Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical Precipitation Synthesis of Ferric Chloride Doped Zinc Sulphide Nanoparticles and their Characterization Studies

Nanoparticles of ferric chloride doped ZnS has been synthesized by simple chemical precipitation method and characterized by XRD, SEM, UV-Vis analysis, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. XRD patterns of the samples reveal particle size, specific surface area and the formation of cubic structure. The SEM images show that the cauliflower likes structure. Optical band gap values have been obtained from UV-Vis absorption spectra. It has also been found that energy band gap (Eg) increases with the increase in molar concentration of reactant solution. Thermal analysis measurement of the prepared sample shows that the thermal stability of pure ZnS is decreased due to increase in ferric chloride concentration. Undoped ZnS is more thermal stable when compared to FeCl3 doped ZnS.
Antibiotic resistance pattern of Vibrio cholerae and Shigella causing diarrhoea outbreaks in the eastern Africa region: 1994-1996.

Between March 1994 and December 1996, 1797 rectal swabs were transported to the AMREF laboratory from sites in six countries in the eastern Africa region: 1749 were cultured for Vibrio cholerae and 48 for Shigella/Salmonella. Culture, isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using standardized techniques. The isolates were categorized as sensitive or resistant based on standardized zones of inhibition. The rate of isolation of V. cholerae from rectal swabs increased progressively from less than 20% to more than 45% between 1994 and 1996, 80-100% of isolates of V. cholerae from Kenya and south Sudan, and 65-90% from Somalia were sensitive to tetracycline, although in 1995 isolates from Mogadishu showed only 44% sensitivity. All isolates from Tanzania and Rwanda were 100% resistant to tetracycline. In Kenya and Somalia, the percentage of isolates sensitive to chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole reduced markedly from 85% in 1994 to < 10% in 1996. 100% of isolates from Rwanda and Tanzania were resistant to chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole while in south Sudan > 70% of isolates were sensitive. Nalidixic acid and erythromycin retained > 75% sensitivity in all areas. Shigella dysenteriae and Shigella flexneri were recovered from dysentery specimens in northern Kenya. Both species showed similar antibiotic sensitivity patterns and were sensitive only to nalidixic acid and furazolidone. Due to variations of resistance patterns within countries in the region, antibiotic sensitivity testing should be performed at the start of an outbreak, and antibiotic use should be restricted to severe cases of V. cholerae and Shigella infection.
Small and Medium Sized Construction Firms Job Satisfaction and Performance Evaluation in Nigeria

Small and medium sized construction firms, job satisfaction and job performance of employees are key issues when studying the human behaviors and attitudes. The nigerian construction industry is faced with challenges of employee performance which is affecting the organization’s productivity, quality of work, duration of projects and finally on firm’s profits. This paper aims to perform job analysis of personnel in the Nigerian construction industry, identify the level of job satisfaction of employees in small and medium sized firms, and examine the level of job performance of personnel, to investigate the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance of employee. Data was collected from employees in Nigerian small and medium sized construction firms through questionnaire to access the perception towards the level of satisfaction and performance. The questionnaire is a modified version of the job satisfaction index questionnaire (JSI) and performance rating index questionnaire (PRI). The mean score analysis identified ranking for the factors significant to job satisfaction and performance, which found that satisfaction with co-workers ranked highest with a mean score of 3.62 while satisfaction with pay ranked the lowest with a mean score of 2.56. The Job performance ranking found that personnel appearance ranked highest with a mean score of 3.70 while satisfaction with propensity to leave the company ranked the lowest with a mean score of 2.46. The paper also found that there is positive relationship between overall job satisfaction and job performance in small and medium sized firms. Several variables on Job management showed significant differences
Cellular Immunity to Epstein‐Barr Virus in Liver Transplant Recipients Treated with Rituximab for Post‐Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease

The evaluation of long‐term cellular immunity to EBV in pediatric orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients after treatment with the humanized anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody (Rituximab) has not yet been explored. At our institution, one child with EBV‐related mononucleosis‐like syndrome and five children with polymorphic‐EBV‐PTLD occurring 6–88 months after OLT were treated with Rituximab. Treatment was well tolerated. All children achieved complete remission. After Rituximab, B‐lymphocytes were undetectable in the peripheral blood and EBV‐load, monitored with real‐time PCR, decreased to undetectable levels in all children from >4000 copies/μg DNA at diagnosis. Four to eight months after Rituximab, EBV‐load increased (>4000 copies/μg DNA) in four children, and PTLD recurred in three. Their frequency of EBV‐specific T‐cell precursors, measured by Elispot analysis, remained lower than in healthy controls. Rituximab effectively induced regression of PTLD in OLT recipients. However, EBV‐specific T‐cell immunocompetence, which may be crucial for the long‐term control of EBV‐mediated proliferation, did not improve.
[Ecological aspects of South American trypanosomiasis. VII. Permanence and mobility of Triatoma sordida in relation to artificial ecotopes].

