Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Isoenzymic Diketocamphane Monooxygenases of Pseudomonas putida ATCC 17453—An Episodic History and Still Mysterious after 60 Years

Researching the involvement of molecular oxygen in the degradation of the naturally occurring bicyclic terpene camphor has generated a six-decade history of fascinating monooxygenase biochemistry. While an extensive bibliography exists reporting the many varied studies on camphor 5-monooxygenase, the initiating enzyme of the relevant catabolic pathway in Pseudomonas putida ATCC 17453, the equivalent recorded history of the isoenzymic diketocamphane monooxygenases, the enzymes that facilitate the initial ring cleavage of the bicyclic terpene, is both less extensive and more enigmatic. First referred to as ‘ketolactonase—an enzyme for cyclic lactonization’—the enzyme now classified as 2,5-diketocamphane 1,2-monooxygenase (EC 1.14.14.108) holds a special place in the history of oxygen-dependent biochemistry, being the first biocatalyst confirmed to undertake a biooxygenation reaction equivalent to the peracid-catalysed Baeyer–Villiger chemical oxidation first reported in the late 19th century. However, following that auspicious beginning, the biochemistry of EC 1.14. 14.108, and its isoenzymic partner 3,6-diketocamphane 1,6-monooxygenase (EC 1.14.14.155) was dogged for many years by the mistaken belief that the enzymes were true flavoproteins that function with a tightly-bound flavin cofactor in the active site. This misconception led to a number of erroneous interpretations of relevant experimental data. It is only in the last decade, initially as the result of pure serendipity, that these enzymes have been confirmed to be members of a relatively recently discovered class of oxygen-dependent enzymes, the flavin-dependent two-component monooxygenases. This has promoted a renaissance of interest in the enzymes, resulting in programmes of research that have significantly expanded current knowledge of both their mode of action and regulation in camphor-grown P. putida ATCC 17453. However, some features of the biochemistry of the isoenzymic diketocamphane monooxygenases remain currently unexplained. It is the episodic history of these enzymes and some of what remains unresolved that are the principal subjects of this review.
Universal Mail Ballot Delivery Boosts Turnout: The Causal Effects of Sending Mail Ballots to All Registered Voters

Some American states have transitioned to universal voting-by-mail, where all registered voters receive a ballot in the mail. While this practice was growing in popularity prior to the 2020 general election, universal voting-by-mail was suddenly used in a larger number of states due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we utilize a unique situation in which registered voters in some legislative districts in Los Angeles County were subjected to universal voting-by-mail in the March 2020 primary, while most of the rest of the Los Angeles County electorate was not. Using difference-in-difference and regression discontinuity designs, we estimate the causal effects of universal voting-by-mail on voter turnout and on who votes. Our results indicate that voter turnout increased by around 3\% for voters who do not automatically receive a ballot in the mail otherwise, and the increase is larger for registered partisan voters than those without a party affiliation.
Response based design conditions in the North Sea: Application of a new method

The estimation of rare, extreme environments from a relatively short oceanographic database is crucial to the calculation of loads and responses of offshore structures. A novel and consistent approach has been developed that makes use of a number of asymptotic properties of extremes. A storm can be adequately characterized by its most probable extreme wave or the resultant structural response. This allows them to treat storms, rather than sea states, as the essential random, independent events; to account correctly for uncertainty in the largest wave and structural response within a storm; and to deal with the uncertainty in the severity of randomly arriving storms, including the rare storms that are more severe than those in the database. The method provides the long term load statistics essential to reliability analysis and to the calibration of environmental load factors in design codes. The demonstrate the application of the method to the prediction of extreme waves, loads and ``response based`` environmental design conditions for a drag dominated structure in the North Sea.
Simultaneous heat and mass transfer in a catenary cooling tower

A 6-in. i.d. catenary contactor was used to evaluate the performance of this device as a new type of cooling tower. A fractional factorial statistical study facilitated the incorporation of all 21 independent variables applicable to this system. Regression models showed that the catenary behavior is analogous to and can be predicted by traditional cooling tower theory. These models also showed that an improved available coefficient based on mass transfer more accurately predicts catenary cooling tower performance. In comparison with conventional cooling towers and within the range of these data it appears that a catenary is more stable with changes in liquid-to-gas ratio, L/G, and that it can handle nearly twice the liquid and gas loadings. Catenary contactors could have a promising future in that they should also conserve space and be economical to purchase.
Quasi-velocity-matched LiTaO3 guided-wave optical phase modulator for integrated ultrashort optical pulse generators

A quasi-velocity-matched guided-wave optical phase modulator using periodically domain inverted LiTaO3 is fabricated and demonstrated for the first time to the best of the authors' knowledge. Band modulation characteristics and the generation of optical side-bands of ~100 GHz are confirmed successfully. This modulator can be used to construct an integrated ultrashort optical pulse generator.
Distributions of Aβ42 and Aβ42/40 in the Cerebrospinal Fluid in View of the Probability Theory

