Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pressure Dependence of Schottky Barrier Height at Pt/GaAs Interface

The pressure dependence of Schottky barrier height. at the Pt/GaAs interface has been studied using a diamond anvil cell. The pressure coefficient of the Schottky barrier height suggests that whatever states responsible for the Fermi level pinning follow the valence band edge under pressure. Within models. that simple intrinsic defects are responsible for the formation of Schottky barriers in GaAs, our results suggest that these. intrinsic defects may involve vacancies.
Elevated expression of endogenous glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor impairs spatial memory performance and raises inhibitory tone in the hippocampus

Parvalbumin‐positive interneurons (PV+) are a key component of inhibitory networks in the brain and are known to modulate memory and learning by shaping network activity. The mechanisms of PV+ neuron generation and maintenance are not fully understood, yet current evidence suggests that signalling via the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptor GFRα1 positively modulates the migration and differentiation of PV+ interneurons in the cortex. Whether GDNF also regulates PV+ cells in the hippocampus is currently unknown. In this study, we utilized a Gdnf “hypermorph” mouse model where GDNF is overexpressed from the native gene locus, providing greatly increased spatial and temporal specificity of protein expression over established models of ectopic expression. Gdnfwt/hyper mice demonstrated impairments in long‐term memory performance in the Morris water maze test and an increase in inhibitory tone in the hippocampus measured electrophysiologically in acute brain slice preparations. Increased PV+ cell number was confirmed immunohistochemically in the hippocampus and in discrete cortical areas and an increase in epileptic seizure threshold was observed in vivo. The data consolidate prior evidence for the actions of GDNF as a regulator of PV+ cell development in the cortex and demonstrate functional effects upon network excitability via modulation of functional GABAergic signalling and under epileptic challenge.
Isolation and Characterization of Equine Uterine Extracellular Vesicles: A Comparative Methodological Study

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified in the uterine fluid in different species and have been pointed as key players in the embryo-maternal dialogue, maternal recognition of pregnancy and establishment of pregnancy. However, little is known about the uterine EVs in the mare. Therefore, the present study aimed at characterizing EVs from uterine lavage of cyclic mares by comparing five EVs isolation methods and the combination of them: (1) ultracentrifugation (UC); (2) concentration of lavage volume by Centricon ultrafiltration (CE); (3) the use of CE with different washing steps (phosphate-buffered saline with or without trehalose); (4) size-exclusion chromatography with iZON-qEV columns, and (5) a combination of the methods with best results based on EVs yield, purity, and protein cargo profiles. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting confirmed the isolation of EVs by all methods but with quantitative and qualitative differences. Mass spectrometry provided differences in protein profiles between methods, number of identified proteins, and protein classes. Our results indicate that the combination of CE/trehalose/iZON/UC is an optimal method to isolate equine uterine EVs with good yield and purity that can be applied in future studies to determine the role of equine uterine EVs in embryo-maternal interactions.
Study of Vulture Habitat Suitability and Impact of Climate Change in Central India Using MaxEnt

Abstract: Vultures provide invaluable ecosystem services and play an important role in ecosystem balancing. The number of native vultures in India has declined in the past. Acquiring present knowledge of their habitat spread is essential to manage and prevent such a decline. It is envisaged that ongoing climate crisis may further cause change in habitat suitability and impact the existing population. Therefore, this study in Central India—a vulture stronghold, is aimed at predicting habitat changes in the short and long term and present the data statistically and graphically by using Species Distribution Model. MaxEnt software was chosen for its advantages over other models, like using presence-only data and performing well with incomplete data, small sample sizes and gaps, etc. Global Climate Model ensemble (CCSM4, HadGEM2AO and MIROC5), was used to get better prediction. Fourteen robust models (AUC 0.864–0.892) were developed using data from over 1000 locations of seven vulture species over two seasons together. Selected climatic and other environmental variables were used to predict the current habitat. Future prediction was based on climatic variables only. The most important variables influencing the distribution were precipitation (bio 15, bio 18, bio 19) and temperature (bio 3, bio 5). Forest and water bodies were the major influencers within land use-landcover in the current prediction. At finer scale, while extremely suitable habitat area decreased and highly suitable area increased over time, the total suitable area marginally increased in 2050 but decreased in 2070. For broader consideration, net loss in suitable area was 5% in 2050 and 7.17% in 2070 (RCP4.5). Similarly, in the RCP8.5 this was 6% in 2050 and 7.3% in 2070. The data generated can be used in conservation planning and management and thus protecting the vultures from any future threat.
Art and Cultural Participation and Life Satisfaction in Adults: The Role of Physical Health, Mental Health, and Interpersonal Relationships

