Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Invasion from the cold past: extensive introgression of mountain hare (Lepus timidus) mitochondrial DNA into three other hare species in northern Iberia

Mitochondrial DNA introgression from Lepus timidus into Lepus granatensis and Lepus europaeus was recently reported in Iberia, although L. timidus presumably retreated from this region at the end of the last ice age. Here we assess the extent of this ancient mtDNA introgression by RFLP analysis of 695 specimens representing the three hare species present in Iberia. The introgressed L. timidus lineage was found in 23 of the 37 populations sampled. It is almost fixed in L. europaeus across its Iberian range in the Pyrenean foothills, and in L. granatensis, which occupies the rest of the peninsula, it is predominant in the north and gradually disappears further south. We also found it in Lepus castroviejoi, a species endemic to Cantabria. Multiple hybridizations and, potentially, a selective advantage for the L. timidus lineage can explain the remarkable taxonomic and geographical range of this mitochondrial introgression.
Resolving in-vivo flow fields in the systemic circulation of the mouse through combined ultrasound imaging and computational fluid dynamics

The “natural history” of aortic aneurysm formation and growth is not fully understood. Mouse models are most suitable to unravel the potential role of biomechanical factors (such as magnitude and patterns of wall shear stress), which are thought to interplay with vascular biology. The objective of this study is to explore whether high-frequency ultrasound imaging, combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), allows to resolve the flow field in the murine arterial vasculature. Ultrasound data were gathered in 10 male mice with a high-frequency ultrasound apparatus (Vevo 2100, Visualsonics, Toronto, Canada) equipped with a linear array probe (MS 550D, frequency 22–55 MHz). 3D digital models of the aorta were obtained from contrast-enhanced µCT images. Using the PW Doppler data as boundary conditions at inlets and outlets of these 3D models, CFD simulations yielded 3D flow fields with a temporal resolution in the order of 0.5 ms and spatial resolution determined by the computational grid density (<<0.1 mm). This approach, integrating imaging and CFD, provides the necessary tool for longitudinal hemodynamic studies in mice, but may also provide a modeling framework for the further optimization of high-frequency vascular ultrasound.
The Theory of Ice Nucleation by Heterogeneous Freezing of Deliquescent Mixed CCN. Part II: Parcel Model Simulation

Abstract The new theory of ice nucleation by heterogeneous freezing of deliquescent mixed cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) presented in Part I is incorporated into a parcel model with explicit water and ice bin microphysics to simulate the process of ice nucleation under transient thermodynamic conditions. Simulations are conducted over the temperature range −4° to −60°C, with vertical velocities varying from 1 to 100 cm s−1, for varying initial relative humidities and aerosol characteristics. These simulations show that the same CCN that are responsible for the drop nucleation may initiate crystal nucleation and can be identified as ice nuclei (IN) when crystals form. The simulated nucleation rates and concentrations of nucleated crystals depend on temperature and supersaturation simultaneously, showing good agreement with observations but with noticeable differences when compared with classical temperature-only and supersaturation-only parameterizations. The kinetics of heterogeneous ice nucleation exhib.
Conformity effects in memory as a function of group size, dissenters and uncertainty.

In two experimental studies we investigated how false memory reports provided by anonymous group members affect individuals' recognition. Participants were presented with a series of salient and non-salient objects and recognition memory was subsequently assessed for presented and non-presented stimuli. In this recognition test, participants were confronted with (in)correct responses from bogus group members. The findings indicate that the bogus answers influenced memory reports only in the absence of a clear recollection and if the stimulus was not judged to be particularly memorable. Moreover, we found no evidence that motivational influences affected participants' judgements. However, the influence of the bogus group decreased with the presence of dissenters who broke the unanimity of the group, and it increased with higher uncertainty. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Color Defect and Color Theory

It is important to find answers to two questions concerning the visual discriminations of dichromatic persons, especially deuteranopes: (i) Do such persons show a loss of sensitivity to various wavelengths of the spectrum as compared with normal subjects? (ii) What colors do they see? A number of experiments were performed on the first question. First, luminosity curves were determined on three groups of subjects, consisting respectively of five protanopes, six deuteranopes, and seven normal individuals. As compared with normal subjects, protanopes show a loss of luminosity in the red, whereas deuteranopes show a loss in the blue-to-green region of the spectrum (See 10). Second, we examined the luminosity curves of a subject whose right eye is classifiable (on the basis of color-mixture determinations) as normal and whose left eye is classifiable as dichromatic. (The hue discrimination curve for her dichromatic eye seemed comparable to the curve of the usual deuteranope except in the violet, where it manifested relatively good discrimination.) The luminosity function for this subject's dichromatic eye, determined by data on threshold and flicker, exhibits the same type of luminosity loss in the blue and green regions of the spectrum as was shown by our group of six deuteranopes. Only unilaterally dichromatic subjects can tell us how colors seen by a dichromatic eye appear to a normal eye. In the color-blind eye, our unilaterally dichromatic subject sees wavelengths below and above her neutral ("grey") point (which occurs at 502 m�) as, respectively, a blue equivalent to about 470 m� and a yellow equivalent to about 570 m� in her normal eye. The results on (i) luminosity loss and (ii) the seeing of wavelengths above 502 m� as yellow are considered theoretically. The seeing of yellow by deuteranopes and protanopes may be accounted for by an idea based on Leber-Fick transmation theory. It is proposed that the characteristic sensitivities of the red and green receptors become similar while no change takes place in their central brain connections. Losses may be introduced into the transformed sensitivity curves to indicate appropriate degrees of luminosity deficit for deuteranopes and protanopes.
Deep sedation for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a comparison between clinical assessment and NarcotrendTM monitoring

