Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary lineages of nickel hyperaccumulation and systematics in European Alysseae (Brassicaceae): evidence from nrDNA sequence data.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nickel (Ni) hyperaccumulation is a rare form of physiological specialization shared by a small number of angiosperms growing on ultramafic soils. The evolutionary patterns of this feature among European members of tribe Alysseae (Brassicaceae) are investigated using a phylogenetic approach to assess relationships among Ni hyperaccumulators at the genus, species and below-species level. METHODS Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were generated for multiple accessions of Alysseae. Phylogenetic trees were obtained for the genera of the tribe and Alyssum sect. Odontarrhena. All accessions and additional herbarium material were tested for Ni hyperaccumulation with the dimethylglyoxime colorimetric method. KEY RESULTS Molecular data strongly support the poorly known hyperaccumulator endemic Leptoplax (Peltaria) emarginata as sister to hyperaccumulator species of Bornmuellera within Alysseae. This is contrary to current assumptions of affinity between L. emarginata and the non-hyperaccumulator Peltaria in Thlaspideae. The lineage Bornmuellera-Leptoplax is, in turn, sister to the two non-hyperaccumulator Mediterranean endemics Ptilotrichum rupestre and P. cyclocarpum. Low ITS sequence variation was found within the monophyletic Alyssum sect. Odontarrhena and especially in A. murale sensu lato. Nickel hyperaccumulation was not monophyletic in any of three main clades retrieved, each consisting of hyperaccumulators and non-hyperaccumulators of different geographical origin. CONCLUSIONS Nickel hyperaccumulation in Alysseae has a double origin, but it did not evolve in Thlaspideae. In Bornmuellera-Leptoplax it represents an early synapomorphy inherited from an ancestor shared with the calcicolous, sister clade of Mediterranean Ptilotrichum. In Alyssum sect. Odontarrhena it has multiple origins even within the three European clades recognized. Lack of geographical cohesion suggests that accumulation ability has been lost or gained over the different serpentine areas of south Europe through independent events of microevolutionary adaptation and selection. Genetic continuity and strong phenotypic plasticity in the A. murale complex call for a reduction of the number of Ni hyperaccumulator taxa formally recognized.
Influence of leukotriene pathway polymorphisms on response to montelukast in asthma.

RATIONALE Interpatient variability in montelukast response may be related to variation in leukotriene pathway candidate genes. OBJECTIVE To determine associations between polymorphisms in leukotriene pathway candidate genes with outcomes in patients with asthma receiving montelukast for 6 mo who participated in a clinical trial. METHODS Polymorphisms were typed using Sequenom matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass array spectrometry and published methods; haplotypes were imputed using single nucleotide polymorphism-expectation maximization (SNP-EM). Analysis of variance and logistic regression models were used to test for changes in outcomes by genotype. In addition, chi(2) and likelihood ratio tests were used to test for differences between groups. Case-control comparisons were analyzed using the SNP-EM Omnibus likelihood ratio test. MEASUREMENTS Outcomes were asthma exacerbation rate and changes in FEV(1) compared with baseline. RESULTS DNA was collected from 252 participants: 69% were white, 26% were African American. Twenty-eight SNPs in the ALOX5, LTA4H, LTC4S, MRP1, and cysLT1R genes, and an ALOX5 repeat polymorphism were successfully typed. There were racial disparities in allele frequencies in 17 SNPs and in the repeat polymorphism. Association analyses were performed in 61 whites. Associations were found between genotypes of SNPs in the ALOX5 (rs2115819) and MRP1 (rs119774) genes and changes in FEV(1) (p < 0.05), and between two SNPs in LTC4S (rs730012) and in LTA4H (rs2660845) genes for exacerbation rates. Mutant ALOX5 repeat polymorphism was associated with decreased exacerbation rates. There was strong linkage disequilibrium between ALOX5 SNPs. Associations between ALOX5 haplotypes and risk of exacerbations were found. CONCLUSIONS Genetic variation in leukotriene pathway candidate genes contributes to variability in montelukast response.
Minimising Immunohistochemical False Negative ER Classification Using a Complementary 23 Gene Expression Signature of ER Status

