Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EU Representations in Portuguese Media and Populism: Embodying Political Antipodes?

Mass media mediate different publics, thus being crucial in constructing political reality. By selecting which topics are covered (agenda), which voices are heard, or how social and political issues/actors/dynamics are represented (priming and framing), mass media impacts how political conversations and processes unfold. Acknowledging the increasing mediatisation of politics, this article zooms into media texts of the Portuguese media during a complex political period that included national elections to explore how populism as a term, label, or topic was used and/or co-opted to create and negotiate political EU representations. Building on a historical perspective and using critical thematic analysis, this article argues that populism was used in the media and by the media as a discursive mechanism of political positionality and/or delegitimisation or criticism of political actors, agendas, or moves, thus making populism and the EU co-constitutively used as embodying political antipodes and making the EU work as a discursive buffer concerning populism in the country.
High-Throughput Apparatus for Semiconductor Device Characterization in a Magnetic Field at Extreme High Temperatures

We report on the development of a 600 °C withstanding low-noise apparatus, which enables high-throughput magnetic-field-dependent characterization of semiconductor devices bonded to a ceramic substrate at very high temperatures. A novel and simple method for electrically contacting metal pads on the ceramic substrate is developed, which allows contacting many metal pads simultaneously in limited space. The apparatus can be used for a variety of high-temperature experiments such as studying galvanomagnetic transport effects in devices and the characterization of SiC or GaN magnetic field sensors at very high temperatures. Furthermore, it can be used for performing very high-temperature die-attach processes. The apparatus has been successfully used to resolve magnetic-field-dependent current changes in a SiC pn diode ranging into the ppm scale at 500 °C.
Systems biology of human cells responded to influenza B virus infection

Influenza B virus is a member of Orthomyxoviridae family which can cause influenza in human and affect to worldwide health problem. Systems biology is the computational modeling of molecular systems which is useful to predict how these biological systems change over time and under different conditions. In this study the multiomics was used to study human cellular response to influenza B virus infection. The transcriptome including mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs and proteome were investigated by high-throughput technologies such as next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry. The results showed that in human cells infected with influenza B virus, transcriptome including mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs and proteome were changed. Some genes were up-regulated responding to the influenza B virus infection for both Victoria and Yamagata lineages. Some were lineage specific. Whereas there was no similar down-regulated genes for both lineages. The MX1 genes was found to be up-regulated in both mRNAs and protein level in both Victoria and Yamagata lineages. For lncRNAs, the response to influenza B virus infection seems to be lineage specifically. The miRNAs profiling also showed the up-regulated and down-regulated miRNAs which were predicted to target several of human genes. In addition, the up-regulated miR-30e-3p was selected for functional study and found that it can directly target viral NA and NP inhibiting influenza B virus production. ��
Dissecting the genetic basis of drought responses in common bean using natural variation

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) is the most important legume for human consumption, contributing 30% of the total daily protein intake in developing countries. A major limitation for its cultivation is drought, which causes more than 60% of the annual losses. Among physiological adaptations to drought, delaying senescence and extending the photosynthetic capacity can improve crop productivity. This strategy is known as functional “stay-green” (SG) and has been discussed as a goal in plant breeding to alleviate the loss of yield under water scarcity conditions. The genetic components behind SG traits have been explored specially in cereals, but they are to date poorly studied in the common bean. For this, we screened 71 common bean cultivars belonging to the three most important gene-pools, Mesoamerica, Andes and Europe, selected to cover the natural variation of the species. Phenotyping experiments under terminal drought during long-days in greenhouse conditions, identified six photoperiod insensitive cultivars of European origin with a clear SG phenotype. Using SNP data produced from whole genome re-sequencing data, we obtained 10 variants significantly associated to the SG phenotype on chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 that are in close proximity to gene models with functional annotations related to hormone signaling and anti-oxidant production. Calculating pairwise FST between subgroups of cultivars divided according to their drought response (susceptibility, escape, recovery or SG), we identified up to 29 genomic windows accounting for 1,45Mb that differentiate SG cultivars; these signals were especially strong on chromosomes 1, 5 and 10. Within these windows, we found genes directly involved in photosynthetic processes and trehalose synthesis. Altogether, these signals represent good targets for further characterization and highlight the multigenic nature of the SG response in legumes.
Characteristics and Outcome of FLT3-ITD-Positive Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia—Experience of Polish Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Study Group from 2005 to 2022

