Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strong Genetic Control of High Wood Specific Gravity in Young Progenies of Pinus brutia: Potential of Early Selection for Industrial Plantations

Abstract To increase quality and amount of wood production in Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.), genetic control of wood specific gravity (WSG), tracheid length and growth traits was investigated in Ceyhan1A progeny trial by evaluating 168 families originated from six clonal Turkish red pine seed orchards. Wood samples were taken by destructive sampling during the rouging of this trial at the age of seven. Differences among the 168 families for mean WSG was large (ranged from 0.35 to 0.62), as indicated by high individual (0.42±0.07) and family mean (0.55±0.03) heritabilities. Family differences and high heritabilities were also observed for all growth traits and tracheid length. Genetic correlations between WSG and growth traits were insignificant (near zero), while low and insignificant negative phenotypic correlations among the same traits were also observed. Predicted genetic gain for single trait selection at age of seven was low for WSG (0.37%), but substantial for stem volume (8.4%) in phenotypic seed orchards. However, the first generation clonal seed orchards consisting of the best 30 clones yielded higher genetic gains (5.2% for WSG and 35% for stem volume). These preliminary results suggest that selection for wood characteristics and growth traits in Turkish pine could be practiced at early ages for short rotation (about 30 years) in industrial plantations.
The role of neutrophil extracellular traps and TLR signaling in skeletal muscle ischemia reperfusion injury

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury results in devastating skeletal muscle fibrosis. Here, we recapitulate this injury with a mouse model of hindlimb IR injury which leads to skeletal muscle fibrosis. Injury resulted in extensive immune infiltration with robust neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in the skeletal muscle, however, direct targeting of NETs via the peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) mechanism was insufficient to reduce muscle fibrosis. Circulating levels of IL‐10 and TNFα were significantly elevated post injury, indicating toll‐like receptor (TLR) signaling may be involved in muscle injury. Administration of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a small molecule inhibitor of TLR7/8/9, following injury reduced NET formation, IL‐10, and TNFα levels and ultimately mitigated muscle fibrosis and improved myofiber regeneration following IR injury. HCQ treatment decreased fibroadipogenic progenitor cell proliferation and partially inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the injured tissue, suggesting it may act through a combination of TLR7/8/9 and ERK signaling mechanisms. We demonstrate that treatment with FDA‐approved HCQ leads to decreased muscle fibrosis and increased myofiber regeneration following IR injury, suggesting short‐term HCQ treatment may be a viable treatment to prevent muscle fibrosis in ischemia reperfusion and traumatic extremity injury.
Analysis of the bacterial community in Lake Soyang using an in situ hybridization method

Recently, molecular techniques have being applied to bacterial identification in situ, such as DNA sequencing with PCR, DNA-DNA hybridizat~on and single cell idenrification using rRNA-spectfic probes. 5uch methods have provided direct informatian regarding bacterial communiry and environmental conditions. Among these molecular techniques, in situ hybridization with a group-specific fluorescent-labeled probe is simple and quick to apply (AMANN er al. 1995). Group-specific and 165 and 235 rRNA-targeted probe molecules are ideal targets for whole cell hybridization because they are conserved molecules and comprise both higher and lower evolurionary conservation (WAGNER et al. 1993). More than 80% of bacteria are Gram negative in a freshwater environment (KANG & 5EKI 1983), and phylogenetically, many Gram-negative bacteria fali into the class Proteobacteria, which is subdivided into a-, ~-, yand Õ-subclasses (DE LAY 1991). Flavobacterium is also abundant in freshwater (RHEINHE! MER 1980). The aim of this study was to define the temporal and spatial changes of bacterial communities by using the in si tu hybridization probes, which are specific for al! members of the domain Bacteria, for rhe a-, ~-, and y-subclasses of the class Proteobacteria, and for the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium group.
Managing Free-Range Laying Hens—Part B: Early Range Users Have More Pathology Findings at the End of Lay but Have a Significantly Higher Chance of Survival—An Indicative Study

