Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activity of Anticancer Drugs in Relation to the Tumour Microenvironment and Potential to Inhibit Repopulation and Enhance Therapeutic Outcome

Tumours have a disorganized and convoluted vasculature. Tumour cells that reside close to patent blood vessels are nourished by oxygen and other nutrients and are rapidly proliferating while distally located cells slowly proliferating. Anticancer drugs must be delivered in adequate (toxic) concentrations to all tumour cells to be effective, and it is therefore important to study their distribution of activity in tumours. In order to assess the distribution of anticancer agents in tumours using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence imaging, drugs must be either inherently fluorescent or have antibodies that recognize their activity. As the vast majority of anticancer drugs fulfill neither of these criteria, the first objective of this thesis was to develop techniques to assess the pharmacodynamic activity of anticancer drugs in relation to distance from vasculature and hypoxic regions using biomarkers that could be recognized by antibodies using IHC. I found that γH2AX, a biomarker of DNA damage was activated in as little as 10 minutes following treatment. In addition, changes in biomarkers of apoptosis (cleaved caspase -3 or -6) and cell proliferation (Ki-67) could be used to determine drug activity at 24 hours following drug treatment.
Thrombotic Risk of Rotor Speed Modulation Regimes of Contemporary Centrifugal Continuous-flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Contemporary centrifugal continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) incorporate dynamic speed modulation algorithms. Hemocompatibility of these periodic unsteady pump operating conditions has been only partially explored. We evaluated whether speed modulation induces flow alterations associated with detrimental prothrombotic effects. For this aim, we evaluated the thrombogenic profile of the HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD) Lavare Cycle (LC) and HeartMate3 (HM3) artificial pulse (AP) via comprehensive numerical evaluation of (i) pump washout, (ii) stagnation zones, (iii) shear stress regimens, and (iv) modeling of platelet activation status via the platelet activity state (PAS) model. Data were compared between different simulated operating scenarios, including: (i) constant rotational speed and pump pressure head, used as reference; (ii) unsteady pump pressure head as induced by cardiac pulsatility; and (iii) unsteady rotor speed modulation of the LC (HVAD) and AP (HM3). Our results show that pump washout did not improve across the different simulated scenarios in neither the HVAD nor the HM3. The LC reduced but did not eliminate flow stagnation (–57%) and did not impact metrics of HVAD platelet activation (median PAS: +0.4%). The AP reduced HM3 flow stagnation by up to 91% but increased prothrombotic shear stress and simulated platelet activation (median PAS: +124%). Our study advances understanding of the pathogenesis of LVAD thrombosis, suggesting mechanistic implications of rotor speed modulation. Our data provide rationale criteria for the future design optimization of next generation LVADs to further reduce hemocompatibility-related adverse events.
Gaps and Dummies

In this study the syntactic properties of empty categories and dummy pronouns are investigated within the framework of Government-Binding theory. The assumption that clauses must have a subject is present in most, if not all, linguistic theories. In GB theory the requirement that clauses have a subject is stipulated as a consequence of the base rules or the Extended Projection Principle. In this book it is claimed that no such stipulation is necessary. The presence of a subject is exclusively determined by the theories of thematic roles and Case. This view is supported by the fact that the alleged dummy subjects Dutch, i.e. er and het, show a variety of properties, which can only be explained if they are not analyzed as dummy subjects. Further confirmation is derived from the fact that Dutch, subjectless sentences are found in precisely those circumstances in which neither -theory nor Case theory requires a subject to be present. Chapter 1 presents a theory of empty categories. This theory enables us to explain the distribution of gaps, and makes precise and correct predictions with respect to the occurrence of parasitic gaps. The non-dummy status of het, discussed in chapter 2, is supported by the fact that it can be the antecedent of PRO, reflexives, and parasitic gaps, and by an asymmetry in wh-movement from sentential complements. The analysis of het leads to a discussion of a variety of constructions, including constructions with raising, ergative, and psychological verbs. The adverbial pronoun er displays several distinct syntactic functions. In chapter 3 it is argued that none of these different functions justifies an analysis of er as a dummy subject. In chapter 4 some of the consequences of the theory introduced in the preceding chapters are investigated. These include a discussion of the status of the subject position in languages such as English, Italian, French, and Spanish, the structure of Old English, and the status of dummy pronouns in German and English.
Molecular Evolution of Maize Ascorbate Peroxidase Genes and Their Functional Divergence

