Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II mediates the octopamine‐induced increase in sensitivity in spider VS‐3 mechanosensory neurons

G‐protein‐coupled octopamine (OA) receptors mediate their effects by Ca2+ signaling or adjusting intracellular cAMP levels. Depending on OA concentration and cell type, activation of OA receptors in excitable cells triggers excitatory or inhibitory effects, but the mechanisms by which Ca2+ or cAMP mediates these effects are not well understood. We investigated signaling mechanisms that are potentially activated by OA, and OA effects on excitability and frequency sensitivity in mechanosensory neurons innervating the VS‐3 slit sensilla on the patella of the spider Cupiennius salei. These neurons are directly innervated by octopaminergic efferents, and possess OA receptors that were immunoreactive to an antibody against an OA receptor highly expressed in mushroom bodies. OA application enhanced VS‐3 neuron sensitivity, especially at high stimulation frequencies. This enhancement lasted for at least 1 h after OA application. Changes in sensitivity were also detected when the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin or the cAMP analog 8‐Br‐cAMP was applied. However, the cAMP pathway was unlikely to mediate the OA effect, as the protein kinase A inhibitor RP‐cAMPS did not diminish this effect. In contrast, the OA‐induced sensitivity enhancement was significantly reduced by KN‐62, an inhibitor of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and by the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA‐AM. OA depolarized the neurons by 3.8 mV from resting potential, well below the threshold for opening of voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels. OA also reduced the amplitudes of voltage‐activated K+ currents. We propose that OA receptors in VS‐3 neurons activate inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate, leading to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. The Ca2+ surge switches on CaMKII, which modulates voltage‐activated K+ channels, resulting in persistent enhancement in excitability.
Phosphorylation is the switch that turns PEA-15 from tumor suppressor to tumor promoter

Abnormal ERK signaling is implicated in many human diseases including cancer. This signaling cascade is a good target for the therapy of certain malignancies because of its important role in regulating cell proliferation and survival. The small phosphoprotein PEA-15 is a potent regulator of the ERK signaling cascade, and, by acting on this pathway, has been described to have both tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoter functions. However, the exact mechanism by which PEA-15 drives the outcome one way or the other remains unclear. We propose that the cellular environment is crucial in determining PEA-15 protein function by affecting the protein’s phosphorylation state. We hypothesize that only unphosphorylated PEA-15 can act as a tumor-suppressor and that phosphorylation alters the interaction with binding partners to promote tumor development. In order to use PEA-15 as a prognostic marker or therapeutic target it is therefore important to evaluate its phosphorylation status.
Invasive Species, Environmental Change and Management, and Health

Invasive species are a major element of global change and are contributing to biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and impairment of ecosystem services worldwide. Research is shedding new light on the ecological and economic consequences of invasions. New approaches are emerging for describing and evaluating impacts of invasive species, and for translating these impacts into monetary terms. The harmful effects of invasions are now widely recognized, and multiscale programs are in place in many parts of the world to reduce current and future impacts. There has been an upsurge in scientific research aimed at guiding management interventions. Among the activities that are receiving the most attention and that have the most promise for reducing problems are risk assessment, pathway and vector management, early detection, rapid response, and new approaches to mitigation and restoration. Screening protocols to reduce new introductions are becoming more accurate and have been shown cost-effective.
Effects of short-term strenuous endurance exercise upon corpus luteum function.

PURPOSE The present study tested whether short-term, abruptly initiated training can cause corpus luteum dysfunction when exercise is limited to either the follicular or luteal phase of the cycle. METHODS Reproductive hormone excretion and menstrual characteristics were studied in sedentary women who exercised only during the follicular (N = 5) or the luteal (N = 4) phase. Six women served as controls, three of whom exercised at a low volume and three who remained sedentary. Weekly progressive increments in exercise volume continued until either ovulation (follicular group) or menses (luteal group) occurred. Physical activity and nutrient intake were closely monitored with the intent to maintain body weight. RESULTS No luteal phase disturbances occurred in any of the control subjects, whereas 40% of follicular and 50% of luteal exercisers experienced luteal defects. The proportion of menstrual cycles disrupted was not different between luteal and follicular exercisers (50% vs 30%, respectively) but was significantly greater than the proportion of cycles disrupted in control subjects (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that exposure to abrupt onset of training can alter luteal function, regardless of the menstrual cycle phase in which exercise occurs. This study also demonstrates that a relatively low volume of exercise suffices to induce mild disturbances in luteal function.
On the convexity of the LCCM cost function for DS-CDMA blind multiuser detection

