Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How visual working memory handles distraction: cognitive mechanisms and electrophysiological correlates

ABSTRACT The ability to selectively encode relevant information (filtering ability) is crucial to make best use of the severely limited space that visual working memory (VWM) provides. This review considers why filtering ability is important, how it is measured, and it discusses how filtering might be implemented computationally at the cognitive and neuronal level. Based on theoretical considerations, we explore the possibility that filtering ability involves not only the suppression of irrelevant, but also the enhancement of relevant information – functions that might be implemented by different brain mechanisms; and we review behavioural and electrophysiological data in light of the various resulting model versions. We also highlight that filtering is better understood as coordinated brain network activity, rather than being the function of a single region. Broadcasting of control signals from prefrontal cortex appears critical in upholding information in posterior cortical areas in the absence of distractors. The very same ability might also support selective processing of relevant information in the presence of distractors. These ideas provide a novel explanation for the relation between filtering ability and VWM capacity and thereby (re-)establish a central role of filtering ability in general VWM functioning.
Effects of mTOR inhibitor–related proteinuria on progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy and outcomes among heart transplant recipients

We have previously described the use of sirolimus (SRL) as primary immunosuppression following heart transplantation (HT). The advantages of this approach include attenuation of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), improvement in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and reduced malignancy. However, in some patients SRL may cause significant proteinuria. We sought to investigate the prognostic value of proteinuria after conversion to SRL. CAV progression and adverse clinical events were studied. CAV progression was assessed by measuring the Δ change in plaque volume (PV) and plaque index (PI) per year using coronary intravascular ultrasound. Proteinuria was defined as Δ urine protein ≥300 mg/24 h at 1 year after conversion to SRL. Overall, 137 patients were analyzed (26% with proteinuria). Patients with proteinuria had significantly lower GFR (P = .005) but similar GFR during follow‐up. Delta PV (P < .001) and Δ PI (P = .001) were significantly higher among patients with proteinuria after adjustment for baseline characteristics. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed higher all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 3.8; P = .01) with proteinuria but similar risk of CAV‐related events (P = .61). Our results indicate that proteinuria is a marker of baseline renal dysfunction, and that HT recipients who develop proteinuria after conversion to SRL have less attenuation of CAV progression and higher mortality risk.
Use of Smartphone Applications for Diabetes Management in Kuwait: A Pilot Study

Abstract A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dasman Diabetes Institute (Kuwait) to investigate the attitudes to smartphone diabetes-related applications used by diabetic patients. In total, 111 patients aged 59.0 ± 9.0 years completed the questionnaires. Most of the respondents were Kuwaiti (83%), with type 2 diabetes (79%) and had had diabetes for more than five years (93%). Although most respondents owned a smartphone (94%), only 12% were using diabetes-related applications. Barriers included unawareness, language, losing interest, lack of time and complicated use. Medical appointment reminder was an important desired feature. Designing apps in the Arabic-language with easy to use features is recommended.
Field verification of a novel and simple partial discharge detection method for generator applications

This study introduces a simple and novel partial discharge (PD) detection method for generator condition monitoring applications. The proposed method uses statistical operator ‘Variance’ which is proportional to the power of an electrical signal. It was validated by field measurement conducted at four in service hydro-generators: two having heavily aged windings and the other two having identical new. First, accuracy of detecting PD pulses was verified by comparing with wavelet-based method. The proposed method detected all the PD pulses with a ‘Precision’ higher than 90% and recall of 100%. As the second step phase resolved PD (PRPD) patterns generated using the proposed method were compared with commercial PD monitoring systems. It was found that the overall similarity was above 0.75. Finally, extracted PD pulses were used to calculate the polarity wise dissipated PD energies. The calculated energies were correlated with identified PD sources through series of off-line tests and visual inspections. It was observed that discharges due to loosen windings and corona activity were well correlated with estimated PD energies. All these validation processes indicated that the proposed method effectively and accurately detect PD pulses and can be used as a diagnostic tool for generator applications.
Photo-activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-based patient-specific bio-ink for cartilage tissue engineering

