Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization, Statistical Analysis and Method Selection in the Two-Clocks Synchronization Problem for Pairwise Interconnected Sensors

Time synchronization among sensor devices connected through non-deterministic media is a fundamental requirement for sensor fusion and other distributed tasks that need a common time reference. In many of the time synchronization methods existing in literature, the estimation of the relation between pairs of clocks is a core concept; moreover, in applications that do not have general connectivity among its devices but a simple pairwise topology, such as embedded systems, mobile robots or home automation, two-clock synchronization is actually the basic form of the time estimation problem. In these kinds of applications, especially for critical ones, not only the quality of the estimation of the relation between two clocks is important, but also the bounds the methods provide for the estimated values, and their computational effort (since many are small systems). In this paper, we characterize, with a thorough parameterization, the possible scenarios where two-clock synchronization is to be solved, and then conduct a rigorous statistical study of both scenarios and methods. The study is based on exhaustive simulations run in a super-computer. Our aim is to provide a sound basis to select the best clock synchronization algorithm depending on the application requirements and characteristics, and also to deduce which ones of these characteristics are most relevant, in general, when solving the problem. For our comparisons we have considered several representative methods for clock synchronization according to a novel taxonomy that we also propose in the paper, and in particular, a few geometrical ones that have special desirable characteristics for the two-clock problem. We illustrate the method selection procedure with practical use-cases of sensory systems where two-clock synchronization is essential.
Self‐esteem in individuals at ultra‐high risk for psychosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Low self‐esteem (LSE) has been reported among individuals with psychosis and is hypothesized to act as a risk and maintenance factor for the disorder. However, the extent to which LSE also characterizes individuals deemed at ultra‐high risk (UHR) for psychosis (who present features consistent with the prodromal phase of illness), has yet to be quantified using meta‐analysis. This is important given that LSE is a potentially modifiable target for early intervention services aiming to reduce the risk of psychosis transition in this population.
Allelic variation in rice Fertilization Independent Endosperm 1 contributes to grain width under high night temperature stress

Summary A higher minimum (night‐time) temperature is considered a greater limiting factor for reduced rice yield than a similar increase in maximum (daytime) temperature. While the physiological impact of high night temperature (HNT) has been studied, the genetic and molecular basis of HNT stress response remains unexplored. We examined the phenotypic variation for mature grain size (length and width) in a diverse set of rice accessions under HNT stress. Genome‐wide association analysis identified several HNT‐specific loci regulating grain size as well as loci that are common for optimal and HNT stress conditions. A novel locus contributing to grain width under HNT conditions colocalized with Fie1, a component of the FIS‐PRC2 complex. Our results suggest that the allelic difference controlling grain width under HNT is a result of differential transcript‐level response of Fie1 in grains developing under HNT stress. We present evidence to support the role of Fie1 in grain size regulation by testing overexpression (OE) and knockout mutants under heat stress. The OE mutants were either unaltered or had a positive impact on mature grain size under HNT, while the knockouts exhibited significant grain size reduction under these conditions.
Carbohydrates Profile, Polyphenols Content and Antioxidative Properties of Beer Worts Produced with Different Dark Malts Varieties or Roasted Barley Grains

The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of shaping properties of beers at the stage of brewing wort production with the use of various types of special malts (chocolate pale, chocolate dark, wheat chocolate, brown barley) and roasted barley grains. The carbohydrate profile, polyphenols content, antioxidant capacity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural content, and the browning index level were analyzed. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the values of the examined features between the samples. The sugars whose content was most affected by the addition of special malts were maltose and dextrins. The polyphenol content in worts with 10% of additive was 176.02–397.03 mg GAE/L, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) 1.32–2.07 mmol TE/L, and capacity to reduction radical generated from 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS•+) 1.46–2.70 mmol TE/L. Wort with 40% dark malt showed the highest content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (FRAP and ABTS•+). The HMF content and the browning index value were higher for wort with the addition of darker-colored malts (EBC) and increased with increasing dark malt dose.
Performance of recombinant proteins in diagnosis and differentiation of canine visceral leishmaniasis infected and vaccinated dogs

