Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Seed Dormancy for Improved Germination in Traditional Leafy Vegetables: An Overview

Loss of seed viability, poor and delayed germination, and inaccessibility to high-quality seeds are key bottlenecks limiting all-year-round production of African traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs). Poor quality seeds are the result of several factors including harvest time, storage, and conservation conditions, and seed dormancy. While other factors can be easily controlled, breaking seed dormancy requires thorough knowledge of the seed intrinsic nature and physiology. Here, we synthesized the scattered knowledge on seed dormancy constraints in TLVs, highlighted seed dormancy regulation factors, and developed a conceptual approach for molecular genetic analysis of seed dormancy in TLVs. Several hormones, proteins, changes in chromatin structures, ribosomes, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) are involved in seed dormancy regulation. However, the bulk of knowledge was based on cereals and Arabidopsis and there is little awareness about seed dormancy facts and mechanisms in TLVs. To successfully decipher seed dormancy in TLVs, we used Gynandropsis gynandra to illustrate possible research avenues and highlighted the potential of this species as a model plant for seed dormancy analysis. This will serve as a guideline to provide prospective producers with high-quality seeds.
Impact of interferon-alpha in combined chemoradioimmunotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (CapRI): First data from the immunomonitoring

Data from a phase II trial combining chemoradiotherapy with IFN-a (CapRI scheme) for adjuvant treatment of pancreatic carcinoma are very encouraging. Therefore, a phase III trial comparing chemotherapy with the chemoradiotherapy with IFN-a scheme has been initiated in August 2004. Translational research with a focus on immunomodulation is performed in parallel to the study. Blood and serum samples are taken at various time points. Patients in arm A (chemoradioimmunotherapy) receive a single low-dose-Interferon injection before therapy to investigate the direct effect of IFN-a. So far samples from 44 patients have been investigated for surface molecule expression, cytokine levels, natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and antigen-specific Granzyme B release. Patients in arm A showed 1 day after IFN-a injection a significant increase in spontaneous cytotoxicity; this effect was fading after repeated injections. Furthermore, cells releasing Granzyme B after stimulation with CA 19.9 and MUC-1 protein increased under therapy. Five days after the first IFN-a injection, IL-12 and TNF-a serum levels peak. We observed significant increases of monocytes, peripheral dendritic cells, CD40 cells, central and effector memory T cells, and CD8 cells, CD4 cells decreased during therapy. All these effects were only observed in arm A patients and none of them in arm B patients. In conclusion, in a translational research project accompanying a challenging multimodality treatment trial including IFN-a, we observed an immediate activation of antigen-presenting cells and natural killer cells followed later on by antigen-specific activation. It will be most interesting if the immunologic data will show a correlation with the clinical course of the patients.
Do Gender, Discipline, and Mental Rotation Influence Orientation on “You-Are-Here” Maps

A common challenge people encounter in unfamiliar cities is finding their way using static maps. In the present study, we analyzed the relationship of a person’s mental rotation ability, college educational specialization (e.g., Architecture, Fine Arts, Psychology, and Business Studies), and sex with personal orientation when using “you-are-here” maps. We recruited a sample of 547 individuals, undergraduates who were tasked with orientation maps placed in different positions (e.g., 0º, 90º, and 180º). All three variables were related to the number of correct responses in orientation using these “you-are-here” maps. Participants with high mental rotation ability obtained significant higher correct orientations than those with low ability. Men obtained more correct orientations responses than women, and Architecture, Fine Arts, and Psychology undergraduates had more correct responses than Business Studies undergraduates.
Learning-Based Model Predictive Control: Toward Safe Learning in Control

