Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COALBED METHANE PRODUCT WATER CHEMISTRY IN THREE WYOMING WATERSHEDS 1

ABSTRACT: The Powder River Basin in Wyoming has become one of the most active areas of coalbed methane (CBM) development in the western United States. Extraction of methane from coalbeds requires pumping of aquifer water, which is called product water. Two to ten extraction wells are manifolded into one discharge point and product water is released into nearby unlined holding ponds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemistry, salinity, and sodicity of CBM product water at discharge points and associated holding ponds as a function of watershed. The product water samples from the discharge points and associated holding ponds were collected from the Cheyenne River (CHR), Belle Fourche River (BFR), and Little Powder River (LPR) watersheds during the summers of 1999 and 2000. These samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sulfate (SO42‐), and chloride (C1‐). From the chemical data, practical sodium adsorption ratio (SARp) and true sodium adsorption ratio (SARt) were calculated for the CBM discharge water and pond water. The pH, EC, TDS, alkalinity, Na, Ca, Mg, K, SARp, and SARt of CBM discharge water increased significantly moving north from the CHR watershed to the LPR watershed. CBM discharge water in associated holding ponds showed significant increases in EC, TDS, alkalinity, Na, K, SARp, and SARt moving north from the CHR to the LPR watershed. Within watersheds, the only significant change was an increase in pH from 7.21 to 8.26 between discharge points and holding ponds in the LPR watershed. However, the LPR and BFR exhibited larger changes in mean chemistry values in pH, salinity (EC, TDS), and sodicity (SAR) between CBM product water discharges and associated holding ponds than the CHR watershed. For instance, the mean EC and TDS of CBM product water in LPR increased from 1.93 to 2.09 dS/m, and froml,232 to 1,336 mg/L, respectively, between discharge and pond waters. The CHR exhibited no change in EC, TDS, Na, or SAR between discharge water and pond water. Also, while not statistically significant, mean alkalinity of CBM product water in BFR and LPR watersheds decreased from 9.81 to 8.01 meq/L and from 19.87 to 18.14 meq/L, respectively, between discharge and pond waters. The results of this study suggest that release of CBM product water onto the rangelands of BFR and LPR watersheds may precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in soils, which in turn may decrease infiltration and increase runoff and erosion. Thus, use of CBM product water for irrigation in LPR and BFR watersheds may require careful planning based on water pH, EC, alkalinity, Na, and SAR, as well as local soil physical and chemical properties.
Evaluation of Factors Influencing Outcomes in Pauci-Immune Crescentic Glomerulonephritis: Single Centre Experience of 51 Cases

Introduction: Pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (PICGN) is rare form of glomerulonephritis that frequently presents as rapidly progressive renal failure. Several prior studies have evaluated role of various factors influencing outcomes in patients with PICGN. The histopathological classification proposed by Berden a decade earlier described difference in the outcomes of patients in the focal, crescentic, mixed and sclerotic category with best prognosis for focal and worst for sclerotic group. The newly proposed renal risk score of Brix takes into account both the histopathological parameters (% of normal glomeruli, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis) and clinical parameter (eGFR) which influences outcome. Methods: Retrospective study was performed between 2014 to 2018. Biochemical parameters and ANCA details were recorded and renal histopathology slides were reviewed and classified according to Berden's histopathologic classes. All the cases were further characterized into three groups based on renal risk score (Brix et al). Univariate, multivariate analysis for risk factors predicting ESRD and Kaplan Meier Survival Analysis were done. Results: In the present study, we found eGFR (P 0.024), % of normal glomeruli (P 0.023) and IFTA (P 0.001) as important factors influencing renal outcome in patients with PICGN. More than 60% patients achieved complete remission with low renal risk score as compared to patients with high renal risk score in which 80% patients developed ESRD or death at follow up. We also found significant difference in survival among various renal risk categories (Log-Rank P = 0.001) as compared to Berden's international histological classification (Log-Rank P = 0.037) on Kaplan –Meier survival analysis. Conclusion: PICGN is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. Renal histological factors such as % normal glomeruli at time of biopsy, degree of IFTA and renal risk score play an important role in assessing prognosis in these patients.
Effect of Alkaline Catalysts on Hydrothermal Conversion of Glycerin into Lactic Acid

