Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The evolution, maintenance and adaptive function of genetic colour polymorphism in birds

The hypothesis that ornaments can honestly signal quality only if their expression is condition‐dependent has dominated the study of the evolution and function of colour traits. Much less interest has been devoted to the adaptive function of colour traits for which the expression is not, or is to a low extent, sensitive to body condition and the environment in which individuals live. The aim of the present paper is to review the current theoretical and empirical knowledge of the evolution, maintenance and adaptive function of colour plumage traits for which the expression is mainly under genetic control. The finding that in many bird species the inheritance of colour morphs follows the laws of Mendel indicates that genetic colour polymorphism is frequent. Polymorphism may have evolved or be maintained because each colour morph facilitates the exploitation of alternative ecological niches as suggested by the observation that individuals are not randomly distributed among habitats with respect to coloration. Consistent with the hypothesis that different colour morphs are linked to alternative strategies is the finding that in a majority of species polymorphism is associated with reproductive parameters, and behavioural, life‐history and physiological traits. Experimental studies showed that such covariations can have a genetic basis. These observations suggest that colour polymorphism has an adaptive function. Aviary and field experiments demonstrated that colour polymorphism is used as a criterion in mate‐choice decisions and dominance interactions confirming the claim that conspecifics assess each other's colour morphs. The factors favouring the evolution and maintenance of genetic variation in coloration are reviewed, but empirical data are virtually lacking to assess their importance. Although current theory predicts that only condition‐dependent traits can signal quality, the present review shows that genetically inherited morphs can reveal the same qualities. The study of genetic colour polymorphism will provide important and original insights on the adaptive function of conspicuous traits.
Antitumor activity of HM781-36B, a pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in HER2-amplified breast cancer cells

HM781-36B is an orally administered pan-human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) inhibitor. To explore the role of pan-HER inhibitor in breast cancer, we investigated the antitumor effect and mechanisms of HM781-36B in breast cancer cell lines. Six breast cancer cell lines (BT474, MDA-MB-453, SK-BR-3, T47D, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231) were tested. The growth inhibitory effect was assessed using the tetrazolium bromide [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] assay. The cell cycle at various concentrations of HM781-36B was analyzed by flow cytometry, and analysis of downstream molecules was performed by western blot analysis. Interaction of HM781-36B with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents was analyzed by combination index using CalcuSyn. The HER2-amplified cells (SK-BR-3, BT474, and MDA-MB-453) were sensitive to HM781-36B (IC50=0.001 &mgr;mol/l, 0.0012 &mgr;mol/l, and 0.0095 &mgr;mol/l, respectively). HM781-36B induced G1 arrest and resulted in apoptosis. It reduced the level of p-HER2, p-AKT, p-ERK, and p-STAT3. HM781-36B combined with 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, paclitaxel, or gemcitabine showed a synergistic inhibitory effect on the HER2-amplified and on some of the HER2-nonamplified breast cancer cells. HM781-36B could be a promising treatment for HER2-amplified breast cancer as a single agent or in combination with cytotoxic agents and can be a candidate for treatment of HER2-nonamplified breast cancer in combination with cytotoxic agents.
Optimal Control and Equilibrium Behavior of Production-Inventory Systems

