Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
APPLICATIONS OF ISSR MARKERS IN STUDIES OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF Pityrocarpa moniliformis

ABSTRACT Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) Luckow & R. W. Jobson (Fabaceae) is a native brazilian species with high potential for economic development programs in semiarid regions, mainly related to the production of honey, animal food and firewood. Thus, the objective of this work was to select Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) molecular markers for genetic diversity studies, as well as to test the efficiency of this approach in quantifying the genetic diversity of a natural P. moniliformis population. For this, 28 ISSR molecular markers were tested, evaluating the total number of loci, polymorphism rate and the Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) for the selected primers, the “Marker Index”, and the “Resolving Power”. Genetic diversity parameters (Nei genetic distance and Shannon index) were evaluated for 30 individuals located in Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Seven primers were selected, which provided 74 loci, with 82% being polymorphic, while the PIC value was 0.344. The Nei genetic distance was 0.244, and the Shannon index was 0.374. Therefore, ISSR molecular markers (UBC 827, 840, 844, 857, 859, 860 and 873) are considered efficient in studying the genetic diversity of populations for the selection of matrices and germplasm banks, and may contribute to the conservation and genetic improvement of P. moniliformis populations.
Raising the Resurrection plate from an unfolded-slab plate tectonic reconstruction of northwestern North America since early Cenozoic time

The configuration of mid-ocean ridges subducted below North America prior to Oligocene time is unconstrained by seafloor isochrons and has been primarily inferred from upper-plate geology, including near-trench magmatism. However, many tectonic models are permitted from these constraints. We present a fully kinematic, plate tectonic reconstruction of the NW Cordillera since 60 Ma built by structurally unfolding subducted slabs, imaged by mantle tomography, back to Earth’s surface. We map in three-dimensions the attached Alaska and Cascadia slabs, and a detached slab below western Yukon (Canada) at 400–600 km depth that we call the “Yukon Slab. ” Our restoration of these lower plates within a global plate model indicates the Alaska slab accounts for Pacific-Kula subduction since ca. 60 Ma below the Aleutian Islands whereas the Cascadia slab accounts for Farallon subduction since at least ca. 75 Ma below southern California, USA. However, intermediate areas show two reconstruction gaps that persist until 40 Ma. We show that these reconstruction gaps correlate spatiotemporally to published NW Cordillera near-trench magmatism, even considering possible terrane translation. We attribute these gaps to thermal erosion related to ridge subduction and model mid-ocean ridges within these reconstruction gap mid-points. Our reconstructions show two coeval ridge-trench intersections that bound an additional “Resurrection”-like plate along the NW Cordillera prior to 40 Ma. In this model, the Yukon slab represents a thermally eroded remnant of the Resurrection plate. Our reconstructions support a “northern option” Farallon ridge geometry and allow up to ∼1200 km Chugach terrane translation since Paleocene time, providing a new “tomographic piercing point” for the Baja-British Columbia debate.
The Effect of γ-Irradiation on the Biodegradability of Landfill Leachate

A preliminary examination of the enhancement of biodegradability for landfill leachate, humic acid, and fulvic acid solutions, and aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycol-6000 by irradiation by 60Co γ-rays under aeration was performed. In all cases, the BOD5/TOC and BOD5/COD ratios increased with the dose. This suggests that the γ-irradiation modified these refractory materials to more biodegradable compounds.
Process optimization for the sputter deposition of molybdenum thin films as electrode for AlN thin films

Molybdenum thin films have been deposited on Ti/(100) Si substrates by dc sputtering. For process optimization, a design of experiments method was used with three input factors (target power, substrate temperature, and process gas flow). Deposition rate, resistivity, roughness, diffraction angle, and rocking curve width were analyzed as output responses using statistical analysis method. Subsequently, a process allowing the deposition of highly crystalline, smooth, and low resistivity Mo film was selected and tested against film thickness. The as-optimized sputtered molybdenum thin film was used as seeding electrode for the growth of highly c-axis textured AlN film by dc pulsed reactive sputtering.
Do Audit Firms Care about Media Coverage? An Investigation of Audit Firm Response to News Coverage

We examine how auditors respond to news coverage of their firm and evaluate the extent to which national news outlets function as a watchdog over audit firms. We find that when media coverage includes issues specific to the audit opinion (i.e., restatements, adverse internal control opinions, fraud), audit firms respond by increasing audit attention (increased fees, reporting delay, and late filings). We find that this is amplified among clients with issues similar to those discussed in the media coverage. In contrast, we find that when news coverage does not relate to audit reporting decisions, firms decrease fees and issue audit opinions sooner. Additional analyses reveal that audit firms respond to high levels of news coverage at peer firms, suggesting that firms try to preemptively manage their reputation even when they are not under direct media scrutiny, and negative news has significant costs for firms’ client growth and retention. Collectively, our evidence suggests that the news media functions as an effective informal oversight mechanism of auditing firms by driving increased auditor attention and improved audit quality.
A Study of Titania Nanotube Synthesis in Chloride-Ion-Containing Media

