Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential Response of Greenhouse Gas Evasion to Storms in Forested and Wetland Streams

Greenhouse gas evasion from inland waters is a globally significant yet highly uncertain flux, especially in regard to effects of wetlands and hydrologic variability. We sampled five first‐order and two second‐order streams with variable wetland influence during storm events for dissolved CO2, CH4, and N2O. We also calculated gas evasion rates. In first‐order streams, pCO2 and pN2O were significantly higher in the stream with the most wetland influence (mean ± 1 std: 3,965 ± 1,504 and 1.18 ± 0.37 μatm, respectively) than the forested stream (2,927 ± 439 and 0.47 ± 0.08 μatm, respectively). In second‐order streams, pCO2, pCH4, and pN2O were higher in the 14% wetland stream (3,274 ± 825, 501 ± 207, and 1.37 ± 0.43 μatm, respectively) than in the 2% wetland stream (1,858 ± 423, 137 ± 53, and 0.37 ± 0.08 μatm, respectively). In first‐order streams, pCO2 in streams with wetland influence increased during rain events, while pCO2 in streams with little to no wetland influence decreased or remained constant. Generally, pCH4 and pN2O followed the same trend, except in one stream with intermediate wetland influence. Gas transfer velocity increased in all streams during storm events. However, the forested streams had higher gas transfer velocities than the wetland streams due to steeper topography. CO2, CH4, and N2O evasion peaked in one of the intermediate wetland streams at high flow (maximum: 66 g C·m−2·day−1, 177 mg C·m−2·day−1, and 9.7 mg N·m−2·day−1, respectively). These findings suggest that gases are shunted downstream in flatter, wetland streams, while gases are evaded closer to their source in steeper, forested streams.
Resistance to platelet microbicidal protein results in increased severity of experimental Candida albicans endocarditis

Thrombin-induced platelet microbicidal protein (tPMP) exerts potent in vitro microbicidal activity against pathogens commonly found in the bloodstream, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans. Localized platelet release of tPMP may be important in defense against infections involving the vascular endothelium caused by tPMP-susceptible organisms. In contrast, pathogens capable of surviving in the presence of tPMP could then exploit the platelet as an adhesive surface for attachment to damaged endothelium. To examine these hypotheses, we derived a tPMP-resistant (tPMP(r)) C. albicans strain from its tPMP-sensitive (tPMP(s)) parental strains were equivalent in vitro as assessed by genotyping (electrophoretic karyotype and restriction endonuclease analysis of genomic DNA), biotyping, germination, platelet aggregation, adherence to vascular endothelial cells, and growth characteristics. In addition, the tPMP(r) phenotype was stable following multiple in vitro and in vivo passages. We then investigated the in vivo relevance of tPMP susceptibility on endovascular infection using a rabbit model of endocarditis and hematogenous dissemination. Rabbits with transaortic catheters (n = 15 in each group) were challenged with either the tPMP(s) or tPMP(r) C. albicans strain. All rabbits developed C. albicans-induced endocarditis, as determined by the presence of infected vegetations. In rabbits challenged with tPMP(s) strain (P < 0.001). These results were seen in the absence of differences in either initial adherence of strains to cardiac valves or vegetation weights. Furthermore, although these C. albicans strains induced equivalent rates and extent of hematogenous renal infection, only the tPMP(r) strain disseminated hematogenously to the spleen (15 of 15 rabbits) versus 0 of 15 [tpmp(s) strain]; P < 0.0001). Thus, tPMP(r) C. albicans caused more-severe endocarditis and produced greater metastatic sequelae than the tPMP(s) counterpart.
Twin- versus single-bag disconnect systems: infection rates and cost of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Although twin-bag disconnect fluid-transfer systems for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) have a lower rate of catheter-related infection than single-bag systems, their greater monetary purchase cost has prevented universal adoption. Therefore, a single-center randomized study was performed in 63 adult patients to compare the efficiency and total cost of Freeline Solo (FS, twin-bag) and Basic Y (BY, single-bag) systems. Patients were new to CAPD (N = 39), or had a new CAPD catheter, or had had no episodes of peritonitis or exit-site infection in the previous 12 months (N = 24). Total follow-up was 631 patient months (pt.mon), and 53 patients were still on the trial at its termination. Patients rated FS as easier to use than BY (P < 0.001). Peritonitis occurred on 23 occasions in 12 out of 30 patients using BY, and on seven occasions in five of 33 patients using FS. Time to first infection was less with BY than FS (hazard ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0 to 5.3; P < 0.04). Cumulative incidence of peritonitis was 1 per 14.0 pt.mon with BY and 1 per 46.5 pt.mon with FS (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 8.5; P = 0.004). Length of hospitalization for peritonitis or exit-site infection was 98 days in six patients with BY, versus 17 days in two patients with FS. With BY, four catheters were removed because of infection, but none with FS (P < 0.05). With BY, the total cost of infection was $AUD127,079 ($5033 per pt.yr) versus $19,250 ($704 per pt.yr) with FS, which offset the higher purchase cost of FS. The total cost of CAPD was $AUD956 per pt.yr less with FS than BY. In conclusion, the higher purchase cost of the FS twin-bag system is more than offset by savings from its lower incidence of peritonitis.
Who creates value in a user innovation community? A case study of MyStarbucksIdea.com

