Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF MIGRATION ON THE GENETIC COVARIANCE MATRIX

Abstract In 1996, Schluter showed that the direction of morphological divergence of closely related species is biased toward the line of least genetic resistance, represented by gmax, the leading eigenvector of the matrix of genetic variance–covariance (the G-matrix). G is used to predict the direction of evolutionary change in natural populations. However, this usage requires that G is sufficiently constant over time to have enough predictive significance. Here, we explore the alternative explanation that G can evolve due to gene flow to conform to the direction of divergence between incipient species. We use computer simulations in a mainland–island migration model with stabilizing selection on two quantitative traits. We show that a high level of gene flow from a mainland population is required to significantly affect the orientation of the G-matrix in an island population. The changes caused by the introgression of the mainland alleles into the island population affect all aspects of the shape of G (size, eccentricity, and orientation) and lead to the alignment of gmax with the line of divergence between the two populations' phenotypic optima. Those changes decrease with increased correlation in mutational effects and with a correlated selection. Our results suggest that high migration rates, such as those often seen at the intraspecific level, will substantially affect the shape and orientation of G, whereas low migration (e.g., at the interspecific level) is unlikely to substantially affect the evolution of G.
Comparison of Maximum Likelihood and Time Frequency Approaches for Time Varying Delay Estimation in The Case of Electromyography Signals

Muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) is based on the time delay estimation between electromyography recording channels. In order to take into account the variability of the MFCV, we assume that the time delay between the channels varies over time. In the present paper, the Maximum - Likelihood estimation (MLE) of time varying delay for two channels of EMG signals that follow a polynomial model is derived. Monte Carlo simulations are performed at different noise levels in order to evaluate the noise impact of the estimator. The Maximum-Likelihood estimation was achieved by the Newton method. The delay with unknown model (inverse sinusoidal) was also investigated by cutting this delay into many slices. This approach gives the best results by comparison with the other ones.
Detailed Monte Carlo investigation of a proton computed tomography system

Proton therapy is a precise form of radiation therapy and thus it requires accurate quality control of patients treatment. Protons may be more suitable than conventional X-rays for this task since the relative electron density distribution can be measured directly with proton computed tomography (pCT). However, proton CT has its own limitation. The main limit is that of spatial resolution limited by multiple coulomb scattering of proton inside the body of patient. In order to improve spatial resolution we need to determine the most likely path of single proton inside the body. In this work we realized a set of Monte Carlo simulations for the calculation of the most likely path
Observation of the undercoolability of quasicrystal-forming alloys by electromagnetic levitation.

The electromagnetic levitation technique is applied to undercool melts of quasicrystal-forming alloys of Al-Cu-Co and Al-Cu-Fe. Undercooling with respect to the solidification of the decagonal phase (quasiperiodic in two dimensions) and the icosahedral phase (quasiperiodic in three dimensions) is measured in situ by contactless temperature measurements. The undercoolings are analyzed within nucleation theory. The results indicate that the activation energy for the formation of the nuclei of quasicrystalline phases is lower than that of crystalline phases. The decrease of activation energy is more pronounced for the icosahedral phase than for the decagonal phase
Efeitos da extrusão termoplastica sobre as propriedades tecnologicas e nutritivas das proteinas da farinha integral do feijão caupi (Vigna unguilata (L.) Walp)

