Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bone Turnover Markers Relations to Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Bone Turnover Markers Relations to Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by low bone mass and high bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women (PM). The relationship between biochemical bone markers C-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTX) and osteocalcin (OC), and bone mineral density (BMD) in the postmenopausal period was examined in 104 PM women divided into three groups according to their BMD: group A - control PM with normal bone density, group B - osteopenic PM and group C - osteoporotic PM. Mean CTX values were highest in group C (0.54±0.24 ng/mL) compared to group B (0.44±0.21 ng/mL) (p<0.0001), and group A (0.33±0.13 ng/mL) (p<0.029). Mean OC levels in group C (26.83±9.91 ng/mL) were significantly higher compared to group A (20.47±7.03 ng/mL) (p<0.011) but not significantly higher compared to group B (24.11±8.38 ng/mL) (p>0.05). Postmenopause duration was longest in group C (13.1±8.31 yrs) compared to group B (9.6±6.24 yrs), and group A (8.15±6.86 yrs). Postmenopausal women developed osteoporosis with longer menopause duration. PM osteoporotic women were characterized by increased levels of bone turnover markers indicating increased rate of bone remodeling, which resulted in excessive bone resorption, and loss of bone mass. Long-term persistence of high bone resorption marker CTX, insufficiently compensated with bone formation marker OC, enabled osteoporosis development. Odnosi Između Markera Koštanog Prometa i Postmenopauzalne Osteoporoze Osteoporoza je sistemska bolest koju karakterišu nizak nivo markera koštane mase i visok nivo markera koštanog prometa kod žena u postmenopauzi (PM). Odnos između biohemijskih koštanih markera, C-telopeptida kolagena tipa 1 (CTX) i osteokalcina (OC), i mineralne gustine kostiju (BMD) u periodu postmenopauze ispitivan je kod 104 žene u PM koje su prema BMD podeljene u tri grupe: grupa A - kontrolna grupa žena u PM sa normalnom gustinom kostiju, grupa B - žene u PM sa osteopenijom, i grupa C - žene u PM sa osteoporozom. Prosečne vrednosti CTX bile su najviše u grupi C (0,54±0,24 ng/mL), u poređenju sa grupom B (0,44±0,21 ng/mL) (p>0,0001) i grupom A (0,33±0,13 ng/mL) (p>0,029). Srednje vrednosti OC bile su značajno više u grupi C (26,83±9,91 ng/mL) u poređenju sa grupom A (20,47±7,03 ng/mL) (p>0,011), ali ne i značajno više u poređenju sa grupom B (24,11±8,38 ng/mL) (p>0,05). Trajanje postmenopauze bilo je najduže u grupi C (13,1±8,31 god.) u poređenju sa grupom B (9,6±6,24 god.) i grupom A (8,15±6,86 god.). Žene u postmenopauzi sa dužim trajanjem menopauze dobile su osteoporozu. Žene u PM sa osteoporozom imale su povišene nivoe markera koštanog prometa što je ukazalo na povišenu stopu koštanog remodelovanja, čiji je rezultat preterana koštana resorpcija, i gubitak koštane mase. Dugotrajno prisustvo visokih nivoa markera koštane resorpcije CTX, uz nedovoljnu kompenzaciju od strane markera za formiranje kostiju OC, omogućilo je razvoj osteoporoze.
Physicochemical properties of rhodanese: A cyanide detoxifying enzyme from Pentadiplandra brazzeana (Baill) root

Rhodanese a ubiquitous sulphur transferase enzyme catalyses the detoxification of cyanide to a less toxic thiocyanate. Rhodanese from the root of Pentadiplandra brazzeana was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and affinity chromatography. The enzyme had a specific activity of 4.82 RU/mg of protein. The Km values of the substrates (KCN and Na2S2O3) were 11.76 and 10 mM, respectively. The optimum pH and temperature of the enzyme activity were 8.0 and 60°C, respectively. The enzyme was not inhibited by the heavy metals (BaCl2, KCl, NiCl2, NaCl, MnCl2, and ZnCl2). This study affirmed the presence of rhodanese in the root of P. brazzeana, an indication that the plant may be of useful biotechnological application, especially in bioremediation of cyanide intoxified farm sites. Key words: Cyanide, rhodanese, detoxification, inhibition, Pentadiplandra brazzeana.
Dinitrotoluene Synthesis Using Solid State Catalysts - MoO3/SiO2 and H3PO4/MoO3/SiO2

