Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A beak size locus in Darwin’s finches facilitated character displacement during a drought

Linked loci and Galapagos finch size Observations of parallel evolution in the finches of the Galapagos, including body and beak size, contributed to Darwin's theories. Lamichhaney et al. carried out whole-genome sequencing of 60 Darwin's finches. These included small, medium, and large ground finches as well as small, medium, and large tree finches. A genomic region containing the HMGA2 gene correlated strongly with beak size across different species. This locus appears to have played a role in beak diversification throughout the radiation of Darwin's finches. Science, this issue p. 470 A genome-wide analysis in finches identifies loci associated with parallel size variation in the Galápagos. Ecological character displacement is a process of morphological divergence that reduces competition for limited resources. We used genomic analysis to investigate the genetic basis of a documented character displacement event in Darwin’s finches on Daphne Major in the Galápagos Islands: The medium ground finch diverged from its competitor, the large ground finch, during a severe drought. We discovered a genomic region containing the HMGA2 gene that varies systematically among Darwin’s finch species with different beak sizes. Two haplotypes that diverged early in the radiation were involved in the character displacement event: Genotypes associated with large beak size were at a strong selective disadvantage in medium ground finches (selection coefficient s = 0.59). Thus, a major locus has apparently facilitated a rapid ecological diversification in the adaptive radiation of Darwin’s finches.
Regulation of α-Synuclein Expression in Limbic and Motor Brain Regions of Morphine-Treated Mice

Chronic exposure to opiates produces dependence and addiction, which may result from neuroadaptations in the dopaminergic reward pathway and its target brain regions. The neuronal protein α-synuclein has been implicated in neuronal plasticity and proposed to serve as a negative regulator of dopamine neurotransmission. Thus, α-synuclein could mediate some effects of opiates in the brain. The present study investigated the influence of acute and chronic morphine administration on α-synuclein mRNA and protein expression in the brains of mice. Downregulation of α-synuclein mRNA was observed in the basolateral amygdala, dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens, and ventral tegmental area of mice withdrawn from chronic morphine treatment. The changes were the most pronounced after longer periods of withdrawal (48 h). In contrast, levels of α-synuclein protein, as assessed by Western blotting, were significantly increased in the amygdala and striatum/accumbens (but not in the mesencephalon) of morphine-withdrawn mice. In both brain regions, levels of α-synuclein were elevated for as long as 2 weeks after treatment cessation. Because α-synuclein is a presynaptic protein, the detected opposite changes in its mRNA and protein levels are likely to take place in different populations of projection neurons whose somata are in different brain areas. Axonal localization of α-synuclein was confirmed by immunofluorescent labeling. An attempt to identify postsynaptic neurons innervated by α-synuclein-containing axon terminals revealed their selective apposition to calbindin D28K-negative projection neurons in the basolateral amygdala. The observed changes in α-synuclein levels are discussed in connection with their putative role in mediating suppression of dopaminergic neurotransmission during opiate withdrawal.
Valuation of exotic and credit derivatives in Levy models

The aim of this work is to combine Fourier transform methods for option valua- tion with the celebrated Wiener-Hopf factorization of Levy processes, in order to provide semi-explicit formulae for the valuation of exotic path-dependent and credit derivatives on assets driven by Levy processes. The Wiener-Hopf factorization provides the link between the characteristic functions of the supremum, infimum and the Levy process itself; for a detailed account, one can refer to the recent book (2). The first step is to derive formulae for the valuation of options that depend on a functional of the underlying process; examples of such functionals are the price process itself or the supremum of the price process. Therefore, we can value standard European options and also fixed strike lookback options (and, using duality methods, floating strike lookback options as well, cf. (1)). Then, a by-product of this result is a formula for the first passage time of a Levy process above or below a fixed barrier. This result will allow us to value an equity default swap, a product which is gaining increasing popularity in the derivatives market lately. In addition, we can treat credit derivatives in a structural framework (see e.g. (3)).
CSI-RS design for virtualized antenna when LTE and LTE-A efficiently coexisting

