Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flow Injection Extraction Spectrophotometric Determination of Niobium as the Ethylene Bis(triphenylPhosphonium) Thiocyanatoniobate(v)

ABSTRACT Niobium was determined by flow injection spectrophotometry at 393 nm after extraction of ethylene-bis(triphenylphosphonium)thiocyanatoniobate(V) into chloroform. The effects of diverse ions are reported. The system has been applied to the determination of niobium in steels by the method of standard additions.
Evaluating (weighted) dynamic treatment effects by double machine learning.

We consider evaluating the causal effects of dynamic treatments, i.e. of multiple treatment sequences in various periods, based on double machine learning to control for observed, time-varying covariates in a data-driven way under a selection-on-observables assumption. To this end, we make use of so-called Neyman-orthogonal score functions, which imply the robustness of treatment effect estimation to moderate (local) misspecifications of the dynamic outcome and treatment models. This robustness property permits approximating outcome and treatment models by double machine learning even under high dimensional covariates and is combined with data splitting to prevent overfitting. In addition to effect estimation for the total population, we consider weighted estimation that permits assessing dynamic treatment effects in specific subgroups, e.g. among those treated in the first treatment period. We demonstrate that the estimators are asymptotically normal and $\sqrt{n}$-consistent under specific regularity conditions and investigate their finite sample properties in a simulation study. Finally, we apply the methods to the Job Corps study in order to assess different sequences of training programs under a large set of covariates.
Atmospheric predictability experiments with a large numerical model

The instability of the atmosphere places an upper bound on the predictability of instantaneous weather patterns. The skill with which current operational forecasting procedures are observed to perform determines a lower bound. Estimates of both bounds are obtained by comparing the ECMWF operational forecast for each day of a 100-day sequence at one range with the operational forecast for the same day at another range, and with the analysis for that day. The estimated bounds are reasonably close together. Predictions at least ten days ahead as skilful as predictions now made seven days ahead appear to be possible. Additional improvements at extended range may be realized if the one-day forecast is capable of being improved significantly. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1982. tb01839.x
Mécanismes de l'inhibition de la croissance par l'acétate chez Escherichia coli

L'acetate nuit a la croissance de la bacterie E. coli. Malgre les recherches qui tentent d'en d'ecrire les raisons, il nous est impossible actuellement de fournir le schema explicatif complet de ce phenomene. Cette these propose de determiner l'importance des differents mecanismes possibles de l'inhibition de la croissance par l'acetate. Pour cela, nous avons construit une collection de mutants des voies metaboliques de l'acetate que nous avons systematiquement caracterises avec/sans l'ajout de 128 mM d'acetate au cours de la phase exponentielle de croissance. La voie Pta AckA semble contribuer a 20% a l'inhibition par l'acetate, probablement par l'action de l'acetyle-phosphate sur l'expression des genes ou la regulation de l'activite enzymatique. Nous montrons que le mecanisme generalement invoque, l'effet d ecouplant de l'acetate, ne joue pas de role dans l'inhibition. L'effet majeur est du a un desequilibre des anions de la cellule. Nous presentons egalement deux projets de biologie synthetique : l'un visant a quantifier le mercure dans un echantillon d'eau; et l'autre controlant le nombre de cellules vivantes par la lumiere au sein d'une population bacterienne.
Lixiviação de metais pesados em solos tratados com lodo de esgoto

SUMMARY : LEACHING OF HEAVY METALS IN SOILS AMENDED WITHSEWAGE SLUDGE This experiment was conducted in leaching tubes filled with soils classified as TypicQuartzipsament (AQ), Typic Hapludox (LV) and Rhodic Typic (LE). Sewage sludge wasperiodically added and incorporated to the soils in a total amount corresponding to 156,0 t ha -1 (dry weight basis), for an incubation period of 310 days. The soils were then treated withwater and the following salt solutions: 0.9 mol L -1 KCl; 0.9 mol L -1 KNO 3 ; 0.3 mol L -1 K 2 SO 4 and 0.3 mol L -1 Ca(NO 3 ) 2 . The water and salt solutions were added in amounts correspondingto 4 times the water retention capacity of the soils. The leachate was analyzed for Cd, Cr, Cu,Ni and Zn. In the percolate obtained with the water passage, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ quantities werealso determined, besides those of the previously mentioned metals. The results showed thatthe addition of KCl caused the leaching of 5% of the Cd added by sludge to LV and LE soils.For the other salts used and also for water, the heavy metal leachate was below 2%. The soilretention of Cd, Cu, Cr and Ni increased with the increase of the content of iron and aluminumoxide in soils. The movement of the heavy metals was also decreased with the increase of thesoil pH and organic matter content, with the movement of some metals increasing with thepresence of the salts KCl and K
Tip-enhanced broadband CARS spectroscopy and imaging using a photonic crystal fiber based broadband light source†

