Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Object sliding and beyond: Investigating object manipulation in 3D user interfaces

Moving objects is an important task in 3D user interfaces. We describe two new techniques for 3D positioning, designed for a mouse, but usable with other input devices. The techniques enable rapid, yet easy-to-use positioning of objects in 3D scenes. With sliding, the object follows the cursor and moves on the surfaces of the scene. Our
IMPACT OF PRODUCT DUMPING ON THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN IRAQ (2009-2017)

The aim of this work was to check the presence of the dumping from neighboring countries of Iraq, Turkey and Jordan. The margin of dumping was calculated by taking the difference between the normal value and the export price. If it exceeds 2%, then there is dumping. Product dumping in Iraq has increased since 2003, and it is increasing from year to year for many types of agricultural and food commodities. Main reasons are the high rate of imports and the absence of trade policies represented by customs tariffs which in turn control the trade exchange. The research concluded that there is an intentional dumping in the trade of some agricultural commodities with Iraq from neighboring countries. Trade exchange with these countries has negative effects on the domestic product.
THE EFFECT OF 2,4-D ON GENE EXPRESSION IN CULTURED CELLS

The cytotoxic effects of exposure to low concentrations of the herbicide, 2,4dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) that are typically found in groundwater were investigated, in vitro. Most 2,4-D toxicology studies use high concentrations of the herbicide that are above those typically found in groundwater and measure overt biological endpoints. In contrast, this thesis examines the effects of low concentrations of 2,4-D and measures more subtle and sensitive endpoints such as gene expression and the generation of reactive oxygen species. This work derives from recent cDNA microarray analysis conducted in our laboratory that revealed significant alterations in the expression of 238 genes in cells exposed to nanomolar (nM) concentrations of a commercial formulation of 2,4-D. These findings are extended in this thesis to include the in vitro cytotoxic effects of low concentrations of both technical and commercial 2,4-D on two cell lines. Cells derived from liver (HepG2) and kidney (HEK293) respectively, were chosen, since liver and kidney are known to metabolize 2,4-D in vivo. Cell viability was measured using the Resazurin assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured with 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (2’,7’-DCFH-DA), and real time– polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess changes in mRNA expression while protein expression was examined by Western blot. Cell viability studies revealed that low environmental concentrations (0.1 to 100 nM) of 2,4-D induced small, but statistically significant decreases in cell viability. No concentration or time-dependent decreases in cell viability were observed in cells exposed to either forms of low environmental 2,4-D concentrations. HEK293 cells were more susceptible than HepG2 cells to the toxic effects of both forms of 2,4-D, having statistically significant lower viability at all exposure concentrations and durations. Both forms of 2,4-D reduced cell viability in both cell lines, suggesting that cytotoxicity was induced directly by 2,4-D, and not by the ‘inert ingredients’ in the commercial formulation. The ROS assays illustrated that 2,4-D induced statistically significant ROS production in HepG2 and HEK293 cell cultures at concentrations greater than 10 μM and 100 nM respectively. This was both a concentration and time-dependent effect in
Ammonia-N and alpha-amino-N in silage determined on either water extracts or solubilized freeze-dried samples.

Introduction Drying of silage samples causes losses of volatiles, of which ammonia is reported to disappear completely by oven drying at 60° C (Porter and Murray, 2001) as well as partially by drying at 80° C (Sorensen 2004). Freeze-drying is commonly not assumed to cause losses of ammonia, although freeze-drying studies on silage generally report total weight losses rather than ammonia losses. Fecal samples are another sample category where ammonia losses would be likely to occur. Spanghero and Kowalski (1997) reported that 12% of total N content disappeared by freeze-drying dairy cow fecal samples. In research work it is usual that ammonia N is analyzed together with αamino-N, which, although not being a volatile fraction, still could undergo changes during freezedrying. The objective of this study was to assess the changes in concentration of ammonia N and αamino-N when analyzed in water extracts obtained either from fresh material or from freeze-dried samples of whole silage.
IgG mediated suppression of immunological memory

