Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dielectric and magnetic properties of random and segregated ferrite polystyrene composites

The dielectric and magnetic properties of polystyrene composites containing barium or nickel-zinc ferrites were studied as function of the ferrite concentration and field frequency. The composites were prepared by methods yielding a random distribution of the ferrite particles or segregated structures. Barium ferrite-poly-styrene composites exhibited a typical insulator behavior, and only above 60% ferrite were high values of the dielectric properties noted at the lower frequencies, decreasing gradually with frequency to the low values typical of the higher frequencies. The mode of barium ferrite particle distribution did not affect the dielectric properties. The nickel-zinc ferrite systems demonstrated a conductor type behavior. An apparent insulator-conductor transition was observed, having lower values for segregated than for random distributions. The magnetic permability of barium ferrite-polystyrene composites above 10% ferrite increases with the ferrite concentration, whereas the magnetic dissipation factor steeply increases with concentration above 40% ferrite.
DENITRIFICATION AT DIFFERENT TEMPORAL AND GEO- GRAPHICAL SCALES: PROXIMAL AND DISTAL CONTROLS

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Discrepancies between crystallized and fluid ability are associated with frequency of social and physical engagement in community dwelling older adults

ABSTRACT Objective: Age differences have been noted in the discrepancies between crystallized and fluid ability (Gc–Gf). Larger Gc–Gf discrepancies have also been shown to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers and clinical severity. However, little is known regarding the relationship between Gc–Gf discrepancies in normal aging and functional outcomes. The aim of the present study was to examine this. Method: Data from 104 adults (Mage = 71.70 years, SD = 9.016) were included in the present study. Measures from the NIH toolbox were used to form the discrepancy scores. Physical, cognitive, and social activities were identified using the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors activity questionnaire. Linear regression analyses, controlling for age, education, gender, health, and depressive symptoms, were used to examine the association between social, cognitive, and physical activities on Gc–Gf discrepancies. Results: Results showed that social and physical activity were significantly associated with greater discrepancies between crystallized and fluid ability, independent of covariates. There was no association between cognitive activity and Gc–Gf discrepancies. Conclusions: Larger discrepancies between crystallized and fluid ability are related to frequency of social and physical activity. The findings support previous research that discrepancy scores may serve as a marker of cognitive decline. In more highly educated older individuals, Gc–Gf discrepancies may be a more accurate indicator of actual cognitive status.
USE OF CHEMICAL FUNGICIDES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RICE BLAST (PYRICULARIA GRISEA) DISEASE AT JYOTINAGAR, CHITWAN, NEPAL

Rice blast caused by Pyricularia grisea Sacc. is the important disease of rice and different fungicides against this disease were evaluated in summer 2014 at Karma Research and Development Center, Jyotinagar, Chitwan, Nepal. A susceptible rice cultivar ‘Mansuli’ was planted in randomized complete block design and fungicides viz. Tricyclazole 22% + Hexaconazole 3% SC (0.2%), Streptomycin 5% + Thiophanate Methyl 50% WP (0.15%), Prochloraz 25% EC (0.3%), Kasugamycin 2% WP (0.2%), Hexaconazole 4% + Zineb 68 % WP (0.2%) and Udaan (Hexaconazole 3% SC) (0.2%) were sprayed thrice at weekly interval starting from the booting stage. All these fungicides were found to be effective in controlling leaf and neck blast disease as compare to control one. Among them, Tricyclazole 22% + Hexaconazole 3% SC was found to be the most effective with least leaf blast severity (6.23%), neck blast incidence (8.97%), and highest percentage disease control (87.08% and 79.62% in leaf blast and neck blast respectively) and grain yield (4.23 t/ha) followed by Prochloraz 25% EC (0.3%) and Udaan (Hexaconazole 3% SC) (0.2%). It is therefore concluded that Tricyclazole 22% + Hexaconazole 3% SC fungicide could be used to control rice blast at weekly interval starting from the booting stage for three times. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(3): 474-478
The Counteracting Effects of Capillary Porosity and of Unhydrated Clinker Grains on the Macroscopic Strength of Hydrating Cement Paste–A Multiscale Model

