Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The joint evolution of mating system, floral traits and life history in Clarkia (Onagraceae): genetic constraints vs. independent evolution

Genetic correlations caused by pleiotropy or linkage disequilibrium may influence the joint evolution of multiple traits as populations or taxa diverge. The evolutionary transition from outcrossing to selfing has occurred numerous times and is often accompanied by phenotypic and genetic changes in multiple traits such as flower size, pollen–ovule ratio, stigma and anther maturity and the age of reproductive maturity. Determining whether the recurring patterns of multitrait change are because of selection on each trait independently and/or the result of genetic correlations among traits can shed light on the mechanism that accounts for such convergence. Here, we evaluate whether floral traits are genetically correlated with each other and/or with whole‐plant traits within‐ and between‐populations and taxa. We report results from a greenhouse study conducted on two pairs of sister taxa with contrasting mating systems: the autogamously selfing Clarkia exilis and its predominantly outcrossing progenitor C. unguiculata and the autogamous Clarkia xantiana ssp. parviflora and its outcrossing progenitor C. xantiana ssp. xantiana. We examined variation within and covariation among maternal families in three populations of each taxon with respect to the age at first flower, the rate of successive flower production and the number of days between bud break and anther dehiscence and stigma receptivity within individual flowers. Based on phenotypic divergence between sister taxa, bivariate regressions, correlations among maternal family means and analysis of covariance (ancova), we did not find unilateral support indicating that genetic constraints govern the joint distribution of floral and whole‐plant traits.
Neuropeptide Y is neuroproliferative for post‐natal hippocampal precursor cells

New neurones are produced in the adult hippocampus throughout life and are necessary for certain types of hippocampal learning. Little, however, is known about the control of hippocampal neurogenesis. We used primary hippocampal cultures from early post‐natal rats and neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor knockout mice as well as selective neuropeptide Y receptor antagonists and agonists to demonstrate that neuropeptide Y is proliferative for nestin‐positive, sphere‐forming hippocampal precursor cells and β‐tubulin‐positive neuroblasts and that the neuroproliferative effect of neuropeptide Y is mediated via its Y1 receptor. Immunohistochemistry confirmed Y1 receptor staining on both nestin‐positive cells and β‐tubulin‐positive cells in culture and short pulse 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine studies demonstrated that neuropeptide Y has a proliferative effect on both cell types. These studies suggest that the proliferation of hippocampal neuroblasts and precursor cells is increased by neuropeptide Y and, therefore, that hippocampal learning and memory may be modulated by neuropeptide Y‐releasing interneurones.
Selex ES GaN Technology improvements, results and R&D approach for Defense and Space application

The capability to control “enabling technologies” is mandatory to overcome any restrictions on exports of critical components and therefore represents a strategic condition for the companies operating in military and aerospace market. In this scenario, Selex ES Foundry has developed and optimized GaN-HEMT process for manufacturing high power HPAs and robust LNAs as request for narrow and wide band applications up to 18GHz. The technology, based on 0. 25μm gate length device, represents a high performance and reliable solution and is actually in assessment for Space Qualification.
Hormonal regulation of rat uterine glycogen metabolism.

Glycogen turnover in rat uterine tissue was assessed under varying hormone conditions at the level of the enzyme systems considered regulatory to glycogen metabolism. Estrogen treatment to immature (21-day-old) female rats brings about a significant increase in uterine glycogen deposition within 12 h. This change is accompanied by statistical increases in activity levels of the glucose-6-phosphate (C-6-P) dependent form of glycogen transferase. Elevations in rat ovarian steroidogenesis brought about by gonadotropin treatment to immature female rats cause activity changes in the glycogen cycle enzymes, which are consistent with the hypothesis that estrogen promotes uterine glycogenesis in the face of increased uterine cell glycolysis by augmenting the levels of the glycogen transferase enzyme.
The systemic immune response of BALB/c mice infected with larval Taenia crassiceps is a mixed Th1/Th2-type response