Purpose – Successful open innovation requires that many ideas be posted by a number of users and that the posted ideas be evaluated to find ideas of high quality. As such, successful open innovation community would have inherently information overload problem. The purpose of this paper is to mitigate the information problem by identifying potential idea launchers, so that they can pay attention to their ideas. Design/methodology/approach – This research chose MyStarbucksIdea.com as a target innovation community where users freely share their ideas and comments. We extracted basic features from idea, comment and user information and added further features obtained from sentiment analysis on ideas and comments. Those features are used to develop classification models to identify potential idea launchers, using data mining techniques such as artificial neural network, decision tree and Bayesian network. Findings – The results show that the number of ideas posted and the number of comments posted are the most.
EFFECT OF BOTULINUM TOXIN ON SURGICAL WOUND HEALING AND SCAR FORMATION (AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY)

INTRODUCTION: The process of wound healing is complicated. Despite research, hypertrophic scars still occur and can pose functional and aesthetic issues. Improvement for hypertrophic scars has been attained using a variety of treatment modalities. The strain from the underlying muscles working on the wound edge throughout the healing process is a critical factor in shaping the scar's final appearance. Since botulinum toxin type A (BTA) causes total muscle paralysis, it was suggested as a possible treatment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of BTA injection on the final appearance of the surgical scar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six mature male New Zealand rabbits weighing 3.5–4 kg were studied experimentally (one year of age). They were divided into two groups: One received BTA injections into the cheek muscles surrounding a Y-shaped surgical incision. The other group received no further treatment after the incision. A follow-up was performed after 2, 4, and 6 weeks for the assessment of the scar parameters (wound width and Vancouver scar scale (VSS), along with clinical photographs). After each period, the sacrifice group of rabbits was done. Samples were prepared for histological and histomorphometric analysis by being dissected. RESULTS: When compared to the control group, the BTA-treated group showed an improvement in the appearance of scars, VSS and a reduced increase in wound width. Histological and histomorphometric results indicate that the BTA group had a better layout and less collagen deposition than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: BTA injection effectively reduced collagen fibril production and improved hypertrophic scar appearance.
From Structure-Function Analyses to Protein Engineering for Practical Applications of DNA Ligase

DNA ligases are indispensable in all living cells and ubiquitous in all organs. DNA ligases are broadly utilized in molecular biology research fields, such as genetic engineering and DNA sequencing technologies. Here we review the utilization of DNA ligases in a variety of in vitro gene manipulations, developed over the past several decades. During this period, fewer protein engineering attempts for DNA ligases have been made, as compared to those for DNA polymerases. We summarize the recent progress in the elucidation of the DNA ligation mechanisms obtained from the tertiary structures solved thus far, in each step of the ligation reaction scheme. We also present some examples of engineered DNA ligases, developed from the viewpoint of their three-dimensional structures.
Stationary Bumps in Networks of Spiking Neurons

