Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Has a Receptor for Androstenedione1

Abstract The use of nuclear steroid receptors as ligand-activated transcription factors is a critical event in vertebrate evolution. It is believed that nuclear steroid receptors arose at or before the vertebrate radiation, except for an androgen receptor (Ar) that evolved only in the gnathostome line. We report an androgen-Ar complex in the male sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), an extant jawless vertebrate. The androgen with the highest affinity is not testosterone, but its direct precursor, androstenedione (Ad). To establish that the binding moiety in lamprey testis is a receptor—and not an “androgen-binding protein”—we have shown that it can be extracted from the nucleus as well as the cytosol, that the Ad-receptor complex binds to DNA, and that the receptor is approximately twice the size of an androgen-binding protein extracted from the Atlantic salmon testis. The capacity (and high affinity) of binding of the lamprey Ar is such that much of the Ad present in male lampreys becomes sequestered within the testis (as opposed to circulating in the plasma). Concentrations of Ad (but not of testosterone) in plasma and testis tissue are upregulated by injection of lamprey GnRH. Implantation of male lampreys with exogenous Ad significantly accelerates the development of the testis and growth of at least one secondary male characteristic. It appears that all classes of steroid hormones have contributed to the evolution of the regulatory complexity of steroid receptors found in modern vertebrates.
Enhanced Radiosensitivity of Androgen-Resistant Prostate Cancer: AZD1152-Mediated Aurora Kinase B Inhibition

Aurora kinase B (AURKB) is critical to the process of mitosis, aiding in chromosome condensation by phosphorylating histone H3. We investigated the effects of AZD1152, an AURKB inhibitor, on radiosensitivity of androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cells. The goal of this study was to test whether AZD1152 increases the susceptibility of hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells to radiation-induced DNA damage and to determine the conditions of AZD1152 treatment that maximize radiosensitization. PC3 and DU145 cells were treated with various AZD1152 doses for various durations to elucidate the conditions that yielded maximal increases in G2/M-phase and polyploid cells. To assess DNA damage, &ggr;-H2AX phosphorylation was quantified for cells grown under radiosensitizing conditions and subjected to either no radiation or 5 Gy radiation. Radiosensitivity was determined by clonogenic assays. Cell cycle effects in both cell lines were maximized by treatment with 60 nM AZD1152 for 48 h. AZD1152-treated cells exhibited significantly increased DNA damage 30 min postirradiation (PC3: 100% compared to 68%, P = 0.035; DU145: 100% compared to 69%, P = 0.034), with additional DNA damage 6 h postirradiation (PC3: 85% compared to 15%, P = 0.002; DU145: 67% compared to 21%, P = 0.012). Radiosensitivity was increased in both cell lines, with dose enhancement ratios of 1.53 for PC3 cells (P = 0.017) and 1.71 for DU145 cells (P = 0.02). This study identifies the optimal AZD1152 treatment conditions to maximize the radiosensitization of PC3 and DU145 cells. These results suggest a major role for DNA damage and impairment of DNA repair mechanisms in AZD1152-induced radiosensitization of prostate cancer cells.
Formulated collagen gel accelerates healing rate immediately after application in patients with diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers

We assessed the safety and efficacy of Formulated Collagen Gel (FCG) alone and with Ad5PDGF‐B (GAM501) compared with Standard of Care (SOC) in patients with 1.5–10.0 cm2 chronic diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers that healed <30% during Run‐in. Wound size was assessed by planimetry of acetate tracings and photographs in 124 patients. Comparison of data sets revealed that acetate tracings frequently overestimated areas at some sites. For per‐protocol analysis, 113 patients qualified using acetate tracings but only 82 qualified using photographs. Prior animal studies suggested that collagen alone would have little effect on healing and would serve as a negative control. Surprisingly trends for increased incidence of complete closure were observed for both GAM501 (41%) and FCG (45%) vs. Standard of Care (31%). By photographic data, Standard of Care had no significant effect on change in wound radius (mm/week) from during Run‐in to Week 1 (−0.06±0.32 to 0.78±1.53, p=ns) but both FCG (−0.08±0.61 to 1.97±1.77, p<0.002) and GAM501 (−0.02±0.58 to 1.46±1.37, p<0.002) significantly increased healing rates that gradually declined over subsequent weeks. Both GAM501 and FCG appeared to be safe and well tolerated, and alternate dosing schedules hold promise to improve overall complete wound closure in adequately powered trials.
Responses of Soil Microbial Biomass and Enzyme Activities to Tillage and Fertilization Systems in Soybean (Glycine max L.) Production

