Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrates and nitrites in vegetables and vegetable-based products and their intakes by the Estonian population

The content of nitrates were determined in 1349 samples of vegetables and ready-made food in 2003–2004 as a part of the Estonian food safety monitoring programme and the Estonian Science Foundation grant research activities. The results of manufacturers’ analyses carried out for internal monitoring were included in the study. The highest mean values of nitrates were detected in dill, spinach, lettuce and beetroot. The mean concentrations were 2936, 2508, 2167 and 1446 mg kg−1, respectively. The content of nitrites in samples was lower than 5 mg kg−1. In total, the mean intake of nitrates by the Estonian population was 58 mg day−1. The mean content of nitrates in vegetable-based infant foods of Estonian origin was 88 mg kg−1. The average daily intake of nitrates by children in the age group of 4–6 years was 30 mg. The infants’ average daily intake of nitrates from consumption of vegetable-based foods was 7.8 mg.
Comparison of Activity and Persistence of Microbial Insecticides Based on Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and Bacillus sphaericus in Organicly Polluted Mosquito-Breeding Sites

Environmental factors can influence the effectiveness of microbial insecticides based on spores and crystal proteins of Bacilus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and B. sphaericus (Bs) in mosquito control programs. The impact of water quality and sunlight on the activity and persistence of commercially available microbial larvicidal formulations based on Bti and Bs was investigated within irrigation fields in the Wroclaw area. Bioassays were conducted in field- and semi-field conditions using Ochlerotatus caspius [Pallas] larvae. The survey on the persistence of Bti and Bs strains after the application of microbial insecticides based on Bti and Bs was carried out by isolating both bacilli strains from the sediment found in sewage channels. The results showed different activity patterns in larval mortality, but no significant differences between dosages after both biocide’s application. It was observed that natural sunlight decreases the effectiveness of Bti and Bs. The modeling of the Oc. caspius larvae survival data after Bti application showed a substantial difference between the proportion of mosquito larvae mortality and survival rate in the sunlit and shaded conditions. In sunlit conditions, the activity of Bs was also reduced, but the mortality effect demonstrated significant interaction between time and exposure habitats. The presence of bacilli in sewage channels showed their occurrence in sediment. However, the great number of Bti and Bs strains among the total spore-forming bacilli in environmental samples was insignificant, ranging from 3.5% to 6.1%.
Enhancing condition monitoring of distributed generation systems through optimal sensor selection

Distributed generation (DG) systems comprising of renewable energy generation technologies will play a significantly increasing role for future power systems. One of the key concerns for deployment of DG systems is specifically related to their availability and reliability, particularly when operating in a harsh environment. Condition monitoring (CM) can meet the requirement but has been challenged by huge amount of data to be processed especially in real time in order to reveal healthy conditions of the system. In this paper, an optimal sensor selection method based on principal component analysis (PCA) is proposed for condition monitoring of a DG system oriented to wind turbines. The proposed method is examined with both simulation data from PSCAD/EMTDC and SCADA data of an operational wind farm in the time, frequency, and time-frequency domains. The results have shown that the proposed technique could reduce the number of sensors whilst still maintaining sufficient information to assess the system's conditions.
Quantitative performance assessments for neuromagnetic imaging systems

