Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of potassium fixation in vermiculitic soils under different moisture regimes

Fixation of K in vermiculitic soil and the residual benefit from fertilizer-K addition are influenced by soil moisture. The purpose of this study was to determine K fixation rates under simulated field moisture regimes. Fixation rates were measured during three consecutive wetting-drying cycles and in long-term aerobic incubations with soil moisture held constant at different matric pressures. In all studies, 12 mmol KCl kg −1 soil was applied before monitoring K fixation. All rates conformed to first-order kinetics. Each wetting-drying cycle had a rapid fixation phase lasting 2 d with slower fixation thereafter, and rate constants of fixation decreased in each successive cycle for both phases. Depending on the soil, rate constants of the rapid phase in the first cycle ranged from 0.064 to 0.143 d −1 and were 0.026 to 0.061 d −1 in the second cycle. Slow-phase rate constants ranged from 0.030 to 0.058 d −1 in the first cycle and 0.005 to 0.021 d −1 in the second cycle. In samples maintained as saturated pastes, the rapid phase was extended to 5 d but the rate constant was smaller in magnitude than when soil was drying. The rapid phase represented an abiotic process that was controlled by K + diffusion. When soil moisture was held constant in a long-term aerobic incubation, K fixation rate constants increased at lower soil moisture levels. Rate constants of fixation were 0.00055 d −1 at −0.03 MPa and 0.00114 d −1 at −0.48 MPa, an increase of 107%. The measured fixation rates were sufficient to explain long-term fixation measured in a related field study
L-Arginine Exerts Excellent Anti-Stress Effects on Stress-Induced Shortened Lifespan, Cognitive Decline and Depression

The anti-stress potential of dietary L-arginine (Arg) was assessed in psychosocially stress-loaded senescence-accelerated (SAMP10) mice. Although this strain of mouse is sensitive to stress, daily administration of Arg at 3 mg/kg significantly suppressed aging-related cognitive decline and behavioral depression at nine months of age and counteracted stress-induced shortened lifespan. To investigate the mechanism of the anti-stress effect of Arg in the brain, early changes in oxidative damage and gene expression levels were measured using SAMP10 mice that were stress-loaded for three days. Increased lipid peroxidation in the brains of stressed mice was significantly lowered by Arg intake. Several genes associated with oxidative stress response and neuronal excitotoxic cell death, including Nr4a1, Arc, and Cyr61, remarkably increased in response to psychosocial stress; however, their expression was significantly suppressed in mice that ingested Arg even under stress conditions. In contrast, the genes that maintain mitochondrial functions and neuronal survival, including Hba-a2 and Hbb-b2, were significantly increased in mice that ingested Arg. These results indicate that Arg reduces oxidative damage and enhances mitochondrial functions in the brain. We suggest that the daily intake of Arg plays important roles in reducing stress-induced brain damage and slowing aging.
Fractionation and characterization of humic acid from a lake sediment

Humic acid from a lake sediment was divided into five fractions by extraction with chloroform (Fr. 1), methyl ethyl ketone (Fr. 2), methanol (Fr. 3) dimethyl formamide (Fr. 4) and extraction residue (Fr. 5). The amount of each fraction is 2, 3, 7, 21 and 67 per cent, respectively. Each fraction was characterized by elementary composition, IR and NMR spectra. From Fr. 1 to Fr. 5, methylene, methyl and carboxyl bonds decrease, and ketone or quinone groups increase. Proteinous and carbohydrate-like organic substances are present in Frs. 3, 4 and 5. There is a linear relationship between color intensity of the fractions and their H/C ratio. These results suggest that the humic acid is composed of many intermediates of "humification" of plankton bodies. No direct evidence could be obtained for the presence of aromatic hydrogen in the fractions.
Plasma lipidomic profiles and risk of diabetes: two prospective cohorts of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals

