Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information use shapes the dynamics of range expansions into environmental gradients

Aim Globally, the geographical distributions of species are dynamic and strongly influenced by dispersal. At the same time, range dynamics feed back and may select for increased dispersal at expanding range fronts. This interplay between macroecological and evolutionary dynamics happens almost universally across environmental gradients and such gradients can have a direct impact on the fitness of organisms due to the match or mismatch between an individual's environmental optimum and the current conditions along the gradient. Importantly, gradients also provide individuals with information on environmental changes because dispersing individuals may sense whether environmental conditions improve or deteriorate. However, the ability of organisms to use this information on the environment and to subsequently adjust dispersal decisions plastically, that is, deciding to further disperse into the gradient or not, has been largely ignored and the macroecological consequences remain unclear. We here aim to demonstrate the impact of informed dispersal on the eco-evolutionary dynamics of ranges. Location Laboratory and theoretical. Methods We used individual-based simulations and controlled experiments in replicated microcosm landscapes. Range expansions of the protist model organism Tetrahymena were tracked using video recording and analysis. Results We show that information on environmental gradients had a severe impact on range dynamics and inverted the spatial distribution of population densities in comparison with controls where this information was not provided. Additionally, the use of information on gradients prevented evolutionary changes in dispersal rates and an acceleration of range expansion. Main conclusions We demonstrate the strong impact of informed dispersal and subsequent behavioural changes on range dynamics in environmental gradients. More generally, our findings highlight the importance of informed dispersal for spatial ecological and evolutionary dynamics.
Comorbidity of juvenile obsessive-compulsive disorder with disruptive behavior disorders.

OBJECTIVE To examine the full spectrum of psychiatric comorbidity in juvenile obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a naturalistic manner when no exclusionary criteria are used for sample selection. METHOD Consecutive referrals to a specialized pediatric OCD clinic were evaluated by means of structured diagnostic interviews and rating scales. No exclusionary criteria were used for sample selection. Findings were compared with those of previously published reports of juvenile OCD. RESULTS Compared with previous studies, our sample of juveniles with OCD had high rates of comorbidity not only with tic, mood, and anxiety disorders but also with disruptive behavior disorders. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that in the naturalistic setting, juvenile OCD is heavily comorbid with both internalizing and externalizing disorders. The presence of such a complex comorbid state has important clinical and research implications and stresses the relevance of limiting exclusionary criteria in studies of juvenile OCD.
Sonography of peripheral nerve tumors of the neck.

OBJECTIVE Peripheral nerve tumors (PNTs) of the neck are uncommon and are frequently mistaken for lymph nodes. The purpose of this study is to describe the sonographic appearance of PNTs in the neck and determine features useful in differentiating PNTs from lymph nodes. CONCLUSION PNTs of the neck have features that should alert the sonographer to the correct diagnosis. Features of value in differentiating PNTs from lymph nodes include a solitary, oval, hypoechoic mass with posterior enhancement and absence of an echogenic hilum. These features should lead to a careful search for the associated nerve to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, schwannomas have a vascular pattern indicating marked hypervascularity that can be obliterated with light pressure from the probe.
Predictive values of maternal serum PAPP-A level, uterine artery Doppler velocimetry, and fetal biometric measurements for poor pregnancy and poor neonatal outcomes in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE To determine predictive values of maternal serum PAPP-A (msPAPP-A) levels, uterine artery Doppler velocimetry, and fetal biometric measurements (FBMs) for poor pregnancy and poor neonatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted on singleton pregnancies followed until delivery. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were evaluated with respect to the msPAPP-A level at the 11(th)-14(th) weeks, uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at the 15(th)-18(th) weeks, and FBMs at the 20(th)-24(th) and 28(th)-32(nd) weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS One hundred fifty-eight women constituted the study group; 17 (10.75%) of them had at least one poor pregnancy outcome. The cut-off point of 0.72 multiple of the median (MoM) for the PAPP-A level achieved a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 29.8% for poor pregnancy outcomes. The mean birth weight was significantly lower in the subgroup with a higher mean pulsatility index of uterine arteries (UAPImean≥1.19) (p=0.025) as well as in the subgroup with a higher mean resistance index of uterine arteries (UARImean≥0.62) (p=0.013). When the subgroup of pregnant women under the risk of early-onset IUGR according to FBMs was compared to the low-risk group, statistically significant differences were seen in terms of pregnancy outcomes (p=0.045) and birth weight (p=0.011). CONCLUSION Maternal serum PAPP-A level and FBMs could be used for predicting pregnancy outcomes, while uterine artery Doppler velocimetry and FBMs could be used for predicting neonatal outcomes, specifically the birth weight.
Protection of p53 Wild Type Cells From Taxol by Genistein in the Combined Treatment of Lung Cancer

