Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Synchronous Fluorescence to Investigate Chemical Interactions Influencing Foam Characteristics in Sparkling Wines

The appearance of bubbles and foam can influence the likeability of a wine even before its consumption. Since foams are essential to visual and taste attributes of sparkling wines, it is of great importance to understand which compounds affect bubbles and foam characteristics. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of interactions among proteins, amino acids, and phenols on the characteristics of foam in sparkling wines by using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. Results have shown that several compounds present in sparkling wines influence foam quality differently, and importantly, highlighted how the interaction of those compounds might result in different effects on foam parameters. Amongst the results, mannoproteins were found to be most likely to promote foam and collar stability, while phenols were likely to increase the small bubbles and collar height in the foam matrix. In summary, this work contributes to a better understanding of the effect of wine compounds on foam quality as well as the effect of the interactions between those compounds.
Traps induced Greens function based mathematical modeling for BaTiO3–SrTiO3 gate stack dual metal GAA MOSFET

In this paper, an analytical model has been developed to analyze the impact of trap charges on Dual Metal Gate-All-Around (DMGAA) MOSFET with BaTiO3–SrTiO3 epitaxial oxide layer as gate stack using Greens function and conformal mapping. Trap charges have been induced to observe the changes in surface potential, electric field and drain current. To further investigate the impact of trap charges the trap density is varied. This enhances the drain current with high ION/IOFF ratio. The analytical results so obtained are compared with the simulated data and are in good agreement thus validating the proposed model. It is also proposed that the device can offer high performance, low leakage power along with high gain and is perfect for analog RF applications. It can be concluded that proposed DMGAA MOSFET is a promising device and a suitable replacement for the existing conventional GAA MOSFETs.
Comparison of Utility Scores and Quality of Life Scores in Thai Patients between Twice and Thrice-Weekly Hemodialysis

Objective: To compare the utility scores and quality of life scores between patients who have twice and thrice-weekly hemodialysis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study in 5 hemodialysis sites of the Nephrology Unit at Siriraj Hospital (the largest university hospital in Thailand), face-to-face interview using EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D), VAS, and KDQOL-36 (consists of 3 kidney disease subscales and SF-12) which was conducted between April 2011 and June 2011. One hundred and fifty three hemodialysis patients were recruited from the chronic hemodialysis clinic unit. This study compared the difference of hemodialysis times weekly to utility scores and quality of life scores of patients by using Independent Student’s t-test. Results: SF-6D (derived from SF12), EQ-5D (UK and Thai preference weight), and VAS between the patients who received twice and thrice-weekly hemodialysis were not significantly different (p>0.05). This is also true for symptom/ problem list, effects of kidney disease, and burden of kidney disease scores. For SF-12, all physical and mental domains were not signifi- cantly different and similarly all utility and kidney disease specific scores were not significantly associated with hemodialysis times in weekly intervals (all, p>0.05). Conclusion: These findings implied that thrice-weekly hemodialysis could not reflect the better quality of life more than twiceweekly hemodialysis. There was no significant difference in quality of life from the symptom/ problem list, effects of kidney disease, and burden of kidney disease between twice and thrice-weekly hemodialysis as well as the utility scores from SF-6D, EQ-5D and VAS. However, a further large cohort study of utility scores or cost effectiveness analysis between the difference of dialysis frequency at weekly intervals should be conducted.
FOXO1 Negates the Cooperative Action of FOXL2C134W and SMAD3 in CYP19 Expression in HGrC1 Cells by Sequestering SMAD3

Abstract Adult granulosa cell tumor (aGCT) is a rare type of ovarian cancer characterized by estrogen excess. Interestingly, only the single somatic mutation FOXL2C134W was found across virtually all aGCTs. We previously reported that FOXL2C134W stimulates CYP19 transcription synergistically with SMAD3, leading to elevated estradiol synthesis in a human granulosa cell line (HGrC1). This finding suggested a key role for FOXL2C134W in causing the typical estrogen overload in patients with aGCTs. We have now investigated the effect of FOXO1, a tumor suppressor, on CYP19 activation by FOXL2C134W in the presence of SMAD3. Intriguingly, FOXO1 antagonized the positive, synergistic effect of FOXL2C134W and SMAD3 on CYP19 transcription. Similar to FOXL2C134W, FOXO1 binds SMAD3 but not the proximal FOXL2C134W binding site (−199 bp) of the CYP19 promoter identified in our earlier studies. The results of a competitive binding assay suggested a possible underlying mechanism in which FOXO1 sequesters SMAD3 away from FOXL2C134W, thereby negating the cooperative action of FOXL2C134W and SMAD3 in inducing CYP19 expression. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the ability of FOXO1 to restore an altered CYP19 expression by FOXL2C134W and SMAD3 and provides insight as to why FOXO1 deficiency promotes GCT development in mice.
Mesomorphic and geometrical orientation study of the relative position of fluorine atom in some thermotropic liquid crystal systems

