Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zebrafish dead end possesses ATPase activity that is required for primordial germ cell development

Zebrafish dead end (dnd) mRNA is specifically expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and is required for PGC migration and survival. Previous studies have shown that zebrafish Dnd functions by protecting the 3′UTRs of nanosl and TDRD7 from miR‐430b‐mediated RNA deadenylation. In this work, we demonstrate that zebrafish Dnd protein possesses Mg2+‐dependent ATPase activity that is required for PGC formation. Michaelis‐Menten analysis revealed that the ATPase has a kcat of 0.632 ± 0.036/min under optimal conditions, and mapping studies using Dnd truncates showed that ATPase resides in the last 91 aa of the Dnd C terminus. Internal deletion and point mutagenesis analysis of this region were used to identify key amino acids required for ATPase activity. Rescue experiments conducted by injecting mRNAs encoding the Dnd ATPase mutants into embryos in which the endogenous dnd expression was inhibited demonstrated that the ATPase activity is required for normal zebrafish PGC survival. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that the expression of PGC markers nanos1 and TDRD7 but not vasa were down‐regulated when dnd mutant proteins lacking ATPase were expressed in the rescued embryos, indicating that the Dnd ATPase is involved in protecting nanos1 and TDRD7 transcripts. —Liu, W. , Collodi, P. Zebrafish dead end possesses ATPase activity that is required for primordial germ cell development. FASEB J. 24, 2641–2650 (2010). www.fasebj. org
Population genetic structure of the predatory, social wasp Vespula pensylvanica in its native and invasive range

Abstract Invasive species cause extensive damage to their introduced ranges. Ocean archipelagos are particularly vulnerable to invasive taxa. In this study, we used polymorphic microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structure of the social wasp Vespula pensylvanica in its native range of North America and its introduced range in the archipelago of Hawaii. Our goal was to gain a better understanding of the invasion dynamics of social species and the processes affecting biological invasions. We found that V. pensylvanica showed no significant genetic isolation by distance and little genetic structure over a span of 2000 km in its native range. This result suggests that V. pensylvanica can successfully disperse across large distances either through natural‐ or human‐mediated mechanisms. In contrast to the genetic patterns observed in the native range, we found substantial genetic structure in the invasive V. pensylvanica range in Hawaii. The strong patterns of genetic differentiation within and between the Hawaiian Islands may reflect the effects of geographic barriers and invasion history on gene flow. We also found some evidence for gene flow between the different islands of Hawaii which was likely mediated through human activity. Overall, this study provides insight on how geographic barriers, invasion history, and human activity can shape population genetic structure of invasive species.
The Dynamics of Geographic versus Sectoral Diversification: A Causal Explanation

We study the dynamics of gains from sectoral diversification vis-a-vis geographic diversification over the period of 1990-2001, and the economic sources that could be behind the potential changes in those gains. We estimate pairwise conditional correlations between returns on the U.S. equity market and returns on the equity markets of 16 other OECD countries as well as 10 local industries in those countries. We find that the average conditional correlation across countries has increased in relation to that across industries, especially for the largest developed economies. While we observe an increase in financial and economic convergence across countries during the same time period, we conjecture that our main result is related to an increase in the average correlation of aggregate production growth across countries relative to that of disaggregated production growth. This phenomenon is present primarily again among the largest developed countries. Thus, there is an increased benefit of international investing across different industries of developed markets, but country-level investing should remain the predominant asset allocation approach in emerging markets. JEL classification: G12; G15
Developing a two level options trading strategy based on option pair optimization of spread strategies with evolutionary algorithms

In this study, a two level options trading strategy is modelled and optimized with Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization for profit maximization. In the first level, the trend is found and in the second level, options trading strategies for the particular trend are determined. The strike prices and expiration dates of the traded options are optimized and tested on 5 different Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (DIA, IWM, SPY, XLE, XLF). The performance of the proposed model is compared with Buy and Hold and commonly used technical analysis indicators and the results indicate using optimized options increased the overall profit with less drawdown risk.
Delineation of diversified desmoglein distribution in stratified squamous epithelia: implications in diseases

Abstract: Desmogleins play critical roles in cell adhesion and skin blistering diseases, as they are the target antigens of autoimmune antibodies and bacterial toxins. We recently cloned several novel members of the desmoglein gene family, bringing the number of desmogleins to four in the rat and human genomes and six in the mouse. Here, we have produced a monoclonal antibody to a cytoplasmic epitope of Dsg4, assessed its specificity and compared it to several existing Dsg1–3 antibodies. We also demonstrated cross‐reactivity of commercially available and often used Dsg1 antibodies. Using these tools, we delineated the unique expression patterns of each desmoglein isoform in various human and mouse stratified squamous epithelia, including skin, hair, palm, and oral mucosa. Interestingly, in the epidermis, the expression of each desmoglein correlates with their gene arrangement in the cadherin locus. In human, Dsg4 was detected primarily in the granular and cornified cell layers of the epidermis, while present throughout all differentiated layers of the oral mucosa and palm, and in the matrix cells of anagen hair bulb. Similar pattern of expression for Dsg4 was observed in mouse, with the exception that it was expressed at significantly lower levels in the mouse epidermis. These results demonstrate the complexity of desmoglein gene expression and provide additional insights into the correlation between tissue expression patterns and disease phenotypes.
Comparative analysis of cell surface antigens expressed by cell lines derived from human germ cell tumours