Amyloid β 42/40 concentration quotient has been empirically shown to improve accuracy of the neurochemical diagnostics of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) compared to the Aβ42 concentration alone, but this improvement in diagnostic performance has not been backed up by a theoretical argumentation so far. In this report we show that better accuracy of Aβ42/40 compared to Aβ1-42 is granted by fundamental laws of probability. In particular, it can be shown that the dispersion of a distribution of a quotient of two random variables (Aβ42/40) is smaller than the dispersion of the random variable in the numerator (Aβ42), provided that the two variables are proportional. Further, this concept predicts and explains presence of outlying observations, i.e., AD patients with falsely negatively high Aβ42/40 ratio, and non-AD subjects with extremely low, falsely positive, Aβ42/40 ratio.
Control of an electropneumatic actuator: Comparison between some linear and non-linear control laws

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present and to compare some linear and non-linear control laws for an electropneumatic positioning system both for point-to-point control and for tracking control. The experimental results are presented in terms of repeatability for each control law implemented on the same device: an in-line electropneumatic servo-drive. Different kinds of model, namely a non-linear affine model, linearized tangent model and a reduced linearized tangent model, are presented to synthesize the different control laws. For this a new mathematical modelling of the servo-distributor flow stage is described.
The genome sequence of the lesser marbled fritillary, Brenthis ino, and evidence for a segregating neo-Z chromosome

The lesser marbled fritillary, Brenthis ino (Rottemburg, 1775), is a species of Palearctic butterfly. Male B. ino individuals have been reported to have between 12 and 14 pairs of chromosomes, a much reduced chromosome number than is typical in butterflies. Here we present a chromosome-level genome assembly for B. ino, as well as gene and transposable element annotations. The assembly is 411.8 Mb in span with contig and scaffold N50s of 9.6 and 29.5 Mb respectively. We also show evidence that the male individual from which we generated HiC data was heterozygous for a neo-Z chromosome, consistent with inheriting 14 chromosomes from one parent and 13 from the other. This genome assembly will be a valuable resource for studying chromosome evolution in Lepidoptera, as well as for comparative and population genomics more generally.
Feedback-controlled lubrication for reducing the lateral vibration of flexible rotors supported by tilting-pad journal bearings

The feedback-controlled lubrication regime, based on a model-free designed proportional–derivative controller, is experimentally investigated in a flexible rotor mounted on an actively-lubricated tilting-pad journal bearing. With such a lubrication regime, both the resulting pressure distribution over the pads and hence the bearing dynamic properties are dynamically modified. The control strategy is focused on reducing the lateral vibrations of the system around its operational equilibrium within a wide frequency range. To synthesize the proportional–derivative controller gains, an objective function is optimized in the stabilizing gain domain and then chosen from a subdomain imposed by servovalve restrictions. This work demonstrates enhancements of the dynamic response of flexible rotor-bearing systems supported by an active tilting-pad journal bearing by means of the feedback-controlled lubrication regime featured via proportional–derivative controllers.
Parâmetros genéticos de relações de pesos, características de fertilidade e crescimento em vacas da raça Canchim

The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of age at first calving (AFC), body condition score at first calving (BCF), body condition score at calving (BCC), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (W12), weaning weight of calf/weight of cow at calving (RCC) and weaning weight of first calf/weight of cow at first calving (RCCF) ratios, and genetic correlations of AFC, BCF, WW and W12 with RCCF, in a Canchim beef cattle herd. The variance and covariance components were obtained by bayesian inference with single and two-trait analyses. The statistical models included the additive direct and maternal, the permanent environmental and the residual random effects, and the fixed effects of year and month of birth or of calving, age of cow at calving and sex of calf, depending on the trait. The posterior means of heritability, obtained by single-trait analyses, were 0.12 (AFC), 0.36 (BCF), 0.18 (BCC), 0.50 (WW), 0.46 (W12), 0.16 (RCC) and 0.40 (RCCF) indicating that these traits have enough genetic variability to show response to mass selection with the exception of AFC. The genetic correlations of AFC (-0.61), BCF (-0.36), WW (-0.20) and W12 (-0.05) with RCCF suggest that selection to reduce age and body condition score at first calving should improve the productivity trait of females at first calving, while selection for heavier females at young ages would not promote any change in the productivity of dams.
Radial and axial variation in specific gravity and anatomical properties of plantation grown Eucalyptus citriodora Hook

