Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation and function of the mitochondrial protease HtrA2/Omi in the control of cell death

The serine protease HtrA2 is released from mitochondria following apoptotic stimuli. Once in the cytosol, HtrA2 has been implicated in promoting cell death by a caspase-dependent and -independent mechanism. However, mice lacking expression of HtrA2 show no evidence of reduced rates of cell death. On the contrary, loss of HtrA2 causes mitochondrial dysfunction leading to a neurodegenerative disorder with parkinsonian features. This suggests that the protease function of HtrA2 in the mitochondria, and not its pro-apoptotic action in the cytosol, is critical. Mammalian HtrA2 is therefore likely to function in vivo in a manner similar to its bacterial homologues, which are involved in protection against cell stress. The bacterial DegS homologue senses unfolded proteins, activating a proteolytic cascade leading to induction of stress response genes. Transcriptional profiling of wild type and HtrA2 knockout (KO) cells identified the stress-inducible transcription factor CHOP being differentially regulated when mitochondrial stress was triggered. CHOP up-regulation was found in HtrA2 KO mouse brains but not in other tissues. Transcriptional profiling of brain tissue revealed a number of putative ATF4 target genes being up-regulated in HtrA2 KO, among these CHOP. Promoter analysis identified a C/EBP-ATF composite site in the majority of the genes within this signature. Therefore, loss of HtrA2 might impact on nuclear gene expression specifically in brain, subverting normal cellular homeostasis leading to disease. In humans, point mutations in HtrA2 are a susceptibility factor for Parkinson's disease (PD) resulting in partial loss of proteolytic activity. Affinity purification shows that the mitochondrial kinase PINK1 interacts with HtrA2. PINK1 mutations are associated with the PARK6 PD susceptibility locus. HtrA2 is phosphorylated in a PINK1-dependent manner at residues adjacent to positions found mutated in PD patients. Phosphorylation of HtrA2 and thereby modulation of its proteolytic activity seems necessary for the function of HtrA2 in the mitochondria contributing to increased resistance of cells to mitochondrial stress.
Management Team Incentive Heterogeneity and Stock Price Crash Risk

Research into group decision-making suggests that any optimal managerial compensation incentive design should incorporate synergistic interrelationships among top executives within a firm. This paper investigates whether the equity incentive structure of a management team affects firm-level stock price crash risk. Using a large sample of S&P 1500 firms over the period 1994--2015, we find that the average of top five executives' equity-based incentive ratios is positively related to future crash risk. However, the positive relation is moderated by management team incentive heterogeneity, measured by the Gini coefficient of top five executives' equity incentive ratios. The impact of management team incentive heterogeneity on crash risk is more pronounced when the firms have weaker internal corporate governance, less institutional investor monitoring, and higher financial leverage. Our main results are robust to the two-stage least squares identification method, alternative measures of crash risk, and alternative measures of management team incentive heterogeneity. Overall, our findings highlight the important role of management team incentive heterogeneity as an internal corporate governance mechanism.
What Affects the Current Account: The Role of the Government Primary Balance and Productivity Shocks?

This paper investigates the impact of country-specific and the global government primary balance and productivity shocks on current account balances and investment using an intertemporal model in selected OECD countries for the period 1995-2016. By employing a fixed effect approach, results indicate that current accounts are more sensitive than investments to a change in the global government budget balance. Innovation in global productivity also has a positive impact on current accounts.
Sphagnum decay patterns and bog microtopography in south-eastern Finland

