Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Free Radical Reaction Products and Activated Signalling Molecules as Biomarkers of Cell Damage in Human Keratinocytes upon Lead Exposure

Lead (Pb) is one of the most important environmental pollutant metals accumulating in the atmosphere, water, foods, and in organisms living in contaminated areas. Skin is one of the main targets of Pb toxicity based on its ability of direct penetration upon exposure. The underlying cell damaging pathomechanisms have not been revealed in detail. Herein, we focus on Pb-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress that has not been previously thoroughly investigated. We investigated these effects in order to elucidate the pathomechanisms and as well to identify potential biological markers that may indicate Pb toxicity. Human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were exposed to Pb (100 μM) either for 5 minutes or 6 hours. Pb-induced cellular damage was evaluated by immunocytochemistry analysis of multiple signalling cascades, e.g. apoptosis, Akt, MAPK, NOS, nitrotyrosine and 8-isoprostane formation, detection of nitrosative stress using Diaminofluorescein (DAF-FM) and oxidative stress using 3'-(p aminophenyl) fluorescein (APF). We found that Pb exposure resulted in significantly enhanced NO and ROS production in HaCaT cells. Pb led to enhanced eNOS-phosphorylation at Ser1177, and Ser116 residues but not Thr495. AKT phosphorylation but not MAP kinases were enhanced by Pb In addition, Pb induced apoptosis as shown by Caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Our results suggest that Pb mediates its toxic effect in keratinocytes through oxidative and nitrosative stress which is accompanied by differential changes of eNOS phosphorylation and apoptosis. These data significantly contribute to understanding of underlying mechanisms of Pb-induced cellular damage.
Evaluation of Iron Toxicity on Lowland Irrigated Rice in West Africa

Summary In tropical areas, lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation (with or without irrigation) is often hampered by iron toxicity. This edaphic stress is common in West African savanna and forest lowlands. It is a nutrient disorder associated with high iron concentrations in the soil solution. The reducing conditions of waterlogged lowland soils boost iron toxicity through solubilization of almost all iron in its ferrous form (Fe 2+ ). This iron toxicity promoting edaphic features of lowland soils depends on the soil and climatic conditions, thus explaining the high spatiotemporal variability. The high quantity of ferrous ions in the soil solution upsets the mineral element balance in the rice and affects its growth. Ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ) is abundantly taken up by the plant and becomes concentrated in the leaves, causing limb discoloration, reduced tillering, stunted growth, while substantially reducing yields. A survey was conducted to quantify the effects of iron toxicity on rice in three countries (Guinea, Ivory Coast and Ghana) in the West African subregion. It was confirmed that iron toxicity is a major edaphic constraint in cultivated lowlands as it affects more than 50% of lowlands and about 60% of cultivated rice plots on average. About 10% of lowland crop fields were even abandoned due to high iron toxicity stress. Studies have also shown that more than 55% of rice-growing areas are affected by excess iron. There is also a significant impact on yield since affected plots were found to have a mean 54% lower yield as compared to healthy plots.
Regularizing the r-mode problem for nonbarotropic relativistic stars

We present results for r-modes of relativistic nonbarotropic stars. We show that the main differential equation, which is formally singular at lowest order in the slow-rotation expansion, can be regularized if one considers the initial value problem rather than the normal mode problem. However, a more physically motivated way to regularize the problem is to include higher order terms. This allows us to develop a practical approach for solving the problem and we provide results that support earlier conclusions obtained for uniform density stars. In particular, we show that there will exist a single r-mode for each permissible combination of l and m. We discuss these results and provide some caveats regarding their usefulness for estimates of gravitational-radiation reaction timescales. The close connection between the seemingly singular relativistic r-mode problem and issues arising because of the presence of corotation points in differentially rotating stars is also clarified.
Influences of two CO2 concentrations and water availability on bean crop

