Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional changes in the temporomandibular joint mechanoreceptors associated with experimentally induced condylar resorption in rats.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the influence of experimentally induced progressive condylar resorption (PCR) on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mechanoreception. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty 13-week-old male albino Wistar rats were divided equally into control and PCR groups. A compressive force was loaded on the left TMJ of PCR group rats to induce condylar resorption. Single-unit activities of TMJ mechanoreceptors were also induced through passive jaw movement. Recording was performed for the left Gasserian ganglion at 3 days and 1 week after the establishment of PCR group. The effects of PCR on TMJ units were assessed by measuring the firing threshold, maximum instantaneous firing frequency, and average firing frequency. RESULTS Compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in the firing threshold of the PCR group after 3 days. The thresholds were significantly higher 1 week after compressive force loading on the condyle. The maximum instantaneous firing frequencies and the average firing frequencies showed no significant differences after 3 days. However, these were significantly lower 1 week after compressive force loading. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that compressive force loading on the condyle may influence the function of TMJ mechanoreceptors.
Impact of temporal precipitation variability on ecosystem productivity

Projected increases in temporal precipitation variability, including intra‐annual and interannual variability, will likely have important impacts on terrestrial ecosystem productivity. The direction and magnitude of these impacts and how they vary across biomes, however, remain largely uncertain. Here, we review published literature that investigated the effect of different characteristics of temporal precipitation variability on vegetation productivity. We first reviewed commonly used methods, including manipulation experiments, process‐based modeling, and data‐driven analysis, and further discussed their strengths and limitations. Then, we summarized state‐of‐the‐art research on this topic by categorizing the results based on the characteristics of temporal precipitation variability. Given the same amount of growing season precipitation, a more extreme precipitation regime, characterized as fewer but larger precipitation events, tends to have a negative impact on vegetation productivity of most ecosystems except xeric grasslands and wet‐cold forests. Precipitation in the early growing season was found to be particularly important to vegetation productivity. Greater interannual precipitation variability tends to decrease vegetation productivity, but the reported patterns are complex, as both concave‐up and concave‐down precipitation‐productivity relations were found. Despite the progress made so far, critical challenges and knowledge gaps remain, such as the global‐scale impacts across different biomes, the role of biological adaption, and the contribution of individual precipitation events. Future research needs to combine manipulation experiments across a broad spectrum of ecosystem types and environmental gradients with model‐data integration strategies to disentangle the interactions between abiotic and biotic factors controlling vegetation responses to precipitation variability.
Analysis of the Grounding Avoidance Behavior of a Ro-Pax Ship in the Gulf of Finland using Big Data

Waterway traffic complexity is one of the main reasons behind grounding accidents. It can be estimated qualitatively through expert judgment or quantitatively through the analysis of traffic data. In this paper we introduce a big data analytics methodology for the analysis of grounding avoidance behavior of selected Ro-Pax ships. To demonstrate the applicability of the method, detailed traffic data obtained from Automatic Identification System (AIS) are combined with the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) for three year period of operations in the Gulf of Finland. The grounding avoidance behavior of a RoPax passenger ship operating in shallow waters is idealized under various traffic patterns that link to side or forward grounding scenarios. The results demonstrate improved understanding of grounding avoidance behaviors in real operation that may in turn lead to better evaluation of waterway complexity indices and critical operational scenarios not currently accounted for by existing accident databases.
Does wolf presence reduce moose browsing intensity in young forest plantations?

Large carnivores can be a key factor in shaping their ungulate prey's behavior, which may affect lower trophic levels. While most studies on trade-offs between food acquisition and risk avoidance by ungulate prey species have been conducted in areas with limited human impact, carnivores are now increasingly returning to highly anthropogenic landscapes. Many of these landscapes are dominated by forestry, and ungulate-forestry conflicts are an increasing issue. The aim of this study was to test if the indirect effects of a re-colonizing large predator, the wolf Canis lupus, results in a change in browsing intensity by moose Alces alces in young forest plantations in a boreal forest in Sweden. We selected 24 different forest plantations, with 12 located in low-wolf and 12 in high-wolf utilization areas. In each plantation, we measured browsing intensity, tree height, tree density, distance to the closest forest edge and we counted the number of moose pellet groups. In contrast to our predictions, wolf utilization was not the main driver of moose browsing patterns. Instead, moose browsing intensity declined with tree density and height. Separate analyses on the main tree species showed that wolf utilization had an influence, but browsing intensity was in fact higher in the high-wolf utilization areas for three out of five tree species. This pattern seemed to be driven by a strong confounding relationship between wolf utilization, tree density and height, which were both lower in the high-wolf utilization areas. We argue that this confounding effect is due to wolves being pushed towards the less productive parts of the landscape away from human activity centers. Therefore, we concluded that in order to better understand carnivore driven risk-mediated effects on herbivore behavior in anthropogenic landscapes we need to better understand the complexity of human-carnivore-prey-ecosystem interactions. Ecography
Transient Expression of CCL21Chemokine in Tobacco via Agroinfiltration

Secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine (SLC/CCL21) is a CC chemokine that is basically expressed in different lymphoid tissues and binds to chemokine receptor CCR7 on active dendritic cells (DCs) and increase T-cell activities. Two methods of expressing recombinant proteins in plants exist; transient expression by Agroinfiltrationand stable transformation of plant genome.each having advantages depending on the goal of study. Transient transformation of tobacco leaf is a fast technique for assessing gene before generating stable plant lines using a more time-consuming technique. Transient expression takes from 3to 7 days whereas transgenic linesare generated after 24 months. Soagroinfiltration as a rapid method for production presence of recombinant antigen of C-C chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) intobacco leaves.Foreign gene expression was evaluated using semi quantitative RT-PCR, Real time PCR , protein dot blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot,All results show that the foreign gene was transcribed in transformed leaves. Finally, the efficacy of agroinfiltration for transient expression of CCL21 recombinant protein in tobacco was illustrated in this study. KeywordsRecombinant vaccine; Agroinfiltration; Tobacco; Transient gene expression, C-C chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) ————————————————————
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain Diversity Associated with Spontaneous Fermentations in Organic Wineries from Galicia (NW Spain)

Yeast play an essential role in wine quality. The dynamics of yeast strains during fermentation determine the final chemical and sensory characteristics of wines. This study aims to evaluate the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains diversity in organic wineries from Galicia (NW Spain). Samples from spontaneous fermentations were taken in five wineries over three consecutive years (2013 to 2015). The samples were transported to the laboratory and processed following standard methodology for yeast isolation. S. cerevisiae strains were differentiated by mDNA-RFLPs. A total of 66 different strains were identified. Some of them presented a wide distribution and appeared in several wineries. However, other strains were typical from a specific winery. Similarity analysis using two different statistical tests showed significant differences in strain diversity among wineries. The results also revealed high biodiversity indexes; however, only some strains showed an important incidence in their distribution and frequency. Our findings confirmed that spontaneous fermentation favored the existence of a high S. cerevisiae strain diversity in organic wineries from Galicia. The presence of different yeasts during fermentation, specially winery-specific strains, contribute to increased wine complexity and differentiation.
DEVELOPMENT OF FLOATING GASTRORETENTIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM BASED ON A NOVEL EXCIPIENT FOR METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE USING MIXTURE DESIGN

Objective: The present study aimed to develop a new SR metformin hydrochloride (MH) gastroretentive formulation with novel excipient (NE), which has better floatation and can be prepared with more simple pharmaceutical techniques for the treatment of diabetes Mellitus. Methods: A gastro-retentive floating matrix tablet (GFT) formulation of MH was prepared using various concentrations of PEO (Polyox WSR-303) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100M (HPMC K100 M) and Floating agent (novel excipient) to achieve desirable TFT, FLT and drug release. The wet granulation method was selected using isopropyl alcohol as a binder for the preparation of tablets. D-optimal non-simplex mixture design was used for the selection of suitable polymer concentrations and floating agents. Release kinetics was used to determine the mechanism of drug release. Results: It was observed that GFT with optimum quantities of PEO, HPMC K100M, and the floating agent showed 100 % of drug release in 24h with FT up to 24h and minimum FLT of less than 2 min. Formulation with an in vitro release profile slower to the marketed sample was prepared. Conclusion: A sustained-release (GFT) of MH tablets using PEO-, HPMC K100M, and an effervescent system was successfully prepared. AGFT formulation with an in vitro release profile slower to the marketed sample that releases MH for 24h may suitable for once-daily dosing can be prepared.
Peptide late-stage C(sp3)–H arylation by native asparagine assistance without exogenous directing groups

There is a strong demand for novel native peptide motifs for post-synthetic modifications of peptides without pre-installation and subsequent removal of directing groups. Herein, we report an efficient method for peptide late-stage C(sp3)–H arylations assisted by the unmodified side chain of asparagine (Asn) without any exogenous directing group. Thereby, site-selective arylations of C(sp3)–H bonds at the N-terminus of di-, tri-, and tetrapeptides have been achieved. Likewise, we have constructed a key building block for accessing agouti-related protein (AGRP) active loop analogues in a concise manner.
A relational framework for inconsistency-aware query answering

