Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evapotranspiration is resilient in the face of land cover and climate change in a humid temperate catchment

In temperate humid catchments, evapotranspiration returns more than half of the annual precipitation to the atmosphere, thereby determining the balance available to recharge groundwaters and support stream flow and lake levels. Changes in evapotranspiration rates and therefore catchment hydrology could be driven by changes in land use or climate. Here we examine the catchment water balance over the past 50 y for a catchment in southwest Michigan covered by cropland, grassland, forest, and wetlands. Over the study period about 27% of the catchment has been abandoned from row-crop agriculture to perennial vegetation and about 20% of the catchment has reverted to deciduous forest, and the climate has warmed by 1.14°C. Despite these changes in land use, precipitation and stream discharge, and by inference catchment-scale evapotranspiration, have been stable over the study period. The remarkably stable rates of evapotranspirative water loss from the catchment across a period of significant land cover change suggest that rainfed annual crops and perennial vegetation do not differ greatly in evapotranspiration rates, and this is supported by measurements of evapotranspiration from various vegetation types based on soil water monitoring in the same catchment. Compensating changes in the other meteorological drivers of evaporative water demand besides air temperature—wind speed, atmospheric humidity, and net radiation—are also possible, but cannot be evaluated due to insufficient local data across the 50-y period. Regardless of the explanation, this study shows that the water balance of this landscape has been resilient in the face of both land cover and climate change over the past 50 y.
Comparing CISNET Breast Cancer Models Using the Maximum Clinical Incidence Reduction Methodology

Background. Collaborative modeling has been used to estimate the impact of potential cancer screening strategies worldwide. A necessary step in the interpretation of collaborative cancer screening model results is to understand how model structure and model assumptions influence cancer incidence and mortality predictions. In this study, we examined the relative contributions of the pre-clinical duration of breast cancer, the sensitivity of screening, and the improvement in prognosis associated with treatment of screen-detected cases to the breast cancer incidence and mortality predictions of 5 Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) models. Methods. To tease out the impact of model structure and assumptions on model predictions, the Maximum Clinical Incidence Reduction (MCLIR) method compares changes in the number of breast cancers diagnosed due to clinical symptoms and cancer mortality between 4 simplified scenarios: 1) no-screening; 2) one-time perfect screening exam, which detects all existing cancers and perfect treatment (i.e., cure) of all screen-detected cancers; 3) one-time digital mammogram and perfect treatment of all screen-detected cancers; and 4) one-time digital mammogram and current guideline-concordant treatment of all screen-detected cancers. Results. The 5 models predicted a large range in maximum clinical incidence (19% to 71%) and in breast cancer mortality reduction (33% to 67%) from a one-time perfect screening test and perfect treatment. In this perfect scenario, the models with assumptions of tumor inception before it is first detectable by mammography predicted substantially higher incidence and mortality reductions than models with assumptions of tumor onset at the start of a cancer’s screen-detectable phase. The range across models in breast cancer clinical incidence (11% to 24%) and mortality reduction (8% to 18%) from a one-time digital mammogram at age 62 y with observed sensitivity and current guideline-concordant treatment was considerably smaller than achievable under perfect conditions. Conclusions. The timing of tumor inception and its effect on the length of the pre-clinical phase of breast cancer had a substantial impact on the grouping of models based on their predictions for clinical incidence and breast cancer mortality reduction. This key finding about the timing of tumor inception will be included in future CISNET breast analyses to enhance model transparency. The MCLIR approach should aid in the interpretation of variations in model results and could be adopted in other disease screening settings to enhance model transparency.
Microstructure study of cold sprayed 50%Ni–50%Cr coating on Inconel-601

A superalloy surface is modified with corrosion resistant 50%Ni–50%Cr (wt.%) coating, deposited by high pressure cold spray method. The goal of this study is to check the suitability of this cold method of coating formation as a manufacturing source for Ni–Cr coating on the superalloy for applications in high temperature erosive–corrosive conditions. The modified superalloy surface is characterised by porosity analysis, scanning electron microscopy, backscattered electron images, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental X-ray mapping and Vicker's microhardness testing techniques. The substrate superalloy with composition similar to Inconel-601 alloy (UNS no. N06601) is selected for the purpose of providing strength to the coated components in the severe conditions at elevated temperature.
An Attenuated Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV1) Encoding the HIV-1 Tat Protein Protects Mice from a Deadly Mucosal HSV1 Challenge

