Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cone and melanopsin contributions to human brightness estimation.

We determined the contributions of cone and melanopsin luminance signaling to human brightness perception. The absolute brightness of four narrowband primary lights presented in a full-field Ganzfeld was estimated in two conditions, either cone luminance-equated (186.7-1,867.0 cd·m-2) or melanopsin luminance-equated (31.6-316.3 melanopsin cd·m-2). We show that brightness estimations for each primary light follow an approximately linear increase with increasing cone or melanopsin luminance (in log units), but are not equivalent for primary lights equated with either cone or melanopsin luminance. Instead, brightness estimations result from a combined interaction between cone and melanopsin signaling. Analytical modeling with wavelength-dependent coefficients signifies that melanopsin luminance positively correlates with brightness magnitudes, and the cone luminance has two contribution components, one that is additive to melanopsin luminance and a second that is negative, implying an adaptation process. These results provide a new framework for evaluating the physiological basis of brightness perception and have direct practical applications for the development of energy-efficient light sources.
Cinnamon Apple Pomace Pectins: Physicochemical Characteristics and Gel-Forming

The physicochemical features and gelling capability of cinnamon apple pectins (CAP) were evaluated under different extraction conditions. The results showed that the pectin yield (2.8-10.9%) and sugar compositions, viz. galacturonic acid (GalA: 38.5-67.2%), rhamnose (Rha: 4.7-6.2%), arabinose (Ara: 12.3-24.8%) and galactose (Gal: 4-11.2%) were significantly influenced by the extraction conditions (P 150). Cinnamon apple pomace therefore appears to be a potentially viable source of marketable pectins.
Mechanical behavior of single-layer ceramized zirconia abutments for dental implant prosthetic rehabilitation

Objectives: This study was undertaken to characterize the mechanical response of bare (as-received) and single-layer ceramized zirconia abutments with both internal and external connections that have been developed to enhanced aesthetic restorations. Material and Methods: Sixteen zirconia implant abutments (ZiReal Post®, Biomet 3i, USA) with internal and external connections have been analyzed. Half of the specimens were coated with a 0.5mm-thick layer of a low-fusing fluroapatite ceramic. Mechanical tests were carried out under static (constant cross-head speed of 1mm/min until fracture) and dynamic (between 100 and 400N at a frequency of 1Hz) loading conditions. The failure location was identified by electron microscopy. The removal torque of the retaining screws after testing was also evaluated. Results: The average fracture strength was above 300N for all the abutments, regardless of connection geometry and coating. In most of the cases (94%), failure occurred by abutment fracture. No significant differences were observed either in fatigue behavior and removal torque between the different abutment groups. Conclusions: Mechanical behavior of Zireal zirconia abutments is independent of the type of internal/external connection and the presence/absence of ceramic coating. This may be clinically valuable in dental rehabilitation to improve the aesthetic outcome of zirconia-based dental implant systems. Key words:Dental implant, zirconia, ceramic structure, mechanical properties.
Long-term nitrate loss along an agricultural intensity gradient in the Upper Midwest USA

Nitrate (NO3−) loss from intensively farmed cropland is a long-standing, recalcitrant environmental problem that contributes to surface and groundwater pollution and coastal zone hypoxia. Here nitrate leaching losses are reported from nine replicated cropped and unmanaged ecosystems in southwest Michigan, USA. Ecosystems include four annual corn–soybean–winter wheat rotations under conventional, notill, reduced-input, and organic/biologically-based management, two perennial cropping systems that include alfalfa and hybrid poplar trees, and three unmanaged successional communities including an early successional community analogous to a cellulosic biofuel system as well as a mature deciduous forest. The organic, alfalfa, and unmanaged systems received no synthetic, manure, or compost nitrogen. Measured nitrate concentrations were combined with modeled soil water drainage to provide estimates of nitrate lost by leaching over 11 years. Among annual crops, average nitrate losses differed significantly (p < 0.05) and followed the order conventional (62.3 ± 9.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1) > no-till (41.3 ± 3.0) > reduced-input (24.3 ± 0.7) > organic (19.0 ± 0.8) management. Among perennial and unmanaged ecosystems, nitrate loss followed the pattern alfalfa (12.8 ± 1.8 kg N ha−1 yr−1) = deciduous forest (11.0 ± 4.2) early successional (1.1 ± 0.4) = mid-successional (0.9 ± 0.4) > poplar (<0.01 ± 0.007 kg N ha−1 yr−1) systems. Findings suggest that nitrate loss in annual row crops could be significantly mitigated by the adoption of no-till, cover crops, and greater reliance on biologically based inputs, and in biofuel systems by the production of cellulosic rather than grain-based feedstocks. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Differential regulation of mRNAs and lncRNAs related to lipid metabolism in two pig breeds

