Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study of fluted moraines in the Torridon area, NW Scotland

A study of certain small-scale fluted moraines, all less than 4m high but up to 400m long, in the Torridon area has shown that they are subglacial features composed of a clast-rich till, and formed in the Loch Lomond Stadial beneath ice with a maximum depth of 100-200m. The evidence from lithological analysis of till samples from the fluted moraines suggests that they were formed by subglacial deformation of a pre-existing till with little in the way of net down-glacier movement of the material.
Racial/ethnic Heterogeneity in the Socioeconomic Patterning of CVD Risk Factors: in the United States: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Many studies document racial variation, gender differences, and socioeconomic status (SES) patterning in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors but few studies have investigated heterogeneity in SES differences by race/ethnicity or gender. Using data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (N = 6,814) and stratified regression models, we investigated race/ethnic differences in the SES patterning of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). Inverse socioeconomic gradients in hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and BMI were observed in White and Black women but associations were weaker or absent in Hispanic and Chinese women (except in the case of diabetes for Hispanic women). Even greater heterogeneity in social patterning of risk factors was observed in men. In White men all four risk factors were inversely associated with socioeconomic position, although often associations were only present or were stronger for education than for income. The inverse socioeconomic patterning was much less consistent in men of other races/ethnic groups, and higher SES was associated with higher BMI in non-White men. These findings have implications for understanding the causes of social patterning, for the analysis of SES adjusted race/ethnic differences, and for the targeting of interventions.
Fearful temperament moderates the association between positive parenting and children's social competence during early childhood

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Rho family GTPases and neuronal growth cone remodelling: relationship between increased complexity induced by Cdc42Hs, Rac1, and acetylcholine and collapse induced by RhoA and lysophosphatidic acid

Rho family GTPases have been assigned important roles in the formation of actin-based morphologies in nonneuronal cells. Here we show that microinjection of Cdc42Hs and Rac1 promoted formation of filopodia and lamellipodia in N1E-115 neuroblastoma growth cones and along neurites. These actin-containing structures were also induced by injection of Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme, which abolishes RhoA-mediated functions such as neurite retraction. The C3 response was inhibited by coinjection with the dominant negative mutant Cdc42Hs(T17N), while the Cdc42Hs response could be competed by coinjection with RhoA. We also demonstrate that the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) can induce filopodia and lamellipodia on neuroblastoma growth cones via muscarinic ACh receptor activation, but only when applied in a concentration gradient. ACh-induced formation of filopodia and lamellipodia was inhibited by preinjection with the dominant negative mutants Cdc42Hs(T17N) and Rac1(T17N), respectively. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-induced neurite retraction, which is mediated by RhoA, was inhibited by ACh, while C3 exoenzyme-mediated neurite outgrowth was inhibited by injection with Cdc42Hs(T17N) or Rac1(T17N). Together these results suggest that there is competition between the ACh- and LPA-induced morphological pathways mediated by Cdc42Hs and/or Rac1 and by RhoA, leading to either neurite development or collapse.
An Empirical Examination of the Mechanisms Mediating between High-Performance Work Systems and the Performance of Japanese Organizations

The resource-based view of the firm and social exchange perspectives are invoked to hypothesize linkages among high-performance work systems, collective human capital, the degree of social exchange in an establishment, and establishment performance. The authors argue that high-performance work systems generate a high level of collective human capital and encourage a high degree of social exchange within an organization, and that these are positively related to the organization's overall performance. On the basis of a sample of Japanese establishments, the results provide support for the existence of these mediating mechanisms through which high-performance work systems affect overall establishment performance.
Hypnosis and alpha density.

Abstract Two studies, using Ss differing in age and geographic location, both indicate that (a) the condition of the eyelids is critical in alpha production, (b) biofeedback techniques do not enhance alpha densities beyond baseline measures, (c) alpha densities are not related to hypnotic susceptibility, and (d) hypnosis is not an adequate control for removing the potential interference of skeletal responses during instrumental, autonomic conditioning.
Prevalence of equine herpesvirus types 2 and 5 in horse populations by using type-specific PCR assays.