Control of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), a major zoonotic disease in Brazil and many other tropical and subtropical countries, remains difficult as an accurate and reliable diagnosis is still missing. In endemic regions, infected dogs are the main parasitic reservoir host of human Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) infection. Vaccination of dogs against Leishmania infection constitutes an important strategy to prevent or to better control CVL, thus, a serological test that can discriminate between antibodies induced by immunization versus infection is highly desirable in order to improve and simplify diagnosis. Here, four recombinant proteins were evaluated for their ability to detect and differentiate between dogs that are infected with Leishmania or have been immunized with the anti-Leishmania vaccine Leish-Tec®. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the four Leishmania-specific IgG ELISA revealed superior performance of rK28, followed by rKLO8, rK39 and rLb6H. The rK28-based ELISA revealed not only the best accuracy against CVL, but also the lowest cross-reactivity with sera from Leish-Tec® immunized dogs. Our data show that the rK28-based ELISA is highly suitable for CVL screening as it shows high sensitivity with simultaneous low cross-reactivity. Further, the high specificity of the rKLO8 indicates its suitability for the confirmation of CVL diagnosis.
An in vitro α-neurotoxin—nAChR binding assay correlates with lethality and in vivo neutralization of a large number of elapid neurotoxic snake venoms from four continents

The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro assay for use in place of in vivo assays of snake venom lethality and antivenom neutralizing potency. A novel in vitro assay has been developed based on the binding of post-synaptically acting α-neurotoxins to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), and the ability of antivenoms to prevent this binding. The assay gave high correlation in previous studies with the in vivo murine lethality tests (Median Lethal Dose, LD50), and the neutralization of lethality assays (Median Effective Dose, ED50) by antisera against Naja kaouthia, Naja naja and Bungarus candidus venoms. Here we show that, for the neurotoxic venoms of 20 elapid snake species from eight genera and four continents, the in vitro median inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) for α-neurotoxin binding to purified nAChR correlated well with the in vivo LD50s of the venoms (R2 = 0.8526, p < 0.001). Furthermore, using this assay, the in vitro ED50s of a horse pan-specific antiserum against these venoms correlated significantly with the corresponding in vivo murine ED50s, with R2 = 0.6896 (p < 0.01). In the case of four elapid venoms devoid or having a very low concentration of α-neurotoxins, no inhibition of nAChR binding was observed. Within the philosophy of 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in animal testing, the in vitro α-neurotoxin-nAChR binding assay can effectively substitute the mouse lethality test for toxicity and antivenom potency evaluation for neurotoxic venoms in which α-neurotoxins predominate. This will greatly reduce the number of mice used in toxicological research and antivenom production laboratories. The simpler, faster, cheaper and less variable in vitro assay should also expedite the development of pan-specific antivenoms against various medically important snakes in many parts of the world.
MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound of Osseous Metastases: Treatment Parameters Associated With Successful Pain Reduction.

BACKGROUND A phase 3 multicenter trial demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided focused ultrasound (US) is a safe, noninvasive treatment that alleviated pain from bone metastases. However, outcomes varied among institutions (from 0%-100% treatment success). PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify patient selection, technical treatment, and imaging parameters that predict successful pain relief of osseous metastases after MRI-guided focused US. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a secondary analysis of a phase 3 clinical study that included participants who received MRI-guided focused US treatment for painful osseous metastases. Noncontrast CT was obtained before treatment. T2-weighted and T1-weighted postcontrast MRIs at 1.5 T or 3 T were obtained before, at the time of, and at 3 months after treatment. Numerical Rating Scale pain scores and morphine equivalent daily dose data were obtained over a 3-month follow-up period. At the 3-month endpoint, participants were categorized as pain relief responders or nonresponders based on Numerical Rating Scale and morphine equivalent daily dose data. Demographics, technical parameters, and imaging features associated with pain relief were determined using stepwise univariable and multivariable models. Responder rates between the subgroup of participants with all predictive parameters and that with none of the parameters were compared using Fisher exact test. RESULTS The analysis included 99 participants (mean age, 59 ± 14 years; 56 women). The 3 variables that predicted successful pain relief were energy density on the bone surface (EDBS) (P = 0.001), the presence of postprocedural periosteal devascularization (black band, BB+) (P = 0.005), and female sex (P = 0.02). The subgroup of participants with BB+ and EDBS greater than 5 J/mm had a larger decrease in mean pain score (5.2; 95% confidence interval, 4.6-5.8) compared with those without (BB-, EDBS ≤ 5 J/mm) (1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-3.0; P < 0.001). Participants with all 3 predictive variables had a pain relief responder rate of 93% compared with 0% in participants having none of the predictive variables (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS High EDBS during treatment, postprocedural periosteal devascularization around the tumor site (BB+), and female sex increased the likelihood of pain relief after MRI-guided focused US of osseous metastasis.
Correlações entre medidas ultra-sônicas e na carcaça de bovinos terminados em pastagem

