Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Segmental White Matter Fascicle Microstructural Damage Predicts the Corresponding Cognitive Domain Impairment in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Patients by Automated Fiber Quantification

Objective: To characterize earlier damage pattern of white matter (WM) microstructure in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and its relationship with cognitive domain dysfunction. Methods: A total of 144 CSVD patients and 100 healthy controls who underwent neuropsychological measurements and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) examination were recruited. Cognitive function, emotion, and gait were assessed in each participant. The automated fiber quantification (AFQ) technique was used to extract different fiber properties between groups, and partial correlation and general linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between position-specific WM microstructure and cognitive function. Results: Specific segments in the association fibers, commissural WM regions of interest (ROIs), and projection fibers were damaged in the CSVD group [P < 0.05, family-wise error (FWE) correction], and these damaged segments showed interhemispheric symmetry. In addition, the damage to specific tract profiles [including the posteromedial component of the right cingulum cingulate (CC), the occipital lobe portion of the callosum forceps major, the posterior portion of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and the bilateral anterior thalamic radiation (ATR)] was related to the dysfunction in specific cognitive domains. Among these tracts, we found the ATR to be the key set of tracts whose profiles were most associated with cognitive dysfunction. The left ATR was a specific fiber bundle associated with episode memory and language function, whereas the fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the intermediate component of the right ATR were negatively correlated with executive function and gait evaluation. It should be noted that the abovementioned relationships could not survive the Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05/27), so we chose more liberal uncorrected statistical thresholds. Conclusions: Damage to the WM fiber bundles showed extensive interhemispheric symmetry and was limited to particular segments in CSVD patients. Disruption of strategically located fibers was associated with different cognitive deficits, especially the bilateral ATR.
Conformational preferences of thiacrown ethers containing a 5,5′-bi-1,2,4-triazine subunit: X-ray analysis and DFT calculations

Abstract The crystal structure determinations and theoretical calculations at DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of 5,5′-bi-1,2,4-triazine thiacrown ethers containing 16-, 19- and 22-membered macrocyclic ring were used to analyze their conformational preferences in the crysalline state and gaseous phase.
A mononuclear diketone-based oxido-vanadium(IV) complex: structure, DNA and BSA binding, molecular docking and anticancer activities against MCF-7, HPG-2, and HT-29 cell lines

A mononuclear oxido-vanadium(IV) complex, [VO(L)2], has been prepared from the reaction of dibenzoylmethane (HL) and VO(acac)2 in a 2 : 1 molar ratio, and fully characterized using elemental analyses, molar conductivity, FT-IR, and electronic spectroscopy. The structure of this compound was also confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It was found that in the title complex, the metal coordination geometry is described as a distorted square pyramid. DNA binding activities of this complex were investigated using electronic absorption titration, competitive fluorescence titration and cyclic voltammetry studies. The obtained results showed groove binding of the complex to salmon sperm DNA accompanied with a partial insertion of the ligand between the base stacks of the DNA with a binding constant of 2.3 × 103 M−1. In addition, the interaction of the complex with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied using electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies at different temperatures indicating a good affinity of the complex for BSA. These experimental results were confirmed by the results of molecular docking. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity properties of the synthesized complex against MCF-7, HPG-2 and HT-29 cell lines were evaluated and compared with those of the ligand (HL). It was found that complexation improved the anticancer activity significantly. IC50 values for the V(IV) complex against MCF-7, HPG-2 and HT-29 cell lines were obtained as 7.8, 13.5 and 16.1 μM, respectively.
Evolution of the peroxide‐induced degradation of polypropylene along a twin‐screw extruder: Experimental data and theoretical predictions

