Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth characteristics of selected fungi on polyvinyl chloride film

The objective of this study was to determine if plasticized polyvinyl chloride film would support the growth of any of nine species of fungi. The film was suspended in distilled water with no nutrients or with glucose or ammonium sulfate. Spores of each of the test species were inoculated into the suspension medium, and the mixture was incubated at 30 degrees C for up to 18 weeks. Most species were found to be capable of utilizing the film for carbon or nitrogen when the other nutrient was supplied. Only two species, Aspergillus fischeri and Paecilomyces sp. , were found to be capable of utilizing components of the film without added nutrients. Components of the polyvinyl chloride film were then incorporated into mineral salts medium to determine if these components could serve as carbon sources in the presence of ammonium nitrate. The only component found to be utilized by all the fungi as a carbon source was epoxidized oil, a plasticizer-stabilizer. Calcium-zinc stearate was an available carbon source for all except the Penicillium and Verticillium strains. The only other component utilized was a stearamide, which was metabolized solely by the Aspergillus sp. Only the stearamide contained enough nitrogen to serve as a primary source in the film. The compound, however, did not support growth of fungi in the presence of glucose. It was theorized that either the nitrogen of the stearamide was more readily available to the fungi in the whole film due to the presence of trace nutrients or the nitrogen was supplied by exogenous sources.
Protein engineering of the chemokine CCL20 prevents psoriasiform dermatitis in an IL-23–dependent murine model

Significance Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory T cells to the skin in response to injury. When inflammatory T cells and dendritic cells are recruited to the skin by CCL20 and other chemokines, they release cytokines that contribute to psoriatic inflammation. We engineered a molecule derived from the natural CCL20 protein that adopts a unique dimeric structure, partially activates its G-protein receptor, blocks T cell homing, and prevents the signs of psoriasis in a mouse model of this common human skin disease. Our remarkable findings reveal the potential of engineered-CCL20 molecules as therapeutic agents for psoriasis and the general utility of chemokine engineering for treating inflammatory diseases. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the infiltration of T cell and other immune cells to the skin in response to injury or autoantigens. Conventional, as well as unconventional, γδ T cells are recruited to the dermis and epidermis by CCL20 and other chemokines. Together with its receptor CCR6, CCL20 plays a critical role in the development of psoriasiform dermatitis in mouse models. We screened a panel of CCL20 variants designed to form dimers stabilized by intermolecular disulfide bonds. A single-atom substitution yielded a CCL20 variant (CCL20 S64C) that acted as a partial agonist for the chemokine receptor CCR6. CCL20 S64C bound CCR6 and induced intracellular calcium release, consistent with G-protein activation, but exhibited minimal chemotactic activity. Instead, CCL20 S64C inhibited CCR6-mediated T cell migration with nominal impact on other chemokine receptor signaling. When given in an IL-23–dependent mouse model for psoriasis, CCL20 S64C prevented psoriatic inflammation and the up-regulation of IL-17A and IL-22. Our results validate CCR6 as a tractable therapeutic target for psoriasis and demonstrate the value of CCL20 S64C as a lead compound.
Individualism and Nonindividualism in the Application of Nonhuman Animal Welfare to Policy

Science-based policy making and assessments are individualistic insofar as they are sensitive to interindividual differences, intraindividual connectivity, or both. Several scientists and policymakers have argued that nonhuman animal welfare should relate to individual animals, but there are reasons for both individualistic and nonindividualistic approaches. Opportunities to develop more individualistic approaches include employing concepts such as “quality-of-life,” “welfare opportunities,” and greater stockperson flexibility.
Optimized effective potential method and application to static RPA correlation

The optimized effective potential (OEP) method is a promising technique for calculating the ground state properties of a system within the density functional theory. However, it is not widely used as its computational cost is rather high and, also, some ambiguity remains in the theoretical framework. In order to overcome these problems, we first introduced a method that accelerates the OEP scheme in a static RPA-level correlation functional. Second, the Krieger–Li–Iafrate (KLI) approximation is exploited to solve the OEP equation. Although seemingly too crude, this approximation did not reduce the accuracy of the description of the magnetic transition metals (Fe, Co, and Ni) examined here, the magnetic properties of which are rather sensitive to correlation effects. Finally, we reformulated the OEP method to render it applicable to the direct RPA correlation functional and other, more precise, functionals. Emphasis is placed on the following three points of the discussion: (i) level-crossing at the Fermi surface is taken into account; (ii) eigenvalue variations in a Kohn–Sham functional are correctly treated; and (iii) the resultant OEP equation is different from those reported to date.
A Novel Empirical Approach to Estimate the Acoustic Properties of Smart Materials: Part I

