Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alteration of the unsteady sorption behaviour of maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) due to thermal modification

Abstract The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the influence of a thermal modification on the kinetics of the water vapour sorption of maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst. ] based on the assumption that the Fickian equation can be applied in this regard in the first approximation. The unsteady-state sorption process between two equilibria of humidity was modelled as a diffusion process. The rate of sorption was recorded by the gravimetric method, and then the diffusion coefficient was determined through inverse parameter identification. The thermal modification leads to an alteration of the unsteady sorption behaviour of both wood species. Transport of water vapour decreases with increasing degree of modification. Depending on wood moisture, the trends of diffusion coefficients include all three levels of modification. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficients decrease when the thickness of specimens decreases. The calculated diffusion coefficients showed a length dependency both for unmodified and thermally modified spruce and maple. Accordingly, the results clearly show that these woods have a non-Fickian moisture transport behaviour. The results are nevertheless useful for comparative purposes.
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDATIVE CHARACTERISATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM MENTHA PIPERITA AND MENTHA SPICATA GROWN IN IRAN

The present work evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of Mentha piperita and Mentha spicata. Survival and growth of Bacillus cereus, E. coli and S. aureus were studied. Twenty-six and fifteen compounds were identified in the essential oils of Mentha piperita and Mentha spicata, respectively. Mentha piperita contained major compounds of α-terpinene (19.7%), isomenthone (10.3%), trans carveol (14.5%), pipertitinone oxide (19.3%) and β-caryophyllene (7.6%). The major compounds of Mentha spicata were limonene (48%), menthol (4.7%), piperitone (20.27%) and caryophyllene (7.9%). The essential oils have good or excellent antimicrobial activities against all microorganisms tested. Complete death time on exposure to Mentha piperita L. and Mentha spicata L. oils were (90, 15 and 10 min) and (45, 30 and 15 min) for B. cereus, E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Two-gram positive microorganisms, B. cereus and S. aureus, showed the same pattern of zone/oil concentration ratios, while E. coli responded differently. The essential oils notably reduced the concentration of DPPH free radical and bleached β-carotene. The performance of the M. piperita oil was better than that of Mentha spicata. Application of these oils in food industries is recommended.
Development of orally disintegrating tablets containing solid dispersion of a poorly soluble drug for enhanced dissolution: In-vitro optimization/in-vivo evaluation

Diacerein (DCN), a potent anti-inflammatory API used to treat osteoarthritis yet, it suffers from poor water solubility which affects its oral absorption. Unabsorbed colonic DCN is converted into rhein, which is responsible for laxation as a main side effect of DCN treatment. Therefore, in this study orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) loaded with optimized DCN solid dispersion system were prepared using different co-processed excipients (Prosolv® ODT, Pharmaburst® 500 and F-melt®), aiming to achieve improved solubility, rapid absorption and consequently limited amount of rhein reaching the colon. Prepared ODTs were evaluated for physical characteristics, in-vitro drug release, disintegration and wetting times. Dissolution parameters; dissolution efficiency percent at 10 (DE (10 min)%) and 30 (DE (30 min)%) min and mean dissolution time (MDT) were determined. The optimized ODT showed 1.50 and 1.12 fold increase in DE (10 min)% and DE (30 min)%, respectively and 2 fold decrease in MDT, compared to Diacerein® capsules. In-vivo anti-inflammatory effect of optimized ODT, using rat paw edema revealed significant increase in edema inhibition (p < 0.0465) and promoted onset of action compared to Diacerein® capsules at 0.5 hr. It could be concluded that optimized ODT could be promising for enhanced dissolution and rapid absorption of DCN from the oral cavity.
Heterogeneous taxonomic resolution of cytochrome b gene identification of bats from Argentina: Implications for field studies

Bats are among the most diverse, widespread, and abundant mammals. In Argentina, 67 species of bats have been recorded, belonging to 5 families and 29 genera. These high levels of biodiversity are likely to complicate identification at fieldwork, especially between closely related species, where external morphology-based approaches are the only immediate means for a priori species assignment. The use of molecular markers can enhance species identification, and acquires particular relevance in capture-release studies. In this study, we discuss the extent of the use of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for species identification, comparing external morphology identification with a molecular phylogenetic classification based on this marker, under the light of current bat systematics. We analyzed 33 samples collected in an eco-epidemiological survey in the province of Santa Fe (Argentina). We further sequenced 27 museum vouchers to test the accuracy of cytochrome b -based phylogenies in taxonomic identification of bats occurring in the Pampean/Chacoan regions of Argentina. The cytochrome b gene was successfully amplified in all Molossid and Vespertilionid species except for Eptesicus, for which we designed a new reverse primer. The resulting Bayesian phylogeny was congruent with current systematics. Cytochrome b proved useful for species-level delimitation in non-conflicting genera (Eumops, Dasypterus, Molossops) and has infrageneric resolution in more complex lineages (Eptesicus, Myotis, Molossus). We discuss four sources of incongruence that may act separately or in combination: 1) molecular processes, 2) biology, 3) limitations in identification, and 4) errors in the current taxonomy. The present study confirms the general applicability of cytochrome b -based phylogenies in eco-epidemiological studies, but its resolution and reliability depend mainly, but not solely, on the level of genetic differentiation within each bat genus.
Diffusion of Molecular Hydrogen through Porous Materials: The Importance of Framework Flexibility

