Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mesoporous ZnO–SiO2 core–shell rods for UV absorbing and non-wetting applications

A versatile wet chemical approach to synthesize mesoporous ZnO–SiO2 rods in the core–shell morphology is reported in this paper. The mesoporous nature of the rods is reflected from surface area measurements. The band gap of the ZnO–SiO2 rods shows a blue shift compared to the ZnO rods. The non-wetting and UV absorbing nature of the rods is investigated by dip coating them on the polyester taffeta and exposing them to a UV source. By tuning the concentration of the roughening agent, an average water contact angle of 152° with better UV absorbing characteristics is obtained.
Ecotoxicological risk assessment of chosen pharmaceuticals detected in surface waters

ABSTRACT The goal of this work was to assess the risk posed by the presence of ciprofloxacin, 17α-ethinylestradiol and 5-fluorouracil in aquatic ecosystems based on chronic single-species ecotoxicological tests. There were 23 species used in this study: one cyanobacterium, three green algae, one higher plant, one protozoan, two crustaceans, two fish, 12 bacteria and one fungus (yeast). The risk assessment was performed on the basis of the PEC/PNEC ratio (PEC – predicted environmental concentration, PNEC – predicted no-effect concentration). PNEC was calculated using an assessment factor and statistical extrapolation models. The risk in relation to aquatic organisms proved to be high. The potentially affected fraction of aquatic species in the presence of pharmaceutical active ingredients, depending on the calculation method and the selected concentration in surface waters (predicted or measured), ranged from 6.26 to 27.84% for ciprofloxacin, 2.13 to 18.74% for 17α-ethinylestradiol and 4.96 to 39.28% for 5-fluorouracil. The study indicates several gaps in the existing guidelines, which may be considered within the guideline-revision process.
Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Water Table and Vegetation Status of a Deserted Area

Understanding groundwater-vegetation interactions is crucial for sustaining fragile environments of desert areas such as the Horqin Sandy Land (HSL) in northern China. This study examined spatio-temporal variations in the water table and the associated vegetation status of a 9.71 km2 area that contains meadowland, sandy dunes, and intermediate transitional zones. The depth of the water table and hydrometeorologic parameters were monitored and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data were utilized to assess the vegetation cover. Spatio-temporal variations over the six-year study period were examined and descriptive groundwater–vegetation associations developed by overlaying a water table depth map onto a vegetation index map derived from MODIS. The results indicate that the water table depends on the local topography, localized geological settings, and human activities such as reclamation, with fluctuations occurring at annual and monthly scales as a function of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. Locations where the water table is closer to the surface tend to have more dense and productive vegetation. The water table depth is more closely associated with vegetative density in meadowlands than in transitional zones, and only poorly associated with vegetation in sandy dunes.
Omalizumab in chronic spontaneous and inducible urticaria: a 9 year retrospective study in Portugal.

Summary Objective. Describe the safety and long-term use of omalizumab in chronic urticaria (CU), both spontaneous (CSU) and inducible (CIndU). Methods. Retrospective chart-review (2006-15) of CU patients treated with omalizumab for ≥ 6 months. Statistical analyses: descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney, generalized linear models. Results. 23 patients with CSU (3 men), 3 with CIndU (2 men). Generalized linear models showed UAS reduction per omalizumab administration of 16% in CIndU and CSU and UAS7, of 15% in CIndU, and 20% in CSU. DLQI score at baseline had a median of 19 (CIndU and CSU) and after omalizumab a median of 0 (in both). Seven CSU patients stopped omalizumab and remain asymptomatic. No side-effects were observed. Conclusion. Omalizumab is safe and efficacious in CU. Stopping omalizumab can be tried, as some patients achieve remission.
Pine Snake (Pituophis Ruthveni and Pituophis Melanoleucus Lodingi) Hibernacula

Abstract Snakes are often highly selective in the choice of sites for hibernation, and suitable sites can potentially be a limiting resource. Hibernating Louisiana Pine Snakes (Pituophis ruthveni; N = 7) in eastern Texas and Black Pine Snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi; N = 5) in Mississippi were excavated to characterize their hibernacula. Pituophis ruthveni hibernated exclusively in burrows of Baird's Pocket Gophers (Geomys breviceps), whereas P. m. lodingi hibernated exclusively in chambers formed by the decay and burning of pine stumps and roots. All snakes hibernated singly at shallow depths (P. ruthveni mean = 19 cm, max. = 25 cm; P. m. lodingi mean = 25 cm, max. = 35 cm). Pituophis taxa at higher latitudes and elevations hibernate communally and at greater depths. In contrast to Northern Pine Snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus), none of the pine snakes in our study excavated hibernacula beyond minimal enlargement of the preexisting chambers. These differences are presumably the result of mild winters, an abundance of suitable sites offering sufficient thermal insulation, and reduced predation risk caused by absence of communal hibernation in traditional sites. It is increasingly apparent that, throughout their annual cycle, pine snakes are dependent upon fire-maintained pine ecosystems.
Subjective experience guides betting decisions beyond accuracy: evidence from a metamemory illusion

