Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Changes in the Bovine Whey Proteome during the Transition from Colostrum to Milk

Bovine whey protein expression patterns of colostrum are much different from that of milk. Moreover, bovine colostrum is an important source of protective, nutritional and developmental factors for the newborn. However, to our knowledge, no research has been performed to date using a comparative proteomic method on the changes in the bovine whey proteome during the transition from colostrum to milk. This study therefore separated whey protein of days 1, 3, 7 and 21 after calving using two dimension electrophoresis. Differentially expressed proteins at different collection times were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in order to understand the developmental changes in the bovine whey proteome during the transition from colostrum to milk. The expression patterns of whey protein of days 1 and 3 post-partum were similar except that immunoglobulin G was down-regulated on day 3, and four proteins were found to be down-regulated on days 7 and 21 compared with day 1 after delivering, including immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, albumin, and lactotransferrin, which are involved in immunity and molecule transport. The results of this study confirm the comparative proteomic method has the advantage over other methods such as ELISA and immunoassays in that it can simultaneously detect more differentially expressed proteins. In addition, the difference in composition of milk indicates a need for adjustment of the colostrum feeding regimen to ensure a protective immunological status for newborn calves.
ADAPTIVE SPATIAL FILTERING OF INTERFEROMETRIC DATA STACK ORIENTED TO DISTRIBUTED SCATTERERS

Standard interferometry poses a challenge in non-urban areas due to temporal and spatial decorrelation of the radar signal, where there is high signal noise. Techniques such as Small Baseline Subset Algorithm (SBAS) have been proposed to make use of multiple interferometric combinations to alleviate the problem. However, the interferograms used in SBAS are multilooked with a boxcar (rectangle) filter to reduce phase noise, resulting in a loss of resolution and signal superstition from different objects. In this paper, we proposed a modified adaptive spatial filtering algorithm for accurate estimation of interferogram and coherence without resolution loss even in rural areas, to better support the deformation monitoring with time series interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technique. The implemented method identifies the statistically homogenous pixels in a neighbourhood based on the goodness-of-fit test, and then applies an adaptive spatial filtering of interferograms. Three statistical tests for the identification of distributed targets will be presented, applied to real data. PALSAR data of the yellow river delta in China is used for demonstrating the effectiveness of this algorithm in rural areas.
Classical polarimetric method revisited to analyse the modulation capabilities of parallel aligned liquid crystal on silicon displays

Novel liquid crystal on silicon displays (LCoS) technology has found widespread use in a number of applications dealing with the spatial modulation of the properties of a light wavefront. Parallel aligned LCoS (PA-LCoS) are especially interesting since they provide phase-only modulation with no coupling of amplitude modulation. However, typically LCoS are digitally addressed and this has been proven as a drawback since it causes fluctuations in the phase modulation. In this work we concentrate on PA-LCoS. We analyse the application of a classical polarimetric method for retardance measurement, which makes use of only linearly polarized light, typically used in wave plates. We analyse the effect of phase fluctuations on the measurements and provide a refinement of the method which allows estimating both the average retardance and the magnitude of the phase fluctuation. We demonstrate both theoretically and experimental that this extension of a classical method is both simple and very well suited for the measurement of the modulation properties of novel PA-LCoS.
Effects of low dose midazolam on bradycardia and sedation during dexmedetomidine infusion

Dexmedetomidine is a sedative which does not cause respiratory depression. But the initial loading dose of dexmedetomidine can lead to bradycardia which requires intervention. We tried to evaluate the effect of low dose midazolam on bradycardia and sedation during dexmedetomidine infusion. 72 patients were randomly assigned to the Dex 1.0 group or Dex 0.5 group. After intrathecal anesthesia, the Dex 1.0 group received an initial loading dose of 1.0 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine. The Dex 0.5 group was given midazolam 0.025 mg/kg and 0.5 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure, respiratory rate, bispectral index (BIS), and the Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale (OAA/S) were recorded at ten time points (baseline, after anesthesia, before dexmedetomidine administration, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, 60, 80 min after dexmedetomidine administration). The incidence of bradycardia requiring atropine was significantly higher in the Dex 1.0 group than in the Dex 0.5 group (15/33 vs. 5/32, P = 0.009). The Dex 0.5 group had a significantly lower BIS and OAA/S score than the Dex 1.0 group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.000, respectively) 5 min after dexmedetomidine administration. HR was significantly lower in the Dex 1.0 group (P = 0.003) 10 min after dexmedetomidine administration. But BIS and OAA/S score were lower in the Dex 0.5 group (P = 0.034 and P = 0.001, respectively). Other hemodynamic variables at other time points were similar between two groups. Low dose midazolam with halved loading dose of dexmedetomidine was superior in terms of bradycardia and sedation than dexmedetomidine alone.
Modeling the ecohydrological role of aspect-controlled 4 radiation on tree-grass-shrub coexistence in a semiarid climate 5 6 7

