Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural variation in plant telomere length is associated with flowering time

Abstract Telomeres are highly repetitive DNA sequences found at the ends of chromosomes that protect the chromosomes from deterioration duringcell division. Here, using whole-genome re-sequencing and terminal restriction fragment assays, we found substantial natural intraspecific variation in telomere length in Arabidopsis thaliana, rice (Oryza sativa), and maize (Zea mays). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) mapping in A. thaliana identified 13 regions with GWAS-significant associations underlying telomere length variation, including a region that harbors the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene. Population genomic analysis provided evidence for a selective sweep at the TERT region associated with longer telomeres. We found that telomere length is negatively correlated with flowering time variation not only in A. thaliana, but also in maize and rice, indicating a link between life-history traits and chromosome integrity. Our results point to several possible reasons for this correlation, including the possibility that longer telomeres may be more adaptive in plants that have faster developmental rates (and therefore flower earlier). Our work suggests that chromosomal structure itself might be an adaptive trait associated with plant life-history strategies.
Factors associated with perceived stress in Middle Eastern university students

Abstract Objective: University students face high levels of stress-related factors, such as an unfamiliar environment, challenging workload, and uncertainty about their ability to succeed. Participants: A total of 370 students in Qatar who consented to participate between February 2017 and February 2018. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed perceived stress [using a validated 4-point perceived stress scale (PSS-4)], as well as diet, exercise, body mass index, sleep, and life satisfaction. Results: Among students aged 18–39 (mean = 20.1 ± 3.0 years), PSS-4 scores varied between 0 and 16 (mean = 7.4 ± 3.4). Elevated stress was significantly associated with female sex, country of origin, residing off-campus, eating when bored, lack of self-discipline, disturbed sleep, and low levels of life satisfaction. Furthermore, students with PSS-4 scores above the median level were 2.3 times likelier to report difficulty concentrating on academic work. Conclusion: Elevated stress levels are present in university students in Qatar. Strengthening coping skills may improve health and academic performance.
Circulating microRNAs as candidate biomarkers for the ovarian response during in vitro fertilization

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in the let-7 family have established regulatory roles in pregnancy; in this study, we evaluated whether miRNAs detectable in the circulation are associated with the ovarian response to stimulation. In total, 25 patients with infertility were divided into 3 groups: poor response (n = 9), moderate response (n = 8), and hyper-response (n = 8). Serum and endometrial tissue samples on the second day of the menstrual phase, serum samples during the mid-luteal phase, and follicular fluid samples were collected from women undergoing in vitro fertilization. The levels of let-7g-5p, let-7f-5p, and let-7i-5p in were evaluated. The levels of circulating let-7g-5p,7f-5p, and 7i-5p in the basal sera were significantly higher in the moderate ovarian response group than in the poor response group (P < .05). The expression levels of these genes tended to be down-regulated in the mid-luteal phase in the high response group (P < .05). There were no significant differences in expression levels in the endometria and follicular fluid among groups (P > .05). Circulating let-7g-5p, 7f-5p, and 7i-5p were differentially expressed between the moderate response group and the high and poor response groups. The combination of these serum miRNAs during the menstrual phase might serve as a non-invasive predictive marker for the ovarian response to in vitro fertilization.
Impact of body size on first‐line Helicobacter pylori eradication success using vonoprazan and amoxicillin dual therapy

As a first‐line therapy for Helicobacter pylori, dual therapy with vonoprazan and amoxicillin (VA‐dual) provides an eradication rate similar to that of vonoprazan‐based triple therapy. As the factors associated with the eradication rate of H. pylori with VA‐dual are unknown,we investigated them in this study.
Bridge Damage Detection Approach Using a Roving Camera Technique

Increasing extreme climate events, intensifying traffic patterns and long-term underinvestment have led to the escalated deterioration of bridges within our road and rail transport networks. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems provide a means of objectively capturing and quantifying deterioration under operational conditions. Computer vision technology has gained considerable attention in the field of SHM due to its ability to obtain displacement data using non-contact methods at long distances. Additionally, it provides a low cost, rapid instrumentation solution with low interference to the normal operation of structures. However, even in the case of a medium span bridge, the need for many cameras to capture the global response can be cost-prohibitive. This research proposes a roving camera technique to capture a complete derivation of the response of a laboratory model bridge under live loading, in order to identify bridge damage. Displacement is identified as a suitable damage indicator, and two methods are used to assess the magnitude of the change in global displacement under changing boundary conditions in the laboratory bridge model. From this study, it is established that either approach could detect damage in the simulation model, providing an SHM solution that negates the requirement for complex sensor installations.
Could Contracts between Pharmaceutical Firms and French Veterinarians Bias Prescription Behaviour: A Principal-Agency Theory Approach in the Context of Oligopolies

