Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface Study of CuO Nanopetals by Advanced Nanocharacterization Techniques with Enhanced Optical and Catalytic Properties

In the present work, a facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis of well-defined stabilized CuO nanopetals and its surface study by advanced nanocharacterization techniques for enhanced optical and catalytic properties has been investigated. Characterization by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed existence of high crystalline CuO nanopetals with average length and diameter of 1611.96 nm and 650.50 nm, respectively. The nanopetals are monodispersed with a large surface area, controlled morphology, and demonstrate the nanocrystalline nature with a monoclinic structure. The phase purity of the as-synthesized sample was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. A significantly wide absorption up to 800 nm and increased band gap were observed in CuO nanopetals. The valance band (VB) and conduction band (CB) positions at CuO surface are measured to be of +0.7 and −1.03 eV, respectively, using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which would be very promising for efficient catalytic properties. Furthermore, the obtained CuO nanopetals in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) achieved excellent catalytic activities for degradation of methylene blue (MB) under dark, with degradation rate > 99% after 90 min, which is significantly higher than reported in the literature. The enhanced catalytic activity was referred to the controlled morphology of monodispersed CuO nanopetals, co-operative role of H2O2 and energy band structure. This work contributes to a new approach for extensive application opportunities in environmental improvement.
Bird Diversity and Occurrence of Bamboo Specialists in Two Bamboo Die-Offs in Southeastern Peru

Abstract. A post-flowering die-off of bamboo in an established bird-census plot afforded us an opportunity to investigate the response of bamboo-dwelling birds to a natural transformation of their habitat. In 1984 and 1985 SR and JT generated spot maps for an 80-ha plot in terra firme forest near the Cocha Cashu Biological Station, Manu National Park, Peru. Two mapped bamboo patches in the plot totaled approximately 30 ha. In 2001 and 2002, the bamboo flowered and died. In 2009, JS revisited the plot and generated spot maps for the former bamboo patches and adjacent forest. By 2009, trees had grown up in the erstwhile bamboo patches, creating stands of second growth surrounded by mature forest. Twelve species of bamboo specialists were no longer present but almost no new species had invaded. We conclude that the maintenance of high bird diversity in western Amazonian forests does not depend on the spatial heterogeneity caused by dying off of bamboo. This result contrasts with, but does not contradict, previous research demonstrating the importance of some disturbances such as treefalls opening gaps to avian biodiversity in neotropical forests. A few bamboo specialists, including the Brown-rumped Foliage-Gleaner (Automolus melanopezus), Goeldi's Antbird (Myrmeciza goeldii), Flammulated Pygmy-Tyrant (Hemitriccus flammulatus), and Dusky-tailed Flatbill (Ramphotrigon fuscicauda), persisted in the die-offs. Their choices of microsites suggested that vegetation structure rather than plant-species composition is an important determinant of habitat suitability for these specialists.
Acetone Prospect as an Additive to Allow the Use of Castor and Sunflower Oils as Drop-In Biofuels in Diesel/Acetone/Vegetable Oil Triple Blends for Application in Diesel Engines

The present paper investigates the feasibility of using acetone (ACE) in triple blends with fossil diesel (D) and straight vegetable oils (SVOs) as alternative fuel for diesel engines. In this respect, ACE is selected as an oxygenated additivedue to its favorable propertiesto be mixed with vegetable oils and fossil diesel. In fact, the very low kinematic viscosity allows reduces the high viscosity of SVOs. ACE’s oxygen content, low autoignition temperature, and very low cloud point and pour point values highlight its possibilities as an additive in D/ACE/SVO triple blends. Moreover, ACE can be produced through a renewable biotechnological process, an acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation from cellulosic biomass. The SVOs tested were castor oil (CO), which is not suitable for human consumption, and sunflower oil (SO), used as a standard reference for waste cooking oil. The viscosity measurement of the ACE/SVO double blend was considered crucial to choose the optimum proportion, which better fulfilled the specifications established by European standard EN 590. Moreover, some of the most significant physicochemical properties of D/ACE/SVO triple blends, such as kinematic viscosity, cloud point, pour point, and calorific value, were determined to assess their suitability as fuels. The blends were evaluated in a conventional diesel generator through the study of the following parameters: engine power, smoke emissions, and fuel consumption. Despite the low calorific value of ACE limits its ratio in the mixtures due to engine knocking problems, the experimental results reveal an excellent performance for the blends containing up to 16-18% of ACE and 22-24% of SVO. These blends produce similar engine power as to fossil diesel, but with slightly higher fuel consumption. Considerable reductions in emissions of air pollutants, as well as excellent cold flow properties are also obtained with these triple blends. In summary, the use of these biofuels could achieve a substitution of fossil diesel up to 40%, independently on the SVO employed.
Systemic Induction of Salicylates in Salix myrsinifolia(Salisb.)

