Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atomistic modelling of quantum diffusion in metals

Most theories of quantum diffusion start from model Hamiltonians. The diffusion rates are calculated in terms of parameters such as an effective tunnelling frequency. Often low temperature expansions are used. In this paper we present a calculation of diffusion rates from given interatomic interactions. The approximations leading to the model description are discussed and their breakdown with increasing temperature is shown. The experimental diffusion rates for H in Nb are reproduced by a parameter free calculation.
Dynamics of heat-shock proteins, metabolic and endocrine responses during increasing temperature humidity index (THI) in lactating Hariana (Zebu) cattle

ABSTRACT The present experiment was aimed to study the dynamics of different heat stress responses with increasing stress levels in terms of temperature humidity index (THI) during summer season (April–July). Six lactating Hariana cows were used in the study. Physiological responses were recorded and blood samples were collected fortnightly for the estimation of plasma analytes. THI during the experiment ranged between 73 and 87. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in respiratory rate and pulse rate was observed at a THI of 78 and 80, respectively, whereas milk production declined significantly (p < 0.001) only at THI of 81 and above. HSP70 and HSP90 increased significantly (p < 0.05) and reached at zenith at a THI of 78 and 80 respectively. Cortisol level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher only at a THI of 82 and thereafter declined significantly (p < 0.05). Similarly, total antioxidative capacity increased significantly (p < 0.05) at a THI of 85 only. It can be concluded that in response to heat stress, HSP70 showed a single peak and thereafter declined to normal levels; however, during decreased HSP70 levels, cellular protection against heat stress was taken up by increase in HSP90 levels.
IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF BUFFALO EMBRYOS

In vitro embryo production (IVEP) is a low cost alternative to in vivo transferable embryo production. Despite similar maturation rate, a low cleavage rate and post cleavage development was observed in buffalo compared to cattle. Previously, efforts have been made to optimize and develop IVF technique for buffalo in Pakistan. The present study is a step forward with the hypothesis to optimize IVM/IVC system for abattoir derived oocytes of Nili Ravi buffalo. To evaluate an in vitro defined system (serum free) for maturation of buffalo oocytes, three types of media were compared. Expansion of COCs after in vitro maturation was higher (P < 0.05) in media supplemented with fetal calf serum (68.2 ± 1.7) and FAF-BSA+EGF (65.1 ± 2.0) compared with that having FAF-BSA alone (54.3 ± 1.3). Different stages of nuclear maturation remained similar (P > 0.05) in three media. Embryos crossing 8-16 cell stage and reaching up to 32 cell stage (morula) after IVC was lower (P < 0.05) in media supplemented with FAFBSA (7.7 ± 1.2), however in FAF-BSA+EGF supplemented treatment groups (14.1 ± 1.0), embryo development was improved (statistically non significant) and was comparable (P > 0.05) with development in media supplemented with FCS (17.8 ± 0.7). Comparison of in vitro culture systems (M199 alone, SOF alone, M199 cocultured, M199 Conditioned, SOF co-cultured and SOF Conditioned) showed higher embryos reaching to morula stage in SOF co-cultured (27.3 ± 1.8) compared to M199 alone (7.7 ±
Riboflavin metabolism: role in mitochondrial function

