Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
River Corridor Sources Dominate CO2 Emissions From a Lowland River Network

Rivers and streams are control points for CO2 emission to the air (fCO2), with emission rates often exceeding internal metabolism (net ecosystem production, NEP). The difference is usually attributed to CO2‐supersaturated groundwater inputs from upland soil respiration and rock weathering, but this implies a terrestrial‐to‐aquatic C transfer greater than estimated by terrestrial mass balance. One explanation is that riparian zones—rich in organic and inorganic C but mostly neglected in terrestrial mass balances—contribute disproportionately to fCO2. To test this hypothesis, we measured fCO2, NEP, and the lateral CO2 contributions from both terrestrial uplands (TER) and riparian wetlands (RIP) for seven reaches in a lowland river network in Florida, USA. NEP contributed about half of fCO2, but the remaining CO2 emission was generally much larger than measured TER. The relative importance of RIP versus TER varied markedly between contrasting hydrogeologic settings: RIP contributed 49% of fCO2 where geologic confinement forced lateral drainage through riparian soils, but only 12% where unconfined karst allowed deeper groundwater flowpaths that bypassed riparian zones. On a land area basis, the narrow riparian corridor yielded far more CO2 than the terrestrial uplands (33.1 vs. 1.4 g‐C m−2 yr−1), resulting in river corridors (i.e., stream channel plus adjacent wetlands, NEP + RIP) sourcing 87% of fCO2 to streams. Our findings imply that true terrestrial CO2 subsidies to streams may be smaller than previously estimated by aquatic mass balance and highlight the importance of explicitly integrating riparian zones into the conceptual model for terrestrial‐to‐aquatic C transfer.
Theoretical analysis of coupled oscillator array using resonant tunneling diodes in subterahertz and terahertz range

Power combining with array configuration is an effective method for high output power in oscillators with resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) in subterahertz and terahertz range. In this paper, output power and stability are analyzed for coupled oscillator array of RTDs. The coupled van der Pol equations are derived from the equivalent circuit for two-element oscillator arrays at first, and the condition in which only the fundamental oscillation mode stably oscillates is shown. The oscillation frequency of the array is single due to the mutual injection locking even if the individual frequencies of oscillator elements are different. Minimum difference between the individual frequencies to keep the mutual injection locking is analyzed. Experimental results are explained with theory. The analysis is extended to multielement oscillator arrays, and characteristics of oscillation modes, stability, combined output power, and locking range of the frequency difference between the elements are obtained. Theoretical combined output power increases with element number in proportion roughly to square of the element number if the frequency difference between the elements is small, and decreases with frequency difference. Different array configurations for stable and high-power operation are also discussed briefly.
Automated design of optimal finite thrust orbit insertion with ballistic flyby constraints

An automated method is developed to generate a minimum-fuel, finite thrust orbit insertion sequence while simultaneously generating a flyby trajectory of the same body that satisfies pre- and postflyby conditions in a general force field with ephemeris-level dynamics. The initial estimate requires no user input, and an impulsive solution is automatically converted to an optimal finite thrust transfer. As part of the initial estimate, a new method of generating ephemeris-level single flyby free returns is presented. A hybrid method is implemented for the optimal control solution whereby the costates are added to the vector of free parameters and the cost function is minimized directly. Analytic gradients are derived to decrease computation time and aid convergence of the optimization algorithm. The method is successfully applied in the Earth–moon system with application to human spaceflight and in the Saturn–Titan system with application to robotic spaceflight.
An Epidemiological Survey to Investigate the Prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis in Slaughtered Bovine Hosts in Punjab, Pakistan

