Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diffraction peaks from correlated dislocations

Abstract We show that the X-ray diffraction peaks from crystals with dislocations can be adequately modeled by pairs of dislocations of opposite sign with random position, orientation, and distance between dislocations in the pair. The mean distance between dislocations in the pair can be taken to be comparable to the mean distance between all dislocations, which corresponds to the Wilkens parameter M ≳ 1 typical for many experiments. The diffraction peak profiles are calculated by the Monte Carlo method and compared with an analytical approximation.
Responses of cucumber grown in recirculating nutrient solution to gradual Mn and Zn accumulation in the root zone owing to excessive supply via the irrigation water

A standard and a high manganese (Mn) level (10 and 160 μM) were combined with a standard and a high zinc (Zn) level (4 and 64 μM) in the nutrient solution supplied to cucumber in closed-cycle hydroponic units to compensate for nutrient uptake. The concentrations of all nutrients except Mn and Zn were identical in all treatments. The objectives of the experiment were to establish critical Zn and Mn levels in both nutrient solutions and leaves of cucumber grown hydroponically, to assess the impact of gradual Zn and/or Mn accumulation in the external solution on nutrient uptake and gas exchange, and to find whether Mn and Zn have additive effects when the levels of both ions are excessively high in the root zone. The first symptoms of Mn and Zn toxicity appeared when the concentrations of Mn and Zn in the leaves of cucumber reached 900 and 450 mg kg–1 in the dry weight, respectively. Excessively high Mn or/and Zn concentrations in the leaves reduced the fruit biomass production due to decreases in the number of fruits per plant, as well as the net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate, but increased the intercellular CO2 levels. Initially, the Mn or Zn concentrations in the recirculating nutrient solution increased rapidly but gradually stabilized to maximal levels, while the corresponding concentrations in the leaves constantly increased until the end of the experiment. The uptake of Mg, Ca, Fe, and Cu was negatively affected, while that of K and P remained unaffected by the external Mn and Zn levels. The combination of high Mn and Zn seems to have no additive effects on the parameters investigated.
Nitrogen Release from Crop Residues and Organic Amendments as Affected by Biochemical Composition

Although amounts and patterns of nitrogen mineralization from decomposing crop residues and other organic materials are known to be affected by their initial chemical composition and quality (e.g., C/N ratio, lignin and soluble polyphenol concentrations), published results differed in which properties correlated best with the N release. Six crop residues (leguminous and non‐leguminous) and two organic materials (spent mushroom compost and dairy pond sludge) were incubated to determine the release of mineral N and its relationships to residue chemical composition. A previously proposed equation for calculating plant residue quality index (PRQI) was modified to PRQIM (Plant residue quality index‐modified) to include C/N, lignin/N and polyphenol/N ratios of crop residues and organic materials so as to integrate these three major variables, which control the residue decomposition and nutrient release. The PRQIM was significantly and highly correlated with N release not only for the data obtained in the present study but also for three independent data sets obtained from the literature for a wide variety of organic materials ranging from arable crop residues, tropical savanna woodland litter and leguminous tree prunings.
Deep-Learning Model to Predict Coronary Artery Calcium Scores in Humans from Electrocardiogram Data

We introduce a deep-learning neural network model that uses electrocardiogram (ECG) data to predict coronary artery calcium scores, which can be useful for reliably detecting cardiovascular risk in patients. In our pre-processing method, each lead of the ECG is segmented into several waves with an interval, which is determined as the period from the starting point of a P-wave to the end point of a T-wave. The number of segmented waves of one lead represents the number of heartbeats of the subject per 10 s. The segmented waves of one cycle are transformed into normalized waves with an amplitude of 0–1. Owing to the use of eight-lead ECG waves, the input ECG dataset has two dimensions. We used a convolutional neural network with 16 layers and 5 fully connected layers, comprising a one-dimensional filter to examine the normalized wave of one lead, rather than a two-dimensional filter to examine the coherence among the unit waves of eight leads. The training and testing are repeated 10 times with a randomly assigned dataset (177,547 ECGs). Our network model achieves an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.801–0.890, and the average accuracy is in the range of 72.9–80.6%.
The More the Merrier? Diversity and Private Equity Performance

This paper explores how diversity among lead partner teams (LPTs) of private equity (PE) funds affects buyout performance. We argue that there is a trade‐off between the ‘bright side’ of diversity (i.e. improved decision‐making due to a broader set of perspectives) and the ‘dark side’ (i.e. deteriorated decision‐making due to a potential for clashes and a lack of cooperation). Our theoretical framework suggests that the net effect on performance depends on whether LPTs are diverse in socio‐demographic or occupational aspects. To test this hypothesis, we develop a comprehensive index that measures LPT diversity along six dimensions. Using a sample of 241 buyouts and 547 involved PE partners, we find that higher scores in the socio‐demographic component (gender, age, nationality) are associated with higher deal returns and multiple expansions. The opposite is true for higher scores in the occupational component (professional experience, educational background, university affiliation). Further results suggest that the ‘bright side’ of diversity gets relatively more important in case of complex buyouts and uncertain deal environments.
Density and surface tension of 83 organic liquids

