Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stellar sources of dust in the high-redshift Universe

With the aim of investigating whether stellar sources can account for the ≥10 8 Mdust masses inferred from mm/sub-mm observations of samples of 5 <z< 6.4 quasars, we develop a chemical evolution model which follows the evolution of metals and dust on the stellar characteristic lifetimes, taking into account dust destruction mechanisms. Using a grid of stellar dust yields as a function of the initial mass and metallicity over the range 1-40 M � and 0-1 Z� , we show that the role of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in cosmic dust evolution at high redshift might have been overlooked. In particular, we find that (i) for a stellar population forming according to a present-day Larson initial mass function (IMF) with mch = 0.35 M� , the characteristic time-scale at which AGB stars dominate dust production ranges between 150 and 500 Myr, depending both on the assumed star formation history and on the initial stellar metallicity; (ii) this result is only moderately dependent on the adopted stellar lifetimes, but it is significantly affected by variations of the IMF: for a mch = 5M � , dust from AGB starts to dominate only on time-scales larger than 1 Gyr and SNe are found to dominate dust evolution when mch ≥10 M� . We apply the chemical evolution model with dust to the host galaxy of the most distant quasar at z = 6.4, SDSS J1148+5251. Given the current uncertainties on the star formation history of the host galaxy, we have considered two models: (i) the star formation history obtained in a numerical simulation by Li et al. which predicts that a large stellar bulge is already formed at z = 6.4, and (ii) a constant star formation rate of 1000 Myr −1 , as suggested by the observations if most of the far-infrared luminosity is due to young stars. The total mass of dust predicted at z = 6.4 by the first model is 2 × 10 8 M� , within the range of values inferred by observations, with a substantial contribution (∼80 per cent) of AGB dust. When a constant star formation rate is adopted, the contribution of AGB dust decreases to ∼50 per cent but the total mass of dust formed is a factor of 2 smaller. Both models predict a rapid enrichment of the interstellar medium with metals and a relatively mild evolution of the carbon abundance, in agreement with observational constraints. This supports the idea that stellar sources can account for the dust observed but show that the contribution of AGB stars to dust production cannot be neglected, even at the most extreme redshifts currently accessible to observations.
Expressed Sequence Tag Analysis of the Human Pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Yeast Phase: Identification of Putative Homologues of Candida albicans Virulence and Pathogenicity Genes

ABSTRACT Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a thermodimorphic fungus, is the causative agent of the prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis. We present here a survey of expressed genes in the yeast pathogenic phase of P. brasiliensis. We obtained 13,490 expressed sequence tags from both 5′ and 3′ ends. Clustering analysis yielded the partial sequences of 4,692 expressed genes that were functionally classified by similarity to known genes. We have identified several Candida albicans virulence and pathogenicity homologues in P. brasiliensis. Furthermore, we have analyzed the expression of some of these genes during the dimorphic yeast-mycelium-yeast transition by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Clustering analysis of the mycelium-yeast transition revealed three groups: (i) RBT, hydrophobin, and isocitrate lyase; (ii) malate dehydrogenase, contigs Pb1067 and Pb1145, GPI, and alternative oxidase; and (iii) ubiquitin, delta-9-desaturase, HSP70, HSP82, and HSP104. The first two groups displayed high mRNA expression in the mycelial phase, whereas the third group showed higher mRNA expression in the yeast phase. Our results suggest the possible conservation of pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms among fungi, expand considerably gene identification in P. brasiliensis, and provide a broader basis for further progress in understanding its biological peculiarities.
Different Regulatory Mechanisms Modulate the Expression of a Dinoflagellate Iron-Superoxide Dismutase*