Simple Summary Free-range facilities may present a biosecurity risk in some situations, but range use has also been associated with better hen welfare. We investigated the association between early-life range use (when hens were 18–21 weeks of age) and hen survival during the entire housing period as well as various health and welfare parameters at 74 weeks of age. Hens that preferred to use the range at early life were three times more likely to survive. Early range users were also 1.6 times more likely to become infected with gastrointestinal nematodes and showed significantly more frequent signs indicating spotty liver disease. Hens that preferred to stay in the shed during early life had a higher prevalence of Fatty Liver Syndrome and significantly less feather cover. In conclusion, hens that do not range during early life may benefit from additional management strategies to increase their likelihood of survival. Further investigations under controlled environmental conditions are warranted to quantify further the observed effects. Abstract While free-range laying hens frequently experience health and welfare challenges, the contribution of range use towards these risks are largely unknown. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the survival, health and welfare of commercial free-range laying hens and explore the association with early range use. Range use of 9375 Lohmann Brown hens housed within five flocks was assessed during 18–21 weeks of age and individual hens were classified as “rangers” (frequent range users), “roamers” (intermittent range users), and “stayers” (rare/no range users) were then subject to necropsy at 74 weeks of age. Rangers and roamers were three times and 2.4 times more likely to survive than stayers, respectively (p = 0.001). Overall, rangers had significantly better feather cover and more lesions associated with spotty liver diseases compared to roamers and stayers (p = 0.001). Similarly, rangers and roamers had a higher prevalence of A. galli infection and less frequent signs of fatty liver syndrome compared to stayers. Rangers had a higher proportion of hens with full ovary follicle production compared to stayers and roamers (p = 0.035). This information is highly relevant to consider the targeted support of different flock subpopulations to improve hen health and welfare, directly affecting farm profitability. Further research on other farms is warranted to investigate the transferability of the observed results.
Isotopic methods for non‐destructive assessment of carbon dynamics in shrublands under long‐term climate change manipulation

Long‐term climate change experiments are extremely valuable for studying ecosystem responses to environmental change. Examination of the vegetation and the soil should be non‐destructive to guarantee long‐term research. In this paper, we review field methods using isotope techniques for assessing carbon dynamics in the plant–soil–air continuum, based on recent field experience and examples from a European climate change manipulation network. Eight European semi‐natural shrubland ecosystems were exposed to warming and drought manipulations. One field site was additionally exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2. We discuss the isotope methods that were used across the network to evaluate carbon fluxes and ecosystem responses, including: (1) analysis of the naturally rare isotopes of carbon (13C and 14C) and nitrogen (15N); (2) use of in situ pulse labelling with 13CO2, soil injections of 13C‐ and 15N‐enriched substrates, or continuous labelling by free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) and (3) manipulation of isotopic composition of soil substrates (14C) in laboratory‐based studies. The natural 14C signature of soil respiration gave insight into a possible long‐term shift in the partitioning between the decomposition of young and old soil carbon sources. Contrastingly, the stable isotopes 13C and 15N were used for shorter‐term processes, as the residence time in a certain compartment of the stable isotope label signal is limited. The use of labelled carbon‐compounds to study carbon mineralisation by soil micro‐organisms enabled to determine the long‐term effect of climate change on microbial carbon uptake kinetics and turnover. Based on the experience with the experimental work, we provide recommendations for the application of the reviewed methods to study carbon fluxes in the plant–soil–air continuum in climate change experiments. 13C‐labelling techniques exert minimal physical disturbances, however, the dilution of the applied isotopic signal can be challenging. In addition, the contamination of the field site with excess 13C or 14C can be a problem for subsequent natural abundance (14C and 13C) or label studies. The use of slight changes in carbon and nitrogen natural abundance does not present problems related to potential dilution or contamination risks, but the usefulness depends on the fractionation rate of the studied processes.
Astrocoryne cabela, gen. nov. et sp. nov. (Hydrozoa : Sphaerocorynidae), a new sponge-associated hydrozoan

