Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Copper Nanoparticles Mediated by Chitosan: Synthesis and Characterization via Chemical Methods

Herein we report a synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) in chitosan (Cts) media via a chemical reaction method. The nanoparticles were synthesized in an aqueous solution in the presence of Cts as stabilizer and CuSO4·5H2O precursor. The synthesis proceeded with addition of NaOH as pH moderator, ascorbic acid as antioxidant and hydrazine as the reducing agent. The characterization of the prepared NPs was done using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which showed a 593 nm copper band. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images were also observed, and found to be in agreement with the UV-Vis result, confirming the formation of metallic Cu-NPs. The mean size of the Cu-NPs was estimated to be in the range of 35–75 nm using X-ray diffraction. XRD was also used in analysis of the crystal structure of the NPs. The interaction between the chitosan and the synthesized NPs was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, which showed the capping of the NPs by Cts.
Combining Ring Input with Hand Tracking for Precise, Natural Interaction with Spatial Analytic Interfaces

Current wearable interfaces are designed to support short-duration tasks known as micro-interactions. To support productive interfaces for everyday analytic tasks, designers can leverage natural input methods such as direct manipulation and pointing. Such natural methods are now available in virtual, mobile environments thanks to miniature depth cameras mounted on head-worn displays (HWDs). However, these techniques have drawbacks, such as fatigue and limited precision. To overcome these limitations, we explore combined input: hand tracking data from a head-mounted depth camera, and input from a small ring device. We demonstrate how a variety of input techniques can be implemented using this novel combination of devices. We harness these techniques for use with Spatial Analytic Interfaces: multi-application, spatial UIs for in-situ, analytic taskwork on wearable devices. This research demonstrates how combined input from multiple wearable devices holds promise for supporting high-precision, low-fatigue interaction techniques, to support Spatial Analytic Interfaces on HWDs.
Predictors of Fatigue Severity in Early Systemic Sclerosis: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of the GENISOS Cohort

Objectives Longitudinal studies examining the baseline predictors of fatigue in SSc have not been reported. Our objectives were to examine the course of fatigue severity over time and to identify baseline clinical, demographic, and psychosocial predictors of sequentially obtained fatigue scores in early SSc. We also examined baseline predictors of change in fatigue severity over time. Methods We analyzed 1090 longitudinal Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) scores belonging to 256 patients who were enrolled in the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcomes Study (GENISOS). Predictive significance of baseline variables for sequentially obtained FSS scores was examined with generalized linear mixed models. Predictors of change in FSS over time were examined by adding an interaction term between the baseline variable and time-in-study to the model. Results The patients' mean age was 48.6 years, 47% were Caucasians, and 59% had diffuse cutaneous involvement. The mean disease duration at enrollment was 2.5 years. The FSS was obtained at enrollment and follow-up visits (mean follow-up time = 3.8 years). Average baseline FSS score was 4.7(±0.96). The FSS was relatively stable and did not show a consistent trend for change over time (p = 0.221). In a multivariable model of objective clinical variables, higher Medsger Gastrointestinal (p = 0.006) and Joint (p = 0.024) Severity Indices, and anti-U1-RNP antibodies (p = 0.024) were independent predictors of higher FSS. In the final model, ineffective coping skills captured by higher Illness Behavior Questionnaire scores (p<0.001), higher self-reported pain (p = 0.006), and higher Medsger Gastrointestinal Severity Index (p = 0.009) at enrollment were independent predictors of higher longitudinal FSS scores. Baseline DLco % predicted was the only independent variable that significantly predicted a change in FSS scores over time (p = 0.013), with lower DLco levels predicting an increase in FSS over time. Conclusions This study identified potentially modifiable clinical and psychological factors that predict longitudinal fatigue severity in early SSc.
Multicentre prospective study of fascial closure rate after open abdomen with vacuum and mesh‐mediated fascial traction

Damage control surgery and temporary open abdomen (OA) have been adopted widely, in both trauma and non‐trauma situations. Several techniques for temporary abdominal closure have been developed. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the fascial closure rate in patients after vacuum‐assisted wound closure and mesh‐mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) for long‐term OA treatment, and to describe complications.
A1 adenosine receptor–stimulated exocytosis in bladder umbrella cells requires phosphorylation of ADAM17 Ser-811 and EGF receptor transactivation

The role of phosphorylation in ADAM17-dependent shedding is controversial. We show that the A1 adenosine receptor stimulates exocytosis in umbrella cells by a pathway that requires phosphorylation of ADAM17–Ser-811, followed by HB-EGF shedding and EGF receptor transactivation. Preventing ADAM17 phosphorylation blocks these downstream events.
Characterization of an Adenovirus Vector Containing a Heterologous Peptide Epitope in the HI Loop of the Fiber Knob

