Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EXISTENCE OF LIMIT CYCLES IN A PREDATOR-PREY SYSTEM WITH A FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE

We consider the existence of limit cycles for a predator-prey system with a functional response. The system has two or more parameters that represent the intrinsic rate of the predator population. A necessary and sufficient condition for the uniqueness of limit cycles in this system is presented. Such result will usually lead to a bifurcation curve.
Rethinking violence against women

Cross-Border Encounters - R E Dobash and R P Dobash Challenges and Opportunities Rethinking Survey Research on Violence against Women - H Johnson Sexual Violence against Women and Girls - L Kelly and J Radford An Approach to an International Overview Violence Embodied - J Boddy Circumcision, Gender Politics and Cultural Aesthetics Violence against Women in Societies under Stress - M McWilliams Violent Men and Violent Contexts - R E Dobash and R P Dobash The Hand That Strikes and Comforts - E Lundgren Gender Construction and the Tension between Body and Symbol Lethal and Non-Lethal Violence against Wives and the Evolutionary Psychology of Male Sexual Proprietariness - M Wilson and M Daly
Redundant Heterogeneity and Group Performance

Although diversity provides teams with a variety of advantages, the diversity–performance connection is not always positive. This paper identifies three performance issues that naturally result from diversity and suggests a potential solution for each of them. First, the positive effects associated with diversity often decay over time, in part because heterogeneous people may homogenize with repeated exposure. Second, diverse groups are fragile and experience higher turnover than nondiverse groups. Recruiting similar (redundant) pairs within a heterogeneous group can solve these two problems but also gives rise to a third: fault-line fragmentation . We propose a different structural solution: redundant heterogeneity (RH), in which not only are team members heterogeneous within a hierarchical level of a group or organization but their diversity is matched by similar critical team member characteristics at other hierarchical levels. Thus, we suggest that organizations and teams can take maximal advantage of diversity when each of their hierarchical subgroups are similarly diverse on the same critical dimensions. Analyses of 23 years of panel data from the National Basketball Association provided a first test of the effectiveness of this solution. We focused on professional players’ experience with a particular style of play in their college careers as the critical dimension of diversity within these teams. Our findings indicate that RH led to better performance, for three reasons. First, the positive effect of heterogeneity among teams’ core players on team performance decays more slowly for teams with RH; second, teams with RH are less negatively affected by turnover among core players; and third, teams with RH exhibited more coordination and cooperation. The discussion section suggests how and why other types of teams and organizations can benefit from redundant heterogeneity.
Novel synthetic triterpenoid methyl 25‐Hydroxy‐3‐Oxoolean‐12‐en‐28‐Oate induces apoptosis through JNK and p38 MAPK pathways in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF‐7 cells

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm in women and is the leading cause of cancer‐related death for women. Therefore, new agents targeting prevention and treatment of breast cancer are urgently needed. The present study first investigates that a novel triterpenoid Methyl 25‐Hydroxy‐3‐oxoolean‐12‐en‐28‐oate (AMR‐Me) derived from 25‐Hydroxy‐3‐oxoolean‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid (AMR) is a potent inhibitor of cell growth by inducing human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells to undergo apoptosis. AMR‐Me induced DNA fragmentation and PARP degradation which were preceded by changing Bax/Bcl‐2 ratios, cytochrome c release, and subsequent induction of pro‐caspase‐9 and ‐7 processing in breast carcinoma MCF‐7 cells, but it did not act on Fas/Fas ligand pathways and the activation of caspase‐8, suggesting AMR‐Me triggered the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The general caspase blocking peptide VAD partially blocked AMR‐Me induced apoptosis. AMR‐Me stimulated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), but not extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation during apoptosis. SP600125, a specific inhibitor for JNK and SB203580, a p38 MAPK‐specific inhibitor suppressed AMR‐Me induced apoptosis indicating that activation of JNK and p38 MAPKs involved in the mitochondrial activation‐mediated cell death pathway. Our results suggest that AMR‐Me can utilize two different MAPK signaling pathways for amplifying the apoptosis cascade, is critical for both our understanding of cell death events and development of cancer preventive/therapeutic agents. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell cycle behavior of human HP1 subtypes: distinct molecular domains of HP1 are required for their centromeric localization during interphase and metaphase