In France, veterinarians can both prescribe and deliver veterinary medicines, which is a questionable situation from the perspective of antimicrobial use (AMU) reduction to avoid antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This situation places veterinarians in direct commercial relationships with the pharmaceutical industry as purchase contracts are signed between veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies. The aim of the present work is to analyse the relationships between veterinarians and pharmaceutical firms in the oligopoly market context of French veterinary medicine to determine whether the prescription behaviour of practitioners can be biased by joint prescription and delivery. Therefore, we develop an analysis based on principal-agent theory. Contracts between pharmaceutical companies and veterinarians during the 2008–2014 period were analysed based on 382 contracts related to 47 drugs belonging to eight main pharmaceutical firms (2320 observations). The price per unit after rebate of each drug and contract was calculated. The descriptive analysis demonstrated high disparity among the contracts across pharmaceutical firms with regard to the provisions of the contracts and how they are presented. Then, linear regression was used to explain the price per unit after rebate based on the explanatory variables, which included the yearly purchase objective, year, type of drug and type of rebate. The decrease in price per unit after rebate for each extra €1000 purchase objective per drug category was established to be €0.061 per 100 kg body weight for anticoccidiosis treatments, €0.029 per 100 kg body weight for anti-inflammatories, €0.0125 per 100 kg body weight and €0.0845 per animal for antiparasitics, and €0.031 per animal for intramammary antimicrobials. Applying agency theory reveals that veterinarians can be considered agents in the case of monopolistic situations involving pharmaceutical firms; otherwise, veterinarians are considered principals (oligopolistic situations in which at least several medicines have similar indications). The present study does not provide evidence suggesting that joint prescription and delivery may introduce any potential prescription bias linked to conflicts of interest under the market conditions during the 2008–2014 period.
Vitamin D Restores Skeletal Muscle Cell Remodeling and Myogenic Program: Potential Impact on Human Health

Skeletal muscle cells, albeit classified as vitamin D receptor (VDR)-poor cells, are finely controlled by vitamin D through genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. Skeletal muscle constantly undergoes cell remodeling, a complex system under multilevel regulation, mainly orchestrated by the satellite niche in response to a variety of stimuli. Cell remodeling is not limited to satisfy reparative and hypertrophic needs, but, through myocyte transcriptome/proteome renewal, it warrants the adaptations necessary to maintain tissue integrity. While vitamin D insufficiency promotes cell maladaptation, restoring vitamin D levels can correct/enhance the myogenic program. Hence, vitamin D fortified foods or supplementation potentially represents the desired approach to limit or avoid muscle wasting and ameliorate health. Nevertheless, consensus on protocols for vitamin D measurement and supplementation is still lacking, due to the high variability of lab tests and of the levels required in different contexts (i.e., age, sex, heath status, lifestyle). This review aims to describe how vitamin D can orchestrate skeletal muscle cell remodeling and myogenic programming, after reviewing the main processes and cell populations involved in this important process, whose correct progress highly impacts on human health. Topics on vitamin D optimal levels, supplementation and blood determination, which are still under debate, will be addressed.
EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT-AND-PROPHYLACTIC COMPLEX IN TOBACCO-ADDICTED PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS ON THE BACKGROUND OF CHRONIC HYPERACID GASTRITIS.

OBJECTIVE The aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of treatment-and-prophylactic complex in patients addicted to tobacco with chronic generalized periodontitis with chronic hyperacid gastritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: 68 patients (men and women) aged 25-44 years were examined. They were distributed into two groups: the main group - 48 patients addicted to tobacco with chronic generalized 1 degree periodontitis and chronic hyperacid gastritis, associated with Helicobacter pylori, the control group - 20 healthy individuals without bad habits. Patients of the main group were distributed at random into 2 subgroups (1.1, 1.2) depending on the chosen therapy. The patients of the subgroup 1.1 received the basic therapy and the developed treatment and prophylactic complex, the subgroup 1.2 received the basic therapy and the ultraphonophoresis procedures with placebo. Assessment of the effectiveness of therapy was carried out by determining hygienic index OHI-S and periodontal indices (PI, PMA index and Muhlemann bleeding index (MBI)). RESULTS Results: The usage of the treatment-and-prophylactic complex resulted in improvement of the hygienic index OHI-S and periodontal indices (PI, PMA index and MBI) at the immediate and late observation period. CONCLUSION Conclusions: Results of the study confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed treatment-and-prophylactic complex in therapy of chronic generalized 1 degree periodontitis in patients addicted to tobacco smoking with chronic hyperacid gastritis.
Atmospheric Sulfur Deposition, Neutralization, and Ion Leaching in Two Deciduous Forest Ecosystems