Apart from recognizing and neutralizing threats, antibodies also have the ability to regulate immune responses against their specific antigen. IgG administered together with erythrocytes is well known to induce >99% suppression. This has been used to prevent haemolytic disease in new-borns since the 1960's, but the mechanism behind it is still not completely understood. The effect on the primary response is well established, but its influence on induction of immunological memory is still heavily debated. In this study adoptive cell transfer of splenocytes to irradiated mice was used to survey the effect IgG has on induction of immunological memory without disturbance from the primary IgG response. Alongside this, an in situ boost experiment with two different priming doses was performed and antibody levels in serum detected using ELISA. When mice were primed with 10μg IgG-anti-SRBC (Sheep red blood cells) + 5x106 SRBC, a 10-fold IgG suppression of memory was observed when using adoptive transfer and complete suppression of induction of immunological memory was seen in in situ boosted mice when primed with a 10 times higher antigen dose. A comparison to the primary IgG response in all experiments showed that, to allow for complete suppression of memory induction, there must be a complete suppression of the primary response as well. This brings us to the conclusion that the induction of the memory response depends on the primary response.
Target Selection in Drug Discovery

In this review, four criteria will be proposed to evaluate new targets: linkage to the disease, potential therapeutic index, chemical tractability, and economics. But even the best targets have issues. The ability to identify these issues, develop a plan to address these issues, and apply judgment as to the likely outcome of these issues will have a significant impact on the success of any drug discovery and development effort. Viewed from this perspective, target selection is a process not an event. In particular, as internal and external data become available, targets should be reevaluated with respect to these criteria to determine the appropriateness of continued work. Keywords: target selection; human clinical data; human genetics; chemical tractability; potential therapeutic index
A Mutation in the Drosophila Profilin Homolog Gene Affects Gametogenesis and Bristle Development in Both Sexes

We have isolated a Drosophila melanogaster mutant, allelic to the profilin gene reported as chickadee. We named the allele chickadeebin, in which the oogenesis and the spermatogenesis are disrupted, and the bristles are malformed. In the mutant nurse cells, cytoplasmic actin filaments fail to polymerize, and nuclei are displaced. The flow of cytoplasm from nurse cells to the oocyte is abortive. These ovarian phenotypes are principally the same as those reported in chickadeewc57 and WF57 (2). In addition, the egg chamber of chickadeebin contains a reduced number of cystocytes that are binucleafed. In some egg chambers, the oocyte fails to differentiate. All cystocytes in such an egg chamber are morphologically similar to nurse cells with polyploid nuclei. Mutant male flies have defective testes in which the spermatocyst is deficient or reduced in number. Mutant adults have shortened and forked bristles. We discuss the function of profilin in the gametogenesis and bristle development.
Wildlife Habitat Loss and Land Cover Change as Conservation Threat in Alatish National Park, Northwestern Ethiopia

