Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roles of endogenous retroviral elements in the establishment and maintenance of imprinted gene expression

DNA methylation (DNAme) has long been recognized as a host defense mechanism, both in the restriction modification systems of prokaryotes as well as in the transcriptional silencing of repetitive elements in mammals. When DNAme was shown to be implicated as a key epigenetic mechanism in the regulation of imprinted genes in mammals, a parallel with host defense mechanisms was drawn, suggesting perhaps a common evolutionary origin. Here we review recent work related to this hypothesis on two different aspects of the developmental imprinting cycle in mammals that has revealed unexpected roles for long terminal repeat (LTR) retroelements in imprinting, both canonical and noncanonical. These two different forms of genomic imprinting depend on different epigenetic marks inherited from the mature gametes, DNAme and histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), respectively. DNAme establishment in the maternal germline is guided by transcription during oocyte growth. Specific families of LTRs, evading silencing mechanisms, have been implicated in this process for specific imprinted genes. In noncanonical imprinting, maternally inherited histone marks play transient roles in transcriptional silencing during preimplantation development. These marks are ultimately translated into DNAme, notably over LTR elements, for the maintenance of silencing of the maternal alleles in the extraembryonic trophoblast lineage. Therefore, LTR retroelements play important roles in both establishment and maintenance of different epigenetic pathways leading to imprinted expression during development. Because such elements are mobile and highly polymorphic among different species, they can be coopted for the evolution of new species-specific imprinted genes.
Efficiency of three different fluoride varnishes on enamel remineralization of primary teeth: An in vitro study

Introduction: Fluoride is fundamental in the prevention of dental caries; it enhances the precipitation of calcium and phosphates, forming fluorapatite, which is more acid-resistant than hydroxyapatite. Recently, Nano Silver Fluoride was presented as a new remineralizing agent. Aim: This study aimed to compare the remineralization potential of three different fluoride varnishes Fluor Protector varnish (FP), Enamel Pro varnish (EP), and Nano Silver Fluoride varnish (NSF) on the enamel of primary teeth. Materials and Methods: 80 samples were gathered, and randomly distributed among three groups: negative control group, demineralized group, and study group which was subdivided into 3 subgroups, subgroup A: Fluor Protector, subgroup B: Enamel Pro and subgroup C: Nano silver fluoride. Pepsi was used for 72 hours to demineralize the Positive control group and the study group. Varnishes were then applied. All teeth were subjected to pH cycle in a demineralization solution/artificial saliva for 10 days. Vicker’s microhardness test, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESM) were used to measure the extent of enamel mineralization. The data were then, statistically evaluated. Results: Enamel Pro showed the highest results followed by Fluor protector and Nano silver fluoride however, there was no statistically significant difference between the three tested groups. Conclusion: The study showed that the Enamel Pro had the highest values in microhardness, EDX, and ESM, but there was no significant statistical difference between the three groups. All the materials used proved their efficiency in remineralization of the demineralized enamel.
Spatially Variable CO2 Degassing in the Main Ethiopian Rift: Implications for Magma Storage, Volatile Transport, and Rift‐Related Emissions

Deep carbon emissions from historically inactive volcanoes, hydrothermal, and tectonic structures are among the greatest unknowns in the long‐term (∼Myr) carbon cycle. Recent estimates of diffuse CO2 flux from the Eastern Rift of the East African Rift System (EARS) suggest this could equal emissions from the entire mid‐ocean ridge system. We report new CO2 surveys from the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER, northernmost EARS), and reassess the rift‐related CO2 flux. Since degassing in the MER is concentrated in discrete areas of volcanic and off‐edifice activity, characterization of such areas is important for extrapolation to a rift‐scale budget. Locations of hot springs and fumaroles along the rift show numerous geothermal areas away from volcanic edifices. With these new data, we estimate total CO2 emissions from the central and northern MER as 0.52–4.36 Mt yr−1. Our extrapolated flux from the Eastern Rift is 3.9–32.7 Mt yr−1 CO2, overlapping with lower end of the range presented in recent estimates. By scaling, we suggest that 6–18 Mt yr−1 CO2 flux can be accounted for by magmatic extension, which implies an important role for volatile‐enriched lithosphere, crustal assimilation, and/or additional magmatic intrusion to account for the upper range of flux estimates. Our results also have implications for the nature of volcanism in the MER. Many geothermal areas are found >10 km from the nearest volcanic center, suggesting ongoing hazards associated with regional volcanism.
Pelagic ecology of the Ningaloo region, Western Australia: influence of the Leeuwin Current

