Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exposure to chemicals formed from natural processes is ubiquitous

Exposure to chemicals produced by natural processes is ubiquitous. First, in addition to the products of normal metabolism produced in humans of normal body weight, adipose tissue produces a large number of chemicals, including estrogen, testosterone from the produced estrogen, thyroid-stimulating hormone, leptin and approximately 500 other molecules termed adipokines, and a large number of inflammatory mediators. Second, the gut biome contains approximately the same number of bacteria as cells found in the entire body and produces a large number of small molecules. Third, the overwhelming majority (99.9%) of pesticide exposure occurs during ingestion of natural plant pesticides from eating vegetables. Fourth, consumption of cooked muscles meats leads to significant exposure to mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic amines, and nitropyrenes. Fifth, many common beverages, for example, beer, coffee, and tea contain organic chemicals that display mutagenic activity. As compared with man-made production levels, from 1945 to 2015, an estimated 5000-fold more organic compounds were produced by a variety of natural processes, including common wood-degrading and forest litter-degrading fungi, microorganisms in temperate and boreal forest soils, bacteria in marine sponges, marine macro-algae, volcanoes, and forest fires. Exposure to these naturally produced organic compounds occurs via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and water, and contact with soil, freshwater, and seawater. Contact with several thousand different endogenous or exogenous chemicals per day is unavoidable. This understanding might assist in better allocating resources toward controlling exposures to agents of highest concern as determined by current concepts of chronic disease causation.
Cosmological Features of Primordial Magnetic Fields

Recently, it has been found that our Universe holds magnetic fields in almost all scales probed so far. The fields in galaxies and galaxy clusters have strength of a few μGauss and they are correlated up to Kpc scales. Furthermore, new observational evidence suggests the existence of magnetic fields of 10 −16 Gauss in the intergalactic medium with a correlation length of Mpc. However, the origin of these large scale magnetic fields is one of the most puzzling topics in cosmology and astrophysics. It is assumed that the observed magnetic fields result from the amplification of an initial field produced in the early Universe. Indeed, if those primordial fields were generated in early stages of the Universe, they could have left a distinctive signature on the Cosmic Microwave Background anisotropies (CMB). Thus, one of the most appealing ways of detecting those primordial magnetic fields is through temperature and polarization CMB observations. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to study the effects on the CMB anisotropy due to primordial magnetic fields and to analyze some favorable scenarios of magnetogenesis constrained by those signatures, including limits on the amplitude of the fields from bounds on CMB non-Gaussianity and background models. In fact, we found out that helicity in the fields plays an important role in the analysis PMFs origin, by generating significant features in the cross-correlation polarization pattern and the increasing of the signal in the reduced CMB bispectrum. In the latter case, we reported that non-causal fields (mainly generated during the inflation epoch) are the most favorable models constrained by CMB observations. Moreover, we have studied the presence of an IR cutoff in the spectra and bispectra finding appealing unique features from primordial magnetic fields. Another important result shown in this thesis, is the equivalence between different approaches of cosmological perturbation theory in the magnetized context. In fact, assuming a magnetized Universe and building gauge invariant quantities in both approaches: the 1 + 3−covariant and the gauge invariant; we found out that those invariants represent the same physical meaning. Besides, we define gauge invariant related to the electromagnetic potentials which in future works, could help us to study magnetogenesis models on perturbed scenarios.
Three new species of Hypoxylon and new records of Xylariales from Panama

Three new species of Hypoxylon (Hypoxylaceae, Xylariales) are described based on a polyphasic approach that included morphological examination, molecular phylogeny and chemotaxonomic studies of specimens collected in Panama. Specifically, we compared the sexual morph (stromata, asci, and ascospores) of the specimens collected with known species of Hypoxylon and inferred a phylogeny of this genus based on a Randomized Axelerated Maximum Likelihood (RAxML) analysis of partial β –tubulin (TUB2) DNA sequences and the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS). Hypoxylon baruense sp. nov. is phylogenetically related to H. subgilvum but differs in the shape of stromata, and by having larger ascospores and a smooth perispore. Hypoxylon bellicolor sp. nov. is phylogenetically well differentiated, featuring effused– pulvinate stromata with orange granules and ostioles lower than the stromatal surface. Hypoxylon sporistriatatunicum sp. nov. , is phylogenetically related to H. shearii var. minor but differs in the shape of the stromata, in having ostioles higher than the stromatal surface, and in having larger ascospores. The secondary metabolite profiles of these species were studied by HPLC–DAD–MS and these correspond to the results of the morphological and phylogenetic studies. Additionally, we also report Amphirosellinia evansii, H. howeanum, H. cinnabarinum and Stilbohypoxylon quisquiliarum from Panama for the first time and Citrus sinensis as a new host of H. cinnabarinum . With this work, the number of species of Xylariales and Hypoxylon reported from Panama have increased to 103 and 18, respectively. – 7 μm (n=6), with apical apparatus bluing in Melzer’s reagent, 2 – 3.6 μm long x 1 – 1.4 μm broad (n=5). Ascospores: dark brown, unicellular, ellipsoid–inequilateral, 10–15 x 5– 7.6 μm (n=50), with straight conspicuous germ slit less than spore–length; perispore indehiscent in 10% KOH, smooth. Culture characteristics – Colonies on PDA covering a 60 mm Petri dish in 3 weeks, mycelium white above, reverse dark green, with concentric zones. No asexual morph observed in the culture media used i.e. PDA, 2% MEA, V8 agar, oatmeal agar and potato carrot agar. (n=11). Ostioles: than the stromatal
Networked Economic Value Creation in Event Tourism: An Exploratory Study of Towns and Smaller Cities in the UK

