Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal analysis of gene flow in Chesapeake Bay Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin)

There is widespread concern regarding the impacts of anthropogenic activities on connectivity among populations of plants and animals, and understanding how contemporary and historical processes shape metapopulation dynamics is crucial for setting appropriate conservation targets. We used genetic data to identify population clusters and quantify gene flow over historical and contemporary time frames in the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). This species has a long and complicated history with humans, including commercial overharvesting and subsequent translocation events during the early twentieth century. Today, terrapins face threats from habitat loss and mortality in fisheries bycatch. To evaluate population structure and gene flow among Diamondback Terrapin populations in the Chesapeake Bay region, we sampled 617 individuals from 15 localities and screened individuals at 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Our goals were to demarcate metapopulation structure, quantify genetic diversity, estimate effective population sizes, and document temporal changes in gene flow. We found that terrapins in the Chesapeake Bay region harbour high levels of genetic diversity and form four populations. Effective population sizes were variable. Among most population comparisons, estimates of historical and contemporary terrapin gene flow were generally low (m ≈ 0.01). However, we detected a substantial increase in contemporary gene flow into Chesapeake Bay from populations outside the bay, as well as between two populations within Chesapeake Bay, possibly as a consequence of translocations during the early twentieth century. Our study shows that inferences across multiple time scales are needed to evaluate population connectivity, especially as recent changes may identify threats to population persistence.
Hepatitis B virus‐specific T‐cell responses during IFN administration in a small cohort of chronic hepatitis B patients under nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment

The effect of pegylated interferon‐α (IFN) add‐on therapy on HBV‐specific T‐cell responses was evaluated in 12 patients with stable, undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) load under nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at week 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 of IFN add‐on therapy. Quantity and quality of circulating HBV S‐ and core‐specific CD4 and CD8 T cells were analysed ex vivo by flow cytometry. HBV S‐ and core‐specific CD4 T‐cell numbers modestly increased within 8 weeks of IFN administration (P = 0.0391 and P = 0.0195), whereas HBV‐specific CD8 T cells in general showed only minor changes under IFN add‐on therapy. Functionality of HBV‐specific CD4 but not CD8 T cells positively correlated with serum transaminase activity. In addition, we observed an increase in CD4 T cells producing tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) without antigen restimulation (P = 0.0039), which correlated with elevated transaminases. During IFN add‐on therapy, two patients developed an anti‐HBs seroconversion, only one of whom showed a relevant increase in HBV‐specific T cells. In conclusion, IFN add‐on therapy of chronic hepatitis B increased HBV‐specific T‐cell responses and affected a previously unrecognized TNFα‐monofunctional CD4 T‐cell population. Although the observed T‐cell responses did not correlate with HBsAg seroconversion, we expect additional insights into the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis B, following the characterization of the newly identified TNF α‐monofunctional T‐cell population.
Efficacy and safety of ketotifen eye drops in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

Background: Ketotifen blocks histamine H1 receptors, stabilises mast cells, and prevents eosinophil accumulation. These multiple, pharmacological mechanisms provided the rationale for assessing the efficacy and safety of ketotifen 0.025% eye drops in subjects with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) in an environmental setting. Methods: This was a double masked, randomised, multicentre trial conducted in Australia. Subjects were randomly assigned to ketotifen fumarate 0.025% ophthalmic solution, placebo (as vehicle), or levocabastine hydrochloride 0.05% ophthalmic suspension, twice daily in each eye for a 4 week period. Subjects were assessed at follow up (days 5–8) and termination (days 25–31) visits. The primary efficacy variable was the responder rate, based on the subjects’ assessment of global efficacy at the follow up visit. Results: 519 subjects were randomised to treatment. At the follow up visit, the responder rate, based on subjects’ assessment of global efficacy, was significantly greater in the ketotifen group (49.5%) than in the placebo group (33.0%) for subjects with a positive diagnostic test for pollen allergy (p = 0.02). The investigators’ assessment of responder rates also showed that ketotifen was superior to placebo (p = 0.001). Ketotifen produced a significantly better outcome than levocabastine (p<0.05) for relief of signs and symptoms of SAC, at both the follow up and the termination visit. The type and frequency of adverse events were similar across treatment groups. Conclusions: In an environmental setting, ketotifen fumarate 0.025% ophthalmic solution was well tolerated and effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of SAC, and in preventing their recurrence. Ketotifen consistently showed the best efficacy in comparison with both placebo and levocabastine. These results indicate that ketotifen eye drops are a valuable treatment option for this condition.
Malignant transformation of a duodenal duplication cyst in a cat

