Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI ANALYSIS FOR GRAIN PROTEIN PERCENTAGE IN DURUM WHEAT (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum)

: Two crosses of high protein-black glumed x low protein-white glumed durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L. var. durum ) genotypes were used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for grain protein percentage (GPP). The black glume colour was used as a genetic marker (M) in an individual marker locus model which allows for the estimation of gene effects and recombination frequencies by comparing marker classes means in the segregating generations (F 2 , BC 1 and BC 2 ). The black glume character was monogenically controlled with co-dominance between the two alleles of the Bg gene. Black-glumed parental landraces showed greater GPP means (18.17) than the white glumed local cultivar (14.38), while the F 1 of the two crosses was intermediate (15.23). Meantime, the black-glumed ( BgBg ) F 2 and BC 1 plants of the two crosses showed higher GPP means than the two other types ( Bgbg and bgbg ) of glume colour. The white glumed ( bgbg ) F 2 and BC 2 plants had the lowest GPP means. The QTL analysis for GPP revealed that the recombination frequencies between the QTL for high GPP and the M marker for black glumes were 0.11 and 0.15 in the two tested crosses indicating a close linkage between the genes controlling the two characters. The additive (d) gene effects estimated from the QTL analysis were much greater in magnitude (1.67 and 2.28) than the dominance (h) effects (0.22 and 0.50) in the two crosses, respectively. Evidently, marker-assisted selection (MAS) for increasing grain protein percentage could be very effective utilizing the black glume gene as a marker in the segregating populations. The six generations means showed the adequacy of the additive-dominance model and the absence of non-allelic gene interaction. The additive (D) component of variance was greater in magnitude than the dominant (H) with moderate values of narrow-sense heritability being 0.54 and 0.63 in the two crosses.
Antibiotic resistance gene typing in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis

The study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis. Milk samples (160) collected aseptically from mastitis affected cows at organized dairy farms in and around Jammu were subjected to microbial culture for the isolation and identification of S. aureus using Baird Parker Agar. Presumptive S. aureus isolates (52) were subjected to molecular confirmation through identification of species specific (nuc) gene. In vitro antimicrobial resistance pattern of the isolates against a panel of 13 selected antibiotics, using disc diffusion technique, revealed that the isolates were mostly sensitive to enrofloxacin followed by vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin and gentamicin whereas maximum resistance was shown towards penicillin G followed by ampicillin, amoxyclav, methicillin, gentamicin, streptomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline and ceftriaxone. Methicillin resistance (MRSA) was recorded in 32.69% S. aureus isolates out of which 41.17% isolates carried mecA gene. Among the gentamicin and tetracycline resistant S. aureus isolates, 61.53% isolates carried aacA-aphD gene and 80% isolates carried tetK gene, respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 71.15% S. aureus and 82.35% MRSA isolates. In conclusion, S. aureus showed maximum sensitivity to enrofloxacin thereby suggesting the use of this drug for effective treatment of mastitis but the development of resistance against this drug cannot be ruled out in the near future, hence, there is a need for accurate diagnosis of mastitis along with the correct selection of antibiotics to prevent bovine mastitis.
Utility of dual energy CT in differentiating clot in acute ischemic stroke

Purpose Red blood cells (RBC)-poor thrombi in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are associated with longer recanalization time for mechanical thrombectomy than RBC-rich thrombi. The purpose of the study was to differentiate between RBC-rich and RBC-poor thrombi using dual energy computed tomography (DECT). Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted on patients with acute arterial occlusion of anterior circulation who underwent DECT cerebral angiography, followed by mechanical thrombectomy with the pathological diagnosis of thrombi, dividing into RBC-rich and RBC-poor thrombi. The CT attenuation values and thrombus enhancement were measured in non-contrast scans and CTA phases at different energy levels and compared between RBC-rich and RBC-poor groups. Results Fourteen acute stroke patients were included in the study. There were 7 patients in RBC-rich group and 7 patients in RBC-poor group. The CT attenuation values of RBC-rich thrombi were significantly higher than those of RBC-poor thrombi at energy levels of 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 KeV, with the most significant difference at 80 KeV (p = 0.032). A cutoff value of 44.1 Hounsfield units (HU) on 80 keV monoenergetic reconstructions was used to distinguish between RBC-rich and RBC-poor thrombi. It achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.878, sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 92.9%. The degree of enhancement was higher in RBC-poor thrombi than in RBC-rich thrombi, without statistically significant difference. Conclusion DECT could help differentiate between RBC-rich and RBC-poor thrombi by using CT attenuation values in non-contrast phase at lower energy levels (40–80 KeV).
A latent semantic analysis method for ranking the results of human disease search engine

