Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metformin and its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects; new concepts

Metformin is one of the oldest and commonly used blood sugar lowering drugs, having limited side effects and used as the first line treatment in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Moreover, various studies have emphasized on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role of metformin, with multiple mechanisms, which activation of AMPK by metformin has had a key role in many of them. During the searches on the internet websites of PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, 76 papers related to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role of metformin were selected and reviewed since 2003 to 2017. At the cellular level, metformin suppresses the inflammation in many cases and reduces or eliminates inflammatory factors mainly through dependent mechanisms and sometimes independent of AMPK at the cellular level and through other ways at the systematic levels. It is also effective in reducing the level of oxidative stress factors by regulating the antioxidant system of the cell. All evidence suggests the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role of metformin in various conditions. Metformin can be an appropriate treatment option for many diseases, which inflammatory processes and oxidative stress play a role in their pathogenesis.
Spatial Aggregation Method for Anonymous Surveys: Case Study for Associations Between Urban Environment and Obesity

Obesity and other chronic diseases are becoming more prevalent in affluent countries such as Australia. Researchers are trying to understand and combat this trend. One related growing stream of research explores the role of the built environment and transport system on an individual’s weight. However, results from many studies conducted have been contradictory. A primary cause of these contradictions is due to how neighborhood areas are defined, which directly affects how the built environment variables are calculated in geographic information systems. The potential impacts on regression analysis resulting from different data aggregation methods are well documented in spatial studies, geography, and regional planning fields, and the problem is primarily referred to as the modifiable aerial unit problem. In this paper, the focus is on reducing the error caused by the modifiable aerial unit problem by introducing a new data aggregation method. Individual health and lifestyle data are obtained from the survey of households, income, and labor dynamics in Australia, and the relationship between the built environment and obesity is evaluated by using a discrete choice model. The proposed aggregation method is evaluated across three spatial scales and compared against a conventional data aggregation method (i.e., using predefined administrative boundaries such as census tracts). The results reveal a stronger relationship between land use variables and obesity when the proposed aggregation method is implemented. This paper is relevant primarily to researchers because it provides an improved aggregation method to deal with some privacy restrictions of surveys. It is also relevant to practitioners and policy makers by its quantification of the association between specific built environment variables and obesity.
Changes in Parental Assets and Children's Educational Outcomes

Abstract Several countries, including Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom, have enacted asset-based policies for children in recent years. The premise underlying these policies is that increases in assets lead to improvement in various child outcomes over time. But little existing research examines this premise from a dynamic perspective. Using data from the NLSY79 mother and child datasets, two parallel process latent growth curve models are estimated to examine the effects of parental asset accumulation on changes in children's achievements over six years during middle childhood. Results indicate that the initial level of assets is positively associated with math scores, but not reading scores, while faster asset accumulation is associated with changes in reading scores, but not in math scores. Overall, the results suggest that the relationship between assets and various child outcomes may not be straight-forward. Different dimensions of the asset experience may lead to different outcomes, and the same dimension may also have different effects. Implications for future research and for asset-based policies are discussed.
Differentiation of porcine wild-type lactobacilli strains, with ERIC-PCR and PFGE band patterns included in polyphasic taxonomy.

Probiotic administration is an alternative to antibiotic supplementation in pig management. However, potential probiotic microorganisms included in foods must be well defined and correctly named, on the basis of a valid taxonomic system. The aim of the present study was to analyze band patterns generated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences (ERIC-PCR), obtained from porcine wild-type Lactobacillus strains, as a rapid alternative for genotypic characterization in polyphasic taxonomy. In the present study 36 porcine wild-type Lactobacillus strains were analyzed by polyphasic taxonomy which included API 50 CHL system, ERIC-PCR, and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) band analysis, after digestion with XbaI or SpeI restriction enzymes. Polyphasic taxonomy discriminated among 23 strains of Lactobacillus reuteri, 12 strains of Lactobacillus salivarius and one strain of Lactobacillus mucosae. None of the tested methods was able to reliably resolve the three selected species of lactobacilli at a strain level. However, results improved considerably when ERIC-PCR results were combined with phenotypic characterization, and those results were comparable to the taxonomy that included PFGE.
Impact Assessment in Observational Studies: A Classification and Regression Tree Approach