Recent successes in the field of machine learning, as well as the availability of increased sensing and computational capabilities in modern control systems, have led to a growing interest in learning and data-driven control techniques. Model predictive control (MPC), as the prime methodology for constrained control, offers a significant opportunity to exploit the abundance of data in a reliable manner, particularly while taking safety constraints into account. This review aims at summarizing and categorizing previous research on learning-based MPC, i.e., the integration or combination of MPC with learning methods, for which we consider three main categories. Most of the research addresses learning for automatic improvement of the prediction model from recorded data. There is, however, also an increasing interest in techniques to infer the parameterization of the MPC controller, i.e., the cost and constraints, that lead to the best closed-loop performance. Finally, we discuss concepts that leverage MPC to augment learning-based controllers with constraint satisfaction properties.
Craftsmanship as a Carrier of Indigenous and Local Ecological Knowledge: Photographic Insights from Sámi Duodji and Archipelago Fishing

Abstract Indigenous and Local Ecological Knowledge (ILEK) has been recognized for its potential and contribution to sustainable use of natural resources. It has proven difficult, however, to investigate and observe its tacit and embodied character. The objective of this article is to explore ways in which we can theoretically and methodologically understand ILEK. It does so by theorizing ILEK as craftsmanship using literature on practice theory, and analyzing the tacit and embodied nature of craftsmanship of a Sámi craftswoman and an archipelago fisherman through the use of visual methods. Results of this study are used to analyze and discuss how craftsmanship reproduces ILEK and its potential to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Spatiotemporal variation in leaf size and shape in response to climate

Morphological variation of leaves is a key indicator of plant response to climatic change. Leaf size and shape are associated with carbon, water and energy exchange of plants with their environment. However, whether and how leaf size and shape responded to climate change over the past decades remains poorly studied. Moreover, many studies have only explored inter- but not intraspecific variation in leaf size and shape across space and time. We collected >6000 herbarium specimens spanning 98 years (1910–2008) in China for seven representative dicot species and measured their leaf length and width. We explored geographical patterns and temporal trends in leaf size (i.e. leaf length, leaf width and length × width product) and shape (i.e. length/width ratio), and investigated the effects of changes in precipitation and temperature over time and space on the variation in leaf size and shape. After accounting for the effects of sampling time, leaf size decreased with latitude for all species combined, but the relationship varied among species. Leaf size and shape were positively correlated with temperature and precipitation across space. After accounting for the effects of sampling locations, leaf size of all species combined increased with time. Leaf size changes over time were mostly positively correlated with precipitation, whereas leaf shape changes were mostly correlated with temperature. Overall, our results indicate significant spatial and temporal intraspecific variation in leaf size and shape in response to climate. Our study also demonstrates that herbarium specimens collected over a considerable period of time provide a good resource to study the impacts of climate change on plant morphological traits.
Relation between Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness Assessed by Multidetector Computed Tomography and Significance of Coronary Artery Disease

Objective: To evaluate the relation between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and also pericoronary fat assessed by Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) with both calcium score and significance of coronary artery disease. Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (the visceral fat of the heart present under the visceral layer of the pericardium) has the same origin of abdominal visceral fat, which is known to be strongly related to the development of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Multidetector CT (MDCT) provides an accurate and reproducible quantification of EAT due to its high spatial and temporal resolution. Patients and Methods: The current study included 70 patients with low-intermediate probability of coronary artery disease. All patients were subjected to 256 Multidetectors CT to assess EAT thickness, the mean thickness of the pericoronary fat surrounding the three coronary arteries and coronary calcium score. Also coronary CT angiography was done and patients were then divided into 3 groups according to significance of coronary atherosclerosis: Group 1: No atherosclerosis (20 patients), Group 2: Non obstructive atherosclerosis (luminal narrowing less than 50% in diameter) (25 patients), Group3: Obstructive atherosclerosis (luminal narrowing ≥ 50%) (25 patients). Results: The mean EAT thickness and the mean pericoronary fat thickness were significantly higher in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) with stenosis > 50% (group 3) compared to other groups with normal coronaries or non obstructive (CAD). ROC curve was used to define the best cut off value of the thickness of both EAT and pericoronary fat in predicting the obstructive CAD group which was ≥7.2 and 12.6 mm for epicardial and pericoronary fat respectively. Also there is a positive correlation between both epicardial adipose tissue and pericoronary fat thickness and the coronary calcium score. Conclusion: EAT thickness and pericoronary fat thickness can be used in predicting the significance of coronary artery disease.
Extending Cycle Life of Mg/S Battery by Activation of Mg Anode/Electrolyte Interface through an LiCl‐Assisted MgCl2 Solubilization Mechanism