The subsets of lymphocytes and cytokines regulating the site-specific immune response in experimental cysticercosis (Taenia crassiceps) are not known. This study investigated the cells present at the site of infection (PECs) using flow cytometry and measured the cytokines produced by these cells through 50 days of infection. The results showed an expansion of B220+CD5+, B220+CD5−, αβTCR+CD4+ and CD8+ cells coincident with a transient increase in IL-10 production. After the initial increase, the percentage of B220+ CD5− and helper T cells decreased with a concomitant decrease in IL-10 production. CD8+ T cells continued to increase throughout infection and γδTCR+ cells increased after 10 days of infection. PECs demonstrated an increased IFN-γ and IL-4 production throughout infection when stimulated with larval antigens. Because a Th2-type polarization has been shown for spleen cells from infected BALB/c mice, cytokine profiles of spleen cells and PECs in response to ConA and larval antigens were compared. ConA and antigen-specific stimulation of spleen cells from 50-day-infected mice produced increased amounts of IL-10 while PECs showed a decreased IL-10 production suggesting that anatomically distinct lymphoid populations produce different cytokines and promote different types of responses. Surprisingly, late in infection the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ in serum increased substantially (460-fold and 100-fold, respectively). The systemic immune response of BALB/c mice during experimental cysticercosis, therefore, is a mixed Th1/Th2-type response.
INTERLEUKIN 2 IS A B CELL GROWTH

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) 1 was discovered through its function as a T cell growth factor (TCGF) (1, 2). Indeed, the availability of T cell lines for the quantitative measurement of TCGF activity has been crucial for the characterization of IL-2 (3, 4) and IL-2 receptors on activated T cells (5-7) in different species. Human IL-2, which acts on murine and human T cells (4, 8, 9), can now rapidly be purified to apparent homogeneity with monoclonal antibodies (8, 9) and its cDNA has been cloned (10, 11). Human I L-2 is a T ceil-generated 15 kilodalton peptide hormone of 133 amino acids. Although it was observed in several studies (3, 4, 12-14) that IL-2-rich T cell supernatants (SN) enhance the generation of plaque-forming cells (PFC) in certain B cell culture systems, it is widely believed that B cells do not directly respond to IL-2. Thus, a variety of other T cell-derived factors (but not IL-2) were reported to enhance the proliferation of B cells activated by either Tindependent antigens (15), dextran (16), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (17, 18), antiimmunoglobulin antibodies (anti-Ig) (16, 19-21), or other means (22). In one study (23), showing an effect of immunoaffinity-purified IL-2 on anti-Iginduced B cell proliferation, the interpretation of the results was complicated because it was also observed that T cells participated in the B cell response. LPSactivated murine B cells were not found to bind radiolabeled IL-2 (5) but, in another study (7), such LPS blasts reacted weakly with an anti-IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibody. However, there still exist controversies with regard to the activation signals that B cells require to respond to growth factors (24). A recent study (25) showed in a limit-dilution culture system for murine B cells that, in fact, either a cell contact-dependent T-B cell interaction or LPS was required in conjunction with anti-Ig for optimal induction of growth factor responsiveness. Whereas anti-Ig
The Complexity of TNF‐Related Apoptosis‐Inducing Ligand

Abstract: One of the major goals of researchers in the field of apoptosis is to understand the molecular mechanisms of the various components of the apoptotic pathways, with the hope to identify targets for novel cancer therapies. The discovery of a TNF‐related, apoptosis‐inducing ligand, TRAIL, that kills transformed cells with great specificity in vitro, has provided the hope that TRAIL may be used to induce cell death in tumor cells without affecting normal tissues. However, TRAIL signaling is very complex and a clear understanding of its function is necessary before it can be used in cancer therapy. Complexity of TRAIL‐induced signaling is apparent from its ubiquitous expression, its ability to interact with five receptors, and its tumor‐selective induction of apoptosis. The signaling events that mediate the tumor selectivity of TRAIL‐induced apoptosis and the biological functions of each of the TRAIL receptors are not well characterized. This review will focus on the complexity of TRAIL and the role of c‐FLIP in mediating TRAIL function.
The effects of UV irradiation and gas plasma treatment on living mammalian cells and bacteria: a comparative approach

