Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relations between different objective milking speed recording systems

Abstract This study aimed to analyse the sources of variation of milking speed assessed through automatic computerised devices included in milking machines, to study the relationships between this trait and milking speed assessed through stopwatch and to develop statistical procedures useful for converting automatic device milking time into stopwatch milking time in order to obtain a fast, simple and cheap collection of milking time records for genetic evaluation purposes. A total of 571 records of stopwatch milking time (SMT), device milking time (DMT) and milk yield at milking were collected in 23 herds of the Trentino Alto Adige region in Italy equipped with two types of automatic milking devices. After log-transformation of SMT (lnSMT) and DMT (lnDMT) and a preliminary analysis of sources of variation of lnDMT, dataset was partitioned into two mutually exclusive subsets: a calibration one, used for statistical analysis, and a validation one, used as test set to validate the prediction models. This procedure was replicated 6 times in order to repeat the cross validation accordingly. Three conversion models have been compared, based on different combinations of the effects of lnDMT, milking device and herd within milking device on lnSMT. Solutions of the models have been applied for each replicate to the validation dataset for estimating lnSMT and the soundness of conversion equations have been evaluated considering the correlation between estimated and actual lnSMT and bias and precision of estimates. Milking time assessed through different procedures resulted in differences between methods for both mean and distribution, and these suggested the need of developing statistical procedures aimed to the conversion of DMT into SMT before their use in sire evaulation. The soundness of the models tended to slightly increase with the increase in the number of effects considered. The correlation between estimated and actual SMT was in the range of 0.80 to 0.86, the estimated bias was close to 0 for all models and the precision, i.e. the average standard deviation of the difference between estimated and actual SMT, in the range of 8-9% of the mean of actual SMT. In conclusion, conversion equations proposed for joining the two sources of information performed satisfactorily, giving rise to SMT accurate estimates, which were not distorted and fairly precise. The use of such equations can support the integration of automatically acquired milking time records into breeding schemes, which is advisable for increasing the number of sires progeny tested and the accuracy of breeding values estimated.
Television Tip Over: An Avoidable Cause of Head Injury in Children

The seriousness of television tip-over accidents as a cause of head injury in children is not well appreciated. It is the 15th leading cause of childhood death in Canada following trauma[1] and has been cited third in the list of the “top five hidden household hazards” by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. [2] There have been two prior reports from India[3,4] dealing with this topic but countrywide data on the same is lacking. We encountered seven admitted cases of head injuries in children because of television toppling on them over a 13-year period (2004–2017). All the cases in our series were male. In two of the cases, the event leading to the tip over was unwitnessed, whereas in the remaining pushing mobile television stands and pulling at screens covering the television sets or cables attached to them have been involved in causation. In three cases, cathode-ray television sets were involved, whereas flat-screen televisions were involved in the remaining Television Tip Over: An Avoidable Cause of Head Injury in Children
Effects of Smoking Status on Remission and Metabolic and Cognitive Outcomes in Schizophrenia Patients Treated with Clozapine

Abstract Background Even though clozapine is the recommended last-resort antipsychotic, many patients fail to respond and show treatment-refractory psychotic symptoms. Smoking has been suggested as a possible risk factor for poor clozapine response, hampering remission and negatively impacting somatic outcomes. Methods Our aim was to test whether smoking status is associated with remission rates and other symptomatic and somatic outcomes. We therefore assessed remission rates according to The Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group (RSWG) criteria, and metabolic and cognitive outcomes among patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders treated with clozapine for at least 6 months. For analyses, we grouped our cohort into 3 groups according to clozapine treatment duration (6 months, 2 years, 5 years). Results One hundred five patients were included in our analyses and grouped according to their clozapine treatment duration. In the 6-months analyses, patients who smoked were significantly more likely to be younger of age (p=0.002) despite on average shorter duration of clozapine treatment (p=0.041) and significantly more likely to be treated with mood-stabilizing co-medication (p=0.030) compared to nonsmokers. Remission rates (p=0.490), as well as a set of metabolic and cognitive variables did not differ between the 2 groups. A related pattern could be observed for the 2- and 5-years analyses. Conclusions Smoking behavior among clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients might delineate a cohort with an earlier onset of the disease. Nevertheless, most findings comparing disease-specific and clinical outcomes among smokers and nonsmokers were negative. Further research is needed to identify strategies to overcome insufficient remission rates in this patient group.
Ecological correlates of home‐range size in spring–summer for female roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in a deciduous woodland

