Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genomic architecture of phenotypic plasticity of complex traits in tetraploid wheat in response to water stress

Phenotypic plasticity is one of the main mechanisms of adaptation to abiotic stresses via changes in critical developmental stages. Altering flowering phenology is a key evolutionary strategy of plant adaptation to abiotic stresses in order to achieve maximum possible reproduction. The current study is the first to apply the linear regression residuals as a drought plasticity scores, while taking into account the differences in flowering phenology and trait variation under non-stress conditions. We characterized the genomic architecture of 17 complex traits and their drought plasticity using a mapping population derived from a cross between durum wheat (Triticum durum) and wild emmer wheat (T. dicoccoides). We identified 79 QTLs, of which 33 were plastic in response to water stress and exhibited epistatic interactions and/or pleiotropy between the initial and plasticity traits. Vrn-B3 (TaTF1) residing within an interval of a major drought-escape QTL was proposed as a candidate gene. The favorable alleles for most of the plasticity QTLs were contributed by wild emmer, demonstrating the high potential of wild relatives for wheat improvement. Our study presents a new approach for quantification of plant adaptation to various stresses and provides new insights into the genetic basis of wheat complex traits under water-deficit stress. Highlight The study presents a new approach for quantification of plant adaptation to various stresses and provides new insights into the genetic basis of wheat complex traits under water-deficit stress.
The Dynamics of Private Equity, Innovation, and the Board of Directors : Empirical Evidence from Finland

function, as a way of thinking or acting” (Klein et al., 2013; Klein, 2008). This approach refers to Knight (1921), Casson (1982), and Foss and Klein (2012) by treating entrepreneurship as “judgemental decision making under uncertainty”. In this context, judgement is understood as making decisions which are not possible to represent using formal models or decision rules but are still not associated with chance or luck. Dissimilar to other entrepreneurial features like alertness (Kirzner, 1973), judgement is unmistakable in the ownership of productive assets. Under uncertain conditions, judgement mirrors the utmost decision authority about formation and use of valuable resources. In order to promote financial or other gain, entrepreneurs enact time after time to incorporate heterogeneous capital resources which features are personally recognised. (Klein et al., 2013) Private equity firms are in various ways detected to be more entrepreneurial than publicly traded firms. General Partners are said to be among the most significant entrepreneurs, and the members of the management team of their portfolio companies have more in common with entrepreneurs than with general managers (Wright et al., 2000; Wright, Hoskisson & Busenitz, 2001). There are arguments in favour and against whether PE companies are able to create innovation, start-ups and other phenomena that are usually linked to entrepreneurship. Empirical findings of the topic in question are discussed in chapter 4.2.
Heart rate variability indices, biomarkers, and cardiac nerve density: Independent surrogate markers for diagnosis of diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus animal model

Objectives: Heart rate variability (HRV) has been shown to represents a promising quantitative marker of autonomic activity. Studies have shown that diabetic patients and animal models have derangements in certain biochemical parameters with reduced cardiac nerve density following development of diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (DCAN). This study, therefore, aims to correlate HRV indices, cardiac histology, and cardiac nerve density with selected biochemical markers in the DCAN rat model using high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) induction. Methods: DCAN was induced in Wistar rats using HFD for 8 weeks with 25 mg/kg STZ daily for 5 days. DCAN features were then assessed using Holter electrocardiography (ECG), invasive biomarkers, and cardiac histology. Results: DCAN group had significantly higher advanced glycated end product levels (P < 0.0001), noradrenaline (P = 0.010), and insulin resistance (P = 0.016) compared with controls. The level of antioxidants, sorbitol dehydrogenase activity (P = 0.009), nerve growth factors (P < 0.0001), and choline acetyl-transferase (P = 0.031) was, however, significantly reduced. Furthermore, HRV indices which were also reduced with DCAN induction correlated significantly with levels of biomarkers and cardiac nerve density. Conclusion: HRV is a cheap and easy tool for assessing DCAN that significantly correlates with markers of autonomic activity. Holter ECG and HRV evaluation should be considered early in patients with diabetes.
Spray Volume Effects on Deposition and Citrus Rust Mite Control

