Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies on Carotenoids in the Petals of Compositae Plants

Carotenoids are one of the most important pigments for petal coloration in the yellow to red range; however, knowledge of carotenoids in petals is relatively limited. To better understand flower carotenoids, we analyzed carotenoid composition, the expression of carotenogenic genes, and the relationship between pigment composition and petal color in petals of Compositae plants, including chrysanthemums. We found that petals of yellow-flowered chrysanthemums have a unique carotenoid composition, and that the formation of white petal color in chrysanthemums involves carotenoid degradation catalyzed by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CmCCD4a). We also showed three routes to an orange petal color via carotenoid components in 9 Compositae plants. In addition, we identified (5Z)-carotenoids that contribute orange color formation in calendula petals. In this review, we summarize our studies on carotenoids in the petals of Compositae plants.
V 1 connections reveal a series of elongated higher visual areas in the California ground squirrel , Otospermophilus beecheyi Abbreviated title : Squirrel visual cortex organization

For studies of visual cortex organization, mouse is becoming an increasingly more often used model. In addition to its genetic tractability, the relatively small area of cortical surface devoted to visual processing simplifies efforts in relating the structure of visual cortex to visual function. However, the nature of this compact organization can make some comparisons to the much larger non-human primate visual cortex difficult. The squirrel, as a highly visual rodent offers a useful means for better understanding how mouse and monkey cortical organization compares. More in line with primates than their nocturnal rodent cousin, squirrels rely much more on sight and have evolved a larger expanse of cortex devoted to visual processing. To reveal the detailed organization of visual cortex in squirrels we injected a highly sensitive monosynaptic retrograde tracer (glycoprotein deleted rabies virus) into several locations of primary visual cortex (V1) in California ground squirrels. The resulting pattern of connectivity revealed an organizational scheme in the squirrel that retains some of the basic features of the mouse visual cortex along the medial and posterior borders of V1, but unlike mouse has an elaborate and extensive pattern laterally that is more similar to the early visual cortex organization found in monkeys. In this way, we show that the squirrel can serve as a useful model for comparison to both mouse and primate visual systems, and may help facilitate comparisons between these two very different yet widely used animal models of visual processing. Page 18 of 86 John Wiley & Sons Journal of Comparative Neurology This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Predicting the Performance of Activated Carbon-, Coke-, and Soil-Amended Thin Layer Sediment Caps

In situ capping manages contaminated sediment on-site without creating additional exposure pathways associated with dredging, e.g., sediment resuspension, and potential human exposure during transport, treatment, or disposal of dredged material. Con- taminant mass is not immediately removed in sediment capping, which creates concerns over its long-term effectiveness. Groundwater seepage can also decrease the effectiveness of in situ capping. This study compares the effectiveness of commercially available sorbents that can be used to amend sand caps to improve their ability to prevent contaminant migration from the sediments into the bioactive zone. Amendments evaluated include coke, activated carbon, and organic-rich soil. The properties relevant to advective-dispersive transport through porous media sorption, porosity, dispersivity, and bulk density are measured for each material, and then used as inputs to a numerical model to predict the flux of 2,4,5-polychlorinated biphenyl PCB through a sand cap amended with a thin 1.25-cm sorbent layer. Systems with and without groundwater seepage are considered. Isolation times provided by the sorbent layers increased with increasing sorption strength and capacity activated carboncokesoilsand. The effective porosity, dispersivity, and bulk density of the sorbent layer had little effect on cap performance compared to sorption strength Kf. In the absence of seepage, all sorbents could isolate PCBs in the underlying sediment for times greater than 100 years and would be effective for most cap applications. With groundwater seepage Darcy velocity=1 cm/day, activated carbon was the only sorbent that provided contaminant isolation times greater than 60 years. Long isolation times afforded by sorbent-amended caps allow time for inherently slow natural attenuation processes to further mitigate PCB flux.
GMASS ultradeep spectroscopy of galaxies at z ~ 2 . I. The stellar metallicity

Context. Galaxy metallicities have been measured to redshift z ∼ 2 by gas-phase oxygen abundances of the interstellar medium using the R23 and N2 methods. Galaxy stellar metallicities provide crucial data for chemical evolution models but have not been assessed reliably much outside the local Universe. Aims. We determine the iron-abundance, stellar metallicity of star-forming galaxies at redshift z ∼ 2, homogeneously-selected and observed as part of the Galaxy Mass Assembly ultra-deep Spectroscopic Survey (GMASS). Methods. We compute the equivalent width (EW) of a rest-frame mid-ultraviolet (mid-UV), photospheric absorption-line index, the 1978 A index, found to vary monotonically with stellar metallicity by Rix, Pettini and collaborators (R04), in model star-forming galaxy (SFG) spectra created using the theoretical massive star models of Pauldrach and coworkers, and the evolutionary population synthesis code Starburst99. The 1978 A index is sensitive to Fe III transitions and measures the iron-abundance, stellar metallicity. To accurately determine the 1978 A index EW, we normalise and combine 75 SFG spectra from the GMASS survey to produce a spectrum corresponding to a total integration time 1652.5 h (and a signal-to-noise ratio ∼100 for our 1.5 A binning) of FORS2 spectroscopic observations at the Very Large Telescope. Results. We measure a iron-abundance, stellar metallicity of log(Z/Z� ) = −0.574 ± 0.159 for our spectrum representative of a
Total and inelastic cross-sections at LHC at CM energy of 7 TeV and beyond