Simple Summary The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene mutated in 10–15% of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with an inferior outcome. We retrospectively analyzed the nationwide pediatric AML database from between 2005 and 2022. FLT3-ITD mutation was found in 10.7% of patients. An improvement in the outcome was found in the analyzed period of time. The treatment results in FLT3-ITD--positive patients treated under the AML-BFM 2012 and 2019 protocols were better in comparison to the AML-BFM 2004 protocol and better than previously reported by most authors. However, the outcome in patients with FLT3-ITD compared to children without this mutation was still significantly worse, with higher percentage of non-responders and relapses. It seems that SCT and FLT3 inhibitors have a beneficial impact on the prognosis; however, it should be confirmed in a larger group of patients. This gives hope for the improvement of the treatment results in pediatric AML with FLT3-ITD in the future. Abstract Background: The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene mutated in 10–15% of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with an inferior outcome. The aim of the study was to analyze the outcome and characteristics of FLT3-ITD-positive pediatric AML. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the nationwide pediatric AML database from between 2005 and 2022. FLT3-ITD was found in 54/497 (10.7%) patients with available analysis. Three consecutive treatment protocols were used (AML-BFM 2004 Interim, AML-BFM 2012 Registry, AML-BFM 2019 recommendations). Results: Probabilities of 5-year overall (OS), event-free (EFS) and relapse-free survival were significantly lower in the FLT3-ITD-positive patients compared to FLT3-ITD-negative (0.54 vs. 0.71, p = 0.041; 0.36 vs. 0.59, p = 0.0004; 0.47 vs. 0.70, p = 0.0029, accordingly). An improvement in the outcome was found in the analyzed period of time, with a trend of better survival in patients treated under the AML-BFM 2012 and AML-BFM 2019 protocols compared to the AML-BFM 2004 protocol (5-year EFS 0.52 vs. 0.27, p = 0.069). There was a trend of improved outcomes in patients treated with FLT3 inhibitors (n = 9, 2-year EFS 0.67 vs. 0.33, p = 0.053) and those who received stem cell transplantation (SCT) (n = 26; 5-year EFS 0.70 vs. 0.27, p = 0.059). The co-occurrence of the WT1 mutation had a dismal impact on the prognosis (5-year EFS 0.23 vs. 0.69, p = 0.002), while the NPM1 mutation improved survival (5-year OS 1.0 vs. 0.44, p = 0.036). Conclusions: It seems that SCT and FLT3 inhibitors have a beneficial impact on the prognosis. Additional genetic alterations, like the WT1 and NPM1 mutations, significantly influence the outcome.
APPRAISAL SYSTEM FOR NURSES IN BINGZHOU TERTIARY PUBLIC HOSPITAL: BASIS FOR STRENGTHENING THE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Hospitals, as an important part of the service industry, have an urgent need for performance management reform in order to maximize the interests of patients and encourage employees to work effectively. Nurses make up the largest percentage of the health workforce. The ability and willingness of nurses largely determine the success of medical interventions. However, poor practices in the implementation of performance management have been reported to adversely affect employees' sense of responsibility and fairness, which in turn leads to poor clinical outcomes and high employee turnover. The purpose of this study was to determine the current status of the nurses' appraisal system in tertiary public hospitals in Binzhou City by soliciting the opinions of direct users (nurses and their immediate supervisors). Descriptive statistics, t-test analysis and one-way ANOVA were used in this study. It is recommended that hospitals need to standardize performance management by establishing effective and fair departments and systems to discuss and recognize nurses' outstanding achievements
Hyperoxic BOLD-MRI-Based Characterization of Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes Is Independent of the Supplied Amount of Oxygen: A Preclinical Study

