Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water transport in the midrib tissue of maize leaves : direct measurement of the propagation of changes in cell turgor across a plant tissue.

WATER MOVEMENT ACROSS PLANT TISSUES OCCURS ALONG TWO PATHS: from cell-to-cell and in the apoplasm. We examined the contribution of these two paths to the kinetics of water transport across the parenchymatous midrib tissue of the maize (Zea mays L.) leaf. Water relations parameters (hydraulic conductivity, Lp; cell elastic coefficient, epsilon; half-time of water exchange for individual cells, T((1/2))) of individual parenchyma cells determined with the pressure probe varied in different regions of the midrib. In the adaxial region, Lp = (0.3 +/- 0.3). 10(-5) centimeters per second per bar, epsilon = 103 +/- 72 bar, and T((1/2)) = 7.9 +/- 4.8 seconds (n = seven cells); whereas, in the abaxial region, Lp = (2.5 +/- 0.9). 10(-5) centimeters per second per bar, epsilon = 41 +/- 9 bar, and T((1/2)) = 1.3 +/- 0.5 seconds (n = 7). This zonal variation in Lp, epsilon, and T((1/2)) indicates that tissue inhomogeneities exist for these parameters and could have an effect on the kinetics of water transport across the tissue.The diffusivity of the tissue to water (D(t)) obtained from the sorption kinetics of rehydrating tissue was D(t) = (1.1 +/- 0.4). 10(-6) square centimeters per second (n = 6). The diffusivity of the cell-to-cell path (D(c)) calculated from pressure probe data ranged from D(c) = 0.4. 10(-6) square centimeters per second in the adaxial region to D(c) = 6.1.10(-6) square centimeters per second in the abaxial region of the tissue. D(t) approximately D(c) suggests substantial cell-to-cell transport of water occurred during rehydration. However, the tissue diffusivity calculated from the kinetics of pressure-propagation across the tissue (D(t)') was D(t)' = (33.1 +/- 8.0). 10(-6) square centimeters per second (n = 8) and more than 1 order of magnitude larger than D(t). Also, the hydraulic conductance of the midrib tissue (Lp(m) per square centimeter of surface) estimated from pressure-induced flows across several parenchyma cell layers was Lp(m) = (8.9 +/- 5.6). 10(-5) centimeters per second per bar (n = 5) and much larger than Lp.These results indicate that the preferential path for water transport across the midrib tissue depends on the nature of the driving forces present within the tissue. Under osmotic conditions, the cell-to-cell path dominates, whereas under hydrostatic conditions water moves primarily in the apoplasm.
Recirculating Air Filtration Significantly Reduces Exposure to Airborne Nanoparticles

Background Airborne nanoparticles from vehicle emissions have been associated with adverse effects in people with pulmonary and cardiovascular disease, and toxicologic studies have shown that nanoparticles can be more hazardous than their larger-scale counterparts. Recirculating air filtration in automobiles and houses may provide a low-cost solution to reducing exposures in many cases, thus reducing possible health risks. Objectives We investigated the effectiveness of recirculating air filtration on reducing exposure to incidental and intentionally produced airborne nanoparticles under two scenarios while driving in traffic, and while generating nanomaterials using gas-phase synthesis. Methods We tested the recirculating air filtration in two commercial vehicles when driving in traffic, as well as in a nonventilation room with a nanoparticle generator, simulating a nanomaterial production facility. We also measured the time-resolved aerosol size distribution during the in-car recirculation to investigate how recirculating air filtration affects particles of different sizes. We developed a recirculation model to describe the aerosol concentration change during recirculation. Results The use of inexpensive, low-efficiency filters in recirculation systems is shown to reduce nanoparticle concentrations to below levels found in a typical office within 3 min while driving through heavy traffic, and within 20 min in a simulated nanomaterial production facility. Conclusions Development and application of this technology could lead to significant reductions in airborne nanoparticle exposure, reducing possible risks to health and providing solutions for generating nanomaterials safely.
Conformational Changes in Simian Virus 40 Rearranged Regulatory Regions: Effects of the 21-Base-Pair Promoters and Their Location