1920 where subscript 2 stands for the solute and 1 for the solvent: x2 is the mole fraction of the solute in the solvent; f2 is the fugacity of the solute in the gas phase. Henry’s constants for hydrogen in the three aromatic compounds were evaluated by extrapolating a plot of fH,lxHl to xH = 0. The fugacity of hydrogen in the gas phase, fw was calculated from the Soave-Redlich-Kwong equation of state (4). Figure 2 shows the plot of Henry’s constants vs. temperature. The values of
A theory of synaptic transmission

Rapid and precise neuronal communication is enabled through a highly synchronous release of signaling molecules neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft within just milliseconds of the action potential. Yet neurotransmitter release lacks a theoretical framework that is both phenomenologically accurate and mechanistically realistic. Here, we formulate an analytic theory of the action-potential-triggered neurotransmitter release at a chemical synapse. The theory captures general principles of synaptic transmission while generating concrete predictions for particular synapses. A universal scaling in synaptic transmission is established, and demonstrated through a collapse of experimental data from different synapses onto a universal curve. The theory shows how key characteristics of synaptic function – plasticity, fidelity, and efficacy – emerge from molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release machinery.
Spatial–Temporal Interaction Relationship between Ecosystem Services and Urbanization of Urban Agglomerations in the Transitional Zone of Three Natural Regions

Clarifying the spatial interaction relationship between urbanization and multiple ecosystem services (ESs) is a prerequisite for reducing the impact of urbanization on the ecological environment and coordinating urbanization and ecological environmental protection. Urbanization is especially significant for ecologically fragile areas, where ecosystems are particularly sensitive to changes in urban patterns. This study considered the Lan–Xi (LX) urban agglomeration in three natural transitional regions using socio-economic, ecological environment, and other data, through a variety of methods, to supersede administrative boundaries and to explore the relationship between urbanization and ESs on a grid scale. The results revealed a significant negative spatial correlation between the levels of urbanization and comprehensive ESs, indicating that rapid urbanization has led to a decline in regional ESs. However, with the rapid urbanization trend from 2010 to 2018, the ESs in the LX region showed an upward trend because the implementation of ecological protection and restoration projects greatly offset the decline in ESs caused by urban expansion. We found a positive correlation between nutrient purification and the levels of urbanization among various ESs and four principal types of spatial–temporal interactions between ESs and urbanization levels. Among them, the high–high cluster areas occupied the smallest proportion, and the low–low cluster areas occupied the largest proportion.
“Easier, Less Stressful, and Better Results”: Sociology and Criminal Justice Majors’ Experience of Library Research before and after Library Instruction

This article argues for the incorporation of library instruction into research methods courses to foster information literacy skills important to disciplinary specialization. The evidence in support emerges from a collaborative teaching and assessment project conducted by a research methods instructor and a faculty instructional librarian. The project evaluated the effectiveness of library instruction in two ways: One, essays in which students described their research process before and after library instruction were evaluated qualitatively for dominant themes. Two, students’ postinstruction literature review projects were assessed using a rubric to determine the degree to which students met learning outcomes. These assessments indicate that library instruction led to several positive outcomes. In the essays, many students described increases in skills and confidence as well as appreciation for the new research tools introduced. In sampled literature review assignments, students demonstrated skills that met or exceeded expectations.
Economic viability of a crop-livestock integration system

ABSTRACT: Crop monoculture and single conventional cattle raising were designed for a rapid increase in productivity and food supply. However, some of these production systems have shown signs of saturation and negative environmental impacts. Crop-livestock integration systems have been developed as an alternative that delivers increased productivity and greater environmental sustainability. This article presents an evaluation of the economic viability and the financial risk associated with an investment in crop-livestock integration with a focus on the production of beef cattle in São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Results showed that the investment is economically viable and has an Internal Rate of Return higher than that of a conventional system. Monte Carlo simulations showed that the integrated system presents lower market risks when compared to the conventional system.
Wheat and Rye Differ in Drymatter Partitioning, Shoot-Root Ratio and Water Use Efficiency Under Organic and Inorganic Soils

