Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Zoledronate During Simulated Weightlessness on Bone Structure and Mechanics

Spaceflight causes astronauts to experience an unbalanced level of bone remodeling favoring resorption. The combination of an antiresorptive drug and weightlessness may have negative effects on the mechanical and structural properties of bone by increasing elastic stiffness but diminishing plasticity. At 16 weeks of age, skeletally postpubescent male mice (n = 32, C57BL/6) were evenly divided and subcutaneously given either zoledronate (45 µg/kg) or vehicle (saline, same volume). Three days postinjection, half of each group were divided to undergo 3 weeks of hindlimb unloading or act as a control undergoing normal ambulation (n = 8 for each of the 4 groups). Ex vivo µCT assays showed zoledronate preserving cancellous mineral, bone, and cortical bone. Hindlimb unloading reduced cortical bone. Three-point bending of the femoral mid-shaft showed zoledronate increased stiffness, ultimate force, and total energy (+28%, +17%, +15%, respectively). Hindlimb unloading reduced stiffness but increased postyield displacement, a measurement of plasticity (-29%, +20%, respectively). The combined treatment resulted in increased stiffness, with zoledronate not modulating the hindlimb unloading main effect on postyield displacement. Though stiffness increased, contrary to the hypothesis, the combination of zoledronate and hindlimb unloading did not result in a decreased plasticity.
Influence of four different coagulants on the physicochemical properties, textural characteristics and flavour of tofu

The coagulation mechanism and quality characteristics of tofu depend on the choice of coagulant. The effects of using magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), calcium sulphate (CaSO₄), glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL) and fermented soybean whey (FSW) as coagulants for tofu were investigated using solid‐phase microextraction (SPME), two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC×GC‐MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis of textural characteristics and physicochemical properties. Results showed that GDL tofu exhibited the highest yield (202 g 100 g⁻¹) and moisture content (76.3%). FSW tofu had the highest protein content (18.5%), amino acid content (15.85%) and textural properties. GC×GC‐MS analysis revealed the number of 49, 44, 55 and 63 flavour substances, respectively. In sensory evaluation tests, GDL tofu was reported to possess a smooth surface and white colour. The microstructure of FSW tofu was dense and uniform. Through the above technical researches, the study suggested FSW gave tofu the best quality, more unique flavour and more potential popular among consumers.
Relationship between signaling and metabolic pathways of grapevines under temperature and light stresses—a review

Abstract Depending on plant genotype–environment interactions, cell signal transduction, and thereby gene expression, disruptive or promotive effects on grapevine physiology, metabolism, and, consequently, fruit quality and yield may occur. This review article aims to evaluate the effects of temperature and light stress on grapevine signaling and metabolic pathways to provide insights into breeding/engineering strategies for designing grapevines with improved quality, yield and tolerance. The modifications of signaling and metabolic pathways are discussed to assist geneticists with designing tolerant grape cultivars with high capacity of producing bioactive compounds and, thereby health-promoting effects in grapevines and humans.
Modification by high pressure of fluctuation paraconductivity of underdoped НоBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ single crystals

In this work, we investigate the effect of high pressure on the conductivity in the basal plane of the high temperature super conducting (HTSC) single crystals HoBa2Cu3O7-δ. It is determined that the excess conductivity (Т) of the HoBa2Cu3O7δ single crystals in the temperature interval near the critical temperature (Tc) is described within the framework of the Aslamazov-Larkin theoretical model. It is shown that the evolution of the transverse coherence length с(0) in the case of application/removal of high pressure is largely determined by the "relaxation" pressure effect during prolonged exposure of the sample under load at room temperature.
In-flight calibration and monitoring of the TROPOMI-SWIR module