Hydrothermal treatment of glycerin was carried out at 300 °C by using eight alkaline catalysts, including hydroxides of alkali metals, alkaline-earth metals, and aluminum. All alkaline catalysts promoted the formation of lactic acid or lactate salts from glycerin, except for Al(OH)3. The alkali-metal hydroxides were more effective than alkaline-earth-metal hydroxides on the catalysis of hydrothermal reactions. On the hydrothermal conversion of glycerin into lactic acid, the catalytic effectiveness followed the sequence of KOH > NaOH > LiOH for alkali-metal hydroxides, and Ba(OH)2 > Sr(OH)2 > Ca(OH)2 > Mg(OH)2 for alkaline-earth hydroxides. An excellent lactic acid yield of 90% was attained on hydrothermal conversion of glycerin at 300 °C with KOH or NaOH as a catalyst. KOH was superior to NaOH as a catalyst since it worked at a lower concentration or within a shorter reaction time to obtain the same lactic acid yield. The hydrothermal conversion of glycerin depended not only on the hydroxide ion concentra.
Contributing Factors to the Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, (auto) immune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Quality of life (QoL) refers to the perception of an individual’s life in the context of the system of culture and values in which they live. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the distribution of cognitive disorders in people with MS. Methods: The prospective study included 135 participants with MS and 50 healthy participants. Participants were divided into three groups: the first group consisted of 85 participants where the disease lasted longer than one year, the second group consisted of 50 participants with newly diagnosed MS, the third group consisted of 50 healthy participants. The instruments of clinical assessment were: Extended Disability Score in Multiple Sclerosis Patients, Mini Mental Status, Beck Depression Scale, and Quality of Life Scale (SF-36, Contemporary Health Survey). Results: The quality of life related to health is impaired in the physical, mental dimension and overall quality of life. In the first group of participants, 62% had mild depression, and in the second group 38% of participants, while more severe forms were recorded in 16% of participants in both groups. As depression increases, the quality of life decreases in all measured dimensions, which would mean that depression negatively affects the quality of life. The results of all dimensions as well as the overall quality of life score are worse with the increase in the degree of clinical disability, for both groups of study patients. Conclusion: Quality of life is impaired in MS patients, and a higher degree of clinical disability and an increase in depressive disorder are predictors of deteriorating quality of life in MS patients.
Physical Sensors Based on Laser-Induced Graphene: A Review

Physical sensors form the fundamental building blocks of a multitude of advanced applications that detect and monitor the surroundings and communicate the acquired physical data. The everlasting need for more compliant, low-cost, and energy-efficient sensor solutions has led to considerable interest in enhancing their features and operation limits even further. While graphene has emerged as a promising candidate material, due to its outstanding electrical and mechanical properties, it is still not available in large volumes for practical applications. Meanwhile, Laser-Induced Graphene has opened new perspectives for a versatile, durable, printed physical sensing platform capable of detecting various physical parameters across a range of conditions and subjects. In this review, LIG physical sensors were categorized into four broad types based on their transduction mechanism: mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and electromagnetic. We summaries various design strategies established for preparing reliable physical sensors without the involvement of chemical treatments, synthesis, and multi-step fabrication processes. The review considers the effects of laser choice, lasing environment, and parameters on graphene properties. We also discuss a broad spectrum of applications of LIG physical sensors in fields ranging from healthcare, tactile sensing, environmental monitoring, energy harvesting, and soft robotics to desalination and THz modulation.
Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Hypertensive and/or Diabetic Patients with Target Organ Damage in the Lebanese Population

Background: Hypertension and diabetes represent a major public health problem. They are associated with complications, organ damage, and an increase in cardiovascular mortality. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of hypertensive and/or diabetic patients with target organ damage in the Lebanese population. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional multicentric study conducted on 750 Lebanese patients randomly selected from 6 hospitals from January 2014 to August 2015. Patients were divided according to their medical history: 252 hypertensive, 249 diabetic, 249 both hypertensive and diabetic. All patients had target organ damages and were admitted to the hospitals. Results: Our study showed the following demographic characteristics: men were affected more than women; young men and older women being more commonly affected in each gender subgroup; hypertension was associated with older age compared to diabetes. It also showed the following clinical data: hypertension was associated with higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, higher systolic blood pressure, and left ventricular hypertrophy; diabetes was associated with higher incidence of nephropathy, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (if positive family history); having both diseases was associated with developing atherosclerotic plaques. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated an increased prevalence of affected Lebanese men (by both diseases) in the younger population, and increased prevalence of Lebanese women in the older population (> 75 years old). Family history of previous cardiovascular diseases was present in all groups. Disease recurrence, as defined in our study by the number of existing cardiovascular diseases, was more common in patients with both diseases.
Shadow of the Colossus: Euro Area Spillovers and Monetary Policy in Central and Eastern Europe

Closer integration between Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the EUCloser integration between Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the EU has opened up channels facilitating the propagation of economic shocks from the core to the eastern periphery. This paper examines the effects of such shocks to economic activity and monetary conditions originating in the Euro area (EA) on output, prices, money, and interest rates in 10 CEE countries over the period 2005-2018 using a bilateral restricted VAR framework. In contrast to previous studies, we use Divisia monetary aggregates and compare the effects of EA spillovers to domestic shocks. The results indicate that EA shocks explain the majority of variation across all macroeconomic indicators, with money supply shocks playing the most prominent role. Despite some heterogeneity, the impulse response of monetary aggregates to domestic andEA monetary shocks is almost identical across countries. The impact of the EA shock increases over time and persists, while the domestic shock dies out relatively quickly. Accordingly, we find no meaningful monetary independence in the majority of CEE countries. This is likely to prove detrimental to the effectiveness of monetary policies in CEE.
Microwave Drying Kinetics of a Thin-Layer Liquorice Root

