Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salt balance in mangroves.

The tidal zone of tropical seas is frequently lined with great mangrove forests, the dominating species of which belong to such genera as Rhizophora, Bruguiera, Sonneratia, and Avicennia. The outstanding feature of these plants is their adaptation to growing in seawater, and even though all do well in river estuaries they seldom penetrate inland beyond the direct action of ocean tides. A question which immediately presents itself is "How do these plants handle the salt in the seawater ? " Do the roots exclude it from the transpiration stream or do the plants possess special organs for eliminating such salts as may penetrate into the sap? What balance, if any, exists between osmotic potential of seawater, roots, and leaves on one hand and hydrostatic pressure and osmotic potential of the xylem sap on the other? Our aim has been to inquire into these matters. It has long been realized that various mangroves behave differently with respect to some of these parameters. It is thus easily ascertained that certain species accumulate salt on their leaves. In Aegialitis and Aegiceras salt crystals can be seen covering the leaves and in Avicennia and Acanthus ilicifolia one may easily taste the salt. In other species like Sonneratia, Rhizophora, Bruguiera, Ceriops, and Lumnitzera salt can neither be seen nor tasted (5, 17). Various authors agree that press juices of mangrove leaves have a high osmotic potential, being more or less isotonic with seawater (5, 6, 17). Walter and Steiner, using the same species of Rhizophora, Sonneratia and Avicennia in East Africa as we worked on in Australia, found that the press juices of roots also showed similar values. They determined the transpiration rate of mangrove leaves to be about one-third of that of ordinary plants (20). Some of the mangroves possess salt glands on the leaves, visible by naked eye as minute dimples in the surface. The histology of the glands has been described in Aegialitis by Ruhland (9) and Avicennia by Walter and Steiner (20), but no experimental studies seem to have been performed on these. However Ruhland (9) determined the amount of salt given off by the isolated leaves of statice (Limonium latifolium), and using leaf disks of the same species, Arisz, Camphuis, Heikens, and Van Tooren (2) found that these would secrete salt when floated on a saline solution. The secreted fluid under certain conditions became more concentrated than the medium. This process was stopped by cyanide and other respiratory poisons. Large mangrove stands are typically rooted in deep muck which is completely anaerobic from decomposing materials. In such habitats the roots are conspicuously swollen by a spongy pneumatic tissue which communicates to the air through a multitude of lenticels located on stilt roots (Rhizophora, Bruguiera) or special pneumatophores (Avicennia, Sonneratia). The ventilatory function of these structures has been studied in detail in Avicennia and Rhizophora (4, 16, 19).
Identification and Characterization of Sex-Biased MicroRNAs in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that regulate various biological processes including sexual dimorphism. The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis is one of the most destructive agricultural insect pests in many Asian countries. However, no miRNAs have been identified from the separate sex and gonads to elucidate sex gonad differentiation in B. dorsalis. In this study, we constructed four small RNA libraries from whole body of females, males (except ovaries and testes) and ovaries, testes of B. dorsalis for deep sequencing. The data analysis revealed 183 known and 120 novel miRNAs from these libraries. 18 female-biased and 16 male-biased miRNAs that may be involved in sexual differentiation were found by comparing the miRNA expression profiles in the four libraries. Using a bioinformatic approach, we predicted doublesex (dsx) as a target gene of the female-biased miR-989-3p which is considered as the key switch gene in the sex determination of tephritid insects. This study reveals the first miRNA profile related to the sex differentiation and gives a first insight into sex differences in miRNA expression of B. dorsalis which could facilitate studies of the reproductive organ specific roles of miRNAs.
Linking Amyloid-β and Tau: Amyloid-β Induced Synaptic Dysfunction via Local Wreckage of the Neuronal Cytoskeleton

Background: In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyloid-β (Aβ) is the major component of extracellular plaques, whereas the microtubule-associated protein tau forms the main component of intracellular tangles. In contrast to frontotemporal dementias and other neurodegenerative diseases, both proteins form pathological aggregates and are considered key players for the development of AD. However, the connection between Aβ and tau and the functional loss of neurons and synapses, which ultimately lead to cognitive impairments, is still not well understood. Objectives: Making use of primary neurons exposed to Aβ oligomers, we sought to determine how tau mediates the Aβ-induced neuronal dysfunction. Additionally, we asked how the microtubule cytoskeleton is involved in the combined Aβ and tau toxicity. Methods: We exposed mature primary rat neurons with developed synapses to Aβ oligomers and used immunofluorescence and electron microscopy to investigate tau, actin, neurofilament and microtuble cytoskeleton changes. Results: Aβ oligomers preferentially associate with synapses, notably dendritic spines, throughout the neuronal cell culture. As a consequence, endogenous tau gets missorted from the axonal into the somatodendritic compartment in a subset of cells. These missorted cells also display missorting of neurofilaments, and a dramatic loss of microtubules, which can be prevented by the microtubule stabilizer taxol. Conclusions: Aβ causes tau missorting, loss of neuronal cell polarity and loss of dendritic microtubules. This in turn leads to impaired organelle/mitochondria transport, whereby synapses cannot be maintained properly and eventually decay. The data support the view that the microtubule cytoskeleton is a valid therapeutic target in AD.
Tunable magneto-optical polarization device for terahertz waves based on InSb and its plasmonic structure

