Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological and neuroendocrine responses to chronic variable stress in male California mice (Peromyscus californicus): Influence of and paternal state.

Summary Social environment and parental state affect stress responses in mammals, but their impact may depend on the social and reproductive strategy of the species. The inﬂuences of cohabitation with a male or female conspeciﬁc, and the birth of offspring, on the physiological and endocrine responses to chronic variable stress were studied in the monogamous and biparental California mouse ( Peromyscus californicus ). Adult male California mice were housed either with a male cage mate (virgin males, VM), a female cage mate (pair-bonded males, PBM), or a female cage mate and their ﬁrst newborn litter (new fathers, NF). VM, PBM and NF underwent a 7-day chronic variable stress paradigm (CVS, three stressors per day at semi-random times, n = 7—8 per housing condition). Compared to control males (CON, n = 6—7 per housing condition), CVS caused loss of body mass, increased basal plasma corticosterone concentrations, and increased basal expression of arginine vasopressin (AVP) mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). These effects were independent of housing condition. Neither CVS nor housing condition altered novel-stressor-induced corticosterone release, spleen or testis mass, or basal expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA in the PVN. Although CVS appeared to increase adrenal mass and reduce thymus mass speciﬁcally in NF, these effects were explained by the lower adrenal mass and higher thymus mass of NF compared to PBM and VM under control conditions. These results suggest that neither engaging in a pair bond nor becoming a father attenuates typical responses to CVS, but that fatherhood may provide a buffer against transient mild stressors (i.e., weighing and blood sampling in the control groups) in this monogamous and biparental rodent.
Release of an endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor and RhoA/Rho kinasemediated calcium sensitization of smooth muscle cell contraction are the main effectors for full and sustained hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction

The ability of an organism, or an organ therein, to respond appropriately to episodes of hypoxia is a key evolutionary determinant. In mammalian lungs, the response to acute hypoxia involves constriction of the intrapulmonary arteries (IPA) in the hypoxic region of the lung. This response, termed hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), effectively matches regional perfusion of the lung to regional ventilation and constitutes a pivotal homeostatic mechanism (25). HPV has, therefore, been the subject of intensive research for many years though little consensus exists regarding its underlying sensor(s) and effector(s) mechanisms. Indeed, heated debates abound once one mentions trigger words and phrases such as “redox”, “reactive oxygen species”, “potassium channels” etc., in relation to HPV (1, 28). This article focuses attention on another incendiary trigger phrase, namely “the endothelium”. In order to consider the role the we must first define the is usually immediate HPV
Speciﬁc recognition of guanines in non-duplex regions of nucleic acids with potassium tungstate and hydrogen peroxide

Structural features of nucleic acids have become an integral part of current biomedical research. Highly selective and readily performed methods with little toxicity that target guanosines in non-duplex nucleic acids are needed, which led us to search for an effective agent for guanosine sequencing. Treatment of DNA or RNA with potassium tungstate and hydrogen peroxide produced damaged guanosines in DNA or RNA sequences. The damaged guanosines in non-duplex DNA could be cleaved by hot piperidine. Similarly, damaged guanosines in non-duplex RNA could be cleaved by aniline acetate. We could identify structural features of nucleic acid using this strategy instead of dimethyl sulphate and Ribonuclease T1.
Emergence of Oﬂoxacin Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates from China as Determined by gyrA Mutation Analysis Using Denaturing High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography and DNA Sequencing (cid:1)

A high rate of double point mutations in gyrA (56% of 87 oﬂoxacin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates) indicates the emergence of ﬂuoroquinolone resistance. This is the ﬁrst report to describe denaturing high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis of mutations in gyrA of M. tuberculosis in a large number of clinical isolates.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Fungal CenH3 Proteins