We have developed a Monte-Carlo simulation method to assess the performance of neuromagnetic imaging systems using two kinds of performance metrics: A-prime metric and spatial resolution. We compute these performance metrics for virtual sensor systems having 80, 160, 320, and 640 sensors, and discuss how the system performance is improved, depending on the number of sensors. We also compute these metrics for existing whole-head MEG systems, MEGvision™ (Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) that uses axial-gradiometer sensors, and TRIUX™ (Elekta Corporate, Stockholm, Sweden) that uses planar-gradiometer and magnetometer sensors. We discuss performance comparisons between these significantly different systems.
The occurrence of permanent thyroid failure in patients with subclinical postpartum thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE The long-term effect of the subclinical form of postpartum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD) has not been well established. This study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of permanent hypothyroidism in a large cohort of women with PPTD. DESIGN AND METHODS Of 213 women with PPTD, 172 (81%) returned for follow-up. There were 27 (16%) with subclinical (group 1) and 145 (84%) with overt hypothyroidism (group 2). They were all treated with levothyroxine for 23 +/- 16 months and followed-up for thyroid function after thyroxine (T(4)) withdrawal. RESULTS In group 1, the time of occurrence of PPTD was longer, serum T(4) was higher and TSH was lower than in group 2. After T(4) withdrawal, 59 and 64% of patients became hypothyroid in groups 1 and 2 respectively; however, serum TSH was increased in group 2 as compared with group 1 (29.7 +/- 8.4 vs 16.4 +/- 15.4 mU/l, P < 0.002). The duration of euthyroidism, serum free T(4) and triiodothyronine indices and thyroperoxidase antibodies were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION It was concluded that a high percentage of patients with the subclinical form of PPTD proceed to permanent thyroid failure. The timely recognition of mild to severe cases of PPTD is important for the improvement of life for mothers and infants.
Comparison of the Changes in Corneal Biomechanical Properties After Photorefractive Keratectomy and Laser In Situ Keratomileusis

Purpose: To compare the postoperative biomechanical properties of the cornea after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with myopia. Methods: We retrospectively examined 27 eyes of 16 patients undergoing PRK and 31 eyes of 16 patients undergoing LASIK for the correction of myopia. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured with Ocular Response Analyzer before and 3 months after surgery. We also investigated the relationship between these biomechanical changes and the amount of myopic correction. Results: The CH was decreased significantly from 10.8 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) mmHg to 9.2 ± 1.6 mmHg after PRK (P < 0.001), and from 10.8 ± 1.4 mmHg to 8.6 ± 0.9 mmHg after LASIK (P < 0.001). The CRF was also decreased significantly, from 10.3 ± 1.5 mmHg to 8.4 ± 1.8 mmHg after PRK (P < 0.001), and from 10.3 ± 1.5 mmHg to 7.7 ± 1.3 mmHg after LASIK (P < 0.001). The amount of decrease in CH and CRF was significantly larger after LASIK than after PRK (P = 0.04). There was a significant correlation between the amount of myopic correction and changes in biomechanical properties after PRK (r = −0.61, P < 0.01 for CH, r = −0.41, P < 0.05 for CRF) and LASIK (r = −0.37, P < 0.05 for CH, r = −0.45, P < 0.05 for CRF). Conclusions: Both PRK and LASIK can affect the biomechanical strength of the cornea depending on the amount of myopic correction. The amount of biomechanical changes is larger after LASIK than after PRK. From a biomechanical viewpoint, PRK may be a less invasive surgical approach for the correction of myopia than LASIK.
Histological and electron microprobe studies of mineralisation in aluminium-related osteomalacia.

AIMS: To determine a possible mechanism to explain the presence of aluminium lines within fully calcified bone in aluminium-related osteomalacia. METHODS: Fifty five bone cases shown by bone biopsy to be aluminium-related osteomalacia were studied. In 38 specimens aluminium lines were identified within calcified bone by means of the Aluminon stain and a characteristic form of patchy mineralisation was seen within thickened osteoid seams. Five representative examples were analysed quantitatively by histomorphometry and electronprobe X-ray microanalysis and compared with five cases of vitamin D deficiency-related osteomalacia which also had patchy mineralisation. RESULTS: The patchy calcification occupied 40 +/- 8% (mean +/- SEM) of the osteoid and consisted of small focal deposits (less than 40 microns diameter), often (52%) around osteoid osteocytes (probably an underestimate of the association), and larger areas that extended to the aluminium lines at the underlying mineralisation front. Small and large mineralisation nuclei were seen ultrastructurally in the patchy calcification. Quantitative electronprobe X-ray microanalysis showed that calcium concentrations and calcium:phosphorus ratios in the mineralisation nuclei and in the superficial layer of the fully calcified bone of the aluminium-related osteomalacia cases were significantly less than values measured at similar sites in the vitamin D deficiency-related osteomalacia cases. Furthermore, aluminium could not be detected by means of this technique at the mineralisation front or along cement lines in these specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Calcification can occur in thickened osteoid seams in osteomalacia. It can begin around osteoid osteocytes as small deposits that enlarge within the osteoid and extend to the underlying mineralisation front or cement line where aluminium lines may become trapped. Complete calcification of osteoid could account for the presence of aluminium lines within fully calcified bone. The Aluminon stain appears to be a more sensitive method for the detection of aluminium in bone than electronprobe X-ray microanalysis.
Towards Learning Privacy Policies