Nas colonias desenvolvidas espontaneamente em ecotopos artificiais, representados por galinheiros experimentais, procurou-se observar a permanencia e a mobilidade de Triatoma sordida. Para tanto, procedeu-se a marcacao individual de adultos e ninfas de 4. ° e 5. ° estadios, bem como a instalacao de abrigos ao redor daqueles biotopos. Os dados obtidos permitiram observar a curta permanencia dos primeiros na colonia, nao ultrapassando o periodo de dois meses para a maioria dessas formas. A mobilidade evidenciou-se pela presenca de ovos e ninfas de 1. ° estadio, nos esconderijos instalados, e as evidencias sugeriram ser devidas a passagem dos adultos por esses ecotopos. Concluiu-se que esta especie e dotada de elevada capacidade de disseminacao, em concordância com sua apreciavel valencia ecologica.
Précis of Foundations of language: brain, meaning, grammar, evolution.

The goal of this study is to reintegrate the theory of generative grammar into the cognitive sciences. Generative grammar was right to focus on the child's acquisition of language as its central problem, leading to the hypothesis of an innate Universal Grammar. However, generative grammar was mistaken in assuming that the syntactic component is the sole course of combinatoriality, and that everything else is "interpretive. " The proper approach is a parallel architecture, in which phonology, syntax, and semantics are autonomous generative systems linked by interface components. The parallel architecture leads to an integration within linguistics, and to a far better integration with the rest of cognitive neuroscience. It fits naturally into the larger architecture of the mind/brain and permits a properly mentalistic theory of semantics. It results in a view of linguistic performance in which the rules of grammar are directly involved in processing. Finally, it leads to a natural account of the incremental evolution of the language capacity.
Pathogen Recognition by the Innate Immune System

Microbial infection initiates complex interactions between the pathogen and the host. Pathogens express several signature molecules, known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are essential for survival and pathogenicity. PAMPs are sensed by evolutionarily conserved, germline-encoded host sensors known as pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). Recognition of PAMPs by PRRs rapidly triggers an array of anti-microbial immune responses through the induction of various inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and type I interferons. These responses also initiate the development of pathogen-specific, long-lasting adaptive immunity through B and T lymphocytes. Several families of PRRs, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and DNA receptors (cytosolic sensors for DNA), are known to play a crucial role in host defense. In this review, we comprehensively review the recent progress in the field of PAMP recognition by PRRs and the signaling pathways activated by PRRs.
Skin cancer screening by dermatologists, family practitioners, and internists: barriers and facilitating factors.

OBJECTIVE To determine barriers and facilitating factors to skin cancer screening practices among US primary care physicians and dermatologists. DESIGN Survey. SETTING Physicians randomly selected from the American Medical Association's Medical Marketing Services database from April 1 through November 30, 2005. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2999 US dermatologists, family practitioners, and internists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Results based on 1669 surveys returned regarding practice characteristics, skin cancer screening behaviors, and barriers and facilitating factors to performing full-body skin examinations for patients. RESULTS The overall response rate was 59.2%. More dermatologists (552 [81.3%]) reported performing full-body skin examinations on patients than did family practitioners (333 [59.6%]) (P < .05) or internists (243 [56.4%]) (P < .05). Among all physicians, time constraints, competing comorbidities, and patient embarrassment were reported as the top 3 barriers to performing full-body skin examinations, and these barriers were different among medical specialties. Among all physicians, having patients at high risk for skin cancer, patient demand for complete examination/mole check, and the influence of medical training were reported as facilitating factors to performing full-body skin examinations. CONCLUSION Becoming more knowledgeable about physician barriers to skin cancer screening could help improve primary and secondary practices in both the primary care and dermatology settings.
Molecular Analyses of the Platelet Glycoprotein Ib-IX-V Receptor