A field test was conducted to determine the deposition characteristics and biological efficacy of 4 different spray volumes applied at 2.4 km/h with an airblast sprayer for control of the citrus rust mite. Five acaricidesand a copper tracer were applied at 4,700, 940, 470, and 235 L/ha. Copper deposition on leaves was determined by colorimetry. Mite population counts were made one week prior to application and at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after treatment to estimate residual effect. Spray volume had no significant effect on mean copper deposition and citrus rust mite control. Higher spray volumes showed more uniform coverage than the lower volumes. Acaricidal efficacy differed between compounds, yet all were superior to the untreated check.
Magnesium Gargle versus Ketamine Gargle in Postoperative Sore Throat Pain; A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: A wide range of approaches have been tested for the prevention and treatment of postoperative sore throat pain (POST pain). This study attempted to compare the effects of gargling with Ketamine or Magnesium Sulfate on POST pain. Materials and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 60 patients scheduled for prone position laminectomy were randomly assigned into three groups: Ketamine (n=20), Magnesium (n=20), and Control (n=20). The Magnesium group received magnesium sulfate gargle (30 mg/kg in a total of 30 ml 5% Dextrose water), the Ketamine group received Ketamine gargle (0.5 mg/kg in a total of 30 ml 5% Dextrose water) and the control group received 30 ml 5% Dextrose water gargle; all these solutions were administered 10 min before anesthesia induction. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for throat pain was recorded in the recovery room; immediately after arrival and then, at 2, 4, and 24 hours postoperatively in the ward. Would there be any VAS equal to or more than 3 of 10, rescue analgesics were administered immediately and their cumulative doses were recorded. Results: The incidence of complaint-free patients in the Ketamine group was significantly higher than in the other two groups. The incidence of sore throat with VAS≥3, mandating rescue analgesia, was significantly lower than the other two groups. patient satisfaction after surgery was significantly higher in the Ketamine group. Conclusion: Patients experiencing POST pain treated with “Ketamine gargle” had better results compared with “Magnesium Sulfate” or “Placebo” gargle.
Pengaruh Independensi, Profesionalisme, Dan Kompetensi Terhadap Kinerja Auditor BPKP

The purpose of this research is to find out the influence of independence, professionalism, and competence on auditors' performance. This research used functional auditors in BPKP Sumatera Barat as population and samples were used Slovin's formula. Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression were chosen to be methods of this research. The results of this research found out that independence had significant positive influence on auditors' performance, professionalism had insignificant influence on auditors' performance, and competence had significant positive on auditors' performance.
The Distribution and Abundance of the Stem-Galling Fly, Cecidochares connexa (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a Biological Control Agent of Chromolaena odorata (L.) (Asteraceae), in Ghana

Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Robinson (Asteraceae: Eupatorieae) is one of the worst invasive weeds in West Africa, and a serious biotic threat to food security. The stem-galling fly, Cecidochares connexa (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a biological control agent for C. odorata, was released in the Ivory Coast in 2003 and first detected in Ghana in 2014. The spatiotemporal distribution and abundance of C. connexa in Ghana was determined by country-wide surveys from 2015 to 2016. Galls were found in varying densities across Ghana but gall densities were consistently low east of Lake Volta. A limited survey conducted in the extreme west of Togo in 2016, found the gall fly also in low numbers. There was a significant correlation between C. connexa gall densities and the distance from the release sites in the Ivory Coast. The distribution and abundance of the gall fly in Ghana could be explained by its spread from the original release sites over time and/or the much drier conditions east of Lake Volta. Cecidochares connexa has dispersed a distance of about 1000 km over a 10-year period and, while there is some evidence that the gall fly is still dispersing towards the east, its range and population size could be limited by the dry climatic conditions in the east of Ghana and in Togo.Actively redistributing the agent over this dry corridor to the more humid and higher rainfall areas of Nigeria, may result in the spread of this agent through the rest of West and Central Africa, thereby aiding the control of C. odorata in the region.
An Evaluation of the Variation in the Morphometric Parameters of Grain of Six Triticum Species with the Use of Digital Image Analysis

