Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Profiling and functional classification of esterases in olive (Olea europaea) pollen during germination.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS A pollen grain contains a number of esterases, many of which are released upon contact with the stigma surface. However, the identity and function of most of these esterases remain unknown. In this work, esterases from olive pollen during its germination were identifided and functionally characterized. METHODS The esterolytic capacity of olive (Olea europaea) pollen was examined using in vitro and in-gel enzymatic assays with different enzyme substrates. The functional analysis of pollen esterases was achieved by inhibition assays by using specific inhibitors. The cellular localization of esterase activities was performed using histochemical methods. KEY RESULTS Olive pollen showed high levels of non-specific esterase activity, which remained steady after hydration and germination. Up to 20 esterolytic bands were identified on polyacrylamide gels. All the inhibitors decreased pollen germinability, but only diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DIFP) hampered pollen tube growth. Non-specific esterase activity is localized on the surface of oil bodies (OBs) and small vesicles, in the pollen intine and in the callose layer of the pollen tube wall. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was mostly observed in the apertures, exine and pollen coat, and attached to the pollen tube wall surface and to small cytoplasmic vesicles. CONCLUSIONS In this work, for the first time a systematic functional characterization of esterase enzymes in pollen from a plant species with wet stigma has been carried out. Olive pollen esterases belong to four different functional groups: carboxylesterases, acetylesterases, AChEs and lipases. The cellular localization of esterase activity indicates that the intine is a putative storage site for esterolytic enzymes in olive pollen. Based on inhibition assays and cellular localization of enzymatic activities, it can be concluded that these enzymes are likely to be involved in pollen germination, and pollen tube growth and penetration of the stigma.
Mutation of Phe318 within the NPxxY(x)5,6F motif in melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 results in an efficient signaling activity

Melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays an important role in feeding by coupling to Gαq- and Gαi-mediated signal transduction pathways. To interrogate the molecular basis for MCHR1 activation, we analyzed the effect of a series of site-directed mutations on rat MCHR1 function. In the highly conserved NPxxY(x)5,6F domain of GPCRs, the phenylalanine residue is involved in structural constraints; replacement with alanine generally leads to impaired/lost GPCR function. However, Phe-to-Ala (F318A) mutation in MCHR1 had no significant effect on the level of cell surface expression and receptor signaling. By analyzing a further series of mutants, we found that Phe-to-Lys substitution (F318K) caused the most significant reduction in the EC50 value of MCH for calcium mobilization without affecting receptor expression at the cell surface. Interestingly, GTPγS-binding, which monitors Gαi activation, was not modulated by F318K. Our results, combined with computer modeling, provide new insight into the role of Phe in the NPxxY(x)5,6F motif as a structurally critical site for receptor dynamics and a determinant of Gα protein interaction.
Attitudes and Beliefs of Nonspecialist and Specialist Trainee Health and Physical Education Teachers Toward Obese Children: Evidence for "Anti-Fat" Bias.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the beliefs and attitudes of preservice health and physical education (HPE) specialist and nonspecialist schoolteachers toward obese children. METHODS A total of 177 nonspecialist and 62 HPE specialist trainee teachers completed a series of pen-and-paper validated measures of attitudes and beliefs toward obese children. RESULTS Both groups of preservice teachers reported strong implicit and moderate explicit anti-fat bias. Enrollment in the HPE specialist degree was found to be a significant predictor of both implicit bad/good anti-fat bias (β = 3.97, p = .002) and implicit bias on the stupid/smart scale (β = 2.983, p = .016) of the IAT. Beliefs that obese children were less healthy, more self-conscious, and less satisfied with themselves were strongly endorsed by the majority of participants. HPE specialists were found to have significantly lower expectations for obese children in regard to "reasoning" (mean difference = 0.21, p = .0107) and "cooperation" skills (mean difference = 0.25, p = .0354) compared to nonspecialist trainees. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to document the strong anti-fat bias of both preservice nonspecialist and HPE specialist teachers. It is also the first to find that preservice HPE specialist teachers have stronger anti-fat biases and differential expectations regarding particular abilities of obese children, compared to nonspecialists.
THE SEROLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION OF PATHOGENIC AND NON-PATHOGENIC STRAINS OF HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI FROM PARTURIENT WOMEN

1. The majority of strains of hemolytic streptococci from puerperal infections of the uterus were identified serologically as members of the Group A described by Lancefield. 2. The majority of strains isolated from the birth canal of women whose puerperium was afebrile were not members of Group A. 3. The existence of two new serological groups of hemolytic streptococci, Groups F and G, is described.
The Importance of Synergy between Deep Inspirations and Fluidization in Reversing Airway Closure

