Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Antioxidant Properties of Six Algerian Propolis Extracts: Ethyl Acetate Extracts Inhibit Myeloperoxidase Activity

Because propolis contains many types of antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids, it can be useful in preventing oxidative damages. Ethyl acetate extracts of propolis from several Algerian regions show high activity by scavenging free radicals, preventing lipid peroxidation and inhibiting myeloperoxidase (MPO). By fractioning and assaying ethyl acetate extracts, it was observed that both polyphenols and flavonoids contribute to these activities. A correlation was observed between the polyphenol content and the MPO inhibition. However, it seems that kaempferol, a flavonoid, contributes mainly to the MPO inhibition. This molecule is in a high amount in the ethyl acetate extract and demonstrates the best efficiency towards the enzyme with an inhibiting concentration at 50% of 4 ± 2 μM.
Explaining policy volatility in developing countries

This paper studies the causes of policy volatility in developing countries during 1970-1999. To construct composite policy volatility indicators, the paper applies a robust principal components analysis to Washington Consensus policy variables. The results suggest three dimensions of policy volatility: fiscal, macroeconomic and development policies. The paper shows that more stable macroeconomic policy is associated with higher income growth, before turning to the determinants of volatility. Using a Bayesian approach which addresses the model uncertainty problem, the paper finds that macroeconomic policy is more volatile in countries that adopt a presidential system, have weaker political constraints, where government stability is lower, and that are former British colonies. Adopting a parliamentary regime helps to stabilize policy.
Technology Acceptance Model in the Domains of LIS and Education: A Review of Selected Literature

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is a theoretical framework that is most extensively utilized in explaining an individual’s acceptance of an information technology or an information system. This study reviews numerous literature related to the TAM focusing on TAM applications in the domains of Library and Information Science (LIS) and Education. The different studies in these areas were evaluated to understand the modifications incorporated into this model. The study attempts provide insight on future trends in the technology acceptance model as well to help identify gaps in literature where future research could be conducted.
A Single-Ended with Dynamic Feedback Control 8 T Subthreshold SRAM Cell

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) has become a major component in many VLSI Chips due to their large storage density and small access time. SRAM has become the topic of substantial research due to the rapid development for low power. SRAM plays a most substantial role in the microprocessor world, but as the technology is scaling down in Nano meters, leakage parameters and delay are the most common problems for SRAM cell which is basically designed for very low power application. A novel 8-transistor (8T) static random access memory cell with improved data stability in sub threshold operation is designed. The proposed single-ended with dynamic feedback control 8T static RAM (SRAM) cell enhances the static noise margin (SNM) for ultralow power supply.
Protein-Engineered Hydrogel Encapsulation for 3-D Culture of Murine Cochlea

Hypothesis Elastin-like protein (ELP) hydrogel helps maintain the three-dimensional (3-D) cochlear structure in culture. Background Whole-organ culture of the cochlea is a useful model system facilitating manipulation and analysis of live sensory cells and surrounding nonsensory cells. The precisely organized 3-D cochlear structure demands a culture method that preserves this delicate architecture; however, current methods have not been optimized to serve such a purpose. Methods A protein-engineered ELP hydrogel was used to encapsulate organ of Corti isolated from neonatal mice. Cultured cochleae were immunostained for markers of hair cells and supporting cells. Organ of Corti hair cell and supporting cell density and organ dimensions were compared between the ELP and nonencapsulated systems. These culture systems were then compared with noncultured cochlea. Results After 3 days in vitro, vital dye uptake and immunostaining for sensory and nonsensory cells show that encapsulated cochlea contain viable cells with an organized architecture. In comparison with nonencapsulated cultured cochlea, ELP-encapsulated cochleae exhibit higher densities of hair cells and supporting cells and taller and narrower organ of Corti dimensions that more closely resemble those of noncultured cochleae. However, we found compromised cell viability when the culture period extended beyond 3 days. Conclusion We conclude that the ELP hydrogel can help preserve the 3-D architecture of neonatal cochlea in short-term culture, which may be applicable to in vitro study of the physiology and pathophysiology of the inner ear.
Nonlinear estimation of geometric parameters in FEMs of volcano deformation: Integrating tomography models and geodetic data for Okmok volcano, Alaska

