Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing the Prediction Ability of LEM-Derived Sedimentary Budget in an Upland Catchment of the Southern Apennines, Italy: A Source to Sink Approach

Landscape evolution models (LEMs) represent one of the most promising approaches to evaluate sedimentary budget, although factors such as the high number of parameters or the difficulty evaluating the robustness of the results can represent a limitation in their application in natural landscapes. In this paper, the Caesar–Lisflood LEM has been applied in a small catchment (i.e., about 9 km2) of southern Italy draining an artificial reservoir in order to test its ability to predict sediment flux and erosion rate. Short-term (i.e., about 20 years) estimation of the sediment volumes accumulated in the reservoir has been reconstructed by a bathymetric survey and compared to the results coming from the coeval LEM simulations. Results indicate a good accordance between LEM-based erosion volume estimations and direct sedimentation assessment, thus testifying to the high potential of such models to solve issues of sedimentary budget and short-term landscape modification.
EFFECTS OF VITAMIN E ON ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME ACTIVITIES AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITIONS IN JUVENILE ABALONE HALIOTIS DISCUS HANNAI INO

Abstract A 240-day feeding trial was conducted in a recirculated water system to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin E on the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, CAT; superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GPX) and the composition of fatty acids in abalone, Haliotis discus hannai Ino. Triplicate groups of juvenile abalone (initial weight: 0.71 ± 0.00 g; initial shell length: 15.49 ± 0.04 mm) were fed to satiation one of three semipurified diets containing 0, 50, and 5,000-mg/kg vitamin E, respectively. Abalone were sampled on the 120th day and the 240th day, respectively. There were no significant differences in activities of CAT and SOD in soft body of abalone fed with different levels of dietary vitamin E for 120 days (P > 0.05), but significantly higher activity of GPX was found with 5,000-mg/kg dietary vitamin E (P < 0.05). Activities of CAT and GPX were significantly elevated by dietary vitamin E on the 240th day. The lowest value of 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6 and the highest value of 22:6n-3 in soft body were found with 50 mg/kg dietary vitamin E supplement on the 120th day. On the 240th day, the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in abalone with 50-mg/kg dietary vitamin E supplement was significantly higher than those in the other two treatments (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects of dietary vitamin E on the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in abalone during the two sampling periods (P > 0.05). In conclusion, 50-mg/kg dietary vitamin E supplement elevated the activities of antioxidant enzymes and could protect MUFA from peroxidation damage. Excessive dietary vitamin E (5,000 mg/kg) did not serve as an antioxidant any more, but tended to be a pro-oxidant in the soft body of abalone.
The biomechanics of kicking in soccer: A review

Abstract Kicking is the defining action of soccer, so it is appropriate to review the scientific work that provides a basis of our understanding of this skill. The focus of this review is biomechanical in nature and builds on and extends previous reviews and overviews. While much is known about the biomechanics of the kicking leg, there are several other aspects of the kick that have been the subject of recent exploration. Researchers have widened their interest to consider the kick beginning from the way a player approaches the ball to the end of ball flight, the point that determines the success of the kick. This interest has encapsulated characteristics of overall technique and the influences of the upper body, support leg and pelvis on the kicking action, foot–ball impact and the influences of footwear and soccer balls, ball launch characteristics and corresponding flight of the ball. This review evaluates these and attempts to provide direction for future research.
Abnormal Returns to a Fundamental Analysis Strategy: Evidence from India

This paper investigates whether a simple accounting based fundamental analysis strategy has earned superior returns within a portfolio of low price-to-book (value) stocks in the Indian equity market over the last decade. In line with Piotrosky (2000) we developed an F-score combining fundamentals pertaining to three broad areas: profitability, leverage & liquidity and efficiency to identify robust firms and weaker firms within a broad group of value stocks. We highlighted, that success of a value strategy relies on the strong performance of a few firms within the group while ‘tolerating the poor performance of many deteriorating companies’ within the same group. We show that high F score firms with robust fundamentals indeed earn a superior return based on absolute and market risk adjusted measures. The abnormal returns persist even after controlling for size and book to market in line with Fama French three factor model.
The Socio-Economic Determinants of Corruption in Nigeria

This paper investigates the socio economic determinants of corruption in Nigeria. Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International is employed as dependent variable, while, gross domestic product per capita, population growth rate, trade openness, literacy rate and value of fuel export over total exports were used as independent variables. Co-integration test and vector error correction model were used to analyze the time series data. Our finding shows that there is a long–run relationship between corruption and the social economic variables in Nigeria.
Genetic variation of the bronze locus (MC1R) in turkeys from Southern Brazil

