Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac Protoxin and Activated Toxin Exert Differential Toxicity Due to a Synergistic Interplay of Cadherin with ABCC Transporters in the Cotton Bollworm

Better understanding of the mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins is beneficial for the sustainable application of Bt crops. It is generally accepted that Cry-protoxins need to be activated by proteases to bind with midgut cell proteins and exert toxicity against insects. ABSTRACT Bacillus thuringiensis Cry proteins are used worldwide for insect control. It was proposed that Cry-protoxins must be converted into activated toxin by proteases to bind midgut cell proteins to kill insects. However, Cry-protoxins also bind to midgut proteins and kill insects that have evolved resistance to activated toxins suggesting an independent toxicity pathway. Cadherin (CAD) and ABCC transporters are recognized as important receptors for Cry proteins. Here we constructed different Helicoverpa armigera mutations in these receptors by CRISPR/Cas9. HaCAD-KO mutant showed much higher resistance to Cry1Ac activated toxin than to Cry1Ac protoxin. In contrast, the HaABCC2-M and HaABCC3-M mutants showed higher resistance to Cry1Ac-protoxin than to activated toxin. However, in the double HaABCC2/3-KO mutant, very high levels of resistance were observed to both Cry1Ac protoxin and activated toxin, supporting that both ABC transporters have redundant functions for these two proteins. In addition, Hi5 cells transfected with HaCAD were susceptible only to the activated toxin but not to protoxin. In contrast, both forms of Cry1Ac were similarly toxic to Hi5 cells expressing HaABCC2 or HaABCC3. Co-expression of HaCAD with HaABCC2 or HaABCC3 revealed a more important synergistic effect for activated toxin compared to protoxin. Overall, our results show that toxicity of Cry1Ac activated toxin involves synergistic interplay of HaCAD with ABCC transporters, while the Cry1Ac protoxin toxicity is mainly mediated by ABCC transporters with little participation of HaCAD. These data help to understand the mode of action of Cry proteins that will be relevant to enhance efficacy and durability of Bt-crops. IMPORTANCE Better understanding of the mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins is beneficial for the sustainable application of Bt crops. It is generally accepted that Cry-protoxins need to be activated by proteases to bind with midgut cell proteins and exert toxicity against insects. Here, we provide new insights into the toxic pathway of Cry proteins in the cotton bollworm. First, our results demonstrate that Cry1Ac protoxin is able to exert cytotoxicity against the insect cells expressing ABCC transporters. Second, we reveal that CAD plays a critical role in the different toxicity of protoxin and toxin by facilitating a synergistic interplay with ABCC transporters. Our results provide in vivo and in vitro experimental evidence supporting that Cry1Ac protoxin exerts toxicity against H. armigera via different steps from that of toxin. These new findings on the mode of action of Cry proteins could be beneficial for efficacy enhancement and durability of Bt-crops.
Are the Norwegian Internet users ready for the new threats to their information?: a survey on awareness and use of preventive technologies

In a setting where technology, and thus threats to this technology as well, evolves rapidly, it is important for designers of new services utilizing this technology to address to a greater extent the requirements the users of the services put on the system. Most are aware of the threats to conventional valuables, e.g. we do not leave our car unlocked in the street at night and most invest in insurance to protect the value it represents. But are people aware that their electronic valuables, in the form of information, are also prized targets for online criminals? With services like Mypage(Minside) that aggregate much information and makes it available to the users, we see a shift in the responsibility for protecting this information. We argue that this development could make the uses more attractive to attackers, we are already seeing this with trojans attacking individual users of Internet banking. The stealing of financial information is a direct approach, with the instant transfer of available funds in accounts. But if identity theft and social engineering becomes more common in Norway, we could see users of information aggregating services like Mypage becoming prime targets for attackers looking for information on targets. If the users are responsible for protecting the information on their computers, it is necessary to put more focus on the users when identifying the system requirements. If the trend of attacking individual users rather than the central servers is continuing, the designers of such systems should make sure that the users are capable and willing to take the responsibility for protecting the information on their own computers. If users are not capable or willing to make effort of protecting their computers, they might choose not to use the service instead. This thesis investigated levels of awareness towards privacy and threats to an online computer, and in addition the use of preventive technologies such as anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and popup-blocker. From the study of previous work on privacy awareness, we found many stating privacy is important, but not putting words into action when it comes to exercising privacy rights or actively protecting their privacy. In addition, recent surveys on malicious software show a very large part of consumer PCs infected. From our survey and subsequent analysis we confirmed the importance of awareness in explaining use of preventive technologies. We also found the extent of preventive technology use, with both good and bad news. We saw an almost universal use of anti-virus among our survey respondents, but only approximately half of the people asked use anti-spyware.
Improved Online Contention Resolution for Matchings and Applications to the Gig Economy