We examine the existence and stability of spatially localized bumps of neuronal activity in a network of spiking neurons. Bumps have been proposed in mechanisms of visual orientation tuning, the rat head direction system, and working memory. We show that a bump solution can exist in a spiking network provided the neurons fire asynchronously within the bump. We consider a parameter regime where the bump solution is bistable with an all-off state and can be initiated with a transient excitatory stimulus. We show that the activity profile matches that of a corresponding population rate model. The bump in a spiking network can lose stability through partial synchronization to either a traveling wave or the all-off state. This can occur if the synaptic timescale is too fast through a dynamical effect or if a transient excitatory pulse is applied to the network. A bump can thus be activated and deactivated with excitatory inputs that may have physiological relevance.
Isolation and properties of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis CNRZ 483 mutants producing diacetyl and acetoin from glucose

Following treatment with the mutagen N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, three mutants of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis CNRZ 483 that produced diacetyl and acetoin from glucose were isolated. The lactate dehydrogenase activity of these mutants was strongly attenuated, and the mutants produced less lactate than the parental strain. The kinetic properties of lactate dehydrogenase of strain CNRZ 483 and the mutants revealed differences in the affinity of the enzyme for pyruvate, NADH, and fructose-1,6-diphosphate. When cultured aerobically, strain CNRZ 483 transformed 2.3% of glucose to acetoin and produced no diacetyl or 2,3-butanediol. Under the same conditions, mutants 483L1, 483L2, and 483L3 transformed 42.0, 78.9, and 75.8%, respectively, of glucose to C4 compounds (diacetyl, acetoin, and 2,3-butanediol). Anaerobically, strain CNRZ 483 produced no C4 compounds, while mutants 483L1, 483L2, and 483L3 transformed 2.0, 37.0, and 25.8% of glucose to acetoin and 2,3-butanediol. In contrast to the parental strain, the NADH balance showed that the mutants regenerated most of the NAD via NADH oxidase under aerobic conditions and by ethanol production under anaerobic conditions.
A scalable line-independent design algorithm for voltage and frequency control in AC islanded microgrids

We propose a decentralized control synthesis procedure for stabilizing voltage and frequency in AC Islanded microGrids (ImGs) composed of Distributed Generation Units (DGUs) and loads interconnected through power lines. The presented approach enables Plug-and-Play (PnP) operations, meaning that DGUs can be added or removed without compromising the overall ImG stability. The main feature of our approach is that the proposed design algorithm is line-independent. This implies that (i) the synthesis of each local controller requires only the parameters of the corresponding DGU and not the model of power lines connecting neighboring DGUs, and (ii) whenever a new DGU is plugged in, DGUs physically coupled with it do not have to retune their regulators because of the new power line connected to them. Moreover, we formally prove that stabilizing local controllers can be always computed, independently of the electrical parameters. Theoretical results are validated by simulating in PSCAD the behavior of a 10-DGUs ImG.
Community detection on euclidean random graphs

Motivated by problems in Community Detection, we introduce a new class of sparse spatial random graphs. These graphs can be seen as ‘planted-partition’ versions of the classical random connection graphs studied in Stochastic Geometry. Roughly speaking, we consider an infinite random graph with the vertex set identified by the natural numbers N. Each node has two labels, a Rd valued location label and a {−1, +1} valued community label. We model the location labels to form the support of a homogeneous Poisson Point Process (PPP) of intensity λ on Rd and the community labels are i.i. d. and uniformly distributed in {−1, +1}. Conditional on the node labels, edges are drawn independently at random so that on average, a node has more edges to other nodes of the same community than the opposite community. The central question on this model is that of community detection which asks how well can one partition the nodes into representative communities, given a single realization of the location labels and the edges drawn by assuming a partition. We establish a phase-transition for this problem in the sparse graph regime. We show that if the intensity λ is sufficiently small, then there exists no algorithm that beats a random guess for the partition. Conversely, we give an algorithm that efficiently performs community detection, when the intensity λ is sufficiently high. The key techniques employed in this paper are closely related to those used to study continuum percolation.
Mosquito-borne infections in Fiji: I. Filariasis in northern Fiji: epidemiological evidence regarding factors influencing the prevalence of microfilaraemia of Wuchereria bancrofti infections