Objectives: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) use is associated with disrupted lipid and glucose metabolism in people with HIV-infection. We aimed to identify plasma lipid species associated with risk of diabetes in the context of HIV infection. Research Design and Methods: We profiled 211 plasma lipid species in 491 HIV-infected and 203 HIV-uninfected participants aged 35-55 years from the Women's Interagency HIV study and the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine associations between baseline lipid species and incident diabetes (166 diabetes cases were identified during a median follow-up of 12.6 years). Results: We identified 11 lipid species, representing independent signals for 8 lipid classes/subclasses, associated with risk of diabetes (P<0.05 after FDR correction). After adjustment for multiple covariates, cholesteryl ester (CE)(22:4), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)(18:2), phosphatidylcholine (PC)(36:4), phosphatidylcholine-plasmalogen(34:3), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)(38:2) were associated with decreased risk of diabetes (HRs=0.70 to 0.82 per SD increment), while diacylglycerol(32:0), LPC(14:0), PC(38:3), PE(36:1), and triacylglycerol(50:1) were associated with increased risk of diabetes (HRs=1.26 to 1.56 per SD increment). HIV serostatus did not modify any lipid-diabetes associations; however, most of these lipid species were positively associated with HIV and/or ART use, including 3 diabetes-decreased (CE(22:4), LPC(18:2), PE(38:2)) and all 5 diabetes-increased lipid species. Conclusions: This study identified multiple plasma lipid species associated with incident diabetes. Regardless of the directions of their associations with diabetes, most diabetes-associated lipid species were elevated in ART-treated people with HIV-infection. This suggests a complex role of lipids in the link between ART and diabetes in HIV infection.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy with vascular divestment for locally advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour

A 50-year-old man with an unremarkable past medical history was admitted for epigastric pain. He underwent abdominal ultrasounds and computed tomography (CT) that showed a 7 cm large mass located in the pancreatic head, in contact with the hepatic arteries and the portal vein axis (Fig. 1). The tumour was classified as locally advanced due to encasement of the hepatic artery and portal vein >180 . Echoendoscopy with fine-needle aspiration was performed, and the histological exam was diagnostic for neuroendocrine tumour with Ki67 index of 10%. Upfront surgery was scheduled after multidisciplinary evaluation and discussion. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. At surgery, the tumour was found adherent to the hepatic arteries and to the mesentericoportal axis. A strategy of vascular divestment was adopted, and major arterial and venous vessels were completely cleared from perivascular tissue, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Complete resection without macroscopic residual tumour was possible. The surgery lasted for 485 min and 350 mL blood loss was estimated. Final histological exam showed two pancreatic head tumours, the biggest had a maximal diameter of 7 cm. Both tumours were classified as grade 2 neuroendocrine tumours, with proliferation index of 10%, tumour vascular and lymphatic emboli, no perineural invasion. Eight metastatic lymph nodes were found out of 18 retrieved. The resection margin was classified as R0. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 23. Long-term outcomes are not yet available. Tumour resection with radical soft tissue and lymph node clearance represents the objective of surgery in the setting of locally advanced pancreatic tumours and the mean to maximize the
Versatility of Thiosemicarbazones in the Construction of Monomers, Dimers and Hydrogen-Bonded Networks of Silver(I) Complexes

Reactions of thiosemicarbazones {R1R2C2═N3-N2(H)-C1(═S)-N1H2}, a multidonor class of ligands, with silver(I) halides in the presence of PPh3 have yielded a variety of compounds, viz.: (i) halogen-bridged dimers, [Ag2(μ-X)2(η1-S-Haptsc)2(PPh3)2] (R1 = Ph, R2 = Me, Haptsc, X = Cl (1); Br (2)), [Ag2(μ-Br)2(η1-S-Hbtsc)2(PPh3)2] (R1 = Ph, R2 = H, Hbtsc (3)), [Ag2(μ-Br)2(η1-S-Hactsc)2(PPh3)2] (R1 = R2 = Me, Hactsc (4)); (ii) sulfur-bridged dimers, [Ag2Br2(μ-S-Hptsc)2(PPh3)2]·2H2O (R1 = pyrrole, R2 = H, Hptsc (5)), and [Ag2Cl2(μ-S-Httsc)2(PPh3)2]·2CH3CN (R1 = thiophene, R2 = H, Httsc (6)), and (iii) monomers, [AgX(η1-S-Hpytsc)(PPh3)2]·CH3CN (R1 = pyridine, R2 = H, Hpytsc, X = Br (7); Cl (8)). In contrast, silver(I) nitrate has formed only sulfur-bridged dimers, [Ag2(η1-N-μ-S-Hftsc)2(Ph3P)2](NO3)2 (9) (R1 = furan, R2 = H, Hftsc), and [Ag2(η1-S-Hptsc)2(μ-S-Hptsc)2(Ph3P)2](NO3)2·2CHCl3 (10) (R1 = pyrrole, R2 = H, Hptsc) (Hpytsc = pyridine-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, Hptsc = pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarb.
Anticapsular and Antifungal Activity of α-Cyperone