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV1 and HSV2) are common infectious agents in both industrialized and developing countries. They cause recurrent asymptomatic and/or symptomatic infections, and life-threatening diseases and death in newborns and immunocompromised patients. Current treatment for HSV relies on antiviral medications, which can halt the symptomatic diseases but cannot prevent the shedding that occurs in asymptomatic patients or, consequently, the spread of the viruses. Therefore, prevention rather than treatment of HSV infections has long been an area of intense research, but thus far effective anti-HSV vaccines still remain elusive. One of the key hurdles to overcome in anti-HSV vaccine development is the identification and effective use of strategies that promote the emergence of Th1-type immune responses against a wide range of epitopes involved in the control of viral replication. Since the HIV1 Tat protein has several immunomodulatory activities and increases CTL recognition of dominant and subdominant epitopes of heterologous antigens, we generated and assayed a recombinant attenuated replication-competent HSV1 vector containing the tat gene (HSV1-Tat). In this proof-of-concept study we show that immunization with this vector conferred protection in 100% of mice challenged intravaginally with a lethal dose of wild-type HSV1. We demonstrate that the presence of Tat within the recombinant virus increased and broadened Th1-like and CTL responses against HSV-derived T-cell epitopes and elicited in most immunized mice detectable IgG responses. In sharp contrast, a similarly attenuated HSV1 recombinant vector without Tat (HSV1-LacZ), induced low and different T cell responses, no measurable antibody responses and did not protect mice against the wild-type HSV1 challenge. These findings strongly suggest that recombinant HSV1 vectors expressing Tat merit further investigation for their potential to prevent and/or contain HSV1 infection and dissemination.
Long‐Term Randomized Trial of Intensive Versus Symptomatic Management in Paget's Disease of Bone: The PRISM‐EZ Study

It has been suggested that normalization of bone turnover may improve clinical outcome in Paget's disease of bone (PDB) by preventing complications such as fractures and the development of osteoarthritis. Here we investigated the long‐term effects of a treatment strategy that aimed to normalize bone turnover in PDB with that of symptomatic treatment. The study group comprised 502 subjects who were enrolled into a 3‐year extension of the Paget's Disease: Randomized Trial of Intensive versus Symptomatic Management (PRISM) study. Intensive bisphosphonate therapy was continued in 270 of these subjects with the aim of normalizing bone turnover using zoledronic acid as the treatment of first choice. Symptomatic treatment continued in 232 subjects in whom bisphosphonates were only given for the treatment of bone pain. The primary outcome was fracture and secondary outcomes were orthopedic procedures, quality of life, and bone pain, adjusted for baseline characteristics. Serum total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were significantly lower in the intensive group on entry to the study and the differences between groups increased as the study progressed. There were no clinically important differences in quality of life measures or bone pain between the treatment groups. Intensive treatment was associated with a nonsignificant increase in fracture risk (hazard ratio = 1.90; 95% CI, 0.91 to 3.98; p = 0.087), orthopedic procedures (1.81; 95% CI, 0.71 to 4.61; p = 0.214), and serious adverse events (relative risk 1.28; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.42). We conclude that long‐term intensive bisphosphonate therapy confers no clinical benefit over symptomatic therapy and is associated with a nonsignificant increase in the risk of fractures, orthopedic events, and serious adverse events. The results of this study suggest that in patients with established PDB, bisphosphonate therapy should focus on control of symptoms rather than suppression of bone turnover. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of Poly herbal Phytobiotic on the Growth, Immunocompetence, Development of Digestive Organs and Carcass Characteristics of Commercial Broilers

Seventy two, one week old, Cobb 400 broiler chickens were distributed into two experimental groups having four replicates. The birds of the control group were fed a basal diet (22.5% CP & 2830 K cal/kg ME) while the other group was offered a basal diet supplemented with a polyherbal phytobiotic, AV/SSL/12 in drinking water@ 4 ml/100 birds/day during 1–2 weeks, 8 ml/100 birds/day during 2–4 weeks and 15 ml/100 birds/day during 4–6 weeks of age. AV/SSL/12 birds had a significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight compared to the control at 2nd week of age. The body weight gain of the birds in the liver tonic fed group was significantly higher (P<0.001) compared to the control group at 2nd week of age. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better (P<0.05) in the phytobiotic group compared to the control group during 3–6 weeks and 1–6 weeks of age. Total immunoglobulins and mercaptoethanol sensitive (IgM) antibody titer (log 2) values in response to sheep red blood cells was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the phytobiotic compared to the control group. The herbal supplemented group had significantly higher (P<0.05) large intestine length compared to the control group at 6 weeks of age. However, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the carcass characteristics and yield of cut up parts of the broilers after 6 weeks of age. Hence, it may not be unreasonable to infer that poly herbal liver tonic, AV/SSL/12 possesses promising immunomodulatory potential and supplementation of poly herbal liver tonic may elicit growth of commercial broilers.
Gypsum effect on the aggregate size and geometry of three sodic soils under reclamation

