Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between sensorial and instrumental measurements for mealiness assessment in apples

Definition and establishment of assessment procedures for mealiness of apple fruits using sensory and instrumental measurements were performed on ‘Boskoop', ‘Cox's Orange Pippin’ and ‘Jonagold’ samples with varying degrees of mealiness. The sensory procedure profiled mealiness as a loss of crispness, hardness, and juiciness, with an increase in the floury sensation in the mouth. High correlations between the sensory descriptors and instrumental parameters was shown through principal component analysis. The instrumental procedures (confined compression of fruit cylinders and acoustic impulse response) gave coefficients of determination for juiciness and crispness of 0.85 and 0.71, respectively. This level of accuracy indicates the possibility of establishing
The Aspergillus fumigatus Siderophore Biosynthetic Gene sidA, Encoding l-Ornithine N5-Oxygenase, Is Required for Virulence

ABSTRACT Aspergillus fumigatus is the leading cause of invasive mold infection and is a serious problem in immunocompromised populations worldwide. We have previously shown that survival of A. fumigatus in serum may be related to secretion of siderophores. In this study, we identified and characterized the sidA gene of A. fumigatus, which encodes l-ornithine N5-oxygenase, the first committed step in hydroxamate siderophore biosynthesis. A. fumigatus sidA codes for a protein of 501 amino acids with significant homology to other fungal l-ornithine N5-oxygenases. A stable ΔsidA strain was created by deletion of A. fumigatus sidA. This strain was unable to synthesize the siderophores N′,N",N‴-triacetylfusarinine C (TAF) and ferricrocin. Growth of the ΔsidA strain was the same as that of the wild type in rich media; however, the ΔsidA strain was unable to grow in low-iron defined media or media containing 10% human serum unless supplemented with TAF or ferricrocin. No significant differences in ferric reduction activities were observed between the parental strain and the ΔsidA strain, indicating that blocking siderophore secretion did not result in upregulation of this pathway. Unlike the parental strain, the ΔsidA strain was unable to remove iron from human transferrin. A rescued strain (ΔsidA + sidA) was constructed; it produced siderophores and had the same growth as the wild type on iron-limited media. Unlike the wild-type and rescued strains, the ΔsidA strain was avirulent in a mouse model of invasive aspergillosis, indicating that sidA is necessary for A. fumigatus virulence.
Performance of ASTER and SRTM DEMs, and their potential for assessing glacial lakes in the Lunana region, Bhutan Himalaya

Abstract To assess the potential volume of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) more precisely than in previous studies, we analyze ground survey data and remote-sensing digital elevation models (DEMs) around glacial lakes in the Lunana region, Bhutan. Based on a DEM generated from differential GPS ground surveys, we first evaluate the relative accuracies of DEMs produced by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Root-mean-square errors of the altitudinal difference between these DEMs and ground survey data were 11.0 m for ASTER and 11.3 m for SRTM. These errors are similar to those of previous studies. We show that a topographical classification allows a better estimate of elevation on lakes/ponds, riverbeds and glaciers due to their flat surfaces, while the relative accuracy is worse over moraines and hill slopes due to their narrow ridges and steep slopes. Using the optical satellite images and the ground survey data, we re-evaluate the GLOF volume in 1994 as (17.2 ± 5.3) × 106 m3. We show GLOF-related information such as distance, altitudinal difference and gradient at possible outburst points where the lake level is higher than the neighboring riverbed and/or glacial lake.
Psychiatric Response to Family Violence: Identifying and Confronting Neglected Danger.

