Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calculation of Space NURBS Curve Interpolation Error

Aiming at the problem of low accuracy of interpolation error calculation of existing NURBS curves, an approximate method for the distance between a point and a NURBS interpolation curve is proposed while satisfying the accuracy of the solution. Firstly, the minimum parameter interval of the node vector corresponding to the data point under test in the original data point sequence is determined, and the parameter interval is subdivided according to the corresponding step size, and the corresponding parameter value is obtained. Secondly, the distance from the measured point to the NURBS curve is calculated, and the nearest distance is found out. The node interval is subdivided again on one side of the nearest distance. Finally, the distance between the data point to be measured and each subdivision point is calculated again, and the minimum distance is taken as the interpolation error between the point and the NURBS curve. The simulation results of actual tool position data show that this method can more accurately obtain the error of spatial NURBS interpolation curve.
Patient perspectives on managing uncertainty living with multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Canada is home to one of the highest global prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis; a disease with causes and treatments that continue to challenge physicians and patients alike. The aim of the present research was to explore patient experiences with the uncertainty that MS introduces to their lives and the role of communication with their physicians for managing uncertainty. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 16 individuals aged 26–75, 5 male and 11 female, living with all three subtypes of multiple sclerosis (February–May 2016). Interview questions related to participant’s experiences at the point of diagnosis and ongoing management, and how and where they find information regarding MS. Data were analyzed using Mishel’s reconceptualized theory of uncertainty in illness to allow us to identify and explain how patients construct mental schema to cope with illness and uncertainty, the significance of uncertainty in their experiences, and how they move through uncertainty to adapt to their prior level of functioning. Results: Data identify heightened uncertainty, and denial, in the initial stages of diagnosis, whereby communication with physicians did little to alleviate feelings of uncertainty. Over time, many participants came to view their physicians as navigators, helping them to manage their own online research and gathering of information beyond traditional health providers (e.g. individuals living with MS). Conclusions: Through the experience of our participants, the present research brings to light the challenges patients face in managing uncertainty and means by which healthcare providers might assist patients in navigating their MS diagnosis.
Developmental Strategy or Immediate Responses in Leaf Traits of Tropical Tree Species?

We asked whether the ability of individual plants to adjust leaf traits during ontogeny reflected immediate morphological means of responding to current light availability or was consistent with a developmental strategy to meet predictable future light conditions. We determined leaf mass per unit area (specific leaf mass, SLM), leaf area, toughness, and water content of seedlings, juveniles, and adults of eight nonpioneer tropical tree species of different maximum mature heights ranging from 8 to 40 m. For SLM and leaf area, immediate responses to environmental conditions, reported as the ratio of leaf traits in sun and shade environments (leaf plasticity), were similar for seedlings, juveniles, and adults of all species irrespective of maximum mature height. For toughness and water content, leaf plasticity at different ontogenetic stages depended on species identity. To facilitate comparisons across species, developmental changes were reported as the correlations between the ratio in leaf traits for three ontogenetic stages (developmental leaf change) and maximum mature height. Tall species showed greater change in SLM and leaf area from seedling to adult stages than short species, as might be expected of taxa that experience more heterogeneous light environments during their lives. Leaf traits changed in response to current light levels during ontogeny, but the magnitude of the response is related to the adult habitat of a species.
Evaluation of different laboratory techniques for diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis in diarrheic children

Background: Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular organisms that can infect all animals including man causing disease in both immunocompetent individuals and immunosuppressed patients. The most common microsporidia causing gastrointestinal infection worldwide are Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Objective: The present study was designed with the aim of estimating the rate of microsporidia in diarrheic children and the evaluation of different staining techniques and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the clinical diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty diarrheic stool samples were collected from Abou El-Rich children hospital laboratory. Samples were examined by “Ryan-Blue” modified trichrome stain (MTS), modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN), acid fast trichrome (AFT) stain, and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Results: Microsporidium spp. was detected in 12 (8%) of samples using MTS. Compared with the other detection techniques the respective sensitivities and specificities of MZN stain was 100% and 98.57%; nPCR was 80% and 100%; and AFT was 85.71% and 97.87%. Conclusion: Using specific staining techniques as MZN and AFT for diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis in diarrheal stool samples are nearly efficacious as PCR, but even better in some cases with the added advantage of being an inexpensive diagnostic method compared to PCR. Another benefit is the detection of other oocyst forming parasites such as Cryptosporidium, which makes staining techniques very suitable for developing countries.
Heavy Metal Tolerance of Novel Papiliotrema Yeast Isolated from Vietnamese Mangosteen

