Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The formation of the oncofetal J28 glycotope involves core-2 β 6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase and α 3/4-fucosyltransferase activities

The feto-acinar pancreatic protein or FAPP, the oncofetal glycoisoform of bile salt-dependent lipase (BSDL), is characterized by the presence of the J28 glycotope recognized by mAbJ28 . This fucosylated epitope is carried out by the O linked glycans of the C-terminal mucin-like region of BSDL. This glycotope is expressed by human tumoral pancreatic tissues and by human pancreatic tumoral cell lines such as SOJ-6 and BxPC-3 cells. However, it is not expressed by the normal human pancreatic tissues and by MiaPaCa-2 and Panc-1 cells. Due to the presence of many putative sites for O glycosylation on FAPP and BSDL, the structure of the J28 glycotope cannot be attained by classical physical methods. In the first part of the present study, we have determined which glycosyltransferases were differently expressed in pancreatic tumoral cell lines compared to normal tissues, focusing in part on fucosyltransferases (Fuc-T) and core-2 β 6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (Core2GlcNAc-T). Our data suggested that α 2-Fuc-T activity was decreased in the four cell lines tested (SOJ-6, BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2, and Panc-1). The α (1–3) and α (1–4) fucosylations were decreased in tumor cells that do not express the J28 glycotope whereas α 4-Fuc-T and Core2GlcNAc-T activities were significantly increased in SOJ-6 cells which best expressed the J28 glycotope. Therefore, we wished to gain information about glycosyltransferases involved in the building of this structure by transfecting the cDNA encoding the mucin-like region of BSDL in CHO-K1 also expressing Core2GlcNAc-T and/or FUT3 and/or FUT7 activities. These CHO-K1 cells have been previously transfected with the cDNA encoding Core2GlcNAc-T and/or FUT3 and/or FUT7. Data indicated that the C-terminal peptide of BSDL (Cter) produced by those cells did not carry out the J28 glycotope unless Core2GlcNAc-T activity is present. Further transfection with FUT3 cDNA, increased the antibody recognition. Nevertheless, transfection with FUT3 or FUT7 alone did not generate the formation of the J28 glycotope on the C-terminal peptide. Furthermore, the Cter peptide produced by CHO-K1 cells expressing Core2GlcNAc-T was more reactive to the mAbJ28 after in vitro fucosylation with the recombinant soluble form of FUT3. These data suggested that the J28 glycotope encompasses structures initiated by Core2GlcNAc-T and further fucosylated by α 3/4-Fuc-T such as FUT3, likely on GlcNAc residues.
Stress-forecasting: a viable alternative to earthquake prediction in a dynamic Earth

Abstract Self-organised criticality of the crust appears to make deterministic earthquake prediction of time, place and magnitude of individual large earthquakes inherently impossible. This closes one line of approach to mitigating earthquake hazards. This paper suggests that a viable alternative to earthquake prediction is monitoring the build-up of stress before a large earthquake can occur. A new understanding of rock deformation allows stress changes to be monitored with seismic shear-wave splitting (seismic birefringence). With a suitable monitoring installation, this would allow the stochastic proximity of impending earthquakes to be recognised so that earthquakes could be forecast in the sense of recognising that crustal deformation was preparing for a large earthquake. Such stress-forecasting is not prediction, but, in many circumstances, a possible forecast crescendo of increasing urgency is exactly what is needed to best mitigate hazard to life and property.
Critical Analysis of the Results of the CPA Exam for the Second Decade of This Century: Empirical Evidence From Puerto Rico

The research for the first time examines the performance of candidates for the uniform Certified Public Accountant exam in the Hispanic jurisdiction of Puerto Rico from 2010 to 2019. The study presents an innovative method of classifying the quality of accounting programs, based on the performance of their alumni on the exam, according to their pass rate, average score, and their contribution to the total number of new CPA’s admitted to the profession. Candidates from public institutions perform better than candidates from private institutions. The research provides methodology that can be replicated in any profession that requires a professional license.
Foreign Policy Preferences and Vote Choice Under Semi-Presidentialism

Under semi-presidential regimes, directly elected presidents often play a central role in foreign policy, but their responsibility for the economy is limited. I propose an office-centred explanation of voter behaviour in semi-presidential elections based on the foreign policy preferences of the electorate. In order to explore the empirical applicability of this addition to the theory, I explore the Lithuanian case: a semi-presidential country where the president has substantial powers in foreign and defence policy and the presidents are usually non-partisan. I employ a dataset from the Lithuanian 2019 post-election survey that offers a battery of items measuring the positions of voters on foreign policy issues. When controlling for alternative explanations, I find that foreign policy preferences (measured as an index of voter attitudes towards Russia and defence) are a strong and stable determinant of vote choice, in both the first and second rounds of presidential elections.
Pengaruh Disiplin, Budaya Organisasi dan Motivasi Kerja terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Perum Bulog Kantor Wilayah Jawa Timur

