Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allopurinol Suppresses Azoxymethane-Induced Colorectal Tumorigenesis in C57BL/KsJ-db/db Mice

Obesity and related metabolic disorders, including chronic inflammation and enhanced oxidative stress, are closely associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Previous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that increased serum uric acid is associated with the risk for various types of cancer, including colon cancer. This study examined the effects of a xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol, widely used as a uric acid lowering medicine, on colorectal tumorigenesis in obese mice. Male C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were injected with azoxymethane (15 mg/kg body weight) and then received drinking water containing allopurinol (30 mg/kg body weight) for fourteen weeks. At the time of sacrifice, allopurinol treatment significantly inhibited the development of colonic premalignant lesions. In the allopurinol-treated group, cellular proliferation in colonic mucosa was significantly suppressed, which was evaluated by the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Allopurinol also inhibited macrophage infiltration in the adipose tissue and decreased the serum level of TNF-α. The values of oxidative stress markers were markedly decreased in the allopurinol-treated group compared to those in the control group. These findings suggest that allopurinol attenuated chronic inflammation and decreased oxidative stress, preventing the development of colonic pre-neoplastic lesions in obesity-associated colon tumorigenesis model.
Transition to comfort-focused care: Moral agency of acute care nurses

Background: Moving into the last phase of life comprises a developmental transition with specific needs and risks. Facilitating transitions is an important component of the work of nurses. When curative interventions are no longer helpful, nurses enact key roles in caring for patients and families. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of registered nurses in acute care settings as they worked with patients and families to facilitate transition to comfort-focused care. Research design: Sampling, data collection, and data analysis were guided by constructivist grounded theory, chosen because of its strength in identifying and explicating social processes. Participants and context: A purposeful sample of 26 registered nurses working in acute care hospitals in one community in the northeastern United States participated in this study through semi-structured interviews. Ethical considerations: The study received approval from the university’s Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects. Participants provided informed consent. Findings: Nurses facilitated transition to comfort-focused care by enacting their moral commitments to patients and families. They focused on building relationships, honoring patient self-determination, and maintaining respect for personhood. In this context, they discerned a need for transition, opened a discussion, and used diverse strategies to facilitate achieving consensus on the part of patients, family members, and care providers. Regardless of how the process unfolded, nurses offered support throughout. Discussion: Achievement of consensus by all stakeholders is critical in the transition to comfort-focused care. This study deepens our understanding of how nurses as moral agents utilize specific strategies to assist progress toward consensus. It also offers an example of recognizing the moral agency of nurses through listening to their voices. Conclusion: Increased understanding of effective nursing strategies for facilitating transition to comfort-focused care is essential for developing needed evidence for excellent care and strengthening end-of-life nursing education.
A CheCklist of the liverworts (MArChAntiophytA) And hornworts (AnthoCerotophytA) of floridA

A study of the literature and collections in herbaria yields 27 families, 53 genera, and 167 species and infraspecies of hepatics and hornworts (Marchantiophyta and Anthocerotophyta) from the state of florida. Most species (44%) have distributions in the n orthern h emisphere, 42% tropical, 10% widespread, and 4% endemic to f lorida. t wenty-four dubious and excluded taxa are listed.
The role of Wnt signaling pathway in mammalian retinal development

Intercellular communication via secreted signaling molecules is essential for the generation of a normally patterned central nervous system (CNS). The mammalian retina, which is neuroectoderm derived, is an excellent model system in which to study signaling events in patterning, cell proliferation and diversification in the CNS. Although the identity and function of some signaling molecules that regulate retinal development are known, the function of many others, especially members of the Wnt family, has yet to be well characterized. Wnt ligands have been established as critical regulators of multiple developmental processes in a variety of organs and tissues during embryogenesis. To ascertain the function of Wnt signaling in the context of retinal development, I examined the expression of Wnt pathway components in the mouse neural retina. I showed that Wnt2b (formerly known as Wntl3), Wnt receptors and Wnt antagonists are expressed within and adjacent to the distal part of the eyecup, the ciliary margin (CM). (3-gal staining in the eyes of TCF/Lef-LacZ mice, a canonical Wnt pathway reporter mouse strain, revealed the highest level of reporter activity in the CM throughout retinal development. Thus, I hypothesized that canonical Wnt signaling plays a role in the specification and formation of the CM and its derivatives. To test the above hypothesis, I used several approaches to activate Wnt signaling in retinal explants from TCF/Lef-LacZ reporter mice. Ectopic expression of Wnt2b did not activate Wnt reporter activity, while over expression of Wnt3a, a well-characterized
Assessing and Managing Large‐Scale Geochemical Impacts From Groundwater Replenishment With Highly Treated Reclaimed Wastewater