The Ningaloo region of Western Australia (WA), best known for its fringing coral reef system, is also an oceanographically unique area that recent studies have revealed as one of the most productive in Australia. Despite the suppression of major upwelling along the WA coast by the poleward-flowing Leeuwin Current (LC), localised seasonal upwelling at Ningaloo is effected by the wind-driven, northward-flowing Ningaloo Current that periodically flows inshore of the LC and enhances nutrient concentrations within the euphotic zone. Under the upwelling-favourable conditions generated during El Niño years, levels of primary production can episodically reach 3000–8000 mg C m d (as compared to 200 mg C m d within the bulk of the LC). The diverse copepod fauna of the region is dominated by small, upwelling-ready species that should benefit from these sporadic phytoplankton blooms. However, copepod production rates are generally low (~ 13 mg C m d) and do not mirror the trends observed with phytoplankton. This disparity is potentially a result of the highly pulsed nature of the upwelling, a strongly advective physical environment and the dominance of microbial processes. It is notable that grazing on picoplankton biomass is extremely high (100%), while the lower (60%) grazing rates on the total phytoplankton community indicate that a substantial portion may be available for export to the benthos. Whale sharks are more abundant at Ningaloo Reef in years in which the Leeuwin Current is strong, but links between the strength of the LC and the seasonal aggregation of other megafauna are weaker. There is also likely significant connectivity between the pelagic production dynamics off Ningaloo and the benthic fauna of the region, although this is currently an under-researched area.
Does biocrust successional stage determine the degradation of vascular vegetation via alterations in its hydrological roles in semi‐arid ecosystem?

Biocrusts may influence soil moisture by changing soil hydrological properties and thus affect the growth of vascular vegetation. However, their effects on soil moisture and vascular vegetation have not been sufficiently evaluated. In this study, five treatments, including bare land with sporadic cyanobacterial biocrusts (BL), lichen‐dominated biocrusts, Artemisia ordosica (AO), A. ordosica with moss biocrusts, and old‐aged A. ordosica with moss biocrusts (OAMB), were established to evaluate the effects of biocrusts on soil hydrological properties and shrub growth. Our results showed that the field capacity (θf) and saturated soil moisture (θs) for the OAMB treatment was higher than that for the BL treatment, although the difference between the five treatments was insignificant. The OAMB treatment deceased soil moisture 8.7% on average due to their significant lower saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) (82.9%), compared with the BL treatment. The OAMB treatment protected against soil water loss during the beginning stages of evaporation and facilitated soil evaporation during the late stages. Interestingly, the soil water condition underneath the OAMB treatment was not improved after the degradation of AO. The A. ordosica with moss biocrusts treatment had 12.7% lower aboveground biomass and 46.0% lower twig biomass than that for the AO treatment, suggesting the negative effects of biocrusts on the growth of artificially planted shrubs. The findings have important implications for the competitive relationships between biocrusts and vascular vegetation and managing artificial planted shrubs.
Field estimate of paleoseismic slip on a normal fault using the Schmidt hammer and terrestrial LiDAR: Methods and application to the Hebgen fault (Montana, USA)

The weathering characteristics of bedrock fault scarps provide relative age constraints that can be used to determine fault displacements. Here, we report Schmidt hammer rebound values (R‐values) for a limestone fault scarp that was last exposed in the 1959 Mw 7.3 Hebgen Lake, Montana earthquake. Results show that some R‐value indices, related to the difference between minimum and maximum R‐values in repeated impacts at a point, increase upward along the scarp, which we propose is due to progressive exposure of the scarp in earthquakes. An objective method is developed for fitting slip histories to the Schmidt hammer data and produces the best model fit (using the Bayesian Information Criterion) of three earthquakes with single event displacements of ≥ 1.20 m, 3.75 m, and c. 4.80 m. The same fitting method is also applied to new terrestrial LiDAR data of the scarp, though the LiDAR results may be more influenced by macro‐scale structure of the outcrop than by differential weathering. We suggest the use of this fitting procedure to define single event displacements on other bedrock fault scarps using other dating techniques. Our preliminary findings demonstrate that the Schmidt hammer, combined with other methods, may provide useful constraints on single event displacements on exposed bedrock fault scarps. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ascitic Fluid Calprotectin as an Accurate Diagnostic Marker for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Background: Calprotectin is an acute-phase inflammatory protein secreted by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL). It is frequently employed in clinical practice for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseases. The objective of this work was to assess the usage of calprotectin that found in ascitic fluid as a diagnostic indicator for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Methods: This cross-sectional laboratory-based work was conducted on 50 individuals, diagnosed with cirrhotic-induced ascites with no laboratory or clinical findings of SBP for group 1 and diagnosed with cirrhotic-induced ascites with SBP for group 2. SBP was identified depending on a positive bacterial ascitic fluid culture, an elevated count of PMNLs in the ascites (>250 cells/mm3), and the lack of any infection originating from inside the abdomen. Results: Protein, serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG), WBCs, PMNL, calprotectin, color of ascitic fluid, number of individuals with yellow, whitish color ascitic fluid, culture, number of patients with klebsiella, pseudomonas, E-coli, streptococcus, total leukocytic count (TLC), Alanine transaminase (ALT), International normalized ratio (INR), and C-reactive protein (CRP)had been substantially elevated in the SBP group contrasted to the group without SBP (P < 0.001). Platelets had been substantially reduced in the SBP group contrasted to non-SBP group (P-value = 0.013). The cut off point value of calprotectin 5.045 showed 89% sensitivity and 86% specificity (P-value <0.001). In multilinear regression, PMNL, and calprotectin were significant predictors of SBP (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The levels of ascitic calprotectin were markedly raised in the group with SBP contrasted to the group without SBP. Furthermore, there was a strong association between ascitic calprotectin levels and the established diagnostic criterion for SBP, which is the presence of PMNLs of 250 cells/mm3 or higher. Consequently, it may serve as a dependable and satisfactory diagnostic indicator for accurately identifying SBP. Furthermore, there is a direct correlation between the amount of ascitic calprotectin and the severity of liver damage.
Comparison between Intubated Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Awake Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in Management of Recurrent Pleural Effusion in Suez Canal University Hospitals

