Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbonyl sulfide ( COS ) as a fumigant for stored products : progress in research and commercialisation

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is a potential new fumigant for stored products, patented worldwide by CSIRO Australia. It may replace methyl bromide for many applications on durable commodities and be used as an alternative to phosphine when there is a significant problem with insect resistance. Laboratory and field studies have shown that COS is effective on a wide range of pests at all life stages, at reasonable concentrations (<100 g/m3) and exposure times (1–5 days) at 10–25 ̊C. Quality studies indicated no adverse effects on canola oil composition or colour, quality of bread, noodles or sponge cake made from wheat, malting or brewing characteristics of barley, or germination or plumule length of wheat, oats, barley or canola. Sorption, penetration, desorption, decay of residues to natural levels, and interaction with other materials have all been shown to be consistent with being a practical fumigant for most commodities. Because COS in naturally present in a great variety of raw and processed foodstuffs, and is produced in mammals during the metabolism of some sulfur-containing compounds, it is argued that the low residues of COS remaining postfumigation do not appear to pose a risk to human health. Similarly, the widespread and abundant natural occurrence of COS in the air, soil, and live and decaying vegetation suggests that COS does not present a tangible environmental hazard. COS has been trademarked in Australia as COSMIC®, and a global licence agreement has been signed for manufacture and distribution of COS.
Attractive action of FGF‐signaling contributes to the postnatal developing hippocampus

During brain development neural cell migration is a crucial, well‐orchestrated, process, which leads to the proper whole brain structural organization. As development proceeds, new neurons are continuously produced, and this protracted neurogenesis is maintained throughout life in specialized germinative areas inside the telencephalon: the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. In the anterior SVZ, newly generated neurons migrate through long distances, along the rostral migratory stream (RMS), before reaching their final destinations in the olfactory bulb (OB). Intriguingly, recent observations pointed out the existence of other postnatal tangential routes of migration alternative to the RMS but still starting from the SVZ. The presence of such dynamic and heterogeneous cell movements contributes to important features in the postnatal brain such as neural cell replacement and plasticity in cortical regions. In this work, we asked whether a caudal migratory pathway starting from the caudal SVZ continues through life. Strikingly, in vivo analysis of this caudal migration revealed the presence of a postnatal contribution of SVZ to the hippocampus. In vitro studies of the caudal migratory stream revealed the role of FGF signaling in attracting caudally the migrating neuroblasts during postnatal stages. Our findings demonstrate a postnatal neuronal contribution from the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) CGE‐SVZ to the hippocampus through an FGF‐dependent migrating mechanism. All together our data emphasizes the emerging idea that a developmental program is still operating in discrete domains of the postnatal brain and may contribute to the regulation of neural cell replacement processes in physiological plasticity and/or pathological circumstances. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulated nucleo/cytoplasmic exchange of HOG1 MAPK requires the importin β homologs NMD5 and XPO1

MAP kinase signaling modules serve to transduce extracellular signals to the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, but little is known about how signals cross the nuclear envelope. Exposure of yeast cells to increases in extracellular osmolarity activates the HOG1 MAP kinase cascade, which is composed of three tiers of protein kinases, namely the SSK2, SSK22 and STE11 MAPKKKs, the PBS2 MAPKK, and the HOG1 MAPK. Using green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions of these kinases, we found that HOG1, PBS2 and STE11 localize to the cytoplasm of unstressed cells. Following osmotic stress, HOG1, but neither PBS2 nor STE11, translocates into the nucleus. HOG1 translocation occurs very rapidly, is transient, and correlates with the phosphorylation and activation of the MAP kinase by its MAPKK. HOG1 phosphorylation is necessary and sufficient for nuclear translocation, because a catalytically inactive kinase when phosphorylated is translocated to the nucleus as efficiently as the wild‐type. Nuclear import of the MAPK under stress conditions requires the activity of the small GTP binding protein Ran–GSP1, but not the NLS‐binding importin α/β heterodimer. Rather, HOG1 import requires the activity of a gene, NMD5, that encodes a novel importin β homolog. Similarly, export of dephosphorylated HOG1 from the nucleus requires the activity of the NES receptor XPO1/CRM1. Our findings define the requirements for the regulated nuclear transport of a stress‐activated MAP kinase.
Inflation and dark energy arising from geometrical tachyons

