Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gross chemical profile and calculation of nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors for nine species of fishes from coastal waters of Brazil

The amino acid composition and contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, lipid, carbohydrate and protein were determined in muscles of Dactylopterus volitans, Genypterus brasiliensis, Mullus argentinae, Paralichthys patagonicus, Percophis brasiliensis, Pinguipes brasilianus, Rhizoprionodon lalandii, Rhizoprionodon porosus, and Urophycis cirrata. The samples showed low carbohydrate content (<3.5% dry weight in all species) and were rich in protein (>66% dry weight in all species). The percentage of total lipid varied widely among species, and M. argentinae showed the highest concentrations (16%). The percentage of nitrogen and phosphorus was high and similar among species, with overall average values of 13.3% and 1.2%, respectively. The amino acids composition was similar among the animals, with glutamic acid and lisine as the most abundant amino acid and histidine in low concentrations. Among species, the content of proteinaceous nitrogen was high, with an average of 96.8% of the total nitrogen. From data of total amino acid and total nitrogen, specific nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors were calculated for each species. The nitrogen-toprotein conversion factors ranged from 5.39 to 5.98, with an overall average of 5.71. These findings showed that the traditional conversion factor of 6.25 overestimates the actual protein content and should be avoided.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Acyltransferase Beta Regulates mTOR Signaling

Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT-β) is a phosphatidic acid (PA) generating enzyme that plays an essential role in triglyceride synthesis. However, LPAAT-β is now being studied as an important regulator of cell growth and differentiation and as a potential therapeutic target in cancer since PA is necessary for the activity of key proteins such as Raf, PKC-ζ and mTOR. In this report we determine the effect of LPAAT-β silencing with siRNA in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines. We show for the first time that LPAAT-β knockdown inhibits proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of pancreatic cancer cells. This is associated with inhibition of signaling by mTOR as determined by levels of mTORC1- and mTORC2-specific phosphorylation sites on 4E-BP1, S6K and Akt. Since PA regulates the activity of mTOR by modulating its binding to FKBP38, we explored the possibility that LPAAT-β might regulate mTOR by affecting its association with FKBP38. Coimmunoprecipitation studies of FKBP38 with mTOR show increased levels of FKBP38 associated with mTOR when LPAAT-β protein levels are knocked down. Furthermore, depletion of LPAAT-β results in increased Lipin 1 nuclear localization which is associated with increased nuclear eccentricity, a nuclear shape change that is dependent on mTOR, further confirming the ability of LPAAT-β to regulate mTOR function. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that PA generated by LPAAT-β regulates mTOR signaling. We discuss the implications of these findings for using LPAAT-β as a therapeutic target.
Polyurethane does not protect better than polyvinyl cuffed tracheal tubes from microaspirations.

BACKGROUND Mechanically ventilated patients are prone to develop ventilator associated pneumonia due to microaspirations of subglottic secretions around the endotracheal tube cuff (usually constructed of polyvinyl material). A novel polyurethane cuff has been designed to minimize these leakages. The aim of the study was to compare the tracheal sealing capacities between the two tubes. METHODS Twenty-nine consecutive patients from whom tracheal intubation was necessary as part of their care were randomized to receive either a polyvinyl HI-LO Evac® or a polyurethane SEALGUARD Evac® endotracheal tube. Patients requiring emergency intubation, with unstable hemodynamics or history of tracheal/laryngeal disease were excluded. For the entire study, cuff pressure was set at 30 cmH2O, and ventilator parameters were adjusted for a plateau pressure ≤30 cmH2O; Patients were fasting, placed in a strict 45° position during 12 hours and sedated if needed. After injection of 74 MBq 99mTc-DTPA diluted in 5 mL 0.9% NaCl just above the cuff, tracheal radioactivity was assessed sequentially (hourly from T0 to T6, then T8 and T12 hours) using a scintillation camera. RESULTS Sixteen polyurethane and 13 polyvinyl tubes were compared. Leakages were observed in 11/29 patients (38%) (5/16 polyurethane and 6/13 polyvinyl tubes [P=NS]). Leakages occurred more often in female (7/8) than in male patients (4/21) (P<0.001). Microaspirations were decreased with larger tubes (size 9 vs. ≤8.5: 24% vs. 75%; P=0.01), whatever the cuff membrane. CONCLUSION These preliminary results suggest that both tubes are poorly effective in preventing microaspirations.
Controlled Trial of Nifedipine and Bendroflumethiazide in Hypertension

