Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chinese vs. US Trade in an Emerging Country: The Impact of Trade Openness in Chile

Abstract This paper explores the effects of import competition on the manufacturing sector in Chile following the implementation of the country’s two largest Free Trade Agreements (FTA) (with the USA and China). Exploiting cross-industry variation in import exposure, we analyse the effects on manufacturing sales, employment and labour productivity at the finest level of industrial classification (4 digit ISIC level). We detect an overall negative effect of increased Chinese import penetration, owing to substitution effects from low and medium tech imports and a less pronounced effect from USA imports. By introducing interaction effects, we find that the levels of foreign ownership and the export intensity of the domestic industries reverse the negative effect due to the opportunities offered via participation in global value chains. An IV strategy is applied to address standard endogeneity concerns and confirm the robustness of our estimates.
Interplay between Erythrocyte Peroxidases and Membrane

Red blood cells (RBCs) are continuously exposed to oxidative stress (OS), mainly due to their primary function as oxygen carriers. Since RBC is a unique cell, without nucleus or other organelles, it presents a very special metabolism and a highly efficient antioxidant system to face OS conditions. Hemoglobin and RBC membrane are the major targets of oxidative modifications when RBC antioxidant capacity is overwhelmed. Fortunately, non-enzymatic agents, such as glutathione, and enzymatic agents, namely, several peroxidases, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin 2, are able to prevent OS damage. Although these peroxidases are mainly cytosolic enzymes, evidence exists about their association to the RBC membrane. So far, it appears that the relative importance of the three enzymes is related to hydrogen peroxide levels within the RBC. In this chapter, we will focus on the importance of these peroxidases in the RBC’s defense against OS mainly in the RBC cytosol and also the interplay between them and the RBC membrane. The potential role of their binding to the membrane will also be addressed.
Preparation of Activated Carbons From Banana (Musa acuminate L.) peels for Carbon Monoxide Adsorption

Abstract Purpose – In this research, we have prepared activated carbon (AC) from the waste of banana peels (Musa acuminate L.) using potassium hydroxide (KOH) for carbon monoxide (CO) adsorption from motorcycle gas emission. Design/Methodology/Approach – The activation was conducted using a chemical activator (KOH) at various concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 N for 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively. Characteristics of banana peels AC (BPAC) produced were analyzed using the Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Findings – Results showed that KOH concentration and activation time strongly affected the CO adsorption and opening of the AC surface pore. There was an increase in the CO sorption when the KOH concentration was increased up to 3 N concentration. The highest CO adsorption from the emission occurred at 70.95% under KOH concentration of 3 N during the 3-h preparation. Research Limitations/Implications – BPAC has been used as an adsorbent for only CO from motorcycle gas emission but not as an adsorbent for HC, NO, NOx, or H2S. Practical Implications – BPAC can be used as the potential adsorbent for the removal of CO from motorcycle gas emission, and it is an environmental friendly, low cost, and easy to make adsorbent. Originality/Value – In this study, the AC is made from biomass and is used in wastewater treatment, but limited studies are found on the removal of CO from motorcycle gas emission.
Recent advances in maximum entropy biasing techniques for molecular dynamics

ABSTRACT This review describes recent advances by the authors and others on the topic of incorporating experimental data into molecular simulations through maximum entropy methods. Methods which incorporate experimental data improve accuracy in molecular simulation by minimally modifying the thermodynamic ensemble. This is especially important where force fields are approximate, such as when employing coarse-grain models, or where high accuracy is required, such as when attempting to mimic a multiscale self-assembly process. The authors review here the experiment directed simulation (EDS) and experiment directed metadynamics (EDM) methods that allow matching averages and distributions in simulations, respectively. Important system-specific considerations are discussed such as using enhanced sampling simultaneously, the role of pressure, treating uncertainty, and implementations of these methods. Recent examples of EDS and EDM are reviewed including applications to ab initio molecular dynamics of water, incorporating environmental fluctuations inside of a macromolecular protein complex, improving RNA force fields, and the combination of enhanced sampling with minimal biasing to model peptides
Functional traits in sub-andean forests of the Cueva de los Guacharos National Park (Huila-Colombia) successional stages and understanding the black oak forest

