Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanoporous Gold as a VOC Sensor, Based on Nanoscale Electrical Phenomena and Convolutional Neural Networks

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are prevalent in daily life, from the lab environment to industrial applications, providing tremendous functionality but also posing significant health risk. Moreover, individual VOCs have individual risks associated with them, making classification and sensing of a broad range of VOCs important. This work details the application of electrochemically dealloyed nanoporous gold (NPG) as a VOC sensor through measurements of the complex electrical frequency response of NPG. By leveraging the effects of adsorption and capillary condensation on the electrical properties of NPG itself, classification and regression is possible. Due to the complex nonlinearities, classification and regression are done through the use of a convolutional neural network. This work also establishes key strategies for improving the performance of NPG, both in sensitivity and selectivity. This is achieved by tuning the electrochemical dealloying process through manipulations of the starting alloy and through functionalization with 1-dodecanethiol.
Light-controlled twister ribozyme with single-molecule detection resolves RNA function in time and space

Significance Small ribozymes are widespread in nature and have been engineered for artificial gene control in biotechnology and therapeutic applications. To understand how these simple RNA motifs work, we designed and synthesized a chemically protected “photocaged” nucleotide that blocks ribozyme folding until the block is removed with a short (≤0.03 s) pulse with a blue laser. We combined this tool with a microscope capable of observing single RNA molecules and showed that photocaged ribozymes can be turned on with light more precisely and more quickly than was previously possible. This tool for controlling RNA with light allows the ribozyme reaction pathway to be observed in real time and can be applied to other RNA-based systems for gene control. Small ribozymes such as Oryza sativa twister spontaneously cleave their own RNA when the ribozyme folds into its active conformation. The coupling between twister folding and self-cleavage has been difficult to study, however, because the active ribozyme rapidly converts to product. Here, we describe the synthesis of a photocaged nucleotide that releases guanosine within microseconds upon photosolvolysis with blue light. Application of this tool to O. sativa twister achieved the spatial (75 µm) and temporal (≤30 ms) control required to resolve folding and self-cleavage events when combined with single-molecule fluorescence detection of the ribozyme folding pathway. Real-time observation of single ribozymes after photo-deprotection showed that the precleaved folded state is unstable and quickly unfolds if the RNA does not react. Kinetic analysis showed that Mg2+ and Mn2+ ions increase ribozyme efficiency by making transitions to the high energy active conformation more probable, rather than by stabilizing the folded ground state or the cleaved product. This tool for light-controlled single RNA folding should offer precise and rapid control of other nucleic acid systems.
Mechanisms of evolved herbicide resistance

The widely successful use of synthetic herbicides over the past 70 years has imposed strong and widespread selection pressure, leading to the evolution of herbicide resistance in hundreds of weed species. Both target-site resistance (TSR) and nontarget-site resistance (NTSR) mechanisms have evolved to most herbicide classes. TSR often involves mutations in genes encoding the protein targets of herbicides, affecting the binding of the herbicide either at or near catalytic domains or in regions affecting access to them. Most of these mutations are nonsynonymous SNPs, but polymorphisms in more than one codon or entire codon deletions have also evolved. Some herbicides bind multiple proteins, making the evolution of TSR mechanisms more difficult. Increased amounts of protein target, by increased gene expression or by gene duplication, are an important, albeit less common, TSR mechanism. NTSR mechanisms include reduced absorption or translocation and increased sequestration or metabolic degradation. The mechanisms that can contribute to NTSR are complex and often involve genes that are members of large gene families. For example, enzymes involved in herbicide metabolism–based resistances include cytochromes P450, GSH S-transferases, glucosyl and other transferases, aryl acylamidase, and others. Both TSR and NTSR mechanisms can combine at the individual level to produce higher resistance levels. The vast array of herbicide-resistance mechanisms for generalist (NTSR) and specialist (TSR and some NTSR) adaptations that have evolved over a few decades illustrate the evolutionary resilience of weed populations to extreme selection pressures. These evolutionary processes drive herbicide and herbicide-resistant crop development and resistance management strategies.
Unique Approach to Quality Assurance in Viscoelastic Testing.

