Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New approaches to tannin analysis of leaves can be used to explain in vitro biological activities associated with herbivore defence

Summary Although tannins have been an important focus of studies of plant–animal interactions, traditional tannin analyses cannot differentiate between the diversity of structures present in plants. This has limited our understanding of how different mixtures of these widespread secondary metabolites contribute to variation in biological activity. We used UPLC‐MS/MS to determine the concentration and broad composition of tannins and polyphenols in 628 eucalypt (Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora) samples, and related these to three in vitro functional measures believed to influence herbivore defence: protein precipitation capacity, oxidative activity at high pH and capacity to reduce in vitro nitrogen (N) digestibility. Protein precipitation capacity was most strongly correlated with concentrations of procyanidin subunits in proanthocyanidins (PAs), and late‐eluting ellagitannins. Capacity to reduce in vitro N digestibility was affected most by the subunit composition and mean degree of polymerisation (mDP) of PAs. Finally, concentrations of ellagitannins and prodelphinidin subunits of PAs were the strongest determinants of oxidative activity. The results illustrate why measures of total tannins rarely correlate with animal feeding responses. However, they also confirm that the analytical techniques utilised here could allow researchers to understand how variation in tannins influence the ecology of individuals and populations of herbivores, and, ultimately, other ecosystem processes.
PIEZO1 activation delays erythroid differentiation of normal and hereditary xerocytosis-derived human progenitor cells

Hereditary xerocytosis is a dominantly inherited red cell membrane disorder caused in most cases by gain-of-function mutations in PIEZO1, encoding a mechanosensitive ion channel that translates a mechanic stimulus into calcium influx. We found that PIEZO1 was expressed early in erythroid progenitor cells, and investigated whether it could be involved in erythropoiesis, besides having a role in the homeostasis of mature red cell hydration. In UT7 cells, chemical PIEZO1 activation using YODA1 repressed glycophorin A expression by 75%. This effect was PIEZO1-dependent since it was reverted using specific short hairpin-RNA knockdown. The effect of PIEZO1 activation was confirmed in human primary progenitor cells, maintaining cells at an immature stage for longer and modifying the transcriptional balance in favor of genes associated with early erythropoiesis, as shown by a high GATA2/GATA1 ratio and decreased α/β-globin expression. The cell proliferation rate was also reduced, with accumulation of cells in G0/G1 of the cell cycle. The PIEZO1-mediated effect on UT7 cells required calcium-dependent activation of the NFAT and ERK1/2 pathways. In primary erythroid cells, PIEZO1 activation synergized with erythropoietin to activate STAT5 and ERK, indicating that it may modulate signaling pathways downstream of erythropoietin receptor activation. Finally, we studied the in-vitro erythroid differentiation of primary cells obtained from 14 PIEZO1-mutated patients, from 11 families, carrying ten different mutations. We observed a delay in erythroid differentiation in all cases, ranging from mild (n=3) to marked (n=8). Overall, these data demonstrate a role for PIEZO1 during erythropoiesis, since activation of PIEZO1 - both chemically and through activating mutations - delays erythroid maturation, providing new insights into the pathophysiology of hereditary xerocytosis.
Integrated On-Chip Transformers: Recent Progress in the Design, Layout, Modeling and Fabrication

On-chip transformers are considered to be the primary components in many RF wireless applications. This paper provides an in-depth review of on-chip transformers, starting with a presentation on the various equivalent circuit models to represent transformer behavior and characterize their performance. Next, a comparative study on the different design and layout strategies is provided, and the fabrication techniques for on-chip implementation of transformers are discussed. The critical performance parameters to characterize on-chip transformers, such as the Q-factor, coupling factor (k), resonance frequency (fSR), and others, are discussed with reference to trade-offs in silicon chip real-estate. The performance parameters and area requirements for different types of on-chip transformers are summarized in tabular form and compared. Several techniques for performance enhancement of on-chip transformers, including the different types of micromachining and integration approaches stemming from MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technologies are also analyzed. Lastly, the different uses and applications of on-chip transformers are discussed to highlight the evolution of on-chip transformer technology over the recent years and provide directions for future work in this field.
Opioids and social bonding: Effect of naltrexone on feelings of social connection and ventral striatum activity to close others.

