Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PTERIN ACCUMULATION AND OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE STABLE FLY STOMOXYS CALCITRANS (L.) (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE)

Abstract Pterin accumulation in response to temperature and time was studied in male and female stable flies Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). Pterins accumulated as a function of temperature integrated over time. The threshold for pterin accumulation was estimated at 6.5 °C. The relationship between pterin content (RF/mm head capsule width) and accumulated degree-days above 6.5 °C (DD6.5) was determined to be RF/mm = 38,06 + 1.258*DD6.5 for females and RF/mm = 37.65 + 1.765*DD6.5 for males. Ovarian development, measured by follicle length and degree of vitellogenesis, was also related to DD6.5 and pterin concentration. The relationship between y1 = follicle length (mm) and x = DD6.5/200 was y1 = 0.11 + 0.78* [1−exp(− 18.34*x)]**99.86 and between vitellogenic stage (y2) and x was y2 = 0.04 + 3.96*[1−exp(− 11.48*x)]**6.67. Stable flies had a temperature threshold of 8 °C for oviposition. Résumé L’accumulation de ptérine en fonction de la température et du temps a été étudiée chez des mâles et des femelles de la Mouche piquante des étables, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). L’accumulation des ptérines représente une fonction directe du produit température-temps. La température seuil sous laquelle il ne se fait pas d’accumulation de ptérine a été évaluée à 6,5 °C. La relation entre la concentration de ptérines (RF/mm de largeur de capsule céphalique) et le nombre de degrés-jours au-dessus de 6,5 °C (DD6.5 a été évaluée : RF/mm = 38,06 + 1,258**DD6.5 dans le cas des femelles et RF/mm = 37,65 + 1,765*DD6.5 dans le cas des mâles. Le développement ovarien, mesuré en fonction de la longueur des follicules et du stade d’avancement de la vitellogenèse, est également relié à DD6.5 et à la concentration de ptérine. La relation entre y1 = longueur folliculaire (mm) et x = DD6.5/200 a été évaluée ainsi : y1 = 0,11 + 0,78* [1−exp(− 18,34*x)]**99,86 et la relation entre le stade d’avancement de la vitellogenèse (y2) et x, y2 = 0,04 + 3.96*[1−exp(− 11,48*x)]**6,67. Chez ces mouches, le seuil de température de la ponte a été estimé à 8 °C. [Traduit par la rédaction]
Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Carica papaya

Papaya, botanical name Carica papaya, is an lozenge tropical fruit, often seen in orange-red, yellow-green and yellow-orange hues, with a rich orange pulp. The fruit is not just delicious and healthy, but whole plant parts, fruit, roots, bark, peel, seeds and pulp are also known to have medicinal properties. The many benefits of papaya owed due to high content of Vitamins A, B and C, proteolytic enzymes like papain and chymopapain which have antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Carica papaya can be used for treatment of a numerous diseases like warts, corns, sinuses, eczema, cutaneous tubercles, glandular tumors, blood pressure, dyspepsia, constipation, amenorrhoea, general debility, expel worms and stimulate reproductive organs and many, as a result Carica papaya can be regarded as a Neutraceutical. The present article reviews the pharmacological uses of Carica papaya and side/toxic effects. Carica papaya contains an enzyme known as papain which is present in the bark, leaves and fruit. The milky juice is extracted, dried and used as a chewing gum for digestive problems, toothpaste and meat tenderizers. It also contains many biological active compounds including chymopapain and papain which is the ingredient that aids digestive system, and again used in treatment of arthritis.
Development and validation of LC-MS/MS for bioanalysis of hydroxychloroquine in human whole blood

Department of Applied Chemistry, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea Clinical & Bio Research Center, Korea Pharmaceutical Test & Research Institute (KPTR), Seoul 07806, Korea 3 Department of Marine Molecular Bioscience, College of Life Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Korea pISSN 2508-1357, eISSN 2508-139X J Biomed Transl Res 2018;19(4):130-139 https://doi.org/10.12729/jbtr.2018. 19.4. 130 Received 22 Nov. 2018, Revised 17 Dec. 2018, Accepted 18 Dec. 2018
Automatic identification of clue cells in microscopic leucorrhea images based on texture features and combination of kernel functions of SVM