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) is an important antioxidant enzyme. APXs in maize are encoded by multiple genes and exist as isoenzymes. The evolutionary history and functional divergence of the maize APX gene family were analyzed through comparative genomic and experimental data on the Internet in this paper. APX genes in higher plants were divided into classes A, B, and C. Each type of APX gene in angiosperms only had one ancestral gene that was duplicated along with the genome duplication or local (or tandem) duplication of the angiosperm. A total of eight genes were retained in maize and named APXa1, APXa2, APXa3, APXb1, APXb2, APXc1.1, APXc1.2, and APXc2. The APX genes of class A were located in the chloroplasts or mitochondria, and the class B and C genes were localized in the peroxisomes and cytoplasm, respectively. The expression patterns of eight APXs were different in vegetative and reproductive organs at different growth and development stages. APXa1 and APXb1 of maize may participate in the antioxidant metabolism of vegetative organs under normal conditions. APXa2, APXb2, APXc1.1, and APXc1.2 may be involved in the stress response, and APXb2 and APXc2 may participate in the senescence response. These results provide a basis for cultivating high-yield and resistant maize varieties.
ZmMTOPVIB Enables DNA Double-Strand Break Formation and Bipolar Spindle Assembly during Maize Meiosis1[OPEN]

The dual roles of the topoisomerase-encoding MTOPVIB in meiotic double-strand break formation and bipolar spindle assembly and are evolutionarily conserved in monocot plants. The meiotic TopoVI B subunit (MTopVIB) plays an essential role in double-strand break formation in mouse (Mus musculus), Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), and rice (Oryza sativa), and recent work reveals that rice MTopVIB also plays an unexpected role in meiotic bipolar spindle assembly, highlighting multiple functions of MTopVIB during rice meiosis. In this work, we characterized the meiotic TopVIB in maize (Zea mays; ZmMTOPVIB). The ZmmtopVIB mutant plants exhibited normal vegetative growth but male and female sterility. Meiotic double-strand break formation was abolished in mutant meiocytes. Despite normal assembly of axial elements, mutants showed severely affected synapsis and disrupted homologous pairing. Importantly, we showed that bipolar spindle assembly was also affected in ZmmtopVIB, resulting in triad and polyad formation. Overall, our results demonstrate that ZmMTOPVIB plays critical roles in double-strand break formation and homologous recombination. In addition, our results suggest that the function of MTOPVIB in bipolar spindle assembly is likely conserved across different monocots.
Demographic implications of predatory wrasses on low-density Diadema antillarum populations

ABSTRACT This study evaluates and projects the effect of experimental removal of two species of wrasses, Thalassoma bifasciatum and Halichoeres bivittatus, on the demographic structure of the Caribbean sea urchin Diadema antillarum. For census periods ‘before’ and ‘after’ fish removal at treatment and un-manipulated control sites, size-based matrix population projections revealed the most important change in the sea urchin demography was increased survival of the medium size-class following removal of wrasses. The asymptotic growth rate (λ) exhibited no differences between periods for the control; however, the treatment displayed a significant increase in λ from 0.94 to 1.0. During the before period, the treatment population displayed lower λ than the control population, indicating site differences in urchin recruitment from the outset of the experiment, however after one year of maintenance of the predator removal treatment, the treatment population exhibited and increased growth rate to become similar to the control population; indicating predatory-release for the treatment population. Physiological status of sea urchins, as determined by righting times, exhibited no difference between treatment and control populations, or through time. Nil correlation was evident between righting activity and urchin size, indicating that urchin physiological status was not influenced by predation. Long-term demographic simulation indicated that the sea urchin population growth at the treatment site was negative and thus unviable predatory wrasse. However, only one year after fish removal, sea urchin population growth rate became positive. Therefore local population recovery for D. antillarum appears enhanced when abundance of wrasses is kept low.
Maternal age in the epidemiology of common autosomal trisomies