Tillage operation and fertilizer type play important roles in soil properties as far as soil microbial condition is concerned. Information regarding the simultaneous evaluation of the effect of long-term tillage and fertilization on the soil microbial traits of soybean farms is not available. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that, the microbial biomass and enzyme activity, more often than not, respond quickly to changes in soil tillage and fertilization. Therefore, the experiments were aimed at analyzing the responses of soil microbial traits to tillage and fertilization in a soybean field in Kurdistan University, Iran. The field soil is categorized into coarse Loamy, mixed, superactive, calcareous, and mesic Typic Xerorthents. The experiments were arranged in split plot, based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots consisted of long-term (since 2002) tillage systems including conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT), and no-tillage (NT). Eight fertilization methods were employed in the sub-plots, including (F1): farmyard manure (FYM); (F2): compost; (F3): chemical fertilizers; (F4): FYM + compost; (F5): FYM + chemical fertilizers; (F6): compost + chemical fertilizers; (F7): FYM + compost + chemical fertilizers and (F8): Control (without fertilizer). The highest microbial biomass carbon (385.1 μg) was observed in NT-F4 treatment. The NT treatment comparatively recorded higher values of acid phosphatase (189.1 μg PNP g−1 h−1), alkaline phosphatase (2879.6 μg PNP g−1 h−1) and dehydrogenase activity (68.1 μg PNP g−1 h−1). The soil treated with a mixture of compost and FYM inputs had the maximum urease activity of all tillage treatments. Organically manured treatment (F4) showed more activity in dehydrogenase (85.7 μg PNP g−1 h−1), acid phosphatase (199.1 μg PNP g−1 h−1), and alkaline phosphatase (3183.6 μg PNP g−1 h−1) compared to those treated with chemical fertilizers. In NT-F4 treatment, using on-farm inputs is most suitable for sustainable management and improvement in soil biological activities in soybean cultivation. We concluded that applying organic manures and employing reduced tillage systems increased soil microbial biomass and enzyme activities.
The consequences of paediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on executive functioning

The thesis may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use:  Any use you make of these documents or images must be for research or private study purposes only, and you may not make them available to any other person.  Authors control the copyright of their thesis. You will recognise the author's right to be identified as the author of the thesis, and due acknowledgement will be made to the author where appropriate.  You will obtain the author's permission before publishing any material from the thesis. 2014 ii ABSTRACT Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of death and disability in children and adults under 35 years of age, and is a major health concern Kobusingye, 2007), and it is projected that TBI will be the third largest cause of global disease burden by 2020 (The Lancet Neurology, 2010). Symptoms of TBI can persist across cognitive, behavioural, emotional, and social domains, regardless of age; preschool children being particularly vulnerable, due to rapid development of the brain within the first years of life. The main purpose of this study (aim 1) was to determine whether mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) injury in preschool children had an effect on their normal cognitive development, specifically executive functioning (EF) and the sub domains of inhibitory control and working memory 24 months post injury compared with an age-matched control group. Behavioural functioning was also examined in terms of its relationship to EF (aim 2), specifically addressing both internalising and externalising behaviours and adaptability. Lastly factors that may contribute or be predictive of risk of injury were explored (aim 3), specifically age/maturation of the brain or stage of development, and both parental/environmental factors. Forty four children participated in this population-based study; twenty two were pre-schoolers aged two years of age at the date of injury, and were assessed 24 months post injury and were aged between 4 years – 4 year 11 months. This group was matched by age, gender, and geographical region with a TBI free control group (n=22). Both the parent-rated Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF-P) and the performance based Colour Object Interference and Day & Night tasks (COI & D&N) measures of executive functioning were used to determine any differences between the groups in terms of inhibitory control and working memory. Further parent-rated …
Ferulic acid ameliorates memory impairment in d-galactose-induced aging mouse model