This study was carried out to determine some physiological and phenological responses of the bean under high [CO2] and drought stress. The experiment was conducted from April to July 2009 in Vicosa, Brazil. The open-top chambers were used to enrich the air with CO2, whereas the drought stress was applied between the flowering and the ripening. The randomized block design was used, with four replicates in the subplots. The following plots were [CO2] at 700ppm (F1) and [CO2] environmental (F2) and the subplots were well watering (S1) and drought stress (S2). The results were subjected to Anova and the Tukey test (P < 0.05). For the treatments F1S1 and F1S2 the photosynthetic rate showed increments of 59% and the transpiration reduction of 12%. The yield, leaf temperature and stomatal conductance were not significant different to high [CO2], different from the dry matter, who showed increment of 20% (F1S1) and the water use efficiency who showed increase of 90% for high [CO2]. The osmotic potential was lower in plants under drought stress (F2S2 and F1S2), followed by plants under high [CO2] (F1S1). Despite the increment in photosynthesis, high [CO2] does not guarantee higher yield.
Could rising aquatic carbon dioxide concentrations favour the invasion of elodeids in isoetid-dominated softwater lakes?

SUMMARY 1. During the past century, isoetid vegetation types in softwater lakes have often been invaded by faster-growing elodeids. In these C-limited systems, this may be related to rising aquatic CO2 levels. 2. In a laboratory experiment we tested the growth response of two elodeid species, Myriophyllum alterniflorum and Callitriche hamulata, at four different CO2 levels, ranging from 20 to 230 lmol L )1 . In addition, we tested the effect of the nutrient status of the sediment on the growth of C. hamulata at the different CO2 levels. 3. Shoot and root growth increased with rising CO2 availability. Irrespective of sediment type, growth was minimal to negative at the lowest CO2 treatment level, while becoming positive at CO2 levels around 40–50 lmol L )1 . Substantial growth was only obtained when the macrophytes were growing on mesotrophic sediments. The plants reached close to maximal growth at CO2 levels of c. 100 lmol L )1 . 4. Within this experiment, the growth of C. hamulata at CO2 levels above 90 lmol L )1 may have been limited by N and P availability in both sediment types. The growth rate of M. alterniflorum did not seem to be limited by N and P availability, most likely due to its much higher relative root production. 5. The experimental results show that neither M. alterniflorum nor C. hamulata is able to invade isoetid-dominated softwater lakes at very low aquatic CO2 concentrations. However, if the sediments contain enough nutrients, a rise in aquatic CO2 could allow the invasion of elodeid species leading to the subsequent disappearance of slow-growing isoetids.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIATION OF THE SUMATRAN ELEPHANT POPULATIONS IN SUMATERA, INDONESIA

Genetic analysis of Mitochondrial DNA diversity in Sumatran elephant ( ) was conducted. A 630 bp segment of mitochondrial DNA was amplified from 105 different Sumatran elephant samples from 5 locations in Sumatera (Bentayan, Sugihan, Bukit Salero Lahat, Seblat, Way Kambas) using a set of primers: MDL3 (5'-CCCACAATTAATGGGCCC-GGAGCG-3') and MDL5 (5'-TTACATGAATTGGCAGCCA-ACCAG3'). The objectives of this study were to generate mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequences for all available Sumatran elephant samples and to define haplotypes and nucleotide sequence diversity of the different Sumatran elephant populations. The nucleotide sequence of a total of 105 PCR products were successfully determined with an average length of 616 bp. However, mitochondrial DNA fragments for this analysis used the first 601 bases. Six different haplotypes (BP, BT, BS, BR, BX and BY) were identified in Sumateran elephant populations. The majority of the sampled individuals carried haplotype BT. BX and BY are most likely novel derived haplotypes. All haplotypes, except for the haplotype BP belong to the Sumatera clade. The haplotype BX was derived from the haplotype BT, and the haplotype BY was derived from the haplotype BS by one transversion, respectively. All the other substitutions identified in this network were transitions. The haplotype BP is widely distributed from Sri Lanka, Sumatera, Peninsular Malay and China. Although reported to be distributed in Sumatera and Peninsular Malay the haplotype BU was not detected among the samples analysed in this study. Genetic distances within populations in Bentayan, Bukit Salero Lahat, Seblat, Sugihan and Way Kambas ranged from 0.0000 0003, and the genetic distance between the populations that is 0.0000 0.0022. The distance between haplotypes of different Sumatran elephant populations was shown to be low. The diversity of haplotypes and nucleotides in Sumatera Island were low, the highest diversity was found in elephants sampled in the region of Bukit Salero Lahat and the lowest was found in elephants from Bentayan and Sugihan. Overall, the results of analysis of Fu and Li's F*test statistic indicates that the population of Sumatran elephants in Sumatra is -0.78871, which suggests that there is no inbreeding. However, the results are not significant (P> 0:10) and additional studies are required to confirm this finding.
Recognition and behavioral assessment of acute pain in cats: literature review