The pattern of cell surface antigen expression of a set of cell lines derived from human germ cell tumours and corresponding to various cell phenotypes found within these tumours was studied using immunofluorescence. Twenty‐two different antibodies were used. Many of these antibodies have been noted to recognise epitopes that are either preferentially expressed by embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, or by more differentiated cell types. Using scatter plots and rank correlations, 6 groups of antibodies were distinguished with respect to their staining patterns on the cell lines tested. Several antibodies showed a specific staining pattern in relation to the differentiation state of the cells. Two groups of antibodies included those recognising high m.w. glycoproteins (antibodies TRA‐1‐60, TRA‐1‐81, GCTM2, 3‐177, K4 and K21) and the ganglioseries glycolipid antigens SSEA‐3 and ‐4 (antibodies MC631 and MC813‐70). These antibodies mostly stained EC cells but not other cell types, confirming previously published data. However, one of these groups, comprising antibodies K4 and MC631, was more exclusively associated with the EC cell phenotype than was the other group. Antibodies recognising the liver isozyme of alkaline phosphatase (TRA‐2‐49 and TRA‐2‐54) also reacted strongly with most EC cell lines, although they reacted significantly with a number of other cell lines as well, whereas antibodies to the placental isozyme tended to react only weakly with EC cells. The antibodies recognising the ganglioseries glycolipids GD2 and GD3 (VIN2PB22 and VINIS56) preferentially stained cells with neuroectodermal characteristics. Other antibodies showed a heterogeneous staining pattern for the cell lines with different phenotypes. The data obtained from the cell lines were, in general, similar to data obtained from immunohistochemical studies on tissue sections of primary germ cell tumours of the adult testis, including carcinoma in situ. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soft Salt-Mannitol Agar–Cloxacillin Test: a Highly Specific Bedside Screening Test for Detection of Colonization with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT The early detection of colonization with methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA) of patients in intensive-care units is an essential step in the strategy for preventing MRSA epidemics. In this study, tubes containing soft salt-mannitol agar with cloxacillin (6 μg/ml) (SSMAC) were prepared for inoculation of clinical samples at patients’ bedsides by personnel of an intensive-care unit. A total of 1,914 swabs from different sample sites of 81 patients were dipped into SSMAC tubes, and after 24 h of incubation (in an incubator located near the intensive-care unit), an evident color change was considered by the intensive-care-unit personnel to be an MRSA alarm. Sixty-three (3.3%) SSMAC tubes were considered positive for MRSA, 1,827 (95.4%) were considered negative, and 24 (1.2%) were considered intermediate. Compared with values for parallel conventional surveillance cultures for MRSA, excluding tubes with intermediate results, the SSMAC test had a sensitivity of 72.7%, a specificity of 99.2%, a positive predictive value of 76.2%, and a negative predictive value of 99.0%. When intermediate tubes were considered positive, the corresponding values were 75.3, 98.2, 63.2, and 99.0%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity values of the test to identify MRSA-colonized patients were 89.4 and 100%, respectively. Oropharyngeal and naris specimens were the most reliable samples for MRSA detection. False-negative results were frequent in bronchial aspirates with low (<103 to 106CFU/ml) MRSA counts. False-positive results were mainly due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus. The SSMAC tube is a useful, rapid, and inexpensive tool for the early identification of MRSA-colonized patients and, consequently, for the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of MRSA.
Suit, Settlement, and Trial: A Theoretical Analysis under Alternative Methods for the Allocation of Legal Costs

Will a party who believes that he has a legally admissible claim for money damages decide to bring suit? if so, will he subsequently settle with the opposing party or will he go ahead to trial? These questions are analyzed under four methods for allocating legal costs, namely, under the American system, whereby each side bears its own costs; under the "indemnity" or British system, whereby the losing side bears all costs; under the system favoring the plaintiff whereby the plaintiff pays only his own costs if he loses and nothing otherwise; and under the system favor the defendant, whereby the defendant pays only his own costs if he loses and nothing otherwise. Following the analysis, two brief illustrations are considered and comments are made on the relative social desirability of the methods of allocating legal costs.
Overcoming the intelligence-sharing paradox: Improving information sharing through change in organizational culture

