Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is There Any Effect of The Seasonal Changes on the Pituitary Gland Morphometry

The aim of this study was to determine retrospectively whether the seasonal changes were an effect on the pituitary gland volume by examining magnetic resonance imaging taken during summer and winter seasons of same person. Adaptation to seasonal changes is important for survival in all living things. Although, it is known that the pituitary gland activity may vary in different seasons, the articles examining the effects of seasonal changes on the pituitary morphometry is very few in the literature. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations taken in summer and winter months for same person and morphometric measurements of pituitary gland were performed on magnetic resonance images of 29 male adult person who had no pathological findings. We determined that the increase in the pituitary gland volumes in the summer months was statistically significant compared to the winter. There was statistically insignificant an increasing in pituitary gland height and transverse diameter in summer months. The effects of seasons on hormones and glands are known. However, the effect of the seasonal cycle on the pituitary gland morphometry has not been sufficiently investigated. The results of our study show that the pituitary gland volume increases in summer. We believe that this information will lead to physicians working on the pituitary.
A Study on Vehicle Routing Problems Considering IoT based Real Time Information

With the recent increasing demand of freight, parcel delivery service, and product distribution, the quantity of supply that a company needs to handle is also increasing. The travel time between the demand points in the city is greatly affected by the complicated road conditions and the changing external environment in real time. In the previous researches, the vehicle routing problem is to define a route based on the distance between the demand points, the travel time, and the determined demand. This study propose a vehicle routing problem considering the vehicle location, vehicle condition information and dynamic demand forecasting by the Internet of Things (IoT) equipment attached to the vehicle.
Construction of High-Resolution RAD-Seq Based Linkage Map, Anchoring Reference Genome, and QTL Mapping of the Sex Chromosome in the Marine Medaka Oryzias melastigma

Medaka (Oryzias sp.) is an important fish species in ecotoxicology and considered as a model species due to its biological features including small body size and short generation time. Since Japanese medaka Oryzias latipes is a freshwater species with access to an excellent genome resource, the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma is also applicable for the marine ecotoxicology. In genome era, a high-density genetic linkage map is a very useful resource in genomic research, providing a means for comparative genomic analysis and verification of de novo genome assembly. In this study, we developed a high-density genetic linkage map for O. melastigma using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). The genetic map consisted of 24 linkage groups with 2,481 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The total map length was 1,784 cM with an average marker space of 0.72 cM. The genetic map was integrated with the reference-assisted chromosome assembly (RACA) of O. melastigma, which anchored 90.7% of the assembled sequence onto the linkage map. The values of complete Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs were similar to RACA assembly but N50 (23.74 Mb; total genome length 779.4 Mb; gap 5.29%) increased to 29.99 Mb (total genome length 778.7 Mb; gap 5.2%). Using MapQTL analysis with SNP markers, we identified a major quantitative trait locus for sex traits on the Om10. The integration of the genetic map with the reference genome of marine medaka will serve as a good resource for studies in molecular toxicology, genomics, CRISPR/Cas9, and epigenetics.
Self-body recognition through a mirror: Easing spatial-consistency requirements for rubber hand illusion

Typical experiments to induce the rubber hand illusion (RHI) require experimental participants to gaze at a fake hand while tactile stimuli are provided to both the fake and hidden actual hands in a synchronous manner. However, under such conditions, postural and apparent disagreement between a seen fake hand and hidden actual hand prevents illusory body ownership. Provided that humans recognize mirror images as copies of the real world in spite of their spatial uncertainties or incongruence, the sensory disagreement may be accepted in RHI settings if using a mirror to show a fake hand. The present study performed two experiments to reveal how self-body recognition of a fake hand feature via mirror affects the RHI. These experiments were conducted in an RHI environment involving voluntary hand movements to investigate not only body ownership but also agency. The first experiment (Experiment 1) examined whether illusory ownership of a fake hand seen in a mirror could be induced. Then, we examined whether the RHI using a mirror image allows disagreement in orientation between the rubber and actual hands (Experiment 2). Subjective evaluations using a RHI questionnaire demonstrated that evoked embodiment of the rubber hand was stronger in the presence of a mirror than in the absence of it (Experiment 1) and that participants experienced the RHI even if the actual and rubber hands were incongruent in terms of orientation (45 °; Experiment 2). No significant difference was found in the change of perceived finger location (proprioceptive drift) between these experiments. These findings suggest that the use of a mirror masks subtle spatial incongruency or degrades the contribution of visual cues for spatial recognition and facilitates multisensory integration for bodily illusions.
Design of Remote Monitoring and Evaluation System for UPS Battery Performance

