Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Divergence with Gene Flow: Models and Data

Since Darwin first proposed that new species could arise without geographic separation, biologists have debated whether or not divergence occurs in the presence of gene exchange. Today we understand that new species can diverge while exchanging genes, depending on the strength of disruptive natural selection and the factors that affect the linkage relationships of genes under disruptive selection. This mode of diversification—divergence with gene flow—includes sympatric speciation, in which gene exchange occurs since onset of divergence, and secondary contact following a period of geographic isolation, as well as all sorts of situations in which gene flow happens intermittently. In recent years, statistical tools have been developed that can reveal the action of gene flow during divergence. Isolation-with-migration (IM) models include parameters for population size, time of population separation, and gene exchange, and they have been used extensively to estimate levels of gene exchange. A survey of studie.
An Organizational Learning Framework: From Intuition to Institution

Although interest in organizational learning has grown dramatically in recent years, a general theory of organizational learning has remained elusive. We identify renewal of the overall enterprise as the underlying phenomenon of interest and organizational learning as a principal means to this end. With this perspective we develop a framework for the process of organizational learning, presenting organizational learning as four processes—intuiting, interpreting, integrating, and institutionalizing—linking the individual, group, and organizational levels.
Molecular cloning and characterization of Echinostoma caproni heat shock protein-70 and differential expression in the parasite derived from low- and high-compatible hosts

SUMMARY We cloned and expressed Echinostoma caproni HSP70 in Escherichia coli. This molecule presents an open reading frame (ORF) of 655 amino acids, and a theoretical molecular weight of 71 kDa. E. caproni HSP70 protein showed a high homology to other helminth molecules, major differences being located in the C-terminal region of the molecule, with a hydrophobic portion. Studies of protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression revealed a distinct pattern, depending on the host (low- or high-compatible). Specific polyclonal antisera raised against the recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli demonstrated its selective presence in excretory/secretory products (ESP) of adult parasites obtained from high-compatible hosts. Immunological studies showed clearly the association of HSP70 with the parasite surface and other structures, including eggs.
Rapid aneuploidy testing versus traditional karyotyping in amniocentesis for certain referral indications

Abstract Objective. (1) To determine the suitability of replacing full karyotype analysis with quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) for prenatal diagnosis in amniotic fluid samples obtained by amniocentesis. (2) To evaluate an indication-based classification of cases at risk of missing clinically relevant chromosomal disorders by QF-PCR. Methods. We reviewed all fetal karyotypes obtained by amniocentesis between January 2004 and December 2008. We compared the cytogenetic findings obtained through conventional karyotype with those that would have been theoretically obtained using QF-PCR. Results. Of the 4007 karyotypes obtained, 110 abnormal karyotypes were found (2.8%). Out of these, 30 (27%) were chromosomal abnormalities (CA) which would not have been detected by PCR alone. These included 16 cases (53%) predicted to confer no increased risk, 9 (30%) predicted to have a low risk, and 5 (17%) with an uncertain or high risk of fetal abnormality. A policy of QF-PCR alone would have identified 80 of 85 (94%) clinically significant CA. When QF-PCR shows a normal result, the overall residual risk is 0.75% for any CA and 0.12% for a clinical significant CA. Conclusion. In our population, a policy of QF-PCR alone would miss 0.12% clinically relevant CA. QF-PCR directed to common aneuploidies can be considered as an economically and clinically acceptable prenatal diagnosis policy, offering full karyotype only for specific indications.
Errors and blunders in the estimation of radiation exposure for the uranium miners of WISMUT in Germany.

Dear Editors: I read the paper “Lung Cancer Risk among Former Uranium Miners of the WISMUT Company in Germany” (Brüske-Hohlfeld et al. 2006). The basis of such research is an adequate estimation of the radiation exposure, i.e., the use of an adequate job-exposurematrix (JEM). The used JEM is faulty. Therefore, I ask the authors to comment on the following intervention and its consequences for the results presented in this paper. The first version of a JEM (JEM-1) was published in 1998 (Lehmann et al. 1998). JEM-1 is mainly used to evaluate cases of occupational diseases. JEM-1 was later modified to a much more detailed second version (JEM-2) dated 2003 {personal communication, German Federation of Institutions for Statuary Accident Insurance and Prevention [Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), D-53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany]; subject: Lehmann 2004*}. JEM-2 is still unpublished but was used in this paper. It is not correct that the JEM-1 was “slightly modified for research purposes” as mentioned in this paper (BrüskeHohlfeld et al. 2006, page 210, first paragraph). JEM-1 gives data for objects only. JEM-2 gives data for shafts and groups of shafts within one object and quotes additional radiation exposure data. Using examples I show this in Table 1 of this letter (Annual mean radiation exposure of an exploitation miner). You can see that JEM-2 is much more detailed. Just compare in Table 1 the columns 2 to 4 with 5 to 7 and Explanation 1 with Explanations 2 to 6. Table 1 was discontinued after 1960 for practical reasons. JEM-1 and JEM-2 contain errors and blunders. Several examples are given (Eigenwillig 2002, 2004, 2006).
Isoproterenol-induced thirst: renal and extrarenal mechanisms.

