Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deficient Recurrent Cortical Processing in Congenital Deafness

The influence of sensory experience on cortical feedforward and feedback interactions has rarely been studied in the auditory cortex. Previous work has documented a dystrophic effect of deafness in deep cortical layers, and a reduction of interareal couplings between primary and secondary auditory areas in congenital deafness which was particularly pronounced in the top-down direction (from the secondary to the primary area). In the present study, we directly quantified the functional interaction between superficial (supragranular, I to III) and deep (infragranular, V and VI) layers of feline’s primary auditory cortex A1, and also between superficial/deep layers of A1 and a secondary auditory cortex, namely the posterior auditory field (PAF). We compared adult hearing cats under acoustic stimulation and cochlear implant (CI) stimulation to adult congenitally deaf cats (CDC) under CI stimulation. Neuronal activity was recorded from auditory fields A1 and PAF simultaneously with two NeuroNexus electrode arrays. We quantified the spike field coherence (i.e., the statistical dependence of spike trains at one electrode with local field potentials on another electrode) using pairwise phase consistency (PPC). Both the magnitude as well as the preferred phase of synchronization was analyzed. The magnitude of PPC was significantly smaller in CDCs than in controls. Furthermore, controls showed no significant difference between the preferred phase of synchronization between supragranular and infragranular layers, both in acoustic and electric stimulation. In CDCs, however, there was a large difference in the preferred phase between supragranular and infragranular layers. These results demonstrate a loss of synchrony and for the first time directly document a functional decoupling of the interaction between supragranular and infragranular layers of the primary auditory cortex in congenital deafness. Since these are key for the influence of top-down to bottom-up computations, the results suggest a loss of recurrent cortical processing in congenital deafness and explain the outcomes of previous studies by deficits in intracolumnar microcircuitry.
Sutureless and glue-free limbal-conjunctival autograft in primary and recurrent pterygium: A pilot study

Purpose: To evaluate and analyze the outcomes of sutureless and glue-free limbal-conjunctival autografting in cases of primary as well as recurrent pterygium. Methods: This prospective interventional study was carried out between February 2019 and February 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in North India. A total of 70 patients with pterygium underwent sutureless and glue-free limbal-conjunctival autograft. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 patients with primary pterygium (n = 45), group 2 patients with recurrent pterygium (n = 25). The patients were followed up till 12 months postoperatively. Results: The mean age of the patients in group 1 and group 2 was 37.04 ± 8.69 years and 32.52 ± 6.49 years, respectively (P = 0.04). Postoperatively, no recurrence was recorded in group 1. Recurrence was noticed in two patients (8%) of group 2. The BCVA changed from 78.73 ± 9.86 letters to 80.15 ± 7.29 letters (P = 0.45) and from 79.6 ± 6.44 letters to 79.8 ± 5.86 letters (P = 0.45) in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Graft edema was found in seven (15.55%) cases of group 1 and four (16%) cases of group 2. Graft retraction was found in two (4.44%) cases of group 1 and three (12%) cases of group 2. Conclusion: Sutureless and a glue-free limbal-conjunctival autograft is a safe and effective treatment option for primary as well as recurrent pterygium.
Design and Analysis of a High Torque Density Hybrid Permanent Magnet Excited Vernier Machine

Permanent magnet (PM) excited vernier machines capable of high torque density have good potential for electric vehicles while requiring high rare earth PM consumption. To achieve a high torque density at a reasonable material cost, hybrid PM excited vernier machines incorporating both expensive rare earth and low-cost ferrite magnets are investigated in this paper. Various combinations of PM arrangements for the hybrid permanent magnet excited vernier machine are investigated to acquire low cost and superior torque density. The best solution obtained is that the PM on the stator adopts rare earth material while the rotor uses ferrite. Furthermore, the PMs on the stator are arranged in an iron-cored Halbach array, which can reduce leakage flux and enhance flux density effectively and the ferrite PMs are used in the rotor, therefore, high-temperature demagnetization is avoided. Then, the reluctance torque and the cogging torque can offset each other effectively, which is beneficial to reducing the torque ripple and smoothing the electromagnetic torque. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and tested to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Multi-trait Selection for Screening Elite Genotypes of an F2 Rice Population

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A Tailored Lipid Supplement Restored Membrane Fatty Acid Composition and Ameliorates In Vitro Biological Features of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells

Cell culture conditions influence several biological and biochemical features of stem cells (SCs), including the membrane lipid profile, thus limiting the use of SCs for cell therapy approaches. The present study aims to investigate whether the in vitro culture may alter the membrane fatty acid signature of human Amniotic Epithelial Cells (hAECs). The analysis of the membrane fatty acid composition of hAECs cultured in basal medium showed a loss in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in particular in omega-6 (ω-6) content, compared to freshly isolated hAECs. The addition to the basal culture medium of a chemically defined and animal-free tailored lipid supplement, namely Refeed®, partially restored the membrane fatty acid signature of hAECs. Although the amelioration of the membrane composition did not prolong hAECs culture lifespan, Refeed® influenced cell morphology, counteracted the onset of senescence, and increased the migratory capacity as well as the ability of hAECs to inhibit Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) proliferation. This study provides new information on hAEC features during culture passages and demonstrates that the maintenance of the membrane fatty acid signature preserved higher cell quality during in vitro expansion, suggesting the use of lipid supplementation for SC expansion in cell-based therapies.
Ferric chloride amendment reduces phosphorus losses from flooded soil monoliths to overlying floodwater

Abstract The accumulation of phosphorus (P) in agricultural soils and subsequent losses to waterways contribute to eutrophication in surface water bodies. In agricultural lands prone to prolonged flooding during spring snowmelt, P may be released to overlying floodwater and transported to lakes downstream. Ferric chloride (FeCl3) is a potential soil amendment to mitigate P losses, but its effectiveness for flooded soils with snowmelt is not well documented. Thirty-six intact soil monoliths taken from four agricultural fields in Manitoba's Red River Valley region were surface-amended with FeCl3 at three rates (0, 2.5, and 5 Mg ha–1) to evaluate the effectiveness of FeCl3 in minimizing P losses to porewater and floodwater. Over 8 weeks of simulated snowmelt flooding, porewater, and floodwater samples taken weekly were analyzed for concentrations of dissolved reactive P (DRP), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and pH. Change in the redox potential was also measured weekly. With time of flooding, redox potential decreased in all soil monoliths. At early stages of flooding, the porewater pH values were significantly lower in FeCl3-amended monoliths but increased with flooding time. Porewater and floodwater DRP concentrations increased in all soils when flooded, but the magnitudes varied. Amendment of FeCl3 decreased the DRP concentrations from 17% to 97% in porewater and 26% to 99% in floodwater, with the effectiveness varying depending on the soil, FeCl3 rate, and flooding time. Amendment of FeCl3 increased porewater concentrations of Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn. Soil amendment with FeCl3 at both rates shows promise in mitigating redox-induced P losses from flooded soils.
The effect of voltage reversal and elevated temperature on space charge behaviour in XLPE cable

Space charge accumulation in XLPE power cable insulation under dc electric stress and polarity reversal was experimentally studied. It has been found that once space charge appears in the insulation of high voltage dc (HVDC) cable, polarity reversal becomes a crucial operation to cable insulation. The space charge accumulated prior to polarity reversal is fairly stable and can lead to a severe distortion of electric stress through cable insulation immediately after the reversal. To mimic loaded dc cables in service, space charge distribution in a cable with a temperature gradient was also reported.
Incidence and risk factors of delirium in post-anaesthesia care unit.

INTRODUCTION Post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) delirium is a potentially preventable condition that results in a significant long-term effect. In a multicentre prospective cohort study, we investigate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. METHODS Patients were consented and recruited from 4 major hospitals in Singapore. Research ethics approval was obtained. Patients older than 65 years undergoing non-cardiac surgery >2 hours were recruited. Baseline perioperative data were collected. Preoperative baseline cognition was obtained. Patients were assessed in the post-anaesthesia care unit for delirium 30-60 minutes after arrival using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). RESULTS Ninety-eight patients completed the study. Eleven patients (11.2%) had postoperative delirium. Patients who had PACU delirium were older (74.6±3.2 versus 70.6±4.4 years, P=0.005). Univariate analysis showed those who had PACU delirium are more likely to be ASA 3 (63.6% vs 31.0%, P=0.019), had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of >60mL/min/1.73m2 (36.4% vs 10.6%, P=0.013), higher HbA1C value (7.8±1.2 vs 6.6±0.9, P=0.011), raised random blood glucose (10.0±5.0mmol/L vs 6.5±2.4mmol/L, P=0.0066), and moderate-severe depression (18.2% vs 1.1%, P=0.033). They are more likely to stay longer in hospital (median 8 days [range 4-18] vs 4 days [range 2-8], P=0.049). Raised random blood glucose is independently associated with increased PACU delirium on multivariate analysis.
Reliability of Computer-Based CBMs Versus Paper/Pencil Administration for Fact and Complex Operations in Mathematics

