Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the Attack Incidences and Damage Caused by the Almond Bark Beetle, Scolytus amygdali, in Almond Orchards

The almond bark beetle, Scolytus amygdali Geurin-Meneville, is responsible for significant loss of fruit production in almond orchards throughout the world. Here, we studied the damage and the incidences of S. amygdali attack on two different scales: (1) at the level of a single tree; and (2) in an entire orchard. Our results revealed no differences in attack level among four orientations (east, west, south and north sides) for the whole tree. However, the bark that was facing west side in the direction of the prevailing wind was found to be the most suitable for females to initiate attack in Stratum S2. Attack distribution remains the same among different strata (strata is vertical divisions of the tree from the ground to the uppermost twigs with ~40 cm intervals). More than 50% of attack was observed in the trunk of the tree and upper strata. However, multiplication rate (number of emerged adults/maternal gallery) varies significantly between strata. In addition, we studied attack intensity (holes produced by beetle per tree) comparing it to tree morphology (flowers, leaves and circumferences) and gum deposit. Our results revealed a positive correlation between attack intensity and gum deposits, and a negative correlation between attack intensity and tree morphology. This revealed that gum on the tree was an indicator for attack intensity. A positive correlation between attack intensity and the circumference of the tree revealed that older trees were more susceptible to S. amygdali attack. These results, while preliminary, aim to help in the monitoring of S. amygdali populations before deciding to apply any control measures.
Serotonin transporter 5-HTTLPR genotype is associated with intrusion and avoidance symptoms of DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Chinese earthquake survivors

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Prior studies have found that the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) interacts with trauma exposure to increase general risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, there is little knowledge about the effects of the interaction on distinct symptom clusters of PTSD. This study aimed to investigate the relation between the interaction of 5-HTTLPR and earthquake-related exposures and a contemporary phenotypic model of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms in a traumatised adult sample from China. Design: A cross-sectional design with gene-environment interaction (G × E) approach was adopted. Methods: Participants were 1131 survivors who experienced 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. PTSD symptoms were assessed with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was genotyped with capillary electrophoresis (CE) in ABI 3730xl genetic Analyzer. Results: Although there was no significant interaction between 5-HTTLPR and traumatic exposure on total PTSD symptoms, respondents with the LL genotype of 5-HTTLPR who were highly exposed to the earthquake experienced lower intrusion and avoidance symptoms than those with the S-allele carriers. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the 5-HTTLPR may have an important impact on the development of PTSD and add to the extant knowledge on understanding and treating of posttraumatic psychopathology.
Power Capability Estimation Accounting for Thermal and Electical Contraints of Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Power Capability Estimation Accounting for Thermal and Electrical Constraints of Lithium-ion Batteries by Youngki Kim Co-Chairs: Zoran S. Filipi, Anna G. Stefanopoulou Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have become one of the most critical components in vehicle electrification due to their high specific power and energy density. The performance and longevity of these batteries rely on constraining their operation such that voltage and temperature are regulated within prescribed intervals. Enforcement of constraints on the power capability is a viable solution to protect Li-ion batteries from overheating as well as over-charge/discharge. Moreover, the ability to estimate power capability is vital in formulating power management strategies that account for battery performance limitations while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. To estimate power capability accounting for thermal and electrical constraints, the characterization of thermal and electrical system behavior is required. In the course of addressing this problem, first, a computationally efficient thermal model for a cylindrical battery is developed. The solution of the convective heat transfer problem is approximated by polynomials with identifiable parameters that have physical meaning. The parameterized thermal model is shown to accurately predict the measured core and surface temperatures. The model-based thermal estimation methodology is augmented for cases of unknown cooling conditions. The proposed method is shown with experimental data to accurately provide estimates of the core temperature even under faults in the cooling system. To jointly account for the thermal and electrical constraints, we utilize time scale separation, and propose a real-time implementable method to predict power capability of a Li-ion battery. The parameterized battery thermal model and estimation
Resting energy expenditure in short-term starvation is increased as a result of an increase in serum norepinephrine.