Abstract Domestic turkeys present several color phenotypes controlled by at least five genetic loci, but only one of these has been identified precisely: the bronze locus, which turned out to be the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene. MC1R variation is important for breeders interested in maintaining or developing different color varieties. In this study, we sequenced most of the MC1R gene from 16 White Holland (the main commercial turkey variety) and 19 pigmented turkeys from southern Brazil with two purposes. The first was to describe the MC1R diversity in White Holland turkeys, which may serve as reservoirs of genetic diversity at this locus. The second was to test whether the traditional color classification used by Brazilian breeders is related to previously known MC1R alleles. White Holland turkeys had four different haplotypes corresponding to the bronze (b +) and black-winged bronze (b 1) alleles. Pigmented turkeys also had four haplotypes corresponding to the b + and b 1 alleles, but different haplotypes represent the most common b + allele in these two groups. The black (B) allele was absent from our samples. Overall, our results suggest that white and pigmented individuals form two different populations, and that the traditional color classification used by Brazilian breeders cannot accurately predict the genotypes at the bronze locus.
Targeting signaling pathways in glomerular diseases

Purpose of reviewPodocytes are highly specialized epithelial cells that line the urinary surface of the glomerular capillary tuft. Dysfunction or death of podocytes impacts glomerular permeability and filtration. Here, we discuss the recent findings about the role of specific cell signaling pathways in glomerular diseases with an emphasis on the molecules in the podocyte that represent candidate therapeutic targets. Recent findingsA number of local endogenous factors that retard the progression of diabetic nephropathy have recently been identified and include angiopoietin-1 (Angpt1), Smad7 and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Calcium-dependent regulation of podocyte actin dynamics involving transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels and the Rho and Rac small GTPases has been shown to play important functions in glomerular health and disease. A central role for mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation in the development of diabetic nephropathy and regulation of autophagic flux in podocytes during aging has been demonstrated. Discovery of a circulating factor (suPAR) that can modulate outside-in beta3 integrin signaling in recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis provides exciting therapeutic possibilities. Another secreted factor, the hyposialylated form of angiopoietin-like-protein 4 (ANGPTL4) was found to favor albuminuria in rats and in minimal change disease. Therapeutic sialylation of ANGPTL4 could limit albuminuria. Finally, neutralization of de novo paracrine activation of glomerular epithelial cells by heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor or EGF receptor antagonists could limit crescent formation and renal failure in immune-mediated vasculitis. SummaryHere, we review the recent developments in our understanding of signaling pathways required for podocyte function in health and disease. Manipulation of these pathways provides an attractive therapeutic option for glomerular diseases.
Oyster reproduction is affected by exposure to polystyrene microplastics

Significance Plastics are a contaminant of emerging concern accumulating in marine ecosystems. Plastics tend to break down into small particles, called microplastics, which also enter the marine environment directly as fragments from a variety of sources, including cosmetics, clothing, and industrial processes. Given their ubiquitous nature and small dimensions, the ingestion and impact of microplastics on marine life are a cause for concern, notably for filter feeders. Oysters were exposed to polystyrene microparticles, which were shown to interfere with energy uptake and allocation, reproduction, and offspring performance. A drop in energy allocation played a major role in this reproductive impairment. This study provides ground-breaking data on microplastic impacts in an invertebrate model, helping to predict ecological impact in marine ecosystems. Plastics are persistent synthetic polymers that accumulate as waste in the marine environment. Microplastic (MP) particles are derived from the breakdown of larger debris or can enter the environment as microscopic fragments. Because filter-feeder organisms ingest MP while feeding, they are likely to be impacted by MP pollution. To assess the impact of polystyrene microspheres (micro-PS) on the physiology of the Pacific oyster, adult oysters were experimentally exposed to virgin micro-PS (2 and 6 µm in diameter; 0.023 mg·L−1) for 2 mo during a reproductive cycle. Effects were investigated on ecophysiological parameters; cellular, transcriptomic, and proteomic responses; fecundity; and offspring development. Oysters preferentially ingested the 6-µm micro-PS over the 2-µm-diameter particles. Consumption of microalgae and absorption efficiency were significantly higher in exposed oysters, suggesting compensatory and physical effects on both digestive parameters. After 2 mo, exposed oysters had significant decreases in oocyte number (−38%), diameter (−5%), and sperm velocity (−23%). The D-larval yield and larval development of offspring derived from exposed parents decreased by 41% and 18%, respectively, compared with control offspring. Dynamic energy budget modeling, supported by transcriptomic profiles, suggested a significant shift of energy allocation from reproduction to structural growth, and elevated maintenance costs in exposed oysters, which is thought to be caused by interference with energy uptake. Molecular signatures of endocrine disruption were also revealed, but no endocrine disruptors were found in the biological samples. This study provides evidence that micro-PS cause feeding modifications and reproductive disruption in oysters, with significant impacts on offspring.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

