Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A TEST OF THE ENDOGENOUS AND EXOGENOUS SELECTION HYPOTHESES FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A NARROW AVIAN HYBRID ZONE

Abstract The contributions of genetic and environmental factors to differential reproductive success across hybrid zones have rarely been tested. Here, we report a manipulative experiment that simultaneously tested endogenous (genetic-based) and exogenous (environmental-based) selection within a hybrid zone. We transplanted mated pairs of two chickadee species (Poecile atricapilla and P. carolinensis) and their hybrids into isolated woodlots within their hybrid zone and monitored their reproductive success. Although clutch sizes were similar, based on an estimate of the genetic compatibility of a pair, hybrid pairs produced fewer nestlings and fledglings than did pairs of either parental species. According to a linear model generated from the data, a pure pair of either parental species would be expected to produce 1.91–2.48 times more fledglings per nesting attempt, respectively, than the average or least compatible pair in the experiment. Our result of decreased reproduction for hybrid pairs relative to parental species pairs within same environment (the hybrid zone in this experiment) support the endogenous selection hypothesis for maintenance of this hybrid zone. Because the experiment was conducted entirely within the hybrid zone (i.e., the same environment for parental and hybrid pairings), our data do not support the exogenous selection hypothesis as it predicts either all pairings doing poorly or the hybrid pairs more successful than the parental pairs.
MRI assessment of bone structure and microarchitecture

Osteoporosis is a disease of weak bone and increased fracture risk caused by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue. The standard‐of‐care test used to diagnose osteoporosis, dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) estimation of areal bone mineral density (BMD), has limitations as a tool to identify patients at risk for fracture and as a tool to monitor therapy response. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of bone structure and microarchitecture has been proposed as another method to assess bone quality and fracture risk in vivo. MRI is advantageous because it is noninvasive, does not require ionizing radiation, and can evaluate both cortical and trabecular bone. In this review article, we summarize and discuss research progress on MRI of bone structure and microarchitecture over the last decade, focusing on in vivo translational studies. Single‐center, in vivo studies have provided some evidence for the added value of MRI as a biomarker of fracture risk or treatment response. Larger, prospective, multicenter studies are needed in the future to validate the results of these initial translational studies.
The effect of local cooling upon spontaneous and evoked electrical activity of cerebral cortex.

The effect of local cooling of the surface of the cerebral cortex by means of a metal chamber implanted in the skull was studied while recording evoked and spontaneous electrical activity from the center of a cooled area of 1 cm2. Direct cortical responses to local stimulation of the cortical surface decreased rapidly and progressively to disappear at surface temperatures of 20–22 °C. Onset and peak latencies were prolonged with a Q10 of 1.4 and 1.7 respectively. Response duration was prolonged with decreasing amplitude, having a Q10 of about 2.6. Surface cooling to 8–12 °C was necessary to abolish all postsynaptic components of somatic and auditory evoked potentials, recruiting responses, and spontaneous barbiturate spindles. Latencies of these responses were also increased with a Q10 of 1.3–1.4 while the Q10 for amplitude was consistently higher (2.0–2.6). Allowing for a gradient of increasing temperature from surface to depth it is concluded that all synaptic processes are blocked at temperatures of 20.
Thoughts on the CVMA Task Force report.

After reading "Veterinary Medicine in Canada: Opportunity for RenewalA Report of the CVMA Task Force on the Future of the Veterinary Profession (Can Vet J 1999; March issue insert), I cannot help but comment about the sections on Selection and Curriculum. The general outcomes of Selection and Curriculum and their means of being accomplished appear to be summarized in Table 1 of the report. If I interpret the table correctly, it would seem that the Task Force assumes that the time spent at a veterinary college has no effect on students other than their acquiring information and a few skills. For example, it appears to think that the veterinary college experience cannot (or should not? ) affect such characteristics as having the ability to communicate, the ability to problem solve, the desire for sustained scholarship, a general understanding of the world, and a general liberal education.
Acetoin Metabolism in Bacteria

Acetoin is an important physiological metabolite excreted by many microorganisms. The excretion of acetoin, which can be diagnosed by the Voges Proskauer test and serves as a microbial classification marker, has its vital physiological meanings to these microbes mainly including avoiding acification, participating in the regulation of NAD/NADH ratio, and storaging carbon. The well-known anabolism of acetoin involves α-acetolactat synthase and α-acetolactate decarboxylase; yet its catabolism still contains some differing views, although much attention has been focused on it and great advances have been achieved. Current findings in catabolite control protein A (CcpA) mediated carbon catabolite repression may provide a fuller understanding of the control mechanism in bacteria. In this review, we first examine the acetoin synthesis pathways and its physiological meanings and relevancies; then we discuss the relationship between the two conflicting acetoin cleavage pathways, the enzymes of the acetoin dehydrogenase enzyme system, major genes involved in acetoin degradation, and the CcpA mediated acetoin catabolite repression pathway; in the end we discuss the genetic engineering progresses concerning applications. To date, this is the first integrated review on acetoin metabolism in bacteria, especially with regard to catabolic aspects. The apperception of the generation and dissimilation of acetoin in bacteria will help provide a better understanding of microbial strategies in the struggle for resources, which will consequently better serve the utilization of these microbes.
Identification of Spata-19 new variant with expression beyond meiotic phase of mouse testis development.

