Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Significance of CYP2D Polymorphism

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) is a superfamily of metabolizing enzymes which play a major role in the biotransformation of xenobiotics, i.e. drug, foods,, chemicals, pollutants, and endogenous compounds. The activity of CYP450 is one of the most influent factors on the drug-pharmacokinetics. CYP2D6 is one of CYP450 isoforms which takes responsibility in the metabolism of varieties clinically used drugs that usually have narrow therapeutic index such as antidepressants and anti-hypertensives. The activity of CYP2D6 is affected by both exogenous and endogenous influences, including genetic variation, epigenetic variation, and concurrently used drugs. Genetic variation of CYP2D6 genes is either hereditary or acquired mutation. The variation of CYP2D6 activity due to genetic mutation is referred to polymorphism. Polymorphism of CYP2D6 has been reported to associate with failure of pharmacotherapy and risk of adverse effects. Small rodents are often employed for the pharmacokinetic study by using the human orthologue as the determinant, however, the difference of human CYP2D6 and small rodent Cyp2d are remarkable. Hence, this review focuses on significance of human CYP2D6 , its rodent human orthologue, CYP2D6 genetic variation and polymorphism, and some clinical impacts of CYP2D6 polymorphism.
Storm Driven Seasonal Variation in the Thermal Response of the Streambed Water of a Low-Gradient Stream

Storm events strongly influence water temperatures in the saturated substrate underlying stream channels, or the hyporheic zone (HZ). The goal of this study was to evaluate the impacts of storm events on thermal transport in the HZ. A year of temperature data were collected from six (6) multi-level samplers at multiple depths (30 cm, 60 cm, 90 cm and 150 cm) and were categorized into seasonal storm events. Analysis of the HZ temperature profiles revealed a seasonal reversal in the post-storm temperature change (ΔT) in the substrate. Increases in the ΔT were observed in the warm period (summer), whereas decreases occurred during the cold period (winter); both were associated with the direction of the pre-storm thermal gradient between the stream and substrate temperatures. The amplitude of ΔT became muted with increasing depth. Two-sample t-test analyses showed statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-storm temperatures at all depths during the warm period and at all depths except 150 cm in the cold period. Upwelling groundwater moderates the thermal response. There were no statistically significant differences in the pre- and post-storm stream temperatures during both the cold and warm periods.
Diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella strains isolated from different sources in Burkina Faso

Epidemiologic and traceback evidence of Salmonella infection is not much in many developing countries including Burkina Faso. This study investigates the antimicrobial resistance and distribution of Salmonella serotypes isolated from diverse sources in Burkina Faso. 615 Salmonella serotypes isolated from beef meat, poultry carcasses, poultry, swine, cattle, hedgehog, fish, salad, channel and humans from 2009 to 2011 were analyzed to identify their diversity and distribution among the samples. The Salmonella strains were subjected to antimicrobial sensitivity tests using disk diffusion methods, were analyzed and classified into 110 serotypes, with the most prevalent serotype being Derby (91/615) found in beef meat, poultry carcasses, poultry and fish; Muenster (48/615) found in cattle, swine, hedgehog, poultry, human and fish; Chester (38/615) found in poultry carcasses, swine and poultry feces; Hato (32/615) found in beef meat, poultry carcasses, cattle and poultry; Drac (30/615) found in cattle, hedgehog and fish; and Typhimurium (21/615) found in cattle, poultry, human and fish. Among the 615 Salmonella strains, 94% (581/615) were resistant to one or more antibiotics; resistance to streptomycin was the most common. The resistance pattern, Str-Sul-Tet, Str-Tet and Str-Sul was dominant and found in 80% of the strains. About 3% of the strains were resistant to 5 or 6 antibiotics; their resistance pattern is amp-str-sul-tet-tmp or amp-chl-str-sul-tet-tmp. One Salmonella strain, S. Kentucky isolated from human stool was resistant to eight antibiotics; the resistance pattern is amp-str-sul-tet-cip-gen-nal-mec. Findings from this study can help define the guidelines for basic surveillance system of Salmonella and other enteropathogenic bacteria circulating among humans, animals, food and environment. Key words: Salmonella, environment, human, risk.
Optical Spectrum of the Adamantane Radical Cation

