Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrate alleviates ammonium toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by regulating tricarboxylic acid cycle and reducing rhizospheric acidification and oxidative damage

ABSTRACT Ammonium (NH4 +) is one of the most important nutrients required by plants. However, a high concentration of NH4 + as the sole nitrogen source suppresses plant growth. Although nitrate (NO3 −) can alleviate NH4 + toxicity, the mechanisms underlying this ability have not been fully elucidated. In this study, wheat plants were cultivated in hydroponic solution with 7.5 mM NO3 − (control), 7.5 mM NH4 + (sole ammonium, SA) or 7.5 mM NH4 + plus 1.0 mM NO3 − (ammonium and nitrate, AN). The results showed that compared with the control, the SA treatment significantly decreased root growth, protein content and the concentrations of most intermediates and the activity of enzymes from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Moreover, increased the activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase and the rate of H+ efflux along roots, caused solution acidification, and increased the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I–IV and the contents of protein-bound carbonyls and malondialdehyde in roots. SA treatment induced ultrastructure disruption and reduced the viability of root cells. Compared with the SA treatment, the AN treatment increased root growth, protein content, the concentrations of most intermediates and the activity of enzymes from the TCA cycle. Furthermore, AN treatment decreased the rate of H+ efflux, retarded medium acidification, decreased protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation in roots and relieved ultrastructure disruption and increased the viability of root cells. Taken together, these results indicate that NO3 –-dependent alleviation of NH4 + toxicity in wheat seedlings is closely associated with physiological processes that mediate TCA cycle, relieve rhizospheric acidification and decrease the production of ROS and oxidative damage.
Cochlear Implantation Outcomes in Children With CDH23 Mutations–Associated Hearing Loss

Objective Mutations in the cadherin 23 gene (CDH23) have been reported to cause cochlear damage, but few studies have investigated the auditory and speech outcome of patients after cochlear implantation. Here, we describe the genetic, auditory, and postoperative outcomes of patients with CDH23 mutations who received cochlear implants. Study Design Retrospective case review. Setting Tertiary referral center. Methods Targeted deafness-related gene panels were sequenced in Chinese families with profound sensorineural hearing loss. The clinical features of subjects carrying potentially pathogenic CDH23 mutations were analyzed. Results Between 2017 and 2019, we identified 5 children with prelinguistically profound hearing loss at our center who harbored 6 variants of CDH23 that segregated with the disease. Of these, 4 variants were novel (c.2591G>T, c.4785G>C, c.5765A>G, and c.9280_9281insTT). All affected individuals had a loss of outer hair cell function, with an average residual hearing level of 3 to 10 dB SPL. Cochlear implantations were arranged for the patients at 11 to 36 months of age. All children made gains in their hearing, language, and speech performances 14 to 120 months after surgery. Their auditory outcomes improved during follow-up intervals. Conclusion This study revealed that children with congenital cochlear defects caused by CDH23 variants can acquire an acceptable auditory and speech outcome after cochlear implantation. Early genetic detection and prenatal counseling for rare deafness genes such as CDH23 remain a priority for the future.
Learning Human-Object Interaction via Interactive Semantic Reasoning

Human-Object Interaction (HOI) detection devotes to learn how humans interact with surrounding objects via inferring triplets of $\langle $ human, verb, object $\rangle $ . Recent HOI detection methods infer HOIs by directly extracting appearance features and spatial configuration from related visual targets of human and object, but neglect powerful interactive semantic reasoning between these targets. Meanwhile, existing spatial encodings of visual targets have been simply concatenated to appearance features, which is unable to dynamically promote the visual feature learning. To solve these problems, we first present a novel semantic-based Interactive Reasoning Block, in which interactive semantics implied among visual targets are efficiently exploited. Beyond inferring HOIs using discrete instance features, we then design a HOI Inferring Structure to parse pairwise interactive semantics among visual targets in scene-wide level and instance-wide level. Furthermore, we propose a Spatial Guidance Model based on the location of human body-parts and object, which serves as a geometric guidance to dynamically enhance the visual feature learning. Based on the above modules, we construct a framework named Interactive-Net for HOI detection, which is fully differentiable and end-to-end trainable. Extensive experiments show that our proposed framework outperforms existing HOI detection methods on both V-COCO and HICO-DET benchmarks and improves the baseline about 5.9% and 17.7% relatively, validating its efficacy in detecting HOIs.
The Association of Cannabis Use and Cigarette Smoking with Psychological Distress Among Adults in California

