Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a biophysical model of enteric methane emissions from Australian beef feedlots

Feedlot producers face considerable pressure to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus. This paper reports on the development and validation of a biophysical model to predict greenhouse gas emissions from Australian beef feedlots, specifically enteric methane emissions. The developed model was based on the current Australian methodology for greenhouse sources and sinks, with the addition of two recently developed beef cattle specific models. The model was validated using the results of published studies and compared with emissions measured using open path spectroscopy and micrometeorology from two Australian feedlots during two seasons. The best performing equations were Ellis et al. (2007) and Moe and Tyrell (1979) with Lins concordance values and 95% confidence intervals of 0.4509 (0.1018) and 0.3696 (0.1362). Average residuals were 118.6 and 98.2 g/head/day for the two best performing equations. The IPCC Tier II equation demonstrated the lowest average residual 0.6 g/head/day but also the poorest concordance (Pc 0.0657, 95% CI -0.024). This study demonstrates that the current Australian methodology for estimating enteric emissions from feedlot cattle is overestimating emissions.
Relaxing messages from the sarcolemma

In spite of the detailed understanding reached in the last 50 years about the molecular mechanisms of muscle excitability, the localization of the Cl− conductance, GCl, in muscle has remained highly contended. In this issue, [Lueck et al.][1] address this long-standing controversy, measuring
An improved direct-forcing immersed boundary method for fluid-structure interaction simulations

Simulation of fluid-structure interaction (FSI) of flexible bodies are challenging due to complex geometries and freely moving boundaries. Immersed boundary method has found to be an efficient technique for dealing with FSI problems because of the use of non-body-fitted mesh and simple implementation. In the present work, we developed a FSI solver by coupling a direct forcing immersed boundary method for the fluid with a finite difference method of the structure. Several flow problems are simulated to validate our method. The testing cases include flow over a stationary cylinder and flat plate, two-dimensional flow past an inextensible flexible filament and three-dimensional flow past a flag. The results obtained agree well with those from previously published literatures.
High impact of migration on the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B in the Netherlands

Objectives A representative serosurveillance study (1995) resulted in an estimate of 0.2% for the HBsAg prevalence in the Netherlands. Some risk groups, especially migrants, were not well represented in the study, which probably led to an underestimation of the true HBsAg prevalence. The aim of this study was to calculate an adjusted HBsAg prevalence estimate for the total Dutch population including these risk groups. Methods According to their country of origin first-generation migrants (FGM) were classified into groups with low, intermediate and high prevalence using data from the WHO and Statistics Netherlands. The number of chronic HBsAg carriers in different age and population groups was estimated based on studies about age-specific prevalence in different countries. The number of carriers in the indigenous population was estimated using the serosurveillance study. A combination of these estimates led to an estimate of the total prevalence rate in the Netherlands. Results Nearly 10% of the Dutch population are FGM. Of these, about 18% were born in low-endemic, 71% in middle-endemic and 11% in high-endemic countries. The overall prevalence of HBsAg in FGM is estimated to be at 3.77%. Combining these results with the results of the serosurveillance study the HBsAg prevalence in the Dutch population is estimated to be between 0.32 and 0.51%, and when including injecting drug users and mentally handicapped persons the prevalence rates are 0.36 and 0.55%, respectively. Conclusion Our results show the high importance of targeting migrants and their close contacts adequately in screening programmes, vaccination and treatment for chronic hepatitis B.
Early disruption of glial communication via connexin gap junction in multiple sclerosis, Baló's disease and neuromyelitis optica

Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and Baló's disease (BD) are inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the CNS. We previously reported anti‐aquaporin‐4 (anti‐AQP4) antibody‐dependent AQP4 loss occurs in some NMO patients, while antibody‐independent AQP4 astrocytopathy can occur in heterogeneous demyelinating conditions, including MS, NMO and BD. To investigate the relationship between astrocytopathy and demyelination, we focused on connexins (Cxs), which form gap junctions (GJs) between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and maintain homeostasis in the CNS. We evaluated expression of astrocytic Cx43/Cx30 and oligodendrocytic Cx47/Cx32 in autopsied materials from MS, NMO and BD patients. Astrocytic Cx43 and oligodendrocytic Cx32/Cx47 expressions were significantly diminished in both demyelinated and preserved myelin layers in all BD samples. In the leading edge of BD lesions, Cx43 and AQP4 loss preceded Cx32/Cx47 loss. Half of the NMO and MS samples showed preferential loss of astrocytic Cx43 expression in actively demyelinating and chronic active lesions, where heterotypic Cx43/Cx47 astrocyte‐oligodendrocyte GJs were lost. Cases with Cx43 loss were significantly associated with rapid disease progression, regardless of the disease phenotype. Pathologically, Cx43 loss was frequently accompanied by distal oligodendrogliopathy. Our findings suggest that Cx43 astrocytopathy can occur in MS, BD and NMO. Moreover, astrocytic Cx43 loss may be associated with disease aggressiveness and distal oligodendrogliopathy in demyelinating conditions. Early disruption of glial communications via GJs may cause loss of glia syncytium, thereby inducing oligodendroglial damage and myelin loss. Inhibition of Cx hemichannels and restoration of GJs may be a possible therapeutic target for demyelinating disorders.
Effects of soybean protein composition and processing conditions on silken tofu properties.

BACKGROUND Texture and water holding are important for silken tofu manufacturers and are affected by many factors, including soybean variety and processing conditions. In this study we evaluated these two key quality attributes of silken tofu produced from two soybean varieties - Bunya and Cowrie - using a soak or a dry processing method with glucono-δ-lactone or nigari as coagulant at concentrations of 1.5-5.0 g kg⁻¹. RESULTS The soak method produced substantially firmer silken tofu with either coagulant. The optimum coagulant concentration to achieve maximum hardness was 2.5-3.0 g kg⁻¹. At 3.0 g kg⁻¹, Bunya produced silken tofu with firmer texture for each of the coagulant-method combinations and lower water loss, an indicator for water holding capacity, for the soak method. The two varieties differed significantly in the composition of major protein subunits for the seed and soymilk. Bunya had no 11SA4, less 11S and more 7S and therefore a lower 11S/7S ratio. CONCLUSION Both variety and processing conditions affect textural properties and water loss of silken tofu. The absence of 11SA4 and subsequent protein subunit compositions are important in determining these two key quality attributes. Variety Bunya produces silken tofu with firmer texture and lower water loss.
The stratigraphy of a Late Palaeozoicborehole section at Douglas River, eastern Tasmania: a synthesis of marinemacro-invertebrate and palynological data

A section 236.8 m in thickness of Late Palaeozoic (Late Carboniferous-Permian) rocks of the Lower Parmeener Super-Group was encountered in a borehole at Douglas River, eastern Tasmania. Lithological, marine macro-invertebrate and palynological data are documented and collated. The section displays many similarities with sequences elsewhere in eastern and northeastern Tasmania, but is unusual in the development of rocks (including Tasmanites shale) as old as Early Tamarian. This occurrence may indicate a narrow, but significant east-west breaching of the land barrier which persisted throughout the Tamarian over most of eastern and northeastern Tasmania. Acritarch swarms coeval with sedimentation occur at intervals, whereas other acritarchs may be derived from earlier Palaeozoic rocks. The Tasmanian Late Permian palynofloras lack diversity and resemble those from the Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica, rather than those from elsewhere in eastern Australia.
EFFECT OF POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL INDUCED DROUGHT STRESS ON PHYSIO-HORMONAL ATTRIBUTES OF SOYBEAN

