Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Architecture and evolution of dinoflagellate chromosomes: an enigmatic origin

Dinoflagellates are a highly diversified group of unicellular protists that present fascinating nuclear features which have intrigued researchers for many years. As examples, a dense nuclear matrix accommodates permanently condensed chromosomes that are composed of fibers organized without histones and nucleosomes in stacked rows of parallel nested arches. The macromolecular chromosome structure corresponds to cholesteric liquid crystals with a constant left-handed twist. RNA acts to maintain the chromosome structure. Whole mounted chromosomes have a left-handed screw-like configuration with coils which progressively increase their pitch. This helical arrangement seems to be the result of a couple of narrow strands coiling together. Chromosomes do not show Q, G and C banding patterns. However, a roughly spherical differentiated upper end (primitive kinetochore? ) and two differentiated coiling regions, the upper one composed of two to three coils where a couple of sister strands run together and parallel to each other, and the lower one where sister strands run out of phase by 180° angular difference along the immediate next turns, can be distinguished. The chromosome segregation into two daughter chromatids begins at the telomere that attaches to the nuclear envelope, follows along the chromosome axis constituting first a Y-shaped and afterwards a V-shaped chromosome, which packs the newly synthesized DNA inside the “old” chromosome. Dividing chromosomes remain highly condensed, and the diameters of the new chromatids and the undivided chromosome are similar, but the number of arches is twice as large in G1 as in G2. The nuclear envelope remains through the cell cycle and shows spindle fibers, which penetrate intranuclear cytoplasmic channels during mitosis constituting an extra nuclear spindle. These and other cytogenetic features suggest that dinoflagellates are a group of enigmatic protists, unique and different from the usual eukaryotes. In contrast, DNA sequence studies propose that dinoflagellates are true eukaryotes, closely related to Apicomplexa, and ciliates (Alveolata), suggesting that the unusual features of chromosome and nuclear organization are not primitive but derived characters. Nevertheless, dinoflagellates have reached enigmatic specific nuclear and chromosome solutions, extremely far from those of other living beings.
Prospective Analysis of Association between Statin Use and Breast Cancer Risk in the Women's Health Initiative

Background: Statins are a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that affect many intracellular pathways that may have implications for chemoprevention against cancer. Epidemiologic data on statins and breast cancer are conflicting. We analyzed updated data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to assess the relationship between statins and breast cancer risk. Methods: The population included 154,587 postmenopausal women ages 50 to 79 years, with 7,430 pathologically confirmed cases of breast cancer identified over an average of 10.8 (SD, 3.3) years. Information on statins was collected at baseline and years one, three, six, and nine. Self- and interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on risk factors. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate the relationship between statin use and cancer risk. Statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Statins were used by 11,584 (7.5%) women at baseline. The annualized rate of breast cancer was 0.42% among statin users and 0.42% among nonusers. The multivariable adjusted HR of breast cancer for users versus nonusers was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.83–1.06). In the multivariable-adjusted, time-dependent model, the HR for simvastatin was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.71–1.07). There was no significant trend by overall duration of use (P value for trend 0.68). There was no effect of tumor stage, grade, or hormone receptor status. Conclusion: Overall, statins were not associated with breast cancer risk. Impact: Our study is one of the largest prospective observational studies on this topic, and substantially adds to the literature suggesting no relationship between statins and breast cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1868–76. ©2013 AACR.
Clinical Implications of Genetic Defects in G Proteins: The Molecular Basis of McCune‐Albright Syndrome and Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy

Inactivating and activating mutations in the gene encoding G alpha s (GNAS1) are known to be the basis for 2 well-described contrasting clinical disorders, Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) and McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS). AHO is an autosomal dominant disorder due to germline mutations in GNAS1 that decrease expression or function of G alpha s protein. Loss of G alpha s function leads to tissue resistance to multiple hormones whose receptors couple to G alpha s. By contrast, MAS results from postzygotic somatic mutations in GNAS1 that lead to enhanced function of G alpha s protein. Acquisition of the activating mutation early in life leads to a more generalized distribution of the mosaicism and is associated with the classic clinical triad of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, endocrine hyperfunction, and café au lait skin lesions described in MAS. Acquisition of a similar activating mutation in GNAS1 later in life presumably accounts for the restricted distribution of the gsp oncogene, and is associated with the development of isolated lesions (for example, fibrous dysplasia, pituitary or thyroid tumors) without other manifestations of MAS. Tissues that are affected by loss of G alpha s function in AHO are also affected by gain of G alpha s function in MAS, thus identifying specific tissues in which the second messenger cAMP plays a dominant role in cell growth, proliferation, or function. Further investigations of the functions of G alpha s and other members of the GTPase binding protein family will provide more insight into the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of human disease.
A role for Rho-like GTPases in the polarisation of mouse eight-cell blastomeres.

