Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in mRNA populations of short and long bovine conceptuses on Day 15 of gestation

The majority of pregnancy loss in cattle occurs between Days 8 and 16 of gestation, coincident with the initiation of conceptus elongation and the onset of maternal recognition of pregnancy. Differences in conceptus length on the same day of gestation may be related to an inherent lack of developmental competency or may simply be a consequence of asynchrony with the maternal environment. The objective of this work was to characterize differential patterns of mRNA expression between short and long bovine conceptuses recovered on Day 15 of gestation. Embryos were produced from super‐ovulated Holstein donor cows, and groups of Grade‐1 and Grade‐3 compact morulas were transferred into recipient heifers at Day 6.5 of their cycle. Conceptuses were recovered at Day 15 of gestation, and measured to assess overall length and area. Total RNA was extracted and analyzed on individual GeneChip Bovine Genome Arrays (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Gene expression was compared between conceptuses derived from the transfer of Grade‐1 versus Grade‐3 embryos; no differences were identified in the profiles of Day‐15 conceptuses of these different embryo grades. When gene expression was compared between conceptuses classified as either short (mean length of 4.2 ± 0.1 mm [standard error]) or long (24.7 ± 1.9 mm) upon recovery at Day 15 of gestation, a total of 348 genes were differentially expressed. Of these, 221 genes were up‐regulated and 127 were down‐regulated in long compared to short conceptuses. In summary, differences in gene expression were identified between conceptuses recovered on Day 15 of gestation, based on their length. These data may be used to identify genes and cellular pathways involved in enhanced conceptus elongation that could serve as markers of successful pregnancy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 424–441, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An analysis of pacing profiles of world-class racewalkers.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to describe the pacing profiles used by racewalkers competing in IAAF World Championships. METHODS The times for each 5-km segment were obtained for 225 men competing over 20 km, 214 women competing over 20 km, and 232 men competing over 50 km, of whom 49 did not finish. Athletes were grouped based on finishing position (for medalists) or finishing time. RESULTS Different pacing profiles were used by athletes grouped by finishing time, with 20-km medalists using negative pacing and those finishing within 5% of the winning time matching the medalists' early pace but failing to maintain it. Lower-placed 20-km athletes tended to start more quickly relative to personal-best pace and experienced significant decreases in pace later. Across all competitions, the fastest finishers started the slowest relative to previous best performance. All 50-km athletes slowed toward the finish, but lower-placed finishers tended to decrease pace earlier (with up to 60% of the race remaining). After halfway in the 50-km, 8 of the 15 athletes who had a 5-km split more than 15% slower than the previous split dropped out. CONCLUSIONS The negative pacing profile used by 20-km medalists required the ability to start fast and maintain this pace, and similarly paced training may be beneficial in race preparation. Over 50 km, the tactic of starting slower than personal-best pace was generally less risky; nonetheless, any chosen pacing strategy should be based on individual strengths.
Highly Porous Materials with Unique Mechanical Properties from Smart Capillary Suspensions

Smart capillary suspensions are used to fabricate macroporous solids with unique features regarding porosity and mechanical strength from a wide range of materials, including carbon layers and polyethylene membranes, even if sintering or high-temperature treatment is not feasible. High-strength porous ceramics are obtained, tailoring neck and pore shape via controlled deposition of fine particles at the sintering necks.
Poverty, rural population distribution and climate change

Abstract Our spatial analysis indicates that in 2000 over one third of the rural population in developing countries was located on less favored agricultural land and areas, which are constrained by biophysical conditions or poor market access. We examine whether these spatial distributions of rural population in 2000 influence subsequent changes in the rate of poverty from 2000 to 2012 in 83 developing countries. We find no evidence of a direct impact on changes in poverty, but there is a significant indirect impact via the elasticity of poverty reduction with respect to growth. If climate change leads to more people concentrated in these areas, or an increase in unfavorable agricultural regions, then the poverty-reducing impact of overall per capita income growth could be further weakened. Reducing poverty will require targeting rural populations in less favored lands and remote areas and encouraging out-migration.
Human striatal recordings reveal abnormal discharge of projection neurons in Parkinson’s disease

