Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
11 Transformation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

As part of normal organismal homeostasis, the human body loses various types of cells like hepatocytes, keratinocytes and certain types of blood cells and needs to replace them. These cells are replaced using stem cells as the source. Many different names are used for cells with stem cell-like properties, such as precursor cells, progenitor cells, somatic stem cells and adult stem cells. Stem cells are unique cells that have the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types. In addition, stem cells, with few notable exceptions, are cell types that show telomerase activity and therefore, actively maintain telomere length to some degree. The ability to maintain telomere length allows them to have an extended proliferative capacity compared to somatic cells. There are three kinds of stem cells: Embryonic, germinal and somatic or in other terms adult stem cells. The differentiation potential of stem cells varies according to type from totipotency to unipotency. Cells such as the fertilized oocytes, up to the 8-cell blastocyst, are considered to be totipotent since they can differentiate and generate a complete organism. Embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst. ES cells posses all the characteristics of true stem cells. In addition to the self-renewal capacity, they are pluripotent, being able to produce derivates of all three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm) but not the complete organism (Burdon et al., 2002). A high telomerase activity prevents the ES cells from undergoing crisis and reaching senescence, which is an advantage for long-term culturing. ES cells have furthermore been shown to retain their developmental identity even after reintroduction into the blastocyst (Beddington & Robertson, 1989). Somatic stem cells are differentiated forms of embryonic stem cells that are known as multipotent stem cells. They are capable of self-renewal and are responsible for the regenerative property of the e.g. hematopoietic system and the gastrointestinal system. These cells can be isolated from the developing organism (the fetus and the postnatal organism) as well as from the adult organism. Depending on their origin, the offspring of the somatic stem cells is also specific to the original tissue. A stem cell is said to be unipotent like the epidermal stem cells if they can persistently give rise to only a specific cell type. It has for many years been known that stem cells – contrary to other cell types –
Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) stabilizes NOXA and impacts on cancer chemosusceptibility

Resistance to apoptosis is a hallmark of tumour cells. It constitutes an important clinical problem since chemotherapy and irradiation act primarily by inducing apoptosis. Compounds inhibiting proteasomal activity are able to selectively induce tumour cell apoptosis and a growing body of evidence suggests the up-regulation of NOXA (a BH3-only protein) upon proteasome inhibition to be one of the essential events. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms giving rise to the selective NOXA up-regulation in tumour cells is poorly understood. The current work shows that in cells susceptible to proteasome inhibition NOXA protein was significantly less stable and continuously degraded by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS). Amongst others, the degradation of substrates by the UPS is regulated by E3-ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs). In the current work UCH-L1 was identified as a responsible DUB of NOXA, which was epigenetically silenced in tumour cells susceptible to proteasome inhibition. UCH-L1 binds and stabilizes NOXA by removing the Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chains that normally mark NOXA for proteasomal degradation. In line with these observations, increased UCH-L1 expression correlated with increased NOXA protein expression in human melanoma and colorectal cancer patient samples. As one of the genes responsive to genotoxic stress, NOXA has been considered as the BH3-only protein to be involved in the fine-tuning of apoptosis. Correspondingly, the current work demonstrates that UCH-L1 expression is important for DNA-damage induced apoptosis. Down-regulation of UCH-L1 results in decreased susceptibility to DNA damage-induced apoptosis accompanied by a decreased NOXA accumulation. Taken together, the current work identified UCH-L1 as an important component of the DNA damage response that impacts on the susceptibility of cancer cells toward chemotherapy by stabilizing NOXA.
Of Time Engines and Masters An API for Scheduling and Synchronizing the Generation and Playback of Event Sequences and Media Streams for the Web Audio API

In this article we present an API and a set of Javascript modules for the synchronized scheduling and aligned playback of predetermined sequences of events such as notes, audio segments , and parameter changes as well as media streams (e.g. audio buffers) based on the Web Audio API logical time. The API has been designed to facilitate the development on both ends, the implementation of modules which generate event sequences or media streams as well as the integration of such modules into complex audio applications that require flexible scheduling, playback and synchronization.
Extremely high room-temperature two-dimensional hole gas mobility in Ge/Si0.33Ge0.67/Si(001) p-type modulation-doped heterostructures

To extract the room-temperature drift mobility and sheet carrier density of two-dimensional hole gas (2DHG) that form in Ge strained channels of various thicknesses in Ge/Si0.33Ge0. 67/Si(001) p-type modulation-doped heterostructures, the magnetic field dependences of the magnetoresistance and Hall resistance at temperature of 295 K were measured and the technique of maximum entropy mobility spectrum analysis was applied. This technique allows a unique determination of mobility and sheet carrier density of each group of carriers present in parallel conducting multilayers semiconductor heterostructures. Extremely high room-temperature drift mobility (at sheet carrier density) of 2DHG 2940 cm2 V–1 s–1 (5.11×1011 cm–2) was obtained in a sample with a 20 nm thick Ge strained channel.
Proteolysis of shrimp by-products (Peaneus monodon) from Madagascar Proteólisis de derivados de langostino (Peaneus monodon) de Madagascar

