Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of nitrogen-doped TiO2 thin films for photovoltaic applications

Nitrogen-doped TiO2 thin films were deposited by atomic layer deposition on glass substrates with various nitrogen concentrations for potential use in photovoltaic applications as a transparent p-type layer. Nitrogen doping was achieved by combining the use of titanium isopropoxide, N2O and NH3 as precursors. All the films were deposited at 265 °C. The maximum nitrogen doping level achieved in this study was 4.5 at. % resulting in films exhibiting a resistivity of 116 Ω cm associated with an average transmittance of 65% in the visible-infrared range.
Locating the Motor Cortex on the MRI with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and PET

Transcranial magnetic stimulation with a focal coil was used to map the cortical representation of a hand muscle in four healthy subjects. In each subject, the three-dimensional locations of the magnetic stimulation positions and about 400 positions on the surface of the head were digitized. The amplitude-weighted center of gravity of each subject's map was found, and a line perpendicular to the local head surface was projected inward. The digitized heads were registered with the subjects' MRIs using the scalp contours. The coordinate transformations yielded by this process were used to map the stimulation positions and the perpendicular line into the MRIs. Brain areas imaged with positron emission tomography (PET) and 15O-labeled water, activated by movement of the same muscle, were registered with the MRIs using the brain contours. In all cases, the magnetic stimulation lines encountered the surface of the brain at the anterior lip of the central sulcus and ran along the precentral gyrus a few millimeters anterior to the central sulcus, coming within 5-22 mm of all the PET activation maxima. This technique demonstrates the accuracy of transcranial magnetic stimulation for locating the primary motor area.
Renalase Assessment With Regard to Kidney Function, Lipid Disturbances, and Endothelial Dysfunction Parameters in Stable Renal Transplant Recipients

Background: Renal transplant dysfunction has been shown to be independent predictor for premature cardiovascular disease and mortality. Renalase, a flavoprotein secreted by several tissues, including the kidney, has been found to regulate sympathetic tone and blood pressure. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore relationships among parameters of endothelial dysfunction, lipids, glomerular filtration rate, and renalase in 2 groups: renal transplant patients with controlled hypertension and healthy volunteers. Methods: In the parent study, 73 renal transplant recipients and 32 age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled. A fasting sample for endothelial, lipid, and renalase values, along with other clinical parameters, was obtained. Results: We found statistically significant inverse correlation between renalase and estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = −0.552, P < .001), positive correlation between renalase and creatinine (r = 0.364, P = .003), total cholesterol (r = 0.578, P < .001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.261, P = .046), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.327, P = .01). Renalase inversely correlated with hemoglobin (r = −0.232, P = .032) and positively with white blood cells (r = 0.233, P = .032). There was a significant difference in plasma renalase with regard to chronic kidney disease stages (F = 13.346, P < .001) but did not correlate with C-reactive protein. Renalase did not correlate with any of parameters of endothelial dysfunction, C-reactive protein, neither with some demographic data (gender, age, time or type of transplantation, risk factors). There were no differences in renalase concentration with regard to antihypertensive therapy. Conclusion: Renalase strongly and inversely correlated with kidney function, positively with creatinine and lipid disturbances. Due to that it is very likely that renalase levels are determined mostly by renal function.
Similar developmental trajectories in autism and Asperger syndrome: from early childhood to adolescence.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to chart the developmental trajectories of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) from early childhood to adolescence using the presence and absence of structural language impairment (StrLI) as a way of differentiating autism from Asperger syndrome (AS). METHOD Sixty-four high-functioning children with ASD were ascertained at 4-6 years of age from several different regional diagnostic and treatment centers. At 6-8 years of age, the ADI-R and the Test of Oral Language Development were used to define an autism group (those with StrLI at 6-8 years of age) and an AS group (those without StrLI). Growth curve analysis was then used to chart the developmental trajectories of these children on measures of autistic symptoms, and adaptive skills in communication, daily living and socialization. RESULTS Differentiating the ASD group in terms of the presence/absence of StrLI provided a better explanation of the variation in growth curves than not differentiating high-functioning ASD children. The two groups had similar developmental trajectories but the group without StrLI (the AS group) was functioning better and had fewer autistic symptoms than the group with StrLI (the autism group) on all measures across time. The differences in outcome could not be explained by non-verbal IQ or change in early language skills. CONCLUSION Distinguishing between autism and Asperger syndrome based on the presence or absence of StrLI appears to be a clinically useful way of classifying ASD sub-types.
Two novel biomarkers in developing wood frogs

