Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproductive Biology and Embryonic Diapause as a Survival Strategy for the East Asian Endemic Eagle Ray Aetobatus narutobiei

Batoids comprise five of the seven most threatened families of sharks and rays. The East Asian endemic Naru eagle ray Aetobatus narutobiei is a large bodied ray whose estuarine habitat overlaps with an economically valuable bivalve fishery. In response to decreased bivalve yields, the government initiated a predator control program and as a result, Naru eagle rays have faced intense and targeted fishing pressure during the last two decades. The long-term impacts of the predator control program on the population of rays and bivalves and their balance in the ecosystem are unknown because the life history of the Naru eagle ray has not been characterized. To begin to fill these critical knowledge gaps, the reproductive life history of the Naru eagle was described. Females mature at a larger size than males and require nearly twice as many years to reach maturity (DW50, 952.0 mm vs. 764.2 mm; Age50, 6.0 years vs. 3.5 years). Both males and females reproduce annually and their reproductive cycles are synchronized and seasonal. Females have a single ovary and paired uteri, are viviparous, and reproduce via matrotrophic histotrophy. Mating occurs in August and September and gestation lasts approximately 12 months including a 9.5-month diapause that begins soon after mating and ends in June of the following year, leaving 2.5 months for embryos to complete development. Fecundity ranged from 1 to 7 embryos per brood (n = 158, mean ± SD = 3.36 ± 1.26) and was positively correlated with female disc width (linear regression; F = 105.73, d.f. = 151, P < 0.05). Naru eagle rays are vulnerable to overfishing because of their low fecundity, long reproductive cycle and long time to reach sexual maturity. Obligate embryonic diapause during overwintering and seasonal migrations is a survival strategy that benefits the adults and neonates. This research is a valuable resource to help guide science-based management, conservation and protection of the endemic Asian A. narutobiei and its nursery areas.
Supplementation of Protein at Breakfast Rather Than at Dinner and Lunch Is Effective on Skeletal Muscle Mass in Older Adults

Background: The effects of different intake patterns of meal protein on muscle mass have not been clarified. We cross-sectionally and longitudinally examined the effect of different timing of protein intake on sarcopenia-related factors in older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study 1 included 219 (male, n = 69, female, n = 150) elderly subjects aged ≥65 years. Subjects who consumed more protein at breakfast than at dinner were grouped into the morning group (MG, n = 76; male, n = 26; female, n = 50), and those who consumed more protein at dinner than at breakfast were grouped into the evening group (EG, n = 143; male, n = 43; female, n = 100). In cross-sectional study 2-1 (female, n = 125), the subjects were classified into four groups according to the number of meals with sufficient protein intake. In cross-sectional studies 2-2 (female, n = 125) and 2-3 (female, n = 27), the subjects were classified into eight groups and three groups according to whether they had consumed sufficient protein at three meals; sarcopenia-related factors were compared. The intervention study was a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized controlled trial that included 40 elderly women with low daily breakfast protein intake. The subjects were divided into four groups: morning protein and placebo intake groups and evening protein and placebo intake groups. Each group consumed the test food (containing 10 g milk protein) or placebo in the morning or evening for 12 weeks. Blood indices and physical function were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Comparing all subjects, MG showed significantly higher handgrip strength than did EG (P < 0.05). The higher ratio of morning protein intake relative to the total protein intake, the better the muscle mass (r = 0.452, P < 0.05) and handgrip strength (r = 0.383, P < 0.05). The intervention study showed an increase in muscle mass with the intake of milk protein in the morning rather than in the evening (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Protein intake at breakfast might have relatively stronger effects on skeletal muscle mass than at lunch and dinner.
Mutation of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Related Genes and the Screening of Candidate Genes

Clinical studies have shown similarities in the genetic background and biological functional characteristics between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and that HT may increase risks of PTC. Here, we set to determine the gene expression specificity of HT and PTC by screening related genes or co-expressed genes and exploring their genetic correlation. Referencing the Oncomine database, HT-related genes were discovered to be expressed in many different types of thyroid cancer, such as TSHR that is highly expressed in thyroid cancer. An in-depth genetic analysis and verification of 35 cancer and paracancerous tissue pairs from patients with thyroid cancer, and 35 tissues and blood cells pairs from patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was conducted. Gene chip technology research showed that TSHR, BACH2, FOXE1, RNASET2, CTLA4, PTPN22, IL2RA and other HT-related genes were all expressed in PTC, in which TSHR was significantly over-expressed in PTC patients sensitive to radioactive iodine therapy, while BACH2 was significantly under-expressed in these patients. The biologically significant candidate Tag SNP highlighted from HT-related genes was screened by the high-throughput detection method. Somatic mutations in patients with HT and PTC were detected by target region capture technique, and 75 mutations were found in patients with HT and PTC. The upstream regulatory factors of the different genes shared by HT and PTC were analyzed based on Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), and it was found that HIF-1α and PD-L1 could be used as important upstream regulatory signal molecules. These results provide a basis for screening key diagnostic genes of PTC by highlighting the relationship between some HT-related genes and their polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of PTC.
Constraint-Based Sound-Motion Objects in Music Performance