Simple Summary Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease of human and animals having worldwide geographical distribution resulting in major economic losses. It is most common in underdeveloped and herding communities where people survive on animal husbandry and agricultural activities. The prevalence of CE in livestock and its risk factors are widely underreported. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and prevalence of disease in cattle in Punjab Pakistan. The study was conducted in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The data were collected from slaughterhouses from September 2021 to February 2022. Antemortem and postmortem examination and cyst characterization was conducted. A questionnaire was designed to collect epidemiological, demographic, and primary health data. A total of 8877 animals were examined, and the prevalence was 6.22% in all the examined animals, with a higher prevalence in cattle. There is a slight difference in the prevalence among males and females. Animals were examined at three different slaughterhouses in the Rawalpindi city originating from 23 districts of Punjab, Khyber PakhtunKhwa (KP) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The highest prevalence was recorded in animals from the Haripur district of KP. The majority of animals studied were older than 3 years, also most infected animals studied were from herds. Predominantly, cysts were observed in the lungs and liver. These findings may be useful in estimating the eco-epidemiology of CE and improving surveillance and prevention programs in Pakistan. Abstract Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease of worldwide geographical distribution. CE is most common in underdeveloped and herding communities where people survive on animal husbandry and agricultural activities. The prevalence of CE in livestock and its risk factors are widely underreported, because of inefficient surveillance systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and prevalence of CE in cattle in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from slaughterhouses from September 2021 to February 2022. Ante- and postmortem examination and cyst characterization were performed. Epidemiological, demographic, and one health data were collected. A total of 8877 animals (8096 buffalo, 781 cattle) were examined, and the prevalence of CE was 6.22% (n = 552) in all animals, with a higher prevalence in cattle (15.20% vs. buffalo 5.83%). Prevalence was not significantly different in males and females. Of the 23 districts studied, the highest prevalence was in the Haripur district of KP (20.85%). The majority of animals studied were older than 3 years. Most cysts were found in animals older than 5 years. Lungs and liver were the predominant sites for the presence of cysts (65.58% and 31.34%, respectively. Of the collected cysts, 29.71% were fertile. The findings may be useful in estimating the eco-epidemiology of CE and improving surveillance and prevention programs in Pakistan.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Ascorbyl Palmitate in a Rotating Bed Reactor

Ascorbyl palmitate, an ascorbic acid ester, is an important amphipathic antioxidant that has several applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The enzymatic synthesis of ascorbyl palmitate is very attractive, but few efforts have been made to address its process scale-up and implementation. This study aimed at evaluating the enzymatic synthesis of ascorbyl palmitate in a rotating basket reactor operated in sequential batches. Different commercial immobilized lipases were tested, and the most suitable reaction conditions were established. Among those lipases studied were Amano Lipase PS, Lipozyme® TL IM, Lipozyme® Novo 40086, Lipozyme® RM IM and Lipozyme® 435. Initially, the enzymes were screened based on previously defined synthesis conditions, showing clear differences in behavior. Lipozyme® 435 proved to be the best catalyst, reaching the highest values of initial reaction rate and yield. Therefore, it was selected for the following studies. Among the solvents assayed, 2-methyl-2-butanol and acetone showed the highest yields, but the operational stability of the catalyst was better in 2-methyl-2-butanol. The tests in a basket reactor showed great potential for large-scale application. Yields remained over 80% after four sequential batches, and the basket allowed for easy catalyst recycling. The results obtained in basket reactor are certainly a contribution to the enzymatic synthesis of ascorbyl palmitate as a competitive alternative to chemical synthesis. This may inspire future cost-effectiveness studies of the process to assess its potential as a viable alternative to be implemented.
FUNGICIDAL ACTIVITY OF SOLANUM NIGRUM AND PHYSALIS ANGULATA EXTRACTS AGAINST MACROPHOMINA PHASEOLINA, A FRUIT ROT PATHOGEN OF MELON (CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS (L.) SCHRAD