7 Xiaochi Zhou 2 Erkan Istanbulluoglu * and Enrique R. Vivoni 4 8 9 10 1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 11 University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA 12 13 2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 14 Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA 15 16 3. School of Earth and Space Exploration, 17 Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA 18 19 4. School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, 20 Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA 21 22 Submitted to Water Resources Research 23 July 06, 2011 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
Modeling wet headwater stream networks across multiple flow conditions in the Appalachian Highlands

Despite the advancement of remote sensing and geospatial technology in recent decades, maps of headwater streams continue to have high uncertainty and fail to adequately characterize temporary streams that expand and contract in the wet length. However, watershed management and policy increasingly require information regarding the spatial and temporal variability of flow along streams. We used extensive field data on wet stream length at different flows to create logistic regression models of stream network dynamics for four physiographic provinces of the Appalachian Highlands: New England, Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, and Blue Ridge. The topographic wetness index (TWI) was the most important parameter in all four models, and the topographic position index (TPI) further improved model performance in the Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, and Blue Ridge. We included stream runoff at the catchment outlet as a model predictor to represent the wetness state of the catchment, but adjustment of the probability threshold defining wet stream presence/absence to high values for low flows was the primary mechanism for approximating network extent at multiple flow conditions. Classification accuracy was high overall (> 0.90), and McFadden's pseudo R2 values ranged from 0.69 for the New England model to 0.79 in the Appalachian Plateau. More notable errors included an overestimation of wet stream length in wide valleys and inaccurate reach locations amid boulder deposits and along headwardly eroding tributaries. Logistic regression was generally successful for modeling headwater streams at high and low flows with only a few simple terrain metrics. Modification and application of this modeling approach to other regions or larger areas would be relatively easy and provide a more accurate portrayal of temporary headwaters than existing datasets. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the nature of short‐period mesospheric gravity wave propagation over Halley, Antarctica

[1] As part of a collaborative program between British Antarctic Survey and Utah State University, measurements were made using an all-sky airglow imager located at the U.K. Halley Station (76°S, 27°W) during the 2000 and 2001 austral winter seasons from April through to early September. A co-located imaging Doppler interferometer was utilized to obtain coincident wind measurements for a total of 171 wave events. This study comprises the first detailed climatological investigation of the propagation nature (freely propagating, Doppler ducted, or evanescent) of individual quasi-monochromatic, short-period wave events at a high southern latitude. Distributions of the derived vertical wavelength exhibit an interquartile range from ∼16–48 km with a median vertical wavelength of 21 km. The majority of the wave events were found to be freely propagating waves, with only ∼5% exhibiting a clear Doppler ducted signature, while 15% of the waves were found to be evanescent in nature. Although no coincident temperature measurements were available, subsequent SABER temperature measurements suggest that up to ∼28% of the measured temperature profiles are capable of providing a ducted environment for the observed wave field. This is in sharp contrast to findings at mid- and low latitudes where these waves have been shown to be prone to Doppler ducted motion. It is suggested that the relatively weak wind field and associated tidal wind amplitudes over Halley are not capable of forming a significant Doppler ducted region to sustain a substantial amount of ducted waves belonging to the detectable spectrum of the airglow imager. As these wind fields are comparable to wind fields found at other polar latitudes, we hypothesize that the majority of short-period gravity waves observed in the polar mesosphere are freely propagating and thus an important source of energy transfer into the MLT region.
Stability Analysis and Comparison of the Models for Carcinogenesis Mutations in the Case of Two Stages of Mutations

Abstract The present paper is focused on the analysis of three very simple models of carcinogenesis mutations that are based on reaction-diffusion systems and Lotka-Volterra food chains. We consider the case with two stages of mutations and study the systems of three reaction-diffusion equations with zero-flux boundary conditions. We focus on the Turing instability and show that this type of instability is not possible for these models. We also propose some modifications of the considered equations. Results are illustrated by computer simulations.
Mortality and Morbidity Pattern of Neonatal ICU of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital

Introduction:Knowledge about spectrum of neonatal diseases and their mortality helps in proper management of common neonatal problem which will lead to better outcome and improved quality of life among survivors. Method: A hospital based prospective study was conducted after approval from the hospital ethical committee during the period of October 2014 to September 2015. Result: Total number of NICU admission during Oct 2014 to Sept 2015 was 5590. The major cause of morbidity were as Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy(HIE)(30%), Jaundice requiring phototherapy (26.6%), others (18.3%){other include all low birth weight baby less than 1.8kg who require special care}and lastly sepsis (12%). The overall mortality ratewas 770(13%). Out of those, outborn deaths were 58% and inborn were 41% which indicates the poor condition at the time of referral of the outborn neonates. The major cause of mortality were HIE(57%), Prematurity with RDS (19.8%), Sepsis (15.7%). This study further elaborates that the HIE constitute the major cause of admissions and mortality in our NICU. Conclusion: This study identifies HIE being the most important cause of mortality and morbidity. Improving the antenatal care, maternal health and timely intervention by referral to tertiary centres will help neonatal outcome.
Price Differentials in Monetary Unions: The Role of Fiscal Shocks

We study the effect of regional expenditure and revenue shocks on price differentials for 47 US states and 9 EU countries. We identify shocks using sign restrictions on the dynamics of expenditures, revenues, deficits and output and construct two estimates for structural price differentials dynamics, one for the average and one for each unit, which optimally weight information contained in the data for all units. On average, expansionary fiscal disturbances produce positive, while distortionary balance budget shocks produce negative price differential responses. The negative price differentials responses in some units is partially explained by spillovers and labour supply effects.
Kinetic Modelling and Half Life Study of Adsorptive Bioremediation of Soil Artificially Contaminated With Bonny Light Crude Oil

In this study, comparative potential effects of commercial activated carbon (CAC) and plantain peel-derived biochar (PPBC) of different particle sizes and dosage to stimulate petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation in soil were investigated. Microcosms containing soil were spiked with weathered Bonny light crude oil (WBLCO) (10% w/w) and amended with different particle sizes (0.02, 0.07 and 0.48 mm) and dosage (20, 30 and 40 g) of CAC and PPBC, respectively. The bioremediation experiments were carried out for a period of 28 days under laboratory conditions. The results showed that there was a positive relationship between the rate of petroleum hydrocarbons reduction and presence of the CAC and PPBC in crude oil contaminated soil microcosms. The WBLCO biodegradation data fitted well to the first-order kinetic model. The model revealed that WBLCO contaminated-soil microcosms amended with CAC and PPBC had higher biodegradation rate constants (k) as well as lower half-life times (t1/2) than unamended soil (natural attenuation) remediation system. The rate constants increased while half-life times decreased with decreased particle size and increased dosage of amendment agents. ANOVA statistical analysis revealed that WBLCO biodegradation in soil was significantly (p = 0.05) influenced by the addition of CAC and biochar amendment agents, respectively. However, Tukey’s post hoc test (at p = 0.05) showed that there was no significant difference in the bioremediation efficiency of CAC and PPBC. Thus, amendment of soils with biochar has the potential to be an inexpensive, efficient, environmentally friendly and relatively novel strategy to mitigate organic compound-contaminated soil.
Executive Turnover Revisited From an Efficiency Wage Perspective

We develop theoretical arguments from the efficiency wage model (Shapiro & Stiglitz, 1984) to provide better understanding of Fama’s (1980) seminal notion that executive labor markets contribute to the alignment of executive and shareholder interests. We show how the efficiency wage model can be integrated with several other theories of executive turnover. Furthermore, the model allows for predictions that have received very little analysis to date, such as the effect of firm risk and executive salaries on turnover. We test predictions from the model on a sample of executives from 280 manufacturing firms observed annually from 1986 to 1992. Our sample includes data on over 12,000 observations and nearly 1,700 employment terminations. The results are consistent with the main predictions of the efficiency wage model. Holding performance constant, boards of directors are less patient with (more likely to dismiss) executives who have lower salaries and those in higher risk firms.
Thoracic injuries in frontal car crashes : risk assessment using a finite element human body model