The relationship between commodity inventory and short-term price variations has received considerable attention, but the understanding has been limited to single-stage cross-sectional relation. In this paper, we aim to deepen our understanding of the inventory--price relationship in two dimensions: across time and across production stages. We first examine an individual firm controlling production and two stages of inventory under uncertain input and output prices and operating costs. We next establish and characterize the rational expectations equilibrium for an economy in which competitive production firms link a raw material market and a finished goods market, with uncertain and price-sensitive supply and demand. We characterize the dynamics of inventory, market price, and gross margin based on theoretical analysis, simulation, and empirical evidence from the petroleum industry. We find that inventory fluctuations lag behind price variations, and the length of the lags depend on how far the inventory is from the source of the supply or demand shocks. We also find that shocks are both dampened and delayed when propagating through the production stages, and that shocks have a prolonged effect on inventories and prices at both stages.
Comparative studies of thermotolerance: different modes of heat acclimation between tolerant and intolerant aquatic plants of the genus Potamogeton.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Molecular-based studies of thermotolerance have rarely been performed on wild plants, although this trait is critical for summer survival. Here, we focused on thermotolerance and expression of heat shock transcription factor A2 (HSFA2) and its putative target gene (chloroplast-localized small heat shock protein, CP-sHSP) in two allied aquatic species of the genus Potamogeton (pondweeds) that differ in survival on land. METHODS The degree of thermotolerance was examined using a chlorophyll bioassay to assess heat injury in plants cultivated under non- and heat-acclimation conditions. Potamogeton HSFA2 and CP-sHSP genes were identified and their heat-induction was quantified by real-time PCR. KEY RESULTS The inhibition of chlorophyll accumulation after heat stress showed that Potamogeton malaianus had a higher basal thermotolerance and developed acquired thermotolerance, whereas Potamogeton perfoliatus was heat sensitive and unable to acquire thermotolerance. We found two duplicated HSFA2 and CP-sHSP genes in each species. These genes were induced by heat shock in P. malaianus, while one HSFA2a gene was not induced in P. perfoliatus. In non-heat-acclimated plants, transcript levels of HSFA2 and CP-sHSP were transiently elevated after heat shock. In heat-acclimated plants, transcripts were continuously induced during sublethal heat shock in P. malaianus, but not in P. perfoliatus. Instead, the minimum threshold temperature for heat induction of the CP-sHSP genes was elevated in P. perfoliatus. CONCLUSIONS Our comparative study of thermotolerance showed that heat acclimation leads to species-specific changes in heat response. The development of acquired thermotolerance is beneficial for survival at extreme temperatures. However, the loss of acquired thermotolerance and plasticity in the minimum threshold temperature of heat response may be favourable for plants growing in moderate habitats with limited daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations.
A new proof to the complexity of the dual basis of a type I optimal normal basis

The complexity of dual basis of a type I optimal normal basis of $\mathbb{F}_{q^n}$ over $\mathbb{F}_{q}$ was determined to be $3n-3$ or $3n-2$ according as $q$ is even or odd, respectively, by Z. -X. Wan and K. Zhou in 2007. We give a new proof to this result by clearly deriving the dual of a type I optimal normal basis with the aid of a lemma on the dual of a polynomial basis.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Suppresses the Transcription of Its Guanylyl Cyclase-linked Receptor (*)

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) treatment of rat aortic smooth muscle cells suppressed both I-ANP binding and ANP-dependent cGMP accumulation, suggesting reductions in the type C (NPR-C) and type A (NPR-A) natriuretic peptide receptor populations, respectively. NPR-A, but not NPR-C, mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent fashion by ANP. The latter effect appeared to be due, at least in part, to suppression of NPR-A gene promoter activity. ANP effected a dose- and time-dependent reduction in a transiently transfected NPR-A luciferase reporter (−1575LUC). Analysis of 5′ deletion mutants of the NPR-A promoter demonstrated that the ANP-dependent sequence lies between −1575 and −1290 relative to the transcription start site. Inhibition of the ANP promoter was also effected by brain natriuretic peptide, type C natriuretic peptide, and 8-bromo-cGMP, but not by the NPR-C-selective ligand cANF. In the case of 8-bromo-cGMP, the responsive element(s) was localized to the same 285-base pair region linked to the ANP effect above. These findings indicate that ANP autoregulates its own receptors in these cells and, at least in the case of NPR-A, it does so through suppression of receptor gene expression and receptor synthesis. This suppression may operate through a cGMP-dependent element located more than a kilobase upstream from the transcription start site.
Mitochondrial permeability transition pore in inflammatory apoptosis of human conjunctival epithelial cells and T cells: effect of cyclosporin A.