When given systemically, isoproterenol will induce water intake in various species. The drug also causes hypotension and renin release from the kidney. Angiotensin II and arterial baroreceptors have been hypothesized to be involved in the mediation of beta-adrenoceptor agonist-induced thirst, but their relative importance has been disputed. In the present series of experiments, isoproterenol was infused intravenously at different rates into nephrectomized and ureteric-ligated rats. Thus, different levels of hypotension could be achieved and maintained while water intake was measured. Also, plasma levels of angiotensin II were determined in ureteric-ligated rats following the intravenous infusion of a dipsogenic dose of isoproterenol. The results indicate that for moderate blood pressure changes a renal-related factor, probably angiotensin II, plays a major role in the mediation of isoproterenol-induced thirst. Under extreme conditions involving a very dramatic drop of arterial blood pressure, extrarenal mechanisms (e.g., arterial baroreceptors) are implicated.
A Direct Comparison of N400 Effects of Predictability and Incongruity in Adjective-Noun Combination

Previous work has shown that the N400 ERP component is elicited by all words, whether presented in isolation or in structured contexts, and that its amplitude is modulated by semantic association and contextual predictability. What is less clear is the extent to which the N400 response is modulated by semantic incongruity when predictability is held constant. In the current study we examine N400 modulation associated with independent manipulations of predictability and congruity in an adjective-noun paradigm that allows us to precisely control predictability through corpus counts. Our results demonstrate small N400 effects of semantic congruity (yellow bag vs. innocent bag), and much more robust N400 effects of predictability (runny nose vs. dainty nose) under the same conditions. These data argue against unitary N400 theories according to which N400 effects of both predictability and incongruity reflect a common process such as degree of integration difficulty, as large N400 effects of predictability were observed in the absence of large N400 effects of incongruity. However, the data are consistent with some versions of unitary ‘facilitated access’ N400 theories, as well as multiple-generator accounts according to which the N400 can be independently modulated by facilitated conceptual/lexical access (as with predictability) and integration difficulty (as with incongruity, perhaps to a greater extent in full sentential contexts).
The Use of Stimulant Medication to Treat Neurocognitive Deficits in Patients with Pediatric Cancer, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Sickle Cell Disease: A Review

Abstract Several chronic health conditions of childhood, including pediatric cancers, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and sickle cell disease (SCD) are associated with significant neurocognitive impairments that can compromise educational attainment and future vocational opportunities. The prominence of attentional deficits as part of the neurocognitive sequelae associated with each of these conditions has led some researchers to draw parallels with another chronic condition that manifests in childhood, specifically the inattentive subtype of attention–deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because ADHD shares similar neurocognitive and symptomatological features with pediatric cancer, TBI, and SCD, stimulant medications may be indicated to treat associated deficits in each condition. However, relatively few studies have investigated the safety and effectiveness of stimulant medications in treating neurocognitive sequelae in children with cancer, TBI, or SCD. Thus, clinicians have received little guidance regarding a potentially useful treatment modality for ameliorating the neurocognitive deficits that can profoundly impact the educational, psychosocial, and vocational development of youth with these chronic health conditions. We provide a review of the literature and synthesize current developments in research regarding treatment with stimulant medication for children with cancer, TBI, and SCD, as well as discuss special considerations for each condition.
Correlates of Dietary Quality and Weight Retention in Postpartum Women

The purpose of this study1 was to identify correlates of dietary quality and postpartum weight retention in women and to examine the association of dietary quality and weight retention. A secondary analysis was conducted of data from 100 women who delivered singleton babies and were over 18 years of age. In sum, 44 women had adequate dietary quality. Most women had adequate intake of meat (79%), milk (66%), and fruit (51%) but not bread (14%) or vegetables (24%). Dietary quality was significantly associated with breast-feeding (rs = .378, p < .000). Dietary quality was not associated with postpartum weight retention. In all, 43% of the variance in postpartum retained weight was explained by weight gained during pregnancy and weight-related distress. A gap exists in the nutrition education and weight management of women after childbirth that allows for a reversal of the healthy eating patterns adopted during pregnancy and throughout the ensuing postpartum life transition.
A CMOS-compatible, high RF power, Asymmetric-LDD MOSFET with excellent linearity

