Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal stress in plants : from biomolecules to ecosystems

Metal Availability, Uptake, Transport and Accumulation in Plants. - Metal Speciation, Chelation and Complexing Ligands in Plants. - Metallothioneins, Metal Binding Complexes and Metal Sequestration in Plants. - Heavy Metal Induced Oxidative Damage in Terrestrial Plants. - Membrane Lipid Alterations in Heavy Metal Exposed Plants. - Photosynthesis in Heavy Metal Stressed Plants. - Plant Mitochondrial Respiration Under the Influence of Heavy Metals. - Ecophysiology of Plant Growth Under Heavy Metal Stress. - Structural and Ultrastructural Changes in Heavy Metal Exposed Plants. - Water Relations in Heavy Metal Stressed Plants. - Heavy Metals as Essential Nutrients. - Metal Pollution and Forest Decline. - Root and Rhizosphere Processes in Metal Hyperaccumulation and Phytoremediation Technology. - Phytoremediation of Metals and Radionuclides in the Environment: The Case for Natural Hyperaccumulators, Metal Transporters, Soil-Amending Chelators and Transgenic Plants. - Metal Removal from Sewage Sludge: Bioengineering and Biotechnologcial Applications. - Species-selective Analysis for Metals and Metalloids in Plants. - Experimental Characterisation of Metal Tolerance. -
Cooling history of the Paci c lithosphere

Plate tectonics is expressed most simply in oceanic plates where a thermal boundary layer or \lithosphere" forms as the plate cools during its journey away from mid-ocean ridges (1,2). Based on a seismic model of the Paci c upper mantle inferred from a new compilation of seismic surface wave dispersion measurements, we show that, on average, the Paci c lithosphere has experienced a punctuated cooling history, cooling di usively for its rst 70 Ma and then reheating in the Central Paci c between ages of 70 and 100 Ma predominantly at depths between 70 and 150 km. From 100 Ma to about 135 Ma, the processes of reheating are substantially weaker than in the Central Paci c. We show that thermal boundary layer instabilities (TBI) develop naturally as the plate cools and, with the right rheology, can explain the mean characteristics of the observed cooling history of the Paci c plate.
Improving 3D Shape Retrieval with SVM

In this paper we propose a technique that combines a classification method from the statistical learning literature with a conventional approach to shape retrieval. The idea that we pursue is to improve both results and performance by filtering the database of shapes before retrieval with a shape classifier, which allows us to keep only the shapes belonging to the classes most similar to the query shape. The experimental analysis that we report shows that our approach improves the computational cost in the average case, and leads to better
A Gregarizing Factor Present in the Egg Pod Foam of the Desert Locust Schistocerca gregaria

The behavioural phase state and coloration of hatchling Schistocerca gregaria were examined in a series of experiments to determine the means by which phase characteristics are passed between generations. Both crowding of solitary-reared females at the time of oviposition and high egg pod densities promoted behavioural gregarization, although the former appeared to be a rather more potent factor. In contrast, egg pod density alone appeared to promote the development of hatchlings with dark patterns characteristic of the gregarious phase. The phase characteristics of hatchlings were unaffected when sand previously used for oviposition was used to collect further egg pods. Early separation of presumptive gregarious eggs from egg pods laid by crowd-reared females led to solitarization of the hatchlings, indicating that a factor, either in or around the eggs, removed by early separation promoted gregarization. Both the eggs and foam plugs of egg pods from crowd-reared, gregarious females appeared to be a source of this gregarizing factor. In contrast, there was no evidence for a solitarization factor in egg pods from solitary-reared S. gregaria. Saline extracts of egg pod foam plugs produced an active factor which promoted gregarization both in eggs from solitary-reared females and in eggs from gregarious females which were separated and washed to removed the factor. Solitary eggs were influenced by the gregarizing factor in foam plug extracts for up to 1 day after oviposition. Saline extracts of foam plug retained their activity for up to 1 day. Initial studies on the properties of this factor were made. We conclude that the foam plugs of egg pods from crowd-reared, gregarious locusts contain a small (<3 kDa), hydrophilic gregarizing factor which is produced at the time of oviposition and which predisposes hatchlings to attain characteristics of the gregarious phase.
Post-infectious olfactory dysfunction exhibits a seasonal pattern.

