Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
No evidence for nuclear introgression despite complete mtDNA replacement in the Carpathian newt (Lissotriton montandoni)

Patterns of interspecific introgression may vary geographically, and the distribution of introgressed variants can yield insight into the historical dynamics of genetic interactions between hybridizing species. Urodele amphibians, often characterized by limited mobility, deep intraspecific genetic structuring and vulnerability to climatic changes, constitute suitable models for such historical inferences. Here, we combine an extensive survey of the mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (15 microsatellites) genomes in the Carpathian newt, Lissotriton montandoni (Lm) with species distribution modelling (SDM). Populations of the smooth newt, L. vulgaris (Lv) from the areas surrounding the Lm range were also sampled to test whether gene flow between these hybridizing species extends beyond the area of strict syntopy. The extent of introgression differs dramatically between the mitochondrial genome and the nuclear genome. While multiple, spatially and temporally distinct introgression events from Lv resulted in complete mtDNA replacement in Lm, there was little evidence of recent interspecific nuclear gene flow in the assayed markers. Microsatellite differentiation within Lm defines three units, probably derived from separate glacial refugia, located in the northern, eastern and southern part of the Carpathians. In situ survival and range fragmentation of Lm are supported by SDM, corroborating the role of the Carpathians as a major refugial area. Our results, in combination with previous reports of extensive introgression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, emphasize the complexity of historical gene exchange between Lm and Lv.
Valoración de la usabilidad de plataformas TIC para transacciones utilizadas por personas mayores

En el presente estudio se detalla la evaluacion heuristica y con usuarios finales de dos plataformas TIC para la realizacion de operaciones transaccionales con efectos economicos: cajeros automaticos y webs de compra, realizado en el marco del proyecto INREDIS1. Para detectar barreras de uso y limitaciones en el diseno de este tipo de aplicaciones cuando las usan personas mayores se evaluaron cajeros automaticos de entidades financieras y dos de las webs de compra mas utilizadas. El estudio se completa con una valoracion de la gravedad de estas dificultades por parte de los inspectores expertos y por unas recomendaciones para el rediseno.
Cofactor-independent Phosphoglycerate Mutase Has an Essential Role in Caenorhabditis elegans and Is Conserved in Parasitic Nematodes*

Phosphoglycerate mutases catalyze the interconversion of 2- and 3-phosphoglycerate in the glycolytic and gluconeogenic pathways. They exist in two unrelated forms that are either cofactor (2,3-diphosphoglycerate)-dependent or cofactor-independent. The two enzymes have no similarity in amino acid sequence, tertiary structure, or catalytic mechanism. Certain organisms including vertebrates have only the cofactor-dependent form, whereas other organisms can possess the independent form or both. Caenorhabditis elegans has been predicted to have only independent phosphoglycerate mutase. In this study, we have cloned and produced recombinant, independent phosphoglycerate mutases from C. elegans and the human-parasitic nematode Brugia malayi. They are 70% identical to each other and related to known bacterial, fungal, and protozoan enzymes. The nematode enzymes possess the catalytic serine, and other key amino acids proposed for catalysis and recombinant enzymes showed typical phosphoglycerate mutase activities in both the glycolytic and gluconeogenic directions. The gene is essential in C. elegans, because the reduction of its activity by RNA interference led to embryonic lethality, larval lethality, and abnormal body morphology. Promoter reporter analysis indicated widespread expression in larval and adult C. elegans with the highest levels apparent in the nerve ring, intestine, and body wall muscles. The enzyme was found in a diverse group of nematodes representing the major clades, indicating that it is conserved throughout this phylum. Our results demonstrate that nematodes, unlike vertebrates, utilize independent phosphoglycerate mutase in glycolytic and gluconeogenic pathways and that the enzyme is probably essential for all nematodes.
Interaction Body Force Density and Mechanical Deformation in Soft Magnetic Materials With External Field by Freezing Procedure of Magnetization

