Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diffusiophoretic Behavior of Polyelectrolyte-Coated Particles

Diffusiophoresis, the movement of particles under a solute concentration gradient, has practical implications in a number of applications, such as particle sorting, focusing, and sensing. For diffusiophoresis in an electrolyte solution, the particle velocity is described by the electrolyte relative concentration gradient and the diffusiophoretic mobility of the particle. The electrolyte concentration, which typically varies throughout the system in space and time, can also influence the zeta potential of particles in space and time. This variation affects the diffusiophoretic behavior, especially when the zeta potential is highly dependent on the electrolyte concentration. In this work, we show that adsorbing a single bilayer (or 4 bilayers) of a polyelectrolyte pair (PDADMAC/PSS) on the surface of microparticles resulted in effectively constant zeta potential values with respect to salt concentration throughout the experimental range of salt concentrations. This allowed a constant potential model for diffusiophoretic transport to describe the experimental observations, which was not the case for uncoated particles in the same electrolyte system. This work highlights the use of simple polyelectrolyte pairs to tune the zeta potential and maintain constant values for precise control of diffusiophoretic transport.
Cyanobacteria in Surface and Bank Filtered Drinking Water Sources: Application of Phycocyanin Probes for Monitoring Blooms

RESUME Les cyanobacteries sont une preoccupation pour les sources d'eau potable etant donne les impacts anticipes des changements climatiques et de l'eutrophisation des plans d'eau. L'objectif principal de ce projet de Maitrise etait de proposer un systeme rapide, a faible cout pour le suivi des cyanobacteries dans les sources d'eau potable. Plus precisement, l'objectif etait d'evaluer la precision des sondes a phycocyanine (PC) pour le suivi des cyanobacteries en continu. Pour valider la sonde de PC pour mesurer les concentrations des cyanobacteries et l'abondance du phytoplancton, les resultats de sonde ont ete compares a des comptes cellulaires taxonomiques provenant d'echantillons choisis de l'eau brute. ----------ABSTRACT Cyanobacteria are a growing concern in drinking water sources given rising temperatures from global climate change and increasing eutrophication of water bodies. The main goal of this project was to propose a rapid, low cost monitoring system by applying an in situ phycocyanin in drinking source waters. More specifically, the objective was to evaluate the accuracy of phycocyanin (PC) probes for monitoring cyanobacteria in source waters. Continuous monitoring was conducted using an online fluorescence probe to measure phycocyanin. To validate the PC probe for cyanobacteria and phytoplankton abundance results were compared to traditional taxonomic cell counts from raw water grab samples.
Biological and habitat feature descriptions for the continental shelves of Australia’s temperate-water marine parks- including collation of existing mapping in all AMPs

Understanding the distribution of reef habitats and associated biota on the continental shelf is important for managing Australia’s Marine Park (AMP) network. This is because reef habitats on the continental shelf are highly productive when compared abyssal habitats, and are often subjected to disproportionate pressures from fishing, oil and gas and shipping sectors. This report documents the collation, synthesis and location of publically available datasets describing the distribution of reef habitats and associated sessile and mobile biota on the continental shelf regions of AMPs in the Temperate east, South-east, and South-west marine planning regions. Additionally, this project has also been the identification of key gaps in our understanding of the physical mapping and sampling of reef-affiliated biota to assist in the prioritisation of future research programmes.
Acute ampakines increase voiding function and coordination in a rat model of SCI

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction causes urological complications and reduces the quality of life in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Glutamatergic signaling via AMPA receptors is fundamentally important to the neural circuits controlling bladder voiding. Ampakines are positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptors that can enhance the function of glutamatergic neural circuits after SCI. We hypothesized that ampakines can acutely stimulate bladder voiding that has been impaired due to thoracic contusion SCI. Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats received a unilateral contusion of the T9 spinal cord (n = 10). Bladder function (cystometry) and coordination with the external urethral sphincter (EUS) were assessed 5 d post-SCI under urethane anesthesia. Data were compared to responses in spinal-intact rats (n = 8). The ‘low-impact’ ampakine CX1739 (5, 10, or 15 mg/kg) or vehicle (2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin [HPCD]) was administered intravenously. The HPCD vehicle had no discernible impact on voiding. In contrast, following CX1739, the pressure threshold for inducing bladder contraction, voided volume, and the interval between bladder contractions were significantly reduced. These responses occurred in a dose-dependent manner. We conclude that modulating AMPA receptor function using ampakines can rapidly improve bladder-voiding capability at subacute time points following contusion SCI. These results may provide a new and translatable method for therapeutic targeting of bladder dysfunction acutely after SCI.
A simplified model for the study of smoke plume dispersion from grassfires and a methodology for forecasts validation with satellite images

