Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breakup of a fluid thread in a confined geometry: droplet-plug transition, perturbation sensitivity, and kinetic stabilization with confinement.

We investigate the influence of geometrical confinement on the breakup of long fluid threads in the absence of imposed flow using a lattice Boltzmann model. Our simulations primarily focus on the case of threads centered coaxially in a tube filled with another Newtonian fluid and subjected to both impulsive and random perturbations. We observe a significant slowing down of the rate of thread breakup ("kinetic stabilization") over a wide range of the confinement, Lambda= R(tube)/R(thread) < or =10 and find that the relative surface energies of the liquid components influence this effect. For Lambda<2.3, there is a transition in the late-stage morphology between spherical droplets and tube "plugs. " Unstable distorted droplets ("capsules") form as transient structures for intermediate confinement (Lambda approximately equal 2.1-2.5). Surprisingly, the thread breakup process for more confined threads (Lambda< or =1.9 ) is found to be sensitive to the nature of the initial thread perturbation. Localized impulsive perturbations ("taps") cause a "bulging" of the fluid at the wall, followed by thread breakup through the propagation of a wave-like disturbance ("end-pinch instability") initiating from the thread rupture point. Random impulses along the thread, modeling thermal fluctuations, lead to a complex breakup process involving a competition between the Raleigh and end-pinch instabilities. We also briefly compare our tube simulations to threads confined between parallel plates and to multiple interacting threads under confinement.
Plant Protochlorophyllide Oxidoreductases A and B

Background: In plants, a key regulatory step in chlorophyll biosynthesis is catalyzed by two light-dependent isozymes. Results: The two isozymes operate via the same reaction mechanism but differ in their catalytic efficiencies. Conclusion: Different substrate affinities and conformational flexibilities modulate the catalytic reaction. Significance: Detailed understanding of light-driven reactions in nature has a big impact on the development of artificial energy conversion systems. The enzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR, EC 1.3.1.33) has a key role in plant development. It catalyzes one of the later steps in chlorophyll synthesis, the light-induced reduction of protochlorophyllide (PChlide) into chlorophyllide (Chlide) in the presence of NADPH. Two isozymes of plant POR, POR A and POR B from barley, which differ in their function during plant life, are compared with respect to their substrate binding affinity, catalytic efficiency, and catalytic mechanism. POR B as compared with POR A shows an 5-fold higher binding affinity for PChlide and an about 6-fold higher catalytic efficiency measured as kcat/Km. Based on the reaction intermediates, which can be trapped at low temperatures the same reaction mechanism operates in both POR A and POR B. In contrast to results reported for POR enzymes from cyanobacteria, the initial light-driven step, which occurs at temperatures below 180 K already involves the full chemistry of the photoreduction and yields the reaction product, Chlide, in an enzyme-bound form. The subsequent dark reactions, which include cofactor (NADP+) release and cofactor (NADPH) rebinding, show different temperature dependences for POR A and POR B and suggest a higher conformational flexibility of POR B in the surrounding active center. Both the higher substrate binding affinity and well adapted enzyme dynamics are held responsible for the increased catalytic activity of POR B as compared with POR A.
Bovine kappa-casein gene polymorphism and its association with milk production traits

Point mutations in exon IV of the bovine κ-casein (CSN3) gene determine two allelic variants, A and B. These variants were distinguished by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis in the indigenous Sahiwal and Tharparkar cattle breeds. DNA samples (252 Sahiwal and 56 Tharparkar) were analyzed for allelic variants of the CSN3 gene. Polymorphism was detected by digestion of PCR-amplified products with HindIII, HhaI and HaeIII restriction enzymes, followed by separation on 3% agarose gels, and resolved by ethidium bromide staining. Allele A of the κ-casein gene occurred at a higher frequency than allele B, in both Sahiwal and Tharparkar breeds. The genotypic frequencies of AA, AB, and BB in the Sahiwal and Tharparkar breeds were 0.758, 0.230 and 0.012, and 0.0. 732, 0.250 and 0.018, respectively. The frequencies of alleles A and B in the Sahiwal and Tharparkar breeds were 0.873 and 0.127, and 0.857 and 0.143, respectively. Genotype BB of the kappa-casein gene had more influence on the monthly milk yield, 305-days milk yield, monthly solids-not-fat (SNF) yield, and monthly protein yield, in the Sahiwal cattle.
Tuberculosis, Fiji, 2002–2013

During 2002–2013, a total of 1,890 tuberculosis cases were recorded in Fiji. Notification rates per 100,000 population increased from 17.4 cases in 2002 to 28.4 in 2013. Older persons were most affected, but tuberculosis also increased sharply in persons 25–44 years of age.
Eff ect of Soil Tillage Practices on Dynamic of Bacterial Communities in Soil Mirna

