Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Divergence of Duplicated Hsf Genes in Populus

Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs), which function as the activator of heat shock proteins (Hsps), play multiple roles in response to environmental stress and the development of plants. The Hsf family had experienced gene expansion via whole-genome duplication from a single cell algae to higher plants. However, how the Hsf gene family went through evolutionary divergence after genome duplication is unknown. As a model wood species, Populus trichocarpa is widely distributed in North America with various ecological and climatic environments. In this study, we used P. trichocarpa as materials and identified the expression divergence of the PtHsf gene family in developmental processes, such as dormant bud formation and opening, catkins development, and in response to environments. Through the co-expression network, we further discovered the divergent co-expressed genes that related to the functional divergence of PtHsfs. Then, we studied the alternative splicing events, single nucleotide polymorphism distribution and tertiary structures of members of the PtHsf gene family. In addition to expression divergence, we uncovered the evolutionary divergence in the protein level which may be important to new function formations and for survival in changing environments. This study comprehensively analyzed the evolutionary divergence of a member of the PtHsf gene family after genome duplication, paving the way for further gene function analysis and genetic engineering.
Determination of Chromium, Lead and Cadmium Levels in Edible Organs of Marketed Chickens in Mashhad, Iran

Background: Considering high importance of heavy metals residue from view point of food safety, this study was conducted to determine the contents of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in different tissues (liver, heart and muscle) of marketed chickens in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: Chicken tissues were collected from four popular brands distributed in different markets in Mashhad, followed by preparing through acidic digestion and analyzing using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. All statistical significant differences were defined at p<0.05 using SPSS v. 16.0. Results: Mean concentration (± standard deviation) of heavy metals in the liver, heart and muscle of chicken samples were 3.87 ± 3.94, 3.77 ± 2.77 and 2.27 ± 1.07 mg/kg (for Cr), 3.79 ± 3.64, 2.65 ± 1.88 and 1.65 ± 1.09 mg/kg (for Pb) as well as 0.37 ± 0.09, 0.32 ± 0.1 and 0.28 ± 0.07 mg/kg (for Cd), respectively, indicting higher heavy metals levels in liver and heart samples compared to those of muscle ones (p<0.05). Conclusion: The contents of some heavy metals in chicken samples are warning that highlights its public health risk in this region of Iran. Therefore, more effective monitoring procedures and surveillance programs should be applied by the authorities of regional veterinary organization.
Covariance of bacterioplankton composition and environmental variables in a temperate delta system

We examined seasonal and spatial variation in bacterioplankton composition in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (CA) using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. Cloned 16S rRNA genes from this system were used for putative identification of taxa dominating the T-RFLP profiles. Both cloning and T-RFLP analysis indicated that Actinobacte- ria, Verrucomicrobia, Cytophaga-Flavobacterium and Proteobacteria were the most abundant bacte- rioplankton groups in the Delta. Despite the broad variety of sampled habitats (deep water channels, lakes, marshes, agricultural drains, freshwater and brackish areas), and the spatial and temporal dif- ferences in hydrology, temperature and water chemistry among the sampling campaigns, T-RFLP electropherograms from all samples were similar, indicating that the same bacterioplankton phylo- types dominated in the various habitats of the Delta throughout the year. However, principal compo- nent analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares regression (PLS) of T-RFLP profiles revealed consistent grouping of samples on a seasonal, but not a spatial, basis. β-Proteobacteria related to Ralstonia, Acti- nobacteria related to Microthrix, and β-Proteobacteria identical to the environmental Clone LD12 had the highest relative abundance in summer/fall T-RFLP profiles and were associated with low river flow, high pH, and a number of optical and chemical characteristics of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) indicative of an increased proportion of phytoplankton-produced organic material as opposed to allochthonous, terrestrially derived organic material. On the other hand, Geobacter-related β-Pro- teobacteria showed a relative increase in abundance in T-RFLP analysis during winter/spring, and probably were washed out from watershed soils or sediment. Various phylotypes associated with the same phylogenetic division, based on tentative identification of T-RFLP fragments, exhibited diverse seasonal patterns, suggesting that ecological roles of Delta bacterioplankton were partitioned at the genus or species level.
Synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles with different morphologies by precipitation method with and without chitosan addition