Kernel images of six wheat species were subjected to shape and color analyses to determine variations in the morphometric parameters of grain. The values of kernel shape descriptors (area, perimeter, Feret diameter, minimal Feret diameter, circularity, aspect ratio, roundness, solidity) and color descriptors (H, S, I and L*a*b*) were investigated. The influence of grain colonization by endophytic fungi on the color of the seed coat was also evaluated. Polish wheat grain was characterized by the highest intraspecific variation in shape and color. Bread wheat was most homogeneous in terms of the studied shape and color descriptors. An analysis of variations in wheat lines revealed greater differences in phenotypic traits of relict wheats, which have a larger gene pool. The grain of ancient wheat species was characterized by low roundness values and relatively low solidity. Shape and color descriptors were strongly discriminating components in the studied wheat species. Their discriminatory power was determined mainly by genotype. A method that supports rapid discrimination of cereal species and admixtures of other cereals in grain batches is required to guarantee the quality and safety of grain. The results of this study indicate that digital image analysis can be effectively used for this purpose.
Pleistocene range expansions might explain striking disjunctions between eastern Brazil, Andes and Mesoamerica in Leandra s.str. (Melastomataceae)

Leandra s.str. clade has around 200 species nearly restricted to eastern Brazil. Most species in this group are narrow endemics, but a few present striking disjunct distributions between eastern Brazil and Andes or Mesoamerica. Given the predominantly “montane” distribution observed in most Leandra s.str. , we hypothesized that cyclical range expansions during colder Pleistocene periods, followed by local extinctions during warmer interglacial periods, could have shaped the distribution of the disjunct species in this clade. In order to gather support for this biogeographical scenario in a phylogenetic framework, the species that occur outside eastern Brazil were identified, ages of the dispersal events estimated, climatic niche models for the disjuncts were generated, and the climatic envelope of these species compared. Our results place all dispersal events from eastern Brazil to Andes or Mesoamerica during the Pleistocene. Climatic niche modeling indicates a potential range expansion during the Pleistocene colder times for the disjunct species. Although the surpassing of the “dry diagonal” could have been facilitated during glacial periods, this open corridor is an effective barrier for Leandra, given the reduced number of species that dispersed beyond an eastern Brazilian origin. Additionally, the disjunct species do not present significant differences in their climatic envelopes to the non‐disjunct species. Our results provide support to a short‐dispersion/stepping‐stone migration scenario to account for the observed disjunctions in this clade. Range expansions during Pleistocene colder periods followed by local extinctions during interglacial periods could have shaped the distribution of Leandra s.str.
United Kingdom pediatric dentistry specialist views on the administration of articaine in children

