Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Miltiadou, D., Orford, M., Symeou, S. and Banos, G. (2017) Short communication: Identification of variation in the ovine prolactin gene of Chios sheep with a cost effective sequence based typing

The present study identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the coding and untranslated regions of the ovine prolactin gene of Chios sheep. By developing a cost-effective direct sequence-based typing assay, around 600 bp of reliable sequencing data and clear identification of heterozygous positions was achieved. Five SNP were found, located in exons 2 (KC764410:g.567G>A, g.625C>T, g.683C>A) and 3 (KC764410:g.2015C>A, g.2101G>A), whereas the remaining exons were monomorphic. The identified SNP were synonymous, with the exception of the g.567G>A SNP, which results in an Arg to His amino acid change. As the sequencing cost of the sequence-based typing assay was 20 orders of magnitude lower compared with a standard Sanger method, the assay was also used as a genotyping tool. The identified polymorphism was genotyped for 247 ewes and was subsequently used in mixed model association analyses of milk yield, milk fat content, and litter size at birth. The association analysis revealed a significant dominance effect of 0.17 ± 0.07 of the g.2015C>A SNP on milk fat percentage, whereas a dominance effect of −21.33 ± 10.51 of the same SNP on total lactation milk yield was also estimated. The g.2015C>A SNP explained 2.47 and 3.68% of the total phenotypic variance of milk yield and milk fat percentage, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for the animal variance were 7.14 and 11.75%. A suggestive association of the nonsynonymous g.567G>A SNP with litter size at birth was also detected.
Dietary Supplements Used in Combat Sports

COMBAT SPORT ATHLETES IMPROVE COMPETITION PERFORMANCE PRIMARILY BY IMPROVING THEIR SPORT-SPECIFIC SKILLS. IN ADDITION, BY IMPROVING STRENGTH, POWER, POWER ENDURANCE, AEROBIC ENDURANCE, AND SPEED, COMPETITION PERFORMANCE CAN BE ENHANCED. ENHANCING RECOVERY IS ALSO A PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF COMBAT SPORT ATHLETES. SEVERAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED TO ENHANCE BOTH PERFORMANCE AND RECOVERY. THESE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS INCLUDE, BUT MAY NOT BE LIMITED TO, CREATINE MONOHYDRATE, β-ALANINE, PROTEIN, BRANCHED-CHAIN AMINO ACIDS, AND CARBOHYDRATES.
Large-scale exact diagonalizations reveal low-momentum scales of nuclei

Ab initio methods aim to solve the nuclear many-body problem with controlled approximations. Virtually exact numerical solutions for realistic interactions can only be obtained for certain special cases such as few-nucleon systems. Here we extend the reach of exact diagonalization methods to handle model spaces with dimension exceeding 10(10) on a single compute node. This allows us to perform no-core shell model (NCSM) calculations for Li-6 in model spaces up to N-max = 22 and to reveal the He-4+d halo structure of this nucleus. Still, the use of a finite harmonic-oscillator basis implies truncations in both infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) length scales. These truncations impose finite-size corrections on observables computed in this basis. We perform IR extrapolations of energies and radii computed in the NCSM and with the coupled-cluster method at several fixed UV cutoffs. It is shown that this strategy enables information gain also from data that is not fully UV converged. IR extrapolations improve the accuracy of relevant bound-state observables for a range of UV cutoffs, thus making them profitable tools. We relate the momentum scale that governs the exponential IR convergence to the threshold energy for the first open decay channel. Using large-scale NCSM calculations we numerically verify this small-momentum scale of finite nuclei.
Novel Bioactive and Antibacterial Acrylic Bone Cement Nanocomposites Modified with Graphene Oxide and Chitosan

Acrylic bone cements (ABCs) have played a key role in orthopedic surgery mainly in arthroplasties, but their use is increasingly extending to other applications, such as remodeling of cancerous bones, cranioplasties, and vertebroplasties. However, these materials present some limitations related to their inert behavior and the risk of infection after implantation, which leads to a lack of attachment and makes necessary new surgical interventions. In this research, the physicochemical, thermal, mechanical, and biological properties of ABCs modified with chitosan (CS) and graphene oxide (GO) were studied. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman mapping, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), compression resistance, mechanical dynamic analysis (DMA), hydrolytic degradation, cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity with human osteoblasts (HOb), and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli were used to characterize the ABCs. The results revealed good dispersion of GO nanosheets in the ABCs. GO provided an increase in antibacterial activity, roughness, and flexural behavior, while CS generated porosity, increased the rate of degradation, and decreased compression properties. All ABCs were not cytotoxic and support good cell viability of HOb. The novel formulation of ABCs containing GO and CS simultaneously, increased the thermal stability, flexural modulus, antibacterial behavior, and osteogenic activity, which gives it a high potential for its uses in orthopedic applications.
Food Security Is Associated with Dietary Diversity: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

