Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aberrant Hypomethylated KRAS and RASGRF2 as a Candidate Biomarker of Low Level Benzene Hematotoxicity

Benzene is an important industrial chemical and an environmental contaminant. The mechanisms of low level benzene-induced hematotoxicity are unresolved. Aberrant DNA methylation, which may lead to genomic instability and the altered gene expression, is frequently observed in hematological cancers. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a genome-wide investigation to examine comprehensively whether low level benzene induces DNA methylation alteration in the benzene-exposed workers. Infinium 450K methylation array was used to compare methylation levels of the low level benzene-exposed individuals and health controls and the differentially expressed DNA methylation pattern critical for benzene hematotoxicity were screened. Signal net analysis showed that two key hypomethylated KRAS and RASGRF2 associated with low level benzene exposure were identified. Further, the hypomethylated RASGRF2 gene played central roles through regulation of Rho protein, MAPK, small GTPase mediated signal transduction. While the hypomethylated KRAS gene played important roles through small GTPase, Ras protein, MAPK cascade, Gap junction, Axon guidance, Tight junction, GnRH, T cell receptor signaling pathway, Acute myeloid leukemia, B cell receptor signaling pathway, Chronic myeloid leukemia, ErbB signaling pathway. Our preliminary study indicated that aberrant hypomethylated KRAS and RASGRF2 might be a potential methylated biomarker of low level benzene hematotoxicity.
Studies on the Metabolic Fate of (±)-2-(Dimethylamino)-1-[[o-(m-methoxyphenethyl)-phenoxy]methyl]ethyl hydrogen succinate hydrochloride (MCI-9042) (II): Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion after a Single Administration to Rats

The absorption, metabolism and excretion of MCI-9042 were investigated in male and female dogs after oral (20mg/kg) or intravenous (1 mg/kg) administration of 14C-MCI-9042.1. After oral administration of 14C-MCI-9042 to male and female dogs, both the plasma levels of radioactivity and unchanged MCI-9042 reached maxima at 15 ? 45 min, and then decreased with half-lives (t1/2β) of 10.3 ? 10.7hr and 1.5 ? 1.6hr when determined based on radioactivity or unchanged MCI-9042, respectively. The absorption rate and bioavailability calculated from areas under the time versus plasma concentration curves (AUC0∞) of radioac tivity and unchanged MCI-9042 after oral or intravenous administration were 84% and 57%, respectively.2. After oral administration to dogs, M-1, M-6 and M-8 were detected in the plasma, and other free metabolites were not observed.3. In both male and female dogs, approximately 100% of dosed radioactivity was excreted into urine(26 ? 31%) and feces (71 ? 74%) within 120hr after oral and intravenous administration of 14C-MCI-9042.4. Both blood or plasma levels and excretion rates were not affected by sex-related phenomena in dogs.
Behavioral aspects of Lesch–Nyhan disease and its variants

Self‐injury is a defining feature of Lesch–Nyhan disease (LND) but does not occur in the less severely affected Lesch–Nyhan variants (LNV). The aim of this study was to quantify behavioral and emotional abnormalities in LND and LNV. Thirty‐nine informants rated 22 patients with LND (21 males, 1 female), 11 males with LNV, and 11 healthy controls (HC; 10 males, 1 female) using two well‐validated rating scales. The age of patients with LND ranged from 12 years 7 months to 38 years 3 months (mean 22y 11mo; SD 7y 8mo), whereas the age range of those with LNV was 12 years 9 months to 65 years (mean 30y 7mo; SD 15y 2mo), and the healthy controls were aged 12 years 4 months to 31 years 3 months (mean 17y 10mo; SD 5y 7mo). Behavioral ratings were based on the Child Behavior Checklist and the American Association on Mental Retardation's Adaptive Behavior Scale – Residential and Community, 2nd edition. Statistical analyses revealed that patients with LND showed severe self‐injury together with problematic aggression, anxious‐depressed symptoms, distractibility, motor stereotypes, and disturbing interpersonal behaviors. Patients with LNV were rated as being intermediate between the HC and LND groups on all behavior scales. Although the LNV group did not differ from HCs on most scales, their reported attention problems were as severe as those found in LND. We conclude that self‐injurious and aggressive behaviors are nearly universal and that other behavioral abnormalities are common in LND. Although patients with LNV typically do not self‐injure or display severe aggression, attention problems are common and a few patients demonstrate other behavioral anomalies.
Interferon‐γ reverses the stimulation of collagen but not fibronectin gene expression by transforming growth factor‐ β in normal human fibroblasts