We introduce a tree-based approach for assessing the performance impact of diverse self-selected interventions in management research. Our approach, which takes advantage of "Big Data", or observational data with large sample sizes and a large number of variables, offers important advantages over traditional propensity score matching. In particular, the tree-based approach to assessing the impact of interventions offers a data-driven methodology that applies to a wide range of intervention types (binary, polytomous, continuous), allows for examination of nascent interventions whose selection cannot be theoretically specified a priori, identifies pre-intervention variables that correlate with the self-selected intervention, and presents comparisons of ensuing performance in visuals that are easy to discern and understand. We illustrate the method and the insights that it yields in the context of two studies: analysis of the impact of an eGov service in India, and comparison of performance across different contractual pricing mechanisms and contract durations in the outsourcing of technology and technology-enabled business functions.
Fold and fault interactions during the development of an elongated narrow basin: The Almanzora Neogene‐Quaternary Corridor (SE Betic Cordillera, Spain)

Elongated corridors grow in different tectonic settings, mainly in areas deformed by fold and fault sets parallel to the borders. The Almanzora Corridor, however, is a good example of an E‐W elongated asymmetrical narrow basin developed in a changing stress scenario, generated by the interaction of fold and fault sets oriented parallel and oblique to the corridor borders. The initial crustal thickening process was mainly related to the development of the E‐W oriented Sierra de Los Filabres large antiform, which constitutes a major heterogeneity. During the Tortonian, a NW‐SE convergent tectonic setting, oblique to this already emerged antiform, gives rise to a large dextral simple shear band that determines: the development of a major fold (Las Estancias antiform), the asymmetrical location of minor tectonic structures (faults and minor folds), and the distribution of sedimentation/denudation areas that finally configure the Almanzora Corridor synform. Furthermore, development of NW‐SE oriented normal faults points to NE‐SW orthogonal extension in a new stress field oblique to the corridor borders. This region illustrates that the elongated character of the corridors may persist, inherited from the orientation of previous crustal rheological heterogeneities. In addition, marine transgression may be produced in compressional settings, favored by the synform development during initial stages of crustal thickening, finally led to the relief uplift.
An adapted model of burnout for educators in South Africa

The objectives in this study were to determine the psychometric properties of an adapted version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory ( General Survey (MBI-GS) for South African educators in different language groups and to determine the differences between burnout in different demographic groups. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Stratified random samples (N = 1 170) of educators in the North West Province in South Africa were taken. An adapted version of the MBI-GS and a biographical questionnaire were administered. Structural equation modelling confirmed a three-factor model of burnout, consisting of Exhaustion, Mental Distance, and Professional Efficacy. All three factors showed acceptable internal consistencies and construct equivalence for two language groups. The results showed that practically significant differences exist between aspects of burnout in demographic groups.
Testing and application of a practical new 2D hydrodynamic model

A significant amount of effort is being directed towards finding ways to improve the management of urban drainage to reduce flooding. It is recognized that an integrated modelling approach is required, linking rivers and their floodplains with surface water and foul drainage systems. As a result of this, flood inundation modelling methods are starting to converge. The existing 1D InfoWorks software has recently been enhanced to include a 2D flood modelling capability. This 2D hydrodynamic modelling software incorporates links with the already existing 1D software for rivers (InfoWorks RS) and network systems (InfoWorks CS). This paper describes the results of a series of analytical tests used to validate the robustness of the new 2D modeling engine, results of its application to a real case study and, in some cases, comparisons of the results with other 2D flood models.
Comparison of Growth Performance, Gonadal Structure and Erythrocyte Size in Triploid and Diploid Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario L, 1758)

The aim of this study was to compare growth, gonadal structure and red blood cell sizes of triploid and diploid brown trout (Salmo trutta fario). Triploidy was induced by providing a heat shock treatment to the fertilized eggs. From the 18th month post-fertilization triploid (TBT) and control diploid (CBT) brown trout groups were investigated up to 32nd month. Survival, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, condition factor, relative growth rate, absolute growth rate, gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index and carcass yield were determined in both groups. It has been determined that the triploid fish showed greater live weight than diploid fish despite the difference was not significant (P>0.05). In triploid group triploidisation success was obtained as 95% and male/female ratio was found as 44.4-55.6%. The red blood cells were significantly larger in triploids than diploid ones (P<0.05). Regarding histological section of gonads, triploidy resulted in reduced gonadal development in female, while triploid males seem to exhibit normal gonadal development. Our results suggest that since triploid females could grow more than males, the growth performance studies on triploid brown trout should be performed with all-female stocks under fish farming practices especially for the production of large size trout.
Identification of a Lactic Bacterium Strain Used for Obtaining a Pollen-Based Probiotic Product

