Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continuous long-term somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa

SummarySomatic embryogenic callus was induced on two induction media, B5h and SH4K. Embryos formed on the callus induced on B5h medium when the callus was still on the induction medium. On the other hand, embryos could not form on the callus induced on SH4K medium unless the callus was transferred to a growth regulator-free medium. Callus induced and maintained on B5h medium lost embryogenic capability quickly during the subculture. Callus induced and maintained on SH4K medium, however, consistently remained highly embryogenic. The callus mass showed steady increase during its maintenance on SH4K medium. The embryos induced on SH4K medium showed vigorous germination. Normal and fully fertile plants were recovered from the embryos developed from the callus maintained on SH4K medium.
Hub-and-Spokes FTAs in the Presence of Technology Spillovers: An application to the Western Hemisphere

Title: Hub-and-Spokes FTAs in the Presence of Technology Spillovers: An application to the Western Hemisphere The recent proliferation of bilateral agreements has created a number of “hub-and-spokes” types of trade relationship: i.e., one economy becomes a “hub” by establishing bilateral agreements with a number of nations (the “spokes”). This paper compares and contrast the economic implications of hub-and-spokes (HAS) configuration vis-a-vis FTA of the Americas (FTAA) from the viewpoints of both the hub (Chile) and the spokes (US and Mercosur) in the Western Hemisphere using an augmented version of a nine-region, seven-traded-commodity comparativestatic GTAP model. To the extent that HAS affects the international flows of goods and services and that some technological spillovers are associated with international trade flows, it is shown that the existence of HAS affects trans-border technology flows from developed spoke to developing hub and/or, spoke regions either directly or indirectly through open regional trade. 4% Hicks-Neutral technical progress in high-technology products in developed spoke (USA) has differential impacts on productivity elsewhere. Destination regions’ ability to utilize new technology hinges on their extent of technology capture contingent on their absorptive capacity, proximity and institutional-structural congruence. Together with trade flows, these factors determine the recipient’s success in assimilating foreign technology. Differential rates of technology transmission via intermediates are also ascribed to trade policy under sequential comparative static trade liberalization scenarios. With sequencing, the benefits accrue more to Chile as first mover and relatively less to Mercosur. But, with technology flows under fullfledged FTAA the gains are more pronounced compared to bilateral FTA between Chile and Mercosur under HAS. Without sequencing, the gain to Chile is not so prominent. Diminution of welfare under FTAA scheme is attributed to preference dilution impact. Also, sectors intensive in high tech products register higher productivity growth.
Slower progression of Parkinson's disease with ropinirole versus levodopa: The REAL‐PET study

Preclinical studies suggest ropinirole (a D2/D3 dopamine agonist) may be neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease (PD), and a pilot clinical study using 18F‐dopa positron emission tomography (PET) suggested a slower loss of striatal dopamine storage with ropinirole compared with levodopa. This prospective, 2‐year, randomized, double‐blind, multinational study compared the rates of loss of dopamine‐terminal function in de novo patients with clinical and 18F‐dopa PET evidence of early PD, randomized 1 to 1 to receive either ropinirole or levodopa. The primary outcome measure was reduction in putamen 18F‐dopa uptake (Ki) between baseline and 2‐year PET. Of 186, 162 randomized patients were eligible for analysis. A blinded, central, region‐of‐interest analysis showed a significantly lower reduction (p = 0.022) in putamen Ki over 2 years with ropinirole (−13.4%; n = 68) compared with levodopa (−20.3%; n = 59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–13.06). Statistical parametric mapping localized lesser reductions in 18F‐dopa uptake in the putamen and substantia nigra with ropinirole. The greatest Ki decrease in each group was in the putamen (ropinirole, −14.1%; levodopa, −22.9%; 95% CI, 4.24–13.3), but the decrease was significantly lower with ropinirole compared with levodopa (p < 0.001). Ropinirole is associated with slower progression of PD than levodopa as assessed by 18F‐dopa PET. Ann Neurol 2003
Heterogeneic expression of estrogen receptor between the primary tumor and the corresponding involved lymph nodes in patients with node‐positive breast cancer and its implications in patient outcome