Acetone and methanol leaf extracts fractions of Solanum nigrum and Physalis angulata at various concentrations (1000, 500, 250, 100, 50 mg/ml) in PDA were tested against Macrophomina phaseolina, a pathogen of fruit rot disease of melon. All the extract concentrations showed significant (P<0.05) activity with dose and species-dependent effect against the phytopathogen. Acetone extracts had superior activity over methanol extracts with 100% inhibition of fungal growth at 500mg/ml for S. nigrum and 1000mg/ml for P. angulata. Phytochemical tests of the extracts revealed the presence of secondary metabolites in varying degrees with high concentrations of flavonoids and tannins which may be responsible for observed fungitoxic activity. The results of this study have uncovered the potentials of the Solanaceous weeds as antifungal agents. We therefore suggest field formulations and trials of these extracts as soil drench in agricultural farms against soil-borne pathogens
Dis-Embedded Identity of Majority Members: The Case of Catholics in Poland

In this article, we focus on the process of dis-embedded identification (the accentuation and prioritization of the identification with a particular subordinate ingroup relative to the identification with the relevant superordinate ingroup) among majority members and examine possible antecedents and consequences. To this end, we conducted research with Catholics in Poland. We hypothesized societal respect for Catholics would negatively predict dis-embedded identification, whereas intragroup respect would positively predict dis-embedded identification—especially under the condition of lacking societal respect. We further hypothesized dis-embedded identification to positively predict the pursuit of hegemony. These hypotheses are mainly based on Honneth’s theory of recognition and Turner’s self-categorization theory. Employing a longitudinal research design and latent variable modeling, we obtained supporting evidence for our hypotheses. The implications for further research, especially on intergroup relations and politics in pluralizing societies, are discussed.
Age replacement policies in two time scales

We develop and estimate optimal age replacement policies for devices whose age is measured in two time scales. For example, the age of a jet engine can be measured in the number of flight hours and the number of landings. Under a single‐scale age replacement policy, a device is replaced at age τ or upon failure, whichever occurs first. We show that a natural generalization to two scales is to replace nonfailed devices when their usage path crosses the boundary of a two‐dimensional region M, where M is a lower set with respect to the matrix partial order. For lifetimes measured in two scales, we consider devices that age along linear usage paths. We generalize the single‐scale long‐run average cost, estimate optimal two‐scale policies, and give an example. We note that these policies are strongly consistent estimators of the true optimal policies under mild conditions, and study small‐sample behavior using simulation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 592–613, 2003.
Evaluation of the Information Content for Determining the Vascular Tone Type of the Lower Extremities in Varicose Veins: A Case Study

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases is continuously increasing around the world. Therefore, the study of new methods for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases is very important. Early diagnosis and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatments are among the most important tasks. In this work, we study changes in vascular compliance and vascular tone of the lower extremities in a patient diagnosed with an early stage of varicose veins. The study is based on recording the bioimpedance signals of the lower extremities and their parts using the Rheo-32 multichannel device. Registration in the monitoring system takes place in two stages: the first in a state of relaxation, and the second after applying a local massage on one of the legs for five minutes. The results indicate a change in the type of vascular tone of the lower extremities after the massage, while the type of vascular tone changes and shifts on average towards the normotonic type. The method proposed in this study makes it possible to quantitatively and qualitatively assess changes in the tone of the vessels of the extremities.
Maximizing dissipation in a turbulent shear flow by optimal control of its initial state

Turbulent shear flows are known to evolve self-similar at sufficiently high Reynolds numbers. In this regime, flow properties remain constant when normalized with local large-scale reference values. Dissipation of turbulent energy occurs at small scales. Thus, controls which increase dissipation levels in a shear flow may lose their effectiveness once the shear flow attains self-similar behavior governed by large-scale motion. In the current work, we investigate the optimal control of kinetic-energy dissipation in a temporally evolving turbulent mixing layer, with controls acting on its initial condition. Gradient-based optimization is used, relying on direct numerical simulations, and adjoint formulations for the determination of the gradients. Focus is on long optimization time windows T up to 160 nondimensional time units. First we investigate the optimal controls which maximize the total energy dissipation over a simulation time window. For increasing T, optimal controls are found to become also optim.
On the Fastest Route for Convoy-Type Traffic in Flowrate-Constrained Networks

