Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical, proximate and antibacterial properties of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis L. Leaf

The study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical, proximate and antibacterial properties of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leafd extracts. The study revealed that the phytochemical constituents were as follows: tannins (+++) combined anthraquinones (+++), cardiac glycosides (+++) while other with less concentration included Alkaloids (+), free Hydroxyanthraquinone were not present. Mean percentage proximate composition of the leaves showed carbohydrate (31.66), lipid (9.60), protein (7.01), fibre (3.99), ash contents (3.07) and morshline (2.63). The leaf extracts also showed composition of mineral elements in mg/g-1 as follows: (Ca = 772.57±0.01, K = 181.00±0.50, P =42.38±0.01, Na =0.33±0.09, Mn =2.40±0.03). Solvent extract of the Hibiscus leaves had a higher maximum zones of inhibition with 18.82±0.18 mm than aqueous extract with 14.00±1.05 mm around Bacillus subtilis. The least zone of inhibition was 11.00±1.20 mm against Stapylococcus aureus. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves are recommended for their utilization as herbal medicinal with important antibiotic properties and as highly nutritive vegetable.
Heat Transfer in Polypropylene‐Based Foams Produced Using Different Foaming Processes

This paper presents the characterization of the cellular structure and thermal conduction behaviour of polypropylene foams produced using different foaming processes, with the aim of selecting the best possible PP foam thermal insulator. Thermal conductivity results have shown that the global heat transfer behaviour is controlled by the relative density. For relative densities higher than 0.2, thermal conductivity differences were insignificant, the data being predicted by the mixture's rule and Russell's model. In the low density range, all of the proposed models underestimated the overall conductivity, the effect of the processing method being more significant, slight differences being observed between foams produced by extrusion and those produced by gas dissolution with higher cell sizes and anisotropies. Foams with finer cellular structures showed to be better insulating materials.
Mechanical Characterization of the Human Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Subjected to Impact Loading Conditions

Low back pain is a large and costly problem in the United States. Several working populations, such as miners, construction workers, forklift operators, and military personnel, have an increased risk and prevalence of low back pain compared to the general population. This is due to exposure to repeated, transient impact shocks, particularly while operating vehicles or other machinery. These shocks typically do not cause acute injury, but rather lead to pain and injury over time. The major focus in low back pain is often the intervertebral disc, due to its role as the major primary load-bearing component along the spinal column. The formation of a reliable standard for human lumbar disc exposure to repeated transient shock could potentially reduce injury risk for these working populations. The objective of this project, therefore, is to characterize the mechanical response of the lumbar intervertebral disc subjected to sub-traumatic impact loading conditions using both cadaveric and computational models, and to investigate the possible implications of this type of loading environment for low back pain. Axial, compressive impact loading events on Naval high speed boats were simulated in the laboratory and applied to human cadaveric specimen. Disc stiffness was higher and hysteresis was lower than quasi-static loading conditions. This indicates a shift in mechanical response when the disc is under impact loads and this behavior could be contributing to long-term back pain. Interstitial fluid loss and disc height changes were shown to affect disc impact mechanics in a creep study. Neutral zone increased, while energy dissipation and low-strain region stiffness decreased. This suggests that the disc has greater clinical instability during impact loading with progressive creep and fluid loss, indicating that time of day should be considered for working populations subjected to impact loads.
Effect of platform switching on the peri-implant bone: A finite element study

Background There exists a relation between the presence and location of the micro-gap and the loss of peri implant bone. Several authors have shown that the treatments based on the use of platform switching result in less peri-implant bone loss and an increased tissue stability. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of the platform switching on the distribution of stresses on the peri-implant bone using the finite element method. Material and Methods A realistic 3D full-mandible finite element model representing cortical bone and trabecular bone was used to study the distribution of the stress on the bone induced by an implant of diameter 4.1 mm. Two abutments were modelled. The first one, of diameter 4.1 mm, was used in the reference model to represent a conventional implant. The second one, of diameter 3.2 mm, was used to represent the implant with platform switching. Both models were subjected to axial and oblique masticatory loads. Results The analyses showed that, although no relevant differences can be found for the trabecular bone, the use of platform switching reduces the maximum stress level in the cortical bone by almost 36% with axial loads and by 40% with oblique loads. Conclusions The full 3D Finite Element model, that can be used to investigate the influence of other parameters (implant diameter, connexion type, …) on the biomechanical behaviour of the implant, showed that this stress reduction can be a biomechanical reasons to explain why the platform switching seems to reduce or eliminate crestal bone resorption after the prosthetic restoration. Key words:Dental implant, platform switching, finite element method.
Static and Dynamic Acute Stretching Effect on Gymnasts' Speed in Vaulting