ABSTRACT Existing organizational cultures among agencies in the intelligence community serve as barriers to information sharing. These cultures are characterized by secrecy and limited disclosure of information. Their practices of limited information distribution and existing extensive compartmentalization of information serve as impediments to information exchange between agencies in the intelligence community. To remedy this, changes in the organizational cultures of agencies in the intelligence community are required. Without a change in organizational culture, the culture of information sharing envisioned by the reforms that have occurred in the intelligence community post-9/11 will not be realized.
The mystery of Sneddon syndrome: relationship with antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Since its description in 1965, Sneddon syndrome (SNS) is usually characterized by the association of an ischemic cerebrovascular disease and a widespread livedo reticularis. The presence of many other manifestations suggests that it is a systemic syndrome. The prevalence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) is highly variable, 41% in our experience. Comparison of patients with or without aPL showed that the fishnet of the livedo was clearly larger in aPL-negative patients who nevertheless, did not develop thrombocytopenia. Seizures and clinically audible mitral regurgitation were more frequently observed in aPL-positive patients. These data lead to consider that SNS is not a unique entity. As patients with primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) and SNS did not differ from those with livedo reticularis, ischemic cerebral events and APS within systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there is no reason today to exclude patients with SLE. On one hand, SNS might cover a continuum spectrum joining diverse clinico-biological entities ranging from aPL-negative to SLE-related cases, with primary APS-SNS standing amidst. On the other hand, one might speculate that SNS should be regarded as a nearly similar clinical expression of two distinct disorders, i.e. a peculiar form of APS characterized by preferential arteriolar involvement or on the opposite a primary non-aPL related small artery disease mainly involving brain and skin vessels.
Chloroplast Dysfunction Causes Multiple Defects in Cell Cycle Progression in the Arabidopsis crumpled leaf Mutant1[C][W]

The constitutive stress response induced by chloroplast dysfunction causes early differentiation via the activation of cell cycle inhibitors. The majority of research on cell cycle regulation is focused on the nuclear events that govern the replication and segregation of the genome between the two daughter cells. However, eukaryotic cells contain several compartmentalized organelles with specialized functions, and coordination among these organelles is required for proper cell cycle progression, as evidenced by the isolation of several mutants in which both organelle function and overall plant development were affected. To investigate how chloroplast dysfunction affects the cell cycle, we analyzed the crumpled leaf (crl) mutant of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which is deficient for a chloroplastic protein and displays particularly severe developmental defects. In the crl mutant, we reveal that cell cycle regulation is altered drastically and that meristematic cells prematurely enter differentiation, leading to reduced plant stature and early endoreduplication in the leaves. This response is due to the repression of several key cell cycle regulators as well as constitutive activation of stress-response genes, among them the cell cycle inhibitor SIAMESE-RELATED5. One unique feature of the crl mutant is that it produces aplastidic cells in several organs, including the root tip. By investigating the consequence of the absence of plastids on cell cycle progression, we showed that nuclear DNA replication occurs in aplastidic cells in the root tip, which opens future research prospects regarding the dialogue between plastids and the nucleus during cell cycle regulation in higher plants.
On three types of variation in resumption: evidence in favor of violable and ranked constraints

Variation in the last resort nature of resumption cross-linguistically and variation in dative resumption among and within Alemannic varieties of German strongly favor an evaluator component that makes use of violable and rankable constraints as in Optimality Theory rather than fi lters as in the Minimalist Program. At the same time, the range of variation is best restrained in a model of syntax like the Derivations and Evaluations framework (Broekhuis 2008) that combines a restrictive MP-style generator with a fl exible OT-evaluator.
A study of airline pilot morbidity.

INTRODUCTION It has long been believed that airline pilots are healthier than the general population. There are a number of reasons why this should be the case. However, there is very little evidence to support this belief as fact. This study investigates the health of the pilot population of an Oceanic based airline compared to the health of the general population. METHODS Pilots who conducted their medical certificate renewal at the airline's medical unit between 1 November 2009 and 31 October 2010 were included. A medical questionnaire was completed by each pilot at the time of their medical certificate renewal. Data from the questionnaire was entered into a database as well as the pilot's BMI, blood pressure, lipid profile, and blood glucose level. The comparison population was the population who completed the New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) between 2006-2007. Demographic, lifestyle characteristics, and health status data from the pilots was compared to the NZHS using a Chi-squared test. RESULTS Included in the study were 595 pilots. With respect to most medical conditions, pilots had a lower prevalence when compared to the general population. Pilots had a higher prevalence of kidney disease (3.3% vs 0.6%) and melanoma skin cancer (19 per 1000 vs 0.4 per 1000). DISCUSSION This study suggests that pilots in New Zealand are healthier than the general population with respect to most medical conditions. The two medical conditions that were identified as being overrepresented in pilots may be the result of the occupational environment.
OncoPET_DB: A Freely Distributed Database of Realistic Simulated Whole Body 18F-FDG PET Images for Oncology

