Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solar flares , type III radio bursts , coronal mass ejections , and energetic particles

[1] In this correlative study between >20 MeV solar proton events, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), flares, and radio bursts it is found that essentially all of the proton events are preceded by groups of type III bursts and all are preceded by CMEs. These type III bursts (that are a flare phenomenon) usually are long-lasting, intense bursts seen in the low-frequency observations made from space. They are caused by streams of electrons traveling from close to the solar surface out to 1 AU. In most events the type Ill emissions extend into, or originate at, the time when type II and type IV bursts are reported (some 5 to 10 minutes after the start of the associated soft X-ray flare) and have starting frequencies in the 500 to ,,_100 MHz range that often get lower as a function of time. These later type HI emissions are often not reported by ground-based observers, probably because of undue attention to type II bursts. It is suggested to call them type III-I. Type Ill-/ bursts have previously been called shock accelerated (SA) events, but an examination of radio dynamic spectra over an extended frequency range shows that the type III-/bursts usually start at frequencies above any type II burst that may be present. The bursts sometimes continue beyond the time when type II emission is seen and, furthermore, sometimes occur in the absence of any type II emission. Thus the causative electrons are unlikely to be shock accelerated and probably originate in the reconnection regions below fast CMEs. A search did not find any type HI-/bursts that were not associated with CMEs. The existence of low-frequency type III bursts proves that open field lines extend from within 0.5 radius of the Sun into the interplanetary medium (the bursts start above 100 MHz, and such emission originates within 0.5 solar radius of the solar surface). Thus it is not valid to assume that only closed field lines exist in the flaring regions associated with CMEs and some interplanetary particles originating in such flare regions might be expected in all solar particle events, gerwoRDs: Particles, flares, radio bursts, CMEs
The biologically active zone in upland habitats at the Hanford Site, Washington, USA: Focus on plant rooting depth and biomobilization

We challenge the suggestion by Sample et al. (2015) that a depth of 305 cm (10 ft) exceeds the depth of biological activity in soils at the Hanford Site, Washington, USA, or similar sites. Instead, we support the standard point of compliance, identified in the Model Toxics Control Act in the state of Washington, which specifies a depth of 457 cm (15 ft) for the protection of both human and ecological receptors at the Hanford Site. Our position is based on additional information considered in our expanded review of the literature, the influence of a changing environment over time, plant community dynamics at the Hanford Site, and inherent uncertainty in the Sample et al. (2015) analysis. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:442–446. © 2018 SETAC
Towards a unifying framework for conceptual represention and reasoning in cognitive systems

In this paper we present the rationale adopted for the integration of the knowledge level of D UAL -PECCS, a cognitive system for conceptual representation and categorization, with two different cognitive architectures: SOAR and LIDA. In previous works we already showed how the representational and reasoning framework adopted in D UAL -PECCS was integrable with diverse cognitive architectures, i.e. ACT-R and CLARION, making different representational assumptions and adopting diverse knowledge processing mechanisms. The additional integrations presented here suggest that the underlying knowledge representation and reasoning structure adopted in D UAL -PECCS can be used as a unifying framework for the knowledge level of agents endowed with different cognitive architectures. The current version of the system has been experimentally assessed in a task of conceptual categorization where a target concept illustrated by a simple common-sense linguistic description had to be identiﬁed by resorting to a mix of categorization strategies. The output has then been compared to human and artiﬁcial responses. The novel integration allowed us to extend our previous evaluation.
Skin Spotting Variation Associated with Biometric and Reproductive Parameters in Naturalized Populations of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, from Southern Chile

RESEARCH ARTICLE Skin Spotting Variation Associated with Biometric and Reproductive Parameters in Naturalized Populations of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, from Southern Chile Nelson Colihueque, Francisco Javier Estay and Miguel Yáñez Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile Piscícola Huililco Ltda. , Pucón, Chile Departamento de Estadística, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Concepción, Chile
Genomewide Mutational Diversity in Escherichia coli Population Evolving in Prolonged Stationary Phase