Strength of cement pastes increases overlinearly with decreasing capillary porosity, such as suggested by the gel-space ratio model of Freyssinet (1933). This model, however, cannot explain that strength of mature sub-stoichiometric cement pastes increases with decreasing w/c-ratio, such as observed by Fagerlund (1972). The latter observation might well stem from a strengthening effect of unhydrated clinker grains, but until very recently an etiological model for quantification of this effect was out of reach. This provides the motivation for the present study, where we envision that the strength of microscopic cement hydrates is the limiting factor for the load carrying capacity of macroscopic cement paste samples. In more detail, we envision a stress-based strength criterion for microscopic hydrate needles, whereby the involved hydrate strength constant is determined from the results of nanoindentation experiments on low-density C-S-H, performed by Constantinides and Ulm (2006). Strength upscaling is performed within the framework of continuum micromechanics (Pichler et al., 2008-2013). Modelpredicted macrostrength values of cement pastes (exhibiting different compositions and different maturities) agree very well with strength values measured at three different laboratories. The validated model confirms that strength of cement pastes is strongly influenced by capillary porosity, and that unhydrated clinker grains act as significantly strengthening reinforcements for mature substoichiometric pastes (Pichler et al. 2013).
Vaporization of carbon from Cu-WC contact during arc discharge in vacuum

To identify the components emitted from WC-based contact during arc discharges in a vacuum, spectroscopic measurements were performed for vacuum arc discharges between Cu, W, C, WC and Cu-WC contacts. As a result, the spectra of C and W, which have extremely low vapor pressures, were observed as well as that of Cu. To obtain conclusive evidence of the vaporization of C, W and Cu, the deposits on the contact holders were also investigated by means of surface analysis methods such as AES and XPS. The mechanism of simultaneous vaporization of those components with different vapor pressures was discussed by means of thermal analysis. It shows that the superheating of WC at the contact surface could cause the vaporization of carbon.
Preliminary Results of Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods for Early Onset Scoliosis

Background: Growth-sparing techniques for the treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS) have developed significantly over the last years. Traditional growing rods (GRs) require repeated surgical lengthening under anesthesia. Since June 2011 we have been using the magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) to treat patients with progressive EOS. Methods: Thirty-five patients with EOS of different etiologies underwent treatment with MCGR. We record about our preliminary results of 24 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of a minimum follow-up (FU) of 12 month and >3 lengthenings. The mean age at surgery was 8.9±2.5 years. Correction of the primary curve after the index surgery and after lengthenings was measured on standing radiographs using the Cobb technique. T1-T12 and T1-S1 spinal length were also measured. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: The mean FU was 21.1±7.3 months. All patients had a minimum of 3 outpatient lengthenings [mean, 4.6±1.5 (range, 3 to 8)]. The mean primary curve was 63±15 degrees (range, 40 to 96 degrees) and improved to 29±11 degrees (range, 11 to 53 degrees; P<0.001) after MCGR. The mean major curve after most recent lengthening was 26 degrees (range, 8 to 60 degrees; P<0.07). The T1-T12 as well as the T1-S1 length increased significantly (P<0.001). The mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis decreased from 43±24 degrees (range, −32 to 86 degrees) to 27±12 degrees (range, 9 to 50 degrees; P<0.001) after surgery, respectively, and measured 32±12 degrees (range, 12 to 64 degrees; P<0.05) at last FU. In 1 patient a loss of distraction occurred making rod exchange necessary. Three patients developed a proximal junctional kyphosis and in another patient a screw pull out occurred that required revision surgery. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that MCGR is a safe and effective nonfusion technique in the treatment of progressive EOS avoiding repeated surgical lengthening procedures. It provides adequate distraction similar to standard GR. The magnetically induced transcutaneous lengthening allows noninvasive distraction achieving spinal growth comparable to conventional GR techniques. Level of Evidence: Level IV—retrospective nonrandomized objective study.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel in advanced Parkinson's disease

Background: Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (designated as carbidopa‐levodopa enteral suspension in the United States) provides stable plasma levodopa concentrations and reduces motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson's disease patients through continuous delivery of levodopa via percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy. We report long‐term safety and efficacy outcomes from an open‐label phase 3 treatment program.
Describing symptoms using the Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool in hospitalized children with cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Objectives were to describe any bothersome symptom and severely bothersome symptoms in inpatient children with cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. We included children 8–18 years of age with cancer or HSCT recipients who were receiving active treatment for cancer, admitted to hospital, and expected to be in hospital 3 days later. We administered the self‐report Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool (SSPedi). We described those who identified any degree of symptom bother (at least “a little”) and those who rated the degree of bother as severe (“a lot” or “extremely”). Factors associated with severe symptoms and total SSPedi scores were examined using multiple logistic and linear regression. Among the 302 patients, 298 (98.7%) reported having any bothersome symptom and 181 (59.9%) had at least one severely bothersome symptom. In multiple regression, older children were significantly more likely to have at least one severely bothersome symptom (15–18 and 11–14 years vs. 8–10 years; P = 0.008) and to have higher total SSPedi scores (P = 0.0003). Those with relapsed disease were more likely to have at least one severely bothersome symptom (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1–4.3; P = 0.037) and HSCT recipients were more likely to have higher symptom scores (β = 3.48, standard error = 1.6; P = 0.030). Almost all children receiving cancer therapies experience bothersome symptoms and 60% have at least one severely bothersome symptom. Older children experienced more severely bothersome symptoms and higher symptom scores. Future studies should follow children longitudinally to better understand the symptom trajectory and should institute interventions to manage symptoms.
Exogenous Addition of Arachidonic Acid to the Culture Media Enhances the Functionality of Dendritic Cells for Their Possible Use in Cancer Immunotherapy