ABSTRACT The goal of this research was to test whether subjective memory experiences drive accuracy regulation decisions above and beyond objective memory indices. In four experiments (n = 115) subjective recollection (i.e., reporting “Remember” in the Remember-Know task) was dissociated from memory accuracy by manipulating retrieval during a two-alternative forced-choice recognition task: in the Match condition the distracter was a novel exemplar of the target (e.g., a studied and an unstudied toaster) and in the Non-match condition the distracter was a novel exemplar of another studied but untested item (e.g., a studied toaster and an unstudied birdhouse). Participants were more accurate on Match trials, but reported subjective recollection more frequently on Non-match trials. Critically, participants also bet more often on Non-match trials to the detriment of their score (Experiment 1). This pattern persisted when participants were additionally required to retrieve details about items (Experiment 2) and when confidence assessments were collected (Experiment 3). Finally, participants bet more on Non-match trials even when subjective judgments were not elicited, suggesting that the decision process does not require reporting on subjective experience (Experiment 4). These results indicate that subjective memory experiences guide decision-making independent of objective accuracy and thus are critical to accuracy regulation.
A Neural Dynamic Model Parses Object-Oriented Actions

Parsing actions entails that relations between objects are discovered. A pervasively neural account of this process requires that fundamental problems are solved: the neural pointer problem, the binding problem, and the problem of generating discrete processing steps from time-continuous neural processes. We present a prototypical solution to these problems in a neural dynamic model that comprises dynamic neural fields holding representations close to sensorimotor surfaces as well as dynamic nodes holding discrete, language-like representations. Making the connection between these two types of representations enables the model to parse actions as well as ground movement phrases—all based on real visual input. We demonstrate how the dynamic neural processes autonomously generate the processing steps required to parse or ground objectoriented action.
Asian Network for Scientific Information Clavicipitaceous Anamorphic Endophytes in Hordeum germplasm

The incidence of clavicipitaceous anamorphic endophytes, non-choke inducing endosymbiotic fungi of the genus Neotyphodium that systemically infect grasses, in eighteen Hordeum species from the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System was examined using light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Seventeen plant inventory accessions from only three Hordeum species, including H. bogdanii, H. brevisubulatum subsp. violaceum and H. comosum, were found to contain significant levels of seed and seedling infection ranging from 18-99%. Neotyphodium-endophytes were found in Hordeum germplasm fiom one country (Argentina) in South America and four countries (Afghanistan, China, Iran and Kazakhstan) in Asia. The viability of endophytic mycelium in seeds was confirmed by culturing these fungi on potato dextrose agar medium fiom aleurone tissue of seeds and by direct observations of hyphae in leaf sheaths of 3-4 week-old seedlings. Morphological characteristics of these fungi were further characterized using SEM to determine similarities and differences in conidiophores and conidia produced in culture. The importance, significance and potential benefits of Neotyphodium-endophytes from wild Hordeum as sources of insect resistance in cultivated barley, other cereal grasses and in wild grasses included in the Conservation Reserve Program are discussed. Suggested strategies for the proper maintenance of this valuable germplasm also are elucidated.
Plant succession and community restoration following felling and burning in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Recent declines in the yellow pine component of pine-hardwood stands in the southern Appalachian Mountains has prompted managers to increase the use of fire as a silvicultural tool. The fell and burn treatment is designed to remove competing vegetation (hardwoods and mountain laurel [Kalmia latifolia]) to ensure successful establishment of planted eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). Two years after burning, mountain laurel had accumulated more biomass than any other species and accounted for 43% of total biomass in year 1 and 20% in year 2. By year 4, mountain laurel ranked fifth (8.9% of total) in total biomass among hardwood species behind Allegheny serviceberry (Amalanchier arborea, 14.3%), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus, 13.7%), red maple (Acer rubrum, 12.4%), and scarlet oak (Q. coccinea, 9.3%). Across sites, woody species richness ranged from 19-24 in year 1 and 14-22 in year 4. Species richness varied across sites and years, and there were substantial changes in the distribution of biomass among species. The introduction of fire allowed the once dominant pitch pine (P. rigida) to successfully reestablish. On our sites, pine accounted for 25% of pretreatment stem density, but <1% and 2% in the first and fourth growing seasons after burning, respectively. However, in year 1, pines had increased in density 20-fold compared to pretreatment levels, and by year 4, had maintained a 17-fold increase compared to pretreatment. The use of fire in forest management has been the subject of considerable criticism. In light of current public concerns over the loss of critical or unique habitats, fire may gain public support for use as a restoration tool. keywords: fell and burn, forest succession, prescribed fire, restoration, site preparation, southern Appalachians. Citation: Clinton, B.D. , and J.M. Vose. 2000. Plant succession and community restoration following felling and burning in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Pages 22-29 in W. Keith Moser and Cynthia F. Moser (eds.). Fire and forest ecology: innovative silviculture and vegetation management. Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference Proceedings, No. 21. Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL.
Linkage analysis of twelve candidate gene loci regulating water and sodium metabolism and membrane ion transport in essential hypertension.

