Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Rice Accessions Having Cold Tolerance at the Seedling Stage and Development of Novel Genotypic Assays for Predicting Cold Tolerance

Rice is susceptible to cold stress at the seedling stage, which can delay growth and decrease yield. We evaluated 187 rice accessions for cold tolerance at the seedling stage and developed genotypic assays for three markers. All japonica (20/20) and 20/140 indica accessions were highly cold tolerant. Two SNP markers specific for COLD1 and LOC_Os10g34840 were practical to use by normal agarose gel. The SNP marker specific for COLD1 was highly specific for predicting cold tolerance. However, the sensitivity of this marker was low as several cold-tolerant indica accessions lacked the cold-tolerant allele. The LOC_Os10g34840 marker was slightly more sensitive than the COLD1 marker for predicting highly cold-tolerant accessions. An insertion/deletion variant in the NAC6 gene was identified as a novel cold tolerance marker. The NAC6 marker predicted more highly cold-tolerant accessions compared with the other two markers. The SNP marker specific for LOC_Os10g34840 and the NAC6 marker were present in several tested subgroups, suggesting their wide effects and distribution. The three markers combined predicted the most highly cold-tolerant accessions, indicating that the marker combination is superior for applications such as marker-assisted breeding. The cold-tolerant accessions and the genotypic marker assays will be useful for future rice breeding.
Robust Mesh Segmentation Using Feature-Aware Region Fusion

This paper introduces a simple but powerful segmentation algorithm for 3D meshes. Our algorithm consists of two stages: over-segmentation and region fusion. In the first stage, adaptive space partition is applied to perform over-segmentation, which is very efficient. In the second stage, we define a new intra-region difference, inter-region difference, and fusion condition with the help of various shape features and propose an iterative region fusion method. As the region fusion process is feature aware, our algorithm can deal with complex 3D meshes robustly. Massive qualitative and quantitative experiments also validate the advantages of the proposed algorithm.
Mechanism and Selectivity of Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 on Metalloporphyrin Catalysts from DFT Studies

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value-added chemicals has been hindered by poor product selectivity and competition from hydrogen evolution reactions. This study aims to unravel the origin of the product selectivity and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction on [MP]0 catalysts (M = Fe, Co, Rh and Ir; P is porphyrin ligand) by analyzing the mechanism of CO2 reduction and H2 formation based on the results of density functional theory calculations. Reduction of CO2 to CO and HCOO− proceeds via the formation of carboxylate adduct ([MP-COOH]0 and ([MP-COOH]−) and metal-hydride [MP-H]−, respectively. Competing proton reduction to gaseous hydrogen shares the [MP-H]− intermediate. Our results show that the pKa of [MP-H]0 can be used as an indicator of the CO or HCOO−/H2 preference. Furthermore, an ergoneutral pH has been determined and used to determine the minimum pH at which selective CO2 reduction to HCOO− becomes favorable over the H2 production. These analyses allow us to understand the product selectivity of CO2 reduction on [FeP]0, [CoP]0, [RhP]0 and [IrP]0; [FeP]0 and [CoP]0 are selective for CO whereas [RhP]0 and [IrP]0 are selective for HCOO− while suppressing H2 formation. These descriptors should be applicable to other catalysts in an aqueous medium.
N, S-Doped Carbon Dots Prepared by Peanut Protein Isolates and Cysteamine as Highly Sensitive Fluorescent Sensors for Fe2+, Fe3+ and Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein with various biological activities that has been extensively used in food and medical applications. Several methods for detecting LF have been reported, but they still face challenges in terms of sensitivity and simplicity of detection. To achieve an accurate and efficient detection of LF, we developed a method for the determination of LF in lactoferrin supplements using carbon dots (CDs) fluorescent probes. The N, S-doped PPI carbon dots (N, S-PPI-CDs) were prepared using a protein (peanut protein isolate) and cysteamine as precursors. The prepared N, S-PPI-CDs exhibited intense blue fluorescence and good biocompatibility, while the fluorescence intensity of the N, S-PPI-CDs showed a good linear relationship with Fe2+/Fe3+ concentration (0–2 μM). The N, S-PPI-CDs exhibited a high potential ability to rapidly detect Fe2+/Fe3+ within 30 s, with a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.21 μM/0.17 μM. Due to the reversible binding of LF to Fe, the N, S-PPI-CDs showed a high sensitivity and selectivity for LF, with a limit of detection (LoD) of 1.92 μg/mL. In addition, LF was quantified in real sample LF supplements and showed a fluctuation in recovery of less than 2.48%, further demonstrating the effectiveness of the fluorescent N, S-PPI-CDs sensor.
Interventions for Picky Eaters among Typically Developed Children—A Scoping Review