A B S T R A C T Background and Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between food security and individual dietary diversity score (IDDS). Materials and Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 non-diabetic individuals aged ≥40 years, selected randomly from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Household food security was measured using a validated United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 18-item questionnaire and IDDS using a valid and reliable 147-item food frequency questionnaire based on five food groups of the Food Guide Pyramid. Results: Overall, 48.5% of the study subjects had high, 36.0% had borderline, and 15.5% had low food security. Significant inverse correlations were observed between the scores for food security, diversity of fruits and vegetables, and total IDDS. Food secure group had significantly higher total IDDS (4.74 ± 1.40 vs. 5.15 ± 1.28, P = 0.033) and score for diversity of fruits (1.48 ± 1.40 vs. 1.68 ± 1.28, P = 0.030) as compared to the food insecure group. After adjusting for covariates, higher food security score was associated with lower total IDDS (regression coefficient for a 1-unit difference in diversity score = -0.130, P = 0.040), and score for diversity of fruits (regression coefficient for a 1-unit difference in diversity score = -0.182, P = 0.010). Conclusions: The results showed an inverse relationship between food security score and dietary diversity score. Intake of different fruits is associated with higher food security.
Optimal repair of pelvic organ prolapse: the debate continues

As the need for durable pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repairs continues to increase, greater scrutiny has been placed on finding the optimal repair. Evidence-based literature indicates that the durability of standard (plication-type) repairs in the anterior compartment is suboptimal and that graft augmentation, especially with non-absorbable, synthetic mesh, may be superior. However, while appealing, the transvaginal mesh used for POP repair may be associated with adverse sequelae, such as erosion, extrusion, and infection. Additionally, there is concern regarding the potential long-term outcomes, such as dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and vaginal distortion, which may occur even in the absence of frank extrusion. Recent warnings by the U.S. FDA among other groups regarding adverse events after transvaginal mesh implantation have fueled the debate even further. Our aim is to summarize the available literature regarding the available surgical options for the repair of POP.
A comparative analysis of UV nadir-backscatter and infrared limb-emission ozone data assimilation

Abstract. This paper presents a comparative assessment of ultraviolet nadir-backscatter and infrared limb-emission ozone profile assimilation. The Meteorological Operational Satellite A (MetOp-A) Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2 (GOME-2) nadir and the ENVISAT Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) limb profiles, generated by the ozone consortium of the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (ESA O3-CCI), were individually added to a reference set of ozone observations and assimilated in the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) data assimilation system (DAS). The two sets of resulting analyses were compared with that from a control experiment, only constrained by the reference dataset, and independent, unassimilated observations. Comparisons with independent observations show that both datasets improve the stratospheric ozone distribution. The changes inferred by the limb-based observations are more localized and, in places, more important than those implied by the nadir profiles, albeit they have a much lower number of observations. A small degradation (up to 0.25 mg kg−1 for GOME-2 and 0.5 mg kg−1 for MIPAS in the mass mixing ratio) is found in the tropics between 20 and 30 hPa. In the lowermost troposphere below its vertical coverage, the limb data are found to be able to modify the ozone distribution with changes as large as 60 %. Comparisons of the ozone analyses with sonde data show that at those levels the assimilation of GOME-2 leads to about 1 Dobson Unit (DU) smaller root mean square error (RMSE) than that of MIPAS. However, the assimilation of MIPAS can still improve the quality of the ozone analyses and – with a reduction in the RMSE of up to about 2 DU – outperform the control experiment thanks to its synergistic assimilation with total-column ozone data within the DAS. High vertical resolution ozone profile observations are essential to accurately monitor and forecast ozone concentrations in a DAS. This study demonstrates the potential and limitations of each dataset and instrument type, as well as the need for a balanced future availability of nadir and limb sensors and long-term plans for limb-viewing instruments.
Incidence of Artifact Ingestion in Mute Swans and Tundra Swans on the Lower Great Lakes, Canada

Although lead poisoning is common in swans, no information exists on the prevalence of lead artifact ingestion in swans using the lower Great lakes (LGL). We examined artifact ingestion (lead and non-toxic) in Mute Swans Cygnus olor and Tundra Swans Cygnus columbianus collected on the LGL in Ontario (1999–2003) following the 1999 ban on use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting in Canada. A larger proportion of Mute Swans (19.8% of 243 birds) contained artifacts than did Tundra Swans (6.5% of 77 birds), possibly due to the fact that Mute Swans feed exclusively in aquatic habitats. Overall, 14% of Mute Swans contained nontoxic shot, 6% contained lead shot and 1.6% contained fishing tackle; 4% of Tundra Swans contained non-toxic shot and 2.6% contained lead shot. Adult Mute Swans (22.7%) had a higher incidence of artifact ingestion than did cygnets (8.9%), but there were no age-related differences in Tundra Swans. No sex-related differences in artifact ingestion were detected in either species. Given the overall frequency of shot ingestion in Mute Swans (20% of birds), lead toxicosis probably was a significant mortality factor for this species on the LGL before the lead shot ban. As only 1.6% of Mute Swans and no Tundra Swans contained any form of fishing tackle, angling related injuries and mortalities are likely lower in the LGL than has been reported for swans in Europe. Presently, lead toxicosis is likely having a low to moderate effect on Mute Swans and a minimal effect on Tundra Swans on the LGL.
Residual Bearing Capabilities of Fire-Exposed Reinforced Concrete Beams

