Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of continuous electrical stimulation on development of human cardiomyocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells

Regeneration of cardiac tissue remains an ideal approach to restore cardiac function after myocardial infarction. The ability of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to differentiate into bona fide cardiomyocytes also provides a platform for cardiac disease modeling, drug discovery and pharmacological safety testing of new drugs. One of the major limitations for the use of cardiomyocytes derived from iPSCs is that they resemble fetal cardiomyocytes and are immature compared to adult cardiomyocytes. Considering that the developing heart grows in an electric field, we investigated whether electrical stimulation can promote maturation of cardiomyocytes derived from human iPSCs. Two-dimensional cultures of immature cardiomyocytes at day 22 post-differentiation were subjected to continuous electrical stimulation at 200 mV/mm for 7 days using a custom-made electrical stimulator. This long-term electrical stimulation significantly increased the percentage of cardiomyocytes with organized sarcomeres and promoted alignment of cardiomyocytes parallel to the electric field. Electrical stimulation also decreased the circularity index of cardiomyocytes suggesting a more rod-like morphology. In conclusion, long-term continuous electrical stimulation promotes maturation of cardiomyocytes derived from human iPSCs. Mature cardiomyocytes can better recapitulate the pathophysiological conditions of the human heart for more accurate disease modeling and drug testing. Mature cardiomyocytes can also provide a substrate for cardiac regeneration and repair by tissue engineering in the future.
Dairy cattle crossbreeding and milk production

Dairy cattle crossbreeding and milk production. The aim of this study is to compare the results of milk performance of purebred Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cows and their crossbreeds (PHF × SRB). Data for the analysis originated from the Polish Federation of Dairy Cattle Breeder and Producers – cows reports. The results indicate a positive infl uence of the breed on milk composition: fat, protein and dry matter content and somatic cell count. Purebred Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cows had signifi cantly higher (P ≤0.05) milk yield for both the 100 and 305 milking days. The milk production of crossbreeds cows is lower by 15.89%, at 100 days of lactation, and by 34.57% in the full lactation
Abstract PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ALKALIPHILIC ANAEROBIC ORGANOTROPHS IN A SERPENTINIZING SUBSURFACE HABITAT

PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ALKALIPHILIC ANAEROBIC ORGANOTROPHS IN A SERPENTINIZING SUBSURFACE HABITAT By Crystal R. George October 27, 2014 Director: Dr. Jeffrey McKinnon Department: Biology Microbial habitats in serpentinizing ultramafic rocks represent one of the largest, yet least understood portions of the biosphere, with potentially major consequences for global biogeochemical cycles. Serpentinization is a process where ultramafic rock is uplifted to Earth’s surface through tectonic activity, where it reacts with water to create a highly reducing environment rich in hydrogen, methane, and small abiogenic organic compounds. These compounds may serve as important sources of nutrients and energy to sustain microbial metabolism. While serpentinites can provide the energy to sustain microbial communities, the conditions created by serpentinization can be harsh and challenge the limits of microbial physiology in terms of extreme pH (>11), and availability of terminal electron acceptors. Ongoing culture-independent studies by our research group have identified bacterial taxa related to the order Clostridiales as important components of the highest pH, most reducing subsurface habitats. The goal of this project was to systematically analyze the nutrients necessary to sustain life in a serpentinizing subsurface habitat located on McLaughlin Natural Reserve near Lower Lake, CA. The research consisted of creating microcosm enrichment cultures to evaluate the distribution and environmental controls on Clostridiales species within a subsurface microbial
Bioavailability of Nutrients and Other Bioactive Components from Dietary Supplements Factors Influencing the Measurement of Bioavailability , Taking Calcium as a Model 1

For non-metabolizable supplemental nutrients, bioavailability is effectively equivalent to absorbability. Methods for measuring absorbability (balance, pharmacokinetic, tracer, urine increment, evoked physiological responses, and in vitro) are briefly characterized and their utility compared. When intrinsic labeling of a source is possible, tracer methods are generally the most accurate and precise, as well as often the least expensive. Factors influencing the measured end points of the various methods are described briefly. These include source factors such as pharmaceutic formulation, subject factors such as mucosal mass and the need status of the absorbing subject, and co-ingested factors such as other foods or food constituents. Extensive experience has shown that absorbability is difficult to predict from knowledge of the chemistry of the source, or even from the results of in vitro testing. Hence direct measurement of absorbability is essential to assure regulators and the general public that the source delivers what it promises. J. Nutr. 131: 1344S–1348S, 2001.
The Integrated Use Of Chemical And BiochemicalMarkers For Assessing The Effects Of The AegeanSea Oil Spill In The Galicia Coast (NW Spain)