Automatic identification of clue cells in microscopic leucorrhea images provides important information for evaluating gynecological diseases. Traditional manual microscopic examination of Gram-stained vaginal smears is adopted by most hospitals for identifying clue cells; however, it is both complex and time-consuming. In order to solve these problems, an automatic identification of clue cells in microscopic leucorrhea images based on machine learning is proposed in this paper. First, the Otsu threshold method is used to segment regions of interest (ROI) in image preprocessing according to the morphological features of clue cells. Then, Gabor, HOG and GLCM texture features are extracted to describe irregular edges and rough surfaces of clue cells. Finally, a SVM classifier using a hybrid kernel function by linearly weighted RBF and polynomial kernels is trained to identify clue cells rapidly and conveniently. In experiments, the method using GLCM texture features and a hybrid kernel function of SVM achieved 94.64% accuracy and 94.92% recall rate, which was better than methods using Gabor or HOG texture features and a single kernel function of SVM.
Genetic variation between populations of the harp seal, Phoca groenlandica

Liver and muscle tissue collected from harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) in the Newfoundland area were analysed by isoelectric focusing of five known variable enzyme systems. Allele frequencies were compared with corresponding frequencies previously recorded in north-east Atlantic samples. Muscle tissue collected from harp seals in the White Sea area and the Greenland Sea were analysed by DNA-fingerprinting. Samples were compared using band-sharing coefficients. Frequency distributions in AAT-2 and ME-1 were significantly different from those previously found in samples collected in the north-east Atlantic. Accordingly, it seems justified to divide the total stock of harp seals into one eastern and one western component. Highly variable profiles of Pal I digested genomic DNA were revealed using the human minisatellite 33.15 hybridization probe. Intra- and inter-population average band-sharing coefficients were uniformly low (range: 0.111-0.116). DNA-ingerprinting analyses did not reveal evidence for genetic differentiation between White Sea and Greenland Sea harp seals.
Design of Nominal Parameters for Robust Sensorless Force Control Based on Disturbance Observer

The paper proposes a parameter design of a reaction force observer (RFOB) under existence of modeling error/parameter fluctuation. Observer-based sensorless-force-control is a good approach to reduce phase lag in control systems. Hence, the performance improvement can be easily attained by such a technique. However, the RFOB does not always guarantee accuracy of estimated value and adds incorrect compliance on the system. Due to insufficient report about RFOB design, its calibration is conducted based on the designer’s own experience. To calibrate the RFOB and achieve the correct force control quantitatively, the structure of the observer-based force control and physical interpretation of control loops should be revealed simply. The paper presents a condition to achieve the correct force control and design methodology of observers, thereby, providing a robust performance against parameter variation.
Comparative study of the planktonic communities of three lakes of contrasting trophic status at Hope Bay (Antarctic Peninsula)

Three water bodies of contrasting trophic status located at Hope Bay (Antarctic Peninsula) were studied during the summer of 1999, analysing all of their planktonic communities (zooplankton, phytoplankton and bactenoplankton) and their main limnological features. Important differences associated with their trophic conditions were found among lakes. At one extreme of the gradient, in the most oligotrophic lake (Lake Chico), the nektobenthic copepod Boeckella poppei and the rotifer Philodina gregaria were dominant in the open waters, and copepods presented a single reproductive event (univoltine life cycle); phytoplankton exhibited the lowest densities, dominated by nanoplanktonic Chrysophyceae and picocyanobacteria. In the meso-eutrophic Lake Boeckella, B. poppei, the dominant zooplankter exhibited a multivoltine life cycle; phytoplankton were mainly represented by nanoplanktonic species of Volvocales, alternating with flagellate Chrysophyceae, and a great abundance of picocyanobacteria. In the hypertrophic Pingui Pond, zooplankters were exclusively represented by bdelloid rotifers and ciliates; phytoplankton samples included some strictly planktonic species (Volvocales), a great proportion of picocyanobacteria and many typically benthic species (oscillatorians and diatoms) due to the shallowness of the water body. Bacterioplankton densities did not show important differences among lakes, but fluctuations, probably associated with a top-down control, were observed in the hypertrophic pond. This paper constitutes the first survey concerning all the planktonic compartments of water bodies of different trophic status at Hope Bay, describing the relative contributions of autotrophic and heterotrophic components to their food webs.
Demography and Endangerment of the Utila Island Spiny-Tailed Iguana, Ctenosaura bakeri

