Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electronic structure and optical band gap determination of NiFe2 O4

In a theoretical study we investigate the electronic structure and band gap of the inverse spinel ferrite NiFe2O4. The experimental optical absorption spectrum is accurately reproduced by fitting the Tran–Blaha parameter in the modified Becke–Johnson potential. The accuracy of the commonly applied Tauc plot to find the optical gap is assessed based on the computed spectra and we find that this approach can lead to a misinterpretation of the experimental data. The minimum gap of NiFe2O4 is found to be a 1.53 eV wide indirect gap, which is located in the minority spin channel.
A Potential Soot Mass Determination Method from Resistivity Measurement of Thermophoretically Deposited Soot

Miniaturized detection systems for nanometer-sized airborne particles are in demand, for example in applications for onboard diagnostics downstream particulate filters in modern diesel engines. A soot sensor based on resistivity measurements was developed and characterized. This involved generation of soot particles using a quenched co-flow diffusion flame; depositing the particles onto a sensor substrate using thermophoresis and particle detection using a finger electrode structure, patterned on thermally oxidized silicon substrate. The generated soot particles were characterized using techniques including Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer for mobility size distributions, Differential Mobility Analyzer—Aerosol Particle Mass analyzer for the mass–mobility relationship, and Transmission Electron Microscopy for morphology. The generated particles were similar to particles from diesel engines in concentration, mobility size distribution, and mass fractal dimension. The primary particle size, effective density and organic mass fraction were slightly lower than values reported for diesel engines. The response measured with the sensors was largely dependent on particle mass concentration, but increased with increasing soot aggregate mobility size. Detection down to cumulative mass as small as 20–30 μg has been demonstrated. The detection limit can be improved by using a more sensitive resistance meter, modified deposition cell, larger flow rates of soot aerosol and modifying the sensor surface.
Effects of feeder cattle frame size, muscle thickness, and age class on days fed, weight, and carcass composition.

Feeder steers (n = 189) representing nine frame size x muscle thickness subclasses were started on a high-concentrate diet as calves, yearlings, or long yearlings and slaughtered at a constant s.c. fat thickness (13.5 mm) to determine the effects of feeder cattle frame size (large, medium, small), muscle thickness (No. 1, No. 2, No. 3), and age class on carcass traits and composition. After slaughter, one side of each carcass was physically separated into muscle, fat, and bone. Subcutaneous, intermuscular, and internal fat depot percentages were calculated as proportions of total fat weight. Effects of age class, frame size, and muscle thickness were significant for time-on-feed, slaughter weight, and carcass weight. Among age classes, long yearling steers required the fewest (P < .05) days on feed and heaviest (P < .05) live weights to reach the fat thickness end point. Increased frame size and decreased muscle thickness were associated with greater time-on-feed and heavier weights at slaughter. However, the effects of muscle thickness on slaughter traits were not consistent among frame and age subclasses; effects were greatest among large-framed steers and smallest among long yearling steers. Compositional differences (P < .05) were noted among age and muscle subclasses. Long yearling steers had the lowest (P < .05) percentage of bone among all age classes and a higher (P < .05) percentage of fat than steers fed as calves. No. 2 steers had the highest (P < .05) percentage of bone and the lowest (P < .05) muscle:bone ratio among muscle thickness groups; no (P > .05) compositional differences were observed between No. 1 and No. 3 steers. Differences in muscle:bone ratio, though statistically significant, were relatively small in magnitude and were not directionally consistent with differences in muscle thickness. Differences in fat partitioning were noted among frame and muscle subclasses. Large-framed steers had the lowest (P < .05) percentage of s.c. fat and the highest (P < .05) percentage of internal fat among frame sizes. No. 3 steers deposited the lowest (P < .05) percentage of intermuscular fat and the highest (P < .05) percentage of internal fat.
Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and Its Dipteran-Specific Toxins

