Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PART OF A SPECIAL ISSUE ON POPULATION BIOLOGY Genetic differentiation for size at first reproduction through male versus female functions in the widespread Mediterranean tree Pinus pinaster

† Background and Aims The study of local adaptation in plant reproductive traits has received substantial attention in short-lived species, but studies conducted on forest trees are scarce. This lack of research on long-lived species represents an important gap in our knowledge, because inferences about selection on the reproduction and life history of short-lived species cannot necessarily be extrapolated to trees. This study considers whether the size for first reproduction is locally adapted across a broad geographical range of the Mediterranean conifer species Pinus pinaster. In particular, the study investigates whether this monoecious species varies genetically among populations in terms of whether individuals start to reproduce through their male function, their female function or both sexual functions simultaneously. Whether differences among populations could be attributed to local adaptation across a climatic gradient is then considered. † Methods Male and female reproduction and growth were measured during early stages of sexual maturity of a P. pinaster common garden comprising 23 populations sampled across the species range. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess genetic variability of early reproductive life-history traits. Environmental correlations with reproductive life-history traits were tested after controlling for neutral genetic structure provided by 12 nuclear simple sequence repeat markers. † Key Results Trees tended to reproduce first through their male function, at a size (height) that varied little among source populations. The transition to female reproduction was slower, showed higher levels of variability and was negatively correlated with vegetative growth traits. Several female reproductive traits were correlated with a gradient of growth conditions, even after accounting for neutral genetic structure, with populations from more unfavourable sites tending to commence female reproduction at a lower individual size. † Conclusions The study represents the first report of genetic variability among populations for differences in the threshold size for first reproduction between male and female sexual functions in a tree species. The relatively uniform size at which individuals begin reproducing through their male function probably represents the fact that pollen dispersal is also relatively invariant among sites. However, the genetic variability in the timing of female reproduction probably reflects environment-dependent costs of cone production. The results also suggest that early sex allocation in this species might evolve under constraints that do not apply to other conifers.
Torque ripple reduction in fractional-slot Interior PM machines optimizing the flux-barrier geometries

As far as the permanent magnet (PM) machine design is concerned, there are two recent trends. The first deals with the adoption of fractional-slot (FS) non-overlapped coil windings for the stator, which minimizes the length of the end- windings with a consequent benefit on the reduction of copper cost and losses. The second regards the choice of rotor structures with Interior PM (IPM rotors), which exhibits a reluctance torque components and allows a low-cost PM to be used. However, the adoption of FS winding (characterized by a high MMF harmonic content) together with an IPM rotor (which is an anisotropic structure) is not devoid of drawbacks. Certainly the biggest one is the high ripple in the torque behaviour. An analytical procedure to analyze and minimize such a torque ripple is presented in this paper. Some solutions are compared, taking the PM heights and the flux-barrier end angles as design variables. Some finite element results are also presented to integrate the analysis, including the effect of stator saturation and the presence of open slots.
Balance disability after stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Balance disability is common after stroke, but there is little detailed information about it. The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of balance disability; to characterize different levels of disability; and to identify demographics, stroke pathology factors, and impairments associated with balance disability. SUBJECTS The subjects studied were 75 people with a first-time anterior circulation stroke; 37 subjects were men, the mean age was 71.5 years (SD=12.2), and 46 subjects (61%) had left hemiplegia. METHODS Prospective hospital-based cross-sectional surveys were carried out in 2 British National Health Service trusts. The subjects' stroke pathology, demographics, balance disability, function, and neurologic impairments were recorded in a single testing session 2 to 4 weeks after stroke. RESULTS A total of 83% of the subjects (n=62) had a balance disability; of these, 17 (27%) could sit but not stand, 25 (40%) could stand but not step, and 20 (33%) could step and walk but still had limited balance. Subjects with the most severe balance disability had more severe strokes, impairments, and disabilities. Weakness and sensation were associated with balance disability. Subject demographics, stroke pathology, and visuospatial neglect were not associated with balance disability. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Subjects with the most severe balance disability had the most severe strokes, impairments, and disabilities. Subject demographics, stroke pathology, and visuospatial neglect were not associated with balance disability.
Influence of antibodies against infliximab and etanercept on the treatment effectiveness of these agents in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis

We investigated the influence of antibodies against infliximab and etanercept on the serum trough levels of these agents and the influence of these antibodies on the effectiveness of treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with these agents. Forty patients treated with infliximab for 54 weeks and 40 patients treated with etanercept for 32 weeks were enrolled. They were divided into responder and non-responder groups. Serum trough levels of and antibodies against these agents were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or radioimmunoassay. Of the 40 patients treated with infliximab, 14 (35%) had anti-infliximab antibodies. Serum trough levels were significantly lower in the non-responder group (14 patients) than in the responder group (26 patients) 6 weeks after initiation of infliximab (p < 0.05). Conversely, titers of anti-infliximab antibody were significantly higher in the non-responder group than in the responder group between 6 and 38 weeks after initiation of infliximab (p < 0.05). Anti-etanercept antibodies were not detected in any patients on etanercept. Serum trough levels of etanercept were not significantly different between the responder (31 patients) and non-responder groups (9 patients). It seems that the appearance of anti-infliximab antibodies might decrease infliximab serum concentrations and, thereby, reduce the agent’s effectiveness. The clinical efficacy of etanercept does not appear to be affected by the serum concentrations if it is administered at standard doses.
The live vaccine strain of Francisella tularensis replicates in human and murine macrophages but induces only the human cells to secrete proinflammatory cytokines

Francisella tularensis is the highly infectious agent of tularemia, a disease that can prove fatal in humans. An attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS) of this bacterium is avirulent in man but produces lethal illness in mice. As a step toward understanding the species specificity of the LVS, we compared its interactions with murine and human leukocytes. The bacterium replicated within murine bone marrow‐derived macrophages (muBMDM), human monocyte‐derived macrophages (huMDM), and freshly isolated human monocytes. However, the murine and human phagocytes differed in their ability to secrete proinflammatory cytokines in response to the LVS. The huMDM released large amounts of CXC chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) and CC chemokine ligand 2 when incubated with live or killed LVS organisms, and live bacteria also elicited production of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). Furthermore, human monocytes secreted CXCL8, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor α in response to various bacterial preparations. In contrast, muBMDM produced little to no proinflammatory cytokines or chemokines when treated with any preparations of the LVS. Clearly, human and murine macrophages support growth of this bacterium. However, the greater proinflammatory response of human leukocytes to F. tularensis LVS may contribute to the avirulence of this strain in the human host.
ACC deaminase genes are conserved among Mesorhizobium species able to nodulate the same host plant.

Rhizobia strains expressing the enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase have been reported to display an augmented symbiotic performance as a consequence of lowering the plant ethylene levels that inhibit the nodulation process. Genes encoding ACC deaminase (acdS) have been studied in Rhizobium spp. ; however, not much is known about the presence of acdS genes in Mesorhizobium spp. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and phylogeny of acdS genes in Mesorhizobium strains including a collection of chickpea-nodulating mesorhizobia from Portugal. ACC deaminase genes were detected in 10 of 12 mesorhizobia type strains as well as in 18 of 18 chickpea Mesorhizobium isolates studied in this work. No ACC deaminase activity was detected in any Mesorhizobium strain tested under free-living conditions. Despite the lack of ACC deaminase activity, it was possible to demonstrate that in Mesorhizobium ciceri UPM-Ca7(T) , the acdS gene is transcribed under symbiotic conditions. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that strains belonging to different species of Mesorhizobium, but nodulating the same host plant, have similar acdS genes, suggesting that acdS genes are horizontally acquired by transfer of the symbiosis island. This data, together with analysis of the symbiosis islands from completely sequenced Mesorhizobium genomes, suggest the presence of the acdS gene in a Mesorhizobium common ancestor that possessed this gene in a unique symbiosis island.
Pediatrician qualifications and asthma management behaviors and their association with patient race/ethnicity

Abstract Objective: We sought to understand if pediatrician characteristics and asthma assessment and treatment varied in association with the proportion of African-American and Latino children in the pediatrician’s practice. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 500 American Academy of Pediatrics members between November 2005 and May 2006. Standardized vignettes were used to test how different indicators of a patient’s asthma status affect pediatrician asthma assessments and recommendations. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the association of pediatrician assessments and treatment recommendations for these vignettes, respectively, with the proportion of reported African-American and Latino children seen in their practice. Results: There were 270 respondents (response rate = 54%). Based on pediatrician-reported percentage of minority patients, there were no differences in board certification status, recognition of poorly controlled asthma nor in the likelihood of appropriately increasing long-term controller medications to treat poorly controlled asthma (p > 0.05 for all analyses). Conclusions: Caring primarily for minority children by AAP pediatricians appears unrelated to training qualifications or in their reported knowledge of how to appropriately assess and treat asthma. Therefore, studies of asthma care disparities should focus on understanding the knowledge-base of non-AAP pediatric providers who care for minority populations and exploring other potential contributory provider-level factors (e.g. communication skills).
Macrophages in diabetic gastroparesis – the missing link?

