Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIAL PATTERNS OF INTROGRESSION ACROSS THE X CHROMOSOME IN A HYBRID ZONE BETWEEN TWO SPECIES OF HOUSE MICE

Abstract A complete understanding of the speciation process requires the identification of genomic regions and genes that confer reproductive barriers between species. Empirical and theoretical research has revealed two important patterns in the evolution of reproductive isolation in animals: isolation typically arises as a result of disrupted epistatic interactions between multiple loci and these disruptions map disproportionately to the X chromosome. These patterns suggest that a targeted examination of natural gene flow between closely related species at X-linked markers with known positions would provide insight into the genetic basis of speciation. We take advantage of the existence of genomic data and a well-documented European zone of hybridization between two species of house mice, Mus domesticus and M. musculus, to conduct such a survey. We evaluate patterns of introgression across the hybrid zone for 13 diagnostic X-linked loci with known chromosomal positions using a maximum likelihood model. Interlocus comparisons clearly identify one locus with reduced introgression across the center of the hybrid zone, pinpointing a candidate region for reproductive isolation. Results also reveal one locus with high frequencies of M. domesticus alleles in populations on the M. musculus side of the zone, suggesting the possibility that positive selection may act to drive the spread of alleles from one species on to the genomic background of the other species. Finally, cline width and cline center are strongly positively correlated across the X chromosome, indicating that gene flow of the X chromosome may be asymmetrical. This study highlights the utility of natural populations of hybrids for mapping speciation genes and suggests that the middle of the X chromosome may be important for reproductive isolation between species of house mice.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Fructan Metabolism in Developing Barley Grains[W]

Fructan metabolism in barley grains is developmental stage and tissue specific. Levans/graminans accumulate in the cellularized endosperm at the prestorage phase, while inulins are enriched in the transfer tissues around the endosperm cavity at the storage phase. This tight partitioning suggests that different fructans have distinct functions in various tissues during barley grain development. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) grain development follows a series of defined morphological and physiological stages and depends on the supply of assimilates (mainly sucrose) from the mother plant. Here, spatio-temporal patterns of sugar distributions were investigated by mass spectrometric imaging, targeted metabolite analyses, and transcript profiling of microdissected grain tissues. Distinct spatio-temporal sugar balances were observed, which may relate to differentiation and grain filling processes. Notably, various types of oligofructans showed specific distribution patterns. Levan- and graminan-type oligofructans were synthesized in the cellularized endosperm prior to the commencement of starch biosynthesis, while during the storage phase, inulin-type oligofructans accumulated to a high concentration in and around the nascent endosperm cavity. In the shrunken endosperm mutant seg8, with a decreased sucrose flux toward the endosperm, fructan accumulation was impaired. The tight partitioning of oligofructan biosynthesis hints at distinct functions of the various fructan types in the young endosperm prior to starch accumulation and in the endosperm transfer cells that accomplish the assimilate supply toward the endosperm at the storage phase.
Promotion of the release of 11-cis-retinal from cultured retinal pigment epithelium by interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein.

This study investigates whether the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is necessary for the release of 11-cis-retinaldehyde (RAL) or if the retinoid is constitutively released from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) following synthesis. The strategic location of IRBP in the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) and its retinoid-binding ability make it a candidate for a role in 11-cis-RAL release. Fetal bovine RPE cells were grown in permeable chambers, and their apical surfaces were incubated with medium containing either apo-IRBP, the apo form of cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP), the apo form of serum retinol-binding protein (RBP), or bovine serum albumin (BSA) or with medium devoid of binding proteins. [3H]-all-trans-Retinol (ROL) was delivered to the basal surface of the cells by RBP. High-performance liquid chromatography demonstrated that [3H]-11-cis-RAL was optimally released into the apical medium when apo-IRBP was present. The most surprising result was the diminished level of [3H]-11-cis-RAL when apo-CRALBP was in the apical medium. Circular dichroism demonstrated that CRALBP had not been denatured by the photobleaching required for endogenous ligand removal. Therefore, apo-CRALBP should have been able to bind [3H]-11-cis-RAL if it was constitutively released into the apical medium. In addition, when proteins other than apo-IRBP were present, or if the cells were incubated with medium alone, the observed decrease in apical [3H]-11-cis-RAL was concomitant with a buildup of intracellular [3H]-all-trans-retinyl palmitate and [3H]-all-trans-ROL in the basal culture medium. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
SEA-PARAM: Exploring Schedulers in Parametric MDPs

