Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of muscle fatty acid profiles and cholesterol concentrations of bison, beef cattle, elk, and chicken.

The objective of this study was to compare fatty acid weight percentages and cholesterol concentrations of longissimus dorsi (LD), semitendinosus (ST), and supraspinatus (SS) muscles (n = 10 for each) of range bison (31 mo of age), feedlot-finished bison (18 mo of age), range beef cows (4 to 7 yr of age), feedlot steers (18 mo of age), free-ranging cow elk (3 to 5 yr of age), and chicken breast. Lipids were analyzed by capillary GLC. Total saturated fatty acids (SFA) were greater (P < 0.01) in range bison than in feedlot bison and were greater (P < 0.01) in SS of range beef cattle than in feedlot steers. Muscles of elk and range bison were similar (P > 0.05) in SAT. In LD, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were highest (P < 0.01) for elk and range bison and lowest (P < 0.01) for feedlot steers within each muscle. Range bison and range beef cows had greater (P < 0.01) PUFA in LD and ST than feedlot bison or steers, respectively. Range-fed animals had higher (P < 0.01) n-3 fatty acids than feedlot-fed animals or chicken breast. Chicken breast n-6 fatty acids were greater (P < 0.01) than for muscles from bison, beef, or elk. Elk had higher (P < 0.01) n-6 fatty acids than bison or beef cattle; however, range-fed animals had higher (P < 0.01) n-6 fatty acids than feedlot-fed animals in ST. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, 18:2cis-9, trans-11) in LD was greatest (P < 0.01) for range beef cows (0.4%), and lowest for chicken breast and elk (mean = 0.1%). In ST, CLA was greatest (P < 0.01) for range and feedlot bison and range beef cows (mean = 0.4%) and lowest for elk and chicken breast (mean = 0.1%). Also, SS CLA was greatest (P < 0.01) for range beef cows (0.5%) and lowest for chicken breast (0.1%). Mean total fatty acid concentration (g/100 g tissue) for all muscles was highest (P < 0.01) for feedlot bison and feedlot cattle and lowest (P < 0.01) for range bison, range beef cows, elk, and chicken. Chicken breast cholesterol (mg/100 g tissue) was higher (P < 0.01) than LD and ST cholesterol, which were lowest (P < 0.01; 43.8) for range bison and intermediate for the other species. Cholesterol in SS was highest (P < 0.01) for feedlot bison and steers, which were similar to chicken breast (mean = 61.2 vs 52.8 for the mean of the other species). We conclude that lipid composition of bison muscle varies with feeding regimen, and range-fed bison had muscle lipid composition similar to that of forage-fed beef cows and wild elk.
Switch in chemical weathering caused by the mass balance variability in a Himalayan glacierized basin: a case of Chhota Shigri Glacier

ABSTRACT Long-term data (2003–2015) on meltwater chemistry, mass balance and discharge of a benchmark glacier (Chhota Shigri Glacier, India) were studied to determine any association between these variables. To infer the factors governing the alteration of chemical weathering processes in glacierized basins, multi-annual records of the hydrochemical indices (Ca2++Mg2+/Na++K+) and the C-ratio were also examined. A succession of negative mass balance years has resulted in a decline in solute concentrations in the runoff, as discharge has increased. The (Ca2++Mg2+/Na++K+) and C-ratio are highest during periods of negative annual mass balance, when the spatial extent of the channelized drainage system increases. Conversely, these ratios are lowest in positive mass balance years, when the spatial extent of the channelized drainage system decreases, and chemical weathering in the distributed drainage system becomes more dominant. This paper is the first to show the inter-annual linkages between meltwater chemistry, mass balance and discharge for a valley glacier.
Fiscal Policy and the Term Structure of Interest Rates