Riboflavin, known as vitamin B2, a water-soluble vitamin, is an essential nutrient in vertebrates, hence adequate dietary intake is imperative. Riboflavin plays a role in a variety of metabolic pathways, serving primarily as an integral component of its crucial biologically active forms, the flavocoenzymes flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin mononucleotide. These flavocoenzymes ensure the functionality of numerous flavoproteins including dehydrogenases, oxidases, monooxygenases, and reductases, which play pivotal roles in mitochondrial electron transport chain, β-oxidation of fatty acids, redox homeostasis, citric acid cycle, branched-chain amino acid catabolism, chromatin remodeling, DNA repair, protein folding, and apoptosis. Unsurprisingly, impairment of flavin homeostasis in humans has been linked to various diseases including neuromuscular and neurological disorders, abnormal fetal development, and cardiovascular diseases. This review presents an overview of riboflavin metabolism, its role in mitochondrial function, primary and secondary flavocoenzyme defects associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and the role of riboflavin supplementation in these conditions.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FATIGUE AND DRIVING PERFORMANCE: A REVIEW AND DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to review the empirical studies conducted on the relationship between fatigue and driving performance in different fields and its applicability in Malaysias oil and gas industry. Methods: We investigated the relationship between driving fatigue and driving performance by reviewing published works on the subject matter in the past studies. We then highlighted the various kinds of fatigue that influence driving performance with indications of past works and future directions. Results: It was found that the previous studies have empirically and otherwise confirmed the existing relationship between driving fatigue and driving performance. However, some crucial areas contributing to the performance of drivers have not been thoroughly examined thus requiring further investigation, particularly with the use of a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-192). The knowledge derived could facilitate the productivity and cost-effectiveness of the oil and gas sector as the relationship between fatigue and driving performance has been noted to be different across sectors. Conclusions: The existing knowledge points to the need to study factors that lead to fatigue in order to enhance the driving performance of the drivers serving the Malaysian oil and gas transportation companies. The factors may be considered in proposing a framework for monitoring and improving the performance of the drivers of oil and gas tankers in an effort to reduce the rate of road accidents.
Transcript expression-aware annotation improves rare variant discovery and interpretation

The acceleration of DNA sequencing in patients and population samples has resulted in unprecedented catalogues of human genetic variation, but the interpretation of rare genetic variants discovered using such technologies remains extremely challenging. A striking example of this challenge is the existence of disruptive variants in dosage-sensitive disease genes, even in apparently healthy individuals. Through manual curation of putative loss of function (pLoF) variants in haploinsufficient disease genes in the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD)(1), we show that one explanation for this paradox involves alternative mRNA splicing, which allows exons of a gene to be expressed at varying levels across cell types. Currently, no existing annotation tool systematically incorporates this exon expression information into variant interpretation. Here, we develop a transcript-level annotation metric, the proportion expressed across transcripts (pext), which summarizes isoform quantifications for variants. We calculate this metric using 11,706 tissue samples from the Genotype Tissue Expression project(2) (GTEx) and show that it clearly differentiates between weakly and highly evolutionarily conserved exons, a proxy for functional importance. We demonstrate that expression-based annotation selectively filters 22.8% of falsely annotated pLoF variants found in haploinsufficient disease genes in gnomAD, while removing less than 4% of high-confidence pathogenic variants in the same genes. Finally, we apply our expression filter to the analysis of de novo variants in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disorders and intellectual disability (DD/ID) to show that pLoF variants in weakly expressed regions have effect sizes similar to those of synonymous variants, while pLoF variants in highly expressed exons are most strongly enriched among cases versus controls. Our annotation is fast, flexible, and generalizable, making it possible for any variant file to be annotated with any isoform expression dataset, and will be valuable for rare disease diagnosis, rare variant burden analyses in complex disorders, and curation and prioritization of variants in recall-by-genotype studies.
Anthropomorphic Calcaneus Phantom for Microwave Bone Imaging Applications

Recent studies have found a significant dielectric contrast between healthy and osteoporotic human trabecular bones. This dielectric contrast can be exploited by microwave imaging for monitoring human bone health. The tissue-mimicking phantoms play a vital role in preclinical testing of the microwave imaging system. This paper presents anatomically realistic multi-layered 3D-printed and carbon black-based human calcaneus structure. The liquid and solid based tissue-mimicking mixtures are also proposed to mimic the dielectric properties of skin, muscle, cortical bone, and trabecular bone. The liquid tissue-mimicking mixtures are composed of Triton X-100, water, and salt, whereas the solid tissue-mimicking mixtures are composed of carbon black, graphite, polyurethane, and isopropanol. The dielectric properties of the tissue-mimicking mixtures were measured using an open-ended coaxial probe measurement technique across 0.5–8.5 GHz. The average percentage difference between the relative permittivity and conductivity of reference data and proposed liquid tissue-mimicking mixtures was found to be 7.8% and 9.6% for skin, 0.38% and 14% for muscle, 9.6% and 5% for cortical bone, and 3.4% and 2.4% for trabecular bone, respectively, across 0.5–8.5 GHz. For solid tissue-mimicking mixtures, this difference was found to be 3.93% and 0.64% for skin, 6.13% and 9.21% for cortical bone, and 10.66% and 41.82% for trabecular bone, respectively for relative permittivity and conductivity. The proposed tissue-mimicking mixtures along with 3D-printed structures can be used as a valuable test platform for microwave bone imaging system development.
Spreading the disease: The role of culture