Foram estudados os efeitos da extrusao tennoplastica sobre as propriedades tecnologicas e nutritivas da farinha da semente do caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) variedade EPACE-I0. As amostras de caupi foram obtidas junto ao Departamento de Fitotecnia da Universidade Federal do Ceara, Fortaleza, Brasil. A farinha integral do caupi foi obtida do grao inteiro atraves do emprego dos moinhos de rolos e de disco. Antes da extrusao, agua destilada foi adicionada a farinha por meio de agitacao mecânica ate se atingir valores preestabelecidos de umidade. Os ensaios de extrusao foram executados em um extrusor Brabender de parafuso unico. As variaveis independentes estudadas foram: temperatura de processamento, velocidade do parafuso e umidade de partida da farinha. Os seguintes parâmetros de extrusao permaneceram inalterados: temperatura da primeira zona do extrusor (800 C), diâmetro da matriz (3 mm) e relacao de compressao do parafuso (3:1). O teor de umidade das farinhas variou de 18 % a 28 %, a temperatura das segunda e terceira zonas do extrusor, de 1160C a 1840 C e a velocidade do parafuso de 106 a 174 r.p.m. O produto final foi naturalmente esfuado e em seguida moido e armazenado em recipientes de vidro a temperatura ambiente. Os efeitos das variaveis do processamento por extrusao sobre as propriedades tecnologicas e nutritivas da materia-prima foram avaliados por Metodologia de Superficie de Resposta utilizando-se um modelo composto rotacional de tres niveis. A analise estatistica dos resultados foi processada usando-se o programa SAS@e mostrou que a velocidade do parafuso, para um nivel de significância de 5 % (p :::;; 0,05), nao afetou as propriedades dos extrusados. A mais importante variavel independente de extrusao foi a temperatura, seguida da umidade. Esses dois parâmetros afetaram significativamente as propriedades tecnologicas e nutritivas da farinha da semente do caupi. Os resultados indicaram que a temperatura do processo afetou linearmente e quadraticamente a taxa de expansao, a dureza e a densidade dos produtos. A umidade da materia-prima afetou quadraticamente a taxa de expansao. Extrusados que teriam uma dureza apropriada para produtos tipo "snack" foram obtidos com um teor de umidade da materia-prima de 23% e a uma temperatura de processamento de 1500 C. Produtos extrusados sob essas condicoes tinham a maior expansao radial e mais baixa dureza, o teor proteico total da materia-prima foi largamente preservado apos o processo de extrusao. Com o aumento da severidade do tratamento termico, alguns produtos apresentaram uma digestibilidade in vitro diminuida, e uma mais pronunciada perda de lisina disponivel. Uma reducao na temperatura de processamento e uma elevacao no teor de agua da materia-prima, durante a extrusao, mostrou-se como a melhor maneira pratica para melhorar as propriedades tecnologicas e nutritivas dos produtos Abstract
Dental care for pregnant women: an assessment of North Carolina general dentists.

BACKGROUND The authors conducted a study to examine factors associated with general dentists' provision of care for pregnant women and the extent to which they provide comprehensive dental care. METHODS The authors mailed an 86-item questionnaire to 1,000 practicing general dentists in North Carolina. Survey domains included provider knowledge about pregnancy and dental health, dental treatment practices, barriers to providing care, outcome expectancy, and personal and practice demographics. The primary dependent variables the authors analyzed were whether dentists provided any treatment to pregnant women and, among those who did, the extent to which they provided comprehensive services. The authors performed multivariate regression analyses to determine factors associated with dentists' provision of care to pregnant women (P < .05). RESULTS A total of 513 surveys were returned (a response rate of 51.3 percent), of which 495 surveys had complete responses. The authors included the completed surveys in their analyses. The mean age of the respondents was 46 years. The results of multivariate analysis showed that respondents who perceived a lack of demand for services among pregnant women and provided preconception counseling were less likely to provide any treatment for pregnant patients than were those who perceived a demand for services and who did not provide preconception counseling, respectively. Dentists who were male, had a low knowledge score, provided preconception counseling and treated largely white populations of patients were less likely than female dentists, those who had moderate or high knowledge scores, and those who treated a population of minority patients to provide comprehensive care for pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS Most general dentists in private practice provide care for pregnant women, but the authors found notable gaps in dental provider knowledge and comprehensive dental services available for pregnant women. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Although many general dentists provide some dental care to pregnant women, more should be done to ensure that this care is comprehensive.
Cellular interactions: lessons from the nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria

