Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser-Based Mass Spectrometric Determination of Aggregation Numbers for Petroleum- and Coal-Derived Asphaltenes

Petroleum- and coal-derived asphaltenes have been studied with three laser-based mass spectrometric techniques: laser desorption ionization–mass spectrometry (LDI–MS), in which a single laser desorbs and ionizes solid analytes; surface-assisted laser desorption ionization–mass spectrometry (SALDI–MS), in which a single laser desorbs and ionizes solid analytes from an activated surface; and laser desorption laser ionization mass spectrometry (L2MS), in which desorption and ionization are separated spatially and temporally with independent pulsed laser sources. We find that asphaltene nanoaggregates can be detected in LDI–MS and SALDI–MS under mild conditions of relatively low laser power, whereas L2MS avoids aggregation and fragmentation, detecting asphaltenes as monomeric molecules. A comparison of the L2MS and SALDI–MS results yields an estimate of the distribution of aggregation numbers (number of molecules comprising the nanoaggregate). The most probable aggregation number observed for nanoaggregates o.
Mariana Roriz Abrantes

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a member of the coagulase-negative staphylococci and has gained substantial interest in recent years because it has become the most frequently cause of infections related to indwelling medical devices. Since S. epidermidis is resistant to some antibiotic treatments, it is of major importance to understand the mechanisms and the bacterial components involved in those mechanisms. Therefore, the present dissertation aimed to understand the mechanisms and the bacterial components involved in the antibacterial resistance mechanisms. The first goal of this work was the evaluation of the activity of different groups of antibiotics, such as cell-wall and protein synthesis inhibitors, on S. epidermidis biofilms. Changes on S. epidermidis biofilms were evaluated regarding the total biofilms biomass, bacteria viability and biofilm’s matrix changes after treatment. The second goal of this work was the evaluation of the influence of antibiotics on the matrix composition considering the contribution of PIA and extracellular DNA to the changes referred. Antibiotics treatment with the glycopeptides, vancomycin and teicoplanin, had an effect on significantly increasing the total biofilm biomass on all strains. Even though these antibiotics were effective against biofilm associated bacteria assessed by XTT, by DMMB staining method it become obvious that they had an effect on increasing the amount of biofilms matrix. Thus imply that they promoted the membrane rupture, enhancing PIA’s production and the formation of a rougher biofilm. Results found on the combinated treatment of DNase I plus antibiotics indicated that destruction of eDNA by DNase I leads to a decrease in the matrix, and as a result, antibacterial agents protein inhibitors, such as rifampicin and gentamicin, act more effectively to reduce the biofilm biomass. In conclusion, it was possible to evaluate that antibiotic agents promoted alterations on S. epidermidis biofilms. It was also possible to conclude that S. epidermidis biofilms from different strains showed an enhanced resistance to the application of treatment with glycopeptide antibiotics. Those antibiotics are normally reserved for use against multi-resistant staphylococci, however from this study data, it is of major importance to have a better understanding of the resistance mechanisms and to find different alternatives.
Factors associated with miscarriage and perinatal mortality in women with HIV infection

The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with miscarriage (defined as the interruption of pregnancy before the 20 week of gestation) and perinatal mortality (defined as fetal death from the 21st week of pregnancy until neonatal stage, occurring until the first week of life) in HIV-infected pregnant women. This retrospective, cross-sectional study included HIV-infected pregnant women from Brazil aged between 18 and 47 years, who had miscarriage, vaginal delivery, or delivery by cesarean section. Data on miscarriage or perinatal mortality, sociodemographic characteristics, clinical conditions, and treatment were obtained. Statistical analyses included the use of binary logistic regression. In this cohort, the prevalence of miscarriage was 6.1% and the perinatal mortality rate was 4.0%. Risk factors for miscarriage included drug use (OR = 6.23; CI = 0.5 to 73.1), multiple gestation (OR = 3.06; CI = 0.9 to 10.9), and lack of prenatal care (OR = 18.42; IC = 3.9 to 87.6). Moreover, risk factors for perinatal mortality included drug use (OR = 1.03; IC = 0.9 to 1.1), vaginal delivery (OR = 5.56; CI = 1.2 to 26.1), and the absence of antiretroviral use during labor (OR = 17.77; CI = 3.9 to 81.8). In order to reduce the rates of miscarriage and perinatal mortality in HIV-infected pregnant women, actions aimed at eliminating drug use during pregnancy, ensuring adequate prenatal care, performing elective cesarean section delivery, and using antiretroviral medications during labor should be prioritized.
Towards a Better Treatment of Parkinson's disease

