Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insight into synergistic effect of adsorption-photocatalysis for the removal of organic dye pollutants by Cr doped ZnO.

The adsorption of dye molecules is an important process for the photodegradation removal of dye pollutants. In this work, a semiconductor photocatalyst of Cr doped ZnO nanorods (Cr-ZnO NRs) was synthesized, and its adsorption-photocatalysis synergy (APS) effect was investigated for anionic azo methyl orange (MO-) and cationic azo methylene blue (MB+). The detailed thermodynamic information (including adsorption maximum capacity qmax, adsorption equilibrium constant Kads and adsorption efficiency AE%) and dynamic information (including adsorption rate constant ka, degradation rate constant kd and degradation efficiency DE%) were obtained to evaluate the different reaction performances for MO- and MB+. With qmax(MB+)= 40.59 mg g-1 > qmax(MO-)= 15.95 mg g-1, ka (MB+) = 20.61 min-1> ka (MO-)= 4.62 min-1 and AE(MB+)=40% > AE(MO-)=9%, Cr-ZnO NRs showed much superior adsorption performance for MB+ than MO-. With kd (MB+) = 0.0430 min-1> kd (MO-)= 0.0014 min-1 and DE(MB+)=98% > AE(MO-)=20%, Cr-ZnO NRs also showed much superior photodegradation performance for MB+ than MO-. The APS mechanism of Cr-ZnO NRs is revealed to be multiple π-π interactions and stronger electrostatic attractions dominant for enhanced adsorption of MB+, and higher adsorption efficiency and more photocatalytic active species dominant for enhanced photodegradation of MB+. The APS was furthermore characterized and verified by zeta potential analysis, FTIR investigation and fluorescence imaging. The results indicate that Cr-ZnO NRs is a promising adsorbent and photocatalyst candidate favorable for positive MB+ than negative MO-. Such a APS investigation can effectively help to improve the photodegradation treatment performance of photocatalyst for dye pollutants removal.
CD34 cells in somatic, regenerative and cancer stem cells: Developmental biology, cell therapy, and omics big data perspective

The transmembrane phosphoglycoprotein protein CD34 has conventionally been regarded as a marker for hematopoietic progenitors. Its expression on these cells has been leveraged for cell therapy applications in various hematological disorders. More recently, the expression of CD34 has also been reported on cells of nonhematopoietic origin. The list includes somatic cells such as endothelial cells, fibrocytes and interstitial cells and regenerative stem cells such as corneal keratocytes, muscle satellite cells, and muscle‐derived stem cells. Furthermore, its expression on some cancer stem cells (CSCs) has also been reported. Till date, the functional roles of this molecule have been implicated in a multitude of cellular processes including cell adhesion, signal transduction, and maintenance of progenitor phenotype. However, the complete understanding about this molecule including its developmental origins, its embryonic connection, and associated functions is far from complete. Here, we review our present understanding of the structure and putative functions of the CD34 molecule based upon our literature survey. We also probed various biological databases to retrieve data related to the expression and associated molecular functions of CD34. Such information, upon synthesis, is hence likely to provide the suitability of such cells for cell therapy. Moreover, we have also covered the existing cell therapy and speculated cell therapy applications of CD34+ cells isolated from various lineages. We have also attempted here to speculate the role(s) of CD34 on CSCs. Finally, we discuss number of large‐scale proteomics and transcriptomics studies that have been performed using CD34+ cells.
Effect of high fructose diet induced metabolic syndrome on the pituitary-gonadal axis from adolescence through adulthood in male albino rats and the possible protective role of ginger extract. A biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND This work was designed to clarify, for the first time up to our knowledge, the effects of high fructose diet (HFrD) induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the pituitary - gonadal axis of adolescent male rats continuing through adulthood period and to evaluate the possible role of ginger extract in ameliorating these effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty 4-week-old male albino rats, treated for 8 weeks, were randomly divided into 4 equal groups; control(fed standard diet), ginger extract treated (500 mg/kg once daily orally by gavage), HFrD induced MetS (fed a diet containing 60% fructose), HFrD and ginger groups. The assessment methods included biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS HFrD fed rats exhibited a picture similar to MetS in the form of increased body weight and serum levels of glucose and insulin with an elevated HOMA-IR reflecting insulin resistance as well as dyslipidemia. Lipid peroxidation (increased MDA) and oxidative stress (decreased SOD) were implicated in this syndrome. This group exhibited a significant decrease of testicular weight and the levels of reproductive hormones (LH, FSH & testosterone). The pituitary gonadotrophs showed electron dense nuclei, large cytoplasmic vacuoles, destructed organelles in addition to decreased number of secretory granules. Furthermore, testicular specimens presented marked alterations. There were disorganized shrunken tubules with irregular basement membranes, reduced germinal epithelial thickness, vacuolations and degenerated mitochondria in the spermatogenic cells. Beclin1 and PCNA immunoexpressions were significantly downregulated with HFrD induced MetS. Ginger extract supplementation proved to be a potent protective agent against these harmful effects through its antioxidant, hypoglycemic, insulinotropic, androgenic and hypolipidemic effects in addition to its ability to induce testicular autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of HFrD induced MetS and proved to have harmful effects on the pituitary - testicular axis. Moreover, this work provided a new insight into the possible use of ginger extract to alleviate the main features of MetS and protect the pituitary-gonadal axis from the damaging effects of HFrD induced MetS.
Using the jigsaw technique to teach patient safety

