Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Late Pleistocene molecular dating of past population fragmentation and demographic changes in African rain forest tree species supports the forest refuge hypothesis

Phylogeographical signatures of past population fragmentation and demographic change have been reported in several African rain forest trees. These signatures have usually been interpreted in the light of the Pleistocene forest refuge hypothesis, although dating these events has remained impracticable because of inadequate genetic markers. We assess the timing of interspecific and intraspecific genetic differentiation and demographic changes within two rain forest Erythrophleum tree species (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae).
Simultaneous Estimation of the Means in Some Poisson Log Linear Models

In this article we study the simultaneous estimation of the Poisson means in J-way multiplicative models and a decomposable model for three-way layouts. The estimators which improve on the maximum likelihood estimators under the normalized squared error losses are provided for each model. The proposed estimators correspond to the ones by Clevenson and Zidek (1975), Tsui and Press (1982) and Chou (1991).
The potential relevance of cytokines to ovarian physiology: the emerging role of resident ovarian cells of the white blood cell series.

ELUCIDATING the secrets of intraovarian intercellular communication constitutes a central area of investigation. Whereas most attention has been directed thus far at the somatic cellular components of the ovary, the potential role(s) and relative importance of resident ovarian white blood cell types have received relatively limited attention. Efforts are currently underway to reconcile traditional ovarian physiology with observations relevant to intraovarian components of the white blood cell series. In so doing, the already formidable task of analyzing intraovarian interactions stands to be further complicated. In many ways, the paradigms explored at the level of the ovary have broad implications for endocrinology, in general, in that similar phenomena are likely to be operational in other highly regulated systems. Although the present scientific literature may only provide limited information as it pertains to resident ovarian white blood cell types, the mere implications of these relatively new develop.
Title High cortisol and cortisone levels are associated with breast milk dioxinconcentrations in Vietnamese women

Dioxin (PCDDs+PCDFs), is one of the most toxic chemical substances known. Although it is suspected to cause endocrine disruption, very few epidemiological studies into its effects on human steroid hormones have been performed. The aim of this study is to elucidate the association of dioxin exposure with steroid hormone levels in the saliva and serum of Vietnamese women. Two areas, namely Phu Cat (hot-spot) and Kim Bang (non-exposed area), were selected for study. The study subjects consisted of 51 and 58 women, respectively. Saliva, blood and breast milk samples were collected from subjects in both areas. Cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, estrone and estradiol levels in serum and saliva were determined by liquid-chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS); dioxin levels in breast milk were measured by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The dioxin concentration in breast milk from women in the hot-spot area was 3-4 times higher than in women from the non-exposed area. Good correlations were found between the levels of six steroid hormones in saliva and those in serum, respectively. Salivary and serum cortisol and cortisone levels in women from the hot spot were significantly higher than in those from the non-exposed area (P<0.001) and those in all subjects were positively associated with dioxin levels in Vietnamese women (P<0.01). These results suggest that dioxin influences steroidogenesis in humans. Saliva sample can be used for hormone analysis and are therefore excellent specimens in epidemiological studies.
Distinct neural signatures detected for ADHD subtypes after controlling for micro-movements in resting state functional connectivity MRI data

In recent years, there has been growing enthusiasm that functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could achieve clinical utility for a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, several barriers remain. For example, the acquisition of large-scale datasets capable of clarifying the marked heterogeneity that exists in psychiatric illnesses will need to be realized. In addition, there continues to be a need for the development of image processing and analysis methods capable of separating signal from artifact. As a prototypical hyperkinetic disorder, and movement-related artifact being a significant confound in functional imaging studies, ADHD offers a unique challenge. As part of the ADHD-200 Global Competition and this special edition of Frontiers, the ADHD-200 Consortium demonstrates the utility of an aggregate dataset pooled across five institutions in addressing these challenges. The work aimed to (1) examine the impact of emerging techniques for controlling for “micro-movements,” and (2) provide novel insights into the neural correlates of ADHD subtypes. Using support vector machine (SVM)-based multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) we show that functional connectivity patterns in individuals are capable of differentiating the two most prominent ADHD subtypes. The application of graph-theory revealed that the Combined (ADHD-C) and Inattentive (ADHD-I) subtypes demonstrated some overlapping (particularly sensorimotor systems), but unique patterns of atypical connectivity. For ADHD-C, atypical connectivity was prominent in midline default network components, as well as insular cortex; in contrast, the ADHD-I group exhibited atypical patterns within the dlPFC regions and cerebellum. Systematic motion-related artifact was noted, and highlighted the need for stringent motion correction. Findings reported were robust to the specific motion correction strategy employed. These data suggest that resting-state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) data can be used to characterize individual patients with ADHD and to identify neural distinctions underlying the clinical heterogeneity of ADHD.
ApoE2 and Alzheimer's disease: time to take a closer look