Centromere H3 proteins (CenH3s) are variants of histone H3 specialized for packaging centromere DNA. Unlike canonical H3 which is among the most conserved of eukaryotic proteins, CenH3s are rapidly evolving, raising questions about orthology and conservation of function across species. To gain insight on CenH3 evolution and function, a phylogenetic analysis was undertaken on CenH3 proteins drawn from a single, ancient lineage, the Fungi. Using maximum likelihood methods, a credible phylogeny was derived for the conserved histone fold domain (HFD) of twenty-five fungal CenH3s. The collection consisted mostly of hemiascomycetous yeasts, but also included basidiomycetes, euascomycetes, and an archaeascomycete. The HFD phylogeny closely recapitulated known evolutionary relationships between the species, supporting CenH3 orthology. The fungal CenH3s lacked significant homology in their N termini except for those of the Saccharomyces / Kluyveromyces clade which all contained a region homologous to the essential N-terminal domain found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cse4. The ability of several heterologous CenH3s to function in S. cerevisiae was tested and found to correlate with evolutionary distance. Domain-swapping between S. cerevisiae Cse4 and the noncomplementing Pichia angusta ortholog showed that species-specificity could not be explained by the presence or absence of any recognized secondary structural element of the HFD.
A Theory of Interest Rate Stepping

: A stylised fact of monetary policy making is that central banks do not immediately respond to new information but rather seem to prefer to wait until sufficient ‘evidence’ to warrant a change has accumulated. However, theoretical models of inflation targeting imply that an optimising central bank should continuously respond to shocks. This paper attempts to explain this stylised fact by introducing a small menu cost which is incurred every time the central bank changes the interest rate. It is shown that this produces a relatively large range of inaction because this cost will induce the central bank to take the option value of the status quo into account. In other words, because action is costly the central bank will have an incentive to wait and see whether or not the economy will move closer to the inflation target of its own accord. Next, the paper analyses the implications for the time series properties of interest rates. In particular, we examine the effect of the interest rate sensitivity of aggregate demand, the slope of the Lucas supply function and the variance of demand shocks on the size of the interest rate step and the expected length of the time period till the next interest rate step. Finally, we analyse the effect of menu costs on inflationary expectations. In this respect we find that the economy will suffer from an inflationary bias if the cost of raising the interest rate exceeds the cost of lowering it.
Biphenyl 2,3 (cid:1) ,4,5 (cid:1) ,6-pentakisphosphate, a novel inositol polyphosphate surrogate, modulates Ca 2 (cid:1) responses in rat hepatocytes

Benzene polyphosphates containing phosphate groups on one ring are Ins(1,4,5)P 3 5-phos-phatase inhibitors when evaluated against type-I Ins(1,4,5)P 3 5-phosphatase. A novel biphenyl derivative, biphenyl 2,3 (cid:1) ,4,5 (cid:1) ,6-pentakisphosphate, with ﬁve phosphate groups on two rings was synthesized: It inhibited the activity of two inositol 5-phosphatases: type I and SHIP2 with Ins(1,3,4,5)P 4 as substrate. The inhibition was competitive with respect to the substrate.
Inﬂuence of Prior Exposure to Zidovudine on Stavudine Phosphorylation In Vivo and Ex Vivo

