Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tyrosinase inhibitor and radical scavenger fractions and isolated compounds from aerial parts of Peucedanum knappii Bornm

In this study, we investigated tyrosinase inhibitory and radical scavenger activities of the hydroalcoholic extract from Peucedanum knappii Bornm aerial parts, together with its fractions. The EtOAc fraction showed the highest antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity was selected for the isolation and identification of major active compound(s). Two flavonol glycosides, named rhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) were isolated from the EtOAc fraction. Compound 1 showed the most active radical scavenging and potential anti-tyrosinase activity with SC50 values of 2.9 µg mL−1 on the DPPH test and IC50 27.95 µg mL−1 in mushroom tyrosinase method. Therefore, isolated flavonoids from P. knappii can be considered as antioxidant and effective tyrosinase inhibitors.
Alternative methods of selection for litter size in mice: I. Characterization of base population and development of methods.

Studies on a base population of mice were used to establish an index of components of litter size and a physiological model for measuring uterine capacity to be used subsequently in a selection experiment evaluating alternative methods for practicing selection to increase litter size. Heritability estimates of litter size, ovulation rate and ova success (fraction of ova resulting in fully formed pups) were . 18, . 33 and . 15, respectively. No significant genetic or phenotypic correlation was found between overall ovulation rate and ova success. Phenotypic means and genetic variances were higher for characteristics measured on the right than on the left side of the reproductive tract. Linear and quadratic selection indexes, derived for a quadratic definition of breeding value, were compared. The linear index was predicted to be . 99 as efficient as the quadratic one. Due to simplicity, the linear index (I = 1.21 x ovulation rate + 9.05 x ova success), scaled to have variance the same as litter size, was chosen for use. Ovulation rate in unilaterally ovariectomized females was . 95 of that in females with both ovaries. No hypertrophy of the ipsilateral uterine horn in unilaterally ovariectomized females was found before implantation of embryos. Thus, unilateral ovariectomy appears to provide a physiological state to measure uterine capacity (as litter size) in the mouse.
A two-component histidine kinase Shk1 controls stress response, sclerotial formation and fungicide resistance in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Fungal histidine kinases (HKs) are involved in osmotic and oxidative stress responses, hyphal development, fungicide sensitivity and virulence. Members of HK class III are known to signal through the high-osmolarity glycerol mitogen-activated protein kinase (HOG MAPK). In this study, we characterized the Shk1 gene (SS1G_12694.3), which encodes a putative class III HK, from the plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Disruption of Shk1 resulted in resistance to phenylpyrrole and dicarboximide fungicides and increased sensitivity to hyperosmotic stress and H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress. The Shk1 mutant showed a significant reduction in vegetative hyphal growth and was unable to produce sclerotia. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR and glycerol determination assays showed that the expression of SsHOG1 (the last kinase of the Hog pathway) and glycerol accumulation were regulated by the Shk1 gene, but PAK (p21-activated kinase) was not. In addition, the Shk1 mutant showed no change in virulence. All the defects were restored by genetic complementation of the Shk1 deletion mutant with the wild-type Shk1 gene. These findings indicate that Shk1 is involved in vegetative differentiation, sclerotial formation, glycerol accumulation and adaption to hyperosmotic and oxidative stresses, and to fungicides, in S. sclerotiorum. Taken together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, the role of two-component HKs in Sclerotinia.
Comparative Overview of Brain Perfusion Imaging Techniques

Background and Purpose— Numerous imaging techniques have been developed and applied to evaluate brain hemodynamics. Among these are positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, Xenon-enhanced computed tomography, dynamic perfusion computed tomography, MRI dynamic susceptibility contrast, arterial spin labeling, and Doppler ultrasound. These techniques give similar information about brain hemodynamics in the form of parameters such as cerebral blood flow or cerebral blood volume. All of them are used to characterize the same types of pathological conditions. However, each technique has its own advantages and drawbacks. Summary of Review— This article addresses the main imaging techniques dedicated to brain hemodynamics. It represents a comparative overview established by consensus among specialists of the various techniques. Conclusions— For clinicians, this article should offer a clearer picture of the pros and cons of currently available brain perfusion imaging techniques and assist them in choosing the proper method for every specific clinical setting.
Enhancing moodle to support problem based learning. The Nucleo experience

