Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
L1 Influences on Bulgarian-Accented German: Prosodic Units and Prenuclear Pitch Accents

This study investigates the L1 influence on the use of accentual patterns, choice of prenuclear pitch accent types and their realization on L2 prosody. We use Mennen’s LILt model as a framework for our analysis. We recorded ten Bulgarian female speakers of German and ten female native German speakers who read Aesop’s fable The North Wind and the Sun. We found that the tendency for the Bulgarian native speakers to use more pitch accents than German native speakers is transferred to the L2 German of the Bulgarian learners. L*+H was the most frequent prenuclear pitch accent used by all groups. We also found that the Bulgarian learners stressed more function words and tolerated more stress clashes than the native German speakers. When speaking German, under the influence of the statistical regularities that relate to prosodic word patterns in their mother tongue, Bulgarian learners phrased their L2 speech into a higher number of shorter prosodic words, and therefore realized more pitch accents and aligned the high tonal target earlier than the native speakers. Concerning the variable alignment of the high target, we propose the prosodic word or the two-syllable window as the tentative candidate for an anchorage region. Our findings can be explained with respect to age of learning, as proposed by LILt’s general theoretical assumptions.
Alternative closed‐form solutions for the mean rate of exceedance of structural limit states

Two new closed‐form expressions representing the mean rate of exceedance of a given limit state are presented herein. These proposals overcome limitations that were identified with the original formulation of the well‐known SAC/FEMA approach. The new expressions involve new parametric functions for the modeling of the seismic hazard data and for the demand evolution for increasing values of the earthquake intensity measure. Given the carefully selected parametric form of these functions, mathematical tractability is able to be maintained to establish two new closed‐form solutions representing the mean rate of exceedance of a given limit state. The function proposed for the hazard exhibits nonlinear behavior in log‐log space and is able to represent the actual hazard data over a wider range of earthquake intensity levels. The function proposed for the demand evolution addresses issues related to the inadequate performance of the SAC/FEMA approach when force‐based demand parameters such as the shear force are considered. To illustrate the applicability of the new closed‐form solutions, the probability of occurrence of several limit states is determined for a reinforced concrete structure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age and Origin of the Massangana Intrusive Suite and Associated Mineralizations, in the Rondônia Tin Province: Petrography, U-Pb, and Lu-Hf Isotopes Zircons

Rondônia intrusive suites represent the youngest A-type magmatism that occurred in the SW of the Amazon craton, with mineralizations in Sn, Nb, Ta, W, and topaz. Petrological and isotopic studies (U-Pb and Lu-Hf by LA-ICP-MS) allowed the Massangana granite to be subdivided into São Domingos facies (medium to fine biotite-granite), Bom Jardim facies (fine granite), Massangana facies (pyterlites and coarse granites) and Taboca facies (fine granites). The crystallization ages obtained were between 995.7 ± 9.5 Ma to 1026 ± 16 Ma, and the εHf values vary significantly between positive and negative, showing predominantly crustal sources for forming these rocks. Petrographic studies on ore samples indicate the action of co-magmatic hydrothermal fluids enriched in CO2, H2O, and F. These ores are characterized by endogreisens, exogreisens, pegmatites, and quartz veins that are explored in the São Domingos facies area. The endogreisens and exogreisens are formed by topaz-granites and zinnwaldite-granites; the pegmatites are formed by topaz-zinnwaldite-cassiterite-granites; and the veins by cassiterite-sulfides and quartz. The geometries of the mineralized bodies indicate a dome-shaped contact with the host rocks in the magma chamber and can be attributed to residual accumulation. In this sense, the origin of these ores is related to the evolution of intrusive granitic bodies where the terminal phases of the fluid-enriched magma are lodged in the apical portions, and the origin of the mineralized bodies present a biotite-granite, albite-granite, and endogreisens evolution (potassium series), or biotite-granite, alkali-granite and endogreisens (sodic series) and these rocks present TDM ages that indicate a concerning relation to the non-mineralized rocks of Massangana granite.
The Low surface brightness universe, IAU Colloquium 171 : proceedings of an IAU Colloquium held at Cardiff, Wales, 5-10 July, 1998

We have carried out a deep, multi-color imaging study of Holmberg II (Ho II) and several other nearby LSB dwarf galaxies for which detailed HI maps exist. The formation of the HI holes in these galaxies has been attributed to multiple supernovae (SNe) occurring within windblown shells around young, massive star clusters. To search for evidence of the clusters, we have compared optical images with the HI maps and measured magnitudes and colors of objects in and around the HI holes. Although the SN scenario requires that detectable star clusters should often be present in the centers of the HI holes, our observations have in most cases failed to reveal these clusters at the expected magnitudes. In fact, many of the HI holes are located in regions of very low optical surface brightness, which show no evidence of recent star formation.
Mechanical Properties of Colorectal Cancer Cells Determined by Dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy: A Novel Biomarker

Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is presently the third-most abundant and the second-most lethal cancer worldwide. Thus, there is a real and urgent need to investigate the processes behind the appearance, development, and proliferation of CRC cells. Several biochemical pathways have been investigated to understand their role in oncogene activation and tumor-suppressor gene inhibition. Despite the research increase in biochemistry, there is still a need to better understand the biophysical cues that drive the activation of signaling pathways relevant to mechanotransduction and cell transformation. The elucidation of these biological processes may help to hinder oncogenic mechanisms and to find biomarkers that could be used to design more personalized therapeutic strategies. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been addressed in the framework of molecular, cellular biology, and biochemical traits. A new approach to studying CRC is focused on the relationship between biochemical pathways and biophysical cues, which may contribute to disease understanding and therapy development. Herein, we investigated the mechanical properties of CRC cells, namely, HCT116, HCT15, and SW620, using static and dynamic methodologies by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The static method quantifies Young’s modulus; the dynamic method allows the determination of elasticity, viscosity, and fluidity. AFM results were correlated with confocal laser scanning microscopy and cell migration assay data. The SW620 metastatic cells presented the highest Young’s and storage moduli, with a defined cortical actin ring with distributed F-actin filaments, scarce vinculin expression, abundant total focal adhesions (FAK), and no filopodia formation, which could explain the lessened migratory behavior. In contrast, HCT15 cells presented lower Young’s and storage moduli, high cortical tubulin, less cortical F-actin and less FAK, and more filopodia formation, probably explaining the higher migratory behavior. HCT116 cells presented Young’s and storage moduli values in between the other cell lines, high cortical F-actin expression, intermediate levels of total FAK, and abundant filopodia formation, possibly explaining the highest migratory behavior.
Identification of the Extracellular Nuclease Influencing Soaking RNA Interference Efficiency in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency dramatically varies among different nematodes, which impacts research on their gene function and pest control. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a pine wood nematode in which RNAi-mediated gene silencing has unstable interference efficiency through soaking in dsRNA solutions, the factors of which remain unknown. Using agarose gel electrophoresis, we found that dsRNA can be degraded by nematode secretions in the soaking system which is responsible for the low RNAi efficiency. Based on the previously published genome and secretome data of B. xylophilus, 154 nucleases were screened including 11 extracellular nucleases which are potential factors reducing RNAi efficacy. To confirm the function of nucleases in RNAi efficiency, eight extracellular nuclease genes (BxyNuc1-8) were cloned in the genome. BxyNuc4, BxyNuc6 and BxyNuc7 can be upregulated in response to dsGFP, considered as the major nuclease performing dsRNA degradation. After soaking with the dsRNA of nucleases BxyNuc4/BxyNuc6/BxyNuc7 and Pat10 gene (ineffective in RNAi) simultaneously for 24 h, the expression of Pat10 gene decreased by 23.25%, 26.05% and 11.29%, respectively. With soaking for 36 h, the expression of Pat10 gene decreased by 43.25% and 33.25% in dsBxyNuc6+dsPat10 and dsBxyNuc7+dsPat10 groups, respectively. However, without dsPat10, dsBxyNuc7 alone could cause downregulation of Pat10 gene expression, while dsBxyNuc6 could not disturb this gene. In conclusion, the nuclease BxyNuc6 might be a major barrier to the RNAi efficiency in B. xylophilus.
Improving the Nutrient Quality of Foods and Beverages Using Product Specific Standards for Nutrients to Limit Will Substantially Reduce Mean Population Intakes of Energy, Sodium, Saturated Fat and Sugars towards WHO Guidelines

Background: International strategies to reduce chronic diseases have called for a reduction in the amounts of saturated fat (SAFA), trans fat (TFA), salt and sugars in the global food supply. This paper describes the development approach and potential impact of a set of standards for these nutrients to drive food (re)formulation. Methods: To set the standards, WHO nutrient guidelines for daily intake were translated into product group specific standards. The impact of reformulation towards these standards on population nutrient intakes was modelled using the food consumption data of five countries: UK, France, US, Brazil and China. The impact of the TFA standards could not be modelled due to lack of data. Results: (Re)formulation of foods and beverages towards these standards would substantially decrease mean population intakes of energy, sodium, SAFA and sugars, with reductions up to 30%. Conclusions: These science-based standards for nutrients to limit could drive impactful reductions in energy, sodium, SAFA and sugars in food and beverage products, enabling mean population intakes to move closer to WHO nutrient guidelines.
Biohazard Accidents, Harmful Elements to the Wellness of Healthcare Workers, and Their Risk Factors