For the case of each unit battery status parameter of UPS is unpredictable, this paper develops a remote monitoring system, through the connection of local monitoring software and remote monitoring software, interacting database and human-computer to complete this system. Practice has proved that this system can secure stable operation and better meet the requirements of the UPS battery remote monitoring technology.
Occurrence of Salmonella in Raw Chicken Meat from Retail Equipment and Environments in Southern Nigeria Open Markets

Salmonella species is one of the most significant food-related pathogens of public health concern, whose leading vehicles of transmission to humans are chicken products. Hence, this study investigated the occurrence of Salmonella in chicken meat in correlation to their retailing equipment/environments of open markets located in Warri, Benin City, Akure and Ado-Ekiti metropolis (Southern Nigeria). A total of 680 samples comprising raw chicken carcass (n = 240 muscle tissues), rinsing water (n = 60), hovering houseflies (n = 200) and swabs from retailing table (n = 60), cutting knives (n = 60) and meat storage containers (n = 60) were collected and analysed using standard techniques. Salmonella was recovered in 105 samples, presenting a prevalence rate of 15.4% (105/680). Rinsing water (40.0%) had the highest rate, followed by chicken carcass and retailing table (16.7%), storage containers (18.3%), hovering flies (9.0%), and then cutting knives (3.3%). The prevalence of Salmonella was highest in Benin City samples (24.7%; P<0.05), followed by Warri samples (15.9%), Ado-Ekiti (11.9%) and Akure (9.4%) being the least. The mean Salmonella counts (CFU/mL) per sample revealed that Benin City (0.09 × 102 - 5.49 × 106) yielded the highest Salmonella load, followed by Warri (0.00 - 6.11 × 105), Ado-Ekiti (0.00 - 5.49 × 104) and Akure (0.00 - 3.02 × 104). These findings suggest that the occurrence of Salmonella in commercial chicken meat is still high in most of the study locations and the rinsing water, tables and storage containers could be potential transmission routes. Adequate thermal treatment measures are recommended before consummation of commercial chicken meat within the regions.
Overweight and Obesity Prevalences for United States Military Veterans

Objective: Overweight and obesity prevalences are established for the U.S. general population and for the 1.4 million U.S. active duty military; however, the prevalences of overweight and obesity for the 26.4 million U.S. military veteran population are unknown. This study will determine the U.S. military veteran prevalences of overweight and obesity and adjusted odds ratios for overweight and obesity for veterans as compared to non-veterans adjusted for characteristics which affect the relationship between veteran status and overweight and obesity. Methods: The author performed an analysis of the 2004 BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) to determine overweight and obese prevalences and adjusted odds ratios for overweight and obesity for military veterans as compared to non-veterans. Results: Prevalence of overweight (BMI ;::o: 25 kg/m) in veterans was 73.3% (S.E. 0.4%) for males, 53.6% (S.E. 1.7%) for females, and 72.2% (S.E. 0.4%) overall. Prevalence of obesity (BMI ;::o: 30 kg/m) in veterans was 25.3% (S.E. 0.4) for males, 21.2% (S.E. 1.4%) for females, and 25.1% (S.E. 0.41 %) overall. Prevalence of overweight but not obese (BMI ~5 kg/m and <30 kg/m) in veterans was 48% (S.E. 0.5%) for males, 32.4% (S.E. 1.6%) for females, and 47.1% (S.E. 0.5%) overall. Adjusted odds ratios for veterans as compared to nonveterans was 1.05 (95% CI .99-1.11) for overweight and 0.99 (95% CI 0.93-1.05) for obesity after adjusting for age, gender, marital status, race, education level, income level, smoking history, and self rated health status.
Isolation and Identification of Nicotiflorin from the Leaves of Costus spectabilis (Fenzl) K. Schum