HYPOTHESIS We investigated whether olfactory dysfunction following infections of the upper respiratory tract (post-URTI) has an incidence matching the seasonality of URTIs. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. METHODS In total, 457 patients (126 male, 331 female) with post-URTI olfactory loss were examined during a 6-year-period (1999-2004). Their records were assessed for age, sex, and time of onset of the disease. The severity of olfactory dysfunction was assessed using the "Sniffin' Sticks" (odour threshold, odour discrimination, and odour identification). RESULTS Incidence of post-URTI olfactory dysfunction exhibited seasonal fluctuations with deviations from the winter seasonality of URTIs. The overall incidence of the disease differed significantly between months. March (12.7%) and May (12.6%) were the months with the highest incidence of the disease throughout the year. The lowest incidence was observed in September (5.6%). Significant differences were found between these months and months with a high incidence of URTIs. DISCUSSION The peak incidence of post-URTI olfactory loss in March may be explained by the high incidence of influenza at this time. However, it is unclear why the incidence of the disease presents a second peak in May, when the incidence of respiratory viruses is relatively low. Climate conditions at this time might play a role in the susceptibility of the nasal epithelia towards certain viral infections, e.g. parainfluenza type III. CONCLUSION Post-URTI olfactory dysfunction exhibits spring seasonality with peaks in March and May and possible causative factors being influenza and parainfluenza viruses (type III), respectively.
Automatic attraction of visual attention by supraletter features of former target strings

Observers were trained to search for a particular horizontal string of three capital letters presented among similar strings consisting of exactly the same letters in different orders. The training was followed by a test in which the observers searched for a new target that was identical to one of the former distractors. The new distractor set consisted of the remaining former distractors plus the former target. On each trial, three letter strings were displayed, which included the target string with a probability of 0.5. In Experiment 1, the strings were centered at different locations on the circumference of an imaginary circle around the fixation point. The training phase of Experiment 2 was similar, but in the test phase of the experiment, the strings were located in a vertical array centered on fixation, and in target-present arrays, the target always appeared at fixation. In both experiments, performance (d’) degraded on trials in which former targets were present, suggesting that the former targets automatically drew processing resources away from the current targets. Apparently, the two experiments showed automatic attraction of visual attention by supraletter features of former target strings.
Thelazia rhodesii in the African Buffalo, Syncerus caffer, in Zambia

We report 2 cases of Thelazia rhodesii infection in the African buffaloes, Syncerus caffer, in Zambia. African buffalo calves were captured from the livestock and wildlife interface area of the Kafue basin in the dry season of August 2005 for the purpose to translocate to game ranches. At capture, calves (n=48) were examined for the presence of eye infections by gently manipulating the orbital membranes to check for eye-worms in the conjunctival sacs and corneal surfaces. Two (4.3%) were infected and the mean infection burden per infected eye was 5.3 worms (n=3). The mean length of the worms was 16.4 mm (95% CI; 14.7-18.2 mm) and the diameter 0.41 mm (95% CI; 0.38-0.45 mm). The surface cuticle was made of transverse striations which gave the worms a characteristic serrated appearance. Although the calves showed signs of kerato-conjunctivitis, the major pathological change observed was corneal opacity. The calves were kept in quarantine and were examined thrice at 30 days interval. At each interval, they were treated with 200 µg/kg ivermectin, and then translocated to game ranches. Given that the disease has been reported in cattle and Kafue lechwe (Kobus lechwe kafuensis) in the area, there is a need for a comprehensive study which aims at determining the disease dynamics and transmission patterns of thelaziasis between wildlife and livestock in the Kafue basin.
The Relation Between Upper Limb Muscle and Brain Activity in Two Precision Levels of Repetitive Light Tasks

