Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The control of flux: 21 years on

An enhanced alphanumeric character display system in which a raster scan dot matrix is generated at a plurality of display locations with local computer control over local groups of displays is disclosed. Data from the generation of an individual dot matrix characters is locally stored in a recirculating register independently from a random access refresh memory thereby removing the recirculation function from the refresh memory. A technique for shifting selected dots in the character matrix to obtain improved characters is also disclosed.
Effect of iron content on electrodeposited Fe-MnOx catalysts for water oxidation

Effect of iron content on electrodeposited Fe-MnOx catalysts for water oxidation by Elizabeth Selinger Faculty of Science (Materials Science) University of Ontario Institute of Technology 2018 MnOx materials are earth-abundant and known to be efficient catalysts for the water oxidation reaction (WOR). I present the exploration of an optimal method of cathodically electrodepositing MnOx catalysts on an FTO substrate, allowing for quick synthesis and a homogeneous coverage of the substrate. I then study WOR activity of the MnOx catalyst with varying amounts of Fe in the structure. The catalyst structure was probed using XPS for elemental analysis, FESEM to study the morphology, and a Kelvin probe for exploration of the work function, and observations are discussed.
Paternal intergenerational epigenetic response to heat exposure in male Wild guinea pigs

Epigenetic modifications, of which DNA methylation is the best studied one, can convey environmental information through generations via parental germ lines. Past studies have focused on the maternal transmission of epigenetic information to the offspring of isogenic mice and rats in response to external changes, whereas heterogeneous wild mammals as well as paternal epigenetic effects have been widely neglected. In most wild mammal species, males are the dispersing sex and have to cope with differing habitats and thermal changes. As temperature is a major environmental factor we investigated if genetically heterogeneous Wild guinea pig (Cavia aperea) males can adapt epigenetically to an increase in temperature and if that response will be transmitted to the next generation(s). Five adult male guinea pigs (F0) were exposed to an increased ambient temperature for 2 months, i.e. the duration of spermatogenesis. We studied the liver (as the main thermoregulatory organ) of F0 fathers and F1 sons, and testes of F1 sons for paternal transmission of epigenetic modifications across generation(s). Reduced representation bisulphite sequencing revealed shared differentially methylated regions in annotated areas between F0 livers before and after heat treatment, and their sons’ livers and testes, which indicated a general response with ecological relevance. Thus, paternal exposure to a temporally limited increased ambient temperature led to an ‘immediate’ and ‘heritable’ epigenetic response that may even be transmitted to the F2 generation. In the context of globally rising temperatures epigenetic mechanisms may become increasingly relevant for the survival of species.
Prediction of the Modulus of Elasticity of Short Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites by Finite Element Modelling

Recently, there has been increased interest in fibre-reinforced polymer composites, due to their distinctive specific strength, corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance, as well as high damping characteristics. In this paper, finite-element models for the prediction of the modulus of elasticity of short-fibre reinforced composites (SFRC) are introduced. The stiffness of a structure is of principal importance in many engineering applications and the modulus of elasticity is often one of the primary properties considered when selecting a material. In the developed models, different factors affecting the overall performance of such composites are considered. These factors include the respective volume fractions of the polymer matrix and fibrous reinforcement, fibre orientation and agglomeration. Three finite-element models with different sophistication levels are proposed. The models are validated by comparing the effective modulus of elasticity predicted by the different models to experimental results obtained by tensile testing SFRC samples consisting of glass fibres in a polypropylene matrix at different volume fractions.
Ongoing initiatives to improve the use of antibiotics in Botswana: University of Botswana symposium meeting report

ABSTRACT Background and objective: There are ongoing initiatives in Botswana to enhance appropriate antibiotic use. The objective of this meeting was to discuss ongoing initiatives in Botswana since February 2016 to improve antibiotic use. Subsequently, use the findings to refine national and local action plans. Method: Presentation and review of ongoing initiatives. Results:There was a high rate of antibiotic prescribing among ambulatory care patients in the public sector (42.7%) as well as for patients with upper respiratory tract infections in the private sector (72.9%). Prophylactic antibiotics were given to 73.3% of surgical patients to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in a leading tertiary hospital in Botswana; however, SSIs at 9% of patients can be reduced further with better timing of antibiotic prophylaxis. To date, 711 patients have been enrolled into the national point prevalence study. Highlighted concerns included limited ordering and use of sensitivity tests despite functional laboratories, as well as concerns with missed doses of antibiotics across most hospitals. Conclusion: A number of issues and concerns regarding antibiotic use were highlighted. Activities are ongoing across sectors to address identified concerns.
Does Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor ‐1 &agr; (HIF‐1&agr;) C1772T polymorphism predict short‐term prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)?

BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a cancer of the oral cavity that is a major health problem in India. There is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that have prognostic significance. We studied HIF-1α levels as well as single-nucleotide polymorphism of HIF-1α gene in cancer and healthy controls. METHODS Fifty newly diagnosed OSCC patients and 50 age and sex-matched healthy control were included in the study. Serum concentrations of HIF-1α were measured by sandwich ELISA; whereas HIF-1α gene polymorphism study was performed using restriction enzyme digestion by HpH I. RESULTS The major genotype observed was CC genotype in both control (84%) and patients (86%) followed by CT genotype (control 16%, cases 14%). CT genotype led to more aggressive tumors. On subgroup analysis based on prognosis, the median overall survival of patients who were treatment responders was 488 days (16.2 months) and that of the patients with progressive disease was 365 days (12.1 months). The patients who expired during the study observation period had median survival of 330 days (11 months). CONCLUSION Our study showed that CT genotype for C1772T polymorphism of HIF-1α predisposes to aggressive tumor phenotype in patients with OSCC. Moreover, patients with CT genotype had poor survival rate as compared to CC genotype. A cut-off value of 460 pg/mL of HIF-1α can help to segregate patients with OSCC from healthy controls.
Marketing challenges in the software component business

Software components are complex, technology-intensive products that require special competencies not only from the people who are developing the components, but also from the people who market and sell the components. Technical challenges and competencies have already been discussed rather extensively in literature in terms of software component engineering; however, somewhat surprisingly, the marketing aspects have not yet been the foci of current research. In this paper, we aim to fill from our own end the gap in research on how to market software components. The purpose of this paper is to increase our knowledge about the challenges related to marketing commercial software components and to make propositions as to how to overcome these challenges. As the pre-existing literature about marketing commercial software components is still rather non-existent, the present study has a strong empirical focus and follows inductive research methods.
Examination of motor unit control properties in stroke survivors using surface EMG decomposition: A preliminary report

The objective of this pilot study was to examine alterations in motor unit (MU) control properties, (i.e. MU recruitment and firing rate) after stroke utilizing a recently developed high-yield surface electromyogram (EMG) decomposition technique. Two stroke subjects participated in this study. A sensor array was used to record surface EMG signals from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle during voluntary isometric contraction at varying force levels. The recording was performed in both paretic and contralateral muscles using a matched force protocol. Single motor unit activity was extracted using the surface EMG decomposition software from Delsys Inc. The results from the two stroke subjects indicate a reduction in the mean motor unit firing rate and a compression of motor unit recruitment range in paretic muscle as compared with the contralateral muscles. These findings provide further evidence of spinal motoneuron involvement after a hemispheric brain lesion, and help us to understand the complex origins of stroke induced muscle weakness.
Selective adhesion, lipid exchange and membrane-fusion processes between vesicles of various sizes bearing complementary molecular recognition groups.

Equimolar mixtures of large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) obtained from mixtures of egg lecithin and lipids containing complementary hydrogen bonding head groups (barbituric acid (BAR) and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine (TAP)) were shown to aggregate and fuse. These events have been studied in detail using electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering, and by fluorimetry using membrane or water-soluble fluorescence probes. It was shown that aggregation was followed by two competitive processes: a) lipid mixing leading to redispersion of the vesicles; b) fusion events generating much larger vesicles. In order to better understand the nature of the interaction, the effects of ionic strength and surface concentration of recognition lipids on the aggregation process were investigated by dynamic light scattering. Additionally, it was possible to inhibit the aggregation kinetics through addition of a soluble barbituric acid competitor. The study was extended to giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) to investigate the size effect and visualise the phenomena in situ. The interactions between complementary LUVs and GUVs or GUVs and GUVs were studied by optical microscopy using dual fluorescent labelling of both vesicle populations. A selective adhesion of LUVs onto GUVs was observed by electron and optical microscopies, whereas no aggregation took place in case of a GUV/GUV mixture. Furthermore, a fusion assay of GUV and LUV using the difference of size between GUV and LUV and calceine self-quenching showed that no mixing between the aqueous pools occured.
Arc Basalt Simulator version 2, a simulation for slab dehydration and fluid‐fluxed mantle melting for arc basalts: Modeling scheme and application