The spatial distribution and temporal evolution of petrogenic and pyrolytic hydrocarbons in the Galicia coast (NW Spain), following the Aegean Sea oil spill, were investigated through a detailed study of hydrocarbon (fossil) markers in surface sediments and bivalves (mussels and clams). Sublethal responses in mussels were also assessed by the determination of several biomarkers such as the cytochrome P450 system, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Triterpane and sterane distributions were useful in tracing, respectively, the oil source and weathering (degradation) along the survey period (3, 6, 9, 12 and 34 months after the accident). Within the aromatic fraction, aromatized steranes were also useful source indicators and oil degradation was also evidenced by the decrease of certain methyl dibenzothiophene isomers. Combustion derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, produced in the tanker wreck, were widely distributed in the area and found to be more persistent than the petrogenic ones, although less bioavailable. A significant decline of the hydrocarbon contents was evident from 3 to 6 months. However, one year later, an incidental increase was observed in some bivalves, probably due to the resuspension of the subsurface polluted sediments by the winter stormy weather. Among the studied biomarkers, a significant induction of the cytochrome P450 content and lipid peroxidation was detected in mussels collected near the wreck point six months after the spillage. Besides the strong seasonality observed in some biomarkers, oxidative damage still persisted one year later.
Power Analysis, Sample Size, and Assessment of Statistical Assumptions—Improving the Evidential Value of Lighting Research

ABSTRACT The reporting of accurate and appropriate conclusions is an essential aspect of scientific research, and failure in this endeavor can threaten the progress of cumulative knowledge. This is highlighted by the current reproducibility crisis, and this crisis disproportionately affects fields that use behavioral research methods, as in much lighting research. A sample of general and topic-specific lighting research papers was reviewed for information about sample sizes and statistical reporting. This highlighted that lighting research is generally underpowered and, given median sample sizes, is unlikely to be able to reveal small effects. Lighting research most commonly uses parametric statistical tests, but assessment of test assumptions is rarely carried out. This risks the inappropriate use of statistical tests, potentially leading to type I and type II errors. Lighting research papers also rarely report measures of effect size, and this can hamper cumulative science and power analyses required to determine appropriate sample sizes for future research studies. Addressing the issues raised in this article related to sample sizes, statistical test assumptions, and reporting of effect sizes can improve the evidential value of lighting research.
Relating seafloor geomorphology to subsurface architecture: How mass‐transport deposits and knickpoint‐zones build the stratigraphy of the deep‐water Hikurangi Channel

Monitoring of modern deep‐water channels has revealed how migrating channel‐floor features generate and remove stratigraphy, improving understanding of how channel morphologies relate to their deposits. Here, seafloor and subsurface data are reconciled through an integrated study of high‐resolution bathymetry and three‐dimensional seismic data imaging a ca 150 km stretch of the trench‐axial Hikurangi Channel, offshore New Zealand. On the seafloor, terraced channel‐walls bound a flat, wide, channel‐floor, ornamented with three scales of features that increase then decrease in longitudinal gradient downstream, and widen downstream: cyclic‐steps, knickpoints and knickpoint‐zones (in increasing size). Mass‐transport deposits derived from channel‐wall collapse, are bordered by wide and flat reaches of channel‐floor upstream and by knickpoint‐zones (reaches containing multiple knickpoints) downstream. In the subsurface, recognition of ten seismofacies and five types of surface enables identification of four depositional elements: channel‐fill, sheet or terrace, levée, and mass‐transport deposits. Integration of subsurface and seafloor interpretations reveals that knickpoint‐zones initiate on the downstream margins of channel‐damming mass‐transport deposits; they migrate and incise through the mass‐transport deposits and weakly‐confined deposits formed upstream, as the channel tends towards equilibrium. Downstream of a knickpoint‐zone, a flat channel‐floor is bounded by newly‐formed terraces. Knickpoints migrate by eroding upstream and depositing downstream, generating filled concave‐up (cross‐sectional) surfaces in their wake. Within knickpoint‐zones, knickpoint‐generated surfaces are re‐incised by subsequently‐passing knickpoints to produce a composite bounding surface; this surface does not delineate the morphology of any palaeo‐conduit. The Hikurangi Channel’s subsurface architecture records the localized erosional response to mass‐transport deposit emplacement via knickpoint‐zone migration, showcasing how transient seafloor features can build channelized stratigraphy. This model provides an additional mechanism to conventional models of channel deposit formation through ‘cut‐and‐fill’ over long stretches of channel. These findings may aid subsurface interpretation in systems lacking a contemporary self‐analogue or with poor data coverage.
The Effect of Governance on FDI Inflows in ASEAN