Several studies have indicated that intensive tillage has notable eff ect on properties of the soil microbiota that may infl uence numerous important soils functions, e.g. mobilization of nutrients or change of the overall emission rates of greenhouse gases. Th erefore, the aim of our study was to investigate dynamic of microbial communities in soil planted with soybean under diff erent tillage systems. Moreover, abundance of populations harboring the nitrousoxide reductase gene (nosZ) as an indicator for potential shift s in N2O emission rates was studied. Th e study was established at chernozem soil of Northern Baranja region in Republic of Croatia as completely randomized block design of four replicate plots for each tillage system in three years experiment. Th e soil was managed as followed: CT conventional tillage (moldboard ploughing at 25-30 cm depth), DH multiple discs harrowing (10-15 cm depth), and NT – no-tillage system. Soil samples were collected in summer and autumn in year 2003. Our results suggested that the reduction of tillage had no eff ects on the bacterial community structure. Th is might be a result of the very dry climatic conditions at the investigated site and /or a result of plant species eff ect (soybean). Slight eff ects of the tillage management became visible at least when samples were taken in autumn for microbes harboring the N2O reductase gene, indicating that there might be shift s in denitrifi cation pattern in response to changes in tillage practice.
Recent advances and controversies in head and neck reconstructive surgery

Advances in head and neck reconstruction has made significant improvement in the quality of life and resectability of head and neck cancer. Refinements in microsurgical free tissue transfer leave made restoration of form and complex functions of head and region a reality. Standardized reconstructive algorithms for common head and neck defects have been developed with predictable results. Some of the major advances in the field include- sensate free tissue transfer, osseo integrated implant and dental rehabilitation, motorized tissue transfer and vascularized growth center transfer for pediatric mandible reconstruction. However there exist several controversies in head and neck reconstructive surgery. Some are old; resolved partially in the light of recent clinical evidences and others are new, developed as a result of newly introduced reconstructive techniques. These include, primary versus secondary reconstruction, pedicled versus free flaps, primary closure versus free tissue transfer for partial glossectomy defects, reconstruction of posterior mandible and reconstruction of orbital exenteration defects. Rapid advances in the field of tissue engineering and stem cell research is expected to make radical change in the field of reconstructive surgery. This manuscript review progress in head and neck reconstructive surgery during the last decade, current controversies and outline a road map for the future.
Geochemistry of the end-Permian extinction event in Austria and Italy: No evidence for an extraterrestrial component

The end-Permian mass extinction (251 Ma) was the largest in Earth's history, and the great extent of biospheric perturbation is recorded as dramatic shifts in carbon isotope ratios of sedimentary materials. Both terrestrial and extraterrestrial events are commonly invoked as causative mechanisms for the crisis, and the primary reason for the event remains the subject of controversy. Geochemical indicators sensitive to the influence of extraterrestrial material involve platinum group elements and osmium and helium isotope ratios. Analyses of extinction levels in two sections from Austria and Italy reveal no evidence of an extraterrestrial impact. The end-Permian crisis, it appears, was a homegrown catastrophe.
Variability of the North Atlantic summer storm track: mechanisms and impacts on European climate

The summertime variability of the extratropical storm track over the Atlantic sector and its links to European climate have been analysed for the period 1948–2011 using observations and reanalyses. The main results are as follows. (1) The dominant mode of the summer storm track density variability is characterized by a meridional shift of the storm track between two distinct paths and is related to a bimodal distribution in the climatology for this region. It is also closely related to the Summer North Atlantic Oscillation (SNAO). (2) A southward shift is associated with a downstream extension of the storm track and a decrease in blocking frequency over the UK and northwestern Europe. (3) The southward shift is associated with enhanced precipitation over the UK and northwestern Europe and decreased precipitation over southern Europe (contrary to the behaviour in winter). (4) There are strong ocean–atmosphere interactions related to the dominant mode of storm track variability. The atmosphere forces the ocean through anomalous surface fluxes and Ekman currents, but there is also some evidence consistent with an ocean influence on the atmosphere, and that coupled ocean–atmosphere feedbacks might play a role. The ocean influence on the atmosphere may be particularly important on decadal timescales, related to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO).
An Arabidopsis Inositol 5-Phosphatase Gain-of-Function Alters Abscisic Acid Signaling1

Signals can be perceived and amplified at the cell membrane by receptors coupled to the production of a variety of second messengers, including inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). We previously have identified 15 putative inositol 5-phosphatases (5PTases) from Arabidopsis and shown that At5PTase1 can hydrolyze IP3. To determine whether At5PTase1 can terminate IP3-mediated signaling, we analyzed transgenic plants ectopically expressing At5PTase1. Stomata from leaves of At5PTase1 transgenic plants were abscisic acid (ABA) and light insensitive, and ABA induction of genes was delayed. Quantification of IP3 in plants exposed to ABA indicated that ABA induced two IP3 increases in wild-type plants. Both of these IP3 increases were reduced in At5PTase1 transgenic plants, indicating that IP3 may be necessary for stomatal closure and temporal control of ABA-induced gene expression. To determine if ABA could induce expression of At5PTase1, we examined RNA and protein levels of At5PTase1 in wild-type plants exposed to ABA. Our results indicate that At5PTase1 is up-regulated in response to ABA. This is consistent with At5PTase1 acting as a signal terminator of ABA signaling.
Role of protein tyrosine kinase on regulation of trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle contractility.