We study the motion of a Bogomol'nyi-Prasad-Sommerfield D3-brane in the NS5-brane ring background. The radion field becomes tachyonic in this geometrical setup. We investigate the potential of this geometrical tachyon in the cosmological scenario for inflation as well as dark energy. We evaluate the spectra of scalar and tensor perturbations generated during tachyon inflation and show that this model is compatible with recent observations of cosmic microwave background due to an extra freedom of the number of NS5-branes. It is not possible to explain the origin of both inflation and dark energy by using a single tachyon field, since the energy density at the potential minimum is not negligibly small because of the amplitude of scalar perturbations set by cosmic microwave background anisotropies. However, the geometrical tachyon can account for dark energy when the number of NS5-branes is large, provided that inflation is realized by another scalar field.
A Self-healing Key Pre-distribution Scheme for Multi-phase Wireless Sensor Networks

Node compromising is still the most hard attack in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). It affects key distribution which is a building block in securing communications in any network. The weak point of several roposed key distribution schemes in WSNs is their lack of resilience to node compromising attacks. When a node is compromised, all its key material is revealed leading to insecure communication links throughout the network. This drawback is more harmful for long-lived WSNs that are deployed in multiple phases, i.e., Multi-phase WSNs (MPWSNs). In the last few years, many key management schemes were proposed to ensure security in WSNs. However, these schemes are conceived for single phase WSNs and their security degrades with time when an attacker captures nodes. To deal with this drawback and enhance the resilience to node compromising over the whole lifetime of the network, we propose in this paper, a new key pre-distribution scheme adapted to MPWSNs. Our scheme takes advantage of the resilience improvement of Q-composite key scheme and adds self-healing which is the ability of the scheme to decrease the effect of node compromising over time. Self-healing is achieved by pre-distributing each generation with fresh keys. The evaluation of our scheme proves that it has a good key connectivity and a high resilience to node compromising attack compared to existing key management schemes.
FLICE Induced Apoptosis in a Cell-free System

Engagement of CD95 or tumor necrosis factor 1 receptor (TNFR-1) by ligand or agonist antibodies is capable of activating the cell death program, the effector arm of which is composed of mammalian interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE)-like cysteine proteases (designated caspases) that are related to the Caenorhabditis elegans death gene, CED-3. Caspases, unlike other mammalian cysteine proteases, cleave their substrates following aspartate residues. Furthermore, proteases belonging to this family exist as zymogens that in turn require cleavage at internal aspartate residues to generate the two-subunit active enzyme. As such, family members are capable of activating each other. Remarkably, both CD95 and TNFR-1 death receptors initiate apoptosis by recruiting a novel ICE/CED-3 family member, designated FLICE/MACH, to the receptor signaling complex. Therefore, FLICE/MACH represents the apical triggering protease in the cascade. Consistent with this, recombinant FLICE was found capable of proteolytically activating downstream caspases. Furthermore, CrmA, a pox virus-encoded serpin that inhibits Fas and tumor necrosis factor-induced cell death attenuates the ability of FLICE to activate downstream caspases.
A Survey on Smartphones Security: Software Vulnerabilities, Malware, and Attacks

