Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Basis of Natural and Artificial Postzygotic Hybridization Barriers in Arabidopsis Species Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.010496.

The success or failure of interspecific crosses is vital to evolution and to agriculture, but much remains to be learned about the nature of hybridization barriers. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain postzygotic barriers, including negative interactions between diverged sequences, global genome rearrangements, and widespread epigenetic reprogramming. Another explanation is imbalance of paternally and maternally imprinted genes in the endosperm. Interspecific crosses between diploid Arabidopsis thaliana as the seed parent and tetraploid Arabidopsis arenosa as the pollen parent produced seeds that aborted with the same paternal excess endosperm phenotype seen in crosses between diploid and hexaploid A. thaliana. Doubling maternal ploidy restored seed viability and normal endosperm morphology. However, substituting a hypomethylated tetraploid A. thaliana seed parent reestablished the hybridization barrier by causing seed abortion and a lethal paternal excess phenotype. We conclude from these findings that the dominant cause of seed abortion in the diploid A. thaliana × tetraploid A. arenosa cross is parental genomic imbalance. Our results also demonstrate that manipulation of DNA methylation can be sufficient to erect hybridization barriers, offering a potential mechanism for speciation and a means of controlling gene flow between species.
Distribution and development of dopamine‐ and octopamine‐synthesizing neurons in the medicinal leech

Although the medicinal leech is a well‐studied system in which many neurons and circuits have been identified with precision, descriptions of the distributions of some of the major biogenic amines, such as dopamine (DA) and octopamine (OA), have yet to be completed. In the European medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis and the American medicinal leech Macrobdella decora,we have presented the first immunohistochemical study of DA neurons in the entire central nervous system, and of OA‐immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the head and tail brains. Dopaminergic neurons were identified using the glyoxylic acid method and antisera to DA and its rate‐limiting synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Octopaminergic neurons were recognized using a highly specific antiserum raised against OA. An antibody raised against DA‐β‐hydroxylase (DβH), the mammalian enzyme that converts DA to norepinephrine (NE), was found to immunostain OA‐ir neurons. This antibody appears to cross‐react with the closely related invertebrate enzyme tyramine‐β‐hydroxylase, which converts tyramine to OA, suggesting that the OA‐ir cells are indeed octopaminergic, capable of synthesizing OA. Because the DβH antiserum selectively immunostained the OA‐ir neurons, but not the DA‐synthesizing cells, our results also indicate that the DA‐ir neurons synthesize DA and not NE as their end product. The expression of TH immunoreactivity was found to emerge relatively early in development, on embryonic day 9 (47–48% of development). In contrast, OA expression remained absent as late as embryonic day 20. Higher order processes of some of the dopaminergic and octopaminergic neurons in the adult brain were observed to project to a region previously described as a neurohemal complex. Several TH‐ir processes were also seen in the stomatogastric nerve ring, suggesting that DA may play a role in the regulation of biting behavior. By mapping the distributions and developmental expression pattern of DA and OA neurons in the leech, we aim to gain a better understanding of the functional roles of aminergic neurons and how they influence behavior.J. Comp. Neurol. 442:115–129, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teachers and computer use for secondary mathematics teaching : Encouraging and inhibiting factors 1

Included in contemporary mathematics curricula is the expectation that mathematics teachers will use technology – computers and calculators – in their classrooms. It is widely believed in educational circles and in society at large that students’ learning will be enhanced by engaging with these technologies. For children to use computers for mathematics learning, their teachers must want and be enabled to do so. In this paper, the factors identified as encouraging or inhibiting computer use in secondary mathematics classrooms are reported. Data were gathered from a large sample of Victorian teachers, surveyed twice over a three-year period. The sets of encouraging and discouraging factors were similar – that is, the presence or absence of particular factors appears to make a difference. It was disturbing to note that the identified factors differed little from those reported over a decade ago. They were also consistent with those identified by teachers elsewhere in the world and across various discipline areas. The findings send strong messages to those empowered to make a difference. Whether overcoming the inhibitors will result in greater use of computers for mathematics learning and whether computer use will make a difference to students’ learning are issues still requiring evidential support. Introduction Computers are now commonplace in classrooms across Australia and there is steady pressure on teachers to incorporate them into their teaching. In contemporary mathematics curricula there is also the expectation that teachers will use technology – computers and calculators – in their teaching of mathematics at all levels (e.g., Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, 2001). In the reality of school settings, it seems important to know what factors promote or hinder teachers from bringing these technologies into their classrooms. Exploring this issue, with a focus on computers for the learning of secondary mathematics, was among the main aims of a three-year ARC-funded study on which the findings reported in this paper are based. To address this research aim, a survey questionnaire comprised of closed and open-ended items was used as the main data gathering instrument. The questionnaire was administered to grade 7-10 mathematics teachers from a representative sample of co-educational schools across the three educational sectors – government, Catholic and Independent – in urban and rural Victoria in 2001 and again in 2003. In both years, teachers from the same schools were invited to participate. The relevant items included in the survey questionnaire instrument were developed from earlier research findings in the field, a summary of which is presented in the next section.
POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF AN ENDEMIC MEDICINAL SHRUB , RHYNCHOSIA BEDDOMEI