To investigate the relationship between 12 candidate genes responsible for water regulation, sodium metabolism and membrane ion transport and essential hypertension (EH) in the Chinese. Linkage analysis of EH was performed in 95 Chinese nuclear families including 477 subjects using a technique of fluorescence-based gene scanning with 12 microsatellite markers. Markers were selected on the chromosomal regions covering 12 candidate genes responsible for regulating water and sodium metabolism and membrane ion transport. These candidate genes included sodium hydrogen exchanger 3, sodium hydrogen exchanger 5, chloride bicarbonate exchanger 3, sodium calcium exchanger 1, mineralocorticoid receptor, plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2, ATPase,Na/K transporting alpha, a-adducin, SA gene, kidney epithelial sodium channel-gamma, vasopressin receptor 1A, and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 genes. Two-point non-parametric linkage analysis (NPL), maximum LOD score analysis and transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) were performed using the GENEHUNTER software package. The NPL analysis and LOD score suggested a significant linkage at D12S398 (Z = 2.08, p<0.05 and LOD score = 1.26, p<0.01, respectively). TDT indicated a significant disequilibrium of transmission at the locus chi2 = 9.00, p < 0.005). No significant linkages were found at the other loci tested (p > 0.05 or LOD < -1). In conclusion, D12S398, a marker near the vasopressin receptor 1A gene (V1AR), showed a positive linkage with EH based on the results of three statistical methods (NPL, LOD score, and TDT). This region warrants further exploration.
Antiangiogenic Therapy for Glioblastoma: Current Status and Future Prospects

Glioblastoma is characterized by high expression levels of proangiogenic cytokines and microvascular proliferation, highlighting the potential value of treatments targeting angiogenesis. Antiangiogenic treatment likely achieves a beneficial impact through multiple mechanisms of action. Ultimately, however, alternative proangiogenic signal transduction pathways are activated, leading to the development of resistance, even in tumors that initially respond. The identification of biomarkers or imaging parameters to predict response and to herald resistance is of high priority. Despite promising phase II clinical trial results and patient benefit in terms of clinical improvement and longer progression-free survival, an overall survival benefit has not been demonstrated in four randomized phase III trials of bevacizumab or cilengitide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma or cediranib or enzastaurin in recurrent glioblastoma. However, future studies are warranted. Predictive markers may allow appropriate patient enrichment, combination with chemotherapy may ultimately prove successful in improving overall survival, and novel agents targeting multiple proangiogenic pathways may prove effective. See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “Discoveries, Challenges, and Progress in Primary Brain Tumors. ” Clin Cancer Res; 20(22); 5612–9. ©2014 AACR.
Denosumab‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw following non‐surgical periodontal therapy: A case report

INTRODUCTION Osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonates is currently called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), given that in addition to bisphosphonates, jaw osteonecrosis has been related to the administration of other antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs, such as denosumab, sunitinib, bevacizumab and ipilimumab. CASE PRESENTATION A 77-year-old patient with osteoporosis treated with subcutaneous injections of denosumab at an interval of 6 months is presented. The patient developed MRONJ after receiving a non-surgical periodontal therapy. Although the MRONJ was initially classified as a stage I lesion in this patient, cone beam computed tomography images confirmed the presence of a significant osteolytic lesion. Treatment consisted of the administration of chlorhexidine mouthwash and systemic doxycycline, exodontia of the involved teeth, sequestrectomy and complete surgical debridement of the necrotic bone. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of MRONJ following non-surgical periodontal therapy in a patient with osteoporosis treated with denosumab. The risk of MRONJ development after a periodontal procedure and how to prevent this complication are still unknown.
CONSUMER PERCEPTION AND APPLICATION OF EDIBLE COATINGS ON FRESH-CUT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

