Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Erkennung und Kompensation von Vergiftung durch Siloxane auf Halbleitergassensoren im temperaturzyklischen Betrieb

Zusammenfassung Wir präsentieren eine Untersuchung zur Auswirkung, Erkennung und Kompensation von Vergiftung durch Siloxane auf Halbleitergassensoren im temperaturzyklischen Betrieb. Mit dem in Innenräumen häufig anzutreffenden OMCTS (Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxan) wird ein auf Zinndioxid basierender Halbleitergassensor (AS-MLV-P2) gezielt in mehreren Schritten vergiftet (bis max. 9,77 ppm h) und regelmäßig mit Hilfe von randomisierten Gasangeboten am Beispiel von Innenraumluftqualität charakterisiert. Durch die differenzielle Oberflächenreaktion - eine spezielle Form des Temperaturzyklus basierend auf dem Sauerwald-Baur-Modell - können wir zeigen, dass die Reaktionsrate auf dem Sensor durch die Vergiftung stark abnimmt. Gleichzeitig kann durch die umgekehrte Betrachtung dieses Betriebes - der differenziellen Oberflächenoxidation - der Vergiftungs-Zustand des Sensors quantitativ bestimmt werden und die erhaltenen Sensorsignale für kleine Vergiftungen korrigiert werden.
PRECISIÓN DEL SIMS EN PACIENTES QUE HAN SUFRIDO UN ACCIDENTE DE CIRCULACIÓN / [DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF THE SIMS IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT PATIENTS]

Background / Objective . The SIMS is used in the medico-legal context to assess people who have suffered a traffic accident. This practice is problematic because, to date, no research has been published which validates the instrument for that population. Therefore, the objective of this research is to evaluate the ability of the SIMS to discriminate between educated simulators, general population and patients who have suffered a traffic accident. Method . A simulation design was used to evaluate a total of 536 subjects divided into the three groups mentioned. Two cutoff scores were used, 14 and 16. Results . The SIMS is able to discriminate between groups, being more effective in the comparison between malingerers and general population. Using the aforementioned cutoff scores, moderate sensitivity and moderate-high specificity are achieved in the comparison between simulators and patients, the values being slightly higher with the cutoff score of 14. Conclusions . The results indicate that the SIMS is not an adequate scale to perform a simulation screening in patients who have suffered a traffic accident. The instrument can be useful in the context studied, but it needs to be adapted to its particularities.
Influence of keratinocyte derived mediators on CD4 + T cell plasticity

The project "Influence of keratinocyte derived mediators on CD4+ T cell plasticity investigated the mechanisms of T cell - keratinocyte crosstalk as well as the influence of environmental factors. It could be demonstrated that soluble mediators produced by keratinocytes distinctively influence T helper cell subtypes in their cytokine production and therefore support T cell plasticity. Moreover, contact to plant pollen alone or combined with UV-B light activated inflammasome mechanisms in keratinocytes and by this identified itself as a risk factor for inflammatory skin reactions.
Functional analysis of pax2/5/8 genes and their genetic interactions in zebrafish ear development

Functional Analysis of pax2/5/8 Genes and Their Genetic Interactions in Zebrafish Ear Development. (May 2006) Su Jin Kwak, B.S., KAIST; M.S., Seoul National University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Bruce B. Riley The vertebrate inner ear is a sensory organ responsible for auditory and vestibular function. Since its complex structure and cell types arise from a simply structured group of ectodermal cells, called the otic placode, the development of the inner ear has been a popular subject in embryology and developmental biology for decades. To date, many regulatory molecules and their functions have been identified in inner ear development showing considerable conservation among vertebrates. In vertebrates, Fgfs (fibroblast growth factors) from surrounding tissues are the main otic inducer and regulate various otic genes’ expression. Under the control of Fgf signals, pax2/5/8 genes are expressed in the otic region in the critical stages of otic development suggesting their function in otic development. In order to understand the function of pax2/5/8 genes and their interactions in the developing ear, we utilize zebrafish as a model system. Among zebrafish pax2/5/8 genes, pax8 is the earliest gene expressed in the preotic region while pax2a and pax2b are expressed slightly later. We found that pax8 is initially required for normal otic induction. Subsequently, pax8, pax2a and pax2b function redundantly to
Managing Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Efficiently: A Review of Existing Literature on Business Groups and Networks

