Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE DISTRIBUTION OF C$sup 14$ IN GLYCOGEN FROM DEUTERATED GLYCEROL-C$sup 14$ AS A MEASURE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRIOSEPHOSPHATE ISOMERASE IN VIVO

h deuterium in the stereospecific position which is removed by triosephosphate isomerase during conversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. Both deuterated and nondeuterated glycerol-C/sup 14/ were administered orally to rats and the distribution of C/sup 14/ in the hexose units of liver glycogen was investigated. It was established that the presence of deuterium in the glycerol causes an increased asymmetry of the C/sup 14/ in the glucose unit. It is known that purified liver triosephosphate isomerase uses dihydroxyacetone phosphate less rapidly when it is deuterated at the position cleaved than tt does the nondeuterated dihydroxyacetone phosphate when the two species are mixed. Theoretical considerations indicate that discrimination against the deuterated species of dihydroxyacetone phosphate would be reflected in the labeling of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate and that the extent of the difference in labeling is dependent on the rate of the reversible interconversion of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phos phate. It was shown that the labeling of the glucose is consistent with predictions for such discrimination. The results provide strong evidence for the noneqnilibration of the triosephosphate pools. It is concluded that failure to achieve isotopic equilibration at the triosephosphate stage is the explanation for the unequalmore » labeling of the glucose units of liver glycogen derived from administered glycerolC/sup 14/. The present experimental approach demonstrates the use of deuterium to alter rates of reactions to evaluate the extent of equilibration of metabolic intermediates under normal physiological conditions in vivo. (auth)« less
Effi cacy of Standard Deviational Ellipses in the Application of Criminal Geographic Profi ling

The premise for this study is that the physical and cultural landscape has a deterministic effect on the location and distribution of serial crime. As a consequence, the distribution of linked crime scenes should exhibit a shape and orientation that is consistent with the underlying landscape. Geographic Profi ling models that are able to account for these effects will provide more accurate results than those models that do not. Utilizing basic geographic principles of central tendency and spatial diffusion, this research fi rst analyzed the output of circular and elliptical profi le models generated for 30 serial burglaries (n = 164) and 67 serial robberies (n = 370) in Baltimore, Maryland between 1994 and 1997. A comparative analysis of the model output reveals that the Standard Deviational Ellipse is signifi cantly (p = 0.000) better able to predict the home location of a serial offender than profi les generated from circles. Next, the relationship between the orientation of elliptical profi les and the mean linear orientation of the corresponding landscape was assessed to reveal a moderate but signifi cant correlation (r = 0.511, p < 0.001). Together, these fi ndings demonstrate that landscape does impact the locations of crime, and is a measurable parameter that can improve the effi cacy of geographic profi ling. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upper limb rehabilitation in fascioscapularhumeral dystrophy (FSHD): a patients perspective

Purpose: The study aims to identify exercise programmes used by Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) patients in the community, along with barriers and perceptions. Methods: A web based survey, distributed to patients on the UK FSHD registry, and focus groups were conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted on answers to survey questions supported by focus group notes, from seven FSHD patients. Results: A response rate of 43.6% was achieved with 232 out of 532 patients completing the survey. Only 44.4% engaged with exercises targeting the upper body. The themes from the data were: 1) Understanding of disease mechanism shaping exercise choice 2) Lack of understanding about the condition and how exercise interacts with it 3) Support from professionals 4) Barriers to exercise and 5) Thoughts about future research. Conclusion: Exercise selection was variable amongst FSHD patients. Lack of information, pain, fatigue, availability and access to facilities, cost and time were identified as barriers to exercise. Participants (92.2%) agreed additional research into upper limb exercises is needed and felt a 3-month arm cycling intervention with monthly clinical visits and MRI imaging would be appropriate. Further research is needed to develop evidence based exercise interventions and guidance for upper limb exercise prescription in FSHD.
Hit by the Silk Road: How Wage Coordination in Europe Mitigates the China Shock

Coordination in collective wage setting can constrain potential monopoly gains to unions in non-traded-goods industries. Countries with national wage coordination can thus stabilize overall employment against fluctuations and shocks in the world economy. We test this theory by exploring within-country variation in exposure to competition from China in 13 European countries. Our causal estimates demonstrate that in countries with uncoordinated wage setting, regions with higher import exposure from China experienced a marked fall in employment, while countries with wage-coordination experienced no such employment effects. We test our main mechanism against other explanations, and show that our findings are robust to alternative measures of wage coordination, industry classifications, and trade exposure.
Genetic Modification of Adipose Derived Stem Cells with Recombinant Plasmid DNA pBud-VEGF-FGF2 Results in Increased of IL-8 and MCP-1 Secretion