The nonreciprocal circular dichroism and Faraday rotation effect for terahertz (THz) waves in longitudinally magnetized InSb were investigated by theoretical and experimental studies in the THz regime, which indicated its ability for a THz circularly polarized isolator, THz circular polarizer, tunable polarization converter, and polarization modulator by manipulation of different magnetic fields. Furthermore, we demonstrated the InSb plasmonics based on its magneto-optical effects combined with artificial microstructure. We found the magneto-optical enhancement mechanisms in this magneto-plasmonic structure, achieving broadband near-perfect orthogonal linear polarization conversion modulated by the weak magnetic field in an experiment with an extinction ratio of 33 dB. Moreover, the magneto-optical modulation with an amplitude modulation depth of 95.8% can be achieved by this device under a weak magnetic field of 150 mT. InSb and its magneto-plasmonic device have broad potential for a THz isolator, magneto-optical modulator, and polarization convertor in THz application systems.
A theoretical basis for a nanomolar critical oxygen concentration

When aerobic microbes deplete oxygen sufficiently, anaerobic metabolisms activate, driving losses of fixed nitrogen from marine oxygen minimum zones. Biogeochemical models commonly prescribe a 1–10 μM critical oxygen concentration for this transition, a range consistent with previous empirical and recent theoretical work. However, the recently developed STOX sensor has revealed large regions with much lower oxygen concentrations, at or below its 1–10 nM detection limit. Here, we develop a simplified metabolic model of an aerobic microbe to provide a theoretical interpretation of this observed depletion. We frame the threshold as O2* , the subsistence oxygen concentration of an aerobic microbial metabolism, at which anaerobic metabolisms can coexist with or outcompete aerobic growth. The framework predicts that this minimum oxygen concentration varies with environmental and physiological factors and is in the nanomolar range for most marine environments, consistent with observed concentrations. Using observed grazing rates to calibrate the model, we predict a minimum oxygen concentration of order 0.1–10 nM in the core of a coastal anoxic zone. We also present an argument for why anammox may be energetically favorable at a higher oxygen concentration than denitrification, as some observations suggest. The model generates hypotheses that could be tested in the field and provides a simple, mechanistic, and dynamic parameterization of oxygen depletion for biogeochemical models, without prescription of a fixed critical oxygen concentration.
Non-thermal desorption from interstellar dust grains via exothermic surface reactions

Aims. The gas-phase abundance of methanol in dark quiescent cores in the interstellar medium cannot be explained by gas-phase chemistry. In fact, the only possible synthesis of this species appears to be production on the surfaces of dust grains followed by desorption into the gas. Yet, evaporation is inefficient for heavy molecules such as methanol at the typical temperature of 10 K. It is necessary then to consider non-thermal mechanisms for desorption. But, if such mechanisms are considered for the production of methanol, they must be considered for all surface species. Methods. Our gas-grain network of reactions has been altered by the inclusion of a non-thermal desorption mechanism in which the exothermicity of surface addition reactions is utilized to break the bond between the product species and the surface. Our estimated rate for this process derives from a simple version of classical unimolecular rate theory with a variable parameter only loosely constrained by theoretical work. Results. Our results show that the chemistry of dark clouds is altered slightly at times up to 10 6 yr, mainly by the enhancement in the gas-phase abundances of hydrogen-rich species such as methanol that are formed on grain surfaces. At later times, however, there is a rather strong change. Instead of the continuing accretion of most gas-phase species onto dust particles, a steady-state is reached for both gas-phase and grain-surface species, with significant abundances for the former. Nevertheless, most of the carbon is contained in an undetermined assortment of heavy surface hydrocarbons. Conclusions. The desorption mechanism discussed here will be better constrained by observational data on pre-stellar cores, where a significant accretion of species such as CO has already occurred.
Games as personality profiling tools

