Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of cottonseed longevity

The objective of this work was to determine the viability equation constants for cottonseed and to detect the occurrence and depletion of hardseededness. Three seedlots of Brazilian cultivars IAC-19 and IAC-20 were tested, using 12 moisture content levels, ranging from 2.2 to 21.7% and three storage temperatures, 40, 50 and 65oC. Seed moisture content level was reached from the initial value (around 8.8%) either by rehydration, in a closed container, or by drying in desiccators containing silica gel, both at 20oC. Twelve seed subsamples for each moisture content/temperature treatment were sealed in laminated aluminium-foil packets and stored in incubators at those temperatures, until complete survival curves were obtained. Seed equilibrium relative humidity was recorded. Hardseededness was detected at moisture content levels below 6% and its releasing was achieved either naturally, during storage period, or artificially through seed coat removal. The viability equation quantified the response of seed longevity to storage environment well with KE = 9.240, CW = 5.190, CH = 0.03965 and CQ = 0.000426. The lower limit estimated for application of this equation at 65 o C was 3.6% moisture content.
Evidence for Adaptive Selection in the Mitogenome of a Mesoparasitic Monogenean Flatworm Enterogyrus malmbergi

Whereas a majority of monogenean flatworms are ectoparasitic, i.e., parasitize on external surfaces (mainly gills) of their fish hosts, Enterogyrus species (subfamily Ancyrocephalinae) are mesoparasitic, i.e., parasitize in the stomach of the host. As there are numerous drastic differences between these two environments (including lower oxygen availability), we hypothesized that this life-history innovation might have produced adaptive pressures on the energy metabolism, which is partially encoded by the mitochondrial genome (OXPHOS). To test this hypothesis, we sequenced mitochondrial genomes of two Ancyrocephalinae species: mesoparasitic E. malmbergi and ectoparasitic Ancyrocephalus mogurndae. The mitogenomic architecture of E. malmbergi is mostly standard for monogeneans, but that of A. mogurndae exhibits some unique features: missing trnL2 gene, very low AT content (60%), a non-canonical start codon of the nad2 gene, and exceptionally long tandem-repeats in the non-coding region (253 bp). Phylogenetic analyses produced paraphyletic Ancyrocephalinae (with embedded Dactylogyrinae), but with low support values. Selective pressure (PAML and HYPHY) and protein structure analyses all found evidence for adaptive evolution in cox2 and cox3 genes of the mesoparasitic E. malmbergi. These findings tentatively support our hypothesis of adaptive evolution driven by life-history innovations in the mitogenome of this species. However, as only one stomach-inhabiting mesoparasitic monogenean was available for this analysis, our findings should be corroborated on a larger number of mesoparasitic monogeneans and by physiological studies.
The Effects of Aluminum-Nitride Nano-Fillers on the Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal Properties of High Temperature Vulcanized Silicon Rubber for High-Voltage Outdoor Insulator Applications

AlN nanoparticles were added into commercial high-temperature-vulcanized silicon rubber composites, which were designed for high-voltage outdoor insulator applications. The composites were systematically studied with respect to their mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. The thermal conductivity was found to increase greatly (>100%) even at low fractions of the AlN fillers. The electrical breakdown strength of the composites was not considerably affected by the AlN filler, while the dielectric constants and dielectric loss were found to be increased with AlN filler ratios. At higher doping levels above 5 wt% (~2.5 vol%), electrical tracking performance was improved. The AlN filler increased the tensile strength as well as the hardness of the composites, and decreased their flexibility. The hydrophobic properties of the composites were also studied through the measurements of temperature-dependent contact angle. It was shown that at a doping level of 1 wt%, a maximum contact angle was observed around 108°. Theoretical models were used to explain and understand the measurement results. Our results show that the AlN nanofillers are helpful in improving the overall performances of silicon rubber composite insulators.
Livestock Precision Farming and the Kit Radicaux Libres Test: Two Simple Approaches to Detect Variation in Piglets’ Behaviour and Welfare

