Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fibre characteristics and enzyme levels of arm and leg muscles in elite cross‐country skiers

Performance tests and measurements of maximal aerobic capacity were performed during the competition period in elite cross‐country skiers. Muscle biopsies were taken in the middle of January. Histochemical fibre typing, determination of fibre areas and number of capillaries as well as assays for citrate synthetase (CS), 3‐hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (HAD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHtot and LDH1–2) were performed on biopsies from the triceps brachii (TRI) and vastus lateralis muscles (VAS). The relative percentage of slow‐twitch fibres was 51.3 and 68.6 in TRI and VAS, respectively. The FTa fibre area in TRI was significantly larger than in VAS. No differences were found in the number of capillaries per fibre in TRI (2.7) and VAS (2.5). The number of capillaries per area was significantly lower in TRI (373) as compared to VAS (422). The LDHtot enzyme level was significantly higher in TRI than VAS, while the oxidative enzyme activities (CS and HAD) were significantly lower in TRI as compared with VAS. From all independent variables, only the maximal aerobic power was related significantly to performance time. The difference in maximal aerobic power between the skiers could explain 45% of the total variance in performance.
ICIS Paper: Personal Information Systems for Strategic Scanning in Turbulent Environments: Can the CEO Go On-Line?

As the business environment becomes more complex and dynamic, it becomes increasingly vital for top executives to scan the information environment to identify strategic threats and opportunities. This article seeks to understand the strategic scanning behaviors of top executives in order to provide some guidelines for the possibility of designing computer-based systems to support and enhance these scanning processes. The characteristics of the strategic scanning process are investigated through an empirical study of 37 chief executive officers of small to medium-sized high technology companies. Results show that they are very systematic scanners when it comes to strategic information, and that their information sources are limited, mostly personal, and external to the organization. This suggest that a computer-based system for strategic scanning would probably have to be a customized personal system, not tightly coupled to the organizational information system.
A retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst with malignant change

A unique case of adenocarcinoma arising in a retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst is presented. A 55‐year‐old woman presented with lower abdominal discomfort. Computed tomography revealed a retroperitoneal cystic mass attached to the ascending colon. The resected cyst was unilocular and filled with milky white mucus and hemorrhagic debris. Histologically, most of the cyst wall was of well‐differentiated papillary adenocarcinoma with no cyst wall invasion. Other small areas of the cyst were lined with variably atypical dysplastic/metaplastic cuboidal to pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The cyst wall was mostly hyalinized, but there was apparent thickened subepithelial basement membrane, elastosis, and a single layer of smooth muscle that suggested bronchial wall structures. A mucin staining study with O‐acylated sialic acid, which is used for the demonstration of gastrointestinal, cholecystic and uterine cervical mucins, was negative for the mucin‐producing epithelial cells of the cyst. Thus, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of adenocarcinoma arising in a retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst.
Effect of graded levels of rare earth elements in diets of fattening bulls on growing and slaughtering performance, and on nutrient digestibility of wethers

The aim of the present dose response study was to examine the long-term effects of increasing the amounts of rare earth elements (REE) in the diet on growth and slaughtering performance of fattening bulls. A total of 48 bulls of German Holstein with an average initial live weight (LW) of 119 ± 13 kg were divided into four dietary treatment groups (n = 12): a control group and three REE-treated groups, which were fed a supplement of 100, 200 and 300 mg REE-citrate per kg dry matter (DM) containing mainly cerium (57.9%), lanthanum (34.0%) and praseodymium (6.5%). The feeding trial was divided into a growing period for 8 weeks and a fattening period for 39 weeks. The growing diet consisted of concentrate, grass silage and grass hay, while the fattening diet consisted of concentrate and maize silage. The animals were slaughtered at approximately 556 kg LW. The intake of grass hay and maize silage (0.55–0.31 kg/d and 6.09–5.44 kg/d, respectively) decreased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing REE-citrate supplementation, while LW gain showed only a numerical decrease during the growing (2–4%) and the fattening period (4–5%). The feed-to-gain ratio and ME-to-gain ratio were not significantly affected by REE treatment during the whole feeding trial. The most striking effect of REE on carcass characteristics was a significantly higher dressing percentage in Group C (200 mg REE citrate kg/DM) compared to the other groups, while no effects were found on liver, kidneys, heart, thymus, pancreas, spleen and thyroid gland weights. The digestibility trials with wethers indicate that a supplementation of 300 mg REE-citrate per kg DM to a ration consisting of concentrate and straw does not enhance the digestibility of nutrients. These results suggest that, under the conditions of the present study, the supplementation of fattening bull diets with REE cannot be recommended.
The JCMT Gould Belt Survey: constraints on prestellar core properties in Orion A North