Introduction Moderate to deep sedation is generally used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The depth of sedation is usually judged by clinical assessment and electroencephalography-guided monitoring. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of clinical assessment and NarcotrendTM monitoring during deep-sedated ERCP. Methods One hundred patients who underwent ERCP in a single year were randomly assigned to either group C or group N. Patients in group C (52) were sedated using the Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) scale. Patients in group N (48) were sedated using the NarcotrendTM system. The MOAA/S scale 1 or 2 and the NarcotrendTM index 47–56 to 57–64 were maintained during the procedure. The primary outcome variable of the study was the successful completion of the endoscopic procedure. The secondary outcome variables were the total dose of propofol used during the procedure, complications during and immediately after procedure, and recovery time. Results All endoscopies were completed successfully. The mean total dose of propofol in group C was significantly lower than that in group N. However, the mean dose of propofol, expressed as dose/kg or dose/kg/h in both groups, was not significantly different (P = 0.497, 0.136). Recovery time, patient tolerance and satisfaction, and endoscopist satisfaction were comparable between the two groups. All sedation-related adverse events during and immediately after the procedure, such as hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, bradycardia, transient hypoxia, and upper airway obstruction, in group C (62.2%) were significantly higher than in group N (37.5%) (P = 0.028). Conclusion Clinical assessment and NarcotrendTM-guided sedation using propofol for deep sedation demonstrated comparable propofol dose and recovery time. Both monitoring systems were equally safe and effective. However, the NarcotrendTM-guided sedation showed lower hemodynamic changes and fewer complications compared with the clinical assessment-guided sedation.
What attributes of patients affect their involvement in safety? A key opinion leaders’ perspective

Objective Little is known about which attributes the patients need when they wish to maximise their capability to partner safely in healthcare. We aimed to identify these attributes from the perspective of key opinion leaders. Design Delphi study involving indirect group interaction through a structured two-round survey. Setting International electronic survey. Participants 11 (65%) of the 17 invited internationally recognised experts on patient safety completed the study. Outcome measures 50 patient attributes were rated by the Delphi panel for their ability to contribute maximally to safe health care. Results The panellists agreed that 13 attributes are important for patients who want to maximise the role of safe partners. These domains relate to: autonomy, awareness, conscientiousness, knowledge, rationality, responsiveness and vigilance; for example, important attributes of autonomy include the ability to speak up, freedom to act and ability to act independently. Spanning seven domains, the attributes emphasise intellectual attributes and, to a lesser extent, moral attributes. Conclusions Whereas current safety discourses emphasise attributes of professionals, this study identified the patient attributes which key opinion leaders believe can maximise the capability of patients to partner safely in healthcare. Further research is needed that asks patients about the attributes they believe are most important.
Characterization of LMP-1's association with TRAF1, TRAF2, and TRAF3

The latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) contributes to the immortalizing activity of EBV in primary, human B lymphocytes. LMP-1 is targeted to the plasma membrane, where it influences signaling pathways of infected cells. LMP-1 has been found to associate with members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) family of proteins. As with LMP-1, the TRAF molecules have been shown to participate in cell signaling pathways. We have characterized and mapped in detail a region of LMP-1 that associates with TRAF1, TRAF2, and TRAF3. TRAF3 alone associates with LMP-1 in a yeast two-hybrid assay, whereas all three TRAF molecules associate with LMP-1 under various conditions when they are assayed in extracts of human cells. TRAF1, TRAF2, and TRAF3 appear to associate independently with LMP-1 but bind an overlapping target site. TRAF3 associates with LMP-1 most avidly and can compete with TRAF1 and TRAF2 for binding to LMP-1. TRAF2 associates with truncated derivatives of the carboxy terminus of LMP-1 more efficiently than with the intact terminus, indicating that LMP-1's conformation may regulate its association with TRAF2. Finally, point mutations that decrease LMP-1's association with the three TRAF molecules to 3 to 20% of wild-type levels do not detectably affect otherwise intact LMP-1's induction of NF-kappaB activity. Therefore, these associations are not necessary for the majority of intact LMP-1's induction of this signaling pathway.
Light might regulate divergently depside and depsidone accumulation in the lichen Parmotrema hypotropum by affecting thallus temperature and water potential