[1] The internal structure, loading processes, and effective boundary conditions of a volcano control the deformation observed at the Earth's surface. Using finite element models (FEMs), we simulate the response due to a pressurized magma chamber embedded in a domain having a distribution of elastic material properties. We present the Pinned Mesh Perturbation method (PMP) to automate the mesh generation process in response to perturbations of the position of a simulated magma chamber within an FEM domain. Using InSAR-observed deformation for the 1997 eruption of Okmok volcano, Alaska, as an example, we combine PMP with nested Monte Carlo methods to estimate a set of linear and nonlinear parameters that characterize the depressurization and location of the magma chamber beneath Okmok's caldera. The three-dimensional FEMs used in the PMP method simulate the distribution of material properties of tomography models and account for the irregular geometry of the topography and bathymetry. The estimated depth of an assumed spherical magma chamber is 3527−54+55 m below sea level and is sensitive to the distribution of material properties. This depth is consistent with lithostatic pressure constraints and very long period tremor observations. The fit of this FEM to the InSAR data is a significant improvement, at the 95% confidence level, compared to the fit of a corresponding FEM having homogeneous material properties. The methods presented here allow us to construct deformation models that integrate tomography models with geodetic observations, in an effort to achieve a deeper understanding of active volcanoes.
Assessment of Tissue Viability Using Diffusion- and Perfusion-Weighted MRI in Hyperacute Stroke

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diffusion and perfusion parameters in hyperacute infarction, and we wanted to determine the viability threshold for the ischemic penumbra using diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging (DWI and PWI, respectively). Materials and Methods Both DWI and PWI were performed within six hours from the onset of symptoms for 12 patients who had suffered from acute stroke. Three regions of interest (ROIs) were identified: ROI 1 was the initial lesion on DWI; ROI 2 was the DWI/PWI mismatch area (the penumbra) that progressed onward to the infarct; and ROI 3 was the mismatch area that recovered to normal on the follow-up scans. The ratios of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), and the time to peak (TTP) were calculated as the lesions' ROIs divided by the contralateral mirror ROIs, and these values were then correlated with each other. The viability threshold was determined by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results For all three ROIs, the ADC ratios had significant linear correlation with the TTP ratios (p < 0.001), but not with the rCBV ratios (p = 0.280). There was no significant difference for the ADC and rCBV ratios within the ROIs. The mean TTP ratio/TTP delay between the penumbras' two ROIs showed a significant statistical difference (p < 0.001). The cutoff value between ROI 2 and ROI 3, as the viability threshold, was a TTP ratio of 1.29 (with a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 73%, respectively) and a TTP delay of 7.8 sec (with a sensitivity and specificity of 84% and 72%, respectively). Conclusion Determining the viability thresholds for the TTP ratio/delay on the PWI may be helpful for selecting those patients who would benefit from the various therapeutic interventions that can be used during the acute phase of ischemic stroke.
Complex heterochrony underlies the evolution of Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite sex allocation

Hermaphroditic organisms are key models in sex allocation research, yet the developmental processes by which hermaphrodite sex allocation can evolve remain largely unknown. Here we use experimental evolution of hermaphrodite‐male (androdioecious) Caenorhabditis elegans populations to quantify the developmental changes underlying adaptive shifts in hermaphrodite sex allocation. We show that the experimental evolution of increased early‐life self‐fertility occurred through modification of a suite of developmental traits: increased self‐sperm production, accelerated oogenesis and ovulation, and increased embryo retention. The experimental evolution of increased self‐sperm production delayed entry into oogenesis—as expected, given the sequentially coupled production of self‐spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Surprisingly, however, delayed oogenesis onset did not delay reproductive maturity, nor did it trade‐off with gamete or embryo size. Comparing developmental time dynamics of germline and soma indicates that the evolution of increased sperm production did not delay reproductive maturity due to a globally accelerated larval development during the period of self‐spermatogenesis. Overall, heterochrony in gametogenesis and soma can explain adaptive shifts in hermaphrodite sex allocation.
Intermediate water links to Deep Western Boundary Current variability in the subtropical NW Atlantic during marine isotope stages 5 and 4