We have completed a detailed experimental investigation into the recently discovered synthesis of titania nanotubes in chloride-ion-containing media. We show that the role of the chloride ions is catalytic and it has a strong effect in increasing the reactivity of the solution, while the nature of cations has no visible role. We have identified the critical parameters for optimal growth and fast production of nanotubes, and a basic growth mechanism for the tubes is proposed. This opens routes for significant improvements of the method toward uniformity and/or better overall yield, making it a viable alternative to the present established methods.
The Impact of Migration in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Review of Recent Evidence

This paper summarizes recent evidence on the effects of migration on a variety of outcomes including labor markets, education, health, crime and prejudice, international trade, assimilation, family separation, diaspora networks, and return migration. Given the lack of studies looking at migration flows between developing countries, this paper contributes to fill a gap in the literature by providing evidence of the impact of South - South migration in general and for the Latin American countries in particular. The evidence highlighted in this summary provides useful insights for designing policies to leverage the developmental outcomes of migration while limiting its potential negative effects.
The Process of Pain Management in Cancer Patients at Home: Causing the Least Harm – A Grounded Theory Study

Background: Cancer pain management at home is a complicated and multidimensional experience that affects the foundational aspects of patients and their families' lives. Understanding the pain relief process and the outcomes of palliative care at home is essential for designing programs to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Objective: To explore family caregivers and patients' experiences of pain management at home and develop a substantive theory. Design: The study was carried out using a grounded theory methodology. Setting/Participants: Twenty patients and 32 family caregivers were recruited from Oncology wards and palliative medicine clinics in the hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences using Purposeful and theoretical sampling. Results: The core category in this study was “pain relief with the least harm. ” Other categories were formed around the core category including “pain assessment, determining the severity of pain, using hierarchical approaches to pain relief, assessing the results of applied approaches, determining the range of effectiveness, and barriers and facilitators of pain relief. ” The substantive theory emerged from these categories was “Pain management process in cancer patients at home: Causing the least harm” that explains the stages of applying hierarchical approaches to pain relief, family care givers try to make decisions in a way that maximize pain relief and minimize damage to the patient. Along with using a hierarchical pattern, the process is featured with a circular pattern at broader perspective, which reflects dynamism of the process. Conclusion: The inferred categories and theory can expand knowledge and awareness about the stages of pain relief process, the pattern of using pain relief approaches, and the barriers and facilitators of pain relief process at home. Health-care professionals may use these findings to assess the knowledge, skill, capability, problems, and needs of family caregivers and patients and develop supportive and educational programs to improve the efficiency of pain relief process at home and improve the patients' quality of life.
The Effects of Secondhand Smoke Exposure on Serum Immunoglobulin E Levels among Children of Elementary School

BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases have been increasing in prevalence during the last decades and could be due to environmental exposure changes. Studies have shown that a leading smoke exposure implicated in alterations in humoral and cell-mediated immunity and the development of allergic conditions, including the production of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE). AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the association between environmental secondhand smoke exposure and total IgE levels in serum among children of elementary school. METHODS: An observational study with a cross-sectional approach. Children who were 10–12 years old (n = 86) were assessed using the ISAAC questionnaires and smoke exposure questionnaires. Blood samples were collected for the quantitative measurement of total IgE with the IMMULITE 2000 System analyzers by Prodia Laboratory. RESULTS: In this study, carried out of 86 children with secondhand smoke exposure. In addition, the smoke exposure divided into two categories, rarely and often. There were 49 children (56.9%) shows higher than the standard of IgE levels. There was no statistically significant association between secondhand smoke exposure and IgE levels with p = 0.501. CONCLUSION: Children with secondhand smoke exposure, asthma history, and rhinitis allergy showed higher than standard of IgE levels, but it was not statistically significant.
Cannabis d'hier et cannabis d'aujourd'hui. Augmentation des teneurs en THC de 1993 à 2004 en France

