Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seabird year-round and historical feeding ecology: blood and feather δ13C and δ15N values document foraging plasticity of small sympatric petrels

The foraging ecology of small seabirds remains poorly understood because of the dif- ficulty of studying them at sea. Here, the extent to which 3 sympatric seabirds (blue petrel, thin- billed prion and common diving petrel) alter their foraging ecology across the annual cycle was investigated using stable isotopes. δ 13 C and δ 15 N values were used as proxies of the birds' foraging habitat and diet, respectively, and were measured in 3 tissues (plasma, blood cells and feathers) that record trophic information at different time scales. Long-term temporal changes were inves- tigated by measuring feather isotopic values from museum specimens. The study was conducted at the subantarctic Kerguelen Islands and emphasizes 4 main features. (1) The 3 species highlight a strong connection between subantarctic and Antarctic pelagic ecosystems, because they all for- aged in Antarctic waters at some stages of the annual cycle. (2) Foraging niches are stage- dependent, with petrels shifting their feeding grounds during reproduction either from oceanic to productive coastal waters (common diving petrel) or from subantarctic to high-Antarctic waters where they fed primarily on crustaceans (blue petrel and thin-billed prion). (3) The common div- ing petrel segregated from the surface-feeders blue petrel and thin-billed prion by a coastal habi- tat and lower trophic level prey, while the blue petrel segregated from the thin-billed prion by foraging further south and including more fish in its diet. (4) Feather δ 13 C and δ 15 N values from historical and recent specimens of thin-billed prion depicted a pronounced temporal shift to higher latitudes in its main moulting ground, where it feeds on higher trophic level prey. The study contributes to growing evidence that seabirds exhibit considerable foraging plasticity and sheds new light on their flexibility at different time scales (from intra-seasonal to decadal).
High-throughput approaches for genotoxicity testing in drug development: recent advances

New molecules targeted at enhancing quality of life undergo various tests to evalu- ate their efficacy and biosafety before approval. However, there is an urgent need to develop a standardized set of tests and regulatory standards to ensure all molecules comply with biosafety standards at all stages. Though there is a battery of tests used to assess the toxicity of various compounds under study, the inability of these tests to yield a consensus serves as a major draw- back. In addition, the time-consuming and labor-intensive nature of these tests does not aid in accelerating the process of screening and identification of molecules with high efficacy and low toxicity. Modernization and standardization of a current battery of tests to a common end point in combination with identification of novel molecular markers for assessing genotoxicity seems to be the way forward. The establishment of high-throughput screening to assess vari- ous biomarker parameters, such as DNA damage to evaluate genotoxicity, offers rapid, cost- effective, and non-labor-intensive screening, a potential solution to the challenge mentioned. We here review the tests that are currently in use for assessing the genotoxicity potential of various compounds. Furthermore, the review also offers an overview of recent advancements in conventional techniques and use of various molecular markers in an effort to establish high-
Are Young and Old Workers Harmful for Firm Productivity?

This paper investigates the effects of the workforce age structure on the productivity of large Belgian firms. More precisely, it examines different scenarios of changes in the proportion of young (16-29 years), middle-aged (30-49 years) and old (more than 49 years) workers and their expected effects on firm productivity. Using detailed matched employer-employee data, we find that a higher share of young (old) workers within firms is favourable (harmful) for firm value added per capita. Results also show that age structure effects on productivity are stronger in ICT than in non-ICT firms.
B Cell Lymphogenesis in Swine Is Located in the Bone Marrow