ABSTRACT Background In November 2016, California voters passed the Adult Use of Marijuana Act making recreational cannabis sales legal to adults aged 21and older starting January 1st, 2018. This study aims to understand the relationship of cannabis use and cigarette smoking with serious psychological distress (SPD) in California in light of the legalization of recreational cannabis sales. Methods This cross-sectional study included 42,313 adult participants from the 2017 to 2018 California Health Interview Surveys. We used the Kessler-6 (K6) scale to measure psychological distress in the past 30 days. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between cannabis/cigarette use and SPD. Results Cannabis use was positively associated with SPD (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.57, 3.91), but this association was not significantly different before and after recreational cannabis sales legalization in California (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.72, 2.05). Cigarette smoking was also positively associated with SPD (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI = 2.05, 3.71). Compared to those who used neither cannabis nor cigarettes, sole cannabis users (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.75, 3.60), sole cigarette smokers (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI = 2.28, 4.60), and dual users of cannabis and cigarettes (AOR = 5.65, 95% CI = 4.04, 7.89) were more likely to report SPD. Dual users were also more likely to report SPD than sole cannabis users (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.48, 3.43) and sole cigarette smokers (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.18, 2.59). Conclusions These findings provide evidence for the need to develop effective cessation intervention strategies targeting individuals with SPD to reduce their cannabis use and dual-use of cannabis and cigarettes.
Electroacupuncture for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: To assess the efficacy, comparative effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome (PMS). Methods: Nine databases were searched until June 2019. Only relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of EA for PMS were included. Results: Twelve trials involving 746 women were included. EA and hormone therapy (HT) did not significantly differ in terms of effective rate (risk ratio (RR) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93 to 1.04), Kupperman index (KI) (mean difference (MD) = −0.25, 95% CI = −0.76 to 0.26) and serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (MD = −3.80, 95% CI = −11.59 to 3.98) or luteinizing hormone (LH) (MD = −2.51, 95% CI = −10.72 to 5.70). Serum estradiol (E2) levels were significantly lower in EA versus HT groups (MD = −60.58, 95% CI = −71.93 to −49.23). Compared with sham EA, EA had a significantly greater effect on reductions in KI (MD = −4.71, 95% CI = −6.57 to −2.86) and hot flushes score/24 h (MD = −2.43, 95% CI = −2.93 to −1.93). There were no significant differences between EA and manual acupuncture (MA) in terms of effective rate (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.33) or serum FSH (MD = −2.87, 95% CI = −29.65 to 23.91), LH (MD = 2.73, 95% CI = −9.65 to 15.11) or E2 (MD = 26.80, 95% CI = −12.06 to 65.65). However, it seemed that EA had a better effect than MA on KI (MD = −2.44, 95% CI = −4.80 to −0.08). Subgroup analyses indicated that EA may have more of a benefit in the pre-menopausal state (hot flushes score/24 h: MD = −1.66, 95% CI = −3.49 to 0.17) compared to post-menopause (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The effect of EA appeared broadly similar to HT and MA in the treatment of PMS, although EA-associated reductions in KI were superior to MA and sham EA, suggesting effects beyond placebo. The evidence base is limited by a small number of eligible studies, risk of bias and clinical/statistical heterogeneity, limiting our ability to draw firm conclusions. As such, additional larger scale, high-quality RCTs are needed.
Perspectives of metformin use in endometrial cancer and other gynaecological malignancies

Abstract Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia play a key role in type 1 endometrial cancer pathogenesis. Most of these cancers develop on a background of overweight or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). One of the medications widely used in the treatment of T2DM is biguanide derivative, metformin, which exerts promising anticancer properties principally through activation of adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Many epidemiological studies on diabetic patients show potential preventative role of metformin in endometrial cancer patients, but data regarding its therapeutic role is still limited. So far, most of attention has been paid to the concept of metformin use in fertility sparing treatment of early-stage cancer. Another investigated alternative is its application in patients with primary advanced or recurrent disease. In this review we present the latest data on clinical use of metformin in endometrial cancer patients and potential underlying mechanisms of its activity. Finally, we present some most important clinical information regarding metformin efficacy in other gynaecological malignancies, mainly breast and ovarian cancer.
Design of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems: A Topology Optimization Approach Based on Multilayer Plates and Shells

We develop a computational approach to analyze and design piezoelectric energy harvesting systems composed of layered plates and shells connected to an electrical circuit. The finite element method is used to model the coupled electromechanics of the piezoelectric harvesting structure and a lumped parameter model for the dynamics of the electrical circuit. We assume the harvester is subjected to a prescribed harmonic base excitation and that the structural and electrical responses are linear. We use topology optimization to design the layout of a multilayer structure consisting of structural, piezoelectric, and electrode layers, as well as the electrical circuit. The flexibility of our formalism admits the definition of specific system-level objectives, e.g., maximize the power harvested, in an algebraic fashion. After describing our analysis and design approaches, we present examples that demonstrate the versatility of our approach and show how it can be used to explore general behavior and develop overarching design principles for piezoelectric energy harvesting devices. For the objective of maximizing the power harvested, we investigate: (i) optimal designs for various piezoelectric to substrate thickness ratios, (ii) the effect of mass loading on optimal design, and (iii) the sensitivity of designs to shape variations.
A New Strategy for Accurately Predicting Electrical Characteristics of PV Modules Using a Nonlinear Five-Point Model

