Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Ability of Integrin αvβ3 To Function as a Receptor for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Is Not Dependent on the Presence of Complete Subunit Cytoplasmic Domains

ABSTRACT The integrin αvβ3 has been shown to function as one of the integrin receptors on cultured cells for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), and high-efficiency utilization of the bovine homolog of this integrin is dependent on the cysteine-rich repeat region of the bovine β3 subunit. In this study we have examined the role of the cytoplasmic domains of the αv and β3 subunits in FMDV infection. We have found that truncations or extensions of these domains of either subunit, including deletions removing almost all of the cytoplasmic domains, had little or no effect on the ability of the integrin to function as a receptor for FMDV. The lysosomotropic agent monensin inhibited viral replication in cells transfected with either intact or cytoplasmic domain-truncated αvβ3. In addition, viral replication in transfected cells was inhibited by an αvβ3 function-blocking antibody but not by function-blocking antibodies to three other RGD-directed integrins, suggesting that these integrins are not involved in the infectious process. These results indicate that alterations to the cytoplasmic domains of either subunit, which lead to the inability of the integrin receptor to function normally, do not abolish the ability of the integrin to bind and internalize this viral ligand.
Effects of Body Weight Uniformity and Pre-Peak Feeding Programs on Broiler Breeder Hen Performance

Abstract This study examined the effects of body weight (BW) uniformity on broiler breeder hen performance as well as the effects of post-lighting feeding programs on the uniformity and performance of nonuniform groups. Eight hundred Cobb-500 strain breeder females were housed in floor pens at 20 weeks of age. The HT treatment, which consisted of pullets that each weighed between 4.1 and 4.5 lb at housing, had high (H) uniformity and received typical (T) feed increases. Three other treatments contained 25 light (3.4 to 3.8 lb) and 25 heavy (4.8 to 5.2 lb) birds in each pen. These treatments had low (L) uniformity and were subject to either T (LT) or fast (F) (LF) increases in pre-peak feed allotments or skip-a-day (S) feeding (LS) until 25 weeks of age. Results indicated that H initial uniformity was associated with increased egg production, and F feed allotment increases stimulated early egg production. The onset of lay was delayed in birds on the LS treatment, causing a decline in cumulative egg production and an increase in mean egg weight; but weekly egg production levels had recovered by 30 weeks. Modifications to pre-peak feeding programs may be an effective method to improve uniformity of nonuniform flocks.
Key node selection based on a genetic algorithm for fast patching in social networks

Online social network users provide considerable amounts of personal information and share this information with friends without space‐time limitations. The tight connectivity among users of social networks causes the rapid spreading of information. Given the popularity of social networking sites, there is a high probability of attacks. Worms target popular users with interesting information to infect them, as their higher reputations have more power in social networks. Therefore, timely patch propagation schemes must be able to inhibit the activity of worms. To improve the patch propagation speed, it is important to select key nodes that are the starting points of the patch process. In this paper, we proposed a key node selection scheme based on a genetic algorithm to find the most significant contribution nodes of patch propagation. We modeled the usage patterns of an online social network user and simulated the proposed scheme with data from this user. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme propagates patches more rapidly than existing schemes.
Red rot resistance in interspecific protoplast fusion product progeny of Porphyra yezoensis and P. tenuipedalis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)

Nine primary regenerants were recovered by interspecific protoplast fusion of Porphyra yezoensis Ueda T‐14 (Py) (cultivated Porphyra) and Porphyra tenuipedalis Miura (Pt). This combination is difficult to achieve with conventional sexual hybridization, yet is important in that non‐cultivated P. tenuipedalis is partially resistant (PR) to red rot disease, caused by the microbial pathogen, Pythium porphyrae Takahashi et Sasaki. Out of the nine primary regenerants, two strains (Py‐Pt‐4 and Py‐Pt‐7) were like the parent, P. tenuipedalis, while the rest were like the other cultivated parent P. yezoensis T‐14 in their life cycle. Red rot resistance was assessed in parents and interspecific fusion product progeny (FPP) by exposing the foliose thalli to equivalent infection and measuring two parameters of the host‐pathogen interactions: supported fungal biomass and amount of disease produced. Intermediate resistance between P. yezoensis T‐14 (1.00) and P. tenuipedalis (0.13) was observed in two of the Py‐type FPP, Py‐Pt‐2F2 (0.25) and Py‐Pt‐5F2 (0.23). Stable inheritance of resistance was observed through two subsequent generations. The morphologic and reproductive characteristics of the regenerated foliose thalli, and nature of host‐pathogen interactions were used to further verify the hybrid origin of the FPP. Host‐pathogen interactions were followed using epi‐fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The zoospores encysted at higher rates on the susceptible cultivated parent (P. yezoensis T‐14) germinated immediately and the short germ tubes formed appres‐soria and penetrated the algal cells near the site of encystment. While on the PR parental (P. tenuipedalis) and partially resistant FPP (PRFPP) progeny (Py‐Pt‐2F2 and Py‐Pt‐5F2) the low rate of zoospore encystment was followed by cyst germination, but only a few of the germ tubes formed appressoria and penetrated the thallus surface. Long germ tubes (with no appressoria) were seen growing on the thallus surface without host penetration. The minimal rate of encystment concomitant with low rate of appressorium formation on the PR parent and PRFPP was observed as the major factor responsible for the partial resistance in these thalli.
A Review on Music Emotion Recognition

