Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STOP SIGN DISTANCE DETECTION USING 2D AND 3D CAMERAS

In this paper we illustrate traffic sign detection and distance measurement by monocular and stereo camera. We have introduced this method to detect traffic signs and calculate their distance by applying a Haar cascade classifier which is unambiguous and obtains optimally calculated results. We have obtained distance by mathematical calculations from 2D images obtained from a monocular camera. 3D traffic stop signs can be detected using a Point Feature Histogram descriptor from a point cloud map. The distance to the detected traffic signs can be measured by a depth map obtained from a stereo camera. After proper calculation, we can draw a clear idea comparing stop sign detection in 2D and 3D cameras or stereo cameras.
Tu-Teng-Cao Extract Alleviates Monosodium Urate-Induced Acute Gouty Arthritis in Rats by Inhibiting Uric Acid and Inflammation

Gouty arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease closely related to hyperuricemia. It is characterized by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints, resulting in an intense inflammatory process and pain. Control of hyperuricemia and anti-inflammation treatments are the main therapeutic approaches. However, the commonly used drugs for inhibiting uric acid and acute gouty arthritis have obvious gastrointestinal and renal toxicity; thus, there is an urgency to develop new alternative therapeutic drugs. An extract of Tu-Teng-Cao (TTC), a compound drug used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely applied to the clinical treatment of arthritis. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of TTC on gouty arthritis. In this study, an animal model of acute gouty arthritis with hyperuricemia was established using potassium oxonate and monosodium urate crystals. After treatment with TTC, the results showed obvious therapeutic effects on the rat model of acute gouty arthritis. The treatment significantly attenuated the degree of ankle swelling, inflammation, and dysfunction index, and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, TTC has significant antihyperuricemia activity in rats with hyperuricemia induced by potassium oxonate. Histological evaluation showed that TTC relieved pathological damage in rats with acute gouty arthritis induced by monosodium urate crystals. All the groups treated with TTC showed improvement in cartilage degeneration, cell degeneration, synovial hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell invasion in the ankle joint of rats. TTC significantly alleviated swelling, inflammation, and bleeding of the renal corpuscle and convoluted tubules of rats. The results of this study suggest that TTC is capable of treating gouty arthritis and decreasing ankle injury through the control of uric acid and inflammation.
Recent Findings on the Effects of Pharmacological Agents on the Nerve Regeneration after Peripheral Nerve Injury

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are accompanied with neuropathic pain and functional disability. Despite improvements in surgical repair techniques in recent years, the functional recovery is yet unsatisfied. Indeed a successful nerve repair depends not only on the surgical strategy but also on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in traumatic nerve injury. In contrast to all strategies suggested for nerve repair, pharmacotherapy is a cheap, accessible and non-invasive treatment that can be used immediately after nerve injury. This study aimed to review the effects of some pharmacological agents on the nerve regeneration after traumatic PNI evaluated by functional, histological and electrophysiological assessments. In addition, some cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for their therapeutic actions, restricted to neural tissue, are suggested. These findings can not only help to find better strategies for peripheral nerve repair, but also to identify the neuropathic effects of various medications and their mechanisms of action.
Microcystins in European Noble Crayfish Astacus astacus in Lake Steinsfjorden, a Planktothrix-Dominated Lake

Lake Steinsfjorden, an important Norwegian location for noble crayfish (Astacus astacus), is often affected by cyanobacterial blooms caused by microcystin (MC)-producing Planktothrix spp. The impact of MCs on noble crayfish as a food source and crayfish health is largely unknown. We investigated the quantities and correlations of MCs in noble crayfish and lake water during and after a cyanobacterial bloom peaking in June–July 2015. Noble crayfish and water samples were collected monthly from June to October 2015 and in October 2016. The content of MCs was analysed by ELISA from tail muscle, intestine, stomach and hepatopancreas. PCR analysis for Planktothrix gene markers was performed on crayfish stomach content. Water samples were analysed for phytoplankton composition, biomass and MCs. PCR-positive stomach contents indicated Planktothrix to be part of the noble crayfish diet. Concentrations of MCs were highest in the hepatopancreas, stomach and intestine, peaking in August–September. Tail muscle contained low concentrations of MCs. Similar levels of MCs were found in crayfish from 2016. Except in September 2015, a normal portion of boiled noble crayfish tails was below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for MCs for humans. Removing the intestine more than halved the content of MCs and seems a reasonable precautionary measure for noble crayfish consumers.
Flex-printed forehead EEG sensors (fEEGrid) for long-term EEG acquisition