Abstract We studied the induction of salicylates in mature leaves of Salix myrsinifolia Salisb. (Salicaceae) following severe wounding by a specialist leaf-beetle Phratora vitellinae L. (Chrysomelidae). Levels of individual salicylates and aromatic amino acids and their total levels were determined in leaves at different developmental stages. Induction of salicylates depended on: (1) the individual compound; (2) the developmental stage of the plant organ; and (3) the genotype of the plant. Induction of salicylates was systemic: levels of salicylates rose in unwounded young immature and mature leaves, but no local response was detected in wounded leaves. In addition, there were clear clonal variations in both the constant and induced levels of salicylates: clones with the highest levels of salicylates were also most capable of increasing this level in response to herbivore attack i.e. no trade-off between constant and induced levels was detected. Furthermore, the levels of three aromatic amino acids, Phe, Tyr and Trp, increased in immature leaves of herbivore-affected plants, which may indicate induction of enzymes of the shikimate pathway by wounding. The increase in salicylates was suggested to be a consequence of an increased rate of synthesis rather than that of translocation. The induced levels of salicylates did not affect the subsequent feeding of highly specialized P. vitellinae . However, the ability to increase levels of salicylates may reduce grazing by generalist herbivores which are not able to tolerate high levels of salicylates.
MiR-21 promotes calcium oxalate-induced renal tubular cell injury by targeting PPARA.

Kidney stone disease is a crystal concretion formed in kidneys which has been associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. MicroRNAs are functionally involved in kidney injury. Data mining using a microRNA array database suggested that miR-21 may be associated with calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM)-induced renal tubular cell injury. Here, we confirmed that COM exposure significantly upregulated miR-21 expression, inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis and caused lipid accumulation in the immortalized renal tubular cell line HK-2. Moreover, inhibition of miR-21 enhanced proliferation and decreased apoptosis and lipid accumulation in HK-2 cells upon COM exposure. In a glyoxylate-induced mouse model of renal calcium oxalate deposition, increased miR-21 expression, lipid accumulation and kidney injury were also observed. In silico analysis and subsequent experimental validation confirmed PPARA, a key gene in fatty acid oxidation, as a direct miR-21 target. Suppression of miR-21 by miRNA antagomiR or activation of PPARα by its selective agonist fenofibrate significantly reduced renal lipid accumulation and protected against renal injury in vivo. In addition, miR-21 was significantly increased in urine samples from patients with calcium oxalate renal stones compared with healthy volunteers. In situ hybridization of biopsy samples from patients with nephrocalcinosis revealed that miR-21 was also significantly upregulated compared with normal kidney tissues from patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent radical nephrectomy. These results suggested that miR-21 promoted calcium oxalate-induced renal tubular cell injury by targeting PPARA, indicating that miR-21 could be a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for nephrolithiasis.
Medication Intake Is Associated with Lower Plasma Carotenoids and Higher Fat-Soluble Vitamins in the Cross-Sectional MARK-AGE Study in Older Individuals

The regular use of medication may interfere with micronutrient metabolism on several levels, such as absorption, turnover rate, and tissue distribution, and this might be amplified during aging. This study evaluates the impact of self-reported medication intake on plasma micronutrients in the MARK-AGE Project, a cross-sectional observational study in 2217 subjects (age- and sex-stratified) aged 35–75 years from six European countries that were grouped according to age. Polypharmacy as possible determinant of micronutrient concentrations was assessed using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age-group, dietary fruit, vegetables, and juice intake, and other confounders. Younger participants reported taking fewer drugs than older participants. Inverse associations between medication intake and lutein (−3.31% difference per increase in medication group), β-carotene (−11.44%), α-carotene (−8.50%) and positive associations with retinol (+2.26%), α-tocopherol/cholesterol (+2.89%) and γ-tocopherol/cholesterol (+1.36%) occurred in multiple adjusted regression models. Combined usage of a higher number of medical drugs was associated with poorer status of carotenoids on the one hand and higher plasma concentrations of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherol on the other hand. Our results raise concerns regarding the safety of drug combinations via the significant and surprisingly multifaceted disturbance of the concentrations of relevant micronutrients.
Diversity of the Seedborne Fungi and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Species Associated with Intercropped Soybean