The birth prevalence rate of each common autosomal trisomy generally increases with advancing maternal age and there is a substantial fetal loss rate between late first trimester and term. The literature is reviewed in order to provide the best estimates of these rates, taking account where possible of biases due to prenatal diagnosis and selective termination of pregnancy. There is an almost exponential increase in Down syndrome birth prevalence between ages 15 and 45 but at older ages the curve flattens. There is no evidence of the claimed relatively high birth prevalence at extremely low ages. Gestation‐specific intra‐uterine fetal loss rates are estimated by follow‐up of women declining termination of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis, comparison of observed rates with those expected from birth prevalence and comparison of age‐specific curves developed for prenatal diagnosis and birth. Down syndrome fetal loss rates reduce with gestation and increase with maternal age. Edwards and Patau syndrome birth prevalence is approximately 1/8 and 1/13 that of Down syndrome overall, although the ratio differs according to maternal age, particularly for Patau syndrome where it reduces steadily from 1/9 to 1/19. Fetal loss rates are higher for Edwards and Patau syndromes than for Down syndrome.
Healthy People 2020: Social Determinants of Cigarette Smoking and Electronic Cigarette Smoking among Youth in the United States 2010–2018

The purpose of this study was to determine social determinants of cigarette smoking and ever using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among young adults aged 18 to 25 years in the United States between 2010 and 2018. Using secondary data from National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) across the 2010, 2014, and 2018 survey years, this study analyzed the prevalence rates of cigarette smoking and ever using e-cigarettes between 2010 and 2018, demographic and socioeconomic disparities in smoking, and the relationship between previous e-cigarette use and current smoking. First, the past decade witnessed a notable decline in conventional cigarette smoking and a sharp increase in e-cigarette use among youth. These trends were consistent regardless of socioeconomic status. Second, demographic and socioeconomic disparities persisted in cigarette smoking. Non-Hispanic white male youth were more likely to become smokers as they grew older. Young people with lower educational attainment, living below the U.S. federal poverty level, and having a poor physical health status had a higher smoking prevalence. Third, previous e-cigarette use was more likely to relate to subsequent cigarette use among young people. To achieve the Healthy People 2020 objectives, tobacco control programs and interventions need to be more specific in higher prevalence groups and service providers should not assume that there is a one-size-fits-all model for youth.
Early life exposure to environmental contaminants (BDE-47, TBBPA, and BPS) produced persistent alterations in fecal microbiome in adult male mice.

The gut microbiome is a pivotal player in toxicological responses. We investigated the effects of maternal exposure to 3 human health-relevant toxicants (BDE-47, TBBPA, and BPS) on the composition and metabolite levels (bile acids [BAs] and short chain fatty acids [SCFAs]) of the gut microbiome in adult pups. CD-1 mouse dams were orally exposed to vehicle (corn oil, 10ml/kg), BDE-47 (0.2 mg/kg), TBBPA (0.2 mg/kg), or BPS (0.2 mg/kg) once daily from gestational day 8 to the end of lactation (postnatal day 21). 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted metabolomics were performed in feces of 20-week-old adult male pups (n = 14-23/group). Host gene expression and BA levels were quantified in liver. BPS had the most prominent effect on the beta-diversity of the fecal microbiome compared to TBPPA and BDE-47 (QIIME). Seventy-three taxa were persistently altered by at least 1 chemical, and 12 taxa were commonly regulated by all chemicals (most of which were from the Clostridia class and were decreased). The most distinct microbial biomarkers were S24-7 for BDE-47, Rikenellaceae for TBBPA, and Lactobacillus for BPS (LefSe). The community-wide contributions to the shift in microbial pathways were predicted using FishTaco. Consistent with FishTaco predictions, BDE-47 persistently increased fecal and hepatic BAs within the 12α hydroxylation pathway, corresponding to an up-regulation with the hepatic BA-synthetic enzyme Cyp7a1. Fecal BAs were also persistently up-regulated by TBBPA and BPS (LC-MS). TBBPA increased propionic acid and succinate, whereas BPS decreased acetic acid (GC-MS). There was a general trend in the hepatic down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the oxidative stress sensor target gene (Nqo1), and a decrease in G6Pdx (the deficiency of which leads to dyslipidemia). In conclusion, maternal exposure to these toxicants persistently modified the gut-liver axis, which may produce an immune-suppressive and dyslipidemia-prone signature later in life.
OP-ICBJ200078 608..618

