Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding sucrose metabolism and growth in a developing sweetgum plantation.

Stem diameter growth of g-year-old sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) trees was measured and related with the activity of sucrose-synthase (SS), an enzyme that has been associated with carbon sink strength in agriculture crops and tree seedlings. In 1984, 1-O sweetgum seedlings were transplanted to control plots and plots amended with sewage sludge or nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. After 8 growing seasons, trees on sludge contained four times as much volume as controls and twice as much volume as those on fertilized plots. In 1991, sludge treated soil had about 2 to 5 times as much in N and P as$soils from other treatments. There were no differences in the K levels between treatments.
THE VARIABLE STARS OF THE DRACO DWARF SPHEROIDAL GALAXY: REVISITED

We present a CCD survey of variable stars in the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy. This survey, which has the largest areal coverage since the original variable star survey by Baade & Swope, includes photometry for 270 RR Lyrae (RRL) stars, 9 anomalous Cepheids (ACs), 2 eclipsing binaries, and 12 slow, irregular red variables, as well as 30 background QSOs. Twenty-six probable double-mode RRL stars were identified. Observed parameters, including mean V and I magnitudes, V amplitudes, and periods, have been derived. Photometric metallicities of the ab-type RRL stars were calculated according to the method of Jurcsik & Kovacs, yielding a mean metallicity of 〈[Fe/H]〉 = −2.19 ± 0.03. The well-known Oosterhoff intermediate nature of the RRL stars in Draco is reconfirmed, although the double-mode RRL stars, with one exception, have properties similar to those found in Oosterhoff type II globular clusters. The period–luminosity relation of the ACs is rediscussed with the addition of the new Draco ACs.
Arthroscopy in Traumatic Hemarthrosis of Knee

Background: The majority of acute traumatic hemarthroses of knee are due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. However, their frequency and associated knee injuries in Iranian patients are not studied by arthroscopic examination, yet. Objectives: The authors planned an arthroscopic study of acute traumatic hemarthrosis of knee in patients with insufficient symptoms, signs to exact diagnosis. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with acute traumatic hemarthrosis of knee and no facture around knee joint refereed to Imam Khomeini hospital, Tehran, Iran from December 2006 to December 2009, were evaluated. Patients with early-onset knee hemarthrosis and insufficient physical examinations were included in the study. Patients under local or regional anesthesia underwent arthroscopic examination. Results: Over a 36-month period, 43 consecutive patients (male 39, female 4) with mean age of 27.21 ± 7.22 years (age range of 16 to 49 years) were evaluated. Average time between the injury and Arthroscopy was three weeks (from one to four weeks). Falling and Sport injuries were the most common modes of injury, and right knee was injured most frequently. The most common arthroscopic findings were rupture of the ACL (77.3%). The most common complaints were Knee swelling (84.1 %), pain (77%) and giving way (27%). Under anesthesia, 17 (38.6%) patients had negative anterior and posterior drawer and other laxity tests. Conclusions: In patients with posttraumatic hemarthrosis of knee, surgeons could diagnose the injury etiology by taking history, physical and MRI examinations, but in case of doubts, the surgeon can perform an arthroscopy which is a minimally invasive and effective technique for correct diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent later complications such as meniscal tear and injury to the cartilage.
Critique and process: Signature pedagogies in the graphic design classroom

