Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NOVEL PELLICLE SURFACE PATTERNS ON EUGLENA OBTUSA (EUGLENOPHYTA) FROM THE MARINE BENTHIC ENVIRONMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR PELLICLE DEVELOPMENT AND EVOLUTION 1

Euglena obtusa F. Schmitz possesses novel pellicle surface patterns, including the greatest number of strips (120) and the most posterior subwhorls of strip reduction in any euglenid described so far. Although the subwhorls form a mathematically linear pattern of strip reduction, the pattern observed here differs from the linear pattern described for Euglena mutabilis F. Schmitz in that it contains seven linear subwhorls, rather than three, and is developmentally equivalent to three whorls of exponential reduction, rather than two. These properties imply that the seven‐subwhorled linear pattern observed in E. obtusa is evolutionarily derived from an ancestral bilinear pattern, rather than from a linear pattern, of strip reduction. Furthermore, analysis of the relative lateral positions of the strips forming the subwhorls in E. obtusa indicates that (1) the identity (relative length, lateral position, and maturity) of each strip in any mother cell specifies that strip’s identity in one of the daughter cells following pellicle duplication and cell division, (2) the relative length of any given pellicle strip regulates the length of the nascent strip it will produce during pellicle duplication, and (3) pellicle pores develop within the heels of the most mature pellicle strips. These observations suggest that continued research on pellicle development could eventually establish an ideal system for understanding mechanisms associated with the morphogenesis and evolution of related eukaryotic cells.
International Guidelines for Privacy in Genomic Biobanking (or the Unexpected Virtue of Pluralism)

In an era of unrivalled sequencing, computation and networking capability, international sharing of genomic samples and data is becoming a modus operandi for modern medical research. Researchers are collaborating to establish large collections with global scale. Having never before set foot outside the cell, the molecules that shape us are being digitized and launched across the globe. Protecting individual privacy interests in this information is a central challenge of the genomic research era. This article reviews international privacy norms governing human genomic biobanks and databases. It will not directly consider biobanks established for other health-related purposes, such as screening or therapy. A genomic biobank is “a hybrid infrastructure,” an organized collection of human biological material combined with associated health information: physical measurements, outcome data in medical records, and epidemiological information, as well as genomic data derived from the samples.
A simplified model on vertical density profile and shrinkage ratio of virgin and charred medium density fibreboard

This work is part of a wider scope of research on developing comprehensive pyrolysis model for medium density fibreboard (MDF) in fires. A simplified model is developed to predict the vertical density profile of virgin MDF. The model shows that vertical density profile can be reproduced using a second order conic curve. Several sets of experimental data are used to validate the model with promising results that are presented. Further investigation shows that the density difference between surface and core densities tends to maintain constant within a range of 300 to 450 kg/m3. Moreover, the model can predict the mean density with an error less than 30 kg/m3. Typical MDF panels were experimentally charred using thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry to investigate the shrinkage and density of char. The actual char density is measured as 330 kg/m3 with a uniform density distribution along the char layer thickness. A model is developed to predict the shrinkage ratios. The restraining effect caused by surface deformation will lead to different vertical and horizontal shrinkage ratios. The volume reductions at vertical and horizontal directions are experimentally measured as 40% and 20% for the two tested MDF panels, which is comparable with the model predictions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations of Physical Fitness and Body Composition Characteristics With Simulated Military Task Performance