Records from Ocean Drilling Program Sites 1057 and 1059 (2584 m and 2985 m water depth, respectively) have been used to reconstruct the behavior of the Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC) on the Blake Outer Ridge (BOR) from 130 to 60 kyr B.P. (marine isotope stage (MIS) 5 and the 5/4 transition). Site 1057 lies within Labrador Sea Water (LSW) but close to the present-day boundary with Lower North Atlantic Deep Water (LNADW), while Site 1059 lies within LNADW. High-resolution sortable silt mean (inline equation) grain size and benthic δ 13C records were obtained, and changes in the DWBC intensity and spatial variability were inferred. Comparisons are made with similar proxy records generated for the Holocene from equivalent depth cores on the BOR. During MIS 5e, inline equation evidence at Site 1057 suggests slower relative flow speeds consistent with a weakening and a possible shoaling of the LSW-sourced shallower limb of the DWBC that occupies these depths today. In contrast, the paleocurrent record from the deeper site suggests that the fast flowing deep core of the DWBC was located close to its modern depth below 3500 m. During this interval the benthic δ 13C suggests little chemical stratification of the water column and the presence of a near-uniform LNADW-dominated water mass. After ∼111 kyr B.P. the inline equation record at Site 1057 increases to reach values similar to Site 1059 for the rest of MIS 5. The strengthening of flow speeds at the shallow site may correspond to the initiation of Glacial North Atlantic Intermediate Water formation also suggested by a divergence in the benthic δ 13C records with Site 1057 values increasing to ∼1.2‰. Coupled suborbital oscillations in DWBC flow variability and paleohydrography persisted throughout MIS 5. Comparison of these data with planktonic δ 18O records from the sites and alkenone-derived sea surface temperature (SST) estimates from the nearby Bermuda Rise suggest a hitherto unrecognized degree of linkage between oscillations in subtropical North Atlantic SST and DWBC flow.
Child protection mediation : mediator strategies for managing the process

In this study fourteen child protection mediators responded to questions about their work through questionnaires, interviews, or both, and grounded theory methodology was used. The data was analyzed and the following four themes emerged: describing the process, explaining the process, strategies for managing the process, and evaluating success in managing the process. Key findings were that there are differences between the process issues that exist in the child protection context as compared to other types of mediation, successful process management strategies include having a pre-mediation orientation session and using non-party participants as a positive influence, and success is indicated by changes in the communication between the parties or personal empowerment as well as by whether an agreement is reached.
On Complex Valued Convolutional Neural Networks

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are the cutting edge model for supervised machine learning in computer vision. In recent years CNNs have outperformed traditional approaches in many computer vision tasks such as object detection, image classification and face recognition. CNNs are vulnerable to overfitting, and a lot of research focuses on finding regularization methods to overcome it. One approach is designing task specific models based on prior knowledge. Several works have shown that properties of natural images can be easily captured using complex numbers. Motivated by these works, we present a variation of the CNN model with complex valued input and weights. We construct the complex model as a generalization of the real model. Lack of order over the complex field raises several difficulties both in the definition and in the training of the network. We address these issues and suggest possible solutions. The resulting model is shown to be a restricted form of a real valued CNN with twice the parameters. It is sensitive to phase structure, and we suggest it serves as a regularized model for problems where such structure is important. This suggestion is verified empirically by comparing the performance of a complex and a real network in the problem of cell detection. The two networks achieve comparable results, and although the complex model is hard to train, it is significantly less vulnerable to overfitting. We also demonstrate that the complex network detects meaningful phase structure in the data.
MiR-137 attenuates spinal cord injury by modulating NEUROD4 through reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE To explore the role of microRNA (miR) 137 in spinal cord injury and its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS The model of spinal cord injury in mice was established to detect the recovery differences of grip strength in upper and lower limbs of mice. The expressions of miR-137 and neuronal differentiation 4 (NEUROD4) were detected at the same time. The inflammation level and the oxidative stress response after spinal cord injury were subsequently detected after overexpression of miR-137. Target genes of miR-137 were identified by bioinformatics. Finally, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to identify the target genes of miR-137. RESULTS By establishing the model of spinal cord injury in mice, the strength of upper and lower limbs recovered after 7 days of injury in mice. The expression of miR-137 in spinal cord injury was found to decrease in a time-dependent manner by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), while the expression of NEUROD4 gradually increased. Inflammation indicators and oxidative stress level were found to be significantly higher after spinal cord injury. However, the inflammation level and oxidative stress were significantly reduced after transfection of miR-137. Finally, we predicted the target gene of miR-137 through bioinformatics website and found that NEUROD4 was a potential target gene of miR-137. Using dual luciferase reporter assays, we found that NEUROD4 bound to miR-137. After overexpression of miR-137, the expression of NEUROD4 was significantly reduced. Overexpression of NEUROD4 could promote spinal cord injury inflammation and oxidative stress. After intracellular transfection of NEUROD4 and miR-137 at the same time, the inflammation level and oxidative stress of spinal cord injury decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that miR-137 promoted the recovery of spinal cord injury by degrading NEUROD4 to relieve the spinal cord inflammation and the progression of oxidative stress, thus promoting the recovery of spinal cord injury.
Systemic gene transfer enables optogenetic pacing of mouse hearts.