SUMMARY A survey of microfilaraemia among the population of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Koro islands in northern Fiji was conducted in 1968 and 1969 as a prelude to a campaign of mass treatment with diethylcarbamazine. The prevalences of microfilaraemia were found in the more moist conditions of Taveuni and Koro and on the windward southern side of Vanua Levu to be higher than on the drier northern side of Vanua Levu. On both sides of Vanua Levu prevalences were lower inland than near the coast. Under apparently similar environmental conditions those of Fijian ethnic origin exhibited a higher prevalence of microfilaraemia than that shown by Indians. This ethnic difference and a difference between the prevalences in male and female Fijians are considered to be due more to higher rates of recovery from microfilaraemia in Indians and Fijian women than to diminished exposure to mosquitoes. Mathematical models have been used as an aid to the interpretation of the data, and, where appropriate, comparison has been made with the prevalence of antibodies to dengue, an arbovirus having the same vectors. Household infections were analysed by computer techniques. Infections in large households were not proportionately higher than in small households, indicating that transmission was not intrafamilial. The clustering of infections within households, though present, was not marked. Among the occupants of outlying settlements the prevalence of microfilaraemia was relatively low indicating a lower risk of infection due to isolation.
Positive and negative inotropic responses of the atria and ventricles to vagosympathetic stimulation in the isovolumic canine heart.

The responses of the paced, isovolumic atria and ventricles to cervical vagosympathetic stimulation were examined in eight normal and seven sympathectomized dogs under chloralose anesthesia. Before atropine, stimulation usually caused decreases in both atrial and ventricular contractility but with significant quantitative and qualitative variation from animal to animal. The right atrium showed the greatest average decrease (>30%), followed by the left atrium (12%), right ventricle (4% to 12%), and the left ventricle (1% to 10%). After atropine, 0.5 mg/kg, all chambers responded positively to stimulation. The right ventricle was most responsive (about 30%), and the other chambers showed increases of 10% to 20%. These positive inotropic responses were eliminated by propranolol, 0.5 mg/kg, or by pentolinium tartrate, 0.5 mg/kg. In the sympathectomized animals, negative inotropic responses were usually greater and positive responses were reduced or eliminated. The data demonstrate that fibers exist in the cervical vagosympathetic trunks which have both negative and positive inotropic effects on all chambers of the heart. The net effect of vagosympathetic stimulation on a chamber's contractility reflects the relative numbers of the two fiber types which supply it. The fibers mediating the positive effects are probably preganglionic with significant postganglionic stations in the caudal cervical and stellate ganglia and perhaps in the heart itself.
Power optimization of variable voltage core-based systems

The growing class of portable systems, such as personal computing and communication devices, has resulted in a new set of system design requirements, mainly characterized by dominant importance of power minimization and design reuse. We develop the design methodology for the low power core-based real-time system-on-chip based on dynamically variable voltage hardware. The key challenge is to develop effective scheduling techniques that treat voltage as a variable to be determined, in addition to the conventional task scheduling and allocation. Our synthesis technique also addresses the selection of the processor core and the determination of the instruction and data cache size and configuration so as to fully exploit dynamically variable voltage hardware, which result In significantly lower power consumption for a set of target applications than existing techniques. The highlight of the proposed approach is the non-preemptive scheduling heuristic which results in solutions very close to optimal ones for many test cases. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated on a variety of modem industrial-strength multimedia and communication applications.
Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcifications in CBCT Images of Mandibular Region