Abstract Ferulic acid (FA) acts as a powerful antioxidant against various age-related diseases. To investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of FA against d-galactose(d-gal)-induced memory deficit, mice were injected with d-gal to induce memory impairment and simultaneously treated with FA and donepezil. The behavioral results revealed that chronic FA treatment reversed d-gal-induced memory impairment. Further, FA treatment inhibited d-gal-induced AChE activity and oxidative stress via increase of superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione content, as well as decrease of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels. We also observed that FA significantly inhibits inflammation in the brain through reduction of NF-κB and IL-1β by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, FA treatment significantly reduces the caspase-3 level in the hippocampus of d-gal-treated mice. Hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining showed that FA prevents neurodegeneration induced by d-gal. These findings showed that FA inhibits d-gal-induced AChE activity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and consequently ameliorates memory impairment.
Simplified Implementation Scheme for Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation of n-Level Inverter With Online Computation of Optimal Switching Pulse Durations

Space vector modulation (SVM) control of multilevel inverters (MLIs) is very popular. However, it gets extremely challenging with the increase in the number of output voltage levels due to the emergence of subtriangles in the various sectors of the hexagon, which results in increased computational complexity and storage requirements of switching states and corresponding pulse durations. Currently, this is handled through laborios offline computations in conjunction with the visual inspection of the space vector hexagon and its various sectors. This paper aims to simplify the implementation of the SVM scheme for an n-level MLI by proposing generalized equations that not only facilitate direct online computation of control pulses and obviate the requirement of lookup tables but also result in optimized switching. Yet, the on-time computations of the various MLI switches are still based on simple two-dimensional Cartesian co-ordinate system combined with the basic two-level inverter implementation. The proposed scheme makes use of a unique l-factor approach, which directly identifies the location of the various subtriangles in the space vector hexagon and leads to direct online computations of the control pulses. The proposed scheme is validated by simulations and experimental results for three- and five-level diode clamped MLI.
Targeting HPV‐infected cervical cancer cells with PEGylated liposomes encapsulating siRNA and the role of siRNA complexation with polyethylenimine

Abstract The greatest obstacle to clinical application of cancer gene therapy is lack of effective delivery tools. Gene delivery vehicles must protect against degradation, avoid immunogenic effects and prevent off target delivery which can cause harmful side effects. PEGylated liposomes have greatly improved tumor localization of small molecule drugs and are a promising tool for nucleic acid delivery as the polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating protects against immune recognition and blood clearance. In this study, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was fully encapsulated within PEGylated liposomes by complexing the siRNA with a cationic polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI), before encapsulation. Formation methods and material compositions were then investigated for their effects on encapsulation. This technology was translated for protective delivery of siRNA designed for human papillomavirus (HPV) viral gene silencing and cervical cancer treatment. PEGylated liposomes encapsulating siRNA were functionalized with the AG86 targeting peptide‐amphiphile which binds to the α6β4 integrin, a cervical cancer biomarker. It was found that both targeting and polymer complexation before encapsulation were critical components to effective transfection.
Three-dimensional simulation of impingement jet flow and heat transfer with various working fluids

