Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Key performance indicators and leg positioning for the kick-start in competitive swimmers

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to (1) assess the test–retest reliability of a novel performance analysis system for swimming (KiSwim) including an instrumented starting block and optical motion capture system, (2) identify key performance indicators (KPI) for the kick-start, (3) determine the most beneficial position of the strong leg and (4) investigate the effect of acute reversal of leg positioning. During three sessions, kick-starts of 15 competitive swimmers were investigated. Eighteen kinematic and kinetic parameters showed high reliability (ICC>0.75) from which principal component analysis identified seven KPI (i.e., time to 15 m, time on-block, depth at 7.5 m, horizontal take-off velocity, horizontal impulse back plate, horizontal peak force back plate and vertical peak force front plate). For the preferred start position, the back plate showed a higher horizontal peak force (0.71 vs. 0.96 x body mass; p < 0.001) and impulse (0.191 vs. 0.28Ns/BW; p < 0.001) compared to front plate. Acute reversal of the leg position reduced performance (i.e., increased time to 15 m and reduced horizontal take-off velocity). However, plate-specific kinetic analysis revealed a larger horizontal peak force (p < 0.001) and impulse (p < 0.001) for the back compared to the front plate in any start position investigated. Therefore, swimmers are encouraged to position the strong leg in the back.
A suitable and effective stepwise oxidative refolding procedure for highly‐cationic tetrameric avidin in nucleic acid free conditions

Optimized conditions are needed to refold recombinant proteins from bacterial inclusion bodies into their biologically active conformations. In this study, we found two crucial requirements for efficient refolding of cationic tetrameric chicken avidin. The first step is to eliminate nucleic acid contaminants from the bacterial inclusion body. The electrostatic interactions between the remaining nucleic acids and proteins strongly enhanced protein aggregation during the refolding process. The cysteine specific reversible S‐cationization procedure was successfully employed for large‐scale preparation of nucleic acid free denatured protein without purification tag system. The second step is the intramolecular disulfide formation prior to refolding in dialysis removing denaturant. Disulfide intact monomeric avidin showed efficient formation of biologically active tetrameric conformation during the refolding process. Using this optimized refolding procedure, highly cationic avidin derivative designed as an intracellular delivery carrier of biotinylated protein was successfully prepared.
Proteomic research and diagnosis in bladder cancer: state of the art review

ABSTRACT Purpose: Proteomic biomarkers have been emerging as alternative methods to the gold standard procedures of cystoscopy and urine cytology in the diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer (BC). This review aims to update the state of the art of proteomics research and diagnosis in BC. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the current literature related to BC research on urinary, tissue, blood and cell line proteomics, using the Pubmed database. Findings: Two urinary protein biomarkers are FDA-approved (NMP22® and BTA® tests), only if performed along with cystoscopy for surveillance after initial diagnosis, but not in the primary diagnostic setting due to high false-positive rates in case of infections, stones and hematuria. There are a great number of non-FDA approved proteins being studied, with good preliminary results; panels of proteins seem valuable tools to be refined in ongoing trials. Blood proteins are a bigger challenge, because of the complexity of the serum protein profile and the scarcity of blood proteomic studies in BC. Previous studies with the BC tissue proteome do not correlate well with the urinary proteome, likely due to the tumor heterogeneity. Cell line proteomic research helps in the understanding of basic mechanisms that drive BC development and progression; the main difficulty is culturing low-grade tumors in vitro, which represents the majority of BC tumors in clinical practice. Conclusion: Protein biomarkers have promising value in the diagnosis, surveillance and prognostic of BC. Urine is the most appropriate body fluid for biomarker research in BC due to its easiness of sampling, stability and enrichment of shed and secreted tumor-specific proteins. Panels of biomarkers may exhibit higher sensitivity than single proteins in the diagnosis of BC at larger populations due to clinical and tumor heterogeneity. Prospective clinical trials are warranted to validate the relevance of proteomic data in the clinical management of BC.
Does Social Content Influence the Subjective Evaluation of Affective Pictures?