Drought stress is a major abiotic constraint limiting crop production world wide. In current study, we investigated the adverse effects of drought stress on growth, yield and endogenous phytohormones of soybean. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions of elevated strength (8% & 16%) were used for drought stress induction. Drought stress period span for two weeks each at pre and post flowering growth stage. It was observed that soybean growth and yield attributes significantly reduced under drought stress at both pre and post flowering period, while maximum reduction was caused by PEG (16%) applied at pre flowering time. The endogenous bioactive GA1 and GA4 content decreased under elevated drought stress. On the other hand, jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) content increased under drought stress. On the basis of current study, we concluded that application of earlier drought stress severely reduced growth and yield attributes of soybean when compared to its later application. Furthermore, increases in the endogenous contents of JA, SA and ABA in response to drought stress demonstrate the involvement of these hormones in drought stress resistance.
Trading in Networks: Theory and Experiments

Intermediation is a prominent feature of economic production and exchange. Two features of intermediation are salient: coordination among traders between the ‘source’ and the ‘destination’ and competition between alternative combinations of intermediaries. We develop a simple model to study these forces and we test the theoretical predictions in experiments. Our theoretical analysis yields a complete characterization of pricing equilibrium in networks. There exist both ecient and inecient equilibria, suggesting a key role of coordination among intermediaries. Strategic interaction leads to either buyer and seller retaining all surplus or intermediaries extracting all surplus. We develop conditions on network structure under which these di↵erent extremal outcomes arise, respectively. Laboratory experiments show that eciency prevails in almost all cases: so traders are successful in coordination. Subjects coordinate on extreme surplus division. Finally, experiments highlight the role of network structure in determining pricing and the
On the Erasmus StudentMobility for Studies

The Erasmus programme has made a significant contribution to mobility in European higher education, enabling almost 3 million students and 300,000 academic staff to be mobile within the borders of Europe since 1987. In the paper, we deal with Erasmus mobility flows, in particular Erasmus Student mobility for studies (SMS), between 32 European countries in the last Erasmus phase (from 2007/08 to 2010/11). For this purpose we used program R for statistical analysis and Pajek program for analysis of networks. The data was conducted from official European Commission website on Erasmus-Statistics. First, we provided some general overview on Erasmus mobility trends and then we defined Erasmus SMS network. Network analytic methods revealed 3 groups of countries: good importers and exporters (Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Portugal), good importers only (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom and Ireland) and good exporters only (Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic and Poland). Based on our results further research can be done.
Multi‐image based method to correct vignetting effect in light microscopy images

Vignetting is the radial attenuation effect of the image's brightness intensity from the center of the optical axis to the edges. To perform quantitative image analyses it is mandatory to take into account this effect, intrinsic of the acquisition system. Many image processing steps, such as segmentation and object tracking, are strongly affected by vignetting and the effect becomes particularly evident in mosaicing. The most common approach to compensate the attenuation of the image's brightness intensity is to estimate the vignetting function from a homogeneous reference object, typically an empty field, and to use it to normalize the images acquired under the same microscope set‐up conditions. However, several reasons lead to the use of image‐based methods to estimate the vignetting function from the images themselves. In this work, we propose an effective multi‐image based method suitable for real‐time applications. It is designed to correct vignetting in wide field light microscopy images. The vignetting function is computed stemming from a background built incrementally from the proposed background segmentation algorithm, validated on several manually segmented images. The extensive experiments carried out using cell cultures, histological samples and synthetic images prove that our method almost always yields the best results and in worst cases are comparable to those achieved by using homogeneous reference objects.
CCL19 is a specific ligand of the constitutively recycling atypical human chemokine receptor CRAM‐B