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) is the first Bacillus thuringiensis to be found and used as an effective biological control agent against larvae of many mosquito and black fly species around the world. Its larvicidal activity resides in four major (of 134, 128, 72 and 27 kDa) and at least two minor (of 78 and 29 kDa) polypeptides encoded respectively by cry4Aa, cry4Ba, cry11Aa, cyt1Aa, cry10Aa and cyt2Ba, all mapped on the 128 kb plasmid known as pBtoxis. These six δ-endotoxins form a complex parasporal crystalline body with remarkably high, specific and different toxicities to Aedes, Culex and Anopheles larvae. Cry toxins are composed of three domains (perforating domain I and receptor binding II and III) and create cation-selective channels, whereas Cyts are composed of one domain that acts as well as a detergent-like membrane perforator. Despite the low toxicities of Cyt1Aa and Cyt2Ba alone against exposed larvae, they are highly synergistic with the Cry toxins and hence their combinations prevent emergence of resistance in the targets. The lack of significant levels of resistance in field mosquito populations treated for decades with Bti-bioinsecticide suggests that this bacterium will be an effective biocontrol agent for years to come.
Arterial Supply of the Penis in Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolpha, Wagler, 1831)

The arterial vascularization of agoutis’ penis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) were analysed using ten male adults from ‘Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal do Piauí’ (FUFPI/IBAMA n° 02/99). Among the total number of specimens, six animals had natural death and were members of the research collection of the Laboratory of Anatomy, and four were killed after anaesthesia. Stained bi‐centrifugated‐Cis‐I‐4 latex was injected in arterial vessels responsible for penis vascularization throughout the abdominal portion of aorta. The samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and arteries were dissected. The penile artery is originated as a branch of internal pudendal artery. At the level of ischiatic arch, the penile artery project two branches, the penile dorsal and the deep arteries; those arteries irrigates the penile dorsal surface and the corpus cavernosum penis. The penile dorsal arteries have an independent course up to the glans penis. Based on the conditions of this work a remarkable similarity regarding the distribution of vessels destined to the agouti penis when compared to other domestic, wild and lagomorph rodents as rabbits.
Liver ergothioneine accumulation in a guinea pig model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A possible mechanism of defence?

ABSTRACT L-ergothioneine (ET), a putative antioxidant compound acquired by animals through dietary sources, has been suggested to accumulate in certain cells and tissues in the body that are predisposed to high oxidative stress. In the present study, we identified an elevation of ET in the liver of a guinea pig model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), elucidated a possible mechanism for the increased uptake and investigated the possible role for this accumulation. This increase in liver ET levels correlated with cholesterol accumulation and disease severity. We identified an increase in the transcriptional factor, RUNX1, which has been shown to upregulate the expression of the ET-specific transporter OCTN1, and could consequently lead to the observable elevation in ET. An increase was also seen in heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) which seemingly corresponds to ET elevation. No significant increase was observed in oxidative damage markers, F2-isoprostanes, and protein carbonyls, which could possibly be attributed to the increase in liver ET through direct antioxidant action, induction of HSP70, or by chelation of Fe2+, preventing redox chemistry. The data suggest a novel mechanism by which the guinea pig fatty liver accumulates ET via upregulation of its transporter, as a possible stress response by the damaged liver to further suppress oxidative damage and delay tissue injury. Similar events may happen in other animal models of disease, and researchers should be aware of the possibility.
CNV resolution does not cause NoGo anteriorisation of the P 3 : A failure to replicate