The linearly constrained constant modulus algorithm (LCCMA) applied to blind DS-CDMA multiuser detection was widely considered in the last few years. In some papers, global convergence of the linearly constrained constant modulus (LCCM) algorithm was incorrectly claimed, after which corrections were published by other authors (see the Introduction section for references). In this letter, analysis of the LCCM criterion is extended to prove convexity of the LCCM cost function between any point and the global minimum, subject to certain conditions, by using the definition of a continuous convex function.
Seasonal changes in fish assemblage structure at a shallow seamount in the Gulf of California

Seamounts have generally been identified as locations that can promote elevated productivity, biomass and predator biodiversity. These properties attract seamount-associated fisheries where elevated harvests can be obtained relative to surrounding areas. There exists large variation in the geological and oceanographic environment among the thousands of locations that fall within the broad definition of seamount. Global seamount surveys have revealed that not all seamounts are hotspots of biodiversity, and there remains a strong need to understand the mechanisms that underlie variation in species richness observed. We examined the process of fish species assembly at El Bajo Espiritu Santo (EBES) seamount in the Gulf of California over a five-year study period. To effectively quantify the relative abundance of fast-moving and schooling fishes in a ‘blue water’ habitat, we developed a simplified underwater visual census (UVC) methodology and analysis framework suitable for this setting and applicable to future studies in similar environments. We found correlations between seasonally changing community structure and variability in oceanographic conditions. Individual species responses to thermal habitat at EBES revealed three distinct assemblages, a ‘fall assemblage’ tracking warmer overall temperature, a ‘spring assemblage’ correlated with cooler temperature, and a ‘year-round assemblage’ with no significant response to temperature. Species richness was greatest in spring, when cool and warm water masses stratified the water column and a greater number of species from all three assemblages co-occurred. We discuss our findings in the context of potential mechanisms that could account for predator biodiversity at shallow seamounts.
Broadband Fixed Phase Shifters

A method to design planar and compact phase shifters with broadband characteristics is presented. It utilizes broadside-coupled microstrip-coplanar waveguide, and thus the proposed devices can be fabricated using the simple and cheap double-side printed circuit boards. The method is used to design 60° and 90° phase shifters. The simulated and measured results show that the developed phase shifters achieve 3 to 11 GHz bandwidth with low phase instability (±2°), very low insertion loss (0.4 dB), high return loss (15 dB), and a compact size (1.5 cm × 2 cm).
Neural correlates of horizontal vestibulo‐ocular reflex cancellation during rapid eye movements in the cat.

1. The aim of the present study is to describe the behaviour of identified second‐order vestibular neurones in the alert cat during eye saccades. A selection of neurones which are involved in horizontal eye movements has been made. The activity has been compared with a selected sample of abducens motoneurones recorded in the same animals. 2. Alert head‐fixed cats were used for this study. Eye movements were recorded by the scleral search coil technique. Abducens motoneurones were identified by antidromic stimulation from the VIth nerve with chronically implanted electrodes. They were recorded extracellularly. 3. Second‐order vestibular neurones were identified by orthodromic stimulation from the vestibular organs. They were recorded intra‐axonally and injected with horseradish peroxidase after recording of their physiological characteristics. Their morphology was reconstructed from frozen sections. 4. All the recorded vestibular neurones showed various amounts of eye position sensitivity. The firing rate (F) ‐ horizontal eye position (H) characteristics are compared for abducens and vestibular neurones. The population average values are F = 33 + 4 H for motoneurones and F = 51 + 2.4 H for vestibular neurones. 5. All recorded vestibular neurones showed an increase of discharge rate during contralateral horizontal saccades and a strong decrease or pause during ipsilateral saccades. Firing rate ‐ horizontal eye velocity sensitivity has been calculated. 6. Results suggest a strong inhibitory input on vestibular neurones from the saccadic generator. This mechanism underlies the suppression of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex during saccades. Our results suggest that in the cat, for saccades of amplitude smaller than 20 deg, there is a variable degree of suppression which is provided by a projection of excitatory bursters (EBNs) on second‐order vestibular neurones through inhibitory type II neurones. 7. We also conclude from this study that the eye position sensitivity of vestibular second‐order neurones is in fact a motor signal indicating a motor error, i.e. the amount of head or eye movement which remains to be done in order to align gaze on target with the eyes centred in the orbit.
Distribution of radioactive leucine following uptake by olfactory sensory neurons in normal and heteromorphic crayfish antennules