The quantitative interaction body force density was calculated in soft magnetic materials by using a freezing procedure of magnetization and virtual air-gap scheme, which were implemented by using the Finite Element Method. Until now, the virtual air-gap concept has been successfully applied to evaluating contact force and body force density in soft magnetic materials. When the generalized methods, methodologies with virtual air-gap scheme, are introduced, one can have an irregular force field, which seems to be random distribution of body force density. Even though this irregular pattern generates a correct global force and reasonable trend of mechanical deformation, it is quite difficult to predict the resultant deformation by the irregular force field. This irregular force field pattern is originated from the field direction to the finite element edge where the virtual air gap is inserted and an additional strong force arises with the outward normal direction. To remove this irregular pattern and evaluate an interaction body force density, the self-force density by the frozen magnetization should be withdrawn from the total body force density. To verify the proposed method, first, a critical magnetic system, which cannot be solved by the equivalent magnetizing source methods, were tested for evaluating the interaction body force density corresponding to the resultant mechanical deformations. After confirming the interaction force, two additional specific models were tested with the resultant mechanical deformations due to the different local force densities.
Plasma Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Level Is Increased in Normotensive Non-Dippers in Association with Impaired Glucose Metabolism

Non-dipping (nocturnal blood pressure [BP] decrease<10%) is related to accelerated urinary salt excretion (u-NaCl), and increased risk of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and cardiovascular events. We evaluated whether non-dippers exhibit an advanced extracellular matrix fibrosis, in relation to increased u-NaCl, among normotensive subjects. We measured plasma tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), a marker of collagen fibrosis in extracellular matrix, to evaluate the relationship between non-dipping and u-NaCl in 73 normotensive subjects (no antihypertensive medications, clinic BP<140/90 mmHg and/or 24-h ambulatory BP<125/80 mmHg). Non-dippers had a significantly higher percentage of subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or diabetes mellitus (DM), and had a greater left ventricular mass index (LVMI), plasma TIMP-1 level and u-NaCl than dippers (IFG or DM: 24.0 vs. 6.3%, p=0.029; LVMI: 118±31 vs. 103±26 g/m2, p=0.039; TIMP-1: 168±35 vs. 151±30 pg/mL, p=0.035; u-NaCl: 5.1±1.7 vs. 3.9±1.7 g/12 h, p=0.005). In logistic regression analysis, non-dipping was independently associated with u-NaCl and TIMP-1. u-NaCl was correlated with non-dipping (r=0.35, p=0.003) and serum glucose level (r=0.26, p=0.027). On the other hand, TIMP-1 level was significantly correlated with the presence of IFG or DM (r=0.23, p=0.046), but not with u-NaCl. In conclusion, plasma TIMP-1 level, a measure of cardiovascular fibrosis in extracellular matrix, is greater in normotensive non-dippers than in dippers; however, the increased TIMP-1 level may be related to impaired glucose metabolism, and non-dipping may be related to increased u-NaCl associated with high serum glucose levels in normotensive subjects.
Failure of Spleen Cells from Thymectomized Mice to Induce Graft vs. Host Reactions.∗

Summary 1. The capacity of spleen cells from mice thymectomized during neonatal life to elicit graft vs host reactions was studied using Simonsen's graft vs host assay of histocompatibility. 2. The reaction of A strain spleen cells from mice sham operated or thymectomized in the neonatal period was compared to that of isologous F1 cells in (A × C57B1)F1 recipients and Z strain spleen cells from similarly treated groups were compared in (Z × C57B1) F1 and in the (Z × DBA/2)F1 hybrids. 3. The results show that early complete thymectomy in both A and Z mice renders the spleen cells of these animals incapable of producing graft vs host reactions in Fl hybrids. 4. These data are interpreted as evidence that the cells themselves of the lympho-reticular system in mice thymectomized at or shortly after birth are immunologically defective. 5. These observations are considered as a further evidence that the thymus plays a key role in development of immunological capacity in mammals.
Granularly Coupled Dielectric Elastomer Actuators

