Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intron Dynamics in Ribosomal Protein Genes

The role of spliceosomal introns in eukaryotic genomes remains obscure. A large scale analysis of intron presence/absence patterns in many gene families and species is a necessary step to clarify the role of these introns. In this analysis, we used a maximum likelihood method to reconstruct the evolution of 2,961 introns in a dataset of 76 ribosomal protein genes from 22 eukaryotes and validated the results by a maximum parsimony method. Our results show that the trends of intron gain and loss differed across species in a given kingdom but appeared to be consistent within subphyla. Most subphyla in the dataset diverged around 1 billion years ago, when the “Big Bang” radiation occurred. We speculate that spliceosomal introns may play a role in the explosion of many eukaryotes at the Big Bang radiation.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in the β-Cell Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency by β-cell failure. Even if the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of β-cell failure are still under investigation, recent increasing genetic, experimental, and clinical evidence indicate that hyperactivation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) to counteract metabolic stresses is closely related to β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. Signaling pathways of the UPR are “a double-edged sword” that can promote adaptation or apoptosis depending on the nature of the ER stress condition. In this paper, we summarized our current understanding of the mechanisms and components related to ER stress in the β-cell pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.
The Human Transcriptome: An Unfinished Story

Despite recent technological advances, the study of the human transcriptome is still in its early stages. Here we provide an overview of the complex human transcriptomic landscape, present the bioinformatics challenges posed by the vast quantities of transcriptomic data, and discuss some of the studies that have tried to determine how much of the human genome is transcribed. Recent evidence has suggested that more than 90% of the human genome is transcribed into RNA. However, this view has been strongly contested by groups of scientists who argued that many of the observed transcripts are simply the result of transcriptional noise. In this review, we conclude that the full extent of transcription remains an open question that will not be fully addressed until we decipher the complete range and biological diversity of the transcribed genomic sequences.
Influence of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure on central apnea in heart failure.

BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest that acute pulmonary congestion induces hyperventilation and that hyperventilation-related hypocapnia leads to ventilatory control instability and central sleep apnea. Whether chronic pulmonary congestion due to congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with central apnea is unknown. We hypothesized that CHF patients with central apnea would have greater pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) than patients without central apnea and that PCWP would correlate with central apnea severity. METHODS AND RESULTS Seventy-five stable CHF patients underwent right heart catheterization and, on the basis of overnight sleep studies, were divided into central apnea (n=33), obstructive apnea (n=20), or nonapnea groups (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] <5 events per hour). Mean PCWP was significantly greater in the central than in the obstructive and nonapnea groups (mean+/-SEM [range]: 22. 8+/-1.2 [11 to 38] versus 12.3+/-1.2 [4 to 21] versus 11.5+/-1.5 [3 to 28] mm Hg, respectively; P<0.001). Within the central apnea group, PCWP correlated with the frequency and severity of central apnea (AHI: r=0.47, P=0.006) and degree of hypocapnia (PaCO2: r=-0.42, P=0. 017). Intensive medical therapy in 7 patients with initially high PCWP and central apneas reduced both PCWP (29.0+/-2.6 [20 to 38] to 22.0+/-1.8 [17 to 27] mm Hg; P<0.001) and central apnea frequency (AHI) (38.5+/-7.7 [7 to 62] to 18.5+/-5.3 [1 to 31] events per hour; P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS PCWP is elevated in CHF patients with central apneas compared with those with obstructive apnea or without apnea. Moreover, a highly significant relationship exists between PCWP, hypocapnia, and central apnea frequency and severity.
MicroRNAs – Important Molecules in Lung Cancer Research

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are important regulators of gene expression. They are involved in many physiological processes ensuring the cellular homeostasis of human cells. Alterations of the miRNA expression have increasingly been associated with pathophysiologic changes of cancer cells making miRNAs currently to one of the most analyzed molecules in cancer research. Here, we provide an overview of miRNAs in lung cancer. Specifically, we address biological functions of miRNAs in lung cancer cells, miRNA signatures generated from tumor tissue and from patients’ body fluids, the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for lung cancer, and its role as therapeutic target.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) in Domestic Poultry and Relationship with Migratory Birds, South Korea