In this work, iron oxide nanoparticles with various morphologies were synthesized by the precipitation method from aqueous solutions of iron oxide chlorides and urea in the absence or presence of chitosan. Synthesis conditions were selected to yield magnetite nanoparticles with three different morphologies. By adding chitosan, we were able to change the morphologies of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles from cubo-octahedral, flower-like, and rod-like structures to cubic, quasi-spherical, and rice-seed-like structures, respectively. The size of these iron oxide structures were in the range of 28­125nm, while the longitudinal sizes of the rod-like and rice-seed-like structures were 110­1000 and 75­290 nm, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that the magnetite nanostructures synthesized in the presence of chitosan have a mesoporous structure and are composed of many nanocrystals. The mechanisms responsible for the formation of differently shaped iron oxides in the presence or absence of chitosan are analyzed and discussed. We observed that the growth mechanism changed from the classical route to the reverse growth mechanism, when chitosan was added to the synthesis solution.
Effect of metabolic abnormalities on cognitive performance and clinical symptoms in schizophrenia

Aim. The objective of this study is to determine whether and how metabolic abnormalities are associated with clinical symptoms and cognitive performance in schizophrenia. Methods. 46 adult patients with schizophrenia taking firstor second generation antipsychotics were included in the study. The following data were collected: BMI, abdominal circumference, lipid panel and blood glucose, blood pressure and treatment of comorbidities. Clinical symptoms were assessed using PANSS, CDSS, CGI and SAS scales. Cognitive performance was assessed using CNS Vital Signs computerized battery of tests: Verbal Memory test, Visual Memory test, Finger Tapping Test, Symbol Digit Coding, Stroop Test, Shifting Attention Test, and Continuous Performance Test. Results. Dyslipidemia, raised LDL and raised blood glucose levels were the best predictors of more severe clinical symptoms (PANSS, PANSS P, PANSS G, CGI) and lower neurocognitive index, worse cognitive flexibility, executive functions, complex attention composite memory, verbal memory, slower reaction time and worse performance in SAT, CPT, ST tests. Obesity was associated with worse results in VBM, VIM, FTT, SDC tests. Raised blood pressure was associated with improvements in all cognitive domains and better performance in SAT, CPT, ST tests. Discussion. There are several weak associations between severity of clinical symptoms and metabolic abnormalities. Most of these were for blood glucose levels and raised blood glucose. Lipids and glucose abnormalities are the best predictors of deteriorated cognitive performance. Contrary to previous observations, raised blood pressure was associated with better results in cognitive tests. Conclusions. These findings indicate that cognitive impairment and metabolic abnormalities may be linked in patients with schizophrenia.
Rethinking architecture as a catalyst for sustainability

This paper proposes an alternate approach to considering the role of the architect against a backdrop of climate change, urban expansion and evolving technology, as the remit of architects is increasingly marginalized by other professions. Using the case study of architectural design studio investigations for the Master of Architecture at the University of Technology, Sydney on conflicted sites in Australia, the paper address the implications at two levels: 1. Opportunities where architecture and strategic urban interventions become catalysts for sustainable practices. 2. Insights and outcomes from this pedagogical approach to sustainable architectural design education. Developments on conflicted sites are laden with social, ethical, political and environmental concerns that intensify the environment and often contradict with sustainable development and intelligent environmental performance. The design studios explored in this paper challenge the traditional approach (in both academia and practice) of considering efficiency or technical building environmental performance in isolation. They offer opportunities for deploying design thinking in a strategic manner to develop resilient architecture in the context of climate change and current debates.
Relaxing effect of pharmacologic interventions increasing cAMP in rat heart.

The relationship between cAMP and relaxation was studied in the isolated rat heart beating at constant rate and perfused at constant coronary flow. After treatment during 1 min with different positive inotropic interventions, cyclic nucleotide levels (cAMP and cGMP) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity were determined in heart homogenates. Glucagon, norepinephrine, and isoproterenol increased cAMP from 0.503 +/- 0.025 pmol/mg wet wt to 1.051 +/- 0.099, 0.900 +/- 0.064, and 0.982 +/- 0.138, respectively. Simultaneously glucagon, norepinephrine, and isoproterenol increased cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratio from 0.21 +/- 0.02 to 0.45 +/- 0.04, 0.33 +/- 0.02, and 0.34 +/- 0.02, respectively. The ratio between maximal velocities of contraction and relaxation (+T/-T) was significantly decreased by these interventions, whereas time to peak tension (TTP) was shortened by norepinephrine and isoproterenol. High calcium, ouabain, and paired stimulation did not affect cAMP levels, TTP, or +T/-T. A striking correlation was found between cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity and relaxation induces, i.e., TTP, -T, or +T/-T (r = +/- 0.7 to -0.9). Results suggest that inotropic interventions increasing cAMP levels might be primarily affecting intracellular mechanisms causing relaxation.
Title : Prevalence and risk factors for betaherpesvirus DNAemia in infants aged between 3 weeks and 2 years of age , admitted to a large referral hospital in sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Betaherpesviruses are established causes of morbidity and mortality in immune suppressed patient groups but they have been little studied in sub-Saharan Africa, the epicenter of the HIV pandemic. In this region, primary infections with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) are endemic in infancy, but the clinical impact of these infections among pediatric inpatient groups is poorly characterized and assumptive, based largely on data from Western populations. Methods: We used Taqman PCR to screen sera from a group of 303 paediatric inpatients aged between 3 weeks and 2 years of age, at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. We report the prevalence of DNAemia and viral loads within this patient group, and evaluate possible clinical associations/risk factors for betaherpesvirus infections in these hospitalized infants. Results: We detected betaherpesvirus DNAemia in 59.1% (179/303) of infants. HCMV was the most prevalent (41.3%), followed by HHV-6B (20.5%), HHV-7 (20.1%) and HHV-6A (0.3%). HIV infection (OR2.31, 95%CI:1.37-3.9, p=0.002) being underweight (OR1.82, 95%CI:1.06-3.12, p=0.03) and an admission diagnosis of suspected meningitis (OR5.72, 95%CI1.07-30.5, p=0.041) were independently associated with an increased odds of HCMV DNAemia. Conversely, HHV-6B and HHV-7 DNAemia were not associated with HIV, underweight or admission diagnosis. Median HCMV viral load was moderately but significantly higher in HIV-infected children. Conclusions: Highly prevalent HCMV DNAemia was independently associated with HIV infection and being underweight across all age groups, and was also associated with meningitis, with previously under appreciated implications for the health and development of African children.
COLLABORATION IN BIM ENABLED DESIGN PROJECTS: EFFECTS OF

