Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integral Roles for the Tight Junction Protein Claudin-6 in Regulating Epidermal Homeostasis

Epidermal homeostasis is a balancing act governed by a multitude of underlying regulatory events. Several growth factors and signaling pathways have been implicated in regulation of the balance between proliferation and differentiation in keratinocytes, and we show here that the transcription factor/signal transducer FIZ1 (Flt3 interacting zinc finger protein-1) is a previously unknown player in this key regulatory axis. FIZ1 promotes proliferation via autocrine signaling through the MAP/ERK kinase pathway, with increased proliferation driven by a more rapid G1/S progression. Quantitative SILAC-based secretome analysis identified the insulin growth factor binding protein IGFBP3 as a key mediating factor, with elevated FIZ1 levels promoting increased IGFBP3 expression/secretion and a concurrent increase in sensitivity to IGF1 signaling. Mapping the interactome of FIZ1 in both proliferating and differentiating cells identified 8 novel binding partners, including the MOB2/NDR1/NDR2 kinase complex and TAF4 transcription factor, that may act in concert with FIZ1 to contribute to regulation of epidermal homeostasis.
Effect of Salt Concentration, Solvent Donor Number and Coordination Structure on the Variation of the Li/Li+ Potential in Aprotic Electrolytes

The use of concentrated aprotic electrolytes in lithium batteries provides numerous potential applications, including the use of high-voltage cathodes and Li-metal anodes. In this paper, we aim at understanding the effect of salt concentration on the variation of the Li/Li+ Quasi-Reference Electrode (QRE) potential in Tetraglyme (TG)-based electrolytes. Comparing the obtained results to those achieved using Dimethyl sulfoxide DMSO-based electrolytes, we are now able to take a step forward and understand how the effect of solvent coordination and its donor number (DN) is attributed to the Li-QRE potential shift. Using a revised Nernst equation, the alteration of the Li redox potential with salt concentration was determined accurately. It is found that, in TG, the Li-QRE shift follows a different trend than in DMSO owing to the lower DN and expected shorter lifespan of the solvated cation complex.
Inheritance of some pomological traits in Minaret × Betinka apricot progeny.

In the years 2005, 2006, and 2007 the described pomological characteristics were evaluated and both heritability and correlation coefficients of the determined characteristics of parents and progeny were estimated for the Minaret × Betinka apricot hybrid population. Estimated heritability of fruit weight, over colour and flesh consistency was approximately 0.9. Heritability of flesh colour, fruit attractiveness and fruit flavour ranged from 0.6 to 0.9. The correlations show a strong dependence of the following characteristics of parent varieties and progeny: over colour and fruit attractiveness. Medium strong dependence was determined in the following characteristics: fruit colour and fruit flavour. Weak dependence was found in the case of fruit size.
Thrombosis Following Endovenous Glue Ablation

Endovenous glue ablation for lower limb varicose veins is growing in popularity due to its safety and efficacy. Of significant concern is glue-associated thrombus extension into deep veins. We present a case of thrombus extending into the common femoral vein following endovenous glue ablation for varicose veins with the VenaSealTM closure system (VCS; Medtronic). A 63-year-old man who presented with symptomatic varicose veins had incompetence of the saphenofemoral junction. He underwent endovenous glue ablation using VCS closure. At 1 month, improvement in varicosities was mirrored by duplex ultrasound confirmation of successful long saphenous vein ablation, but ultrasound indicated thrombus extending into the common femoral vein. This was managed by surveillance duplex and serial clinical observation, with spontaneous resolution at 12 months. With increasing use of VCS for varicose veins, it is likely that thrombotic complications of the deep veins will be encountered more frequently. It is time for formulation of guideline-based management of this complication.
Impact of Wettability on Rock Mechanics and Oil Recovery: A Comparative Study on Different Outcrop Chalks