Background Lidocaine is the gold standard local anesthetic (LA) for UK pediatric dental treatment. Recent reports suggest frequent Articaine use in Europe and Canada, with evidence indicating more profound anesthesia. The aim of this study was to examine pediatric dentistry specialist experiences and practices relating to Articaine administration in the UK. Methods A literature review was followed by a survey using an anonymous 15-item electronic questionnaire, which was sent to 200 registered British Society of Pediatric Dentistry (BSPD) specialists. Descriptive analyses, Z score, chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's correlation test were performed. Results Sixty-one (30.5%) participants responded, and 12 (19.7%) indicated Articaine as their first line anesthetic. Articaine was used daily or weekly by 38 (62.3%) respondents, depending on the clinical context. Articaine was commonly used to avoid inferior alveolar nerve blocks and gain more profound anesthesia in abscessed or hypomineralized teeth. Participants reported significantly more adverse effects with lidocaine (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.0001) than with Articaine. Articaine was most often administered in children aged > 4 years via infiltration techniques. Only 15 (24.6%) respondents reported awareness of guidelines for Articaine use in pediatric patients. Conclusions Articaine use in pediatric dentistry is common; however, evidence supporting its practice is limited. Several specialists follow conventions based on anecdotal evidence. Formulating guidance to aid decision-making when treating pediatric patients under LA would be beneficial.
Efficacy and Safety of Sofosbuvir-Based Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents Treatment for Patients with Genotype 3/6 Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Aims The aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sofosbuvir- (SOF-) based direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) treatment for patients with genotype (GT) 3/6 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods Patients infected with GT 3/6 HCV and treated with SOF-based DAAs were enrolled in this prospective, open, single-center, and real-world study. Drugs included Sofosbuvir (SOF), Velpatasvir (VEL), Daclatasvir (DCV), and Ribavirin (RBV). The treatment regimens included SOF + RBV for 24 weeks, SOF + DCV ± RBV for 12/24 weeks, and SOF/VEL ± RBV for 12 weeks. Results A total of 54 patients were included. Age was 42.5 ± 10.4 years. Baseline HCV RNA was 6.29 ± 0.89log10 IU/mL. The numbers of GT 3a, 3b, and 6a patients were 10, 12, and 32, respectively. The numbers of chronic hepatitis, compensated cirrhosis, and decompensated cirrhosis patients were 39, 9, and 6, respectively. In patients with chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis, sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) was 97.4% and 96.7%, respectively, and rapid virological response (RVR) was 75.0% and 57.1%, respectively. SVR12 of GT3a, GT3b, and GT6a was 100%, 83.3%, and 97%, respectively. ALT normality rate in chronic hepatitis group is higher than that in cirrhosis group at 4 weeks of treatment (89.7% versus 60.0%, p = 0.033) and at 12 weeks after EOT (94.9% versus 66.7%, p = 0.021). The overall incidence rate of adverse events was 44.4%, with fatigue being the most common (13.0%). Conclusion SOF-based DAAs regimen can achieve ideal SVR12 for Chinese patients with both GT3a and GT6a HCV infection. The tolerance and safety of SOF-based DAAs regimen are good.
Cold hardiness in immature stages and adults in the adult‐diapausing spider mite Stigmaeopsis longus

The cold hardiness of arthropods is an important characteristic associated with overwintering success. Cold‐tolerant stages affect overwintering strategy, especially in arthropods that continuously feed on evergreen host plants in temperate regions. However, cold hardiness to mildly low temperature is rarely investigated. In the present study, we estimate the stage‐specific cold hardiness of a population of the spider mite Stigmaeopsis longus (Saito) (Acari: Tetranychidae) occurring on evergreen Sasa bamboo in a temperate area (Kochi City, southwestern Japan). Individuals of each stage developing under diapause‐inducing conditions (LD 10 : 14 h at 20 °C) are maintained at 4 °C (approximating the mean daily minimum temperature for December in Kochi City) for 30 days (eggs are cooled immediately, without short‐day development first). They are then returned to the initial conditions to assess survival rates. The survival rate of adult females (i.e. the diapausing stage) is high (99.5%), as is that of adult males and deutonymphs of both sexes (84.2–98.7% and 89.7–89.8%, respectively). The survival rate of mobile immature stages tends to increase toward adulthood in both sexes, whereas the survival rate of the eggs and quiescent stages is extremely low (16–23% and 0–20%, respectively). The poor cold hardiness of the eggs and quiescent stages presumably prevents the normal development of immature individuals during winter.
Phylogenetic relationships of 'Polyalthia' in Fiji