This paper presents the modelling of electrical response of illuminated photovoltaic crystalline modules. As an alternative method to the linear five-parameter model, our strategy uses advantages of a nonlinear analytical five-point model to take into account the effects of nonlinear variations of current with respect to solar irradiance and of voltage with respect to cells temperature. We succeeded in this work to predict with great accuracy the characteristics of monocrystalline shell SP75 and polycrystalline GESOLAR GE-P70 photovoltaic modules. The good comparison of our calculated results to experimental data provided by the modules manufacturers makes it possible to appreciate the contribution of taking into account the nonlinear effect of operating conditions data on characteristics of photovoltaic modules.
ADUBAÇÃO MINERAL DA CANDEIA (Eremanthus erythropappus DC.) McLeish)

This study evaluated the nutritional aspects and the effect of nutrient omission in development of candeia seedlings (Eremanthus erythropappus (DC.) McLeish). The experiment, based on missing-nutrient technique, was developed in a greenhouse, and used as substrate a low fertility oxisoil on 10 treatments, arranged in fully randomized block design, with 5 replicates and one plant per pot. It was applied a complete treatment with (N,P,K,Ca,Mg,S,B, and Zn), other eight elements with one missing element at a time (-N, -P, -K, -Ca, -Mg, -S, -B, and Zn), and a control (natural substrate). The evaluation after 110 days measured the following variables: total height, ground level diameter, and dry matter. Based on the results allow the following conclusions: a) Candeia is strongly exigent in P and N; b) The level of natural soils fertility did not allow the development of candeias seedlings; c) Candeias nutritional limitation in decreasing order is P > N > S > Mg = B > Ca > K > Zn.
To compact ring branch‐line coupler using nonuniform transmission line

A compact ring Branch‐Line Coupler (BLC) with size reduction of about 50%(in circuit area) of conventional BLCs at frequency 2 GHz is introduced. The coupler is designed by using nonuniform transmission lines (NTL) instead of Uniform Transmission Lines in each arm. The normalized width w (z)/h function of the NTLs is expanded in a truncated Fourier series. The reduced size couplers are potential building blocks for the growing wireless communication markets. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2679–2682, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24703
Bioactive peptides from beef products fermented by acid whey – in vitro and in silico study

This research investigated the potential of beef products with acid whey to release bioactive peptides and thereby emphasize their health-promoting potential. Peptide sequences were isolated and identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Firstly, the antihealth properties (toxicity, allergenicity) of the peptides were estimated based on the peptide sequences. Next, their health-promoting potential was demonstrated based on an in silico analysis by determining their bioactivity scores (PeptideRanker). Their various biological actions were also determined using BIOPEP-UWM tools. We presented peptide sequences with properties relevant to ensuring good health and well-being, including cardiovascular system, nervous and immune systems, or their support for the maintenance of general homeostasis. We obtained information on generation of biologically active peptides in uncured beef with acid whey and it can be considered as a new knowledge as it contributes to science development of functional and nutraceutical foods. In the long term, this information can be used in designing products with desired nutritional and health-promoting properties that are important for the well-being and for preventing the occurrence of noncommunicable diseases.
Dynamic load measurements with delta wings undergoing self-induced roll-oscillations

The aerodynamic forces acting on a delta wing, mounted on a free-to-roll sting-balance apparatus, were measured. Two wing planforms having leading edge sweeps of 76 and 80 deg were tested, but only the wing with the 80 deg sweep would undergo periodic self-induced roll oscillation. The time dependent forces and roll angles for this wing were then recorded for various test conditions. In these tests a considerable drop in the average normal force of the free-to-roll wing was measured, relative to the normal force obtained in the static tests. Also, the helium-bubble flow visualization technique was used to gain some insight into the periodic motion of the separated leading edge vortices.
Thermal Comfort: Climate Change and the Environmental Design of Buildings in the United Kingdom