advised and guided me throughout my research. I want to thank my other committee members, Dr. Jefferey Gillespie and Dr. J. Samuel Godber for their insights. I would like to thank all my family members, especially my elder brother, Naresh K. Sonti, who has helped me with my education and every aspect of my life and my fiancé, Vijay K. Davuluri, for being there for me whenever I needed him. I also offer my thanks to Rebecca Braud who helped me tremendously throughout my thesis. Without her help this research would not have been possible. I would like to thank Brett W. Craig and Ronald Ward for their understanding and helping nature. I also offer thanks to Dr. Kay H. McWatters, who helped me do the survey in University of Georgia, Dr. Marlene Janes, for allowing me to use her microbiology laboratory, Richelle Beverly and Siow Ying Tan for helping me do the survey in the Churches of Baton Rouge. I also offer my thanks to Kandasamy Nadarajah, Sandeep Bhale, Sireesha Bhattiprolu and Ashish Nimbarte for he lping in distributing the questionnaires in the first study and product preparation during the second study. Table 4. Coefficients, standard errors and probability values of the demographic variables for the question " Do you eat/use whole/raw/unprocessed fruits and vegetables? " . Table 5. Coefficients, standard errors and probability values of the demographic variables for the question " Do you eat/use frozen-cut fruits and vegetables? " . Table 6. Coefficients, standard errors and probability values of the demographic variables for the question " Do you eat/use canned fruits and vegetables? " . Table 7. Coefficients, standard errors and probability values of the demographic variables for the question " Do you eat/use fresh-cut fruits and vegetables? " . Table 8. Coefficients, standard errors and probability values of the demographic variables for the question " Do you generally prefer FCFV to canned Table 9. Coefficients, standard errors and probability values of the demographic variables for the question " What price would you be willing to pay for FCFV compared to canned FV (on a per pound basis)? Table 10. Coefficients, standard errors and probability values of the demographic variables for the question " Do you generally prefer FCFV to frozen-cut Table 11. Coefficients, standard errors and probability values of the demographic variables for the question " What price would you be willing to pay for FCFV …
The several elements of intestinal innate immune system at the beginning of the life of broiler chicks

Functional capacity of digestive system and intestinal adaptive immunity are immature at hatching of broiler chicks. Therefore, intestinal innate immunity after hatching is vital to young chicks. The purpose of this study was to investigate expression and tissue distributions of several elements of the innate immune system (i.e., TLR2, TLR4, CD83, and MHC class II expressing cells) in the intestine of one‐day‐old chicks. For this purpose, ileum and cecum were examined the under different conditions, which included the control and 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24 h after injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phosphate buffered saline. The findings indicated that regardless of the antigenic stimulation, Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 expressing cells were present in the intestinal tissues of one‐day‐old chicks. We noticed that the intestinal segments have different TLR expression levels after LPS stimulation. Dendritic cells were identified, and they left the intestinal tissue after LPS treatment. MHC class II molecules were diffusely present in both the ileum and cecum. This study demonstrates that the intestinal tissue of one‐day‐old chicks has remarkable defensive material, including histological properties and several elements of the innate immune system. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:604–614, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bacterial colonization and extinction on marine aggregates: stochastic model of species presence and abundance

Organic aggregates provide a favorable habitat for aquatic microbes, are efficiently filtered by shellfish, and may play a major role in the dynamics of aquatic pathogens. Quantifying this role requires understanding how pathogen abundance in the water and aggregate size interact to determine the presence and abundance of pathogen cells on individual aggregates. We build upon current understanding of the dynamics of bacteria and bacterial grazers on aggregates to develop a model for the dynamics of a bacterial pathogen species. The model accounts for the importance of stochasticity and the balance between colonization and extinction. Simulation results suggest that while colonization increases linearly with background density and aggregate size, extinction rates are expected to be nonlinear on small aggregates in a low background density of the pathogen. Under these conditions, we predict lower probabilities of pathogen presence and reduced abundance on aggregates compared with predictions based solely on colonization. These results suggest that the importance of aggregates to the dynamics of aquatic bacterial pathogens may be dependent on the interaction between aggregate size and background pathogen density, and that these interactions are strongly influenced by ecological interactions and pathogen traits. The model provides testable predictions and can be a useful tool for exploring how species-specific differences in pathogen traits may alter the effect of aggregates on disease transmission.
Symbiotic Navigation in Multi-Robot Systems with Remote Obstacle Knowledge Sharing

Large scale operational areas often require multiple service robots for coverage and task parallelism. In such scenarios, each robot keeps its individual map of the environment and serves specific areas of the map at different times. We propose a knowledge sharing mechanism for multiple robots in which one robot can inform other robots about the changes in map, like path blockage, or new static obstacles, encountered at specific areas of the map. This symbiotic information sharing allows the robots to update remote areas of the map without having to explicitly navigate those areas, and plan efficient paths. A node representation of paths is presented for seamless sharing of blocked path information. The transience of obstacles is modeled to track obstacles which might have been removed. A lazy information update scheme is presented in which only relevant information affecting the current task is updated for efficiency. The advantages of the proposed method for path planning are discussed against traditional method with experimental results in both simulation and real environments.