Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“When I Don’t Have a Cigarette It’s Helpful, but It Really Don’t Satisfy:” Qualitative Study of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Use among Low-Income Smokers

Background: Little is known about the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among low-income adult cigarette smokers, who experience severe tobacco-related health disparities. Methods: This study conducted interviews to examine experiences and perceptions associated with ENDS use among predominantly low-income adult smokers (n = 30; mean age 30.2 ± 12.9; 60% male, 46.7% African American, 30% white, 10% more than one race; 76.7% annual household income ≤USD 24,000). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in NVivo 11. Results: Overall, participants reported complementing rather than substituting their smoking with ENDS use (e.g., using ENDS only when smoking is not allowed). Predominant reasons for vaping were convenience, smoking reduction/cessation, stress management, social acceptability, lower long-term costs than smoking, and appealing flavors. Common reasons for not switching to exclusive vaping were that ENDS did not satisfy cigarette cravings and concerns about ENDS health effects. Participants indicated higher likelihood of switching to exclusive ENDS use if the products were more affordable, perceived as substantially less harmful, tasted and felt more like smoking a cigarette, and more effective for reducing cravings. Conclusions: Continued research is needed to maximize any harm reduction potential of ENDS and ensure that these products do not contribute to worsening health disparities.
Productive linkages in a segmented economy: the role of services in the export performance of German manufacturing

This article analyzes the causes that affect the export performance of the German manufacturing sector. By applying a subsystem approach to input–output analysis, we take into account the interlinkages between manufacturing and services. In particular, we consider two types of relationships that influence manufacturing competitiveness: the wage squeeze in services due to institutional factors and outsourcing; and the role played by knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) as innovation drivers. Taking vertically integrated sectors as units of analysis, an export model is estimated. We find that labor costs play only a minor role for international competitiveness, while non-price factors are the main drivers of German exports. Therefore, although the wage squeeze in services is the centerpiece in the unit labor costs and export prices moderation, it is of minor importance for export growth. Conversely, the growing integration of KIBS provides a strong stimulus for non-price competitiveness and export growth.
Perspectives in Myrtaceae evolution from plastomes and nuclear phylogenies

Abstract Myrtaceae is a large and species-rich family of woody eudicots, with prevalent distribution in the Southern Hemisphere. Classification and taxonomy of species belonging to this family is quite challenging, sometimes with difficulty in species identification and producing phylogenies with low support for species relationships. Most of the current knowledge comes from few molecular markers, such as plastid genes and intergenic regions, which can be difficult to handle and produce conflicting results. Based on plastid protein-coding sequences and nuclear markers, we present a topology for the phylogenetic relationships among Myrtaceae tribes. Our phylogenetic estimate offers a contrasting topology over previous analysis with fewer markers. Plastome phylogeny groups the tribes Syzygieae and Eucalypteae and individual chloroplast genes produce divergent topologies, especially among species within Myrteae tribe, but also in regard to the grouping of Syzygieae and Eucalypteae. Results are consistent and reproducible with both nuclear and organellar datasets. It confronts previous data about the deep nodes of Myrtaceae phylogeny.
Challenges of transcranial photoacoustic imaging for human at 2.25 MHz: an ex vivo study

In transcranial brain imaging, the presence of the skull represents a challenge in the generation of clear signals. For the human skull, and animals with a thick skull, optical and ultrasound propagations are significantly degraded due to the bone properties. First, the optical and acoustic transmission and attenuation after crossing the skull bone are separately identified. Optical measurements are performed in the range of 690 to 940 nm in order to determine the transmission at different regions of the skull; the total hemoglobin absorption coefficient is considered for the imaging target. Then, the impact of the skull thickness on the ultrasound propagation through the bone is evaluated using 2.25 MHz transducers. In the second part, photoacoustic imaging on the frontal, parietal and occipital bones are evaluated. In addition to the skull thickness variation, the angle of illumination and the depth of the imaged target are studied. Based on the results we determine regions of the human head where transcranial photoacoustic imaging at 2.25 MHz is feasible, taking advantage of the good resolution due to the high frequency.
PROBLEMS IN USING ICHNOFACIES FOR DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT INTERPRETATION CASE STUDY: THE CISAAR FORMATION, SUNGAI CISAAR, SUMEDANG DISTRICT, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

