Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular investigations into cambium differentiation in tree stems

Investigations into the molecular control of the production of secondary vascular tissue from the cambium lag behind research into the production of cells from other meristematic tissue types in plants. The majority of research into secondary growth in plants has either been conducted using the herbaceous Arabidopsis thaliana as a model species or has focussed on expression studies, with only a few transgenic experiments carried out in trees. The recent development of a new approach for generating transgenic cambial sectors in tree stems (ISSA) provided an opportunity for further study of molecular regulation of secondary growth. Polarity determination and meristem maintenance are two important processes that occur in the cambial zone of trees and allow for the correct development of secondary tissues. Therefore, genes believed to be involved in these processes were selected for use in the two experiments of this study. The HD-ZIP III family of genes are well-known to play a role in the determination of vascular polarity in Arabidopsis, and so the REV gene from this family was over-expressed in some transgenic sectors. The microRNA miR166 was over-expressed in other sectors, in order to down-regulate the expression of members of the HD-ZIP III gene family. In contrast to the dramatic phenotypes observed in Arabidopsis mutants with perturbed REV expression, no strong phenotypes were observed following manipulation of REV expression in poplar transgenic sectors. It is possible that the tight regulation of polarity within vascular tissue, combined with intercellular signals from adjacent non-transgenic cells, may have contributed to this result. Other possibilities are that the determination of polarity in secondary growth occurs in a different fashion to that of primary growth, or that polarity is already irreversibly fixed by the time that secondary growth begins. ARK1, a poplar homologue of the Arabidopsis meristem maintenance gene STM, was over-expressed in transgenic sectors using the ISSA method. Phenotypes obtained in this experiment were comparable to those of previously published whole plant over-expression of ARK1. It appeared that ARK1 had an effect of delaying xylem cell differentiation for a short period of time following division from the cambium, effectively promoting the maintenance of cells in a more meristematic state. A further phenotype was observed in two transgenic sectors in which immature partially-differentiated fibre cells were surrounded by mature fully-differentiated cells. This could also be the result of delayed differentiation caused by ARK1 over-expression, or may reflect an effect of ARK1 on dormancy. This project has allowed for the further characterisation of the ARK1 meristem maintenance gene and raises questions about the polarity determination of secondary tissues which could be examined in future investigations.
Enhanced β-secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein in the skeletal muscle of ALS animal models

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor neuron degeneration and muscle paralysis. Several studies indicate that pathological changes in the skeletal muscle contribute to disease progression. We report a significant increase of β-secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the skeletal muscle but not the spinal cord or cerebral cortex of hSOD1 (G93A) transgenic ALS mouse models. Enhanced β-secretase processing of APP was manifested by up-regulated expression of βCTF, the 22-kd CTF of APP, and β-secretase processing enzyme, BACE1. Morphological analysis demonstrated that enhanced β-secretase processing of APP mainly occurred in the atrophic myofibers of ALS mice. We also observed a similar change in APP processing in an hSOD1 (G93A) transgenic ALS pig model, suggesting that enhanced β-secretase processing of APP in skeletal muscle may be a common pathological feature of ALS. These findings reveal a selective change in APP processing in skeletal muscle of ALS animal models, and highlight the involvement of aberrant APP processing in ALS pathogenesis.
Motility and cell division patterns among several strains of Symbiodinium

The dinoflagellate genus Symbiodinium consists of well-known coral symbionts. The genus is divided into nine phylogenetically distinct groups (clades A–I), with each consisting of numerous small groups (types or sub-clades). Some Symbiodinium can be isolated from host animals and maintained as culture strains under laboratory conditions, but there is currently very little biological information on cultured Symbiodinium . In the present study, we observed motility and cell division patterns in eight Symbiodinium culture strains for clades A–F. Although cell division patterns were congruent among all of the culture strains, their motility patterns differed. Peak cell division was observed at dawn in all of the cultures. The ratio of motile phase cells declined at night, but in clade A type A2 relative and clade E Symbiodinium culture strains, which were isolated from the environment, ＞ 10% of the cells actively swam at night. While we only investigated eight cultures, we observed similarities and differences in their characteristics. Although several Symbiodinium are difficult to cultivate, future studies on cultured cells would give better insights into the biology of Symbiodinium spp.
Small for Gestational Age is an Independent Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental Impairment