Living mammalian cells and bacteria were exposed to irradiation from narrow-band UV lamps and treated with a nonthermal gas plasma (plasma needle). The model systems were: Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO-K1) cells (fibroblasts) and Escherichia Coli bacteria. UV irradiation can lead to cell death (necrosis) in fibroblasts, but the doses that cause such damage are much higher than those needed to destroy Escherichia Coli. The usage of UV radiation in combination with active oxygen radicals lowers the UV dose sufficient to kill the cells. However, in any case the fibroblasts seem to be fairly resistant to UV radiation and/or radicals. Possibly, the lamps may be used for decontamination of infected wounds. The most important active species in an atmospheric plasma are the radicals; the role of UV is less pronounced. Treatment of CHO-K1 cells with the plasma needle can lead to cell necrosis under extreme conditions, but moderate doses cause only a temporary interruption of cell adhesion. Plasma needle may be used for fine tissue treatment (e.g., controlled cell removal without inflammation) and also for bacterial decontamination.
IIIS Discussion Paper No . 363 May 2011 Disasters and Development : Natural Disasters , Credit Constraints and Economic Growth

We demonstrate, using a simple two-period equilibrium model of the economy, the potential effects of extreme event occurrences such as natural or humanitarian disasters on economic growth over the mediumto long-term. In particular, we focus on the effect of such shocks on investment. We examine two polar cases; an unconstrained economy where agents have access to perfect capital markets, versus a credit-constrained version, where the economy is assumed to operate in financial autarky. Considering these extreme cases allows us to highlight the interaction of extreme events and economic underdevelopment, manifested through poorly developed financial markets. The theoretical analysis shows that, where agents face borrowing constraints, the shock of an extreme event occurrence could have lasting effects on economic growth. The predictions of our theoretical model are then tested using a panel of data on natural disaster events at the country-year level, covering the period 1979-2007. In line with recent literature, we find that natural disaster events exert a significant negative impact on economic growth over the short-term. These effects appear to be compounded by a lack of access to credit. Looking at the medium-term dynamics of the interaction between disasters, credit constraints and economic growth, we find evidence in support of the hypothesis that credit constraints cause disaster events to have more persistent effects on economic growth.
Directly observed antiretroviral therapy to reduce genital tract and plasma HIV-1 RNA in women with poor adherence

Six women with substance abuse and poor adherence histories received daily antiretroviral directly observed therapy (DOT). Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) and plasma HIV-1-RNA levels were measured at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. All subjects had undetectable (below 2.6 log10 copies/ml) CVL HIV-1-RNA levels by 3 months and undetectable plasma HIV-1-RNA levels by 6 months. The mean CD4 cell increase was 76 cells/mm3. DOT appears effective and may reduce infectiousness in this high-risk population.
Coherence of HPM Generation in Air

The effect of coherence on high-power microwave (HPM) generation is investigated. The experimental data are presented for HPM generation in air. Coherence governs the energy content of the HPM system and demonstrates whether the system is viable or not. Coherence must be considered in the design of the resonant cavities used in HPM devices.
Density estimation on data streams : an application to Change Detection

In recent years, the amount of data to process has increased in many application areas such as network monitoring, web click and sensor data analysis. Data stream mining answers to the challenge of massive data processing, this paradigm allows for treating pieces of data on the ﬂy and overcoming data storage. The detection of changes in a data stream distribution is an important issue. This article proposes a new schema of change detection : i) the summarization of the input data stream by a set of micro-clusters; ii) the estimate of the data stream distribution exploiting micro-clusters; iii) the estimate of the divergence between the current estimated distribution and a reference distribution; iv) diagnostic step through the contribution of each predictive variable to the overall divergence between both distributions. Our schema of change detection is applied and evaluated on artiﬁcial data streams.
Gait-based human age classification using a silhouette model

