Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lepton Mixing Predictions from ∆(6n) Family Symmetry

Abstract We obtain predictions of lepton mixing parameters for direct models based on ∆(6n) family symmetry groups for arbitrarily large n in which the full Klein symmetry is identified as a subgroup of the family symmetry. After reviewing and developing the group theory associated with ∆(6n), we find many new candidates for large n able to yield reactor angle predictions within 3σ of recent global fits. We show that such ∆(6n) models with Majorana neutrinos predict trimaximal mixing with reactor angle θ13 fixed up to a discrete choice, an oscillation phase of either zero or π and the atmospheric angle sum rules θ23 = 45 ◦ ∓ θ13/ √ 2, respectively, which are consistent with recent global fits and will be tested in the near future.
The role of large seed size in shaded conditions: experimental evidence

Large seeds are thought to provide an adaptive advantage to seedlings growing in shaded environments. Four hypotheses that could account for the possible mechanisms underlying this advantage were tested using 23 species ranging in seed size from 0.04 to 22.2 mg. The hypotheses were: seedlings from large seeds are able to survive longer in shade than seedlings from small seeds; seedlings from large seeds divert relatively more resources to shoot development when grown under shaded conditions compared to seedlings from small seeds; seedlings from large seeds always have larger shoots than small-seeded seedlings growing under shaded conditions due to the large initial reserve size of large seeds and the reduction in growth rate differences between small and large seeds under growth-limiting conditions (.)
Flufenamic Acid-Loaded Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Oral Delivery: From Formulation Statistical Optimization to Preclinical Anti-Inflammatory Assessment.

This research work aimed to prepare and optimize "self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS)" by applying full factorial design (FFD) to improve solubilization and subsequently anti-inflammatory efficacy of flufenamic acid (FLF). Suitable excipients were screened out based on the maximum solubility of FLF. FFD was applied using lipid (X1) and surfactant (X2) as independent variables against droplet size (Y1, nm), zeta potential (Y2, mV) and polydispersity index (PDI, Y3). Desirability function identified the main factors influencing the responses and possible interactions. Moreover, the optimized formulation (OFS1) was characterized and compared with pure FLF suspension. The prepared formulations (FS1-FS9) showed the size, PDI and zeta potential of 14.2-110.7 nm, 0.29-0.62 and -15.1 to -28.6 mV, respectively. The dispersion and emulsification of all formulations meted out within 2 min suggesting immediate release and successful solubilization. The optimized formulation OFS1 demonstrated ~ 85% drug release within 1 h which was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) than FLF suspension. The hemolysis study negated the probable interaction with blood cells. Eventually, improved anti-inflammatory efficacy was envisaged which might be attributed to increased drug solubility and absorption. The present nanocarrier could be a promising approach and alternative to conventional dosage form.
The New Zealand white rabbit animal model of acute radiation syndrome: hematopoietic and coagulation-based parameters by radiation dose following supportive care