The development of Smart materials, composite systems capable of altering their properties when subjected to external stimuli, has brought about a revolution in materials science and in modern society as a whole. In fact, smart materials can be designed basing on the requirements of a particular application and the response can be tailored up to the customer’s needs, thus allowing engineers to develop materials with many different functions embedded.
Energy expenditure in 100 ventilated, critically ill children: Improving the accuracy of predictive equations

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate current methods of predicting energy requirements and to develop and validate new equations derived from energy expenditure measurements of ventilated, critically ill children. Design Prospective, observational, sequential study. Setting Pediatric intensive care unit. Patients A total of 100 ventilated, critically ill children who fit the criteria of energy expenditure measurement. Additional patients (n = 25) were included in the validation study. Intervention An indirect calorimeter was used to measure energy expenditure for a period of 30 mins. Measurements and Main Results The mean measured energy expenditure was 185 ± 51 kJ/kg per day. Predicted energy expenditure from standard equations was compared with measured energy expenditure by using the Bland and Altman “methods comparison procedure,” and poor precision and accuracy were observed. Patient variables were collected at the time of measurement, and multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the independent contribution of each variable to measure energy expenditure. New predictive equations were formulated and validated with additional energy expenditure measurements. Patient variables that did not correlate significantly with energy expenditure were gender, Pediatric Risk of Mortality score, and commencement of nutritional support. An equation was derived from patient variables (age, weight, weight for age Z score, body temperature, number of days after intensive care admission, and primary reason for admission) that correlated significantly (r2 = .898) with measured energy expenditure. A second, simplified equation (energy expenditure kJ/day = {17 × age [months]} + {48 × weight [kg]} + {292 × body temperature °C} − 9677) was produced (r2 = .867). Validation found no significant difference between measured and predicted energy expenditure by the new equations; however, the equations did not predict accurately for patients <2 months of age. Conclusion The new equations provide a more accurate alternative to current predictive methods in assessing energy requirements of ventilated, critically ill children.
Demographic Uncertainty and Welfare in a Life-Cycle Model Under Alternative Public Pension Systems

In this paper, I analyze consumption, aggregate savings,output and welfare implications of …ve dierent social security arragements whenever there is demographic uncertanity. Following Bohn(2002), I analyze the eect of an uncetain population growth in an extended version of a modi…ed Life-cycle model developed by Gertler(1999). Population growth dampens savings and output under all arrangements. Pay-as-you-go-De…ned Bene…t system appears to fare better than all other alternatives, falling short of the private annuity market with no pension system. But social security in general increases social welfare, with Fully Funded systems faring the best. Thus there appears to be a clear tradeobewteen growth and social welfare. The social security system also reduces the volatility of the economy.
An invasive non‐native mammal population conserves genetic diversity lost from its native range

Invasive, non‐native species are one of the major causes of global biodiversity loss. Although they are, by definition, successful in their non‐native range, their populations generally show major reductions in their genetic diversity during the demographic bottleneck they experience during colonization. By investigating the mitochondrial genetic diversity of an invasive non‐native species, the stoat Mustela erminea, in New Zealand and comparing it to diversity in the species’ native range in Great Britain, we reveal the opposite effect. We demonstrate that the New Zealand stoat population contains four mitochondrial haplotypes that have not been found in the native range. Stoats in Britain rely heavily on introduced rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus as their primary prey and were introduced to New Zealand in a misguided attempt at biological control of rabbits, which had also been introduced there. While invasive stoats have since decimated the New Zealand avifauna, native stoat populations were themselves decimated by the introduction to Britain of Myxoma virus as a control measure for rabbits. We highlight the irony that while introduced species (rabbits) and subsequent biocontrol (myxomatosis) have caused population crashes of native stoats, invasive stoats in New Zealand, which were also introduced for biological control, now contain more genetic haplotypes than their most likely native source.
Distinct effects of self-construal priming on empathic neural responses in Chinese and Westerners

The present study investigated whether and how self-construal priming influences empathic neural responses to others’ emotional states. We recorded event-related brain potentials to stimuli depicting the hands of unknown others experiencing painful or non-painful events from Chinese and Western participants after they had been primed in three conditions (independent self-construal priming, interdependent self-construal priming, and a control condition). Stimuli depicting painful events (as opposed to non-painful ones) elicited a positive shift of the fronto-central activity at 232–332 ms and of the central-parietal activity at 440–740 ms in the control condition. Moreover, neural responses to stimuli depicting painful (vs. non-painful) situations at 232–332 ms were decreased by interdependent self-construal priming among Chinese and by independent self-construal priming among Westerners. Our findings suggest that self-construal priming modulates sensitivity to perceived pain in unknown others and that this effect varies with culture.
The determinants of exchange rate risk management in developing countries: evidence from Indonesia