Objective. In this report we present the fEEGrid, an electrode array applied to the forehead that allows convenient long-term recordings of electroencephalography (EEG) signals over many hours. Approach. Twenty young, healthy participants wore the fEEGrid and completed traditional EEG paradigms in two sessions on the same day. The sessions were eight hours apart, participants performed the same tasks in an early and a late session. For the late session fEEGrid data were concurrently recorded with traditional cap EEG data. Main results. Our analyses show that typical event-related potentials responses were captured reliably by the fEEGrid. Single-trial analyses revealed that classification was possible above chance level for auditory and tactile oddball paradigms. We also found that the signal quality remained high and impedances did not deteriorate, but instead improved over the course of the day. Regarding wearing comfort, all participants indicated that the fEEGrid was comfortable to wear and did not cause any pain even after 8 h of wearing it. Significance. We show in this report, that high quality EEG signals can be captured with the fEEGrid reliably, even in long-term recording scenarios and with a signal quality that may be considered suitable for online brain-computer Interface applications.
Effect of early eradication therapy on systemic lupus erythematosus risk in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: a nationwide population-based cohort study

Background This study aimed to investigate whether early eradication therapy influences systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk in patients with Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. Methods We identified 41,653 patients with HP infection in Taiwan from 2000 to 2013. The patient population was divided into early (within three months) and late (after three months) eradication cohorts. age, sex, co-morbidities and medical visits were matched at a 1:1 ratio. Multiple Cox regression, sensitivity analysis and stratified analysis were used to estimate SLE adjusted hazard ratios (aHR). Results The relative risk of SLE was 0.75 (95% confidence interval 0.43–1.31) in the early eradication cohort. After multivariate adjustment, the SLE risk was non-significantly lower in the early eradication cohort than in the late eradication cohort (aHR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.42–1.29). Stratified analysis revealed that early eradication could significantly reduce SLE risk during the three-year follow-up period (aHR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.53, p for interaction = 0.0013). Compared to eradication within three months of diagnosis, eradication within 3–36 months and >36 months corresponded with SLE aHRs of 4.78 (95% CI 1.19–19.20) and 7.66 (95% CI 2.17–27.05), respectively, when the follow-up period was less than three years. Conclusion Early HP eradication could significantly reduce SLE risk, especially in the first three-year follow-up.
The novel urinary proteomic classifier HF1 has similar diagnostic and prognostic utility to BNP in heart failure

Measurement of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N‐terminal pro‐BNP is recommended as part of the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected heart failure (HF). We evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic utility of the novel urinary proteomic classifier HF1, compared with BNP, in HF. HF1 consists of 85 unique urinary peptide fragments thought, mainly, to reflect collagen turnover.
Effect of rigor mortis and ageing on collagen in trout (Salmo irideus) muscle

The literature reflects a divergence of opinion on the subject of the effect of rigor mortis and ageing on muscle collagen aggregation in food animals; there is little information concerning fish. The object of the present study was to document the effect of rigor mortis and ageing in trout (Salmo irideus Gibb) on the physical and biochemical characteristics of muscle connective tissue and its main component, collagen.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype B Strain from Hungary

Avian metapneumoviruses (aMPVs), which have been reported in many countries, cause acute upper respiratory tract disease in chickens and turkeys. Using next-generation sequencing, we report here the complete genome sequence of an aMPV subtype B strain that was isolated from a turkey in Hungary in 1989. ABSTRACT Avian metapneumoviruses (aMPVs), which have been reported in many countries, cause acute upper respiratory tract disease in chickens and turkeys. Using next-generation sequencing, we report here the complete genome sequence of an aMPV subtype B strain that was isolated from a turkey in Hungary in 1989.
Modification of Brassica Oil Using Conventional and Transgenic Approaches

Modifying the fatty acid composition of Brassica seed oil to increase its value as a nutritional or as an industrial oil has been a major objective in Brassica breeding programs worldwide. The conventional approach to fatty acid modification has explored natural or induced mutations occurring in the same plant species or close relatives within the Brassica genus. These mutations have been shown to be associated with a few enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of the fatty acids. Several types of Brassica oil with significantly altered levels of the long chain fatty acid erucic acid (C22:1) and medium chain fatty acids such as oleic add (C18:1) and linolenic add (C18:3) have been developed for different end uses through conventional breeding. When the necessary genetic variation is not available within Brassica species, gene transfer by genetic transformation has been applied, as this approach is not restricted by the sexual incompatibility barrier across spedes. The fatty adds targeted by the transgenic approach included fatty acids with various carbon chain lengths ranging from C8 to C22, with different numbers of double bonds, and with various functional groups such as epoxy and hydroxy fatty acids. A commercial specialty oil with high level of a novel fatty acid, lauric acid (C12:0), was produced as a result of the transfer of a FatB thioesterase gene from a distantly related plant species that produces seed oil with high level of this unusual fatty acid. Considerable progress has been achieved in altering the relative levels of the fatty acids found in Brassica oils for increased health and economic benefits and in developing Brassica oils which contain other unusual fatty acids, mainly through genetic transformation. Although the use of natural or induced mutations in the fatty acid biosynthesis within Brassica remains a valid option for oil modification, the transgenic approach will play an increasingly important role in the development of Brassica oils with altered novel fatty add composition.
A new clinical evaluation of asomatognosia in right brain damaged patients using visual and reaching tasks

