Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Reuse Potential of Maritime Pine Utility Poles for Structural Applications after Removal from Service

There has been a strong recent effort to develop procedures that prevent the unnecessary replacement of timber utility poles. Even when assessments show that the utility pole needs to be replaced, there are many cases in which the removed utility poles can be reused. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanical properties of Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster (Ait.)) utility poles removed from service (UPRFS) in order to assess their ability to be reused in structural applications. A sample of 51 UPRFS in Portugal was selected, and visual and mechanical properties were evaluated through non-destructive and destructive tests. Dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn) was correlated with bending strength (MOR) (r = 0.43) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) (r = 0.71). UPRFS showed a decrease of 14% and 6% in the mean values of MOR and MOE, respectively, when compared with new utility poles. A high variability and low values were obtained for MOR. These results highlight the reuse potential of the maritime pine utility poles for structural applications. Furthermore, the determined properties of UPRFS could be improved with a more stringent selection process that discards utility poles showing severe damage or by removing damaged areas in the utility poles.
Fin-fold development in paddlefish and catshark and implications for the evolution of the autopod

The evolutionary origin of the autopod involved a loss of the fin-fold and associated dermal skeleton with a concomitant elaboration of the distal endoskeleton to form a wrist and digits. Developmental studies, primarily from teleosts and amniotes, suggest a model for appendage evolution in which a delay in the AER-to-fin-fold conversion fuelled endoskeletal expansion by prolonging the function of AER-mediated regulatory networks. Here, we characterize aspects of paired fin development in the paddlefish Polyodon spathula (a non-teleost actinopterygian) and catshark Scyliorhinus canicula (chondrichthyan) to explore aspects of this model in a broader phylogenetic context. Our data demonstrate that in basal gnathostomes, the autopod marker HoxA13 co-localizes with the dermoskeleton component And1 to mark the position of the fin-fold, supporting recent work demonstrating a role for HoxA13 in zebrafish fin ray development. Additionally, we show that in paddlefish, the proximal fin and fin-fold mesenchyme share a common mesodermal origin, and that components of the Shh/LIM/Gremlin/Fgf transcriptional network critical to limb bud outgrowth and patterning are expressed in the fin-fold with a profile similar to that of tetrapods. Together these data draw contrast with hypotheses of AER heterochrony and suggest that limb-specific morphologies arose through evolutionary changes in the differentiation outcome of conserved early distal patterning compartments.
Elution of amikacin and vancomycin from a calcium sulfate/chitosan bone scaffold

Treatment of polymicrobial infected musculoskeletal defects continues to be a challenge in orthopaedics. This research investigated single and dual-delivery of two antibiotics, vancomycin and amikacin, targeting different classes of microorganism from a biodegradable calcium sulfate-chitosan-nHA microsphere composite scaffold. The addition of chitosan-nHA was included to provide additional structure for cellular attachment and as a secondary drug-loading device. All scaffolds exhibited an initial burst of antibiotics, but groups containing chitosan reduced the burst for amikacin at 1hr by 50%, and vancomycin by 14-25% over the first 2 days. Extended elution was present in groups containing chitosan; amikacin was above MIC (2-4 µg/mL, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) for 7-42 days and vancomycin was above MIC (0.5-1 µg/mL Staphylococcus aureus) for 42 days. The antibiotic activity of the eluates was tested against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The elution from the dual-loaded scaffold was most effective against S. aureus (bacteriostatic 34 days and bactericidal 27 days), compared to vancomycin-loaded scaffolds (bacteriostatic and bactericidal 14 days). The dual- and amikacin-loaded scaffolds were effective against P. aeruginosa, but eluates exhibited very short antibacterial properties; only 24 hours bacteriostatic and 1-5 hours bactericidal activity. For all groups, vancomycin recovery was near 100% whereas the amikacin recovery was 41%. In conclusion, in the presence of chitosan-nHA microspheres, the dual-antibiotic loaded scaffold was able to sustain an extended vancomycin elution longer than individually loaded scaffolds. The composite scaffold shows promise as a dual-drug delivery system for infected orthopaedic wounds and overcomes some deficits of other dual-delivery systems by extending the antibiotic release.
Synthesis and Application of the Transition Metal Complexes of α-Pyridinyl Alcohols, α-Bipyridinyl Alcohols, α,α’-Pyridinyl Diols and α,α’-Bipyridinyl Diols in Homogeneous Catalysis

