Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preferential Delivery of Zinc to Developing Tissues in Rice Is Mediated by P-Type Heavy Metal ATPase OsHMA21[W][OA]

OsHMA2 is a plasma membrane-localized transporter for zinc and cadmium in rice that mainly expresses at the phloem region of developed vascular tissues in the nodes and mediates exclusive zinc and cadmium delivery to upper nodes and finally to the panicle. Developing tissues such as meristems and reproductive organs require high zinc, but the molecular mechanisms of how zinc taken up by the roots is preferentially delivered to these tissues with low transpiration are unknown. Here, we report that rice (Oryza sativa) heavy metal ATPase2 (OsHMA2), a member of P-type ATPases, is involved in preferential delivery of zinc to the developing tissues in rice. OsHMA2 was mainly expressed in the mature zone of the roots at the vegetative stage, but higher expression was also found in the nodes at the reproductive stage. The expression was unaffected by either zinc deficiency or zinc excess. OsHMA2 was localized at the pericycle of the roots and at the phloem of enlarged and diffuse vascular bundles in the nodes. Heterologous expression of OsHMA2 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) showed influx transport activity for zinc as well as cadmium. Two independent Tos17 insertion lines showed decreased zinc concentration in the crown root tips, decreased concentration of zinc and cadmium in the upper nodes and reproductive organs compared with wild-type rice. Furthermore, a short-term labeling experiment with 67Zn showed that the distribution of zinc to the panicle and uppermost node I was decreased, but that, to the lower nodes, was increased in the two mutants. Taken together, OsHMA2 in the nodes plays an important role in preferential distribution of zinc as well as cadmium through the phloem to the developing tissues.
Heterogenous committees with competence analysis

We explore some new types of committees in search of hybrid models successful in many different classification benchmarks. To provide a reliable comparison of the ensembles we restrict the task to some constant configuration of committee members for each benchmark. We were looking for new types of committees which, in such configuration, would be as much accurate and stable as possible. The paper focuses on some ideas of heterogenous committees with different ways of their members' competence estimation. Heterogenous committee members adapt in different ways and are able to solve different problems. Measuring the competence of committee members helps in making competent and accurate decisions.
Predicting Risk for Death from MRSA Bacteremia

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the bloodstream is often fatal. Vancomycin is the most frequently prescribed drug for treatment of MRSA infections with demonstrated efficacy. Recently, however, some MRSA infections have not been responding to vancomycin, even those caused by strains considered susceptible. To provide optimal treatment and avoid vancomycin resistance, therapy should be tailored, especially for patients at highest risk for death. But who are these patients? A study that looked back at medical records and 699 frozen isolates found that risk for death from MRSA infection was highest among certain populations, including the elderly, nursing home residents, patients with severe sepsis, and patients with liver or kidney disease. Risk for death was not affected by the type of MRSA strain (vancomycin susceptible, heteroresistant, or intermediate resistant). Risk was lower among those who had consulted an infectious disease specialist. Thus, when choosing treatment for patients with MRSA infection, it is crucial to look at patient risk factors, not just MRSA strain type. For those at high risk, consultation with an infectious disease specialist is recommended.
Interventions that involve parents to improve children's weight‐related nutrition intake and activity patterns – what nutrition and activity targets and behaviour change techniques are associated with intervention effectiveness?

Parent involvement is an important component of obesity prevention interventions. However, the best way to support parents remains unclear. This review identifies interventions targeting parents to improve children's weight status, dietary and/or activity patterns, examines whether intervention content and behaviour change techniques employed are associated with effectiveness. Seventeen studies, in English, 1998–2008, were included. Studies were evaluated by two reviewers for study quality, nutrition/activity content and behaviour change techniques using a validated quality assessment tool and behaviour change technique taxonomy. Study findings favoured intervention effectiveness in 11 of 17 studies. Interventions that were considered effective had similar features: better study quality, parents responsible for participation and implementation, greater parental involvement and inclusion of prompt barrier identification, restructure the home environment, prompt self‐monitoring, prompt specific goal setting behaviour change techniques. Energy intake/density and food choices were more likely to be targeted in effective interventions. The number of lifestyle behaviours targeted did not appear to be associated with effectiveness. Intervention effectiveness was favoured when behaviour change techniques spanned the spectrum of behaviour change process. The review provides guidance for researchers to make informed decisions on how best to utilize resources in interventions to support and engage parents, and highlights a need for improvement in intervention content reporting practices.
Time-window-based combined objective DE algorithm for hybrid flow-shop