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. However, there is little research on the role of lncRNAs in fat deposition in pig. In this study, RNA-seq technology was used to analyze the gene expression profiles of subcutaneous adipose tissue in Laiwu (LW) and Large White (LY) pigs. Then, key lncRNAs and genes associated with lipid metabolism and adipogenic differentiation were identified. Fifty four lncRNAs and 482 known mRNAs were differentially expressed in the two pig breeds. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes and the target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs were significantly enriched in PPAR signaling pathway and biological processes including fat cell differentiation and fatty acid metabolism. Key lncRNAs might regulate adipogenic differentiation and fatty acid metabolism by regulating genes involved in above signaling pathway and biological processes. Specifically, XLOC_014379, XLOC_011279, XLOC_064871, XLOC_019518 and XLOC_013639 might target SCD, LPIN1, TRIB3, EGR2 and FABP3, respectively, and then play critical regulatory role. These results are useful for understanding fat deposition in pig, breeding livestock with high quality meat, and preventing and treating lipid metabolic disease.
The Dynamic Behavior of Micro‐Concrete

A series of plate impact experiments has been performed to assess the dynamic behaviour of micro‐concrete (70% fine‐grain dolerite powder and 30% cement paste by weight) in both longitudinal and lateral directions. Information was obtained for the Hugoniot curve and dynamic shear stress properties. Hugoniot results are compared with published data on cement paste, mortar and concrete from the UK, Germany, France and the US. When the shear strength of micro‐concrete is compared to the cement paste very small differences are observed. Therefore, the shear strength of this system appears to be independent of the aggregates and mainly depends on the matrix material.
Effects of Fiber Architecture on Matrix Cracking for Melt‐Infiltrated SiC/SiC Composites

The matrix cracking behavior of slurry cast melt-infiltrated SiC matrix composites consisting of Sylramic-iBN fibers with a wide variety of fiber architectures were compared. The fiber architectures included 2D woven, braided, 3D orthogonal, and angle interlock architectures. Acoustic emission was used to monitor in-plane matrix cracking during unload–reload tensile tests. Two key parameters were found to control matrix-cracking behavior: the fiber volume fraction in the loading direction and the area of the weakest portion of the structure, that is, the largest tow in the architecture perpendicular to the loading direction. Empirical models that support these results are presented and discussed.
Does tutor subject-matter expertise influence student achievement in the problem-based learning curriculum at UNITRA Medical School?

OBJECTIVE To establish whether or not tutor subject-matter expertise influences student achievement in content-based examinations in the problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum at the University of Transkei (UNITRA) Medical School. DESIGN A retrospective study of MB ChB III student achievement in end-of-block modified essay questions (MEQ) examinations in microbiology, pathology and pharmacology for the years 1994-1999, inclusive. Pooled scores from the expert-tutored groups were compared with those from the groups tutored by non-experts using analysis of variance (ANOVA) or t-test. Subject expert tutors were those with postgraduate specialisation in the given discipline. SETTING The Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, UNITRA, Umtata. OUTCOME MEASURES Whether pooled mean MEQ scores in end-of-block examinations for microbiology, pathology or pharmacology differ according to the subject-matter expertise of the tutor. RESULTS There were no significant differences in mean scores obtained for pharmacology (51.1 +/- 0.6 versus 52.6 +/- 0.7, P = 0.109) and pathology (49.8 +/- 0.6 versus 49.9 +/- 0.8, P = 0.919). The difference between the scores in microbiology was small (3 percentage points) but statistically significant, with the groups tutored by microbiologists scoring higher than those tutored by pathologists or pharmacologists (54.1 +/- 1.0 versus 51.2 +/- 0.8, P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrating that in the UNITRA Medical School PBL curriculum tutor subject-matter expertise has little or no influence on student achievement in the discrete areas of tutor expertise.
Iron absorption from soybean ferritin in nonanemic women.

