Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ribosome profiling reveals novel regulation of C9ORF72 GGGGCC repeat-containing RNA translation

GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion in the first intron of C9ORF72 causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Repeat-containing RNA is translated into dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, some of which are neurotoxic. Using dynamic ribosome profiling, we identified three translation initiation sites in the intron upstream of (G4C2) repeats; these sites are detected irrespective of the presence or absence of the repeats. During translocation, ribosomes appear to be stalled on the repeats. An AUG in the preceding C9ORF72 exon initiates a uORF that inhibits downstream translation. Polysome isolation indicates that unspliced (G4C2) repeat-containing RNA is a substrate for DPR protein synthesis. (G4C2) repeat-containing RNA translation is 5′ cap-independent but inhibited by the initiation factor DAP5, suggesting an interplay with uORF function. These results define novel translational mechanisms of expanded (G4C2) repeat-containing RNA in disease.
Applying Agile in Enterprise Architecture

Enterprise Architecture (EA) challenges such as the ivory tower syndrome, keeping up with the changing environment or delivering results on time are commonly experienced. EA development adheres to waterfall principles originating from software development. Software development has adapted agile principles. A conceptual model is developed showing the relationship between agile principles applied to EA development and the EA challenges perceived in an organization. The model is validated with the use of a quantitative study and expert review. This research shows that EA development can benefit from agile principles.
Alterations in vaginal microbiota among pregnant women with COVID‐19

The maintenance of vaginal microbiota is an important factor to achieve optimum pregnancy outcomes. The study aims to describe the alterations in the composition of vaginal microbiota in pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This was a prospective case‐control study. Vaginal swabs were collected from uninfected pregnant women (n = 28) and pregnant women with COVID‐19 (n = 19) during the active phase of infection and within a month after recovering from infection. The vaginal microbiota on the swabs was examined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Shannon index indicates that alpha diversity is significantly higher in women with COVID‐19 (p = 0.012). There was a significant decrease in Firmicutes (p = 0.014) with an increase in Bacteroidota (p = 0.018) phyla and a decrease in Lactobacillus (p = 0.007) genus in women with COVID‐19 than those of uninfected pregnant women. The relative abundance of L. crispatus, L. iners, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii were lower in the COVID‐19 group than in uninfected pregnant women. In subgroup analysis, the amount of Ureaplasma spp. was higher in women with moderate/severe than those of asymptomatic/mild disease (p = 0.036). The study revealed that vaginal dysbiosis with low abundance of Lactobacillus species occurred in pregnant women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2. These findings may lead to new studies to elucidate the risk of pregnancy adverse outcomes related to COVID‐19.
From Lab to Farm: Elucidating the Beneficial Roles of Photosynthetic Bacteria in Sustainable Agriculture

Photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) possess versatile metabolic abilities and are widely applied in environmental bioremediation, bioenergy production and agriculture. In this review, we summarize examples of purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) through biofertilization, biostimulation and biocontrol mechanisms to promote plant growth. They include improvement of nutrient acquisition, production of phytohormones, induction of immune system responses, interaction with resident microbial community. It has also been reported that PNSB can produce an endogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to alleviate abiotic stress in plants. Under biotic stress, these bacteria can trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR) of plants against pathogens. The nutrient elements in soil are significantly increased by PNSB inoculation, thus improving fertility. We share experiences of researching and developing an elite PNSB inoculant (Rhodopseudomonas palustris PS3), including strategies for screening and verifying beneficial bacteria as well as the establishment of optimal fermentation and formulation processes for commercialization. The effectiveness of PS3 inoculants for various crops under field conditions, including conventional and organic farming, is presented. We also discuss the underlying plant growth-promoting mechanisms of this bacterium from both microbial and plant viewpoints. This review improves our understanding of the application of PNSB in sustainable crop production and could inspire the development of diverse inoculants to overcome the changes in agricultural environments created by climate change.
Capacitance-based sensor for monitoring bees passing through a tunnel

A sensor has been developed to monitor objects passing through tunnels using a capacitance bridge. While the sensor concept is easily adaptable to a wide range of objects or organisms which pass through an enclosed area, our version of the sensor was designed specifically for monitoring bumblebee colonies. Other bee sensors have been developed based on optical methods of detection. The capacitance sensor provides all the information of the optical sensors and additional information on the bee size and velocity. The sensor is expected to provide entomologists with more efficient methods of studying the foraging activities of bees.
High-temperature AlGaP/GaP solar cells for NASA space missions