In this paper we investigate whether a personality profile can be determined by observing a player's behavior in a game. Five personality traits are used to define a personality profile. They are adopted from the Five Factor Model of personality. The five traits are measured by the NEO-PI-R questionnaire. For our purpose, we developed a game module for the game Neverwinter Nights. The module automatically stores a player's behavioral data. Experimental trials were run measuring the behavior of 44 participants. The experiment produced game behavior scores for 275 game variables per player. Correlation analysis shows relationships between all five personality traits and the video game data. From these results, we may conclude that a video game can be used to create an adequate personality profile of a player.
Development and evaluation of aluminium-based thin films as potential alternatives to cadmium coatings

Electroplated cadmium coatings have been extensively used for many years in the military, marine and aerospace industries to provide corrosion protection to steel substrates. Cadmium coatings act as a barrier layer, protecting the substrate from corrosion attack. They continue to offer protection even when damaged. Cadmium deposits also offer sacrificial protection by preferentially corroding and galvanic protection to coated components in contact with other metals such as aluminium. However the hazardous nature of cadmium which is harmful to both humans and the environment, is a major issue. Started over 30 years ago, research into finding more environmentally-friendly alternatives continues as no substitute coating has yet been developed which could replace cadmium over the full range of applications. In this study, metallic AlCr(N) coatings containing 4 – 16 at% Cr and two different nitrogen contents (11-12 at% and 18 at%), were deposited by magnetron sputtering on stainless steel substrates - following initial coating deposition trials by both magnetron sputtering and electron-beam PVD. The coatings were then analysed to evaluate their mechanical, tribological and structural properties before being corrosion-tested using a novel AC/DC/AC cyclic test equipped with a pH monitoring system. The results indicate significant improvement in the mechanical (hardness range: 2 – 3.9 GPa) and tribological properties of the coatings with increasing alloying element content. In terms of corrosion performance, AlCr(N) with the lowest Cr content (i.e. 4 at%) displayed the best corrosion resistance properties owing to the formation of a thick and stable passive film within the pores as well as on the coating surface, providing excellent barrier corrosion protection. These promising results could be used to design graded Al-rich coatings in which individual layers are tailored to meet specific property requirements depending on the intended application, thereby enabling the replacement of cadmium on a range of steels and other engineering materials.
The DAN family: Modulators of TGF‐β signaling and beyond

Extracellular binding proteins or antagonists are important factors that modulate ligands in the transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) family. While the interplay between antagonists and ligands are essential for developmental and normal cellular processes, their imbalance can lead to the pathology of several disease states. In particular, recent studies have implicated members of the differential screening‐selected gene in neuroblastoma (DAN) family in disease such as renal fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and reactivation of metastatic cancer stem cells. DAN family members are known to inhibit the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) of the TGF‐β family. However, unlike other TGF‐β antagonist families, DAN family members have roles beyond ligand inhibition and can modulate Wnt and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways. This review describes recent structural and functional advances that have expanded our understanding of DAN family proteins with regards to BMP inhibition and also highlights their emerging roles in the modulation of Wnt and VEGF signaling pathways.
Repair of Intraoperative Injury to the Medial Collateral Ligament During Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Optimal treatment for intraoperative injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) during primary total knee arthroplasty remains controversial. While some advocate primary ligament repair and a period of bracing, others suggest conversion to a knee prosthesis with increased intrinsic constraint. The purpose of this study was to characterize the outcomes of primary repair followed by bracing. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of consecutive primary total knee arthroplasties to identify patients with intraoperative MCL laceration or avulsion treated with primary repair. Midsubstance lacerations were treated with end-to-end suture repair, whereas a screw-and-washer construct, suture, and/or suture anchors were used for reattachment of avulsions. All patients were instructed to wear an unlocked hinged knee brace for six weeks postoperatively. Patients were evaluated at a minimum of two years postoperatively for evidence of instability or other modes of failure and complications. RESULTS An intraoperative MCL injury occurred during forty-eight (1.2%) of the 3922 total knee arthroplasties that had been performed. One patient died less than two years postoperatively, one was lost to follow-up, and one underwent an intraoperative conversion to a constrained total knee arthroplasty, leaving forty-five total knee arthroplasties available for study. There were twenty-four midsubstance lacerations and twenty-one avulsions; thirty-five of these injuries occurred during a cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty and ten, during a posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty. At a mean of ninety-nine months (range, twenty-four to 214 months), there were no symptoms or physical examination findings of instability. The mean Hospital for Special Surgery knee score increased from 47 preoperatively to 85 at the time of follow-up (p < 0.001). Five knees required intervention for stiffness (four manipulations and one revision), and two required revision for aseptic loosening. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that intraoperative MCL injury can be treated with primary repair followed by hinged knee bracing without the need for increased prosthetic constraint. Stiffness, however, was a common complication.
(E)-1-(3-Nitrophenyl)ethanone (2-methylphenyl)hydrazone