To generate and recover elements from shrimp heads, proteolysis was performed with commercial acidic or alkaline proteases for 22 h. The resulting phases were characterized for protein and lipid content and amino acid composition while the molecular profiles of soluble peptides were established. Whatever the protease used, more than the half of the initial dry matter was found into aqueous phase including most of the proteins while lipids were found to remain insoluble. Hydrolysates were mainly constituted by small peptides (>80% below 1000 Da) with up to 14–15 amino acids identified. Moreover, all the hydrolyses have led to an increase of the amount of essential amino acids into the hydrolysates, including lysine. Thus, such proteolysis of shrimp heads can increase their potential nutritional value (small peptides with high content in essential amino acids) while allowing the concentration of lipids into insoluble phase and a partial demineralisation of the exoskeleton. Para crear y recuperar elementos de las cabezas de langostino se llevó a cabo una proteólisis con proteasas ácidas y alcalinas comerciales durante 22 horas. Las fases resultantes se caracterizaron por contenido proteico y lípidico, composición de aminoácidos, mientras los perfiles moleculares de péptidos solubles fueron establecidos. Cualquiera fuese la proteólisis, más de la mitad de la materia seca inicial se encontró en fase acuosa, incluida la mayor parte de las proteínas, mientras los lípidos resultaron mantenerse insolubles. Los hidrolizatos estuvieron constituidos principalmente por pequeños péptidos (>80% por debajo 1000 Da) con hasta 14–15 aminoácidos identificados. Es más, todas las hidrólisis llevaron a un incremento de la cantidad de aminoácidos esenciales en los hidrolizatos, incluido lisina. Así, dicha proteólisis de cabezas de langostino puede incrementar de este modo su valor nutricional potencial (pequeños péptidos con un alto contenido en aminoácidos esenciales) mientras permite la concentración de lípidos en pase soluble y una desmineralización parcial de esqueleto externo.
13C-Isotope-Labeling Experiments to Study Metabolism in Catharanthus roseus

Plant metabolism is a complex network. Pathways are correlated and affect each other. Secondary metabolic pathways in plant cells are regulated strictly, and upon an intra- or extra stimuli (e.g. stress) the metabolic fluxes will change as a response on the stimuli, e.g. to protect the plant against herbivore or against microbial infections. 13 C-isotope labeling experiment has been performed on cell cultures and hairy roots of Catharanthus roseus to measure fluxes through some pathways. However, due to the complexity of the total metabolic network in an intact plant, no experiments have yet been carried on C. roseus plants. In this study, [1- 13 C] Glucose was first applied to C. roseus seedlings grown in culture medium. In a time course the amount and position of 13 C incorporation into the metabolites were analysed by 1 H-NMR and 1 H- 13 C HSQC NMR. The results show that the fed 13 C-isotope was efficiently incorporated into and recycled in metabolism of the intact C. roseus plant. The C. roseus plants seem to be a good system for metabolic fluxes analysis.
The potential of different fruit species as food for Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Harmonia axyridis was detected for the first time in Brazil in 2002. Since then, it has been recorded from the South to the Midwest of the country. Until now, almost all the registered cases were associated with the presence of aphids, its preferred source of food. Due to the occurrence of this species in areas of fruit growing in the South and Southeast of Brazil, the aim of this study was to analyze the preference and use of three different cultivars of fruit. The tests were set at 25oC ± 1oC, RH 70% ± 10%, and in a photophase of 12 h and with apples (Gala and Fuji), grapes (Niagara and Rubi), and pears (Williams and Asian). In the undamaged fruit experiment, the insects did not cause any noticeable damage. In the damaged and undamaged fruit experiment, a higher and statistically significant percentage of H. axyridis adults were found in the three damaged fruits. In the different cultivar experiment the Niagara grape, the Gala apple, and the Williams pear were significantly preferred by H. axyridis adults. These results may help in the management of this insect, preventing damage, which have been observed in other places where H. axyridis was introduced.
Preliminary Geological Assessment of the Northern Edge of Ultimi Lobe, Mars South Polar Layered Deposits