Introducing a new hobby for other people may inspire them to join with you. Reading, as one of mutual hobby, is considered as the very easy hobby to do. But, many people are not interested in this hobby. Why? Boring is the reason of why. However, this feel actually can deal with the book and time of you reading. Yeah, one that we will refer to break the boredom in reading is choosing psychiatric response to family violence identifying and confronting neglected danger as the reading material.
Shiga Toxin Interaction with Human Intestinal Epithelium

After ingestion via contaminated food or water, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli colonises the intestinal mucosa and produces Shiga toxins (Stx). No Stx-specific secretion system has been described so far, and it is assumed that Stx are released into the gut lumen after bacterial lysis. Human intestinal epithelium does not express the Stx receptor Gb3 or other Stx binding sites, and it remains unknown how Stx cross the intestinal epithelial barrier and gain access to the systemic circulation. This review summarises current knowledge about the influence of the intestinal environment on Stx production and release, Stx interaction with intestinal epithelial cells and intracellular uptake, and toxin translocation into underlying tissues. Furthermore, it highlights gaps in understanding that need to be addressed by future research.
Partial Aortic Occlusion for Cerebral Perfusion Augmentation: Safety and Efficacy of NeuroFlo in Acute Ischemic Stroke Trial

Background and Purpose— Fewer than 5% of patients with acute ischemic stroke are currently treated, and there is need for additional treatment options. A novel catheter treatment (NeuroFlo) that increases cerebral blood flow was tested to 14 hours. Methods— The Safety and Efficacy of NeuroFlo in Acute Ischemic Stroke trial is a randomized trial of the safety and efficacy of NeuroFlo treatment in improving neurological outcome versus standard medical management. The primary safety end point was the incidence of serious adverse events through 90 days. The primary efficacy end point on a modified intent-to-treat population was a global disability end point at 90 days. Secondary end points included mortality, intracranial hemorrhage, modified Rankin scale score outcome of 0 to 2, and modified Rankin scale shift analysis. Results— Between October 2005 and January 2010, 515 patients were enrolled at 68 centers in 9 countries. The primary efficacy end point did not reach statistical significance (OR, 1.17; CI, 0.81–1.67; P=0.407). The primary safety end point did not show a difference in serious adverse events (P=0.923). Ninety-day mortality was 11.3% (26/230) in treatment and 16.3% (42/257) in control (P=0.087). Post hoc analyses showed that patients presenting within 5 hours (OR, 3.33; CI, 1.31–8.48), with NIHSS score 8 to 14 (OR, 1.80; CI, 0.99–3.30), or older than age 70 years (OR, 2.02; CI, 1.02–4.03) had better modified Rankin scale score outcomes of 0 to 2; additionally, there were fewer stroke-related deaths in treatment compared to control groups (7.4%=17/230; 14.4%=37/257). Conclusions— The trial met its primary safety end point but not its primary efficacy end point. Signals of treatment effect were suggested on all-cause mortality, in patients presenting early, older than age 70 years, or with moderate strokes, but these require confirmation. Clinical Trial Registration Information— URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00119717.
Reducing C-terminal truncation mitigates synucleinopathy and neurodegeneration in a transgenic model of multiple system atrophy

Significance Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder associated with the accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates in oligodendrocytes. There is currently no treatment to slow down the aggressive neurodegenerative process. C-terminal truncation of α-syn promotes the formation of oligomers and aggregates that, in turn, mediate neurotoxicity in synucleinopathies including MSA. We present here an in vivo proof of concept of the ability of the caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765 to mitigate α-syn pathology and provide neuroprotection in a transgenic mouse model of MSA through reduction of α-syn C-terminal truncation. These findings suggest that VX-765, a well-tolerated drug in a 6 wk-long phase II trial in patients with epilepsy, is a promising candidate to achieve disease modification in MSA by limiting α-syn accumulation. Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic orphan neurodegenerative disorder. No treatment is currently available to slow down the aggressive neurodegenerative process, and patients die within a few years after disease onset. The cytopathological hallmark of MSA is the accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates in affected oligodendrocytes. Several studies point to α-syn oligomerization and aggregation as a mediator of neurotoxicity in synucleinopathies including MSA. C-terminal truncation by the inflammatory protease caspase-1 has recently been implicated in the mechanisms that promote aggregation of α-syn in vitro and in neuronal cell models of α-syn toxicity. We present here an in vivo proof of concept of the ability of the caspase-1 inhibitor prodrug VX-765 to mitigate α-syn pathology and to mediate neuroprotection in proteolipid protein α-syn (PLP-SYN) mice, a transgenic mouse model of MSA. PLP-SYN and age-matched wild-type mice were treated for a period of 11 wk with VX-765 or placebo. VX-765 prevented motor deficits in PLP-SYN mice compared with placebo controls. More importantly, VX-765 was able to limit the progressive toxicity of α-syn aggregation by reducing its load in the striatum of PLP-SYN mice. Not only did VX-765 reduce truncated α-syn, but it also decreased its monomeric and oligomeric forms. Finally, VX-765 showed neuroprotective effects by preserving tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the substantia nigra of PLP-SYN mice. In conclusion, our results suggest that VX-765, a drug that was well tolerated in a 6 wk-long phase II trial in patients with epilepsy, is a promising candidate to achieve disease modification in synucleinopathies by limiting α-syn accumulation.
The effect of push factors in the leisure sports participation of the retired elderly on re-socialization recovery resilience