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among the elderly. It currently affects approximately 5.1 million Americans, a number predicted to triple by 2050. AD is clinically manifested as progressive loss of memory and cognitive function, and is characterized pathologically by the formation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). Since its discovery in 1906, extensive research has been undertaken to define AD pathogenesis and to develop treatments; however, the cause of AD remains largely unknown and no therapeutic success has been achieved in over 200 AD drug trials conducted in the past decade (Cummings et al., 2014). These challenges underscore the need for increased research focus to better understand AD risk mechanisms that would allow for the development of strategies aimed at AD prevention and early intervention.
Anandron (RU 23908) in metastatic prostate cancer: preliminary results of a multicentric Italian study.

Between March 1986 and March 1987, 48 patients with stage D prostate carcinoma were entered into a multicentric pilot study using the pure nonsteroidal antiandrogen nilutamide (Anandron--RU 23908) at the dose of 100 mg t.i. d. as the only therapy until disease progression or the occurrence of toxicity. Minimum follow-up was 15 months. Median age of patients was 72 (56 to 83) and median initial Performance Status (PS) was 1 (0 to 3). Of the 48 patients, 29 were untreated, while 19 patients were progressing following treatment by orchiectomy, LHRH analogs, or other endocrine therapies. According to the National Prostatic Cancer Project (NPCP) criteria, 43 patients were evaluable for response. Overall best response in untreated patients was partial response (PR), 41.6%; stationary disease (SD), 54.1%; 73.6% of pretreated patients achieved SD. Median progression-free survival and overall survival in untreated patients were 325 and 696 days, respectively, and 174 and 447 days, respectively, in pretreated patients. The more common side effects were G.I. toxicity (65%), hemeralopia (27%), and alcohol intolerance (6.2%). Results of this study suggest that Anandron may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with advanced prostatic cancer.
Aperture Plane Potential Control for Thermal Ion Measurements

Thermal plasma measurements from the Dynamics Explorer 1 spacecraft using an aperture bias in the outer plasmasphere and over the polar cap show the existence of cold plasma (T ⩽1 eV) which may otherwise be hidden from the particle detector by positive spacecraft potentials. Operations of the retarding ion mass spectrometer instrument with the external aperture plane biased up to −8 V with respect to the spacecraft reveal the existence of low-energy (few eV) field-aligned flows over the polar cap. Electrostatic models of the spacecraft indicate that if the spacecraft potential is more than a few volts positive, there can be a saddle point, or an electrostatic barrier, inhibiting the effectiveness of the aperture bias. Comparison of the aperture bias experiments with the electrostatic models shows that the aperture bias is successful in allowing the measurement of those field-aligned flows with kinetic energy greater than the predicted barrier height but is less effective in aiding the measurement of the isotropic background. The addition of electron measurements from the high-altitude plasma instrument allows the determination of the spacecraft potential when it is greater than +5 V. This additional information allows us to determine that the dayside polar wind (reported by Sojka et al., 1983) is supersonic, up to Mach 5.
Physiological and Biochemical Regulation of Dormancy and Sprouting in Potato Tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.)

At harvest, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers are in a dormant state and do not have the ability to sprout. After harvesting, tuber dormancy is released progressively. This release is accompanied by numerous physiological and biochemical changes, such as carbohydrate hydrolysis and the accumulation of saccharides, which are detrimental to the nutritional and processing qualities of potatoes. Endogenous hormones are thought to play a significant role in the regulation of tuber dormancy and in the onset of sprouting. This review aims to describe the involvement of all major classes of endogenous hormones in tuber dormancy, as well as the physiological and biochemical changes during these steps. Based on current scientific evidence, both abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene are required for the induction of dormancy, however, only ABA plays a role in maintaining bud dormancy. Moreover, an increase in cytokinin sensitivity and content appear to be the principal factor leading to the release of dormancy. Changes in endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin (GA) content appear to be more closely related to the regulation of subsequent sprout growth. Physiological and biochemical changes during tuber dormancy and the termination of dormancy centre on carbohydrate levels and the activity of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. In particular, starch breakdown, accompanied by an increase in the concentration of sucrose and reducing sugars, appears to play an important role in the onset of sprouting of tuber buds. Many of these changes are initially observed in tissues in the region of the buds, but subsequent growth of the sprout significantly affects the metabolism of tissues in other regions of the tuber. The application of dormancy-breaking chemicals, such as bromoethane, or phytohormones (GA3), to potato tubers induces metabolic changes that lead to dormancy breakage. These changes differ between treatments and also from those occurring when dormancy is broken naturally.
Number of parity and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphomas: a dose–response meta-analysis of observational studies