This work combines thermal and structural analyses to assessing the residual bearing capabilities, flexural and shear capacities of reinforced concrete beams after fire exposure. The thermal analysis uses the finite difference method to model the temperature distribution of a reinforced concrete beam maintained at high temperature. The structural analysis, using the lumped method, is utilized to calculate the residual bearing capabilities, flexural and shear capacities of reinforced concrete beams after fire exposure. The results of the thermal analysis are compared to the experimental results in the literature, and the analytically derived structural results are also compared with full-scale reinforced concrete beams in previous fire exposure experiments. The comparison results indicated that the calculation procedure in this study assessed the residual bearing capabilities of reinforced concrete beams exposed to fire with sufficient accuracy. As no two fires are the same, this novel scheme for predicting residual bearing capabilities of fire-exposed reinforced concrete beams is very promising in that is eliminates the extensive testing otherwise required when determining fire ratings for structural assemblies.
A New Perspective of Benevolent Loan, QARD Al-Hassan, Using Upfront Payment ‘Mesbah Point’

Bound by religious or moral beliefs of the participants, benevolent loan, Qard al-hasan, is an interest free loan in which only the return of the capital is required during the term of the loan. Lack of institutional investor participation, as well as high administrative fees, are some of the major obstacles that have kept Qard al-hasan from gaining popularity in financial lending. This study has demonstrated a new method in Qard al-hasan lending using Mesbah Point to promote Qard al-hasan as a viable lending transaction. Based on this method the borrower initially makes an optimum amount of upfront payment to receive a zero percent interest rate, no fee loan. The distribution of remaining principal has been studied under two scenarios; Standard MP and Accelerated MP. Based on Mesbah Finance platform the Qard al-hasan lenders and the financial institutions can gain sufficient returns which may help them to cope with their accruing costs as well as earn some profit by providing Qard al-hasan. Although the rate of return in this method unsurprisingly remains below the conventional method, accelerating the monthly payments to the level of conventional monthly payments significantly improves these shortfalls and offsets the gap of return. Accelerated MP shortens the payback period especially in longer loan terms as well as increases the earnings to the level that the participation of institutional investors are possible. The institutionalization of Qard al-hasan is the ultimate aspiration in the Islamic banking system and this study meets the most challenging Islamic lending practice which is Qard al-hasan.
A Review : Comprehensive Comparison of Corn-Based & Cellulosic-Based Ethanol as a Biofuel Source

In order to examine the net benefits of corn-based ethanol compared to cellulosic-based ethanol, a comprehensive study was conducted utilizing a wide collection of independent studies. The investigation included energy inputs from farming, harvesting, production and all other major outputs. Through analysis, it was determined that cellulosic-based ethanol far exceeds corn in energy balance, pollution reduction, and farm availability. The benefits of corn-based ethanol do not seem to be sufficient to warrant its widespread use, particularly when its negative impacts are considered.
Cyfip1 Haploinsufficiency Does Not Alter GABAA Receptor δ-Subunit Expression and Tonic Inhibition in Dentate Gyrus PV+ Interneurons and Granule Cells

Abstract Copy number variation (CNV) at chromosomal region 15q11.2 is linked to increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism and schizophrenia. A significant gene at this locus is cytoplasmic fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) interacting protein 1 (CYFIP1). CYFIP1 protein interacts with FMRP, whose monogenic absence causes fragile X syndrome (FXS). Fmrp knock-out has been shown to reduce tonic GABAergic inhibition by interacting with the δ-subunit of the GABAA receptor (GABAAR). Using in situ hybridization (ISH), qPCR, Western blotting techniques, and patch clamp electrophysiology in brain slices from a Cyfip1 haploinsufficient mouse, we examined δ-subunit mediated tonic inhibition in the dentate gyrus (DG). In wild-type (WT) mice, DG granule cells (DGGCs) responded to the δ-subunit-selective agonist THIP with significantly increased tonic currents. In heterozygous mice, no significant difference was observed in THIP-evoked currents in DGGCs. Phasic GABAergic inhibition in DGGC was also unaltered with no difference in properties of spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs). Additionally, we demonstrate that DG granule cell layer (GCL) parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PV+-INs) have functional δ-subunit-mediated tonic GABAergic currents which, unlike DGGC, are also modulated by the α1-selective drug zolpidem. Similar to DGGC, both IPSCs and THIP-evoked currents in PV+-INs were not different between Cyfip1 heterozygous and WT mice. Supporting our electrophysiological data, we found no significant change in hippocampal δ-subunit mRNA expression or protein level and no change in α1/α4-subunit mRNA expression. Thus, Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency, mimicking human 15q11.2 microdeletion syndrome, does not alter hippocampal phasic or tonic GABAergic inhibition, substantially differing from the Fmrp knock-out mouse model.
Impact of Water Pollution on Trophic Transfer of Fatty Acids in Fish, Microalgae, and Zoobenthos in the Food Web of a Freshwater Ecosystem