BACKGROUND Dietary ferritin, a protein cage around an iron mineral, is an underestimated source of bioavailable iron. Plant ferritin, the most common dietary ferritin, has not been studied. Iron from animal ferritin is absorbed as well as is iron from FeSO4 in women. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine iron absorption from purified soybean ferritin. DESIGN Healthy, nonanemic women (n = 16) were fed a standardized meal (bagel, cream cheese, and apple juice) containing 1 microCi 59Fe/meal as FeSO4 or (extrinsically labeled) as iron-free soybean ferritin reconstituted with the high phosphate characteristic of plant ferritin (iron:phosphorus = 4:1). Iron-free, apo-soybean ferritin was prepared (with the use of thioglycolic acid and extensive dialysis) from purified ferritin. In a randomized crossover design, the other labeled meal, which contained FeSO4 or ferritin, was given after 4 wk. The subjects received 140 microg Fe as ferritin (2.5 mg) or as FeSO4. After 28 d, whole-body 59Fe and 59Fe in red blood cells were measured before and after dosing. RESULTS There was no significant difference in whole-body iron absorption from soybean ferritin (29.9 +/- 19.8%) and that from FeSO4 (34.3 +/- 23.6%) or in iron absorption calculated from red blood cell incorporation (33.0 +/- 20.1% for soybean ferritin and 35.3 +/- 23.4% for FeSO4), which confirmed previous results with animal ferritin that was mineralized and labeled similarly. An inverse relation was observed between serum ferritin and iron absorption from both ferritin and FeSO4, which suggested that sensors regulating iron absorption respond similarly to iron provided as ferrous salts or as ferritin mineral. CONCLUSION Iron from soybean ferritin is well absorbed and may provide a model for novel, utilizable, plant-based forms of iron for populations with a low iron status.
URBAN DRY ISLAND PHENOMENON AND ITS IMPACT ON CLOUD BASE LEVEL

Matsuyama plain, Japan has an obvious contrast of land use in urban and rural area. The purposes of this study is to investigate the features of Urban Dry Island (UDI), Clouds base level, and solar radiation. On the basis of field measurements in the Matsuyama Plain, the following main outcomes are obtained. The urban absolute humidity was lower than rural absolute humidity. Following the manner of urban heat island phenomenon, we call this phenomenon “urban dry island” (UDI). The UDI phenomenon was significantly found at the daytime during the fine day due to the difference in water vapor fluxes at urban and rural sites. Cloud base level over urban area was higher than that over rural area when wind blew along the border of the abrupt change of land use. This was demonstrated by lifted condensation level, which was estimated from the surface air temperature and water vapor content. Solar radiation over urban area tends to be smaller than that over the rural area during afternoon of days with a percentage of sunshine ranging from 50% to 80%. This was demonstrated by the development of mixing layer estimated from surface heat flux.
The effects of supra-normal protein C levels on markers of coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammation in a human model of endotoxemia