Maize/soybean relay strip intercropping has been widely practiced in Southwest China due to its high productivity and effective application of agricultural resources; however, several seedborne diseases such as seedling blight, pod and seed decay are frequently observed causing severe yield loss and low seed quality. So far, the population and pathogenicity of the seedborne fungi associated with intercropped soybean remain unexplored. In this study, seeds of 12 soybean cultivars screened for intercropping were collected from three growing regions in Sichuan Province of Southwest China, and the seedborne fungi were isolated from the surface-sterilized seeds. Based on sequence analysis of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA ITS), 148 isolates were identified into 13 fungal genera, among which Fusarium covered 55.0% as the biggest population followed by Colletotrichum. Furthermore, Fusarium isolates were classified into five distinct species comprising F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides, F. asiaticum and F. incarnatum through sequence analysis of translation elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1α) and DNA-directed RNA ploymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2). Among them, F. fujikuroi accounted for 51.22% (42/82) and was isolated from 91.7% (11/12) soybean varieties. Pathogenicity assay showed that five Fusarium species were able to infect the seeds of soybean cultivar “Nandou12” and caused water-soaked or rot symptoms, while F. fujikuroi and F. asiaticum had much higher aggressiveness than other species with significant reductions of seed fresh weight and germination percentage. Accordingly, this study indicates that Fusarium species are the dominant seedborne fungi in the intercropped soybean in Sichuan, China, and this provides some useful references for the effective management of seedborne fungal diseases as well as soybean resistance breeding in maize/soybean relay strip intercropping.
Local Bevacizumab Treatment of Juvenile‐Onset Respiratory Papillomatosis Might Induce Multiple Tracheal Pyogenic Granulomas

INTRODUCTION Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) is the most common pediatric neoplastic disease of the airway. Its estimated annual incidence is 0.17–1.34 per 100,000 children. Although multiple treatment strategies for JORRP exist, surgical debulking remains the therapeutic mainstay. In the last 10 years, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, bevacizumab, has been administered to adults and children with severe disease, and it has shown promising effects. For aggressive laryngeal disease, bevacizumab is administered with an intra-lesion or sub-lesion injection. When tracheobronchial involvement is extensive, intravenous bevacizumab administration might be considered. To date, no adverse effect has been reported for local bevacizumab applications. Here, we present the first case of a multiple tracheal pyogenic granuloma that developed after intra-epithelial bevacizumab application in a 2-yearold child.
Corticomotor reorganization during short‐term visuomotor training in the lower back: A randomized controlled study

Accumulating evidence suggests that motor skill training is associated with structural and functional reorganization of the primary motor cortex. However, previous studies have focussed primarily upon the upper limb, and it is unclear whether comparable reorganization occurs following training of other regions, such as the lower back. Although this holds important implications for rehabilitation, no studies have examined corticomotor adaptations following short‐term motor training in the lower back.
Nonoperating room anesthesia in different parts of the world.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Advances in early diagnosis and treatment of diseases using minimally invasive procedures has led to an increase in the number of cases in locations outside the operating room. This surge created the need for anesthesia services to expand to these areas to provide well tolerated and favorable procedural conditions. The present review describes nonoperating room anesthesia patterns in different parts of the world. RECENT FINDINGS Nonoperating room anesthesia has grown exponentially over the last years. Patients scheduled in these areas are sicker and older compared to the operating room patients. Anesthesiologist-directed care has proven to be well tolerated, with less serious complications and improvement in patients and proceduralist satisfaction. SUMMARY There are marked variations in how anesthesia services are delivered in out of operating room locations in different parts of the world. Although there are some data available from the United States, expansion of minimally invasive procedures across continents will likely lead to the emergence of various models of delivering anesthetic care.
Synergistic Toll-like Receptor 3/9 Signaling Affects Properties and Impairs Glioma-Promoting Activity of Microglia

In murine experimental glioma models, TLR3 or TLR9 activation of microglial/macrophages has been shown to impair glioma growth, which could, however, not been verified in recent clinical trials. We therefore tested whether combined TLR3 and TLR9 activation of microglia/macrophages would have a synergistic effect. Indeed, combined TLR3/TLR9 activation augmented the suppression of glioma growth in organotypic brain slices from male mice in a microglia-dependent fashion, and this synergistic suppression depended on interferon β release and phagocytic tumor clearance. Combined TLR3/TLR9 stimulation also augmented several functional features of microglia, such as the release of proinflammatory factors, motility, and phagocytosis activity. TLR3/TLR9 stimulation combined with CD47 blockade further augmented glioma clearance. Finally, we confirmed that the coactivation of TLR3/TLR9 also augments the impairment of glioma growth in vivo. Our results show that combined activation of TLR3/TLR9 in microglia/macrophages results in a more efficient glioma suppression, which may provide a potential strategy for glioma treatment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs) are the predominant immune cells in glioma growth and are recently considered as antitumor targets. TLRs are involved in glioma growth, but the TLR3 or TLR9 ligands were not successful in clinical trials in treating glioma. We therefore combined TLR3 and TLR9 activation of GAMs, resulting in a strong synergistic effect of tumor clearance in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Mechanisms of this GAM-glioma interaction involve IFNβ signaling and increased tumor clearance by GAMs. Interfering with CD47 signaling had an additional impact on tumor clearance. We propose that these signaling pathways could be exploited as anti-glioma targets.
Flower-visitor networks only partially predict the function of pollen transport by bees