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of repetitive light tasks of low and high precision on upper limb muscles and brain activities. Surface electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) were used to measure the muscle and brain activity of 10 subjects. The results show that the root-meansquare (RMS) and mean power frquency (MPF) of the muscle activity and the mean power of the EEG alpha bands were higher on the high-precision task than on the low-precision one. There was also a high and significant correlation between upper limb muscle and brain activity during the tasks. The longer the time and the more precise the task, the more the subjects become fatigued both physically and mentally. Thus, these results could be potentially useful in managing fatigue, especially fatique related to muscle and mental workload.
THEORETICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE FRICTION COEFFICIENT OF A THRUST ROLLER BEARING

The coefficient of friction of the widely used today rolling bearings is one of the parameters, that influences the efficiency and thermal regime in mechanical equipment and the searching for effective analytical determination is a logical target for research in this area. The complexity of the modern theory of EHL provides an opportunity to seek simpler solutions. In previous research it has found that the classical equation of Reynolds “make difference” between rolling friction and sliding friction and for these two cases and their combination are obtained expressions for the friction force in contact of plate on cylinder in fluid friction. In the present study is derived an expression for the corresponding normal load and are calculated the coefficient of friction as well as the friction torque at selected thrust roller bearing as a function of fluid layer thickness, normal loading and rotational speed. Qualitatively, the corresponding diagrams have confirmation from those published in other studies. Quantitatively, the obtained friction ratio varies from 0,0001 to 0,001, applies to main contact only.
Bendamustine compared with chlorambucil in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: updated results of a randomized phase III trial

The efficacy of bendamustine versus chlorambucil in a phase III trial of previously untreated patients with Binet stage B/C chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) was re‐evaluated after a median observation time of 54 months in May 2010. Overall survival (OS) was analysed for the first time. At follow‐up, investigator‐assessed complete response (CR) rate (21·0% vs 10·8%), median progression‐free survival (21·2 vs 8·8 months; P < 0·0001; hazard ratio 2·83) and time to next treatment (31·7 vs 10·1 months; P < 0·0001) were improved for bendamustine over chlorambucil. OS was not different between groups for all patients or those ≤65 years, >65 years, responders and non‐responders. However, patients with objective response or a CR experienced a significantly longer OS than non‐responders or those without a CR. Significantly more patients on chlorambucil progressed to second/further lines of treatment compared with those on bendamustine (78·3% vs 63·6%; P = 0·004). The benefits of bendamustine over chlorambucil were achieved without reducing quality of life. In conclusion, bendamustine is significantly more effective than chlorambucil in previously untreated CLL patients, with the achievement of a CR or objective response appearing to prolong OS. Bendamustine should be considered as a preferred first‐line option over chlorambucil for CLL patients ineligible for fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab.
Development of systemic lupus erythematosus in NZM 2328 mice in the absence of any single BAFF receptor.