Diabetic gastroparesis results in significant morbidity for patients and major economic burden for society. Treatment options for diabetic gastroparesis are currently directed at symptom control rather than the underlying disease and are limited. The pathophysiology of diabetic gastroparesis includes damage to intrinsic and extrinsic neurons, smooth muscle, and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Oxidative damage in diabetes appears to be one of the primary insults involved in the pathogenesis of several complications of diabetes, including gastroparesis. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of macrophages as key cellular elements in the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroparesis. Macrophages are important for both homeostasis and defense against a variety of pathogens. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), an enzyme expressed in a subset of macrophages has emerged as a major protective mechanism against oxidative stress. Activation of macrophages with high levels of HO1 expression protects against development of delayed gastric emptying in animal models of diabetes, while activation of macrophages that do not express HO1 are linked to neuromuscular cell injury. Targeting macrophages and HO1 may therefore be a therapeutic option in diabetic gastroparesis.
Lectin Galactoside-binding Soluble 3 Binding Protein (LGALS3BP) Is a Tumor-associated Immunomodulatory Ligand for CD33-related Siglecs*

Background: Engagement of inhibitory CD33-related Siglecs on immune cells has been shown to influence interactions with cancer cells, including tumor immune evasion. Results: LGALS3BP binds with high affinity to CD33-related Siglecs and inhibits neutrophil activation. Conclusion: We identify LGALS3BP as novel, cancer-associated Siglec ligand that can influence neutrophil activation. Significance: The engagement of inhibitory CD33-related Siglecs by LGALS3BP could support immune evasion of tumor cells. Lectin galactoside-binding soluble 3 binding protein (LGALS3BP, also called Mac-2 binding protein) is a heavily glycosylated secreted molecule that has been shown previously to be up-regulated in many cancers and has been implicated in tumor metastatic processes, as well as in other cell adhesion and immune functions. The CD33-related subset of sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) consists of immunomodulatory molecules that have recently been associated with the modulation of immune responses to cancer. Because up-regulation of Siglec ligands in cancer tissue has been observed, the characterization of these cancer-associated ligands that bind to inhibitory CD33-related Siglecs could provide novel targets for cancer immunomodulatory therapy. Here we used affinity chromatography of tumor cell extracts to identify LGALS3BP as a novel sialic acid-dependent ligand for human Siglec-9 and for other immunomodulatory Siglecs, such as Siglec-5 and Siglec-10. In contrast, the mouse homolog Siglec-E binds to murine LGALS3BP with lower affinity. LGALS3BP has been observed to be up-regulated in human colorectal and prostate cancer specimens, particularly in the extracellular matrix. Finally, LGALS3BP was able to inhibit neutrophil activation in a sialic acid- and Siglec-dependent manner. These findings suggest a novel immunoinhibitory function for LGALS3BP that might be important for immune evasion of tumor cells during cancer progression.
Role of Glycine in the N‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartate‐Mediated Neuronal Cytotoxicity

Abstract: Current evidence indicates that glutamate acting via the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor/ion channel complex plays a major role in the neuronal degeneration associated with a variety of neurological disorders. In this report the role of glycine in NMDA neurotoxicity was examined. We demonstrate that NMDA‐mediated neurotoxicity is markedly potentiated by glycine and other amino acids, e.g., d‐serine. Putative glycine antagonists HA‐966 and 7‐chlorokynurenic acid were highly effective in preventing NMDA neurotoxicity, even in the absence of added glycine. The neuroprotective action of HA‐966 and 7‐chlorokynurenic acid, but not that of NMDA antagonists 3‐(2‐carboxypiperazine‐4‐yl)propylphosphonate and MK‐801, could be reversed by glycine. These results indicate that glycine, operating through a strychnine‐insensitive glycine site, plays a central permissive role in NMDA‐mediated neurotoxicity.
Vertebral Augmentation With a Novel Vessel-X Bone Void Filling Container System and Bioactive Bone Cement

