Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A model explaining genotypic and ontogenetic variation of leaf photosynthetic rate in rice (Oryza sativa) based on leaf nitrogen content and stomatal conductance.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS Identification of physiological traits associated with leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn) is important for improving potential productivity of rice (Oryza sativa). The objectives of this study were to develop a model which can explain genotypic variation and ontogenetic change of Pn in rice under optimal conditions as a function of leaf nitrogen content per unit area (N) and stomatal conductance (g(s)), and to quantify the effects of interaction between N and g(s) on the variation of Pn. METHODS Pn, N and g(s) were measured at different developmental stages for the topmost fully expanded leaves in ten rice genotypes with diverse backgrounds grown in pots (2002) and in the field (2001 and 2002). A model of Pn that accounts for carboxylation and CO diffusion processes, and assumes that the ratio of internal conductance to g(s) is constant, was constructed, and its goodness of fit was examined. KEY RESULTS Considerable genotypic differences in Pn were evident for rice throughout development in both the pot and field experiments. The genotypic variation of Pn was correlated with that of g(s) at a given stage, and the change of Pn with plant development was closely related to the change of N. The variation of g(s) among genotypes was independent of that of N. The model explained well the variation in Pn of the ten genotypes grown under different conditions at different developmental stages. Conclusions The response of Pn to increased N differs with g(s), and the increase in Pn of genotypes with low g(s) is smaller than that of genotypes with high g(s). Therefore, simultaneous improvements of these two traits are essential for an effective breeding of rice genotypes with increased Pn.
Defect Chemistry of Cusbs2

The CuSbS2 exhibits adequate properties as absorber material in solar cell applications. This paper describes the defect chemistry of the CuSbS2 using lattice reactions combined with electroneutrality conditions and equilibrium constants for each intrinsic defect formation mechanism. From the proposed reactions the conductivity type of the material is indicated: ionic conduction if the deviation from molecularity is the predominant defect formation mechanism and mixed ionic-electronic conductivity in the case of a deviation from stoichiometry, and in the case of the simultaneous occurrence of a deviation from molecularity and from stoichiometry
Review on Sigma-Delta Modulator

In this paper detailed study of SigmaDelta (Σ-Δ) modulator has been discussed and analyzed. Low power Σ-Δ ADC for various applications has been discussed. Use of oversampling ratio in designing of Σ-Δ ADC for reduction of noise as well as for better resolution has been analyzed theoretically and practically. Keywords— SigmaDelta (Σ-Δ) modulator, Oversampled ADC, Resolution.
Influence of glycation on low density lipoprotein in diabetic cardiovascular disease patients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of premature death in individuals’ glycated low density lipoproteins (LDL). The potential importance of LDL glycation was observed as an atherogenic modification in diabetic patients. For this purpose the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) levels in all the four groups of cardiovascular diseases patients were analyzed to establish whether glycation is the underlying defect in cardiovascular diseases and this has implications for the development of prevention and treatment strategies. A total of 200 male patients having cardiovascular diseases with type 2 diabetes between the ages of 40-60 and 50 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into five groups. Glycated LDL, which can participate in many of the cellular processes leading to atherosclerosis, generally circulates at higher concentration in diabetic people with cardiovascular diseases. Glycated LDL is the major fundamental factor associated with cardiovascular diseases in the local human population.
Single-drive X-cut thin-sheet LiNbO/sub 3/ optical modulator with chirp adjusted using asymmetric CPW electrode

The authors propose a prechirped X-cut thin-sheet lithium niobate modulator. In this modulator, the /spl alpha/-chirp characteristic can be adjusted in the range of 0 to 0.8 by making coplanar waveguide electrodes asymmetric. In addition, a low-driving-voltage operation is achieved to make use of the thin-sheet structure without a SiO/sub 2/ buffer layer. We fabricated such a modulator with an /spl alpha/-chirp parameter of 0.65, a low half-wave voltage of 2.5 V, and a large bandwidth of 20 GHz. We also confirmed 10 Gb/s error-free transmission over an 80 km normal fiber (1.3 /spl mu/m zero-dispersion fiber) at a wavelength of 1.55 /spl mu/m by utilizing the modulator.
Prenatal exposure to methadone and buprenorphine: A review of the potential effects on cognitive development