OBJECTIVE To determine the necessity for any individual BAFF receptor in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Bcma-, Taci-, and Br3-null mutations were introgressed into NZM 2328 mice. NZM.Bcma-/-, NZM.Taci-/-, and NZM.Br3-/- mice were evaluated for lymphocyte phenotype and BAFF receptor expression by flow cytometry; for B cell responsiveness to BAFF by in vitro culture; for serum levels of BAFF and total IgG and IgG anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; for renal immunopathology by immunofluorescence and histopathology; and for clinical disease. RESULTS BCMA, TACI, and B lymphocyte stimulator receptor 3 (BR3) were not surface-expressed in NZM.Bcma-/-, NZM.Taci-/-, and NZM.Br3-/- mice, respectively. Transitional and follicular B cells from NZM.Br3-/- mice were much less responsive to BAFF than were the corresponding cells from wild-type, NZM.Bcma-/-, or NZM.Taci-/- mice. In comparison with wild-type mice, NZM.Bcma-/- and NZM.Taci-/- mice harbored an increased number of spleen B cells, T cells, and plasma cells, whereas serum levels of total IgG and IgG anti-dsDNA were similar to those in wild-type mice. Despite their paucity of B cells, NZM.Br3-/- mice had an increased number of T cells, and the numbers of plasma cells and levels of IgG anti-dsDNA were similar to those in wild-type mice. Serum levels of BAFF were increased in NZM.Taci-/- and NZM.Br3-/- mice but were decreased in NZM.Bcma-/- mice. Despite their phenotypic differences, NZM.Bcma-/-, NZM.Taci-/-, and NZM.Br3-/- mice had renal immunopathology and clinical disease that were at least as severe as that in wild-type mice. CONCLUSION Any single BAFF receptor, including BR3, is dispensable for the development of SLE in NZM mice. Development of disease in NZM.Br3-/- mice demonstrates that BAFF-BCMA and/or BAFF-TACI interactions contribute to SLE, and that a profound, life-long reduction in the numbers of B cells does not guarantee protection against SLE.
MMP-12 Deficiency Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Vascular Injury, M2 Macrophage Accumulation, and Skin and Heart Fibrosis

MMP-12, a macrophage-secreted elastase, is elevated in fibrotic diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc) and correlates with vasculopathy and fibrosis. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of MMP-12 in cardiac and cutaneous fibrosis induced by angiotensin II infusion. Ang II-induced heart and skin fibrosis was accompanied by a marked increase of vascular injury markers, including vWF, Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and MMP-12, as well as increased number of PDGFRβ+ cells. Furthermore Ang II infusion led to an accumulation of macrophages (Mac3+) in the skin and in the perivascular and interstitial fibrotic regions of the heart. However, alternatively activated (Arg 1+) macrophages were mainly present in the Ang II infused mice and were localized to the perivascular heart regions and to the skin, but were not detected in the interstitial heart regions. Elevated expression of MMP-12 was primarily found in macrophages and endothelial cells (CD31+) cells, but MMP-12 was not expressed in the collagen producing cells. MMP-12 deficient mice (MMP12KO) showed markedly reduced expression of vWF, TSP1, and PDGFRβ around vessels and attenuation of dermal fibrosis, as well as the perivascular fibrosis in the heart. However, MMP-12 deficiency did not affect interstitial heart fibrosis, suggesting a heterogeneous nature of the fibrotic response in the heart. Furthermore, MMP-12 deficiency almost completely prevented accumulation of Arg 1+ cells, whereas the number of Mac3+ cells was partially reduced. Moreover production of profibrotic mediators such as PDGFBB, TGFβ1 and pSMAD2 in the skin and perivascular regions of the heart was also inhibited. Together, the results of this study show a close correlation between vascular injury markers, Arg 1+ macrophage accumulation and fibrosis and suggest an important role of MMP-12 in regulating these processes.
Clusters of Adaptive Evolution in the Human Genome

Considerable work has been devoted to identifying regions of the human genome that have been subjected to recent positive selection. Although detailed follow-up studies of putatively selected regions are critical for a deeper understanding of human evolutionary history, such studies have received comparably less attention. Recently, we have shown that ALMS1 has been the target of recent positive selection acting on standing variation in Eurasian populations. Here, we describe a careful follow-up analysis of genetic variation across the ALMS1 region, which unexpectedly revealed a cluster of substrates of positive selection. Specifically, through the analysis of SNP data from the HapMap and Human Genome Diversity Project–Centre d’Etude du Polymorphisme Humain samples as well sequence data from the region, we find compelling evidence for three independent and distinct signals of recent positive selection across this 3 Mb region surrounding ALMS1. Moreover, we analyzed the HapMap data to identify other putative clusters of independent selective events and conservatively discovered 19 additional clusters of adaptive evolution. This work has important implications for the interpretation of genome-scans for positive selection in humans and more broadly contributes to a better understanding of how recent positive selection has shaped genetic variation across the human genome.
Exploration in Emotion and Visual Information Uncertainty of Websites in Culture Relations