Polarisation of cells during mouse preimplantation development first occurs within blastomeres at the eight-cell stage, as part of a process called compaction. Cell-cell contact mediated by the cell adhesion molecule uvomorulin (E-cadherin) and the activity of the microfilament cytoskeleton are important in the development of compaction, which is crucial for establishment of trophoblast and pluriblast (inner cell mass) lineages and for subsequent development. Members of the Rho family of p21 GTPases have been shown to regulate the organisation of the actin cytoskeleton and adhesion in other cell types. The potential role of these proteins in compaction was investigated. Inhibition of Rho with Clostridium botulinum C3-transferase disturbed intercellular flattening at compaction and prevented cytocortical microfilament polarisation of eight-cell blastomeres, in contrast to cytochalasin D which inhibited only adhesion. Microinjection of a constitutively activated recombinant Rho protein into four-cell blastomeres induced cortical microfilament disruption and apical displacement of nuclei associated with polarised clustering of microtubules. Interblastomere adhesion was reduced and E-cadherin was aberrently clustered at remaining cell-cell contacts. Similarly, activated Cdc42 protein induced nuclear displacement with additional cytoplasmic actin bundle formation between nucleus and cell-cell contacts. The effects produced by both of the activated GTPase proteins are indicative of prematurely induced but aberrently organised polarity. These results suggest that Rho family GTPases are involved in the polarisation of early mouse blastomeres.
MÉTODOS TOPSIS E VIKOR NA VERIFICAÇÃO DA RESOURCE ADVANTAGE THEORY EM EMPRESAS TÊXTEIS BRASILEIRAS

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo analisar o desempenho em recursos, mercado e financeiro que explicam a vantagem competitiva empresarial de acordo com a Resource Advantage Theory (RA Theory), de empresas do setor têxtil listadas na BM&FBovespa. Foram analisadas um total de 21 empresas do setor têxtil divididas em quatro segmentos. Para a mensuração do desempenho foram adotados os métodos de apoio a decisão multicritério baseados em cenários ideais TOPSIS e VIKOR. Foram analisados os desempenhos com base em quatro indicadores para recursos, três para mercado e quatro para a dimensão financeira. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam para a não verificação da RA Theory em empresas têxteis, considerando o que se preconiza de que uma empresa em vantagem em recursos e mercado tende a ser superior na dimensão financeira. Desta forma a única empresa que verificou este fator foi a Arezzo. De mesmo modo para verificação da referida teoria seria coerente que existisse correlação entre os rankings das diferentes dimensões, o que não se verificou. Assim conclui-se que a vantagem competitiva em recursos e em mercado de empresas do setor têxtil do Brasil não contribui para superioridade no desempenho financeiro das empresas.
Oceanographic drivers and mistiming processes shape breeding success in a seabird

Understanding the processes driving seabirds' reproductive performance through trophic interactions requires the identification of seasonal pulses in marine productivity. We investigated the sequence of environmental and biological processes driving the reproductive phenology and performance of the storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) in the Western Mediterranean. The enhanced light and nutrient availability at the onset of water stratification (late winter/early spring) resulted in annual consecutive peaks in relative abundance of phytoplankton, zooplankton and ichthyoplankton. The high energy-demanding period of egg production and chick rearing coincided with these successive pulses in food availability, pointing to a phenological adjustment to such seasonal patterns with important fitness consequences. Indeed, delayed reproduction with respect to the onset of water stratification resulted in both hatching and breeding failure. This pattern was observed at the population level, but also when confounding factors such as individuals' age or experience were also accounted for. We provide the first evidence of oceanographic drivers leading to the optimal time-window for reproduction in an inshore seabird at southern European latitudes, along with a suitable framework for assessing the impact of environmentally driven changes in marine productivity patterns in seabird performance.
Separating two classes of samples using support vectors in a convex hull

In this paper, we present the necessary and sufficient conditions of two finite classes of samples that can be separated by a hyperplane in terms of support vectors which are just the vertices of a convex hull of each class of samples. We also extend the calculating formula of the margin of an optimal separating hyperplane to some cases of the classes of infinite samples in Hilbert space. These results are the generalization and improvement of the corresponding results for the theory of SVM in Euclidian space.
Determination of phenols, flavones, and lignans in virgin olive oils by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array ultraviolet detection.

