Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of succinic acid on Oenococcus oeni and malolactic fermentation

As a consequence of the alcoholic fermentation carried out by yeasts in wine, several compounds can be delivered to the medium, promoting or inhibiting the malolactic fermentation (MLF) and the lactic acid bacteria, mainly Oenococcus oeni. Succinic acid is one of these compounds and is an example of the interaction between yeasts, including non-Saccharomyces species, and O. oeni. However, the influence of succinic acid on the MLF has been researched very little as yet. In this work, we study the influence of succinic acid and pH on O. oeni CH11 and PSU-1 strains, both during MLF and in resting cell experiments. Moreover, we analysed the relative expression of some significant genes related to stress and malolactic activity to determine how the O. oeni strains were affected by the succinic acid. The results showed that the succinic acid could act as an MLF inhibitor at concentrations higher than 1 g/L, but it can be beneficial at 0.5 g/L. This variable effect also depends on the strains and other winemaking conditions, mainly pH, which influences the dissociated and undissociated forms of both acids. The inhibiting effect of succinic seems clearer when it is at a molar concentration higher than that of L-malic acid. Experiments with resting cells have confirmed that O. oeni consumes less L-malic acid when succinic acid is higher than 1 g/L. Genetic expression experiments showed that in the presence of succinic acid (2 g/L), gene hsp18 encoding stress protein was up-regulated in strain CH11, suggesting a good response and adaptation of this strain to stress. On the other hand, genes mleA and mleP, which are related to malolactic activity, were not affected by succinic acid, except for strain PSU-1 at pH 4.0. Further research is necessary to understand better the effects of succinic acid on O. oeni and MLF.
Enamel Color Changes After Bleaching Treatment Using Common Bleaching Agents With Er, Cr:YSGG Laser

Background: Reports indicate that lasers accelerate tooth bleaching by activating bleaching agents. Due to the lack of sufficient information about the application of the Er, Cr:YSGG laser, the present study was conducted to compare the degree of enamel color changes after teeth bleaching treatment using chemical whitening agents alone and with Er, Cr:YSGG laser. Methods: In this laboratory study, several human molars were cut into 4 parts after cutting and removing the pulp. Based on laser application, the samples were randomly divided into two groups (N=20), including the chemical bleaching group (G1) and the chemical bleaching group with activated laser (G2). In G1, the bleaching process was performed only with 35% hydrogen peroxide for two weeks (3 times, 15 minutes each week). In G2, the gel bleaching was activated by the Er, Cr:YSGG laser with a wavelength of 2780 nm. It was placed 2.5 cm from the sample surface with bleaching agents and applied twice for 15 seconds. Color changes were recorded using a spectrophotometer before bleaching, immediately after, 1 month, and 3 months after bleaching. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 18), Repeated measures ANOVA, and Tukey’s tests (α=0.05). Results: Mean and standard deviation of changes in Δa showed a significant difference between the gel group and the gel group with laser over time (P<0.05), but this difference was not observed in ΔL and ΔB (P>0.05). However, the intragroup comparison demonstrated significant changes in Δa and Δb in both groups over time, but not in ΔL (P>0.05). The ΔE changes in both the laser and bleaching gel groups were above the threshold of 3.3. The results indicated no significant difference between G1 and G2 in terms of the ΔE (P>0.05). Finally, the results revealed that 1 and 3 months after teeth whitening, ΔE changes in both groups were greater than 3.3. Conclusions: Overall, the application of the Er, Cr:YSGG laser had no positive effect on bleaching efficacy when using a 35% hydrogen peroxide gel. Based on the findings, color changes were stable in the studied groups for up to 3 months after teeth bleaching.
An Empirical Analysis of the Tertiary Sector Growth and Residents’ Employment and Income: Taking Sample Data from the 50 States in the U.S. from 2000 to 2020 as an Example