ABSTRACT Background: Medical education is rapidly changing where there has been decreased emphasis on passive didactics and increased focus on novel modes of teaching and learning to address the unique needs of millennial learners. As educators, it is challenging to keep up and find active teaching strategies outside of routine small group exercises to engage learners. Although the traditional small group activities, such as cased-based learning, allows for interactive and effective teaching, this modality may require the use of multiple faculty facilitators, which can be a difficult resource to find. The jigsaw learning method is cooperative learning that utilizes peer teaching and promotes collaborative learning, and additionally, only one facilitator is required of this type of learning technique. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of the jigsaw method by comparing it to the traditional small group learning method to teach principles of diagnostic reasoning. Design: Residents were assigned to either the traditional small group teaching method or the jigsaw method. We compared pre-test, post-test, one-year follow-up test results between participants, and resident perception of the exercises. Results: A 2 × 3 repeated measures ANOVA indicated statistically significant improvement in tests scores from before to after participation with the jigsaw method compared to the traditional small group method. Post-survey demonstrated higher resident satisfaction with the jigsaw method. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that a jigsaw cooperative learning approach can be used as an effective method to promote collaborative learning and engagement.
Myeloma Cells Down‐Regulate Adiponectin in Bone Marrow Adipocytes Via TNF‐Alpha

Multiple myeloma is caused by abnormal plasma cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interact with resident cells of the bone microenvironment to drive disease progression and development of an osteolytic bone disease. Bone marrow adipocytes (BMAds) are emerging as having important endocrine functions that can support myeloma cell growth and survival. However, how BMAds respond to infiltrating tumor cells remains poorly understood. Using the C57BL/KaLwRij murine model of myeloma, bone marrow adiposity was found to be increased in early stage myeloma with BMAds localizing along the tumor‐bone interface at later stages of disease. Myeloma cells were found to uptake BMAd‐derived lipids in vitro and in vivo, although lipid uptake was not associated with the ability of BMAds to promote myeloma cell growth and survival. However, BMAd‐derived factors were found to increase myeloma cell migration, viability, and the evasion of apoptosis. BMAds are a major source of adiponectin, which is known to be myeloma‐suppressive. Myeloma cells were found to downregulate adiponectin specifically in a model of BMAds but not in white adipocytes. The ability of myeloma cells to downregulate adiponectin was dependent at least in part on TNF‐α. Collectively our data support the link between increased bone marrow adiposity and myeloma progression. By demonstrating how TNF‐α downregulates BMAd‐derived adiponectin, we reveal a new mechanism by which myeloma cells alter the bone microenvironment to support disease progression. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
THE INTERACTION OF LEVETIRACETAM’S ANALGESIA WITH MORPHINE INDUCED TOLERANCE IN TAIL-FLICK MICE MODEL