Given the global relevance of business groups (BG) and networks as efficient organizational forms for corporate sustainability and responsibility systems (CSR), and seeing that management control systems (MCS) play a pivotal role in transmitting authority to CSR and formalizing a sustainability organizational culture, this paper aims to review the available literature in order to investigate efficient adoptions of CSR by BGs or networks. Both organizational forms have positive effects on CSR development, on three levels: (a) setting industry standards (macro—external environment); (b) stimulating sustainability-oriented innovations (mezzo—member firms); (c) reputational gains, CSR expenses mitigation, and optimization of organizational capabilities (micro—individual SMEs). The studies on SMEs were useful in identifying current sustainability practices: both partial (social, environmental) and complete sustainability systems were susceptible to being integrated with management accounting, making them an almost implicit tool for proper CSR. Finally, by gathering the empirical literature on sustainability transitions of networks and groups, it was possible to trace a comprehensive introductory plan that operators could resort to for initial guidance. The six steps of this process are (1) project initiation, (2) preliminary actions, (3) change management decision, (4) firm-level activities, (5) auditing, (6) transition to territorial social responsibility (optional).
Do confident CEOs increase firm value under competitive pressure?

ABSTRACT Traditional studies show that CEOs’ overconfidence can mitigate underinvestment problem that occurs due to risk-aversion. To extend this argument, we investigate whether investment by overconfident CEOs always increases firm value. Theoretically and empirically, we show that investment by overconfident CEOs and firm value is positively related for firms in more competitive industries. For firms in less competitive industries, the relation is insignificant. Our findings suggest that CEOs’ overconfidence can be a desirable managerial trait for shareholders under certain conditions.
ALTERATIONS IN ANTIOXIDATIVE ENZYME ACTIVITIES CAUSED BY BORON TOXICITY IN TWO TOMATO CULTURE VARIETIES

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for normal growth of higher plants. On the other hand, its toxicity is also a significant problem that can limit plant growth on soils of arid and semi-arid environments in agricultural regions across the world. In this study, two tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) varieties (SC2121 and SAFARI F1) are used, and toxic effects of B treatment (3 mM) were studied. Germination was not affected, and seeds of both varieties germinated nearly to 100%. These in vitro germination experiments were accomplished in MS medium. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and antioxidant enzyme activites (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR)) were investigated in root and shoot tissues of tomato seedlings. Oxidative damage increased with 3-mM B treatment in tissues of SC2121 plants compared to control, and antioxidant enzyme activities were decreased, except APX. B toxicity inhibited only CAT activity in root tissues, but CAT, GR, SOD, POX and APX activities were inhibited in shoot tissues of SAFARI F1. However, B toxicity in this variety did not cause oxidative damage. Root tissue of SAFARI F1 variety, in particular, was found to be a better protection than SC2121. This might indicate that SAFARI F1 variety is based on the protection of antioxidant enzymes. However, similar protections against B toxicity were not detected in shoot tissues of both varieties.
Application of the capillary method in micro X-ray diffractometry (µ-XRD): A useful technique for the characterization of small amounts of clay minerals

The laboratory micro X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD) technique is a suitable method to study minerals in-situ in whole-rock specimens without any sample preparation or in polished thin sections, and even in small amounts in powdered form. The micro X-ray diffraction method uses the conventional, closed-tube X-ray generator, but modifications were needed in the diffraction column, sample holder and detector in order to achieve μ-XRD capability.In this paper, we present a case study of the capillary method used in µ-XRD on hydrothermal clay mineral assemblages that formed in the Velence Mts (Hungary). The capillary method in µ-XRD has many advantages in the investigation of small amounts of clay minerals: (1) easy and rapid preparation of randomly oriented, powdered samples; (2) rapid measurements; (3) accurate diffraction patterns. By using the capillary method, the formation of preferred orientation can be eliminated; thus the (hkl) reflection of the clay minerals can be precisely measured. Illite polytype quantification and the investigation of (060) reflection of clay minerals can be used satisfactorily in µ-XRD.Hydrothermal clay mineral assemblages are indicative of temperature and pH. Their examination can determine the physicochemical parameters of the hydrothermal fluids that interacted with the host granite in the Velence Mts. The analyzed hydrothermal clay minerals from the western part of the mountains suggest lower temperatures (150–200 °C) and intermediate pH conditions. In contrast, the clay mineral assemblages' characteristics for the eastern part of the mountains indicate more intense argillization and higher temperatures (∼220 °C) and intermediate pH conditions.
Assessing the Climate Tendency over the Yangtze River Delta, China: Properties, Dry/Wet Event Frequencies, and Causes

