Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of storage periods on postharvest quality of pumpkin.

The fully matured pumpkins ( Cucurbita moschata Poir) of BARI Pumpkin-1 and BARI Pumpkin-2 were harvested from the experimental field of Horticulture Research Centre, BARI, Gazipur, Bangladesh. They were then stored under ambient room conditions (27-31 °C and 75-90% RH) for various periods ranged from 15 days to 120 days. The effect of different storage periods was assessed by evaluating their impact on changes in quality attributes of pumpkins. Results indicated that a slow but steady weight loss occurred in pumpkin with maximum loss of 18 and 21% after 120 days of storage in BARI Pumpkin-1 and BARI Pumpkin-2, respectively. β-carotene and ascorbic acid contents were decreased throughout the whole storage time, however, they were drastically reduced during first 30 days of storage. Total soluble solids content increased until 45 days of storage followed by a decrease with progress in time. Titratable acidity was slowly decreased and simultaneously pH value was increased throughout the storage period. The results indicated that storage conditions need to be managed carefully to slow down any changes in fresh pumpkin. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(2): 247-255, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/bjar.v38i2. 15888
Comparison of empirical propagation path loss models for fixed wireless access systems

Empirical propagation models have found favour in both research and industrial communities owing to their speed of execution and their limited reliance on detailed knowledge of the terrain. Although the study of empirical propagation models for mobile channels has been exhaustive, their applicability for FWA systems is yet to be properly validated. Among the contenders, the ECC-33 model, the Stanford University Interim (SUI) models, and the COST-231 Hata model show the most promise. In this paper, a comprehensive set of propagation measurements taken at 3.5 GHz in Cambridge, UK is used to validate the applicability of the three models mentioned previously for rural, suburban and urban environments. The results show that in general the SUI and the COST-231 Hata model over-predict the path loss in all environments. The ECC-33 models shows the best results, especially in urban environments.
Helminth fauna of sympatric Przewalski’s Equus przewalskii Poljakov, 1881 and domestic horses E. caballus L. in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, Ukraine

SummaryIn 1998 Przewalski’s horses have been introduced in the Chernobyl exclusion zone (CEZ), N Ukraine. They live in the zone under natural conditions. No anthelminthic treatment to these introduced horses has been applied to date. In this same area, 19 domestic horses were also stabled by some peasants. Eighteen years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and five years after this introduction, the diagnostic dehelminthisation method has been applied both to the Przewalski’s horses (n = 21) and the domestic horses (n = 6). In addition, in one Przewalski’s and one domestic horse helmith fauna was surveyed using the post-mortem method. A total of 29 and 19 helminth species has been recorded in the Przewalski’s and domestic horses respectively. Only six helminth species were common for the two horse species compared. Species from the family Strongylidae constituted the dominant helminth group. Four cyathostomine species (Cyathostomum catinatum; Cylicostephanus minutus, C. longibursatus, Cylicocyclus nassatus) formed the majority of helminth parasites both in the Przewalski’s and domestic horses. Our findings suggest that the CEZ has no effect on the species diversity of helminth fauna parasiting Przewalski’s horses, neither it has an effect on the prevalence and intensity of parasite infestation. Behavioural and ecological studies also support the lack of such effect.
DSM-5 on Epidemiological and Genetic Studies of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwan

This overview reviews the evolution of the definition and diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The author starts to introduce the work on early infantile autism by Leo Kanner and the work on autistic psychopathy by Hans Asperger. Then, he describes how infantile autism is defined in ICD-9-CM, and pervasive developmental disorders in DSM-III and DSM-III-R, how autistic disorder and Asperger's disorder as subtypes of pervasive developmental disorders in DSM-IV, as well as how ASD as a single category is listed in DSM-5. With all those background information, the author warns the impacts of DSM-5 ASD on future studies of ASD epidemiology and genetics in Taiwan. Overall, it seems that the implementation of DSM-5 ASD may cause more negative results than provides positive influences. Investigators of ASD in Taiwan must be mindful of the potentially negative impacts caused by the DSM-5 ASD.
Higher education transformation and a pedagogy of hope : editorial