Non‐nucleophilic electrolytes that can reversibly plate/strip Mg are essential for realizing high‐performance rechargeable Mg/S batteries. In contrast to organometallic electrolytes, all‐inorganic electrolytes based on MgCl2‐AlCl3 complexes are more cost‐effective and hold better stability to air and moisture. A recently developed electrolyte that contains tetrahydrofuran solvated divalent Mg cation, [Mg·6THF][AlCl4]2, has exhibited decent compatibility with the sulfur cathode. However, it suffers a large overpotential and short cycle life, which hinders its applications in Mg/S batteries. Here, an efficient plating/stripping of Mg is realized successfully by using LiCl to dissolve MgCl2 from the electrolyte/electrode interface. As a result, the overpotential of Mg plating/stripping is remarkably reduced to 140/140 mV at a current density of 500 µA cm−2. Both experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the LiCl‐assisted solubilization of MgCl2 facilitates the exposure of fresh surface on the Mg anode. Utilizing such an LiCl‐activation strategy, Mg/S full batteries with a significantly extended cycle life of over 500 cycles, as well as coulombic efficiency close to 100%, are achieved successfully. This work demonstrates the role of LiCl‐assisted interface activation on extending the cycle‐life Mg/S batteries with all‐inorganic electrolytes.
A Single or Short Course of Palliative Radiotherapy Increases the Risk of Pain Flare

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of pain ﬂare after palliative radiation for painful osseous metastases, and whether a single or short course of radiotherapy increases the risk of pain ﬂare using a physician-based assessment. Methods: Aseriesof34consecutivepatientswhounderwentpalliativeradiotherapywereincludedinthisanalysis. Theirtreatments were as follows: 8 Gy, single fraction (n = 5), 20 Gy, 5 fractions (n = 11), 30 Gy, 10 fractions (n = 18). Pain ﬂare was deﬁned as a 2-point increase in the present pain intensity (PPI) with no decrease in analgesic score or a 25% increase in the analgesic score with no decrease in PPI for at least 2 consecutive days. The assessment was performed by a radiation oncologist. Results: Usingthedeﬁnitionof painﬂare,8outof 34(24%)patientsexperiencedapainﬂarewithamediandurationof 3days(range: 2 to 6 days). The median onset of pain ﬂare was the day after the start of radiotherapy (day 2; range, day 1 to 3). Two of the 5 (40%) patients and 4 of the 11 (36%) patients who received total doses of 8 Gy and 20 Gy, respectively, experienced a pain ﬂare. In contrast, 2 of the 18 (11%) patients who received a total dose of 30 Gy experienced a pain ﬂare. Conclusions: Pain ﬂare is common after palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases. Single fraction or short course radiotherapy may be associated with a higher risk of pain ﬂare.
Theoretical Evaluation of the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Arrays of Vertical Axisymmetric Floaters of Arbitrary Shape in front of a Vertical Breakwater

The present paper deals with the analytical evaluation of the hydrodynamic characteristics of an array of vertical axisymmetric bodies of arbitrary shape, placed in front of a reflecting vertical breakwater, which can be conceived as floaters for wave power absorption. At the first part of the paper, the hydrodynamic interactions between the floaters and the adjacent breakwater are exactly taken into account using the method of images, whereas, the interaction phenomena between the floaters of the array are estimated using the multiple scattering approach. For the solution of the problem, the flow field around each floater of the array is subdivided into ring-shaped fluid regions, in each of which axisymmetric eigenfunction expansions for the velocity potential are made. In the second part of the paper, extensive theoretical results are presented concerning the exciting wave forces and the hydrodynamic coefficients for various arrays’ arrangements of axisymmetric floaters. The aim of the study is to show parametrically the effect that the vertical breakwater has on the hydrodynamic characteristics of each particular floater.
Protein-losing gastroenteropathy in a patient with concomitant systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome

Abstract We report a female in her twenties who developed generalized edema. She was diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) based on her physical manifestations and positive findings for antinuclear antibody and anti-SS-A/SS-B-antibody. Although she manifested hypoproteinemia, a possibility of lupus nephritis was denied due to a lack of significant abnormality in kidney function tests and urinalysis. The nature of hypoproteinemia and related symptoms was identified as protein losing gastroenteropathy (PLGE) based on α 1-antitrypsin clearance and histopathology findings. Physicians should be aware that PLGE may develop as an underlying cause of edema in SLE and SS.
Macroscopic analysis of dental and periodontal tissues of pig (Sus domesticus) exposed to high temperatures

SUMMARYObjective: To describe the physical changesofmacro-structural dental tissues (enamel,dentin and cement) and periodontal(oral mucous membrane, alveolar compactbone and cancellous alveolar bone) ofdomestic pig (Sus domesticus) expose tohigh temperatures.Materials and methods: This descriptivestudy observed the physical changes in macro-structural dental tissues and periodontalin 25 teeth of domestic pigs subjected tohigh temperatures (200°C, 400°C, 600°C,800°C and 1000°C). Results: Dental and periodontal tissues studiedshow great resistance when subjectedto high temperatures without changing significantlytheir macro-structure. At 200°Cno color changes and cracks appear in theenamel. At 400°C there was an increase ofthe fissure and no separation between thehard tissues, initiating carbonization. At600°C fractures in the dental tissues andbone are most apparent. At 800°C burningof the tissues initiated. At 1000°C there wasno evidence of soft tissue.Conclusions: Macroscopic analysis of theteeth articulated in their alveolar-dentalunits constitutes a experimental model thatssimulates the changes of dental and periodontaltissues expose to high temperature.It is recommended to conduct astudy onhuman teeth in their respective unit articulatedalveolar to determine whether themacro-structural physical changes describedare repeated and can be extrapolated,and which can eventually be used duringthe process of dental identification anddocumentation of the medical legal autopsyused in the case of bodies or human remainsburned, charred and burned.Key words: Forensic dentistry, domesticpig (Sus domesticus), dental and periodontaltissues, temperature exposition, animalmodel.
THE ETEST BUILDER: A RENAISSANCE IN EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT PRACTICE

e Assessment, the integration of gauging learning paradigms with computer technology, is an innovative eLearning tool. As a strategy for a computerized educational measurement, it has set the trend for a systemic reform in an educational ecosystem that has been plagued for the last 10 years with problems on inadequate digital literacy. The Silliman University College of Nursing (SUCN) in central Philippines is no exception to this reality. Challenged to uphold the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED’s) seal of excellence in nursing education, and with the University’s mandate to integrate e Learning as a strategy in the delivery of service, SUCN implores to harness the benefits of e Assessment despite the Nursing faculty’s lack of expertise in the digital realm. This automated test builder, equipped with features that include automated test banking, valid recycling, and item analysis are innovating educational measurement for nursing schools. It was developed compliant to the tenets in Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) employing Rapid Application Development (RAD) as methodology with Evolutionary Prototyping technique. A Users’ Training session was also conducted to the Nursing faculty members that exposed them to the automated system. The software quality involved a survey on Nursing faculty members using adapted questionnaires from the International Organization for Standardization-International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 9126-1 framework. The survey yielded a 100 percent valid response rate and that the test bank module is flawlessly-robust and highly-secure. The test questionnaire-generation module’s evaluation revealed that it is absolutely-timely and highly accurate. The statistical report-generation module was considered by SUCN as an excellent decision-making tool. The software product quality evaluation of the e Test Builder, as defined by ISO/IEC 9126-1, showed that the computed aggregate means for functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, and security is highly-functional, approvingly-reliable, predominantly-usable, exceptionally-efficient, and highly secure. Overall, the respondents perceived the e Test Builder as a highly-valuable business solution to the nagging assessment issues and concerns.
Systematic Review of Household Water Conservation Interventions Using the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model