Two novel biomarkers (whole-body thyroid hormone and triglyceride concentrations) were developed for use in wood frog tadpoles. The development of these biomarkers was based on previous work done in fish and lizards and incorporated triglyceride and thyroid hormone extraction into 1 homogenization step with 95% ethanol as the solvent. This method is useful for reducing sample-to-sample variability because the same sample can be used for each extraction and assay.
Analytical Optimization of Optical Fiber Curvature Gauges

`The ldquocurvature gaugerdquo sensor monitors deflection of structures under mechanical loading in applications in which strain gauges have traditionally been used. Structural deflection-curvature is measured rather than material strain. The sensitive zone of the curvature gage is precision machined into the plastic optical fiber on grinding or milling machines. The cutout produced removes a part of the fiber core and introduces light loss that is related to the bend-radius of the fiber. This modulation mechanism is described analytically in this paper. Results relate the relative light loss to the fiber curvature for different parameters of the sensitive zone (depth, length, number of cuts, bend radius, and pitch of cuts). This allows a quantitative optimization of the gauge without having to produce thousands of sensors with slightly different combination of parameters in order to accomplish a similar objective experimentally.
[Effect of supply of fresh poultry products on reducing environment contamination of avian influenza virus in markets].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of supply of fresh poultry products on reducing environment contamination of avian influenza virus (AIV) in markets in Guangzhou. METHODS A total of 40 markets, including 20 selling alive poultry and 20 selling fresh poultry products, were selected randomly in Guangzhou to conduct environment surveillance in 80 poultry stalls every 4 months from July 2014 to April 2015. Four smear samples were collected from different sites of each poultry stall to detect nucleic acid of AIV. The positive samples were further detected for AIV subtype H5, H7 and H9 nucleic acids. RESULTS Among 40 alive poultry stalls, 95.0% (38/40) kept alive poultry overnight, 25.0% (10/40) were disinfected daily, 95.0% (38/40) were cleaned up weekly, 95.0% (38/40) were closed for one day every month. Among 40 fresh poultry product stalls, 20.0% (8/40) were disinfected daily, 90.0% (36/40) were cleaned up weekly, and 96.0% (38/40) ever sold dressed poultry from alive poultry markets. The positive rate of AIV in alive poultry markets was 40.4% (252/623), higher than that in fresh poultry product markets (32.3%, 197/610), the difference was significant (χ(2)=8.85, P=0.003), and the positive rate of subtype H9 virus in alive poultry markets was 28.6% (178/623), higher than that in fresh poultry product markets (16.2%, 99/610), the difference was significant (χ(2)=26.95, P<0.001). In fresh poultry product markets, the positive rate of AIV in stalls selling dressed poultry was 37.3% (180/482), higher than that in stalls selling no dressed poultry (13.3%, 17/128), the difference was significant (χ(2)=26.78, P<0.001), and the positive rate of subtype H9 virus in stalls selling dressed poultry was 19.1% (92/482), higher than that in stalls selling no dressed poultry (5.5%, 7/128), the difference was significant (χ(2)=13.80, P<0.001). Both the positive rate of AIV and the positive rate of subtype H9 virus were highest in the second round surveillance (October 2014). The differences in AIV and its subtype H5, H7 and H9 virus positive rates of environmental samples from four different sites were not significant, respectively. In the same sample site, the positive rate of subtype H9 virus in alive poultry markets was higher than that in fresh poultry product markets the difference was significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The supply of fresh poultry products could effectively reduce the level of environment contamination of AIV in markets. Dressed poultry supplement caused the risk of AIV spread in fresh poultry product markets.
[Expression and clinic pathological significance of survivin mRNA and protein in salivary gland tumors].