Abstract. It has recently become apparent that several cytokines and growth factors are capable of modulating fibroblast proliferation and biosynthetic activity. To understand the role of these factors in connective tissue regulation, we examined the effects of the simultaneous addition of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) on normal human dermal fibroblast collagen and fibronectin production. In addition, in vitro transcription rates and steady‐state mRNA levels for these molecules were determined by nuclear run‐off assays and Northern and dot‐blot hybridization using specific human cDNA probes. Treatment of cultures with TGF‐β caused stimulation of collagen and fibronectin production. Addition of IFN‐γ to the TGF‐γ‐treated cultures abrogated the stimulatory effects of TGF‐γ on collagen production in a dose‐dependent manner and resulted in a net inhibition of collagen production. In contrast, the increase in fibronectin synthesis induced by TGF‐γ was augmented further by IFN‐γ. These changes in collagen and fibronectin production were accompanied by parallel changes in the steady‐state mRNA levels for these proteins. The effects of TGF‐γ plus IFN‐γ on fibronectin gene expression appeared to be mediated entirely by transcriptional mechanisms, whereas the effects on collagen gene expression resulted from a combination of transcriptional and post‐transcriptional events.
A predictive framework to assess response of invasive invertebrates to climate change: pest mite species of Australian grains

i DECLARATION . iii PREFACE.iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . vi TABLE OF CONTENTS . vii LIST OF FIGURES.x LIST OF TABLES.xv CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Predicting distributions of insects . 3 1.1.1 Predicting pest species distributions. 3 1.1.2 Niche theory and concepts. 4 1.1.3 Species distribution models. 6 1.1.4 Niche-limiting traits.11 1.1. 5 Genetic variation . 13 1.2 Review of Earth Mite research . 15 1.2.1 Halotydeus destructor . 15 1.2.2 Penthaleus spp. 21 1.3 Aims of thesis . 24 1.4 THESIS OUTLINE.25 CHAPTER 2: Distribution of cryptic blue oat mite species (Penthaleus spp.) in Australia: current and future climate conditions.27 2.1 Abstract.27 2.2 Introduction.28 2.3 Materials and Methods . 30 2.3. 1 Distribution mapping of Penthaleus species . 30 2.3. 2 Climate variables . 31 2.3. 3 Distribution modelling . 32 2.3. 4 Future climate scenarios.33 2.4 Results . 34 2.4. 1 Current distributions of Penthaleus spp. in Australia.34 2.4. 2 Climatic factors influencing species distributions . 36 2.4. 3 Future distributions of species under climate change.38 2.5 Discussion.41
Early and temporary qualitative, autonomous feed restriction of broiler chickens. Effects on performance characteristics, mortality, carcass and meatquality

The objective of the present trial was to examine the effect of qualitative feed restrictions during the early stage of life on performance characteristics, mortality, carcass quality and meat quality of two modern broiler strains. It was chosen to use a low energy diet or a NaCl-deficient diet offered from the 4th day during 4 days. A 3-factorial experiment (3 x 2 x 2) was set up with the two strains ROSS 508 and Hybro G. Sexes were separated. Results show that the qualitative feed restrictions used are good ways to induce a compensatory growth after the temporary growth retardation. Indeed, final body weights of the chickens subjected to these restrictions showed no significant differences to the control birds. On the other hand, due to the rather low number of animals used in these kind of trials, no significant reduction of losses due to metabolic diseases are found. Only a positive trend on mortality due to SDS could be found. The economical impact in practice of these figures can still be important. There is no indication in the current trial that changes in growth trajectory (growth retardation - compensatory growth) induced by qualitative feed restriction have a negative effect on slaughter yield or cut-up parts or are of that nature that meat quality is impaired. In conclusion, qualitative feed restrictions as used in the current trial, give some indications of being a practical tool to reduce losses due to metabolic diseases without deteriorating performance or carcass quality. More research however is needed to confirm this.
Life expectancy in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent spinal fusion