In view of the important role to in revealing climate wet/dry tendency, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was applied to identify wetness/dryness trends and their relationship with large-scale climate oscillations in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 1957 to 2016. The daily precipitation in 43 meteorological stations was used to calculate SPI time series for a time scale of 12 months. The results indicate that there are three dominant geographic sub-regions of SPI-12 modes. Increasing trends dominate, except for some of the northern regions. High frequencies of wet and dry events are mainly located in the southern regions and part of the northwestern and southeastern regions, respectively. Temporally, large-scale dry events mainly happened in the 1960s–1970s, and wet events in the 1990s and the 2010s. They show a tendency towards more wet conditions of the regional climate in the YRD. The climate variations are primarily controlled by large-scale atmospheric oscillations. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) have much higher influence on the variation of SPI in the mid and east; whereas the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and North Pacific Index (NP) show higher correlations with SPI in the northern regions of the YRD.
Diversidad genética de ovinos criollos colombianos

Ojective. genetical characterization the creole Colombian sheep and their relationships with breeds of European origins. Materials and methods. Blood samples of 261 sheeps from the following populations were collected: Criollos de Lana (CL), Mora Colombiana (MC), Criollo de Pelo (CP), criollos mestizos (Mes), Hampshire (Hamp), Corriedale (Corr), Katahdin (Kath), Pelibuey (Pel), in 40 farms of 8 departments (Cordoba, Magdalena, Cesar, Atlantico, Valle del Cauca, Narino, Boyaca, Tolima) and 30 samples of Merino Spanish, Merino Precoz (MP), Merinofleischschaf (MF), Segureno (Seg) and Uda (UD) de Nigeria. A total of 15 microsatellites markers were included inthis study. Results. In creole sheep, the average number of alleles was found 6.20±1.48 (CL), 7.27±1.39 (CP) y 3.60±1.55 (MC); high genetic diversity found (high heterozygosities 75%), negative values in the FIS revealed high degree of introgression; furthermore the FST revealed genetic structure in both: Creole sheep (FST=0.02**) and departments (FST=0.039**). According to genetic distance, the creole Colombian sheep differs with outsider sheep. Conclusions. The results recommend protecting the Creole sheep production because it has been threatened by constant cross with foreign breeds, which would lead to the loss of genetic identity and adapting traits of creole sheep.themselves.
THE SANTA ANA SPECKLED DACE (RHINICHTHYS OSCULUS): PHYLOGEOGRAPHY AND MOLECULAR EVOLUTION OF THE MITOCHONDRIAL DNA CONTROL REGION

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION Overview . 1 Phylogeographic Studies . 4 Methods of Phylogeny Reconstruction. 5 Phylogeography of Rhinichthys osculus . 8 MtDNA Phylogeography of Freshwater Vertebrates . 10 Phylogeography of Southern California Vertebrates . 16 Mitochondrial DNA as a Molecular Marker . 19 Mitochondrial DNA: Structure and Function in Vertebrates . 20 Structure and Evolution of the Mitochondrial DNA Control Region . 21 Population Genetics . 29 Evolutionary Forces and Population Differentiation . 31 Genetic Structure of Populations and Gene Flow . 33 Proposed Study . 34 CHAPTER TWO: MATERIALS AND METHODS Data Collection . 37 Molecular Methods. 38 Sequence Analysis . 41 Phylogeography . 42
Evaluation of the genotoxicity of commercial formulations of ethephon and ethephon+cyclanilide on Allium cepa L. root meristematic cells