ABSTRACT The utility of the present generation of recombinant adenovirus vectors for gene therapy applications could potentially be improved by designing targeted vectors capable of gene delivery to selected cell types in vivo. In order to achieve such targeting, we are investigating the possibilities of incorporation of ligands in the adenovirus fiber protein, which mediates primary binding of adenovirus to its cell surface receptor. Based on the proposed structure of the cell-binding domain of the fiber, we hypothesized that the HI loop of the fiber knob can be utilized as a convenient locale for incorporation of heterologous ligands. In this study, we utilized recombinant fiber proteins expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells to demonstrate that the incorporation of the FLAG octapeptide into the HI loop does not ablate fiber trimerization and does not disturb formation of the cell-binding site localized in the knob. We then generated a recombinant adenovirus containing this modified fiber and showed that the short peptide sequence engineered in the knob is compatible with the biological functions of the fiber. In addition, by using a ligand-specific antibody, we have shown that the peptide incorporated into the knob remains available for binding in the context of mature virions containing modified fibers. These findings suggest that heterologous ligands can be incorporated into the HI loop of the fiber knob and that this locale possesses properties consistent with its employment in adenovirus retargeting strategies.
Infantile autism: a genetic study of 21 twin pairs.

Summary A systematic study was made of a representative group of 21 same-sexed twin pairs (11 MZ and 10 DZ) in which at least one twin showed the syndrome of infantile autism. There was a 36 per cent pair-wise concordance rate for autism in MZ pairs compared with o per cent concordance in DZ pairs. The concordance for cognitive abnormalities was 82 per cent in MZ pairs and 10 per cent in DZ pairs. It was concluded that there were important hereditary influences concerning a cognitive deficit which included but was not restricted to autism. In 12 out of 17 pairs discordant for autism, the presence of autism was associated with a biological hazard liable to cause brain damage. It was concluded that brain injury in the infancy period may lead to autism on its own or in combination with a genetic predisposition. Uncertainty remains on both the mode of inheritance and exactly what is inherited.
Identity based broadcast encryption with group of prime order

Identity Based Broadcast Encryption (IBBE) is a cryptographic primitive, which allows a center to transmit encrypted data over a broadcast channel to a large number of users such that only a select subset of privileged users can decrypt it. In this paper, based on bilinear groups, we propose a secure IBBE scheme with a constant*size system parameters, private keys and cipher texts. This construction uses dual pairing vector space technique in prime order groups, which can simulate the cancelling and parameter hiding properties of composite order groups. Furthermore, we show that the proposed scheme utilizes a nested dual system encryption argument to prove full secure (adaptive secure) under the Decisional Linear assumption (DLIN) (static, non q*based) in the standard model. To the best of our knowledge, our scheme is the first provably secure IBBE scheme in the literature to achieve this security level.
Self-reported work-related musculoskeletal injuries and isometric handgrip strength.

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal injuries are common in car assembly workers, causing significant morbidity. There is evidence that increased muscle strength reduces musculoskeletal injury risk and that handgrip strength is a predictor of general muscle strength. Aims To investigate whether isometric handgrip strength (IHGS) is a predictor of increased musculoskeletal injury risk in automotive assembly workers. METHODS We measured IHGS in a cross-sectional survey of final assembly line workers in an automotive manufacturing plant. Weak handgrip was defined as two standard deviations below the normative mean value for age and gender. Self-reported musculoskeletal injury/accident data and recent musculoskeletal symptoms were recorded using a modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. RESULTS Of 445 final assembly line workers, 206 (46%) participated. Sixty participants (29%) reported a musculoskeletal injury/accident at work in the preceding 5 years. Mean IHGS in this population was lower than international normative values. Odds ratios for self-reported injury (adjusted for gender and recent musculoskeletal symptoms) were 0.62 (95% CI 0.28-1.35) for left weak handgrip and 0.57 (95% CI 0.31-1.1) for right weak handgrip. CONCLUSIONS In this study, weak handgrip did not predict increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries/accidents.
Cooperative Role of Antibodies against Heat-Labile Toxin and the EtpA Adhesin in Preventing Toxin Delivery and Intestinal Colonization by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is an important cause of diarrheal disease in developing countries, where it is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Vaccine development for ETEC has been hindered by the heterogeneity of known molecular targets and the lack of broad-based sustained protection afforded by existing vaccine strategies. In an effort to explore the potential role of novel antigens in ETEC vaccines, we examined the ability of antibodies directed against the ETEC heat-labile toxin (LT) and the recently described EtpA adhesin to prevent intestinal colonization in vivo and toxin delivery to epithelial cells in vitro. We demonstrate that EtpA is required for the optimal delivery of LT and that antibodies against this adhesin play at least an additive role in preventing delivery of LT to target intestinal cells when combined with antibodies against either the A or B subunits of the toxin. Moreover, vaccination with a combination of LT and EtpA significantly impaired intestinal colonization. Together, these results suggest that the incorporation of recently identified molecules such as EtpA could be used to enhance current approaches to ETEC vaccine development.
West Nile Virus: Characteristics of an African Virus Adapting to the Third Millennium World

