Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colour measurement, using the CIELCH colour space, of muscle of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), fed astaxanthin: effects of family, ploidy, sex, and location of reading

Thirty two families (representing 397 fish of 900 g average weight) of rainbow trout. Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) (16 diploid sib-groups and their homologous triploids obtained by heat shock) were fed astaxanthin (96 mg kg-1 feed) for 39 days, resulting in a red colouring of the muscle. The colour was measured in the CIELCH colour space using a chromameter at three points of fish muscle (head, middle and tail). The effects of ploidy, sex, family and location of measurement on the colour attributes offish muscle (lightness, chroma and hue angle) were analysed. Diploid fish had a higher chroma than triploid ones (P<0.02), but no ploidy effect was found on lightness nor on hue angle. Sex had little influence on colour attributes, except for the hue angle which was slightly higher (P<0.07) in females than in males. Family had a strong effect on chroma (P<0.002), hue angle (P<0.02), and, to a lesser extent, on lightness (P<0.07). However, within families the muscle colour was very variable from one fish to another (highly significant variation [P<0.0001] on every colour attribute). The location effect was highly significant on lightness (P<0.0001), chroma (P<0.0001), and hue angle (P<0.0001). Data from the tail part of the fish muscle were higher than those from the head part. The middle part always exhibited the lowest data.
Rare Actinomycetes Isolated from Desert Soils

A total of 335 actinomycete strains were isolated from 9 soil samples collected at Mojave Desert, California. A large number of actinomycete colonies emerged on the agar plates when cultured at 37°C than 27°C. Among 50 strains taken randomly from the isolates nine strains were rare actinomycetes containing meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall. They were considered to belong to genera Microbispora, Nocardia, Microtetraspora, Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura and Saccharothrix. The five strains could grow even at 50°C.
Some observations on the structure, cation content and possible evolutionary status of dinoflagellate chromosomes

SICEE, D. C. , 1984. Some observations on the structure, cation content and possible evolutionary status of dinoflagellate chromosomes. Dinoflagellate chromosomes have a well-ordered structure, as observed in living cells, glutaraldehyde/osmium tetroxide-fixed cells, ultrathin cryosections and freeze-etch preparations. It is suggested that the stabilization of this chromatin in the living cell is largely mediated by divalent cations, acting as bridging molecules between the DNA superstructure and the protein matrix. Studies using X-ray micro-analysis and autoradiography have shown that these chromosomes have high levels of bound Ca and transition metals, and that these are associated with both the DNA and surrounding proteins. The organization and stabilization of chromatin in dinoflagellate chromosomes is quite different from that of the cells of other eukaryotes, but shows some resemblance to the dispersed chromatin of bacteria. The evolution of dinoflagellate chromosomes from a prokaryote-like ancestral genome is attributed to two main factors–the retention of a primitive cationic non-histone stabilization system, and a pronounced evolutionary trend towards high DNA values. On this theory, dinoflagellate chromosomes are phylogenetically distinct from all other eukaryote chromosomes, and provide a separate evolutionary route for the attainment of high DNA levels and increased cell size.
Snag longevity under alternative silvicultural regimes in mixed-species forests of central Maine

