Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of fowl adenovirus serotype 8b isolated from cases of inclusion body hepatitis in commercial broiler chickens

Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) is a devastating disease of chickens caused by Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) and molecular studies of hexon gene is important for classification of FAdV isolates, epidemiology of IBH infection and development of effective control strategy. The objective of the study was to molecularly characterize FAdV isolates obtained from the field outbreaks of IBH in broiler chicken from 2017 to 2019. Liver and gizzard samples named UPM1701, UPM1801, UPM1802, UPM1901 and UPM1902 were collected and processed for FAdV detection and characterization by PCR. Swollen, necrotic and haemorrhagic liver; erosion of koilin layer of gizzard and enlargement of the proventriculus were observed. The samples were positive for FAdV with 98% to 100% identical to serotype 8b reference strains based on NCBI Blast. Thirty-one nucleotide changes that produced 10 amino acid substitutions were observed in L1 loop region of UPM1701, UPM1901 and UPM1902 isolates. All isolates clustered together with FAdV 8b reference strains and shared common ancestor with UPM1137E2 and UPM04217. Gizzard erosion in FAdV 8b infection is not common and conciding with mutations indicate evolving novel pathogenicity. These mutations could have effect on the epidemiology of IBH and be useful in designing effective prevention and control strategy.
Beyond the Text: Testing Narrative Persuasion Mechanisms with Audio Messages

ABSTRACT The affective news extended model (Knobloch-Westerwick et al., 2020) demonstrated that narratives with a suspense-inducing format, a linear compared to inverted pyramid format, led to attitude change across four political topics. Given the lack of narrative persuasion research which considers the audio modality, the present research seeks to extend this model by using audio clip stimuli to (1) investigate whether the findings of Knobloch-Westerwick et al. (2020) will extend to the audio modality and (2) compare persuasive mechanisms and outcomes between the textual and audio modalities to understand the unique impact of suspense on narrative persuasion. Results demonstrated that (1) suspense did not differ by format, nor did it mediate the relationship between format and attitude change in the audio modality. (2) Comparisons between textual and audio modalities revealed that when exposed to the audio modality, participants were persuaded by transportation, feelings of being mentally and emotionally involved in the narrative. Future research and implications for the ANEM, audio narratives, and persuasion are discussed.
Designing an Engineering Message for Non-Metropolitan Community College Females

Based on grounded theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory, the authors have worked with and researched Community College (CC) students for nearly 15 years, with many of the schools being Hispanic Serving Institutions. A major goal is to be able to get engineering and computer science on the career horizon of undecided students. Over several years, surveys have been taken on CC students at five non-metropolitan schools to try to understand what they like or do not like about engineering and at the same time to identify myths and misconceptions that they have about the field. In particular, two CCs were studied and the beliefs about engineering/computer science were contrasted by school, gender, and ethnicity. In addition, the authors looked at females who were interested in engineering and computer science versus females who were not interested and found some major differences. Results are presented of a new survey of 54 non-metropolitan CC students to help determine what interests them in a presentation to consider a career in engineering and computer science. The moral here is that it is important to get to know the students you are trying to interest in engineering or computer science. One message, however friendly, does not fit all. Community colleges are not all the same. The engineering myths are still alive and well and need to be addressed. Females often have less information about engineering than males. Feedback from presentations to CC students can be helpful in guiding future efforts to interest CC students in engineering and computer science. This study was sponsored by an NSF STEP grant (#0856834).
Bio-Functionalized Ultra-Thin, Large-Area and Waterproof Silicone Membranes for Biomechanical Cellular Loading and Compliance Experiments

Biocompatibility, flexibility and durability make polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes top candidates in biomedical applications. CellDrum technology uses large area, <10 µm thin membranes as mechanical stress sensors of thin cell layers. For this to be successful, the properties (thickness, temperature, dust, wrinkles, etc.) must be precisely controlled. The following parameters of membrane fabrication by means of the Floating-on-Water (FoW) method were investigated: (1) PDMS volume, (2) ambient temperature, (3) membrane deflection and (4) membrane mechanical compliance. Significant differences were found between all PDMS volumes and thicknesses tested (p < 0.01). They also differed from the calculated values. At room temperatures between 22 and 26 °C, significant differences in average thickness values were found, as well as a continuous decrease in thicknesses within a 4 °C temperature elevation. No correlation was found between the membrane thickness groups (between 3–4 µm) in terms of deflection and compliance. We successfully present a fabrication method for thin bio-functionalized membranes in conjunction with a four-step quality management system. The results highlight the importance of tight regulation of production parameters through quality control. The use of membranes described here could also become the basis for material testing on thin, viscous layers such as polymers, dyes and adhesives, which goes far beyond biological applications.
The Competitive Front-of-Package Labeling of Consumer Packaged Goods: Cutting Through The Clutter

