Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of peanut skin extract on chemical stability and sensory properties of salami during storage.

BACKGROUND Peanut skin extracts (PSEs) have proven antioxidant properties in different food products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of peanut skin extract as natural preserving compounds on chemical stability and sensory properties of salami during storage. RESULTS PSE was obtained with ethanol-water and added during the preparation of salami samples. Raw salami samples were cured and stored at 15 °C and 65% relative humidity. Moisture, peroxide value, conjugated dienes, free fatty acids and sensory descriptive attributes were evaluated on the samples. Peroxide values increased during storage in all samples and were 82.9 in control (salami without additives), 18.0 in salami with 0.2 g kg(-1) PSE (E0.02), 13.0 in salami with 1.0 g kg(-1) PSE (E0.1), and 0.63 meqO₂ kg(-1) in salami with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) after 42 days of storage. BHT and E0.1 treatments resulted in a lower increase in the intensity of oxidized flavor and a lower decrease in the intensity of salami flavor. CONCLUSION Chemical indicators and descriptive results indicated that PSE retards lipid oxidation and preserves sensory properties of salami, prolonging its shelf life.
A Multilevel Lin-Kernighan-Helsgaun Algorithm for the Travelling Salesman Problem

The multilevel paradigm has recently been applied to the travelling salesman problem with considerable success. The resulting algorithm progressively coarsens the problem, initialises a tour and then employs a local search algorithm to rene the solution on each of the coarsened problems in reverse order. In the original version the chained Lin-Kernighan (CLK) scheme was used for the renement. However, a new and highly effective Lin-Kernighan variant (LKH) has recently been developed by Helsgaun. Here then we report on the modications required to develop a multilevel LKH algorithm and the results achieved. Although the LKH algorithm, with its extremely high quality results, is more difcult to improve on than the CLK, nonetheless the multilevel framework was able to enhance the LKH performance. For example, in experiments on a well established test suite, the multilevel LKH scheme found 39 out of 59 optimal solutions as compared to the 33 found by LKH in a similar time period.
Trends in prevalence and risk factors of childhood asthma in Fuzhou, a city in Southeastern China

Abstract Objective: The prevalence of asthma in children age 0–14 years in Fuzhou, a city in Southeast China, was 1.57% in 1990 and 3.28% in 2000. The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma prevalence and risk factors in children in the same city in 2010. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a two-stage, clustered, stratified random sample design. Parents of 12 235 children 0–14 years of age in Fuzhou were surveyed using a questionnaire. Children with history and/or symptoms of asthma were then interviewed by pediatricians in a nearby clinic to confirm the diagnosis of asthma, and a second questionnaire listing reported risk factors of asthma was completed by the parents in the clinic. Results: About 11 738 questionnaires were completed with a response rate of 95.9%. Among the responders, 648 children had history and/or symptoms of asthma but only 485 (4.13%) were confirmed with asthma. The prevalence was 1.83%, 7.64% and 6.27% in the age groups of 0–1 years, 3–4 years and 13–14 years, respectively. The most significant (binary logistic regression test) factors associated with asthma were presence of atopic or allergic diseases (OR = 21.5, 95% CI: 12–38.5), family history of allergy or asthma (OR = 29.4, 95% CI: 12.6–68.6), use of at least one course of antibiotics in the first year of life (OR = 7.61, 95% CI: 3.4–17.06), supplementary protein feedings before 6 months (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.23–2.95). Natural ventilation at home (versus frequent use of air-conditioning) appeared to be a protective factor (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8). Conclusion: The prevalence of asthma in childhood has increased significantly during the past 20 years in Fuzhou.
A LigA Three-Domain Region Protects Hamsters from Lethal Infection by Leptospira interrogans

The leptospiral LigA protein consists of 13 bacterial immunoglobulin-like (Big) domains and is the only purified recombinant subunit vaccine that has been demonstrated to protect against lethal challenge by a clinical isolate of Leptospira interrogans in the hamster model of leptospirosis. We determined the minimum number and location of LigA domains required for immunoprotection. Immunization with domains 11 and 12 was found to be required but insufficient for protection. Inclusion of a third domain, either 10 or 13, was required for 100% survival after intraperitoneal challenge with Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130. As in previous studies, survivors had renal colonization; here, we quantitated the leptospiral burden by qPCR to be 1.2×103 to 8×105 copies of leptospiral DNA per microgram of kidney DNA. Although renal histopathology in survivors revealed tubulointerstitial changes indicating an inflammatory response to the infection, blood chemistry analysis indicated that renal function was normal. These studies define the Big domains of LigA that account for its vaccine efficacy and highlight the need for additional strategies to achieve sterilizing immunity to protect the mammalian host from leptospiral infection and its consequences.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of YM-13115, ceftriaxone, and ceftazidime in rats, dogs, and rhesus monkeys

