Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitals rates and seasonal movements of two isolated greater sage-grouse populations in Utah's West Desert

Declines in greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sagegrouse) populations in Utah over the last century parallel range-wide trends. However, little is known about the ecology of sage-grouse populations that inhabit Utah’s naturally fragmented habitats. Utah’s West Desert sage-grouse populations occupy sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats that are geographically separated by the Great Salt Lake, and largely confined to the Sheeprock and Deep Creek watersheds. From 2005 to 2006, we monitored sagegrouse that were radio-collared in each watershed to determine the factors affecting the vital rates in these isolated populations. Livestock grazing by domestic cattle was the dominate land use, and mammalian predator control for livestock protection was conducted in both watersheds. Corvid control was conducted only in the Sheeprock watershed. During the study, we identified 6 leks that had not been previously documented. Seasonal migration patterns for individual radio-collared sage-grouse in both watersheds varied across the sites. Habitat structure metrics were similar at brood-rearing and random sites for both areas. Nesting and brood success and the ratio of chicks per successful brood were higher for both populations in 2005 than 2006. We attributed these annual differences in vital rates to seasonal variation in precipitation. Spring precipitation in 2005 was twice the 30-year average following a 5 year drought. However, chick recruitment estimates for both populations regardless of year were lower than reported in the published literature. Adult sage-grouse survival rate estimates in Sheeprock and Deep Creek watersheds were lower and higher, respectively, than published reports indicated. These differences may reflect a difference in meso-predators communities. Sage-grouse conservation strategies in both areas should continue to emphasize protection of brood-rearing and seasonal habitat, but the risk of population extirpation as a consequence of extended droughts predicted by climate change models and the invasion of small mesopredators may remain problematic for these populations.
Soft, hard or smart power? International students and investments abroad.

This paper analyses the impact of education networks on the FDI from the United States and United Kingdom to 167 countries during 1999 - 2011. Proxies of networks are i nternational students in the US and UK and alumni associations abroad. Results show that international students boost the British FDI to their home countries, while their inf luence on American FDI is weak , except for students from developing economies and for international students who attended university during the Cold War. Alumni associations have a substantial impact on both American and British FDI , but especially on the latter. The stronger impact of education networks on British FDI is partly related to the different political and economic role s played by the US and UK on the world stage , and to their different use of soft and hard power. Results are robust to different econometric specifications.
Pathogenesis of Implant Infections by Enterococci

Enterococci are commensals of human and animal intestinal tract that have emerged in the last decades as a major cause of nosocomial infections of bloodstream, urinary tract and in infected surgical sites. Enterococcus faecalis is responsible for ca. 80% of all enterococcal infections while Enterococcus faecium accounts for most of the others; among the most relevant risk factors for development of enterococcal infections is the presence of implanted devices. The pathogenesis of such infections is poorly understood, but several virulence factors have been proposed. Among them, the ability to form biofilm has recently been shown to be one of the most prominent features of this microorganism, allowing colonization of inert and biological surfaces, while protecting against antimicrobial substances, and mediating adhesion and invasion of host cells and survival within professional phagocytes. Biofilm formation has been shown to be particularly important in the development of prosthetic valve enterococcal endocarditis and stent occlusion. Enterococci are also able to express other surface factors that may support colonization of both inert and biological surfaces, and that may be involved in the invasion of, and survival within, the host cell.
miR-199a*, a Bone Morphogenic Protein 2-responsive MicroRNA, Regulates Chondrogenesis via Direct Targeting to Smad1*

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short non-coding RNA molecules that regulate a variety of biological processes. The role of miRNAs in BMP2-mediated biological processes is of considerable interest. A comparative miRNA array led to the isolation of several BMP2-responsive miRNAs. Among them, miR-199a* is of particular interest, because it was reported to be specifically expressed in the skeletal system. Here we demonstrate that miR-199a* is an early responsive target of BMP2: its level was dramatically reduced at 5 h, quickly increased at 24 h and remained higher thereafter in the course of BMP2-triggered chondrogenesis of a micromass culture of pluripotent C3H10T1/2 stem cells. miR-199a* significantly inhibited early chondrogenesis, as revealed by the reduced expression of early marker genes for chondrogenesis such as cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), type II collagen, and Sox9, whereas anti-miR-199a* increased the expression of these chondrogenic marker genes. A computer-based prediction algorithm led to the identification of Smad1, a well established downstream molecule of BMP-2 signaling, as a putative target of miR-199a*. The pattern of Smad1 mRNA expression exhibited the mirror opposite of miR-199a* expression following BMP-2 induction. Furthermore, miR-199a* demonstrated remarkable inhibition of both endogenous Smad1 as well as a reporter construct bearing the 3-untranslated region of Smad1 mRNA. In addition, mutation of miR-199a* binding sites in the 3′-untranslated region of Smad1 mRNA abolished miR-199a*-mediated repression of reporter gene activity. Mechanism studies revealed that miR-199a* inhibits Smad1/Smad4-mediated transactivation of target genes, and that overexpression of Smad1 completely corrects miR-199a*-mediated repression of early chondrogenesis. Taken together, miR-199a* is the first BMP2 responsive microRNA found to adversely regulate early chondrocyte differentiation via direct targeting of the Smad1 transcription factor.
Age and Cure Dependence of Concrete Cone Capacity in Tension