The human chemokine receptor CRAM (chemokine receptor on activated macrophages), encoded by the gene CCRL2, is a new candidate for the atypical chemokine receptor family that includes the receptors DARC, D6 and chemocentryx chemokine receptor (CCX‐CKR). CRAM is maturation‐stage‐dependently expressed on human B lymphocytes and its surface expression is up‐regulated upon short‐term CCL5 exposure. Here, we demonstrate that the homeostatic chemokine CCL19 is a specific ligand for CRAM. In radioactive labelling studies CCL19 bound to CRAM‐expressing cells with an affinity similar to the described binding of its other receptor CCR7. In contrast to the known CCL19/CCR7 ligand/receptor pair, CRAM stimulation by CCL19 did not result in typical chemokine‐receptor‐dependent cellular activation like calcium mobilization or migration. Instead, we demonstrate that CRAM is constitutively recycling via clathrin‐coated pits and able to internalize CCL19 as well as anti‐CRAM antibodies. As this absence of classical chemokine receptor responses and the recycling and internalization features are characteristic for non‐classical chemokine receptors, we suggest that CRAM is the newest member of this group. As CCL19 is known to be critically involved in lymphocyte and dendritic cell trafficking, CCL19‐binding competition by CRAM might be involved in modulating these processes.
Large-Area Mapping at 850 μm. V. Analysis of the Clump Distribution in the Orion A South Molecular Cloud

We present results from a 2300 arcmin2 survey of the Orion A molecular cloud at 450 and 850 μm using the Submillimeter Common-User Bolometer Array (SCUBA) on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. The region mapped lies directly south of the OMC 1 cloud core and includes OMC 4, OMC 5, HH 1/2, HH 34, and L1641N. We identify 71 independent clumps in the 850 μm map and compute size, flux, and degree of central concentration in each. Comparison with isothermal, pressure-confined, self-gravitating Bonnor-Ebert spheres implies that the clumps have internal temperatures Td ~ 22 ± 5 K and surface pressures log(k-1 P cm-3 K) = 6.0 ± 0.2. The clump masses span the range 0.3-22 M☉ assuming a dust temperature Td ~ 20 K and a dust emissivity κ850 = 0.02 cm2 g-1. The distribution of clump masses is well characterized by a power law N(M) ∝ M-α with α = 2.0 ± 0.5 for M > 3.0 M☉, indicating a clump mass function steeper than the stellar initial mass function. Significant incompleteness makes determination of the slope at lower masses difficult. A comparison of the submillimeter emission map with an H2 2.122 μm survey of the same region is performed. Several new Class 0 sources are revealed and a correlation is found between both the column density and degree of concentration of the submillimeter sources and the likelihood of coincident H2 shock emission.
[Nerve growth factor: possibilities and limitations of its clinical application].

INTRODUCTION The use of neurotrophic factors for the treatment of degenerative disorders of the nervous system opens up promising new perspectives. DEVELOPMENT Nerve growth factor (NGF) represents the most known and studied trophic factor, which acts on sensory and sympathetic neurons of the peripheral nervous system, and on basal forebrain and striatal cholinergic neurons of the central nervous system. The specificity and trophic actions of NGF on these neuronal populations and its efficacy at preventing neurodegeneration have led to its proposal of evaluation in the treatment of neurological diseases such as: Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathies and Huntington's diseases. Preclinical and clinical studies carried out in animal models and patients with diagnosis of these diseases have revealed satisfactory results. The difficulties of the NGF central chronic infusion, and the NGF detrimental effects arising from the stimulation of other sensitive neuronal population have stimulated active efforts for the development of more efficacious delivery strategies. Besides, it has also promoted further studies on the relation between the neuropathological stage, the dose and the effects of NGF administration. CONCLUSION The NGF is a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Upper extremity disability in workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome.

BACKGROUND Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a common occupational problem and it is important to understand the disability associated with this condition. AIMS To measure upper extremity disability using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire in workers with HAVS and to determine how this disability is affected by the vascular and neurological components of HAVS and other factors, in particular musculoskeletal variables. METHODS Subjects were recruited from HAVS patients assessed at St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada, over a 2-year period. All participants were assessed by an occupational medicine specialist to determine the specific components of HAVS and musculoskeletal variables including upper extremity pain score measured by the Borg scale. The DASH questionnaire was completed on the same day as the clinical assessment and before any feedback had been given about the clinical findings. RESULTS A total of 141 workers with HAVS were recruited and 139 agreed to participate in the study. This study group had a statistically significantly higher mean DASH score than the US population (P < 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that upper extremity pain score (P < 0.001), the Stockholm sensorineural scale (P < 0.01) and the number of fingers blanching (P < 0.05) had a statistically significant association with an increase in the DASH score. The highest partial R(2) value was for the upper extremity pain score. CONCLUSIONS Workers with HAVS have significant upper extremity disability and musculoskeletal factors appear to make an important contribution to this disability.
Impact of linkage disequilibrium on multipoint linkage analysis