The aim of this study was to document the rate of survival among 288 severely affected pediatric patients (154 females, 134 males) with spasticity and neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent spinal fusion (mean age at surgery 13 years 11 months, SD 3 years 4 months), and to identify exposure variables that could significantly predict survival times. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was performed demonstrating a mean predicted survival of 11 years 2 months after spinal surgery for this group of globally involved children with cerebral palsy (CP). Cox's proportional hazards model was used to evaluate predictive efficacy of exposure variables, such as sex, age at surgery, level of ambulation, cognitive ability, degree of coronal and sagittal plane spinal deformity, intraoperative blood loss, surgical time, days in hospital, and days in the intensive care unit. Number of days in intensive care unit after surgery and the presence of severe preoperative thoracic hyperkyphosis were the only factors affecting survival rates. This demonstrated statistically significant predictability for decreased life expectancy after spinal fusion in children with CP.
The identification and characterization of three distinct estrogen receptor subtypes in a teleost fish, the Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)

Acknowledgments The undying support of many people has allowed this dissertation to come to pass, but I would like to thank in particular my husband, John Godwin, for scientific advice and assistance as well as moral support. I also would like to thank my friend Kira Wennstrom, for help and support over the years, scientific and otherwise. Finally, I thank my son Ethan Davis, for sleeping at all(or at least some) of the right moments. This dissertation identifies and characterizes three distinct estrogen receptors in a teleost fish, the Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus. Atlantic croaker possess ERα, ERβ, and a previously unrecognized form we call ERγ. This is the first description of three ER subtypes in any vertebrate. Phylogenetic analysis shows that ERγ arose via gene duplication from ERβ early in the teleost lineage, and indicates that ERγ is present in other teleosts, but has not been recognized. The three ER subtypes are genetically distinct and have different distribution patterns in Atlantic croaker tissues. The Atlantic croaker (ac)ERγ shows amino acid differences in regions important for ligand-binding and receptor activation that are conserved in all other ERγs. Bacterially expressed fusion proteins for acERα, β, and γ show specific, high affinity binding to [ 3 H] estradiol (E2) with Kds of 0.61+ 0.013, 0.40 + 0.006, and 0.38 + 0.059 nM respectively. The rank orders of binding to the acER fusion proteins in expected areas of the forebrain, but their distributions within these regions differ. acERα is found in all brain regions previously demonstrated to concentrate E2 or possess ERs. acERγ, but not acERβ, is detected in the nucleus suprachiasmaticus and dorsal preopticus parvocellularis anterior (PPa). Conversely, acERβ, but not acERγ was found in the ventral PPa, preopticus magnocellularis pars magnocellularis, and cerebellar Purkinje cells. The presence of three functional ERs in one species expands the role of estrogen receptor multiplicity in estrogen signaling systems and clarifies the dynamics and mechanisms of estrogen receptor evolution. Abstract vi Introduction 1
Autistic disorders in Down syndrome: background factors and clinical correlates

A study of a clinic‐based sample of 25 individuals (12 females, 13 males; age at diagnosis 14.4 years, SD 7.4 years; age range 4 to 33 years) with Down syndrome (DS) and autism spectrum disorders, demonstrates that autism is by no means rare in DS. Results showed that there was a considerable delay in the diagnosis of autism as compared with children with autism who did not have DS. In 11 participants medical factors were identified that were likely to be of importance in contributing to the development of autism, and in four further participants there were factors of possible significance. Such factors include a history of autism or autism‐related disorders in first‐ or second‐degree relatives (n=5), infantile spasms (n=5), early hypothyroidism (n=3), evidence of brain injury after complicated heart surgery (n=2), or a combination of these factors. It is important that autism is recognised, identified, and fully assessed in individuals with DS in order for them to receive appropriate education and support.
Effect of Dietary Roxarsone Level on Leg Condition of Male Broilers