The development of dendritic cell based vaccines is a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy. For their successful use in the clinics, the propagation and functionality of DCs is crucial. We earlier established a two-step method for the large scale generation of DCs from umbilical cord blood derived MNCs/CD34+ cells. This work aims at improving their functionality based on the following observations: in vitro generated DCs can be less efficient in migration and other functional activities due to lower eicosanoid levels. The production of eicosanoids from Arachidonic Acid (AA) can be hampered due to suppression of the enzyme phospholipase A2 by IL-4, an essential cytokine required for the differentiation of DCs. We hypothesized that exogenous addition of AA to the culture media during DC generation may result in DCs with improved functionality. DCs were generated with and without AA. The two DC sets were compared by phenotypic analysis, morphology and functional assays like antigen uptake, MLR, CTL assay and in vitro and in vivo migration. Though there were no differences between the two types of DCs in terms of morphology, phenotype and antigen uptake, AA+ DCs exhibited an enhanced in vitro and in vivo migration, T cell stimulatory capacity, CTL activity and significantly higher transcript levels of COX-2. AA+ DCs also show a favorable Th1 cytokine profile than AA- DCs. Thus addition of AA to the culture media is skewing the DCs towards the secretion of more IL-12 and less of IL-10 along with the restoration of eicosanoids levels in a COX-2 mediated pathway thereby enhancing the functionality of these cells to be used as a potent cellular vaccine. Taken together, these findings will be helpful in the better contriving of DC based vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.
Chronic Light Exposure in the Middle of the Night Disturbs the Circadian System and Emotional Regulation

In mammals, the circadian system is composed of a principal circadian oscillator located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and a number of subordinate oscillators in extra-SCN brain regions and peripheral tissues/organs. However, how the time-keeping functions of this multiple oscillator circuit are affected by aberrant lighting environments remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic light exposure in the middle of the night on the circadian system by comparing the mice housed in a 12:4:4:4-h L:DLD condition with the controls in 12:12-h L:D condition. Daily rhythms in locomotor activity were analyzed and the expression patterns of protein products of clock genes Period1 and Period2 (PER1 and PER2) were examined in the SCN and extra-SCN brain regions, including the dorsal striatum, hippocampus, paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Following 2 weeks of housing in the L:DLD condition, animals showed disturbed daily rhythms in locomotor activity and lacked daily rhythms of PER1 and PER2 in the SCN. In the extra-SCN brain regions, the PER1 and PER2 rhythms were affected in a region-specific pattern, such that they were relatively undisturbed in the striatum and hippocampus, phase-shifted in the BLA, and abolished in the PVN. In addition, mice in the L:DLD condition showed increased anxiety-like behaviors and reduced brain-derived neurotropic factor messenger RNA expression in the hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex, which are brain regions that are involved in emotional regulation. These results indicate that nighttime light exposure leads to circadian disturbances not only by abolishing the circadian rhythms in the SCN but also by inducing misalignment among brain oscillators and negatively affects emotional processing. These observations serve to identify risks associated with decisions regarding lifestyle in our modern society.
Biomimetic approaches for green tribology: from the lotus effect to blood flow control

The research in Green tribology combines several areas including biomimetic tribomaterials and surfaces for controlled adhesion. Biomimetic surfaces mimic living nature and thus they are eco-friendly. The most famous biomimetic surface effect is the Lotus effect (reduction of water adhesion to a solid surface due to micro/nanostructuring of the solid surface). Several extensions of the Lotus effect have been discussed in the literature including the oleophobicity (repelling organic liquids such as oils), underwater oleophobicity to reduce fouling, and the shark skin effect (flow drag reduction due to specially oriented micro-riblets). Here we suggest a potentially important application of micro/nanostructured surfaces in the biomedical area: the micro/nanostructure controlled adhesion in blood flow. Blood is a suspension, and its adhesion properties are different from those of water and oil. For many cardiovascular applications, it is desirable to reduce stagnation and clotting of blood. Therefore, both the underwater oleophobicuity and shark-skin effect can be used. We discuss how computational fluid dynamics models can be used to investigate the structure–property relationships of surface pattern-controlled blood flow adhesion.
Fast Transport Optimization for Monge Costs on the Circle

