Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipid-induced cell stress and insulin resistance

In our Westernized society, although some excess body fat is stored inside its proper place, adipose tissue, the surplus of circulating fatty acids is also excessively stored in the liver, heart, pancreas and skeletal muscle. In these tissues, intracellular fat accumulation, in combination with a low oxidative capacity, is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity. Although the exact mechanism behind the negative effect of intracellular lipid accumulation on insulin sensitivity has not been completely unravelled, ample evidence suggests that fatty acid intermediates, such as diacylglycerol, fatty acyl-coenzyme-A and ceramides, can hamper insulin signalling. However, recent evidence also points towards a role for reactive oxygen species in the development of insulin resistance. The present review will focus on how fatty acids in combination with oxidative stress can lead to lipid-induced oxidative damage, thereby impairing mitochondrial function and facilitatin g the accumulation of muscular lipids. Keywords: type 2 diabetes; muscle; mitocondria; UCP3; reactive oxygen species; fatty acid
Aquatic macrophytes of Northeastern Brazil: checklist, richness, distribution and life forms [with erratum]

Aquatic plants have great influence on the structure and dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, thereby contributing considerably to biodiversity. In Brazil, knowledge of the biodiversity of aquatic macroflora is still limited. We present a checklist of aquatic macrophytes occurring in the northeastern region of Brazil through a bibliographic search. We recorded a total of 412 species, 217 genera and 72 families. The most representative families were Cyperaceae (70 species), Poaceae (38), Fabaceae (27) and Asteraceae (20). The States with highest number of species were Pernambuco (370), Bahia (360), Ceara (267) and Paraiba (261). The best-represented life forms were amphibious (193 species) and emergent (100). The aquatic flora of Northeastern Brazil exhibits high species richness; however, there is a scarcity of records of aquatic macrophytes for the States of Alagoas, Rio Grande do Norte, Maranhao, Sergipe and Piaui.
Thermal and rheological properties of self-fabricated polyethylene glycol-plasticized poly(lactic acid) filaments for fused deposition modeling

In this work, thermal and rheological properties of self-fabricated polylactic acid (PLA) filaments without and with 10-wt% polyethylene glycol (PLA/0PEG and PLA/10PEG, respectively) were investigated, and the properties were compared with a commercial PLA filament used for fused deposition modeling (FDM). The result showed that the melt flow index for self-fabricated filaments was comparable with commercial filaments at approximately 10 g/10 min at 190°C, suggesting suitability to be used as filament for FDM with well-wetted layers. Variation in thermal properties was found in PLA/10PEG with 20°C higher cold crystallization temperature (T cc) after FDM in which disruption of the molecular arrangement reduced the ability for chain alignment and folding. The result also revealed that addition of PEG decreased the storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), and complex viscosity (η*), resulting in slow crystallization behavior, and however, the properties did not induce degradation of the filaments and printing products.
Formal Genetics of Ascidians

SYNOPSIS. Our knowledge of ascidian genetics is reviewed. The paper is primarily concerned with the author's past and current work on the colonial species Bolryllus schlosseri . Five Mendelian loci account for most of its impressive polychromatism. Breeding experiments have substantiated the hypothesis of a single multiallelic locus for each of three enzymes (MDH, SOD, PGI) suggested by electrophoretic patterns. The nuclei of three linkage groups have been revealed. Self—fertilization entails a severe inbreeding depression. A specific self, nonself recognition, expressed by fusion or repulsion of contacting colonies, occurs in this species also. At variance with Botryllus primigenus , fusible colonies of B. schlosseri are completely interfertile. This has allowed a more direct genetic analysis of the phenomenon, confirming the alleged control by a single multiallelic locus. In order to fuse, the confronted colonies must share at least one allele. Young buds grafted in the tunic after removal of all the zooids develop a new colony at the host's expense only if donor and host are fusible. This means that fusibility and histocompatibility are strictly correlated. Chimerical colonies, obtained either in this way or following the resorption of one of two fused colonies, are now being investigated for their recognition specificity and electrophoretic pattern. Preliminary data indicate that both can be durably altered, suggesting that the allogeneic cell populations are persistent and renewing.
Influence of Organic Manures on Soil Characteristics and Yield of Jerusalem Artichoke