Background Expression of the oestrogen receptor (ER) in breast cancer predicts benefit from endocrine therapy. Minimising the frequency of false negative ER status classification is essential to identify all patients with ER positive breast cancers who should be offered endocrine therapies in order to improve clinical outcome. In routine oncological practice ER status is determined by semi-quantitative methods such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) or other immunoassays in which the ER expression level is compared to an empirical threshold[1], [2]. The clinical relevance of gene expression-based ER subtypes as compared to IHC-based determination has not been systematically evaluated. Here we attempt to reduce the frequency of false negative ER status classification using two gene expression approaches and compare these methods to IHC based ER status in terms of predictive and prognostic concordance with clinical outcome. Methodology/Principal Findings Firstly, ER status was discriminated by fitting the bimodal expression of ESR1 to a mixed Gaussian model. The discriminative power of ESR1 suggested bimodal expression as an efficient way to stratify breast cancer; therefore we identified a set of genes whose expression was both strongly bimodal, mimicking ESR expression status, and highly expressed in breast epithelial cell lines, to derive a 23-gene ER expression signature-based classifier. We assessed our classifiers in seven published breast cancer cohorts by comparing the gene expression-based ER status to IHC-based ER status as a predictor of clinical outcome in both untreated and tamoxifen treated cohorts. In untreated breast cancer cohorts, the 23 gene signature-based ER status provided significantly improved prognostic power compared to IHC-based ER status (P = 0.006). In tamoxifen-treated cohorts, the 23 gene ER expression signature predicted clinical outcome (HR = 2.20, P = 0.00035). These complementary ER signature-based strategies estimated that between 15.1% and 21.8% patients of IHC-based negative ER status would be classified with ER positive breast cancer. Conclusion/Significance Expression-based ER status classification may complement IHC to minimise false negative ER status classification and optimise patient stratification for endocrine therapies.
The power of positive emotions: it's a matter of life or death--subjective well-being and longevity over 28 years in a general population.

OBJECTIVE This study longitudinally examined Subjective Well-Being (SWB) and its components, namely, Positive Feelings (PF, including global life satisfaction [GLS]), domain life satisfaction [DLS], and positive affect [PA]) as well as Negative Feelings (NF) as predictors of longevity in a general population. DESIGN Data from the Alameda County Study over 28 years (1965-1993, N = 6856) were analyzed with multivariate Cox Proportional Hazard Models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Longevity, evaluated by risks of all-cause, natural-cause, and unnatural-cause mortality. RESULTS After demographic and baseline health covariates were controlled, SWB, PF, GLS, and DLS significantly predicted lowered risks of all-cause and natural-cause mortality (Relative Risk per unit predictor increase [RR] ranged .904-.989, p values ranged .000-.05). SWB, PF, and GLS also significantly predicted lowered risk of unnatural-cause mortality (RR ranged .862-.961, p values ranged .014-.05). These associations seemed partially or completely mediated by social networks. The associations were also found separately in younger (<55 in age) and/or older (>or=55) subsamples, and were especially salient in the healthy subsample. However, NF showed no associations with the mortality outcomes. CONCLUSION SWB and its various positive components, but not NF, significantly predict longevity in the general population.
Experimental infection magnifies inbreeding depression in house mice

It is often assumed that inbreeding reduces resistance to pathogens, yet there are few experimental tests of this idea in vertebrates, and no tests for the effects of moderate levels of inbreeding more commonly found in nature. We mated wild‐derived mice with siblings or first cousins and compared the resistance of their offspring to Salmonella infection with outbred controls under laboratory and seminatural conditions. In the laboratory, full‐sib inbreeding reduced resistance to Salmonella and survivorship, whereas first‐cousin inbreeding had no detectable effects. In competitive population enclosures, we found that first‐cousin inbreeding reduced male fitness by 57% in infected vs. only 34% in noninfected control populations. Our study provides experimental evidence that inbreeding reduces resistance and ability to survive pathogenic infection, and moreover, it shows that even moderate inbreeding can cause significant fitness declines under naturalistic conditions of social stress, and especially with exposure to infectious agents.
A clustering method for energy efficient routing in wireless sensor networks

Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) is one of the most popular distributed cluster-based routing protocols in wireless sensor networks. Clustering algorithm of the LEACH is simple but offers no guarantee about even distribution of cluster heads over the network. And it assumes that each cluster head transmits data to sink over a single hop. In this paper, we propose a new method for selecting cluster heads to evenly distribute cluster heads. It avoids creating redundant cluster heads within a small geographical range. Simulation results show that our scheme reduces energy dissipation and prolongs network lifetime as compared with LEACH.
Image space gathering

Soft shadows, glossy reflections and depth of field are valuable effects for realistic rendering and are often computed using distribution ray tracing (DRT). These "blurry" effects often need not be accurate and are sometimes simulated by blurring an image with sharper effects, such as blurring hard shadows to simulate soft shadows. One of the most effective examples of such a blurring algorithm is percentage closer soft shadows (PCSS). That technique, however, does not naturally extend to shadows generated in image space, such as those computed by a ray tracer, nor does it extend to glossy reflections or depth of field. This limitation can be overcome by generalizing PCSS to be phrased in terms of a gather from image space textures implemented with cross bilateral filtering. This paper demonstrates a framework to create visually compelling and phenomenologically accurate approximations of DRT effects based on repeatedly gathering from bilaterally weighted image space texture samples. These gathering and filtering operations are well supported by modern parallel architectures, enabling this technique to run at interactive rates.
Prevalence of problematic internet use in Slovenia

Abstract Background Internet use is an integral part of our everyday activities; however, Internet use may become problematic and harmful in a minority of cases. The majority of reported prevalence rates of problematic Internet use refer to adolescent samples, whereas epidemiological studies on representative adult populations are lacking. This study aimed to reveal the prevalence and characteristics of problematic Internet use in Slovenia. Methods Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ) was included in European Health Interview Study (EHIS) on representative Slovenian sample. The frequency of Internet use and problematic Internet use were both assessed. Results 59.9% of Slovenian adult population uses the Internet daily, and 3.1% are at risk of becoming problematic Internet users, 11% in the age group from 20 to 24 years. Those being at risk for becoming problematic Internet users are younger (mean age 31.3 vs. 48.3 for non-problematic users), more likely to be males (3.6% of males, whereas 2.6% of females are affected), students (12.0%), unemployed (6.3%) or unable to work (8.7%), single (6.5%), with high education (4.5%). Regression analysis revealed that the strongest predictor of being at risk for problematic Internet use is age (ß=-0.338, p<0.001); followed by high educational level (ß=0.145; p<0.001) and student status (ß=0.136; p<0.001). Conclusion 3.1% of Slovenian adult population are at risk of becoming problematic Internet users, whereas 3 out of 20 Slovenian adolescents aged from 18 to 19 years are at risk (14.6%). Prevention programs and treatment for those affected are paramount, especially for the young generation.
Projections and symmetric expansions of a learning space

Any subset Q′ of the domain Q of a learning space K defines a projection of K on Q′ which is itself a learning space consistent with K. Moreover, such a construction defines a partition of Q having each of its classes defining a learning space also consistent with K. We give a direct proof of these facts which are instrumental in parsing large learning spaces. We also develop, in a highly symmetric case, the reverse concept of an ‘expansion’ of a learning space, an operation capable of iteration.
The role of interface organizations in science communication and understanding