Intracellular phosphorylation of stavudine (d4T) and zidovudine (ZDV) was investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from ZDV-naive and ZDV-experienced human immunodeﬁciency virus (HIV)-positive patients. An in vivo study measured the amount of d4T triphosphate (d4TTP), while an ex vivo study assessed the capacity of cells to phosphorylate added d4T. Endogenous dTTP was also measured. d4TTP and dTTP were determined in vivo using a reverse transcriptase chain termination assay. In ex vivo studies, d4T (1 m M) was incubated in resting and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated (10 m g ml 2 1 ; 72 h) PBMCs for 24 h. After washing and methanol extraction, radiolabeled anabolites were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. d4TTP reached its highest level 2 to 4 h after dosing (0.21 6 0.14 pmol/10 6 cells; n 5 27 [mean 6 standard deviation]). Comparison of ZDV-naive and ZDV-experienced individuals showed no signiﬁcant difference in levels of d4TTP (ZDV naive, 0.23 6 0.17 pmol/10 6 cells [ n 5 7] versus ZDV experienced, 0.20 6 0.14 pmol/10 6 cells [ n 5 20]; P 5 0.473) or the d4TTP/dTTP ratio (0.14 6 0.12 [ n 5 7] and 0.10 6 0.08 [ n 5 20], respectively; p 5 0.391). Ex vivo data demonstrated no signiﬁcant difference in the formation of d4TTP or total d4T phosphates in naive and experienced patients (0.086 6 0.055 pmol/10 6 cells in ZDV-naive patients [ n 5 17] versus 0.081 6 0.038 pmol/10 6 cells in ZDV-experienced patients [ n 5 22]; P 5 0.767). The ability of HIV-infected patients to phosphorylate d4T in vivo and ex vivo was unchanged with increasing exposure to ZDV. and for at an CO . Experiments were performed in triplicate.
Haploidentical- versus identical-sibling transplant for AML in remission: a multi-centre, prospective study

The effects of HLA-identical sibling donor (ISDs) haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) on adults with intermediate- or high-risk acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in the first complete remission (CR1) are well established. Previous single-centre studies have demonstrated similar survival after unmanipulated haploidentical donor (HIDs) vs ISDs HSCT for haematological malignancies. To test the hypothesis that haploidentical HSCT would be a valid option as post-remission therapy for AML patients in CR1 lacking a matched donor, we designed a disease-specific, prospective, multi-centre study. Between July 2010 and Nov 2013, 450 patients were assigned to undergo HIDs (231 patients) or ISDs HSCT (219 patients) according to donor availability. Among HIDs and ISDs recipients, the 3-year disease free survival rate was 74% and 78% (P =.34), respectively; overall survival rate was 79% and 82% (P = .36), respectively; cumulative incidences of relapse were 15% and 15% (P = .98), and those of the non-relapse-mortality were 13% and 8% (P = .13), respectively. In conclusion, unmanipulated haploidentical-HSCT achieves outcomes similar to those of ISD-HSCT for AML patients in CR1. Such transplantation was proved to be a valid alternative as post-remission treatment for intermediate- or high-risk AML patients in CR1 lacking an identical donor. This study is registered to www.chictr. org as ChiCTR-OCH-10000940. results in outcomes equivalent to those of contemporaneous HLA–matched related and unrelated donor
The Physical and Mechanical Properties of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) with Recycled AAC as a Partial Replacement for Sand

The application of AAC has increased considerably in Malaysia since the 1990s. The usage of AAC has some advantages, but it also has negative environmental impacts since rejected concrete will become landfill. This study aimed to use AAC waste powder as a material that would partially replace the sand content to produce a new form of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC). The physical and mechanical properties of the newly developed AAC were investigated. This paper presents improved mechanical and physical properties of the new form of recycled AAC concrete. Besides these improvements, using recycled AAC could lower production costs. Furthermore, the usage of this recycled waste powder is both economically and environmentally advantageous. This study found that when recycled AAC was substituted for sand, AAC with a fine recycled powder content of 30% had a compressive strength that was around 16% higher than conventional AAC and between 29% and 156% higher than any value attained utilizing an industrial waste product. This study also confirmed that the greater strength could be identical to a higher tobermorite phase and that the recycled AAC surface showed a finer crystalline morphology.
Modi N et al: plaster cast versus Kirschner wire fixation in Colles fracture www.jrmds.in