Data on 22 radio-collared adult female roe deer Capreolus capreolus in the Chiz´ e forest were used to test whether their home-range size was influenced by resource availability and reproductive status. As roe deer females are income breeders and invest heavily in each reproductive attempt, they should be limited by energetic constraints. Thus it was expected that: (1) heavier females should have larger home ranges; (2) that home-range size should decrease with increasing vegetation biomass; (3) home-range size should increase with increasing reproductive effort (i.e. females with two fawns at heel should have larger home ranges than those with one fawn, which should have larger home range than females without fawns). To test these predictions, variation in spring–summer homerange size was studied in 2001 and 2002, using 95% kernel home-range estimation. Results showed that females do not adjust their home-range size in response to body mass or age. Home-range size increased with increasing reproductive success, but the magnitude of the change varied over the period of maternal care. Finally, although their home-range size decreased with increasing plant biomass (slope =− 0.11, SE = 0.065), female roe deer at
EDTA Chelation Therapy in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Update

We have previously described the role played by toxic-metal burdens in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases (ND). We herein report an updated evaluation of toxic-metal burdens in human subjects affected or not affected by ND or other chronic diseases. Each subject underwent a chelation test with the chelating agent calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CaNA2EDTA or EDTA) to identify the presence of 20 toxic metals in urine samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Our results show the constant presence of toxic metals, such as lead, cadmium, cesium, and aluminum, in all examined subjects but the absence of beryllium and tellurium. Gadolinium was detected in patients undergoing diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of toxic metals was always significantly more elevated in ND patients than in healthy controls. Treatment with EDTA chelation therapy removes toxic-metal burdens and improves patient symptoms.
Antivirals: current state of the art

Most of the antiviral agents that have been approved, and are currently used in the treatment of virus infections, are targeted at HIV, HBV, herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and HCV or influenza virus. Additional compounds for HIV, HBV, HSV, VZV, CMV, HCV, influenza virus and several other viral infections, for example poxvirus (e.g., variola, vaccinia and monkeypox), respiratory syncytial virus, hemorrhagic fever virus (e.g., Lassa, Rift Valley and Ebola) and enterovirus (e.g., polio, Coxsackie and echo), are still in the experimental stage, that is, under clinical or preclinical development.
Repetitive genomic sequences for determining relatedness among strains of Fusarium oxysporum

Polymorphic restriction fragments containing moderately repetitive DNA sequences have been identified in the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Arbitrarily chosen genomic clones pEY1, pEY2, pEY7, an pEY1, containing 1.1, 1.1, 2.3, and 1.2 kb of fungal DNA, respectively, were used to identify the repetitive sequences. When used as probes in DNA/DNA hybridization analyses of restriction endonuclease-digested DNAs from various strains of F. oxysporum, these probes identified distinctive banding patterns for each strain (.)
The location of sucrose synthase in root nodules of white clover.

Immunogold labelling was used to identify the location of the sucrose hydrolytic enzyme sucrose synthase in the N2 -fixing root nodules of white clover. This is the major enzyme of sucrose cleavage in clover nodules and might be involved in the modulation of N2 fixation by controlling the rate of utilization of photosynthetic products. Knowledge of the precise cellular location of this enzyme in relation to the point of delivery (the vascular bundles) and the site of utilization of the catabolic product (malate in the bacteroids) might aid our understanding of the metabolic communication between different cell types of the nodule. Gold particle density was greatest in the cytosol of uninfected cells of the central region and in the layer of cortical cells in direct contact with infected cells. By contrast, relative gold particle density was 2-3 fold lower in the cytosol of infected cells. The distribution of sucrose synthase is discussed in relation to sucrose transport, starch metabolism and the provision of carbon and energy for N2 fixation.
Variation within and between white clover varieties in their preference for strains of Rhizobium trifolii

SUMMARY Variation within as well as between varieties of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in their selection or preference for rhizobial strains in nodulation was studied using antibiotic-resistant mutant strains of Rhizobium trifolii. Significant differences between varieties were found. Cv. S100 was nodulated almost exclusively by 75 str but there was more variation within S184 and, in particular, Pajbjerg smalbladet. In this experiment 93% of the total variance was genotypic, of which 68% was due to the difference between varieties and 25% due to variance between genotypes within varieties. Significant correlations were found between the preference for rhizobial strains of plants grown from seeds and of stolon lines vegetatively propagated from the former plants, indicating that the preference for rhizobial strains is genetically controlled by the host. A considerable drift in preference towards selection of more compatible rhizobial strains by the clonally propagated stolons compared with the original white clover plants was observed. The results are discussed from the point of view of improving symbiotic nitrogen fixation by combining highly effective and competitive Rhizobium strains with a host variety with uniform preference for those strains.
Deciphering the Novel Role of AtMIN7 in Cuticle Formation and Defense against the Bacterial Pathogen Infection