We have examined the local base of the south polar layered deposits (SPLD) exposed in the bounding scarp near 72°–74°S, 215°–230°W where there is a clear unconformable contact with older units. Sections of layering up to a kilometer thick were examined along the bounding scarp, permitting an estimate of the thinnest individual layers yet reported in the SPLD. Rhythmic layering is also present locally, suggesting a similarly rhythmic variation in environmental conditions and a recorded climate signal at least in some SPLD strata. Locally, angular unconformities may be present, as has been reported for the north polar layered deposits (NPLD) and may likewise imply intervals of subaerial erosion in the SPLD. The outcropping layers display a broad range of weathering styles and may reflect more diverse conditions of depositions, erosion, and diagenesis than might have been expected from simple aeolian depostion modulated only by astronomically driven climatic fluctuations. An unexpected finding of our study is the presence of locally abundant small pits close to the bounding scarp. These quasi-circular, negative, rimless features probably originated as impact craters and were modified to varying degrees by local endogenic processes, as well as locally variable blanketing. A nominal exposure age for the most heavily cratered region in our study area is about 2 million years, and the crater statistics appear consistent with those for the overall SPLD, although there are large uncertainties in the absolute ages implied by the crater size–frequency statistics, as in all martian crater ages. Another new finding is the presence of mass wasting features along the steepest portion of the retreating bounding scarp as well as a number of examples of brittle fracture, consistent with large-scale slumping along the bounding scarp and probably also ancient basal sliding. Both subhorizontal and high angle faults appear to be exposed in the bounding scarp, but the dips of the faults are poorly constrained. These fractures, along with the relatively undeformed layers between them, suggest to us that whatever horizontal motion may have taken place outward from the central cap region was accomplished by ancient basal sliding rather than large-scale glacial-like flow or ice migration by differential ablation, as proposed recently for the northern permanent cap and underlying NPLD. We have also obtained the first direct estimate of the regional dip of the SPLD, around 2–3° outward (northward) in one area.
Labor-Market Frictions, Human Capital Accumulation, and Long-Run Growth: Positive Analysis and Policy Evaluation

We construct a search model with endogenous human capital and labor participation to study the growth effects of short-run frictions and the effectiveness of human capital policies. Employment, learning effort, and output growth increase with more effective learning, better labor-market matching, lower job separation, or less costly vacancy creation. Although output growth, employment, vacancy creation, and learning and search effort are most responsive to changes in a human capital policy that directly affects learning effort, such a policy need not be more beneficial for welfare. The effects of human capital policies become larger as the severity of labor-market frictions rises.
SURVEY OF MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING TECHNIQUES IN SOLAR PV SYSTEM UNDER PARTIAL SHADING CONDITIONS

Conventional energy sources such as thermal, diesel appliances, and nuclear are difficult to generate the electricity for the presence of greenhouse emission, maintenance problem. To overcome such problems, solar energy is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources across the globe. In recent trends, solar power generation has tremendous growth. Solar energy offers various advantages such as contamination free, quiet in operation, long life, zero input energy cost, low maintenance. From the sunlight the light beams will be hit on a photovoltaic cell, it emitted the electrons from ntype to p-type layer and it will generate the power. Partial shading may takes place due to clouds, trees, dirt and dust in solar power generation systems. In partial shading, multiple peaks are followed in the PV characteristic curve. MPPT is a technique used to track the maximum power point of the PV source. MPPT can minimize the system cost and maximize the array efficiency. For tracking the GMPP, different types of algorithms and various techniques for MPPT are reported in various literatures. This paper reviews about the various MPPT algorithms of PV system based on partial shading conditions.
Density-dependent dispersal suggests a genetic measure of habitat suitability

Recent research shows that density dependence should result in predictable movements between habitats of different suitability, depending on whether population densities are increasing or decreasing. When population densities are increasing, habitats become filled in order of their suitability, resulting in a net flow from high suitability to low suitability. When populations decrease in density, the reverse can happen. These patterns suggest that genetic information can be used to infer habitat suitability since individual-based genetic assignment tests permit high resolution assessments of migration. We used replicated landscapes to study fishers (Martes pennanti) during a population increase and predicted that there should be a net flow of individuals from areas of shallow to deep snow, since snow depth has previously been linked to fisher fitness. A total of 769 fishers were sampled from 35 different landscapes and profiled at 16 microsatellite loci. From assignment tests, we inferred five genetic populations. By assigning each of the 35 landscapes to one of these five populations, we were able to determine the proportion of immigrants to each. Consistent with our prediction, there was a positive relationship between the proportion of immigrants and snow depth. The best model of fisher habitat suitability was one with both snow depth and the proportion of coniferous forest in landscapes. Our findings suggest that where population trend is known, genetic information can be used to measure habitat suitability.
PPD-IPM: Outer primal, inner primal-dual interior-point method for nonlinear programming

