Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Highly Dispersed TaOx Nanoparticles Prepared by Electrodeposition as Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Based on the chemical stability of group IV and V elements in acidic solutions, TaOx nanoparticles prepared by electrodeposition in an ethanol-based Ta plating bath at room temperature were investigated as novel nonplatinum electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Electrodeposition conditions of Ta complexes and subsequent various heat treatments for the deposited TaOx were examined for the best performance of the ORR. TaOx particles on carbon black (CB), electrodeposited at a constant potential of −0.5 VAg/AgCl for 10 s and then heat-treated by pure H2 flow at 523 K for 1 h, showed excellent catalytic activity with an onset potential of 0.93 VRHE (for 2 μA cm–2) for the ORR. Surface characterizations of the catalysts were performed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The loading amounts of the electrodeposited material on the CB were determine.
The investigation of drug or stimulant usage prevalence and related factors among university students in Mersin in Turkey

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to investigate the prevalence of drug use and related factors in university students. Methods: This study was carried out in Mersin, Turkey. Data forms were filled in by 1767 students. Results 905 (52.3%) of the 1767 participants were male. Their median age was 21.0, and 120 (6.8%) of the participants were found to have used drugs at least once in a life time; 77 (4.4%of them once in the last year. The coefficients of the increase rates for having used drugs at least once in a lifetime can be listed as follows: Presence of friends in the social environment who use drugs, 10.55 times (p < .001); being an active smoker, 4.78 times (p < .001); active alcohol consumption, 13.36 times (p < .001). The following variables appear to be the coefficients of increase rates for using drugs at least once in the previous year: having somebody who uses drugs around, 12.71 times (p < .001); being an active alcohol consumer, 10.38 times (p < .001) and parental separation, 2.64 times (p < .01). Conclusions In this study it was determined that cigarette/alcohol use and the effects of social environment are the most important factors in drug use in university students.
Proteomic potential of East African Highland Bananas (EAHBs) for banana juice extraction: comparison between juice-producing and cooking cultivars

ABSTRACT This study investigated the proteomic difference between juice-producing and cooking EAHBs to clarify the role of protein in the production of banana juice. A comparative study was carried out to determine protein content, molecular weight distributions, and amino acid profile of the pulps of ten different (five juice-producing and five cooking) banana cultivars. There was low variability in crude protein content of banana cultivars, the level fell within the range of 0.80 g/100 g to 1.02 g/100 g. SDS-PAGE results visualised that the cultivars had similar molecular weights, ranging between 10 kDa and 76 kDa. The HPLC analysis showed that the relative compositions of amino acids differed significantly (p ≤ .05) within and between juice-producing and cooking cultivars. Both banana cultivars had a significantly higher amount of glutamic and aspartic acids, but significantly lower concentrations of tyrosine, methionine. The results suggest that protein content, molecular weight, and amino acid composition of banana cultivars are not the major factors in determining a banana’s ability to release juice.
Aluminum increases net carbon fixation by marine diatoms and decreases their decomposition: Evidence for the iron–aluminum hypothesis

Recent studies indicate that aluminum (Al) could play an important role in the ocean carbon cycle by increasing phytoplankton carbon fixation and reducing organic carbon decomposition. However, how Al may influence the decomposition of organic carbon has not yet been explicitly examined. Here we report the effects of Al on carbon fixation by marine diatoms and their subsequent decomposition. By using radiocarbon as a tracer, the carbon fixation and decomposition of three model marine diatoms were examined in Aquil* media at different concentrations (0, 40, 200, and 2000 nM) of dissolved Al. Addition of Al enhanced net carbon fixation by the diatoms in the declining growth phase (by 9%–29% for Thalassiosira pseudonana, 15%–20% for T. oceanica, 15%–23% for T. weissflogii). Under axenic conditions the decomposition rates (d−1) of the diatom‐produced particulate organic carbon (POC) significantly decreased (by 21%–57% for T. pseudonana, 0%–41% for T. oceanica, 29%–58% for T. weissflogii) in the Al‐enriched treatments. In the presence of bacteria, the decomposition rates of T. weissflogii‐produced POC were still 37%–38% lower in Al‐enriched treatments compared to the control. Significant increases in cell size, cellular carbon content (pmol C/cell) and cellular carbon density (pmol C/μm3) of T. weissflogii were also observed in the Al‐enriched treatments compared to the control. The Al‐related increase in net carbon fixation and cell size, and the decrease in POC decomposition rate may facilitate carbon export to ocean depths. The study provides new evidence for the iron–aluminum hypothesis, which suggests that Al could increase phytoplankton uptake of atmospheric CO2 and influence climate change.
A Review of X-ray Microcalorimeters Based on Superconducting Transition Edge Sensors for Astrophysics and Particle Physics

