Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of human atrial ionic remodelling by β-blocker therapy on mechanisms of AF: a computer simulation

Aims: Atrial anti-arrhythmic effects of β -adrenoceptor antagonists ( β -blockers) may involve both a suppression of pro-arrhythmic effects of catecholamines, and an adaptational electrophysiological response to chronic β -blocker use; so-called “pharmacological remodelling”. In human atrium, such remodelling decreases the transient outward (I to ) and inward rectifier (I K1 ) K + currents, and increases the cellular action potential duration (APD) and effective refractory period (ERP). However, the consequences of these changes on mechanisms of genesis and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) are unknown. Using mathematical modelling, we tested the hypothesis that the long-term adaptational decrease in human atrial I to and I K1 caused by chronic β -blocker therapy, i.e., independent of acute electrophysiological effects of β -blockers, in an otherwise un-remodelled atrium, could suppress AF. Methods and results: Contemporary, biophysically detailed human atrial cell and tissue models, were used to investigate effects of the β -blocker based pharmacological remodelling. Chronic β-blockade-remodelling prolonged atrial cell APD and ERP. The incidence of small amplitude APD alternans in the CRN model was reduced. At the 1D tissue level, β-blocker-remodelling decreased the maximum pacing rate at which APs could be conducted. At the 3D organ level, β-blocker-remodelling reduced the life span of re-entry scroll waves. Conclusion: This study improves our understanding of the electrophysiological mechanisms of AF suppression by chronic β-blocker therapy. AF suppression may involve a reduced propensity for maintenance of re-entrant excitation waves, as a consequence of increased APD and ERP.
Exploring the Impact of Religiosity and Socioeconomic Factors on Perceived Ideal Timing of Marriage in Young Adults

In light of rising averages in the age of first marriage for men and women, as well as changes in attitudes regarding marriage and family life in young adults, the study of marital timing has received increased attention in recent years. Marital timing has been known to be associated with various aspects of marital satisfaction and stability, yet most research has focused on limited variables to assess perceptions of the ideal timing of marriage. This study explored the association of demographic, current and background socioeconomic (SES) factors, and religiosity with various measures of perceived ideal marital timing in a sample of 385 unmarried young adults. Overall, results indicate that religiosity and ethnicity have an impact on perceived ideal age and timing of marriage. Also, less pronounced associations were found between SES factors and perceived marital timing. Implications and future directions for family practitioners and researchers are discussed.
Evolutionary Diversification of the Limb Skeleton in Crested Newts (Triturus cristatus Superspecies, Caudata, Salamandridae)

We explored the interspecific variation patterns in the limb skeleton of four crested newts that underwent an extensive evolutionary diversification. All studied species shared the same basipodial pattern, within which the carpus exhibited much more variation than the tarsus. Morphometric analysis of stylopodium, zeugopodium, and the third metapodial element showed that the species differed in the size of skeletal elements, but they shared common allometric slopes. In comparison to the other crested newts, T. dobrogicus appeared as the outlier due to (1) significantly shorter stylopodium and zeugopodium relative to body size and (2) rather different anatomical designs regarding ossification level of the basipodium. Based on these results, it is suggested that the observed T. dobrogicus uniqueness originates from allometric heterochrony paralleled by a profound switch in habitat preference.
LIGNIN CONTENT OF OAT GRAIN - DOES IT AFFECT ANIMAL PERFORMANCE WHEN SHEEP ARE GIVEN OATS AS A SUPPLEMENTARY FEED?