Abstract Purpose Animal models that accurately reflect human responses to radiation injury are needed for advanced mechanistic investigation and development of effective therapeutics. The rabbit is an established animal model accepted by the FDA for studies of cardiovascular disease, lipid metabolism, the development of anticoagulants, testing of bone implants, and the development of treatments for infectious diseases such as HIV. The purpose of this study was to investigate the New Zealand White (NZW) Rabbit model as a model of acute radiation exposure because of its established similarity to human vascular, immune, and coagulation responses. Materials and methods Two sequential studies were performed in a total of 81 male NZW rabbits, 16–20 weeks of age. All animals underwent clinical observations and peripheral blood analyses following a single dose of 0, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 9, or 10 Gy of total body irradiation via a 6 MV Linear accelerator photon source on day 0. Animals were treated with timed release fentanyl patch (days 0–30), subcutaneous hydration (day 1, Study 2 only), and oral sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim 30 mg/kg once daily (days 3–30) and were followed for 30 days or to time of mortality. Results Study 1 revealed the estimated LD30, −50, −70, and −90 with 95% confidence intervals (CI) at 30 days to be 6.7 (CI: 5.9–7.4), 7.3 (CI: 6.7–7.8), 7.9 (CI: 7.3–8.4), and 8.8 (CI: 7.9–9.7) Gy, respectively. In study 2, a survey of blood coagulation and biochemical parameters were performed over time and necropsy. Complete blood counts taken from animals exposed to 7, 8, or 10 Gy, demonstrated dose-dependent depletion of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and platelets. Platelet counts recovered to baseline levels in survivors by day 30, whereas lymphocyte and neutrophil counts did not. Decedent animals demonstrated grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and lymphopenia at time of death; 64% of the decedents experienced a 30% or greater drop in hematocrit. Decedent animals demonstrated more than 100% increases from serum baseline levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, and triglyceride levels at the time of death whereas survivors on average demonstrated modest or no elevation. Conclusion This NZW rabbit model demonstrates dose-dependent depletion of hematopoietic parameters. The LD50/30 of 7.8 Gy (95% CI: 6.6–8.4) with supportive care appears to be close to the ranges reported for rhesus macaques (5.25–7.44 Gy) and humans (6–8 Gy) with supportive care. These findings support the utility of the NZW rabbit model for further mechanistic investigation of acute radiation exposure and medical countermeasure testing.
Intermittent demand forecasting for medical consumables with short life cycle using a dynamic neural network during the COVID-19 epidemic

Accurate demand forecasting is always critical to supply chain management. However, many uncertain factors in the market make this issue a huge challenge. Especially during the current COVID-19 outbreak, the shortage of certain types of medical consumables has become a global problem. The intermittent demand forecast of medical consumables with a short life cycle brings some new challenges, such as the demand occurring randomly in many time periods with zero demand. In this research, a seasonal adjustment method is introduced to deal with seasonal influences, and a dynamic neural network model with optimized model selection procedure and an appropriate model selection criterion are introduced as the main forecasting models. In addition, in order to reduce the impact of zero demand, it adds some input nodes to the neural network by preprocessing the original input data. Lastly, a modified error measurement method is proposed for performance evaluation. Experimental results show that the proposed forecasting framework is superior to other intermittent demand models.
Complex Aortic Arch Atherosclerosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

Aim: Aortic arch atherosclerosis, particularly complex aortic arch plaques (CAPs), is an important source of cerebral emboli. CAPs and atrial fibrillation (AF) often co-exist; however, the prevalence and risk of CAPs in acute ischemic stroke patients with AF is unclear. Methods: In patients with acute ischemic stroke with non-valvular AF admitted to Jichi Medical University Hospital during April 2016 to September 2019, we retrospectively evaluated the presence of CAPs on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Results: CAPs were observed in 41 (38.7 %) of 106 patients with non-valvular AF. Older age, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, higher levels of glycohemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), higher CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores, and intracranial or carotid artery stenosis were more frequently observed in CAPs-positive than in CAPs-negative patients. In multivariable analyses, older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.2 per year increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.24; P ＜0.0001), diabetes mellitus (OR: 4.7; 95%CI: 1.27-17.35; P ＜0.05), and low HDL-C (OR: 0.95 per 1 mg/dl increase; 95%CI: 0.92-0.99; P ＜0.01) were independent risk factors for CAPs. The prevalence of CAPs was age-dependent, and there was a significantly higher risk in patients aged either 75–84 years or ＞84 years than in those aged ＜65 (OR: 7.6; 95%CI: 1.50-38.62, and OR: 32.1; 95%CI: 5.14-200.11, respectively). Conclusions: Even in patients with ischemic stroke with non-valvular AF, concomitant CAPs should be considered in older individuals and those who have diabetes or low HDL-C.
Comparison of salivary and serum cortisol levels in mechanically ventilated patients and non-critically ill patients