Significance This study is important because it provides the first account of the electrophysiological activity in the human striatum, and it demonstrates major and distinctive abnormalities of neuronal firing in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Up until now, circuit models of PD were based on striatal changes that were never demonstrated in patients. We compared striatal recordings across patients with PD and other neurological disorders [dystonia and essential tremor (ET)], and correlative findings in nonhuman primates. Therefore, the data provided by the present study significantly contribute to understand the role of striatal mechanisms in basal ganglia circuits and in the pathophysiology of PD. Additionally, the study originally reports altered striatal activity in dystonia and activity compatible with unchanged striatal function in ET. Circuitry models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are based on striatal dopamine loss and aberrant striatal inputs into the basal ganglia network. However, extrastriatal mechanisms have increasingly been the focus of attention, whereas the status of striatal discharges in the parkinsonian human brain remains conjectural. We now report the activity pattern of striatal projection neurons (SPNs) in patients with PD undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery, compared with patients with essential tremor (ET) and isolated dystonia (ID). The SPN activity in ET was very low (2.1 ± 0.1 Hz) and reminiscent of that found in normal animals. In contrast, SPNs in PD fired at much higher frequency (30.2 ± 1.2 Hz) and with abundant spike bursts. The difference between PD and ET was reproduced between 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated and normal nonhuman primates. The SPN activity was also increased in ID, but to a lower level compared with the hyperactivity observed in PD. These results provide direct evidence that the striatum contributes significantly altered signals to the network in patients with PD.
Decreased Osteogenesis in Stromal Cells from Radiolucent Zone of Human TMJ Ankylosis

We previously hypothesized that the development of traumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis was similar to that of hypertrophic non-union. Besides similarities in etiology, hypertrophic bone stumps, and long-term development, the radiolucent zone, frequently located in the ankylosed bone, is another common feature. In this study, we demonstrated that the radiolucent zone also contained multilineage potential cells (RZs, radiolucent-zone-related cells) as the non-union tissues. RZs were characterized and compared with mandibular bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) by analysis of MSC-related markers, colony-forming-unit assays, multipotential differentiation assays, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays, and cell transplantation in vivo. Both cell types were positive for CD105, CD166, and Stro-1 expression, negative for CD34 and CD45 expression, and exhibited osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation potentials. However, compared with mandibular BMSCs, RZs showed lower colony-forming-unit abilities and proliferation rates. The mineralization and bone-forming ability of RZs was weaker than that of mandibular BMSCs, with Runx2 and ALP mRNA expression and ALP activity significantly lower in RZs. All these results suggest that RZs possess the properties of MSCs but lower proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacity similar to that of stromal cells in hypertrophic non-union tissues.
Input Power Factor Compensation Algorithms Using a New Direct-SVM Method for Matrix Converter

An input filter is necessary for a matrix converter (MC) system to improve the input current quality with low harmonic components, as well as to reduce the input voltage distortion supplied to the MC. However, the input filter's characteristics make the input power factor (IPF) obtained at unity only in the presence of high output loads, and the IPF degrades significantly under light-load conditions. In this paper, we propose a new direct space vector modulation (DSVM) method to achieve the required displacement angle between the input voltage and input current of the MC. A new switching strategy is introduced based on the maximum compensated angle. Then, power factor compensation algorithms using the new DSVM method to achieve the maximum IPF are presented, in which compensation algorithm I is based on using the input filter and power supply parameters to estimate the optimal compensated angle. Compensation algorithm II is subsequently proposed using a proportional-integral controller to overcome drawbacks presented in compensation algorithm I. Simulation and experimental results are shown to validate the effectiveness of the proposed compensation algorithms.
Stock market reactions to environmental disclosures: new evidence from China

