Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GENETIC ARCHITECTURE OF THE CRYPTIC SPECIES COMPLEX OF ACANTHOCYCLOPS VERNALIS (CRUSTACEA: COPEPODA). II. CROSSBREEDING EXPERIMENTS, CYTOGENETICS, AND A MODEL OF CHROMOSOMAL EVOLOUTION

Abstract Collectively, populations of Acanthocyclops vernalis, a species complex of freshwater copepods, are remarkably similar as to morphology and DNA content, despite variability in chromosome number. Reproductive isolation had been reported among some populations, but with each new investigation the species boundaries and factors that may influence them appeared less clear. To clarify the pattern of biological species within this group of populations, we adopted a comprehensive approach and examined patterns of reproductive isolation in populations for which morphology, chromosome number, DNA content, and 18S rDNA sequences are known. In this study we established nine isofemale lines from four sites in Wisconsin and performed 266 crosses. Crosses within and among these lines were used to relate the degree of reproductive isolation to chromosome differences and to construct a model to explain the origin and maintenance of chromosome number variability. Different gametic and somatic chromosome numbers were observed among specimens within some isofemale lines. In a few cases, gametes with different haploid numbers were produced by a single female. Matings within isofemale lines always produced at least some reproductively successful replicate crosses (produced viable, fertile offspring). Crosses between lines from the same site showed reduced success relative to within‐line crosses. Crosses between populations from distant sites showed limited genetic compatibility, producing viable, fertile F1 offspring but infertile F2 adults. One cross between lines with different chromosome numbers (one with 2n= 8 and one with 2n= 10) produced fertile viable offspring, which reproduced for at least 60 generations. These hybrids had either eight or nine chromosomes in the third generation of inbreeding, and eight chromosomes after 20 generations. These hybrids also had reduced nuclear DNA contents at the third generation, a level that persisted through the 20th generation. Successful backcrosses between some hybrids and their parental lines further demonstrated the potential for genetic compatibility among forms with different chromosome numbers. We propose a model in which alterations due to Robertsonian fusions, translocations, and/or loss of chromosomal fragments generate heritable variation, only some of which leads to reproductive isolation. Hence, some of the criteria traditionally used to recognize species boundaries in animals (morphology, DNA content, chromosome number) may not apply to this species complex
When Believing is Seeing: The Role of Predictions in Shaping Visual Perception

The study investigated the influence of predictions on perception—in particular, how strong but erroneous prediction coupled with poor sensory data can trigger misperceptions. Using signal detection, we tested whether predictions induced by a semantic cue change the recognition threshold (criterion) or the subjectively perceived differences between stimuli (sensitivity). In a series of 3 experiments, participants observed pictures of (a) real objects distorted to various extents (targets), (b) noise with elements corresponding to meaningful objects (foils), or (c) nonsense images (noise). Stimuli were preceded either by a semantic cue or by a blank screen with equal probability. Presence of the cue resulted in a more liberal criterion, but only for targets and foils. The cue decreased sensitivity between the distorted targets, but increased sensitivity between the targets and noise—that is, the cue increased between-class differences, but decreased within-class differences. When there was no correspondence between prediction and the sensory input, prediction actually increased the chances of correctly rejecting noise. The influence of the cue was strongest for the moderately distorted targets and foils—when uncertainty related to the bottom-up input was the highest.
Who Pollutes? Ownership type and environmental performance of Chinese firms

Abstract What is the relationship between ownership type and environmental performance in Chinese firms? Using a survey of over 1,000 industrial firms in 12 Chinese cities in 2006, this article tests a number of competing hypotheses linking ownership type to environmental performance. The results show that small and medium state-owned enterprises (SOEs) on average spend less on pollution abatement technologies and are less likely to meet national emissions standards, compared to privately owned enterprises (POEs) and foreign invested enterprises (FIEs). However, the environmental performance of the largest SOEs matches that of their private and foreign counterparts. These findings are complemented by qualitative interviews and archival research conducted in 2012.
Patterns, predictors and effects of texting intervention on physical activity in CHD – insights from the TEXT ME randomized clinical trial