ABSTRACT Simian virus 40 (SV40) is an excellent model system for investigating the cis- and trans-acting factors involved in eukaryotic DNA replication because it uses host enzymes, with the exception of the virus-encoded T-antigen (T-ag), to replicate its genome. Although its origin of replication (ori) is essential for DNA replication, there are transcriptional promoters and enhancers that affect DNA replication efficiency. T-ag binds to sites I to III within and aroundori with different affinities and induces structural changes. We were interested in determining if the position of the promoters relative to ori influences the binding of T-ag to these regions. Furthermore, we characterized the DNA structural changes that occur as a result of protein binding when the promoters are absent and also when the promoters are moved from their wild-type position upstream of ori to a position downstream ofori. Using sequence- and conformation-specific chemical probes, our data indicate that (i) the conformation of site I is influenced by T-ag binding and by flanking sequences, (ii) the conformation of the promoters after T-ag binding is dependent on their location, and (iii) unwinding of ori is influenced by the location of the promoters and their presence or absence. These differences in DNA conformation may help explain decreases in relative DNA replication efficiency that occur when the promoters are absent or located downstream of ori.
What controls the origin of the Indonesian throughflow

The question of which water enters the Indonesian passages is a subject of outstanding debate. This article represents another attempt to address this issue using a new nonlinear model. The new model illustrates that the origin and composition of the Indonesian throughflow are determined by the structure of the opposing and retroflecting currents situated to the east of the passages. The nonlinear “layer-and-a-half model” is composed of an eastern and western basin (corresponding to the Pacific and Indian Oceans) connected via a channel representing the Indonesian passages. The channel cuts through a separating wall which runs from the northwest to the southeast; the retroflecting currents are taken to be zonal. Nonlinear solutions are constructed analytically by balancing the flow force associated with the boundary currents flowing along the wall in the western Pacific. It is found that, without retroflection (that is, the entire flow along the western wall in the Pacific enters the passage), the throughflow must originate in both hemispheres, with 70% of the transport coming from the north and the remainder coming from the south. It is impossible for the flow to originate only from one side of the channel's entrance because, under such conditions, the momentum imparted by this flow on the fluid near the entrance to the channel cannot be balanced. When retroflection is present (that is, only a fraction of the western boundary current system in the Pacific enters the channel) and the coastline is tilted, the above division of transports is dramatically altered. For some range of parameters the balance requires that fluid exit the channel rather than enter it. This is not the case, however, for the Indonesian throughflow, where about 1 Sv must enter from the south and 11 Sv (±5 Sv) must enter from the north. Since opposing retroflecting currents flowing next to a solid wall containing no channels or gaps can be stationary only if their transports satisfy a given ratio, it is suggested that the fact that the retroflection is situated immediately to the east of the Indonesian passages is not accidental. Namely, it is argued that the western boundary current system in the Pacific is stationary because it is situated next to the Indonesian passages. In this particular position, the portions of the transports which do not allow satisfaction of the stationarity condition leak out into the Indian Ocean.
Type I and Type II Error Under Random‐Effects Misspecification in Generalized Linear Mixed Models

Summary Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) have become a frequently used tool for the analysis of non‐Gaussian longitudinal data. Estimation is based on maximum likelihood theory, which assumes that the underlying probability model is correctly specified. Recent research is showing that the results obtained from these models are not always robust against departures from the assumptions on which these models are based. In the present work we have used simulations with a logistic random‐intercept model to study the impact of misspecifying the random‐effects distribution on the type I and II errors of the tests for the mean structure in GLMMs. We found that the misspecification can either increase or decrease the power of the tests, depending on the shape of the underlying random‐effects distribution, and it can considerably inflate the type I error rate. Additionally, we have found a theoretical result which states that whenever a subset of fixed‐effects parameters, not included in the random‐effects structure equals zero, the corresponding maximum likelihood estimator will consistently estimate zero. This implies that under certain conditions a significant effect could be considered as a reliable result, even if the random‐effects distribution is misspecified.
Aircraft lightning initiation and interception from in situ electric measurements and fast video observations

Multipoint electric field measurements on the French C-160 research airplane presented additional verification for a physical model of aircraft-triggered lightning as a bidirectional leader initiated on the aircraft. For the few lightning strikes to aircraft that were not aircraft-triggered, the multipoint electric field measurements proved that these strikes resulted from interception of the aircraft by natural lightning flashes. Video images of lightning channels at 200 frames per second provided the first and only physical evidence of the presence of a positive leader exiting from the positive pole of the airplane's electrical dipole. The existence of a small (<1 A) positive leader current had been predicted in the physical model but had not yet been measured. Weak pulse processes found in magnetic field variations during positive leader development confirm the presence of small amplitude streamers in addition to a continuous leader process.
Sperm phenotypic plasticity in a cichlid: a territorial male's counterstrategy to spawning takeover