Reuse of wastewater through a combination of advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) and managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is an important water management option. As an integral part of any AWT‐MAR system, the geochemical compatibility of the recharged water with the targeted aquifer must be assessed to avoid groundwater quality deterioration. Although short‐term field experiments may uncover potentially concerning sediment‐water disequilibria, an advanced analysis is often required to understand the long‐term geochemical impacts of large‐scale MAR. Here, we develop and apply a pragmatic approach to upscale and verify the previously derived local‐scale geochemical understanding to the spatial and temporal scale required for assessing and managing large‐scale and long‐term impacts resulting from the recharge of AWT‐processed water. We use Australia's largest MAR scheme, in which aerobic, purified water is injected into deep, anaerobic, pyritic aquifers as an illustrative example. In this case, the local‐scale understanding was derived from a comprehensive field trial and the interpretation of the data through a trial‐scale high‐resolution reactive transport model (RTM). Based on (i) the trial‐scale RTM, (ii) new data from the early phase of the full‐scale MAR, and (iii) downscaling of an existing, regional‐scale flow model, we developed an upscaled RTM to assess two critical issues for the large‐scale groundwater replenishment of Perth deep aquifers, that is, the sustainability of native pH buffering processes and the dynamics of fluoride release and attenuation. In a final step we illustrate how the upscaled RTM can be applied to assess how changes in the AWT affect long‐term groundwater pH changes.
Glomalin contribution to soil organic carbon under different pasture managements in a saline soil environment

ABSTRACT The glomalin produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi has beneficial effects on soils. We studied the vertical profile of glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) in pasturelands grown under saline soils and exposed to different management practices. Treatments included haying and grazing of Chloris gayana subject to either N-fertilization or not. We measured mycorrhizal colonization, spores, root biomass, total GRSP, GRSP-carbon (GRSP-C), organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN). In the meanwhile, we also developed a mathematical procedure to fit continuous power functions to binned soil data. Power decay functions adjusted excellently well the measured data across the 1-meter soil profile. Meaningful increases of root biomass, OC, TN, GRSP and GRSP-C values were associated with grazing and fertilization. Particularly, GRSP-C averaged 1,134 kg C ha−1 at the beginning experiments and increased significantly up to 1,261 kg C ha−1 in grazed and fertilized pastures at the end of the study period. Carbon accounted for between 17% and 50% of GRSP, representing in turn 0.52–1.62% of SOC stock. So, a tropical perennial grass can contribute to the carbon stock in saline soils by promoting production of GRSP. This contribution increases when inputs and cycling of nutrients are enhanced (grazing and N-fertilization).
Phylogenetic Patterns of Genus Megophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Java and Sumatra