ABSTRACT Introduction The term asomatognosia refers to a unilateral disturbance of body ownership following a cerebrovascular incident. Patients with asomatognosia consider the contralesional limbs as missing or having disappeared from awareness. This neuropsychological disorder modifies body ownership in terms of perceptual experience, visual identification and sense of belonging of contralesional body parts. In the literature, asomatognosia is usually tested by using verbal scales. Method In this study, we first developed a new test to assess asomatognosia that includes a visual identification task and a reaching task. We examined 16 healthy participants and 20 right brain damaged patients. The participants were asked to identify, reach and touch their left hand when positioned in peripersonal space, in presence of an extraneous hand (belonging to the examiner). We analyzed how the deficit is modulated by the reciprocal positions in space of the two limbs, the relationship with personal neglect and the anatomical correlate using a Voxel-based Lesion Symptom Mapping (VLSM) analysis with CT data. Results The results show that the asomatognosia cannot be simply considered as one of the many manifestations of personal neglect but should be taken into account as a “productive” disorder characterized by the misidentification of the own hand with an extraneous hand. The VLSM analysis of patients with asomatognosia revealed the involvement of the inferior and middle frontal lobe. Conclusions The novel task that has been developed in the present study could be used as an objective tool to measure this specific disorder of body ownership or to uncover subclinical conditions of asomatognosia.
Influence of prey availability on seasonal fluctuation in body condition in the wolf spider, Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Abstract Foraging by an organism varies over the season in response to environmental conditions. Predatory arthropods, such as spiders, are frequently in a food-limited state despite their polyphagous habits and may feed opportunistically to enhance rates of growth, survival and reproduction. We predicted that, to circumvent food limitation, spider foraging would be related to prey availability. We examined the extent to which body condition of spiders, a correlate of recent foraging, was related to prey availability and habitat type. Wolf spiders Pardosa milvina (Hentz 1844) were collected between May and October in two habitat types, corn and soybean fields. To assess changes in spider condition, we calculated and compared multiple body condition indices derived from morphometric measures of individual spiders. Prey abundance was monitored over the same period using a vacuum suction sampler. Body condition indices provided qualitatively equivalent results. Interestingly, juvenile males were in better condition than adult males, but the opposite was the case for juvenile versus adult females. Although the availability of potential prey generally increased over the growing season, changes in body condition fluctuated independently of prey, suggesting that Pardosa milvina have life history differences in foraging and demand for resources that may influence foraging decisions.
Suppression of Transferrin Expression Enhances the Susceptibility of Plutella xylostella to Isaria cicadae

Transferrins (Trfs) are multifunctional proteins with key functions in iron transport. In the present study, a Trf (PxTrf) from Plutella xylostella was identified and characterized. The PxTrf consisted of a 2046-bp open reading frame, which encoded a 681 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of 73.43 kDa and had an isoelectric point of 7.18. Only a single iron domain was predicted in the N-lobe of PxTrf. Although PxTrf was expressed ubiquitously, the highest levels of expression were observed in the fourth instar larvae. PxTrf transcript level was highest in fat bodies among various tissues. The PxTrf transcript levels increased significantly after the stimulation of pathogens. A decrease in PxTrf expression via RNA interference enhanced the susceptibility of P. xylostella to the Isaria cicadae fungus and inhibited hemocyte nodulation in response to the fungal challenge. In addition, a considerable increase in the pupation rate was observed in larvae treated with double-stranded PxTrf (dsPxTrf). Overall, according to the results, PxTrf may participate in P. xylostella immunity against fungal infection and insect development.
Morphological and Transcriptome Analyses Provide Insights into Growth Inhibition of Trichophyton rubrum Caused by Laser Irradiation

