Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competition between wild and captive-bred Penaeus plebejus and implications for stock enhancement

The mechanisms that drive density dependence are rarely studied in the applied context of population management. We examined the potential for competition for food and shelter and the resulting demographic density dependence to influence how well populations of the eastern king prawn Penaeus plebejus Hess can recover following marine stock enhancement programmes in which captive-bred juveniles are released into the wild. Specifically, manipulative laboratory experiments were used to quantify the differential effects of competition for food and competition for shelter on survival of wild and captive-bred P. plebejus as densities were increased and as each category of P. plebejus (wild or captive-bred) was supplemented with the alternate category. Increasing population densities when food and shelter were limited lowered survival for both categories. When food was limited, survival of both categories was unaffected by addition of the alternative category. Adding wild P. plebejus to their captive-bred counterparts when shelter was limited under laboratory conditions resulted in significantly higher mortality in captive-bred individuals. In contrast, adding captive-bred P. plebejus to wild individuals under these conditions did not affect wild P. plebejus. We conclude that if the current results can be extended to wild conditions, competition for shelter may lead to the loss of captive-bred P. plebe- jus, thereby reducing the intended outcomes of stock enhancement. This highlights the impor- tance of investigating interactions between wild and captive-bred animals prior to stock enhance- ment to predict long-term outcomes and identify situations where stock enhancement could be an effective response to the loss of populations or recruitment limitation.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with photoreceptors in the human retina.

PURPOSE Previous studies showed that lutein and zeaxanthin, the major human retinal carotenoids, are concentrated in the macula. In this study, the carotenoids in human macular and peripheral retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were analyzed. They were also determined in the rod outer segments (ROS) before and after removal of extrinsic membrane proteins. METHODS Carotenoids were extracted from the macular and peripheral sections of human retina and RPE with hexane in dim light and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ROS samples equivalent to the amount in a single retina were also analyzed. RESULTS Retinal carotenoid amounts were similar to previous reports, but only low levels were detected in the RPE. Regional ratios of lutein:zeaxanthin were similar in the retina and RPE. Approximately 25% of the total retinal carotenoids were found in the ROS, indicating that a substantial portion of peripheral retinal carotenoids are present in the ROS. However, after removal of the extrinsic membrane proteins and subsequent analysis, carotenoids were not detected. CONCLUSIONS Most of the carotenoids in the human peripheral retina are present in the ROS. These ROS carotenoids are associated with soluble or salt-dependently bound proteins.
Modulation of signalling nuclear factor-κB activation pathway by polyphenols in human intestinal Caco-2 cells

Recent studies support beneficial effects of polyphenols in various chronic inflammatory diseases, for example, the inflammatory bowel diseases. Inhibition of NF-κB activation by polyphenols could explain part of their anti-inflammatory properties, but few data are available on the intestine. The purpose of the present study was thus to investigate the effects of some polyphenols on NF-κB activation using human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Effects of standard polyphenols (50 μmol/l) were studied on different cellular events associated with NF-κB activation: (i) NF-κB activity using cells transiently transfected with a NF-κB–luciferase construct and stimulated by inflammatory agents (IL-1β, TNF-α or lipopolysaccharides (LPS)); (ii) phosphorylation of the inhibitor of κB (IκB-α) analysed by Western blot; (iii) secretion of IL-8 quantified by ELISA assay. Results showed that chrysin and ellagic acid inhibited NF-κB activity, whereas genistein and resveratrol increased it. These effects were independent of the nature of the inducer, indicating that polyphenols may modulate NF-κB activation by acting on a common event to the cytokine- and LPS-mediated cascades. Chrysin strongly reduced (2·5-fold) IL-1β-induced IκB-α phosphorylation, whereas ellagic acid increased it (1·7-fold). Ellagic acid, genistein and epigallocatechin gallate reduced (4- to 8-fold) IL-1β-induced IL-8 secretion, while resveratrol promoted (1·7-fold) the secretion. Chrysin also diminished IL-8 secretion by 1·6-fold (but P>0·05). The data indicate that polyphenols can modulate the NF-κB activation pathway in the intestine. Chrysin could block NF-κB activation via the inhibition of IκB-α phosphorylation. The other molecular targets of the active polyphenols are still to be identified.
Some variations of the reduction of one-loop Feynman tensor integrals