Abstract Cytogenotoxic effects of a commercial formulation of ethephon (ETF) and a commercially formulated mixture of ethephon+cyclanilide (ETF+CYC), which are used as plant growth regulators (PGRs) in modern agriculture, were investigated by using the anaphase-telophase chromosome aberration (CA) assay in root meristem cells of Allium cepa L. A. cepa roots were treated with 25 (EC50/2), 50 (EC50), and 100 ppm (EC50×2) of ETF, and with the same concentrations of ETF+CYC, for 24, 48, and 72 h periods. Both compounds increased various types of aberrations in the organization and morphology of the chromosomes in test material. These aberrations were clastogenic (bridges and fragments), aneugenic (disturbed anaphase-telophase, C-mitosis, binucleated cells, vagrant chromosomes, and polyploidy), and sticky (stickiness). Commercial formulations of ETF and ETF+CYC significantly increased the percentage of total aberrations, and the percentage of abnormal cells at all concentrations (25, 50, and 100 ppm), and treatment times (24, 48, and 72 h) when compared with the negative control. However, the commercially formulated mixture of ETF+CYC increased the CA formation more than commercial formulation of ETF alone (except the 50 ppm concentration, for 72 h). In addition, ETF and ETF+CYC significantly decreased the mitotic index (MI) at all concentrations and treatment times compared to both the negative and respective positive control, methyl methanesulfonate. The results of this study indicate that in the tested experimental conditions, the commercial formulations of ETF and ETF+CYC are genotoxic and induce cytotoxic effects in the root meristem cells of A. cepa.
Distinct Animal Food Allergens Form IgE-Binding Amyloids

Several animal food allergens assemble into amyloids under gastric-like environments. These aggregated structures provide Gad m 1 with an enhanced immunoglobulin E (IgE) interaction due to the fibrillation of the epitope regions. However, whether these properties are unique to Gad m 1 or shared by other food allergens has not yet been addressed. Using Bos d 5, Bos d 12 and Gal d 2 as allergen models and Gad m 1 as the control, aggregation reactions and the sera of milk, egg and fish allergic patients have been analyzed, assessing the IgE interactions of their amyloids. We found that amyloids formed by Bos d 12 and Gal d 2 full-length and truncated chains are recognized by the IgEs of milk and egg allergic patient sera. As with Gad m 1, in most cases amyloid recognition is higher than that of the native structure. Bos d 5 was not recognized under any fold by the IgE of the sera studied. These results suggest that the formation of IgE-binding amyloids could be a common feature to animal food allergens.
STIM Is a Ca 2+ Sensor Essential for Ca 2+ -Store-Depletion-Triggered Ca 2+ Influx

Summary ues (Figure 1B), the siRNAs targeting the gene productsSTIM (stromal interaction molecule) 1 and STIM2 stood Ca 2+ signaling in nonexcitable cells is typically initiated out in their ability to suppress the sustained Ca 2+ sig- by receptor-triggered production of inositol-1,4,5-tris- nals while showing little effect on the peak amplitude. phosphate and the release of Ca 2+ from intracellular Although STIM1 and STIM2 were identified previously stores [1]. An elusive signaling process senses the as potential tumor growth suppressors [8, 12, 13], they Ca 2+ store depletion and triggers the opening of had not been suspected of having a role in Ca 2+ signal- plasma membrane Ca 2+ channels [2–5]. The resulting ing. Nevertheless, both proteins have been biochemi- sustained Ca 2+ signals are required for many physio- cally characterized and have been shown to form ho- logical responses, such as T cell activation and differ- mo- and hetero-oligomers as well as to have a entiation [6]. Here, we monitored receptor-triggered
Fat and Iron Don’t Mix

