Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-LET-induced chromosome aberrations in V79 cells analysed in first and second post-irradiation metaphases

Purpose : As an extension of previous studies, the time-course of high-LET-induced chromosomal damage was investigated in first- and second-cycle V79 Chinese hamster cells. Materials and methods : Cells were exposed in G 1 to 10.4MeV/u Ar ions (LET=1226keV/mum) and chromosomal damage was measured at 2h sampling intervals between 10h and 34h after irradiation. To distinguish between cells in different post-irradiation cycles, the fluorescence-plus-Giemsa technique was applied. Results : For first- and second-generation cells, the number of aberrant metaphases and aberrations per metaphase were found to increase markedly with sampling time, demonstrating that cell cycle progression was delayed according to the number of lesions carried by the cell. To account for the time-dependent expression of chromosomal damage a mathematical approach was used based on the integrated flux of aberrant cells entering mitosis. Moreover, the analysis of Ar ion-induced chromosome lesions confirmed that high-LET radiation results in specific changes in the spectrum of aberration types. In particular, an increased rate of chromatid-type aberrations as well as a high frequency of chromosomal breaks was found, although the cells were exposed in G 1. Conclusions : Due to the fact that cells collected at one sampling time are not representative of the entire population, the complete time-course of chromosomal damage has to be taken into account for the determination of a meaningful RBE value. Otherwise, the analysis of chromosomal damage can result in a pronounced over- or underestimation of the RBE depending on the subpopulation of cells entering mitosis at that particular sampling time.
A Contribution to the Systematics and Morphology of Endoparasitic Trichodinids from Amphibians, with a Proposal of Uniform Specific Characteristics

SYNOPSIS. Trichodina urinicola was found in newts, Triturus cristatus and T. taeniatus, in three localities in Czechoslovakia. The ciliate populations showed important differences on the basis of which they were separated as three new forms of this species: T. urinicola f. typica, T. urinicola f. bohemica, both from Triturus cristatus, and T. urinicola f. taeniatus from Triturus taeniatus. The great variability of trichodinids is evident from the literature as well as from our own observations, so that these new forms are to be regarded as provisional ones until it is possible to decide on the basis of a large number of observations the extent of specificity and variation of individual endozoic species of Trichodina. A detailed description of these forms is given as well as a comparison with the known species of trichodinids inhabiting the urinary tract of amphibians. A brief comment on the present taxonomy of the Urceolaridae in general is outlined. The need for a uniform description of these ciliates is emphasized; in connection with this, the taxonomic value of individual body characters is discussed. Special attention is paid to the adhesive disk of Trichodina, the structure of which is of greatest importance in the taxonomy of this group. On the basis of Dogel's and Faure-Fremiet's descriptive methods employed in study of trichodinids, a proposal of a uniform description of Trichodina is made which involves all the important features of these protozoa.
Underprediction of visibly complex chromosome aberrations by a recombinational-repair ('one-hit') model

Purpose : Published low-LET FISH data were used to test two models of chromosome aberration production based on breakage-and-reunion or recombinational repair. Materials and methods : Randomness of DNA double strand break induction and misrejoining is analyzed comprehensively and adopted as a working hypothesis. Proximity effects are approximated by using interaction sites. Model results are calculated using CAS (chromosome aberration simulator) Monte Carlo computer software with two adjustable parameters. CAS can emulate the specifics of any experimental painting protocol, allowing very detailed tests of the models. Results : To reasonable approximation, breakage-and-reunion model predictions are consistent with low-LET FISH results, including two large, elaborate, one-paint data sets. An explicitly specified version of the recombinational-repair model severely underpredicts the frequency of the visibly complex aberration patterns most commonly observed with one-paint FISH, and is inconsistent with some observed multi-paint patterns. When high-dose effects (distortion and saturation) are taken into account quantitatively, a dose-response relation for apparently simple interchanges slightly favours the breakage-and-reunion model over the recombinational-repair model, despite being approximately linear over the dose range 2-6Gy. Conclusions : The random breakage-and-reunion model gives comprehensive baseline predictions that are sufficiently accurate for the organization of experimental results. The data speak against complex aberrations being formed by the random recombinational repair pathway discussed here.
Seasonal root growth of Scots pine seedlings in relation to shoot phenology, carbohydrate status, and nutrient supply

