Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-efficacy and achievement motivation of employed and unemployed mothers

The research aimed to understand the relationship of work status on the self – efficacy and achievement motivation in mothers. A questionnaire survey was used to measure independent variables self – efficacy and achievement motivation. General Self-Efficacy Questionnaire by Schwarzer & Jerusalem, 1995 (α = .90) and the Achievement Motivation Scale by Lang & Fries, 2005 (α = .94) were used. A total sample of 100 mothers (50 employed and 50 unemployed) between the ages of 35 and 55 participated in the study by answering an online questionnaire. An independent sample t-test found that work status did not influence self-efficacy or achievement motivation of the participants. Further, a correlational analysis revealed that self-efficacy and achievement motivation were highly correlated in working and non-working mothers. The study indicates that work status does not seem to be indicative of women’s feelings of self-efficacy and achievement motivation, and thus, implies that a job is not a requirement to feel fulfilled and happy for all mothers.
Clinical Implications of inter-tumour, intra-tumour, and tumour microenvironment heterogeneity in B-cell lymphomas

B-cell lymphomas are lymphoid neoplasms derived from mature B lymphocytes at various stages of B-cell development. Advances in sequencing have contributed to decoding the genomic landscapes underlying many subtypes of B-cell lymphomas. However, it remains unclear why some B-cell lymphoma patients suffer from disease progression. A major factor contributing to disease progression is tumour heterogeneity, a consequence of branched evolutionary processes, and microenvironment heterogeneity leading to variation in the composition and properties of non-malignant cells infiltrating and surrounding the cancer. A thorough characterization of these forms of diversity in B-cell lymphomas and their association with disease progression has not been undertaken. As such, the overarching hypothesis of this thesis is that uncharacterized inter-tumour, intra-tumour, and tumour microenvironment heterogeneity impacts disease progression in B-cell lymphomas. In particular, this thesis is focused on studying these types of heterogeneity in three subtypes of B-cell lymphomas and their implications on disease progression. First, I explored inter-tumour heterogeneity in primary specimens of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients. I identified novel RCOR1 deletions and their corresponding transcriptional signature in a subset of patients that stratified patients into good and poor outcome following first-line treatment. Secondly, I explored intra-tumour heterogeneity in histologically transformed and early progressed follicular lymphoma patients using serial samples of their primary and transformed/progressed specimens. Through the inference of clonal dynamic patterns, I revealed divergent evolution patterns and identified novel genes underlying these distinct clinical end points. Thirdly, I explored tumour microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity in classical Hodgkin lymphoma relapse patients through serial sampling of primary pretreatment and relapse specimens. I demonstrated how specific TME dynamic patterns can inform on treatment failure. Moreover, I derived a novel, clinically applicable prognostic model (RHL30), based on the TME composition at relapse that predicts response to second-line treatment. Collectively, the work in this thesis constitutes a step forward in our characterization of tumour and microenvironment heterogeneity in B-cell lymphomas and its association with disease progression. The results presented here will aid in the determination of precise therapeutic approaches for individual lymphoma patients.
Bayesian Model Averaging of Climate Model Projections Constrained by Precipitation Observations over the Contiguous United States

This study utilizes Bayesian model averaging (BMA) as a framework to constrain the spread of uncertainty in climate projections of precipitation over the contiguous United States (CONUS). We use a subset of historical model simulations and future model projections (RCP8.5) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). We evaluate the representation of five precipitation summary metrics in the historical simulations using observations from the NASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellites. The summary metrics include mean, annual and interannual variability, and maximum and minimum extremes of precipitation. The estimated model average produced with BMA is shown to have higher accuracy in simulating mean rainfall than the ensemble mean (RMSE of 0.49 for BMA versus 0.65 for ensemble mean), and a more constrained spread of uncertainty with roughly a third of the total uncertainty than is produced with the multimodel ensemble. The results show that, by the end of the century, the mean daily rainfall is projected to increase for most of the East Coast and the Northwest, may decrease in the southern United States, and with little change expected for the Southwest. For extremes, the wettest year on record is projected to become wetter for the majority of CONUS and the driest year to become drier. We show that BMA offers a framework to more accurately estimate and to constrain the spread of uncertainties of future climate, such as precipitation changes over CONUS.
Explanations of Institutional Change: Reflecting on a “Missing Diagonal”

Previous research on institutional change has concentrated on two types of explanations. On one hand, the dualism of path dependency and critical junctures has advanced our understanding of how institutional change occurs due to sudden exogenous shocks. On the other hand, more recent critiques have established a better understanding of endogenous, gradual change. This article is motivated by observations that current research tends to overlook what I call the “missing diagonal. ” I argue that we need to disentangle the sources of a cause (exogenous vs. endogenous) from its time horizon (sudden vs. gradual). By cross-tabulating these two dimensions, the proposed typology of institutional change explanations is able to capture complex multilayered as well as sequential arguments of institutional change. The typology urges scholars to be more precise with their social science language of erosion and decay, while serving as a generator for an innovative research agenda on endogenous ruptures.
Ethnic disparities in COVID-19 mortality in Mexico: A cross-sectional study based on national data

