Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mold Fungal Resistance of Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation Materials Based on Processed Wheat Straw, Corn Stalk and Reed

The present study evaluates the mold fungal resistance of newly developed loose-fill thermal insulation materials made of wheat straw, corn stalk and water reed. Three distinct techniques for the processing of raw materials were used: mechanical crushing (Raw, ≤20 mm), thermo-mechanical pulping (TMP) with 4% NaOH and steam explosion pulping (SEP). An admixture of boric acid (8%) and tetraborate (7%) was applied to all processed substrates due to their anti-fungal properties. The fourth sample group was prepared from SEP substrates without added fungicide (SEP*) as control. Samples from all treatments were separately inoculated by five different fungal species and incubated in darkness for 28 days at 28 °C and RH > 90%. The highest resistance to the colonization of mold fungi was achieved by TMP and SEP processing, coupled with the addition of boric acid and tetraborate, where molds infested only around 35% to 40% of the inoculated sample area. The lowest mold fungi resistance was detected for the Raw and SEP* samples, each ~75%; they were affected by rich amount of accessible nutrients, suggesting that boric acid and tetraborate additives alone did not prevent mold fungal growth as effectively as in combination with TMP and SEP treatments. Together, the achieved fungal colonization scores after combined fungicide and pulping treatments are very promising for the application of tested renewable materials in the future development of thermal insulation products.
Sequences at gene segment termini inclusive of untranslated regions and partial open reading frames play a critical role in mammalian orthoreovirus S gene packaging

Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) is a prototypic member of the Spinareoviridae family and has ten double-stranded RNA segments. One copy of each segment must be faithfully packaged into the mature virion, and prior literature suggests that nucleotides (nts) at the terminal ends of each gene likely facilitate their packaging. However, little is known about the precise packaging sequences required or how the packaging process is coordinated. Using a novel approach, we have determined that 200 nts at each terminus, inclusive of untranslated regions (UTR) and parts of the open reading frame (ORF), are sufficient for packaging S gene segments (S1-S4) individually and together into replicating virus. Further, we mapped the minimal sequences required for packaging the S1 gene segment into a replicating virus to 25 5′ nts and 50 3′ nts. The S1 UTRs, while not sufficient, were necessary for efficient packaging, as mutations of the 5′ or 3′ UTRs led to a complete loss of virus recovery. Using a second novel assay, we determined that 50 5′ nts and 50 3′ nts of S1 are sufficient to package a non-viral gene segment into MRV. The 5′ and 3′ termini of the S1 gene are predicted to form a panhandle structure and specific mutations within the stem of the predicted panhandle region led to a significant decrease in viral recovery. Additionally, mutation of six nts that are conserved across the three major serotypes of MRV that are predicted to form an unpaired loop in the S1 3′ UTR, led to a complete loss of viral recovery. Overall, our data provide strong experimental proof that MRV packaging signals lie at the terminal ends of the S gene segments and offer support that the sequence requirements for efficient packaging of the S1 segment include a predicted panhandle structure and specific sequences within an unpaired loop in the 3′ UTR.
Adsorptive Elimination of a Cationic Dye and a Hg (II)-Containing Antiseptic from Simulated Wastewater Using a Metal Organic Framework

Several types of pollutants have acute adverse effects on living bodies, and the effective removal of these pollutants remains a challenge. Safranin O (a biological dye) and merbromin (a topical mercury-containing antiseptic) are considered organic pollutants, and there are only a few reports on their removal. Synthesized and well-characterized (through PXRD, FTIR, FESEM, and EDS analysis) MOF-5 was used for the first time in the removal of safranin O and merbromin from simulated wastewater and real wastewater. In both cases, MOF-5 effectively removed contaminants. We found that in simulated wastewater, the highest efficiency of removal of safranin O was 53.27% (for 15 mg/L) at pH 10, and for merbromin, it was 41.49% (for 25 mg/L) at pH 6. In the case of real wastewater containing natural ions (Na+, K+, F−, Cl−, SO42−, PO43−, Mg2+, and Ca2+) and other molecules, the removal efficiencies of these two dyes decreased (34.00% and 26.28% for safranin O and merbromin, respectively) because of the presence of other ions and molecules. A plausible mechanism for the removal of these pollutants using MOF-5 was proposed.
Evaluation of the in vitro human skin percutaneous absorption of ketoprofen in topical anhydrous and aqueous gels