Low-grade chronic adipose tissue (AT) inflammation is now recognized as a pivotal driver of the multi-organ dysfunction associated with obesity-related complications; and adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) are key to the development of this inflammatory milieu. Along with their role in immunosurveillance, ATMs are central regulators of AT iron homeostasis. Under optimal conditions, ATMs maintain a proper homeostatic balance of iron in adipocytes; however, during obesity, this relationship is altered, and iron is repartitioned into adipocytes as opposed to ATMs. This adipocyte iron overload leads to systemic IR and the mechanism for these effects is still under investigation. Here, we comment on the most recent findings addressing the interplay between adipocyte and ATM iron handling, and metabolic dysfunction.
Foregut development: an act of balance : Next generation sequencing and Copy Number Variation profiling in EA/TEF

markdownabstractEsophageal atresia (EA) is a relatively rare congenital anomaly in which there is no connection between the proximal esophagus and the stomach. In more than 90% of patients, the distal esophagus has an abnormal connection to the trachea; this is called a trachea-esophageal fistula (TEF). Approximately two thirds of patients also have other major malformations, mostly one or more of the types of defects included in the so-called VACTERL association: vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, tracheo-esophageal, renal or urinary tract, and limbs malformations). In the Erasmus MC-Sophia cohort of trachea-esophageal anomalies (TE) nine percent of patients have a known genetic syndrome and another 1-2% the condition is strongly associated with an environmental factor. This leaves almost 90% of TE disease burden unexplained. Using two relatively new techniques, SNP-array and whole exome sequencing we aimed to explore genetic variation in EA/TEF and VACTERL association.
"The Parasitism of Root Knot Nematodes: A Mini review"

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) are tiny Microscopic worms and occur abundantly in soil. Moreover, plant parasitic nematodes are the hidden enemy of crops and are one of the many groups of harmful organisms which depend on plants for their survival and reproduction [1]. PPN infesting several growing crops, such as vegetables and leguminous crops, oil crops, fiber crops, grain crops and fruit trees next to weeds which are the secondary host to parasitic nematodes [2]. Among the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitw. , M. incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitw. , M. arenaria (Neal) Chitw. , and M. hapla Chitw. are the major agronomic importance, being responsible for at least 90% of all damage caused by nematodes form any cultivated crops around the world [3,4].
Variation in plant leaf traits affects transmission and detectability of herbivore vibrational cues

Abstract Many insects use plant‐borne vibrations to obtain important information about their environment, such as where to find a mate or a prey, or when to avoid a predator. Plant species can differ in the way they vibrate, possibly affecting the reliability of information, and ultimately the decisions that are made by animals based on this information. We examined whether the production, transmission, and possible perception of plant‐borne vibrational cues is affected by variation in leaf traits. We recorded vibrations of 69 Spodoptera exigua caterpillars foraging on four plant species that differed widely in their leaf traits (cabbage, beetroot, sunflower, and corn). We carried out a transmission and an airborne noise absorption experiment to assess whether leaf traits influence amplitude and frequency characteristics, and background noise levels of vibrational chewing cues. Our results reveal that species‐specific leaf traits can influence transmission and potentially perception of herbivore‐induced chewing vibrations. Experimentally‐induced vibrations attenuated stronger on plants with thicker leaves. Amplitude and frequency characteristics of chewing vibrations measured near a chewing caterpillar were, however, not affected by leaf traits. Furthermore, we found a significant effect of leaf area, water content and leaf thickness—important plant traits against herbivory, on the vibrations induced by airborne noise. On larger leaves higher amplitude vibrations were induced, whereas on thicker leaves containing more water airborne noise induced higher peak frequencies. Our findings indicate that variation in leaf traits can be important for the transmission and possibly detection of vibrational cues.
A taxonomic account of non-geniculate coralline algae (Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta) from shallow reefs of the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil

1Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Diretoria de Pesquisa Científica, Rua Pacheco Leão 915, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22460-030, Brazil 2Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560, USA 3Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES 29075-910, Brazil
The challenge for identifying the fungi living inside mushrooms: the case of truffle inhabiting mycelia

Abstract The Tuber ascomata (truffles) are a microhabitat for bacteria, viruses, and fungi (yeasts and filamentous fungi). In this survey, we tried to develop a method that would make it possible to define the mycobiome of the truffle-inhabiting filamentous fungi using culture independent molecular methods. The nested quantitative Real-Time PCR allowed us to demonstrate that each truffle is home to multiple species of filamentous fungi and that their DNA is present within the healthy ascoma at the ratio of 10−6 compared to that of the truffle. Probably due to their insignificant presence, Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis of the amplification of ITS amplicons showed only those of the host. Based on the results, the possibilities of being able to detect the fungicolous fungi present in very small amounts within a fungal host are discussed.