Summary The protein C pathway serves as a modulating system with both anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties and is intimately involved in the pathophysiology of inflammation and sepsis. Treatment with recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) can reduce the mortality of severe sepsis. We investigated whether an elevation of plasma protein C levels to supranormal levels by infusion of a protein C zymogen concentrate has an effect on coagulation, protein C activation or inflammation in a human endotoxemia model. Eleven healthy male volunteers were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled two-way cross-over trial. Ten minutes after infusion of 2ng/kg endotoxin each volunteer received either placebo or a plasmaderived protein C zymogen concentrate (Ceprotin®, Baxter) (150 U/kg as a slow bolus infusion followed by 30 U/kg/h continuous infusion until 4 hours after LPS-infusion). Protein C antigen and activity increased 4– to 5-fold after infusion of the concentrate. APC was generated during endotoxin-induced inflammation in the placebo (1.6 fold increase) and the protein C period (4.0-fold increase). The increase of APC levels correlated with the TNF-α and IL-6 release in both periods (r=0.65–0.68; p<0.05) and paralleled the protein C antigen and activity levels in the period with supranormal protein C levels. Supra normal protein C levels resulted in slightly, although non-significant, lower tissue factor mRNA expression and thrombin generation (TAT, F1+2). Systemic inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6) was not influenced by protein C zymogen concentrate administration. Infusion of protein C zymogen was safe and no adverse effects occurred. The increase of protein C levels several fold above the normal range resulted in a proportional increase of the APC levels, but had no major anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory or profibrinolytic effects. Low grade endotoxemia itself induces significant protein C activation, which correlates with the TNF release.
Subchronic inhalation of coal dust particulate matter 10 changes bone mesostructure, mineral element levels and turnover markers in rats -

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate whether inhalation particulate matter 10 (PM10) of coal dust changes mesostructure, bone mineral elements, and turnover markers of rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups; one non-inhaled group and three coal dust exposed groups (concentration 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/m3/h/day for 28 days). Femur mesostructure were analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Bone mineral elements was assayed by X-ray fluorescence. Osteocalcin and C-telopeptide of type I collagen were analyzed by ELISA. ANOVA test was used to analyze the difference level of all markers. Results: Mesostructure of non-inhaled rats presented rod like trabeculae with honey comb appearance and minimal hole. Disregular integrity of trabeculae and reduction of trabecular integrity, increasing porocity were found at coal dust exposed groups. The level of osteocalcin and C-telopeptide of type I collagen were significantly lower in coal dust exposed groups compared to control group. The levels of phosphorus and nickel were significantly lower in coal dust exposed groups compared to control group. Conclusion: The present study reported that sub-chronic inhalation of coal dust PM10 changes bone mesostructure, phosporus and nickel levels in bone, and bone turnover markers of rats’ femur.
Diet-induced weight loss, exercise, and chronic inflammation in older, obese adults: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Persistent, low-grade inflammation is an independent predictor of several chronic diseases and all-cause mortality. OBJECTIVE The intention of this study was to determine the independent and combined effects of diet-induced weight loss and exercise on markers of chronic inflammation. DESIGN Three hundred sixteen community-dwelling, older (> or = 60 y), overweight or obese [body mass index (in kg/m2) > or = 28], sedentary men and women with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to four 18-mo treatments: healthy lifestyle control, diet-induced weight loss, exercise, and diet plus exercise. The exercise intervention consisted of combined weight training and walking for 1 h 3 times/wk. The weight-loss intervention consisted of a weekly session with a registered dietitian to provide education and support for lowering energy intake. RESULTS The diet-induced weight-loss intervention resulted in significantly greater reductions in concentrations of C-reactive protein (P = 0.01), interleukin 6 (P = 0.009), and soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 (P = 0.007) than did no weight-loss treatment. Changes in soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 but not in C-reactive protein or interleukin 6 correlated with changes in body weight. Exercise training did not have a significant effect on these inflammatory biomarkers, and there was no significant interaction between weight loss and exercise training. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence from a randomized controlled trial that a dietary intervention designed to elicit weight loss reduces overall inflammation in older, obese persons. Additional studies are needed to assess the effects of different modes and intensities of exercise on inflammation.
In response to: Long‐term overall survival of patients diagnosed with pure tubular carcinoma of the breast might be affected by increased co‐morbidities