Bacterial plasmid DNA is often used in gene therapy application as a vector for delivering recombinant genes into eukaryotic cells. In this work we study effect of plasmid DNA encoding pro-angiogenic growth factors VEGF and FGF2 on cytokine production of human adipose derived stem cells (ADSC). Adipose tissue contain progenitor and stem cells with angiogenic potential which are considered promising cell source for treating ischemic conditions. Genetic modification of human ADSC with recombinant plasmids encoding therapeutic growth factors might change therapeutic potential of these cells. We report that genetic modification of ADSC with recombinant plasmid pBud-VEGF-FGF2 results in expected increased of VEGF secretion and also results in increase of IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion into culture medium.
Defending against Collaborative Attack’s in MANET

— In mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), an essential requirement for the foundation of communication among nodes is that nodes should coordinate with one another. In the presence of malicious nodes, this requirement may lead serious security concerns; for instance, such node may disturb the routing process. In this context, preventing or detecting malicious nodes launching gray hole or collaborative black hole in challenge. This project attempts to determine this issue by designing a dynamic source routing (DSR)- based routing mechanism, which is referred to as the cooperative bait detection scheme(CBDS), that coordinates the advantages of both proactive and reactive defense architectures. Our CBDS system implements a reverse tracing technique to help in achieving the stated goal. Simulation results are provided, showing that in the presence of malicious-node attacks, the CBDS outperforms the DSR, 2ACK, and best-effort fault-tolerant routing (BFTR) protocols (chosen as benchmarks) in terms of packet delivery ratio and routing overhead (chosen as performance metrics).
Physical environmental conditions, spawning and early-life stages of an estuarine fish: climate change implications for recruitment in intermittently open estuaries

Significant variation in the egg and larval survival and juvenile recruitment of estuarine fishes has been linked to fluctuating environmental conditions. This present study compared the distribution and abundance of black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) eggs and yolk-sac larvae between two microtidal estuaries of different flow regimes, where the riverine flow into the Glenelg estuary was around eight times the flow volume into the Hopkins estuary. Samples were collected monthly from September to November at sites along each estuary where vertical profiles of temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen (DO) were measured, and vertically stratified sampling of black bream eggs and yolk-sac larvae was conducted using a Schindler sampler. Salt wedge formation was apparent in both estuaries, with significant de-oxygenation of deeper, saline waters. Eggs occurred in a wide range of DO levels but yolk-sac larvae were less common at the lowest levels. Most eggs and yolk-sac larvae were collected in salinities greater than 10. Results suggested that egg mortality was higher in the Hopkins than the Glenelg estuary, which may be associated with the hypoxic conditions characteristic of low-flow conditions. The results have significant implications in terms of climate change that is predicted to lead to warmer, drier conditions in south-eastern Australia, potentially increasing stratification and subsequent hypoxic zones.
A Concept for Three-Dimensional Particle Metrology Based on Scanning Electron Microscopy and Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been frequently used for size and shape measurements of particles. SEM images offer two-dimensional (2D) information about a particle’s lateral dimensions. Unfortunately, information about the particle’s three-dimensional (3D) size and shape remains unavailable. To resolve this issue, I propose a new concept in SEM: 3D particle metrology obtained by applying structure-from-motion (SfM) algorithms to multiple rotational SEM images of particles deposited onto a cylindrical substrate to generate a 3D model from which size and shape information can be extracted. Particles can have any size that is suitable for SEM imaging. SEM images of the sample can be acquired from 0° to 360° using a rotational-tip SEM substage. Here, I will discuss the concept and, for clarity, illustrate it with aquarium gravel particles that are glued onto a craft roll and imaged optically before generating the 3D model of that handmade craft. Future work will include the experimental SEM realization, as well as further development of the SfM algorithms. In my view, this proposed concept may become an integral part of SEM-based particle metrology.
Stock Annex: Southern Horse Mackerel (hom 27.9.a)

Prior to 2004 horse mackerel stocks in the north east Atlantic were separated into three stocks according to the identification of spawning areas based on egg distribution, resulting in: a “Western stock” (northeast continental shelf of Europe, from France to Norway); a “North Sea stock” (North Sea area) and a “Southern stock” (Atlantic waters of the Iberian Peninsula). However, there is no recognizable boundary in the distribution of eggs between the putative western and southern horse mackerel stocks (ICES, 1999).
Monetary Policy with Judgment

We consider two approaches to incorporate judgment into DSGE models. First, Bayesian estimation indirectly imposes judgment via priors on model parameters, which are then mapped into a judgmental interest rate decision. Standard priors are shown to be associated with highly unrealistic judgmental decisions. Second, judgmental interest rate decisions are directly provided by the decision maker and incorporated into a formal statistical decision rule using frequentist procedures. When the observed interest rates are interpreted as judgmental decisions, they are found to be consistent with DSGE models for long stretches of time, but excessively tight in the 1980s and late 1990s and excessively loose in the late 1970s and early 2000s.
Analysis in the course of polydnavirus replication in ovarian calyx cells of the parasitoid wasp, Cotesia kariyai (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

