Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nongrowing season methane emissions–a significant component of annual emissions across northern ecosystems

Wetlands are the single largest natural source of atmospheric methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas, and occur extensively in the northern hemisphere. Large discrepancies remain between “bottom‐up” and “top‐down” estimates of northern CH4 emissions. To explore whether these discrepancies are due to poor representation of nongrowing season CH4 emissions, we synthesized nongrowing season and annual CH4 flux measurements from temperate, boreal, and tundra wetlands and uplands. Median nongrowing season wetland emissions ranged from 0.9 g/m2 in bogs to 5.2 g/m2 in marshes and were dependent on moisture, vegetation, and permafrost. Annual wetland emissions ranged from 0.9 g m−2 year−1 in tundra bogs to 78 g m−2 year−1 in temperate marshes. Uplands varied from CH4 sinks to CH4 sources with a median annual flux of 0.0 ± 0.2 g m−2 year−1. The measured fraction of annual CH4 emissions during the nongrowing season (observed: 13% to 47%) was significantly larger than that was predicted by two process‐based model ensembles, especially between 40° and 60°N (modeled: 4% to 17%). Constraining the model ensembles with the measured nongrowing fraction increased total nongrowing season and annual CH4 emissions. Using this constraint, the modeled nongrowing season wetland CH4 flux from >40° north was 6.1 ± 1.5 Tg/year, three times greater than the nongrowing season emissions of the unconstrained model ensemble. The annual wetland CH4 flux was 37 ± 7 Tg/year from the data‐constrained model ensemble, 25% larger than the unconstrained ensemble. Considering nongrowing season processes is critical for accurately estimating CH4 emissions from high‐latitude ecosystems, and necessary for constraining the role of wetland emissions in a warming climate.
Time-varying cycle average and daily variation in ambient air pollution and fecundability

STUDY QUESTION Does ambient air pollution affect fecundability? SUMMARY ANSWER While cycle-average air pollution exposure was not associated with fecundability, we observed some associations for acute exposure around ovulation and implantation with fecundability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Ambient air pollution exposure has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and decrements in semen quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The LIFE study (2005-2009), a prospective time-to-pregnancy study, enrolled 501 couples who were followed for up to one year of attempting pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Average air pollutant exposure was assessed for the menstrual cycle before and during the proliferative phase of each observed cycle (n = 500 couples; n = 2360 cycles) and daily acute exposure was assessed for sensitive windows of each observed cycle (n = 440 couples; n = 1897 cycles). Discrete-time survival analysis modeled the association between fecundability and an interquartile range increase in each pollutant, adjusting for co-pollutants, site, age, race/ethnicity, parity, body mass index, smoking, income and education. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Cycle-average air pollutant exposure was not associated with fecundability. In acute models, fecundability was diminished with exposure to ozone the day before ovulation and nitrogen oxides 8 days post ovulation (fecundability odds ratio [FOR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72, 0.96 and FOR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.99, respectively). However, particulate matter ≤10 microns 6 days post ovulation was associated with greater fecundability (FOR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.54). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although our study was unlikely to be biased due to confounding, misclassification of air pollution exposure and the moderate study size may have limited our ability to detect an association between ambient air pollution and fecundability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS While no associations were observed for cycle-average ambient air pollution exposure, consistent with past research in the United States, exposure during critical windows of hormonal variability was associated with prospectively measured couple fecundability, warranting further investigation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment study contract nos. #N01-HD-3-3355, NO1-HD-#-3356, N01-HD-3-3358 and the Air Quality and Reproductive Health Study Contract No. HHSN275200800002I, Task Order No. HHSN27500008). We declare no conflict of interest.
Magnetic Separation Methods for the Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Various Types of Matrices: A Review

The main reasons to improve the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) are animal health and monitoring of MAP entering the food chain via meat, milk, and/or dairy products. Different approaches can be used for the detection of MAP, but the use of magnetic separation especially in conjunction with PCR as an end-point detection method has risen in past years. However, the extraction of DNA which is a crucial step prior to PCR detection can be complicated due to the presence of inhibitory substances. Magnetic separation methods involving either antibodies or peptides represent a powerful tool for selective separation of target bacteria from other nontarget microorganisms and inhibitory sample components. These methods enable the concentration of pathogens present in the initial matrix into smaller volume and facilitate the isolation of sufficient quantities of pure DNA. The purpose of this review was to summarize the methods based on the magnetic separation approach that are currently available for the detection of MAP in a broad range of matrices.
Investigation of the Optical Absorption Spectra of Thin Epitaxial Lead Selenide Layers Approaching the Nanoscale Thickness