We discuss expectations for the total and inelastic cross-sections at LHC CM energies $\sqrt{s}\ =\ 7\ TeV$ {and $ 14\ TeV$} obtained in an eikonal minijet model augmented by soft gluon $k_t$-resummation, which we describe in some detail. We present a band of predictions which encompass recent LHC data and suggest that the inelastic cross-section described by two channel eikonal models include only uncorrelated processes. We show that this interpretation of the model is supported by the LHC data.
Hedging with Foreign-Listed Single Stock Futures

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to estimate the hedge ratios of foreign-listed single stock futures (SSFs) and to compare the performance of risk reduction of different methods. The OLS method and a bivariate GJR-GARCH model are employed to estimate constant optimal hedge ratios and the dynamic hedging ratios, respectively. Data of the SSFs listed on the London International Financial Future and Options Exchange (LIFFE) are used in this research. We find that the data series have high estimated constant optimal hedge ratios and high constant correlation in the bivariate GJR-GARCH model, except for three SSFs with their underlying stocks traded in Italy. Our findings provide evidence that distance is a critical factor when explaining investor's trading behavior. Results also show that in general, of the three methods examined (i.e., naive hedge, conventional OLS method and dynamic hedging) the dynamic hedging performs the best and that naive hedge is the worst.
Coexisting problem behaviour in severe dyslexiajrs

A small group of children and young adolescent with dyslexia has severely impaired reading skills despite prolonged special education. These are the students in focus. In dyslexia, problem behaviour, internalised as well as externalised, has previously been reported, so also for the participants with dyslexia in this study. The aim of the present study was to obtain more in-depth knowledge of the behaviour problems from various informants, representing different settings. This kind of information is imperative for identifying problem behaviour, and for planning and implementing remedial programmes. A clinical group of 70 students with severe dyslexia, due to phonological problems, and a control group of 70 without reading problems participated. The two groups were pair-wise matched on age, gender, cognitive level and whether they lived in rural or urban areas. Mean age was 150 months, and mean IQ was approximately 100 in both groups. Parents, teachers and participants provided information on behaviour through the Achenbach questionnaires Child Behavior Checklist, Teacher’s Report Form and Youth Self Report. Behaviour is, in these questionnaires, divided into eight syndrome areas called Withdrawn, Somatic Complaints, Anxious/Depressed, Social Problems, Thought Problems, Attention Problems, Delinquent Behavior and Aggressive Behavior. The three informant groups reported significantly more problems in the dyslexia group than in the controls in all the syndrome areas. Parents reported more children with dyslexia to be anxious and depressed, and have social problems and attention problems than teachers. They also reported suicidal ideations in nine participants with dyslexia. In addition, parents rated more internalising and total problems in the dyslexia group than teachers.
Support vector learning mechanism for fuzzy rule-based modeling: a new approach

This paper describes a fuzzy modeling framework based on support vector machine, a rule-based framework that explicitly characterizes the representation in fuzzy inference procedure. The support vector learning mechanism provides an architecture to extract support vectors for generating fuzzy IF-THEN rules from the training data set, and a method to describe the fuzzy system in terms of kernel functions. Thus, it has the inherent advantage that the model does not have to determine the number of rules in advance, and the overall fuzzy inference system can be represented as series expansion of fuzzy basis functions. The performance of the proposed approach is compared to other fuzzy rule-based modeling methods using four data sets.
Contingent factors of Strategic Management Accounting

This study aiming at examining the relationship between selected contingent factors (e.g. Market orientation and, environment uncertainty) and the extent of strategic management accounting usage in context of Jordanian companies by applying selection fit method, the quantitative data obtain from top management of companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange, provide some evidences supporting the effect of contingent factors on the extent of strategic management accounting usage. The results of the current study drew conclusions regarding the extent of strategic management accounting information usage in context of Jordanian companies. Academics and practitioners should be aware to the importance of such strategic management accounting information and its role in the strategic decisions. Keywords: Strategic Management Accounting, Contingency theory
epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition cancer cells : therapeutic implications and synergism with contribute to the malignant phenotype of non-small cell lung Fibroblast growth factor receptor-mediated signals