: Music is a form of art and cultural activity that has an ability to make us feel in a certain way. Music Emotion Recognition is an upcoming area of research in Music Information Retrieval community. The paper describes a short review on how emotion recognition can implemented. The collection of emotion datasets along with music datasets are used to determine an emotion for a particular music piece using certain Artificial Intelligence algorithms. Representation methods for music files and emotions have been described for algorithm implementation. A case study gives an insight of suitable algorithms.
Nature-based recreation

15 hours required for minor. Core Electives (9 hours required) 9 FOWS 2010 Environmental Interpretation * FOWS 3310 Nature Based Recreation FOWS 4310 Ecotourism Concentration Electives (6 hours total required) 6 Conservation and Ecology BIOL 5090 Conservation Biology WILD 3280 Wildlife Ecology, Conservation, and Management * NATR 5430 Human Dimensions of Wildlife and Natural Resources 3 Tourism Management HOSP 1010 Introduction to Hospitality Management 2 MNGT 3810 Management Foundations 3 HOSP 2500 Lodging Operation 2 MKTG 3310 Principles of Marketing 3 HOSP 5570 Global Hospitality 3 Education/Community FOWS 2033 Intro to Environ Education 3 FOWS 5453 Conflict and Collaboration in Natural Resources Management 3 RSOC 5640 Sociology of Community Development 3 Study Abroad Study abroad course (up to 6) (courses on tourism, sustainable/community development, biodiversity conservation, or other relevant courses) **
Clinical Outcomes of Pediatric Intestinal Failure Management after Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Intestinal Rehabilitation Program

The objective of this thesis was to evaluate the effect of implementation of a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP) on clinical outcomes of pediatric intestinal failure (IF). This was attained by two comprehensive reviews and three related research projects that contribute both clinical and methodological knowledge. Pediatric IF is a complex medical condition. Advances have been made clinically in recent years, but research in the field has suffered from methodological challenges and poor quality. Many of these were outlined and solutions suggested in this thesis. The first project compared clinical outcomes of three eras of pediatric IF-management using univariate categorical and time-to-event analysis. While IRP-introduction led to an increased transplantation rate and improved clinical outcomes, further progress was made and the
Learners’ Beliefs and Perceptions toward Mobile Devices for Learning: a Comparison Study of Mobile Phones with Three Different Platforms

The aim of this study is to provide educators more insight on the learners’ beliefs and perceptions of the different mobile communication devices which contribute to the effectiveness of mobile learning in a higher education institution among a diverse group of users. This paper reports on the results of a survey of three mobile phones on three different platforms with a total of 40 subjects in a between-subjects design. An analysis of the quantitative survey indicates that the students perceived positively the benefits of mobile learning with three different types of mobile phones. Overall, mobile phones integrated with touch screen and full QWERTY keyboard are valuable alternative devices for mobile learning. Findings also show that video and audio are an important mode for communication and interpretation, particularly when paired with pictures for the students to have more control over the learning process.
Effect of vitamin E in heat-stressed poultry

