Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical Biology of the Cell

Physical Biology of the Cell, 2nd Edition, is a textbook that focuses on the application of physical principles to understanding biological systems. The subject matter of the text is organized according to common physical principles that govern biological processes rather than in relation to the biological processes themselves, as is common for most biology and cell biology textbooks. Topics covered in the book span a broad range of interests, including electrostatics, molecular interactions, molecular motors and the cytoskeleton, and membranes. Each chapter features color figures, derived equations with relevant examples, and problem sets at the chapter’s conclusion. The problem sets at the end of the chapters are expanded from the first edition. Further, the second edition includes two new chapters, one on light and pattern formation, and another on the use of computation in exploring biological problems. Additional student and instructor resources are also available online. The primary audience for the textbook could include advanced undergraduate students or first-year graduate students. While the textbook may be best suited for a biophysics course, it could also be used as a primary or supplementary text for teaching cellular and molecular biology. As a teaching tool for cellular and molecular biology, the many examples featured throughout the text could easily be employed to assist students in learning the principles of how a cellular or molecular system functions. A basic level of mathematical proficiency would be required of the student. While this textbook could be an excellent resource for many courses, there are several topics commonly covered in biochemistry classes, such the glycolytic pathway, that are featured in the book but in different contexts than many widely used biochemistry texts. For a biophysics course that is heavily focused on techniques, individual references that discuss the specific techniques in detail would be more suitable than this book. Of course, any instructor seeking to use this textbook should be aware of its content before making a selection. This textbook is an excellent resource, both for a research scientist and for a teacher. The authors do a superb job of selecting the material for each chapter and explaining the material with equations and narrative in an easily digestible manner. Readers who enjoy this book may also enjoy Molecular Driving Forces by Dill and Bromberg, which gives excellent treatment of similar concepts.
Response of precipitation over Greenland and the adjacent ocean to North Pacific warm spells during Dansgaard–Oeschger stadials

ABSTRACT Palaeoceanographic reconstructions from the North Atlantic indicate massive ice breakouts from East Greenland near the onset of cold Dansgaard–Oeschger (D–O) stadials. In contrast to these coolings in the North Atlantic area, a new sea‐surface temperature record reveals concomitant warm spells in the northern North Pacific. A sensitivity experiment with an atmospheric general circulation model is used to test the potential impact of sea‐surface warmings by 3.5 °C in the North Pacific, on top of otherwise cold stadial climate conditions, on the precipitation regime over the Northern Hemisphere ice sheets. The model predicts a maximum response over East Greenland and the Greenland Sea, where a 40% increase in net annual snow accumulation occurs. This remote effect of North Pacific warm spells on the East Greenland snow‐accumulation rate may play an important role in generating D–O cycles by rebuilding the ice lost during ice breakouts. In addition, the increased precipitation over the Greenland Sea may help to sustain the D–O stadial climate state.
Information systems outsourcing risks: a study of large firms

Purpose – Despite the considerable growth of information systems (IS) outsourcing in recent years, this trend is still the object of strong criticism. This study has as its aim to show the main risks computer outsourcing entails in the case of the largest Spanish firms.Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve that aim, reviews the previous literature on this topic and later analyses the results of a survey carried out using a questionnaire that was answered by 357 firms.Findings – According to the firms under analysis, the main concern in relation to IS outsourcing is the excessive dependence on the provider this type of contract can generate. Nevertheless, some characteristics of firms (mainly their size) determine to some extent what risks are seen as the most relevant.Originality/value – The conclusions suggest that total outsourcing can turn out to be a very dangerous strategy, mainly due to the dependence it creates. This is why IS managers should consider other alternatives such as having m.
On the Rat Trail in Near Oceania: Applying the Commensal Model to the Question of the Lapita Colonization1