Background. For healthcare personnel, biohazard accidents pose a significant risk to their health. These exposures can enable the transmission of pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective. To indicate and quantify the risk associated with higher threatening situations, such as biohazard accidents on repeated occasions or incorrect notifications to injured healthcare professionals. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Poniente Hospital in Almeria (Spain). In total, 592 participants reported 1062 accidents and their characteristics and notifications were analyzed. Results. It was found that women (OR = 1.29) working in the surgical area (OR = 2.92), those on indefinite contracts (OR = 1.67), and those with high work experience (OR = 1.14) were the main risk factors for multiple biohazard accidents. Concerning the incorrect notification of these accidents, the main risk factors were work performance during the afternoon shift (OR = 1.72) and the fact that the accident was caused by the injured worker himself (OR = 1.53). Conclusions. This study outlined the main factors that can contribute to healthcare professionals suffering these accidents. As a result, corrective measures must be taken against these risk factors to improve safety for healthcare workers in the future.
Comparisons of Numerical and Experimental Investigations of the Thermal Performance of Al2O3 and TiO2 Nanofluids in a Compact Plate Heat Exchanger

This study reports the thermal performance of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanofluids (NFs) flowing inside a compact plate heat exchanger (CPHE) by comparing the experimental and numerical investigations. The NF samples were prepared for five concentrations each of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed in distilled water (DW) as a base fluid (BF). The stability of NF samples was ensured, and their viscosity and thermal conductivity were measured. Firstly, the experimental measurements were performed for the heat transfer and fluid flow of the NFs in the plate heat exchanger (PHE) system and then the numerical investigation method was developed for the same PHE dimensions and operation conditions of the experimental investigation. A finite volume method (FVM) and single-phase fluid were used for numerical modelling. The obtained experimental and numerical results show that the thermal performance of the CPHE enhances by adding nanoparticles to the BFs. Furthermore, numerical predictions present lower values of convection heat transfer coefficients than the experimental measurements with a maximum deviation of 12% at the highest flow rate. Nevertheless, the numerical model is suitable with acceptable accuracy for the prediction of NFs through PHE and it becomes better for relatively small particles’ concentrations and low flow rates.
Establishment and Validation of a New Predictive Model for Insulin Resistance based on 2 Chinese Cohorts: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Visceral adiposity plays a key role in the development of insulin resistance (IR), so surrogate index that can indicate visceral obesity may have higher predictive value for IR. This study aimed to establish and validate a new predictive model including indicator of visceral obesity for IR. Methods The study population consisted of two cohorts. The derivation cohort was a group of 667 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and the population undergoing a routine health checkup was the validation cohort. The predictive model was established by the logistic regression analysis. Its value for predicting IR was compared with other surrogate indices by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results The odds ratio (OR) of age, visceral fat area (VFA), triglyceride (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) for IR was 1.028 (95% CI, 1.008–1.048) (P < 0.01), 1.016 (95% CI, 1.009–1.023) (P < 0.001), 1.184 (95% CI, 1.005–1.396) (P < 0.05), 1.334 (95% CI, 1.225–1.451) (P < 0.001), and 1.021 (95% CI, 1.001–1.040) (P < 0.05). The formula of the predictive model was (0.0293 × age + 1.4892 × Ln VFA + 0.4966 × Ln TG + 2.784 × Ln FPG + 0.6906 × Ln ALT)/2. The area under the curve was the largest among all the previously reported predictors. Conclusions This study established and validated a predicting model for IR and confirmed its predictive value in comparison with other surrogate indicators, which will offer a simple and effective tool to measure IR in future large population studies.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation Does Not Accelerate Recovery after a Change of Direction Sprinting Exercise Protocol

BCAAs supplementation has been widely used for post-exercise recovery. However, no evidence is currently available to answer the question of whether BCAAs supplementation can attenuate muscle damage and ameliorate recovery after a bout of change of direction (COD) sprinting, which is an exercise motion frequently used during team sport actions. This study aimed to assess the effect of BCAAs supplementation on muscle damage markers, subjective muscle soreness, neuromuscular performance, and the vascular health of collegiate basketball players during a 72 h recovery period after a standardized COD protocol. Participants orally received either BCAAs (0.17 g/kg BCAAs + 0.17 g/kg glucose) or placebo (0.34 g/kg glucose) supplementation before and immediately after a COD exercise protocol in a randomized, crossover, double-blind, and placebo-controlled manner. Creatine kinase increased immediately after exercise and peaked at 24 h, muscle soreness remained elevated until 72 h, whilst arterial stiffness decreased after exercise for both supplemented conditions. A negligibly lower level of interleukin-6 was found in the BCAAs supplemented condition. In conclusion, the results of this study do not support the benefits of BCAAs supplementation on mitigating muscle damage and soreness, neuromuscular performance, and arterial stiffness after COD for basketball players.
The Efficacy of Positive Education Intervention for Academic Boredom and Intrinsic Motivation among College Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study

