Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Nicotine Metabolic Rate on withdrawal symptoms and response to cigarette smoking following abstinence

This study investigated the influence of the rate of nicotine metabolism, as indicated by the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) on tobacco dependence. We stratified 136 smokers based on saliva NMR as fast (n=65) and slow (n=71) metabolizers. Two “loading cigarettes” were smoked after overnight, and a “reward cigarette” after six hours daytime abstinence. Blood nicotine concentrations, expired carbon monoxide, withdrawal/craving and reward questionnaires were collected before/after smoking and during daytime abstinence. Compared to slow, fast metabolizers had shorter nicotine elimination half-life (p<0.001), lower plasma nicotine concentrations (p<0.001) and higher withdrawal/craving scores (p<0.05) for most times during daytime abstinence, indicating that fast metabolizers are likely smoking more to relieve withdrawal symptoms (negative reinforcement). Reward/satisfaction scores were similar in fast and slow metabolizers, suggesting that faster nicotine metabolism assessed by NMR is not associated with greater positive reinforcement. CYP2A6 normal (n=82) and reduced (n=42) genotype predicted plasma nicotine concentrations but not withdrawal symptoms.
OP-GBEV150035 720..734

The comparative analysis of plant gene families in a phylogenetic framework has greatly accelerated due to advances in next generation sequencing. In this study, we provide an evolutionary analysis of the L-type lectin receptor kinase and L-type lectin domain proteins (L-type LecRKs and LLPs) that are considered as components in plant immunity, in the plant family Brassicaceae and related outgroups. We combine several lines of evidence provided by sequence homology, HMM-driven protein domain annotation, phylogenetic analysis, and gene synteny for large-scale identification of L-type LecRK and LLP genes within nine core-eudicot genomes. We show that both polyploidy and local duplication events (tandem duplication and gene transposition duplication) have played a major role in L-type LecRK and LLP gene family expansion in the Brassicaceae. We also find significant differences in rates of molecular evolution based on the mode of duplication. Additionally, we show that LLPs share a common evolutionary origin with L-type LecRKs and provide a consistent gene family nomenclature. Finally, we demonstrate that the largest and most diverse L-type LecRK clades are lineage-specific. Our evolutionary analyses of these plant immune components provide a framework to support future plant resistance breeding.
Flexible and Biofouling Independent Salinity Sensor

Salinity is one of the most relevant parameters in oceanography used to study properties of the oceans as well as the effects of climate change. Salinity measurements are challenging, due to the harsh environment that leads to corrosion and biofouling. In the context of animal monitors, salinity sensors should also be minimally intrusive and have a long lifetime. Here, a conductivity cell for salinity sensing is presented based on a single‐step laser irradiation process on flexible polyimide substrate. The sensors are characterized by lightweight, flexibility, low power consumption and low fabrication costs. A two‐electrode cell is used to measure the impedance, and thereby the conductivity, of the water in the MHz frequency range. It offers an accuracy of ±0.5 psu, which is not affected by sensor deformation. Deployment of the sensors in the Red Sea revealed that the materials are corrosion resistant and can withstand the harsh environment. While biofouling is strongly affecting commonly employed low frequency conductivity measurements, in the MHz frequency range, it acts like a short‐circuited capacitance. Hence, biofouling independent salinity sensing can be achieved using a two‐electrode impedance measurement at a frequency of 1 MHz.
The Unfolded Protein Response Is Triggered by a Plant Viral Movement Protein

Infection with Potato virus X (PVX) in Nicotiana benthamiana plants leads to increased transcript levels of several stress-related host genes, including basic-region leucine zipper 60 (bZIP60), SKP1, ER luminal binding protein (BiP), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), calreticulin (CRT), and calmodulin (CAM). bZIP60 is a key transcription factor that responds to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and induces the expression of ER-resident chaperones (BiP, PDI, CRT, and CAM). SKP1 is a component of SCF (for SKP1-Cullin-F box protein) ubiquitin ligase complexes that target proteins for proteasomal degradation. Expression of PVX TGBp3 from a heterologous vector induces the same set of genes in N. benthamiana and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves. Virus-induced gene silencing was employed to knock down the expression of bZIP60 and SKP1, and the number of infection foci on inoculated leaves was reduced and systemic PVX accumulation was altered. Silencing bZIP60 led to the suppression of BiP and SKP1 transcript levels, suggesting that bZIP60 might be an upstream signal transducer. Overexpression of TGBp3 led to localized necrosis, but coexpression of TGBp3 with BiP abrogated necrosis, demonstrating that the unfolded protein response alleviates ER stress-related cell death. Steady-state levels of PVX replicase and TGBp2 (which reside in the ER) proteins were unaltered by the presence of TGBp3, suggesting that TGBp3 does not contribute to their turnover. Taken together, PVX TGBp3-induced ER stress leads to up-regulation of bZIP60 and unfolded protein response-related gene expression, which may be important to regulate cellular cytotoxicity that could otherwise lead to cell death if viral proteins reach high levels in the ER.
Ultra-fast polarization of a thin electron layer in the rotational standing-wave field driven by double ultra-intense laser pulses