ABSTRACT We study how the stock market in China responds to announcements by an environmental risk index and find that China’s stock market penalizes firms associated with unfavourable environmental news if the information is provided directly to investors in a manner that is easily understood. We also find that the negative impact on stock prices fades after multiple disclosures of the same information.
The Study of a Creative Hand Hook Design Based on Computer Aided Design Technology

This paper introduces how to put an idea into the virtual prototype by means of computer aided design technology, The virtual prototype of a creative hand hook is set up by means of giving the idea, the function design, the three-dimension modeling. The basic workflows are given to finish the design. The three-dimension model with good visualization of the creative hand hook is set up in the computer based on Pro/Engineer wildfire 3.0 software. The computer aided design technology is very much helpful to the modern product design and product development. The design is an active combination between product design and daily life which will be helpful to deal with the hand lifting hurt problems.
The effectiveness of barrier membranes on bone regeneration in localized bony defects: a systematic review.

PURPOSES The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of barrier membranes in bone augmentation through a systematic review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS Electronic data banks and hand searching were used to find relevant articles on the reconstruction of localized bone defects published up to May 2011. Controlled animal and human studies with more than 4 weeks of follow-up were included; studies of periodontal lesions, extraction sockets, and maxillary sinus grafts were excluded. Applications of recombinant growth factor or assessments of membranes' effects on implant osseointegration were also considered exclusion criteria. Defects filled with bone graft/bone substitute material and covered with a membrane were considered the test group, while uncovered defects were considered the control group. Thereafter, human and animal studies were evaluated separately by meta-analysis. RESULTS Of the 3,986 articles found in the initial search, 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four animal studies concluded that the use of barrier membranes would increase the amount of vertical augmented bone (mean difference 0.32 mm; P = .006). Qualitative results regarding horizontal bone augmentation were controversial. Membranes do not increase the risk of improper healing, according to both human studies (odds ratio 5.67; P = .32) and animal studies (odds ratio 3.35; P = .12). CONCLUSION There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of barrier membranes in the treatment of bone deficiencies. Membranes do not increase postoperative infection, wound dehiscence, or membrane/bone graft exposure in either human or animal models. Because a majority of the results are based on animal studies, more randomized clinical trials are needed to objectively measure the efficacy of membranes in human bone augmentation.
Reaction Intermediates and Single Turnover Rate Constants for the Oxidation of Heme by Human Heme Oxygenase-1*

Heme oxygenase converts heme to biliverdin, iron, and CO in a reaction with two established intermediates, α-meso-hydroxyheme and verdoheme. Transient kinetic studies show that the conversion of Fe3+-heme to Fe3+-verdoheme is biphasic. Electron transfer to the heme (0.11 s−1 at 4 °C and 0.49 s−1 at 25 °C) followed by rapid O2 binding yields the ferrous dioxy complex. Transfer of an electron (0.056 s−1 at 4 °C and 0.21 s−1 at 25 °C) to this complex triggers the formation of α-meso-hydroxyheme and its subsequent O2-dependent fragmentation to Fe3+-verdoheme. The conversion of Fe3+-verdoheme to Fe3+-biliverdin is also biphasic. Thus, reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+-verdoheme (0.15 s−1 at 4 °C and 0.55 s−1 at 25 °C) followed by O2 binding and an electron transfer produces Fe3+-biliverdin (0.025 s−1 at 4 °C and 0.10 s−1 at 25 °C). The conversion of Fe3+-biliverdin to free biliverdin is triphasic. Reduction of Fe3+-biliverdin (0.035 s−1 at 4 °C and 0.15 s−1 at 25 °C), followed by rapid release of Fe2+ (0.19 s−1 at 4 °C and 0.39 s−1 at 25 °C), yields the biliverdin-enzyme complex from which biliverdin slowly dissociates (0.007 s−1 at 4 °C and 0.03 s−1 at 25 °C). The rate of Fe2+ release agrees with the rate of Fe3+-biliverdin reduction. Fe2+ release clearly precedes biliverdin dissociation. In the absence of biliverdin reductase, biliverdin release is the rate-limiting step, but in its presence biliverdin release is accelerated and the overall rate of heme degradation is limited by the conversion of Fe2+-verdoheme to the Fe3+-biliverdin.
Does the Lower Instrumented Vertebra Have an Effect on Lumbar Mobility, Subjective Perception of Trunk Flexibility, and Quality of Life in Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis Treated by Spinal Fusion?