Dinitrotoluene (DNT) has a lot of applications. It is mainly used in the production of polyurethane forms. Other uses include the explosives industry. It is converted to trinitrotoluene (TNT), or used as an additive in propellants. The main aim of these researches was to obtain DNT in one stage process with solid acid catalyst and nitric acid. The solid catalysts were composed of transition metal oxide (MoO3) and silica gel. One of them was modified by phosphoric acid (H3PO4/MoO3/SiO2). The addition of phosphoric acid to these catalysts enhances catalytic properties and gives new structures on the surface – mixture of MoO3 and 12-molybdophosphoric acid. The activity of two catalysts in toluene nitration was compared. Higher yields of DNT were obtained in shorter time and with lower excess of HNO3 using modified catalyst H3PO4/MoO3/SiO2 than using catalyst MoO3/SiO2. The very high yield of DNT (85%) was obtained in the reaction with only tenfold excess of nitric acid with 10 g of H3PO4/MoO3/SiO2. The way of regeneration of the catalyst system H3PO4/MoO3/SiO2 was found and time of storing was examined.
THE EFFECT OF BLEACHING ON MICROHARDNESS OF SILORANE-BASED COMPOSITE RESINS

Introduction: Bleaching treatments may negatively affect the surface quality of composite restorations existing in the mouth. This study sought to assess the effect of 16% and 35% carbamide peroxide on microhardness of silorane-based versus two methacrylate-based composite resins. Methods: A total of 54 discs were fabricated from FiltekP90 (P90), FiltekZ350XT(Z350) Enamel and Filtek Z250(Z250) (n=18). Each group of composite specimens was randomly divided into 3 subgroups (n=6). The control subgroup was stored in distilled water for 2 weeks. Subgroup 2 specimens were bleached 4hours a day with 16% carbamide peroxide (Home bleaching) for 14 days. The 3 rd subgroup specimens were subjected to 35% carbamide peroxide (Office bleaching) applied once for 40 minutes. Microhardness of specimens was measured before and after bleaching by using Vickers hardness testing machine. Data were analyzed by using Repeated Measures ANOVA. Results: Baseline microhardness of P90 was lower than that of the other two composite resins (p=0.001). Bleaching decreased the microhardness of Z250 and Z350 compared to the control group (p<0.001). However, in P90, only the office bleaching material caused a reduction in microhardness (p=0.009). The effect of home and office bleaching on microhardness of P90 was different (p=0.015). Conclusion: Bleaching treatments significantly decreased the microhardness of Z250 and Z350 composite resins but this reduction in P90 was not statistically significant after home bleaching.
Differential asteroseismic study of seismic twins observed by CoRoT - Comparison of HD 175272 with HD 181420

Context. The CoRoT short asteroseismic runs give us the opportunity to observe a large variety of late-type stars through their solarlike oscillations. We report the observation and modeling of the F5V star HD 175272. Aims. Our aim is to define a method for extracting as much information as possible from a noisy oscillation spectrum. Methods. We followed a differential approach that consists of using a well-known star as a reference to characterize another star. We used classical tools such as the envelope autocorrelation function to derive the global seismic parameters of the star. We compared HD 175272 with HD 181420 through a linear approach, because they appear to be asteroseismic twins. Results. The comparison with the reference star enables us to substantially enhance the scientific output for HD 175272. First, we determined its global characteristics through a detailed seismic analysis of HD 181420. Second, with our differential approach, we measured the difference of mass, radius and age between HD 175272 and HD 181420. Conclusions. We have developed a general method able to derive asteroseismic constraints on a star even in case of low-quality data. This method can be applied to stars with interesting properties but low signal-to-noise ratio oscillation spectrum, such as stars hosting an exoplanet or members of a binary system.
On the dimensions of a family of overlapping self-affine carpets