Computer-based curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is a relatively common practice, but surprisingly few studies have examined the reliability of computer-based CBM. This study sought to examine the reliability of CBM administered via paper/pencil versus the computer. Twenty-one of 25 students in two third-grade classes (N = 21) participated in two generalizability studies. The primary facet of interest, format of assessment, was examined for two measures, a fact operation (fact family measure) and a more complex operation (multidigit addition). Researchers administered four alternate forms of each measure under both computer and paper/pencil conditions. Results indicated ideal reliability of measurement within all conditions and results were consistent across assessment formats for the fact operation. However, assessment format explained a large proportion of variance for the more complex skill (multidigit addition). Results indicate a need to consider the reliability of transitioning assessment from paper/pencil to computer-based response on a measure-by-measure basis.
The Relationship between Social Exchange Variables and In-Role Performance, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, and Commitment: Evidence from Israeli Community Centers

Community centers provide invaluable services for local communities worldwide. This study examines the relationships between social exchange variables (affection toward supervisors, job satisfaction, distributive justice, and psychological contract violation) and in-role performance, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and commitment forms (community center, job, and the local community). The target population consisted of employees from 24 community centers working for national nonprofit organizations in Israel. A total of 176 questionnaires were distributed, and 129 employees returned usable questionnaires (a response rate of 73%). Supervisors provided information on in-role performance and OCB. The findings show that affection toward supervisors has a strong positive relationship with the three investigated commitment forms and altruistic OCB. Further, psychological contract violation has a negative relationship with in-role performance and OCB. Therefore, we conclude that the process of social exchange represents an important mechanism for increasing in-role performance, OCB, and commitment.
Two Unrecorded Apiospora Species Isolated from Marine Substrates in Korea with Eight New Combinations (A. piptatheri and A. rasikravindrae)

Abstract Although Apiospora Sacc. has previously been considered a sexual morph of Arthrinium species on the basis of phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological diagnoses, a recent study delimited these as different species. Recently, 14 species, including eight new species, of marine Arthrinium have been reported from Korea. Six known species have previously been renamed as species in the genus Apiospora (A. arundinis, A. marii, A. piptatheri, A. rasikravindrae, A. sacchari, and A. saccharicola). However, the eight new species of marine Arthrinium (Ar. agari, Ar. arctoscopi, Ar. fermenti, Ar. koreanum, Ar. marinum, Ar. pusillispermum, Ar. sargassi, and Ar. taeanense) are yet to be studied, and thus the taxonomic status of these species remains to be clarified. In this study, we conducted phylogenetic analyses using the internal transcribed spacer, 28S large subunit ribosomal RNA gene, translation elongation factor 1-alpha, and beta-tubulin regions to confirm the phylogenetic position of these eight species. Based on these analyses, we re-identified the eight Arthrinium species as new combinations in Apiospora. Additionally, among the six known Apiospora species, two (A. piptatheri and A. rasikravindrae) have not previously been recorded in Korea. On the basis of morphological and molecular analyses, we report these as new species in Korea. Herein, we present scanning electron micrographs detailing the morphologies of these species, along with phylogenetic trees and detailed descriptions.
Liver Transcriptome Response to Heat Stress in Beijing You Chickens and Guang Ming Broilers

Heat stress is one of the most prevalent issues in poultry production that reduces performance, robustness, and economic gains. Previous studies have demonstrated that native chickens are more tolerant of heat than commercial breeds. However, the underlying mechanisms of the heat tolerance observed in native chicken breeds remain unelucidated. Therefore, we performed a phenotypical, physiological, liver transcriptome comparative analysis and WGCNA in response to heat stress in one native (Beijing You, BY) and one commercial (Guang Ming, GM) chicken breed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the heat tolerance and identify the potential driver and hub genes related to heat stress in these two genetically distinct chicken breeds. In brief, 80 BY and 60 GM, 21 days old chickens were submitted to a heat stress experiment for 5 days (33 °C, 8 h/day). Each breed was divided into experimental groups of control (Ctl) and heat stress (HS). The results showed that BY chickens were less affected by heat stress and displayed reduced DEGs than GM chickens, 365 DEGs and 382 DEGs, respectively. The transcriptome analysis showed that BY chickens exhibited enriched pathways related to metabolism activity, meanwhile GM chickens’ pathways were related to inflammatory reactions. CPT1A and ANGPTL4 for BY chickens, and HSP90B1 and HSPA5 for GM chickens were identified as potential candidate genes associated with HS. The WGCNA revealed TLR7, AR, BAG3 genes as hub genes, which could play an important role in HS. The results generated in this study provide valuable resources for studying liver transcriptome in response to heat stress in native and commercial chicken lines.
PVA-Based Hydrogels Loaded with Diclofenac for Cartilage Replacement