The tertiary sector has had a rapid growth in the U.S. This paper analyzes the relationship between the tertiary sector and residents’ employment and the relationship between the tertiary sector and per capita income. The data are collected from all 50 states in the U.S from 2000 to 2020. Empirical analysis, robustness test and heterogeneity analysis are applied to study the issues. The findings are: (1) the tertiary sector growth and the employment are positively related; (2) the relationship between the tertiary sector growth and per capita income is also positive; (3) the results vary from state to state.
Geometry of spin ½ particles

The geometric algebras of space and spacetime are derived by sucessively extending the real number system to include new mutually anticommuting square roots of ±1. The quantum mechanics of spin 1/2 particles are then expressed in these geometric algebras. Classical 2 and 4 component spinors are represented by geometric numbers which have parity, providing new insight into the familiar bra-ket formalism of Dirac. The classical Dirac Equation is shown to be equivalent to the Dirac-Hestenes equation, so long as the issue of parity is not taken into consideration, the latter quantity being constructed in such a way that it is parity invarient
Evaluation of Orbital Lymphoproliferative and Inflammatory Disorders by Gene Expression Analysis

Non-specific orbital inflammation (NSOI) and IgG4-related orbital disease (IgG4-ROD) are often challenging to differentiate. Furthermore, it is still uncertain how chronic inflammation, such as IgG4-ROD, can lead to mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of gene expression analysis to differentiate orbital autoimmune diseases and elucidate genetic overlaps. First, we established a database of NSOI, relapsing NSOI, IgG4-ROD and MALT lymphoma patients of our orbital center (2000–2019). In a consensus process, three typical patients of the above mentioned three groups (mean age 56.4 ± 17 years) at similar locations were selected. Afterwards, RNA was isolated using the RNeasy FFPE kit (Qiagen) from archived paraffin-embedded tissues. The RNA of these 12 patients were then subjected to gene expression analysis (NanoString nCounter®), including a total of 1364 target genes. The most significantly upregulated and downregulated genes were used for a machine learning algorithm to distinguish entities. This was possible with a high probability (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, gene expression patterns showed a characteristic overlap of lymphoma with IgG4-ROD and NSOI. In contrast, IgG4-ROD shared only altered expression of one gene regarding NSOI. To validate our potential biomarker genes, we isolated the RNA of a further 48 patients (24 NSOI, 11 IgG4-ROD, 13 lymphoma patients). Then, gene expression pattern analysis of the 35 identified target genes was performed using a custom-designed CodeSet to assess the prediction accuracy of the multi-parameter scoring algorithms. They showed high accuracy and good performance (AUC ROC: IgG4-ROD 0.81, MALT 0.82, NSOI 0.67). To conclude, genetic expression analysis has the potential for faster and more secure differentiation between NSOI and IgG4-ROD. MALT-lymphoma and IgG4-ROD showed more genetic similarities, which points towards progression to lymphoma.
Single-Switch High-Step-Up DC-DC Converter Employing Coupled Inductor and Voltage Multiplier Cell

This paper introduces a high-step-up dc-dc converter to provide voltage boosting in low-voltage applications. The circuit contains only a single active switch and is based on the boost-type converter using coupled inductor and voltage multiplier cell. The proposed topology exhibits high efficiency, reduced voltage stress on the semiconductors and requires a low component count. The circuit is intended for applications with rated power in the order of a few hundreds of Watts, which corresponds to the typical level of a single photovoltaic (PV) module. A detailed mathematical description of the circuit operation is carried out, providing the means for the adequate design of the converter. The dynamic analysis is also addressed in the paper, and proper closed-loop operation is demonstrated. A 400 W prototype operating at 90 kHz, with an input voltage range of 24–48 V and output voltage of 400 V was built and tested in laboratory. Experimental results validate the analyses carried out and measurements indicate efficiency levels up to 97.5%, which ratifies the proposed converter as a good solution for typical PV applications.
Alternate Bearing in Citrus: Long-term Effects of a Single Girdling Treatment on Individual ‘Michal’ Tangerine Branches