We introduce a novel framework for encoding inconsistency into relational tuples and tackling query answering for union of con-junctive queries (UCQs) with respect to a set of denial constraints (DCs). We define a notion of inconsistent tuple with respect to a set of DCs and define four measures of inconsistency degree of an answer tuple of a query. Two of these measures revolve around the minimal number of inconsistent tuples necessary to compute the answer tuples of a UCQ, whereas the other two rely on the maximum number of inconsistent tuples under set-and bag-semantics, respectively. In order to compute these measures of inconsistency degree, we leverage two models of provenance semiring, namely why-provenance and provenance polynomials, which can be computed in polynomial time in the size of the relational instances for UCQs. Hence, these measures of inconsistency degree are also computable in polynomial time in data complexity. We also investigate top-k and bounded query answering by ranking the answer tuples by their inconsistency degrees. We explore both a full materialized approach and a semi-materialized approach for the computation of top-k and bounded query results.
Social process tracing - bringing back the social into the process

Process tracing methods are increasingly popular in the social sciences. At the same time, most existing guidelines miss ‘the social’ when studying political and social processes. In effect, existing guidelines for PT suggest there is little difference between studying the natural world and the social world. In this article, we attempt to reconstruct process tracing methodology to create what we term ‘social process tracing’ methods, making it better suited to studying social processes, enabling the theorization of more socially-contextualized processes, and empirical analysis that supplements existing forms of process tracing evidence with ‘experience-near’ evidence based on participant understandings of specific settings and actors in question. In other words, to incorporate the beliefs, values and meanings of individuals to the causal explanation.
Overcoming Antagonistic Effects of Na-Bentazon on Sethoxydim Absorption

The influence of adjuvants, inorganic salts, and herbicide formulations on the antagonistic effect of Na-bentazon on sethoxydim absorption was studied in quackgrass. Adjuvant BCH 815 00, at 2.4 L ha−1 alone or at 1.2 L ha−1 combined with 1.1 kg ha−1 of ammonium sulfate, added to the sethoxydim and Na-bentazon spray mixture overcame the antagonism on 14C-sethoxydim absorption in quackgrass. Crop oil concentrate at rates up to 9.6 L ha−1 did not overcome the antagonism. Adding ammonium phosphate or ammonium nitrate to the spray solution was as effective as adding ammonium sulfate in overcoming the antagonism caused by reduced absorption of sethoxydim even from the combination of Na-bentazon plus Na-acifluorfen. Ammonium salts and NH4-bentazon overcame the antagonism of Na-bentazon by forming readily absorbed NH4-sethoxydim.
College students’ underlying beliefs about using e-cigarettes: an application of the reasoned action approach

Abstract Background. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs about e-cigarette use among college students using the Reasoned Action Approach. Methods. This study used a sequential mixed-methods design over 3 Phases. During Phase 1, salient beliefs were elicited via an online survey (n = 58); chi-square analyses were conducted to examine differences between e-cigarette users and non-users. Using data from Phase 1, we developed survey items and assessed initial factor loadings via a principal component analysis (n = 49) in Phase 2. In Phase 3, the survey was administered to a larger sample of college students (n = 499) to explore the association between participants’ underlying beliefs and the RAA constructs. Results. During Phase 1, no significant differences in salient beliefs were found between e-cigarettes users and non-users; thus, both groups were included in all phases. During Phase 2, 148 items were developed, piloted to test factor loadings, and reduced to 60 items, which loaded onto eight factors (two factors per construct). In Phase 3, we found underlying beliefs, such as believing e-cigarettes would help relieve stress or one’s mentors would not approve of their use, were related to global RAA measures–attitude and injunctive norms, respectively. Conclusions. Overall, our sample of college students endorsed negative beliefs associated with e-cigarette use and did not identify with those who they believed to use these products. Parents were important referents for this sample, whose opinions may influence college students’ behavioral decision-making process.
How to Build a Sustainable MICE Environment Based on Social Identity Theory

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events) have been established as one of the most important industries. Limited attention, however, has been given to understanding the underlying mechanisms of a sustainable market environment. In order to build such an environment, this research investigates a way to enhance the identity between local businesses and the MICE industry that make up the MICE environment by employing the brand concept in marketing. This study examines the effect of venue name and type of events being exposed on brand formation. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between brand identity and the impact on residents’ perceived brand value. The findings of this research suggest that consistent exposure of content-specific brand names and similar types of events increases the identity between local businesses and the MICE industry, and the identity mediates the relationship.
Long-Term Timber Contracts in the Southeastern United States: Updating the Primer Valuation Framework