This study concerns the identification of a Lactobacillus acidophilus strain by conventional taxonomic techniques (cultivation at different temperatures, different pH values, use of different carbon sources, development on different media and determination of antibioresistance) and by molecular genetic techniques (determination of G and C content). The strain is used for inoculation in media with ground or unground pollen and honey, in order to obtain a probiotic product. Over 72 h the glucid consumption, cell viability and acid production is measured.
IDENTIFICATION OF GRAIN DORMANCY QTLS IN A WHITE-GRAINED WHEAT POPULATION DERIVED FROM 'ZEN' X 'SPICA' CROSS

White-grained wheat is usually more susceptible to preharvest sprouting (PHS). Accumulation of color independent grain dormancy QTLs is one of the promising ways of developing PHS tolerance in white-grained wheat. A white grained recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from a cross between high dormant Japanese red grained wheat, 'Zenkoujikomugi' ('Zen'), and a white cultivar 'Spica'. White-grained RILs demonstrated a severe variation proving that many genes have involved in maintaining grain dormancy. Hence, to identify those dormancy QTLs of 'Zen' x 'Spica', whole genome was assessed with SSR and EST markers. Five novel grain dormancy QTLs, linked with Xwocs207 , Xcfa2163 , Xbarc243 , Xbarc44 and Xgwm577 markers were detected located on chromosomal arms 3BS, 5AL, 5BL, 5DL and 7BL, respectively. In all instances, allele contributed to comparatively higher dormancy was derived from 'Zen'. The QTL linked with Xwocs207 marker appeared to be extremely effective, stable and reliable. Usually QTLs rendering minor effects were difficult to be detected if the phenotypic variation of the population was affected by major red color genes. In the present study, since only the white-grained RILs were used, minor QTLs were also able to be investigated. Key words : Grain dormancy QTLs; EST markers; SSR markers; Preharvest sprouting; White-grained wheat DOI: 10.4038/tare.v11i0. 1768 Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension Vol.11 2008 pp.1-6
Virus-like particles associated with Lyngbya majuscula (Cyanophyta; Oscillatoriacea) bloom decline in Moreton Bay, Australia

Expansive blooms of the toxic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula were observed in 2 shallow water regions of Moreton Bay, Australia. The rapid bloom decline (8 to <1 km 2 in <7 d) prompted an investigation of the role of cyanophage viruses in the ecophysiology of L. majuscula. Virus-like particles produced by decaying L. majuscula were observed using electron microscopy. The virus-like particles were similar in morphology to viruses in the genus Cyanostyloviridae. The effect of viruses on L. majuscula photosynthesis was investigated by: (1) creating a virus concentrate using tangential-flow ultrafiltration of seawater surrounding L. majuscula; (2) inoculating L. majus- cula with the concentrate; and (3) measuring photosynthetic response using a pulse-amplitude mod- ulated fluorometer. Virus concentrate addition resulted in decreased initial fluorescence, decreased photochemical efficiency and decreased electron transport rate in rapid light curves after 5 d. Viruses present within L. majuscula filaments may play an important role in the bloom dynamics of this eco- logically important cyanobacterium.
Galactic bulge giants: probing stellar and galactic evolution - I. Catalogue of Spitzer IRAC and MIPS sources

Aims. We aim at measuring mass-loss rates and the luminosities of a statistically large sample of Galactic bulge stars at several galactocentric radii. The sensitivity of previous infrared surveys of the bulge has been rather limited, thus fundamental questions for late stellar evolution, such as the stage at which substantial mass-loss begins on the red giant branch and its dependence on fundamental stellar properties, remain unanswered. We aim at providing evidence and answers to these questions. Methods. To this end, we observed seven 15 15 arcmin 2 fields in the nuclear bulge and its vicinity with unprecedented sensitivity using the IRAC and MIPS imaging instruments on-board the Spitzer Space Telescope. In each of the fields, tens of thousands of point sources were detected. Results. In the first paper based on this data set, we present the observations, data reduction, the final catalogue of sources, and a detailed comparison to previous mid-IR surveys of the Galactic bulge, as well as to theoretical isochrones. We find in general good agreement with other surveys and the isochrones, supporting the high quality of our catalogue.
Near-bed hydrodynamics and turbulence below a large-scale plunging breaking wave over a mobile barred bed profile