Depsides and depsidones are the most common secondary products uniquely produced in lichens by the fungal symbiont, and they accumulate on the outer surface of its hyphae. Their biological roles are subject to debate. Quantitatively the compounds typical of a given lichen can vary dramatically from thallus to thallus. Several studies have addressed whether this variability is correlated with the light reaching different thalli, but the conclusions are contradictory. We addressed the question with the lichen Parmotrema hypotropum growing on unshaded, vertical tree trunks, a controlled natural environment where the light absorbed by each thallus over its lifetime is the only major position-dependent variable. The exact north-east-south-west orientation of each thallus was used to calculate its yearly light exposure based on astronomical and meteorological considerations. The calculated irradiation around the trunk, distributed over a continuous 40-fold intensity range, then was compared with the amount of compound per unit thallus weight, determined by quantitative thin layer chromatography. P. hypotropum accumulates the depside atranorin in the cortex and the depsidone norstictic acid in the medulla and around the algae. A direct correlation was observed between the yearly amount of light reaching the lichen and the amount of atranorin. In contrast, the amount of norstictic acid decreased with increasing light. Although we did not measure thallus temperature and water potential, a unifying interpretation of these and other published data is that depside/depsidone accumulation in lichens is mediated by localized changes in temperature and water potential produced by light absorption within each thallus. This suggests water relations-based functions for depsides and depsidones.
Iron, anemia and hepcidin in malaria

Malaria and iron have a complex but important relationship. Plasmodium proliferation requires iron, both during the clinically silent liver stage of growth and in the disease-associated phase of erythrocyte infection. Precisely how the protozoan acquires its iron from its mammalian host remains unclear, but iron chelators can inhibit pathogen growth in vitro and in animal models. In humans, iron deficiency appears to protect against severe malaria, while iron supplementation increases risks of infection and disease. Malaria itself causes profound disturbances in physiological iron distribution and utilization, through mechanisms that include hemolysis, release of heme, dyserythropoiesis, anemia, deposition of iron in macrophages, and inhibition of dietary iron absorption. These effects have significant consequences. Malarial anemia is a major global health problem, especially in children, that remains incompletely understood and is not straightforward to treat. Furthermore, the changes in iron metabolism during a malaria infection may modulate susceptibility to co-infections. The release of heme and accumulation of iron in granulocytes may explain increased vulnerability to non-typhoidal Salmonella during malaria. The redistribution of iron away from hepatocytes and into macrophages may confer host resistance to superinfection, whereby blood-stage parasitemia prevents the development of a second liver-stage Plasmodium infection in the same organism. Key to understanding the pathophysiology of iron metabolism in malaria is the activity of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin. Hepcidin is upregulated during blood-stage parasitemia and likely mediates much of the iron redistribution that accompanies disease. Understanding the regulation and role of hepcidin may offer new opportunities to combat malaria and formulate better approaches to treat anemia in the developing world.
Impacts of land‐use intensity on soil organic carbon content, soil structure and water‐holding capacity

The impact of land‐use intensity is evaluated through changes in the soil properties in different areas of the traditional central Spanish landscape. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content, bulk density, aggregate stability and water‐holding capacity (WHC) in the topsoil of active and abandoned vineyards, livestock routes (LR) and young Quercus afforested areas were analysed. These different types of land use can be interpreted as having a gradient of progressively less impact on soil functions or conservation. As soil use intensity declines, there is an increase in SOC content (from 0.2 to 0.6%), WHC (from 0.2 to 0.3 g H2O per g soil) and aggregate stability (from 4 to 33 drop impacts). Soils beneath vines have lost their upper horizon (15 cm depth) because of centuries‐old tillage management of vineyards. Except for an increase in bulk density (from 1.2 to 1.4 g/cm3), there were no differences in soil characteristics 4 yr after the abandonment of vine management. LR can be considered sustainable uses of land, which preserve or improve soil characteristics, as there were no significant differences between topsoil from LR and that from a 40‐yr‐old Quercus afforested area. SOC content, one of the main indicators for soil conservation, is considered very low in every case analysed, even in the more conservative uses of land. These data can be useful in understanding the slow rate of recovery of soils, even after long‐term cessation of agricultural land use.
Brain Connectivity Analysis-A short survey 1