A course and a site of B cell development in swine are not firmly known. In this study, we show that B cell lymphogenesis is located in the bone marrow (BM). According to expression of MHC class II (MHC-II), CD2, CD21, CD25, CD45RC, CD172a, swine workshop cluster (identification number) (SWC) 7, and μHC, porcine BM cells were resolved into seven subsets representing sequential stages of development. Profile of rearrangement-specific products and transcripts from sorted BM cells confirmed the proposed developmental pathway. The same developmental pathway was further proven by analysis of selection for productive rearrangements in Ig H chains and also by cultivation studies. Cultivation also showed that earliest precursors with incomplete DJ rearrangements can still revert their B cell differentiation and develop along myeloid lineage, whereas this is impossible for later developmental stages. Proliferation and the apoptotic potential of individual developmental stages as well as critical checkpoints were also identified. Colocalization experiments showed early colocalization of MHC-II/CD2/CD172a is replaced by colocalization of MHC-II/CD2/CD21/SWC7/IgM in immature cells, whereas CD25 and CD45RC did not colocalize with any other studied molecules. In this study, we also finally prove that the BM in pigs is fully functional in adult animals and that B lymphogenesis occurs there throughout life. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing a course and a direct site of B cell lymphogenesis in swine.
Systems engineering approach for high speed enterprise systems

Disparate customer support centers in an enterprise system apply different monitoring and analysis tools while attempting to ensure quality of service for the end-user. These tools provide inconsistent metrics that make problem resolution inefficient and reactive rather than proactive and effective. A systems engineering approach is proposed that considers enterprise monitoring and analysis in high-speed enterprise communications systems done by support centers via collaboration rather than in isolation. This presents graphical representations of various aspects of the monitoring and analysis approach that include architectural, operational, systems-level, and technical views. For each of these views we identify the applicable system components and the integration of these components that enable solution of system-wide problems.
Crystal Structure of the Staphylococcus aureus pI258 CadC Cd(II)/Pb(II)/Zn(II)-Responsive Repressor

ABSTRACT The Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pI258 cadCA operon encodes a P-type ATPase, CadA, that confers resistance to the heavy metals Cd(II), Zn(II), and Pb(II). Expression of this heavy-metal efflux pump is regulated by CadC, a homodimeric repressor that dissociates from the cad operator/promoter upon binding of Cd(II), Pb(II), or Zn(II). CadC is a member of the ArsR/SmtB family of metalloregulatory proteins. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure of CadC at 1.9 Å resolution. The dimensions of the protein dimer are approximately 30 Å by 40 Å by 70 Å. Each monomer contains six α-helices and a three-stranded β-sheet. Helices 4 and 5 form a classic helix-turn-helix motif that is the putative DNA binding region. The α1 helix of one monomer crosses the dimer to approach the α4 helix of the other monomer, consistent with the previous proposal that these two regulatory metal binding sites for the inducer cadmium or lead are each formed by Cys-7 and Cys-11 from the N terminus of one monomer and Cys-58 and Cys-60 of the other monomer. Two nonregulatory metal binding sites containing zinc are formed between the two antiparallel α6 helices at the dimerization interface. This is the first reported three-dimensional structure of a member of the ArsR/SmtB family with regulatory metal binding sites at the DNA binding domain and the first structure of a transcription repressor that responds to the heavy metals Cd(II) and Pb(II).
Next-Generation Sequencing of Prostate Tumors Provides Independent Evidence of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Gammaretrovirus Contamination

In 2006, xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related gammaretrovirus (XMRV) was isolated from prostate cancer tissue ([9][1]). However, subsequent studies have yielded conflicting and controversial results, with widespread detection of XMRV suggested to be the result of contamination with mouse
A Centralized DSM Algorithm for Multiuser Digital Subscriber Line Systems

In this paper we present a dynamic spectrum management (DSM) Level-2 algorithm based on centralized power control and crosstalk cancellation for multiuser digital subscriber line (DSL) systems with heavily unbalanced crosstalk channels. This algorithm combines two approaches: crosstalk cancellation and crosstalk suppression to combat crosstalk degradation effects. Our algorithm performs crosstalk cancellation on the selected tones before power control through spectrum management center (SMC) which considerably improves DSL upstream data rate with affordable run time complexity.
In silico evaluation for the potential naturally available drugs for breast cancer