ABSTRACT Background: Epidemiological reports have shown that parity is associated with a risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). However, the findings have been inconsistent. Methods: We searched the EMBASE and PubMed databases for eligible studies up to 10 March 2016. Category and generalized least square regression models were used to perform data analyses. Results: In total, five cohort and seven case–control studies were identified. Categorical analyses indicated that parity number has little association with NHL and its subtypes. In dose–risk analyses, there were no relationships between parity and NHL risk (pfor association = 0.064; n = 10). The summarized risk ratio (RR) was 0.97 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95–1.00; I2 = 57.8%; pheterogeneity = 0.014; Power = 0.79) for each additional live birth increase. Similarly, for B-cell NHL, there was a null association between parity and NHL risk (pfor association = 0.121; n = 5). The combined RR was 0.96 (95% CI = 0.90–1.03; I2 = 63.7%; pheterogeneity = 0.026; Power = 0.71) for each additional live birth. For follicular NHL, there was still a non-significant association identified (pfor association = 0.071; n = 4), the pooled RR was 1.00 (95% CI = 0.95–1.07; I2 = 17.3%; pheterogeneity = 0.305; Power = 0.26) per additional live birth. Conclusions: Our data identified little evidence suggesting that high parity is a protective factor against the development of NHL, including its B-cell and follicular subtypes.
Half-Life and Metabolism of 3H-Folic Acid in Oral Contraceptive Treated Rats

Half-life and tissue distribution of injected tritium labelled folate was examined in oral contraceptive (OCA) treated and control rats to elucidate the mechanism by which OCA treated rats show increased urinary excretion as well as tissue levels of folate. Urinary excretion of folate within the first 12 hours of injection was higher but subsequent excretion lower in OCA treated rats. Faecal excretion of folate was also lower in treated rats. Thus, the half-life of the rapid turnover labile pool of folate appears to be reduced, whereas that of the slow turnover stable pool is raised by OCA treatment. Concentration of labelled folate was higher in the liver and kidneys of treated rats but it was not affected in tissues such as intestine, bone and brain. The concentration of soluble folate binders in the kidney was raised by OCA treatment and the activity of dihydrofolate reductase in the liver (a folate binder) also tended to be higher though the difference was not significant. The observation suggest that OCA may alter folate turnover by changing the concentration of folate binders in the tissues.
Influence of chitosan coating on the liposomal surface on physicochemical properties and the release profile of nanocarrier systems

Chitosan-coated nanoliposomes containing etofenprox or alpha-cypermethrin prepared by ultrasonic homogenization maintained a size distribution in the nanometre range. Nanoliposomes were constructed using different types and concentrations of chitosan to regulate the mean size and surface charge. As the chitosan concentration (0.1–0.5%, w/v) and the degree of deacetylation increased, surface charge also increased. The encapsulation efficiency and release profile were measured by gas chromatography. Encapsulation efficiency decreased slightly as chitosan concentration increased (0.1–0.5%, w/v). As the intrinsic surface charge or concentration of the coating material increased, the release period of the entrapped core material was extended (chitosans A and B; 0.1 and 0.3%, w/v). The results indicate that diverse preparation conditions could affect the physicochemical properties and release profile of the resulting nanocarrier systems.
N‐cadherin expression in endothelial cells during early angiogenesis in the eye and brain of the chicken: relation to blood–retina and blood–brain barrier development*

The factors responsible for the induction and maintenance of blood–brain barrier properties are still undefined. The process of blood–brain barrier formation is thought to take place in a two‐stage manner: the initial commitment of vascular sprouts by neuroectodermal cells may be followed by the stabilization of barrier properties. In the present study, we investigated the expression pattern of neural (N)‐cadherin during early angiogenesis in the brain and the pecten oculi of the chicken. The pecten has been introduced previously as a model for the investigation of the formation and maturation of barrier properties in the central nervous system. Whereas perineural and choroid vessels remained immunonegative for N‐cadherin, vascular sprouts invading both the brain and the pecten primordium acquired anti‐N‐cadherin immunoreactivity. Confocal laser scanning and immunoelectron microscopy indicated that the antigen was located at the ablumenal endothelial membrane in contact with subendothelial cells. With the onset of barrier differentiation as determined by junctional restriction of the tight junction protein occludin, N‐cadherin labelling rapidly decreased. Specific intraneuroectodermal upregulation and decline of endothelial N‐cadherin was confirmed by in situ hybridization and suggests that N‐cadherin expression by cerebral and pecteneal endothelial cells represents an initial and transient signal which may be involved in the commitment of early blood vessels to express blood–brain and blood–retina barrier properties.
Fast secret key generation in static wireless networks: A virtual channel approach