This study examines the effect of governance on FDI inflows in ASEAN countries for the period 2002-2018 using the Worldwide Governance Indicator (WGI) index. This study uses a principal component analysis (PCA) method to reduce six WGI indexes and performs panel data regression analysis using fixed-effect GLS (cross-section weights). This study uses data from World Bank for FDI, WGI, and several control variables. The results of this study have provided empirical evidence that good governance is a very important key factor in encouraging FDI inflows to host countries. This study finds three governance elements that have a positive relationship with FDI inflows in ASEAN countries are the quality of regulations, rule of law, and control of corruption.
“Breaking the law” in dreams: Analysis of a long dream series

Nightmares in which the dreamer performs a criminal act and is terrified of being punished have been reported in the literature. Systematic studies of “breaking the law” within dreams, however, are still lacking. Within a long dream series of N = 11,808 dreams, 0.80% of the dreams included some criminal activity often associated with the fear of being arrested; rarely with the feeling of remorse. Studying this dream type offers an opportunity to shed light on the options concerning how dreams might be related to waking-life: thematic continuity, e.g., being dishonest in waking-life and being dishonest in dreams; emotional continuity, e.g., the fear of being found out in the dreams is related to waking-life worries about possible negative evaluations by others; and/or metaphorical continuity, “killing” as a metaphor for ending relationships. Thus, this pilot study provided hypotheses for more in-depth analyses of larger dream samples.
THE EFFECT OF THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS ON THE MARKET STRUCTURE: THE CASE OF THE TURKISH BANKING SECTOR

JEL Codes: D40, G21, L1. Abstract In this study, the market structure and competition level of the Turkish banking sector are investigated by employing a dynamic panel data method and using the data of the 2003-2018 period. For this purpose, within the framework of the non-structural Panzar-Rosse model, H statistical values were calculated for the period 2003-2018 and sub-periods 2003-2009 and 20102018 to investigate the effects of the Global Financial Crisis. According to the findings, the Turkish banking sector has a monopolistic competitive structure in the period of 2003-2018, in accordance with the classification in the literature. However, considering the structure of the Turkish banking sector, it can be stated that the sector has an oligopolistic structure. H statistical values also calculated for the 2003-2009 and 2010-2018 sub-periods that the level of competition in the sector is notably low, although the oligopolistic structure is maintained. Also, it is observed that the competition level of the sector decreased after the Global Financial Crisis, when the H statistics calculated for the two sub-periods are compared.
Microbubble-laden turbulent boundary layer investigation by Feature Tracking

In this paper we present results concerning the velocity statistics of a microbubble-laden turbulent boundary layer over a flat plate, and compare them with the corresponding statistics obtained for the single-phase (water) flow. The present work is part of an overall project on drag reduction by microbubbles, which includes experiments on towed plate and turbulent channel flow. The experiment discussed here have been carried out at a Reynolds number based on the momentum thickness of Re θ = 3700. The concentration of the microbubbles is approximately 0.1% at the measurement location. The histogram of the bubble diameter approaches a lognormal distribution with a peak at 0.2 mm, approximately twice the Kolmogorov microscale. Since the amount of the microbubbles is very small, as well as well their dimension, the measurements could be carried out by standard (2D) PIV technique. The images pairs have been analyzed with a Feature Tracking (FT) algorithm to obtain the velocity field, while classical image processing techniques have been used to characterize the bubble field in terms of bubble dimensions and centroid locations. The velocity statistics focus on the mean value and on turbulent fluctuations profiles. The ability of the used algorithm to directly provide the local velocity gradients is used to gather information also on the fluctuating spanwise vorticity. Bubbles are observed to accumulate in the buffer region independently on their dimension, resulting in a very inhomogeneous concentration distribution. This finding is to be correlated with the fact that the major changes in the mean streamwise velocity are observed only in the region 0 < y + < 50.
Analysis of Innovation, Proactive, and Risk Taking as Presentations of Entrepreneurial Orientation towards Business Success of Second and Third Generation Family Business in Indonesia

This study is aimed to analyze the effect of entrepreneurial orientation towards the business success of second and third generation family businesses in Indonesia. The entrepreneurship orientation covers three indicators namely innovation, proactive, and risk-taking abilitiy. This study used a cross-sectional design and conducted to 153 medium-scale family businesses that have run for 5 until 50 years and categorized as middle-scale business ran by the second and/or third generation family. Hypothesis testing was done using a multiple regression. The findings show that innovation and proactive have a significant and positive effect, while risk-taking ability has a negative and insignificant effect on the success of family businesses in Indonesia. This study offers an analysis of a unique entrepreneurial orientation, given the personality, family, ownership, and management system in family businesses in Indonesia are different from other countries. Besides, there are influences of technological advances that may interfere family businesses, particularly the family system, in Indonesia.
Growth, Mortality Parameters and Exploitation Rate of West African Ilisha ( Ilisha africana Bloch, 1795, Clupeidae) off Benin Coastal Waters (West Africa): Implications for Management and Conservation