Background Mobile phone text message interventions are used to support behaviour change including physical activity, but we have less insight into how these interventions work and what factors predict response. Aims To study the effect of TEXT ME (Tobacco EXercise and dieT Messages) text message intervention on physical activity domains, consistency of effects across sub-groups and its additive value in patients that received traditional cardiac rehabilitation programme. Methods This is a secondary analysis of the TEXT ME, a randomized clinical trial of lifestyle-focused text message intervention compared with usual care in patients with coronary heart disease. A quarter of the messages were designed specifically to encourage physical activity. Sedentary time and physical activity were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results At baseline, 85% of the 710 participants reported low physical activity levels. At six months, compared with controls, the intervention arm reported higher recreational physical activity (471 vs. 307 metabolic equivalent-min/week, p = 0.001) and travel physical activity (230 vs. 128 MET-min/week, p = 0.002), similar work-related physical activity and lower sedentary times (494 vs. 587 min, p < 0.001). Male gender, high baseline physical activity, cardiac rehabilitation participation and text message intervention predicted physically active status at six months. Subjects that received both cardiac rehabilitation and text messaging intervention were more likely to achieve target physical activity levels compared with cardiac rehabilitation alone (odds ratio 7.07 vs. 1.80, p < 0.001). Conclusions The TEXT ME intervention improved recreational and travel physical activity, reduced sedentary times but had no effects on work-related physical activity. It had incremental benefits at achieving target physical activity levels even in patients participating in the traditional cardiac rehabilitation programme.
Atomic force microscopy as an innovative tool for nanoanalysis of native stratum corneum

Abstract: This study demonstrates an innovative application of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The combination of high‐resolution AFM technology and tape stripping is presented as a tool for the structure analysis of human stratum corneum (SC) at a nanometer scale. Topographic images with a vertical resolution of about 10 nm of the SC are presented. Topographical and structural differences between aged and young skin can be observed. Aged skin SC is characterized by an increased single‐cell surface area, prominent intercellular gaps and enhanced cell surface roughness. The use of AFM in combination with other already established methods, e.g. tape stripping in the field of dermatological research will give new insights to the structure, function and morphodynamics of SC.
Building a brotherhood?: A teacher researcher's study of gender construction at an all-boys Catholic secondary school

BUILDING A BROTHERHOOD? A TEACHER RESEARCHER’S STUDY OF GENDER CONSTRUCTION AT AN ALL-BOYS CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL Author: Kirstin Pesola McEachern Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Marilyn Cochran-Smith Despite renewed interest in single-sex education, these classrooms remain relatively unstudied, even in Catholic schools, which have a long history of single-sex education. Although there are over 460 single-gendered, Catholic K-12 schools in the United States, which educate roughly 215,000 students (McDonald & Schultz, 2011), these schools are often ignored in educational research. Practitioner research in this area is almost nonexistent, yet it can generate and disseminate insider knowledge that directly improves the educational sites from which it emerges. For the past 11 years, I have taught English at “St. Albert’s Preparatory School,” an all-boys suburban secondary school serving over 1,100 students in the Northeast. The school regularly speaks of fostering a brotherhood among the students, and I see evidence of this on a daily basis. However, St. Albert’s has not always been an easy place to work. My own experience is consistent with research studies that have found all-boys schools to be more sexist environments than all-girls schools (Lee, Marks, & Byrd, 1994) where
Near-Miss and Hazard Reporting: Promoting Mindfulness in Patient Safety Education