Tolerance development to the antinociceptive effect of morphine is a major concern of its long-term administration. Objectives: Based on previous studies on the effect of some anticonvulsant drugs on morphine tolerance, the present study investigated the effects of Levetiracetam (LEV) on the development and expression of morphine tolerance in mice. To evaluate the LEV effects on the development or expression of morphine tolerance, animals received LEV (60, 300 or 900 mg/kg), either 30 min before the injection of morphine (50 mg/kg) during induction period once daily for 3 consecutive days; or 30 min before injection of challenging dose of morphine (5 mg/kg), before and after morphine-induced tolerance, respectively. The analgesic effect of LEV was evaluated by tail-flick analgesiometer 30 min after injection. LEV at the doses of 300 and 900 mg/kg significantly attenuated the development of morphine tolerance, but had no effect on expression of morphine tolerance. High dose of LEV (900 mg/kg) alone had antinociceptive effect and significantly increased the tail-flick latency time which was attenuated by naloxone. LEV showed antinociceptive effect, and could prevent the development of tolerance presumably via opioid’s receptors. Co-administration of LEV and morphine may be of great clinical implication.
A Comparative Study of Neurological Soft Signs in Drug Naïve Patients with First Episode of Schizophrenia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Original Research Article Context: Neurological soft signs (NSS) are minor neurological signs that reflect dysfunction in areas of motor coordination, sensory function and complex motor tasks, without localization. Schizophrenia and OCD are considered to be neurodevelopmental disorders with structural and functional brain abnormalities. Aims: To study the sociodemographic profile of the drug naive patients with first episode Schizophrenia and OCD and to assess and compare neurological soft signs in them. Setting and design: Cross-sectional study includes patients in both in-patient and outpatient setting. Methods and Material: A total of 90 patient’s i.e. 30 each of drug naive first episode OCD, Schizophrenia and healthy controls fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited by non-probability sampling method and subjected to semi-structured Psychiatric Thesis Performa, The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) and Heidelberg Manual for assessment of NSS. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 20.0.0) software. The data was analysed using the chi-squared test and Pearson's co-relational analysis. Results: On comparison of sociodemographic profile variables, patients of OCD as compared to patients of Schizophrenia were in higher age group (p=0.005) and more educated (p=0.006). The maximum percentage of NSS was found in schizophrenia (76.7%) followed by OCD (46.7%) and healthy controls (23.3%) and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The NSS score significantly correlated with duration of illness of schizophrenia (r=0.518) as well as OCD (r=0.975). Conclusions: NSS are considered as endophenotypes and support the neurodevelopmental basis for both disorders.
Ichthyofaunal diversity of Basurabad Beel in regards with threat factors and conservation measures, Bangladesh

Received: 31 October 2019 Revised received: 04 December 2019 Accepted: 04 December 2019 The present study was conducted to assess the temporal distribution of ichthyofaunal composition of Basurabad beel in Khulna, Bangladesh and investigated the fish biodiversity and core threats to biodiversity to provide recommendations for conservation in the beel. During the study period, total 33 fish species were recorded belonging to 6 orders. The order wise fish species availability was maximum in Perciformes (39.40%) and minimum in Beloniformis (3%). The value of Shannon-Weaver diversity index was found higher in Fultola (1.19±0.41) and lowest in Basurabad (0.68±0.17) while the maximum value of Margalef richness index found in Basurabad (1.12±0.35) and lowest in Debitola (0.68±0.34). The value of Pielou’s evenness index was higher in Boroitola (0.61±0.20) and lowest in Basurabad (0.31±0.16) however the Pielou’s index showed an uneven distribution of fish species in the Basurabad sampling point. The value of Simpson dominance index was higher in Fultola (0.58±0.10) and lowest in Kishmath-Fultola (0.39±0.16). Ten different kinds of fishing gears were identified under 5 major groups in the beel. Among all the gears operated, seine net (Jagat Ber Jal) had the highest catch 31.3±4.1 CC/haul/day/gear (kg) followed by current jal 10.5±2.5 CC/haul/day/gear (kg). This study suggests that comprehensive studies on fisheries biology including reproductive biology, growth, stock assessment and their association with existing laws are essential for the sustainable management and conservation of fish species in the Basurabad beel.
Güney Marmara Bölgesindeki Çocuklarda Yanık Epidemiyolojisi