This study aimed to provide useful materials for the realization of healthy and happy welfare society through the re-socialization of the retired elderly by identifying the effect of the push factors in the leisure sports participation of the retired elderly on re-socialization and recovery resilience. To achieve the study purpose, 304 subjects over the age of 55 residing in Seoul and Gyeonggin among the retired elderly were selected by using the method of systematic stratified cluster random sampling. As research methods, questionnaire papers were used. The data were collected and data which were judged to be incomplete or unreliable in responses were excluded from the analysis. After inputting data which are available to analysis and SPSS 18.0 program was used for statistical techniques. In this, data were processed by factor analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The study results that were obtained from this analysis are as follows: First, the psychological stability among the push factors in the leisure sports participation of the elderly had a significant effect on re-socialization, while health pursuit had a significant effect on personal exchange and economic activity among the sub-factors of re-socialization. Second, psychological stability among the push factors in the leisure sports participation of the retired elderly had a significant effect on recovery resilience; personal relationships had an effect on empathy skills, impulse control, and self-efficacy; and health pursuit had a significant effect on impulse control, optimism, and self-efficacy.
Thermoelectric power of Bi2Sr2Ca1-xYxCu2O8+y.

The effects of oxygen nonstoichiometry and substitution of composition elements on the thermoelectric power of Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1-x Y x Cu 2 O 8+y were investigated. Experiments studying the Seebeck coefficient S for the Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+y sample sintered in air yielded negative values for S in the temperature range from 310 K down to T c
A Novel Measure of Effect Size for Mediation Analysis

Abstract Mediation analysis has become one of the most popular statistical methods in the social sciences. However, many currently available effect size measures for mediation have limitations that restrict their use to specific mediation models. In this article, we develop a measure of effect size that addresses these limitations. We show how modification of a currently existing effect size measure results in a novel effect size measure with many desirable properties. We also derive an expression for the bias of the sample estimator for the proposed effect size measure and propose an adjusted version of the estimator. We present a Monte Carlo simulation study conducted to examine the finite sampling properties of the adjusted and unadjusted estimators, which shows that the adjusted estimator is effective at recovering the true value it estimates. Finally, we demonstrate the use of the effect size measure with an empirical example. We provide freely available software so that researchers can immediately implement the methods we discuss. Our developments here extend the existing literature on effect sizes and mediation by developing a potentially useful method of communicating the magnitude of mediation.
Attrition with spinal cord stimulation