Abstract Three yeast strains (Hue-1, Hue-8, and Hue-19) with strong heavy metal tolerance were isolated from mangosteen from Hue city, Vietnam. They exhibited identical phenotype and phylogeny. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region demonstrated that the closest relative of these strains is Papiliotrema sp. with 2.12% and 3.55–3.7% divergence in the D1/D2 domain, and ITS domain, respectively. Based on the physiological, biochemical, and molecular data, the three strains belong to a novel species of Papiliotrema genus, for which the name Papiliotrema huenov sp. nov. is proposed. These strains are highly tolerant of heavy metals compared to other yeasts, being able to grow in the presence of 2 mM Pb (II), 2 mM Cd (II), and up to 5 mM Ni (II), but no growth was observed in the presence of 1 mM As (III).
Enhancement of Ethanol Production by Inducing Ethanol - Tolerance in Saccharomyces c erevisiae U1

Ethanol tolerance is an important characteristic of ethanol producing yeast. Present study has focused on the development of high ethanol tolerant yeast strain by random mutation using UV radiation and EtBr. UV mutant U1 displayed significantly improved ethanol tolerance upto 20% ethanol and shown a higher viabilit y during incubation. FTIR spectra analysis of wild and mutant strain in the region corresponding to cell wall polysaccharides shows significant modifications. Mutated strain exhibits a higher IR absorption intensity at 1082 cm - 1 stretching and contribution of glucan band as major cell wall content. The amount of ethanol produced from sugarcane and tomato juice using potential U1 mutant strain was about 40 %, 36 % respectively higher when compared with wild strain .
Utilising animal models to evaluate oseltamivir efficacy against influenza A and B viruses with reduced in vitro susceptibility

The neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor (NAI) oseltamivir (OST) is the most widely used influenza antiviral drug. Several NA amino acid substitutions are reported to reduce viral susceptibility to OST in in vitro assays. However, whether there is a correlation between the level of reduction in susceptibility in vitro and the efficacy of OST against these viruses in vivo is not well understood. In this study, a ferret model was utilised to evaluate OST efficacy against circulating influenza A and B viruses with a range of in vitro generated 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) values for OST. OST efficacy against an A(H1N1)pdm09 and an A(H1N1)pdm09 virus with the H275Y substitution in neuraminidase was also tested in the macaque model. The results from this study showed that OST had a significant impact on virological parameters compared to placebo treatment of ferrets infected with wild-type influenza A viruses with normal IC50 values (~1 nM). However, this efficacy was lower against wild-type influenza B and other viruses with higher IC50 values. Differing pathogenicity of the viruses made evaluation of clinical parameters difficult, although some effect of OST in reducing clinical signs was observed with influenza A(H1N1) and A(H1N1)pdm09 (H275Y) viruses. Viral titres in macaques were too low to draw conclusive results. Analysis of the ferret data revealed a correlation between IC50 and OST efficacy in reducing viral shedding but highlighted that the current WHO guidelines/criteria for defining normal, reduced or highly reduced inhibition in influenza B viruses based on in vitro data are not well aligned with the low in vivo OST efficacy observed for both wild-type influenza B viruses and those with reduced OST susceptibility.
In vitro evaluation of the effects of Lavandula officinalis and Origanum vulgare essential oils on ruminal fermentation using concentrate and roughage type substrates

The aim of this research was to study the in vitro effect of Lavandula officinalis (LEO) and Origanum vulgare (OEO) essential oils on rumen fermentation using a concentrate type substrate (CTS) and roughage type substrate (RTS). Six Mehraban ewes were divided into 2 groups and fed a concentrate type or roughage type diet, and used as rumen fluid donors. Each essential oil (EO) was evaluated separately at different doses using a completely randomized design with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement (EO dose × substrate type). In a third 5 × 2 factorial design experiment, the potential of LEO to inhibit rumen methanogenesis was tested. The gas produced after 24-h of incubation (GP24) was stimulated and inhibited (P < 0.01) by LEO in CTS and RTS groups, respectively. The in vitro true dry matter (IVTDMD) and organic matter (IVTOMD) degradability were lowered significantly by LEO using CTS and RTS. A more pronounced fall was observed for total volatile fatty acids (total VFA) by LEO using RTS compared to CTS. The partitioning factor (PF) and NH3 were decreased and increased (P < 0.01) in CTS and RTS groups, respectively, but microbial biomass (MB) was line- arly decreased by LEO in both CTS and RTS groups. An interaction effect between OEO dose and substrate type were observed for all parameters except the total VFA and MB which decreased linear- ly (P < 0.01) by OEO. The GP24, IVTDMD, IVTOMD and NH3 were decreased linearly (P < 0.01) by OEO using both substrate types. The PF was enhanced with OEO dose, but only in RTS group. Methane production was reduced linearly by LEO dose (P < 0.01), but the CH4/TG and CH4/CO2 showed linear and quadratic trends with LEO dose. An interaction effect between LEO dose and sub- strate type was also recorded for TG and CO2 (P < 0.01), as their production was stimulated and in- hibited by LEO in CTS and RTS groups, respectively. Collectively, this study demonstrated that LEO and OEO affected ruminal fermentation differently depending on their doses and the type of sub- strate.
Towards human ex vivo organ perfusion models to elucidate drug pharmacokinetics in health and disease