BACKGROUND The Quantra QPlus System is a novel viscoelastic testing (VET) device designed for the management of coagulation function in critical care settings. The system is indicated and approved for use at the point-of-care and designed for use by nonlaboratory personnel. METHODS We describe the comprehensive set of internal QC checks implemented in the Quantra and demonstrate the system's unique capabilities made possible by its ultrasound core technology. Single- and multisite precision testing were performed following Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and included multiple days of testing, multiple instruments, multiple lots of cartridges and controls, and multiple operators. RESULTS Percent CVs for total imprecision were 3.6% to 8.0% for all measured parameters. CVs for replicate imprecision ("repeatability") were 2.7% to 7.7% for all measured parameters. Replicate imprecision was the largest component of variability for most parameters. CONCLUSIONS The Quantra QPlus System is a new-generation cartridge-based VET device that can operate with reduced oversight from the central laboratory while easily integrating into the Individualized Quality Control Plan framework.
Leaf Curl Disease of Chilli Peppers in Maharashtra, India

Abstract Chilli leaf curl, an important disease of chilli peppers in India is caused by thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood and mites, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks). Feeding activities resulted in curling and other malformations. The incidence of leaf curl was proportional to thrips and mite infestation. Diseased plants recovered when thrips and mites were removed.
The Influence of Storage Time on Rheological Properties and Texture of Yoghurts with the Addition of Oat-Maltodextrin as the Fat Substitute

Yoghurts from cow's milk containing 2 kg milk fat/100 kg or 2 kg of an oat-maltodextrin/100 kg (maltodextrin included 5 kg b-glucan/100 kg), were weighed on a laboratory scale and stored in refrigerator conditions for 21 days. Non-fat yoghurt without the addition of maltodextrin was used as a control product. The yoghurts were analysed after 1, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. Sensory evaluation, instrumental texture profile analysis, and rheological investigations were carried out. They included the determination of the flow curves and the description by Ostwald de Waele and Casson models as well as an account of the apparent viscosity. Differences in the sensory quality of yoghurts containing milk fat or maltodextrin were not found, whereas these yoghurts were characterized by better sensory quality than the control product. The storage time had a significant influence on the sensory evaluation and the texture parameters. During the storage time, the apparent viscosity of yoghurts decreased. A decrease in consistency index value, in deviation from Newtonian flow, and yield stress was noticed, whereas in Casson's viscosity of the yoghurts, an increase was found.
Extrinsic LiDAR/Ground Calibration Method Using 3D Geometrical Plane-Based Estimation

This paper details a new extrinsic calibration method for scanning laser rangefinder that is precisely focused on the geometrical ground plane-based estimation. This method is also efficient in the challenging experimental configuration of a high angle of inclination of the LiDAR. In this configuration, the calibration of the LiDAR sensor is a key problem that can be be found in various domains and in particular to guarantee the efficiency of ground surface object detection. The proposed extrinsic calibration method can be summarized by the following procedure steps: fitting ground plane, extrinsic parameters estimation (3D orientation angles and altitude), and extrinsic parameters optimization. Finally, the results are presented in terms of precision and robustness against the variation of LiDAR’s orientation and range accuracy, respectively, showing the stability and the accuracy of the proposed extrinsic calibration method, which was validated through numerical simulation and real data to prove the method performance.
ISOFLAVONAS DE SOJA E PROPRIEDADES BIOLÓGICAS