The human disease search engine based on the search query about disease factors (symptom, cause, position happening symptoms, i.e.,) helps users to conveniently diagnose the disease they may have anytime, anywhere. Therefore, the disease results returned by the search engine need to be accurate and ranked reasonably so that users can know which disease has the highest probability for their search query. We propose a method to arrange the returned diseases based on the latent semantic analysis (LSA) technique. This method helps to rank the disease results reasonably and meaningfully because it not only exploits the matching term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) scores between the disease factors in the query and the disease results, but it also exploits the implicit relationship between the disease factors in the search query and the disease factors in the disease results.
Morphology, phylogeny, mitogenomics and metagenomics reveal a new entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordycepsnujiangensis (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) from Southwestern China

﻿Abstract Ophiocordyceps contains the largest number of Cordycepssensu lato, various species of which are of great medicinal value. In this study, a new entomopathogenic fungus, Ophiocordycepsnujiangensis, from Yunnan in southwestern China, was described using morphological, phylogenetic, and mitogenomic evidence, and its fungal community composition was identified. It was morphologically characterized by a solitary, woody, and dark brown stromata, smooth-walled and septate hyphae, solitary and gradually tapering conidiogenous cells with plenty of warty protrusions, and oval or fusiform conidia (6.4–11.2 × 3.7–6.4 µm) with mucinous sheath. The phylogenetic location of O.nujiangensis was determined based on the Bayesian inference (BI) and the maximum likelihood (ML) analyses by concatenating nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1a, rpb1, and rpb2 datasets, and ten mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs) datasets (atp6, atp9, cob, cox2, nad1, nad2, nad3, nad4, nad4L, and nad5). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that O.nujiangensis belonged to the Hirsutellasinensis subclade within the Hirsutella clade of Ophiocordyceps. And O.nujiangensis was phylogenetically clustered with O.karstii, O.liangshanensis, and O.sinensis. Simultaneously, five fungal phyla and 151 fungal genera were recognized in the analysis of the fungal community of O.nujiangensis. The fungal community composition differed from that of O.sinensis, and differences in the microbial community composition of closely related species might be appropriate as further evidence for taxonomy.
Graph-Based Interdependent Cyber-Physical Risk Analysis of Power Distribution Networks

This paper proposes a graph-based model for interdependent cyber-physical risk analysis of power distribution networks. The proposed methodology evaluates device criticality in the interdependent cyber and physical networks that comprise modern power distribution networks. A network traversal algorithm is developed to identify latent interdependent support and dependency structures as network subgraphs. Identifying these subgraphs provides a context-aware approach to model feasible cyber-attack vectors, define metrics for device criticality, and measure overall network resilience to cyber-attacks. The proposed methodology is demonstrated in a cyber-attack detection study. The results indicate that the proposed context-aware criticality metrics, based on the dependency subgraph framework, better identify the risks of cascading dependencies in power distribution networks. Further, several characteristics of the power distribution network such as interdependencies, device vulnerabilities, and attack target criticalities detailed in the proposed methodology have significant impacts on the performance of attack detection strategies.
Mammogram incorporated DOI with transmission and reflection parallel scanning

In this presentation, we demonstrate a working prototype of an optical breast imaging system using parallel-paddle architecture with dual-direction scanning, of which the designed module can be incorporated with a mammographic system for the acquisition of optical transmission and reflection information in both directions of up-down and down-up. Additionally, the scanning module enables to move with a designated pitch to accommodate varied breast size for acquiring adequate data to reconstruct the images. Currently, continuous-wave near infrared illumination modules are used for experimentation. The feasibility will be presented by phantom test.
Estimating a Changepoint, Boundary, or Frontier in the Presence of Observation Error

A range of problems in economics and statistics involve calculation of the boundary, or frontier, of the support of a distribution. Several practical and attractive solutions exist if the sampled distribution has a sharp discontinuity at the frontier, but accuracy can be greatly diminished if the data are observed with error. Indeed, if the error is additive and has variance σ2 then inaccuracies are usually of order σ, for small σ. In this article we suggest an elementary method for reducing the effect of error to O(σ2), and show that refinements can improve accuracy still further, to O(σ3) or less. The problem is inherently ill-posed, however, to such an extent that the frontier is generally not even identifiable unless the error distribution is known. The latter assumption is unreasonable in most practical settings, not in the least because the error is often asymmetrically distributed. For example, in the context of productivity analysis the error distribution tends to have a longer tail in the direction of underestimation of production. Nevertheless, even when the error distribution is unknown, it is often true that error variance is relatively low, and so methods for reducing systematic error in that case are useful in practice.
Student drinking cultures in tertiary education residential accommodation: A contextual research study