In this paper, a time-window-based hybrid flow-shop scheduling model is presented for manufacturing enterprise for solving production scheduling optimisation problem in the rolling production process. Time window deviation sum and the earliness/tardiness (E/T) penalty sum’s optimisation goal are modelled, and differential evolution (DE) global optimisation algorithm is used to conduct the global optimisation. The assigned tasks to determine a job’s machining path in the time window frame can be finished in each stage. The hybrid flow-shop scheduling optimisation method based on time window can improve the equipment utilisation and reduce scheduling conflict situations. Our time-window-based hybrid flow-shop scheduling optimisation method is evaluated by multiple sets of programs’ numerical analysis, and the results show that the proposed approach can meet the requirement of business rolling production scheduling very well.
Effect of Sewing Parameters on Seam Strength and Seam Efficiency

The basic constituent of quality apparel is stitches and seams. The different components of apparel joint together by means of stitching operation and seams are responsible for giving the apparel shape for wear [1]. The overall performance of the apparel in use is mainly depends on the quality of seam [2]. Seam is the joining of two or more pieces of fabrics by means of stitching. The quality of seam greatly influences on the quality of apparel. The quality of Seam is assessed by means of its efficiency, elongation, bending, stiffness, abrasion resistance, seam slippage strength, puckering, tightness, boldness and seam damage [3]. A good seam having various functional and aesthetic requirements. The functional performance of the seam is evaluated by efficiency, elongation, density, slippage, bending stiffness and abrasion resistance of seam [4]. The basic raw material of garmenting is fabric and sewing thread. The apparel seam quality depends on raw material characteristics [5]. Seam performance by means of durability is based on the strength and efficiency of seam as well as seam appearance along the seam line attributed by the seam puckering [6]. These seam parameters are very important for garment manufacturers and customers, as it affects the customers’ opinion regarding quality of garment [7]. Some of the manufacturers select stitch classes, stitch density and sewing threads without consideration to their influence on the overall performance of the apparel being made, resulting in failure of the seam during use [8]. It is therefore very important to select appropriate seam for better performance of apparel. Seam types is one of the factor influencing the overall performance of the seam in terms of durability, comfort, potential for alteration. The appearance of a seam is generally lead by the proper relationship between the size and type of thread, the stitch density and its types and the texture and weight of the fabric [9]. Many researchers found that fabric quality parameters like fabric density, fabric thickness, tensile strength, extensibility, bending rigidity and shear rigidity have extreme effect on quality of seam [10].
Advocacy Recruiting for Huntington’s Disease Clinical Trials

Recent clinical trials for Huntington's disease (HD) have been slowed by the inability to complete enrollment in a timely manner. We report a successful advocacy-based recruiting approach at Evergreen Neuroscience Institute, a new Huntington Study Group (HSG) investigative site that lacked an HD patient base. By partnering with community advocates and utilizing web-based advocacy group alerts, Evergreen ranked third of 27 North American sites conducting the Study of ACR16 for the Treatment of Huntington's disease (HART) for number of participants, and first for rate of recruitment -- all while decreasing the time and financial resources needed for site-based recruiting. To our knowledge this is the first published outcome study for advocacy recruiting in any disease population.
Production of leukotriene C4 by peripheral blood leukocytes stimulated with anti-fcepsilonRI antibody, PMA, and fMLP does not correlate with irreversible airway obstruction in asthmatics.

BACKGROUND Airway remodeling has recently emerged as a major problem in an increasing percentage of patients with asthma. Reasons for great diversity in the progression of irreversible bronchoconstriction among asthmatics remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess whether the potential ability of leukocytes to produce cysteinyl leukotrienes in response to various stimuli is correlated with magnitude of irreversible airway obstruction in asthmatics. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study sample comprised 76 asthmatics (34 males, mean +/- SD age 52 +/- 13 years), and 35 healthy controls (18 males, 38.2 +/- 15 years). Each subject underwent 2 pulmonary function tests: before and after bronchodilator administration. In addition, approximate annual decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (% of predicted) was calculated. Leukotriene C4 (LTC4) production was assessed combining a cellular antigen stimulation test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using Bulhmann Laboratories AG kits. Leukocytes isolated from peripheral blood were stimulated with anti-FcepsilonRI antibody, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In separate tubes each subject's leukocytes were tested for spontaneous LTC4 production. Finally, stimulated LTC4 production was expressed in pg/mL after subtraction of values of spontaneous production. RESULTS In asthmatics, baseline FVC% and FEV% values ranged from 24.4% to 122.4% (mean, 75.5%) and from 23.4% to 126.6% (mean, 74.4%), respectively. There were no significant differences between asthmatics and controls in LTC4 production stimulated by anti-FcepsilonRI antibody (P = .79), fMLP (P = .33) or PMA (P = .86). We found no correlation between stimulated LTC4 production and spirometric parameters at baseline or after bronchodilator administration or annual decline in FEV1%. CONCLUSION Our results do not confirm the hypothesis that airway remodeling in asthma might be related to enhanced ability of leukocytes to produce cysteinyl leukotrienes in response to various stimuli.
Prospective Comparison Study Between the Fluoroscopy-guided and Navigation Coupled With O-arm–guided Pedicle Screw Placement in the Thoracic and Lumbosacral Spines