Abstract Background Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain associated with inflammatory conditions. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro percutaneous absorption of ketoprofen 10% formulated in proprietary anhydrous and aqueous gels using the Franz skin finite dose model. Materials and Methods The anhydrous gel was initially characterized for cytotoxicity using EpiDerm skin tissue model by cell proliferation assay and Western blot analysis. The Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography method for measuring ketoprofen was validated and the stability of ketoprofen 10% in the anhydrous gel formulation was evaluated at 5°C and 25°C for 181 days. The percutaneous absorption of ketoprofen was determined using donated human skin. The tissue sections were mounted within Franz diffusion cells. A variable finite dose of each ketoprofen formulation in either anhydrous or aqueous gel was applied to the skin sections and receptor solutions were collected at various time points. Results Cell proliferation assay showed minimal cell death when EpiDerm skin tissue was exposed to the anhydrous gel for 24 h; the levels of protein markers of cell proliferation were not affected after 17‐h exposure. Ketoprofen was stable in the anhydrous gel when stored at 5°C and 25°C. When compounded in the anhydrous and aqueous gels, ketoprofen had mean flux rate of 2.22 and 2.50 μg/cm2/h, respectively, after 48 h. The drug was distributed to the epidermis and dermis sections of the skin. Both the anhydrous and aqueous gels facilitated the percutaneous absorption of ketoprofen without statistically significant differences. Conclusion The anhydrous gel can be used as a base to facilitate the transdermal delivery of ketoprofen. Although the anhydrous and aqueous gels can deliver a similar amount of ketoprofen, the anhydrous gel (water activity below 0.6) allows for extended default beyond‐use‐date of compounding preparations.
A Colors –Messengers of Concepts: Visual Design Mining for Learning Color Semantics

We study the concept of color semantics by modeling a dataset of magazine cover designs, evaluating the model via crowdsourcing, and demonstrating several prototypes that facilitate color-related design tasks. We investigate a probabilistic generative modeling framework that expresses semantic concepts as a combination of color and word distributions –color-word topics. We adopt an extension to Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling, called LDA-dual, to infer a set of colorword topics over a corpus of 2,654 magazine covers spanning 71 distinct titles and 12 genres. While LDA models text documents as distributions over word topics, we model magazine covers as distributions over color-word topics. The results of our crowdsourcing experiments confirm that the model is able to successfully discover the associations between colors and linguistic concepts. Finally, we demonstrate several prototype applications that use the learned model to enable more meaningful interactions in color palette recommendation, design example retrieval, pattern recoloring, image retrieval, and image color selection.
PolyShard: Coded Sharding Achieves Linearly Scaling Efficiency and Security Simultaneously

Today’s blockchain designs suffer from a trilemma claiming that no blockchain system can simultaneously achieve decentralization, security, and performance scalability. For current blockchain systems, as more nodes join the network, the efficiency of the system (computation, communication, and storage) stays constant at best. A leading idea for enabling blockchains to scale efficiency is the notion of sharding: different subsets of nodes handle different portions of the blockchain, thereby reducing the load for each individual node. However, existing sharding proposals achieve efficiency scaling by compromising on trust - corrupting the nodes in a given shard will lead to the permanent loss of the corresponding portion of data. In this paper, we settle the trilemma by demonstrating a new protocol for coded storage and computation in blockchains. In particular, we propose PolyShard: “polynomially coded sharding” scheme that achieves information-theoretic upper bounds on the efficiency of the storage, system throughput, as well as on trust, thus enabling a truly scalable system. We provide simulation results that numerically demonstrate the performance improvement over state of the arts, and the scalability of the PolyShard system. Finally, we discuss potential enhancements, and highlight practical considerations in building such a system.
A simple evaluation of cleaning procedures on fossil benthic foraminiferal Mg/Ca

