbivore density. The results suggest that there is a vertical gradient in the strength of the root response following leaf-herbivory, and that soil organisms living closer to the surface may be more affected by leaf-attack than the ones living in deeper soil layers.
Differences in the pathologic and molecular features of intraductal breast carcinoma between younger and older women

Patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) at a young age appear to have a different natural history and biology, including a higher local relapse rate, than patients diagnosed later in life. The current study compared various pathologic and molecular features of DCIS arising in a cohort of young women with those of DCIS arising in a cohort of older women to identify potential biologic differences between these two populations of patients.
SWEM: A multiphysics sea-surface simulation environment

Many modern marine craft rely on guidance, navigation and control systems in order to operate safely and efficiently. However, testing of such systems via sea-trials can be a costly and time-consuming exercise. Boat dynamics simulators offer a quicker and cheaper alternative for control system validation. In this paper, we present the Sheffield Wave Environment Model (SWEM), a sea-surface simulation environment which can be used in conjunction with a boat dynamics simulator. SWEM models the effects of ocean swell, gusting local wind, surface current and finite water depth on sea-surfaces. This paper outlines the physical models used in SWEM as well as providing a tutorial on its functionality.
Side Chain Hydroxylations in Bile Acid Biosynthesis Catalyzed by CYP3A Are Markedly Up-regulated in Cyp27−/− Mice but Not in Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis*

The accumulation of various 25-hydroxylated C27-bile alcohols in blood and their excretion in urine are characteristic features of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) a recessively inherited inborn error of bile acid synthesis caused by mutations in the mitochondrial sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27) gene. These bile alcohols may be intermediates in the alternative cholic acid side chain cleavage pathway. The present study was undertaken to identify enzymes and reactions responsible for the formation of these bile alcohols and to explain why Cyp27−/− mice do not show CTX-related abnormalities. Microsomal activities of 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α-triol 25- and 26-hydroxylases, 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α,25-tetrol 23R-, 24S-, and 27-hydroxylases and testosterone 6β-hydroxylase, a marker enzyme for CYP3A, inCyp27−/− mice livers were markedly up-regulated (5.5-, 3.5-, 6.5-, 7.5-, 2.9-, and 5.4-fold, respectively). In contrast, these enzyme activities were not increased in CTX. The activities of 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α-triol 25- and 26-hydroxylases and 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α,25-tetrol 23R-, 24R-, 24S-, and 27-hydroxylases were strongly correlated with the activities of testosterone 6β-hydroxylase in control human liver microsomes from eight unrelated donors. Troleandomycin, a specific inhibitor of CYP3A, markedly suppressed these microsomal side chain hydroxylations in both mouse and human livers in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, experiments using recombinant overexpressed human CYP3A4 confirmed that these microsomal side chain hydroxylations were catalyzed by a single enzyme, CYP3A4. The results demonstrate that microsomal 25- and 26-hydroxylations of 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α-triol and microsomal 23R-, 24R-, 24S-, and 27-hydroxylations of 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α,25-tetrol are mainly catalyzed by CYP3A in both mice and humans. UnlikeCyp27−/− mice, CYP3A activity was not up-regulated despite marked accumulation of 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α-triol in CTX.
Enseñanza de la geriatría en las facultades de medicina españolas