Study Design: Cross-sectional study in patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with spinal fusion. Objectives: To measure lumbar spine mobility in the study population; determine low back pain intensity (LBPi), subjective perception of trunk flexibility (TF), and quality of life using validated outcome instruments; and investigate correlations of the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) with TF, LBPi, and quality of life. Summary of Background Data: The loss of range of motion resulting from spinal fusion might lead to low back pain, trunk rigidity, and a negative impact on quality of life. Nonetheless, these outcomes have not been conclusively demonstrated because lumbar mobility and LIV have not been correlated with validated outcome instruments. Methods: Forty-one patients (mean age, 27 y) with idiopathic scoliosis treated by spinal fusion (mean time since surgery, 135 mo) were included. Patients were assigned to 3 groups according to LIV level: group 1 (fusion to T12, L1, or L2) 14 patients; group 2 (fusion to L3) 13 patients, and group 3 (fusion to L4, L5, or S1) 14 patients. At midterm follow-up, patients completed the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 Questionnaire and Quality of Life Profile for Spine Deformities to evaluate perceived TF, and rated LBPi with a numerical scale. Lumbar mobility was assessed using a dual digital inclinometer. Results: Group 3 (fusion to L4, L5, or S1) showed statistically significant differences relative to the other groups, with less lumbar mobility and poorer scores for the SRS subtotal (P=0.003) and SRS pain scale (P=0.01). Nevertheless, LBPi and TF were similar in the 3 groups. TF correlated with SRS-22 subtotal (r=−0.38, P=0.01) and pain scale (r=−0.42, P=0.007) scores, and with LBPi (r=0.43, P=0.005). Conclusions: LIV correlated moderately with lumbar mobility, health-related quality of life (SRS-22), and spinal pain (SRS-22 pain subscale), but not with intensity of pain in the lumbar area or perceived TF.
Suppressed microglial E prostanoid receptor 1 signaling selectively reduces tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 secretion from toll‐like receptor 3 activation

Activation of innate immunity via toll‐like receptors (TLRs) is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and some effectors, like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6), directly contribute to neurodegeneration. We tested the hypothesis that prostaglandin (PG) E2 receptor subtype 1 (EP1) was necessary for the induction of microglial cytokines following the activation of innate immunity. Primary murine microglia had cytokine secretion by activators of TLR3 > TLR9 > TLR4 > TLR2. TLR3 activation induced early expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and delayed expression of membranous PGE synthase and secretion of PGE2. Nonselective and COX2‐selective inhibitors blocked TLR3 induction of TNFα and IL‐6. Moreover, of the nine of twenty cytokines and chemokines induced by TLR3 activation, only TNFα and IL‐6 were significantly dependent on EP1 signaling as determined using microglia from mice homozygous deficient for EP1 gene or wild‐type microglia coincubated with an EP1 antagonist. These results were confirmed by blocking intracellular Ca2+ release with 2‐aminoethoxy‐diphenyl borate or Xestospongin C, inhibitors of IP3 receptors. Our results show that suppression of microglial EP1 signaling achieves much of the desired effect of COX inhibitors by selectively blocking TLR3‐induced microglial secretion of two major effectors of paracrine neuron damage. In combination with the ability of EP1 suppression to ameliorate excitotoxicity, these data point to blockade of EP1 as an attractive candidate therapeutic for neurodegenerative diseases. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MEASURING GROCERY STORES SERVICE QUALITY IN INDONESIA: A RETAIL SERVICE QUALITY SCALE APPROACH

The growing number of modern grocery stores in Indonesia is a challenge for each grocery store to maintain and increase their number of consumers. The success of maintaining and improving service quality will affect long-term profitability and business sustainability. Therefore, in this study, we examined consumer perceptions of service quality in one of modern grocery stores in Indonesia. Data were collected from 387 consumers of grocery stores in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Bekasi, Cibubur, and Subang. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through Maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation was employed to analyze the data. The finding indicated that the five indicators of the retail service quality scale consisting of physical aspects, reliability, personal interactions, problem solving and policies provided valid multi-item instruments in measuring consumer perceptions of service quality in grocery stores.
[Authentication of Lonicera japonica using bidirectional PCR amplification of specific alleles].