Heat stress is associated with compromised performance and productivity in poultry due to declines in feed intake, nutrient utilisation, growth rate, egg production and quality, feed efficiency and immunity. Additionally, heat stress is characterised by reduced antioxidant status in birds, resulting in increased oxidative stress. Heat stress is also linked with increased economic losses due to mortality of birds. Vitamin E is a major chain-breaking antioxidant in biological systems. An optimum response with supplementation of vitamin E in feed has been found to improve feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, egg production and quality, nutrient digestibility, immune response and antioxidant status in poultry birds. This work compiles past and present information about the role of vitamin E in heat-stressed poultry.
Role of Family support in medication adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients at an outpatient setting in Nigeria: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a global health challenge and its prevalence is rapidly increasing particularly in developing countries. Adherence to medication is important to prevent or delay complications. Family support is helpful in improving medication adherence. The study compared adherence to oral glucose lowering agents among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with good and poor family support with the overall goal of improving diabetes care. Methods: A hospital based prospective cohort study was carried out at the Outpatient Department of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, between January and April 2016. Respondents were recruited by systematic random sampling (N=132), and allocated to two groups based on family support scores. Data was collected at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. All data was analysed using Epi Info 3.5. 4. Results: Medication adherence scores were generally low (5.54±1.7) among the study participants. Respondents had comparable medication adherence scores at baseline (p =0.39) and 4 weeks (p =0.75), but the difference was significant at eight weeks (p =0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed that good family support (OR 2.042; 95% CI 1.219-3.420; p =0.007), age group 45 to 54 years and age group 55-64 years (OR 3.084; 95% CI 1.113-8.543; p =0.03) were significant predictors of good medication adherence. Conclusion: Good family support is a significant predictor of good medication adherence among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Evidence-informed practice: simplifying and applying the concept for nursing students and academics.

BACKGROUND Nurses' ability to apply evidence effectively in practice is a critical factor in delivering high-quality patient care. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is recognised as the gold standard for the delivery of safe and effective person-centred care. However, decades following its inception, nurses continue to encounter difficulties in implementing EBP and, although models for its implementation offer stepwise approaches, factors, such as the context of care and its mechanistic nature, act as barriers to effective and consistent implementation. It is, therefore, imperative to find a solution to the way evidence is applied in practice. Evidence-informed practice (EIP) has been mooted as an alternative to EBP, prompting debate as to which approach better enables the transfer of evidence into practice. Although there are several EBP models and educational interventions, research on the concept of EIP is limited. This article seeks to clarify the concept of EIP and provide an integrated systems-based model of EIP for the application of evidence in clinical nursing practice, by presenting the systems and processes of the EIP model. Two scenarios are used to demonstrate the factors and elements of the EIP model and define how it facilitates the application of evidence to practice. The EIP model provides a framework to deliver clinically effective care, and the ability to justify the processes used and the service provided by referring to reliable evidence.
Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics

Recent attention to the problem of controlling multiple loudspeakers to create sound zones has been directed towards practical issues arising from system robustness concerns. In this study, the effects of regularization are analyzed for three representative sound zoning methods. Regularization governs the control effort required to drive the loudspeaker array, via a constraint in each optimization cost function. Simulations show that regularization has a significant effect on the sound zone performance, both under ideal anechoic conditions and when systematic errors are introduced between calculation of the source weights and their application to the system. Results are obtained for speed of sound variations and loudspeaker positioning errors with respect to the source weights calculated. Judicious selection of the regularization parameter is shown to be a primary concern for sound zone system designers the acoustic contrast can be increased by up to 50dB with proper regularization in the presence of errors. A frequency-dependent minimum regularization parameter is determined based on the conditioning of the matrix inverse. The regularization parameter can be further increased to improve performance depending on the control effort constraints, expected magnitude of errors, and desired sound field properties of the system.
Interval-valued Markov Chain Abstraction of Stochastic Systems using Barrier Functions

This paper presents a stochastic barrier function-based abstraction technique for discrete-time stochastic systems. Recent works have shown the potential of Interval-valued Markov Chain abstractions for conducting efficient verification of continuous-state, discrete-time stochastic systems against complex objectives, as well as efficient synthesis for finite-mode switched stochastic systems. Such Markovian abstractions allow for a range of transition probabilities between its states. In this work, we address the problem of constructing Interval-valued Markov Chain abstractions for polynomial systems using stochastic barrier functions. Stochastic barrier functions serve as Lyapunov-like probabilistic certificates of forward set invariance. Specifically, given a finite partition of the system’s domain, we show that bounds on the probability of transition between any two elements of the partition are found by generating stochastic barrier functions via optimization procedures in the form of Sum-of-Squares programs. We present an algorithm for solving these optimization problems whose implementation is demonstrated in a verification and a synthesis case study.
An Efficient Error Indicator with Mesh Smoothing for Mesh Refinement: Application to Poisson and Laplace Problems

Abstract: An efficient mesh refinement method for h-version finite element analysis is presented based on both an a-posteriori error indicator and the geometrical quality of mesh. The first step is to refine the meshes on which the a-posteriori error indicators are relatively higher than the others. The error indicators are obtained by simplifying the computation of error bounds which are obtained by solving elemental Neumann type subproblems with the averaged flux for the consistency of the Neumann problems. The simplification of computation means that the functional space on the mesh uniformly refined with only half size of the coarse mesh is chosen as the test functional space in the elemental residual form of error equations, thus the cost for computing the error indicators is quite low. After refinement, some refined triangles will become poorly shaped or distorted, then the second step is to move the meshes to improve their geometrical quality with Laplacian smoothing algorithm. Two examples are computed to verify this method and the results show that the refined mesh obtained by both the a-posteriori error indicator and mesh smoothing gives the optimal convergence and higher accuracy for the results.
Understanding Urban Dynamics via State-sharing Hidden Markov Model