Background: Pleural effusion is a common clinical disease characterized by pathological fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity. There are many possible causes of pleural effusion, with congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and malignancy being the most prevalent in adults. Aim of the work: This research aimed to study the effect of enhancing the accuracy of diagnosis and decreasing post-operative complications on patients with recurrent pleural effusion. Patients and methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted at Suez Canal University Hospitals, Cardiothoracic Surgery Department through the period from August 2021 to March 2023. The study included 100 cases who presented with recurrent pleural effusion of unknown origin. Patients were allocated into two groups. Patients who underwent intubated VATS were in group (A), and those who underwent awake VATS were in group (B). Results: The intraoperative complications of cardiac arrhythmia and self-limiting subcutaneous emphysema were insignificantly less frequent in awake VATS group. The postoperative complications including loculated effusion, prolonged air leakage and expansion defect, empyema and long pleural drainage were non-significantly less frequent in awake VATS group. Conclusion: In terms of operative complications and pain after surgery, awake video-assisted thoracoscopic operation was safer, more accurate, and more effective than video-assisted thoracoscopic operation conducted under general anesthesia. Additionally, the duration of the operation was shorter. Consequently, it may be the treatment of choice for all cases, not just those with comorbidities.
The perfect combination to win the competition: Bringing sustainability and customer experience together

Understanding the connection between how consumers perceive sustainability and how they experience the offered products or services can make a big difference for companies to stay ahead of the competition. When companies work to make their products and services align with what their customers value, like being eco‐friendly and socially responsible, it may not only draw in new customers but also make the existing ones stick around. Using behavioral reasoning theory, we attempt to explore the impacts of perceived benefits and skepticism on attitude toward sustainability and the moderating role of customer experience on the relationship between these variables and loyalty. Findings (n = 660) showed that attitude toward sustainability mediates the relationship between perceived benefits, skepticism, and customer loyalty. Furthermore, our findings highlighted that customer experience moderates the relationship between attitude toward sustainability and loyalty. The details of the moderation analysis suggest that cognitive, affective, physical, and social experiences have a stronger effect than sensory experiences in reinforcing the impact of perceived benefits and attitude on consumer loyalty in a sustainability context. The article concludes with implications and research directions for further investigation.
Multivariate analysis of log-ratio transformed data and its priority in mining science, porphyry and polymetallic vein deposits case studies

Received Date: 20.11. 2017 Accepted Date: 01.07. 2018 ABSTRACT Each mineralization style is characterized by typical signature associations between elements due to elemental interactions, therefore the coherence and closure effects problem must be overcome in geochemical processing. The coherence indicates the ratios between two components (rows or columns) remains the same whether they are considered in a subcomposition or in the full composition. The log-ratio transformation (LRT) has recognized as a standard procedure to support subcompositional coherence. The log-transformed data is applicable for geochemical data to unveil such associations, prior to applying the multivariate analysis like correspondence analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). At the present study, subcompositional coherence is overcome by inverse iso-metric log-ratio transformation for geochemical compositional data at two polymetallic and porphyry deposits. Based on Ilr-transformed data, Ag, Au, As, Pb, Te, Mo and rather S, W, Cu are enriched as polymetallic elements at Glojeh, while Au-Cu-(Mo) compositions indicate a porphyry deposit occurred in Dalli deposit. The ability to handle zero values in the data matrix and determining an elemental eccentricity from the center of each axis based on Euclidean distances are the advantages of CA method, with compression to LRT. Whereas, loading factors which spread in every direction and providing subcompositional coherence are the competitive advantages of PCA based on LRT, for both case studies. Results with these techniques show signifi cant ability to draw an inference in such geochemical data, and in improving the performance of multivariate techniques using LRT.
Assessing The Efficiency of Web-Hosted E-Learning Platforms in Afghanistan Academic Settings