Lignin content of oat hulls is variable and genetically controlled (Crosbie et al. 1985). Oat cultivars with a high lignin content in the hull have a lower digestibility than low-lignin cultivars (Rowe and Crosbie 1988). When fed as a complete diet there is a reduced intake of low-lignin cultivars compared to high-lignin cultivars and a higher dressing percentage (lower gut fill) (Rowe and Coss 1992). The aim of this experiment was to determine the influence of hull lignin content on feed intake and dressing percentage under conditions of supplementary feeding. Comparisons were also made between oat, barley and lupin grain. One hundred and forty sheep were divided into 13 treatment groups. Each of 4 grains (high and lowlignin oats, barley and lupins) were fed at 3 levels (150, 300 and 450 g/day) in addition to chaffed hay ad libitum (n = lo/treatment group). There were also 20 sheep fed only chaff. Feed intake was measured daily and all sheep were weighed weekly. The average weight of the sheep at the start of the experiment was 38 kg. At the end of 7 weeks on experimental diets all sheep were slaughtered and measurements made of dressing percent and gut contents. Level of grain feeding had a significant (P c 0.001) negative effect on the intake of chaff with an indication (P = 0.08) that source of grain also affected chaff intake. Intake of barley was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than high-lignin oat grain. There was no indication of reduced feed intake in sheep fed low-lignin oat grain. There were significant effects of grain type (P c 0.001) and level of feeding (P = 0.05) on dressing percent and an interaction between grain type x level of feeding (P = 0.06). The highest dressing percentage was in sheep fed lupin supplements and the lowest levels in the animals supplemented with high-lignin oats. Unlike responses in other grains, there was no increase in dressing percentage with increasing levels of high-lignin oats.
Investigation of an Outbreak of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry in Bangladesh

Since March 2007, an epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been devastating in backyard and commercial poultry in Bangladesh. The agents were pathotyped as highly pathogenic H5N1. This investigation reports the result of a retrospective investigation of an outbreak of low pathogenic H9N2 avian influenza in commercial parent stock chickens that occurred in 2006. The morbidity and mortality were 50% and 3%, respectively during 2–3 months. The egg production decreased to 36% and hatchability reduced to 10%. The clinical signs included less feed and water intake, nasal and ocular discharges and severe respiratory distress. On postmortem, samples including larynx, trachea and lungs were collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin and tracheal swabs, larynx and tracheal tissues were collected in Falcon tube containing 50% buffered glycerin with antibiotic and stored frozen at -70 °C. Histopathology was conducted using routine procedure. RNA extraction and RT-PCR were done using Qiagen RNA extraction and one step RT-PCR kits. Grossly, hemorrhage in nasal septum, sinuses, eyelids, larynx and trachea were found. Lungs were congested. Histologically, in larynx and trachea loss of mucosal epithelium, hemorrhages and mononuclear cells infiltration in lamina propria, blood tinged exudates in laryngeal and tracheal lumen were observed. In few cases, goblet cells were hypertrophied and mucosal glands were prominent that formed cystic spaces. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of 245 bp product of matrix protein gene and 488 bp fragment of H9 subtype specific haemagglutinin gene as well as 244 bp fragments of N2 gene in the suspected samples.The study proved that H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza virus was introduced in Bangladesh before the detection of H5N1 viruses.
In Vitro Root Culture From Roots And LeafExplants Of Luffa Acutangula(L.) Roxb

An efficient protocol had been developed for the root culture of Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. The root and leaf explants from 21 day old in vitro raised seedlings were cultured on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of Indole-3-acetic acid(IAA), Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Napthalene acetic acid (NAA). IBA at 1.0 mgl-1 combined with NAA (1.0 mgl-1) induced maximum percentage of rooting from leaf explants, under total dark condition. After 3 weeks, well established roots were separated. Fresh root tissue from the leaf explants and root tips from in vitro seedlings were subcultured in half strength MS liquid medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of IAA, IBA and NAA, under continuous agitation at 80 rpm under total dark condition. The biomass of root culture (derived from leaf explants) in the MS medium fortified with IBA(1.0 mgl-1), NAA(1.0mgl-1) and L-glutamine (20 mgl-1) was increased to 5.38 g FW and the biomass of root culture (derived from root tip) in the MS medium supplemented with IBA (0.5 mgl-1), NAA (1.0 mgl-1) and L- glutamine (20 mgl-1) was increased to 5.82 g FW after 7 weeks of culture.
Combination of PPAR-α Agonist and DPP-4 Inhibitor: A Novel Therapeutic Approach in the Management of Diabetic Nephropathy

