Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA Barcoding the Dioscorea in China, a Vital Group in the Evolution of Monocotyledon: Use of matK Gene for Species Discrimination

Background Dioscorea is an important plant genus in terms of food supply and pharmaceutical applications. However, its classification and identification are controversial. DNA barcoding is a recent aid to taxonomic identification and uses a short standardized DNA region to discriminate plant species. In this study, the applicability of three candidate DNA barcodes (rbcL, matK, and psbA-trnH) to identify species within Dioscorea was tested. Methodology/Principal Findings One-hundred and forty-eight individual plant samples of Dioscorea, encompassing 38 species, seven varieties and one subspecies, representing majority species distributed in China of this genus, were collected from its main distributing areas. Samples were assessed by PCR amplification, sequence quality, extent of specific genetic divergence, DNA barcoding gap, and the ability to discriminate between species. matK successfully identified 23.26% of all species, compared with 9.30% for rbcL and 11.63% for psbA-trnH. Therefore, matK is recommended as the best DNA barcoding candidate. We found that the combination of two or three loci achieved a higher success rate of species discrimination than one locus alone. However, experimental cost would be much higher if two or three loci, rather than a single locus, were assessed. Conclusions We conclude that matK is a strong, although not perfect, candidate as a DNA barcode for Dioscorea identification. This assessment takes into account both its ability for species discrimination and the cost of experiments.
Multifunctional structural supercapacitors for electrical energy storage applications

A novel concept of structural supercapacitors based on carbon fibre-reinforced composites has been introduced that can simultaneously act as a structural component and an electrical energy storing device. Supercapacitors consisting of woven carbon fibre mat electrodes; filter paper insulator and crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidylether/diglycidylether of bisphenol-A polymer electrolytes were fabricated. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis and tensile tests were conducted on the as-received and activated carbon fibre reinforcements. Compression tests and ionic conductivity measurements were conducted on the polymer electrolytes while charge/discharge electrochemical tests and shear testing were done on the structural supercapacitors. This was to investigate the implications of increased diglycidylether of bisphenol-A loading in crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidylether polymer electrolytes and carbon fibre activation on the multifunctionality of structural supercapacitors. The addition of diglycidylether of bisphenol-A increased the compressive stiffness, although the ionic conductivity was compromised. Specific capacitance of the structural supercapacitors was increased with the chemical activation of carbon fibre electrodes. Carbon fibre activation led to improved specific capacitance of the structural supercapacitors and the addition of diglycidylether of bisphenol-A increased the shear modulus, although the specific capacitance was compromised.
Survival Rates among Co-infected Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Tuberculosis in Tehran, Iran

Background: The number of deaths related with co-infection of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV remains inappropriately high worldwide. TB is anticipated to be the major reason of HIV-related deaths globally. This study aimed to find out and evaluate the characteristics of the possible risk factors influencing the survival time of co-infected patients with HIV/TB in Tehran the capital of Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was performed on the referred patients to the one of two Behavioral Diseases Counseling Centers, Imam Khomeini, and Zamzam Centers, Tehran, Iran, in 2004–2013. Data were analyzed by Cox PH model utilizing SPSS16 statistical software. Results: Multivariate analysis confirmed that the age at diagnosis (P=0.014), gender (P=0.002), sexual transmission (P=0.01), cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (P<0.001), and onset to TB after post-HIV diagnosis (P=0.01) were the parameters which had significant effects on the death of HIV/TBco-infected patients. Conclusion: The results, recommend interplay between different risk factors and the risk of death in co-infected patients with HIV/TB. We presented the barriers to higher-level organizational and functional integration for commitment to interfere with the modifiable risk factors, which effect on the mortality of patients.
Natural killer cell‐produced IFN‐γ and TNF‐α induce target cell cytolysis through up‐regulation of ICAM‐1