This research work was carried out to determine the effects of water contamination on the fatty acid (FA) profile of periphyton, zoobenthos, two Chinese carps and a common carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharygodon idella and Cyprinus carpio), captured from highly polluted (HP), less polluted (LP), and non-polluted (NP) sites of the Indus river. We found that the concentration of heavy metals in the river water from the polluted locations exceeded the permissible limits suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Fatty acid profiles in periphyton, zoobenthos, H. molitrix, C. idella, and C. carpio in the food web of river ecosystems with different pollution levels were assessed. Lauric acid and arachidic acids were not detected in the biomass of periphyton and zoobenthos from HP and LP sites compared to NP sites. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosadienoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid were not recorded in the biomass samples of periphyton and zoobenthos in both HP and LP sites. Caprylic acid, lauric acid, and arachidic acid were not found in H. molitrix, C. idella, and C. carpio captured from HP. In this study, 6 and 9 omega series FAs were identified in the muscle samples of H. molitrix, C. idella and C. carpio captured from HP and LP sites compared to NP sites, respectively. Less polyunsaturated fatty acids were observed in the muscle samples of H. molitrix, C. idella, and C. carpio collected from HP than from LP. The heavy metals showed significant negative correlations with the total FAs in periphyton, zoobenthos, and fish samples.
Estimation of drying rate constant from static bed moisture profile by neural network inversion

This study aims at extracting a mathematical expression for describing the moisture loss kinetics from grains dried in the form of a static bed, based on a measured grain moisture profile across the bed, and validating its reliability in predicting the drying times. The target expression for moisture transfer is the Lewis equation with Arrhenius type dependence of the drying rate constant on temperature, thereby reducing the problem to the determination of two coefficients (i.e., Ea and K0) for the drying rate constant. The scheme of numerical solution of the non-equilibrium model of the deep bed drying process is represented as a trained neural network, with the values of the coefficients as inputs and the sum squared error (SSE) in the prediction of moisture content at various bed depths as the output. Training data for the neural network were generated for static bed drying of barley at an airflow rate of 638 kg/m 2 ·h. The two coefficients were estimated by inversion of the trained neural network. The derived expression for drying rate constant was found to give a better prediction of the drying time and drying air temperature profiles at different experimental runs with air flow rates close to 638 kg/m 2 ·h. It underlines the fact that grain moisture loss kinetics, extracted from a known moisture profile across the static bed can reliably be used to predict the batch drying time.
Trading Symmetry for Energy Cost During Walking in Healthy Adults and Persons Poststroke

Background. Humans typically walk in ways that minimize energy cost. Recent work has found that healthy adults will even adopt new ways of walking when a new pattern costs less energy. This suggests potential for rehabilitation to drive changes in walking by altering the energy costs of walking patterns so that the desired pattern becomes energetically optimal (ie, costs least energy of all available patterns). Objective. We aimed to change gait symmetry in healthy adults and persons poststroke by creating environments where changing symmetry allowed the participants to save energy. Methods. Across 3 experiments, we tested healthy adults (n = 12 in experiment 1, n = 20 in experiment 2) and persons poststroke (n = 7 in experiment 3) in a novel treadmill environment that linked asymmetric stepping and gait speed—2 factors that influence energy cost—to create situations where walking with one’s preferred gait symmetry (or asymmetry, in the case of the persons poststroke) was no longer the least energetically costly way to walk. Results. Across the 3 experiments, we found that most participants changed their gait when experiencing the new energy landscape. Healthy adults often adopted an asymmetric gait if it saved energy, and persons poststroke often began to step more symmetrically than they prefer to walk in daily life. Conclusions. We used a novel treadmill environment to show that people with and without stroke change clinically relevant features of walking to save energy. These findings suggest that rehabilitation approaches aimed at making symmetric walking energetically “easier” may promote gait symmetry after stroke.