Abstract We studied the population biology of the Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri) endemic to the Honduran island of Utila and previously assumed to be close to extinction. Here, for the first time, we present a comprehensive mapping of its overall distribution and nesting area. The total range of C. bakeri comprised about 1,091 ha of mangrove swamp. Nesting sites were restricted to 109 ha of sandy coastal territory. We used two closed capture-recapture models to estimate adult population densities at 35–78 and 72–114 adults/ha within three mangrove areas, respectively. Population densities were largely related to the presence of suitable retreats. Population estimates for the entire mangrove habitat based on these mean adult densities ranged from 57,823–93,826 individuals, far higher than earlier reports have suggested. Also, no evidence was found for an unbalanced demographic structure. About 27% of all iguanas captured were juveniles (<150 mm snout–vent length). Notably, juveniles were difficult to detect and capture, and additional sightings of 0.8–2.3 juveniles/day indicated even higher abundances than given by captures. The sex ratio of males to females (1 ∶ 1.2) was consistent with reports of adult social groups in other large iguanids. Threats to C. bakeri included hunting and habitat pollution but mainly the loss of habitat and nesting sites caused by unrestricted property development. Without proper habitat management, we anticipate significant declines of the C. bakeri population within the next 20 yr.
A TWO-STAGE DEEP LEARNING APPROACH FOR CAN INTRUSION DETECTION

With recent advancements in the automotive world and the introductions of autonomous vehicles, automotive cybersecurity has become a main and primary issue for every automaker. In order to come up with measures to detect and protect against malicious attacks, intrusion detection systems (IDS) are commonly used. These systems identify attacks while comparing normal behavior with abnormalities. In this paper, we propose a novel, two-stage IDS based on deep-learning and rule-based systems. The objective of this IDS is to detect malicious attacks and ensure CAN security in real time. Deep Learning has already been used in CAN IDS and is already proven to be a successful algorithm when it comes to extensive datasets but comes with the cost of high computational requirements. The novelty of this paper is to use Deep Learning to achieve high predictability results while keeping low computational requirements by offsetting it with rule-based systems. In addition, we examine the performance of proposed IDS with the objective for using it in real-time situations.
A Molecular and Fitness Evaluation of Commercially Available versus Locally Collected Blue Lupine Lupinus perennis L. Seeds for Use in Ecosystem Restoration Efforts

Dependence on wild seed sources is often impractical for large‐scale habitat restoration programs. Reliance on commercial seed supplies of unknown provenance and fitness is thereby warranted. Little consideration has been given, however, to how the large volumes of seed required should be sourced. We evaluated commercial and locally collected seed sources for potential use in a New York State‐based, landscape‐scale program for restoring blue lupine Lupinus perennis. Through analysis of microsatellite markers we determined that “native” lupine designations by some commercial suppliers were in fact interspecific hybrids and therefore unreliable; at least two commercial sources, however, were genetically as close to native New York populations as native New York populations were to one other. Common garden experiments revealed that seed source influenced first‐year overwintering survival and subsequent height growth of surviving plants; seed sources more closely related genetically to native New York populations survived better and produced more stems per individual in the field in the area targeted for restoration. We conclude that (1) commercial suppliers often but not always offer reliably characterized seed sources of sufficient genetic similarity to native populations to warrant their use in restoration projects and (2) genetic affinity of potential seed stock to native populations is positively related to its fitness in the environment targeted for restoration.
Diagnostic Measures in Childhood Tuberculosis: A Short Review