Marine nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria play a central role in the open‐ocean microbial community by providing fixed nitrogen (N) to the ocean from atmospheric dinitrogen (N2) gas. Once thought to be dominated by one genus of cyanobacteria, Trichodesmium, it is now clear that marine N2‐fixing cyanobacteria in the open ocean are more diverse, include several previously unknown symbionts, and are geographically more widespread than expected. The next challenge is to understand the ecological implications of this genetic and phenotypic diversity for global oceanic N cycling. One intriguing aspect of the cyanobacterial N2 fixers ecology is the range of cellular interactions they engage in, either with cells of their own species or with photosynthetic protists. From organelle‐like integration with the host cell to a free‐living existence, N2‐fixing cyanobacteria represent the range of types of interactions that occur among microbes in the open ocean. Here, we review what is known about the cellular interactions carried out by marine N2‐fixing cyanobacteria and where future work can help. Discoveries related to the functional roles of these specialized cells in food webs and the microbial community will improve how we interpret their distribution and abundance patterns and contributions to global N and carbon (C) cycles.
Tensed Meaning: A Tenseless Account

If, as the new B-theory of time maintains, tensed sentences have tenseless truth conditions, it follows that it is possible for two sentence-tokens to have the same truth conditions, but different meanings. This conclusion forces a rethink of the traditional identification of truth conditions with meaning. There is an aspect of the meanings of tensed sentences which is not captured by their truth conditions, and which has so far eluded explanation. In this paper I intend to locate, examine and explain this feature of tensed meaning.
The effect of maximum voided volume on response to desmopressin therapy in children with enuresis.

PURPOSE This study was aimed to determine the effect of maximum voided volume (MVV) on the efficacy of desmopressin, which is commonly used to treat primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bladder capacity was measured with different methods in 52 patients with PMNE, and the effect of bladder capacity on desmopressin therapy was investigated. RESULTS Patients with PMNE in whom MVV was 70% or less of estimated bladder capacity were found to be unresponsive to desmopressin therapy. CONCLUSION The MVV can be measured before desmopressin therapy in patients with PMNE as a marker to predict treatment success. Our results suggest that desmopressin should not be used in patients with low MVV.
Effects of age and available response time on ability to step over an obstacle.

BACKGROUND Falls during walking are often triggered when a foot contacts an obstacle in its path. Yet little is known about the ability of individuals of any age to successfully negotiate obstacles, especially under time-critical conditions. METHODS The gait of 24 young and 24 old healthy adults (mean ages 23 and 73 years) was studied as they approached and tried to avoid stepping on a band of light, not knowing when or where it might appear on an 8 m-long walkway. This virtual obstacle was placed at the predicted location of the next footfall with available response times (ART) before heel strike that were varied randomly in 50 ms increments from 200 to 450 ms. In addition, their gait was observed as they stepped over a fixed virtual obstacle and over an obstacle that appeared with approximately a 1000 ms ART. RESULTS The old had an increased risk of obstacle contact while negotiating obstacles under time-critical conditions (p = .082). Mean rates-of-success (RS) in obstacle avoidance for the young ranged from . 205 at a 200 ms ART to . 969 at a . 450 ms ART. Corresponding mean RS for the old were . 157 and . 920. Lower extremity simple reaction time (SRT) test made under static conditions showed that the mean SRT of the old were approximately 80 ms longer than those of the young. Regression analyses suggested that the old in fact would have needed only 30 ms additional ART to achieve RS equal to that of the young for obstacles appearing with ART from 300 to 450 ms. CONCLUSIONS Reductions in ART significantly decreased RS. Delays as small as 50 or 100 ms in observing or reacting to obstacles in real-life situations may significantly lower the rate of success that subjects of any age have in avoiding them. Age differences in SRT do not always reliably indicate age differences in obstacle avoidance under time-critical situations.
Analytical modeling of pulsating torque in concentrated-wound interior permanent magnet machines to achieve maximum average torque under an open-phase fault condition