With the proliferation of personal computing devices users are creating a variety of digitized personal information, from personal contact databases and multimedia content to context data such as location, activity and mood. Preventing unintended disclosure of such information is a key motivator for developing privacy management frameworks. It is equally critical that protecting privacy does not prevent users from completing essential tasks. Current efforts in privacy management have focussed on notations for privacy policy specification and on user interaction design for privacy management. However, little has been done to support automated analysis and learning of privacy policies. We advocate an approach based on inductive logic programming (ILP) for automatic learning of privacy policies. ILP is preferred over statistical learning techniques because it produces rules (privacy policies) which are comprehensible to the user and amenable to automated analysis.
RI Phosphorylation of Smad 2 on Ser 465 and Ser 467 Is Required for Smad 2-Smad 4 Complex Formation and Signaling *

Mothers against Dpp-related or Smad proteins are essential components of serine/threonine kinase receptor signaling pathways that are regulated by phosphorylation. Recently, it was demonstrated that Smad2 interacts transiently with and is a direct substrate of the transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) type I receptor, TbRI. Phosphorylation sites on Smad2 were localized to a carboxyl-terminal fragment containing three serine residues at positions 464, 465, and 467. In this report, we show that TbRI specifically phosphorylates Smad2 on serines 465 and 467. Serine 464 is not a site of phosphorylation, but is important for efficient phosphorylation of Smad2. Phosphorylation at both sites is required to mediate association of Smad2 with Smad4 in mammalian cells, while in yeast, Smad2 interacts directly with Smad4 and does not require phosphorylation. Mutation of either serine residue 465 or 467 prevents dissociation of Smad2 from activated TbRI and blocks TGF-bdependent signaling and Smad2 transcriptional activity. These results indicate that receptor-dependent phosphorylation of Smad2 on serines 465 and 467 is required in mammalian cells to permit association with Smad4 and to propagate TGF-b signals.
Polyomavirus and simian virus 40 large T antigens bind to common DNA sequences

The large T antigens of polyomavirus and simian virus 40 (SV40) recognize and bind to specific, noncoding DNA sequences which are located between the beginning of the early and late transcription units in their respective genomes. Each large T antigen binds to multiple sites within this intergenic DNA stretch. Polyomavirus large T antigen binds to at least two sites within its DNA, and SV40 large T antigen binds to three sites within SV40 DNA. Comparison of the DNA sequences which comprise the binding sites in polyomavirus DNA or those which make up the binding sites in SV40 DNA has led to recognition of a common sequence, -GAGGC-, which is repeated within each large-T-antigen-binding site. We tested the hypothesis that repeats of this pentanucleotide form the recognition-binding site for polyomavirus and SV40 large T antigen. This was accomplished by measuring the binding of each large T antigen to both polyomavirus and SV40 DNA and to synthetic DNA substrates which did or did not contain repeats of the -GAGGC- sequence. Polyomavirus large T antigen bound to specific fragments of SV40 DNA, and SV40 large T antigen bound with specificity to polyomavirus DNA. In each case, the DNA fragments bound by the heterologous large T antigen were the same as those bound by the homologous large T antigen. Moreover, polyomavirus and SV40 large T antigen only bound to synthetic DNA substrates which contained repeats of the pentameric sequence. This synthetic DNA also competed effectively with native polyomavirus or SV40 DNA as a substrate in binding reactions with one or the other large T antigen. These results led us to conclude that repeats of the -GAGGC- sequence form the recognition-binding site for both polyomavirus and SV40 large T antigen.
Polarization and intensity distributions of refraction halos