NK cells control tumor and virus‐infected cells through releasing cytotoxic granules and proinflammatory cytokines. IFN‐γ and TNF‐α secretions and cytotoxicity are regarded as two distinct functions of NK cells with little synergy in between as results of early association of the two functions with distinct subsets of NK populations and of the studies showing target cells developing NK resistance upon IFN‐γ treatment. Here, we show that IFN‐γ and TNF‐α synergistically enhance NK cell cytotoxicity through NF‐κB‐dependent up‐regulation of ICAM‐1 expression in target cells, thereby promoting their conjugate formation with NK cells. Neutralizing IFN‐γ and TNF‐α during cytolysis significantly impaired NK cell lysis of the target cells. Further, tumor cells exhibiting IFN‐γ‐inducible lysis are generally less‐sensitive NK target cells but express inducible levels of ICAM‐1. In contrast, sensitive NK targets tend to express higher but less‐inducible ICAM‐1. Their preferential induction in the lysis of insensitive NK target cells suggests that IFN‐γ and TNF‐α are functionally linked to and should be regarded as an integral part of NK cytolytic function.
Compact calculation of the perihelion precession of Mercury in general relativity, the cosmological constant and Jacobi's inversion problem

The geodesic equations resulting from the Schwarzschild gravitational metric element are solved exactly including the contribution from the cosmological constant. The exact solution is given by genus-2 Siegelsche modular forms. For zero cosmological constant the hyperelliptic curve degenerates into an elliptic curve and the resulting geodesic is solved by the Weierstras Jacobi modular form. The solution is applied to the precise calculation of the perihelion precession of the orbit of the planet Mercury around the Sun.
Determination of the Authenticity of Dairy Products on the Basis of Fatty Acids and Triacylglycerols Content using GC Analysis

Milk fat is an important food component, and plays a significant role in the economics, functional nutrition, and chemical properties of dairy products. Dairy products also contain nutritional resources and essential fatty acids (FAs). Because of the increasing demand for dairy products, milk fat is a common target in economic fraud. Specifically, milk fat is often replaced with cheaper or readily available vegetable oils or animal fats. In this study, a method for the discrimination of milk fat was developed, using FAs profiles, and triacylglycerols (TGs) profiles. A total of 11 samples were evaluated: four milk fats (MK), four vegetable oils (VG), two pork lards (PL), and one beef tallow (BT). Gas chromathgraphy analysis were performed, to monitor the FAs content and TGs composition in MK, VG, PL, and BT. The result showed that qualitative determination of the MK of samples adulterated with different vegetable oils and animal fats was possible by a visual comparision of FAs, using C14:0, C16:0, C18:1n9c, C18:0, and C18:2n6c, and of TGs, using C36, C38, C40, C50, C52, and C54 profiles. Overall, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the use of FAs and TGs in the detection of adulterated milk fat, and accordingly characterize the samples by the adulterant oil source, and level of adulteration. Also, based on this preliminary investigation, the usefulness of this approach could be tested for other oils in the future.
Assessing physical activity in persons with knee osteoarthritis using accelerometers: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative

Physical activity measured by accelerometers requires basic assumptions to translate the output into meaningful measures. We used accelerometer data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative to investigate in the context of knee osteoarthritis (OA) the following data processing assumptions derived from the general US adult population: nonwear (a period the monitor was removed), based on zero activity exceeding 60 minutes; and a valid day of monitoring, based on wear time evidence exceeding 10 hours.
[Food intake and meal patterns of adolescents, São Paulo, Brazil].

OBJECTIVE To assess food intake and meal patterns in adolescents, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 228 adolescents from a public school, SP, Brazil. METHODS Total energy, macronutrients, calcium, iron, and vitamin A intakes were evaluated. The food pattern was compared with the eating patterns established by the Food Pyramid for adolescents. Meal frequency was assessed to identify meal skipping. Descriptive statistics and Chi Square were used. RESULTS Mean energy intake was lower than estimated for 66% adolescents, carbohydrate intake was lower than estimated for 50% adolescents, fat intake was higher than estimated for 50% of adolescents, and protein intake was above the recommendation for 40% of adolescents. Among adolescents studied, 21% skipped breakfast and one third of them had snacks instead of lunch or dinner. CONCLUSION The diet of adolescents had insufficient energy intake and deficient intake of fruits and vegetables. Meal patterns were satisfactory, but breakfast should be encouraged.
REASONS FOR NON-USE OF RECOVERED KIDNEYS: THE EFFECT OF DONOR GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS AND CREATININE CLEARANCE ON GRAFT SURVIVAL