Like many disciplines in design and the visual fine arts, critique is a signature pedagogy in the graphic design classroom. It serves as both a formative and summative assessment while also giving students the opportunity to practice the habits of graphic design. Critiques help students become keen observers of relevant disciplinary criteria; reflective about what they’ve been taught, what they’ve observed, and how they’ve applied both; articulate in giving meaningful feedback to peers; and capable of using a specific tool to assess the successes and failures of their own design work.
Stress distribution on a three-unit implant-supported zirconia framework. A 3D finite element analysis and fatigue test.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate, by finite element analysis (FEA) and fatigue analysis, the influence of different loading conditions on the stress distribution in a 3-unit implant-supported Y-TZP fixed partial denture (FPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS A three-dimensional FEM model was developed. The materials used in this study were assumed to be linearly elastic, homogeneous and isotropic. 100 N and 300 N loads over a 0,5 mm(2) areas with different angles (0°, 15° and 35°) and locations were applied on the prosthesis and the distribution of equivalent von Mises stress was investigated. A fatigue analysis was carried out too. RESULTS Maximum stresses were found at the connector region of the framework when the intermediate element is loaded (100 N load pattern: 32,9 MPa, 33 MPa and 51,8 MPa; 300 N load pattern: 98,6 MPa, 102,8 MPa and 155,7 MPa, respectively with 0°, 15° and 35° of inclination). Results confirmed the vulnerability of both connector areas even if just one pillar was loaded with an increase in stress when angle of load inclination is larger. The cyclic fatigue evaluation indicates a strong propensity for fatigue behavior, presenting a considerable range of loading conditions. No fracture fatigue occurred with a 100 N force. A 300 N force applied to the pontic produces no fatigue problems because the load is equally shared by whole system. A 300 N force applied to one of the two pillars, or to both implants generates fatigue problems. CONCLUSION F.E. M. analysis of a 3-unit implant-supported Y-TZPFPD, give accurate information about loading conditions for clinical success over time. Fatigue analysis results show structural reliability of the Y-TZP as framework material for 3-unit posterior FPDs.
Send Orders of Reprints at Reprints@benthamscience.net Effects of Orography on the Tail-end Effects of Typhoon Ketsana

The study of tail-end effects of typhoon on orography is new to Malaysia. The current study used FY-2D satellite data to investigate the variation of selected parameters of the Typhoon Ketsana system. In situ data, obtained via the radiosonde technique, were used to verify the atmospheric conditions, whereas the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model was applied to determine the structure of the mountains in East Malaysia (EM). This study aimed to identify typhoon-terrain effects, in terms of wind, cloud, and rain of the tail-end effects of typhoon in a regional environment. The tail-end effects of Typhoon Ketsana were altered by the orography in EM such that a slow movement with higher rate of rainfall was distributed along the mountainous western region, and cloud classification distribution patterns were different before, during, and after the tail-end effects of the typhoon. The wind intensity increased with altitude and affected the larger atmosphere region over EM. Additionally, the location of the Sabah region puts it at a higher risk to the impact of the tail-end effect of typhoons compared with the Sarawak region due to its distance from the typhoon. This study concluded that the impacts of the tail-end effects of a typhoon can also be varied and enhanced by the orography.
Endovascular Treatment of Patients With Types A and B Thoracic Aortic Dissection Using Relay Thoracic Stent-Grafts: Results From the RESTORE Patient Registry

Purpose To evaluate the safety and performance of Relay stent-grafts in patients with acute or chronic aortic dissections. Methods Patients with types A or B aortic dissections suitable for treatment with Relay stent-grafts and followed for 2 years after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) were identified from a company-sponsored registry database established in January 2006. Ninety-one consecutive patients (69 men; mean age 65 years) underwent TEVAR with Relay stent-grafts for dissection. Most patients (76, 84%) had type B dissections; 61 of all patients were classified as chronic and 30 as acute. Results The technical success rate was 95% (97% in acute, 95% in chronic, and 93% in type B dissections). The type I endoleak rate was 7% (7% in acute and 8% in chronic dissections); all occurred in patients with type B dissections. Paraplegia, paraparesis, and stroke occurred in 4, 1, and 2 patients, respectively; 2 cases of paraplegia occurred in patients with acute type B dissections. Thirty-day mortality was 8% (13% in acute and 5% in chronic dissections); all deaths occurred in patients with type B dissections. The 2-year survival rate was 82% in the overall population and 84% in patients with type B dissections. Conclusion The combination of Relay's features, such as stent conformability, radial force, atraumatic design, and controlled deployment and fixation, may contribute to the safety of the Relay stent-grafts for the treatment of thoracic aortic dissections, including acute and chronic type B dissections.
In silico protein design by combinatorial assembly of protein building blocks