Patient safety efforts advocate for transforming healthcare from a culture of blame to a non-punitive "culture of safety. " One of the most challenging hurdles is to encourage healthcare practitioners to be mindful about their activities. To promote mindfulness during clinical education for entry-level nurses, we developed a web-based dangerous situation and near miss reporting system for a cohort of baccalaureate nursing students (N=156). For this curricular innovation project, we provided wireless handheld devices to students who were required to submit one report for each of their clinical days in the medical-surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, obstetrics and community settings. During a ten-week period, students submitted 1487 reports. Of these, 63% were dangerous situations and 37% were near misses. The most frequently occurring dangerous situations were poor infection control practices. The most commonly reported near misses were medication errors. Free text comments from students identified inadequate patient identification and poor documentation as commonly occurring dangerous situations observed.
Effects of treatment with small interfering RNA on joint inflammation in mice with collagen-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVE RNA interference is a process in which genes can be silenced sequence-specifically. In mammals, RNA interference can be invoked by introduction of small (19-21-nucleotide) double-stranded RNA molecules known as small interfering RNA (siRNA) into cells. Thereby, siRNA offers promise as a novel therapeutic modality. However, siRNA is a relatively large, highly charged molecule and does not readily enter cells. This study was undertaken to investigate the use of electroporation for in vivo transfection of siRNA into joint tissue in arthritic mice to achieve local RNA interference. METHODS Proof of principle that siRNA is able to inhibit gene expression in vivo in the mouse joint was studied by local injection and electroporation of siRNA designed to silence reporter genes. In mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), the disease-modulating activity of siRNA designed to silence tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) was investigated. RESULTS Luciferase activity could be reduced by >90% with luciferase-specific siRNA as compared with the activity measured after electroporation without siRNA or with irrelevant siRNA. The effect was observed only locally. In mice with CIA, electroporation of siRNA designed to inhibit TNFalpha strongly inhibited joint inflammation, whereas electroporation of irrelevant siRNA or injection of siRNA against TNFalpha without electroporation failed to produce therapeutic effects. CONCLUSION Local electroporation of siRNA in joint tissue can inhibit CIA in mice. These results offer promise for the use of siRNA as a new strategy for therapeutic intervention in rheumatoid arthritis and may serve as a tool to study arthritis disease pathways through loss-of-function phenotypes.
Comparison of the power semiconductor design rating of different inverter topologies for the drive inverter of electric vehicles

A comparison of the two-level voltage-source inverter, the three-level Neutral-Point-Clamped inverter and the T-Type inverter based on the power semiconductor rating is presented for drive inverters of electric vehicles. The comparison of the power semiconductor design rating is done for four different drive train configurations: normal operation with a constant DC-link voltage, an overload capability, a varying DC-link due to the state-of-charge of the battery and a variable DC-link voltage which can be generated by an additional DC-DC converter. The design is based on operation performance and power loss calculation. The power losses of the two three-level topologies are evaluated experimentally.
The safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and main portal vein obstruction

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been contraindicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and main portal vein (MPV) obstruction because of the potential risk of hepatic insufficiency resulting from ischemia after TACE. The current controlled study was undertaken to assess the safety, efficacy, and predictive factors of favorable response to TACE in patients with HCC and MPV obstruction with good hepatic function and adequate collateral circulation around the MPV.
Managing Agitation Using Nonpharmacological Interventions for Seniors With Dementia

Approximately 36 million people have Alzheimer’s disease worldwide, and many experience behavioral issues such as agitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of long-term care (LTC) staff regarding the current use of nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) for reducing agitation in seniors with dementia and to identify facilitators and barriers that guide NPI implementation. Qualitative methods were used to gather data from interviews and focus groups. A total of 44 staff from 5 LTC facilities participated. Findings showed that both medications and NPIs are used for the management of agitation. The use of NPIs was facilitated by consistency in staffing, and the ability of all the staff members to implement them. Common barriers to NPI use included the perceived lack of time, low staff-to-resident ratios, and the unpredictable and short-lasting effectiveness of NPIs. This study offers insight into perceived factors that influence implementation of NPIs and the perceived effectiveness of NPIs.
Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in lymphocytes.