Hyperoxic BOLD-MRI targeting tumor hypoxia may provide imaging biomarkers that represent breast cancer molecular subtypes without the use of injected contrast agents. However, the diagnostic performance of hyperoxic BOLD-MRI using different levels of oxygen remains unclear. We hypothesized that molecular subtype characterization with hyperoxic BOLD-MRI is feasible independently of the amount of oxygen. Twenty-three nude mice that were inoculated into the flank with luminal A (n = 9), Her2+ (n = 5), and triple-negative (n = 9) human breast cancer cells were imaged using a 9.4 T Bruker BioSpin system. During BOLD-MRI, anesthesia was supplemented with four different levels of oxygen (normoxic: 21%; hyperoxic: 41%, 71%, 100%). The change in the spin–spin relaxation rate in relation to the normoxic state, ΔR2*, dependent on the amount of erythrocyte-bound oxygen, was calculated using in-house MATLAB code. ΔR2* was significantly different between luminal A and Her2+ as well as between luminal A and triple-negative breast cancer, reflective of the less aggressive luminal A breast cancer’s ability to better deliver oxygen-rich hemoglobin to its tissue. Differences in ΔR2* between subtypes were independent of the amount of oxygen, with robust distinction already achieved with 41% oxygen. In conclusion, hyperoxic BOLD-MRI may be used as a biomarker for luminal A breast cancer identification without the use of exogenous contrast agents.
Latent profile analysis of psychosis liability in a community derived sample adolescents: Links with mental health difficulties, suicidal ideation

Aims: The main goal of the present study was to explore the latent structure of schizotypy as an indicator of psychosis liability, in a community-derived sample of adolescents. Links to mental health difficulties, prosocial behavior, suicidal ideation, bipolar-like experiences, and psychotic-like experiences (severity and distress) were compared across schizotypy latent profiles. Methods: The present research included 1,588 adolescents selected by a stratified random cluster sampling. The Oviedo Schizotypy Assessment Questionnaire (ESQUIZO-Q), The Paykel Suicide Scale (PSS), The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), The Prodromal Questionnaire–Brief (PQ-B), The Penn Matrix Reasoning Test (PMRT), The Family Affluence Scale-II (FAS-II), and The Oviedo Infrequency Scale (INF-OV) were used. Results: Using latent profile analysis four latent classes (LC) were identified: “Positive schizotypy” (14.1%, n =224), “Low schizotypy” (51.9%, n = 825), “Social Disorganization schizotypy” (27.2%, n =432), and “High schizotypy” (6.7%, n =107). The “High schizotypy” class scored higher on several psychometric indicators of psychopathology (i.e., mental health difficulties, suicide ideation, attenuated bipolar experiences, and psychotic-like experiences) relative to the other three latent classes. Discussions: Four groups of adolescents with different patterns of schizotypal traits and different clinical-pathological meaning were found. Deficits found across schizotypy latent profiles, resembling those found in patients with psychosis and ultra-high risk samples. The identification of homogeneous subgroups of adolescents potentially at risk for psychosis may help us in the prevention of psychotic-spectrum disorders and mental health problems.
High-Responsivity Planar Photodetector Based on Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Thin Film

We have fabricated planar interdigitated photodetectors exhibiting high responsivity. These detectors are based on thin layers of methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) at 90 nm thickness. MAPbBr3 thin films were first characterized on glass (borosilicate) substrates using absorption and photoluminescence measurements showing a high absorption edge at 521 nm and strong emission at 530 nm, as expected. MAPbBr3 thin films were then deposited on top of interdigitated electrodes, hence producing planar photodetectors with responsivity up to 0.4 A/W. Such higher performances were attributed to the interdigitated design, low crack density (0.05 µm−2), and lower resistivity (20 MΩ.cm) compared to MAPbBr3 single crystal. Therefore, this work highlights MAPbBr3 thin films as very promising for photodetection applications.
Carbon Isotopic Variation and the Paleoclimate of Sediments from Lake Biwa

