Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY Microbial , Cellular and Molecular Biology Program Unit Applied Genetics stream GENETIC DIVERSITY OF AN AFRICAN WILD RICE ( Oryza longistaminata Chev . et Roehr ) FROM AMHARA AND GAMBELA REGIONS AS REVEALED BY MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

Data from microsatellite markers have been extensively used for both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies through determining the level of genetic diversity of natural populations that can widen the gene pool of cultivated plants. Such conservation practices should also lie on understanding the between and within population genetic variation and partitioning populations on the basis of geographic origin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the intraspecific diversity in Oryza longistaminata and how the variation is partitioned within and between different geographic regions of the eight Oryza longistaminata populations in Ethiopia using simple sequence repeat markers. The five microsatellite markers in 320 samples generated 64 allels that revealed the presence of large amount of genetic variability (Ho =0.225; He = 0.768; Na = 7.375; Ne = 6.565 and P = 0.744). The F-statistics detected by the microsatellite loci showed Fst = 0.064 and Fis = 0.743 and there was no population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genetic parameters estimated from this data indicated that there are high levels of genetic diversity in the populations of O. longistaminata studied and this diversity is higher within than between populations. Regional partitioning also revealed that most of this diversity is found between populations within regions than among regions. Among all the populations sampled, five populations (EG-4 and all Amhara populations) were identified as priorities for conservation strategies and thus, national collection and conservation strategies need to consider population and regional differences.
Islam and socially responsible business conduct

This paper explores the relationship between the Islamic religion and the level of socially responsible business conduct (SRBC) of Islamic entrepreneurs. We find that the common idea of SRBC corresponds with the view of business in the Islam, although there are also some notable differences. We also find that Muslim entrepreneurs attach a higher weight to specific elements of SRBC than non-Muslims. But, on the other hand, we find that Muslims are less involved with applying SRBC in practice than non-Muslim managers. Furthermore, values and norms derived from the Islamic religion motivate entrepreneurs to contribute more to SRBC and lead to a higher commitment to specific aspects of SRBC compared to individually developed values and norms. Finally, the view of human nature of the Islam, preaching the natural goodness of man as a social being, leads to a positive view of SRBC.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMAN INFLUENCES ON TROPICAL TREELINE FORMATION : INSIGHTS FROM THE REGENERATION ECOLOGY OF POLYLEPIS SPP . IN THE PÁRAMO DE PAPALLACTA

Regeneration failure is considered to be an importa nt f ctor in treeline formation. However, little is known about the impacts of altitude and a nthropogenic disturbance on regeneration patterns along tropical treelines. The study focuse d on the reproductive traits of two Polylepis species in the Páramo de Papallacta in Ecuador alon g an altitudinal gradient, and involved varying intensities of cattle trampling within each altitudinal level. We analysed flowering, fruit set, seed viability, germination, and seedlin g establishment as well as stand structure of Polylepis incana and P. pauta. The number of P. incana inflorescences and seedlings per m2 showed a marginally significant decrease with incre asing altitude. In addition, mean tree height was significantly lower at higher altitudes, while stem number increased. The number of P. pauta inflorescences also decreased significantly upslop e. In both forest types trampling was found to have a positive impact on seedling abu ndance, presumably due to the removal of the litter layer. Sapling establishment was rare in side the forest stands at all altitudes and grazing levels, which suggests that the investigate d species mainly rejuvenate in forest gaps. We consequently observed a low proportion of narrow stems within all investigated forests. Our results highlight the importance of regeneratio n o treeline formation. The position of the upper treeline in Ecuador coincides with reproducti ve failure at about 4100 m for P. incana, and at about 4200 m for P. pauta. Forest borders below this altitude are rather cau sed by present and past land use. However, there was no ev idence that moderate cattle grazing influences the regeneration of both treeline specie s negatively. 3 POTENTIAL LATERAL EXPANSION OF POLYLEPIS FOREST FRAGMENTS IN CENTRAL ECUADOR Together with Karsten Wesche and Isabell Hensen Forest Ecology and Management (in press)
Abbreviated title : Development of LGMDs and hiding behavior

For many animals, the visual detection of looming stimuli is crucial at any stage of their lives. For example, human babies of only 6 days old display evasive responses to looming stimuli (Bower et al., 1971). This means the neuronal pathways involved in looming detection should mature early in life. Locusts have been used extensively to examine the neural circuits and mechanisms involved in sensing looming stimuli and triggering visually-evoked evasive actions, making them ideal subjects in which to investigate the development of looming sensitivity. Two giant motion detecting (LGMD) neurons have been identified in the lobula region of the locust visual system: the LGMD1 neuron responds selectively to looming stimuli and provides information that contributes to evasive responses such as jumping and emergency glides. The LGMD2, responds to looming stimuli and shares many response properties with the LGMD1. Both neurons have only been described in the adult. In this study, we describe a practical method combining classical staining techniques and 3D neuronal reconstructions that can be used, even in small insects, to reveal detailed anatomy of individual neurons. We have used it to analyze the anatomy of the fan-shaped dendritic tree of the LGMD1 and the LGMD2 neurons in all stages of the post-embryonic development of Locusta migratoria. We also analyze changes seen during the ontogeny of escape behaviors triggered by looming stimuli, specially the hiding response.
Lung Function Testing of School Children Living near Industrial Areas in Rayong, Thailand

