Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus acquisition efficiency in arbuscular mycorrhizal maize is correlated with the abundance of root-external hyphae and the accumulation of transcripts encoding PHT1 phosphate transporters

Plant interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have long attracted interest for their potential to promote more efficient use of mineral resources in agriculture. Their widespread use, however, remains limited by understanding of the processes that determine the outcome of the symbiosis. In this study, variation in growth response to mycorrhizal inoculation was characterized in a panel of diverse maize lines. A panel of thirty maize lines was evaluated with and without inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The line Oh43 was identified to show superior response and, along with five other reference lines, was characterized in greater detail in a split-compartment system, using 33P to quantify mycorrhizal phosphorus uptake. Changes in relative growth between non-inoculated and inoculated plants indicated variation in host capacity to profit from the symbiosis. Shoot phosphate content, abundance of intra-radical and root-external fungal structures, mycorrhizal phosphorus uptake, and accumulation of transcripts encoding plant PHT1 family phosphate transporters varied among lines. Larger growth responses in Oh43 were correlated with extensive development of root-external hyphae, accumulation of specific Pht1 transcripts and a high level of mycorrhizal phosphorus uptake. The data indicate that host genetic factors influence fungal growth strategy with an impact on plant performance.
Knowledge of human papillomavirus and the human papillomavirus vaccine in European adolescents: a systematic review

Background The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for adolescent girls in many European countries, however there is huge variation in vaccine uptake. Methods A mixed methods systematic review to ascertain the level of HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge that exists among European adolescents. Two electronic databases, Ovid Medline and PsychInfo, were searched from origin to September 2014. Meta-analysis was performed for the two primary outcome measures (‘have you heard of HPV? ’ and ‘have you heard of the HPV vaccine? ’), assessing for the correlation between gender and knowledge. This was supplemented with meta-synthesis for the remaining associations and secondary outcomes. Results 18 papers were included in the final review. Overall European adolescents had poor understanding of basic HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge. Meta-analysis identified that female adolescents are more likely to have heard of HPV (n=2598/5028 girls versus n=1033/3464 boys; OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.86–3.99) and the HPV vaccine (n=1154/2556 girls versus n=392/2074 boys; OR 5.64, 95% CI 2.43–13.07), compared to males. Age, higher education and a positive vaccination status were also associated with increased awareness. There was limited appreciation of more detailed HPV knowledge and uncertainty existed regarding the level of protection offered by the vaccine and the need for cervical screening post vaccination. Conclusions The delivery of HPV education to European adolescents needs to be re-evaluated, since at present there appears to be significant deficiencies in their basic knowledge and understanding of the subject. Increasing HPV knowledge will empower adolescents to make informed choices regarding participation with HPV related cancer prevention health strategies.
Investigation on the effectiveness of mid-infrared spectroscopy to predict detailed mineral composition of bulk milk

This Research Communication investigated the potential of mid-infrared spectroscopy to predict detailed mineral composition of bovine milk. A total of 153 bulk milk samples were analysed for contents of Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P and Zn. Also, soluble and colloidal fractions of Ca, Mg and P were quantified. For each milk sample the mid-infrared spectrum was captured and stored. Prediction models were developed using partial least squares regression and the accuracy of prediction was evaluated using both cross- and external validation. The proportion of variance explained by the prediction models in cross-validation ranged from 34% (Na) to 77% (total P), and it ranged from 13% (soluble Mg) to 54% (Cl−) in external validation. The ratio of the standard deviation of each trait to the standard error of prediction in external validation, which is an indicator of the practical utility of the prediction model, was low and never greater than 2. Results from the current study supported the limited usefulness of mid-infrared spectroscopy to predict minerals present in low concentration in bulk milk. For major mineral components, results from the present research did not match previous findings demonstrating the need for further studies using larger reference datasets.
Effect of Air Pollution on Menstrual Cycle Length—A Prognostic Factor of Women’s Reproductive Health

Air pollution can influence women’s reproductive health, specifically menstrual cycle characteristics, oocyte quality, and risk of miscarriage. The aim of the study was to assess whether air pollution can affect the length of the overall menstrual cycle and the length of its phases (follicular and luteal). Municipal ecological monitoring data was used to assess the air pollution exposure during the monitored menstrual cycle of each of 133 woman of reproductive age. Principal component analyses were used to group pollutants (PM10, SO2, CO, and NOx) to represent a source-related mixture. PM10 and SO2 assessed separately negatively affected the length of the luteal phase after standardization (b = −0.02; p = 0.03; b = −0.06; p = 0.02, respectively). Representing a fossil fuel combustion emission, they were also associated with luteal phase shortening (b = −0.32; p = 0.02). These pollutants did not affect the follicular phase length and overall cycle length, neither in single- nor in multi-pollutant models. CO and NOx assessed either separately or together as a traffic emission were not associated with overall cycle length or the length of cycle phases. Luteal phase shortening, a possible manifestation of luteal phase deficiency, can result from fossil fuel combustion. This suggests that air pollution may contribute to fertility problems in women.
Advance care planning in nursing homes: correlates of capacity and possession of advance directives.