Rhynchosia beddomei is an endemic deciduous shrub. It flowers during DecemberMarch with peak flowering during January. The flowers are hermaphroditic, nectariferous, self-compatible and have explosive pollination mechanism adapted for pollination by bees, especially carpenter bees. They do not fruit through autonomous selfing but fruit through manipulated selfing, geitonogamy and xenogamy mediated by pollen vectoring bees. The flowers not visited by bees fall off while those visited and pollinated by them set fruit. An unknown insect, possibly bruchid beetle uses the floral buds for its breeding and the adults emerge from the exit hole made by them on the pod. Seed dormancy is not tested but field observations indicated that seeds germinate in the vicinity of the parental plants during rainy season. But their growth soon suppressed due to intermittent rains and long dry spells within rainy season coupled with rocky terrain with less soil and poor in nutrient and moisture content. Therefore, R. beddomei with specialized explosive pollination mechanism, self-compatibility and melittophily is unable to populate itself. Leaf cut during leaf flushing time by locals for medicinal purposes might be an additional factor affecting the vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting rate of this shrub. Its use for traditional medicine is to be regulated in order to conserve and manage the existing population.
Frequency and treatment of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in obstetric and gynaecological sepsis.

OBJECTIVE To perform culture and sensitivity for pathogens causing puerperal and postoperative wound sepsis and determine the frequency of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in such infections. STUDY DESIGN Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from December 2008 to May 2010. METHODOLOGY All patients presenting with puerperal sepsis or postoperative wound infection were enrolled. Pus was collected for culture and sensitivity using standard technique. Two samples were taken from each patient; one before starting the treatment and one at the end of treatment. Ames transport medium was used. Empirical treatment with triple regimen (Ampicillin, Metronidazole and Gentamicin) was started immediately to cover Gram positive as well as negative bacteria in addition to anaerobic infection. After receiving the sensitivity report, antimicrobial agent were changed accordingly. Samples from ward and theater staff and environment were also taken to look for possible mode of transmission. Data was recorded on a proforma. Discrete variables are expressed as percentages. RESULTS Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent organism isolated in 34.6% cases. Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was seen in 20% cases and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was seen in 14.6%. Out of these 14.6% MRSA, (17) 77% was associated with puerperal sepsis and rest (5) 23% was associated with postoperative wound infection. It showed best sensitivity to vancomycin. CONCLUSION Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli were common causative agent of postoperative infections and puerperal sepsis.
Automated IoT Device Identification using Network Traffic

IoT devices have been gaining popularity and become integral to our daily life. These devices are prone to be compromised as well as any computing system, but lack computing capabilities for cybersecurity software. An important measure for protecting attacks on IoT devices is through isolation of such devices by restriction of communications to the device from firewall/gateway. To this end identification of the IoT device is valuable for network administration and security. In this paper, we introduce a system for automated classification of device characteristics, called System IDentifier (SysID), based on their network traffic. SysID uses any single packet that is originated from the device to detect its kind. We use genetic algorithm (GA) to determine relevant features in different protocol headers and then deploy various machine learning (ML) algorithms (i.e., DecisionTable, J48 Decision Trees, OneR, and PART) to classify host device types by analyzing features selected by GA. GA helps reduce classification complexity and increases its accuracy by eliminating noisy features from the data. SysID allows the ability to have a completely automated way of classifying IoT devices using their TCP/IP packets without expert input for classification. In an experimental study with 23 IoT devices, SysID identified the device type from a single packet with over 95% accuracy.
N-(2-Methylphenylsulfonyl)acetamide

In the molecular structure of the title compound, C9H11NO3S, the N—H and C=O bonds are anti to each other, while the amide H atom is syn with respect to the ortho-methyl group in the benzene ring. The C—S—N—C torsion angle is −58.2 (2)°, indicating a twist in the molecule. In the crystal, N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains along the c axis.
Evaluation of phytochemical and elemental contents of Haematostaphis barteri leaves and stem bark in Hong local government area of Adamawa state , Nigeria

Phytochemical and elemental constituents of leaves and stem bark of Haematostaphis barteri was determined in ten locations in Hong Local Government Area of Adanawa state. Quantitative methods were used for the phytochemical determination. Tannins and Saponins were observed in the entire samples investigated. Alkaloids were present in the leaves while flavonoids were recorded in the stem bark. Glycoside was not observed in the samples by the method used. The elemental compositions were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Essential elements (Na, K, Mg and Ca) and heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and Cd) were recorded in the samples observed. There was no significance difference (p≤0.05) in terms of essential elements and heavy metal contents among the 10 locations investigated. The phytochemicals observed have many pharmacological properties while the essential elements are much required by human bodies for maintenance of good health.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS OF BRONZE AGE PASTORAL SOCIETIES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF EASTERN EURASIA