This paper investigates the “cultural” transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.Using West Germany data we observe that in predominantly Catholic regions with stronger social and family ties, the spread and the resulting deaths per capita were much higher compared to non-Catholic ones at the NUTS-3 level. This finding could help explain the rapid spread and high death toll of the virus in some European countries compared to others in the initial stage. Looking at differences within a specific country in a well identified setting eliminates biases due to different social structures, healthcare systems, specific policies and measures, and testing procedures for the virus that can confound estimates and hinder comparability across countries. Further,we use individual level data as well as Apple mobility data to investigate potential mechanisms. The results highlight the cultural dimension of the spread and could suggest the implementation of targeted mitigation measures in light of disease outbreaks
Unsteady Simulations of a Trailing-Edge Slot Using Machine-Learnt Turbulence Stress and Heat-Flux Closures

The trailing edge slot is a canonical representation of the pressure-side bleed flow encountered in high pressure turbines. Predicting the flow and temperature downstream of the slot exit remains challenging for RANS and URANS, with both significantly overpredicting the adiabatic wall-effectiveness. This over-prediction is attributable to the incorrect mixing prediction in cases where the vortex shedding is present. In case of RANS the modelling error is rooted in not properly accounting for the shedding scales while in URANS the closures account for the shedding scales twice, once by resolving the shedding and twice with the model for all the scales. Here, we present an approach which models only the stochastic scales that contribute to turbulence while resolving the scales that do not, i.e. scales considered as contributing to deterministic unsteadiness. The model for the stochastic scales is obtained through a data-driven machine learning algorithm, which produces a bespoke turbulence closure model from a high-fidelity dataset. We use the best closure (blowing ratio of 1.26) for the anisotropy obtained in the a priori study of Lav, Philip & Sandberg [A New Data-Driven Turbulence Model Framework for Unsteady Flows Applied to Wall-Jet and Wall-Wake Flows, 2019] and conduct compressible URANS calculations. In the first stage, the energy equation is solved utilising the standard gradient diffusion hypothesis for the heat-flux closure. In the second stage, we develop a bespoke heat-flux closure using the machine-learning approach for the stochastic heat-flux components only. Subsequently, calculations are performed using the machine-learnt closures for the heat-flux and the anisotropy together. Finally, the generalisability of the developed closures is evaluated by testing them on additional blowing ratios of 0.86 and 1.07. The machine-learnt closures developed specifically for URANS calculations show significantly improved predictions for the adiabatic wall-effectiveness across the different cases.
Effects of Feeding High Quality Roughage (Timothy Hay) during Growing Period on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Hanwoo Steers

Effects of feeding high quality roughage (timothy hay) in growing period on growth performance and carcass characteristics during 24 month (5 month from 28 month to) in twenty of Hanwoo steers were investigated. The hanwoo steers were randomly allotted to 2 treatments (10 heads/treatment) ; rice straw group (control) and timothy hay group (treatment). The final body weights of rice straw group and timothy hay group on 28 month were 667.70 kg and 681.75kg, respectively. The daily gain of total period was slightly higher in timothy hay group (0.83kg ) than in rice straw group (0.81 kg). The daily roughage intake in the growing period was tended to be higher in timothy hay group (4.27kg ) than rice straw group (3.80 kg). The carcass grades (yield grade and quality grade) and Longissimus dorsi area were significantly higher in timothy hay group (, 2.02 and 2.20 point) than in rice straw group (, 2.00 and 1.60 point respectively) (p
Syndicate Structure, Primary Allocations, and Secondary Market Outcomes in Corporate Bond Offerings