The present study investigated the combined effect of fenofibrate (PPAR-α agonist) and saxagliptin (DPP-4 inhibitor) in diabetes-induced experimental nephropathy. Rats were administered streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/ kg i.p., once) to induce experimental diabetes mellitus. The development of diabetic nephropathy was assessed biochemically and histologically. In addition, the diabetes-induced lipid profile and renal oxidative stress were assessed. The single administration of STZ produced diabetes, which induced renal oxidative stress, altered the lipid profile and subsequently produced nephropathy in 8 weeks by increasing serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, proteinuria, and glomerular damage. Treatment with fenofibrate (30 mg/kg/day p.o.) normalized the altered lipid profile in diabetic rats, whereas the saxagliptin (3 mg/kg p.o.) treatment has no effect on lipid alteration in diabetic rats. Treatment with saxagliptin partially reduces the elevated glucose levels in diabetic rats, whereas fenofibrate treatment has no effect on it. The combination of fenofibrate and saxagliptin was more effective in attenuating the diabetes-induced nephropathy and renal oxidative stress as compared to treatment with either drug alone or lisinopril (1 mg/kg/day p.o.) (a standard agent). It may be concluded that diabetes-induced oxidative stress and lipid alterations may be responsible for the induction of nephropathy in diabetic rats. The concurrent administration of fenofibrate and saxagliptin may have prevented the development of diabetes-induced nephropathy by reducing the lipid alteration, decreasing the renal oxidative stress and providing the direct nephroprotective action.
Architectures for Resource Reservation Modules for Optical Burst Switching Core Nodes

Optical Burst Switching (OBS) is a promising candidate for a more dynamic optical network layer. One central task is the reservation of resources in the core nodes. Reservation modules in the output ports of OBS nodes will perform this reservation task. As these modules should not limit the performance of the node, reservation must be performed in very short time intervals. This paper surveys reservation schemes in OBS and discusses relevant scenarios with respect to offset values. Then, two architectures for reservation modules supporting the just-enough-time (JET) reservation scheme are presented. Finally, their implementation complexity and their scalability are analyzed.
Postfire response of North American boreal forest net primary productivity analyzed with satellite observations

Fire is a major disturbance in the boreal forest, and has been shown to release significant amounts of carbon (C) to the atmosphere through combustion. However, less is known about the effects on ecosystems following fire, which include reduced productivity and changes in decomposition in the decade immediately following the disturbance. In this study, we assessed the impact of fire on net primary productivity (NPP) in the North American boreal forest using a 17‐year record of satellite NDVI observations at 8‐ km spatial resolution together with a light‐use efficiency model. We identified 61 fire scars in the satellite observations using digitized fire burn perimeters from a database of large fires. We studied the postfire response of NPP by analyzing the most impacted pixel within each burned area. NPP decreased in the year following the fire by 60–260 g C m−2 yr−1 (30–80%). By comparing pre‐ and postfire observations, we estimated a mean NPP recovery period for boreal forests of about 9 years, with substantial variability among fires. We incorporated this behavior into a carbon cycle model simulation to demonstrate these effects on net ecosystem production. The disturbance resulted in a release of C to the atmosphere during the first 8 years, followed by a small, but long‐lived, sink lasting 150 years. Postfire net emissions were three times as large as from a model run without changing NPP. However, only small differences in the C cycle occurred between runs after 8 years due to the rapid recovery of NPP. We conclude by discussing the effects of fire on the long‐term continental trends in satellite NDVI observed across boreal North America during the 1980s and 1990s.
A Simulation Study on the Performances of Homogeneity Tests Applied in Meteorological Studies

Checking the homogeneity of meteorological data is an important quality control method. Because abrupt discontinuities, gradual or instant changes or changes in variability may cause inhomogeneities. We have selected six well-known homogeneity tests to compare their performances. The simulation results show that the best performance is obtained by Standard Normal Homogeneity Test.
Sleep Spindle Detection and Prediction Using a Mixture of Time Series and Chaotic Features

