Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Introduction to the Special Issue: Exploration of the Activity of Asteroid (101955) Bennu

Near‐Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu is an active asteroid experiencing mass loss. The activity manifests itself in the form of ejection events emitting up to hundreds of millimeter‐ to centimeter‐scale particles. The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security‐Regolith Explorer spacecraft monitored particle activity for a 10‐month period that included Bennu's perihelion and aphelion. Novel and classical methods were utilized to detect the particles and characterize their orbital and physical properties. Roughly 30% of the observed particle mass escaped to heliocentric orbit. A majority of particles fell back onto the surface of Bennu after ejection, with the longest‐lived particle surviving for 6 days on a temporary orbit. Particle ejection events appear to preferentially take place in the afternoon and evening and from low latitudes, although they can occur at any time or latitude. The reaccumulation of material is biased toward low latitudes resulting in the possible in‐fill of craters and growth of Bennu's equatorial bulge. Of the potential mechanisms behind this activity that were investigated in focused studies, meteoroid impacts, thermal fracturing, and ricochet—but not water ice sublimation—were found to be consistent with observations. While phyllosilicate dehydration was not investigated with a focused study, it remains a possible mechanism. These mechanisms are not unique to Bennu, suggesting that many near‐Earth asteroids may exhibit activity that has gone undetected thus far. Spacecraft missions with wide‐field imagers are encouraged to further characterize this phenomenon.
Necrosis volume and Choi criteria predict the response to endoscopic ultrasonography-guided HybridTherm ablation of locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Abstract Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ablation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with HybridTherm-Probe (EUS-HTP) is feasible and safe, but the radiological response and ideal tool to measure it have not been investigated yet. The aims of this study were to: 1) assess the radiological response to EUS-HTP evaluating the vital tumor volume reduction rate, Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST1.1) and Choi criteria; 2) determine the prognostic predictive yield of these criteria. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with locally advanced PDAC after primary treatment or unfit for chemotherapy prospectively treated by EUS-HTP. Computed tomography scan was performed 1 month after EUS-HTP to evaluate: 1) vital tumor volume reduction rate (VTVRR) by measuring necrosis and tumor volumes through a computer-aided detection system; and 2) RECIST1.1 and Choi criteria. Results EUS-HTP was feasible in 22 of 31 patients (71 %), with no severe adverse events. Median post-HTP survival was 7 months (1 – 35). Compared to pre-HTP tumor volume, a significant 1-month VTVRR (mean 21.4 %) was observed after EUS-HTP (P = 0.005). We identified through ROC analysis a VTVRR > 11.46 % as the best cut-off to determine post-HTP 6-month survival outcome (AUC = 0.733; sensitivity = 70.0 %, specificity = 83.3 %). This cut-off was significantly associated with longer overall survival (HR = 0.372; P = 0.039). According to RECIST1.1 and Choi criteria, good responders to EUS-HTP were 60 % and 46.7 %, respectively. Good responders according to Choi, but not to RECIST1.1, had longer survival (HR = 0.407; P = 0.04). Conclusions EUS-HTP induces a significant 1-month VTVRR. This effect is assessed accurately by evaluation of necrosis and tumor volumes. Use of VTVRR and Choi criteria, but not RECIST 1.1 criteria, might identify patients who could benefit clinically from EUS-HTP.
Eosinophils Control Liver Damage by Modulating Immune Responses Against Fasciola hepatica