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) plays an important role in heterochromatin formation. Three subtypes of HP1, namely HP1α, β, and γ, have been identified in humans. In this study, using yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusion constructs, we examined the intracellular localization of human HP1 subtypes during the cell cycle. During interphase, all three HP1 subtypes were localized to centromeric heterochromatin and to promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies. Different preferences, however, were observed among the subtypes: during interphase HP1β localized most preferentially to centromeric heterochromatin, whereas HP1α and γ were more preferentially localized to PML nuclear bodies. During metaphase, only HP1α, was localized to the centromere. We thus determined which molecular domains of HP1 were necessary for their intracellular localization. Our results showed that the C-terminal fragment (amino acid residues 101-180) of HP1α was necessary for localization to the metaphase centromere and the N-terminal fragment (amino acid residues 1-76) of HP1β was necessary for localization to the interphase centromere. Interestingly, simultaneous observations of residues 101-180 of HP1α and residues 1-76 of HP1β in living HeLa cells revealed that during late prophase, the HP1β fragment dissociated from centromeric regions and the HP1α fragment accumulated in centromeric regions. These results indicate that different specific regions of human HP1α and HP1β mediate localization to metaphase and interphase centromeric regions resulting in association of different subtypes of HP1 with the centromere at different times during the cell cycle.
Seed Biochemical Analysis Based Profiling of Diverse Wheat Genetic Resource from Pakistan

Wheat is the major nutrient source worldwide. In Pakistan, it has a crucial place in agriculture as well as in national economy. For seed biochemical compositional analysis, wheat germplasm (77 genotypes) was collected from different agro-climatic zones of Pakistan. Significant variation (p < 0.05) was observed for tested parameters among tested genotypes. Highest activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was detected in Pavon (1,426.67 Units/g s. wt.), catalase (CAT) in Pasban-90 (633.33 Units/g s. wt.), peroxidase (POD) in IQBAL-2000 (42,579.6 Units/g s. wt.), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Manthar-2003 (278.93 Units/g s. wt.). Whereas, maximum activity of alpha amylase was found in SH-2002 (292.70 mg/g s. wt.), esterase in Dharabi 2011 (987.80 μM/min/g s. wt.), and protease in NR-234 (11,183.33 Units/g s. wt.) and highest total oxidant status (TOS) was detected in Faisalabad-2008 (390.0 μM/g s. wt.), malondialdehyde (MDA) content in Margalla-99 (679.23 μM/g s. wt.), total phenolic content (TPC) in Bhakkar-2000 (25,383.33 μM/g s. wt.), and ascorbic acid (AsA) content in SH-2002 (713.0 μg/g s. wt.). Maximum total soluble sugar was found in Saleem-2000 (29.86 mg/g s. wt.), reducing sugars in Punjab-96 (12.68 mg/g s. wt.), non-reducing sugars in Saleem-2000 (27.33 mg/g s. wt.). However, highest albumins was identified in TC-4928 (352.89 mg/g s. wt.) and globulins in MEXI PAK (252.67 mg/g s. wt.), salt soluble proteins in Faisalabad-2008 (162.44 mg/g s. wt.), and total soluble proteins in Punjab-96 (487.33 mg/g s. wt.) indicating good quality of wheat genotypes as well as good nutritional status. Genotypes which have been ranked high in respective parameter can be employed in breeding to enhance the nutritional quality of wheat.
The role of ambulatory mechanics in the initiation and progression of knee osteoarthritis

Purpose of ReviewThis review examines recent in-vivo studies of ambulation and discusses the fundamental role of mechanics of ambulation in the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis at the knee. Recent FindingsRecent studies have supported earlier findings that a high adduction moment at the knee during ambulation was most frequently reported to influence the progression of medial compartment osteoarthritis. In contrast to previous findings in patients with osteoarthritis, recent work on healthy subjects reports that cartilage thickness increases with high ambulatory loads. Kinematic changes were associated with the initiation of osteoarthritis. Recent studies of subjects with high risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (obesity and anterior cruciate ligament injury) reported a relationship between kinematic changes during ambulation and the initiation of osteoarthritis at the knee. This review also contrasts the relative influence on osteoarthritis of knee mechanics measured during ambulatory and nonambulatory activities. SummaryThe initiation of osteoarthritis occurs when healthy cartilage experiences some condition (traumatic or chronic) that causes kinematic changes during ambulation at the knee to shift the load-bearing contact location of the joint to a region not conditioned to the new loading. The rate of progression of osteoarthritis is associated with increased load during ambulation.
Predictors of competitive achievement among pubescent synchronized swimmers: an analysis of the solo-figure competition.

AIM This study examined the applicability of sport-specific fitness tests (SSTs), anthropometrics, and respiratory parameters in predicting competitive results among pubescent synchronized swimmers. METHODS A total of 25 synchronized swimmers (16-17 years; 166.2 ± 5.4 cm; and 58.4 ± 4.3 kg) volunteered for this study. The independent variables were body mass, body height, Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), lean body mass percentage, respiratory variables, and four SSTs (two specific power tests plus one aerobic- and one anaerobic-endurance test). The dependent variable was competitive achievement in the solo figure competition. The reliability analyses, Pearson's correlation coefficient and forward stepwise regression were calculated. RESULTS The SSTs were reliable for testing fitness status among pubescent synchronized swimmers. The forward stepwise regression retained two SSTs, BF% and forced vital capacity (FVC, relative for age and stature) in a set of predictors of competitive achievement. Significant Beta coefficients are found for aerobic-endurance, SST and FVC. CONCLUSION The sport-specific measure of aerobic endurance and FVC appropriately predicted competitive achievement with regard to the figures used in the competition when competitive results (the dependent variable) were obtained. Athletes and coaches should be aware of the probable negative influence of very low body fat levels on competitive achievement.
Enhancing the 3‐hydroxyvalerate component in bioplastic PHBV production by Cupriavidus necator