To ascertain whether the growth rhythm of roots differs from that of the shoot, the seasonal pattern of dry mass allocation was determined in 1-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings. Gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and the dynamics of starch and soluble sugars were examined to understand the role of stored carbon and that of current photosynthates in meeting the sink demand of plant organs. In this growth-chamber experiment, hydroponic cultures supplied the seedlings with low (0.25 mM N) or high (2.5 mM N) nutrient level. The climatic conditions in the chamber simulated the weather conditions from May to mid-October in southern Finland. Root growth was most intense at the end of the growing season, at which time shoot growth slowed down. Nutrient level did not affect the growth rhythm of the roots, but the total production of root biomass was favoured by high level of nutrients. The response of root growth to root zone temperature (RZT) was not the same over the growing season, indic.
ANIMAL MODELS OF ASTHMA: Potential Usefulness for Studying Health Effects of Inhaled Particles

Asthma is now recognized to be a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the whole lung. Incidence appears to be increasing despite improved treatment regimens. There is substantial epidemiological evidence suggesting a relationship between the incidence and severity of asthma (e.g., hospitalizations) and exposure to increased levels of air pollution, especially fine and ultrafine particulate material, in susceptible individuals. There have been a few studies in animal models that support this concept, but additional animal studies to test this hypothesis are needed. However, such studies must be performed with awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the currently available animal models. For studies in mice, the most commonly used animal, a broad spectrum of molecular and immunological tools is available, particularly to study the balance between Th1 and Th2 responses, and inbred strains may be useful for genetic dissection of susceptibility to the disease. However, the mouse is a poor model for bronchoconstriction or localized immune responses that characterize the human disease. In contrast, allergic lung diseases in dogs and cats may more accurately model the human condition, but fewer tools are available for characterization of the mechanisms. Finally, economic issues as well as reagent availability limit the utility of horses, sheep, and primates.
The Protein Kinase Cδ Catalytic Fragment Targets Mcl-1 for Degradation to Trigger Apoptosis*

Proteolytic cleavage and subsequent activation of protein kinase C (PKC) δ is required for apoptosis induced by a variety of genotoxic agent, including UV radiation. In addition, overexpression of the constitutively active PKCδ catalytic fragment (PKCδ-cat) is sufficient to trigger Bax activation, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis. While PKCδ is a key apoptotic effector, the downstream target(s) responsible for the mitochondrial apoptotic cascade are not known. We found that expression of the active PKCδ-cat in HaCaT cells triggers a reduction in the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1, similar to UV radiation. The down-regulation of Mcl-1 induced by PKCδ-cat was not at the mRNA level but was due to decreased protein half-life. Overexpression of Mcl-1 protected HaCaT cells from both UV and PKCδ-cat-induced apoptosis and blocked the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, indicating that Mcl-1 down-regulation was required for apoptosis signaling. Indeed, down-regulation of Mcl-1 with siRNA slightly increased the basal apoptotic rate of HaCaT cells and dramatically sensitized them to UV or PKCδ-cat-induced apoptosis. HaCaT cells with down-regulated Mcl-1 had higher activated Bax protein, as measured by Bax cross-linking, indicating that Mcl-1 down-regulation is sufficient for Bax activation. Finally, recombinant PKCδ could phosphorylate Mcl-1 in vitro, identifying Mcl-1 as a direct target for PKCδ. Overall our results identify Mcl-1 as an important target for PKCδ-cat that can mediate its pro-apoptotic effects on mitochondria to amplify the apoptotic signaling induced by a wide range of apoptotic stimuli.
A comparative study on in vitro enzymatic degradation of poly(glycerol sebacate) and poly(xylitol sebacate)