Prolonged stationary phase in bacteria, contrary to its name, is highly dynamic, with extreme nutrient limitation as a predominant stress. Stationary-phase cultures adapt by rapidly selecting a mutation(s) that confers a growth advantage in stationary phase (GASP). The phenotypic diversity of starving E. coli populations has been studied in detail; however, only a few mutations that accumulate in prolonged stationary phase have been described. This study documented the spectrum of mutations appearing in Escherichia coli during 28 days of prolonged starvation. The genetic diversity of the population increases over time in stationary phase to an extent that cannot be explained by random, neutral drift. This suggests that prolonged stationary phase offers a great model system to study adaptive evolution by natural selection. ABSTRACT Prolonged stationary phase is an approximation of natural environments presenting a range of stresses. Survival in prolonged stationary phase requires alternative metabolic pathways for survival. This study describes the repertoire of mutations accumulating in starving Escherichia coli populations in lysogeny broth. A wide range of mutations accumulates over the course of 1 month in stationary phase. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) constitute 64% of all mutations. A majority of these mutations are nonsynonymous and are located at conserved loci. There is an increase in genetic diversity in the evolving populations over time. Computer simulations of evolution in stationary phase suggest that the maximum frequency of mutations observed in our experimental populations cannot be explained by neutral drift. Moreover, there is frequent genetic parallelism across populations, suggesting that these mutations are under positive selection. Finally, functional analysis of mutations suggests that regulatory mutations are frequent targets of selection. IMPORTANCE Prolonged stationary phase in bacteria, contrary to its name, is highly dynamic, with extreme nutrient limitation as a predominant stress. Stationary-phase cultures adapt by rapidly selecting a mutation(s) that confers a growth advantage in stationary phase (GASP). The phenotypic diversity of starving E. coli populations has been studied in detail; however, only a few mutations that accumulate in prolonged stationary phase have been described. This study documented the spectrum of mutations appearing in Escherichia coli during 28 days of prolonged starvation. The genetic diversity of the population increases over time in stationary phase to an extent that cannot be explained by random, neutral drift. This suggests that prolonged stationary phase offers a great model system to study adaptive evolution by natural selection.
Influence of Androgens on Circulating Adiponectin in Male and Female Rodents

Several endocrine factors, including sex-steroid hormones are known to influence adiponectin secretion. Our purpose was to evaluate the influence of testosterone and of the synthetic non-aromatizable/non-5α reducible androgen 17β-hydroxyestra-4,9,11-trien-3-one (trenbolone) on circulating adiponectin and adiponectin protein expression within visceral fat. Young male and female F344 rats underwent sham surgery (SHAM), gonadectomy (GX), or GX plus supraphysiologic testosterone-enanthate (TE) administration. Total circulating adiponectin was 39% higher in intact SHAM females than SHAM males (p<0.05). GX increased total adiponectin by 29–34% in both sexes (p<0.05), while TE reduced adiponectin to concentrations that were 46–53% below respective SHAMs (p≤0.001) and ablated the difference in adiponectin between sexes. No differences in high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin were observed between sexes or treatments. Adiponectin concentrations were highly and negatively associated with serum testosterone (males: r = −0.746 and females: r = −0.742, p≤0.001); however, no association was present between adiponectin and estradiol. In separate experiments, trenbolone-enanthate (TREN) prevented the GX-induced increase in serum adiponectin (p≤0.001) in young animals, with Low-dose TREN restoring adiponectin to the level of SHAMs and higher doses of TREN reducing adiponectin to below SHAM concentrations (p≤0.001). Similarly, TREN reduced adiponectin protein expression within visceral fat (p<0.05). In adult GX males, Low-dose TREN also reduced total adiponectin and visceral fat mass to a similar magnitude as TE, while increasing serum HMW adiponectin above SHAM and GX animals (p<0.05). Serum adiponectin was positively associated with visceral fat mass in young (r = 0.596, p≤0.001) and adult animals (r = 0.657, p≤0.001). Our results indicate that androgens reduce circulating total adiponectin concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, while maintaining HMW adiponectin. This change is directionally similar to the androgen-induced lipolytic effects on visceral adiposity and equal in magnitude between TE and TREN, suggesting that neither the aromatization nor the 5α reduction of androgens is required for this effect.
Comparing the Relative Importance of Water-Borne Cues and Direct Grazing for the Induction of Defenses in the Brown Seaweed Fucus vesiculosus