Although pain is considered the 4th vital sign and one of the most frequently observed clinical signs in domestic animals’ clinical practice, its treatment is still inadequate despite significant improvement in the last few years. Acute post-operative pain has aroused great interest due to its potential risk of developing into chronic pain, and if not treated properly, it might worsen the recovery and the patient’s quality of life. Cats are one of the least studied species of domestic animals regarding pain recognition and control. Some of the difficulties lie in pain assessment and perception. The consensus published in February 2016 about behavioral signs of pain in cats considered some signs to be reliable and sensitive for the assessment of pain in this species in many different clinical conditions, however it still states that more studies will be necessary in order to evaluate its clinical validity and applicability, especially considering the various pain intensities. As an attempt to quantify pain intensity in cats, several types of traditional subjective scales and others that facilitate pain assessment by combining the observation of spontaneous behavioral signals of pain and qualitative response to palpation of surgical wound are used as tools. It is necessary to use specific scales for each type of pain and for each specific animal species so to minimize the subjectivity and the partiality of the observers, reducing bias and improving efficacy, thus leading to a better patient care.
DOCUMENTO DE TRABAJO MARKET STRUCTURE AND INFLATION DIFFERENTIALS IN THE EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION

In a monetary union, inflation rate differentials may be substantial over the business cycle. This paper parameterizes a two-country monetary union in which different economic structures in the two countries generate temporary inflation differentials. Cross-country differences are introduced in (i) the elasticity of demand in the goods markets, which cause producers to discriminate prices, (ii) the degree price inertia and (iii) openness or preference for foreign goods in consumption. The model is calibrated to reproduce two average big EMU countries and it is able to generate sizeable inflation differentials. We find the mechanism of price discrimination quantitatively more important than the differences in price inertia. Moreover, under asymmetric shocks, differences in the degree of openness as the ones observed within the EMU can have sizeable effects on the dispersion of inflation rates.
Interannual variability of the South Indian Countercurrent

In the present work, we investigate the interannual variability of the South Indian Countercurrent (SICC), a major and still understudied current of the Indian Ocean circulation. To characterize the interannual variability of the SICC, four different datasets (altimetry, GLORYS, OFAM3 and SODA) are analysed using multiple tools, which include Singular Spectrum Analysis and wavelet methods. The quasibiennial band dominates the SICC low frequency variance, with the main peak in the 1.51. 8 yr interval. A secondary peak (2.12.5 yr) is only found in the western basin. Interannual and decadal-type modulations of the quasi-biennial signal are also identified. In addition, limitations of SODA before the 1960’s in the SICC region are revealed. Within the quasi-biennial band the SICC system presents two main patterns with a multiple jet structure. One pattern is characterized by a robust northern jet, while in the other the central jet is well developed and northern jet is weaker. In both patterns, the southern jet has always a strong signature. When the northern SICC jet is stronger, the northern cell of the subtropical gyre has a triangular shape, with its southern limb having a strong equatorward slant. The quasi-biennial variability of the SICC is probably related to the Indian Ocean tropical climate modes that are known to have a strong biennial characteristic.
Impact of Firm Specific Factors on Profitability of Firms in Food Sector