A large experimental campaign was completed with the objective to determine how concrete composition and age affect the tensile load capacity of mechanical anchors with concrete cone breakout, tested in three different normal-strength concretes. Structural tests for cast-in headed stud anchors were performed at 28 and 70 days and compared to results obtained on post-installed undercut anchors. The concretes were fully characterized in terms of Young's modulus, compressive and tensile strength, and fracture energy. The evolution of the concrete compressive strength is consistent with the aging function proposed in codes. Because the history of environmental conditions influences the development of material properties with age, three different curing conditions are considered for the material characterization, including indoor moist-curing and outdoor storage with the slabs. The structural data clearly show a pronounced aging effect, even after normalization by compressive strength, regardless of the curing protocol considered.
A comparison of signal sequence prediction methods using a test set of signal peptides

We describe the creation of a test set containing secretory and non-secretory proteins. Five existing prediction programs for signal sequences and their cleavage sites are compared on the basis of this test set: SPScan, SigCleave, SignalP V1.1, SignalP V2.0. b2-HMM and SignalP V2.0. b2-NN.
Robotic radical anterior pelvic exenteration: The UCI experience

Abstract Robotic technology may be a promising tool in reduction of morbidity in radical anterior pelvic exenteration for invasive bladder cancer. We report our initial experience with robotic-assisted radical anterior pelvic exenteration in females in an attempt to evaluate the technique's feasibility and outcomes. A retrospective review of our bladder cancer database was performed. Twelve women that underwent robotic-assisted radical anterior pelvic exenteration, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, and urinary diversion for clinically localized urothelial carcinoma of the bladder between 2004 and 2008 were included in this retrospective study. Median age was 73.0 +/- 9.6 years and median body mass index (BMI) was 23.5 +/- 5.0 kg/m2. Ten patients underwent ileal conduit diversion, one had an orthotopic neobladder and one an Indiana pouch. Median total operating time was 6.4 +/- 1.5 hours with median console and diversion times of 4.7 +/- 0.9 and 2.5 +/- 1.5 hours respectively. Median blood loss was 275.0 +/- 165.8 ml. Median length of stay was 8.0 +/- 1.6 days. Four patients were T2N0 or less, five T3N0, one T3N1 and two patients T4N0. There was one patient with positive surgical margins. Median number of lymph nodes removed was 23.0 +/- 11.4. Median follow-up of 9.0 +/- 6.0 months was available for ten patients. One had a recurrent ureteroenteric stricture, one had colpocleisis for vault prolapse, and three had metastatic disease. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic anterior pelvic exenteration appears to be a favorable surgical option with acceptable operative, pathological, and short-term clinical outcomes. According to the UCI experience, robotic anterior exenteration appears to achieve the clinical and oncologic goals for the surgical treatment of bladder cancer.
Binding of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors to Extracellular Matrix: 3D‐QSAR Analysis

Binding to the extracellular matrix, one of the most abundant human protein complexes, significantly affects drug disposition. Specifically, the interactions with extracellular matrix determine the free concentrations of small molecules acting in tissues, including signaling peptides, inhibitors of tissue remodeling enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases, and other drug candidates. The nature of extracellular matrix binding was elucidated for 63 matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, for which the association constants to an extracellular matrix mimic were reported here. The data did not correlate with lipophilicity as a common determinant of structure‐nonspecific, orientation‐averaged binding. A hypothetical structure of the binding site of the solidified extracellular matrix surrogate was analyzed using the Comparative Molecular Field Analysis, which needed to be applied in our multi‐mode variant. This fact indicates that the compounds bind to extracellular matrix in multiple modes, which cannot be considered as completely orientation‐averaged and exhibit structural dependence. The novel comparative molecular field analysis models, exhibiting satisfactory descriptive and predictive abilities, are suitable for prediction of the extracellular matrix binding for the untested chemicals, which are within applicability domains. The results contribute to a better prediction of the pharmacokinetic parameters such as the distribution volume and the tissue‐blood partition coefficients, in addition to a more imminent benefit for the development of more effective matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors.
The distributional effects of growth: micro vs. macro approaches

With the turn of the century, distributional issues in the development field seem to have gained an importance they may never had before, even in the 1970s when so much attention focused on the so-called Kuznets curve. Distribution is not only 'back from the cold', as Atkinson noted a few years ago. In the new century, it has clearly become a 'hot' issue. Raul Prebisch would certainly not have been against this state of affair, as equity, both between and within nations, always ranked very high in the list of his concerns about development.
Gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry quantitative profiling of N-acetylcysteine conjugates of valproic acid in urine: application in drug metabolism studies in humans.