We report the performance of 0.18 mum RF power MOSFETs with an Asymmetric-Lightly-Doped-Drain (LDD) design. Such devices do not have an n-type drain extension and exhibited better characteristics than conventional MOSFETs at same gate length. The devices showed a DC breakdown voltage of 6.9 V, a 0.54 W/mm power density, 115 GHz fmax, and a good adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) linearity, as well as a 52% drain efficiency at 2.4 GHz.
Homocysteine and Cognitive Impairment

Background/Aims: Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and it has also been proposed as an independent risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Its relationship with cognitive impairment, however, remains unclear. We aimed to determine the relationship of tHcy levels with clinical diagnoses and cognitive performance in a sample of outpatients with cognitive impairment. Methods: Plasma tHcy, folate, vitamin B12 and creatinine levels were assessed in individuals evaluated at the Memory Disorder Unit. Diagnoses included subjective memory complaints (SMC, n = 27), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 142), AD (n = 139) and vascular dementia (VD, n = 17). All patients underwent extensive neuropsychological testing to evaluate attention, memory, language, and visuoconstructional and executive functions, as well as depression and impairments of daily living activities. Results: tHcy levels did not differ between patients with SMC, MCI, AD or VD. Increased tHcy was associated with worse performance in geometric figure copy and clock drawing tests. Conclusions: tHcy levels did not discriminate between diagnostic groups of patients with cognitive impairments. Elevated tHcy levels in these patients appear to have a detrimental effect on visuoconstructional performance.
HUMAN AND PLANT FLAVIN-CONTAINING MONOOXYGENASE N-OXYGENATION OF AMINES: DETOXICATION VS. BIOACTIVATION

Generally, the flavin-containing monooxygenase of mammalian systems has been considered a detoxication enzyme converting nucleophilic heteroatom-containing chemicals into polar, more readily excreted metabolites. The beneficial effects of this process are thought to be participation in the detoxication of foodstuffs and other xenobiotics that might otherwise be bioactivated by other enzyme systems. The physiological role of mammalian FMO is unknown although it has been observed that many heteroatom-containing chemicals in plants are efficiently oxygenated by FMO. Recently, a plant FMO-like enzyme has been characterized and it appears to possess many of the same functional properties of mammalian FMO. The advantage of studying the FMO-like genes and enzymes in Arabidopsis as a model system allows for the investigation of the role of FMO-like enzymes in plant growth and development. The Arabidopsis FMO-like gene product, while resembling the mammalian counterpart in many respects, is quite distinct. However, study of the Arabidopsis FMO-like enzyme may provide considerable insight into the possible role of mammalian FMOs in biogenic amine metabolism.
Auditory hallucinations and PTSD in ex-POWS

ABSTRACT Literature has suggested that auditory hallucinations might be prevalent in the general population and could be linked to the experience of trauma. This prospective study examines the prevalence of auditory hallucinations in trauma survivors and its association with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, over time. Former prisoners of war (ex-POWs) from the 1973 Yom Kippur War (n = 99) with and without PTSD and comparable veterans (n = 103) were assessed twice, in 1991 (T1) and 2003 (T2) in regard to auditory hallucinations and PTSD symptoms. Findings indicated that ex-POWs who suffered from PTSD reported higher levels of auditory hallucinations at T2 as well as increased hallucinations over time, compared to ex-POWs without PTSD and combatants who did not endure captivity. The relation between PTSD and auditory hallucinations was unidirectional, so that the PTSD overall score at T1 predicted an increase in auditory hallucinations between T1 and T2, but not vice versa. Assessing the role of PTSD clusters in predicting hallucinations revealed that intrusion symptoms had a unique contribution, compared to avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms. The findings suggest that auditory hallucinations might be a consequence of the posttraumatic reaction among veterans.
The redundancy of source coding with a fidelity criterion - Part II: Coding at a fixed rate level with unknown statistics

The redundancy problem of universal lossy source coding at a fixed rate level is considered. Under some condition on the single-letter distortion measure, which implies that the cardinality K of the reproduction alphabet is not greater than the cardinality J of the source alphabet, it is shown that the redundancy of universally coding memoryless sources p by nth-order block codes of rate R goes like |(/spl part///spl part/R)d(p,R)|Kln n/2n+o(ln n/n) for all memoryless sources p except a set whose volume goes to 0 as the block length n goes to infinity, where d(p,R) denotes the distortion rate function of p. Specifically, for any sequence {C/sub n/}/sub n=1//sup /spl infin// of block codes, where C/sub n/ is an nth-order block code at the fixed rate R, and any /spl epsiv/>0, the redundancy D/sub n/(C/sub n/,p) of C/sub n/ for p is greater than or equal to |(/spl part///spl part/R)d(p,R)|(K-/spl epsiv/)ln n/2n for all p satisfying some regular conditions except a set whose volume goes to 0 as n/spl rarr//spl infin/. On the other hand, there exists a sequence {C/sub n/}/sub n=1//sup /spl infin// of block codes at the rate R such that for any p satisfying some regular conditions, the super limit of D/sub n/(C/sub n/,p)|(ln n/n) is less than or equal to |(/spl part///spl part/R)d(p,R)|K/2.
Lichen Amyloidosus: A Relatively Common Skin Disorder in Taiwan