Abstract: Presented here are the most recent results of our studies of Rattus exulans, one of the main commensal animals transported across the Pacific by Lapita peoples and their descendants. We sampled several locations in Near Oceania to determine distribution of R. exulans mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes in the region. We also obtained data regarding distribution of other introduced Rattus species to several islands in the Bismarck Archipelago. Our results suggest that there were multiple introductions of R. exulans to the region, which may suggest a more complex history for Lapita populations in Near Oceania.
Gait initiation in community-dwelling adults with Parkinson disease: comparison with older and younger adults without the disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Initiation of gait requires transitions from relatively stationary positions to stability with movement and from double- to single-limb stances. These are deliberately destabilizing activities that may be difficult for people with early Parkinson disease (PD), even when they have no problems with level walking. We studied differences in postural stability during gait initiation between participants with early and middle stages of PD (characterized by Hoehn and Yahr as stages 1-3) and 2 other groups of participants without PD--older and younger adults. SUBJECTS The mean ages of the 3 groups of participants were as follows: subjects with PD, 69.3 years (SD=5.7, range=59-78); older subjects without PD, 69.0 years (SD=3.9, range=65-79); and younger subjects without PD, 27.5 (SD=3.9, range=22-35). METHODS A 3-dimensional motion analysis system was used with 2 force platforms to obtain data for center of mass (COM) and center of pressure (COP). The distance between the vertical projections of the COM and the COP (COM-COP distance) was used to reflect postural control during 5 events in gait initiation. RESULTS By use of multivariate analysis of variance, differences in COM-COP distance were found among the 3 groups. An analysis of variance indicated differences for 4 of the 5 events in gait initiation. A Scheffe post hoc analysis demonstrated differences in gait initiation between the subjects with PD and both groups of subjects without PD (2 events) and between the subjects with PD and the younger subjects without PD (2 events). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The COM-COP distance relationship was used to measure postural control during the transition from quiet standing to steady-state gait. Differences between groups indicated that individuals with impaired postural control allow less COM-COP distance than do individuals with no known neurologic problems. The method used could prove useful in the development and assessment of interventions to improve ambulation safety and enhance the independence of people with impaired postural control.
Effective leadership – The way to excellence in health professions education

The current times are witnessing an explosion of new knowledge in medicine. The demographic profile, geographic distribution of many diseases is changing, there have been dramatic shifts in the health care delivery, healthcare professionals are more socially and professionally accountable, patients have become more consumerist in their attitude. These factors coupled with the increasing demand for trained health care professionals has led to, firstly, a rapid increase in the health professionals education institutions and secondly curricular changes and adoption of newer teaching learning methodologies, to equip the graduates with the desirable outcomes. The scene in health professions education is one characterized by rapid activity and change. A time which demands effective leadership at these institutions for achieving excellence. Drawing from a decade long experience, at different medical schools in the gulf region, the author opines that it is effective leadership, as observed at the institutions where he worked, which is responsible for realization of institutional vision, rapid development and achievement of excellence.
Reactive power tracing of a multibus power system in presence of SVC

The main objective of this paper is to allocate the reactive power load and loss of any power system network in presence of SVC with consideration of all reactive power resources present in the system. The contribution of each reactive power resources to cater a particular load has been calculated using proportional sharing technique. In addition to that an effort has been made to allocate the reactive loss among the reactive power resources. In this paper, FC-TCR type SVC has been considered to observe its effect on reactive load as well as loss sharing. Proposed technique has been simulated using a 203 bus multi-machine practical power system (WBSEB system). This study can be of great benefit for generating agencies to know the exact reactive loss sharing of a particular generator and therefore to modify the charges applicable for reactive power pricing.
CD31 (PECAM‐1)‐bright cells derived from AC133‐positive cells in human peripheral blood as endothelial‐precursor cells

To clarify the process of endothelial differentiation, we isolated AC133+ cells and induced the in vitro differentiation of these cells into endothelial cells. AC133+ cells efficiently differentiated into endothelial cells when the cells were cultured on fibronectin‐coated dishes in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor. Time‐course analysis of the alteration of endothelial markers on cultured AC133+ cells revealed that the expression of CD31 (PECAM‐1) on AC133+ cells was the earliest marker among all of the tested markers. Based on the hypothesis that CD31 is an early indicator during the endothelial differentiation, we examined the relationship between CD31 expression and the ability to differentiate into endothelial cells in cells derived from AC133+ cells. CD31‐bright cells, which were sorted from cultured AC133+ cells, differentiated more efficiently into endothelial cells than had CD31‐positive or CD31‐negative cells, suggesting that CD31‐bright cells may be precursor cells for endothelial cells. In the present study, we identified CD31+ cells derived from cultured AC133+ cells that are able to differentiate to endothelial cells as precursor cells. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How Do Mortgage Refinances Affect Debt, Default, and Spending? Evidence from HARP

We use quasi-random access to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) to identify the causal effect of refinancing into a lower-rate mortgage on borrower balance sheet outcomes. Refinancing substantially reduces borrower default rates on mortgages and other debt. Refinancing also causes borrowers to expand their use of debt instruments, such as auto loans, home equity lines, and other consumer debts that are proxies for spending. Borrowers that appear more constrained ex ante grow these debts more strongly after refinancing but also pay down credit card balances by more. These borrowers also have lower take-up of the refinancing opportunity. (JEL G51, G21, E52)
Asymmetry in Elite Snowboarders : A Study comparing Range of Motion in the Hip and Spine, Power in Lower Extremities and Circumference of Thigh