Regulation of antioxidant enzymes is critical to control the levels of reactive oxygen species in cell compartments highly susceptible to oxidative stress. In this work, we studied the regulation of a chloroplastic iron superoxide dismutase (Fe-SOD) fromLingulodinium polyedrum (formerly Gonyaulax polyedra) under different physiological conditions. A cDNA-encoding Fe-SOD was isolated from this dinoflagellate, showing high sequence similarity to cyanobacterial, algal, and plant Fe-SODs. Under standard growth conditions, on a 12:12-h light-dark cycle,Lingulodinium polyedrum Fe-SOD exhibited a daily rhythm of activity and cellular abundance with the maximum occurring during the middle of the light phase. Northern analyses showed that this rhythmicity is not related to changes in Fe-SOD mRNA levels, indicative of translational regulation. By contrast, conditions of metal-induced oxidative stress resulted in higher levels of Fe-SOD transcripts, suggesting that transcriptional control is responsible for increased protein and activity levels. Daily (circadian) and metal-induced up-regulation of Fe-SOD expression in L. polyedrum are thus mediated by different regulatory pathways, allowing biochemically distinct changes appropriate to oxidative challenges.
Rates of dinosaur limb evolution provide evidence for exceptional radiation in Mesozoic birds

Birds are the most diverse living tetrapod group and are a model of large-scale adaptive radiation. Neontological studies suggest a radiation within the avian crown group, long after the origin of flight. However, deep time patterns of bird evolution remain obscure because only limited fossil data have been considered. We analyse cladogenesis and limb evolution on the entire tree of Mesozoic theropods, documenting the dinosaur–bird transition and immediate origins of powered flight. Mesozoic birds inherited constraints on forelimb evolution from non-flying ancestors, and species diversification rates did not accelerate in the earliest flying taxa. However, Early Cretaceous short-tailed birds exhibit both phenotypic release of the hindlimb and increased diversification rates, unparalleled in magnitude at any other time in the first 155 Myr of theropod evolution. Thus, a Cretaceous adaptive radiation of stem-group birds was enabled by restructuring of the terrestrial locomotor module, which represents a key innovation. Our results suggest two phases of radiation in Avialae: with the Cretaceous diversification overwritten by extinctions of stem-group birds at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary, and subsequent diversification of the crown group. Our findings illustrate the importance of fossil data for understanding the macroevolutionary processes generating modern biodiversity.
Pax7 is critical for the normal function of satellite cells in adult skeletal muscle

Significance Skeletal muscle exhibits a remarkable ability to regenerate, a process that has been demonstrated to be dependent on satellite cells. Satellite cells uniformly express the transcription factor paired box 7 (Pax7), and extensive analysis of Pax7-deficient mice has documented the progressive loss of the satellite cell lineage likely due to a failure to proliferate together with precocious differentiation. In contrast to these findings, a recent provocative study suggested that Pax7 was entirely dispensable in adult life. Here, we demonstrate that Pax7 expression is an absolute prerequisite for the normal function of satellite cells during regenerative myogenesis at any age. Our experiments therefore demonstrate that Pax7 plays an essential role in regulating the myogenic potential and function of satellite cells. Extensive analyses of mice carrying null mutations in paired box 7 (Pax7) have confirmed the progressive loss of the satellite cell lineage in skeletal muscle, resulting in severe muscle atrophy and death. A recent study using floxed alleles and tamoxifen-induced inactivation concluded that after 3 wk of age, Pax7 was entirely dispensable for satellite cell function. Here, we demonstrate that Pax7 is an absolute requirement for satellite cell function in adult skeletal muscle. Following Pax7 deletion, satellite cells and myoblasts exhibit cell-cycle arrest and dysregulation of myogenic regulatory factors. Maintenance of Pax7 deletion through continuous tamoxifen administration prevented regrowth of Pax7-expressing satellite cells and a profound muscle regeneration deficit that resembles the phenotype of skeletal muscle following genetically engineered ablation of satellite cells. Therefore, we conclude that Pax7 is essential for regulating the expansion and differentiation of satellite cells during both neonatal and adult myogenesis.
Does Foreign Entry Spur Innovation?