AIMS Optogenetic pacing of the heart has been demonstrated in transgenic animals expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). However, for the clinical use of optogenetics to treat cardiac arrhythmias, gene transfer to non-transgenic hearts is required. The aim of this study was to describe a reliable method for gene transfer of ChR2 into a sufficient percentage of cardiomyocytes to overcome the electrical sink of all the coupled non-expressing cardiomyocytes during optical pacing of the whole heart in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS Adeno-associated virus (AAV) with cardiac tropism for expression of ChR2 in fusion with mCherry was systemically injected into wild-type mouse hearts. Bright mCherry fluorescence was detected in the whole heart 4-10 weeks later. Single-cell dissociation revealed that on average 58% cardiomyocytes were mCherry-positive. These showed light-induced inward currents, action potentials, and contractions. Pulsed illumination of the left ventricle induced ventricular pacing in vivo in 74% of mice, and higher light intensities were required for reduced pulse duration or size of illumination. Non-responding hearts showed low AAV expression, and the threshold for optical pacing was estimated to be 35-40% ChR2-expressing cardiomyocytes. Optical pacing in vivo was stable over extended periods without negative effects on normal sinus rhythm and ECG parameters after termination of stimulation indicating sufficient cardiac output during pacing. CONCLUSIONS Gene transfer generates sufficient ChR2 photocurrent for reliable optogenetic pacing in vivo and lays out the basis for future optogenetic pacemaker and pain-free defibrillation therapies.
Skeletal variation and taxonomic boundaries among mainland and island populations of the common treeshrew (Mammalia: Scandentia: Tupaiidae)

ERIC J. SARGIS*, NEAL WOODMAN, NATALIE C. MORNINGSTAR, TIFFANY N. BELL and LINK E. OLSON Department of Anthropology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208277, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208106, New Haven, CT 06520, USA Division of Vertebrate Zoology, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven, CT 06520, USA United States Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013, USA University of Alaska Museum, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
Selective Exposure in the Context of Political Advertising: A Behavioral Approach Using Eye-Tracking Methodology

Selective exposure refers to the tendency of individuals to attend to information that is in line with their political views. This study advocates a behavioral approach to selective exposure research by introducing eye-tracking as a straightforward measure of selection processes. We tested participants’ selective exposure to political poster advertisements from one left-wing and one right-wing party. Individuals were simultaneously exposed to on-screen ads by the two different parties, and their eye movements were unobtrusively recorded. Findings indicate that the political orientation of the participants explained selective exposure in terms of the time taken to look at each ad. Implications for selective exposure research are discussed.
Rapid detection of traumatic effusion using surgeon-performed ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND In the injured patient, rapid assessment of the thorax can yield critical information for patient management and triage. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this prospective study were (1) to determine if experienced surgeon sonographers could successfully use a focused thoracic ultrasonographic examination to detect traumatic effusion, and (2) to compare the accuracy and efficiency of ultrasonography with supine portable chest radiography. METHODS Surgeon-sonographers performed thoracic ultrasonographic examinations on patients with blunt and penetrating torso injuries during the Advanced Trauma Life Support secondary survey. All patients also underwent portable chest radiography. Performance times for ultrasonography and chest radiography were recorded. Comparisons were made of the performance times and accuracy of both tests in detecting traumatic effusion. RESULTS In 360 patients, there were 40 effusions, 39 of which were detected by ultrasonography and 37 of which were detected by chest radiography. The 97.5% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity observed for thoracic ultrasonography were similar to the 92.5% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity for portable chest radiography. Performance time for ultrasonography was significantly faster than that for chest radiography (1.30 +/- 0.08 vs. 14.18 +/- 0.91 minutes, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Surgeons can accurately perform and interpret a focused thoracic ultrasonographic examination to detect traumatic effusion. Surgeon-performed thoracic ultrasonography is as accurate but is significantly faster than supine portable chest radiography for the detection of traumatic effusion.
Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of Pd/SiO2: The Effect of Chemical Reagent

The size and shape distribution of metal nanoparticles (NPs) are important parameters that need to be tuned in order to achieve desired properties of materials for practical applications. In the current work, we present the synthesis of palladium NPs supported on silica by three different methods, applying reduction by sodium borohydride, hydrazine vapors, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, surface area and porosity measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis. Similar nanoparticle sizes with narrow size distribution centered at 8 nm were obtained after reduction by sodium borohydride and hydrazine vapors, whereas the smallest particle size of about 4.8 nm was obtained after reduction by PEG. The effect of modification of the initial palladium chloride compound by ammonium hydroxide was found to lead to the formation of larger particles with average size of 15 nm and broader size distribution. In addition, the process of the reduction of palladium by PEG at different reduction stages was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy. CO-stripping voltammetry showed that reduction in hydrazine and in PEG allowed the preparation of Pd NPs with high electrochemically-active surface area. Such NPs are promising materials for electrocatalysis.