Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shaping the Cortical Landscape: Functions and Mechanisms of Top-Down Cortical Feedback Pathways

Cortical feedback pathways are proposed to guide cognition and behavior according to context and goal-direction. At the cellular level, cortical feedback pathways target multiple excitatory and inhibitory populations. However, we currently lack frameworks that link how the cellular mechanisms of cortical feedback pathways underlie their cognitive/behavioral functions. To establish this link, we expand on the framework of signal routing, the ability of cortical feedback pathways to proactively modulate how feedforward signals are propagated throughout the cortex. We propose that cortical feedback modulates routing through multiple mechanisms: preparing intended motor representations, setting the trigger conditions for evoking cortical outputs, altering coupling strengths between cortical regions, and suppressing expected sensory representations. In developing this framework, we first define the anatomy of cortical feedback pathways and identify recent advances in studying their functions at high specificity and resolution. Second, we review the diverse functions of cortical feedback pathways throughout the cortical hierarchy and evaluate these functions from the framework of signal routing. Third, we review the conserved cellular targets and circuit impacts of cortical feedback. Fourth, we introduce the concept of the “cortical landscape,” a graphical depiction of the routes through cortex that are favored at a specific moment in time. We propose that the cortical landscape, analogous to energy landscapes in physics and chemistry, can capture important features of signal routing including coupling strength, trigger conditions, and preparatory states. By resolving the cortical landscape, we may be able to quantify how the cellular processes of cortical feedback ultimately shape cognition and behavior.
Comparison of early pregnancy serum concentration of neopterin, neopterin/creatinine ratio, C-reactive protein, and chitotriosidase, in pregnant women with birth at term and spontaneous preterm birth

Inflammatory mechanisms are involved in achieving a normal pregnancy and in the development of certain pregnancy complications. These changes are more intense in pregnant women that suffer of pregnancy complications, such as spontaneous preterm birth (SPB). This study compared the course of inflammatory markers (IM) [neopterin (Neo), neopterin/creatinine ratio (Neo/Cre), C-reactive protein (CRP), and chitotriosidase (Chito)] serum concentration in the early pregnancy of women with birth at term (BT) and preterm birth (PB). IM concentration was measured in 90 sera sampled from 45 pregnancies with BT and 30 sera from 15 pregnancies with PB. Two sera were sampled from each pregnant woman: one in the first trimester and another one in the second trimester. Early pregnancy IM concentration showed a direct correlation with gestational age: Neo (rho=0.262, P=0.004), Neo/Cre (rho=0.372, P<0.001), CRP (rho=0.187, P=0.041), and Chito (rho=0.039, P=0.66). The correlation was present in both categories of patients with BT and PB. Patients with PB before 34 week of pregnancy (wp) and 32 wp showed higher Neo and Neo/Cre concentration than BT patients. A significant association was found between the risk of PB before 34 wp, PB before 32 wp, and Neo concentration (PB <34 wp: odds ratio (OR) =5.13, P=0.035) (PB <32 wp: OR=8.2, P=0.020) and, respectively, Neo/Cre concentration (PB <34 wp: OR=5.29, P=0.015) (PB <32 wp: OR=9.25, P=0.006). No association between CRP or Chito and PB age was found. IM concentration correlates with the gestational age at the time of blood sampling. Increased Neo and Neo/Cre concentration are associated with PB. Further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of these markers in clinical practice.
Concentration Dependent Uptake of Copper by Barley Roots

The time course of the uptake of copper by excised barley roots (Hordeum distichum L.) after 24 h shows different characteristics than after 2 h. A further investigation of the concentration dependent uptake of copper by intact roots and kinetic analysis demonstrates a biphasic pattern for 2 h uptake periods, and possibly monophasic behavior for uptake periods of 20 min and 24 h. Plasmolysis data of cortex cells of barley roots indicate that concentrations above 80 . mu.M Cu are unphysiological with regard to longer uptake periods.
A Framework of Mobile Banking Adoption in India

Mobile banking is now an important and evolving medium for executing banking transactions. It has a huge potential in a developing country such as India. Our study explores the important antecedents of the mobile banking adoption intention of Indian customers and proposes a comprehensive framework by extending the traditional technology acceptance model (TAM). Along with the two constructs provided by TAM, four customer-oriented constructs have also been measured for this purpose. The conceptual model has been verified empirically, with the data mobilized with the help of a survey from 203 future mobile banking service users. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique has been undertaken to establish the effect of the antecedents on mobile banking adoption intention. The results demonstrate that, together with the constructs of TAM, viz. perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, as well as all other relevant behavioral factors, namely subjective norms, personal innovativeness, trust, and self-efficacy have exerted a statistically significant positive effect on the mobile banking adoption intention of customers. The study provides an empirical foundation, which can be useful to banking and mobile services by helping companies to formulate their marketing strategies.
Measuring the influence of hospitality organizational climate on employee turnover tendency