Lung functions of children exposed to air pollutions around industrial areas in Rayong Thailand were tested. 806 elementary students aged 9-12 years performed Spirometric measurements during February-August 2013. Eight volunteer schools were selected based on the distance between schools and Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate (MTPIE). The study sites were divided into 3 groups: A 4 schools located within 1 kilometer from MTPIE, B 2 schools located in 1-5 kilometers from MTPIE and C 2 schools at 5-10 kilometers from MTPIE. The lung function impairments of subjects in group A, B and C were statistically analyzed by Binary Logistic Regression. According to the study, the low lung functions were found in group A with the distance near industrial sites, odds ratios (OR) = 1.66 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.06-2.62). Comparing the area B to that of C, the lung functions were found different but not significant, OR = 0.66, (95% CI = 0.34-1.29). Comparing the PM10 level to the reference group, children exposed to particulate matter PM10 < 37 μg/ m, their lung function potentially reduced with OR = 1.77 (95% CI = 1.25-2.51). The impaired lung function in school children was associated with the level of air pollution and the distance from industrial sites.
Applying web-conferencing in a beginners’ Chinese class

The development of new technologies and the falling cost of high-speed Internet access have made it easier for institutes and language teachers to opt for different ways to communicate with students at a distance. The emergence of videoconferencing applications, which integrate text, chat, audio/ video and graphic facilities, offers great opportunities for language learning to through the multimodal environment. This paper reports on initial data elicited from a pilot study of using web-conferencing in the teaching of a first year Chinese class in order to promote learners’ collaborative learning. Firstly, a comparison of three conferencing tools was conducted to determine the pedagogical value of the web-conferencing tool-Blackboard Collaborate. Secondly, the evaluation of 10 campus-based Chinese learners who conducted three one-hour online sessions via the multimodal environment reveals the users’ choice of modes and their learning preference.
Title FDI and Technology Spillovers in China

Using a database of Chinese firms, we examine the effects of technology spillovers not only between foreign entrants and local firms but also between “modernized” local firms to other local firms. Our results show that the increased presence of foreign multinationals within industries and in their upstream sectors positively affected the productivity of local firms. The positive intra-industry spillover effect from wholly owned subsidiaries becomes evident when the Chinese government’s restriction on foreign ownership was lifted. We also find strong spillover effects among local firms.
WITH THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CANCER PATIENTS

Introduction: Cancer is a disease that can have a negative impact on the quality of life of people with the disease. Empirical studies have shown that quality of life can be considered as an indicator of the quality of health care and is part of the treatment plan and measuring it in chronic illnesses will provide more information about the health and disease to the planner. Therefore, considering the importance of quality of life in cancer patients, the present study was conducted with the aim of systematically reviewing the epidemiological approach to the quality of life of cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The present study is a systematic study using the articles published in the last 20 years regarding the epidemiological approach to the quality of life of cancer patients. Searching articles in search engines, Embase, Researchgate, Sciencedirect, Google Scholar, and PubMed in Persian and English were searched for. In the first stage, 43 articles were found. Among them, 20 articles related to the topic that were published in the last 20 years were reviewed. Results: In our studies, we have been focusing on improving the quality of life of cancer patients. In one of these studies, there was a significant difference in the mean of fatigue and quality of life according to the level of hemoglobin in the blood. There was a significant negative correlation between hemoglobin level and quality of life and severity of fatigue. Conclusion: Considering the studies that have been done, several cases have led to an increase in the quality of life of cancer patients, including the significant role of religious and spiritual beliefs in improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Group therapy also reduced the anxiety and depression and increased quality of life in patients with cancer. By performing group motivational interviews, there was a significant difference in the quality of life score in patients with colon cancer with permanent stoma.
Effect of fully and limited irrigation on forage production and irrigation water use of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L . ) and blue panic ( Panicum antidotale Retz ) under different irrigation methods in Saudi Arabia