The parasitoid wasp Cotesia kariyai oviposits into larvae of the armyworm Mythimna (=Pseudaletia) separata. At this time, the coinjection of a polydnavirus and venom is prerequisite for successful parasitoid development. Polydnaviruses are responsible for developmental arrest and interference with the host's immune system; thereby they are called symbiont viruses of the parasitoid wasps. In this study, we demonstrated that C. kariyai polydnaviruses (CkPDVs) replicate in ovarian calyx cells of the host female wasps after pupation. In the course of the replication, DNA synthesis commences by one day after pupation, being followed by capsid protein synthesis. Almost one day after the initiation of the capsid protein synthesis, envelope proteins become visible in the lateral oviducts. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the complete virion of CkPDV is not composed simultaneously but requires gradual steps.
Dispersal and recruitment during population growth in a colonial bird, the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis

While the factors influencing reproduction and survival in colonial populations are relatively well studied, factors involved in dispersal and settlement decisions are not well understood. The present study investigated exchanges of great cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis among six breeding colonies over a 13-year period when the breeding population in Denmark increased from 2800 to 36 400 nests. We used a multistate capturerecapture model that combined multisite resightings and recoveries to examine simultaneously recruitment, natal dispersal, breeding dispersal and annual survival of first-year, immature and breeding great cormorants. Mean survival of first-year birds (0.509 /0.09, range /0.420.66 among colonies) was lower than survival of breeders (0.909 /0.06, range /0.810.97). Mean survival of immature birds over the study period was 0.879 / 0.08. Dispersal from a colony increased with decreasing mean brood size in the colony in both first-time and experienced breeders. The choice of the settlement colony in first-time breeders was affected by conditions in the natal colony and in the colonies prospected during the pre-breeding years. In particular, first-time breeders recruited to colonies where they could expect better breeding success. Experienced breeders relied mainly on cues present early in the season and on their own breeding experience to choose a new breeding colony. Newly established colonies resulted mainly from the immigration of first-time breeders originating from denser colonies. Dispersal was distance-dependent and first-time breeders dispersed longer distances than breeders. We suggest that the prospecting behaviour allows first-time breeders to recruit in nearby as well as more distant potential breeding colonies. Dispersing breeders preferred to settle in neighbouring colonies likely to benefit from their experience with foraging areas. We discuss the importance of these movements for growth and expansion of the breeding population.
Prediction of the amenity of a tree stand

Slides and computer drawings of 100 managed stands were evaluated for scenic beauty and recreational value by 121 people. The size and age of trees increased the beauty and recreation scores as well as a big share of pines and birches. A great number of stems per hectare indicated low amenity. Characteristics describing the tree population explained 70 % of the variation in slide ratings. Ratings of computer illustrations of stands accounted for about the same proportion of the variation in slide ratings indicating that they can be used as successfully as the regression models for estimating the amenity of a tree stand. The ratings of forestry students did not differ from those of biology students nor the ratings of foresters from those of urban citizens.
Tetrandrine alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation via Sirt-1

Background & Aims Tetrandrine (Tet) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects and protect from the ischemic strokes. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a key role in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced inflammatory lesions. However, the molecular mechanisms of Tet related to the progression of cerebral ischemia are still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Tet on cerebral ischemia and the related mechanisms involved in NLRP3 inflammasome. Methods C57BL/6J mice used as a cerebral I/R injury model underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h following reperfusion for 24 h. Tet (30 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administered for seven days and 30 min before and after MCAO. Their brain tissues were evaluated for NLRP3 inflammasome and Sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1) expression. An intracerebroventricular injection of Sirt-1 siRNA was administered to assess the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Results Tet significantly reduced the neurological deficits, infarction volume, and cerebral water content in MCAO mice. Moreover, it inhibited I/R-induced over expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and Sirt-1. Sirt-1 knockdown with siRNA greatly blocked the Tet-induced reduction of neurological severity score and infarct volume, and reversed the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that Tet has benefits for cerebral I/R injury, which are partially related to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation via upregulating Sirt-1.
Postzygotic Control of Selfing in Hymenaea stigonocarpa (Leguminosae‐Caesalpinioideae), a Bat‐Pollinated Tree of the Brazilian Cerrados