By sophisticated treatment of the optical absorption spectra of thin epitaxial layers of lead selenide of different thickness approaching the nanorange, the presence of similar additional absorption for all layers was revealed. Such absorption was detected between the absorption edge and the absorption on free current carriers increasing with the wavelength. When constructing the absorption spectra by the experimentally investigated transmission spectra, the criteria of their treatment were strengthened by considerations for the absorption relation between the layers with low and high concentrations of current carriers, and from which level of absorption the transitions related to the absorption edge were to be considered. This resulted in the fact that, upon straightening the squared absorption coefficients, the obtained values of the forbidden gap width were in good correlation with the results obtained with the corresponding deformation of thin layers, and the contribution of the additional absorption to their determination was negligible.
Testing Mean Differences among Groups: Multivariate and Repeated Measures Analysis with Minimal Assumptions

ABSTRACT To date, there is a lack of satisfactory inferential techniques for the analysis of multivariate data in factorial designs, when only minimal assumptions on the data can be made. Presently available methods are limited to very particular study designs or assume either multivariate normality or equal covariance matrices across groups, or they do not allow for an assessment of the interaction effects across within-subjects and between-subjects variables. We propose and methodologically validate a parametric bootstrap approach that does not suffer from any of the above limitations, and thus provides a rather general and comprehensive methodological route to inference for multivariate and repeated measures data. As an example application, we consider data from two different Alzheimer’s disease (AD) examination modalities that may be used for precise and early diagnosis, namely, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and electroencephalogram (EEG). These data violate the assumptions of classical multivariate methods, and indeed classical methods would not have yielded the same conclusions with regards to some of the factors involved.
Effect of permeation enhancers on the release and permeation kinetics of meloxicam gel formulations through rat skin

Purpose: The main aim of this research was to study the effect of various penetration enhancers on the permeation of meloxicam gel through skin in order to avoid oral delivery side effects such as irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, and systemic toxicity and to achieve a better therapeutic effect. The influence of various penetration enhancers, such as isopropyl myristate, dimethyl sulfoxide, and various fatty acids from different subclasses like mono-unsaturated (oleic acid), and poly-unsaturated (linoleic acid), on the percutaneous absorption of meloxicam from Carbopol gels containing 40% propylene glycol was investigated. Methods: Skin permeation experiments were carried out using excised abdominal rat skin. The in vitro transdermal penetration of these formulations was evaluated using a Franz diffusion cell. Furthermore, a pharmacodynamic study of meloxicam was carried out to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity on a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model and a skin irritation study was also carried out on rabbits. Results: Oleic acid was found to be the most efficient enhancer for meloxicam, followed by linoleic acid. With 5% oleic acid, meloxicam gel showed a permeation rate of 33.06 ± 0.81 µg·cm -2 ·h -1 , which was 7-fold higher compared with control gel. In the paw edema test, 5% oleic acid and 5% linoleic acid were the most effective. Conclusion: The in vitro and in vivo studies showed that use of penetration enhancer allows local delivery of meloxicam at the inflammation site and also its systematic absorption.
HPTLC ANALYSIS OF ECLIPTA PROSTRATA AND PSIDIUM GUAJAVA EXTRACTS AND THEIR EFFECT ON CELL-SURFACE HYDROPHOBICITY OF A CONSORTIUM OF DENTAL PLAQUE ISOLATES

Objective: The present study elucidates the preliminary phytochemical analysis and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint analysis of Hot Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract (HAEE) of the leaves of Psidium guajava and Cold Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract (CAEE) of the leaves of Eclipta prostrata and evaluates their effect on cell-surface hydrophobicity of a consortium of dental plaque isolates. Methods: The extracts were evaluated for their effect on cell-surface hydrophobicity by the Microbial Adhesion to Hydrocarbon (MATH) assay. The extracts were further subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening by standard procedures and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis. Results: The test consortium was found to have an inherent hydrophobicity index (HPBI) > 70% thus classifying it as hydrophobic. The hydrophobicity of the test consortium significantly reduced in the presence of various concentrations of both extracts evaluated, in a concentration dependent manner. In the presence of P.guajava HAEE, the HPBI was significantly reduced at concentrations of 1 and 2.5 mg ml -1, while E. prostrata CAEE significantly reduced HPBI at concentrations between 1.25 to 7.5 mg ml -1. Phytochemical screening and HPTLC analysis of the extracts revealed a strong presence of flavonoids and tannins among other phytoconstituents. Conclusion: Flavonoids and tannins detected in P.guajava HAEE and E. prostrata CAEE may be responsible for the observed effect on cell surface hydrophobicity of the test consortium. Such extracts capable of modulating cell surface hydrophobicity can be of great significance in oral care
Heat Transfer