In the 1981 water year, bulk precipitation was primarily a solution of dilute H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/, and SO/sub 4//sup 2 -/ was the dominant anion in throughfall and soil leachates in two eastern Tennessee deciduous forests. Ecosystem inputs of SO/sub 4//sup 2 -/, which included dry deposition of forest canopies, may have been up to 40% greater than input estimates based on atmospheric deposition sampling in open areas. Volume-weighted mean annual pH of bulk precipitation was 4.3; of throughfall 4.8; and of leachates from O2, A1, and B21 soil horizons about 6.0. At both sites, strong acids in precipitation were largely neutralized prior to rainwater's infiltration into mineral soil. Base cations that exchanged with H/sup +/ (hydrogen ions) in acid precipitation were almost entirely supplied by forest canopies and litter layers, and did not come directly from exchangeable mineral soil pools. Annual fluxes of HCO/sub 3//sup -/ alkalinity from B12 horizons, indicated that the natural H/sup +/ input from the partial ionization of H/sub 2/CO/sub 3/ was of similar magnitude to H/sup +/ input in bulk precipitation in 1981. However, even in these infertile soils with low cation exchange capacities, exchangeable bases were more than two orders of magnitude greatermore » than annual H/sup +/ input in bulk precipitation, and represented a substantial reserve for base cations in canopies and litter layers that exchanged with H/sup +/ acid rain. Furthermore, inputs of H/sup +/ from acid precipitation were equal to about 0.4% of the base cations that are biologically cycling and immediately available in these ecosystems. Although poorly quantified, mineral weathering and deep rooting will supply, over time, substantial amounts of additional base cations for biologic cycling. « less
Hydrolytically degradable, dendritic polyglycerol sulfate based injectable hydrogels using strain promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction

A hydrolytically degradable, cyclooctyne terminated polyethylene glycol polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL-DIC) linker has been synthesized and used to form degradable dendritic polyglycerol sulfate (dPGS)/star PEG based hydrogels. dPGS is a highly branched sulfated synthetic polymer which is analogous to heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan (GAG). The degradation is achieved by introducing caprolactone units in the PEG. A new strained cyclooctyne–alkyne derivative is designed and has been used for the introduction of strained cyclooctynes in the linker by protecting the strained cyclooctyne using a Cu(I) catalyst and excess Cu(I) was used as a catalyst for the coupling of the remaining alkyne to the azide containing linker. Afterwards the strained cyclooctyne is regenerated by deprotecting them and used for the preparation of hydrogels. The linker is characterized by various spectroscopic methods. All the hydrogels have a highly crosslinked structure and the hydrogel formation was cytocompatible towards mouse fibroblasts L929 cells. The degradability of the hydrogels has been tested by gravimetrically monitoring the mass loss (%) in DMEM containing 10% FCS.
The Effect of Barium Hydroxide on the Rechargeable Performance of Alkaline γ-MnO2

A series of controlled current cycling experiments have been conducted to investigate the effect of barium hydroxide on the rechargeable performance of the alkaline manganese dioxide cathode. Analysis of the resulting discharge behavior revealed that the inclusion of Ba(OH)2 suppresses the dissolution of Mn 3+ ions during the latter stages of discharge. This in turn gave rise to improved rechargeable performance, with electrodes containing Ba(OH)2 exhibiting both improved capacity retention and higher cumulative capacities. Similar effects were observed during the cycling of manganese dioxide in the presence of soluble Ba(II) ions, and the implications in terms of its underlying role considered. In both cases barium hydroxide was also noted to inhibit the formation of 8-Mn02, and this was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.047207jes] All rights reserved.
Adsorption Isotherms of Water Vapor on Calcite: a Molecular Dynamics-Monte Carlo Hybrid Simulation Using a Polarizable Water Model

We model adsorption isotherms of water on the calcite (1014) surface using a polarizable water model in a variable particle number simulation. The sampling procedure employs a molecular dynamics−Monte Carlo hybrid technique, which consists of a classical molecular dynamics simulation combined with spatially random removal and insertion trials. The fluctuating charge algorithm is used to describe the many-body interaction of induced polarization during the simulations. We obtain the isotherms and isosteric heats of adsorption at 278 and 298 K. For the higher temperature we present a detailed analysis of the adsorbate structure for coverages ranging from the monolayer regime to the bulk interface.
Climate Change Interpretation and the Leisure Experience of Participants on a Commercial Tour