Recent studies suggest that benthic foraminiferal Mg/Ca may be useful in reconstructing deep water temperature changes during the Quaternary and on longer timescales [ Rosenthal et al., 1997 ; Lear et al., 2000 ; Martin et al., 2002 ]. Because changes in deep water temperature may be small, sample preparation could play an important role in reconstructing accurate temperatures from shell Mg/Ca. A simple examination of changes in measured shell chemistry of benthic foraminifera from two intervals subjected to increasingly rigorous cleaning reveals that fossil benthic foraminiferal samples cleaned by oxidation yield lower Mg/Ca values than samples only rinsed and weak acid leached. Reductive cleaning further lowered the shell Mg/Ca of one of the two benthic species examined. Lower Mg/Ca values following oxidation and reduction appear to reflect removal of contaminant Mg associated with remnant organic matter and adsorbed phases.
Phosphorus export dynamics and hydrobiogeochemical controls across gradients of scale, topography and human impact

Concentration‐discharge (c‐Q) plots are routinely used as an integrated signal of watershed response to infer solute sources and travel pathways. However, the interpretation of c‐Q data can be difficult unless these data are fitted using statistical models. Such models are frequently applied for geogenic solutes, but it is unclear to what extent they might aid in the investigation of nutrient export patterns, particularly for total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) which is a critical driver of downstream eutrophication problems. The goal of the present study was therefore to statistically model c‐Q relations (where c is TDP concentrations) in a set of contrasting watersheds in the Northern Great Plains—ranging in size from 0.2 to 1000+ km2—to assess the controls of landscape properties on TDP transport dynamics. Six statistical models were fitted to c‐Q data, notably (a) one linear model, (b) one model assuming that c‐Q relations are driven by the mixing of end‐member waters from different landscape locations (i.e., hydrograph separation), (c) one model relying on a biogeochemical stationarity hypothesis (i.e., power law), (d) one model hypothesizing that c‐Q relations change as a function of the solute subsurface contact time (i.e., hyperbolic model), and (e) two models assuming that solute fluxes are mostly dependent on reaction rates (i.e., chemical models). Model performance ranged from mediocre (R2 < 0.2) to very good (R2 > 0.9), but the hydrograph separation model seemed most universal. No watershed was found to exhibit chemostatic behaviour, but many showed signs of dilution or enrichment behaviour. A tendency toward a multi‐model fit and better model performance was observed for watersheds with moderate slope and higher effective drainage area. The relatively poor model performance obtained outside these conditions illustrates the likely importance of controls on TDP concentrations in the region that are independent of flow dynamics.
The S-BAN: Insights into the Perception of Shape-Changing Haptic Interfaces via Virtual Pedestrian Navigation

Screen-based pedestrian navigation assistance can be distracting or inaccessible to users. Shape-changing haptic interfaces can overcome these concerns. The S-BAN is a new handheld haptic interface that utilizes a parallel kinematic structure to deliver 2-DOF spatial information over a continuous workspace, with a form factor suited to integration with other travel aids. The ability to pivot, extend and retract its body opens possibilities and questions around spatial data representation. We present a static study to understand user perception of absolute pose and relative motion for two spatial mappings, showing highest sensitivity to relative motions in the cardinal directions. We then present an embodied navigation experiment in virtual reality. User motion efficiency when guided by the S-BAN was statistically equivalent to using a vision-based tool (a smartphone proxy). Although haptic trials were slower than visual trials, participants(cid:1745) heads were more elevated with the S -BAN, allowing greater visual focus on the environment. CCS CONCEPTS Human- centered computing → Human computer interaction (HCI) → Interaction devices → Haptic devices Hardware → Emerging technologies → Emerging interfaces Human - centered computing → Ubiquitous and mobile computing → Empirical studies in ubiquitous and mobile computing Additional of (F(3,30) p head case differences in head
Attitudes in ICT Use 1 Running Head: ATTITUDES IN ICT USE Citation: Zhang, P., A. Shelly, and H. Sun (in press), Two T ypes of Attitudes in ICT

