Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of major quantitative trait loci underlying floral pollination syndrome divergence in Penstemon

Distinct floral pollination syndromes have emerged multiple times during the diversification of flowering plants. For example, in western North America, a hummingbird pollination syndrome has evolved more than 100 times, generally from within insect-pollinated lineages. The hummingbird syndrome is characterized by a suite of floral traits that attracts and facilitates pollen movement by hummingbirds, while at the same time discourages bee visitation. These floral traits generally include large nectar volume, red flower colour, elongated and narrow corolla tubes and reproductive organs that are exerted from the corolla. A handful of studies have examined the genetic architecture of hummingbird pollination syndrome evolution. These studies find that mutations of relatively large effect often explain increased nectar volume and transition to red flower colour. In addition, they suggest that adaptive suites of floral traits may often exhibit a high degree of genetic linkage, which could facilitate their fixation during pollination syndrome evolution. Here, we explore these emerging generalities by investigating the genetic basis of floral pollination syndrome divergence between two related Penstemon species with different pollination syndromes—bee-pollinated P. neomexicanus and closely related hummingbird-pollinated P. barbatus. In an F2 mapping population derived from a cross between these two species, we characterized the effect size of genetic loci underlying floral trait divergence associated with the transition to bird pollination, as well as correlation structure of floral trait variation. We find the effect sizes of quantitative trait loci for adaptive floral traits are in line with patterns observed in previous studies, and find strong evidence that suites of floral traits are genetically linked. This linkage may be due to genetic proximity or pleiotropic effects of single causative loci. Interestingly, our data suggest that the evolution of floral traits critical for hummingbird pollination was not constrained by negative pleiotropy at loci that show co-localization for multiple traits.
Early selection induced by perceptual load in a patient with frontal lobe damage: External vs. internal modulation of processing control

We examined effects of interference from task-irrelevant information in a patient with frontal and temporal lobe damage (FK), using Simon and reverse-Simon tasks. FK responded to the meaning or location of a word (LEFT or RIGHT), while ignoring the irrelevant dimension. When the dimensions were incongruent, FK showed large interference effects. However, when noninformative distractors (e.g., XXXX) were presented as a perceptual load in the reverse-Simon task, the size of the interference effect reduced as a function of the number of distractors. RT-distribution analyses revealed that the reduction of interference was due to increased correct responses in the fast end of the distribution. Opposite effects occurred in the standard Simon task. These results are consistent with perceptual load leading to early visual selection (Lavie, 1995). The results suggest that FK has intact processing of the location and meaning of words, but there is impaired internal control of attentional resources to the task-relevant information. In contrast, resources can be controlled externally, by increasing the perceptual load. We discuss the implications for understanding attentional modulation of visual processing.
Loperamide Therapy for Acute Diarrhea in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Loperamide is widely used in adults for acute diarrhea. However, its use in children has been discouraged by the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics owing to concerns over safety and efficacy in young children. Methods and Findings To assess the efficacy and adverse effects of loperamide compared with placebo for acute diarrhea in children, we reviewed Medline, EMBase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and bibliographies of known clinical trials and of review articles, and we also interviewed key investigators in the field. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of children younger than 12 y of age with acute diarrhea, comparing loperamide with placebo. Included trials reported data on diarrhea duration or severity, or provided data on adverse effects. Compared with patients who received placebo, patients allocated to loperamide were less likely to continue to have diarrhea at 24 h (prevalence ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57 to 0.78), had a shorter duration of diarrhea by 0.8 d (95% CI: 0.7 to 0.9 d), and had a lower count of stools at 24 h (0.84, 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.92). Results were similar when random-effects summaries were estimated. Serious adverse events, defined as ileus, lethargy, or death, were reported in eight out of 927 children allocated to loperamide (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.4% to 1.7%). Serious adverse events were not reported in any of the 764 children allocated to placebo (0%, 95% CI: 0% to 0.5%). Among the children allocated to loperamide, serious adverse events were reported only among children younger than 3 y. Conclusions In children who are younger than 3 y, malnourished, moderately or severely dehydrated, systemically ill, or have bloody diarrhea, adverse events outweigh benefits even at doses ≤0.25 mg/kg/d. In children who are older than 3 y with no/minimal dehydration, loperamide may be a useful adjunct to oral rehydration and early refeeding.
Sequence Features of Drosha and Dicer Cleavage Sites Affect the Complexity of IsomiRs