The estrogen‐receptor (ER) status of breast cancers has typically been evaluated in primary tumors (PTs), and the influence of ER expression in the involved lymph nodes (LNs) on prognosis of the patients with node‐positive breast cancer remains unclear. The expression of ER was compared between PT and corresponding involved LNs in patients with node‐positive breast cancer.
A micropolar material model for turbulent SPH fluids

In this paper we introduce a novel micropolar material model for the simulation of turbulent inviscid fluids. The governing equations are solved by using the concept of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). As already investigated in previous works, SPH fluid simulations suffer from numerical diffusion which leads to a lower vorticity, a loss in turbulent details and finally in less realistic results. To solve this problem we propose a micropolar fluid model. The micropolar fluid model is a generalization of the classical Navier-Stokes equations, which are typically used in computer graphics to simulate fluids. In contrast to the classical Navier-Stokes model, micropolar fluids have a microstructure and therefore consider the rotational motion of fluid particles. In addition to the linear velocity field these fluids also have a field of microrotation which represents existing vortices and provides a source for new ones. However, classical micropolar materials are viscous and the translational and the rotational motion are coupled in a dissipative way Since our goal is to simulate turbulent fluids, we introduce a novel modified micropolar material for inviscid fluids with a non-dissipative coupling. Our model can generate realistic turbulences, is linear and angular momentum conserving, can be easily integrated in existing SPH simulation methods and its computational overhead is negligible.
Multiple Risk Factor Model Predicting Cannabis Use and Use Disorders: A Longitudinal Study

Background: Identification of factors associated with the initiation and continuation of cannabis use is important for any preventive work. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the early life course predictors of cannabis use and the development of cannabis use disorder in early adulthood. Methods: Data from Mater Hospital and University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (MUSP), a population-based prospective birth cohort study. Participants were a cohort of 2,493 young adults who completed the life-time version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-computerized version (CIDI-Auto) at the 21-year follow-up, and for whom data were available from previous follow-ups. Ever use and age at first use of cannabis was assessed via self-report, and cannabis use disorder was measured based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version IV (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria. Life course predictors were obtained between the child's birth and the 14-year follow-up. Results: Of 2,493 young adults, 51.4% reported having ever used cannabis, and 21.1% of young adults were classified as having ever had a cannabis use disorder. Child's gender, changes in maternal marital status, maternal smoking, child school performance, childhood sexual abuse, early adolescence smoking and alcohol consumption, and adolescent aggression/delinquency were strongly associated with young adult cannabis use and use disorder. Exposure to multiple risk factors was associated with greater risk of outcomes. Conclusions: There are a number of strong predictors of cannabis use identified in this study. They suggest that the social context within which children are reared has a major influence on cannabis use and use disorders.
The Role of Occupational Stress in the Association between Emotional Labor and Mental Health: A Moderated Mediation Model

This study investigated whether occupational stress factors moderate the effect of emotional labor on psychological distress in call center employees. A cross-sectional and descriptive study using anonymous paper-based survey methods was conducted in a sample of 283 call center employees in South Korea. Participants completed the Emotional Labor Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the Korean Occupational Stress Scale. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro in order to investigate the relationship among variables. The results showed that the association between surface acting while having emotional labor and psychological distress was mediated by emotional dissonance. The mediated effect of emotional dissonance was moderated by discomfort in occupational climate, suggesting that improving the occupational environment can lessen the level of psychological distress among emotional workers, and that more attention should be devoted to the development of an intervention at the organizational level in order to prevent mental health problems in this population.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ybr004c and its human homologue are required for addition of the second mannose during glycosylphosphatidylinositol precursor assembly