BACKGROUND The study of specific genes expressed in the testis is important to understanding testis development and function. Spermatogenesis is an attractive model for the study of gene expression during germ cell differentiation. Spermatogenesis associated-19 (Spata-19) is a recently-identified important spermatogenesis-related gene specifically expressed in testis. Its protein product is involved in sperm cell development and reproduction. In this report we examined the expression of Spata-19 mRNA in mouse testis, fetus, and cell lines. METHODS Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), nested PCR, and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used to analyze Spata-19 mRNA expression in different stages of mouse testis development, mouse fetus, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF), mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC), Sertoli cells, and NIH/3T3 cells. RESULTS We identified a novel splice variant of Spata-19 in the mouse genome that it is expressed in the fetus and after the meiotic phase of spermatogenesis, and over-expressed in the post-meiotic stage of mouse spermatogenesis. This novel splice variant was absent in five days old mice testis, mESC, MEF, Sertoli, and NIH/3T3 cell lines. CONCLUSION The Spata-19 has a large novel splice variant in mouse testis that is expressed beyond meiotic phase of testis development. We suggest that this new Spata-19 mRNA variant might be involved in mitochondrial maintenance in sperm cells, and might be correlated with androgen secretion ‎and male fertility.
A New Statistical Method for Filtering and Entropy Estimation of a Chaotic Map from Noisy Data

We consider a discrete time deterministic chaotic dynamical system, xn+1=τ(xn), where τ is a nonlinear map of the unit interval into itself. We assume that τ is piecewise expanding and piecewise C2. The effects of noise contamination are modeled by xn+1=τ(xn)+ξn, where ξn is an independent random variable with small noise amplitude. A new statistical method is presented for filtering τ and estimating the metric entropy of τ from observed noisy data.
Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Activity in Human Pancreatic Tumor Tissues

Abstract Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity was investigated using pancreatic tumors and normal pancreatic tissues surrounding the tumors obtained from. 12 patients with pancreatic cancer. The mean DPD activity (± SD) was 2.69 ± 1.88 nmol/mg protein/hr in normal pancreatic tissue and was 6.59 ± 5.36 nmol/mg protein/hr in pancreatic tumor tissues. The DPD activity in tumor tissue was two- to threefold higher (p < 0.07) than that in normal tissue, but no marked difference was observed in DPD activity among cancer stages. The DPD activity of pancreatic tumors may be a useful clinical marker of the responsibility of fluorinated pyrimidine dosing in pancreatic cancer.
Amelioration of antigen-induced arthritis in rabbits by induction of apoptosis of inflammatory cells with local application of transdermal photodynamic therapy.

OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy and mechanism of local transdermal photodynamic therapy (tPDT) in rabbits with antigen-induced arthritis (AIA). METHODS AIA in rabbits on day 14 postinduction was treated with an intravenous injection of benzoporphyrin-derivative monoacid ring A (BPD; Verteporfin) and subsequent transdermal exposure of the knee joint to light. BPD uptake and PDT-induced apoptosis of the synovium was studied applying fluorescence confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The (histo)pathology of the joints was assessed at day 28. RESULTS Treatment with tPDT resulted in significant amelioration of synovial inflammation and an almost complete prevention of pannus formation and bone and cartilage destruction. BPD uptake was detectable in activated T cells and macrophages, and there was significant PDT-induced increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the synovium. CONCLUSION Because photodynamic therapy is both specific and noninvasive, our findings suggest that it could be used for treating arthritic joints in humans.
X-linked thrombocytopenia identified by flow cytometric demonstration of defective Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein in lymphocytes.