In this paper, we newly design a CSI-RS for virtualized antenna system when LTE and LTE-A are efficiently coexisting in Rel-10 and beyond. To this end, we newly insert a small amount of CSI-RS into the locations which is close to the existing CRS positions for legacy LTE as enough as possible. The newly designed CSI-RS modulated by space time coded signal efficiently works well for LTE-A UE channel estimation when the number of antennas involved in LTE-A system is larger than four which are normally used for LTE system as maximal. In such a legacy system with eight physical transmit antennas, eight antenna ports with eight orthogonal CSI-RSs are exploited for LTE-A system while virtualized four antenna ports are for LTE system. The benefit of the proposed solution is to significantly reduce the CSI-RS overhead, compared to the overhead employed in the existing Rel-10 system.
On the shape of optimal non-linear income tax schedule

This paper shows that the assumed distribution of earning abilities (wages) plays an important role in determining the optimal shape of non-linear income tax schedule. We replace the assumption of lognormal distribution used in several papers by the Champernowne distribution. Using numerical simulations we show that the U-shaped pattern of the marginal income tax rates can be obtained without assuming constant labour supply elasticity as in Diamond (1998) and Saez (2001). Our numerical results also suggest that it is either a sufficiently high inherent inequality or a combination of sufficiently high inherent inequality and sufficiently low revenue requirement that leads to a pattern of optimally increasing marginal tax rates. Furthermore, the paper also shows that the revenue requirement has a central role in determining the extent of redistribution and the level of the guaranteed minimum income.
The Optimal Investment Strategy of P2G Based on Real Option Theory

This paper initially proposes a real options model for the investment of the Power-to-gas (P2G) plant based on uncertain operating cost which mainly refers to the price of electricity. Through the analysis of the uncertainty parameters affecting the operation of the P2G project, the mathematical model expressing the relations between the parameters of P2G operation cost, electricity price, sunk cost, and other parameters are established. The Brownian motion is utilized to describe the operation cost, based on which, the option value and the project value models of P2G are derived in detail. According to these two models, the optimal investment timing of the P2G device and the corresponding optimal investment capacity can be determined. The above models are verified by numerical simulation. In addition, the influence of the change of parameters on the investment timing and investment capacity in the real options model is studied. The results show that the volatility of electricity price has a greater impact on the option value of P2G project than that of other parameters. When there is a high operating cost uncertainty, waiting is a better option, and the investment can be performed when the operating cost falls to the cost with reference to the optimal investment timing.
Cellular Distribution of NMDA Glutamate Receptor Subunit mRNAs in the Human Cerebellum

We have used a quantitative in situ hybridization method with human ribonucleotide probes to examine the regional and cellular distribution of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit mRNAs in the human cerebellum. Purkinje cells showed very dense labeling for NMDAR1 mRNA, dense labeling for NMDAR2A mRNA, and moderate labeling for NMDAR2D mRNA, whereas labeling for NMDAR2C mRNA was low. Granule cells showed high hybridization signals for the NMDAR1 and NMDAR2C mRNAs and moderate signals for the NMDAR2A and NMDAR2D mRNAs. In addition intense labeling with the NMDAR2B probe was observed in medium-sized neurons with chromophilic cell bodies in the upper part of the granule cell layer, most likely representing Golgi cells. Neurons in the molecular layer, i.e., basket cells and stellate cells, showed moderate hybridization signals for NMDAR1 and NMDAR2D and low signal for NMDAR2C. Each type of cerebellar neuron analyzed displayed a distinct NMDAR2 subunit profile, suggesting that they are likely to have NMDA receptors with distinct properties.
Considerations on the trends of international tourism receipts.