Addition of the second mannose is the only obvious step in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) precursor assembly for which a responsible gene has not been discovered. A bioinformatics‐based strategy identified the essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ybr004c protein as a candidate for the second GPI α‐mannosyltransferase (GPI‐MT‐II). S. cerevisiae cells depleted of Ybr004cp have weakened cell walls and abnormal morphology, are unable to incorporate [3H]inositol into proteins, and accumulate a GPI intermediate having a single mannose that is likely modified with ethanolamine phosphate. These data indicate that Ybr004cp‐depleted yeast cells are defective in second mannose addition to GPIs, and suggest that Ybr004cp is GPI‐MT‐II or an essential subunit of that enzyme. Ybr004cp homologues are encoded in all sequenced eukaryotic genomes, and are predicted to have 8 transmembrane domains, but show no obvious resemblance to members of established glycosyltransferase families. The human Ybr004cp homologue can substitute for its S. cerevisiae counterpart in vivo.
Do bank boards matter A literature review on the characteristics of banks' board of directors

Corporate governance of banks is important and unique (Levine, 2004). Sound bank corporate governance is a crucial element for promoting a more resilient financial system (FSB, 2013) and sustaining economic growth (BCBS, 2015). A systematic literature review is conducted on the articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals to identify the prevailing results in academic research on bank board characteristics, which is the most investigated topic in bank corporate governance. Based on both theoretical and empirical contributions, findings show that research mainly measures the impact of board characteristics on performance and risks potentially faced by banks, however there is no univocal consensus on the best practices to adopt. Further research is needed to directly investigate other areas of bank corporate governance (such as internal risk management, remuneration and ownership structure).
OPTIMAL MANAGEMENT OF PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENTS IN EYES WITH NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Purpose: This review aimed to determine the optimal management of retinal pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) based on review of available evidence in the literature. Methods: A comprehensive literature review evaluates previous retrospective and prospective studies that assessed the treatment of PEDs in nAMD. Results: Studies illustrated that anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy can be effective in eyes with PED secondary to nAMD. Similar visual outcomes are associated with different anti-VEGF treatments. Higher anti-VEGF doses may improve anatomical response, without correlation with vision improvement. Fibrovascular PEDs may be difficult to treat, but even these eyes can gain vision with anti-VEGF therapy. A retinal pigment epithelial tear may develop in 15% to 20% of eyes with PEDs after anti-VEGF therapy, especially in PEDs greater than 500 µm to 600 µm in height; however, vision may stabilize with continued therapy. Atrophy may complicate eyes with PED and nAMD after anti-VEGF therapy, especially in association with complete PED resolution. Conclusion: Available literature suggests that anti-VEGF therapy is safe and efficacious for PED and nAMD. Treatment should focus on vision gains rather than PED resolution because there is no apparent correlation between anatomical and functional improvement in most eyes with PED and nAMD.
The growth-stimulatory effect of simian virus 40 T antigen requires the interaction of insulinlike growth factor 1 with its receptor

We have used a plasmid expressing a temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant of simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen, stably transfected into 3T3 cells, to study the role of insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and its receptor in T-antigen-mediated growth. While 3T3 cells do not grow in serum-free medium, in 1% serum, or with the sole addition of either platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or IGF-1, cells expressing the tsA T antigen (BALB 58 cells) grow at 34 degrees C in either PDGF or 1% serum but not in IGF-1. At the restrictive temperature (39.6 degrees C), these cells can only grow in 10% serum. We show that BALB 58 cells, at 34 degrees C, have a markedly increased expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1 mRNA and that their growth in 1% serum (at 34 degrees C) is inhibited by an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to the IGF-1 receptor RNA. When this tsA plasmid is stably transfected into cells constitutively overexpressing the human IGF-1 receptor cDNA, the resulting cell lines show a constitutively phosphorylated IGF-1 receptor and grow in serum-free medium at 34 degrees C (but not at 39.6 degrees C). A functional SV40 T antigen also increases the expression of a plasmid in which the reporter luciferase gene is under the control of a rat IGF-1 promoter. We conclude (i) that the SV40 T antigen induces the expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1 mRNA, at least in part by a transcriptional mechanism, thus altering the growth factors requirements, and (ii) that, in BALB/c3t3 cells, the SV40 T antigen necessitates a functional IGF-1 receptor for its growth-stimulating effect in low serum (or PDGF).
A modular battery charger for electric vehicles