To the editor: X-linked thrombocytopenia identified by flow cytometric demonstration of defective Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein in lymphocytes X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) is characterized by congenital thrombocytopenia with small-sized platelets and without immunodeficiency. [1][1] XLT is an
Mutual Coupling Auto-Calibration of Conformal Array Antenna with Instrumental Sensors Method

ISM (instrumental sensors method) is proposed in this paper for mutual coupling calibration of conformal array antennas. With the help of some instrumental sensors and some time-disjoint pilot sources in unknown directions, ISM is able to achieve a favorable mutual coupling calibration just using a one-dimensional search, with no high-dimensional nonlinear search and convergence burden involved. Monte-Carlo simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and behavior of the proposed ISM for mutual coupling calibration of conformal array. The method proposed can easily be extends to the calibration of other array errors, as long as the instrumental sensors can introduce some favorable apriori constraints to the array manifold.
Performance evaluation of an axial flux consequent pole PM motor using finite element analysis

Performance evaluation of an axial flux surface mounted permanent magnet (PM) field controlled TORUS type (FCT) disc machine is presented in this paper. This new machine is an axial flux configuration with true field weakening capability since the flux is controlled by the DC field winding rather than opposing the magnets. Structure and operating principles are summarized in the first section. Next, 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) including no-load and on-load characteristics and back EMF variation for various armature currents and DC field current are explored. Furthermore, torque characteristics of the FCT machine for different field currents are explored. Minimization of cogging torque calculations and the effect of skewing the magnets are also examined.
Demographic and Family Related Barriers on Women Managers’ Career Development

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of demographic variables and family related barriers on women managers’ career development in government–linked companies in Malaysia. A theoretical framework was developed based on review of literature and two main hypotheses and five sub-hypotheses were proposed to be tested. A correlation study was used in this study based on quantitative research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A sample of 466 of women managers collected from Malaysian government-linked companies. The results showed that job level, age, marital status, highest education qualification and family related barriers have significant relationship with women managers’ career development.
The smooth ideal

We give a classical proof of the generalization of the characterization of smoothness to quotients of Polish spaces by Borel equivalence relations. As an application, we describe the extent to which any given Borel equivalence relation on a Polish space is encoded by the corresponding σ ‐ideal generated by the family of Borel sets on which it is smooth.
Fairness and QoS Guarantees of WiMAX OFDMA Scheduling with Fuzzy Controls

A fairness and QoS guaranteed scheduling approach with fuzzy controls (FQFCs) is proposed for WiMAX OFDMA systems. The controllers, respectively, adjust priority and transmission opportunity (TXOP) for each WiMAX connection according to QoS requirements and service classes. The FQFC provides intra- and interclass fairness guarantees by making connections within the same class achieve equal degree of QoS while at the same time making those without QoS requirements equally share the remaining resources. Even in dynamic environments such as mobile WiMAX networks with time-variant traffic specifications, the FQFC fairly guarantees delay, throughput, and jitter, which are seldom achieved at the same time by state-of-the-art solutions.
Penalized regression, mixed effects models and appropriate modelling

Linear mixed effects methods for the analysis of longitudinal data provide a convenient framework for modelling within-individual correlation across time. Using spline functions allows for flexible modelling of the response as a function of time. A computational connection between linear mixed effects modelling and spline smoothing makes the use of spline functions in longitudinal data analysis even more appealing. However, care must be taken in exploiting this connection, as resulting estimates of the underlying population mean might not track the data well and associated standard errors might be unreasonably large. We discuss these shortcomings and suggest some easy-to-compute methods to eliminate them.
Differential cataractogenic potency of TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3 and their expression in the postnatal rat eye.

PURPOSE Transforming growth factor-beta has been shown to induce cataractous changes in rat lenses. This study assesses the relative cataractogenic potential of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 and their expression patterns in the rat eye. METHODS Lens epithelial explants and whole lenses from weanling rats were cultured with TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta3 at concentrations ranging from 0.025 ng/ml to 4 ng/ml for 3 to 5 days. Cataractous changes were monitored daily by phase contrast microscopy and by immunofluorescent detection of cataract markers alpha-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen. Expression of TGF-beta was studied by immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization on eye sections from neonatal and weanling rats. RESULTS All three isoforms induced morphologic changes in lens epithelial explants and cultured lenses that are typically associated with human subcapsular cataract. Transforming growth factor-beta2 and TGF-beta3 were approximately 10 times more potent than TGF-beta1. All three isoforms were expressed in the eye in spatially distinct but overlapping patterns. Transforming growth factor-beta1 and TGF-beta2 and their mRNA were detected in most ocular tissues, including the lens. Although TGF-beta3 was immunolocalized in lens epithelium and fibers and in other ocular tissues, its mRNA was detected only in the retina and choroid. CONCLUSIONS All three isoforms of TGF-beta are potentially available to lens cells and have the potential to induce cataractous changes. The results suggest that TGF-beta activity is normally tightly regulated in the eye. Activation of TGF-beta in the lens environment, such as may occur during injury, in wound healing, or in pathologic conditions may contribute to cataractogenesis in vivo.
Estimating the Costs of Hip Fracture and Potential Savings