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a soft elastomer suitable for tissue engineering of soft types. However, the rapid degradation kinetics of this polyester has become one of the major drawbacks in the application of tissue engineering. In this work, a comparative study on in vitro enzymatic degradation of PGS- and poly(xylitol sebacate) (PXS)-based materials has been conducted, using a recently established in vitro experimental protocol. This protocol, which can simulate and predict in vivo enzymatic degradation kinetics of polymer implants, was further refined in this work. The comparative study was conducted in tissue culture medium and a buffer solution of pH optima, under static and cyclic mechanical loading conditions. It was found that in vitro enzymatic degradation rates of the PXS-based materials were significantly slower than those of PGS in both the tissue culture medium and buffered solution of pH optima (pH 8). The in vitro enzymatic degradation of PGS-based biomaterials tested was about 0.1–0.4 mm month−1 in tissue culture medium, while the rates were in the range of 0.05–0.2 mm month−1 for PXS-based materials. Enzymatic degradation was enhanced in relation to mechanical deformation, whereas PXS-based materials were influenced little. Hence, PXS, which is as soft as PGS but degrades significantly slower than PGS, is a better option for applications in tissue engineering of soft types.
A CLADISTIC TEST OF THE TAXON CYCLE AND TAXON PULSE HYPOTHESES

Abstract— A species' habitat preference is intcrpretablc both as a response to present‐day conditions and as a result of evolutionary response to historical conditions. The taxon cycle and taxon pulse have been proposed as hypotheses that allow prediction of patterns of habitat specialization within a lineage. Both are based on common assumptions: (1) habitat specialization is largely irreversible in a lineage, (2) ecological specializations arise in a center of origin, and (3) dispersal events leading to current distributions can be ascertained. Eight taxa of Antillean, Mexican, and Central American Carabidae, for which cladistic hypotheses of relationship have been proposed, are used to test the generality of the taxon cycle and pulse. The patterns of habitat utilization predicted by the taxon cycle and taxon pulse hypotheses are tested by comparing cladistic transformations of habitat preference to randomly generated patterns of data generated under a null hypothesis. Evolutionary changes in habitat are interpreted using Camin‐Sokal coding, which assumes irreversible habitat shifts and a predetermined ecological ground state (assumptions of the taxon cycle and taxon pulse). An observed pattern is considered to demonstrate the taxon cycle or pulse when it results in an explanation of the habitat shifts that is more parsimonious than 95 % of the randomly generated patterns. Of the eight carabid groups, only one exhibits a statistically significant pattern supporting the taxon cycle and pulse. The failure of the taxon cycle and pulse as generally predictive hypotheses may be due to historical changes in climate that permit episodes of range expansion for species previously restricted to small ranges, and habitat shifts and specialization that do not progress in a linear transformation series.
Physical Activity, Muscle Performance and Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis

Objective: Today's medical treatment of patients with end-stage renal failure has increased their opportunities for an active lifestyle. The aim of this study was to describe the muscle performance, level of physical activity, independence in activities of daily living and quality of life in patients treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis. Material and Methods: The study investigated 33 patients (30-81 years old) treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis. The results were compared with an age-matched healthy reference group. Muscle mass was determined by measuring total body potassium, while maximal grip strength was measured with an electric force transducer. The ability to perform heel-lifts, walking speed and level of physical activity were also assessed, along with the extent to which patients were independent in activities of daily living (ADL) and satisfied with their health. Results:
Wegener's Granulomatosis: Inflammatory Cells and Markers of Repair and Fibrosis in Renal Biopsies - A Clinicopathological Study