Surgical excision of one of the compound eyes from juvenile crayfish leads to the regeneration of a heteromorphic antennule in 30% of the cases. Most of the heteromorphic antennules generated this way are bifurcate appendages possessing morphologically distinct medial and lateral branches. These structures are identical to the internal and external flagella of the normal antennules, and the homolog of the external flagellum bears aesthetascs supplied by olfactory sensory neurons. Autoradiographic analysis of the brain following exposure of heteromorphic antennules to tritiated leucine indicates that the supernumerary sensory axons transport the labeled amino acid into their central terminals at appropriate target locations within the ipsilateral olfactory lobe. The data suggest that olfactory input from heteromorphic antennules is incorporated into the organized central projection of olfactory afferents from the normal antennule.
Identification of MicroRNAs and Target Genes in the Fruit and Shoot Tip of Lycium chinense: A Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plant

Although Lycium chinense (goji berry) is an important traditional Chinese medicinal plant, little genome information is available for this plant, particularly at the small-RNA level. Recent findings indicate that the evolutionary role of miRNAs is very important for a better understanding of gene regulation in different plant species. To elucidate small RNAs and their potential target genes in fruit and shoot tissues, high-throughput RNA sequencing technology was used followed by qRT-PCR and RLM 5’-RACE experiments. A total of 60 conserved miRNAs belonging to 31 families and 30 putative novel miRNAs were identified. A total of 62 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, of which 15 (14 known and 1 novel) were shoot-specific, and 12 (7 known and 5 novel) were fruit-specific. Additionally, 28 differentially expressed miRNAs were recorded as up-regulated in fruit tissues. The predicted potential targets were involved in a wide range of metabolic and regulatory pathways. GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analysis and the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database revealed that “metabolic pathways” is the most significant pathway with respect to the rich factor and gene numbers. Moreover, five miRNAs were related to fruit maturation, lycopene biosynthesis and signaling pathways, which might be important for the further study of fruit molecular biology. This study is the first, to detect known and novel miRNAs, and their potential targets, of L. chinense. The data and findings that are presented here might be a good source for the functional genomic study of medicinal plants and for understanding the links among diversified biological pathways.
A critical approach to trade-based money laundering

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to broaden the discussion on trade-based money laundering (TBML). The literature is too narrowly focused on the misrepresentation of the value, quantity or quality of the traded goods. This focus leads to the analysis of price anomalies as a signal of over- or under-invoicing. However, TBML can also occur without manipulation of these factors. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature and case study of police investigations. Findings – Financial action task force (FATF) definitions are seriously flawed. The question of whether detecting TBML on the basis of statistical trade data is effective should be much more open to debate. Police investigations show that goods are shipped at their true value within the context of TBML. Research limitations/implications – Using outliers to identify and act on cases of TBML has often been propagated, but scarcely been used to actually show TBML. Real findings are needed. Practical implications – Goods intended for T.
Global Connectedness and Global Migration: Insights from the International Changing Academic Profession Survey

The Changing Academic Profession (CAP) international survey was designed in part to consider the effects of globalization on the work context and activities of academics in 19 countries or regions around the world. This paper draws from a subset of these data to explore the extent to which academics are globally connected in their research and teaching, and the ways this connectedness relates to global migration. Across multiple measures, immigrant academics (i.e., academics working in countries where they were not born and did not receive their first degree) were more globally connected than national academics (i.e., those working in the countries of their birth and first degree). Global migration by academic staff is clearly a major contributor to the internationalization of higher education institutions, yet there was no evidence these contributions led to enhanced career progress or job satisfaction for immigrant academics relative to national academics. The international expertise and experience of immigrant academics may not be sufficiently recognized and valued by their institutions.
Corner-Based Geometric Calibration of Multi-focus Plenoptic Cameras

We propose a method for geometric calibration of multifocus plenoptic cameras using raw images. Multi-focus plenoptic cameras feature several types of micro-lenses spatially aligned in front of the camera sensor to generate micro-images at different magnifications. This multi-lens arrangement provides computational-photography benefits but complicates calibration. Our methodology achieves the detection of the type of micro-lenses, the retrieval of their spatial arrangement, and the estimation of intrinsic and extrinsic camera parameters therefore fully characterising this specialised camera class. Motivated from classic pinhole camera calibration, our algorithm operates on a checker-board’s corners, retrieved by a custom microimage corner detector. This approach enables the introduction of a reprojection error that is used in a minimisation framework. Our algorithm compares favourably to the state-of-the-art, as demonstrated by controlled and freehand experiments, making it a first step towards accurate 3D reconstruction and Structure-from-Motion.
Altered thermal grill response and paradoxical heat sensations after topical capsaicin application