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels have been widely studied for cartilage replacement due to their biocompatibility, chemical stability, and ability to be modified such that they approximate natural tissue behavior. Additionally, they may also be used with advantages as local drug delivery systems. However, their properties are not yet the most adequate for such applications. This work aimed to develop new PVA-based hydrogels for this purpose, displaying improved tribomechanical properties with the ability to control the release of diclofenac (DFN). Four types of PVA-based hydrogels were prepared via freeze-thawing: PVA, PVA/PAA (by polyacrylic acid (PAA) addition), PVA/PAA+PEG (by polyethylene glycol (PEG) immersion), and PVA/PAA+PEG+A (by annealing). Their morphology, water uptake, mechanical and rheological properties, wettability, friction coefficient, and drug release behavior were accessed. The irritability of the best-performing material was investigated. The results showed that the PAA addition increased the swelling and drug release amount. PEG immersion led to a more compact structure and significantly improved the material’s tribomechanical performance. The annealing treatment led to the material with the most suitable properties: besides presenting a low friction coefficient, it further enhanced the mechanical properties and ensured a controlled DFN release for at least 3 days. Moreover, it did not reveal irritability potential for biological tissues.
Critical Essays

Edward Burnaby Greene (c. 1735- 1788) was an English poet, translator and landowner. This work reflects the era’s preoccupation with Peri Hupsous (‘Longinus’), or On the Sublime, the Roman-era Greek work regarded as a classical treatise on aesthetics and what constitutes good writing. Following the first English translation of Peri Hupsous in 1652 by John Hall, the eighteenth century witnessed the work’s height of popularity, praising its principles of composition and balance. In Critical Essays (1770), Greene celebrates the work’s distinction, after it had “slumbered in mouldy libraries for so considerable an interval. ” The sublime then quickly became a fixation of many eighteenth century art critics and poets like Greene. His work demonstrates the fertility of aesthetic thought that occurred in these times, helping to bridge the gap in aesthetics understanding between Burke's "Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of our Ideas the Sublime and the Beautiful" (1757) and the modern period.
Global existence and stability of time-periodic solution to isentropic compressible Euler equations with source term

In this paper, we study the initial-boundary value problem of one-dimensional isentropic compressible Euler equations with the source term $\beta\rho|u|^{\alpha}u$. By means of wave decomposition and the uniform a-priori estimates, we prove the global existence of smooth solutions under small perturbations around the supersonic Fanno flow. Then, by Gronwall's inequality, we get the smooth solution is time-periodic.
Exploiting Resistive Matrix Technology to Build a Stretchable Sensorised Sock for Gait Analysis in Daily Life

We describe the development and preliminary evaluation of an innovative low-cost wearable device for gait analysis. We have developed a sensorized sock equipped with 32 piezoresistive textile-based sensors integrated in the heel and metatarsal areas for the detection of signals associated with the contact pressures generated during walking phases. To build the sock, we applied a sensing patch on a commercially available sock. The sensing patch is a stretchable circuit based on the resistive matrix method, in which conductive stripes, based on conductive inks, are coupled with piezoresistive fabrics to form sensing elements. In our sensorized sock, we introduced many relevant improvements to overcome the limitations of the classical resistive matrix method. We preliminary evaluated the sensorized sock on five healthy subjects by performing a total of 80 walking tasks at different speeds for a known distance. Comparison of step count and step-to-step frequency versus reference measurements showed a high correlation between the estimated measure and the real one.
An Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Retroreflectivity Performance of In-Service Road Traffic Signs

The road traffic signs in Sweden have no inventory system and it is unknown when a sign has reached the end of its service life and needs to be replaced. As a result, the road authorities do not have a systematic maintenance program for road traffic signs, and many signs which are not in compliance with the minimum retroreflectivity performance requirements are still found on the roads. Therefore, it is very important to find an inexpensive, safe, easy, and highly accurate method to judge the retroreflectivity performance of road signs. This will enable maintenance staff to determine the retroreflectivity of road signs without requiring measuring instruments for retroreflectivity or colors performance. As a first step toward the above goal, this paper aims to identify factors affecting the retroreflectivity of road signs. Two different datasets were used, namely, the VTI dataset from Sweden and NMF dataset from Denmark. After testing different models, two logarithmic regression models were found to be the best-fitting models, with R2 values of 0.50 and 0.95 for the VTI and NMF datasets, respectively. The first model identified the age, direction, GPS positions, color, and class of road signs as significant predictors, while the second model used age, color, and the class of road signs.