Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Skeletal Amino Acid Composition of the Marine Demosponge Aplysina cavernicola

It has been discovered during the past few years that demosponges of the order Verongida such as Aplysina cavernicola exhibit chitin-based skeletons. Verongida sponges are well known to produce bioactive brominated tyrosine derivatives. We could recently demonstrate that brominated compounds do not exclusively occur in the cellular matrix but also in the skeletons of the marine sponges Aplysina cavernicola and Ianthella basta. Our measurements imply that these yet unknown compounds are strongly, possibly covalently bound to the sponge skeletons. In the present work, we determined the skeletal amino acid composition of the demosponge A. cavernicola especially with respect to the presence of halogenated amino acids. The investigations of the skeletons before and after MeOH extraction confirmed that only a small amount of the brominated skeleton-bound compounds dissolves in MeOH. The main part of the brominated compounds is strongly attached to the skeletons but can be extracted for example by using Ba(OH)2. Various halogenated tyrosine derivatives were identified by GC-MS and LC-MS in these Ba(OH)2 extracts of the skeletons.
High Strain Rate Response of an Elastomer

Pressure‐shear plate impact experiments are used to study the nonlinear dynamic response of an elastomer at shearing rates of 105 – 106 s−1. Samples with thicknesses in the range 100 μm – 400 μm are cast between two hard steel plates. Because of the comparatively low impedance of the elastomer, longitudinal waves reverberating through the thickness of the sample — and recorded with a laser interferometer — are used to determine the isentrope of the material under uniaxial strain compression. Once the sample is fully compressed a shear wave arrives and imposes a simple shearing deformation. From the transverse velocity, measured interferometrically at the rear surface of the sandwich target, the shear stress and the transverse velocity at the rear surface of the sample are determined. These measurements provide an indication of the shearing resistance of the material under pressure. When the longitudinal unloading wave arrives from the rear surface of the target, these same measurements provide an indicati.
Quantitative Assessment of the Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production (HANPP) in the Coastal Areas of Jiangsu, China

Global increases in population and consumption have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of the current and future use of natural resources. The human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) provides a useful measure for determining human-derived alterations in the amount of biomass that is available in ecosystems each year. HANPP was calculated based on vegetation modelling, agricultural statistics, and remote sensing data on land use and land cover to assess the human impacts on ecosystems in the coastal areas of Jiangsu, China. The results showed that HANPP increased from 332 g·C/m 2 /year in 2000 to 442 g·C/m 2 /year in 2010, with an average annual increase of 2.9%. The proportion of appropriated net primary production increased from 50.3% to 71.0% of NPP pot , mainly driven by HANPP harv (harvested NPP) with an increase from 45.2% to 61.3% of NPP pot . Additionally, the spatial variation in average HANPP was striking among counties in the observed period with the lowest and highest values of 21.8% and 63.8% of NPP pot , respectively. Further analysis showed that observed levels of HANPP are high due to a high level of biomass harvest from cropland and the increases in fertilizer use, farmland irrigation rate and population and economic growth explain the trends in HANPP in the coastal areas of Jiangsu.
A short linear sequence in the pre-S domain of the large hepatitis B virus envelope protein required for virion formation

