Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genomic Basis of Adaptive Evolution: The Survival of Amur Ide (Leuciscus waleckii) in an Extremely Alkaline Environment

The Amur ide (Leuciscus waleckii) is a cyprinid fish that is widely distributed in Northeast Asia. The Lake Dali Nur population inhabits one of the most extreme aquatic environments on Earth, with an alkalinity up to 50 mmol/L (pH 9.6), thus providing an exceptional model with which to characterize the mechanisms of genomic evolution underlying adaptation to extreme environments. Here, we developed the reference genome assembly for L. waleckii from Lake Dali Nur. Intriguingly, we identified unusual expanded long terminal repeats (LTRs) with higher nucleotide substitution rates than in many other teleosts, suggesting their more recent insertion into the L. waleckii genome. We also identified expansions in genes encoding egg coat proteins and natriuretic peptide receptors, possibly underlying the adaptation to extreme environmental stress. We further sequenced the genomes of 10 additional individuals from freshwater and 18 from Lake Dali Nur populations, and we detected a total of 7.6 million SNPs from both populations. In a genome scan and comparison of these two populations, we identified a set of genomic regions under selective sweeps that harbor genes involved in ion homoeostasis, acid-base regulation, unfolded protein response, reactive oxygen species elimination, and urea excretion. Our findings provide comprehensive insight into the genomic mechanisms of teleost fish that underlie their adaptation to extreme alkaline environments.
Development, characterization, and applications of self-assembling, photocrosslinkable collagen-based hydrogels

of Dissertation.ii Dedication.iv Acknowledgements.v List of Figures.vi Chapter 1: Background.1 1.1 Collagen Hydrogels.1 1.2 Synthetic Hydrogels.3 1.3 Hydrogels as Scaffolds for CNS Regeneration.4 Chapter 2: Prelude: Collagen Photocrosslinking Approaches from Literature.9 2.
Reference-based manga colorization by graph correspondence using quadratic programming

Manga (Japanese comics) are popular all over the world. However, most existing manga are monochrome. If such monochrome manga can be colorized, readers can enjoy the richer representations. In this paper, we propose a semiautomatic colorization method for manga. Given a previously colored reference manga image and target monochrome manga images, we propagate the colors of the reference manga to the target manga by representing images as graphs and matching graphs. The proposed method enables coloring of manga images without time-consuming manual colorization. We show results in which the colors of characters were correctly transferred to target characters, even those with complex structures.
Recent advances in research on lignans and neolignans

Lignans and neolignans are a large group of natural products derived from the oxidative coupling of two C6–C3 units. Owing to their biological activities ranging from antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory to antiviral properties, they have been used for a long time both in ethnic as well as in conventional medicine. This review describes 564 of the latest examples of naturally occurring lignans and neolignans, and their glycosides in some cases, which have been isolated between 2009 and 2015. It comprises the data reported in more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and covers their source, isolation, structure elucidation and bioactivities (where available), and highlights the biosynthesis and total synthesis of some important ones.
Weight change across the start of three consecutive pregnancies and the risk of maternal morbidity and SGA birth at the second and third pregnancy

Background Weight-change across parities and/or current BMI may influence maternal and fetal morbidity and requires to be differentiated to better inform weight-management guidance. Methods Direction, pattern and magnitude of weight-change across three consecutive parities and thereby two inter-pregnancy periods was described in 5079 women. The association between inter-pregnancy weight-change versus current BMI and adverse maternal events, SGA-birth and preterm delivery at second and third pregnancy were investigated by logistic regression. Results More women gained weight across the defined childbearing period than lost it, with ~35% of normal and overweight women gaining sufficient weight to move up a BMI-category. Nine patterns of weight-change were defined across two inter-pregnancy periods and 50% of women remained weight-stable throughout (within 2BMI units/period). Women who were overweight/obese at first pregnancy had higher risk of substantial weight-gain and loss (>10kg) during each of two inter-pregnancy periods. Inter-pregnancy weight-gain (> 2BMI units) between first and second pregnancy increased the risk of maternal morbidity (1or more event of hypertensive disease, caesarean-section, thromboembolism) at second pregnancy, while weight-loss (>2BMI units) increased the risk of SGA-birth. Similarly, increased risk of maternal morbidity at the third pregnancy was influenced by weight-gain during both inter-pregnancy periods but not by current BMI-category. Both weight-gain between first and second pregnancy, and being overweight/obese by third pregnancy protected the fetus against SGA-birth whereas weight-loss between second and third pregnancy doubled the SGA risk. Conclusion Half the women studied exhibited significant weight-fluctuations. This influenced their risk of maternal morbidity and SGA-birth at second and third pregnancy.
Universities and Industry

