Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is tetralogy true? Lack of support for the "one-to-four rule".

Many hypotheses proposed as explanations of gene family diversity in vertebrates invoke two successive polyploidizations prior to the origin of fishes (see references in Skrabanek and Wolfe 1998; Martin 1999). This hypothesis has gained widespread support in the literature. Spring (1997) has advanced the term ‘‘tetralogy’’ as a definition of orthology in which the four paralogous gene copies in vertebrates are all homologous to single-copy genes in invertebrates. Nadeau and Sankoff (1997) assumed successive genome duplications early in vertebrates in a study examining the relative rates of acquisition of new gene function and gene loss. Similarly, recent reviews on genome evolution emphasize the ‘‘one-to-four rule’’ (Meyer and Schartl 1999), a rule that mirrors the intention of proposing tetralogy as an addition to the genomics vocabulary. Recent papers have brought the issue of contemporary vertebrate genome organization into clearer focus and advocate adopting a hypothesis-testing framework for investigating genome evolution (Smith, Knight, and Hurst 1999). In this paper, I test some of the predictions of the tetralogy hypothesis by phylogenetic analysis of several multigene families that match the one-to-four rule. Alignments for gene families listed by Spring (2000) for which there are four ‘‘tetralogous’’ copies in vertebrates and a single invertebrate ortholog (see also http://stripe.colorado.edu/;am/multigene.html) were constructed using CLUSTAL W (Thompson, Higgins, and Gibson 1994). Minimum-length gene trees were discovered using the branch-n-bound algorithm in PAUP*, and support for nodes of the tree was evaluated by bootstrapping the data 500 times (implemented in PAUP* Swofford 1999)(fig. 1). Gene trees that did not match the tetralogy hypothesis were rearranged to match the predictions of tetralogy, and the rearranged tree was tested against the minimum-length tree (MLT) using a Wilcoxon signed-ranks test (Templeton 1983) implemented in PAUP* (Swofford 1999)(rearranged trees are also presented in fig. 1). Eight of the 10 trees did not match the predictions of the tetralogy hypothesis (fig. 1), although the hypothesis could not be refuted using a Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for 7 of the 8 trees (table 1). In addition, in the two cases in which the minimum-length tree matched the predictions of the tetralogy hypothesis, alternative trees could not be refuted (data not shown). These results suggest that (1) hierarchical signal of the relationships
Serum Phosphate, Blood Pressure, and the Metabolic Syndrome—20‐Year Follow‐Up of Middle‐Aged Men

The authors investigated the relationship between serum phosphate (S‐phosphate) and the metabolic syndrome in a group of middle‐aged hypertensive and normotensive men during 20‐year follow‐up. Fifty‐six men participated. Of the original 34 normotensive men, hypertension developed in 17. In the group as a whole and in those in whom hypertension developed, there was a significant negative relationship between S‐phosphate at baseline and mean blood pressure (MBP) at follow‐up. A significant relationship was observed between S‐phosphate at baseline and components of the metabolic syndrome in the group as a whole, in individuals with hypertension, and in individuals with the lowest S‐phosphate levels at follow‐up. S‐phosphate at baseline predicted MBP 20 years later in a group of hypertensive and normotensive men. When grouped according to the number of components of the metabolic syndrome, individuals with the lowest serum phosphate levels had the highest number of risk factors. These findings may suggest a role of low S‐phosphate in the development of hypertension and the metabolic syndrome.
Disability dynamics, care home admissions, and mortality: evidence form two national English studies to support insurance product development

Social and demographic trends in the UK point out an ageing population and declining availability of family carers, leading to increase in the need for formal care. In England, formal care can be costly and may oblige an older person to sell her or his home. Designing a ﬁnancial product to cover these costs requires an understanding of the complex underlying risks of longevity and disability. In this thesis, data from two English surveys are used to analyse these risks. Data on subjects in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), who are interviewed biennially, are used to estimate Cox proportional hazards models using two alternative approaches. Initially the baseline values are used for all predictors. This corresponds to the most likely situation for insurance companies when they set premiums. Subsequently the value of predictors, such as disability levels, can change over time. ELSA is then used to analyse changes in disability that sample members experienced. Results show that disability is not a static process, improvement and recovery are both possible and mortality can be predicted better if changes in health and disability can be taken into account. Therefore, the insurer may oﬀer incentive for after sale reporting of health events that impact on care needs and carry on regular assessments of claimants disability levels. Data from the Cognitive Functioning and Ageing Study (MRC CFAS I) is used to examine how mortality is aﬀected by the onset of disability or entry to care homes. Both onset of disability and care home entry are found to reduce life expectancy. This oﬀers the possibility of annuities whose payments increase following onset of disability or care home entry
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Significantly Suppresses Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plays an important role in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, antifibrosis, and antiapoptosis. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted the immunosuppressive effect of HGF in animal models of allogenic heart transplantation and autoimmune myocarditis and in studies in vitro as well. We also reported that HGF significantly suppresses dendritic cell function, thus down-regulating Ag-induced Th1-type and Th2-type immune responses in allergic airway inflammation. However, the immunosuppressive effect of HGF in many other situations has not been fully clarified. In the present study, using a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and experiments in vitro, we examined the effect of HGF on autoimmune arthritis and then elucidated the mechanisms of action of HGF. To achieve sufficient delivery of HGF, we used biodegradable gelatin hydrogels as a carrier. HGF suppressed Ag-induced T cell priming by regulating the functions of dendritic cells in the Ag-sensitization phase with down-regulation of IL-10. In contrast, under continuous Ag stimulation HGF induced IL-10-producing immunocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, HGF potently inhibited the development of CIA with enhancing the Th2-type immune response. We also confirmed that HGF significantly suppressed the production of IL-17 by immunocytes. These results indicate that HGF suppresses the development of CIA through different ways at different phases. They also suggest that HGF could be an attractive tool for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Purity or pragmatism? Reflecting on the use of systematic review methodology in development