Flows of convoy-type traffic through networks whose arcs are characterized by both travel times and flowrate constraints are investigated. Suggested here, in particular, is the notion of a “flowrate-constrained fastest path”---a path by means of which the entirety of a volume of traffic, initially located at a source, node, can arrive at a sink in as short a time as possible when all traffic must flow along the same path and rates of flow along arcs are limited by flowrate constraints. Unlike the usual fastest path problems those in networks without flowrate constraints, flowrate-constrained fastest times and paths both depend, in general, upon the initial volume of traffic at the source node. Several theorems about flowrate-constrained fastest times and paths are stated and proved; it is shown, for example, that such paths are independent of source volume whenever this volume is sufficiently large. Two algorithms for finding flowrate-constrained fastest times and paths are given.
The SENSOR System: Using Standardized Data Entry and Dashboards for Review of Scientific Studies on the Utility of Blood-Based Protein Biomarkers for Patients with Mild Brain Injury

Background: There is no objective way of diagnosing or prognosticating acute traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A systematic review conducted by Mondello et al. reviewed studies looking at blood based protein biomarkers in the context of acute mild traumatic brain injuries and correlation to results of computed tomography scanning. This paper provides a summary of this same literature using the SENSOR system. Methods: An existing review written by Mondello et al. was selected to apply the previously described SENSOR system (Kamal et al.) that uses a systematic process made up of a Google Form for data intake, Google Drive for article access, and Google Sheets for the creation of the dashboard. The dashboard consisted of a map, bubble graphs, multiple score charts, and a pivot table to facilitate the presentation of data. Results: A total of 29 entries were inputted by two team members. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPVs), negative predictive values (NPVs), demographics, cut-off levels, biomarker levels, and assay ranges were analyzed and presented in this study. S100B and GFAP biomarkers may provide good clinical utility, whereas UCH-L1, C-Tau, and NSE do not. Discussion: This study determined the feasibility and reliability of multiple biomarkers (S100B, UCH-L1, GFAP, C-tau, and NSE) in predicting traumatic brain lesions on CT scans, in mTBI patients, using the SENSOR system. Many potential limitations exist for the existing literature including controlling for known confounders for mild traumatic brain injuries.
Microbial Metabolite Dysbiosis and Colorectal Cancer

The global burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is expected to continuously increase. Through research performed in the past decades, the effects of various environmental factors on CRC development have been well identified. Diet, the gut microbiota and their metabolites are key environmental factors that profoundly affect CRC development. Major microbial metabolites with a relevance for CRC prevention and pathogenesis include dietary fiber-derived short-chain fatty acids, bile acid derivatives, indole metabolites, polyamines, trimethylamine-N-oxide, formate, and hydrogen sulfide. These metabolites regulate various cell types in the intestine, leading to an altered intestinal barrier, immunity, chronic inflammation, and tumorigenesis. The physical, chemical, and metabolic properties of these metabolites along with their distinct functions to trigger host receptors appear to largely determine their effects in regulating CRC development. In this review, we will discuss the current advances in our understanding of the major CRC-regulating microbial metabolites, focusing on their production and interactive effects on immune responses and tumorigenesis in the colon.
Evolution of 8-10 solar mass stars toward electron capture supernovae. I - Formation of electron-degenerate O + NE + MG cores.