Une etude precedente, realisee sur des echantillons de saisie en France, nous avait permis de montrer que la teneur en delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) dans les echantillons de "resine" et "d'herbe" avait augmente durant la periode 1993-2000 et tout particulierement depuis 1996. L'objet de la presente etude a ete de determiner l'evolution de ces teneurs en THC pendant la periode 2001-2004 et de comparer cette evolution avec celle de la periode precedente. Nous avons regroupe tous les resultats obtenus pendant cette periode par les laboratoires de la Gendarmerie Nationale, de l'Institut National de Police Scienti que et de quatre laboratoires d'expertise en France, representant 2613 echantillons de "resine" et 709 echantillons "d'herbe". Les analyses etaient realisees par chromatographie gazeuse couplee a la spectrometrie de masse. En ce qui concerne "l'herbe", la tres grande majorite des echantillons (71%) contiennent moins de 5% de principe actif, ce qui peut etre explique par des recoltes frequemment effectuees avant maturite des plants. En revanche, pres de l'echantillon sur 5 contient plus de 10% de THC. Les resultats concernant la "resine" indiquent que, depuis 10 ans, le nombre d'echantillons a faible teneur en THC (inferieurs a 5% de principe actif) a diminue de maniere tres signi cative (passant de 48% des echantillons en 1993 a 15% en 2004). Les echantillons contenant plus de 20% de THC restent tres rarement rencontres, representant seulement 2% des saisies. L'evolution la plus caracteristique a concerne les echantillons de resine contenant entre 10 et 15% de THC. Cette categorie n'a cesse d'augmenter depuis 1993, passant de 1% des echantillons a 32% en 2004. Cette etude con rme que les teneurs en THC dans les echantillons de "resine" disponibles sur le marche clandestin francais ont regulierement augmente depuis une dizaine d'annees, ayant ete en moyenne multipliees par 2 entre 1993 et 2004. Une telle observation n est pas sans consequence en terme de sante publique car l'utilisation de cannabis "haut dosage" peut etre responsable d'hallucinations, d'attaques de panique ou autres etats psychotiques aigus.
Einstein@Home discovery of the gamma-ray millisecond pulsar PSR J2039–5617 confirms its predicted redback nature

The Fermi Large Area Telescope gamma-ray source 3FGL J2039.6–5618 contains a periodic optical and X-ray source that was predicted to be a ‘redback’ millisecond pulsar (MSP) binary system. However, the conclusive identification required the detection of pulsations from the putative MSP. To better constrain the orbital parameters for a directed search for gamma-ray pulsations, we obtained new optical light curves in 2017 and 2018, which revealed long-term variability from the companion star. The resulting orbital parameter constraints were used to perform a targeted gamma-ray pulsation search using the Einstein@Home-distributed volunteer computing system. This search discovered pulsations with a period of 2.65 ms, confirming the source as a binary MSP now known as PSR J2039–5617. Optical light-curve modelling is complicated, and likely biased, by asymmetric heating on the companion star and long-term variability, but we find an inclination i ≳ 60°, for a low pulsar mass between $1.1\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot } \lt M_{\rm psr} \lt $ 1.6 M⊙, and a companion mass of 0.15–$0.22\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$, confirming the redback classification. Timing the gamma-ray pulsations also revealed significant variability in the orbital period, which we find to be consistent with quadrupole moment variations in the companion star, suggestive of convective activity. We also find that the pulsed flux is modulated at the orbital period, potentially due to inverse Compton scattering between high-energy leptons in the pulsar wind and the companion star’s optical photon field.
The effect of methanogen growth on mineral substrates: will Ni markers of methanogen‐based communities be detectable in the rock record?

Methanogens, thought to be present on early Earth, have a high requirement for Ni, suggesting that Ni utilization could be a potential biosignature for methanogens if enhanced Ni extraction from surrounding minerals accompanies methanogenic growth. To test the potential for such Ni extraction from minerals by methanogens, Ni release from Ni‐containing silicate glass was measured in Ni‐free growth medium in the presence of the methanogen Methanothermobacter thermoautotrophicus (average pH ∼7.0) and observed to be higher than an abiotic control (average pH ∼6.8). However, batch dissolution experiments and a siderophore assay indicate that cell exudates such as siderophores, low molecular weight organic acids, or lysates accompanying cell death are not responsible for the observed increase in Ni release rate. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows little to no evidence of direct microbe–mineral interactions such as biofilms or pitting. Instead, comparison with abiotic experiments suggests that changes in pH due to CO2 uptake may be responsible for enhanced dissolution in the presence of metabolizing cells. These results document that methanogens may not preferentially extract Ni from surrounding minerals although they may indirectly affect mineral reaction rates that are pH sensitive. Thus identifiable Ni biosignatures may not exist in the rock record to document the presence of methanogens on early Earth or Mars.
Foraging and Commuting Habitats of the Greater Horseshoe Bat, Revealed by High-Resolution GPS-Tracking