The trends of incidence, morbidity and mortality of tuberculosis in children have always remained unclear because of lack of a definitive diagnostic tool in mostly cases. The diagnosis of tuberculosis in children remains a major challenge as it is seldom confirmed and is mostly based on clinical signs, symptoms and special investigations e. g. TST, chest X-ray and sputum smear microscopy. Sputum smear microscopy is positive in less than 10-15% of children with TB and culture yields are nearly about 30-40%. In low burden countries, the triad of (a) known contact with an infectious source case, (b) a positive tuberculin skin test and (c) a suggestive CXR is usually used to establish a diagnosis of childhood TB. The research on childhood tuberculosis is often neglected due to technical difficulties like slow growth in culture, the difficulty of obtaining specimens and the diverse and relatively nonspecific clinical presentation of tuberculosis in this age group. The complexity in making an exact diagnosis of tuberculosis in children have led to the development of several diagnostic approaches like point scoring systems, diagnostic classifications and diagnostic algorithms. The aim of this study was to review and analyse the different diagnostic approaches to childhood tuberculosis. In this paper, the mostly used techniques like culture methods as well as the non-culture methods including serology, biochemistry and polymerase chain reaction and DNA fingerprinting for the diagnosis of tuberculosis will be discussed. Keywords: Diagnostic measures, Childhood, Tuberculosis
Social Protection and the Demand for Private Insurance in Ghana

The study sought an insight into the activities of private life insurance companies in Ghana the kinds of products they offer and the extent to which they meet the social security needs of their customers and their implication for social protection. It also seeks to examine customers’ perception of the impact of having life insurance policy. The research design was explorative in nature and primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Four insurance companies and their customers and sampled and studied namely. State Insurance Company (SIC), life, Vanguard life, Starlife and Capital Express insurance companies. Fifteen (15) staff from each company and 200 customers were purposefully sampled. A Five-point Likert Scale was used to determine the extent of consumers’ awareness of life insurance products, customer satisfaction of the products and the factors taken into consideration in formulating life insurance products. The main finding revealed that customers had adequate knowledge on some life insurance products. Customers were also satisfied with some aspects of the services of the insurance companies. It also established that the age of customer; level of risk of business or job of customer; current or past medical record of customers; and income level of customer were the main factors considered by the insurance companies in formulating new products. Customers perceived a positive impact of life insurance policy in the event of their death and during retirement but not during working life. An inventory of the life insurance products was also taken. Among others, the study recommends that life insurance companies should adopt effective promotional strategies to increase the awareness level of their products among consumers. Keywords: Social Protection, Private insurance, customer satisfaction, awareness and patronage
Use of bark and combined paper sludge for the revegetation of bark-covered land

This study investigated the use of bark and combined paper sludge to develop a suitable plant growth substrate and to establish a vegetation cover on bark-covered land. Field experiments were established to determine the best plant growth medium, plant mixtures, and fertilization program. The best soil cover consisted of 2.5 cm of combined paper sludge on top of 2.5 cm of black bark. On this soil cover, the Savoureux mixture in combination with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), Lab02 in mixture with MR77, and birdsfoot trefoil in mixture with bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.) gave good vegetation growth and yields. For birdsfoot trefoil over all soil covers, the phosphorus and potassium fertilizations were required at 140 kg P2O5/ha and 160 kg K2O/ha, respectively. These results suggest that combined paper sludge and black bark can be used as topsoil to favor plant establishment on bark-covered land. Key words: topsoil, paper sludge, bark, birdsfoot trefoil, bromegrass, fertilization, NO3–-N, phosph.
Lassa Virus Z Protein Is a Matrix Protein Sufficient for the Release of Virus-Like Particles