The state-of-the-art technology of X-ray microcalorimeters based on superconducting transition-edge sensors (TESs), for applications in astrophysics and particle physics, is reviewed. We will show the advance in understanding the detector physics and describe the recent breakthroughs in the TES design that are opening the way towards the fabrication and the read-out of very large arrays of pixels with unprecedented energy resolution. The most challenging low temperature instruments for space- and ground-base experiments will be described.
Conservative management of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion with a large bony fragment: a prospective cohort study

Background: Internal fixation is the standard choice for treatment of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion with a large bony fragment. However, it is not without complication. This study investigated PCL avulsions with large bony fragments to determine if conservative management resulted in acceptable outcomes. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, the outcome of conservative management of PCL avulsion with large bony fragment was evaluated in 40 patients. The inclusion criteria were a fracture size of more than 20 mm and a displacement of less than 2 mm. The outcomes were evaluated after 12 mo and included the evaluation knee range of motion and scoring of the modified Lysholm questionnaire and the International Knee Documentation Committee. Knee instability was checked by the drawer test and confirmed by stress radiography. Results: The mean patient age was 36.9±16.1 yr. The mean final knee range of motion (ROM) was 125.6±8.2 degrees. The mean Lysholm score was 92.3±6.1 points. Accordingly, the excellent, good, and fair results were observed in 29 (72.5%), eight (20%), and three (7.5%) patients, respectively. The mean International Knee Documentation Committee score of the patients was 94.2±5.3 points. Postoperative instability was seen in two patients. Nonunion was observed in two other patients. The size of the bony fragment was 30 and 32 mm in patients with nonunion. Conclusions: Conservative management of the PCL avulsion with a large bony fragment could result in acceptable outcome. However, application of this technique needs further characterization, particularly with respect to the size of bony fragment. Level of Evidence: Level II.
A fresh look at AMPK signaling: multiple functions of novel interacting proteins

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central energy sensor and regulator of cellular energy state, but the AMPK signaling network is still incompletely understood. Two earlier non-biased screens for AMPK interaction partners and substrates performed in the laboratory identified several candidate proteins, but functional and physiological roles remained unclear. Here we characterized the functional relationship of AMPK with four different protein interaction partners: gluthatione S-transferases (GSTP1 and GSTM1), fumarate hydratase (FH), an E3 ubiquitin-ligase (NRDP1), and vesicle-associated membrane proteins (VAMP2 and VAMP3). Each of these interaction partners seems to have a different function in AMPK signaling, either acting up- or down-stream of AMPK. GSTP1 and GSTM1 can contribute to AMPK activation by facilitating S-glutathionylation of AMPK under mildly oxidative conditions. This non-canonical regulation suggests AMPK as a sensor of cellular redox state. Mitochondrial FH was identified as the only clear AMPK downstream substrate, but surprisingly the phosphorylation site is present in the mitochondrial targeting prepeptide, possibly affecting mitochondrial import. NRDP1, whose expression as a full-length soluble protein was achieved here for the first time, is phosphorylated by AMPK only at low levels. The interaction does neither serve for AMPK ubiquitinylation, but rather affects NRDP1 turnover. Finally, interaction of VAMP2/3 with AMPK does not involve phosphorylation or activation events of one of the partners. Instead, we propose VAMP2/3 as scaffolding proteins that recruit AMPK to exocytotic vesicles which could favor phosphorylation of vesicular AMPK substrates for exocytosis. Collectively, our results add some new elements to the AMPK signaling network, suggesting that it is much more complex than anticipated. In addition to upstream kinases and downstream substrates, regulation of AMPK signaling occurs by secondary protein modifications other than phosphorylation, by effects on protein turnover, and probably also by specific subcellular recruitment of AMPK.
Code Switching and Code Mixing in English Language Learning Class

This research concerned with the types of code switching and code mixing used by the teachers, teachers’ reasons in using code switching and code mixing, and students’ perception of code switching and code mixing used by the teacher in the class. This research was a descriptive qualitative research. The researcher used observation checklist, video recording, interview, and questionnaire as the instruments of this research. The data of this research was analyzed by classifying the types of code switching used theory of Poplack and the types code mixing used theory of Hoffman. The result of this research shows that the English teachers did all the types of code switching in English class. Namely; tag code switching, inter-sentential code switching, and intra-sentential code switching. Meanwhile, the researcher found that the teachers only used two from the three types of code mixing. Namely; intra-sentential code mixing and intra-lexical code mixing. The type that did not appear was involvement in a change of pronunciation. This study revealed that the teachers’ reason in using code switching and code mixing are; to help the students in learning English and to make the students more focus in learning process. For the students’ perception, most of the students agreed that the use of code switching and code mixing helps them understand the materials in English language learning class.
Exploring the lived experiences of rural LGBTQ + youth: Navigating identity and authenticity within school and community contexts