A number of proposed NASA missions would benefit from solar arrays with the ability to operate at high temperature and high sunlight intensities. Solar cells based on semiconductors with high bandgap seem a good choice for this application. GaP or AlGaP can be considered as the least expensive high bandgap material. We present our experimental data on the performance characteristics of AlGaP/GaP solar cells. Different ways of the cell fabrication are compared and discussed focusing on the quality and price issues.
The Effect of Organoselenium Compounds on Histone Deacetylase Inhibition and Their Potential for Cancer Therapy

Genetic and epigenetic changes alter gene expression, contributing to cancer. Epigenetic changes in cancer arise from alterations in DNA and histone modifications that lead to tumour suppressor gene silencing and the activation of oncogenes. The acetylation status of histones and non-histone proteins are determined by the histone deacetylases and histone acetyltransferases that control gene transcription. Organoselenium compounds have become promising contenders in cancer therapeutics. Apart from their anti-oxidative effects, several natural and synthetic organoselenium compounds and metabolites act as histone deacetylase inhibitors, which influence the acetylation status of histones and non-histone proteins, altering gene transcription. This review aims to summarise the effect of natural and synthetic organoselenium compounds on histone and non-histone protein acetylation/deacetylation in cancer therapy.
A suggested model for European code to calculate deflection of FRP reinforced concrete beams

The theoretical deflection behaviours of concrete beams reinforced with fibre-reinforced polymer bars were investigated and compared with the experimental data. The Eurocode 2 Part 1-1 deflection model, which is used for conventional steel-reinforced structures, was tried for theoretical predictions. Experimentally recorded deflections of 75 simply supported specimens (beams and slabs), including the beams tested by the authors, were compared with the Eurocode 2 method of deflection calculation. This method was found to be inaccurate for beams/slabs with different fibre-reinforced polymer bar elastic moduli and reinforcement ratios. An appropriate modification for theoretical beam deflection is proposed. The suggested expression includes effects of reinforcement amount relative to the balanced condition and ratio of modulus of elasticity of fibre-reinforced polymer/steel bar. The results of the proposed equation compared well with the recorded deflection for every fibre-reinforced polymer bar type.
Study of small modular reactors in modern microgrids

Summary Energy supply is one of the most important concerns of every government, energy authority, and researchers to meet the growing regional energy demands. Their target is to ensure less carbon dioxide emission, sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective energy solutions. Microgrids have the potential to solve some of the problems of conventional power grid and offer sustainable decentralized power system. Microgrid with modern distributed energy resources will play an important role to alleviate the dependency to the main grid, with the utilization of distributed energy resource such as wind turbine, solar photovoltaic, diesel generator, gas engine, micro turbine, and fuel cells. However, most of the current distributed generations within microgrids can't meet future energy demand expectations. small modular reactor (SMR) could be an effective and a viable power generation source for modern microgrids to support future electricity demands. A comprehensive study is conducted on microgrids with SMR through electricity generation profiles, geographical and environmental assessment, as well as cost analysis using simulation practices and data analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zur praktischen Ermittlung von statischen Windlasten an Bauwerken mit der Singularitätenmethode

In Fortführung des bisherigen Konzeptes [1] wird gezeigt, wie statische Windlasten bei Hochbauten in guter Näherung rechnerisch ermittelt werden können. Dabei lassen sich die bisherigen Ergebnisse von Standardprofilen nützlich verwenden. Als Ziel der vorgelegten Untersuchungen soll eine übergeordnete Systematik einer Strömungsmechanik mit abgelösten turbulenten Strömungszonen (Totwasser) erkennbar sein.
Seismic response of the double variable frequency pendulum isolator

The double variable frequency pendulum isolator (DVFPI) is an adaptation of single variable frequency pendulum isolator (VFPI). The principle benefit of the DVFPI is its capacity to accommodate larger displacements compared to the VFPI of identical plan dimensions. Moreover, there is the capability to use sliding surfaces with varying isolator geometry and coefficients of friction of top and bottom sliding surfaces, giving the designer greater flexibility to optimize performance. This paper describes the mathematical modeling and force–displacement relationships of the DVFPI. Behavior of the DVFPI is studied by varying isolator geometry and coefficient of friction of the two sliding surfaces and criteria to optimize the performance of the DVFPI are proposed. Further, influences of the initial time period, the coefficient of friction and the frequency variation factors at the two sliding surfaces are investigated. The combined effect of change in the initial time period and the coefficient of friction on the seismic response of the DVFPI is also studied. It is observed that the best performance of the DVFPI can be achieved by designing it with different friction coefficient and different initial time period of the two sliding surfaces. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employee involvement: a hierarchical conceptualisation of its effect on quality