Abstract. The family Sphaerocorynidae includes two valid genera and five species, most of which have a confusing taxonomic history. Here, a new genus and species, Astrocoryne cabela, gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Maldives and the Red Sea, based on both morphological and molecular evidence. Astrocoryne cabela has an apomorphy represented by the type of tentacles, here named ‘dicapitate’, and consisting of capitate tentacles with a proximal capitulum-like cluster of nematocysts. Molecular analyses confirmed the monophyly of this species, as well as its belonging to the Sphaerocorynidae, together with Sphaerocoryne spp. and Heterocoryne caribbensis Wedler & Larson, 1986, for which we present molecular data for the first time. Moreover, the high divergence of A. cabela from other species of the family justifies the establishment of a new genus. Interestingly, specimens from the Maldives and the Red Sea showed marked morphological variation in the polyp stage, although only a slight genetic divergence was detected. This study highlights that a comprehensive morpho-molecular assessment of Sphaerocorynidae is strongly needed in order to clarify the taxonomic issues and the diversity of this taxon.
The Use of Concentration of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) as an Indicator of Reproductive Performance in Livestock Species

The effect of breed and age on the concentration of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and the relationship between AMH and fertility in replacement ewes were evaluated. In Experiment 1, a single blood sample was used to compare concentration of AMH in Dorset/Texel (DT; n= 238; age 8.7 ± 0.1 months), Suffolk (n= 44) and Katahdin (n= 77; age 6.9 ± 0.04 months) replacement females and to determine changes in systemic AMH with age in DT and Katahdin females. In Experiment 2, Katahdin and DT females were placed into LOW, MEDIUM and HIGH groups based on their systemic AMH determined from a blood sample collected 2 months prior to breeding. Females were treated with CIDR inserts (0.3g progesterone) for 5 days and were exposed to rams at insert removal for 30–35 days. Ewes were observed for estrus after 4 days of ram exposure, and pregnancy diagnosis was conducted via transrectal ultrasonography at the time of ram removal and again 20–25 days. In Experiment 1, Katahdin females had a higher AMH than DT and Suffolk females (P < 0.001: 566 ± 37 vs. 337 ± 14 vs. 237 ± 22 pg/ml, respectively). AMH decreased linearly with age in DT females (P = 0.03). In Experiment 2, Females with high AMH conceived and lambed to the first service in Katahdin but not the DT breed (Breed x AMH; P < 0. 05). Replacement females that conceived (Breed X Conception; P < 0.001) and lambed to the first service (Breed X lambing to 1 st service; P < 0.001) had a higher AMH in Katahdin but not DT breed. In conclusion, AMH varies among different breeds of sheep and a single measure may be useful to select females with high reproductive performance in some breeds.
Empirical Analysis of Exchange Rate Fluctuationsand Gross Fixed CapitalFormation in Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of exchange rate Volatility on gross fixed capital formation. Mundell-Fleming Model is used as a theoretical framework for establishing relationship between relevant variables. The erratic fluctuation in exchange rates referred to as exchange rate volatility could be described as periods of domestic currency appreciation or depreciation. Exchange rate has considerable attention in terms of its influence on gross fixed capital formation. The study covered the period between 1980-2016 and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) techniques was used in estimating the relationship between the variables included in the specified regression model. The data was collected from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and the World Bank Indicators for Nigeria. The major finding of this study shows that the Exchange rates (EXCHR) has a positive and significant linear relationship with gross fixed capital formation. This implies that a unit increase in naira gain against other currencies will result to 0.961 increases in GFCF. The result equally shows that the Degree of trade openness (TOP) has negative and significant relationship with Gross fixed capital formation . This implies that a unit increase in trade openness will result to a 1.613 unit decline in GFCF. The result of Inflation rate (INFL) has negative and significant relationship with gross fixed capital formation. This implies that a unit increase in inflation will result to a 0.558 unit decline in GFCF. It implies that Stringent trade measures should be adopted to checkmate inflation mostly the imported inflation through foreign trade. The study therefore recommends that monetary authorities should adopt measures that will strengthen the naira against other currencies. Also that Stringent trade measures should be adopted to protect local industries and reduce the depletion of our foreign reserves through excessive importation. This can be achieved through high tariffs, quotas and outright ban on some certain goods and services.
Variability of Byssomerulius corium in the Mediterranean