ABSTRACT Lassa virus is an enveloped virus with glycoprotein spikes on its surface. It contains an RNA ambisense genome that encodes the glycoprotein precursor GP-C, the nucleoprotein NP, the polymerase L, and the Z protein. Here we demonstrate that the Lassa virus Z protein (i) is abundant in viral particles, (ii) is strongly membrane associated, (iii) is sufficient in the absence of all other viral proteins to release enveloped particles, and (iv) contains two late domains, PTAP and PPXY, necessary for the release of virus-like particles. Our data provide evidence that Z is the Lassa virus matrix protein that is the driving force for virus particle release.
Caspase-3 expression and cell morphology of early endothelial progenitor cells exposed to N-epsilon-carboxymethyl lysine -

The role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on vascular repair and neovasculogenesis is impaired in diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of N-epsilon-carboxymethyl lysine (CML) on caspase-3 expression and morphology of early EPCs. After 7 days of culturing, primary cultures of early EPCs were randomly divided into four groups. One group is a normal group. Three groups were exposed to low (50 µg/ml), medium (100 µg/ml), and high (200 µg/ml) doses of CML for an hour. The caspase-3 expression and morphology of early EPCs were evaluated by laser scanning confocal microscope. The caspase-3 expression of early EPCs increased in groups exposed to low and medium dose of CML, and decreased in group exposed to high dose of CML compared to normal. Exposure of CML changed the morphology of early EPCs including cells shrinkage, unclear margin between cytoplasm and nucleus, also oval-shape cells. Given that CML may contribute to the functional defects of the endothelium in diabetes by causing early EPCs apoptosis via increased caspase-3 expression.
On the budget for national environmental objectives and willingness to pay for protection of forest land

A number of national environmental objectives have been decided on by the Swedish parliament. In this paper, a measure of willingness to pay for attaining these objectives is outlined in terms of an “environmental budget”, which can be disaggregated. Based on a nationwide contingent valuation survey, the average environmental budget was estimated and then disaggregated on specific “green” indicators. This paper focuses especially on protection of forest land for biodiversity purposes. Multiple bounded dichotomous choice questions were employed in the survey, allowing respondents to express uncertainty in their valuations. The effect of different question formats and valuation scenarios on the disaggregation of the environmental budget was investigated. Consideration of uncertainty had a significant impact on willingness to pay estimates. Willingness to pay varied between different levels of forest land protection when uncertainty was explicitly introduced. When valuation estimates were aggregated on the n.
Assessing Temporal Changes in Genetic Diversity of Maize Hybrids Using RAPD Markers

Information on genetic diversity of maize hybrids is very important for germplasm enhancement, hybrid breeding and in preventing environmental damage which may occur due to genetic uniformity of hybrids grown on large areas. The main goal of our study was to assess temporal changes in genetic diversity over the past four decades among ZP maize hybrids within the largest planting area in Serbia. The objectives were to: (i) characterize maize hybrids from different periods by RAPD markers; (ii) analyze temporal changes in genetic diversity among maize hybrids. Twenty-four maize hybrids were chosen from breeding programs in Maize Research Institute “Zemun Polje” on the basis of their superior yield and predominant seed production throughout four Periods. Patterns of RAPD markers were unique for each studied genotype. The average GD between hybrids continuously increased from Period B to Period E. Changes in genetic background during the last 40 years have a major impact on genetic diversity among ZP maize hybrids. There was no significant change in genetic variability of hybrids through the Periods.
Psychoeducation on Improving Mental Health Literacy and Adjustment to Illness in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: An Experimental Stud

Methods: The present study was an interventional study with pre-test, post-test and follow-up design with a control group. The study population included patients with type 2 diabetes who referred to Iran Hospital. Based on the research method and considering the missing data, a sample size of 80 people was considered. In total, 40 patients were selected as the intervention group and 40 subjects as the controls by purposeful sampling method. The subjects were randomly assigned into the two groups. The obtained data were collected by O’Connere and Casey’s mental health literacy questionnaire and psychosocial compatibility questionnaire of Moro and colleagues. The purpose of psychological education in this study, which was used as the intervention, was Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Training was performed in a group format. Therapeutic sessions were 11 one-hour sessions.