This study explores the role of networks in generating economic value for event tourism in towns and smaller cities in the UK. Although networks have been shown to create a wide range of value, research in this context is limited and little is understood of if or how economic value is generated. The lens used in this study was the value creating side of the business model canvas with local government organizations as the focal node examining the flow of economic value from partners, activities, and resources. There were survey responses from 112 different town and city organizations across the UK. The study found that only the "activities" element of the network contributed significantly to creating economic value in an event tourism context. The network components of "partners" and "resources" were not on their own significant to the creation of economic value. The outcomes of this article suggest that practitioners in towns and cities should strategize their engagement with local networks through a formal event tourism strategy that clearly defines how they operationalize engagement activities within that network in order to facilitate economic value creation. In addition, the article raises questions around what resources are needed at the focal node (local government organizations) in order to maximize the economic value created by the network.
Unconventional Monetary Policy and Wealth Inequalities in Great Britain

This paper explores whether unconventional monetary policy operations have redistributive effects on household wealth. Drawing on household balance sheet data from the Wealth and Asset Survey, we construct monthly time series indicators on the distribution of different asset types held by British households for the period that the monetary policy switched, as the policy rate reached the zero-lower bound. Using this series, we estimate the response of wealth inequalities on monetary policy, taking into account the effect of unconventional policies conducted by the Bank of England in response to the Global Financial Crisis. Our evidence reveals that unconventional monetary policy shocks have significant and lingering effects on wealth inequality: the shock raises wealth inequality across households, as measured by their Gini coefficients, percentile shares, and other standard inequality indicators. Additionally, we explore the effects of different transmission channels simultaneously. We find that the portfolio rebalancing channel and house price effects widen the wealth gap, outweighing the counterbalancing impact of the savings redistribution and inflation channels. The findings of our analysis help to raise awareness of central bankers about the redistributive effects of their monetary policy decisions.
Effect of species and ecological conditions on ellagitannin content in oak wood from an even-aged and mixed stand of Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea Liebl.

Species effects and ecological conditions on ten heartwood ellagitannins (vescalin, castalin, roburins A-E, grandinin, vescalagin and casta- lagin) and ellagic acid were investigated in a 100 years old stand of 5 ha located in western France (La Petite Charnie State Forest, Sarthe). The sample included a total of 286 trees (118 sessile oaks, 158 pedunculate oaks and 10 individuals with an intermediate morphology) located in three ecological zones (plateau, slope, small valley). The main factor influencing oak extractives level was botanical species. The ecological zone effect appears negligible. Pedunculate oak is generally richer in ellagitannins (48.4 mg/g against 34.4 for sessile oak), although a clear boundary between the two species cannot be established. Ellagitannin content was found to be correlated with ring width for pedunculate oak and not for sessile oak. The vescalagin/castalagin ratios differed between the two species (0.69 for Quercus robur against 0.53 for Quercus petraea). The distribution of ellagitannin contents is not strongly structured spatially. ellagitannin / oak wood / Quercus robur L. / Quercus petraea Liebl. / variability / ecological conditions
Mathematical modelling of haematopoiesis and blood diseases