Eosinophils are granulocytes that participate in the defense against helminth parasites and in hypersensitivity reactions. More recently, eosinophils were shown to have other immunomodulatory functions, such as tissue reparation, metabolism regulation, and suppression of Th1 and Th17 immune responses. In the context of parasitic helminth infections, eosinophils have a controversial role, as they can be beneficial or detrimental for the host. In this work, we investigate the role of eosinophils in an experimental infection in mice with the trematode parasite Fasciola hepatica, which causes substantial economical losses around the world due to the infection of livestock. We demonstrate that eosinophils are recruited to the peritoneal cavity and liver from F. hepatica-infected mice and this recruitment is associated with increased levels of CCL11, TSLP, and IL-5. Moreover, the characterization of peritoneal and hepatic eosinophils from F. hepatica-infected mice showed that they express distinctive molecules of activation and cell migration. Depletion of eosinophils with an anti-Siglec-F antibody provoked more severe clinical signs and increased liver damage than control animals which were accompanied by an increase in the production of IL-10 by hepatic and splenic CD4+ T cells. In addition, we also report that eosinophils participate in the modulation of humoral immune responses during F. hepatica infection, contributing to their degranulation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that eosinophils are beneficial for the host during F. hepatica infection, by limiting the production of IL-10 by specific CD4+ T cells and favoring eosinophil degranulation induced by specific antibodies. This work contributes to a better understanding of the role of eosinophils in parasitic helminth infections.
Real-time transabdominal ultrasound-guided ERCP is feasible and effective in pregnancy: a case series

Abstract Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is commonly required in pregnancy for choledocholithiasis, however, radiation exposure is a major concern for patients. Real-time transabdominal (TA) ultrasound (US)-guided ERCP is a radiation-free technique that facilitates confirmation of biliary cannulation, equipment exchange and stone clearance. We present the largest Western case series of this modality in pregnancy and a review of the literature. Four pregnant adult patients were referred to our tertiary center with suspected or documented choledocholithiasis and underwent real-time TA US-guided ERCP. US was successfully used to confirm positioning of the guidewire and ductal clearance. Procedures were successful in all patients with resolution of clinical symptoms and no immediate procedural complications. Two patients suffered adverse events later in their pregnancy. Real-time TA US-guided ERCP is a technically feasible and effective modality that can be offered to obtain biliary access in a radiation-free fashion for specific subsets of pregnant patients with choledocholithiasis. Future studies are needed to confirm the safety of this technique.
Effect of some Natural Substances on Fruit Quality of Washington Navel Orange under Cold Storage

Aims: To study the response of Washington navel orange fruits to some natural post harvest treatments under cold storage. Study Design: A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out during two successive seasons 2013 and 2014 in the post harvest laboratory of Agricultural Development System project in Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt. Methodology: Harvested fruits were directly transferred to the laboratory. Experimental fruits were divided into six similar groups. Each group was subjected to one of the following treatments: Control tap water plus tween (80), Black cumin oil at 2%, Black cumin oil at 3%, Ginger oil at 2%, Ginger oil at 3% and Wax. Fruits were stored at 5°C and 85-90% relative humidity for 63 days. Changes in some physical and chemical fruit properties were determined at seven days intervals. Results: The results showed that, fruit weight loss (%), decay (%), total soluble solids (TSS) percentage and respiration rate (ml/kg/h) of Washington navel orange fruits were increased in most Original Research Article El-Sharony and Amin; JAERI, 2(1): 58-68, 2015; Article no.JAERI. 2015.007 59 cases with advancing the storage period. Meanwhile, total acidity (%) and ascorbic acid (V.C) as (mg/100 ml juice) were decreased with prolonging the storage period. Furthermore, the lowest values of weight loss (%), decay (%), ascorbic acid, respiration rate and fruit shelf life (days) were scored by wax treatment, as well as, the best results of total soluble solids with the same bare with control especially in the first season. Meanwhile the lowest total acidity content was gained by the control. Conclusion: Treatment of Washington navel orange fruits with wax proved to be the most efficient treatment in enhances fruit quality and storability under cold storage.
A Revision of the Tribal Classification of Rhamnaceae