Abstract To predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) profile of candidate drugs a variety of preclinical models can be applied. The ADME and toxicological behavior of newly developed drugs are often investigated prior to assessment in humans, which is associated with long time-lines and high costs. Therefore, good predictions of ADME profiles earlier in the drug development process are very valuable. Good prediction of intestinal absorption and renal and biliary excretion remain especially difficult, as there is an interplay of active transport and metabolism involved. To study these processes, including enterohepatic circulation, ex vivo tissue models are highly relevant and can be regarded as the bridge between in vitro and in vivo models. In this review the current in vitro, in vivo and in more detail ex vivo models for studying pharmacokinetics in health and disease are discussed. Additionally, we propose novel models, i.e., perfused whole-organs, which we envision will generate valuable pharmacokinetic information in the future due to improved translation to the in vivo situation. These machine-perfused organ models will be particularly interesting in combination with biomarkers for assessing the functionality of transporter and CYP450 proteins.
Male‐specific alterations in structure of isolation call sequences of mouse pups with 16p11.2 deletion

16p11.2 deletion is one of the most common gene copy variations that increases the susceptibility to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This syndrome leads to developmental delays, including speech impairment and delays in expressive language and communication skills. To study developmental impairment of vocal communication associated with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, we used the 16p11.2del mouse model and performed an analysis of pup isolation calls (PICs). The earliest PICs at postnatal day 5 from 16p11.2del pups were found altered in a male‐specific fashion relative to wild‐type (WT) pups. Analysis of sequences of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted by pups using mutual information between syllables at different positions in the USV spectrograms showed that dependencies exist between syllables in WT mice of both sexes. The order of syllables was not random; syllables were emitted in an ordered fashion. The structure observed in the WT pups was identified and the pattern of syllable sequences was considered typical for the mouse line. However, typical patterns were totally absent in the 16p11.2del male pups, showing on average random syllable sequences, while the 16p11.2del female pups had dependencies similar to the WT pups. Thus, we found that PICs were reduced in number in male 16p11.2 pups and their vocalizations lack the syllable sequence order emitted by WT males and females and 16p11.2 females. Therefore, our study is the first to reveal sex‐specific perinatal communication impairment in a mouse model of 16p11.2 deletion and applies a novel, more granular method of analysing the structure of USVs.
Does soft skill development vary among the students? A gender perspective

The study was intended to examine the extent to which soft skill development varied among the university students by gender via their participation in co-curricular activities (CCAs). Moreover, the study aimed to find out whether there was a significant difference between male and female students concerning soft skill development. The study has shown that males have developed diverse personal skills and social skills, that is, soft skills more than females excepting one which is presentation skill. The study has pointed out that soft skill development significantly varies among the students by gender excepting presentation skill development. The study has proposed that the significant difference between male and female students regarding soft skill development may be attributed to their difference in participating in various CCAs. Since the males are more likely to participate in CCAs, they are more likely to develop diverse soft skills than the females. The study has indicated that Muslim female students face several personal and social barriers including lack of confidence, conservative family values, and people’s negative attitudes to participate in CCAs, which requires proper policy to address.
3D MXene Architectures for Efficient Energy Storage and Conversion

2D transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes), by virtue of high electrical conductivity, abundant surface functional groups and excellent dispersion in various solvents, are attracting increasing attention and showing competitive performance in energy storage and conversion applications. However, like other 2D materials, MXene nanosheets incline to stack together via van der Waals interactions, which lead to limited number of active sites, sluggish ionic kinetics, and finally ordinary performance of MXene materials/devices. Constructing 2D MXene nanosheets into 3D architectures has been proven to be an effective strategy to reduce restacking, thus providing larger specific surface area, higher porosity, and shorter ion and mass transport distance over normal 1D and 2D structures. In this review, the commonly used strategies for manufacturing 3D MXene architectures (3D MXenes and 3D MXene‐based composites) are summarized, such as template, assembly, 3D printing, and other methods. Special attention is also given to the structure–property relationships of 3D MXene architectures and their applications in electrochemical energy storage and conversion, including supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, and electrocatalysis. Finally, the authors propose a brief perspective on future opportunities and challenges for 3D MXene architectures/devices.
Tracking the Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lives of American Households