The aim of this paper is to present principles of constraint-based sound-motion objects in music performance. Sound-motion objects are multimodal fragments of combined sound and sound-producing body motion, usually in the duration range of just a few seconds, and conceived, produced, and perceived as intrinsically coherent units. Sound-motion objects have a privileged role as building blocks in music because of their duration, coherence, and salient features and emerge from combined instrumental, biomechanical, and motor control constraints at work in performance. Exploring these constraints and the crucial role of the sound-motion objects can enhance our understanding of generative processes in music and have practical applications in performance, improvisation, and composition.
Binocular videogrammetric system for three-dimensional measurement in low-speed wind tunnel

In order to avoid the defects of contact measurement, such as limited range, complex constructing and disability of 3-D parameter acquisition, we built a binocular videogrammetric system for measuring 3-D geometry parameters of wind tunnel test models, for instance, displacement, rotation angle and vibration, in low-speed wind tunnel. The system is based on the principles of close-range digital photogrammetry. As a non-contact system, it acquires parameters without interference in the experiments, and it has adjustable range and simple structure. It is worth mentioning that this is a Realtime measurement system, so that it can greatly compress the experiment period, furthermore, it is also able to provide some specific experiments with parameters for online adjustment. In this system, images are acquired through two industrial digital cameras and a PCI-E image acquisition card, and they are processed in a PC. The two cameras are triggered by signals come from a function signal generator, so that images of different cameras will have good temporal synchronization to ensure the accuracy of 3-D reconstruction. A two-step stereo calibration technique using planar pattern developed by Zhengyou Zhang is used to calibrate these cameras. Results of wind tunnel test indicate that the system can provide displacement accuracy better than 0.1% and rotation angle accuracy better than 0.1 degree, besides, the vibration frequency accuracy is superior to 0.1Hz in the low-frequency range.
An ABC-based cost model with inventory and order level costs: a comparison with TOC

Activity-Based Costing (ABC) was developed to address the deficiencies of traditional accounting systems in the modern business environment by helping managers understand product and customer profitability and identify priority areas for process improvements. In this study, activity-based costing (ABC) concepts are integrated with a Mixed Integer Program (MIP) for order management and profitability analysis in the case of a firm facing demand in excess of capacity. The model considers unit-level, batch, and order-related costs within a mixed-integer programming model representing the firm's operating structure. The performance criterion of profit and service levels during the 20-period planning horizon is used for model evaluation in a comparison with the results from a Theory of Constraints (TOC) formulation. The analysis of these competing models will provide guidelines for applications of order management models with simultaneous consideration of production planning and profitability analysis, as well as help managers understand product and customer profitability, and identify priority areas for process improvements. The results indicate that the ABC-based model is more effective in increasing profitability and reducing inventory levels when compared with the TOC-based formulation, making better use of overhead cost information in the selection of orders.
Streptomyces as Microbial Chassis for Heterologous Protein Expression

Heterologous production of recombinant proteins is gaining increasing interest in biotechnology with respect to productivity, scalability, and wide applicability. The members of genus Streptomyces have been proposed as remarkable hosts for heterologous production due to their versatile nature of expressing various secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters and secretory enzymes. However, there are several issues that limit their use, including low yield, difficulty in genetic manipulation, and their complex cellular features. In this review, we summarize rational engineering approaches to optimizing the heterologous production of secondary metabolites and recombinant proteins in Streptomyces species in terms of genetic tool development and chassis construction. Further perspectives on the development of optimal Streptomyces chassis by the design-build-test-learn cycle in systems are suggested, which may increase the availability of secondary metabolites and recombinant proteins.
Fabrication and characterization of MEMS-based PZT/PZT bimorph thick film vibration energy harvesters