A new tribal classification of Rhamnaceae based on a phylogenetic analysis of rbcL and trnL-F sequences of the plastid genome is outlined here. The last classification of the family by Suessenguth recognised five tribes. Eleven tribes are now recognised, three of which are new (Ampelozizipheae, Doerpfeldieae and Bathiorhamneae). The constitution of Rhamneae Hook. f. has been emended, and the name of one tribe has been corrected (Zizipheae Brongn. to Paliureae Reissek ex Endl.; as suggested by Schirarend & Olabi 1994) and emended. Ventilagineae Hook. f. , Colletieae Reissek ex Endl. and Gouanieae Reissek ex Endl. are retained. Pomaderreae Reissek ex Endl. and Maesopsideae Weberb. have been resurrected, as has Phyliceae Reissek ex Endl. , which has also been emended. Three larger groups within Rhamnaceae are also described on the basis of the molecular data. However, there are no morphological characters marking these groups, and they are therefore given informal names in this treatment. A morphological cladistic analysis also included here demonstrates the problems of attempting phylogenetic reconstruction if only a few morphological characters are available.
Status of and threats to the Black-winged Lovebird (Agapornis taranta) in Entoto Natural Park and Bole Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

A study of the population status of and threats to the Black-winged Lovebird (Agapornis taran- ta) was carried out from September 2008 to February 2009 in Entoto Natural Park (ENP) and in Bole Sub- City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A point transect count technique was employed to examine the status of the lovebirds. An average total of 58 birds was recorded of which 46 were counted in Bole Sub-City and 12 in Entoto Natural Park areas. The maximum number recorded during our census was 57 in the dry season and 15 in the wet season in Bole Sub-City and Entoto Natural Park, respectively. The ratio of adult males to adult females in Entoto Natural Park was 1:0.71 and 1:0.60, and 1:0.76 and 1:0.78 in Bole Sub-City dur- ing both wet and dry seasons, respectively. The seasonal variation and difference in sex ratios between males and females was not significant ( p > 0.05) at either of the study sites. The threat for the Black- winged Lovebird or other birds in Entoto Natural Park is due to the fragmentation of natural habitats, thus decreasing food sources, owing to the domination of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) trees in the area. Grazing by livestock, intensive farming practices and deforestation by the local community have contrib- uted greatly to the degradation of the land resulting in erosion, thus devastating the habitat of the Natural Park. The vegetation cover of Entoto Natural Park and urban gardens should be managed effectively for the survival of the avian fauna of the area.
Strategies for Controlling Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with Sprays and Baits 1

Barrier sprays of lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, chlorpy- rifos, cyfluthrin, and bifenthrin were applied outside homes at several rates and in two different barrier configurations to control Argentine ants, Linepi- thema humile (Mayr). Based on periodic monitoring of numbers of foraging ants, lambda-cyhalothrin sprays (0.03 and 0.015% AI) reduced ant activity >80% for 8 wk. Trials also were conducted to evaluate the efficacyof baitin g compared with spraying for ant control. Homes were treated with a 0.03% deltamethrin barrier sprayor combination of 0.5% disodium octaborate te t- rahydrate (replaced by 0.0001% fipronil later in the study) in sucrose-water + a solid (1% hydramethylnon protein-based granular) bait. A 10-wk comparison showed that both the sprayapplication and the bait combination were equal ly effective at reducing ant numbers around homes. Onlyone application of spray s applied at maximum rates was necessaryto significantlyreduce ant activity, whereas weekly maintenance was required at homes treated with baits. Barrier sprays applied at less than maximum rates and volumes pro- vided approximately2- to 4-wk reduction in ant counts.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Exosomes Enhance Cell‐Free Bone Regeneration by Altering Their miRNAs Profiles