Objectives: To analyze the mortality associated with ethnicity, particularly of Indigenous peoples, in a large sample of patients with COVID-19 in Mexico. Design: National, cross-sectional study. Setting: Mexico. Participants: 416546 adult patients; 4178 Indigenous peoples with COVID-19 were the primary population under study. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was mortality from COVID-19 up to August 3rd, 2020. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios while adjusting for confounders. Results: Among all patients with COVID-19, whether hospitalized or not, a higher proportion of Indigenous peoples died compared to non-Indigenous people (16.5% vs 11.1%, respectively). Among hospitalized patients, a higher proportion of Indigenous peoples died (37.1%) compared to non-Indigenous peoples (36.3%). Deaths outside the hospital were also higher among Indigenous peoples (3.7% vs 1.7%). A higher proportion of Indigenous peoples died in both the private and public health care sectors. The adjusted odds ratio for COVID-19 mortality among Indigenous peoples with COVID-19 was 1.13 (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.24). The adjusted odds ratio for COVID-19 mortality among Indigenous peoples with COVID-19 was higher among those who received only ambulatory care (1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.24 to 1.92). Conclusions: In the large sample of patients with COVID-19, the findings suggest that Indigenous peoples in Mexico have a higher risk of death from COVID-19, especially outside the hospital. These findings suggest Indigenous peoples lack access to care more so than non-Indigenous people during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. More research is needed regarding the impact of the COVID-19 among racial and ethnic minorities in Mexico.
Nonuniform Flows in a Compound Open‐Channel: Assessment of a Hybrid RANS‐LES Approach

Overbank flows in rivers, also termed compound open‐channel flows, are rarely uniform in the streamwise direction. Flow nonuniformity involves transverse currents directed from the river main channel (MC) to adjacent floodplains (FPs) or vice versa. Depending on their direction and magnitude, the transverse currents can laterally displace the planform shear layer that forms at the interface between MC and FP. They can also modify the cross‐sectional distribution of the helical secondary currents (SCs). This paper reports a numerical study that focuses on assessing the ability of a hybrid RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier‐Stokes) ‐ LES (Large Eddy Simulation) approach, namely, the Scale Adaptive Simulation (SAS), to capture the evolving structure of both depth‐uniform and nonuniform flows in a straight compound open‐channel. The simulated flows have recently been studied in an 18 m long and 3 m wide laboratory flume by Proust and Nikora (2020, https://doi.org/10.1017/jfm.2019.973). The originality of the study lies in the modeling of flows over the entire flume length and in the estimate of the length‐scales of the large Kelvin‐Helmholtz‐type coherent structures (KHCSs). The SAS approach can accurately predict the longitudinal evolution of: (i) the streamwise time‐averaged flow, including the planform shear layer width, (ii) the SC patterns, and (iii) the turbulence statistics. The emergence and development of the KHCSs are qualitatively retrieved and are confirmed to be controlled by dimensionless velocity shear irrespective of flow depth. The simulations also show that SC patterns depend on the magnitude and direction of the transverse currents and also on the development of KHCSs.
Organic Carbon Stabilization Mechanisms in Mangrove Soils: A Review

Despite the recognized organic carbon (OC) sequestration potential of mangrove forests, the ongoing climate change and anthropogenic disturbances pose a great threat to these ecosystems. However, we currently lack the ability to mechanically understand and predict the consequences of such impacts, primarily because mechanisms underlying OC stabilization in these ecosystems remain elusive. Research into OC stabilization has focused on terrestrial soils and marine sediments for decades, overlooking the vegetated coastal ecosystems including mangroves. In terrestrial soils and marine sediments, it is widely accepted that OC stabilization is the integrated consequence of OM’s inherent recalcitrance, physical protection, and interactions with minerals and metals. However, related discussion is rarely done in mangrove soils, and recalcitrance of roots and high net ecosystem production (high primary production and low heterotrophic respiration) have been considered as a primary OC sequestration mechanism in mangrove peat and mineral soils, respectively. This review presents the available information on the mechanisms underlying OC stabilization in mangrove soils and highlights research questions that warrant further investigation. Primary OC stabilization mechanisms differ between mangrove peat and mineral soils. In mangrove mineral soils, physico-chemical stabilization processes are important, yet grossly understudied OC stabilization mechanisms. In mangrove peat, recalcitrance of mangrove roots and the inhibition of phenoloxidase under the anoxic condition may be the primary OC stabilization mechanisms. Salinity-induced OC immobilization likely plays a role in both type of soils. Finally, this review argues that belowground production and allochthonous inputs in mangrove forests are likely underestimated. More studies are needed to constrain C budgets to explain the enigma that mangrove OC keeps accumulating despite much higher decomposition (especially by large lateral exports) than previously considered.
Comparison of Violet, Red, and Green Light on Early-Stage Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Development