Introducation Glycoprotein receptors within the platelet membrane are essential for initiating platelet adhesion and aggregation on thrombogenic surfaces. As a response to vascular injury these receptors provide platelets with two essential properties i) the ability to bind adhesive substrates exposed at the site of injury (adhesion) and ii) the ability to recruit additional platelets to form a thrombus (aggregation). It is becoming increasingly evident that defined rheological conditions govern the physiological relevance of specific receptor-ligand interactions along with fundamentally distinct molecular mechanisms for individual receptors and their ligands. Among platelet receptors the glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex is important because it initiates thrombus formation over a wide range of flow conditions through an initial interaction with the adhesive ligand, von Willebrand factor. The importance of this receptor-ligand interaction is best exemplified by congenital bleeding disorders resulting from the lack of either the receptor or the ligand, the Bernard-Soulier syndrome and von Willebrand disease, respectively. Additionally, the GP Ib component of the GP Ib-IX-V complex contains a binding site for α-thrombin and recent studies have strengthened the concept that the interaction between α-thrombin and GP Ib is of biological relevance. Unquestionably, studies dissecting the GP Ib-IX-V complex are defining essential aspects of normal hemostasis and thrombosis while providing key information on the molecular mechanisms governing the formation of pathologic platelet thrombi. This review will summarize recent advances in our understanding of the synthesis, structure and function of the platelet GP Ib-IX-V complex. Where possible, directions for future studies will be identified with an overall goal of achieving a more complete understanding on the role of the GP Ib-IX-V complex in platelet biology.
Is research on hormones and aging finished? No! Just started!

Levels of many hormones differ between older and younger persons. This has led to a popular hypothesis that these testing differences are “abnormal” in older people and therefore should be corrected (1–5). Beyond the research community, prescriptions of anabolic hormones such as growth hormone and testosterone have skyrocketed. However, whether these endocrine changes represent “normal aging” or progressive glandular disease, and whether there would be benefit to their correction is currently unresolved.
Critical Analysis of Causality between Negative Ulnar Variance and Kienböck Disease

Background: Negative ulnar variance has been associated with Kienböck disease, both supporting a causal link and providing a basis for therapeutic recommendations. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a causal relationship between Kienböck disease and negative ulnar variance. Methods: The causal relationship between Kienböck disease and negative ulnar variance was assessed using three methodologies: (1) an analysis of the quantitative and qualitative distribution of ulnar variance in a case-control study of 81 patients with Kienböck disease and a control group of 212 healthy wrists; (2) a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of six case-control studies (including the case-control study presented in this article) to test for an association between Kienböck disease and negative ulnar variance; and (3) a determination of causal relationship by using the Bradford Hill criteria. Results: The case-control study indicated that when Kienböck disease is associated with negative ulnar variance (59 of 81), in 75 percent of the cases negative ulnar variance was equal (29 of 59) or less (15 of 59) pronounced on the contralateral healthy side. The odds ratio generated from the meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between Kienböck disease and negative ulnar variance (OR, 3.58; 95 percent CI, 1.59 to 8.06; p = 0.002, random effects method). Six of nine Bradford Hill criteria do not support a causal relationship. Conclusions: The significant association between Kienböck disease and negative ulnar variance can be well explained by selection bias because magnetic resonance imaging, which may detect and allow exclusion of a potential ulnar impaction syndrome, was performed in only the Kienböck disease group in all six case-control studies. The application of the Bradford Hill criteria does not provide sufficient scientific evidence to support a causal relationship between Kienböck disease and negative ulnar variance. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.
A Lectotype Designation and Description for Anopheles (An.) sinensis Wiedemann 1828, with a Discussion of the Classification and Vector Status of This and Some Other Oriental Anopheles

Abstract : The true identity of Anopheles sinensis is established by the designation and description of a lectotype. The status of An. lesteri and other cryptic species hidden under the name "sinensis" in China, is summarized. The confusion produced by these cryptic species, in regard to our understanding of the vector capabilities of sinensis, is also discussed. Characters are noted that can be used to separate lesteri from sinensis, and lesteri is recorded tram the Ryukyu Islands for the first time. Recommendations are made for priority studies that are needed to help clarify our understanding of sinensis in the Orient.
Magnetic resonance imaging detection of aortic and pulmonary artery wall thickening in the acute stage of Takayasu arteritis. Improvement of clinical and radiologic findings after steroid therapy.

OBJECTIVE Early diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis in the acute stage (prepulseless stage) is extremely difficult. Identification of a useful approach to detecting the initial changes of arteritis is therefore desirable. METHODS Careful clinical examination of a young woman with persistent fever and dry cough revealed faintly audible bruits at the cervical, supraclavicular, and abdominal regions. Aortographic features suggested thickening of the wall of the descending thoracic aorta. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of this area was diagnostic. RESULTS MRI demonstrated involvement of the ascending aorta and right main pulmonary artery. Steroid therapy (prednisolone 60 mg/day) induced dramatic clinical and radiologic improvement in 2 months. CONCLUSION This is the first report of MRI-documented reduction in the thickness of the walls of both the aorta and the pulmonary artery following steroid therapy.
Motivation for Achievement in Mathematics: Findings, Generalizations, and Criticisms of the Research

In this review we examine recent research in the area of motivation in mathematics education and discuss findings from research perspectives in this domain. We note consistencies across research perspectives that suggest a set of generalizable conclusions about the contextual factors, cognitive processes, and benefits of interventions that affect students’ and teachers’ motivational attitudes. Criticisms are leveled concerning the lack of theoretical guidance driving the conduct and interpretation of the majority of studies in the field. Few researchers have attempted to extend current theories of motivation in ways that are consistent with the current research on learning and classroom discourse. In particular, researchers interested in studying motivation in the content domain of school mathematics need to examine the relationship that exists between mathematics as a socially constructed field and students’ desire to achieve.
Structural determinants in the sequences of immunoglobulin variable domain.