Study Design. Evaluation of a novel, leakage-free vertebroplastic instrumentation by fresh cadaveric studies. Objectives. To compare Vessel-X, a novel percutaneous bone void filling container system, with conventional kyphoplasty in restoring strength, stiffness, and height in experimentally induced vertebral compressive fractures and morphologically determine the cement distribution. Summary of Background Data. Clinically, both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty perform well in reinforcement and pain relief. One of the shortcomings, however, is the risk of cement leakage. Vessel-X is a novel bone expander and bone void filler combined instrumentation for vertebral augmentation requiring evaluation. Methods. A total of 28 fresh-frozen vertebral specimens were randomly assigned to 4 groups for testing: unipedicular kyphoplsty, bipedicular kyphoplsty, unipedicular Vessel-X, and bipedicular Vessel-X. Compressive fractures were experimentally created on each vertebra after determining the bone mineral density. Kyphoplasty and Vessel-X were performed using bioactive bone cement (SrHAC) under C-arm fluoroscopy and compared by compression testing to measure the effects of augmentation. Morphologic observations were also performed to determine the cement distribution and vertebral height restoration. Results. There was no significant difference in bone mineral density, initial strength, and stiffness in any of the groups. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in total cement volume in intragroup comparison within the unipedicular or bipedicular groups. Vessel-X bone filler container could expand well and contain most of the cement. The height restoration ranged from 88.5% to 96.4% in all groups. The augmented strength with unipedicular and bipedicular injections reached 3651.57 N and 4833.73 N, respectively. Stiffness with bipedicular injection was significantly higher than that of unipedicular injection. Conclusion. Vessel-X was comparable to kyphoplasty in restoring the mechanical properties and height of the fractured vertebrae. Interestingly, Vessel-X instrumentation showed considerably less cement leakage and better cement placement in the vertebral body. Therefore, it could be a leakage controllable technique in percutaneous vertebral augmentation.
Relationship between steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C: a meta-analysis of individual patient data.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Steatosis is a frequent histologic finding in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), but it is unclear whether steatosis is an independent predictor for liver fibrosis. We evaluated the association between steatosis and fibrosis and their common correlates in persons with CHC and in subgroup analyses according to hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype and body mass index. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis on individual data from 3068 patients with histologically confirmed CHC recruited from 10 clinical centers in Italy, Switzerland, France, Australia, and the United States. RESULTS Steatosis was present in 1561 patients (50.9%) and fibrosis in 2688 (87.6%). HCV genotype was 1 in 1694 cases (55.2%), 2 in 563 (18.4%), 3 in 669 (21.8%), and 4 in 142 (4.6%). By stepwise logistic regression, steatosis was associated independently with genotype 3, the presence of fibrosis, diabetes, hepatic inflammation, ongoing alcohol abuse, higher body mass index, and older age. Fibrosis was associated independently with inflammatory activity, steatosis, male sex, and older age, whereas HCV genotype 2 was associated with reduced fibrosis. In the subgroup analyses, the association between steatosis and fibrosis invariably was dependent on a simultaneous association between steatosis and hepatic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS In this large and geographically different group of CHC patients, steatosis is confirmed as significantly and independently associated with fibrosis in CHC. Hepatic inflammation may mediate fibrogenesis in patients with liver steatosis. Control of metabolic factors (such as overweight, via lifestyle adjustments) appears important in the management of CHC.
An Efficient Design of an FPGA-Based Multiplier Using LUT Merging Theorem

FPGA (Field Programmable gate array) technology has become an integral part of todays modern embedded systems. All mainstream commercial FPGA devices are based upon LUT (Look-up Table) structures. As any m-input Boolean function can be implemented using m-input LUTs, it is a prime concern to reduce the number of LUTs while implementing an FPGA-based circuit for given functions. In this paper, a LUT merging theorem is proposed, which reduces the required number of LUTs for the implementation of a set of functions by a factor of two. The proposed LUT merging theorem performs selection, partition and merging of the LUTs to reduce the area. Using the proposed LUT merging theorem, an (1x1)-digit multiplication algorithm is proposed, which does not require any partial product generation, partial product reduction and addition steps. An (1 × 1)—digit multiplication algorithm is proposed which performs digit-wise parallel processing and provides a significant reduction in carry propagation delay. The proposed multiplier circuit is 49.93% and 34.9% efficient than the existing best one in terms of required number of LUTs and delay, respectively for (8 x8)- digit multiplication.
Apoptosis in the Myocardium of the Adult Dromedary Camel: Ultrastructural Characterization

Apoptosis is a highly regulated mode of cell death that occurs in the absence of inflammation. Light microscopic (LM) examination of the myocardium of apparently healthy camel did not reveal evidence of apoptosis in any samples; however, evidence of apoptosis was apparent by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The most common apoptotic features observed by TEM included (1) an intact sarcolemma with some bleb formation; (2) nuclear chromatin condensation and margination with nucleolar disruption; (3) mitochondrial swelling and disorganization, accompanied by degeneration or hypercondensation of cristae; and (4) an intercalated disc region with a higher‐than‐normal mitochondrion/myofibril ratio, or surrounded from both sides by asymmetrically contracted sarcomeres. Apoptotic alterations were also noted among the endothelial cells lining the microvasculature of the myocardium. These alterations included (1) marked nuclear chromatin condensation and margination; (2) villous blebs on the adluminal plasmalemma, which projected into the lumen; (3) cytoplasmic vacuolation; (4) presence of intraluminal membrane‐bounded vesicles; and (5) occasional pericapillary edema and accumulations of cellular debris. The results of this study indicate that myocardial apoptosis can occur in apparently healthy camels, in the absence of a clear‐cut etiology.