The cuticle is the outermost layer of plant aerial tissue that interacts with the environment and protects plants against water loss and various biotic and abiotic stresses. ADP ribosylation factor guanine nucleotide exchange factor proteins (ARF-GEFs) are key components of the vesicle trafficking system. Our study discovers that AtMIN7, an Arabidopsis ARF-GEF, is critical for cuticle formation and related leaf surface defense against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato (Pto). Our transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies indicate that the atmin7 mutant leaves have a thinner cuticular layer, defective stomata structure, and impaired cuticle ledge of stomata compared to the leaves of wild type plants. GC–MS analysis further revealed that the amount of cutin monomers was significantly reduced in atmin7 mutant plants. Furthermore, the exogenous application of either of three plant hormones—salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, or abscisic acid—enhanced the cuticle formation in atmin7 mutant leaves and the related defense responses to the bacterial Pto infection. Thus, transport of cutin-related components by AtMIN7 may contribute to its impact on cuticle formation and related defense function.
Fluted-point technology in Neolithic Arabia: An independent invention far from the Americas

New World archaeologists have amply demonstrated that fluted point technology is specific to Terminal Pleistocene American cultures. Base-fluted, and rarer tip-fluted, projectile points from the Americas have been well-documented by archaeologists for nearly a century. Fluting is an iconic stone tool manufacturing method and a specific action that involves the extraction of a channel flake along the longitudinal axis of a bifacial piece. Here we report and synthesize information from Neolithic sites in southern Arabia, demonstrating the presence of fluting on a variety of stone tool types including projectile points. Fluted projectile points are known from both surface sites and stratified contexts in southern Arabia. Fluting technology has been clearly identified at the Manayzah site (Yemen) dating to 8000–7700 cal. BP. Examination of fluted points and channel flakes from southern Arabia enable a reconstruction of stone tool manufacturing techniques and reduction sequences (chaines opératoires). To illustrate the technological similarities and contrasts of fluting methods in Arabia and the Americas, comparative studies and experiments were conducted. Similarities in manufacturing approaches were observed on the fluting scars of bifacial pieces, whereas technological differences are apparent in the nature and localization of the flute and, most probably, the functional objective of fluting in economic, social and cultural contexts. Arabian and American fluted point technologies provide an excellent example of convergence of highly specialized stone tool production methods. Our description of Arabian and American fluting technology demonstrates that similar innovations and inventions were developed under different circumstances, and that highly-skilled and convergent production methods can have different anthropological implications.
Evaluation of Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Among Young Children Receiving Consecutive Versus Nonconsecutive Vaccination During Influenza A(H3N2)-Predominant Seasons.

A test-negative case-control analysis of 1478 children aged 6 months to 8 years of age seeking care at an emergency/urgent care setting with influenza like illness during the 2016-17 and 2018-19 (H3N2 predominant) influenza seasons demonstrated that influenza vaccine effectiveness did not vary significantly by the prior seasons' vaccination status. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02979626.
Bacterial Communities in Three Parts of Intestinal Tracts of Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa tenuiscapa)

This study investigated different bacterial communities in three intestinal parts (foregut, midgut and hindgut) of Xylocopa tenuiscapa to understand the roles of gut bacteria. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that X. tenuiscapa is closely related to Xylocopa latipes. The 16S rRNA gene in the genomic DNA samples from the gut was examined by illumina (Solexa) and a total of 998 operational taxonomic unit (OTUs) clusters were found. Taxonomic classification identified 16 bacterial phyla and unclassified bacteria. The dominant bacteria taxa in the three parts of X. tenuiscapa gut were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. In the foregut, Lactobacillales and Enterobacteriaceae were predominantly found. The population in the midgut was similar to that in the foregut, with the addition of Gilliamella, which was also abundant. The most dominant bacteria identified in the hindgut were similar to those in the midgut and Lactobacillales, Enterobacteriaceae, Gilliamella, Bifidobacteriaceae and Flavobacteriaceae appeared in abundance. Moreover, our results suggest that a community structure of bacteria in different parts of X. tenuiscapa’s gut may be an important indicator of carpenter bees’ health. This functional study of bacterial communities revealed significant differences among the three intestinal parts and is the first report of the gut bacteria structure in solitary bees.
Secondary Forest Succession in a Post-Agricultural Landscape in the Hudson Valley, New York