We study corporate bond offerings, including underwriting syndicate structure, primary placement transactions, and secondary market outcomes. Syndicate structure and allocations vary with issue complexity and risk, and across investment grade and high yield issues. The syndicate “overallocates” deals with weaker anticipated demand, particularly for high yield issues, even though bond offerings do not include a “Greenshoe” option. The syndicate incurs trading losses on short-covering secondary market purchases of overallocated issues, and are compensated by higher commissions. Secondary market liquidity is better for overallocated issues, which also appreciate less in the aftermarket, i.e., are less underpriced, despite syndicate purchases.
BAP and IBA pulsing for in vitro multiplication of banana cultivars through shoot-tip culture

The study was undertaken with a view to establish a protocol for in vitro plant regeneration from shoot tip explants of banana. Different concentrations of BAP (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 mg/l) and IBA (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 mg/l) was used in MS medium to assess the influence on in vitro shoot regeneration and subsequent root formation of Amritasagar and Sabri banana cultivars. Maximum single shoot formation (50.0% and 30.0%), number of single shoot (3.50 and 2.00 in), longest shoot (2.64 cm and 2.16 cm) were found from 0.5 mg/l BAP while maximum number of roots (3.83 and 2.50) and longest root (3.60 cm and 3.10 cm) was found from 0.3 mg/l IBA in Amritasagar and Sabri respectively. The survival of the plantlets of both cultivars was more than 82% under ex vitro condition. 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.3 mg/l IBA can be used with MS media for shoot and root formation of Amritasagar and Sabri banana cultivars through shoot tip culture.
Diffusional and chemical control in the tyrosine kinase network of platelet CLEC-2 signalling

C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) is platelet membrane glycoprotein implicated in maintenance of blood vessel integrity and development of lymphatics. Organization and regulation of tyrosine kinase signalling network associated with CLEC-2 is poorly understood. Here we aimed to investigate CLEC-2 signal transduction using computational systems biology methods in combination with experimental approaches. We developed a 3D/stochastic multicompartmental computational model of CLEC-2 signalling, which was built around membrane-associated signalosome formation. The model predicted that both Syk and Src-family kinases phosphorylate CLEC-2, and that CLEC-2 ligation induces cytosolic calcium spiking. This was experimentally confirmed using flow cytometry and TIRF microscopy, respectively. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the CLEC-2 translocation to the signalosome region is one of the rate-limiting steps in the signal transduction process. In agreement with this prediction, CLEC-2-induced platelet activation was strongly temperature-dependent (unlike that mediated by G-protein coupled receptors) and was delayed by lipid raft disruption. Our results suggest a revised picture of the CLEC-2 signal transduction network functioning that emphasizes the crucial role of lipid raft structural rearrangement followed by tyrosine kinase feedback interplay.
Effect of soil properties and nutrient status on Eucalyptus tereticornis based agroforestry system in India.

tereticornis based agroforestry system in India Tarun Kumar1*, K.K. Bhardwaj1, Prashant Kaushik2,3* Department of Forestry, 1CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004 Haryana, India2 2Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain 3Nagano University, 1088 Komaki, Ueda, Nagano 386-0031, Japan * Correspondence:tarunsingh.tarun88@gmail.com; prakau@doctor.upv. es ABSTRACT Here an investigation regarding soil characteristics under Eucalyptus tereticornis agroforestry at two depths (up to 30cm and 30 to 60cm), was carried out at Research Farm of the Department of Forestry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2019. Samples were gathered at a distance of 5, 10, 15, and 20 m from the E. tereticornis plantation. We analyzed the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), natural substance (OM), P, K and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn). With an alkaline pH, the organic matter was deficient in both depths. In micronutrients, Zn was inadequate at both depths, Cu was marginal at up to 30 cm, Fe was deficient at both depths; Mn was inadequate at up to 30 cm thirty cm as well as marginal at 60 cm depth.
Acute stressor alters inter-species microbial competition for resistant starch-supplemented medium