Nowadays, scientists focus on the development of tissue-specific and personalized bio-ink that can be used in 3D bioprinting technologies. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a person-specific source that is used as a therapeutic adjunct for the treatment of cartilage damage because it offers a cocktail of growth factors that are necessary for wound healing and tissue regeneration. However, PRP treatments in the clinic are not satisfactory and require upgrading, especially the point of maintaining bioactivity. In this study, we presented PRP as a photo-activated and photo-crosslinkable bio-ink in terms of tissue-specific structures for the first time. We achieved long-term and constant rate growth factor release and bioactivity protection of PRP with satisfactory mechanical characteristics. Photo-crosslinked PRP hydrogel was enabled by the addition of microwave-induced methacrylated gelatin (Gel-MA), which is connected to platelets in PRP via integrin receptors in its structure and chemically cross-linked upon UV irradiation (300–500 nm). Photo-activation of PRP was realized by a polychromatic light source in the near-infrared region (PAC, 600–1200 nm). Our results showed that Gel-MA/PRP hydrogels with the desired mechanical properties (low degradation rate and high mechanical strength) released growth factors at a constant rate for the long-term by the periodic PAC application. In vitro cell culture studies (viability, proliferation, morphology, histology, immunochemistry, biochemistry, gene expression analyses) proved that proliferation and differentiation of the ATDC5 cells increased in the periodically light-applied Gel-MA/PRP hydrogel without any external chemical agents.
Potential of parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) against the sugarcane stem borer, Chilo infuscatellus (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae) under field conditions

The present experiment reports the role of egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) (Hymenoptera; Trichogrammtiade) as a pest management tool for the control of sugarcane stem borer (Chilo infuscatellus) under natural field conditions. The prime focus of study was to find out the effectiveness of egg parasitoid as a primary tool after its field releases at different time intervals. The experiment was conducted at Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab during 2008 to 2009. The trails were laid out in randomized complete block designed with five treatments of field releases an interval of 10, 15 and 20 days. The intensity of damage showed that minimum infestation of 9.31% was recorded in treatment T1 (72,000) Trichogramma cards followed by T2, T3 and T4 with infestation percentage of 13.60, 17.07 and 19.44, respectively. The highest infestation was recorded at 25.95% in control treatment. The lowest infestation (16.57%) was observed after 10 days intervals of field releases followed by recording after 15 and 20 days interval with infestation of 17.14 and 17.52%. Key words: Trichogramma chilonis, egg parasitoid, sugarcane, Chilo infuscatellus.
PROPRIEDADES FÍSICO-MECÂNICAS DE PAINÉIS AGLOMERADOS COM Bambusa tuldoides E Pinus taeda

This study investigated the physical and mechanical properties of particleboards formed of bamboo (Bambusa tuldoides) and pine (Pinus taeda) and combinations between them. To this end, panels were made, defined by the use of each type of particle (pure or mixed), being set 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of proportion to the dry weight, total of 36 panels. The physical tests performed were the moisture content, mass density observed, absorption of water and swelling in thickness and the mechanics were static bending test, screw withdrawal test and internal bond. The results tested for simple correlation and regression analysis. In general, panels pure pine showed better results than just the panels formed by bamboo. The inclusion of bamboo decreases mainly the mechanical properties of panels. All panels were below the minimum standards for the physical and mechanical tests, only internal bond in panels of pine homogeneous had higher values ​​than commercial standards.
Nesting phenology, mate choice, and genetic divergence within a partially migratory population of American Kestrels

ABSTRACT Studies across annual cycles are important for understanding the consequences of carryover effects and predicting species' responses to environmental change. Partially migratory populations, which consist of resident and migratory individuals, are excellent systems for studying how wintering strategies may affect reproduction. We examined whether wintering strategy (residency or nonresidency) created temporal divides in egg-laying date within a local breeding population of American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) and thus led to assortative mating and genetic divergence between early- and late-breeding birds. For 3 yr, we trapped and marked kestrels in winter and recaptured mated pairs in nest boxes in the subsequent spring. We then genotyped early- and late-breeding kestrels using 6 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Residents nested earlier than nonresidents, but not after the warmest and driest winter of the study. Resident females were more likely to mate with resident males than nonresident males, providing behavioral evidence of assortative mating. However, we found no genetic differentiation or structure between early- and late-breeding kestrel groups. Lack of genetic differences may be the result of condition-dependent changes in wintering strategy, renesting, recent emergence of assortative mating patterns, or sufficient gene flow from pairs with mixed wintering strategies. Nonetheless, our results show that wintering strategy can have carryover effects on nesting phenology and mate choice in partially migratory populations. Given that wintering strategy affects nesting phenology and that nesting phenology has consequences for local fitness, environmental conditions (i.e. warmer winters) may facilitate kestrels remaining in or near temperate breeding areas and may lead to shifts in migratory behavior and nesting phenology.
Thickness-dependent magnetic properties of inverse spinel Fe3O4

ABSTRACT Effect of film thickness on the magnetic properties of inverse spinel has been studied using Monte Carlo simulation. The critical temperature has been obtained for different film thickness up to L = 13. The free boundary conditions along L direction have been used. The magnetic hysteresis is obtained for different temperatures and for different film thickness up to L = 7. The magnetic coercive field and remanent magnetization increase with increasing the thickness of the film and decrease with increasing the temperature values.
Abdominal Surgery in Patients with a Ventricular Assist Device: A Single Center Experience in Israel.