Bu klinik calismada, 1997-2003 yillari arasinda Uludag Universitesi Tip Fakultesi Plastik, Rekonstruktif ve Estetik Cerrahi Anabilim Dali Yanik Merkezinde yatirilarak tedavi edilen 15 yasin altinda 186 olgu ile ilgili epidemiyolojik faktorler sunulmaktadir. Olgular yas, cinsiyet, yanik nedenleri, toplam yanik yuzey alani ve yanik lokalizasyonlari dikkate alinarak incelendi. Toplam 186 olgunun 103'u erkek, 83'u kiz olup, yas ortalamalari 3,4 yil idi. Yaniklar 128 olguda haslanma yanigi, 40 olguda alev yanigi, 9 olguda elektrik yanigi ve 7 olguda sicak cisim ile temas sonucu olusan yanik seklindeydi. Yaniklarin cogu ust ekstremitede lokalize idi ve olgularin ortalama yanik yuzey alanlari %23 idi. Sonuc olarak epidemiyolojik calismalar, yaniklarin olusumundaki tehlikeleri belirlemesi ve en sik olusum nedenlerini gostermesi acisindan onemlidir. Bu calismanin da, Turkiye'deki cocuklarin yaniklardan korunmasi icin cesitli koruyucu programlarin gelistirilmesinde yararli olacagini dusunuyoruz.
A statistical study of low latitude F region irregularities at Brazilian longitudinal sector response to geomagnetic storms during post-sunset hours in solar cycle 23

[1] Effects of intense geomagnetic storms (Dst index < 100) to low latitude F region irregularities in the post-sunset hours are statistically studied by the total electron content (TEC) phase fluctuation observations obtained from the ground-based global positioning system (GPS) receivers in the Brazilian longitude sector during a 7.5-year period of 1 April 1998–31 October 2005. Results show that the low latitude irregularities are significantly suppressed during the main and recovery phases of the intense geomagnetic storms in the months (September–March) that normally have high irregularity activity. In contrast, the post-sunset triggering signatures are pronounced in the low irregularity activity season (April–August) during storms. To further understand the storm-produced behaviors in the low latitude F region irregularity in the post-sunset hours, the relationship between the intensity of GPS phase fluctuations and the occurrence time of the of IMF Bz turnings is examined and discussed.
Positive Feedback Trading and Stock Return Autocorrelation: The Case of Morocco

This paper investigates the presence of positive feedback trading in the Casablanca stock exchange and measures the profitability and the effectiveness of selected herding strategies. The MADEX returns from 2004 to 2010 are analyzed, modeled, and forecasted for that purpose using linear autoregressive models, GARCH processes, and E-GARCH processes. Relying on the Sentana and Wadhwani’s positive feedback model, this paper explores the link between feedback trading, serial autocorrelations, and volatility. It presents supporting evidence on the persistence of serial autocorrelations in the index returns suggesting the prevailing influence of feedback trading activity on return dynamics. The signaling-based simulation results reveal that herd trading dominates the simple buy and hold strategy and the smart money investors’ strategy both on daily and weekly bases. The results also unveil the impact of the day of trade on weekly trading outcomes, volatilities, and Sharpe ratios.
Use of nearest neighbors (k-NN) algorithm in tool condition identification in the case of drilling in melamine faced particleboard