Correspondence Lahcen Bammou, Laboratory of Thermodynamics and Energetics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, BP 8106, Cité Dakhla, Agadir, Morocco. Email: lahcen.bammou@uiz.ac. ma Abstract The convective instability driven by buoyancy in the Poiseuille–Rayleigh–Bénard flow through two infinite parallel horizontal plates filled with nanofluids is investigated using linear stability analysis. We considered water‐based nanofluids with different volume fractions of aluminum (Al O 2 3) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles. A spectral collocation method founded on Chebyshev polynomials is implemented and the obtained algebraic eigenvalue problem is solved. In this study, we have numerically determined the critical Rayleigh number of the onset of longitudinal and transversal rolls and the results are represented in the form of marginal stability curves. Critical wave numbers that describe the size of convective cells in the flow are also presented, analyzed, and compared with those of the Poiseuille–Rayleigh–Bénard flow without nanoparticles. The effects of the type and nanoparticle volume fractions on the onset of both longitudinal and transversal rolls are investigated.
Discourse level reading comprehension interventions following acquired brain injury: a systematic review

Abstract Purpose Reading comprehension can change following acquired brain injury (ABI), impacting independence and participation. This review aims to identify and evaluate the interventions used for rehabilitation of discourse level reading in adults with ABI. Methods A systematic review was conducted of published journal articles. Methodological quality of studies was reviewed using formal and informal rating scales. Inclusion criteria involved adults with non-progressive ABI who experienced discourse level reading deficits related to aphasia or cognitive-communication disorders. Results A total of 23 studies were identified; these included randomized controlled trials, cohort and case studies. Six different types of reading interventions were found, overall results of these interventions were mixed. Reading deficits were reportedly related to language (aphasia) and/or cognitive deficits, with assessment processes varying. Questions arose regarding comparability of assessment methods and diagnostic issues across the studies. Conclusions Interventions for discourse level reading comprehension can make positive changes to reading function. However, no intervention was identified as a gold standard. A trend toward strategy-based reading was found, with these offering a potential for (comparatively) cost-effective lower-dosage reading treatments with positive-trend results. Cognitive and language features should be considered for assessment and intervention planning for discourse reading in ABI. Implications for Rehabilitation Six different types of discourse reading comprehension interventions for people with ABI were identified, with mixed evidence for each intervention. Clinicians need to consider both the linguistic and cognitive features of reading for assessment and intervention planning for discourse level reading. There is a research trend toward strategy-based reading interventions, which use a lower treatment dosage.
Unsupervised Deep Video Hashing with Balanced Rotation

Recently, hashing video contents for fast retrieval has received increasing attention due to the enormous growth of online videos. As the extension of image hashing techniques, traditional video hashing methods mainly focus on seeking the appropriate video features but pay little attention to how the video-specific features can be leveraged to achieve optimal binarization. In this paper, an end-to-end hashing framework, namely Unsupervised Deep Video Hashing (UDVH), is proposed, where feature extraction, balanced code learning and hash function learning are integrated and optimized in a self-taught manner. Particularly, distinguished from previous work, our framework enjoys two novelties: 1) an unsupervised hashing method that integrates the feature clustering and feature binarization, enabling the neighborhood structure to be preserved in the binary space; 2) a smart rotation applied to the video-specific features that are widely spread in the low-dimensional space such that the variance of dimensions can be balanced, thus generating more effective hash codes. Extensive experiments have been performed on two real-world datasets and the results demonstrate its superiority, compared to the state-of-the-art video hashing methods. To bootstrap further developments, the source code will be made publically available.
Demonstration of Ash Utilization in Low Volume Roads

Two field projects are described where cementitious fly ashes (10% by dry weight) and water were mixed to stabilize recycled pavement materials and road-surface gravel to form a base during reconstruction of a city street in Waseca, MN, and construction of a flexible pavement in a segment of gravel country road, CR 53 in Chisago County, MN, respectively. Addition of fly ash improves the stiffness and strength of the base materials significantly. A resilient modulus of minimum 50 MPa appears safe to assume irrespective of the base material at the end of construction due to fly ash stabilization. However, moduli of 100 MPa or more can also be achieved. There is no evidence of frost-induced degradation in the field over a single season of winter. Chemical analysis of the draining leachate from the fly ash-stabilized layers showed that the concentrations of trace elements (with the exception of Mn) were below USEPA maximum contaminant levels and Minnesota health risk levels. Longer-term monitoring is needed to fully understand the potential for leaching of trace elements and frost action during the service life. These field cases show that fly ash stabilization provides an effective and economical means of providing a base for asphalt paving using existing roadway materials.
Effects of one session radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy on post-stroke plantarflexor spasticity: a single-blind clinical trial