Although warm-up and stretching exercises are routinely performed by gymnasts, it is suggested that stretching immediately prior to an activity might affect negatively the athletic performance. The focus of this investigation was on the acute effect of a protocol, including warm-up and static and dynamic stretching exercises, on speed during vaulting in gymnastics. Eleven boys were asked to perform three different protocols consisting of warm-up, warm-up and static stretching and warm-up and dynamic stretching, on three nonconsecutive days. Each protocol was followed by a “handspring” vault. One-way analysis of variance for repeated-measures showed a significant difference in gymnasts’ speed, following the different protocols. Tukey’s post hoc analysis revealed that gymnasts mean speed during the run of vault was significantly decreased after the application of the static stretching protocol. The findings of the present study indicate the inhibitory role of an acute static stretching in running speed in y.
Fabrication and Characteristics of MCRW GaAs/GaAIAs Lasers on Semiinsulating Substrate

In this paper, we describe the preparation of a topcontacted MCRW-laser [6] on semiinsulating GaAssubstrate and present its optical and electrical operation. (active layer thickness 0.15μπι) and a ρ-GaAs toplayer. Then ΙΟΟμιη wide grooves for η-contacting are etched down to the η -GaAs layer. Using 5μπι wide stripes of photoresist as a mask, mesas are etched down from the top layer beside the grooves, until the residual distance to the active layer does not exceed 0.25 μηι. The resulting width of the mesas then amounts to approximately 3 μπι. Both currentand optical confinement are provided by this comperatively simple MCRWcontacting-system [6]. After evaporating AuGe/Ni/Au the n-contact-stripe is formed by lift-off-technique and alloyed at 450° C for 30s. Subsequently Cr/Au is evaporated and stripes which cover the MCRW-mesa are separated to form the p-contact. A low thermal resistance of 100°/W is obtained by electroplating a top-heatspreader of 0.5 μηι thickness [7]. The substrate is thinned
Revision of the Australo-Papuan genus Spilopyra Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Spilopyrinae).

The genus Spilopyra Baly is revised, with five valid species, three new: S. safrina sp. nov., S. scratchley sp. nov., S. semiramis sp. nov., S. stirlingi Lea, 1914, S. sumptuosa Baly, 1860. Spilopyra stirlingi is a senior synonym of S. flavicornis Weise, 1923 (syn. nov.). Lectotypes are designated for S. stirlingi and S. sumptuosa. The genus may be considerably more diverse, as three of the species are known from just 7 specimens. Spilopyra species occur from northern New South Wales, Australia, to central New Guinea, and known hosts are Sapindaceae.
A homozygosity-based search for mutations in patients with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa, using microsatellite markers.

PURPOSE To identify possible mutations in known candidate genes in patients with autosomal recessive (ar) and simplex retinitis pigmentosa (RP), by using an established strategy of flexible, multiplexed, microsatellite-based homozygosity mapping. METHODS A total of 78 microsatellite markers corresponding to 16 genes known to be responsible for arRP were selected and used in 18 multiplex amplifications, followed by genotyping. Twelve consanguineous probands and 47 nonconsanguineous probands (59 patients with arRP or simplex RP) agreed to the screening. RESULTS Of the 59 probands examined, 24 had a mean of 1.4 genes showing homozygosity for all markers within the corresponding gene region. Subsequent direct sequencing revealed three homozygous mutations. Two of them were novel mutations in the genes TULP1 (c.1145T-->C, F382S) and CNGB1 (c.3444 + 1G-->A). The other was a mutation in RPE65 (c.1543C-->T, R515W), which is known to cause Leber's congenital amaurosis. The clinical features of each patient, together with the cosegregation analysis, strongly support the pathogenicity of these mutations. CONCLUSIONS This systematic approach facilitated the identification of genes that cause arRP, and the results provide a widened spectrum of the mutation severity associated with a broader range of phenotypic manifestations of arRP.
Do Signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Increase the Odds of Dental Caries? A Case-Control Study

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder that can affect one’s performance in activities of daily living and can exert a negative impact on the oral health of children. Objective: The aim of this work was to determine the association between ADHD (signs and executive functions) and dental caries in children aged 7–12 years. Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 532 children in the city of Diamantina, Brazil. The case group was composed of children with caries and the control group was composed of children without caries. The children were submitted to a clinical oral examination for the determination of caries and neuropsychological evaluations of intellectual function and executive function. Other signs of attention deficit and hyperactivity were investigated using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham scale administered to parents/guardians and teachers. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were also evaluated. Statistical analysis involved the McNemar χ2 test and conditional logistic regression. Results: The multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that monthly household income and parental reports of signs of attention deficit were significantly associated with the occurrence of dental caries. Conclusion: Children considered by their parents/guardians to have attention deficit have a greater chance of exhibiting dental caries, independently of household income.
An Online Expectation–Maximization Algorithm for Changepoint Models

Changepoint models are widely used to model the heterogeneity of sequential data. We present a novel sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) online expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm for estimating the static parameters of such models. The SMC online EM algorithm has a cost per time which is linear in the number of particles and could be particularly important when the data is representable as a long sequence of observations, since it drastically reduces the computational requirements for implementation. We present an asymptotic analysis for the stability of the SMC estimates used in the online EM algorithm and demonstrate the performance of this scheme by using both simulated and real data originating from DNA analysis. The supplementary materials for the article are available online.
Short-term effects of weight loss with or without low-intensity exercise training on fat metabolism in obese men.