The purpose of this study was to develop an automatic indirect (non-invasive) system to identify the condition of drill bits on the basis of the measurement of feed force, cutting torque, jig vibrations, acoustic emission and noise which were all generated during machining. The k-nearest neighbors algorithm classifier (k-NN) was used. All data analyses were carried out in MATLAB (MathWorks – USA) environment. It was assumed that the most simple (but sufficiently effective in practice) tool condition identification system should be able to recognize (in an automatic way) 3 different states of the tool, which were conventionally defined as “Green” (tool can still be used), “Red” (tool change is necessary) and “Yellow” (intermediate, warning state). The overall accuracy of classification was 76 % what can be considered a satisfactory result at this stage of studies.
Land Equivalent Ratio as a Reference for Relative Crowding Coefficient and Aggressivity of Intercropped Plant Species

The authors have proposed formulas which relate land equivalent ratio (LER) with either relative crowding coefficient (k) or aggressevity (A) of intercropped plant species and have examined the proposed formulas using numerical example and the results of a practical experiment. The practical experiment was carried out in two successive seasons under plastic greenhouse using indeterminate tomato spaced at 25 and 50 cm intercropped with climbing snap bean at three ratios, i.e., 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 tomato: snap bean, respectively. Examination of the proposed formulas proved that the formulas deduction is correct. Results of the intercropping experiment revealed that land equivalent ratios (LERs), relative crowding coefficients (ka and kb) and aggressevity (Aa and Ab) indicated that tomato was the dominant crop and snap bean was the dominated one. Also, both LER and K showed that there was yield advantage. In addition, LER indicated that yield advantage was, mostly, due to tomato. The highest total LER were found with 1 tomato : 2 bean in the first season( 1.235 ) and with 2 tomato : 1 bean in the second season (1.127). Positive correlations were found in both investigated seasons between the relative crowding coefficient (K) and total land equivalent ratio (LER) of the combined intercrops.
Ultra-Low Power Silicon Neuron Circuit for Extreme-Edge Neuromorphic Intelligence

Recent years have seen an increasing interest in the development of artificial intelligence circuits and systems for cloud-less edge computing applications. In an effort to reduce power consumption even further, we propose beyond von-Neumann in-memory computing architectures that can process the signals at the sensor side using ultra-low power mixed-signal analog/digital circuits which have properly matched dynamics and time-constants. In this paper, we propose one of the main computing elements of such architectures, namely the silicon neuron, designed using analog circuits in an advanced FDSOI 22 nm node. Here we optimize the design of an Adaptive Exponential Integrate and Fire (AdExp IF) neuron model for producing neural dynamics with biologically plausible time constants. We explore the options of the 22 nm FDSOI technology to address the analog design issues that arise from advanced scaling (such as leakage) and minimize power consumption by using a novel current comparator circuit with current-driven positive feedback. We present circuit simulation results which reproduce biologically plausible responses and compare the circuit energy per spike with state-of-the-art architectures. The proposed neuron design consumes one order of magnitude less power compared to the state-of-the-art and two orders of magnitude less compared to a pure digital implementation.
Mullions in the High-Ardenne Slate Belt (Belgium): numerical model and parameter sensitivity analysis

In the High-Ardenne Slate Belt (Belgium), pre-existing layer-perpendicular quartz veins in psammite layers acted as mechanical boundaries due to the difference in competence between vein quartz and psammite. This caused the formation of mullions during layerparallel shortening. In this paper, the process of mullion formation is modelled using finite-element techniques. A parameter sensitivity analysis of the mullion model demonstrates that the stress exponent of psammite, the total horizontal shortening of the psammite layers, the initial aspect ratio of the psammite segments between the veins and the competence contrast between psammite and vein quartz are the controlling parameters for the shape of the mullions. Our results suggest that the morphology of the mullions can be used to constrain the rheology of psammite deforming in the middle crust. Moreover, the parameter sensitivity analysis illustrates the range of layer-parallel shortening/extension structures associated with layer-perpendicular quartz veins that can be expected in nature (e.g. dogbones, inverted mullions) and creates future perspective for the use of the model as a paleorheological gauge for these structures. q 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.