A presente revisao teve como objetivo discutir algumas das propriedades biologicas relacionadas as isoflavonas encontradas em soja. Esses compostos sao conhecidos por suas atividades biologicas tais como, estrogenica, antifungica, antioxidante e antitumoral (mama e prostata). Alem disso, inibem a acao de enzimas ligadas a divisao celular, sendo suas atividades biologicas mais acentuadas nas formas agliconas que glicosiladas. Tem sido demonstrado que as isoflavonas podem agir contra muitas doencas, devendo ser realizados outros estudos para avaliar a aplicacao desses compostos na alimentacao humana. SOYBEAN ISOFLAVONES AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES Abstract The present review had as objective to discuss the biological properties related to the isoflavones found in soybean. These compounds are known by their biological activities as, estrogenic, antifungal, antioxidant and antitumor (breasts and prostate). Besides, inhibit the activity of enzymes linked to cell division, being their biological activities more accentuated in aglycones than glycosides forms. It has been demonstrated that the isoflavones may act against some diseases, but more studies are necessary to evaluate the application of these compounds in human feeding.
Nociceptive responses in melatonin MT2 receptor knockout mice compared to MT1 and double MT1/MT2 receptor knockout mice

Melatonin, a neurohormone that binds to two G protein‐coupled receptors MT1 and MT2, is involved in pain regulation, but the distinct role of each receptor has yet to be defined. We characterized the nociceptive responses of mice with genetic inactivation of melatonin MT1 (MT1−/−), or MT2 (MT2−/−), or both MT1/MT2 (MT1−/−/MT2−/−) receptors in the hot plate test (HPT), and the formalin test (FT). In HPT and FT, MT1−/− display no differences compared to their wild‐type littermates (CTL), whereas both MT2−/− and MT1−/−/MT2−/− mice showed a reduced thermal sensitivity and a decreased tonic nocifensive behavior during phase 2 of the FT in the light phase. The MT2 partial agonist UCM924 induced an antinociceptive effect in MT1−/− but not in MT2−/− and MT1−/−/MT2−/− mice. Also, the competitive opioid antagonist naloxone had no effects in CTL, whereas it induced a decrease of nociceptive thresholds in MT2−/− mice. Our results show that the genetic inactivation of melatonin MT2, but not MT1 receptors, produces a distinct effect on nociceptive threshold, suggesting that the melatonin MT2 receptor subtype is selectively involved in the regulation of pain responses.
MULTIPLICITY OF NDH-1 COMPLEXES

Cyanobacterial NADPH dehydrogenase (NDH-1) was identified more than 16 years ago. This enzyme is confined to the thylakoid membrane, and it accepts electrons from NADPH and contains at least 15 subunits. Recently, studies using reverse genetics, proteomics, and activity staining have shown the presence of functionally distinct multiple NDH-1 complexes in cyanobacterial cells. In this mini-review, these cyanobacterial NDH-1 complexes will be described with emphasis placed on their multiplicity and assembly. (1) Firstly, reverse genetic studies proposed the presence of 2 functionally distinct NDH-1 complexes in cyanobacteria; (2) subsequently, proteomic studies revealed the presence of multiple functionally distinct NDH-1 complexes in the cyanobacterial thylakoid membrane, including NDH-1L (large size; 460 kDa), NDH-1M (middle size; 330 kDa) and NDH-1S (small size; 190 kDa). However, none of these NDH-1 complexes showed NADPH dehydrogenase activity. (3) Recently, activity staining studies identified 2 active NDH-1 complexes in a unicellular cyanobacterium. Based on the size, the 2 active NDH-1 complexes were called Act-NDH-1Sup (active supercomplex; approximately 1,000 kDa) and Act-NDH-1M (active mediumcomplex; approximately 380 kDa). Act-NDH-1Sup is a newly identified complex, and its protein activity is much higher than that of Act-NDH-1M. It is also more than twice the size of NDH-1L, while Act-NDH-1M is similar in size to NDH-1M. In addition, both Act-NDH* Author for correspondence. Tel: +86 21 64321617; Fax: +86 21 64322931; E-mail: cyanoma@hotmail.com
Chronic Periodontitis Is Associated with the Risk of Bipolar Disorder: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a psychiatric mood disturbance manifested by manic, hypomanic, or major depressive periods. Chronic inflammation was evidenced as an important etiologic factor of BD. Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease triggered by bacterial products, leading to the destruction of periodontium. The relationship between BD and CP is of interest to investigate. Therefore, a nationwide population-based cohort study was used to investigate the risk of BD and CP exposure from 2001 to 2012. We identified 61,608 patients with CP from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). The 123,216 controls were randomly captured and matched by age, sex, index year, and co-morbidities. The association between CP exposure and BD risk was examined by Cox proportional hazards regression models. In this study, 61,608 CP patients and 123,216 controls were followed up for 7.45 and 7.36 years, respectively. In total, 138 BD patients were identified in the CP cohort and 187 BD cases were found in the non-CP cohort. The incidence rate of BD was significantly higher in the CP cohort than in the non-CP cohort (adjusted HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.17–1.81) according to the multivariate Cox regression analysis. Females had a 1.47-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.16–1.86) for BD compared to males. Taken together, CP may be associated with an increased risk of subsequent BD in Taiwan.
Bullying: o pesadelo das escolas

