Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fe, Mn, and Cr doped BiCoO3 for magnetoelectric application: a first-principles study

The tetragonal compound BiCoO3 may play a significant role in magnetoelectric devices if its magnetism can be tuned and its strong ferroelectricity maintained. Here we have studied Fe, Mn, and Cr doped BiCoO3 with a concentration of 12.5% by density functional theory (DFT) and DFT + U calculations. It is found that all the doped magnetic ions favor ferromagnetic coupling in the C-type antiferromagnetic BiCoO3 lattice, leading to net magnetic moments of 1, 1, 0 μB for Bi8Co7XO24, where X = Fe, Cr, and Mn, respectively. Meanwhile, the Berry phase calculations indicate that the strong ferroelectricity is almost preserved for Fe, Cr, and Mn doped BiCoO3, with values of 172.7, 152.1, and 169.8 µC cm − 2, respectively, close to the original polarization value of 174.9 µC cm − 2. As a result, Cr or Fe doping may be useful to make the BiCoO3 system ferrimagnetic while maintaining its excellent ferroelectric performance.
Multigrid Algorithms for the Solution of Linear Complementarity Problems Arising from Free Boundary Problems

Several free boundary problems (including saturated-unsaturated flow through porous dams, elastic-plastic torsion and cavitating journal bearings) can be formulated as linear complementarity problems of the following type: Find a nonnegative function u which satisfies prescribed boundary conditions on a given domain and which, furthermore, satisfies a linear elliptic equation at each point of the domain where u is greater than zero. We show that the multigrid FAS algorithm, which was developed by Brandt to solve boundary value problems for elliptic partial differential equations, can easily be adapted to handle linear complementarity problems. For large problems, the resulting algorithm, PFAS (projected full approximation scheme) is significantly faster than previous single-grid algorithms, since the computation time is proportional to the number of grid points on the finest grid.We then introduce two further multigrid algorithms, PFASMD and PFMG. PFASMD is a modification of PFAS which is considerably faster than PFAS. Using PFMG (projected full multigrid) it is possible to solve a linear complementarity problem to within truncation error using less work than the equivalent of seven Gauss–Seidel sweeps on the finest grid.
Reactive Hypoglycemia

Twelve diabetes staff memb ers , including doctors , nurses , and paramedical pe rsonnel , parti cipated in a I -week experiment in which the lifestyle of a patient with insulin-dep endent diabetes was simulated . The participants underwent teaching in urine testing , twice daily insulin injections , and diet including snacks . Th e staff came to apprecia te unforese en details and pitfalls in the daily life of a diabetic . For insta nce one missed a meal while working, one was late for meals twice , and snacks were freque ntly omitted. Urine tests were often inaccurate and doubl e voiding was reported as a nuisance by most participants . Geographic probl em s arose from insulin in the refrigerator , urine testing equipme nt in the bath room , and syringes in the bedr oom . The simulati on exp eriment is recommended for all staff involved in diabetes education.
Assessment of patients' satisfaction in medical and surgical wards in a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND Evolution is the natural process that is not limited merely to the biological world but to the social world as well. The standards of living and the expectations change with time. This study was done to generate data that can help doctors and hospital administration to identify and solve problems. METHODS It was a cross-sectional study conducted at a major tertiary care hospital of KPK through the month of July 2012. An interviewer based patient satisfaction questionnaire was used to estimate patients' satisfaction by asking questions regarding admission procedure, referral, clinical and lab investigation services, attitude of doctors and nurses, nursing services, cleanliness condition of the wards and overall level of satisfaction. RESULTS Study included 305 patients, 205 from surgical wards (144 males, 61 females) and 100 from Medical wards (52 males, 48 female). Satisfaction level was high among females than males. Most of the patients having low level of education and unemployed patients were satisfied. Cleanliness condition of wards and bathrooms was highly criticised. Attitude of doctors and nurses was much appreciated. About 70% of the patients were satisfied with explanation regarding their disease. More than half (59%) were not aware of post-surgical complications, and 67% were not aware of the use and possible side-effects of medication. About half of the patients couldn't utilise hospital lab. Overall satisfaction level was 68% in medical wards and 77% in surgical wards. CONCLUSIONS Overall level of satisfaction was fair in both wards. Attitude of doctors and nursing staff was appreciated, but cleanliness conditions were criticised. There is a need for availability of free medicine and improvement of laboratory services and cleanliness.
Description of three new European cryptic species of Gyrodactylus Nordmann, 1832 supported by nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenetic characterization