Fungal infections affect 300 million people and cause 1.5 million deaths globally per year. With the number of immunosuppressed patients increasing steadily, there is an increasing number of patients infected with opportunistic fungal infections such as infections caused by the species of Candida and Cryptococcus. In fact, the drug-resistant Can. krusei and the emerging pan-antifungal resistant Can. auris pose a serious threat to human health as the existing limited antifungals are futile. To further complicate therapy, fungi produce capsules and spores that are resistant to most antifungal drugs/host defenses. Novel antifungal drugs are urgently needed to fill unmet medical needs. From screening a collection of medicinal plant sources for antifungal activity, we have identified an active fraction from the rhizome of Cyperus rotundus, the nut grass plant. The fraction contained α-Cyperone, an essential oil that showed fungicidal activity against different species of Candida. Interestingly, the minimal inhibitory concentration of α-Cyperone was reduced 8-fold when combined with a clinical antifungal drug, fluconazole, indicating its antifungal synergistic potential and could be useful for combination therapy. Furthermore, α-Cyperone affected the synthesis of the capsule in Cryp. neoformans, a causative agent of fungal meningitis in humans. Further work on mechanistic understanding of α-Cyperone against fungal virulence could help develop a novel antifungal agent for drug-resistant fungal pathogens.
Distinct structural and functional angiogenic responses are induced by different mechanical stimuli

Adequacy of the microcirculation is essential for maintaining repetitive skeletal muscle function while avoiding fatigue. It is unclear, however, whether capillary remodelling after different angiogenic stimuli is comparable in terms of vessel distribution and consequent functional adaptations. We determined the physiological consequences of two distinct mechanotransductive stimuli: (1) overload‐mediated abluminal stretch (OV); (2) vasodilator‐induced shear stress (prazosin, PR).
Usefulness of the New Hematological Parameter: Reactive Lymphocytes RE-LYMP with Flow Cytometry Markers of Inflammation in COVID-19

Identification of patients with activation of the immune system which indicates the presence of infection is essential, especially in the times of the global coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reactive lymphocytes (RE-LYMP) parameter in COVID-19 and to correlate it with activation lymphocytes markers by flow cytometry. The study group consisted of 40 patients: with COVID-19 infection (n = 20) and with others virus infections without COVID-19 (COVID-19(−) virus (n = 20)) and 20 healthy donors (HC). Blood count and flow cytometry were performed. The COVID-19(+) group had significantly lower RE-LYMP parameter than the COVID-19(−) virus group (5.45 vs. 11.05, p < 0.05). We observed higher proportion of plasmablasts in the COVID-19(+) and COVID-19(−) virus groups than HC (8.8 vs. 11.1 vs. 2.7, p < 0.05). In the COVID-19(+) there was a lower proportion of CD4+ CD38+ cells than in the other groups (significant differences between COVID-19(+) and COVID-19(−) virus groups). RE-LYMP correlated with activated T lymphocytes CD38+ and HLA-DR+ in the COVID-19(−) virus group, however in the COVID-19(+) group correlations with T lymphocytes CD25+ and CD45RO+ were observed. In summary the analysis of the RE-LYMP together with flow cytometric activation markers can be helpful in identifying and distinguishing patients with COVID-19(+) from other viruses and HC.
Using a Multiclass Machine Learning Model to Predict the Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke Requiring Reperfusion Therapy