Shoot-root ratio (S:R), dry matter partitioning (DMP), and water use efficiency (WUE) response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) vs. rye (Secale cereale L.) was investigated under organic [organic compost (OC), Miracle Grow (MG), sunshine peat moss (SPM), and Garden Basic peat humus (GBPM)], and inorganic soils [canyon soil (CS) and amarillo soil (AS)] in pot experiment at Dryland Agriculture Institute, West Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA, during winter 2009–2010. The experiment was performed in completely randomized design (CRD) with three repeats. The objective of this experiment was whether S:R, DMP, and WUE of wheat versus rye differ under organic and inorganic soils. The results revealed that both crops responded differently in terms of S:R, DMP, and WUE under different organic and inorganic soils. Wheat had higher WUE than rye at different growth stages. Among the soil types, the three organic soils (MG, SPM, and GBPS) had higher WUE than the two inorganic (CS and AS) soils. The higher WUE of both crops when grown in organic soils such as MG, SPM, and GBPS was due to the higher dry matter partitioning to shoots and roots. The total dry weight plant−1 showed positive relationship with WUE.
Examination of claims of Miles et al. in Pons-Fleischmann-type cold fusion experiments

In cold fusion experiments conducted at the Naval Research Laboratory in China Lake, M. H. Miles and co-workers claim to have produced excess heat correlated with helium-4 production, X-rays, and Geiger-counter excitation. However, scrutiny of the claims shows that unreliable calorimetric and nuclear-product detection methods were used. Moreover, inconsistencies and errors are found in the data and data analysis. The juxtaposition of several poor techniques and inconsistent data does not make a compelling case for cold fusion. We conclude that the evidence for cold fusion from these efforts is far from compelling. 20 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
The Importance of the Microclimatic Conditions Inside and Outside of Plant Buildings in Odorants Emission at Municipal Waste Biogas Installations

Municipal waste biogas plants are an important element of waste treatment and energy policy. In this study, odorant concentrations and emissions were measured together with the air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) to confirm the hypothesis that the microclimatic conditions have an important impact on the level of odorant emission at municipal waste biogas plants. A simple correlation analysis was made to evaluate the strength and the direction of the relationship between the odorant concentration and emission and air temperature and relative humidity. The mean volatile organic compound (VOC) and NH3 concentrations vary depending on the stage of the technological line of the analysed municipal waste biogas plants and are in the following ranges, respectively: 0–38.64 ppm and 0–100 ppm. The odorant concentrations and emissions correlated statistically significantly with T primarily influences VOC concentrations and emissions while RH mainly affects NH3 concentrations and emissions. The strongest correlations were noted for the fermentation preparation section and for emissions from roof ventilators depending on the analysed plant. The smallest influence of microclimatic factors was observed at the beginning of the technological line—in the waste storage section and mechanical treatment hall. This is due to the greater impact of the type and quality of waste delivered the plants. The analysis of correlation between individual odorants showed significant relationships between VOCs and NH3 for most stages of the technological line of both biogas plants. In the case of technological sewage pumping stations, a significant relationship was also observed between VOCs and H2S. The obtained results may be helpful in preparing strategies to reduce the odours from waste treatment plants.
Co-application of controlled-release urea and a superabsorbent polymer to improve nitrogen and water use in maize

ABSTRACT A field experiment consisted of two types of N fertilizer, controlled release urea (CRU) and normal urea (U), in combination with three SAP application rates (0, 45 and 90 kg ha−1) in a split-plot design was conducted in 2018 and 2019. The successive release of N from polymer-coated urea corresponded well to the N requirements of maize growth. The NO3 −-N and NH4 +-N contents in the 0–20 cm soil layer were enhanced at the jointing and 12 leaf collar stages, and the leaching of soil NO3 −-N was reduced by using CRU. The application of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) increased soil water stock, decreased evapotranspiration, and enhanced water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The combined application of CRU and 90 kg ha−1 SAP achieved maximal maize yield, WUE, NUE, and net income values that were 0.8–32.9%, 0.2–37.4%, 4.1–13.1%, and 2.8–42.1%, respectively, higher than those of other treatments. These results demonstrate that the co-application of CRU and 90 kg ha−1 SAP is an effective practice that enhances the water and N utilization of maize and could potentially have wide application on the North China Plain.
A new activator of esterase D decreases blood cholesterol level through ESD/JAB1/ABCA1 pathway