Snowboarding is a relatively young sport and has grown since the birth in the 1960-70. Today, snowboarding still is a lifestyle to many, but also an accepted mainstream sport and has been an Olympic sport since the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan 1998 (18,35,36). The movement pattern and body position is asymmetric, since you stand sideways with the front foot ahead of the rear foot in the line of direction (14,18,28). Several studies that have investigated the biomechanics of snowboarding have showed that the loading of the lower extremities are different in the front leg compared to the rear leg during riding (14,18, 22,23,28). The purpose of this study was to investigate if the asymmetric body position in snowboarding causes differences between front and rear leg considering; circumference of thigh, range of motion (ROM) in the hip joints, power in lower extremities, or causes asymmetrical ROM in the spine in the test group compared to the control group. Two groups were used, one test group consisting of ten elite snowboarders (n=10) with an average age of 18 years, and one control group consisting of eight high level skiers (n=8), average age 17,25 years. All subjects were students at Malung/Salen Alpine Elite Gymnasium. Measurements of ROM in hip and spine were made with a myrin incline goniometer and universal plastic goniometer. A one leg countermovement jump (CMJ) was made as a test of power in the lower extremities using Ivar ump & speed analyzer. Measurements of circumference of thighs were made using a soft tape measure. The results show significant differences in four of the ten measurements in test group and in two of the ten measurements in the control group. There are significant differences in hip passive flexion (P 0,05) and (P<0,001), between front and rear leg in the test group (Table 2), but no such differences can be seen in the control group (Table 3) suggesting that these differences may be caused by the asymmetrical body position during snowboarding.
Themes of Interaction in Medical Students' Rorschach Responses as Predictors of Midlife Health or Disease

&NA; The purpose of this study was to examine variations in individual approaches to human relationships among members of a cohort of healthy medical students as revealed by their Rorschach Tests, and to explore the association between the assessed youthful relationship potential and midlife health or illness. In particular, the relationship potential among future cancer victims was found to differ significantly form that of their fellow students who remained healthy or who developed a cardiovascular disorder, but resembled that of those men who later became mentally ill or committed suicide. These prospective findings appear to fit with several retrospective reports stressing the role of human relationships as a psychological factor in the development of cancer.
I / O-Efficient Top-k Range Reporting with Logarithmic Update Cost ∗

In the top-k range reporting problem, the input set S consists of n points in the real domain, each of which is associated with a distinct real-valued score. Given an interval q = [x1, x2] and an integer k ∈ [1, n], a query returns the k points in q having the largest scores. Specially, if q covers less than k points of S, all of them are returned. We want to store S in a dynamic structure so that updates (both insertions and deletions) and queries can be supported efficiently. We present a structure in external memory that uses linear space, answers a query in O(lg B n+k/B) I/Os, and supports an update in O(lg B n) amortized I/Os, where B is the block size.
Roles of divalent cations and pH in mechanism of action of nitroxoline against Escherichia coli strains

The antibacterial activity of nitroxoline (NIT), an antibiotic used in the treatment of acute or recurrent urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, is decreased in the presence of Mg2+ and Mn2+ but not Ca2+. In order to elucidate the interaction between this drug and the divalent cations, spectrophotometric studies based on the natural absorption of the nitroxoline moiety were conducted. In the presence of the divalent metal ions, a shift in the NIT A448 suggested the formation of drug-ion complexes, for which the stability followed the order Mn2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+. A clear correlation was found between the chelating property and antibacterial activity of NIT; both were pH dependent. A convenient colorimetric method for the determination of NIT uptake by bacterial cells was also developed. Uptake was energy independent and showed biphasic kinetics: a rapid association with cells and then a slower increase in cell-associated NIT which reached a plateau. NIT uptake was reduced in the presence of magnesium. The implications of metal ion complexation and pH on the clinical efficacy of NIT are discussed.
Factors Influencing Plant Propagation Efficiency Via Stem Cuttings