PURPOSE The study is aimed to determine the expression of survivin mRNA in salivary gland tumors and its significance in the development and progress of salivary gland tumors. METHODS The expression of survivin mRNA both in benign and malignant salivary gland tumor tissues and in peripheral tissues was identified by in situ hybridizations assay with the prepared tissue chips. The data were analyzed by Chi-square test and rank sum test using SPSS10.0 software package. RESULTS The difference in the expression of survivin mRNA was significant between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors (P<0.05). But not significant between the gland tissues around the tumors and malignant tumors (P>0.05). The difference in the expression of survivin mRNA in malignant salivary gland tumor was significant in the pathological grade, lymph node status and relapse of the tumor (P<0.05), but not significant in gender, age of the patients and size of the tumors (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The expression of survivin mRNA is associated with clinic pathological characteristics of the malignant salivary gland tumors. Survivin mRNA may play a crucial role in earlier diagnosis and prognosis of the malignant salivary gland tumors.
GENETIC DIVERGENCE FOR SEED RELATED CHARACTERS IN SELECTED GERMPLASM OF SAFFLOWER (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

The set of 150 genotypes along with five checks 'A-1, Bhima, Manjira, JSF-1 and HUS-305' were evaluated in augemented block design with five blocks at the field of Oilseed Research Unit, Dr. PDKV, Akola during rabi 2012-2013. The data were recorded on the characters viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitulum, 100 seed weight (g), hull content (g), volume weight (g/100ml), seed yield per plant and oil content (%). The 150 genotypes were grouped into fourteen clusters. The average inter cluster distance is maximum between clusters IX and XII (3635.208), followed by clusters VI and XII (3615.87), clusters VIII and XII (3542.073), clusters I and XII (2924.360), clusters XII and XIII (2892.245). The seed yield per plant, number of capitula per plant, days to maturity, seeds per capitulum,days to 50% flowering, volume weight, oil content contribute significantly towards genetic divergence. The present study projected the importance of GMU-3439, GMU-3482, GMU-3475 as parents for higher heterosis in F 1 and potential transgrants in subsequent generations as they have least mean days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, hull content and high mean of GMU-3590, GMU-3490, GMU-3433, A-1 and GMU-3522 for number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitula, 100 seed weight, ,volume weight, seed yield per plant and oil content respectively for the further improvement in respect to these seed characters.
Comparison of Gene Transfer Efficiencies and Gene Expression Levels Achieved with Equine Infectious Anemia Virus- and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Derived Lentivirus Vectors

ABSTRACT This report compares gene transfer efficiencies as well as durations and levels of gene expression for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) lentiviral vectors in a variety of human cell types in vitro. EIAV and HIV vectors transduced equivalent numbers of proliferating and G1/S- and G2/M-arrested cells, and both had very low efficiencies of transduction into G0-arrested cells. Analysis of the levels of both the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and mRNA demonstrated that the HIV-transduced cells expressed greater levels of EGFP protein and RNA than the EIAV-transduced cells. Measurements of vector-derived EGFP RNA half-lives were fourfold higher with the HIV vector than with the EIAV vector. Long-term culture of EIAV-transduced human cells showed a significant decrease in the number of cells expressing the transgene; however, no corresponding loss was found in EIAV-transduced equine cells. In contrast, only a moderate decrease in the number of transgene-expressing cells was seen with the HIV vectors. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the EIAV vectors transduced human cells with efficiencies similar to those of the HIV vectors. However, our data indicate that transgene expression from EIAV vectors is limited by the instability of vector-derived RNA transcripts and silencing of the EIAV vectors over time.
Clinical trial of a novel interdental brush cleaning system.