Picky eating in children is often a major source of concern for many parents and caregivers. Picky eaters (PEs) consume limited foods, demonstrate food aversion, and have a limited food repertoire, which hinders their growth and health. These behaviours are common in children with special health care needs despite the rise in typically developing children. This leads to less attention being given to intervention programmes for typically developing children. Therefore, this scoping review aims to investigate the key concept of an existing intervention programme for PE among typically developing children, primarily on the types and approaches selected. A thorough literature search was conducted on three primary databases (PubMed, Emerald In-sight, and Web of Science) using predefined keywords. The literature was then appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines and protocols, and the PRISMScR checklist. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also specified in the screening procedure. Results showed that the majority of the interventions in these studies were single-component interventions, with the sensory approach being the type that was most frequently utilised, followed by the nutrition approach and parenting approach. Single and multiple intervention components improved the assessed outcome, with a note that other components may or may not show a similar outcome, as they were not assessed in the single-component intervention. Given the evidence that picky eating is influenced by various factors, a multi-component intervention can provide a substantial impact on future programmes. In addition, defining picky eaters using standardised tools is also essential for a more inclusive subject selection.
Usefulness of PET/CT with Carbon-11-Labeled Methionine in the Diagnosis of Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism

Introduction: Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (tHP) may develop in patients treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Parathyroidectomy may result in a significant reduction in the severity of symptoms. For the effective surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism, proper localization of the parathyroid glands prior to surgery is essential. The sensitivity of scintigraphy in the diagnosis of tHP is lower than in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. In recent years, positron emission tomography (PET/CT) has been gaining importance, usually as a complementary technique. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of PET/CT with [11C]MET in the preoperative localization diagnosis of patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism caused by chronic kidney disease, in whom first-line diagnostic methods did not allow the localization of pathologically parathyroid glands. Material and methods: The study was conducted in a group of 19 adult patients with severe tHP who were resistant or intolerant to non-invasive treatment, with negative results of scintigraphy and ultrasonography of the neck. The study protocol included measurement of the concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and PTH in the blood serum and performing PET/CT with [11C]MET. Results: A positive result of PET/CT was obtained in 89.5% of the patients (17/19). Parathyroidectomy was performed in 52.9% of the patients (9/17) with positive results of PET/CT with [11C]MET, which were fully consistent with the results of the histopathological examinations of the removed parathyroid glands. On this basis, the sensitivity of PET/CT with [11C]MET in the preoperative localization diagnosis of patients with tHP was found to be 100%. Multiple lesions were visualized in 57.9% of the patients (11/19). Ectopic lesions were visualized in 21.1% of the patients (4/19). Conclusions: PET/CT with [11C]MET is a sensitive technique for the second-line preoperative imaging of parathyroid glands in patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism in whom first-line examinations, such as ultrasound and scintigraphy, has failed.
Novice assessors demonstrate good intra-rater agreement and reliability when determining pressure pain thresholds; a cross-sectional study