Some seaweed species have been shown to release water-borne cues after herbivore attack, for example, to attract natural enemies of the herbivore. These cues may also be sensed by neighboring seaweeds and used to adjust their defenses in anticipation of a possible herbivore attack. Several studies indicated information transfer between seaweed individuals in the past, including the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus. Previous work showed induction of defenses in F. vesiculosus in response to water-borne cues released by isopod-grazed conspecifics. In contrast, another study on induced responses after exposure to cues from isopod-grazed neighbors using the same seaweed species yielded contradictory results. This study reassessed the ability of F. vesiculosus individuals to sense water-borne cues released by isopod-grazed neighbors in a series of experiments that monitored F. vesiculosus palatability in response to direct grazing by Idotea baltica and water-borne cues from isopod-grazed neighbors relative to unmanipulated seaweed pieces. Two-choice feeding assays were conducted with both fresh and reconstituted seaweed pieces. Direct grazing by I. baltica induced a chemical defense in F. vesiculosus, confirming results of previous studies. In contrast, evidence for increased herbivore resistance in seaweed pieces that were located downstream of isopod-grazed F. vesiculosus could not be provided. The lack of defense induction in response to grazing of conspecific neighbors may be explained by the environmental conditions and the scattered distribution of F. vesiculosus individuals in the intertidal zone of Helgoland, which may render resource investment in the emission and/or response to water-borne cues at this site unprofitable.
Title Total-Ionizing-Dose Effects on Threshold Switching in 1 T-TaS 2 Charge Density Wave Devices

The 1T polytype of TaS2 exhibits voltagetriggered threshold switching as a result of a phase transition from nearly commensurate to incommensurate charge density wave states. Threshold switching, persistent above room temperature, can be utilized in a variety of electronic devices, e.g., voltage controlled oscillators. We evaluated the total-ionizing-dose response of thin film 1T -TaS2 at doses up to 1 Mrad (SiO2). The thresholdvoltage changedby less than 2% after irradiation, with persistent self-sustained oscillations observed through the full irradiation sequence. The radiation hardness is attributed to the high intrinsic carrier concentration of 1T -TaS2 in both of the phases that lead to threshold switching. These results suggest that charge density wave devices, implemented with thin films of 1T -TaS2, are promising for applications in high radiation environments.
Methadone against cancer: Lost in translation

Recently, the opioid analgesic d,l‐methadone has gained much attention as a potential antineoplastic compound, considerably triggered through lay press and media. In consequence, physicians and pharmacists are currently confronted with numerous patients willing to use d,l‐methadone against their malignancies. Well‐performed in vitro and in vivo models have in fact shown pro‐apoptotic effects of d,l‐methadone or other opioids, but also proliferation‐stimulating properties. Moreover, the mechanisms of proposed opioid‐stimulated apoptosis are incompletely described or contradicting. Finally, the receptors mostly responsible for induction of apoptosis by d,l‐methadone remain unclear as contributions of both µ‐opioid receptors, Fas cell death receptors, toll‐like receptors, N‐Methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors and opioid growth factor receptors were suggested. Such ambiguity prevents rational application of d,l‐methadone or patient stratification to enhance beneficial antineoplastic effects. From a clinical point of view, d,l‐methadone and other opioids might in fact prolong survival, but such effects likely originate from their analgesic and neuro‐psychotropic properties and, thus, improvements of quality of life. Crucial obstacles to the administration of d,l‐methadone are incomplete knowledge about its systemic disposition, highly variable pharmacokinetics, profound drug–drug‐ or drug–disease interaction and QT‐prolongation potential. This article summarizes and rates the pharmacological basis of d,l‐methadone as an antineoplastic agent and puts its administration in clinical oncology into perspective. Despite enthralling experimental findings about d,l‐methadone‐mediated apoptosis in cancerous cells or tissues, clinicians should realize the current lack of evidence for the use of d,l‐methadone as an antineoplastic agent. Its administration against cancer pain is, however, tenable, albeit restricted to certain clinical situations.
Prospective associations of poor diet quality with long-term incidence of protein-energy malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults: the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study

