Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus penicillioides differentiation and cell division at 0.585 water activity

Water availability acts as the most stringent constraint for life on Earth. Thus, understanding the water relations of microbial extremophiles is imperative to our ability to increase agricultural productivity (e.g., by enhancing the processing and turnover of dead organic matter in soils of arid regions), reduce human exposure to mycotoxins in buildings and our food-supply chain, prevent the spoilage of foods/animal feeds, books, museum specimens and artworks and better control microbiology of industrial fermentations. Only a small number of microbial systems can retain activity at <0.710 water activity (ISME J 2015 9: 1333-1351). It has long-been considered that the most resilient of these is Xeromyces bisporus, which inhabits sugar-rich substrates (Appl Environ Microbiol 1968 16: 1853-1858). The current study focused on germination of Aspergillus penicillioides, a xerophile which is also able to grow under low humidity and saline conditions. Investigations of germination differed from those reported earlier: firstly, aerially borne conidia were harvested, and then used for inoculations, in their dry condition; secondly, cultures were incubated at 24°C, i.e. below optimum germination temperature, to minimize the possibility of water loss from the substrate; thirdly, cultures remained sealed throughout the 73-day study period (microscopic examination was carried out directly 48 through the Petri plate lid); fourthly, the germination parameters determined were: rates and extent of conidial swelling, production of differentiated germination-structures and septate germlings, and subsequent development of mycelium and/or sporulation; fifthly, assessments were carried out over a range of water-activity values and time points to obtain a complete profile of the germination process. Conidia swelled, formed differentiated germination-structures and then produced septate germlings at a water-activity of just 0.585 (≡58.5% relative humidity), outside the currently understood thermodynamic window for life. Furthermore, analyses of these data suggest a theoretical water-activity minimum of 0.565 for germination of A. penicilliodes. In relation to astrobiology, these findings have an application in understanding the limits to life in extraterrestrial environments. In light of current plans for exploration missions to Mars and other places, and the need to safeguard martian scientific sites and potential resources (including water) for future human habitation, a knowledge-based and effective policy for planetary protection is essential. As it is, Mars-bound spacecraft may frequently be contaminated with aspergilli (including A. penicillioides) and other organisms which, when transported to other planetary bodies, pose a contamination risk. In crafting countermeasures to offset this, it is important to know as precisely as possible the capabilities of these potential interplanetary visitors.
Position statement of the Coalition for National Trauma Research on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report, A National Trauma Care System: Integrating Military and Civilian Trauma Systems to Achieve Zero Preventable Deaths After Injury.

O n June 17, 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) publically released its report complete with 11 major recommendations toward achieving Zero Preventable Deaths after Injury, two of which are directly aligned with the mission and vision of the Coalition for National Trauma Research (CNTR) (Fig. 1). In short, CNTR supports the NASEM findings and recommendations and offers this position statement as testimony to same. CNTR was founded in 2014 by multiple national/ international trauma organizations including the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), the National Trauma Institute (NTI), the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), the Western Trauma Association (WTA), the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACSCOT), and their respective memberships. This coalition builds upon the rich research in injury prevention and treatment conducted over the past 50 years by AAST, WTA, and EAST, including their multi-institutional trials groups and algorithm and guidelines development activities. CNTR also thrives because of the ability of ACSCOT to (1) provide risk-adjusted benchmarking outcomes for trauma centers and develop best practices through the Trauma Quality Improvement Program, and (2) rapidly implement and translate research advances into practice through standards adopted at more than 450 trauma centers across the United States. Lastly, a key advantage of CNTR is the NTI’s longstanding
Multimodal Treatment of CONGENITAL NYSTAGMUS A Case Study