Information and communication technology (ICT) acceptance and use is a prolific research stream in the information systems field. Yet, studies on attitude have gone through ups and downs yielding inconsistent and inconclusive findings on attitude’s role and impact. In this paper, we provide clear definitions of two different types of attitudes and detail their relationships to each other and to technology use intention. Empirical data confirms that (1) at a theoretical level, attitude toward behavior (ATB) is a better predictor of intention (BI) than attitude toward object or ICT (ATO); ATO has a positive influence on ATB, and ATO’s effect on BI is fully mediated by ATB. (2) Attitudes toward a previous version of the ICT and its use have significant impacts on the current attitudes. (3) At the operational level, considering only one aspect of the attitude constructs will lead to different results of the roles of attitudes on intention.
Energy Efficient Centralized Hierarchical Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network

Wireless sensor network consists of hundreds or thousands of micro sensor nodes, networking together, allows user to accurately monitor a remote environment intelligently combining the data from the individual nodes. The main issue in WSN is energy limited characteristic of the sensor node. So the problem is to have the routing protocol in such the manner that it should be energy efficient in order to increase the life span of the whole WSN. One of the most critical issues in wireless sensor networks is represented by the limited availability of energy on network nodes; thus, making good use of energy is necessary to increase network lifetime. In this paper we design a routing protocol with named PECH. This protocol is base station assisted i.e. this protocol utilizes a high-energy base station to set up clusters and routing paths, perform randomized rotation of cluster heads, and carry out other energy-intensive tasks. However using a central control algorithm to form the clusters produces better clusters by dispersing the cluster head nodes throughout the network. So, in terms of power it will be highly power efficient. It is centralized since in this protocol, rather than self-configuration, base station is used (that is centralized located in the sensor field). Lastly, the new protocol PECH will be compared with centralized protocol SHPER
Lithium-loaded GelMA-Phosphate glass fibre constructs: Implications for astrocyte response.

Combinations of different biomaterials with their own advantages as well as functionalization with other components have long been implemented in tissue engineering to improve the performance of the overall material. Biomaterials, particularly hydrogel platforms, have shown great potential for delivering compounds such as drugs, growth factors, and neurotrophic factors, as well as cells, in neural tissue engineering applications. In central the nervous system, astrocyte reactivity and glial scar formation are significant and complex challenges to tackle for neural and functional recovery. GelMA hydrogel-based tissue constructs have been developed in this study and combined with two different formulations of phosphate glass fibers (PGFs) (with Fe3+ or Ti2+ oxide) to impose physical and mechanical cues for modulating astrocyte cell behavior. This study was also aimed at investigating the effects of lithium-loaded GelMA-PGFs hydrogels in alleviating astrocyte reactivity and glial scar formation offering novel perspectives for neural tissue engineering applications. The rationale behind introducing lithium is driven by its long-proven therapeutic benefits in mental disorders, and neuroprotective and pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. The optimal concentrations of lithium and LPS were determined in vitro on primary rat astrocytes. Furthermore, qPCR was conducted for gene expression analysis of GFAP and IL-6 markers on primary astrocytes cultured 3D into GelMA and GelMA-PGFs hydrogels with and without lithium and in vitro stimulated with LPS for astrocyte reactivity. The results suggest that the combination of bioactive phosphate-based glass fibers and lithium loading into GelMA structures may impact GFAP expression and early IL-6 expression. Furthermore, GelMA-PGFs (Fe) constructs have shown improved performance in modulating glial scarring over GFAP regulation.
Challenges and opportunities for using wastewater in agriculture: a review