By using Taylor expansions, simple expressions are obtained for the deflection of light by ice crystals. With these simplified formulas, the intensity distributions of halos as a function of scattering angle are calculated analytically near the halo angle. It is found that the intensity distributions of halos depend on the number of degrees of freedom of the generating set of crystals. The differences in the purity of the colors of various types of halo are explained subsequently on the basis of their intensity distributions. An analytical description of the shape of the halo or of the halocaustic near the halo angle is obtained also. On the basis of the obtained intensity distributions, the polarization of refraction halos as a function of scattering angle is calculated, in which both contributions (birefringence of ice and polarization by refraction) are taken into account. It is found that the polarization of parhelia and tangent arcs shows a strong maximum near the inner edge of the halo over an angular range of 0.10, followed by a similar maximum of reversed polarization at 0.50 from the first one. The 22° halo shows a less strong maximum near its edge over an angular range of 0.50. Halos at 460 from the sun also show a strong polarization near their inner edges, but the direction of the polarization is perpendicular to the polarization of the 220 halo edges. The possibility for detecting ice crystals on Venus by polarimetry near the halo angle is discussed briefly.
Molecular Basis of Proton Motive Force Generation: Structure of Formate Dehydrogenase-N

The structure of the membrane protein formate dehydrogenase-N (Fdn-N), a major component of Escherichia coli nitrate respiration, has been determined at 1.6 angstroms. The structure demonstrates 11 redox centers, including molybdopterin-guanine dinucleotides, five [4Fe-4S] clusters, two heme b groups, and a menaquinone analog. These redox centers are aligned in a single chain, which extends almost 90 angstroms through the enzyme. The menaquinone reduction site associated with a possible proton pathway was also characterized. This structure provides critical insights into the proton motive force generation by redox loop, a common mechanism among a wide range of respiratory enzymes.
Nonprogrammatic accreditation: programs and attitudes.

BACKGROUND Radiologic science programs subscribe to regional or programmatic accreditation or both. Decisions regarding the type of accreditation a program holds are based on many factors. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to survey program directors from programs that do not subscribe to Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accreditation to examine their attitudes regarding programmatic accreditation and compare them with the literature findings. METHOD A researcher-designed survey was mailed to all non-JRCERT radiologic science programs in the United States based on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) database of programs. A total of 70 surveys were mailed out, and 58% were returned. RESULTS Of the programs responding to the survey, 80% were associate degree programs, 17% baccalaureate degree and 3% certificate. The most common reasons cited by program directors for not subscribing to programmatic accreditation were cost, issues with the accrediting agency and time. The most frequent reasons for considering programmatic accreditation were decreased cost and being required to do so by the ARRT. CONCLUSION Overall results indicated some concern regarding programmatic accreditation; although there were concerns, benefits for programmatic accreditation also were expressed.
LABORATORY INFECTION WITH TOXOPLASMA

The main object of this paper is, by citing cases of laboratory infection with Toxoplasma, including one personal and hitherto unpublished, to point out the serious risks involved in working with this parasite and to stress the need for care. Another object is to see what can be learnt from these regrettable accidental human experiments about the signs and symptoms to be expected in toxoplasmosis.
A Spur-and-Phase-Noise-Filtering Technique for Inductor-Less Fractional-N Injection-Locked PLLs

A novel phase-noise-filtering technique based on phase-domain averaging is proposed to suppress the large injection spurs and poor high-frequency phase noise of inductor-less injection-locked phase-locked loops (IL-PLLs). Demonstrated using a 1.2-GHz fractional-N IL-PLL based on a capacitive-ring-coupled ring oscillator, wideband spur-and-phase-noise suppression of up to 20 dB is achieved allowing for phase noise as low as −146 dBc/Hz at 30-MHz offset with a 2-MHz resolution. This allows for an inductor-less alternative to LC-based PLLs in scaled-digital CMOS technologies. The 65-nm CMOS prototype improves 10-MHz phase noise from −115 to −135 dBc/Hz, injection spurs from −40.5 to −57 dB, and integrated jitter from 3.57 to 1.48 ps while occupying an area of 0.6 mm2 and consuming 19.8 mW from a 0.85-V supply, resulting in an FoM and FoMJitter of −163 and −223.6 dB, respectively.
Microbial Biosynthesis of Alkanes