Costus spectabilis is a rhizomatous geophyte used by traditional medicine to treat internal and external wounds, coughs, inflammation, arthritis, rheumatism, fever, maternal and neonatal infections. It is also recommended for its laxative, purgative, diuretic and ichthyotoxic properties. A phytochemical study of the leaves of Costus spectabilis, revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols and triterpenes, coumarins, reducing compounds, oses and holosides. The combination of chromatographic (CC and TLC), 1D NMR spectral (1H, 13C), 2D (COZY and HMQC) and spectrometric (ESI-MS positive mode) techniques allowed the isolation and identification of kaempferol 3- O- (6- O- (α-L-rhamnosyl) β-D-glucoside or nicotiflorin of the methanol extract of the leaves of Costus spectabilis.
Evaluation of domain adaptation approaches for robust classification of heterogeneous biological data sets

Most machine learning algorithms require that training data are identically distributed to ensure effective learning. In biological studies, however, even small variations in the experimental setup can lead to substantial deviations. Domain adaptation offers tools to deal with this problem. It is particularly useful for cases where only a small amount of training data is available in the domain of interest, while a large amount of training data is available in a different, but relevant domain. We investigated to what extent domain adaptation was able to improve prediction accuracy for complex biological data. To that end, we used simulated data and time-lapse movies of differentiating blood stem cells in different cell cycle stages from multiple experiments and compared three commonly used domain adaptation approaches. EasyAdapt, a simple technique of structured pooling of related data sets, was able to improve accuracy when classifying the simulated data and cell cycle stages from microscopic images. Meanwhile, the technique proved robust to the potential negative impact on the classification accuracy that is common in other techniques that build models with heterogeneous data. Despite its implementation simplicity, EasyAdapt consistently produced more accurate predictions compared to conventional techniques. Domain adaptation is therefore able to substantially reduce the amount of work required to create a large amount of annotated training data in the domain of interest necessary whenever the domain changes even a little, which is common not only in biological experiments, but universally exists in almost all data collection routines.
ACUTE ESTROGEN SYNTHESIS AND ACTION IN THE AUDITORY CORTEX OF DEVELOPING MALE ZEBRA FINCHES (TAENIOPYGIA GUTTATA)

Steroid hormones, such as estrogens, were once thought to be exclusively synthesized in the ovaries and enact transcriptional changes through intracellular nuclear receptors over the course of hours to days. However, estrogens are also locally synthesized within neural circuits, wherein they rapidly (within minutes) modulate a range of behaviors, including spatial cognition and communication. Here, we review the role of brain-derived estrogens (neuroestrogens) as modulators within sensory circuits in songbirds. We first present songbirds as an attractive model to explore how neuroestrogens in sensory cortex modulate vocal communication processing and learning. Further, we examine how estrogens may enhance vocal learning and auditory memory consolidation in sensory cortex via mechanisms similar to those found in the hippocampus of rodents and birds. Finally, we propose future directions for investigation, including: 1) the extent of developmental and hemispheric shifts in aromatase and membrane estrogen receptor expression in auditory circuits; 2) how neuroestrogens may impact inhibitory interneurons to regulate audition and critical period plasticity; and, 3) dendritic spine plasticity as a candidate mechanism mediating estrogen-
BR-bodies provide selectively permeable condensates that stimulate mRNA decay and prevent release of decay intermediates

