Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of GEX1 Orthologs of Brassica rapa and Oryza sativa Rescued the Nuclear Fusion Defect of the Arabidopsis GEX1 Mutant

Nuclear fusion is required for the sexual reproduction of various organisms, including angiosperms. During the life cycle of angiosperms, nuclear fusion occurs three times: once during female gametogenesis, when the two polar nuclei fuse in the central cell, and twice during double fertilization. Nuclear fusion in plant reproduction is achieved by sequential nuclear fusion events: outer and inner nuclear membrane fusion. Arabidopsis gamete expressed 1 (GEX1) is a nuclear membrane protein of gametes that is required for nuclear fusion during reproduction. Although orthologs of GEX1 have been identified in various land plants, sequence identities are not high, even between angiosperm GEX1 orthologs; the sequence identity between Arabidopsis GEX1 and Oryza sativa GEX1 ortholog is lower than 50%. Here, we found that the expression of GEX1 orthologs of O. sativa, as well as of Brassica rapa from the Arabidopsis GEX1 promoter, rescued the polar nuclear fusion defect of the gex1 mutant. We also found that the expression of these GEX1 orthologs rescued the lethality of the gex1 homozygous mutant, which is proposed to be caused by the sperm nuclear fusion defects upon fertilization. Our results indicate a functional conservation between Arabidopsis and O. sativa GEX1 orthologs, despite their relatively low sequence identities.
F0 Perturbation of Stops in Nepali and Meitei

The present article accounts for the fundamental frequency (F0) perturbation of stop-types in Nepali spoken in the Maram region of Manipur, India. Experiments were performed on the speech of the native speakers of Nepali in order to investigate if the F0 perturbation following the stop-types would be affected due to contact with a tonal language, Meitei.
Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), and Qihai (CV6) Acupoints Regulates Immune Function in Patients with Sepsis via the PD-1 Pathway

Objective The present study is aimed at investigating the biochemical and clinical effects of electroacupuncture in patients with sepsis. Methods Patients with sepsis treated at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from July 2019 to December 2020 were included. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with routine Western medicine (WM group) or treatment with Western medicine plus electroacupuncture based on Western medicine (EA group). Indices associated with immune function and clinical efficacy were determined before and at 3 and 5 days after treatment. Indicators of immune function included the percentage of T lymphocyte subsets, natural killer (NK) cells, and soluble programmed death protein 1 (sPD-1) levels. Indicators of clinical efficacy included infection-related indicators in whole blood; levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interferon-γ (INF-γ); and assessments using acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-II (APACHE-II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores. Results Baseline data were not different between WM (N = 30) and EA groups (N = 30). At day 5 following treatment, the level of sPD-1 in the EA group was lower than that in the WM group. Proportions of CD3 + T lymphocytes, CD4 + T lymphocytes, and NK cells, the percentage of lymphocytes, and INF-γ levels in the EA group were significantly higher than those in the WM group. Compared with the WM group, the white blood cell count (WBC), percentage and count of neutrophils, ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes, and levels of CRP and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the EA group 5 days after treatment. The APACHE-II score of the EA group was significantly lower than that of the WM group 5 days after treatment. Conclusion Electroacupuncture may regulate the immune function of patients with sepsis through the PD-1 pathway to achieve an anti-inflammatory state and improve clinical symptoms.
The Role of Cellular Immunity in the Protective Efficacy of the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines

Multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines have been approved for clinical use. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers after immunization are widely used as an evaluation indicator, and the roles of cellular immune responses in the protective efficacy of vaccines are rarely mentioned. However, therapeutic monoclonal neutralizing antibodies have shown limited efficacy in improving the outcomes of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), suggesting a passive role of cellular immunity in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The synergistic effect of virus-specific humoral and cellular immune responses helps the host to fight against viral infection. In fact, it has been observed that the early appearance of specific T-cell responses is strongly correlated with mild symptoms of COVID-19 patients and that individuals with pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural-protein-specific T cells are more resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings suggest the important contribution of the cellular immune response to the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19. Nowadays, new SARS-CoV-2 variants that can escape from the neutralization of antibodies are rapidly increasing. However, the epitopes of these variants recognized by T cells are largely preserved. Paying more attention to cellular immune responses may provide new instructions for designing effective vaccines for the prevention of severe disease induced by the break-through infection of new variants and the sequelae caused by virus latency. In this review, we deliberate on the role of cellular immunity against COVID-19 and summarize recent advances in the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the immune responses induced by vaccines to improve the design of new vaccines and immunization strategies.
Understanding of Hormonal Regulation in Rice Seed Germination