Abstract The thermal grill illusion, where interlaced warm and cold bars cause an unusual burning sensation, and paradoxical heat sensations (PHS), where cold is perceived as warm when alternating warm and cold, are examples of a complex integration of thermal sensations. Here, we investigated the effect of sensitization of heat-sensitive neurons on cold and warm integration. We examined thermal thresholds, PHS, and warm, cold, and pain sensations to alternating cold (10°C) and warm (40°C) bars (the thermal grill [TG]) in the primary area (application site) after topical application with capsaicin and vehicle control (ethanol) on the volar forearms in randomized order in 80 healthy participants. As expected, capsaicin induced heat allodynia and hyperalgesia and decreased cold and cold pain sensation. In addition, we found that after capsaicin application, the TG caused less pain and burning than the 40°C bars alone in contrast to the control side where the TG caused more pain and burning, consistent with the thermal grill illusion. In both situations, the pain intensity during the TG correlated inversely with both cold and warm pain thresholds but not with detection thresholds. Paradoxical heat sensation was only seen in 3 participants after control application but in 19 participants after capsaicin. Those with PHS after capsaicin application had higher detection thresholds to both cold and warm than those without PHS, but there was no difference in thermal pain threshold. These results suggest that a complex cross talk among several cold and warm sensitive pathways shapes thermal perception.
Entrepreneurial Founder Teams: Factors Associated with Member Entry and Exit

This exploratory study provides a review of the neglected area of entrepreneurial founder team turnover. A novel distinction is made between entrepreneurial founder team member entry and team member exit. Ninety owner–managed ventures were monitored between 1990 and 2000. Presented hypotheses relating to a team's human capital were explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Variables associated with entry were found not to be the same as those associated with exit. The size of the founding team was significantly negatively associated with subsequent team member entry. The link between team turnover and entrepreneurial team heterogeneity was mixed. Functional heterogeneity was weakly significantly positively associated with team member entry. Heterogeneity of prior entrepreneurial experience was significantly positively associated with team member exit. In addition, family firms were significantly negatively associated with team member exit. The average age of the team was not significantly associated with team member entry or exit. Additional insights in future research may be gathered if a broader definition of team turnover (i.e., considering team member entry and exit) is considered. Practitioner awareness of the different factors associated with team member entry and exit may encourage them to provide assistance, which facilitates the team building process over time in developing firms. Promising areas for additional research are highlighted.
The Travel Motivations of Canadian Ecotourists

This article reports on the grouped findings of three studies that have taken an in-depth look at the travel motives of Canadian ecotourists. The results from these studies are compared to the general Canadian traveler population. These studies indicate that the ecotourists are much more likely to have social motives that put stress on physical activity, meeting people with similar interests and seeing the maximum possible in the time available, than is the general Canadian traveler. The ecotourist is also much more likely to be interested in the destinations that contain wilderness, lakes and streams, rural areas, parks, mountains and oceanside, than is the general traveler.
Comparative landscape genetics and the adaptive radiation of Darwin's finches: the role of peripheral isolation

We use genetic divergence at 16 microsatellite loci to investigate how geographical features of the Galápagos landscape structure island populations of Darwin's finches. We compare the three most genetically divergent groups of Darwin's finches comprising morphologically and ecologically similar allopatric populations: the cactus finches (Geospiza scandens and Geospiza conirostris), the sharp‐beaked ground finches (Geospiza difficilis) and the warbler finches (Certhidea olivacea and Certhidea fusca). Evidence of reduced genetic diversity due to drift was limited to warbler finches on small, peripheral islands. Evidence of low levels of recent interisland migration was widespread throughout all three groups. The hypothesis of distance‐limited dispersal received the strongest support in cactus and sharp‐beaked ground finches as evidenced by patterns of isolation by distance, while warbler finches showed a weaker relationship. Support for the hypothesis that gene flow constrains morphological divergence was only found in one of eight comparisons within these groups. Among warbler finches, genetic divergence was relatively high while phenotypic divergence was low, implicating stabilizing selection rather than constraint due to gene flow. We conclude that the adaptive radiation of Darwin's finches has occurred in the presence of ongoing but low levels of gene flow caused by distance‐dependent interisland dispersal. Gene flow does not constrain phenotypic divergence, but may augment genetic variation and facilitate evolution due to natural selection. Both microsatellites and mtDNA agree in that subsets of peripheral populations of two older groups are genetically more similar to other species that underwent dramatic morphological change. The apparent decoupling of morphological and molecular evolution may be accounted for by a modification of Lack's two‐stage model of speciation: relative ecological stasis in allopatry followed by secondary contact, ecological interactions and asymmetric phenotypic divergence.