This study addresses differences in Sphagnum decay in the context of variations in physico-chemical peat properties linked to bog microtopography. The decay rates of six Sphagnum species were studied using litter bag techniques at Haukkasuo, a concentric raised bog in south-eastern Finland. The Sphagnum species were buried in their native microhabitats in oxic, intermittently anoxic and anoxic peat layers for one or two years. The hummock species generally decayed at slower rates than species growing in hollows and transitional zones of hollows (lawns). The average mean loss in mass of all Sphagnum species was 17.7 % after the first year and 18.6 % after two years. The mass loss correlated most positively with oxygen, carbon/nitrogen quotient and sodium, and most negatively with nitrogen, carbon, iron and depth in the native microhabitat. Knowledge about the litter quality of Sphagnum species is important for improving our understanding of ecosystem functions in northern peatlands, and particularly in relation to the development of microtopography.
Brine shrimp lethality test as a biological model for preliminary selection of pediculicidal components from natural source = Teste de toxicidade frente artemia como modelo preliminar de busca de substâncias pediculicidas a partir de fontes naturais

Brine shrimp lethality test as a biological model for the preliminary selection of pediculicidal components from a natural source. In order to achieve a good correlation between pediculicidal activity and brine shrimp lethality (BSL) test, several pediculicidal substances and active essential oils were tested in BSL test, with the purpose to use the latter as convenient preliminary protocol for pediculicidal activity. Benzyl benzoate, deltametrine and essential oil of Eucalyptus were purchased and clove essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation, besides essential oils, chloroform extracts from Duguetia furfuracea were also submitted to BSL test. All of them were carried out with same protocol described to pediculicidal assay found in the literature, i.e, flask tests were examined every five minutes in the first half hour and then every ten minutes until all the naupli were dead or no movements were observed (knockdown). During the BSL test, it was possible to observe the effect of a particular lethal dose or only a knockdown in the arthropod, as occurred in the test with lice. The results of the BSL test for essential oils and other active substances are essentially in agreement with those described in literature for pediculicidal activity. Extracts and essential oil obtained from aerial parts of D. furfuracea did not present activity, but the essential oil from underground stem bark was active. -asarone has already been isolated from the underground stem and it has been previously described to possess insecticidal activity.
Characterization of drought tolerant accessions identified from the minicore of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Terminal drought is one of the major causes of yield losses in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and there is scope for recovery of major part of this loss through genetic improvement. The progress in breeding for drought tolerance is slow due to the quantitative and temporal variability of available moisture across years and the low genotypic variance in yield under drought. Deep and prolific root system is a high priority trait that can improve drought tolerance in chickpea.Ten accessions which were identified as drought tolerant based on drought susceptible index (DSI) and drought tolerant efficiency per cent (DTE%) were evaluated during rabi 2006–07 along with stanadred check Annigeri-1 and drought tolerant checks ICC 4958 and ICC 10448 under irrigated and rainfed condition for seed yield and root traits. Wide range of genetic variability, moderate to high heritability and high genetic advance for yield and its component traits was observed in drought tolerant accessions evaluated under moisture stress and irrigated situations during 2006–07. Among the drought tolerant genotypes evaluated, ICC 13124 showed maximum yield levels under irrigated (1220 kg/ha) as well as rainfed condition (990 kg/ha). The per cent reduction in yield was minimum (18.9%) as compared to checks under moisture stress for this genotype. Observations on root length, root weight and root volume showed that ICC 13124 was equally good in respect of root traits which can be used in the breeding programme aimed at drought tolerance.
Extent of heterotic effects for seed yield and component characters in castor (Ricinus communis L.) under.

Experimental material comprised of 4 pistillate lines, 12 inbred lines with their 48 hybrids and one check hybrid GCH-7 was evaluated under semi rabi condition of middle Gujarat. The heterobeltiosis was negative for days to 50% flowering and days to 50% maturity of primary spike, plant height up to primary spike and number of nodes up to primary spike, test weight of 100 seeds and oil content (%). Whereas, the estimates of heterobeltiosis were positive for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant. For the characters length of primary spike, number of secondary spikes, number of tertiary spikes, number of effective branches per plant and number of capsules per primary spike depicted heterotic effect on both the directions. The crosses VP 1 ´ DCS 47, Geeta ´ SH 41, SKP 84 X DCS 47, Geeta ´ SKI 270 and SKP 24 ´ DCS 47 were found as promising hybrids for seed yield. Seed yield is a cumulative effect of positive and negative effects of component characters. None of the promising hybrids was consistence for all the component characters.
Requirement for AMPA receptor endocytosis and long-term depression in ocular dominance plasticity