BACKGROUND The effects of food restriction on energy metabolism have been under investigation for more than a century. Data obtained are conflicting and research has failed to provide conclusive results. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that in lean subjects under normal living conditions, short-term starvation leads to an increase in serum concentrations of catecholamines and thus to an increase in resting energy expenditure. DESIGN Resting energy expenditure, measured by indirect calorimetry, and hormone and substrate concentrations were measured in 11 healthy, lean subjects on days 1, 2, 3, and 4 of an 84-h starvation period. RESULTS Resting energy expenditure increased significantly from 3.97 +/- 0.9 kJ/min on day 1 to 4.53 +/- 0.9 kJ/min on day 3 (P < 0.05). The increase in resting energy expenditure was associated with an increase in the norepinephrine concentration from 1716. +/- 574 pmol/L on day 1 to 3728 +/- 1636 pmol/L on day 4 (P < 0.05). Serum glucose decreased from 4.9 +/- 0.5 to 3.5 +/- 0.5 mmol/L (P < 0.05), whereas insulin did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS Resting energy expenditure increases in early starvation, accompanied by an increase in plasma norepinephrine. This increase in norepinephrine seems to be due to a decline in serum glucose and may be the initial signal for metabolic changes in early starvation.
Acute dark chocolate and cocoa ingestion and endothelial function: a randomized controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND Studies suggest cardioprotective benefits of dark chocolate containing cocoa. OBJECTIVE This study examines the acute effects of solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa intake on endothelial function and blood pressure in overweight adults. DESIGN Randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind crossover trial of 45 healthy adults [mean age: 53 y; mean body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 30]. In phase 1, subjects were randomly assigned to consume a solid dark chocolate bar (containing 22 g cocoa powder) or a cocoa-free placebo bar (containing 0 g cocoa powder). In phase 2, subjects were randomly assigned to consume sugar-free cocoa (containing 22 g cocoa powder), sugared cocoa (containing 22 g cocoa powder), or a placebo (containing 0 g cocoa powder). RESULTS Solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa ingestion improved endothelial function (measured as flow-mediated dilatation) compared with placebo (dark chocolate: 4.3 +/- 3.4% compared with -1.8 +/- 3.3%; P < 0.001; sugar-free and sugared cocoa: 5.7 +/- 2.6% and 2.0 +/- 1.8% compared with -1.5 +/- 2.8%; P < 0.001). Blood pressure decreased after the ingestion of dark chocolate and sugar-free cocoa compared with placebo (dark chocolate: systolic, -3.2 +/- 5.8 mm Hg compared with 2.7 +/- 6.6 mm Hg; P < 0.001; and diastolic, -1.4 +/- 3.9 mm Hg compared with 2.7 +/- 6.4 mm Hg; P = 0.01; sugar-free cocoa: systolic, -2.1 +/- 7.0 mm Hg compared with 3.2 +/- 5.6 mm Hg; P < 0.001; and diastolic: -1.2 +/- 8.7 mm Hg compared with 2.8 +/- 5.6 mm Hg; P = 0.014). Endothelial function improved significantly more with sugar-free than with regular cocoa (5.7 +/- 2.6% compared with 2.0 +/- 1.8%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The acute ingestion of both solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa improved endothelial function and lowered blood pressure in overweight adults. Sugar content may attenuate these effects, and sugar-free preparations may augment them.
Manganese absorption and retention by young women is associated with serum ferritin concentration.

BACKGROUND The interaction between iron and manganese in the gut is well characterized but iron status has not been shown to affect manganese absorption. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine whether iron status as determined by serum ferritin concentrations affects manganese absorption, retention, balance, and status. DESIGN The subjects were healthy young women; 11 had serum ferritin concentrations >50 microg/L and 15 had serum ferritin concentrations <15 microg/L. In a crossover design, subjects consumed diets that supplied either 0.7 or 9.5 mg Mn/d for 60 d. Manganese absorption and retention were assessed during the last 30 d of each dietary period by using an oral dose of 54Mn; balance was assessed simultaneously. RESULTS Dietary manganese did not affect manganese status, but high serum ferritin depressed arginase activity. The interaction of ferritin status and dietary manganese affected 54Mn absorption and biological half-life. Absorption was greatest in subjects with low ferritin concentrations when they were consuming the low-manganese diet, and was least in subjects with high ferritin concentrations. Biological half-life was longest when subjects with high ferritin concentrations consumed the low-manganese diet, and was shortest in all subjects consuming the high-manganese diet. Manganese balance was only affected by the amount of manganese in the diet. CONCLUSIONS These results show that iron status, as measured by serum ferritin concentration, is strongly associated with the amount of manganese absorbed from a meal by young women. When greater amounts of manganese are absorbed, the body may compensate by excreting manganese more quickly.
Preferential retention of genes from one parental genome after polyploidy illustrates the nature and scope of the genomic conflicts induced by hybridization