Many different forms of art and cultural participation, for example, visiting museums and galleries, have received increasing attention as an important new focus for public health. While a growing body of evidence suggests that art and cultural participation enhance human health and well-being in the West, the research is just in the infancy in the East. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of art and cultural participation of museums and galleries on life satisfaction intervened and controlled by physical and mental health and interpersonal relationships and individual's background. This study adopted large-sample data from the seventh period of the Taiwan Social Change Survey. The sample population comprised 2,034 adult participants, involving 1,042 males and 992 females. The average age of the respondents was 47.67 ± 17.48 years. The results showed that individuals aged 30–64 years with an average monthly income between NT$20,000–NT$40,000 had a higher frequency of art and cultural participation of museums and galleries. Women under 29 years reported better life satisfaction. Individuals with a higher frequency of art and cultural participation of museums and galleries affected life satisfaction not only directly but also indirectly through interpersonal relationships, particularly among women and the elderly. Individuals who visited museums and galleries more frequently had greater life satisfaction and higher frequency of interpersonal contact. This was particularly evident in older females. Art and cultural participation of museums and galleries directly affected individual's life satisfaction and indirectly affected it via interpersonal relationships after controlling for gender, age, and monthly income. These findings indicate that visiting museums and galleries can enhance the frequency of interpersonal interactions and life satisfaction.
Analytical Techniques for Ecstasy

Abstract In this mini review, first, a comprehensive discussion of the background chemistry, metabolism, pharmacology, toxicology, effects on humans, diagnosis, and treatment is introduced, followed by a detailed listing of current chemical and bioanalytical methods, the immunochemical techniques, and commercially available kits. An attempt has been made to introduce the reader to the broad area of drugs of abuse, such as with Ecstasy, and the current status of analytical methodology.
Effect of Coal Ash Composition on Ash Fusion Temperatures

The ash fusion temperatures (AFTs) of coal mineral matter at high temperature are important parameters for all gasifiers. Experiments have been conducted in which mixtures of selected coal ashes and SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, and MgO were subjected to the standard test for ash fusibility. The computer software package FactSage has been used to calculate the liquidus temperatures of coal ash samples and the proportions of the various phases present as a function of temperature. The results show that the AFTs of coal ash samples first decrease with increasing CaO, Fe2O3, and MgO contents, then reach a minimum value, before increasing once more. However, for the effect of S/A ratio, its AFTs are always increased with increasing S/A ratios. The measured AFTs all show variations with mixture composition that correlated closely with liquidus temperatures for the appropriate pseudoternary phase diagrams. The liquidus and AFTs generally showed parallel compositional trends but are displaced from each other because .
Making climate projections conditional on historical observations

Historical temperature record narrows uncertainty on past and future human-induced warming leading to refined climate projections. Many studies have sought to constrain climate projections based on recent observations. Until recently, these constraints had limited impact, and projected warming ranges were driven primarily by model outputs. Here, we use the newest climate model ensemble, improved observations, and a new statistical method to narrow uncertainty on estimates of past and future human-induced warming. Cross-validation suggests that our method produces robust results and is not overconfident. We derive consistent observationally constrained estimates of attributable warming to date and warming rate, the response to a range of future scenarios, and metrics of climate sensitivity. We find that historical observations narrow uncertainty on projected future warming by about 50%. Our results suggest that using an unconstrained multimodel ensemble is no longer the best choice for global mean temperature projections and that the lower end of previous estimates of 21st century warming can now be excluded.
International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery Policy 2020 Update—Minimally Invasive Surgical Sacroiliac Joint Fusion (for Chronic Sacroiliac Joint Pain): Coverage Indications, Limitations, and Medical Necessity

ABSTRACT The index 2014 International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery Policy Statement—Minimally Invasive Surgical Sacroiliac Joint Fusion—was generated out of necessity to provide an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9)-based background and emphasize tools to ensure correct diagnosis. A timely ICD-10-based 2016 update provided a granular threshold selection with improved level of evidence and a more robust and relevant database (Appendix Table A1). As procedures and treatment options have evolved, this 2020 update reviews and analyzes the expanding evidence base and provides guidance relating to differences between the lateral and dorsal surgical procedures for minimally invasive surgical sacroiliac joint fusion.
Dynamic Light Scattering from Semidilute Actin Solutions: A Study of Hydrodynamic Screening, Filament Bending Stiffness, and the Effect of Tropomyosin/Troponin-Binding

Quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS) is applied to investigate the effect of the tropomyosin/troponin complex (Tm/Tn) on the stiffness of actin filaments. The importance of hydrodynamic screening in semidilute solutions is demonstrated. A new concentration dependent expression for the dynamic structure factor g(k, t) of semiflexible polymers in semidilute solutions is used to analyze the experimental QELS data. A concentration independent value for the bending modulus κ is thus obtained. It increases by 50% as a consequence of Tm/Tn binding in a 7:1:1 molar ratio of actin/Tm/Tn. In addition a new expression for the initial slope of the dynamic structure factor of a semiflexible polymer is used to determine the effective hydrodynamic diameter of the actin filament. Our results confirm the general relevance of the concept of (intrinsic) semiflexibility to polymer dynamics.
Hydroclimate footprint of pan-Asian monsoon water isotope during the last deglaciation