Abstract Roxarsone (3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid) was fed to male broilers at different levels (22.7 and 45.4 g/ton) and withdrawn from the diet at various times prior to slaughter at 54 days of age to determine the influence on development of leg disorders. There was no indication of any effect from level of roxarsone used or time of withdrawal on mortality, tibia length, width of gastrocnemius tendon, or angle of deviation of the condyles of the distal tibia. Although leg disorders are a major concern in regard to production of the large male broiler, early removal of roxarsone prior to the mandated withdrawal time does not appear warranted and may compromise the anticoccidial program.
Modelling Water Quality in the Elbe and its Estuary – Large Scale and Long Term Applications with Focus on the Oxygen Budget of the Estuary

The current status of numerical water quality modelling of the German part of the Elbe and its estuary (km 0 to 727) with the model QSim is presented and simulation results are compared with field data for validation. Based on a large scale 1d approach, a consistent input signal from the river (upper 585 km) is generated to investigate the context between phytoplankton development and oxygen deficits in the estuary with enhanced mean water depth (> 10 m). In the shallow and eutrophic river, phytoplankton biomass is produced up to a seasonal mean (May-October 2006) of nearly 150 μg chla l-1 causing oxygen supersaturation. In the freshwater part of the estuary, the algae biomass declines sharply and oxygen deficits occur. Our simulations demonstrate that net algae growth rates become negative due to light limitation, while high grazing losses by zooplankton (seasonal mean of 0.5 per day) causes a decline of the biomass. Due to the input of algal derived and easily degradable organic carbon imported from the river and organic carbon from algal dieoff, the Elbe Estuary becomes heterotrophic and depleted of oxygen in summer. Referring to the large scale 1d approach, we simulate and validate the long term development of the water temperature, phytoplankton, and oxygen of the Elbe Estuary for a 13-year period (1998-2010). Recent developmental steps towards more-dimensional water quality modelling with QSim by offline coupling with a hydrodynamic model are outlined. This approach is tested concerning the horizontal water temperature distribution of a side channel system of the estuary.
Thermodynamics of Laser-Assisted Solution Combustion Synthesis of Yttrium Oxide

approved: ____________________________________________ Chih-hung Chang To assess the conversion and embedment of yttrium nitrate to yttrium oxide using selective laser melting, a thermodynamic approach for laser power and scan speed predictions on surface temperature, recoil pressure, and resulting track morphology window are employed. Inkjet printing is used to deposit the liquid film of yttrium nitrate onto a stainless-steel substrate, providing an advantage in terms of energy consumption reduction while maintaining a continuous film morphology. Using two different laser powers and three different scanning speeds, the samples are analyzed post-selective-laser-processing using X-ray diffraction to characterize the crystalline peaks of embedded yttrium oxide. Laser power of 150 W and scan speed of 100 mm/s showed good agreement in theoretical absorptivity with literature of 0.76 and all samples indicate some yttrium oxide peaks. Surface temperature predictions in conjunction with the XRD data suggests that higher laser scan speed (or lower residence time over sample) can enhance the emergence of the mature polycrystalline peaks by reducing mixing and subsequent masking effects with the surrounding stainless-steel substrate matrix.
Journal of Reproduction and Development

There has been increasing interest in the role of hypoxia in the microenvironment of organs, because of the discovery of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1), which acts as a transcription factor for many genes activated specifically under hypoxic conditions. The ovary changes day by day during the estrous cycle as it goes through phases of follicular growth, ovulation, and formation and regression of the corpus luteum (CL). These phenomena are regulated by hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, sex steroids, peptides and cytokines, as well as oxygen conditions. Hypoxia strongly induces angiogenesis via transcription of a potent angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), that is regulated by HIF1. A CL forms with a rapid increase of angiogenesis that is mainly induced by HIF1-VEGF signaling. Hypoxia also contributes to luteolysis by down-regulating progesterone synthesis and by up-regulating apoptosis of luteal cells. This review focuses on recent studies on the roles of hypoxiaand HIF1-regulated genes in the regulation of bovine CL function.
LapAssistent – computer assisted laparoscopic liver surgery