Utilizing concepts of protein building blocks, we propose a de novo computational algorithm that is similar to combinatorial shuffling experiments. Our goal is to engineer new naturally occurring folds with low homology to existing proteins. A selected protein is first partitioned into its building blocks based on their compactness, degree of isolation from the rest of the structure, and hydrophobicity. Next, the protein building blocks are substituted by fragments taken from other proteins with overall low sequence identity, but with a similar hydrophobic/hydrophilic pattern and a high structural similarity. These criteria ensure that the designed protein has a similar fold, low sequence identity, and a good hydrophobic core compared with its native counterpart. Here, we have selected two proteins for engineering, protein G B1 domain and ubiquitin. The two engineered proteins share ∼20% and ∼25% amino acid sequence identities with their native counterparts, respectively. The stabilities of the engineered proteins are tested by explicit water molecular dynamics simulations. The algorithm implements a strategy of designing a protein using relatively stable fragments, with a high population time. Here, we have selected the fragments by searching for local minima along the polypeptide chain using the protein building block model. Such an approach provides a new method for engineering new proteins with similar folds and low homology.
Assessment of soluble angiogenic markers in pancreatic cancer.

UNLABELLED Angiogenic markers such as VEGF/basic FGF (bFGF) can enlarge the diagnostic biomarkers panel for pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS & METHODS Serum samples from 32 stage I-IV pancreatic cancer patients and 20 controls were analyzed for soluble VEGF/bFGF by ELISA and xMAP array. RESULTS VEGF/bFGF serum levels were significantly increased in patients compared with controls (p < 0.0001). We report a correlation with tumor diameter (p < 0.01/p < 0.05), stage (p < 0.001), Ki67LI (p < 0.005/p < 0.05) and carbohydrate 19-9 antigen (p < 0.005/p < 0.001). VEGF/bFGF levels analyzed by xMAP array were comparable with the pattern (patient/control) outline obtained by ELISA tests. We obtained a good correlation between these two soluble angiogenic markers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Data obtained for angiogenic markers qualifies them as important candidates in the pancreatic cancer biomarker panel.
Race and School Vouchers: Legal, Historical, and Political Contexts

This article investigates legal and political issues as they relate to school vouchers serving students of color. Specifically, we draw on the empirical, historical, and legal research to examine whether school vouchers will create a more equitable system of education for poor students of color. First, we present a history of vouchers, including how they were used to support segregation. We then discuss how vouchers as a broad opportunity for educational equity for poor children (of color) might present particular challenges in light of, first, the race-neutral approach in contemporary case law and state statutes and, second, the relatively small percentage of U.S. children taking advantage of such programs. Finally, we present empirical results regarding African American families’ support and use of vouchers and a discussion of the racial politics of school vouchers. We argue that unless voucher programs and proponents address race directly, operate on a larger scale, and attend to the broader social justice issues facing urban communities, it will be difficult for such policies to support the greater good for African American children or society as a whole.
ZB-16, a Novel GPR119 Agonist, Relieves the Severity of Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetes in Rats