The pharmacokinetics of YM-13115, ceftriaxone, and ceftazidime were studied in rats, dogs, and rhesus monkeys (only YM-13115 and ceftriaxone were studied in rhesus monkeys). The plasma half-lives in rats were 48 min for YM-13115, 34 min for ceftriaxone, and 14 min for ceftazidime. In dogs, they were 21.9 min for YM-13115, 50.7 min for ceftriaxone, and 49.0 min for ceftazidime. In monkeys, they were 5.30 h for YM-13115 and 3.40 h for ceftriaxone. The 24-h urinary recoveries in rats were 26.7% of the dose for YM-13115, 32.0% for ceftriaxone, and 97.1% for ceftazidime. In dogs, they were 13.3% for YM-13115, 62.5% for ceftriaxone, and 86.3% for ceftazidime. In monkeys, they were 22.5% for YM-13115 and 29.3% for ceftriaxone. The 24-h biliary recoveries in rats were 72.2% for YM-13115, 61.8% for ceftriaxone, and 0.63% for ceftazidime.
Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in dental offices

Abstract Objectives Most Americans see dentists at least once a year. Chair‐side screening and referral may improve diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes. In this study, we developed a multivariate model to screen for dysglycemia (prediabetes and diabetes defined as HbA1c ≥5.7 percent) using information readily available to dentists and assessed the prevalence of dysglycemia in general dental practices. Methods We recruited 1,033 adults ≥30 years of age without histories of diabetes from 13 general dental practices. A sample of 181 participants selected on the basis of random capillary glucose levels and periodontal status underwent definitive diagnostic testing with hemoglobin A1c. Logistic models were fit to identify risk factors for dysglycemia, and sample weights were applied to estimate the prevalence of dysglycemia in the population ≥30 years of age. Results Individuals at high risk for dysglycemia could be identified using a questionnaire that assessed sex, history of hypertension, history of dyslipidemia, history of lost teeth, and either self‐reported body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 (severe obesity) or random capillary glucose ≥110 mg/dl. We estimate that 30 percent of patients ≥30 years of age seen in these general dental practices had dysglycemia. Conclusions There is a substantial burden of dysglycemia in patients seen in general dental practices. Simple chair‐side screening for dysglycemia that includes or does not include fingerstick random capillary glucose testing can be used to rapidly identify high‐risk patients. Practical implications Further studies are needed to demonstrate the acceptability, feasibility, effectiveness, and cost‐effectiveness of chair‐side screening.
Optimal Design of SAW Gas Sensing Device by Using Improved Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System

A Taguchi-based-genetic algorithm (TBGA) is used in an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to optimize design parameters for surface acoustic wave (SAW) gas sensors. The Taguchi method is used to reduce the number of experiments and collect performance data for an SAW gas sensor. The TBGA has two optimization roles. In the ANFIS, the TBGA selects appropriate membership functions and optimizes both the premise and the consequent parameters by minimizing the performance criterion of the root mean squared error. Another role of the TBGA is optimizing design parameters for an SAW gas sensor. Simulated experimental application of the proposed TBGA-based ANFIS approach showed that, in terms of both resonant frequency shift and precision performance, this systematic design approach obtains far superior results compared with the conventional trial-and-error design methods and other Taguchi-based design methods.
Functional brain-imaging correlates of negative affectivity and the onset of first-episode depression

Background. The amygdala and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sACC) are key brain regions for the generation of negative affect. In this longitudinal fMRI study of adolescents we investigated how amygdala–sACC connectivity was correlated with negative affectivity (NA) both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, and examined its relationship to the onset of first-episode depression. Method. Fifty-six adolescents who were part of a larger longitudinal study of adolescent development were included. They had no history of mental illness at the time of their baseline scan (mean age 16.5 years) and had a follow-up scan 2 years later (mean age 18.8 years). We used resting-state functional-connectivity MRI to investigate whether cross-sectional and change measures of amygdala–sACC connectivity were (i) correlated with NA and its change over time, and (ii) related to the onset of first-episode depression. Results. The magnitude of amygdala connectivity with sACC showed significant positive correlation with NA at both time-points. Further analysis confirmed that change in amygdala–sACC connectivity between assessments was correlated with change in NA. Eight participants developed a first episode of depression between the baseline and follow-up assessments: they showed increased amygdala–sACC connectivity at follow-up. Conclusions. Amygdala–sACC connectivity is associated with NA in adolescence, with change in connectivity between these regions showing positive correlation with change in NA. Our observation that the onset of depression was associated with an increase in connectivity between the regions provides support for the neurobiological ‘scar’ hypothesis of depression.
Pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain in older persons