Liquorice root (LR) (Glycyrrize glabra) is known as a sweetener and medicine plant. Drying kinetics of LR with initial moisture content of 49.5% (wet basis (w.b)) were experimentally investigated in a microwave drying system. The drying experiments were carried out at different drying temperatures (40, 45, 50, and 55°C) and microwave power levels (250, 500 and 750 W). Several models from literature were selected to fit the experimental data. The fit quality of models was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2), sum square error (SSE), and root mean square error (RMSE). A new model has been proposed for LR drying in the microwave drying. This new model best describes the experimental data for LRs. The activation energy was calculated to be 46.807 kJ/mol and effective diffusivity ranged from 2.9 × 10−9 to 5.41 × 10−9 m2/s, depending on drying temperatures at constant microwave power level.
Self-assembly of 1D to 3D cadmium complexes : Structural characterization and properties

Self-assembly reactions of 5-sulfoisophthalic monosodium salt (NaH 2 sipa), Cd(NO 3 ) 2 . 4H 2 O and 2,2'-bipyridine (or 4,4'-bipyridine) under hydrothermal condition give rise to four polymeric complexes, namely {[Cd 3 (sipa) 2 (2,2'-bpy)4(H 2 O) 2 ]. 6H 2 O} n (1), {[Cd(sipa)(H-4,4'-bpy)(H 2 O)]. 2H 2 O} n (2); {[Cd 2 -(sipa)(4,4'-bpy) 3 (H 2 O) 3 ]. [Cd(sipa)(4,4'-bpy)(H 2 O)]. 8H 2 O} n (3), and ([Cd 3 (sipa) 2 (4,4'-bpy) 4 (H 2 O) 2 ]. 3H 2 O} n (4), respectively. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that complex 1 possesses a ID rail-like chain structure, 2 is a ID double chain, 3 has a 2D network consisting of an independent [Cd 2 (sipa)(4,4'-bpy) 3 (H 2 O) 3 ] n n + cationic layer and a [Cd(sipa)(4,4'-bpy)-(H 2 O)] n n - anionic layer, and 4 is a novel 3D self-penetrating network constructed from two mixed bridging ligands. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and fluorescent measurements of complexes 1-4 have also been performed.
The association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and serum lipids in the Southern Thai population

Introduction Dyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be associated with CVD. However, the relationships between vitamin D and lipids are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and serum lipids in Southern Thai subjects. Material and methods A total of 726 healthy subjects in Southern Thailand were enrolled in the study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, anthropometric data, blood pressure, and body composition were measured. The relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and biochemical data was evaluated by partial correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. The association of serum 25(OH)D levels with dyslipidaemia was analysed using multivariate regression analysis. Results Serum 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and body composition parameters after adjusting for age in women. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TC and BMI were independent predictors for 25(OH)D concentrations in women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of hypertriglyceridaemia (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32–0.80, p = 0.004) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26–0.71, p = 0.001) were significantly lower in vitamin D sufficiency when compared with hypovitaminosis D in women. Conclusions Vitamin D sufficiency could reduce risk of hypertriglyceridaemia and reduced HDL-C, particularly in women, suggesting that vitamin D sufficiency may have beneficial effects on lipids and a decreased risk for CVD in Thai women.
Rational Inattention: A Review

We review the recent literature on rational inattention, identify the main theoretical mechanisms, and explain how it helps us understand a variety of phenomena across fields of economics. The theory of rational inattention assumes that agents cannot process all available information, but they can choose which exact pieces of information to attend to. Several important results in economics have been built around imperfect information. Nowadays, many more forms of information than ever before are available due to new technologies, and yet we are able to digest little of it. Which form of imperfect information we possess and act upon is thus largely determined by which information we choose to pay attention to. These choices are driven by current economic conditions and imply behavior that features numerous empirically supported departures from standard models. Combining these insights about human limitations with the optimizing approach of neoclassical economics yields a new, generally applicable model. (JEL D83, D91, E71)
ATM Polymorphisms and their Relationship to Radiation Toxicity in Breast Cancer Patients / Polimorfismos ATM e sua relação com a toxicidade por radiação em pacientes com câncer de mama