Biomolecular condensates play a key role in organizing RNAs and proteins into membraneless organelles. Bacterial RNP-bodies (BR-bodies) are a biomolecular condensate containing the RNA degradosome mRNA decay machinery, but the biochemical function of such organization remains poorly defined. Here we define the RNA substrates of BR-bodies through enrichment of the bodies followed by RNA-seq. We find that long, poorly translated mRNAs, small RNAs, and antisense RNAs are the main substrates, while rRNA, tRNA, and other conserved ncRNAs are excluded from these bodies. BR-bodies stimulate the mRNA decay rate of enriched mRNAs, helping to reshape the cellular mRNA pool. We also observe that BR-body formation promotes complete mRNA decay, avoiding the build-up of toxic endo-cleaved mRNA decay intermediates. The combined selective permeability of BR-bodies for both, enzymes and substrates together with the stimulation of the sub-steps of mRNA decay provide an effective organization strategy for bacterial mRNA decay.
Microbial degradation of plastics: Biofilms and degradation pathways

Plastics are recalcitrant polymers released in the environment through unpredicted use leading to accumulation and increased water and soil pollution. Transportation of these recalcitrant polymers in agricultural soil, sediment, and water has been causing concerns for environmentalists. Biofilm community adhered on plastic polymers have a significant contribution in their degradation as they warrant bioavailability of substrates, sharing of metabolites and increased cell viability thereby accelerating biodegradation. Metabolic enzymes of the microbes can be exploited as a potent tool for polymer degradation. However very little or Chapter contents Introduction . 185 Plastic degradation pathways in bacteria . 186 Natural metabolic pathways . 187 Engineered pathways . 187 Biofilm forming microbes involved in degradation . 189 Bacteria . 189 Fungus . 192 Influence of biofilm on plastic degradation . 193 Biofilm-plastic interactions . 194 Conclusion . 195 Acknowledgments . 195 References . 195
Research on time delay estimation in underwater positioning of pattern time delay shift coding system

Based on pattern time delay shift coding regime, the structure of positive and negative frequency modulation calling pulses of underwater ultra-short base line acoustic positioning system is given, and a second correlation method of time delay estimation is proposed in this paper. As the second correlation method improves the detectable signal-to-noise ratio of calling end to certain extent, it could accumulate the energies of multipath reflections including the direct wave effectively in the complex underwater channel environment, so as to achieve the peak detection accurately and to improve the accuracy of time delay estimation. The sea trial results show that the second correlation method could suppress the multipath interference from interface reflections under different signal-to-noise ratios efficiently.
A comparison of seasonal variability of Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman pelagic ecosystems

This overview compares algal blooms and pelagic fisheries of the Arabian Gulf with the Sea of Oman. The data consist of remotely sensed characteristics, directly sampled and modeled. Elucidated seasonal trends were based on 15-year seasonal means, as well as weekly time series of physical parameters. The environmental characteristics (namely photosynthetically available radiation, atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind, aerosol optical thickness, surface currents, surface temperature, salinity, concentration of dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, chlorophyll-a, net primary production, phytoplankton, zooplankton biomass, fish larvae abundance, small and large pelagic fish catches) were compared between regions. In Sea of Oman, high concentrations of chlorophyll-a were associated with relatively high concentrations of nitrates and phosphates, as well as kinetic energy of surface currents which exceeded that in Arabian Gulf. The dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans is one dominat alga in the Sea of Oman, whereas diatom species are more common in the Arabian Gulf blooms. In general, the phytoplankton and zooplankton species diversity during winter was higher than in summer periods. Catches of small pelagic fish (in particular sardines) in the Sea of Oman exceeded that in the Arabian Gulf. This might be associated, in part, with differences in trophic levels interactions. The turnover rate of the net primary production through zooplankton in Sea of Oman was found to be much higher than in Arabian Gulf waters.
Iron and fecundity among Tsimane’ women of Bolivia