The energy efficiency of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) makes them attractive for indoor plant lighting. LEDs, however, do not produce broad-spectrum light efficiently. The effects of LED lighting on common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L . ) growth are not well known. This study sought to find the colors of light that most effectively grow common bean plants under indoor conditions. The hypothesis was that red light would promote early common bean growth better, both qualitatively and quantitatively, than violet or green light. After planting the seeds in soil, 20 common bean plants were each grown under red, or green, or violet LED lights (PHILIPS®) (8 watt), or natural sunlight, for 16 days: a total of 80 plants. Bonferroni adjusted t -tests showed that the plants under the violet light grew significantly taller than the plants under red or green light with p -values 0.000 respectively; the plants under red or green light had significantly larger leaves than those under the violet light with p -values 0.000. Qualitative observations (based upon visual inspections of leaf health, maturity, and root development) revealed the plants under red light were the healthiest, most mature, and exhibited the most developed roots—followed by those under green light. The findings of this study suggested early common bean growth performed better under red light than under violet or green light.
Changes in light and dark periods affect the arylalkylamine N-acetyl transferase, melatonin activities and redox status in the head and hemolymph of nocturnal insect Spodoptera litura

Abstract The present study was conducted to describe the impact of circadian rhythm on melatonin levels and redox statusunder three photoperiods (12L:12D, 0L:24D, and 24L:0D) in head and hemolymph of Spodoptera litura. Melatonin is an powerful antioxidant and controls the reproduction of organisms. In this study, melatonin levels, Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase(AA-NAT), and antioxidant enzyme activities were analyzed. Results showed melatonin, AA-NAT levels in hemolymph were significantly (p < 0.05) higher during the dark period than during LL regime. HPLC chromatogram of the insect head and hemolymph showed 5 peaks while hemolymph showed 6 peaks in LD, and LLregimes. The day–night changes of melatonin increased the antioxidant enzymes (GST, CAT, POX) persisted in the insect hemolymph, but were suppressed by constant light. The present study leads us to speculate that synthesis and release of melatonin in the S.litura head occur as circadian rhythm and light has an inhibitory effect on melatonin synthesis.
Recent and Rapid Radiation of the Highly Endangered Harlequin Frogs (Atelopus) into Central America Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA Sequences

Populations of amphibians are experiencing severe declines worldwide. One group with the most catastrophic declines is the Neotropical genus Atelopus (Anura: Bufonidae). Many species of Atelopus have not been seen for decades and all eight Central American species are considered “Critically Endangered”, three of them very likely extinct. Nonetheless, the taxonomy, phylogeny, and biogeographic history of Central American Atelopus are still poorly known. In this study, the phylogenetic relationships among seven of the eight described species in Central America were inferred based on mitochondrial DNA sequences from 103 individuals, including decades-old museum samples and two likely extinct species, plus ten South American species. Among Central American samples, we discovered two candidate species that should be incorporated into conservation programs. Phylogenetic inference revealed a ladderized topology, placing species geographically furthest from South America more nested in the tree. Model-based ancestral area estimation supported either one or two colonization events from South America. Relaxed-clock analysis of divergence times indicated that Atelopus colonized Central America prior to 4 million years ago (Ma), supporting a slightly older than traditional date for the closure of the Isthmus. This study highlights the invaluable role of museum collections in documenting past biodiversity, and these results could guide future conservation efforts. An abstract in Spanish (Resumen) is available as supplementary material.
Tanshinone IIA induces ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells through p53-mediated SLC7A11 down-regulation

Abstract Gastric cancer represents a malignant type of cancer worldwide. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), a pharmacologically active component isolated from the rhizome of the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), has been reported to possess an anti-cancer effect in gastric cancer. However, its mechanisms are still not fully understood. In the present study, we found that Tan IIA induced ferroptosis in BGC-823 and NCI-H87 gastric cancer cells. Tan IIA increased lipid peroxidation and up-regulated Ptgs2 and Chac1 expression, two markers of ferroptosis. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, inhibited Tan IIA caused-lipid peroxidation and Ptgs2 and Chac1 expression. In addition, Tan IIA also up-regulated p53 expression and down-regulated xCT expression. Tan IIA caused decreased intracellular glutathione (GSH) level and cysteine level and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. p53 knockdown attenuated Tan IIA-induced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Tan IIA also induced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in BGC-823 xenograft model, and the anti-cancer effect of Tan IIA was attenuated by Fer-1 in vivo. Therefore, Tan IIA could suppress the proliferation of gastric cancer via inducing p53 upregulation-mediated ferroptosis. Our study have identified a novel mechanism of Tan IIA against gastric cancer, and might provide a critical insight into the application of Tan IIA in gastric cancer intervention.
Alcohol Drives Oxidation-Dependent Desensitization of Airway Cilia Motility Responsiveness

