Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving models of photosynthetic thermal acclimation: Which parameters are most important and how many should be modified?

Photosynthetic temperature acclimation could strongly affect coupled vegetation–atmosphere feedbacks in the global carbon cycle, especially as the climate warms. Thermal acclimation of photosynthesis can be modelled as changes in the parameters describing the direct effect of temperature on photosynthetic capacity (i.e., activation energy, Ea; deactivation energy, Hd; entropy parameter, ΔS) or the basal value of photosynthetic capacity (i.e., photosynthetic capacity measured at 25°C). However, the impact of acclimating these parameters (individually or in combination) on vegetative carbon gain is relatively unexplored. Here we compare the ability of 66 photosynthetic temperature acclimation scenarios to improve the ability of a spatially explicit canopy carbon flux model, MAESTRA, to predict eddy covariance data from a loblolly pine forest. We show that: (1) incorporating seasonal temperature acclimation of basal photosynthetic capacity improves the model's ability to capture seasonal changes in carbon fluxes and outperforms acclimation of other single factors (i.e., Ea or ΔS alone); (2) multifactor scenarios of photosynthetic temperature acclimation provide minimal (if any) improvement in model performance over single factor acclimation scenarios; (3) acclimation of Ea should be restricted to the temperature ranges of the data from which the equations are derived; and (4) model performance is strongly affected by the Hd parameter. We suggest that a renewed effort be made into understanding whether basal photosynthetic capacity, Ea, Hd and ΔS co‐acclimate across broad temperature ranges to determine whether and how multifactor thermal acclimation of photosynthesis occurs.
Not Only When Feeling Down: The Relationship Between Mood Intensity and Smoking Behavior

ABSTRACT Background: There is substantial empirical evidence that negative mood triggers smoking behavior, and less support for the similar effect of positive mood. However, the relationship between the intensity of mood and smoking remains relatively under-researched. Objectives: The present study explored the association between mood intensity and smoking behavior. Methods: Seventy-three ad libitum smokers recorded their mood and concurrent number of smoked cigarettes three times daily for one week using electronic diary application. Real time assessment in natural environment enabled greater reliability, validity and generalizability of the collected data. Results: We analyzed results using within-subjects approach and obtained significant growth trend in smoking behavior that concurred with the increase of mood intensity—smokers tended to increase their consumption of cigarettes when they were feeling either happy or sad in comparison to the situation when they were in neutral mood. Importance: These findings raise implications regarding the role of mood intensity in initiating smoking behavior.
Effects of substrate on 2D materials, graphene, MoS2, WS2, and black phosphorus, investigated by high temperature and spatially resolved Raman scattering and photoluminescence

LIQIN SU. Effects of substrate on 2D materials, Graphene, MoS2, WS2, and Black phosphorus, investigated by high temperature and spatially resolved Raman scattering and photoluminescence. (Under the direction of DR. YONG ZHANG) The exploration of a group of new 2D materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, has become the hottest research of interest in recent years. With the dependable techniques of producing 2D materials, particularly mechanical exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition, we are able to study all kinds of their unique properties in mechanical, electrical and optical fields. In this dissertation, we examine the vibrational and thermal properties of four 2D materials – graphene, MoS2, WS2 and black phosphorus – as well as their interaction with the supporting substrates, by using temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy. Regarding the increasing interests of studying on the fabrication and applications of 2D materials, the role of 2D-material/substrate interaction has seldom been taken into consideration which would significantly affects the quality of the grown films and the performance of the devices. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to systematically investigate on this issue. At first, we performed temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy on two graphene samples prepared by CVD and ME up to 400 ◦C, as well as graphite as a reference. The temperature dependence of both graphene samples shows very non-linear behavior for G and 2D bands, but with the CVD-grown graphene more nonlinear. Comparing to the Raman spectra collected before the measurenents, the spectra after the measurements exhibit not only a shift of peak position but also a huge broadening of linewidth, especially for CVD-grown graphene. This study implies that the polymeric residues from either scotch tape or PMMA during transfer process are converted to amorphous carbon after annealed at high temperature, which may significantly
Live performance and yields of broilers provided various lighting schedules.