Timberland ownership has drastically changed in the United States since the 1980s, driven by the divestitures of vertically integrated forest products companies. Having sold their timberland, forest products companies have exposed themselves more to the risk of raw material supply. To hedge against this risk, forest products companies usually use long-term timber contracts (LTTC). The objective of this article is to update the valuation framework for LTTCs proposed by Shaffer (1984) by including alternative option price models and refining the estimates of some key economic variables. In particular, conditional volatility from the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model and quasi-conditional volatility from rolling estimation windows, in addition to simple standard deviation, are used for the volatility estimates in the option pricing models. Contrary to the previous result by Shaffer (1984), our analysis suggests that LTTCs that were once profitable for forest products companies in the 1980s are no longer so under current market conditions. This is primarily because both timber price volatility and the risk-free interest rates have declined significantly. Thus, to be better off, forest products companies need to either lower the administration and management costs of those LTTCs or rely more on the open market for timber procurement.Study Implications: Forest products companies have traditionally relied on long-term timber contracts (LTTC) negotiated with forest landowners to mitigate the risk of raw material supply. The value of these LTTCs highly depends on the economic context. This research provides some insights into the valuation of LTTCs in the southeastern United States. Forest products companies can use this updated framework to aid their decisionmaking in timber procurement.
Rediscovering Majority Logic in the Post-CMOS Era: A Perspective from In-Memory Computing

As we approach the end of Moore’s law, many alternative devices are being explored to satisfy the performance requirements of modern integrated circuits. At the same time, the movement of data between processing and memory units in contemporary computing systems (‘von Neumann bottleneck’ or ‘memory wall’) necessitates a paradigm shift in the way data is processed. Emerging resistance switching memories (memristors) show promising signs to overcome the ‘memory wall’ by enabling computation in the memory array. Majority logic is a type of Boolean logic which has been found to be an efficient logic primitive due to its expressive power. In this review, the efficiency of majority logic is analyzed from the perspective of in-memory computing. Recently reported methods to implement majority gate in Resistive RAM array are reviewed and compared. Conventional CMOS implementation accommodated heterogeneity of logic gates (NAND, NOR, XOR) while in-memory implementation usually accommodates homogeneity of gates (only IMPLY or only NAND or only MAJORITY). In view of this, memristive logic families which can implement MAJORITY gate and NOT (to make it functionally complete) are to be favored for in-memory computing. One-bit full adders implemented in memory array using different logic primitives are compared and the efficiency of majority-based implementation is underscored. To investigate if the efficiency of majority-based implementation extends to n-bit adders, eight-bit adders implemented in memory array using different logic primitives are compared. Parallel-prefix adders implemented in majority logic can reduce latency of in-memory adders by 50–70% when compared to IMPLY, NAND, NOR and other similar logic primitives.
Accumulation of terpenoid indole alkaloids in jasmonic acid elicited catharanthus roseus plants before and during flowering

Jasmonates analogues including jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) are plant-signaling molecules involved in defense against insects and pathogens. In Catharanthus roseus, jasmonates play a key role in regulating the biosynthesis of pharmaceutically important terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs). In the present study, C. roseus plants were elicited with JA before and during flowering to investigate the induction of TIA biosynthesis in different organs during the two developmental stages concerning via HPLC and qRT-PCR methods. The results showed that JA stimulates the TIA accumulation before flowering but had less effect during flowering. TIA accumulations in different organs (flower, leaf, and root) also showed a different response to JA elicitation. Moreover, transcriptional analysis showed that JA elicitation had a greater effect on the expression levels of key TIA biosynthetic genes (such as STR, SGD, DAT and PRX1) in C. roseus before flowering than during flowering. In C. roseus control (non-treated) plants the level of jasmonic acid was higher before flowering than during flowering, and in JA-treated plants JA was accumulated more before flowering than during flowering. The study provided an insight into the effect of flowering on JA-induced TIA biosynthesis in C. roseus plants.
Microbiological attributes of a soil under history of swine wastewater application

: This research sought to study the effect of applying swine wastewater (SW) on the microbiological attributes of a clayey soil cultivated with physic nut ( Jatropha curcas L.). This experimental area was subjected to SW applications for 3 years, followed by fallow for other 2 years. In December 2017, soil collections were carried out and the experiment conducted in randomized complete blocks (RCB) with six treatments and three replicates, namely T1: 0 (control), T2: 40, T3: 80, T4: 120, T5: 160 and T6: 200 m 3 ha -1 . The evaluated attributes were the following: CFU, diversity, MBC, SBR, qCO 2 and FDA. Values of the CFU means demonstrated an increase in the bacterial population density and the diversity pointed to the favoring of bacterial morphotypes already present in the soil, in all treatments under SW application. CFU and SBR were the most effective variables in obtaining results and in the treatment discrimination. The dose with the best metabolic performance was 160 m 3 ha -1 due to the better relationship of the parameters previously evaluated in this study.