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of firm specific and macroeconomic factors on profitability of food sector in Pakistan. This study explores the impact of firm specific factors on profitability of companies listed in food sector ofKarachistock market in the presence of food inflation by employing multivariate regression analysis in common effect setting for the period of 2002-2006. The firm specific factors include debt to equity, tangibility, growth and size and macroeconomic factor include food inflation. Findings of study reveal the presence of significant negative relationship between size and profitability. However, tangibility, growth of the firm and food inflation are found insignificantly positively related to profitability. Similarly, an insignificant negative relationship is observed between debt to equity ratio of firm and its profitability. Empirical results provide evidence that the profitability of food sector is shaped by firm specific factors and not macroeconomic variables. One important limitation of study is that it only considers one macroeconomic factor i.e. food inflation. In future studies more macroeconomic factors will be explored to examine their impact on profitability of food sector firms. However, this study still provides significant insight about dynamics of profitability in food sector and helps in making optimal decisions of resource allocation in food sector of Pakistani equity market.
Pharmacokinetics of Doxycycline in Ducks with Steatosis due to Force-feeding

Abstract The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline was investigated in force-fed and normally fed ducks after single intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration at a dose of 15 mg/kg bw. Serum concentrations of the drug were determined by the HPLC method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using compartmental analysis. Serum concentrations of doxycycline after i.v. administration in both groups were not statistically different. The values of half-lives were 5.82±1.85 h and 6.06±5.51 h in normal and force-fed birds. The total body clearance was respectively 0.40±0.05 L/h/kg and 0.34±0.10 L/h/kg, and volume of distribution (Vss) was 2.80±0.85 L/kg and 2.18±0.89 L/kg. After p.o. administraton the maximum serum levels in the control group were 0.70±0.12 μg/mL and in force-fed birds were 1.93±0.32 μg/mL, measured at 2.95±0.60 h and 1.45±0.24 h, respectively. The values of absolute bioavailability were 18.89±6.48% and 37.58±13.63%. Longer doxycycline retention in force-fed ducks was registered. Our data can be accepted as an information for possible prolonged retention of doxycycline in force fed ducks compared to normally fed ones.
The magic art and the evolution of kings

Volume 1: J.G Frazer: His Life and Work R.Ackerman This Volume will Include Robert Ackerman's introduction to The Golden Bough Volume 2: The Making of the Golden Bough R.Fraser Volume 3: Part I: The Magic Art and the Evolution of Kings , vol. 1 Volume 4: Part I: The Magic Art and the Evolution of Kings , vol. 2 Volume 5: Part II: Taboo and the Perils of the Soul Volume 6: Part III: The Dying God Volume 7: Part IV: Adonis, Attis, Osiris , vol.1 Volume 8: Part IV: Adonis, Attis, Osiris , vol.2 Volume 9: Part V: Spirits of the Corn and of the Wild , vol.1 Volume 10: Part V: Spirits of the Corn and of the Wild , vol.2 Volume 11: Part VI: The Scapegoat Volume 12: Part VII: Balder the Beautiful , vol.1 Volume 13: Part VII: Balder the Beautiful , vol 2 Volume 14: Part VIII: Bibliography and Gener al Index Volume 15: Aftermath: Supplementary Volume
Determining the LIC H density from the solar wind slowdown

Context. The ionized solar wind interacts directly with the interstellar neutrals which flow into the heliosphere. These neutrals are ionized, mainly by charge exchange, then accelerated to the solar wind speed with the momentum and energy removed from the bulk flow of the solar wind. Thus, by measuring the solar wind slowdown, one can estimate the interstellar neutral density. Aims. In July 2005, Ulysses at 5 AU and Voyager 2 near 80 AU were at the same heliolatitude. We use this alignment to determine the solar wind speed decrease between these two spacecraft. Methods. Ulysses data are used as input to a 1-D MHD model which includes the effects of pickup ions. We removed a section of data contaminated by an ICME directed toward Voyager 2. Results. Comparison of the Voyager 2 speeds with the model results shows that the solar wind speed decreased by 67 km s −1 between Ulysses and Voyager 2, consistent with an interstellar neutral density at the termination shock of 0.09 cm −3 .
Laughing Fit to Kill: Black Humor in the Fictions of Slavery

