Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mercury source changes and food web shifts alter contamination signatures of predatory fish from Lake Michigan

Significance Elevated mercury in fish poses risks to fish-consuming wildlife and humans. Tracing sources of mercury by analyzing stable isotope ratios leads to improved source-receptor understanding and natural resource management. This work utilizes fish and sediment archives to trace the response to recent domestic mercury mitigation actions. Fish and sediments rapidly responded to a source perturbation contemporaneous with the reduction of mercury in the late 1980s. Subsequently, energetic pathways were altered due to dreissenid invasions, which dampened the expected decrease in fish mercury concentration. These findings reveal the importance of domestic mercury sources relative to global mercury to the Great Lakes. Results also show methylmercury concentrations in fish are sensitive to changes in trophic structure and diet driven by invasive species. To understand the impact reduced mercury (Hg) loading and invasive species have had on methylmercury bioaccumulation in predator fish of Lake Michigan, we reconstructed bioaccumulation trends from a fish archive (1978 to 2012). By measuring fish Hg stable isotope ratios, we related temporal changes in Hg concentrations to varying Hg sources. Additionally, dietary tracers were necessary to identify food web influences. Through combined Hg, C, and N stable isotopic analyses, we were able to differentiate between a shift in Hg sources to fish and periods when energetic transitions (from dreissenid mussels) led to the assimilation of contrasting Hg pools (2000 to present). In the late 1980s, lake trout δ202Hg increased (0.4‰) from regulatory reductions in regional Hg emissions. After 2000, C and N isotopes ratios revealed altered food web pathways, resulting in a benthic energetic shift and changes to Hg bioaccumulation. Continued increases in δ202Hg indicate fish are responding to several United States mercury emission mitigation strategies that were initiated circa 1990 and continued through the 2011 promulgation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule. Unlike archives of sediments, this fish archive tracks Hg sources susceptible to bioaccumulation in Great Lakes fisheries. Analysis reveals that trends in fish Hg concentrations can be substantially affected by shifts in trophic structure and dietary preferences initiated by invasive species in the Great Lakes. This does not diminish the benefits of declining emissions over this period, as fish Hg concentrations would have been higher without these actions.
A study on relationship between achievement in mathematics and attitude towards mathematics of secondary school students

The purpose of this study was to investigate high school students’ attitude towards mathematics and achievement in mathematics. For this purpose, the methodology employed in this study was a descriptive type. The participants of this study consisted of 394 secondary (class ten) students from six different high schools. The Mathematics Attitude Scale and Mathematics achievement questioner developed and standardized by the authors. The data was quantitatively analysed by using independent samples t-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (0.05 significant level) using SPSS software. Findings showed that in gender difference there had significant difference on the students’ attitude towards mathematics, though there is not so significant difference in achievement in mathematics. Also there is a significant positive correlation between attitude towards mathematics and achievement in mathematics.
Sense Reconfigurable Circularly Polarized Microstrip Patch Antenna Design

A sense reconfigurable circularly polarized microstrip patch antenna is proposed, because a difference of the two square patches, two orthogonal line polarizations will be generated at two slightly different frequencies, and the two patches are excited by a single feedline to produce a 90° phase difference for circular polarization (CP). The presented antenna in this paper is able to switch between two polarizations by attaching a stub along the feedline. That is, right-hand CP (RHCP) and left-hand CP (LHCP). The antenna works at 2.56 GHz for RHCP and 2.54 GHz for LHCP. The impedance matching characteristic and the axial ratio (AR) of the antenna are acceptable at each operation frequency.
Hepatic stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 deficiency increases glucose uptake in adipose tissue partially through the PGC-1α–FGF21 axis in mice

Increased carbohydrate consumption increases hepatic de novo lipogenesis, which has been linked to the development of chronic metabolic diseases, including obesity, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance. Stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a critical lipogenic enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of two monounsaturated fatty acids, oleate and palmitoleate, from the saturated fatty acids stearate and palmitate, respectively. SCD1-deficient mouse models are protected against diet-induced adiposity, hepatic steatosis, and hyperglycemia. However, the mechanism of this protection by SCD1 deficiency is unclear. Using liver-specific SCD1 knockout (LKO) mice fed a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet, we show that hepatic SCD1 deficiency increases systemic glucose uptake. Hepatic SCD1 deficiency enhanced glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) expression in the liver and also up-regulated GLUT4 and adiponectin expression in adipose tissue. The enhanced glucose uptake correlated with increased liver expression and elevated plasma levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hepatokine known to increase systemic insulin sensitivity and regulate whole-body lipid metabolism. Feeding LKO mice a triolein-supplemented but not tristearin-supplemented high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet reduced FGF21 expression and plasma levels. Consistently, SCD1 inhibition in primary hepatocytes induced FGF21 expression, which was repressed by treatment with oleate but not palmitoleate. Moreover, deletion of the transcriptional coactivator PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) reduced hepatic and plasma FGF21 and white adipocyte tissue-specific GLUT4 expression and raised plasma glucose levels in LKO mice. These results suggest that hepatic oleate regulates glucose uptake in adipose tissue either directly or partially by modulating the hepatic PGC-1α–FGF21 axis.
Transitional Patterns of the Zygapophyseal Joints at the Thoracolumbar Region