Seed germination is a critical stage during the life cycle of plants. It is well known that germination is regulated by a series of internal and external factors, especially plant hormones. In Arabidopsis, many germination-related factors have been identified, while in rice, the important crop and monocot model species and the further molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks controlling germination still need to be elucidated. Hormonal signals, especially those of abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA), play a dominant role in determining whether a seed germinates or not. The balance between the content and sensitivity of these two hormones is the key to the regulation of germination. In this review, we present the foundational knowledge of ABA and GA pathways obtained from germination research in Arabidopsis. Then, we highlight the current advances in the identification of the regulatory genes involved in ABA- or GA-mediated germination in rice. Furthermore, other plant hormones regulate seed germination, most likely by participating in the ABA or GA pathways. Finally, the results from some regulatory layers, including transcription factors, post-transcriptional regulations, and reactive oxygen species, are also discussed. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of the complex molecular networks involving the key roles of plant hormones in regulating the seed germination of rice.
Structural Analysis of Ino2p/Ino4p Mutual Interactions and Their Binding Interface with Promoter DNA

Gene expression is mediated by a series of regulatory proteins, i.e., transcription factors. Under different growth conditions, the transcriptional regulation of structural genes is associated with the recognition of specific regulatory elements (REs) in promoter DNA. The manner by which transcription factors recognize distinctive REs is a key question in structural biology. Previous research has demonstrated that Ino2p/Ino4p heterodimer is associated with the transcriptional regulation of phospholipid biosynthetic genes. Mechanistically, Ino2p/Ino4p could specifically recognize the inositol/choline-responsive element (ICRE), followed by the transcription activation of the phospholipid biosynthetic gene. While the promoter DNA sequence for Ino2p has already been characterized, the structural basis for the mutual interaction between Ino2p/Ino4p and their binding interface with promoter DNA remain relatively unexplored. Here, we have determined the crystalline structure of the Ino2pDBD/Ino4pDBD/DNA ternary complex, which highlights some residues (Ino2pHis12/Glu16/Arg20/Arg44 and Ino4pHis12/Glu16/Arg19/Arg20) associated with the sequence-specific recognition of promoter DNA. Our biochemical analysis showed that mutating these residues could completely abolish protein–DNA interaction. Despite the requirement of Ino2p and Ino4p for interprotein–DNA interaction, both proteins can still interact—even in the absence of DNA. Combined with the structural analysis, our in vitro binding analysis demonstrated that residues (Arg35, Asn65, and Gln69 of Ino2pDBD and Leu59 of Ino4pDBD) are critical for interprotein interactions. Together, these results have led to the conclusion that these residues are critical to establishing interprotein–DNA and protein–DNA mutual interactions.
Variations in morphological, biochemical and phytochemical traits of diploid and induced tetraploid plants of downy thorn-apple (Datura innoxia Mill.)

Polyploidy Background: Datura species produce a wide range of tropane alkaloids with medicinal values. D. innoxia is a species of the Datura genus which is poisonous and has an unpleasant odor due to the presence of tropane alkaloids. Objective : The study aimed to induction of polyploidy by colchicine treatment on downy thorn-apple and the effect of it on appearance and hyoscyamine content. Methods: In order to induce tetraploidy in downy thorn-apple, a factorial experiment was carried out with two factors: colchicine concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 %) and exposure time (48 and 72 h) with 3 plants for each treatment with using a cotton ball included colchicine on shoot tip. Morphological changes were observed and the plants were analyzed by flow cytometry in near to the flowering time. Results: The results showed that the concentration and exposure time of colchicine, and their interaction affected the percentage of tetraploidy. The maximum percent of tetraploidy was observed in concentration of 0.2 % and 72 h. On the other hand, the application of different concentrations of colchicine and exposure time didn’t have a significant effect on plant survival. The number of stomatal guard cells were decreased but no significant differences were observed in the content of total chlorophyll and carotenoids. Also, the hyoscyamine content in tetraploid plants was decreased to half in comparison to diploid ones. Conclusion : In general, induction of tetraploidy in this plant could change some phenotypic traits but has a negative effect on hyoscyamine content.
Evaluation of the effect of using different doses of levothyroxine on TSH, T3 and T4 in hypothyriod patients