Known for their stable structural and thermal properties, diamondoids and particularly their radical cations are viable candidates as carriers for diffuse interstellar bands. While previous research has mainly focused on neutral diamondoids and their derivatives, little is known about their radical cations, which may form in interstellar environments by ionizing radiation. We report the first experimental optical spectrum of the simplest diamondoid cation, the adamantane radical cation ( ), obtained via electronic photodissociation spectroscopy of cryogenic ions in the 310–1000 nm range. The main fragmentation channels are H loss at low energies and C3H7 loss at higher energies. The optical spectrum reveals a broad band spanning the range of 420–850 nm, assigned to the D2(2E) ← D0(2A1) transition using time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Despite a vibrational temperature below 20 K, we observe no vibrational structure because of lifetime broadening and/or Franck–Condon congestion. A second band system originating at 345 nm that shows vibrational progressions is attributed to the overlapping D5(2A1)/D6(2E) ← D0(2A1) transitions split by the Jahn–Teller effect. The lifetime deduced from the widths of these vibronic bands is ∼30 fs. Comparison of the spectrum with known diffuse interstellar bands suggests that is not likely to be a carrier. However, the strong absorption features in the UV to near-IR show promise in the investigation of higher-order diamondoids as potential candidates.
Effectiveness of Corduk (Echinophora tenuifolia subsp sibthorpiana) on safety and quality of kofte, a Turkish style meatball

In this research, the effect of Echinophora tenuifolia subsp. sibthorpiana (Corduk) on the inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium in kofte (Turkish style meatball) was evaluated; as well as the quality characteristics of kofte (proximate composition, oxidation level, color parameters, microbiological, and sensory properties), during storage period at 4 °C for 7 days. Using Corduk at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 1.5% in kofte was reduced the number of Salmonella cells in the range of 0.35–1.0 log cfu/g. The lowest total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count was obtained from kofte containing 1.5% of Corduk, after 7 days of storage. Corduk improved the color properties of kofte; hence, at the end of the storage period, samples containing 1 and 1.5% of Corduk significantly had higher scores than the control samples. The results of this study indicate that using Corduk in kofte could give an opportunity to improve the safety of meat products while improving the sensory characteristics. Practical applications The natural substances from aromatic plants and spices can act as antimicrobial agents while improving quality attributes of the product. Kofte is a Turkish style meatball widely consumed in Turkey. This study was focused on the inclusion of Corduk into kofte formulation to improve the safety and quality of the product. Results indicate that Corduk can be considered as effective natural preservative for meat products without any adverse effect on the sensory quality.
A Family of Horizon-penetrating Characteristic Coordinate Systems for the Schwarzschild Geometry

We introduce a new family of horizon-penetrating coordinate systems for the analytic extension of the Schwarzschild geometry across the event horizon that feature time coordinates, which are Cauchy temporal functions, i.e., the level sets of these time coordinates are smooth, spacelike Cauchy hypersurfaces. Such coordinate systems are well suited for the initial value formulation and for the study of causal and conformally invariant elements associated to the extended Schwarzschild geometry in terms of data on a Cauchy surface. For the construction, we use a basic, fully geometric method that employs structures inherent in the Carter-Penrose diagram of the extended Schwarzschild geometry. This method can be adapted to yield similar coordinate systems for various other geometries as well.
Reproductive and recruitment seasons for Penaeus aztecus in the Tamaulipas-Veracruz area, Gulf of Mexico

An integral fishery analysis was made for the population of Penaeus aztecus in the Tamaulipas-Veracruz area from 1974 to 1995. Fourteen age classes between 3 and 16 months old were found, and their respective total abundances were virtually reconstructed (this included shrimp that was caught and shrimp that were not caught in the study area). Age classes were statistically separated into two statistical population indices: the abundance of spawners (or SI index) and the abundance of recruits (or RI index). Time series were generated for these indices to establish when reproductive and recruitment seasons began, ended, and reached maximum abundance. SI index was structured with reproductive ages from 6 to 13 months old, and RI index with young recruits of 4 months old. Reproductive season (or lagoon recruitment) spanned from middle December to early May, with the highest spawners abundance in February. Recruitment season (or marine recruitment) spanned from early April to middle September, with the highest abundance of young recruits during June/July. The seasonal changes in the abundance of spawners were described with lagoon recruitment (in the marine environment). The seasonal changes in the abundance of recruits were described with marine recruitment (between lagoons systems and the marine environment). A higher exploitation level of spawners than for young recruits was recorded. Recently closure seasons are implemented between May and August/September/October. These completely protect marine recruitment, and the lagoon recruitment remains unprotected.
Characterization of Changes in Extracellular Matrix and Cellular Phenotypes in Early Calcific Aortic Valve Disease

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a prevalent disease associated with severe clinical outcomes and without an effective medical treatment. While advanced disease is wellcharacterized, there is an unmet scientific need to understand the active pathobiological processes that promote eventual calcification and stenosis of the valve. Using a porcine model of early CAVD, histological staining was used to identify the changes that occur in the extracellular matrix (ECM) with a focus on proteoglycan content. Putatively more advanced lesions were morphologically dense with increased biglycan, decreased hyaluronan, and higher ApoB score and Sox9 fraction. These microenvironmental changes were used to delineate populations of valve interstitial cells (VICs) for microarray analysis. Differentially upregulated genes from the top of lesions and non-lesion fibrosa were related to lipid accumulation, inflammatory response, osteochondrogenesis, and ECM remodeling. An improved understanding of early CAVD microenvironment and VIC phenotypes lays the foundation to identify novel therapeutic targets.
The Effect of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil-Water Emulsion on Some Blood Parameters and Histopathology of Liver and Kidney in Mice