In this paper we present a novel numerical method for computing local minimizers of twice smooth differentiable non-linear programming (NLP) problems. So far all algorithms for NLP are based on either of the following three principles: successive quadratic programming (SQP), active sets (AS), or interior-point methods (IPM). Each of them has drawbacks. These are in order: iteration complexity, feasibility management in the sub-program, and utility of initial guesses. Our novel approach attempts to overcome these drawbacks. We provide: a mathematical description of the method; proof of global convergence; proof of second order local convergence; an implementation in \textsc{Matlab}; experimental results for large sparse NLPs from direct transcription of path-constrained optimal control problems.
TREND DETECTION IN PRECIPITATION DATA IN CLIMATIC STATION

Trends and changes in precipitation extremes have been a focus of research over the past decade. Observations show that changes are occurring in the amount, intensity, frequency and type of precipitation. Climate variability has created the need to study subsequent changes in hydroclimatic variables (e.g. rainfall, streamflow and evapotranspiration) to understand the regional effects of climate change. Mainly agricultural activities and water management activities – water supply, urban drainage, and hydraulic structures management are patterned according to rainfall seasonality. Trend detection in precipitation time series is crucial for water resources management. Many researchers all over the word have investigated hydrologic variables trends at various temporal scales. In this paper we investigate the trends in precipitation time series in climatic station Kosice, Slovakia in the period 1981–2013. We address the topic of trend detection in precipitation time series combining novel and traditional tools in order to simultaneously tackle the issue of seasonality and interannual variability, which usually characterize natural processes. The analysis proves that, in the case study area, statistically significant trends in precipitation have been undergoing in the last decades, although they have no significant impacts on water resources. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/enviro.2017. 096
Nigerian lateritic clay soils as hydraulic barriers to adsorb metals: Geotechnical characterization and chemical compatibility

The suitability of using lateritic clays from Aviele and Igarra has been investigated both in the Northern part of Edo state, Nigeria as liners of an engineered landfill and to adsorb metals in leachates. Geotechnical characteristics, pH, and elemental composition for the lateritic clay samples were determined. The chemical composition, pH, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity were determined for leachates collected from two dumpsites. The capacities of the lateritic clay soils to adsorb heavy metals in the leachates were determined using the batch equilibrium adsorption technique. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soils were found to be sufficient to resist damage. By both the standard and modified Proctor compaction tests, it was found that the coefficients of permeability for the soil samples were lower than 1×10–9 m/s that is widely recommended for soils that are to be used as landfill liners. Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cr2+ were the heavy metals in the leachates. The sorption selectivity order for tested soils depended on the soil type and properties.
Seasonal Prediction of the Global Precipitation Annual Modes with the Grid-Point Atmospheric Model of IAP LASG

A right annual cycle is of critical importance for a model to improve its seasonal prediction skill. This work assesses the performance of the Grid-point Atmospheric Model of IAP LASG (GAMIL) in retrospective prediction of the global precipitation annual modes for the 1980–2004 period. The annual modes are gauged by a three-parameter metrics: the long-term annual mean and two major modes of annual cycle (AC), namely, a solstitial mode and an equinoctial asymmetric mode. The results demonstrate that the GAMIL one-month lead prediction is basically able to capture the major patterns of the long-term annual mean as well as the first AC mode (the solstitial monsoon mode). The GAMIL has deficiencies in reproducing the second AC mode (the equinoctial asymmetric mode). The magnitude of the GAMIL prediction tends to be greater than the observed precipitation, especially in the sea areas including the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal (BOB), and the western North Pacific (WNP). These biases may be due to underestimation of the convective activity predicted in the tropics, especially over the western Pacific warm pool (WPWP) and its neighboring areas. It is suggested that a more accurate parameterization of convection in the tropics, especially in the Maritime Continent, the WPWP and its neighboring areas, may be critical for reproducing the more realistic annual modes, since the enhancement of convective activity over the WPWP and its vicinity can induce suppressed convection over the WNP, the BOB, and the South Indian Ocean where the GAMIL produces falsely vigorous convections. More efforts are needed to improve the simulation not only in monsoon seasons but also in transitional seasons when the second AC mode takes place. Selection of the one-tier or coupled atmosphere-ocean system may also reduce the systematic error of the GAMIL prediction. These results offer some references for improvement of the GAMIL seasonal prediction skill.
Pleopod Cuticular Morphology as an Index of Moult Stage in the Ornate Rock Lobster, Panulirus ornatus (Fabricius 1789)

Seven discrete stages and substages of moulting in the ornate rock lobster, Panulirus ornatus, have been distinguished by microscopic examination of the cuticle and setae of the pleopods . The diagnostic features and the duration of each of the stages are described. Freezing did not visually alter the tissue features used to identify each moult stage. Pleopod morphology can reliably indicate whether a lobster has moulted within the previous 24 h or is within 72 h of the next ecdysis.