OBJECTIVE This single-blind, five parallel-arm, four-week randomized clinical trial was designed to compare the efficacy of a 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride gel-releasing interdental brush (IDB) with standard interproximal cleaning devices for plaque and gingivitis reduction, and decreased frequency in interproximal gingival bleeding. METHODOLOGY After consenting, participants meeting inclusion criteria brushed their teeth, received a baseline examination and a professional cleaning, and were then block-randomized into five groups, with the plaque level serving as the blocking variable. All five groups performed standard tooth brushing as a background regimen. Three of the groups were respectively assigned to one of three interdental brush regimens, the fourth group was assigned to a standard flossing regimen (positive control), and the fifth group was assigned to a standard tooth brushing only regimen (control). Clinical outcome data were collected at two and four weeks. RESULTS Of a total of 162 starting participants, 152 completed the study. There were no baseline differences among the five groups with respect to age, interproximal plaque score, interproximal gingivitis score, or percent of interproximal bleeding on probing. After two and four weeks, the 3 IDB groups exhibited 30-40 percent lower plaque levels than the control (p < 0.05). With respect to interproximal gingival scores, the active agent IDB group exhibited a statistically significant effect after two weeks, and all three IDB groups demonstrated significantly better outcomes after four weeks (p < 0.05). At two and four weeks, the three IDB groups demonstrated a greater reduction in interproximal bleeding points upon probing compared to the two control groups (p < 0.05). The group using the 0.05% cetylpyridinium gel-releasing IDB system did not demonstrate superior clinical results when compared to the two other IDB groups. CONCLUSION When compared to control and positive control interdental cleaning procedures, daily use of IDBs was effective in reducing interproximal plaque and gingivitis scores, as well as interproximal bleeding on probing. The benefits were evident at two weeks, but were more consistent after four weeks. The 0.05% cetylpyridinium gel-releasing IDB system did not appear to confer a consistently independent incremental benefit.
EAP Service Use in a Managed Behavioral Health Care Organization: From the Employee Perspective

Contemporary Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services are typically provided in broad-brush programs delivered by large external vendors in a network model. Yet research has not kept pace with EAP evolution, including in terms of how EAP clients themselves view services. The authors surveyed a random sample of EAP service users from a national provider (361 respondents). About one third of respondents reported getting help for workplace issues. Most learned about the EAP through employer communications such as the company Web site. The large majority reported that the EAP helped them “a lot” or “some,” suggesting they valued this benefit.
Sensory neuropathy in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients: Protease inhibitor–mediated neurotoxicity

Human immunodeficiency virus–associated sensory neuropathy (HIV‐SN) is a common and disabling disorder, often associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) use. We investigated the clinical features and associated pathogenic determinants of HIV‐SN in a neurological cohort of HIV‐infected patients, together with a novel model of HIV‐SN.
: WT ä-K Stimulant Use in Extended Flight Operations

PSYCHOSTTMULANTS, particularly amphetamine, became available in America for clinical use in 1937, and since then have been widely prescribed. More recently, their bene ficial effects have been overshadowed by the recognition of a significant abuse potential. Nevertheless, the military services, particularly the Air Force, have recognized the value of psychostimulants under certain conditions. Use of amphetamine, at the direction of the unit commander and under the super -
Genetic and antigenic characteristics of ApxIIA and ApxIIIA from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serovars 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15