Abstract. During its first year in operation the SWIR module of the TROPOMI instrument was calibrated in-flight and its performance was monitored. In this paper we present the results of the in-flight calibration and the ongoing instrument monitoring. This includes the determination of the background signals, noise performance, ISRF stability and stray-light stability. From these results, the number of incurred dead and bad pixels due to cosmic-ray impacts is determined. The light-path transmission is checked by monitoring internal lamp and diffuser stabilities. Due to its high sensitivity for Earth radiation on the eclips side, the calibration strategy for the background (i.e. dark flux and offset) monitoring was adjusted. Trends over the first full year of nominal operations reveal a very stable SWIR module with little to no degradation. The number of newly incurred dead and bad pixels is negligible since the start of operations. Assuming linear degradation of various component, the SWIR module is expected to keep performing within expected parameters for the full operational lifetime.
Exploring the use of a .safe subset. of extreme programming: An industrial case study

A year-long case study was performed with a team at IBM to assess the effects of adopting practices of the Extreme Programming (XP) methodology. The case study was structured using the Extreme Programming Evaluation Framework. Through two software releases, this team transitioned and stabilized its use of a subset of XP practices. The use of a “safe subset” of the XP practices was necessitated by corporate culture, project characteristics, and team makeup. The team improved productivity and achieved a four-fold improvement in the post-release quality of new code when compared to similar metrics from an earlier release. Our findings suggest that it is possible to adopt a partial implementation of XP practices and yield a successful project. Exploring the Use of a “Safe Subset” of Extreme Programming: An Industrial Case Study Laurie Williams, Lucas Layman, William Krebs, Annie I. Antón North Carolina State University, Department of Computer Science {lawilli3, lmlayma2, aianton}@ncsu.edu IBM Corporation, krebsw@us.ibm. com Abstract A year-long case study was performed with a team at IBM to assess the effects of adopting practices of the Extreme Programming (XP) methodology. The case study was structured using the Extreme Programming Evaluation Framework. Through two software releases, this team transitioned and stabilized its use of a subset of XP practices. The use of a “safe subset” of the XP practices was necessitated by corporate culture, project characteristics, and team makeup. The team improved productivity and achieved a four-fold improvement in the post-release quality of new code when compared to similar metrics from an earlier release. Our findings suggest that it is possible to adopt a partial implementation of XP practices and yield a successful project.
Impact of Different Thymic Pathologies on the Clinical Course of Myasthenia Gravis: A Population Wide Study in Latvia / Aizkrūts Dziedzera Patoloģiju Ietekmeu uz Myasthenia Gravis Klīnisko Gaitu: Populācijas Pētījums Latvijā

Abstract Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody mediated postsynaptic failure of neuromuscular transmission. The thymus gland has a role in the pathogenesis of MG. The aim of this study was to determine (1) the prevalence of different thymic pathologies in the MG patient population of Latvia; (2) the potential impact of different thymus pathologies on the clinical course of MG; and (3) the effectiveness of surgical treatment of thymic pathologies in Latvia. The results showed that the most common thymus pathology among the patients with MG in Latvia is thymoma. Compared to the published data, the proportion of MG patients diagnosed with thymus hyperplasia in Latvia is very small. Thymus hyperplasia is uncommon among patients 60 years of age and older. MG onset for patients with thymoma is significantly later than that of patients with thymus hyperplasia. Almost all patients with thymoma or thymus hyperplasia develop a generalised form of MG. The presence of a thymus pathology does not significantly affect the electrophysiological test results, clinical symptom severity, frequency of disability or hospitalisation of the patients with MG. Thymectomy in patients with thymoma or thymus hyperplasia has no significant effect on relieving MG symptoms Abstract Myasthenia gravis (MG) ir autoimūna saslimšana, ko raksturo muskuļu vājums un pastiprināta nogurdināmība auto-antivielu izraisītu neiromuskulārās pārvades traucējumu dēļ. Šo auto-antivielu produkcijā ir iesaistīts aizkrūts dziedzeris. Šī pētījuma mērķis bija noskaidrot (1) dažādu aizkrūts dziedzera patoloģiju sastopamību MG pacientiem Latvijā; (2) dažādu aizkrūts dziedzera patoloģiju potenciālo ietekmi uz MG klīnisko gaitu un saistību ar pacientu demogrāfiskajiem rādītājiem; un (3) aizkrūts dziedzera patoloģiju ķirurģiskās ārstēšanas (timektomijas) efektivitāti MG simptomu mazināšanā Latvijā. Pētījuma rezultāti liecina, ka visbiežāk sastopamā aizkrūts dziedzera patoloģija MG pacientiem Latvijā ir timoma. Salīdzinot ar citu starptautisku pētījumu datiem, Latvijā ievērojami retāk kā citās pasaules valstīs tiek diagnosticēta aizkrūts dziedzera hiperplāzija. Tā netika konstatēta nevienam pacientam pēc 60 gadu vecuma. Pacientiem ar konstatētu aizkrūts dziedzera hiperplāziju raksturīgs ievērojami agrāks MG pirmo simptomu parādīšanās vecums nekā pacientiem ar konstatētu timomu. Praktiski visiem pacientiem ar timomu vai hiperplāziju attīstās ģeneralizēta MG forma. Pētījumā neizdevās statistiski ticami pierādīt aizkrūts dziedzera patoloģiju ietekmi uz elektrofizioloģisko testu rezultātiem, klīnisko simptomu smagumu, hospitalizāciju biežumu, tostarp intensīvās terapijas nodaļā, sakarā ar MG paasinājumu vai krīzi, darba nespēju vai invaliditāti. Netika statistiski ticami pierādīta arī timektomijas efektivitāte MG simptomu mazināšanā.
Ergonomic Recommendation for Optimum Positions and Warning Foreperiod of Auditory Signals in Human-Machine Interface