ABSTRACT Gut microbiome community dynamics are maintained by complex microbe-microbe and microbe-host interactions, which can be disturbed by stress. In vivo studies on the dynamics and manipulation of those interactions are costly and slow, but can be accelerated using in vitro fermentation. Herein, in vitro fermentation was used to determine how an acute stressor, a sudden change in diet, impacts inter-bacterial species competition for resistant starch-supplemented medium (RSM). Fermentation vessels were seeded with fecal samples collected from 10 individuals consuming a habitual diet or U.S. military rations for 21 days. Lactobacillus spp. growth in response to RSM was attenuated following ration consumption, whereas growth of Ruminococcus bromii was enhanced. These differences were not evident in the pre-fermentation samples. Findings demonstrate how incorporating in vitro fermentation into clinical studies can increase understanding of stress-induced changes in nutrient-microbiome dynamics, and suggest that sudden changes in diet may impact inter-species competition for substrates.
Effects of time and temperature on blood gas and electrolytes in equine venous blood

This study aimed to evaluate the viability time of horse venous blood samples kept at laboratory temperature (LT) and in water with ice (WI), to perform blood gas analysis. Eleven blood samples were collected in duplicates from 10 healthy horses. The samples were transported to the laboratory and subjected to one of the 24 h storage method. Each pair of syringes was distinctly kept at LT or submerged in WI. Blood gas tests were performed at times T0h, T1h, T2h, T3h, T4h, T5h, T6h, T8h, T10h, T12h and T24h after collection. Analyses of electrolytes were also performed from the same samples. A difference in blood pH was found between the treatments (P < 0.05). From T4h, pH decreased in samples kept at LT, but in WI, pH did not change. For partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), a difference between treatments (P < 0.05) was noted starting at T8h. In samples kept at LT, pCO2 increased; no changes occurred in samples stored in WI. There was a decrease in the base concentration beginning at T5h in samples kept at LT (P < 0.05), but no variation in samples kept in WI. These changes can be attributed to the erythrocyte metabolism, still active in vitro, which generates lactic acid from anaerobic glycolysis. The potassium concentration increased in samples kept in WI from T4h, with a gradual increase until T24h. Conservation of equine venous blood samples in WI is efficient in reducing cellular metabolism, thereby increasing the viability of samples for examination and interpretation of results.
Morphological characterization of varieties of Chenopodium quinoa cultivated in the department of Boyacá, Colombia

In the department of Boyaca, seeds of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. are planted, which correspond to a mixture of varieties, producing different grain sizes and saponin concentrations, affecting the quality and yield of the derived products, and therefore their commercialization, whenever the buyer requires it for a certain purpose, sweet varieties for bakeries or with high contents of saponin for the detergent industry. The objective was to compare the morphological characters, to identify the six varieties, according to the constant and conspicuous characteristics, as well as physiological parameters in the reproductive and vegetative stages. Observations were made in the different stages of development; in seeds, germination tests were made, the diameter and weight were measured; In the seedling stage, the total height, hypocotyl length, cotyledon lamina length and changes in red pigmentation were determined, qualitatively evaluated by direct observation. In adult plants, reproductive and vegetative characters were reviewed. A taxonomic key was proposed for the identification of the varieties. Blanca Real recorded the highest germination percentage (98%). Amarilla Marangani presented the seeds with the greatest weight and diameter and the longest cotyledons. The height of the Black and Piartal seedlings was below the other varieties. Blanca de Jerico, Blanca Real and Piartal presented weak reddish colorations in the hypocotyl and cotyledons. The identification of each variety will result in better products for growers, marketers, and processors.
Cardiac Manifestations Of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronaviruses are a large family of single positive-stranded, enveloped RNA viruses that can infect many animal species and humans Human coronaviruses can be divided based on their pathogenicity The types with high pathogenicity including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and current novel SARS-CoV2 [1] Cross-species transmission is the most likely model of the initial transmission from bat to human The initial transfer believed to have happened in Wuhan, China [2][3]