This study aims to identify the underlying dimensions of hospitality organizational climate and then measure the influence of it on employee turnover tendency. ,Data were obtained from 504 employees across 18 upscale hotels in India. Factor analysis was adopted to identify the organizational climate dimensions and its influence on turnover tendency was measured by SEM. One-way ANOVA tested the hypothesis related to the perceived differences among the employees regarding turnover intention. ,Result supports the hypothesized relationship between the constructs that the identified organizational climate structure have strong inverse relationship with employee turnover tendency and its dimension “leaders facilitation and support” was found to influence turnover intention the most, followed by “cohesion, clarity and objectivity of system,” “esprit of profession, organization and workgroup” and “job challenge, variety and feedback. ” Results also determined differences among the hotel employees of different job levels and gender regarding turnover tendency. ,Study reveals that employee turnover tendency is predominantly influenced by the identified factors of organizational climate and more among the male frontline employees and attrition reduces with age and position. This knowledge will help the hotel's management in designing strategic HRM to control attrition. ,This study is the first to establish an organizational climate measure of hotel industry in India and opens scope for future research. It also draws attention to the relationship of organizational climate with turnover tendency.
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Activities and Catalytic Reduction of Methylene Blue

In recent years, metal nanoparticles have been applied in many areas due to their attractive properties. Copper oxide nanaoparticles in particular have drawn much attention owing to their electrical, catalytic, optical, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In this study copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Onosma Sericeum Willd (Boraginaceae) extract with a simple, economic and eco-friendly method for the first time. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electron microscopes and x-ray diffraction. The particle size distribution and zeta potential measurements of the copper oxide nanoparticles were measured with the dynamic light scattering technique. It was determined that the copper oxide nanoparticles with a particle size of less than 100 nm showed catalytic effect in the reduction of Methylene Blue. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of the copper oxide nanoparticles were investigated in this study. The results of the study showed that synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles can be used as a promising agent in nanotechnology applications.
Space-temporal dynamics of limnological variables in a floodplain wetland located at Ribeira do Iguape Valley (São Paulo, Brazil) at different hydrological periods

AIM: The main goal of this research was to investigate the influence of the hydrological pulses on the space-temporal dynamics of physical and chemical variables in a wetland adjacent to Jacupiranguinha River (Sao Paulo, Brazil); METHODS: Eleven sampling points were distributed among the wetland, a tributary by its left side and the adjacent river. Four samplings were carried out, covering the rainy and the dry periods. Measures of pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and redox potential were taken in regular intervals of the water column using a multiparametric probe. Water samples were collected for the nitrogen and total phosphorus analysis, as well as their dissolved fractions (dissolved inorganic phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate). Total alkalinity and suspended solids were also quantified; RESULTS: The Multivariate Analysis of Variance showed the influence of the seasonality on the variability of the investigated variables, while the Principal Component Analysis gave rise in two statistical significant axes, which delimited two groups representative of the rainy and dry periods. Hydrological pulses from Jacupiranguinha River, besides contributing to the inputs of nutrients and sediments during the period of connectivity, accounted for the decrease in spatial gradients in the wetland. This "homogenization effect" was evidenced by the Cluster Analysis. The research also showed an industrial raw effluent as the main point source of phosphorus to the Jacupiranguinha River and, indirectly, to the wetland; CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, considering the scarcity of information about the wetlands in the study area, this research, besides contributing to the understanding of the influence of hydrological pulses on the investigated environmental variables, showed the need for adoption of conservation policies of these ecosystems face the increase anthropic pressures that they have been submitted, which may result in lack of their ecological, social and economic functions.
Intention to use respite services among informal care-givers of frail older adults in China: the role of care needs change

Abstract Population ageing in China calls for evidence-based solutions, especially in terms of fulfilling long-term care needs among frail older adults. Respite services are identified as effective resources for alleviating care-giver burden and promoting the wellbeing of both older adults and their family care-givers. However, respite care is often under-used in China. This research aimed to examine factors associated with intention to use respite services among informal care-givers in Shanghai, mainland China. This study was part of the Longitudinal Study on Family Caregivers for Frail Older Adults in Shanghai. Pairs of older adults and their care-givers (N = 583) who successfully completed the 2013 and 2016 waves were included in the data analysis. Two logistic regression models were conducted, one with time-invariant and one with time-variant factors. The model with time-variant factors had greater explanatory power than the original Andersen model with time-invariant factors influencing intention to use respite services among care-givers. Care-givers had higher odds of intending to use respite services if they had higher care-giving burden, were caring elderly people who experienced care-giver transitions, or were caring for elderly people with increased function of ambulation or decreased function of feeding. The findings imply that change in functional health was a significant determinant of intention to use respite care. Relevant policy and service implications will be discussed.
Effect of Ascorbic Acid in Comparison to Citric and Lactic Acid onListeria monocytogenesInhibition at Refrigeration Temperatures