Studies of sperm competition in species with alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) often pay attention to the differences in investments in sperm between sneakers facing a higher sperm competition risk and bourgeois males facing a lower risk. Here, we examined within-tactic as well as among-tactic variations in sperm investments in the Lake Tanganyika shell-brooding cichlid Telmatochromis vittatus, a species with 2 types of parasitic tactics. Territorial male T. vittatus suffer reproductive parasitism by both smaller sneaker males and larger pirate males ("pirates" take over the spawning event during which territorial males perform sneaking as a counterstrategy). We hypothesized that both territorial males living under the risk of pirates and sneakers face increased risk of sperm competition and therefore should produce high-quality sperm compared with both territorial males that experienced no piracy risk and pirates. As expected, field studies showed that the former 2 males produced longer lived sperm than the other males. Aquarium experiments demonstrated that a visual stimulus of a pirate was enough to induce an increase in sperm longevity in territorial males compared with when no such stimulus was given. These results indicate that territorial male T. vittatus can plastically adjust at least one sperm quality trait in response to piracy risk. Moreover, long-term monitoring of males in the field showed that small territorial males grow into large territorial males and finally into pirates, so ARTs are not fixed over life. Accordingly, male T. vittatus appear to ontogenetically change their sperm longevity in response to size-dependent sperm competition risks. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.
3D Reconstruction of Human Laryngeal Dynamics Based on Endoscopic High-Speed Recordings

Standard laryngoscopic imaging techniques provide only limited two-dimensional insights into the vocal fold vibrations not taking the vertical component into account. However, previous experiments have shown a significant vertical component in the vibration of the vocal folds. We present a 3D reconstruction of the entire superior vocal fold surface from 2D high-speed videoendoscopy via stereo triangulation. In a typical camera-laser set-up the structured laser light pattern is projected on the vocal folds and captured at 4000 fps. The measuring device is suitable for in vivo application since the external dimensions of the miniaturized set-up barely exceed the size of a standard rigid laryngoscope. We provide a conservative estimate on the resulting resolution based on the hardware components and point out the possibilities and limitations of the miniaturized camera-laser set-up. In addition to the 3D vocal fold surface, we extended previous approaches with a G2-continuous model of the vocal fold edge. The clinical applicability was successfully established by the reconstruction of visual data acquired from 2D in vivo high-speed recordings of a female and a male subject. We present extracted dynamic parameters like maximum amplitude and velocity in the vertical direction. The additional vertical component reveals deeper insights into the vibratory dynamics of the vocal folds by means of a non-invasive method. The successful miniaturization allows for in vivo application giving access to the most realistic model available and hence enables a comprehensive understanding of the human phonation process.
X-linked cataract and Nance-Horan syndrome are allelic disorders

Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS) is an X-linked developmental disorder characterized by congenital cataract, dental anomalies, facial dysmorphism and, in some cases, mental retardation. Protein truncation mutations in a novel gene (NHS) have been identified in patients with this syndrome. We previously mapped X-linked congenital cataract (CXN) in one family to an interval on chromosome Xp22.13 which encompasses the NHS locus; however, no mutations were identified in the NHS gene. In this study, we show that NHS and X-linked cataract are allelic diseases. Two CXN families, which were negative for mutations in the NHS gene, were further analysed using array comparative genomic hybridization. CXN was found to be caused by novel copy number variations: a complex duplication–triplication re-arrangement and an intragenic deletion, predicted to result in altered transcriptional regulation of the NHS gene. Furthermore, we also describe the clinical and molecular analysis of seven families diagnosed with NHS, identifying four novel protein truncation mutations and a novel large deletion encompassing the majority of the NHS gene, all leading to no functional protein. We therefore show that different mechanisms, aberrant transcription of the NHS gene or no functional NHS protein, lead to different diseases. Our data highlight the importance of copy number variation and non-recurrent re-arrangements leading to different severity of disease and describe the potential mechanisms involved.
Cough in hot pepper workers.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine whether there is an effect on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, an alteration in lung function, or an increase in the cough threshold to capsaicin among workers chronically exposed to hot chili (Capsicum) peppers. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of responses to a structured questionnaire, lung function assessed by spirometry and cough threshold to inhalation of capsaicin aerosol in a group of occupationally-exposed Capsicum workers as compared to non-exposed employees of the same work site. SETTING Spice manufacturing facility. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-two Capsicum-exposed and 19 nonexposed workers. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS When evaluated by questionnaire, 13 (59 percent) of the Capsicum-exposed workers reported cough as compared to 4 (21 percent) of the nonexposed workers (p less than 0.05). Baseline FEV1 and FVC did not differ between the two groups. Cough threshold, as assessed by the lowest concentration of inhaled capsaicin eliciting cough, was related to workplace exposure (p = 0.05), displaying a bimodal pattern of higher and lower cough thresholds among the Capsicum workers as compared to a unimodal distribution among the nonexposed workers. Within the exposed group, a higher cough threshold was significantly related to male gender (p = 0.03) and was associated to a lesser extent with dietary preference for hot food (p = 0.09) and cumulative cigarette smoking (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION Chronic occupational exposure to chili peppers is associated with complaints of cough but does not alone lead to decreased responsiveness of capsaicin-sensitive nerves when assessed by cough threshold. The cough response to capsaicin inhalation may be modified by the effects of multiple, potentially interactive factors.
The more the better? The role of polyploidy in facilitating plant invasions.