At no point in U.S. history have food product packages displayed so many symbols and statements regarding nutrition and health benefits (Nestle 2010). However, despite this explosion of front-of-package (FOP) health communications, obesity and health-related problems of U.S. consumers continue to be a critical concern. Therefore, it is important for marketers, retailers, manufacturers, and public policy makers to develop a more complete understanding of consumers’ processing and utilization of health information on food packages, as well as how this information affects product evaluations and choices. Therefore, this dissertation utilizes a processing fluency theoretical framework (e.g., Zajonc 1968; Jacoby and Dallas 1981; Novemsky et al. 2007) to attempt to increase our understanding of how FOP icons that vary in nature (i.e., subjective interpretive icons, objective quantitative icons, single nutrient content claims) affect consumers’ perceptions, intentions, and choices when presented both independently and simultaneously on food packages. Study 1 examines reductive and interpretive icons on a single product (pizza), while Study 2 demonstrates how additional FOP nutrition information (i.e., a single nutrient content claim) affects the conceptual fluency of health information, perceived product healthfulness, and purchase intentions. Studies 3 and 4 provide a stronger market-based examination of how consumers process FOP health information across multiple brands and product categories in a retail setting. These controlled retail laboratory studies overcome important limitations noted in earlier nutrition labeling studies, such as data collection and evaluations in non-store environments (e.g., Keller et al. 2007; Li, Miniard, and Barone 2000), while demonstrating how different types of FOP icons vary in their effectiveness in positively affecting consumers’ choices of healthy products from consideration sets across multiple food categories. This dissertation is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council. Dissertation Director: _________________________________________ Dr. Elizabeth Howlett Dissertation Committee: __________________________________________ Dr. Scot Burton __________________________________________ Dr. Ronn Smith DISSERTATION DUPLICATION RELEASE I hereby authorize the University of Arkansas Libraries to duplicate this dissertation when needed for research and/or scholarship. Agreed _________________________________________ Christopher L. Newman Refused _________________________________________ Christopher L. Newman
Via Size-Dependent Properties of TiAl Ohmic Contacts on 4H-SiC

P-type Ti/Al-based contact vias of different sizes but identical processing were electrically characterized using linear transfer length method (TLM) patterns and metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors. While the TLM patterns and MOS transistors with large vias follow ohmic contact behavior, Schottky contact properties were observed for smaller contact via dimensions. Focused ion beam (FIB) analysis of the contact vias verified the presence of Ti3SiC2 on large 66 μm x 25 μm contact vias and its absence on smaller 16 μm x 3 μm ones, correlating its absence with the electrical Schottky properties.
Evaluation of the alteration in retinal features following bariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on the retina and choroid in non-diabetic and non-hypertensive patients with morbid obesity using optic coherence tomography (OCT) retrospectively. Material and Method: Seventy-four eyes of seventy-four patients who have been underwent sleeve gasterectomy for morbid obesity in Balıkesir University Medicine Faculty & February 2019 and November 2020 were evaluated. All participants has a detailed ophthalmologic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, retinal examination through non-dilated pupil via 90 D fundus lens, the retinal thickness (central, perifoveal, and parafoveal superior/nasal/inferior/temporal quadrants), and choroidal thickness through optic coherence tomography (RTVue XR Avanti, Optovue) in immediate preoperative and postoperative sixth-month. All values were compared. Results: The macular thickness was increased significantly in all quadrants in postoperative visits (p0.05). The correlation between preoperative BMI and preoperative choroidal thickness was significant (R: 0.416, p
α-Viniferin and ε-Viniferin Inhibited TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Migration and Invasion in Lung Cancer Cells through Downregulation of Vimentin Expression

Resveratrol has well-known anticancer properties; however, its oligomers, including α-viniferin, ε-viniferin, and kobophenol A, have not yet been well investigated. This is the first study examining the anti-epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) effects of α-viniferin and ε-viniferin on A549, NCI-H460, NCI-H520, MCF-7, HOS, and U2OS cells. The results showed that α-viniferin and ε-viniferin significantly inhibited EMT, invasion and migration in TGF-β1- or IL-1β-induced non-small cell lung cancer. α-Viniferin and ε-viniferin also reversed TGF-β1-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), MMP2, vimentin, Zeb1, Snail, p-SMAD2, p-SMAD3, and ABCG2 expression in A549 cells. Furthermore, ε-viniferin was found to significantly inhibit lung metastasis in A549 cell xenograft metastatic mouse models. In view of these findings, α-viniferin and ε-viniferin may play an important role in the prevention of EMT and cancer metastasis in lung cancer.
Obesity and the Brain