Debates in and about higher education (like some of the articles which appear in this issue) still involve issues of transformation which include, gender analyses, critical reviews, postgraduate student completion, teacher education, quality assurance, literacy, online learning, equity, and so on. In this essay, I restate some of the thoughts of Paulo Freire in relation to transformation in (higher) education, focusing on some of the the implications of his Pedagogy of Hope for teaching and learning. For him, transformation in higher education should be considered as a reliving of Pedagogy of the Oppressed which is constituted by three constitutive features: conscientisation, humanisation and praxis.
In Vivo BLyS/BAFF Neutralization Ameliorates Islet-Directed Autoimmunity in Nonobese Diabetic Mice1

B lymphocytes are required for the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice. Previous studies established that a lymphopenic transitional (TR) B cell compartment reduces the competitive constraint on the entry of newly emerging TR B cells into the splenic follicle (FO), thereby disrupting a peripheral negative selection checkpoint in NOD mice. Thus, development of clinically feasible immunotherapeutic approaches for restoration of appropriate negative selection is essential for the prevention of anti-islet autoimmunity. In this study we hypothesized that in vivo neutralization of the B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS/BAFF) may enhance the stringency of TR→FO selection by increasing TR B cell competition for follicular entry in NOD mice. This study demonstrated that in vivo BLyS neutralization therapy leads to the depletion of follicular and marginal zone B lymphocytes. Long-term in vivo BLyS neutralization caused an increased TR:FO B cell ratio in the periphery indicating a relative resistance to follicular entry. Moreover, in vivo BLyS neutralization: 1) restored negative selection at the TR→FO checkpoint, 2) abrogated serum insulin autoantibodies, 3) reduced the severity of islet inflammation, 4) significantly reduced the incidence of spontaneous diabetes, 5) arrested the terminal stages of islet cell destruction, and 6) disrupted CD4 T cell activation in NOD mice. Overall, this study demonstrates the efficacy of B lymphocyte-directed therapy via in vivo BLyS neutralization for the prevention of autoimmune diabetes.
Vestibular function: Making the right interpretation with the right test

Dizziness can be one of the most vexing symptoms for audiologists. About 15 percent of the U.S. population experiences significant dizziness every year, and about 40 percent of those patients have inner ear disorders.1-2 While many dizzy patients don’t have inner ear disturbances, test batteries are designed to detect central nervous system disorders, compelling audiologists to recognize diseases that cause dizziness, such as migraines or Chiari malformation. The problem is that audiology training programs may not have taught this. Meniere’s disease is responsible for only about 0.19 percent of all dizziness, with the remaining 60 percent resulting from central nervous system, other medical conditions, and a combination of unknown or psychiatric disorders.3 (Table 1.) That leaves the inner ear as just one potential source of dizziness. Most causes of dizziness are nonvestibular, and most test interpretations will conclude “no vestibular disturbance. ” But it is almost always wrong to suggest that a patient characterized simply by “no vestibular disturbance” has central dizziness, making it extremely important to know how to interpret dizziness test batteries properly.
Multiple regression approach to mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) based on sib-pair data: A theoretical analysis