To the Editor, We thank Dr. Altundag for raising these interesting points. We took the decision to compare out patients with tubular carcinoma (TC) with patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the same grade, but we agree that TC fairs better than grade II–III IDC, as previously suggested by a study using the SEER data. Nevertheless, our results are supported by Kader et al. Regarding age and comorbidities, the median age of our TC patients was 58 years, compared with 60 years in our patients with IDC. In the Province of Quebec, breast cancer screening is available to women of 50–69 years of age and, in our study population, most cases of TC and grade I IDC were detected in the context of this program. Therefore, there were no differences in comorbidities between the two groups. Finally, we agree that breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) would have been more interesting than overall survival, but because of the relatively good survival of grade I breast cancer, an insufficient number of breast-specific events was observed for BCSS analysis. Our study population was mostly Caucasian and French Canadian in origin, and we cannot exclude regional disparities among countries, possibly leading to different results. Additional international studies would be necessary to address this issue.
Analytical model for axial stress-strain behavior of welded reinforcement grid confined concrete columns

In a previous study by the authors, the innovative technology of applying welded reinforcement grids (WRG) as confining steel of reinforced concrete columns (instead of traditional ties) under compression loading was experimentally investigated. A stress-strain model of concrete which takes confinement effects into account is developed based on the results of compression loading tests of reinforced concrete column specimens. The stress-strain model is formulated by evaluating the relationship between several key parameters (effective confining pressure, peak stress, strain, and ductility) and the stress-strain behavior observed in the experiments. Analytical results are then compared to experimental values available in the literature. It is shown that the predicted stress-strain relation provides better agreement with the experimental results than existing models.
Trait Characteristics of Diffusion Model Parameters

Cognitive modeling of response time distributions has seen a huge rise in popularity in individual differences research. In particular, several studies have shown that individual differences in the drift rate parameter of the diffusion model, which reflects the speed of information uptake, are substantially related to individual differences in intelligence. However, if diffusion model parameters are to reflect trait-like properties of cognitive processes, they have to qualify as trait-like variables themselves, i.e., they have to be stable across time and consistent over different situations. To assess their trait characteristics, we conducted a latent state-trait analysis of diffusion model parameters estimated from three response time tasks that 114 participants completed at two laboratory sessions eight months apart. Drift rate, boundary separation, and non-decision time parameters showed a great temporal stability over a period of eight months. However, the coefficients of consistency and reliability were only low to moderate and highest for drift rate parameters. These results show that the consistent variance of diffusion model parameters across tasks can be regarded as temporally stable ability parameters. Moreover, they illustrate the need for using broader batteries of response time tasks in future studies on the relationship between diffusion model parameters and intelligence.
Effects of beta-carotene supplementation on lipid peroxidation in humans.

The ability of beta-carotene (BC) to reduce lipid peroxidation in humans was investigated. In this randomized double-blind controlled trial, 42 nonsmokers and 28 smokers received either 20 mg BC or placebo daily for 4 wk. Twenty-five smokers and 38 nonsmokers completed the trial. Changes in plasma BC concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.0005) and to the same extent in both groups supplemented with BC. There were no significant changes among the placebo groups. At baseline, lipid peroxidation measured by breath-pentane output (BPO) was significantly higher in the two smoking groups (BC: 8.8 +/- 1.1, placebo: 9.4 +/- 1.4 pmol.kg-1.min-1) than in the two nonsmoking groups (BC: 5.7 +/- 0.5, placebo: 5.9 +/- 0.6 pmol.kg-1.min-1) (P < 0.005). BPO decreased significantly only in smokers receiving BC (6.5 +/- 0.7 pmol.kg-1.min-1) (P < 0.04). Changes in breath-ethane output were not significant. Therefore, lipid peroxidation measured by BPO is significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers and is reduced by BC supplementation in smokers. There was no significant change (95% CI - 1.26, 1.12) in BPO when nonsmokers received BC.