Radial and axial variation in specific gravity and certain anatomical properties were investigated in twenty year old plantation grown Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. Specific gravity and certain anatomical properties varied significantly in both directions. Average specific gravity ranged from 0.666 to 0.711 pith outwards and 0.762 to 0.728 base upwards; average fibre length ranged from 1062 μm to 1301 μm and 1211 μm to 1166 μm in radial and axial directions respectively. Similarly vessel diameter showed a range of 112 μm to 151 μm radially and 118 μm to 141 μm axially; vessel element length ranged from 405 μm to 505 μm in radial direction and 428 μm to 461 μm in axial direction. Although the fibre diameter, fibre lumen diameter and wall thickness showed significant variation, the differences in their values were found to be minor. Maximization of parameters was taking place after 75% of radial distance for specific gravity and fibre length. Based on general features, physical properties and anatomical structure, the wood can be used in furniture and handicraft industries.
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora caninum and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus in smallholder dairy cattle in Kenya

Little is known of the risk factors associated with occurrence of Neospora caninum and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) infection in Kenya. This cross-sectional study hypothesized that there are significant biosecurity measures associated with N. caninum and BVDV infections on smallholder dairy farms in Kenya that could be adopted to reduce seroprevalence and impacts. From 158 randomly selected farms in Meru County, Kenya, 470 serum samples were collected from dairy cattle (over six months of age and unvaccinated for these two pathogens). Sera were analyzed for antibodies to N. caninum and antibodies and antigens to BVDV. Data on risk factors were obtained through face-to-face interviews with the farmers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify significant risk factors associated with seropositivity for the pathogens. The apparent seroprevalence of N. caninum, BVDV antibody, BVDV antigen, and co-infection with N. caninum and BVDV antibody and/or antigen were 35.1%, 47.1%, 36.2% and 18.5%, respectively. Risk factors associated with N. caninum antibody included: introducing milking cows into the farm, lending of cattle between farms, farm dogs having access to bovine aborted fetuses, and dogs whelping in the farm compound, with an interaction between the last two variables. BVDV antigen was associated with cattle having contact with pigs, and an interaction between cattle age and whether farms introduced new calves onto farms, and cattle age and whether visiting dairy farmers have access to the cow shed. Cows had higher odds of having BVDV antibodies compared to heifers. Factors associated with co-infection included cow parity, direct contact between dairy cattle, dogs and goats, and introducing new milking cows into the farms. Antibody and antigen results may be partly a function of classical swine fever virus or border disease virus interactions. Farmer education on these biosecurity measures is recommended, along with introduction of BVDV vaccination.
Dynamic performance of a STATCON at an HVDC inverter feeding a very weak AC system

This paper investigates the dynamic performance of the advanced static VAr compensator or STATCON at a high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter terminal where the AC system has a very low short circuit ratio (SCR). The STATCON is based on a nine-level GTO thyristor inverter. The studies include operating characteristics of the STATCON under various AC and DC disturbances. The simulation results are compared with other types of reactive power compensation options available for such applications. It is shown that the STATCON has clear advantages over the other compensators, in areas such as: fault response time; voltage support ability; and DC recovery, while operating with very weak AC systems.
Pushing the Limits of LiNbO3-based High Temperature SAW Sensors

Thanks to its large electromechanical coupling, lithium niobate LiNbO3 ferroelectric material enables the achievement of surface acoustic wave sensors in the reflective delay line configuration. The latter is particularly interesting for many applications as the response of the sensor is like a binary code in the time domain, thus providing the identification functionality to the sensor. Consequently, 2.45 GHz LiNbO3-based SAW reflective delay lines have been widely used as wireless identifiable sensors up to temperatures close to 400°C for more than a decade. In this study are investigated the origins of this limitation in temperature. Different metallic electrodes are studied and, among them, innovative NiAl alloy thin films are tested in order to push the limits of use of this technology to temperatures up to 600°C.
The influence of wheel–housing shape on vehicle aerodynamic performance

Despite intense research into the flow around a road vehicle, the drag coefficient has plateaued at about 0.3 and further reductions will come from wheel associated areas. The wheel housings have had relatively little attention despite contributing significant disturbances to the airflow. A simple two wheeled body was developed to reproduce wheel effects of a typical passenger car. Benchmarking experiments were performed in a wind tunnel using a double–symmetry testing concept. CFD techniques were used for parametric study. A number of parameters were analysed and the flow structures indicate that wheel–housing shape has a significant influence on the vehicle aerodynamics.
Determinants of the Land Registration Information System Operational Success: Empirical Evidence from Ethiopia