Prediction of functional outcome in ischemic stroke patients is useful for clinical decisions. Previous studies mostly elaborate on the prediction of favorable outcomes. Miserable outcomes, which are usually defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 5–6, should be considered as well before further invasive intervention. By using a machine learning algorithm, we aimed to develop a multiclass classification model for outcome prediction in acute ischemic stroke patients requiring reperfusion therapy. This was a retrospective study performed at a stroke medical center in Taiwan. Patients with acute ischemic stroke who visited between January 2016 and December 2019 and who were candidates for reperfusion therapy were included. Clinical outcomes were classified as favorable outcome, intermediate outcome, and miserable outcome. We developed four different multiclass machine learning models (Logistic Regression, Supportive Vector Machine, Random Forest, and Extreme Gradient Boosting) to predict clinical outcomes and compared their performance to the DRAGON score. A sample of 590 patients was included in this study. Of them, 180 (30.5%) had favorable outcomes and 152 (25.8%) had miserable outcomes. All selected machine learning models outperformed the DRAGON score on accuracy of outcome prediction (Logistic Regression: 0.70, Supportive Vector Machine: 0.67, Random Forest: 0.69, and Extreme Gradient Boosting: 0.67, vs. DRAGON: 0.51, p < 0.001). Among all selected models, Logistic Regression also had a better performance than the DRAGON score on positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity. Compared with the DRAGON score, the multiclass machine learning approach showed better performance on the prediction of the 3-month functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients requiring reperfusion therapy.
Regulation of angiotensin II on Gαq/11 protein of vascular smooth muscle cell and its underlying mechanism

To study the regulation of angiotensin II (Ang II) on Gαq/11 protein of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and its underlying mechanism, the protein synthesis was detected by [3H]-leucine incorporation. Gαq/11 expression was measured by Western blot in cultured VSMC of rat aorta. The results showed that the level of Gαq/11 was downregulated after stimulated by AngII for 1–6 h, while it was upregulated significantly by 12–24 h stimulation (P < 0.01) in VSMC. The [3H]-leucine incorporation of VSMC was increased after 24 h Ang II stimulation. The biphase regulation of Ang II on Gαq/11 protein was blocked by the Ang II type I receptor (AT1) specific antagnist losartan or PLC inhibitor U73122, while PD98059 did not have this effect. These data indicated that Ang II contributed to VSMC hypertrophy by regulating the level of Gαq/11, and this effect was mediated mainly through AT1 receptor-PLC signal transduction pathway.
Unsolved Trinity: The case of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

This research aims to understand transboundary river conflict and cooperation in the context of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The study addresses the basin level legal environment and the reasons for unclosed deal from a perspective of power politics. The paper argues that power asymmetry affects cooperation in the absence of a quality institution. To mitigate such tension, benefit sharing principle needs to be introduced into the current negotiation, while Ethiopia should bring collaborative offers to downstream states in order to balance power. Furthermore, building common-ground through managing water-food-energy-environment nexus may protect each riparian from the negative impacts of counter-hegemony.
Mixing Behavior of Cationic Hydrotropes with Anionic Surfactant Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

Mixing behavior of anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with cationic hydrotropes aniline hydrochloride (AH), o-toluidine hydrochloride (o-TH), and p-toluidine hydrochloride (p-TH) have been studied using conductivity at different temperatures. Critical micelle concentration for different mixing mole fractions, their ideal values, and different interaction parameters have been estimated. All the parameters show nonideal behavior with synergistic interactions. Thermodynamic parameters are also calculated for these systems.
Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Duodenal Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diets Supplemented with Cinnamon Bark Powder at Prestarter and Starter Phases