The purpose of this work is to present the smoke pl ume dispersion model HIRHYLTAD (HIghResolution HYbrid Lagrangian Trajectory and Atmosph eric Dispersion), and a methodology for an objective validation of smoke plume forecasts, with high resolution imagery from AQUA and TERRA satellites. Two meteorological models are use d as input for HIRHYLTAD, the operational regional Eta/SMN model from the Argentine Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), and the Mesoscale Boundary Layer Model (MBLM), which was es pecially developed for the La Plata River region. The smoke plume forecasts are performed wit h the HIRHYLTAD puff model, which is based on the Gaussian model. It first determines sm oke lines using lagrangian trajectories, an then simulates dispersion and calculates concentrations. The model uses the Pasquill stability classes, the Pasquill-Gifford dispersion coefficients according to the stability class, and the Briggs scheme for buoyant plume rise. The advantage of HIRHYLTAD in c omparison with other dispersion models widely used, is that it requires minimum data, i.e. wind, temperature and cloudiness, so that computational costs are significantly reduced. The methodology for this work includes adjustments of satellite images, digitization of smoke plumes, definition and selection of smoke events, determination of number of smoke sources for each e vent, and definition of initial and final time of emission for each source. Different indices with si mple and direct interpretation are employed for the validation: the Plume Overlay Area Error index (POAE), and the Plume Mean Orientation Error index (PMOE). The reason for including these two in dices is that each one measures a different property of the smoke distribution.
Historia de la neurociencia

La pregunta por la naturaleza de las sensaciones, de la capacidad de moverse, de hablar, reir o llorar es secular en el hombre. La relación de estos fenómenos con el sistema nervioso ha sufrido vaivenes históricos hasta la emergencia de un cuerpo de doctrina enfocado al esclarecimiento de la estructura y función del sistema nervioso: la Neurociencia. Hoy estamos en plena revolución de este campo del saber, pues la Neurociencia moderna es el resultado de la convergencia de varias tradiciones científicas: la Anatomía, la Embriología, la Fisiología, la Bioquímica, la Farmacología, la Psicología y la Neurología. Otras disciplinas científicas más modernas, incluyendo las ciencias de la Computación o la Bioingeniería se han sumado al reto de comprender el sistema nervioso y las conductas que de él emanan. El carácer interdisciplinario es singular y propio de la Neurociencia entre otras ciencias y está en la base de su extraordinaria pujanza y atractivo. Siguiendo este esquema conceptual, presento a continuación los hitos fundamentales en la evolución de este campo del saber.
Using Knowledge-Guided Machine Learning To Assess Patterns of Areal Change in Waterbodies across the Contiguous United States

Lake and reservoir surface areas are an important proxy for freshwater availability. Advancements in machine learning (ML) techniques and increased accessibility of remote sensing data products have enabled the analysis of waterbody surface area dynamics on broad spatial scales. However, interpreting the ML results remains a challenge. While ML provides important tools for identifying patterns, the resultant models do not include mechanisms. Thus, the “black-box” nature of ML techniques often lacks ecological meaning. Using ML, we characterized temporal patterns in lake and reservoir surface area change from 1984 to 2016 for 103,930 waterbodies in the contiguous United States. We then employed knowledge-guided machine learning (KGML) to classify all waterbodies into seven ecologically interpretable groups representing distinct patterns of surface area change over time. Many waterbodies were classified as having “no change” (43%), whereas the remaining 57% of waterbodies fell into other groups representing both linear and nonlinear patterns. This analysis demonstrates the potential of KGML not only for identifying ecologically relevant patterns of change across time but also for unraveling complex processes that underpin those changes.
The Effect of a Group-Based Mindfulness and Acceptance Training on Psychological Flexibility and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents in Uganda: An Open-Label Randomized Trial

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is lower in adolescents with HIV (AWH) than in any other age group, partly due to self-regulatory challenges during development. Mindfulness and acceptance training have been shown to support psychological flexibility, a self-regulatory skill that potentially improves adolescent adherence to medication. We assessed the effect of weekly group-based mindfulness and acceptance training sessions on ART adherence among older adolescents (15–19 years) in Kampala, Uganda. One hundred and twenty-two AWH (median age 17, range 15–19 years, 57% female) receiving care at a public health facility in Kampala were randomized 1:1 to receive 4 weekly 90-min group sessions facilitated by experienced trainers or standard-of-care ART services. The training involved (Session 1) clarifying values, (Session 2) skillfully relating to thoughts, (Session 3) allowing and becoming aware of experiences non-judgmentally, and (Session 4) exploring life through trial and error. At baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up, psychological flexibility was measured using the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y8), and self-reported ART adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). At baseline, the intervention and standard-of-care arms had similar psychological flexibility (AFQ-Y8 score:15.45 ± 0.82; 15.74 ± 0.84) and ART adherence (MMAS-8 score: 5.32 ± 0.24; 5.13 ± 0.23). Retention through the study was moderate (71%). Completion of mindfulness and acceptance training was associated with a significant reduction in psychological inflexibility at the 3-month follow-up (AFQ-Y8 score: 12.63 ± 1.06; 14.05 ± 1.07, P = .006). However, no significant differences were observed in self-reported adherence to ART at the 3-month follow-up (MMAS-8 score: 5.43 ± 0.23; 4.90 ± 0.33, P = .522). Group-based mindfulness and acceptance training improved psychological flexibility in this population of adolescents on ART in Uganda but did not significantly improve ART adherence. Future research should explore integrated approaches that combine behavioral management training with other empowerment aspects to improve ART adherence among AWH.
The main edificators hyrcanian type forests in the south of the Azerbaijan Republic