This study aimed to evaluate correlations between carcass and ultrasound measurements of steers finished in pasture. Twelve steers, Nellore e F1 Brangus x Nellore, averaging 22 months old and 464 kg of body weight were used. Longissimus muscle area (LMA) and subcutaneous backfat thickness (SBT) measured by ultrasound at the day before slaughter and in the carcass were measured. The perimeter (REP), depth (RED) and width (REW) of LMA in the carcass were measured. Significant correlation of 0.47 and 0.64 for REA and SBT, respectively were detected between the ultrasound and carcass measurements. A positive and significant correlation of 0.93 and 0.70 was obtained for REP and REW, respectively, both with carcass LMA. Ultrasound measurements are correlated to carcass measurements of steers finished in pasture. Longissimus muscle area perimeter and width are high correlated to the area and can be used to estimate LMA.
Sensitivity of Potted Citrus Plants to Top Sprays and Soil Applications of Paclobutrazol

Different concentrations and methods of applying paclobutrazol on citrus plants [Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. ] under greenhouse conditions suggest 102 ppm (a.i.) foliar sprays or 20 mg per 2.5 liter pot are threshold concentrations for visible change in growth and development. Most apparent was reduced shoot extension, largely the result of shortened internodes. The leaves were smaller than those on untreated plants but little changed in length/width ratios. Loss of mass (weight) was mostly in the main stem and primary root. The most effective application method was as a soil drench which induced changes in the root as well as the tops of plants. As a stem-sprout inhibitor, paclobutrazol was less effective than “Tre-Hold. ” Chemical names used: β-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl-α-(l,l-dimethylethyl)-1H,2,4-triazole-l-ethanol (paclobutrazol); 1.15% ethyl 1-naphthalene acetate (“Tre-Hold”).
Prediction of Premature Termination Codon Suppressing Compounds for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using Machine Learning

A significant percentage of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cases are caused by premature termination codon (PTC) mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to the production of a truncated, non-functional dystrophin polypeptide. PTC-suppressing compounds (PTCSC) have been developed in order to restore protein translation by allowing the incorporation of an amino acid in place of a stop codon. However, limitations exist in terms of efficacy and toxicity. To identify new compounds that have PTC-suppressing ability, we selected and clustered existing PTCSC, allowing for the construction of a common pharmacophore model. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models were developed for prediction of new PTCSC based on known compounds. We conducted a search of the NCI compounds database using the pharmacophore-based model and a search of the DrugBank database using pharmacophore-based, ML and DL models. Sixteen drug compounds were selected as a consensus of pharmacophore-based, ML, and DL searches. Our results suggest notable correspondence of the pharmacophore-based, ML, and DL models in prediction of new PTC-suppressing compounds.
A chemical dynamics study on the gas phase formation of thioformaldehyde (H2CS) and its thiohydroxycarbene isomer (HCSH)

Significance Since the detection of carbonyl monosulfide (CS) in star-forming regions, about 200 molecules as complex as fullerenes have been detected in interstellar and circumstellar environments, but the formation routes to organosulfur molecules have remained essentially elusive. Exploiting thioformaldehyde (H2CS) and its thiohydroxycarbene isomer (HCSH), we deliver compelling testimony via laboratory experiments, electronic-structure theory, astrochemical modeling, and quasi-classical trajectory studies that these organosulfur species can be efficiently formed in star-forming regions such as Sagittarius B2 through bimolecular reactions involving hydrogen sulfide and methylidyne radicals. These elementary mechanisms are of fundamental importance to aid our understanding of how carbon and sulfur chemistries are connected in deep space, thus expanding our view on the sulfur cycle in the Galaxy. Complex organosulfur molecules are ubiquitous in interstellar molecular clouds, but their fundamental formation mechanisms have remained largely elusive. These processes are of critical importance in initiating a series of elementary chemical reactions, leading eventually to organosulfur molecules—among them potential precursors to iron-sulfide grains and to astrobiologically important molecules, such as the amino acid cysteine. Here, we reveal through laboratory experiments, electronic-structure theory, quasi-classical trajectory studies, and astrochemical modeling that the organosulfur chemistry can be initiated in star-forming regions via the elementary gas-phase reaction of methylidyne radicals with hydrogen sulfide, leading to thioformaldehyde (H2CS) and its thiohydroxycarbene isomer (HCSH). The facile route to two of the simplest organosulfur molecules via a single-collision event affords persuasive evidence for a likely source of organosulfur molecules in star-forming regions. These fundamental reaction mechanisms are valuable to facilitate an understanding of the origin and evolution of the molecular universe and, in particular, of sulfur in our Galaxy.
Music attenuates a widened central pulse pressure caused by resistance exercise: A randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled, crossover study