It is well established that sleep spindles (bursts of oscillatory brain electrical activity) are significant indicators of learning, memory and some disease states. Therefore, many attempts have been made to detect these hallmark patterns automatically. In this pilot investigation, we paid special attention to nonlinear chaotic features of EEG signals (in combination with linear features) to investigate the detection and prediction of sleep spindles. These nonlinear features included: Higuchi's, Katz's and Sevcik's Fractal Dimensions, as well as the Largest Lyapunov Exponent and Kolmogorov's Entropy. It was shown that the intensity map of various nonlinear features derived from the constructive interference of spindle signals could improve the detection of the sleep spindles. It was also observed that the prediction of sleep spindles could be facilitated by means of the analysis of these maps. Two well-known classifiers, namely the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) were used to distinguish between spindle and non-spindle patterns. The MLP classifier produced a~high discriminative capacity (accuracy = 94.93%, sensitivity = 94.31% and specificity = 95.28%) with significant robustness (accuracy ranging from 91.33% to 94.93%, sensitivity varying from 91.20% to 94.31%, and specificity extending from 89.79% to 95.28%) in separating spindles from non-spindles. This classifier also generated the best results in predicting sleep spindles based on chaotic features. In addition, the MLP was used to find out the best time window for predicting the sleep spindles, with the experimental results reaching 97.96% accuracy.
Water resources development and management for developing countries in the 21st century: revisiting older and newer ideas

The development and management of water resources involve several important scientific and technical questions, as well as logico-philosophical ones, yet they may strongly depend on economic, social, political and ideological influences. Some of these aspects are briefly examined considering the experiences of the developed countries in the 20th century, but with reference to developing countries in the 21st century.
A shallow-flow model for the propagation of tsunamis over complex geometries and mobile beds

Abstract. A distinguishable feature of overland tsunami propagation is the incorporation of solids within the flow column, either sediment from the natural environment or remains from built infrastructure. This article describes a 2DH (two-dimensional horizontal) mathematical model particularly suited for tsunami propagation over complex and dynamic geometries, such as river and estuarine mobile beds. The discretization scheme is based on a finite-volume method using a flux-splitting technique featuring a reviewed Roe–Riemann solver, with appropriate source-term formulations to ensure full conservativeness. The model is validated with laboratory data and paleo-tsunami evidence. As a forecasting application, it is applied to a tsunami scenario in the Tagus estuary, an effort justified by the numerous catastrophic tsunamis that are known to have struck this location over the past two millennia. The obtained results show that, despite the significant differences in Lisbon's layout and morphology, a 1755-like tsunami would still inflict a devastating impact on this major city.
Impacts of Climate Change on Water Availability and Crop Yield in Germany

Under a warmer climate, crop growth and crop yield could be affected by many factors (e.g. increasing temperatures, CO2 fertilization and lower water supply) either positively or negatively. The present study aims in a) projecting the future water availability and low flow conditions in the five largest river basins in Germany, b) investigating the impact of climate change and CO2 fertilization on crop yield, and c) studying the potential of having two yields (e.g. winter wheat – summer barley) per year under a warmer climate. The eco-hydrological model SWIM (Soil and Water Integrated Model) was driven by four regional climate models (CCLM, REMO, STAR and Wettreg) to simulate daily river discharge and crop yield in five large river basins in Germany. The impact on crop yield was studied for the basins Ems and Elbe with the STAR scenario. When evaluating climate impacts, an adjustment of net photosynthesis to higher CO2 concentrations and a flexible crop rotation scheme based on the harvest index were used. As simulations show, until the middle of this century water discharge in all the studied rivers would be 8-30% lower in summer and autumn compared to the period 19611990. The current 50-year low flow is likely to occur more frequently in western, southern and part of central Germany, especially at the end of this century. Winter wheat yield is likely to decrease by about 6-10% under the STAR scenario due to lower water availability. However, CO2 fertilization may compensate this negative effect and increase the crop yield by 9-14%. Besides, it is likely to have two yields (winter wheat-summer barley) per year in the Ems catchment after year 2030.
Variation in the plant-mediated methane transport and its importance for methane emission from intact wetland peat mesocosms