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational paradigm that promotes the development of highly valuable soft skills. PBL can be combined with other approaches, such as collaborative learning, to enhance students' team skills. Nucleo is a blended learning approach where students work in self-regulated teams. Nucleo combines Problem-Based Learning, collaborative learning, role-play game dynamics and a fantasy metaphor. In this paper we describe how the Moodle Learning Management System is being used to support the development of Nucleo learning scenarios in courses with a total of more than 300 students. The approach is implemented by combining built-in tools of the LMS and specific plug-ins. Plug-ins provide support for Vermunt's ILS (used to build the teams), for assigning roles in the teams or managing groups, among others. Although this work is focused on the Moodle platform, the paradigm can be repurposed and applied to different environments.
Transfection of mitochondria: strategy towards a gene therapy of mitochondrial DNA diseases

Successes in classical gene therapies have been achieved by placing a corrected copy of a defective nuclear gene in cells. A similar gene replacement approach for a mutant mitochondrial genome is invariably linked to the use of a yet unavailable mitochondrial transfection vector. Here we show that DNA coupled covalently to a short mitochondrial leader peptide (chimera) can enter mitochondria via the protein import pathway, opening a new way for gene-, antisense-RNA- or antisense-DNA-delivery in molecular therapies. The import behavior of the purified chimera, composed of the amino-terminal leader peptide of the rat ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) and a double stranded DNA molecule (17 bp or 322 bp), was tested by incubating with coupled and 'energized' rat liver mitochondria in the presence of reticulocyte lysate. The chimera was translocated with a high efficiency into the matrix of mitochondria utilizing the protein import pathway, independent from the size of its passenger DNA.
Gravitational waves from stars orbiting the massive black hole at the galactic center

The LISA mission, a 5 × 10 6 km-base space-borne LASER interferometer to be launched around year 2010, will detect gravitational waves emitted by Galactic and extra-galactic sources. It has been predicted that one of the main astrophysical processes leading to strong emission in the LISA frequency band is the capture of a compact star by a black hole with a mass of a few million solar masses in the center of a galaxy. Main sequence stars were thought not to contribute because they are disrupted by tidal forces before they plunge through the horizon. Here we show that, according to our simulations of the stellar dynamics of the Sgr A * cluster, there must be one to a few low-mass main sequence stars sufficiently bound to the central Galactic black hole to be conspicuous sources in LISA observations. The probability that a white dwarf may be detectable is lower than 0.5 and, in spite of mass segregation, detection of a captured neutron star or stellar black hole in the center of the Milky Way is highly unlikely. Subject headings: black hole physics – Galaxy: nucleus – gravitational waves – stellar dynamics
Optimization Model of Selective cutting for timber Harvest Planning based on a Simulated Annealing Approach

An optimization model for Timber Harvest Planning (THP) is used to form harvest areas with the objective of maximizing the tree harvest volume subject to harvest regulations. Most optimization models for THP currently in use are based on clear cutting and restricted to adjacency constraints to prevent the creation of large clear-cut openings in the forest. However, an optimization model based on selective cutting-the cutting technique utilized in tropical countries-has rarely been described in the literature. The aim of this study was to propose an optimization model for THP based on selective cutting and subject to a maximum number of trees to be harvested and a minimum number of trees to be damaged during each planning period. The model was solved using three optimization techniques to identify the most suitable technique for use in the process of harvest area formation: Monte Carlo Programming (MCP), Simulated Annealing (SA) and Threshold Acceptance (TA). The obtained results indicate that the SA method provides better solutions than the MCP and TA methods, regardless of problem size. As a conclusion, the proposed model provides a tool to generate timber harvest plans with the improved monitoring and control techniques used in harvesting operations in tropical countries.
Identification of a New Panel of Serum Autoantibodies Associated with the Presence of In situ Carcinoma of the Breast in Younger Women