The classic example of experience-dependent cortical plasticity is the ocular dominance (OD) shift in visual cortex following monocular deprivation (MD). As in other mammals with binocular vision, MD in mice induces bidirectional plasticity: rapid weakening of responses evoked through the deprived eye is followed by delayed strengthening of open-eye responses. It has been proposed that these bidirectional changes occur through three distinct processes. First, deprived-eye responses rapidly weaken through homosynaptic long-term depression (LTD). As the period of deprivation progresses, the modification threshold determining the boundary between synaptic depression and synaptic potentiation becomes lower via a decrease in the ratio of NR2A to NR2B N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits. Facilitated by the decreased modification threshold, open-eye responses are strengthened via homosynaptic longterm potentiation (LTP). One established LTD mechanism is a loss of sensitivity to the neurotransmitter glutamate caused by internalization of postsynaptic a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPARs). Although it has been shown that MD similarly causes a loss of AMPARs from visual cortical synapses, the contribution of this change to OD plasticity has not been established. Here we develop a herpes-simplex virus (HSV) vector to express a peptide (G2CT) in visual cortical neurons designed to block AMPAR internalization by hindering the association of the C-terminal tail of the AMPAR GluR2 subunit with the AP2 clathrin adaptor complex. We find that G2CT expression interferes with NMDAR-dependent AMPAR endocytosis and LTD, without affecting baseline synaptic transmission. When expressed in vivo, G2CT completely blocks the MD-induced depression of deprived-eye responses after MD without affecting baseline visual responsiveness or experience-dependent response potentiation in layer 4 of visual cortex. Additionally, we find that OD plasticity in layer 2/3 can occur in the absence of plasticity in layer 4, demonstrating the independence of OD plasticity across laminae. These data suggest that AMPAR internalization is essential for the loss of synaptic strength in layer 4 of the visual cortex following MD. This finding illustrates a critical role for LTD mechanisms in the physiological response to sensory deprivation, thereby suggesting potential therapeutic strategies in the treatment of amblyopia.
Geoarchaeological evidence of late and post-Antiquity (5th-9th c. AD) climate changes recorded at the Roman site in Plemići Bay (Zadar region, Croatia)

Remains of a vast Roman pottery production complex were found on the shore of the Plemi ć i Bay (Op ć ina Ražanac, Zadar county) in 2012, and confirmed by geophysical survey. Ground-penetrating radar measurements revealed outline of a rectangular building that finds analogies with Roman storehouses ( horreum ). The area occupied by remains of the Roman pottery workshop was covered by immense soil-debris flows. Three geological exposures located to the north of the remains of the Roman building were documented using lithological and malacological analysis, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The profiles revealed at least three generations of slope sediments, formed in result of intensive soil or debris flows in a dry climate, most probably in 5 th c. AD. In the next, wet phase sediments were transported downslope and deposited on the Roman structures after 5 th c. AD. Environmental conditions at Pelmi ć i were supply with paleoclimate evidence from the Adriatic region. At ca. 1.5 cal. BP lake levels in the eastern Adriatic area were drastically reduced, probably because of strong decrease in humidity, correlated with the so-called North Atlantic Bond event 3. The drought was followed by a humid episode, also attested at the Plemi ć i archaeological site.
Assessment of Nutritional Status of Primary School Children in Kallin District, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt

AbstractBackground: School health has been acknowledged as important since the beginning of 20th century. Assessment of nutritional status is a major component of school health services.Aim of the Study: This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of primary school children of Kallin city-Kafr Al-Sheikh governorate, Egypt.Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted. 2 in the rural section and 3 in the urban one with a total number of 3773 students. One urban and one rural school were chosen randomly from the governmental schools. A total of 433 pupils were included in the study. For each of the included children, socio-demographic data, dietary habits, food intake, physical examination for signs of nutritional deficiency were obtained and anthropometric measures such as (weight, height, mid upper-arm circumference and triceps skin fold thickness) were measured besides the Hb level which was taken from the health record of the child.Results: The study results revealed that 29 (6.7%) were wasted, 36 (8.3%) were stunted, 6 (1.3%) suffering from severe thinning, 4 (.9%) were underweight, 137 (31.6%) were overweight, and 56 (13.1%) were obese. There were significant statistical relation between the BMI, residence of children and their socio-economic status, dietary habits, and food intake of the child.Conclusion: From the results of the study we can conclude that over-nutrition and obesity were the prominent malnutrition problem among studied group while wasting and underweight was affecting a minimum percentage of their number.
Ecology and control of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.).

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a problem grass in many natural wetlands. This paper reviews the literature regarding the ecology and management of reed canary grass and presents preliminary data that suggests reduced soil-seed banks occur in wetland substrates containing a dense cover of this species. Chemical methods usually provide poor long-term control of canary grass, and most effective canary grass control techniques are not acceptable in natural areas. Because of the lack of canary grass management information, we have established a field program of control tests. Appended is a bibliography of the literature.
Clinical and hematological aspects of dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia spp. and Leptospira interrogans = Aspectos clínicos e hematológicos de cães naturalmente infectados com Ehrlichia spp. e Leptospira interrogans

Ehrlichiosis and leptospirosis are frequent diseases in tropical countries, although they are not always differentially diagnosed. The purpose of this work was to evaluate clinical signs and hematological alterations in dogs reactive to leptospirosis, among them those that presented morulas of Ehrlichia spp. in peripheral blood, and to recognize the frequency of Leptospira serovars by means of the microscopic agglutination test. Blood samples were used from 50 dogs presenting morulas of Ehrlichia spp. in blood extensions collected from the marginal ear capillaries. The clinical signs frequently observed were apathy (100%), anorexia/dysorexia (100%), adypsia (83.33%), ocular secretion (66.66%), reactive lymph nodes (66.66%), diarrhea (58.33%), vomiting, anemia and fever (41.66%). Albeit unspecific, anemia and thrombocytopenia are frequent hematological findings in canine ehrlichiosis and are present in both diseases. Of the 50 dogs with ehrlichiosis, 12 (24%) were reactive to leptospirosis, and the most frequent serovars were Pomona (33.33%), followed by Canicola (27.77%) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (22.22%). The results suggest the need to establish a differential diagnosis between these diseases that may occur concomitantly.
Is calcium a concern in neonates undergoing phototherapy

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common problems that can occur in the newborn. Hypocalcemia during phototherapy has been reported in literature. Our aim was to look the effect of phototherapy on ionized calcium levels before and after phototherapy in otherwise healthy term and late preterm (35 to 37 weeks) neonates. The study group included 50 neonates. Measurement of serum ionized calcium levels was done before and at the end of phototherapy. At the end of phototherapy in the study group a significant fall in calcium level in 64% of term and 76% of late preterm neonates was observed. However, almost all except one remained asymptomatic. Serum calcium levels should be assessed in neonates treated with phototherapy.
Small ruptured and unruptured complex cerebral aneurysms: Single center experience of low-profile visualized intraluminal support stent