The emergence and spread of West Nile Virus (WNV) from North through South America during the last decade, and the recent outbreaks of disease in both humans and horses in Europe suggest that the epidemiology of this infection is evolving. WNV is now considered among the emerging threats for both human and veterinary public health in areas like Europe where it was previously regarded to as an exotic agent. Further knowledge has built up from studies investigating the characteristics of the virus and its genome evolution capacity, the adaptation to new avian host species, the changes in vector competence and biology, and the host-pathogen interactions, including the immune response. Also, the new needs for preparedness to future major outbursts of disease have stimulated research on virus detection and characterization, filling the gaps in both specialized diagnostic technology and the need for field rapid assays. This review will present an overview of WNV virology, remarking the impact of virus diversity and evolution on theoretical and practical aspects involved in both risk definition, detection and control of infection.
Applications of Functionalized Fullerenes in Tumor Theranostics

Functionalized fullerenes with specific physicochemical properties have been developed for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Notably, metallofullerene is a new class of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast-enhancing agent, and may have promising applications for clinical diagnosis. Polyhydroxylated and carboxyl fullerenes have been applied to photoacoustic imaging. Moreover, in recent years, functionalized fullerenes have shown potential in tumor therapies, such as photodynamic therapy, photothermal treatment, radiotherapy and chemotherapeutics. Their antitumor effects may be associated with the modulation of oxidative stress, anti-angiogenesis, and immunostimulatory activity. While various types of novel nanoparticle agents have been exploited in tumor theranostics, their distribution, metabolism and toxicity in organisms have also been a source of concern among researchers. The present review summarizes the potential of fullerenes as tumor theranostics agents and their possible underlying mechanisms are discussed.
Transient natural convection flow between vertical concentric cylinders heated/cooled asymmetrically

This paper investigates the impact of asymmetric heating or cooling of cylinder surfaces on transient natural convection flow in between vertical concentric cylinders. The outer surface of inner cylinder is assumed to be heated with temperature greater than the cooled inner surface of the outer cylinder. Closed form expressions are obtained by using the well-known Laplace transform technique to solve the governing partial differential equations in Laplace domain, whereas the Riemann-sum approximation is used to invert to time domain. Results show that the role of buoyancy force distribution parameter is to increase temperature, velocity, skin-friction and volume flow rate for both air and water. Further, reverse flow formation can be controlled by using suitable buoyancy force distribution parameter.
Dynamic Psychological Games

Building on recent work on dynamic interactive epistemology, we extend the analysis of extensive-form psychological games (Geneakoplos, Pearce & Stacchetti, Games and Economic Behavior, 1989) to include conditional higher-order beliefs and enlarged domains of payoff functions. The approach allows modeling dynamic psychological effects (such as sequential reciprocity, psychological forward induction, and regret) that are ruled out when epistemic types are identified with hierarchies of initial beliefs. We define a notion of psychological sequential equilibrium, which generalizes the sequential equilibrium notion for traditional games, for which we prove existence under mild assumptions. Our framework also allows us to directly formulate assumptions about ‘dynamic’ rationality and interactive beliefs in order to explore strategic interaction without assuming that players beliefs are coordinated on an equilibrium. In particular, we provide an exploration of (extensive-form) rationalizability in psychological games.
Enhancement of encoding and retrieval functions through theta phase-specific manipulation of hippocampus

Assessing the behavioral relevance of the hippocampal theta rhythm has proven difficult, due to a shortage of experiments that selectively manipulate phase-specific information processing. Using closed-loop stimulation, we triggered inhibition of dorsal CA1 at specific phases of the endogenous theta rhythm in freely behaving mice. This intervention enhanced performance on a spatial navigation task that requires the encoding and retrieval of information related to reward location on every trial. In agreement with prior models of hippocampal function, the behavioral effects depended on both the phase of theta and the task segment at which we stimulated. Stimulation in the encoding segment enhanced performance when inhibition was triggered by the peak of theta. Conversely, stimulation in the retrieval segment enhanced performance when inhibition was triggered by the trough of theta. These results suggest that processes related to the encoding and retrieval of task-relevant information are preferentially active at distinct phases of theta. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.03061. 001
Field Behavior of the Nudibranch Mollusc Tritonia diomedea