The amount of opioid users receiving opioid maintenance therapy has increased significantly over the last few years. As a result, an increasing number of children are prenatally exposed to long-lasting opioids such as methadone and buprenorphine. This article reviews the literature on the cognitive development of children born to mothers in opioid maintenance therapy. Topics discussed are the effects of prenatal exposure on prematurity, somatic growth, brain volume, myelination, and the endocrine and neurotransmitter system. Social-environmental factors, including parental functioning, as well as genetic factors are also described. Areas requiring further research are identified.
Effects of General Anesthetics on Intercellular Communications Mediated by Gap Junctions between Astrocytes in Primary Culture

Background:Astrocytes represent a major nonneuronal cell population in the central nervous system (CNS) and are actively involved in several brain functions. These cells are coupled by gap junctions (GJ) into a syncytial-like network resulting in cellular communication through ionic and metabolic exchange between adjacent astrocytes. Whether anesthetics affect astrocyte function is not known. In the present study, the effects of general anesthetics on GJ permeability were investigated in primary cultures of mouse striatal astrocytes. Methods:Junctional permeability was determined by using the fluorescent probe Lucifer yellow and the scrape loading/dye transfer technique. Confluent cells were preincubated 5 min with various concentrations of anesthetic agents and GJ permeability was estimated by measuring the area occupied by the dye from digitalized images taken 8 min after cell loading. Results:Of the intravenous anesthetics tested, only propofol (P: 10-4M, P > 0.01 and 10>-5M, P > 0.05) and etomidate (ET: 10−4M, P > 0.05, but not 10−5) induced a significant reduction of GJ permeability. In contrast, diazepam (10−5M), morphine (10−4M), ketamine (10−4M), thiopental (10−4M), and clonidine (10−7M) did not affect junctional permeability. In addition, the halogenated anesthetics halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane induced a dose-dependent closure of GJ. For halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane, the maximum effect was achieved with a 10−4M, 1.6 X 10−3M, and 10-3M anesthetic concentration, respectively. Removal of volatile anesthetics resulted in the restoration of the control fluorescence area between 15 and 45 min. The time course of recovery of GJ permeability was examined more precisely for shorter periods of halothane administration (5 min, 1 mM). Under these conditions, the rate of dye spread returned to control values following anesthetic washout, while, during the same period of time, complete uncoupling of GJ was still observed in the presence of a 1 mM halothane concentration. Conclusions:These results indicate that general anesthetics differentially affect GJ permeability in cultured astrocytes. This uncoupling effect (closure of gap junctions) may contribute to the mechanisms of action of some anesthetic agents (primarily volatile anesthetics) at the level of the CNS by altering astrocyte communication.
Definition of Sleep Apnea Event by One Minute HRV Spectrum Analysis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is accompanied by a characteristic cyclic variation in heart rate in the waveform of the electrocardiogram (ECG). If sleep apnea could be diagnosed using ECG only, it could be possible to diagnose sleep apnea inexpensively from ECG recordings acquired in the patient's home. The most informative feature is low frequency oscillation at about 0.02 Hz in heart rate variability (HRV) signal. By calculating one minute HRV spectrum, we find the characterized frequency oscillation begins and ends a little early than the corresponding obstructive sleep apnea segment. When the one minute ECG segment contains more than 5 seconds sleep apnea signal, the characterized 0.02 Hz oscillation will apear in HRV spectrum.
Tutorial Curve-Based Shape Modeling — a Tutorial