Case summary A 15-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented for lethargy, vomiting and anorexia. Abdominal ultrasound showed a bi-lobed cystic duodenal mass. Based on ultrasonographic features, malignant transformation of a duodenal duplication cyst was suspected. A resection and anastomosis was performed. Histology of the mass was consistent with carcinoma and an intestinal mucosa was present along the inner surface of the mass, suggestive of a duplication cyst. The patient returned 3 months postsurgery with recurrence of clinical signs. Abdominal ultrasound showed a recurrent duodenal mass at the surgery site and body wall nodules. Fine-needle aspirates of these lesions showed epithelial neoplasia. Owing to the poor prognosis, the owners elected euthanasia. Relevance and novel information Malignant transformation of duplication cysts in cats is rare but can be detected on ultrasound. The described ultrasonographic features can aid in prioritization of malignant transformation of duplication cysts as a differential diagnosis.
Identification of LPV State Space Models for Autonomic Web Service Systems

The complexity of information technology (IT) systems is steadily increasing. System complexity has been recognized as the main obstacle to the further advancement of IT and has recently raised energy management issues. Control techniques have been proposed and successfully applied to design autonomic computing systems, i.e., systems able to manage themselves trading-off system performance with energy reduction goals. As users' behavior is highly time varying and workload conditions can change substantially within the same business day, the linear parametrically varying (LPV) framework proves particularly suitable for modeling such systems. In this paper, the identification of single-input-single-output and multiple-input-multiple-output state space LPV models for the performance control of autonomic web service systems is addressed. Specifically, subspace LPV identification methods are shown to yield accurate dynamic models for the considered application. Their effectiveness is assessed on experimental data measured on a custom implementation of a workload generator and micro-benchmarking Web service applications.
Determinantes da insegurança alimentar no brasil: análise dos dados da PNAD de 2004

Sao analisados os dados da pesquisa suplementar sobre seguranca alimentar, feita pelo IBGE, junto com a Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicilios - PNAD de 2004, utilizando a Escala Brasileira de Inseguranca Alimentar, que classifica os domicilios em quatro categorias: com seguranca alimentar ou com inseguranca alimentar leve, moderada ou grave. A analise de logite permite avaliar o efeito de cada fator, controlando o efeito das demais variaveis explanatorias. Contrariamente ao que indica uma analise com apenas uma variavel explanatoria, verifica-se que residencia rural, atividade agricola e a presenca de pessoas com menos de 18 anos no domicilio contribuem para reduzir a probabilidade de inseguranca alimentar (IA). O determinante mais importante da IA e a baixa renda domiciliar per capita , o que mostra a importância de programas de transferencia de renda relativamente bem focalizados, como o bolsa-familia. Mesmo depois de controlado o efeito da renda, a escolaridade da pessoa de referencia contribui, significativamente, para reduzir a probabilidade de IA. Esta probabilidade aumenta quando a pessoa de referencia e preta ou parda, e mulher ou tem ocupacao instavel e/ou informal. Tambem sao estimados os efeitos de varios outros determinantes, como regiao de residencia, disponibilidade de agua encanada e esgoto, os quais estao associados ao fornecimento de servicos publicos basicos.
LA UTILIZACIÓN DE LOS TESTS EN ESPAÑA