Macroeconomists want to understand the effects of fiscal policy on interest rates, while financial economists look for the factors that drive the dynamics of the yield curve. To shed light on both issues, we present an empirical macro-finance model that combines a no-arbitrage affine term structure model with a set of structural restrictions that allow us to identify fiscal policy shocks, and trace the effects of these shocks on the prices of bonds of different maturities. Compared to a standard VAR, this approach has the advantage of incorporating the information embedded in a large cross-section of bond prices. Moreover, the pricing equations provide new ways to assess the model's ability to capture risk preferences and expectations. Our results suggest that (i) government deficits affect long term interest rates: a one percentage point increase in the deficit to GDP ratio, lasting for 3 years, will eventually increase the 10-year rate by 40--50 basis points; (ii) this increase is partly due to higher expected spot rates, and partly due to higher risk premia on long term bonds; and (iii) the fiscal policy shocks account for up to 12% of the variance of forecast errors in bond yields.
Distinct Membrane Domains on Endosomes in the Recycling Pathway Visualized by Multicolor Imaging of Rab4, Rab5, and Rab11

Two endosome populations involved in recycling of membranes and receptors to the plasma membrane have been described, the early and the recycling endosome. However, this distinction is mainly based on the flow of cargo molecules and the spatial distribution of these membranes within the cell. To get insights into the membrane organization of the recycling pathway, we have studied Rab4, Rab5, and Rab11, three regulatory components of the transport machinery. Following transferrin as cargo molecule and GFP-tagged Rab proteins we could show that cargo moves through distinct domains on endosomes. These domains are occupied by different Rab proteins, revealing compartmentalization within the same continuous membrane. Endosomes are comprised of multiple combinations of Rab4, Rab5, and Rab11 domains that are dynamic but do not significantly intermix over time. Three major populations were observed: one that contains only Rab5, a second with Rab4 and Rab5, and a third containing Rab4 and Rab11. These membrane domains display differential pharmacological sensitivity, reflecting their biochemical and functional diversity. We propose that endosomes are organized as a mosaic of different Rab domains created through the recruitment of specific effector proteins, which cooperatively act to generate a restricted environment on the membrane.
Fluent Speakers of a Second Language Process Graspable Nouns Expressed in L2 Like in Their Native Language

According to embodied cognition, language processing relies on the same neural structures involved when individuals experience the content of language material. If so, processing nouns expressing a motor content presented in a second language should modulate the motor system as if presented in the mother tongue. We tested this hypothesis using a go-no go paradigm. Stimuli included English nouns and pictures depicting either graspable or non-graspable objects. Pseudo-words and scrambled images served as controls. Italian participants, fluent speakers of English as a second language, had to respond when the stimulus was sensitive and refrain from responding when it was not. As foreseen by embodiment, motor responses were selectively modulated by graspable items (images or nouns) as in a previous experiment where nouns in the same category were presented in the native language.
WEAP-MODFLOW dynamic modeling approach to evaluate surface water and groundwater supply sources of Addis Ababa city

The integration between WEAP and MODFLOW models coupled via LinkKitchen helps to create a dynamic link between surface water and groundwater supply sources of Addis Ababa city. Possible impacts of natural and anthropogenic stresses on surface water reservoirs volume and groundwater storage have been assessed through water supply scenario analysis. Besides, contrary to other surface water hydrological models, the unique nature of WEAP adds water demand assessment by simulating Addis Ababa city near future water demand coverage under three population projection scenarios. The water demand projections of Addis Ababa city indicates 100% water demand coverage will not be achieved for high (4.6%), medium (3.8%) and low (2.8%) population growth rate projections, even with all the emerging and planned water supply projects start production up until 2025. Supply scenario projections indicate, as surface water reservoirs are highly sensitive to climate change and variability, the city groundwater supply sources will be noticeably affected by the emerging and planned groundwater supply expansion schemes. If groundwater abstraction continues to reach to zero unmet demand, more than 30-meter groundwater level decline can be registered in 2025. To foresee the combined effect of both natural and anthropogenic stresses on Addis Ababa city water supply sources, best case (considering conditions which improve Addis Ababa city water supply) and worst case (considering conditions stressing Addis Ababa city water supply) scenarios were tested. The best case scenario results zero unmet water demand in Addis Ababa city in most wet months of future projection years up to 2025, with likely decline of about 6 meter on the groundwater level. The worst case scenario to the contrary shows, Addis Ababa city water demand coverage will potentially be reduced to a maximum of 35% in 2025, with seasonal and annual variability. The dynamic link between surface water reservoirs and groundwater supply sources helps to gain insight into the potential consequences of continuously changing natural and anthropogenic conditions on Addis Ababa city water supply sources. Consequently, the significant predicted near future pressure on Addis Ababa city surface water and groundwater supply clearly indicate planning and developing alternative water supply sources outside of the boundary (Upper Awash basin) where the city is located should be immediately started in order to endure the pressure from the ever increasing demand. Otherwise, not only Addis will continue suffering unmet water demand for the years to come, but also the water supply sources will be severely impacted. Nonetheless, wherever the water supply sources, minimizing water loss, recycling and improving water use efficiency should be given at most priority.
Essential role of MARCKS in cortical actin dynamics during gastrulation movements

Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) is an actin-binding, membrane-associated protein expressed during Xenopus embryogenesis. We analyzed its function in cytoskeletal regulation during gastrulation. Here, we show that blockade of its function impaired morphogenetic movements, including convergent extension. MARCKS was required for control of cell morphology, motility, adhesion, protrusive activity, and cortical actin formation in embryonic cells. We also demonstrate that the noncanonical Wnt pathway promotes the formation of lamellipodia- and filopodia-like protrusions and that MARCKS is necessary for this activity. These findings show that MARCKS regulates the cortical actin formation that is requisite for dynamic morphogenetic movements.
The impact of prophylactic pancreatic stenting on post-ERCP pancreatitis: A nationwide, register-based study

Background and objectives The role of prophylactic pancreatic stenting (PS) in preventing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) has yet to be determined. Most previous studies show beneficial effects in reducing PEP when prophylactic pancreatic stents are used, especially in high-risk ERCP procedures. The present study aimed to address the use of PS in a nationwide register-based study in which the primary outcome was the prophylactic effect of PS in reducing PEP. Methods All ERCP-procedures registered in the nationwide Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and ERCP (GallRiks) between 2006 and 2014 were studied. The primary outcome was PEP but we also studied other peri- and postoperative complication rates. Results Data from 43,595 ERCP procedures were analyzed. In the subgroup of patients who received PS with a total diameter ≤ 5 Fr, the risk of PEP increased nearly four times compared to those who received PS with a total diameter of >5 Fr (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.40–11.07). Furthermore, patients who received PS of >5 Fr and >5 cm had a significantly lower pancreatitis frequency compared to those with shorter stents of the same diameter (1.39% vs 15.79%; p = 0.0033). Conclusions PS with a diameter of >5 Fr and a length of >5 cm seems to have a better protective effect against PEP, compared to shorter and thinner stents. However, in the present version of GallRiks it is not possible to differentiate the exact type of pancreatic stent (apart from material, length and diameter) that has been introduced, so our conclusion must be interpreted with caution.
Novel Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (S-SNEDDS) for Oral Delivery of Olmesartan Medoxomil: Design, Formulation, Pharmacokinetic and Bioavailability Evaluation

The main purpose of this study was to develop a solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) of Olmesartan (OLM) for enhancement of its solubility and dissolution rate. In this study, liquid SNEDDS containing Olmesartan was formulated and further developed into a solid form by the spray drying technique using Aerosil 200 as a solid carrier. Based on the preliminary screening of different unloaded SNEDDS formulae, eight formulae of OLM loaded SNEEDS were prepared using Capryol 90, Cremophor RH40 and Transcutol HP as oil, surfactant and cosurfactant, respectively. Results showed that the mean droplet size of all reconstituted SNEDDS was found to be in the nanometric range (14.91–22.97 nm) with optimum PDI values (0.036–0.241). All formulae also showed rapid emulsification time (15.46 ± 1.34–24.17 ± 1.47 s), good optical clarity (98.33% ± 0.16%–99.87% ± 0.31%) and high drug loading efficiency (96.41% ± 1.20%–99.65% ± 1.11%). TEM analysis revealed the formation of spherical and homogeneous droplets with a size smaller than 50 nm. In vitro release of OLM from SNEDDS formulae showed that more than 90% of OLM released in approximately 90 min. Optimized SNEDDS formulae were selected to be developed into S-SNEDDS using the spray drying technique. The prepared S-SNEDDS formulae were evaluated for flow properties, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), reconstitution properties, drug content and in vitro dissolution study. It was found that S-SNEDDS formulae showed good flow properties and high drug content. Reconstitution properties of S-SNEDDS showed spontaneous self-nanoemulsification and no sign of phase separation. DSC thermograms revealed that OLM was in solubilized form and FTIR supported these findings. SEM photographs showed smooth uniform surface of S-SNEDDS with less aggregation. Results of the in vitro drug release showed that there was great enhancement in the dissolution rate of OLM. To clarify the possible improvement in pharmacokinetic behavior of OLM S-SNEDDS, plasma concentration-time curve profiles of OLM after the oral administration of optimized S-SNEDDS formula (F3) were compared to marketed product and pure drug in suspension. At all time points, it was observed that OLM plasma concentrations in rats treated with S-SNEDDS were significantly higher than those treated with the drug in suspension and marketed product.
One-step synthesis of dense tungsten carbide-cobalt hard materials