Consider the problem of optimally matching two measures on the circle, or equivalently two periodic measures on the real line, and suppose the cost of matching two points satisfies the Monge condition. We introduce a notion of locally optimal transport plan, motivated by the weak KAM (Aubry-Mather) theory, and show that all locally optimal transport plans are conjugate to shifts and that the cost of a locally optimal transport plan is a convex function of a shift parameter. This theory is applied to a transportation problem arising in image processing: for two sets of point masses on the circle, both of which have the same total mass, find an optimal transport plan with respect to a given cost function satisfying the Monge condition. In the circular case the sorting strategy fails to provide a unique candidate solution and a naive approach requires a quadratic number of operations. For the case of $N$ real-valued point masses we present an O(N |log epsilon|) algorithm that approximates the optimal cost within epsilon; when all masses are integer multiples of 1/M, the algorithm gives an exact solution in O(N log M) operations.
Support needs for medication use and the suitability of eHealth technologies to address these needs: a focus group study of older patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective The objectives of this study were to explore the needs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) regarding support for medication use and to gain insight into their perspective on the suitability of eHealth technologies to address these needs. Methods Three focus groups were conducted with 28 patients with RA. Audio recordings made during the focus groups were transcribed verbatim. Two researchers independently performed an inductive, thematic analysis on the data (ie, the transcripts and field notes). Results The following three themes that described support needs of patients with RA for medication use were identified in the data: 1) informational support; 2) practical support; and 3) emotional support. Informational support reflected the provision of information and facts, including advice, suggestions, and feedback from health care providers. Practical support included the reinforcement of practical skills as well as the provision of medication aids and pharmacy services. Emotional support reflected a trusted patient–health care provider relationship, characterized by good communication. Although potential advantages of eHealth technologies to address the patients’ support needs were recognized, concerns over matters such as personal interaction with health care providers, privacy and data security, and the quality and reliability of online information were prevalent. Conclusion Patients with RA have informational, practical, and emotional support needs for medication use. Informational support seems to be most important. From the patients’ perspective, eHealth technologies may have the potential to address these needs. However, these technologies are regarded as a complement to, rather than a replacement of, current practices.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF ENERGY DISSIPATION OF POROUS ROCK UNDER IMPACT LOADING

Impact experiments of man-made rock with different porosities were carried out with Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). The characteristic of energy dissipation and the influence of rock porosity on energy dissipation were investigated during the impact process. Meanwhile, the relation between the energy dissipation of critical failure and rock porosity was also analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the porosity of rock plays an important role in the energy dissipation process. The energy dissipation increases as the porosity of man-made rock increases at the same impact velocity, and it decreases as the rock porosity increases under the critical damage of man-made rock. The energy dissipation is related to the internal damage of rock to some extent.
Disentangling Timing of Admixture, Patterns of Introgression, and Phenotypic Indicators in a Hybridizing Wolf Population

Abstract Hybridization is a natural or anthropogenic process that can deeply affect the genetic make-up of populations, possibly decreasing individual fitness but sometimes favoring local adaptations. The population of Italian wolves (Canis lupus), after protracted demographic declines and isolation, is currently expanding in anthropic areas, with documented cases of hybridization with stray domestic dogs. However, identifying admixture patterns in deeply introgressed populations is far from trivial. In this study, we used a panel of 170,000 SNPs analyzed with multivariate, Bayesian and local ancestry reconstruction methods to identify hybrids, estimate their ancestry proportions and timing since admixture. Moreover, we carried out preliminary genotype–phenotype association analyses to identify the genetic bases of three phenotypic traits (black coat, white claws, and spur on the hind legs) putative indicators of hybridization. Results showed no sharp subdivisions between nonadmixed wolves and hybrids, indicating that recurrent hybridization and deep introgression might have started mostly at the beginning of the population reexpansion. In hybrids, we identified a number of genomic regions with excess of ancestry in one of the parental populations, and regions with excess or resistance to introgression compared with neutral expectations. The three morphological traits showed significant genotype–phenotype associations, with a single genomic region for black coats and white claws, and with multiple genomic regions for the spur. In all cases the associated haplotypes were likely derived from dogs. In conclusion, we show that the use of multiple genome-wide ancestry reconstructions allows clarifying the admixture dynamics even in highly introgressed populations, and supports their conservation management.