The variability of the common corticioid Byssomerulius corium is discussed. Emended descriptions of both species and genus Byssomerulius are provided and a xerophilous variety (B. corium var. halileensis, growing on Quercus calliprinos wood in a sub-arid region of the East Mediterranean in Israel) is proposed. Basidiocarps representing the new variety can be diagnosed by their almost smooth or minutely folded hymenium. B. corium var. halileensis greatly resembles the species B. armeniacus, in need of further study. Key words—xerophilous variety, Byssomerulius corium var. halileensis
New normal of happiness – Reflection, capacity re-building with technology and home-based skills

How to cite this paper: Yeung, S. M. C. (2020). New normal of happiness – Reflection, capacity re-building with technology and home-based skills. Corporate Governance and Organizational Behavior Review, 4(2), 30-39. http://doi.org/10.22495/cgobrv4i2p3 Copyright © 2020 The Author This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
232.2R-03 Use of Fly Ash in Concrete

ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Standard Practices, and Commentaries are intended for guidance in planning, designing, executing, and inspecting construction. This document is intended for the use of individuals who are competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of its content and recommendations and who will accept responsibility for the application of the material it contains. The American Concrete Institute disclaims any and all responsibility for the stated principles. The Institute shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising therefrom. Reference to this document shall not be made in contract documents. If items found in this document are desired by the Architect/Engineer to be a part of the contract documents, they shall be restated in mandatory language for incorporation by the Architect/Engineer.
Computer modeling of restenosis and heating stent thermal effects in the coronary artery

The understanding and the prediction of the evolution of atherosclerotic plaques either into vulnerable plaques or into stable plaques are very important for the medical community. Stents in the coronary arteries are routinely used in the management of patients with angina or myocardial infarction where percutaneous coronary intervention is the clinically appropriate procedure. In this study we analysed stent deployment in the specific patient and simulation of the temperature distribution for heating stent in the final position. Effective stress analysis in the stent and arterial wall may give better understanding of the process of restenosis. We did geometrical reconstruction of the coronary artery from combination of biplane angiography and intravascular ultrasound. Finite element method computations were performed to simulate the deployment of a stent and heating stent thermal effects in the coronary model. In the arterial wall the maximal effective stress are found behind the stent and in the regions where the arterial wall was thinner. Temperature distribution during virtual stent heating shows maximal temperature around 48C. It could be desired for the smooth muscle cells (SMC) inside the plaque which can die in apoptosis. These results suggest that we can make heating of the implanted stent to prevent restenosis.
A Novel Block Toeplitz Matrix for DCT-based, Perceptually Enhanced Image Fusion

Image fusion aims at increasing the information content of the composite image. However, many existing transform-domain image fusion methods have failed to properly enhance the finer details in the input images, and the perceptual quality of the fused image often suffersas a result of fusion process. This paper describes and evaluates a novel image pre-processing technique based on the application of a block Toeplitz matrix as a part of a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) -based fusion method. The proposed DCT implementation seeks to enhance the finer details of all input images prior to fusion. A post-fusion stage aimed at adjusting image contrast and improving smoothness is then added in order to improve quality of fused image. The proposed method is applied to a set of medical images, and its results are evaluated based on objective performance measures such as entropy, standard deviation, and root-mean-squared error. These indicators are then compared to values obtained from other existing transform-based fusion methods, showing a significant performance improvement across all experiments.
SUPERGRAVITY AND GEOMETRY