The level and rate of anatomical changes in the orientation of zygapophyseal joints (ZJs) from the thoracic to the lumbar type is a matter of controversy. So, in this study the superior articular facets of ZJs at the thoracolumbar region were investigated for any deviation from the typical thoracic or lumbar criteria. The study included 20 macerated vertebral columns and axial CT sections on 20 healthy adult subjects. Out of the present results three main types of transitional facets could be differentiated:
Socioeconomic Status and Executive Function in Early Childhood: Exploring Proximal Mechanisms.

Although there is substantial evidence that socioeconomic status (SES) predicts children's executive function, the mechanisms underlying this association are poorly understood. This study tested the utility of two theories proposed to link SES to children's executive function: the family stress model and the family investment model. Data came from the Midwestern Infant Development Study (N = 151). To measure SES, parental education and income were assessed during pregnancy, and income was also assessed when children were 6 and 36 months old. Children's executive function, operationalized as working memory/inhibitory control (WMIC) and self-control, was assessed at 36 months of age, along with potential mediators including maternal psychological distress, harsh parenting, and cognitive stimulation. Using structural equation modelling, we tested simultaneous pathways from SES to executive function: 1) via maternal psychological distress to harsh parenting (family stress model), and 2) via cognitive stimulation (family investment model). Of the SES measures, lower education predicted poorer WMIC directly and indirectly via greater maternal psychological distress. Lower education also predicted poorer self-control via greater maternal psychological distress. This effect was partially suppressed by an indirect path from lower education to better self-control via greater psychological distress and increased harsh parenting. Cognitive stimulation did not act as a mediator. Income was not directly or indirectly associated with EF. These findings provide partial support for the family stress model and suggest that family functioning is an important proximal mechanism for children's executive function development. This study also highlights the importance of considering SES as a multidimensional construct.
Marginalizing Merit?: Gender Differences in Black Faculty D/discourses on Tenure, Advancement, and Professional Success

Little work has addressed the ways in which race and gender intersect and shape Black professors' experiences as they seek professional advancement. Framed by critical race theory, this qualitative study uses discourse analysis to analyze the narratives of 28 Black professors employed at two research universities. Findings suggest that faculty perceive race and gender influencing their evaluations for academic advancement , with key gender distinctions in discourses about teaching and service in relation to professional success. Black women appear to experience demands in these domains as more emotionally and physically taxing than their male counterparts, adding strain to the tenure and advancement process.
Organic fertilization affecting pests and production of Lippia sidoides Cham . ( Verbenacea )

The objective of this paper was to study the effect of four levels of organic fertilization (0, 3, 6 and 9 kg m-2) to produce the essential oil of Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenacea) and its pests. A higher number of red mite Tetranychus sp. (Acari: Tetranychiidae) was observed on the abaxial face of the median and basal leaves of L. sidoides plants with eight weeks of age cultivated with 6 kg m-2 of organic fertilization. On the other hand, the smallest number of this mite was noted in control (0 kg m-2). L. sidoides cultivated with 6 kg m-2 of organic fertilization produced a greater quantity of essential oil. The highest number of mealy bug Phenacoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was observed on the apical leaves (both leaf surfaces) of L. sidoides plants with nine and ten weeks of age cultivated with 3 kg m-2 of organic fertilization. No significant effect of the organic fertilization on Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was detected. However, a greater number of this aphid and of its predator Scymnus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) was observed on the abaxial face of the bottom leaves of L. sidoides plants with eight weeks of age. The dose of organic fertilization recommended for the production of essential oil of L. Sidoides is 6 kg m-2, however, one must pay attention to the fact this dosage favors the attack by Tetranychus sp. And, when needed, pulverization must always be directed to the lower surface of the leaf.
Bratislava HOW DIFFERENT MONETARY RULES LEAD TO DIFFERENT PERFORMANCES DURING THE CRISES : THE CASE OF THE WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES

The Great Recession reopened macroeconomic issues that had been previously considered as solved. One of them is the use of monetary and fiscal policy to stabilize macroeconomic development. Although the prevailing consensus used to be that monetary policy is powerful enough to ensure smooth economic performance, the Great Recession produced the need for fiscal stimulus in many countries. This paper analyses the impact of a different policy-mix with emphasis on different monetary policy rules in the Western Balkan countries. Using data of the main macroeconomic indicators, the authors demonstrate that the monetary policy regime still remains a key determinant of economic performance during the economic crisis.
Assessment of Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns at Outpatient Pharmacy Using World Health Organization Prescribing Indicators

Background: Overuse of antibiotics is a common problem in health care, which leads to unnecessary expenditure on drugs, raised risk of adverse reactions, and the development of antimicrobial resistance. Inappropriate prescribing habits lead to ineffective and unsafe treatment, worsening of disease and increment of health care costs. The aim of this study was to assess antibiotic prescribing patterns using World Health Organization prescribing indicators at the outpatient Pharmacy Department of University of Gondar referral hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. One-year prescription data was collected from prescription and prescription registration books retained at the pharmacy store. World Health Organization/International Network of Rational Use of Drugs prescribing indicators were utilized to measure rational use of drugs with due focus on antibiotics prescribing patterns. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results and Discussion: A total of 968 drugs were prescribed from 600 patient encounters. The average number of drugs per encounter was 1.6. The percentage of encounters in which an antibiotics and injections were prescribed was 69.7% and 6.3% respectively. Amoxicillin (28.5%) followed by ciprofloxacin (12%) and metronidazole(11.1%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. The percentage of drugs prescribed from essential drugs list and by generic name was 95.3% and 96%, respectively. Rate of antibiotics prescribing showed deviation from the standard recommended by World Health Organization whereas polypharmacy, injectable prescribing pattern, uses of brand names, and prescription of drugs from the National Essential Drugs List were not found to be a significant problem though there were slight deviations from the standard. Conclussion: Interventions aimed at improving the antibiotic prescribing patterns need to be implemented so as to prevent the inappropriate use of antibiotics and avoid further complications.
Evolving concepts of speci ﬁ city in immune reactions

Our goal is to provide a perspective on current understanding of the origins of speci ﬁ city in immune reactions, a topic that has intrigued scientists for over a century. A fundamental propertyof adaptive immune responses is the ability to discriminate amongan immense variety of substances by means of antibodies (Abs) and Ab-like receptors on T lymphocytes [T-cell receptors (TCRs)], each able to bind a particular chemical structure [the antigen (Ag)] and not, or only weakly, similar alternatives. Evidence has long existed, however, and has grown, especially recently, that while exhibiting remarkable speci ﬁ city, many individual Abs and TCRs can also bind a variety of very different ligands. How canAgrecognitionby thesereceptorsexercisethegreatspeci ﬁ cityfor whichtheyare renowned and yet reactwitha varietyof different ligands (degeneracy)? We critically consider the mechanistic bases for this speci ﬁ city/degeneracy enigma and also compare and contrast Ag recognition by Abs and TCRs. Mechanistic Bases for the T-Cell Speci ﬁ city/ Degeneracy Enigma. Molecular mimicry. Molecular mimicry
Student perception of topic difficulty: Lecture capture in higher education

Perception of topic difficulty is a likely predictor of lecture capture video use, as student perception of difficulty has been shown to affect a variety of outcomes in academic settings. This study measured the relationship between perceived difficulty and the use of lecture capture technology in a second year biochemistry course while additionally taking into account student learning approaches, comfort with technology, gender and performance outcomes. In several analyses, it was found that a higher perceived level of difficulty was associated with an increased number of video accessions, although this relationship was not consistent across all topics. As well, it was found that surface learning approach score and gender were significantly associated with the number of accessions of lecture capture videos, while deep approach score, course grade, and level of comfort with technology were not. This study confirms that student use of lecture capture is related to their perception of topic difficulty, and demonstrates that student characteristics also influence lecture capture behaviour. Although the strength of our observed associations were weak, the level of content difficulty may be an important factor to consider when deciding when to use lecture videos as learning resources in higher education.
Antitumor Potential of Seaweed Derived-Endophytic Fungi