This article reports an experimental and theoretical study of the peroxide-induced degradation of polypropylene in a corotating twin-screw extruder. Experiments were performed with different peroxide concentrations and different operating conditions. The evolution of the chemical reaction along the extruder was monitored with specific sampling devices. Material changes were characterized by rheological measurements and via the determination of the molecular weights of samples collected at the same locations. The theoretical results were obtained with a model that coupled the interactions between flow conditions encountered in the extruder, the kinetics of the reaction, and the changes in the viscosity induced by changes in the molecular weight. The experimental results evidenced the relationships between the process conditions (peroxide concentration and processing parameters) and material properties (rheological properties and molecular structure of the modified polypropylene). Good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results was obtained. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Effects of 2,4-thiazolidinedione (TZD) on milk fatty acid profile and serum vitamins in dairy goats challenged with intramammary infusion of Streptococcus uberis

Abstract The study included two experiments. In the first, 24 lactating Saanen dairy goats received low-energy diet without vitamin supplements. Twelve goats received a daily IV injection of 2,4- thiazolidinedione (TZD), others received saline injection. A week later, 6 goats from each treatment were challenged with intramammary infusion (IMI) of saline (CTRL) or Streptococcus uberis. In the second experiment, 12 Saanen lactating dairy goats received supplemental vitamins to reach NRC recommendation level. Six goats in each group were injected with TZD or saline daily, and 14 d later received Streptococcus uberis IMI in the right half of the udder. The hypotheses were (1) TZD does not affect the level of retinol in blood, and (2) the fatty acid profile is affected by the interaction between mammary infection and TZD in dairy goats. In the first experiment blood samples were collected on d −7, −2, 1, 2, 12 and milk samples were collected on d −8, 1, 4, 7, and 12, both relative to IMI. In the second experiment, blood samples were collected on d −15, 0, 1, and 10 relative to IMI. Milk and serum samples were analyzed for retinol, α-tocopherol and fatty acid profile. Serum retinol and β-carotene concentrations were higher in the second experiment compared to the first. Serum β-carotene and α-tocopherol were greater in TZD than CTRL and there was a TZD × time interaction in the first experiment. In addition, the TZD × time interaction showed that the milk fatty acid were reduced in C16 : 0 while C18 : 3 n3 while total omega 3 fatty acids were increased, as well as with minor effect on preventing a transient increase in α-tocopherol in milk. Overall, the TZD may affect the lipid-soluble vitamins and fatty acid profile, potentially altering immune responses, during mastitis in dairy goats.
Thermodynamic analysis of an over-expanded engine

When the exhaust valve of a conventional spark ignition engine opens at the end of the expansion stroke, a large quantity of high pressure exhaust gas is freed to the atmosphere, without using its availability. An engine that could use this lost energy should have a better efficiency. The equations for an over-expanded cycle (Miller cycle) are developed in this paper, together with equations for the Otto cycle, diesel cycle and dual cycle, all at part load, so they can be compared. Furthermore, indicated cycle thermodynamical comparisons of a S.I. engine at part load (Otto cycle at half load), a S.I. engine at WOT (with half displacement) and two over-expanded S.I. engines (with different compression strokes) are examined and compared, with the aim of extending the referred theoretical cycle comparisons.
Gas-liquid-solid Operation of a High Aspect Ratio Self-ingesting Reactor

Gas-liquid stirred vessels are widely employed to carry out chemical reactions involving a gas reagent and a liquid phase. The usual way for introducing the gas stream into the liquid phase is through suitable distributors placed below the impeller. An interesting alternative is that of using “self ingesting” vessels where the headspace gas phase is injected and dispersed into the vessel through suitable surface vortices. In this work the performance of a Long Draft Tube Self-ingesting Reactor (LDTSR) dealing with three-phase (gas-liquid-solid) systems, is investigated. Preliminary experimental results on the effectiveness of this contactor for particle suspension and gas-liquid mass transfer performance in the three-phase system, are presented. Mass-transfer parameter kLa was measured by the recently introduced Simplified Dynamic Pressure Method (SDPM). It is found that the presence of low particle fractions causes a significant increase of the minimum speed required for vortex ingestion of the gas. Impeller pumping capacity and gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient are found to be affected by the presence of solid particles.
The effects of complex training on neuromuscular development of the lower limbs in youth netball players