Systematic review methodology pioneered in health care has been increasingly applied to development questions of importance in lower- and middle-income countries. This paper reports one such review on the topic of microfinance in sub-Saharan Africa and reflects on the number of pragmatic methodological compromises made when applying the method to a new field. These compromises relate to multidisciplinary teamwork, application of regional filters, drawing on evidence from additional study types and exploring mechanisms for change through the development and testing of a causal pathway. The paper concludes that a pragmatic rigorous approach to systematically reviewing evidence of effectiveness is needed for international development.
Procalcitonin (PCT) As A Promising Marker For Diagnosis and Differentiation of Bacterial Infections

Background: Bacteremia is a life-threatening infection whose prognosis is highly dependent on early recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Early identification of bacterial infection in patients with fever is important for prompt treatment. However, the available parameters such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte counts are not very specific. This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) and cholesterol for bacterial infection in febrile patients. Procalcitonin levels have been shown to distinguish between bacteremia and noninfectious inflammatory states accurately and quickly in critically ill patients. Also a decrease in plasma lipids occurs during severe sepsis and has prognostic implications in critical illness. Methods: Review of the medical records of every patient treated between May, 2014 and May, 2015 who had bacteremia caused by either Gram positive (GP) or Gram negative (GN) bacteria, and whose PCT, WBCs, CRP and cholesterol levels were measured at the onset of infection Results: 88 episodes of either GN bacteremia (n = 56) or GP bacteremia (n = 32) were included. Procalcitonin levels were found to be markedly higher in patients with GN bacteremia than in those with GP bacteremia. TLC, CRP, PCT were significantly increased, while cholesterol was significantly decreased in cases when compared to control group. Conclusion: In a critically ill patient with clinical sepsis, GN bacteremia could be associated with higher PCT values than those found in GP bacteremia, regardless of the severity of the disease. Low lipid levels, particularly low Cholesterol, pointed to bacterial infection Reflecting the severity of disease, plasma lipid levels may be a complementary tool in the diagnostic workup of patients with septicemia.
In Vitro Activity of Rifampin Alone and in Combination with Nafcillin and Vancomycin Against Pathogenic Strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Twenty strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from patients with endocarditis were examined in vitro for susceptibility to rifampin, nafcillin, and vancomycin and to combinations of rifampin with nafcillin or vancomycin. Minimum bactericidal concentrations of rifampin ranged from 0.0031 to 0.0125 μg/ml, of nafcillin ranged from 0.078 to 0.312 μg/ml, and of vancomycin ranged from 0.312 to 1.25 μg/ml. The combination of rifampin with nafcillin was synergistic for 12 strains; the combination of rifampin plus vancomycin was synergistic for 5 of the isolates.
Cryptococcus neoformans glucuronoxylomannan fractions of different molecular masses are functionally distinct.