“Interface” organizations are groups created to foster the use of science in environmental policy, management, and education. Here we compare interface organizations that differ in spatial scale, modes of operation, and intended audience to illustrate their diversity and importance in promoting the application of science to environmental issues. There has been exciting recent growth in the nature and extent of activities by interface organizations and in new methods for science communication and engagement. These developments can help scientists – who face personal and institutional challenges when attempting to convey the results of their research to various audiences – interact with society on specific issues in specific places, and with a wide range of non-traditional audiences. The ongoing mission for these organizations should be to move beyond simply increasing awareness of environmental problems to the creation of solutions that result in genuine environmental improvements.
Performance Characteristics of Creatine Kinase-MB Isoenzyme Measured with an Immunoenzymometric and an Immunoinhibition Assay in Acute Myocardial Infarction with and without Thrombolytic Therapy

In a time study we compared the analytical and clinical performance of the Tandem Icon QSR CK-MB enzyme-immunoassay (Hybritech) (creatine kinase-MB) and a creatine kinase-MB immunoinhibition method (Boehringer Mannheim GmbH) (creatine kinase-B). Two hundred and ninety-nine serum samples from 38 patients suspected of acute myocardial infarction were collected at regular intervals during 48 hours. Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed as having acute myocardial infarction, of whom 19 received thrombolytic therapy. Although highly correlated, the large scatter around the regression line at low values indicated a different clinical performance of the two methods. We evaluated and compared test performance at different decision levels by means of frequency distributions and predictive values of positive and negative results. For early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (4 hours after onset of pain) the Hybritech creatine kinase-MB method gives acceptable predictive values. In thrombolytic treated acute myocardial infarction patients, the peak creatine kinase-MB and creatine kinase-B concentrations were reached after 13.0 h and 13.6 h after the onset of pain, compared with 19.8 h and 17.8 h for patients without thrombolytic therapy.
Latent Curing Agent Modified Epoxy Sizing Agent for High Modulus Carbon Fiber

A new kind of latent curing agent (LCA) for epoxy resin was synthesized to improve the properties of epoxy sizing agent for high modulus carbon fiber by the reaction of ethylenediamine with butylacrylate in equal molar ratios, and the chemical structure and thermal property of the LCA were studied with FTIR and TGA, respectively. Moreover, LCA modified epoxy resin used as sizing agent for high modulus carbon fiber was studied. The results show that the wettability of sized high modulus carbon fiber tends to increase due to the increase of LCA content in sizing agent on the surface of the carbon fiber; while absorbability of sized high modulus carbon fiber tends to decrease; and drape of the sized high modulus carbon fiber which indicates the shaping effect of the fiber changes with the content of LCA, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the sized high modulus carbon fiber/epoxy composites is improved to 78MPa, which increased by 8.6% compared with the composites reinforced by high modulus carbon fiber with unmodified sizing agent, indicating that using LCA modified epoxy resin as sizing agent for high modulus carbon fiber is a feasible method to improve the interfacial performance of high modulus carbon fiber/epoxy composites.
A geometric alternative to Nesterov's accelerated gradient descent

We propose a new method for unconstrained optimization of a smooth and strongly convex function, which attains the optimal rate of convergence of Nesterov’s accelerated gradient descent. The new algorithm has a simple geometric interpretation, loosely inspired by the ellipsoid method. We provide some numerical evidence that the new method can be superior to Nesterov’s accelerated gradient descent.
Measuring for learning - outlining the future of organizational metrics

It is widely agreed that nowadays knowledge and competencies are the key productive factors and organizational capability for continuous learning, development and renewal has become the main driver of competitiveness. Thus organizations increasingly aim to develop their capabilities for continuous learning. In this paper we explore the role of measurement in enabling continuous organizational learning. First, we argue that while traditionally, measurement has been mostly used for control purposes, recent changes in the nature of work have brought new challenges which can no longer be met with the old mindsets and measures. Then we focus on the novel approaches brought about by scholars working in the fields of intellectual capital and competence development, and examine the current state-of-the-art. Finally, we construct foundations for a knowledgebased view of organizational measurement and set some future directions in which these new branches should be developed in order to really enable continuous learning and renewal on the level of the whole organization. Specifically, we argue that such measures should be dynamic, collective, localized, based on the organizational strategy, oriented towards the future, and aimed at enabling reflexive learning.
Genes affecting mink cell focus-inducing (MCF) murine leukemia virus infection and spontaneous lymphoma in AKR F1 hybrids