This study specifies the basic principles to selectively kill p53-deficient cells (H1299, FaDu) by taxol and to protect p53 wild type cells (A549) by the prior administration of structurally related flavonoids (apigenin, genistein, and quercetin). Cytotoxic and cytostatic properties of flavonoids were investigated in vitro by flow cytometry and were compared to known anticancer drugs (cisplatin, doxorubicin, etoposide). It was confirmed that doxorubicin induced growth arrest and protected A549 cells from taxol while simultaneously killing or blocking H1299 and FaDu cancer cells. It was found that doxorubicin could be successfully substituted in this way by the isoflavone genistein used at physiologically relevant concentrations. The other compounds analyzed revealed less selectivity (apigenin, cisplatin) or demonstrated higher toxicity (cisplatin, etoposide, and quercetin). We concluded that genistein-based therapy may have antagonistic effects when combined with mitotic poisons. The proposed therapeutic strategy allows protection of p53 wild type cells from taxol and selectively increases apoptosis in p53-deficient cells. This strategy exploits the naturally occurring compound that can be used without significant toxicity in rather high concentrations as present in common diets.
Spectral transmission of the principal-eye corneas of jumping spiders: implications for ultraviolet vision

SUMMARY Ultraviolet (UV) vision plays an important role in interspecific and intraspecific communication in many animals. However, UV vision and its adaptive significance have been investigated in only approximately 1% of more than 5000 species of jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae), renowned for their unique, complex eyes that support exceptional spatial acuity and visually based behaviour. To appreciate the adaptive significance of UV vision, it is important to establish whether salticids can perceive UV and whether the perception of UV varies with ecological factors such as light environment. In this study, we measured the UV-transmission properties of the principal-eye corneas of 128 salticid species. We found that the corneas of all measured species were able to transmit UV light, making the perception of UV possible. Three classes of corneal spectral transmission curves were identified; the majority of species had a Class II curve with a less-steep slope and a gradual onset of the transmission cut-off; all the remaining species had a Class I curve with a very steep slope and a sharp cut-off except for one species that had a Class III curve with an intermediate step, which appeared as a shoulder on the descending part of the transmission curve. The T50 cut-off transmission values (the wavelength at which 50% of the maximum transmission is reached) in salticid corneas vary with species and light habitat. The corneas of species inhabiting open bush had a higher relative transmission at short wavelengths in the UV than forest species. This is the first investigation of corneal transmission in spiders and suggests that UV perception is widespread in salticids.
Analysis of BAFF and TRAIL expression levels in multiple sclerosis patients: evaluation of expression under immunomodulatory therapy

Kurne A, Guc D, Canpinar H, Aydin ÖF, Sayat G, Yörübulut M, Esendagli G, Karabudak R. Analysis of BAFF and TRAIL expression levels in multiple sclerosis patients: evaluation of expression under immunomodulatory therapy. Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 123: 8–12. © 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Munksgaard.
ACUTE MUSCLE STRETCHING INHIBITS MUSCLE STRENGTH ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE

Since strength and muscular strength endurance are linked, it is possible that the inhibitory influence that prior stretching has on strength can also extend to the reduction of muscle strength endurance. To date, however, studies measuring muscle strength endurance poststretching have been criticized because of problems with their reliability. The purpose of this study was twofold: both the muscle strength endurance performance after acute static stretching exercises and the repeatability of those differences were measured. Two separate experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, the knee-flexion muscle strength endurance exercise was measured by exercise performed at 60 and 40% of body weight following either a no-stretching or stretching regimen. In experiment 2, using a test-retest protocol, a knee-flexion muscle strength endurance exercise was performed at 50% body weight on 4 different days, with 2 tests following a nostretching regimen (RNS) and 2 tests following a stretching regimen (RST). For experiment 1, when exercise was performed at 60% of body weight, stretching significantly (p < 0.05) reduced muscle strength endurance by 24%, and at 40% of body weight, it was reduced by 9%. For experiment 2, reliability was high (RNS, intraclass correlation = 0.94; RST, intraclass correlation = 0.97). Stretching also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced muscle strength endurance by 28%. Therefore, it is recommended that heavy static stretching exercises of a muscle group be avoided prior to any performances requiring maximal muscle strength endurance.
Fludarabine, mitoxantrone and dexamethasone in the treatment of indolent B‐ and T‐cell lymphoid malignancies in Chinese patients