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether spinal cord stimulation (SCS) significantly reduces pain intensity for up to 18-month follow-up in patients with chronic neuropathic pain. Forty-eight patients were recruited. Patients rated their pain using a Visual analog scale (VAS) and pain-related disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline (1 week prior to SCS surgery) and at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up. Pain intensity significantly decreased from baseline to all 3 time points [F (3,135) = 16.264, p < 0.001]. The greatest difference in the reduction of pain intensity was observed between baseline (M = 7.20, SD = 1.34) and 6-month follow-up (M = 4.60, SD = 2.20), [t(47) = 6.741, p < 0.001]. However, when looking at differences between the 6-month follow-up and subsequent assessments, statistically significant increases in pain intensity from the 6-month to the 12-month follow-up [t(47) = −2.788, p = 0.008], and from the 6-month to the 18-month follow-up [t(47) = −3.339, p = 0.002] could be observed. Statistically significant changes were also observed for clinical changes in pain scores [F (2,94) = 4.972, p = 0.009. There was a significant decrease in the percentage of clinical change obtained from the 6-month (M = 33.19, SD = 35.63) to the 12-month follow-up (M = 23.76, SD = 33.62), [t(47) = 2.347, p = 0.025], and from the 6-month to the 18-month follow-up (M = 18.34, SD = 33.51), [t(47) = 3.072, p = 0.004]. A number of patients also reported higher levels of pain intensity at the 12-and 18-month follow-up than at baseline. Pain-related disability scores significantly decreased from baseline (M = 55.04, SD = 16.43) to the 6-month follow up (M = 46.98, SD = 19.05), [t(47) = 3.464, p = 0.001] and from baseline to the 12-month follow up (M = 48.49, SD = 20.94), [t(47) = 2.918, p = 0.005], but not during the 18-month follow up (M = 51.75, SD = 20.92), [t(47) = 1.330, p = . 190]. There was a significant increase in pain-related disability between the 6- and the 18-month follow up [t(47) = −2.188. p = 0.034]. These findings suggest that the beneficial effect of SCS on pain intensity may diminish over time, and that the 6-month follow-up scores may reflect a placebo effect.
A new Liopropoma sea bass (Serranidae, Epinephelinae, Liopropomini) from deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean, with comments on depth distributions of western Atlantic liopropomins

Abstract Collecting reef-fish specimens using a manned submersible diving to 300 m off Curaçao, southern Caribbean, is resulting in the discovery of numerous new fish species. The new Liopropoma sea bass described here differs from other western Atlantic members of the genus in having VIII, 13 dorsal-fin rays; a moderately indented dorsal-fin margin; a yellow-orange stripe along the entire upper lip; a series of approximately 13 white, chevron-shaped markings on the ventral portion of the trunk; and a reddish-black blotch on the tip of the lower caudal-fin lobe. The new species, with predominantly yellow body and fins, closely resembles the other two “golden basses” found together with it at Curaçao: L. aberrans and L. olneyi. It also shares morphological features with the other western Atlantic liopropomin genus, Bathyanthias. Preliminary phylogenetic data suggest that western Atlantic liopropomins, including Bathyanthias, are monophyletic with respect to Indo-Pacific Liopropoma, and that Bathyanthias is nested within Liopropoma, indicating a need for further study of the generic limits of Liopropoma. The phylogenetic data also suggest that western Atlantic liopropomins comprise three monophyletic clades that have overlapping depth distributions but different depth maxima (3–135 m, 30–150 m, 133–411 m). The new species has the deepest depth range (182–241 m) of any known western Atlantic Liopropoma species. Both allopatric and depth-mediated ecological speciation may have contributed to the evolution of western Atlantic Liopropomini.
Genome Wide Survey of the Entire C. elegans alpha-Tubulin Gene Family: cDNA Cloning, Expression, and Structure-Function Analysis

With the aim of molecularly and functionally characterizing each and every member of the alphatubulin gene family in a metazoan, previously we have cloned and characterized four alpha-tubulin genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. In a genome wide search, we have now discovered four novel alphatubulin genes. Using a size selected C. elegans cDNA library, we have identified cDNA clones corresponding to three new alpha-tubulin isotypes. The new alpha-tubulin genes, tba-5, tba-6, tba-7 and tba-8 are transcribed at a low level. The expression pattern of the C. elegans alpha-tubulin genes are quite complex. To study tubulins at a high molecular resolution, a comparative study between the crystal structure of the pig brain alpha-tubulin [1] was done, using computational mutagenesis to mutate the pig alpha-tubulin to C. elegans isotypes and we analysed the changes in the 3D structures using MIDAS graphic package. We use CLUSTALW program to determine the homology between C. elegans and other alpha-tubulin from bacteria, fungi, insects, and mammalians. We also constructed a phylogeny tree for the alpha-tubulin families. Our study of the promoter region of the tubulin genes show divergence in the frequency and distribution of regulatory sequences. These data provide strong evidence that although the alpha-tubulin appear to have very similar protein structure, nevertheless, their expression is highly regulated during animal development. Based on these data we propose, that the genomic architecture of tubulins and the regulation of its expression could directly contribute to the specificity of tubulin function during animal development.
Development of fetal and neonatal sleep and circadian rhythms.