Implantation of stem cells for tissue regeneration faces significant challenges such as immune rejection and teratoma formation. Cell‐free tissue regeneration thus has a potential to avoid these problems. Stem cell derived exosomes do not cause immune rejection or generate malignant tumors. Here, exosomes that can induce osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are identified and used to decorate 3D‐printed titanium alloy scaffolds to achieve cell‐free bone regeneration. Specifically, the exosomes secreted by hMSCs osteogenically pre‐differentiated for different times are used to induce the osteogenesis of hMSCs. It is discovered that pre‐differentiation for 10 and 15 days leads to the production of osteogenic exosomes. The purified exosomes are then loaded into the scaffolds. It is found that the cell‐free exosome‐coated scaffolds regenerate bone tissue as efficiently as hMSC‐seeded exosome‐free scaffolds within 12 weeks. RNA‐sequencing suggests that the osteogenic exosomes induce the osteogenic differentiation by using their cargos, including upregulated osteogenic miRNAs (Hsa‐miR‐146a‐5p, Hsa‐miR‐503‐5p, Hsa‐miR‐483‐3p, and Hsa‐miR‐129‐5p) or downregulated anti‐osteogenic miRNAs (Hsa‐miR‐32‐5p, Hsa‐miR‐133a‐3p, and Hsa‐miR‐204‐5p), to activate the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Consequently, identification of osteogenic exosomes secreted by pre‐differentiated stem cells and the use of them to replace stem cells represent a novel cell‐free bone regeneration strategy.
Sexual Selection, Body Size and Sex-related Mortality in the Cicada Magicicada cassini

Male periodical cicadas (Magicicada cassint) were collected from a chorusing center near Lawrence, Kansas. Males in copula were significantly larger than males from the same population that were not in copula. Cicadas were offered to captive house sparrows in an aviary. The sparrows showed no consistent preference with regard to cicada size, although they did select females in preference to males. Birds may discriminate because females are more nutritious or they may avoid males which produce a "disturbance squawk" when handled.
Experimental Studies of Bulk Optically Controlled GaAs Switches Utilizing Fast Infrared Quenching

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF BULK OPTICALLY CONTROLLED GaAs SWITCHES UTILIZING FAST INFRARED QUENCHING Michael S. Mazzola Old Dominion University, 1990 Director: Dr. Karl H. Schoenbach This dissertation describes some of the properties of copper-compensated, silicon-doped GaAs (Cu:Si:GaAs) with the purpose of demonstrating the feasibility of the Bulk Optically Controlled Switch (BOSS) concept. The BOSS concept involves the excitation of electrons or holes from selected deep centers in the band gap of a bulk Cu:Si:GaAs photoconductor. The conductivity of the Cu:Si:GaAs crystal can be increased or decreased on command by irradiating the crystal with laser light of different wavelengths in the infrared. Photoconductivities as large as 1 (n cm)'1 were measured to persist for microseconds after illumination by a 7 ns laser pulse with wavelength A = 1064 nm. Strong optical quenching of this photoconductivity over a nanosecond time scale has been observed during illumination with a second laser pulse of wavelength A > 1500 nm. During the conduction phase, currents as large as 10 kA/cm2 have been measured after the crystal withstood fields as large as 19 kV/cm. Dark conductivities of GaAs crystals grown with a silicon doping density of 5 x 1016 cm'3 have been measured after copper diffusion to range from 1.5 x 10'2 (n cm)'1 to as low as 1.4 x 10'6 (n cm)'1. These differences are interpreted to be the result of controlled compensation of the crystal resulting in the conversion of the R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission. crystal from strongly n-type (undercompensated) to weakly p-type (over­ compensated). The actual level of compensation at thermal equilibrium is shown to have an important effect on the photoconductivity properties of the crystal. R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission. Copyright by Michael S. Mazzola 1990 All Rights Reserved R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission.
Histology and Histochemistry of the Oviduct of the Neotropical Tortoise Phrynops geoffroanus (Schweigger, 1812)