For 35 years, some researchers have argued that CNV resolution may affect or even produce the increased P3 for NoGo compared to Go trials, and thus that no 'inhibitory' NoGo P3 exists. This is based on the work of Simson et al. (1977b), the scalp topography of potentials in auditory and visual Go/NoGo tasks. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 43, 864-875, which compared Go and NoGo topography after CNV was subtracted from NoGo trials only. Specifically, the NoGo P3 topography showed the distinctive frontocentral maximum, which is often linked to motor inhibition, when referenced to a pretarget baseline. This NoGo topography changed to a more parietal maximum, similar to that on Go trials, when referenced to a pre-cue baseline. Many researchers have cited this study, while failing to use the delayed response design on which Simson et al. based their argument. We attempted to replicate Simson et al.'s experiment with delayed responses and also with immediate responses, as are more often used. As expected, the amplitudes of CNV and P3 to both Go and NoGo trials were increased when immediate compared to delayed responses were required, but we failed to replicate the topographic shift of NoGo P3 with different baselines for both delayed and immediate responses. That is, subtraction of the CNV from NoGo P3 did not change the distinctive frontocentral topography of this component. The results suggest that CNV may affect the amplitude and measurement of the NoGo P3, but that NoGo P3 anteriorisation is not caused by CNV resolution.
Functional cerebral asymmetry in auditory motion perception

Several studies have shown a right-hemispheric advantage for sound localisation. However, most of these studies used stationary sound stimuli, although in most everyday situations humans are in motion when localising sound, or face a moving sound source. To elucidate the question of a functional asymmetry in cortical processing of auditory motion information, we tested 23 neurologically healthy human participants. Virtual leftward or rightward motion (broadband noise) was presented with variable movement angles (MA) in the horizontal plane (via headphones) in either the participants’ left or right hemispace. Participants had to indicate whether the sound moved left or rightward. The frequency of “right” judgements determined as a function of MA had a sigmoidal shape in both hemispaces, indicating significant overall discrimination of motion direction. However, the frequency of correct judgements revealed a significantly better performance for the left than for the right hemispace, suggesting a superiority of the right hemisphere. This finding is in agreement with recent neuroimaging results showing higher right-hemispheric activity during localisation of moving sounds. The results might also point to a supramodal right-hemisphere advantage in the attentional processing of motion perception.
Personalized, Affect and Performance-driven Computer-based Learning

The growing prevalence of Internet during the last decades has made e-learning systems and Computer-based Education (CBE) widely accessible to a great amount of people with different backgrounds and competences. Due to these rapid advances in computer technologies, there has been a great shift from conventional, low interaction and printed learning content to high-level, computerized interactions for Computer-based Education. The above has led to the need for personalized systems, able to adapt their content for a variety of learner’s abilities and skills. A key factor in content personalization is the degree to which the material itself keeps learners engaged over the course of the interaction: a CBE system has to cater for enough flexibility and be endowed with the ability to infer the degree to which the learner is engaged in the interaction and also be in the position to take decisions regarding the triggering of those adaptation mechanics that will keep the learner in a state of high engagement, maximizing, thus, the knowledge acquisition. A straightforward approach in content adaptation is the monitoring of levels of engagement, frustration and boredom in a learner and the subsequent adaptation of challenge levels imposed by the learning material. In this paper, we investigate the use of Collaborative Filtering, in order to build a content adaptation mechanism, based on recommendations on learner affect states. We showcase results on an interface developed specifically for the purposes of this research. The system’s objective is to offer optimized sessions to the learners and improve their knowledge acquisition during the interaction with the system.
The polysialic acid modification of the neural cell adhesion molecule is involved in spatial learning and hippocampal long‐term potentiation

The α‐2,8‐linked polysialic acid (PSA) modification of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) modulates morphogenetic cell interactions. PSA is strongly expressed during neural development and generally down‐regulated in the adult. However, it remains prominent in some areas of the brain, e.g., the hippocampus. We assayed the functional role(s) of PSA in synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus in two experimental paradigms by removing PSA with endoneuraminidase NE (endo‐N) an enzyme which specifically cleaves α‐2,8‐linked polysialic acid. (1) The acquisition and retention of spatial memory of rats in the Morris water maze, critically dependent on the hippocampus, was significantly impaired after a localized injection of endo‐N into the hippocampus, whereas visual and motor capacities were unaffected. (2) Tetanic stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals in endo‐N‐treated hippocampal slices in vitro failed to elicit LTP and yielded only a short post‐tetanic potentiation, but the response returned to control levels within 2 minutes, whereas basal synaptic activity and short‐term potentiation were not affected. Our findings suggest that the carbohydrate epitope PSA plays an important role in synaptic plasticity. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wallerian Degeneration: A Major Component of Early Axonal Pathology in Multiple Sclerosis