Studies on exchange-rate risk management in developing countries are still very rarely addressed. This study investigates determinants of exchange rate risk management (hedging) in Indonesian firms. Using 276 samples of listed firms in the Indonesia Stock Exchange and employing a Logit regression model, we found that only firm size is associated with a hedging in the listed companies. The findings are not consistent with the study proposed in the developed countries. It suggests that most of the large Indonesian companies are conglomerates with controlling shareholders who have the authority for hedging and making financing decisions. The finding also suggests that the hedging market in Indonesia is not yet mature. Furthermore, firms are either not familiar with the hedging instruments or may not be big enough to hire professionals to deal with the complicated and costly hedging instruments.
What Can Interest Tell Us about Uptake of Genetic Testing? Intention and Behavior amongst Smokers Related to Patients with Lung Cancer

Background: Much of the research examining psychosocial aspects of genetic testing has used hypothetical scenarios, based on the largely untested assumption that hypothetical genetic testing intentions are good proxies for behavior. We tested whether hypothetical interest predicts uptake of genetic testing and whether factors that predict interest also predict uptake. Methods: Participants (n = 116) were smokers and related to patients with lung cancer, who completed a telephone survey. Interest in genetic testing for lung cancer risk was indicated by responding ‘definitely would’ to a Likert-style question. Internet-delivered genetic testing for lung cancer risk was then offered. Uptake was indicated by requesting the test and receiving the result. Results: 63% of participants said they ‘definitely would’ take the genetic test; uptake was 38%. Participants who said they ‘definitely would’ take the test were more likely than others to take the offered test (45% vs. 26%, p = 0.035). Interest was associated with attitudes towards genetic testing and motivation to quit smoking. Uptake was associated with motivation, prior awareness of genetic testing, and daily Internet use. Conclusion: Hypothetical interest only modestly predicts uptake of genetic testing. Interest in genetic testing likely reflects generally positive attitudes that are not good predictors of the choices individuals subsequently make.
Gap analysis on the biology of Mediterranean marine fishes

We estimated the current level of knowledge concerning several biological characteristics of the Mediterranean marine fishes by carrying out a gap analysis based on information extracted from the literature, aiming to identify research trends and future needs in the field of Mediterranean fish biology that can be used in stock assessments, ecosystem modeling and fisheries management. Based on the datasets that emerged from the literature review, there is no information on any biological characteristic for 43% (n = 310) of the Mediterranean fish species, whereas for an additional 15% (n = 109) of them there is information about just one characteristic. The gap between current and desired knowledge (defined here as having information on most biological characteristics for at least half of the Mediterranean marine fishes) is smaller in length-weight relationships, which have been studied for 43% of the species, followed by spawning (39%), diet (29%), growth (25%), maturity (24%), lifespan (19%) and fecundity (17%). The gap is larger in natural mortality for which information is very scarce (8%). European hake (Merluccius merluccius), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), annular seabream (Diplodus annularis), common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus), European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) and bogue (Boops boops) were the most studied species, while sharks and rays were among the least studied ones. Only 25 species were fully studied, i.e. there was available information on all their biological characteristics. The knowledge gaps per characteristic varied among the western, central and eastern Mediterranean subregions. The number of available records per species was positively related to total landings, while no relationship emerged with its maximum reported length, trophic level and commercial value. Future research priorities that should be focused on less studied species (e.g. sharks and rays) and mortality/fecundity instead of length-weight relationships, as well as the economy of scientific sampling (using the entire catch to acquire data on as many biological characteristics as possible) are discussed.
The Leader RNA of Coronavirus Mouse Hepatitis Virus Contains an Enhancer-Like Element for Subgenomic mRNA Transcription

