Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photosynthesis in Arabidopsis Is Unaffected by the Function of the Vacuolar K+ Channel TPK31[OPEN]

TPK3 is a tonoplast K+ channel that does not function in photosynthesis, unlike the bona fide thylakoid K+/H+ exchanger KEA3 and the thylakoid Cl− channel VCCN1. Photosynthesis is limited by the slow relaxation of nonphotochemical quenching, which primarily dissipates excess absorbed light energy as heat. Because the heat dissipation process is proportional to light-driven thylakoid lumen acidification, manipulating thylakoid ion and proton flux via transport proteins could improve photosynthesis. However, an important aspect of the current understanding of the thylakoid ion transportome is inaccurate. Using fluorescent protein fusions, we show that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) two-pore K+ channel TPK3, which had been reported to mediate thylakoid K+ flux, localizes to the tonoplast, not the thylakoid. The localization of TPK3 outside of the thylakoids is further supported by the absence of TPK3 in isolated thylakoids as well as the inability of isolated chloroplasts to import TPK3 protein. In line with the subcellular localization of TPK3 in the vacuole, we observed that photosynthesis in the Arabidopsis null mutant tpk3-1, which carries a transfer DNA insertion in the first exon, remains unaffected. To gain a comprehensive understanding of how thylakoid ion flux impacts photosynthetic efficiency under dynamic growth light regimes, we performed long-term photosynthesis imaging of established and newly isolated transthylakoid K+- and Cl−-flux mutants. Our results underpin the importance of the thylakoid ion transport proteins potassium cation efflux antiporter KEA3 and voltage-dependent chloride channel VCCN1 and suggest that the activity of yet unknown K+ channel(s), but not TPK3, is critical for optimal photosynthesis in dynamic light environments.
Some effects of putative G-protein biased mu-opioid receptor agonists in male rhesus monkeys

G-protein-biased mu-opioid receptor (GPB-MOR) agonists are an emerging class of compounds being evaluated as candidate analgesics and agonist medications for opioid use disorder. Most of the basic pharmacology of GPB-MOR agonists has been conducted in rodents and much less is known how the basic behavioral pharmacology of these compounds translates to nonhuman primates. The present study determined the antinociceptive potency and time course of three putative GPB-MOR agonists: (+)-oliceridine (i.e. TRV130), SR14968, and SR17018 in male rhesus monkeys (n = 3). In addition, the respiratory effects of these compounds were also indirectly determined using a pulse oximeter to measure percent peripheral oxygen saturation (%SpO2). The largest intramuscular oliceridine dose (3.2 mg/kg) produced significant antinociception at 50°C, but not 54°C, and peak effects were between 10 and 30 min. Oliceridine also decreased SpO2 below the 90% threshold that would be clinically categorized as hypoxia in two out of three monkeys. The largest intramuscular SR14968 dose (0.32 mg/kg) produced 100% MPE at 50°C, but not 54°C, in two out of three monkeys, and peak effects were between 30 and 100 min. The largest intravenous SR17018 dose (1 mg/kg) produced 100% MPE at 50°C, but not 54°C, in the same two out of three monkeys, and peak effects were between 30 and 100 min. Solubility limitations for both SR14968 and SR17018 impaired our ability to determine in-vivo potency and effectiveness on antinociceptive and %SpO2 measures for these two compounds.
Diabetes self-care practice and associated factors among type 2 diabetic patients in public hospitals of Tigray regional state, Ethiopia: A multicenter study