Although the effects of glucocorticoids on lymphocytes have been scrutinized for years, researchers have yet to determine how these hormones induce apoptosis in susceptible cells. Compelling evidence indicates that DNA binding of the GR and subsequent transcriptional regulation of specific genes is required for this process. However, it is not clear whether the activation or repression of responsive genes is essential and more importantly, which of these genes, if any, are responsible for the induction of apoptosis. This review will focus on how glucocorticoid-induced apoptosisin lymphocytes is mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor, including a discussion of GR structure, function, and recent data implicating its role in the apoptotic process.
Confirmation of direct angiotensin formation by kallikrein.

This study was undertaken to confirm our previous preliminary observation that hog pancreas kallikrein (EC 3.4.21.35) directly liberated an angiotensin-like substance from human plasma protein Cohn fraction IV-4 at an acidic pH of 4.0-5.0. First, the possibility of proangiotensin or des-Asp1-angiotensin being the pressor substance was ruled out by t.l. c. Secondly, the pressor substance was purified by Sephadex G-25 and Bio-Gel P-2 gel filtration, and finally by high-performance liquid chromatography. The amino acid composition of the isolated pressor substance (residues/mol) was: Asp, 1.03; Val, 1.03; Ile, 1.00; Tyr, 0.69; Phe, 1.04; His, 0.91; Arg, 0.86; Pro, 0.86. This composition was identical with that of angiotensin. Since the reaction mixture was not contaminated with common proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, renin, cathepsin D and proangiotensin-converting enzyme, and other enzymes activated by kallikrein, it is clear that hog kallikrein directly produces angiotensin in vitro.
Prescription Drug Use Among Adults With Chronic Conditions in South Korea

The aim of this study is to identify the social determinants of prescription drug use among adults with chronic diseases by examining the associations between socioeconomic position and prescription medicine use and perceived burden for pharmaceutical expenditure, using a sample of the Korean population from the 2008 Korea Health Panel, with 4 analytic models. Controlled with health status and the type of health insurance, the probability of using prescription drugs and overall spending on drugs significantly increased with rising income level, while perceived burden for out-of-pocket payment significantly decreased. These results imply that the poor are likely to underuse prescription drugs compared with their wealthier counterparts with the same need for health care, probably due to economic barriers.
Partial Moment Volatility Indices

Forward‐looking partial moment volatility indices are developed using state‐pricing, called the bear index (BEX) and bull index (BUX). Using S&P 500 index (SPX) option prices, we find that BEX and BUX provide superior forecasts for the lower and upper partial moments of future market realised volatility, respectively. We examine the relation between SPX returns and changes in BEX and BUX at the daily level. Results are consistent with the volatility feedback hypothesis. Further, we show that BEX may be more suitable as the ‘investor fear gauge’ than VIX.
Photodynamic therapy with hypericin induces vascular damage and apoptosis in the RIF‐1 mouse tumor model

Hypericin, a polycyclic quinone obtained from plants of the genus Hypericum, has been proven to be a potent photosensitizer. The mechanism of tumor eradication and mode of cell death induced by in vivo photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hypericin were investigated in the present study using 2 therapeutic protocols. RIF‐1 tumors were exposed to laser light at either 0.5 hr or 6 hr after hypericin administration (5 mg/kg, i.v.). A significant reduction in tumor perfusion, as determined by the retention of fluorescein in the tumor tissue, was detected immediately after both PDT treatments. Further decrease in tumor perfusion was observed in the hours after treatment. The re‐establishment of tumor perfusion, however, occurred 24 hr after 6 hr‐interval PDT, but not after 0.5 hr‐interval PDT. The kinetics of tumor cell survival estimated by the in vivo/in vitro clonogenic assay revealed no or limited cell death when tumors were explanted immediately after irradiation, whereas a delayed but progressive cell death was detected when tumors remained in situ after both PDT treatments. The detection of nucleosomal DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis or TUNEL assay and the assessment of cell morphology by light microscopy indicated that apoptosis was the most prominent tumor response to hypericin‐mediated PDT. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissue showed an increased expression of both Fas and Fas ligand after irradiation, suggesting that this cell death pathway might contribute to the overall PDT‐induced apoptotic response. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that apoptosis, likely occurring as a result of vascular damage, is responsible for the tumor eradication by PDT with hypericin in this tumor model. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacokinetics and Antiviral Activity of Phx1766, a Novel HCV Protease Inhibitor, Using An Accelerated Phase I Study Design