A navigation system for laparoscopic interventions on the liver is presented. Pure electromagnetic tracking is used to navigate different instruments. Registration with preoperative data is based on rigid transformations using the liver surface. The system has been evaluated in an animal study and in phantom experiments and will be used in a clinical trial this year. Keywords—planning data, magnetic tracking, laparoscopic ultrasound, registration
Metabolic impact of redox perturbations on the formation of aroma compounds during alcoholic fermentation

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés.
DESIGN OF MINIATURIZED AND HIGH ISOLATION METAMATERIAL-BASED MIMO ANTENNA FOR MOBILE TERMINALS

This paper presents a compact design of highly effective reduced mutual coupling of twoelement MIMO antenna for mobile terminals. In order to scale down the antenna size and to degrade the mutual coupling between the antenna elements, two complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs) are etched on the ground plane. Miniaturizing of about 60 % in the antenna total area is achieved and about 10 dB improvement in the mutual coupling among the radiating elements is earned. The idea of total area reduction and mutual coupling reduction are verified via simulations, which are performed via 3D full-wave model, and measurements.
Heat Transfer Characteristics in an InclinedOpen Ended Concentric Annulus with Rotating Inner

Volume 7, Issue 4, April 2018 Page 88 Abstract The natural, forced and mixed convection in an inclined concentric open ended annulus with stationary and rotating inner shaft and uniformly heated stationary outer cylinder has been experimentally investigated. The study covers a wide ranges of heat flux 80 q 500 W/m, rotational Reynolds number =0 (stationary inner cylinder) and 50 100 for laminar Couette flow ( ), and 150 300 for turbulent Taylor vortex flow, Rayleigh number 18560 58434, Richardson number 0.29 Ri 33.39, and angle of inclinations 0 90. The results showed that the heat transfer process improves as the angle of inclination deviates from horizontal to vertical position and the mean Nusselt number at =30, 45, 60, and 90 (vertical position) increases by 1.6%, 5.5%, 7.3%, and 8.3%; respectively, from that at horizontal position ( =0). A general empirical correlation for average Nusselt number (Num) has been deduced as a function of , Ra, and . The results are compared with previous works and show a good agreement.
Elements of biomechanics correlated to the body mass index in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Introduction. Osteoarthritis is considered a complex biopsychosocial condition, with consequences for the patient, the family, society and public health. Age is considered the main risk factor in the occurrence of osteoarthritis. Studies show that 2 out of 3 obese individuals associate knee osteoarthritis whereas the incidence of the latter increases at the same time with increasing body mass index. Obesity contributes to the initiation of the process of osteoarthritis by the mechanical overload of the joint, causing cartilage damage with increasing horizontal cracks and the increased incidence of the osteophites in the knee. Purpose. We conducted a study in patients with knee osteoarthritis and body mass index with normal and high values, evaluating pain, functional capacity and maximum travel distance by applying electrotherapy and kinesiotherapy. Material and method. We studied a number of 68 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, who received as therapy electrotherapy and physiotherapy. The VAS scale, the WOMAC scale, the joint balance and the Lequesne scale were used to evaluate patients.The objectives of the study were: pain reduction, improved postural control and coordination, control of the gravity center, correction of alignment at the lower limbs, re-education of gait, obtaining a body mass index as close to normal. Results and discussions.The total group of patients was homogeneous according to age and gender. The evaluation of patients based on scales recorded superior values in the study group, with statistically significant results, worth p <0.05, which means that the hypothesis was validated. Conclusions. The use of the recovery treatment was individualized and took into account the condition of the affection, the body mass index, the ability of patients' mobility and algic symptoms.