We consider the dimensions of a family of self-affine sets related to the Bedford–McMullen carpets. In particular, we fix a Bedford–McMullen system and then randomize the translation vectors with the stipulation that the column structure is preserved. As such, we maintain one of the key features in the Bedford–McMullen set-up in that alignment causes the dimensions to drop from the affinity dimension. We compute the Hausdorff, packing and box dimensions outside of a small set of exceptional translations, and also for some explicit translations even in the presence of overlapping. Our results rely on, and can be seen as a partial extension of, Hochman’s recent work on the dimensions of self-similar sets and measures.
An Analysis of the Effect of Consumption Spending and Investment on Indonesia’s Economic Growth

This study aims to examine the effect of investment and consumption spending on Indonesia’s economic growth. The data used is the quarterly time series data from the first quarter of year 2003 to the fourth quarter of year 2013, comprising consumption spending, investment and economic growth. For the purpose of analysis, the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is used. The result of the study reveals that there are long-run and short-run effects of consumption spending on economic growth. Meanwhile, the effect of investment on economic growth is not significant. The study also reveals that the increase in government spending on economic growth is 1.88% if the consumption spending rises by 1%.
Assessing genetic variability in male sterile and low fertile citrus cultivars utilizing simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs)

Understanding phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity in citrus are important in clarifying genetic relationships, characterizing germplasm and the registration of new cultivars. In this study, the genetic diversity of 28 accessions of citrus including male sterile, sterile, low fertile and fertile cultivars were investigated using eight pairs of simple sequence repeat markers (SSR) markers, which in total, 54 polymorphic alleles with an average of 4.2 alleles per primer were detected. The lowest number of alleles was observed in TAA27, CTT01, CCSM18 and ATC09 loci with only three alleles and the highest number of alleles was observed in TAA15 locus with eight alleles. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values changed from 0.34 (AG14) to 0.90 (CCSM18). Genetic similarities among accessions were calculated according to Jaccard similarity index and used to construct a dendrogram based on the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) which put the 28 samples into four major groups (A, B, C and D). The cultivars of male sterile satsuma mandarin were clustered into group A; those of orange, grapefruit and Page (a complex hybrid) into group B; mandarin cultivars into group C; and lemon Lisbon into group D. Genetic analysis of sterile and low fertile citrus, provide useful information for further breeding programs, collection, preservation and utilization. Key words : Male sterility, genetic diversity, SSR markers, citrus.
DIPLOMARBEIT Microtubule Length Distribution : A Modeling Approach

Microtubules are highly dynamic elements of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. In this thesis a model for the length distribution of microtubules in consideration of GTP caps is introduced. The presence of a GTP cap prevents a microtubule from depolymerization. Therefore, the dynamic of GTP caps plays a crucial role for the length distribution of microtubules. Under the biological motivated assumption that a microtubule that loses its GTP cap immediately starts to depolymerize, the length distribution of microtubules is investigated. It will be shown that the numerical approximation of the model developed in this thesis corresponds with molecular biological observations and with a di erent modeling approach which considers protein-induced severing of microtubules instead of GTP caps.
Attenuation and scattering tomography of the deep plumbing system of Mount St. Helens

We present a combined 3‐D P wave attenuation, 2‐D S coda attenuation, and 3‐D S coda scattering tomography model of fluid pathways, feeding systems, and sediments below Mount St. Helens (MSH) volcano between depths of 0 and 18 km. High‐scattering and high‐attenuation shallow anomalies are indicative of magma and fluid‐rich zones within and below the volcanic edifice down to 6 km depth, where a high‐scattering body outlines the top of deeper aseismic velocity anomalies. Both the volcanic edifice and these structures induce a combination of strong scattering and attenuation on any seismic wavefield, particularly those recorded on the northern and eastern flanks of the volcanic cone. North of the cone between depths of 0 and 10 km, a low‐velocity, high‐scattering, and high‐attenuation north‐south trending trough is attributed to thick piles of Tertiary marine sediments within the St. Helens Seismic Zone. A laterally extended 3‐D scattering contrast at depths of 10 to 14 km is related to the boundary between upper and lower crust and caused in our interpretation by the large‐scale interaction of the Siletz terrane with the Cascade arc crust. This contrast presents a low‐scattering, 4–6 km2 “hole” under the northeastern flank of the volcano. We infer that this section represents the main path of magma ascent from depths greater than 6 km at MSH, with a small north‐east shift in the lower plumbing system of the volcano. We conclude that combinations of different nonstandard tomographic methods, leading toward full‐waveform tomography, represent the future of seismic volcano imaging.
Suitable Condition of Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil–Al-Baha City – KSA