Motivated by applications in the gig economy, we study approximation algorithms for a sequential pricing problem. The input is a bipartite graph [Formula: see text] between individuals I and jobs J. The platform has a value of vj for matching job j to an individual worker. In order to find a matching, the platform can consider the edges [Formula: see text] in any order and make a one-time take-it-or-leave-it offer of a price [Formula: see text] of its choosing to i for completing j. The worker accepts the offer with a known probability pijw; in this case, the job and the worker are irrevocably matched. What is the best way to make offers to maximize revenue and/or social welfare? The optimal algorithm is known to be NP-hard to compute (even if there is only a single job). With this in mind, we design efficient approximations to the optimal policy via a new random-order online contention resolution scheme (RO-OCRS) for matching. Our main result is a 0.456-balanced RO-OCRS in bipartite graphs and a 0.45-balanced RO-OCRS in general graphs. These algorithms improve on the recent bound of [Formula: see text] and improve on the best-known lower bounds for the correlation gap of matching, despite applying to a significantly more restrictive setting. As a consequence of our online contention resolution scheme results, we obtain a 0.456-approximate algorithm for the sequential pricing problem. We further extend our results to settings where workers can only be contacted a limited number of times and show how to achieve improved results for this problem via improved algorithms for the well-studied stochastic probing problem. Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grant CCF2209520] and a gift from Amazon Research.
The complete mitochondrial genomes of the flapper skate Dipturus intermedius and the longnose skate Dipturus oxyrinchus

Abstract We describe the complete mitochondrial genomes of the flapper skate Dipturus intermedius (Parnell 1837) and the longnose skate Dipturus oxyrinchus (Linnaeus 1758), which have been obtained by Sanger sequencing. We report the length of the sequences to be 16,906 and 16,911 bp, respectively. The length and structure of gene regions, containing 13 protein-coding regions, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and two non-coding areas, resemble those of related skate species. Despite D. intermedius being considered a cryptic species with D. batis, the full mitogenomes confirm that D. intermedius and D. oxyrinchus are more genetically similar. In comparison to other Dipturus species, D. intermedius is missing a whole codon in its cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 gene. These mitogenomes will be a useful resource furthering investigation of the population genetic differences and evolutionary history of skate species.
High‐performance supercapacitor electrolytes based on high‐mole‐ratio phosphoric acid/lauryl ether surfactant liquid crystalline gel

Proton‐conducting gel electrolytes offer significant advantages for supercapacitors. Among various acids, phosphoric acid (H3PO4·H2O, PA) has the highest proton conductivity for use as a supercapacitor electrolyte. Compared with commonly used acidic and basic electrolytes (H2SO4 and KOH), a high specific capacitance of approximately 620 F g−1 was attained for PA under 0.1 A g−1 test conditions in combination with a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) symmetric electrode. Moreover, the PA electrolyte was further improved by confining it to a liquid crystal (LC) gel matrix. PA and a non‐ionic surfactant (lauryl ether, C12H25[OCH2CH2]10OH) were used to form LC gels with PA:NI mole ratios 60 to 100:1, which had viscosity values in 800 to 5500 mPa s−1 range at a shear rate of 100 s−1 and provided a high gravimetric specific capacitance of approximately 1128 F g−1 when tested at 0.1 A g−1 with an rGO symmetric electrode. The mesophase of the LC gel at each PA:NI mole ratio was comprehensively analyzed using X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and polarized optical microscopy (POM) to confirm that the mesostructure was responsible for the high specific capacitance. The electrochemical performance was studied using electrochemical methods and galvonastatic charge/discharge tests. Furthermore, to increase the energy density of supercapacitors, focusing on automotive applications, this LC gel electrolyte could be used in an asymmetrical pseudocapacitor design.
Extraction and difference quantification of protective motion in case of indoor infant fall behaviors by multivariate analysis

Fall-related injuries are one of the most common injuries in daily life. Occasionally, particularly in children and the elderly, fall accidents can lead to fatal injuries. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the mechanism of human falls and to develop a method to prevent such accidents. In previous studies, many researchers have estimated fall-related injuries, such as bone fractures, using the finite element method or a dummy. However, to adequately evaluate fall injuries, the pre-injury phase (such as avoidance or protective reactions) should be evaluated, because impact forces are related to such reactions and their ineffectiveness may be the main cause of falls in children. Therefore, in this study, infants’ protective reactions were focused on as a first step in analyzing the pre-injury phase. The natural fall behaviors of 16 infants measured in a lab imitating a living room environment were captured. Then, the joint angle data were analyzed to extract the special features of fall behavior and determine the time at which the protective reaction starts. The special features of fall behavior such as the parachute reflex were extracted using the principal component method. In 12 out of 16 cases, the start time of the protective reactions was extracted using the singular spectrum conversion method. Then, the durations of protective reactions and skill of protective reactions were defined using principal component analysis. Using these definitions, we propose an evaluation method for the effectiveness of protective reactions in different fall behaviors.
Soil watermap usage in planning of thinnings