Brines containing surface-active divalent ions such as Ca, Mg and SO4 impact the stiffness, strength and time-dependent deformation of water wet outcrop chalk from various locations. This study documents how stiffness and strength of wettability-altered oil and water saturated (mixed wet) chalk compares to water saturated samples during hydrostatic loading. During hydrostatic creep, the strain rate response to magnesium chloride (MgCl2) brine injection is compared for water wet and mixed wet samples. For the mixed wet samples, the oil production was estimated during compaction and MgCl2 flow. The results presented here were then compared to a similar test series on Kansas outcrop chalk. The differences were interpreted in terms of difference in physical parameters such as porosity and pore size. The samples were wettability altered and tested in parallel at hydrostatic conditions and 130°C. It was found that the initial wettability controlled the plastic strength measurements of Mons chalk with initial resident fluids inside the pores but to a lesser extent than the corresponding Kansas chalk. Afterwards, when Mons cores were hydrostatically loaded to a stress level approximately 1.5 times yield, both water wet and wettability-altered Mons chalk samples gave comparable trends during a stagnant phase and a following MgCl2 injection phase at varying flow rates. Similar observations were reported for water wet and wettability-altered Kansas chalk as well. It was also shown that the non-equilibrium chemical reactions were insensitive to the initial wettability for both Kansas and Mons chalks. The oil production observations, however, showed that 43% of the total oil was recovered during early-stage compaction from Mons chalk with no flow, whereas Kansas chalk did not produce any oil. No tail-end oil production was observed due to compaction or non-equilibrium brine flow in any of the two chalk types.
Are Full-Length mRNA In Bos taurus Spermatozoa Transferred to the Oocyte During Fertilization?

This thesis focuses on the discovery of full-length mRNA transcripts in Bos taurus spermatozoa. The primary aim of this study is to identify and validate fulllength mRNA primarily from RNA-Sequencing of bovine spermatozoa. The secondary aim is to determine if full-length spermatozoal transcripts are delivered to the oocyte at fertlilization, allowing for future studies to track their inheritance from paternal sources to the embryo. The main hypothesis of this thesis is that full-length mRNA transcripts exist within the spermatozoal transcript profile in Bos taurus. The secondary hypothesis is that if spermatozoal mRNA is functional after fertilization, then full-length transcripts should be present in the early stage embryo. To examine these hypotheses, this thesis is divided into three main chapters. The first is a literature review, discussing the process of spermatogenesis, the unique properties of spermatozoal mRNAs, including some hypothesized functions of spermatozoal mRNAs. A summary of a new technique, RNA-Sequencing, will be discussed in this review as well as comparisons to previous literature techniques for identifying mRNA transcripts of interest. The second chapter is the manuscript published in the journal Biology of Reproduction in January 2013, co-first-authored by Christopher Card. This manuscript uses the technique RNA-Seq to examine the transcript profile of nine Bos taurus bulls, and highlights several transcripts of interest for further study. This study found 6,166 total transcripts, and performed Gene Ontology analysis of the transcripts to categorize them into functional categories for further examination, the top most category of interest being translation. The third chapter of this thesis is a manuscript in preparation, formatted for submission to the journal of Molecular Reproduction and Development. This manuscript evaluates twenty four target mRNA transcripts to see if they are fulllength. These transcripts were identified through four main methods: their location on the Y chromosome, their high expression in the RNA-Seq data set from chapter 2, their presence in Gene Ontology categories of interest from chapter 2, and their discovery from previous literature studies. Sixteen transcripts are found to be fulllength, eight are degraded, and four have alternative polyadenylation ends. In conclusion, several full-length transcripts were found in this study, which have the potential to create functional proteins downstream in the fertilized oocyte. Several transcripts were also proved to be degraded in the mature spermatozoa. This has confirmed the need for this type of study, and elucidates new transcript targets for further research to pursue.
Different Exposure Images of the Same Scene Based on Matlab

During the shooting process of the camera, the problem of overexposure or underexposure often occurs, leading to the loss of important information in the picture. In response to this problem, this article first restores the camera’s light response curve by taking multiple images with different exposures for the same static scene, combining the principle of least squares and the B-spline function fitting method, and obtaining the pixel values and exposure in the image the mapping relationship between them, and then fuse the scene photo images of different exposures into a high dynamic range image. Secondly, the synthesized high dynamic range image is deal with by Matlab program, and the exposure time is 8s, 1/2s, 1/30s, and 1/500s to reconstruct the image. Finally, experimental results show that the effects of the synthesized high dynamic range image and reconstructed exposure image are significant.
Modelling rotations: can crop sequences explain arable weed seedbank abundance?