Objective: The high prevalence of injury in netball can be associated with intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Female athletes have an increased risk of injury as they enter into maturity due to increased joint laxity and a reduction in neuromuscular control, resulting in altered landing biomechanics and greater knee joint injury risk. This study sought to investigate whether complex training (CT) could improve neuromuscular strength and landing kinematics, thereby reducing injury risk to the knee. Methods: A within subject, repeated measures design was utilised. Ten youth netball academy players (age, 15.3 ± 0.9, years; height, 169.0 ± 7.0, cm; body mass, 62.2 ± 6.9, kg) participated and attended one familiarisation and two testing sessions (pre- and post-intervention). Participants’ were assessed on: countermovement jump (CMJ), landing error score system (LESS), and single leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) of both limbs. All participants engaged in a 6 week, one day per week, strength training and plyometric intervention for the lower limbs utilising CT. Results: Significant improvements were evidenced for CMJ height (p = 0.001, d = 1.2 “moderate” effect), CMJ peak power output (PPO) (p = 0.001, d = 0.7 “small” effect), LESS (p = 0.002, d = 1.7 “large” effect), and SLCMJ left height (p = 0.01, d = 1.2 “moderate” effect) following the intervention. Conclusion: Performing one CT session a week over 6 weeks enhanced kinematics and performance of jumping activities both bilaterally and unilaterally, it also brought about reductions in asymmetries in young female athletes.
Effect of pre and post emergence herbicide on weed control in diect seeded lowland rice

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2019-20 at Agronomy Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, to study the effect of pre and post emergence herbicides on weed control in direct seeded lowland rice. Among the weed control treatment, the lowest dry matter of weeds and highest weed control efficiency was recorded by weed free treatment (T2) over rest of the treatments. Among herbicidal treatments, pre emergence application of Pretilachlor 50 EC @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha fb post emergence application of Bispyribac sodium 10 SC @ 20 g a.i. ha at 20 DAS fb hoeing at 35 DAS (T8) and pre emergence application of Oxydiargyl 6 % EC @ 100 g a.i. ha fb post emergence application of Bispyribac sodium 10 SC @ 20 g a.i. ha at 20 DAS fb hoeing at 35 DAS (T9) were found to reduce weed population thereby increasing weed control efficiency. Weed free check treatment being at par with herbicidal treatment provided most effective control of weeds throughout the crop growth period of direct seeded lowland rice, thereby improving growth and yield contributing characters and consequently recorded highest grain and straw yield.
Serum Selenium Status as a Diagnostic Marker for the Prognosis of Liver Transplantation

The trace element selenium (Se) is taken up from the diet and is metabolized mainly by hepatocytes. Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) constitutes the liver-derived Se transporter. Biosynthesis of extracellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx3) in kidney depends on SELENOP-mediated Se supply. We hypothesized that peri-operative Se status may serve as a useful prognostic marker for the outcome in patients undergoing liver transplantation due to hepatocellular carcinoma. Serum samples from liver cancer patients were routinely collected before and after transplantation. Concentrations of serum SELENOP and total Se as well as GPx3 activity were determined by standardized tests and related to survival, etiology of cirrhosis/carcinoma, preoperative neutrophiles, lymphocytes, thyrotropin (TSH) and Child–Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. A total of 221 serum samples from 79 transplanted patients were available for analysis. The Se and SELENOP concentrations were on average below the reference ranges of healthy subjects. Patients with ethanol toxicity-dependent etiology showed particularly low SELENOP and Se concentrations and GPx3 activity. Longitudinal analysis indicated declining Se concentrations in non-survivors. We conclude that severe liver disease necessitating organ replacement is characterized by a pronounced Se deficit before, during and after transplantation. A recovering Se status after surgery is associated with positive prognosis, and an adjuvant Se supplementation may, thus, support convalescence.
Physiological quality of soybean (Glycine max L.) as affected by sowing date