Purpose: We examined the feasibility of using a panel of autoantibodies to multiple tumor-associated proteins as a method for early detection of breast cancer and, more particularly, carcinoma in situ (CIS). Experimental Design: PPIA, PRDX2, and FKBP52 were identified as early-stage breast cancer autoantigens by proteomic approaches. The seroreactivity of a panel of antibodies consisting of these three antigens and two previously described autoantigens, HSP60 and MUC1, was tested on 235 samples (60 from primary breast cancer patients, 82 from CIS patients, and 93 from healthy controls) with the use of specific ELISAs. FKBP52, PPIA, and PRDX2 mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry in early-stage breast tumors. Results: Three of five autoantibodies, FKBP52, PPIA, and PRDX2, showed significantly increased reactivity in primary breast cancer and CIS compared with healthy controls. When combined, the five markers significantly discriminated primary breast cancer [receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, 0.73; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.60-0.79] and CIS (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71-0.85) from healthy individuals. Importantly, the receiver operating characteristic–area under the curve value of the autoantibody panel was able to distinguish CIS, including high grades, from healthy controls in women under the age of 50 years (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.61-0.92). Finally, only FKBP52 mRNA and protein levels were found to be increased in CIS and primary breast cancer compared with healthy breast tissue. Conclusions: This autoantibody assay against a panel of five antigens allows for an accurate discrimination between early-stage breast cancer, especially CIS, and healthy individuals. These results could be of interest in detecting early breast cancer as an aid to mammography, especially in women under the age of 50 years with aggressive cancers.
Vocal Responses to Perturbations in Voice Auditory Feedback in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

Background One of the most common symptoms of speech deficits in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) is significantly reduced vocal loudness and pitch range. The present study investigated whether abnormal vocalizations in individuals with PD are related to sensory processing of voice auditory feedback. Perturbations in loudness or pitch of voice auditory feedback are known to elicit short latency, compensatory responses in voice amplitude or fundamental frequency. Methodology/Principal Findings Twelve individuals with Parkinson's disease and 13 age- and sex- matched healthy control subjects sustained a vowel sound (/α/) and received unexpected, brief (200 ms) perturbations in voice loudness (±3 or 6 dB) or pitch (±100 cents) auditory feedback. Results showed that, while all subjects produced compensatory responses in their voice amplitude or fundamental frequency, individuals with PD exhibited larger response magnitudes than the control subjects. Furthermore, for loudness-shifted feedback, upward stimuli resulted in shorter response latencies than downward stimuli in the control subjects but not in individuals with PD. Conclusions/Significance The larger response magnitudes in individuals with PD compared with the control subjects suggest that processing of voice auditory feedback is abnormal in PD. Although the precise mechanisms of the voice feedback processing are unknown, results of this study suggest that abnormal voice control in individuals with PD may be related to dysfunctional mechanisms of error detection or correction in sensory feedback processing.
Selective Depletion of rRNA Enables Whole Transcriptome Profiling of Archival Fixed Tissue