In the current context of global warming, the substitution of conventional plastics with bioplastics is a challenge. To take up this challenge, we must meet different technical and economic constraints. In the case of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), the technical properties can be modulated by varying the 3‐hydroxyvalerate content. 3‐Hydroxyvalerate (3‐HV) enhancement is an issue; therefore, simultaneous evaluation of several 3‐hydroxyvalerate‐enhancing substrates through fractional factorial design of experiments is described. Eight substrates citric, valeric, propionic, and levulinic acids; propanol; pentanol; and sodium propionate were studied for 3‐HV enhancement, and sodium glutamate was studied for biomass and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) enhancement. The most efficient 3‐hydroxyvalerate‐enhancing factors were levulinic acid, sodium propionate, and pentanol; however, pentanol, at a concentration of 1 g/L, had an extremely negative influence on biomass production and the PHA content of cells. The effect of the inoculum nutrient composition on the final 3‐HVcontent was also evaluated. These results showed that the most efficient combination for the production of high 3‐HVcontent in PHBV was primary inoculum growth on mineral medium followed by fermentation for 48 h with levulinic acid and sodium propionate (at 1 g/L) as the only carbon sources. This allowed us to produce PHBV with a 3‐HVcontent of 80 mol % and overall volumetric and specific productivities of 2 mg/L/h and 3.9 mg/gCDW/h, respectively, with the addition of only 2 g/L of inducing substances.
Tunneling currents and reliability of atomic-layer-deposited SiBCN for low-κ spacer dielectrics

Reduced gate-to-contact thickness is prompting a search for compatible spacer dielectrics with reduced dielectric constants (κ). We compare the reliability of the traditional spacer dielectric, Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, with a lower κ material, SiBCN. Weibull slopes and power-law exponent are measured to be close to that of SiO<sub>2</sub>. Guidance is given on the minimum SiBCN spacer thickness.
Educating Health Care Professionals on Human Trafficking

Background The US Department of State estimates that there are between 4 and 27 million individuals worldwide in some form of modern slavery. Recent studies have demonstrated that 28% to 50% of trafficking victims in the United States encountered health care professionals while in captivity, but were not identified and recognized. This study aimed to determine whether an educational presentation increased emergency department (ED) providers’ recognition of human trafficking (HT) victims and knowledge of resources to manage cases of HT. Methods The 20 largest San Francisco Bay Area EDs were randomized into intervention (10 EDs) or delayed intervention comparison groups (10 EDs) to receive a standardized educational presentation containing the following: background about HT, relevance of HT to health care, clinical signs in potential victims, and referral options for potential victims. Participants in the delayed intervention group completed a pretest in the period the immediate intervention group received the educational presentation, and all participants were assessed immediately before (pretest) and after (posttest) the intervention. The intervention effect was tested by comparing the pre–post change in the intervention group to the change in 2 pretests in the delayed intervention group adjusted for the effect of clustering within EDs. The 4 primary outcomes were importance of knowledge of HT to the participant’s profession (5-point Likert scale), self-rated knowledge of HT (5-point Likert scale), knowledge of who to call for potential HT victims (yes/no), and suspecting that a patient was a victim of HT (yes/no). Findings There were 258 study participants from 14 EDs; 141 from 8 EDs in the intervention group and 117 from 7 EDs in the delayed intervention comparison group, of which 20 served as the delayed intervention comparison group. Participants in the intervention group reported greater increases in their level of knowledge about HT versus those in the delayed intervention comparison group (1.42 vs −0.15; adjusted difference = 1.57 [95% confidence interval, 1.02–2.12]; P < 0.001). Pretest ratings of the importance of knowledge about HT to the participant’s profession were high in both groups and there was no intervention effect (0.31 vs 0.55; −0.24 [−0.90–0.42], P = 0.49). Knowing who to call for potential HT victims increased from 7.2% to 59% in the intervention group and was unchanged (15%) in the delayed intervention comparison group (61.4% [28.5%–94.4%]; P < 0.01). The proportion of participants who suspected their patient was a victim of HT increased from 17% to 38% in the intervention group and remained unchanged (10%) in the delayed intervention comparison group (20.9 [8.6%–33.1%]; P < 0.01). Interpretation A brief educational intervention increased ED provider knowledge and self-reported recognition of HT victims.
Two new quorum based algorithms for distributed mutual exclusion