The pollination biology and breeding system of Hymenaea stigonocarpa, a common tree of the Brazilian cerrados, were investigated. The flowers have nocturnal anthesis, produce copious nectar, and are visited by at least four species of bats, including the specialized nectivorous Glossophaga soricina and the less specialized frugivores Platyrhinus lineatus and Carollia perspicillata. Controlled hand‐pollination results indicate the species is basically allogamous. Almost all selfed flowers abscised within 7–8 d, but rejection was due to a postzygotic mechanism, since self‐pollen tubes grew to the ovary and penetrated ovules with equal facility to cross tubes, and selfed ovules at 5 d contained a zygote with endosperm nuclei. The causes of selfed pistil abscission were not established, but selfed ovules were smaller than crossed ones at every stage over the first 5 d postpollination, indicating an early recognition or differential development of selfed ovules.
Comparing the Effect of Combining Exercise with Rosuvastatin versus Atorvastatin on Lipid Profile and Functional Capacity: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Statins and exercise are recommended for managing hypercholesterolemia. However, statin types may vary in their interaction with exercise. We compared rosuvastatin versus atorvastatin combination with exercise on lipid profile and functional capacity. Methods A retrospective cohort study using data from a 12-week cardiovascular rehabilitation program between 2014 and 2016. Statin use was determined through prescriptions, and the average exercise minutes/week were computed from exercise logs. The outcomes were changes in total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL), triglycerides, and functional capacity (6-minute walk test (6MWT)). Directed acyclic graphs were used to identify potential confounders, accounted for using multiple linear regression modeling. Results The cohort included 282 patients from 106 atorvastatin and 176 rosuvastatin users. The average exercise minutes/week was 109.4 ± 66.1 among atorvastatin and 106.7 ± 49.1 among rosuvastatin users. Interaction models suggested that a higher number of exercise minutes/week were more favorable among atorvastatin users on total cholesterol and LDL (0.004, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.008 and 0.004, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.007, respectively) but did not reach significance for HDL and triglycerides. Rosuvastatin use was associated with greater increases in 6MWT; however, we observed no between-group differences in interaction estimates by the type of statin used. Conclusion Rosuvastatin use could blunt the beneficial effect of exercise on LDL and total cholesterol compared to atorvastatin. No significant differences were observed in triglycerides, HDL, and functional capacity levels. Additional studies are warranted with randomized treatments and larger samples. Healthcare providers should continue prescribing statins alongside recommending exercise modalities, with a careful follow-up for rosuvastatin users.
Direct isolation of female germ units from ovules of Petunia hybrida by enzymatic treatment without releasing somatic protoplasts from ovular tissue

Establishment of the efficient method for isolating the female germ unit (FGU; egg, synergid and central cell) is useful for the studies on the characterization of each FGU as well as in vitro fertilization and gametosomatic hybridization. In this study, an easy one-step enzymatic procedure was successfully developed to isolate FGU from ovules of Petunia hybrida without releasing the somatic protoplasts from ovular tissues, which could not be achieved in the previous studies. Each FGU was separately liberated after treating the ovules, which were collected from ovaries of flowers one day after anthesis, with an appropriate enzyme solution comprised of 10 g l−1 Cellulase Onozuka R-10, 10 g l−1 Macerozyme R-10, 0.6 M mannitol, 5 mM 2-morpholinoethane-sulfonic acid and 5 g l−1 potassium dextran sulfate, pH 5.8 with 50-rpm shaking for 2 h at room temperature. Isolated FGUs were distinguished by their specific size and characteristics. Fluorescent staining with 4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole could identify the polar nuclei of central cell and the nuclear polarity of egg apparatus cells. After transfer into washing solution supplemented with 0.6 M mannitol using a micropump-connected microcapillary, about 80% of the isolated FGUs were viable for up to 8 h after the isolation, as determining by fluorescein diacetate staining.
Trace Level Detection of Bisphenol A Analogues and Parabens by LC-MS/MS in Human Plasma from Malaysians

In this study, a novel LC-MS/MS method was designed using a simple extraction procedure that was scientifically developed to capture the most relevant bisphenol A (BPA) analogues (BPB, BPF, BPS, and BPAF) and parabens (propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and methylparaben) in human plasma. The LC-MS/MS method was validated using US FDA guidelines, and all validation requirements were satisfactory. This is the method that allows for the detection of plasma bisphenols and parabens in one run and is also the fastest BPA analogue and paraben detection technique for human plasma. The method was used to analyze samples from 150 healthy volunteers from Malaysia who enrolled in the study. No BPB was detected in any of the volunteers; however, 99.3% were positive for BPF. Only 24% and 10.7% of volunteers were positive for BPAF and BPS, respectively. A high percentage of volunteers were negative for propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and methylparaben (56%, 68%, 86.7%, and 83.3%, respectively). These results suggest that persons in Malaysia are exposed to different BPA analogues and parabens, from both the daily use of products (cosmetic and plastic products) and the environment.