The marine environment presents a high biodiversity and a valuable source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic and biotechnological potential. Among the organisms present in marine environment, the endophytic fungi isolated from seaweed stand out. These microorganisms have aroused interest in the scientific community regarding its various activities such as antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, photoprotective, cytotoxic, genotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer, besides establishing important ecological relations with its hosts. Anticancer molecules derived from marine natural sources are a promising target against different types of cancer. The disease’s high rates of morbidity and mortality affect millions of people world wild and the search for new therapeutic alternatives is needed. Thus, this review partially summarizes the methodologies for the isolation of seaweed-derived endophytic fungi, as well as describes the anticancer compounds isolated from such microorganisms, reported in the literature from 2009 to the present. In addition, it describes how some biotechnological processes can help in the discovery of bioactive compounds, especially with anticancer activity.
Effects of Polyphenols in a Mediterranean Diet on Symptoms of Depression: A Systematic Literature Review.

Depression is a mood disorder which currently affects 350 million individuals worldwide. Recently, research has suggested a protective role of diet for depression. The Mediterranean-style dietary pattern has been highlighted in several systematic reviews as a promising candidate for reducing depressive symptoms. It has been speculated that this could be due to the high polyphenol content of foods commonly found in the diet. Therefore, the aim of this review was to assess the effects of polyphenols found in a Mediterranean diet on the symptoms of depression. A systematic literature review was conducted of original research which assessed the role of polyphenols on the symptoms of depression in humans. The following databases were searched: PROQUEST, SCOPUS (Elsevier), MEDLINE (EBSCO), CINAHL, and EMBase, up to 18 February, 2019. The inclusion criteria consisted of both observational and experimental research in adults aged 18-80 y that assessed depression scores in relation to polyphenol intake. A total of 37 studies out of 12,084 met the full inclusion criteria. Of these, 17 were experimental studies and 20 were observational studies. Several different polyphenols were assessed including those from tea, coffee, citrus, nuts, soy, grapes, legumes, and spices. Twenty-nine of the studies found a statistically significant effect of polyphenols for depression. This review has found both an association between polyphenol consumption and depression risk, as well as evidence suggesting polyphenols can effectively alleviate depressive symptoms. The review uncovered gaps in the literature regarding the role of polyphenols for depressive symptoms in both young adults and men. This review was registered at www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO as CRD42019125747.
Saliva leukocytes rather than saliva epithelial cells represent the main source of DNA

Abstract Introduction. Several alternative methods to peripheral blood DNA extraction have been implemented so far. Saliva seems to represent a very advantageous type of sample, easy to harvest and able to generate DNA yields comparable to those extracted from blood mononuclear cells. Material and methods. 8 patients suspected of ankylosing spondylitis, 9 patients with various hematological malignancies, displaying post-chemotherapy leucopenia and 30 healthy volunteers were included in our study. DNA was extracted with various commercially available kits and used for HLA typing either by PCR amplification, or by PCR followed by hybridization. Results. Our data regarding HLA typing support already published results regarding the good DNA quality that allows its use in various molecular biology techniques. However, when attempting to use saliva from immunosuppressed patients for DNA extraction we have generated very low yields, comparable again with the ones obtained from peripheral blood. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry investigations confirmed the low number of leukocytes present in the saliva of these patients, while the number of epithelial cells was virtually unchanged. Conclusions. The main source of saliva DNA seems to be represented by leukocytes present in this fluid and not by the epithelial cells. Under these circumstances, for immunosuppressed patients saliva cannot represent an alternative to blood when attempting DNA extraction.
Light-induced current in molecular tunneling junctions excited with intense shaped pulses

A theory for light-induced current by strong optical pulses in molecular tunneling junctions is described. We consider a molecular bridge represented by its highest occupied and lowest unoccupied levels. We take into account two types of couplings between the molecule and the metal leads: electron transfer that gives rise to net current in the biased junction and energy transfer between the molecule and electron-hole excitations in the leads. Using a Markovian approximation, we derive a closed system of equations for the expectation values of the relevant variables: populations and molecular polarization that are binary, and exciton populations that are tetradic in the annihilation and creation operators for electrons in the molecular states. We have proposed an optical control method using chirped pulses for enhancing charge transfer in unbiased junctions where the bridging molecule is characterized by a strong charge-transfer transition. An approximate analytical solution of the resulting dynamical equations is supported by a full numerical solution. When energy transfer between the molecule and electron-hole excitations in the leads is absent, the optical control problem for inducing charge transfer with a linearly chirped pulse can be reduced to the Landau-Zener transition to a decaying level. When the chirp is fast with respect to the rate of the electron transfer, the Landau theory is recovered. The proposed control mechanism is potentially useful for developing optoelectronic single-electron devices with optical gating based on molecular nanojunctions.