46 Abbreviations 46 Introduction 47 Materials and Methods 50 Partial Lesion Model 50 Cylinder Test 51 Results 51 Model Verification 51 Sensitivity of Cylinder Test. 53 Consistency of Cylinder Test. 57 Correcting for Different Sets of Model Animals. 59 Dose Response. 62 Therapeutic Effect of Raclopride. 66 Overall Therapeutic Effect of Raclopride 68 Discussion 70 4. Discussion 72 Discussion and Conclusion 72 Introduction 72 Hypothesis 72 Electrophysiological Studies 72 Behavioral Studies 73 Conclusion 74 References 75
Consumer Attitudes Toward Genetically Modified Foods in the Brazilian Market: Which Benefits Can Reduce the Negativism?

Despite the benefits attributed to genetically modified foods, there is still a negative consumer attitude toward them in many countries. Two experiments were conducted in order to test the effects of genetic modification and product benefits on consumer attitudes and behavioral intentions. Results indicated that the presence of the genetic modification in the product led to negative evaluations of the consumer attitudes and the behavioral intentions, the benefits were not enough to attenuate the negative attitudes, consumers with high involvement with GM food presented a more favorable evaluation of the product and demographic variables also influenced the attitudes.
There is Something Special About Large Investors: Evidence From a Survey of Private Equity Limited Partners

Abstract: We show that investors with more dollar amount allocated to private equity conduct more thorough due diligence and have different investment criteria. The fraction allocated to private equity, the organization’s total asset under management, and other investor characteristics that broadly capture prestige, experience, and long-term relationship do not explain these differences in effort and beliefs. We also document several novel facts that contribute to opening the blackbox of the investment process in alternative asset classes. An implication of our results is that the emergence of gigantic institutional investors may come with a radical change in the beliefs and actions of the marginal investor.
Identification of bacterial strains from tannery effluent and reduction of hexavalent chromium

Four chromium-resistant bacteria were isolated from tannery effluent collected from Burgelarab, Alexandria, Egypt. These isolates displayed different degrees of chromate reduction under aerobic conditions. Based on 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis, two of them (S3 and S4) were identified as Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration for Acinetobacter sp. strain S3 was 160 mg l -1 , while it was 200 mg l -1 for Pseudomonas sp. strain S4. However, strain S4 was able to reduce a wide range of Cr (VI) concentrations from 20 to 200 mg l -1 ; while, it was reducing 64.4% of Cr (VI) at 160 mg l -1 within 72 hr. Immobilization experiments demonstrated that strain S4 in calcium alginate gel matrix was more effective than the using of free cells in chromium reduction.
Friction drag reduction achievable by near-wall turbulence manipulation at high Reynolds numbers

The Reynolds-number dependence of the drag reduction achievable by diminishing to zero the near-wall turbulent velocity fluctuations is clarified. This reduction could be obtained by a virtual active feedback control system. The formula derived suggests that large drag reduction can be attained even at high Reynolds numbers if turbulence fluctuations adjacent to the wall are completely damped. For example, 35% drag reduction rate can be obtained at Reτ=105 if the turbulence only below y+=10 vanishes. Thus, the active feedback control strategy, which has been studied mostly at low Reynolds numbers, would be much promising even in high Reynolds number flows of real applications. Results from the direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow at a Reynolds number of Reτ=642 are also presented to clarify the phenomena in the controlled flow.
Product Data Technology (PDT) Impact on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); the case of CASCADE and DEPUIS

This paper presents the cases of CASCADE (Co-operation and Standards for life Cycle Assessment Data in Europe) and DEPUIS (Design Environmental friendly Product Using information Standards), two projects that aimed at improving the eco-design of new products and services through an innovative implementation of ISO information standards. The paper presents an overview of the projects' objectives and results, thru highlighting the best practices for software manufacturers, consultants, suppliers, and customers, in improving Product Data Technology (PDT) integration during the implementation process of different manufacturing software’s and applications inside their firms.
Immission-load-related dynamics of S-SO42− in precipitation and in lysimetric solutions penetrating through beech ecosystems