Explaining differences in composition between places is one of the main objectives in ecology, and the main hypotheses include deterministic ecological factors or pure stochasticity. Currently, functional traits are considered as proxies of ecological strategies that may shed light into the assemblage of communities and their changes in time and space. Specially, for highly endangered ecosystems like neotropical montane forests where little of their ecological processes are known. This study focuses on functional traits of secondary and primary sub-Andean forests in Cueva de los Guacharos National Park (Huila-Colombia), to explain differences in successional stages, monodominant stands and mixed primary forest. Based on the hypothesis that greater diversity occurs with intermediate time since disturbance, we considered alternate past and present disturbances happening in each forest that could affect their functional composition. We predicted that the relation of functional richness to species richness or alpha diversity is reduced with short or prolonged time since disturbance. In the same way, we predicted time since disturbance affects functional dispersion showing higher values in communities with mixed life forms. In addition, we expected to find higher carbon assimilation in secondary than primary forests. To test these hypotheses, we measured leaf, wood and reproductive traits for the five most abundant species in 17 plots of 0.1 ha, calculated functional richness and dispersion indices, and used species richness and diversity from Prada & Stevenson (2016). Results showed a positive relationship between species diversity and functional richness, where plots dominated by black oaks showed the lowest values. No differences were found in functional richness between communities, but secondary forests had higher functional dispersion than primary forests. Major differences between forest types were found in traits associated with carbon assimilation (highest in secondary forests) and wood density (highest in black oak forests) where primary mixed forests had intermediate values in contrast to the other communities. Overall, the study supports the idea that intermediate phases of succession increase functional diversity by mixing species with alternate life forms and we suggest that positive feedbacks generated by few traits promote monodominance in black oak forests. Still, these findings must be complemented with paleo-ecological or monitoring studies to fully understand changes in functional diversity and species composition.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor -5 modulators

6-membered carbocyclic ring, is substituted with 1-position by condensation bicyclo moiety formed from 5-membered heterocyclic ring fused to 6-membered aryl or 6 membered heteroaryl, phenyl compounds also substituted 3,4-position by further case for example, schizophrenia, anxiety, the treatment and psychiatric and mood disorders such as depression and panic, are mGluR5 modulators useful in the treatment of pain and other disorders.
Biocatalyst Potential of Cellulose-Degrading Microorganisms Isolated from Orange Juice Processing Waste

Cellulases can be applied as macerating and peeling enzymes in the orange juice processing industry. In this work, indigenous cellulose-degrading microorganisms were isolated from orange juice processing waste through successive enrichment procedures using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the sole carbon source. A total of 24 microbial isolates were screened for their ability to grow in CMC liquid medium, resulting in the selection of seven isolates. The latter were further assessed by determining their endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase, exo-1,4-β-d-glucanase, and β-1,4-d-glucosidase activities, of which their respective activities were as high as 3.89, 10.67, and 10.69 U/mg protein. All cellulose-degraders selected belonged to the genus Paenibacillus, although to distinct operational taxonomic units related to P. xylanexedens, P. tundrae, and P. pabuli (operational taxonomic unit—OTU#1) and to P. wynnii, P. odorifer, and P. donghaensis (OTU#2) spectrum. Regarding the cellulase activities of the orange juice processing waste, endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase activity (4.00 ± 0.11 U/g) was exerted only extracellularly, whereas exo-1,4-β-d-glucanase (2.60 ± 0.19 U/g) and β-1,4-d-glucosidase (5.69 ± 0.23 U/g) activities were exhibited both extracellularly and intracellularly. In conclusion, orange juice processing waste can be considered as a valuable source for the isolation of cellulose-degrading microbiota with potential uses in beverage industry, solid state fermentation and energy production.
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF VEGETABLE POWDERS ON AQUEOUS AND OIL PHASE IN BUTTER PASTE