Envelopment of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleocapsid depends on the large envelope protein L, which is expressed as a transmembrane polypeptide at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Previous studies demonstrated that the cytosolic exposure of the N-terminal pre-S domain (174 amino acids) of L was required for virion formation. N-terminal truncations of L up to Arg 103 were tolerated. To map sites in the remaining C-terminal part of pre-S important for virion morphogenesis, a series of 11 L mutants with linker substitutions between Asn 98 and Pro 171 was generated. The mutants formed stable proteins and were secreted in transfected cell cultures, probably as components of subviral hepatitis B surface antigen particles. All four constructs with mutations between Asn 98 and Thr 125 were unable to complement in trans the block in virion formation of an L-negative HBV genome in cotransfected HuH7 cells. These mutants had a transdominant negative effect on virus yield in cotransfections with the wild-type HBV genome. In contrast, all seven mutants with substitutions downstream of Ser 124 were able to envelop the nucleocapsid and to secrete HBV. The sequence between Arg 103 and Ser 124 is highly conserved among different HBV isolates and also between HBV and the woodchuck hepatitis virus. Point mutations in this region introducing alanine residues at conserved positions blocked virion formation, in contrast to mutations at nonconserved residues. These results demonstrate that the pre-S sequence between Arg 103 and Ser 124 has an important function in HBV morphogenesis.
The NS 1 Protein of Influenza A Virus Blocks RIGI-Mediated Activation of the Noncanonical NF-B Pathway and p 52 / RelB-Dependent Gene Expression in Lung Epithelial Cells

Andrea Rückle, Emanuel Haasbach, Ilkka Julkunen, Oliver Planz, Christina Ehrhardt, and Stephan Ludwig Institute of Molecular Virology (IMV), Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfälische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany; Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; and Virology Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Conditioned Medium Improves the Proliferation and Migration of Keratinocytes in a Diabetes-Like Microenvironment

The impairment of wound healing in diabetic patients is an important clinical problem. Proper keratinocyte migration and proliferation are the crucial steps during reepithelialization, and these steps may be impaired in diabetes mellitus (DM) due to hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation in wound site. In this study, we explored the effects of diabetes-like microenvironment with high glucose (HG) and intense inflammation on the migration and proliferation of keratinocytes in vitro. We found that the migration and proliferation of rat keratinocytes were reduced with HG and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation via Erk signaling pathway in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent manner. Nevertheless, mesenchymal stem cell–conditioned medium (MSC-CM) counteracts the effects of HG and LPS. Treatment of rat keratinocyte with MSC-CM decreased HG- and/or LPS-induced ROS overproduction. Furthermore, MSC-CM reversed the downregulation of phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and Erk 1/2, which was induced by HG and/or LPS without affecting total levels. Our results may provide a possible mechanism for delayed wound healing in DM and provide a foundation to develop MSC-CM as an alternative therapeutic strategy to ameliorate the poor wound-healing conditions.
Ontogeny of energy allocation reveals selective pressure promoting risk-taking behaviour in young fish cohorts

Given limited food, prey fishes in a temperate climate must take risks to acquire sufficient reserves for winter and/or to outgrow vulnerability to predation. However, how can we distinguish which selective pressure promotes risk-taking when larger body size is always beneficial? To address this question, we examined patterns of energy allocation in populations of age-0 trout to determine if greater risk-taking corresponds with energy allocation to lipids or to somatic growth. Trout achieved maximum growth rates in all lakes and allocated nearly all of their acquired energy to somatic growth when small in early summer. However, trout in low-food lakes took greater risks to achieve this maximal growth, and therefore incurred high mortality. By late summer, age-0 trout allocated considerable energy to lipids and used previously risky habitats in all lakes. These results indicate that: (i) the size-dependent risk of predation (which is independent of behaviour) promotes risk-taking behaviour of age-0 trout to increase growth and minimize time spent in vulnerable sizes; and (ii) the physiology of energy allocation and behaviour interact to mediate growth/mortality trade-offs for young animals at risk of predation and starvation.
Effects of atorvastatin added to inhaled corticosteroids on lung function and sputum cell counts in atopic asthma