Close social bonds are critical to immediate and long-term well-being. However, the neurochemical mechanisms by which we remain connected to our closest loved ones are not well understood. Opioids have long been theorized to contribute to social bonding via their actions on the brain. But feelings of social connection toward one's own close others and direct comparisons of ventral striatum (VS) activity in response to close others and strangers, a neural correlate of social bonding, have not been explored. Therefore, the current clinical trial examined whether opioids causally affect neural and experiential signatures of social bonding. Eighty participants were administered naltrexone (n = 40), an opioid antagonist that blocks natural opioid processing, or placebo (n = 40) before completing a functional MRI scan where they viewed images of their close others and individuals they had not seen before (i.e., strangers). Feelings of social connection to the close others and physical symptoms commonly experienced when taking naltrexone were also collected. In support of hypotheses, naltrexone (vs. placebo) reduced feelings of social connection toward the close others (e.g., family, friends, romantic partners). Furthermore, naltrexone (vs. placebo) reduced left VS activity in response to images of the same close others, but did not alter left VS activity to strangers. Finally, the positive correlation between feelings of connection and VS activity to close others present in the placebo condition was erased by naltrexone. Effects remained after adjusting for physical symptoms. Together, results lend support to theories suggesting that opioids contribute to social bonding, especially with our closest loved ones. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
RISK FACTORS FOR HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN TYPE 1 DIABETES.

Objective: Studies have demonstrated that HbA1c is a significant predictor of hearing impairment in type 1 diabetes. We identified additional factors associated with hearing impairment in participants with type 1 diabetes from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and its observational follow-up, Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) study. Methods: 1,150 DCCT/EDIC participants were recruited for the Hearing Study. A medical history, physical measurements, and a self-administered hearing questionnaire were obtained. Audiometry was performed by study-certified personnel and assessed centrally. Logistic regression models assessed the association of risk factors and comorbidities with speech- and high-frequency hearing impairment. Results: Mean age was 55±7 years, duration of diabetes 34±5 years, and DCCT/EDIC HbA1c 7.9±0.9%. In multivariable models, higher odds of speech-frequency impairment were significantly associated with older age, higher HbA1c, history of noise exposure, male sex, and higher triglycerides. Higher odds of high-frequency impairment were associated with older age, male sex, history of noise exposure, higher skin intrinsic florescence (SIF) as a marker of tissue glycation, higher HbA1c, non-professional/non-technical occupations, sedentary activity, and lower LDL cholesterol. Among participants who previously completed computed tomography and carotid ultrasonography, coronary artery calcification (CAC)>0 and carotid intima-medial thickness were significantly associated with high- but not speech-frequency impairment. Conclusion: Consistent with previous reports, male sex, age, several metabolic factors, and noise exposure are independently associated with hearing impairment. The association with SIF further emphasizes the importance of glycemia, as a modifiable risk factor, over time. In addition, the macrovascular contribution of CAC is novel and important. Clinical Trials Registration Numbers: NCT00360893, NCT00360815.
Obsession in Entrepreneurs – Towards a Conceputalisation

Abstract We examine a tenuous and intriguing suggestion emerging from qualitative research into passion that entrepreneurs experience venture-related obsession. Responding to this observation, we develop an understanding of obsession in entrepreneurship and clinical and non-clinical populations. We propose that entrepreneurs may experience venture-related obsessions that are similar to obsession as described in the clinical literature and develop a model of entrepreneurial obsession. We suggest that obsession may have a relationship with passion and contribute productively towards desirable entrepreneurial outcomes despite its potential to stimulate negative affect or anxiety. Further research is warranted to explore and define this construct.
Photocatalytic Purification of Wastewater Polluted by Odorant Sulfur Compounds Using Titanium Oxide in a Continuous Photoreactor

Abstract Using titanium dioxide, photocatalytic degradation of waste water polluted by commercial mercaptans (80% t-butyl mercaptan and 20% methyl ethyl sulfide) was investigated in a continuous photoreactor in the presence of UV irradiation. The reaction was performed at different pH of solution, intensity of irradiation, and initial concentration of odorant. Kinetics and mechanism of photocatalytic decomposition of mercaptans were studied by ex situ FTIR measurements of intermediates. The results showed that the photocatalytic process for degradation of mercaptans was an efficient method for mineralization of sulfur odorants in waste water. A proposed mechanism of mineralization of mercaptan was presented based on the results.
Analysis of Cyanotoxins Presence from Experimental Cyanobacteria Concentrations in the Trasona Reservoir (Northern Spain) Using Support Vector Regression

Abstract Cyanotoxins, a kind of poisonous substances produced by cianobacteria, are responsibles for health risks in surface waters used for drinking or for recreation. As a result, anticipate its presence is a matter of importance to prevent risks. The aim of this study is to build a regression model for predicting cyanotoxin presence in the Trasona reservoir (Northern Spain). Some biological parameters related to cyanobacteria and ciantoxin by production are mesasured and the support vector machine (SVM) technique at local scale is applied with success. The results obtained are two-fold. Firstly, the significance of each kind of cyanobacteria on the cyanotoxins presence in the reservoir has been determined, showing the existence of a synergistic behaviour between two species of cyanobacteria. Finally, a predictive model able to forecast the possible presence of cyanotoxins in a short term was obtained.
Afrikaans in contact with English: endangered language or case of exceptional bilingualism?