ABSTRACT While the 5′ cis-acting sequence of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) for genomic RNA replication has been determined in several defective interfering (DI) RNA systems, it remains elusive for subgenomic RNA transcription. Previous studies have shown that the leader RNA in the DI genome significantly enhances the efficiency of DI subgenomic mRNA transcription, indicating that the leader RNA is a cis-acting sequence for mRNA transcription. To further characterize thecis-acting sequence, we made a series of deletion mutants, all but one of which have an additional deletion of thecis-acting signal for replication in the 5′ untranslated region. This deletion effectively eliminated the replication of the DI-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT)-reporter, as demonstrated by the sensitive reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. The ability of these replication-minus mutants to transcribe subgenomic mRNAs was then assessed using the DI RNA-CAT reporter system. Results from both CAT activity and mRNA transcripts detected by RT-PCR showed that a 5′-proximal sequence of 35 nucleotides (nt) at nt 25 to 59 is a cis-acting sequence required for subgenomic RNA transcription, while the consensus repeat sequence of the leader RNA does not have such effect. Analyses of the secondary structure indicate that this 35-nt sequence forms two stem-loops conserved among MHVs. Deletion of this sequence abrogated transcriptional activity and disrupted the predicted stem-loops and overall RNA secondary structure at the 5′ untranslated region, suggesting that the secondary structure formed by this 35-nt sequence may facilitate the downstream consensus sequence accessible for the discontinuous RNA transcription. This may provide a mechanism by which the 5′ cis-acting sequence regulates subgenomic RNA transcription. The 5′-most 24 nt are not essential for transcription, while the 9 nt immediately downstream of the leader enhances RNA transcription. The sequence between nt 86 and 135 had little effect on transcription. This study thus defines thecis-acting transcription signal at the 5′ end of the DI genome.
Prevention of a chronic progressive form of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by an antibody against mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‐1, given early in the course of disease progression

A role for α4 and β7 integrins in mediating leucocyte entry into the central nervous system in the multiple sclerosis (MS)‐like disease experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) has been demonstrated. However, the individual contributions of their respective ligands mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‐1 (MAdCAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and E‐cadherin expressed on the blood–brain barrier has not been determined. In the present paper, it is shown that an antibody directed against MAdCAM‐1, the preferential ligand for α4β7, effectively prevented the development of a progressive, non‐remitting, form of EAE, actively induced by injection of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG35–55) autoantigen. Combinational treatment with both anti‐MAdCAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) (ligand for integrin lymphocyte function‐associated antigen (LFA)‐1) mAbs led to more rapid remission than that obtained with anti‐MAdCAM‐1 antibody alone. However, neither MAdCAM‐1 monotherapy, nor combinational antibody blockade was preventative when administered late in the course of disease progression. In conclusion, MAdCAM‐1 plays a major contributory role in the progression of chronic EAE and is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of MS. Critically, antivascular addressin therapy must be given early in the course of disease prior to the establishment of irreversible damage if it is to be effective, as a single treatment modality.
Fuzzy Adaptive Logic Networks as Hybrid Models of Quantitative Software Engineering

Abstract Quantitative software engineering is aimed at designing models describing software processes and products. While being noticeably dominated by statistical regression models, this area also embraces advanced techniques of computational intelligence and knowledge-based engineering including rule-based models, fuzzy models, and neural networks. The rationale behind their usage in the setting of Software Engineering is threefold: (a) the underlying distributions of datasets may not adhere to general assumptions that are usually made in the setting of linear regression models: (b) it is beneficial to build interpretable models that in some sense are user-friendly; (c) the models should be advanced and computationally appealing so that they exhibit some nonlinear characteristics as well as are fully equipped with learning abilities. The proposed architecture comprises alogic-based skeleton (blueprint) and an array of generic perceptrons as being commonly encountered in neurocomputing. The hybrid nature.
Differential Developmental Expression of the Two Rat Brain Glutamate Transporter Proteins GLAST and GLT

The extracellular concentration of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is kept low by the action of glutamate transporters in the plasma membranes of both neurons and glial cells. These transporters may play important roles, not only in the adult brain, but also in the developing brain, as glutamate is thought to modulate the formation and elimination of synapses as well as neuronal migration, proliferation and apoptosis. Here we demonstrate the developmental changes in the expression of two glutamate transporters, GLAST and GLT, by quantitative immunoblotting and by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. At birth, GLT is not detectable, but GLAST is present at significant concentrations both in the forebrain and in the cerebellum. GLT is first detected in the forebrain and cerebellum in the second and third week, respectively. Both transporters reach adult levels by postnatal week 5. The development of the total glutamate uptake activity in the forebrain, as determined by solubilization and reconstitution of the transporters in liposomes, parallels that of GLT, in agreement with the observation that GLT is the predominant transporter in the adult brain. The regional distributions of both GLAST and GLT in the tissue are similar in young and adult rats. Only GLAST is detectable in the external germinal layer of the cerebellar cortex. Electron microscopical investigation demonstrated GLAST and GLT exclusively in glial cells in young as well as in adult animals.