Abstract This study explored the effect of the perceived social content of affective pictures on the subjective evaluation of affective valence and arousal. For this purpose, we established three categories of social content (pictures without people, with one person and with two or more people). A sample of 161 subjects rated 200 pictures varying in affective valence (unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant), arousal and social content. Results of two-factor analysis of variance, F(4, 157) = 71.7, p < . 001, ηp2 = . 31, showed that perceived social content influenced the ratings of affective valence, specially for unpleasant pictures, with the greatest social content (two or more people) leading subjects to rate unpleasant pictures with the lowest ratings (all pairwise comparisons’ p < .001). Regarding arousal, F(4, 157) = 64.0, p < . 001, ηp2 = . 29), the higher the social content, the higher the arousal ratings, but only for pleasant (all pairwise comparisons’ p < .007) and unpleasant (all pairwise comparisons’ p < .001) pictures. Overall, this study demonstrated an effect of the perceived social content on the subjective evaluation of affective valence and arousal of emotional stimuli.
Targeting DNA and RNA in Pathogens: Mode of Action of Amotosalen HCl

Blood products for transfusion may contain a wide variety of DNA- and RNA-based pathogens, including those for which there are no current tests, and they are vulnerable to emerging, unknown pathogens, thus compromising the safety of the products [1]. Amotosalen HCl (S-59), in combination with UVA light, has been developed for inactivation of a broad range of DNA- and RNA-based single- and double-stranded pathogens, viruses, bacteria, parasites, and leukocytes in platelet concentrates and plasma in a blood bank setting. Amotosalen is a heterocyclic psoralen compound that reacts by a three-step process with nucleic acids: (i) amotosalen intercalates into the double helix, (ii) upon illumination with long-wavelength ultraviolet light it covalently attaches to a single strand forming a monoadduct and (iii) additional illumination causes a photoreaction of the monoadduct forming a covalent interstrand or intrastrand crosslink. Inactivation rate is related to genome size. The amotosalen photochemical treatment process has been optimized to inactivate all significant pathogens in platelet concentrates as currently processed for transfusion in a blood bank setting, thus increasing the safety of the product.
The polymorphism of bovine Cofilin-1 gene sequence variants and association analysis with growth traits in Qinchuan cattle

Abstract In our study, four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in exon 2 of cofilin-1 (CFL1) gene in 488 Chinese Qinchuan (QC) cattle, which included two missense mutations T 2084G and G 2107C, two synonymous mutations T 2052C and T 2169C. Further, we evaluated haplotype frequency and linkage disequilibrium (LD) coefficient of four SNPs. At SNP T 2052C, G 2107C and T 2169C, the QC cattle population belonged to intermediate genetic diversity (0.25 < PIC-value < 0.5), whereas SNP T-2084G belonged to low polymorphism (PIC-value < 0.25). Haplotype analysis showed that 6 different haplotypes (frequency > 0.03). LD analysis showed that SNP G 2107C and T 2169C, SNP G 2107C and T 2084G were high LD, respectively (r 2 > 0.33). Association analysis indicated that SNP T 2052C was significantly associated with body length, chest breadth, chest depth and body mass in the QC population (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). SNP G 2107C was significantly associated with rump length (p < 0.05). SNP T 2169C was significantly associated with chest breadth and chest depth (p < .01 or p < .05). The results of our study suggest that the CFL1 gene may be a strong candidate gene that affects growth traits in the QC cattle breeding program.
The association between polymorphism of norepinephrine transporter G1287A and major depressive disorder, antidepressant response: a meta-analysis