Abstract The paper presents the results of a 23-year study of sulphate sulphur dynamics in beech ecosystems exposed to different immission loads. The amounts of S-SO42− in precipitation water entering the ecosystems were: the Kremnické vrchy Mts, a clear-cut area 519 kg ha−1 (24.7 kg ha−1 per year), a beech forest 476 kg ha−1 (22.7 kg ha−1 per year); the Štiavnické vrchy Mts an open place 401 kg ha−1 (24.6 kg ha−1 per year), a beech forest 324 kg ha−1 (19.1 kg ha−1 per year). The average SO42− concentrations in lysimetric solutions penetrating through surface humus to a depth of Cambisol 10 and 25 cm were increased as follows: in the Kremnické vrchy Mts from 12.71 to 16.17 mg l−1 and in the Štiavnické vrchy Mts from 18.73 to 28.80 mg l−1. The S-SO4−2 amounts penetrating the individual soil layers in the Kremnické vrchy Mts were as follows: in case of surface humus on clear-cut area 459 kg ha−1 (20.9 kg ha−1 per year), in beech forest 433 kg ha−1 (19.7 kg ha−1 per year); below 10 cm organo-mineral layer of the mentioned plots penetrated 169–171 kg ha−1 (7.7–7.8 kg ha−1 per year), and below 25 cm mineral layer 155–255 kg ha−1 (7.1−11.6 kg ha−1 per year) – a higher amount was found on clear-cut area with an episodic lateral flow of soil solutions. In beech forest of the Štiavnické vrchy Mts penetrated below surface humus 424 kg ha−1 S-SO42− (18.9 kg ha−1 per year), below 10 cm mineral layer 458 kg ha−1 S-SO42− (19.9 kg ha−1 per year), and below 25 cm mineral layer as much as 599 kg ha−1 S-SO42− (26.0 kg ha−1 per year). This fact was caused by frequent lateral flow of soil solutions. The results indicate that the assumption about lower immission load of the beech ecosystem in the Kremnické vrchy Mts is wrong, at least in the case of S-SO42−. The testing has revealed that the studied beech ecosystems differ very significantly in sulphur amounts penetrating under 0.10 m and 0.25 m. The inter-annual differences were insignificant.
Analyzing the relationship between performance measurement systems and organizational learning

TAMPERE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Master’s Degree Programme in Industrial Engineering and Management TURJA, IINA: Analyzing the relationship between performance measurement systems and organizational learning Master of Science Thesis, 95 pages March 2014 Major: Industrial Economy Examiner: Professor Petri Suomala and Doctor of Science Sanna Hilden
The Partogram: Knowledge, Attitude and Use by Healthcare Providers at Two Hospitals in the South West Region of Cameroon

Background: The use of the partogram is critical in preventing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Our main objective was to assess the use of the partogram among healthcare providers at the Limbe Regional (L.R) and Bota District (B.D) hospitals. Specifically, we sought to determine the knowledge on the partogram among healthcare providers, determine the prevalence of use of the partogram, and compare the knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare providers on the partogram in Limbe.
How parents build a case for autism spectrum disorder during initial assessments: ‘We’re fighting a losing battle’

Integral to the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is the initial assessment through which the existence of a ‘problem’ is first ascertained. Despite this, there remains limited research on this early part of the diagnostic pathway. In this article, we utilised conversation analysis to examine relevant issues in relation to the practitioner–family interactions that take place within this initial assessment context. Our findings illustrated that parents typically first raised the possibility of the presence of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis through ‘building a case’, which professionals were then able to ratify or negate. Furthermore, we found that the assessments unfolded sequentially and clinical decisions were typically reached through a distinctive pattern of interaction. These findings have important implications for clinical practice, including for the study of autism spectrum disorder assessments and diagnosis.
Polarization of Thomson Scattered Line Radiation from Broad Absorption Line Outflows in Quasars