ABSTRACT Background Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major problem in older adults. Whether poor diet quality is an indicator for the long-term development of PEM is unknown. Objective The aim was to determine whether poor diet quality is associated with the incidence of PEM in community-dwelling older adults. Design We used data on 2234 US community-dwelling older adults aged 70–79 y of the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study. In 1998–1999, dietary intake over the preceding year was measured by using a Block food-frequency questionnaire. Indicators of diet quality include the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), energy intake, and protein intake. Outcomes were determined annually by using measured weight and height and included the following: 1) incident PEM [body mass index (in kg/m2) <20, involuntary weight loss of ≥5% in the preceding year at any follow-up examination, or both] and 2) incident persistent PEM (having PEM at 2 consecutive follow-up examinations). Associations of indicators of diet quality with 4-y and 3-y incidence of PEM and persistent PEM, respectively, were examined by multivariable Cox regression analyses. Results The quality of the diet, as assessed with the HEI, was rated as “poor” for 6.4% and as “needs improvement” for 73.0% of the participants. During follow-up, 24.9% of the participants developed PEM and 8.5% developed persistent PEM. A poor HEI score was not associated with incident PEM or persistent PEM. Lower baseline energy intake was associated with a lower incidence of PEM (HR per 100-kcal/d lower intake: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97, 0.99) and persistent PEM (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99), although lower baseline protein intake was observed to be associated with a higher incidence of persistent PEM (HR per 10-g/d lower intake: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.29). Conclusions These findings do not indicate that a poor diet quality is a risk factor for the long-term development of PEM in community-dwelling older adults, although there is an indication that lower protein intake is associated with higher PEM risk.
Effect of enhanced homestead food production and aquaculture on dietary intakes of women and children in rural Cambodia: A cluster randomized controlled trial

The Cambodian diet is low in nutrient-dense animal-source foods. Enhanced homestead food production (EHFP) and aquaculture, which increase availability of nutrient-dense foods, are promising interventions to improve dietary intake. This study examined the effect of EHFP with or without aquaculture on dietary intake and prevalence of inadequate intake of select nutrients among women and children living in rural Cambodia, compared to controls. In a registered, cluster randomized controlled trial in Prey Veng, Cambodia, 10 households in each of 90 villages (n = 900) were randomized by village to receive EHFP, EHFP plus aquaculture, or control. After 22-month intervention, 24-hr dietary recalls (24HRs) were collected from mothers aged 18-50 years (n = 429) and their children aged 6 months-7 years (n = 421), reported by their mothers. Usual intake distributions (generated using 24HRs and repeat 24HRs on a subsample) were used to estimate prevalence of inadequate intake. Compared to controls, women in the EHFP group had significantly higher zinc (+1.0 mg/d) and Vitamin A (+139 retinol activity equivalents/d) intakes, and women in the EHFP plus aquaculture group had significantly higher iron (+2.7 mg/d), Vitamin A (+191 retinol activity equivalents/d), and riboflavin (+0.17 mg/d) intakes. Women in the EHFP plus aquaculture group also had significantly lower prevalence of inadequate iron (-7%, at 10% bioavailability), Vitamin A (-19%), and riboflavin (-17%) intakes, compared to controls. No significant differences in intakes or nutrient adequacy were observed among children or between EHFP and EHFP plus aquaculture groups. The biological importance of the small differences in nutrient intakes among women remains to be established.
Predictive value of homocysteine for depression after acute coronary syndrome