During the 2006–2007 winter season in South Korea, several outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) were confirmed among domestic poultry and in migratory bird habitats. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates were closely related and that all belong to the A/bar-headed goose/Qinghai/5/2005–like lineage rather than the A/chicken/Korea/ES/2003–like lineage.
Numerical investigations of subglacial hydrology as a direct and indirect driver of glacial erosion

Glaciers shape high altitude and latitude landscapes in numerous ways. Erosion associated with glacial processes can limit the average height of mountain ranges, while creating the greatest relief on Earth and shaping the highest mountain peaks, but glaciers can also shield pre-existing topography. Glacial erosion processes, though still enigmatic, are central to the evolution of landscapes, particularly since the onset of the Pleistocene. Glacial erosion comprises three fundamental processes: (1) abrasion, (2) quarrying and (3) the direct action of subglacial water flow in sediment transport and bedrock erosion. Glacier sliding and the hydro-mechanical conditions at the ice–bed interface drive erosion processes, and are themselves controlled by the morphology and state of the subglacial drainage system. Although widely acknowledged, the direct and indirect controls of subglacial water flow on glacial erosion have been largely neglected in previous studies. This thesis focuses on exploring these controls using numerical models with an emphasis on sub-annual to annual timescales. This work has three primary objectives: (1) to investigate how the state and morphology of the subglacial drainage system indirectly drive abrasion and quarrying, (2) to devise the first model of direct bedrock erosion by subglacial water flow and (3) to develop a framework for sediment transport in subglacial channels over a rigid bed. The results show that well-known seasonal variations in subglacial hydrology drive patterns of glacial erosion. Abrasion is favoured where the drainage system is the most dynamic, whereas quarrying calculated using a recently published law is hindered; the latter result is at odds with previous theories. Direct erosion by subglacial water flow can explain bedrock channel excavation, but the resulting erosion rates remain negligible compared to expected basin-wide glacial erosion rates. The models predict a bottleneck in sediment transport near the glacier terminus that is inherent to channel dynamics. The resulting sediment accumulation provides a process-based explanation for esker deposition, and could shape proglacial sediment yields. In focusing on spatial and temporal scales commensurate with subglacial processes, this study challenges some of the common assumptions made in glacial erosion studies and provides a starting point for refining models of landscape evolution.
Transformational leadership and teacher commitment to organizational values: The mediating effects of collective teacher efficacy

Transformational leadership researchers have given little attention to teacher expectations that mediate between goals and actions. The most important of these expectations, teacher efficacy, refers to teacher beliefs that they will be able to bring about student learning. This study examined the mediating effects of teacher efficacy by comparing two models derived from Bandura's social-cognitive theory. Model A hypothesized that transformational leadership would contribute to teacher commitment to organizational values exclusively through collective teacher efficacy. Model B hypothesized that leadership would have direct effects on teacher commitment and indirect effects through teacher efficacy. Data from 3,074 teachers in 218 elementary schools in a cross-validation sample design provided greater support for Model B than Model A. Transformational leadership had an impact on the collective teacher efficacy of the school; teacher efficacy alone predicted teacher commitment to community partnerships; and transformational leadership had direct and indirect effects on teacher commitment to school mission and commitment to professional learning community.
Nutrient Uptake Illustrated for Modern, High-Yielding Soybean