Congenital nystagmus (CN) is characterized by abnormal, involuntary, rhythmic ocular oscillations that occur independently of and superimposed upon one’s normal eye movements. There are many theories related to the pathogenesis and treatment of congenital nystagmus. However, few studies have reported the use of multiple treatment modalities in these patients to reduce their nystagmus and optimize visual performance. This case study outlines the general examination procedures and optometric findings of a male teenager with congenital nystagmus involving such a multimodal treatment strategy. The treatment regimen included maximum refractive correction with compensatory prism and a program of conventional optometric vision therapy, as well as experimental use of soft contact lenses. Improvements included increased visual acuity, reduced nystagmus, markedly improved near point of convergence, increased stereoacuity, much greater control of the exotropia, and improved cosmesis. Objective eye movement recordings were taken at the end of therapy to illustrate the differential effects of the multimodal treatment methods on nystagmus reduction. The results demonstrate the efficacy of such a multi-faceted optometric approach in the clinical treatment of congenital nystagmus.
Toward Automatic User Profiling for Personalized Acces to Information within Collaborative Learning System

The use of modern educational technology methods, in order to support learning as well as collaboration, has become an important area of research. Specially with the rise of the internet and web 2.0 platforms that have transformed users’ role from mere content consumers to fully content consumers-producers. Furthermore, people engaged in collaborative learning capitalize on one another’s resources and skills, unlike individual learning. This paper proceeds with a categorization of the main tools and functions that characterise personalization learning aspect, in order to discuss their trade-offs with collaborative learning systems. It proposes a framework of a personalized information research (IR) within a collaborative learning system, incorporating the characterization of the research type carried by the query, as well as modeling and constructing semantic users’ profiles. We use the context of the user query into a prediction mechanism of search type, based on a previous identification of users’ levels and interests. The paper concludes by presenting an experiment results, revealing that the use of the subject ontology extension approach, satisfyingly contribute to an improvement in the accuracy of system’s recommendations.
Security in OpenFlow Enabled Cloud Environment

Inception of flow tables as data plane abstraction, and forwarding rules that are managed by centralized controllers in emerging Software Defined Networks (SDN) has stemmed significant progress in OpenFlow based architectures. SDN is particularly fueled by data center networking and cloud computing. OpenFlow coupled with cloud solutions provide dynamic networking capabilities. With the benefits obtained from network services, security enforcement become more important and need powerful techniques for its implementation. Extensive researches in cloud security bring forward numerous methods of leveraging the SDN architecture with efficient security enforcement. The future of SDN and mobile networks is also enlightened if security models are satisfactory to cover dynamic and flexible requirements of evolving networks. This paper presents a survey of the state of the art research on security techniques in OpenFlow based cloud environments. Security is one of the main aspect of any network. A fair study and evaluation of these methods are carried out in the paper along with the security considerations in SDN and its enforcement. The security issues and recommendations for 5g network are covered briefly. This work provides an understanding of the problem, its current solution space, and anticipated future research directions.
Increased striatal glutamate transporter by repeated intermittent administration of methamphetamine

Abstract We have examined the immunoreactivities of a glutamate (Glu) transporter, GLT‐1, in rat brains treated with a single or repeated intermittent administration of methamphetamine (MAP). In the stratum of behaviorally sensitized rate induced by repeated intermittent MAP treatment, GLT‐1 immunoreactivities were increased by 51%. There was no difference in the GLT‐1 immunoreactivities in all regions examined between rate treated with a single administration of MAP and the control rats. These results suggest that hyperglutamatergic activity in the striatum is involved in the induction of behavioral sensitization caused by MAP.
IGF‐1 induces Pin1 expression in promoting cell cycle S‐phase entry

Insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐1) is a well‐established mitogen to many different cell types and is implicated in progression of a number of human cancers, notably breast cancer. The prolyl isomerase Pin1 plays an important role in cell cycle regulation through its specific interaction with proteins that are phosphorylated at Ser/Thr‐Pro motifs. Pin1 knockout mice appear to have relatively normal development yet the Pin1−/−mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) cells are defective in re‐entering cell cycle in response to serum stimulation after G0 arrest. Here, we report that Pin1−/− MEF cells display a delayed cell cycle S‐phase entry in response to IGF stimulation and that IGF‐1 induces Pin1 protein expression which correlates with the induction of cyclin D1 and RB phosphorylation in human breast cancer cells. The induction of Pin1 by IGF‐1 is mediated via the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase as well as the MAP kinase pathways. Treatment of PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and the MAP kinase inhibitor PD098059, but not p38 inhibitor SB203580, effectively blocks IGF‐1‐induced upregulation of Pin1, cyclin D1 and RB phosphorylation. Furthermore, we found that Cyclin D1 expression and RB phosphorylation are dramatically decreased in Pin1−/− MEF cells. Reintroducing a recombinant adenovirus encoding Pin1 into Pin1−/− MEF cells restores the expression of cyclin D1 and RB phosphorylation. Thus, these data suggest that the mitogenic function of IGF‐1 is at least partially linked to the induction of Pin1, which in turn stimulates cyclin D1 expression and RB phosphorylation, therefore contributing to G0/G1‐S transition. J. Cell. Biochem. 84: 211–216, 2002. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intruder detection in camera networks using the one-class neighbor machine

We propose a new algorithm based on machine learning techniques for automatic intruder detection in surveillance networks. The algorithm is theoretically founded on the concept of minimum volume sets. Through application to real images from an example, simple closed-circuit television system and comparison with some existing algorithms, we show that it is possible to easily obtain high detection accuracy with low false alarm rates.
Inside Debt and Bank Risk

Inside debt compensation held by top officers of U.S. banks is negatively related to risk and risk-taking. The evidence reveals a robust and strongly negative relation between end-of-2006 inside debt and 2007-2009 bank-specific risk exposures in terms of lost stock market value, volatility, tail risk, and the probability of financial distress. Banks with managers having large inside debt holdings are also characterized by better-quality assets, more conservative balance sheet management, and a stronger tendency towards traditional banking activities. The results suggest that debt-based compensation limits bank risk and risk-taking by encouraging more conservative decision-making.
The Vascular Biology of the Glycoprotein Ib-IX-V Complex

Summary It has long been recognized that binding of von Willebrand factor (vWf) by the platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex initiates the cascade of events leading to thrombosis and haemostasis. In the last several years, however, it has become apparent that the GP Ib-IX-V complex plays a much broader role in vascular biology, a recognition in part due to the identification of novel adhesive ligands for GP Ib-IX-V such as P-selectin and Mac-1. Binding of vWf by the GP Ib-IX-V complex is also important in formation of the developing thrombus. Platelets can utilize the GP Ib-IX-V complex and PSGL-1 to roll on activated endothelium via surface-expressed endothelial P-selectin. The GP Ib-IX-V complex can bind the I domain of Mac-1, a binding interaction potentially relevant to transmigration of macrophages through mural thrombus, a process required for vessel remodeling post angioplasty. This review will focus on recent advances in our understanding of the structure and function of this important platelet receptor, with particular emphasis on insights made within the last two years.
Learning and Evaluating Bayesian Network Equivalence Classes from Incomplete Data

In this paper, we propose a new method, named Greedy Equivalence Search-Expectation Maximization (GES-EM), for learning Bayesian networks from incomplete data. Our method extends the recently proposed Greedy Equivalence Search (GES) algorithm10 to deal with incomplete data. For the quality evaluation of learned networks, we make use of the expected Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) scoring function. In addition, we propose a new structural evaluation criterion. This so-called SEC criterion is more suitable than existing structural evaluation criteria, since it is based on the comparison of learned networks to the generating ones through Completed Partially Directed Acyclic Graphs (CPDAGs). Experimental results show that GES-EM algorithm yields more accurate structures than the standard Alternating Model Selection-Expectation Maximization (AMS-EM) algorithm.15.
Effects of salinity on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) growth and evapotranspiration