Equineherpesvirustypes 2 and 5 (EHV-2andEHV-5)have a rather unclearpathogenicity and distribution within the equid population. In order to gain more information on the prevalence of these two viruses, type-specific PCR assays were developed to detect viral DNA in nasal specimens and in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) of adult horses and foals from various regions of Europe, i.e. Sweden, Hungary and the United Kingdom. In adult horses, the prevalence of EHV-2 in PBLs was up to 68% in Sweden and 71% in the United Kingdom. EHV-2 DNA was detected in the PBLs from all the foals tested in all countries and most (93%) of the nasal specimens also yielded positive results. The prevalence of EHV-5 DNA in the PBLs of foals in Hungary was 15 and 24% in adult horses in the United Kingdom. This observation was among the very few reports of the presence of EHV-5 in horses. In summary, the specific PCR assays revealed important data on the occurrence and distribution of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in large horse populations. The findings indicated that infection with EHV-5 occurred later than EHV-2 in foals. This study may contribute to a better understanding of the etiological role of these gammaherpesviruses in equine diseases.
Demographics do matter: an analysis of people's travel behaviour of different ethnic groups in Auckland

New Zealand in general and Auckland in particular is experiencing a significant change in travel volume, marked by an increase in the car ownership and public transport use. The increase in the travel volume is accompanied by a growth of the new immigrant population in Auckland. This paper seeks to find out the ways ethnic demographic characteristics might affect travel behaviour. It uses data from two sources, Statistics New Zealand and the Ministry of Transport New Zealand. Statistics New Zealand provides data on demographic characteristics which was collected from 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings and the Ministry of Transport feeds the data which was collected from 2010 New Zealand Household Travel Survey. This study found that demographic characteristics, ethnicity in particular, do matter in terms of travel choices, travel distance and needs. For example, the NZ Europeans was the group with the highest use of cars, especially as a driver, and Pacific Islanders was the largest in car use as passengers compared to other ethnic groups. The study also found that income, household structure and residential location can have a big impact on ethnic groups’ travel behaviour. Understanding the differences in travel behaviour among ethnic groups and the possible explanations for these differences can help in the development of more appropriate policies, best suited to meet the travel needs of all population groups. As Auckland becomes more diverse over the next few decades, a significant portion of growth in travel demand will undoubtedly come from the minority population. Therefore, differences in travel behaviour, such as those identified in this paper, are likely to have wide-reaching consequences for short- and longterm travel demand forecast, planning, and policy development.
How Secure Is In Vivo Synaptic Transmission at the Calyx of Held?

The medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) receives excitatory input from giant presynaptic terminals, the calyces of Held. The MNTB functions as a sign inverter giving inhibitory input to the lateral and medial superior olive, where its input is important in the generation of binaural sensitivity to cues for sound localization. Extracellular recordings from MNTB neurons show complex spikes consisting of a prepotential, thought to reflect synaptic activation, followed by a postsynaptic action potential. This makes the synapse ideal to study synaptic transmission in vivo because presynaptic and postsynaptic activity can be monitored with a single electrode. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have observed isolated prepotentials in the MNTB suggesting that, under certain stimulus conditions, synaptic transmission fails. We investigated synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held in the MNTB of the adult cat and concluded that synaptic transmission was completely secure in terms of rate of transmitted spikes. However, synaptic transmission was found to be less secure in terms of timing. With increasing spike rate, the synaptic delay showed an increase of up to 100 μs, as well as a decrease in amplitude of the action potential. This variability in delay is of a surprisingly high magnitude given the hypothesized role of these binaural circuits in sound localization and given the fact that this is one of the largest synapses in the mammalian brain.
Simvastatin nanoparticles attenuated intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury by downregulating BMP4/COX-2 pathway in rats

The purpose of the research was to explore the therapeutic action of simvastatin-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(gamma-benzyl l-glutamate) (PEG-b-PBLG50) on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (II/RI) through downregulating bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway as compared to free simvastatin (Sim). Sprague Dawley rats were preconditioned with 20 mg/kg Sim or simvastatin/PEG-b-PBLG50 (Sim/P) compounds, and then subjected to 45 min of ischemia and 1 h of reperfusion. The blood and small intestines were collected, serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide (NO) were checked, and the dry/wet intestine ratios, superoxide dismutase activity, myeloperoxidase content, reactive oxygen species, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, protein 47 kDa phagocyte oxidase (p47phox), BMP4, COX-2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) expressions were measured in intestinal tissues. Both Sim and Sim/P pretreatment reduced intestinal oxidative damnification, restricted inflammatory harm, and downregulated the BMP4 and COX-2 expressions as compared to II/RI groups, while Sim/P remarkably improved this effect.
Rising Incidence of Type 1 Diabetes Is Associated With Altered Immunophenotype at Diagnosis