Originally introduced to Brazil in 1882, soybean first became a significant grain crop in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s most southern state, during the first decade of the 1900s. Today, soybean dominates the country’s agricultural landscape. The five-year average yield for soybean in Brazil is 3.0 t/ha, but farmers using modern varieties and best management practices are achieving 4.5 to 6.0 t/ha without irrigation. Genetic development and new technologies have created these popular, high-yielding soybean varieties with an indeterminate growth habit (i.e., vegetative growth continues through flowering). However, fertilizer recommendations are still traditionally based on older varieties with a determinate growth habit (i.e., vegetative growth ceases at flowering), which has led to a knowledge gap. In the study described below, researchers worked to quantify nutrient uptake, partitioning, and remobilization during the soybean growing season in order to collect the Soybean has grown to be the major crop both in terms of land use and grain production in Brazil. In turn, soybean leads all crops in nutrient consumption. Fields growing high-yielding cultivars are capable of supporting grain yields that are twice the country’s average, leading to questions about how these yields impact crop nutrient demand. Uptake patterns find N and K in highest demand, with K having the fastest acquisition rate (63% of total K uptake occurs before pod filling). Remobilization from leaves, stems, and petioles provides a significant contribution to the total grain content of N, P, K, S, Cu, and Zn, while Mg, B, and Fe only remobilize from leaves.
Validity and reliability of GPS for measuring instantaneous velocity during acceleration, deceleration, and constant motion

Abstract In this study, we assessed the validity and reliability of 5 and 10 Hz global positioning systems (GPS) for measuring instantaneous velocity during acceleration, deceleration, and constant velocity while straight-line running. Three participants performed 80 running trials while wearing two GPS units each (5 Hz, V2.0 and 10 Hz, V4.0; MinimaxX, Catapult Innovations, Scoresby, VIC, Australia). The criterion measure used to assess GPS validity was instantaneous velocity recorded using a tripod-mounted laser. Validity was established using the standard error of the estimate (±90% confidence limits). Reliability was determined using typical error (±90% confidence limits, expressed as coefficient of variation) and Pearson's correlation. The 10 Hz GPS devices were two to three times more accurate than the 5 Hz devices when compared with a criterion value for instantaneous velocity during tasks completed at a range of velocities (coefficient of variation 3.1–11.3%). Similarly, the 10 Hz GPS units were up to six-fold more reliable for measuring instantaneous velocity than the 5 Hz units (coefficient of variation 1.9–6.0%). Newer GPS may provide an acceptable tool for the measurement of constant velocity, acceleration, and deceleration during straight-line running and have sufficient sensitivity for detecting changes in performance in team sport. However, researchers must account for the inherent match-to-match variation reported when using these devices.
High-resolution H I observations of the Western Magellanic Bridge

The 21-cm line emission from a 7 × 6d eg 2 region east of and adjoining the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) has been observed with the Australia Telescope Compact Array and the Parkes telescopes. This region represents the westernmost part of the Magellanic Bridge, a gas-rich tail extending ∼14 ◦ to the Large Magellanic Cloud. A rich and complex neutral hydrogen (H I) structure containing shells, bubbles and filaments is revealed. On the larger scale, the H I of the Bridge is organized into two velocity components. This bimodality, which appears to originate in the SMC, converges to a single velocity component within the observed region. A census of shell-like structures suggests a shell population with characteristics similar to that of the SMC. The mean kinematic age of the shells is ∼6 Myr, in agreement with the SMC shell population, but not with ages of OB clusters populating the Magellanic Bridge, which are approximately a factor of 3 older. In general, the projected spatial correlation of Bridge H I shells with OB associations is poor and as such, there does not appear to be a convincing relationship between the positions of OB associations and that of expanding spherical H I structures. This survey has found only one H I shell that has an identifiable association with a known Hα shell. The origin of the expanding structures is therefore generally still uncertain, although current theories regarding their formation include gravitational and pressure instabilities, high-velocity cloud collisions and ram pressure effects.
Rapid Particle Size Measurement Using 3D Surface Imaging

The present study introduces a new three-dimensional (3D) surface image analysis technique in which white light illumination from different incident angles is used to create 3D surfaces with a photometric approach. The three-dimensional features of the surface images created are then used in the characterization of particle size distributions of granules. This surface image analysis method is compared to sieve analysis and a particle sizing method based on spatial filtering technique with nearly 30 granule batches. The aim is also to evaluate the technique in flowability screening of granular materials. Overall, the new 3D imaging approach allows a rapid analysis of large amounts of sample and gives valuable visual information on the granule surfaces in terms of surface roughness and particle shape.
Understanding Background Mixture Models for Foreground Segmentation