We report tip-enhanced broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy and imaging based on a broadband light source using a photonic crystal fiber. Multiplexing from 900 cm–1 to 2200 cm–1 is achieved by optimizing the supercontinuum generation process at a high numerical aperture focus. By combining this system with a shear-force microscope, semiconducting carbon nanotubes are imaged with a spatial resolution of 60 nm. Our results show that tip-enhanced broadband CARS image exhibits a positive contrast even though the enhancement effect has not been fully optimized. Analyses of delay-dependent tip-enhanced broadband CARS spectra suggest the possibilities of multiple carrier interactions that uniquely occur at high intensities within the nanotubes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Biodiesel Addition on Distillation Characteristics and Cetane Index of Diesel Fuels

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of biodiesel addition on density, viscosity, distillation profile, and cetane index of diesel fuels. Biodiesel has become an important component in the European diesel fuel market. Its addition to diesel alters the distillation profile, which in turn may impact on the cetane index; the latter remains an important parameter for the evaluation of ignition quality of diesel fuels, in combination with the cetane number. In this series of experiments, fifty diesel fuel samples were used (35 automotive diesel samples and 15 heating gasoil samples) as base fuels, to which sunflower oil biodiesel was added at a concentration of 5% volume in the fuel blend. The distillation profile, density, and kinematic viscosity were measured in all base fuels and blends, whereas the cetane indices were calculated from density and distillation measurements. As expected, the results showed increased density and kinematic viscosity due to the biodiesel addition, whereas the front end volatil.
Degradation of cellulosic insulation in power transformers. Part 2: formation of furan products in insulating oil

The analysis of furan degradation products in transformer oil provides a complementary technique to dissolved gas analysis for monitoring transformer condition. The main products of the ageing are 2-furfuryl alcohol, 2-furaldehyde (furfural), 2-acetylfuran and 5-methylfurfural and are formed from wood-based paper (containing lignin and hemicellulose), cotton-based paper and pure cotton linters in accelerated, laboratory experiments. Also, 5-hydroxy-methyl-cellulose was seen in the early stages of some experiments. The concentration of 2-furaldehyde (furfural) was found to be highest of all the products and the concentrations of all products increased exponentially with time to a maximum value and then decreased. The concentration of most products increased rapidly as the paper approached the end of its useful life, indicating that furfural analysis could provide a sensitive trouble-shooting tool for rapid ageing. All the furan products apart from 2-furfuryl alcohol are relatively stable in the oil, at temperatures up to 140/spl deg/C.
Damage profiles of Si (001) surface via Ar cluster beam sputtering

Damage profiles on Si (001) surface via argon gas cluster ion beam sputtering and mono‐atomic argon ion beam sputtering were investigated using medium energy ion scattering. The surface thickness damaged by Ar cluster ion beam sputtering was approximately 10 nm for 20 keV, 6.4 nm for 10 keV, and 4.2 nm for 5 keV and the composition of the implanted Ar atoms was 0.2 at% for 20 keV and 0.1 at% for both 10 and 5 keV. The surface thickness damaged by Ar ion beam sputtering was approximately 5.3 nm for 1 keV, 8.5 nm for 2 keV, and 12 nm for 3 keV and the maximum Ar concentration of the implanted Ar atoms in the Si substrate was 5.5 at% for 1 keV, 5.8 at% for 2 keV, and 7.8 at% for 3 keV. The depth of the damaged layers after Ar ion sputtering on Si (001) is proportional to the in‐depth distribution of the implanted primary Ar ions. The depth of the damaged layer after the Ar cluster ion beam sputtering did not depend on the implanted Ar atoms because the implanted Ar atoms are negligible. Understanding the details about the damage process via Ar cluster ion beam sputtering can be useful for the practical surface analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bootstrap Methods: Another Look at the Jackknife

We discuss the following problem given a random sample X = (X 1, X 2,…, X n) from an unknown probability distribution F, estimate the sampling distribution of some prespecified random variable R(X, F), on the basis of the observed data x. (Standard jackknife theory gives an approximate mean and variance in the case R(X, F) = \(\theta \left( {\hat F} \right) - \theta \left( F \right)\), θ some parameter of interest. ) A general method, called the “bootstrap”, is introduced, and shown to work satisfactorily on a variety of estimation problems. The jackknife is shown to be a linear approximation method for the bootstrap. The exposition proceeds by a series of examples: variance of the sample median, error rates in a linear discriminant analysis, ratio estimation, estimating regression parameters, etc.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Variations in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Before and After Antidepressant Treatment