Los tests constituyen una de las tecnologias de recogida de datos mas utilizadas por los psicologos en el ejercicio de su profesion. Al igual que cualquier otra tecnologia cientifico-profesional, los tests son susceptibles de usarse adecuada o inadecuadamente. En la actualidad existe todo un conjunto de instituciones, tanto nacionales como internacionales, que estan llevando a cabo actividades diversas encaminadas a potenciar el uso adecuado de los tests. En nuestro pais el Colegio Oficial de Psicologos ha puesto en funcionamiento una Comision de Tests que esta trabajando tambien en esa direccion, coordinada con otras organizaciones internacionales. A iniciativa de la Comision de Trabajo sobre Tests de la Federacion Europea de Asociaciones de Psicologos Profesionales, se esta realizando una encuesta en los paises europeos para conocer la opinion de los psicologos acerca de diversos aspectos relacionados con la practica de los tests. Esta informacion resultara de gran ayuda para tomar las decisiones adecuadas y asi mejorar el uso que se hace de los tests tanto en Europa como en nuestro pais. En el presente trabajo se exponen los resultados de la encuesta obtenidos en una muestra de 3.455 psicologos espanoles. En lineas generales se observa una actitud positiva de los psicologos hacia el uso de los tests, a la vez que se pone de manifiesto la necesidad de que las instituciones adopten un papel mas activo para mejorar el uso de las pruebas. Los resultados indican que los tests que mas utilizan los psicologos espanoles son los de Inteligencia, seguidos de los de Personalidad y escalas de evaluacion psicopatologica. En el trabajo se analizan los resultados de la encuesta en detalle y se discuten algunas de las posibles medidas para mejorar el uso de los tests en nuestro pais.
Progressive Outer Retinal Necrosis Syndrome: Successful Treatment with a New Combination of Antiviral Drugs

Purpose To describe a case of progressive outer retinal necrosis syndrome, successfully treated with a new combination of antiviral drugs. Methods The patient was treated with a combined therapy of antiviral drugs that includes: intravenous acyclovir 10 mg/kg, three intravitreal injections of foscarnet (1200 μg) and a ganciclovir implant in the right eye. Results The progressive outer retinal necrosis appeared to response dramatically with the combination of antiviral agents used over a period of 2 weeks with a final visual acuity of 20/80 at 3 months of follow up. Conclusions Intravitreal foscarnet combined with IV acyclovir and ganciclovir implant may represent an effective alternative treatment for PORN.
Carbonic Anhydrase in the Gills of Seawater-and Freshwater-acclimated Flounders Platichthys flesus: Purification, Characterization, and Immunohistochemical Localization

Flounders Platichthys flesus were investigated with respect to isolation, purification, and cellular localization of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in the respiratory system. CA was purified from gills and erythrocytes and was shown to exclusively represent a soluble enzyme with an apparent molecular weight of 30 kD. Inhibition constants (KI) towards acetazolamide (ACTZ) were 8.4. 10−9 M for erythrocyte CA and 7.6…10−9 M for gill CA, indicating a high sensitivity to sulfonamides, as exhibited by human CA II. Specific CA activity did not differ significantly in seawater- and freshwater-acclimated fish. Antibodies were raised against purified gill and erythrocyte CA. Both antisera crossreacted and were used to localize CA in the gills of seawater and freshwater flounders at the light microscopic level. Independent of the salinity, a positive reaction of variable intensity was found in the following cell types: pavement cells (PVCs), forming the gill epithelial surface layer; mucous cells (MCs); pillar cells (PCs), bordering the vascular channels of the secondary lamellae; and chloride cells (CCs), mitochondria-rich cells located in the primary epithelium, the inter-lamellar regions, and at the bases of the secondary lamellae.
Market Expectations in the Cross Section of Present Values

Returns and cash flow growth for the aggregate U.S. stock market are highly and robustly predictable. Using a single factor extracted from the cross section of book- to-market ratios, we find an out-of-sample return forecasting R-squared as high as 13% at the annual frequency (0.9% monthly). We document similar out-of-sample predictability for returns on value, size, momentum and industry-sorted portfolios. We present a model linking aggregate market expectations to disaggregated valuation ratios in a dynamic latent factor system. We find that spreads in growth and value portfolios’ exposures to economic shocks are key to identifying predictability and are consistent with duration-based theories of the value premium. Our findings suggest that discount rates are far less persistent, and their shocks far more volatile, than implied by leading asset pricing models.
Test-retest reliability of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC 2.1). Parent, child, and combined algorithms.