In a double-blind study 30 patients with mild or moderate (World Health Organization classification I or II) hypertension were treated with either nifedipine, 20 mg twice a day, or bendroflumethiazide, 2.5 mg (+0.57g KCl) twice a day for 24 weeks. All patients were then given a combination of half the initial dosage of both drugs for an additional period of 6 weeks. Nifedipine caused a significant reduction of both supine and standing blood pressures (16/10 and 11/5 mm Hg, respectively). Bendroflumethiazide also reduced both recumbent and standing blood pressures significantly (15/10 and 11/10mm Hg, respectively). Combined treatment with nifedipine and bendroflumethiazide caused a further reduction of both supine and standing blood pressures. The total reduction compared with placebo was 23/12 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and 17/11 mm Hg (p < 0.001), respectively. There was no significant correlation between antihypertensive effect and age of patient.
An Empirical Examination of the Determinants of Municipal Bond Underwriter Fees

The municipal bond market has undergone dramatic changes over the last 20 years. Some of these changes relate to the use and activities of financial intermediaries, including financial advisors and investment banks, both of which have come under increasing scrutiny in light of the Great Recession’s impact on the finances of subnational entities. Given this evolving context and escalating criticisms, it is necessary to revisit the activities of these market actors in the municipal bond issuance process. To that end, this paper empirically investigates the factors associated with the fees charged by investment banks in the underwriting of municipal securities in the State of Texas between 1999 and 2010. The results of this analysis have direct policy implications for efficient subnational debt management practices as well as broader theoretical implications related to underwriter monopsony power, information asymmetry, financial intermediation, and debt management networks.
Learning to encode motion using spatio-temporal synchrony

We consider the task of learning to extract motion from videos. To this end, we show that the detection of spatial transformations can be viewed as the detection of synchrony between the image sequence and a sequence of features undergoing the motion we wish to detect. We show that learning about synchrony is possible using very fast, local learning rules, by introducing multiplicative "gating" interactions between hidden units across frames. This makes it possible to achieve competitive performance in a wide variety of motion estimation tasks, using a small fraction of the time required to learn features, and to outperform hand-crafted spatio-temporal features by a large margin. We also show how learning about synchrony can be viewed as performing greedy parameter estimation in the well-known motion energy model.
Structuring Inter-firm Relationships: A Metaanalytic Approach

In this paper we use a multi-disciplinary perspective to identify two fundamental dimensions which characterize the structuring of inter-firm relations: contractual coordination and procedural coordination. Contractual coordination refers to the mutual exchange of rights among the parties involved. Procedural coordination refers to the mutual exchange of information among the parties. Through a quantitative meta-analysis of 32 empirical studies we show that both dimensions are influenced by the same underlying constructs; that they fulfil different but complementary roles in the governance of the relationship; and how their systemic fit impacts the performance of the relationship. These results are discussed to highlight their implications for the design of inter-organizational research.
Dynamic Localization of an Okazaki Fragment Processing Protein Suggests a Novel Role in Telomere Replication