The purpose of the present study was to measure performance and carcass yield from broilers maintained on photoschedules that may influence incidence of leg disorders. Day-old male broilers were placed on litter floors of light-controlled chambers. Four chambers were randomly assigned to each of four light treatments: 1) 23 h light (L): 1 h dark (D) from 1 to 56 days of age (designated extended, E); 2) 1L:3D from 1 to 56 days (intermittent, I); 3) 6L:18D from 1 to 14 days and 1L:3D from 15 to 56 days (brief-I, BI); and 4) 6L:18D from 1 to 14 days and 23L:1D from 15 to 56 days (brief-E, BE). Mean (+/- SEM) light intensity was 5.4 +/- . 26 lx for all light treatments. At 13, 21, and 42 days of age, Treatments BI and BE had lower BW than Treatment E. The percentage of birds with leg abnormalities among treatments was greater at 56 days than at 42 days. The BI birds had significantly fewer leg abnormalities than E birds. There was an age by treatment interaction for the frequency of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), with BI showing better recovery from TD at 56 days than other treatments. At 42 days of age, split breast yield (percentage of BW) was greater in E than I, and breast yield (percentage of lean carcass) was greater in E and BI compared with I. At 56 days of age, yield (percentage of BW) of tenders was lower in I and BI compared with E and BE. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Comparative View on the Tax Performance of Developing Countries: Regional Patterns, Non-Tax Revenue and Governance

Abstract Some countries fail to ensure that their citizens and businesses make an appropriate contribution to the financing of public tasks. But not all countries with a low tax ratio automatically fall into this category. This paper presents an approach to bridge the gap between probabilistic statements based on statistical analyses, and country-specific information. Rather than defining general across-the-board criteria, the approach accounts for different development levels and other influencing factors, such as regional patterns, non-tax revenue and governance. Findings on individual countries or groups of countries should put governments, donors and international organisations in a better position to decide on tax reform programmes and aid modalities.
Alcohol-use problems in young black adults: effects of religiosity, social resources, and mental health.

OBJECTIVE Problems with alcohol remain a serious public health concern despite decreased use among some populations. Here we examine the relationship between alcohol problems and religiosity, hypothesizing that social resources may mediate this relationship. METHOD Using data from a longitudinal cohort study of a black community population (N=1242) followed from age 6 to 32, analysis of moment structures (AMOS) multiple regression analyses were used to examine the association of religious involvement and alcohol-use problems, taking into account mediators, moderators, or both. RESULTS Findings from this study support and extend the current literature that being male, having a major depressive disorder, completing fewer years of education, being unemployed, moving more frequently, and not attending church at least monthly are associated with serious problems with alcohol use in blacks. Those who were depressed and attended church frequently were no more likely to have alcohol problems than those who were not depressed. However, depression was strongly associated with alcohol problems for those who did not attend church frequently. CONCLUSIONS Frequency of church attendance was associated with fewer alcohol problems, and this relationship was moderated by depression. Other measures of religiosity were not significantly related to alcohol problems, and social resources did not mediate the relationship between alcohol problems and religiosity.
Identification of Novel CD4+ T Cell Subsets in the Target Tissue of Sjögren’s Syndrome and Their Differential Regulation by the Lymphotoxin/LIGHT Signaling Axis

Despite being one of the most common rheumatologic diseases, there is still no disease-modifying drug for primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Advancing our knowledge of the target tissue has been limited by the low dimensionality of histology techniques and the small size of human salivary gland biopsies. In this study, we took advantage of a molecularly validated mouse model of pSS to characterize tissue-infiltrating CD4+ T cells and their regulation by the lymphotoxin/LIGHT signaling axis. Novel cell subsets were identified by combining highly dimensional flow and mass cytometry with transcriptomic analyses. Pharmacologic modulation of the LTβR signaling pathway was achieved by treating mice with LTβR-Ig, a therapeutic intervention currently being tested in pSS patients (Baminercept trial NCT01552681). Using these approaches, we identified two novel CD4+ T cell subsets characterized by high levels of PD1: Prdm1+ effector regulatory T cells expressing immunoregulatory factors, such as Il10, Areg, Fgl2, and Itgb8, and Il21+ effector conventional T cells expressing a pathogenic transcriptional signature. Mirroring these observations in mice, large numbers of CD4+PD1+ T cells were detected in salivary glands from Sjögren’s patients but not in normal salivary glands or kidney biopsies from lupus nephritis patients. Unexpectedly, LTβR-Ig selectively halted the recruitment of PD1− naive, but not PD1+, effector T cells to the target tissue, leaving the cells with pathogenic potential unaffected. Altogether, this study revealed new cellular players in pSS pathogenesis, their transcriptional signatures, and differential dependency on the lymphotoxin/LIGHT signaling axis that help to interpret the negative results of the Baminercept trial and will guide future therapeutic interventions.
Antidepressant, anxiolytic and procognitive effects of subacute and chronic ketamine in the chronic mild stress model of depression

