Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomics‐based analysis of the causes of sugar receding in Feizixiao litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pulp

To investigate the causes of the “sugar receding” in ‘Feizixiao’ litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pulp, the main sugar contents and sucrose metabolism enzyme activities were measured in pulp obtained in 2020 and 2021. Pulp RNA obtained in 2020 was extracted at 35, 63, and 69 days after anthesis (DAA) for transcriptome sequencing analysis. The differential expression of genes was verified by real-time PCR for both years. The results showed that after 63 DAA, the contents of soluble sugars and sucrose decreased, and the contents of fructose and glucose increased in both years. The dynamic changes in sucrose metabolism enzyme activities were similar in both years. After 63 DAA, except for acid invertase (AI) in 2021, the activities of other enzymes decreased significantly, and the net activity of sucrose metabolism enzymes showed a strong sucrose cleavage activity. There were 18061, 19575, and 985 differentially expressed genes in 35 d vs. 63 d, 35 d vs. 69 d, and 63 d vs. 69 d, respectively. Ninety-one sugar metabolism genes were screened out, including sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), AI, neutral invertase (NI), hexokinase (HK), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and pyruvate kinase (PK) genes. In 63 d vs. 69 d, seventy-five percent of sucrose metabolism genes were downregulated, seventy-seven percent of genes in glycolysis (EMP) were upregulated and the PFK genes were significantly upregulated. There was a significant linear correlation between the expression of 15 genes detected by real-time PCR and the transcriptome sequencing results (r2020 = 0.9139, r2021 = 0.8912). These results suggest that the upregulated expression of PFK genes at maturity may enhance PFK activity and promote the degradation of soluble sugar in pulp through the EMP pathway, resulting in decreased soluble sugar and sucrose contents and “sugar receding” in pulp. Moreover, the downregulated expression of sucrose metabolism genes in pulp decreased the activities of these enzymes, but the net activity of these enzymes resulted in cleaved sucrose and replenished levels of reducing sugars, resulting in a stable reducing sugar content.
Draft Genomes of Symbiotic Frankia Strains AgB32 and AgKG'84/4 from Root Nodules of Alnus Glutinosa growing under Contrasted Environmental Conditions

The genomes of two nitrogen-fixing Frankia strains, AgB32 and AgKG'84/4, were isolated from spore-containing (spore+) and spore-free (spore-) root nodules of Alnus glutinosa, but they did not sporulate upon reinfection. The two strains are described as representatives of two novel candidate species. Phylogenomic and ANI analyses indicate that each strain represents a novel species within cluster 1, with genome sizes of 6.3 and 6.7 Mb smaller than or similar to those of other cultivated Alnus-infective cluster 1 strains. Genes essential for nitrogen-fixation, clusters of orthologous genes, secondary metabolite clusters and transcriptional regulators analyzed by comparative genomic analyses were typical of those from Alnus-infective cluster 1 cultivated strains in both genomes. Compared to other cultivated Alnus-infective strains with large genomes, those of AgB32 and AgKG'84/4 had lost 380 or 409 genes, among which one hup cluster, one shc gene and the gvp cluster, which indicates genome erosion is taking place in these two strains.
Donor-Site Morbidity and Quality of Life after Autologous Breast Reconstruction with PAP versus TMG Flap

The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) and the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap are both safe choices for autologous breast reconstruction originating from the same donor region in the upper thigh. We aimed to compare the post-operative outcome regarding donor-site morbidity and quality of life. We included 18 patients who had undergone autologous breast reconstruction with a PAP flap (n = 27 flaps). Prospective evaluation of donor-site morbidity was performed by applying the same questionnaire that had already been established in a previous study evaluating TMG flap (n = 25 flaps) outcome, and results were compared. Comparison of the two patient groups showed equivalent results concerning patient-reported visibility of the donor-site scar and thigh symmetry. Still, the TMG group was significantly more satisfied with the scar (p = 0.015) and its position (p = 0.001). No difference was found regarding the ability to sit for prolonged periods. Donor-site wound complications were seen more frequently in the PAP group (29.6%) than in the TMG group (4.0%). Both groups expressed rather high satisfaction with their quality of life. Both flaps show minimal functional donor-site morbidity and high patient satisfaction. To minimize wound healing problems in PAP patients, thorough planning of the skin paddle is necessary.
Assessing Patient Satisfaction: Using the Radiation Oncology Patient Satisfaction [ROPS] Questionnaire in a Private Practice Setting