Three previously undescribed species of wageneri group of Gyrodactylus Nordmann, 1832 (subgenus Limnonephrotus, Gyrodactylidae, Monogenoidea) related to G. lavareti Malmberg, 1957 are described here. G. pomeraniae sp. nov. was found on roach (Rutilus rutilus) in Poland and Belgium, G. ouluensis sp. nov. on roach in Finland and G. salvelini sp. nov. on Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in the Lake Inari, Finland. A molecular redescription of G. lavareti on Coregonus lavaretus is also presented, and G. bliccensis on Alburnus alburnus from river Morava, Czech Republic is included in the phylogenetic analysis. In addition, a hybrid clone of maternal G. pomeraniae sp. nov. and paternal G. lavareti found on farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is characterized. The molecular species description was based on the complete CO1 gene of the mitochondrial DNA, and on phylogenetic comparison of the internal transcribed spacer segment (ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The species hosted by cyprinids were basal in the phylogeny rooted by numerous relatives of wageneri-species group.
Meta‐analysis shows limited evidence for using Lactobacillus acidophilus LB to treat acute gastroenteritis in children

A meta‐analysis of four randomised controlled trials of varying methodological quality, involving 304 children aged 1–48 months, showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus LB (LB) reduced the duration of diarrhoea in hospitalised, but not outpatient, children compared with a placebo. The chance of a cure on day three was similar in both groups, but LB increased the chance of cure on day four.
Carotenoids and pH of the culture medium play an important role in displaying metal stress in batch and semi-continuous cultures of Anabaena doliolum

We analysed the responses of Anabaena doliolum to elevated levels of copper and zinc in batch and semi-continuous cultures. Approximately 10, 4 and 8 and 5-times greater inhibition in final yield of A. doliolum occurred at 1, 2 μM Cu and 2.5 and 5 μM of Zn, respectively, in semi-continuous culture in comparison to batch culture. Protein, chlorophyl a and carotenoid contents of A. doliolum showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher inhibition by test metals in semi-continuous culture than in batch culture. The greater sensitivity of different parameters of the test organism was related to the high metal content of the cells grown in semi-continuous system. Moreover, enhancement of pH of the culture suspension in batch culture showed a negative relationship with metal accumulation, and therefore with toxicity. This was due to decrease in free ionic concentrations of test metals. Carotenoids acted as a metal detoxifying agent by minimizing metal-induced inhibition in batch culture as was evident from its negative relationship with metal toxicity.
Lasing Directionality and Polarization Behavior in Continuous-Wave Ring Raman Lasers Based on Micro- and Nano-Scale Silicon Waveguides

A generic model is introduced to describe the lasing characteristics of continuous-wave circular and racetrack-shaped ring Raman lasers based on micro- and nano-scale silicon waveguides. This model explicitly takes into account the effective Raman gain values for forward and backward lasing in the ring resonator, the presence of a bus waveguide in which the Stokes laser radiation coupled out from the ring undergoes additional Raman amplification, and the spatial gain variations for different polarization states in the ring structure. I show numerically that ring lasers based on micro-scale waveguides generate unidirectional lasing in either the forward or backward direction because of an asymmetry in nonlinear losses, whereas those based on nanowires yield only backward lasing due to a non-reciprocity in effective gain. Furthermore, the model indicates that backward lasing can yield a significantly higher Stokes output at the bus waveguide facets than lasing in the forward direction. Finally, considering a TE-polarized pump input for a (100) grown silicon ring Raman laser, I demonstrate numerically that the polarization state of the Stokes lasing radiation strongly depends on whether micro-scale or nano-scale waveguides are used.
Auricular exostoses in the prehistoric population of Gran Canaria.