This study was aimed to assess the possible toxic effects of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil-water emulsion after sub chronic oral administration in mice. The essential oil extraction of the leaves of C.citratus was carried out through hydro-distillation technique. In this sub-chronic toxicity evaluation, two treatment groups of mice each containing twelve animals were used. Two test doses, 1.5 and 2.5ml/kg, were selected based on the earlier findings of acute toxicity study on similar emulsion in mice and administered to the treatment groups. The control group animals were received vehicle. At the end of 12 consecutive week sub-chronic administration, blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture and then, all animals were sacrificed and the vital organs were collected for gross and histopathological examinations. No death was recorded, and there was no significant change in the evaluated hematological and biochemical parameters after the sub-chronic oral administration in mice. Besides, there was no obvious change in sections of the liver and kidneys of mice treated at 1.5ml/kg dose. However, some pathological changes were observed in liver sections of mice treated at 2.5ml/kg dose. The emulsion at and below 2.5ml/kg body weight doses does not produce obvious toxic effects after sub chronic treatment in mice. Further toxicological investigation is however, needed to confirm this.
Evaluating interaction of fibre reinforcement mechanism with mesostructure of asphalt concrete

ABSTRACT Published studies generally demonstrate positive benefits from using Mechanically Fibre-Reinforced Asphalt Concrete (M-FRAC). However, improvements vary with the particular asphalt mixture used in previous studies. The specific objectives of this study were to evaluate the mechanical properties of various asphalt mix designs reinforced with and without aramid fibres, to identify and quantify the key factors in the composition of asphalt mixtures that facilitate to the reinforcement mechanism of fibres, and finally associate the effect of asphalt mixture constituents on laboratory modulus, rutting and fatigue performance of M-FRAC. A total of seven different asphalt mix designs from across the United States were used in this study. For each mixture a non-fibre-reinforced variant and an M-FRAC variant were created and compared. Results showed that while overall fibres can improve the mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures, the degree of improvement varies from one mix to another. Further analysis and interpretation of the mixtures constituents revealed that there is a strong link between fibre reinforcement efficiency and composition of the asphalt mixtures. In particular, it was found that the effective binder content and gradation of the asphalt mixtures are good indicators of the likely performance benefit of M-FRAC with respect to rutting and fatigue cracking, respectively.
Avian seed dispersers of the invasive Rubus niveus (Rosaceae) in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The foraging behavior of bird assemblages at Rubus niveus was determined over two seasons in the agricultural zone of Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos in order to identify effective seed dispersers of the species and understand the factors that aid invasion of fleshy fruited weeds. A total of seven bird species were observed feeding on R. niveus fruits. In both seasons, the small ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa), the introduced smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani) and the small tree finch (Camarhynchus parvulus) were the most common visitors. Mean number of seeds removed per visit was higher for anis than for Geospiza and Camarhynchus. Finches fed on pulp and juice of ripe fruit and predate seeds. Anis swallowed entire fruits, suggesting that they handle seeds more effectively than finches. Additionally, 57% of seeds recovered from anis’ feces were viable using a 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride test. Forty-four percent of those seeds germinated in a greenhouse experiment from May to October. In contrast, finches rarely passed viable seeds of R. niveus. Effective seed dispersal may be an important factor contributing to the rapid naturalization and invasion of R. niveus since its introduction on Santa Cruz 20 years ago, and represents one potential mechanism by which this species may be dispersed to adjacent islands. Soria, Monica, 2006, UMSL, p. iv
Investigating Factors That Influence Math Homework Purposes: A Multilevel Analysis

Abstract The present study used a multilevel approach to investigate the influence of four clusters of variables (i.e., demographic, homework, teacher, and parent) on three types of math homework purposes (i.e., academic, self-regulatory, or approval-seeking) perceived by 3,018 8th graders in China. Results revealed that each of the three math homework purposes was significantly related to at least one variable from three or more clusters at the student level (e.g., homework interest, teacher feedback quality, and parent content support). In addition, each purpose was significantly related to at least one variable from either homework or teacher clusters at the class level (e.g., homework quality and teacher autonomy support), thereby providing empirical support to the multilevel nature of math homework purposes. Third, compared with the “quantity” variables, the “quality” variables at the student and class levels played a more influential role in all three homework purposes, particularly relating to homework variables (quality/interest/favorability vs. time/frequency) and parent variables (content support vs. help quantity). Finally, although the present study did not directly compare students’ perspectives from different cultural backgrounds, the findings alluded to the role of cultural specificity in all three math homework purposes.
TRENDS: The Influence of Personalized Knowledge at the Supreme Court: How (Some) Former Law Clerks Have the Inside Track