On the southern region of the Azerbaijani Republic, close to the shores of the Caspian Sea is hyrcanian type forests, and covers an area of ​​about 139,000 hectares. The vegetation of the region is different from the vegetation of the neighboring regions of the Republic. In these territories until now temporarily stored dendrologic vegetation - relics of the Tertiary period. More than 1,400 plant species inhabit the territory, about 100 of which are endemic. Some of these are relics of the Tertiary period, such as ironwood (Parrotia persica), Lankaranian acacia (Albizzia julibrissin), hyrcanian figs (Ficus hyrcana), chestnut oak (Quercus castaneifolia), hyrcanian zelkova (Zelkova hyrkana), Caucasian persimmon (Diospyros lotus), hyrcanian butcher's broom (Ruscus hyrcanus), Danae racemosa (Danae racemosa), hyrcanian boxwood (Buxus hyrcana) and others. These species, as well as listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and many of them are grown in the botanical gardens and arboretums around the world. The main edificators hyrcanian type forests, is the chestnut oak, hornbeam, beech and ironwood east. Dominant species, depending on the habitat can be velvety maple, hyrcanian zelkova, almost heart-shaped alder, Lapina wing-fetal and others.
Amplitude Adaptive Modulation of Neural Oscillations Over Long-Term Dynamic Conditions: A Computational Study

Closed-loop deep brain stimulation (DBS) shows great potential for precise neuromodulation of various neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, substantial challenges remain in clinical translation due to the complex programming procedure of closed-loop DBS parameters. In this study, we proposed an online optimized amplitude adaptive strategy based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and proportional–integral–differential (PID) controller for modulation of the beta oscillation in a PD mean field model over long-term dynamic conditions. The strategy aimed to calculate the stimulation amplitude adapting to the fluctuations caused by circadian rhythm, medication rhythm, and stochasticity in the basal ganglia–thalamus–cortical circuit. The PID gains were optimized online using PSO, based on modulation accuracy, mean stimulation amplitude, and stimulation variation. The results showed that the proposed strategy optimized the stimulation amplitude and achieved beta power modulation under the influence of circadian rhythm, medication rhythm, and stochasticity of beta oscillations. This work offers a novel approach for precise neuromodulation with the potential for clinical translation.
Changes in Atmospheric Blocking Circulations Linked with Winter Arctic Warming: A New Perspective

Winter atmospheric blocking circulations such as Ural blocking (UB) have been recognized to play an important role in recent winter Eurasian cooling. Observational analyses performed here reveal that the winter warming in the Barents–Kara Seas (BKS) related to the recent decline of sea ice concentration (SIC) has been accompanied by a large increase in the mean duration of the UB events. A new energy dispersion index (EDI) is designed to help reveal the physics behind this association and show how the BKS warming can influence the mean duration of UB events. This EDI mainly reflects the role of the meridional potential vorticity (PV) gradient in the blocking persistence and it characterizes the changes in energy dispersion and nonlinearity strength of blocking. The meridional PV gradient combines the relative vorticity gradient (related to the nonuniform meridional shear of the mean zonal wind) and the mean zonal wind strength. It is revealed that the BKS warming leads to a significant lengthening of the UB duration because of weakened energy dispersion and intensified nonlinearity of the UB through reduced meridional PV gradient. Furthermore, the duration of the UB is found to depend more strongly on the meridional PV gradient than the mean westerly wind strength, although the meridional PV gradient includes the effect of mean westerly wind strength. Thus, the meridional PV gradient is a better indicator of the change in the blocking duration related to Arctic warming than the zonal wind strength index.
Comparison of continuous 24‑hour and 14‑day ECG monitoring for the detection of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with ischemic stroke or syncope