Our estimates, based on large firm-level and industry-level data sets from eighteen countries, suggest that FDI and trade have strong positive spillover effects on product and technology innovation by domestic firms in emerging markets. The FDI effect is more pronounced for firms from advanced economies. Moreover, our results indicate that the spillover effects can be detected with micro data at the firm-level, but that using linkage variables computed from input-output tables at the industry level yields much weaker, and usually insignificant, estimated effects. These patterns are consistent with spillover effects being rather proximate and localized.
Comparison of the multiples of the median of serum anti‐müllerian hormone and pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease: A case–control study

Abstract Introduction Chemotherapy is crucial in treating gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), but its impact on gonadotoxicity is unclear. Materials and Methods This case–control study included 57 GTN patients and 19 age‐matched patients with molar pregnancies (MP) in 2012–2018. Multiples of the median (MoM) of the serum AMH levels were compared between the two groups, and between patients using single‐agent and combination chemotherapy, at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. Their pregnancy outcomes were also compared. Results There was no significant difference in the MoM of serum AMH between GTN and MP groups at all time points. Single‐agent chemotherapy did not adversely affect the MoM. However, those receiving combination chemotherapy had lower MoM than those receiving single‐agent chemotherapy at all time points. The trend of decline from the baseline was marginally significant in patients with combination chemotherapy, but the drop was only significant at 12 months (Z = −2.69, p = 0.007) but not at 24 months (Z = −1.90; p = 0.058). Multivariable analysis revealed that combination chemotherapy did not affect the MoM. There was no significant difference in the 4‐year pregnancy rate and the livebirth rate between the single‐agent and combination groups who attempting pregnancy, but it took 1 year longer to achieve the first pregnancy in the combination group compared to the single‐agent group (2.88 vs. 1.88 years). Conclusion This study showed combination chemotherapy led to a decreasing trend of MoM of serum AMH especially at 12 months after treatment, but the drop became static at 24 months. Although pregnancy is achievable, thorough counseling is still needed in this group especially those wish to achieve pregnancy 1–2 years after treatment or with other risk factors.
Rapid Estimation of Gustatory Sensitivity Thresholds with SIAM and QUEST

Adaptive methods provide quick and reliable estimates of sensory sensitivity. Yet, these procedures are typically developed for and applied to the non-chemical senses only, i.e., to vision, audition, and somatosensation. The relatively long inter-stimulus-intervals in gustatory studies, which are required to minimize adaptation and habituation, call for time-efficient threshold estimations. We therefore tested the suitability of two adaptive yes-no methods based on SIAM and QUEST for rapid estimation of taste sensitivity by comparing test-retest reliability for sucrose, citric acid, sodium chloride, and quinine hydrochloride thresholds. We show that taste thresholds can be obtained in a time efficient manner with both methods (within only 6.5 min on average using QUEST and ~9.5 min using SIAM). QUEST yielded higher test-retest correlations than SIAM in three of the four tastants. Either method allows for taste threshold estimation with low strain on participants, rendering them particularly advantageous for use in subjects with limited attentional or mnemonic capacities, and for time-constrained applications during cohort studies or in the testing of patients and children.
A Portfolio of Media: Effects of Media Synchronicity on Communication Performance

This paper describes research in progress to empirically test the Media Synchronicity Theory (MST) (Dennis et al. 2008). We conducted an experiment consisting of 55 individuals organized into 13 different teams. The teams were assigned to use a lower synchronous medium, a higher synchronous medium, or a portfolio of media. The teams worked together on a new hidden-profile task, and several variables relating to communication performance were measured. The results of the initial study indicate support for the main hypotheses of the paper and the theory. Teams that used a portfolio of media outperformed those teams that used only one type of medium. However, additional data collection is necessary for significance testing.
Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the gene encoding amylopullulanase from Pyrococcus furiosus and biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme

The gene encoding the Pyrococcus furiosus hyperthermophilic amylopullulanase (APU) was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The gene encoded a single 827-residue polypeptide with a 26-residue signal peptide. The protein sequence had very low homology (17 to 21% identity) with other APUs and enzymes of the alpha-amylase family. In particular, none of the consensus regions present in the alpha-amylase family could be identified. P. furiosus APU showed similarity to three proteins, including the P. furiosus intracellular alpha-amylase and Dictyoglomus thermophilum alpha-amylase A. The mature protein had a molecular weight of 89,000. The recombinant P. furiosus APU remained folded after denaturation at temperatures of < or = 70 degrees C and showed an apparent molecular weight of 50,000 in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Denaturating temperatures of above 100 degrees C were required for complete unfolding. The enzyme was extremely thermostable, with an optimal activity at 105 degrees C and pH 5.5. Ca2+ increased the enzyme activity, thermostability, and substrate affinity. The enzyme was highly resistant to chemical denaturing reagents, and its activity increased up to twofold in the presence of surfactants.
Synbiotic as Feed Additives Relating to Animal Health and Performance

According to the increasing of human population in the world, it reached about seven billion people and it continuously increased. In this background, the food source in both animal and plant origin must be increased accordingly. For these we must use and add some feed additives such as antibiotic, probiotic, prebiotic, postbiotic and synbiotic for the animal feed to increase production (meat, egg, milk and fish) and improve health. In early cases, probiotic as mono or mixed beneficial live microorganism was used as feed additive that plays a significant role in several health conditions and performances. In another way, the scientists use some ingredients indigestible with carbohydrates origin, especially oligosaccharides as a source of energy for beneficial microorganisms in the body which were called prebiotic, and it is indigestible fermented food substrates that stimulate the growth, composition and activity of microorganisms in gastrointestinal and improve host. Most of the scientists urged to use all the above in such way that have more benefits in animal health and performance which were therefore called synbiotic, that was a combination between probiotic and prebiotic which beneficially had significant effects on the host by improving the survival and implantation of live microbial dietary supplements in the gastrointestinal tract, and thus improving animal health and performance. So, it was proposed that the synbiotic in this research increased beneficial microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract and improved intestinal architect, and then promoted intestine environment. Consequently, it can improve blood indices, and especially decrease bad cholesterol (Low-density lipoprotein), decrease harmful microorganisms and toxins. However, it can also improve ingredient product, increase mineral absorption and nutrient. In conclusion, it can improve animal health and performance.
In rat hepatocytes, the hypertonic activation of Na+ conductance and Na+‐K+‐2Cl− symport ‐ but not Na+‐H+ antiport ‐ is mediated by protein kinase C

1 The initial event in the regulatory volume increase (RVI) of rat hepatocytes is an import of extracellular Na+ via Na+ conductance, Na+‐K+‐2Cl− symport, and Na+‐H+ antiport. 2 Here, the protein kinase inhibitors staurosporine (100 nmol l−1) and bis‐indolyl‐maleimide I (400 nmol l−1) were used to test for a possible contribution of protein kinase C (PKC) to the hypertonic activation of these transporters in confluent primary cultures. 3 Stimulation of Na+ conductance was monitored: (i) by use of a differential approach based on Na+ fluxes, (ii) by means of cable analysis, and (iii) in experiments with low Na+ pulses. All three experimental protocols in concert demonstrated a block of the activation of Na+ conductance by staurosporine and bis‐indolyl‐maleimide I. 4 In addition, both compounds significantly reduced the hypertonic activation of Na+‐K+‐2Cl− symport (quantified on the basis of furosemide‐sensitive 86Rb+ uptake) to approximately 30 %. 5 In contrast, neither staurosporine nor bis‐indolyl‐maleimide I had any detectable effect on the hypertonicity‐induced alkalinization of cell pH via Na+‐H+ antiport (determined fluorometrically). 6 Staurosporine and bis‐indolyl‐maleimide I completely blocked the RVI of rat hepatocytes (quantified by means of confocal laser‐scanning microscopy). The high efficiency of the block suggests an additional inhibitory effect of both compounds on the activity of Na+/K+‐ATPase (determined as ouabain‐sensitive 86Rb+ uptake). 7 It is concluded that the hypertonic activation of rat hepatocyte Na+ conductance and Na+‐K+‐2Cl− symport ‐ but not Na+‐H+ antiport ‐ is probably mediated by PKC.
Hierarchical indexing using R-trees for replica detection