SUMMARY: This article's aim is to conceptualize and characterize bullying, analyze if it is occurring in the municipal, private and state elementary schools, located in the cities of Guara, Ituverava and Aramina and also intends to analyze its probable consequences. For that, qualitative research was used. A semi-structured questionnaire was filled in by parents, teachers and students in order to detect the bullying existence in the mentioned schools, the student's way of dealing with bullying and how parents and teachers act when facing the problem.
Effects of Drought and Salinity on Two Commercial Varieties of Lavandula angustifolia Mill

Global warming is not only affecting arid and semi-arid regions but also becoming a threat to agriculture in Central and Eastern European countries. The present study analyzes the responses to drought and salinity of two varieties of Lavandula angustifolia cultivated in Romania. Lavender seedlings were subjected to one month of salt stress (100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl) and water deficit (complete withholding of irrigation) treatments. To assess the effects of stress on the plants, several growth parameters and biochemical stress markers (photosynthetic pigments, mono and divalent ions, and different osmolytes) were determined in control and stressed plants after the treatments. Both stress conditions significantly inhibited the growth of the two varieties, but all plants survived the treatments, indicating a relative stress tolerance of the two varieties. The most relevant mechanisms of salt tolerance are based on the maintenance of foliar K+ levels and the accumulation of Ca2+ and proline as a functional osmolyte in parallel with increasing external salinities. Under water stress, significant increases of Na+ and K+ concentrations were detected in roots, indicating a possible role of these cations in osmotic adjustment, limiting root dehydration. No significant differences were found when comparing the stress tolerance and stress responses of the two selected lavender varieties.
Wellness Principles Correlate With More Favorable Burnout Scores in Junior Anesthesiology Residents.

Background Strategies to prevent or reduce burnout for anesthesiology residents remain relatively unexplored. We aimed to determine if participation in a wellness course would be associated with lower burnout. Methods A prospective, case-control survey/questionnaire study was implemented within a single anesthesiology residency in a large academic medical center program. One class participated in an inaugural wellness course (n = 15) promoting particular wellness principles 4 months into their postgraduate year (PGY)-1, while another class with no course participation served as controls (n = 13). Both groups completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) 6 months into their PGY-2 year. In addition, a survey measuring their perceived ability to implement wellness principles (regardless of course participation) as well as validated questionnaires measuring stress, depression, and sleep quality were administered. Results Course participants had a trend toward lower MBI depersonalization scores; however, this was not statistically significant (MBI score 7 versus 12, P = .078, Cohen d 0.71). In a multivariable model, course participation yielded lower exhaustion scores (P = .011) whereas higher stress yielded higher exhaustion scores (P = .013), and higher depression scores yielded higher depersonalization scores (P = .019). A higher perceived ability to implement the wellness principles resulted in significantly better scores in all 3 burnout components (exhaustion P = .049, depersonalization P = .004 achievement P = .001). Conclusion Residents who felt they could implement wellness principles had lower burnout, regardless of course participation. Our brief course exposure had only marginal independent effects, suggesting that more longitudinal and repeated exposures to wellness training are likely required to produce a more effective outcome for mitigating burnout.
A practical modification of horizontal line sampling for snag and cavity tree inventory

Snags and cavity trees are important structural features in forests, but they are often sparsely distributed, making efficient inventories problematic. We present a straightforward modification of horizontal line sampling designed to facilitate inventory of these features while remaining compatible with commonly employed sampling methods for the living overstory. The method is simpler in its implementation than traditional horizontal line sampling. We develop unbiased estimators and present methods for dealing with special cases, including boundary overlap. A field test of the method shows it to have time efficiency comparable with or better than ordinary prism cruising, and it requires far fewer sample locations to achieve similar confidence limits. The method may also be useful for inventorying other rare or unusual trees.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS/AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS-2020 UPDATE.