The deep-sequencing of small RNAs has revealed that different numbers and proportions of miRNA variants called isomiRs are formed from single miRNA genes and that this effect is attributable mainly to imprecise cleavage by Drosha and Dicer. Factors that influence the degree of cleavage precision of Drosha and Dicer are under investigation, and their identification may improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which cells modulate the regulatory potential of miRNAs. In this study, we focused on the sequences and structural determinants of Drosha and Dicer cleavage sites, which may explain the generation of homogeneous miRNAs (in which a single isomiR strongly predominates) as well as the generation of heterogeneous miRNAs. Using deep-sequencing data for small RNAs, we demonstrate that the generation of homogeneous miRNAs requires more sequence constraints at the cleavage sites than the formation of heterogeneous miRNAs. Additionally, our results indicate that specific Drosha cleavage sites have more sequence determinants in miRNA precursors than specific cleavage sites for Dicer and that secondary structural motifs in the miRNA precursors influence the precision of Dicer cleavage. Together, we present the sequence and structural features of Drosha and Dicer cleavage sites that influence the heterogeneity of the released miRNAs.
Time-Variant Reliability Analysis and Flexural Design of GFRP-Reinforced Bridge Decks

AbstractGlass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement is being used in bridge decks as a replacement for steel reinforcement. It is thought that since the GFRP reinforcement does not corrode, it could be a more sustainable material for reinforced concrete structures. However, it is widely reported that GFRP bars do deteriorate when embedded in concrete or when immersed in concrete pore solutions. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) and AASHTO use environmental exposure factors to reduce the design strength due to this loss of capacity. However, these exposure factors have not been calibrated. In addition, limited research has been performed to quantify the time-variant flexural moment capacity of GFRP-reinforced flexural members. Recently, a Bayesian approach was used to develop a time-variant probabilistic capacity model based on capacity data of GFRP reinforcement embedded in concrete for a period of up to seven years. This model is used herein to assess the time-variant flexural moment capacity.
Costimulation Blockade-Resistant Rejection An Antagonist IL-15 / Fc Protein Prevents

IL-15 is a powerful T cell growth factor (TCGF) with particular importance for the maintenance of CD8 (cid:1) T cells. Because costimulation blockade does not result in universal tolerance, we hypothesized that “escape” from costimulation blockade might represent a CD8 (cid:1) and IL-15/IL-15R (cid:1) -dependent process. For this analysis, we have used an IL-15 mutant/Fc (cid:2) 2a protein, a potentially cytolytic protein that is also a high-afﬁnity receptor site speciﬁc antagonist for the IL-15R (cid:3) receptor protein, as a therapeutic agent. The IL-15-related fusion protein was used as monotherapy or in combination with CTLA4/Fc in murine islet allograft models. As monotherapies, CTLA4/Fc and an IL-15 mutant/Fc (cid:2) 2a were comparably effective in a semiallogeneic model system, and combined treatment with IL-15 mutant/Fc (cid:2) 2a plus CTLA4/Fc produced universal permanent engraftment. In a fully MHC-mismatched strain combination known to be refractory to costimulation blockade treatment, combined treatment with both fusion proteins proved to be highly effective; > 70% of recipients were tolerized. The analysis revealed that the IL-15 mutant/Fc treatment confers partial protection from both CD4 (cid:1) and CD8 (cid:1) T cell graft inﬁltration. In rejections occurring despite CTLA4/Fc treatment, concomitant treatment with the IL-15 mutant/Fc (cid:2) 2a protein blocked a CD8 (cid:1) T cell-dominated rejection processes. This protection was linked to a blunted proliferative response of alloreactive T cells as well silencing of CTL-related gene expression events. Hence, we have demonstrated that targeting the IL-15/IL-15R mutant/Fc proteins was also studied. Our data suggest that IL-15R (cid:1) cells are an important compo-nent of allograft rejection and these cells play a pivotal role in CD8 (cid:1) T cell-mediated CTLA4/Fc blockade-resistant rejection.
Age-related changes in attentional control across adolescence: how does this impact emotion regulation capacities?