ABSTRACT Evidence of climate change in alpine environments provides an opportunity for commercial tourism operators to offer interpretation on this subject as part of their tours, albeit with the risk of altering their clients’ leisure experiences in unknown ways. This study used a lab-based experiment to compare the leisure experiences of an experimental group of young adults exposed to climate change interpretation during a simulated snocoach tour of the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park to the leisure experience of participants of a control group who were not exposed to this interpretive component. All other aspects of the simulated tour were identical. Results indicated that incorporating climate change interpretation had a significantly positive impact on visitors’ overall satisfaction and on the education dimension of the leisure experience. These findings provide positive signals for tourism operators who may be concerned about the risks of introducing a climate change component to their product.
In a story-driven game, if the ending sucks it can ruin the whole franchise”: evaluating a narrative brand’s crisis recovery

ABSTRACT The Mass Effect video game series, a narrative brand, and its Canadian developer, BioWare, were investigated to determine if their brand equity had recovered in 2016 after a brand crisis in 2012 by analyzing comments posted on five online news outlets using thematic analysis and non-participatory netnography. The investigation found that, although both brands had positive prior reputations, they had not recovered. Many players were intensely emotionally attached to the narrative brand and viewed the narrative shortcomings as a performance-related crisis and attributed it to BioWare and the Mass Effect 3 writers. It was also found that the video game industry and video game journalists failed to recognize the importance of narrative to the games’ players. These results have implications for crisis research, video game journalists, and the video game industry as well as publishers of other narrative brands such as movie and television series.
“The Price is Wrong ...”: An Analysis of the Contributing Factors to the Deviations in the Law of One Price

Abstract The Law of One Price states that in competitive markets free of transportation costs and official barriers to trade, identical goods sold in different countries must sell for the same price when their prices are expressed in terms of the same currency. Past empirical studies have typically found that the Law of One Price does not generally hold. This study continues this research by attempting to show what factors are most responsible for significant deviations from this one price. A dataset consisting of 87 different goods and services was created for the purpose of collecting data and price information both in the United States and South Africa. Microeconomic and international factors such as distance from manufacturer, market power, elasticity, and factors of trade were analysed and shown to be significant in determining observed deviations from this “one price”.
Predicting property prices with machine learning algorithms

ABSTRACT This study uses three machine learning algorithms including, support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and gradient boosting machine (GBM) in the appraisal of property prices. It applies these methods to examine a data sample of about 40,000 housing transactions in a period of over 18 years in Hong Kong, and then compares the results of these algorithms. In terms of predictive power, RF and GBM have achieved better performance when compared to SVM. The three performance metrics including mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) associated with these two algorithms also unambiguously outperform those of SVM. However, our study has found that SVM is still a useful algorithm in data fitting because it can produce reasonably accurate predictions within a tight time constraint. Our conclusion is that machine learning offers a promising, alternative technique in property valuation and appraisal research especially in relation to property price prediction.
Practical simultaneous scheduling of machines, AGVs, tool transporter and tools in a multi machine FMS using symbiotic organisms search algorithm

ABSTRACT This paper addresses machines, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), tool transporter (TT) and tools simultaneous scheduling in a multi-machine flexible manufacturing system (FMS) to minimize makespan (MSN). The transfer times of tools and jobs are considered. Only one copy of each type of tool is made available due to economic restrictions. The tools are stored in a central tool magazine (CTM) that shares with and serves for several machines. Jobs and tools between machines are transferred by AGVs and TT, respectively. This simultaneous scheduling problem is highly complex in nature as it involves job-operations sequencing on machines, assigning AGVs and tools to job-operations and associated trip operations including the times of empty trip and loaded trip of both AGVs and TT. This paper presents nonlinear-mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation to model and symbiotic organisms search (SOS) algorithm based on the symbiotic interaction strategies that organisms use to survive in the ecosystem to solve this simultaneous scheduling problem. The results have been tabulated and analyzed. An industrial problem in a manufacturing company is used for verification and the result obtained by SOS algorithm is compared with other algorithm.
Determination of Thiols by Fluorescence using Au@Ag Nanoclusters as Probes

A simple and label-free fluorescent assay for the sensitive determination of biological thiols was developed using Au@Ag nanoclusters. The sensing approach was based on the strong affinity of thiols to silver on the surface of the nanoclusters. In the presence of thiol-containing amino acids, the fluorescence of the Au@Ag nanoclusters was quenched due to the formation of a non-fluorescent coordination complex via the robust Ag-S bond, which allowed the determination of thiol-containing amino acids in a very simple and rapid way. Under the optimal conditions, an excellent linear relationship was present due to quenching of the Au@Ag nanoclusters over cysteine concentrations between 20 nM and 80 µM with a low detection limit of 5.87 nM. Glutathione was determined between 2 µM and 70 µM with a detection limit of 1.01 µM. In addition, the results reveal that the fluorescent assay has excellent selectivity toward thiol-containing amino acids compared to non-thiol containing amino acids. Moreover, the assay was successfully used to determine cysteine in human plasma, and thus Au@Ag nanoclusters are a suitable fluorescent probe for biological applications.