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to study the influence of three organic manures, farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PLM), and pigeon manure (PGM), on soil physical and chemical properties on tuber yield of Jerusalem artichoke in a newly reclaimed saline calcareous soil. A field experiment was conducted applying the three manures, alone and/or in different combinations. Soils were investigated at surface (0–30 cm) and subsurface (30–60 cm) layers before and after planting, and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The results indicated that the application of 31.5 kg ha−1 of PLM+10.5 kg of PGM T7 recorded highest available nitrogen, zinc, copper, and moisture content at the surface layer. The same results were obtained for iron and manganese at both layers. While, applying 21.0 kg ha−1 FYM+21.0 kg ha−1 PLM T10 recorded the best treatment for pH, phosphorus, zinc, copper, moisture content, and saturation percentage at the subsurface layer. Applying 21.0 kg ha−1 PGM + 10.5 kg ha−1 FYM+10.5 kg ha−1 PLM T15 recorded the best treatment for organic matter content and bulk density at surface layer and reduced the electrical conductivity and inulin tuber content at both layers. On the other hand, calcium carbonate and sodium adsorption ratio were reduced in both layers by applying 21.0 kg ha−1 PLM+10.5 kg ha−1 FYM+10.5 kg ha−1 PGM T14. The best treatment for tuber nitrogen content and total yield was obtained with applying 42.0 kg ha−1 PLM T2 only and 31.5 kg ha−1 FYM+10.5 kg ha−1 PLM T4, respectively.
Temperate grasslands and global atmospheric change: a review

Summary Recent reviews confirm and extend previous observations that elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations stimulate photosynthesis, leading to increased plant productivity. Elevated CO2 concentrations tend to reduce the sensitivity of grassland ecosystems to low levels of precipitation but induce progressive nitrogen (N) limitations on plant growth which can be alleviated by supplying a significant external input of N in the form of mineral fertilizer or through the increased use of N-fixing legumes. Other nutrients, such as phosphorus, can act as the main limiting factor restricting the growth response in legumes to atmospheric CO2 concentration. The botanical composition of temperate grasslands is affected by the rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration, possibly through a decline in the relative abundance of grasses. Elevated CO2 concentration will also alter the feeding value of herbage to grazers both in terms of fine-scale (for example, crude protein concentration and C:N ratio) and coarse-scale (legumes vs. grasses and C3- vs. C4-species) changes. The management guidelines of grasslands will need to be adapted to global atmospheric and climatic changes and to increased variability in climate.
Seasonal cambial activity and xylem development in Pinuscontorta in relation to endogenous indol-3-yl-acetic and (S)-abscisic acid levels

Seasonal cambial activity and xylem development were monitored anatomically at several main-stem positions in 20-year-old Pinuscontorta Dougl. Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry and electron-capture gas-chromatography quantifications of endogenous indol-3-yl-acetic acid (IAA) and (S)-abscisic acid (ABA), respectively, were made in these same tissues. In addition, IAA and ABA were measured in shoot apices, growing needles, and mature needles. Cambial reactivation occurred several weeks before budbreak at the base of the living crown, and it occurred only slightly before budbreak in younger cambia. Neither an acropetal nor a basipetal progression of reactivation were found. In contrast, early-wood development commenced in foliated stem locations well before commencing in nonfoliated regions. IAA and ABA levels in the cambial region increased, but little, immediately before cambial reactivation. IAA levels in extending apices, extending needle bases, and cambia reached maxima in midsummer. Cambial IAA le.
Malaysia Private Entity Reporting Standard (MPERS) adoption for SMEs: Insights from Accounting Practitioners in Malaysia