Since March 10, 2020, we have been tracking effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on respondents to the nationally representative Understanding America Study (UAS). After an initial survey that covered March 10–31, 2020, we launched tracking surveys every two weeks. Every day, about 500 respondents are invited to take the survey for a total of about 7,000 respondents over a two-week period. Results are shared in a variety of ways. About 3,000 graphs are updated every night, with the corresponding tab-delimited text files available for download. The underlying micro-data are available for registered researchers after the end of each four-week field period. The paper describes the set-up of the tracking survey, lists the main topics covered and highlights a number or early results. Our ambition is to keep tracking the experiences of U.S. households for as along as the pandemic lasts.
Migration of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts in a large hydropower reservoir

Migration rates, delay, timing, and success of acoustic-tagged Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) presmolts (n = 120) and smolts (n = 57) are reported as they moved through the large Mactaquac Generating Station (MGS) reservoir and subsequently the lower Saint John River (SJR). The potential relationship between fish movements and the MGS operations was examined directly and via a hydrodynamic model. Migration rates were 15.4–29.3 km·day−1 within the river sections and 5.0–13.3 km·day−1 through the reservoir, a significant reduction of 32%–57%. Migratory timing was temporally mismatched with dam operations such that only a few (n = 3) smolts had the option of dam passage via spill. Migration success estimated as apparent survival was high through the reservoir (81%–100%), declined by 8%–32% during passage at the MGS, and additional losses (27%–55%) occurred during the migration to the lower SJR, such that overall survival to the estuary for the groups tagged as autumn presmolts was 61%–65%, and survival for those tagged as spring smolts was 6%–10%.
Multi-machine transient stability by using static synchronous series compensator

Transient stability in power system is vital to be addressed due to large disturbances that could damage the system such as load changes and voltage increases. This paper presents a multi-machine transient stability using the Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC). SSSC is a device that is connected in series with the power transmission line and produces controllable voltage which contribute to a better performance in the power system stability. As a result, this research has observed a comparison of the synchronization of a three-phase system during single-phase faults before and after installing the SSSC device. In addition, this research investigates the ability of three different types of controllers i.e. Proportional Integral (PI), Proportional Integral Derivation (PID), and Generic controllers to be added to the SSSC improve the transient stability as it cannot operate by itself. This is because the improvement is too small and not able to achieve the desired output. The task presented is to improve the synchronization of the system and time taken for the voltage to stabilize due to the fault. The simulation result shows that the SSSC with an additional controller can improve the stability of a multi-machine power system in a single phase fault.
Partial characterization of three β-defensin gene transcripts in river buffalo and cattle

In this study, the tracheal tissues from Egyptian river buffalo and cattle were screened for the presence of three bovine β-defensin gene transcripts. Three primer pairs were designed on the basis of published Bos taurus sequences for partial amplification of β-defensin 4, β-defensin 10 and β-defensin 11 complementary DNA (cDNA). The amplified cDNA products of the three genes in both buffalo and cattle were sequenced. The sequences were analyzed to verify gene identity and to identify differences with the corresponding buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis bubalis) and/or cattle ( Bos taurus ) β-defensin mRNAs published sequences in the GenBank database. β-Defensin 4 and β-defensin 10 primer pairs amplified cDNA sequences in buffalo and cattle that corresponded to those mRNAs of the two genes in GenBank database with nucleotide percentage homology of 83 and 84% for β-defensin 4, and 87 and 90% for β-defensin10, respectively. The translated protein sequences obtained for buffalo and cattle showed protein percentage similarity of 86 and 81% for β-defensin 4, and 87.5 and 87% for β-defensin 10 with the corresponding proteins of B. bubalis bubalis and/or B. taurus in GenBank database. On the other hand, cDNA sequences amplified by β-defensin 11 primer pair in both buffalo and cattle corresponded more to lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP) mRNAs of B. bubalis bubalis and B. taurus (94 and 82% nucleotide similarity and 92 and 77% translated-protein similarity) rather than β-defensin 11 mRNA of B. taurus (68 and 66% nucleotide similarity and 74 and 65.5% translated-protein similarity). Key words : β-Defensin 4, β-defensin 10, β-defensin 11, lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP), river buffalo, cattle.