Auditory exostoses are bone anomalies located in the external auditory canal. The bulk of clinical observations and some experimental data support the idea that their development depends on prolonged exposure to cold water. This study was performed in order to analyze the prevalence of auditory exostoses among the prehispanic population of Gran Canaria, comparing it between men and women and between individuals buried in coastal regions and central highlands. We analyzed 323 crania, 41 of which showed auditory exostoses. Marked differences in prevalence were observed between the individuals buried in the central highlands (0.88%) and those buried in coastal regions (40.21%). Among the latter, the prevalence was similar in men (41.67%) and in women (38.89%). These data support the hypothesis that individuals buried in coastal regions performed economic activities related to exploitation of marine resources, whereas those living in the central highlands did not; however, diachronic variation cannot be excluded.
Evidence for a Shared Mechanism in the Formation of Urea-Induced Kinetic and Equilibrium Intermediates of Horse Apomyoglobin from Ultrarapid Mixing Experiments

In this study, the equivalence of the kinetic mechanisms of the formation of urea-induced kinetic folding intermediates and non-native equilibrium states was investigated in apomyoglobin. Despite having similar structural properties, equilibrium and kinetic intermediates accumulate under different conditions and via different mechanisms, and it remains unknown whether their formation involves shared or distinct kinetic mechanisms. To investigate the potential mechanisms of formation, the refolding and unfolding kinetics of horse apomyoglobin were measured by continuous- and stopped-flow fluorescence over a time range from approximately 100 μs to 10 s, along with equilibrium unfolding transitions, as a function of urea concentration at pH 6.0 and 8°C. The formation of a kinetic intermediate was observed over a wider range of urea concentrations (0–2.2 M) than the formation of the native state (0–1.6 M). Additionally, the kinetic intermediate remained populated as the predominant equilibrium state under conditions where the native and unfolded states were unstable (at ~0.7–2 M urea). A continuous shift from the kinetic to the equilibrium intermediate was observed as urea concentrations increased from 0 M to ~2 M, which indicates that these states share a common kinetic folding mechanism. This finding supports the conclusion that these intermediates are equivalent. Our results in turn suggest that the regions of the protein that resist denaturant perturbations form during the earlier stages of folding, which further supports the structural equivalence of transient and equilibrium intermediates. An additional folding intermediate accumulated within ~140 μs of refolding and an unfolding intermediate accumulated in <1 ms of unfolding. Finally, by using quantitative modeling, we showed that a five-state sequential scheme appropriately describes the folding mechanism of horse apomyoglobin.
A Geminivirus Replication Protein Interacts with a Protein Kinase and a Motor Protein That Display Different Expression Patterns during Plant Development and Infection Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.003681.

The geminivirus protein AL1 initiates viral DNA replication, regulates its own expression, and induces plant gene transcription. To better understand how AL1 interacts with host proteins during these processes, we used yeast two-hybrid library screening and a baculovirus protein interaction system to identify plant proteins that interact with AL1. These studies identified a Ser/Thr kinase, a kinesin, and histone H3 as AL1 partners. The kinase is autophosphorylated and can phosphorylate common kinase substrates in vitro. The kinesin is phosphorylated in insect cells by a cyclin-dependent kinase. Immunostaining of Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis showed that kinase protein levels and subcellular location are regulated during plant development and geminivirus infection. By contrast, the kinesin is ubiquitous even though it is associated with the spindle apparatus in mitotic cells. Together, our results establish that AL1 interacts with host proteins involved in plant cell division and development. Possible functions of these host factors in healthy and geminivirus-infected plants are discussed.
Estudio al Microscopio Electrónico de Barrido de la Superficie Dorsal de la Lengua de Zaedyus pichiy (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Dasypodidae