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have very significant contribution to economic growth of the countries as more than 95% of companies worldwide and employment are represented by the SMEs industries. Therefore, in increasing the harmonization of reporting standard of SMEs, Malaysia is moving aggressively towards the efforts by introducing the Malaysian Private Entity Reporting Standard (MPERS) for SMEs starting from 1 st January 2016 onwards. MPERS is seen to bring opportunities to the business as it is adoption of international standard that has been designed to fits the local needs and the customization to the Malaysian business environment could ensure comparability of the locals with the international business. Hence, this research attempt to 1) examine the perceptions of accounting practitioners on MPERS implementation and 2) identify the problems encountered in applying MPERS in SMEs. This study provides pioneering evidence on the problems of the practitioners encountered when applying the MPERS through the 176 questionnaires survey that have been distributed to the accounting practitioners that involve with MPERS implementation for SMEs in Malaysia. The insights and perceptions obtained highlighting new dimensions to the inherent problem such as issues of consistency and guidance in applying the MPERS with the cost-effective manner. Thus, the issues of differences in judgements among the practitioners become a phenomenon in relation to the application of MPERS for SMEs. The findings of this study are of interest to standard setters and SMEs stakeholders in Malaysia and other countries.
Nucleation and stabilization of Eocene dolomite in evaporative lacustrine deposits from central Tibetan plateau

In past decades, the formation of dolomite at low temperature has been widely studied in both natural systems and cultured experiments, yet the mechanism(s) involved in the nucleation and precipitation of dolomite remains unresolved. Late Eocene dolomitic deposits from core in the upper Niubao Formation (Lunpola Basin, central Tibetan Plateau, China) are selected as a case study to understand the dolomitization process(es) in the geological record. Dolomite formation in Lunpola Basin can be ascribed to a different mechanism forming the large quantities of replacive dolostones in the geological record; and provides a potential fossil analogue for primary dolomite precipitation at low temperature. This analogue consists of an alternation of laminated dolomitic beds, organic‐rich and siliciclastic layers; formed in response to intense evaporation interpreted to take place in a continental shallow lake environment. Mineralogical, textural and stable isotopic evaluations suggest that the dolomite from those dense‐clotted laminated beds is a primary precipitate. At the nanoscale, these dolomitic beds are composed of Ca–Mg carbonate globular nanocrystals (diameter 80 to 100 nm) embedded in an organic matrix and attached to clay flakes. Micro‐infrared spectroscopy analyses have revealed the presence of aliphatic compounds in the organic matrix. Microscopic and elemental compositional studies suggest that clay surfaces may facilitate the nucleation of dolomite at low temperature in the same way as the organic matrix does. The dolomite laminae show values for δ18OVPDB from −3.2 to −1.76‰ and for δ13CVPDB from −2.62 to −3.78‰. Inferred δ18OSMOW values of the lake water reveal typical evaporitic hydrological conditions. These findings provide a potential link to primary dolomite formation in ancient and modern sedimentary environments; and shed new light on the palaeoenvironmental conditions in central Tibet during the Eocene.
Dynamics of Rayleigh-Taylor Instability in Plasma Fluids

The chapter discusses the evolution of Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) in ordinary fluids and in a plasma fluid. RT instability exits in many situations from overturn of the outer portion of the collapsed core of a massive star to laser implosion of deuterium-tritium fusion targets. In the mixture of fluids, the instability is triggered by the gravitational force acting on an inverted density gradient. The motivation behind the study of the instability has been explored by discussing the applications of RT instability. The basic magnetohydrodynamics equations are used to derive the dispersion relation (for an ordinary fluid and plasmas) for two fluids of unequal densities. The conditions of the growth rate of the instability and the propagating modes are obtained by linearizing the fluid equations. The perturbed potential is found to increase with the plasma parameters in a Hall thruster.
MECHANISMS OF RAPID PHOTOSYNTHETIC ADAPTATION IN NATURAL PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES. II. CHANGES IN PHOTOCHEMICAL CAPACITY AS MEASURED BY DCMU‐INDUCED CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE 1