The paper presents a method of enriching oil salt complex natural mixture of micronutrients by a slurry of white sesame seeds and powders from carrot and tomatoes obtained by cold spray drying, in amounts of 2%, 8% and 4% respectively. The control sample used to regulate the skimmed milk solids content moisture content in the test samples was 48%. The feasibility of introducing selected herbal ingredients is confirmed by numerous positive results reported in the literature: medical valuable micronutrients selected plant raw materials have a positive effect on the immune, nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, improve liver, promote regeneration of skin cells and the like. The slurry of white sesame seeds produced immediately before introducing it into the oil mixture by grinding seeds in special conditions. On the basis of microstructure analysis, we studied the structural elements that formed plant components with the fat and aqueous phases salt butter paste, as well as we determined the size and distribution of droplets characterized by plasma product. The paper studied the effect of carrot and tomato powders and especially of designed suspension of sesame-rich plasma in the dispersion of oil mixture. It is found that the introduction of plant ingredients in the specified amounts increases the number of droplets with sizes of up to 5 microns by 1.8 times. The method of microstructure analysis of the interacting components of vegetable raw materials with fatty and aqueous phases and oil mixture revealed the formation of sinter mesh structure. The investigation of crystallization of fat phase was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. These results indicate that there are components of plant raw materials which alter crystallization of the fat phase of the product. When storing the product of the fat phase, greatest changes occur up to three days. It is found that the fat phase recrystallization is fusible and medium melting triglyceride.
Re-analyses of Shimoda et al. (2018): conception risk affects in- and extra-pair desire similarly

This letter (to appear in Behavioral Ecology) reports alternative analyses of Shimoda et al. (2018 Behavioral Ecology https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arx124). These new analyses suggest that conception risk has similar effects on in- and extra-pair sexual desire, rather than the effect on extra-pair desire reported by Shimoda et al. (2018).
Traditionally Used Plants with the Inhibitory Effect of Platelet Aggregation

During hemostasis, after vascular injury and wound healing process, platelets play a very significant role, where the platelets hypersensitivity is also related to the progression or development of various cardiovascular diseases. In this regard, there is a need to find such compounds, which provide more potent and safer activity against platelets with minimum side effects. This review article provided an overview of various medicinal plants having antiplatelet properties or pointed out the constituents associated with the activity, the part used for the isolation of plant constituents, and different pathways which mediate the antiplatelet activity. In this review different classes such as Liliaceae, Zingiberaceae, Rutaceae, Arecaceae and Asteraceae were suggested for their antiplatelet properties to which various medicinal plants belong possessing such properties. Specific bioactive components in different medicinal plants which relate to the antiplatelet properties are flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids and glucosides. These substances correct the abnormal state of platelets causing various diseases by changing the signaling pathways such as inhibition of thromboxane production, reduction of PKC activator; reduce the intracellular level of calcium, PAF or collagen receptor antagonist and inhibition of PLC and GPIIb-IIIa activation. It was observed that most of the components in these plants inhibiting the platelet activity by inhibiting ADP, Thromboxane and PAF activity. These investigated mechanisms provided data to develop new formulation in the treatment of thromboembolic disorders by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets.
Caractérisation des fonctions de transport du cholestérol des sous-types de macrophages M1 et M2 issus de cellules THP-1