About 10 percent of quasars are known to exhibit deep broad absorption troughs blueward of prominent permitted emission lines, which are usually attributed to the existence of out∞ows slightly above the accretion disk around the supermassive black hole. Typical widths up to 0:2c of these absorption troughs indicate the velocity scales in which special relativistic efiects may not be negligible. Under the assumption of the ubiquity of the broad absorption line region in quasars, the broad emission line ∞ux will exhibit Thomson scattered components from these fast out∞ows. In this paper, we provide our Monte Carlo calculation of linear polarization of singly Thomson scattered line radiation with the careful considerations of special relativistic efiects. The scattering region is approximated by a collection of rings that are moving outward with speeds v = cfl < 0:2c near the equatorial plane, and the scattered line photons are collected according to its direction and wavelength in the observer’s rest frame. We flnd that the signiflcantly extended red tail appears in the scattered radiation. We also flnd that the linear degree of polarization of singly Thomson scattered line radiation is wavelength-dependent and that there are signiflcant difierences in the linear degree of polarization from that computed from classical physics in the far red tail. We propose that the semi-forbidden broad emission line C III]1909 may be signiflcantly contributed from Thomson scattering because this line has small resonance scattering optical depth in the broad absorption line region, which leads to distinct and signiflcant polarized ∞ux in this broad emission line.
Metabolik sendromlu hastalarda ortalama trombosit hacminin subklinik ateroskleroz ile ilişkisi Relation between mean platelet volume and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome

ÖZET Amaç: Metabolik sendrom (MetS), kardiyovasküler morbidite ve mortalitede artış ile ilişkilidir. MetS’de trombosit aktivasyonunun arttığına dair kanıtlar bulunmaktadır. Trombosit aktivasyonunun bir göstergesi olan ortalama trombosit hacmi (OTH), aterotromboz için tanımlanmış risk faktörlerinden biridir. Çalışmamızda MetS’li hastalarda karotis intima medya kalınlığı (KİMK) ölçümü ile değerlendirilen subklinik ateroskleroz ile OTH arasında ilişki olup olmadığı araştırıldı. Çalışma planı: Çalışmaya MetS’li 74 hasta alındı. Hastalar KİMK ölçümüne göre, KİMK ≥1.0 mm olan 35 hasta grup 1, KİMK <1.0 mm olan 39 hasta ise grup 2 olmak üzere ikiye ayrıldı. Ortalama trombosit hacmi otomatik kan sayım cihazı ile ölçüldü. Bulgular: Ortalama trombosit hacmi, KİMK ≥1.0 mm olan hastalarda KİMK <1.0 mm olan hastalara kıyasla anlamlı olarak yüksekti (8.2±0.7 ve 7.8±0.6 fl; p=0.01). Çalışmamızda trombosit sayısının KİMK ≥1.0 mm olan grupta anlamlı olarak daha düşük olduğu görüldü. Sonuç: Metabolik sendrom tanısı konmuş hastalarda OTH değerleri takip edilerek ilerleyen dönemlerdeki ateroskleroz riski gösterilebilir. Bu nedenle, çalışmamızın sonuçları MetS’li hastalarda ateroskleroz riskinin erken dönemde tespitinde OTH’nin önemli bir belirteç olduğunu göstermektedir. ABSTRACT Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is evidence of increased platelet activation in MetS. Mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet activation, is one of the risk factors for atherothrombosis. Therefore, in MetS patients we investigated the possible association (if any) between subclinical atherosclerosis, as evaluated by carotid intimamedia thickness (CIMT) measurement and MPV. Study design: Seventy-four patients with MetS were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their CIMT measurements: Group 1, n=35; CIMT ≥1.0 mm, and Group 2, n=39; CIMT <1.0 mm. MPV was measured using an automated blood cell counter. Results: The mean MPV level was significantly higher in patients with CIMT ≥1.0 mm than in patients with CIMT <1.0 mm (8.2±0.7 vs. 7.8±0.6 fl; p=0.01). In our study, we observed that platelet counts were statistically significantly lower in CIMT ≥1.0 mm group. Conclusion: The risk of atherosclerosis could be shown by following the MPV values in MetS patients. Therefore, the results of our study suggest that MPV is an important marker for early detection of atherosclerotic risk in patients with MetS.
Desarrollo cognitivo en la primera infancia: influencia de los factores de riesgo biológicos y ambientales