Photochemical responses to changing light or nutrient conditions were examined in three phytoplankton communities by in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence before (Fa) and after (Fb) the addition of the electron flow inhibitor 3(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethyl urea. These values were used to calculate an index called “cellular fluorescence capacity” (CFC), defined as (Fb– Fa)/Fb. CFC varied markedly throughout the day and night in the spring community of diatoms and green algae in Lake Taupo, New Zealand. Morning and afternoon maxima were separated by a pronounced depression during the midday peak irradiance. Under continuous low light Taupo plankton demonstrated a circadian rhythm in CFC, but the amplitude of variation was much lower than that recorded under natural or controlled light/dark regimes. In an oligotrophic water body (Wastwater) in the English Lake District a bimodal relationship between CFC and depth was observed when surface features indicated Langmuir circulation. Photochemical capacity measured as CFC could be raised or lowered in samples from this lake by exposure to bright or dim light for 4–8 h. Phytoplankton from a eutrophic lake with a history of nitrogen limitation (Lake Rotorua, New Zealand) responded to nitrogen enrichment after a lag of 4–6 h by an increase in CFC. This was correlated with enhanced rates of carbon fixation and, at longer time intervals, increased growth rates. These CFC data are consistent with the hypothesis that the capacity for non‐cyclic electron transport in natural phytoplankton communities is highly responsive to short‐term changes in light or the availability of nutrients.
Performance management practices in humanitarian organisations

PurposeWe examine how design and implementation practices for supply chain performance management that have proven successful in commercial organisations apply to humanitarian organisations (HOs) to guide the process of designing and implementing performance management in humanitarian organisations.Design/methodology/approachWe identify from the literature ten successful practices regarding the design and implementation of supply chain performance management in commercial businesses. We apply these, using action research over a four-year period, at Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium and draw conclusions from this.FindingsWe find that tools and techniques, such as workshops and technical sheets, are essential in designing and implementing supply chain performance measurement projects at HOs. Furthermore, making a link to an IT project is crucial when implementing performance measurement systems at HOs. Overall, our case study shows that performance management practices used in business can be applied and are relevant for humanitarian supply chains.Originality/valuePrevious research has argued that there are few empirical studies in the domain of performance management at humanitarian organisations. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to provide a longitudinal understanding of the design and implementation of supply chain performance measurement at HOs.
Coarse woody debris and forest floor respiration in an old-growth coniferous forest on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA

Carbon dioxide evolution rates for downed logs (coarse woody debris) and the forest floor were measured in a temperate, old-growth rain forest in Olympic National Park, Washington, using the soda lime trap method. Measurements were taken every 4 weeks from October 22, 1991, to November 19, 1992. Respiration rates for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. ), logs were determined for decay classes 1–2, 3, and 5 in two diameter classes. Overall, western hemlock logs respired at a rate 35% higher (4.37 g CO2•m−2•day−1) than Douglas-fir logs (3.23 g CO2•m−2•day−1). Respiration rates for decay class 1–2 logs of both species were similar to decay class 5 logs (4.46 and 4.07 g CO2•m−2•day−1, respectively), but decay class 3 logs respired at a lower rate (3.23 g CO2•m−2•day−1). Seasonal patterns of respiration rates occurred, particularly for decay class 1 and 2 western hemlock logs where monthly averages ranged from a low of 2.67 g CO2•m−2•day−1 in Fe.
The effectiveness of rubber short fibers reinforcing on mechanical characterization of clay adobe elements under static loading