Abstract The genus Polyalthia (Annonaceae) has undergone dramatic taxonomic changes in recent years. Nine Polyalthia species have historically been recognized in Fiji, all of which have subsequently been transferred to three different genera, viz. Goniothalamus, Huberantha and Meiogyne. The transfer of six of these species has received strong molecular phylogenetic support, although the other three species, Polyalthia amoena, P. capillata and P. loriformis [all transferred to Huberantha], have never previously been sampled in a phylogenetic study. We address this shortfall by sampling available herbarium specimens of all three species and integrating the data in a molecular phylogenetic analysis. The resultant phylogeny provides strong support for the transfer of these species to Huberantha. The taxonomic realignment of all nine Fijian species formerly classified in Polyalthia is also clearly demonstrated and supported by the resultant phylogeny. The updated taxonomic treatments of the nine species, a key to the three genera and a key to the Fijian Huberantha species are provided.
Morphometric and Molecular Muscle Remodeling after Passive Stretching in Elderly Female Rats

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of three sessions of a passive stretching exercise protocol on the muscles of elderly female rats. METHODS: The effects of the stretching exercises on the soleus muscle were analyzed using immunohistochemistry [tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP), the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and the gene expression levels using real-time PCR of the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), collagen type 1 (COL1), and collagen type 3 (COL3)]. Fifteen 26-month-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, namely, Stretching (SG, n=8) and Control (CG, n=7). The passive mechanical stretching protocol consisted of a set of 4 1-minute repetitions, with 30 seconds between each repetition (total treatment of 4 minutes), three times a week for 1 week. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increase of 71.4% in the TNF-α (p=0.04) gene expression levels for the SG and a 58% decrease in the TGF-β1 gene expression levels (p=0.005) in the SG compared to that in the CG. No significant differences were observed between the groups for the immunostaining of TIMP-1 or the gene expression levels of COL1 and COL3. CONCLUSION: Three sessions of static stretching reduced the gene expression level of TGF-β1, which, owing to its anti-fibrotic role, might contribute to the remodeling of the intramuscular connective tissue of the aging muscle. In addition, immunostaining revealed that TNF-α levels increased in the aging muscle tissue in response to stretching, indicating its effect on stimulating extracellular matrix degradation. These outcomes have important clinical implications in reinforcing the use of stretching exercises in the elderly, considering that the aging muscle presents an infiltration of connective tissue.
The Relationship Between School Counselors' Self-advocacy Skills And The Implementation Level Of Comprehensive School Counseling Programs

Comprehensive school counseling program implementation is the primary task of school counselors. However, role ambiguity regarding the role of school counselors has resulted in misconceptions about their professional responsibilities among administrators, parents, students, and teachers and has inhibited school counselors’ ability to implement comprehensive school counseling programs. Self-advocacy is a key tenet of closing the lack of consistency between school counseling practice and anticipated roles, as well as maintaining relevant school counselor activities within a school. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between school counselor self-advocacy skills and the level of school counseling program implementation at K–12 schools across the United States. A national survey was conducted based on the School Counseling Self-Advocacy Questionnaire, which was used to measure the skills that enable school counselors to advocate for their roles and programs, and the School Counselor Program Implementation Survey, which was used to measure the level of school counseling program implementation. Overall, this research demonstrated that there is a significant relationship between school counselors’ self-advocacy skills and the level of school counseling program implementation at K-12 schools across the United States. The study results suggest that implications exist for professional school counselors and other professionals who work in the education field who are responsible for comprehensive school counseling program implementation.
Effects of dried Rose Petals (Rosa damascena) on the antioxidant capacity of Green and Black Tea

The health benefits of green and black tea are mainly associated with their antioxidant potential and phenolic compounds. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of dried rose petals (Rosa damascena) on the antioxidant capacity of green and black tea. Antioxidant capacities of tea and rose infusions were assessed using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging. In the DPPH method, various concentrations of rose increased the radical scavenging activity of green tea, while the higher concentrations (2 g) negatively influenced the radical scavenging activity of black tea. In the ABTS assay, lower concentrations of rose (0.5 and 1 g) significantly increased the antioxidant activity of green tea. Moreover, various concentrations of rose enhanced the ABTS radical scavenging activity of black tea. According to the results, higher concentrations of rose decreased the DPPH radical scavenging activity of black tea, while the lower concentrations exerted synergistic antioxidant effects on the ABTS radical scavenging activity of green tea.