We investigated the effects of crop sequences on monocotyledon, dicotyledon and total weed seedbank abundance. Using seedbank data sampled from the conventionally cropped part of the GB farm-scale evaluations of genetically modified, herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops, we asked whether it is possible to identify crop sequence effects, to identify their duration and to simplify crop sequences into crop management classes with similar effects on weed seedbanks. This work showed that it is possible to detect historical effects of past crops, sown in sequence, on weed seedbanks for up to 3 years and that crop sequences may be simplified to crop management classes describing the season of sowing, crop type and weed target for herbicide application. Model estimates for the seedbanks were validated against an independent, follow-up seedbank data set. The analysis provided abundance estimates that ranged over 3 and 1.7 orders of magnitude for the monocotyledon and dicotyledon weed seedbanks for different crop sequences. This work yields a methodology for estimating seedbank abundance in current crop sequences, potentially allowing sequences to be identified that better reconcile the competing needs for weed control to maintain crop productivity and the demand for increased farmland biodiversity.
Effects of Social Relationships upon Mortality in C57BL/10 Mice

TOZAWA, T. 1929. Experiments on the development of the nuptial and pearl organs of the Japanese bitterling. Folia anat. Japon. , 7:407-17. TURNER, C. L. 1941. Gonopodial characteristics produced in the anal fins of females of Gambusia affinis affinis by treatment with ethinyl testosterone. Biol. Bull., 80:371-83. --. 1942. A quantitative study of the effects of different concentrations of ethynyl testosterone and methyl testosterone in the production of gonopodia in females of Gainbusia aginis. Physiol. Zol1. , 15:263-80. VIVIEN, J.-H. 1938. Sur les effets de l'hypophysectomie chez un t6l6ost6en marin, Gobius paganellus L. Compt. rend. Acad. de sci., 207:1452-55. S1939. R61e de l'hypophyse dans le ddterminisme du cycle g6nitale femelle d'un t6l6ost6en Gobius paganellus L. Ibid., 208:948-49. 1941. Contribution a I'6tude de la physiologie hypophysaire dans ses relations avec l'appareil genital, la thyroide et les corps suprar6naux chez les poissons s6laciens et t616ost6ens Scylliorkinus canicula et Gobius paganellus. Bull. biol. France et Belg. , 75:257-309.
The apparently minimal hazard posed to human consumers of products from animals fed trichothecene-contaminated grains.

Forty clinically normal lactating Holstein cattle from a herd involved in a natural outbreak of chronic nitrate toxicosis were divided into 2 equal groups according to production, stage of lactation, age, and apparent pregnancy state (pregnant or nonpregnant). One group was fed a low-nitrate ration (average of 356 ppm on dry matter basis in concentrate; less than 400 ppm in free-choice hay for 1st 5 wks of study). The 2nd group was fed a high-nitrate (HN) ration (average of 1,600 ppm in protein concentrate-amemded corn silage; 4,000 ppm in free-choice hay for the 8-week study). At the end of the study, the 2 groups were classified according to their starting reproductive status: nonpregnant (open); early pregnant (less than 60 da); midpregnant (average of 105 da). Milk production, milk fat, and milk nitrate concentrations were similar for cows fed both rations. Serum progesterone concentration (SPC) was depressed (P less than 0.05) in cows fed the HN ration. This effect was prominent in open, luteal phase cows, less prominent but still apparent in early pregnant cows, and absent in midpregnant cows. The early reproductive problems of chronic nitrate toxicosis may be due to depression of SPC. A possible mechanism of inhibition of luteal progesterone synthesis by inhibition of cytochrome P-450 is presented.
A vendor managed inventory policy with emergency orders