INTRODUCCION: La Geriatria es la especialidad medica dedicada a los aspectos preventivos, clinicos, terapeuticos y sociales de las personas mayores. Su desarrollo tuvo lugar en Inglaterra desde 1930 y posteriormente fue introducida en Estados Unidos y otros paises europeos como Espana. Desde finales de 1960 distintas organizaciones internacionales han manifestado la importancia de la formacion en Geriatria para todos los medicos, pero distintos autores han mostrado la falta de dicha formacion y la importancia de su evaluacion. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar las caracteristicas de la formacion en Geriatria en las facultades de Medicina espanolas en la actualidad. Analizar la evolucion de la docencia en Geriatria, comparar la situacion espanola frente a datos internacionales y buscar las estrategias empleadas para incorporar esta especialidad en el grado de Medicina. Finalmente proponer un listado de recomendaciones para implementar dicha formacion. METODOLOGIA: Entrevistas a todas las facultades de Medicina de Espana mediante una encuesta online que evaluo brevemente las caracteristicas de la formacion en Geriatria. Revision del plan de estudios de las facultades espanolas de Medicina, de los programas docentes de Geriatria de dichas universidades, las competencias incluidas en los documentos oficiales espanoles y la literatura internacional existente. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de docencia en Geriatria en las facultades de Medicina espanolas es del 77,5 por ciento y en el 96,8 por ciento de los casos. El 74,2 por ciento de las facultades cuentan con geriatras en su docencia. La duracion media de la asignatura en Espana es de 3,17 ECTS. La inclusion media del curriculum de Geriatria europeo es del 42,6 por ciento en los programas docentes de Geriatria, del 32 en el BOE y del 47 en el Libro Blanco de Medicina. A nivel nacional se aprecia un incremento de la obligatoriedad de la asignatura (96,8 versus 66,7 por ciento; p igual a 0,03), participacion de geriatras en la docencia (74,2 versus 38,1 por ciento; p igual a 0,03), practicas en departamentos de Geriatria (47,1 versus 27,3 por ciento) y un descenso de la formacion independiente (35,5 versus 71,4 por ciento; p igual a 0,01). CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de ensenanza de Geriatria en las facultades de Medicina espanolas es del 77,5 por ciento. Esta formacion es obligatoria y se da en el segundo ciclo de los estudios de grado en la mayoria de casos. Frecuentemente la Geriatria se ensena combinada con otras especialidades medicas, involucrando a geriatras y con una duracion media de 3,17 ECTS. Se ha observado una evolucion ligeramente positiva pero en la actualidad muchas de las recomendaciones europeas sobre docencia de Geriatria no se incluyen. Hemos propuesto una lista de recomendaciones para mejorar esta docencia.
Quarantine and AIDS.

Recent Connecticut legislation has authorized quarantine under certain conditions for persons having a communicable disease. In the event that this legislation comes to be applied to persons with AIDS substantial organizational planning will be required. In addition to outlining some of those planning needs the creation of a review board advisory to the Commissioner of Health Services is proposed. (authors)
SIMAP: the similarity matrix of proteins

MOTIVATION Sequence similarity searches are of great importance in bioinformatics. Exhaustive searches for homologous proteins in databases are computationally expensive and can be replaced by a database of pre-calculated homologies in many cases. Retrieving similarities from an incrementally updated database instead of repeatedly recalculating them should provide homologs much faster and frees computational resources for other purposes. RESULTS We have implemented SIMAP-a database containing the similarity space formed by almost all amino acid sequences from public databases and completely sequenced genomes. The database is capable of handling very large datasets and allows incremental updates. We have implemented a powerful backbone for similarity computation, which is based on FASTA heuristics. By providing WWW interfaces as well as web services, we make our data accessible to the worldwide community. We have also adapted procedures to detect putative orthologs as example applications. AVAILABILITY The SIMAP portal page providing links to SIMAP services is publicly available: http://mips.gsf. de/services/analysis/simap/. The web services can be accessed under http://mips.gsf. de/proj/hobitws/services/RPCSimapService? wsdl and http://mips.gsf. de/proj/hobitws/services/DocSimapService? wsdl
Data packet length optimization for Wireless Sensor Network lifetime maximization

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) comprising of battery-powered sensor nodes are being used in a wide range of applications. The feasibility of such applications is highly influenced by the longevity of these networks. In this work, we present a realistic WSN lifetime optimization framework where transmission power levels for both data and ACK packets are optimally selected (i.e., a complete link-layer handshaking cycle is modeled). Log-normal shadowing path loss model is employed to take into account the effects of path losses. We utilized the developed Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) based optimization framework to investigate the impact of data packet length on WSN lifetime. To quantify the effects of data packet length on network lifetime we explored the parameter space consisting of the number of nodes and node deployment density. Our results show that the optimal data packet length is the maximum allowed length.
Lipophilic Prodrugs and Formulations of Conventional (Deoxy)Nucleoside and Fluoropyrimidine Analogs in Cancer