GPR119 is involved in the regulation of incretin and insulin secretion, so the GPR119 agonists have been suggested as novel antidiabetic medications. The purpose of this work was to assess the influence of novel GPR119 agonist ZB-16 on the glucose utilization, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and the morphology of pancreas in rats with streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetes. 45 male Wistar rats were used in the study. The criteria of streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetes were blood glucose levels of 9–14 mmol/l measured in fasting conditions on the third day since administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (230 mg/kg). Animals failed to reach the criteria were excluded from the experiment. The substances were administered per os once per day for 28 days. Measurements included blood glucose monitoring (every 7 days), glucose tolerance test (every 14 days), the assessment of insulin and GLP-1 levels in blood plasma (28 days after beginning), and the results of immunohistochemical staining of pancreas. It was found that ZB-16 (1 mg/kg per os, once a day) decreases the blood glucose levels under fasting conditions and improves the glucose utilization. These changes were associated with the increase in stimulated secretion of GLP-1 and insulin, accompanied by the growth of insulin-positive cells in pancreas. Thus, ZB-16 could be a promising antidiabetic drug for oral administration.
Longitudinal Study of a Human Drug-Induced Model of Autoantibody to Cytoplasmic Rods/Rings following HCV Therapy with Ribavirin and Interferon-α

Background A novel pattern in the indirect immunofluorescence antinuclear antibody assay on HEp-2 cells (IIF-HEp-2) characterized by cytoplasmic rods and rings (RR) was reported in HCV patients, but stringent disease specificity studies and longitudinal analysis are lacking. We investigated the clinical significance of anti-RR in an HCV cohort with up to a 12-month treatment follow up. Methodology/Results 597 patients (342 HCV, 55 HCV/HIV, 200 non-HCV) were screened and titered for anti-RR. Serial samples were available from 78 of 176 treated and 27 of 166 untreated patients. Anti-RR was detected in 14.1% of 342 HCV patients, 9.1% of 55 HCV/HIV, 3.4% of 29 Hepatitis B, and none of 171 non-HCV (p<0.0001; HCV versus non-HCV). Anti-RR was present in 38% of 108 patients receiving interferon-α/ribavirin, but none in 26 receiving either interferon-α or ribavirin, or 166 untreated patients (p<0.0001). Other IIF-HEp-2 patterns were more frequently associated with interferon-α treatment alone (52.2%) as compared to interferon-α/ribavirin (25%), ribavirin alone (33.3%), and no therapy (26.5%). Anti-RR frequency was not associated with sex, age, ethnicity, HCV genotype or viral load. Anti-RR occurred only after initiation of treatment, beginning as early as 1 month (6%), but by the sixth month >47% tested positive for anti-RR. The anti-RR titer generally increased with sustained treatment and remained high in 53% of patients. After treatment, anti-RR titer was negative in 41%. Non-responders to HCV therapy were 77% in anti-RR-positive versus 64% in anti-RR-negative patients. Response to treatment was not associated with anti-RR titer or the dynamics of anti-RR reactivity during and after treatment. Conclusions The exquisite association of anti-RR reactivity with combined interferon-α/ribavirin therapy in HCV patients represents a unique model for drug-induced autoantibody generation in humans as demonstrated by the fact that a significant fraction of patients who have anti-RR during therapy becomes anti-RR-negative after completion of therapy.
The economic rationale of offering media files in peer-to-peer networks