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to study the effect of employee involvement (EI) practices on quality comprehensively.Design/methodology/approach – This paper views the EI domain as sets of related practices interacting within a hierarchy. Using survey data, the paper tests a model of higher order practices building on a foundation of lower order practices to affect quality.Findings – The results support a hierarchical conceptualisation of EI practices. Some practices are found to be more effective than others, yet even the less effective EI practices serve a supportive purpose.Research limitations/implications – The model was analyzed from a predictive perspective, using a relatively small sample. Rather than simply identifying some EI practices as more effective than others, it is important to view the practices as being interrelated.Practical implications – Cherry‐picking only the most effective EI practices may not work. Managers must first install a foundation of less effective practices.Ori.
A modelling approach to railway track asset management

The UK railway network contains around 20,000 miles of track and is now carrying more, faster and heavier trains than previously. The effective management of this ageing and increasingly utilised system with limited financial resources is a significant challenge. Modelling tools are required to investigate the alternative strategies to manage such assets. The models available to date are very limited in their capability. A fundamental problem is their inability to adequately account for the underlying degradation process which is strongly dependent upon the history of the previous maintenance carried out. They also lack the complexity to enable the detailed maintenance and renewal options to be explored. This paper describes a modelling approach which first of all analyses the available data on the track geometry, and by implication the condition of the ballast, gathered at regular intervals by a measurement train. The analysis produces distributions of times for the track geometry to degrade to a specified state. Degradation distributions are therefore of relevance to the railway network under consideration, avoiding the need to use generic and possibly inappropriate data. With the degradation distributions available, a track section model is formed which incorporates the maintenance and renewal processes and provides a means of predicting the condition of the ballast section over time. The model uses a Petri net formulation with a Monte Carlo solution routine and enables the effectiveness of different maintenance strategies to be investigated. Ways in which the complexity of the model can be increased if desired is discussed and a case study is provided to indicate the use of the model.
Ethnic Selective Exposure: A Test of Cultural-Identity Based Media Selectivity Theory

ABSTRACT This study proposes and tests a theory of ethnic selective exposure – namely, ethnic audiences’ use of English- and ethnic-language media as a function of their most salient or strongest cultural identity among the many available to them (American, ethnic American, pan ethnic, or national origin). This identity-based media selectivity is examined with experimental data from a 2016 survey experiment and observational data from the 2006 Latino National Survey. Results consistently showed that ethnic audiences preferred to use media that are congruent with their most salient or strongest cultural identity, especially when they sought out information related to politics and public affairs. The 2016 experiment also suggests that immigrants’ everyday experience living in the nation can affect their media selection, which in turn influences their incorporation into the U.S. and thus points to the complexity of assimilation and the media’s role in it.
Purchase Intention Model of Malaysian Home-Grown Beauty Product

This study aims to identify factors that contribute to purchase intention of home-grown makeup products. Psychological factors (attitude, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms) and past experience that are based on Planned Behaviour theory are the predictors of home-grown makeup product purchase intention. Cross sectional data collection through survey questionnaire gathered 400 responses from makeup consumers in northern Malaysia. In order to test the relationships, data analyses of the measurement and structural model were performed using Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM). The structural model test shows a significant positive relationship between past experience (β=0.743, p-value 0.001) and perceived behaviour control (β=0.118, p-value 0.026) towards purchase intention. However, the data shows that attitude and subjective norm has insignificant relationship with purchase intention. This study provides valuable insight into makeup product consumers’ behaviour using samples from northern Malaysia.
Self-Determination in Wearable Fitness Technology: The Moderating Effect of Age

ABSTRACT Applying self-determination theory, this study investigates how users’ tracking behaviors relate to self-determination in the use of smart wearables, which enhances their intrinsic motivation (i.e., enjoyment) to use the device across age groups. An online survey with 494 smartwatch users aged 18 to 76 shows that the frequency of fitness data tracking is positively related to competence, autonomy, and relatedness needs fulfillment; only need for autonomy is positively associated with enjoyment. Age moderates the mediating effect of autonomy on the relationship between tracking fitness data and enjoyment. The findings are discussed from theoretical and practical perspectives.
Effect of Strain Rate on the Transverse Tension and Compression Behavior of a Unidirectional Non-Crimp Fabric Carbon Fiber/Snap-Cure Epoxy Composite

The strain rate-dependent behavior of a unidirectional non-crimp fabric (UD-NCF) carbon fiber/snap-cure epoxy composite loaded along the transverse direction under quasi-static and dynamic conditions was characterized. Transverse tension and compression tests at quasi-static and intermediate strain rates were performed using hydraulic testing machines, while a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus was used for transverse compression tests at high strain rates. A pulse shaper was used on the SHPB apparatus to ensure dynamic equilibrium was achieved and that the test specimens deformed homogenously with a nearly constant strain rate. The transverse tensile strength at a strain rate of 16 s−1 increased by 16% when compared to that at quasi-static strain rates, while distinct localized fracture surface morphology was observed for specimens tested at different strain rates. The transverse compressive yield stress and strength at a strain rate of 325 s−1 increased by 94% and 96%, respectively, when compared to those at quasi-static strain rates. The initial fracture plane orientation for the transverse compression tests was captured with high-speed cameras and found to increase with increasing strain rate. The study provides an important data set for the strain rate-dependent response of a UD-NCF composite material, while the qualitative fracture surface observations provide a deeper understanding of the failure characteristics.
Common risk factors associated with acute myocardial infarction: Population-based studies with a focus on gender differences