Many drugs that are currently used for the treatment of cancer have limitations, such as induction of resistance and/or poor biological half-life, which reduce their clinical efficacy. To overcome these limitations, several strategies have been explored. Chemical modification by the attachment of lipophilic moieties to (deoxy)nucleoside analogs should enhance the plasma half-life, change the biodistribution, and improve cellular uptake of the drug. Attachment of a lipophilic moiety to a phosphorylated (deoxy)nucleoside analog will improve the activity of the drugs by circumventing the rate-limiting activation step of (deoxy)nucleoside analogs. Encapsulating drugs in nanoparticles or liposomes protects the drug against enzymatic breakdown in the plasma and makes it possible to get lipophilic compounds to the tumor site. In this review, we discuss the considerable progress that has been made in increasing the efficacy of classic (deoxy)nucleoside and fluoropyrimidine compounds by chemical modifications and alternative delivery systems.
Neue Aspekte in der Therapie der neovaskulären altersabhängigen Makuladegeneration: Kriterien der Wiederbehandlung bei der Anti-VEGF-Therapie

Die Rahmenbedingungen in der Behandlung der neovaskulären AMD haben sich seit den letzten Stellungnahmen der Fachgesellschaften [1–4] erneut verändert. Dies gilt weniger für die wissenschaftliche Beurteilung der Wirksamkeit der zur Verfügung stehenden Medikamente, sondern mehr für die klinische Umsetzung im Behandlungsalltag. Generell fand diese in Deutschland auf der Basis der Europäischen Zulassung (Anmerkungen hierzu s.u.) statt, die das funktionelle Kriterium eines erneuten Visusverlusts in den Mittelpunkt stellt. Hierdurch entstand im Rahmen der vertraglichen Umsetzungen ein „Deutsches Behandlungsschema“, dessen Effektivität nun nach aktuellen Analysen mit anderen internationalen Behandlungsserien verglichen werden kann. Diese weisen zusammenfassend darauf hin, dass morphologische Kriterien der Beurteilung einer erneuten Aktivität der CNV gegenüber funktionellen Kriterien sensitiver sind („Morphologie vor Funktion“) und daher als zielführendere Wiederbehandlungskriterien anzusehen sind. Es erscheint deshalb notwendig, die Empfehlungen der Fachgesellschaften zur Therapie der neovaskulären AMD dem aktuellen Kenntnisstand über die effektivste Wiederbehandlungsstrategie anzupassen.
Assessing the potential for bias in meta-analysis due to selective reporting of subgroup analyses within studies.

Subgroup analysis is frequently used to investigate heterogeneity in meta-analysis. Subgroup data are not always available, and researchers should record what data were available for each trial. If data were not available, and it is known that the subgroup data were collected, the potential for selective reporting should be considered. Bias due to selective publishing of reports is widely recognized in meta-analysis. In contrast, selective reporting within studies is little discussed but potentially important. We explored this problem by evaluating the effect of potential bias in subgroup analysis due to within-study selective reporting with an existing meta-analysis. The review addressed malaria chemoprophylaxis in pregnancy. The conclusion in the original review, that benefit is limited to primigravidae, was based on subgroup analysis using the three trials out of five which reported on subgroups. We developed a method of sensitivity analysis that imputes data for the missing subgroups to assess the robustness of the results and the conclusions drawn. In this particular example, our analysis indicates that the estimate of effect reported in the review is most likely to overestimate the true effect and the conclusion that benefit is limited to primigravidae may be false.
Deterministic optimal synthesis of radiating sources: From discrete to continuous sources, and to isophoric arrays