Abstract This study analysed the effect of pH (3.0–6.5) as given by ascorbic acid in comparison to citric and lactic acid at refrigeration temperatures (4 and 10°C) on the inhibition and survival of Listeria monocytogenes in trypticase soya broth with yeast extract. Gompertz model was used to obtain microbial growth parameters and a linear model was fitted in the cases of bacteriostatic and bactericidal action of the acids. For each acidifier, results were expressed as a function of the undissociated acid concentration (u.a.c.). Ascorbic and lactic acid produced a decrease in the initial microbial counts. Two indices were defined in order to analyse the influence of the acids: the inhibitory effect and the inhibition index. The inhibitory effect values showed the effect on the slopes of growth and lethality curves and inhibition index included the influence on lag phase duration. At pH 4 ascorbic acid produced higher inhibitory action than citric and lactic acid which can be attributed to the higher pKa value of ascorbic acid. However, if the analysis is based on u.a. c. , citric acid was more effective because with lower concentration higher indices were obtained.
THE ROLE OF CHANGES IN ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN THE REGULATION OF CARBOHYDRATE DISSIMILATION IN POTATO TUBER TISSUE AFTER WOUNDING OR INFECTION WITH GIBBERELLA ZEAE

SUMMARY The activities of hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase, phosphoglucoisomerase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase have been determined in the tissue at various distances from the wounded or inoculated surface of potato tuber halves after 1 or 2 days of incubation. Phosphoglucomutase activity was very high when compared to hexokinase activity, and is probably present in great excess. Phosphoglucoisomerase was 3 times as active as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase which was about 4 times as active as 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. The enzyme activities in healthy tissue and their changes when metabolism was activated by wounding or infection, suggest that the increase of carbohydrate dissimilation and of the pentose phosphate pathway operation might not primarily be governed by the amounts of enzymes in the tissue. The possible role of the nicotinamide adenine nucleotides in the regulation of carbohydrate dissimilation is discussed.
ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF WORD OF MOUTH AND EXPERIENCE QUALITY ON SCHOOL CHOICE DECISION THROUGH PERCEIVED VALUE AND BRAND IMAGE

The objective of this research is to analyze the effect of word of mouth and experience quality on the decision of choosing a school with the mediation of perceived value and brand image. The population of this study is 102 parents who had sent their children to Surya Buana Kindergarten and Playgroup and sent their children to Surya Buana Islamic Elementary School following their graduation, all of which were selected as the sample. This study uses a quantitative approach which is based on research problems and research objective and is categorized as explanatory research. The samples were selected using nonprobability sampling, which means that information retrieval carried out in the population does not have any inherent probability of being chosen as the sample subject. Sampling is limited to certain types of people who can provide the desired information or commonly referred to as Purposive Sampling. The instrument used in this study is questionnaires that were analyzed in SmartPLS 3.0. This study finds that word of mouth and experience quality is insignificant for decision making. However, they are significant for decision making if mediated by perceived value and brand image. Next researches can incorporate variables that influence decision making such as satisfaction, price, demographic variable and other variables to be able to improve strategies in improving decision making in school selection.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISM AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON FIRM VALUE

This study aims to empirically examine the effect of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility on corporate value using agency perspectives and stakeholder theory. Corporate governance is measured using an independent commissioner, a board of directors, and an audit committee. The research data were obtained from manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015-2017. The test results using multiple linear regression indicate that corporate governance as measured by the board of directors and audit committee has a positive effect on company value. Meanwhile, the existence of independent commissioners in the sample companies did not have an impact on increasing the value of the company. The same result also occurs for CSR variables, which have not been proven to affect the firm's value. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that the research model is robust, both by measuring PBV or Tobin's Q for the dependent variable. Keywords: independent commissioner, board of directors, audit committe, corporate social responsibility, firm value
Identificação sorológica de espécies de vírus que infetam cucurbitáceas em áreas produtoras do Maranhão