The paper presents a comprehensive survey on the synthetic procedures of transition metal complexes of α-pyridinyl alcoholato, α-bipyridinyl alcoholato, α,α’-pyridinyl dialcoholato and α,α’-bipyridinyl dialcoholato ligands and their coordination chemistry. Greater emphasis is, however, given to the catalytic activity of the complexes in homogeneous and asymmetric chemical reactions. The multidentate character of the pyridinyl alcohols and/or bipyridinyl diols is of great importance in the complexation with a large number and type of transition metals. The transition metal complexes of pyridinyl alcoholato or bipyridinyl dialcoholato ligands in most cases, and a few pyridinyl alcohols alone, were used as catalysts in homogeneous and chemical asymmetric reactions. In most of the homogeneously catalysed enantioselective chemical reactions, limited numbers and types of pyridinyl alcohols and or bipyridinyl diols were used in the preparation of chiral catalysts that led to a few investigations on the catalytic importance of the pyridinyl alcohols.
Hyphenation of a EC / OC thermal–optical carbon analyzer to photo-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry: an off-line aerosol mass spectrometric approach for characterization of primary and secondary particulate matter

Abstract. Source apportionment and characterization of primary and secondary aerosols remains a challenging research field. In particular, the organic composition of primary particles and the formation mechanism of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) warrant further investigations. Progress in this field is strongly connected to the development of novel analytical techniques. In this study an off-line aerosol mass spectrometric technique based on filter samples, a hyphenated thermal–optical analyzer photo-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PI-TOFMS) system, was developed. The approach extends the capability of the widely used particulate matter (PM) carbon analysis (for elemental / organic carbon, EC / OC) by enabling the investigation of evolved gaseous species with soft and selective (resonance enhanced multi-photon ionization, REMPI) and non-selective photo-ionization (single-photon ionization, SPI) techniques. SPI was tuned to be medium soft to achieve comparability with results obtained by the electron ionization aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). Different PM samples including wood combustion emission samples, smog chamber samples from the reaction of ozone with different SOA precursors, and ambient samples taken at Ispra, Italy, in winter as well as in summer were tested. The EC / OC–PI-TOFMS technique increases the understanding of the processes during thermal–optical analysis and identifies marker substances for the source apportionment. Composition of oligomeric or polymeric species present in PM can be investigated by the analysis of the thermal breakdown products. In the case of wood combustion, in addition to the well-known markers at m/z ratios of 60 and 73, two new characteristic masses (m/z 70 and 98) have been revealed as potentially linked to biomass burning. All four masses were also the dominant signals in an ambient sample taken in winter time in Ispra, Italy, confirming the finding that wood burning for residential heating is a major source of PM in winter at this location. The summer sample from the same location showed no influence of wood burning, but seems to be dominated by SOAs, which was confirmed from the comparison with chamber experiment samples. The experiments conducted with terpenes as precursors showed characteristic masses at m/z 58 and 82, which were not observable in any other emission samples and could serve as a marker for SOA from terpenes.
Waterloo Exploration Database: New Challenges for Image Quality Assessment Models

The great content diversity of real-world digital images poses a grand challenge to image quality assessment (IQA) models, which are traditionally designed and validated on a handful of commonly used IQA databases with very limited content variation. To test the generalization capability and to facilitate the wide usage of IQA techniques in real-world applications, we establish a large-scale database named the Waterloo Exploration Database, which in its current state contains 4744 pristine natural images and 94 880 distorted images created from them. Instead of collecting the mean opinion score for each image via subjective testing, which is extremely difficult if not impossible, we present three alternative test criteria to evaluate the performance of IQA models, namely, the pristine/distorted image discriminability test, the listwise ranking consistency test, and the pairwise preference consistency test (P-test). We compare 20 well-known IQA models using the proposed criteria, which not only provide a stronger test in a more challenging testing environment for existing models, but also demonstrate the additional benefits of using the proposed database. For example, in the P-test, even for the best performing no-reference IQA model, more than 6 million failure cases against the model are “discovered” automatically out of over 1 billion test pairs. Furthermore, we discuss how the new database may be exploited using innovative approaches in the future, to reveal the weaknesses of existing IQA models, to provide insights on how to improve the models, and to shed light on how the next-generation IQA models may be developed. The database and codes are made publicly available at: https://ece.uwaterloo. ca/~k29ma/exploration/.
A novel KIF21A mutation in a patient with congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles and Marcus Gunn jaw-winking phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM) with Marcus Gunn jaw-winking phenomenon (MG) can result from mutations in the KIF21A gene encoding a kinesin motor protein. METHODS An individual with CFEOM1 (classic autosomal dominant CFEOM) and MG underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. He and his healthy parents underwent screening for mutations in the KIF21A gene by direct DNA sequencing. The clinical records of our previously described patients with CFEOM and KIF21A mutations were reviewed for evidence of more extensive dysinnervation. RESULTS A de novo and novel KIF21A mutation 2840T-->C (M947T) was present in the proband. In addition, among our previously described patients with CFEOM and KIF21A mutations, 3 individuals had MG and 1 had hypertropia during toothbrushing. CONCLUSIONS This report introduces a new CFEOM1 KIF21A mutation and is, to our knowledge, the first report of a genetic defect associated with MG. The combination of CFEOM1 with MG supports a primary neurogenic etiology of CFEOM resulting from KIF21A mutations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These findings will increase understanding of the etiology of CFEOM and increase awareness of the affiliation of CFEOM with MG.
Melamine Formaldehyde Modified Furfurylation to Improve Chinese Fir’s Dimensional Stability and Mechanical Properties