OBJECTIVE To identify SNP in flos Lonicerae, and authenticate Lonicera japonica from its adulterants and the mixture by using bidirectional PCR amplification of specific alleles (Bi-PASA). METHOD SNP of L. japonica and its adulterants was identified by using ClustulW to align trnL-trnF sequences of the Lonicera genus from GenBank database. Bi-PASA primer was designed and the PCR reaction systems including annealing temperature optimized. Optimized result was performed in 84 samples to authenticate L. japonica, its adulterants and the mixture. RESULT When the annealing temperature was 61 degrees C, DNA from L. japonica would be amplified 468 bp whereas PCR products from all of the 9 adulterants were 324 bp. The established method also can detect 5% of intentional adulteration DNA into L. japonica. CONCLUSION The Bi-SPASA could authenticate L. japonica from its adulterants and the mixture.
Extended low-profile planar lens antenna with multilayer metallic-hole array

This paper presents a low-profile antenna based on the use of a multilevel metallic hole array (MHA). The antenna is fed by an open rectangular waveguide placed at a short distance from the MHA. The array operates as a frequency selective surface (FSS) to enhance the directivity of the rectangular aperture within the frequency band of operation of the FSS. The small distance between layers gives the MHA a low-profile shape. In addition, the fabrication of the MHA is straightforward, what facilitates the implementation at any frequency band. A symmetric design with two circles of holes surrounding a central element is presented. The frequency band of operation of the proposed antenna is 19.7-21.2 GHz. Results show an increment of 8 dBi in the maximum directivity with respect to the isolated rectangular aperture.
R&D, Competition and Diffusion of Innovation in the EU: The Case of Hepatitis C

In the pharmaceutical industry, intellectual property (IP) rights protection including patents, data exclusivity (DE), and supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), are important due to the high costs of research and development (RD (ii) in-class competition had a positive impact on uptake and adoption of DAAs in the top-5 European countries and; (iii) although in-class competition is a necessary condition for early adoption and fast uptake of innovative medicines, it is not sufficient as there are other factors related to the performance of the new technology, characteristics of the healthcare system and political factors which can have an effect.
Atomic‐resolution crystal structure of Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein A via surface engineering

Outer surface protein A (OspA) from Borrelia burgdorferi has an unusual dumbbell‐shaped structure in which two globular domains are connected with a “single‐layer” β‐sheet (SLB). The protein is highly soluble, and it has been recalcitrant to crystallization. Only OspA complexes with Fab fragments have been successfully crystallized. OspA contains a large number of Lys and Glu residues, and these “high entropy” residues may disfavor crystal packing because some of them would need to be immobilized in forming a crystal lattice. We rationally designed a total of 13 surface mutations in which Lys and Glu residues were replaced with Ala or Ser. We successfully crystallized the mutant OspA without a bound Fab fragment and extended structure analysis to a 1.15 Å resolution. The new high‐resolution structure revealed a unique backbone hydration pattern of the SLB segment in which water molecules fill the “weak spots” on both faces of the antiparallel β‐sheet. These well‐defined water molecules provide additional structural links between adjacent β‐strands, and thus they may be important for maintaining the rigidity of the SLB that inherently lacks tight packing afforded by a hydrophobic core. The structure also revealed new information on the side‐chain dynamics and on a solvent‐accessible cavity in the core of the C‐terminal globular domain. This work demonstrates the utility of extensive surface mutation in crystallizing recalcitrant proteins and dramatically improving the resolution of crystal structures, and provides new insights into the stabilization mechanism of OspA.