Quality human resources are a determining factor in improving the performance of a business organization. The performance of a business organization is largely determined by the performance of its employees, and this is the main reason for this research. This study aims to determine the effect of discipline, organizational culture and work motivation on employee performance. This research approach is a descriptive research with a quantitative approach. The data used in this study are primary data obtained directly from respondents through questionnaires in the field and secondary data obtained in finished form, has been collected and processed by other parties. The number of samples taken in this study were 74 respondents. The data analysis technique used in this research is multiple linear regression. The results of the analysis show that the variables of discipline, organizational culture and work motivation have a significant effect on employee performance both simultaneously and partially. The results of this study indicate that the variables of discipline, organizational culture and work motivation are the determining variables in an effort to improve employee performance Keywords : Discipline, Organizational Culture, Work Motivation, Employee Performance.
Association of plasma lead, cadmium and selenium levels with hearing loss in adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012

Abstract To determine the association between hearing loss and environmental Pb, Cd and Se exposure, a total of 1503 American adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011–2012) were assessed. The average of four audiometric frequencies (0·5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz) was used to identify speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL), while the average of 3 audiometric frequencies (3, 4 and 6 kHz) was used to identify high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL). HFHL adjusted OR determined by comparing the highest and lowest blood Pb and Cd quartiles were 1·98 (95 % CI: 1·27, 3·10) and 1·81 (95 % CI: 1·13, 2·90), respectively. SFHL was significantly associated with blood Cd with the OR = 2·42 for the highest quartile. When further stratified by age, this association appeared to be limited to adults aged 35–52 years. After stratified by gender, except for Pb and Cd, we observed that blood Se showed a dose-dependent association with SFHL in men. In women, only Cd showed a dose-dependent association with speech and high-frequency hearing loss. Hearing loss was positively associated with blood levels of Pb and Cd. Additionally, our study provided novel evidence suggesting that excessive Se supplement would increase SFHL risk in men.
Acute deltamethrin exposure induces oxidative stress, triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress, and impairs hypoxic resistance of crucian carp.

Deltamethrin (Del) has been widely used for effectively controlling ectoparasites of crucian carp and was also strictly prohibited in a hypoxic environment. A previous study indicated that Del exposure causes gill injury in Carassius auratus, which is associated with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress), but the precise mechanism is not well understood. Here, crucian carp were exposed to Del (0.61, 1.22, 2.44, 4.88 μg/L) for 24 h and then subjected to acute hypoxia challenge (1.0 mg/L) for 24 h. The results revealed that acute exposure to Del notably increased MDA content but markedly decreased CAT activities. Moreover, the T-AOC and SOD activities first increased and then decreased in the 4.88 μg/L Del group. Likewise, the mRNA levels of Nrf2 signaling and its target genes (ho-1, mt, sod, cat, and gpx1) were significantly downregulated in the high concentration exposure groups, while the mRNA levels of keap1 showed the opposite change trend. Meanwhile, Del exposure evoked the PERK-ATF4-CHOP and IRE1 signaling pathways and triggered ER stress in a dose-dependent manner in crucian carp. Importantly, we found that Del exposure significantly decreased the survival rate of crucian carp after hypoxia challenge by reducing oxygen uptake, modifying energy metabolism, and promoting lactate accumulation. Additionally, Del exposure aggravated gill damage and apoptosis under hypoxic stress, which was confirmed by histological assays. Collectively, we inferred that acute exposure to deltamethrin induces oxidative stress and ER stress and impairs hypoxic resistance of crucian carp.
Brief psychological screening for trapeziectomy: Identifying patients at high risk of a poor functional outcome