Background: Colles fracture in adults is a common injury and considering that there is very limited knowledge about the best method of treatment, either conservative or surgical. There is insufficient evidence from comparisons tested within this study to establish the relative effectiveness of the two methods over one another but from a health policy and health care funders’ perspective it seems justifiable to apply least costly option for managing this common fracture in our country. Aim: To study the functional outcome following treatment of Colles fracture by using closed reduction and plaster cast application versus Kirschner wire fixation and to study the effectiveness and complications of both the procedure. Materials and Methods: 50 adult patients with fracture Colles were assigned in to two groups after informed consent. Both groups were investigated in usual manner.Group A: Cases treated with plaster cast application alone (n = 25). Group B: Cases treated with K-wire and plaster cast application (n = 25). The patients were followed up every four weeks till radiological union was seen. The assessment of results were made using the demerit score system of Gartland and Werley based on objective and subjective criteria, residual deformity and complications. Results: At 6 months postoperatively, According to Gartland and Werley Group A we had 5 (10%) excellent results, 12(24%) good results, 06(12%) fair results and 2 (4%) poor results. In group B, 5(10%) excellent results, 13(26%) good results, 07 (14%) fair results and none had poor results. Conclusion: From a health policy and health care funders’ perspective it seems justifiable to apply least costly option for managing this common fracture in our country.
Electrometer Calibration With Sub-Part-Per-Million Uncertainty

We performed calibrations of four different commercial picoammeters using the ultrastable low-noise current amplifier (ULCA) as a calibrator current source operated in the range between 1 fA and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1~\mu \text{A}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The results allow the comprehensive characterization of the devices under test regarding noise, settling, and burden voltage behavior as well as stability of the gain factor, and confirm the performance of the ULCA for use as small-current calibrator standard. Also, we present a further advanced setup for the calibration of transimpedance amplifiers. Accuracy limits for the best electrometer calibrations in the current range between 1 fA and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1~\mu \text{A}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and possible implications on corresponding calibration and measurement capabilities are discussed.
Phenotypic Diversiﬁcation and Adaptation of Serratia marcescens MG1 Bioﬁlm-Derived Morphotypes (cid:1)

We report here the characterization of dispersal variants from microcolony-type bioﬁlms of Serratia marc- escens MG1. Bioﬁlm formation proceeds through a reproducible process of attachment, aggregation, microcolony development, hollow colony formation, and dispersal. From the time when hollow colonies were observed in ﬂow cell bioﬁlms after 3 to 4 days, at least six different morphological colony variants were consistently isolated from the bioﬁlm efﬂuent. The timing and pattern of variant formation were found to follow a predictable sequence, where some variants, such as a smooth variant with a sticky colony texture (SSV), could be consistently isolated at the time when mature hollow colonies were observed, whereas a variant that produced copious amounts of capsular polysaccharide (SUMV) was always isolated at late stages of bioﬁlm development and coincided with cell death and bioﬁlm dispersal or sloughing. The morphological variants differed extensively from the wild type in attachment, bioﬁlm formation, and cell ultrastructure properties. For example, SSV formed two- to threefold
& Trask, R. (2018). Thermally induced reversible and reprogrammable actuation of tough hydrogels utilising ionoprinting and iron coordination chemistry. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 254 ,

Ionoprinting has proven itself as a technique capable of enabling repeated post-synthesis programming of hydrogels into a variety of different shapes, achieved through a variety of different actuation pathways. To date, the technique of ionoprinting has been limited to conventional brittle hydrogels, with reversible actuation requiring a change in submersion solution. In this study, ionoprinting has been com-bined for the ﬁrst time with a tougher interpenetrating network polymer (IPN) hydrogel with dual pH and temperature responsiveness. This new methodology eliminates the brittle material failure typically occurring during shape change programming and actuation in hydrogels, thus allowing for the realisa- tion of more highly strained and complex shape formation than previously demonstrated. Critically, the temperature responsiveness of this system enables actuation between an unfolded (2D) and a folded (3D) shape through an external stimuli; enabling reversible actuation without a change in submersion solution. Here, the reversible thermally induced actuation is demonstrated for the ﬁrst time through the formation of complex multi-folded architectures, including an origami crane bird and Miura folds, from ﬂat hydrogel sheets. The robustness of the IPN hydrogel is demonstrated through multiple reprogram- ming cycles and repeated actuation of a single hydrogel sheet formed into 3D shapes (hexagon, helix and zig-zag). These advancements vastly improve the applicability of ionoprinting extending its application into areas of soft robotics, biomedical engineering and enviro intelligent sensors.
agronomy Alleviation of Salinity Induced Oxidative Stress in Chenopodium quinoa by Fe Biofortiﬁcation and Biochar—Endophyte Interaction

