Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of urease synthesis in developing soybeans.

An examination of in vivo polysome-bound activity indicates that soybean (Glycine max, cv. Prize) seed urease is synthesized on large polysomes (n >/= 15). In vitro urease synthesis is directed by a large RNA (3,000-3,300 nucleotides). Urease synthesis occurs throughout the normal protein biosynthetic phase of the developing seed. Surprisingly, the activity/antigen ratios of urease increase throughout development. Urease appears to be in a more highly polymerized state in mature beans versus beans in early development.During the 55 days from pollination to maturity, urease specific antigen (antigen versus total seed protein) is greatest on the 20th day, representing 0.6% of total extractable protein. Its synthesis proceeds until the end of the protein biosynthetic phase, approximately day 40. In contrast, the appearance of urease enzyme activity lags that of antigen during early development (11-20 days) and plateaus in late development. Mixing experiments suggest no role for putative urease inhibitors or activators during development. However, several electrophoretically slow migrating forms are unique to the urease of mature beans. It is not known if these are more active species.An active urease species exhibits an RNAse-sensitive cosedimentation with a heavy polyribosome class (n >/= 15). Polyadenylated RNA, size-fractionated to 3,000 to 3,300 bases, directed the synthesis in vitro of a major translational product electrophoretically and immunologically similar to the in vivo-synthesized urease subunit.
Assessment of airway visualization: validation of the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) scale.

OBJECTIVE Research defining optimal methods of intubation has been limited by the lack of a validated outcome measure to assess airway visualization. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable scale for the assessment of airway visualization during endotracheal intubation. METHODS This prospective study was performed to assess the intra- and interphysician reliabilities of emergency physicians (EPs) for estimating the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) that is visualized during direct laryngoscopy. Using video images of laryngeal views obtained from a commercially available videotape, still slide images were prepared representing glottic openings ranging from 0% to 100%. Five EPs, blinded to study objective, reviewed 25 pairs of airway slides (50 slides total). For each slide, the physicians recorded the POGO and their scores using a modified Cormack-Lehane (MCL) scale, where grade I is a view of the full glottic opening, MCL grade II is a partial view of the glottic opening, and MCL grade III is a view of the epiglottis only. Inter- and intraphysician reliabilities were assessed using the kappa statistic (K) for MCL grade and intraclass correlation coefficient for the POGO scores. RESULTS For the POGO score, the degree of intrarater reliability was very good, with an intraphysician correlation of 0.85 and an interphysician correlation of 0.74. For the MCL score, the intraphysician concordance had a K of 0.71, and interphysician concordance was also good, with a kappa of 0.59. CONCLUSION Both the modified version of the Cormack-Lehane grading classification and the POGO score have good interphysician and intraphysician reliabilities. Because the POGO score can distinguish patients with large and small degrees of partial glottic visibility, it might provide a better outcome for assessing the difference between various intubation techniques.
The role of spatial frequency information in the recognition of facial expressions of pain

Abstract Being able to detect pain from facial expressions is critical for pain communication. Alongside identifying the specific facial codes used in pain recognition, there are other types of more basic perceptual features, such as spatial frequency (SF), which refers to the amount of detail in a visual display. Low SF carries coarse information, which can be seen from a distance, and high SF carries fine-detailed information that can only be perceived when viewed close up. As this type of basic information has not been considered in the recognition of pain, we therefore investigated the role of low-SF and high-SF information in the decoding of facial expressions of pain. Sixty-four pain-free adults completed 2 independent tasks: a multiple expression identification task of pain and core emotional expressions and a dual expression “either-or” task (pain vs fear, pain vs happiness). Although both low-SF and high-SF information make the recognition of pain expressions possible, low-SF information seemed to play a more prominent role. This general low-SF bias would seem an advantageous way of potential threat detection, as facial displays will be degraded if viewed from a distance or in peripheral vision. One exception was found, however, in the “pain-fear” task, where responses were not affected by SF type. Together, this not only indicates a flexible role for SF information that depends on task parameters (goal context) but also suggests that in challenging visual conditions, we perceive an overall affective quality of pain expressions rather than detailed facial features.
A novel method to evaluate residence time in humans using a nonpenetrating fluorescent tracer.