The work aimed to study all the possible factors affecting efficiency of plant propagation via stem cuttings. Several factors including type of cutting, culture medium, type and concentration of growth regulators were investigated. These factors were studied on Ficus hawaii as woody tree and Chrysanthemum morifolium as herbaceous plant to investigate the effect of plant type factor. All experiments were performed under plastic house conditions to achieve the objectives of work. It was found that all studied factors are very effective for plant production and growth. Intermediate cuttings were found to be more suitable than terminal ones for the propagation of ficus. Peat moss and sand media showed significantly higher survival, rooting and growth compared to perlite and the mixture 1:1:1 of the three media. Treatment of cuttings by indole acetic acid (IAA) was more effective than treatment by either indole butyric acid (IBA) or naphthyl acetic acid (NAA). The treatment of cuttings by growth regulators was essential where all studied concentrations were better than control and 50 ppm was the best concentration. Response of chrysanthemum to culture media was different from that of ficus where the mixture and perlite media gave significantly better results than peat moss and sand media which proves the importance of plant type factor. Therefore, the optimum propagation efficiency of ficus can be obtained by the cultivation of intermediate cuttings in peat moss after treating by 50 ppm of IAA. For chrysanthemum, the optimum propagation efficiency can be obtained by the cultivation of terminal cuttings in a mixture 1:1:1 of peat moss, sand and perlite after treating by 50 ppm of IAA. The obtained results showed the effectiveness of several factors on propagation of woody and herbaceous plants. It should be of great importance on both applied level for mass production of plants and fundamental level for understanding plant propagation process.
Parthenolide reduces gene transcription of prosurvival mediators in U937 cells.

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) the functional abnormalities of osteopontin (OPN), NF-kB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR/PTEN pathway or β-catenin have been considered. AIM To analyze the response of U937 cells to parthenolide (PTL) through the involvement of expression of OPN protein, RelB, AKT1, mTOR, PTEN and β-catenin genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The U937 cells were treated with PTL at concentrations of 4 μM (IC25) or 6 μM (IC50) and with OPN siRNA for MTT assay and colony forming assay. Western blot analysis using antibodies against OPN was performed with lysates of PTL-treated cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed using primers for OPN siRNA, RelB, AKT1, mTOR, PTEN and β-catenin. RESULTS PTL reduces OPN protein level and down-regulates RelB mRNA in U937 cell line. Suppression of OPN with siRNA increases the cytotoxic effects of PTL. Also, mRNA expression of AKT1, mTOR, PTEN, and β-catenin decreases with PTL or OPN siRNA. CONCLUSION Sensitivity of U937 cells to PTL can be associated with the reduction in expression of prosurvival mediators.
Association between genes encoding components of the Leutinizing hormone/Luteinizing hormone–choriogonadotrophin receptor pathway and polycystic ovary syndrome in Egyptian women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine–metabolic disorders; however, its pathophysiology is still unclear. Certain polymorphisms of luteinizing hormone beta‐subunit (LHβ) and LH/choriogonadotrophin receptor (LHCGR) genes may lead to changes in the bioactivity of this hormone. We aimed to investigate possible associations between polymorphisms in the LHβ and LHCGR genes and PCOS among Egyptian women. We also aimed to shed light on the impact of these polymorphisms on LH level, hormonal, and metabolic features of PCOS. A case–control study included unrelated 210 patients with PCOS and 200 healthy controls, and they were stratified according to their body mass index into two subgroups: lean and obese. Polymorphisms of LHβ G1502A and LHCGR [G935A, and ins18LQ] genes were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. Our results revealed that LHβ G1052A GA genotype and A allele, LHCGR G935A GA, AA genotypes, or A allele were significantly associated with PCOS risk, while the LHCGR ins18LQ polymorphism was not. Additionally, there is a synergism between LHβ G1052A minor A and minor A allele of LHCGR G935A or minor ins allele of LHCGR ins18LQ and susceptibility to PCOS. When we stratified PCOS women or controls into obese and lean subjects, we found that LHβ G1502A GA genotype and A allele being more frequent in the obese group when compared with lean patients with PCOS [The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were 5.6 (1.30–24.56) and 5.15 (1.21–21.90), respectively, P = 0.01, for each group. ] These results suggested that LHβ G1052A and LHCGR G935A genes polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of PCOS in Egyptian women especially in obese cases. There was a synergism between LHβ G1052A minor A allele and of LHCGR G935A minor A or minor ins alleles of LHCGR ins18LQ and PCOS risk. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 68(1):23–36, 2016
Interleukin 10 reduces mortality from severe peritonitis in mice

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is known to suppress the induction of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-1 and is itself induced by monocytes and macrophages during sepsis. We studied the therapeutic efficacy of IL-10 by testing its effect on the survival rate in the murine cecal ligation-and-puncture (CLP) model. Administration of 1 microgram or more of recombinant murine IL-10 6 h after induction of sepsis decreased lethality in septic mice significantly and also suppressed the elevation of circulating TNF after sepsis. However, treatment with the same dose of IL-10 simultaneously or 6 h before induction of CLP had no effect on survival, and treatment with anti-TNF antibody after induction of CLP had no effect on the survival rate. These data suggest that cytokine modulation with IL-10 is a potential candidate for the treatment of sepsis and sepsis-related multiple organ failure.