Although numerous researchers have used trace fossils method to determine depositional environment, this method is still considered less robust. This is due to the finding of several similar trace fossils in two or more diverse environments, leading to irrelevancy in environmental interpretation. Therefore, we conducted this study in order to verify how powerful the trace fossil analysis is, by applying this method to interpret the depositional environment of the Cisaar Formation in the Cihanyir Tonggoh area, Sumedang Regency, West Java. We combined trace fossil study with foraminiferal assemblage analysis and vertical succession of related sedimentary units. For this study, 19 rock samples that have been collected from outcrop along 16 m traverse and 14 m measured stratigraphic sections were examined.The result of the study shows that shallow marine trace fossils which were developed at the edge of the shelf, were transported into the basin by gravitational mass flow and re-deposited as deep marine turbidites. Trace fossils were generally found in sandstones, while planktonic foraminifers were found in claystones-sandstones interbeds. This study concludes that to avoid inconsistency in the interpretation of the depositional environment, performing trace fossils method must be integrated with other methods, e.g. analysis of lithofacies and biofacies.
In Silico Characterisation of Putative Prophages in Lactobacillaceae Used in Probiotics for Vaginal Health

While live biotherapeutics offer a promising approach to optimizing vaginal microbiota, the presence of functional prophages within introduced Lactobacillaceae strains could impact their safety and efficacy. We evaluated the presence of prophages in 895 publicly available Lactobacillaceae genomes using Phaster, Phigaro, Phispy, Prophet and Virsorter. Prophages were identified according to stringent (detected by ≥4 methods) or lenient criteria (detected by ≥2 methods), both with >80% reciprocal sequence overlap. The stringent approach identified 448 prophages within 359 genomes, with 40.1% genomes harbouring at least one prophage, while the lenient approach identified 1671 prophages within 83.7% of the genomes. To confirm our in silico estimates in vitro, we tested for inducible prophages in 57 vaginally-derived and commercial Lactobacillaceae isolates and found inducible prophages in 61.4% of the isolates. We characterised the in silico predicted prophages based on weighted gene repertoire relatedness and found that most belonged to the Siphoviridae or Myoviridae families. ResFam and eggNOG identified four potential antimicrobial resistance genes within the predicted prophages. Our results suggest that while Lactobacillaceae prophages seldomly carry clinically concerning genes and thus unlikely a pose a direct risk to human vaginal microbiomes, their high prevalence warrants the characterisation of Lactobacillaceae prophages in live biotherapeutics.
Significance of Application Timing, Formulation, and Cytochrome P450 Genotypic Class on Sweet Corn Response to Dicamba

Abstract Sweet corn (Zea mays L.) tolerance to dicamba and several other herbicides is due to cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolism and is conferred by a single gene (Nsf1). Tolerance varies by CYP genotypic class, with hybrids homozygous for functional CYP (Nsf1Nsf1) being the most tolerant and hybrids homozygous for mutant CYP alleles (nsf1nsf1) being the least tolerant. The herbicide safener cyprosulfamide (CSA) increases tolerance to dicamba by stimulating the expression of several CYPs. However, the extent to which CSA improves the tolerance of different sweet corn CYP genotypic classes to dicamba is poorly understood. Additionally, the effect of growth stage on sweet corn sensitivity to dicamba is inadequately described. The objective of this work was to quantify the significance of application timing, formulation, and CYP genotypic class on sweet corn response to dicamba. Hybrids representing each of the three CYP genotypes (Nsf1Nsf1, Nsf1nsf1, nsf1nsf1), were treated with dicamba or dicamba + CSA at one of three growth stages: V3, V6, or V9. Across all timings, the nsf1nsf1 hybrid was the least tolerant to dicamba, displaying 16% higher crop injury levels 2 wk after treatment and 2,130 kg ha–1 lower ear mass yields compared with the Nsf1Nsf1 hybrid. The V9 growth stage was the most susceptible time for dicamba injury regardless of genotypic class, with 1.89 and 1,750 kg ha–1 lower ear mass yields compared with the V3 and V6 application timings, respectively. The addition of CSA to dicamba V9 applications reduced the injury from dicamba for all three genotypic classes; however, it did not eliminate the injury. The use of Nsf1Nsf1 or Nsf1nsf1 sweet corn hybrids along with herbicide safeners will reduce the frequency and severity of injury from dicamba and other CYP-metabolized herbicides.
Achieving Recommendation Intention in Mobile Banking: A Serial Mediation Approach

This study explores the critical elements driving the recommendation intention of mobile banking users in India. It explores the relationship between ease of use and recommendation intent via serially mediating roles of satisfaction and continued intention. It also explores the relationship between cost and recommendation intent by studying the serially mediating roles of satisfaction and continued intention. It combines the two resulting in an integrated framework. The study utilized the analytical approach by Hayes (2013) for testing the hypothetical model. The path coefficients were calculated using Model 6 (PROCESS). Our findings reveal that satisfaction and continued intention are serially mediating the relationship between ease of use and recommendation intention as well as cost and recommendation intention. The major contribution of this research study to existing literature is that it culminates with the ‘action’ of ‘recommendation to use’ rather than continued intention.
A Brief Introduction of FEMA P695—Quantification of Building Seismic Performance Factors