Mutualistic networks display distinct structural and organizational features such as nestedness, power-law degree distribution and asymmetric dependencies. Attention is now focused on how these structural properties influence network function. Most plant-pollinator networks are constructed using records of animals contacting flowers, which is based on the assumption that all visitors to flowers are pollinators; however, animals may visit flowers as nectar robbers, florivores, or to prey upon other visitors. To differentiate potential pollinator interactions from other interaction types, we examined individual bees that had visited flowers to detect if they carried pollen. Using these data, we constructed visitation and pollen-transport networks for a spinifex-dominated arid zone grassland. To determine how the structure of the visitation network reflects pollen transport, we compared the two networks using a null model approach to account for differences in network size. Differences in number of species, nestedness and connectance observed between the visitation and pollen-transport networks were within expected ranges generated under the null model. The pollen-transport network was more specialized, had lower interaction evenness, and fewer links compared to the visitation network. Almost half the number of species of the visitation network participated in the pollen-transport network, and one-third of unique visitation interactions resulted in pollen transport, highlighting that visitation does not always result in pollination. Floral visitor data indicate potential pollen transporters, but inferring pollination function from visitation networks needs to be performed cautiously as pollen transport resulted from both common and rare interactions, and depended on visitor identity. Although visitation and pollen-transport networks are structurally similar, the function of all species cannot be predicted from the visitation network alone. Considering pollen transport in visitation networks is a simple first step towards determining pollinators from non-pollinators. This is fundamental for understanding how network structure relates to network function.
Karhunen Loeve Transform-based Online Handwritten Signature Scheme via Dynamic Bit Allocation Method and Naive Bayes for Biometric Key Generation

Biological characteristics and information security have highly complementary attributes, which is a hot topic in the ﬁeld of information security research nowadays. Some traditional keys are easily suﬀered from dictionary attack. To mitigate this demerits and obtain reliability coding of biological key, we propose an online handwritten signature scheme based on Karhunen loeve transform via dynamic bit allocation method and naive Bayes for biometric key generation in this paper. The new scheme is partitioned into three steps. Firstly, feature selection of users is executed by karhunen loeve transform. A feature that mostly can represent the characteristics of the user is selected. Additionally, Naive Bayes in dynamic bit allocation method is adopted for determining probability quality of registered samples characteristics quantization. Thirdly, the trapezoid size re-places the deﬁnite integral to improve the computation time. Experimental results show that our new scheme greatly improves the eﬀectiveness of handwritten signature and has powerful competitive advantage than other methods.
How Do Different Types of BA Users Contribute to Business Value?

To explain how different types of business analytics (BA) users contribute to business value, we propose a new variance model called organizational benefits from business analytics use (OBBAU). The model captures three key mechanisms through which two distinct types of BA users drive organizational benefits: 1) data scientists providing advisory services, 2) end users using BA tools, and 3) both data scientists and end users creating and enhancing BA tools. To build the OBBAU, we thoroughly reviewed the BA and IS literatures and interviewed 15 BA experts.
Analysis of Innate and Adaptive Immunological Characteristics in Patients with IgG4-Related Disease

Background: Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic immunological disorder characterized by fibro-inflammatory conditions; however, the pathobiology of IgG4-RD has not been fully identified. Objective: This study aimed to analyze systemic differences of innate and adaptive immune cells from healthy controls and patients with IgG4-RD. Methods: Healthy controls (n = 9) and IgG4-RD patients (n = 7) were recruited with informed consent. Peripheral blood was collected from healthy controls and IgG4-RD patients, and three blood samples from IgG4-RD patients were re-collected two months after the last rituximab (RTX) treatment. The various immune cells and cytokine productions were measured by flow cytometry. Results: Blood CD14+ monocytes and steady-state follicular helper T cells were increased in patients with IgG4-RD. However, there were no changes in other immune cell populations, including B cells, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and innate lymphoid cells. Also, the TGF-β-producing CD14+ monocytes were significantly augmented in patients with IgG4-RD. Two months after RTX treatment, total B cells (CD19+) were depleted; however, the expressions of TGF-β from CD14+ monocytes remained unchanged. Conclusion: These findings showed that IgG4-RD is related to the increment of CD14+ monocytes. Besides, controlling increased TGF-β-producing CD14+ monocytes with RTX treatment might be a conducive way to regulate IgG4-RD.