Objectives:Even though low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device is used extensively currently and provide intraluminal support in complex cerebral aneurysm embolization, only few studies have reported its clinical results. This study presents the results of patients treated with LVIS.Patients and methods:Cerebral aneurysms with an undefined neck, fusiform shape, and blood blister-like aneurysms that were treated with LVIS between May 2017 and May 2019 were reviewed retrospectively.Results:Overall, 112 aneurysms in 104 patients were treated using LVIS, and 105 LVISs were placed. Of these, 101 aneurysms (90%) were small (< 10 mm) in size, 17 were fusiform aneurysms, and 3 were blood blister-like aneurysms. Overall, 39 patients suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage and 65 had no bleeding history. 2 patients died of internal carotid artery (ICA) thrombosis, resulting in 1.9% mortality rate. Follow-up angiography was obtained in 68 patients (65%), and the complete obliteration rate was 98.5% in 6–12 months.Conclusion:The LVIS is a safe and effective treatment for small ruptured or unruptured complex intracranial aneurysms.
Analysis of spectrum variations in Hercules X-1

Abstract . Hercules X-1 (Her X-1) was observed extensively by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) over its 17 year lifetime. Here, the archival RXTE/PCA observations of Her X-1 are analyzed with emphasis on the 35-day cycle dependence. Spectral fits are carried out and the 35-day phase dependences are characterized. The regular behaviours of the changes are interpreted in terms of the precessing accretion disk. We find that the most important variation is caused by the changing illumination of the inner edge of the disk, but other variations with different causes are also seen.
The Microstructure of Dinosaur Bone: Deciphering Biology with Fine-Scale Techniques

For millions of years, clues to the biology of dinosaurs lie locked within the microscopic structure of their bones. Here one of the world's leading experts on fossil bone microstructure synthesizes more than 150 years of research to expose the meaning of dinosaur bone microstructure. In this first book dedicated to dinosaur bone microstructure, Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan begins with a general overview of living bone structure and composition and then explains how bone structure changes upon death and during fossilization. She meticulously unravels why the microscopic structure of fossil bone remains intact after millions of years of fossilization. She also provides a photographic atlas of the kinds of bone tissue found in dinosaurs and expounds on their biological significance. The final chapters offer insight into growth patterns of dinosaurs and the biology of Mesozoic birds. The book concludes with a reflective discussion on what bone microstructure can and cannot disclose about dinosaur physiology. Drawing from sources across the field of bone histology, Chinsamy-Turan paints a holistic view of the current state of the science and presents a fresh perspective on the relevance of the field to understanding the Dinosauria.
Structural Elucidation of the Interaction Between Neurodegenerative Disease-Related Tau Protein with Model Lipid Membranes

A protein’s sequence of amino acids determines how it folds. That folded structure is linked to protein function, and misfolding to dysfunction. Protein misfolding and aggregation into β-sheet rich fibrillar aggregates is connected with over 20 neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is characterized in part by misfolding, aggregation and deposition of the microtubule associated tau protein into neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). However, two questions remain: What is tau’s fibrillization mechanism, and what is tau’s cytotoxicity mechanism?
Velvet Revolution at the Synchrotron: Biology, Physics, and Change in Science

After World War II, particle physics became a dominant research discipline in American academia. At many universities, alumni of the Manhattan Project and of Los Alamos were granted resources to start (or strengthen) programs of high-energy physics built around the promise of a new and more powerful particle accelerator, the synchrotron. The synchrotron was also a source of very intense X-rays, useful for research in solid states physics and in biology. As synchrotron X-ray science grew, the experimental practice of protein crystallography (used to determine the atomic structures of proteins and viruses), garnered funding, prestige, and acclaim. In Velvet Revolution at the Synchrotron, Park Doing examines the change in scientific practice at a synchrotron laboratory as biology rose to dominance over physics. He draws on his own observations and experiences at the Cornell University synchrotron, and considers the implications of that change for the status of scientific claims. Velvet Revolution at the Synchrotron is one of the few recent works in the sociology of science that engages specific scientific and technical claims through participant observation--recorded evocatively and engagingly--to address issues in the philosophy of science. Doing argues that bureaucratic change in science is neither "top-down" nor "bottom-up" but rather performed in and realized through recursively related forums of technical assertion and resistance. He considers the relationship of this change to the content of science, and the implications of this relationship for the project of laboratory studies begun in the late 1970s.