(1) Background: The influence of academic boredom and intrinsic motivation on students’ learning and achievements is receiving more attention from scholars. Nevertheless, studies on how intervention decreases academic boredom and promotes intrinsic motivation during study remain unexplored. (2) Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether positive education intervention based on the PERMA model would help Chinese college students with learning-related academic boredom, class-related academic boredom, and intrinsic motivation. (3) Methods: This study is quasi-experimental research with a control group including pre-test and post-test. The study was conducted with 173 students, including 86 (n1 = 86) experimental and 87 (n2 = 87) control group students. (4) Results: Results revealed that students in the intervention condition reported significant reductions in learning-related academic boredom and class-related academic boredom, and significant increases in intrinsic motivation in comparison to their counterparts in the control group. (5) Conclusions: These findings indicate that positive education intervention for college students is a promising approach to reducing academic boredom and increasing intrinsic motivation among Chinese college students.
International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)

Received Mar 14, 2022 Revised Aug 21, 2022 Accepted Sep 7, 2022 The level of cigarette excise rates is one of the factors of cigarette costs. However, it is unclear how high the cigarette excise rate should be in order to reduce smoking in Indonesia. The aim of this research was to see how effective the cigarette excise tariff policy was at lowering public cigarette usage. The study conducted a quantitative approach, employing survey data collection techniques on a number of smokers as well as in-depth interviews. The data indicated that a 12.5% increase in the cigarette excise charge had a negligible effect on reducing cigarette consumption. The author identified numerous variables that contributed to the tobacco excise tax increase's ineffectiveness as a policy.
Multiplicative Brownian Motion Stabilizes the Exact Stochastic Solutions of the Davey-Stewartson Equations

In this article, the stochastic Davey–Stewartson equations (SDSEs) forced by multiplicative noise are addressed. We use the mapping method to find new rational, elliptic, hyperbolic and trigonometric functions. In addition, we generalize some previously obtained results. Due to the significance of the Davey–Stewartson equations in plasma physics, nonlinear optics, hydrodynamics and other fields, the discovered solutions are useful in explaining a number of intriguing physical phenomena. By using MATLAB tools to simulate our results and display some of 3D graphs, we show how the multiplicative Brownian motion impacts the analytical solutions of the SDSEs. Finally, we demonstrate the effect of multiplicative Brownian motion on the stability and the symmetry of the achieved solutions of the SDSEs.
Comparing The Efficacy And Safety Of Pregabalin Vs Gabapentin In Uremic Pruritus In Patients Of Chronic Kidney Injury Undergoing Haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND World has been facing an epidemic of non-communicable diseases including heart, metabolic and renal diseases. Renal diseases have been commonly diagnosed and managed in low- and middle-income countries. Objective was to compare efficacy and safety of Pregabalin and Gabapentin in uremic pruritus among patients of chronic kidney injury undergoing haemodialysis. It was a comparative cross-sectional study, conducted at the Department of nephrology Abbottabad International Medical Institute. February 2021 to January 2022. METHODS Total of 90 cases were included in the study, which were diagnosed as chronic kidney disease stage 5 undergoing haemodialysis and presented with pruritus. Pruritus was gauged on numeric rating scale and patients score of more than 6 were included. Patients were randomly divided into two groups via lottery method. Group A received Pregabalin while group B received Gabapentin. Efficacy and safety were assessed in both groups at the end of six months. RESULTS Out of 90 dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease patients with significant pruritus included in the study, 61 (52.7%) patients were males and 29 (46.3%) were females. At the end of 6 weeks, we found out that 35 (38.9%) had no pruritus, 25 (27.8%) had mild, 19 (21.1%) had moderate while 11 (12.2%) had severe pruritus. After applying the chi-square test we found that Pregablin was statistically significantly more efficacious then Gabapentin (p-value-0.026). Sedation, nausea and blurred vision were found more in patients who took Pregabalin (p-value<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Pregablin emerged out to be more efficacious with regards to reducing pruritus of the two medications compared in our study population while patients who took Gabapentin experience significantly a smaller number of side effects as compared to patients who were given Pregabalin.
Optogenetic fMRI for Brain-Wide Circuit Analysis of Sensory Processing

Sensory processing is a complex neurological process that receives, integrates, and responds to information from one’s own body and environment, which is closely related to survival as well as neurological disorders. Brain-wide networks of sensory processing are difficult to investigate due to their dynamic regulation by multiple brain circuits. Optogenetics, a neuromodulation technique that uses light-sensitive proteins, can be combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (ofMRI) to measure whole-brain activity. Since ofMRI has increasingly been used for investigating brain circuits underlying sensory processing for over a decade, we systematically reviewed recent ofMRI studies of sensory circuits and discussed the challenges of optogenetic fMRI in rodents.