Nowadays, the usage of smartphones and their applications have become rapidly popular in people’s daily life. Over the last decade, availability of mobile money services such as mobile-payment systems and app markets have significantly increased due to the different forms of apps and connectivity provided by mobile devices, such as 3G, 4G, GPRS, and Wi-Fi, etc. In the same trend, the number of vulnerabilities targeting these services and communication networks has raised as well. Therefore, smartphones have become ideal target devices for malicious programmers. With increasing the number of vulnerabilities and attacks, there has been a corresponding ascent of the security countermeasures presented by the researchers. Due to these reasons, security of the payment systems is one of the most important issues in mobile payment systems. In this survey, we aim to provide a comprehensive and structured overview of the research on security solutions for smartphone devices. This survey reviews the state of the art on security solutions, threats, and vulnerabilities during the period of 2011-2017, by focusing on software attacks, such those to smartphone applications. We outline some countermeasures aimed at protecting smartphones against these groups of attacks, based on the detection rules, data collections and operating systems, especially focusing on open source applications. With this categorization, we want to provide an easy understanding for users and researchers to improve their knowledge about the security and privacy of smartphones.
A two-stage decoding algorithm for short nonbinary LDPC codes with Near-ML performance

This paper proposes a two-stage decoding algorithm (called BP-LED) for short nonbinary low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. It consists of the classical belief propagation (BP) decoder and a list erasure decoder (LED). Simulation results show that, for the (16, 8) LDPC code over GF(256) in the CCSDS standard, our proposed BP-LED algorithm can achieve a coding gain of 0.6 dB with respect to the FFT-QSPA. By choosing the parameters suitable for the proposed algorithm, it has a negligible performance loss with lower decoding complexity compared with the BP-MRB (most reliable basis) algorithm in [10].
Dynamic control of redundant manipulators

The authors provide a dynamic control law that guarantees the tracking of a given end-effector trajectory and also provides for the control of the redundant joint velocity. The desired redundant joint velocity can then be specified to optimize a cost function over the configurations allowed by the extra degrees of freedom that achieve the given end-effector position. <<ETX>>
Numerical study of RF exposure and the resulting temperature rise in the foetus during a magnetic resonance procedure

Numerical simulations of specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature changes in a 26-week pregnant woman model within typical birdcage body coils as used in 1.5 T and 3 T MRI scanners are described. Spatial distributions of SAR and the resulting spatial and temporal changes in temperature are determined using a finite difference time domain method and a finite difference bio-heat transfer solver that accounts for discrete vessels. Heat transfer from foetus to placenta via the umbilical vein and arteries as well as that across the foetal skin/amniotic fluid/uterine wall boundaries is modelled. Results suggest that for procedures compliant with IEC normal mode conditions (maternal whole-body averaged SARMWB ⩽ 2 W kg−1 (continuous or time-averaged over 6 min)), whole foetal SAR, local foetal SAR10g and average foetal temperature are within international safety limits. For continuous RF exposure at SARMWB = 2 W kg−1 over periods of 7.5 min or longer, a maximum local foetal temperature >38 °C may occur. However, assessment of the risk posed by such maximum temperatures predicted in a static model is difficult because of frequent foetal movement. Results also confirm that when SARMWB = 2 W kg−1, some local SAR10g values in the mother's trunk and extremities exceed recommended limits.
Accelerated rates of synaptogenesis by “sprouting” afferents in the immature hippocampal formation

Light and electron microscopic methods were used to study the rate with which undamaged afferents sprout into and form synapses within denervated dendritic zones in the immature rat brain. The middle and outer molecular layers of the dentate gyrus were deafferented by ablation of the ipsilateral entorhinal cortex in 14‐day‐old rats, and the extension of the commissural projections, which are normally restricted to the inner molecular layer, into the denervated territory was studied by light microscopic autoradiographic tracing methods. Collateral growth was noted as early as 13 hours after the lesion and was found to reach throughout the middle and outer molecular layers by 48 hours postlesion. Quantitative analyses (grain counts) revealed that the addition of commissural fibers and terminals to the denervated zones proceeded extremely rapidly up to 72 hours after the removal of the entorhinal cortex, but slowed markedly thereafter. Electron microscopic procedures were used to assess the rate at which synapses formed during this period and yielded the following information: 1) The density of intact synapses fell to below 20% of normal values within 20 hours of the lesion, 2) reinnervation began before 30 hours postlesion, and 3) the rate at which synapses were added to deafferented middle molecular layer was much more rapid from 20–96 hours postlesion than is observed in this zone during normal development. Furthermore, the sprouting of the inner molecular layer afferents into the middle molecular layer did not retard the pace of synaptogenesis in their normal target region. These results suggest that intrinsic limitations in the capacity of axons and dendrites are not responsible for determining the rate of synaptogenesis in the developing hippocampus. It is proposed instead that existing synapses (or terminals and spines) tend to suppress the formation of new contacts such that the local density of connections regulates the speed with which further innervation occurs.
Identification of a Consensus Motif for Plk (Polo-like Kinase) Phosphorylation Reveals Myt1 as a Plk1 Substrate*