Ketamine is the prototype of a new generation of antidepressant drugs, which is reported in clinical studies to be effective in treatment-resistant patients, with an effect that appears within hours and lasts for a few days. Chronic mild stress (CMS) is a well-established and widely used animal model of depression, in which anhedonia, anxiogenesis and cognitive dysfunction can be observed reliably. Studies using acute or brief ketamine treatment following withdrawal from CMS have replicated the clinical finding of a rapid onset of antidepressant action. However, there have been no CMS studies of chronic daily ketamine treatment or continued stress following ketamine treatment, which would have greater translational potential in relation to the long-term maintenance of antidepressant effects. Wistar rats were drug treated following an initial 2 weeks of CMS exposure, which continued alongside daily drug treatment. A first experiment tested a range of chronic (5 weeks) ketamine doses (5–30 mg/kg); a second compared the effects of subacute (3–5 days) and chronic (5 weeks) treatment. CMS-induced anhedonic, anxiogenic and dyscognitive effects, as measured, respectively, by decreased sucrose intake, avoidance of open arms in the elevated plus maze and loss of discrimination in the novel object recognition test. A sustained antidepressant-like effect of ketamine in the sucrose intake test was observed in both experiments, with an onset at around 1 week, faster than imipramine, and an optimum dose of 10 mg/kg. Anxiogenic and dyscognitive effects of CMS, in the elevated plus maze and novel object recognition test, respectively, were fully reversed by both subacute and chronic ketamine treatment. Daily treatment with ketamine in the CMS model causes sustained long-term antidepressant, anxiolytic and procognitive effects. The demonstration of a procognitive effect of ketamine may have particular translational value.
Effect of limestone filler as mineral addition in self-compacting concrete

Limestone filler is regularly used as mineral addition in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Besides the normal cement content (around 300 kg per m³ of concrete), limestone filler is added in quantities of 200 to 300 kg per m³ of concrete. Because of the fundamentally new concept of SCC, the structure of the material, as a result of the hydration process, can show some differences compared to traditionally vibrated concrete. In order to have a good insight in the effect of limestone filler on the properties of the new cementitious material, a fundamental study was performed concerning hydration, microstructure development, and durability. The effect of SCC is far more important that just yielding selfcompactability. High performance cementitious materials can be obtained, with excellent properties not only concerning strength development, but also related to transport properties and durability. In this overview, some interesting results are summarized concerning hydration, microstructure development, transport properties, and durability. The effect of limestone filler is studied fundamentally, and the importance with regard to the ‘engineering level’ is outlined. It is discussed how the effect of limestone filler can be taken into account following code prescriptions related to durability requirements.
Comparison of calibrated dilute thrombin time and aPTT tests with LC-MS/MS for the therapeutic monitoring of patients treated with dabigatran etexilate

Summary Ways to monitor dabigatran etexilate (DE) therapy would be useful in certain situations. Functional assays such as aPTT or Hemoclot® Thrombin Inhibitor (HTI) have been proposed to evaluate dabigatran concentrations, but previous findings are based on in vitro studies and results must be confirmed in clinical samples. The aim of this study was to compare aPTT and HTI measurements with liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measurements of dabigatran in plasma samples from DE treated patients. Seventy-one plasma samples were included. aPTT was performed using STA-CKPrest® and SynthASil®. HTI was performed according to instructions from the manufacturer. The LC-MS/MS method utilised dabigatran- d3 as internal standard. The plasma concentration range was 0 to 645 ng/ml as measured by LC-MS/MS. Overall, the HTI and LC-MS/ MS analyses correlated well (r2=0.97). The Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference of 9 ng/ml (SD: 20 ng/ml). However, the HTI performed poorly at concentrations <50 ng/ml. LC-MS/MS was sensitive (limit of quantification 1.1 ng/ml) and specific for dabigatran. The aPTT methods did not correlate well with plasma concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS (r2 = 0.59 with SynthASil® and 0.50 with STACKPrest ®). In conclusion, the poor sensitivity, the important inter-individual variability, and the poor correlation with LC-MS/MS preclude the use of aPTT to estimate dabigatran concentrations. Due to its small inter-individual variability and good agreement with LC-MS/MS measurements, we recommend the use of HTI assays to rather accurately estimate concentrations of dabigatran <50 ng/ml. Quantification of lower dabigatran levels in DE-treated patients requires the “reference” LC-MS/MS method.
Modeling count data in the addiction field: Some simple recommendations