The paper aimed to analyze the evolution of tourism receipts at world level and by geographical area and in the main countries of tourist interest. In the period 1980-2012, the tourism income increased 10.14 times. In 2012, it accounted for USD Billion 1,075, to which Europe contributed by 42.58 %, Asia and the Pacific by 30.13 % and the Americas by 19.77 %. The USA, Spain, France, China, Macau, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Australia are the top 10 countries according to the receipts, earning USD Billion 508.8, which represented 47.55 % of the world tourism income in 2012. The European countries with the highest contribution to tourism revenue are: Spain 12.21 %, France 11.72 %, Italy 8.99 %, Germany 8.32 %, United Kingdom 7.94 %, Turkey 5.60 %, Austria 4.12 %, Switzerland 3.62 %, Sweden 3.36 % and The Netherlands 3.03 %. Their contribution to Europe tourism receipts was 68.97 % in 2012. As a conclusion, international tourism is a very dynamic field of activity with a high contribution to the development of the world economy.
Possible association of 3′ UTR +357 A>G, IVS11-nt 93 T>C, c.1311 C>T polymorphism with G6PD deficiency

ABSTRACT Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common X-linked inherited enzymopathic disorder affecting more than 500 million people worldwide. It has so far been linked to 217 distinct genetic variants in the exons and exon–intron boundaries of the G6PD gene, giving rise to a wide range of biochemical heterogeneity and clinical manifestations. Objectives: Reports from different settings suggested the association of intronic and other mutations outside the reading frame of the G6PD gene with reduced enzyme activity and presenting clinical symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate any association of other variations apart of the exonic or exonic intronic boundaries in the development of G6PD deficiency. Methods: Sixty-seven unrelated Palestinian children admitted to the pediatric hospital with hemolytic crises due to G6PD deficiency were studied. Results: In our Palestinian cohort of 67 [59 males (M) and 8 females (F)] G6PD-deficient children, previously hospitalized for acute hemolytic anemia due to favism, molecular sequencing of the G6PD gene revealed four cases (3M and 1F) that did not have any of the variants known to cause G6PD deficiency, but the 3′ UTR c. *+357A>G (rs1050757) polymorphism in association with IVS 11 (c.1365-13T>C; rs2071429), and c.1311C>T (rs2230037). Conclusion: We now provide an additional evidence form Palestinian G6PD-deficient subjects for a possible role of 3′ UTR c. *+357 A>G, c.1365-13T>C, and/or c.1311C>T polymorphism for G6PD deficiency, suggesting that not only a single variation in the exonic or exonic intronic boundaries, but also a haplotype of G6PD should considered as a cause for G6PD deficiency.
Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose Tissue–Derived Stem Cells Obtained from Cryopreserved Adipose Aspirates

BACKGROUND Although frozen adipose tissue is frequently used for soft tissue augmentation, the viability of frozen fat remains a controversy. The cryopreservation of adipose tissue is important for the future use of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) and adipocytes. OBJECTIVE To determine whether optimal cryopreservation techniques with regard to the addition of cryopreservative agents and preservation temperature is essential for the long‐term storage of adipose tissue and whether ASCs from cryopreserved adipose aspirates are reliable for use in adipogenic differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adipose tissue was frozen directly or with cryoprotectant at −20°C or −80°C for 1 year. The viability of adipose aspirates and the differentiation of ASCs isolated from adipose tissue were evaluated. RESULTS The viability of adipose aspirates frozen with dimethyl sulfoxide at −80°C was approximately 87% after 2 months of storage. Moreover, ASCs from adipose tissue stored with cryoprotectant survived successfully for 1 year and differentiated into adipocytes, although ASCs were not detected in the directly frozen adipose tissue. CONCLUSION Adipose tissue cryopreserved with cryoprotectant and stored at optimal temperature might prove to be a reliable source of human ASCs and adipocytes. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance: its Relevance to Early Endothelial Dysfunction