The treatment results of indolent lymphoid malignancies in Chinese are poorly reported. The efficacy of FND (fludarabine 25 mg/m2/d, ×3; mitoxantrone 10 mg/m2/d, ×1; dexamethasone 20 mg/d, ×5; monthly cycles, ×6) in 95 Chinese patients with indolent B‐cell malignancies (at diagnosis: 55, relapse/refractory disease: 40) and nine Chinese patients with T‐cell large granular lymphocyte leukaemia (T‐LGL leukaemia) (at diagnosis: two, refractory disease: seven) was evaluated. For B‐cell malignancies, the complete response (CR), partial response (PR) and overall response (OR) rates were 50·5%, 18% and 68·5% respectively. Better results were obtained for primary versus relapse/refractory disease (CR: 60% vs. 37·5%, P = 0·03; OR: 84% vs. 47·5%, P < 0·001; median progression‐free survival (PFS): 44 months vs. 22 months; 2‐year PFS: 66% vs. 47%, P = 0·039; overall survival (OS): not reached vs. 32%; 2‐year OS: 92% vs. 58%, P < 0·001). Responsive patients (CR/PR) had a better median PFS (44 months vs. 5 months, P < 0·001) and OS (67 months vs. 13 months, P < 0·001) than unresponsive patients. For T‐LGL leukaemia, the CR and molecular‐remission rates were 56% and 67% (median follow‐up: 23 months). FND is an active regimen for the treatment of indolent B‐ and T‐cell malignancies in Chinese patients, with results comparable with Western patients with similar indolent lymphomas.
Partial-energy-shaping control for orbital stabilization of high frequency oscillations of the Furuta pendulum

We consider the problem of creating oscillations of the Furata pendulum around the open-loop unstable equilibrium. Following a proposed technique, we start with shaping the energy of the unactuated link. An dissipativity-based controller is designed to create oscillations, neglecting possibility of unbounded motion of the directly actuated link. After that, an auxiliary linear feedback action is added to the control law, stabilizing a desired level of the reshaped energy. Parameters of the controller are tuned to approximately keep the originally created oscillations but ensuring bounded motion of both links. The analysis is valid only for oscillations of sufficiently high frequency and is based on higher order averaging technique. Performance of the designed controller is verified using numerical simulations and experiments.
Future Educators’ Gender Norms, Sexuality, and Reproductive Health.

This investigation explored gender-related norms, sexuality, and reproductive health among education students in a government university in Samar, Philippines. A descriptive-analytical design of study was adopted for this investigation and data were collected over a period of five months. Five hundred fifty (550) education students who were enrolled in the different year level completed the modified John Clelands’ Illustrative Questionnaire for Young People. Results indicated that 14.73% of the students reported having had early sexual experience where in 69.14 % had it unplanned. Among sexually active students, only 17.28% used contraception, with condoms and withdrawal as the most popular choices. Respondents were also found to have some misconceptions regarding HIV/AIDS and STI’s. Result also showed that dating was still acceptable, however, the idea of abortion and sexual coercion were considered wrong. No significant differences in the knowledge about HIV/AIDS and STI’s and gender norms were found across year level. Findings suggest a greater need for education, support and advocacy relative to sexuality so as to create a more positive school environment conducive for holistic growth and development of all students. Thus, school administrators should improve/enhance existing policies and programs relative to reproductive health among college students of the University such as health promotion activities, sexuality education, counseling and alike.
A wireless and batteryless 130mg 300µW 10b implantable blood-pressure-sensing microsystem for real-time genetically engineered mice monitoring

Genetic engineering of mice DNA sequences, together with in vivo real-time blood pressure measurement is crucial for identifying an animal's genetic variation susceptibility to cardiovascular-related diseases. However, there is no adequate solution for long-term in vivo blood pressure monitoring to date. Due to the small size of laboratory mice, a miniature, light-weight, wireless, batteryless, implantable microsystem is highly critical to capture accurate biological signals from an untethered animal in its natural habitat, thus eliminating stress and post-implant trauma-induced information distortion. Furthermore, miniaturization of a packaged system is essential for interfacing with a mouse's arteries, which exhibit a small diameter of only 200εm, and is crucial for achieving a reliable sensor-artery contact for accurate measurement. The small artery renders intra-vascular stent-based blood-pressure-sensing techniques infeasible. Remote RF powering has been widely used for biomedical implants [1,2]. However, the proposed microsystem is implanted in a freely moving laboratory mouse, thus resulting in continuously changing magnetic coupling, which demands adaptive control for RF powering.
Initial radiographic features as outcome predictor of adult respiratory syncytial virus respiratory tract infection.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to evaluate the chest radiographic features of adult patients hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus respiratory tract infections and to assess whether initial chest radiographic findings help predict clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS All adult patients hospitalized from January 2009 to December 2011 with laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus infection were included in the study. Patient clinical data and admission chest radiographs were retrospectively reviewed. Adverse outcomes included need for supplemental oxygen, need for assisted ventilation, and death. RESULTS Of 285 patients (mean age, 74 ± 16 years) included, 199 (69.8%) had abnormal chest radiographic findings: 49.5% (141/285) had acute changes, and 47.7% (136/285) had chronic changes. Consolidation (68/141 [48.2%]) and ground-glass opacity (57/141 [40.4%]) were the predominant types of acute changes and were most common in unilateral single-lower-zone involvement. Consolidation, ground-glass opacity, and chronic changes occurred with significantly higher frequency in patients with adverse outcomes. The presence of acute (odds ratio, 3.6) and chronic (odds ratio, 2.2) changes were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of adult patients hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus respiratory tract infection had changes on initial chest radiographs. Consolidation or ground-glass opacity in a unilateral single-lower-zone distribution were the most common findings. The presence of acute and chronic radiographic lung changes was associated with adverse outcomes.
Supravital exposure to propidium iodide identifies apoptosis on adherent cells.