Background Experienced assessors show good intra-rater reproducibility (within-session and between-session agreement and reliability) when using an algometer to determine pressure pain thresholds (PPT). However, it is unknown whether novice assessors perform equally well. This study aimed to determine within and between-session agreement and reliability of PPT measurements performed by novice assessors and explored whether these parameters differed per assessor and algometer type. Methods Ten novice assessors measured PPTs over four test locations (tibialis anterior muscle, rectus femoris muscle, extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and paraspinal muscles C5-C6) in 178 healthy participants, using either a Somedic Type II digital algometer (10 raters; 88 participants) or a Wagner Force Ten FDX 25 digital algometer (nine raters; 90 participants). Prior to the experiment, the novice assessors practiced PPTs for 3 h per algometer. Each assessor measured a different subsample of ~9 participants. For both the individual assessor and for all assessors combined (i.e., the group representing novice assessors), the standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to reflect within and between-session agreement. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC1,1). Results Within-session agreement expressed as SEM ranged from 42 to 74 kPa, depending on the test location and device. Between-session agreement, expressed as SEM, ranged from 36 to 76 kPa and the CV ranged from 9–16% per body location. Individual assessors differed from the mean group results, ranging from −55 to +32 kPa or from −9.5 to +6.6 percentage points. Reliability was good to excellent (ICC1,1: 0.87 to 0.95). Results were similar for both types of algometers. Conclusions Following 3 h of algometer practice, there were slight differences between assessors, but reproducibility in determining PPTs was overall good.
Preliminary Results of a Structural Health Monitoring System Application for Real-Time Debonding Detection on a Full-Scale Composite Spar

The present paper reports the outcomes of activities concerning a real-time SHM system for debonding flaw detection based on ground testing of an aircraft structural component as a basis for condition-based maintenance. In this application, a damage detection method unrelated to structural or load models is investigated. In the reported application, the system is applied for real-time detection of two flaws, kissing bond type, artificially deployed over a full-scale composite spar under the action of external bending loads. The proposed algorithm, local high-edge onset (LHEO), detects damage as an edge onset in both the space and time domains, correlating current strain levels to next strain levels within a sliding inner product proportional to the sensor step and the acquisition time interval, respectively. Real-time implementation can run on a consumer-grade computer. The SHM algorithm was written in Matlab and compiled as a Python module, then called from a multiprocess wrapper code with separate operations for data reception and data elaboration. The proposed SHM system is made of FBG arrays, an interrogator, an in-house SHM code, an original decoding software (SW) for real-time implementation of multiple SHM algorithms and a continuous interface with an external operator.
Effects of a Semisynthetic Catechin on Phosphatidylglycerol Membranes: A Mixed Experimental and Simulation Study

Catechins have been shown to display a great variety of biological activities, prominent among them are their chemo preventive and chemotherapeutic properties against several types of cancer. The amphiphilic nature of catechins points to the membrane as a potential target for their actions. 3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoate of catechin (TMBC) is a modified structural analog of catechin that shows significant antiproliferative activity against melanoma and breast cancer cells. Phosphatidylglycerol is an anionic membrane phospholipid with important physical and biochemical characteristics that make it biologically relevant. In addition, phosphatidylglycerol is a preeminent component of bacterial membranes. Using biomimetic membranes, we examined the effects of TMBC on the structural and dynamic properties of phosphatidylglycerol bilayers by means of biophysical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, together with an analysis through molecular dynamics simulation. We found that TMBC perturbs the thermotropic gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition and promotes immiscibility in both phospholipid phases. The modified catechin decreases the thickness of the bilayer and is able to form hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl groups of the phospholipid. Experimental data support the simulated data that locate TMBC as mostly forming clusters in the middle region of each monolayer approaching the carbonyl moiety of the phospholipid. The presence of TMBC modifies the structural and dynamic properties of the phosphatidylglycerol bilayer. The decrease in membrane thickness and the change of the hydrogen bonding pattern in the interfacial region of the bilayer elicited by the catechin might contribute to the alteration of the events taking place in the membrane and might help to understand the mechanism of action of the diverse effects displayed by catechins.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Investigation of the Adsorption and Desorption of Trimethoprim and Its Main Metabolites in Mediterranean Crop Soils