The next five years will see a substantial increase in the number of all-electric (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) utilizing onboard electrochemical energy storage devices (batteries) that require full or part recharging by connection to a low voltage utility network that supply domestic or light industrial users. The utility connection requires a battery charger composed of a uni- or bi-directional power electronic converter that converts the AC supply to DC or vice versa. The expectation for future automotive power electronic converter products is lifetimes of 10 years and over, and operation in arduous temperature environments, factors that compromise existing power converter topologies, in particular those employing electrolytic capacitors. This paper discusses a 7kW battery charger design that is modular, has a balanced three-phase input, is near unity power factor and has no electrolytic capacitors. The paper discusses the charger design concepts and presents test validation results.
Fractional Derivatives Based Scheme for FDTD Modeling of $n$th-Order Cole–Cole Dispersive Media

A finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling of the wave propagation in a Cole-Cole dispersive media is presented. Since the empirical Debye and Lorentz models are not accurate for the representation of the frequency dependence of some dispersive media terms, the Cole-Cole dispersion relation was used to model the electromagnetic properties of biological tissues. The main problem in time-domain modeling of the Cole-Cole model is the approximation of the fractional derivatives that appear in the model equation. Researchers face this problem by approximating the Cole-Cole terms (poles) by a sum of Debye terms or by a sum of decaying exponentials or by polynomials. The accuracy of these models depends on the number of terms needed to model each Cole-Cole term, which may consume large amounts of time and memory. In this letter, all the FDTD fields are approximated by a linear function of time that has a closed form for its fractional derivative. The proposed scheme is considered the more general scheme that has the capability to model nth-order Debye and Cole-Cole models. The scheme is a straightforward extension that can deal with other models such as Lorenz, Drude, and the chiral media. Promising results are observed when calculating the reflection coefficient at an air/muscle material interface. The SAR distribution within a Cole-Cole equivalent brain spherical material excited by an infinitesimal dipole is calculated and compared to the normal FDTD at 900 MHz.
Oscillometric estimation of central blood pressure: validation of the Mobil-O-Graph in comparison with the SphygmoCor device

BackgroundHypertension is a major risk factor for a wide range of cardiovascular diseases and is typically identified by measuring blood pressure (BP) at the brachial artery. Although such a measurement may accurately determine diastolic BP, systolic BP is not reflected accurately. Current noninvasive techniques for assessing central aortic BP require additional recording of an arterial pressure wave using a high-fidelity applanation tonometer. Within one measurement cycle, the Mobil-O-Graph BP device uses brachial oscillometric BP waves for a noninvasive estimation of central BP. We therefore validated the Mobil-O-Graph against the SphygmoCor device, which is widely known as the commonly used approach for a noninvasive estimation of central BP. MethodsFor each individual, we compared three readings of the central BP values obtained by the Mobil-O-Graph and SphygmoCor device consecutively. One hundred individuals (mean age 56.1±15.4 years) were recruited for measurement.Differences between the central BP values of the test device and the SphygmoCor device were calculated for each measurement. ResultsThe mean difference (95% confidence interval) for the estimated central systolic BP between both devices was −0.6±3.7 mmHg. Comparison of the central BP values measured by the two devices showed a statistically significant linear correlation (R=0.91, P<0.0001). The mean between-method difference was 0.50 mmHg for central systolic BP estimation. The intrarater reproducibility between both the devices was also comparable. Bland and Altman analyses showed that the mean differences (95% confidence interval) between repeated measurements were 1.89 (0.42–3.36) mmHg and 1.36 (−0.16 to 2.83) mmHg for the SphygmoCor and the Mobil-O-Graph device, respectively. Thus, neither of these differences was statistically significantly different from 0. The limits of agreement were −16.34 to 19.73 and −15.23 to 17.17 mmHg for the SphygmoCor and the Mobil-O-Graph device, respectively. ConclusionOscillometric noninvasive estimation of central BP with the Mobil-O-Graph BP device is as effective as using the well-established SphygmoCor applanation tonometry device. In comparison, the Mobil-O-Graph combines the widespread benefits of brachial BP measurement and also provides central BP within one measurement.
Identification of a novel fibronectin-aggrecan complex in the synovial fluid of knees with painful meniscal injury.