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have been demonstrated to represent today a high-performance technology for electroactive polymer mechatronics. As a means to improve versatility and safety of DEAs, so-called “hydrostatically coupled” DEAs (HC-DEAs) have recently been shown to offer new opportunities. HC-DEAs are based on an incompressible fluid that mechanically couples a DE-based active part to a passive part interfaced to the load, so as to enable hydrostatic transmission. Drawing inspiration from this concept, this paper presents a new kind of actuators, analogous to HC-DEAs, except for the fact that the fluid is replaced by fine powder. The related technology, here referred to as “granularly coupled” DEAs (GC-DEAs), relies entirely on solid-state materials. This permits to avoid drawbacks (such as handling and leakage) inherent to usage of fluids, especially those in liquid phase. This paper presents functionality and actuation performance of bubble-like GC-DEAs, in direct comparison with HC-DEAs. For this purpose, prototype actuators made of two prestretched membranes (2-cm wide and less than 2-mm high) of acrylic elastomer, coupled via talcum powder (for GC-DEA) or silicone grease (for HC-DEA), were manufactured and comparatively tested. As compared to HC-DEAs, GC-DEAs showed a higher maximum stress (2.1 kPa), the same maximum relative displacement (-100%), the same -3 dB bandwidth (3 Hz), and a higher resonance frequency (200 Hz). Advantages and drawbacks of GC-DEAs, in comparison with HC-DEAs, are preliminarily identified and discussed.
Localized surface plasmon resonance coupling in Au nanoparticles/phosphorus dendrimer multilayer thin films fabricated by layer-by-layer self-assembly method

Multilayer thin films of anionic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and cationic phosphorus dendrimers were deposited on 3-(diethoxymethyl-silyl)propylamine (3-APDMES)-coated substrates using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly driven by electrostatic interactions. The growth of Au/dendrimer multilayers composed of AuNPs with diameters of ∼3 nm and ∼16 nm and dendrimer with ∼2 nm diameter was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. The relative amounts of AuNPs and dendrimers in the multilayer films were calculated using a quartz crystal microbalance. The Au-containing multilayers have two surface plasmon bands at ∼530 nm and ∼600 nm, where the latter exhibits a red shift upon increasing the areal density of AuNPs as well as increasing the layer number. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band of the hybrid films can be tuned by adding NaCl to the dendrimer solution or by removing the organic matrix. These results demonstrate that the near-field coupling between the LSPR bands of neighboring Au layers is responsible for the controlled absorption behavior. Au mesoporous films after removing dendrimers show LSPR sensing properties for alcohols with different refractive indices in the range 1.33–1.41. A linear relationship was obtained between the LSPR peak wavelength and the refractive index of the surrounding medium.
Circadian Locomotor Rhythms, but Not Photoperiodic Responses, Survive Surgical Isolation of the SCN in Hamsters

Surgical isolation of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) within a hypothalamic island is reported to produce loss of circadian rhythmicity. The results have been interpreted to indicate that SCN efferents are necessary for the expression of circadian rhythms. It is not clear, however, whether the loss of circadian rhythms in behavioral responses following SCN isolation is attributable to transection of efferents, to loss of cells within the island, or to gliosis produced by the knife cut. To explore this issue, we examined locomotor activity and gonadal state of male golden hamsters housed in constant darkness (DD, with a dim red light for maintenance) for at least 10 weeks following isolation of the SCN from the rest of the brain by cuts by means of a Halasz wire microknife. Brain sections were immunocytochemically stained for the peptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), vasopressin (VP) or neurophysin II (NP II), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) to localize the SCN and to assess its viability, and for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to delimit the border of the knife cut. Experimental animals with VIP and VP/NP II immunoreactivity in the SCN within the island retained free-running locomotor rhythms following transection of SCN efferents. Animals with cuts that failed to sever SCN efferents, and sham-operated animals (in which the Halasz knife was lowered but not rotated), also maintained circadian rhythmicity. Hamsters sustaining severe damage to the SCN showed disrupted locomotor activity. In those hamsters that retained circadian locomotor rhythmicity following SCN isolation, gonads failed to regress in DD, demonstrating the absence of an appropriate photoperiodic response. The results suggest a multiplicity of SCN coupling mechanisms in the control of circadian rhythms.
On the Use of Poison Pills and Defensive Payouts by Takeover Targets