The interval mapping method has been shown to be a powerful tool for mapping QTL. However, it is still a challenge to perform a simultaneous analysis of several linked QTLs, and to isolate multiple linked QTLs. To circumvent these problems, multiple regression analysis has been suggested for experimental species. In this paper, the multiple regression approach is extended to human sib-pair data through multiple regression of the squared difference in trait values between two sibs on the proportions of alleles shared identical by descent by sib pairs at marker loci. We conduct an asymptotic analysis of the partial regression coefficients, which provide a basis for the estimation of the additive genetic variance and of locations of the QTLs. We demonstrate how the magnitude of the regression coefficients can be used to separate multiple linked QTLs. Further, we shall show that the multiple regression model using sib pairs is identifiable, and our proposed procedure for locating QTLs is robust in the sense that it can detect the number of QTLs and their locations in the presence of several linked (QTLs) in an interval, unlike a simple regression model which may find a ghost QTL with no effect on the trait in the interval with several linked QTLs. Moreover, we give procedures for computing the threshold values for prespecified significance levels and for computing the power for detecting (QTLs). Finally, we investigate the consistency of the estimator for QTL locations. Using the concept of epi-convergence and variation analysis theory, we shall prove the consistency of the estimator of map location in the framework of the multiple regression approach. Since the true IBD status is not always known, the multiple regression of the squared sib difference on the estimated IBD sharing is also considered.
A Systematic Review of the Literature on Emergent Literacy Skills of Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

A wealth of research has been conducted into emergent literacy (i.e., precursors to formal reading) skills and development in typically developing (TD) children. However, despite research suggesting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk of reading challenges, limited research exists on their emergent literacy. Thus, we aimed to systematically review emergent literacy research with this population. Database searches from 1995 to 2015 yielded three articles that met inclusion criteria. Results suggested both strengths and challenges in emergent literacy skills in children with ASD. Significant links between emergent literacy skills and both oral language and nonverbal cognition were also found. The findings highlight the need for further research; future directions and implications are discussed.
Long-term kinetics of daidzein and its main metabolites in human equol-producers after soymilk intake: identification of equol-conjugates by UPLC-orbitrap-MS and influence of the number of transforming bacteria on plasma kinetics

Abstract The main aim of the study was to establish in vivo a correlation between equol (EQU) production and a number of intestinal bacteria able to perform the transformation. Thus, healthy female volunteers were selected for their ability to convert slowly (n = 6, 105–109 cells/g wet feces) or quickly (n = 6, 1010–1012 cells/g wet feces) daidzein (DAI) in EQU. After oral administration of 100 mg DAI in soymilk, plasma (0–99 h) and urine (0–96 h) samples were collected. DAI and its metabolites were determined by LC-MS/MS and EQU -conjugates by UPLC-High Resolution-MS. Only for EQU a direct correlation was found between the number of transforming microorganisms and parameters such as tmax and t1/2 (p = 0.027). Peak serum concentration time, Cmax, AUC0–72 h and t1/2 for total EQU (n = 12) were 36 ± 10 h, 89 ± 78 nM, 2.4 ± 1.7 (μmol × h/L) and 15.6 ± 3.3 h, respectively. In plasma and urine EQU was found mainly as 7-O-glucuronide.
Bloom Filters in Adversarial Environments

Many efficient data structures use randomness, allowing them to improve upon deterministic ones. Usually, their efficiency and correctness are analyzed using probabilistic tools under the assumption that the inputs and queries are independent of the internal randomness of the data structure. In this work, we consider data structures in a more robust model, which we call the adversarial model. Roughly speaking, this model allows an adversary to choose inputs and queries adaptively according to previous responses. Specifically, we consider a data structure known as a “Bloom filter” and prove a tight connection between Bloom filters in this model and cryptography. A Bloom filter represents a set S of elements approximately by using fewer bits than a precise representation. The price for succinctness is allowing for some errors: For any x ∈ S, it should always answer Yes, and for any x ∉ S it should answer Yes only with small probability. In the adversarial model, we consider both efficient adversaries (that run in polynomial time) and computationally unbounded adversaries that are only bounded in the number of queries they can make. For computationally bounded adversaries, we show that non-trivial (memory-wise) Bloom filters exist if and only if one-way functions exist. For unbounded adversaries, we show that there exists a Bloom filter for sets of size n and error ε that is secure against t queries and uses only O(n log 1/ε + t) bits of memory. In comparison, n log 1/ε is the best possible under a non-adaptive adversary.
The role of RPE cell-associated VEGF₁₈₉ in choroidal endothelial cell transmigration across the RPE.