Objectives Massive research has examined the cause of major depressive disorder (MDD) and accumulating evidence has revealed that the gene for the norepinephrine transporter (NET) is involved in MDDs etiology as well as the antidepressant response. The G1287A (rs5569, GRCh38, Chromosome 16, 55697923) is located in the exon 9 region of the SLC6A2 gene. It was found to be connected with MDD and antidepressant response in people of different genetic ancestries. However, the results are still inconsistent. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the overall association of rs5569 polymorphisms with MDD and the antidepressant response. Results Sixteen articles that studied the connection between the G1287A polymorphism and MDD or antidepressant response were identified, and their outcomes revealed there was a significant connection between the polymorphisms and MDD and antidepressant response. Our study indicated that the GG genotype may be a protection factor against the development of MDD [odds ratio (OR = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64–0.96, P = 0.02 for Asian population; OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63–0.98, P = 0.03 for Han Chinese population] while the GG genotype had a worse antidepressant response (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.25–0.94, P = 0.03). Conclusions: NET G1287A polymorphisms are involved in the etiology of MDD and antidepressant response.
Litter size, birth weight and growth to weaning in the cat

In view of the wide use of the cat as ail experimental animal it is surprising that its growth and relatcd subjects of litter size and birth weight have been the subject of very few studies. Incidental data are reported by Abderhalden (1899), Thomas ( 'll), MacKay ( '21) and 17. Hoesslin ( '26). Latimer and Ibseii ( ' 3 2 ) have followed the growth of six male and six female kittens for 13 weeks. They noted that both sexes grow at about the same rate until the eighth week, after which the rate of growth of the males is much greater. Feeling the need for more accurate information concerning the growth of this animal, especially for comparison with that resulting from various experimental procedures, we have analyzed the data collected over several years from normal cats in our cat colony.
Synthesis, molecular modelling, FT-IR, Raman and NMR characterization, molecular docking and ADMET study of new nickel(II) complex with an N4-tetradentate thiosemicarbazone

Abstract A new nickel(II) complex was synthesized by using S-propyl-thiosemicarbazide and 2-amino-3,5-dibromobenzaldehyde. The complex, obtained by the template effect of nickel ions, was structurally analysed by experimental and theoretical vibrational spectroscopy, NMR and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. By using DFT/B3LYP method with 6-311++G(d, p) basis set, the most stable molecular structure of the title molecule was calculated. The fundamental vibrational wavenumbers, IR and Raman intensities for the optimized structure of the molecule under investigation were determined and compared with the experimental vibrational spectra. The vibrational assignment was achieved using the calculated potential energy distributions of the vibrational modes. Moreover, the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest occupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies were calculated, Molecular docking of the molecule was carried out against DNA in order to identify the potential inhibitory action of the title compound. The findings suggested that the aforementioned compound has a strong binding affinity to interact with DNA residues DT8, DC9, DG12, DG16, DA17, and DA18 through the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Also the performed in silico ADMET analysis was the prediction of the synthesized molecule’s pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile expressing good oral drug like actions and non-toxic nature. The complex has been shown to have the possibility to become a model molecule for drug development processes. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Resveratrol promotes osteogenesis and alleviates osteoporosis by inhibiting p53

Although osteoporosis is one of the most common chronic age-related diseases, there is currently no gold standard for treatment. Evidence suggests resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, may be helpful in the treatment of osteoporosis and other diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-osteoporotic effects of resveratrol remain largely unknown. In the present study, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of resveratrol-targeted genes identified 33 associated pathways, 12 of which were also involved in osteoporosis. In particular, the MDM2/p53 signaling pathway was identified as a potential key pathway among the shared pathways. In vitro experiments indicated that MDM2-mediated p53 degradation induced osteoblast differentiation, and resveratrol could partially reverse p53-dependent inhibition of osteogenic differentiation. These findings suggest resveratrol may alleviate osteoporosis at least in part by modulating the MDM2/p53 signaling pathway.
A Robust and Cost-Effective Luminescent-Based High-Throughput Assay for Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate Aldolase A