We investigated roles of plasma homocysteine and MTHFR gene in relation to risks and treatment responses of depression in ACS. A sample of 969 patients with recent ACS were recruited and 711 followed 1 year later. In addition, of 378 baseline participants with depressive disorder, 255 were randomized to a 24-week double blind trial of escitalopram (N = 127) or placebo (N = 128). A higher homocysteine concentration was independently associated with prevalent depressive disorder at baseline irrespective of MTHFR genotype; and with both incident and persistent depressive disorder at follow-up only in the presence of TT genotype. MTHFR genotype was not itself associated with depressive disorder after ACS. No associations were found with 24-week antidepressant treatment responses. Plasma homocysteine could be a biomarker for depressive disorder particularly in the acute phase of ACS. Focused interventions for those with higher homocysteine level and MTHFR TT genotype might reduce the risk of later depressive disorder.
PKCδ-Mediated Nox2 Activation Promotes Fluid-Phase Pinocytosis of Antigens by Immature Dendritic Cells

Aims Macropinocytosis is a major endocytic pathway by which dendritic cells (DCs) internalize antigens in the periphery. Despite the importance of DCs in the initiation and control of adaptive immune responses, the signaling mechanisms mediating DC macropinocytosis of antigens remain largely unknown. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in stimulation of DC macropinocytosis and, if so, to identify the specific PKC isoform(s) and downstream signaling mechanisms involved. Methods Various cellular, molecular and immunological techniques, pharmacological approaches and genetic knockout mice were utilized to investigate the signaling mechanisms mediating DC macropinocytosis. Results Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that DCs internalize fluorescent antigens (ovalbumin) using macropinocytosis. Pharmacological blockade of classical and novel PKC isoforms using calphostin C abolished both phorbol ester- and hepatocyte growth factor-induced antigen macropinocytosis in DCs. The qRT-PCR experiments identified PKCδ as the dominant PKC isoform in DCs. Genetic studies demonstrated the functional role of PKCδ in DC macropinocytosis of antigens, their subsequent maturation, and secretion of various T-cell stimulatory cytokines, including IL-1α, TNF-α and IFN-β. Additional mechanistic studies identified NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) and intracellular superoxide anion as important players in DC macropinocytosis of antigens downstream of PKCδ activation. Conclusion The findings of the present study demonstrate a novel mechanism by which PKCδ activation via stimulation of Nox2 activity and downstream redox signaling promotes DC macropinocytosis of antigens. PKCδ/Nox2-mediated antigen macropinocytosis stimulates maturation of DCs and secretion of T-cell stimulatory cytokines. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in DC macropinocytosis and downstream regulation of T-cell-mediated responses.
Effect of Heat Stress on Humoral Immunity and its Amelioration by Amla Powder (Emblica officinalis) Supplementation in Buffaloes

The effect of amla powder supplementation on heat stress and immunoglobulin (Ig) levels of summer stressed buffaloes were investigated. The study was carried out with 24 apparently healthy Murrah buffaloes during pre-summer and summer seasons. The animals were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals each viz. Pre-Summer group (Group I); Summer Control group (Group II); Summer Treatment group (Group III). Group III animals were supplemented with amla powder @ 200 mg/Kg body wt. /day for 30 days. In summer stressed buffaloes (Group II), there was a significant rise in erythrocytic lipid peroxidation level and superoxide dismutase activity along with a decrease in plasma IgM and increase in IgG levels. Supplementation of amla powder to summer stressed buffaloes was able to lower lipid peroxidation levels and superoxide dismutase activity coupled with the increase in IgM and decrease in IgG levels. It was concluded that amla powder supplementation can ameliorate the adverse effects of summer stress on humoral immunity in Murrah buffaloes.