The importance of framework flexibility in facilitating the passage of molecules through confining framework materials is probed via both periodic energy minimizations using dedicated force fields and embedded quantum mechanical/semiempirical cluster calculations. Specifically, molecular hydrogen transport through an all-silica zeolitic structure is investigated. Particular attention is given to the comparison of the two modeling methodologies used and the effect of their corresponding approximations. Regardless of methodological differences, the quantitative and qualitative agreement between the different techniques is surprisingly good, tending to confirm the quality and suitability of each respective method. The choice of rigid framework reference structure is shown in both modeling methodologies to strongly affect the predicted influence of the lattice flexibility on the size of the molecular transport barrier, helping to resolve the differing results of previous studies. In all of our calculations, w.
USING PROCESS ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGY FOR IN SITU MONITORING OF THE POLYMORPHIC TRANSFORMATION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

Abstract The paper presents a comprehensive evaluation study into the use of process analytical technology (PAT) for the in situ detection and monitoring of the polymorphic transformations from anhydrous to hydrate form, of a model system, caffeine in water. Techniques investigated include focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM), on-line particle vision and measurement (PVM) and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) UV- spectroscopy. The influence of temperature and agitator speed on the hydration kinetics is evaluated. Results of the investigation into the use of PAT for the automatic metastable zone width determination and thermodynamic and kinetic study of the crystallization of caffeine are also presented. The enthalpy and entropy of caffeine dissolution and nucleation kinetics are reported.
Metabolic Engineering of Isoflavonoid Biosynthesis by Expressing Glycine max Isoflavone Synthase in Allium cepa L. for Genistein Production

Isoflavonoids, the diverse group of secondary metabolites derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway, are distributed predominantly in leguminous plants and play a vital role in promoting human health. Genetic engineering of the metabolite synthesis pathway has turned out to be an attractive approach for the production of various secondary metabolites. In our study, we attempted to produce the isoflavone genistein, a well-known health-promoting metabolite, in Allium cepa L. (onion) by introducing Glycine max Isoflavone synthase (GmIFS). The GmIFS gene was cloned into the pEarleyGate 102 HA vector and transformed into onion by Agrobacterium-mediated and biolistic methods. The presence of GmIFS in transgenic onion was confirmed by PCR, dot blot, and Southern hybridization. Analysis of the transgenic onion calli lines demonstrated that the expression of the GmIFS gene led to the production of isoflavone genistein in in vitro tissues. The biolistic stable transformed calli with transformation efficiency of 73% (62.65 nM/g FW) accumulated more genistein than the Agrobacterium stable transformed calli with transformation efficiency of 56% (42.5 nM/g FW). Overall, heterologous gene expression of GmIFS was demonstrated by modifying the secondary metabolite pathway in onion tissues for the production of isoflavone genistein that can boost up human health with its health-promoting properties.
Work status, death anxiety and psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic: Implications of the terror management theory

Abstract The present study determined the application of terror management theory during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Death anxiety and psychological distress were examined in the context of work status. A sample of 478 from the general population voluntarily participated in the study. Findings revealed a significant moderating role of work status, illustrating the strong relationship between psychological distress and death anxiety for non-working participants. Therefore, psychological distress is related to more significant death anxiety among non-working than those who are working. This study highlights the importance of work as an anxiety buffering factor concerning mortality thoughts.
Robust Species Distribution Mapping of Crop Mixtures Using Color Images and Convolutional Neural Networks

Crop mixtures are often beneficial in crop rotations to enhance resource utilization and yield stability. While targeted management, dependent on the local species composition, has the potential to increase the crop value, it comes at a higher expense in terms of field surveys. As fine-grained species distribution mapping of within-field variation is typically unfeasible, the potential of targeted management remains an open research area. In this work, we propose a new method for determining the biomass species composition from high resolution color images using a DeepLabv3+ based convolutional neural network. Data collection has been performed at four separate experimental plot trial sites over three growing seasons. The method is thoroughly evaluated by predicting the biomass composition of different grass clover mixtures using only an image of the canopy. With a relative biomass clover content prediction of R2 = 0.91, we present new state-of-the-art results across the largely varying sites. Combining the algorithm with an all terrain vehicle (ATV)-mounted image acquisition system, we demonstrate a feasible method for robust coverage and species distribution mapping of 225 ha of mixed crops at a median capacity of 17 ha per hour at 173 images per hectare.
Copper distribution and acid‐base mobilization in vineyard soils and sediments from Galicia (NW Spain)