We employ SCUBA-2 (Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array 2) observations of the Orion A North molecular cloud to derive column density and temperature maps. We apply a novel, Hessian-based structural identification algorithm for detection of prestellar cores to these data, allowing for automated generation of the prestellar mass function. The resulting mass function is observed to peak at 1.39+0.18−0.19 M⊙, indicating a star-forming efficiency lower limit of ∼14 per cent when compared with the Orion nebula Cluster initial mass function (IMF) peak. Additionally, the prestellar mass function is observed to decay with a high-mass power-law exponent α=2.53+0.16−0.14, indicating approximate functional similarity with the Salpeter IMF (α = 2.35). This result, when combined with the results of previous investigations suggests a regional dependence of the star-forming efficiency.
Lidocaine Iontophoresis for Local Anesthesia Before Shave Biopsy

BACKGROUND. Lidocaine iontophoresis is a method of topical anesthesia in which lidocaine is driven into the skin under the influence of electric current. OBJECTIVE. To compare lidocaine iontophoresis to placebo for topical anesthesia before shave biopsy in adult patients. METHODS. This was a single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled evaluation of iontophoresis of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in patients undergoing shave biopsy. Patients were evaluated for sensation to pinprick after iontophoresis. After completion of the procedure, those patients who did not receive supplemental lidocaine rated the pain associated with the procedure using a 10‐cm visual analog scale. The investigator also evaluated the patient's pain after biopsy. Treatment sites were examined for evidence of adverse events such as erythema, urticaria, or burns. RESULTS. Forty‐one patients undergoing shave biopsy for evaluation of skin lesions were enrolled. Nineteen of 21 patients in the lidocaine group versus 2 of 20 placebo patients required no supplemental anesthesia (P < 0.001). The pain reported by the patient on the visual analog scale subsequent to the procedure was significantly lower in the lidocaine group (P < 0.001). In concordance with the results reported by the patients, investigators rated pain lower in the lidocaine group (P < 0.001). Blanching and/or erythema occurring at the iontophoresis‐treated site in 37 of 41 patients resolved within 1 hour. There were no other treatment‐related events. CONCLUSIONS. Lidocaine iontophoresis is a safe and effective method of administering topical anesthesia before shave biopsy in adult patients.
Dynamic Coupling of the Putative Coiled-coil Domain of ORAI1 with STIM1 Mediates ORAI1 Channel Activation*

STIM1 and ORAI1 (also termed CRACM1) are essential components of the classical calcium release-activated calcium current; however, the mechanism of the transmission of information of STIM1 to the calcium release-activated calcium/ORAI1 channel is as yet unknown. Here we demonstrate by Förster resonance energy transfer microscopy a dynamic coupling of STIM1 and ORAI1 that culminates in the activation of Ca2+ entry. Förster resonance energy transfer imaging of living cells provided insight into the time dependence of crucial events of this signaling pathway comprising Ca2+ store depletion, STIM1 multimerization, and STIM1-ORAI1 interaction. Accelerated store depletion allowed resolving a significant time lag between STIM1-STIM1 and STIM1-ORAI1 interactions. Store refilling reversed both STIM1 multimerization and STIM1-ORAI1 interaction. The cytosolic STIM1 C terminus itself was able, in vitro as well as in vivo, to associate with ORAI1 and to stimulate channel function, yet without ORAI1-STIM1 cluster formation. The dynamic interaction occurred via the C terminus of ORAI1 that includes a putative coiled-coil domain structure. An ORAI1 C terminus deletion mutant as well as a mutant (L273S) with impeded coiled-coil domain formation lacked both interaction as well as functional communication with STIM1 and failed to generate Ca2+ inward currents. An N-terminal deletion mutant of ORAI1 as well as the ORAI1 R91W mutant linked to severe combined immune deficiency syndrome was similarly impaired in terms of current activation despite being able to interact with STIM1. Hence, the C-terminal coiled-coil motif of ORAI1 represents a key domain for dynamic coupling to STIM1.
Characterization and application of activated carbon prepared from waste coir pith

Activated carbon (AC) has been prepared from raw coconut pith and coconut pith impregnated with H 3 PO 4 and NaOH solutions separately. AC was characterized with SEM, particle size analyzer and proximate analyzer. Adsorption studies were carried out using UV and atomic absorption spectrophotometer to find its effectiveness. AC obtained from coconut pith treated with phosphoric acid was found comparable to the commercial grade samples.
From social exclusion to inclusion : Single-mother families and social policy in Taiwan

Female-headed single parent families are one of the most concerned issues in the contemporary family or women studies. From the perspectives of the Taiwanese culture, married women are like water spilled on the ground and can never be retrieved. Being single mothers, how they interpret their experiences of social inclusion or exclusion? How our service system can rebuild and strengthen single mothers’social inclusion? These concerns are the main topics which this paper wants to explore. Five focus groups are held to collect mothers’subjective interpretations. In-depth interview are also conducted. Results indicated that the informal support systems are limited for single-mother families. Instead, self-help groups and social welfare system are playing the influential roles. Some implications, i.e. the reshape of the value system, the support of self-help groups, the revision of social assistance system and a coordinated social service delivery, are proposed and hope to help those women in need.
Age-dependent deamidation of lifelong proteins in the human lens.