Abstract Research with rural LGBTQ + youth suggests their experiences of stigma and victimization, as well as related health concerns, may be greater than that of urban LGBTQ + youth. Regional differences may also affect their experiences, yet we lack research on the nuanced contextual factors affecting LGBTQ + youth in the rural Midwest. This study examined the lived experiences pertaining to community and school environments among LGBTQ + youth in rural Minnesota (N = 7). Specifically, we aimed to understand how youth navigated their gender and sexual identities, including authenticity, within these contexts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with LGBTQ + youth and then analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings include three themes: (1) school-related hostility and challenges; (2) community intolerance affecting personal authenticity; and (3) affirming environments, support, and authenticity. The findings indicate rural LGBTQ + youth in Minnesota have difficulty accessing inclusive resources and navigating rural environments; also highlighting the resiliency of youth and their ability to identify people and spaces that provided opportunities to practice authenticity and wholeness.
First detection of Trypanosoma vivax in cattle in the state of Bahia, Brazil, based on parasitological and molecular analyses

We report the first detection of Trypanosoma vivax in Bahia state based on blood smear and PCR analyses. A total of 623 bovine blood samples were collected over two years. Parasitological analysis by smear technique detected the presence of T. vivax in 0.3%, while molecular analysis by PCR showed a prevalence in 18.9% of the samples. This study demonstrated the higher sensitivity of molecular analysis in the diagnosis of hemoparasitosis caused by T. vivax in dairy cattle herds.
M2 macrophage‐conditioned medium inhibits intervertebral disc degeneration in a tumor necrosis factor‐α‐rich environment

Inflammation is the primary pathological phenomenon associated with disc degeneration; the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) plays a crucial role in this pathology. The anti‐inflammatory and regenerative effects of M2 macrophages on nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) progression remain unknown. Here, M2 conditioned medium (M2CM) was harvested and purified from human acute monocytic leukaemia cell line (THP‐1) cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages, respectively; it was used for culturing human NPCs and a mouse intervertebral disc (IVD) organ culture model. NPCs and IVD organ models were divided into three groups: group 1 treated with 10% fetal bovine serum (control); group 2 treated with 10 ng/ml TNF‐α; and group 3 treated with 10 ng/ml TNF‐α and M2CM (coculture group). After 2–14 days, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, apoptosis, and NPC senescence were assessed. Cell proliferation was reduced in TNF‐α‐treated NPCs and inhibited in the M2CM co‐culture treatment. Moreover, TNF‐α treatment enhanced apoptosis, senescence, and expression of inflammatory factor‐related genes, including interleukin‐6, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐4, and ADAMTS‐5, whereas M2CM coculture significantly reversed these effects. In addition, co‐culture with M2CM promoted aggrecan and collagen II synthesis, but reduced collagen Iα1 levels in TNF‐α treatment groups. Using our established three‐dimensional murine IVD organ culture model, we show that M2CM suppressed the inhibitory effect of TNF‐α‐rich environment. Therefore, co‐culture with M2CM promotes cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis and inhibits inflammation, apoptosis, and NPC senescence. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of M2CM for IDD.
Activated Carbon from Biomass Sustainable Sources

Biomass wastes are abundant around us. They are renewable and inexpensive. Product manufacturing from renewable resources has caught increasing interest recently. Activated carbon preparation from biomass resources, including various trees, leaves, plant roots, fruit peels, and grasses, is a good example. In this paper, an overview of activated carbon production from biomass resources will be given. The first part will be on the processing technologies. The second part will focus on the carbon activation methods. The third part will introduce the biomass resources. The fourth part will be on surface modification of activated carbon through the addition of various components. Finally, the development of product applications will be discussed with an emphasis on adsorption, filtration, water purification, energy conversions, and energy storage.
CNN-based Gender Prediction in Uncontrolled Environments

Uretilen ve toplanan veri miktarinin giderek artmasi ile birlikte yapay zekâ teknolojilerin kullanilmasi kacinilmaz hale gelmistir. Bu teknolojilerden biri olan derin ogrenme teknikleri kullanilarak bilgisayarli goru ve goruntu isleme alanlarinda yuz analizi ve siniflandirma gibi gorevlerde yuksek performans alinabilmektedir. Bu calismada derin ogrenme algoritmalarindan Evrisimsel Sinir Aglari (CNN) kullanilmistir. Bu algoritma ile olusturulan model, yuz goruntuleriyle egitilmis ve cinsiyet tahmini yapilmistir. Yapilan deneyler sonucunda VGGFace2 veri seti uzerinde 93.71% ve Adience veri seti uzerinde 85.52% oraninda basari saglanmistir. Calismanin amaci dusuk cozunurlukteki resimleri yuksek dogrulukla siniflandirabilmektir.
Regionalization of precipitation associated with tropical cyclones using spatial metrics and satellite precipitation