Background: In Australia, harmful drinking among students aged 18–24 years in tertiary education residential accommodation (TRA) remains high, placing students at higher risk of harms than non-TRA and university peers. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the context-specific factors distinctive to TRAs that supported a heavy drinking culture among students. Conducted across three sites in Melbourne, Australia, the purpose of the study was to inform the development of context-specific harm reduction interventions for these sites. Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with 32 students to examine their lived experience of drinking within the distinctive environments of their TRAs. The data were examined using thematic data analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: (1) routine drinking in TRAs; (2) drinking for social inclusion in the TRA; and (3) TRA alcohol governance and students’ self-regulation. The data show that factors contributing to these TRA drinking cultures included: liberty to store alcohol and drink on campus; freshers’ belief that admission to the TRA was conditional on “partying hard”; students’ belief that staff supported the TRA drinking culture; and poor dissemination and operationalisation of TRA alcohol policy. Collectively, these factors fostered an environment that enabled frequent and heavy alcohol consumption among residents. Conclusions: The TRA drinking cultures were supported by social and regulatory factors specific to these institutions and, in particular, by a liberal approach to TRA alcohol governance and poorly disseminated alcohol policy that made widespread heavy drinking possible. Drinking cultures in TRAs can be changed through appropriate interventions that include nuanced policy and effective governance.
Shape matching by splines

We present a new approach to the problem of matching spline curves. The method formulates the matching problem directly between control polygons and knot sequences of the B-spline curves. The control polygon and the knot sequence contain all shape information of a B-spline curve. The consequences are that curves do not need to be sampled in the matching process and sampling frequency does not have to be considered. The method is invariant under affine coordinate transformation. We give a short introduction to B-splines, explain the properties which make B-splines interesting with respect to computer vision and digital photogrammetry, give the matching procedure, three examples, and discuss some generalizations to which the use of rational B-splines curves seems to be interesting because these are invariant under projective coordinate transformation.
Chimeric Human Papillomavirus-16 Virus-like Particles Presenting P18I10 and T20 Peptides from HIV-1 Envelope Induce HPV16 and HIV-1-Specific Humoral and T Cell-Mediated Immunity in BALB/c Mice

In this study, the HIV-1 P18I10 CTL peptide derived from the V3 loop of HIV-1 gp120 and the T20 anti-fusion peptide of HIV-1 gp41 were inserted into the HPV16 L1 capsid protein to construct chimeric HPV:HIV (L1:P18I10 and L1:T20) VLPs by using the mammalian cell expression system. The HPV:HIV VLPs were purified by chromatography. We demonstrated that the insertion of P18I10 or T20 peptides into the DE loop of HPV16 L1 capsid proteins did not affect in vitro stability, self-assembly and morphology of chimeric HPV:HIV VLPs. Importantly, it did not interfere either with the HIV-1 antibody reactivity targeting sequential and conformational P18I10 and T20 peptides presented on chimeric HPV:HIV VLPs or with the induction of HPV16 L1-specific antibodies in vivo. We observed that chimeric L1:P18I10/L1:T20 VLPs vaccines could induce HPV16- but weak HIV-1-specific antibody responses and elicited HPV16- and HIV-1-specific T-cell responses in BALB/c mice. Moreover, could be a potential booster to increase HIV-specific cellular responses in the heterologous immunization after priming with rBCG.HIVA vaccine. This research work would contribute a step towards the development of the novel chimeric HPV:HIV VLP-based vaccine platform for controlling HPV16 and HIV-1 infection, which is urgently needed in developing and industrialized countries.
Estimating functional single index models with compact support

The functional single index models are widely used to describe the nonlinear relationship between a scalar response and a functional predictor. The conventional functional single index model assumes that the coefficient function is nonzero in the entire time domain. In other words, the functional predictor always has a nonzero effect on the response all the time. We propose a new compact functional single index model, in which the coefficient function is only nonzero in a subregion. We also propose an efficient method that can simultaneously estimate the nonlinear link function, the coefficient function and also the nonzero region of the coefficient function. Hence, our method can identify the region in which the functional predictor is related to the response. Our method is illustrated by an application example in which the total number of daily bike rentals is predicted based on hourly temperature data. The finite sample performance of the proposed method is investigated by comparing it to the conventional functional single index model in a simulation study
Public-key cryptosystems based on elliptic curves

We discuss the use of elliptic curves in cryptography. Compared to the difficulty of solving the classical discrete logarithm problem, it appears that the elliptic curve analog of the discrete logarithm problem is at least as difficult to solve, especially over GF (2/sup m/). Furthermore, elliptic curve cryptosystems might prove to have a higher bit-rate operation than conventional cryptosystems. <<ETX>>
Mach Disk from Underexpanded Axisymmetric Nozzle Flow