Abstract At present, discussions about potential language shift from African languages or Afrikaans to English are widespread in South Africa. This article focuses on the position of Afrikaans. Researchers interested in the position of Afrikaans today hold different views and there are some methodological problems with current studies. The main aim of this article is to problematize claims of language shift among Afrikaans speakers by analyzing relevant data from a larger scale survey of the language repertoires of an identified Afrikaans population (n = 244) in the Vaal Triangle region. The research method involved the adaptation of language history or experience questionnaires designed by bilingualism researchers to describe the language repertoires of a large population of multilingual students. The main findings of the study are that: (a) Afrikaans-English bilingualism (and bi-literacy) is prominent among the Afrikaans participants in the study; (b) the position of English as an important language in the bilingual repertoires of the participants is confirmed; and (c) Afrikaans seems firmly set as the language that contributes most to the identity of these participants. A pattern of stable bilingualism and bi-literacy emerges. The value of adding larger scale quantitative studies to complement smaller, qualitative studies in discussions of language shift and maintenance is confirmed by this study. The impact of the omission of Afrikaans-English bilingualism in the debate about Afrikaans is discussed.
A comparison of limited‐area 3DVAR and ETKF‐En3DVAR data assimilation using radar observations at convective scale for the prediction of Typhoon Saomai (2006)

The ensemble transform Kalman filter based ensemble 3D variational (ETKF‐En3DVAR) data assimilation (DA) system is employed to evaluate the potential value of assimilating radar radial wind (Vr) data for the analysis and forecasting of Typhoon Saomai (2006). The DA system conducted cycling assimilation every 30 min when Saomai started to enter radar coverage. Within the DA cycles, the control analysis was updated by the ETKF‐En3DVAR algorithm whereas the forecast ensemble perturbations in the hybrid scheme were updated by the ETKF algorithm. The benefits from the use of the flow‐dependent ensemble covariance are explored by comparing the analysis increments, analysis and subsequent forecasts from the hybrid scheme with those from a pure 3DVAR using static background error covariance. Sensitivity to the horizontal correlation scale in the 3DVAR and the vertical covariance localization in the hybrid are also explored.
A qualitative approach to the use of ICTs and its risks among socially disadvantaged early adolescents and adolescents in Madrid, Spain

An exploratory qualitative research was carried out in Madrid, Spain, focusing on early adolescents and adolescents from low-income families, most of them with a migration background. The main subject was to describe their perceptions about risk and harm in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Focus groups and creative workshops were conducted in order to identify risk perceptions, conflicts, solutions and the main agents involved in each case. Despite their lack of financial resources, these adolescents intensively use media and modern technologies with the support of formal and informal institutions outside the family. In this context, they use technology as a set of different resources coordinated in a network in order to achieve specific goals of early adolescence and adolescence. Risks emerge as this network affects their family rules, the social construction of age, and the status inside the family and among peers.
Physicians’ perceptions of patient safety factors: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Abstract Background: Patient safety (PS) is a global issue that affects both developed and developing countries. Physicians play a key role in overcoming this common healthcare issue. Objective: To understand the physicians’ perceptions of factors contributing to PS incidents in secondary care. Methods: Covering a period from 1999 to 2011, three electronic databases were used to identify potential studies for inclusion. Individual searching of selected journals and reference scanning of identified studies were also conducted. To summarize and synthesize the findings, we adopted a narrative synthesis approach, and used a content analysis method directed by Vincent’s framework. Results: Of 1,405 potentially relevant citations identified, 14 studies ultimately met the inclusion criteria, and were divided into trainee and non-trainee physician studies. Quality scores of included studies ranged from 6 to 12.5 (possible range 1-16). In total, 158 patient safety factors (PSFs) were identified and categorized into seven safety levels and 22 corresponding themes. In all the studies, the rank order of safety levels by frequency of PSFs was: individual = team > work environment > organizational and management > task and technology > contextual > patient. There was an almost similar result in the trainee studies, whereas in the non-trainee studies, the result was almost the reverse. Conclusion: Overall, the results show a clear tendency for physicians to focus on the proximal causes of PS incidents. This suggests the need for safety skills training. The next research generation would provide a holistic view of physicians’ perceptions of PSFs by moving toward more sophisticated designs, such as mixed-methods.
Using a Density-Variation/Compactness Measure to Evaluate Redistricting Plans for Partisan Bias and Electoral Responsiveness