Age estimation at a distance has potential applications including visual surveillance and monitoring in public places. Far from the camera, image resolution is significantly degraded. In fact, age estimation using classical methods such as face is not reliable. Given that gait is very sensitive to ageing, gait analysis is the suitable solution for age estimation at a great distance from the camera. Medical and biomechanical studies prove that older adults adapt their walking toward a safer and more stable gait and an established balance. Indeed, in this study the authors propose a gait-based descriptor for age classification using a silhouette projection model. The proposed model encapsulates both spatiotemporal longitudinal (SLP) and transverse (STP) projections of the silhouette during a gait cycle. The proposed model aims to represent the arms' swing, the head's pitch, the hunched posture and the stride's length, which are among the most outstanding ageing characteristics that appear on the elderly's gait. Although age classification using gait is a very challenging task, SLP and STP curves analysis shows a considerable discrimination between young and elderly people. Also, experiments conducted on the OU-ISIR database prove that their proposed descriptor outperforms existing ones by reaching an important recognition rate.
ScreeningCodon 233, 234 and 276 Polymorphisms in Exon 3 ofInsulin Receptor Gene in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients ofKashmir Valley

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) investigated in the genes of insulin signaling pathway have been associated with type 2 diabetes. We investigated three single nucleotide polymorphisms at codon 233, 234 and 276 in exon 3 of insulin receptor gene in type 2 diabetic patients of Kashmir valley. 468 subjects comprising of 198 type 2 diabetic cases and 270 non diabetic controls were included in the study. PCR-RFLP technique was used for genotyping.Amplified products were digested withMspI, RsaI and FokI restriction enzymes. Results were validated by direct sequencing of amplicons. All the subjects were monomorphic as no genotypic or allelic variation was observed in either cases or controls. Our study elucidates that substitutions at codon 233, 234 and 276 in exon 3 of insulin receptor gene do not occur in our population and thereby has no role in conferring any risk or genetic predisposition towards development of type 2 diabetes. Keywords -Insulin receptor, Kashmir valley, Single nucleotide polymorphism, Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Object server on a parallel computer

In this contribution an implemented prototype of an object server on a parallel computer is described. In the first phase a model has been proposed and simulated in Ada 95. Based on obtained experiences with run-time features of the simulation program a corresponding prototype has been implemented in C++, tested, and the obtained results have been compared with results of the simulation.
Structured modeling of a microbial system: II. Experimental verification of a structured lactic acid fermentation model

A two‐compartment model for the lactic acid fermentation with Streptococcus cremoris is experimentally verified. The seven parameters of the model are determined using steady‐state chemostat data at varying values of dilution rate, D, but with a constant feed concentration, sf, of a single carbohydrate source (glucose, lactose, or galactose), and a constant feed concentration of sNf of the N source. Steady‐state measurements of the RNA content at different exit concentrations, s, of the carbohydrate are included to calculate kinetic parameters that determine the cell composition for varying operating conditions. The model is tested using data from a large set of steady‐state and non‐steady‐state experiments: batch fermentations and step and pulse experiments in a chemostat. Both qualitatively and quantitatively the major features of the model are confirmed: the external substrates enter into intracellular high‐energy building blocks, and lactic acid is formed as a by‐product of these reactions. Cell growth depends on the fraction of active components (XA) of the cell and is not accompanied by lactic acid production. Possible model modifications are discussed, primarily to obtain a better description of lactic acid fermentation at nongrowth conditions.
Tyrosine Kinase Receptors Concentrated in Caveolae-like Domains from Neuronal Plasma Membrane*