Viruses represent serious obstacles for the success of producing vegetables, consisting the correct identification of those that infect cucurbits in a region, a fundamental point for establishing strategies for their control. Surveys were carried out at cucurbit fields in producing areas of the State of Maranhao. Leaf samples were collected from 118 plants showing virus like symptoms, 46 from squash (Cucurbita moschata); 30 from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus); 23 from Cucumis anguria; 13 from cucumber (C. sativus) and six from melon (C. melo). All samples were tested against antisera specific to the main virus species from the families Bromoviridae, Comoviridae and Potyviridae that infect cucurbits in Northeastern Brazil by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and double immunodiffusion technique. The results revealed that Papaya ringspot virus was serologically detected in 64.4% of samples analyzed, followed by Watermelon mosaic virus-2 in 15.2%, Cucumber mosaic virus in 6.8%, Squash mosaic virus in 3.4% and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in 3.4%. This survey confirmed the prevalence of PRSV in cucurbit species grown in the State of Maranhao.
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate Fibrosis and Inflammation in the Peritoneal Fibrosis Model Developed in Uremic Rats

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) represents a long-term complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), affecting the peritoneal membrane (PM) function. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) display immunomodulatory effects and may represent a strategy to block PF. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of ASC in an experimental PF model developed in uremic rats. To mimic the clinical situation of patients on long-term PD, a combo model, characterized by the combination of PF and chronic kidney disease (CKD), was developed in Wistar rats. Rats were fed with a 0.75% adenine-containing diet, for 30 days, to induce CKD with uremia. PF was induced with intraperitoneal injections of chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) from day 15 to 30. 1 × 106 ASC were intravenously injected at days 15 and 21. Rats were divided into 5 groups: control, normal rats; CKD, rats receiving adenine diet; PF, rats receiving CG; CKD+PF, CKD rats with PF; CKD+PF+ASC, uremic rats with PF treated with ASC. PF was assessed by Masson trichrome staining. Inflammation- and fibrosis-associated factors were assessed by immunohistochemistry, multiplex analysis, and qPCR. When compared with the control and CKD groups, GC administration induced a striking increase in PM thickness and inflammation in the PF and CKD+PF groups. The development of PF was blocked by ASC treatment. Further, the upregulation of profibrotic factors (TGF-β, fibronectin, and collagen) and the increased myofibroblast expression observed in the CKD+PF group were significantly ameliorated by ASC. Beyond the antifibrotic effect, ASC showed an anti-inflammatory effect avoiding leucocyte infiltration and the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) in the PM induced by GC. ASC were effective in preventing the development of PF in the experimental model of CKD+PF, probably due to their immunomodulatory properties. These results suggest that ASC may represent a potential strategy for treating long-term PD-associated fibrosis.
EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF SALT TOLERANT GENOTYPES OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) USING CONTROLLED DETERIORATION

The response of germination and early seedling growth to levels of salinity (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM NaCl) were examined in single seed lots of ten modern rice genotypes. Unaged and deteriorated rice seeds were germinated in rolled paper towels and in Petri dishes. Initial seed quality, final germination, germination rate and early seedling growth were assessed. The samples of the rice genotypes differed in their initial seed quality (measured in terms of Ki). The effect of deterioration varied depending upon the initial seed quality and the severity of the treatment imposed. Ageing (using the technique of controlled deterioration, CD) for up to 24 h had no effect on final germination levels. Although CD for 30 h only reduced final germination slightly, ageing for 36 or 48 h reduced it greatly. Controlled deterioration for 36 h or longer reduced the final length and the rate of extension of both the plumule and radicle. Combining information about germination in salt solution with that about seed quality enabled a distinction to be made between varieties which performed poorly because they were genetically salt-susceptible from those which germinated poorly due to poor seed quality. It is argued that the seed vigour of seed lots used in genotype evaluation should be assessed in order to avoid discarding potentially useful genotypes because of poor physiological seed quality.
Morphology of Sinophysis minima sp. nov. and three Sinophysis species (Dinophyceae, Dinophysiales) from the Sea of Japan

Four sand‐dwelling species of the marine dinoflagellate genus Sinophysis, including one new species, have been examined from intertidal and subtidal sand, from the Sea of Japan. The morphological features of these species were observed by light and scanning electron microscopy. Sinophysis minima sp. nov. is flattened laterally and is 17.5–35.0 μm in length and 15.0–27.5 μm in depth, with a length/depth ratio of 1.1–1.4, an epitheca depth of 5.0–7.5 μm, and a sulcus length of about three‐quarters the hypotheca length. Sinophysis ebriola (Herdman) Balech, Sinophysis grandis Hoppenrath and Sinophysis stenosoma Hoppenrath were recorded for the first time in the seas of Russia. Sinophysis stenosoma is the most common species in the Sea of Japan. All species usually occurred together in the region investigated. Additional information on the known species is provided.