Abstract Background and objectives Iron is critical for women’s reproduction, and iron-deficiency anemia is a global health problem for mothers. While public health programs have aimed to correct iron deficiency in reproductive-aged women with supplementation, a small group of studies have shown that too much iron also has negative effects on birth outcomes. We hypothesize that women’s iron levels evolved within a narrow optimum, and predict that hemoglobin (Hb) levels would be associated with women’s fecundity. Methodology We used the publicly available, longitudinal Tsimane’ Amazonian Panel Study to test the association between -Hb levels and hazard of having a next birth (a measure of fecundity) among 116 parous, reproductive-aged Tsimane’ women of Bolivia. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to model Hb level and other predictors against the event of next birth across the observation period, which began at each woman’s previous birth. Results The higher the Hb level, the lower the hazard of a woman giving birth within the study observation period (hazard ratio=0.82, P = 0.03). However, there was no evidence that low Hb reduced women’s fecundity. Conclusions and implications These results demonstrate that high Hb influences women’s fecundity. These results supports the growing body of literature showing that iron metabolism is critical for understanding the evolution of women’s reproduction. More work is needed to determine the evolved optimal range of iron levels for reproductive-aged women. Lay summary Lower chance of pregnancy among Tsimane’ women with high Hb levels, suggesting evolved optimal Hb levels in women.
Chinese Question Answering Based on Syntax Analysis and Answer Classification

This paper first conducts rigorous sentence pattern analysis of questions based on the distance between question word and predicate,and then conduct shallow parse of answer candidate sentences.Based on the analysis,we extract question feature set;answer sentence feature set and combined feature set as our features for answer classification.Then we apply maximum entropy model and support vector machine to these features to train answer classifiers.The F-Measures of the two classifiers' experiment conducted on five kinds of fact-based questions achieve 70.87% and 85.75% respectively.
Medicinal plants and cervical cancer therapy: An overview

Human papilloma virus, the major risk factor of cervical cancer, the most common gynecologic malignancy worldwide, accounts for 8.5% deaths per year. Conventional treatments have side effects like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and hair, early bruising and bleeding, anemia, renal problems, etc. Hence, there is a need for finding new anti-cancer agents which is to be safe, cost effective, easily available and free from side effects. Medicinal plants have been on the forefront where research on the anti-cancer agent is planned. Keeping this purpose in mind, an attempt has been made in this review to provide evidence based analysis of plant extracts, phytochemical and phytomolecules which exhibit anti-tumorigenic activity or exert cytotoxic effect in human cervical carcinoma cells. This review mainly focuses on several medicinal plants such as Rosmarinus officinalis, Solanum nigrum, Kaffir lime, and Garcinia nujiangensis used in the treatment of cervical cancer and the secondary metabolites derived from different plant sources. Plant molecules such as cisplatin, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, EGC, and other catechins that have a wide range of biological properties and the molecular mechanism were reviewed. This review will promote the research on the development of a plant-derived anti-cancer drug with lesser or no side effects and aid in understanding the mechanism of action of several plant-derived molecules. However, efficacy needs to be further investigated in various cervical cancer cell lines and more importantly, in in vivo cervical cancer models for possible use as an alternative and safe anticancer drug.
Mobile Technology Update to Delone and Mclean Model of Information Success

Senior managers are challenged to measure the success of their IT systems when justifying technology investments needed to meet the organization’s mission. Due to increasing implementation of mobile technology, enterprise adoption of smartphones is no exception. Traditionally, the DeLone and McLean Information Systems (IS) Success Model has been proven as a valid framework for measuring IS success. However, it has not been updated to address the success variables related to mobile technology. Many studies on mobile technology have reviewed mobile success, but none have attempted theoretical assimilation. This thesis attempts to correct this situation by examining the DeLone and McLean IS Success Model in measuring the efficacy of mobile technology integration within information systems. The result of the literature review is a list of variables related to mobile success in information systems. The findings hope to show that the new variables discovered to be related to mobile technology success are applicable as an update to the DeLone and McLean IS Success Model.