Objective: This study aimed to quantitate inflammatory cells in renal biopsies from patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and to identify cells participating in early fibrogenesis. The goal was to determine whether these cells correlated with the severity of renal disease and whether their presence had a bearing on renal prognosis. Material and Methods: Sixty-one patients with WG who had a renal biopsy taken at the time of diagnosis were included in the study. Immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies towards macrophages (CD68), T- and B-lymphocytes, f -smooth muscle actin ( f -SMA) and vimentin was done. Results: The dominating intraglomerular leucocytes were macrophages (29.9 - 15 cells/glomerular cross-section) and to a lesser extent T-cells (2.57 - 1.8 cells/glomerular cross-section). No B-lymphocytes were detected in the glomeruli. More than two-thirds of the T-cells were CD8 + (cytotoxic) cells. Macrophages and T-lymphocytes were distributed equally in the renal interstitium and were numerous around crescentic glomeruli. Glomerular and interstitial macrophages and interstitial T-cells correlated significantly with serum (S-) creatinine at the time of biopsy but not after 1 year. S-creatinine at the time of biopsy and after 1 year differed significantly among the three levels of interstitial f -SMA staining. S-creatinine at biopsy was highest when tubular vimentin staining was strongest, and tubular vimentin staining was strongest in patients with acute tubular damage. Conclusions: Evidence was found for a cellular type IV immune response in WG, with CD8 + T-lymphocytes and macrophages dominating the cellular infiltrate. The detection of interstitial f -SMA, probably staining myofibroblasts implicated in renal fibrogenesis, indicated a low glomerular filtration rate 1 year after renal biopsy.
The role of incisors in selective grazing by cattle and horses

To clarify the role of the incisors in selective grazing by cattle and horses, experiments were conducted in July 1999, using three Holstein cattle and three thoroughbred horses to investigate bite weight and bite force using hand-constructed swards with 15 loadcells spaced 6×12 cm apart. Leaves of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne: PRG) were mixed with leaves of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea: TF) or reproductive culms of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea: RCG). There was little difference between cattle and horses in bite rate, but DM intake rate of horses was almost twice that of cattle in the PRG/TF mixture. In the PRG/RCG mixture, both animals tended to graze only leaves of PRG. Total bite force was 3270–3280 N/min in cattle and 5350–6350 N/min in horses in the PRG/TF mixture. Means of maximum values of one bite force (not total force per bite) were 88±5·5 N in cattle and 141±11·0 N in horses. These values corresponded to 1·6±0·10% of body weight in cattle and 2·2±0·16% in horses, after converting Newton force into kilogram force. Bite area was higher in horses than in cattle. Both cattle and horses did not discriminate between leaves of PRG and TF. In the PRG/RCG mixture, horses prehended both leaves and culms in 33% of total clumps grazed, compared with only 5% in cattle. Many culms escaped from the mouth at the moment of prehension. In mixtures of soft leaves and stiff stems, the lack of upper incisors in cattle may have the advantage over horses. The term ‘comb-out strategy’ is proposed for this selective foraging by cattle. DM intake per bite force was highest in TF leaves (7·5 mg DM/N) grazed by horses and similar (3·7–4·6 mg DM/N) in PRG leaves grazed by both cattle and horses.
Effects of low aluminum activity in nutrient solutions on the organic acid concentrations in maize plants

Abstract The effects of low aluminum (Al) activity in nutrient solution on the concentrations of organic acids in two cultivars of maize (Zea mays L.), HS7777 Al‐sensitive and C525‐M Al‐tolerant, were studied. Aluminum stress increased total organic acid concentration in the roots and in the shoots for both cultivars. The relative increase of t‐aconitic, citric, formic, malic, and quinic acids was higher in the roots than in the shoots for both cultivars. The concentrations of c‐aconitic, isocitric, malonic, oxalic, and succinic organic acids were reduced by Al stress, principally for C525‐M. There were no consistent differences in organic acid concentrations between the cultivars to discriminate Al tolerance. The Al tolerance for C525‐M may be justified by lower Al concentrations in the root tips where cellular division takes place and/or by higher excretion of organic acids from roots to the rhizosphere for detoxification of Al by chelation.
Dimensions of Congruity in Immersive Virtual Environments: A Framework for the Schematic Processing of Multimodal Sensory Cues