The effects of irrigation water salinity on eggplant growth, yield, water consumption and mineral matter accumulation in leaves and fruits were investigated with a greenhouse experiment. For this purpose, five saline irrigation waters with electrical conductivities of 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, 7.0 dS m−1 and tap water as a control treatment were utilized. Throughout the experiment, the amounts of irrigation water to be applied were determined based on the weight changes of each pot. After irrigation the amount of drainage water volume was measured in drain pans placed underneath each pot. We calculated the plant water consumption from the water budget information. Threshold soil salinity and slope values of the yield response to soil salinity level were determined as <1.5 dS m−1 and 4.4 respectively for fruit yield and 6.7 dS m−1 and 3.7 for the vegetative dry weight. The fruit yield results revealed that eggplant was moderately sensitive to salinity. Plant water consumption and water use efficiency decreased with increasing salinity. The crop yield coefficient (Ky) was 2.3. Salinity caused a decrease in K content, and increased Cl content of leaves. Although mineral concentration of the leaves did respond to increased mineral concentration of irrigation water, mineral concentration of fruits did not. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biozonation and biochronology of Miocene through Pleistocene calcareous nannofossils from low and middle latitudes

Calcareous nannofossils are widely used in Cenozoic marine biostratigraphy. At present, the two most widely used calcareous nannofossil biozonations were established approximately 40 years ago. These were derived from marine land sections and Deep Sea Drilling Project rotary cored sediments. Over nearly three decades, we have generated Miocene through Pleistocene calcareous nannofossil data from deep sea sediments in low and middle latitude regions. The sediments used here have been mostly recovered using the advanced piston coring technique, generating less core disturbance and complete recovery via multiple penetration of the sediment column at single sites. A consistent trait in our work on calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy has been to use semi-quantiative methods in combination with short sample distances, close enough to capture the details of the abundance behaviour of individual calcareous nannofossil taxa. Such data represent the foundation of the new biozonation presented here, which still partly relies on the pioneering work presented by Er lend Martini and David Bukry about 40 years ago. A key aim here has been to employ a limited set of selected biohorizons for the purpose of establishing a relatively coarsely resolved and stable biozonation. We present 31 biozones using a new code system: CNM1-CNM20; Calcareous Nannofossil Miocene biozones 1 through 20. CNPL1-CNPL11; Calcareous Nannofossil Plio-Pleistocene biozones 1 through 11. As the new biozonation encompasses 23 million years, the average biozone resolution becomes 0.74 million years, ranging from 0.15 to 2.20 million years. A single biohorizon is used for the definition of each biozone boundary. Auxiliary markers are avoided, as well as subzones, in order to maintain stability to the new biozonation. Virtually every biozone holds one or several additional biohorizons. These, together with all biozone boundary markers, are assigned age estimates derived chiefly from astronomically tuned cyclostratigraphies.
Bidirectional circularly polarized microstrip antenna for GPS applications

A bidirectional circularly polarised (CP) antenna for 1.575 GHz GPS L1 band is presented. The antenna consists of two back-to-back coupled patches and is fed directly by 50Ω Coplanar Waveguide (CPW). It is compact and relatively easy to manufacture compared to other antennas with similar properties. The bidirectional CP pattern is achieved by proper adjustment of patch dimensions as well as feed parameters. A study of the key parameter is provided.
Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals induction of premature senescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to chronic low‐dose rate gamma radiation