Dense WC-x vol % cobalt (5 ≤ x ≤20) composites, with WC grain size of ∼1 μm, were synthesized by field-activated and pressure-assisted combustion synthesis (FAPACS) within several minutes from elemental powders. Simultaneous synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of an electric field and mechanical pressure. The effect of cobalt content on the hardness, fracture toughness, and relative density of dense WC-x vol% cobalt composites was investigated. The relative density of the WC-cobalt composites increased with increased cobalt content. Under the application of a 60 MPa pressure and a 3000 A current, the final products had relatively high densities, 99.4%, for WC-20 vol% cobalt. The hardness of the WC-cobalt composites decreased with increased cobalt content, while the fracture toughness increased. The maximum fracture toughness and hardness values obtained were 9.4 MPa.m 1/2 for the WC-20 vol% cobalt composition and 2014 kg.mm -2 for the WC-5 vol% cobalt composition.
Effects of passive immunity on growth and survival in the dairy heifer.

Effects of 24 to 48 h serum Ig concentration on growth and survival of 1000 Holstein heifer calves were evaluated. Average serum Ig for all calves was 25.71 (SD = 19.06) mg/ml with a range of . 05 to 108.27. Serum Ig concentrations were below 12 mg/ml in 28% of the heifers. Both season and age of dam contributed significantly to the variation in 24 to 48 h concentrations of serum Ig. Concentration of serum Ig at 24 to 48 h was a significant source of variation affecting average daily gain through the first 180 d of life. Seasonal factors also were significant in influencing rate of gain from birth to 180 d. Age of dam was a significant source of variation in calf weight gains but only for the first 35 d. Mortality was 6.78% for heifers with less than 12 mg/ml serum Ig at 24 to 48 h as compared with 3.33% mortality for calves with greater than 12 mg/ml concentration.
Chemical Evaluation of South African Prickly Pear Cladodes Varieties as Fodder for Ruminants Grown in Mara ADC, South Africa

The aim of the study was to determine the chemical composition of South African prickly pears cladodes varieties as fodder for ruminants in Mara ADC, South Africa. The experimental field was divided into four replications with ten different prickly pears varieties within each replication. The following results were obtained (percent of dry matter): crude protein 6.23-10.63, neutral detergent fiber 19.36-38.29, acid detergent fiber 12.2519. 25, ether extract 1.19-2.62 and the phosphorus content 0.19-0.29. It was concluded that the environment aspects in the Limpopo Province did not negatively impact the chemical composition of prickly pears since the concentrations of fiber was lower and crude protein content was higher.
A comparative FDTD analysis of magnetized ferrites