Innate and adaptive immunity are essential for neurodevelopment and central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis; however, the fragile equilibrium between immune and brain cells can be disturbed by any immune dysregulation and cause detrimental effects. Accumulating evidence indicates that, despite the blood–brain barrier (BBB), overactivation of the immune system leads to brain vulnerability that increases the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly upon subsequent exposure later in life. Disruption of microglial function in later life can be triggered by various environmental and psychological factors, including obesity-driven chronic low-grade inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Increased visceral adiposity has been recognized as an important risk factor for multiple neuropsychiatric conditions. The review aims to present our current understanding of the topic.
Estimating Auto Demand Diversion to Transit Caused by Bike-Sharing Using Optimization Based on Value of Time

In 2015 bike-sharing has become a viable transportation mode in the urban core of many large cities worldwide. Notably lacking is research on the bike-sharing/transit connection. Bike-sharing provides an excellent solution to the “first-last mile” problem experienced by transit networks but data is difficult to collect due to the independent operation of each network. This thesis proposes an optimization algorithm of user mode choice based on minimizing cost. Required system characteristics for this optimization program are at least two bike-sharing market areas, transit links between the areas and a realistic potential for the vehicle network to become congested. The results show the optimal mode choice by Origin-Destination (OD) pair. This model was applied to trips from downtown Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles in California. These two areas are expected to have a bike-sharing system as soon as 2016 operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO). Based on congestion from 1x to 4.25x the free-flow time, bike-sharing provides increasing value to commuters between these two areas. The simple parameters of this application including value-of-time and cost of use could be easily updated to reflect a deeper consideration of user cost.
BSA Interaction, Molecular Docking, and Antibacterial Activity of Zinc(II) Complexes Containing the Sterically Demanding Biomimetic N3S2 Ligand: The Effect of Structure Flexibility

Two zinc(II) complexes, DBZ and DBZH4, that have (ZnN3S2) cores and differ in the bridging mode of the ligating backbone, effectively bind to BSA. The binding affinity varies as DBZ > DBZH4 and depends on the ligand structure. At low concentrations, both complexes exhibit dynamic quenching, whereas at higher concentrations they exhibit mixed (static and dynamic) quenching. The energy transfer mechanism from the BSA singlet excited state to DBZ and DBZH4, is highly likely according to steady-state fluorescence and time-correlated singlet photon counting. Molecular docking was used to support the mode of interaction of the complexes with BSA and showed that DBZ had more energy for binding. Furthermore, antibacterial testing revealed that both complexes were active but to a lesser extent than chloramphenicol. In comparison to DBZH4, DBZ has higher antibacterial activity, which is consistent with the binding constants, molecular docking, and particle size of adducts. These findings may have an impact on biomedicine.
The Accuracy of Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography in the Diagnosis of Adenomyosis

Background: Adenomyosis is characterised as benign endometrial invasion into the myometrium in endometrial glands and stroma surrounded by hypertrophic and hyperplastic smooth muscles. To summarise the uterine adenomyosis diagnostic modalities that could be used: clinical diagnosis, TVS, MRI, elastosonography, and the gold standard method, which is pathological investigation of hysterectomy samples. Aim of the work: To assess the accuracy of shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of adenomyosis compared to MRI. Patients and methods: This is a pilot study conducted on 118 premenopausal patients planned for total hysterectomy at Al-Hussein Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, due to benign pelvic conditions. Results: Twenty seven patients (54%) had histopathological diagnosis of uterine adenomyosis. The clinical manifestations that may be related to uterine adenomyosis were AUB (43%) and chronic pelvic pain (44%). The specificities of TVS, shear wave elastography (SWE) and MRI are comparable, while, the sensitivity of TVS is non-significantly less than those of either SWE or MRI. The sensitivity of SWE and MRI were comparable. This study shows that the prevalence of uterine adenomyosis is 54% in premenopausal patients treated by hysterectomy for some gynecological disorders. This prevalence is overestimation because of indicationbias and because women who need treatment by hysterectomy do not represent the general women population. Conclusion: Shear Wave Elastography is a new diagnostic approach that analyses the mechanical properties of tissue. It is non-invasive, simple to conduct and interpret, does not considerably increase TVS examination time, and has a short learning curve to become experienced in the operation.
Antioxidant Response during the Kinetics of Anhydrobiosis in Two Eutardigrade Species