The adsorption–desorption processes of organic pollutants into the soil are one of the main factors influencing their potential environmental risks and distribution in the environment. In the present work, the adsorption–desorption behavior of an antibiotic, trimethoprim (TMP), and two of its main metabolites, 3-desmethyltrimethoprim (DM-TMP) and 4-hydroxytrimethoprim (OH-TMP), were assessed in three Mediterranean agricultural soils with different physicochemical characteristics. Results showed that the adsorption kinetic is performed in two steps: external sorption and intraparticle diffusion. The adsorptions of the studied compounds in soils were similar and fitted to the three models but were better fitted to a linear model. In the case of DM-TMP and OH-TMP, their adsorptions were positively correlated with the soil organic matter. In addition, desorption was higher in less organic matter soil (from 1.3 to 30.9%). Furthermore, the desorptions measured for the TMP metabolites were lower than those measured in the case of TMP (from 2.0 and 4.0% for OH-TMP and DM-TMP, respectively, to 9.0% for TMP).
Non-Invasive In Vivo Estimation of HbA1c Using Monte Carlo Photon Propagation Simulation: Application of Tissue-Segmented 3D MRI Stacks of the Fingertip and Wrist for Wearable Systems

The early diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in normal people or maintaining stable blood sugar concentrations in diabetic patients requires frequent monitoring of the blood sugar levels. However, regular monitoring of the sugar levels is problematic owing to the pain and inconvenience associated with pricking the fingertip or using minimally invasive patches. In this study, we devise a noninvasive method to estimate the percentage of the in vivo glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values from Monte Carlo photon propagation simulations, based on models of the wrist using 3D magnetic resonance (MR) image data. The MR image slices are first segmented for several different tissue types, and the proposed Monte Carlo photon propagation system with complex composite tissue support is then used to derive several models for the fingertip and wrist sections with different wavelengths of light sources and photodetector arrangements. The Pearson r values for the estimated percent HbA1c values are 0.94 and 0.96 for the fingertip transmission- and reflection-type measurements, respectively. This is found to be the best among the related studies. Furthermore, a single-detector multiple-source arrangement resulted in a Pearson r value of 0.97 for the wrist. The Bland–Altman bias values were found to be −0.003 ± 0.36, 0.01 ± 0.25, and 0.01 ± 0.21, for the two fingertip and wrist models, respectively, which conform to the standards of the current state-of-the-art invasive point-of-care devices. The implementation of these algorithms will be a suitable alternative to the invasive state-of-the-art methods.
Interaction of Bis-(sodium-sulfopropyl)-Disulfide and Polyethylene Glycol on the Copper Electrodeposited Layer by Time-of-Flight Secondary-Ion Mass Spectrometry

The interactions of the functional additives SPS (bis-(sodium-sulfopropyl)-disulfide) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the presence of chloride ions were studied by time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) in combination with cyclic voltammetry measurements (CV). The PEG, thiolate, and chloride surface coverages were estimated and discussed in terms of their electrochemical suppressing/accelerating abilities. The conformational influence of both the gauche/trans thiolate molecules, as well as around C-C and C-O of PEG, on the electrochemical properties were discussed. The contribution of the hydrophobic interaction of -CH2-CH2- of PEG with chloride ions was only slightly reduced after the addition of SPS, while the contribution of Cu-PEG adducts diminished strongly. SPS and PEG demonstrated significant synergy by significant co-adsorption. It was shown that the suppressing abilities of PEG that rely on forming stable Cu-PEG adducts, identified in the form C2H4O2Cu+ and C3H6OCu+, were significantly reduced after the addition of SPS. The major role of thiolate molecules adsorbed on a copper surface in reducing the suppressing abilities of PEG rely on the efficient capture of Cu2+ ions, diminishing the available copper ions for the ethereal oxygen of PEG.
Ceramides in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: Existing Evidence and Therapeutic Considerations for Diet as an Anticeramide Treatment