Abstract Pihlainen, K, Santtila, M, Häkkinen, K, and Kyröläinen, H. Associations of physical fitness and body composition characteristics with simulated military task performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1089–1098, 2018—The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations of physical fitness and body composition characteristics with anaerobic endurance performance, tested in the combat load using the occupationally relevant military simulation test (MST). Eighty-one male soldiers, deployed to a crisis management operation in the Middle East, volunteered for the study and participated in a test battery consisting measurements of muscle strength, body composition characteristics, endurance capacity, and MST. A Spearman correlational analysis revealed that the strongest variable, correlated with MST time, was the countermovement jump performed with the combat load (CMJ2) (rs = −0.66, p < 0.001). Among the individual body composition variables, the MST time had the strongest relationship with fat percentage (rs = 0.53, p < 0.001) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (rs = −0.47, p < 0.001). The use of the dead mass ratio, which was calculated dividing body mass by fat mass accompanied with the weight of the combat load, increased body composition-based associations significantly, and this variable turned out to be the best single predictor for the MST performance (rs = −0.67, p < 0.001). Significant predictors of the MST time in the stepwise multivariate regression analysis included CMJ2, 3000 m, SMM, and push-ups. Together, these variables explained 66% ( , model p < 0.001) of the variance in the MST time. In conclusion, the novel MST is a promising military specific assessment method of muscle power of the lower extremities and endurance capacity, which are crucial performance components in anaerobic combat situations.
Tissue expression of Toll-like receptors 2, 3, 4 and 7 in swine in response to the Shimen strain of classical swine fever virus

The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) of the innate immune system provide the host with the ability to detect and respond to viral infections. The present study aimed to investigate the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR2, 3, 4 and 7 in porcine tissues upon infection with the highly virulent Shimen strain of classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of CSFV and TLR, whereas western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of TLR proteins. In addition, tissues underwent histological examination and immunohistochemistry to reveal the histopathological alterations associated with highly virulent CSFV infection and to detect TLR antigens. Furthermore, porcine monocyte-derived macrophages (pMDMs) were prestimulated with peptidoglycan from Staphylococcus aureus (PGN-SA), polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)], lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli 055:B5 (LPS-B5) or imiquimod (R837) in order to analyze the association between TLR expression and CSFV replication. Following stimulation for 12 h (with TLR-specific ligands), cells were infected with CSFV Shimen strain. The results revealed that the expression levels of TLR2 and TLR4 were increased in the lung and kidney, but were decreased in the spleen and lymph nodes in response to CSFV. TLR3 was strongly expressed in the heart and slightly upregulated in the spleen in response to CSFV Shimen strain infection, and TLR7 was increased in all examined tissues in the presence of CSFV. Furthermore, R837 and LPS-B5 exerted inhibitory effects on CSFV replication in pMDMs, whereas PGN-SA and poly(I:C) had no significant effect. These findings highlight the potential role of TLR expression in the context of CSFV infection.
Stromal vascular fraction, a new therapy in photoaging: a comparative controlled study

Introduction: Stromal vascular fraction derived from adipose tissue is a rich source of different cells, containing large amounts of stem cells, which ability for diferentiation into various strains. In dermatology, there are several studies on the effectiveness of stem cells, which present antioxidant and rejuvenating effects. However, there are few reports about the anti-aging effects of stromal vascular fraction. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of stromal vascular fraction in facial rejuvenation. Methods: A prospective, comparative, controlled study was carried out, wit, with 10 patients divided into two groups and subjected to treatment of nasolabial folds with: Group 1: stromal vascular fraction and Group 2: conventional filler (calcium hydroxyapatite). Clinical, photographic and histological evaluations were conducted, with statistical analysis of data. Results: Both techniques produced satisfactory results and were similar. Conclusion: Application of stromal vascular fraction is a relatively new technique that presents good clinical results and is a promising option for rejuvenation.
Sensitized Detection of Inhibitory Fragments and Iterative Development of Non‐Peptidic Protease Inhibitors by Dynamic Ligation Screening†

A potential anti‐SARS drug has been developed by dynamic ligation screening (DLS), by which nucleophilic fragments are directed to the protein's active site by reversible reaction with an aldehyde inhibitor. Their inhibitory effect is detected by competition with a fluorogenic enzyme substrate. With this concept, low‐affinity fragments binding specifically to the active site are quickly identified in a functional enzyme assay.WILEY-VCH
Effect of Absorption of Liquids on the Mechanical Properties of Balsa Wood