Physical layer secret key generation exploits the inherent randomness of wireless channels. However, for wireless channels with long coherence time, key generation rate can be extremely low due to lack of randomness in channels. In this paper, a novel key generation scheme is proposed for a general wireless network where channels are static and each transmitter is equipped with two antennas. It integrates opportunistic beamforming and frequency diversity to achieve fast secret key generation. In this scheme, channel fluctuations are first induced by controlling amplitude and phase of each symbol in the training sequence on each antenna. Thus, key generation rate is significantly increased. However, the induced channel fluctuations lead to correlation between the legitimate channel and the eavesdropping channel, which compromises key secrecy. To this end, frequency diversity is then exploited to ensure that key secrecy grows with the key size. The secret key generation scheme is investigated in both narrowband and wideband systems, and its performance is evaluated through both theoretical analysis and simulations. Performance results have validated randomness and secrecy of secret keys and also illustrate that the proposed scheme can generate secret keys at a rate of 2Kb/s for narrowband systems and 20Kb/s for wideband systems.
Multivariate Analyses Revealed Distinctive Features Differentiating Human and Cattle Isolates of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157 in Japan

ABSTRACT Genotypes of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 isolated from humans and cattle were analyzed by uni- and multivariable logistic regression, and population structure methods, to gain insight into transmission and the nature of human infection. Eleven genotyping assays, including PCR typing of five virulence factors (stx 1, stx 2, stx 2c, eae, and ehxA) and a lineage-specific polymorphism assay using six markers (LSPA6), were considered in the analyses. The prevalence of the stx 1, stx 2, and stx 2c virulence factors was significantly different between human and cattle isolates. However, multivariable regression revealed that the presence of only the stx 2 gene was significantly associated with human isolates after controlling for confounding effects. LSPA6 typing demonstrated an apparent difference in the distribution of LSPA6 lineages between human and cattle isolates and a strong association between stx genotypes and LSPA6 genotypes. Population genetics tools identified three genetically distinct clusters of STEC O157. Each cluster was characterized by stx genotypes and LSPA6 genotypes. The human isolates typically comprised LSPA6 lineage I with stx 1 stx 2 strains and LSPA6 lineage I/II with stx 2 or stx 2 stx 2c strains. In contrast, the cattle isolates comprised LSPA6 lineage II strains with stx 2c or stx 2 stx 2c strains in addition to the clusters identified for the human isolates. Our analyses provide new evidence that the stx 2 gene is the most distinctive feature in human isolates compared to cattle isolates in Japan, and only a subset of the genetically diverse population isolated from cattle is involved in human illnesses. Our results may contribute to international comparisons and risk assessments of STEC O157.
Maternal involvement in the education of young children with autism spectrum disorders

Parent involvement is widely acknowledged to be a critical `best practice' in the education of young children with ASD. Despite its importance, no studies to date have systematically examined the relative influence of child, family, and school factors on the extent to which parents participate in the education of their children with ASD. In the present study, questionnaire and interview data collected from the mothers and teachers of 95 children receiving public school services for ASD were used to address this issue. Descriptively, wide variation was found in both type and intensity of mothers' educational involvement. Regression analyses showed involvement, both at school and at home, to be heavily influenced by the extent to which school staff actively encouraged, assisted, and provided opportunities for parent involvement. In addition, severity of child behavior problems was also found to exert a uniformly negative effect on intensity of mothers' educational involvement, while the influence of family resources and demand variables varied, depending on whether involvement occurred at school or at home. Implications of these findings for future research and for the support of parents seeking to participate in the learning and development of their children with ASD are discussed.
Exposure to traffic exhausts and oxidative DNA damage

Aims: To assess the relations between exposure to traffic exhausts and indicators of oxidative DNA damage among highway toll station workers. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 47 female highway toll station workers exposed to traffic exhausts and 27 female office workers as a reference group. Exposure assessment was based on average and cumulative traffic density and a biomarker of exposure, urinary 1-hydroxypyrene-glucuronide (1-OHPG). Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was used as a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage. Plasma nitric oxide (NO) was measured as an indicator of oxidative stress related to traffic exhaust exposure. Results: The mean concentration of urinary 8-OHdG was substantially higher among the exposed non-smokers (13.6 μg/g creatinine) compared with the reference non-smokers (7.3 μg/g creatinine; difference 6.3, 95% CI 3.0 to 9.6). The mean concentration of NO among the exposed (48.0 μmol/l) was also higher compared with the reference non-smokers (37.6 μmol/l; difference 10.4, 95% CI −0.4 to 21.2). In linear regression adjusting for confounding, a change in log(8-OHdG) was statistically significantly related to a unit change in log(1-OHPG) (β = 0.372, 95% CI 0.081 to 0.663). Conclusions: Results indicate that exposure to traffic exhausts increases oxidative DNA damage. Urinary 8-OHdG is a promising biomarker of traffic exhaust induced oxidative stress.