Replica detection is a prerequisite for the discovery of copyright infringement and detection of illicit content. For this purpose, content-based systems can be an efficient alternative to watermarking. Rather than imperceptibly embedding a signal, content-based systems rely on content similarity concepts. Certain content-based systems use adaptive classifiers to detect replicas. In such systems, a suspected content is tested against every original, which can become computationally prohibitive as the number of original contents grows. In this paper, we propose an image detection approach which hierarchically estimates the partition of the image space where the replicas (of an original) lie by means of R-trees. Experimental results show that the proposed system achieves high performance. For instance, a fraction of 0.99975 of the test images are filtered by the system when the test images are unrelated to any of the originals while only a fraction of 0.02 of the test images are rejected when the test image is a replica of one of the originals.
Contribution of Illegal Acts to Pathological Gambling Diagnosis: DSM-5 Implications

The purposes of this study were to examine the specific contribution of illegal acts to the diagnostic criteria of pathological gambling, to assess the possibility of differential item functioning across patients’ sex and age, and to explore the existence of different clinical phenotypes based on the presence of illegal acts. The sample consisted of 2,155 patients seeking treatment for pathological gambling at the University Hospital of Bellvitge in Barcelona, Spain. The illegal acts item did not show different item functioning, and younger patients presented higher latent means than middle-aged and older patients, whereas no differences were found across sex. This item also showed the lowest discrimination coefficient; its exclusion would maintain satisfactory internal consistency for the remaining 9 symptoms and was poorly related to psychopathology and the severity of the gambling behavior. The relevance of the illegal acts as a diagnostic criterion appears to be limited, and its elimination from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th edition, seems justified. However, illegal acts have implications for both the clinical and legal domains and contribute to increase the patients’ impairment.
Correlating resource demand information with ARM data for application services

Recognizing and solving a distributed application’s performance problems can require information about the application’s structure, the application-level services offered by each of its processes, and the resource demands and response times of each of these services. The Application Response Measurement package (ARM) Version 2.0 offers a de facto standard instrumentation paradigm for distributed applications that enables the monitoring of services and their relationships. The data that can be captured is adequate for deducing the structure of distributed applications and for gathering response time measures. However for most platforms it is not possible to measure a service’s resource demands directly. This last step is necessary for sizing studies and the development of predictive performance models. In this paper we present the results of experiments that illustrate the conditions under which common statistical techniques, instead of direct measurement, can be used to accurately correlate the use of application level services with resource demand information. Both simulation and the measurement of a CORBA application are used to assess the accuracy of the techniques and the relative importance of various experimental factors. The results of the experiments are used to provide a set of requirements for ARM monitoring infrastructures and strategies for ARM instrumentation plans.
The Role of Adjunctive Therapies in Septic Shock by Gram Negative MDR/XDR Infections

Patients with septic shock by multidrug resistant microorganisms (MDR) are a specific sepsis population with a high mortality risk. The exposure to an initial inappropriate empiric antibiotic therapy has been considered responsible for the increased mortality, although other factors such as immune-paralysis seem to play a pivotal role. Therefore, beyond conventional early antibiotic therapy and fluid resuscitation, this population may benefit from the use of alternative strategies aimed at supporting the immune system. In this review we present an overview of the relationship between MDR infections and immune response and focus on the rationale and the clinical data available on the possible adjunctive immunotherapies, including blood purification techniques and different pharmacological approaches.