Synopsis Vertebrates interact directly with food items through their dentition, and these interactions with trophic resources could often feedback to influence tooth structure. Although dentitions are often considered to be a fixed phenotype, there is the potential for environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity in teeth to extensively influence their diversity. Here, we review the literature concerning phenotypic plasticity of vertebrate teeth. Even though only a few taxonomically disparate studies have focused on phenotypic plasticity in teeth, there are a number of ways teeth can change their size, shape, or patterns of replacement as a response to the environment. Elucidating the underlying physiological, developmental, and genetic mechanisms that generate phenotypic plasticity can clarify its potential role in the evolution of dental phenotypes.
Investigation of the Relationship Between the Sports Status of Secondary School Students and Their Emotional Intelligence Levels

The aim of this study is to investigate the sports status and emotional intelligence levels of secondary school students. 1027 secondary school students participated in the research. As a data collection tool in the research; personal information form, parent consent form and voluntary consent form were used. In measuring the emotional intelligence levels of students, a 60-item measurement tool developed by Bar-on, applicable to children and adolescents was used, and the scale was adapted to Turkish by Koksal (2007). Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and t-test techniques were used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the analyses, there was a statistically significant difference in interpersonal, adaptability and positive effect (p < 0.05) of the emotional intelligence sub-dimensions and the gender variable. When the emotional intelligence levels of the students were analyzed according to the variable of sports status, a significant difference was observed in the adaptability dimension and in the total score of emotional intelligence in favor of those who exercise sports (p < 0.05). When the emotional intelligence levels of the students were examined according to the class level variable, there were significant differences in the total score of emotional intelligence, stress management and adaptability (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the examination of the emotional intelligence levels of the students according to their mother’s education levels, a significant difference was found only in the adaptability dimension (p < 0.05). For their father’s education levels, there was a significant difference in the interpersonal and the adaptability dimensions (p < 0.05).
Effects of Tribulus terrestris Fruits on Renal and Lung Tissues in Female Mice Administered with Cadmium

The current study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Tribulus Terrestris on kidney and lung tissues against cadmium toxicity in female mice. In this regard, 20 female albino mice were randomly assigned into three groups; the first group served as the control group, the second group was given the toxic substance (cadmium 6 mg/kg) only, and the third group was given cadmium (6 mg/kg) plus the alcoholic extract of the Tribulus terrestris fruit (200 mg/kg). The substances were administered orally by stomach tube daily for 10 days. On the last day of the study, the animals were euthanized, and their kidney and lung were sampled for histological study. The kidney tissue in mice exposed to cadmium showed cellular inflammation, necrosis, hyperplasia, and large urinary space in Bowman's capsule in comparison to the normal appearance of tissues in the mice in the other two groups. The large aggregations of lymphocytes around the bronchus and edema in the lungs exposed to cadmium were observed. The lungs of some mice exposed to cadmium and treated with Tribulus terrestris fruit indicated normal tissue appearance, while others showed large aggregations of lymphocytes between alveolar sacs and thick interalveolar septa. The Tribulus terrestris protected the kidneys against the toxicity of the cadmium while this plant had fewer protective effects against cadmium in the lung tissue. These results demonstrated that Tribulus terrestris ameliorated cadmium toxicity.
Bismuth as Smart Material and Its Application in the Ninth Principle of Sustainable Chemistry