BACKGROUND Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are used more commonly in patients with advanced-stage heart failure. Some of these patients may require elective or urgent abdominal surgical procedures. OBJECTIVES To determine the outcomes of the management of LVAD-supported patients who underwent elective and urgent abdominal surgical procedures in our institution. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted on 93 patients who underwent LVAD implantation between August 2008 and January 2017. All abdominal surgeries in these patients were studied, and their impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality Ten patients underwent abdominal surgical procedures. Of these procedures, five were emergent and five were elective. The elective cases included one bariatric surgery for morbid obesity, one hiatal hernia repair, two cholecystectomies, and one small bowel resection for a carcinoid tumor. The emergency cases included suspected ischemic colitis, right colectomy for bleeding adenocarcinoma, laparotomy due to intraabdominal bleeding, open cholecystectomy for gangrenous cholecystitis, and laparotomy for sternal and abdominal wall infection. All patients undergoing elective procedures survived. Of the five patients who underwent emergency surgery, three died (60%, P = 0.16) and one presented with major morbidity. One of the two survivors required reintervention. In total, 12 interventions were performed on this group of patientswas evaluated. RESULTS Ten patients underwent abdominal surgical procedures. Of these procedures, five were emergent and five were elective. The elective cases included one bariatric surgery for morbid obesity, one hiatal hernia repair, two cholecystectomies, and one small bowel resection for a carcinoid tumor. The emergency cases included suspected ischemic colitis, right colectomy for bleeding adenocarcinoma, laparotomy due to intraabdominal bleeding, open cholecystectomy for gangrenous cholecystitis, and laparotomy for sternal and abdominal wall infection. All patients undergoing elective procedures survived. Of the five patients who underwent emergency surgery, three died (60%, P = 0.16) and one presented with major morbidity. One of the two survivors required reintervention. In total, 12 interventions were performed on this group of patients. CONCLUSIONS It is safe to perform elective abdominal procedures for LVAD-supported patients. The prognosis of these patients undergoing emergency surgery is poor and has high mortality and morbidity rates.
Current control of phytosanitary insect pests in table grape vineyards of the Hex River Valley, South Africa

Phlyctinus callosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a key phytosanitary pest of South African table grapes, is controlled using sticky Plantex® trunk barriers, while Epichoristodes acerbella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), another important phytosanitary pest, is controlled using DiPel® (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki). Other less important pests are Gonocephalum simplex (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Dysdercus fasciatus (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae) and Gryllus bimaculatus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). Bunches of grapes in vineyards were sampled for all phytosanitary pests during the 2003/2004 season, by both direct inspection and by shaking individual bunches to collect insects that fell. Insects moving up the vine trunk were collected with cardboard collars. The heads and bases of vines were also inspected. Cover crops and surrounding habitats were sampled by sweep netting. Pheromone traps, using E. acerbella pheromone capsules, were placed in vineyards. Abundance of pests was related to presence or absence of sticky trunk barriers, use of DiPel® (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki), mean rainfall and maximum temperature, height and type of cover crop. The effects of surrounding habitats, time of day pests were active and the time of year they were found was also evaluated. Use of Plantex® trunk barriers gave effective preventive control of P. callosus. DiPel® was effective against E. acerbella larvae. Numbers of P. callosus weevils increased after periods of high ambient temperatures, while E. acerbella numbers decreased following rainfall. Most phytosanitary pests infested vineyards from adjacent vineyards, with few pests recorded in cover crops or in surrounding uncultivated habitats. Thus, successful long-term reduction in phytosanitary rejections of table grapes from the Hex River Valley, South Africa, requires the coordinated control of phytosanitary pests within vineyards.
A review of the medicinal properties and applications of pycnanthus angolensis (WELW) warb

Pycnanthus angolensis (also known as African/false nutmeg) is native to the forest zones of West Central Africa. Its use in folklore for the cure of diseases is well documented. Data collected from several references from various research groups in the literature confirm its wide spread use in folk medicine. Among the ailments purported to be cured or controlled by extracts of the plant include diabetes, cognitive disorders, cancer, osteoarthritis, to assuage inflammation, fight microbial infection and for wound healing. Extensive investigative work conducted on the plant exposing its rich phytochemical profile probably provides clue to its value as an important medicinal plant. Over 50 phytochemicals have been isolated from the plant some of which are potential new drug leads. The current review presents the ethnobotanical uses of Pycnanthus angolensis through some evaluated biological activities of various extracts on different models to the numerous chemical compounds isolated from the plant. It concludes by succinctly touching on the current and future perspectives of the plant.
Near-Peer Mentorship: A Model for Private Music Instruction in an Underserved Community