Se estudio la superficie dorsal de la lengua de Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804), utilizando microscopia electronica de barrido. Se describen papilas filiformes conicas y ramificadas, fungiformes y caliciformes. No se observaron papilas foliadas. Las papilas filiformes conicas se observan en el apice de la lengua, en los bordes laterales y posteriormente a las papilas caliciformes. Las filiformes ramificadas representan el tipo mas numeroso de papilas linguales y se encuentran distribuidas en toda la superficie dorsal de la lengua. Las papilas fungiformes se localizan entre las filiformes ramificadas y son mas numerosas en el tercio anterior de la lengua. En el tercio posterior se observan dos papilas caliciformes rodeadas por un surco profundo. Las papilas fungiformes y caliciformes estan relacionadas con el sentido del gusto, en su superficie se observan poros gustativos. Las papilas filiformes tienen funciones mecanica y de proteccion
Effects of hypoxia–cadmium interactions on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) mitochondrial bioenergetics: attenuation of hypoxia-induced proton leak by low doses of cadmium

The goal of the present study was to elucidate the modulatory effects of cadmium (Cd) on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in light of the limited understanding of the mechanisms of multiple stressor interactions in aquatic organisms. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver mitochondria were isolated and energized with complex I substrates (malate–glutamate), and exposed to hypoxia (0>PO2<2 Torr) for 0–60 min followed by reoxygenation and measurement of coupled and uncoupled respiration and complex I enzyme activity. Thereafter, 5 min hypoxia was used to probe interactions with Cd (0–20 μmol l−1) and to test the hypothesis that deleterious effects of hypoxia/reoxygenation on mitochondria were mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hypoxia/reoxygenation inhibited state 3 and uncoupler-stimulated (state 3u) respiration while concomitantly stimulating states 4 and 4ol (proton leak) respiration, thus reducing phosphorylation and coupling efficiencies. Low doses of Cd (≤5 μmol l−1) reduced, while higher doses enhanced, hypoxia-stimulated proton leak. This was in contrast to the monotonic enhancement by Cd of hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced reductions of state 3 respiration, phosphorylation efficiency and coupling. Mitochondrial complex I activity was inhibited by hypoxia/reoxygenation, hence confirming the impairment of at least one component of the electron transport chain (ETC) in rainbow trout mitochondria. Similar to the effect on state 4 and proton leak, low doses of Cd partially reversed the hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced complex I activity inhibition. The ROS scavenger and sulfhydryl group donor N-acetylcysteine, administrated immediately prior to hypoxia exposure, reduced hypoxia/reoxygenation-stimulated proton leak without rescuing the inhibited state 3 respiration, suggesting that hypoxia/reoxygenation influences distinct aspects of mitochondria via different mechanisms. Our results indicate that hypoxia/reoxygenation impairs the ETC and sensitizes mitochondria to Cd via mechanisms that involve, at least in part, ROS. Moreover, we provide, for the first time in fish, evidence for a hormetic effect of Cd on mitochondrial bioenergetics – the attenuation of hypoxia/reoxygenation-stimulated proton leak and partial rescue of complex I inhibition by low Cd doses.
Class I to III Histone Deacetylases Differentially Regulate Inflammation-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Expression in Primary Amnion Cells

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 plays an important role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix in fetal membranes, and pathological activation of MMP-9 can lead to preterm birth. In nongestational tissues, modulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulates MMP-9 expression. The aim of this study was to determine whether class I to III HDACs regulate MMP-9 expression and activity in primary amnion cells. Class I and II HDAC regulation of MMP-9 was assessed using the general class I and II HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) trichostatin A (TSA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), the class I HDACi MS-275, and the class II HDACi MC1568. Class III HDAC regulation of MMP-9 was assessed using the SIRT1 activators resveratrol and SRT1720 as well as SIRT1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Primary amnion epithelial cells were incubated with 1 ng/mL interleukin (IL) 1β in the absence or presence of 0.3 μmol/L TSA, 5 μmol/L SAHA, 2.5 μmol/L MS-275, 2.5 μmol/L MC1568, 50 μmol/L resveratrol, or 10 μmol/L SRT1720 for 20 hours. We found that the class I and II HDACi TSA and SAHA and the class II HDACi MC1568 significantly decreased IL-β-induced MMP-9 gene and pro-MMP-9 expression in primary amnion cells. There was, however, no effect of the class I HDACi MS-275 on IL-β-induced MMP-9 expression. On the other hand, inhibition of class III HDAC SIRT1 using siRNA significantly augmented IL-1β-induced MMP-9, and SIRT1 activation using resveratrol and SRT1720 inhibited IL-1β-induced MMP-9 expression. In summary, class I to III HDACs differentially regulate inflammation-induced MMP-9 expression in primary amnion cells.
Altered drug sensitivity in response to idarubicin treatment in K562 human leukaemia cells