Abstract Background Previous studies show that using 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) or 24‐h ECG monitor for the detection of cardiac arrhythmia events in patients with stroke or syncope is ineffective. Hypothesis The 14‐day continuous ECG patch has higher detection rates of arrhythmias compared with conventional 24‐h ECG monitoring in patients with ischemic stroke or syncope. Methods This cross‐sectional study of patients with newly diagnosed ischemic stroke or syncope received a 24‐h ECG monitoring and 14‐day continuous cardiac monitoring patch and the arrhythmia events were measured. Results This study enrolled 83 patients with ischemic stroke or syncope. The detection rate of composite cardiac arrhythmias was significantly higher for the 14‐day ECG patch than 24‐h Holter monitor (69.9% vs. 21.7%, p = .006). In patients with ischemic stroke, the detection rates of cardiac arrhythmias were 63.4% for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), 7% for ventricular tachycardia (VT), 5.6% for atrial fibrillation (AF), 4.2% for atrioventricular block (AVB), and 1.4% for pause by 14‐day ECG patch, respectively. The significant difference in arrhythmic detection rates were found for SVT (45.8%), AF (6%), pause (1.2%), AVB (2.4%), and VT (9.6%) by 14‐day ECG patch but not by 24‐h Holter monitor in patients with ischemic stroke or syncope. Conclusions A 14‐day ECG patch can be used on patients with ischemic stroke or syncope for the early detection of AF or other cardiac arrhythmia events. The patch can be helpful for physicians in planning medical or mechanical interventions of patients with ischemic stroke and occult AF.
The effects of standard and modified LSVT BIG therapy protocols on balance and gait in Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Lee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT) BIG is an exercise program developed for patients with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), consisting of sets of exercises performed for 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks. However, the standard protocol suggests a treatment frequency difficult to follow for most patients who have difficulties reaching rehabilitation clinics. Our aim was to compare the standard LSVT BIG protocol with a modified LSVT (m‐LSVT) BIG protocol (twice a week in the clinic for 4 weeks and twice a week at home for 4 weeks). Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 16 PwPD (aged 18–80 years, Hoehn and Yahr stages I–III) were recruited into two groups. The LSVT group received standard LSVT BIG training (four times per week for 4 weeks at the clinic). The other group was given m‐LSVT BIG exercises, but unlike the LSVT group, the m‐LSVT group exercised twice a week at the clinic and twice a week at home for 4 weeks. The Berg Balance Scale was used to assess functional balance. Biodex Balance System was used to assess laboratory balance measures. Timed Up and Go test and G‐Walk sensor system were used to assess functional mobility and spatiotemporal gait analysis. Results Significant group‐by‐time interactions on the eyes open‐firm surface score of the modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (F = 10.138, p = .007) and gait cycle symmetry index (F = 10.470, p = .010) were found to be in favor of the LSVT group. Additionally, post hoc analyses revealed that both groups significantly improved postural stability, gait speed, motor symptoms, and functional mobility (p < .05). Conclusion The results revealed the beneficial effects of the modified protocol on balance and gait in PwPD, as well as the superiority of the standard LSVT BIG protocol. The m‐LSVT BIG protocol may be an effective intervention method, especially for PwPD who have difficulty adapting to the treatment frequency of the standard protocol.
Environmental Xenobiotics and Their Adverse Health Impacts-A General Review

Environmental xenobiotics are any chemicals of synthetic origin which are not normally expected to present in an organism. There are several environmental xenobiotics that impose adverse impacts both on ecology and human beings. Pesticides, toxic heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls and persistent organic pollutants are environmental xenobiotics for which there are ample scientific evidences showing the obnoxious health impacts that these chemicals are imposing on humans. Neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicicty and cancer are the most frequently mentioned among the numerous health problems associated with environmental xenobiotics. However, their potential toxicities and possible routes of exposure to them are less known by general public. As a result, in this paper an attempt of critically reviewing existing literatures was made so as to support upcoming future studies on the health impacts of xenobiotics so that the results of such study can address the problem on the ground. Consequently, this paper briefly addresses several specific xenobiotic chemicals; routes of exposure and chronic effects of exposure to them.
Chapter 4. The Potential for Abrupt Change in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

Lead Author: Thomas L. Delworth,* NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ Contributing Authors: Peter U. Clark,* Department of Geosciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR Marika Holland, NCAR, Boulder, CO William E. Johns, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, FL Till Kuhlbrodt, Department of Meteorology, NCAS-Climate, University of Reading, United Kingdom Jean Lynch-Stieglitz, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA Carrie Morrill,* CIRES, University of Colorado/NOAA, Boulder, CO Richard Seager,* Columbia University, Palisades, NY Andrew J. Weaver,* School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, BC, Canada Rong Zhang, NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ * SAP 3.4 Federal Advisory Committee Member