Abstract According to the evidence of numerous advantages of earthen buildings, there is an increasing interest to study adobe elements for sustainable development. This paper presents experimental investigation alongside numerical simulation of several adobe elements under compression, direct tension, three-point bending and indirect shear tests to have a better understanding of their basic mechanical properties. Two different mix-design of clay adobes including plain and short tire fibers reinforced adobes with unique soil type, water content and compacting level are provided. The tire fibers are the waste production of tire factories which are hazardous to the green environment. Numerical simulations are conducted in ABAQUS software for further analysis. In this direction, the material constitutive model and the damage indices are defined based on the experimental stress-strain relations which are achieved during this study and the model of concrete damage plasticity was considered in the software. Furthermore, the experimental observations for direct tensile and indirect shear tests were documented by means of a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique from a 2-D DIC system. The effectiveness of the added short fibers on the mechanical properties of the reinforced adobe were thoroughly discussed.
“Their needs are higher than what I can do”: Moral distress in providers working with Latino immigrant families

Social service providers tasked with alleviating the problems of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations are at particular risk for work-related stress and subsequent burnout. This article aims to move beyond individualized understandings of provider burnout and render visible the structural barriers that limit providers’ capacity to authentically help their clients. Guided by the concept of moral distress, we examined the experiences of 17 service providers who deliver behavioral and mental health services to Latino immigrants in a metropolitan area in Texas. An applied thematic analysis of individual interviews collected in 2015 revealed providers’ frustration with the countless systemic issues and helplessness in their inability to make substantial changes in their clients’ lives. This emotional toll, in turn, created a cycle where providers’ capacity to envision authentic, systemic change became limited. Our findings suggest that social work needs to go beyond the recommendations for self-care to prevent provider burnout and to address the inherent paradoxes in service provision to oppressed and vulnerable groups. We urge a shift toward a social action model to show an authentic commitment to social justice and to empower both providers and the marginalized populations they serve.
Synovial Anti Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies in Comparison with Serum Antibodies in Early and Late Rheumatoid Arthritis

Aim: The study objective was to evaluate the diagnostic value of synovial fluid anti cyclic citrullinated peptide (sf-anti CCP) in comparison to serum anti CCP (s-anti CCP) in early and late rheumatoid arthritis and to clarify its correlation with disease activity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study a total of 45 patients aged between 18 and 70 years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to the ACR criteria were enrolled. Twenty six patients had a disease duration of more than 2 years (late RA) whereas 19 cases were referred to as early RA (<2 yrs). Baseline characteristics and laboratory studies including complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in addition to anti CCP and rheumatoid factor (RF) levels in the serum and synovial fluid were recorded. Disease activity was assessed according to disease activity score of 28 joints - ESR (DAS28 - ESR). Results: Serum and synovial fluid anti CCP correlated significantly (p<0.001, r=0.6). Sf-anti CCP also significantly correlated with sf-RF (p=0.02, r=0.34). No correlation was found between sf-anti CCP and disease activity according to DAS28-ESR (p=0.38, r=0.13). There also was no statistically significant difference between early and late RA in terms of sf-anti CCP (p=0.9). Conclusion: The diagnostic value of sf-anti CCP for RA is similar to s-anti CCP. Therefore, sf-anti CCP can be useful if RA is suspected. The current study did not show any difference in sf-anti CCP between early and late RA and revealed no correlation with disease activity.
Genetic diversity in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris): influence of historical and prehistorical events

Genetic diversity of allozymes at 24 loci was studied in 23 populations of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.), including three seed orchard populations and an old-growth stand. Overall, the mean number of alleles per polymorphic locus was 2.9, the percentage of polymorphic loci was 92%, and the mean expected heterozygosity was 0.105. These values are comparable with diversity measures found in a similar loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) study. Diversity measures of the seed orchard sources and the old-growth stand were similar to those in the other natural seed sources. F statistics indicate very little inbreeding overall (FIS = -0.002) and low differentiation among populations (FST = 0.041). All measures of genetic diversity were significantly related to longitude; western sources tended to have more allozyme diversity. Since growth or survival are not related to longitude, and no important climatic variables are related to longitude within the natural range of longleaf, it is proposed that the east-west .