The paper provides some review of effective approaches to the synthesis of shaped and pencil beams through continuous aperture sources, and to the emulation of these sources by isophoric array antennas. Focusing on deterministic approaches which do not exploit global optimization, the three most common isophoric architectures, i.e., sparse, thinned, and clustered arrays, are considered.
Nondestructive defect characterization of saw-damage-etched multicrystalline silicon wafers using scanning electron acoustic microscopy

Defects in multicrystalline silicon wafers after saw-damage etch (SDE) for different etch durations are characterized nondestructively using scanning electron acoustic microcopy (SEAM). SEAM is shown to be able to detect both surface and subsurface defects, as well as crystallographic imperfections such as grain boundaries in mc-Si wafers. The capabilities of the SEAM imaging are further extended for investigations of the structural properties of the saw-damage-induced defects and optimization of the SDE process. It is established that SEAM could be effective in determining the optimal SDE etch duration required for the minimization or complete removal of the saw-damage layer. In addition, it also confirms that the SDE process itself does not create new line-like defects.
The effect of increasing solar activity on the Sun's total and open magnetic flux during multiple cycles: Implications for solar forcing of climate

We investigate the relationship between solar irradiance and cosmogenic isotope variations by simulating with a flux transport model the effect of solar activity on the Sun's total and open magnetic flux. As the total amount of magnetic flux deposited in successive cycles increases, the polar fields build up, producing a secular increase in the open flux that controls the interplanetary magnetic field which modulates the cosmic ray flux that produces cosmogenic isotopes. Non‐axisymmetric fields at lower latitudes decay on time scales of less than a year; as a result the total magnetic flux at the solar surface, which controls the Sun's irradiance, lacks an upward trend during cycle minima. This suggests that secular increases in cosmogenic and geomagnetic proxies of solar activity may not necessarily imply equivalent secular trends in solar irradiance. Questions therefore arise about the interpretation of Sun‐climate relationships, which typically assume that the proxies imply radiative forcing.
hSP, the domain‐duplicated homolog of pS2 protein, is co‐expressed with pS2 in stomach but not in breast carcinoma.

Approximately 50% of human breast tumors secrete a small cysteine‐rich protein, pS2, of unknown function. pS2 protein was recently found to be homologous to a porcine protein with hormonogastric activity, pancreatic spasmolytic polypeptide (PSP), in which the 5‐cysteine domain present in pS2 is tandemly duplicated. We have characterized cDNA species encoding PSP and its human and mouse counterparts, hSP and mSP. We show that hSP and pS2 are separately encoded in the genome, and that the two proteins are co‐expressed in normal stomach epithelium. However, expression of hSP was not detected in breast tumors. Computer analysis revealed that the pattern of conserved cysteine residues in hSP and pS2, the P domain, is present at the N termini of two other mammalian proteins, intestinal sucrase‐isomaltase and lysosomal alpha‐glucosidase.
Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with Campylobacter infection.

A 42-year-old lorry driver developed the initial symptoms of Guillain-Barr6 syndrome nine days after the onset of four days' diarrhoea, which he experienced abroad. The weakness of the extremities peaked on the fourth day after the appearance of the first symptoms of the syndrome. At that time the patient was unable to walk but was not brought to hospital until the eighth day. He did not need artificial respiration and his condition started improving during the next few days. The cerebrospinal fluid showed a protein content of 830 mg/l. Routine blood investigations were normal, and the stool cultures for Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia were negative. No antibodies compatible with acute viral, salmonella, yersinia, brucella, or chlamydia infection were found. Stool was cultured only once for Campylobacter (23 days after the onset of diarrhoea), and Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni was isolated. Electroneuromyography 24 days after the onset of Guillain-Barr6 syndrome showed pronounced exaggerated insertion activity throughout the muscles, reflecting axonal involvement. The motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities were normal. Two months later considerable denervation activity was present as a sign of extensive axon damage. After six months' follow-up there was atrophia of the distal muscles and weakness in all extremities, and, unexpectedly, the patient also had a high-frequency tremor and slight rigidity of the extremities.
The VEINES Study (VEnous INsufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Study): An International Cohort Study on Chronic Venous Disorders of the Leg