Hypoxic solid tumors induce the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α), which stimulates the expression of many glycolytic enzymes and hypoxia-responsive genes. A high rate of glycolysis supports the energetic and material needs for tumors to grow. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase A (ALDOA) is an enzyme in the glycolytic pathway that promotes the expression of HIF1α. Therefore, inhibition of ALDOA activity represents a potential therapeutic approach for a range of cancers by blocking two critical cancer survival mechanisms. Here, we present a luminescence-based strategy to determine ALDOA activity. The assay platform was developed by integrating a previously established ALDOA activity assay with a commercial NAD/NADH detection kit, resulting in a significant (>12-fold) improvement in signal/background (S/B) compared with previous assay platforms. A screening campaign using a mixture-based compound library exhibited excellent statistical parameters of Z′ (>0.8) and S/B (~20), confirming its robustness and readiness for high-throughput screening (HTS) application. This assay platform provides a cost-effective method for identifying ALDOA inhibitors using a large-scale HTS campaign.
The Importance of Shorebirds to Energy Fluxes in a Food Web of a South European Estuary

Abstract This paper presents the results of a study on the diets and energetic needs of shorebird populations in the Tagus Estuary (Portugal). The average biomass removed by the bird populations during 1 year was estimated as 1755 kg ash-free dry weight day −1 , equivalent to a predation pressure of 103 kJ m −2 year −1 . Gulls ingested more than half of this total, with waders and ducks ingesting 15–20% each. Cormorants, egrets and flamingos each took less than 7% of the total ingested biomass, thus constituting secondary groups for energy transfers in the food web. Assuming an invertebrate production estimate of 853 kJ m −2 year −1 , the consumption efficiency of birds on the invertebrate populations was 12%. Twelve bird species took 90% of the total biomass ingested during winter by the bird populations, each specializing on one or two preferred prey species that constituted more than 75% of their ingested biomass. During winter, the Tagus bird community is characterized by its great dependence on one prey species, the bivalve Scrobicularia plana . This prey, taken either in the form of siphons or intact individuals, represented a significant percentage of the biomass taken by the bird populations (45%), and it is important for three reasons. Firstly, other bivalves taken by birds in North European estuaries are absent or occur in low densities in the Tagus. Secondly, Scrobicularia densities in the Tagus are high compared with values observed further north. Thirdly, although high densities also occur in Northern Europe, these density peaks are occasional as there is a trend for the occurrence of irregular recruitment, whereas further south, there is regular recruitment. Gulls and waders took significant percentages of bivalve siphons. This is an interesting finding, as the predation of siphons is a form of grazing with important ecological implications for energy fluxes across the estuarine ecosystem and for the prey population.
Quantitative single-cell interactomes in normal and virus-infected mouse lungs

ABSTRACT Mammalian organs consist of diverse, intermixed cell types that signal to each other via ligand-receptor interactions – an interactome – to ensure development, homeostasis and injury-repair. Dissecting such intercellular interactions is facilitated by rapidly growing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data; however, existing computational methods are often not readily adaptable by bench scientists without advanced programming skills. Here, we describe a quantitative intuitive algorithm, coupled with an optimized experimental protocol, to construct and compare interactomes in control and Sendai virus-infected mouse lungs. A minimum of 90 cells per cell type compensates for the known gene dropout issue in scRNA-seq and achieves comparable sensitivity to bulk RNA sequencing. Cell lineage normalization after cell sorting allows cost-efficient representation of cell types of interest. A numeric representation of ligand-receptor interactions identifies, as outliers, known and potentially new interactions as well as changes upon viral infection. Our experimental and computational approaches can be generalized to other organs and human samples. Summary: An intuitive method to construct quantitative ligand-receptor interactomes using single-cell RNA-sequencing data and its application to normal and Sendai virus-infected mouse lungs.
Development of microsatellite markers for Primula sieboldii using degenerate oligonucleotide-primed PCR-amplified DNA

Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for Primula sieboldii using degenerate oligonucleotide-primed (DOP) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified DNA. The number of alleles per locus varied between two and seven and the expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.23 to 0.81. Frequent occurrence of identical microsatellite found in positive clones suggested biased amplification of genomic DNA by DOP–PCR.
Demographic responses of rare forest plants to multiple stressors: the role of deer, invasive species and nutrients