Simple Summary During the first days of chicks’ lives, chicks are still developing the thermoregulatory system, the gut function, and the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental Cinnamomum verum as a phytogenic feed additive in the starter diet. Our findings suggested that the addition of Cinnamomum verum at 2000 mg/kg might increase body weight gain over 1–10, 1–14, and 1–21 days of age by improving relative breast weight, elevating serum albumin concentrations, duodenal villus height, and goblet cell density at prestarter period. Abstract Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 240) aged 1 day were assigned to five groups for eight replicates (six chicks for each) (3♂ and 3♀). Basal dietary groups were supplemented by 2000, 4000, and 6000 mg/kg cinnamon (CN) for 21 days. Basal diet alone was used as a negative control, and basal antibiotic diet (Colimox) was used as a positive control. At 10, 14, and 21 days of age, chicks that received 2000 mg CN and Colimox had a higher body weight, resulting in an increase in body weight gain. CN also resulted in the maximum improvement in the feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency over 1–21 days at the level of 2000 mg/kg. At days 10, the maximum relative breast weight was 2000 mg/kg of CN. Mean serum albumin concentrations, duodenal villus height, and goblet cell density increased (p < 0.05) by 2000 mg/kg of CN, and mean serum globulin and total protein concentrations and crypt depth increased (p < 0.05) by 6000 mg/kg of CN compared with control. Increased cecal Escherichia coli number was CN dose-dependent. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 2000 mg/kg CN can be applied as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics for broiler starter diet.
Affective Congruence in Visualization Design: Influences on Reading Categorical Maps

Recent work in data visualization has demonstrated that small, perceptually-distinct color palettes—such as those used in categorical mapping—can connote significant affective qualities. Data that are mapped or otherwise visualized are also often emotive in nature, either inherently (e.g., climate change, disease mortality rates), or by design, such as can be found in visual storytelling. However, little is known about how the affective qualities of color interact with those of data context in visualization design. This article describes the results of a crowdsourced study on the influence of affectively congruent versus incongruent color schemes on categorical map-reading response. We report both objective (pattern detection; area comparison) and subjective (affective quality; appropriateness; preference) measures of map-reader response. Our results suggest that affectively congruent colors amplify perceptions of the affective qualities of maps with emotive topics, affective incongruence may cause confusion, and that affective congruence is particularly influential in maps of positive-leaning data topics. Finally, we offer preliminary design recommendations for balancing color congruence with other design factors, and for synthesizing color and affective context in thematic map design.
Quality of Life, Resilience, and Related Factors of Nursing Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND COVID-19 and the associated measures to mitigate the spread of the virus have significantly disrupted nursing education. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between quality of life (QoL), resilience, and associated factors among nursing students during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing requirements. METHODS A cross-sectional study using an anonymous survey with nursing students (n = 152) was conducted at a public university in rural Appalachia in April 2020. Instruments included World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, demographics and school-related questionnaires, and an open-ended question. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS Resilience, having online experience, and being well prepared for online learning were associated with each QoL domain. Remarkably, 21% to 54% of nursing student QoL scores indicated poor QoL. CONCLUSIONS Cultivating resilience among nursing students may improve QoL, help with academic success, and prepare students to sustain the demands associated with the nursing profession.
Innovative Seafood Preservation Technologies: Recent Developments

Simple Summary The present review summarizes the findings of recent studies on innovative seafood processing technologies including high hydrostatic pressure, natural preservatives, ozonation, irradiation, pulse light technology and retort pouch processing as well as referencing the legal aspects pertaining to these technologies. Abstract Fish and fishery products are among the food commodities of high commercial value, high-quality protein content, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial to health. However, seafood products are highly perishable and thus require proper processing to maintain their quality and safety. On the other hand, consumers, nowadays, demand fresh or fresh-like, minimally processed fishery products that do not alter their natural quality attributes. The present article reviews the results of studies published over the last 15 years in the literature on: (i) the main spoilage mechanisms of seafood including contamination with pathogens and (ii) innovative processing technologies applied for the preservation and shelf life extension of seafood products. These primarily include: high hydrostatic pressure, natural preservatives, ozonation, irradiation, pulse light technology and retort pouch processing.