Moisture absorption in wood causes a degradation of mechanical properties in contrast to wood in the dry state. The effect which liquids other than water have on this phenomenon is unknown. This project examines firstly the effect which various liquids other than water have on the moisture absorption characteristics of balsa wood, and secondly, the effect these same liquids have on the mechanical properties of balsa wood. Mechanical properties were obtained through means of destructive compression and three point bending tests. The liquids considered in this project were ethanol, liquid dishwashing detergent and water. The mechanical properties obtained for this project included normal strength, bending strength, normal elastic modulus and bending elastic modulus. After a comprehensive literature review followed by experimental testing, it was found that the liquids of ethanol and detergent caused a degradation of mechanical properties which was exacerbated as the moisture content of the liquids increased in the balsa wood samples, up until the fibre saturation point. However, it was found that this degradation of mechanical properties was not significantly different to that of water. The significance of this is that existing data on the degradation of balsa wood subjected to water ingression can also be applied to the aforementioned liquids. This project postulates that different liquids have a similar influence on the degradation of the mechanical properties of wood with increasing moisture content, regardless of liquid type. Throughout the conduct of this project, the effect of sample density on both the absorption characteristics and the mechanical properties of balsa wood was also investigated due to its variability.
Karyotype of the South African katydid Hetrodes pupus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) with special reference to relationships within the Hetrodinae subfamily

The taxonomic position of Hetrodes pupus (Tettigoniidae, Hetrodinae) was clarified by a cytogenetic study of mitotic and meiotic chromosomes, including the localization of heterochromatin by C-banding. The karyotype of this species consists of 26 acrocentric autosomes and an acrocentric X chromosome, the largest element of the karyotype (2n male=27, FN=27; sex determination system is X0 male/XX female). A cytogenetic comparative analysis of the Hetrodinae and other katydids revealed (1) the similarity of the karyotypic features of Hetrodinae and Microtettigoninae, indicating monophyly; (2) that the morphology of the Hetrodinae karyotype is the result of parallel chromosome evolution via a decrease in the number of chromosome arms (FN).
Investigation on Power Effect of Gallium-Doped Zinc Oxide Thin Film Semiconductor Performance

Gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) thin films were fabricated by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering on glass and silicon substrate at room temperature. The fabrication process, structure, optical properties, and electrical properties of the thin films with different powers (50 W, 70W, and 100 W) were studied to obtain more knowledge about the semiconductor performance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the GZO films were polycrystalline and preferred c axis orientation. The average transmittance decreased form 93% to 84% in the visible range, and all the optical band gap was about 3.05 eV when the power increased from 50W to 100W. Simultaneously, the GZO thin film transistors (TFTs) with excellent transfer characteristic prove that GZO thin film is a potential semiconductor material candidate which can be used for the active layer in thin film transistors fabrication.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation to analyze the performance of tube-in-tube helically coiled of a heat exchanger

This work deals with a comparative performance study of two different helically coiled heat exchangers with two and three helical coils through a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation for heat transfer characteristics. The helically coiled heat exchangers are typical industrial equipments found in process applications, such as: chemical, food, energy, electronics, environmental, spatial, and cryogenic. Numerical studies were performed with the assistance of a commercial computational fluid dynamics package (ANSYS-CFX v12). Simulations were performed using various temperatures (hot fluid inlet temperature of 25, 30, 35 and 40°C) and the inlet cold fluid temperature is 20°C. Results indicated that the performance of both heat exchangers for the temperature 25°C (hot fluid inlet) was quite similar, but for the temperature 40°C (hot fluid inlet), the heat exchanger with three turns was more efficient than another exchanger (two turns). It was shown that the performance could be increased by increasing the hot fluid inlet temperature with two and three helical coils.
Moving Object Detection Using Tensor-Based Low-Rank and Saliently Fused-Sparse Decomposition