We describe the fabrication and characterization of a significantly improved version of a microelectromechanical system-based PZT/PZT thick film bimorph vibration energy harvester with an integrated silicon proof mass; the harvester is fabricated in a fully monolithic process. The main advantage of bimorph vibration energy harvesters is that strain energy is not lost in mechanical support materials since only Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 (PZT) is strained; as a result, the effective system coupling coefficient is increased, and thus a potential for significantly higher output power is released. In addition, when the two layers are connected in series, the output voltage is increased, and as a result the relative power loss in the necessary rectifying circuit is reduced. We describe an improved process scheme for the energy harvester, which resulted in a robust fabrication process with a record high fabrication yield of 98%. The robust fabrication process allowed a high pressure treatment of the screen printed PZT thick films prior to sintering. The high pressure treatment improved the PZT thick film performance and increased the harvester power output to 37.1 μW at 1 g root mean square acceleration. We also characterize the harvester performance when only one of the PZT layers is used while the other is left open or short circuit.
Quantification of Ki67 Change as a Valid Prognostic Indicator of Luminal B Type Breast Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy

Introduction: Ki67 value and its variation before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are commonly tested in relation to breast cancer patient prognosis. This study aims to quantify the extent of changes in Ki67 proliferation pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy, confirm an optimal cut-off point, and evaluate its potential value for predicting survival outcomes in patients with different molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Methods: This retrospective real-world study recruited 828 patients at the Department of Breast Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University and the Cancer Hospital of China Medical University from Jan 2014 to Nov 2020. Patient demographic features and disease pathology characteristics were recorded, and biomarkers were verified through immunohistochemistry. Various statistical methods were used to validate the relationships between different characteristics and survival outcomes irrespective of disease-free and overall survival. Results: Among 828 patients, statistically significant effects between pathological complete response and survival outcome were found in both HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancer (p < 0.05) but not in Luminal breast cancer (p > 0.05). Evident decrease of Ki67 was confirmed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. To quantify the extent of Ki67 changes between pre- and post-NAC timepoints, we adopted a computational equation termed ΔKi67% for research. We found the optimal cut-off value to be “ΔKi67% = −63%” via the operating characteristic curve, defining ΔKi67% ≤ −63% as positive status and ΔKi67% > −63% as negative status. Patients with positive ΔKi67% status were 37.1% of the entire cohort. Additionally, 4.7, 39.9, 34.5 and 39.6% of patients with Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple negative breast cancer were also validated with positive ΔKi67% status. The statistically significant differences between ΔKi67% status and prognostic outcomes were confirmed by univariate and multivariate analysis in Luminal B (univariate and multivariate analysis: p < 0.05) and triple negative breast cancer (univariate and multivariate analysis: p < 0.05). We proved ΔKi67% as a statistically significant independent prognostic factor irrespective of disease-free or overall survival among patients with Luminal B and triple-negative breast cancer. Conclusions: ΔKi67% can aid in predicting patient prognostic outcome, provide a measurement of NAC efficacy, and assist in further clinical decisions, especially for patients with Luminal B breast cancer.
Dairy Product Consumption and Oligo-Astheno-Teratozoospermia Risk: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in China

Background: Researches on the association of dairy products consumption with Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) risk has been limited and controversial. Therefore, we aim to explore the aforementioned association among Chinese men. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in men consisting of 106 cases of OAT and 581 controls. Intakes of dairy products and their related nutrients were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and semen quality was analyzed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The daily intake of dairy products and their related nutrients was categorized into three groups with the lowest tertile serving as the reference category. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of association between dairy intake and OTA risk were calculated by the multivariable logistic regression models. Results: No significant association was found between total dairy (OR T3vs.T1 =1.53, 95% CI: 0.85–2.78), protein (OR T3vs.T1 =1.51, 95% CI: 0.84–2.75), or calcium (OR T3vs.T1 = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.81–2.66) and the OAT risk in the main findings. However, we observed a statistically significant positive association of dairy fat intake with OAT risk (OR T3vs.T1 =1.93, 95% CI: 1.06–3.58). The findings were consistent with the main results when we carried out subgroup analysis stratified by body mass index. Conclusion: A significant positive association was found between dairy fat intake and the risk of OAT. Further large-scale prospective studies are required to confirm this finding.
Spatial Distribution and Population Estimation of Dogs in Thailand: Implications for Rabies Prevention and Control