BACKGROUND Previous research has not compared the psychometric properties of diagnostic interviews of community samples and clinically referred subjects within a single study. As part of a multisite cooperative agreement study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, 97 families with clinically referred children and 278 families identified through community sampling procedures participated in a test-retest study of version 2.1 of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC 2.1). METHODS The DISC was separately administered to children and parents, and diagnoses were derived from computer algorithms keyed to DSM-III-R criteria. Three sets of diagnoses were obtained, based on parent information only (DISC-P), child information only (DISC-C), and information from either or both (DISC-PC). RESULTS Test-retest reliabilities of the DISC-PC ranged from moderate to substantial for diagnoses in the clinical sample. Test-retest kappa coefficients were higher for the clinical sample than for the community sample. The DISC-PC algorithm generally had higher reliabilities than the algorithms that relied on single informants. Unreliability was primarily due to diagnostic attenuation at time 2. Attenuation was greatest among child informants and less severe cases and in the community sample. CONCLUSIONS Test-retest reliability findings were consistent with or superior to those reported in previous studies. Results support the usefulness of the DISC in further clinical and epidemiologic research; however, closely spaced or repeated DISC interviews may result in significant diagnostic attenuation on retest. Further studies of the test-retest attenuation phenomena are needed, including careful examination of the child, family, and illness characteristics of diagnostic stability.
Mass spectrometric analysis of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein‐1 variants expressed by placental malaria parasites

Surface proteins from Plasmodium falciparum are important malaria vaccine targets. However, the surface proteins previously identified are highly variant and difficult to study. We used tandem mass spectrometry to characterize the variant antigens (Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1)) expressed on the surface of malaria‐infected erythrocytes that bind to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) in the placenta. Whereas PfEMP1 variants previously implicated as CSA ligands were detected, in unselected parasites four novel variants were detected in CSA‐binding or placental parasites but not in unselected parasites. These novel PfEMP1 variants require further study to confirm whether they play a role in placental malaria.
INFLUENCIA DEL α-AMILASA SOBRE LAS CARACTERISTICAS TEXTURALES DEL PAN DE AGUA PRODUCTO AUTÓCTONO DE PAMPLONA (N. DE. S)

En el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la influencia de la enzima α-amilasa sobre las caracteristicas texturales del pan de agua, esta enzima minimiza la alteracion de las propiedades texturales del producto tipico y con mayor vida util. Para ello, inicialmente la tecnica de analisis de perfil de textura (TPA) fueron puestas a punto en el texturometro (Textura Analyser, TA.Plus, Iloyd Instruments a Trademark of Meter) tomando como referencia el pan de agua producido en la panaderia de mayor prestigio en la produccion de este tipo de pan y facilito su infraestructura para el desarrollo del trabajo. Posteriormente se elaboro el pan de agua utilizando concentraciones de α-amilasa de 0, 450, 750 y 900 MANU/kg de harina. El pan de agua fue empacado en bolsa de polietileno de baja densidad y almacenado durante 20 dias en condiciones ambientales (20±2 oC y 75% HR). Durante este tiempo se analizaron todos los dias las propiedades texturales. Se pudo establecer que la α-amilasa retarda el endurecimiento de la miga del pan de agua y que las concentraciones de 450 y 750 MANU/kg de harina son las que mejor preservan las caracteristicas texturales iniciales del pan de agua durante los 20 dias de almacenamiento. Asimismo, la concentracion de α-amilasa que conserva las propiedades texturales iniciales del producto fue la de 450 MANU/kg de harina, durante un periodo de 12 dias, lograndose extender la vida util del pan de agua de 4 a 12 dias, en las condiciones de almacenamiento indicadas anteriormente.
Simulation-guided approaches for verification of automotive powertrain control systems

