Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of GNA14 in hepatocellular carcinoma indicates an unfavorable prognosis

Guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit α14 (GNA14) knockdown was demonstrated to inhibit the proliferation of endometrial carcinoma cells in a recent study; however, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. In the present study, the clinical significance of GNA14 in HCC was assessed using a dataset of patients with HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The Integrative Molecular Database of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Oncomine databases were also used to identify the expression levels of GNA14 in HCC tissues. The association between GNA14 expression levels and clinicopathological features was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were applied to evaluate the independent risk factors for clinical outcomes. The present study determined GNA14 DNA methylation levels and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, as well as used Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) in HCC. GNA14 mRNA expression levels were lower in HCC compared with normal tissues. Downregulation of GNA14 in HCC was significantly associated with tumor grade, clinical stage and T stage. Furthermore, low expression of GNA14 was an independent predictor for survival outcomes. GNA14 expression levels were partially correlated with the infiltration of B cells and macrophages. Additionally, GSEA analysis revealed that the expression levels of GNA14 were associated with multiple signaling pathways, such as translation, DNA replication, and homologous recombination. In conclusion, low GNA14 expression may be a novel biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis prediction for patients with HCC.
Some Digeneans (Platyhelminthes) Parasitic in the Loggerhead Turtle, Caretta Caretta (L). In Australia.

Digeneans parasitic in the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta (L.) are reported for the first time from Australian waters. Six species, one of them new, are described or redescribed, figured, and their taxonomy discussed. They are: Plesiochorus cymbiformis (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1901 (fam. Gorgoderidae) from the urinary bladder and cloaca; Pachypsolus irroratus (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1902 (synonyms P. lunatus Looss, 1901; P. ovalis Linton, 1910; P. tertius Pratt, 1914; P. brachus Barker, 1922; P. puertoricensis Fischthal & Acholonu, 1976) (fam. Pachypsolidae) from the intestine; Enodiotrema carettae, sp. nov. (fam. Plagiorchiidae) from the liver; Orchidasma amphiorchis (Braun, 1899) Looss, 1900 (synonyms 0. indica Simha, Rao & Chattopadhyaya, 1971; 0, vitelloconfluens Rao, 1973) (farn. Telorchiidae) from the intestine; Cymatocarpus solearis (Braun, 1899) Braun, 1901 (synonym C. undulatus (Looss, 1899) Looss, 1902) (fam. Brachycoeliidae) from the intestine; Rhytidodes gelatinosus (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1901 (synonyms R. secundus Pratt, 1914; R. indicus Simha & Chattopadhyaya, 1969) (fam. Rhytidodidae) from the intestine.
Why we are bored: towards a sociological approach to boredom

Abstract The experience of boredom is strongly connected to our well-being. It can be a powerful driver toward a meaningful life and a great source of creativity. However, it can also pose a severe risk to our health. In recognition of its importance, in recent years, more and more researchers have begun to investigate the topic of boredom. However, while the psychological factors influencing boredom have been studied extensively, its social conditions are still poorly understood. The article aims to fill this research gap by providing a synthesized literature review of explicitly sociologically-inclined boredom research as well as implicit sociological ideas in the interdisciplinary field of boredom studies. On the basis of this data, we argue that boredom is not an interpersonal state, but a social emotion which is influenced by (1) cultural and (2) organizational norms/rules, (3) the individual’s position in the social structure, and (4) interaction processes.
Effects of Dewatering on Chinook Salmon Redds: Tolerance of Four Developmental Phases to Daily Dewaterings

Abstract Four intergravel developmental phases of chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha were dewatered experimentally in artificial redds. The redds consisted of aquaria containing a gravel mix and supplied with 4 liters of water per minute at 10 C. Cleavage eggs and embryos (the egg phases), and eleutheroembryos and pre-emergent alevins (the alevin phases) were dewatered 20 consecutive times in 22-day tests. The egg phases were considerably more tolerant than the alevins. Some cleavage eggs were killed by 12- and 16-hour daily dewaterings, but embryos survived up to 22-hour daily dewaterings. Embryos also tolerated extended, multiple dewaterings (over 60% survival for four consecutive 118-hour periods) and one-time, continuous dewatering for up to 12 consecutive days (over 80% survival). In contrast, about half the eleutheroembryos were killed by 4-hour daily dewaterings, and nearly all pre-emergent alevins were killed by 1-hour daily dewaterings. Intergravel temperatures were affected by insolation an.
Variations in Datura Due to Changes in Chromosome Number