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) constitute a set of connective tissue disorders and dysfunctions with akin clinical manifestations and autoantibody responses. AIRD treatment is based on a comprehensive approach, with the primary aim being achieving and attaining disease remission, through the control of inflammation. AIRD therapies have a low target specificity, and this usually propels metabolic disturbances, dyslipidemias and increased cardiovascular risk. Ceramides are implicated in inflammation through several different pathways, many of which sometimes intersect. They serve as signaling molecules for apoptosis, altering immune response and driving endothelial dysfunction and as regulators in the production of other molecules, including sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P). With lipid metabolism being severely altered in AIRD pathology, several studies show that the concentration and variety of ceramides in human tissues is altered in patients with rheumatic diseases compared to controls. As a result, many in vitro and some in vivo (animal) studies research the potential use of ceramides as therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia syndrome, primary Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, myositis, systemic vasculitis and psoriatic arthritis. Furthermore, the majority of ceramide synthesis is diet-centric and, as a result, dietary interventions may alter ceramide concentrations in the blood and affect health. Subsequently, more recently several clinical trials evaluated the possibility of distinct dietary patterns and nutrients to act as anti-ceramide regimes in humans. With nutrition being an important component of AIRD-related complications, the present review details the evidence regarding ceramide levels in patients with AIRDs, the results of anti-ceramide treatments and discusses the possibility of using medical nutritional therapy as a complementary anti-ceramide treatment in rheumatic disease.
Hyperspectral change detection and supervised matched filtering based on covariance equalization

For hyperspectral remote sensing, the physics-based transformation connecting two multivariate sets of spectral radiance data of the same scene collected at two disparate times is approximately linear (plus an offset). Generally, the covariance structures of two such data sets provide partial information about any linear transformation connecting them. The remaining unknown degrees of freedom of the transformation must be deduced from other statistics, or from a knowledge of the underlying phenomenology. Among all the possible transformations consistent with measured pairs of hyperspectral covariance structures, a particularly simple and accurate one has been found. This "rotation free" flavor of "Covariance Equalization" (CE) has led to a simplified signal processing architecture that has been implemented in a real time VNIR hyperspectral target detection system. This paper describes that architecture, presents detection performance results, and introduces a new algorithm for long-interval change detection, Matched Change Detection.
Structure and Mass Segregation in h and χ Persei

We use V magnitudes and spectral types to examine the density structure of h and χ Per. We describe an automatic method for deriving spectral types and compare classifications for observations made at two different facilities. With these data, we measure an extinction to the clusters of E(B - V) = 0.52 ± 0.07, consistent with other authors. However, there appears to be a correlation between the spectral types of the stars used and the resulting value of the extinction. We compare extinction values measured by different authors using different numbers of stars and reproduce their values by imposing different cuts in the V magnitude. This variation in color excess versus spectral type suggests that the standard intrinsic colors for the earliest type stars are bluer than the stars in h and χ Per. We measure centers for h and χ Per at α(2000) = 2h18m56. ˢ4 ± 3. ˢ0, δ(2000) = 57°8′25″ ± 23″ and α(2000) = 2h22m4. ˢ3 ± 2. ˢ9, δ(2000) = 57°8′35″ ± 25″, respectively. We fit the density structure of the clusters and find core radii of 1.9 and 2.4 pc, respectively. Integration of the Miller-Scalo initial mass function suggests overall cluster masses of 5500 and 4300 M⊙ and central densities of 27 and 50 M⊙ pc-3, respectively. We find strong evidence of mass segregation in h Per but not in χ Per. Examination of the dynamical timescales, as well as comparisons between the two clusters, suggest that the mass segregation is partly primordial.