BACKGROUND Energy restriction is known to induce a decline in fat oxidation during the postdiet period. Reduced fat oxidation may contribute to weight regain. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the effect of the addition of low-intensity exercise training to energy restriction on postdiet fat oxidation and on the contribution of the sympathetic nervous system to fat oxidation. DESIGN Forty obese men were divided randomly into 2 groups: diet (D) and diet plus exercise (DE). Both groups followed an energy restriction program for 10 wk. Subjects in the DE group also participated in a low-intensity exercise training program [40% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)] for 12 wk. Before the intervention and after 12 wk, with subjects at stable body weights, we measured body composition, VO2max, and substrate oxidation at rest, during exercise at 50% VO2max, and during recovery. Measurements were made with and without administration of the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol. RESULTS Both interventions led to significant decreases in body weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass (P < 0.001); these decreases did not differ significantly between the D and DE groups. Neither intervention significantly affected VO2max. The effect of the intervention on the respiratory exchange ratio differed significantly between the D and DE groups [two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), P < 0.05]. The effect on the beta-adrenergic-mediated respiratory exchange ratio tended to be different between the 2 groups (two-way ANOVA, P = 0.09). CONCLUSION Addition of low-intensity exercise training to energy restriction counteracts the decline in fat oxidation during the postdiet period.
First‐Line, Non‐Criterial Antiphospholipid Antibody Testing for the Diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Clinical Practice: A Combination of Anti–β2‐Glycoprotein I Domain I and Anti–Phosphatidylserine/Prothrombin Complex Antibodies Tests

To assess the value of a combination of anti–β2‐glycoprotein I (anti‐β2GPI) domain I antibody and anti–phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex (anti‐PS/PT) antibody tests for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
Effects of relaxation and stress management training on fibromyalgia symptoms in women

This study compared the effectiveness of relaxation training and stress management training in treating anxiety, depression, stress, and pain in women with fibromyalgia. Twenty-two women with fibromyalgia participated in this randomized, controlled trial. They were assigned to stress management (n=7), relaxation training (n=7), and control (n=8) groups. All participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. The stress management group participated in eight weekly two-hour sessions of a stress management program; the relaxation group participated in eight weekly sessions of relaxation training. Then, participants completed the DASS-42 and VAS again. Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVA) and post hoc analyses were used to compare the participants’ pre- and post-therapy responses and the two treatment types. Both relaxation training and stress management training were found to be effective in treating patients’ anxiety (P= 0.005), depression (P= 0.006), stress (P= 0.002), and pain (P= 0.001). Post hoc analyses indicated that participants in the treatment groups showed improvement compared with those in the control group (all P values< 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in effectiveness between the relaxation training and the stress management training. The relaxation training and stress management training both significantly improved women’s fibromyalgia symptoms (depression, stress, anxiety, and pain).
Antiradical Methods in Evaluating Antioxidant Potential of Preparations of Plant Origin

The formula for antioxidants is very difficult to define, although they had been used in food for centuries. Antioxidants are compounds used to delay the accumulation of free radicals and strengthen the oxidative stability of food. According to the activity mechanism of antioxidants, they can act by means of many different processes. The properties of antioxidants are also the result of many factors, like mixing ability and activity in different reaction environment systems, stability in processing time, as well as research methods used. However, there exist limitations concerning the use of these substances. Research reflects much interest on the influence of radicals generated by different environmental factors on human health and food stability, but there is still a need to find the substances that have wide antiradical properties. There are many methods for evaluating antiradical activity. This manuscript discusses the most popular and adequate methods. Widely used parameters of free radical scavenging ability as well as the evaluation of antioxidant potential are
Genetic analysis of Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) across its North American range: evidence for a contact zone in southcentral Alaska