ABSTRACT Due to the large amount of money engaged with inventory along supply chains, especially with inventory holding costs, it is extremely important to employ a good inventory policy in order to meet the customer demand without delays. This paper presents a vendor-managed inventory policy with emergency orders, for a supply chain which consists of a single vendor and a single retailer where the retailer faces Poisson customer demand. Two mathematical models were developed using two approaches. Approach 1 used the concept of demand rate while approach 2 is based on total demand received during the cycle. The formulated models are used to determine the optimal base stock level, delivery quantity to the retailer and cycle length such that the total expected inventory cost is minimized. Numerical experiments and sensitivity analysis were conducted to examine the behavior of the optimal solution and provide general guidelines and implications.
Structural and cellular biology of the nairovirus nucleocapsid protein

Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick borne nairovirus responsible for a highly fatal human disease with increased recent incidence within the human population of southern Europe. Hazara virus (HAZV), another tick borne nairovirus of the same serogroup as CCHFV, is not pathogenic in humans, but infection with HAZV results in a similar disease progression in interferon receptor knockout mice to CCHFV. In order to investigate further similarities between HAZV and CCHFV, and to support the use of HAZV as a model for CCHFV infection, various structural and cell biological aspects of the CCHFV and HAZV replication cycle were investigated. We present the X-ray crystal structure of the nucleocapsid protein (N) of HAZV at a resolution of 2.7 A, and the crystal structure of RNA-bound HAZV N at a resolution of 3 A. HAZV N had a highly similar overall structure to CCHFV N, consisting of a globular domain containing amino acid residues from both the N and the C-termini, and an extended arm domain. A crevice within the globular domain of HAZV N had 3 nucleotides of RNA bound, in the RNA-bound HAZV N structure. RNA binding is a crucial function of HAZV N and CCHFV N, and the identification of an RNA binding site in HAZV N provides a model for the structure guided design of anti-virals to disrupt this interaction. Cellular heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was found to be an interacting partner of the N protein of CCHFV and HAZV, both in cells and in secreted HAZV particles. The functional role of this interacting partner within the HAZV replication cycle was investigated using siRNA knock down and small molecule inhibitors of endogenous HSP70. HAZV induced apoptosis in SW13 cells, and HAZV N was cleaved during a 72 hr time course of infection. The data presented here also reveals new insights into the replication cycles of HAZV and CCHFV.
Transcriptional Control of Cell Growth: The E2F Gene Family

List of Contents. - to the E2F Family: Protein Structure and Gene Regulation. - Regulatory Interactions Among E2Fs and Cell Cycle Control Proteins. - Use of the E2F Transcription Factor by DNA Tumor Virus Regulatory Proteins. - The Cellular Effects of E2F Overexpression. - Start-Specific Transcription in Yeast. - Conclusions and Future Directions.
Evaluating the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene concentration and immersion duration on ripening and quality of banana fruit

The influence of different concentrations of aqueous 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in delaying the ripening process of harvested banana fruit ( Musa sp., AAA group, cv. ‘BARI kola-1’) was investigated. Banana fruits at mature green stage were immersed in aqueous 1-MCP at 100, 300 and 500 µg L -1 for 5, 10 and 15 min, fan-forced air-dried and kept into 1% perforated low density polyethylene bag. The fruits were then stored at 20 ± 2 °C and 75-80% RH for ripening over 35 days. Banana ripening was delayed when immersed in 100-500 µg L -1 1-MCP solution however; higher concentrations were more effective. The efficacy of 1-MCP was not significantly influenced by immersion durations of 5, 10 and 15 min. The changes in respiration rate, fruit firmness, TSS, ascorbic acid contents and surface colour of bananas subjected to all three concentrations of 1-MCP remained strongly suppressed and consequently extended the storage life by 15 days compared to untreated fruit. Increased storage life of banana occurred without affecting the peel appearance, pulp texture, soluble solids concentration and aroma profiles. Nevertheless, crown rot disease initiated at the later stage of ripening although individual finger was not affected until end of the storage. Thus, postharvest immersion of banana fruit in aqueous 1-MCP at 100 µg L -1 solution for 5 min could extend the storage life up to 35 days without compromising fruit quality and could be a feasible alternative technology for long distance transportation and marketing. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
Developmental innate immunoinsufficiency: Comparison of term neonatal neutrophil proteinases and complement component levels relative to adults