The seminal video surveillance papers on moving object segmentation through adaptive Gaussian mixture models of the background image do not provide adequate information for easy replication of the work. They also do not explicitly base their algorithms on the underlying statistical theory and sometimes even suffer from errors of derivation. This tutorial paper describes a practical implementation of the Stauffer-Grimson algorithm and provides values for all model parameters. It also shows what approximations to the theory were made and how to improve the standard algorithm by redefining those approximations.
SEXUAL SELECTION FOR MORAL VIRTUES

Moral evolution theories have emphasized kinship, reciprocity, group selection, and equilibrium selection. Yet, moral virtues are also sexually attractive. Darwin suggested that sexual attractiveness may explain many aspects of human morality. This paper updates his argument by integrating recent research on mate choice, person perception, individual differences, costly signaling, and virtue ethics. Many human virtues may have evolved in both sexes through mutual mate choice to advertise good genetic quality, parenting abilities, and/or partner traits. Such virtues may include kindness, fidelity, magnanimity, and heroism, as well as quasi‐moral traits like conscientiousness, agreeableness, mental health, and intelligence. This theory leads to many testable predictions about the phenotypic features, genetic bases, and social‐cognitive responses to human moral virtues.
Correlation Between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Disc Parameters in Glaucoma Suspected Eyes

ABSTRACT Goal: The aim of the study was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography parameters in normal, preperimetric, developed perimetric and terminal glaucoma. Methods: 180 eyes of 140 consecutive patients were evaluated in this retrospective cross sectional pilot study. Copernicus Spectral – domain optical coherence tomography with resolution of 3 mm obtained through the optic nerve head were included. All examined eyes were divided into four groups (healthy eyes, initial, preperimetric glaucoma, developed perimetric glaucoma and terminal glaucoma). Results: The highest value of the RIM is noticed in control group 1,44 (1,21-1,70). There is no significant difference in the size of the disc in the eyes with developed open angle glaucoma (1,80 ±0,66) compared to normal eyes (p= 0,663), to the eyes with initial glaucoma (p=0,120), and terminal glaucomatous atrophy (p=0,068). There is statistically importance of E/D parameter in healthy group 0,17 (0,04 -0,27), early glaucomatous group 0,44 (0,35-0,51), developed glaucoma 0,47 (0,39-0,61) respectively p<0,005. The volume of cup was significantly greater in the eyes with terminal glaucomatous atrophy 1,05 (0,85 -1,4) compared to the healthy eyes 0,31 (0,06-0,51) (p < 0,005), significantly greater to initial glaucoma 0,84 (0,58-1,12) (p=0,007) and significantly higher compared to developed glaucoma 0,82 (0,62-1.07) (p=0,003). There is no significant difference in the cup between the eyes with early and developed glaucoma (p=0,912). The eyes with terminal glaucoma had significant lower value of the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer 56,50 (45,50-71,25) compared to developed glaucoma group 82,5 (72-95,75), initial glaucoma 110,50 (102-123) and healthy eyes 132 (119-150) (p <0,005). Conclusion: The SD-OCT scanning should be used to quantify optic nerve head anatomy in human eyes. The changes can be recognized and can indicate as important risk factor in considering glaucoma changes. It also should be considered as an exact model of glaucoma pathology.
Thermolysin-linearized microcin J25 retains the structured core of the native macrocyclic peptide and displays antimicrobial activity.