Detailed measurements are presented of velocities and turbulence under a large-scale regular plunging breaking wave in a wave flume. Measurements were obtained at 12 cross-shore locations around a mobile medium-sand breaker bar. They focused particularly on the dynamics of the wave bottom boundary layer (WBL) and near-bed turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), measured with an Acoustic Concentration and Velocity Profiler (ACVP). The breaking process and outer flow hydrodynamics are in agreement with previous laboratory and field observations of plunging waves, including a strong undertow in the bar trough region. The WBL thickness matches with previous studies at locations offshore from the bar crest, but it increases near the breaking-wave plunge point. This relates possibly to breaking-induced TKE or to the diverging flow at the shoreward slope of the bar. Outer flow TKE is dominated by wave breaking and exhibits strong spatial variation with largest TKE above the breaker bar crest. Below the plunge point, breaking-induced turbulence invades the WBL during both crest and trough half cycle. This results in an increase in the time-averaged TKE in the WBL (with a factor 3) and an increase in peak onshore and offshore near-bed Reynolds stresses (with a factor 2) from shoaling to breaking region. A fraction of locally produced TKE is advected offshore over a distance of a few meters to shoaling locations during the wave trough phase, and travels back onshore during the crest half cycle. The results imply that breaking-induced turbulence, for large-scale conditions, may significantly affect near-bed sediment transport processes.
On Behaviour-Based Network Inference and Distribution-Based Network Control

Complex networks are prevalent structures throughout technological systems, and are also used to model many non-technological systems as well. Application domains that make use of networks range from financial systems, to biology/medicine, to online social networks and agent-based systems. There is a strong desire to control these types of systems, to avoid catastrophic failures, increase system stability, or achieve some known system goal. The development of automated controllers for these types of systems is a complex problem that involves several key subproblems, including the selection of a control node set and the generation of control signals to be injected into the network. Previous research involving network control has typically assumed the underlying network connections are precisely known and has also taken a strictly vector-based view of system state. This thesis expands on the existing network control work in two significant directions. First, this thesis investigates algorithmic, behaviour-based methods for predicting links within networks. This involves using transfer entropy measurements, calculated between time series of actions generated by participating agents. This approach could be used to predict underlying networks in unobservable problem domains (e.g., financial systems) or to identify links that are truly influential within observable problem domains (e.g., online social networks). A number of prediction algorithms are proposed and compared, several of which attain high levels of accuracy, even with a limited amount of available system information. Second, this thesis eschews the traditional vector-based view of system state within network control problems, proposing a novel, distribution-based approach. One of the most studied control goals in the existing research has involved moving a system between two vector-based states. Distribution-based control, however, identifies state distributions as targets for control, which is arguably a more expressive and suitable approach for many problem domains. The effect of various network parameters on control success is investigated within a distribution-based control problem, with microscopic analysis of subset distributions being used to demonstrate why control is more difficult in certain scenarios. This information is used to inform the creation of new control node selection algorithms, with statistically significant improvements over the highest rated heuristic from previous research being realized.
Positive or Negative? The Impact of X-ray Feedback on the Formation of Direct Collapse Black Hole Seeds

A nearby source of Lyman–Werner (LW) photons is thought to be a central component in dissociating H2 and allowing for the formation of a direct collapse black hole seed. Nearby sources are also expected to produce copious amounts of hydrogen ionizing photons and X-ray photons. We study here the feedback effects of the X-ray photons by including a spectrum due to high-mass X-ray binaries on top of a galaxy with a stellar spectrum. We explicitly trace photon packages emerging from the nearby source and track the radiative and chemical effects of the multifrequency source (Ephoton = 0.76 eV → 7500 eV). We find that X-rays have a strongly negative feedback effect, compared to a stellar only source, when the radiative source is placed at a separation greater than ≳ 1 kpc. The X-rays heat the low and medium density gas in the envelope surrounding the collapsing halo suppressing the mass inflow. The result is a smaller enclosed mass compared to the stellar only case. However, for separations of ≲ 1 kpc, the feedback effects of the X-rays becomes somewhat neutral. The enhanced LW intensity at close separations dissociates more H2 and this gas is heated due to stellar photons alone, the addition of X-rays is then not significant. This distance dependence of X-ray feedback suggests that a Goldilocks zone exists close to a forming galaxy where X-ray photons have a much smaller negative feedback effect and ideal conditions exist for creating massive black hole seeds.