Introduction: This study investigates if the psychological subscale from the STarT Back Screening Tool (STarT Psych-sub) identifies patients at high risk of a poor functional outcome after a trapeziectomy based on modifiable psychological factors. Methods: A total of 83 patients completed the STarT Psych-sub, QuickDASH (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM) and a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) before trapeziectomy. QuickDASH, PEM and NPRS were completed at 6 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year after the trapeziectomy. Results: The STarT Psych-sub stratified 24 patients (29%) as ‘high-risk’ and 59 (71%) as ‘not high-risk’ of a poor outcome. The ‘high-risk’ group reported worse function and pain (QuickDASH = 72.7, PEM = 81.1, NPRS = 8.3) at baseline than the ‘not high-risk’ group (QuickDASH = 56.1, PEM = 66.4, NPRS = 7.2). This difference remained constant at all time points after the trapeziectomy with 1-year scores on the QuickDASH = 39.6; PEM = 47.1 and NPRS = 3.7 for the ‘high-risk’ group and QuickDASH = 24.3; PEM = 33.3 and NPRS = 1.9 for the ‘not high-risk’ group. Conclusions: Brief psychological screening shows that patients with psychological risk factors experience improved pain and function outcomes following trapeziectomy, however their outcomes are significantly worse than patients who do not have psychological risk factors.
Predicting the energy production by solar photovoltaic systems in cold-climate regions

ABSTRACT One challenge in designing a photovoltaic (PV) system is to predict its generation, given parameters such as location, meteorological conditions, and layout. A greater challenge is to predict the generation of such a system under snow-cover condition. Publicly available snowfall data provide records for horizontal surfaces. However, the effect of snow accumulated on a tilted PV module remains unknown. Hence, irradiance is insufficient for predicting the output of PV systems having any given layout configuration. The research in this paper aims to predict the daily generation of PV systems through the development of a predictive model flexible enough to accommodate different layout configurations based on long-term monitoring data collected from 85 sites. Snow coverage loss factors are derived empirically to enhance the performance of the model. A feed-forward artificial neural network model is developed and implemented with snow adjustments (snowfall data and snow coverage loss factors). Promising results are obtained and validated.
Teachers’ Perceptions on Questioning Strategies at Pre-Speaking Stage in EFL Classroom Interaction – A Case of a University of Mekong Delta

The study is to determine teachers' questioning strategies and perceptions of questioning strategies in the pre-speaking stage. This qualitative research is carried out by semi-interviews of five teachers who teach General English. The data collected were analyzed which teacher's questioning strategies were used, as well as teachers’ perceptions of teachers' questioning strategies in EFL classroom interaction. The research's findings are an additional resource for teaching English as a foreign language.
Paleozoic Geodynamics and Architecture of the Southern Part of the Mongolian Altai Zone

The Mongolian Altai Zone of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt has been traditionally interpreted as a mosaic of Paleozoic magmatic arcs, back‐arcs, and Precambrian continental terranes. In order to define its architecture and its tectonic evolution, three domains previously interpreted as terranes were investigated. The findings show that the Northern and Central domains are formed by a metamorphic sequence characterized by Barrovian S1 fabric transposed by recumbent folds and dominant sub‐horizontal amphibolite facies S2 schistosity. The latter is associated with the intrusions of late Devonian syntectonic granite sheets and anatexis in the south. The Southern domain is formed by early Permian migmatites and anatectic granites separated from the metamorphic envelope by amphibolite to green‐schist facies D3 shear zone cross‐cutting S2 fabrics. All domains have been reworked by E‐W upright folds associated with axial‐planar greenschist facies cleavage, reflecting the final mid‐Permian to Triassic D4 shortening. Lithological, geochemical, and U‐Pb zircon analyses of metasediments of all domains indicate that they are formed by Ordovician mature quartzite derived from Precambrian basement intruded by Cambrian‐Ordovician continental arc and Silurian immature graywacke which originated through erosion of an oceanic arc. Altogether, the whole sequence represents a fore‐arc basin in front of a migrating arc affected by thickening and late Devonian extension. The Southern domain is interpreted as an early Permian core complex amplified by mid‐Permian to Triassic compression. The apparent “terrane” architecture of the Mongol Altai Zone originated due to Devonian and Permian heterogeneous reworking of a giant Ordovician to Silurian fore‐arc basin.
Intestinal Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection in a Kidney Transplant Patient

Opportunistic infections are the result of infection by bacteria, viral, and fungal sources potentially leading to severe disease and death. These infections are a cause of significant morbidity and mortality among individuals with profound immunosuppression, namely human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and organ transplant recipients on medications used to prevent organ rejection. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is one of the most prevalent pathogens worldwide as it is found ubiquitously in water, food, and soil and is commonly a source of disseminated disease among the immunocompromised. However, cases of kidney transplantation remain exceedingly rare with an estimated incidence of 0.16% and 0.55%. We present the case of a 68-year-old female with a history of a kidney transplant, currently on immunosuppressant therapy, who was found to have localized MAC infection after undergoing endoscopic evaluation for symptoms of generalized weakness and unintentional weight loss secondary to anemia.
Anti-cancer Properties of Myricetin Against HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells Through Regulation of RIPK1/RIPK3 Signaling Pathway