This study investigated the optimum positions and warning foreperiod for auditory signals with an experiment on spatial stimulus-response (S-R) compatibility effects. The auditory signals were presented at the front-right, front-left, rear-right, and rear-left positions from the subjects, whose reaction times and accuracies at different spatial mapping conditions were examined. The results showed a significant spatial stimulus-response compatibility effect in which faster and more accurate responses were obtained in the transversely and longitudinally compatible condition while the worst performance was found when spatial stimulus-response compatibility did not exist in either orientation. It was also shown that the transverse compatibility effect was found significantly stronger than the longitudinal compatibility effect. The effect of signal position was found significant and post hoc test suggested that the emergent warning alarm should be placed on the front-right position for right-handed users. The warning foreperiod prior to the signal presentation was shown to influence reaction time and a warning foreperiod of 3 s is found optimal for the 2-choice auditory reaction task.
Short Communication H 5 N 1 influenza virus evolution : a comparison of different epidemics in birds and humans ( 1997 – 2004 )

Received 1 August 2005 Accepted 30 November 2005 The selection pressure acting along the entire genome sequence of H5N1 avian influenza viruses isolated from several bird species and humans infected in the 1997 and 2004 outbreaks, and on the HA1 genes from H5N1 viruses isolated during the entire study period, in eastern Asia was evaluated. According to maximum-likelihood analysis, viral genes appeared to be, in both epidemics, under strong purifying selection, with only the PB2, HA and NS1 genes under positive selection. Specific codons under positive selection were detected by using codon-based substitution models. Positive-selection analysis performed on single-codon sites might be helpful in clarifying the driving force of avian and human influenza virus evolution and in selecting specific targets for vaccines and antiviral drugs.
Combining simulations and data with deep learning and uncertainty quantification for advanced energy modeling

A novel and modern framework for energy modeling is developed in this paper with a focus on nuclear energy modeling and simulation. The framework combines multiphysics simulations and real data, with validation by uncertainty quantification tasks and facilitation by machine and deep learning methods. The hybrid framework is built on the basis of a wide range of physical models, real data, mathematical and statistical methods, and artificial intelligence techniques. The framework is demonstrated in different applications, including quantifying uncertainties in computer simulations, multiphysics coupling, analysis of variance using machine learning surrogate models, deep learning of time series phenomena, and propagating parametric uncertainties of nuclear data. The applications demonstrated are oriented to nuclear engineering simulations, even though majority of the methods are applicable to other energy sources (eg, renewable). Efficient utilization of this framework is expected to yield a much better understanding of the physical phenomena analyzed as well as an improvement in the performance of the energy design/model under construction.
ESTABLISHING DIDACTICAL PRAXEOLOGIES: TEACHERS USING DIGITAL TOOLS IN UPPER SECONDARY MATHEMATICS CLASSROOMS