Despite current improvement in newborn care, infection is still a common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Innate immunity is the first line of defence against pathogens particularly in newborn infants. Quantitative and functional deficit in non-cellular (complement system) and cellular (neutrophils) arms of innate immune system is believed to contribute to neonatal susceptibility to infection. Neutrophil granule subsets contain a variety of proteases, including elastase, cathepsins, MMP-9 and proteinase 3 along with different granule markers and receptors. This thesis demonstrated that normal term neonatal neutrophils express more proteinase 3 and CD177 on their surface while no differences were found in expression of markers CD35, CD66b and CD63 (representing the secretory, secondary and primary granule subsets, respectively). Cord neutrophils contain more PR3 than adult cells but the proportion of PR3 released by cord and adult neutrophils was similar. In contrast, neonatal neutrophils contained only half of the cathepsin G and elastase functional activity of adult neutrophils. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid studied from preterm infants ventilated for respiratory distress demonstrated higher proteinase 3 concentrations in lavage samples from infants who went on to develop chronic lung disease than in infants with resolved respiratory distress syndrome. Concentration of proteinase 3 in lavage samples was significantly higher than MMP-9 and elastase levels, suggesting that it may have an important role in disease pathogenesis. Complement is an equally important component of the innate immune system that plays a central role in recruiting and activating neutrophils, as well as being directly bactericidal through the terminal lytic pathway. Analysis of neonatal complement system revealed that Complement function and terminal components levels particularly C9 are deficient (except C7) in healthy term newborn infants compared to normal adults. Bactericidal capacity of a selection of neonatal sera was tested along with adult sera against four serovars of Ureaplasma parvum, a potentially important perinatal pathogen. Results showed impaired bactericidal capacity of neonatal serum compared to adult serum especially against SV1. Ureaplasma SV3 was the most serum sensitive serovar whereas killing of the resistant serovars SV6 and 14 could not be induced by supplementation of the deficient components C6, C8 and C9.
Pollinator‐mediated phenotypic selection does not always modulate flower size and number in the large‐flowered Mediterranean shrub Cistus ladanifer (Cistaceae)

Flower size and number usually evolve under pollinator-mediated selection. However, hot, dry environments can also modulate display, counteracting pollinator attraction. Increased pollen deposition on larger flower displays may not involve higher female fitness. Consequently, stressful conditions may constrain flower size, favouring smaller-sized flowers. The large-flowered, self-incompatible Mediterranean shrub Cistus ladanifer was used to test that: (1) this species suffers pollen limitation; (2) pollinators are spatially–temporally variable and differentially visit plants with more/larger flowers; (3) increased visits enhance reproduction under pollen limitation; (4) stressful conditions reduce female fitness of larger displays; and (5) phenotypic selection on floral display is not just pollinator-mediated. We evaluated pollen limitation, related floral display to pollinator visits and fruit and seed production and estimated phenotypic selection. Flower size was 7.2–10.5 cm and varied spatially–temporally. Visitation rates (total visits/50 min) ranged from 0.26 to 0.43 and increased with flower size. Fruit set averaged 80% and seed number averaged 855, but only fruit set varied between populations and years. Selection towards larger flowers was detected under conditions of pollen limitation. Otherwise, we detected stabilizing selection on flower size and negative selection on flower number. Our results suggest that selection on floral display is not only pollinator-dependent through female fitness in C. ladanifer. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 176, 540–555.
Adverse reactions to fish

Adverse reactions to seafood and particularly fish are frequently encountered worldwide, including in Southern Africa. We present a case study of what is typically experienced in the domestic and clinical setting and describe the most frequent causes. This article gives a holistic outlook on adverse reactions to fish, other than allergy to fish, from a South African perspective. The review includes infection by and allergy to Anisakis, ‘iodine allergy’, histamine sensitivity, unabsorbable wax esters, ciguatera poisoning, heavy metal toxicity and bacterial contamination.