The working fluid plays an important role in the flow and heat transfer performance of impingement jet. Though a lot of fluids such as air, water and oil, have been widely used in jet applications, there lack research works focus on the impacts of fluid properties on the overall heat transfer performance. This paper made comprehensive comparisons of five jet fluids (air, helium, water, FC-77 and MIL-7808) with different thermal properties. The Prandtl number in the present investigation covered a range of 0.67~342.5. The thermal performance of these fluids were tested by using a three-dimensional impingement jet model. Firstly, this computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was validated by comparing the simulation results with previous experimental data. The variation of local Nusselt number was interpreted based on the numerical results. Then Nusselt number obtained from different jet fluids were presented in detail. Results indicated that the Nusselt number is strongly dependent on the fluid Prandtl number. Finally, the cooling performance of these fluids was evaluated basing on the present jet configuration. The advantages and disadvantages of these working fluids were discussed from the practical application viewpoint. In particular, we suggest that the helium-jet scheme with the merits of high heat transfer efficiency and high practicality is worth spreading.
Influence of immediate loading on healing of implants installed with different insertion torques--an experimental study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of different insertion torques on healing of implants loaded immediately or left unloaded. MATERIAL AND METHODS In six Labrador dogs, all mandibular premolars and molars were extracted. After 4 months of healing, flaps were elevated, and two implant sites were prepared at each side of the mandible. The distal sites were prepared conventionally while the mesial sites were underprepared by 0.3 mm. As a consequence, different final insertion torques of about 30 Ncm at the distal and >70 Ncm at the mesial sites were recorded. Healing abutments were applied to the left and transmucosal abutments to the right side. Flaps were sutured, crown preparation of the upper right second and third premolars was performed, and impressions were taken. Within 24 h, crowns were cemented both to implants and teeth in the right side of the mouth. After 4 months, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections obtained for histological evaluation. RESULTS A higher buccal bony crestal resorption and a more apical position of the coronal level of osseointegration were found at the loaded compared with the unloaded sites. MBIC% and percentages of peri-implant mineralized tissue (MB%) were higher at the loaded compared with the unloaded sites. Moreover, a higher MBIC% was found at the lower compared with the higher final insertion torque. CONCLUSIONS Immediate loading does not seem to have a negative effect on osseointegration. High torque values for the immediate loading procedures were not necessary. Probably, low torque values, were sufficient to obtain primary stability and hence may provide better osseointegration than high torque value.
A correlative model to predict in vivo AUC for nanosystem drug delivery with release rate-limited absorption.

PURPOSE Drug release from nanosystems at the sites of either absorption or effect biophase is a major determinant of its biological action. Thus, in vitro drug release is of paramount importance in gaining insight for the systems performance in vivo. METHODS A novel in vitro in vivo correlation, IVIVC, model denoted as double reciprocal area method was presented and applied to 19 drugs from 55 nano formulations with total 336 data, gathered from literature. RESULTS The proposed model correlated the in vitro with in vivo parameters with overall error of 12.4 ± 3.9%. Also the trained version of the model predicted the test formulations with overall error of 15.8 ± 3.7% indicating the suitability of the approach. A theoretical justification was provided for the model considering the unified classical release laws. CONCLUSION The model does not necessitate bolus intravenous drug data and seems to be suitable for IVIVC of drugs with release rate-limited absorption.
The Effect of Students' Mathematical Beliefs on Knowledge Transfer

The Effect of Students’ Mathematical Beliefs on Knowledge Transfer Kristen Adams Department of Mathematics Education, BYU Masters of Arts Students learn many different concepts throughout their mathematical careers. In order to be successful in mathematics, students should be able to transfer these mathematical concepts learned in one situation and apply them to a new situation. There are many factors that might affect how students transfer knowledge; however research has focused mostly upon cognitive factors, even though affective factors might also exhibit a strong influence. This study examined how students’ mathematical beliefs, specifically beliefs about mathematics education and selfefficacy, affect the transfer process. Data were collected from three middle school students. These data were collected through in-class observations, students’ written work, and student interviews. The analysis of this data has shown that students’ beliefs about mathematics education can affect specific steps in the transfer process as well as the transfer process in general. The data also showed that self-efficacy can influence the transfer process, but that this influence is mediated by the students’ other mathematical beliefs.
State of the Art: Coordinated & Multiple Views in Exploratory Visualization