The ecosystem of the Alatish National Park is an Ecotone between the Afromontane Region in Ethiopia and the Sudan-Guinea Savanna Region of Tropical Biome. The biological attribute of the park where the country opt to manage the resource sustainably are thought to be unique. However, the sustainability of its biological resources has faced profound threats. The aim of this study was to identify the threats of habitat loss and evaluate their effect on land cover change in the park. The result showed that fire induced by humans was the major threat of habitat loss. The nomads who intruded into the park from the Sudan side were not easily controlled by the Park scouts. The land cover change analysis revealed that woodland habitat of the Park was altered significantly. The land cover of the Park in 1999 showed that deciduous type of woodland was 46.55%, but it was reduced to 19.8% in 2013. On the contrary, wooded grassland habitat was increased from 35.4% to 64.5% of the land cover in 1999 and 2013, respectively. This indicates that threats of habitat loss remain unsolved after the establishment of Park. Therefore, urgent interventions by the federal government and international conservation foundations should be mandated to support the management effectiveness of the park office. These would enable the park office to control major conservation threats through the Ethio-Sudan Transboundary National Park collaboration and implementation of management strategies.
28-Day dietary toxicity study of L-phenylalanine in rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of L-phenylalanine when administered daily in the diet to rats for at least 28 days. Male and female Crl:CD®(SD)IGS BR rats were assigned to four groups. Each group received diets containing basal diet or 0.5, 1.5, or 5.0% (w/w) L-phenylalanine. There were no clinical or ophthalmic observations that were considered to be related to L-phenylalanine. Effects of L-phenylalanine administration were noted in mean body weights and mean body weight gains in females fed 0.5% and in males and females fed 5.0% (w/w) L-phenylalanine diets. Effects were also noted in mean food consumption in males and females fed the 5.0% (w/w) L-phenylalanine diet. The lower food consumption and body weights of the males and females fed the 5.0% L-phenylalanine diet were considered to be signs of mild toxicity. Administration of L-phenylalanine at a dose of 5.0% of the diet was associated with mildly increased red blood cell count and mildly decreased mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and glucose in females. There were no L-phenylalanine-related toxic changes for organ weight, or macroscopic or microscopic findings. In conclusion, the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) of dietary exposure of male rats to L-phenylalanine is 1.5% (w/w) L-phenylalanine. The NOEL of dietary exposure of female rats to L-phenylalanine is less than 0.5% (w/w) L-phenylalanine. However, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for males and females is 1.5% (w/w) L-phenylalanine.
Characterisation of cells in the postnatal neurogenic niche of the murine spinal cord

The area surrounding the central canal of the spinal cord is a highly plastic region containing a range of poorly defined cell types, including ependymal cells and cerebrospinal fluid-contacting cells (CSFcCs). This study aims to characterise ependymal cells and CSFcCs, determining whether they are capable of responding to neurotransmitters. To test the hypothesis, whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology and intracellular dye-loading in in-vitro Wistar rat and C57/bl6 mouse spinal cord slices were combined with immunohistochemistry. CSFcCs could be categorised into three subtypes based on their voltage responses to positive current pulses. CSFcCs did not show an immediate electrophysiological response to 5HT or substance P but could respond to GABA with a GABAA receptor mediated depolarisation or hyperpolarisation. Ependymal cells were defined by their passive response properties and high degree of gap junction coupling and could depolarise in response to GABA; this could only be partially antagonised by the GABAA antagonist, bicuculline. CSFcCs and ependymal cells were both depolarised by ACh, with the size of the cholinergic response increasing from ependymal cells and subtype 1 CSFcCs to subtype 3 CSFcCs. Evidence indicated that the response was direct and mediated by nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs). Antagonism by the non α7*nAChR antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidinne or potentiation by the α7*nAChR modulator PNU-120596 revealed that non α7*nAChRs predominantly mediate the cholinergic responses but there is also a contribution from α7*nAChRs. These contributions varied between ependymal cells and the different CSFcC subtypes, reflecting variation in the functional responses of these cells. GABA and ACh modulate neurogenesis and plasticity in other neurogenic niches and these results demonstrate that they are also capable of modulating cells within the neurogenic niche of the postnatal spinal cord. Manipulation of these neurotransmitter systems could influence ependymal cell proliferation and differentiation resulting in beneficial implications for the treatment of spinal cord pathologies.
Fruit bats as natural foragers and potential pollinators in fruit orchard: a reproductive phenological study

Family Pteropodidae could consume either fruit or flower parts to sustain their energy requirement. In some species of fruit bats, population growth is sometimes dependent on the food availability and in return bats could be pollinators of certain species of plants. In this study, 152 female bats captured from the Manilkara zapota orchard of the University of Southern Mindanao were examined for their reproductive stages. Lactation of fruit bat species Ptenochirus jagori and Ptenochirus minor were positively correlated with the fruiting of M. zapota. While the lactation of Cynopterus brachyotis, Eonycteris spelaea and Rousettus amplexicaudatus were positively associated with the flowering of M. zapota. Together, thirty M. zapota trees were observed for their generative stage (fruiting or flowering) in 6 months. Based on the canonical correspondence analysis, only P. jagori was considered as the natural forager as its lactating stage coincides with the fruiting peaks and only C. brachyotis and E. spelaea were the potential pollinators since its lactating stage coincides with the flowering peaks of M. zapota tree. The method in this study can be used to identify potential pollinators and foragers in other fruit trees.
Prehistoric Mammals of Australia and New Guinea: One Hundred Million Years of Evolution