Three-dimensional shape modeling, or simply modeling, creates a computer representation of a 3D shape. The 3D shape could be constructed from scratch, from existing 2D shapes, or by deforming preexisting 3D shapes. Modeling has applications in CAD, creative design, entertainment (video games and movies), ideation (concept shapes), and communication of shapes in scientific disciplines. Unfortunately, computer interfaces for modeling are difficult to learn and take long to master. Even highly trained modelers might spend hours designing a shape. They often prefer building the initial concept shapes using physical (nondigital) stand-ins such as clay maquettes. Owing to this high learning curve, modeling has stayed out of reach for nonexperts. Much academic research has gone into simplifying the modeling interface to let novices create 3D shapes quickly and easily. One category of research in simplifying modeling from scratch is curve-based modeling, which creates shapes through pen-based strokes. A curve-basedmodeling interface is easier than the traditional modeling interface because it relies on skills most people learn when very young: drawing a curve on a flat surface with a pen-like tool. Hardware for pen-based computing has improved to the point at which most professional designers and artists heavily use a tablet-and-stylus interface (for example, Wacom’s Intuos pen tablets and Cintiq pen displays). Even many popular consumer devices such as smartphones and handheld computers can employ a stylus-based interface for creative design. All these factors have generated much excitement and research in curve-based modeling, which could make 3D modeling accessible to novices. Here, I assume that you want to create a 3D shape from scratch. Toward that end, I discuss three rough categories of curve-based modeling (in increasing order of difficulty):
A Converter for Bipolar DC Link Based on SEPIC-Cuk Combination

This letter describes a new application of single-ended primary converter (SEPIC) and Cuk converter for dc bipolar network. A dc-dc converter configuration based on a combination of both converters is proposed. In the resulting topology, the switching node is shared by the SEPIC and Cuk converter since they have the same instantaneous duty cycle. The main advantage of this topology is that synchronization of various switches is not required and control terminal is connected to ground which simplifies the design of the gate drive. On the other hand, this configuration allows the connection of renewable energy sources to microgrids (MG)-type bipolar dc link and to cover the current needs of new distributed generation units with efficient, economical, and easy way. To verify its performance, a prototype was designed. Experimental results show as this combination of two converter topologies with appropriated modulation schemes are adequate to use in dc MG.
Characterization of Diverse Functional Elements in the Upstream Sp1 Domain of the Rat Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Gene Promoter (*)

Transcription of the luteinizing hormone receptor gene is dependent on Sp1-induced promoter activation from two Sp1 binding domains (Sp12 and Sp14) within the 173-base pair promoter. Of the two Sp1 binding domains, the canonical GC box (GGGCGG) was determined by mutation to be the binding element for only the Sp12 domain. The Sp1 binding element within the Sp14 domain was identified by mutation and immunological/competition studies as the 5′-GGG GTG GGG that conforms to a Zif-268 like three zinc finger binding domain, rather than the canonical 3′ Sp14 GC box (GGGCGG). The guanines in the third trinucleotide (GGG GTG GGG) were not required for Sp1 binding, although they increased binding affinity. Non-Sp1 protein(s) bind the 3′ Sp14 GC box, and by themselves exhibit transcriptional activity. Tissue specific differences were localized to this non-Sp1 binding domain, which functionally substituted for the downstream activating M1 regulatory domain in non-expressing but not in expressing cells. Mutations of both non-Sp1 and M1 domains were required for inhibition of promoter activity in constructs that retained the Sp1 binding elements in non-expressing cells, indicating that together these domains may play a role in regulation of luteinizing hormone receptor gene expression.
A 1.65 W fully integrated 90 nm bulk cmos capacitive DC-DC converter with intrinsic charge recycling

A fully integrated high power density capacitive 2:1 step-down DC-DC converter is designed in a standard CMOS technology. The converter implements the presented flying well technique and intrinsic charge recycling technique to deliver a maximum output power of 1.65 W on a chip area of 2.14 mm2, resulting in a power conversion density of 0.77 W/mm2 . A peak power conversion efficiency of 69% is achieved, leading to an efficiency enhancement factor of +36% with respect to a linear regulator. This is for a voltage step-down conversion from twice the nominal supply voltage of a 90 nm technology (2Vdd = 2.4 V) to 1 V.
Probiotics and allergy in children – An update review