Theoretical physics has always been a constant inspiration for the field of mathematics. This remains true today, with string theory and mathematical physics blurring the lines between what constitutes physics and mathematics. From the physics point of view, string theory is a promising theory with which to unify concepts such as quantization and geometry, particles and spacetime. At the same time, string theory provides a wealth of new and elegant mathematical structures that beckon to have light shed on them. Here I will describe a few examples of the interplay between physics and mathematics that are directly relevant to my research. My research focuses on supergravity theory, a generalization of general relativity that provides consistent spacetimes in which quantum strings can propagate. The geometry of supergravity provides a precise definition of a geometry that extends (uniquely) lorentzian-signature riemannian geometry with Grassmann-odd spinorial degrees of freedom. As such, spinorial geometry is an integral part of my work. By adding these spinorial degrees of freedom, the geometry of supergravity may be seen to generalize manifolds to supermanifolds, diffeomorphism symmetry with supersymmetry, Killing vectors with Killing spinors, and Lie algebras to Lie superalgebras. In particular, a supergravity theory is a gravity theory such that its defining equations are invariant under supersymmetry. In order to introduce a mathematical problem in supergravity, let us consider first a classic problem in spinorial geometry, that of special spinorial holonomy. The holonomy is called special if their exist ∇-parallel spinors. One may further generalize from parallel spinors to spinors that satisfy the riemannian Killing spinor equation:
Coronary artery stenosis regression by long-term standard dose statin therapy in middle-aged and elderly patients: Report and analysis of 31 cases

Objective: To study the possibility and characteristics of long-term standard dose statin-induced stenosis regression in middle-aged and elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: The study patients were those with CHD admitted to our hospital from 2010 to 2019. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) scanning and were diagnosed with a regression of stenosis. Results: Thirty-one patients (24 males and 7 females) with an average age of 64.7±1.8 years were reexamined by CTA at a mean of 18.6±1.9 months after the initial examination. The left anterior descending (LAD) coronal artery stenoses were significant regressed. Conclusion: In middle-aged to elderly patients with CHD, a long-term and standard dose statin treatment may lead to the regression of coronary artery stenosis. Key Words: Coronary atherosclerosis, statin, coronary CT angiography, middle-aged and elderly.
Acute Cholecystitis Following Ipilimumab and Nivolumab Treatment for Metastatic Melanoma

Ipilimumab and nivolumab are immunotherapy agents uti-lized in multiple cancers. These agents are becoming increasingly popular and more frequently encountered in the surgical patient. Both are checkpoint inhibitors used to en-hance the immune system to treat malignancy. 1 These therapies are associated with a variety of immune-related adverse events. Nivolumab generally causes fewer and less severe side effects than ipilimumab. Immune-related adverse events include gastrointestinal, hepatic, endocrine, and der-matologic toxicities. Treatment side effects leading to dis-continuation occur in up to 30% of patients for ipilimumab. 2 Up to 33% of patients may have elevated liver enzymes at some point during treatment and usually following the fourth cycle. Though elevated transaminases are frequently seen, hepatitis is rare and occurs in <3% of patients. 3 Rarer still is pancreatitis and cholangitis which have been infrequently reported. Case reports describing cholangitis are related to bile duct obstruction and autoimmune hepatitis, unrelated to isolated cholecystitis. 4 We report a case of acute acalculous cholecystitis in a patient undergoing ipilimumab and nivolumab therapy for metastatic melanoma. A 34-year-old Caucasian male was diagnosed with melanoma following a biopsy of an upper back lesion. Pathology demonstrated a nonulcerated 1.9 mm Breslow depth melanoma with high mitotic rate, positive margins, and negative BRAF gene mutation. Bulky