Background: Myricetin (MCN), a dietary flavonoid, is present in walnuts, fruits, vegetables, tea, and berries and has been suggested as an anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiviral drug. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether the necroptosis pathway involves the toxic impacts of myricetin (MCN) on the colon adenoma-carcinoma HT-29 cells. Methods: For 48 hours, HT-29 cells were exposed to 50 µM MCN or three mM Nec-1 (Necrosatine-1, a necroptosis preventive). Apoptosis, cell viability, and expression of necroptosis-related genes, including MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein), RIPK1 (receptor-interacting protein kinase-1), and RIPK3, were evaluated. Results: MCN caused a noticeable decline in the survival of HT-29 cells. In contrast to the slight change in the apoptosis index in HT-29 cells, MCN considerably increased the necrosis index. MCN could enhance the expression of MLKL, RIPK1, and RIPK3 in the HT-29 cells. The co-treatment of MCN with Nec-1 resulted in a significant elevation in HT-29 cell survival. Nec-1 could decrease the necrosis index and expression of necroptosis-related proteins in the MCN-exposed HT-29 cells. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that MCN effectively induced cell death in HT-29 cells by activating the necroptosis pathway.
Number Theory, Analysis and Geometry: In Memory of Serge Lang

Serge Lang was an iconic figure in mathematics, both for his own important work and for the indelible impact he left on the field of mathematics, on his students, and on his colleagues. Over the course of his career, Lang traversed a tremendous amount of mathematical ground. As he moved from subject to subject, he found analogies that led to important questions in such areas as number theory, arithmetic geometry and the theory of negatively curved spaces. Lang's conjectures will keep many mathematicians occupied far into the future. In the spirit of Lang’s vast contribution to mathematics, this memorial volume contains articles by prominent mathematicians in a variety of areas, namely number theory, analysis and geometry, representing Lang’s own breadth of interests. A special introduction by John Tate includes a brief and engaging account of Serge Lang’s life.
Intracortical connections are not required for oscillatory activity in the visual cortex

Abstract Synchronized oscillatory discharge in the visual cortex has been proposed to underlie the linking of retinotopically disparate features into perceptually coherent objects. These proposals have largely relied on the premise that the oscillations arise from intracortical circuitry. However, strong oscillations within both the retina and the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) have been reported recently. To evaluate the possibility that cortical oscillations arise from peripheral pathways, we have developed two plausible models of single cell oscillatory discharge that specifically exclude intracortical networks. In the first model, cortical oscillatory discharge near 50 Hz in frequency arises from the integration of signals from strongly oscillatory cells within the LGN. The model also predicts the incidence of 50-Hz oscillatory cells within the cortex. Oscillatory discharge around 30 Hz is explained in a second model by the presence of intrinsically oscillatory cells within cortical layer 5. Both models generate spike trains whose power spectra and mean firing rates are in close agreement with experimental observations of simple and complex cells. Considered together, the two models can largely account for the nature and incidence of oscillatory discharge in the cat's visual cortex. The validity of these models is consistent with the possibility that oscillations are generated independently of intracortical interactions. Because these models rely on intrinsic stimulus-independent oscillators within the retina and cortex, the results further suggest that oscillatory activity within the cortex is not necessarily associated with the processing of high-order visual information.
Activation on Mature and Immature T Cells: Implication in Regulation of CD5-Associated CK2 Activity Cutting Edge: Differential CD5-Dependent

CD5 attenuates TCR-induced signals in immature thymocytes but functions as a costimulatory molecule potentiating TCR/ CD3-mediated activation in mature, peripheral T cells. We have recently shown that the serine/threonine kinase, casein kinase 2 (CK2), a major regulator of cell growth and signaling, associates with and is activated by CD5. Therefore, we tested the possibility that differential regulation of CK2 activity by CD5 may be associated with these differences in CD5 modulation of TCR signaling. Consistent with our hypothesis, CD5-speciﬁc cross-linking activated associated CK2 in thymocytes but not active in mature splenocytes. Differential regulation of CD5-associated CK2 provides, for the ﬁrst time, a potential mechanism for the differential effects of CD5 signaling in immature and mature cells. We propose that CD5 modulates Ag receptor activity through developmentally regulated activation of CD5-associated CK2. The Journal of Immunology, 1998, 161: 5817–5820. and differential effects of show developmental stage-speciﬁc CD5-dependent regulation of CD5-associated CK2. These results provide the ﬁrst evidence for a potential mechanism to explain the opposite effects of CD5 signaling in immature and mature thymocytes.