Analyzing count data is frequent in addiction studies but may be cumbersome, time‐consuming, and cause misleading inference if models are not correctly specified. We compared different statistical models in a simulation study to provide simple, yet valid, recommendations when analyzing count data.We used 2 simulation studies to test the performance of 7 statistical models (classical or quasi‐Poisson regression, classical or zero‐inflated negative binomial regression, classical or heteroskedasticity‐consistent linear regression, and Mann‐Whitney test) for predicting the differences between population means for 9 different population distributions (Poisson, negative binomial, zero‐ and one‐inflated Poisson and negative binomial, uniform, left‐skewed, and bimodal). We considered a large number of scenarios likely to occur in addiction research: presence of outliers, unbalanced design, and the presence of confounding factors. In unadjusted models, the Mann‐Whitney test was the best model, followed closely by the heteroskedasticity‐consistent linear regression and quasi‐Poisson regression. Poisson regression was by far the worst model. In adjusted models, quasi‐Poisson regression was the best model. If the goal is to compare 2 groups with respect to count data, a simple recommendation would be to use quasi‐Poisson regression, which was the most generally valid model in our extensive simulations.
Genetic and Environmental Interactions Modify the Risk of Diabetes-Related Autoimmunity by 6 Years of Age: The TEDDY Study

OBJECTIVE We tested the associations between genetic background and selected environmental exposures with respect to islet autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Infants with HLA-DR high-risk genotypes were prospectively followed for diabetes-related autoantibodies. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) came from the Illumina ImmunoChip and environmental exposure data were by parental report. Children were followed to age 6 years. RESULTS Insulin autoantibodies occurred earlier than GAD antibody (GADA) and then declined, while GADA incidence rose and remained constant (significant in HLA-DR4 but not in the DR3/3 children). The presence of SNPs rs2476601 (PTPN22) and rs2292239 (ERBB3) demonstrated increased risk of both autoantibodies to insulin (IAA) only and GADA only. SNP rs689 (INS) was protective of IAA only, but not of GADA only. The rs3757247 (BACH2) SNP demonstrated increased risk of GADA only. Male sex, father or sibling as the diabetic proband, introduction of probiotics under 28 days of age, and weight at age 12 months were associated with IAA only, but only father as the diabetic proband and weight at age 12 months were associated with GADA only. Mother as the diabetic proband was not a significant risk factor. CONCLUSIONS These results show clear differences in the initiation of autoimmunity according to genetic factors and environmental exposures that give rise to IAA or GADA as the first appearing indication of autoimmunity.
Infection by Rhodococcus fascians maintains cotyledons as a sink tissue for the pathogen

Background and Aims Pisum sativum L. (pea) seed is a source of carbohydrate and protein for the developing plant. By studying pea seeds inoculated by the cytokinin‐producing bacterium, Rhodococcus fascians, we sought to determine the impact of both an epiphytic (avirulent) strain and a pathogenic strain on source‐sink activity within the cotyledons during and following germination. Methods Bacterial spread was monitored microscopically, and real‐time reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR was used to determine the expression of cytokinin biosynthesis, degradation and response regulator gene family members, along with expression of family members of SWEET, SUT, CWINV and AAP genes ‐ gene families identified initially in pea by transcriptomic analysis. The endogenous cytokinin content was also determined. Key Results The cotyledons infected by the virulent strain remained intact and turned green, while multiple shoots were formed and root growth was reduced. The epiphytic strain had no such marked impact. Isopentenyl adenine was elevated in the cotyledons infected by the virulent strain. Strong expression of RfIPT, RfLOG and RfCKX was detected in the cotyledons infected by the virulent strain throughout the experiment, with elevated expression also observed for PsSWEET, PsSUT and PsINV gene family members. The epiphytic strain had some impact on the expression of these genes, especially at the later stages of reserve mobilization from the cotyledons. Conclusions The pathogenic strain retained the cotyledons as a sink tissue for the pathogen rather than the cotyledon converting completely to a source tissue for the germinating plant. We suggest that the interaction of cytokinins, CWINVs and SWEETs may lead to the loss of apical dominance and the appearance of multiple shoots.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) patient systems have been shown to improve diabetes self-treatment when used consistently. The meaningful integration of this technology into everyday life, however, can vary greatly among CGM users and not all people with diabetes use CGM to its full potential. To address this issue, the study pursued 2 aims: first, to identify patient characteristics that underlie the acceptance of CGM in people with type 1 diabetes and, second, to examine the effects of different levels of experience with CGM use. Methods: Guided by a model based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to model the patient characteristics as predictors of CGM acceptance. In all, 111 participants (60.4% female, mean = 37.6 years, SD = 11.2) participated in a web-based survey; 40 were current CGM users, 18 were former users and 53 had no experience with CGM systems. Results: In general, participants evaluated CGM positively; however, the feeling of information overload represented a major barrier to the sustained use of CGM, while perceptions of usefulness and ease of use constituted incentives for using this technology. Moreover, patients without CGM experience imagined more information overload than current users reported. Current users showed more intention to use CGM than former users. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of CGM user experience for the effective use of this technology.