Two forms with which we ha.vTe recently carried on breeding experiments, the garden flower Portulaca and the jimson weed (Datura Stramnoniumn), are strikingly different in the types of variations which they show. The Porttulaca is procurable in a wide range of color varieties, and is apparently subject to relatively frequent mutations, both seminal and sonmatic, with sectorial and periclinal chimeras a common phenomenon. Sufficient breeding tests have been made to indicate that the varieties of Portulaca are due in large measure at least to gene nmutations. In comparison with Portutlaca, the jimson weed is relatively stable so far as gene mutations are concerned. Despite the large amount of breeding work with this species, both before and since the rediscovery of Mendel's law, only the two allelomnorphic pairs of characters, purple vs. white flowers, and spiny vs. smooth capsules, have been identified aside from the pair, tall vs. short stature recently determined by the writer and Avery (3). It is true that certain of our pure lines of Datura differ slightly from others when grown in comparable pedigrees, but the fact remains that so far as sharply contrasting Mendelian characters are concerned, . the jimson weed! is highly stable, while the Portulaca is highly mutable. Our knowledge of changes in chromosome number in other forms is not sufficient o indicate if there is any significance for the present discussion in the difference just mentioned between Portttlaca and Datura. Our interest in Datura began about 1910 or 1911, when the jimsons were used as demonstration material for students in genetics. In 1915 we found our first mutaiit which we ca.lled the Globe fronm the shape of its capsules.
LIGHT AND NUTRIENT LIMITATION OF SEA‐ICE MICROALGAE (HUDSON BAY, CANADIAN ARCTIC) 1

Changes in the biochemical composition of sea‐ice microalgae (southeastern Hudson Bay, Canadian Arctic) were used to assess the light and nutrient status of cells growing at the ire‐water interface. These changes allowed us to test the hypothesis that ire algae are limited by light at the beginning of their growth season and become periodically limited by nutrients as the season progresses. During the vernal growth season, three patterns of variation in cellular components were found in response to changes in environmental conditions. 1) Chlorophylls a and c, ATP, carbohydrate, and carbon followed the seasonal increase in under‐ice irradiance, which was mainly mused by melting of the snow cover. 2) Dissolved and biogenic silicon underwent periodic variations, which were coupled to the fortnightly neap‐spring cycle of tidal mixing. 3) Cellular contents of free amino acids, protein, and total nitrogen remained relatively constant during the season. An early decrease in intracellular chlorophylls a and c suggests that ire algae did respond to small changes in solar irradiance by changing the pigment composition of their photosynthetic units. Seasonal increases in ATP, carbohydrate, and total carbon indicate light limitation in April, followed in May by a period of excess irradiance and/or nutrients in short supply. The seasonal increase in ATP and the high values of the ratio free amino acids: protein show that neither phosphorus nor nitrogen limited algal growth at the ire‐water interface. In May, higher values of carbohydrate: protein, carbon: nitrogen, carbon: chlorophyll a, and also carbon: silicon and ATP: silicon indicate that the ice algae became silicon‐deficient in their natural environment. Following a period of light limitation, at the beginning of the season, ice‐algal growth became silicon‐limited, when in situ irradiance and the accumulated algal biomass were high and the tidally‐driven nutrient supply was not strong enough to satisfy algal nutrient requirements.
Capital structure dynamics: China and India (Chindia) perspective

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamics of capital structure for businesses in China and India. Whether and how they adjust their capital structures to witness the trade-off behaviour in the light of different macro-level factors. ,Firms listed on the National Stock Exchange and Shanghai Stock Exchange over the period of 2009-2018 are used for the study. System generalized method of moments proposed by Blundell and Bond (1998) is deployed due to the use of dynamic short panel data. ,Indian firms revert to their target leverage ratios at a higher rate as compared to Chinese firms (30 and 20 per cent, respectively). Further, the inflation rate, bond market and stock market development are significant factors impacting leverage in the case of India, whereas bond market development significantly impacts leverage in the case of China. These results are robust across various definitions of leverage and other firm and institutional control variables. ,This study has implications for various stakeholders. The study highlights that development in financial markets and economy impact the financing decisions and should be a cause for concern for the financial managers and policymakers. Thus, managers can use the findings of the study if they desire to maintain their target capital structures for better firm valuation and the policymakers can support them in achieving the same. Even, the investors can make informed investment decisions considering macro-level factors impacting firms’ financing choices. ,It is believed to be the first piece of research effort to consider the novel paradigm of the macro-level factors impacting the target leverage to estimate the adjustment speed. Secondly, it is a pioneering study, which attempts to compare the trade-off behaviour of the top two emerging economies of the world.
Prolonged Oral Administration of Methyl Mercury Chloride to Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri) Fingerlings

Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) fingerlings were fed rations containing 4, 8, 16, and 24 ppm mercury as methyl mercury chloride over a 105-day period. Fish receiving the 16- and 24-ppm rations had significantly higher blood packed cell volumes than did controls. Hyperplasia of the gill epithelium was the only morphologic alteration detected in these fish. Individual fish accumulated up to 30 ppm mercury in muscle tissue, but no mortality that could be attributed to mercury occurred.The results suggest that trout can tolerate a large body burden of mercury, if this mercury is acquired over a period of time.
Characterization of Acid and Pepsin Soluble Collagen from the Skin of Horse Mackerels (Magalaspis cordyla) and Croaker (Otolithes ruber)