iii Liste des tableaux . vii Liste des figures . viii Liste des sigles et abréviations . x Remerciements . xv Introduction . 1 1. Maladies cardiovasculaires et athérosclérose . 1 1.1 Épidémiologie . 1 1.2 Catégories des maladies cardiovasculaires . 1 1.3 Facteurs de risque . 2 1.3. 1. Facteurs de risque non modifiables. 2 1.3. 1.1 La génétique . 3 1.3. 2 Facteurs de risque modifiables. 5 2. Athérosclérose. 7 2.1 Les causes du développement de l’athérosclérose . 8 2.1.1. Cholestérol et lipoprotéines . 8 2.1.1.1. Impact des niveaux de cholestérol associés aux lipoprotéines sur la formation de l’athérosclérose . 10 2.1.2 Inflammation . 11 2.2 Formation de la plaque d'athérome . 12 2.2.1 Histologie des artères . 12 2.2.2 Dysfonction endothéliale . 13 2.2.3 Adhésion et infiltration monocytaire . 15 2.2.3. Cellules spumeuses et progression de la plaque . 15 2.2. 4. Rupture de la plaque . 17 2.3 Sous-types de macrophages dans la plaque . 19
Novel composite zinc-alginate hydrogels with activated charcoal aimed for potential applications in multifunctional primary wound dressings

Composites based on Zn-alginate hydrogels in the form of beads were produced by extrusion of a suspension containing 0.5 % w/w of alginate and 20 % w/w of activated charcoal (AC) with the intent to simultaneously release two active agents, Zn2+ and AC particles, in a physiological-like environment. The obtained composite beads were analyzed by FE-SEM and characterized regarding textural parameters, as well as Zn2+ and AC release kinetics in the physiological saline solution. Zn2+ions were quickly released reaching the equilibrium concentration within the first hour in the contrary to the release of AC particles, which was described by internal diffusion with the apparent diffusion coefficient of approximately 10-13 m2 s-1. Potential functionality of the obtained beads was evaluated regarding antibacterial activity in suspensions of the standard bacterial strain Escherichia coli 25922. The observed strong bactericidal effects were related to the quick release of Zn2+ that was not affected by AC. Thus, taking into account results of this study, as well as high sorption capacity of alginate hydrogel, efficiency of AC to adsorb malodor and tissue degradation products and positive effects of Zn2+ on wound healing, the obtained composites have shown promising potentials for applications as multifunctional wound dressings.
AB035. The expression of cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2) and its specific regulator mir-27b in the spermatozoa of patients with asthenozoospermia

Background Cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2) is an important sperm protein and plays roles in spermatogenesis, modulation of flagellar motility, acrosome reaction, and gamete fusion. Clinical evidence shows a reduced CRISP2 expression in spermatozoa from asthenozoospermic patients, but the molecular mechanism underlying its reduction remains unknown. Herein, we carried out a study focusing on the CRISP2 reduction and its roles in asthenozoospermia Methods Spermatozoa were isolated from 90 study subjects’ ejaculated semen samples. DNA methylation was evaluated using bisulfite-sequencing PCR and methylation-specific PCR. The CRISP2 mRNA and protein expression levels were examined in the ejaculated spermatozoa by qRT-PCR and Western blot respectively. miRNA expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The direct regulatory effect of miR-27b on CRISP2 was predicted computationally and validated via luciferase reporter assay and in vitro experiments in which miR-27b mimic or inhibitor was transfected into 293T cells. Respective correlations of miR-27b and CRISP2 protein expression with clinical features were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results Initially, low expression of CRISP2 protein rather than its mRNA was observed in the ejaculated spermatozoa from asthenozoospermic patients relative to normozoospermic males. Meanwhile, methylation was not found in CRISP2 promoter. These data suggest a possible post-transcriptional regulation of CRISP2 in asthenozoospermia. Subsequently, bioinformatics prediction, luciferase reporter assay and miR-27b transfection experiments revealed that miR-27b could specifically target CRISP2 by binding its 3’-UTR, suppressing CRISP2 expression post-transcriptionally. Further evidence was provided by the clinical observation of a high miR-27b expression in the ejaculated spermatozoa from asthenozoospermic patients and a negative correlation between miR-27b and CRISP2 protein expression. Finally, a retrospective follow-up study supported that both high miR-27b expression and low CRISP2 protein expression were associated with low sperm progressive motility, abnormal morphology and infertility. Conclusions This study provides the first preliminary insight into the mechanism leading to the reduced CRISP2 expression in asthenozoospermia, offering a potential therapeutic target for treating male infertility or for male contraception.
RESPONSE OF POTATO TO FULVIC ACID AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS: Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, G.T. Road, Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan

Increasing crop yield through balanced use of fertilizers in conjunction with organic acids is a need of the time to curtail the use of costly chemical fertilizers as well as to minimize the environmental pollution in Pakistan. Fulvic acid (FA) has potential to improve plant growth and yield. Fulvic acid (C14H12O8) is an acid created in soils due to action of microbes on decaying plant materials under aerobic conditions. Zinc is reported to improve potato yield. The response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has not been investigated in planned field experiments to the foliar application of fulvic acid alone as well as in combination with chemical fertilizers and zinc. To bridge this research gap, a field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm (clay loam soil) of Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Peshawar, Pakistan. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three replicates. Treatments included control, NPK @ 150-100-50 kg ha-1, fulvic acid (150 ppm), ZnSO4 (2.5 kg ha-1) + FA (150 ppm), ZnSO4 (5 kg ha-1) + FA (150 ppm), 1/2 NPK+ FA (150 ppm) + ZnSO4 (2.5 kg ha-1) and 1/2 NPK+ FA (150 ppm) + ZnSO4 (5 kg ha-1). Results indicated that fulvic acid may be a good substitute for chemical fertilizers in future as relatively higher yield was attained in treatments receiving fulvic acid in conjunction with zinc and half of the recommended NPK doses. Further comprehensive long term studies are required to develop recommendations for end-users.
Separation and detection of aqueous atmospheric aerosol mimics using supercritical fluid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract. Atmospheric particles contain thousands of compounds with many different functional groups and a wide range of polarities. Typical separation methods for aqueous atmospheric systems include reverse-phase liquid chromatography or derivatization of analytes of interest followed by gas chromatography. This study introduces supercritical fluid chromatography–mass spectrometry as a separation method for the methylglyoxal–ammonium sulfate reaction mixture (a proxy for aqueous atmospheric aerosol mimics). Several column compositions, mobile-phase modifiers, and column temperatures were examined to determine their effect on separation and optimum conditions for separation. Polar columns such as the Viridis UPC2™ BEH column combined with a mobile-phase gradient of carbon dioxide and methanol provided the best separation of compounds in the mixture and, when coupled to an electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometer, allowed for detection of several new masses in the methylglyoxal–ammonium sulfate reaction mixture as well as the possible identification of several isomers. This analysis method can be extended to other aqueous aerosol mimics, including the mixtures of other aldehydes or organic acids with ammonium or small amines.
Application Of Analytical Hierarchy Process In Choosing The Best Pawnshop: Application Of Analytical Hierarchy Process In Choosing The Best Pawnshop

Crowded pawn shops or places have sprung up in the present. The more pawn shops appear, the fiercer the competition. In order to face competition in today's highly competitive business climate, an appropriate analysis is needed to implement reliable business strategies and policies. The Analytical Hierarchy Process is one of the most reliable methods for making the right decision in determining the best choice of mortgage
Influence of the Templating Amine on the Nanostructure and Charge of Layered Vanadates for Radioactive Wastewater Treatment

Theoretical and experimental characterization methods have been combined to shed more light on the potential impact of the various templating amines that they may have on the formation of layered vanadates with a scroll morphology and their cation-exchange capacity. Eight branched- and straight-chain alkylamines were used as the structure-directing agents to make the V2O5 sheets roll up into a scroll structure during microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and elemental analysis in order to obtain the necessary information on their nanostructure and morphology as a function of the template. On the basis of these experimental results, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations completed with Monte Carlo simulation methods were applied to model the template conformation and the way it had been intercalated into the vanadate layers. It was then postulated that similar structuring mec.