There is a growing awareness that the problematic nature of collaboration in construction design projects is further complicated by the use of interoperable information technologies (IT) in Building Information Modelling (BIM) enabled projects. Consequently, there is a need to better understand the ways interoperable IT get involved in inter-disciplinary relations and affect mutual engagement of different design members. Findings from the study of a BIM enabled design project are analysed using the concept of interdependencies in the interactions between practitioners and their organisations. The paper draws a distinction between “model interdependencies” and “design interdependencies” concerned with the IT and the design task respectively. This distinction helps to deal with the complex nature of practice by expressing the different needs people have in their task interactions using technology in organisations. It is concluded that the conflicts between model and design interdependencies cause segregation into separate model development and design development at the organisational level. Project organisations should be aware of this and take necessary social and technological precautions to achieve better design collaboration.
Feedback linearization of transverse dynamics for periodic orbits

In this paper we give necessary and sufficient conditions for feedback linearization of the transverse dynamics (TFL) of a nonlinear affine single-input system in a neighborhood of a periodic orbit. The TFL procedure provides a means of finding coordinates that are tuned to the structure of the control system with respect to the periodic orbit. An autonomous feedback control providing exponential stability of the periodic orbit is easily designed in the transverse coordinate system. <<ETX>>
Elderly and Internet Banking: An Application of UTAUT2

The present study aims to explain Internet banking use by the elderly, applying the UTAUT2 approach (extension of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology in the consumer context). A sample of 415 individuals over 55 years old has been analyzed. WarpPLS 3.0 was used for the measurement models analysis and the structural model analysis. The results show that the elderly’s people’s to accept Internet banking was significantly impacted by habit, performance expectancy, price value and effort expectancy, in this order of influence of strength. The actual behavior was influenced by behavior intention and habit. However, social influence, facilitating conditions and hedonic motivation did not play a salient role in affecting the actual adoption behavior of Internet banking. Gender was proposed as a moderator variable but the results did not support this role.
Metalloproteinase Inhibitor-1 Closely Correlates With the Severity of Liver Disease in Egyptian Patients

Background: Liver disease prevalence is high in Egypt and finding a reliable seromarker is needed for diagnosis and prognosis of fibrosis. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase -1 (TIMP-1) previously showed a good relation with fibrosis but few data are available from Egypt.Objective: To test the correlation of TIMP-1 to the degree of liver fibrosis in Egyptian patients with and without cirrhosis, and to test its values in different degrees of liver dysfunction.Methods: Forty Six adult patients (31 males and 15 females) with chronic liver disease were included in the current study, with age ranged from 42 –63 years were recruited from outpatient clinics at the National Liver Institute, Menoufiya University from February to July 2016, where sixteen patients had liver cirrhosis. Evaluationof the degree of fibrosis and liver dysfunction was done by clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging tests (Ultrasound and Fibroscan) with/ without histological examinations. TIMP-1 was determined in plasma samples using the MAC15 TIMP-1 ELISA.Results: Median age was 51 years (42-63 years) and 67% were men. The primary cause of liver disease was hepatitis C, 89.1%. TIMP-1 values showed significant relation to the degree of fibrosis or cirrhosis assessed by liver biopsy or Fibroscan (p<0.001). Its level increases progressively with the development of encephalopathy and ascites and with the worsening of Child class (P=0.025, 0.018 and 0.039; respectively). Conclusion: TIMP-1 increases significantly with liver cirrhosis and its degree of increase correlates with the degree of liver dysfunction.
Performance Evaluation of the Educational Leader (PEEL): Another Breakthrough in Competency Based Educational Administration.