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of sowing dates on physiological quality of soybean variety JS 335 during kharif, 2013. Sowings were taken up at weekly interval from July to August. Data were recorded on various parameters like germination, shoot length, root length, seedling dry weight, vigour index and field emergence on seeds produced from different sowing dates. The results of the experiment revealed that the above parameters significantly affected by sowing dates. The highest germination percentage (99%), shoot length (18.13 cm), root length (18.56 cm), seedling dry weight (89.0 mg), seedling vigour indexI and II (3607 and 8.81 respectively) and field emergence (91%) were recorded for crop sown in July 2nd week. It was noticed that sowing date significantly affected the seed quality parameters and seeds from early sowings (July 2nd week sowing) had the good seed quality.
Hydrodynamic and environmental characteristics of a tributary bay influenced by backwater jacking and intrusions from a main reservoir

The construction of large reservoirs results in the formation of tributary bays, and tributary bays are inevitably influenced by backwater jacking and intrusions from the main reservoir. In this paper, a typical tributary bay (Tangxi River) of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) was selected to study the hydrodynamic and environmental characteristics of a tributary bay influenced by the jacking and intrusions from the main reservoir. The flow field, water temperature, and water quality of Tangxi River were simulated using the hydrodynamic and water quality model CE-QUAL-W2 (thomas and Scott, 2008), and the eutrophication status of the tributary bay was also evaluated. The results showed that the main reservoir had different effects on its tributary bay in each month. The tributary bay was mainly affected by backwater jacking from the main reservoir when the water level of the main reservoir dropped and by intrusions from the main reservoir when the water level of the main reservoir rose. An obvious water quality concentration boundary existed in the tributary bay, which was consistent with the regional boundary in the flow field. The flow field and water quality on both sides of the boundary were quite different. The results of this study can help us figure out how the backwater jacking and intrusions from the main reservoir influence the hydrodynamic and water environment characteristics of the tributary bay and provide guidance for water environment protection in tributary bays.
Length-Based fishery status of Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares Bonnaterre, 1788) in the northern waters of the Oman Sea

In the present study, population characteristics of Thunnus albacares were evaluated by sampling at five fish landing sites in the northern Oman Sea including Beris, Ramin, Pozm, Konarak and Jask from March 2017 to March 2018. The biometric analysis was performed on more than twenty-six thousand fish. Population dynamic parameters were calculated including infinite length (L∞=171 cm), growth coefficient (K=0.54 (yr-1)), growth performance index (Ф'=4.19), natural mortality (M= 0.71(yr-1)), fishing mortality (F=1.57 (yr-1)), total mortality (Z=2.28±0.19 (yr-1)), exploitation coefficient (E=0.68 (yr-1)) and initial condition parameter (-0.18 yr-1). Relative production per recruitment, relative biomass per recruitment and exploitation rate of this species were Y'/ Rp = 0.04, B'/ Rp=0.23(yr-1) and U=0.62 (yr-1), respectively. The Pobj value is 0, and F/Fmsy>1. The results indicated that regarding length frequencies of this species in the northern part of the Oman Sea, yellowfin tuna stock has good conditions, but overfishing of this species is happening, now. Therefore, specific measures should be taken to reduce catch and fishing effort.
Two-Distance-Primitive Graphs

A 2-distance-primitive graph is a vertex-transitive graph whose vertex stabilizer is primitive on both the first step and the second step neighborhoods. Let $\Gamma$ be such a graph. This paper shows that either $\Gamma$ is a cyclic graph, or $\Gamma$ is a complete bipartite graph, or $\Gamma$ has girth at most $4$ and the vertex stabilizer acts faithfully on both the first step and the second step neighborhoods. Also a complete classification is given of such graphs satisfying that the vertex stabilizer acts $2$-transitively on the second step neighborhood. Finally, we determine the unique 2-distance-primitive graph which is locally cyclic.
Enrichment of the b-catenin–TCF complex at the S and G2 phases ensures cell survival and cell cycle progression

