Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the water status of economic plants with continuous wave terahertz radiation

Monitoring the water status of economic plants is of vital importance for optimizing irrigation strategies and for a deeper understanding of the influence of drought stress. Most of the conventional techniques for measuring the water content of plants are destructive. Hence, most studies are limited to a small number of control samples. Sensing with electromagnetic waves is non-destructive and thus ideally suited for monitoring the plant water status. In the past two different frequency domains have been employed: the infrared [1] and the microwave frequency range [2]. As infrared waves are heavily absorbed by water infrared spectroscopy only works in reflection geometry. Microwaves, on the other hand, can be used in transmission but only allow for a low spatial resolution. Here, we use terahertz (THz) waves to non-destructively determine the water status of living plants. Terahertz waves are somewhat less heavily absorbed by water than infrared waves and can be used in transmission geometry. Furthermore, they allow for a sub-millimetre spatial resolution [3]. In recent work it was shown, that the optical material parameters obtained by pulsed THz time domain spectrometers can be utilized to derive the water content of leaves [4]. However, these broadband systems are based on expensive femtosecond lasers. In contrast to that, continuous wave (CW) THz systems are built with two inexpensive diode lasers, the emission of which is heterodyned in a photomixing antenna to generate a single tuneable THz frequency.
Role of the Renin–angiotensin System in the Pathogenesis of Peritoneal Fibrosis

⋄ Background Although the effects of angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) have been studied, little is known about ARBs in hypertensive patients undergoing dialysis. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of an ARB, olmesartan medoxomil (CS866), on the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis by examining its effect in a model of peritoneal fibrosis in hypertensive rats. ⋄ Materials and Methods We allocated 40 male Wistar rats with 2-kidney, 1-clip renovascular hypertension (2K1C-RVH) to 4 groups (each n = 10) that were dialyzed using various solutions for 42 days as follows: • Group I—10 mL pH 3.5 dialysis solution containing 1.35% glucose • Group II—10 mL pH 3.5 dialysis solution, plus oral administration of CS866 5 mg/kg daily • Group III—10 mL pH 3.5 dialysis solution, plus oral administration of the calcium channel blocker (CCB) amlodipine 3 mg/kg daily • Group IV—10 mL pH 7.0 dialysis solution Dialysis solution was injected every day for 42 days. ⋄ Results Treatment with CS866 and amlodipine induced a significant reduction of blood pressure in 2K1C-RVH rats. In rats treated with pH 3.5 dialysis solution, necropsy findings revealed features identical to those of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). The typical appearance was multiple surfaces covered with granulation tissue or fibrosic tissue or both. Multiple adhesions were present. Microscopic findings revealed that acidic dialysis solution induced peritoneal fibrosis and loss of mesothelium. Treatment with CS866 prevented the progression of peritoneal fibrosis and adhesions. However amlodipine did not improve the progression of peritoneal fibrosis and peritoneal adhesions. In CS866-treated rats, no signs of EPS were present. ⋄ Conclusions Long-term intraperitoneal exposure to acidic dialysis solution produced features typical of EPS. Acidic dialysis solution induces activation of the peritoneal renin– angiotensin system and progression of peritoneal fibrosis. For the peritoneum undergoing peritoneal dialysis, ARB protects against progression of peritoneal fibrosis and peritoneal adhesions.
Impact on bacterial activities of ocean sequestration of carbon dioxide into bathypelagic layers

The ocean sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2), direct injection of CO2 into bathypelagic layers, is one of the climate change mitigation options. It is essential to assess the potential environmental impacts on the marine ecosystem. In bathypelagic layers, bacteria are dominant organisms and play significant roles in oceanic carbon cycling through utilization and transformation of organic matter. We performed laboratory experiments by acidifying bathypelagic seawater with CO2 gas or buffer solutions to examine the impact on bacterial activities (abundance, production rate, and proportion of viable cells). In the laboratory experiments, we observed some potential effects by artificial changes in CO2 concentration, pH, or both, on bacterial activities. It was suggested that trophic conditions of bacterial assemblage strongly influence the magnitude of the impacts on bacterial activities and metabolisms by CO2 sequestration.
Suppression of non-reciprocal interference in adaptive MIMO-OFDM cellular systems