Study Design: This is a prospective randomized comparison study between the fluoroscopy-guided and navigation coupled with O-arm–guided pedicle screw placement in the thoracic and lumbosacral spines. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy and clinical benefits of a navigation coupled with O-arm–guided method in the thoracic and lumbar spines by comparing with a C-arm fluoroscopy-guided method. Methods: Under fluoroscopy guidance, 138 pedicle screws were inserted from T9 to S1 in 20 patients, and 124 pedicle screws were inserted from T9 to S1 in 20 patients using the navigation. The position of the screws within the pedicle was assessed from grade 0 (no violation cortex) to grade 3 (>4 mm violation), and the location of the violated cortex was determined. Preparation time of each equipment setting, time for screwing, and the number of x-ray shots were evaluated. Results: The number of screws observed as grade 0 was 121 (87.7%) in the fluoroscopy-guided group and 114 (91.9%) in the navigation-guided group. The lateral cortex was most commonly involved in the fluoroscopy-guided group (6 cases, 35.3%), and the medial cortex was most common in the navigation-guided group (4 cases, 40%). The mean time required for preparation for screw placement was 3.7 minutes in the fluoroscopy-guided group and 14.2 minutes in the navigation-guided group. Average screwing time was 3.6 minutes in the fluoroscopy-guided group and 4.3 minutes in the navigation-guided group. The mean number of x-ray shots for each screw placement in the fluoroscopy-guided group was 6.5. Postoperatively, 2 patients with misplacement of a screw under fluoroscopy guidance presented ipsilateral leg paresthesia, possibly related to the screw position. Conclusions: The present prospective study reveals that the pedicle screw placement guided by the navigation coupled with O-arm system was more accurate and safer than that under fluoroscopy guidance.
The fragile male

The human male is, on most measures, more vulnerable than the female. Part of the explanation is the biological fragility of the male fetus, which is little understood and not widely known. A typical attitude to boys is that they are, or must be made, more resilient than girls. This adds “social insult to biological injury. ” Culture and class make a difference to the health and survival of boys. The data presented here have implications for the clinical management of male patients as well as for the upbringing of boys. #### Summary points The disadvantages of the male are usually seen as socially mediated Even from conception, before social effects come into play, males are more vulnerable than females Social attitudes about the resilience of boys compound the biological deficit Male mortality is greater than female mortality throughout life The causes are a mixture of biological and social pressures: we need to be aware of both in order to promote better development and health for boys and men At conception there are more male than female embryos. This may be because the spermatozoa carrying the Y chromosome swim faster than those carrying X. The male's pole position is, however, immediately challenged. External maternal stress around the time of conception is associated with a reduction in the male to female sex ratio, suggesting that the male embryo is more vulnerable than the female.1 From this point on it is downhill all the way. The male fetus is at greater risk of death or damage from almost all the obstetric catastrophes that can happen before birth.2 Perinatal brain damage,3 cerebral palsy,4 congenital deformities of the genitalia and limbs, premature birth, and stillbirth are commoner in boys,5 and by the time a boy is born he is on average developmentally some …
Development and evaluation of a mobile AAC: a virtual therapist and speech assistant for people with communication disabilities

Abstract Purpose: The currently existing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies have limitations to produce the best communication rehabilitation outcomes and therefore a better solution is needed. Method: In this work, a mobile AAC app was developed based on results from research studies. Sophisticated AAC language programming, embedded training materials, and real-time communication performance reporting were integrated into the app. Two groups of study participants were recruited to participate a usability study and a preliminary feasibility study for the purpose of evaluating this mobile AAC app, respectively. Results: A tablet-based AAC app was developed to support communication rehabilitation. User studies of the app were conducted and included able-bodied individuals and people with verbal communication disabilities. All study participants agreed that the app establishes a usable alternative treatment protocol for communication rehabilitation. Conclusions: The app’s integrated features have great potential to maximize users’ communication effectiveness, enhance language skills, and ultimately improve users’ quality of life. Implications for rehabilitation We have developed and evaluated an integrated mobile AAC language-based app. This tablet-based app integrated AAC with embedded trainings and real-time performance report.
A multi-channel ΣΔ modulator for subband digital predistortion with LTE signals