This PhD thesis is devoted to mathematical modelling of haematopoiesis and blood diseases. We investigate several models, which deal with different and complementary aspects of haematopoiesis.The first part of the thesis concerns a multi-scale model of erythropoiesis where intracellular regulatory networks, which determine cell choice between self-renewal, differentiation and apoptosis, are coupled with dynamics of cell populations. Using experimental data on anemia in mice, we evaluate the roles of different feedback mechanisms in response to stress situations. At the next stage of modelling, spatial cell distribution in the bone marrow is taken into account, the question which has not been studied before. We describe normal haematopoiesis with a system of reaction-diffusion-convection equations and prove existence of a stationary cell distribution. We then introduce malignant cells into the model. For some parameter values the disease free solution becomes unstable and another one, which corresponds to leukaemia, appears. This leads to the formation of tumour which spreads in the bone marrow as a travelling wave. The speed of its propagation is studied analytically and numerically. Bone marrow cells exchange different signals that regulate cell behaviour. We study, next, an integro-differential equation which describes cell communication and prove the existence of travelling wave solutions using topological degree and the Leray-Schauder method. Individual based approach is used to study distribution of different cell types in the bone marrow. Finally, we investigate a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics model of leukaemia treatment with AraC drug. AraC acts as chemotherapy, inducing apoptosis of all proliferating cells, normal and malignant. Pharmacokinetics provides the evolution of intracellular AraC. This, in turn, determines cell population dynamics and, consequently, efficacy of treatment with different protocols.
IFN-β1a May Increase Serum Levels of TIMP-1 in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Serum levels of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) were measured monthly in 7 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) 6 months before and 6 months during treatment with weekly intramuscular (i.m.) injections of interferon-β1a (IFN-β1a) 30 µg. Within-patient median MMP-9 levels were unchanged on treatment. Within-patient median TIMP-1 levels were higher during months 1-6 (771.5 ng/ml) and during months 4, 5, and 6 of treatment (793 ng/ml) compared with 6 months pretreatment (414 ng/ml) (respectively, p = 0.10, p = 0.047; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). These preliminary data suggest that IFN-β1a therapy may increase TIMP-1 levels.
Comparison of Different Vitrification Procedures on Developmental Competence of Mouse Germinal Vesicle Oocytes in the Presence or Absence of Cumulus Cells

Background: An evaluation of the developmental competence of vitrified mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes with various equilibration and vitrification times; in the presence or absence of cumulus cells and by comparison between the cryotop method and straws was performed. Materials and Methods: Mouse GV oocytes were considered in cumulus-denuded oocytes (CDOs) and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) groups. Their survival and developmental rates were studied in the following experiments: (I) exposure to different equilibration times (0, 3 and 5 minutes) and vitrification (1, 3 and 5 minutes) without plunging in LN2 as toxicity tests, (II) oocytes were vitrified using straws followed by exposure to equilibration solution for 0, 3 and 5 minutes and vitrification solution for 1 and 3 minutes, and (III) oocytes were vitrified by cryotop following exposure to equilibration for 5 minutes and vitrification for 1 minute, respectively. Results: Maturation and developmental rates of the COCs were higher than CDOs in the nonvitrified group (p<0.05). The survival and maturation rates were low in all oocytes exposed to vitrification solution for 5 minutes (p <0.05). In vitrified CDOs and COCs using straws, the survival rates ranged from 56.9% to 85.4% and 44.0% to 84.5%, and the maturation rates from 35.3% to 56.8% and 25.8% to 56.2%, respectively; which were lower than non-vitrified samples (p <0.05). Cryotop vitrified oocytes showed higher survival, maturation and fertilization rates when compared to straw in both CDOs and COCs (p <0.05). Conclusion: The presence of cumulus cells improves developmental competence of GV oocytes in control groups but it did not affect the vitrified group. Vitrification of mouse GV oocytes using cryotop was more effective than straws, however both vitrification techniques did not improve the cleavage rate.
The Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Entire Mitochondrial Genome to Increase the Forensic Discrimination of Common HV1/HV2 Types in the Caucasian Population

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) typing has found an important niche in the forensic testing of degraded samples and shed hairs. Currently, most forensic mtDNA laboratories focus on sequence information within the two hypervariable regions (HV1 and HV2) of about 600+ bases within the control region. The distribution of mtDNA types is highly skewed toward rare types, making the significance of a match for a mtDNA type previously unseen in a database quite substantial. There are also a number of common types observed in various populations. One limitation of mtDNA testing is the low power of discrimination associated with common HV1/HV2 types. For example, in the European Caucasian forensic database, there are approximately twenty common HV1/HV2 types that occur at a population frequency of 0.5% or greater, for an aggregate frequency of about twenty-one percent of the population. We have sequenced the entire mtDNA genome (mtGenome) of 241 Caucasian individuals who match one of eighteen common HV1/HV2 types in order to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region useful for additional discrimination. Focusing on SNPs that were shared, neutral and non-redundant, we have developed a set of eight multiplex panels containing 59 informative sites suitable for SNP typing assays. Each panel contains seven to eleven SNPs, and is specific to discriminating one or more of the common HV1/HV2 types in the Caucasian population. The discrimination provided by the multiplex panels provides maximal discrimination while preserving limited DNA extract from forensic casework. Applying all eight multiplex panels to the 241 sequences resolved the individuals into 106 haplotypes, 56 of
Beetle Pollination and Floral Thermogenicity in Magnolia Tamaulipana (Magnoliaceae)