To study the climatic and environmental change of Japanese Islands in the past, an attempt to acquire boring core samples from below Lake Biwa was proposed by Hone of Otsu Hydro-Biological Station, University of Kyoto. Fortunately, the boring plan was realized in 1971 and resulted in the acquisition of a core column 198.5 m long. The sediments had been deposited continuously and seem to be homogeneous throughout the core column, with the exception of horizons containing a volcanic ash. The deepest portion of the column (198.5 m) was presumably about 50x104 years BP old. Stable carbon isotope compositions (12C and 13C) of natural samples are widely used to interpret geological and biological phenomena and to give information about the environment of sedimentation. This paper, by using the isotopic composition of sedimentary organic carbon, will attempt to trace the depositional history of the sediments in Lake Biwa. Experimental procedure. In this study, samples were taken at intervals of 5 m throughout the core column. A few grams of each samples were treated with dilute hydrochloric acid to remove the carbonate. The organic carbon in an aliquot of the carbonate-free and air-dried residue was converted to carbon dioxide free from other gases by the procedure described by Nakai (1960). This procedure involves the complete combustion of organic matter at 950°C in a stream of pure oxygen in the presence of copper oxide heated at 600°C and the collection of the CO2 thus evolved by means of liquid nitrogen traps. The purified CO2 was isotopically analyzed in a NierMcKinney-type mass spectrometer. The isotopic data are presented in this paper as per mil deviation from PDB standard used by Craig (1953). This deviation is defined by :
Relationship of football kicking skill to lower limb measure and shoulder power

The purpose of the was to analyse the relationship of kicking ability to limbs measure and shoulder power of grassroots boys football players. In the study, one hundred and twenty-five boys were selected of age: 11±1; height: 142.56±9.29 cm and weight: 35.53±7.13 kg from the northeast state of India. For the study kicking ability was the dependent variable and independent variables were thigh circumference, calf circumference and shoulder power. Kicking ability was measured by kicking for distance, thigh and calf circumference was measured by a steel tape and shoulder power was measured by a medicine ball put. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were applied for analysis in SPSS 16. In the result, it was found that kicking ability was moderately related to shoulder power and with calf circumference relationship was low. Thigh circumference was negatively related to kicking ability. Thus, it was concluded that this variable could be a determining factor but the main focus might be given to skill development. For further study, it was suggested to include leg length, Range of motion of hip joints, knees and coordination.
The Ties that Divide: A Network Analysis of the International Monetary System

This paper provides a new methodology to map international monetary relations in the 19th century. We identify an index of international liquidity and, applying techniques borrowed from formal network analysis (in particular, blockmodelling) we produce a formal ranking of currencies according to their degree of international circulation. The resulting indices are powerful tools to study the logic of the emergence of international currencies, as well as useful controls for cross-section regressions.
Preliminary study on synthesis and characterization of the star-shaped poly (ethylene glycol) through polycondensation reaction

The synthesis of star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) was synthesized from pentetic acid (PA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) by polycondensation reaction in order to solve the problem of the melt strength of the molten polymer of poly(lactic acid). In this study, the star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) were synthesized with a different molecular weight of neat poly(ethylene glycol) of 200, 400 and 600 g/mol. After that, the chemical structure of product-PEG was investigated by FTIR and NMR techniques. FTIR spectra of the product-PEG exhibited carbonyl peak due to the reaction between hydroxyl groups of PEG and carboxyl groups of PA. The NMR spectra of the product PEG displayed the proton of PA in chain structure and carbon atom of carbonyl group, respectively. Moreover, viscosity average molecular weight of the product-PEG was higher than that of linear PEG. For the rheological properties, the viscosity of product-PEG was higher than that of linear PEG. The flow behavior of PEG with Mw of 200, 400 g/mol and the product-PEG exhibited Newtonian behavior. PEG with Mw of 600 g/mol showed Non-Newtonian behavior. Thus, the synthesis of product-PEG by polycondensation reaction was successful.
Contribution of the Epstein-Barr virus to the oncogenesis of mature T-cell lymphoproliferative neoplasms