In this paper, we propose a new low-rank and sparse representation model for moving object detection. The model preserves the natural space-time structure of video sequences by representing them as three-way tensors. Then, it operates the low-rank background and sparse foreground decomposition in the tensor framework. On the one hand, we use the tensor nuclear norm to exploit the spatio-temporal redundancy of background based on the circulant algebra. On the other, we use the new designed saliently fused-sparse regularizer (SFS) to adaptively constrain the foreground with spatio-temporal smoothness. To refine the existing foreground smooth regularizers, the SFS incorporates the local spatio-temporal geometric structure information into the tensor total variation by using the 3D locally adaptive regression kernel (3D-LARK). What is more, the SFS further uses the 3D-LARK to compute the space-time motion saliency of foreground, which is combined with the l1 norm and improves the robustness of foreground extraction. Finally, we solve the proposed model with globally optimal guarantee. Extensive experiments on challenging well-known data sets demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches and works effectively on a wide range of complex scenarios.
Lipid remodelling in neuroendocrine secretion

Neuroendocrine cells secrete hormones and polypeptides through a complex membrane trafficking process that involves the transport of specific organelles, called large dense core secretory granules, from the Golgi apparatus to specialised sites at the plasma membrane where these vesicles are successively exocytosed and recaptured by endocytosis through tightly coupled reactions. The minimal machinery required for exocytosis has been defined as SNARE proteins associated with few accessory proteins. On the other side, clathrin and dynamin constitute major components of some of the most important endocytotic pathways. Although many protein contributors of both exocytosis and endocytosis are now identified, their actual interplay is not well resolved. Furthermore, the necessary tight coupling of exocytosis and compensatory endocytosis to maintain membrane homeostasis in neuroendocrine cells is far from being understood. In this review, we focus on the more recently identified role of lipids in these important processes that are above all membrane remodelling events.
Electrical Conductivity and Structural Order of p-Type Amorphous Silicon Thin Films

ABSTRACT The dependence of dark conductivity and room temperature Raman spectra on boron and hydrogen incorporation in thin films of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition was investigated. It was found that the dominant conductivity is Mott variable range hopping conduction. However, at lower temperatures, Efros-Shklosvkii hopping conduction is observed and contributes to the total conductivity. For structural characterization, transverse optical (TO) and transverse acoustic (TA) modes of the Raman spectra were studied to relate changes in short- and mid-range order to the effects of boron and hydrogen incorporation. With an increase of hydrogen incorporation and/or substrate temperature, both short and mid-range order improve, whereas the addition of boron results in the degradation of the short range order. The line width and frequency of the Raman TO Raman peak correlate with electrical measurements and suggest that this technique can be used for non-destructive characterization of a-Si:H.
CENP-C/H/I/K/M/T/W/N/L and hMis12 but not CENP-S/X participate in complex formation in the nucleoplasm of living human interphase cells outside centromeres

Kinetochore proteins assemble onto centromeric chromatin and regulate DNA segregation during cell division. The inner kinetochore proteins bind centromeres while most outer kinetochore proteins assemble at centromeres during mitosis, connecting the complex to microtubules. Here, we measured the co-migration between protein pairs of the constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN) and hMis12 complexes by fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) in the nucleoplasm outside centromeres in living human interphase cells. FCCS is a method that can tell if in living cells two differently fluorescently labelled molecules migrate independently, or co-migrate and thus are part of one and the same soluble complex. We also determined the apparent dissociation constants (Kd) of the hetero-dimers CENP-T/W and CENP-S/X. We measured co-migration between CENP-K and CENP-T as well as between CENP-M and CENP-T but not between CENP-T/W and CENP-S/X. Furthermore, CENP-C co-migrated with CENP-H, and CENP-K with CENP-N as well as with CENP-L. Thus, in the nucleoplasm outside centromeres, a large fraction of the CENP-H/I/K/M proteins interact with CENP-C, CENP-N/L and CENP-T/W but not with CENP-S/X. Our FCCS analysis of the Mis12 complex showed that hMis12, Nsl1, Dsn1 and Nnf1 also form a complex outside centromeres of which at least hMis12 associated with the CENP-C/H/I/K/M/T/W/N/L complex.
Acral melanoma detection using a convolutional neural network for dermoscopy images