PURPOSE The purpose of these investigations was to develop an improved method for measuring precorneal residence time (RT) and to demonstrate its efficacy with novel formulations. METHODS A biomicroscope was adapted for use as a clinical fluorometer. Using a nonpenetrating fluorescent probe (FITC-dextran, 70,000-73,000 molecular weight [MW]), RT was estimated as the time to return to baseline (gross RT) and from parameters derived from least-squares regression fits to the decay data (area under the curve [AUC], elimination rate, and time for 50% of the signal to be eliminated [T(50)]). One rabbit and two human studies were conducted. The studies were randomized, double-masked, and controlled. Repeatability in humans was examined in 15 subjects (six determinations per subject, n = 90 total). RESULTS The FITC-dextran tracer did not penetrate into corneal tissue. The rabbit gross RTs were 14.5, 15.0, and 16.0 minutes for three low-viscosity solutions (eta = 2.7-7.7 mPa/sec) and 22.5 minutes for a more viscous solution (eta = 357 mPa/sec). For a high-viscosity (eta approximately equal 30,000 mPa/sec) gel in humans, the method demonstrated approximately a twofold increase in gross RT and AUC compared with buffered saline. Repeatability of the method appeared acceptable, with intersubject variability the most significant factor affecting precision. CONCLUSIONS The new method is safe and convenient and offers comprehensive RT data. Furthermore, it appears to differentiate among formulations. However, as with other tear-influenced parameters, there is significant variability. Thus, sufficient sample sizes are necessary for meaningful comparative investigations.
Fault-Tolerant Processor Arrays Based on the 1½-Track Switches with Flexible Spare Distributions

A mesh-connected processor array consists of many similar processing elements (PEs) which can be executed in both parallel and pipeline processing. For the implementation of an array of large numbers of processors, some fault-tolerant issues are necessary to enhance the (fabrication-time) yield and the (run-time) reliability. In this paper, we propose a fault-tolerant reconfigurable processor array using single-track switches like Kung et al.'s model. The reconfiguration process in our model is executed based on the concept of the "compensation path" like Kung et al.'s method, too. In our model, spare PEs are not necessarily put around the array, but are more flexibly put in the array by changing connections between spare PEs and nonspare PEs while retaining the connections among nonspare PEs in the same manner in Kung et al.'s model. The proposed model has such a desirable property that physical distances between logically adjacent PEs in the reconfigured array are within a constant, that is, independent of sizes of arrays. We show that the hardware overhead of the proposed model is a little greater than that of Kung et al.'s model, while the yield of the proposed model is much better than that of Kung et al.'s model.
Airway dysfunction in elite athletes – an occupational lung disease?

Airway dysfunction is prevalent in elite endurance athletes and when left untreated may impact upon both health and performance. There is now concern that the intensity of hyperpnoea necessitated by exercise at an elite level may be detrimental for an athlete's respiratory health. This article addresses the evidence of causality in this context with the aim of specifically addressing whether airway dysfunction in elite athletes should be classified as an occupational lung disease. The approach used highlights a number of concerns and facilitates recommendations to ensure airway health is maintained and optimized in this population. We conclude that elite athletes should receive the same considerations for their airway health as others with potential and relevant occupational exposures.
Pathophysiology of acute brain dysfunction: what's the cause of all this confusion?

Purpose of reviewTo survey the recent medical literature examining the pathophysiology of acute brain dysfunction (delirium and coma) in the ICU. Recent findingsClinical risk factors for brain dysfunction in the ICU continue to be elucidated and prediction models developed. Multiple studies have identified sedatives, especially benzodiazepines, as modifiable risk factors for delirium. Imaging studies examining global brain disorders have demonstrated white matter lesions and brain atrophy to be associated with delirium. Endothelial dysfunction, increased blood–brain barrier permeability, and reduced blood flow have also been implicated in cerebral perfusion abnormalities associated with brain dysfunction. The response of the brain to inflammation, including activation of microglia and neuronal apoptosis, leads to synaptic and neurochemical disturbances. Decreased availability of acetylcholine during critical illness leads to decreased counter-regulatory activity in response to inflammatory disease states, likely causing additional injury and further neurotransmitter imbalances. Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin excess and their respective amino acid precursors have also been associated with brain dysfunction. SummaryThe multifactorial pathophysiology of acute brain dysfunction remains incompletely understood. Multiple clinical risk factors have been identified and numerous pathophysiologic pathways have been hypothesized. Future research is required to investigate the roles of these pathways on differing clinical presentations, potential therapeutic options, and patient outcomes.
Rhodiola rosea therapy for major depressive disorder: a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea), a botanical of both western and traditional Chinese medicine, has been used as a folk remedy for improving stamina and reducing stress. However, few controlled clinical trials have examined the safety and efficacy of R. rosea for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). This study seeks to evaluate the safety and efficacy of R. rosea in a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study design. METHODS / DESIGN Subjects with MDD not receiving antidepressant therapy will be randomized to either R. rosea extract 340-1,360 mg daily; sertraline 50-200 mg daily, or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be change over time in the mean 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating score. Secondary outcome measures will include safety and quality of life ratings. Statistical procedures will include mixed-effects models to assess efficacy for primary and secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION This study will provide valuable preliminary information on the safety and efficacy data of R. rosea versus conventional antidepressant therapy of MDD. It will also inform additional hypotheses and study design of future, fully powered, phase III clinical trials with R. rosea to determine its safety and efficacy in MDD.
Steady-State Analysis of a Dual-Winding Reluctance Generator With a Multiple-Barrier Rotor