The aim of the VEINES study is to address some gaps in knowledge regarding the multi dimensional repercussions of venous disorders and the measurement of outcomes. Its objectives are to describe and compare defined clinical presentations of venous-related leg disorders with regard to natural history, clinical outcome, functional capacity, quality of life, and economic impact. A secondary objective is to develop or identify and test standardized instruments for the evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness. This paper presents an overview of the design of the study and of the options chosen for the recruit ment process and the outcome measures.
Properties and Applications of Palygorskite-Sepiolite Clays

Abstract The palygorskite-sepiolite group of clay minerals has a wide range of industrial applications derived mainly from its sorptive, rheological and catalytic properties which are based on the fabric, surface area, porosity, crystal morphology, structure and composition of these minerals. For assessing potential industrial uses, the mineralogical and chemical composition of the clay and its basic physical and physico-chemical parameters must be determined. Then some particular properties of commercial interest can be modified and improved by appropriate thermal, mechanical and acid treatments, surface active agents, organo-mineral derivatives formation, etc. In this paper, a revision of the principal characteristics of commercial palygorskite-sepiolite clays is presented, and potential uses are suggested according to these data. New products and applications are being investigated and those concerning environmental protection in particular, are noted. Finally, possible health effects of these elongate clay minerals are discussed.
Preoperative localization of parathyroid lesions

Summary The aim of our study was to assess retrospectively the value of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT in the localization of parathyroid lesions in primary hyperparathyroidism and to determine the impact of PTH level, age, sex, characteristics of the lesions and thyroid nodules on the sensitivity of imaging. Patients, methods: Fifty nine patients who were cured after the resection of 60 lesions (50 adenomas, 9 hyperplasias and 1 carcinoma, 9 of them in ectopy) were selected. 99mTcO4-, early and late 99mTc-MIBI planar images (n = 59), 99mTc-MIBI SPECT (n = 58) and ultrasound (n = 50) performed preoperatively were analyzed. The imaging results were compared to surgical and histological findings and correlated to different factors suspected of influencing the imaging's sensitivity. Results: Sensitivity of double phase 99mTc-MIBI/99mTcO4- scintigraphy was higher than that of early or late scintigraphy alone. SPECT increased the sensitivity of scintigraphy from 85% to 92% and was useful to confirm doubtful foci and to localize ectopic lesions. Ultrasound (US) had the lowest sensitivity (56%) and the highest rate of false-positive results (n = 10), but identified 2 adenomas which were not detected by scintigraphy. Combining all imaging modalities, sensitivity reached 96%. Better sensitivities were observed when age < 69 years, preoperative PTH level ≥155 pg/ml, weight of the gland ≥0.80 g and in the absence of thyroid nodules. US was more influenced by these factors than scintigraphy. Conclusion: Combination of US, double-phase 99mTc- MIBI/99mTcO4- planar scintigraphy and SPECT is the most accurate method for the detection of parathyroid lesions and should be performed before minimally invasive surgery, especially when PTH level is low, in older patients and in cases of multinodular goiter.
Booster: Kooperative Softwareentwicklung im World-Wide Web

Die Realisierung zunehmend komplexer Softwareprojekte erfordert das direkte und indirekteZusammenwirken einer immer groser werdenden Zahl von Personen. Die dafur benotigte Infrastrukturist mit der zunehmenden globalen Rechner-Vernetzung bereits vorhanden, doch wird ihr Potential vonherkommlichen Werkzeugen in der Regel bei weitem nicht ausgeschopft. Das in diesem Artikelvorgestellte Rahmenmodell fur Softwareentwicklung wurde explizit im Hinblick auf die globaleKooperation von Entwicklern entworfen. WebMake, eine auf diesem Modell basierende Software-entwicklungsumgebung, adressiert das Ziel seiner Einsetzbarkeit im globalen Masstab durch dieVerwendung des World-Wide Web als Datenspeicherungs- und Kommunikationsinfrastruktur.