E. W. Lang, A. M. Tomé, I. R. Keck, J. M. Górriz Sáez and C. G. Puntonet CIML, Biophysics, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany IEETA/DETI, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany DTSTC, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain DATC/ESTII, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain email: elmar.lang@biologie.uni-regensburg.de
Book Review: Thomas Lawrence, Roy Suddaby and Bernard Leca (eds): Institutional Work: Actors and Agency in Institutional Studies of Organizations

in managing differences and similarities between their members than more homogeneous organizations. This suggests two points. First, some sort of classification would be helpful to understand how meta-organizations structure their relations with the environment and with their members. We learn from different examples that meta-organizations can be national or international, or large or small, have more or less homogeneous membership or consist of states, firms, civic associations or other meta-organizations. It should be possible to formulate hypotheses that would specify the relationship between certain characteristics of meta-organizations (and individual-based associations) and the ways they manage environmental and membership relations. Since, however, there are many factors that shape this relationship, it may also be important to search for combinations of factors or structural conditions that lead to certain patterns of behaviour of meta-organizations. Such hypotheses would enable a more systematic study of many meta-organizations. This would help specify what kinds of organization are likely to emerge under what conditions and operate in a specific way. Ahrne and Brunsson conclude by acknowledging that the book spells out the foundations of the theory of meta-organizations rather than providing final answers. On the last two pages, they list numerous open questions about the dynamics of meta-organizations, their impact on their members and the future of meta-organizations that are becoming increasingly global. They ask how metaorganizations that are both the driver and the product of globalization would change over time. The book should, therefore, be a ‘must’ not only for organizational scholars looking at organizations that Ahrne and Brunsson call metaorganizations but also for sociologists, political scientists and students of international relations seeking a new perspective on the relationship between organizations and globalization. Meta-organizations is best described as a source of many interesting ideas that need to be empirically tested.
Familial and Environmental Influences on Longevity in Historical Quebec

Les donnees de la demographique historique constituent un excellent cadre pour l’examen des composantes familiales et environnementales de la longevite. A partir des donnees du Registre de population du Quebec ancien, elabore par le Programme de recherche en demographie historique de l’Universite de Montreal, nous avons explore la relation entre la mortalite des personnes et la longevite de leur fratrie, de leurs parents et de leur conjoint dans une population de colons franco-canadiens nes entre 1625 et 1704. On a egalement introduit des caracteristiques visant a prendre en compte l’effet des conditions de vie environnementales et sociales. On a, d’une part, retenu l’âge moyen au deces des freres et sœurs ayant vecu plus de 50 ans, et, d’autre part, procede a une simulation de l’effet de la longevite des freres et sœurs independamment de la taille de la fratrie. L’utilisation de modeles a risques proportionnels de Cox revele que la longevite des individus est fortement dependante de celle de leurs freres et sœurs. Chaque accroissement d’une annee de l’âge moyen au deces de ces derniers reduit le risque de mortalite de 2,1 % pour les hommes et de 1,6 % pour les femmes. Certains elements indiquent en outre que le partage des conditions de vie dans l’enfance mais egalement a l’âge adulte influe sur cette relation.
Motivation, Meta-Cognition and Self-Regulation as Predictors of Long Term Educational Attainment

In a longitudinal study, long term educational attainment in secondary education was predicted by motivation, meta-cognition and self-regulation as well as student background variables and prior achievement. The dependent variables were: (1) the position in the fifth grade of the two highest tracks; (2) the choice of examination subjects; and (3) the mean achievement in the fifth grade in the chosen subjects. The position-variable correlates most strongly with the prognosis given at the end of primary education, and with the combined score on three progress tests taken during the first grade of secondary education. There was a large gender difference in the choice of examination subjects with boys choosing the three science subjects (pure mathematics, physics, chemistry) 30% more often. The choice of these subjects also correlates with the scores on the arithmetic progress test in the first grade and a mathematics test taken in the third grade. Achievement motivation and fear of failure are prominent predictors of the mean achievement in grade 5, as is prior achievement. Surprisingly meta-cognitive and self-regulation variables are hardly related to mean achievement.
Modelling Spoken Signatures with Gaussian Mixture Model Adaptation

We report on our developments towards building a novel user authentication system using combined acquisition of online handwritten signature and speech modalities. In our approach, signatures are recorded by asking the user to say what she/he is writing, leading to the so-called spoken signatures. We have built a verification system composed of two Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) sub-systems that model independently the pen and voice signal. We report on results obtained with two algorithms used for training the GMMs, respectively expectation maximization and maximum a posteriori adaptation. Different algorithms are also compared for fusing the scores of each modality. The evaluations are conducted on spoken signatures taken from the MyIDea multimodal database, accordingly to the protocols provided with the database. Results are in favor of using MAP adaptation with a simple weighted sum fusion. Results show also clearly the impact of time variability and of skilled versus unskilled forgeries attacks.