File sharing is one of the most controversial applications in the Internet. Millions of users enjoy downloads of billions of media files such as songs or movies. But where do these files come from? While the economic rationale to download files is obvious, the motives of individuals to actually share and, therefore, internalize the costs (i.e. the risk of being sued for copyright infringement) are less obvious. Consequently, empirical studies have shown a large proportion of users demanding files but not offering any and, therefore, free riding on their peers. Nevertheless, sharing can be rational. This paper offers a theoretical base to explain sharing behavior and proves that the users' utility considerations depend on the network's life cycle. At the beginning of a network's life cycle the incentives to share files are high if an individual understands the economics of network externalities. Nonetheless, the user's utility to share files decreases over time, especially if the network grows and becomes anonymous. The strategies of individual users to share or free ride are explained using game theoretic approaches. Depending on the life cycle, the expectations and utilities of the users differ, leading to various games and optimal strategies. We empirically test our hypotheses using mixture regression models and explain the rationale of sharers in different stages of the life cycle. In order to prevent the (theoretically) inevitable break-down of the file sharing network, the authors finally present strategies for file sharing networks to enhance the user's willingness to share.
Heterogeneous Patterns of CEBPα Mutation Status in the Progression of Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Purpose: We aimed to assess the role of CEBPα mutations in the progression of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and their cooperating mutations. Experimental Design: Mutational analysis of CEBPα with direct sequencing for each PCR product was done on matched bone marrow samples obtained from 50 adult patients with MDS at diagnosis and at AML transformation. Cloning analysis was used to determine the allelic distribution. Results: CEBPα mutations were identified in four patients at diagnosis of MDS, including one with refractory anemia with excess blasts and three with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. At AML transformation, three patients retained the identical mutant clones as their initial diagnosis, three acquired the mutations, and one lost CEBPα mutation when she gained FLT3/ITD mutation. Together, seven patients had CEBPα mutations throughout the disease course; four patients had NH2-terminal mutations resulting in a frameshift and truncation of the protein, three of them had two different mutations either on the same alleles or on different alleles, two had missense mutations, and one had a deletion in the basic region leucine zipper domain. Except for one with coexistence of N-ras mutation, no sample harbored cooperating mutations with FLT3 or N-ras genes. CEBPα mutations had no influence on the time to AML progression or overall survival. Conclusions: Our results show that CEBPα mutations play a role in a subset of patients with MDS, especially in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. The mutation status was heterogeneous, exhibiting identical clone, clonal change, or clonal evolution during the progression to AML.
Cross-Cultural Comparison of Personality Traits, Attachment Security, and Satisfaction With Relationships as Predictors of Subjective Well-Being in India, Sweden, and the United States

Personality traits like Neuroticism and Extroversion, Satisfaction With Relationships, and Attachment Security are among the most important predictors of subjective well-being (SWB). However, the relative contribution of these predictors to SWB is seldom tested, and even more rarely tested cross-culturally. In this study, we replicate and extend Galinha, Oishi, Pereira, Wirtz, and Esteves, aiming to identify the strongest predictors of SWB, and in what way that contribution is universal or culture-specific, across such collectivist-individualist countries as India, Sweden, and the United States (N = 1,622). Structural equation modeling showed that Satisfaction With Relationships is a stronger predictor of SWB in India, while Neuroticism is a stronger predictor of SWB in Sweden and the United States, results consistent with prior Portuguese and Mozambican samples. These findings suggest that Satisfaction With Relationships is probably a stronger predictor of SWB in more collectivistic and less developed countries, while low Neuroticism is a stronger predictor of SWB in more individualistic and highly developed countries. Across all samples, Attachment Security and Extroversion showed very weak or nonsignificant effects on SWB above the contribution of Neuroticism and Satisfaction With Relationships, consistent with prior results. Neuroticism significantly mediated the relationship between Attachment Security, SWB, and Satisfaction With Relationships.
School Principals as Agents of Reform of the Russian Education System

The paper is based on the results of a study of secondary school principal decision-making styles conducted in eight regions of the Russian Federation (one per federal district) in 2014 using the methodological approach developed by Alan J. Rowe. The study aimed to assess the reformist potential of Russian school principals. We believe that this potential is determined in the present context by a leadership style that involves teachers in decision-making processes and the delegation of responsibilities to them in uncertain situations that require them to solve extremely complex tasks. Using the two-factor leadership model proposed by B. Bass, we suggest that either the transformational or transactional leadership style may prove to be effective depending on a given school's individual circumstances. Consequently, two types of leaders may be the most effective in terms of their ability to enact reforms: (1) principals who mainly exhibit a conceptual decision-making style and secondarily make recourse to an analytical style; (2) principals who mainly exhibit an analytical decision-making style and secondarily make resource to a conceptual style. The article establishes that only 12% of school principals apply the conceptual decision-making style while relying on an analytical style to a secondary degree. These are the principals who we classify as transformational leaders. Only 11% are effectively prepared to implement changes given a specific environment. These are the transactional leaders who are likely to change their leadership style for a transformational one.