An assessment of the importance of mink cell focus-inducing (MCF)-type recombinant murine leukemia viruses in spontaneous thymic lymphomagenesis and of the genetic factors affecting its occurrence was carried out with F1 hybrids between AKR and various other inbred strains. There was generally close agreement between the frequency of detection of MCF virus, of thymocyte antigenic amplification in the preleukemic period, and of spontaneous lymphoma. Also, hybrid combinations with moderate to high spontaneous lymphoma were uniformly susceptible to lymphoma induction by neonatal inoculation of MCF 247 virus, while lower leukemic hybrids were at least partially resistant to the induced disease. At least four resistance genes can be identified as affecting the disease in the various hybrids: Fv-1, Rmcf, an unidentified gene carried by the C57 series of mice and SJL, and an unidentified minor gene carried by several other strains.
Cannabidiol, among Other Cannabinoid Drugs, Modulates Prepulse Inhibition of Startle in the SHR Animal Model: Implications for Schizophrenia Pharmacotherapy

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder that involves positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. Prepulse inhibition of startle reflex (PPI) is a paradigm that assesses the sensorimotor gating functioning and is impaired in schizophrenia patients as well as in animal models of this disorder. Recent data point to the participation of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia. Here, we focus on the effects of cannabinoid drugs on the PPI deficit of animal models of schizophrenia, with greater focus on the SHR (Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats) strain, and on the future prospects resulting from these findings.
Genomic heritability estimation for the early life-history transition related to propensity to migrate in wild rainbow and steelhead trout populations

A previous genomewide association study (GWAS) identified SNP markers associated with propensity to migrate of rainbow and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a connected population with free access to the ocean in Upper Yakima River (UYR) and a population in Upper Mann Creek (UMC) that has been sequestered from its access to the ocean for more than 50 years. Applying genomic heritability estimation using the same dataset, we found that smoltification in the UYR population were almost completely determined by additive effects, with 95.5% additive heritability and 4.5% dominance heritability, whereas smoltification in the UMC population had substantial dominance effects, with 0% additive heritability and 39.3% dominance heritability. Dominance test detected one SNP marker (R30393) with significant dominance effect on smoltification (P = 1.98 × 10−7). Genomic-predicted additive effects completely separated migratory and nonmigratory fish in the UYR population, whereas genomic-predicted dominance effects achieved such complete separation in the UMC population. The UMC population had higher genomic additive and dominance correlations than the UYR population, and fish between these two populations had the least genomic correlations. These results suggested that blocking the free access to the ocean may have reduced genetic diversity and increased genomic similarity associated with the early life-history transition related to propensity to migrate.
What Determines Bank Stock Price Synchronicity?: Global Evidence

This paper examines what institutional and bank-specific factors determine bank stock price synchronicity. Using data on 37 countries from 1996-2007, we find that bank stocks are more aligned with the whole market (1) during the financial crisis; (2) in countries that have more credit provided by banks; (3) in countries that do not have explicit depository insurance; and (4) in countries that have lower bank-level disclosure. The results hold for both emerging and developed economy subsamples. Furthermore, in emerging economies, bank stocks in countries with higher degree of state-owned bank are more synchronized with the whole market, similarly, in developed markets, lower banking freedom enhances bank stock price synchronicity. Finally, the effects of state ownership, protection of property rights, and bank size are all more pronounced when determining bank stock price synchronicity during the financial crisis period. Keywords: stock price synchronicity; financial crisis, bank ownership; deposit insurance; banking freedom; bank disclosure JEL classification: G12; G14; G15; G21; G38; N20