In northern Spain and elsewhere in the world, many vineyards are located on steep slopes and are susceptible to accelerated soil erosion. Contaminants, notably Cu, originating from repeated application of copper‐based fungicides to the vines to prevent mildew, are transported and stored in the sediments deposited close to valley bottoms. In this study, the contents and distribution of Cu in 17 soil samples and 21 sediment samples collected from vineyard stands were determined. In addition, the effect of pH on Cu release from vineyard soils and sediments was quantified. The total Cu content (CuT) in the soils varied between 96 and 583 mg kg−1, and was between 1.2 and 5.6 times greater in sediment samples. The mean concentration of potentially bioavailable Cu (CuEDTA) in the sediments was 199 mg kg−1 (46% of CuT), and was 80 mg kg−1 (36% of CuT) in the soils. Copper bound to soil organic matter (CuOM) was the dominant fraction in the soils (on average, 53% of the CuT), while in sediment samples CuOM values varied between 37 and 712 mg kg−1 and were significantly greater (P < 0.01) than in the soils. Copper associated with non‐crystalline inorganic components (CuIA) was the second most important fraction in the sediments, in which it was 3.4 times greater than in the soils. Release of Cu due to changes in the pH followed a U‐shaped pattern in soils and sediments. The release of Cu increased when the pH decreased below 5.5 due to the increased solubility of the metal at this pH. When the pH increased above 7.5, Cu and organic matter were released simultaneously.
A longitudinal characterization of sex-specific somatosensory and spatial memory deficits in HIV Tg26 heterozygous mice

The pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus associated neurological disorders is still not well understood, yet is known to result in neurological declines despite combination anti-retroviral therapy. HIV-1 transgenic (Tg26) mice contain integrated non-infectious HIV-1 proviral DNA. We sought to assess the integrity of neurocognitive function and sensory systems in HIV-1 Tg26 mice using a longitudinal design, in both sexes, to examine both age- and sex-related disease progression. General neurological reflexive testing showed only acclimation to repeated testing by all groups. Yet, at 2.5 months of age, female Tg26 +/- mice showed hyposensitivity to noxious hot temperatures, compared to wild types (both sexes) and male Tg26 +/- mice, that worsened by 10 months of age. Female Tg26 +/- mice had short-term spatial memory losses in novel object location memory testing at 2.5 and 7 months, compared to female wild types; changes not observed in male counterparts. Female Tg26 +/- mice showed mild learning deficits and short- and long-term spatial memory deficits in olfactory and visually cued Barnes Maze testing at 3 months of age, yet greater learning and memory deficits by 8 months. In contrast, male Tg26 +/- mice displayed no learning deficits and fewer spatial memory deficits (mainly heading errors in nontarget holes). Thus, greater sex-specific temperature hyposensitivity and spatial memory declines were observed in female HIV Tg26 +/- mice, than in male Tg26 +/- mice, or their wild type littermates, that increased with aging. Additionally, tibial bones were examined using ex vivo micro-CT after tissue collection at 11 months. Sex-dependent increases in bone volume and trabecular number were seen in males, matching their greater weights at this age. These results indicate that HIV-1 Tg26 mice is a promising model in which to study neuropathic mechanisms underlying peripheral pathology as well as cognitive deficits seen with HIV.
Effect of Nitrogen and Boron on the Performance of Wheat

A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from November 2011 to March 2012 to find out the effect of nitrogen (N) and boron (B) fertilization on the performance of wheat. The experiment comprised of four levels of N viz., 0, 80, 120, 160 kg ha -1 and three levels of B viz., 0, 1 and 2 kg ha -1 . The experiment showed that there were significant differences in yield due to the application of N and B though some of the yield attributes were not found significant. Grain yield was found to be significantly and positively correlated with number of effective tillers plant -1 , number of fertile spikelets spike -1 , number of gains spike -1 and straw yield. A result showed that grain yield of wheat was increased with increasing levels of both N and B up to 120 kg ha -1 and 2 kg ha -1 , respectively. The interaction effect of N and B on both the parameters was significant. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i1. 22154 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(1): 105-110 2014
Magnetic Properties of TiFe2O4-Fe3O4 System and Their Change with Oxidation