The current study included the collection of ninety serum samples to evaluate the effect of using different doses of levothyroxine drug on some biochemical parameters in patients with hypothyroidism. Samples were collected from external laboratories in Baghdad, for the period between 15/9/2021to1/10/2022. Sixty samples were taken for patients with hypothyroidism, as the group of patients (G1) whichsubdivided into two subgroups, 26 of them were taking levothyroxine dose of 200 µg/day(G2), and 34 of them were taking levothyroxine dose of 100 µg/day(G3), and 30 samples represented the control group, the ages of patients and control ranged between (40-60) years old. The level of TSH hormone, T3 and T4 hormones were estimated in the serum of patients with hypothyroidism and healthy people as a control group. The results showed a significant (P≤0.05) increase in the level of TSH in serum of people with hypothyroidism compared to the control group.
“Es Muy Tranquilo Aquí”: Perceptions of Safety and Calm among Binationally Mobile Mexican Immigrants in a Rural Border Community

Perceptions of community can play an important role in determining health and well-being. We know little, however, about residents’ perceptions of community safety in the Southwestern borderlands, an area frequently portrayed as plagued by disorder. The qualitative aim of this community-based participatory research study was to explore the perceptions of Mexican-origin border residents about their communities in southern Yuma County, Arizona. Our team of University of Arizona researchers and staff from Campesinos Sin Fronteras, a grassroots farmworker support agency in Yuma County, Arizona, developed a bilingual interview guide and recruited participants through radio adds, flyers, and cold calls among existing agency clientele. Thirty individual interviews with participants of Mexican origin who live in and/or work in rural Yuma County were conducted remotely in 2021. Participants overwhelmingly perceived their communities as both calm and safe. While some participants mentioned safety concerns, the vast majority described high levels of personal security and credited both neighbors and police for ensuring local safety. These perceptions were stated in direct contrast to those across the border, where participants had positive familial and cultural ties but negative perceptions regarding widespread violence. In conclusion, we argue that to understand environmental factors affecting health and well-being in Mexican immigrant populations, it is critical to examine the role of binational external referents that color community perceptions.
Universal-deterministic and probabilistic hypotheses in operations management research: a discussion paper

Abstract Based on Karl Popper’s approach to science, this conceptual article aims at promoting a discussion on important issues debated in the OM literature. Our focus is on the different types of hypotheses used in OM investigations and the implications of this for the formulation and testing of theory with an emphasis on case study research. Given that Popper’s methodology calls for an adequate testing of scientific propositions (universal-deterministic or probabilistic), we illustrate how case study research can be used to conduct a severe test of a scientific theory. It is also explained how case studies can be utilized to propose universal-deterministic hypotheses that should then be tested. Our investigation further discusses why it is important to clearly acknowledge the differences between the two types of hypotheses. Otherwise, inadequate research designs, deficient policy advice, and other similar problems, can arise. Topics for future research and discussion are also offered.
Hybrid and Hierarchical Aggregation-Verification Scheme for VANET

To deal with the security and privacy issues in vehicular ad hoc network (VANET), digital signature based on public key infrastructure (PKI) is recognized as being the most mature and popular approach. However, existing secure and privacy-preserving schemes for vehicular communications face some challenges, e.g., fast verification of signatures and certificates, reducing the storage/transmission overheads, avoiding the dependence on ideal tamper-proof devices. In this paper, we propose a hybrid and hierarchical aggregation-verification scheme for efficient verification of certificates and signatures on safety messages in VANET. In our scheme, short-term anonymous certificates and aggregate signatures are employed to guarantee the security and privacy of the VANET system. A novel hybrid aggregation-verification technique is proposed to firstly aggregate the signatures in different certificates and signatures on safety messages into fixed length aggregate signature and then verify the aggregate signature with very short delay. To the best of our knowledge, this paper achieves signature aggregation and verification of such kind for the first time. Further, our scheme also enables hierarchical aggregation-verification of certificates and signatures in VANET.
Bilingual Stroop Effect in High and Low Proficient Nepali-English Bilinguals

This research article presents experimental psycholinguistic study on high and low proficient Nepali – English bilingual adults. Language comprehension was measured using lexical decision tasks and language production was measured using verbal fluency task. Executive control was measured using bilingual Stroop task in mouse tracking paradigm. The results show high proficient bilinguals show the bilingual advantage in language comprehension, language production and executive control tasks.
The Impact of Smoking Regulations on the Daily Routine of Patients within an Irish Mental Health Setting