PURPOSE To investigate the role of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and effect of cyclosporin A (CsA) on inflammatory apoptosis of human conjunctival epithelial cells (IOBA-NHC) and T cells. METHODS IOBA-NHC and Jurkat cells were stimulated with IFNγ, TNFα, αFas, or PMA/αCD3, in the presence or absence of CsA. MPTP was determined using the calcein-cobalt technique. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured with JC-1. Apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V/PI staining. Apoptosis mediators were evaluated by flow cytometry or Western blot. RESULTS In IOBA-NHC, TNFα, and IFNγ induced MPTP opening, ΔΨm loss, and increased cell apoptosis. This was accompanied by upregulation of Fas/FasL; Bax; and caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation. Addition of CsA prevented IOBA-NHC from cell death by blocking MPTP opening, ΔΨm loss, Fas/FasL, and caspase activation. In PMA/αCD3-activated Jurkat T cells, MPTP opening and ΔΨm loss were increased along with cell apoptosis and upregulated Fas/FasL/caspase expressions. CsA further promoted T-cell apoptosis, ΔΨm loss, and upregulation of Fas/FasL/caspase. CONCLUSIONS Inflammation induces aberrant MPTP opening, resulting in an increased apoptosis in conjunctival epithelial cells. CsA protected IOBA-NHC from cell death by blocking both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. CsA promoted T-cell apoptosis via upregulating Fas/FasL and caspase activities with a minimal effect on MPTP. The findings suggest that the differential effect of CsA on T cells versus ocular surface resident epithelial cells may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy in treating ocular inflammation such as dry eye disease.
APOBEC3G Contributes to HIV-1 Variation through Sublethal Mutagenesis

ABSTRACT The mammalian APOBEC3 proteins are an important component of the cellular innate immune response to retroviral infection. APOBEC3G can extinguish HIV-1 infectivity by its incorporation into virus particles and subsequent cytosine deaminase activity that attacks the nascent viral cDNA during reverse transcription, causing lethal mutagenesis. It has been suggested, but not formally shown, that APOBEC3G can also induce sublethal mutagenesis, which would maintain virus infectivity and contribute to HIV-1 variation. To test this, we developed a novel model system utilizing an HIV-1 vector and a panel of APOBEC3G-expressing cells. We observed proviruses with single APOBEC3G-mediated mutations (in the presence or absence of Vif), occurring at distinct hot spots and which could be rescued and shown to have infectivity. These data indicate that APOBEC3G-dependent restriction of HIV-1 can result in viable viral progeny that harbor sublethal levels of G-to-A mutations. Such mutations have the potential to contribute significantly to HIV-1 evolution, pathogenesis, immune escape, and drug resistance.
Impact of age on outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with reduced intensity conditioning in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Previous studies have repeatedly reported that increasing age is a significant risk factor for worse outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, more recent studies reported conflicting results regarding the association between age and outcomes in elderly patients. Therefore, we conducted a large‐scale, nationwide retrospective study to examine the impact of age on outcomes of allo‐HSCT with reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) for AML patients who were older than 50 years. Of the 757 patients, 89 patients (11.8%) were 50–54, 249 patients (32.9%) were 55–59, 301 patients (39.8%) were 60–64 and 118 patients (15.6%) were ≥65 years old. The 3‐year overall survival (OS) (47.8, 45.2, 37.9, and 36.6% for patients aged 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, and ≥65 years, respectively, P = 0.24) and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) (24.0, 22.8, 29.2, and 27.6% for patients aged 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, and ≥65 years, respectively, P = 0.49) were not significantly different among the four age groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age had no significant effect on OS or NRM after adjusting for covariates. These results suggested that advanced patient age is not a contraindication for RIC allo‐HSCT in elderly AML patients. Am. J. Hematol. 91:302–307, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trends in Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background:A major health priority is to increase colorectal cancer screening, and colonoscopy has become an increasingly important method of screening. The Medicare program began coverage for colonoscopy for average risk individuals in 2001. Objectives:We sought to examine whether overall colorectal cancer screening increased over time and whether these increases were a result of increased utilization of all methods or a result of greater use of colonoscopy but reduced use of other methods, whether the enactment of Medicare coverage was associated with an increase in colonoscopy among Medicare enrollees, and whether these trends equally affected subpopulations. Methods:We used nationally representative data from the 2000 and 2003 National Health Interview Surveys and analyzed data using used χ2, difference-in-differences tests, and logistic regression analyses to examine whether screening rates differed between 2000 and 2003. Results:The percentage of individuals being screened for colorectal cancer using any method increased modestly from 2000 to 2003 (3%), with increases a result of increased use of colonoscopy and a reduction in the use of other methods. Increases in colonoscopy use were significant among all populations except the insured, non-Medicare population with low incomes. Among Medicare enrollees with high/middle incomes, colonoscopy use increased 14% from 2000 to 2003 compared with an increase of only 7% among low-income groups, which was a significant difference (P < 0.01). Similarly, among insured, non-Medicare enrollees with high/middle incomes, colonoscopy use increased 11% from 2000 to 2003 compared with an increase of only 4% among low-income groups, which also was a significant difference (P < 0.01). Conclusions:Colorectal cancer screening utilization increased modestly from 2000 to 2003, with the increases that primarily were the result of increased colonoscopy use. Increases in colonoscopy use, however, were primarily among high/middle income groups. Although Medicare coverage may have indirectly facilitated the increase in colonoscopy, we could not determine that coverage directly increased screening rates. Screening rates remain modest and lower income individuals continue to be screened less. Topics for future research include approaches to facilitating screening among low-income individuals and evaluating the impact of policy coverage decisions.
Fulfilling Institutional Responsibilities in Health Care: Organizational Ethics and the Role of Mission Discernment