The purpose of this paper is to generate and distribute a database of simulated whole body 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) oncology images. As far as we know, this database is the first addressing the need for simulated 18F-FDG PET oncology images by providing a series of realistic whole-body patient images with well-controlled inserted lesions of calibrated uptakes. It also fulfills the requirements of detection performance studies by including normal and pathological cases. The originality of the database is based on three points. First, we built a complex model of 18F-FDG patient based on the Zubal phantom in combination with activity distributions in the main organs of interest derived from a series of 70 clinical cases. Secondly, we proposed a model of lesions extent corresponding to real lymphoma patients. The lesion contrast levels were derived from a human observer detection study so as to cover the entire range of detectability. Lastly, the simulated database was generated with the PET-SORTEO Monte Carlo simulation tool that was fully validated against the geometry of the ECAT EXACT HR+ (CTI/Siemens Knoxville). The oncoPET_DB database is composed of 100 whole-body PET simulated images, including 50 normal cases coming from different realizations of noise of the healthy model and 50 pathological cases including lesions of calibrated uptakes and various diameters. Such a database will be useful to evaluate algorithms that may impact quantification or contrast recovery, to perform observer studies or to assess computer-aided diagnosis methods. Perspectives include enriching the present database with new pathological and normal cases accounting for interindividual variability of anatomy and FDG uptake.
A phase II trial of riluzole, an antagonist of metabotropic glutamate receptor (GRM1) signaling, in advanced melanoma.

8557 Background: Preclinical studies demonstrate that GRM1 is a potential therapeutic target in melanoma, with > 60% of human melanomas ectopically expressing GRM1. Moreover, GRM1 over-expression renders melanoma cells more sensitive to treatment with riluzole, an oral agent that blocks glutamate release. Our phase 0 trial of riluzole in patients (pts) with resectable melanoma demonstrated a 34% (4 of 12 pts) PET response to 14 days of riluzole at 100 mg bid, with responding pts demonstrating decreased levels of pERK and pAKT in post treatment tumor biopsies. To further explore the activity of riluzole in advanced melanoma, we performed a phase II trial with the primary objective of response rate. METHODS Eligibility included pts with stage III (unresectable) or IV melanoma, ECOG PS ≤ 2 who received no more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen. 100 mg bid of riluzole was administered for 6 week cycles. Paired tumor biopsies were collected in most pts to compare levels of pERK and pAKT. The trial employed a Simon two stage minimax design to test the response rate of 5 vs. 20% at alpha=0.05 and power=80%, requiring 1 response of 13 pts in stage 1 to continue to enroll 14 additional pts in stage 2. RESULTS 13 pts have been enrolled in stage 1, all with GRM1 positive tumors. No RECIST responses have yet been seen in 12 of 13 pts with 1 pt awaiting restaging. Stable disease was noted at first re evaluation in 5 of 12 pts. Riluzole was well tolerated with dizziness (30%) and fatigue (30%) the most common toxicities. 1 pt was taken off study for grade 3 dizziness. 1 pt remains on study with stable disease at 34 weeks. Of 8 paired tumor samples, 6 showed a significant decrease in pERK with 3 of these also showing a significant decrease in pAKT post-treatment. These last 3 pts each experienced stable disease at first re evaluation. Testing for B-raf and N-ras mutational status is in progress. CONCLUSIONS Riluzole was well tolerated. Although no responses were yet seen by RECIST criteria, initial stable disease was seen in 42% of previously progressing pts. While biologically active, the modest antitumor activity suggests that riluzole should be tested in combination with other anticancer agents. Funded by NIH 1R21CA139473-02.
The impact of engagement in sport on graduate employability: implications for higher education policy and practice

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the impact of engagement in sport on graduate employability using a triangulation of views from three key stakeholder groups. Primary research was conducted with 5838 graduates, 112 employers and 13 university senior executives as part of a mixed-methods approach. The research found that engagement in sport was viewed as a sound investment from the perspectives of all three groups, with examples highlighting how sport provided ‘added value’ beyond subject-specific qualifications. This finding was particularly prominent where graduates demonstrated experience of voluntary roles through the leadership and management of sport and could articulate how this had a positive impact on the development of additional employability attributes. We argue that there are important implications for higher education policy, sports policy, universities, employers and students. For students, employability can be enhanced through participation and volunteering in sport, which is shown to be a good investment in terms of both skill development and future earnings. For employers, when recruiting graduates, a history of sport participation (inclusive of voluntary experience) may be a good indicator of candidates with desirable traits for employment. For universities, meeting their customers’ demand for sport with sufficient supply through strategic investment is an important consideration of their offer.