PURPOSE Trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle express properties of smooth muscle cells. The contractility of trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle is differently modulated by various agents. To reveal contractile regulatory processes, the effects of activation and inhibition of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and their interaction with other protein kinases on contractility were measured. METHODS Measurements of isometric tension were performed on isolated bovine trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle strips using a custom-built, electromagnetic, force-length transducer. Protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) was stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and was inhibited by genistein or tyrphostin 51. Protein kinase C (PKC) was inhibited by chelerythrine or NPC-15437 and protein kinases A and G (PKA-PKG) by H8. RESULTS Isolated strips were precontracted by applying carbachol 10(-6) M for 30 minutes (100% carbachol maximum contraction). Inhibition of PTK evoked a maximum relaxation of 79.2+/-4.2% in trabecular meshwork and of 38.1+/-3.1% in ciliary muscle (n=8). Inhibition of PKC or PKA-PKG induced relaxations only in trabecular meshwork. When PTK and PKC or PKA-PKG were inhibited, the relaxation induced by inhibition of PTK was additive to inhibition of the other protein kinases. Stimulation of a receptor with PTK activity by EGF induced a relaxation in trabecular meshwork and a contraction in ciliary muscle precontracted by carbachol. When trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle were activated by EGF, inhibition of PTK by genistein relaxed the cell preparations. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of PTK induces more prominent relaxation in trabecular meshwork than in ciliary muscle. The effects of inhibition of PTK on relaxation are independent of inhibition of PKC and PKA-PKG. The signaling cascade after activation of a tyrosine kinase receptor by EGF is differently modulated in trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle. The effect of genistein on relaxation is probably not directly related to the EGF receptor. PTK inhibitors are possible agents for the development of novel antiglaucoma drugs.
An Efficient Forecasting Procedure for Kuhn-Tucker Consumer Demand Model Systems

This paper proposes an efficient and accurate forecasting algorithm for the multiple discrete-continuous nested extreme value (MDCEV) model. The algorithm builds on simple, yet insightful, analytical explorations with the Kuhn-Tucker conditions of optimality that shed new light on the properties of the MDCEV model. For specific, but reasonably general, functional forms of the consumption utility specification, the algorithm circumvents the need to carry out any iterative constrained optimization procedures that have hitherto been used for forecasting with Kuhn-Tucker (KT) demand model systems. The non-iterative nature of the algorithm contributes significantly to its efficiency and accuracy. Further, although developed in the context of the MDCEV model, the proposed algorithm can be easily modified to be used in the context of other utility maximization-based Kuhn-Tucker (KT) consumer demand model systems in the literature. Simulation experiments highlight the efficiency of the algorithm compared to a traditional iterative forecasting procedure. For example, to forecast the expenditures of 4000 households in 7 expenditure alternatives, for 500 sets of error term draws for each household, the proposed algorithm takes less than 2 minutes. On the other hand, the iterative forecasting routine would take around 2 days to do so.
Differential Antigen Presentation Kinetics of CD8+ T-Cell Epitopes Derived from the Same Viral Protein

ABSTRACT The kinetics of peptide presentation by major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules may contribute to the efficacy of CD8+ T cells. Whether all CD8+ T-cell epitopes from a protein are presented by the same MHC-I molecule with similar kinetics is unknown. Here we show that CD8+ T-cell epitopes derived from SIVmac239 Gag are presented with markedly different kinetics. We demonstrate that this discrepancy in presentation is not related to immunodominance but instead is due to differential requirements for epitope generation. These results illustrate that significant differences in presentation kinetics can exist among CD8+ T-cell epitopes derived from the same viral protein.
Calibration of a two-dimensional root water uptake model

An LED arrangement comprising at least one LED, which receives an LED illumination voltage in accordance with a square-wave signal, wherein the brightness of the LED is dependent on the ambient luminosity, which is measured by means of the LED, which is switched in a non-illuminated state as a light sensor. The at least one LED is arranged together with a first and a second transistor in a bridge circuit such that the first transistor applies the LED illumination voltage to the LED in accordance with the square-wave signal, and the second transistor applies a voltage having inverted polarity as the LED illumination voltage to the LED in intervals of the turned-off times of the LED, wherein the duty cycle of the square-wave signal is dependent on the strength of a photocurrent, which flows through the LED when the voltage having inverted polarity is applied thereto.
A measurable impact of a self-practice/self-reflection programme on the therapeutic skills of experienced cognitive-behavioural therapists.