PURPOSE Deamidation is a common posttranslational modification in human lens crystallins and may be a key factor in the age-related denaturation of such lifelong proteins. The aim of this study was to identify the sites of deamidation in older lenses. METHODS High-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry of tryptic digests was used to identify sites of deamidation in the major human lens crystallins. Older normal and age-matched cataractous lenses were compared with fetal lenses. RESULTS Approximately equal numbers of glutamine and asparagine residues were deamidated in older lenses; however, the extent of deamidation of Asn was three times greater than that of Gln (Asn, 22.6% +/- 3.6%; Gln, 6.6% +/- 1.3%). Individual crystallins differed markedly in their extent of deamidation, and deamidated residues were typically localized within discrete regions of the polypeptides. A large percentage (42%) of the sites of deamidation were characterized by the presence of a basic amino acid one residue removed from the original Gln or Asn. At nine such sites, the extent of Asn deamidation averaged 50% in aged lenses. There were few differences in deamidation between crystallins of aged normal and nuclear cataractous lenses. CONCLUSIONS Equal numbers of Asn and Gln residues are deamidated in crystallins from aged normal and cataractous lenses. Deamidation of Asn/Gln in lifelong proteins, such as those in the lens, may be governed to a significant degree by base-catalyzed processes.
Topological analysis of the brain stem of the frogs Rana esculenta and Rana catesbeiana

The ventricular sulcal pattern and the cytoarchitectonic organization of the brain stem of the frogs Rana esculenta and Rana catesbeiana have been studied in transversely cut, Nissl stained serial sections. Four longitudinal sulci, the sulcus medianus inferior, the sulcus intermedius ventralis, the sulcus limitans and the sulcus medianus superior could be distinguished in both species. A fifth longitudinal groove, the sulcus intermedius dorsalis, was found only in Rana esculenta. With the aid of the usual cytoarchitectonic criteria 25 cell masses have been delineated in Rana esculenta and 27 in Rana catesbeiana. These cell masses can be distributed over the following categories )numbers added in brackets for Rana catesbeiana, if different from those in Rana esculenta(: primary efferent or motor, 8: primary afferent or sensory, 4 )6(; “relay” centers, 7. Contrary to statements in the literature the reticular formation can be divided into six separate cell groups. The majority of the nuclei form part of the central gray, which constitutes a rather wide zone in anurans; three reticular nuclei lie partly within the stratum griseum and partly within the stratum album; six nuclei are entirely embedded in the stratum album.
A short Gfi-1B isoform controls erythroid differentiation by recruiting the LSD1–CoREST complex through the dimethylation of its SNAG domain

Gfi-1B is a transcriptional repressor essential for the regulation of erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. Here we identify Gfi-1B p32, a Gfi-1B isoform, as essential for erythroid differentiation. Gfi-1B p32 is generated by alternative splicing and lacks the two first zinc finger domains of the protein. Selective knock down of Gfi-1B p32 compromises erythroid differentiation, whereas its ectopic expression induces erythropoiesis in the absence of erythropoietin. Gfi-1B p32 isoform binds to Gfi-1B target gene promoters and associates with the LSD1–CoREST repressor complex more efficiently than the major Gfi-1B p37 isoform. Furthermore, we show that Gfi-1B includes a KSKK motif in its SNAG domain, which recruits the repressor complex only when dimethylated on lysine 8. Mutation of lysine 8 prevents Gfi-1B p32-induced erythroid development. Our results thus highlight a key role for the alternatively spliced Gfi-1B p32 isoform in erythroid development.
A structural equation modeling of executive functions, IQ and mathematical skills in primary students: Differential effects on number production, mental calculus and arithmetical problems

ABSTRACT Though the relationship between executive functions (EFs) and mathematical skills has been well documented, little is known about how both EFs and IQ differentially support diverse math domains in primary students. Inconsistency of results may be due to the statistical techniques employed, specifically, if the analysis is conducted with observed variables, i.e., regression analysis, or at the latent level, i.e., structural equation modeling (SEM). The current study explores the contribution of both EFs and IQ in mathematics through an SEM approach. A total of 118 8- to 12-year-olds were administered measures of EFs, crystallized (Gc) and fluid (Gf) intelligence, and math abilities (i.e., number production, mental calculus and arithmetical problem-solving). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) offered support for the three-factor solution of EFs: (1) working memory (WM), (2) shifting, and (3) inhibition. Regarding the relationship among EFs, IQ and math abilities, the results of the SEM analysis showed that (i) WM and age predict number production and mental calculus, and (ii) shifting and sex predict arithmetical problem-solving. In all of the SEM models, EFs partially or totally mediated the relationship between IQ, age and math achievement. These results suggest that EFs differentially supports math abilities in primary-school children and is a more significant predictor of math achievement than IQ level.
Global Carleman estimate on a network for the wave equation and application to an inverse problem.