Predictions of snag longevity, defined here as the probability of snag survival to a given age, are key to de- signing silvicultural regimes that ensure their availability for wildlife and form an important component of carbon flow models. Species, diameter at breast height, stand density, management regime, and agent of tree mortality were assessed for their effect on snag longevity in a long-term silvicultural study on the Penobscot Experimental Forest in central Maine. Snag recruitment and fall data from USDA Forest Service inventories between 1981 and 1997 were analyzed using parametric survival analysis. A Weibull model fit the data best, indicating a significant lag time followed by rapid fall rates. Half-times varied among species, with Thuja occidentalis L. having the longest (10 years) and Picea species the shortest (6 years). Snag longevity was significantly greater with increasing diameter and decreased with increasing stand density. Agent of mortality and silvicultural treatment were also significant. Two models were developed for esti- mating probability of snag survival over time, one that included predictor variables unique to the silvicultural systems study on the Penobscot Experimental Forest and one using predictor variables available in most standard inventories. Snag survival models can easily be incorporated into comprehensive forest dynamics models to facilitate estimates of wildlife habitat structure and carbon flow.
Prevalence and morphological variations of maxillary sinus septa in different age groups: a CBCT analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are limited data from Saudi Arabia on the prevalence and characteristics of maxillary sinus septa. OBJECTIVE: Determine the prevalence and morphological characteristics of septa in the maxillary sinus and their relationship to gender and age using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). DESIGN: Cross-sectional SETTING: CBCT images acquired from the maxillofacial radiology department in a dental school. PATIENT AND METHODS: CBCT scans of 1010 maxillary sinuses from 505 patients were analyzed to determine the prevalence, location, type, and orientation of maxillary sinus septa. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and t tests were used to analyze the data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence, location, type, and orientation of maxillary sinus septa. SAMPLE SIZE: 1010 sinuses from 505 patients. RESULT: Approximately 46% of the studied patients had maxillary septa, which were present in 370 (37%) sinuses. About 64% of the septa were present on the right side and 85.7% of all septa were mediolater-ally oriented. The mean height of the septa was 6.06 mm (0.84) in the right sinuses and 5.70 mm (0.93) in the left sinuses. Multiple septa were found in 101 patients (20%). Among males, 58.5% had septa compared to 34% of females (P<.001.) A significant positive association was found between age and the presence and number of septa, P<. 001. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary sinus septa were highly prevalent with various heights and directions among the studied sample. Careful assessment of different anatomic variation must be conducted prior to any maxillary sinus augmentation, particularly in older patients. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional evaluation of CBCT images from one dental school patient population; thus, the findings cannot be generalized to other populations. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.
The effect of metabolic syndrome on patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective The aim was to study the effect of metabolic syndrome (MS) on the severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA), as well as its association with generalized OA. Background Knee OA is a major cause of disability. Studies suggested that metabolic factors may have a negative effect on cartilage and may play a role in the pathogenesis of OA. Patients and methods A total of 60 patients with primary knee OA were divided into two groups: group I included patients with knee OA and MS and group II included patients with knee OA and without MS. Both groups were matched regarding age, disease duration, and MS (BMI). All were subjected to demographic data, blood pressure measurement, waist circumference, BMI, laboratory investigations, knees and hands radiograph, disease severity assessment by Lequesne functional index, and radiological Kellgren and Lawrence score. Results Group I patients were significantly more affected with varus deformity, flexion deformity, and tenderness over knee joint line and hand OA than group II patients. Radiologic findings revealed higher grades of Kellgren and Lawrence score grading system in group I patients than group II. The patellofemoral OA showed significantly higher mean in group I than in group II. The total functional score of Lequesne for knee OA showed significantly higher mean in group I (P < 0.001). Conclusion MS in patients with knee OA is associated with more severe clinical signs, progressive radiological damage, severe grades of functional disability, and more frequent affection with generalized OA in comparison with patients with OA without MS.
Time Constraint Increases Mental Load and Influences in the Performance in Small-Sided Games in Basketball

ABSTRACT Purpose: In team sports like basketball, small-sided games have received much scientific attention because of their capacity to simulate competitive environments. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of different task constraints on mental load, and its consequences for individual and team performance in basketball small-sided games. Method: Twenty-four university students voluntarily took part in this study (Mage = 20.81 years [± 1.76]). Four different 3 × 3 basketball games were played: (A) free game, (B) seven seconds possession, (C) three passes maximum per attack phase, (D) conditions B and C combined. Results: Statistical analysis showed that constraints B, C and D produce more mental load, provoke differences in the affect response and the performance is worse. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the mental cost of restricting the time and number of passes, separately and combined to decide and act.
E8002 Inhibits Peripheral Nerve Adhesion by Enhancing Fibrinolysis of l-Ascorbic Acid in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Model