The flowfield associated with the underexpanded ax {symmetric nozzle freejet flow including the appearance of a Mach disk has been studied. It is shown that the location and size of the Mach disk are governed by the appearance of a triple-point shock configuration and the condition that the central core flow will reach a state of "choking at a throat. " It is recognized that coalescence of waves requires special attention and the reflected wave, as well as the vorticity generated from these wave interactions, have to be taken accurately into account. The theoretical results obtained agreed well with the experimental data. Nomenclature cv = specific heat at constant volume M = Mach number M* = Mach number based on speed of sound at critical condition N = number of divisions on the starting characteristic line p = pressure r = radial coordinate s = entropy x = horizontal coordinate a = Mach angle y = ratio of specific heats (= 1.4 here for air) 9 = flow angle Subscripts a = ambient condition c = centerline of symmetry e = nozzle exit i = incident wave / = lower side of slipline md = Mach disk o = stagnation state r = reflected shock wave sk = imbedded shock wave u = upper side of slipline I, II = characteristic of family I or family II
Very slowly decaying afterglow plasma in cryogenic helium gas

Summary form only given. The purpose of the present experiment is to observe extremely slowly decaying cryogenic afterglow plasmas. It is well known that decay time of afterglow plasma in cryogenic helium gas is elongated by plasma production caused by collisions between metastable molecules. As a result, slow decay times on the order of a few msec were observed in cryogenic helium gas at 4.2 K. The loss mechanism was electron-ion recombination, since they observed densities more than 10/sup 9/ cm/sup -3/. We try to measure a late afterglow period with low densities less than 10/sup 8/ cm/sup -3/ in cryogenic helium gas where the dominant loss mechanism is ambipolar diffusion. We fabricate a comparatively large stainless-steel cylindrical discharge vessel with diameter 16.6 cm and 9.1 cm in length that is a TE(011) mode cavity for 2.84 GHz with Q value larger than 1000. The diffusion length, 2.2 cm, of the present discharge vessel is much larger than those in the previous experiments on cryogenic afterglow plasmas. The plasma is produced repeatedly between tungsten needle electrodes by high-voltage pulse of 15 kV, 600 A and duration 3 micro-sec. Gas pressure is varied from 0.06 to 3 Torr. The plasma decay with time constant longer than I sec in cryogenic helium gas at 4.2 K is measured by an improved method of microwave interferometer. We can see very slowly fading fluorescent light with our naked eyes. The decay time is elongated by increasing power of CW microwave for observing the plasma parameters. Also, the decay time increases if gas temperature is cooled below 4.2 K.
Integrating city resilience and mosquito-borne diseases – a multi-site case study from the Resilient Cities Network

ABSTRACT Urbanisation is increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria in cities, with resulting impacts on health and development. At the same time, cities worldwide are building and investing in urban resilience. It is not known to what extent and how cities are considering mosquito-borne diseases in their resilience strategies. This research uses a multi-site case study methodology, focused on Resilient Cities Network member cities Chennai (India), Paynesville (Liberia) and Medellín (Colombia), to understand the intersection between mosquito-borne diseases and city resilience. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with resilience representatives of each city and document review to explore perceptions of mosquito-borne diseases, their prioritisation in resilience planning and what resilience activities are implemented and how. Analysis showed that while mosquito-borne diseases are not considered explicitly as a resilience challenge, many resilience activities implemented by cities have co-benefits for mosquito-borne disease control or could be enhanced to realise this potential. For Resilient Cities Network member cities looking to integrate mosquito-borne disease control into their resilience approach, we recommend increasing awareness of interlinkages between city resilience and mosquito-borne diseases, leveraging multi-sectoral collaborations with co-benefits for mosquito-borne disease control, and engaging communities in urban planning and mosquito-borne diseases control efforts.
Construction of Reference Centiles Using Mean and Dispersion Additive Models

Summary. A procedure for constructing 'age'-related reference centiles by flexible modelling of the mean and variance of a dependent variable, assuming normal errors, is described. Both the mean and the variance of the dependent variable are modelled by using either parametric or smooth nonparametric functions of age. This model is a submodel of the more general mean and dispersion additive model (MADAM). Maximum (penalized) likelihood estimation is used for fitting the (non)parametric model. The problem of skewness in the data is dealt with by using a Box-Cox transformation. Flexible and interactive model fitting is provided by a menu-driven GLIM4 library macro called MADAM. A method of model selection is provided which uses the deviance as a measure of the goodness of fit to the data. The method is demonstrated by an example.