AIMS Glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) is the major polysaccharide component of Cryptococcus neoformans. We evaluated in this study whether GXM fractions of different molecular masses were functionally distinct. MATERIALS & METHODS GXM samples isolated from C. neoformans cultures were fractionated to generate polysaccharide preparations differing in molecular mass. These fractions were used in experiments focused on the association of GXM with cell wall components of C. neoformans, as well as on the interaction of the polysaccharide with host cells. RESULTS & CONCLUSION GXM fractions of variable molecular masses bound to the surface of a C. neoformans acapsular mutant in a punctate pattern that is in contrast to the usual annular pattern of surface coating observed when GXM samples containing the full molecular mass range were used. The polysaccharide samples were also significantly different in their ability to stimulate cytokine production by host cells. Our findings indicate that GXM fractions are functionally distinct depending on their mass.
Pelvis of the striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius ( Pallas , 1771 ) : sexual dimorphism and relation to body weight

Morphometric investigations of 821 striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius) were carried out to identify sexual dimorphism in body size and pelvic bones with regard to age of individual and breeding history of females. It was found that body size differs between juvenile males and females of A. agrarius, while subadult and adult individuals of both sexes are of the same size. The length of the pubis is significantly bigger in females, while the width of the pubis is greater in males of all age categories. However, the length of the ischium did not differ in males and females of subadult and adult individuals. The length of the ischium and the length of the pubis differ significantly between nulliparous and gravid, and primiparous and multiparous females. Regression equations were obtained that gave reasonable body weight estimations from the length of the ischium for both male and female A. agrarius. We conclude that pelvic measurements and indices may be used in the study of prey-predator ecology of owls and birds of prey, identifying body mass, age and gender of A. agrarius.
Preoperative prediction of the risk of pulmonary complications after esophagectomy for cancer.

OBJECTIVES Pulmonary complication is a frequent morbid event after esophagectomy for cancer. Its prediction may help select patients for preoperative rehabilitation. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 292 patients (231 men and 61 women; mean age, 60.1 years) who underwent esophagectomy for cancer between 1980 and 2000. Data were analyzed to identify factors associated with the development of pulmonary complications (reintubation for isolated respiratory failure and pneumonia). A scoring system was developed, and its ability to predict complications was assessed. RESULTS Resection was performed for squamous cancer (n = 100), adenocarcinoma (n = 186), and other histologic types (n = 6) in patients with stages 0 or I (n = 53), II (n = 94), III (n = 114), and IV (n = 23) disease. Pulmonary complications, which developed in 78 (27%) patients, were associated with a 4.5-fold increase in operative mortality (7%-32%). Multivariable analysis identified independent predictors of pulmonary complications to be patient age (odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99-1.74; P =.059), percentage forced expiratory volume in 1 second (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.07-1.38; P =.003), and possibly performance status (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.88-2.50; P =.14). A scoring system using these 3 covariates was developed, which predicted incremental risk of pulmonary complications (P =.013). The incremental risks of cardiovascular and overall cardiopulmonary complications were also predicted with this scoring system (P <.01 for each). CONCLUSIONS A scoring system using patient age, spirometry, and performance status helps predict the likelihood of pulmonary and cardiovascular complications after esophagectomy and can help select patients who may benefit from preoperative cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Innovation in logistics outsourcing relationship – in the search of customer satisfaction

Background: Nowadays LSPs face an increasingly competitive environment in which a strategy to focus on existing customers by satisfying and sustaining them has been proved to be more successful than trying to get the small share of customers that have not yet outsourced any logistics activities. To be able to keep and grow the customers, LSPs have to overcome a number of barriers, align with customers and innovate. However, there is still a lack of understanding when, with what type of customers, and how LSPs can effectively leverage customer integration within Innovation Alignment for successful innovation. The purpose of the paper is to: present the concept of logistics innovation and its role in creating customer satisfaction, point a number of barriers to LSPs’ innovativeness, and analyze the role and characteristics of relationship innovation alignment when developing and implementing innovative logistics services. Methods: The research adopts a two-stage effort, with Stage 1 being focus groups with LSPs and their customers, and Stage 2 being a theory-testing survey. Up to now, focus groups, survey development, and survey pre-tests with LSPs senior executives have been completed. Conducting the survey and collecting data is in progress. To illustrate the preliminary findings from the American market, case studies in the European surrounding, describing cooperation between LSPs and their customers on logistics innovations, were prepared. Results: Aligning with a customer when pursuing something new is a crucial success factor in logistics sector, especially when pursuing and developing a radical tailored service innovation. The Innovation Alignment should embrace managerial as well as relational mechanisms. Conclusions: LSPs, compared to other industries, are not very innovative. However, logistics managers should try to overcome barriers and proactively develop and implement logistics service innovations. The preliminary results of the research have already shown that integrating customers into the logistics innovation process could increase their satisfaction and enhance the innovation performance of LSP.
Baring High-Albedo Soils by Overgrazing: A Hypothesized Desertification Mechanism

Observations are reported of high-albedo soils denuded by overgrazing which appear bright, in high contrast to regions covered by natural vegetation. Measurements and modeling show that the denuded surfaces are cooler, when compared under sunlit conditions. This observed "thermal depression" eflect should, on theoretical grounds, result in a decreased lifting of air necessary for cloud formation and precipitation, and thus lead to regional climatic desertification.
Culture conditions for the detection of allergen‐specific T‐cell reactivity in cord blood: Influence of cell number