Wnt–b-catenin (b-catenin is also known as CTNNB1 in human) signaling through the b-catenin–TCF complex plays crucial roles in tissue homeostasis. Wnt-stimulated b-catenin–TCF complex accumulation in the nucleus regulates cell survival, proliferation and differentiation through the transcription of target genes. Compared with their levels in G1, activation of the receptor LRP6 and cytosolic b-catenin are both upregulated in G2 cells. However, accumulation of the Wnt pathway negative regulator AXIN2 also occurs in this phase. Therefore, it is unclear whether Wnt signaling is active in G2 phase cells. Here, we established a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) biosensor system for the direct visualization of the b-catenin–TCF interaction in living cells. Using the BiFC biosensor and co-immunoprecipitation experiments, we demonstrate that levels of the nucleus-localized b-catenin–TCF complex increase during the S and G2 phases, and declines in the next G1 phase. Accordingly, a subset of Wnt target genes is transcribed by the b-catenin–TCF complex during both the S and G2 phases. By contrast, transient inhibition of this complex disturbs both cell survival and G2/M progression. Our results suggest that in S and G2 phase cells, Wnt–b-catenin signaling is highly active and functions to ensure cell survival and cell cycle progression.
Uptake of Cationic Dyes by Cement Kiln Dust: Sorption Mechanism and Equilibrium Isotherm

The mechanistic aspects of the sorption of Basic Blue-3 and Basic Red-22 on to cement kiln dust (CKD) have been investigated. The by-pass kiln dust before and after washing with water was characterized by X-ray diffraction methods, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Two forms of by-pass kiln dust were used in this study without any treatment, i.e. in powder and pelletized form (the latter being achieved using water or sodium silicate). Equilibrium isotherms to assess the maximum capacity of the two basic dyes on the two forms of CKD were evaluated using a computer program. This allowed two-, three- and four-parameter adsorption models to be studied; it was found that the piecewise Freundlich isotherm yielded an excellent overall fit. Washing with water led to the loss of some active sites responsible for the sorptive capacity. The increase in capacity observed after pelletization with water rather than with sodium silicate could be explained by an increase in hydroxy moieties that undergo exchange reactions. In both cases of pelletization, the adsorption capacity was less than for the unwashed powdered form. The uptake order was found to be: unwashed powder > pellets with water > pellets with sodium silicate.
Interactive comment on “Influence of initial soil moisture in a Regional Climate Model study over West Africa: Part 1: Impact on the climate mean” by Brahima Koné et al

JJAS 2004 (a dry year). The 3 model experiments are a control run using ERA20C initial soil moisture, a dry initial soil moisture state, and a wet initial soil moisture state. The impacts of these varying initial states are discussed for each year, precipitation, temperature, sensible and latent heat, the Bowen ratio, and PBL height. For precipitation, the authors found that (generally) results agree with previous studies and homogeneous impacts are found in the transition zones between wet and dry climate regimes, though the wet experiment impacts precipitation more strongly than dry. However, the results vary regionally, for example the West Sahel and Guinea coast show increased precipitation in both dry and wet experiments. Temperature showed more sensitivity to soil moisture initialization, where dry experiments caused increased warming and vice versa. Wet experiments caused cooling of surface temperatures, smaller sensible heat flux, greater latent heat flux, and a smaller depth of the PBL which was mostly homogeneous over the region. Overall the results may be significant for future studies of soil moisture initialization over West Africa. I think that the manuscript shows merit, and soil moisture initialization remains important for climate prediction the authors indeed show differences in precipitation and temperature depending on soil moisture initial state; however, I have some concerns about the experiment design. I’m curious about the choice of JJAS 2003 and 2004, and if these two years allow for a robust study of the influence of soil moisture initialization. I have a number of other comments below, but I believe that this paper needs major revisions before acceptance.