A new patient satisfaction measure called the Radiation Oncology Patient Satisfaction (ROPS) questionnaire is used in this study to measure satisfaction data for radiation oncology in private practice. Limitations of existing literature on patient satisfaction demonstrated a need to develop a questionnaire that was more tailored to analyze patient satisfaction among those utilizing private oncology centers within the U.S. healthcare system. This need was met by this study’s development of the ROPS questionnaire, which was a variation of 2 existing constructs that are presented in the text. The questionnaire was fielded among patients at a private cancer radiation treatment clinic in Florida (n = 950). Data analysis tested the psychometric properties of our revised construct and its predictive validity for 2 patient satisfaction outcomes: (1) likelihood of recommending this treatment center to family members/close friends and (2) overall satisfaction with treatment. Each of the ROPS variables were found to make a legitimate contribution to evaluating patients’ overall satisfaction with radiation treatment. Findings indicated organizational setting was of vital importance when conducting patient- centered research on satisfaction. Treatment factors in ROPS can be adjusted to measure satisfaction with chemotherapy or other modalities in addition to radiation treatment. Authors recommend radiation oncology clinics regularly monitor patient satisfaction, especially if/when they experience organizational changes, such as when a new physician joins the practice or if/when the national or local landscape undergoes significant shifts in norms and expectations like we have seen happen with COVID-19.
Participative leadership and its impact on employee innovative behavior through employee voice in tourism SMEs: The moderating role of job autonomy

This paper investigates how participative leadership and employee voice behavior stimulate innovative behavior, through the moderating role of job autonomy within the SMEs context. Responses from 547 frontline employees at Egyptian travel agents were collected. Using variance-based structural equation modeling (VB-SEM), the results revealed that participative leadership significantly influenced both employees’ voice behavior and their innovative behavior. The findings also indicated that employee voice behavior has an intervening role between participative leadership and workers’ innovative behavior in travel agents. In addition, participative leadership has higher effects on both employee voice behavior and employee innovative behavior with high levels of job autonomy. Finally, employee voice behavior exercises a stronger effect on the innovation of travel agents’ employees with greater levels of job autonomy. Besides theoretical contributions, managerial implications for tourism SMEs managers and practitioners, limitations, and further research directions were all presented.
Applicability of superelastic materials in seismic protection systems: a parametric study of performance in isolation of structures

The dynamic response to different seismic inputs of an isolated structure disposed on a sliding layer and connected to the ground with a superelastic NiTi device was analyzed. The device allows wires of NiTi to be mechanically cycled by supporting externally applied tension/compression forces exploiting both dissipative and self-centering capabilities associated with superelasticity. Simulations were carried out modifying the wires length and the structural mass. Both parameters were varied over two orders of magnitude with the aim of evaluating the type of response, the mitigation level that can be accomplished and the combination of parameters resulting in an optimal response. Results indicate that the proposed device is suitable for seismic protection of isolated structures and it is demonstrated that the protective action is more related with the restraining and self-centering properties of the NiTi superelastic wires than with its damping capacity.
Mathematical Modelling of Potassium Meta-Bisulphite Treated Mango (Mangifera indica) Slices cv Dasheri

Fresh and ripe mango (Mangifera indica) slices cv Dasheri were dehydrated in a cabinet dryer at drying air temperatures of 50, 60, and 70 oC at a slice thickness of 5 mm. Before dehydration, the mango slices were pre-treated with potassium meta-bisulphite (KMS) at three levels (0.5 %, 1.0 %, and 1.5 % KMS, respectively). Five semi-theoretical and empirical thin-layer drying models (Newton [Lewis], Logarithmic, Demir et al. 2004, Henderson & Pabis, and Wang & Singh) were employed to select the best model that describes the drying process. Moisture diffusivity and activation energy of the mango slices were also evaluated. It was observed that the drying took place in the falling rate period. Demir et al. 2004 and Logarithmic models were found to satisfactorily describe the drying process of the mango slices using R2, x2, SSE, and RMSE as the criteria for selecting the best model. The mango slices' moisture diffusivity and activation energy range from 6.79 to 10.02×10-8 m2/s and 10.03 to 14.73 kJ/mol. Thus, KMS pre-treatment can minimise the mango slices' drying duration and drying cost.
Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny

A ssume that you are reading this book review from the comforts of your office chair or some stationary position How fast are you moving? Come on, quickly close your eyes and guess without peaking at the answer in the next paragraphl When I ask this question of my students, the typical response is zero miles an hour, which is the wrong answer. When our bodies are fully stationary, we are actually travelling at approximately 67,000 miles an hour as spaceship earth orbits the sun. Simultaneously, we are rotating on the earth's axis at 1,000 miles an hour. Yet, we don't feel dizzy, do we? Next, how many breaths do you take in a day? Come on, guess again! Several years ago I participated in a week long silent Buddhist meditation retreat where we counted our breaths for several hours and then extrapolated the amount over 24 hours. The average rate was 18,000 breaths a day, with a range from 15,000 to 21,000. In order to take one breath, many bodily functions must harmoniously interact. Otherwise, we die. How many of those breaths are you
Atmospheric dispersion of hydrogen sulfide using a modified ARPS model: a case study.