The case presented in this study focused on the experiences of students enrolled in a Saturday day music program situated in an underserved community. Students in this community represent a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, and we were interested in whether younger students in the program would benefit from receiving lessons from an older student from the same community. This case study was bound by the shared experiences of the participants who engaged in music teaching and learning through this community music program. Data included the following: student surveys, participant interviews, private lesson and orchestra class observations, and teacher assessments. Overall, near-peer mentorship was beneficial. The majority of participants in this study experienced gains in performance skills. Interviews with the mentors revealed several benefits from tutoring a younger student, including self-analysis of instrument performance, positive feelings gained from helping others, and social benefits. The fifth-grade students who were assigned a mentor reported that they learned instrument-specific skills from their mentor and felt more comfortable and confident playing different songs because instruction was individualized.
Alexa, What Are You? Exploring Primary School Children’s Ontological Perceptions of Digital Voice Assistants in Open Interactions

Today’s children grow up in an environment that is increasingly characterized by digital voice assistants (DVAs), such as Alexa, Siri, or the Google Assistant. This paper argues that any attempt to investigate children’s interactions with, and perceptions of, DVAs should be based on the theoretical grounds of an ontological framework that considers children’s genuine understanding of what it means to be human and what it means to be a machine. Based on focus groups and a gamified data collection design, our empirical inquiry applied qualitative methods to explore primary school children’s (n =27, age range: 6–10 years, average age: 8.6 years) open interactions with DVAs. In particular, our focus was on how DVAs were embedded in children’s general ontological belief system, and how children interpreted certain aspects of DVAs’ interactive capabilities as being genuinely humanoid or non-humanoid. On the one hand, our findings suggest that children’s interactions with DVAs might be more an end in itself than a means to an end, meaning that children primarily interact with DVAs for the sake of engaging excitement instead of using the devices’ utilitarian functionalities. On the other hand, we found that children in our sample held firm ontological beliefs about the distinct nature of humans and machines, whilst interpreting certain aspects of DVAs’ interactive capabilities as being genuinely humanoid (e.g., non-responsiveness, delayed responses, inaccuracy) and non-humanoid (e.g., permanent responsiveness, promptness, accuracy, limited conversational capacities, lack of common sense, standardized responses) at the same time.
Growth Behavior of kabuli Chickpea under Elevated Atmospheric CO 2

An open top chamber (OTC) experiment was conducted in 2010-11 and 2011-12 to study the impact of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (580 ±20 ppm) on the growth, leaf pigmentation and biomass partitioning of kabuli chickpea (cv. 1105). There was positive response to elevated CO2 in terms of increased plant height, leaf area index (LAI) and leaf chlorophyll content. The leaf carotenoids content and specific leaf area decreased under elevated CO2 with more dry matter partitioned towards stem. Results suggest higher plant canopy growth with greener, thicker and long-lived leaves, under elevated atmosphere CO2 condition.
NPalmitoylDeep-PseAAC: A Predictor of N-Palmitoylation Sites in Proteins Using Deep Representations of Proteins and PseAAC via Modified 5-Steps Rule

Among all the major Post-translational modification, lipid modifications possess special significance due to their widespread functional importance in eukaryotic cells. There exist multiple types of lipid modifications and Palmitoylation, among them, is one of the broader types of modification, having three different types. The N-Palmitoylation is carried out by attachment of palmitic acid to an N-terminal cysteine. Due to the association of N-Palmitoylation with various biological functions and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, its identification is very important. The in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo identification of Palmitoylation is laborious, time-taking and costly. There is a dire need for an efficient and accurate computational model to help researchers and biologists identify these sites, in an easy manner. Herein, we propose a novel prediction model for the identification of N-Palmitoylation sites in proteins. The proposed prediction model is developed by combining the Chou’s Pseudo Amino Acid Composition (PseAAC) with deep neural networks. We used well-known deep neural networks (DNNs) for both the tasks of learning a feature representation of peptide sequences and developing a prediction model to perform classification. Among different DNNs, Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) based RNN model showed the highest scores in terms of accuracy, and all other computed measures, and outperforms all the previously reported predictors. The proposed GRU based RNN model can help to identify N-Palmitoylation in a very efficient and accurate manner which can help scientists understand the mechanism of this modification in proteins.