PURPOSE The identification of nursing home residents who can continue to participate in advance care planning about end-of-life care is a critical clinical and bioethical issue. This study uses high quality observational research to identify correlates of advance care planning in nursing homes, including objective measurement of capacity. DESIGN AND METHODS The authors used cross-sectional, cohort study between 1997 and 1999. Seventy-eight residents (M age = 83.97, SD = 8.2) and their proxies (M age = 59.23, SD = 11.77) were included across five nursing homes. The authors obtained data via chart review, proxy interviews, resident assessments, survey completion by certified nursing assistants, and direct observation of residents' daily behaviors. RESULTS Capacity assessments revealed that most residents could state a simple treatment preference (82.4%), but a sizable number did not retain capacity to understand treatment alternatives or appreciate the consequences of their choice. Global cognitive ability (Mini-Mental State Examination score) was related to understanding and appreciation. When the authors removed the effects of global cognitive ability, understanding and appreciation were related to time spent by residents in verbal interaction with others. Residents were more likely to possess advance directives when proxies possessed advance directives, proxies were less religious, and residents were socially engaged. IMPLICATIONS Assessment of proxy beliefs and direct determination of residents' decisional capacity and social engagement may help nursing home staff identify families who may participate in advance planning for end-of-life medical care. Measures of global cognitive ability offer limited information about resident capacity for decision making. Decisional capacity assessments should enhance the verbal ability of individuals with dementia by reducing reliance on memory in the assessment process. Interventions to engage residents and families in structured discussions for end-of-life planning are needed.
A study of information dissemination under multiple random walkers and replication mechanisms

Random walk-based approaches are suitable for information dissemination in mobile and opportunistic environments that are inherently dynamic and typically large-scale. Multiple random walkers have been proposed in the recent past as a suitable mechanism to significantly reduce termination time when covering a network topology. In this paper, the multiple random walkers mechanism is studied and analyzed under a different and novel perspective that allows for further understanding of network coverage when employing multiple random walkers in a network. Given that under this mechanism the number of movements is significantly increased (proportional to the number of random walkers) -- and sometimes not as effective as expected due to frequent revisits that do not improve coverage as shown in this paper -- a replication mechanism is introduced that is capable of reducing the number of movements by reducing initial revisits. Simulation results considering geometric random graph topologies -- which are suitable for modeling mobile environments -- are also presented supporting the analytical findings and shedding more light on various aspects of both the aforementioned mechanisms.
miR-16 and miR-125b are involved in barrier function dysregulation through the modulation of claudin-2 and cingulin expression in the jejunum in IBS with diarrhoea

Objective Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in controlling intestinal epithelial barrier function partly by modulating the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins. We have previously shown differential messenger RNA (mRNA) expression correlated with ultrastructural abnormalities of the epithelial barrier in patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). However, the participation of miRNAs in these differential mRNA-associated findings remains to be established. Our aims were (1) to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in the small bowel mucosa of patients with IBS-D and (2) to explore putative target genes specifically involved in epithelial barrier function that are controlled by specific dysregulated IBS-D miRNAs. Design Healthy controls and patients meeting Rome III IBS-D criteria were studied. Intestinal tissue samples were analysed to identify potential candidates by: (a) miRNA-mRNA profiling; (b) miRNA-mRNA pairing analysis to assess the co-expression profile of miRNA-mRNA pairs; (c) pathway analysis and upstream regulator identification; (d) miRNA and target mRNA validation. Candidate miRNA-mRNA pairs were functionally assessed in intestinal epithelial cells. Results IBS-D samples showed distinct miRNA and mRNA profiles compared with healthy controls. TJ signalling was associated with the IBS-D transcriptional profile. Further validation of selected genes showed consistent upregulation in 75% of genes involved in epithelial barrier function. Bioinformatic analysis of putative miRNA binding sites identified hsa-miR-125b-5p and hsa-miR-16 as regulating expression of the TJ genes CGN (cingulin) and CLDN2 (claudin-2), respectively. Consistently, protein expression of CGN and CLDN2 was upregulated in IBS-D, while the respective targeting miRNAs were downregulated. In addition, bowel dysfunction, perceived stress and depression and number of mast cells correlated with the expression of hsa-miR-125b-5p and hsa-miR-16 and their respective target proteins. Conclusions Modulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier function in IBS-D involves both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. These molecular mechanisms include miRNAs as master regulators in controlling the expression of TJ proteins and are associated with major clinical symptoms.
Enhanced Mechanical Strength of BFRP Composite Using Modified Bamboos