Melamine formaldehyde modified furfurylation (MFMF) was developed in this investigation to overcome the issues encountered by traditional wood furfurylation, the strong acidic reaction condition and the high cost of furfuryl alcohol. In this study, the optimum ratio of melamine, formaldehyde, and furfuryl alcohol constituents and the optimum curing conditions were explored. Then, MFMF was applied to Chinese fir modification and its performance was evaluated by the weight gain rate (WGR), equilibrium moisture content (EMC), dimensional stability (anti-swelling efficiency [ASE]), and parallel-to-grain compressive strength. The results showed that MFMF took place at a pH close to neutral (6.8) and the formulas had good penetration of cell walls. The best stability and improvement to mechanical properties achieved by MFMF were: a WGR of 158.9%; a low EMC of 11.5% under 96% relative humidity conditions; an ASE in high humidity and water-soaked conditions of 58.5% and 64.2%, respectively; and an increase in parallel-to-grain compressive strength by 81.9%, when compared with the control.
Global shape mimicry of tRNA within a viral internal ribosome entry site mediates translational reading frame selection

Significance Viruses use alternate mechanisms to increase the coding capacity of their viral genomes. The dicistrovirus intergenic region internal ribosome entry site (IRES) adopts an RNA structure that can direct translation in 0 and +1 reading frames to produce the viral structural proteins and an overlapping ORFx product. Here we provide structural and biochemical evidence that the PKI domain of the IRES mimics a complete tRNA-like structure to facilitate reading frame selection and allows the viral IRES to engage the ribosome. These findings provide insight into how a viral IRES can increase the coding capacity of a viral genome. The dicistrovirus intergenic region internal ribosome entry site (IRES) adopts a triple-pseudoknotted RNA structure and occupies the core ribosomal E, P, and A sites to directly recruit the ribosome and initiate translation at a non-AUG codon. A subset of dicistrovirus IRESs directs translation in the 0 and +1 frames to produce the viral structural proteins and a +1 overlapping open reading frame called ORFx, respectively. Here we show that specific mutations of two unpaired adenosines located at the core of the three-helical junction of the honey bee dicistrovirus Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) IRES PKI domain can uncouple 0 and +1 frame translation, suggesting that the structure adopts distinct conformations that contribute to 0 or +1 frame translation. Using a reconstituted translation system, we show that ribosomes assembled on mutant IRESs that direct exclusive 0 or +1 frame translation lack reading frame fidelity. Finally, a nuclear magnetic resonance/small-angle X-ray scattering hybrid approach reveals that the PKI domain of the IAPV IRES adopts an RNA structure that resembles a complete tRNA. The tRNA shape-mimicry enables the viral IRES to gain access to the ribosome tRNA-binding sites and form intermolecular contacts with the ribosome that are necessary for initiating IRES translation in a specific reading frame.
Nutrient density : principles and evaluation tools 1 – 3

Nutrient profiling is the technique of rating or classifying foods on the basis of their nutritional value. Foods that supply relatively more nutrients than calories are defined as nutrient dense. Nutrient profile models calculate the content of key nutrients per 100 g, 100 kcal, or per serving size of food. For maximum effectiveness, nutrient profile models need to be transparent, based on publicly accessible nutrient composition data, and validated against independent measures of a healthy diet. These rigorous scientific standards were applied to the development of the Nutrient-Rich Foods (NRF) family of nutrient profile models. First, the NRF models included nutrients to encourage as well as nutrients to limit. Second, NRF model performance was repeatedly tested against the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), an independent measure of a healthy diet. HEI values were calculated for participants in the 1999–2002 NHANES. Models based on 100 kcal and serving sizes performed better than those based on 100 g. Formulas based on sums and means performed better than those based on ratios. The final NRF9.3 index was based on 9 beneficial nutrients (protein; fiber; vitamins A, C, and E; calcium; iron; potassium; and magnesium) and on 3 nutrients to limit (saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium). Higher NRF9.3 scores were associated with lower energy density and more nutrient-rich diets. The nutrient density of foods, paired with a comprehensive program of consumer education, can become the foundation of dietary recommendations and guidelines. Am J Clin Nutr 2014;99(suppl):1223S–8S.
The rostromedial tegmental nucleus is essential for non-rapid eye movement sleep