Polyploidy is increasingly seen as a driver of both evolutionary innovation and ecological success. One source of polyploid organisms’ successes may be their origins in the merging and mixing of genomes from two different species (e.g., allopolyploidy). Using POInT (the Polyploid Orthology Inference Tool), we model the resolution of three allopolyploidy events, one from the bakers’ yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), one from the thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) and one from grasses including Sorghum bicolor. Analyzing a total of 21 genomes, we assign to every gene a probability for having come from each parental subgenome (i.e., derived from the diploid progenitor species), yielding orthologous segments across all genomes. Our model detects statistically robust evidence for the existence of biased fractionation in all three lineages, whereby genes from one of the two subgenomes were more likely to be lost than those from the other subgenome. We further find that a driver of this pattern of biased losses is the co-retention of genes from the same parental genome that share functional interactions. The pattern of biased fractionation after the Arabidopsis and grass allopolyploid events was surprisingly constant in time, with the same parental genome favored throughout the lineages’ history. In strong contrast, the yeast allopolyploid event shows evidence of biased fractionation only immediately after the event, with balanced gene losses more recently. The rapid loss of functionally associated genes from a single subgenome is difficult to reconcile with the action of genetic drift and suggests that selection may favor the removal of specific duplicates. Coupled to the evidence for continuing, functionally-associated biased fractionation after the A. thaliana At-α event, we suggest that, after allopolyploidy, there are functional conflicts between interacting genes encoded in different subgenomes that are ultimately resolved through preferential duplicate loss.
Obese sarcopenia in patients with end-stage renal disease is associated with inflammation and increased mortality.

BACKGROUND Adipose tissue in overweight patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a source of proinflammatory mediators, which could contribute to protein-energy wasting (PEW), cardiovascular disease, and increased mortality. Overweight in ESRD patients, however, is reported to be associated with better survival. OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations between overweight [body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) > 25], inflammation, PEW, and mortality in ESRD patients starting dialysis. DESIGN In 328 ESRD patients (age: 53 +/- 12 y; 201 men), inflammatory biomarkers, nutritional status, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry data were analyzed close to the start of treatment. We compared clinical and laboratory data in patients in 3 BMI groups, with and without PEW. RESULTS The prevalence of PEW was high in patients in all 3 BMI groups. PEW was associated with both high fat body mass index (FBMI) and low lean body mass index (LBMI). Both PEW and high BMI were associated with inflammation. The highest concentrations of inflammatory mediators and the highest FBMI were seen in overweight patients with PEW. BMI as such did not predict clinical outcome; however, for each BMI group, the presence of PEW was associated with increased mortality. With BMI 20-25 as the reference group, BMI < 20 did not predict mortality, overweight (BMI > 25) was associated with a survival advantage, and low FBMI was found to be an independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS PEW is common in overweight ESRD patients and is associated with high FBMI, low LBMI, and inflammation. PEW was a predictor of mortality in both obese and nonobese sarcopenia patients. BMI as such, however, was a poor predictor of mortality, but after adjustment for various confounders, including PEW, a high BMI and a high FBMI were associated with survival advantage.
Teas and other beverages suppress D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats.

We compared the effects of various types of beverages (teas, coffee, and cocoa) on D-galactosamine-induced liver injury by measuring plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in 7-wk-old male Wistar rats. The effects of five fractions extracted with different organic solvents from green tea, different types of dietary fibers, and some short chain fatty acids were also investigated. All of the beverages tested significantly suppressed D-galactosamine-induced enhancement of plasma enzyme activities when powdered beverages were added to the diet (30 g/kg) and fed to rats for 2 wk. Plasma ALT activities were 1155 +/- 82 [micromol/(min.L), control], 289 +/- 61 (green tea), 626 +/- 60 (roasted green tea), 471 +/- 84 (puerh tea), 676 +/- 69 (oolon tea), 423 +/- 76 (black tea), 829 +/- 53 (coffee), and 885 +/- 89 (cocoa). The profile of AST activities was similar. The caffeine-containing fraction from green tea had no significant effect, whereas the other four fractions, including the soluble fiber fraction, significantly suppressed liver injury. In addition to tea fibers, many other types of dietary fiber (hemicellulose, chitin, chitosan, alginate, pectin, guar gum, glucomannan, and inulin, but not cellulose) had liver injury-preventive effects when added to the diet (30 g/kg), suggesting that liver injury-prevention may be one of the general effects of dietary fibers. Of three short-chain fatty acids tested (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), only acetate prevented liver injury when added to the diet (15 g/kg), supporting the possibility that the liver injury-preventive effect of dietary fibers may be mediated at least in part by certain organic acids. These results suggest that several beverages possess preventive effects on certain types of liver injury, such as that induced by D-galactosamine, and that different constituents of high and low molecular weights contribute to the liver injury-preventive effects of green tea.
Folic acid intake from fortification in United States exceeds predictions.