In current specifications,evaluation of collapse probability for buildings in severe earthquakes has not been well solved all over the world.Based on the current American seismic design code of buildings,FEMA P695 proposes a guideline to calibrate the key design parameters to ensure the collapse probability of buildings in severe earthquakes not exceeding an acceptable value.In this paper,theoretical principle of the current American seismic design code of buildings and its relationship with FEMA P695 are introduced briefly.The method,process,key details and theoretical concept of FEMA P695 are discussed to provide an outlook about the development of the seismic reliability design for buildings in the United States.
Mast Cell–Tumor Interactions: Molecular Mechanisms of Recruitment, Intratumoral Communication and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Tumor Growth

Mast cells (MCs) are tissue-resident immune cells that are important players in diseases associated with chronic inflammation such as cancer. Since MCs can infiltrate solid tumors and promote or limit tumor growth, a possible polarization of MCs to pro-tumoral or anti-tumoral phenotypes has been proposed and remains as a challenging research field. Here, we review the recent evidence regarding the complex relationship between MCs and tumor cells. In particular, we consider: (1) the multifaceted role of MCs on tumor growth suggested by histological analysis of tumor biopsies and studies performed in MC-deficient animal models; (2) the signaling pathways triggered by tumor-derived chemotactic mediators and bioactive lipids that promote MC migration and modulate their function inside tumors; (3) the possible phenotypic changes on MCs triggered by prevalent conditions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as hypoxia; (4) the signaling pathways that specifically lead to the production of angiogenic factors, mainly VEGF; and (5) the possible role of MCs on tumor fibrosis and metastasis. Finally, we discuss the novel literature on the molecular mechanisms potentially related to phenotypic changes that MCs undergo into the TME and some therapeutic strategies targeting MC activation to limit tumor growth.
Risks of Aromatase Inhibitor-Related Cardiotoxicity in Patients with Breast Cancer in Asia

Simple Summary In Asian breast cancer patients, whether the risks of major adverse cardio- and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) are different between users of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) remains uncertain. In this nationwide cohort study, the risks of MACCEs were significantly higher in users of SERMs compared with users of AIs in those who were at an old age (above 50 years old) or with advanced cancer stage (stage 3–4). Although the choice of hormone therapies is primarily based on the effectiveness regarding cancer survival, AI treatment should be considered for patients for whom the benefits outweigh the risks. Abstract Background: Despite a preferred endocrine therapy for women with estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been reported to increase risks of cardiovascular events. Given that breast cancer patients in Asia are younger at diagnosis, it is urgent to investigate this safety concern. Methods: Through the Taiwanese National Cohort, we identified breast cancer patients initiating selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or AIs from 2010 to 2016. Outcomes includes major adverse cardio- and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). The average follow-up duration was five years. Results: We identified 16,730 breast cancer patients treated with SERMs and 11,728 receiving AIs. The population was older and had more comorbidities in the AI group than in the SERM group. After adjusting for age, cancer stage, cancer therapies, cardiovascular drugs and comorbidities, despite similar risks of MACCEs between AI and SERM users, the risk of HF was significantly higher in patients treated with SERMs after adjusted mortality as a competing risk. When divided by the age of 50 years, despite a similar MACCEs in the younger population, MACCEs remained significantly higher in the older population who received SERMs. Conclusions: In this Asian cohort, we found that among patients of old age or with advanced cancer stage, the use of SERMs was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events than the use of AIs.
Environmental Topics in Biological Learning: Systematic Study of National Journal Article Indexed Sinta

Background: Biology and the environment have very close interactions in the form of biodiversity, biosphere and ecosystems. The study was systematically conducted on research results articles with the aim of identifying environmental topics in biological education, outlining the research characteristics of biological education and synthesizing research trends and gaps on environmental topics in biological education in Indonesia. Method: Cross-sectional study design is conducted through a survey of research articles published in national journals. Results: The results of a meta-analysis of the structure and content of 41 articles in the indexed journal Sinta 1-3, found environmental pollution was the most discussed topic followed by several other topics such as biodiversity, ecosystems and conservation. Conclusion: Most research uses experimental design and development research with structured instruments to obtain measurable learning outcomes. Therefore, it is necessary to diversify biological education research to focus more on meaningful learning transformation through the integration of biological education in other fields, especially bioculture diversity.
Metabolomics Signatures and Subsequent Maternal Health among Mothers with a Congenital Heart Defect-Affected Pregnancy