The need for effective training methods for enhancing cognitive-behavioural therapist competency is not only relevant to new therapists but also to experienced therapists looking to retain and further enhance their skills. Self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) is a self-experiential cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) training programme, which combines the experience of practicing CBT methods on oneself with structured reflection on the implications of the experience for clinical practice. In order to build on previous qualitative studies of SP/SR, which have mainly focused on trainee CBT therapists, the aim of the current study was to quantify the impact of SP/SR on the therapeutic skills of an experienced cohort of CBT therapists. Fourteen CBT therapists were recruited to participate in an SP/SR programme specifically adapted for experienced therapists. In the context of a quasi-experimental design including multiple baselines within a single-case methodology, therapists provided self-ratings of technical cognitive therapy skill and interpersonal empathic skill at four critical time points: baseline, pre-SP/SR and post-SP/SR and follow-up. Analysis of programme completers (n = 7) indicated that SP/SR enhances both technical skill and interpersonal therapeutic skill. Further intention-to-treat group (n = 14) analyses including both those who left the programme early (n = 3) and those who partially completed the programme (n = 4) added to the robustness of findings with respect to technical cognitive therapy skills but not interpersonal empathic skills. It was concluded that SP/SR, as a training and development programme, could offer an avenue to further therapeutic skill enhancement in already experienced CBT therapists.
Scale dependence in plant biodiversity.

The relationship between the number of species and the area sampled is one of the oldest and best-documented patterns in community ecology. Several theoretical models and field data from a wide range of plant and animal taxa suggest that the slope, z, of a graph of the logarithm of species richness against the logarithm of area is roughly constant, with z approximately 0.25. We collected replicated and randomized plant data at 11 spatial scales from 0.01 to 10(8) square meters in Great Britain which show that the slope of the log-log plot is not constant, but varies systematically with spatial scale, and from habitat to habitat at the same spatial scale. Values of z were low (0.1 to 0.2) at small scales (<100 square meters), high (0.4 to 0.5) at intermediate scales (1 hectare to 10 square kilometers), and low again (0.1 to 0.2) for the largest scale transitions (e.g., East Berks to all of Berkshire). Instead of one process determining changes in species richness across a wide range of scales, different processes might determine plant biodiversity at different spatial scales.
Influence of age on the presentation and outcome of acidotic and hyperosmolar diabetic emergencies

Background: Diabetic emergencies associated with ketoacidosis (DKA) and a hyperosmolar, hyperglycaemic state (HHS) are both acute life‐threatening metabolic disturbances. Traditionally, DKA and HHS have been classified as distinct entities but there is evidence to suggest that patients can present with elements of both conditions.
Prognostic Factors for Gefitinib-Treated Postoperative Recurrence in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background and Objectives: The association between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has been consistently confirmed in a number of studies. However, it is still unclear whether a response to TKI treatment translates into increased survival for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: EGFR mutations were analyzed in 169 primary lung cancer tissues by RT-PCR and sequencing of multiple clones. The association between EGFR mutation status and the clinical outcome of gefitinib treatment was investigated. For mutation-positive cases, the percentage of mutated clones from the total number of clones was calculated. This ratio was used as the quantitative index of EGFR mutations. Results: We identified mutations in 71 of 169 patients with NSCLC. 46 patients were treated with gefitinib for postoperative recurrence. Progression-free survival and overall survival after initial gefitinib were significantly longer in patients with mutation than with wild type (univariate analysis, p < 0.001 for both). Multivariate analyses identified EGFR mutations and longer disease-free intervals after surgery as significant prognostic factors for survival. By quantitative analysis of mutation-positive cases, the increased ratio of mutated EGFR transcripts significantly associated with longer survival after gefitinib. Conclusions: EGFR mutation status and disease-free interval were associated with prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival after gefitinib treatment for postoperative recurrence of NSCLC. Quantitative analysis of mutated EGFR transcripts provided additional information for the stratification of patients with mutated EGFR.
Taking Variation Seriously: The Case of Steatite Vessel Manufacture

How archaeologists conceive variation in the archaeological record influences the kinds of explanations they produce. By treating all variation as potentially informative, evolutionary explanations stand in sharp contrast with transformational models which regard variation as noise. I show that variation in the timing of steatite vessel manufacture is not only less problematic than Sassaman proposes, but crucial to understanding how and why this technological change occurred. Evolutionary models have the additional benefit of requiring explanations to be in the form of tested hypotheses, something not inherently required by transformational models. My conclusion-that the most common function of steatite vessels was to process red oak acorn-has thus far stood up to a range of empirical testing, making it a stronger explanation than untested interpretations.