Scaffold branches of ‘Michal’ tangerine (a Citrus reticulata hybrid) trees were fall-girdled once. Individual branches were driven into opposite phases of alternate bearing which continued for at least 3 successive years, without an additional stimulus. Bearing and nonbearing branches behaved like whole on- and off-trees, with regard to macronutrient and starch concentration in leaves and twigs, respectively. Off/on ratios for individual factors, however, were closer to unity than those previously found for whole alternating ‘Wilking’ trees, possibly due to the moderating effect of the common root system.
“This is Real, This is the Way that Things are”: Hooking up as a Pathway for Sexual Identity Development Among SGM Emerging Adults

Hooking up may be one pathway for sexual and gender minority (SGM) emerging adults to explore their sexual identity development while they navigate heteronormative milestones. Framed by Dillon et al.’s (2011) model of universal sexual identity development, we examined 24 interviews with SGM emerging adults to understand whether and how hooking up aided in the development of their sexual identities beyond their sexual orientation. Although some participants already reported stable sexual identities prior to hooking up, we identified that hooking up did lead others to develop their sexual preferences more fully, better understand their sexual identity, and strengthen their connections to the SGM community. These findings suggest that hooking up can facilitate positive sexual development among sexual and gender minority emerging adults.
Motivation and job satisfaction among hospital nurses in Bulgaria: A cross-sectional study

Introduction/Objective. The competitive healthcare market is focused on quality health services and the search for effective methods to improve the quality of these services represents a continuing challenge for healthcare managers. It has been found that satisfaction with the work of nurses directly affects the quality of care and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to examine the factors influencing the motivation and job satisfaction of hospital nurses. Methods. A cross-sectional study in private and public hospitals of Plovdiv region (second largest region in Bulgaria), established as training and teaching bases for nurses was conducted. The sample comprised of nurses employed in internal wards, surgical wards, intensive care units and neurology ward settings. Results. Most of the participants 55 (67.1%) are working in public hospitals and 27 (32.9%) in private ones. All of the respondents were women with a mean age of 50.57 ? 11.6 years. Only 40.3% of nurses were satisfied with their job and the employees in public hospitals were generally more dissatisfied, although both sectors have identified ? payment? and ? working conditions? as being an important source of dissatisfaction. Conclusion. Motivation and job satisfaction studies play an important role in providing appropriate medical care in the healthcare sector. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of good job salary, good working conditions and co-workers support for job satisfaction.
Intrathecal Actions of the Cannabis Constituents Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol in a Mouse Neuropathic Pain Model

(1) Background: The psychoactive and non-psychoactive constituents of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), synergistically reduce allodynia in various animal models of neuropathic pain. Unfortunately, THC-containing drugs also produce substantial side-effects when administered systemically. We examined the effectiveness of targeted spinal delivery of these cannabis constituents, alone and in combination. (2) Methods: The effect of acute intrathecal drug delivery on allodynia and common cannabinoid-like side-effects was examined in a mouse chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain. (3) Results: intrathecal THC and CBD produced dose-dependent reductions in mechanical and cold allodynia. In a 1:1 combination, they synergistically reduced mechanical and cold allodynia, with a two-fold increase in potency compared to their predicted additive effect. Neither THC, CBD nor combination THC:CBD produced any cannabis-like side-effects at equivalent doses. The anti-allodynic effects of THC were abolished and partly reduced by cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists AM281 and AM630, respectively. The anti-allodynic effects of CBD were partly reduced by AM630. (4) Conclusions: these findings indicate that intrathecal THC and CBD, individually and in combination, could provide a safe and effective treatment for nerve injury induced neuropathic pain.
Salt Tolerance of Eight Ornamental Tree Species1

Salt tolerance of 8 ornamental tree species was determined in plots artificially salinized with NaCl and CaCl2. Tolerant species such as Italian stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) and evergreen pear (Pyrus kawakamii Hayata) were affected very little bv soil salinities of 9 dS/m (electrical conductivity of the saturation extract: ECe). Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera J. F. Ehrh), Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora L.), orchid tree (Bauhinia purpurea L.h crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica L.), and tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) exhibited moderate to severe injury symptoms and a 33% or greater growth reduction. Injury symptoms became more severe with each growing season.
Understanding the Role of Violence and Conflict in the Stages of Gang Membership