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most prevalent and serious of all birth defects in the United States. However, little is known about the impact of CHD-affected pregnancies on subsequent maternal health. Thus, there is a need to characterize the metabolic alterations associated with CHD-affected pregnancies. Fifty-six plasma samples were identified from post-partum women who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study between 1997 and 2011 and had (1) unaffected control offspring (n = 18), (2) offspring with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF, n = 22), or (3) hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS, n = 16) in this pilot study. Absolute concentrations of 408 metabolites using the AbsoluteIDQ® p400 HR Kit (Biocrates) were evaluated among case and control mothers. Twenty-six samples were randomly selected from above as technical repeats. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and logistic regression models were used to identify significant metabolites after controlling for the maternal age at delivery and body mass index. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area-under-the-curve (AUC) are reported to evaluate the performance of significant metabolites. Overall, there were nine significant metabolites (p < 0.05) identified in HLHS case mothers and 30 significant metabolites in ToF case mothers. Statistically significant metabolites were further evaluated using ROC curve analyses with PC (34:1), two sphingolipids SM (31:1), SM (42:2), and PC-O (40:4) elevated in HLHS cases; while LPC (18:2), two triglycerides: TG (44:1), TG (46:2), and LPC (20:3) decreased in ToF; and cholesterol esters CE (22:6) were elevated among ToF case mothers. The metabolites identified in the study may have profound structural and functional implications involved in cellular signaling and suggest the need for postpartum dietary supplementation among women who gave birth to CHD offspring.
Correlation of SIDT1 with Poor Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose To investigate the expression profile of systemic RNA interference deficient-1 transmembrane family member 1 (SIDT1) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and assess its prognostic value and immune infiltration. Materials and Methods A tissue microarray (TMA) was purchased containing 60 paired NSCLC tissues and matched para-tumor tissues, and another TMA was constructed comprising 140 NSCLC tissues. Then, immunohistochemical staining and scoring were performed. Finally, we evaluated the expression profiles and prognostic values of SIDT1 in NSCLC. Correlation between SIDT1 gene expression and the immune microenvironment of NSCLC was investigated using the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. Results SIDT1 was mainly detected in the cytoplasm and the cell membrane. SIDT1 expression was significantly higher in tumor tissues than in para-tumor tissues. High expression of SIDT1 was correlated with the NSCLC stage. High SIDT1 expression signals worsening overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients, especially in stage I. In LUSC, high SIDT1 expression is an independent prognostic factor for worsening OS. Conclusion High SIDT1 expression predicted a low survival rate in LUSC patients, suggesting it may be a potential target for prognostic assessment of NSCLC patients.
RECEPTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE KNOWLEDGE OF LEXICAL COLLOCATIONS IN THAI UNIVERSITY LEARNERS OF ENGLISH

The present study investigates lexical collocations in first- and fourth-year Thai university learners’ and examines the relationship between receptive and productive knowledge of lexical collocations. A total of 148 students (75 first-year students and 73 fourth-year students) were tested on their lexical collocations, both receptively and productively, using two measures. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, and correlational analysis determined the relationship between receptive and productive knowledge. Overall, the results showed that Thai university learners achieved significantly higher performance on tests of receptive knowledge of lexical collocations than on tests of productive knowledge. The data analysis also indicated that the fourth-year learners outperformed the first-year learners on both receptive and productive measures of lexical collocations. Furthermore, the correlational analysis revealed that receptive and productive knowledge of lexical collocations were interrelated. Together, the current findings indicate that Thai university learners’ productive knowledge of lexical collocations is built on receptive knowledge, and lexical collocations result from incremental learning. Article visualizations:
Image-Quality Assessment of Polyenergetic and Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstructions of Unenhanced CT Scans of the Head: Initial Experiences with the First Photon-Counting CT Approved for Clinical Use

In 2021, the first clinical photon-counting CT (PCCT) was introduced. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the image quality of polyenergetic and virtual monoenergetic reconstructions in unenhanced PCCTs of the head. A total of 49 consecutive patients with unenhanced PCCTs of the head were retrospectively included. The signals ± standard deviations of the gray and white matter were measured at three different locations in axial slices, and a measure of the artifacts below the cranial calvaria and in the posterior fossa between the petrous bones was also obtained. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated for all reconstructions. In terms of the SNRs and CNRs, the polyenergetic reconstruction is superior to all virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (p < 0.001). In the MERs, the highest SNR is found in the 70 keV MER, and the highest CNR is in the 65 keV MER. In terms of artifacts below the cranial calvaria and in the posterior fossa, certain MERs are superior to polyenergetic reconstruction (p < 0.001). The PCCT provided excellent image contrast and low-noise profiles for the differentiation of the grey and white matter. Only the artifacts below the calvarium and in the posterior fossa still underperform, which is attributable to the lack of an artifact reduction algorithm in image postprocessing. It is conceivable that the usual improvements in image postprocessing, especially with regard to glaring artifacts, will lead to further improvements in image quality.