Deep inspirations (DIs) and airway smooth muscle fluidization are two widely studied phenomena in asthma research, particularly for their ability (or inability) to counteract severe airway constriction. For example, DIs have been shown effectively to reverse airway constriction in normal subjects, but this is impaired in asthmatics. Fluidization is a connected phenomenon, wherein the ability of airway smooth muscle (ASM, which surrounds and constricts the airways) to exert force is decreased by applied strain. A maneuver which sufficiently strains the ASM, then, such as a DI, is thought to reduce the force generating capacity of the muscle via fluidization and hence reverse or prevent airway constriction. Understanding these two phenomena is considered key to understanding the pathophysiology of asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness, and while both have been extensively studied, the mechanism by which DIs fail in asthmatics remains elusive. Here we show for the first time the synergistic interaction between DIs and fluidization which allows the combination to provide near complete reversal of airway closure where neither is effective alone. This relies not just on the traditional model of airway bistability between open and closed states, but also the critical addition of previously-unknown oscillatory and chaotic dynamics. It also allows us to explore the types of subtle change which can cause this interaction to fail, and thus could provide the missing link to explain DI failure in asthmatics.
Comparative Analysis of Virulence Genes, Genetic Diversity, and Phylogeny of Commensal and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Weaned Pigs

ABSTRACT If the acquisition of virulence genes (VGs) for pathogenicity were not solely acquired through horizontal gene transfers of pathogenicity islands, transposons, and phages, then clonal clusters of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) would contain few or even none of the VGs found in strains responsible for extraintestinal infections. To evaluate this possibility, 47 postweaning diarrhea (PWD) ETEC strains from different geographical origins and 158 commensal E. coli isolates from the gastrointestinal tracts of eight group-housed healthy pigs were screened for 36 extraintestinal and 18 enteric VGs using multiplex PCR assays. Of 36 extraintestinal VGs, only 8 were detected (fimH, traT, fyuA, hlyA, kpsMtII, k5, iha, and ompT) in the ETEC collection. Among these, hlyA (α-hemolysin) and iha (nonhemagglutinating adhesin) occurred significantly more frequently among the ETEC isolates than in the commensal isolates. Clustering analysis based on the VG profiles separated commensal and ETEC isolates and even differentiated serogroup O141 from O149. On the other hand, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) successfully clustered ETEC isolates according to both serotype and geographical origin. In contrast, the commensal isolates were heterogeneous with respect to both serotype and DNA fingerprint. This study has validated the use of VG profiling to examine pathogenic relationships between porcine ETEC isolates. The clonal relationships of these isolates can be further clarified by PFGE fingerprinting. The presence of extraintestinal VGs in porcine ETEC confirmed the hypothesis that individual virulence gene acquisitions can occur concurrently against a background of horizontal gene transfers of pathogenicity islands. Over time, this could enable specific clonotypes to respond to host selection pressure and to evolve into new strains with increased virulence.
A robust and hybrid deep-linguistic theory applied to large-scale parsing

Modern statistical parsers are robust and quite fast, but their output is relatively shallow when compared to formal grammar parsers. We suggest to extend statistical approaches to a more deep-linguistic analysis while at the same time keeping the speed and low complexity of a statistical parser. The resulting parsing architecture suggested, implemented and evaluated here is highly robust and hybrid on a number of levels, combining statistical and rule-based approaches, constituency and dependency grammar, shallow and deep processing, full and near-full parsing. With its parsing speed of about 300,000 words per hour and state-of-the-art performance the parser is reliable for a number of large-scale applications discussed in the article.
A blended learning approach for teaching computer programming: design for large classes in Sub-Saharan Africa

The challenge of teaching programming in higher education is complicated by problems associated with large class teaching, a prevalent situation in many developing countries. This paper reports on an investigation into the use of a blended learning approach to teaching and learning of programming in a class of more than 200 students. A course and learning environment was designed by integrating constructivist learning models of Constructive Alignment, Conversational Framework and the Three-Stage Learning Model. Design science research is used for the course redesign and development of the learning environment, and action research is integrated to undertake participatory evaluation of the intervention. The action research involved the Students’ Approach to Learning survey, a comparative analysis of students’ performance, and qualitative data analysis of data gathered from various sources. The paper makes a theoretical contribution in presenting a design of a blended learning solution for large class teaching of programming grounded in constructivist learning theory and use of free and open source technologies.
Lung Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Lung ischemia reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a pathologic process occurring when oxygen supply to the lung has been compromised followed by a period of reperfusion. The disruption of oxygen supply can occur either via limited blood flow or decreased ventilation termed anoxic ischemia and ventilated ischemia, respectively. When reperfusion occurs, blood flow and oxygen are reintroduced to the ischemic lung parenchyma, facilitating a toxic environment through the creation of reactive oxygen species, activation of the immune and coagulation systems, endothelial dysfunction, and apoptotic cell death. This review will focus on the mechanisms of LIRI, the current supportive treatments used, and the many therapies currently under research for prevention and treatment of LIRI.
Treatment effects of high‐dose antithrombin without concomitant heparin in patients with severe sepsis with or without disseminated intravascular coagulation