ABSTRACT We have found that the Dna2 helicase-nuclease, thought to be involved in maturation of Okazaki fragments, is a component of telomeric chromatin. We demonstrate a dynamic localization of Dna2p to telomeres that suggests a dual role for Dna2p, one in telomere replication and another, unknown function, perhaps in telomere capping. Both chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and immunofluorescence show that Dna2p associates with telomeres but not bulk chromosomal DNA in G1 phase, when there is no telomere replication and the telomere is transcriptionally silenced. In S phase, there is a dramatic redistribution of Dna2p from telomeres to sites throughout the replicating chromosomes. Dna2p is again localized to telomeres in late S, where it remains through G2 and until the next S phase. Telomeric localization of Dna2p required Sir3p, since the amount of Dna2p found at telomeres by two different assays, one-hybrid and ChIP, is severely reduced in strains lacking Sir3p. The Dna2p is also distributed throughout the nucleus in cells growing in the presence of double-strand-break-inducing agents such as bleomycin. Finally, we show that Dna2p is functionally required for telomerase-dependent de novo telomere synthesis and also participates in telomere lengthening in mutants lacking telomerase.
PATHWAYS TO UNIVERSITY: THE “VICTORY LAP” PHENOMENON IN ONTARIO

When Ontario eliminated its unique fifth year of secondary school for postsecondary bound students, policy makers, educators, and the general public anticipated that the province would finally adhere to the four-year model of secondary education common to the rest of English speaking North America. For a significant number of students, however, this outcome did not prove to be the case; a substantial proportion of adolescents, having met their graduation requirements, voluntarily chose to return to their former schools for an additional semester or two of secondary education, a phenomenon referred to as the “victory lap”. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study was conducted among firstyear students Concurrent Education students in a small Ontario university and examined some of the factors that motivated students to opt for either the direct entry or “victory lap” pathway to university. Results suggest that the “victory lap”, while being a predominately male phenomena, may be a form of transition anxiety.
Kinetics and Morphology of Flow Induced Polymer Crystallization in 3D Shear Flow Investigated by Monte Carlo Simulation

To explore the kinetics and morphology of flow induced crystallization of polymers, a nucleation-growth evolution model for spherulites and shish-kebabs is built based on Schneider rate model and Eder model. The model considers that the spherulites are thermally induced, growing like spheres, while the shish-kebabs are flow induced, growing like cylinders, with the first normal stress difference of crystallizing system being the driving force for the nucleation of shish-kebabs. A two-phase suspension model is introduced to describe the crystallizing system, which Finitely Extensible Non-linear Elastic-Peterlin (FENE-P) model and rigid dumbbell model are used to describe amorphous phase and semi-crystalline phase, respectively. Morphological Monte Carlo method is presented to simulate the polymer crystallization in 3D simple shear flow. Roles of shear rate, shear time and shear strain on the crystallization kinetics, morphology, and rheology are analyzed. Numerical results show that crystallization kinetics, morphology and rheology in shear flow are qualitatively in agreement with the theoretical, experimental and other numerical works which verifies the validity and effectiveness of our model and algorithm. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a model and an algorithm revealing the details of crystal morphology have been applied to the flow induced crystallization of polymers.
Hybrid NOrec: a case study in the effectiveness of best effort hardware transactional memory

Transactional memory (TM) is a promising synchronization mechanism for the next generation of multicore processors. Best-effort Hardware Transactional Memory (HTM) designs, such as Sun's prototype Rock processor and AMD's proposed Advanced Synchronization Facility (ASF), can efficiently execute many transactions, but abort in some cases due to various limitations. Hybrid TM systems can use a compatible software TM (STM) in such cases. We introduce a family of hybrid TMs built using the recent NOrec STM algorithm that, unlike existing hybrid approaches, provide both low overhead on hardware transactions and concurrent execution of hardware and software transactions. We evaluate implementations for Rock and ASF, exploring how the differing HTM designs affect optimization choices. Our investigation yields valuable input for designers of future best-effort HTMs.
Docosahexaneoic acid (22:6,n-3) regulates rat hepatocyte SREBP-1 nuclear abundance by Erk- and 26S proteasome-dependent pathways Published, JLR Papers in Press, October 12, 2005.