West African Ilisha was the third most abundant species of Clupeidae off Benin coastal waters after Sardinella spp and Ethmalosa frimbriata. The fishing effort of these fisheries increased with a dominance of small-sized specimens in the catches. This paper allowed updating some demographic parameters and the exploitation rate of Ilisha africana collected between July 2013 and June 2014 from the coastal waters of Benin for management and conservation of these fisheries. The growth pattern showed a negative allometric growth with an abundance of small-sized specimens. The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) estimations were: L∞= 21.31 cm standard length; K = 1.20 year-1; and t0 = -0.138 year. The total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality rate (M) and fishing mortality rate (F) were 4.040 year-1, 2.27 year-1 and 1.77 year-1 respectively. The Z/K ratio was 3.667 and the exploitation rate (E = F/Z) was 0.44 showing an under exploitation of this species. The estimated potential longevity (tmax) was 2.5 years. In addition, the fisheries management should be devolved from the state to the local level to compel fishermen to take greater responsibility for the sustainability and conservation of the fisheries such as size-limit regulation by gradually increasing fishing gears mesh size.
Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE introduces a whole new way of understanding what a firm does. Porter's groundbreaking concept of the value chain disaggregates a company into 'activities', or the discrete functions or processes that represent the elemental building blocks of competitive advantage. Now an essential part of international business thinking, COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE takes strategy from broad vision to an internally consistent configuration of activities. Its powerful framework provides the tools to understand the drivers of cost and a company's relative cost position. Porter's value chain enables managers to isolate the underlying sources of buyer value that will command a premium price, and the reasons why one product or service substitutes for another. He shows how competitive advantage lies not only in activities themselves but in the way activities relate to each other, to supplier activities, and to customer activities. That the phrases 'competitive advantage' and 'sustainable competitive advantage' have become commonplace is testimony to the power of Porter's ideas. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE has guided countless companies, business school students, and scholars in understanding the roots of competition. Porter's work captures the extraordinary complexity of competition in a way that makes strategy both concrete and actionable.
Does Foreign Direct Investment Promote Growth? Panel Data and Time Series Evidence from Less Developed Countries, 1970-2002

The present study casts some doubt on the growth-promoting effect of foreign direct investment (FDI), which is widely supported by the proponents of financial globalization. The panel data analysis of 51 less developed countries shows a rising relationship between growth and FDI (relative to gross capital formation) only for the group of 11 relatively rich and open-economy countries. The time-series analysis observes meaningful positive relationships between FDI and growth only for 3 countries belonging to this group and some other countries. But by and large no long-term positive relationship exists between the two irrespective of income levels, openness and FDI-dependence.
Analysis of Young Driver Behaviour related to Road Safety Issues in Pakistan and Hungary

Young Driver behaviour plays a key role in road safety as it is important in traffic accident prevention. This study designed to develop an initial set of measures to observe young driver behaviour related to road traffic safety issues in different countries. Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) was designed to elicit useful information related to road safety from university students having driving licence. The main consideration taken on drivers attitudes towards traffic safety issues were failing to comply with a traffic light signal, failing to wear the seat belt, disregard the speed limits, failing to use personal intelligent driver assistant, failing to yield pedestrian, driving too close, frequently changing lanes, risk due to encroachments, failing to apply brakes, problems of mixed traffic and sounds horn in annoyance. Several differences in driving attitudes between Pakistan and Hungary drivers were identified. The utilization of observed measures provided richer information about deviant young driver behaviour. The analysis of the young drivers’ perception on traffic safety issues quantify significant factors associated with them. From comparative studies of questionnaire data, it was noticed that Budapest drivers appear more disciplined than Islamabad drivers. But still there are some important young driver attitudes in both countries which need improvements for safe movements on the road.
APOGEE Chemical Abundances of the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy

The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment provides the opportunity of measuring elemental abundances for C, N, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni in vast numbers of stars. We analyze thechemical-abundance patterns of these elements for 158 red giant stars belonging to the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy (Sgr). This is the largest sample of Sgr stars with detailed chemical abundances, and it is the first time that C, N, P, K, V, Cr, Co, and Ni have been studied at high resolution in this galaxy. We find that the Sgr stars with [Fe/H] ≳ −0.8 are deficient in all elemental abundance ratios (expressed as [X/Fe]) relative to the Milky Way, suggesting that the Sgr stars observed today were formed from gas that was less enriched by Type II SNe than stars formed in the Milky Way. By examining the relative deficiencies of the hydrostatic (O, Na, Mg, and Al) and explosive (Si, P, K, and Mn) elements, our analysis supports the argument that previous generations of Sgr stars were formed with a top-light initial mass function, one lacking the most massive stars that would normally pollute the interstellar medium with the hydrostatic elements. We use a simple chemical-evolution model, flexCE, to further support our claim and conclude that recent stellar generations of Fornax and the Large Magellanic Cloud could also have formed according to a top-light initial mass function.