Summary. Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious complication of sepsis that is associated with a high mortality. Objectives: Using the adapted International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) diagnostic scoring algorithm for DIC, we evaluated the treatment effects of high‐dose antithrombin (AT) in patients with severe sepsis with or without DIC. Patients and Methods: From the phase III clinical trial in severe sepsis (KyberSept), 563 patients were identified (placebo, 277; AT, 286) who did not receive concomitant heparin and had sufficient data for DIC determination. Results: At baseline, 40.7% of patients (229 of 563) had DIC. DIC in the placebo‐treated patients was associated with an excess risk of mortality (28‐day mortality: 40.0% vs. 22.2%, P < 0.01). AT‐treated patients with DIC had an absolute reduction in 28‐day mortality of 14.6% compared with placebo (P = 0.02) whereas in patients without DIC no effect on 28‐day mortality was seen (0.1% reduction in mortality; P = 1.0). Bleeding complications in AT‐treated patients with and without DIC were higher compared with placebo (major bleeding rates: 7.0% vs. 5.2% for patients with DIC, P = 0.6; 9.8% vs. 3.1% for patients without DIC, P = 0.02). Conclusions: High‐dose AT without concomitant heparin in septic patients with DIC may result in a significant mortality reduction. The adapted ISTH DIC score may identify patients with severe sepsis who potentially benefit from high‐dose AT treatment.
Normal values for maximal static inspiratory and expiratory pressures in healthy children

Maximal static respiratory pressures are a simple measure of respiratory muscle strength. In order to construct a set of equations describing normal values, we measured maximal inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory (PEmax) pressures in 296 children (144 boys and 152 girls), aged 7–14 years, in sitting and standing positions.
Using adult female morphological characters for differentiating Tetrancyhus urticae complex (Acari: Tetranychidae) from greenhouse tomato crops in UK

Abstract Variation in seven female morphological characters were examined for 18 populations of spider mites of the Tetranychus urticae and T. cinnabarinus complex from greenhouse tomatoes in various locations in the UK. Tetranychus cinnabarinus could be readily separated from T. urticae by variation in the number of setae on tibia I (10–13 setae, or addition of 1–3 solenidia normally present in males) in females and this difference was correlated with those of previously studied characters (shape of dorsal lobe in female and shape of aedeagus in male) and additional characters examined in this paper. Several populations of mites identified as T. cinnabarinus in this study were green in colour. Hyper-necrotic responses in tomato plants were present in most T. cinnabarinus populations with variation in the number of setae on tibia I but absent in T. cinnabarinus population without variation in the number of setae on tibia I (i.e. 13 setae).
Radiological health assessment of natural radioactivity in the vicinity of Obajana cement factory, North Central Nigeria

Measurements of activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in and around Obajana cement factory, North Central Nigeria have been carried out in this study to determine the activity levels of natural radionuclides in different environmental matrices in order to assess the radiological health hazards associated with the use of these matrices by the local population. A low-background Pb-shielded gamma spectroscopic counting assembly utilizing NaI (Tl) detector was employed for the measurements. The results show that sediment samples have the highest activity concentrations of all the radionuclides relative to soil, farmland soil, and rock samples. The radium equivalent activity and indoor gamma dose rates together with the corresponding annual effective indoor doses evaluated were found to be lower than their permissible limits. It suffices to say, that contrary to age-long fear of radiation risks to the population in the vicinity of the cement factory, no excessive radiological health hazards either indoors and/or outdoors is envisaged. Therefore, the environmental matrices around the factory could be used without any restrictions.
Incidence of C-shaped canal configuration in mandibular first premolars: A cone-beam computed tomography analysis

Aim: The endodontic literature reports considerable variations in the root canal morphology of mandibular first premolars, including variations in number of roots and root canals. Additionally C-shaped canal configuration has also been documented in some case reports. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the incidence of C-shaped canal morphology in mandibular first premolars in an Indian population. Materials and Methodology: A total of 110 human mandibular left and right first premolars were collected. All teeth were subjected to CBCT exposures, made with the unit operating in continuous mode at 80 kV and 12 mA with an exposure time of 12s. CBCT images were analyzed using CS 3D Imaging Software 3.1 in the oblique cut. Result: Out of 110 teeth, five teeth (4.54%) presented with the C-shaped canal configuration. Conclusion: Limitations inherent in 2D imaging can be overcome by newer imaging techniques such as CBCT to better appreciate the variations in root canal anatomy.
Consensus of Leader-Following Multi-Agent Systems with Sampling Information under Directed Networks