We study parametric Markov decision processes (PMDPs) and their reachability probabilities "independent" of the parameters. Different to existing work on parameter synthesis (implemented in the tools PARAM and PRISM), our main focus is on describing different types of optimal deterministic memoryless schedulers for the whole parameter range. We implement a simple prototype tool SEA-PARAM that computes these optimal schedulers and show experimental results.
ATP‐driven, Na+‐independent inward Cl– pumping in neuroblastoma cells

In immature neurones, the steady‐state intracellular Cl− concentration [Cl−]i is generally higher than expected for passive distribution, and this is believed to be due to Na+–K+−2Cl– co‐transport. Here, we show that N2a neuroblastoma cells, incubated in HEPES‐buffered NaCl medium maintain a [Cl−]i around 60 mm, two‐ to threefold higher than expected for passive distribution at a membrane potential of − 49 mV. When the cells were transferred to a Cl−‐free medium, [Cl−]i decreased quickly (t1/2 < 5 min), suggesting a high Cl− permeability. When the intracellular ATP concentration was reduced to less than 1 mm by metabolic inhibitors, the initial rate of 36Cl− uptake was strongly inhibited (60–65%) while steady‐state [Cl−]i decreased to 24 mm, close to the value predicted from the Nernst equilibrium. Moreover, after reduction of [ATP]i and [Cl−]i by rotenone, the subsequent addition of glucose led to a reaccumulation of Cl−, in parallel with ATP recovery. Internal bicarbonate did not affect Cl− pumping, suggesting that Cl−/HCO3– exchange does not significantly contribute to active transport. Likewise, Na+–K+−2Cl– co‐transport also appeared to play a minor role: although mRNA for the NKCC1 form of the co‐transporter was detected in N2a cells, neither the initial rate of 36Cl− uptake nor steady‐state [Cl−]i were appreciably decreased by 10 µm bumetanide or replacement of external Na+ by choline. These results suggest that a highly active ATP‐dependent mechanism, distinct from Na+–K+−2Cl– co‐transport, is responsible for most of the inward Cl− pumping in N2a cells.
Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Turkish Patients with Glaucoma

The purpose was to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with glaucoma. This case-control study was carried out with 121 participants with glaucoma (M age = 64.2, SD = 13.2; 68 women, 76.0% married) and 64 controls. The data were collected by using a data collection form involving questions on patients' specific characteristics, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Rate of clinical anxiety was 14.0% and depression 57.0% among the participants with glaucoma. The anxiety risk in women with glaucoma was found to be 7.5 times higher than in men. Risk of depression was 2.94 times higher in unmarried compared to married participants. Anxiety scores were higher in unmarried participants and women. The mean Depression score was statistically significantly higher for unmarried participants. The incidence of depression and anxiety increased with decreasing quality of life scores. Quality of life was associated negatively with anxiety and depression in patients with glaucoma. Evaluating quality of life, anxiety, and depression in older individuals who have glaucoma and examining the risk factors are important to provide earlier health care service and preventive psychological treatment.
Melatoninergic neuroprotection of the murine periventricular white matter against neonatal excitotoxic challenge