Perineural adhesions leading to neuropathy are one of the most undesirable consequences of peripheral nerve surgery. However, there are currently no widely used compounds with anti-adhesive effects in the field of peripheral nerve surgery. E8002 is a novel, anti-adhesive, multi-layer membrane that contains L-ascorbic acid (AA). Here, we investigated the effect and mechanism of E8002 in a rat sciatic nerve adhesion model. A total of 21 rats were used. Six weeks after surgery, macroscopic adhesion scores were significantly lower in the E8002 group (adhesion procedure followed by nerve wrapping with E8002) compared to the E8002 AA(−) group (adhesion procedure followed by nerve wrapping with the E8002 membrane excluding AA) and adhesion group (adhesion procedure but no treatment). Correspondingly, a microscopic examination revealed prominent scar tissue in the E8002 AA(−) and adhesion groups. Furthermore, an in vitro study using human blood samples showed that AA enhanced tissue-type, plasminogen activator-mediated fibrinolysis. Altogether, these results suggest that E8002 may exert an anti-adhesive action via AA and the regulation of fibrinolysis.
Photosynthesis in the Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea caerulea Saligny) Using Pulse Amplitude Modulation Fluorometry

Water lilies, such as the blue Egyptian water lily (Nymphaea caerulea Savigny), are ubiquitous aquatic plants. Leaves of mature plants normally unfold at the surface and are floating or emergent. Some aquatic vascular plants have a form of CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) known as submerged aquatic metabolism (SAM). The presence of aerenchyma in water lily leaves and petioles makes it very difficult to measure photosynthesis in water lily plants by gas exchange. Pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometer techniques provide direct information on the light reactions of plants. PAM technology calculates photosynthesis as the electron transport rate (ETR) through PSII (4 electrons per O2 produced) in mol m−2 s−1. Here, relative ETR (rETR) was based on an assumed leaf absorptance factor of 0.84. Photosynthesis-versus-irradiance (P vs. E) curves were fitted with the waiting-in-line function (). Maximum effective quantum yield, maximum relative ETR (rETRmax), and quantum efficiency all vary on a diurnal cycle. The nonphotochemical quenching parameters qNmax and NPQmax are highly correlated with each other (, ) but do not show a systematic variation over a diurnal cycle. Nymphaea is a “sun plant” with optimum irradiance (Eopt) of 1000 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD or higher. Titratable acid of leaves varied from ∼50 to 70 mol H+ m−3 (leaf water basis) and was depleted at ∼0600 and 1800 hours each day, a diel pattern inconsistent with SAM/CAM physiology. The N. caerulea C4 acid pool is too small to support substantial SAM-type metabolism. Gross photosynthesis of Nymphaea leaves had a high value of ∼5.3 g C m−2 d−1. For a daily irradiance of 56 mol m−2 PPFD, this works out to a 3.3% conversion efficiency in terms of moles of carbon.
Precoder Feedback Schemes for Robust Interference Alignment With Bounded CSI Uncertainty

This article presents limited feedback-based precoder quantization schemes for Interference Alignment (IA) with bounded channel state information (CSI) uncertainty. Initially, this work generalizes the min-max mean squared error (MSE) framework, followed by the development of robust precoder and decoder designs based on worst case MSE minimization. The proposed precoder and decoder designs capture the effect of CSI uncertainty using a single parameter, which is independent of the CSI uncertainty in the direct links. The IA algorithms derived employing these proposed designs are shown to be globally convergent under certain conditions. Moreover, precoder quantization schemes are presented for scenarios with and without CSI uncertainty for practical implementation of these techniques in systems with limited feedback. An optimal bit allocation scheme is presented to maximize the sum rate via analysis of the rate loss upper bound. Simulation results demonstrate the improved performance of the proposed IA schemes for various scenarios considering imperfect CSI as well as limited feedback.
On Stabilization of Linear Switched Singular Systems via P-D State Feedback