Aims and Methods Vascular plants are known to influence the production, transport and oxidation of methane in wetland soils, but these processes are not well understood. Using plants grown in intact peat cores, we compared the influence upon methane emissions of 20 forb and graminoid species from European wetlands. We measured plant-mediated transport of methane (conduit or chimney effect) using a novel agar-sealing technique that prevented methane exchange from the bare soil to the atmosphere. Important Findings The plant-mediated transport (chimney effect) represented between 30% and almost 100% of the total methane flux, with graminoids exhibiting greater internal transport than forbs. In general, plants with less dense root tissues and a relatively larger root volume exhibited a larger chimney effect. Most species (12 out of 20) significantly reduced methane emissions compared to bare soil and only one species, Succisa pratensis, increased them. We suggest that characterising vegetation in terms of plant functional traits and plant processes offers an effective method for estimating methane emissions from wetlands. However, we found no correlation between the magnitude of the chimney effect and the overall influence of different plant species on methane emissions. Besides introducing a useful tool to study plant-mediated transport, this work suggests that characterising vegetation in terms of functional traits could improve estimates of methane emissions from wetlands, which in turn could help in designing mitigation strategies.
The diffusion and adoption of tools and techniques to aid new product development

Despite the fact that failure rates are still substantial, research shows low levels of penetration for tools and techniques to aid New Product Development. We set out to gain more' insight into the diffusion and adoption of NPD tools and techniques. Our empirical research was conducted in The Netherlands and involved 70 industrial companies. The results show that the diffusion of NPD tools and techniques' continues. Accelerations and slow-downs in the diffusion process can be noted and explained. Innovation strategy, the number of interactions between departments involved in the NPD process, the number of departments involved in the NPD process, and the number of NPD stages are found to be significant adoption characteristics. Furthermore, our results show a positive relationship between the level of adoption of tools and techniques and company performance. The latter points out that NPD tools and techniques are valuable instruments when aiming to improve NPD outcome.
Facing Off

Social media sites have become the new battleground in U.S. presidential politics. In helping to create an identifiable image for candidates, photographs on Facebook have become a convenient outlet for displaying both advertising and candid images of the candidate. While scholars have begun to recognize the impact of photographs on political campaign, Grabe and Bucy have identified potential frames that news photographs enable campaigns to use in hopes of casting candidates in a particular light. This essay utilizes a close semiotic analysis to understand how Internet images convey meaning that helps to create those frames. The essay concludes with a discussion of the utility of semiotic analysis in understanding campaign images and the potential for Internet images for framing campaigns.
Phytohormones in red seaweeds: a technical review of methods for analysis and a consideration of genomic data

Abstract Emerging studies suggest that seaweeds contain phytohormones; however, their chemical entities, biosynthetic pathways, signal transduction mechanisms, and physiological roles are poorly understood. Until recently, it was difficult to conduct comprehensive analysis of phytohormones in seaweeds because of the interfering effects of cellular constituents on fine quantification. In this review, we discuss the details of the latest method allowing simultaneous profiling of multiple phytohormones in red seaweeds, while avoiding the effects of cellular factors. Recent studies have confirmed the presence of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), N6-(Δ2-isopentenyl)adenine (iP), (+)-abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid, but not of gibberellins and jasmonate, in Pyropia yezoensis and Bangia fuscopurpurea. In addition, an in silico genome-wide homology search indicated that red seaweeds synthesize iP and ABA via pathways similar to those in terrestrial plants, although genes homologous to those involved in IAA biosynthesis in terrestrial plants were not found, suggesting the epiphytic origin of IAA. It is noteworthy that these seaweeds also lack homologues of known factors involved in the perception and signal transduction of IAA, iP, and ABA. Thus, the modes of action of these phytohormones in red seaweeds are unexpectedly dissimilar to those in terrestrial plants.