In a time-division-duplex system the channel state information can be obtained at the transmitter side due to channel reciprocity and it can be used to increase the spectral efficiency of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. However, the interference structure between transmission directions does not necessarily correlate. The transmission parameters assigned based on the reverse link measurements may lead to excessively high frame error rates, if the interference structure between transmission directions differs significantly. In this paper, the performance of an adaptive MIMO-OFDM cellular system is studied in the presence of non-reciprocal multi-cell interference when the downlink interference structure is known at the receiver and/or also known at (reported to) the transmitter. The impact of realistic interference non-reciprocity scenarios for continuous real-time services is studied. Linear minimum mean squared error (MMSE) filter is applied at the receiver to suppress the impact of structured inter-cell interference, together with a simple and bandwidth efficient closed-loop compensation algorithm. Both link and system level simulation results show that the performance gain from interference suppression in the receiver is high, especially at low signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) region (close to the cell edge). The proposed MMSE receiver combined with simple scalar power offset feedback to the transmitter results in nearly the same performance as the case where the interference structure per sub-carrier is perfectly known at the transmitter.
Multiple lines of evidence risk assessment of american robins exposed to polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFS) and polychlorinated dibenzo‐P‐dioxins (PCDDS) in the tittabawassee river floodplain, Midland, Michigan, Usa

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs) in Tittabawassee River floodplain soils and biota downstream of Midland, Michigan, USA, are greater than regional background concentrations. From 2005 to 2008, a multiple lines of evidence approach was utilized to evaluate the potential for effects of PCDD/DFs on American robins (Turdus migratorius) breeding in the floodplains. A dietary‐based assessment indicated there was potential for adverse effects for American robins predicted to have the greatest exposures. Conversely, a tissue‐based risk assessment based on site‐specific PCDD/DF concentrations in American robin eggs indicated minimal potential for adverse effects. An assessment based on reproductive endpoints indicated that measures of hatch success in study areas were significantly less than those of reference areas. However, there was no dose‐response relationship between that endpoint and concentrations of PCDD/DF. Although dietary‐based exposure and reproductive endpoint assessments predicted potential for adverse effects to resident American robins, the tissue‐based assessment indicates minimal to no potential for adverse effects, which is reinforced by the fact the response was not dose related. It is likely that the dietary assessment is overly conservative given the inherent uncertainties of estimating dietary exposure relative to direct tissue‐based assessment measures. Based on the available data, it can be concluded that exposure to PCDD/DFs in the Tittabawassee River floodplain would not likely result in adverse population‐level effects to American robins. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1304–1316. © 2013 SETAC
Further ultrastructural research of Chara vulgaris spermiogenesis: endoplasmic reticulum, structure of chromatin, 3H-lysine and 3H-arginine incorporation.

On the basis of morphological features, 10 consecutive structural phases of spermatids were identified in Chara vulgaris spermiogenesis. They were schematically presented. In early and middle spermiogenesis, i.e. during the period preceding formation of fibrillar structure of mature spermatozoid nucleus, a slight remodelling of chromatin, accompanied by proplastid transformation into an amyloplast as well as by development of 2 flagella and a microtubular manchette, is observed. First, condensed chromatin concentrates around the nuclear envelope (phases III-V) and then it transforms into a network-like structure (phase VI). This change in chromatin structure is preceded by nucleolar extrusion to the cytoplasm where nucleoli become degraded (phase IV) and by a dynamic development of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) (phase V) which is continuous with the nuclear envelope and with RER of the adjacent spermatids via plasmodesmata. The inner membrane of the nuclear envelope invaginates into the nucleoplasm in which "nuclear reticulum" appears. It all happens during increased 3H-arginine and 3H-lysine incorporation into proteins which are rapidly translocated into the nucleus. In medium-late spermiogenesis (phases VI-VIII), network-like condensed chromatin disappears. Next, the structure of the nucleus changes dramatically. Short, randomly positioned fibrils (phase VII) appear and gradually become longer (phase VIII), thicker (phase IX) and more distinct, lying parallel to the surface of elongating and curling nucleus. Membranes of the nuclear envelope become closer to each other and a distinct dark layer--probably lamin--appears adhering to the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope. Towards the end of spermiogenesis (phase X), very densely packed parallel helices, ca 2 nm in diameter, are visible. The surfaces of flagella and the spermatozoid are covered with diamond-shaped larger and smaller scales, respectively. Helically coiled spermatozoids are liberated from antheridial filament cells through earlier created (phase VIII) "liberation pores" with pads of unknown nature.
Perceptions and attitudes towards exercise among Chinese elders – the implications of culturally based self‐management strategies for effective health‐related help seeking and person‐centred care

Encouraging the uptake of physical activity among a culturally diverse elderly population presents a challenge for health‐care providers across the world. Little is known about the health‐care needs of these populations, for example the increasingly ageing group of Chinese elders in many parts of the world who are now facing later life and increasing challenges to their health.
Quality factors.