Background/Purpose Acral melanoma is the most common type of melanoma in Asians, and usually results in a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis. We applied a convolutional neural network to dermoscopy images of acral melanoma and benign nevi on the hands and feet and evaluated its usefulness for the early diagnosis of these conditions. Methods A total of 724 dermoscopy images comprising acral melanoma (350 images from 81 patients) and benign nevi (374 images from 194 patients), and confirmed by histopathological examination, were analyzed in this study. To perform the 2-fold cross validation, we split them into two mutually exclusive subsets: half of the total image dataset was selected for training and the rest for testing, and we calculated the accuracy of diagnosis comparing it with the dermatologist’s and non-expert’s evaluation. Results The accuracy (percentage of true positive and true negative from all images) of the convolutional neural network was 83.51% and 80.23%, which was higher than the non-expert’s evaluation (67.84%, 62.71%) and close to that of the expert (81.08%, 81.64%). Moreover, the convolutional neural network showed area-under-the-curve values like 0.8, 0.84 and Youden’s index like 0.6795, 0.6073, which were similar score with the expert. Conclusion Although further data analysis is necessary to improve their accuracy, convolutional neural networks would be helpful to detect acral melanoma from dermoscopy images of the hands and feet.
Order and asymmetry in jammed systems

Order and asymmetry in jammed systems by Zhusong Li Adviser: Mark D. Shattuck Granular matter is composed of particles that are big enough that thermal effects may be neglected. We studied both granular flow and granular statics using numerical simulation. In granular flow, we simulated 2D granular flow in a hopper. A hopper is a container with an opening at the bottom. Simulated disks are placed in the hopper with the bottom closed and then released. We developed a new tangential force model to simulate hopper flow, that matches experiments and shows that the output flux is proportional to the bottom opening size to the 3/2 power. We also see clogging or jamming and estimate the jamming probability. We applied our force model to a 2D rotating drum simulation and studied the statistics of avalanches. In many systems, from earthquakes to plastic deformations the avalanche size probability F (I) is a power-law in avalanche size I. We find F (I) ∝ I for our system. We also find that the scaled average avalanche shape is parabolic as predicted by mean-field theoretical models. In many systems, we would like to measure the degree of crystallization. Q6 is a v common order metric used to detect hexagonal symmetry, and it works very well in mono-disperse systems. However, when we consider bi-disperse and poly-disperse systems, and other non-hexagonal lattices, Q6 is not as useful. We developed a new order metric, Voronoi entropy, based on Voronoi tessellation and information theory. The main idea of the Voronoi entropy is to detect and quantify unique Voronoi polyhedrons. Voronoi entropy can successfully find lattice order in bi-disperse crystal and other structures like simple cubic, body-centered-cubic, for which Q6 is not sensitive. We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of binary Lennard-Jones systems to model the crystallization process during heating and cooling protocols in metallic glasses. We measured the minimum cooling rate R c to crystallize a liquid and the minimum heating rate R h to crystallize a glass formed prepared using a fast quench at rate Rp. We find: (1) R ∗ h > R ∗ c in all systems. (2) The asymmetry ratio R h/R ∗ c increases as R ∗ c increases. (3) The critical heating rate R ∗ h(Rp) has an intrinsic contribution R h(∞) and protocol-dependent contribution R ∗ h−R ∗ h(∞) that increases with decreasing preparation cooling rates Rp. We show all of these findings are in agreement with classical nucleation theory.