Increasing droughts and water shortages are intensifying the need for residential water conservation. We identify and classify 24 water conservation studies using the information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model by categorizing interventions based on content and water conservation effectiveness. This synthesis revealed several insights. First, all of the interventions used information, motivation, and/or behavioral skills, suggesting that water conservation interventions can be interpreted within the IMB framework. Second, interventions with two or more IMB components led to reductions in water usage, but the average effect sizes between different types of interventions were similar and there was a considerable range around these averages. To the extent that intervention effectiveness is driven by populations lacking specific IMB components, more elicitation research to identify gaps in specific populations could support greater effectiveness. Designing interventions explicitly with the IMB model would facilitate comparability across studies and could support a better understanding of water conservation interventions.
Retracted Article: Down-regulation of the radiation-induced pEGFRThr654 mediated activation of DNA-PK by Cetuximab in cervical cancer cells

The phosphorylation of EGFRThr654 is required for nuclear EGFR importing, and our previous study has shown that pEGFRThr654 is an independent prognostic factor for the low survival rate of patients with cervical squamous carcinoma. Now, we aim to examine the role of pEGFRThr654 in the activation of DNA-PK and radio resistance. Either CaSki or HeLa cells were exposed to a dose of 4 Gy with a 6 MV X-ray in the presence or absence of Cetuximab or Gefitinib, then EGFR, pEGFRThr654, DNA-PKcs and pDNA-PKThr2609 levels were determined using a western blot. DNA damage was quantified with γH2AX foci analysis and the response of CaSki and HeLa cells to irradiation was determined using a colony formation assay. In CaSki and HeLa cells, irradiation induced nuclear EGFR accumulation, and pEGFRThr654 and pDNA-PKThr2609 levels were both significantly increased. Cetuximab pre-treatment significantly reduced the expression of pEGFRThr654 and pDNA-PKThr2609 and enhanced the γH2AX foci per cell and sensitivity enhancement ratio in CaSki cells. Gefitinib pre-treatment had a similar but weaker effect. In HeLa cells, similar effects of Cetuximab and Gefitinib on pEGFRThr654 and pDNA-PKThr2609 were observed, and no significant difference was found. We found that Cetuximab had a better effect than Gefitinib on attenuating the radio resistance in cervical squamous carcinoma cells via inhibiting pEGFRThr654-mediated nuclear EGFR transport and related DNA-PKT2609-mediated DNA repair. However, in adenocarcinoma cells, both EGFR-targeted drugs had no remarkable effects on the radio sensitivity. Taken together, radiotherapy combined with Cetuximab may be a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic gain for cervical squamous carcinoma patients.
Contextual review of physical requirements of refereeing Rugby Union at an elite level

RUGBY UNION REFEREES OFTEN DETERMINE THE OUTCOME OF MATCHES, WHICH HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR PHYSICAL CONDITIONING AND DECISION-MAKING ABILITY. THIS ARTICLE REVIEWS THE LIMITED POOL OF RESEARCH RELATED TO THE PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF REFEREEING 15-A-SIDE RUGBY UNION WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF MATCH OFFICIALS FROM OTHER TEAM SPORTS. DECISION-MAKING INVESTIGATIONS ARE CRITICALLY DISCUSSED, AND CURRENT PHYSICAL MONITORING ASSESSMENTS ARE PRESENTED ALONG WITH TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHES. FOR A VIDEO ABSTRACT OF THIS ARTICLE, SEE SUPPLEMENTAL DIGITAL CONTENT 1 (SEE VIDEO, HTTP:// LINKS.LWW.COM/SCJ/A221).
The Addition of Prednisone to Antibiotics for the Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia May Shorten the Time to Clinical Stability

Synopsis: In patients admitted to the hospital for community-acquired pneumonia, the use of prednisone for 7 days led to a shorter time to clinical stability, defined by vital sign stability for 24 hours, and an overall reduction in the length of hospital stay, with a higher incidence of hyperglycemia needing insulin, but without a difference in pneumonia-related complications at 30 days after randomization when compared with placebo. Source: Blum CA, Nigro N, Briel M, et al. Adjunct prednisone therapy for patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2015;385: 1511–1518.