This paper discusses elements of the didactical work of ordinary mathematics teachers using digital tools. The upper secondary school in Norway where the data was collected has run an internal project to integrate the Personal Computer into the mathematics classroom. Using the Instrumental Approach as a framework this paper seeks to describe and interpret elements of teacher practice exploring also the notion of instrumental genesis from a teacher perspective. From the analysis of classroom observations, interviews, meetings, and study of documents three main didactical practices were found to be linked to the introduction of the digital tools: the digital notebook, the digital textbook, and the phenomenon of weaving between tools/instruments in the classroom.
Photocatalytic Removal of Harmful Algae in Natural Waters by Ag/AgCl@ZIF-8 Coating under Sunlight

In order to control the cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophic water, an Ag/AgCl@ZIF-8 floating coating was prepared by a dip-coating method with a sponge, innovatively employed as a carrier for the removal of algae in natural water samples. The as-prepared photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of this Ag/AgCl@ZIF-8 coating on algal removal and phytoplankton community structure in natural water samples with cyanobacterial blooms were investigated under sunlight. Results showed that Ag/AgCl@ZIF-8 distributed uniformly on the surface of the coating with good stability and algae removal efficiency in water bodies. After 6 h of exposure under sunlight, the chlorophyll a in the natural water samples was degraded by 99.9%, the densities of Microcystis aeruginosa were reduced by 92.6% and the densities and biomass of the other algae decreased by about 80%. Meanwhile, the content of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the samples was decreased, effectively controlling the cyanobacterial blooms. It was found that O2•− played the main role in the photocatalytic inactivation. In conclusion, the Ag/AgCl@ZIF-8 coating has a promising application potential for the removal of harmful cyanobacteria, and provides a new idea for the control of cyanobacterial blooms in water bodies.
A systematic analysis and comparison of the dispersion curves of hypocycloidal and elliptical Bragg waveguide using very simple analytical method

In this paper we have analyzed the modal dispersion characteristics of two unconventional Bragg waveguides namely hypocycloidal and elliptical Bragg waveguide by the use of very simple matrix method. We are using matrix equation which replaces the boundary condition. We obtained the characteristic equation analytically. In both cases all the outputs are showing in the form of dispersion curves and we are also trying to compare their dispersion characteristics. It is seen that in case of hypocycloidal Bragg waveguide [1] the cut off frequency increases with the decrease of cladding layers . But in case of elliptical Bragg waveguide [2], when the cladding layer decreases from six layered to four layered the cutoff frequency increases and from four layer to two layer the cutoff frequency become decreases.
Brand Confusion in Advertising

The question of advertising effectiveness (i.e., to what extent is advertising effective or ineffective? ) is possibly the most important question asked of or by advertisers. In this article, the authors provide evidence that advertising may also be counter-effective, that is, produce results that an advertiser specifically wants to avoid. Brand confusion is one such undesired result: the advertisement for brand A is taken by consumers as promoting brand B. In other words, the advertiser finances an advertisement for his competitor. In the second part of the article, several possible causes of brand confusion are presented, and practical advertising implications are discussed.
Hermitian boundary conditions at a Dirichlet singularity: the Marletta--Rozenblum model

In domains B with smoothly-varying boundary conditions, points where wavefunctions are required to vanish were recently identified as ‘Dirichlet singularities’ (D points) where the Hamiltonian H does not define discrete eigenvalues and a scattering phase is undetermined (Berry and Dennis 2008 J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 41 135203). This is explained (Marletta and Rozenblum 2009 J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 42 125204) by the observation, illustrated with an exactly-solvable separable model, that a D point requires the specification of an additional parameter defining a family of self-adjoint extensions of H. Here the underlying theory is presented in an elementary way, and a D point is identified as a leak, through which current can flow into or out of B. Hermiticity seals the leak, ensuring that no current flows though the D point (as well as across the boundary of B). The solvable model is examined in detail for bound states, where B is a semidisk, and for wave reflections, where B is a half-plane. The quantization condition for a nonseparable billiard is obtained explicitly.
A functional classification of the drift: traits that influence invertebrate availability to salmonids