In the present study epoxy and polyester resins have been reinforced with physically modified (alkali treated) bamboos strip matting to develop bamboo fiber-reinforced plastic (BFRP) composites. Bamboo mats were treated with 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% concentration of NaOH in distilled water for 30 min at 20°C (room temperature). The mechanical properties of the alkali treated bamboo composites (tensile strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, toughness, and impact strength) were determined. Optimum results have been obtained by bamboos treated with 5% NaOH solutions. Higher percentages of NaOH concentration result in poor mechanical properties of composites. The morphology analysis reveals that the bamboo treated with 5% NaOH exhibited better compatibility with the epoxy and polyester resins than the untreated bamboo. The improvements in tensile strength and flexural strength were higher by 55.15 and 43.92%, respectively, for composites with epoxy matrix. In the case of alkali-treated composites with polyester matrix, the tensile strength and flexural strength were higher by 69 and 59%, respectively.
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization Social Comparison and Performance: Experimental Evidence on the Fair Wage–effort Hypothesis

JEL classification: J31 J71 C91 C92 Keywords: Fair wage–effort hypothesis Wage comparison Gift exchange Horizontal fairness Wage discrimination Labor market experiments Strategy method Individual heterogeneity a b s t r a c t We investigate the impact of wage comparisons for worker productivity. We present three studies which all use three-person gift-exchange experiments. Consistent with Akerlof and Yellen's (1990) fair wage–effort hypothesis we find that disadvantageous wage discrimination leads to lower efforts while advantageous wage discrimination does not increase efforts on average. Two studies allow us to measure wage comparison effects at the individual level. We observe strongly heterogeneous wage comparison effects. We also find that reactions to wage discrimination can be attributed to the underlying intentions of discrimination rather than to payoff consequences.
Polypropylene/montmorillonite composites and their application in hybrid fiber preparation by melt-spinning

Polypropylene (PP)/organomontmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites have been successfully prepared by melt intercalation by using the conventional method of twin-screw extrusion and subsequently submitted for melt-spinning. The structure and properties of the PP/clay nanocomposites and hybrid fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and crystallization dynamics, etc. The organoclay layers were found to disperse in the PP resin at the nanometer level. The nanoscaled OMMT layers, dispersed in the PP matrix, actually played the role of heterogeneous nuclei species in the process of PP crystallization and increased the nucleation speed of the composites, hereby leading to the increase of crystallization rate of the as-spun fiber. Meanwhile, it was found that the crystallinity of PP/OMMT hybrid fibers is much higher than that of pure PP fiber at the same draw ratios, whereas the orientation of PP/OMMT hybrid fibers is much lower than that of pure PP fiber at the same draw ratios. Because of the effective intercalation of OMMT into PP matrix, the nanocomposites have good spinnability, and the moisture absorption of the final PP fiber is improved. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 552–558, 2004
Rare‐earth Transition‐metal Magnets

Most of the SmCo or NdFeB magnets are produced by powder metallurgy in a large variety of shapes. The basic production processes and their impact on the magnetic properties are reported. Alternative production routes and the achieved magnetic properties are reviewed. The magnetization of rare-earth transition-metal (RE–TM) magnets and the different coercivity mechanisms are presented in order to assist in proper application. Commercial NdFeB magnets can be operated at temperatures up to 230 °C. Owing to the higher Curie temperatures, sintered SmCo5 magnets can be applied up to 250 °C, standard Sm2(Co,Cu,Fe,Zr)17 magnets up to 350 °C, and newly developed Sm2(Co,Cu,Fe,Zr)17 magnets even up to 550 °C. The basic features, which determine the temperature stability of RE–TM magnets, are discussed in detail. Sometimes, RE–TM magnets need to be operated in hot and humid climates. The RE-rich constituents of sintered NdFeB magnets are sensitive to corrosion by oxidation and hydrogen embrittlement, which may result in a disintegration of surface layers. The corrosion stability of advanced NdFeB magnets could be improved significantly by replacing corrosion-sensitive constituents by more noble compounds. In aggressive climates, however, NdFeB magnets need protection by proper coatings. In contrast, SmCo5 or Sm2(Co,Cu,Fe,Zr)17 magnets hardly suffer any corrosion in hot and humid climates. In applications, sintered magnets may experience mechanical stress. Some mechanical properties of sintered NdFeB magnets, for instance, the compression and the bending strength, the fracture toughness, the Young's modulus, and the Vickers hardness are reviewed, depending on the average grain size. Keywords: neodymium-iron-boron magnets; samarium-cobalt magnets; powder metallurgy; magnetic properties; magnetization; temperature stability; corrosion behavior; surface coatings; mechanical properties
Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Chronic Hepatitis E Infection in German Renal Transplant Recipients With Elevated Liver Enzymes