A series of solid solution xTiFe2O4. ·(1-x) Fe3O4 was synthesized by ceramic method over a whole range of the composition, 1≥x≥0. Changes of the Curie point, saturation moment and the lattice parameter with the composition were examined. Generalized titanomagnetite having some vacant site in the structure normally occupied in a spinel was also prepared by oxidizing the TiFe2O4-Fe3O4 solid solution series. The region within which the spinel structure can be in existence as a single phase was settled in a FeO-Fe2O3-TiO2 system. An equal lattice parameter line, equal Curie point line and equal saturation moment line for the generalized titanomagnetite were drawn on the FeO-Fe2O3-TiO2 system.
Functional MRI (fMRI) Evaluation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Efficacy in Chronic Cerebral Stroke: A Small Retrospective Consecutive Case Series

Topics: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) evaluation of HyberBaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) effects on chronic cerebral stroke Patients (Pts). Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate with fMRI, in a 3 Tesla system, the functional effects of HBOT on the Central Nervous System (CNS) in four Pts with established ischaemic and haemorrhagic cerebral strokes (2 Pts each). To our knowledge, no author used fMRI technique for this purpose, till now. Methods: All four Pts underwent a fMRI study before and after 40 HBOT sessions, with a time window of a few days. They carried out two language (text listening, silent word-verb generation) and two motor (hand and foot movements) tasks (30 s On-Off block paradigms). Results: After HBOT, all Pts reported a clinical improvement, mostly concerning language fluency and motor paresis. fMRI analysis demonstrated an increase in both the extent and the statistical significance of most of the examined eloquent areas. Conclusions: These changes were consistent with the clinical improvement in all Pts, suggesting a possible role of fMRI in revealing neuronal functional correlates of neuronal plasticity and HBOT-related neoangiogenesis. Although only four Pts were examined, fMRI proved to be a sensitive, non-invasive and reliable modality for monitoring neuronal functional changes before and after HBOT.
Chemistry of Arsenic in Soils: I. Sorption of Arsenate and Arsenite by Four Australian Soils

Ten soils varying widely in chemistry and mineralogy were used to examine the physical and chemical properties that influence As sorption processes in soils. The sorption of As was measured using a batch technique with As{sup V} and As{sup III} concentrations added in background solutions of NaNO{sub 3} and a range of pH values. The soils generally sorbed more As{sup V} than As{sup III} at equivalent As concentrations. In general, highly oxidic soils sorbed three times more As{sup V} than soils containing small amounts of oxidic minerals. The effect of pH on As sorption varied considerably among the soils. In soils with low concentrations of oxidic minerals, increasing pH had little affect on the amount of As{sup V} sorbed while in highly oxidic soils, sorption of As{sup V} decreased with increasing pH. This decrease was attributed to two interacting factors, the increasing negative surface potential on the plane of sorption and increasing amount of negatively charged As{sup V} species present in soil solution. In contrast to As{sup V}, sorption of As{sup III} increased with increasing pH. The effect of ionic strength on As sorption varied between the As species. In general, there was a pH below which As{sup V} sorptionmore » decreased with increasing ionic strength and above which the reverse occurred. For As{sup III} species, increasing ionic strength had little effect on the amount of As sorbed. « less
Endothelial modulation of α1‐adrenoceptor contractile responses in the tail artery of spontaneously hypertensive rats

1 Vascular contraction induced by phenylephrine was studied in tail artery rings from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) with particular focus on the role of endothelium. The influence of receptor reserve and the density of α1‐adrenoceptors on the possible differences observed were also analysed. 2 Phenylephrine (0.01–100 μm) induced concentration‐dependent vasoconstrictions. The maximum response (α, P < 0.001) was greater but the pEC50 (P < 0.05) smaller in rings from SHR than from WKY rats irrespective of the presence or absence of endothelium. 3 Removal of endothelial cells resulted in a decrease of the maximum contraction with no modification in the pEC50 in arteries from both WKY and SHR. 4 The density of α1‐adrenoceptors (Bmax) and the dissociation constant (KD) were found to be the same for preparations from SHR and WKY rats in [3H]‐prazosin binding experiments. 5 The apparent affinity (pKA) determined by the nested hyperbolic method and the operational model was similar in tail arteries from the two rat strains, irrespective of the presence or absence of endothelium. However, in endothelium‐denuded rings, the pKA value was enhanced when compared with intact rings, in both SHR and WKY rats. 6 In rings from hypertensive rats, the operational parameter maximum possible effect (Em) was greater and the agonist efficacy (τ) was smaller than in rings from normotensive rats. When the endothelium was removed log τ and Em diminished in preparations from both rat strains. 7 In summary, the increased maximum responsiveness to phenylephrine in rings from SHR could be due to enhancement in Em. The log τ values indicate a deterioration in the transduction of the stimulus provided by the agonist in tail arteries from hypertensive animals. This study also suggests that the absence of endothelium modifies the α1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated vasocontriction probably by altering the transduction signalling mechanisms. The importance of analysing the degree of endothelium functionality when comparing results from different groups of rats is stated.