Forest ecosystems in eastern North America face multiple threats or stressors including plant and animal invasions and increased white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herbivory. While each stressor may have independent detrimental effects on native biota, stressors often co‐occur and are likely to have interactive effects. Despite recognition that concurrent processes drive plant demographic responses, few studies evaluate independent and combined effect of stressors. Using a network of 12 sites that varied in non‐native plant cover and introduced earthworm density and biomass, we experimentally assessed effects of deer exclusion (30 × 30 m paired plots), slug exclusion and nutrient addition on survival, growth and fecundity of four rare forest understorey plant species (Aristolochia serpentaria L., Agrimonia rostellata Wallr., Carex retroflexa Muhl. ex Willd and Trillium erectum L). We found that single and combined effects of stressors were species‐specific and varied according to plant stage and demographic parameter. Interactions were prevalent among all studied stressors and, for most cases, did not follow predicted responses. We found detrimental deer herbivory effects on reproductive A. rostellata and non‐consumptive effects on A. serpentaria and T. erectum. Negative deer effects follow underlying predictions, and override effects of other stressors, even when other concurrent processes are at play. Contrary to expectations, we did not find negative effects of non‐native plants. Earthworms had positive effects on A. rostellata and C. retroflexa (especially when deer were excluded), but negative effects on T. erectum. Slug effects were dependent on other stressors, especially on interactions with non‐native plants and earthworms. Nutrient addition had a negative effect on survival of A. serpentaria and T. erectum, but positive effects on C. retroflexa and T. erectum growth. Synthesis. We found prevalent but unpredictable interactions among all study factors and plant species. Negative direct and indirect deer effects overrode impacts of all other stressors we investigated. A multifactor approach is critical to predict plant responses to concurrent environmental forces. Assessment of combined effects should form an essential component of subsequent research on plant demography and management of declining species.
Notes on Cleistogamy of Grasses

The genus Triplasis Beauv. , so far as we can find, has not been recognized as one of the many genera of grasses producing cleistogamous spikelets. Its nearest relative recognized as having this habit is Sieglingia decumbens (L.) Ktze. This and other cleistogamous grasses are discussed by Professor EDUARD HACKEL (Oest. Bot. Zeits. 56:8I-88, I43-I54, i8o-i86. i906). Specimens of Triplasis in the National Herbarium collected in autumn show reduced panicles wholly or partly included in the sheaths, and bearing few to several cleistogamous spikelets with glumes and awns much reduced, but otherwise like those of the terminal panicle. Specimens of T. purpurea (Walt.) Chapm. collected on the low dunes of the Isle of Palms, S. C. , October i8, I907 (Chase 4524), show an additional form of cleistogamous spikelet. This is larger, solitary, and sessile in the base of an indurated prophyllum, in the wings of which it is clasped together with the first internode of the branch, lying between the branch and the back of the prophyllum. The glumes are wanting, repeated dissections failing to show even traces of them. The spikelets are one-flowered, or sometimes have a rudimentary second floret; the lemma and palea are thin, the awn of the lemma and beard of the palea much reduced. (The figures show the difference between this spikelet and one from the terminal panicle, also the comparative size of the two developed grains.) This second form of cleistogene was discovered in the field, and plenty of material for dissection was collected. Most of the culms produced two to eight or nine of these spikelets, beginning usually at the second node. The spikelets in the upper sheaths have smaller florets and rudimentary glumes, and grade into the ordinary form of cleistogene. Since herbarium material cannot be ruthlessly disjointed, only a few sheaths of autumnal specimens, which by their swollen appearance gave promise of containing these cleistogenes, were examined. Of these, one specimen of T. americana Beauv. from Florida (Combs 87I) showed this form, the glumes wanting, the awn, which in this species is 5mm or more long, nearly obsolete. A duplicate