We report a GC/NICI-MS assay and a LC/ESI-MS/MS assay for the analysis of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) conjugates of (E)-2,4-diene VPA (NAC I and NAC II) identified in humans. The assay also includes the analysis of the NAC conjugate of 4,5-epoxy VPA (NAC III), an identified metabolite in rats treated with 4-ene VPA for its use in metabolic studies in animals. The highly sensitive GC/MS assay was designed to monitor selectively the diagnostic and most abundant [M - 181](-) fragment anion of the di-PFB derivatives of NAC I, NAC II, and NAC IV, the internal standard (IS) and the PFB derivative of NAC III. The higher selectivity of LC/MS/MS methodology was the basis for an assay which could identify and quantitate the underivatized conjugates simultaneously using MRM of the diagnostic ions m/z 130 and 123 arising from the CID of their protonated molecular ions [MH](+). The GC/MS assay employed liquid-liquid extraction whereas the LC/MS/MS assay used a solid-phase extraction procedure. Linearity ranges of the calibration curves were 0.10-5.0microg ml(-1) by GC/MS and 0.10-1.0microg ml(-1) by LC/MS/MS for NAC I, NAC II and NAC III (r(2) = 0.999 or better). Both assays were validated for NAC I and NAC II and provided good inter- and intra-assay precision and accuracy for NAC I and NAC II. The LOQ by LC/MS/MS was 0.1microg ml(-1), representing 1 ng of NAC I and NAC II. The same LOQ (0.1microg ml(-1)) was observed by GC/MS and was equivalent to 100 pg of each metabolite. NAC III was detected at concentrations as low as 0.01 microg ml(-1) by both methods. The total urinary excretion of the NAC conjugates in four patients on VPA therapy was determined to be 0.004-0.088% of a VPA dose by GC/MS and 0.004-0. 109% of a VPA dose by LC/MS/MS.
TAX STRUCTURE AND GOVERNMENT SPENDING: DOES THE VALUE-ADDED TAX INCREASE THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT?

This paper examines the claim that the adoption of a value-added tax (VAT) increases the size of government. Our analysis suggests that introducing the VAT, despite the fact that it is a relatively efficient tax in comparison to the income tax alternative, has little impact on government growth due to two factors: (1) the substitution of the VAT for other tax sources, and (2) the low price elasticity of demand for public goods. In contrast, demand-side changes may have a more significant impact on government size, thus reversing the direction of causality. Using a panel of 29 OECD countries over a period of 38 years (1970–2007), we confirm these hypotheses. Our findings imply that the demand for government spending markedly influences the tax structure of society. Using a broad concept of tax costs, introduction of a VAT increases social welfare because it reduces compliance costs, rent-seeking, and efficiency costs. Accordingly, increased usage of VATs during the 20th century should be understood as a collective choice to accommodate growing demands for public expenditure.
Is a cluster a necessary condition for success? The case of Benidorm

This paper analyses the application of the cluster concept to tourist destinations using Benidorm as a case study. A questionnaire was administered to tourism firms based in Benidorm in order to determine whether this destination currently constitutes a tourism cluster or whether it possesses the ideal characteristics to become a cluster with the private agents' collaboration, that is, whether it is a potential cluster. The results obtained from this research indicate that Benidorm's success is not derived from the presence of a cluster due to a series of elements that prevent its existence. In this destination there is a need to strengthen cooperation between public and private agents (especially in those areas that determine the competitive advantage of the destination) and to design a strategy based on shared goals. Both of these elements are fundamental for the characterisation of a cluster.
Elevated Intra‐abdominal Pressure and Renal Function

The effect of increased intra-abdominal pressure on cardiac output and renal function was investigated using anesthetized dogs into whom inflatable intraperitoneal bags were placed. Hemodynamic and renal function measurements were made at intra-abdominal pressures of 0, 20, and 40 mmHg. Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate decreased to less than 25% of normal when the intra-abdominal pressure was elevated to 20 mmHg. At 40 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure, three dogs became anuric, and the renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate of the remaining dogs was 7% of normal, while cardiac output was reduced to 37% of normal. Expansion of the blood volume using Dextran-40 easily corrected the deficit in cardiac output, but renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate remained less than 25% of normal. Renal vascular resistance increased 555% when the intra-abdominal pressure was elevated from 0 to 20 mmHg, an increase fifteen-fold that of systemic vascular resistance. This suggests that the impairment in renal function produced by increased intra-abdominal pressure is a local phenomenon caused by direct renal compression and is not related to cardiac output.
Metallic foreign body in esophagus: are multiple radiographs necessary?