Background: There is a deficit of publications regarding the impact of small for gestational age (SGA) on later neurodevelopment of premature infants and existing results are conflicting. Objectives: The aim of the present study was multifaceted neurodevelopmental assessment of children born prematurely, with particular assessment of SGA as an independent risk factor for impairment in prematurely born children. Methods: Eighty-nine children born with very low birth weight were evaluated at the age of 50 months. Anthropometric measurements and several psychomotor tests (WeeFIM-Functional Independence Measure scale, Leiter Test-Non-Verbal Psychometric Evaluation, DTVP-2-Developmental test of Visual Perception, CAST-Childhood Autism Spectrum test, EAS-C-temperament questionnaire and TSD-children vocabulary test) were performed in each child. Results: SGA appears to be a risk factor for low self-reliance (mean WeeFIM score 89 ± 20 points vs 99 ± 15; P = 0.034), decreased non-verbal intelligence (Leiter score 87 ± 18 points vs 100 ± 18 points; P = 0.022) and low visual perception (Frostig test 81 ± 17 points vs 93 ± 17 points; P = 0.035). Moreover, the incidence of autism spectrum disorders was significantly higher in the SGA group (21% vs 2.8%; P = 0.029). There were no differences in frequency of cerebral palsy diagnosis, vocabulary test results and temper tests scores between SGA and AGA groups. Conclusions: Birth weight small for gestational age seems to be an additional, independent risk factor of neurodevelopmental delay in prematurely born children.
Impact of Agronomic Biofortification with Zinc on the Nutrient Content, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Capacity of Cowpea Bean (Vigna unguiculata L. Walpers)

Zinc intake deficiency is a public health problem and increasing the nutrient’s content in the edible parts of plants can help mitigate it. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of the edaphic and foliar application of zinc sulphate on the nutrient content, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of cowpea beans (Vigna unguiculata L. Walpers). A sample of 100 grains was taken, and the length, width, thickness, weight, ash content, fat, humidity, fibers, carbohydrates, protein, energy, macro- and micro- nutrients, total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity were determined. The 0.250 g edaphic-12.5 mM foliar dose produced grains of a greater weight and size. All of the edaphic and foliar doses increased the grain zinc content, and the highest value was found with the 0.125 g edaphic-50.0 mM foliar dose. The total phenols increased with 12.5 g of edaphic zinc, while phenols, flavonoids, and the antioxidant capacity increased with 50.0 mM foliar zinc. The edaphic and foliar application of zinc sulphate increased the grain weight and size, zinc content, total phenols, and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, edaphic and foliar zinc biofortification enriches this nutrient in cowpea grains, and could reduce micronutrient malnutrition in the urban and rural communities of Mexico.
Association of Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages or Artificially Sweetened Beverages with Mortality: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) and artificially sweetened beverage (ASB) intakes have been reported to be associated with mortality; however, conclusions have been inconsistent. This review synthesized the evidence on the associations of SSB and ASB intakes with mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer among all populations (including general, diseased, or occupational populations, etc.). PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched up to March 2020. Fifteen studies including 17 cohorts were included in meta-analyses. Each serving (12 fluid ounces or 355 mL) increase in daily SSB consumption was associated with higher risks of all-cause (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.12; 11 cohorts with 965,851 participants) and CVD (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.12; 13 cohorts with 898,005 participants) mortality. The associations of ASB intakes with all-cause and CVD mortality were J-shaped, and HRs (95% CI) across different doses (0, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 servings/d) were 1.00, 1.01 (0.99, 1.03), 1.04 (1.02, 1.07), 1.08 (1.05, 1.11), and 1.13 (1.09, 1.18) for all-cause mortality and 1.00, 1.01 (0.96, 1.07), 1.07 (1.01, 1.13), 1.15 (1.08, 1.23), and 1.25 (1.14, 1.37) for CVD mortality. No significant association was found for cancer mortality. According to the NutriGrade scoring system, the quality of evidence on the associations of SSB intakes with all-cause and CVD mortality was high, and the quality of evidence on other associations was low to moderate. In summary, higher SSB and ASB intakes were associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality. Given the limited evidence, future studies should further investigate the association between ASB intakes and cause-specific mortality.
Hydro‐meteorological drivers influencing suspended sediment transport and yield in a semi‐arid mountainous basin