Abstract Purpose To examine the effects of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) on plantarflexor spasticity after stroke. Method Twelve patients with stroke were randomly included for this prospective, single-blind clinical trial. Patients received one rESWT session (0.340 mJ/mm2, 2000 shots) on plantarflexor muscle. The Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), H-reflex tests, ankle range of motion (ROM), passive plantarflexor torque (PPFT) and timed up and go test (TUG) were measured at baseline (T0), immediately after treatment (T1) and one hour after the end of the treatment (T2). Results Patients had improved the MMAS scores for both the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles, active and passive ROM, PPFT and TUG over time after rESWT. For the PPFT, it was greater at high velocity than at low velocity, and there was a significant three-way interaction between time, knee position (extended/flexed) and velocity (low/high). The H-reflex latency had decreased at T1, but there was no significant effect on Hmax/Mmax ratio. Conclusions The rESWT improved plantarflexor spasticity, and the effects sustained for one hour, whereas it was not effective in improving spinal excitability. Implications for Rehabilitation One session radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) is safe and effective in improving post stroke plantarflexor spasticity, ankle active and passive range of motion, passive torque, and walking capability. The spasticity scores improved for both the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles and persisted one hour after rESWT. The magnitude of resistive plantarflexor passive torque in the knee extended position and high velocity was larger over time suggesting greater gastrocnemius spasticity than soleus. The rESWT had no significant effects on alpha motorneuron excitability.
Cutaneous Sensory Block Area, Muscle-Relaxing Effect, and Block Duration of the Transversus Abdominis Plane Block: A Randomized, Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Volunteers

Background and Objectives The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a widely used nerve block. However, basic block characteristics are poorly described. The purpose of this study was to assess the cutaneous sensory block area, muscle-relaxing effect, and block duration. Methods Sixteen healthy volunteers were randomized to receive an ultrasound-guided unilateral TAP block with 20 mL 7.5 mg/mL ropivacaine and placebo on the contralateral side. Measurements were performed at baseline and 90 minutes after performing the block. Cutaneous sensory block area was mapped and separated into a medial and lateral part by a vertical line through the anterior superior iliac spine. We measured muscle thickness of the 3 lateral abdominal muscle layers with ultrasound in the relaxed state and during maximal voluntary muscle contraction. The volunteers reported the duration of the sensory block and the abdominal muscle–relaxing effect. Results The lateral part of the cutaneous sensory block area was a median of 266 cm2 (interquartile range, 191–310 cm2) and the medial part 76 cm2 (interquartile range, 54–127 cm2). In all the volunteers, lateral wall muscle thickness decreased significantly by 9.2 mm (6.9–15.7 mm) during a maximal contraction. Sensory block and muscle-relaxing effect duration were 570 minutes (512–716 minutes) and 609 minutes (490–724 minutes), respectively. Conclusions Cutaneous sensory block area of the TAP block is predominantly located lateral to a vertical line through the anterior superior iliac spine. The distribution is nondermatomal and does not cross the midline. The muscle-relaxing effect is significant and consistent. The block duration is approximately 10 hours with large variation.
STRESS PREDICTION AND LOW TEMPERATURE FRACTURE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF ASPHALTIC CONCRETE PAVEMENTS

FIVE DIFFERENT METHODS OF STRESS COMPUTATION WERE EMPLOYED TO EVALUATE THERMAL STRESSES IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT TEST SECTIONS INCORPORATED IN TWO TEST PROJECTS IN WESTERN CANADA. STRESSES WITHIN THE PARTICULAR ASPHALTIC CONCRETES WERE EVALUATED, USING STIFFNESS PROPERTIES DETERMINED BY INDIRECT MEANS, BY EMPLOYING NOMOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES. FRACTURE STRENGTH- TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIPS WERE ESTABLISHED FOR ASPHALTIC CONCRETE CORES USING THE TENSILE SPLITTING TEST METHOD. OBSERVED CRACKING IN THE TEST PROJECTS WAS COMPARED TO THAT PREDICTED BY THE VARIOUS STRESS ANALYSES USING A POSTULATED FRACTURE CRITERION.
Diversification rates indicate an early role of adaptive radiations at the origin of modern echinoid fauna

Evolutionary radiations are fascinating phenomena corresponding to a dramatic diversification of taxa and a burst of cladogenesis over short periods of time. Most evolutionary radiations have long been regarded as adaptive but this has seldom been demonstrated with large-scale comparative datasets including fossil data. Originating in the Early Jurassic, irregular echinoids are emblematic of the spectacular diversification of mobile marine faunas during the Mesozoic Marine Revolution. They diversified as they colonized various habitats, and now constitute the main component of echinoid fauna in modern seas. The evolutionary radiation of irregular echinoids has long been considered as adaptive but this hypothesis has never been tested. In the present work we analyze the evolution of echinoid species richness and morphological disparity over 37 million years based on an extensive fossil dataset. Our results demonstrate that morphological and functional diversifications in certain clades of irregular echinoids were exceptionally high compared to other clades and that they were associated with the evolution of new modes of life and so can be defined as adaptive radiations. The role played by ecological opportunities in the diversification of these clades was critical, with the evolution of the infaunal mode of life promoting the adaptive radiation of irregular echinoids.