We report a method for Selective Depletion of abundant RNA (SDRNA) species from Human total RNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, here demonstrating removal of ribosomal and mitochondrial transcripts from clinical FFPE tissue RNA archived up to 20 years. Importantly, SDRNA removes 98% of targeted RNAs while preserving relative abundance profiles of non-targeted RNAs, enabling routine whole transcriptome analysis of clinically valuable archival tissue specimens by Next-Generation Sequencing.
Interventions for pain during fixed orthodontic appliance therapy. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To compare the different methods of pain control intervention during fixed orthodontic appliance therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A computerized literature search was performed in MEDLINE (1966-2009), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2009), EMBASE (1984-2009), and CNKI (1994-2009) to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for pain reduction during orthodontic treatment. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers and a quality assessment was carried out. The Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan5 software was used for data analysis. The Cochrane Oral Health Group's statistical guidelines were followed. RESULTS Twenty-six RCTs were identified and six trials including 388 subjects were included. Meta-analysis showed that ibuprofen had a pain control effect at 6 hours and at 24 hours after archwire placement compared with the placebo group. The standard mean difference was -0.47 and -0.48, respectively. There was no difference in pain control between ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. Other analgesics such as tenoxicam and valdecoxib had relatively lower visual analog scale (VAS) scores in pain perception. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was also an effective approach for pain relief with VAS scores of 3.30 in the LLLT group and 7.25 in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Analgesics are still the main treatment modality to reduce orthodontic pain despite their side effects. Some long-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cyclo-oxygenase enzyme (COX-2) inhibitors are recommended for their comparatively lesser side effects. Their preemptive use is promising. Other approaches such as LLLT have aroused researchers' attention.
YOUNG GALAXY CANDIDATES IN THE HUBBLE FRONTIER FIELDS. III. MACS J0717.5+3745

In this paper we present the results of our search for and study of z ≳ 6 galaxy candidates behind the third Frontier Fields (FFs) cluster, MACS J0717.5+3745, and its parallel field, combining data from Hubble and Spitzer. We select 39 candidates using the Lyman break technique, for which the clear non-detection in optical make the extreme mid-z interlopers hypothesis unlikely. We also take benefit from z ≳ 6 samples selected using the previous FF data sets of Abell 2744 and MACS 0416 to improve the constraints on the properties of very high redshift objects. We compute the redshift and the physical properties such emission lines properties, star formation rate, reddening, and stellar mass for all FF objects from their spectral energy distribution using templates including nebular emission lines. We study the relationship between several physical properties and confirm the trend already observed in previous surveys for evolution of star formation rate with galaxy mass and between the size and the UV luminosity of our candidates. The analysis of the evolution of the UV luminosity function with redshift seems more compatible with an evolution of density. Moreover, no robust z ≥ 8.5 object is selected behind the cluster field and few z ∼ 9 candidates have been selected in the two previous data sets from this legacy survey, suggesting a strong evolution in the number density of galaxies between z ∼ 8 and 9. Thanks to the use of the lensing cluster, we study the evolution of the star formation rate density produced by galaxies with L > 0.03 L ⋆ , and confirm the strong decrease observed between z ∼ 8 and 9.
IMPROVED CONSTRAINTS ON THE GRAVITATIONAL LENS Q0957+561. II. STRONG LENSING

We present a detailed strong lensing analysis of a Hubble Space Telescope/Advanced Camera for Surveys legacy data set for the first gravitational lens, Q0957+561. With deep imaging we identify 24 new strongly lensed features, which we use to constrain mass models. We model the stellar component of the lens galaxy using the observed luminosity distribution and the dark matter halo using several different density profiles. We draw on the weak lensing analysis by Nakajima et al. to constrain the mass sheet and environmental terms in the lens potential. Adopting the well-measured time delay, we find H0 = 85+14−13 km s−1 Mpc−1 (68% CL) using lensing constraints alone. The principal uncertainties in H0 are tied to the stellar mass-to-light ratio (a variant of the radial profile degeneracy in lens models). Adding constraints from stellar population synthesis models, we obtain H0 = 79.3+6.7−8.5 km s−1 Mpc−1 (68% CL). We infer that the lens galaxy has a rising rotation curve and a dark matter distribution with an inner core. Intriguingly, we find the quasar flux ratios predicted by our models to be inconsistent with existing radio measurements, suggesting the presence of substructure in the lens.
Is the Colposcopically Directed Punch Biopsy a Reliable Diagnostic Test in Women With Minor Cytological Lesions?