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and their high-affinity receptors (FGFR) represent an extensive cellular growth and survival system. Aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of FGF/FGFR-mediated signals to the malignant growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to assess their potential as targets for therapeutic interventions. Multiple FGFR mRNA splice variants were coexpressed in NSCLC cells (n = 16) with predominance of FGFR1. Accordingly, both expression of a dominantnegative FGFR1 (dnFGFR1) IIIc-green fluorescent protein fusion protein and application of FGFR small-molecule inhibitors (SU5402 and PD166866) significantly reduced growth, survival, clonogenicity, and migratory potential of the majority of NSCLC cell lines. Moreover, dnFGFR1 expression completely blocked or at least significantly attenuated s.c. tumor formation of NSCLC cells in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Xenograft tumors expressing dnFGFR1 exhibited significantly reduced size and mitosis rate, enhanced cell death, and decreased tissue invasion. When FGFR inhibitors were combined with chemotherapy, antagonistic to synergistic in vitro anticancer activities were obtained depending on the application schedule. In contrast, simultaneous blockage of FGFRand epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated signals exerted synergistic effects. In summary, FGFRmediated signals in cooperation with those transmitted by epidermal growth factor receptor are involved in growth and survival of human NSCLC cells and should be considered as targets for combined therapeutic approaches. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(10):3408–19]
Upstream guppies (Poecilia reticulata, Peters, 1859) go against the flow

Guppies (Poecilia reticulata Peters 1859) in lakes and from captive-bred populations are predicted to show little rheotaxis compared to conspecifics in a stream environment that are regularly exposed to flash floods associated with involuntary downstream migration. Here we test this hypothesis using an artificial stream, examining guppies of two wild riverine populations, one lake population, and one ornamental strain. Guppies from the most upstream riverine habitat show the most pronounced rheotaxis and are less likely to be swept downstream during flooding events. However, there is no significant difference between guppies from the lowland riverine habitat, the Pitch Lake and ornamental strain. We propose that station-keeping behaviours are most strongly selected in the upstream population because large spatial differences exist in ecology and environment between up- and downstream habitats. Given that these sites are separated by barrier waterfalls that prevent compensatory upstream migration, natural selection operates particularly strong against upstream guppies that have been displaced downstream during flooding events.
Research on the Association between Emotional Intelligence and Educational Achievement: A Case Study of the Pupils in the Senior High Schools of Sparta

Background: In the past years a lot of questions have arisen about Emotional Intelligence (EI) and is seen with great interest and concern by the scientific community but also by the wider public. Aim: The aim of the present study is the research into the association between emotional intelligence and educational achievement through the study of demographic and psychological characteristics of the pupils. Methodology: The present is a quantitative cross-sectional study. In total 480 questionnaires were distributed to the pupils of the Second and Third classes of the Senior High Schools of Sparta and of those 79.4% responded. The tool used to measure Emotional Intelligence was Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Adolescent Short Form by Petrides and his associates as well as the pupils’ demographic particulars which included their Graduation Average achieved during the previous school year. The data collection was done in October 2013. The statistical methods used were testing t, test x 2 , bi-variable analysis and multiple linear regressions. The bilateral level of statistical significance was set as equal to 0.05 while the data analysis was conducted with SPSS 19.0. Results: The results revealed a significant statistical relationship between sociability indicator and the adolescents’ assessment of performance (p=0.02). Gender was statistically significantly related to Emotional Intelligence as a Personality Trait (p=0.03) as well as in two out of its four individual factors: well-being (p=0.007) and self-control (p=0.005). Conclusions: The results of the study showed that the overall Emotional Intelligence as a trait is not strongly related statistically to the grades achieved by the pupils. However, it was found that the increase in the sociability indicator is strongly related to better grades in Senior High School. Furthermore, it was found that girls when compared to boys, had a higher overall score in Emotional Intelligence as a Personality Trait but also in well-being and self-control.
in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Robotic-Assisted Step Training ( Lokomat ) Not Superior to Equal Intensity of OverGround Rehabilitation

Background. Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) has been suggested as an intervention to improve walking capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective. This study aimed to evaluate whether RAGT (Lokomat) is superior to over-ground walking training in terms of quality of life, activity level, and gait. Methods. A total of 67 patients with MS with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.0 to 6.5 were randomized to walking or RAGT, in addition to multimodal rehabilitation. Primary outcomes were walking speed, activity level (estimated metabolic equivalent, metabolic equivalents [METs], using an accelerometer), and quality of life (Well-Being Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and EQ-5D European VAS. Results. In all, 49 patients finished the interventions. Mean age was 56 years (range 36-74 years), mean EDSS was 5.8 (3.0-6.5), and the preferred walking speed at baseline was 0.56 m/s (0.06-1.43 m/s). Before rehabilitation, participants spent on average 68 min/d at an MET ≥3. The walking group improved gait speed nonsignificantly more than the RAGT; the upper bound of the confidence interval (CI) did not exclude a clinically relevant benefit (defined as a difference of 0.05 m/s) in favor of the walking group; the lower bound of the CI did exclude a clinically important benefit in favor of the Lokomat. Quality of life improved in both groups, with a nonsignificant between-group difference in favor of the walking group. Both groups had reduced their activity by 8 weeks after the rehabilitation. Conclusion. It is unlikely that RAGT is better than over-ground walking training in patients with an EDSS between 3.0 and 6.5.
Wood Sorption Fractality in The Hygroscopic Range. Part I. Evaluation of A Modified Classic Bet Model