Insulin induces and dietary n-3 PUFAs suppress hepatic de novo lipogenesis by controlling sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1 nuclear abundance (nSREBP-1). Our goal was to define the mechanisms involved in this regulatory process. Insulin treatment of rat primary hepatocytes rapidly augments nSREBP-1 and mRNASREBP-1c while suppressing mRNAInsig-2 but not mRNAInsig-1. These events are preceded by rapid but transient increases in Akt and Erk phosphorylation. Removal of insulin from hepatocytes leads to a rapid decline in nSREBP-1 [half-time (T1/2) ∼ 10 h] that is abrogated by inhibitors of 26S proteasomal degradation. 22:6,n-3, the major n-3 PUFA accumulating in livers of fish oil-fed rats, suppresses hepatocyte levels of nSREBP-1, mRNASREBP-1c, and mRNAInsig-2 but modestly and transiently induces mRNAInsig-1. More importantly, 22:6,n-3 accelerates the disappearance of hepatocyte nSREBP-1 (T1/2 ∼ 4 h) through a 26S proteasome-dependent process. 22:6,n-3 has minimal effects on microsomal SREBP-1 and sterol-regulatory element binding protein cleavage-activating protein or nuclear SREBP-2. 22:6,n-3 transiently inhibits insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation but induces Erk phosphorylation. Inhibitors of Erk phosphorylation, but not overexpressed constitutively active Akt, rapidly attenuate 22:6,n-3 suppression of nSREBP-1. Thus, 22:6,n-3 suppresses hepatocyte nSREBP-1 through 26S proteasome- and Erk-dependent pathways. These studies reveal a novel mechanism for n-3 PUFA regulation of hepatocyte nSREBP-1 and lipid metabolism.
ROLE PERFORMANCE AND CHALLENGES OF MALE SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF GHANA

This study investigated the role performance and challenges of male single-parents in the Central Region of Ghana using a descriptive and evaluative survey approach. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select 300 male single-parents for the study. Pretested questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect the data. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (Version 16.0) software was used to analyse the data. The major findings of the study were that the performance of instrumental and expressive roles had affected aspects of lives of the respondents. The major challenges faced by the respondents included time constraints, fatigue and loneliness. It is recommended that the local government, central government and non-governmental organizations should undertake human resource development programmes in the Central Region to equip male single-parents with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes for the performance of both expressive and instrumental roles in the home. Family life professionals should also expand their programmes to cater for the interests and struggles of male single-parents.
Effect of small-dose levosimendan on mortality rates and organ functions in Chinese elderly patients with sepsis

Aim As a primary cause of death not only in Western countries but also in the People’s Republic of China, sepsis is diagnosed as abnormal organ functions as a result of a disordered response to a severe infection. This study was designed to assess the effect of small-dose levosimendan without a loading dose on mortality rates and organ functions in Chinese elderly patients with sepsis. Methods Following a prospective, randomized, and double-blinded design, 240 Chinese elderly patients with sepsis shock were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). All patients were randomly and evenly assigned into a levosimendan group (number of patients =120) and a control group (number of patients =120). The control group underwent standard care, and the levosimendan group was administered levosimendan in addition to standard care. Results All participants, comprising 134 males (55.8%) and 106 females (44.2%), were 70 (67–73) years old. Baseline characteristics, preexisting illnesses, initial infections, organ failures, and additional agents and therapies showed no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in mortality rates at 28 days, at ICU discharge, and at hospital discharge between the two groups (P>0.05 for all). The number of days of ICU and hospital stay in the levosimendan group was significantly less than for those in the control group (P<0.05 for all). Mean daily total sequential organ failure assessment score and all organ scores except the cardiovascular scores showed no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05 for all). Cardiovascular scores in the levosimendan group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion Small-dose levosimendan could not reduce the mortality rates or enhance the respiratory, liver, renal, and coagulation functions, but could shorten the days of ICU and hospital stay, and improve the cardiovascular function, which suggests that small-dose levosimendan is valuable for Chinese elderly patients with sepsis.
Percepciones de autoevaluación: autoestima, autoeficacia y satisfacción vital en la adolescencia