This work uses social learning theory’s perspective on continuation and cessation of offending to explore the how rewards and punishments for violence change across the stages of gang membership. Qualitative interviews with a racially/ethnically diverse sample of 39 former gang members within two emergent gang cities in the American south are used to explore the role of violence across the stages of gang affiliation. Inductive analytic techniques are used to analyze gang members’ in-depth, semi-structured interviews to identify and further refine emergent themes through the use of modified ground theory. Results indicate that violence is expressed as central to the experiences of youth gang members across the life cycle of gang involvement and alters former members’ perceptions of the gang’s ability to provide a protective function. The extent to which the role of violence changes over time—as it interacts with youth decision-making specific to the balance of experienced and anticipated rewards and punishments of gang involvement—is integral in understanding its reinforcing effect on gang membership and association.
Physico-chemical and Microbiological Qualities of Abattoir Wastewater in Egbu, Imo State, Nigeria

Abbattoir waste water is of a complex composition. When discharged without being treated, poses a threat to human health and the environment. This is the practice common in Nigeria, and is worrisome. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the physico-chemical and microbiological qualities of waste water from Egbu abattoir discharged into ‘Otamiri’ river in Owerri North local government area, Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: The microbial quality of abattoir wastewater was studied. The duration of the study was three months, from June to September, 2019. Sample collection was done in the morning (8-10am) and in the evening (4-6pm). A total of thirty samples (30) were collected from two sampling points, at the place of generation of the wastewater (Effluent source) and at the point of discharge into the river (POE). Standard methods were employed to assess the microbiological and physiochemical quality of the effluent. The microorganisms isolated from the samples included Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Aspergillus, Mucor, Listeria, Micrococcus and Candida species. The Total Heterotrophic Count (THC) of effluent samples, at source and POE were 8.51log10 cfu/ml and 6.15log10cfu/ml respectively, Total Coliform Count (TCC) for same samples were 6.77log10 cfu/ml and 4.56log10 cfu/ml respectively. The Total Fungal Count (TFC) of the effluent samples at source and at POE was 5.19log10 cfu/ml and 4.18log10 cfu/ml respectively. Results further revealed that the pH of the effluent at source was 6.58 while that at Point of Entry into the river was 7.30. The temperature of both samples was 25oC. The Total Dissolved Solid values of the effluent collected at source was higher, having a value of 1400mg/L against 1000mg/L at Point of Entry. Also the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values of the effluent at source were 5.10mg/L and 8.58mg/L respectively, while the BOD and COD of the water at the POE were 4.3mg/L and 7.9mg/L respectively. Conclusion: Abattoir wastes are becoming a major environmental health challenge and being discharged into the Otamiri River indiscriminately is of public health concern. The potential public health implications associated with discharging untreated abattoir wastewater into the environment and thus, the need for adequate treatment to ensure decontamination as well as providing wastewater treatment facility is imperative.
High-cycle electromechanical aging of dielectric elastomer actuators with carbon-based electrodes

We present high-cycle aging tests of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) based on silicone elastomers, reporting on the time-evolution of actuation strain and of electrode resistance over millions of cycles. We compare several types of carbon-based electrodes, and for the first time show how the choice of electrode has a dramatic influence on DEA aging. An expanding circle DEA configuration is used, consisting of a commercial silicone membrane with the following electrodes: commercial carbon grease applied manually, solvent-diluted carbon grease applied by stamping (pad printing), loose carbon black powder applied manually, carbon black powder suspension applied by inkjet-printing, and conductive silicone-carbon composite applied by stamping. The silicone-based DEAs with manually applied carbon grease electrodes show the shortest lifetime of less than 105 cycles at 5% strain, while the inkjet-printed carbon powder and the stamped silicone-carbon composite make for the most reliable devices, with lifetimes greater than 107 cycles at 5% strain. These results are valid for the specific dielectric and electrode configurations that were tested: using other dielectrics or electrode formulations would lead to different lifetimes and failure modes. We find that aging (as seen in the change in resistance and in actuation strain versus cycle number) is independent of the actuation frequency from 10 Hz to 200 Hz, and depends on the total accumulated time the DEA spends in an actuated state.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy: Placental Histomorphological Patterns, Disease Severity and Perinatal Outcomes