A new model for determining the fractal dimension ( D ) of the internal cell-wall surfaces of klinki pine by using sorption isotherms at a relative vapor pressure range from 0.0 to 0.96 is derived and evaluated. The new model was derived from the classic BET theory based on the assumption that the wood internal surfaces are geometrically complex, rather than flat. The results showed that within cell walls, the wood surface profiles and the sorbed water molecules organization changed under different moisture contents and temperatures. for both desorption and adsorption at all four temperatures, namely, 10, 25, 40, and 55°C, there were at least two distinct fractal dimensions ( D D > 2) to characterize fractality of internal wood surfaces. Fractal dimensions were larger in adsorption than in desorption for all temperatures, except 10°C, from 13% to 20% moisture content range.
The Major Structural and Functional Changes : Hypertrophy and Hyperfiltration Hypertrophy

Diabetes mellitus with its attendant complications is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality with diabetic nephropathy being the leading cause of end stage renal disease in theWesternworld. Characteristic structural and functional changes in the kidney early in the course of diabetes have been shown to have enduring effects on the progression of disease. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these changes is imperative to the development of new therapeutic strategies. Renal hypertrophy and hyperfiltration alongwith proximal tubular hyperreabsorption are among the distinctive features of early diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, there are particular alterations in the sensitivity of the glomerular and tubular function to dietary salt intake in early diabetes. Herein, we focus on these early physiologic changes and discuss some of the primary and secondary mechanisms discovered in recent years which lead to these alterations in kidney function. Q 2014 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.
Acute Inflammatory Responses in the Lung Novel Role for Aldose Reductase in Mediating

Exaggerated inﬂammatory responses and the resultant increases in alveolar-capillary permeability underlie the pathogenesis of acute lung injury during sepsis. This study examined the functions of aldose reductase (AR) in mediating acute lung inﬂammation. Transgenic mice expressing human AR (ARTg) were used to study the functions of AR since mice have low intrinsic AR activity. In a mild cecal ligation and puncture model, ARTg mice demonstrated an enhanced AR activity and a greater inﬂammatory response as evaluated by circulating cytokine levels, neutrophil accumulation in the lungs, and activation of Rho kinase in lung endothelial cells (ECs). Compared with WT lung cells, ARTg lung cells produced more IL-6 and showed augmented JNK activation in response to LPS stimulation ex vivo. In human neutrophils, AR activity was required for fMLP-included CD11b activation and up-regulation, respiratory burst, and shape changes. In human pulmonary microvascular ECs, AR activity was required for TNF- (cid:1) -induced activation of the Rho kinase/MKK4/JNK pathway and IL-6 production, but not p38 activation or ICAM-1 expression. Importantly, AR activity in both human neutrophils and ECs was required for neutrophil adhesion to TNF- (cid:1) -stimulated ECs. These data demonstrate a novel role for AR in regulating the signaling pathways leading to neutrophil-EC adhesion during acute lung inﬂammation. The Journal of Immunology, 2009, 183: 8128–8137. mea- suring 1) circulating inﬂammatory mediators including IL-6, TNF- (cid:1) , and C-reactive protein in plasma using ELISA, 2) neutrophil content in the bone marrow, 3) neutrophil accumulation in the lungs, and 4) the activity of Rho kinase in lung ECs. The circulating IL-6 and TNF- (cid:1) levels were measured in plasma using an ELISA kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions (eBioscience). Glucose levels in blood were measured by using a Nova Biomedical PHOx plus L analyzer. To measure neutrophil content in the bone marrow, femurs were obtained from WT or AR-expressing mice, and their marrow cavities were ﬂushed using ice-cold PBS. The single-cell suspension was analyzed for neutrophil content by staining for GR1, a cell surface marker for murine neutrophils, and CD11b using ﬂow cytometry (Abs were obtained from eBioscience). The proportion of cells positively stained for GR1 and CD11b was determined using a FACSCalibur (BD Biosciences). activation of neutrophils by TNF- (cid:1) -stimulated ECs: an AR-de-pendent mechanism for neutrophil spreading and a JNK- and AR-independent mechanism for CD11b up-regulation.