PURPOSE To determine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor 189 (VEGF₁₈₉) in choroidal endothelial cell (CEC) migration across the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and to explore the molecular mechanisms involved. METHODS Using real-time PCR, the expression of VEGF splice variants VEGF₁₂₁, VEGF₁₆₅, and VEGF₁₈₉ was determined in human RPE from donor eyes, cultured human RPE in contact with CECs exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or hypoxia, and RPE/choroid specimens from mice treated with laser to induce choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Activation of VEGF receptors (VEGFRs), phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) or Rac1 was measured in CECs cocultured in contact with RPE exposed to peroxide or silenced for VEGF₁₈₉ expression. Migration of CECs across the RPE was determined using fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS VEGF₁₈₉ expression was increased in human RPE from aged compared with young donor eyes and from mouse RPE/choroids after laser to induce CNV. VEGF₁₈₉ was also upregulated in human RPE challenged with peroxide, hypoxia, or cultured in contact with CECs. CEC migration across RPE was greater after RPE exposure to peroxide to induce VEGF₁₈₉; VEGFR2 and Rac1 activities were also increased in these CECs. When CECs were cocultured with RPE silenced for VEGF₁₈₉, VEGFR2 and Rac1 activities in CECs were significantly reduced, as was CEC migration across the RPE. Inhibition of Rac1 activity significantly inhibited CEC transmigration without affecting PI-3K activity. CONCLUSIONS RPE-derived cell-associated VEGF₁₈₉ facilitates CEC transmigration by Rac1 activation independently of PI-3K signaling and may have importance in the development of neovascular AMD.
Meningococcal bacterial DNA load at presentation correlates with disease severity

Aims: To determine bacterial loads in meningococcal disease (MCD), their relation with disease severity, and the factors which determine bacterial load. Methods: Meningococcal DNA quantification was performed by the Taqman PCR method on admission and sequential blood samples from patients with MCD. Disease severity was assessed using the Glasgow Septicaemia Prognostic Score (GMSPS, range 0–15, severe disease ≥8). Results: Median admission bacterial load was 1.6 × 106 DNA copies/ml of blood (range 2.2 × 104 to 1.6 × 108). Bacterial load was significantly higher in patients with severe (8.4 × 106) compared to milder disease (1.1 × 106, p = 0.018). This difference was greater in septicaemic patients (median 1.6 × 107 versus 9.2 × 105, p < 0.001). Bacterial loads were significantly higher in patients that died (p = 0.017). Admission bacterial load was independent of the duration of clinical symptoms prior to admission, with no difference between the duration of symptoms in mild or severe cases (median, 10.5 and 11 hours respectively). Bacterial loads were independent of DNA elimination rates following treatment. Conclusion: Patients with MCD have higher bacterial loads than previously determined with quantitative culture methods. Admission bacterial load is significantly higher in patients with severe disease (GMSPS ≥8) and maximum load is highest in those who die. Bacterial load is independent of the duration of clinical symptoms or the decline in DNA load.
LACTATE AS PREDICTOR OF MORTALITY IN POLYTRAUMA

Background: The lactate is a product of anaerobic metabolism; it can be used as a marker on demand and availability of oxygen. Changes in lactate levels can be effectively used as a marker in resuscitation maneuvers, even in patients with stable vital signs. Aim: To verify the lactate clearance as a predictor of mortality in trauma patients, in need of intensive care. Method: A total of 851 patients were admitted in ICU, in which 146 were victims of multiple trauma; due to the exclusion criteria, were included 117. Results: Patients were 87% male, mean age 32.4 years, motorcycle drivers, Glasgow coma scale between 3-8, affected by cranial trauma, followed by abdominal trauma. Was verified mortality up to 48 h and global mortality, that did not show statistical relationship between lactate clearance and mortality (p=0.928). Conclusion: There is no correlation between admission lactate or lactate clearance and mortality in patients treated with multiple trauma.
Assessing scientific reasoning: a comprehensive evaluation of item features that affect item difficulty