Off-road driving with heavy machinery (harvesters and forwarders) in logging operations nowadays is essential. It is the main reason why efficiency of harvesting has increased so significantly. Unfortunately it also has its downsides – one of which is increased soil damage in strip roads. Soil damages may have impact on tree growth in the stand, on future regeneration success or in nutrient loss. There is also a risk of increased mercury leaching from soil. There are several ways to decrease damage to soil during logging operations, like logging in winter time when soil is frozen, using light weight machinery, etc., but most of them are not appealing to industry since they either increase cost or decrease efficiency or both. In efforts to further decrease impact to environment and increase efficiency new ways to improve logging operations have to be found. One of these ways is using soil watermaps that are based on depth-to-water index (DTW). This GIS–based index is based on precise LiDAR scans of terrain, field inventory and sophisticated GIS processing. End result – soil watermap shows potential wet areas in stand that could be more susceptible to rutting. By using these maps, theoretically, it is possible to reduce damage to soil. Aim of this study was to test accuracy of soil watermaps in Norway spruce (Picea abies) thinnings. After selecting stands, locations of strip roads and soil damages were registered. Data analysis revealed that overall stand wetness according to soil watermaps didn’t show any correlation with amount of soil damage. Damaged parts of strip roads were significantly more often located on wet areas. Soil watermap value distribution analysis showed that most important difference between undamaged and damaged parts of strip roads where for areas with values 0 – 0.6 (the most susceptible to rutting). Comparison of stand re-planning using soil watermaps proved that it is possible to decrease trafficking on wet areas that are projected by soil watermaps.
Economic aspects of infertility care: a challenge for researchers and clinicians

: Infertilitycarehasimprovedremarkablyoverthelastfewdecadesandhasreceivedgrowingattentionfromhealthcareproviders. Several treatments, including expensive options such as Assisted Reproductive Techniques, are now widely available for routine clinical use. In most cases, adoption of these treatments has occurred without robust cost-effective analyses. IVF for unexplained infertility and ICSI in the absence of semen abnormalities are two examples of this gradual technology creep. More in-depth economic analyses in the ﬁeld of infertility are undoubtedly warranted. However, performing these analyses is challenging because infertility care poses a number of unique challenges. Studies of cost-effectiveness are open to criticism because there is a lack of consensus about the outcomes of choice and the appropriate per-spective.Theuseofqualityadjusted lifeyears(QALYs)to allowcomparisons withotherclinicalconditions isalsocontroversialbecausethe value associated with infertility care cannot be easily captured in QALYs. Moreover, their use triggersthe crucial question of whose QALYs merit con-sideration—an individual’s, acouple’s orachild’s. Inconclusion, economic analysisin infertility represents a peculiar but crucial challenge. If management of infertility is to become an integral part of publicly or privately funded health care systems worldwide, better quality data and a shared vision about the costs and beneﬁts of infertility treatments are needed.
Using exergame-based exercise to prevent and postpone the loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, cognition, and functional performance among elders in rural long-term care facilities: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Objective Elderly individuals in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) have a higher prevalence of sarcopenia than those in the community. Exercise is the gold standard for preventing and treating sarcopenia. Regarding exercise, multicomponent exercises, including progressive resistance training (PRT), are beneficial. However, developing routine, structured exercise programs for the elderly in LTCFs is difficult because of a shortage of healthcare providers, particularly in rural regions. Exergame-based exercises can increase a player’s motivation and reduce staff time for an intervention. Nintendo Switch RingFit Adventure (RFA) is a novel exergame that combines resistance, aerobic, and balance exercises. In this study, we aim to investigate the clinical effectiveness of RFA on muscle and functional performance parameters among the elderly in LTCFs. Methods The EXPPLORE (using EXergame to Prevent and Postpone the LOss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and functional performance in Rural Elders) trial is a single-center randomized controlled trial involving elderly individuals (≥60 years) living in LTCFs in rural southern Taiwan. The participants will be equally randomized to the intervention group (exergame-based exercise plus standard care) or the control group (standard care alone). Both groups will receive standard care except that the intervention group will receive exergame-based exercises at the time previously scheduled for sedentary activities in the LTCFs. The exergame-based exercise will be performed using RFA in the sitting position with a specialized design, including arm fit skills and knee assist mode. Each session of the exercise lasts 30 mins and will be performed two times per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes will be the osteoporotic fracture index, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, dominant handgrip strength, and gait speed. Meanwhile, the secondary outcomes will be the dexterity and agility, muscle strength and thickness, range of motion of the joints of the dominant upper extremity, Kihon checklist, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and Brain Health Test. Discussion This trial will provide valuable knowledge on whether exergames using RFA can counteract physical decline and improve quality of life and cognition among the elderly in LTCFs. Clinical trial registration [www.ClinicalTrials. gov], identifier [NCT05360667].
Quantum Mechanics and Value Definiteness