: Iron-biofortiﬁcation is a sustainable food-based approach to combat iron deﬁciency by increasing iron content and bioavailability in agronomic crops. Siderophore producing microbes o ﬀ er a sustainable and low-cost way to increase iron supply in crops. Also, certain substances released from organic amendments act as iron-chelators which increase the solubility as well as the availability of iron to plants. Present study investigated the role of siderophore-producing endophytic bacteria and biochar on iron-fortiﬁcation of a novel crop quinoa in iron-limited saline conditions. The surface-disinfected seeds of quinoa were inoculated with Burkholderia phytoﬁrmans PsJN (CFU = 10 9 ) and sown in saline soil (EC 20 dS m − 1 ) amended with biochar (1% w / w ). Results revealed that biochar and PsJN particularly when applied together signiﬁcantly enhanced plant growth, grain yield, and grain nutrient contents of quinoa. Strikingly, iron concentration in quinoa grains was increased up to 71% by the combined application of biochar and PsJN. Moreover, plant physiological parameters were also improved signiﬁcantly by the integrated application. However, enzymatic / non-enzymatic antioxidants activities were decreased by integrated treatment thus ameliorated salinity stress. Our study suggests that integrated application of siderophore-producing bacteria and biochar could be a promising, sustainable and cost-e ﬀ ective strategy which is easily integratable into the existing farming practices to achieve food fortiﬁcation with micronutrients in developing countries.
University of Birmingham Picking winners

We use data from the Young Lives longitudinal survey to analyse the effect of socioeconomic conditions and gender on the educational performance of young children in India. In particular, we use data for standardised scores on two cognitive tests: the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and a maths test. Our results show that there are significant gender differences in the way that household wealth affects the educational performance of children. Specifically, boys born into wealthier households perform significantly better in maths than those from worse-off economic backgrounds. The effect of wealth on the PPVT is stronger for girls than it is for boys. The results are robust across a range of specifications. The effect of household wealth on performance differed between the genders, even when we focused our analysis on the bottom 10% and top 10% of the performance distribution. One possible explanation for these differences is parental aspirations. We tested this hypothesis and found that boys from wealthier households with higher parental educational aspirations are positively and significantly associated with higher maths scores. Further analysis showed that the moderating role of parents’ educational aspirations was more pronounced at the top of the test score distribution, an indication that more able children are associated with wealthier and more ambitious parents. a rich longitudinal cohort study of childhood poverty for low-to-middle-in-come countries. We observed analysed how socioeconomic factors such as household wealth have affected the educational outcomes experienced by children. We focused our attention on performance, as measured by standardised scores on two cognitive tests: the PPVT and maths test. Our results show that household wealth is an important predictor of a child’s performance in both types of cognitive tests: children from wealthier households tend to achieve higher grades in both types of these tests. We also, however, find that there are significant gender differences in the way that household wealth affects the educational performance of children. In nearly all of the estimations, household wealth was found to have a consistently stronger effect for boys, particularly in maths test. The effect of wealth differed between the two genders, even when we focused our analysis on the bottom and top 10% of the performance distribution. In particular, we found clear and persistent gender differences in test performance, with boys tending to systematically perform better in maths than girls. This finding is consistent with suggestions that family background may encourage girls and boys to value different aspect and subjects of education differently (Sullivan and Brown, 2015).