To determine the general relation between the sequence and structure of variable domains of immunoglobulins we have carried out an analysis of their atomic structures, some 5300 different expressed sequences and the human germline gene segments. Variable domains are formed by two beta-sheets, packed face to face, and the inter-strand turns. Comparison of the different known structures shows that they have a core of 76 residues which has the same main-chain conformation in all structures. This common core contains almost all of the beta-sheet structure and three inter-strand turns. The regions that differ in conformation are the three hypervariable regions, three other inter-strand turns and a few adjacent residues. The 5300 expressed sequences currently known for variable domains were examined to determine the residues that occur at the 76 sites. Ignoring site conservations that occur for functional reasons, there are eight sites that have the same residue in almost all sequences; 12 that have one of a small group of very similar residues, and 52 where the chemical character of the residues is strongly conserved but not their volume. The role of residues at each site in the core was determined from the examination of their accessible surface areas, contacts, packing and buried side-chain hydrogen bonds. The most strongly conserved sites form the "deep" structure of the domain at the centre of the interface between the beta-sheets. It includes eight invariant sites and 11 sites that have one of a set of very similar residues. Around the deep structure there are buried hydrophobic residues that, in different variable domains, can differ greatly in volume. These differences in volume are accommodated by conformational changes in turn regions that are outside the common core. On the surface nearly all residues not involved in function or turn conformations strongly conserve hydrophilic or neutral residues. The implications of these results for the general relations between the sequence and structure of proteins are discussed.
Semantic numerical representation in blind subjects: The role of vision in the spatial format of the mental number line

Does vision play a role in the elaboration of the semantic representation of small and large numerosities, notably in its spatial format? To investigate this issue, we decided to compare in the auditory modality the performance of congenitally and early blind people with that of a sighted control group, in two number comparison tasks (to 5 and to 55) and in one parity judgement task. Blind and sighted participants presented exactly the same distance and SNARC (Spatial Numerical Association of Response Codes) effects, indicating that they share the same semantic numerical representation. In consequence, our results suggest that the spatial dimension of the numerical representation is not necessarily attributable to the visual modality and that the absence of vision does not preclude the elaboration of this representation for 1-digit (Experiment 1) and 2-digit numerosities (Experiment 2). Moreover, as classical semantic numerical effects were observed in the auditory modality, the postulate of the amodal nature of the mental number line for both small and large magnitudes was reinforced.
A Reanalysis of the Self-Appraisal Questionnaire

This research reassessed the psychometric properties and predictive validity of the Self-Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ) in response to published criticism of the authors’ earlier work. The current research used a much longer recidivism tracking-period, a different measure of recidivism, a larger sample, and more advanced analytic techniques than the original. Examination of the SAQ’s psychometric properties continued to indicate that three of the six recidivism prediction subscales exhibited substandard levels of reliability and four of these subscales were not unidimensional. Yet, in contrast to the author’s earlier results, the current analyses found that SAQ total score modestly predicted reconviction.
Sources of Writing Self-Efficacy Beliefs of Elementary, Middle, and High School Students.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Albert Bandura's four hypothesized sources of self-efficacy on students writing self-efficacy beliefs (N = 1256) and to explore how these sources differ as a function of gender and academic level (elementary, middle, high). Consistent with the tenets of self-efficacy theory, each of the sources significantly correlated with writing self-efficacy and with each other. As hypothesized, students perceived mastery experience accounted for the greatest proportion of the variance in writing self-efficacy. This was the case for girls and for boys, as well as for students in elementary school, middle school, and high school. Social persuasions and anxiety also predicted self -efficacy, albeit modestly. Vicarious experience did not predict writing self-efficacy. Girls reported greater mastery experience, vicarious experience, and social persuasions, as well as lower writing anxiety. Girls also reported stronger writing self-efficacy and were rated better writers by their teachers. Elementary school students reported stronger mastery experience, vicarious experience, and social persuasions than did either middle school or high school students. Elementary school students also reported stronger self efficacy. Findings support and refine the theoretical tenets ofBandurds social cognitive theory.