Background PHX1766 is a novel HCV NS3/4 protease inhibitor with robust potency and high selectivity in replicon studies (50% maximal effective concentration 8 nM). Two clinical trials investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and antiviral activity of PHX1766 in healthy volunteers (HV) and chronic hepatitis C patients, by use of a dose-adaptive overlapping clinical trial design. Methods Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials were conducted. Single doses of PHX1766 or placebo were administered to 25 HV and six HCV genotype 1-infected patients (50 mg once daily –1,000 mg once daily, 250 mg twice daily and 100 mg of a new formulation of PHX1766 once daily). Multiple doses of PHX1766 or placebo were administered to 32 HV and seven HCV genotype 1-infected patients (50 mg once daily –800 mg twice daily). Results Oral administration of PHX1766 was safe and well tolerated at all dose levels with rapid absorption (time at which concentration maximum is reached of 1–4 h) and with mean terminal half-lives of 4–23 h. Multiple doses of PHX1766 800 mg twice daily in HCV patients produced an area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time of drug administration to the last time point with a measurable concentration after dosing accumulation ratio of 2.3. The mean maximal observed HCV RNA decline was 0.6 log10 IU/ml in the first 24 h in the single-dose protocol and 1.5 log10 IU/ml after 6 days of PHX1766 dosing. Conclusions An overlapping, dose-adaptive single-dose and multiple-dose escalating design in HV and HCV-infected patients proved to be highly efficient in identifying a therapeutic dose. Although in vitro replicon studies indicated a robust HCV RNA viral decline of PHX1766, the study in HCV patients demonstrated only modest viral load reduction.
Contrast adaptation and excitatory amino acid receptors in cat striate cortex

Abstract We have employed two paradigms to investigate the mechanisms of contrast gain control in cat striate cortex. In the first paradigm, optimal drifting gratings were presented in three consecutive periods. The contrast was near threshold in the first and third periods and accompanied by iontophoretic pulses of glutamate or glutamate receptor (GluR) agonists. The contrast was set to evoke a higher firing rate in the second period. Although both visual and iontophoretic conditions were identical in the first and third periods, responses to glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), and (1S, 3R)-1-Aminocyclopentane-1, 3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD) were reduced following the adapting interval. (S)-α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) responses were not reduced. Administration of ionotropic GluR antagonists did not affect adaptation to the high-contrast grating. The metabotropic GluR antagonist (±)-α-Methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG), which acts at presynaptic glutamate autoreceptors, decreased the degree of adaptation exhibited by striate cells. In a second paradigm, contrast response functions (CRFs) were obtained at various adapting contrasts and least-squares fits to a hyperbolic ratio equation generated for each adapting level. Similar to previous reports, DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) reduced the slope of the CRF and increased the responsiveness of the cells but did not affect the semisaturation constant, σ, or the exponent of the CRF, n. Only MCPG significantly altered the distribution of σ and n for 19 cells. The effect on α suggests that this drug can interfere with the cell's ability to shift its operating point to match the adapting contrast. These results suggest the involvement of a presynaptic mechanism for contrast adaptation. The decrease in neuronal responsiveness immediately following the high-contrast period may reflect an additional, postsynaptic effect in which there is a decrease in the NMDA-mediated component of the visual response.