EBV is a lymphotropic virus, member of the Herpesviridae family that asymptomatically infects more than 90% of the human population, establishing a latent infection in memory B cells. EBV exhibits complex survival and persistence dynamics, replicating its genome through the proliferation of infected B cells or production of the lytic virions. Many studies have documented the infection of T/NK cells by EBV in healthy individuals during and after primary infection. This feature has been confirmed in humanized mouse models. Together these results have challenged the hypothesis that the infection of T/NK cells per se by EBV could be a triggering event for lymphomagenesis. Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) are two EBV-associated lymphomas of T/NK cells. These two lymphomas display different clinical, histological and molecular features. However, they share two intriguing characteristics: the association with EBV and a geographical prevalence in East Asia and Latin America. In this review we will discuss the genetic characteristics of EBV in order to understand the possible role of this virus in the oncogenesis of ENKTCL and NKTCL. In addition, the main immunohistological, molecular, cytogenetic and epigenetic differences between ENKTCL and NKTCL will be discussed, as well as EBV differences in latency patterns and other viral molecular characteristics.
Submarine-based hydrographic observations of the Arctic Ocean, March-May 1995 : SCICEX-95

Abstract : This report documents observations of temperature and salinity made in the Arctic Ocean during the 1995 cruise of the submarine USS Cavalla. This cruise was the second civilian scientific cruise to the Arctic Ocean aboard a U.S. Navy Sturgeon-class submarine, and the first of five annual SCICEX cruises. The SCICEX-95 cruise began on March 8 with a transit from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii through Bering Strait to the Arctic Ocean data sampling area, defined to exclude non-U.S. EEZs. The Cavalla entered the sampling area on March 26, covered approximately 10,800 nautical miles within that area while collecting data over the next 44 days, and exited the sampling area on May 8 (Figure 1). Following a second passage through Bering Strait, the scientific party departed the submarine in Victoria, B.C., Canada on May 24. Observations of temperature and salinity were made for two physical oceanographic programs during the SCICEX-95 cruise. The goals of these sampling programs were to: (1) determine the variability in sound speed and surface ice cover over a single, long
Vegetation Cover Changes in Selected Pastoral Villages in Mkata Plains, Kilosa District Eastern Tanzania

Arid and semi-arid savannah ecosystems of Tanzania are subjected to increasing pressure from pastoral land-use systems. A spatial temporal study involving analysis of satellite imageries and range surveys was carried out to determine the effects of high stocking levels on savannah vegetation cover types in Mkata plains. The GIS data sources include MSS satellite image of 1975, Landsat TM images of 1991 and 2000. Information obtained during community mapping and timeline trend analysis with local communities formed a local knowledge integrated into GIS analysis. Ground- truthing was based on 2000 satellite imagery sub-scenes. The main vegetation covert types in the study area include: wooded grassland (23.5%), bush grassland (20.12%), bush land (15.15%), woodland (11.65%), open grassland (5.2%), and cultivation area (18.64%). Net area cover changes between 1975 and 2000 include: 4 X increase in bush land, – 66.7% loss of open grassland and + 95.3% increase of wooded grass lands. Land cover change detection matrix indicates that the main land cover changes involved conversion to cultivation area (33.0%) and succession progression towards woody vegetation cover types (+33.4%). The rangelands were overstocked, in poor range condition and declining trend. There was a strong negative correlation (r = - o.87932) between stocking levels and size of open grassland and perfect correlation (r = 1) between stocking level and woody grassland cover types. It was concluded that increasing stocking levels has significantly contributed to conversion to woody cover types and loss of open grasslands. It was recommended to develop state-transit-models in order to predict the likely system response to policy interventions and to integrate control fire regimes and livestock mobility in range management strategy for the area. Key words : Savannas, pastoralism, herbivory, vegetation cover change, Mkata plains.