We studied the effects of acute glycemia on plasma nitric oxide (NO; nitrite plus nitrate) levels, Cu-Zn Superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) activity and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels in age-matched female subjects before and two hours after glucose loading. According to the results of glucose loading, subjects were divided in the three groups as normal (n = 13, NGT), impaired (n = 11, IGT) and diabetic glucose tolerance (n = 10, DGT). Plasma NO levels were significantly higher in subjects with DGT than in subjects with NGT (p< 0.001) and IGT (p< 0.05) at baseline. Two hours after glucose loading, plasma NO levels were significantly decreased in subjects with IGT and DGT (p< 0.001 and p< 0.001). Although plasma TBARS levels in subject with NGT did not change from the baseline levels after glucose loading, TBARS levels were significantly elevated in subjects with DGT and IGT (p< 0.001 and p< 0.001). Plasma Cu-Zn SOD activities were within a similar range in all subjects at baseline. Cu-Zn SOD activities were significantly increased in subjects with NGT, and were significantly decreased in subjects with IGT and DGT (p< 0.001 and p< 0.001) after glucose loading. There was a positive correlation between NO and glucose in subjects with NGT (r = 0.34, p< 0.01) and a negative correlation between NO and TBARS in IGT sum DGT during glucose tolerance (r= -0.38, p< 0.01). We suggest that NO availability was decreased when the blood glucose levels were only moderately elevated above normal levels. This might be related with the enhanced oxidative stress.
The Rudd Essay and the Global Financial Crisis

The Monthly was surprised and gratified when Kevin Rudd offered us his analysis of the global financial crisis, earlier this year. We were, however, puzzled and disappointed by the quality of the media response to it. There have been very many references to the essay in major Australian newspapers. The overwhelming majority have been carping and superficial. Virtually no one has offered a penetrating critique or proposed an alternative account of the most significant economic calamity since the Great Depression. Even on the ABC, no interview has been conducted with the prime minister where his interpretation of the current economic meltdown could have been tested or explored. Several weeks ago, because of what seemed to us the unsatisfactory nature of the Australian public debate, the Monthly invited responses to the Rudd essay from some of the most influential thinkers who had written on matters pertinent to its central themes. The resultant opinions of Eric Hobsbawm, David Hale, Dean Baker, Charles S. Morris and John Gray are thus provided.
Elements of New Public Management and Implementation of “Voucher in Higher Education” Model in Lithuania

The twentieth century world faces economic, social and political challenges due to the different fields of life restructuring. The State faces new challenges of more efficient management and ability to adapt to new global developments. In the result of the analysis of scientific literature on new public management (NPM) six elements that underpin this management approach have been identified, namely decentralisation, privatisation, orientation of the results of the market mechanism towards the public sector, private sector management practices, and introduction of participation. It is to be noted that these elements are closely related. The analysis of the elements of NPM revealed that they can make positive changes in the public sector, by making it more efficient and encourage competition, but they are just as likely to lead to new problems and do more harm than good. From the original concept of a political idea to the final concept, all concepts of voucher of higher education enshrined in the legislation have been characterised by at least three elements of the NPM, and the final concept is fully consistent with the new public management, which meets all of the six characteristic elements of the NPM.
Role of G beta-subunit in angiotensin II-type 1 receptor signaling.

The G-protein-coupled angiotensin II-type 1 (AT1) receptor activates the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade and the Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK2/STAT) cascade via tyrosine phosphorylation. Recent observations indicated that the G beta-subunit of heterotrimeric G-proteins interacts with tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. We investigated whether angiotensin II (ANG II) activates MAP-kinases and JAK/STAT cascades via the G beta-subunit. In rat aortic smooth muscle (RASM) cells we found phosphorylated proteins associated with the G beta-subunit SHC (Sequence Homology of Collagen) and JAK2. We demonstrate that JAK2 activity increased upon G beta-binding. The activity of pp60(c-src) kinase also increased, but upon activation pp60(c-src) dissociates from the G beta-complex. Immunoprecipitations revealed that SHC forms a complex with JAK2. Blockade of JAK2 with AG490 abolished this complex formation; therefore, JAK2 may be the kinase responsible for SHC phosphorylation. Thus, the G beta-subunit may play a pivotal role in AT1-receptor signaling by connecting signaling cascades leading to cell growth and differentiation.
The Relative Use of Eight Collagenous and Noncollagenous Markers for Diagnosis of Skeletal Metastases in Breast, Prostate, or Lung Cancer Patients