Background The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing steadily at an alarming rate. Ethiopia is placed fourth among the top five countries of the African region members of the international diabetes federation. This study aimed to determine the level of diabetes self-care practice and associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending public hospitals of the Tigray region. Methods An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected hospitals of Tigray region from January to February 2020. Study participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling method. Diabetes self-care practice was assessed using Summary Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) assessment tool. The data were collected by trained nurses via face-to-face interview. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with self-care practices. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. Results A total of 570 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. The mean (SD) age of the participant was 46 (±14.6) years. Less than half (46.7%) of the participants had good diabetes self-care practices. Surprisingly, only 68 (11.9%) of the participants had access to a personal glucometer. Urban residency (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.20–2.94), age group 48–63 years (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.19–3.98), not having a formal education (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.32–5.25), having family support (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.24–2.85), and having a personal glucometer at home (AOR = 6.1, 95% CI = 2.83–13.0) were the factors associated with good diabetes self-care practices. Conclusion The diabetes self-care practice in the region was found to be poor. Where factors like, being an urban resident, age group between 49–63 years, not having a formal education, and having a personal glucometer at home were associated with good self-care practices. Health care providers might have to consider actions to act on the identified factors and improve the level of self-care practices of the patients.
Biopsychosocial factors and health outcomes associated with cannabis, opioids and benzodiazepines use among older veterans

ABSTRACT Background: Older Veterans may experience injuries that result in chronic pain and mental health conditions. Given the increasing availability of medical cannabis, it is important to examine if it serves as a viable or undesirable form of care relative to existing approaches. Objectives: We compared cannabis, prescription opioids, and benzodiazepines use between older Veteran and non-Veterans, and identified outcomes of cannabis use among Veterans. Because of the physical and mental conditions experienced by older Veterans we expected Veterans to report higher use of opioids and benzodiazepines compared to non-Veterans. Methods: We collected surveys from individuals aged 60 and older enrolled in the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program and conducted logistic regression to identify factors associated with cannabis, opioids and benzodiazepines use between Veterans (N = 514, 90.2% male) and Non-Veterans (N = 2758, 41.1% male) across biopsychosocial factors. Results: Both groups reported similar levels of pain, quality of life, social satisfaction, and sleep quality. Veterans were more likely to use cannabis for mental health conditions (p = <.001) while they reported lower use for pain-related conditions (p = <.001) than non-Veterans. Veterans were less likely to use opioids (p = .013) and benzodiazepines (p < .01) compared to non-Veterans. Veterans also reported desirable health outcomes of cannabis use for pain, sleep quality, health conditions, and quality of life. Conclusions: Our work provides insights for clinicians and policy makers to consider whether cannabis can be a viable option to reduce or replace opioid and benzodiazepine use by older Veterans with chronic physical and mental health conditions.
Ultrafiltration membranes for drinking-water production from low-quality surface water: A case study in Spain

Ultrafiltration membranes have several advantages over conventional drinking-water treatment. However, this technology presents major limitations, such as irreversible fouling and low removal of natural organic matter. Fouling depends heavily on the raw-water quality as well as on the operating conditions of the process, including flux, permeate recovery, pre-treatment, chemical cleaning, and backwashing. Starting with the premise that the optimisation of operating variables can improve membrane performance, different experiments were conducted in a pilot plant located in Granada (Spain). Several combinations of permeate and backwashing flow rates, backwashing frequencies, and aeration flow rates were tested for low-quality water coming from Genil River with the following results: the effluent quality did not depend on the combination of operating conditions chosen; and the membrane was effective for the removal of microorganisms, turbidity and suspended solids but the yields for the removal of dissolved organic carbon were extremely low. In addition, the threshold transmembrane pressure (-0.7 bar) was reached within a few hours and it was difficult to recover due to the low efficiency of the chemical cleanings. Moreover, greater transmembrane pressure due to fouling also increased the energy consumption, and it was not possible to lower it without compromising the permeate recovery. Finally, the intensification of aeration contributed positively to lengthening the operation times but again raised energy consumption. In light of these findings, the feasibility of ultrafiltration as a single treatment is questioned for low-quality influents.
Conductivity Measurements of Synthesized Heteropoly Acid Membranes for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Fuel cell technology is receiving attention due to its potential to be a pollution free method of electricity production when using renewably produced hydrogen as fuel. In a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell H2 and O2 react at separate electrodes, producing electricity, thermal energy, and water. A key component of the PEM fuel cell is the membrane that separates the electrodes. DuPont’s Nafion® is the most commonly used membrane in PEM fuel cells; however, fuel cell dehydration at temperatures near 100°C, resulting in poor conductivity, is a major hindrance to fuel cell performance. Recent studies incorporating heteropoly acids (HPAs) into membranes have shown an increase in conductivity and thus improvement in performance. HPAs are inorganic materials with known high proton conductivities. The primary objective of this work is to measure the conductivity of Nafion, X-Ionomer membranes, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Developed Membranes that are doped with different HPAs at different concentrations. Four-point conductivity measurements using a third generation BekkTech conductivity test cell are used to determine membrane conductivity. The effect of multiple temperature and humidification levels is also examined. While the classic commercial membrane, Nafion, has a conductivity of approximately 0.10 S/cm, measurements for membranes in thismore » study range from 0.0030 – 0.58 S/cm, depending on membrane type, structure of the HPA, and the relative humidity. In general, the X-ionomer with H6P2W21O71 HPA gave the highest conductivity and the Nafion with the 12-phosphotungstic (PW12) HPA gave the lowest. The NREL composite membranes had conductivities on the order of 0.0013 – 0.025 S/cm. « less
Real World Effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines against Hospitalizations and Deaths in the United States