Raised T‐cell proliferation of cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) in response to various ingestant and inhalant allergens has been reported in newborns, suggesting a prenatal allergen contact. In general, for in vitro proliferation assays a concentration of 50 × 103 or 100 × 103 cells/well are used. The aim of this study was to analyze whether cell concentration influences T‐cell reactivity in cord blood cells and to study differences of T‐cell reactivity triggered by inhalant and ingestant allergens. CBMC from 51 neonates (34 females: 22 with and 29 without a family history of allergy, i.e. FH+ or FH–) were incubated with interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG), ovalbumin (OVA), house dust mite allergen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1), and timothy grass allergen Phleum pratense (Phl p 1) for 7 days. The cell concentration ranged from 62.5 × 103 to 100 × 103 cells/well. Proliferation was assessed by incorporation of [3H]‐thymidine and was expressed as counts per minute (c.p.m.). In unstimulated cells, a decreasing cell concentration paralleled a steep drop of background activity. In response to IL‐2, a decreasing cell concentration led to a slow decrease of c.p.m. The corresponding mean stimulation indices (SI) were 9, 32, 77, 47, and 21 for 100 × 103, 50 × 103, 25 × 103, 12.5 × 103, and 62.5 × 103 cells/well, respectively. In addition, the highest number of positive proliferative responses to specific allergens were obscured at lower cell concentrations. For β‐LG, the maximal number of positive responses were obtained between 25 × 103 (n = 44) and 12.5 × 103 (n = 46) cells/well, for OVA at 25 × 103 (n = 3) cells/well, for Der p 1 at 50 × 103 (n = 5) cells/well, and for Phl p 1 between 25 × 103 and 12.5 × 103 (n = 5) cells/well. Positive proliferation in at least one of the tested assays was observed in 100% of samples in response to β‐LG, in 22% in response to Phl p 1, and in 14% in response to OVA and Der p 1. T‐cell reactivity did not differ between samples of newborns with or without a family history of atopy. Therefore, sensitivity of T‐cell proliferation measurement is highly influenced by background proliferation of unstimulated cells. Hence, proliferation assays with lower cell numbers unmask T‐cell reactivity in response to ingestant and inhalant allergens. We suggest the use of concentrations of 12.5 × 103–50 × 103 cells/well in proliferation experiments.
Modeling and Applications of 3 D Flow in Orifice Plate At Low Turbulent Reynolds Numbers

Numerical study of turbulent flow in orifice plate within a pipe is carried out by utilizing the Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations. These equations are numerically solved using primitive variables with a finite volume method, and simulated using the based commercial CFD code ANSYS. The N-S equations are solved for flow patterns that are presented for unsteady flow of an orifice plate at different values of Reynolds number and aspect ratios. The study is performed at Reynolds numbers of 5000, 10000, and 15000 and at aspect ratios of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5. The results demonstrate the following parameters: velocity profile, differential Pressure, and vorticity of the flowing fluid inside the pipe and around the orifice. The study also demonstrates the mechanical effects caused by the flow passed the orifice such as stress, strain, and total deformation. It is found that as Reynolds number increases the flow velocity increases, while the differential pressure shows very steep jump across the orifice. Concerning the vorticity, the images show that both Reynolds number and the aspect ratio influence the structure of the flow that passes the orifice. The mechanical properties are found to be strongly affected by both Reynolds number and aspect ratios. Index Term-Orifice, CFD-ANSYS, Mechanical Properties, Navier-Stocks Equations
Interlaboratory study evaluating quantitation of antibodies to Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

An interlaboratory study was conducted to determine whether an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with an antigen preparation composed of various-sized fragments of Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide conjugated to human serum albumin could be standardized across laboratories and whether the ELISA-derived results from different laboratories are equivalent to those obtained by the standard radioactive antigen binding assay (RABA) for quantitation of anti-H, influenzae type b polysaccharide antibodies. Twenty coded human serum samples were quantitated by ELISA in 11 laboratories and by RABA in 5 laboratories. The mean RABA-derived values served as the basis for all comparisons. While the overall correspondence of antibody values between the two methods was good, significant differences were found among some of the 11 ELISA data sets and among the mean RABA values. Seven laboratories generated higher ELISA antibody values for low-titered sera. Four laboratories generated antibody concentrations that were not statistically different between the two assay methods. The results therefore indicate that the ELISA can tolerate substantial variations in protocol, such as the use of different plates and different antibody reagents, without affecting the quantitation of serum antibodies. However, attention should be focused on low-titered sera, as some assay conditions may yield spurious results. This ELISA is a serologic assay which can serve as an alternative to the RABA for quantitation of antibodies to H. influenzae type h polysaccharide.