Trichophyton rubrum is one of the most common types of dermatophyte, causing superficial skin mycosis in human populations. Although laser treatment of onychomycosis has been proven to be effective in the clinic, the underlying mechanism of the effect of the laser on fungal growth is not clear. The objective of the present study was to observe the ultrastructural changes of Trichophyton rubrum following laser irradiation and compare the transcriptome differences between the laser irradiation group and control group. In the present study, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the ultrastructural changes following the laser irradiation of Trichophyton rubrum. We also performed RNA-seq to investigate the effects of laser irradiation on Trichophyton rubrum by comparing the transcriptome pattern with the control. Morphological observation with electron microscopy indicated that laser irradiation resulted in the destruction of the cell membrane system. A significant induction of apoptosis was noted compared with the control group, which was confirmed by the formation of the myeloid body and protein aggregates in the cytoplasm. RNA-seq demonstrated that the expression levels of Acyl-CoA N-acyltransferase and S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase were increased in the laser irradiation group. This result indicated that laser irradiation triggered the initiation of the damage repair pathway. In conclusion, the present study suggested that laser irradiation caused physiological injury and therefore inhibited the growth of Trichophyton rubrum.
Antioxidant Activity of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Fruit Peel and Pulp Extracts in Stabilization of Soybean Oil During Storage Conditions

The antioxidation activities of Eriobotrya japonica (Lindl.) fruit peel and pulp extracts were determined using DPPH, β-carotene, and Rancimat methods. Results showed that ethanol-water extract of peel and ethanol extract of pulp had the highest antioxidant activity. Protective effects of extracts in stabilization of soybean oil were tested and compared to tert-butyl hydroquinone by measuring peroxide values, free fatty acids, thiobarbituric acid, oxidative stability, and conjugated dienes and trienes values during storage (65 days at 25°C). Results showed that the ethanol-water extract of peel at 400 ppm exhibited stronger antioxidant activity, but the highest effect was observed in tert-butyl hydroquinone.
Feeding of Arapaima sp.: integrating stomach contents and local ecological knowledge.

The giant arapaima (Arapaima sp.) has been described as a fish of change in Amazonia due to its important role on conservation of floodplains, food security and income generation for rural communities. However, despite the cultural, ecological and economic importance of arapaima, data on diet are scarce. Aiming to expand knowledge about arapaima diet in western Amazonia, we integrate scientific knowledge with the knowledge of local dwellers. During the low-water period (September 2018) and the falling-water period (June 2019) we collected arapaima stomachs from 11 floodplain lakes in the middle Juruá River. All fishes were measured (TL - total length) and sexed. Food items from each stomach were categorized as fishes, invertebrates, plants and bone remains, and weighed. Also, in the latter period we interviewed experienced local fishers about arapaima feeding. Our integrated approach revealed that young arapaima eat fish and invertebrates, but adult arapaima eat fish of a wide range of species, which were mainly of low and intermediate trophic positions. We report the first case of cannibalism for arapaima, and we also show that during the low-water period, many individuals had empty stomachs or with only some small fish bone remains and/or plant material. Arapaima sex and total length had no influence on the absence of prey in stomach contents. Overall, we conclude that local people had consistent ethnobiological knowledge of arapaima feeding ecology that could be useful within management projects in the region.
Neuropeptide Y1 receptor antagonist promotes osteoporosis and microdamage repair and enhances osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stem cells via cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder in the elderly population. The accumulation of bone microdamage is a critical factor of osteoporotic fracture. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been reported to regulated bone metabolism through Y1 receptor (Y1R). In this study the effects and mechanisms of Y1R antagonist on prevention for osteoporosis were characterized. In the clinical experiment, compared with osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis (OP) showed significant osteoporotic bone microstructure and accumulation of bone microdamage. NPY and Y1R immunoreactivity in bone were stronger in OP group, and were both correlated with bone volume fraction (BV/TV). In vivo experiment, Y1R antagonist significantly improved osteoporotic microstructure in the ovariectomized (OVX) rats. And Y1R antagonist promoted RUNX2, OPG and inhibit RANKL, MMP9 in bone marrow. In vitro cell culture experiment, NPY inhibited osteogenesis, elevated RANKL/OPG ratio and downregulated the expression of cAMP, p-PKAs and p-CREB in BMSCs, treated with Y1R antagonist or 8-Bromo-cAMP could inhibit the effects of NPY. Together, Y1R antagonist improved the bone microstructure and reduced bone microdamage in OVX rats. NPY-Y1R could inhibit osteoblast differentiation of BMSCs via cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Our findings highlight the regulation of NPY-Y1R in bone metabolism as a potential therapy strategy for the prevention of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture.
Are Increased Regional Disparity and Unsustainable Economic Development the Two Sides of the Same Coin for OECD Countries? by

The link between adjusted net savings, the leading indicator for weak sustainability, and income regional inequalities is investigated for the OECD countries from 1990 to 2012. In contrast to previous literature, we use a correlated random effects (CRE) approach to estimate the model. Evidence of a negative relationship between adjusted net savings and current and future income spatial regional inequality is found, supporting the view that a lower level of the weak sustainability indicator and increasing regional inequality over time can be considered as sides of the same coin. This result holds when performing several robustness tests.