Automotive embedded control systems are a vital aspect of modern automotive development, but the considerable complexity of these systems has made quality checking a challenging endeavor. Simulation-based checking approaches are attractive, as they often scale well with the complexity of the system design. This paper presents an overview of simulation-guided techniques that can be used to increase the confidence in the quality of an automotive powertrain control system design. We discuss the relationship between simulation-based approaches and the broader areas of verification and powertrain control design. Also, we discuss new software tools that use simulation-guided approaches to address various aspects of automotive powertrain control design verification. We conclude by considering ongoing challenges in developing new simulation-guided tools and applying them in a powertrain control development context.
Adiposity in youth and blood pressure.

The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of several traits that often coexist and augment risk for atherosclerotic disease, diabetes mellitus, and other conditions. The article by Srinivasan et al1 in this issue of Hypertension reports on changes in blood pressure over time in persons according to metabolic syndrome trait status, and the authors focus on issues related to adiposity. They highlight the longitudinal blood pressure experience of the Bogalusa Study in pediatric, adolescent, and adult age groups. The authors conclude that higher prehypertension is likely to be accompanied by increased adiposity; other metabolic abnormalities, such as elevated triglycerides, higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and higher insulin levels accompany frank hypertension. Previous research has shown that weight gain in the Framingham Offspring population sample was a key contributor to the development of increasing systolic and diastolic pressure and the occurrence of hypertension over an 8-year follow-up interval.2 A later Framingham Offspring study with 16 years of follow-up showed that greater adiposity at baseline and weight change were both …
Analysis and modeling of substrate impedance network in RF CMOS

This paper presents a new approach for analyzing and modeling the substrate impedance network in RF CMOS. Thanks to preliminary and proper de-embedding of known parasitics, the substrate network is directly identified. Using this approach on MOS transistors from 130 down to 65 nm technologies allows to point out the respective implications of the isolation layer and the surrounding well plug on high-frequency characteristics. Their impacts are studied and a new model is proposed.
Equality Under Threat by the Talented: Evidence from Worker-Managed Firms

Does workplace democracy engender greater pay equality? Are high-ability individuals more likely to quit egalitarian organisational regimes? The article revisits this long-standing issue by analysing the interplay between compensation structure and quit behaviour in the distinct yet underexplored institutional setting of worker-managed firms. The analysis is based on novel administrative data sources, which allow constructing a simple ordinal measure of the workers' ability type. The article's key findings are that worker-managed firms have a more compressed compensation structure than conventional firms, and high-ability members are more likely than other members to exit.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor captopril prevents activation‐induced apoptosis by interfering with T cell activation signals

Captopril is an orally active inhibitor of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) which is widely used as an anti‐hypertensive agent. In addition to its ability to reduce blood pressure, captopril has a number of other biological activities. Recently the drug was shown to inhibit Fas‐induced apoptosis in human activated peripheral T cells and human lung epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated whether captopril blocks activation‐induced apoptosis in murine T cell hybridomas, and found that captopril inhibited IL‐2 synthesis and apoptotic cell death upon activation with anti‐CD3 antibody. In addition, captopril inhibited an inducible caspase‐3‐like activity during activation‐induced apoptosis. On the other hand, captopril did not interfere with Fas signalling, since anti‐Fas antibody‐induced apoptosis in Fas+ Jurkat cells was unaffected by the drug. Furthermore, we examined whether captopril blocks activation‐induced apoptosis by interfering with expression of Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), or both on T cell hybridomas. FasL expression on activated T cells was significantly inhibited by captopril, whereas up‐expression of Fas was partially inhibited, as assessed by cell surface staining. Taking all data together, we conclude that captopril prevents activation‐induced apoptosis in T cell hybridomas by interfering with T cell activation signals. Captopril has been reported to induce systemic lupus erythematosus syndrome, and our findings may be useful for elucidating the mechanism of captopril‐induced autoimmunity.