Content features of immersive virtual environments have previously been found to play a significant role in affecting users’ sense of presence – a role that will grow only more important as technology develops and the fidelity of simulations improves. Seeking to understand the unique challenges associated with designing experiences that are both compelling and immersive, this short paper offers an explication and typology for the concept of congruity , consisting of three dimensions: sensory , environmental , and thematic . Congruity is grounded in the understanding that sensory stimuli in virtual environments will inevitably activate internalized schemata that relate sensory inputs from real environments. Each dimension of congruity addresses a different level of cognitive association within and between virtual objects. Underlying the concept is a pragmatic framework for articulating how multimodal cues interact to affect the perceived plausibility of virtual environments. This may serve as a basis for future empirical research examining presence in relation to platform-independent content, as well as a more comprehensive view of the phenomenological differences between immersive virtual environments and other mediated experiences.
THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE, IRRADIANCE, AND NITROGEN ON THE ENCYSTMENT AND GROWTH OF THE FRESHWATER DINOFLAGELLATES PERIDINIUM CINCTUM AND P. WILLEI IN CULTURE (DINOPHYCEAE) 1

Effects of temperature, irradiance, and nitrogen availability on the encystment and growth of the freshwater dinoflagellates Peridinium cinctum Ehrenberg and Peridinium willei Huitfeld‐Kaas were studied in culture. Lack of nitrogen was the main trigger of encystment in both species. Irradiance had a secondary effect on the percentage of the population of each species that encysted. Temperature did not significantly affect encystment in either species. In both species, only a small percentage of the population underwent encystment. Low light had an inhibitory effect on the growth of P. willei growing in nitrogen‐sufficient medium.
The Body Weight Egg Production Paradox

Abstract COMMERCIAL poultry breeders strive to develop small-bodied varieties of chickens that lay eggs at a high rate and of satisfactory size. Small-bodied chickens require less feed for body maintenance. In a study of results from random sample egg laying tests, Leghorn-type entries intermediate in body weight, produced the highest average income, while heavy-type chickens from the lower third in body weight produced the highest mean income (Nordskog, 1960). On the other hand, Dickerson and Hughes (1964) reported that egg production declined 5 to 10 eggs per pullet housed for each one-tenth of a pound that hens were below an optimum body weight. Also, the lighter birds reached sexual maturity more slowly and had higher adult mortality. Thus, we have a seeming contradiction: Breeders favor small or intermediate size birds, but producers find the best performers among the birds having the heavier body weights. Because body weight is a function of .
Evaluation of Historic Breeding Habitats with a View to the Potential for Reintroduction of the Oriental White Stork (Ciconia boyciana) and Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) in Korea

The Oriental White Stork (Ciconia boyciana) and the Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) are wetland species listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The two species were once common on the Korean peninsula, but have experienced a severe population reduction in the past decades. Currently, they are officially extinct in Korea. At present, reintroduction programs to release the birds to the wild are in progress in Korea as well as in Japan. In this study, we surveyed the historic breeding sites of the two species using the literature and face-to-face interviews with local people as a step toward determining appropriate breeding habitats for reintroduction. We found 26 historic breeding sites for the Oriental White Stork in Chungcheong-do and Gyeonggi-do, but did not find any breeding sites for the Crested Ibis. These findings suggest that the Oriental White Stork was resident, while the Crested Ibis was a winter visitor to Korea. Based on these results, we discuss the possibilities for successful reintroduction of the two species in Korea.
EXTRACTION METHOD OF HUB TEXT ON WEB REVIEW BY TEXT MINING AND NETWORK APPROACH

In this study, we tried to explore the hub text using web review of airline customers. To accomplish this, airline customer’s online review data were collected and text mining and network analysis were applied. The results of this study are as follows. First, we defined the hub text by text mining and network analysis. Second, we explored the characteristics of the hub text. Hub text is a word that is used in conjunction with other text and expresses customer experience. Third, the hub text was related to performance of company. Hub texts were more correlated with customer satisfaction than non - hub texts. In this study, it is meaningful to define the hub text and to characterize the hub text by using the customer's online review data. Also, we can confirm that the company can contribute to the performance through managing the hub text.