Background Although the measuring free cortisol is ideal for assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function, it is not routinely measured. Salivary cortisol correlates well with the biologically active free cortisol. Therefore, this study measured the morning basal as well as adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated salivary cortisol levels in mechanically ventilated patients and compared the results with non-critically ill patients. Methods We prospectively enrolled 49 mechanically ventilated patients and 120 patients from the outpatient clinic. Serum and saliva samples were collected between 8 AM and 10 AM. Salivary cortisol levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay kit. The salivary samples were insufficient in 15 mechanically ventilated patients (30.6%), and these patients were excluded from the final analysis. Results Mechanically ventilated patients (n=34) were significantly older and had lower body mass index and serum albumin levels and higher serum creatinine levels than non-critically ill patients (n=120). After adjustment for these parameters, both basal and stimulated salivary and serum cortisol levels were higher in mechanically ventilated patients. The increase in cortisol was not significantly different between the two groups. Serum cortisol levels showed a positive correlation with salivary cortisol levels. Among mechanically ventilated patients, both basal serum and salivary cortisol levels were lower in survivors than in non-survivors. Conclusions Both basal total serum and salivary cortisol levels were elevated in mechanically ventilated patients and in non-survivors.
Effect of POSS-Modified Montmorillonite on Thermal, Mechanical, and Electrical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Nanocomposites

Montmorillonite (MMT) displays excellent cohesion with an unsaturated polyester (UP) matrix to generate a material which exhibits an extensive range of commercial applications. The organic modification of MMT using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and the effect of POSS-MMT on the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of UP are reported here. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were used to characterize the modification of MMT using POSS. Modified MMT (POSS-MMT) was incorporated, at different wt. % (0.5, 1, 3, 5), into UP via in-situ polymerization. The presence of POSS-MMT enhanced the characteristic properties of UP as a consequence of good dispersion in the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images support effective POSS-MMT dispersion leading to tensile strength enhancement of a UP/POSS-MMT nanocomposite (3 wt.% POSS-MMT) by 54.7% as compared to that for unmodified UP. TGA displays a 35 °C improvement of thermal stability (10% mass loss) at 5% POSS-MMT incorporation, while the electrical conductivity is improved by 108 S/m (3 wt.% POSS-MMT) in comparison to that for unmodified UP. The conventional obstacle of UP associated with shrinkage weight loss during curing seems to be moderated with POSS-MMT incorporation (3%) resulting in a 27.8% reduction in shrinkage weight loss. These fabricated nanocomposites expand the versatility of UP as a high-performance material owing to enhancements of properties.
ChemNet: A Deep Neural Network for Advanced Composites Manufacturing.

Among advanced manufacturing techniques for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-matrix Composites (FRPCs) which are critical for aerospace, marine, automotive, and energy industries, Frontal Polymerization (FP) has been recently proposed to save orders of magnitude time and energy. However, the cure kinetics of the matrix phase, usually a thermosetting polymer, brings difculty to the design and control of the process. Here, we develop a deep learning model, ChemNet, to solve an inverse problem in predicting and optimizing the cure kinetics parameters of the thermosetting FRPCs for a desired fabrication strategy. ChemNet consists of a fully connected FeedForward 9-layer deep neural network trained on one million examples, and predicts activation energy and reaction enthalpy given the front characteristics such as speed and maximum temperature. ChemNet provides highly accurate predictions measured by the mean square error (MSE) and by the maximum absolute error metrics. The MSE of ChemNet, on the train set and test set attain the values of 1E-4 and 2E-4, respectively.
Preliminary studies on endophytic fungal communities of Musa acuminata species complex in Hong Kong and Australia

An ecological investigation of foliar endophytic fungal communities on a Musa acuminata (Banana) species complex was undertaken in Hong Kong and Queensland, Australia. The study yielded twenty-four taxa. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Pestalotiopsis palmarum and Nigrospora oryzae were the dominant endophytes isolated from banana in Hong Kong. Isolates of the family Xylariaceae and a Phoma species were most frequently isolated from indigenous banana in the wet tropics of north Queensland. Endophyte fungal communities from hosts from banana plantations in north Queensland and south eastern Queensland were found to differ from each other and to those of the other communities.
History of a Latitudinal Diversity Gradient: Woody Plants in Europe 13,000-1000 Years B.P.