In commercial practice, the mixing of pigs from different litters is very frequently done in order to minimise the within-pen variation in weight. Aggressive behavior can be easily observed when unknown pigs are mixed into a group. Post-mixing fighting occurs between pigs that are unfamiliar with each other and some times leads to serious injury. For the establishment of social hierarchy, aggression may occur. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response of piglets fed and not with dietary plant extract (PE) when exposed to mixing-induced s tress. Behavioural and physiological indicators combined with Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) methods were used. A total of 84 female piglets (Dalland), (average live weight 5.53 ± 0.1 kg, corresponding to day 0 of experimental trial) divided into 6 pens of 14 piglets each were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: a control diet (CON) and a diet supplemented with 5 mg/kg feed of plant extract (PE). At 37 d of the experimental trial, half the animals of two treated pens (7+7) and half the animals of two control pens (7+7) were mixed. The experimental trial lasted 59 days. Blood from piglets of each treatment was collected by anterior vena cava puncture before mixing, on day 37, and after mixing, on day 39, for assessing total blood antioxidant activity, by Kit Radicaux Libres (KRL) test and haptoglobin (HPT) and cortisol concentration as biological indicators of stress. Behaviour measurements were performed using an ethological rating scale and Precision Livestock Farming methods as indicator of qualitative behavioural assessment. Dietary treatment and mixing affected total antioxidant activity ( P < 0.05) of whole blood that was higher in the PE group and after mixing. A trend effect of mixing was found for cortisol and haptoglobin which were significantly ( P < 0.05) lower in the PE group. The rating scale and PLF showed significant variation in the abnormal animal behaviours due to mixing; continuous monitoring of pigs by PLF showed more ( P < 0.05) animal activity in the PE group than in CON. In this context, the behaviour measurements were demonstrated to be simple and reliable tools for evaluating pig behaviour and KRL test was an effective method for assessing antioxidant activity.
Moderate influenza vaccine effectiveness against A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, and low effectiveness against A(H3N2) subtype, 2018/19 season in Italy

ABSTRACT Background: Influenza vaccines are updated every year to match the vaccine strains with currently circulating viruses; consequently influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE) has to be assessed annually. Research design and methods: A test-negative case-control study was conducted within the context of the Italian sentinel influenza surveillance network to estimate IVE by age group, virus subtype, and vaccine brand in medically attended laboratory-confirmed influenza. Results: In Italy, the 2018/19 influenza season was characterized by the co-circulation of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses. The adjusted IVE estimate in preventing influenza was moderate (44.8%, 95% CI: 18.8 to 62.5) against A(H1N1)pdm09, whereas there was no evidence of effectiveness (1.8%, 95% CI: −37.8 to 30.1) in persons affected by A(H3N2). IVE against A(H1N1)pdm09 decreased with age ranging from 65.7% to 13.1% among children/adolescents and elderly, respectively; moreover results suggest that Vaxigrip Tetra® was more effective against A(H1N1)pdm09 compared to Fluarix Tetra® [62.5% (95% CI: 34.3 to 78.6) vs 24.5% (95% CI: −40.6 to 59.6)]. Low effectiveness (35.2%, 95% CI: −50.8 to 72.1) against A(H3N2) was detected only in the elderly immunized with Fluad®. Conclusions: Findings suggest that influenza vaccines were low to moderately effective, probably due to a mismatch between circulating and vaccine strains.
Enhancement of Thermal Inactivation of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria at Mild Heating Temperatures with Inclusion of Butyl Paraben and the Application on Foods