Microcin J25 (MccJ25) is the single macrocyclic antimicrobial peptide belonging to the ribosomally synthesized class of microcins that are secreted by Enterobacteriaceae. It showed potent antibacterial activity against several Salmonella and Escherichia strains and exhibited a compact three-dimensional structure [Blond et al. (2001) Eur. J. Biochem. , 268, 2124-2133]. The molecular mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis, folding and mode of action of MccJ25 are still unknown. We have investigated the structure and the antimicrobial activity of thermolysin-linearized MccJ25 (MccJ25-L1-21: VGIGTPISFY10GGGAGHVPEY20F), as well as two synthetic analogs, sMccJ25-L1-21 (sequence of the thermolysin-cleaved MccJ25) and sMccJ25-L12-11 (C-terminal sequence of the MccJ25 precursor: G12GAGHVPEYF21V1GIGTPISFYG11). The three-dimensional solution structure of MccJ25-L1-21, determined by two-dimensional NMR, consists of a boot-shaped hairpin-like well-defined 8-19 region flanked by disordered N and C termini. This structure is remarkably similar to that of cyclic MccJ25, and includes a short double-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet (8-10/17-19) perpendicular to a loop (Gly11-His16). The thermolysin-linearized MccJ25-L1-21 had antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. enteritidis strains, while both synthetic analogues lacked activity and organized structure. We show that the 8-10/17-19 beta-sheet, as well as the Gly11-His16 loop are required for moderate antibacterial activity and that the Phe21-Pro6 loop and the MccJ25 macrocyclic backbone are necessary for complete antibacterial activity. We also reveal a highly stable 8-19 structured core present in both the native MccJ25 and the thermolysin-linearized peptide, which is maintained under thermolysin treatment and resists highly denaturing conditions.
The Republicans Should Pray for Rain: Weather, Turnout, and Voting in U.S. Presidential Elections

The relationship between bad weather and lower levels of voter turnout is widely espoused by media, political practitioners, and, perhaps, even political scientists. Yet, there is virtually no solid empirical evidence linking weather to voter participation. This paper provides an extensive test of the claim. We examine the effect of weather on voter turnout in 14 U.S. presidential elections. Using GIS interpolations, we employ meteorological data drawn from over 22,000 U.S. weather stations to provide election day estimates of rain and snow for each U.S. county. We find that, when compared to normal conditions, rain significantly reduces voter participation by a rate of just less than 1% per inch, while an inch of snowfall decreases turnout by almost . 5%. Poor weather is also shown to benefit the Republican party's vote share. Indeed, the weather may have contributed to two Electoral College outcomes, the 1960 and 2000 presidential elections.
Protein phosphatase 2C binds selectively to and dephosphorylates metabotropic glutamate receptor 3

Cell surface receptor membrane localization is strongly dependent on protein-protein interactions often involving regulation by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the intracellular domains of membrane proteins. The present study was carried out to identify metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) 3 regulatory binding proteins. Using the yeast two-hybrid technique, we found that the 50-aa C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of mGluR3 interacts specifically with protein phosphatase 2Cα (PP2Cα). This interaction was confirmed by GST pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation assays. mGluR3 interacts with PP2Cα, β, γ, and δ isoforms; however, among the mGluR family only mGluR3 interacted with PP2C. The minimal interacting domain of mGluR3 comprised residues 836-855. Alignment between mGluR3 and mGluR2, a closely related group II receptor, indicated that this domain is not conserved between the two receptors. The mGluR3 cytoplasmic C-terminal tail contains one phosphorylation site for protein kinase A (Ser-845), but the phosphatase that dephosphorylates this site has not been previously identified. We find that PP2C, but not PP1, PP2A, or PP2B, dephosphorylates the mGluR3 cytoplasmic tail in vitro. The dephosphorylated form of the mGluR3 cytoplasmic tail, but not the equivalent region of mGluR2, inhibited PP2C assayed by using [32P]casein as a substrate. However, phosphorylation of the mGluR3 cytoplasmic tail at Ser-845 inhibits the interaction with PP2C. These results indicate distinct functions for mGluR2 and mGluR3 and suggest a dynamic regulation of mGluR3 by PP2C.
Types of attempted suicide (parasuicide)

The clinical usefulness of a typology of parasuicide, reported in a previous paper, has been improved. A finer grained classification, using six instead of only three clusters, has proved itself to be clinically highly realistic. By a new method of cluster analysis which examines 80 attributes in each of 350 patients, the following types of parasuicide emerge: (1) operant, not alienated; (2) repeaters; (3) depressed with high life endangerment; (4) operant and alienated; (5) wristcutters; (6) undifferentiated. This more detailed typology may offer some advantages for clinical management and research.