With the increasing bandwidth of communication signals, the challenges on the feedback path used for digital predistortion (DPD) of power amplifiers are getting significantly stringent. A subband approach has been recently proposed by the authors in order to relax the design constraints on the feedback path ADC. This paper presents a new step toward a practical implementation of the concept with LTE signals. A continuous-time multi-channel modulator is proposed to address wider bandwidths and sizing choices are discussed with simulation results. Some nonlinear effects of the feedback path such as I/Q imbalance, pure nonlinearity and quantization are simulated to define high level design parameters. Results show that for a distorted signal with 30 dB ACPR, 60 dB SNR is sufficient for the principal subband and 22 dB SNR is required for the adjacent subbands to perform as good as an ideal fullband DPD. Continuous-time simulation using a 2-4-4 configuration of the zero IF MSNBC with 4-bit quantizers achieves the required subband SNRs.
Analýza mazaného kontaktu poddajných těles

This diploma thesis deals with the proposal of methodology for film thickness evaluation within compliant contacts. With respect to characteristics of such contact pairs, like variable film thickness, high surface roughness, or poor conductivity and reflectivity, the usage of conventional experimental methods is particularly complicated. In present study, an optical method based on the principle of fluorescent microscopy was employed in present thesis. An evaluation algorithm involving background normalization and calibration of fluorescent intensity to film thickness was created in a form of experimental software. The proposed algorithm was validated by using elastohydrodynamic contact formed between ceramic ball and glass disc. The measured film thickness was compared with theoretical prediction, while very good agreement of obtained data was observed. Further, a series of experiments with compliant samples was conducted, while the central film thickness was evaluated as a function of mean speed, applied lubricant, applied load and slide-to-roll ratio. The last part of the thesis is focused on results analysis and discussion considering the previously published literature.
Natural Products and Caries Prevention

Dental caries is considered as the most common polymicrobial oral disease in the world. With the aim of developing alternative approaches to reduce or prevent the decay, numerous papers showed the potential anticaries activity of a number of natural products. The natural products with anticaries effects are selected from e.g. food, beverages, flowers or traditional herbs. Most of the effective components are proven to be polyphenol compounds. Many of the natural products are studied as antibacterial agents, while some of them are found to be effective in shifting the de-/remineralization balance. However, the mechanisms of the anticaries effects are still unclear for most of the natural products. In the future, more efforts need to be made to seek novel effective natural products via in vitro experiment, animal study and in situ investigations, as well as to enhance their anticaries effects with the help of novel technology like nanotechnology.
Evidence of the Sensitivity of the MoCA Alternate Forms in Monitoring Cognitive Change in Early Alzheimer's Disease

Background/Aims: There is an increasing interest in using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test as a monitoring tool in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in both research and clinical settings. Our aim was to investigate the utility of alternate forms of the MoCA in detecting cognitive deterioration in a sample of early AD patients followed longitudinally in an outpatient memory clinic. Method: Twenty-five patients with early-stage AD (prodromal or mild dementia) were administered the original version and one of two previously validated alternate forms of the MoCA within an interval of about 1 year. The decline over time and the rate of change of the MoCA were compared to the total score of a standardized neuropsychological assessment battery (Consortium to Establish a Registry of Alzheimer's Disease; CERAD-Plus). Responsiveness to change was determined by calculating standard response means and the respective effect sizes. Results: Sixty percent of the sample showed a clinical decline on the clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale. There was significant deterioration in the MoCA and CERAD total scores. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the MoCA is capable of detecting change over time and seems to be a valid tool with small to moderate sensitivity for monitoring cognitive change in early AD.
Interest Point Detection Based on Stochastically Derived Stability

We propose a novel framework called StochasticSIFT for detecting interest points (IPs) in video sequences. The proposed framework incorporates a stochastic model considering the temporal dynamics of videos into the SIFT detector to improve robustness against fluctuations inherent to video signals. Instead of detecting IPs and then removing unstable or inconsistent IP candidates, we introduce IP stability derived from a stochastic model of inherent fluctuations to detect more stable IPs. The experimental results show that the proposed IP detector outperforms the SIFT detector in terms of repeatability and matching rates.
A note on minimum K2, 3-saturated graphs

A graph G is said to be K2,3-saturated if G contains no copy of K2,3 as a subgraph, but for any edge e in the complement of G the graph G + e does contain a copy of K2,3. The minimum number of edges of a K2,2saturated graph of given order n was precisely determined by Ollmann in 1972. Here, we determine the asymptotic behavior for the minimum number of edges in a K2,3-saturated graph.
Situation element extraction of network security based on Logistic Regression and Improved Particle Swarm Optimization

Situation element extraction of network security situation awareness can be transformed into the vast amounts of data recognition and classification. Due to the difficulty of situation element extraction of network security situation awareness, a mechanism for situation extraction based on Logistic Regression (LR) and Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (LR-IPSO) model is proposed. In order to improve local and global search capability of Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO), this paper takes the nonlinear decreasing random strategy for weight value to improve PSO, because of the inherent implicit parallelism and good global optimization ability of IPSO, it is used to estimate parameters and optimize the learning ability of the LR model. Experiment results show that this model is an effective extraction technology of situation element.