Abstract: In this paper we highlight the emergence of organizational ethics issues in health care as an important outcome of the changing structure of health care delivery. We emphasize three core themes related to business ethics and health care ethics: integrity, responsibility, and choice. These themes are brought together in a discussion of the process of Mission Discernment as it has been developed and implemented within an integrated health care system. Through this discussion we highlight how processes of institutional reflection, such as Mission Discernment, can help health care organizations, as well as corporations, make critical choices in turbulent environments that further the core mission and values and fulfill institutional responsibilities to a broad range of stakeholders.
On model checking the dynamics of object-based software : a foundational approach

This dissertation is concerned with software verication, in particular automated techniques to assess the correct functioning of object-based programs. We focus on the dynamic aspects of these programs and consider model-checking based verication techniques. The major obstacle to the design of modelchecking algorithms is the innite state-space explosion caused by the dynamic constructs supported by object-based languages.
Time-Resolved Measurements of PM2.5 Carbonaceous Aerosols at Gosan, Korea

ABSTRACT In order to better understand the characteristics of atmospheric carbonaceous aerosol at a background site in Northeast Asia, semicontinuous organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), and time-resolved water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) were measured by a Sunset OC/EC and a PILS-TOC (particle-into-liquid sampler coupled with an online total organic carbon) analyzer, respectively, at the Gosan supersite on Jeju Island, Korea, in the summer (May 28–June 17) and fall (August 24–September 30) of 2009. Hourly average OC concentration varied in the range of approximately 0.87–28.38 μgC m−3, with a mean of 4.07 ± 2.60 μgC m−3, while the hourly average EC concentration ranged approximately from 0.04 to 8.19 μgC m−3, with a mean of 1.35 ± 0.71 μgC m−3, from May 28 to June 17, 2009. During the fall season, OC varied in the approximate range 0.9–9.6 μgC m−3, with a mean of 2.30 ± 0.80 μgC m−3, whereas EC ranged approximately from 0.01 to 5.40 μgC m−3, with a mean of 0.66 ± 0.38 μgC m−3. Average contributions of EC to TC and WSOC to OC were 26.0% ± 9.7% and 20.6% ± 7.4%, and 37.6% ± 23.5% and 57.2% ± 22.2% during summer and fall seasons, respectively. As expected, clear diurnal variation of WSOC/OC was found in summer, varying from 0.22 during the nighttime up to 0.72 during the daytime, mainly due to the photo-oxidation process. In order to investigate the effect of air mass pathway on the characteristics of carbonaceous aerosol, 5-day back-trajectory analysis was conducted using the HYSPLIT model. The air mass pathways were classified into four types: Continental (CC), Marine (M), East Sea (ES) and Korean Peninsula (KP). The highest OC/EC ratio of 3.63 was observed when air mass originated from the Continental area (CC). The lowest OC/EC ratio of 0.79 was measured when air mass originated from the Marine area (M). A high OC concentration was occasionally observed at Gosan due to local biomass burning activities. The contribution of secondary OC to total OC varied approximately between 8.4% and 32.2% and depended on air mass type. IMPLICATIONS Organic material contributes approximately 20–90% of the total fine particulate mass concentration at different sites over the world depending on location and season. Organic carbon consists of hundreds of compounds with a wide range of chemical and optical properties. A better understanding of the chemical characteristics of carbonaceous aerosol influenced by increasing anthropogenic pollution in the downwind regions of the East Asian continent is needed in order to determine their impacts on regional air quality and climate change.