Thirty cases of lichen amyloidosus were found in a skin clinic during one year. The peak incidence occurred in patients between 40 and 60 years of age. Most cases had long durations, ranging from 5 to 20 years. The extensor surfaces of the limbs were most commonly involved. No evidence of systemic involvement was found.
A promoter associated with the neisserial repeat can be used to transcribe the uvrB gene from Neisseria gonorrhoeae

A recombinant plasmid capable of restoring UV resistance to an Escherichia coli uvrB mutant was isolated from a genomic library of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame whose deduced amino acid sequence displayed significant similarity to those of the UvrB proteins of E. coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. A gonococcal uvrB mutant was constructed and found to be extremely sensitive to UV radiation. Transcriptional fusions between portions of the gonococcal uvrB upstream region and a reporter gene were used to localize promoter activity, and the transcriptional start point of the gonococcal uvrB gene was mapped in E. coli by primer extension. A corresponding sigma 70 promoter was identified within a copy of the 26-bp neisserial repeat, and this identification provided the first evidence of a promoter associated with this repetitive element in N. gonorrhoeae.
Astilbin suppresses delayed‐type hypersensitivity by inhibiting lymphocyte migration

This study examined the effects of astilbin, a flavanone, on delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions and its mechanisms of action on cell migration. Astilbin significantly inhibited the sheep‐red‐blood‐cell‐induced footpad reaction and picryl‐chloride‐induced ear dermatitis without affecting the organ weights, when administered during the effector phase but not the induction phase. The flavanone also significantly inhibited the migration to gelatin of spleen cells isolated from mice with ear dermatitis in a transwell system. Furthermore, the isolated spleen cells from normal mice were incubated with astilbin in the presence of concanavalin A, or those from mice with ear dermatitis were cultured with astilbin. In the supernatants collected, the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 was remarkably inhibited by astilbin. These results suggest that astilbin may inhibit delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions through selectively suppressing the lymphocyte functions, including cell migration, via down‐regulating MMP activity.
Characterisation and role of integrins during gametic interaction and egg activation

Summary It has recently been proposed that some of the processes induced by fertilisation in mammals may be mediated by integrins. By peforming immunofluorescence labelling and Western blots with antibodies directed against some of the α and β subunits of integrins, we show here the presence of some of these proteins in human and hamster oocytes. Among them, α2 and α5 were also present on in vitro preparations of sea urchin egg cortices. In addition, antibodies raised against these two proteins were the most effective at inhibiting attachment and fusion of human spermatozoa with hamster oocytes. We suggest that α2 and α5 integrin chains may be common mediators in adhesion-fusion mechanisms triggered by fertilisation. Using similar techniques, we show that eggs are rich three cytoskeletal proteins known to be linked to the β chain of integrins: talin, vinculin and α-actinin. Moreover, we found that talin and α-actinin were associated with proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine after fertilisation in sea urchin eggs. We suggest that integrins might be involved during fertilisation and trigger egg activation through cytoskeletal structures.
Complement - dependent Serum Cytotoxicity of Cancer Patients Studied by 51Cr Release Assay on Human Cancer Lines 1

The conditions for a 51Cr release assay on cell lines derived from human solid tumors were determined by using a rabbit antihuman antiserum with human AB serum as source of complement. By this assay 38 sera collected before and after surgery from 19 breast cancer patients and 28 sera from 12 melanoma patients and 16 healthy donors were tested on 3 lines derived from breast cancer tissue and 1 line derived from normal breast tissue. Ten of the breast cancer patients had lymph node metastases and 9 did not. Positive reactions were obtained from 4 breast cancer patients, all with lymph node metastases, and from 1 healthy donor. In a second experiment, 58 coded sera belonging to 4 different groups of cancer and non-cancer individuals were assayed on a colonic cancer line (HT-29), and 33 and 20 of them were also tested on a melanoma line (MeWo) and on a breast cancer line (MaCa 13), respectively. Positive responses were few, and were more frequently observed among transfused than non-transfused patients.