Background. In 2000, the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Registry reported 540 recovered kidneys were discarded because of biopsy results, and 210 were discarded because of poor organ function. We compared the percentage of glomerulosclerosis (GS) and creatinine clearance (CrCl) of both discarded and transplanted cadaveric kidneys and examined their effect on graft survival and function. Methods. The cohort consisted of all cadaveric kidneys (n= 3,444) with reported biopsy results between October 25, 1999 and December 31, 2001. Graft survival was calculated by univariate and multivariate models. Results. Fifty-one percent of discarded kidneys had GS of less than 20%, 27% had a CrCl greater than 80 mL/min, and 15% (129 kidneys) had both GS less than 20% and a CrCl of greater than 80 mL/min. Univariate analyses of kidneys with less than or equal to 20% GS revealed no difference in 1-year graft survival when the CrCl was greater than or less than or equal to 80 mL/min. When GS was greater than 20%, 1-year graft survival of kidneys with a CrCl of greater than 80 mL/min was significantly greater than that of kidneys with a CrCl of less than or equal to 80 mL/min. Multivariate results showed no significant difference in relative risk of graft loss with GS greater than 20% versus less than or equal to 20% when the CrCl was either 50 or 80 mL/min. With both GS less than or equal to 20% and greater than 20%, serum creatinine at 1 year was significantly lower in kidneys with CrCl greater 80 mL/min. Conclusions. Calculated donor CrCl does, and percentage GS on donor kidney biopsies does not, correlate well with 1-year graft survival and function, and percentage GS should not be used as the sole criterion for discarding recovered cadaveric kidneys.
Parameters affecting transient oxide formation on FeCrAl based foil and fibre materials

Abstract The effects of oxidation temperature and atmosphere on the formation of alumina scales on two commercial FeCrAl foil materials have been investigated. The oxidized specimens were characterized using a range of surface analysis techniques including SEM, XRD, laser induced optical spectrometry (LIOS), AES and XPS. During oxidation at temperatures exceeding 1000°C, the protective oxide scales formed on FeCrAl-alloys consist mainly of alpha alumina. At lower temperatures, however, formation of transient alumina modifications, has been observed. Although after longer oxidation times transformation into the stable alpha alumina occurs, the high initial growth rate of the metastable oxide phases could lead to a critical depletion of the Al-reservoir in thin walled (e.g. 20 (m) components, resulting in early breakaway failure. The occurrence of metastable oxides cannot simply be correlated with alloy composition.
Quantitative cytomorphometric analysis of exfoliated normal gingival cells

Background: The use of oral exfoliative cytology as a diagnostic aid accentuates the need for establishing an accurate baseline, thereby enabling the comparison of abnormal oral tissue with established baseline. Aims and Objective: To detect any changes in the nuclear area (NA), cytoplasmic area (CA), and nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio (N:C ratio) values for clinically normal gingival smears in relation to age and sex of apparently healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Gingival smears were collected from 80 (40 male, 40 female) apparently healthy subjects belonging to the age group of 0–20, 21–40, 41–60, and more than 60 years. Smear slides were fixed by using spray fixative. The smears were stained using Papanicolaou procedure. The cytoplasmic and NAs were measured using image analysis software. Statistical analysis of the data was done using one-way ANOVA with Tukey–HSD procedure and Student's t test. Results: The result showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.001) in NA, CA, and N:C in males of different age groups. There was a significant difference (P<0.001) in NA, CA, and N:C in females of different age groups. The difference in N:C between males and females was significant (P<0.001) in all the groups. The difference in NA, CA, and N:C with age irrespective of gender was significant (P<0.05). There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between males and females with respect to NA, CA, and N:C irrespective of age. Conclusion: Age-and sex-related alterations were observed in gingival smears, which could be a baseline for these variables to compare identical measurements, made on pathologic smears of oral premalignant and malignant lesions.
Purification and fragmentation of nondenatured bone sialoprotein: Evidence for a cryptic, RGD‐resistant cell attachment domain