This study investigates the utilization and effectiveness of web-hosted e-learning platforms within the academic environment of Herat University. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to students and faculty members across various disciplines. The sample comprised 190 respondents from the Faculty of Medical, Education, Computer Science, Economics, and Law. Analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-square tests using SPSS 26 software. Findings revealed diverse platform preferences, with HELMS emerging as the most commonly used platform. Overall, participants expressed high satisfaction levels with platform usability and perceived effectiveness in facilitating student engagement and interaction. Challenges related to cost, internet connectivity, and technical issues were identified, impacting the learning experience. Recommendations include enhancing platform usability through user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive training, as well as addressing technical and connectivity challenges. The study contributes to understanding the current landscape of e-learning at Herat University and provides insights for improving educational practices and policies.
Geometry Pop-Up Book Learning Media in Increasing Understanding of the Concept of Building Space in Students

Media use in the learning process helps teaching and learning activities. Using media in the learning process makes it easier for students to understand the learning provided. However, if they do not utilize media in the learning process, students will become less active in learning activities because the material presented is less attractive. This research aims to analyze the effect of using the Pop-Up Book of Geometry learning media on class students' understanding of building space. A quantitative approach with quasi-experimental methods was used in this research. The population was all class IV ICC Pahang students, totaling 18. The data analysis technique uses the related sample t-test to test the hypothesis. The analysis of learning completeness showed an average pretest score of 43.61 and a posttest of 77.78. This research showed that based on the hypothesis test results, it was found that Pop Up Book learning media influenced the learning outcomes of class IV students. It was concluded that Pop Up Book learning media can improve the learning outcomes of fourth-grade elementary school students.
The role of age in ocular toxoplasmosis: clinical signs of immunosenescence and inflammaging

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between age, immune response, and clinical presentation of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). Design This was a monocentric, retrospective, observational cohort study. Methods A review of the medical records of patients with active OT at the Uveitis Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin, was conducted. Baseline parameters included age at presentation, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), size and location of active lesions, inflammatory activity, antibody index (AI), and complications of intraocular inflammation. The data were presented as the mean ± standard deviation (SD). The level of significance was set at a p-value of <0.05. Results Between 1998 and 2019, 290 patients with active OT were diagnosed at our tertiary reference center. The mean age of the participants was 37.7 ± 17.1 years, 53.8% of them were female individuals, and 195 patients (70.9%) showed recurrent disease. Older age was associated with lower baseline visual acuity (p = 0.043), poor visual outcome (p = 0.019), increased inflammatory activity (p < 0.005), and larger retinal lesions (p < 0.005). Older patients presented a lower AI (<35 years: 45.1 ± 82.7, median: 12.1; ≥35 years: 18.6 ± 50.5, median: 5.8; p = 0.046), confirmed by a decrease in AI with increasing age (R2 = 0.045; p = 0.024). Finally, AI was correlated with lesion size (multiple linear regression analysis: p = 0.043). Macular involvement (24.3% of patients) was positively correlated with complications (macular/peripapillary edema and retinal detachment, p < 0.005) and poor visual outcome (p < 0.005) and was negatively correlated with inflammatory activity (p < 0.005). Conclusion We found a strong and clinically relevant impact of age on the clinical presentation and course of OT. While an unspecific inflammatory response increased with age, the specific, local humoral immune response declined. These findings are well in line with the concept of immunosenescence and inflammaging in uveitis.
Green Plasticizer for Poly(vinyl chloride) Re-Granulate Production: Case Study of Sustainability Concept Implementation

The increase in waste polymer recycling has helped in promoting sustainability, and together with the use of renewable raw materials, it has become a widespread concept with positive effects on both the economy and ecology. Accordingly, the aim of this study was the synthesis of “green” plasticizers, marked as LA/PG/PET/EG/LA, formed from waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and bio-based platform chemicals propylene glycol (PG) and levulinic acid (LA). The structure of the obtained plasticizers was complex, as confirmed by results from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The LA/PG/PET/EG/LA plasticizers and waste poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were used in an optimized technology for PVC re-granulate production. The hardness of the PVC-based material with “green” plasticizers, in comparison to commercial plasticizer dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), increased by 11.3%, while migration decreased. An improved material homogeneity and wettability of the fibers by the matrix were observed using SEM analysis of the material’s fracture surface, with a higher efficiency of intermolecular interactions leading to better mechanical performances of the newly designed materials. Thus, LA/PG/PET/EG/LA are unique materials with good compounding and plasticizing potential for PVC, as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). In that manner, the use of bio-renewable resources and recycled polymers will contribute to diminishing waste polymer generation, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.