The incidence of type 1 diabetes has increased rapidly over recent decades, particularly in young children. We aimed to determine whether this rise was associated with changes in patterns of humoral islet autoimmunity at diagnosis. Autoantibodies to insulin (IAA), GAD (GADA), islet antigen-2 (IA-2A), and zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8A) were measured by radioimmunoassay in sera collected from children and young adults with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes between 1985 and 2002. The influence of date of diagnosis on prevalence and level of autoantibodies was investigated by logistic regression with adjustment for age and HLA class II genetic risk. Prevalence of IA-2A and ZnT8A increased significantly over the period studied, and this was mirrored by raised levels of IA-2A, ZnT8A, and IA-2β autoantibodies (IA-2βA). IAA and GADA prevalence and levels did not change. Increases in IA-2A, ZnT8A, and IA-2βA at diagnosis during a period of rising incidence suggest that the process leading to type 1 diabetes is now characterized by a more intense humoral autoimmune response. Understanding how changes in environment or lifestyle alter the humoral autoimmune response to islet antigens should help explain why the incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing and may suggest new strategies for preventing disease.
Framing the debate on human-like framing effects in bonobos and chimpanzees: a comment on Krupenye et al. (2015)

Recently, Krupenye, Rosati & Hare (KRH henceforth) reported that bonobos and chimpanzees show ‘human-like framing effects’ in a food choice task [[1][1]]. Chimpanzees and bonobos could choose between a ‘framed’ option of fruit and an alternative option of peanuts (matched in expected value
Exome Sequencing of Index Patients with Retinal Dystrophies as a Tool for Molecular Diagnosis

Background Retinal dystrophies (RD) are a group of hereditary diseases that lead to debilitating visual impairment and are usually transmitted as a Mendelian trait. Pathogenic mutations can occur in any of the 100 or more disease genes identified so far, making molecular diagnosis a rather laborious process. In this work we explored the use of whole exome sequencing (WES) as a tool for identification of RD mutations, with the aim of assessing its applicability in a diagnostic context. Methodology/Principal Findings We ascertained 12 Spanish families with seemingly recessive RD. All of the index patients underwent mutational pre-screening by chip-based sequence hybridization and resulted to be negative for known RD mutations. With the exception of one pedigree, to simulate a standard diagnostic scenario we processed by WES only the DNA from the index patient of each family, followed by in silico data analysis. We successfully identified causative mutations in patients from 10 different families, which were later verified by Sanger sequencing and co-segregation analyses. Specifically, we detected pathogenic DNA variants (∼50% novel mutations) in the genes RP1, USH2A, CNGB3, NMNAT1, CHM, and ABCA4, responsible for retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, achromatopsia, Leber congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, or recessive Stargardt/cone-rod dystrophy cases. Conclusions/Significance Despite the absence of genetic information from other family members that could help excluding nonpathogenic DNA variants, we could detect causative mutations in a variety of genes known to represent a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes in 83% of the patients analyzed. Considering the constant drop in costs for human exome sequencing and the relative simplicity of the analyses made, this technique could represent a valuable tool for molecular diagnostics or genetic research, even in cases for which no genotypes from family members are available.
Marine coastal sediments microbial hydrocarbon degradation processes: contribution of experimental ecology in the omics’era

Coastal marine sediments, where important biological processes take place, supply essential ecosystem services. By their location, such ecosystems are particularly exposed to human activities as evidenced by the recent Deepwater Horizon disaster. This catastrophe revealed the importance to better understand the microbial processes involved on hydrocarbon degradation in marine sediments raising strong interests of the scientific community. During the last decade, several studies have shown the key role played by microorganisms in determining the fate of hydrocarbons in oil-polluted sediments but only few have taken into consideration the whole sediment’s complexity. Marine coastal sediment ecosystems are characterized by remarkable heterogeneity, owning high biodiversity and are subjected to fluctuations in environmental conditions, especially to important oxygen oscillations due to tides. Thus, for understanding the fate of hydrocarbons in such environments, it is crucial to study microbial activities, taking into account sediment characteristics, physical-chemical factors (electron acceptors, temperature), nutrients, co-metabolites availability as well as sediment’s reworking due to bioturbation activities. Key information could be collected from in situ studies, which provide an overview of microbial processes, but it is difficult to integrate all parameters involved. Microcosm experiments allow to dissect in-depth some mechanisms involved in hydrocarbon degradation but exclude environmental complexity. To overcome these lacks, strategies have been developed, by creating experiments as close as possible to environmental conditions, for studying natural microbial communities subjected to oil pollution. We present here a review of these approaches, their results and limitation, as well as the promising future of applying “omics” approaches to characterize in-depth microbial communities and metabolic networks involved in hydrocarbon degradation. In addition, we present the main conclusions of our studies in this field.
Maximal-intensity isometric and dynamic exercise performance after eccentric muscle actions