Impulsive phenomenon and state jumps at switching instants are inevitable control difficulties in the study of stability for switched singular systems. Proportional-derivative (P-D) state feedback may be an effective way to eliminate impulsive behaviors and state jumps. In this work, the problem of stabilization is studied for switched singular systems in the continuous-time case and discrete-time case. A synchronous design method of P-D state feedback controllers is proposed by introducing some free-weighting matrices. Based on P-D state feedback, some sufficient conditions, which can guarantee that the closed-loop systems are normal and stable (NS), are obtained by using multiple Lyapunov functions. Compared with step-by-step design, synchronous design brings more freedom to the design of P-D state feedback controllers and can better improve the dynamic performance of the systems. Finally, simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Reactivity and Product Analysis of a Pair of Cumyloxyl and tert-Butoxyl Radicals Generated in Photolysis of tert-Butyl Cumyl Peroxide.

Alkoxyl radicals play important roles in various fields of chemistry. Understanding their reactivity is essential to applying their chemistry for industrial and biological purposes. Hydrogen atom transfer and C-C β-scission reactions have been reported from alkoxyl radicals. The ratios of these two processes were investigated using the cumyloxyl (CumO•) and tert-butoxyl radicals (t-BuO•), respectively. However, the products generated from the pair of radicals have not been investigated in detail. In this study, CumO• and t-BuO• were simultaneously generated from the photolysis of tert-butyl cumyl peroxide to understand the chemical behavior of the pair of radicals by analyzing the products and their distribution. Electron paramagnetic resonance and/or transient absorption spectroscopy analyses of radicals, including CumO• and t-BuO•, provide more information about the radicals generated during the photolysis of tert-butyl cumyl peroxide. Furthermore, the photoproducts of (3-(tert-butylperoxy)pentane-3-yl)benzene were investigated to understand the reaction mechanism of product formation for in-cage versus out-of-cage products. The triplet-sensitized reaction induced by acetophenone, which is produced from CumO•, was also examined to understand the spin-state effect on product distribution.
Age-Dependent Efficacy of Ezetimibe for Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction in Japanese Patients with or without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Ezetimibe reduces cardiovascular risk by lowering the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, there is limited information regarding the factors associated with ezetimibe-mediated LDL-C reduction. We investigated the factors associated with LDL-C reduction after ezetimibe administration in Japanese patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This single-center retrospective observational study enrolled a total of 266 consecutive ezetimibe-naïve patients, of which 154 were excluded because of either switching from statin or fenofibrate to ezetimibe (n = 52) or ezetimibe discontinuation (n = 102). Finally, 112 patients were eligible for analysis. To identify the factors influencing LDL-C levels, univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed after 52 weeks of ezetimibe treatment. Overall, advanced age, T2DM, and high baseline LDL-C were significantly associated with a greater decrease in LDL-C levels. In the non-T2DM group, advanced age and high baseline LDL-C were associated with greater decrease in LDL-C levels. In the T2DM group, baseline LDL-C was the only factor that influenced the change in LDL-C levels. Advanced age was significantly associated with higher LDL-C reduction in non-T2DM patients, but not in T2DM patients. Ezetimibe use might be beneficial in older patients without T2DM. The lack of association between age and the LDL-C lowering effect by ezetimibe in patients with T2DM may be due to yet unknown mechanism except low statistical power.
Influence of electric conductivity management on greenhouse tomato yield and fruit quality