The consensus algorithm is proposed to solve the bounded consensus tracking problems of leader-following multi-agent systems under directed networks, where the control input of an agent can only use the information measured at the sampling instants from its neighbors or the virtual leader. Based on the delay decomposition approach, the augmented matrix method and the frequency domain analysis, the necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained, which guarantee that the bounded consensus tracking is realized.
Interferon-induced depressive illness in hep C patients responds to SSRI antidepressant treatments

This paper examines the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of hepatitis-C virus (HCV) patients who have developed interferon-α induced depression. A 2-year data analysis of HCV psychiatric liaison clinic has been undertaken. The diagnosis, treatment, and progress of those patients who were treated with interferon-α (INF-α) are reported. 53 of the 78 patients enrolled at the HCV Clinic and treated with INF-α were referred for psychiatric consultation. Six patients developed major depressive illness following INF therapy. They were all treated with SSRIs and they made full recovery. This is a significant observation and is concordant with other studies. Its biochemical ramifications are presented. It is concluded that INF-induced depression is fully reversible. A hypothesis is proposed that SSRIs modulate the neuro-protective neurotoxic ratio by possibly inhibiting the indole-2,3-dioxygenase induction of the kynurenine pathway.
Late Quaternary Deep Stratification‐Climate Coupling in the Southern Ocean: Implications for Changes in Abyssal Carbon Storage

The Southern Ocean plays an important role in modulating Pleistocene atmospheric CO2 concentrations, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Here, we report the laser grain‐size distribution and Mn geochemical data of a 523 kyr‐long sediment record (core ANT30/P1‐02 off Prydz Bay; East Antarctica) to trace past physical changes in the deep Southern Ocean. The core sediments are predominantly composed of clay and silt‐sized material. Three grain size end‐members (EM) as well as three sensitive grain size classes (SC) were discerned, interpreted as Ice Rafted Debris (EM1 and SC1), and coarse (EM2 and SC2) and fine (EM3, SC3) materials deposited from bottom nepheloid layers, respectively. Ratios of EM2/(EM2 + EM3) and SC2/SC3 reveal changes in the local bottom current strength, which is related to the deep ocean diapycnal mixing rate, showing higher values during interglacial periods and lower values during glacial periods. MnO was enriched at each glacial termination, probably caused by abrupt elevations in Antarctic bottom water (AABW) formation rate. Lower AABW formation rate and reduced deep diapycnal mixing during glacial periods enhanced deep Southern Ocean stratification, contributing to glacial atmospheric CO2 drawdown. The elevated AABW formation and enhanced deep diapycnal mixing during glacial terminations alleviated such deep stratification, promoting deeply sequestered CO2 to outgas.
Theory to Practice Article

ne of the byproducts of the New Public Management (NPM) is the resurgence of interest in performance-related pay. This is consistent with the NPM's view of "organizations as a chain of low-trust principal/agent relationships (rather than fiduciary or trustee-beneficiary ones), a network of contracts linking incentives to performance" (Dunleavy and Hood 1994, 9). In just the past five years, Congress has approved performance-related pay reforms in two large U.S. federal agencies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD).
A Novel Capsaicin Derivative VOA Induced Relaxation in Rat Mesenteric and Aortic Arteries: Involvement of CGRP, NO, cGMP, and Endothelium-Dependent Activities

The vasorelaxant effects of N-{4-O-[2-methoxy, phenoxyethylaminobutyl]-3-methoxy benzyl}-nonamide (VOA), a novel capsaicin derivative, and associated releasing activities of nitric oxide (NO) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were investigated in this study. Systemic administration of VOA decreased blood pressure and heart rate in a dose-dependent manner in both normotensive as well as spontaneously hypertensive rats. Nw-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), glibenclamide, and capsazepine inhibited VOA-induced hypotension. In phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings and mesenteric arteries with intact endothelium, VOA caused a concentration-dependent relaxation. This relaxation was reduced after endothelium was removed or pretreated with l-NAME, methylene blue, 1 H-[1,2,4]oxidazolol [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one, tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide, CGRP (8-37), or capsazepine, respectively. In endothelially denuded vessel rings, tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide, CGRP (8-37), and capsazepine also reduced VOA-induced relaxation. In high potassium (80 mmol/L)-precontracted rat aortic rings with intact endothelium, VOA failed to induce relaxation. VOA induced a concentration-dependent increase of CGRP-like enzyme immunoreactivity, which was also significantly inhibited by capsazepine. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, VOA increased NO release and guanosine-3´, 5´-cyclic monophosphate level, which were significantly inhibited by l-NAME. The Western blot analysis on human umbilical vein endothelial cells indicated that VOA increased the expression of endothelium nitric oxide synthase. In conclusion, VOA might exert its relaxation effects in rat vascular smooth muscle through the CGRP/KATP channel and the NO/ cGMP pathway.