Axonal loss is a major component of the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the morphological basis of permanent clinical disability. It occurs in demyelinating plaques but also in the so‐called normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM). However, the contribution of Wallerian degeneration to axonal pathology is not known. Here, we analyzed the extent of Wallerian degeneration and axonal pathology in periplaque white matter (PPWM) and lesions in early multiple sclerosis biopsy tissue from 63 MS patients. Wallerian degeneration was visualized using an antibody against the neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 (NPY‐Y1R). The number of SMI‐32‐positive axons with non‐phosphorylated neurofilaments was significantly higher in both PPWM and plaques compared to control white matter. APP‐positive, acutely damaged axons were found in significantly higher numbers in plaques compared to PPWM. Strikingly, the number of NPY‐Y1R‐positive axons undergoing Wallerian degeneration was significantly higher in PPWM and plaques than in control WM. NPY‐Y1R‐positive axons in PPWM were strongly correlated to those in the lesions. Our results show that Wallerian degeneration is a major component of axonal pathology in the periplaque white matter in early MS. It may contribute to radiological changes observed in early MS and most likely plays a major role in the development of disability.
Circular Polarization Wide-Angle Beam Steering at Ka-Band by In-Plane Translation of a Plate Lens Antenna

A simple mechanical beam steering antenna concept is proposed for ground mobile terminals of Ka-band satellite and high altitude platform (HAP) providing broadband access services. The wide-angle elevation beam steering is achieved by in-plane translation of a thin offset flat lens in front of a stationary primary feed while full azimuth coverage is obtained by simple 360° rotation of the lens. A new strategy is also proposed to reduce the effective F/D of the focusing system and consequently the total antenna height without increasing beam distortion: a second small flat lens is added on top of the primary feed to create a virtual focus located well below the feed phase center. The challenge is to conciliate high gain both with wide beam scanning and reduced antenna height. Design rules are presented for this antenna concept along with a 27.3-dBi gain fabricated example for the up-link Ka-band (29.5-30 GHz), with circular polarization, 0° to 50° elevation scan, better than 2.8-dB scan loss and an effective F/D of only 0.55. Both lenses are 3.35-mm thick, formed by a suitable assembly of phase shifting unit cells with less than 0.4 dB of transmission loss in simulation. The main lens dimensions are 195 mm × 145 mm and its weight is 215 g. Total antenna height, including the feed is 84 mm.
Miscarriage, stillbirth and congenital malformation in the offspring of UK veterans of the first Gulf war.

OBJECTIVES To assess whether the offspring of UK veterans of the first Gulf war are at increased risk of fetal death or congenital malformation. METHOD This was a retrospective reproductive cohort study of UK Gulf war veterans and a demographically similar comparison group who were in service at the time but were not deployed to the Gulf. Reproductive history was collected by means of a validated postal questionnaire between 1998 and 2001. RESULTS In all, 27 959 pregnancies reported by men and 861 pregnancies reported by women were conceived after the first Gulf war and before November 1997. The risk of reported miscarriage was higher among pregnancies fathered by Gulf war veterans than by non-Gulf war veterans (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.3, 1.5). Stillbirth risk was similar in both groups. Male Gulf war veterans reported a higher proportion of offspring with any type of malformation than the comparison cohort (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3, 1.7). Examination by type of malformation revealed some evidence for increased risk of malformations of the genital system, urinary system (renal and urinary tract), and 'other' defects of the digestive system, musculo-skeletal system, and non-chromosomal (non-syndrome) anomalies. These associations were weakened when analyses were restricted to clinically confirmed conditions. There was little or no evidence of increased risk for other structural malformations, specific syndromes, and chromosomal anomalies. Among female veterans, no effect of Gulf war service was found on the risk of miscarriage. The numbers of stillbirths and malformations reported by women were too small to allow meaningful analyses. CONCLUSION We found no evidence for a link between paternal deployment to the Gulf war and increased risk of stillbirth, chromosomal malformations, or congenital syndromes. Associations were found between fathers' service in the Gulf war and increased risk of miscarriage and less well-defined malformations, but these findings need to be interpreted with caution as such outcomes are susceptible to recall bias. The finding of a possible relationship with renal anomalies requires further investigation. There was no evidence of an association between risk of miscarriage and mothers' service in the gulf.
Success Rate of Immediate Implants Placed and Restored by Novice Operators