BACKGROUND Biological invasions are a major ecological and socio-economic problem in many parts of the world. Despite an explosion of research in recent decades, much remains to be understood about why some species become invasive whereas others do not. Recently, polyploidy (whole genome duplication) has been proposed as an important determinant of invasiveness in plants. Genome duplication has played a major role in plant evolution and can drastically alter a plant's genetic make-up, morphology, physiology and ecology within only one or a few generations. This may allow some polyploids to succeed in strongly fluctuating environments and/or effectively colonize new habitats and, thus, increase their potential to be invasive. SCOPE We synthesize current knowledge on the importance of polyploidy for the invasion (i.e. spread) of introduced plants. We first aim to elucidate general mechanisms that are involved in the success of polyploid plants and translate this to that of plant invaders. Secondly, we provide an overview of ploidal levels in selected invasive alien plants and explain how ploidy might have contributed to their success. CONCLUSIONS Polyploidy can be an important factor in species invasion success through a combination of (1) 'pre-adaptation', whereby polyploid lineages are predisposed to conditions in the new range and, therefore, have higher survival rates and fitness in the earliest establishment phase; and (2) the possibility for subsequent adaptation due to a larger genetic diversity that may assist the 'evolution of invasiveness'. Alternatively, polyploidization may play an important role by (3) restoring sexual reproduction following hybridization or, conversely, (4) asexual reproduction in the absence of suitable mates. We, therefore, encourage invasion biologists to incorporate assessments of ploidy in their studies of invasive alien species.
Accuracy of the Polar S 810 iTM heart rate monitor and the Sensewear Pro ArmbandTM to estimate energy expenditure of indoor rowing exercise in overweight and obese individuals

Accurately assessing the energy expenditure (EE) of different types of physical activity is important for exercise prescription in obese individuals. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of the Polar S810i Heart Rate Monitor and SenseWear Pro Armband (SWA) for estimating energy expenditure (EE) during indoor rowing versus indirect calorimetry (IC). 43 overweight and obese adults (16 men, 27 women, BMI = 31.2 ± 3.7) participated in the study. Within a week after a maximal incremental test on a rowing ergometer, EE was assessed with Polar S810i, SWA and IC during two different intensities of rowing exercises (at 50% VO2max and 70% VO2max) on a Concept II ergometer. Data were analyzed with Pearson’s product moment correlations and repeated measures ANOVA. Post hoc multiple comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni test. BlandAltman plots were created to assess the agreement between the EE estimates and IC measurements. At 50% VO2max, Polar S810i and SWA significantly overestimated EE by 0.5 ± 0.50 kcal·min (p < 0.001) and by 0.9 ± 0.92 kcal·min (p < 0.001), respectively. At 70% VO2max, no significant differences were found between the SWA and IC, and between Polar S810i and IC measurements. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreements between the measured EE and estimates by Polar S810i and SWA at 70% VO2max. At 50% VO2max, there was a poor agreement between SWA and IC measurements. There were high correlations among three methods at both intensities (r = 0.82 to r = 0.95). In conclusion, Polar S810i and SWA showed reasonable concordance with IC for measuring EE of the moderate intensity exercise but not the lower intensity exercise on indoor rowing in the participants of this study. Polar S810i and SWA might be useful to assess EE during indoor rowing for overweight and obese individuals who try to manage their body weight, but it is necessary to develop exercise and population specific algorithms to enhance the accuracy of SWA to estimate energy expenditure during various intensities of physical exercises.
Transforming Competitiveness in European Transition Economies: The Role of Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has become one of the main drivers of globalization and integration of the European transition economies into the world economy, especially the European Union. Its growth enhancing capacity has played a significant role in transforming their competitiveness, both locally and on international markets, and its propensity to stimulate institution buliding is changing both economic and political landscapes in the region. The economic conditionality of FDI and the EU access-driven reforms are working hand in hand in helping the goals of transition and the convergence process. The achievement of both goals is seen as the best guarantor of peace and security in the region.