The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), also called the GABAergic tail of the ventral tegmental area, projects to the midbrain dopaminergic system, dorsal raphe nucleus, locus coeruleus, and other regions. Whether the RMTg is involved in sleep–wake regulation is unknown. In the present study, pharmacogenetic activation of rat RMTg neurons promoted non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep with increased slow-wave activity (SWA). Conversely, rats after neurotoxic lesions of 8 or 16 days showed decreased NREM sleep with reduced SWA at lights on. The reduced SWA persisted at least 25 days after lesions. Similarly, pharmacological and pharmacogenetic inactivation of rat RMTg neurons decreased NREM sleep. Electrophysiological experiments combined with optogenetics showed a direct inhibitory connection between the terminals of RMTg neurons and midbrain dopaminergic neurons. The bidirectional effects of the RMTg on the sleep–wake cycle were mimicked by the modulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA)/substantia nigra compacta (SNc) dopaminergic neuronal activity using a pharmacogenetic approach. Furthermore, during the 2-hour recovery period following 6-hour sleep deprivation, the amount of NREM sleep in both the lesion and control rats was significantly increased compared with baseline levels; however, only the control rats showed a significant increase in SWA compared with baseline levels. Collectively, our findings reveal an essential role of the RMTg in the promotion of NREM sleep and homeostatic regulation.
The Effects of Methylphenidate on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Parameters in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Amac: Bu cal›flman›n amac›, dikkat eksiklii hiperaktivite bozukluu (DEHB) olan cocuklarda metilfenidat›n (MPH) tedavi oncesi ve sonras› transkranial magnetik stimulasyon (TMS) parametreleri uzerine etkisini incelemektir. Yontem: Yafllar› 7 ila 13 aras›nda deiflen, 24 DEHB olan er- kek cocukta MPH tedavisi oncesi ve sonras›nda kontrlateral sessiz period (CSP), servikal latans (CL), istirahat motor efli- ¤i (RMT) ve santral motor iletim zaman› (CMCT) olcumleri yap›lm›flt›r. Bulgular: MPH tedavisi CMCT'de anlaml› bir azalmaya yol acm›flt›r (p .05). Conclusions: The central motor conduction time (CMCT) includes the times of excitation, information processing of cortical cells, and axonal conduction time via corticospinal tract. Since MPH can not affect the axonal myelination such a short time, and since MPH did not affect CL, we speculate that the decrease in the CMCT may be imputed to increased information processing of cortical cells following MPH administration. Although previous studies suggested that information processing may be increased by MPH, further studies are warranted invastigating relationship between information processing and CMCT under the effect of MPH effect.
Interhemispheric Inhibition during Mental Actions of Different Complexity

Several investigations suggest that actual and mental actions trigger similar neural substrates. Yet, neurophysiological evidences on the nature of interhemispheric interactions during mental movements are still meagre. Here, we asked whether the content of mental images, investigated by task complexity, is finely represented in the inhibitory interactions between the two primary motor cortices (M1s). Subjects’ left M1 was stimulated by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) while they were performing actual or mental movements of increasing complexity with their right hand and exerting a maximum isometric force with their left thumb and index. Thus, we simultaneously assessed the corticospinal excitability in the right opponent pollicis muscle (OP) and the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) in the left OP during actual and mental movements. Corticospinal excitability in right OP increased during actual and mental movements, but task complexity-dependent changes were only observed during actual movements. Interhemispheric motor inhibition in the left OP was similarly modulated by task complexity in both mental and actual movements. Precisely, the duration and the area of the iSP increased with task complexity in both movement conditions. Our findings suggest that mental and actual movements share similar inhibitory neural circuits between the two homologous primary motor cortex areas.
Cooled radiofrequency system relieves chronic knee osteoarthritis pain: the first case-series.

BACKGROUND Knee osteoarthritis is a frequent cause of chronic knee pain. Therapeutic solutions include intra-articular injections with short-term pain relief and surgical therapy. Radiofrequency (RF) of genicular nerves has been previously reported with varying success. Cooling tissue adjacent to the electrode (cooled RF) increases the radius of lesion. We present here the first retrospective data on pain relief and changes in function after such cooled RF denervation. METHODS We reviewed the records of nine patients with chronic knee pain who underwent cooled RF of genicular nerves. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario McMaster Universities OA index (WOMAC) were analysed. RESULTS We observed an improvement in VAS pain scores 2 ± 0.5 at one month, 2.3 ± 0.7 at three months, 2.1 ± 0.5 at six months, and 2.2 ± 0.2 at 12 months after the procedure, and WOMAC score 20 ± 2, at one month, 22 ± 0.5 at three months, 21 ± 1.7 at six months, and 20 ± 1.0 at 12 months. CONCLUSION The majority of patients with chronic knee pain experienced a clinically relevant degree of pain relief and improved function following cooled RF of genicular nerves at one, three, six and 12 months follow-up.