The aim of this study was to improve the criterion-related test score interpretation of a text-based assessment of scientific reasoning competencies in higher education by evaluating factors which systematically affect item difficulty. To provide evidence about the specific demands which test items of various difficulty make on pre-service teachers’ scientific reasoning competencies, we applied a general linear mixed model which allows estimation of the impact of item features on the response observations. The item features had been identified during a standard setting process. Results indicate important predictive potential of one formal item feature (length of response options), two features based on cognitive demands (processing data from tables, processing abstract concepts) and one feature based on solid knowledge (specialist terms). The revealed predictive potential of item features was in accordance with the cognitive demands operationalised in our competence model. Thus, we conclude that the findings support the validity of our interpretation of the test scores as measures of scientific reasoning competencies.
Optimal Error Protection of Progressively Compressed 3D Meshes

Given a number of available layers of source data and a transmission bit budget, we propose an algorithm that determines how many layers should be sent and how many protection bits should be allocated to each transmitted layer such that the expected distortion at the receiver is minimum. The algorithm is used for robust transmission of progressively compressed 3D models over a packet erasure channel. In contrast to the previous approach, which uses exhaustive search, the time complexity of our algorithm is linear in the transmission bit budget
It’s About Time: A Special Section on Affect Dynamics

The study of affect dynamics aims to discover the patterns and regularities with which emotions and affective experiences and components change across time, the underlying mechanisms involved, and their potential relevance for healthy psychological functioning. The intention of this special section is to serve as a mini handbook covering the contemporary state of research into affect dynamics. Contributions address theoretical viewpoints on the origins and functions of emotional change, methodological and modeling approaches, biological and social perspectives on affect dynamics, and the downstream consequences for well-being and psychopathology.
The use of video-based instruction, performance feedback and role play in teaching caregivers of preschool aged children to use dialogic reading strategies

The benefits of dialogic reading in its ability to support children’s oral language development and emergent literacy skills have been replicated using multiple training modalities including in-vivo training (e.g., Whitehurst et al., 1988), video-based training (e.g., Whitehurst et al., 1994b) and video-based training with instructor feedback (e.g., Heubner & Meltzoff, 2005). The current study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of pairing a structured performance feedback session with the Read Together Talk Together training video to teach parents to use dialogic reading strategies. Using a randomized, control group, repeated measures design with 40 caregiver-child dyads, this study sought to do the following: (1) investigate the potential benefits of pairing performance feedback and role play with video-based training in teaching parents to use dialogic reading strategies; (2) target dialogic reading training toward six specific DR prompts (e.g., evaluation, expansion, repetition, completion, recall and distancing prompts) that a previous study showed were not as amenable to change (e.g., Blom-Hoffman et al., 2006); and (3) evaluate caregiver acceptability of the training package. Results showed that pairing performance feedback with the video-based training as well as video-based training alone were effective training modalities compared to no training. This effect was demonstrated in both parents’ overall ability to learn and use dialogic reading strategies as well as children’s language use during shared book reading. Caregiver acceptability of the Read Together Talk Together video and the video paired with feedback were high.
Evaluation of two different root-end cavity preparation techniques: A scanning electron microscope study

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the dentinal walls of root-end cavities for the presence of cracks after cavity preparation using US retrotips and Er: YAG laser. Materials and Methods: Fifty single-rooted teeth were prepared by Protaper NiTi rotary system and obturated by lateral condensation. Three milimeters of root-end was resected. Twenty teeth were prepared with US retrotip (Group 1), 20 teeth with Er: YAG laser (Group 2), and 10 teeth without retropreparation (control group). The root-end surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Then the cracks of the resected root surfaces were evaluated on microphotographs. Results: No statistically significant difference was detected between US Group and Laser Group for complete, incomplete, intradentinal, and total number of cracks (P = 0.47, P = 0.80, P = 0.69, P = 0.869, respectively). Conclusion: Statistical analysis revealed no significant effect of retropreparation technique on the development of apical cracks (P > 0.05).