I could not agree more with Judy Redfearn's comments on research and development priorities (Physics Bulletin December 1975 p528). As a physicist who moved from reactor physics to solid state physics in the 'never had it so good days' of the 1960s and is now 'applying classical physics to a high level of sophistication', primarily in the steel and hydrocarbon processing industries, I feel qualified to comment more forcibly on certain points raised in this article.
Anxiety symptoms and risk of cognitive decline in older community-dwelling men

ABSTRACT Background: Previous research regarding anxiety as a predictor of future cognitive decline in older adults is limited and inconsistent. We examined the independent relationship between anxiety symptoms and subsequent cognitive decline. Methods: We included 2,818 community-dwelling older men (mean age = 76.1, SD ±5.3 years) who were followed on an average for 3.4 years. We assessed anxiety symptoms at baseline using the Goldberg Anxiety Scale (GAS; range = 0–9). We assessed cognitive function at baseline and at two subsequent visits using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS; global cognition) and the Trails B test (executive function). Results: At baseline, there were 690 (24%) men with mild anxiety symptoms (GAS 1–4) and 226 (8%) men with moderate/severe symptoms (GAS 5–9). Men with anxiety symptoms were more likely to have depressed mood, poor sleep, more chronic medical conditions, and more impairment in activities of daily living compared to those with no anxiety symptoms. Compared to those with no anxiety symptoms at baseline, men with any anxiety symptoms were more likely to have substantial worsening in Trails B completion time (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.19, 2.05). The association was attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders, including depression and poor sleep, but remained significant (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.04, 1.88). Conclusion: In cognitively healthy older men, mild anxiety symptoms may potentially predict future decline in executive functioning. Anxiety is likely a manifestation of an underlying neurodegenerative process rather than a cause.
Research of factors influencing the quality of wood briquets

Výskum vplyvu faktorov na kvalitu výliskov z dreva In the modern energy carriers producion is very important to know the impacts of several factors which influence the final quality of briquets. In our department we realized opening measurements of some factors’ impact on the briquet quality. I monitored the impact of compacting pressure, fraction largeness and the material humidity. In this contribution, I would like to describe this opening experimental research.
NOVA University of Newcastle Research Online

Collapse mechanisms consisting of sliding rigid blocks are used widely as the basis for computing bounds on limit loads in geotechnical and structural engineering problems. While these mechanisms are conceptually straightforward to analyze, evaluating kinematically admissible velocities for a particular arrangement of blocks can be a tedious process, and optimizing the geometry of the mechanism is often prohibitively cumbersome for more than a few blocks. In this paper, we present a numerical technique for evaluating and optimizing mechanisms composed of an arbitrary number of sliding triangular blocks, assuming plane strain and homogenous, ponderable material obeying the Mohr-Coulomb yield condition. In the proposed method, coordinates defining the vertices of the blocks are treated as unknowns, and the optimal geometry is found by successively perturbing the vertex coordinates and block velocities, starting initially from a user-specified arrangement of blocks. The method is applied to three different examples related to geotechnical engineering, each of which
Investigation into crystallinity and degree of particle melt in selective laser sintering

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a manufacturing process which has emerged from numerous other technologies as the leading process considered viable for Rapid Manufacturing. SLS of polymers has found use in a wide range of industries ranging from aerospace to medicine. The ability to easily manufacture previously difficult or impossible to produce parts, without tooling, has proved invaluable. This industry backed manufacturing engineering PhD investigation examined material properties of Nylon-12 parts produced by the SLS process. Crystallinity relates to and determines mechanical properties in traditionally processed polymers. The nature of crystallinity in SLS processed Nylon-12 has been examined in this study and shown to be fundamentally different to that of traditionally processed polymers. Rather than depending primarily upon crystallisation factors such as cooling rate, it was shown to depend on the degree of particle melt (DPM). DPM was shown to be quantifiable by DSC measurements (by the degree of crystallinity and Core Peak Height) and distinct relationships between the quantified DPM and mechanical properties were found. Additionally, this study showed for the first time that parts remain above the crystallisation onset temperature even after build completion. This work has expanded the knowledge base of SLS by shedding light on critical aspects of the process. The ability to quantify the degree to which particles melt (DPM) provides a new level of understanding into the causes of changes in mechanical properties with changes in process parameters. This new understanding can lead to improved process modelling and could aid in the development of new processes and materials. DPM could be implemented into new quality control methods and the knowledge of post build crystallisation shows that post build cool down is an aspect of the build process that requires control for improved consistency of properties.
Fracture Strength of Helically Wound Composite Cylinder