BackgroundEcholocating bats make a series of decisions to select their flight paths based on auditory information obtained by sonar as well as visual cues; accumulations of these flight routes are represented as daily movement patterns. However, there is still a lack of an understanding of continuous movements of echolocating bats in the wild (i.e., from meters to tens of kilometers). In this study, we investigated nightly flight paths of the Japanese greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum nippon, using high-resolution GPS data loggers. Our aim was to identify foraging and commuting behavior based on the observed movement patterns and to investigate the relationship between these movement types and specific habitats. ResultsWe found that the majority of tagged bats alternated between foraging and commuting behavior throughout the tracking period, and one individual moved 23.6 km from its roost. The bats usually left a foraging area in the opposite direction from which they entered it, indicating that almost all of the stay sites were on their way to another destination. The distance between two successive foraging sites was on average 332 ± 398 m (mean ± standard deviation), and half of all foraging periods lasted less than 3 min. An analysis of habitat use revealed that the bats used conifer plantation and natural forests as pathways and feeding habitats. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the structure of the forests have a great influence on the nocturnal behavior of the greater horseshoe bats. Although this study has a descriptive character due to a relatively small number of tagged individuals, it was possible to elucidate the small-scale interactions between wild Rhinolophus bats and their environment using the latest high-resolution GPS technology, which will allow us to give new insights into the foraging ecology of echolocating bats in the wild.
Distortion isomerism in a thiocyanate-bridged copper(II) dimer. X-ray structure of .beta.-bis(.mu.-thiocyanato-N,S)-bis[bis(5,7-dimethyl[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine)(thiocyanato-N)copper(II)] and comparison of its spectral and structural properties with those of other copper(II) 5,7-dimethyl[1,2

Le thiocyanate de Cu(II) et la dimethyl-5,7 triazolo-1,2,4 [1,5-a] pyrimidine (C 7 H 8 N 4 , dmtp) forment trois complexes differents: deux isomeres de composition [Cu(NCS) 2 (dmtp) 2 ] 2 et l'espece hydratee Cu(NCS) 2 (dmtp) 2 H 2 O. Etude RX de l'isomere β de [Cu(NCS) 2 (dmtp) 2 ] 2 : cristallisation dans P2 1 /n avec Z=4; affinement jusqu'a R=0,034. Ce compose est un dimere autosymetrique
Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Complicating Intra-Arterial Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the most common type of stroke. The endovascular treatment of AIS depends on stroke subtype, whether caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO) or not. We presented a case of AIS due to LVO that has complication in the form of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after an intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: An 80-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with sudden onset left side weakness since <1 h before admission, when the patient had woke up in the morning. The patient had history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. She also had cardiac disorders in the form of non-valvular atrial fibrillation with 55% left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Her blood pressure was 148/84 mmHg, heart rate was 65 beats/minute, respiratory rate was 17 times/min, and body temperature was 36.2°C. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) was E3V4M5; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 15. She had moderate aphasia. Head CT scan did not show any hyperor hypodens areas and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score was 10. RAPID automated CT perfusion using Quantitative Software showed that the mismatch volume was 192 ml and the mismatch ratio was 7.4. Endovascular therapy in the form of intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy was performed, and blood flow in the right internal carotid artery (ICA) was restored with the score of Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) was III. Follow-up non-contrast head CT scan was performed and revealed acute infarction with hemorrhagic transformation in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. CONCLUSION: Early and accurate treatment of AIS is paramount. Endovascular treatment in the form of intraarterial mechanical thrombectomy is the current treatment recommendation in LVO although there is a risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, as in this case. Edited by: Ksenija Bogoeva-Kostovska Citation: Amran MY, Bahar A. Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Complicating Intra-Arterial Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2020 Oct 03; 8(C):140-145. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2020. 4827
Understanding Phytotoxicity Thresholds for Trace Elements in Land-applied Sewage Sludge

Sewage sludge contains trace elements. With repeated sludge applications as crop fertilizer, these trace elements may accumulate in the soil to phytotoxic concentrations. My objective was to assess the scientific basis for the current cumulative loading limits for Cu, Ni, and Zn in land-applied sewage sludge. An overview of the USEPA's phytotoxicity risk assessment, the basis for these loading limits, was presented, discussed, and compared in the context of the underlying principles of phytotoxicity thresholds. I concluded that EPA phytotoxicity thresholds in immature plants were arbitrarily selected, and extrapolations to field applications of sewage sludge were not substantiated. Variability in plant accumulation rates and soil sorption capacities of trace elements were not adequately considered in the EPA analysis. Because of the assumptions, simplifications, and extrapolations introduced into the phytotoxicity analysis, the final results, that is, EPA's cumulative loading limits for Cu, Ni, and Zn, are not substantiated by the analysis. The phytotoxicity analysis does not represent an appropriate application of underlying scientific principles. A more appropriate basis for regulating trace element applications in sewage sludge would reflect an understanding of site-specific characteristics, possibly including concentration limits for trace elements in plant tissue, soil, and/or groundwater. Additional research would be required to substantiate EPA's conclusions about the cumulative pollutant loading limits, as derived from EPA's phytotoxicity risk assessment.