This study set out to establish the novel use of the go/no-go Overlap task for investigating the role of attentional control capacities in the processing of emotional expressions across different age-groups within adolescence: at the onset of adolescence (11–12 year-olds) and toward the end of adolescence (17–18 year-olds). We also looked at how attentional control in the processing of fearful, happy, and neutral expressions relates to individual differences in trait anxiety in these adolescent groups. We were able to show that younger adolescents, but not older adolescents had more difficulties with attention control in the presence of all faces, but particularly in the presence of fearful faces. Moreover, we found that across all groups, adolescents with higher trait anxiety exhibited attentional avoidance of all faces, which facilitated relatively better performance on the primary task. These differences in reaction time emerged in the context of comparable accuracy level in the primary task across age-groups. Our results contribute to our understanding of how attentional control abilities to faces but in particular fearful expressions may mature across adolescence. This may affect learning about the environment and the acquisition of behavioral response patterns in the social world.
Enhanced rate of ethanol elimination from blood after intravenous administration of amino acids compared with equicaloric glucose.

AIMS To investigate the effect of an amino acid mixture given intravenously (i.v.) on the rate of ethanol elimination from blood compared with equicaloric glucose and Ringer's acetate as control treatments. METHODS In a randomized cross-over study, six healthy men (mean age 23 years) fasted overnight before receiving either Ringer's acetate, glucose or the amino acid mixture (Vamin 18 g N/l) by constant rate i.v. infusion over 4.5 h. Ethanol (0.4 g/kg) was given by an i.v. infusion lasting 60 min during the time each of the treatments was administered. At various times post-infusion, blood samples were taken for determination of ethanol by headspace gas chromatography. Blood glucose and heart rate were monitored at regular intervals. Concentration-time profiles of ethanol were plotted for each subject and the rate of ethanol disappearance from blood as well as other pharmacokinetic parameters were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS The rate of ethanol elimination from blood was increased significantly (P < 0.001) after treatment with amino acids (mean +/- SD, 0.174 +/- 0.011 g/l/h) compared with equicaloric glucose (0.121 +/- 0.016 g/l/h) or Ringer's acetate (0.110 +/- 0.013 g/l/h). Heart rate was also slightly higher during infusion of the amino acid mixture (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS When the rate of ethanol elimination from blood is relatively slow, such as after an overnight fast, it can be increased by approximately 60% after treatment with i.v. amino acids. The efficacy of amino acid treatment was not related to the supply of calories because glucose was no more effective than Ringer's acetate. We suggest that amino acids might increase hepatic oxygen consumption, resulting in a more effective conversion of NADH to NAD+ in mitochondria. An important feature of the experimental design was ensuring hepatic availability of amino acids during much of the time that ethanol was being metabolized.
Phenotypic plasticity in number of glomeruli and sensory innervation of the antennal lobe in leaf‐cutting ant workers (A. vollenweideri)