Following up the previous paper on the fracture strength of helically wound composite cylinders under axial tension, the torsional strength is discussed in the present paper.By making use of the in-plane stress components in each layer of the helically wound laminate under torsional loading, the three-dimensional stress components on the planes containing fibers have been calculated, taking into account the plastic deformation due to the yielding of the matrix or separation between the fibers and the matrix before fracture. And then, by relating these analytical stress components with the fundamental strength which corresponds with the four kinds of fracture mechanism that has been obtained in the authors' experiments on unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites, the torsional fracture strength has been predicted analytically. The fracture is found to be mainly governed by the compressive fracture in the fiber direction in one layer over almost all the ranges of winding angle, exhibiting good agreement with the torsional fracture stresses and fracture behaviors obtained in the experiments on glass-epoxy composites.The torsional buckling experiments are also carried out on the helically wound thin cylinders in order to ascertain that the above-mentioned fractures are not due to the buckling. The experimental buckling value is about two thirds as large as the theoretical value.
Oro-dental characteristics of three siblings with Papillon–Lefevre syndrome

Papillon–Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, showing oral and dermatological manifestations in the form of aggressive periodontitis, leading to the premature loss of both primary and permanent teeth at a very young age and palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis. It was first described by two French physicians, Papillon and Lefevre in 1924. Immunologic, genetic, or possible bacterial etiologies have been thought to account for etiopathogenesis of PLS. Severe gingival inflammation and periodontal destruction occurred after the eruption of primary teeth. This condition should warn the physicians and dentists as a one of the important sign for the diagnosis of PLS. There have been over 250 cases reported in literature about PLS, but a few of these were in the same family. This study presents oro-dental characteristics, dental treatments, and follow-up of three siblings (age of sisters are 13, 6, and 4 years) with PLS, which is rarely seen in the same family.
Silver nanoparticles as a medical device in healthcare settings: a five-step approach for candidate screening of coating agents

Silver nanoparticle-based antimicrobials can promote a long lasting bactericidal effect without detrimental toxic side effects. However, there is not a clear and complete protocol to define and relate the properties of the particles (size, shape, surface charge, ionic content) with their specific activity. In this paper, we propose an effective multi-step approach for the identification of a ‘purpose-specific active applicability window’ to maximize the antimicrobial activity of medical devices containing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) (such as surface coaters), minimizing any consequent risk for human health (safety by design strategy). The antimicrobial activity and the cellular toxicity of four types of Ag NPs, differing in their coating composition and concentration have been quantified. Through the implementation of flow-field flow fractionation, Ag NPs have been characterized in terms of metal release, size and shape. The particles are fractionated in the process while being left unmodified, allowing for the identification of biological particle-specific contribution. Toxicity and inflammatory response in vitro have been assessed on human skin models, while antimicrobial activity has been monitored with both non-pathogenic and pathogenic Escherichia coli. The main benefit associated with such approach is the comprehensive assessment of the maximal effectiveness of candidate nanomaterials, while simultaneously indexing their properties against their safety.
Testing Cessation Messages for Cigarette Package Inserts: Findings from a Best/Worst Discrete Choice Experiment

This study assessed smokers’ responses to different smoking cessation topics and imagery for cigarette package inserts. Adult smokers from Canada (n = 1000) participated in three discrete choice experiments (DCEs): DCE 1 assessed five cessation benefit topics and five imagery types; DCE 2 assessed five messages with tips to improve cessation success and five imagery types; DCE 3 assessed four reproductive health benefits of cessation topics and four imagery types. In each DCE, participants evaluated four or five sets of four inserts, selecting the most and least motivating (DCEs 1 & 3) or helpful (DCE 2) for quitting. Linear mixed models regressed choices on insert and smoker characteristics. For DCE 1, the most motivating messages involved novel disease topics and imagery of younger women. For DCE 2, topics of social support, stress reduction and nicotine replacement therapy were selected as most helpful, with no differences by imagery type. For DCE 3, imagery influenced choices more than topic, with imagery of a family or a mom and baby selected as most motivating. Statistically significant interactions for all three experiments indicated that the influence of imagery type on choices depended on the message topic. Messages to promote smoking cessation through cigarette pack inserts should consider specific combinations of message topic and imagery.
Microwaves in Postharvest Applications with Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are an increasing part of our diets as they are a recognized source of health enhancing nutrients. The use of microwaves to ensure product quality for minimally processed fruits and vegetables is gaining popularity. Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. In this review we concentrated on research conducted at the 2450 MHz frequency. The special microwave-matter interaction mechanisms make microwaves a special format of energy that can bring many advantages to various applications in post-harvest handling of horticultural crops. The principal advantage in the use of microwave energy is the great reduction in processing time which often yields higher end-product quality. Microwave power has been used for hightemperature-short time thermal treatments of fresh commodities for disinfection, disinfestations, control of ripening, to impede on senescence and for the retention of phytochemicals. The study of the microwave permittivity of the produce can provide information on its quality, maturity and moisture content and can be used in sensing as a process control measure. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fragility assessment of buckling-restrained braced frames under near-field earthquakes