Understanding erosion and sediment transport dynamics is key for sustainable water resources management. The objective of this research was to assess suspended sediment responses, identifying relationships with hydro‐meteorological drivers, sediment sources and connectivity in a mountainous semi‐arid basin. With this purpose, suspended sediment concentrations of 12 events were measured by automatic sampling and classified based on six descriptors of hydro‐meteorological drivers, their related rating curves and hysteresis loop behaviour, and distribution of precipitation, snowfall and snowmelt. Comparison with sediment transport and yield along the river, previously reported, was also performed. The results allowed us to distinguish up to three types of events with different erosive responses, comparable with other Mediterranean environments and snowmelt‐driven basins. Events classified as type I and II were closely linked to snow processes. Those classified as type III presented higher sediment yield and negligible influence of snow processes. The analysis of rating curves and hysteresis loops confirmed the identified transport responses. Type I and II events, with clockwise behaviour, were related to in‐channel sediment storage. Type III events, with predominantly counter‐clockwise behaviour, were related to hillslope erosion processes of gullying and landslides. The sediment connectivity analysed highlights the role of vegetation cover and land uses, and its sensitivity in high mountainous environments, which fits with the observed sediment transport at the study site. The volume of sediment trapped in the bottomset area of a reservoir downstream was related to type I events (more frequent and of greater magnitude). However, spatial distribution and frequency of type III events are likely to become more relevant under future climate scenarios due to their high sensitivity to hydro‐meteorological drivers. These results highlight the vulnerability of high mountainous areas on erosive dynamics and justify long‐term monitoring as hotspots of future challenge for water resource management. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of Lung Complications following Paraquat Poisoning by Silymarin, N-acetyl Cysteine and Hydrocortisone: An Experimental Study

BackgroundParaquat poisoning results in multi-organ failure, primarily pulmonary fibrosis, acute renal failure, and hepatic impairment. The present study was designed to evaluate three treatment regimens, such as N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC), silymarin and hydrocortisone in the prevention of lung fibrosis after ingestion of toxic doses of paraquat in rats. MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley rats (N=20) were randomly divided into four groups of five each. The drugs and paraquat were given to the rats orally. All rat groups received one oral dose of paraquat (10 mg/kg) once daily for 1 week. The first group received a daily oral dose of silymarin (600 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. The second group received a daily oral dose of NAC (500 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. The third group was given daily oral doses of NAC (500 mg/kg) and hydrocortisone (50 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. The fourth group (controls) received no drugs other than paraquat. The experiment continued for 4 weeks. After the experiment, autopsy was performed on all rats and the lungs were examined histopathologically.ResultsThe results of histopathology examinations for peribronchial inflammation in the groups were shown that NAC plus hydrocortisone and silymarin had notable effects in the prevention of lung inflammation. Septal widening in the lungs was also observed in group three less than that in the other groups.ConclusionBased on the results, silymarin, NAC and hydrocortisone may be used as a palliative treatment in paraquat poisoning specifically aimed at preventing the acute and chronic lung injuries as the worst complication of the poisoning.
Variações geográficas no ciclo de picada do Anopheles darlingi Root no Brasil

Recentemente estudos têm mostrado que as espécies de Anopheles tendem a ser particularmente instáveis; o que antes havia sido considerado como uma única espécie tem, freqüentemente, se transformado num complexo de várias espécies estreitamente relacionadas (Wright & Pai, 1967). Isto é particularmente importante para o epidemiologista de malána uma vez que espécies crípticas, ou as subespécies, provavelmente se diferenciam em comportamento, o que pode afetar a capacidade vetorial das espécies. Por exemplo, A. nuneztovari Gabaldon é um vetor de malária na Venezuela (Scorza et a/, 1976), mas no Brasil esta espécie não parece transmiti-la . O progresso no uso de híbridos estéreis como agentes de controle pode ser, também, resultado das informações obtidas concernentes às relações entre subespécies de mosquito (Davidson 1974) .
An Exploratory Research on Country-of-Origin and Its Impact on the UAE Consumers Buying Decisions

The purpose of the paper is to explore the country-of-origin (COO) influence on the buying decisions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) consumers. The collected data from 370 consumers were summarized and coded by using Software R Studio and Microsoft Excel. The independent variables were analyzed and tested for their significant impact on the dependent variable, final buying decision of the product/ service based on its country of origin. The selected hypotheses tested by administering the Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) hypothesis testing technique. The researchers identified that UAE consumers buying decisions influenced mainly by the country of origin of the products and services. The demographic variables like age, education, country of origin influential factors, country of choice was not displaying any significant impact on the buying decisions of consumers. The survey is limited to cover the general consumers of the country who are randomly selected from Dubai and Sharjah emirates. The study is beneficial to all the types of marketers, including domestic and international companies, who have plans to know the exact influence on consumers’ buying decisions. The present research paper is original and provides empirical evidence on the country of origin’s impact on the buying decisions of different products/services in the UAE.
Multistate Constrained Invariant Kalman Filter For Rolling Shutter Camera And Imu Calibration