We present a new algorithm for the reduction of one-loop \emph{tensor} Feynman integrals with $n\leq 4$ external legs to \emph{scalar} Feynman integrals $I_n^D$ with $n=3,4$ legs in $D$ dimensions, where $D=d+2l$ with integer $l \geq 0$ and generic dimension $d=4-2\epsilon$, thus avoiding the appearance of inverse Gram determinants $()_4$. As long as $()_4\neq 0$, the integrals $I_{3,4}^D$ with $D>d$ may be further expressed by the usual dimensionally regularized scalar functions $I_{2,3,4}^d$. The integrals $I_{4}^D$ are known at $()_4 \equiv 0$, so that we may extend the numerics to small, non-vanishing $()_4$ by applying a dimensional recurrence relation. A numerical example is worked out. Together with a recursive reduction of 6- and 5-point functions, derived earlier, the calculational scheme allows a stabilized reduction of $n$-point functions with $n\leq 6$ at arbitrary phase space points. The algorithm is worked out explicitely for tensors of rank $R\leq n$.
INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PERFORMANCE OF FLORICULTURE FIRMS IN KENYA A SURVEY OF KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Kenya’s economy largely relies on the agriculture sector, which contributes 25.3% of Gross Domestic Product, out of which 2.63% is from the Horticulture sub-sector while 1.29% is from the flower industry. In spite of research in various aspects of strategic management practices in various sectors, there has not been a study on the influence of strategic management practices on the performance of Floriculture Firms in Kenya, and this formed the general objective of this study which was carried in Kiambu County in central Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used with a target population of 21 floricultural firms out of which 10 firms were selected by simple random sampling, and 5 respondents from each of the 10 firms purposively chosen. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Chi- Square (X2) test was used to test the four hypotheses to establish significance of association. The findings established that majority of the firms had a strategic plan ,implemented their strategic plans as planned, conduct strategy evaluation and control on their strategic management practices. Further, that strategy formulation, implementation, evaluation and control had significant influence on the performance of flower firms to a moderate extent. The researcher recommended that top-level managers should seek more input from the lower level managers and supervisors when formulating strategy so that the formulated plans are effective and in line with both long and short term objectives of the organization.
A Randomized Evaluation of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care: Effects on School Attendance and Homework Completion in Juvenile Justice Girls

Despite growing evidence that child welfare youth are at increased risk for juvenile delinquency, little is known about gender-specific processes and effective treatment programs for girls. Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC), an empirically validated intervention for child welfare and juvenile justice populations, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing arrest rates in delinquent boys and girls. In this study, the efficacy of MTFC on school attendance and homework completion was examined in juvenile justice girls who were referred to out-of-home care (N = 81). Results from this randomized intervention trial suggest that MTFC was more effective than group care in increasing girls' school attendance and homework completion while in treatment and at 12 months post-baseline. In addition, the previously reported effect of MTFC on reducing girls' days in locked settings was mediated by homework completion while girls were enrolled in the intervention setting. Implications for policy and practice are described.
The evaluation of novel natural products as inhibitors of human glutathione transferase P1-1

Glutathione transferase P1-1 is over expressed in some cancer cells and contributes to detoxification of anticancer drugs, leading to drug-resistant tumors. The inhibition of human recombinant GSTP1-1 by natural plant products was investigated using 10 compounds isolated from plants indigenous to Southern and Central Africa. Monochlorobimane and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene were used to determine GST activity. Each test compound was screened at 33 and 100 µM. Isofuranonapthoquinone (1) (from Bulbine frutescens) showed 68% inhibition at 33 µM, and sesquiterpene lactone (2) (from Dicoma anomala) showed 75% inhibition at 33 μM. The IC50 value of 1 was 6.8 μM. The mode of inhibition was mixed, partial (G site) and noncompetitive (H site) with Ki values of 8.8 and 0.21 µM, respectively. Sesquiterpene 2 did not inhibit the CDNB reaction. Therefore, isofuranonapthoquinone 1 needs further investigations in vivo because of its potent inhibition of GSTP1-1 in vitro.
Cloning and characterization of the human neural cell adhesion molecule, CNTN4 (alias BIG-2)

We report the isolation and characterization of human contactin 4 (CNTN4), a brain-derived, immunoglobulin superfamily molecule-2 (alias BIG-2) as a candidate gene responsible for the differentiation potential of human neuroblastoma cells. Northern blot analysis showed highest CNTN4 expression in testes, thyroid, small intestine, uterus and brain. Induction of CNTN4 mRNA expression in human neuroblastoma tumor cells treated with retinoic acid correlated with a block in retinoid-induced neuritogenesis. Our findings suggest a role for human contactin 4 protein in the response of neuroblastoma cells to differentiating agents.
Effects of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor R‐roscovitine on eosinophil survival and clearance

Background Eosinophils are pro‐inflammatory cells implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and atopy. Apoptosis has been proposed as a potential mechanism underlying the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation and studies have indicated the ability of interventions that induce human eosinophil apoptosis to promote the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation. Recently, the cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor R‐roscovitine was shown to enhance neutrophil apoptosis and promote the resolution of neutrophilic inflammation.
A FOUR-GENE STUDY OF EVOLUTIONARY RELATIONSHIPS