Relative to the commonly used anthracyclines, little is known about idarubicin and the development of multidrug resistance. We have previously shown the K562/IDA subline resulting from intermittent treatment of the K562 human leukaemia cell line with 20 ng/ml idarubicin did not develop multidrug resistance but became more sensitive to etoposide. Additional similar treatments of this subline produced the K562/IDA20 subline which partially retained its etoposide sensitivity although these cells expressed P‐glycoprotein and were resistant to paclitaxel. Sensitization to etoposide was associated with increased decatenation activity of topoisomerase II, although there were no changes in topoisomerase IIα expression or formation of etoposide‐dependent cleavable complexes. In comparison, the K562/IDA10 subline produced by intermittent treatment of the K562 cells, firstly with 5 ng/ml then 10 ng/ml idarubicin, showed no detectable expression of P‐glycoprotein, decreased topoisomerase IIα expression and increased resistance to etoposide and amsacrine, but not to idarubicin or genistein. Even though intermittent treatment with idarubicin caused increased drug resistance in both sublines, they remained sensitive to idarubicin. Therefore the potential of idarubicin as a substitute for other anthracyclines in the treatment of cancer warrants further investigation.
Dual role of macrophages in the suppression of interleukin 2 production and interleukin 2 receptor expression in trypanosome‐infected mice

Lymph node cells derived from T. brucei‐infected mice fail to produce interleukin 2 (IL 2) subsequent to a potent mitogenic trigger and actively suppress the capacity of normal cells to produce IL 2 in co‐culture experiments. The depletion of Thy‐1+ cells does not decrease but rather increases the suppressive potential of the LNC derived from infected mice. A T cell‐enriched nylon wool‐nonadherent fraction, on the other hand, is not suppressive. The suppression of IL 2 production is promptly restored by the addition of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors suggesting a key role of the prostaglandin‐producing macrophages. Our data indicate that such macrophages do not act indirectly through the induction of suppressor T cells, but rather directly interfere with the normal lymph node cells.
Characterization of the RNA Chaperone Activity of Hantavirus Nucleocapsid Protein

ABSTRACT Hantaviruses are tripartite negative-sense RNA viruses and members of the Bunyaviridae family. The nucleocapsid (N) protein, encoded by the smallest of the three genome segments (S), has nonspecific RNA chaperone activity. This activity results in transient dissociation of misfolded RNA structures, may be required for facilitating correct higher-order RNA structure, and may function in viral genome replication. We carried out a series of experiments to further characterize the ability of N to dissociate RNA duplexes. As might be expected, N dissociated RNA duplexes but not DNA duplexes or RNA-DNA heteroduplexes. The RNA-destabilizing activity of N is ATP independent, has a pH optimum of 7.5, and has an Mg2+ concentration optimum of 1 to 2 mM. N protein is unable to unwind the RNA duplexes that are completely double stranded. However, in the presence of an adjoining single-stranded region, helix unwinding takes place in the 3′-to-5′ direction through an unknown mechanism. The N protein trimer specifically recognizes and unwinds the terminal panhandle structure in the viral RNA and remains associated with unwound 5′ terminus. We suggest that hantaviral nucleocapsid protein has an active role in hantaviral replication by working cooperatively with viral RNA polymerase. After specific recognition of the panhandle structure by N protein, the unwound 5′ terminus likely remains transiently bound to N protein, creating an opportunity for the viral polymerase to initiate transcription at the accessible 3′ terminus.