Title of Thesis: ENHANCEMENT OF THERMAL INACTIVATION OF FOODBORNE PATHOGENIC BACTERIA AT MILD HEATING TEMPERATURES WITH INCLUSION OF BUTYL PARABEN AND THE APPLICATION ON FOODS Zhujun Gao Master of Science (M.S.), 2019 Thesis Directed By: Dr. Robert L. Buchanan Department of Nutrition and Food Science Center for Food Safety and Security Systems Thermal processing is widely used in food industry to ensure the microbial safety, however, there is increasing demand on reducing the processing temperature and duration. This study specifically focused on mild heating temperatures (<60 °C) with inclusion of low level (≤ 125 ppm) of the approved preservative butyl-parahydroxy-benzoate (BPB). In a BHI model matrix, four pathogens were studied with submerged coil apparatus: Cronobacter sakazakii 607, Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, attenuated Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. The results indicated that low concentrations of BPB combined with temperatures < 60 °C achieved 5 – 6 log reductions in less than 15 minutes with tested gramnegative microorganisms, whereas reductions without BPB were only 1 – 2 logs. We further extended the study to food applications: powdered infant formula, non-fat dry milk, and apple juice. The results indicate BPB will be inhibited by proteins, but apple juice is a suitable application. ENHANCEMENT OF THERMAL INACTIVATION OF FOODBORNE PATHOGENIC BACTERIA AT MILD HEATING TEMPERATURES WITH INCLUSION OF BUTYL PARABEN AND THE APPLICATION ON FOODS By Zhujun Gao Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science 2019 Advisory Committee: Dr. Robert L. Buchanan, Chair Dr. Rohan V. Tikekar Dr. Abani K. Pradhan Dr. Shirley Micallef © Copyright by Zhujun Gao 2019
Size Matters in the Cytotoxicity of Polydopamine Nanoparticles in Different Types of Tumors

Polydopamine has acquired great relevance in the field of nanomedicine due to its physicochemical properties. Previously, it has been reported that nanoparticles synthetized from this polymer are able to decrease the viability of breast and colon tumor cells. In addition, it is well known that the size of therapeutic particles plays an essential role in their effect. As a consequence, the influence of this parameter on the cytotoxicity of polydopamine nanoparticles was studied in this work. For this purpose, polydopamine nanoparticles with three different diameters (115, 200 and 420 nm) were synthetized and characterized. Their effect on the viability of distinct sorts of human carcinomas (breast, colon, liver and lung) and stromal cells was investigated, as well as the possible mechanisms that could be responsible for such cytotoxicity. Moreover, polydopamine nanoparticles were also loaded with doxorubicin and the therapeutic action of the resulting nanosystem was analyzed. As a result, it was demonstrated that a smaller nanoparticle size is related to a more enhanced antiproliferative activity, which may be a consequence of polydopamine’s affinity for iron ions. Smaller nanoparticles would be able to adsorb more lysosomal Fe3+ and, when they are loaded with doxorubicin, a synergistic effect can be achieved.
A Novel Birthdate-Labeling Method Reveals Segregated Parallel Projections of Mitral and External Tufted Cells in the Main Olfactory System

Visual Abstract A fundamental strategy in sensory coding is parallel processing, whereby unique, distinct features of sensation are computed and projected to the central target in the form of submodal maps. It remains unclear, however, whether such parallel processing strategy is employed in the main olfactory system, which codes the complex hierarchical odor and behavioral scenes. A potential scheme is that distinct subsets of projection neurons in the olfactory bulb (OB) form parallel projections to the targets. Taking advantage of the observation that the distinct projection neurons develop at different times, we developed a Cre-loxP-based method that allows for birthdate-specific labeling of cell bodies and their axon projections in mice. This birthdate tag analysis revealed that the mitral cells (MCs) born in an early developmental stage and the external tufted cells (TCs) born a few days later form segregated parallel projections. Specifically, the latter subset converges the axons onto only two small specific targets, one of which, located at the anterolateral edge of the olfactory tubercle (OT), excludes widespread MC projections. This target is made up of neurons that express dopamine D1 but not D2 receptor and corresponds to the most anterolateral isolation of the CAP compartments (aiCAP) that were defined previously. This finding of segregated projections suggests that olfactory sensing does indeed involve parallel processing of functionally distinct submodalities. Importantly, the birthdate tag method used here may pave the way for deciphering the functional meaning of these individual projection pathways in the future.
Learning by Holding and Liquidity