Apx toxins produced by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae are essential components of new generation vaccines. In this study, apxIIA and apxIIIA genes of serovars 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15 were cloned and sequenced. Amino acid sequences of ApxIIA proteins of serovars 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15 were almost identical to those of serovars 1, 5, 7, 9 and 11–13. Immunoblot analysis showed that rApxIIA from serovars 2 and 15 reacts strongly with sera from animals infected with various serovars. Sequence analysis revealed that ApxIIIA proteins has two variants, one in strains of serovar 2 and the other in strains of serovars 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15. A mouse cross‐protection study showed that mice actively immunized with rApxIIIA/2 or rApxIIIA/15 are protected against challenge with A. pleuropneumoniae strains of serovars 3, 4, 6, 8, 15, and 2 expressing ApxIII/15 and ApxIII/2, respectively. Similarly, mice passively immunized with rabbit anti‐rApxIIIA/2 or anti‐rApxIIIA/15 sera were found to be protected against challenge with strains of serovars 2 and 15. Our study revealed antigenic and sequence similarities within ApxIIA and ApxIIIA proteins, which may help in the development of effective vaccines against disease caused by A. pleuropneumoniae.
Measuring the correspondence between business-IT alignment and employee alignment of a company

In this thesis, the following research question is discussed: Is there a measurable connection between the level of businessIT alignment of a company and the level of employee alignment of the company? First, the concept of business-IT alignment is discussed and the method in which it can be measured best is determined. Next, the concept of employee alignment in a company is discussed and the method in which this can be measured best is determined. Following the discussion of the concepts of business-IT alignment and employee alignment, correspondence is discussed. After this, a case study is presented. The case study is described, the results of the measurements of business-IT alignment and employee alignment are presented and explained and conclusions and suggestions for improvement are put forward, based on the results. Finally, in the last chapter, implications and limitations of this thesis are discussed and suggestions for other and/or further research are made. At the end of this thesis, an appendix is added which contains the survey questions used for the case study.
The roles of predisposing characteristics, established need, and enabling resources on upper extremity prosthesis use and abandonment

Purpose. Prosthesis use and abandonment is a complex function of variables defining the contextualized individual. This review presents a comprehensive panoramic of these factors as related to the management of upper limb deficiency. Method. Anderson's model for health service utilization was used to frame prosthesis use and abandonment as a function of (1) predisposing characteristics of the individual (e.g. gender or level of limb loss); (2) established need, as characterized by lifestyle- and age-related demands; and (3) enabling resources (e.g. clinical and social). English-language articles pertaining to these components were identified in a search of Ovid, PubMed, ISI Web of Science and www.scholar. google.com (1980 – November 2006) for key words upper limb and prosthesis. Approximately 90 articles were included as evidence in this review. Results. Personal and contextual factors are critical determinants of prosthesis acceptance. While the influence of some factors (i.e. lifestyle, level of limb loss), is strongly supported in the literature, the impact of others, (i.e. age of fitting, efficacy of training protocols), remain controversial. Conclusions. Enhanced understanding of these factors is required to optimize clinical practices, guide design efforts, and satiate demand for evidence-based measures of intervention. Future research should comprise of controlled, multifactor studies adopting standardized outcome measures and providing comprehensive descriptions of population characteristics.
Outpatient Sleep Recording during Antiepileptic Drug Monotherapy

The effects of sleep and sleep deprivation on epilepsy are well known, but the effects of seizures and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on sleep have been less well studied. We recorded nocturnal sleep in 17 patients receiving antiepileptic monotherapy with ambulatory cassette EEG devices. Twelve patients had complex partial seizures and five had tonic-clonic convulsions. Two patients' seizures were largely nocturnal, and no seizures occurred during sleep recording. Five patients each were taking phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), and valproate (VPA), and two were taking clonazepam (CZP), all with therapeutic serum levels and no toxic symptoms. Total sleep time was reduced, wakefulness increased, and sleep latency prolonged in partial seizures as compared with generalized epilepsy. REM sleep was reduced and its latency decreased in partial seizure patients. Both groups had decreased slow wave sleep; that of partial seizure patients was decreased more markedly. PHT increased sleep latency and decreased sleep time, and CBZ increased awakening and diminished slow wave and REM sleep. Patients taking VPA had slight reduction in slow wave sleep; those taking CPZ had decreased sleep and REM latencies. Epilepsy may affect nocturnal sleep, and the effects of partial and generalized seizure disorders may be different. AEDs may also have differential effects on nighttime sleep. These may prove important in the long-term management of epileptic patients.