Periventricular leukomalacia is one of the main causes of cerebral palsy. Perinatal white matter lesions associated with cerebral palsy appears to involve glutamate excitotoxicity and excess free radical production. When injected intracerebrally into newborn mice, the glutamatergic analog ibotenate induces white matter cysts mimicking human periventricular leukomalacia. Melatonin acts on specific receptors. It also exhibits intrinsic free radical scavenging properties. The goal of the present study is to determine whether melatonin can protect against excitotoxic lesions induced by ibotenate in newborn mice. Mice that received intraperitoneal melatonin had an 82% reduction in size of ibotenate‐induced white matter cysts when compared with controls. Although melatonin did not prevent the initial appearance of white matter lesions, it did promote secondary lesion repair. Axonal markers supported the hypothesis that melatonin induced axonal regrowth or sprouting. The protective effects of melatonin were suppressed by coadministration of luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, prevented the protective effects of melatonin; inhibitors of protein kinase C and mitogen‐associated protein kinase had no detectable effect. Melatonin and derivatives that block cAMP production through activation of melatonin receptors could represent new avenues for treating human periventricular leukomalacia.
A 2.45 GHz circular patch antenna with harmonic suppression for wireless power transmission

This paper proposed a new circular patch antenna design with harmonics suppression capability. The purpose of harmonic suppression antenna is to eliminate the use of harmonic filter circuit in rectenna circuit. By introducing slits at the antenna patch and stub at the transmission line, unwanted harmonics frequencies are successfully suppressed. In addition, the size of proposed circular patch antenna is reduced by using partial ground and circular slot technique at the ground plane. The patch antenna is design on FR4 substrate with εr=4.7 and a thickness of 1.6 mm has −48dB return loss at 2.45GHz and suppress the second and third harmonic up to −3dB. The proposed harmonic suppression antenna can be applied in rectenna and active integrated antenna (AIA) applications, thus the circuit become compact, cheaper and more efficient.
MocA Is a Specific Cytidylyltransferase Involved in Molybdopterin Cytosine Dinucleotide Biosynthesis in Escherichia coli*

We have purified and characterized a specific CTP:molybdopterin cytidylyltransferase for the biosynthesis of the molybdopterin (MPT) cytosine dinucleotide (MCD) cofactor in Escherichia coli. The protein, named MocA, shows 22% amino acid sequence identity to E. coli MobA, the specific GTP:molybdopterin guanylyltransferase for molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide biosynthesis. MocA is essential for the activity of the MCD-containing enzymes aldehyde oxidoreductase YagTSR and the xanthine dehydrogenases XdhABC and XdhD. Using a fully defined in vitro assay, we showed that MocA, Mo-MPT, CTP, and MgCl2 are required and sufficient for MCD biosynthesis in vitro. The activity of MocA is specific for CTP; other nucleotides such as ATP and GTP were not utilized. In the defined in vitro system a turnover number of 0.37 ± 0.01 min−1 was obtained. A 1:1 binding ratio of MocA to Mo-MPT and CTP was determined to monomeric MocA with dissociation constants of 0.23 ± 0.02 μm for CTP and 1.17 ± 0.18 μm for Mo-MPT. We showed that MocA was also able to convert MPT to MCD in the absence of molybdate, however, with only one catalytic turnover. The addition of molybdate after one turnover gave rise to a higher MCD production, revealing that MCD remains bound to MocA in the absence of molybdate. This work presents the first characterization of a specific enzyme involved in MCD biosynthesis in bacteria.
Multiple-state reactions between the epidermal growth factor receptor and Grb2 as observed by using single-molecule analysis

Phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tyrosine residues of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) upon binding of EGF induces recognition of various intracellular signaling molecules, including Grb2. Here, the reaction kinetics between EGFR and Grb2 was analyzed by visualizing single molecules of Grb2 conjugated to the fluorophore Cy3 (Cy3–Grb2). The plasma membrane fraction was purified from human epithelial carcinoma A431 cells after stimulation with EGF and attached to coverslips. Unitary events of association and dissociation of Cy3–Grb2 on the EGFR in the membrane fraction were observed at different concentrations of Grb2 (0.1–100 nM). The dissociation kinetics could be explained by using a multiple-exponential function with a major (>90%) dissociation rate of 8 s−1 and a few minor components, suggesting the presence of multiple bound states. In contrast, the association kinetics could be described by a stretched exponential function, suggesting the presence of multiple reaction channels from many unbound substates. Transitions between the unbound substates were also suggested. Unexpectedly, the rate of association was not proportional to the Grb2 concentration: an increase in Cy3–Grb2 concentration by a factor of 10 induced an increase in the reaction frequency approximately by a factor of three. This effect can compensate for fluctuation of the signal transduction from EGFR to Grb2 caused by variations in the expression level of Grb2 in living cells.
Effects of fenfluramine and antidepressants on protein kinase C activity in rat cortical synaptoneurosomes

Fenfluramine releases serotonin (5‐HT) via the 5‐HT transporter (SERT). Previous work has shown that amphetamine increases particulate protein kinase C (PKC) activity in striatal synaptoneurosomes. The increased PKC activity is linked to the outward transport of dopamine, and when release is diminished, the inward transport of amphetamine inhibits PKC instead. Since there is homology among monoamine transporters, this study was undertaken to determine if D‐fenfluramine has similar effects on PKC. The role of 5‐HT receptors and endogenous 5‐HT were also examined. Naive rats and rats pretreated with p‐chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), a 5‐HT synthesis inhibitor, were sacrificed. Cortical synaptoneurosomes were prepared and incubated with fenfluramine. PKC activity was determined by thiophosphorylation of endogenous substrates. It was found that 5‐HT, D/L‐fenfluramine, and D‐fenfluramine increased PKC activity in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. The 5‐HT‐mediated increase in PKC activity was attenuated by pretreatment with the 5‐HT2 antagonist ketanserin, but not with the SERT inhibitor fluoxetine. The D‐fenfluramine‐induced increase in PKC activity was completely prevented, however, by pretreatment with SERT inhibitors and partially with ketanserin. It was also attenuated by pretreatment with PCPA, resulting in a dose‐dependent inhibition of PKC instead. Thus, when 5‐HT release was diminished the uptake of D‐fenfluramine inhibited PKC. Similar effects have been observed with amphetamine. Unlike D‐fenfluramine, the D/L‐fenfluramine‐induced increase in PKC activity was partially resistant to PCPA pretreatment but was attenuated with bupropion, a dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitor. SERT inhibitors (sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, and fluoxetine) also increased PKC activity. Nefazodone and bupropion increased PKC activity, but mirtazapine was relatively inactive. The SERT inhibitor‐induced increase in PKC was unaffected by pretreatment with PCPA but was inhibited by calcium. Similar effects on PKC activity have been observed with DAT inhibitors. These results, showing that D‐fenfluramine altered PKC activity similar to D‐amphetamine, suggest that the topographic homology between DAT and SERT may extend to their effects on PKC activity. Synapse 50:212–222, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Engineered Recombinant Peanut Protein and Heat-Killed Listeria monocytogenes Coadministration Protects Against Peanut-Induced Anaphylaxis in a Murine Model1

Peanut allergy (PNA) is the major cause of fatal and near-fatal anaphylactic reactions to foods. Traditional immunotherapy using peanut (PN) protein is not an option for PNA therapy because of the high incidence of adverse reactions. We investigated the effects of s.c. injections of engineered (modified) recombinant PN proteins and heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes (HKLM) as an adjuvant on anaphylactic reactions in a mouse model of PN allergy. PN-allergic C3H/HeJ mice were treated s.c. with a mixture of the three major PN allergens and HKLM (modified (m)Ara h 1–3 plus HKLM). The effects on anaphylactic reactions following PN challenge and the association with Ab levels and cytokine profiles were determined. Although all mice in the sham-treated groups exhibited anaphylactic symptoms with a median symptom score of 3, only 31% of mice in the mAra h 1–3 plus HKLM group developed mild anaphylaxis, with a low median symptom score of 0.5. Alterations in core body temperature, bronchial constriction, plasma histamine, and PN-specific IgE levels were all significantly reduced. This protective effect was markedly more potent than in the mAra h 1–3 protein alone-treated group. HKLM alone did not have any protective effect. Reduced IL-5 and IL-13, and increased IFN-γ levels were observed only in splenocytes cultures from mAra h 1–3 plus HKLM-treated mice. These results show that immunotherapy with modified PN proteins and HKLM is effective for treating PN allergy in this model, and may be a potential approach for treating PNA.
Research on monitoring technology of bolt tightness degree based on wavelet analysis