This paper describes the Performance Evaluation of the Education Leader (PEEL) program, initiated from a study to define the competent school administrator and to develop an instrument to measure administrative competence objectively and accurately. The resulting PEEL materials include the following: (a) "Guidelines for Evaluation: The School Administrator -Seven Areas of Competence," which defines areas of competence and lists behavioral competence statements that describe specifically what the administrator does in competently performing his role; (b) the "Study Guide," which lists questions for use in conducting a searching program of administrative introspection and professional evaluation; :end (c) "Performance Evaluation of the Education Leader," the PYLL instrument designed to measure the seven areas of competence through a clearly defined, objective data gathering process. The five phases of the PEEL model are described--awareness, training, implementation, evaluation, and follow-up. Validation studies are being conducted to measure conten-z validity and actual change in administrative performance. A 6-item bibliography is included in the paper. (PD)
CAPM on Post-Crisis Capital Markets of European Transition Countries

Capital Assets Pricing Model (CAPM) is one of the best known and the most controversial valuation model in finance. It was created as significant contribution to the theory of financial economics occurred during the 1960s when a number of researchers, among whom William Sharpe was the leading figure, used Markowitz’s portfolio theory as a basis for developing a price theory for financial assets, and was awarded by the Nobel Prize in 1990. Since then it has been broadly applied to estimate cost of equity. However, many papers find discrepancies between the CAPM and the markets, and empirical evidences do not justify the CAPM in many cases. This paper tests CAPM on the most liquid stocks on selected markets of European transition countries, including Croatia in two post-crisis periods (2009-2013 ; 2011-2015). The main hypothesis is that CAPM is not applicable to the capital markets of European countries in transition. Also, the official stock indices in observed countries do not lie on efficient frontier, and cannot serve as an adequate substitute for the market portfolio. And finally, beta is not the appropriate measure of systematic risk, because returns and betas do not move in accordance with each other.
Modeling of a diffusion with aggregation: rigorous derivation and numerical simulation

In this paper, a diffusion-aggregation equation with delta potential is introduced. Based on the global existence and uniform estimates of solutions to the diffusion-aggregation equation, we also provide the rigorous derivation from a stochastic particle system while introducing an intermediate particle system with smooth interaction potential. The theoretical results are compared to numerical simulations relying on suitable discretization schemes for the microscopic and macroscopic level. In particular, the regime switch where the analytic theory fails is numerically analyzed very carefully and allows for a better understanding of the equation.
Road effects on habitat richness of the Greek Natura 2000 network

The road network has both positive and negative ecological effects, and understanding these helps identify environmentally preferable solutions for transportation policy and planning. We investigated the relationship between road density and habitat type richness of Greek protected areas. We used digital vector maps of 214 sites included in the Greek Natura 2000 network. We calculated road density for the terrestrial part of each site and correlated it with habitat type richness. Average road density of protected areas (0.377 km/ km2) was significantly lower than the national road density of Greece (0.446 km/km2). We identified 32 sites that were not intersected by roads. These roadless sites were located at mountain tops, at islets, or in remote coastal zones. Overall we found no significant correlation between road density and habitat type richness. We suggest that the effect of road networks on habitat type richness is less apparent at landscapes with long history of human presence, because the landscape (and its habitat diversity) has coevolved with human activities over the past millennia. Our analysis provides a step towards quantifying the effect of road density on the diversity of habitats and consequently on species of conservation interest in international networks of protected areas such as the European Natura 2000 network.
The Effect of Filter Dimension on the Subgrid-Scale Stress, Heat Flux, and Tensor Alignments in the Atmospheric Surface Layer

Abstract In field experiments designed to study subgrid-scale parameterizations for large eddy simulation, the flow field is often measured and then filtered in two-dimensional planes. This two-dimensional filtering serves as a surrogate for three-dimensional filtering. The question of whether this will yield accurate results in subgrid-scale (SGS) models is addressed by analyzing data from a field experiment in which 16 sonic anemometers were deployed in a four by four grid. The experiment was held in July 2002 at the Surface Layer Turbulence and Environmental Science Test (SLTEST) facility in the Utah West Desert. The full SGS stress tensor and its parameterizations using both two- and three-dimensional filterings are obtained. Comparisons are given between two- and three-dimensional filterings of the field measurements based on probability density functions (PDFs) and energy spectra of the SGS stress elements. The PDFs reveal that quantities calculated with two-dimensional filtering exhibit greater int.