Use of wastewater for irrigating the agricultural land is becoming a common and a widespread practice throughout the world, particularly in arid and semiarid regions where freshwater resources are insufficient to meet water demand. According to estimates, 20 million hectares area on global scale is being irrigated with treated, partially treated and untreated wastewater, contributing to food security. Increasing water scarcity, industrialization, urbanization, increasing urban wastewater flows due to expanded water supply and sewerage services, nutrient value, consistency and reliability in supply are the key drivers for the widespread use of wastewater for irrigation. These drivers are expected to become even more powerful in the near future, making wastewater use in agriculture an emerging priority. Wastewater consists of mainly municipal wastewater, industrial effluents and storm water runoff. Wastewater is a potential resource for overcoming water shortage, and has both opportunities and challenges associated with its use. Wastewater can have multifaceted uses including urban and industrial uses, artificial groundwater recharge, crop land and landscape irrigation, aquaculture, and recreational and environmental uses. However, use of wastewater can involve potential risks such as harmful influences on plant growth, soil health and environment. It is also supposed to be the carrier of certain toxic substances including salts, heavy metals, pesticide residues, poisonous gases and a wide spectrum of enteric pathogens which have deleterious effects on crops, soil, air, groundwater, and eventually on human beings. Social concerns about using the produce of crops grown with wastewaters and subsequent influence on market value of these crops are also the main areas of thorough investigation. The present paper reviews the current literature on wastewater with focuses being made on its potential benefits and hazards on plant growth and soil health.
Seismic Velocity Changes in the Backarc Continental Crust After the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki Megathrust Earthquake

The 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki megathrust earthquake accompanied coseismic and postseismic displacements around the eastern Eurasian continental plate. Noise cross correlations produced transient seismic waveforms along interstation paths in the Korean Peninsula. We measured the traveltime changes of the fundamental mode Rayleigh waves over the range of 0.03–0.08 Hz after the megathrust earthquake. The temporal seismic velocity changes in the lower crust were assessed from the traveltime changes. The traveltimes increased instantly after the megathrust earthquake and were gradually recovered over several hundreds to thousands of days. The instant shear wave velocity decreases ranged between 0.731 (±0.057)% and 4.068 (±0.173)%. The temporal medium perturbation might be caused by the transient uniaxial tensional stress due to the coseismic and postseismic displacements. The medium properties may be recovered by progressive stress field reconstruction.
The Pattern of Knowledge Flows between Technology Fields

This paper exploits recent contributions to the notions of modularity and autocatalytic sets to identify the functional and structural units that define the strongest systematic and self-sustaining channels of knowledge transfer and accumulation within the network of knowledge flows between technology fields. Our analysis reconstructs the architecture of the empirical knowledge pattern based on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patent citation data at the level of resolution of three-digit technology classes, for the period 1975–99.
Growth suppression by MYC inhibition in small cell lung cancer cells with TP53 and RB1 inactivation

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive type of lung cancer with high mortality. One of the MYC family genes, MYC, MYCL or MYCN, is amplified in ~20% of the SCLCs; therefore, MYC proteins are potential therapeutic targets in SCLC patients. We investigated the therapeutic impact of Omomyc, a MYC dominant negative, in a panel of SCLC cell lines. Strikingly, Omomyc suppressed the growth of all tested cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. Induction of G1 arrest by Omomyc was found to be dependent on the activation of CDKN1A, in part, through the TP73 pathway. Our results strongly indicate that SCLC cells carrying amplification of MYC, MYCL or MYCN are addicted to MYC function, suggesting that MYC targeting would be an efficient therapeutic option for SCLC patients.
Social Sensing for Psychology : Automated Interpersonal Behavior Assessment

In this article, we show how the use of state-of-the-art methods in computer science based on machine perception and learning allows the unobtrusive capture and automated analysis of interpersonal behavior in real time (social sensing). Given the high ecological validity of the behavioral sensing, the ease of behavioral-cue extraction for large groups over long observation periods in the field, the possibility of investigating completely new research questions, and the ability to provide people with immediate feedback on behavior, social sensing will fundamentally impact psychology.