Acid and pepsin-soluble collagen was isolated from the skin of horse mackerel (Magalaspis cordyla) and croaker (Otolithes ruber) using 0.5 M acetic acid followed by precipitation with 0.9 M NaCl. The yields of acid soluble collagen were 17.3 ± 0.4 and 21.9 ± 0.6% and pepsin soluble collagen (22.5 ± 0.8 and 25.7 ± 0.3%) as per wet weight basis, respectively. The extracted acid soluble collagen and pepsin soluble collagen were characterized by SDS-PAGE, amino acid composition and FTIR spectroscopy. SDS-PAGE showed that all the extracted collagen contained two alpha components (α 1 and α 2) and one beta component (β); all the collagens were typical type I and maintained their triple helical structures well with slight molecular structure differences. The amino acid profiles of these collagens were similar with a low imino acid content. Therefore, there is a possibility to use horse mackerel and croaker skin collagen as an alternative source for commercial collagen and may find applications in the food, cosmetic, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries.
Investigations into the health of brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata) before and after reintroduction

The health of reintroduced animals has received little attention despite the potential impacts of poor animal health on the overall success of the reintroduction and potential risks to the host environment. As part of a reintroduction program, captive-bred brush-tailed rock-wallabies (BTRWs) (Petrogale penicillata) were hardened-off for at least three months before release into the Grampians National Park, western Victoria. A total of 41 animals were involved in the project, with the 24 selected for hardening-off aged between 1.1 and 4.3 years. In all, 21 animals have been released, with data from 11 collected from all sites (captive, hardening-off and reintroduced). At each site animals were periodically trapped, anaesthetised, physically examined, weighed, and blood sampled for haematological and biochemical data over three calendar years. All reintroduced animals were radio-collared. This study presents data across sites (167 samples), two seasons (winter/spring, 95 samples; summer/autumn, 72 samples), two different age groups (juveniles 1.25 years) and both sexes. Seventy percent of released BTRWs and 90% of sympatric macropodids were positive for macropod herpes virus; none of three BTRWs tested for toxoplasmosis was positive. Faeces were collected opportunistically for flotation and ectoparasites were collected and identified. While physical examinations with anaesthesia were safe and eliminated some animals from being released, they failed to detect all cases of oral cavity disease. A reference range of haematological and biochemical parameters have been established for this evolutionarily significant unit of BTRW. Lymphocyte/neutrophil ratios of released animals suggested that the main acute stressor is a handling phenomenon but the oxidative stress index suggested that animals were coping with their environment. Significant site differences were noted for several variables including red cell mass (red cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit), white cell count, lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio, albumin globulin ratio, creatinine, urate, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, retinol, cholinesterase, total carotenoids and oxidative stress index. Significant seasonal differences were noted for some variables, including red cell mass, ascorbic acid, albumin globulin ratio, cholinesterase, total carotenoids and retinol. Significant age differences were noted for red cell mass, albumin and dietary antioxidants. The only sex-related difference related to higher retinol levels in females. Those parameters related to diet, e.g. albumin, retinol, α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and total carotenoids were consistent with those found in other rock-wallabies.
Effects of weaning beef cattle in two stages or by abrupt separation on nasal abrasions, behaviour, and weight gain

The effects of traditional (n = 103) and two-stage weaning (n = 89) on nasal abrasions, behaviour, and weight gain were evaluated in a total of 192 cow-calf pairs. Two-stage calves were prevented from suckling by fitting nose flaps for 7 days before separation from their mothers. Nasal abrasions caused by the devices were assessed by scoring the irritations of the nasal septum at removal and 1 week later. The behaviour of 20 calves was observed for 3 days before and 4 days after weaning and vocalisations of the cows after separation were recorded. Nasal abrasions were found in more than 95% of the animals at removal, whereas 30% of the animals showed heavy bleeding and 10% suffered from even worse injuries. One week later, 45% of the calves still showed irritations. Cows of the traditional group vocalised 19.2 and those of the two-stage group 3.7 times per hour (P < 0.001). Compared with the pre-weaning period, calves spent more time walking on Days 1 and 2 after weaning (P < 0.01). However, the duration was significantly lower in two-stage than in traditionally weaned animals (P < 0.01). After removal of the devices, the time spent for walking increased again for 2 days. An effect on the weight gain of the calves was not noted. In conclusion, two-stage weaning positively influenced the post-weaning behaviour, but the nose flaps caused heavy nasal abrasions in the calves. Therefore, the design of the devices and the period they are fitted should be modified to minimise nasal abrasions.
Re-examining the Effect of Financial Development on Economic Growth in India: Does the Measurement of Financial Development Matter?