Crossing horizons: Applying analogies to source technologies in the front-end of the innovation processes

External idea sourcing is a central topic in the recent discourse in innovation research. Companies can tap into a range of external sources to search for and source new ideas — ranging from customer, consumers to suppliers and universities. Whilst it is widely acknowledged that novel ideas often emerge from the combination of distant pieces of knowledge, the current discussion pays only little attention to active search among distant actors using analogical thinking to explore new problem solutions. This action research paper addresses cross-industry innovation sourcing in the front-end and presents a management model for systematic external idea sourcing in distant industry domains. A piloted model is presented that assists technology and innovation managers in developing a cross-industry innovation sourcing strategy and in systematically exploiting cross-industry actors as sources for innovation inputs — going beyond technological solutions.
500$^{\circ}{\rm C}$ Bipolar Integrated OR/NOR Gate in 4H-SiC

Successful operation of low-voltage 4H-SiC n-p-n bipolar transistors and digital integrated circuits based on emitter coupled logic is reported from -40 °C to 500 °C. Nonmonotonous temperature dependence (previously predicted by simulations but now measured) was observed for the transistor current gain; in the range -40 °C-300 °C it decreased when the temperature increased, while it increased in the range 300 °C-500 °C. Stable noise margins of ~ 1 V were measured for a 2-input OR/NOR gate operated on -15 V supply voltage from 0 °C to 500 °C for both OR and NOR output.
Sexual Coercion, HIV-Related Risk, and Mental Health Among Female Sex Workers in China

We performed this study to examine the association of sexual coercion with HIV-related risk behaviors and suicidal thoughts and attempts among female sex workers (FSWs) in Guangxi, China. Four hundred fifty-four FSWs in 57 entertainment establishments (including shampooing salons, massage parlors, and restaurants) were interviewed between March and May 2004. Fifteen percent of the women reported having been coerced into sex in the last 6 months. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in the last 6 months were 14.3% and 8.4%, respectively. Sexual coercion was significantly associated with both an increased rate of HIV-related risk behavior, and suicidal thoughts and attempts among FSWs. Therefore, along with the awareness and intervention programs, efforts should be taken to reduce the exposure of FSWs to sexual coercion and to improve the mental health of FSWs.
Revisiting Precautionary Saving Under Ambiguity

Abstract I study the two-period consumption-saving problem with non-separable utility under ambiguity. Under smooth ambiguity aversion, ambiguity and greater ambiguity aversion raise optimal saving. When relative prudence in ambiguity preferences does not exceed 2, agents who perceive greater ambiguity have a higher demand for saving. While a convex marginal ambiguity function is not sufficient for precautionary saving in time-separable models (Berger, 2014), I show that it is not even necessary in a time non-separable setting.