Field experiment was conducted to optimize forage production and water use efficiency (WUE) under dry land condition at the Agriculture Research Station of King Abdulaziz University located at Hada Al-Sham, Jeddah. Aim of the research was to produce the optimum forage production with the least amount of irrigation water in alfalfa and blue panic forage crops. To fulfill the above mentioned objective three irrigation systems (sprinkler, drip and sub-surface drip) were investigated using three water regimes namely: 100% water requirement (WR), 75%WR and 50 % WR. Under these treatments alfalfa and blue panic crops were investigated. Results revealed that, total water supply was increased along the growing season to reach its maximum in June, then decreased. Sub-surface drip produced the highest forage yield under fully water requirement (100% WR). Surface drip increased yield production under stress treatments (75% WR and 50% WR) while sprinkler system produced the least forage yield. Under fully and stress treatments, blue panic produced higher forage yield than alfalfa. WUE was the best under subsurface drip followed by surface drip while the least was recorded in sprinkler irrigation. Published In: Wulfenia' Journal, , Vol. 22:, (2), , PP 1-17. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) page 1 / 1
BIS Working Papers No 6 66 Bank Capital Allocation under Multiple Constraints

Banks allocate capital across business units while facing multiple constraints that may bind contemporaneously or only in future states. When risks rise or risk management strengthens, a bank reallocates capital to the more efficient unit. This unit would have generated higher constraintand risk-adjusted returns while satisfying a tightened constraint at the old capital allocation. Calibrated to US data, our model reveals that, when credit or market risk increases, market-making attracts capital and lending shrinks. Leverage constraints affect banks only when measured risks are low. At low credit risk, tighter leverage constraints may reduce market-making but support lending. JEL Codes: G21, G28, G3
Psychological Considerations of Body Image and Self-esteem as Correlates of Augmentation Mammoplasty and Breast Cancer in Women

Female breasts have been admired for a variety of reasons throughout the ages. This can influence a preoccupation with breast size. As a result, augmentation mammoplasty (AM) has become a soughtafter elective cosmetic procedure, especially in western culture. Research has confirmed the psychological benefits of AM, but it has also shown that some women with a self-perceived inadequate breast size who request AM can present with psychological problems. Likewise, authorities agree that the diagnosis of breast cancer which remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women worldwide, can have an adverse effect on women psychologically, and that the number of patients who live with the psychological sequelae of both the disease and its treatment continue to rise. Several factors relate to psychological distress in women coping with these issues. In particular, selfesteem and body image-related problems faced by women can add a burden to their psychological wellbeing. This article reviews some of these issues and psychological treatment options to enhance women’s adjustment in this regard.
Application of hurdles for extending the shelf life of fresh fruits

Received: 17/10/2013 Revised: 16/12/2013 Accepted: 17/12/2013 Abstract Fruits, when harvested have high moisture content and higher water activity that provides suitable ground for the growth of microorganisms. In addition, the biochemical and metabolic processes do not cease; though the fruit have left their parent plants. The processes such as respiration, senescence, and conversion of starch etc. contribute to the degradation process. Therefore, preservation of these fresh fruits becomes the top most priority for the producers, dealers and vendors. More than 100 methods are followed worldwide for preservation of different kinds and forms of foods. Most of these technologies aim at controlling the microbial growth for food safety, simultaneously altering the composition, colour, and taste of the produce. The likeness and public awareness for consumption of minimally processed or fresh like food has brought the concept of hurdle technology. The technology initially applied to meat preservation, has evolved into preservation of minimally processed foods, processed foods etc. This involves combination of two or more methods that act synergistically, like application of chlorine, ozone, chemical, ultrasound, hyperbaric pressure, active packaging/MAP, edible coating, electromagnetic waves in moderate doses and storage at suboptimal temperature and humidity, causing least damage to the quality parameters, thereby extending the shelf life of fresh fruits.
A Dynamical System for Governing Continuous , Sequential and Reactive Behaviors

In interaction with humans or movable objects, robots not only need to react to surprising information quickly, but they also need to synchronize their motions with the world, which can be done by introducing decision points (discrete state transitions), or by continuously adjusting the execution velocity. We present a novel dynamical system based on stable heteroclinic channel networks that can represent static, markovian states as well as continuous transitions between states in a compact and consistent state vector. This so-called phasestate machine can implement regular state machine semantics, but it additionally has the built-in capability to provide and adjust phases and blend consecutive movement primitives for smooth operation. In this paper, we investigate the dynamic properties, present examples for programming specific state machine semantics, and demonstrate the sequencing and mixing of continuous movement primitives.
Enhanced Energy Conversion of Z907-Based Solar Cells by Cucurbit[7]uril Macrocycles