Abstract This paper examines the determinants of hip fracture costs and further evaluates potential savings in costs when the occurrence of hip fracture is prevented. The costs of hip fracture are comprised of direct costs from health care and the social welfare system. Data were collected for 1,080 postmenopausal women admitted from private residence for primary hip fracture surgery during the year of 1992 in the city of Stockholm, Sweden. It was found that the cost of hip fracture is significantly related to age, mortality the year after a fracture, type of fracture, costs 1 year before a fracture, and hospital admission. The savings in direct costs for an average woman surviving the year after a fracture amount to SEK 210,000.
A miniaturized bandpass filter using quadruple folded laminated waveguide cavity resonators in LTCC

A miniaturized bandpass filter with 4th order Chebyshev responses is proposed in this paper. The filter is designed using laminated waveguide cavity resonators on a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate. Miniaturization is accomplished by folding a square cavity with respect to its three symmetric axes. Besides, useful coupling structure is also proposed. With the proposed coupling structures, the miniaturized quadruple folded cavity resonators can be properly arranged in the filter design to minimize the footprint of the circuit. Compared to a direct coupled laminated waveguide filter with the same order, up to 12.5 times size reduction can be achieved.
VEGF‐C induced lymphangiogenesis is associated with lymph node metastasis in orthotopic MCF‐7 tumors

The spread of cancer cells to regional lymph nodes through the lymphatic system is the first step in the dissemination of breast cancer. In several human cancers including those of the breast and prostate, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) is associated with lymph node metastasis. Our study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of VEGF‐C on metastasis of poorly invasive, estrogen dependent human MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. MCF‐7 breast cancer cells transfected with VEGF‐C (MCF‐7‐VEGF‐C) were grown as tumors in the mammary fat pads of nude mice implanted with subcutaneous estrogen pellets. Tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis were studied immunohistochemically using antibodies against lymphatic vessel hyaluronan receptor ‐1 (LYVE‐1), VEGF receptor‐3 (VEGFR‐3), PECAM‐1, pan‐cytokeratin and estrogen dependent pS2 protein. Overexpression of VEGF‐C in transfected MCF‐7 cells stimulated in vivo tumor growth in xenotransplanted mice without affecting estrogen responsiveness. The resulting tumors metastasized to the regional lymph nodes in 75% (in 6 mice out of 8, Experiment I) and in 62% (in 5 mice out of 8, Experiment II) of mice bearing orthotopic tumors formed by MCF‐7‐VEGF‐C cells whereas no metastases were observed in mice bearing tumors of control vector‐transfected MCF‐7 cells (MCF‐7‐Mock). The density of intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vessels was increased in tumors derived from MCF‐7‐VEGF‐C cells but not MCF‐7‐Mock cells. Taken together, our results show that VEGF‐C overexpression stimulates tumor lymphangiogenesis and induces normally poorly metastatic estrogen‐dependent MCF‐7 tumors to disseminate to local lymph nodes. These data suggest that VEGF‐C has an important role in lymph node metastasis of breast cancer even at its hormone‐dependent early stage. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuronal Correlates of Habituation and Dishabituation of the Gill-Withdrawal Reflex in Aplysia

We have examinived the nieural correlates of habittuatiotn atid dishabitiuation of tlhe gill-withdrwal reflex in Aplysia. We obtained intracelllular recordings from identified gill motor neurons in the abdominal ganglionz of a semi-intact preparation of Aplysia wlhile we simultaneously recorded behavior responises of the gill. Habituation and dishabituation were not due to peripheral changes in either the sensory receptors or the gill musculature butt were caused by changes in the amplitlude of the excitatory synaptic potentials produced at the gill motor neurons.
Cutaneous wound healing.

The primary function of the skin is to serve as a protective barrier against the environment. Loss of the integrity of large portions of the skin as a result of injury or illness may lead to major disability or even death. Every year in the United States more than 1.25 million people have burns1 and 6.5 million have chronic skin ulcers caused by pressure, venous stasis, or diabetes mellitus.2 The primary goals of the treatment of wounds are rapid wound closure and a functional and aesthetically satisfactory scar. Recent advances in cellular and molecular biology have greatly expanded our understanding .
Purification of avian circulating primordial germ cells by Nycodenz density gradient centrifugation

1. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the progenitor cells for gametes. In aves, PGCs show a unique migration pathway, that is, they circulate temporarily through the bloodstream during early development. 2. In this study we developed a method to purify circulating primordial germ cells (cPGCs) in quail and chicks by Nycodenz density gradient centrifugation. 3. The process consisted of primary and secondary purification. In primary purification, cPGCs were enriched at the interface of 8 and 12% Nycodenz fractions. In secondary purification, cPGCs were harvested from 8% Nycodenz fraction at a purity of 90% and from 10% Nycodenz fraction at a purity of 70%. The recovery rate of cPGCs was over 70%. 4. This method would facilitate research on cPGCs' culture and the production of transgenic birds using cPGCs.