Objective The study aimed to determine the accuracy of the colposcopy-directed punch biopsy (punch) to detect or exclude high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2 or 3) in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cytological result and minor colposcopic findings. Materials and Methods In a diagnostic test accuracy study, women with ASCUS or LSIL cytological result and minor colposcopic changes had a single colposcopy-targeted punch biopsy was performed immediately followed by a loop electrocautery excision procedure (LEEP) biopsy. The trial was powered to detect a level of &kgr; for a dichotomous outcome of 0.4 (i.e., fair-to-moderate agreement), with a two-sided significance level of 5% and a power of 90%. Accuracy parameters were computed using a cutoff for positive punch biopsy result of CIN 1+ and CIN 2+ for an outcome of CIN 2+ and CIN 3+ assessed in the LEEP specimen. Results Sixty-eight punch biopsy/LEEP–paired samples were analyzed. Of the 8 CIN 3 lesions, 6 and 4 were detected at cutoff CIN 1+ and CIN 2+, respectively (sensitivity, 50% and 75%). The corresponding specificities were 65% (39/60) and 97% (58/60). The punch biopsies identified only 14 (67%) or 6 (20%) of the 21 CIN 2+ lesions at cutoff CIN 1+ or CIN 2+, respectively. Of the punch biopsies, 31 (45.6%) accurately detected the severity of cervical abnormality. Conclusions A single colposcopically directed punch biopsy appears to be insufficient to exclude underlying CIN 2 or 3.
Learning to Rank with Trust and Distrust in Recommender Systems

The sparsity of users' preferences can significantly degrade the quality of recommendations in the collaborative filtering strategy. To account for the fact that the selections of social friends and foes may improve the recommendation accuracy, we propose a learning to rank model that exploits users' trust and distrust relationships. Our learning to rank model focusses on the performance at the top of the list, with the recommended items that end-users will actually see. In our model, we try to push the relevant items of users and their friends at the top of the list, while ranking low those of their foes. Furthermore, we propose a weighting strategy to capture the correlations of users' preferences with friends' trust and foes' distrust degrees in two intermediate trust- and distrust-preference user latent spaces, respectively. Our experiments on the Epinions dataset show that the proposed learning to rank model significantly outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in the presence of sparsity in users' preferences and when a part of trust and distrust relationships is not available. Furthermore, we demonstrate the crucial role of our weighting strategy in our model, to balance well the influences of friends and foes on users' preferences.
Common Spatio-Temporal Pattern for Single-Trial Detection of Event-Related Potential in Rapid Serial Visual Presentation Triage

Searching for target images in large volume imagery is a challenging problem and the rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) triage is potentially a promising solution to the problem. RSVP triage is essentially a cortically-coupled computer vision technique that relies on single-trial detection of event-related potentials (ERP). In RSVP triage, images are shown to a subject in a rapid serial sequence. When a target image is seen by the subject, unique ERP characterized by P300 are elicited. Thus, in RSVP triage, accurate detection of such distinct ERP allows for fast searching of target images in large volume imagery. The accuracy of the distinct ERP detection in RSVP triage depends on the feature extraction method, for which the common spatial pattern analysis (CSP) was used with limited success. This paper presents a novel feature extraction method, termed common spatio-temporal pattern (CSTP), which is critical for robust single-trial detection of ERP. Unlike the conventional CSP, whereby only spatial patterns of ERP are considered, the present proposed method exploits spatial and temporal patterns of ERP separately, providing complementary spatial and temporal features for high accurate single-trial ERP detection. Numerical study using data collected from 20 subjects in RSVP triage experiments demonstrates that the proposed method offers significant performance improvement over the conventional CSP method (corrected p -value <; 0.05, Pearson r=0.64) and other competing methods in the literature. This paper further shows that the main idea of CSTP can be easily applied to other methods.