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the major causes of deaths in women. During the incidence of breast cancer, the HER-2 is amplified and over expressed. This transmembrane receptor is involved in the signal transduction pathway. The present article evaluates 14 naturally available breast cancer drugs, in silico and the ADMET studies were conducted. The HER-2, a validate breast cancer target was taken for the present study. The protein was prepared for docking on the Discovery Studio 2.5. About 14 ligand molecules were used to dock with HER-2 after they were prepared for docking. The ADMET assessment was also done. The dock results showed that the ligand 4′-epidoxorubicin to be the potential drug with the highest dock score of 49.386. Among the 14 naturally available breast cancer drugs, our results evaluated that 4′-epidoxorubicin as the best drug for breast cancer. Further, the ADMET studies give an idea about the drug molecules.
Adaptive MIMO Mode and Fast Cell Selection with Interference Avoidance in Multi-cell Environments

In this paper, we consider the fast cell selection (FCS) with interference avoidance (IA) and the adaptive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode selection in multi-cell environments. In the FCS, the mobile station (MS) near the cell boundary can exploit cell selection diversity but may suffer from other cell interference (OCI). To mitigate OCI, adaptive MIMO mode selection combined with IA is considered for the proposed FCS scheme. Based on analytic ergodic capacity, the MS can determine candidate cells for FCS with IA and selects MIMO mode. Finally, simulation results show that the proposed scheme considerably outperforms the conventional fractional frequency reuse (FFR) schemes particularly in the cell boundary region.
Demonstration of Vehicle to Vehicle Communications over TV White Space

Future vehicular communications systems are expected to utilize the vacant channels (white spaces) of the spectrum, otherwise allocated for specific designated use. One such candidate of white space comes from the TV broadcast band. In this demonstration, we will first present animated results of a TV spectrum measurement campaign along the entire portion of Interstate I-90 located in the US state of Massachusetts. Next, we will demonstrate a cyber-physical proof-of-concept lab implementation of our previously developed control and data channel assignment schemes for vehicle-to-vehicle communications over (TV) white space. Finally we will show a video of actual vehicle to vehicle communications field tests conducted in Japan using TV white space.
Phenotypic variability in 49 cases of ESCO2 mutations, including novel missense and codon deletion in the acetyltransferase domain, correlates with ESCO2 expression and establishes the clinical criteria for Roberts syndrome

Background Roberts syndrome (RBS) and SC phocomelia are caused by mutations in ESCO2, which codes for an acetyltransferase involved in the regulation of sister chromatid cohesion. Of 26 mutations described to date, only one missense mutation has been reported and all others are predicted to be truncating mutations. Genotype–phenotype analysis has been hampered by limited numbers of patients with clinical information available. Objective To provide unpublished clinical data for 31 patients with proven ESCO2 mutations and combine this series with previously reported clinical and mutation data on 18 cases. Methods Genotype–phenotype correlations and functional effects of two novel ESCO2 mutations were analysed. In situ hybridisation on human embryos at Carnegie stages 14, 17 and 21 was performed to study ESCO2 expression during development. Results and conclusions Using the cohort of 49 patients, the clinical criteria for RBS were delineated to include: growth retardation; symmetric mesomelic shortening of the limbs in which the upper limbs are more commonly and severely affected than the lower limbs; characteristic facies with microcephaly. The severity of malformations of the facies correlates with the severity of limb reduction. The occurrence of corneal opacities may be associated with specific mutations. Two new mutations, both in the ESCO2 acetyltransferase domain, are described and their acetylation effects in vitro demonstrated. In situ hybridisation on human embryos showed ESCO2 expression in the brain, face, limb, kidney and gonads, which corresponds to the structures affected in RBS.
THE OUTBURST OF THE BLAZAR S4 0954+658 IN 2011 MARCH–APRIL