Abstract Objective: To examine the influence of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Outcomes were compared for primigravidas with a current singleton gestation enrolled at <20 weeks’ gestation in a maternity risk screening and education program (n = 81 486). Patient-reported maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared for women with and without NVP and within the NVP group for those with and without poor weight gain. Results: 6.4% of women reported NVP as a pregnancy complication. Women reporting NVP were more likely to be younger, obese, single and smoke. They had higher rates of preterm delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension and low birth weight <2500 g. Almost one-quarter of women with NVP had lower than recommended weight gain. Poor weight gain was associated with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes. Obesity, tobacco use and poor pregnancy weight gain independently increased the odds of an adverse outcome. Conclusion: NVP and subsequent poor weight gain may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Information Asymmetry and Quarterly Disclosure Decisions by Firms: Evidence from the Tokyo Stock Exchange

This study investigates whether the new quarterly disclosure reporting requirement issued by the Tokyo Stock Exchange was related to the reduction of the degree of private information‐based trade and the liquidity of listed stocks in Japan, or as a reverse causality, helped dichotomize good firms and bad firms as a separating signaling equilibrium. We use the probability of asymmetric information‐based trade (Adjusted PIN) as a measure of information asymmetry and the probability of symmetric order‐flow shock (PSOS) as a measure of market illiquidity. We use a sample of public firms from 2002 to 2007 that chose to either disclose or not disclose quarterly financial reports. We find that the disclosing firms had lower information asymmetry (Adjusted PIN), lower symmetric order‐flow shocks (PSOS), and lower private information‐based trade (PIN). When we conduct further difference‐in‐differences tests, we find that the firms with lower information asymmetry and higher liquidity had a higher tendency to disclose their financial statements and vice versa. Thus, the new disclosure requirement did not necessarily improve the information asymmetry and liquidity of firms, but instead helped good and bad firms form a case for a separating signaling equilibrium.
Implications of Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontal Disease

The dental profession is acutely aware of oral health problems associated with diabetes mellitus and clinical manifestations indicative of occult forms of the disease. Periodontal disease is common in patients with diabetes, and its effective management in diabetic patients requires cooperation involving the patient, physician, diabetes educator, dentist, and other allied health care providers. While these patients categorically appear more prone to diseases affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, preservation of functional dental integrity can be attained by effective control of contributing systemic and local factors. This paper will discuss periodontal disease, its relationship to diabetes, proposed mechanisms of interaction, and management of periodontal disease in the diabetic patient.
Author ' s personal copy Comparative molecular evolution and phylogenetic utility of 3 0-UTRs and introns in Galliformes

Many phylogenetic studies have used nuclear introns or coding exons, but few have included untranslated regions (UTRs). Here we compare the phylogenetic utility and patterns of molecular evolution for 30-UTRs and introns from five unlinked loci in Galliformes (Aves). 30-UTRs evolved at slower rates and exhibited greater spatial clustering of sites with similar evolutionary rates than associated introns, though they exhibited similar overall model complexities. Base compositions differed between the 30UTR and associated intron for two of five loci, suggesting that base composition was not exclusively driven by isochore structure. Phylogenies estimated using individual and concatenated 30-UTRs were more similar to an independent reference tree than those based upon introns, though all phylogenies were largely congruent. However, some 30-UTRs were difficult to amplify, potentially limiting their use in phylogenetic studies. This study suggests that 30-UTRs and introns can exhibit distinct patterns of molecular evolution and that they provide useful phylogenetic signal. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Modification and Uptake of a Cisplatin Carbonato Complex by Jurkat Cells

The interactions of Jurkat cells with cisplatin, cis-[Pt(15NH3)2Cl2](1), are studied using 1H-15N heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We show that Jurkat cells in culture rapidly modify the monocarbonato complex cis-[Pt(15NH3)2(CO3)Cl]- (4), a cisplatin species that forms in culture media and probably also in blood. Analysis of the HSQC NMR peak intensity for 4 in the presence of different numbers of Jurkat cells reveals that each cell is capable of modifying 0.0028 pmol of 4 within ∼0.6 h. The amounts of platinum taken up by the cell, weakly bound to the cell surface, remaining in the culture medium, and bound to genomic DNA were measured as functions of time of exposure to different concentrations of drug. The results show that most of the 4 that has been modified by the cells remains in the culture medium as a substance of molecular mass <3 kDa, which is HSQC NMR silent, and is not taken up by the cell. These results are consistent with a hitherto undocumented extracellular detoxification mechanism in which the cells rapidly modify 4, which is present in the culture medium, so it cannot bind to the cell. Because there is only a slow decrease in the amount of unmodified 4 remaining in the culture medium after 1 h, -1.1 ± 0.4 μM h-1, the cells subsequently lose their ability to modify 4. These observations have important implications for the mechanism of action of cisplatin.
How will climate change affect wildland fire severity in the western US?