Aims:The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the 1-year crestal bone loss and success rate of an immediately placed single-stage implant placed and restored by novice operators. A secondary aim was to determine the patient's assessment of the appearance of the final restoration. Methods:Fifty-one patients received a tooth extraction and placement of at least 1 immediate implant by a Graduate Periodontics resident. Clinical and radiographic measurements were taken at the surgical, 4-month, and 1-year follow-up visits. After at least 3 months healing, dental students restored the implants with either a crown or an overdenture. Patient satisfaction was assessed using 5 categories: excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. Results:Sixty-two immediate implants were placed. The success rate was 100% at the 12-month visit and was subclassified as grade 3 because of the mean first year bone loss of 1.3 ± 1.0 mm. Using the 2008 classification of Misch et al, 42 implants were classified as success optimum health, 19 as survival satisfactory health, and 1 as survival compromised health. Radiographic bone loss was stratified by implant platform position relative to the alveolar crest and changed from time 0 to time 12 by −1.0 ± 1.2 mm for the supracrestal group (n = 25, P < 0.05), −1.5 ± 0.9 mm for the crestal group (n = 31, P < 0.05), and −1.3 ± 1.2 mm for the subcrestal group (n = 6, P < 0.05). The supracrestal group had significantly less bone loss than either the crestal or the subcrestal group (P < 0.05). The appearance of the final restoration at 1 year was rated excellent by 82% of patients, very good by 16%, and good by 2%. Conclusions:Immediate implant placement by novice operators using routine dental school procedures was a highly predictable procedure as indicated by the 100% success rate at 12 months. Most patients rated the restoration appearance as excellent.
The effect of monosodium glutamate on the apoptosis of rat thymocytes and Bcl-2 protein expression

Introduction: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid widely spread in modern nutrition. Numerous recent studies have shown the existance of glutamic receptors on different non-neuronal cells, which among others also include lymphocytes and thymocytes. However, it has not yet been precisely established what modulatory effect is created by the activation of these receptors on the immune system cells. Material and methods: We have evaluated the effect of different MSG doses on the intensity of apoptosis of rat thymocytes, as well as the expression of their antiapoptotic protein, Bcl-2. Apoptosis was detected using the Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit and cells were analysed using a flow cytometer. Expression of Bcl-2 was determined with flow cytometry using respective monoclonal antibodies. Results: The current study results demonstrate that different MSG doses significantly increase the intensity of thymocyte apoptosis in a culture. Also, the expression of Bcl-2 proteins in the thymocyte culture, after it has been cultivated with different MSG doses, is significantly reduced. Conclusions: The results presented in our study indicate that different MSG doses significantly modulate the intensity of the apoptotic thymocyte process in a culture, and that one of the possible ways through which MSG induces apoptosis is the reduction of Bcl-2 protein expression.
Differential operators and boundary value problems on hypersurfaces

We explore the extent to which basic differential operators (such as Laplace–Beltrami, Lamé, Navier–Stokes, etc.) and boundary value problems on a hypersurface 𝒮 in ℝn can be expressed globally, in terms of the standard spatial coordinates in ℝn . The approach we develop also provides, in some important cases, useful simplifications as well as new interpretations of classical operators and equations. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)