The emergence of Java and Sumatra islands at the end of Miocene, has impact to the diversity of fauna that living in the islands. Amphibia, as one of a genetic information series, can be used as a good phylogenetic comparison. Genus Megophrys (Anura: Megophryidae), is a member of amphibians that live isolated at an altitude of 1000 ASL (Above Sea Level) or more. The purpose of this research is to analyze the phylogenetic patterns of genus Megophrys in Java and Sumatra based on the analysis of 16s rRNA gene. We also analyzed the zoogeography to understand the history of relationship and the establishment of these islands. We took samples on 12 localities: 10 areas of Sumatra and 2 areas of Java. We used Qiamp Blood and Tissue Kit to extract the DNA from tissues. Qualitative analysis of DNA was done by running electrophoresis on 1% agarose gel. Qualitative analysis of DNA was done by running electrophoresis on 1% agarose gel. Results show that Clade A has 2 subclasses: I and II. Subclade I consists of Sumatran specimens, whereas subclade II consists of Javanese specimens. Subclaude I and II have paraphyletic connections. Clade B classified as politomy clade consists of Megophrys sp. from West Pasaman, Megophry s sp. from West Sumatra and Megophrys sp. from Pasawaran, Lampung. The result shows that Megophrys sp. of subclade I (clade A) and clade B, belongs to the same group, both of them were originated from Sumatra. Megophrys sp. subclade I (clade A) originated from Tanggamus (Lampung) and West Lampung (Lampung) separated with 2 species of Megophrys sp. of clade B originated from Pasawaran (Lampung). Keywords: 16s rRNA, Java, Megohprys , Sumatra, zoogeography
Postcollection Separation of Plastic Recycling and Design-For-Recycling as Solutions to Low Cost-Effectiveness and Plastic Debris

In the Netherlands, plastic waste recycling is high on the policy agenda. Much effort is made to recycle, mostly by residents, who separate plastic waste at home. However, much of the separated waste is not recycled into new products. Substantial amounts are burned or even shipped to Asia. This leads to substantial plastic debris, as recent evidence has shown. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of plastic recycling versus incineration is very low. Based on evidence from the north of the Netherlands, postcollection or mechanical separation can be a viable alternative as more useful plastics are separated and there are indications that different plastic streams are of higher polymeric purity. Furthermore, there is some circumstantial evidence that cost-effectiveness increases if postseparation is chosen. To avoid large streams of mixed plastics that are barely recyclable, it is important that further agreements with the packaging industry are made to phase out these mixed plastics and further increase the polymeric purity of different plastic waste streams.
Preprocessing methods for near‐infrared spectrum calibration

Spectrum preprocessing is an essential component in the near‐infrared (NIR) calibration. However, it has mostly been configured arbitrarily in the literature and calibration applications. In this paper, a systematic evaluation framework was proposed to quantify the effect of preprocessing, where repeated cross‐validation and evaluation are involved. As many as 108 preprocessing schemes were gathered from the literature and were tested on 26 different NIR calibration problems. Using the evaluation framework, appropriate schemes can be found for several datasets, reducing the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) by 50%–60% compared with using the raw spectrum. However, the influence of preprocessing is highly data‐dependent, and no universal solution could be found. Taking the effectiveness and correlation into consideration, Savitzky‐Golay (SG), SG1D, and SG1D + vector normalization (VN)(/standard normal variate [SNV]) are worth testing first. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity at both the dataset level and sample level demonstrated the necessity of a complete evaluation. Our scripts are available at https://github.com/jiaoyiping630/spectrum-preprocessing.
Probabilistic Studies on the Shear Strength of Slender Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Structures

Shear failure is a brittle and undesirable mode of failure in reinforced concrete structures. Many of the existing shear design equations for steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams include significant uncertainty due to the failure in accurately predicting the true shear capacity. Given these, adequate quantification and description of model uncertainties considering the systematic variation in the model prediction and measured shear capacity is crucial for reliability-based investigation. Reliability analysis must account for model uncertainties in order to predict the probability of failure under prescribed limit states. This study focuses on the quantification and description of model uncertainty related to the current shear resistance predictive models for SFRC beams without shear reinforcement. The German (DAfStB) model displayed the lowest bias and dispersion, whereas the fib Model 2010 and the Bernat et al., model displayed the highest bias and dispersion. The inconsistencies observed in the resistance model uncertainties at the variation of shear span to effective depth ratio are a major cause for concern, and differentiation with respect to this parameter is advised. Finally, in line with the EN 1990 semi-probabilistic approach for reliability-based design, the global partial safety factors related to model uncertainties in the shear resistance prediction of SFRC beams are proposed.
Peran Nilai Hindu “Tri Kaya Parisudha” dalam Peningkatan Loyalitas Wisatawan Terhadap Desa Wisata Pedawa, Bali Utara