ALCOHOL DRIVES OXIDATION-DEPENDENT DESENSITIZATION OF AIRWAY CILIA MOTILITY RESPONSIVENESS Michael E. Price Ph.D. University of Nebraska Medical Center 2018 Supervisor: Joseph H. Sisson, M. D. Alcohol abuse, which can impair clearance of pathogens and debris from the airway, is associated with an increase in complications and a higher mortality rate during the progression of pneumonia. With prolonged alcohol exposure, mucociliary clearance (MCC), which depends on the coordinated beating of cilia, is dysfunctional. Effective MCC relies on cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activation of ciliary beat frequency (CBF). PKA activation and stimulation of CBF are blunted with chronic exposure to alcohol. This phenomenon is known as alcohol-induced ciliary dysfunction (AICD). Previous studies have shown that concomitant feeding of mice with alcohol and antioxidants prevents AICD, suggesting a key role for oxidant signaling in AICD. We hypothesized that increased cilia-associated oxidant driven phosphatase activity plays a key role in the link between alcohol-driven oxidant production and cilia dysfunction. To test this hypothesis we assessed phosphatase activity and key checkpoints of ciliary function, such as CBF-and PKA responsiveness in isolated cilia, intact cell, tissue and animal models of AICD. Alcohol increased S-nitrosation in bronchoalveolar fluid and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity in tracheal rings from mice drinking alcohol for 6 weeks. Furthermore, alcohol-stimulation of PP1 activity and S-nitrosation persisted at the tissue, cell and isolated cilia organelle level. Inhibition of PP1 reversed AICD, demonstrating a key role for PP1 in AICD. Structure based studies indicate that PP1 contains an oxidant sensitive active site. We identified PP1 cysteine 155 (PP1) as a key S-nitrosated residue in AICD and generated and expressed PP1 mutants in
The effect of probiotic diet on growth and hematology parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792).

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of dietary probiotics on rainbow trout, based on growth performance and hematological profile. The 2 species of endospore bacillus, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis, as a blend of probiotic bacteria, were employed in 3 concentrations for diet supplementation (V1:22.4x10, V2:38.4x10 and V3: 70.4x10 CFU g). The effects were compared with those of control diet, containing no probiotic. The trout with initial mean body weight of 101.96±2.26 g was fed with 3 percentage of their body weight, 3 times per day. After feeding with supplemented diets for 4 weeks, growth performance, feed utilization and health status were assessed. The comercial probiotic mixture showed an improvement of feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) at concentration of 22.4x10 CFUg. The hematological indices (hemoglobin, red blood cells and hematocrit) showed differences among experimenatal variants. In the present study a higher levels of probiotics does not correlates with the best results in terms of growth and physiological status. Thus is demonstrated that the appropriate doze of probiotic should be established before application in intensive aquaculture in order to prevent any unwanted effects.
On the neurobiology of apathy and depression in cerebral small vessel disease

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a cerebrovascular pathology that affects the small vessels of the brain, resulting in heterogeneous brain tissue changes. These can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms such as apathy, a loss of motivation, and depression, which is characterised by low mood and a loss of pleasure. Apathy and depression are both prevalent symptoms in SVD, but an understanding of the relationship between underlying disease processes and the expression of these neuropsychiatric symptoms remains poor. This thesis uses magnetic resonance imaging techniques to examine the neurobiological basis of apathy and depression in SVD. We show that apathy is related to focal grey matter damage and distributed white matter microstructural change. These microstructural changes underlie large-scale white matter network disruption, which is related to apathy, but not depression. We then show that depression, as a construct, can be dissociated into distinct symptoms which are associated with overlapping and distinct areas of cortical atrophy over time. This suggests that depression as a general syndrome may be characterised by atrophy in core structures, while different symptoms are associated with atrophy in more specialised areas. Consistent with these patterns of overarching tissue damage, we find that apathy, but not depression, predicts conversion to dementia in patients with SVD. Our findings suggest that different types of SVD-related pathology lead to apathy and depression. Diffuse white matter damage may lead to widespread network disruption, resulting in apathy and cognitive impairment. In contrast, depressive symptoms are associated with focal patterns of grey matter atrophy over time. This highlights the importance of differentiating neuropsychiatric symptoms, and paves the way for targeted treatment approaches.