The present study was sought to assess the relative use of eight biomarkers for the detection of bone metastases in cancer forms frequently spreading to the skeleton. Participants were 161 patients with either breast, prostate, or lung cancer. The presence and extent of bone metastases was assessed by imaging techniques (computer tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging) and Technetium-99m scintigraphy. Serum or urinary level of the bone resorption markers (ααCTX, ββCTX, NTX, and ICTP), formation marker (BSAP), and osteoclastogenesis markers (osteoprotegerin, RANKL, and TRAP5b) was measured by commercially available immunoassays. When assessed on a group basis, all biomarkers, except for osteoprotegerin and RANKL, were significantly elevated in patients compared with those without bone metastases (P < 0.05). Biomarkers had greater diagnostic value in breast and prostate cancer patients, yet ααCTX, NTx, and ICTP were able to discriminate lung cancer patients with or without bone metastases (P < 0.05). Strong linear associations were seen between the extent of skeletal infiltration and levels of the different biomarkers, except for osteoprotegerin and RANKL. Furthermore, all biomarkers (except for osteoprotegerin and RANKL) were indicative at the early stage of skeletal involvement (one to five metastases). When expressing sensitivity as the percentage increase in biomarker level relative to patients without bone metastases, ααCTX showed the largest relative increases at each stage of the metastatic disease. These results suggest that closer monitoring of cancer patients with serial measures of biomarkers might facilitate the timely diagnosis of skeletal metastases. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(1)32–8)
Conceptual Model of Post-Formation Governance in Cross-border Partnership

If a joint venture continues unstable, then the prospect of realizing the potential benefits for being a partner will be hampered. The breakdown of the JV relationship between Taiwanese Mosel Vitelic and German Infineon is an example. Nevertheless, the existing IJV research remains inadequate to provide a comprehensive knowledge base concerning effective management of cross-culture collaborations. Motivated by this gap in research, this paper reviews three sets of variables (contextual risk factors, cultural difference, interpartner relationship) that may lead to partners’ risk perceptions regarding performance and agency problems, and consequently urge partners to adjust their original governance decisions made at the ex ante stage. This paper contributes towards a better understanding of how to sustain the partnership over time until partners achieve their strategic objectives. In the first section, we discuss the rationale for conducting this research. We then continue by proposing a more integrative conceptual model (i.e. risk analysis) and discussing its relevance to understanding the issue of risk in cross-border management. In the third section, we discuss the association of perceived risk and post-formation governance. In the fourth section, various antecedents to risk perception are presented, along with research propositions. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of this study for IJV practitioners.
The impacT of spaTial concenTraTion on enTerprise performance

The objective of this paper is to reveal the impact of spatial concentration of business in the Russian cities on enterprise productivity. The hypotheses are the following: urbanization level and home market potential positively affect enterprise performance; localization economies are positive and start decreasing after some point due to congestion and excessive competition; regional transport infrastructure, business climate and human capital positively affect enterprise performance. We use firm level data augmented with city and regional data. Fixed effects are applied in order to deal with endogeneity. Agglomeration economies are considered in the light of opportunities for knowledge spillovers, input sharing and labor market pooling. Our results confirm that agglomeration economies and home market potential are important for the enterprise performance. We find positive urbanization and diversity economies, while localization economies have an inverted U shape. Results can be used to improve regional policy. For instance, significance of home market potential emphasizes the importance of transport infrastructure. Significance of agglomeration effects implies that if a sufficiently large number of firms work in a city, performance of each firm improves.