A dye-sensitized solar cell was constructed on the basis of encapsulating the ruthenium polypyridyl photosensitizer Z907 in the macrocycle cucurbit[7]uril (CB7). The work focuses on the photophysical properties of the new host-guest complexes in acetonitrile and water (volume ratio 1:9) and on the top of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) electrode prior to the addition of poly(3-hexylthiophene) polymer and gold electrode. Complexation to CB7 in aqueous solutions has decreased the emission intensity and excited-state lifetime for metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) state at 650 nm by twofold because of collisional quenching, which opens a non-radiative deactivation channel. Similarly, a twofold decrease in the emission intensity and excited-state lifetime of MLCT at 750 nm on the top of TiO2 electrodes was observed with the addition of CB7. Encapsulation of Z907 dye to CB7 host has, also, led to fourfold enhancement in the short circuit current and power conversion efficiency of the final solar cell. The results support the premise that host-guest complexation of CB7 facilitates faster electron injection from Z907 dye into the conduction band of TiO2 electrodes.
Reduction of Mitophagy-Related Oxidative Stress and Preservation of Mitochondria Function Using Melatonin Therapy in an HT22 Hippocampal Neuronal Cell Model of Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity

Recent evidence indicates that autophagy-mediated mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial for oxidative stress-related brain damage and repair. The highest concentration of melatonin is in the mitochondria of cells, and melatonin exhibits well-known antioxidant properties. We investigated the impact and mechanism involved in mitochondrial function and the mitochondrial oxidative stress/autophagy regulator parameters of glutamate cytotoxicity in mouse HT22 hippocampal neurons. We tested the hypothesis that melatonin confers neuroprotective effects via protecting against mitochondrial impairment and mitophagy. Cells were divided into four groups: the control group, melatonin alone group, glutamate injury group, and melatonin pretreatment group. We found that glutamate induced significant changes in mitochondrial function/oxidative stress-related parameters. Leptin administration preserved mitochondrial function, and this effect was associated with increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione (GSH), and mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased GSSG (oxidized glutathione) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Melatonin significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity of mitophagy via the Beclin-1/Bcl-2 pathway, which involves Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 proteins. The mitophagy inhibitor CsA corrected these glutamate-induce changes, as measured by the fluorescence intensity of Mitophagy-Tracker Red CMXROS, mitochondrial ROS, and mitochondrial membrane potential changes. These findings indicate that melatonin exerts neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity by reducing mitophagy-related oxidative stress and maintaining mitochondrial function.
Fighting the Fire: Mechanisms of Inflammatory Gene Regulation by the Glucocorticoid Receptor

For many decades, glucocorticoids have been widely used as the gold standard treatment for inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, their clinical use is limited by severe adverse effects such as insulin resistance, cardiometabolic diseases, muscle and skin atrophies, osteoporosis, and depression. Glucocorticoids exert their effects by binding to the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR), a ligand-activated transcription factor which both positively, and negatively regulates gene expression. Extensive research during the past several years has uncovered novel mechanisms by which the GR activates and represses its target genes. Genome-wide studies and mouse models have provided valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms of inflammatory gene regulation by GR. This review focusses on newly identified target genes and GR co-regulators that are important for its anti-inflammatory effects in innate immune cells, as well as mutations within the GR itself that shed light on its transcriptional activity. This research progress will hopefully serve as the basis for the development of safer immune suppressants with reduced side effect profiles.
A Phase Ib Study of the Combination of Personalized Autologous Dendritic Cell Vaccine, Aspirin, and Standard of Care Adjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Nivolumab for Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma—A Proof of Antigen Discovery Feasibility in Three Patients

Despite the promising therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), most patients with solid tumors treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy do not achieve objective responses, with most tumor regressions being partial rather than complete. It is hypothesized that the absence of pre-existing antitumor immunity and/or the presence of additional tumor immune suppressive factors at the tumor microenvironment are responsible for such therapeutic failures. It is therefore clear that in order to fully exploit the potential of PD-1 blockade therapy, antitumor immune response should be amplified, while tumor immune suppression should be further attenuated. Cancer vaccines may prime patients for treatments with ICB by inducing effective anti-tumor immunity, especially in patients lacking tumor-infiltrating T-cells. These “non-inflamed” non-permissive tumors that are resistant to ICB could be rendered sensitive and transformed into “inflamed” tumor by vaccination. In this article we describe a clinical study where we use pancreatic cancer as a model, and we hypothesize that effective vaccination in pancreatic cancer patients, along with interventions that can reprogram important immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment, can enhance tumor immune recognition, thus enhancing response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. We incorporate into the schedule of standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy adjuvant setting a vaccine platform comprised of autologous dendritic cells loaded with personalized neoantigen peptides (PEP-DC) identified through our own proteo-genomics antigen discovery pipeline. Furthermore, we add nivolumab, an antibody against PD-1, to boost and maintain the vaccine's effect. We also demonstrate the feasibility of identifying personalized neoantigens in three pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, and we describe their optimal incorporation into long peptides for manufacturing into vaccine products. We finally discuss the advantages as well as the scientific and logistic challenges of such an exploratory vaccine clinical trial, and we highlight its novelty.