Chronic low‐dose ionizing radiation induces cardiovascular disease in human populations but the mechanism is largely unknown. We suggested that chronic radiation exposure may induce endothelial cell senescence that is associated with vascular damage in vivo. We investigated whether chronic radiation exposure is causing a change in the onset of senescence in endothelial cells in vitro. Indeed, when exposed to continuous low‐dose rate gamma radiation (4.1 mGy/h), primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) initiated senescence much earlier than the nonirradiated control cells. We investigated the changes in the protein expression of HUVECs before and during the onset of radiation‐induced senescence. Cellular proteins were quantified using isotope‐coded protein label technology after 1, 3, and 6 weeks of radiation exposure. Several senescence‐related biological pathways were influenced by radiation, including cytoskeletal organization, cell–cell communication and adhesion, and inflammation. Immunoblot analysis showed an activation of the p53/p21 pathway corresponding to the progressing senescence. Our data suggest that chronic radiation‐induced DNA damage and oxidative stress result in induction of p53/p21 pathway that inhibits the replicative potential of HUVECs and leads to premature senescence. This study contributes to the understanding of the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases seen in populations exposed to chronic low‐dose irradiation.
Incidence of subsequent hip fractures is significantly increased within the first month after distal radius fracture in patients older than 60 years

BACKGROUND Distal radius fracture is recognized as an osteoporosis-related fracture in aged population. If another osteoporosis-related fracture occurs in a short period, it represents a prolonged hospitalization and a considerable economic burden to the society. We evaluated the relationship between distal radius fracture and subsequent hip fracture within 1 year, especially in the critical time and age. METHODS We identified newly diagnosed distal radius fracture patients in 2000 to 2006 as an exposed cohort (N = 9,986). A comparison cohort (N = 81,227) was randomly selected from patients without distal radius fracture in the same year of exposed cohort. The subjects were followed up for 1 year since the recruited date. We compared the sociodemographic factors between two cohorts. Furthermore, the time interval following the previous distal radial fracture and the incidence of subsequent hip fracture was studied in detail. RESULTS The incidence of hip fracture within 1 year increased with age in both cohorts. The risk was 5.67 times (84.6 vs. 14.9 per 10,000 person-years) greater in the distal radial fracture cohort than in the comparison cohort. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses showed the hazard ratios of hip fracture in relation to distal radial fracture was 3.45 (95% confidence interval = 2.59–4.61). The highest incidence was within the first month after distal radial fracture, 17-fold higher than the comparison cohort (17.9 vs. 1.05 per 10,000). Among comorbidities, age > 60 years was also a significant factor associated with hip fracture (hazard ratio = 8.67, 95% confidence interval = 4.51–16.7). CONCLUSIONS Patients with distal radius fracture and age >60 years will significantly increase the incidence of subsequent hip fracture, especially within the first month. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic/epidemiologic study, level II.
Composition-dependent superconductivity in La2-xSrxCuO4- delta.

We report the dependence of the superconducting critical temperature on x for a series of La/sub 2-//sub x/Sr/sub x/CuO/sub 4-//sub delta/ samples prepared under identical conditions. A strong peak in the fraction of the sample which is superconducting occurs near x = 0.15, the composition which also gives the highest transition temperatures as measured by resistivity and the dc Meissner effect. Relatively high onset temperatures are observed, and we infer the presence of another, possibly metastable, material with a critical temperature substantially higher than that of bulk K/sub 2/NiF/sub 4/ structure-type La/sub 2-//sub x/Sr/sub x/CuO/sub 4-//sub delta/.
Effect of oxide tunneling on the measurement of MOS interface states

In principle, capacitance-voltage (C-V) and charge pumping techniques should supply the same information on the energy distribution of interface states. On the other hand, we have found from measurements taken on the same samples that the C-V method systematically gives a lower state density in the midgap region, with a steeper energy dependence. We show that the agreement is greatly improved by introducing in both extraction techniques the effects of carrier tunneling in slow oxide traps.
Widely Tunable Photonic Crystal Coupled Cavity Lasers on GaSb

The authors present coupled cavity lasers on the AlGaIn-AsSb material system embedded in a matrix of two-dimensional photonic crystals serving both as interruption between the cavities and as highly reflecting micro-scaled-back mirrors. These widely tunable lasers emit single-mode with sidemode suppression ratios up to 40 dB over a wavelength range of 47 nm from 1965 up to 2012 nm and exhibit output powers up to 13.5 mW.