The FDTD method is applied to the full-wave analysis of rectangular waveguides loaded with E-plane or H-plane ferrite slabs with transverse magnetization. The treatment of the ferrite material is based on the equation of motion using the Gilbertpsilas approximation of the damping term. A comparison between the accuracy of two discretization approaches is done through numerical examples.
Strength analysis of a three-unit dental bridge framework with the Finite Element Method.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to analyse the strength of a prosthetic bridge with variable geometry in the connectors between the span and the retention elements on the pillar teeth crowns. METHODS Research was carried using the Finite Elements Method (FEM) on a model of the bridge in the anterior teeth arch in the field 21-22-23, obtained using a contact scanner and computer aided design (CAD) system, with four different cross-sectional areas of the connectors: 4.0, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 mm2. For that purpose, the impact of the properties of selected metal alloys on the deflection of the prosthesis was analysed. RESULTS On the basis of the analyses, it was found that when the loading force acted obliquely, the stress was 19% higher compared to the stress with a loading vertical force. In the case of connectors with the smallest cross-sectional area, the stress exceeded permissible value (with safety factor n = 2) for one of the alloys. CONCLUSIONS Deflection of the bridges tested changed depending on the connector cross-section and the elastic modulus of the selected material.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Overexpression Decreases Endothelial Cell Oxidant Stress and Increases Bioavailable Nitric Oxide

Objective—Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the principal source of NADPH, serves as an antioxidant enzyme to modulate the redox milieu and nitric oxide synthase activity. Deficient G6PD activity is associated with increased endothelial cell oxidant stress and diminished bioavailable nitric oxide (NO·). Therefore, we examined whether overexpression of G6PD would decrease reactive oxygen species accumulation and increase bioavailable NO· in endothelial cells. Methods and Results—Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of G6PD increased G6PD expression, activity, and NADPH levels in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). BAECs overexpressing G6PD demonstrated a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species accumulation when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, xanthine-xanthine oxidase, or tumor necrosis factor-&agr; compared with BAECs with basal levels of G6PD. BAECs overexpressing G6PD maintained intracellular glutathione stores when exposed to oxidants because of increased activity of glutathione reductase, an effect that was not observed in endothelial cells with normal G6PD activity. Overexpression of G6PD was also associated with enhanced nitric oxide synthase activity, resulting in elevated levels of cGMP, nitrate, and nitrite, and this response was increased after stimulation with bradykinin. Conclusions—Overexpression of G6PD in vascular endothelial cells decreases reactive oxygen species accumulation in response to exogenous and endogenous oxidant stress and improves levels of bioavailable NO·.
The role of a maternity waiting area (MWA) in reducing maternal mortality and stillbirths in high‐risk women in rural Ethiopia

Please cite this paper as: Kelly J, Kohls E, Poovan P, Schiffer R, Redito A, Winter H, MacArthur C. The role of a maternity waiting area (MWA) in reducing maternal mortality and stillbirths in high‐risk women in rural Ethiopia. BJOG 2010;117:1377–1383.
A Mathematical Methodology for Determining the Temporal Order of Pathway Alterations Arising during Gliomagenesis

Human cancer is caused by the accumulation of genetic alterations in cells. Of special importance are changes that occur early during malignant transformation because they may result in oncogene addiction and thus represent promising targets for therapeutic intervention. We have previously described a computational approach, called Retracing the Evolutionary Steps in Cancer (RESIC), to determine the temporal sequence of genetic alterations during tumorigenesis from cross-sectional genomic data of tumors at their fully transformed stage. Since alterations within a set of genes belonging to a particular signaling pathway may have similar or equivalent effects, we applied a pathway-based systems biology approach to the RESIC methodology. This method was used to determine whether alterations of specific pathways develop early or late during malignant transformation. When applied to primary glioblastoma (GBM) copy number data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project, RESIC identified a temporal order of pathway alterations consistent with the order of events in secondary GBMs. We then further subdivided the samples into the four main GBM subtypes and determined the relative contributions of each subtype to the overall results: we found that the overall ordering applied for the proneural subtype but differed for mesenchymal samples. The temporal sequence of events could not be identified for neural and classical subtypes, possibly due to a limited number of samples. Moreover, for samples of the proneural subtype, we detected two distinct temporal sequences of events: (i) RAS pathway activation was followed by TP53 inactivation and finally PI3K2 activation, and (ii) RAS activation preceded only AKT activation. This extension of the RESIC methodology provides an evolutionary mathematical approach to identify the temporal sequence of pathway changes driving tumorigenesis and may be useful in guiding the understanding of signaling rearrangements in cancer development.