In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm for joint calibration of a rolling shutter camera and inertial sensors. Specifically, the proposed method performs online calibration to estimate the camera intrinsics, the readout time, the extrinsics and the time offset between the camera and the IMU, as well as IMU’s bias. By employing a multi-state constrained invariant Kalman filter, the proposed method processes the measurements of IMU and rolling shutter camera in a decoupled way, which greatly reduces the computational complexity of Jacobian matrices and further improves the robustness and accuracy. Experiments on public datasets demonstrate that the proposed approach can accurately calibrate the considered parameters and perform better than state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Suspension depletion approach for exemption of infected Solanum jasminoides cells from pospiviroids

In spite of the numerous studies done, viroid elimination from infected plants remains to be a very challenging task. Here we introduce for the first time a novel “suspension depletion” approach for exemption of Solanum jasminoides plants from viroids. In brief, the proposed method implies initial establishment of suspension cultures of the infected plant cells. The suspended cells were then physically treated (mild thermotherapy, 33°C), which presumably delayed the replication of the viroid. The viroid concentration in the treated biomass was monitored weekly using pospiviroid-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After 10-12 weeks of continuous treatment, a sufficient decrease in viroid concentration was observed as the infection became undetectable by the PCR. The treated single cells then gave rise to micro-colonies on a solid culture medium and the obtained viroid-negative clones were further promoted to regenerate into viroid-free plants. Our three years of accumulated experimental data suggests feasibility, broad applicability, and good efficacy of the proposed approach. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Complementary Product Pricing and Service Cooperation Strategy in a Dual-Channel Supply Chain

This paper investigates a pricing game and service cooperation for complementary products in a dual-channel supply chain composed of two manufacturers and one retailer. The products of the two manufacturers are complementary products. One manufacturer sells products simultaneously through its own online channel and the traditional retailer, and the manufacturer delivers the product’s service to the retailer in its network direct sales channel by cooperating with the retailer in the form of service cost sharing. Considering the different market power structures of channel members, we establish three different pricing game models. By using the backward induction method and game theory, we obtain the corresponding analytical equilibrium solutions. Then, the service cooperation strategy of using the channel service sensitivity coefficients to construct the weight to share the service cost is proposed. Finally, numerical examples of optimal pricing strategies and profit conditions in different game situations are given, and sensitivity analysis of some key parameters is selectively performed, in which some valuable management insights are obtained.
Does truancy make the delinquent? A situational and longitudinal analysis of the truancy–delinquency relationship

Although truancy has frequently been linked to delinquency, we still lack a proper understanding of how this relationship comes about. This study uses Situational Action Theory (SAT) to develop a more comprehensive, mechanism-based explanation of the truancy–delinquency nexus. The core argument is that the relationship is conditional on adolescents’ propensity for delinquency and their exposure to criminogenic settings. To test this argument, I use two kinds of data collected as part of the Peterborough Adolescent Development Study (PADS+). Drawing on unique situational data provided by space–time budgets, I find only weak evidence that the relationship between truancy and delinquency exists at the situational level. Analyses of multiple yearly waves of this panel study provide support for SAT’s potential as a theoretical framework for the truancy–delinquency relationship by showing that the effect of truancy on changes in delinquency is conditional on changes in adolescents’ delinquency propensity and their exposure to criminogenic settings.
The growth satisfaction in jobs among hospitality employees: the role of transformational leadership, interpersonal communication satisfaction and trust

Abstract Leader follower communication and trust are the key factors that contribute to the employees' growth satisfaction in job in the hospitality industry. Given the relevance of transformational leadership in the hospitality industry, this study explored whether transformational leadership influenced follower growth satisfaction in job through follower interpersonal communication satisfaction and trust. Data were collected from 159 hotel employees in India. The findings using the SPSS PROCESS macro with bootstrapping and R Package revealed that follower interpersonal communication satisfaction and trust mediate the significant relationship between transformational leadership and follower growth satisfaction in job. The major implications are discussed in this study.
Leydig cell tumor of testis- a rare case report

Leydig cell tumors (LCT) of testis are rare testicular tumors of male gonadal interstitium and comprise 1-3 % of all testicular neoplasms. They usually occur in fourth to sixth decade. In young patients, they are mostly benign and in adults it can be malignant in about 10 % cases. The incidence of Leydig cell tumors is gradually increasing every year which might be attributed to increased use of radiological techniques and subsequent early detection of tumors that have not been found in historical series. An increased risk of testicular cancer is associated with male infertility, LCT, a benign neoplasm usually presents as a testicular mass, accompanied or preceded by hormonal changes, leading to either feminizing or virilizing syndromes but the endocrine profile of such patients might be normal. It is very important to identify such cases as many cases have been reported which had deranged endocrine levels and appearance of atypical symptoms even after years of unilateral orchidectomy. Our case also presents with normal hormonal levels, henceforth we must identify benign LCTs and do long term follow up. ABSTRACT