Pan-Asian monsoon water isotope variability is found accompanied by a continental-scale hydroclimate footprint. Oxygen isotope speleothem records exhibit coherent variability over the pan-Asian summer monsoon (AM) region. The hydroclimatic representation of these oxygen isotope records for the AM, however, has remained poorly understood. Here, combining an isotope-enabled Earth system model in transient experiments with proxy records, we show that the widespread AM δ18Oc signal during the last deglaciation (20 to 11 thousand years ago) is accompanied by a continental-scale, coherent hydroclimate footprint, with spatially opposite signs in rainfall. This footprint is generated as a dynamically coherent response of the AM system primarily to meltwater forcing and secondarily to insolation forcing and is further reinforced by atmospheric teleconnection. Hence, widespread δ18Op depletion in the AM region is accompanied by a northward migration of the westerly jet and enhanced southwesterly monsoon wind, as well as increased rainfall from South Asia (India) to northern China but decreased rainfall in southeast China.
Facet Arthrodesis with the FFX Device: One-Year Results from a Prospective Multicenter Study

ABSTRACT Background: Facet osteosynthesis can be performed to treat facet syndrome (FS) and reduce spinal instability following laminectomy in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The present study evaluated clinical and radiological outcomes following facet osteosynthesis with the FFX device. Methods: Patients with FS or LSS were prospectively enrolled in a single-arm, multicenter study. The device was placed at affected levels with or without concomitant posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedures. The visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Computed tomography scans to assess fusion and migration were performed 1 year following surgery. Results: Fifty-three patients (26 men/27 women) with a mean age of 65.0 ± 9.6 years (range: 37–83 years) were enrolled. A total of 205 FFX devices were implanted with 15 patients undergoing concurrent PLIF procedures. There were no intraoperative or postoperative surgical complication reported, and no patient required revision surgery. Mean VAS leg and back pain scores significantly improved from 5.57 to 2.09 (P < .001) and 5.74 to 3.13 (P < .001), respectively, between the preoperative and 1 year follow-up assessments. Mean ODI scores also significantly improved from 44.7% to 24.0% (P < .001) during the same time period. Facet fusion occurred with 86.3% of device placements after 12 months. There was 1 (0.5%) asymptomatic device migration. Eight devices (3.9%) were considered misplaced. Conclusions: The use of the FFX device is associated with a significant reduction in both pain and disability following surgery with a high facet joint fusion rate. Level of Evidence: 4. Clinical Relevance: This is the first study reporting clinical experience using the FFX device to facilitate facet osteosynthesis. The ability of the device to relieve pain, reduce disability, and enhance lumbar facet fusion with a low rate of device misplacement and migration was demonstrated.
Reconciling atmospheric CO2, weathering, and calcite compensation depth across the Cenozoic

Cenozoic carbon dioxide, weathering, and calcite compensation depth reconciled in a comprehensive carbon cycle model. The Cenozoic era (66 to 0 million years) is marked by long-term aberrations in carbon cycling and large climatic shifts, some of which challenge the current understanding of carbon cycle dynamics. Here, we investigate possible mechanisms responsible for the observed long-term trends by using a novel approach that features a full-fledged ocean carbonate chemistry model. Using a compilation of pCO2, pH, and calcite compensation depth (CCD) observational evidence and a suite of simulations, we reconcile long-term Cenozoic climate and CCD trends. We show that the CCD response was decoupled from changes in silicate and carbonate weathering rates, challenging the continental uplift hypothesis. The two dominant mechanisms for decoupling are shelf-basin carbonate burial fractionation combined with proliferation of pelagic calcifiers. The temperature effect on remineralization rates of marine organic matter also plays a critical role in controlling the carbon cycle dynamics, especially during the warmer periods of the Cenozoic.
Derationalizing Delusions

Because of the traditional conceptualization of delusion as “irrational belief,” cognitive models of delusions largely focus on impairments to domain-general reasoning. Nevertheless, current rationality-impairment models do not account for the fact that (a) equivalently irrational beliefs can be induced through adaptive social cognitive processes, reflecting social integration rather than impairment; (b) delusions are overwhelmingly socially themed; and (c) delusions show a reduced sensitivity to social context both in terms of how they are shaped and how they are communicated. Consequently, we argue that models of delusions need to include alteration to coalitional cognition—processes involved in affiliation, group perception, and the strategic management of relationships. This approach has the advantage of better accounting for both content (social themes) and form (fixity) of delusion. It is also supported by the established role of mesolimbic dopamine in both delusions and social organization and the ongoing reconceptualization of belief as serving a social organizational function.
Construction of Digital Identity through B-Learning Training: Resource Evaluation