Two novel suboptimal algorithms for mutual exclusion in distributed systems are presented. One is based on the modification of Maekawa's (1985) grid based quorum scheme. The size of quorums is approximately /spl radic/2/spl radic/N where N is the number of sites in a network, as compared to 2/spl radic/N of the original method. The method is simple and geometrically evident. The second one is based on the idea of difference sets in combinatorial theory. The resulting scheme is very close to optimal in terms of quorum size.
IL-13 Induces Esophageal Remodeling and Gene Expression by an Eosinophil-Independent, IL-13Rα2–Inhibited Pathway

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is an emerging disease associated with both food and respiratory allergy characterized by extensive esophageal tissue remodeling and abnormal esophageal gene expression, including increased IL-13. We investigated the ability of increased airway IL-13 to induce EE-like changes. Mice with pulmonary (but not esophageal) overexpression of IL-13 evidenced esophageal IL-13 accumulation and developed prominent esophageal remodeling with epithelial hyperplasia, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and increased circumference. IL-13 induced notable changes in esophageal transcripts that overlapped with the human EE esophageal transcriptome. IL-13–induced esophageal eosinophilia was dependent on eotaxin-1 (but not eotaxin-2). However, remodeling occurred independent of eosinophils as demonstrated by eosinophil lineage-deficient, IL-13 transgenic mice. IL-13–induced remodeling was significantly enhanced by IL-13Rα2 deletion, indicating an inhibitory effect of IL-13Rα2. In the murine system, there was partial overlap between IL-13–induced genes in the lung and esophagus, yet the transcriptomes were divergent at the tissue level. In human esophagus, IL-13 levels correlated with the magnitude of the EE transcriptome. In conclusion, inducible airway expression of IL-13 results in a pattern of esophageal gene expression and extensive tissue remodeling that resembles human EE. Notably, we identified a pathway that induces EE-like changes and is IL-13–driven, eosinophil-independent, and suppressed by IL-13Rα2.
European Governance: Negotiation and Competition in the Shadow of Hierarchy

This article argues that the ‘nature of the EU beast’ is neither unique nor captured by a particular type of governance. Like its Member States, the EU features a combination of different forms of governance that cover the entire range between market and hierarchy. The analysis of this governance mix reveals several characteristics of the EU that have been largely overlooked in the literature. First, the EU relies heavily on hierarchy in the making of its policies. Its supranational institutions allow for the adoption and enforcement of legally binding decisions without the consent of (individual) Member States. Second, network governance, which systematically involves private actors, is hard to find. EU policies are largely formulated and implemented by public actors. Third, political competition has gained importance in European governance. Member States increasingly resort to mutual recognition and the open method of co-ordination where their heterogeneity renders harmonization difficult. The article shows that the EU mainly governs through inter- and transgovernmental negotiations and political competition between states and regions. Both forms of public-actor-based governance operate in the shadow of hierarchy cast by supranational institutions. This governance mix does not render the EU unique but still distinguishes it from both international institutions and national states.
Expression and activity of 2-5A synthetase in the course of differentiation and apoptosis of PC12 cells.

The role of IFN-induced 2-5A system in cell differentiation has not been elucidated. While studying differentiation of PC12 cells we found that the simultaneous treatment of cells with NGF and IFN-gamma in serum-containing medium resulted first in the extension of neurites and then apoptosis. On the contrary, in serum-free medium the cells underwent a more rapid neuronal differentiation. Only the doses of NGF which induced the outgrowth of neurites from the cells were able to induce rapid cell death in combined treatment. When the cells were treated subsequently with NGF and IFN-gamma, the induction of death was observed with NGF post-treatment, but not with NGF pretreatment. Relying on these alternative biological responses, we studied the changes in 2-5A synthetase activity and its 43 kDa isoform expression in the course of differentiation and death of PC12 cells. The results of the present work showed that NGF-induced differentiation of the cells did not evoke any increase in 2-5A synthetase activity or any increase in the expression of its 43 kDa isoform. Moreover, the obtained results demonstrated that NGF could not significantly affect the IFN-induced signalling pathway leading to the activation of 2-5A synthetase gene, at least regarding the studied enzyme activity.
A VSWR-rugged silicon bipolar RF power amplifier

In this paper, the effect of emitter ballast on the ruggedness of RF power amplifiers is investigated. Silicon bipolar 1.8-GHz power amplifiers based on different ballasted transistors have been integrated and tested under load mismatch conditions. A ballasted device with 25-mV emitter voltage drop achieves the optimum trade-off between ruggedness and performance. The power amplifier based on this device is able to tolerate a 20:1 load standing-wave ratio up to a 5.8-V supply voltage. It delivers a 33.4-dBm saturated output power with 51% maximum power-added efficiency at a nominal 3.5-V supply voltage.