Konsep Tri Kaya Parisudha sebagai local genius masyarakat memiliki peran penting dalam kehidupan masyarakat dan keberlanjutan pariwisata di Bali. Tujuan penulisan ini adalah untuk menganalisis sejauh mana unsur budaya lokal masyarakat Bali yaitu Konsep Tri Kaya Parisudha dapat meningkatkan loyalitas wisatawan untuk berkunjung ke Desa Bali Aga Pedawa Kabupaten Buleleng. Metode yang digunakan adalah melalui observasi dan wawancara terhadap tiga puluh wisatawan mancanegara dan wisatawan nusantara yang telah berkunjung lebih dari satu kali ke Desa Pedawa. Hasil penelitian menunjukan, loyalitas wisatawan yang berkunjung kembali ke Desa Pedawa disebabkan karea: 1). senyum masyarakat (keramahan). 2). cara hidup masyarakat (cara berfikir masyarakat yang positif, cara masyarakat bertutur kata, segala bentuk tindakan yang membuata wisatawan merasa nyaman, dan; 3). Filosofi rumah adat Desa Pedawa. Implikasi dari temuan ini adalah konsep Tri Kaya Parisudha sebagai dasar masyarakat Desa Pedawa dalam memberikan layanan kepada wisatawan, berimplikasi positif dalam mempertahankan loyalitas wisatawan untuk berkunjung kembali. Kata kunci: tri kaya parisudha, loyalitas, wisatawan
Novel repumping on 3P0 → 3D1 for Sr magneto-optical trap and Landé g factor measurement of 3D1

We realize an experimental facility for cooling and trapping strontium (Sr) atoms and measure the Landé g factor of 3D1 of 88Sr. Thanks to a novel repumping scheme with the 3P2 → 3S1 and 3P0 → 3D1 combination and the permanent magnets based self-assembled Zeeman slower, the peak atom number in the continuously repumped blue magneto-optical trap is enhanced by a factor of 15 with respect to the non-repumping case, and reaches ∼1 billion. Furthermore, using the resolved-sideband Zeeman spectroscopy, the Landé g factor of 3D1 is measured to be 0.4995(88) showing a good agreement with the theoretical value of 0.4988. The results will have an impact on various applications including atom laser, dipolar interactions, quantum information and precision measurements.
Asymmetrical Response of the East Asian Summer Monsoon to the Quadrennial Oscillation of Global Sea Surface Temperature Associated With the Tibetan Plateau Thermal Feedback

The leading mode of the global sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) on the interannual time scale is a quasi‐quadrennial oscillation mode, corresponding to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation cycle. Using observational data diagnosis and numerical simulations, we show that the global SSTA during the quadrennial cycle has significant impacts on the anomaly of diabatic heating over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) in summer. Idealized atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) experiments forced by the global SSTA with and without the thermal forcing of the TP diabatic heating anomaly reveal the relative contributions of the SSTA direct effect and the TP feedback to the anomalous response of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). During the quadrennial oscillation, in the developing year summer, the diabatic heating weakens over the whole TP, inducing suppressed EASM precipitation accompanied by an anomalous cyclone over the northwestern Pacific and an anticyclone in North China. In the decaying year summer, the TP heating, characterized by an anomalous negative‐positive pattern, induces an anomalous anticyclone in South China and an anomalous cyclone in North China. However, without the anomalous TP thermal forcing, in both developing and decaying years the EASM shows similar response patterns with an anomalous anticyclone over the northwestern Pacific, an anomalous cyclone in North China, and an enhanced main rainfall band. Therefore, the TP thermal feedback plays a key role in the asymmetric responses of the EASM to the global SSTA during the different stages, characterized by suppressed precipitation in developing years and an enhanced main rainfall band in decaying years.
Challenges in greenhouse crop production by smallholder farmers in Kisii County, Kenya