Using a large sample of unsolicited takeover attempts, we examine the determinants and effects of targets' choice to adopt poison pills either before or after unsolicited offers and to initiate defensive payouts. The probability of poison pill adoptions decreases with insider ownership, whereas the probability of defensive repurchases increases at a decreasing rate with insider ownership. Poison pills contribute to bid increases and higher bids, yet do not alter the likelihood of takeover. Defensive share repurchases slightly reduce the takeover likelihood but do not appear to harm shareholders, perhaps because they tend to fend off lowball bids or increase the firm's leverage.
Effects of nicotine on the human nasal mucosa.

BACKGROUND--Topical application of nicotine and stimulation of tachykinin containing sensory nerves have been shown to produce mucosal exudation of plasma and derangement of the epithelial lining in guinea pig and rat airways. If this occurred in man these effects might contribute to the pathogenesis of airway disease. This study, performed in healthy volunteers without atopy, examined whether nicotine affects the plasma exudation response and the mucosal absorption permeability of the human nasal airway. METHODS--The acute effects of increasing topical doses of nicotine (0.08-2.0 mg) were examined (n = 8) on nasal symptoms (pain), mucosal exudation of plasma (albumin), mucosal secretion of mucin (fucose), and mucosal exudative responsiveness (histamine induced mucosal exudation of albumin). A separate placebo controlled study was carried out to determine whether frequent applications of the high dose of nicotine (2.0 mg given eight times daily for nine days) had any deleterious effects on the airway mucosa detectable as altered responses to histamine challenge. Both mucosal exudation of plasma (n = 12) and mucosal absorption of chromium-51 labelled EDTA (n = 8) were thus examined in nasal airways exposed to both nicotine and histamine. RESULTS--Nicotine caused nasal pain and produced dose dependent mucosal secretion of fucose but failed to produce any mucosal exudation of albumin. The exudative responsiveness to histamine was, indeed, decreased when the challenge was performed immediately after administration of acute doses of nicotine, whereas the responsiveness was unaffected when histamine challenges were carried out during prolonged treatment with nicotine. The nasal mucosal absorption of 51Cr-EDTA in the presence of histamine did not differ between subjects receiving either placebo or nicotine treatment for nine days. CONCLUSIONS--The results indicate that nicotine applied to the human airway mucosa produces pain and secretion of mucin, but inflammatory changes such as mucosal exudation of plasma and epithelial disruption may not be produced. Neurogenic inflammatory responses, which are so readily produced in guinea pig and rat airways, may not occur in human airways.
Immunohistochemical analysis of colon carcinomas applying exocrine and neuroendocrine markers

Eighty colon carcinomas reflecting the histologic spectrum were studied immunohistochemically; their epithelial characteristics had been established by demonstrating cytokeratin polypeptides. Paraffin sections were immunostained with monoclonal antibody (Mab) A‐80 that recognizes a mucin‐like glycoprotein related to exocrine differentiation. Sequential sections were immunostained with neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation antibodies: NSE, human chromogranin A, serotonin, somatostatin, substance P and VIP. Twenty‐one/80 carcinomas immunoreacted exclusively with Mab A‐80; these included adenocarcinomas with variably defined glands, colloid, “solid”, and linitits plastica carcinomas. Eleven/80 carcinomas immunoreacted only with antibodies to NE markers. Twenty‐nine/80 carcinomas of histologically variable patterns expressed both exocrine and NE antigens. A notable group of 19 adenocarcinomas immunostaining with Mab A‐870 included a minority NE cell subpopulation. We tentatively conclude that given a limited battery of immunoprobes, colon carinomas comprise 4 groups: 1) pure exocrine carcinomas, 2) pure NE carcinomas, 3) mixed exocrine and NE carcinomas, and 4) exocrine carcinomas with occasional NE cells. Thus, phenotypically mixed exocrine and NE carcinomas comprise the largest group while the second largest group exhibited exclusively features of exocrine phenotype. Preliminary clinical correlative data indicate that pure NE colon carcinomas behave more aggressively than their exocrine counterparts; moreover, colon carcinomas containing a NE subpopulation, even if small, also seem to behave worse than their counterparts without an NE subpopulation.
Assessment of peripheral vascular endothelial function in the ambulatory setting