We explore radiative polarization of electrons in a standing-wave formed by two circularly-polarized laser pulses irradiating a thin layer. Here the electron radiative spin dynamics in external electromagnetic fields is described by the generalized Sokolov–Ternov model implemented in the particle-in-cell simulations. We find that significant polarization is established in roughly one laser period from the circular motion in the standing wave. However, such motion is unstable at the magnetic nodes such that electrons migrate to different phases. The beam polarization is then transferred to transverse directions following the T-BMT precession and splits into two groups with opposite signs. The induced polarization distribution allows for filtering out electron population of high polarization purity via certain emitting angles and energies, approaching maximum of 78% polarization at light intensities of the order ∼1023 W cm−2.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles Associated with Cell Cycle Transitions in Growing Organs of Arabidopsis1[w]

Organ growth results from the progression of component cells through subsequent phases of proliferation and expansion before reaching maturity. We combined kinematic analysis, flowcytometry, and microarray analysis to characterize cell cycle regulation during the growth process of leaves 1 and 2 of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Kinematic analysis showed that the epidermis proliferates until day 12; thereafter, cells expand until day 19 when leaves reach maturity. Flowcytometry revealed that endoreduplication occurs from the time cell division rates decline until the end of cell expansion. Analysis of 10 time points with a 6k-cDNA microarray showed that transitions between the growth stages were closely reflected in the mRNA expression data. Subsequent genome-wide microarray analysis on the three main stages allowed us to categorize known cell cycle genes into three major classes: constitutively expressed, proliferative, and inhibitory. Comparison with published expression data obtained from root zones corresponding to similar developmental stages and from synchronized cell cultures supported this categorization and enabled us to identify a high confidence set of 131 proliferation genes. Most of those had an M phase-dependent expression pattern and, in addition to many known cell cycle-related genes, there were at least 90 that were unknown or previously not associated with proliferation.
Comparative Electrophysiological Study of Word Reading in French: Does the P1-N1 Temporal Window Reveal a Neurodevelopmental Anomaly?

Background: Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) permit to study neuronal specialization during reading acquisition. The N170 wave was previously shown to be a surrogate of the fine tuning of reading in adults and adolescents as well. Aim: We analyzed and described the variations of the N170 wave as a function of French words with visual or phonetical similarities in 12 to 14 yearold dyslexic patients. We tested the validity and modulation of this effect by comparing different populations of normal and dyslexic patients of various severity. Methods: ERPs were recorded in seventeen dyslexic children with the same method as in normative populations in lexical decision. Stimuli consisted of frequent words chosen on the basis of near or far visemes and morphemes. Dyslexic children were compared to two control (i.e. normal readers) groups, one group of the same age (N=15) and one group of adults (N=17). N170 and P100 waves were analyzed, as well as interactions between both (i.e. P1N1) searched. Psychometric and language tests were also performed. Results were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: The results of sixteen patients are presented. All sixteen showed significant differences on all psycholinguistic items when compared to the two control groups. All groups (patients and controls) significantly differed from each other for all tests (F’(4;42)=119, 2; p<0.001). However, the heterogeneity of the ERP patterns in the dyslexic group rendered group averaging irrelevant. The N170 wave sometimes overlapped with the P100 wavelength, but was also found to be negative or absent in some patients. In the course of development, N170 variations seem dependent on characteristics of the P100. No correlation was found between the variations of the N170 and clinical measures. Analysis of the P1-N1 temporal course showed a tendency to correlate with reading speed for the entire study population, yet not reaching statistical significance. Interpretation: N170 variations during development and dyslexic pathologies are associated with P100 variations. The P1-N1 time course could reflect silent reading speed. The P1-N1 temporal course was linked with clinical measures in all three groups, which could reflect neurodevelopmentalyrelated variations of the heterogeneity of the N170 as well as a developmental pathology. Verbal stimuli permit us to test the N170 physiological heterogeneity during development but variations in response to easy tasks show low sensitivity of N170 as a marker of dyslexia.
Effects of Traffic Congestion on Vehicle Miles Traveled