A major anticipated impact of climate change on the built environment in the United Kingdom is an increase in the occurrence of overheating in buildings, due to reduced efficacy of the traditional and still widely used method of cooling buildings - comfort ventilation with outside air. As outside temperatures become higher, the potential to provide cooling with comfort ventilation falls off. This paper examines how serious this impact may be under the UKCIP02 climate change scenarios and investigates the implications of two types of adaptive solution: passive cooling measures, as traditionally used in countries with warmer climates, and mechanical cooling ('air conditioning'). A qualitative assessment is made through consideration of building design weather years 'morphed' under the UKCIP02 scenarios. A quantitative investigation is then made through dynamic thermal modelling of three notional case study office buildings under morphed weather years for London, Manchester and Edinburgh for the UKCP02 Medium-High emissions scenario. It is demonstrated that in London, buildings relying on comfort ventilation are likely to become increasingly vulnerable to serious overheating and that advanced passive or mechanical cooling measures will be needed. For Manchester, projected overheating risks in buildings relying on comfort ventilation are still significant but less than for London, whereas for Edinburgh overheating risks are low under the climate scenario data used. The implications of these findings for building design in the UK are discussed.
Empowering ten-year-olds as active researchers

This paper discusses the outcomes of an initiative to empower able ten-year-olds as active researchers. It describes a study in which a group of ten-year-olds participated in a taught programme of research process aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills to design their own research. This empowering process resulted in the children undertaking research projects of their own choosing, designed, carried out and reported entirely from the child perspective.
Schottky diode tripler for 210 GHz

A new type of frequency-multiplier is presented which operates from 70 to 210 GHz that combines the advantages of a varactor with the symmetrical capacitance-voltage characteristic and low leakage current of a Schottky diode. The varactor structure consists of two inhomogeneously doped Schottky diodes in anti-serial connection which are quasi-monolithically integrated into a microstrip circuit on quartz. First experimental results are presented which show an RF output power of 2 mW at 210 GHz.
HORTITRANS, a model for predicting and optimizing humidity and transpiration in greenhouses

Abstract A new model is presented to predict humidity and transpiration directly as a function of the outside climate, with the particular objective of developing optimal control strategies for humidity in greenhouses. This model is of straightforward structure, while including the processes of transpiration, condensation, ventilation and humidification or dehumidification. The model allows the inside vapour pressure to be directly calculated as a function of the outside conditions and the greenhouse characteristics. It includes a linearized relationship for transpiration, which is a good approximation of a more detailed model. Condensation on the cladding is first calculated for the inside greenhouse air at saturation (100% relative humidity) and then corrected by a factor to account explicitly for the feedback effect of inside humidity on cladding temperature. Because of its simplicity, this model also explicitly determines the water and energy to be added to or extracted from the greenhouse air, in order to achieve given humidity or transpiration set-points. The HORTITRANS model predicted to within 8% vapour pressure, relative humidity, transpiration and condensation inside the greenhouse, when tested against measurements taken on a young and on a mature crop in a full-size greenhouse. The optimization of inside humidity shows that there is little need for dehumidification in a single glazed greenhouse. For double glazing, dehumidification could be cost effective at very low light levels, in particular just before sunset.
A logistic life cycle cost-benefit analysis of power quality management in the avionics repair facility

Abstract : The objective of this research is to investigate the impact that power quality management can have on the intermediate level of maintenance. Power quality management is a preventative process that focuses on identifying and correcting problems that cause bad power. Using cost-benefit analysis we compare the effects of implementing a power quality management program at AIMD Lemoore and AIMD Fallon. The implementation of power quality management can result in wide scale logistical support changes in regards to the life cycle costs of maintaining the DoD's current inventory of sensitive electronic equipment. Power quality management provides logisticians the opportunity to reduce maintenance costs, reduce maintenance cycle times, and improve fleet operational availability. Our research identifies potential savings of $1.5 million from reduced test bench maintenance costs and productivity increases, and recommends the DoD institutionalize the use of power quality management.
Transformational leadership and employee innovation: Examining the congruence of leader and follower perceptions

Organizations are relying on their leaders to demonstrate effective leadership behavior that positively affects employee innovation. However, discrepancies are often found between leaders’ self-perception and followers’ perception of leadership. Understanding the discrepancies is critical for narrowing the leader–follower perception gap and achieving congruence between leaders and followers. This forms the motivation of this study, which aims to compare and contrast the direct and mediated (through psychological empowerment) impact of transformational leadership behavior on employee innovation performance from the perspective of both leaders and followers. Multisource data using questionnaires were collected from 66 leaders and 220 followers in the United Arab Emirates. The results show that leaders’ self-perception scores were significantly lower than that of their followers. Also, discrepancies in perceptions of the direct impact of transformational leadership behavior on employee innovation were found such that a positive and significant relationship was found for followers while no significant relationship was found for leaders. Finally, psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and employee innovation performance for both leaders and followers, though leaders perceive the mediation of psychological empowerment to be stronger than followers perceive it to be. The study findings show the importance of obtaining multiple-source feedback to first assess the perceptions of both leaders and followers and then make necessary interventions (if required) to narrow perception gaps between leaders and followers since discrepancies could lead to poor organizational culture.