Background: Covid-19 has caused significant global mortality. Multiple vaccines have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials though real-world effectiveness of vaccines against Covid-19 mortality in clinically and demographically diverse populations has not yet been reported. Methods: We used a retrospective cohort assembled from a cross-institution comprehensive data repository. Established patients of the health care system were categorized as not immunized, partially immunized, or fully immunized against SARS-CoV-2 with an mRNA vaccine through April 4, 2021. Outcomes were Covid-19 related hospitalization and death. Results: Of the 91,134 established patients, 70.2% were not immunized, 4.5% were partially immunized and 25.4% were fully immunized. Among the fully immunized 0.7% had a Covid-19 hospitalization, whereas 3.4% among the partially immunized and 2.7% non-immunized individuals were hospitalized with Covid-19. Of the 225 deaths among Covid-19 hospitalizations, 219 (97.3%) were in the not immunized, 5 (2.2%) in the partially immunized, and 1 (0.0041%) in the fully immunized group. mRNA vaccines were 96% (95%CI: 95 - 99) effective at preventing Covid-19 related hospitalization and 98.7% (95%CI: 91.0 - 99.8) effective at preventing Covid-19 related death when participants were fully vaccinated. Partial vaccination was 77% (95%CI: 71 - 82) effective at preventing hospitalization and 64.2% (95%CI: 13.0 - 85.2) effective at preventing death. Vaccine effectiveness at preventing hospitalization was conserved across subgroups of age, race, ethnicity, Area Deprivation Index, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Conclusions: In a large, diverse cohort in the United States, full immunization with mRNA vaccines was highly effective in the real-world scenario at preventing Covid-19 related hospitalization and death.
Associations of SARS-CoV-2 serum IgG with occupation and demographics of military personnel

Background: Countries across the globe have mobilized their armed forces in response to COVID-19, placing them at increased risk for viral exposure. Humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 among military personnel serve as biomarkers of infection and provide a basis for disease surveillance and recognition of work-related risk factors. Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to measure SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen-specific IgG in serum obtained from N=995 US National Guard soldiers between April-June 2020. Occupational information, e.g. military operating specialty (MOS) codes, and demographic data were obtained via questionnaire. Plaque assays with live SARS-CoV-2 were used to assess serum neutralizing capacity for limited subjects (N=12). Results: The SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity rate among the study population was 10.3% and significantly associated with occupation and demographics. Odds ratios were highest for those working in MOS 2T-Transportation (3.6; 95% CI 0.7-18) and 92F-Fuel specialist/ground and aircraft (6.8; 95% CI 1.5-30), as well as black race (2.2; 95% CI 1.2-4.1), household size >6 (2.5; 95% CI 1.3-4.6) and known COVID-19 exposure (2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3). Seropositivity tracked along major interstate highways and clustered near the international airport and the New York City border. SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG+ serum exhibited low to moderate SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing capacity with IC50s ranging from 1:15 to 1:280. In limited follow-up testing SARS-CoV-2 serum IgG levels remained elevated up to 7 months. Conclusions: The data highlight increased SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among National Guard vs. the local civilian population in association with transportation-related occupations and specific demographics.
Frontline hotel employees’ proactive personality, I-deals, work engagement and their effect on creative performance and proactive customer service performance