Fractional-slot concentrated-wound interior permanent magnet machines exhibit a reduction in the average torque and significant torque ripple under an open-phase fault condition. This arises from the spatial harmonics generated in the stator magneto-motive force due to occurrence of the fault. With the purpose of increasing the average torque, a detailed analytical model is proposed for the magneto-motive force and electromagnetic torque of the machine operating under an open-phase fault condition. The proposed analytical model enables determination of optimal current angles to guarantee a maximum average torque with respect to the current amplitude under the open phase fault condition. Finite element analysis of a fractional-slot concentrated-wound interior permanent magnet machine is used to verify the authenticity of the proposed models and approach.
Mesenchymal Phenotype of CTC-Enriched Blood Fraction and Lymph Node Metastasis Formation Potential

Introduction Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that present mesenchymal phenotypes can escape standard methods of isolation, thus limiting possibilities for their characterization. Whereas mesenchymal CTCs are considered to be more malignant than epithelial CTCs, factors responsible for this aggressiveness have not been thoroughly defined. This study analyzed the molecular profile related to metastasis formation potential of CTC-enriched blood fractions obtained by marker unbiased isolation from breast cancer patients without (N−) and with lymph nodes metastases (N+). Materials and Methods Blood samples drawn from 117 patients with early-stage breast cancer were enriched for CTCs using density gradient centrifugation and negative selection with anti-CD45 covered magnetic particles. In the resulting CTC-enriched blood fractions, expression of CK19, MGB1, VIM, TWIST1, SNAIL, SLUG, HER2, CXCR4 and uPAR was analyzed with qPCR. Results were correlated with patients' clinicopathological data. Results CTCs (defined as expression of either CK19, MGB1 or HER2) were detected in 41% (20/49) of N− and 69% (34/49) of N+ patients (P = 0.004). CTC-enriched blood fractions of N+ patients were more frequently VIM (P = 0.02), SNAIL (P = 0.059) and uPAR-positive (P = 0.03). Positive VIM, CXCR4 and uPAR status correlated with >3 lymph nodes involved (P = 0.003, P = 0.01 and P = 0.045, respectively). In the multivariate logistic regression MGB1 and VIM-positivity were independently related to lymph node involvement with corresponding overall risk of 3.2 and 4.2. Moreover, mesenchymal CTC-enriched blood fractions (CK19−/VIM+ and MGB1+ or HER2+) had 4.88 and 7.85-times elevated expression of CXCR4 and uPAR, respectively, compared with epithelial CTC-enriched blood fractions (CK19+/VIM− and MGB1+ or HER2+). Conclusions Tumors of N+ patients have superior CTC-seeding and metastatic potential compared with N- patients. These differences can be attributed to VIM, uPAR and CXCR4 expression, which endow tumor cells with particularly malignant phenotypes.
Loss of Cochlear Nucleus Neurons following Aminoglycoside Antibiotics or Cochlear Removal

This study compared the effects of aminoglycoside ototoxicity and surgical ablation of the cochlea in infancy on the survival of neurons in the rat cochlear nucleus (CN). Ototoxicity was induced by a single, systemic dose of gentamicin sulfate and furosemide on postnatal day 6 (P6), P7, or P10, and assessed by the elevation of auditory brain stem response thresholds, as described in a companion paper. Unilateral cochlear removals were performed under Saffan anesthesia on P6, P9, and P12. Rats were painlessly sacrificed in adulthood, and the formalin-perfused brains and cochleas were embedded in wax, sectioned, and stained. Ototoxic treatment at P6 through P10 did not reduce neuron counts in the CN. Cochlear removal at P6 resulted in a 40% loss of CN neurons, but removal at P12 did not result in CN neuron loss. These data suggest that the critical period for the dependence of CN neurons on afferent input from the cochlea ends at the same time that susceptibility to aminoglycoside ototoxicity begins.
Highly Conserved Sequences Mediate the Dynamic Interplay of Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins Regulating Retinogenesis*