ABSTRACT Financial development is a multidimensional process. Over the years with the invention of various new products and services, the financial sector (both financial institutions and financial markets) across the globe has significantly evolved. The endeavor in this article is to investigate the relationship between financial development and economic growth in India for the period 1980–2017. To do so, it employs principal component analysis (PCA) to construct a financial development index, which measures the financial depth of the Indian economy. Using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and error correction model (ECM), the study estimates a positive effect of financial development on economic growth in the long run and the short run, respectively. In addition, the empirical estimates posit a bidirectional relationship between financial development and economic growth. The uniqueness of this study lies in that it unravels a unidirectional relationship between the stock market and economic growth. The study, however, finds that appropriate liberalization policies spur economic growth in India.
The interrelationships between gill chloride cell morphology and ionic uptake in four freshwater teleosts

We have investigated the role of the gill chloride cell in transbranchial Na+ and Cl− uptake in four species of freshwater teleost maintained in water of identical ionic composition. The basic experimental protocol was to determine whether interspecific variability in the rates of whole body Na+ or Cl− uptake could be accounted for by similar interspecific variability in the fractional area of branchial chloride cells exposed to the external environment. To investigate the underlying cause(s) of intraspecific variability, chronic (10 day) treatment with cortisol in each species was used as a tool to evoke variations in both the rates of ionic uptake and chloride cell morphology. Examination of transmission and scanning electron micrographs revealed distinctive chloride cell and pavement cell morphology in each species. The results of quantitative morphometry, based on analysis of scanning electron micrographs, demonstrated that European eel (Anguilla anguilla) possessed the lowest chloride cell fractional.
Novel second-order sliding mode guidance law with an impact angle constraint that considers autopilot lag for intercepting manoeuvering targets

ABSTRACT A novel second-order sliding-mode-based impact angle and autopilot lag guidance law for engaging manoeuvering targets with unknown acceleration is presented in this study. A backstepping technique is applied to the design of the sliding surface. The proposed guidance law is based on a new sliding surface. It exhibits the advantage of ensuring that the sliding surface and its derivative will converge to zero in finite time while guaranteeing that the sliding surface will not cross zero until the ultimate time. The method effectively eliminates the undesired chattering of the sliding surface. To compensate for the uncertainty caused by target manoeuvering, a new observer is developed to estimate target manoeuvering. The convergence of the system is proven through a Lyapunov function and finite time convergence theory. Lastly, mathematical simulations results show that the proposed guidance law can achieve precise interception with a wide range of impact angles, thereby verifying the effectiveness of the guidance law.
Acquisition and Allocation of Resources: Genetic (CO) Variances, Selection, and Life Histories

We investigate a genetic model in which two traits result from the acquisition and allocation of a single resource. Phenotypic values for the two traits are written as a product of the total amount of the resource acquired and the proportion allotted to each of them. Although multiplicative gene action determines the traits, the epistasis at the gene level is mainly expressed in the additive genetic variance and covariance at the level of the measured traits. Phenotypic and additive genetic covariances between the two traits can be positive or negative; a negative additive genetic covariance can be accompanied by a positive phenotypic covariance. An acquisition-allocation model is the only model of multiplicative gene action that allows simultaneous selection on two traits to be written in matrix form. We use the model of resource acquisition and allocation to find the life-history consequences of acquisition of a resource and allocation to two traits. Two alternative allocation strategies--priority allocation to viability or to fecundity--lead to different evolutionarily stable strategies (ESSs) in life-history components. Primary allocation to fecundity has allocation fractions of zero or one as its stable state. Primary allocation to viability leads to an ESS allocation fraction that depends on resource availability, population growth rate, and the age structure of the population. In a poor environment and for inherently long-lived animals, the ESS allocation fraction tends in the direction of higher viability.
Factors affecting protozoan predation of bacteria clogging laboratory aquifer microcosms

Laboratory aquifer microcosms were used to test the ability of a protozoan predator(Acanthamoeba castellanii) to mitigate reductions in saturated hydraulic conductivity of a porous medium caused by its bacterial prey (Bacillus sp.). Predation was able to prevent clogging and reduced bacterial numbers in the short term in continuous‐flow sand columns inoculated with bacteria and protozoa used to simulate aquifer conditions. However, over the longer term, increased pressure in columns with bacteria and protozoa was similar to control columns inoculated with bacteria alone. Several factors allowed the bacteria to persist and clog the columns in spite of predation. Bacteria were able to migrate from the point of inoculation up a nutrient gradient against flow toward the column inlet, whereas amoebae were not able to migrate. The availability of the bacterial prey was limited by growth of the bacteria in crevices of the sand particles that were not accessible to the amoebae. The availability of bacterial prey .