In this chapter we describe the impact that an inaccurate assumption of linkage equilibrium has upon linkage methods. Most multipoint linkage analysis programs assume linkage equilibrium among tightly linked markers. Violation of this assumption leads to biased evidence for linkage when analyzing affected sib-pairs and an excess probability of falsely detecting evidence for linkage. Including the parents in the analysis or additional unaffected siblings reduces or eliminates this bias. Procedures for removing markers in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) or for treating linked markers as sets of alleles at a single locus have been developed. Some parametric linkage methods can perform analysis incorporating haplotype frequencies among tightly linked markers, but these approaches are awkward to implement for dense multipoint mapping. Keywords: linkage; linkage disequilibrium; mapping; LOD scores; false positive; bias
Development of bauxite in relation to parent material near Jarrahdale, Western Australia

Abstract The relationship between well‐exposed bedrock materials and lateritic bauxite developed over them was investigated in a deep railway cutting, located within the Jarrahdale bauxite mining area in southwestern Australia. Observations in the field and chemical and quantitative mineralogical analysis indicate that the bauxite developed by lateritization in place of the underlying gneissic‐granite/meta‐quartz dolerite basement complex in a leaching environment.
Effects of various concentrations of uranium tailings on certain growth and biochemical parameters in sunflower

Effects of different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100%) of uranium tailings conditioned with garden soil on growth and biochemical parameters in sunflower were studied. The shoot and root length, fresh and dry mass as well as leaf area and chlorophyll contents showed significant negative correlation with the applied uranium tailing concentrations. The influence on plant growth was also measured in terms of Tolerance Index (TI) and Grade of Growth Inhibition (GGI). Yellowing of leaves was recorded in all the tailing concentrations. Soluble proteins (leaf) showed significant enhancement as the concentration of uranium tailing increased indicating a breakdown of structural insoluble proteins. Survival of sunflower plants over 100 days on higher tailing concentrations (up to 75%) showed that sunflower may be helpful in revitalization of uranium mining waste.
Learning curve in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: our first 100 patients.

BACKGROUND Recent data confirming the oncologic safety of laparoscopic colectomy for cancer as well as its potential benefits will likely motivate more surgeons to perform laparoscopic colorectal surgery. OBJECTIVES To assess factors related to the learning curve of laparoscopic colorectal surgery, such as the number of operations performed, the type of procedures, major complications, and oncologic resections. METHODS We evaluated the data of our first 100 elective laparoscopic colorectal operations performed during a 2 year period and compared the first 50 cases with the following 50. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 66 years and 49% were males. Indications included cancer, polyps, diverticular disease, Crohn's disease, and others, in 50%, 23%, 13%, 7% and 7% respectively. Mean operative time was 170 minutes. One patient died (massive pulmonary embolism). Significant surgical complications occurred in 10 patients (10%). Hospital stay averaged 8 days. Comparison of the first 50 procedures with the next 50 revealed a significant decrease in major surgical complications (20% vs. 0%). Mean operative time decreased from 180 to 160 minutes and hospital stay from 8.6 to 7.2 days. There was no difference in conversion rate and mean number of harvested nodes in both groups. Residents performed 8% of the operations in the first 50 cases compared with 20% in the second 50 cases. Right colectomies had shorter operative times and fewer conversions. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant decrease in major complications after the first 50 laparoscopic colorectal procedures. Adequate oncologic resections may be achieved early in the learning curve. Right colectomies are less difficult to perform and are recommended as initial procedures.