Abstract The current article aims to examine the effect of job resources, in the form of idiosyncratic deals (I-deals), and hotel frontline employees’ personal resources, in the form proactive personality (PP), on work engagement (WE), creative performance (CP) and proactive customer service performance (PCSP). Specifically, this paper examines WE as the mediator between I-deals, PP and employees’ job performance (e.g., CP and PCSP). The conceptual model was tested via the data collected from hotel frontline employees in 4- and 5- star hotels in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. The results showed that I-deals and hotel frontline employees’ PP have positive effect on WE, as well as WE has positive influence on hotel frontline employees’ CP and PCSP. The results showed that PP improves job performance whereas I-deals are not. In addition, WE mediates the relationships between PP and CP. This article provides theoretical and managerial implications, as well as limitations and future research directions.
Discount and advertisement in ecotourism supply chain

ABSTRACT This paper studies the design of an ecotourism supply chain and presents a mathematical model to maximize the profit of the proposed supply chain. The impact of discount and advertisement on the total demand and profit is examined. The proposed model is verified using a real case study. The findings show that investment in ecotourism is beneficial and causes economic, social, and cultural development of the ecotourism community. Two groups of managerial insights including managerial suggestions for ecotourism activists and those for the government and relevant authorities are provided. Finally, suggestions for future research are presented.
Timing of deformation, metamorphism and leucogranite intrusion in the lower part of the Seve Nappe Complex in central Jämtland, Swedish Caledonides

ABSTRACT Recent studies in the context of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Project “Collisional Orogeny in the Scandinavian Caledonides” have focused on the importance of the Seve Nappe Complex (SNC) for understanding the subduction history of the Baltoscandian margin during closure of the Iapetus Ocean. In the classical Åre area of western central Jämtland, granulite facies migmatites and leucogranites of the Åreskutan Nappe provide evidence of Early Silurian (c. 440 Ma) high temperature metamorphism and a previous prograde, ultra-high pressure history, with microdiamonds. New LA-ICPMS zircon isotope age investigations of the underlying amphibolite facies Lower Seve Nappes, reported here, have also identified an Early Silurian tectonothermal history with pegmatitic leucogranite (c. 443 Ma) and, at lower structural levels, another felsic intrusion of earliest Middle Ordovician age (c. 469 Ma). The latter intrudes isoclinally folded host rock amphibolites and calcareous psammitic paragneisses and is itself tightly folded. Zircons in an amphibolite proved to be highly discordant but indicate Early Silurian metamorphism during isoclinal folding. Detrital zircons in a paragneiss are dominated by Sveconorwegian populations, but also include a range of younger Neoproterozoic grains down to the Early Ediacaran (c. 600 Ma). This new evidence of early Caledonian deformation and metamorphism indicates that, as farther north in the orogen, the Seve tectonothermal history in central Jämtland probably started early in the Ordovician, or before. Subduction and accretion along the Baltoscandian outer margin occurred prior to Scandian continent-continent collision, with Siluro-Devonian emplacement of the SNC across the foreland basins onto the Baltoscandian platform.
“Thinking it through”: toward a model of reflective practice for trainee psychologists’ countertransference reactions