Statement of the Problem: Most of the soft tissue calcifications within the head and neck region might not be accompanied by clinical symptoms but may indicate some pathological conditions. Purpose: The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of mandibular region. Materials and Method: In this cross sectional study the CBCT images of 602 patients including 294 men and 308 women with mean age 41.38±15.18 years were evaluated regarding the presence, anatomical location; type (single or multiple) and size of soft tissue calcification in mandibular region. All CBCT images were acquired by NewTom VGi scanner. Odds ratio and chi-square tests were used for data analysis and p< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: 156 out of 602 patients had at least one soft tissue calcification in their mandibular region (25.9%. of studied population with mean age 51.7±18.03 years). Men showed significantly higher rate of soft tissue calcification than women (30.3% vs. 21.8%). Soft tissue calcification was predominantly seen at posterior region of the mandible (88%) and most of them were single (60.7%). The prevalence of soft tissue calcification increased with age. Most of the detected soft tissue calcifications were smaller than 3mm (90%). Conclusion: Soft tissue calcifications in mandibular area were a relatively common finding especially in posterior region and more likely to happen in men and in older age group.
Geobiological investigations using secondary ion mass spectrometry: microanalysis of extant and paleo‐microbial processes

The application of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has tremendous value for the field of geobiology, representing a powerful tool for identifying the specific role of micro‐organisms in biogeochemical cycles. In this review, we highlight a number of diverse applications for SIMS and nanoSIMS in geobiological research. SIMS performs isotope and elemental analysis at microscale enabling the investigation of the physiology of individual microbes within complex communities. Additionally, through the study of isotopic or chemical characteristics that are common in both living and ancient microbial communities, SIMS allows for direct comparisons of potential biosignatures derived from extant microbial cells and their fossil equivalents.
A Framework for Developing Left-Turn Operations Guidelines at Signalized Intersections

The State of Texas in the United States deploys protected/permissive left-turn control at selected intersections throughout the state to avoid unnecessary delays for left-turning vehicles at these intersections. The choice between protected only and protected/permissive left-turn controls depends on how traffic operations engineers balance operational efficiency and safety at a particular intersection. When protected/permissive left-turn control is used at an intersection, there are a variety of left-turn signal phasing schemes to use. While motorists are generally in favor of having protected/permissive left-turn control, the traffic engineering community has been concerned with the overall safety of deploying protected/permissive left-turn control at some intersections. Despite decades of research, there are no widely accepted guidelines for engineers to choose between protected only and protected/permissive left-turn controls. In addition, there exist no uniform guidelines about the selection of the most appropriate left-turn phasing schemes for a given intersection in Texas. Policy and practices about left-turn operations vary from one region to another in Texas. Furthermore, within regions with multiple jurisdictions, different practices exist from one jurisdiction to another. This lack of consistency is confusing to drivers and may result in a greater number of crashes related to left-turn operations. After a thorough review of related work, this study presents a framework for developing left-turn operations guidelines at signalized intersections in Texas.
Nano-ZnO prepared by using chaya and mango leaves extract for photocatalyst of methylene blue

This research aimed to synthesize nano-ZnO from chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) and mango leaves extract (Mangifera indica) as environmentally friendly photocatalysts. Nano-ZnO was synthesized using green synthesis, with leaves extracts as reducing agents and nanoparticle size stabilizers. The samples were prepared using two methods, namely nano-ZnO-1 and nano-ZnO-2. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed the contribution of metabolite compounds in nano-ZnO synthesis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the crystal size in nano range, with spherical nanorod morphology observed. Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) determined the band gap energy of 2.97 eV and 3.17 eV. Furthermore, photocatalytic activity test showed that photocatalyst performance after 90 min was 68.86% (nano-ZnO-1) and 96.46% (nano-ZnO-2).