In the title Schiff base compound, C15H15N3O2, the azomethine double bond adopts an E configuration. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 13.4 (12)°. In the crystal, molecules are arranged in wave-like layers parallel to (100) without any classical hydrogen bonding.
Introduction to the defect-oriented cell-aware test methodology for significant reduction of DPPM rates

This tutorial will give an introduction to a new defect-oriented test method called cell-aware. This new cell-aware method takes the layout of standard library cells into account when creating the cell-aware ATPG library view. The tutorial will cover the whole cell-aware library characterization flow consisting of a layout extraction step, an analog fault simulation step of all cell-internal bridges and opens and the cell-aware synthesis step to create the new cell-aware ATPG library views, which finally can be used in a normal chip design flow to generate production test patterns. These cell-aware production test patterns have a significantly higher quality than state-of-the-art patterns. Finally, production test results from several hundred thousand tested IC's are presented showing significant reduction of DPPM rates.
Effects of Recycling Cycle on Used Thermoplastic Polymer and Thermoplastic Elastomer Polymer

Due to several environmental problems arising through the disposal of polymers, recycling has been growing rapidly as one of the best approaches to minimize environment pollution issue. Apart from the positive impacts towards environmental sustainability, recycling polymer is also benefiting in terms of manufacturing cost reduction, energy conservation and material resource conservation. The aim of this study was to investigate how recycling cycle affects the physical properties and mechanical properties for both used thermoplastic polymer and thermoplastic elastomer polymer. Samples were prepared by melting used polymers via melt blending technique. Results showed that tensile strength and density were decreased for thermoplastic polymer and the changes in visual are significant when the number of recycling cycle was increased. Tensile strength, yield strength and Young Modulus of thermoplastic elastomer are independent from number of recycling cycles. Presence of antioxidant fillers in thermoplastic elastomer enhanced the tensile strength (28.23%) and Young Modulus (29.16%) when the polymers were exposed to ultraviolet light.
Hepatocellular Carcinomas Expressing ‘Stemness'-Related Markers: Clinicopathological Characteristics

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is heterogeneous in histopathology, pathogenesis and biological behavior. There is accumulating evidence that the expression of ‘stemness'-related markers such as K19, EpCAM and CD133 in HCC is associated with an aggressive biological behavior and poor clinical outcome compared to conventional HCCs that do not express stemness-related markers. Compared to conventional HCCs, these tumors more frequently demonstrate infiltrative growth patterns, vascular invasion and more intratumoral fibrous stroma, and there is a spectrum of morphological and immunophenotypic features between HCCs with stemness-related marker expression, scirrhous HCCs and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma with stem cell features. Clinically, HCCs with stemness-related marker expression are associated with increased serum α-fetoprotein levels and a poor prognosis, and are also beginning to be noticed radiologically. These tumors have also been recognized as a specific subtype in recent molecular classifications, and increasing interest in the molecular pathogenesis of HCCs with stemness-related marker expression will shed light on the development of targeted therapy for these tumors. Therefore, it is important that pathologists identify HCCs expressing stemness-related markers such as K19 during routine pathological evaluation of surgically resected or biopsied HCC tissue, as it will help to identify a high-risk subgroup of HCCs characterized by increased chemoresistance, earlier recurrence after surgical and/or locoregional treatment, increased invasiveness/metastasis and poor overall survival. We will discuss the clinicopathological characteristics of a HCC subtype expressing stemness-related markers and its future perspectives.
The use of dermal substitutes in burn surgery: Acute phase

Major burns represent a challenge in autologous skin coverage and may lead to severe functional and cosmetic sequelae. Dermal substitutes are increasingly becoming an essential part of burn care during the acute phase of treatment. In the long term dermal substitutes improve functional and cosmetic results and thus enhance quality of life. In the chronic wound setting, dermal substitutes are used to reconstruct and improve burn scars and defects. Despite the potential of dermal substitutes, further research is required to strengthen scientific evidence regarding their effects and also to develop new technologies and products. Furthermore, dermal substitutes have a pivotal role in future research strategies as they have the potential to provide adequate scaffold for stem cells, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine with conceivable application of obtaining long‐lasting and scarless artificial skin. This review discusses the status quo of dermal substitutes and novel strategies in the use of dermal substitutes with a focus on burn care.
Theory of mind and Verstehen (understanding) methodology

Theory of mind is a prominent, but highly controversial, field in psychology, psychiatry, and philosophy of mind. Simulation theory, theory-theory and other views have been presented in recent decades, none of which are monolithic. In this article, various views on theory of mind are reviewed, and methodological problems within each view are investigated. The relationship between simulation theory and Verstehen (understanding) methodology in traditional human sciences is an intriguing issue, although the latter is not a direct ancestor of the former. From that perspective, lessons for current clinical psychiatry are drawn.