In the leaf‐cutting ant Atta vollenweideri, the worker caste exhibits a pronounced size‐polymorphism, and division of labor is dependent on worker size (alloethism). Behavior is largely guided by olfaction, and the olfactory system is highly developed. In a recent study, two different phenotypes of the antennal lobe of Atta vollenweideri workers were found: MG‐ and RG‐phenotype (with/without a macroglomerulus). Here we ask whether the glomerular numbers are related to worker size. We found that the antennal lobes of small workers contain ∼390 glomeruli (low‐number; LN‐phenotype), and in large workers we found a substantially higher number of ∼440 glomeruli (high‐number; HN‐phenotype). All LN‐phenotype workers and some small HN‐phenotype workers do not possess an MG (LN‐RG‐phenotype and HN‐RG‐phenotype), and the remaining majority of HN‐phenotype workers do possess an MG (HN‐MG‐phenotype). Using mass‐staining of antennal olfactory receptor neurons we found that the sensory tracts divide the antennal lobe into six clusters of glomeruli (T1–T6). In LN‐phenotype workers, ∼50 glomeruli are missing in the T4‐cluster. Selective staining of single sensilla and their associated receptor neurons revealed that T4‐glomeruli are innervated by receptor neurons from the main type of olfactory sensilla, the Sensilla trichodea curvata. The other type of olfactory sensilla (Sensilla basiconica) exclusively innervates T6‐glomeruli. Quantitative analyses of differently sized workers revealed that the volume of T6 glomeruli scales with the power of 2.54 to the number of Sensilla basiconica. The results suggest that developmental plasticity leading to antennal‐lobe phenotypes promotes differences in olfactory‐guided behavior and may underlie task specialization within ant colonies. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 222–234, 2010.
Notch signalling regulates left-right asymmetry through ciliary length control

The importance of cilia in embryonic development and adult physiology is emphasized by human ciliopathies. Despite its relevance, molecular signalling pathways behind cilia formation are poorly understood. We show that Notch signalling is a key pathway for cilia length control. In deltaD zebrafish mutants, cilia length is reduced in Kupffer's vesicle and can be rescued by the ciliogenic factor foxj1a. Conversely, cilia length increases when Notch signalling is hyperactivated. Short cilia found in deltaD mutants reduce the fluid flow velocity inside Kupffer's vesicle, thus compromising the asymmetric expression of the flow sensor charon. Notch signalling brings together ciliary length control and fluid flow hydrodynamics with transcriptional activation of laterality genes. In addition, our deltaD mutant analysis discloses an uncoupling between gut and heart laterality.
Preserving third year medical students’ empathy and enhancing self-reflection using small group “virtual hangout” technology

Abstract Background: Medical student professionalism education is challenging in scope, purpose, and delivery, particularly in the clinical years when students in large universities are dispersed across multiple clinical sites. We initiated a faculty-facilitated, peer small group course for our third year students, creating virtual classrooms using social networking and online learning management system technologies. The course emphasized narrative self-reflection, group inquiry, and peer support. Methods: We conducted this study to analyze the effects of a professionalism course on third year medical students’ empathy and self-reflection (two elements of professionalism) and their perceptions about the course. Students completed the Groningen Reflection Ability Scale (GRAS) and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) before and after the course and provided anonymous online feedback. Results: The results of the JSE before and after the course demonstrated preservation of empathy rather than its decline. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in GRAS scores (p < 0.001), suggesting that the sharing of personal narratives may foster reflective ability and reflective practice among third year students. Conclusion: This study supports previous findings showing that students benefit from peer groups and discussion in a safe environment, which may include the use of a virtual group video platform.
Supplementing pine with European beech and poplar in oriented strand boards