Toward Alkane Synthesis Alkanes are major components of fossil fuels, and synthesis of alkanes remains a challenge in the conversion of renewable raw materials to fuels. Even though diverse organisms synthesize alkanes, synthesis pathways have remained elusive. Now Schirmer et al. (p. 559) describe an alkane biosynthesis pathway in cyanobacteria that converts intermediates of fatty acid metabolism to alkanes and alkenes. Heterologous expression of the biosynthetic genes resulted in production of alkanes in Escherichia coli. This pathway is likely to be a valuable tool in the production of biofuels. Alkane biosynthesis genes were identified in cyanobacteria and engineered into Escherichia coli for recombinant hydrocarbon production. Alkanes, the major constituents of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, are naturally produced by diverse species; however, the genetics and biochemistry behind this biology have remained elusive. Here we describe the discovery of an alkane biosynthesis pathway from cyanobacteria. The pathway consists of an acyl–acyl carrier protein reductase and an aldehyde decarbonylase, which together convert intermediates of fatty acid metabolism to alkanes and alkenes. The aldehyde decarbonylase is related to the broadly functional nonheme diiron enzymes. Heterologous expression of the alkane operon in Escherichia coli leads to the production and secretion of C13 to C17 mixtures of alkanes and alkenes. These genes and enzymes can now be leveraged for the simple and direct conversion of renewable raw materials to fungible hydrocarbon fuels.
Proteins in the haemolymph and other tissues of the developing tomato hornworm, Protoparce quinquemaculata Haworth.

The haemolymph proteins of Protoparce quinquemaculata Haworth have been studied by zone electrophoresis in starch gels. Changes in the number of protein bands have been followed from third-instar larvae to the pupal and adult stages. A cycle of change is repeated over the molting period from third to fourth instar and from fourth to fifth instar, and appears to comprise an increase in the number of protein bands in the pharate stage with a decrease immediately after ecdysis. The decrease is not directly associated with the cessation of feeding since starvation does not decrease the blood protein content.The components which make up the main or "common" blood protein have been studied by immunodiffusion techniques. Two antigens appear to contribute to this complex and these are present consistently through larval and pupal life, but both are absent in the adult and egg. The possibility is considered that these components may be significant in the molting cycle.Comparisons have been made between the protein.
FACS-based isolation and RNA extraction of Secondary Cells from the Drosophila male Accessory Gland

To appreciate the function of an organ, it is often critical to understand the role of rare cell populations. Unfortunately, this rarity often makes it difficult to obtain material for study. This is the case for the Drosophila male accessory gland, the functional homolog of mammalian prostate and seminal vesicle. In Drosophila, this gland is made up of two morphologically distinct cell types: the polygonally-shaped main cells, which compose 96% of the organ, and the larger, vacuole-containing secondary cells (SCs), which represent the remaining 4% of cells (~40 cells per lobe). Both cell types are known to produce accessory gland proteins (Acps), which are important components of the seminal fluid and are responsible for triggering multiple physiological and behavioral processes in females, collectively called the post-mating response (PMR). While a few genes are known to be specific to the SCs, the relative rarity of SCs has hindered the study of their whole transcriptome. Here, a method allowing for the isolation of SCs is presented, enabling the extraction and sequencing of RNAs from this rare cell population. The protocol consists of dissection, protease digestion and mechanical dissociation of the glands to obtain individual cells. Then, the cells are sorted by FACS, and living GFP-expressing SC singulets are isolated for RNA extraction. This procedure is able to provide SC-specific RNAs from ~40 males per condition in the course of one day. Given the speed and low number of flies required, this method enables the use of downstream RT-qPCR and/or RNA sequencing to the study gene expression in the SCs from different genetic backgrounds, ages, mating statuses or environmental conditions. SUMMARY Here, we describe the dissociation and sorting of a specific cell population from the Drosophila male accessory glands (Secondary cells), followed by RNA extraction for sequencing and RT-qPCR. The dissociation consists of dissection, proteases digestion and mechanical dispersion, followed by FACS purification of GFP-expressing cells.