We are interested in an inverse problem for the wave equation with potential on a starshaped network. We prove the Lipschitz stability of the inverse problem consisting in the determination of the potential on each string of the network with Neumann boundary measurements at all but one external vertices. Our main tool, proved in this article, is a global Carleman estimate for the network.
Asset Characteristics and The Impact of IT on Firm Scope and Performance

The literature in IS suggests that IT affects firms’ vertical and horizontal boundaries. This research examines how the nature of firms’ assets and information technology interact to influence the level of vertical integration and horizontal diversification. Using panel data from 2001 to 2004, the analysis suggests that the negative relationship between IT and vertical integration identified in the literature is attributable to IT’s role in coordinating firms’ tangible assets. On the other hand, the positive relationship between IT and firms’ horizontal diversification is attributable to IT’s role in leveraging a firm’s intangible assets across different businesses. The analysis also indicates that for less vertically integrated firms, IT increases the contribution of tangible assets to performance. And for more diversified firms, IT may increase the contribution of intangible assets to performance. The general implication of this research is that firms with more tangible assets may use information technology to become more vertically specialized, whereas firms with more intangible assets may deploy information technology to become more horizontally diversified.
Dietary phosphorus supply, egg-shell deposition and plasma inorganic phosphorus in laying hens

1. In 2 experiments the effects of dietary phosphorus on relationships between plasma inorganic phosphorus concentration (P i ), shell and egg production and depletion states were measured in brown laying hens. 2. In a 12-week experiment dietary phosphorus concentrations from conventionally deficient (1.6 g non-phytate-phosphorus (P NP )/kg) to moderate excess (3.9 g P NP /kg) had little effect on egg and shell production, although there was evidence that plasma P i concentration, when not influenced strongly by shell formation, reflected dietary phosphorus content. 3. Among birds at each dietary phosphorus concentration there was a negative linear relationship between shell weight of early eggs in the sequence and plasma P i concentration. The relationship was apparently not affected by dietary phosphorus concentration. 4. Continued feeding of the deficient diet to 61 weeks of age did not have effects on body weight, egg and shell production, other than those associated with age, but plasma P i and bone measurements indicated marginal phosphorus depletion. 5. In another experiment excessive dietary phosphorus (11.9 g P NP /kg) fed in a cross-over design caused small adverse effects on shell production, increased food intake and body weight and increased plasma P content, while there was no relationship between shell weight and plasma P i concentration. i 6. The results are consistent with an indirect effect of plasma phosphorus accumulation on shell formation, probably via an inhibitory effect on skeletal calcium release, in addition to any effect of excess dietary phosphorus on intestinal calcium availability. 7. Phosphorus requirement and status in the laying hen are complicated by the failure to recognise the contribution of digestible phytate-phosphorus to the available phosphorus supply.
Profiles of language impairment in primary progressive aphasia.

OBJECTIVE The profile of language impairment in patients with primary progressive aphasia in comparison with the language impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease and after stroke. DESIGN The Western Aphasia Battery and the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale evaluated the language and cognitive impairment. Follow-up studies were done 1 to 5 years after the initial testing in seven of 10 patients with primary progressive aphasia, and a postmortem examination of the brain was done in two patients. SETTING All 10 patients with primary progressive aphasia were previously healthy, community-dwelling persons when first tested. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS All patients with primary progressive aphasia reported at least a 2-year history of slowly progressive aphasia without other signs of global dementia. The initial Western Aphasia Battery results of the 10 patients with primary progressive aphasia were compared with those of a sample of 10 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease and with those of a sample of 10 patients with aphasia due to a left hemispheric stroke. Both reference samples were matched for age and sex; the sample with stroke-caused aphasia was additionally matched for the aphasia type. RESULTS Expressive language disability with reduced speech fluency and anomia but preserved language comprehension and nonverbal cognition were typical features in early stages of primary progressive aphasia. Spontaneous speech was significantly more impaired in patients with primary progressive aphasia in comparison with those with aphasia after left hemisphere stroke and with language impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Follow-up examinations revealed continuous, often rapid deterioration of language impairment. The neuropathological examination showed Alzheimer's disease in one patient and Pick's disease in the other. CONCLUSION The profile of aphasia suggests that primary progressive aphasia tends to affect anterior parts of the language-dominant cortex first.