Objective: The development of these guidelines is sponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Board of Directors and American College of Endocrinology (ACE) Board of Trustees and adheres with published AACE protocols for the standardized production of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Methods: Recommendations are based on diligent reviews of the clinical evidence with transparent incorporation of subjective factors, according to established AACE/ACE guidelines for guidelines protocols. Results: The Executive Summary of this 2020 updated guideline contains 52 recommendations: 21 Grade A (40%), 24 Grade B (46%), 7 Grade C (14%), and no Grade D (0%). These detailed, evidence-based recommendations allow for nuance-based clinical decision-making that addresses multiple aspects of real-world care of patients. The evidence base presented in the subsequent Appendix provides relevant supporting information for the Executive Summary recommendations. This update contains 368 citations: 123 (33.5%) evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 132 (36%) EL 2 (intermediate), 20 (5.5%) EL 3 (weak), and 93 (25%) EL 4 (lowest). New or updated topics in this CPG include: clarification of the diagnosis of osteoporosis, stratification of the patient according to high-risk and very-high-risk features, a new dual-action therapy option, and transitions from therapeutic options. Conclusion: This guideline is a practical tool for endocrinologists, physicians in general, regulatory bodies, health-related organizations, and interested laypersons regarding the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Abbreviations: 25(OH)D = 25-hydroxyvitamin D; AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; ACE = American College of Endocrinology; AFF = atypical femoral fracture; ASBMR = American Society for Bone and Mineral Research; BEL = best evidence level; BMD = bone mineral density; BTM = bone turnover marker; CI = confidence interval; CPG = clinical practice guideline; CTX = C-terminal telopeptide type-I collagen; DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; EL = evidence level; FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FRAX® = Fracture Risk Assessment Tool; GI = gastrointestinal; HORIZON = Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic acid ONce yearly Pivotal Fracture Trial (zoledronic acid and zoledronate are equivalent terms); ISCD = International Society for Clinical Densitometry; IU = international units; IV = intravenous; LSC = least significant change; NOF = National Osteoporosis Foundation; ONJ = osteonecrosis of the jaw; PINP = serum amino-terminal propeptide of type-I collagen; PTH = parathyroid hormone; R = recommendation; ROI = region of interest; RR = relative risk; SD = standard deviation; TBS = trabecular bone score; VFA = vertebral fracture assessment; WHO = World Health Organization.
T Cell Receptor Engineered Lymphocytes for Cancer Therapy

T lymphocytes are capable of specific recognition and elimination of target cells. Physiological antigen recognition is mediated by the T cell receptor (TCR), which is an alpha beta heterodimer comprising the products of randomly rearranged V, D, and J genes. The exquisite specificity and functionality of T cells can be leveraged for cancer therapy: specifically, the adoptive transfer of T cells that express tumor‐reactive TCRs can induce regression of solid tumors in patients with advanced cancer. However, the isolation and expression of a tumor antigen‐specific TCRs is a highly involved process that requires identifying an immunogenic epitope, ensuring human cells are of the correct haplotype, performing a laborious T cell expansion process, and carrying out downstream TCR sequencing and cloning. Recent advances in single‐cell sequencing have begun to streamline this process. This protocol synthesizes and expands upon methodologies to generate, isolate, and engineer human T cells with tumor‐reactive TCRs for adoptive cell therapy. Though this process is perhaps more arduous than the alternative strategy of using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for engineering, the ability to target intracellular proteins using TCRs substantially increases the types of antigens that can be safely targeted. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.