The effects of traffic congestion on travel behavior are complex and multidimensional because they are related to various factors such as density, land use patterns, network connectivity, and individual preferences. Traffic congestion is a phenomenon that not only affects transportation systems but also influences commuters’ quality of life and population mobility. The present research aims to analyze the effects of traffic congestion on individuals’ travel behaviors, addressing both direct and indirect effects of congestion on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per driver by implementing structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. In addition to the causal analysis between traffic congestion and VMT, this study examined the complex relationship between an individual’s socioeconomic characteristics, the built environment, congestion, and VMT. Measuring local congestion at a national level is also a key contribution of this research. This study used the same methodology as the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to compute a road congestion index and quantify local congestion for 93,769 drivers within 337 metropolitan areas. Our findings suggest that congestion is the main driver of VMT reduction. The findings also confirm that residents in compact development regions have lower daily VMTs because of the proximity of origins and destinations in denser areas with higher job–population balances. Therefore, rather than expanding highway networks, public transit investment might address traffic congestion more efficiently—not only by providing residents with more equitable and sustainable means of transportation, but also by encouraging people to reside in more compact and location-efficient areas.
Cognitive decline among older adults: A hidden preexisting condition and its role in â•Ÿbrainâ•’atâ•’riskâ•Ž surgical patients

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) comprise a family of cognitive dysfunctions related to anesthesia and surgery. Among these are several common surgical sequelae: postoperative delirium (PD), delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR), and postoperative neurocognitive disorder (PNCD) (Evered et al., 2018). PNCD manifests as a persistent decrease in cognitive ability relative to preoperative baseline levels (in contrast to PD and dNCR which, by definition, resolve within 7 and 30 days, respectively). The diagnosis of PND has three core elements: a subjective cognitive complaint from a patient, caregiver, or clinician; objective impairment of performance on a cognitive test, defined by standard deviations below norms or controls (mild and major impairment are delineated as a decrease of one to two standard deviations versus two or more standard deviations, respectively); and a declining in function, particularly with respect to instrumental activities of daily living (Evered et al., 2018). While PNCD can affect any patient after surgery, its incidence and consequences are highest among older adults with rates estimated to be between 10% and 30% at 3 months after surgery, depending on surgical procedure (Knipp et al., 2017; Moller et al., 1998; Monk et al., 2008). PNCD significantly impacts both the quality of life and the ability of patients to carry out routine activities of daily living (Ahlgren et al., 2003; Evered et al., 2016; Price et al., 2008; Steinmetz et al., 2009). PNCD is also associated with the development of dementia (Lingehall et al., 2017; Lundström et al., 2003; Olofsson et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2020) as well as an increase in the utilization of social assistance, early departure from the labor force, and an overall increase in postoperative mortality (Ahlgren et al., 2003; Evered et al., 2016; Monk et al., 2008; Price et al., 2008; Steinmetz et al., 2009). It therefore represents a considerable human and economic burden. PNCD and dNCR are complex, multifactorial conditions with several identified risk factors including preexisting cognitive impairment (preCI), advanced age, postoperative infection, higher surgical complexity, lower levels of patient education, central nervous system pathology, and chronic inflammatory disease (Daiello et al., 2019; Deiner et al., 2017; Evered & Silbert, 2018; Kadoi et al., 2011). Among these, preCI, which is characterized by a preoperative decrease in cognition relative to healthy, agematched controls, is of particular interest because it is highly prevalent and may represent an actionable target for focused early or perioperative intervention.
Metrological Traceability at Different Measurement Levels

The international agreements are the basis for establishing the global metrological traceability at different measurement levels. The concepts and concept relations around metrological traceability are presented. An important element of providing the metrological traceability is the evaluation of measurement uncertainty. The procedure of linking of key and supplementary comparison results is described. Linking of key and supplementary comparison results of the Regional Metrology Organization for some quantities according to the described procedure was presented. Results for all participants of presented key and supplementary comparisons are satisfactory for chi-square test and E n number. The procedure of linking of key or supplementary comparison and national inter-laboratory comparison results is described. This procedure can be used for practical evaluation of specific interlaboratory comparison results on a national level in different countries by means of laboratory results of the National Metrology Institute and Designated Institute. This procedure can contribute the mutual recognition of measurement and testing results by different countries. Linking of key comparison and inter-laboratory comparison results for some quantities according to the described procedure was presented. Results for all participants of presented key comparison and interlaboratory comparison are satisfactory for chi-square test, E n number, z scores and ζ scores. procedure can be used for practical estimation of results specific ILC on a national level by means of the results from NMI/DI laboratories. Linking of COOMET.EM-K6.a comparison and national ILC of AC/DC voltage transfer difference results was presented. The value of chi-square test was calculated and the obtained value of chi-square test for all participants can be considered consistent. Results for all participants of comparisons are satisfactory for E n number (from 0.10 to 0.83), z scores (from 0.01 to 2.22), and ζ scores (from 0.05 to 0.41). Results of this linking can be used also for different metrological areas as technical basis of confirming CMC accredited laboratories. Such work can be done by RL of the ILC, as well as by metrological experts. The RL of the ILC can also implement a full assessment of the uncertainty budget and the metrological traceability for validation of their CMCs in a wide range of used quantities.
Recycled manure solids as bedding in dairy farms: a source of thermoresistant lactic acid