Recent evidence suggests that tyrosine kinases are highly organized in caveolae of tissue culture cells. We now report the isolation of a membrane domain from neuronal plasma membranes that has the biochemical characteristics of caveolae. A low density membrane (LDM) fraction with the same density as caveolae was highly enriched in tyrosine kinases such as insulin receptors, neurotrophin receptors, Eph family receptors, and Fyn. Grb2, Ras, heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins, and Erk2 were also concentrated in the LDM. Incubation of the LDM fraction at 37°C stimulated the phosphorylation on tyrosine of multiple, resident proteins, whereas the bulk membrane fraction was devoid of tyrosine kinase activity. The LDM, which makes up ∼5-10% of the plasma membrane protein, appears to be organized for signal transduction.
Current Sharing and Critical Current Distribution in Bi-2223 Tapes

For the applications of technical superconductors, for example in superconducting high-field or NMR magnets, a detailed knowledge of the superconducting-to-normal transition is essential. Usually, this transition is described by a power law leading to the critical current, IC, and the n-value. IC and n are global variables which ignore the microstructure of a superconductor. In contrast, the assumption of a distribution of local critical currents provides a statistical approach to the superconducting-to-normal transition taking into account the non-uniformity of the material. In this paper, the model of local critical currents is applied to describe the measured voltage-current characteristics of the superconducting transition for several types of Bi-2223 tapes. The probability density of the distribution is evaluated and in addition the current sharing occurring in the transition region between the superconducting phase and the matrix material of the composite is discussed.
Modélisation de la croissance d'un axe végétatif

La croissance d'un axe vegetatif est mesuree par un nombre d'ensembles entre-noeuds-noeuds-feuilles mis en place. La croissance observee est le resultat d'un processus d'organogenese et du processus d'allongement. Sur la base d'une analyse de donnees d'un suivi de croissance, l'article propose une etude de la variabilite du "plastochrone" -temps entre deux etats identiques-. la theorie du renouvellement permet de modeliser la dynamique de croissance des axes vegetatifs, elle permet egalement d'apprehender la variabilite endogene du processus de croissance
STUDIES ON THE UTILIZATION OF ELECTRONIC TRADING SYSTEMS IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

OF DOCTORAL DISSERTATION AALTO UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY P.O. BOX 11000, FI-00076 AALTO http://www.aalto. fi Author Jouni Kauremaa Name of the dissertation Studies on the Utilization of Electronic Trading Systems in Supply Chain Management Manuscript submitted 4.12. 2009 Manuscript revised 22.4. 2010 Date of the defence 31.5. 2010 Monograph Article dissertation (summary + original articles) Faculty Faculty of Information and Natural Sciences Department Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Field of research Industrial Management Opponent(s) Professor Charles Møller, Aalborg University Professor Virpi Tuunainen, Aalto University School of Economics Supervisor Professor Kari Tanskanen Instructor Professor Jan Holmström Abstract Innovations in information technology, Internet-technology in particular, have provided a significant new potential to exchange data beyond organizational boundaries and reduce the costs of interorganizational supply chain management. Furthermore, modern e-business standards, such as the RosettaNet, have been proposed as key enablers of efficient and flexible operational linkages between trading partners in the supply chain. This dissertation investigates three overall research questions: (1) how do companies utilize electronic trading systems in supply chain management; (2) what kinds of benefits do electronic trading systems provide in supply chain management; and (3) what is the role of newer e-business standards in supply chain management. The dissertation is a compilation of four individual studies reported as four peer-reviewed publications. Firstly, on RQ1 the dissertation finds that (1) electronic trading system utilization realizes on two levels: relationship mode (unilateral or bilateral) and technical design (function, architecture, automation, and communication standards and networks) and that (2) effective utilization of electronic trading systems is characterized by differentiation over transaction instances (partner and task combinations). Secondly, on RQ2 the dissertation finds that (1) cooperative, operational, and commercial supply chain integration are distinct results of electronic trading system utilization in supply chain management and that (2) unilateral adjustments supplement benefit generation from electronic trading system utilization. Finally, on RQ3 the dissertation finds that (1) the RosettaNet e-business standard does not fully compensate for the weaknesses of older EDI-based e-business standards and that (2) dyad-level application of e-business standards calls for dyadic adjustments amongst the trading partners. The dissertation contributes to understanding on how to effectively utilize contemporary electronic trading systems in supply chain management.