The pollination biology involving floral thermogenicity of Magnolia tamaulipana was conducted at the El Cielo Reserve in Tamaulipas, Mexico, during May 1996. Our results indicate that M. tamaulipana possesses a highly specialized beetle pollination system involving Cyclocephala (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) and members of the Staphylinidae. Of the 366 insects visiting 213 flowers of M. tamaulipana, 364 were beetles. Cyclocephala caelestis accounted for 52% and Myrmecocephalus sp. for 46% of the visits. Breeding system experiments indicated that the flowers were self‐compatible but only 44% of the open‐pollinated stigmas were pollinated. Cyclocephala caelestis was frequently observed to feed on petals but never sepals. As a reward, flowers offered petals high in carbohydrate and low in fiber to Cyclocephala. The protogynous flowers of M. tamaulipana opened at night, were viable for a maximum of 24 h, and were thermogenic. Flowers were hottest when they first opened and female. Floral temperatures gradually declined with time and hence sexual phase and, 24 h after anthesis, were not different from ambient. Excess floral temperatures ranged from 1.0° to 9.3°C for female‐phase flowers and from 0.2° to 5.0°C for male‐phase flowers. The two species of beetles showed differential visitation to trees associated with floral thermogenicity. Our data indicate that large‐flowered trees dissipate more heat and, therefore, more floral odor from their petals than small‐flowered trees, thereby attracting a greater number of Cyclocephala.
Diet of rinchothere (Proboscidea, Gomphotheriidae, Rhynchotherium Species) of Taxco, Guerrero, México

Abstract The diet of a gomphothere (Proboscidea, Gomphotheriidae, Rhynchotherium species) from the Mexican Pliocene was determined using carbon and oxygen stable isotopes relationships in dental enamel. The analyses demonstrated that this individual exclusively fed on C3 plants, similar to some specimens found in Florida, United States.
Deep root function in soil water dynamics in cerrado savannas of central Brazil

Summary 1Water is a key resource in tropical savannas. Changes in vegetation structure due to land-use change and increased fire frequency may affect the availability of water and the flux of water through these ecosystems. 2We compared the seasonal soil moisture dynamics of two adjacent savanna ecosystems with contrasting tree densities in central Brazil. Our goal was to investigate the influence of tree density on deep water uptake, soil water dynamics and evapotranspiration. 3Soil water was measured using a depth of 7·5 m beneath the tree-dominated cerrado denso ecosystem and to 4 m beneath the grass-dominated campo sujo ecosystem. Plant-available water (PAW) throughout the cerrado denso soil profile ranged from 293 mm at the end of the dry season to 689 mm during the wet season. In the grass-dominated site, PAW in the profile ranged from 155 to 362 mm. 4During the dry season, ≈82% of the water used in cerrado denso and 67% in campo sujo was extracted from the profile below 1 m. The tree-dominated cerrado denso used 137 mm more water than the grass-dominated campo sujo. Significant deep soil water uptake was also observed during the wet season of 1998, when rainfall was below average. 5Evapotranspiration (ET) rates (estimated as change in soil moisture over time) were higher in cerrado denso than in campo sujo during both seasons. Estimated ET ranged from 1·4 mm day−1 during the dry season to 5·8 mm day−1 for the wet season in cerrado denso, and from 0·9 mm day−1 in the dry season to 4·5 mm day−1 in early wet season in campo sujo. The differences in PAW and ET rates between the two ecosystems are associated not only with differences in root distribution, but also with differences in tree densities and the phenology of full-leaf canopies. 6Our results suggest that deep-rooted plants may contribute significantly to the water balance of cerrado ecosystems, and that the hydrological cycle of this biome could change as woody vegetation is replaced by exotic grasses and agricultural crops.
Zooming In Versus Flying Out: Virtual Residency Interviews in the Era of COVID‐19

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted graduate medical education (GME) programs to revisit the concept of virtual interviews for applicants given uncertainty over the duration of social distancing measures and travel restrictions. A “virtual interview” refers to the process of conducting interactions over a video-conferencing platform instead of the traditional model of traveling to an on-site location with face-to-face interactions. The interview for GME training programs has multiple purposes. While the evidence is mixed regarding its predictive value for training outcomes, the interview interaction is weighted heavily by program directors in their decisions regarding applicant selection The interview is felt to provide insights into applicants’ interpersonal communication skills and professionalism, which are otherwise poorly represented in application materials. From the applicants’ and programs’ perspectives, the interviews and surrounding recruitment events provide critical information for their decisions including highly valued casual interactions. Given the emphasis placed on the interview and surrounding interactions by the primary stakeholders of the recruitment process, it is important to understand the strengths and limitations of any transition to a virtual platform. The current model of in-person interviews already has a number of challenges beyond the current pandemic, including high costs as well as significant time commitments and scheduling limitations. In light of recent recommendations by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to transition to virtual interviewing during the COVID19 pandemic and potentially beyond, this paper summarizes the existing knowledge base regarding virtual interviews and proposes potential best practices for programs.