Introduction 1. "Laffin fit ter kill:" Black Humor in the Fiction of William Wells Brown and Charles W. Chesnutt 2. The Conjurer Recoils: Slavery in Richard Prio and Chappelle's Show 3. Conjuring the Mysteries of Slavery: Voodoo, Fetishism, and Stereotype in Ishmael Reed's Flight to Canada 4. "A Comedy of the Grotesque" Robert Colescott, Kara Walker and the Iconography of Slavery 5. The Tragicomedy of Slavery in Suzan-Lori Parks' Early Plays Bibliography
Introduction of Lean Six Sigma Principles intoAeronautical Engineering Technology Courses

Faculty members in the aeronautical engineering technology program are redesigning courses in the curriculum to give students a solid background in the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology and techniques. This knowledge will help graduates land their dream jobs in many industries, including aviation, because LSS methodology is widely used in many areas to achieve drastic performance improvements. Aviation companies want graduates to possess more problem-solving skills as a requirement for both employment and success. Most of the aeronautical engineering technology graduates will apply for jobs at major aircraft manufacturers, where the challenge is to fill the gap between the production floor and the engineering department. In addition to manufacturing liaison positions, these graduates are hired for positions in scheduling, tooling, design, and even purchasing. To better prepare students for these careers, new courses are designed to not just teach the students to follow instructions, but to give them a set of tools to truly understand the design and improvement of processes. Specifically, the courses address two major Lean Six Sigma methodologies: DMAIC and DMEDI. DMAIC is a methodology for process or product improvement with five phases: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. DMEDI is a methodology for process or product design with five phases: define, measure, explore, develop, and implement. This paper discusses these methodologies, their significance, their implementations in the courses, and the results.
Lactobacillus Paracasei NFRI 7415 Reduces Liver Lipid Contents in C57BL/6J Mice Fed a High-fat Diet

We examined the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei NFRI 7415 isolated from Japanese fermented fish (funa-sushi) on the whole-body and fat-tissue weights, plasma lipid concentration and hepatic lipid contents of mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (CD), high-fat diet (HD) or HD containing Lb. paracasei NFRI 7415 (106 cfu/g) (HLD) for 10 weeks. The plasma triacylglycerol concentration of the HLD group was lower than that of the HD group. The plasma glucose, leptin and hepatic lipid concentration of the CD and LHD groups were lower than those of the HD group. As a result of measuring the liver lipids and the liver histology, it was observed that the number of lipid droplets in liver cells in the HD group was clearly greater than that in the CD and HLD groups. The total liver lipids in the CD and HLD group were lower than that of the HD group. This suggests that intake of Lb. paracasei NFRI 7415 is effective in overcoming the effects of HD to prevent hepatic lipid accumulation.
Systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio in active psoriasis: bridging an apparent paradox

Background: Psoriasis is characterized by systemic increase of inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, increased incidence of dyslipidemia in dermatological disorders is also in alarming phase. It is conceivable that association of inflammation, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia enhances the future the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in psoriasis patients. The main of the study is to estimate the marker of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, plasma lipid profile and apolipoprotein levels in psoriasis patients and to determine their role in predicting CVD risk in psoriasis. Methods: The study population consist of subjects categorized into two groups; Group I: Healthy controls and Group II: Psoriasis patients (n= 25 in each group). Erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile along with apolipoprotein B and A1 were measured and statistically analyzed using standard methods. Results: Plasma CRP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and MDA levels were significantly high (p<0.05) in patient group as compared to healthy controls. HDL-cholesterol levels were altered insignificantly (p<0.1) in patient group. Plasma Apo B/Apo A1 ratio were increased significantly (p<0.01) in patient groups as compared to controls. Conclusions: Thus, enhanced inflammation, oxidative stress along with increase in Apo B, A1 and its ratio authenticates the fact that these markers are more efficient in prediction of CVD risk in psoriasis patients than conventional lipid profile parameters.