In this study biodiesel was synthesized from waste cooking oil from Al-Baha city – KSA by alkali catalyzed transesterification. Optimization of reaction conditions: catalyst amount, reaction temperature, reaction time and oil to methanol molar ratio have been studied. The best conversion value (96.33%) was obtained form 0.35 wt% NaOH catalyst amount, 30 min reaction time, 55°C reaction temperature and 1:6 oil to methanol molar ratio. Biodiesel viscosity, specific gravity, pour point, cloud point, acid value and cetane number were measured and compared with ASTM D 6571 standard for biodiesel. The fatty acid methyl esters have been analyzed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry.
Distributional Impact Analysis of the Energy Price Reform in Turkey

A pricing reform in Turkey increased the residential electricity tariff by more than 50 percent in 2008. The reform, aimed at encouraging energy efficiency and private investment, sparked considerable policy debate about its potential impact on household welfare. This paper estimates a short-run residential electricity demand function for evaluating the distributional consequences of the tariff reform. The model allows heterogeneity in household price sensitivities and is estimated using a national sample of 18,671 Turkish households. The model also addresses the common problem of missing data in survey research. The study reveals a highly skewed distribution of price elasticities in the population, with rich households three times more responsive in adjusting consumption to price changes than the poor. This is most likely because the poor are close to their minimum electricity consumption levels and have fewer coping options. In addition, the welfare loss of the poorest quintile -- measured by the consumer surplus change as a percentage of income -- is 2.9 times of that of the wealthiest.
Significance of chaetal arrangement for maldanid systematics (Annelida, Maldanidae)

Maldanids are usually divided into several subfamilies: Euclymeninae, Lumbriclymeninae, Maldaninae, Nicomachinae, Rhodininae, Clymenurinae, Notoproctinae, and Boguinae. The taxonomy of maldanids and the delimination of these taxa are mainly based on head morphology, total number of segments, chaetal structure, shape of the pygidium, and position of the anus. The maldanid ingroup relationships, as well as the monophyly of the proposed subfamilies, have so far not been investigated. Pilgrim (1977) described a shift of the notopodial chaetal rows from a transverse direction in anterior chaetigers to a more longitudinal one in posterior chaetigers in Clymene torquata (Leidy, 1855) and Euclymene oerstedii (Claparede, 1863), both belonging to the Euclymeninae. We investigated several maldanid species to assess the usefulness of this character for maldanid systematics and used 3D-reconstruction techniques to reveal the complete geometry of the chaetal sacs. Our investigation shows that a shift is apparent in Euclymene, Axiothella, Johnstonia (all Euclymeninae) and Clymenura (Clymenurinae), but absent in species like Maldane sarsi (Malmgren, 1865), Metasychis disparidentata (Moore, 1904) (both Maldaninae) and Petaloproctus borealis Ardwisson, 1906 (Nicomachinae). The shift is not typical for sedentary polychaetes and is apomorphic within maldanid polychaetes. It thus argues for a close relationship between Euclymeninae and Clymenurinae. The investigation of further maldanid species of different subfamilies may shed additional light on maldanid systematics.
Neuroprotective Mechanism of (+)SKF 10,047 In Vitro and in Gerbil Global Brain Ischemia