Bone sialoprotein (BSP), a small (˜80,000 Mr) integrin binding, RGD‐containing bone matrix glycoprotein, has been purified in milligram quantities from the serum‐free medium of the rat osteosarcoma cell line UMR‐106‐BSP using nondenaturing conditions. Routine protein purification without serine protease inhibitors or reducing agents consistently resulted in three major fragments. The largest fragment (E1) started at amino acid 117 and did not bind to antibodies made to the RGD region of the protein. Furthermore, the smallest fragment (E3), was shown by sequencing to contain the RGD region of the protein. Digestion of intact BSP with highly purified chymotrypsin also resulted in a large fragment (C1) with properties nearly identical to those of E1. The large, non‐RGD‐containing fragments, E1 and C1, as well as the intact BSP, supported attachment by normal human bone cells and human skin fibroblasts in vitro. Attachment to the intact BSP was totally blocked by 0.4 mM GRGDS peptide. Both preparations of skin fibroblasts and approximately half of the preparations of normal human bone cells, however, also would not attach to the E1 and C1 fragments in the presence of 0.4 mM GRGDS peptide. In contrast, half of the bone cell preparations had significant attachment activity to E1 (>50%) and C1 (>25%) in the presence of 0.4 mM GRGDS peptide. These data suggest that cleavage of the BSP results in either (1) the exposure of a previously unavailable or cryptic cell attachment site or (2) a conformational change that increases the affinity of the complex between a non‐RGD‐encoded binding region of the E1 and C1 fragments and at least one receptor. The possible homology of the second, non‐RGD‐suppressible site of BSP with the second cell attachment site on the gamma chain of fibrinogen is discussed.
The seasonal pattern of cell proliferation and neuron number in the dentate gyrus of wild adult eastern grey squirrels

The dentate gyrus is one of two areas in the mammalian brain that produces neurons in adulthood. Neurogenesis (proliferation, survival, and differentiation of new neurons) is regulated by experience, and increased neurogenesis appears to be correlated with improved spatial learning in mammals and birds. We tested the hypothesis that in long‐lived mammals that scatter‐hoard food, seasonal variations in spatial memory processing (i.e. increased processing during caching season in the autumn) might correlate with changes in neurogenesis and neuron number in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus (gcl DG). We investigated the rate of cell proliferation and the total number of neurons in the granule cell layer of wild adult eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) at three different times of the year (October, January and June). We found no seasonal differences in cell proliferation rate or in total neuron number in the granule cell layer. Our findings are in agreement with those of previous studies in laboratory mice and rats, and in free‐ranging, food‐caching, black‐capped chickadees, as well as with current hypotheses regarding the relationship between neurogenesis and learning. Our results, however, are also in agreement with the hypothesis that neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus represents a maintenance system that may be regulated by environmental factors, and that changes in total neuron number previously reported in rodents represent developmental changes rather than adult plasticity. The patterns observed in mature wild rodents, such as free‐ranging squirrels, may represent more accurately the extent of hippocampal plasticity in adult mammals.
Properties of single-step mutants of Syrian hamster cell lines resistant to N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate

Eleven independent lines of Syrian hamster cells were selected by using very low levels of N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate (PALA), an inhibitor of aspartate transcarbamylase. The protocol employed insured that each resistant cell arose during one of the last divisions before selection was applied. Cells of each mutant line contained an amplification of the structural gene for CAD, a trifunctional protein which includes aspartate transcarbamylase and two other enzymes of UMP biosynthesis. Strikingly, despite the minimal selection employed, the degree of amplification of the CAD gene was 6 to 10 times the normal diploid number in all 11 cases. In situ hybridization indicated that the amplified CAD genes were almost always present at a single chromosomal site in each line. Therefore, one of the two alleles was amplified 11- to 19-fold. The rates at which cells became resistant to PALA, determined by fluctuation analysis, were 100 times less dependent on drug concentration than were the frequencies of resistant cells in steady-state populations. The relatively shallow dependence of this rate upon PALA concentration is consistent with our independent observation that most events gave rise to a similar degree of amplification. In six of six cell lines examined, the levels of CAD mRNA and aspartate transcarbamylase activity were elevated two- to fourfold. These lines were resistant to PALA concentrations 20- to 80-fold higher than the ones used for selection. The organization of amplified DNA was examined by hybridizing Southern blots with cloned DNA fragments containing amplified sequences, previously isolated from two cell lines resistant to high levels of PALA. A contiguous region of DNA approximately 44 kilobases long which included the CAD gene was amplified in five of five single-step mutants examined. Outside this region, these mutants shared amplified sequences with only one of the two highly resistant lines.
Complete mitochondrial genome of squaretail coralgrouper Plectropomus areolatus (Perciformes, Epinephelidae)

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of squaretail coralgrouper Plectropomus areolatus was determined with long PCR approach. The genome was 16,770 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and 2 non-coding regions, with the gene content and order being similar to most other teleosts. The overall base composition of the mitogenome was estimated to be 28.81% A, 27.63% T, 27.24% C, and 16.33% G, with a high AT content of 56.44%, indicating an obvious anti-guanine bias commonly observed in fishes. It shared 90.7%, 78.8%, and 78.7% mitogenome sequence with Plectropomus leopardus, Epinephelus moara, and Epinephelus coioides, respectively.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews the Contribution of Brain Sub-cortical Loops in the Expression and Acquisition of Action Understanding Abilities

Keywords: Psychology Neuroscience Mirror neurons Action understanding Sub-cortical processes Cerebellar cortical loops Basal ganglia cortical loops Forward models Inverse models a b s t r a c t Research on action understanding in cognitive neuroscience has led to the identification of a wide " action understanding network " mainly encompassing parietal and premotor cortical areas. Within this cortical network mirror neurons are critically involved implementing a neural mechanism according to which, during action understanding, observed actions are reflected in the motor patterns for the same actions of the observer. We suggest that focusing only on cortical areas and processes could be too restrictive to explain important facets of action understanding regarding, for example, the influence of the observer's motor experience, the multiple levels at which an observed action can be understood, and the acquisition of action understanding ability. In this respect, we propose that aside from the cortical action understanding network, sub-cortical processes pivoting on cerebellar and basal ganglia cortical loops could crucially support both the expression and the acquisition of action understanding abilities. Within the paper we will discuss how this extended view can overcome some limitations of the " pure " cortical perspective, supporting new theoretical predictions on the brain mechanisms underlying action understanding that could be tested by future empirical investigations.
Quality of Long-Term Care in Medicare-and Medicaid-Certified Nursing Homes in Southwest Ohio

Background: Long-term care facilities provide a wide range of services over a sustained period of time to people of all ages with functional limitations and chronic conditions. Nursing homes provide 24 hour nursing care support and long-term housing. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships among nursing home ownership, care processes and quality outcomes in Medicareand Medicaid-certified nursing homes in Ohio. Methods: This is a descriptive study that uses the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Minimum Data Set (MDS). There were 198 Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes located in Southwest Ohio included in this study. Results: The data analysis revealed that non-profit nursing homes provide more licensed nursing staff and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) hours per resident per day than for–profit facilities (p < 0.001). Higher levels of licensed nursing staff and CNA care had no influence on quality outcomes or five star rating measures Conclusions: This study demonstrates that nursing home ownership plays a significant role in nursing staff care and quality of care outcomes. When nursing staff care hours reach state legislation minimum required level, there is no significant impact on quality outcome measures. Quality of care outcomes are not determined by nursing staffing alone. Pressure ulcer prevalence rates, typically use as a quality measure may not be sensitive to differences in staffing hours.