Pan S‐J, Kuo C‐H, Lam K‐P, Chu Y‐T, Wang W‐L, Hung C‐H. Probiotics and allergy in children – An update review. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e659–e666. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Emulsifying properties of soy proteins: A critical review with emphasis on the role of conformational flexibility

ABSTRACT Soy proteins as important food ingredients exhibit a great potential to be widely applied in food formulations, due to their good nutrition, functional properties and health effects. The knowledge about the structure–function relationships of these proteins is crucial for their applications, but still very scant, especially that on their molecular mechanism of emulsification. The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive summary of the knowledge about emulsifying and interfacial properties of soy proteins, achieved during the past decades, and particularly to provide an insight in understanding the role of conformational flexibility in their emulsifying properties. The interplays between the emulsifying and interfacial properties are also elucidated. For these proteins, the conformational flexibility rather than the surface hydrophobicity is the crucial parameter determining their emulsification performance. On the other hand, evidence is fast growing to indicate that because of the insoluble nature, soy proteins are a kind of unique materials to perform as food-grade Pickering stabilizers. The knowledge about the Pickering emulsion stabilization is distinctly different from that for conventional emulsions stabilized by soy proteins. Thus, different strategies should be employed to develop soy proteins into a kind of effective emulsifiers, depending on the preference of emulsification performance or emulsion stability.
Methionine as a Dominant Precursor of Phytosiderophores in Graminaceae Plants

Since the discovery (Takagi 1972) and determination of the chemical structure of phytosiderophores (Takemoto et al. 1978), many investigators . studying Fe-deficiency have been very interested in knowing the precursor amino acid for phytesiderophore synthesis. However, this is diMcult to determine because not much is known about the location of phytosiderophore synthesis. Whether phytosiderophores are produced in the roots or the shoots is not clear. They have been fbund in the roots, xylem sap and shoots in Fe-deficient Graminaceae plants (Mori, et al.
The Association Between Chronic Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Ischemic Heart Disease

Increasing evidence links air pollution to the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the association between ischemic heart disease (IHD) prevalence and exposure to traffic-related air pollution (nitrogen dioxide [NO2], fine particulate matter [PM2.5], and ozone [O3]) in a population of susceptible subjects in Toronto. Local (NO2) exposures were modeled using land use regression based on extensive field monitoring. Regional exposures (PM2.5, O3) were modeled as confounders using inverse distance weighted interpolation based on government monitoring data. The study sample consisted of 2360 patients referred during 1992 to 1999 to a pulmonary clinic at the Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to diagnose or manage a respiratory complaint. IHD status was determined by clinical database linkages (ICD-9-CM 412–414). The association between IHD and air pollutants was assessed with a modified Poisson regression resulting in relative risk estimates. Confounding was controlled with individual and neighborhood-level covariates. After adjusting for multiple covariates, NO2 was significantly associated with increased IHD risk, relative risk (RR) = 1.33 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 1.47). Subjects living near major roads and highways had a trend toward an elevated risk of IHD, RR = 1.08 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.18). Regional PM2.5 and O3 were not associated with risk of IHD.
Signalling mucin Msb2 Regulates adaptation to thermal stress in Candida albicans

Temperature is a potent inducer of fungal dimorphism. Multiple signalling pathways control the response to growth at high temperature, but the sensors that regulate these pathways are poorly defined. We show here that the signalling mucin Msb2 is a global regulator of temperature stress in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Msb2 was required for survival and hyphae formation at 42°C. The cytoplasmic signalling domain of Msb2 regulated temperature‐dependent activation of the CEK mitogen activated proteins kinase (MAPK) pathway. The extracellular glycosylated domain of Msb2 (100‐900 amino acid residues) had a new and unexpected role in regulating the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. Msb2 also regulated temperature‐dependent induction of genes encoding regulators and targets of the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is a protein quality control (QC) pathway in the endoplasmic reticulum that controls protein folding/degradation in response to high temperature and other stresses. The heat shock protein and cell wall component Ssa1 was also required for hyphae formation and survival at 42°C and regulated the CEK and PKC pathways.
Relationship between denial of memory deficit and dementia severity in Alzheimer disease.

OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between denial of memory deficit and dementia severity in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Additionally, to introduce a new instrument, the Awareness of Memory Impairment Scale (AMIS), devised to minimize biases present in previous studies, especially those attributable to the use of difference scores and clinical ratings. BACKGROUND Estimates of the magnitude of denial in patients with AD, and of its relationship with disease progression, have varied across studies. Part of this variability may have resulted from differences in the way investigators measured denial. In this study, the AMIS was used to obtain a relatively unbiased assessment of the relationship between denial and disease severity in patients with AD. METHOD Two hundred three patients with AD were studied, 106 longitudinally, and 40 age-matched control subjects were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis, controlled for age, sex, education, and duration of illness, was used to compare AMIS scores with disease severity cross-sectionally and to determine whether AMIS scores change over time. A similar analysis was performed using difference scores and clinical ratings to determine whether introduction of a new assessment instrument was warranted. RESULTS Cross-sectionally, a small but statistically significant correlation between AD denial and dementia severity was found. Upon direct longitudinal assessment, no change in denial was noted after a mean interval of 1 year and 3 months. As expected, use of difference scores and clinical ratings yielded inflated correlations relative to those obtained with the AMIS. CONCLUSIONS Denial of memory deficit correlates minimally with dementia severity in cross-sectional analysis but is independent of disease progression when assessed longitudinally.
Exposure to anaesthetic agents does not affect multiple sclerosis risk

It has been hypothesized that exposure to anaesthetic agents, some of which are chemically related to organic solvents, may affect the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of occupational exposure to anaesthetic agents on the risk for MS. We further aimed to investigate the impact of general anaesthesia and usage of nitrous oxide.
Prospective memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users

Introduction: Quantitative evidence has begun to emerge where human studies suggest that repeated recreational use of +/- 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy") produces lasting impairments in explicit memory. The purpose of this investigation was to further explore the nature and pattern of component memory processes in abstinent MDMA users. Methods: Accordingly, 15 MDMA users and 17 matched normal controls completed a brief neuropsychological test battery composed mainly of the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT), a Stem-Completion task, and the Vocabulary subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III). Results: MDMA users were found impaired in terms of episodic prospective memory, as medium to large effects were observed between groups on time-based Appointment and event-based Message subtests of the RBMT. The results of this study also indicate that the ability to recall a future appointment may be related to the frequency of MDMA use and the absolute number of times MDMA was used. Conclusion: Further research is warranted into the underlying neurological manifestations of such deficits, such as investigating the relation between the neurotransmitter serotonin and the component processes of memory.
Chest CT of Incidental Breast Lesions

Chest computed tomography (CT) is routinely used for the evaluation of diseases of the chest involving the lung, mediastinum, pleura, chest wall, and diaphragm. Benign and malignant breast lesions are not uncommonly encountered incidentally on chest CT. The chest CT radiologist should be aware of the different breast pathologies and their CT appearances as some can be diagnosed by chest CT, whereas others, such as breast cancer, should not be overlooked. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to show various common and uncommon breast conditions encountered while interpreting chest CT scans in our daily practice.
Nonteratogenicity in rats of blighted potatoes and compounds contained in them.

A diet supplemented with freeze-dried blighted potatoes fed to rats had no teratogenic or embryolethal effects. Separate experiments with α-solanine, scopoletin, cytochalasin B, indoleacetic acid, and α-chaconine, intubated orally during organogenesis, gave no evidence of teratogenicity attributable to the test compounds.