Phrynops geoffronus is specie of reptile of the Testudines order, popularly known as Geoffroy’s side-necked turtle. As is the case of other representatives of this order, this turtle is also oviparous, meaning the females lay their eggs in the environment during reproduction. This work describes the morphology of the oviduct of P. geoffroannus, observed through light microscopy, contributing to the understanding of the reproductive biology of this species and of other reptiles. The oviducts of Geoffroy’s side-necked turtle were sectioned and processed according to the routine histological techniques and were submitted to histological and histochemical methods (HE, Mallory’s Trichrome, Ponceau Xylidine, AB pH 2.5, PAS). The oviduct of this turtle is composed of five regions: the infundibulum, which receives the oocytes released at the moment of ovulation; the uterine tube (magnum), a spiral-shaped region that produces albumin; the isthmus, a transition region; the uterus, where the egg shell is produced; and the vagina, the final part of the oviduct, which leads to the cloaca. The structure of the oviduct of P. geoffroannus is similar to that of other species of oviparous reptiles and can be used for phylogenetic morphological comparisons.
What is the Real Message of the International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches (ISCHEMIA) Trial for Academic and Practising Cardiologists?

Defining the best management strategies for patients with stable ischaemic heart disease (SIHD) has been the subject of scientific study for nearly 50 years since the advent of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery by Favaloro in 1967 and, a decade later, the development of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by Gruentzig in 1977. Randomised controlled trials of CABG surgery versus medical therapy were initiated in the late 1970s and 1980s in patients with SIHD and showed that revascularisation reduced MI and mortality in subsets of patients with three-vessel and left main coronary artery disease (CAD). In the 1990s, randomised controlled trials of PCI versus medical therapy, initially with balloon angioplasty (Angioplasty Compared to Medicine [ACME] and Second Randomised Intervention Treatment of Angina [RITA-2]), were similarly undertaken in SIHD patients and showed significantly better angina relief and treadmill exercise performance with PCI, although no reduction in death or MI. Nevertheless, the widespread availability of PCI greatly expanded the number of patients who could be revascularised safely and pushed revascularisation therapy to become routine for SIHD patients in many locales.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Suppress Muscle Atrophy Induced by Hindlimb Suspension

Objective: The protective effects of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from different sources (bone marrow, adipose tissue and umbilical cord) on skeletal muscle regeneration were investigated using a hindlimb suspension (HS)-induced muscle atrophy rodent model. Methods: Female SD rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, hindlimb suspension (HS), and hindlimb suspension and reloaded (HR). After induction of muscle atrophy for two weeks, MSCs (1 x 106 cells) were injected into the soleus muscle in the HS and HR groups. Two weeks later, the changes of muscle mass, crosssectional area (CSA), muscle-specific gene expression, lactate accumulation and muscle atrophy signaling pathwayrelated proteins were compared. Results: In the MSCs-injected groups, there was an increase in soleus muscle mass, CSA and expression of skeletal muscle actin and desmin, as well as a decrease in lactate accumulation. All MSCs play an effective role in improvement of the muscle state from the muscle atrophy condition. Especially, HR groups accompanied by normal activity after MSCs injection showed synergic effect on recovery of atrophic muscle. Furthermore, treatment with the MSCs activated the PI3K/AKT pathway known as major signaling of muscle atrophy, consequently reducing expression of the muscle-specific RING finger protein-1 (MuRF-1) and atrophy F-box (MAFbx/Atrogin-1). Conclusions: The results can serve as fundamental data toward the development of new medical strategies for the rapid rehabilitation and regeneration of atrophied muscles.
Utilization of Synthetic Compounds with Juvenile Hormone Activity for the Silkworm Rearing

Sir: Since Roller and his associates succeeded in identifying juvenile hormone from Hyalophora cecropia moth,1) the Gecropia juvenile hormone (JH) and many analogs with JH activity have recently been synthesized. " These compounds have been expected as new insecticides" be cause of the lethal effect on insects under excess administration. On the other hand Akai and his associates reported that a single injection of JH during 5th instar brought on increases in the duration of the feeding stage and in fibroin synthesis of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The present communication re