The atonal homolog 5 (ATH5) protein is central to the transcriptional network regulating the specification of retinal ganglion cells, and its expression comes under the spatiotemporal control of several basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins in the course of retina development. Monitoring the in vivo occupancy of the ATH5 promoter by the ATH5, Ngn2, and NeuroM proteins and analyzing the DNA motifs they bind, we show that three evolutionarily conserved E-boxes are required for the bHLH proteins to control the different phases of ATH5 expression. E-box 4 mediates the activity of Ngn2, ATH5, and NeuroM along the pathway leading to the conversion of progenitors into newborn neurons. E-box 1, by mediating the antagonistic effects of Ngn2 and HES1 in proliferating progenitors, controls the expansion of the ATH5 expression domain in early retina. E-box 2 is required for the positive feedback by ATH5 that underlies the up-regulation of ATH5 expression when progenitors are going through their last cell cycle. The combinatorial nature of the regulation of the ATH5 promoter suggests that the bHLH proteins involved have no assigned E-boxes but use a common set at which they either cooperate or compete to finely tune ATH5 expression as development proceeds.
Pragmatism, Semantics, and the Unknowable

Pragmatism in semantics is hampered by its proponents' tendency to tie understanding too closely to our mastery of epistemic practice. Both Brandom's inferentialist semantics and the anti-realist semantics championed by Dummett and Tennant amply illustrate this tendency. As a consequence, neither theory can successfully handle cases of the innocuously unknowable in which two sentences, though mutually consistent, nonetheless cannot be known to be true together. On Brandom's account, such sentences are treated as being mutually inconsistent after all. According to both Dummett's and Tennant's version of anti-realist semantics, we cannot know that there are any true sentences of this kind. Neither result is the least acceptable, whence either theory fails. The lesson to be learnt from this failure is that understanding should not be identified with the ability to reach warranted verdicts, but with the ability to think, where thinking is constitutively involved in, but nonetheless distinct from judging.
A simple assay for frequency of chromosome breaks and loss (micronuclei) by flow cytometry of human reticulocytes

Exposure to environmental stress, such as radiation, poor nutrition, or smoking, can cause hazardous lesions in DNA, including double‐strand breaks. In red blood cells, a DNA fragment or lagging chromosome forms a micronucleus when left behind after the main nucleus is extruded to form the mature reticulocyte during erythropoiesis. Reticulocytes with micronuclei in human peripheral blood are not generally available for analysis because the spleen removes aberrant cells. We have developed a simple and rapid method to isolate and analyze immature reticulocytes in the peripheral blood for the presence of micronuclei before these cells are removed by the spleen. This method applies single‐laser flow‐cytometry to measure micronuclei in an enriched transferrin‐positive reticulocyte population. Abramsson‐Zetterberg et al. (Abramsson‐Zetterberg, L., Zetterberg, G., Bergqvist, M., and Grawe, J. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 36, 22–31, 2000) have described a method to measure micronuclei in an enriched reticulocyte population using a dual‐laser flow cytometry. Unlike the beads used in their magnetic‐immunoseparation procedures, the beads used in this study do not require a prelabeling step and are compatible with the flow cell, sparing the need to release the cells from the beads and avoiding the potentially confounding DNase‐treatment step. Dertinger et al. (Dertinger, S. D., Torous, D. K., Hall, N. E., Murante, F. G., Gleason, S. E., Miller, R. K., and Tometsko, C. R. Mutat. Res. 515, 3‐14, 2002; Dertinger, S. D., Chen, Y., Miller, R. K., Brewer, K. J., Smudzin, T., Torous, D. K., Hall, N. E., Olvany, K. A., Murante, F. G., and Tometsko, C. R. (2003) Mutat. Res. 542, 77‐87, 2003) further improved the scoring of micronuclei to enable the use of bench‐top instruments in analyzing samples of unenriched reticulocyte‐populations. The present method is distinct from flow cytometric assays, such as reported by Dertinger et al., which enable scoring of limited numbers of reticulocytes per sample and require lengthy data acquisition times. We assessed DNA damage in smokers using this novel flow‐cytometry based micronuclei‐assay. The results show that this assay can effectively detect micronuclei in human blood samples. This method, unlike available micronuclei assays, allows rapid evaluation of a large number of cells and therefore should prove to be useful in monitoring of human populations for genetic damage.