Exposure to disgusting smells constitutes a type of atmospheric pollution from industrial and human activities. Complaints stemming from various sources of unpleasant odors have become a serious concern in both sparsely and densely populated countries. Hydrogen sulfide is a compound characterized by its disgusting odor. In this work, a new chemical reaction was incorporated to Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) model, to calculate the H2S air concentrations. A turbulent boundary layer flow is computed using the LES code ARPS 4.5. 2. A LES coupled with a Lagrangian stochastic model has been applied to the study of reactive scalar dispersion downwind of a localized source of H2S. The study case corresponds to the H2S emission of cellulose mill. Two bad odor event was evaluating in order to compare the result of the model with the measured concentrations. The results of this model application provides good description of the plumes for two event of bad odor records in the zone. The values resulting from the analysis of the air samples are within the concentration range estimated by the model. The model is a valid and useful tool to simulate atmospheric pollution episodes that involve non-conservative pollutants, that is, chemical species that, when in contact with the atmospheric components, react, and giving rise to the formation of secondary compounds. It is possible used the developed modeling system in cases of diagnosis and prognosis of real situations and even emergencies, with an appropriate level of precision for studies of this type.
Preference to Family Doctor Contracted Service of Patients with Chronic Disease in Urban China: A Discrete Choice Experiment

Objective Shanghai is one of the pioneers proposing family doctor contract service (FDCS). However, there is no quantitative research focusing on the Shanghai experience from a demand-side perspective. This study investigated Shanghai chronic patients’ relative preferences for FDCS using a discrete choice experiment method. Methods A face-to-face discrete choice experiment (DCE) was performed to elicit the preference with 300 samples. Attributes and levels were extracted from the literature review and focus group consultation with patients. Seven attributes, follow-up frequency, medicine accessibility, family doctor competency, health management, referral convenience, appointment flexibility, and shared decision-making, were decided. Three levels were attached to each attribute. A mixed logit model was used to evaluate the multiple-choice data. Results A total of 248 patients completed the survey. Patient valued FDCS medicine accessibility (β=0.57, P < 0.05), and high family doctor competency (β= 0.43, P < 0.05), regular health management activities (β=0.36, P < 0.05), high follow-up frequency (β=0.31, P < 0.05) the most. The good doctor-patient shared decision-making atmosphere (β=0.12, P < 0.05), high referral convenience (β=0.06, P < 0.05) and high appointment flexibility (β=0.04, P < 0.05) are valued as less important. No significant preference heterogeneity was identified for patients with different sociodemographic characteristics. Respondents reported other FDCS needs, including online health consultation, specialist services in local institutes, higher reimbursement rates, free rehabilitation guidance for the disabled and personal health management. Conclusion This research is the first discrete choice experiment FDCS preference research targeting on Chinese urban population. The results suggested that to increase the quality of FDCS, policy-makers should prioritize follow-up frequency, medicine accessibility, family doctor competency and health management. The service package should consider a higher reimbursement rate and rehabilitation guidance for the disabled if extra health-care resources available. Future FDCS policy should consider stated societal preference and be congruent with it.
Development of a Japanese Version of the Formula for Calculating Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area: A Simulation Study

The periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) is a useful indicator of periodontal status. However, its formula was based on a meta-analysis involving five countries, and racial differences in tooth root morphology could have affected the calculations. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the PISA and compare it with the original version. The formulas reported by a previous Japanese study calculating the amount of remaining periodontal ligament from clinical attachment measurements were used to calculate the PISA. A simulation was performed to compare the Japanese version with the original version by inputting probing pocket depth (PPD) from 1 to10 mm and by using clinical data. The PISA values in the Japanese version were larger and smaller than those in the original version for PPDs of 1–5 mm and 6–10 mm, respectively. The PISA values for the clinical data from the Japanese version were significantly higher than those from the original version. Both versions of the PISA values correlated equally well with body mass index. The Japanese version of the PISA can be used to assess the amount of inflamed periodontal tissue resulting from periodontitis in Japanese populations, taking into account racial heterogeneity in root morphologies.
Mulberry Leaf Extract Improves Metabolic Syndrome by Alleviating Lipid Accumulation In Vitro and In Vivo