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) had been identified as a key pro-inflammatory cytokine in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and the mechanism of antidepressant treatment. The primary aim of the present study was to examine the serum TNF-α levels in Chinese inpatients with MDD during the acute phase and to explore the changes in TNF-α levels after effective clinical treatment. Fifty-seven consecutive inpatients with MDD and 30 healthy controls were recruited. The serum TNF-α levels were detected using ELISA. Symptoms of depression were evaluated using the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-24). TNF-α levels and HAM-D-24 scores were assessed at baseline and after 2 and 12 weeks of follow-up. The serum TNF-α levels were higher in the MDD group than in the control group. After 2 and 12 weeks of antidepressant treatment, there were significant improvements in the patients' symptoms and significant decreases in the TNF-α levels. The baseline TNF-α levels significantly correlated with the decreased HAM-D-24 scores, particularly for the depressive symptoms of anxiety/somatization and weight loss. The present findings indicate that depression is accompanied by activation of TNF-α, which also has a predictive value for the antidepressant treatment response in patients with MDD.
Exploring Responses to Body Weight Criticism: Defensive Avoidance When Weight Is Seen as Controllable

In Western society, weight moralization is reflected in the belief that weight is controllable across the weight spectrum. However, the effect of holding such beliefs is unclear. We therefore propose that these beliefs affect people differently depending on their BMI. When confronted with negative, self-related feedback, people’s coping strategies are often reflected in the ways they relate to their self. We examine three such self-to-self relations (i.e., reassured, inadequate, and hated self). Extending prior research, we predict that weight controllability beliefs are related to positive self-to-self relations for adults with a low, and to negative self-to-self relations for adults with a high BMI. Accordingly, we expected that weight controllability beliefs would be associated with defensive avoidance among people with a high, but not with a low BMI. We tested our hypotheses in a sample of 348 adults who participated in an online survey. Weight controllability beliefs were associated with increased defensive avoidance in people with high BMI, and with decreased defensive avoidance in adults with a low BMI. Forms of self-to-self relating fully mediated this association, demonstrating positive effects on adults with a low, and negative effects on adults with a high BMI. Additionally, in an open ending section, we found seven social settings that deprive people from satisfying their need to belong and to be accepted due to their weight. We discuss our findings against a call for a less moralized public discourse about overweight and obesity that is particularly relevant in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The BAL-Score Almost Perfectly Predicts Testicular Torsion in Children: A Two-Center Cohort Study

Introduction: Testicular torsion (TT) is a common emergency that warrants immediate exploration to prevent infertility or testicular loss. To improve diagnostic reliability, various scoring systems have been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate and validate different testicular torsion scores in a large cohort of children with acute scrotum. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all male children that were admitted for acute scrotum at the Pediatric Surgery Department of the Altonaer Kinderkrankenhaus and University medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf from 01/2013 to 03/2019. Two testicular torsion scores (Boettcher Alert Score, Testicular Workup for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion Score) were applied to all data sets. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based score was developed and compared to the two current scores. Results: In total, 460 boys were included in the study. Of those, 48 (10.4%) had TT. Children with TT suffered most often from short duration of pain, nausea and vomiting, high riding testicle and absent cremasteric reflex. The BALS and the AI-based score had excellent predictive values and all patients with TT would have been detected. Conclusion: The BAL and the AI score show excellent predictive capabilities and may be used to identify all cases of TT in a pediatric population. The scores are easy to apply. As the BALS was slightly better, we advocate to use this score but to validate our findings in prospective multicenter studies.
Whole Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights Into the Molecular Mechanisms of Chlamydospore-Like Cell Formation in Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Phanerochaete chrysosporium is a white rot fungus naturally isolated from hardwoods and widely used in environmental pollution control because it produces extracellular peroxidases. It forms chlamydospores during nitrogen starvation, which naturally occurs in the habitat of P. chrysosporium. Chlamydospores protect fungi against many stresses; the molecular basis underlying chlamydospore formation in basidiomycetes is poorly explored. Chlamydospores in P. chrysosporium have a different cell wall compared with hyphae, as confirmed by cell wall digestion and microscopy. Furthermore, this study investigated the transcriptome of P. chrysosporium in different life stages, including conidium, hypha, and chlamydospore formation, through RNA sequencing. A total of 2215 differentially expressed genes were identified during these processes. The expression patterns of genes involved in several molecular events critical for chlamydospore formation, including starch and sucrose metabolism, phosphatase and kinase, and transcription factors, were determined. This study serves as a basis for further investigating the function of chlamydospore formation in the biotechnologically relevant fungus P. chrysosporium.
Quantitative Multi-Parameter Mapping Optimized for the Clinical Routine