Excessively high cholesterol content in the blood leads to nonalcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and arteriosclerosis. Although there are increasing publications and patent applications to lower blood cholesterol with small chemical molecules, limited effective drugs can be available in clinic. It is necessary to uncover new targets and drugs to alleviate high cholesterol. Esterase D (ESD) is abundant in liver and it remains unknown about its role in cholesterol metabolism. Here we reported that small chemical molecule fluorescigenic pyrazoline derivative 5 (FPD5), a new ESD activator, could effectively reverse high blood cholesterol level and prevent fatty liver and arteriosclerosis in apoE−/− mice fed the high‐fat diet. We also observed that FPD5 could reduce oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL)‐induced formation of foam cells. To further investigate the mechanism of FPD5 action on blood cholesterol modulation, we found that ESD trigged by FPD5 was aggregated in lysosome and interacted with Jun activation domain binding protein 1 (JAB1). ESD served as a deacetylase to remove Thr89 acetylation of JAB1 and increased its activity; thus, promoting the ATP‐binding cassette transporters A1 (ABCA1) to accelerate cholesterol efflux. Our findings demonstrate that FPD5 decreases blood cholesterol level to ameliorate NAFLD and arteriosclerosis through ESD/JAB1/ABCA1 pathway, and ESD functions as a novel nonclassical deacetylase that hydrolyzes serine/threonine acetyl group. Our findings not only highlight that FPD5 may be a pioneer drug for alleviating blood cholesterol but also indicate that ESD is a potential drug target that promotes cholesterol metabolism.
LATTICE BOLTZMANN PSEUDO-POTENTIAL MODELLING OF MULTIPHASE DROPLET PHENOMENA

The multiphase modeling of a droplet in a multiphase system is considered becoming a fundamental problem in fluid dynamics. A complex understanding of droplet behavior is critical to reveal a deeper insight into a more complex multiphase system. Droplet behavior studies are necessary to obtain a better understanding of solving multiphase problems in both the science and industrial aspect. The droplet behavior is characterized by a non-dimensional number such as the Eotvos number. In this study, numerical simulation was performed using the Lattice Boltzmann method. Parametric studies of Eotvos number was done. The parametric study of the Eo number is obtained using LBM. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the gravitational force influences the downwards rate of the droplet. Furthermore, the shape of the droplet during falling was depended on the Eo number as well. The higher Eo number means higher gravitational force, hence the velocity of the droplet is increasing as well as the reaction force of surface tension. This study is beneficial to give a deeper explanation of multiphase phenomena as well as contribute to the modeling of multiphase phenomena using an alternative numerical method of LBM .
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among Pregnant Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Prevalence, Causal Agents, and Their Antimicrobial Susceptibility

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASBU) is an important health problem among pregnant women, particularly in low-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ASBU and potential risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care centers in Addis Ababa. It also aimed to identify causal bacterial pathogens and to assess their antimicrobial susceptibility. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2019. Urine samples from a total of 281 pregnant women with no symptoms of urinary tract infection were tested for ASBU. Women whose urine samples carried greater than or equal to 105 colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria per milliliter of urine when grown on plate count agar were considered positive for ASBU. Bacterial pathogens were isolated from urine samples of women with ASBU using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was investigated using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method on Muller–Hinton agar plates. Of 281 pregnant women examined, 44 (15.7%) were positive for ASBU. Logistic regression analysis of the putative risk factors tested in the current study showed that none of them were significantly associated with the occurrence of ASBU (p > 0.05). The most frequently isolated bacterial species were Escherichia coli 17 (30.2%), Proteus 13 (23.2%), and Enterococcus 11 (19.6%). All of the E. coli, Citrobacter, and Klebsiella isolates and 84.6% of Proteus were resistant to ampicillin. All bacterial isolates were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobials tested. Resistance to three or more antimicrobials was detected in 15 (88.2%) of E. coli, 13 (100%) of Proteus, and 8 (72.7%) of Enterococcus isolates. Resistance to as many as 7 antimicrobials among E. coli, 8 antimicrobials among Proteus, and 7 antimicrobials among Enterococcus isolates was recorded. Detection of ASBU in a substantial number of pregnant women in this study warrants the need for a detailed study on possible risks of developing symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) and associated complications. Multidrug resistance to several antimicrobials was observed in the majority of bacterial isolates. Regular assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens to commonly prescribed antimicrobials and implementation of prudent use of antimicrobials are recommended.
Second language learning tunes the language control network: a longitudinal fMRI study

ABSTRACT The current longitudinal study investigated how classroom second language (L2) learning modulates the neural correlates of bilingual language control during language production. Chinese college freshmen majoring in English undertook two test sessions (i.e. pre-learning and post-learning) over the course of one year. Specifically, while in the scanner, participants were instructed to name pictures in either their first or second language in response to cues. Behavioral results showed that language switch costs in the post-learning session were reduced as compared to the pre-learning session. fMRI results showed that, compared to the pre-learning session, the connectivity strength between the dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus and the left caudate was increased in the post-learning session. Critically, this increased connectivity strength was correlated with the reduction in language switch costs. These findings suggest that the language control network used during bilingual language production could be modulated by long-term L2 learning in a naturalistic classroom setting.