29 The dairy farm environment influences the raw milk microbiota, and consequently 30 impacts milk processing. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate farm management 31 practices such as the bedding materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact 32 of recycled manure solids (RMS) as bedding material on bulk tank milk and 33 microbiological implications for cheese quality. Bulk tank samples were collected from 34 84 dairy farms using RMS or straw bedding. The use of RMS did not influence 35 thermophilic and mesophilic aerobic viable counts from spores. However, straw-milk 36 samples gave higher values for mesophilic anaerobic spore-forming bacteria (0.44 log 37 CFU/mL) than RMS-milk samples (0.17 log CFU/mL). The presence of thermoresistant 38 LAB was not increased in milk from farms using RMS. Nevertheless, taxonomic profiles 39 of thermoresistant bacteria isolated were different between the two types of milk. More 40 Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus spp. were identified in RMS-milk samples. 41 Thermoresistant enterococci and streptococci could easily end up in cheese. Therefore, 42 milk proteolytic activities of these isolates were tested. Neither Streptococcus spp. nor 43 Enterococcus faecium isolates exhibited proteolytic activities, whereas 53% of E. faecalis 44 showed some. Also, only one vancomycin-resistant enterococcus was detected. Survival 45 of selected RMS-milk samples isolates (three E. faecalis and one Streptococcus 46 thermophilus) was evaluated during a model Cheddar cheese manufacture. Although 47 those strains survived well, they did not modify the acidification curve of milk. However, 48 they might cause organoleptic defects during cheese maturing. 49
Accumulation of fl-Fructosidase in the Cell Walls of Tomato Roots following Infection by a Fungal Wilt Pathogen1

Active defense in plants is associated with marked metabolic alterations, but little is known about the exact role of the reported changes in specific activity of several enzymes in infected plant tissues. ,j-Fructosidase (invertase), the enzyme that converts sucrose into glucose and fructose, increases upon infection by fungi and bacteria. To understand the relationship between fungal growth and #l-fructosidase accumulation, we used an antiserum raised against a purified deglycosylated carrot cell wall j-fruc-tosidase to study by immunogold labeling the spatial and tem-poral distribution of the enzyme in susceptible and resistant tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) root tissues infected with the necrotrophic fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. racidis-Iycoper-sici. In susceptible plants, the enzyme started to accumulate in host cell walls about 72 hours after inoculation. Accumulation occurred only in colonized cells and was mainly restricted to areas where the walls of both partners contacted each other. In resistant plants, accumulation of #l-fructosidase was noticeable as soon as 48 hours after inoculation and appeared to reach an optimum by 72 hours after inoculation. Increase in wall-bound #-fructosidase was not restricted to infected cells but occurred also, to a large extent, in tissues that remained uncolonized during the infection process. The enzyme also accumulated in wall appositions (papillae) and intercellular spaces. This pattern of enzyme distribution suggests that induction of s-fructosidase upon fungal infection is part of the plant's defense response. The possible physiological role(s) of this enzyme in infected tomato plants is discussed in relation to the high demand in energy and carbon sources during pathogenesis.
Impact of removal of natural organic matter from surface water by ion exchange_ A case study of pilots in Belgium, United Kingdom and the Netherlands

Natural organic matter (NOM) fractions cause problems in drinking water treatment and supply. In the North Sea region, anionic ion exchange (IEX) in non-fixed bed configurations has been considered for NOM removal in drinking water treatment plants. This paper discusses several experiences of the impact of anion IEX on NOM removal and on NOM-related problems in water treatment locations of the North Sea region, considering the specific situation of the sites. The investigated parameters include the effect of anionic IEX on the removal of total NOM and specific NOM fractions, the amount of chemicals used for coagulation, the development of trans membrane pressure in microfiltration, the formation of assimilable organic carbon and the energy consumption during advanced oxidation, the removal of organics by activated carbon, and the formation of disinfection byproducts. The pilot experiences at three treatment locations in Belgium, United Kingdom and the Netherlands show that anionic IEX (1) removed typically 40 to 60 percent of total NOM; (2) targeted mostly humic NOM fractions, and was not effective to remove biopolymers (3) contributed to lower coagulant doses and energy consumption in UV/advanced oxidation; (4) had limited influence on limiting the fouling of microfiltration membranes; (5) lowered the formation of disinfection by-products; and (6) it can improve biological stability.