Aims: The breast cancer is one of the most common types and it treatment brings complications such as skin, dermis and subcutaneous toxicity. Studies about genetic variations of patients are those that enable the identification of prognostic factors for treatment, generally based on greater risk of injury to healthy tissue. Study design: This study examined the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ATM gene in patients with breast cancer with adverse reactions presented in normal tissues as result of radiotherapy. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conduct at Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, and the patients were recruited at Hospital Araújo Jorge, Associação de Combate ao Câncer em Goiás, Radiotherapy Service. Methodology: We evaluated 76 patients, through a retrospective study, based on data contained in records and teletherapy records of patients with this cancer who underwent radiotherapy for at least 5 years. Polymorphisms of the ATM gene were analyzed by microarray technique. Results: The mean age of patients was 50 years and the total dose of radiation was an average of 50,21 Gy ranging from 45Gy to 50.4Gy. Regarding the late toxicities, patients analyzed showed a higher frequency of low-grade morbidities when compared to high grade. Nineteen patients interrupted the radiation therapy for any reason. Patients who have studied polymorphisms have no increased risk of developing acute toxicity changes of the skin. (P>.05). Patients presenting polymorphisms AX-8315255 (TTT insertion) (RR=11.0, 1.08 111.97, p=0.045) and rs56128736 (RR=11.0, 1.08 111.97, p=0.045) had an increased risk for developing late skin toxicity, but not at subcutaneous tract. Conclusion: ATM is a large gene with many variants documented. Association studies of these SNPs will be needed in larger sample groups to establish whether the single base variants or haplotypes of this gene may indeed contribute to the toxicity of normal tissue. Thus, the personalized treatment with ionizing radiation can be prescribed for patients decreasing complications and improving the effectiveness of treatment and quality of life of patients.
Characterization of Particles from a Current Technology Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine

The physical properties, chemical properties, and morphology of particles from a current technology diesel engine run under steady-state conditions were determined during five campaigns across three calendar years. Concentrations of particulate matter, NOx, HC, CO, and CO2 measured at a fixed sampling position were found to be repeatable between different campaigns. However, particle size distributions and number concentrations were significantly affected by dilution conditions. Particle density, estimated using a volume size distribution estimated from an ELPI together with measured mass, was found to be below 1 g/cm3 at nonzero loads, but this is explained by an overestimation of volume by the ELPI due to particle fractal properties. Particle phase SO42-, NO3-, PAH, organic carbon, and elemental carbon were found to vary with engine operating modes. Particles emitted from a modern diesel engine had similar cluster structures to those from old engines but consisted of smaller basic particles when analyze.
Visible light induced hydrogen production over thiophenothiazine-based dye sensitized TiO2 photocatalyst in neutral water

In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a series of organic sensitizers, namely, (E)-3-(10-butyl-8-(methylthio)-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)-2-cyanoacrylic acid (UP1), (E)-3-(10-pentyl-8-(methylthio)-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)-2-cyanoacrylic acid (UP2) and (E)-3-(10-hexyl-8-(methylthio)-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)-2-cyanoacrylic acid (UP3), and their application for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The as-prepared sensitizers show pronounced light harvesting capability under a wide visible region (400–650 nm) and exhibit relatively strong fluorescence at 625–628 nm with lifetimes of 0.59–0.62 ns. The extinction coefficient of the dyes increases by increasing the different substituents of methine chain on the nitrogen of the thiophenothiazine ring. Alkyl substitution in the sensitizers led to desirable electrochemical behaviour, which facilitates the effective electron injection from the dye to TiO2. The resulting thiophenothiazine@TiO2–Pt composites exhibited high hydrogen production efficiency from water splitting at neutral conditions. The UP3 sensitized Pt–TiO2 (UP3@PT) photocatalyst showed hydrogen evolution up to 1048 μmol (TON 1397) with an excellent apparent quantum yield, ∼50%, which is much higher than the other photocatalysts such as UP1@PT, UP2@PT and pure TiO2. Operational parameters, such as the effects of the substitution in dye molecules, dye concentration, activation temperature of TiO2 and pH of the reaction medium, were explored. Theoretical studies and experimental measurements corroborated that, the addition of methine unit in the sensitizer enhanced the efficiency in dye@TiO2 composite via reduced charge recombination and increased light capture.
Dietary Supplementation Effect of Alfalfa and Prangos pabularia Hay on Feed Intake, Growth, and Nutrient Degradability in Kari Sheep

Muhammad Mobashar1, Qazi Aqeel1, Muhammad Tahir Khan1, Assar Ali Shah2*, Ahmed A.A. Abdel-Wareth3, Salman Khan4, Nazir Ahmad1, Sami Ullah1 and Haq Amanullah5 1Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan. 2Institute of Animal Sciences, Jiangsu Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China. 3Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, 83523 Qena, Egypt. 4School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, 210023, P. R. China. 5College of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan Article Information Received 23 March 2020 Revised 21 May 2020 Accepted 30 May 2020 Available online 16 November 2020