ABSTRACT Objective: Understanding and managing countertransference (CT) is challenging for therapists and more so for trainees. This study aimed to understand more about trainees’ experiences of CT; and to consider the usefulness for reflective practice of a five component model of CT (origins, triggers, manifestations, effects, and management) and the importance of feedback. Method: Trainee psychologists in Australia and New Zealand took part in a CT training and were invited to take part in the study. Trainees were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions in which they received regular feedback or feedback at the end of the study. Nineteen trainees completed 93 reflective logs. Data from the logs were analysed using thematic analyses. Results: Most trainees perceived their CT originated from formative experiences and personality qualities and were triggered by client concerns and behaviours. They described a wide range of CT manifestations; and perceived the effects of CT as mainly negative. More trainees in the regular feedback condition, compared to post-completion, engaged with the activity. However, there was no difference in themes that emerged in the two groups. Conclusions: The five-component model of CT provides a method for reflecting on CT and could be used to enhance trainees’ reflective practice. Key Points What is already known about this topic: (1)Little is known about trainee psychologists’ experiences of countertransference although there is evidence that trainees experience difficulties understanding and managing their countertransference reactions. (2)Understanding and managing countertransference supports positive therapy outcomes. (3)Hayes’ (1995) model of countertransference proposes five components – origins, triggers, manifestations, effects, and management. What this paper adds: (1)The study provides greater insight into trainees’ views of the five components of countertransference. (2)Hayes’ (1995) model of countertransference appears to provide a useful model of reflective practice that could be used in post-graduate psychology training. (3)This model is also likely to be useful for psychologists and clinical supervisors in their own practices.
Impact of Place Identity and Place Dependence on Satisfaction and Loyalty toward Black Sea Coastal Destinations: The Role of Visitation Frequency

Abstract Tourism destination literature identifies place identity and place dependence as prominent dimensions of place attachment. Despite their importance, only limited research has been carried out to examine the likely influence of these constructs on satisfaction and loyalty in the context of an Eastern European post-communist country. Romanian coastal destinations were analyzed due to their high rate of domestic return visitors with possible connections to the fact that these were their only coastal tourism option during communist times. Our results reveal that place identity and place dependence for Black Sea coastal destinations significantly influence satisfaction and loyalty toward such destinations and that satisfaction has a significant mediating role between place attachment and loyalty intentions for these destinations. Findings also reveal that in the case of tourists with a low visitation frequency, satisfaction influences their intention to recommend the destination to other people. Our findings help Black Sea coastal destination marketers strengthen tourists’ place attachment, satisfaction, and destination loyalty.
U-Pb baddeleyite age for the Ottfjället Dyke Swarm, central Scandinavian Caledonides: new constraints on Ediacaran opening of the Iapetus Ocean and glaciations on Baltica

ABSTRACT The Ottfjället Dyke Swarm (ODS) is a prominent component of the Ediacaran mafic magmatism associated with opening of the Iapetus ocean, and hosted in the Särv Nappe, Middle Allochthon of the Scandinavian Caledonides. A U-Pb baddeleyite age of 596.3 ± 1.5 Ma for a thick, well preserved, plagioclase-phyric dolerite dyke in Härjedalen, Sweden, dates emplacement of the swarm. The age represents a robust, inheritance-free reference age for variably deformed and metamorphosed tholeiitic dykes in sandstone-dominated sequences of the lower part of the Middle Allochthon, representing the proximal, rifted Baltoscandian margin preceding the opening of Iapetus. The new age is within the narrow time span between 610 and 595 Ma defined by the most reliable age estimates for mafic dykes in structurally higher nappes (upper part of Middle Allochthon), representing the distal margin during the opening of Iapetus. The Ottfjället Dyke Swarm cuts the Tossåsfjället Group succession, which includes sabkha-related carbonate platform and diamictite couples, one of several correlated Neoproterozoic glaciogenic successions in Scandinavia. The intrusion age of ca. 596 Ma therefore sets a minimum age for the glaciogenic successions. It implies that Neoproterozoic glaciations in Scandinavia predate the ca. 580 Ma Gaskiers glaciation event and are probably part of the ca. 635 Ma Marinoan “Snowball-Earth”-type glaciation.