Background Elevated liver enzymes are frequently observed in renal transplant recipients and warrant further exploration. In immunosuppressed patients, hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection may cause chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and extrahepatic manifestations such as renal injury. Methods We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence, clinical correlates, and outcome of chronic HEV infection in a cohort of renal transplant recipients with elevated liver enzymes. Results Over a period of 30 months, 140 of 1469 renal transplant recipients had elevated liver enzymes, of which serum samples from 98 patients were available to determine HEV status. Seventeen patients were detected with HEV infection, of which 16 developed chronic HEV infection, while 1 patient controlled viremia (prevalence of chronic infection of 16.3%, with a minimum prevalence of 1.1% in the whole cohort). Increased liver stiffness was indicated by an average FibroScan result of 11.2 kPa in these patients. All 16 patients with chronic HEV infection were treated with ribavirin for a mean duration of 3 months. Five patients developed a viral rebound and received a second treatment course, of which 2 controlled HEV replication. Six months after the end of therapy, HEV clearance was achieved in 81.3% of the patients. One patient developed ribavirin resistance. Hemolytic anemia after ribavirin treatment was frequent, requiring blood transfusion in 3 patients. Four patients developed de novo glomerulonephritis, of which 2 were possibly associated with HEV infection. Conclusions This retrospective study showed that prevalence of chronic HEV infection was high in our renal transplant patient cohort and was associated with significant liver impairment and the occurrence of renal injury. Ribavirin treatment was effective and should be initiated early to avoid complications, but the risk of severe hemolytic anemia makes strict monitoring essential.
Guaiac faecal occult blood screening in individuals younger than 50 years of age

To determine the effectiveness of guaiac faecal occult blood tests (gFOBT) in the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) within a population of asymptomatic individuals who attended general periodic examinations, and to suggest the recommended age for this screening tool, the electronic database of the periodic examination institute of Rambam Healthcare Campus for the years 2004–2013 was reviewed. Individuals with positive gFOBT results were interviewed for further workup. Proportions of individuals for whom a polyp or CRC was detected were evaluated according to sex and age. 18 858 individuals were examined during the study period, mean age 48 years. The overall gFOBT uptake was 40.8%. Uptake was significantly higher among men and increased with age. Positive gFOBT was detected in 105 individuals (1.4%). The proportion of positive gFOBT was significantly lower among individuals aged 30–50 years than those older than 50 years of age (1.1 and 1.7%, respectively, P=0.005). No positive gFOBT was detected among individuals younger than 30 years of age. Positive gFOBT was higher in men than in women: 1.8 and 0.9% respectively (P=0.002). CRC was detected in six individuals, including two younger than 50 years of age. Polyps were detected in 15 individuals; of these, four were younger than 50 years of age. In the gFOBT-positive group, proportions of polyps and CRC were the same for subgroups according to age. The findings support consideration of annual gFOBT screening from the age of 40 years.
Temperature Rise Calculation of a Flux-Switching Permanent-Magnet Double-Rotor Machine Using Electromagnetic-Thermal Coupling Analysis

The flux-switching permanent-magnet double-rotor machine (FSPM-DRM) used for hybrid electric vehicles has attracted considerable attention due to the compact structure and high torque density. Compared with conventional machine, the FSPM-DRM suffers from more severe thermal problems in its inner rotor. This paper aims to make an accurate prediction of the performances and temperature distributions in the FSPM-DRM. First, the eddy current loss in windings with an improved analytical method is discussed and the results are validated by those from a 2-D finite-element (FE) model. With the obtained power losses, the lumped-parameter scheme considering end effect is compared with a 3-D FE thermal model to predict the temperature in each part of the FSPM-DRM at hybrid driving mode, in which both yield similar results. Then the maximum temperatures of different parts at the rated load and 160% load under various operational modes are simulated. Some experimental results are reported, validating the numerical and simulated results.
Maximum Distance Band Selection of Hyperspectral Images

Imaging has been advanced by recent improvements in airborne imaging hardware. Early airborne HSI datasets such as Indian Pines, have a relatively low spatial and spectral resolution and are useful primarily for research purposes. Higher resolution and lower sensor noise has become the industry standard. Since there is more high quality data available, less emphasis can be placed on denoising and pixel unmixing, and the problem becomes one of computational complexity. Therefore, there is a need for preprocessing methods which reduce the amount of raw data processed by target detection algorithms. The purpose of this research is to propose a method of maximum distance automated band selection in order to preprocess hyperspectral image cube data, and present the results when compared to those using the entire data set. The goal is to significantly increase the accuracy of target detection using a Robust Matched Filter (RMF) while at the same time reducing the computational time required to process the data.