Accident data show that there is a clear need to improve the protection to occupants thorax in frontal car crashes. For this purpose, models that can predict the risk of injuries and assess the occupant protection offered by different restraint systems are needed. Two types of models are usually applied to accomplish this, mechanical models, also known as anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs), and numerical models, of ATDs and of the human body. Numerical models of the human body based on the finite element method (FEHBM) offer a more detailed representation of humans than ATDs. On the other hand, there is no clear consensus on the injury criteria and thresholds to predict thoracic injuries using FE-HBMs. The general aim of this thesis is to contribute to the reduction in number and severity of thoracic injuries in frontal car crashes by utilising an FE-HBM. To reach this aim, the FE-HBM Total HUman Model for Safety version 3.0 (THUMS v3.0) was improved by comparing its kinematic and thoracic stiffness responses to tests with Post Mortem Human Subjects (PMHSs). Thoracic injury criteria at the global, structural and material levels were calculated with the modified THUMS in simulations of PMHS tests. Injury risk curves, with and without age adjustment, were constructed by applying the survival analysis method to matched pairs of injury criteria calculated with the modified THUMS and the injury outcome of the PMHS test. The injury risk curves that best approximated the test data were selected. Then, the risks predicted by the modified THUMS and the selected curves were compared to the risks predicted by an injury risk curve constructed based on real-world crash data. Different configurations of the modified THUMS were simulated and the results of the changes in the thoracic stiffness and coupling were applied to support the design update of the thorax of an existing ATD. The contributions of this thesis include: modified THUMS, with an enhanced biofidelity in frontal car crashes compared to THUMS v3.0; injury risk curves for the modified THUMS to predict the risk of two or more fractured ribs in frontal car crashes; and recommendations to improve the design of an existing ATD thorax.
Synthesis and phytotoxic activity of 1,2,3-triazole derivatives

Thirteen triazole derivatives bearing halogenated benzyl substituents were synthesized using the Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), a leading example of the click chemistry approach, as the key step. The biological activity of the compounds was evaluated, and it was found that these compounds interfere with the germination and radicle growth (shoots and roots) of two dicotyledonous species, Lactuca sativa and Cucumis sativus, and one monocotyledonous species, Allium cepa. The compounds showed predominantly inhibitory activity related to the evaluated species mainly at the concentration of 10-4 mol L-1. Some of them presented inhibitory activity comparable to 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), used as positive control.
High Frequency vs. Daily Resolution: The Economic Value of Forecasting Volatility Models

Forecasting-volatility models typically rely on either daily or high frequency (HF) data and the choice between these two categories is not obvious. In particular, the latter allows to treat volatility as observable but they suffer of many limitations. HF data feature microstructure problem, such as the discreteness of the data, the properties of the trading mechanism and the existence of bid-ask spread. Moreover, these data are not always available and, even if they are, the asset’s liquidity may be not sufficient to allow for frequent transactions. This paper considers different variants of these two family forecasting-volatility models, comparing their performance (in terms of Value at Risk, VaR) under the assumptions of jumping prices and leverage effects for volatility. Findings suggest that GARJI model provides more accurate VaR measures for the S&P 500 index than RV models. Furthermore, the assumption of conditional normality is shown to be not sufficient to obtain accurate risk measures even if jump contribution is provided. More sophisticated models might address this issue, improving VaR results.
Predictability in Mixed-Criticality Systems

In this paper, we revisit and refine our previous research on schedulability testing for fixed set of dual-critical jobs. Such systems can be tested for tight job termination time bounds using simulation, under the prerequisite that the scheduling policy be predictable. We give a more precise, less restrictive generalization of the notion of predictability to mixed criticality systems. We prove that this property is inherent for an important class of scheduling policies and that it justifies testing the system using basic scenarios.
The Development of Serum Amyloid P as a Possible Therapeutic

Pentraxins such as serum amyloid P (SAP; also known as PTX2) regulate several aspects of the innate immune system. SAP inhibits the differentiation of monocyte-derived fibroblast-like cells called fibrocytes, promotes the formation of immuno-regulatory macrophages, and inhibits neutrophil adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins. In this minireview, we describe how these effects of SAP have led to its possible use as a therapeutic, and how modulating SAP effects might be used for other therapeutics. Fibrosing diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis, and renal fibrosis are associated with 30–45% of deaths in the US. Fibrosis involves both fibrocyte differentiation and profibrotic macrophage differentiation, and possibly because SAP inhibits both of these processes, in 9 different animal models, SAP inhibited fibrosis. In Phase 1B and Phase 2 clinical trials, SAP injections reduced the decline in lung function in pulmonary fibrosis patients, and in a small Phase 2 trial SAP injections reduced fibrosis in myelofibrosis patients. Acute respiratory distress syndrome/ acute lung injury (ARDS/ALI) involves the accumulation of neutrophils in the lungs, and possibly because SAP inhibits neutrophil adhesion, SAP injections reduced the severity of ARDS in an animal model. Conversely, depleting SAP is a potential therapeutic for amyloidosis, topically removing SAP from wound fluid speeds wound healing in animal models, and blocking SAP binding to one of its receptors makes cultured macrophages more aggressive toward tuberculosis bacteria. These results suggest that modulating pentraxin signaling might be useful for a variety of diseases.