This paper presents the modeling and steady-state performance of a novel dual-winding reluctance generator (DWRG) that uses a multiple-barrier (MB) rotor. A simple mathematical model was developed, and the effects of external parameters (speed, field current, and load) on the steady-state performance were analyzed. Experimental results conducted on a prototype machine were also provided to justify the theoretical approach and performance calculations. The developed model takes into account the magnetic saturation and core loss and enables a quantitative prediction of load characteristics from the no-load test data.
Screening of Cognitive Impairment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Cognitive dysfunction is common and clinically important in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale in screening severe cognitive dysfunction in 149 patients with COPD, mean age 69.3 ± 8.5 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s = 36.6 ± 17.8% of the predicted. Patients underwent the MMSE and an in-depth neuropsychological assessment based upon the Mental Deterioration Battery (MDB). The 5-item IADL scale was assessed. The sample was randomly divided into a training (n = 73) and a testing (n = 76) population. The diagnostic accuracy of MMSE, IADL scale or both versus cognitive dysfunction corresponding to abnormal performance in 3 or more MDB tests was assessed in the training population and the model obtained was tested in the testing population. The combination of MMSE <24 and dependence in at least 1 IADL had better diagnostic accuracy than either MMSE or IADL, with sensitivity = 52.4, specificity = 82.7, positive predictive value = 55.0% and negative predictive value = 81.1% in the testing population. MMSE and the 5-item IADL scale can be used to exclude, but not to detect cognitive dysfunction in COPD patients. A confirmatory cognitive test should be administered to patients with an MMSE score of <24 and who are dependent in at least 1 IADL.
Paper-based strain sensing material

We have developed an inexpensive inkjet printing process to fabricate percolation-based resistive strain gauges in a paper substrate. These strain sensors were fabricated by inkjet printing different suspensions containing conductive carbon black (CB). We have measured the resistance of these elements as a function of strain under low frequency cyclic loads to characterize the sensitivity of these sensing materials. Within the range of parameters investigated, our results suggest that a suspension with 3 wt% CB and 0.1 wt% binder has the highest sensitivity with a gauge factor (GF) of up to 70; however, these materials show a limited reproducibility. Devices printed from other suspensions show a lower gauge factor but can have a much higher reproducibility with a coefficient of variation of their GF below 10%. This makes these inexpensive materials ideal for disposable devices that only need to carry out a few measurements such as load and / or impact force measurement with packing material or destructive testing.
The role of mitochondria in inherited neurodegenerative diseases

In the past decade, the genetic causes underlying familial forms of many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegia, dominant optic atrophy, Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth type 2A, neuropathy ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa, and Leber's hereditary optic atrophy have been elucidated. However, the common pathogenic mechanisms of neuronal death are still largely unknown. Recently, mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a potential ‘lowest common denominator’ linking these disorders. In this review, we discuss the body of evidence supporting the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of hereditary neurodegenerative diseases. We summarize the principal features of genetic diseases caused by abnormalities of mitochondrial proteins encoded by the mitochondrial or the nuclear genomes. We then address genetic diseases where mutant proteins are localized in multiple cell compartments, including mitochondria and where mitochondrial defects are likely to be directly caused by the mutant proteins. Finally, we describe examples of neurodegenerative disorders where mitochondrial dysfunction may be ‘secondary’ and probably concomitant with degenerative events in other cell organelles, but may still play an important role in the neuronal decay. Understanding the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to neurodegeneration and its pathophysiological basis will significantly impact our ability to develop more effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Robust Restoration Method for Active Distribution Networks

Distributed generations (DGs) introduce significant uncertainties to restoration of active distribution networks, in addition to roughly estimated load demands. An adjustable robust restoration optimization model with a two-stage objective is proposed in this paper, involving the uncertain DG outputs and load demands. The first stage generates optimal strategies for recovery of outage power and the second stage seeks the worst-case fluctuation scenarios. The model is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming problem and solved using the column-and-constraint generation method. The feasibility and reliability of the strategies obtained via this robust optimization model can be guaranteed for all cases in the predefined uncertainty sets with good performance. A technique known as the uncertainty budget is used to adjust the conservativeness of this model, providing a tradeoff between conservativeness and robustness. Numerical tests are carried out on the modified PG&E 69-bus system and a modified 246-bus system to compare the robust optimization model against a deterministic restoration model, which verifies the superiority of this proposed model.
Modulation of vergence during the vestibulo-ocular reflex