The quality factor, Q, is a dimensionless modifier used in converting absorbed dose, expressed in gray (or rad), to dose equivalent, expressed in sievert (or rem). The dose equivalent is used in radiation protection to account for the biological effectiveness of different kinds of radiation. The quality factor is related to both linear energy transfer (LET) and relative biological effectiveness (RBE). The RBE obtained from biological experiments depends in a complex way on the observed biological effect, the specific test organism and the experimental conditions. Judgment is involved, therefore, in the choice of Q. Questions regarding the adequacy of current Q values for neutrons were first raised in a 1980 statement by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and later in a 1985 statement by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). In 1980, the NCRP alerted the technical community to the possibility of a future increase between a factor of 3 to 10 in the Q for neutrons, and in 1985, the ICRP suggested an increase by a factor of 2 in Q for fast neutrons. Both these advisory groups are now recommending essentially the same guidance with regard to Q for neutrons: an increase by a factor of 2. The Q for neutrons is based on a large, albeit unfocused, body of experimental data. In spite of the lack of focus, the data supporting a change in the neutron quality factor are substantial. However, the proposed doubling of Q for neutrons is clouded by other issues regarding its application. These issues are discussed, together with the current database for the neutron quality factor. Improvements are needed to provide better guidance with regard to both Q for neutrons and its application in radiation protection.
Objective determination of fatigue development following sun exposure using Advanced Trail Making Test

Sun exposure during leisure activity evokes fatigue. We employed the Advanced Trail Making Test (ATMT), a recently developed objective method of evaluating brain function performance used to measure mental fatigue, for objective determination of fatigue development caused by solar exposure to the human body. First, a survey of consumer awareness was performed, and fatigue development from solar exposure was generally recognized in both summer and spring. In the field test, 15 males (26–41 years old) received sun exposure equivalent to 100 kJ m−2 of ultraviolet radiation three to four times each day for 3 days, during which the subjects wore a short sleeve shirt and a short pant, and covered their head with a towel. A significant increase in scores for subjective sense of fatigue was observed in the evening of all 3 days following sun exposure and on the fourth day, which had no exposure, as well as in the morning of the third and fourth days, as compared with those periods during the control week, which did not have experimental solar exposure. ATMT showed a significant increase in average value in the evening of the first and second days following sun exposure, as well as in the morning of the third and fourth days. In addition, increases in body temperature and heart rate were observed during the exposure periods. The results of multiple regression analysis of subjective feelings showed that fatigue caused by solar exposure was qualitatively different from that in the control week. These results suggest that brain function performance declined following solar exposure as did fatigue development. ATMT results may be useful for quantitative and objective evaluation of mental fatigue caused by sun exposure, along with development of sun care products for the prevention of solar‐caused fatigue.
Existing models and instruments for the selection of assistive technology in rehabilitation practice

Objectives: To review models and instruments for the selection and advisory process of assistive technology in the rehabilitation field as reported in the current scientific literature. Design: Systematic literature review. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (2003–2007). In a peer-review process with four independent investigators, studies were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Because of the poor publication situation, non-research sources were included as well. The data extracted and compared are: information concerning the selection process for assistive technology, whether a client-centred approach is used during the selection procedure, the use of models and instruments, and their compatibility with the ICF. Results: The search resulted in 16 papers. None of the studies had an experimental design; nine of the publications were literature reviews. There is a lack of reliable and valid models and instruments for the selection process of assistive technology in the scientific literature. The prevalence of the Matching Person and Technology Model from Scherer (1998) is explicit in the publications. The ICF and ISO 9999 are the only classification systems mentioned in relation to assistive technology, although rarely. Conclusion: This is a poorly developed field resulting in a lack of evidence-based procedures for AT selection. Such procedures are important to increase consumer satisfaction and the efficiency of AT provision. There is clearly a need for further research in this field.
Genetic determinants of variation in gallbladder disease in the Mexican‐American population

Since there have not been any studies that quantify the influence of genetic factors on gallbladder disease (GBD) in humans using information from families, we utilized pedigree data to explore the genetic control of variation in liability to GBD. Using an extension of a variance components approach, we performed genetic analyses of GBD using information from 32 low‐income Mexican‐American families with two slightly different general models incorporating several sex‐specific GBD risk factors. After evaluating the relative magnitudes of the covariate effects from these two models, we identified a parsimonious model including only significant predictors of GBD. According to this model, heritability for GBD was high (h2 = 0.44 ± 0.18), after accounting for the significant effects of age, leptin in both sexes, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol in males only. We have shown quantitatively that variation in GBD is under strong genetic control. However, there are two major limitations to our findings: (1) since GBD was defined by a self‐reported clinical history rather than an ultrasound examination, the prevalence of GBD could have been underestimated; and (2) since our design did not allow for shared environmental effects, our estimate of heritability may have been inflated. Genet. Epidemiol. 16:191–204, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Weight Loss on Body Composition and Pulmonary Function