Anhydrobiosis, a peculiar adaptive strategy existing in nature, is a reversible capability of organisms to tolerate a severe loss of their body water when their surrounding habitat is drying out. In the anhydrobiotic state, an organism lacks all dynamic features of living beings since an ongoing metabolism is absent. The depletion of water in the anhydrobiotic state increases the ionic concentration and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An imbalance between the increased production of ROS and the limited action of antioxidant defences is a source of biomolecular damage and can lead to oxidative stress. The deleterious effects of oxidative stress were demonstrated in anhydrobiotic unicellular and multicellular organisms, which counteract the effects using efficient antioxidant machinery, mainly represented by ROS scavenger enzymes. To gain insights into the dynamics of antioxidant patterns during the kinetics of the anhydrobiosis of two tardigrade species, Paramacrobiotus spatialis and Acutuncus antarcticus, we investigated the activity of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) and the amount of non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione) in the course of rehydration. In P. spatialis, the activity of catalase increases during dehydration and decreases during rehydration, whereas in A. antarcticus, the activity of superoxide dismutase decreases during desiccation and increases during rehydration. Genomic varieties, different habitats and geographical regions, different diets, and diverse evolutionary lineages may have led to the specialization of antioxidant strategies in the two species.
Diagnostic Performance of 99mTc-Methoxy-Isobuty-Isonitrile (MIBI) for Risk Stratification of Hypofunctioning Thyroid Nodules: A European Multicenter Study

99mTc-MIBI (MIBI) imaging is able to exclude malignancy of hypofunctioning thyroid nodules (TNs) with high probability but false positive results are frequent due to low specificity. Therefore, pre-test selection of appropriate TNs is crucial. For image evaluation visual and semiquantitative methods (Washout index, WOInd) are used. Aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MIBI imaging in hypofunctioning TNs with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration cytology results in a multicentric European setting. Patients with hypofunctioning TNs, EU-TIRADS 4 or 5, Bethesda III/IV and MIBI imaging were included. For visual evaluation the intensity of MIBI uptake in the TN was compared to normal thyroid tissue. 358 patients with 365 TNs (n = 68 malignant) were included. Planar imaging (SPECT) showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 96% (94%), 21% (22%), 22% (15%), 96% (96%), and 35% (32%). The WOInd (38.9% of all cases, optimal cutoff: −19%) showed a sens 100% (spec 89%, PPV 82%, NPV 100%, ACC 93%). For hypofunctioning TNs at intermediate or high risk with indeterminate cytology, a MIBI negative result on visual evaluation is an effective tool to rule-out thyroid malignancy. The semi-quantitative method could considerably improve overall diagnostic performance of MIBI imaging.
Utilizing Causal Loop Diagramming to Explore a Research and Evaluation Capacity Building Partnership

The capacity to engage in research, evaluation and evidence-informed decision-making supports effective public health policy and practice. Little is known about partnership-based approaches that aim to build capacity across a system or how to evaluate them. This study examines the impacts of a research and evaluation capacity building partnership called the Western Australian Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Applied Research and Evaluation Network (hereafter, SiREN). SiREN aims to strengthen capacity across a system of clinical and medical services and government and non-government organizations. These organizations are connected through their shared aim of preventing and managing sexually transmissible infections and blood-borne viruses. To examine SiREN, systems concepts and methods were used. Data were collected from SiREN organizational documents (n = 42), a survey tool (n = 104), in-depth interviews (n = 17), a workshop and three meetings with SiREN stakeholders and used to develop two causal loop diagrams. Findings show engagement with SiREN was influenced by a complex interplay of contextual (e.g., organizational capacity) and process (e.g., presence of trusting relationships) factors. SiREN contributed to system level changes, including increased resources for research and evaluation, the development of networks and partnerships that led to more efficient responses to emerging health issues, evidence sharing, and sustainable research and evaluation practice. The use of causal loop diagrams enabled the identification of key leverage points that SiREN can use for continuous improvement or evaluation. The focus on how contextual factors influenced SiREN's ability to create change provides valuable information for researchers, policymakers or practitioners seeking to develop a similar partnership.
Impact Study of Layout-Dependent Effects Toward FinFET Combinational Standard Cell Optimization

With the increased device integration density in advanced semiconductor technologies, the layout-dependent effects (LDEs) have become critical affecting both device-level and circuit-level performance. In this brief, we report an impact study of LDEs on 14-nm FinFET combinational standard cells to facilitate the process of design-technology co-optimization (DTCO). Focusing on the poly pitch, cut poly effect, oxide spacing effect, and cell height, improvement in speed and power consumption of typical 14-nm FinFET combinational standard cells has been achieved. Seven standard cell libraries are further designed and constructed based on the LDE study, enabling comprehensive applications with different performance, power and area (PPA) preference. Such DTCO and demonstrated experimental results can be attractive in future customized designs employing the enriched standard cell libraries at advanced technology nodes.