A pollen atlas of Europe is used to estimate the taxonomic diversity (taxon richness) of woody plants between 40? N and 70? N between 13,000 and 1000 years before the present (Y.B.P.). A gradient of decreasing taxonomic diversity with increasing latitude has existed for woody plants in Europe since 13,000 Y.B. P. The slope of this diversity gradient increased through the Holocene and was half as steep 13,000 years ago as it was 1000 Y.B. P. The slope of the diversity gradient increased with time after the retreat of the ice sheet because the colonization rate for new woody taxa was higher in southern Europe than in northern Europe. An equilibrium pattern of taxon richness may have been reached 6000 Y.B. P. These results support the hypothesis that modern differences in the diversity of woody plants between higher and lower latitudes in Europe are mostly a consequence of contemporary climatic limits rather than of differences in the time available for colonization since the retreat of the ice sheet.
Türkiye Uzun Ötüşlü Yerli Irkı Denizli Tavuğunun Mitokondriyal DNA D-loop ve 12S Bölgeleri Analizi

Aim of this study is to analyze the genetic structure of long-crowing Denizli chicken, a Turkish local fowl, using nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial DNA 12S and D-loop regions. DNA isolation was carried out using feather samples of cocks of this local breed. D-loop and 12S regions were amplified using polymerase chain reaction technique and ca 1230 bp and 950 pb PCR products were obtained respectively. Native genotype Denizli fowl’s D-loop and 12S regions were sequenced and sequencing data were analyzed and compared with the related published data. Nucleotide content of the 12S region showed a 32% A, 19% T, 19% G and 30% C, whilst AT and GC ratios were found as 59.88% and 40.12% respectively for D-loop region. D-loop sequence data analysis clearly identified the Denizli fowl within the clade of long-crowing cocks. The results give the first informative data about the mitochondrial DNA D-loop and 12S regions of this local breed from Turkey.
Toxoplasmosis: Parasitosis reemergente del nuevo milenio

Palabras clave: Toxoplasmosis, historia natural, categorias clinicas, diagnostico, tratamiento. Abstract Although Toxoplasma gondii infects a large proportion of the world's animal and human populations, it is an uncommon cause of disease. Immunologically impaired individuals and congenitally infected fetus are at high risk for severe or life threatening toxoplasmosis. T. gondii is a coccidian protozoan of felids with human and warm-blooded animals as interme- diate hosts. It belongs to Apococomplexa, class Sporozoa and exist in nature in three forms: the oocyst, the tissue resistant cyst and the tachyzoite. The diagnosis of T. gondii infection may be established by clinical-epidemiological study comple- mented by serologic tests, amplifications of specific nucleic acid sequences such as polymerase chain reaction, histologic demonstration of the parasite or by isolation of the organism. This illustrated paper presents the natural history and life cy- cle of T. gondii, the Epidemiology-Ecology, the clinical catego- ries and differential diagnosis with a short review of labora- tory methods, prevention and treatment.
Assessment of an Impact of Mechanical Regulation on Selected Morphometric and Productive Parameters of Invasive Species Solidago Canadensis Population in Agricultural Land

Abstract Repeated mowing is considered as one of the effective control methods against species of the genus Solidago. This paper evaluates the impact of the repeated mowing on selected morphometric and productive characteristics of the invasive neophyte Solidago canadensis in the district of Rimavská Sobota in Central Slovakia. Permanent research plots (PRPs) were established within anthropogenic habitat on an abandoned land that was divided into two variants. In the first variant, the mechanical regulation - mowing was applied. The second variant was without the regulation. The mechanical regulation of the populations was carried out in June and August during the growing season 2011. The results showed that the mechanical regulation did not have a clear impact on the population density. The decreasing trend of the number of shoots within the mowed variant was found only in one research plot (PRP3). The other plots showed an increase in the number of individuals by 2.7 and 32.7% between the mowings. Statistically highly significant differences in terms of the mowing impact on the height of the individuals were found in all PRPs. The difference in the weight of dry aboveground biomass between the mowings was 221.87 g, which represents 36.41%. Double the difference (48.8%) was recorded in the dry weight of the underground biomass in the regulated stand compared with the unregulated stand (165.1 and 322.5 g/m2, respectively). Although there was a short-term success achieved by the application of the two mowings during the growing period, the pursued objective was not reached.
Reconstruction of full-field complex deformed shapes of thin-walled special-section beam structures based on in situ strain measurement