Background: Statins have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in the treatment of asthma. A study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that atorvastatin added to inhaled corticosteroids improves lung function and airway inflammation in atopic adults with asthma. Methods: 54 adults with atopic asthma were recruited to a double-blind randomised controlled crossover trial comparing the effect of oral atorvastatin 40 mg daily with that of a matched placebo on asthma control and airway inflammation. Each treatment was administered for 8 weeks separated by a 6-week washout period. The primary outcome was morning peak expiratory flow (PEF). Secondary outcomes included forced expiratory volume in 1 s, asthma control questionnaire score, airway hyper-responsiveness to methacholine, induced sputum cytology and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: At 8 weeks the change in mean morning PEF compared with baseline did not differ substantially between the atorvastatin and placebo treatment periods (mean difference −0.5 l/min, 95% CI −10.6 to 9.6, p = 0.921). Values for other clinical outcomes were similar between the atorvastatin and placebo treatment periods. The absolute sputum macrophage count was reduced after atorvastatin compared with placebo (mean difference −45.0×104 cells, 95% CI −80.1 to −9.7, p = 0.029), as was the sputum fluid leucotriene B4 (mean difference −88.1 pg/ml, 95% CI −156.4 to −19.9, p = 0.014). Conclusion: The addition of atorvastatin to inhaled corticosteroids results in no short-term improvement in asthma control but reduces sputum macrophage counts in mild to moderate atopic asthma. The change in sputum macrophage count suggests potential areas for investigation of statins in other chronic lung diseases.
Dormancy contributes to the maintenance of microbial diversity

Dormancy is a bet-hedging strategy used by a variety of organisms to overcome unfavorable environmental conditions. By entering a reversible state of low metabolic activity, dormant individuals become members of a seed bank, which can determine community dynamics in future generations. Although microbiologists have documented dormancy in both clinical and natural settings, the importance of seed banks for the diversity and functioning of microbial communities remains untested. Here, we develop a theoretical model demonstrating that microbial communities are structured by environmental cues that trigger dormancy. A molecular survey of lake ecosystems revealed that dormancy plays a more important role in shaping bacterial communities than eukaryotic microbial communities. The proportion of dormant bacteria was relatively low in productive ecosystems but accounted for up to 40% of taxon richness in nutrient-poor systems. Our simulations and empirical data suggest that regional environmental cues and dormancy synchronize the composition of active communities across the landscape while decoupling active microbes from the total community at local scales. Furthermore, we observed that rare bacterial taxa were disproportionately active relative to common bacterial taxa, suggesting that microbial rank-abundance curves are more dynamic than previously considered. We propose that repeated transitions to and from the seed bank may help maintain the high levels of microbial biodiversity that are observed in nearly all ecosystems.
Assistive Robotics and an Ecology of Elders Living Independently in Their Homes

For elders who remain independent in their homes, the home becomes more than just a place to eat and sleep. The home becomes a place where people care for each other, and it gradually subsumes all activities. This article reports on an ethnographic study of aging adults who live independently in their homes. Seventeen elders aged 60 through 90 were interviewed and observed in their homes in 2 Midwestern cities. The goal is to understand how robotic products might assist these people, helping them to stay independent and active longer. The experience of aging is described as an ecology of aging made up of people, products, and activities taking place in a local environment of the home and the surrounding community. In this environment, product successes and failures often have a dramatic impact on the ecology, throwing off a delicate balance. When a breakdown occurs, family members and other caregivers have to intervene, threatening elders' independence and identity. This article highlights the interest in how the elder ecology can be supported by new robotic products that are conceived of as a part of this interdependent system. It is recommended that the design of these products fit the ecology as part of the system, support elders' values, and adapt to all of the members of the ecology who will interact with them.
Mesoscopic quantum emitters coupled to plasmonic nanostructures