In this study we analyse the relationships between three variables of self- evaluations, being self esteem, self efficacy and life satisfaction. Moreover, we study the evolution of these three aspects during adolescence paying attention to gender differences. The sample was made up of 2400 teenagers aged between 12 and 17 years old taken from 20 high schools in Western Andalusia. In this study we also analyse the relationship between teenager self evaluation and parenting style. Our results show, on one hand, high correlation between self esteem, self efficacy and life satisfaction, and on the other hand, between teenager self evaluation and parenting style. In fact, parental warmth and communication and sense of humor show high correlation with adolescent self evaluation. We also found increasing differences between boys and girls as regards their self esteem, self efficacy and life satisfaction as adolescence progressed. Specifically, little changed was observed in boys, whereas girls' self-evaluation decreased with age.
Estimating commuting flows for minority ethnic groups in England and Wales

Various studies have pointed to the persistent labour market disadvantage faced by many individuals from minority ethnic groups in Great Britain. Analyses have also shown that minority ethnic groups remain spatially concentrated in particular parts of the urban and regional system, and that they are over-represented in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. There has been considerable debate about the skills and spatial dimensions to labour market mismatch, and minority ethnic issues have been given particular prominence in the work of the Social Exclusion Unit and Policy Action Teams. However, analysts in Great Britain examining the ethnic minority dimension to the problem of labour market mismatch are hampered by a lack of data, including detailed local information on journey-to-work flows disaggregated by ethnic group. This article is concerned with estimating commuting flows by ethnic group in England and Wales, and using these estimates to examine commuting patterns by ethnic group in 1991 in the context of employment change over the preceding inter-censal period, in order to provide some insights into labour market mismatch.
Psychological Indicators and Perceptions of Adolescents in Residential Care

The institutionalization of adolescents has been mentioned in the literature with positive and negative aspects. This study investigated 61 adolescents in residential care aiming to evaluate psychological problems and perceptions related to the care, using interviews and the YSR. Data was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative analysis, using gender, age and length of institutionalization as variables. Results indicated clinical scores for psychological problems, except for externalizing problems, in younger girls recently taken into care and older boys institutionalized for longer periods. The perceptions about the care were negative or indifferent; elements of positivity were expressed by adolescents institutionalized for longer periods. Instability in the permanence in the care service and the reasons for having been taken into care were manifested with psychological distress. There were few contacts with the family of origin; the adolescents mentioned the importance of their families and the desire to leave the institution. Members of the institutional teams were indicated as sources of care and protection. This study reflects the challenges for the positive development of this population.
Hypothalamic Astrocytes Respond to Gastric Mucosal Damage Induced by Restraint Water-Immersion Stress in Rat

Restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS), a compound stress model, includes both psychological and physical stimulation. Studies have shown that neurons in the hypothalamus are involved in RWIS, but the role of astrocytes and the interactions between astrocytes and neurons in RWIS are not clear. Here, we tested our hypothesis that hypothalamus astrocytes are involved in RWIS and interact with neurons to regulate gastric mucosal damage induced by RWIS. The expression of Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and c-Fos in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) significantly increased following the RWIS. GFAP and c-Fos expression are similar in the temporal pattern, peaked at 1 h after the RWIS, then reduced gradually, and reached a maximal level again at 5 h which show “double-peak” characteristics. Intracerebroventricular administration of astroglial toxin L-a-aminoadipate (L-AA) and c-Fos antisense oligodeoxy nucleotides (ASO) both decreased RWIS-induced gastric mucosal damage. Results of immunohistochemistry assay revealed that both L-AA and ASO decreased the activation of astrocytes and neurons in the hypothalamus by RWIS. These results showed that hypothalamus neuron-astrocyte “network” involved in gastric mucosal damage induced by RWIS. This study may offer theoretical basis for some novel therapeutic strategies for RWIS-induced gastric ulcers.