Abstract The objective of the study was to compare the properties of oriented strand boards (OSBs) made from the following mixtures: European beech and poplar, beech and pine, poplar and pine and 100% pine (i.e. the conventional raw material for OSB in Europe). Panels with 50–50% of beech-poplar/beech-pine/poplar-pine at two density levels of 650 kg/m3 and 720 kg/m3 were made with 5% pMDI (poly methylene di-isocyanate) as binder at 180°C and 240s as press conditions. Results showed that panels comprising a mixture of European beech and poplar have higher mechanical properties compared to panels made with mixtures of pine-beech or pine-poplar. In addition, for all panels, when density is increased from 650 kg/m3 to 720 kg/m3, mechanical properties increased. Internal bond values for all designs were in the same range, especially at higher density (720 kg/m3). The pure pine panels showed lower values between different designs. Thickness swelling, an important physical property of OSB, improved when face and core layers consisted of a mixture of beech and poplar strands.
Competing with the Dragon: Employment and Wage Effects of Chinese Trade Competition in 17 Sectors Across 18 OECD Countries

The rapid rise of China on the global economic stage could have substantial and unequal employment and wage effects in advanced industrialised democracies given China’s large volume of low-wage labour. Thus far, these effects have not been analysed in the comparative political economy literature. Building on new pooled time-series data, we analyse the effects of Chinese trade competition across 17 sectors in 18 countries between 1990 and 2007. Our empirical findings reveal overall employment declines and higher earnings inequality in sectors more exposed to Chinese imports. We devote particular attention to a new channel, increased competition from China in 59 foreign export markets, which positively affects the high-skilled whilst the low-skilled bear the brunt. Hence, this study shows that neglecting the competition in foreign countries leads to underestimation of the distributive effects of trade. More generally, our findings provide new insights into how international trade, technological change, and labour market institutions contribute to the widely observed trend of rising inequality.
NuMA is required for the organization of microtubules into aster-like mitotic arrays

NuMA (Nuclear protein that associates with the Mitotic Apparatus) is a 235-kD intranuclear protein that accumulates at the pericentrosomal region of the mitotic spindle in vertebrate cells. To determine if NuMA plays an active role in organizing the microtubules at the polar region of the mitotic spindle, we have developed a cell free system for the assembly of mitotic asters derived from synchronized cultured cells. Mitotic asters assembled in this extract are composed of microtubules arranged in a radial array that contain NuMA concentrated at the central core. The organization of microtubules into asters in this cell free system is dependent on NuMA because immunodepletion of NuMA from the extract results in randomly dispersed microtubules instead of organized mitotic asters, and addition of the purified recombinant NuMA protein to the NuMA-depleted extract fully reconstitutes the organization of the microtubules into mitotic asters. Furthermore, we show that NuMA is phosphorylated upon mitotic aster assembly and that NuMA is only required in the late stages of aster assembly in this cell free system consistent with the temporal accumulation of NuMA at the polar ends of the mitotic spindle in vivo. These results, in combination with the phenotype observed in vivo after the prevention of NuMA from targeting onto the mitotic spindle by antibody microinjection, suggest that NuMA plays a functional role in the organization of the microtubules of the mitotic spindle.
Efficient Mining of Regional Movement Patterns in Semantic Trajectories

Semantic trajectory pattern mining is becoming more and more important with the rapidly growing volumes of semantically rich trajectory data. Extracting sequential patterns in semantic trajectories plays a key role in understanding semantic behaviour of human movement, which can widely be used in many applications such as location-based advertising, road capacity optimisation, and urban planning. However, most of existing works on semantic trajectory pattern mining focus on the entire spatial area, leading to missing some locally significant patterns within a region. Based on this motivation, this paper studies a regional semantic trajectory pattern mining problem, aiming at identifying all the regional sequential patterns in semantic trajectories. Specifically, we propose a new density scheme to quantify the frequency of a particular pattern in space, and thereby formulate a new mining problem of finding all the regions in which such a pattern densely occurs. For the proposed problem, we develop an efficient mining algorithm, called RegMiner (Regional Semantic Trajectory Pattern Miner), which effectively reveals movement patterns that are locally frequent in such a region but not necessarily dominant in the entire space. Our empirical study using real trajectory data shows that RegMiner finds many interesting local patterns that are hard to find by a state-of-the-art global pattern mining scheme, and it also runs several orders of magnitude faster than the global pattern mining algorithm.