This study proposed a method capable of reconstructing complex deformations of thin-walled special-section beam structures subjected to highly coupled loading cases, in terms of the combination of tension/compression, biaxial bending, and warping torsion. The complex beam deformation was decoupled, depending on axial strain measurement strategy on beam surface, and leads to reconstructed full-field displacements (deformed shapes) as the linear superposition of deformations subject to individual loading types. Full-filed strain/stress distributions can then be derived based on the reconstructed displacements. Particular efforts were focused on reconstructing beam deformation subject to warping torsion, where both rotations angles and warping displacements across the beam cross-section and along the beam length were identified precisely. As a proof-of-concept validation, the effectiveness of the method was examined using finite element analysis, where the deformed shape of a thin-walled hat-section beam under the coupling between uniaxial bending and warping torsion was reconstructed. , Experiments were conducted subsequently to reconstruct deformation of an aluminum hat-section beam using distributed optical fiber sensors for the measurement of axial strains on the beam surface. The reconstructed full-field deformed shapes of the beam were compared with the three-dimensional displacement signals captured using a non-contact digital image correlation system. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology for complex deformation reconstruction is possible to be extended to a variety of thin-walled beam-type structures which are typical in civil and aerospace engineering, showing potential contributions in fields such as on-line structural health monitoring and active structural control.
Ageing and Values in the Developments of Home-Based Eldercare: Perspectives from India and Sweden

Ageing population is becoming a major concern because of its economic, political and social impact. Trusted eldercare service is an important issue for a matured nation. The paper addresses the preconditions of healthy ageing and sustainable value integrated eldercare in a developing and a developed society. In India, professional eldercare is about a decade old and is still emerging to get a foothold in the health care system. The aim is to explore understanding and values of home-based eldercare (HBEC) in India from a multiple stakeholder’s perspective and to understand the value related challenges and issues in developments with HBEC in Sweden which has a century old experience of professional and public organised eldercare. The study included 210 in-depth interviews, 105 each from India and Sweden. The in-depth interviews of various stakeholders including older individuals, their relatives, caregivers, managers and doctors. Interviews and focused group discussions were carried out across six cities in India and 10 municipalities in Sweden. The qualitative data were analysed to conceptualise the stakeholders understanding of HBEC, the values associated with care giving, perceived challenges and issues in the emerging HBEC sector in India. The findings highlight the changing values in the societies with relation to the needs and context of eldercare in both countries. These preconditions for compassion and work engagement in care giving as well as competence development in caregivers need to be strengthened in the contexts of care and in alignment with sociocultural values.
LOSSES OF RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER CAVITY TREES TO SOUTHERN PINE BEETLES

er an 1 l-year period (1983-1993), we examined the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) infestation rate of single Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides bo- realis) cavity trees on the Angelina National Forest in Texas. Southern pine beetles infested and killed 38 cavity trees during this period. Typically, within each cavity tree cluster, beetles infested only a single tree (usually the nest tree of the previous spring) during autumn and used the cavity tree as an over-wintering site for brood development. Seven (4 active and 3 inactive) cavity trees (out of 346 cavity tree years) died as a result of beetle infestation during the first five years of the study (1983-1987). In 1988, an intensive habitat manage- ment program was initiated on the forest to halt a severe population decline of the wood- pecker. During the next six years (1988-1993), a much higher mortality rate was observed; 31 single cavity trees (out of 486 cavity tree years) were infested and killed (x2 = 8.8, P 0.09, N = 10); further research is needed for a definitive conclusion. Received 13 Apr. 1994, accepted 14 Sept. 1994.