Convergent margin magmas typically have geochemical signatures that include elevated concentrations of large‐ion lithophile elements; depleted heavy rare earth elements and high field strength elements; and variously radiogenic Sr, Pb, and Nd isotopic compositions. These have been attributed to the melting of depleted mantle peridotite by the fluxing of fluids or melts derived from subducting oceanic crust. High Mg # basalts and high Mg # andesites are inferred to make up the bulk of subduction‐related primary magmas and may be generated by fluid or melt fluxing of mantle peridotite. The difference in contributions from the subducted slab found among various arcs appears to be mostly controlled by thermal structure. Cold slabs yield fluids, and hot slabs yield melts. Recent experimental studies and thermodynamic models better constrain the phase petrology of the slab components during prograde metamorphism and melting, mantle wedge melting, and mantle slab melt reaction. Experimental results also constrain the behavior of many elements in these processes. In addition, geodynamic models allow increasingly realistic, quantitative modeling of the temperature and pressure in the subducted slab and mantle wedge. These developments together enable generation of forward models to explain arc magma geochemistry. The Arc Basalt Simulator (ABS) version 2 (ABS2) uses an Excel® spreadsheet‐based calculator to predict the partitioning of incompatible element and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopic composition in a slab‐derived fluid and in arc basalt magma generated by an open system fluid‐fluxed melting of mantle wedge peridotite. The ABS2 model is intended to simulate high Mg # basalt geochemistry in relatively cold subduction zones. The modeling scheme of ABS2 is presented and is applied to primitive arc magmas.
Effects of Long-Term Denosumab on Bone Histomorphometry and Mineralization in Women With Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Abstract Context Denosumab is a potent antiresorptive agent that reduces fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Objective Determine effects of up to 10 years of denosumab on bone histology, remodeling, and matrix mineralization characteristics. Design and Setting International, multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial [Fracture Reduction Evaluation of Denosumab in Osteoporosis Every 6 Months (FREEDOM)] with a long-term open-label extension. Patients Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (92 women in FREEDOM, 46 in extension) who provided iliac bone biopsies, including 11 who provided biopsies at multiple time points. Interventions FREEDOM subjects were randomized 1:1 to subcutaneous denosumab 60 mg or placebo every 6 months for 3 years. Long-term extension subjects continued receiving denosumab, open-label, for 7 additional years. Outcomes Bone histology, histomorphometry, matrix mineralization. Results Ten-year denosumab biopsies showed normal histology. Bone histomorphometry indicated normal bone structure and reduced bone remodeling after 10 years of denosumab, similar to levels after 2 and/or 3 and 5 years of denosumab. The degree of mineralization of bone was increased and mineralization heterogeneity was reduced in the denosumab years 2/3 group vs placebo. Changes in these mineralization variables progressed from years 2/3 to year 5 of denosumab, but not thereafter. Conclusions Denosumab for 2/3, 5, and 10 years was associated with normal histology, low bone remodeling rate, increased matrix mineralization, and lower mineralization heterogeneity compared with placebo. These variables were unchanged from year 5 to year 10. These data, in combination with the maintenance of low fracture rates for up to 10 years as previously reported with denosumab therapy, suggest that strong, prolonged remodeling inhibition does not impair bone strength.
Investments in Renewable and Conventional Energy: The Role of Operational Flexibility

Problem definition: There is an ongoing debate on how providing a subsidy for one energy source affects the investment level of other sources. Academic/practical relevance: To investigate this issue, we study a capacity investment problem for a utility firm that invests in renewable and conventional energy, with a consideration of two critical factors. First, conventional sources have different levels of operational flexibility—inflexible (e.g., nuclear and coal) and flexible (e.g., natural gas). Second, random renewable energy supply and electricity demand are correlated and nonstationary. Methodology: We model this problem as a two-stage stochastic program in which a utility firm first determines the capacity investment levels followed by the dispatch quantities of energy sources to minimize the sum of investment and generation-related costs. Results: We derive the optimal capacity portfolio to characterize the interactions between renewable and conventional sources. Policy implications: We find that renewable and inflexible sources are substitutes, suggesting that a subsidy for nuclear or coal-fired power plants leads to a lower investment level in wind or solar energy. However, wind energy and flexible sources are complements. Thus, a subsidy for flexible natural gas-fired power plants leads to a higher investment in wind energy. This result holds for solar energy if the subsidy for the flexible source is sufficiently high. We validate these insights by using real electricity generation and demand data from the state of Texas.
Analysis of longitudinal Patient-Reported Outcomes with informative and non-informative dropout: Comparison of CTT and Rasch-based methods

Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are more and more used in health sciences to evaluate concepts such as health-related quality of life. These outcomes cannot be directly observed and are often referred to a latent variable. Two psychometric theories exist for the analysis of PRO: the classical test theory, the most common used in practice and the item response theory with its most used model, the Rasch model. In many studies, PRO are collected longitudinally in order to study the evolution of the outcome through time. Missing data are frequently encountered in longitudinal studies and can be potentially informative. This study aimed at comparing Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Rasch-based approaches to analyze longitudinal PRO collected from a scale validated with a Rasch model and studying the impact of dropout, informative or not, on both approaches. Data with informative dropout have shown estimation bias and have to be analyzed with more appropriate methods. For complete data and data with non-informative dropout, a method of analysis based on the Rasch model may be preferred for the analysis of longitudinal PRO collected from a scale validated with a Rasch model due to the generally observed slight gain of power and the psychometric properties of the model.
Marginal Employment, Unemployment Duration and Job Match Quality

In some countries including Germany unemployed workers can increase their income during job search by taking up "marginal employment" up to a threshold without any deduction from their benefits. Marginal employment can be considered as a wage subsidy as it lowers labour costs for firms owing to reduced social security contributions, and increases work incentives due to higher net earnings. Additional earnings during unemployment might lead to higher reservation wages prolonging the duration of unemployment, yet also giving unemployed individuals more time to search for better and more stable jobs. Furthermore, marginal employment might lower human capital deterioration and raise the job arrival rate due to network effects. To evaluate the impact of marginal employment on unemployment duration and subsequent job quality, we consider a sample of fresh entries into unemployment. Our results suggest that marginal employment leads to more stable post-unemployment jobs, has no impact on wages, and increases the job-finding probability if it is related to previous sectoral experience of the unemployed worker. We find evidence for time-varying treatment effects: whilst there is no significant impact during the first twelve months of unemployment, job finding probabilities increase after one year and the impact on job stability is stronger if the jobs are taken up later within the unemployment spell.
Effect of EPI-743 on the clinical course of the mitochondrial disease Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic agent, EPI-743, in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) using standard clinical, anatomic, and functional visual outcome measures. DESIGN Open-label clinical trial. SETTING University medical center. Patients Five patients with genetically confirmed LHON with acute loss of vision were consecutively enrolled and treated with the experimental therapeutic agent EPI-743 within 90 days of conversion. Intervention During the course of the study, 5 consecutive patients received EPI-743, by mouth, 3 times daily (100-400 mg per dose). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Treatment effect was assessed by serial measurements of anatomic and functional visual indices over 6 to 18 months, including Snellen visual acuity, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by optical coherence tomography, Humphrey visual fields (mean decibels and area with 1-log unit depression), and color vision. Treatment effect in this clinical proof of principle study was assessed by comparison of the prospective open-label treatment group with historical controls. RESULTS Of 5 subjects treated with EPI-743, 4 demonstrated arrest of disease progression and reversal of visual loss. Two patients exhibited a total recovery of visual acuity. No drug-related adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS In a small open-label trial, EPI-743 arrested disease progression and reversed vision loss in all but 1 of the 5 consecutively treated patients with LHON. Given the known natural history of acute and rapid progression of LHON resulting in chronic and persistent bilateral blindness, these data suggest that the previously described irreversible priming to retinal ganglion cell loss may be reversed.
Recent advances in the research and development of blue flowers

Flower color is the most important trait in the breeding of ornamental plants. In the floriculture industry, however, bluish colored flowers of desirable plants have proved difficult to breed. Many ornamental plants with a high production volume, such as rose and chrysanthemum, lack the key genes for producing the blue delphinidin pigment or do not have an intracellular environment suitable for developing blue color. Recently, it has become possible to incorporate a blue flower color trait through progress in molecular biological analysis of pigment biosynthesis genes and genetic engineering. For example, introduction of the F3′5′H gene encoding flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase can produce delphinidin in various flowers such as roses and carnations, turning the flower color purple or violet. Furthermore, the world’s first blue chrysanthemum was recently produced by introducing the A3′5′GT gene encoding anthocyanin 3′,5′-O-glucosyltransferase, in addition to F3′5′H, into the host plant. The B-ring glucosylated delphinidin-based anthocyanin that is synthesized by the two transgenes develops blue coloration by co-pigmentation with colorless flavone glycosides naturally present in the ray floret of chrysanthemum. This review focuses on the biotechnological efforts to develop blue flowers, and describes future prospects for blue flower breeding and commercialization.