Background and Purpose: The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor is believed to mediate part of the ischemic neuronal damage caused by the excitatory amino acid glutamate. (+)SKF 10,047, the prototypic er-agonist, interacts with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Therefore, we studied the neuroprotective effect of (+)SKF 10,047 on cultured rat cerebellar neurons and on CA1 hippocampal neurons of gerbils exposed to brain ischemia. Methods: Mechanisms of neuroprotection were studied in vitro by measuring calcium influx into cultured rat cerebellar granule cells loaded with fura 2-AM. In vivo neuroprotection of gerbil CA1 hippocampal neurons was studied in a posttreatment regimen following 5 minutes of bilateral carotid artery occlusion and 7 days of reperfusion. Results: In primary cultured rat cerebellar granule cell neurons, (+)SKF 10,047 in a dose-dependent manner diminished intracellular calcium levels of iV-methyl-D-aspartate-stimuIated neurons by a maximum of 87% (n=8), with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.8 μM. (+)SKF 10,047 did not prevent subsequent calcium influx stimulated by kainic acid or KC1, nor did it interfere with modulation of the kainate response by quisqualic acid. Neuroprotection of 64% (p=0.006, n = 15) of gerbil CA1 hippocampal neurons was achieved by posttreatment injection followed by minipump infusion. Conclusions: Neuroprotection by (+)SKF 10,047 most likely involves interaction at the N-methyl-Daspartate receptor. These results suggest that the benzomorphan class of σ-agonists may provide neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia and stroke.
To give, or not to give; to volunteer, or not to volunteer, that is the question Evidence on Japanese philanthropic behavior revealed by the JGSS-2005 data set

This paper employs a unique new data set (the JGSS-2005) to test the relationship between giving and volunteering. What factors affect people’s decisions to give and/or to volunteer? Is a giver also a volunteer and vice visa? Research on philanthropic behavior to provide answers to these questions has been overlooked because volunteering is regarded as working for nothing and giving is regarded as a money transfer from one to the other. In short, they do not fit traditional principles of economics. However, philanthropic behavior now receives considerable attention in the literature because several surveys have revealed that the number of people who give time and money is not negligible. While this paper also searches for factors affecting people’s decisions to give and to volunteer, this paper mainly focuses on the direct effect of giving on volunteering and vice visa. The results from our estimation reveal that a volunteer is also a giver, while a giver is not necessarily a volunteer.
A Model of Website Quality-Based E-Commerce Satisfaction Index

Abstract In the contemporary highly competitive e-business market, organization’s success depends on satisfaction and loyalty of its customers. Whereas the differentiation of the determinants and their impact on customer satisfaction in different countries exists, the research aims at developing a model of website quality-based e-commerce customer satisfaction index. While achieving the aim of the article, the analysis and synthesis of scientific literature is provided. Furthermore, quantitative research and the analysis of the research results by means of principle component analysis, structural equation modelling using partial least squares path modelling methodology, and Importance-Performance matrix are applied. As a research result, the model of website quality-based e-commerce customer satisfaction index is elaborated. Latter model indicates the factors, which are worth investments in order to gain customer satisfaction and loyalty. As a result, not profitable investments might be avoided, which could contribute to the growing competitiveness of e-business.
CO2–Mineral Reaction in a Natural Analogue for CO2 Storage—Implications for Modeling

Geochemical models of CO2 injection into reservoir sandstones often predict the growth of minerals that will permanently store the CO2 in solid form, and injection experiments record significant fluctuations in porewater chemistry on a short time scale. Yet the proportion of CO2 reaction may be small, even over geological time scales. A southern North Sea (UK) gas accumulation with a high natural CO2 content (c. 50%) forms a natural analogue to engineered storage, and provides a calibration point for geochemical models of CO2–rock reaction. In the analogue site, the carbonate mineral dawsonite has formed in only trace amounts (0.4 ± 0.3% solid volume) despite exposure to high levels of CO2 for 50 Myr or more. It is calculated that only 2.4 (± 0.9)% of the CO2 present within the structure is currently locked up as dawsonite, and a similar quantity in solution in the porewaters. Comparison of stable O and C isotopes with a neighboring field with low CO2 content gas suggests that up to 0.7 (± 2)% solid volume dolomite cement is associated with the CO2 charge, equivalent to 0–25% of the total CO2. The remaining 70–95% of the CO2 is present as a free phase, after tens of millions of years. Consequently, geological storage of anthropogenic CO2 in reservoirs similar to the Rotliegend Group must rely on physical containment and not mineral sequestration. The Rotliegend Group is still an excellent candidate for a CO2 storage reservoir, though using physical trapping mechanisms and not chemical ones.