The overall aim of this thesis was to explore how the risk for AMI, and the associations between several of its risk factors, differs by gender. Information was collected from four Swedish cohorts: one patient cohort from Skara (1992-1993, n=1149) and three population-based cohorts, i.e. from Skara (1993-1994, n=1109), Vara (2001-2004, n=1811), and Skovde (2003-2005, n=1005). Participants were examined and filled out questionnaires regarding lifestyle and health. An interaction between gender and type 2 diabetes was found with regard to the risk of fatal AMI, showing that the impact of type 2 diabetes on AMI is greater in women than in men. Gender differences were also found in several AMI risk factors and in the associations between these risk factors: • Basal salivary cortisol was generally higher in women than in men (and in older subjects in general as compared to younger). • Low morning salivary cortisol and low diurnal variation of cortisol was associated with high waist-hip ratio solely in women. • Leisure time physical activity was negatively associated with insulin resistance and obesity in both men and women. However, the association with regard to insulin resistance and leisure time physical activity was stronger in women than in men. • Occupational physical activity was positively associated with insulin resistance and general and abdominal obesity in women only. • Factor analysis of AMI risk factors yielded three identical clusters in both genders: a “metabolic factor”, a “vitality factor”, and an “addiction factor”. However, these factors partly differed in their association with left ventricular hypertrophy, with significant associations with regard to the metabolic factor in both genders, and to the addiction factor in men. These findings show that gender differences with regard to AMI are present both in the risk of developing the disease and in how different risk factors for the disease interrelate. Thus, this thesis highlights the need for considering and addressing potential gender differences at all stages of preventive and interventional work aiming to reduce the burden of AMI.
Supporting Behavior Change in Sedentary Adults via Real-time Multidimensional Physical Activity Feedback: Mixed Methods Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Increasing physical activity (PA) behavior remains a public health priority, and wearable technology is increasingly being used to support behavior change efforts. Using wearables to capture and provide comprehensive, visually persuasive, multidimensional feedback with real-time support may be a promising way of increasing PA in inactive individuals. Objective This study aims to explore whether a 6-week self-monitoring intervention using composite web-based multidimensional PA feedback with real-time daily feedback supports increased PA in adults. Methods A 6-week, mixed methods, 2-armed exploratory randomized controlled trial with 6-week follow-up was used, whereby low to moderately active (PA level [PAL] <2.0) adults (mean age 51.3 years, SD 8.4 years; women 28/51, 55%) were randomly assigned to receive the self-monitoring intervention (36/51, 71%) or waiting list control (15/51, 29%). Assessment of PA across multiple health-harnessing PA dimensions (eg, PAL, weekly moderate to vigorous intensity PA, sedentary time, and steps), psychosocial cognitions (eg, behavioral regulation, barrier self-efficacy, and habit strength), and health were made at the prerandomization baseline at 6 and 12 weeks. An exploratory analysis of the mean difference and CIs was conducted using the analysis of covariance model. After the 12-week assessment, intervention participants were interviewed to explore their views on the program. Results There were no notable differences in any PA outcome immediately after the intervention; however, at 12 weeks, moderate-to-large effects were observed with a mean difference in PAL of 0.09 (95% CI 0.02-0.15; effect size [Hedges g] 0.8), daily moderate-intensity PA of 24 (95% CI 0-45; Hedges g=0.6) minutes, weekly moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA of 195 (95% CI 58-331; Hedges g=0.8) minutes, and steps of 1545 (95% CI 581-2553; Hedges g=0.7). Descriptive analyses suggested that the differences in PA at 12 weeks were more pronounced in women and participants with lower baseline PA levels. Immediately after the intervention, there were favorable differences in autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, perceived competence for PA, and barrier self-efficacy, with the latter sustained at follow-up. Qualitative data implied that the intervention was highly informative for participants and that the real-time feedback element was particularly useful in providing tangible, day-to-day behavioral support. Conclusions Using wearable trackers to capture and present sophisticated multidimensional PA feedback combined with discrete real-time support may be a useful way of facilitating changes in behavior. Further investigation into the ways of optimizing the use of wearables in inactive participants and testing the efficacy of this approach via a robust study design is warranted. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02432924; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02432924