Modeling people's activities in the urban space is a crucial socio-economic task but extremely challenging due to the deficiency of suitable methods. To model the temporal dynamics of human activities concisely and specifically, we present State-sharing Hidden Markov Model (SSHMM). First, it extracts the urban states from the whole city, which captures the volume of population flows as well as the frequency of each type of Point of Interests (PoIs) visited. Second, it characterizes the urban dynamics of each urban region as the state transition on the shared-states, which reveals distinct daily rhythms of urban activities. We evaluate our method via a large-scale real-life mobility dataset and results demonstrate that SSHMM learns semantics-rich urban dynamics, which are highly correlated with the functions of the region. Besides, it recovers the urban dynamics in different time slots with an error of 0.0793, which outperforms the general HMM by 54.2%.
ADAPTIVE DYNAMIC SURFACE CONTROL FOR HIGHER-ORDER MODELS OF SYNCHRONOUS GENERATORS

An adaptive dynamic surface controller (DSC) scheme for higher-order models of synchronous generators in the presence of unknown parameters is presented in this paper. In spite of the presence of unknown parameters in the system models, the developed control law is used to stabilize the closed-loop system and avoid the problem of “explosion of terms” inherent in backstepping approach. Further, with the help of Lyapunov stability arguments, the proposed control scheme can guarantee that all trajectories of the overall closed-loop dynamics are semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded. The simulation results exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. It can offer excellent dynamic performance, avoid the problem of backstepping complexity explosion, and perform better than a conventional adaptive backstepping control design.
An Altitudinal Cline in Critical Thermal Maxima of Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris triseriata)

Adult male chorus frogs (Pseudacris triseriata) were collected from 14 breeding congregations situated along an altitudinal gradient running from approximately 1,500 m in the piedmont of northcentral Colorado to approximately 3,000 m in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Critical thermal maxima (CTMs), determined following acclimation of frogs at constant temperatures of 5⚬ C and 20⚬ C, were found to decline clinally with increasing elevation of the collecting sites. Since the decline in heat resistance with increasing elevation corresponds with a similar elevational gradient in ambient temperature, it appears that interpopulation variation in CTMs reflects physiological adaptation of chorus frogs to the different temperature conditions encountered at different localities.
Effects of Jaw Tagging on Growth and Scale Characteristics of Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar

Recapture of 165 annual and biennial spawners of landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from 1239 fish tagged on the spawning grounds from 1953 to 1955 at the Fish River Lakes, Maine, showed that jaw-tagged females grew significantly slower than untagged female of identical ages and cycles. For most maturing male salmon, growth increments were not significantly reduced by jaw tagging. A tendency for decreased growth increments with increase in age was apparent for both tagged and untagged fish.Recognizable annuli were formed on the scales of 77–100% of 97 male salmon and of 74–97% of 187 female salmon between tagging and recapture. A significantly smaller percentage of females (74%) than males (100%) at large 1 year and recaptured on the spawning grounds had formed a recognizable annulus, but there was no significant difference between females (86%) and males (91%) recaptured by anglers. The significantly lower annulus recognition for annual female spawners was attributed to their demonstrated slower gr.
Photosynthetic electron transport in relation to thylakoid membrane composition and organization

Abstract. A review is given of the organization and properties of thylakoid membrane proteins and lipids as a basis for understanding the factors which regulate the light reactions of photosynthesis. Particular emphasis is placed on the lateral organization of the major intrinsic multipeptide complexes and on the importance of diffusional processes in controlling the kinetics of electron transport and the distribution of light energy between photosystems 1 and 2.
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Association with Social Media Use Among University Students at the Quarantine Time Of COVID-19 Outbreak

On January 30th, 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) was announced as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) (Chen et al, 2020) [1]. Coronavirus has imposed quarantine on over 3 billion people around the world, as a major strategy to decrease the incidence of Coronavirus infection among the majority of countries. This quarantine is associated with changes on the daily activity routine among all sectors of population in general, where less physical activity has become a habit, and more use of social media for different purposes has exceeded all previous limits, since the majority of people are under home quarantine and out of work, or working from home, for those whom their professions allowed that, the same with students, mainly university students who continued their education remotely online.