BACKGROUND Molecular biomarkers associated with knee pain may be useful as diagnostic modalities, prognostic indicators, and surrogate end points for therapeutic trials. The present study describes a novel complex of fibronectin and aggrecan that is present in the affected knee of patients with pain and meniscal abnormality. METHODS The present prospective study included thirty patients with knee pain, mechanical symptoms, and magnetic resonance imaging findings that were positive for a meniscal tear who chose arthroscopic partial meniscectomy after unsuccessful nonoperative management. Synovial fluid was aspirated at the time of surgery and was assayed for the fibronectin-aggrecan complex with use of a heterogeneous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were compared with knee aspirates from ten asymptomatic volunteers with no pain who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. RESULTS The mean optical density (and standard deviation) of the fibronectin-aggrecan complex was significantly greater in synovial fluid from knees undergoing arthroscopic surgery as compared with fluid from asymptomatic controls (13.29 ± 8.48 compared with 0.03 ± 0.09; p < 0.001). The mean age in the study group was significantly greater than in control group (46.0 ± 12.6 compared with 38.5 ± 6.0 years; p = 0.02), but controlling for age did not affect the results. Post hoc, an optical density cutoff value of 0.3 distinguished the study group from the control group with 100% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS A novel fibronectin-aggrecan complex is present in the synovial fluid of painful knees with meniscal abnormality. The fibronectin-aggrecan complex may prove to be useful as a clinical biomarker or therapeutic target. Further research is warranted to correlate functional outcome after surgery with the fibronectin-aggrecan complex and other cartilage biomarkers.
Capital Share Risk in U.S. Asset Pricing

A single macroeconomic factor based on growth in the capital share of aggregate income exhibits significant explanatory power for expected returns across a range of equity characteristic portfolios and nonequity asset classes, with risk price estimates that are of the same sign and similar in magnitude. Positive exposure to capital share risk earns a positive risk premium, commensurate with recent asset pricing models in which redistributive shocks shift the share of income between the wealthy, who finance consumption primarily out of asset ownership, and workers, who finance consumption primarily out of wages and salaries.
Determinants of Sharia Banks’ Efficiency In Indonesia: Panel Data Analysis

Nowadays, the development of Sharia Banks (SB) in Indonesia showed positive results. However, the development of SB is still slow because their competitiveness levels are far from the conventional banks, which is proven by the small amount of market shares. One of the efforts to gain competitiveness is by maintaining efficiency that it can give magnificent boost to the development. This paper aims to estimate factors that are affecting efficiency of Sharia banks in Indonesia. The use of panel data of 11 public SB from 2012 – 2016 and random effect regression illustrate how CAR, ROA, ROE, NPF, FDR and Number of Branches (NB) affect efficiency. In particular, we use Operating Expense Ratio (OER) to determine the efficiency level of Sharia Banks. The estimation finds that ROA, FDR, NB have reverse correlation toward OER, NPF has positive effect, and CAR as well as ROE are not significantly affect OER.