Despite the success in greenhouse farming by large scale horticultural farmers in Kenya, smallholder greenhouse farming is beset by many challenges leading to over 30% failure rates. Reasons for the high failure rate are not clearly understood. The objective of this study was to assess the challenges in greenhouse crop production by small-scale farmers in Kisii County, Kenya and provide recommendations for sustained profitability. Data was collected through structured interviews with 138 greenhouse farmers, and analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test and chi-square. Overall, 48.6% of the greenhouses were non-functional, due to pests and diseases, inadequate supply of water, high investment costs, and insufficient knowledge on greenhouse crop farming. Other challenges included lack of market for the produce, and group dynamics challenges. Most of the abandoned greenhouses were owned by institutions (60.5%) and groups (55.6%), and lesser by individuals (38.2%). Number of years of operation significantly influenced functionality of the greenhouses (p=0.04). Greenhouses owned by individuals had significantly higher probability of being functional, than those owned by groups and institutions (p=0.05). Interventions for enhancing contribution of greenhouses to food security of small-scale farmers should include capacity building of farmers on greenhouse crop production, and linking them to appropriate sources of funding. Key words: Challenges, greenhouse, small-scale farmers, crops, food security, Kenya.
Thermal Physics and Glaucoma: From Thermodynamic to Biophysical Considerations to Designing Future Therapies

This paper presents a theoretical approach to glaucoma, with the aim of improving the comprehension of the biophysical bases for new possible therapies. The approach is based on a non-equilibrium thermodynamic model. The results point to the fundamental role of the membrane’s electric potential and of its relation with inflammation and ion fluxes. A new viewpoint is suggested to consider anti-inflammation and photobiomodulation as possible therapies for glaucoma.
A Model of Failure and Localization of Basalt at Temperature and Pressure Conditions Spanning the Brittle‐Ductile Transition

Natural phenomena such as seismicity, volcanism, and fluid circulation in volcanic areas are influenced by the mechanical response of intact basalt. When subjected to a wide range of environmental loading conditions, basalt exhibits inelastic deformation characteristics ranging from brittle to ductile behavior. In this manuscript, we present a new constitutive model of basalt that spans the brittle‐ductile transition by covering a wide range of mean effective stress, temperature, and strain rate. The model has been implemented into the automatic constitutive model code generator MFront, which we have coupled with the finite element solver OpenGeoSys. The software employed for the computations is open source, accessible and offers a versatile solution to model thermomechanical failure of rocks. Within this framework, we have performed numerical simulations that highlight the localization of strains and stresses under triaxial compression. Predictions of the constitutive response, of the depth of the brittle‐ductile transition, and of the localization patterns are in agreement with laboratory and in situ observations. The results have important geophysical implications as they provide a constitutive basis that explains the mechanisms through which basalt can deform in a brittle fashion at temperatures above 600°C.
Model Selection and Average Proportion Explained Variance in Exploratory Factor Analysis

A procedure for evaluating the average R-squared index for a given set of observed variables in an exploratory factor analysis model is discussed. The method can be used as an effective aid in the process of model choice with respect to the number of factors underlying the interrelationships among studied measures. The approach is developed within the framework of exploratory structural equation modeling and is readily applicable with popular statistical software. The outlined procedure is illustrated using a numerical example.
Risky positioning – social aspirations and risk-taking behaviour in avalanche terrain

ABSTRACT We test if positionality, i.e., the desire to gain social status, is associated with an increased willingness to take risk among backcountry riders. If positional preferences drive risk-taking behaviour in avalanche terrain, this is especially problematic because the stakes are high and can be fatal. Our analysis is based on data for hypothetical choices from an online survey (N = 648) in North America. We find that positional riders are significantly more likely to boast about riding bold lines, more likely to associate steep riding with social respect, and more likely to say that they would accept to ride a potentially risky line. The positionality effect is present regardless of level of avalanche training. We discuss implications for avalanche training and education.