A number of assets do not trade publicly but are sold to a restricted group of investors who subsequently receive private information from the issuers. Thus, the holders of such privately placed assets learn more quickly about their assets than other agents. This paper studies the pricing implications of this "learning by holding". In an economy in which investors are price takers and risk-neutral, and absent any insider trading or other transaction costs, we show that risky assets command an excess expected return over safe assets in the presence of learning by holding. This is reminiscent of the "credit spread puzzle"—the large spread between BBB-rated and AAA-rated corporate bonds that is not explained by historical defaults, risk aversion, or trading frictions. The intuition is that the seller of a risky bond needs to offer a "coordination premium" that helps potential buyers overcome their fear of future illiquidity. Absent this premium, this fear could become self-justified in the presence of learning by holding because a future lemons problem deters current market participation, and this in turn vindicates the fear of a future lemons problem. Copyright , Wiley-Blackwell.
Implementation of Case-Based Surveillance and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction to Monitor Bacterial Meningitis Pathogens in Chad

Abstract Background Meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) was introduced in Chad during 2011–2012. Meningitis surveillance has been conducted nationwide since 2003, with case-based surveillance (CBS) in select districts from 2012. In 2016, the MenAfriNet consortium supported Chad to implement CBS in 4 additional districts and real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) at the national reference laboratory (NRL) to improve pathogen detection. We describe analysis of bacterial meningitis cases during 3 periods: pre-MACV (2010–2012), pre-MenAfriNet (2013–2015), and post-MenAfriNet (2016–2018). Methods National surveillance targeted meningitis cases caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Cerebrospinal fluid specimens, inoculated trans-isolate media, and/or isolates from suspected meningitis cases were tested via culture, latex, and/or rt-PCR; confirmed bacterial meningitis was defined by a positive result on any test. We calculated proportion of suspected cases with a specimen received by period, and proportion of specimens with a bacterial meningitis pathogen identified, by period, pathogen, and test. Results The NRL received specimens for 6.8% (876/12813), 46.4% (316/681), and 79.1% (787/995) of suspected meningitis cases in 2010–2012, 2013–2015, and 2016–2018, respectively, with a bacterial meningitis pathogen detected in 33.6% (294/876), 27.8% (88/316), and 33.2% (261/787) of tested specimens. The number of N. meningitidis serogroup A (NmA) among confirmed bacterial meningitis cases decreased from 254 (86.4%) during 2010–2012 to 2 (2.3%) during 2013–2015, with zero NmA cases detected after 2014. In contrast, proportional and absolute increases were seen between 2010–2012, 2013–2015, and 2016–2018 in cases caused by S. pneumoniae (5.1% [15/294], 65.9% [58/88], and 52.1% [136/261]), NmX (0.7% [2/294], 1.1% [1/88], and 22.2% [58/261]), and Hib (0.3% [1/294], 11.4% [10/88], and 14.9% [39/261]). Of specimens received at the NRL, proportions tested during the 3 periods were 47.7% (418), 53.2% (168), and 9.0% (71) by latex; 81.4% (713), 98.4% (311), and 93.9% (739) by culture; and 0.0% (0), 0.0% (0), and 90.5% (712) by rt-PCR, respectively. During the post-MenAfriNet period (2016–2018), 86.1% (678) of confirmed cases were tested by both culture and rt-PCR, with 12.5% (85) and 32.4% (220) positive by culture and rt-PCR, respectively. Conclusions CBS implementation was associated with increased specimen referral. Increased detection of non-NmA cases could reflect changes in incidence or increased sensitivity of case detection with rt-PCR. Continued surveillance with the use of rt-PCR to monitor changing epidemiology could inform the development of effective vaccination strategies.
Stress, learning and hippocampal plasticity