Poor management of dog populations causes many problems in different countries, including rabies. To strategically design a dog population management, certain sets of data are required, such as the population size and spatial distribution of dogs. However, these data are rarely available or incomplete. Hence, this study aimed to describe the characteristics of dog populations in Thailand, explore their spatial distribution and relevant factors, and estimate the number of dogs in the whole country. First, four districts were selected as representatives of each region. Each district was partitioned into grids with a 300-m resolution. The selected grids were then surveyed, and the number of dogs and related data were collected. Random forest models with a two-part approach were used to quantify the association between the surveyed dog population and predictor variables. The spatial distribution of dog populations was then predicted. A total of 1,750 grids were surveyed (945 grids with dog presence and 805 grids with dog absence). Among the surveyed dogs, 86.6% (12,027/13,895) were owned. Of these, 51% were classified as independent, followed by confined (25%), semi-independent (21%), and unidentified dogs (3%). Seventy-two percent (1,348/1,868) of the ownerless dogs were feral, and the rest were community dogs. The spatial pattern of the dog populations was highly distributed in big cities such as Bangkok and its suburbs. In owned dogs, it was linked to household demographics, whereas it was related to community factors in ownerless dogs. The number of estimated dogs in the entire country was 12.8 million heads including 11.2 million owned dogs (21.7 heads/km2) and 1.6 million ownerless dogs (3.2 heads/km2). The methods developed here are extrapolatable to a larger area and use much less budget and manpower compared to the present practices. Our results are helpful for canine rabies prevention and control programs, such as dog population management and control and rabies vaccine allocation.
Evolution of NLR Resistance Genes in Magnoliids: Dramatic Expansions of CNLs and Multiple Losses of TNLs

Magnoliids are the third-largest group of angiosperms and occupy a critical position in angiosperm evolution. In the past years, due to the lack of sequenced genomes, the disease resistance gene (R gene) profile of magnoliids remains poorly understood. By the genome-wide identification of 1,832 NLR genes from seven magnoliid genomes, we built a framework for the evolution of magnoliid R genes. TNL genes were completely absent from five magnoliids, presumably due to immune pathway deficiencies. A total of 74 ancestral R genes (70 CNLs, 3 TNLs, and 1 RNL) were recovered in a common ancestor of magnoliids, from which all current NLR gene repertoires were derived. Tandem duplication served as the major drive for NLR genes expansion in seven magnoliid genomes, as most surveyed angiosperms. Due to recent rapid expansions, most magnoliids exhibited “a first expansion followed by a slight contraction and a further stronger expansion” evolutionary pattern, while both Litsea cubeba and Persea americana showed a two-times-repeated pattern of “expansion followed by contraction. ” The transcriptome analysis of seven different tissues of Saururus chinensis revealed a low expression of most NLR genes, with some R genes displaying a relatively higher expression in roots and fruits. Overall, our study sheds light on the evolution of NLR genes in magnoliids, compensates for insufficiency in major angiosperm lineages, and provides an important reference for a better understanding of angiosperm NLR genes.
ADDITIVE OS: AN OPEN-SOURCE PLATFORM FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING DATA MANAGEMENT & IP PROTECTION

The additive manufacturing (AM) digital thread presents unique challenges for data management and security. While proprietary software packages solve many issues, they can be expensive and lacking in customization. Additive OS is an open-source platform for importing, sharing, organizing, and querying AM data. Man-in-the-middle attacks, secure print licensing, and IP theft are addressed using custom smart contracts, ontology is preserved with a NoSQL database and directed acyclic graph (DAG) representations, and peer-to-peer content delivery facilitates low-latency file transfer. The application includes a browser-based graphical user interface, but developers can access the underlying API to invoke sophisticated queries, add functionality, or run the lightweight client on low-resource hardware.
IJSRD-International Journal for Scientific Research & Development| Vol. 7, Issue 10, 2019 | ISSN (online): 2321-0613

Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is not less than a revolutionary technology which has grown the industries to a great extent . WEDM is extended version of EDM and it was the first machine which leads the machining to the automatic processing system with sensors and software system. Machining from the conventional methods needs more human labour and wastage of productive time. WEDM was invented to ease the machining work with less human efforts and skills. Most of the research work by the researcher has been focused on effect and optimization of process parameters on performance parameters of WEDM by using different type of materials. This paper presents, the review of optimization work of process parameters (Ton, Toff, IP, WT, SV, WF, WP etc.) on MRR, SR, kerf width by using different types of machine, material and optimization techniques.
MULTIPLE-MATERIAL POWDER BED FUSION MACHINE DEVELOPMENT: REDUCING CROSS-CONTAMINATION BETWEEN MATERIALS

Powder bed fusion is an additive manufacturing technology capable of producing fully dense, high strength parts with complex geometries. However, it is currently only able to fabricate parts comprised of a single material. Multiple-material capabilities would allow for an added level of design complexity and the matching of material properties to the functional requirements of a part. In order to achieve this, a full redesign of the current powder deposition system is required. Previous attempts to implement multiple-material powder deposition systems encountered issues with controlling the dimensional accuracy in the build direction and crosscontamination between materials. This research integrates an angled blade leveling mechanism along with a nozzle-based powder deposition system to solve these problems. A design of experiments was run to identify significant leveling parameters and to quantify material crosscontamination. A deposition and leveling system that creates a uniform height multiple-material powder bed with no significant cross-contamination of materials is demonstrated.