Interest and research into the mechanisms and treatment of neuropathic pain have increased during recent years, but current treatment is still far from satisfactory (Dworkin et al 2003; Attal et al 2006). The European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) Task Force recently published guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain (Attal et al 2006). However, no particular consideration is given as to how the recommendations are applicable to the elderly population. This paper will review the guidelines in relation to this population and evaluate the existing evidence relating to the use of these drugs in older persons.
Isolated regions in video coding

Different types of prediction are applied in modern video coding. While predictive coding improves compression efficiency, the propagation of transmission errors becomes more likely. In addition, predictive coding brings difficulties to other aspects of video coding, including random access, parallel processing, and scalability. In order to combat the negative effects, video coding schemes introduce mechanisms such as slices and intracoding, to limit and break the prediction. This paper proposes the use of the isolated regions coding tool that jointly limits in-picture prediction and interprediction on a region-of-interest basis. The tool can be used to provide random access points from non-intrapictures and to respond to intrapicture update requests. Furthermore, it can be applied as an error-robust macroblock mode decision method and can be used in combination with unequal error protection. Finally, it enables mixing of scenes, which is useful in coding of masked scene transitions.
What Is the Best Practice for CNNs Applied to Visual Instance Retrieval?

Previous work has shown that feature maps of deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be interpreted as feature representation of a particular image region. Features aggregated from these feature maps have been exploited for image retrieval tasks and achieved state-of-the-art performances in recent years. The key to the success of such methods is the feature representation. However, the different factors that impact the effectiveness of features are still not explored thoroughly. There are much less discussion about the best combination of them. The main contribution of our paper is the thorough evaluations of the various factors that affect the discriminative ability of the features extracted from CNNs. Based on the evaluation results, we also identify the best choices for different factors and propose a new multi-scale image feature representation method to encode the image effectively. Finally, we show that the proposed method generalises well and outperforms the state-of-the-art methods on four typical datasets used for visual instance retrieval.
Formation of First Stars Triggered by Collisions and Shock Waves: Prospect for High Star Formation Efficiency and High Ionizing Photon Escape Fraction

We show that large, high-redshift (z > 10) galaxies with virial temperature in excess of 104 K may be composed mostly of cold atomic clouds that were formerly minihalos. These clouds move at a speed of ~15-30 km s-1 and may collide with one another on an average time interval of ~107 yr. The supersonic collisions may result in spatially distributed and efficient star formation. Most of the subsequent star formation in cold atomic clouds may be triggered by shock waves launched from the first stars formed in colliding clouds. Those shock-wave-compressed clouds may be more widespread spatially, because of the large imparted velocities, and some may escape into the intergalactic medium. The resultant widespread star formation would allow the possibility of a much higher ionizing photon escape fraction. These favorable conditions may form a physical basis to enable the standard cosmological model to produce a reasonably high Thomson optical depth τe = 0.11-0.14. Furthermore, a chain reaction of star formation in minihalos in the intergalactic space may be triggered by explosions in intergalactic medium, if minihalos are strongly clustered. In this case, a still higher τe would be achievable.
Irradiation as an experimental tool in studies of adult neurogenesis

“Loss of function” experiments have been the mainstay approach in studies seeking to determine functional roles of various brain regions in learning and memory. The hippocampal formation consists of several distinct regions that are thought to play different, yet interrelated, roles in the memory processes. Ionizing radiation offers a selective and highly flexible, relatively uninvasive method to further advance such studies. Focused applications of the radiation beam to the head under general anesthesia can selectively reduce ongoing adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus without causing any detectable damage to mature neurons. Further refinements of the methodology should offer many opportunities to extend our present knowledge of how and when adult neurogenesis plays a role in learning and memory. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Graphene-Oxide-Coated Long-Period Grating-Based Fiber Optic Sensor for Relative Humidity and External Refractive Index