Helium cores in stars with masses near 10 M/sub sun/ are evolved from the helium burning phase; the outer edge of the core is fitted to the boundary conditions at the bottom of the hydrogen-rich envelope. Two cases with initial helium core mass of M/sub H//sup(/sup 0/) = 2.6 M/sub sun/ (case 2.6) and 2.4 M/sub sun/ (case 2.4) are studied. Both cores spend the carbon burning phase under nondegenerate condition and leave O+Ne+Mg cores. Further evolution depends on the mass of the O+Ne+Mg core, M/sub C/.
Audit and feedback interventions involving pharmacists to influence prescribing behaviour in general practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Pharmacists, as experts in medicines, are increasingly employed in general practices and undertake a range of responsibilities. Audit and feedback (A&F) interventions are effective in achieving behaviour change, including prescribing. The extent of pharmacist involvement in A&F interventions to influence prescribing is unknown. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of A&F interventions involving pharmacists on prescribing in general practice compared with no A&F/usual care and to describe features of A&F interventions and pharmacist characteristics. Methods Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, (Social) Science Citation Indexes, ISI Web of Science) were searched (2012, 2019, 2020). Cochrane systematic review methods were applied to trial identification, selection, and risk of bias. Results were summarized descriptively and heterogeneity was assessed. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted where studies were sufficiently homogenous in design and outcome. Results Eleven cluster-randomized studies from 9 countries were included. Risk of bias across most domains was low. Interventions focussed on older patients, specific clinical area(s), or specific medications. Meta-analysis of 6 studies showed improved prescribing outcomes (pooled risk ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.64–0.94). Interventions including both verbal and written feedback or computerized decision support for prescribers were more effective. Pharmacists who received study-specific training, provided ongoing support to prescribers or reviewed prescribing for individual patients, contributed to more effective interventions. Conclusions A&F interventions involving pharmacists can lead to small improvements in evidence-based prescribing in general practice settings. Future implementation of A&F within general practice should compare different ways of involving pharmacists to determine how to optimize effectiveness. PRISMA-compliant abstract included in Supplementary Material 1.
The role of plasma volume and fluid overload in the tolerance to ultrafiltration and hypotension in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Introduction Ultrafiltration (UF) in hemodialysis (HD) patients is accompanied by irregular falls in plasma volume (PV) and blood pressure (BP). Methods We obtained in 321 patients (large cohort), body weight (BW), BP, samples of blood to determine hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht), Pre and Post HD. We estimated the % variation of the PV and its effect on the BP. In a small cohort of 38/321 patients, arterial blood was drawn Pre and Post HD and at 2, 48, and 72 h to determined Hb and Ht and % variation of the PV. Bio-impedance spectroscopy (BIS) was performed, in the same times, to estimate: dry weight (DW), total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), Fluid overload (FO) and phase angle (PhA). Results We divided our large cohort in two groups. The Hypotensive group with a fall equal or more than 20 mmHg (96/321,30%) and Normotensive group with a drop equal or less than 19 mmHg (225/321,70%). The UF was 2.73 ± 0.72 L in the Hypotensive group and 2.53 ± 0.85 L in the Normotensive group (p < 0.0001). The % PV was −11.7 ± 17.8 in the Hypotensive group and −8.53 ± 10.07 in the Normotensive group (p < 0.0001). The systolic blood pressure (SBP) correlated with the % change of the PV (r = -0.232; p < 0.0001). The FO was contrasted with the % of water removed by UF (r = -0.890; p < 0.0001). Conclusion The SBP drop was secondary to the fall in the PV after UF. The FO was irregular and modulates in part the fall in the SBP.
Current perspectives on maternity critical care

Maternal critical care is a developing area of clinical practice. Looking after a critically ill woman requires a multidisciplinary team that must endeavour to maintain the relative normality of pregnancy. Whilst consideration of the fetus should be taken when making clinical decisions regarding maternal care, unfounded concerns for the fetus can contribute to therapeutic inertia such that potentially life‐saving therapies are denied to pregnant women. The management of a critically ill obstetric patient must reflect, as closely as possible, the management of critical illness outside pregnancy. We will discuss some of the current evidence and concepts around this emerging area in obstetrics, including enhanced maternity care, maternal medicine networks and clinical care.