Contents:AcknowledgementsForeword by Ernest L. Lundelius, Jr.The background story A brief history of fossil mammal discoveries Why Australian mammals are different Monotremes: wide leg and lay eggs Thingodontans: old relics from Gondwana Dasyures, numbats and thylacines: diverse eaters of flesh Marsupial moles: the ancient diggers Bandicoots and bilbies: long noses and broad appetites Koalas and kin: gummed tight to trees Wombats and kin: pouched in reverse and diverse Possums: hangers and gliders trained in the trees Kangaroos: hoppers, snippers and rippers Bats: winged and wordly wanderers Rats and mice: nimble gnawers from the north Marine mammals: sleek swimmers of the seas Weird things not so easily pigeonholed Glossary of scientific terms Selected Bibliography by Alexander Baynes Index
PENGARUH PEMASARAN LANGSUNG TERHADAP PERILAKU KONSUMEN BISNIS MENGGUNAKAN MEETING PACKAGE DI GRAND TJOKRO HOTEL BANDUNG

This research is aimed to determine The Influence of Direct Marketing to Business Consumer Behavior Using Meeting Package at Grand Tjokro Hotel Bandung. Respondents from this research are 44 consumers selected by simple random sampling. This research used quantitative methods with approach descriptive analysis. Data was collected through survey, questionnaires and interviews. The test results validity and reliability variables X and Y are valid and reliable. The data analysis used statistical test of correlation pearson product moment and the coefficient of determination. Calculated used SPSS version 21. The data of this research is obtained from consumer data Grand Tjokro Hotel Bandung. From the result obtained correlation coefficient of 0,633. This tells that there is strong relation between Direct Marketing of Business Consumer Behavior. The influence of Direct Marketing to Business Consumer Behavior to 40,0% and remaining 60,0% is influenced by other factors not examined. The problems are competition between hotels is very tight, lack of coordination between sales. The suggestions given to fix the problem are 1) Do a better promotion to attract the attention of consumers; 2) Evaluation between Manager and Sales especially in Sales and Marketing Division.
Immunologic Release of β-Hexosaminidase and β-Glucuronidase from Purified Rat Serosal Mast Cells

The acid exoglycosidases β-hexosaminidase and β-glucuronidase are present in rat serosal mast cells at concentrations of 1.2 ± 0.5 units and 0.24 ± 0.11 units/106 cells, respectively, and are released in a dose- and time-dependent fashion in response to immunologic challenge with rabbit anti-rat F(ab′)2. The sum of the released and residual β-hexosaminidase and β-glucuronidase was no different from that of resting unchallenged cells, thereby indicating that release in physiologic buffer was sufficient for complete bioavailability of the secreted enzymes when assessed with small synthetic substrates. A comparison of the release of the acid exoglycosidases with that of histamine yields regression lines that have correlation coefficients of ≥ 0.97 for each enzyme and that intersect at the point of origin, suggesting absence of a threshold effect on the release of these mediators. The slopes of these regression lines indicate that at least 86 and 65% of the cellular content of β-hexosaminidase and of β-glucuronidase, respectively, are available for immunologic release and are therefore localized in mast cell secretory granules. The predominant isomeric form of β-hexosaminidase in the rat mast cell, as indicated by its chromatographic behavior, is type A and the A isomer is the predominant form released on immunologic activation of the cells. The only isomeric form of β-glucuronidase identified in rat serosal mast cells based upon its electrophoretic mobility is the lysosomal form, and this form was the only one released after immunologic activation of these cells. The mast cell secretory granule, based upon its content of acid hydrolases and its capacity to form phagolysosomes, is considered a modified lysosome, which also contains novel chemical mediators not generally observed in lysosomes of other cells.
Pattern of Refractive Error among the children attending Biratnagar Eye Hospital, Nepal