Abstract Increasing central blood pressure is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease and is an acute effect of high-intensity resistance exercise. It has been shown that classical music suppresses increased peripheral pressure during exercise. We hypothesized that classical music would suppress increased central pressure induced by high-intensity resistance exercise. To confirm this hypothesis, we examined the effect of classical music on central pressure following high-intensity resistance exercise in 18 young men. A randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled, crossover trial was conducted under parallel experimental conditions on four separate days. The order of experiments was randomized between sham control (seated rest), music (20-min classical music track compilation), resistance exercise (5 sets of 10 repetitions at 75% of 1 repetition maximum), and resistance exercise with music conditions. Aortic pressure was measured in all subjects. No significant interaction between time, music, and resistance exercise was observed for aortic systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. In contrast, aortic pulse pressure showed a significant interaction; that is, aortic pulse pressure significantly widened after resistance exercise, whereas music significantly attenuated this widening. No significant change was observed in aortic pulse pressure in sham control and music conditions. The present findings suggest that music attenuates resistance exercise-induced increase in central pressure.
Playing nice in the sandbox: On the role of heterogeneity, trust and cooperation in common-pool resources

The increasing heterogeneity of populations affects cooperation in common-pool resources in a time where the depletion of natural resources is a growing problem. This study investigates the effects of economic and sociocultural heterogeneity on trust and cooperation in common-pool resources using a laboratory experiment. The experiment comprises two Investment Games and a Common-Pool Resource Game, with a sample of 344 subjects from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. By measuring the effects of economic and sociocultural heterogeneity separately as well as combined, this study disentangles the effects of specific heterogeneity types on cooperation in common-pool resources; something that has not been done before. Higher levels of trusting behaviour are found to have a positive effect on cooperation on the micro- and macro-level over time. While theory suggests negative effects of both forms of heterogeneity on cooperation through decreased levels of trust, the results show a surprising positive effect of economic heterogeneity on cooperation, but a negative effect if economic and sociocultural heterogeneity are combined. This study concludes that economic inequality can promote cooperation in CPRs, unless this inequality is lined up with sociocultural differences.
Diagnosis of COVID-19 Based on Symptomatic Analysis of Hospital Healthcare Workers in Belgium

Objective: To identify early symptoms allowing rapid appraisal of infection with SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers of a large Belgian hospital. Methods: Healthcare workers with mild symptoms of an acute respiratory tract infection were systematically screened on clinical characteristics of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A nasopharyngeal swab was taken and analyzed by real-time Reverse-Transcription-Polymerase-Chain-Reaction (rRT-PCR). Results: Fifty percent of 373 workers tested COVID-19 positive. The symptoms cough (82%), headache (78%), myalgia (70%), loss of smell or taste (40%), and fever more than or equal to 37.5 °C (76%) were significantly higher among those infected. Conclusion: Where each individual symptom contributes to the clinical evaluation of possible infection, it is the combination of COVID-19 symptoms that could allow for a rapid diagnostic appraisal of the disease in a high prevalence setting. Early transmission control is important at the onset of an epidemic.
Factors affecting the drift of Potamophylax cingulatus (Trichoptera) larvae

Current resistance, distance drifted, activity and downstream movements at different conditions of different larval instars of Potamophylax cingulatus (Steph.) (Trichoptera) were investigated. Large larvae had a higher current resistance than small ones. In February individual distances drifted were greater than in May, but drift was more continuous in the latter month. Low temperature as well as high availability of high quality food decreased the total diel activity of the larvae. A rich supply of high quality food was found to suppress the drift tendency in February and May. A larger number of individuals drifted in spring than in winter. In winter, low population densities and the provision of adequate shelter inhibited the drift. Larval drift depends on a number of different circumstances, and in winter long distances drifted, low current resistance and population density seemed to be factors of importance. In spring food requirements, habitat changes and an aggregative tendency prior to pupation were identified as significant components in the ecological background of the drifting phenomenon.
Breeding-Season Survival of Mallard Females in the Prairie Pothole Region of Canada

As part of the Prairie Habitat Joint Venture (PHJV) Habitat Assessment Project, we radiomarked and tracked daily 2,249 female mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of Canada. We conducted our study at 19 different 54- to 78-km 2 sites for 1 year per site from 1993 to 1998. We estimated female survival probability during the 90-day period following arrival on the breeding area and employed information-theoretic approaches to select among competing models that described factors affecting survival probability. We investigated the relationship between female survival and 3 periods of the nesting season, female age (yearling vs. older), upland habitat treatments, longitude, and habitat variables. Our model estimates of female survival probability ranged between 0.62 (SE = 0.028) and 0.84 (SE = 0.018) and averaged 0.76 (SE = 0.004) for the 90-day period. The best approximating model indicated that female survival was (1) lowest when most females were nesting, and (2) depended on longitude and percent wetland habitat such that survival was lowest at western sites with low wetland densities. Management efforts to reduce wetland loss, especially in western regions of the Canadian PPR, may positively influence female survival. Upland habitat restorations designed to improve nest survival may not have a concurrent impact on female survival unless a significant portion of the nesting population is affected.