The ‘‘spiny solanums,’’ Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum (Solanaceae), comprise a large lineage with over 350 species and include the cultivated eggplant, Solanum melongena. Despite the importance of this subgenus, phylogenetic relationships among these taxa are currently unclear. The present research contributes to this understanding while focusing on Solanum section Acanthophora, a group of ca. 19 species defined by the presence of simple hairs, rather than the stellate hairs common across the rest of subgenus Leptostemonum. In this study we inferred phylogenetic relationships among 29 Solanum taxa, including 14 species of section Acanthophora, using DNA sequence data from two nuclear regions (ITS and the granule-bound starch synthase gene [GBSSI or waxy]) and two chloroplast regions (trnT-trnF and trnS-trnG). This combination of gene regions resulted in a well resolved phylogenetic hypothesis, with results strongly suggesting that Solanum sect. Acanthophora is not monophyletic, although the majority of taxa comprise a monophyletic lineage that is sister to Solanum section Lasiocarpa. Of the four gene regions, waxy was especially useful for phylogenetic inference, with both a high percentage of parsimony-informative sites as well as a low level of homoplasy. Further studies in progress will help elucidate relationships of sect. Acanthophora with respect to other members of subgenus Leptostemonum.
CXCR3 Signaling Is Required for Restricted Homing of Parenteral Tuberculosis Vaccine–Induced T Cells to Both the Lung Parenchyma and Airway

Although most novel tuberculosis (TB) vaccines are designed for delivery via the muscle or skin for enhanced protection in the lung, it has remained poorly understood whether systemic vaccine-induced memory T cells can readily home to the lung mucosa prior to and shortly after pathogen exposure. We have investigated this issue by using a model of parenteral TB immunization and intravascular immunostaining. We find that systemically induced memory T cells are restricted to the blood vessels in the lung, unable to populate either the lung parenchymal tissue or the airway under homeostatic conditions. We further find that after pulmonary TB infection, it still takes many days before such T cells can enter the lung parenchymal tissue and airway. We have identified the acquisition of CXCR3 expression by circulating T cells to be critical for their entry to these lung mucosal compartments. Our findings offer new insights into mucosal T cell biology and have important implications in vaccine strategies against pulmonary TB and other intracellular infections in the lung.
Long‐Term Ecosystem Dynamics in the Serengeti: Lessons for Conservation

Abstract: Data from long‐term ecological studies further understanding of ecosystem dynamics and can guide evidence‐based management. In a quasi‐natural experiment we examined long‐term monitoring data on different components of the Serengeti‐Mara Ecosystem to trace the effects of disturbances and thus to elucidate cause‐and‐effect connections between them. The long‐term data illustrated the role of food limitation in population regulation in mammals, particularly in migratory wildebeest and nonmigratory buffalo. Predation limited populations of smaller resident ungulates and small carnivores. Abiotic events, such as droughts and floods, created disturbances that affected survivorship of ungulates and birds. Such disturbances showed feedbacks between biotic and abiotic realms. Interactions between elephants and their food allowed savanna and grassland communities to co‐occur. With increased woodland vegetation, predators' capture of prey increased. Anthropogenic disturbances had direct (hunting) and indirect (transfer of disease to wildlife) effects. Slow and rapid changes and multiple ecosystem states became apparent only over several decades and involved events at different spatial scales. Conservation efforts should accommodate both infrequent and unpredictable events and long‐term trends. Management should plan on the time scale of those events and should not aim to maintain the status quo. Systems can be self‐regulating through food availability and predator‐prey interactions; thus, culling may not be required. Ecosystems can occur in multiple states; thus, there may be no a priori need to maintain one natural state. Finally, conservation efforts outside protected areas must distinguish between natural change and direct human‐induced change. Protected areas can act as ecological baselines in which human‐induced change is kept to a minimum
Involvement of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 in insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-5 proteolysis during pregnancy: a potential mechanism for increasing IGF bioavailability.

CONTEXT During pregnancy, circulating IGF binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) undergoes substantial molecular redistribution from ternary complexes to either binary complexes or the uncomplexed protein. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize the proteolysis of circulating IGFBP-5 during pregnancy and to determine whether it can increase IGF bioavailability. DESIGN Biochemical methods were used to purify and characterize IGFBP-5 fragments and IGFBP-5-specific proteolytic activity from pregnancy plasma. RESULTS Circulating IGFBP-5 was fully proteolyzed at all stages of pregnancy. Cleavage after either Ser143 or Lys144 resulted in two complementary fragments. Of two pools of proteolytic activity (>150 kDa and approximately 40 kDa) identified in pregnancy plasma, only the greater than 150-kDa proteolytic activity was specific to pregnancy. The approximately 40-kDa proteolytic activity, also present in nonpregnancy plasma, appeared largely inactive against IGF-I-complexed IGFBP-5. The greater than 150-kDa proteolytic activity was inhibited by alpha-PAPP-A2 but not alpha-PAPP-A1 antibody, cleaved recombinant IGFBP-5 at Ser143-Lys144 similar to PAPP-A2, and was inactive against IGFBP-5 (Ala128), a PAPP-A2-resistant analog. Compared to nonpregnancy plasma, incubation with pregnancy plasma resulted in release of more bioactive IGF-I from IGF-I-IGFBP-5 complexes as measured by stimulation of IGF-I receptor phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Circulating IGFBP-5 is proteolyzed by PAPP-A2 during pregnancy, resulting in increased IGF bioavailability, which may have important consequences for the development of the fetus and/or the well-being of the mother.
Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma

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Improved developmental competence of cloned porcine embryos with different energy supplements and chemical activation

The present study investigated the effect of lactate/pyruvate supplement in culture medium and of chemical activation after electric stimulus on in vitro development of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. In vitro matured gilt oocytes were enucleated, reconstructed with fetal fibroblasts, and simultaneously fused/activated using a single pulse of 2.0 kV/cm for 30 μsec. In Experiment 1, reconstructed embryos were cultured in North Carolina State University (NCSU)‐23 medium supplemented with either 5.5 mM glucose (Group A) or lactate (5.0 mM)/pyruvate (0.5 mM) (Group B). Compared to Group A, cleavage rate (64% vs. 47%) was higher and more blastocysts developed in Group B (17% vs. 6% at Day 6, 21% vs.11% at Day 7). Experiment 2, embryos reconstructed by electric stimulus (2.0 kV/cm for 30 μsec) were subjected to three activation protocols: (1) no chemical activation (Group C), (2) 7.5 μg/ml cytochalasin B treatment at 2 hr after electric stimulus (Group D), and (3) 5 μg/ml 6‐dimethylaminopurine (Group E) treatment at 2 hr after electric stimulus. The reconstructed embryos were cultured for 7 days in NCSU‐23 medium supplemented with lactate (5.0 mM)/pyruvate (0.5 mM). The rates of blastocyst formation on Day 6 and Day 7 in Group C (17 and 20%, respectively) or Group D (15, 20%, respectively) were higher than in Group E (9 and 12%, respectively). The percentage of two pseudo‐pronucleus (PPN) formations in Group D (88%) was significantly higher than in Group C (71%) and Group E (72%). Mean cell numbers of blastocysts in Group D (63.4 ± 15.8) were higher than in Group C (43.9 ± 16.5) and Group E (32.9 ± 17.9), due to increased trophectoderm (TE) cell numbers. Our results indicate that supplementing NCSU‐23 medium with lactate/pyruvate and exposure of cytochalasin B after electrical stimulus can improve in vitro developmental competence of porcine SCNT embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66: 17–23, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteins encoded by the human c-myc oncogene: differential expression in neoplastic cells

To examine myc protein products in the wide variety of human tumor cells having alterations of the c-myc locus, we have prepared an antiserum against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the predicted C-terminal sequence of the human c-myc protein. This antiserum (anti-hu-myc 12C) specifically precipitated two proteins of 64 and 67 kilodaltons in quantities ranging from low levels in normal fibroblasts to 10-fold-higher levels in Epstein-Barr virus-immortalized and Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines, to 20- to 60-fold-higher levels in cell lines having amplified c-myc. The p64 and p67 proteins were found to be highly related by partial V8 proteolytic mapping, and both were demonstrated to be encoded by the c-myc oncogene, using hybrid-selected translation of myc-specific RNA. In addition, the p64 protein was specifically precipitated from cells transfected with a translocated c-myc gene. Both p64 and p67 were found to be nuclear phosphoproteins with extremely short half-lives. In tumor cell lines having alterations at the c-myc locus due to amplification or translocation, we observed a significant change in the expression of p64 relative to p67 when compared with normal or Epstein-Bar virus-immortalized cells.
Physical and Electrical Performance Limits of High-Speed SiGeC HBTs—Part I: Vertical Scaling

The overall purpose of this paper (including Part I, in this issue) is the prediction of the ultimate electrical high-frequency performance potential for SiGeC heterojunction bipolar transistors under the constraints of practical applications. This goal is achieved by utilizing most advanced device simulation tools with parameters calibrated to existing experimental results. This Part I outlines the overall scaling procedure and then focuses on the vertically scaled structure. According to isothermal device simulation, the “ultimate” doping profile yields a peak transit frequency fT of almost 1.5 THz, a BVCEO above 1 V (dependent on BE bias) and a zero-bias internal base sheet resistance of about 3 kΩ/sq. The reasons for achieving a higher product fTBVCEO(>; 1.5 THzV) than anticipated from the classical Johnson limit are explained. Finally, it is found that fT is limited by the minority charge stored in the BE junction and that BVCEO is mainly determined by the tunneling mechanisms in the base-collector space-charge region.