Background: Uncorrected refractive error is the commonest cause of childhood blindness and visual impairment. It can easily be prevented by taking proper measures in time. Hyperopia, Myopia and Astigmatism are the common types of childhood refractive errors. To find out the pattern of Refractive error and amblyopia among the children attending the Pediatric Outpatient Department in Biratnagar Eye Hospital, Nepal. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used. Inclusion criteria were children with refractive errors aged between 2-15 years attending pediatric OPD both from urban and rural areas of Eastern Nepal and neighbouring country India from October 2015 to March 2016. In these children pattern of refractive errors was determined. The data was entered into excel and analyzed by using SPSS 17. Chi-square test was used for categorical data. Result: The prevalence of refractive error in Biratnagar Eye Hospital was 6.2%. The commonest types of refractive error were Astigmatism (35.5%) followed by Hyperopia (30.3%) and Myopia (28.1%). It was more common in rural areas (69%). Amblyopia was present in 38% of children having Refractive error. Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive error and amblyopia in Biratnagar Eye Hospital was high, astigmatism was the commonest type of refractive error and was found more in 11-15 year age groups mainly in a rural area.
Distributed Generalized Nash Equilibrium Seeking for Energy Sharing Games in Prosumers

With the proliferation of distributed generators and energy storage systems, traditional passive consumers in power systems have been gradually evolving into the so-called “prosumers,” i.e., proactive consumers, which can both produce and consume power. To encourage energy exchange among prosumers, energy sharing is increasingly adopted, which is usually formulated as a generalized Nash game (GNG). In this paper, a distributed approach is proposed to seek the Generalized Nash equilibrium (GNE) of the energy sharing game. To this end, we first prove the strong monotonicity of the game. Then, the GNG is converted into an equivalent optimization problem. An algorithm based on Nesterov's methods is thereby devised to solve the equivalent problem and consequently find the GNE in a distributed manner. The convergence of the proposed algorithm is proved rigorously based on the nonexpansive operator theory. The performance of the algorithm is validated by experiments with three prosumers, and the scalability is tested by simulations using 1888 prosumers.
A genetic screening identifies a component of the SWI/SNF complex, Arid1b as a senescence regulator

Senescence is an important tumour suppressor mechanism, which prevents the proliferation of stressed or damaged cells. The use of RNA interference to identify genes with a role in senescence is an important tool in the discovery of novel cancer genes. In this work, a protocol was established for conducting bypass of senescence screenings, using shRNA libraries together with next-generation sequencing. Using this approach, the SWI/SNF subunit Arid1b was identified as a regulator of cellular lifespan in MEFs. SWI/SNF is a large multi-subunit complex that remodels chromatin. Mutations in SWI/SNF proteins are frequently associated with cancer, suggesting that SWI/SNF components are tumour suppressors. Here the role of ARID1B during senescence was investigated. Depletion of ARID1B extends the proliferative capacity of primary mouse and human fibroblasts. Furthermore, in cells expressing mutant RAS and PIK3CA, ARID1B is necessary for the maintenance of oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). Knockdown of ARID1B during OIS results in reduced expression of the CKIs p21 and p16. Many SWI/SNF proteins are post-transcriptionally induced during both replicative senescence and OIS, suggesting a broader role for the SWI/SNF complex in senescence. Ectopic expression of components of the SWI/SNF complex induced premature senescence associated with an increase in p21 and p16 protein levels. SILAC analysis of global changes in protein levels identified enrichment of mitochondrial proteins and depletion of mitotic proteins upon ARID1B expression. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production are important in ARID1B expressing cells as growth arrest was rescued using antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine. Finally, analysis of cancer genome sequencing data has identified ARID1B as a mutational-driver gene in some cancers. In these tumours, ARID1B mutations are often associated with mutations in TP53 and PTEN. Altogether the present evidence suggests that regulation of senescence by different mechanisms contributes to explain the tumour suppressive properties of the SWI/SNF complex.