espanolLos objetivos de este estudio fueron estudiar la frecuencia de dificultades en el desarrollo cognitivo y detectar los factores de riesgo a partir de la evaluacion de 956 ninos de 6 a 30 meses de edad, sanos, nacidos a termino, con peso de nacimiento normal, provenientes de 11 provincias argentinas. Resultados: 3 de cada 10 ninos presentaron deficits en el desarrollo cognitivo. Las variables: edad del nino (mayores de 15 meses), edad gestacional (37 y 38 semanas), menor edad materna, desocupacion paterna y ausencia paterna estan asociados a mayor frecuencia de riesgo y retraso en el desarrollo cognitivo. Conclusiones: Destacamos la relevancia del segundo ano de vida para deteccion de dificultades y repensar las caracteristicas del desarrollo cognitivo en ninos de 37 y 38 semanas de gestacion. Se encontraron factores de riesgo ambientales que consideramos marcadores de nivel socioeconomico bajo. EnglishThe aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of difficulties in cognitive development and to detect risk factors assessing 956 children, from 6 to 30 months old, healthy, born on term, with normal birth weight, from 11 Argentine provinces. Results: 3 out of 10 children presented cognitive development deficits. The variables: child age (older than 15 months), gestational age (37 and 38 weeks), younger maternal age, jobless and absent father figure were associated to greater risk frequency and delay in cognitive development. Conclusions: we highlight the relevance of the second year of life for thedetection of difficulties as well as to reconsider cognitive development characteristics in children with a 37 and 38 period of gestation. Environmental risk factors that we consider markers of low socioeconomic level markers were found.
Effect of Intramammary Injection of Nigella Sativa on Somatic Cell Count and Staphylococcus Aureus Count in Holstein Cows with S. aureus Subclinical Mastitis

Problem statement: The seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. (Ranunculaceae) known as black seed or black cumin, are used in herbal medicine all over the world for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases and conditions that include asthma, diarrhea and dyslipidaemia. Approach: In this study the effect of intramammary injection of Nigella Sativa Extract (NSE) in paraffin on quarter milk, quality and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and the shedding pattern of Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. Thirty Holstein cows, naturally infected with S. aureus subclinical mastitis, were subjected to treatment with the NSE at a dose of 10 mL in paraffin (200 mg mL −1 ) per day for 3 days, or with 10 mL paraffin as control. The injection areas were checked for adverse reactions. The daily milk production was measured before and after treatment. Intramammary injection of NSE caused a remarkable healing. Quarter milk samples were collected for bacteriological analysis and Somatic Cell Counts (SCC). The bacterial count moderately decreased in the treatment group. After the end of the treatment, the numbers of S. aureus-infected quarters and milk SCC tended to decrease in the NSE- treated cows. These clarifications were significantly higher one week post-treatment than pre- treatment. Similar changes were not observed in the control group. Results: The results of the present study showed that the NSE has potential as a therapeutic agent for S. aureus infection causing subclinical mastitis of dairy cows and may contribute to the cow's recovery from mastitis. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results indicate that Nigella sativa might act as an antibacterial in vivo in dairy cows.
Title : The Greeks in the West : genetic signatures of the Hellenic colonization in southern Italy and Sicily

Greek colonization of South Italy and Sicily (Magna Graecia) was a defining event in European cultural history, although the demographic processes and genetic impacts involved have not been systematically investigated. Here, we combine high-resolution surveys of the variability at the uni-parentally inherited Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA in selected samples of putative source and recipient populations with forward-in-time simulations of alternative demographic models to detect signatures of that impact. Using a subset of haplotypes chosen to represent historical sources, we recover a clear signature of Greek ancestry in East Sicily compatible with the settlement from Euboea during the Archaic Period (8th-5th century BCE). We inferred moderate sex-biases in the numbers of individuals involved in the colonization: a few thousand breeding males and a few hundred breeding females were the estimated number of migrants. Lastly, we demonstrate that studies aimed at quantifying Hellenic genetic flow by the proportion of specific lineages surviving in present-day populations may lead to misleading conclusions. Running title: Genetic legacy of Magna Graecia