This study explores the emotional responses in relation to visual information uncertainty of websites within the theoretical arguments for the cultural dimension of uncertainty avoidance. The information rate model and PAD emotional state model are used to relate the information uncertainty of webpages and one's emotional responses, respectively. A sample of 239 participants was taken from a pool of students from an institute in central Taiwan. Participants were asked to evaluate webpages that comprise of three variant levels of information uncertainty and respond to instruments designed to measure information uncertainty of webpages and participant emotion. The results of ANOVA indicate significant differences in emotional responses caused by different degrees of information uncertainty: the high degrees of informative uncertainty induce more arousal emotion, the low ones induce less arousal emotion, and the moderate ones induce more pleasure emotion. Consistent results from factor analyses confirmed the feasibility of using an information rate scale to evaluate the visual information uncertainty of webpages. Result of multiple regression analyses suggested that regression correlations exist between the visual information uncertainty of websites and emotions induced in viewers.
Extended wide-load range model for multi-level Dc-Dc converters and a practical dual-mode digital controller

This paper addresses limitations of previous models of multi-level flying capacitor (ML-FC) dc-dc converters, in terms of not being able to predict instability in the regulation of the flying capacitor voltage under non-negligible inductor current ripple conditions, usually existing under light to medium load operating conditions. Assuming small-ripple approximation, linear ac equivalent circuit is derived for a general N-level FC dc-dc buck converter and, through a geometrical analysis, limitations of that model are explained. Also, related stability problems are addressed. Then, an extended mathematical model that takes into account the ripple component of the inductor current is derived and used in the design of a practical dual-mode digital controller, which for non-negligible ripple operating conditions changes its mode of operation. Validity of the model and the functionality of the introduced controller are verified both through simulations and experimental verifications. Performance of this controller is tested with a wide input 15 V/3 A, 250 kHz, 45 W, three-level experimental prototype.
Isoforms and Functions of NAD(P)H Oxidase at the Macula Densa

Macula densa cells produce superoxide (O2−) during tubuloglomerular feedback primarily via NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX). The purpose of the present study was to determine NOXs expressed by the macula densa and the role of each one in NaCl-induced O2− production. To identify which isoforms are expressed, we applied single-cell RT-PCR to macula densa cells isolated by laser capture microdissection and to MMDD1 cells (a macula densa-like cell line). The captured cells expressed neuronal NOS (marker of macula densa), NOX2, and NOX4 but not NOX1. Expression of the NOXs and neuronal NOS was essentially identical in the MMDD1 cells. Thus, we used MMDD1 cells to investigate which isoform is responsible for NaCl-induced O2− production. We used small-interfering RNA to knock down NOX2 or NOX4 in MMDD1 cells and measured O2− exposed to low-salt solution (LS; 70 mmol/L of NaCl) or high-salt solution (HS; 140 mmol/L of NaCl). Exposing control cells (scrambled small-interfering RNA) to HS increased O2− concentrations from 0.75±0.28 to 1.48±0.46 U/min per 105 cells in LS and HS, respectively (P<0.001). Inhibiting NOX2 blocked the HS-induced increase in O2− (0.62±0.39 versus 0.76±0.31 U/min per 105 cells in LS and HS groups, respectively). Blocking NOX4 did not affect HS-induced O2− levels. O2− levels in the control cells during LS and HS were 0.80±0.30 and 1.56±0.49 U/min per 105 cells, respectively (P<0.001); whereas O2− levels in NOX4-small-interfering RNA–treated cells during LS and HS were 0.40±0.25 and 1.26±0.51 U/min per 105 cells, respectively (P<0.001). We conclude that, whereas macula densa cells express the NOX2 and NOX4 isoforms, NOX2 is primarily responsible for NaCl-induced O2− generation.