This thesis reports research on quantum dots coupled to dielectric and plasmonic nano-structures by way of nano-structure fabrication, optical measurements, and theoretical modeling. To study light-matter interaction, plasmonic gap waveguides with nanometer dimensions as well as samples for studies of quantum dots in proximity to semiconductor/air and semiconductor/metal interfaces, were fabricated. We measured the decay dynamics of quantum dots near plasmonic gap waveguides and observed modi ed decay rates. The obtainable modi cations with the fabricated structures are calculated to be too small to allow for e cient plasmon-based single-photon sources. Theoretical studies of coupling and propagation properties of plasmonic waveguides reveal that a high-refractive index of the medium surrounding the emitter, e.g. nGaAs = 3.5, limits the realizability of e cient plasmon-based single-photon sources using self-assembled quantum dots. The measured decay dynamics of quantum dots in proximity to semiconductor/metal interfaces reveal that the dipole approximation generally does not hold for quantum dots due to their mesoscopic size. In order to explain the observations, a theoretical model for the spontaneous emission of mesoscopic quantum emitters is developed. The light-matter interaction is in this model modi ed beyond the dipole expectancy and found to both suppress and enhance the coupling to plasmonic modes in excellent agreement with our measurements. We demonstrate that this mesoscopic e ect can be utilized to strongly modify the coupling to plasmonic modes on metal nanowires and gap waveguides and we propose its use for spontaneous-emission control beyond the dipole approximation in nano-structured environments in general.
A dynamic Shh expression pattern, regulated by SHH and BMP signaling, coordinates fusion of primordia in the amniote face

The mechanisms of morphogenesis are not well understood, yet shaping structures during development is essential for establishing correct organismal form and function. Here, we examine mechanisms that help to shape the developing face during the crucial period of facial primordia fusion. This period of development is a time when the faces of amniote embryos exhibit the greatest degree of similarity, and it probably results from the necessity for fusion to occur to establish the primary palate. Our results show that hierarchical induction mechanisms, consisting of iterative signaling by Sonic hedgehog (SHH) followed by Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), regulate a dynamic expression pattern of Shh in the ectoderm covering the frontonasal (FNP) and maxillary (MxP) processes. Furthermore, this Shh expression domain contributes to the morphogenetic processes that drive the directional growth of the globular process of the FNP toward the lateral nasal process and MxP, in part by regulating cell proliferation in the facial mesenchyme. The nature of the induction mechanism that we discovered suggests that the process of fusion of the facial primordia is intrinsically buffered against producing maladaptive morphologies, such as clefts of the primary palate, because there appears to be little opportunity for variation to occur during expansion of the Shh expression domain in the ectoderm of the facial primordia. Ultimately, these results might explain why this period of development constitutes a phylotypic stage of facial development among amniotes. Summary: Iterative Shh and BMP signalling mechanisms induce a dynamic pattern of Shh expression in the mouse facial ectoderm that governs morphogenesis of the underlying mesenchyme.
Structural performance of hybrid sandwich slabs under shear loading

In a hybrid panel with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bottom skin and ribs, and deflection hardening cementitious composites (DHCC) top layer, it is very important to provide good shear connection between these various components in order to increase the load carrying capacity of the resulting hybrid slabs and a larger increment of deflection before the occurrence of the structural softening of this panel. The effectiveness of the proposed hybrid sandwich panels strongly depends on the performance of the shear connectors. The efficiency of indented shear connectors in improving the flexural performance of hybrid sandwich panels is here demonstrated. Since the efficiency of indented shear connectors in the hybrid sandwich panels is unknown, efforts are made in this paper in investigating the shear performance of hybrid slabs. A special focus is given on the indented shear connector’s behavior, considering different shear span ratios in ranges of 2.00, 1.39, and 0.77. In this regard, six hybrid sandwich panels were manufactured and experimentally tested under different shear loads. Then, the results are interpreted comprehensively. The results obtained show that the GFRP rib thickness and height, and shear span ratios influence the damage events and the structural performance of the hybrid sandwich panels. Moreover, it was observed that using indented shear connectors in the hybrid slabs, regardless of the shear span ratios, provides high load capacity, high stiffness, and large residual deflection.
Comparison of local anaesthetic effects of tramadol with prilocaine for minor surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that a local anaesthetic action of tramadol 5% was able to induce a sensory block to pinprick, touch, and cold similar to that of lidocaine 1%. The aim of this study was to compare the local anaesthetic effects of tramadol hydrochloride with prilocaine. METHODS Sixty ASA I or II patients, undergoing excision of the cutaneous lesions under local anaesthesia, were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1 ml of tramadol 5% (Group T, n=30) or 1 ml of prilocaine 2% (Group P, n=30) intradermally, in a double-blinded fashion. The degree of the burning sensation and pain at the injection site was documented. Sensory block was assessed 1 min after injection. The patient was asked to report the degree of sensation and to grade touch and pinprick sensation. Two minutes after drug administration, incision was performed and intensity of pain, felt by the patient was evaluated on a four-point scale (0-3). Any local adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS There was no difference in the quality of block between the two groups. Side effects were noted in both groups with a significant increase in the incidence of local reaction (rash) in Group T (seven patients) when compared with Group P (one patient) (P<0.05). Seven patients in Group T vs four patients in Group P complained of burning at the injection site (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Intradermal tramadol 5% can provide a local anaesthesia similar to the prilocaine but the incidence of local adverse effects is higher.
Economic comparison of methods of wound closure: wound closure strips vs. sutures and wound adhesives