We present the results of optical (R-band) photometric and polarimetric monitoring and Very Long Baseline Array imaging of the blazar S4 0954+658, along with Fermi γ-ray data during a multi-waveband outburst in 2011 March–April. After a faint state with a brightness level R ∼ 17.6 mag registered in the first half of 2011 January, the optical brightness of the source started to rise and reached ∼14.8 mag during the middle of March, showing flare-like behavior. The most spectacular case of intranight variability was observed during the night of 2011 March 9, when the blazar brightened by ∼0.7 mag within 7 hr. During the rise of the flux, the position angle of the optical polarization rotated smoothly over more than 300°. At the same time, within 1σ uncertainty, a new superluminal knot appeared with an apparent speed of 19.0 ± 0.3c. We have very strong evidence that this knot is associated with the multi-waveband outburst in 2011 March–April. We also analyze the multi-frequency behavior of S4 0954+658 during a number of minor outbursts from 2008 August to 2012 April. We find some evidence of connections between at least two additional superluminal ejecta and near-simultaneous optical flares.
If all ambulances could fly: putting provincial standards of emergency care access to the test in Northern British Columbia.

INTRODUCTION Geographic access to emergency treatment remains an important public policy concern as rural emergency medical systems respond to various pressures to centralize services. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are effective tools to determine what proportion of a given population is adequately served by existing or proposed service distributions. METHODS This study compares 2 GIS approaches to determining whether recent standards of emergency care access established by the British Columbia Ministry of Health Services are being met in Northern British Columbia. In particular, we compare results obtained using the more commonly used straight-line, or "as the crow flies," method with those obtained using a more sophisticated method that estimates travel time using digitally referenced road network data. RESULTS Both methods reveal that provincial standards of emergency access are not being met in Northern British Columbia. CONCLUSION In terms of comparing the 2 approaches, the network technique indicated a lower level of access and was more accurate in identifying populations residing inside and outside the "golden hour" of emergency care.
Two-Dimensional Scanning Antenna Array Driven by Integrated Waveguide Phase Shifter

A Butler matrix-fed two-dimensional (2-D) scan linearly polarized 2 × 2 microstrip ring antenna array (MRAA) is proposed and validated in low-cost substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology for Ka-band applications. The highly efficient, compact, and passive beam forming network (BFN) consists of SIW cruciform couplers as coupling unit, and its special topology is well adapted for feeding planar arrays. The wideband and high radiation efficiency antenna elements are aperture-coupled through slots etched on the top of a high permittivity SIW feed substrate. Such four antenna elements are used to construct 2 × 2 MRAA and to form four fixed beams, one in each quadrant at an elevation angle of 20 ° from the broad side array axis. A triangular grid arrangement is chosen to avoid grating lobes in the visible space. A 50- Ω grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) to SIW transition is used to avoid spurious input feed radiation loss. The array is measured to exhibit 3-dB beam width of 30 ° in both of the orthogonal planes, radiation efficiency of 70% for each port, and stable radiation pattern bandwidth of 7.6% at 26.5 GHz. The physical size of the demonstrated 2 × 2 array is 2. 86λo×2. 86λo×0. 22λo.
Multidimensional behaviors : the state-space paradigm ( special issue JCW )

For 1-D systems, the state-space approach has perhaps become the most popular method of analyzing these systems. There have been several attempts to imitate the state-space framework for n-D systems. Introduction of behavioral theory by Jan C. Willems, has given fresh impetus to this attempt to imitate state-space framework for n-D systems. In this paper, dedicated to Jan Willems, we provide our recent attempt at obtaining a state-space framework for n-D systems.
A receptor-specific peptide for imaging infection and inflammation