A simple analytical method for the quantitative determination of phenols, flavones, and lignans in virgin olive oils was developed. The polar fraction was isolated from small amounts of oil sample (2.5 g) by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using diol-phase cartridges, and the extract was analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC coupled with diode array UV detection. Chromatographic separation of pinoresinol, cinnamic acid, and 1-acetoxypinoresinol was achieved. Repeatability (RSD < 6.5%), recovery (> 90%), and response factors for each identified component were determined. SPE on amino-phase cartridges was used for isolating acidic phenols and as an aid for phenol identification. For the first time, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl acetate was detected in olive oils. The aldehydic structure of the ligstroside aglycon was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. The colorimetric determination of total o-diphenolic compounds by reaction with molybdate was consistent with their HPLC determination. Differences between results obtained by liquid-liquid extraction and SPE were not statistically significant.
Inhospitable Workplaces? International Students and Paid Work in Food Services

Most international students in Australia take up paid work during their studies, generally as part‑time employees in low‑wage, low‑skill labour markets. Though little is known about the detail of their work experiences, scattered reports suggest that wages and working conditions are often poor and pose significant issues of social justice. This article examines the characteristics of jobs held by one group of international students, drawing on in‑depth qualitative interviews that form part of a case study of Melbourne's caf , restaurant and takeaway food services sector. The evidence indicates that precariousness in employment is widespread in this sector and that it centres on underpayment and non‑payment of wages, in breach of labour regulation. The article suggests that such illegal employer practices are facilitated by use of undeclared casual work. Underpayments are most severe in what are typically regarded as ethnic cafes and restaurants, which concentrate on employment of international students, but they are also widespread in mainstream cafes and restaurants, where international students share precarious work conditions with other workers. The findings underline the case for more concerted research and new policy initiatives.
Integration of the Physiological Factors Determining Endurance Performance Ability

This model is used to understand the interrelationships of the physiological factors determining endurance performance ability during prolonged exercise. Early studies found that marathon runners maintain a velocity in competition that corresponds to the intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate in blood and muscle [7, 8, 19]. From this observation, the concept developed that this blood lactate threshold (LT Vo2) reflects the degree of muscular stress, glycogenolysis and fatigue. However, it was not clear whether the lactate accumulation was a result of cardiovascular limitations linked to oxygen delivery, as reflected by Vo2max [54], as opposed to metabolic factors in the exercising muscle related to the extent to which mitochondrial respiration is disturbed to maintain a given rate of O2 consumption [29, 30]. Two studies were performed to determine whether LT Vo2 was tightly coupled to Vo2max. In one study, endurance-trained ischemic heart disease patients were observed to possess a Vo2max that was 18% below that of normal master athletes who followed the patient's training program and who displayed the same performance ability as the patients. Both the patients and the normal men displayed an identical LT Vo2 (i.e., 37 ml/kg/min) (Fig. 2.5). Therefore, performance was determined primarily by LT Vo2 instead of Vo2max in this situation, albeit with abnormal subjects. In a second study we assembled two groups of competitive cyclists who were identical in Vo2max but differed by having a high or low LT Vo2 (82% vs. 66% Vo2max) [13]. When cycling at 80-88% Vo2max, the low LT group displayed more than a 2-fold higher rate of muscle glycogen use and blood lactate concentration, and as a result were able to exercise only one-half as long as the high LT group. Performance time for a given Vo2 was clearly related to LT Vo2 instead of Vo2max (Fig. 2.6). This is not to say that Vo2max plays no role in determining LT Vo2, because as in heart disease patients, it clearly sets the upper limit. Indeed, we have seen that much of the variance (i.e., 31-72%) in LT Vo2 is related to Vo2max. (Fig. 2.11.) However, improvements in performance after the first 2-3 yr of intense training are associated with improvements in LT Vo2, whereas Vo2max generally increases very little thereafter (Table 2.3). The next question concerns the factors responsible for further increases in LT Vo2 and Performance. Another major factor determining LT Vo2 is the muscle's Aerobic Enzyme Activity or mitochondrial respiratory capacity, as discussed in previous reviews [29, 30]. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
INHIBITION OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHESIS DURING SEVERE SHOCK BUT NOT AFTER RESUSCITATION INCREASES HEPATIC INJURY AND NEUTROPHIL ACCUMULATION IN HEMORRHAGED RATS

&NA; Hemorrhagic shock results in hepatocellular dysfunction and hepatic injury that may contribute to the development of liver failure and multiple organ dysfunction in trauma patients. The specific mediators involved in this process remain incompletely defined. We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in a rat model of moderately severe hemorrhagic shock increases hepatic injury, suggesting that NO synthesis is beneficial after hemorrhage. To further define the role of NO in hepatic function during hemorrhagic shock, rats were subjected to a severe hemorrhagic shock insult in which they were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg until 40% of their shed blood had been returned and then were resuscitated. Rats were treated with the NO synthase inhibitor L‐nitroarginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) or the NO donor S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine beginning either during the hypotensive period or after resuscitation. When instituted during the hypotensive period, low dose L‐NAME infusion significantly increased hepatic injury. When L‐NAME was infused after resuscitation, no increase in hepatic injury was detected even when the L‐NAME dose was increased by a factor of four. The increased hepatic injury produced by L‐NAME was associated with increased myeloperoxidase content in the lung, suggesting that L‐NAME led to a greater accumulation of neutrophils during shock. Administration of the NO donor S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine reduced hepapatocellular enzyme release. Our results suggest that ongoing NO synthesis during the hypotensive phase of hemorrhagic shock is essential in preventing shock‐induced hepatic injury and this may be due, in part, to the interaction between NO and circulating neutrophils.
Economics and Merger Mania: A Critique of Efficient Markets Theory