Plk1 (Polo-like kinase 1), an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase, is crucially involved in multiple events during the M phase. Here we have identified a consensus phosphorylation sequence for Plk1, by testing the ability of systematically mutated peptides derived from human Cdc25C to serve as a substrate for Plk1. The obtained results show that a hydrophobic amino acid at position +1 carboxyl-terminal of phosphorylated Ser/Thr and an acidic amino acid at position –2 are important for optimal phosphorylation by Plk1. We have then found that Myt1, an inhibitory kinase for MPF, has a number of putative phosphorylation sites for Plk1 in its COOH-terminal portion. While wild-type Myt1 (Myt1-WT) served as a good substrate for Plk1 in vitro, a mutant Myt1 (Myt1-4A), in which the four putative phosphorylation sites are replaced by alanines, did not. In nocodazole-treated cells, Myt1-WT, but not Myt1-4A, displayed its mobility shift in gel electrophoresis, due to phosphorylation. These results suggest that Plk1 phosphorylates Myt1 during M phase. Thus, this study identifies a novel substrate for Plk1 by determining a consensus phosphorylation sequence by Plk1.
Perceived Barriers to Treatment for Alcohol Problems: A Latent Class Analysis.

OBJECTIVE Low rates of alcohol treatment seeking have been shown to be associated with perceived barriers to treatment, but heterogeneity in patterns of perceived barriers has not been explored. The study analyzed data from a population-based sample of adults with alcohol abuse and dependence in order to describe latent classes of individuals who reported one or more of 15 perceived barriers to seeking alcohol treatment and to identify characteristics associated with class membership. METHODS Data were from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2001-2002). Analyses were restricted to treatment-naive adults with alcohol abuse or dependence who reported a perceived treatment need (N=1,053). Latent class analysis was performed to identify subgroups with respect to barriers to treatment. Latent class regression identified variables associated with each subgroup. RESULTS Two subgroups emerged: the low-barriers class (87%), characterized primarily by attitudinal barriers, and the high-barriers class (13%), characterized by significant attitudinal, financial, stigma, and readiness-for-change barriers. In both classes, the most frequently endorsed barrier was the attitudinal belief that "I should be strong enough" to handle the problem without treatment. Univariate analyses showed strong associations between membership in the high-barriers class and comorbid psychiatric disorders, alcohol dependence (compared with abuse), and a family history of alcohol problems. Multivariate analyses found significant associations with a lifetime anxiety disorder and with education level. CONCLUSIONS Attitudinal barriers were most prevalent. Findings revealed a notable subgroup with multiple barriers, including financial and stigma-related barriers. This subgroup may require additional resources and support to enter treatment.
Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas

Abstract Objective: This field study aimed to assess the noise reduction of hearing protection for individual workers, demonstrate the effectiveness of training on the level of protection achieved, and measure the time required to implement hearing protector fit testing in the workplace. Design: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted field studies in Louisiana and Texas to test the performance of HPD Well-Fit. Study sample: Fit tests were performed on 126 inspectors and engineers working in the offshore oil industry. Results: Workers were fit tested with the goal of achieving a 25-dB PAR. Less than half of the workers were achieving sufficient protection from their hearing protectors prior to NIOSH intervention and training; following re-fitting and re-training, over 85% of the workers achieved sufficient protection. Typical test times were 6–12 minutes. Conclusions: Fit testing of the workers’ earplugs identified those workers who were and were not achieving the desired level of protection. Recommendations for other hearing protection solutions were made for workers who could not achieve the target PAR. The study demonstrates the need for individual hearing protector fit testing and addresses some of the barriers to implementation.
In vitro Interconversion of the Soluble and Membrane- Integrated Forms of the Escherichia coli Glucose Enzyme II of the Phosphoenolpyruvate-Dependent Sugar-Transporting Phosphotransferase System

In previous publications, we have shown that integral membrane sugar permeases of the bacterial phosphotransferase system can exist in a ‘soluble’ (probably micellar) monomeric form (SII) as well as a membrane-integrated dimeric form (MII). We here show that the two forms of the his-tagged glucose permease of Escherichia coli can be interconverted in vitro. Conversion of MII to SII is promoted by (1) low protein concentration, (2) detergent, (3) high pH, and (4) phospholipase A2 treatment. Conversion of SII to MII is promoted by: (1) high protein concentration, (2) adherence to and elution from an Ni2+ column, (3) neutral pH, and (4) incorporation into phospholipid liposomes.
Size-Detecting Mechanisms in Human Vision

Inspecting a pattern of alternating dark and light bars makes it difficult to see a similar pattern presented afterward. This phenomenon can be used to isolate mechanisms responsive to bars of a given width. Our results suggest that the human visual system contains several different classes of size detectors, each maximally sensitive to visual targets with sizes in a particular range.
Circularly polarized SIW-integrated DRA for low cost millimeter wave systems

This paper presents a method for the integration of dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) array with substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) arranged in sequential rotation configuration. The proposed antenna structure is symmetric, low loss and compact. Linear-polarized (LP) DRA elements are used as loads to a hybrid junction SIW splitter to generate high purity circular polarized (CP) radiation. The simulation results show a symmetric radiation pattern of very low cross-polarization and 1 dB axial-ratio band width of ~ 1GHz at 36.50 GHz.
Cardiovascular Consequences of Marijuana Use

This review describes what is known about effects of marijuana and cannabinoids in relation to human physiological and disease outcomes. The acute physiological effects of marijuana include a substantial dose‐dependent increase in heart rate, generally associated with a mild increase in blood pressure. Orthostatic hypotension may occur acutely as a result of decreased vascular resistance. Smoking marijuana decreases exercise test duration in maximal exercise tests, increases the heart rate at submaximal levels of exercise. Tolerance develops to the acute effects of marijuana smoking and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannibol (THC) over several days to a few weeks. The cardiovascular responses that occur in response to THC are mediated by the autonomic nervous system, with recent findings also demonstrating that the human cannabinoid receptor system plays a role in regulating the cardiovascular response. Although several mechanisms exist by which marijuana use might contribute to the development of chronic cardiovascular conditions or acutely trigger cardiovascular events, there are few data regarding marijuana/THC use and cardiovascular disease outcomes. A large cohort study showed no association of marijuana use with cardiovascular disease hospitalization or mortality. However, acute effects of marijuana use include a decrease of the time until the onset of chest pain in patients with angina pectoris; one study has shown that marijuana may trigger the onset of myocardial infarction. Patients who have coronary heart disease or are at high risk for the development of CHD should be cautioned about the potential hazards of marijuana use as a precipitant for clinical events. Research directions might include more studies of cardiovascular disease outcomes and relationships of marijuana with cardiovascular risk factors, studies of metabolic and physiologic effects of chronic marijuana use that may affect cardiovascular disease risk, increased understanding of the role of the cannabinoid receptor system in cardiovascular regulation, and studies to determine if there is a therapeutic role for cannabinoids in blood pressure control or for neuroprotection after stroke.