Wavelet analysis is a newly emerging signal processing method. Because of its time-frequency resolution property, it can be used to analyze the frequency spectrum of non-stationary signal in the field of Structural Health Monitoring. This article constructs the feather vector by using wavelet packet energy. By using the feature element in feather vector, the Loose Factor (LF) is constructed to detect the bolt tightness degree. This article proposed the method of ‘Loose Factor + Redundancy and Tolerance (LFRT)’ and used it to eliminate the misjudgment because of the noise, and the accuracy is improved. Taking the advantage of the correlation between wavelet packet feather vector and frequency band of subspace, this article improved the Loose Factor and proposed the concept of Relative Loose Factor (RLF). Using RLF to detect the bolt tightness degree, the disadvantage of LFRT that needs multi-channels is solved, and the efficiency is improved. Through the analysis of the experimental results, the variation law of Lamb wave frequency band along with the changing of bolt loose degree is discovered. The experiment results verified that the law is correct.
Timing of total joint replacement affects clinical outcomes among patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

OBJECTIVE To determine the predictors of outcome in patients with osteoarthritis 2 years after receiving total hip or knee replacement. METHODS A prospective cohort study of 222 osteoarthritis patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement in Boston and Montreal was done. Their postoperative outcomes at 6 months were previously reported. This followup reports on the outcomes after 2 years among the 165 patients (74%) who remained. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the median value of their preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function score. The Short Form 36-item physical function subscale and the WOMAC pain and function subscale scores were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, and 24 months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were analyzed at 2 years, using descriptive and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS Improvements in pain and function at 2 years were similar to those observed at 6 months. Those subjects with the worst function and pain at the time of surgery (baseline) had comparatively worse function 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSION In this comparison, the poor outcomes observed at 6 months following total joint replacement in patients with worse baseline functional status persisted after 2 years. Although there are no validated indications for when a patient should optimally have total joint replacement, these data suggest that timing of surgery may be more important than previously realized and, specifically, that performing surgery earlier in the course of functional decline may be associated with better outcome.
Age‐specific association of steroid hormone pathway gene polymorphisms with breast cancer risk

Breast cancer (BC) is a complex disease, and the incidence rates for BC increase with age. Both environmental factors and genetics have an impact on the risk of BC. Although the effects of environmental factors may vary with age, it has been assumed generally that the penetrance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is constant throughout life. In the current study, the results demonstrated that certain SNPs exhibit BC risk associations that vary considerably with age.
A phase shifted semi-bridgeless boost power factor corrected converter for plug in hybrid electric vehicle battery chargers

In this paper, a phase shifted semi-bridgeless boost power factor corrected converter is proposed for plug in hybrid electric vehicle battery chargers. The converter features high efficiency at light loads and low lines, which is critical to minimize the charger size, charging time and the amount and cost of electricity drawn from the utility; the component count, which reduces the charger cost; and reduced EMI. The converter is ideally suited for automotive level I residential charging applications. A detailed converter description and steady state operation analysis of this converter is presented. Experimental results of a prototype boost converter, converting universal AC input voltage to 400 V DC at 3.4 kW are given and the results are compared to an interleaved boost converter to verify the proof of concept, and analytical work reported. The results show a power factor greater than 0.99 from 750 W to 3.4 kW, THD less than 5% from half load to full load and a peak efficiency of 98.6 % at 240 V input and 1000 W load.