Background: The relationship between obesity, impaired respiratory function and weight loss is established. Objective: Some aspects need further elucidation: the different impact of the pathological modifications of body compartments (total and regional fat mass and lean body mass) on respiratory function, the choice of a restricted diet, the relationship between the modifications of body compartments and the variations in respiratory parameters after weight loss. Methods: The restricted diet was elaborated according to the traditional Mediterranean diet. In a series of 16 obese patients, respiratory function was assessed by spirometry; body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, allowing the direct estimation of total and segmental body fat and lean body mass. Results: Weight loss was sustained mainly by fat mass decrease, mostly upper body fat. Total and truncal lean body mass were not affected. Lung volumes and function were improved. A correlation was observed between lean body mass and respiratory parameters, and was unmodified after weight loss. Conclusions: Mediterranean-style restricted diet was well accepted and enabled a selective decrease in fat mass, with a good improvement in lung function. Truncal fat (as well as abdominal fat) was decreased, while truncal lean body mass (i.e. respiratory muscles) were not affected, as expected in obese subjects with respiration problems.
Why are birds' eggs colourful? Eggshell pigments co‐vary with life‐history and nesting ecology among British breeding non‐passerine birds

657.672 The colourful appearance of bird eggshells has long fascinated biologists and considerable research effort has focused on the structure and biochemistry of the avian eggshell matrix. The presence of tetrapyrrole pigments was identified nearly a century ago. Surprisingly, how the concentrations of avian eggshell pigments vary among related species, and whether this variability is associated with either eggshell appearance and/or species life-history traits, remains poorly understood. We quantified the concentrations of the two key eggshell pigments, protoporphyrin IX and biliverdin, from a diverse sample of eggshells stored at the Natural History Museum, Tring, UK. We explicitly tested how these two pigments are associated with physical measures of eggshell coloration and whether the pigment concentrations and colour diversity co-vary with phylogenetic affiliations among species. We also tested a series of comparative hypotheses regarding the association between the concentrations of the two pigments and specific life-history and breeding ecology traits. Across species, the average concentrations of protoporphyrin and biliverdin were positively correlated, and both strongly co-varied with phylogenetic relatedness. Controlling for phylogeny, protoporphyrin concentration was associated with a higher likelihood of cavity nesting and ground nesting, whereas biliverdin concentration was associated with a higher likelihood of non-cavity nesting habit and bi-parental provisioning. Although unlikely to be explained by a single function, the breeding ecology and life history-dependence of eggshell pigment concentrations in these comparative analyses implies that related species share pigment strategies, and that those strategies relate to broad adaptive roles in the evolution of variation in avian eggshell coloration and its underlying mechanisms. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 106, 657-672.
The prevalence of anxiety and depression in Italian patients with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers

Background: Cystic fibrosis, like other chronic diseases, is a risk factor for the development of elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Italian patients with CF and their parents. Methods: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) questionnaires were administered to a sample of patients and their parents recruited at the cystic fibrosis centers in Italy. Results: Elevated levels of anxiety were higher in mothers than in fathers, and also higher in female patients than in male patients. A correlation between elevated levels of anxiety/depression and geographical area also emerged. Patient anxiety (OR 2.33) and depression (OR 4.09) were significantly associated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) <40% and forced vital capacity (FVC) <80% (OR 1.60 and 1.61, respectively). Conclusions: Cystic fibrosis increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression in female patients and in mothers. Geographical differences were observed, with higher anxiety and depression in southern Italy for parents, but not for patients. Anxiety and depression levels also depend on clinical status. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1311–1319. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Minimal Surgical Access to Treat Gynecomastia with the Use of a Power-Assisted Arthroscopic-Endoscopic Cartilage Shaver

Gynecomastia is the most common benign condition of the male breast. The authors present a new method of treatment for gynecomastia that combines traditional liposuction in conjunction with a shaver technique to effectively remove the fibrofatty and the glandular tissues of the male breast and avoid areolar incisions. Twenty-five patients were treated in this fashion, and each patient demonstrated a smooth, masculine breast contour with well-concealed scars in the inframammary folds, eliminating the stigma of breast surgery. The procedure is technically straightforward and provides consistent results. It is offered as an additional option for the treatment of gynecomastia.