When arguing at the U.S. Supreme Court, former High Court law clerks enjoy significant influence over their former justices. Our analysis of forty years of judicial votes reveals that an attorney who formerly clerked for a justice is 16 percent more likely to capture that justice’s vote than an otherwise identical attorney who never clerked. What is more, an attorney who formerly clerked for a justice is 14 to 16 percent more likely to capture that justice’s vote than an otherwise identical attorney who previously clerked for a different justice. Former clerk influence is substantial, targeted, and appears to come from clerks’ personalized information about their justices. These results answer an important empirical question about the role of attorneys while raising normative concerns over fairness in litigation.
An Estimation of Technical Efficiency of Tea Smallholdings in Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka

While accepting the fact that the tea smallholdings sector of Sri Lanka immensely contribute to the annual tea output of the economy, the sector still faces various deficiencies due to problems pertaining to input related issues. Measuring the level of efficiency and identifying the factors which are attributed to inefficiency are in utmost importance in introducing remedies for that. A cross sectional survey was conducted on a sample of tea smallholders in Ratnapura district where highest contribution to the total tea production of the country is made. In this study, the Cobb-Douglas Stochastic production frontier model was used by incorporating the technical inefficiency effect model to estimate the level of technical efficiency in tea smallholdings sector. The study revealed that average technical efficiency of tea smallholdings sector in the study area was 87.36 percent that keeps a margin of 12.64 percent for further improvements through better use of available resources and technology. The results of the Cobb-Douglas model revealed that the estimated coefficients of land, labor and fertilizer are positively and significantly affect the green leaves production of the sector. The findings of the inefficiency model disclosed that age, farming experience, level of education, occupation, age of tea plants, farming group membership and credit access have significant negative impact on technical inefficiency
Toward Nonbinary Nuance in Research and Care: Mapping Differences in Gender Affirmation and Transgender Congruence in an Online National U.S. Survey

Purpose: To close gaps in transgender health research, we mapped trends in gender affirmation processes (i.e., social, legal, and psychological transitions) that are unique among nonbinary (NB) transgender adults when compared with transgender women (TW) and transgender men (TM). Methods: Data were drawn from the Columbia Trans Empowerment Survey (N=707), an online national study conducted between 2014 and 2015 in the United States. We used one-way analysis of variance tests, chi-square tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and post hoc analyses to estimate differences in gender affirmation processes and transgender congruence between: (1) NB adults, n=271, 38%; (2) TW, n=291, 41%; and (3) TM, n=145, 21%. We then identified bivariate correlations between variables of interest. Results: In the full sample (n=707), we found significant positive bivariate correlations between pursuing gender affirmation and transgender congruence. In terms of demographics, NB participants were significantly more likely to be queer (42.1%), polyamorous (25.5%), unemployed (44.8%), and younger (median=22) than TW and TM. They also reported taking significantly fewer gender affirmation processes, with significant differences between the three groups in terms of particular experiences. The NB participants also reported significantly lower rates of transgender congruence, specifically lower appearance congruence though similar gender identity acceptance. Conclusion: The NB transgender adults in this sample report unique identity-related characteristics, including significantly lower rates of medical/social transition as well as decreased transgender congruence. These data are among the first to describe unique pathways by which NB adults, TW, and TM may pursue gender affirmation and interact with providers as they navigate congruence, transition, and well-being.
An Exact False Vacuum Decay Rate

We discuss an exact false vacuum decay rate at one loop for a real and complex scalar field in a quartic-quartic potential with two tree-level minima. The bounce solution is used to compute the functional determinant from both fluctuations. We obtain the finite product of eigenvalues and remove translational zero modes. The orbital modes are regularized with the zeta function and we end up with an complete decay rate after renormalization. We derive simple expansions in the thin and thick wall limits and investigate their validity.
Best–Worst Method for Modelling Mobility Choice after COVID-19: Evidence from Italy

All countries have suffered from the COVID-19 crisis; the pandemic has adversely impacted all sectors. In this study, we examine the transport sector with a specific focus on the problem of commuting mode choice and propose a new decision-making approach for the alternative modes after synthesizing expert opinions. As a methodology, a customized model of the recently developed best–worst method (BWM) is used to evaluate mobility choice alternatives. The survey reflects citizens’ opinions toward mobility choices in two Italian cities, Palermo and Catania, before and during the pandemic. BWM is a useful tool for examining mobility choice in big cities. The adopted model is easy to apply and capable of providing effective solutions for sustainable mode choice. The urban context is analyzed considering the importance of transport choices, evaluating the variation of resilience to the changing opinions of users.