Contact zones between divergent lineages of aquatic taxa have been described from the northeastern Pacific Ocean. We surveyed samples of Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) from their North American range for variation at 14 microsatellite DNA loci. After accounting for hybridization between Dolly Varden and co-occurring bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), we found evidence for two genetic lineages of Dolly Varden consistent with the previously recognized subspecies, northern Dolly Varden (S. m. malma) and southern Dolly Varden (S. m. lordii). We documented a contact zone between the two subspecies from the eastern Alaska Peninsula to Cook Inlet, Alaska, where admixture values (i.e., the proportion of the genome estimated to be composed of northern Dolly Varden, QNDV) ranged between QNDV = 0.245 and 0.754 across about 700 ocean kilometres. Populations of Dolly Varden showing low admixture (i.e., less than 5%) were located a minimum of 346 km to the west to 1200 km to the southeast, respectively, from the contact zone. The two lineages of Dolly Varden probably stem from isolation and subsequent divergence in, and dispersal from, distinct northern and southern Pleistocene glacial refugia and substan- tiate the treatment of S. malma as two subspecies and as at least two designatable units under Canada's Species at Risk Act.
Relaxation mechanisms of the persistent spin helix

We study the lifetime of the persistent spin helix in semiconductor quantum wells with equal Rashba- and linear Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions. In order to address the temperature dependence of the relevant spin relaxation mechanisms we derive and solve semiclassical spin diffusion equations taking into account spin-dependent impurity scattering, cubic Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions and the effect of electron-electron interactions. For the experimentally relevant regime we find that the lifetime of the persistent spin helix is mainly determined by the interplay of cubic Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction and electron-electron interactions. We propose that even longer lifetimes can be achieved by generating a spatially damped spin profile instead of the persistent spin helix state.
The Relationships of Informal High Performance Work Practices to Job Satisfaction and Workplace Profitability

type="main" xml:id="irel12066-abs-0001"> Recent empirical evidence reveals considerable divergence between management reports and employee reports regarding organizational high performance work practices (HPWPs). This divergence implies that employees may not participate in some HPWPs that are formally present in their organizations, but also, that employees may participate in HPWPs that are not formally present in their organizations. In this study, we examine the implication of the latter case (i.e., employee participation in “informal” HPWPs) for employee-level and organization-level outcomes. Our analyses, using data from the Statistics Canada Workplace and Employee Survey, suggest that employee participation in informal HPWPs is associated with enhanced job satisfaction and workplace profitability in a similar way as employee participation in formal HPWPs is associated with these outcomes.
Plasma and erythrocyte biomarkers of dairy fat intake and risk of ischemic heart disease.

BACKGROUND The relation between dairy product intake and the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains controversial. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore biomarkers of dairy fat intake in plasma and erythrocytes and to assess the hypothesis that higher concentrations of these biomarkers are associated with a greater risk of IHD in US women. DESIGN Among 32,826 participants in the Nurses' Health Study who provided blood samples in 1989-1990, 166 incident cases of IHD were ascertained between baseline and 1996. These cases were matched with 327 controls for age, smoking, fasting status, and date of blood drawing. RESULTS Among controls, correlation coefficients between average dairy fat intake in 1986-1990 and 15:0 and trans 16:1n-7 content were 0.36 and 0.30 for plasma and 0.30 and 0.32 for erythrocytes, respectively. In multivariate analyses, with control for age, smoking, and other risk factors of IHD, women with higher plasma concentrations of 15:0 had a significantly higher risk of IHD. The multivariate-adjusted relative risks (95% CI) from the lowest to highest tertile of 15:0 concentrations in plasma were 1.0 (reference), 2.18 (1.20, 3.98), and 2.36 (1.16, 4.78) (P for trend = 0.03). Associations for other biomarkers were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Plasma and erythrocyte contents of 15:0 and trans 16:1n-7 can be used as biomarkers of dairy fat intake. These data suggest that a high intake of dairy fat is associated with a greater risk of IHD.
Optimal material selection for the construction of a paediatric prosthetic knee

The material selection of prostheses in developing countries is currently biased towards what is readily available and ignores important criteria such as patient comfort and structural strength. In this study, the ELECTRE III multiple attribute decision-making method was applied to the material selection of a paediatric prosthetic knee. Light metals were considered as candidates for selection. While composites are light, they are not suitable for use in components with sliding and mating surfaces such as a prosthetic knee. Plastics are prone to failure. Candidate materials were evaluated on criteria related to patient fatigue and comfort, structural stability and material cost. The patient fatigue and comfort requirement was evaluated using material density as the weight of the prosthesis affects the comfort level. Finite element analyses simulating the ISO 10328:2006 standard for structural testing of lower limb prostheses were used to evaluate the structural strength suitability of the candidate materials. The present day prices of the raw material of the candidates were used as an index of material cost. Wrought aluminium alloy aluminium 7175 was ranked highest while titanium alloys were ranked below these due to their higher cost. Cast aluminium alloys ranked lowest due to their poor structural performance. The study, using ELECTRE III, a rigorous multi-criteria decision analysis method, shows that aluminium 7175 is the optimal light metal material for a paediatric prosthetic knee.