Our objective was to review and assess the treatment of low‐tension wounds and evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of wound closure methods. We used a health economic model to estimate cost/closure of adhesive wound closure strips, tissue adhesives and sutures. The model incorporated cost‐driving variables: application time, costs and the likelihood and costs of dehiscence and infection. The model was populated with variable estimates derived from the literature. Cost estimates and cosmetic results were compared. Parameter values were estimated using national healthcare and labour statistics. Sensitivity analyses were used to verify the results. Our analysis suggests that adhesive wound closure strips had the lowest average cost per laceration ($7·54), the lowest cost per infected laceration ($53·40) and the lowest cost per laceration with dehiscence ($25·40). The costs for sutures were $24·11, $69·91 and $41·91, respectively; the costs for tissue adhesives were $28·77, $74·68 and $46·68, respectively. The cosmetic outcome for all three treatments was equivalent. We conclude adhesive wound closure strips were both a cost‐saving and a cost‐effective alternative to sutures and tissue adhesives in the closure of low‐tension lacerations.
No Association between the Mitochondrial Genome and Prostate Cancer Risk: The Multiethnic Cohort

Background: Mitochondria are involved in many processes that are central to the life and death of a cell. Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), in particular, is known to be altered in carcinogenesis, leading to an increase in the production of reactive oxidative species and glycolysis, one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Because of this, genetic variation in the mitochondrial genome, which encodes for part of the OXPHOS pathway, has been suggested to play a role in many cancers, including prostate cancer. Methods: We comprehensively examined the role of the mitochondrial genome and prostate cancer risk in 4,086 prostate cancer cases and 3,698 controls from the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC), testing 350 mitochondrial SNPs (mtSNPs) in five racial/ethnic populations—Africans, Asian Americans, Europeans, Latinos, and Native Hawaiians. Logistic regression was conducted to examine single mitochondrial SNP and haplogroup associations. The sequence kernel association test was conducted for gene and pathway analysis. Results: Eleven mtSNPs and haplogroup N were nominally associated with overall prostate cancer risk at P < 0.05. The mitochondrial DNA-encoded OXPHOS pathway, complexes, and genes were not associated with prostate cancer risk. No significant associations were identified after multiple testing corrections (all FDR q > 0.20). Conclusions: The mitochondrial genome was not associated with prostate cancer risk in our study of 7,784 subjects from the MEC. Impact: Our comprehensive study does not support the role of the mitochondrial genome in the risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(6); 1001–3. ©2016 AACR.
Nuclear Migration

Textbooks represent the animal cell nucleus as a sort of cellular Jabba the Hutt, torpidly enthroned in the center of the cell. In fact nothing could be farther from the truth. The nucleus more closely resembles Luke Skywalker, the hero of Star Wars, in its ability to move about in its cellular