The first aspect (chapter 2) of this thesis deals with the alterations in cellular immunoreactivity (ir) for protein kinase Cy, the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and the neurotrophin receptor trkB in response to spatial learning. The study shows markedly enhanced subregion-selective changes and redistribution of PKC-ir, mAChR-ir and trkB-ir in the hippocampal pyramidal neurons induced by spatial orientation in a hole board. The major changes in PKCy-ir, mAChR-ir and trkB-ir are found in the pyramidal cell bodies and the apical dendrites of the CA1 region of the hippocampus. In general, these results clearly showed that the increase in hippocampal immunoreactivity for PKCy, mAChR and trkB was spatial learning-specific. Zie: Chapter 7
STRATOSPHERIC PROCESSES AND THEIR ROLE IN CLIMATE A Project of the World Climate Research Programme July 2004 1

In Memory of James R. Holton, by D. Hartman . 1 The 25 Session of the JSC of the WCRP, by A. O'Neill and A. Ravishankara . 2 Comprehensive Summary on the Workshop on "Process-Oriented Validation of CCMs", by V. Eyring et al. . 5 Report on the Assessment of Stratospheric Aerosol Properties: New Data Record, but no Trend, by L. Thomason and T. Peter . 12 Report on Chapman Conference on Gravity Wave Processes and Parameterisation, by K. Hamilton . 15 Solar Variability and Climate: Selected Results from the SOLICE Projet, by J. Haigh et al. . 19 Report on Critical Evaluation of mm-/submm-Wave Spectroscopic Data for Atmospheric Observations, by Y. Kasai and T. Amano . 30 Future Meetings . 32 In Memory of James Reed Holton
Do you hear what I see? An audio-visual paradigm to assess emotional egocentricity bias

ABSTRACT We often use our own emotions to understand other people’s emotions. However, emotional egocentric biases (EEB), namely the tendency to use one’s own emotional state when relating to others’ emotions, may hinder this process, especially when emotions are incongruent. We capitalised on the classic EEB task to develop a new version that is easier to implement and control. Unlike the original EEB task that relies on a combination of private (e.g. touch) and public (e.g. vision) sensory information, our EEB task (AV-EEB) used audio-visual stimuli to evoke congruent/incongruent emotions in participants. Auditory and visual signals are both public, in that they can be shared among individuals, and make the task easier to implement and control. We provide lab-based and online validations of the AV-EEB, and demonstrate a positive relationship between EEB and social negative potency. This new, easily implemented version of the EEB task can accelerate the investigation of egocentricity biases in several research areas.
Protective Effect of Breastfeeding on the Adverse Health Effects Induced by Air Pollution: Current Evidence and Possible Mechanisms

Air pollution is a major social, economic, and health problem around the world. Children are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of air pollution due to their immaturity and excessive growth and development. The aims of this narrative review were to: (1) summarize evidence about the protective effects of breastfeeding on the adverse health effects of air pollution exposure, (2) define and describe the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of breastfeeding, and (3) examine the potential effects of air pollution on breastmilk composition and lactation. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases. Existing evidence suggests that breastfeeding has a protective effect on adverse outcomes of indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure in respiratory (infections, lung function, asthma symptoms) and immune (allergic, nervous and cardiovascular) systems, as well as under-five mortality in both developing and developed countries. However, some studies reported no protective effect of breastfeeding or even negative effects of breastfeeding for under-five mortality. Several possible mechanisms of the breastfeeding protective effect were proposed, including the beneficial influence of breastfeeding on immune, respiratory, and nervous systems, which are related to the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties of breastmilk. Breastmilk components responsible for its protective effect against air pollutants exposure may be long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA), antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, immunoglobins, and cytokines, some of which have concentrations that are diet-dependent. However, maternal exposure to air pollution is related to increased breastmilk concentrations of pollutants (e.g., Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or heavy metals in particulate matter (PM)). Nonetheless, environmental studies have confirmed that breastmilk’s protective effects outweigh its potential health risk to the infant. Mothers should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed their infants due to its unique health benefits, as well as its limited ecological footprint, which is associated with decreased waste production and the emission of pollutants.