Abstract Quercus spp. (oaks) were the most abundant trees in the pre-colonial forests of the Hudson Valley. Over the last century, secondary forests have replaced many of the agricultural fields that were established after these forests were cut. Mohonk Preserve's Foothills, New Paltz, NY, includes secondary forest stands ranging in age from about 30 to 100 y. Stands on similar substrates and soils differ not only in age, but also in the factors that influenced forest development at and since field abandonment such as seed sources and herbivory. This study analyzed the composition of 8 stands of various ages to evaluate the possible importance of site-specific differences in these factors. Oaks dominate only one stand, and Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) is the major sapling species in all well-drained stands. We attribute differences in stand composition, particularly the lack of oaks and the prevalence of Sugar Maple, mainly to differences in drainage, seed sources, and extent of deer browse.
A Review of Techniques for Optimizing Cache Energy Efficiency

In today’s computer, there are larger sizes of the cache are using on the chip. Moreover, there is significant change has happened in the technology. Because of that change cache power efficiency has become the important issue in the processors. To solve this problem most of the researchers have proposed a different methodology to improve the cache energy efficiency. This paper review different techniques that are proposed for improving cache energy efficiency. There are different techniques discussed in this survey paper that is used to improve the cache energy at a different level of the cache. The main focus of the paper of survey is to urge the different researcher to propose different methodology so they can make the cache more efficient and energy saving.
Transcriptomic Analysis Revealed the Common and Divergent Responses of Maize Seedling Leaves to Cold and Heat Stresses

Temperature stresses (TS), including cold and heat stress, adversely affect the growth, development, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). To clarify the molecular mechanisms of the tolerance of maize seedling leaves to TS, we applied transcriptomic sequencing of an inbred maize line, B73, with seedlings exposed to various temperature conditions, including normal temperature (NT, 25 °C), cold (4, 10, and 16 °C), and heat (37, 42, and 48 °C) stresses. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in different comparison between the NT sample and each temperature-stressed sample, with 5358, 5485, 5312, 1095, 2006, and 4760 DEGs responding to TS of 4, 10, 16, 37, 42, and 48 °C, respectively. For cold and heat stresses, 189 DEGs enriched in the hydrogen peroxidase metabolic process, cellular modified amino acid metabolic process, and sulfur compound metabolic process were common. The DEGs encoding calcium signaling and reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes demonstrated similar expression characterizations, whereas the DEGs encoding transcription factors, such as ERF, ARF, and HSF, hormone signaling, and heat shock proteins, displayed divergent expression models, implying both common and divergent responses to cold and heat stresses in maize seedling leaves. Co-expression network analysis showed that functional DEGs associated with the core regulators in response to cold and heat stresses were significantly correlated with TS, indicating their vital roles in cold and heat adaptation, respectively. Our investigation focused on the response to gradient TS, and the results presented a relatively comprehensive category of genes involved in differential TS responses. These will contribute a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of maize seedling leaf responses to TS and provide valuable genetic resources for breeding TS tolerant varieties of maize.
Improved binaural speech reception thresholds through small symmetrical separation of speech and noise

Speech perception in noise is challenging and is improved by binaural hearing. Since signal processing of assistive hearing devices often modifies or masks the peripheral binaural head-shadow or better-ear effects, central binaural processing should be measured separately. In a prospective study, 10 listeners with normal hearing were tested with the German matrix sentence test in a set-up with two loudspeakers located at opposite angles in the horizontal plane with respect to S0N0. The speech reception threshold (SRT) was investigated depending on the separation angle between speech and noise. The lowest (best) SRT was obtained for a separation of target and interfering source from S0N0 at an angle of about S±60°N∓60°. The derived normative curve was comparable to SRTs predicted by the binaural-speech-intelligibility-model. The systematic separation of signal and noise showed a significant improvement in speech intelligibility for normal-hearing people even for small separation angles. This experimental setting was verified. This study aimed to assess the effect of small sound source separation on binaural hearing and speech perception.
Extracellular phospholipids of isolated bacterial communities

We have made a comparative analysis of the extracellular phospholipid composition of biofilms of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The surface film of a growing bacterial community contains small membrane vesicles and a bilipid layer covering the entire surface of that community. These supracommunity films containing the bilipid layer can cover the entire surface of a Petri dish and form a boundary between bacterial communities and the environment. A mixed bacterial lawn, formed by unrelated bacteria, also becomes covered with a single film containing a lipid bilayer. The phospholipid compositions of the bacterial cell and surface film bilipid layer reflect the nature of the bacterial strains forming the community, but have some specific differences.