Reclamation ofsodic soils is imperative in many areas where deterioration of land and water resources is in progress. While the chemical mechanisms involved in the reclamation of sodic soils are well described and understood, the in situ physical processes undergoing during the salt leaching and cation substitution are normally not taken into consideration. Three sodic soils mixed with different amounts of gypsum were packed in columns and leached under saturated conditions for a period of time between 1 and 3 mo. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) was measured and a thin section was prepared for each of the columns. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image analysis to measure the size and shape of the aggregates and the pores, and correlated these with chemical and physical parameters. We divided the area by the perimeter (A/P) to quantify the size and A/P 2 to express geometry for both aggregates and pores. The size of the aggregates had a good correlation with the exchangeable Na percentage (ESP), bulk density, pore size, and K sat . There was no significant relationship between pore size and texture, indicating that transport models using particle-size distribution to infer porosity may not be successful in predicting water transport in soils under reclamation. The linear relationship between aggregate size and pore size indicates that the pore space is determined by the packing of the aggregates not the individual particles, this relationship may have implications not only for water transport but for modeling hydraulic properties in general.
Evidence for vivianite formation and its contribution to long-term phosphorus retention in a recent lake sediment: a novel analytical approach

Vivianite, Fe3(PO4)2 · 8H2O, is a ferrous iron phosphate mineral which forms in waterlogged soils and sed- iments. The phosphorus (P) bound in its crystal lattice is considered to be immobilised because vivianite is stable un- der anoxic, reducing, sedimentary conditions. Thus, vivianite formation can make a major contribution to P retention dur- ing early diagenesis. Much remains unknown about vivianite in sediments, because technical challenges have rendered di- rect identification and quantification difficult. To identify vi- vianite and assess its significance for P burial during early di- agenesis we studied the consequences of a 1992/1993 in-lake application of FeCl3 and Fe(OH)3 aimed at restoring Lake Gros-Glienicke (Berlin, Germany). In a novel approach, we firstly applied a heavy-liquid separation to the iron-rich sur- face sediments which allowed direct identification of vivian- ite by X-ray diffraction in the high-density ( >
Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Growth in Preterm Infants Fed Predominantly Maternal Milk, Pasteurized Donor Milk, or Preterm Formula: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Objective To evaluate the association between necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), growth, and feeding. Methods This is a retrospective study of 551 infants (birth weight ≤ 1,500 g, ≤32 weeks' gestation). NEC, Bell's stage ≥ 2, was confirmed by independent review of sentinel radiographs. Feeding type was defined as ≥ 50% maternal milk (MM), pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM), or preterm formula (PF). Demographic and clinical characteristics including growth were compared between the three groups. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to control variables that differed in bivariate analysis. Results PDHM and PF mothers were more likely to be African-American, be enrolled in Medicaid, and have chorioamnionitis. PF mothers received antenatal steroids less frequently. NEC rates were different by feeding group (MM: 5.3%; PHDM: 4.3%; PF: 11.4%; p = 0.04). Adjusting for group differences, lower gestational age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74–0.97; p = 0.02], and PF (aOR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.15–5.53; p = 0.02] were associated with NEC. There were no differences in other health outcomes or growth at hospital discharge. Conclusion MM and PDHM feedings, given until 34 weeks postmenstrual age, were associated with lower rates of NEC in very low birth weight infants without interfering with growth.
Psychometric properties of the HI-FI problem checklist in a sample of adults with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders: factors contributing to life satisfaction after long-term disability

Abstract Purpose To assess psychometric properties of the problem checklist (PCL) in a sample of individuals with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders many years after trauma; to identify factors that impact life satisfaction and promote functional competence after long-term disability. Method Cross-sectional, interview- and assessment-based study. Participants were community-dwelling adults with disabilities resulting from neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders (N = 53), who participated in a pre-vocational readiness and social skills training program. The Problem Checklist from the New York University Head Injury Family Interview (PCL), a battery of self-rated and clinician-rated measures of social/emotional status, and neuropsychological tests were main outcome measures. Results PCL is a valid and reliable instrument with acceptable psychometric properties (reliability coefficients for two scales and the total score are above (0.795). Use of maladaptive coping strategies in our sample was reflected in inverse relationship between depression and denial of disability, and in the tendency to overrate self-reported symptoms by participants with acquired trauma. Considerably lower self-ratings of symptoms across all PCL scales were seen in those of our participants who live with parents. Conclusions The study offers initial support for the use of PCL as a measure of long-term functional outcome in individuals with neurological and neuropsychiatric diagnoses. The goal of rehabilitation in patients with long-term disabilities is increase in life satisfaction. Implications for Rehabilitation An important goal of rehabilitation and training programs for individuals with long-term disabilities due to dysfunction of the central nervous system is to improve their quality of life. The HI-FI Problem Checklist (PCL) is a brief and efficient instrument for assessing functional outcomes after long-term disability. This study demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties of the PCL in a sample of 53 individuals participating in a pre-vocational training program and provided initial support for its utility for patients with various diagnoses.
Antibacterial property of hydroxyapatite compared to Glass Ionomer Cement and Amalgam