BACKGROUND Multiple X-rays required for confirmation and localization of ingested metallic foreign body preoperatively predisposes children to increased radiation exposure. This study aims to highlight the current necessity or otherwise of these X-ray requests. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients with ingested metallic foreign bodies over a five-year period in a tertiary health institution. Case notes and X-ray requests were studied. RESULTS Of 39 cases of foreign body in esophagus, 29 (74.4%) were metallic and the coin accounted for 79.3% of all metallic foreign bodies. There were 20 males to 9 females and 28 children aged 2 months to 11 years to one adult. There were 62 pre-extraction X-rays consisting of 29 (46.8%) initial confirmatory films and 33 (53.2%) repeat films for localization of the foreign body. There were 10 post-extraction films for postoperative complications. CONCLUSION More than half of the X-ray films were unnecessary and the radiation exposure was avoidable if alternative methods of localization of the foreign body such as the handheld metal detector were available.
PARASITES AND CANCER: SARCOMA IN DOGS ASSOCIATED WITH SPIROCERCA LUPI *

Helminth parasites have long been considered as possible etiologic agents for various types of cancer, and several reviews of this subject have been published.1. 2.3 e 4 More than 40 helminths have been suspected as oncogenic agents, but in most instances there is inadequate evidence of neoplasia or the association is purely coincidental. Fibiger6,6 contributed to the experimental approach in the study of cancer with his well-known work with Gongylonema rteoplasticum in the rat. Lesions of the gastric mucosa which he interpreted as cancerous are now considered to be nonmalignant and to be associated with vitamin A deficient diet? The causal relationship of Schistosoma haemalobium to carcinoma of the bladder in man has long been proposed and discussed, but is still unsettled. Prates and Gillman* have recently reported studies on this relationship in the Portuguese East African. They concluded that whatever the role of schistosomiasis it was by no means direct but that the evidence available was not sufficient to exclude schistosomiasis as an important etiologic factor in bladder cancer. Hashem el aLY studied the relationship of schistosomiasis to bladder cancer in 3,183 autopsies and 36,475 biopsies over a period of 30 years. There was strongly suggestive evidence of an association between schistosomiasis and bladder cancer in the post-mortem material. Schistosomiasis was found in 83 per cent of 65 cases of bladder cancer as compared with the over-all postmortem frequency of 34 per cent. The association of parasite and neoplasia was less evident in the biopsy material, but this may have been due in part to the greater difficulty in the demonstration of schistosomal infection in biopsy material. Another helminth long thought to be associated causally with cancer is the larval stage of Taenia taeniajormis. The hepatic sarcoma in the infected rat was observed by BorrellO in 1906 and was experimentally induced by Bullock and Curtis1! in 1920. The malignant nature of these lesions, which often metastasize, is clearly established, as is the causal relationship of the cestode larva. Although the specific etiologic factor responsible for the neoplastic change has not been demonstrated, Dunning and CurtisI2 demonstrated that there was an active agent in washed ground Taenia larvae capable of initiating multiple peritoneal sarcoma when injected intraperitoneally. There was some evidence that the agent appeared to be associated with the calcium carbonate corpuscles of the larvae. Unlike Schistosoma haemalobium and Taenia taeniaformis, which have long been thought to be associated with cancer, the nematode Spirocerca lupi
Myocardial signal response to dipyridamole and dobutamine: Demonstration of the BOLD effect using a double‐echo gradient‐echo sequence

The purpose of this study was to examine the differential myocardial signal responses due to the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) effect in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under differing conditions of myocardial oxygen supply and demand. The signal response was measured when myocardial blood flow was increased in excess of oxygen demand or when flow was increased in response to increased myocardial oxygen demand. Normal volunteers were studied using a segmented, interleaved, double‐echo, gradient‐echo sequence at baseline conditions and during pharmacological stress with either dipyridamole (n = 5) or dobutamine (n = 6). Changes in T2* in the myocardium during stress were calculated. Peak coronary flow velocity was measured at rest and during stress using a breath‐hold phase contrast technique. Administration of dipyridamole induced a 124 ± 27% increase in coronary blood flow which resulted in a 46 ± 22% increase in T2*, consistent with a decrease in myocardial venous deoxyhemoglobin concentration as myocardial oxygen supply exceeds demand. In contrast, the administration of dobutamine resulted in a 41 ± 25% increase in coronary blood flow but no significant change in T2* (−5 ± 19%), consistent with a lack of change in myocardial venous deoxyhemoglobin concentration and balanced oxygen supply and demand. Thus, alterations in the relationship between myocardial oxygen supply and demand appear to be detectable using BOLD MRI.