This study presents an analytical investigation on the seismic response of a medium-rise buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) under the near-fault ground motions. A seven-story BRBF is designed as per the current code provisions for five different combinations of brace configurations and beam-column connections. Two types of brace configurations (i.e., Chevron and Double-X) are considered along with a combination of the moment-resisting and the non-moment-resisting beam-to-column connections for the study frame. Nonlinear dynamic analyses are carried out for all study frames for an ensemble of forty SAC near-fault ground motions. The main parameters evaluated are the interstory and residual drift response, brace displacement ductility, and plastic hinge mechanisms. Fragility curves are developed using log-normal probability density functions for all study frames considering the interstory drift ratio and residual drift ratio as the damage parameters. The average interstory drift response of BRBFs with Double-X brace configurations significantly exceeded the allowable drift limit of 2%. The maximum displacement ductility characteristics of BRBs is efficiently utilized under the seismic loading if these braces are arranged in the Double-X configurations instead of Chevron configurations in BRBFs located in the near-fault regions. However, BRBFs with the Double-X brace configurations exhibit the higher interstory drift and residual drift response under near-fault ground motions due to the formation of plastic hinges in the columns and beams at the intermediate story levels.
Protection of the Human Gut Microbiome From Antibiotics

Background Antibiotics are life-saving drugs but severely affect the gut microbiome with short term consequences including diarrhoea, Clostridium difficile infections and selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Long-term links to allergy and obesity are also suggested. We devised a product, DAV132, and previously showed its ability to deliver a powerful adsorbent, activated charcoal, in the late ileum of human volunteers. Methods We performed a randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02176005) in 28 human volunteers treated with a 5-day clinical regimen of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic moxifloxacin in two parallel groups, with or without DAV132 co-administration. Two control goups of 8 volunteers each receiving DAV132 alone, or a non-active substitute, were added. Results The co-administration of DAV132 decreased free moxifloxacin fecal concentrations by 99%, while plasmatic levels were unaffected. Shotgun quantitative metagenomics showed that the richness and composition of the intestinal microbiota were largely preserved in subjects co-treated with DAV132 in addition to moxifloxacin. No adverse effect was observed. In addition, DAV132 efficiently adsorbed a wide range of clinically relevant antibiotics ex-vivo. Conclusions DAV132 was highly effective to protect the gut microbiome of moxifloxacin - treated healthy volunteers and may constitute a clinical breakthrough by preventing adverse health consequences of a wide range of antibiotic treatments.
Online Junction Temperature Estimation of SiC Power mosfets Through On-State Voltage Mapping

This paper deals with real-time estimation of the junction temperature of SiC power mosfets. The junction temperature of a device with four-switch module is estimated in real-time by measuring its current and on-state voltage VON at each switching period and entering the temperature in the lookup table of the device. The temperature model is preliminarily obtained in a dedicated commissioning session, where V ON is measured at different temperature and current conditions. The results show the feasibility of online temperature monitoring and even the active limitation of the junction temperature of the tested SiC power mosfet modules accurately and with an instantaneous dynamic response. Different modules with die from different manufacturers were tested in an H-bridge demonstrator power converter, emulating the operating conditions of real converters such as voltage source dc/ac or dc/dc conversion structures. The commissioning procedure is meant to be performed directly on the final application for each converter. The measurements obtained using the proposed temperature estimation technique are validated using a thermal camera and compared to the direct measurement of the die temperature with a thermistor, showing high accuracy and high feasibility.
Competition improves attention and motivation after stroke

Cognitive deficits are a common sequelae after stroke. Among them, attention impairments have the highest incidence and limit functional recovery and quality of life. Different strategies to improve attention have been presented through the years, even though its effectiveness is still unclear. Basing on the human competitive nature, competitive strategies have been proposed to increase motivation and intensity. However, this approach has been never applied to train attention after stroke. In this paper, we present a randomized controlled trial that evidences the important role of competition in cognitive functioning. Our results support that competitive strategies combining virtual reality-based and paper and pencil tasks can improve attention and motivation after stroke to a greater extent than non-competitive paper and pencil tasks.