The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial activity of Hydroxyapatite (HAP) which been fully inves- tigated previously by the author24,25 (in its biocompatibity In vitro and in vivo its chemical, physical, mechanical sealing ability properties) compared with Gutta-percha (GP), glass ionomer cement (GIC) and amalgam (Amg) used as retrograde root filling materials. The antibacterial activity of retrograde Filling material was assessed using the Agar diffusion inhibitory test. HAP and GIC, GP were compared with amalgam commonly used retrograde root filling materials. The four retrograde materials were placed on agar (MH) plate inoculated with Streptococcus anginosus (milleri) and Enterococcus faecalis, bacteria commonly found in peri-apical lesions (. At interval of 24, 48, and 72 hours). the presence and diameter of zone of inhibition were recorded with precision ruler for each material and its incubation period. The diameter of zone of inhibition increased with time for all materials, GIC had the most pronouncede antibacterial activity against bacteria, producing the largest zone of inhibition, followed by HAP.
Homeschool in Malaysia: A Foresight Study.

Homeschooling in Malaysia is a form of alternative education that emphasizes quality education based on moral values and beliefs while strengthening family bonds. This alternative form of education is being practiced by a growing number of families in Malaysia. As such, the Ministry of Education has given the green light for intending parents who wish to homeschool their children to do so with prior permission from the Ministry. Local parents homeschool their children for various reasons. This study was undertaken to foresight the trends of parents who homeschool their children in Malaysia. A mixed approach was used in this study. The data collected was analyzed by using impact uncertainty analysis to foresight homeschool in Malaysia. Data was collected from 30 parents who homeschool in Malaysia and 4 of them were also interviewed. Parent left mainstream schooling is mainly due to inadequate curriculum or syllabus, social issues among students, an adverse school environment and conflicting values in the mainstream’s schools. The key drivers of homeschool in Malaysia are social issues among students and the education syllabus offered. This research work foresighted the drivers of homeschooling and provided possible scenarios of future of homeschool in Malaysia. Discussion and recommendations were provided.
Preferred Compression Speed for Speech and Music and Its Relationship to Sensitivity to Temporal Fine Structure

Multichannel amplitude compression is widely used in hearing aids. The preferred compression speed varies across individuals. Moore (2008) suggested that reduced sensitivity to temporal fine structure (TFS) may be associated with preference for slow compression. This idea was tested using a simulated hearing aid. It was also assessed whether preferences for compression speed depend on the type of stimulus: speech or music. Twenty-two hearing-impaired subjects were tested, and the stimulated hearing aid was fitted individually using the CAM2A method. On each trial, a given segment of speech or music was presented twice. One segment was processed with fast compression and the other with slow compression, and the order was balanced across trials. The subject indicated which segment was preferred and by how much. On average, slow compression was preferred over fast compression, more so for music, but there were distinct individual differences, which were highly correlated for speech and music. Sensitivity to TFS was assessed using the difference limen for frequency at 2000 Hz and by two measures of sensitivity to interaural phase at low frequencies. The results for the difference limens for frequency, but not the measures of sensitivity to interaural phase, supported the suggestion that preference for compression speed is affected by sensitivity to TFS.
Deoxidation Characteristics and Shape Modification of Deoxidation Products with Al-Ce and Al-Y Complex Deoxidizers

(1) The rate of deoxidation with complex deoxidizer and the minimum oxygen content in molten iron are only a little worse than those for aluminum deoxidation. (2) The shape of deoxidation products changes from dendritic to grobular with increasing cerium or yttrium content in the complex deoxidizer. At 10 mol% of cerium or yttrium content all deoxidation products become grobular. (3) The shape modification of deoxidation products, resulting from deoxidation with complex deoxidizer, is explained qualitatively in terms of the formation mechanism of oxide in supercooled melt.