BACKGROUND Several studies indicate that plasma membrane changes during apoptosis are a general phenomenon. Among the flow cytometric methods to measure apoptosis, the Annexin V assay that detects the membrane exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) is one of the most commonly used. However, the various treatments used for the detachment of adherent cells generally interfere with the binding of Annexin V to membrane PS, making apoptosis measurement a technical problem. Materials and Methods Apoptosis of different cell lines was investigated by fluorescence microscopy and multiple flow assays designed to assess loss of membrane integrity, translocation of PS, DNA fragmentation, and light scatter changes. Results and Conclusions We show that supravital propidium iodide (PI) assay stains adherent apoptotic cells, allowing flow cytometric quantification. Moreover, supravital exposure to PI without prior permeabilization identifies apoptotic cells as well as Annexin V and permits the simultaneous surface staining by FITC- and PE-conjugated monoclonal antibodies. As in the case of necrotic or permeabilized cells, fluorescence microscopy has revealed that PI staining of apoptotic cells is localized in the nucleus. This suggests that the binding of PI to the DNA/RNA structures is stable enough to withstand the trypsinization and/or washing procedures necessary to detach adherent cells.
FERTILITY INSURANCE AND THE SEX RATIOS OF MALARIA AND RELATED HEMOSPORORIN BLOOD PARASITES

The sex ratio (z*; proportion of gametocytes that are male) of malaria and related hemospororin blood parasites has been predicted to be related to the inbreeding rate (f) by the simple equation z* = (1 − f)/2. Although there is some empirical support for this prediction, there are several cases where the sex ratio is less female biased or more variable than expected. Here, we present a theoretical model that may be able to explain some of these discrepancies. We show that if low gametocyte densities lead to a danger that female gametes may not encounter any male gametes, then natural selection favors a less female-biased sex ratio as a form of ‘fertility insurance’ to ensure that female gametes are mated. This model can be applied to a number of situations. In particular, (1) empirical data suggest that the number of gametocyes per blood meal can be low enough to favor fertility insurance in some Plasmodium infections in humans and (2) our model predicts facultative shifting toward less-biased sex ratios in response to immune pressure that reduces gametocyte or gamete survival or mobility, consistent with some recent experimental data from Plasmodium species of birds and mice.
A Comparison Between Lignans from Creosote Bush and Flaxseed and Their Potential to Inhibit Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Activity

The popularity in natural product use we witness today arose from a growing public skepticism about taking “pharmaceutical chemicals” to treat illness. Such skepticism was supplanted by a public perception that “medications” from natural sources are safer to use and have similar efficacies as their pharmaceutical equivalents. The diverse assortment of natural products on the shelves of pharmacies, health food stores, and grocery stores attest to this enhanced public demand, but has compelled regulatory agencies to question the adequacy of the safety and efficacy data associated with the use of these products (Natural Health Products Directorate 2007). In the current regulatory environment, full realization of the wellness and therapeutic value of these natural products can only come about with more rigorous assessments of their safety and efficacy.
Structural Organization of the pFra Virulence-Associated Plasmid of Rhamnose-Positive Yersinia pestis

ABSTRACT The 137,036-bp plasmid pG8786 from rhamnose-positive Yersinia pestis G8786 isolated from the high mountainous Caucasian plague focus in Georgia is an enlarged form of the pFra virulence-associated plasmid containing genes for synthesis of the antigen fraction 1 and phospholipase D. In addition to the completely conserved genes of the pFra backbone, pG8786 contains two large regions consisting of 4,642 and 32,617 bp, designated regions 1 and 2, respectively. Region 1 retains a larger part of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi plasmid pHCM2 resembling the backbone of pFra replicons, while region 2 contains 25 open reading frames with high levels of similarity to the transfer genes of the F-like plasmids. Surprisingly, region 1 is also present in the pFra plasmid of avirulent Y. pestis strain 91001 isolated in Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China. Despite the fact that some genes typically involved in conjugative transfer of the F-like replicons are missing in pG8786, we cannot exclude the possibility that pG8786 might be transmissive under certain conditions. pG8786 seems to be an ancient form of the pFra group of plasmids that were conserved due to the strict geographical isolation of rhamnose-positive Y. pestis strains in the high mountainous Caucasian plague locus.