Fire regime characteristics in North America are expected to change over the next several decades as a result of anthropogenic climate change. Although some fire regime characteristics (e.g., area burned and fire season length) are relatively well-studied in the context of a changing climate, fire severity has received less attention. In this study, we used observed data from 1984 to 2012 for the western United States (US) to build a statistical model of fire severity as a function of climate. We then applied this model to several (n = 20) climate change projections representing mid-century (2040–2069) conditions under the RCP 8.5 scenario. Model predictions suggest widespread reduction in fire severity for large portions of the western US. However, our model implicitly incorporates climate-induced changes in vegetation type, fuel load, and fire frequency. As such, our predictions are best interpreted as a potential reduction in fire severity, a potential that may not be realized due human-induced disequilibrium between plant communities and climate. Consequently, to realize the reductions in fire severity predicted in this study, land managers in the western US could facilitate the transition of plant communities towards a state of equilibrium with the emerging climate through means such as active restoration treatments (e.g., mechanical thinning and prescribed fire) and passive restoration strategies like managed natural fire (under suitable weather conditions). Resisting changes in vegetation composition and fuel load via activities such as aggressive fire suppression will amplify disequilibrium conditions and will likely result in increased fire severity in future decades because fuel loads will increase as the climate warms and fire danger becomes more extreme. The results of our study provide insights to the pros and cons of resisting or facilitating change in vegetation composition and fuel load in the context of a changing climate.
Novel cephalosporins 2. Synthesis of 3-heterocyclic-fused thiopyranylthiovinyl cephalosporins and antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis.

In the previous paper! ), we reported the synthesis of novel cephalosporins having vinyl-thio linkage attached by benzothiopyrans at C-3 position. They showed good antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). Especially HMRZ-4, fluoro derivative showed the highest activity among the new compounds and was comparable to that of TOC-502~4). Encouraged by the favorable results from the benzothiopyrans as substituents of vinyl-thio linkage then we have focused our effort on the synthesis of heterocyclicfused thiopyrans to obtain more effective compounds against MRSAand VRE. In this paper, we describe the synthesis and antibacterial activity of these new 3-heterocyclic-fused thiopyranyl-
KRAS Mutational Status as a Predictor of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer

Inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have demonstrated promising potential in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. However, a proportion of patients do not respond to therapy with EGFR inhibitors, and therefore, there has been interest in identifying those patients most likely to benefit from therapy with these agents. KRAS, a member of the RAS family of signaling proteins, plays an important role in EGFR-mediated regulation of cellular proliferation and survival. Although there is still some debate regarding the prognostic importance of KRAS mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, several recent phase 2 and 3 studies have identified the presence of mutations at codons 12 and 13 of KRAS as predictors of poor response to the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies panitumumab and cetuximab. Patients with wild-type KRAS were found to have significantly better progression-free survival, overall survival, and/or objective response rate compared with patients harboring KRAS mutations. As a result, there has been growing interest in the development of KRAS mutational status as a biomarker for predicting patient response to EGFR-targeted therapy. Screening colorectal tumors for the absence of KRAS mutations may help identify patients most likely to benefit from anti-EGFR therapies.
FLOOD INSURANCE: SOME DETERMINANTS OF ADOPTION

The literature on response to natural hazards is surveyed to identify factors possibly at work in determining what coping behaviors are adopted. These factors are then explored in the context of a specific study of the purchase or nonpurchase of flood insurance in the floodplain communities of Seguin and New Braunfels, Texas. Three factors are found to be significantly related to insurance adoption: previous experience of flood damage, social class, and a single dimension of personality-internal-external locus of control.
Growing America Through Entrepreneurship

While many Americans dream about starting their own businesses, lack of business expertise and access to credit often prevent them from moving forward. Project GATE (Growing America Through Entrepreneurship) was designed to provide assessment, training, and technical assistance to individuals interested in starting or growing a small business. This report describes implementation, services provided, characteristics of people served, and similarities and differences across five demonstration sites. Findings suggest that Project GATE could be reproduced on a wider scale.