This paper reports an overview of Green Chemistry and the concept of its twelve principles. This study focusses on the ninth principle of Green Chemistry, that is, catalysis. A report on catalysis, in line with its definition, background, classification, properties, and applications, is provided. The study also entails a green element called bismuth. Bismuth’s low toxicity and low cost have made researchers focus on its wide applications in catalysis. It exhibits smartness in all the catalytic activities with the highest catalytic performance among other metals.
Towards integrated control of varroa: 4) varroa mortality from treating broodless winter colonies twice with oxalic acid via sublimation

In winter 2014–2015, we treated 22 broodless honey bee colonies with 2.25 g oxalic acid (OA) via sublimation on 23 December 2014 and again on 6 January 2015. Varroa numbers were determined before and after OA application by extracting mites from samples of workers. Mean varroa mortality from both applications combined was 99.6%, which is greater than the 97.6% mortality from a single treatment shown by our previous research. We determined whether double OA application was more harmful than single application, by comparing 12 colonies that had been double treated with 12 single-treated colonies. There was no difference in colony performance on 5 May 2015 (100% survival in both groups; 5.5 frames of brood in single-treated colonies vs. 5.3 in double-treated colonies). Varroa mortality from the first application, 96.8%, was significantly higher, p < 0.001, than from the second 87.2%. Ten of the 22 study colonies were killed 14 days after the second OA application to precisely quantify varroa levels. The mean number surviving was 6 (range 2–18). Worker numbers averaged 5,644 bees (range 3,352–8,692). To confirm the results a small second trial was made the following winter with 10 colonies. Results were similar. Again, combined varroa mortality was very high, 99.4%, with greater mortality from the first, 98.3%, than the second, 64.1%, application. Overall, the results indicate that double application of OA is worthwhile to beekeepers in varroa management. It is not harmful to colonies and by killing c. 99.5% of the varroa it reduces varroa populations to such an extent that 7–8 doublings, which would take more than one year, are needed to build back to the original level.
Video Processing for Pipeline Inspection by Endoscopy

Because of the increasing requirements in regards to the pipeline transport regulations, the operators take care to the rigorous application of checking routines that ensure nonoccurrence of leaks and failures. In situ pipe inspection systems such as endoscopy, remains a reliable mean to diagnose possible abnormalities in the interior of a pipe such as corrosion. Through digital video processing, the acquired videos and images are analyzed and interpreted to detect the damaged and the risky pipeline areas. Thus, the objective of this work is to bring a powerful analysis tool for a rigorous pipeline inspection through the implementation of specific algorithms dedicated to this application for a precise delimitation of the defective zones and a reliable interpretation of the defect implicated, in spite of the drastic conditions inherent to the evolution of the endoscope inside the pipeline and the quality of the acquired images and videos.
Effect of Latitudinal and Longitudinal Grain Boundaries on the Characteristics of Polycrystalline Silicon MOSFET Devices

The MOSFETs, Complementary MOS-ICs are the core switch devices of current which also critically affects the ICs. For higher IC performance the present era has shifted to the device scaling to sub-50nm range TFT (thin film transistor) based MOSFET which involves complex fabrication process. The presence of grain boundaries greatly affects the characteristics of these devices. Present paper describes dependence of output characteristics inpolycrystalline silicon MOSFET devices on the longitudinal and latitudinal grain boundaries (GBs) have been investigated theoretically. It is observed that in both latitudinal and longitudinal GBs, the GB scattering potential ‘qφ’ and the GB distribution parameter ‘s’ are equally involved. At all values of gate voltages the contribution in drain current of the device is more due to latitudinal GBs in comparison to longitudinal GBs. However, at high gate voltages longitudinal GBs play a significant role in the drain current of the device.The theoretical computations of the model are synonymous to the experimental work.