The area of coordinated and multiple views has been steadily developing and maturing over the past fifteen years. Some may say that it is a "solved problem', while others argue that we are only just scratching the surface of the subject. Considering merely the CMV conference series, it is clear to see that in the early years researchers were concerned with models and techniques, while in latter years authors presented more work on how to apply these ideas to different domains. It is our view that there is still much research to be done, but the subject is changing and developing as a tool for visual analytics. This paper provides the "state of the art' of CMV, it describes areas that should be developed further and looks at what the future may hold for coordinated and multiple views.
The Scientific Study of Human Nature: Tribute to Hans J. Eysenck at Eighty

Section headings and selected papers: Personality. The psychobiological basis of personality (M. Zuckerman). Temperament and personality: Eysenck's three superfactors as related to temperamental dimensions (J. Strelau, B. Zawadzki). Crime and personality (G.H. Gudjonsson). Intelligence. The psychometrics of intelligence (A.R. Jensen). Geographical variation in intelligence (R. Lynn). Malleability and change in intelligence (N. Brody). Further Eysenckian Interests. Eysenck's contribution to understanding psychopathology (G. Claridge). (Im)pure genius--psychoticism, intelligence, and creativity (J.P. Rushton). Eysenck's personality theory and organizational psychology (A. Furnham). Epilog. Psychology as science (H. Nyborg). Author index. Subject index.
Early Changes in Costameric and Mitochondrial Protein Expression with Unloading Are Muscle Specific

We hypothesised that load-sensitive expression of costameric proteins, which hold the sarcomere in place and position the mitochondria, contributes to the early adaptations of antigravity muscle to unloading and would depend on muscle fibre composition and chymotrypsin activity of the proteasome. Biopsies were obtained from vastus lateralis (VL) and soleus (SOL) muscles of eight men before and after 3 days of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) and subjected to fibre typing and measures for costameric (FAK and FRNK), mitochondrial (NDUFA9, SDHA, UQCRC1, UCP3, and ATP5A1), and MHCI protein and RNA content. Mean cross-sectional area (MCSA) of types I and II muscle fibres in VL and type I fibres in SOL demonstrated a trend for a reduction after ULLS (0.05 ≤ P < 0.10). FAK phosphorylation at tyrosine 397 showed a 20% reduction in VL muscle (P = 0.029). SOL muscle demonstrated a specific reduction in UCP3 content (−23%; P = 0.012). Muscle-specific effects of ULLS were identified for linear relationships between measured proteins, chymotrypsin activity and fibre MCSA. The molecular modifications in costamere turnover and energy homoeostasis identify that aspects of atrophy and fibre transformation are detectable at the protein level in weight-bearing muscles within 3 days of unloading.
Effects of 0.2% chlorhexidine spray applied once or twice daily on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in a geriatric population.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Chlorhexidine (CHX) spray has proven to be an easily applicable method for the chemical control of plaque in elderly and handicapped patients. A randomized double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled trial was undertaken to compare the effects of 0.2% CHX spray applied once or twice daily on the plaque and gingival indexes in 13 institutionalized elderly patients. METHOD The study subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. During the first 30-day period, one group received 0.2% chlorhexidine spray twice daily and the other received 0.2% CHX spray once daily plus placebo spray once daily. A washout period of 42 days then followed, after which the groups were interchanged and the process was repeated for another 30-day period. Plaque index and gingival index were determined at the beginning and end of each period. The patients continued with their usual oral hygiene practices throughout the study. RESULTS A significant reduction in plaque and gingival indexes was produced in both the groups. There were no significant differences in index scores between the groups. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that a single-daily application of 0.2% CHX spray is equally as effective in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in institutionalized elderly patients as are two-daily applications of the same spray.