Cette revue de litterature porte sur les effets osmotiques et ioniques de la conductivite electrique (CE) de la solution nutritive et de ses liens avec les facteurs climatiques et culturaux sur le rendement et la qualite de la tomate de serre. L'ajustement de la salinite de la solution nutritive permet aux producteurs de modifier la disponibilite en eau pour la plante de facon a controler la qualite des fruits. Cependant, des salinites elevees affectent le rendement vendable. Sous une haute CE, le calibre des fruits est inversement relie a la CE alors que le contenu en matiere seche des fruits augmente lineairement avec la CE. Le taux de reduction du rendement varie selon les interactions entre la CE et les cultivars, les facteurs environnementaux, la composition de la solution nutritive, et la gestion de la culture. Selon differentes etudes et conditions de croissance des plants, une CE plus elevee que 2.3-5.1 mS.cm -1 entraine une baisse de rendement alors qu'une salinite de 3.5-9.0 mS.cm -1 ameliore la qualite des fruits. La manipulation du climat de la serre (humidite relative, temperature, niveau de CO 2 ambiant) peuvent compenser les effets negatifs engendres par de hautes salinites sur le rendement et la qualite des fruits. L'intensite lumineuse recue par la plante affecte directement la quantite de photoassimilats disponibles pour les fruits, accroit leur rapport sucre: acide, influence les taux de transpiration et d'absorption de l'eau par les plants, lesquels influencent la CE de la zone radiculaire. L'accroissement de la salinite par l'ajout de NaCl reduit le contenu en acides titrables, en potassium et en azote des fruits et augmente leur contenu en sodium. Le NaCl accroit la qualite gustative des fruits et la perception d'une saveur plus sucree. Selon la composition de la solution nutritive, des deficiences ou toxicites nutritionnelles peuvent survenir suite a une predominance d'ions specifiques ou a une competition parmi les cations et les anions. De facon a obtenir des rendements eleves de tres grande qualite tout au long de la saison de production, un equilibre entre les elements nutritifs de la rhizosphere doit etre preserve pour chacun des stades de croissance. Cet article presente plusieurs strategies de gestion de la CE afin d'ameliorer la qualite de la tomate de serre.
redictors and Outcomes of Continuous Veno-venous emodialysis Use After Implantation of a Left Ventricular ssist Device

ackground: Post-operative renal failure is a common complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. This study was designed to evaluate predictors and outcomes of acute renal failure after LVAD insertion. ethods: Two-hundred one patients undergoing LVAD implantation at a single institution from June 1996 through April 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: those who required post-operative continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) (Group 1, n 65, 32.3%) and those who did not (Group 2, n 136, 67.7%). Independent predictors of post-operative renal failure requiring CVVHD were determined using multivariate logistic regression techniques. esults: Patients who had post-operative renal failure requiring CVVHD were older (53.7 12.9 vs 48.2 14.2 years, p 0.009), had a higher incidence of intra-aortic balloon pump use (46.6% vs 26.2%, p 0.006), and had a higher pre-operative mean LVAD score (5.8 3.5 vs 3.8 3.3, p 0.001) than those without renal failure. LVAD score was the only independent predictor of post-operative renal failure requiring CVVHD (odds ratio 1.226, p 0.006). Sepsis rate was higher (33.3% vs 6.9%, p 0.001) and bridge-to-transplantation rate was lower (52.4% vs 83.5%, p 0.001) in Group 1 than in Group 2. Post-LVAD survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years for Group 1 and Group 2 were 43.2%, 39.1%, 34.7% and 34.7% vs 79.2%, 74.0%, 68.3% and 66.4%, respectively (log rank, p 0.001). onclusions: Acute renal failure necessitating CVVHD remains a serious complication after LVAD and confers significant morbidity and mortality. Pre-operative evaluation of patient risk factors and optimization of peri-operative hemodynamics are of utmost importance to prevent this major complication. J Heart Lung Transplant 2006;25:404–8. Copyright © 2006 by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.
Branching angles of ant trunk trails as an optimization cue

Abstract The branching angles of the ant Messor barbarus (L.) trunk trails are studied in relation to their intraspecific competitive environment and surrounding vegetation cover. Both factors appear to play a significant role in branching angle size. We propose that a principle of optimality acts to minimize foraging costs in terms of fighting risk or difficulties imposed on the mobility of the individual forager ants. Our results coincide with a compromise between the advantages of trunk trail and the shortest way of return to the nest.