It is commonly believed that during the compensatory slow-phases of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), eyes move in a perfectly conjugate fashion (i.e. the vergence component is zero). Consequently, VOR measurements are often restricted to either conjugate recordings or to single eye recordings. During binocular recordings of the angular VOR in the dark, we observed a significant vergence component even in normal subjects. More interestingly, the measured vergence component modulated with head velocity. The modulation of vergence during the VOR in the dark could imply a vestibular contribution to vergence. These observations suggest a shared central controller for both version and vergence.
Server-Aided Revocable Predicate Encryption: Formalization and Lattice-Based Instantiation

Efficient user revocation is a necessary but challenging problem in many multi-user cryptosystems. Among known approaches, server-aided revocation yields a promising solution, because it allows to outsource the major workloads of system users to a computationally powerful third party, called the server, whose only requirement is to carry out the computations correctly. Such a revocation mechanism was considered in the settings of identity-based encryption and attribute-based encryption by Qin et al. (2015, ESORICS) and Cui et al. (2016, ESORICS ), respectively. In this work, we consider the server-aided revocation mechanism in the more elaborate setting of predicate encryption (PE). The latter, introduced by Katz et al. (2008, EUROCRYPT), provides fine-grained and role-based access to encrypted data and can be viewed as a generalization of identity-based and attribute-based encryption. Our contribution is 2-fold. First, we formalize the model of server-aided revocable PE (SR-PE), with rigorous definitions and security notions. Our model can be seen as a non-trivial adaptation of Cui et al.’s work into the PE context. Second, we put forward a lattice-based instantiation of SR-PE. The scheme employs the PE scheme of Agrawal et al. (2011, ASIACRYPT) and the complete subtree method of Naor et al. (2001, CRYPTO) as the two main ingredients, which work smoothly together thanks to a few additional techniques. Our scheme is proven secure in the standard model (in a selective manner), based on the hardness of the learning with errors problem.
Molecular Polymorphism in the MTA and MTB Mating Type Genes of Tetrahymena thermophila and Related Asexual Species

Each of the seven mating types of Tetrahymena thermophila is determined by a pair of large genes, MTA and MTB, whose expression peaks at early conjugation. Each protein consists of a mating‐type specific domain and a common transmembrane domain. To assess variation in natural populations, regions of both domains from wild isolates expressing mating types V and VII were analyzed. Corresponding regions of amicronucleates incapable of mating also were examined. MTA and MTB showed high haplotype diversity, with greater sequence variation in MTB. Mating type VII was less variable than mating type V, suggesting more recent origin. No polymorphism distinguished between mat1‐ and mat2‐like alleles encoding different arrays of mating types, nor did polymorphisms give evidence of population structure. MTA and MTB variants have different phylogenies, suggesting independent rather than concerted evolution, and are under weak purifying selection. Codon usage is less biased than for housekeeping genes, and reassigned glutamine encoding stop codons are preferentially used. Amicronucleate T. thermophila and closely related nsp15 and nsp25 have higher levels of nucleotide and amino acid substitution, consistent with cox1 distances. The results suggest that complete sequencing of mating type genes of wild isolates coupled with functional analysis will be informative.
No Protection of the Porcine Kidney by Ischaemic Preconditioning

One or more episodes of sublethal ischaemia and reperfusion delay infarct development during subsequent, sustained ischaemia in the heart and skeletal muscle. The present study tested whether or not such ischaemic preconditioning (IP) also protects the kidney. Enflurane‐anaesthetized pigs underwent 60 min of right renal vessel occlusion (RVO), followed by 8 h of reperfusion without (placebo group, n = 8) or with three preceding cycles of 10 min RVO and 10 min reperfusion (IP group, n = 8). After 8 h of reperfusion, kidneys were oliguric in both groups (placebo group: 23 ± 21 ml h‐1, IP group: 24 ± 27 ml h‐1). A transient polyuric phase occurred in the IP group at 2 h reperfusion. The reperfused kidneys did not excrete inulin, creatinine or urea in both groups, although renal blood flow during reperfusion was similar to baseline. Morphological damage ranged in both groups from single cell necrosis to disseminated patchy necrosis; the number of pyknotic cells tended to be higher in the IP group than in the placebo group (27.0 ± 7.1 vs. 15.6 ± 5.6%, n.s.). In anaesthetized pigs, IP did not therefore attenuate renal dysfunction and morphological damage resulting from 60 min of renal normothermic ischaemia followed by 8 h of reperfusion.