The origin of sleep and circadian rhythms development is found during the fetal period. Both quiet (NREM) and active (REM) sleep are distinguishable during the last 10 weeks of gestation. Comparable to fetuses, low risk preterm infants recorded at 30-40 weeks postconceptional age, had a similar development of sleep i.e. an increase in quiet sleep and a decrease in indeterminate sleep. A further development in sleep organization characterized by increased slow wave and spindle activity during quiet sleep and coupling with circadian rhythm takes place during the first 6 months of life in both term and preterm infants.Circadian rhythm of fetal heart rate synchronized with maternal rest-activity, heart rate, cortisol, melatonin, and body temperature rhythms is present during the last 10 weeks of gestation. Although maternally influenced, circadian rhythm antenatally becomes ultradian at birth. Both preterm and term infants show a significant increase in circadian body temperature rhythm amplitude during the first 3 months of life.
The Electric Vehicle-Routing Problem with Time Windows and Recharging Stations

Driven by new laws and regulations concerning the emission of greenhouse gases, carriers are starting to use electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries. The limited battery capacities of these vehicles necessitate visits to recharging stations during delivery tours of industry-typical length, which have to be considered in the route planning to avoid inefficient vehicle routes with long detours. We introduce the electric vehicle-routing problem with time windows and recharging stations E-VRPTW, which incorporates the possibility of recharging at any of the available stations using an appropriate recharging scheme. Furthermore, we consider limited vehicle freight capacities as well as customer time windows, which are the most important constraints in real-world logistics applications. As a solution method, we present a hybrid heuristic that combines a variable neighborhood search algorithm with a tabu search heuristic. Tests performed on newly designed instances for the E-VRPTW as well as on benchmark instances of related problems demonstrate the high performance of the heuristic proposed as well as the positive effect of the hybridization.
Position control of parallel-plate microactuators for probe-based data storage

In this paper, we present the use of closed-loop voltage control to extend the travel range of a parallel-plate electrostatic microactuator beyond the pull-in limit. Controller design considers nonlinearities from both the parallel-plate actuator and the capacitive position sensor to ensure robust stability within the feedback loop. Desired transient response is achieved by a pre-filter added in front of the feedback loop to shape the input command. The microactuator is characterized by static and dynamic measurements, with a spring constant of 0.17 N/m, mechanical resonant frequency of 12.4 kHz, and effective damping ratio from 0.55 to 0.35 for gaps between 2.3 to 2.65 /spl mu/m. The minimum input-referred noise capacitance change is 0.5 aF//spl radic/Hz measured at a gap of 5.7 /spl mu/m, corresponding to a minimum input-referred noise displacement of 0.33 nm//spl radic/Hz. Measured closed-loop step response illustrates a maximum travel distance up to 60% of the initial gap, surpassing the static pull-in limit of one-third of the gap.
Analyzing and Controlling Information Inference of Fine-Grained Access Control Policies in Relational Databases

As a more flexible and effective access control mechanism in databases, fine-grained access control (FGAC) has drawn considerable attention from industrial and research community. While providing more effective protection for databases, FGAC also incurs new loopholes for attacks. When FGAC policies are defined inconsistently, performing UPDATE/DELETE operations might cause information inference, called UD inference, probably leading to the disclosure of sensitive data to unauthorized users. In order to protect database security, UD inference must be controlled. However, it is challenging to control such inference, due to the flexibility of FGAC policies. In this paper, we aim to provide an effective approach to control UD inference under the circumstance of FGAC policies. We first propose a formal framework for FGAC policies, and in-depth analyze UD inference based on this framework. Then, we propose a security condition to guarantee that there is no UD inference under the circumstances of FGAC policies, while these FGAC policies satisfy the proposed security condition. Finally, we present an effective approach to control UD inference by dynamically modifying FGAC policies.