Throughout history, nomadic societies of the Eurasian steppes are known to have played a major role in the transfer of technology, commodities, language, and culture between East Asia, the Near East, and Europe (e.g. The Silk Road). However, the organization of Eurasian steppe societies in prehistory is still poorly understood. The problem lies in the lack of scientifically analyzed archaeological data from the region, and in the ineffectiveness of previous archaeological approaches to provide a dynamic model of social interactions between pastoral societies during the Bronze Age (c. 2500-1000 BCE).
Protein–protein recognition and interaction hot spots in an antigen–antibody complex: Free energy decomposition identifies “efficient amino acids”

The molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) method was applied to the study of the protein–protein complex between a camelid single chain variable domain (cAb‐Lys3) and hen egg white lysozyme (HEL), and between cAb‐Lys3 and turkey egg white lysozyme (TEL). The electrostatic energy was estimated by solving the linear Poisson–Boltzmann equation. A free energy decomposition scheme was developed to determine binding energy hot spots of each complex. The calculations identified amino acids of the antibody that make important contributions to the interaction with lysozyme. They further showed the influence of small structural variations on the energetics of binding and they showed that the antibody amino acids that make up the hot spots are organized in such a way as to mimic the lysozyme substrate. Through further analysis of the results, we define the concept of “efficient amino acids,” which can provide an assessment of the binding potential of a particular hot spot interaction. This information, in turn, can be useful in the rational design of small molecules that mimic the antibody. The implications of using free energy decomposition to identify regions of a protein–protein complex that could be targeted by small molecules inhibitors are discussed. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiplexed MRM‐based quantitation of candidate cancer biomarker proteins in undepleted and non‐enriched human plasma

An emerging approach for multiplexed targeted proteomics involves bottom‐up LC‐MRM‐MS, with stable isotope‐labeled internal standard peptides, to accurately quantitate panels of putative disease biomarkers in biofluids. In this paper, we used this approach to quantitate 27 candidate cancer‐biomarker proteins in human plasma that had not been treated by immunoaffinity depletion or enrichment techniques. These proteins have been reported as biomarkers for a variety of human cancers, from laryngeal to ovarian, with breast cancer having the highest correlation. We implemented measures to minimize the analytical variability, improve the quantitative accuracy, and increase the feasibility and applicability of this MRM‐based method. We have demonstrated excellent retention time reproducibility (median interday CV: 0.08%) and signal stability (median interday CV: 4.5% for the analytical platform and 6.1% for the bottom‐up workflow) for the 27 biomarker proteins (represented by 57 interference‐free peptides). The linear dynamic range for the MRM assays spanned four orders‐of‐magnitude, with 25 assays covering a 103–104 range in protein concentration. The lowest abundance quantifiable protein in our biomarker panel was insulin‐like growth factor 1 (calculated concentration: 127 ng/mL). Overall, the analytical performance of this assay demonstrates high robustness and sensitivity, and provides the necessary throughput and multiplexing capabilities required to verify and validate cancer‐associated protein biomarker panels in human plasma, prior to clinical use.
Adaptive Learning-based Temporal Tracker for 3 D Head Shape Models

We propose a learning-based 3D temporal tracker that estimates the orientation and location of the head in the 3D scene. The algorithm is based on random forest that learns the 6D pose from a class of head models. A unique attribute of our approach is the capacity to adapt the learned tracker for a specific user, i.e., after learning, the tracker can deform the shape of the learned model to a specific instance of the class in order to match the user’s head shape. To find the user’s head shape model, we use a fast calibration method to personalize the model for a specific user. As a consequence, this technique enhances the accuracy of the head pose estimation as the personalized model becomes more detailed, and tracks at 1.4 ms per frame using a single CPU core.
Clinical signs and outcome of dogs treated medically for degenerative lumbosacral stenosis: 98 cases (2004-2012).