Until now, peripheral vascular endothelial function testing has been performed in research laboratories under highly controlled conditions, thus limiting its clinical applicability. In this study, we evaluated endothelial function in two peripheral vascular beds before and during reactive hyperemia in an outpatient clinic setting. The brachial artery was imaged with a portable ultrasound device and changes in vessel diameter were expressed as percent flow-mediated dilation (%FMD). Pulse wave amplitude of the finger was detected by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) and PAT hyperemia was defined as the maximal plethysmographic recording compared to baseline. Sixty individuals (43 men) were enrolled with an average age 53 ± 2 years (mean ± SE). The 31 individuals with more than two cardiac risk factors (CRF) had lower FMD (7.0 ± 1.1%) and PAT hyperemia (2.1 ± 0.9) compared to the 29 individuals with 0—2 CRF (FMD 11.3 ± 0.8%, PAT hyperemia 2.4 ± 0.1; p < 0.05 for both). The 32 individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) had lower FMD (6.8 ± 1.1%) and PAT hyperemia (2.0 ± 0.1) compared to the 28 individuals without CAD (FMD 11.5 ± 0.8%, PAT hyperemia 2.4 ± 0.1; p < 0.05 for both). Thus, peripheral vascular endothelial function testing in the ambulatory setting correlates with the extent of CAD risk and the presence or absence of CAD. In conclusion, these data suggest that peripheral vascular endothelial function testing is feasible in ambulatory patients, and this is an important next step in bringing this technology to clinical applicability.
Local heating of human skin by millimeter waves: Effect of blood flow

We investigated the influence of blood perfusion on local heating of the forearm and middle finger skin following 42.25 GHz exposure with an open ended waveguide (WG) and with a YAV mm wave therapeutic device. Both sources had bell‐shaped distributions of the incident power density (IPD) with peak intensities of 208 and 55 mW/cm2, respectively. Blood perfusion was changed in two ways: by blood flow occlusion and by externally applied vasodilator (nonivamide/nicoboxil) cream to the skin. For thermal modeling, we used the bioheat transfer equation (BHTE) and the hybrid bioheat equation (HBHE) which combines the BHTE and the scalar effective thermal conductivity equation (ETCE). Under normal conditions with the 208 mW/cm2 exposure, the cutaneous temperature elevation (ΔT) in the finger (2.5 ± 0.3 °C) having higher blood flow was notably smaller than the cutaneous ΔT in the forearm (4.7 ± 0.4 °C). However, heating of the forearm and finger skin with blood flow occluded was the same, indicating that the thermal conductivity of tissue in the absence of blood flow at both locations was also the same. The BHTE accurately predicted local hyperthermia in the forearm only at low blood flow. The HBHE made accurate predictions at both low and high perfusion rates. The relationship between blood flow and the effective thermal conductivity (keff) was found to be linear. The heat dissipating effect of higher perfusion was mostly due to an apparent increase in keff. It was shown that mm wave exposure could result in steady state heating of tissue layers located much deeper than the penetration depth (0.56 mm). The surface ΔT and heat penetration into tissue increased with enlarging the irradiating beam area and with increasing exposure duration. Thus, mm waves at sufficient intensities could thermally affect thermo‐sensitive structures located in the skin and underlying tissue. Bioelectromagnetics 26:489–501, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.