cannot be satisfied for every orthogonal triple {x,y,z}. This equation, however, is satisfied by the quantum mechanical observable s. It follows that the observable 'spin in the x-direction' does not always have a definite value (corresponding with the result that would be observed had we chosen to measure the spin in the x direction). There exists, however, a considerable gap between the logical argument of Kochen and Specker and the results of actual quantum mechanical measurements which are statistical in nature. To see that let s be a function from the set of directions in space that takes its values in the set {1,0,11. Call an orthogonal triple {x,y,z} a good triple if equation (1) is satisfied, and call it a bad triple if S2(X) + S2(y) + S2(z) = 2. If we can construct a function s for which the family of bad triples is small so that 'almost all' triples are good, we can recover the statistical results of quantum mechanics (since the chance of hitting a bad triple is null), and we can still maintain that the spin value is definite. In the following I shall give the details of a construction of such a function. I shall use the continuum hypothesis along the way, but the result also follows from a much weaker assumption (e.g., Martin's axiom). Let S2 be the set of all directions (i.e., unit vectors) in the three dimensional Euclidean space. For x E S2 let c(x) denote the set of all directions orthogonal to x. c(x) is a major circle on the sphere S2. Using
Green and Lean Manufacturing Supplier Selection using AHP-TOPSIS Method

The application of Green and Lean Manufacturing practices has been extremely recommended by many experts to benefit a company’s sustainability effectively. Sustainability consists of various requirements, considering the operational, environmental, and social aspects, which makes them difficult to develop. In recent years, the practice of lean manufacturing has been proven advantageous for companies’ operational performance. In addition, the practice of green manufacturing emphasizes environmental and social performance. The topic of “Sustainability’' appears to be growing more attention to manufacturing companies, due to society, including customers, becoming more aware of the current natural environment. Therefore, companies are suggested to become sustainable to stay competitive. This study proposes a supplier selection analysis model by examining the green and lean manufacturing Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) by using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques: Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Suppliers are one of the first stages in the production line. Hence, selecting a suitable supplier is essential for the company to achieve the goals of green and lean manufacturing. This paper will use data from the Taiwanese manufacturing industry to evaluate supplier selection. Quantitative data, using the AHP technique, is formed by subjective and objective judgments from four experts of specific fields in the company to analyze the weights for each KPP. Following that, the TOPSIS technique will determine alternative suppliers’ performance and conclude with the optimum supplier. This paper’s methods will assist managers in other manufacturing companies to apply the supplier selection method toward achieving the Green and Lean Manufacturing objective.
Image Retrieval and Identification of Abdominal Organs based on Convolutional Features

Medical imaging contributes to the field of medicine, including diagnosis, treatment, clinical decisionmaking, disease research, and teaching. As the technology of medical imaging rapidly advances, the amount of relevant data has increased rapidly. To efficiently manage and retrieve large amounts of data, content-based medical image retrieval (CBMIR) system is required. Among various medical images, abdominal computed tomography (CT) images are often used clinically. However, if the user does not specify the organ to be retrieved and only inputs the abdominal CT image, the retrieval cannot be performed as many organs exist in a CT image. Therefore, we established a content-based medical image retrieval system to quickly and accurately retrieve similar images according to the user-specified organ as the query image. For the user to indicate a specific organ to query, we proposed inputting the query CT image with the organs delineated and with the target image database. The medical images used in this study were all abdominal CT images provided by Mackay Memorial Hospital, including 282 gallbladders, 424 left kidneys, 362 right kidneys, 638 livers, 442 spleens, 450 stomachs, and 229 pancreases, a total of2827 images. A medical expert marked the CT images with the organs delineated and established the corresponding individual organ datasets. In the experiment, a deep convolutional neural network was used to establish a classification model and extract the features from all images in the target image database. When querying, the system automatically calculated the cosine similarity between the features of the query image and the features of all images in the target image database. The first ten images with the highest similarity were used as the retrieval result. Finally, the mean average precision (mAP) for every organ was used to evaluate the retrieval performance of the system. The experimental results showed that the mAP of the medical image retrieval system proposed in this study was 0.94. this indicates that the system effectively retrieved the abdominal CT images of the query-specific organs.