The nudibranch mollusc Tritonia diomedea has been a useful model system for studies of how the brain controls behavior. However, no broad study of T. diomedea field behavior exists—an important deficit since laboratory behaviors may differ from what occurs in nature. Here we report analysis of time-lapse video of the slugs in their natural habitat to describe behaviors and their relationships to sensory cues. We found that movements relative to conspecifics, prey, and predators correlated with direction of water flow. These observations lead to three new navigational hypotheses: regardless of the actual heading to the target, T. diomedea crawls (1) upstream toward potential mates, (2) upstream toward food, and (3) downstream away from predators. We also describe both the behavior and its sensory context for feeding, escape swims, mating, and egg-laying, among other behaviors. Field behaviors were similar to published descriptions of laboratory behavior. However, the field observations add contextual detail, including preceding and subsequent behaviors and interactions with suites of habitat features not present in the laboratory. For example, the escape swim, previously studied as an isolated behavior in response to a single stimulus, appears to be affected by multiple sensory modalities and coordinated with several other behaviors. Our work will provide a basis for future neuroethological experimentation and also is the first step in the study of navigation in T. diomedea.
Equatorial Atlantic variability—Modes, mechanisms, and global teleconnections

Sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the tropical Atlantic Ocean strongly impacts the climate on the surrounding continents. On interannual time scales, highest SST variability occurs in the eastern equatorial region and off the coast of southwestern Africa. The pattern of SST variability resembles the Pacific El Niño, but features notable differences, and has been discussed in the context of various climate modes, that is, reoccurring patterns resulting from particular interactions in the climate system. Here, we attempt to reconcile those different definitions, concluding that almost all of them are essentially describing the same mode that we refer to as the “Atlantic Niño. ” We give an overview of the mechanisms that have been proposed to underlie this mode, and we discuss its interaction with other climate modes within and outside the tropical Atlantic. The impact of Atlantic Niño‐related SST variability on rainfall, in particular over the Gulf of Guinea and north eastern South America is also described. An important aspect we highlight is that the Atlantic Niño and its teleconnections are not stationary, but subject to multidecadal modulations. Simulating the Atlantic Niño proves a challenge for state‐of‐the‐art climate models, and this may be partly due to the large mean state biases in the region. Potential reasons for these model biases and implications for seasonal prediction are discussed.
Control and Analysis of Engine Governor for Improved Stability of DC Microgrid Against Load Disturbance

This paper proposes an engine governor (GVR) controller of genset suitable to dc microgrid. The conventional genset controller is vulnerable to load disturbance and results in a considerable speed fluctuation, or frequency variation, of the generator. Moreover, variable speed operation of genset, which increases fuel efficiency of the genset compared with the conventional constant speed operation, would weaken the dc grid stability against severe load disturbance. This paper proposes an engine GVR controller designed with consideration of dynamic stability. The controller incorporates a dc grid voltage regulation as well as an additional acceleration capability, providing instant reaction to sudden load disturbance. The design and analysis of the proposed controller is performed theoretically, and its effectiveness is verified through a series of experimental tests.
Outcome Evaluation of a Multi-Disciplinary Community-Based Continence Service for Australian Women

ABSTRACT This longitudinal study evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary community-based service offering conservative treatment for Australian women suffering urinary incontinence and living independently in the community, in terms ofurinary incontinence symptom severity, impact on quality of life and knowledge outcomes. One hundred and twenty-three women attending The Waterworx Centre, a multi-disciplinary, publicly funded community-based continence service in South East Queensland Australia participated in the study. They received multi-disciplinary conservative treatment for urinary incontinence, including comprehensive assessment and an individually-tailored plan of care. All the women were also linked back to their own generalist health professional for ongoing care and management. Data were collected over a one-year period: at first consultation, and at three months and six months following the first consultation. The International Continence Society Urinary Symptom Index Short Form-Female was used to measure urinary symptoms and impact on quality of life, and a researcher-developed test was used to measure changes in knowledge. Results showed that the women experienced an improvement in urinary symptoms and continence-related knowledge at three months following first consultation, and a decreased impact on quality of life, with these improvements either being sustained or increasing at six months. This study demonstrated that multi-disciplinary community-based services offering specialist conservative treatment for women suffering urinary incontinence can be effective in achieving improvements in urinary symptoms and continence-related knowledge and reducing the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life.