This article covers the evaluation made by a cohort of students in higher education regarding the use of certain resources in the implementation of Blended Learning. The experience involved a total of 71 students enrolled on a subject in the Degree in Social Work at Salamanca University in Spain. The students were divided into two groups, each of which was assigned a different type of b-learning (blended block/programme flow model and rotation model). The aspects evaluated were related to ease of use, the suitability of these resources, their effects on student learning, and motivation in each one of the two types of b-learning environments. The results reflect a generally positive assessment of the resources used, as well as minimal differences between the two groups.
Self & Peer to Peer Assessment: Evaluating Oral Presentations in a Final Year Engineering Subject

Acquiring competences is a crucial element for all university students to maximize their capabilities in order to facilitate their access into the working world. In this paper, we present changes introduced in a final year engineering subject to develop certain competences more efficiently. Firstly, those changes have implied moving from traditional class sessions to class sessions in form of ‘pills’, defined as brief and concise contributions of knowledge which highlight some elements of a specific topic. In fact, ‘pills’ are designed to stimulate both student-student interaction as well professor-student interaction, within the framework of a Project Based Learning methodology. Secondly, as part of the subject redesign, self-evaluation and peer to peer evaluation will be introduced the next academic year, with the goal of improving the assessment of competences. In order to do that it, these evaluating activities have been introduced this academic year to check the viability of those tools, although without having a real weight in the final grade of the students. The results obtained shed light on the issue and have helped to identify some possible adjustments in order to effectively implement self and peer assessment in the future courses.
Rhizomatic Learning in Action: A Virtual Exposition for Demonstrating Learning Rhizomes

In this paper, we developed a virtual exposition as a model to visualize and demonstrate the dynamic and non-linear affordances of a learning rhizome. Virtual expositions are non-linear multimodal web installations that facilitate the creation of interconnections through which the research as practice and the practice as research are highlighted and communicated more effectively. Through a specific virtual exposition platform, we created a visual and performative representation of a rhizomatic learning course, allowing visitors to experience the complexity, multiplicity, unpredictability, and multivoicedness of such an approach in an isomorphic way. A complex learning rhizome is a performative confluence of human and non-human actors that engages people, resources, processes, and contextual parameters. As such, it is impossible to be represented in any representational format. The virtual exposition developed here attempts to offer a fair approximative model of rhizomatic learning which is far better than text-only linear representations. This paper offers a new view to rhizomatic learning as an applied practice that can enhance teaching and catalyze learning through complex synergies and dynamics. The originality of this paper lies in its attempt to bridge linear with non-linear academic research formats in order to offer a multimodal and performative model of rhizomatic learning. Theoretical and practical implications for learning and teaching are discussed.
Vulnerability Discovery Strategies Used in Software Projects

Malicious users can exploit undiscovered software vulnerabilities i.e., undiscovered weaknesses in software, to cause serious consequences, such as large-scale data breaches. A systematic approach that synthesizes strategies used by security testers can aid practitioners to identify latent vulnerabilities. The goal of this paper is to help practitioners identify software vulnerabilities by categorizing vulnerability discovery strategies using open source software bug reports. We categorize vulnerability discovery strategies by applying qualitative analysis on 312 OSS bug reports. Next, we quantify the frequency and evolution of the identified strategies by analyzing 1,632 OSS bug reports collected from five software projects spanning across 2009 to 2019. The five software projects are Chrome, Eclipse, Mozilla, OpenStack, and PHP. We identify four vulnerability discovery strategies: diagnostics, malicious payload construction, misconfiguration, and pernicious execution. For Eclipse and OpenStack, the most frequently used strategy is diagnostics, where security testers inspect source code and build/debug logs. For three web-related software projects namely, Chrome, Mozilla, and PHP, the most frequently occurring strategy is malicious payload construction i.e., creating malicious files, such as malicious certificates and malicious videos.
Learning Automation from Remote Labs in Higher Education

This article focuses on how remote laboratories can be used in the teaching of industrial automation, in higher education, from the perspective of sustainability. In particular in the case of teaching Automation engineering, learning PLC programming and tactile consoles (HMI) via remote access is presented first in this article, and then later we discuss the benefits of using remote automation laboratories, when considering the two dimensions of sustainability and development, which are: the economic aspect and the possible integration in a higher education institution. The article analyzes a possible solution as a complement to an effective learning of industrial automation techniques and how remote laboratories allow students to obtain very innovative forms of learning without being present in the classroom.