Twelve categories/traits were used to classify and rank aquatic invertebrates based on their propensity to drift and importance as a food resource for salmonids. Invertebrate availability was based on their (i) propensity to intentionally drift, (ii) likelihood of being accidentally dislodged by the current, (iii) drift distance, (iv) adult drift, (v) benthic exposure, (vi) body size, and (vii) abundance. This study represents the first attempt to characterize the intentional drift propensity of stream invertebrates. A ranking procedure separated invertebrates into Baetis and three groups decreasing in availability. Predicted ranks were significantly correlated with the actual rank of invertebrates in trout guts taken in three separate studies conducted in the central Rocky Mountains, suggesting that this procedure can effectively rank invertebrates based on their availability as a food resource for salmonids. A cluster analysis separated the 95 taxa into four drift guilds and six availability groups. This study provides criteria for determining when alterations in invertebrate community composition will affect food resources for higher trophic levels by causing a decline in the most available taxa. This research also supports previous findings that floods are important in maintaining invertebrates that represent an important food resource for salmonids.
Soil nitrous oxide emissions associated with conversion of forage grass to annual crop receiving annual application of pig manure

Abstract: The disruptive land-use change during forage grass conversion to annual crop can be critical for determining nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, but this is an understudied period. We measured soil N2O fluxes (using closed static vented chambers) together with potential environmental drivers of these fluxes from liquid pig manure (LPM) and solid pig manure (SPM) applied to an annual crop (ANN) and perennial forages (FPP) that was converted to annual crop. Unamended plots were used as a control (CON). The results showed that in 2013, average soil nitrate-N was significantly higher on the recently converted FPP (ranging from 19 to 83 mg N kg-1) than the continuous ANN plots (from 16 to 35 mg N kg-1). The recently converted perennial forage system produced three times greater N2O than the continuous annual system, which is likely a result of accelerated N mineralization from the accumulated soil organic matter (over 4 yr) and grass residues of the recently killed forage grasses. However, during the second year of the study when the FPP plots were reseeded to perennial grasses, the system emitted 30% less N2O than the ANN system. These results suggest that including perennial forage grass in rotation with annual crops can provide N-saving and climate change mitigation benefits; however, some of the N stored in the soil would be lost when the perennial grass plots are cultivated to grow annual crops.
MOVEMENT AND GENE FLOW OF NORTHERN FLYING SQUIRRELS ACROSS

Roads are a pervasive cause of habitat fragmentation around the world. Roads can present barriers to movement through direct mortality, behavioral avoidance, or by acting as an impassable physical object in the landscape. The barrier effect of roads has been demonstrated for species from multiple taxa. Species inhabiting the interior of forests may be particularly sensitive to roads because of their inability or disinclination to traverse gaps in forest cover. We combined telemetry and molecular genetic techniques to examine the effects of a high-speed, high-volume highway on the movement and population genetic structure of northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) in the Cascade Mountains of Washington, USA. During 2009 and 2010, we trapped and radiotracked flying squirrels (n = 17) to gather data on movement within their home ranges and to detect movement across the highway. Additionally, we tested for effects of the highway on genetic variation in the study area using DNA extracted from cheek cells of 59 squirrels and genotyped at 11 microsatellite loci. Seven of the 17 radio-tracked squirrels crossed the highway at least once during their nightly movements. The width of the gap between forest edges across the highway appeared to negatively influence crossing rates and no crossings were observed at a site where the average gap width exceeded 80 meters. Genetic analysis provided no evidence that either geographic distance or the presence of the highway was associated with genetic differences between sites at the landscape scale. Results suggest that populations on either side of the highway are well connected demographically and genetically, and that connectivity can be maintained if gaps in forest canopy associated with the highway are kept to a width within the gliding range of flying squirrels.