ABSTRACT Precipitation associated with landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) poses a significant flood risk to vast regions along and inland of the coasts. Quantifying spatial characteristics of tropical cyclone precipitation (TCP) and defining homogeneous rainfall regions can benefit forecasts and hazard mitigation of TCs. This work aims to evaluate the application of spatial metrics and satellite precipitation data in characterizing precipitation associated with landfalling TCs over the North Atlantic. This study applied an object-based Geographic Information System method to measure rainfall fields associated with North Atlantic landfalling TCs from the satellite-based rain rate estimates from 1998–2014. Eleven spatial metrics measuring the entire rainfall field and the largest rainfall polygon within the rain field were evaluated using a set of non-parametric tests to determine if they could distinguish rainfall patterns among four storm intensity categories. A multivariate clustering method with hotspot analysis was utilized to investigate spatial variations and regionalize the rainfall patterns into nine clusters using selected metrics. Five spatial metrics, namely area, solidity, dispersion, closure, and roundness, were selected since they meet three criteria: 1) having a relatively full range of 0– 1 (besides area); 2) having a significant increasing or decreasing trend with intensity, and 3) showing significant differences between any two storm categories. The clustering results indicate that TC rainfall patterns exhibit significant regional variations when storms are over land as well as over sub-basins, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the North Atlantic. The clustering results reveal that intensity is one of the key factors in determining rainfall patterns and reflect the impact of other factors, such as wind shear, moisture content, and interaction with land.
Intra‐Operative Bioprinting of Hard, Soft, and Hard/Soft Composite Tissues for Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction

Reconstruction of complex craniomaxillofacial (CMF) defects is challenging due to the highly organized layering of multiple tissue types. Such compartmentalization necessitates the precise and effective use of cells and other biologics to recapitulate the native tissue anatomy. In this study, intra‐operative bioprinting (IOB) of different CMF tissues, including bone, skin, and composite (hard/soft) tissues, is demonstrated directly on rats in a surgical setting. A novel extrudable osteogenic hard tissue ink is introduced, which induced substantial bone regeneration, with ≈80% bone coverage area of calvarial defects in 6 weeks. Using droplet‐based bioprinting, the soft tissue ink accelerated the reconstruction of full‐thickness skin defects and facilitated up to 60% wound closure in 6 days. Most importantly, the use of a hybrid IOB approach is unveiled to reconstitute hard/soft composite tissues in a stratified arrangement with controlled spatial bioink deposition conforming the shape of a new composite defect model, which resulted in ≈80% skin wound closure in 10 days and 50% bone coverage area at Week 6. The presented approach will be absolutely unique in the clinical realm of CMF defects and will have a significant impact on translating bioprinting technologies into the clinic in the future.
Do Third Molars Play a Role in Second Molars Undergoing Endodontic Treatment?

Background and aim: This study evaluated the rates of second molars undergoing endodontic treatment due to partially or fully erupted lower and upper third molars. Materials and Methods: Radiographic data from 579 patients were analyzed to calculate the rates of second molars undergoing endodontic treatment due to third molars and other reasons. Descriptive statistics were expressed as numbers and percentages for categorical variables. The chi-square test was used to determine the relationships between categorical variables (p<0.05). Results: The rate of second molars undergoing root canal treatment for reasons unrelated to third molars was statistically higher than that of second molars undergoing treatment because of third molars (p<0.001). The rate of lower second molars with endodontic treatment was significantly higher than that of upper second molars (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between partially and fully erupted third molars causing root canal treatment of second molars (p = 0.344). Conclusions: Root canal treatment of second molars can be related to fully or partially erupted third molars. All preventive measures should be taken to avoid the need for root canal treatment.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Liberia (#CCG)

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Liberia, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Regulation of Apoptosis during Environmental Skin Tumor Initiation

Skin cancer is more prevalent than any other cancer in the United States. Nonmelanoma skin cancers are the more common forms of skin cancer that affect individuals. The development of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer, can be stimulated by exposure of environmental carcinogens, such as chemical toxicants or UVB. It is developed by three distinct stages: initiation, promotion, and progression. During the initiation, the fate of DNA-damaged skin cells is determined by the homeostatic regulation of pro-apoptotic and antiapoptotic signaling pathways. The imbalance or disruption of either signaling will lead to the survival of initiated cells, resulting in the development of skin cancer. In this chapter, we will discuss signaling pathways that regulate apoptosis and the impact of their dysfunction during skin tumor initiation.