The chemotactic peptide N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), when radiolabelled, continues to be an attractive agent for imaging infection or inflammation. Previously, several analogues of fMLP have been prepared and radiolabelled using a bifunctional chelating agent conjugation procedure that was relatively long and complex. We have prepared a new analogue of fMLP, TP765, by the addition of 4-aminobutyric acid (4-ABA) and a group of four amino acids, Gly-Gly-d-Ala-Gly, to the carboxy terminus (i.e. to the phenylalanine) of fMLP. The adduct -(4-ABA)-Gly-Gly-d-Ala-Gly- serves as a chelating moiety for strong chelation with 99Tcm. The use of a peptide as a chelating moiety greatly simplified the synthetic procedure and rendered the analogue ready for instant chelation with 99Tcm. HPLC analysis revealed that 99Tcm-TP765 was a single chemical entity that retained biological activity and neutrophil specificity. 99Tcm-TP765 was stable when challenged with strong chelating agents in vitro and had rapid but biphasic blood clearance (αt½ = 7 min, βt½ = 45 min). Approximately 90% of the radioactivity had cleared from circulation within 45 min post-injection and the agent had accumulated in experimental bacterial or sterile abscesses in significantly (P<0.05) higher quantities than the analogues evaluated previously. Generally, the biodistribution pattern of 99Tcm-TP765 was similar to that of other analogues examined and its abscess uptake was independent of the abscess age. In conclusion, a new analogue of fMLP, 99Tcm-TP765, was prepared by a simple procedure. This new analogue has properties similar to those of previously examined analogues used as agents for imaging infection or inflammation.
Postural Control in Subjects with Visual Impairment

Purpose TO investigate the effect of long-term, not experimentally induced visual impairment on balance, and to clarify which means are used to compensate for this sensory deficit. Methods Posturography was examined in 50 visually impaired subjects (11 with congenital blindness and 39 with acquired visual impairment) and 50 healthy controls. Examination was performed in 4 testing conditions: while standing on firm surface or foam pads (which decreases the somatosensory input) and with open or closed eyes (manipulating visual input). Results Subjects with acquired visual impairment were significantly less stable than controls when tested with open eyes, especially when standing on foam pads, but equal to controls when eyes were closed. Congenitally blind subjects performed equally to normal controls in all test conditions when tested with eyes open, and performed significantly better than controls with eyes closed. In comparison to subjects with acquired visual impairment, the congenitally blind were significantly more stable in all test conditions. Fourier analysis revealed that the visually impaired subjects showed decreased intensity values within the lowest frequency range of 0.1 Hz and below, a range believed to be sensitive to the function of the visual system. Conclusions We have found that vision impairment influenced postural control, especially if acquired and not congenital. The somatosensory and vestibular systems serve as compensatory mechanisms, which is utilized most effectively by the congenitally blind.
Assessment of endogenous androgen levels in meat, liver and testis of Iranian native cross-breed male sheep and bull by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Androgenic steroids always exist in different animal tissues at trace level, with significant numbers of interfering compounds, which makes their determination difficult. To solve some of the problems in quantification of the natural steroids in those tissues, a new GC-MS method was developed in this study. By using a surrogate analyte approach, which was developed in the authors’ previous studies, and extensive sample preparation procedure, which successfully eliminates many of the interfering compounds and resulting in a cleaner extract, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and selectivity of the method for the determination of steroids in complex matrices such as meat, liver and testis were improved. By aid of this method, the levels of androgens in different tissues of Iranian native cross-breed bulls and male sheep were determined. According to the results obtained in the present study, although the androgenic profile (contents and ratios of precursors and metabolites to the main hormones) is similar between the same tissues of both animals, the total androgenic content of each tissue is higher in the bull than the same tissue in male sheep. In addition, in both animals higher amount of androgens were found in liver in comparison with meat and testis.
The rapid and sensitive detection of plant pathogens by molecular methods

A range of molecular methods is available for detecting specific components of pathogens in plant material. Of these, the detection of antigenic proteins by immunological methods is rapid and inexpensive. The detection of genome components by nucleic acid based technologies, although more complex, is approaching the simplicity of immunological methods with the advantage of greater sensitiwty and specificity. The latter techniques are suitable for most pathogens, but are particularly relevant for non-immunogenic pathogens, such as viroids, and for applications where sensitivity of detection must be at least as high as for current biological diagnoses, such as in quarantine situations. Nucleic acid component analysis can also be used for investigations of diseases of unknown etiology. In an overview, available techniques relevant to plant pathology are briefly described and compared.