Graphene oxide is a very attractive material for refractive index and humidity sensing due to its unique 2-D structure, which results in faster response times and improved sensitivity over alternative materials. In this paper, response of a graphene-oxide-coated long-period grating-based sensor to changes in relative humidity (RH) and external refractive index (as well as temperature to provide a correction for any changes) is reported. In fabricating the probes, an improved Hummer's method was used to synthesize the graphene oxide dispersion used as its basis, allowing coating of a functionalized long-period grating by using a dip-coating technique. A consistent and stable response of the resonance band intensity of the graphene-oxide-coated long-period grating was observed to the change in humidity, achieving a sensitivity of 0.15 dB/%RH with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.980 over the RH range from 60%RH to 95%RH, at room temperature (25 °C). A blue shift of the resonance band wavelength was recorded when the sensor was exposed to vary temperature conditions from 25 °C to 70 °C and the response was found to be linear, with a correlation coefficient of 0.997. When evaluating its performance as an external refractive index sensor, sensitivities of ∼17 dB/RIU in the lower refractive index region (1.33–1.38) and ∼55 dB/RIU over the higher refractive index region (1.40–1.45) were achieved. The graphene-oxide-coated long-period grating sensor probe performed well, showing a good stability and repeatability over a number of test cycles in the performance evaluation carried out.
Hsp90&agr; forms a stable complex at the cilium neck for the interaction of signalling molecules in IGF-1 receptor signalling

ABSTRACT The primary cilium is composed of an axoneme that protrudes from the cell surface, a basal body beneath the membrane and a transition neck in between. It is a sensory organelle on the plasma membrane, involved in mediating extracellular signals. In the transition neck region of the cilium, the microtubules change from triplet to doublet microtubules. This region also contains the transition fibres that crosslink the axoneme with the membrane and the necklace proteins that regulate molecules being transported into and out of the cilium. In this protein-enriched, complex area it is important to maintain the correct assembly of all of these proteins. Here, through immunofluorescent staining and protein isolation, we identify the molecular chaperone Hsp90&agr; clustered at the periciliary base. At the transition neck region, phosphorylated Hsp90&agr; forms a stable ring around the axoneme. Heat shock treatment causes Hsp90&agr; to dissipate and induces resorption of cilia. We further identify that Hsp90&agr; at the transition neck region represents a signalling platform on which IRS-1 interacts with intracellular downstream signalling molecules involved in IGF-1 receptor signalling.
Synchrophasor Assisted Adaptive Reach Setting of Distance Relays in Presence of UPFC

The operation of Flexible AC Transmission System Controllers (FACTS) in the power transmission system pose a challenge to the distance relaying scheme. This paper suggests an adaptive scheme for estimating the trip boundaries of a distance relay in presence of a Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC), utilizing a Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN). Initially, the impact of the UPFC on the relay's trip boundary is studied for its automatic power flow control mode as well as bypass mode of operation. The GRNN has been trained off-line with the data generated from a detailed performance analysis of the power system for various faults considering the effects of the UPFC, fault resistance, and system loading conditions on the trip boundaries. This work has also proposed a strategy that computes the control parameters of the UPFC on-line, namely, series voltage and reactive current injections, utilizing the synchronized phasor measurements from Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). Pre-fault system states, including the control parameters of the UPFC and the apparent impedance measured by the relay unit have been utilized by the GRNN for predicting the trip boundaries of the relay. The proposed scheme has considered Single Line-to-Ground (SLG), Double Line-to-Ground (LLG) and Three Phase-to-Ground (LLLG) faults and the effectiveness of the scheme has been tested on 39-bus New England system and also on a 17-bus system, a reduced equivalent of practical Northern Regional Power Grid (NRPG) system in India.
Endovascular stents for intermittent claudication.

BACKGROUND Endovascular stents have been suggested as a means to improve the patency of arteries after angioplasty in patients with intermittent claudication. OBJECTIVES The null hypothesis to be tested by this review is that for individuals with claudication, the use of an endovascular stent in addition to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, does not improve symptoms of life-style limiting claudication, when compared to percutaneous angioplasty alone. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Specialised Register of the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Disease Group, (last searched October 2002), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), (last searched Issue 3, 2002). We also searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (up to and including January 2001); bibliographies of published data, and hand searched the Journal of Vascular Interventional Radiology (1990-2001). Enquiries were made to stent manufacturers for unpublished trial data. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials comparing angioplasty alone, versus angioplasty with endovascular stents, in subjects with intermittent claudication. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Both reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted the data. Only published trial data were used. Effectiveness was measured by pre-defined primary outcome measures: restenosis / reocclusion rates and maximum walking distance. MAIN RESULTS Two trials were included with a total sample size of 104 subjects. Both trials included only individuals with femoro-popliteal disease and compared angioplasty and stenting with the Palmaz stent against angioplasty alone. Although one study showed a slight statistical advantage in arterial patency after angioplasty alone, this was not found when the two studies were combined. No differences in the secondary outcomes in either study were detected. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS The small number of relevant trials identified, together with the small sample sizes and methodological weaknesses, severely limit the usefulness of this review in guiding practice. Larger multicentre trials are needed.