In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a regulation requiring that all enriched cereal-grain products be fortified with folic acid by January 1998. An average increase in folic acid intake of 100 micro g/d was projected as a result of this fortification. The objective of the present study was to estimate the effect of this fortification on the intake of folic acid and total folate, and on the prevalence of individuals with inadequate folate intake and with high folic acid intake. We used data on food and nutrient intake from 1480 individuals who participated in the 5th and 6th examinations of the Framingham Offspring Cohort Study. Fortification was instituted during the 6th examination so that 931 participants were examined before its implementation (nonexposed) and 549 after implementation (exposed). Published data on total folate in enriched cereal-grain products were used to correct folate content in these foods to reflect fortification. Among nonsupplement users, folic acid intake increased by a mean of 190 [95% confidence interval (CI): 176, 204] micro g/d (P < 0.001) and total folate intake increased by a mean of 323 (95% CI: 296-350) micro g dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/d (P < 0.001) in the exposed participants. Similar increases were seen among supplement users exposed to fortification. The prevalence of exposed individuals with total folate intake below the estimated average requirement (320 micro g DFE/d) decreased from 48.6% (95% CI: 44.2-53.1%) before fortification to 7.0% (95% CI: 3.1-10.9%) after fortification in individuals who did not use folic acid supplements. This prevalence was approximately 1% or less for users of supplements both before and after fortification. Prevalence of individuals with folic acid intake above the upper tolerable intake level (1000 micro g folic acid/d) increased only among supplement users exposed to fortification (from 1.3 to 11.3%, P < 0.001). No changes in folic acid intake were observed over time in the nonexposed participants. By these estimations, folic acid fortification resulted in a mean increase in folic acid intake that was approximately twice as large as previously projected.
Hypertensive response to chronic NO synthase inhibition is different in Sprague-Dawley rats from two suppliers.

Experiments were conducted to determine whether Sprague-Dawley rats from different suppliers have the same hypertensive response to chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase. Rats (240-260 g) obtained from either Harlan or Charles River Laboratories were maintained in metabolic cages for baseline ( week 0) measurements before receiving N ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) in the drinking water for 2 wk at 5 or 65 mg ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ day-1. Baseline values for tail cuff pressure (TCP) were significantly higher in Harlan rats (131 ± 2 mmHg) compared with Charles River rats (108 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.001). At 65 mg ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ day-1,l-NAME produced a significantly larger increase in TCP in Harlan versus Charles River rats (41 ± 4 vs. 29 ± 4%, respectively, P < 0.01). Food and water intake and sodium and water excretion were not different between groups. Urinary excretion of nitrate and nitrite ([Formula: see text]V) was significantly reduced in all rats givenl-NAME. [Formula: see text]V was decreased by 69 ± 12 and 62 ± 7% in Harlan and Charles River rats, respectively. The lower dose ofl-NAME increased TCP and decreased [Formula: see text]V in both Harlan and Charles River rats; these effects were more pronounced in the Harlan rats. These results suggest that NO plays a more significant role in the maintenance of arterial pressure in Sprague-Dawley rats from Harlan compared with Charles River Laboratories. Such findings may also provide insight as to why some of the mechanisms associated with chronicl-NAME treatment are not consistent between laboratories.
Leprosy among schoolchildren in the Amazon region: A cross-sectional study of active search and possible source of infection by contact tracing

Background The high rate of leprosy cases among children under 15 years of age in Brazil indicates ongoing transmission within the community. The identification of the new leprosy cases among contacts can help identify the source of infection and interrupt the transmission chain. This study aims to determine the detection rate of previously undiagnosed cases of leprosy among schoolchildren who are under 15 years of age living in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, and their possible source of infection by contact tracing. Methodology/Principal findings This was a school-based, cross-sectional study in which the identification of active leprosy cases was conducted in 277 out of 622 randomly selected public schools in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Suspected cases of leprosy were referred to the Alfredo da Matta Foundation, a reference center for leprosy in Manaus. A total of 34,547 schoolchildren were examined, and 40 new leprosy cases were diagnosed. Among new cases, 57.5% were males, and 80.0% demonstrated paucibacillary leprosy. A total of 196 of 206 registered contacts were screened, and 52.5% of the newly diagnosed children’s cases had at least one positive household contact. In these contacts, grandparents (52.4%) were the most common co-prevalent cases, while 14.3% were uncles, 9.5% were parents and 9.5% were granduncles. Seven contacts (5.0%), including four siblings of child patients were newly diagnosed. Our data indicate that the prevalence is 11.58 per 10,000, which is 17 times higher than the registered rate. Conclusions/Significance This study suggests that the detection rate of leprosy among schoolchildren may have remained unchanged over the past thirty years. It also indicates that that active case finding is necessary for reaching the World Health Organization’s goals of zero detection among children, especially in endemic areas where the prevalence of leprosy is obscure. Moreover, we assert that all children must have their household contacts examined in order to identify the possible source of infection and interrupt the disease’s transmission. Novel strategies to reinforce contact tracing associated with large-scale strategies of chemo- and immune-prophylaxis should be expanded to prevent the perpetuation of the disease cycle.