Using quantitative multi-parameter mapping (MPM), studies can investigate clinically relevant microstructural changes with high reliability over time and across subjects and sites. However, long acquisition times (20 min for the standard 1-mm isotropic protocol) limit its translational potential. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity gain of a fast 1.6-mm isotropic MPM protocol including post-processing optimized for longitudinal clinical studies. 6 healthy volunteers (35±7 years old; 3 female) were scanned at 3T to acquire the following whole-brain MPM maps with 1.6 mm isotropic resolution: proton density (PD), magnetization transfer saturation (MT), longitudinal relaxation rate (R1), and transverse relaxation rate (R2*). MPM maps were generated using two RF transmit field (B1+) correction methods: (1) using an acquired B1+ map and (2) using a data-driven approach. Maps were generated with and without Gibb's ringing correction. The intra-/inter-subject coefficient of variation (CoV) of all maps in the gray and white matter, as well as in all anatomical regions of a fine-grained brain atlas, were compared between the different post-processing methods using Student's t-test. The intra-subject stability of the 1.6-mm MPM protocol is 2–3 times higher than for the standard 1-mm sequence and can be achieved in less than half the scan duration. Intra-subject variability for all four maps in white matter ranged from 1.2–5.3% and in gray matter from 1.8 to 9.2%. Bias-field correction using an acquired B1+ map significantly improved intra-subject variability of PD and R1 in the gray (42%) and white matter (54%) and correcting the raw images for the effect of Gibb's ringing further improved intra-subject variability in all maps in the gray (11%) and white matter (10%). Combining Gibb's ringing correction and bias field correction using acquired B1+ maps provides excellent stability of the 7-min MPM sequence with 1.6 mm resolution suitable for the clinical routine.
Survey and Sequence Characterization of Bovine Mastitis-Associated Escherichia coli in Dairy Herds

Escherichia coli is frequently associated with mastitis in cattle. “Pathogenic” and “commensal” isolates appear to be genetically similar. With a few exceptions, no notable genotypic differences have been found between commensal and mastitis-associated E. coli. In this study, 24 E. coli strains were isolated from dairy cows with clinical mastitis in three geographic regions of Australia (North Queensland, South Queensland, and Victoria), sequenced, then genomically surveyed. There was no observed relationship between sequence type (ST) and region (p = 0.51). The most common Multi Locus Sequence Type was ST10 (38%), then ST4429 (13%). Pangenomic analysis revealed a soft-core genome of 3,463 genes, including genes associated with antibiotic resistance, chemotaxis, motility, adhesion, biofilm formation, and pili. A total of 36 different plasmids were identified and generally found to have local distributions (p = 0.02). Only 2 plasmids contained antibiotic resistance genes, a p1303_5-like plasmid encoding multidrug-resistance (trimethoprim, quaternary ammonium, beta-lactam, streptomycin, sulfonamide, and kanamycin) from two North Queensland isolates on the same farm, while three Victorian isolates from the same farm contained a pCFSAN004177P_01-like plasmid encoding tetracycline-resistance. This pattern is consistent with a local spread of antibiotic resistance through plasmids of bovine mastitis cases. Notably, co-occurrence of plasmids containing virulence factors/antibiotic resistance with putative mobilization was rare, though the multidrug resistant p1303_5-like plasmid was predicted to be conjugative and is of some concern. This survey has provided greater understanding of antibiotic resistance within E. coli-associated bovine mastitis which will allow greater prediction and improved decision making in disease management.
Behavioral and Neural Effects of Familiarization on Object-Background Associations

Associative memory is the ability to link together components of stimuli. Previous evidence suggests that prior familiarization with study items affects the nature of the association between stimuli. More specifically, novel stimuli are learned in a more context-dependent fashion than stimuli that have been encountered previously without the current context. In the current study, we first acquired behavioral data from 62 human participants to conceptually replicate this effect. Participants were instructed to memorize multiple object-scene pairs (study phase) and were then tested on their recognition memory for the objects (test phase). Importantly, 1 day prior, participants had been familiarized with half of the object stimuli. During the test phase, the objects were either matched to the same scene as during study (intact pair) or swapped with a different object’s scene (rearranged pair). Our results conceptually replicated the context-dependency effect by showing that breaking up a studied object-context pairing is more detrimental to object recognition performance for non-familiarized objects than for familiarized objects. Second, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine whether medial temporal lobe encoding-related activity patterns are reflective of this familiarity-related context effect. Data acquired from 25 human participants indicated a larger effect of familiarization on encoding-related hippocampal activity for objects presented within a scene context compared to objects presented alone. Our results showed that both retrieval-related accuracy patterns and hippocampal activation patterns were in line with a familiarization-mediated context-dependency effect.