The clear association between population density and partisan preference in elections suggests that redistricting plans would be better aligned with principles of partisan fairness if there were a deliberate effort to balance population density across legislative districts. To balance population density without sacrificing geometric compactness, we define a density-variation/ compactness (DVC) measure that can serve as a one-number summary of a proposed redistricting plan. After analyzing voter registration data from California to guide the choice of a specific DVC measure, we evaluate its performance in both actual and hypothetical redistricting plans using election data from Texas during the past decade. Using a well-established political-science model of the relationship between legislative representation and the proportion of votes received, higher DVC scores corresponded to estimates of partisan bias with smaller magnitude across a range of redistricting scenarios; meanwhile, contrary to expectations that reduced partisan bias would be accompanied by reduced electoral responsiveness, there was no discernible pattern between DVC scores and estimates of electoral responsiveness. Although there are apt to be multiple considerations in choosing a redistricting plan, we discuss how the use of DVC measures could provide a check on attempts to introduce partisan bias into the redistricting process.
Effect of repeated fire on understory plant species diversity in Saravan forests, northern Iran

Abstract Fire usually causes changes in the composition and diversity of herbaceous species. The present paper aimed to study the effect of repeated fire incidents on understory species diversity in the Saravan forests of Guilan Province located in the north of Iran. To do so, three 50-hectare areas with identical physiographical conditions and overstory (hand-planted softwood Pinus taeda) were selected. Seven fire incidences occurred for the 10-year period in one of the areas and the other area experienced three fire incidents within the same period. The area with no fire incidents was considered as the control area. All the fire incidents were surface ones. The systematic random method with a sample size 100 × 200 m was used for collecting data. Based on the above, 25 samples were determined in each area. The whole coverage of the understory was taken into consideration using Whittaker’s method and the Domain criterion so as to calculate species diversity indices. The results showed that Shannon-Wiener diversity and Menhinick’s richness in the regions which experienced 3 and 7 fire incidents were maximum and minimum, respectively, whereas no significant difference was seen between the regions with regard to Smith and Wilson’s evenness index.
Unit Root Testing with Stationary Covariates in the Framework of Asymmetric STAR Nonlinearity

Abstract This paper generalizes the univariate unit root test proposed by Sollis (2009) by adding correlated covariates for a power boost. The asymptotic distribution of the proposed test is derived, and the asymptotic critical values are tabulated. Simulation experiments are conducted to demonstrate that for both small and moderate sample sizes found in applications, the new test can exhibit an excellent control over the empirical sizes, and most importantly, it delivers larger power gains from inclusion of correlated covariates, as compared to the counterpart without covariates. An application to real exchange rates for 18 Asian countries suggests that our proposed test is able to unveil stronger evidence in favour of mean reversion in real exchange rates than the counterpart without covariates does. Moreover, several real exchange rates are tested to display asymmetries in the adjustment process towards their equilibrium values.
Multi-stage magnetic-fluid seals for operating in water – life test procedure, test stand and research results

ABSTRACT The edge criteria for magnetic-fluid seals durability research are critical for the seal’s technological usefulness. The magnetic fluid seal technology in water is much more difficult technological problem in comparison to gas or vacuum environment. There is always problem with immediate contact between magnetic fluid and the environmental uninspected liquids. In the paper are presented ways of experiments definitions carried out with multi-stage rotating magnetic fluid seal operating in permanent contact with utility water. The special test procedures have been elaborated and practically used, with the aim to define main characteristics of magnetic fluid seals. These characteristics were: critical pressure, critical motion velocity and working life of the seal. Some grades of commercial, silicon based magnetic fluids of hydrophobic properties were tested in sealing system. The test stand and its features as well as results of tests are presented in the form of tables, cross section draws and diagrams. In conclusion one can see that multi-stage magnetic-fluid seals could be efficiently used in water for rotating shaft seals in a limited range of motion velocity and work lasting.
On Some Strategies for Computer Simulation of Thewave Propagation Using Finite Differences II. Multi–Dimensional FDTD Method

Abstract Some strategies used in the computer simulation of wave phenomena by means of finite differences in time-domain (FDTD) method are reviewed and discussed here. It is shown that the wave equation in its discretised form possesses different properties in comparison with the true differential formulation. In this part the issues of stability and numerical dispersion for two- and three-dimensional case of wave propagation in homogeneous space are thoroughly investigated.
News-driven international business cycles

Abstract This paper examines the international transmission effects of news about the total factor productivity (TFP) in the US on the Canadian and Japanese economies. I develop and estimate a two-country real business cycle model to generate booms in Canadian and Japanese variables in response to news about future US TFP. I find that international macroeconomic comovements can be generated by news about the future TFP in the US. Unlike previous studies, I show that the response of the Canadian or Japanese TFP to a US news shock is important for generating the boom observed in the empirical analysis. The estimated preference parameters indicate that eliminating the wealth effect on hours worked is important. I also show that a low elasticity of substitution between domestically and foreign-produced intermediate goods can also help explain the domestic boom created by a news shock.