Modern theorists of economics and finance think of the market for corporate govemance as a perfectly competitive, or "efficient market" [Jensen and Rubeck 1983]. To economists, this implies that the market price of an asset is an unbiased calculation of a corporation's true underlying value. When theorists draw upon this a priori understanding of the market process, the merger movement is generally endorsed [Jensen 1984]. Another side to this discussion is the frequently expressed concern for the stability of a deeply indebted corporate financial structure. Many market professionals and journalists (and even a few economists) perceive the possibility of a widespread financial failure in the event of recession. These informed commentators reject the neoclassical theory of stock price determination as the outcome of an "efficient" process.
National Culture and Default on Mortgages

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between national cultural characteristics and default on mortgages (DOM). Using Hofstede's constructs and controlling for other relevant determinants of DOM, our regression analyses show that borrowers from countries with high individualism may default more on their mortgages in both a relatively stable economic period and during a period of crisis. Moreover, we find that borrowers from societies showing lower level of pragmatism and higher level of indulgence default more on their mortgages in a stable economic period. Our findings suggest important implications for multinational financial institutions that provide mortgages across countries.
A design-oriented model of doubly-fed induction machine

A steady-state theory of the doubly-fed induction machine is presented, according to the rotor flux reference frame. The choice of such a reference frame is particularly suitable when a rotor current control is adopted. Active and reactive power flows at the stator and rotor terminals are derived, showing their dependence on the rotor current components. Therefore, such a model is well suited for the system simulation as well as for machine design calculations.
Time Perception of Cancer Patients Without Evidence of Disease and Advanced Cancer Patients in a Palliative, End-of-Life-Care Setting

Background: Time perception may be an important factor influencing distress of cancer patients. However, no comparative studies have been performed for cancer patients without evidence of disease and advanced cancer patients in the palliative, end-of-life-care setting. Objective: The objectives of the study were to assess time perception in disease-free and advanced cancer patients and examine the relation of time perception with patients' distress. Methods: A descriptive research design was used. Ninety-six disease-free and 63 advanced cancer patients filled out Cottle's Circle Test to assess time coherence and time dominance, Cottle's Line Test to assess temporal extension and Bayes' question on speed of time, the European Organisation for Research-and-Treatment of Cancer QOL-Questionnaire version 2.0, Beck's Depression Inventory for primary care, and Beck's Hopelessness-Scale. Results: In patients without evidence of disease, future dominance was most often observed, whereas in advanced cancer patients, the present was the dominant time segment. In both groups, a focus on the past was associated with distress. In contrast with patients without evidence of disease, advanced cancer patients perceived time as moving slowly, and this was correlated with distress. Conclusions: The time perception of cancer patients without evidence of disease and advanced cancer patients is significantly different and is related to distress. Implications for Practice: The observed relation between a focus on the past and distress gives room for interventions of nurses and other healthcare professionals. Specific attention is needed for differences between cancer patients without evidence of disease and advanced cancer patients.
Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal and hepatic metastases: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND Concomitant treatment of colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM) and hepatic metastases (HM) remains controversial. This study compares the cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) treatment of colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM) with the CRS/IPC/hepatic resection treatment of colorectal PM and HM. METHODS All patients from a prospective PM registry at the Uppsala institution treated concomitantly for PM/HM with CRS/IPC/hepatic resections were included in a PM/HM-group, n=11. They were matched 1(:)2 with patients from the registry being treated only for PM with CRS/IPC, n=22. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), morbidity, mortality, and recurrences were compared. RESULTS The PM/HM-group had median OS of 15 months (95% CI: 6-46 months) and the PM-group had a median OS of 34 months (95% CI: 19-37 months), P=0.2. The DFS was 10 months (95% CI: 3-14 months) and 24 months (95% CI: 10-32 months) respectively, P=0.1. Morbidity was 27% in both groups and one postoperative death in the PM/HM-group. Currently, 1/10 (10%) patients with an R1 resection are disease-free in the PM/HM group while 9/20 (45%) are disease-free in the PM group (P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS Concomitant treatment of PM and HM with CRS/IPC/hepatic resections is feasible with no significant increase in morbidity compared to CRS/IPC. The risk of recurrences is higher in the PM/HM group with a tendency towards worse DFS.