A well-documented observation after eccentric exercise is a reduction in maximal voluntary force. However, little is known about the ability to maintain maximal isometric force or generate and maintain dynamic peak power. These aspects of muscle function were studied in seven participants (5 males, 2 females). Knee extensor isometric strength and rate of fatigue were assessed by a sustained 60 s maximal voluntary contraction at 80° and 40° knee flexion, corresponding to an optimal and a shortened muscle length, respectively. Dynamic peak power and rate of fatigue were assessed during a 30 s Wingate cycle test. Plasma creatine kinase was measured from a fingertip blood sample. These variables were measured before, 1 h after and 1, 2, 3 and 7 days after 100 repetitions of the eccentric phase of the barbell squat exercise (10 sets 2 10 reps at 80% concentric one-repetition maximum). Eccentric exercise resulted in elevations in creatine kinase activity above baseline (274 - 109 U·l-1 ; mean - s x ) after 1 h (506 - 116 U·l-1, P ≪ 0.05) and 1 day (808 - 117 U·l-1, P ≪ 0.05). Isometric strength was reduced (P ≪ 0.05) for 7 days (35% at 1 h, 5% at day 7) and the rate of fatigue was lower (P ≪ 0.05) for 3 days at 80° and for 1 day at 40°. Wingate peak power was reduced to a lesser extent (P ≪ 0.05) than isometric strength at 1 h (13%) and, although the time course of recovery was equal, the two variables differed in their pattern of recovery. Eccentrically exercised muscle was characterized by an inability to generate high force and power, but an improved ability to maintain force and power. Such functional outcomes are consistent with the proposition that type II fibres are selectively recruited or damaged during eccentric exercise.
Non‐double‐couple earthquakes 1. Theory

Historically, most quantitative seismological analyses have been based on the assumption that earthquakes are caused by shear faulting, for which the equivalent force system in an isotropic medium is a pair of force couples with no net torque (a “double couple,” or DC). Observations of increasing quality and coverage, however, now resolve departures from the DC model for many earthquakes and find some earthquakes, especially in volcanic and geothermal areas, that have strongly non‐DC mechanisms. Understanding non‐DC earthquakes is important both for studying the process of faulting in detail and for identifying nonshear‐faulting processes that apparently occur in some earthquakes. This paper summarizes the theory of “moment tensor” expansions of equivalent‐force systems and analyzes many possible physical non‐DC earthquake processes. Contrary to long‐standing assumption, sources within the Earth can sometimes have net force and torque components, described by first‐rank and asymmetric second‐rank moment tensors, which must be included in analyses of landslides and some volcanic phenomena. Non‐DC processes that lead to conventional (symmetric second‐rank) moment tensors include geometrically complex shear faulting, tensile faulting, shear faulting in an anisotropic medium, shear faulting in a heterogeneous region (e.g., near an interface), and polymorphic phase transformations. Undoubtedly, many non‐DC earthquake processes remain to be discovered. Progress will be facilitated by experimental studies that use wave amplitudes, amplitude ratios, and complete waveforms in addition to wave polarities and thus avoid arbitrary assumptions such as the absence of volume changes or the temporal similarity of different moment tensor components.
Turbulent heat and momentum transfer in the oceanic boundary layer under melting pack ice

A theory for momentum flux in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) stabilized by continuous surface buoyancy is extended to include turbulent flux of an arbitrary scalar contaminant and then used to estimate how wind-driven sea ice melts as it encounters temperatures in the oceanic boundary layer that are above the melting point. Given wind stress and temperature difference Δθ across the oceanic PBL, the theory predicts melt rate and ice drift velocity. Results indicate that the effect of buoyancy on PBL turbulence is significant even with small values of Δθ(<0.5 K). Curves of melt rate and ice speed as functions of u*, the interfacial friction velocity, show that melting is strongly dependent on stress at the interface and that the effective drag on the ice undersurface is significantly reduced at oceanic temperatures commonly observed in the marginal ice zone. The latter suggests that divergence will occur at the ice margin when off-ice winds advect the pack over water above the melting temperature. The structure of mean currents beneath the ice is also investigated; results indicate that advection will play an important, if not dominant, role in determining water column properties near an ice edge front.