Abstract A high prevalence of smoking has been reported among people receiving care within inpatient and forensic mental health services. An Irish inpatient mental health service introduced a “smoke free campus” policy in 2018. Six semi-structured interviews were completed with patients within this setting in 2019. Using thematic analysis, five themes were identified: Experience of stakeholder support, routine, experience of being an inpatient, the meaning of smoking, and the experience and perception of the smoking policy and governing bodies. The findings have implications for staff who work in mental health inpatient settings or who develop policies regarding smoking on hospital sites.
Emerging Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacotherapy and Cell-Based Therapy for Lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema is a common complication of lymph node dissection or radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Conventional therapies such as compression sleeve therapy, complete decongestive physiotherapy, and surgical therapies decrease edema; however, they are not curative because they cannot modulate the pathophysiology of lymphedema. Recent advances reveal that the activation and accumulation of CD4+ T cells are key in the development of lymphedema. Based on this pathophysiology, the efficacy of pharmacotherapy (tacrolimus, anti-IL-4/IL-13 antibody, or fingolimod) and cell-based therapy for lymphedema has been demonstrated in animal models and pilot studies. In addition, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted attention as candidates for cell-based lymphedema therapy because they improve symptoms and decrease edema volume in the long term with no serious adverse effects in pilot studies. Furthermore, MSC transplantation promotes functional lymphatic regeneration and improves the microenvironment in animal models. In this review, we focus on inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis of lymphedema and discuss the efficacy and challenges of pharmacotherapy and cell-based therapies for lymphedema.
COVID-19 Lockdown: A Global Study Investigating the Effect of Athletes' Sport Classification and Sex on Training Practices.

PURPOSE To investigate differences in athletes' knowledge, beliefs, and training practices during COVID-19 lockdowns with reference to sport classification and sex. This work extends an initial descriptive evaluation focusing on athlete classification. METHODS Athletes (12,526; 66% male; 142 countries) completed an online survey (May-July 2020) assessing knowledge, beliefs, and practices toward training. Sports were classified as team sports (45%), endurance (20%), power/technical (10%), combat (9%), aquatic (6%), recreational (4%), racquet (3%), precision (2%), parasports (1%), and others (1%). Further analysis by sex was performed. RESULTS During lockdown, athletes practiced body-weight-based exercises routinely (67% females and 64% males), ranging from 50% (precision) to 78% (parasports). More sport-specific technical skills were performed in combat, parasports, and precision (∼50%) than other sports (∼35%). Most athletes (range: 50% [parasports] to 75% [endurance]) performed cardiorespiratory training (trivial sex differences). Compared to prelockdown, perceived training intensity was reduced by 29% to 41%, depending on sport (largest decline: ∼38% in team sports, unaffected by sex). Some athletes (range: 7%-49%) maintained their training intensity for strength, endurance, speed, plyometric, change-of-direction, and technical training. Athletes who previously trained ≥5 sessions per week reduced their volume (range: 18%-28%) during lockdown. The proportion of athletes (81%) training ≥60 min/session reduced by 31% to 43% during lockdown. Males and females had comparable moderate levels of training knowledge (56% vs 58%) and beliefs/attitudes (54% vs 56%). CONCLUSIONS Changes in athletes' training practices were sport-specific, with few or no sex differences. Team-based sports were generally more susceptible to changes than individual sports. Policy makers should provide athletes with specific training arrangements and educational resources to facilitate remote and/or home-based training during lockdown-type events.
Image Fusion Using Adjustable Non-subsampled Shearlet Transform

Multiscale transform (MST) and sparse representation (SR)-based image fusion techniques are widely used in many applications. However, the existing fusion methods are inefficient to perfectly seize significant details and texture information of input images because of some limitations of MST-and SR-based techniques. Moreover, it is quite important to measure singularities and structural information of the fused image to objectively measure the performance of different fusion techniques. Therefore, a metric which can efficiently measure singularity and structural information of the fused image would be quite useful for comparison of different fusion techniques. To address these issues, a modified Meyer window-based adjustable nonsubsampled shearlet transform (ANSST) is proposed for decomposition of preregistered input images into low-and high-frequency coefficients. The low-frequency bands are fused by convolutional SR modeling. The high-frequency bands are fused by our proposed information entropy, standard deviation, and range descriptor, which considers entropy, standard deviation, and range-filtering features. Moreover, a metric <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q_{SS}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is formulated to measure the singularities and structural information of the fused image. The <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q_{SS}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> metric is developed by using the concept of the proposed native division and native difference filtering. To show the applicability of the proposed image framework, the proposed ANSST is applied for image denoising. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed fusion method and the metric <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q_{SS}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>.