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a metabolic disease with multiple complications. Mulberry leaf extract (MLE) is rich in flavonoids and has great potential in alleviating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. This study evaluated the effect and mechanism of MLE on the alleviation of MS. The components of the MLE were analyzed, and then the regulation of lipid metabolism by MLE in vitro and in vivo was determined. In a hepatocyte model of oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation, it was found that MLE alleviated lipid accumulation and decreased the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis. Furthermore, MLE improved obesity, insulin resistance, plasma lipid profile, and liver function in MS mice after a 15-week intervention. MLE decreased the expression of SREBP1, ACC, and FAS through the AMPK signaling pathway to inhibit lipid synthesis and increase the level of CPT1A to promote lipid decomposition to achieve its hypolipidemic effect. Meanwhile, MLE was also shown to affect the composition of the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which contributed to the alleviation of lipid accumulation. Our results suggest that MLE can improve MS by improving lipid metabolism through multiple mechanisms and can be developed into dietary supplements for the improvement of MS.
Antioxidant Effects of a Polyphenol-Rich Dietary Supplement Incorporating Pinus massoniana Bark Extract in Healthy Older Adults: A Two-Arm, Parallel Group, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Oxidative stress is a key physiological phenomenon underpinning the ageing process and plays a major developmental role in age-associated chronic diseases. This study investigated the antioxidant effects of a polyphenol-rich dietary supplement containing Pinus massoniana bark extract (PMBE) in healthy older adults. In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, participants were randomised (in a 1:1 ratio) to receive a 50 mL/day dietary supplement containing placebo (0 mg PMBE) or PMBE (1322 mg PMBE) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was fasting plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and secondary outcomes were plasma inflammatory markers. MDA concentrations significantly reduced following PMBE for 6 weeks (−1.19 nmol/mL, 95%CI −1.62, −0.75, p < 0.001) and 12 weeks (−1.35 nmol/mL, 95%CI −1.74, −0.96, p < 0.001) compared to baseline. MDA did not significantly change after the placebo. MDA levels at 6 and 12 weeks were significantly lower following PMBE compared to placebo (p < 0.001). At 12 weeks in the PMBE group, fibrinogen concentrations significantly reduced (−0.25 g/L, 95%CI −0.39, −0.11; p < 0.0001) and interleukin-6 significantly increased compared to placebo (0.30 pg/mL, 95%CI 0.02, 0.59; p < 0.05). PMBE in a polyphenol-rich dietary supplement reduced oxidative stress in healthy older adults. Further studies are warranted to investigate the antioxidant capacity of PMBE in conditions with heightened oxidative stress, such as osteoarthritis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or other lifestyle related diseases.
Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue by biogenic gold nanoparticles synthesized using Carpobrotus edulis fruit (sour fig) extract

Along with the increasing requirement for efficient organic conversions using green chemistry, there is a need to develop highly efficient and eco-friendly catalytic reaction systems. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based nanocatalysts are promising candidates for the reduction of environmental pollutants, such as nitroaromatics and dyes. This study reports on the green synthesis of AuNPs using Carpobrotus edulis (C. edulis) fruit aqueous extract (CeFE) and their catalytic activities. The CeFE induced rapid reduction of gold (III) salt to form monodispersed and spherical AuNPs, with a core and hydrodynamic sizes of 40 and 108.7 nm, respectively. CeFE alone had no effect on 4-nitrophenol, whereas incubation with methylene blue (MB) caused reduction of the peak at 665 nm. Addition of CeFE-AuNPs in the presence of NaBH4, caused the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-AP, and MB to leucoMB within 10 min. These reactions followed the pseudo first-order kinetics. Therefore, biogenic CeFE-AuNPs could be used for the elimination of noxious environmental pollutants.
Bio-Based Degradable Poly(ether-ester)s from Melt-Polymerization of Aromatic Ester and Ether Diols

Vanillin, as a promising aromatic aldehyde, possesses worthy structural and bioactive properties useful in the design of novel sustainable polymeric materials. Its versatility and structural similarity to terephthalic acid (TPA) can lead to materials with properties similar to conventional poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). In this perspective, a symmetrical dimethylated dialkoxydivanillic diester monomer (DEMV) derived from vanillin was synthesized via a direct-coupling method. Then, a series of poly(ether-ester)s were synthesized via melt-polymerization incorporating mixtures of phenyl/phenyloxy diols (with hydroxyl side-chains in the 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-positions) and a cyclic diol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The polymers obtained had high molecular weights (Mw = 5.3–7.9 × 104 g.mol−1) and polydispersity index (Đ) values of 1.54–2.88. Thermal analysis showed the polymers are semi-crystalline materials with melting temperatures of 204–240 °C, and tunable glass transition temperatures (Tg) of 98–120 °C. Their 5% decomposition temperature (Td,5%) varied from 430–315 °C, which endows the polymers with a broad processing window, owing to their rigid phenyl rings and trans-CHDM groups. These poly(ether-ester)s displayed remarkable impact strength and satisfactory gas barrier properties, due to the insertion of the cyclic alkyl chain moieties. Ultimately, the synergistic influence of the ester and ether bonds provided better control over the behavior and mechanism of in vitro degradation under passive and enzymatic incubation for 90 days. Regarding the morphology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging confirmed considerable surface degradation in the polymer matrices of both polymer series, with weight losses reaching up to 35% in enzymatic degradation, which demonstrates the significant influence of ether bonds for biodegradation.