The association between maternal COVID-19 infection, placental histomorphology and perinatal outcomes is uncertain. The published studies on how placental structure is affected after SARS-CoV-2 virus in COVID-19-infected pregnant women are lacking. We investigated the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on placental histomorphology and pregnancy outcomes. A retrospective cohort study on 47 pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, matched with non-infected controls, was conducted. Relevant clinicopathological data and primary birth outcomes were recorded. Histomorphology and SARS-CoV-2 immunohistochemistry analyses of placental tissues were performed. Only 1 of 47 cases showed SARS-CoV-2 immunoreactivity in the syncytiotrophoblasts. Histologically, decidual vasculopathy (n = 22/47, p = 0.004), maternal vascular thrombosis (n = 9/47, p = 0.015) and chronic histiocytic intervillositis (n = 10/47, p = 0.027) were significantly higher in the COVID-19-infected placentas when compared to the control group. Maternal vascular thrombosis was a significant feature in the active COVID-19 group. A significant lower gestational age (p < 0.001)) at delivery and a higher caesarean section rate (p = 0.007) were observed in the active SARS-CoV-2-infected cases, resulting in a significant lower fetal-placental weight ratio (p = 0.022) and poorer Apgar score (p < 0.001). Notably, active (p = 0.027), symptomatic (p = 0.039), severe-critical (p = 0.002) maternal COVID-19 infection and placental inflammation (p = 0.011) were associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. Altered placental villous maturation and severe-critical maternal COVID-19 infection were associated with an elevated risk of poor Apgar scores at birth (p = 0.018) and maternal mortality (p = 0.023), respectively.
Bilateral Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading via Coalitional Games

In this article, we propose a bilateral peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading scheme under single-contract and multi-contract market setups, both as an assignment game, a special class of coalitional games. The proposed market formulation allows for efficient computation of a market equilibrium while keeping the desired economic properties offered by the coalitional games. Furthermore, our market model allows buyers to have heterogeneous preferences (product differentiation) over the energy sellers, which can be economic, social, or environmental. To address the problem of scalability in coalitional games, we design a novel distributed negotiation mechanism that utilizes the geometric structure of the equilibrium solution to improve the convergence speed. Our algorithm enables market participants (prosumers) to reach a consensus on a set of “stable” and “fair” bilateral contracts which encourages prosumer participation. The negotiation process is executed with virtually minimal information requirements on a time-varying communication network that in turn preserves privacy. We use operator-theoretic tools to rigorously prove its convergence. Numerical simulations illustrate the benefits of our negotiation protocol and show that the average execution time of a negotiation step is much faster than the benchmark.
Clinical update of medications associated with QT prolongation among COVID-19 patients

In the struggle against COVID-19 pandemic, chloroquine (CQ) (a 4-aminoquinoline) and its derivative hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have both been used as a potential form of treatment among infected patients. Originally known as an antimalarial quinolone, many countries have adopted their use as an option to treat COVID-19 patients. In humans, dose-dependent chloroquine induces QT interval prolongation. It also blocks the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG), which encodes the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ channel. The action potential duration is then prolonged, as the eventual QTc interval of the electrocardiogram (ECG), resulting in torsade de pointes and cardiac arrhythmias that could lead to sudden death. It is yet unknown whether COVID-19 itself has any effect on the QTc interval. The current review established what is new and different from other studies involving the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine among COVID-19 patients plus the corresponding QT interval prolongation in affected individuals.