Ethiopia has embarked on one of the largest digitalization programs for rural land registration in Africa. The program is called the national rural land administration information system (NRLAIS). Over the past couple of years, NRLAIS was rolled-out and made operational in over 180 woredas (districts). There is, however, limited empirical evidence on whether and to what extent NRLAIS has been successful. This study explores the factors that influence the acceptance and actual use of NRLAIS to gauge its operational success in Ethiopia. Data were collected both from primary and secondary sources using surveys, key informant interviews, and a literature review. Survey data were collected from 201 staff of 50 woreda land administration offices in three regional states (Amhara, Oromia, and SNNP) and analyzed using a structural equation model. The results revealed that system quality, information quality, service quality, and perceived usefulness of NRLAIS have positively and significantly influenced the acceptance and actual use of the system. However, perceived ease of use has an insignificant influence. The predictive relevance of the research model is significant and indicates substantial operational success of NRLAIS. The quick acceptance and use of NRLAIS will likely improve service delivery, promote data integration, and strengthen informed decision-making. The study recommends strengthening behavioral changes of the land administration experts through two enhanced service quality measures—technical and operational capacity to a robust and sustainable digitalization. Policymakers could leverage operational success to upgrade the NRLAIS into a unified national land registration information system that bridges the urban–rural land governance divide.
Design and Implementation of A Mobile Urban Low-Cost Environmental Sensor Network

Distributed sensor networks are increasingly used to collect high-resolution environmental data over extended time periods. However, it is unclear how to best design a sensor network to capture temporal and spatial variability of environmental factors in urban areas. This paper presents a real-world study to collect particulate matter and meteorological data via handheld sensing devices. The results show the power of mobile sensing networks in collecting spatially dense data and demonstrate their potential to capture temporal variability. The contributions of this work include a novel mobile sensor study design and affirmation that mobile sensing is worthwhile for urban data collection.
Novel universal voltage-mode biquad filter with three inputs and one output using only two current conveyors

A new universal voltage-mode second-order filter with three inputs and one output employing two current conveyors, two capacitors and three resistors is presented. With the same number of passive elements, the new filter employs one less current conveyor than the latest published paper. Also, the new filter does not need a voltage follower. The new circuit still offers the following advantageous features of the published filter of this category: realization of all-pass, notch, high-pass, bandpass and low-pass signals from the same configuration, no requirements for component-matching conditions, orthogonal control of ω0 and Q, low active and passive sensitivities.
Remote Photobiomodulation Treatment for the Clinical Signs of Parkinson's Disease: A Case Series Conducted During COVID-19.

Objective: To assess whether remote application of photobiomodulation (PBM) is effective in reducing clinical signs of Parkinson's disease (PD). Background: PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure and few treatment options. There is a strong link between the microbiome-gut-brain axis and PD. PBM in animal models can reduce the signs of PD and protect the neurons from damage when applied directly to the head or to remote parts of the body. In a clinical study, PBM has been shown to improve clinical signs of PD for up to 1 year. Methods: Seven participants were treated with PBM to the abdomen and neck three times per week for 12 weeks. Participants were assessed for mobility, balance, cognition, fine motor skill, and sense of smell on enrolment, after 12 weeks of treatment in a clinic and after 33 weeks of home treatment. Results: A number of clinical signs of PD were shown to be improved by remote PBM treatment, including mobility, cognition, dynamic balance, spiral test, and sense of smell. Improvements were individual to the participant. Some improvements were lost for certain participants during at-home treatment, which coincided with a number of enforced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown periods. Conclusions: Remote application of PBM was shown to be an effective treatment for a number of clinical signs of PD, with some being maintained for 45 weeks, despite lockdown restrictions. Improvements in clinical signs were similar to those seen with the application of remote plus transcranial PBM treatment in a previous study. Clinical Trial Registration number: U1111-1205-2035.
Medicolegal Aspects of Victims of Assault Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka

Introduction: Violence with physical assault is a common cause of morbidity and mortality prevalent but not limited to underdeveloped countries. The opinion of the forensic expert is often indispensable in such cases to determine the penalties. This study was planned to describe the pattern of presentation of the victims and evaluate the strengths and limitations in formulating a scientific medicolegal opinion based on the findings of the victim. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study based on the case records of the victims of assault admitted to Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka, was conducted for four years. Results: Out of the 400 victims, the majority (72% n = 290) were males and of the age-group of 21 to 40 (n = 216). The reason for assault in the majority was sudden provocation (n = 99, 25%), followed by previous long-duration enmity (n = 89, 22%). The majority (83%) had isolated blunt force trauma, and the injuries were nongrievous (74%). Defense injuries were significantly associated with attempted defense (p = 0.000) and sharp force trauma (p = 0.002). The underlying reason for the assault was not significantly associated with the causative weapon (p = 0.228) or body region injured (p = 0.195). Conclusions: Even though the presentation and the pattern of injures are definitely of value in formulating a scientific opinion, the study identified the limitations of the forensic experts, and the need for a holistic approach at the investigations was highlighted.