OBJECTIVE To compare clinical signs of dogs treated medically or surgically for degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) and assess outcome after medical treatment. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS Client-owned dogs treated medically (n = 49) or surgically (49) for DLSS. PROCEDURES Medical records from 2004 to 2012 were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had clinical signs, clinical examination findings, and MRI abnormalities consistent with DLSS. Several variables were compared between surgically and medically treated dogs: age, sex, duration of clinical signs, presence or absence of neurologic deficits, urinary and fecal incontinence, concurrent medical conditions, and medical treatment before referral. Medical treatment after obtaining a final diagnosis of DLSS consisted of restricted exercise in combination with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Surgical treatment consisted of dorsal lumbosacral laminectomy. Outcome for medically treated dogs was obtained via a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS Neurologic deficits were observed significantly more often in surgically treated dogs. Surgically treated dogs had unsuccessful medical treatment before referral significantly more often than did medically treated dogs. Thirty-one of 49 (63.3%) medically treated dogs were available for follow-up evaluation. Of these 31 dogs, 17 (55%) were managed successfully, 10 (32.3%) were managed unsuccessfully and underwent surgical treatment, 3 (9.7%) were euthanized because of progression of clinical signs, and 1 (3.2%) was alive but had an increase in severity of clinical signs after medical management. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Clinical signs differed in dogs treated medically or surgically for DLSS. Medical treatment for dogs with DLSS was associated with a fair prognosis.
[Morphine dose and side effects: a comparison of older and younger patients with tumor pain].

UNLABELLED BACKGROUND AND GOAL OF STUDY: Older patients are said to be more sensitive to analgesics and to have a higher risk of side effects due to pharmacokinetic changes developing with old age. On account of this many elderly patients with cancer pain are denied adequate analgesic treatment. We compared efficacy and side effects of cancer pain management in different age groups. METHODS From 1994 to April 1996 577 cancer patients were treated in our pain clinic according to WHO-Guidelines. Efficacy and side effects were evaluated for 508 patients (< 65 years = G1: 323 patients, 65-74 years = G2: 127 patients, > 74 years = G3: 58 patients) with a computerised documentation system. RESULTS 508 patients were treated on 42,123 days and revisited on 5572 controls. 30 patients were treated longer than 1 year (G1 21 patients, G2 6 patients, G3 3 patients). 143 patients were treated until death. 286 patients were treated on 19,448 days with oral morphine. (G1: 1712 days; G2: 3645 days; G3: 2364 days). Geriatric patients (G3) received significantly higher doses of morphine than younger patients. Adjuvant drugs were given on 81% of treatment days (G1 84%, G2 75%, G3 75%). Incidence and intensity of side effects were not increased in older patients with the exception of urinary disorders. CONCLUSIONS Geriatric patients with cancer pain can be treated as effectively according to WHO-Guidelines as younger patients. In our study patients in the old age group received significantly higher doses of oral morphine. When analgesic drugs are titrated according to individual needs, side effects are not more frequent or severe than in younger patients.
Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor : A Case Report and Literature Review

Yolk sac tumor, also called endodermal sinus tumor, is a rare ovarian neoplasm, representing the second ovarian germinal neoplasm subtype after dysgerminoma, it classically occurs in adolescent and young women. We report the case of a 24 years old woman treated in the Department of Radiation Oncology Mohammed VI university hospital of Marrakech, the tumor was revealed by a rapid clinical evolution involving: pelvic distension, intermittent and moderate pelvic pain, without menstrual cycle disorder nor altered general state, the patient had undergone a fertility-sparing surgery, Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) blood level was 1,119 mg/ml at day 40 after surgery (vs. 52.330 mg/ml before surgery), the young woman had received 4 BEP cycles, normalization of AFP was obtained within 5 weeks after beginning chemotherapy, after 15 months of follow-up the young woman is still in remission.
Microsatellite instability and mutation analysis among southern Italian patients with colorectal carcinoma: detection of different alterations accounting for MLH1 and MSH2 inactivation in familial cases.

BACKGROUND Microsatellite instability (MSI) is due to defective DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and has been detected at various rates in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The role of MSI in colorectal tumorigenesis was assessed further in this study by both microsatellite analysis of two CRC subsets [unselected patients (n = 215) and patients <50 years of age (n = 95)], and mutation screening of the two major MMR genes MLH1 and MSH2 among familial CRC cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS PCR-based microsatellite analysis was performed on paraffin-embedded tissues. In CRC families, MLH1/MSH2 mutation analysis and MLH1/MSH2 immunostaining were performed on germline DNA and MSI+ tumour tissues, respectively. RESULTS The MSI+ phenotype was detected in 75 (24%) patients, with higher incidence in early-onset or proximally located tumours. Among 220 patients investigated for family cancer history, MSI frequency was markedly higher in familial [18/27 (67%)] than in sporadic [32/193 (17%)] cases. Three MLH1 and six MSH2 germline mutations were identified in 14 out of 36 (39%) CRC families. Prevalence of MLH1/MSH2 mutations in CRC families was significantly increased by the presence of: (i) fulfilled Amsterdam criteria; (ii) four or more CRCs; or (iii) one or more endometrial cancer. While MSH2 was found mostly mutated, almost all [8/9 (89%)] familial MSI+ cases with loss of the MLH1 protein were negative for MLH1 germline mutations. CONCLUSIONS Both genetic (for MSH2) and gene-silencing (for MLH1) alterations seem to be involved in CRC pathogenesis.