ABSTRACT New series of the Schiff base/esters, 4-((2′-or 3′-fluorophenylimino)methyl)phenyl-4″-alkoxy benzoates were prepared and their mesophase behaviour investigated. The type of the mesophase and its transition temperature were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarised optical microscopy (POM). The optimised structures of Schiff base/ester and their azo/ester groups have been deduced theoretically by density functional theory (DFT). Each group of homologues differs from the other by the position of the fluorine atom on the terminal benzene ring, in addition to laterally neat homologues. Comparative studies revealed that the position and orientation of the lateral fluorine atom as well as the type of the linking core not only affects the melting temperature but also the mesophase stability. DFT results showed that the type and stability of the mesophase could be illustrated in the terms of calculated dipole moment, polarisability, thermal energy and molecular electrostatic potential. Graphical abstract
Factors affecting job satisfaction and commitment among medical interns in Malawi: a cross-sectional study

Introduction the University of Malawi's College of Medicine produces almost all of the medical interns working at Malawi's two largest public hospitals: Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, and Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe. To earn full medical council registration, new graduates must complete an 18-month internship at either site. This study attempted to determine general levels of job satisfaction and commitment among Malawian medical interns, and to rank categorical factors according to impact on intern job satisfaction and commitment. These factors were also examined in terms of influence on bringing about an intern strike in late 2010, early 2011. Methods sixty-one of 70 interns working during the study period completed a job satisfaction survey. Questionnaire items addressed ten “factors”: (1) hours and pay, (2) work content, (3) working conditions, (4) relationships with senior staff, (5) workplace relationships with peers, (6) educational environment, (7) internal factors, (8) quality of life, (9) autonomy and self-worth, and (10) future career prospects. Analysis for this cross-sectional study included quantification and comparisons of overall and category-specific satisfaction levels, using ANOVA and Student's t-test. Results sixty-nine percent then 57% of interns identified themselves as satisfied at the beginning and end of the questionnaire, respectively; 97% of the interns indicated job commitment at both instances of asking. Factors influencing job satisfaction most strongly were those that participants were least satisfied with. Conclusion future research and interventions aimed at improving intern job satisfaction in Malawi should focus on assessing and improving remuneration, working hours, and physical working conditions.
The use of pupillometry, serology, ethnicity and imaging in the diagnosis of optic neuritis

‘Acute isolated optic neuritis' may be the first manifestation of both Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). Twenty percent of patients with MS in western Europe present with optic neuritis as their first relapse (Mcdonald & Compston, 2006). NMO has been recently found to be more common amongst the Caucasian population of northern Europe than previously believed (Asgari et al, 2011). Patients with NMO may experience a long temporal delay after acute isolated optic neuritis before another relapse occurs, which can help to confirm the diagnosis (Wingerchuk et al, 2007). In such cases an episode of optic neuritis caused by NMO may be indistinguishable from optic neuritis caused by MS. This thesis explores differences in the manifestation of optic neuritis caused by MS and that caused by NMO and evaluates four ways in which the two aetiologies may be identified from one another: pupillometry, serum glial fibrillary acidic protein analysis, ethnic background considerations and MRI findings in the context of the visual pathways. The thesis begins by assessing the potential role of pupillometry in the diagnosis of optic nerve disease; eventually investigating its potential in discriminating between MS related optic neuritis and NMO related optic neuritis. The results of the first part of the thesis indicate the usefulness of pupillometry in patients with optic neuritis who show poor recovery, when tested in a chronic setting. Three further ways of differentiating optic neuritis caused by MS and NMO in an acute setting are then pursued. First, the measurement of serum Glial Fibrillary Acidic protein (GFAP) is shown to be a useful potential indicator of the presence of NMO. Second, the ethnic background of a patient is found to correlate with the risk of NMO. Third, the Magnetic Resonance (MR) image of the visual pathway of patients with optic neuritis from the two aetiologies is found to differ with regard to the lesion extent and the lesion site. The four investigative approaches tested in this thesis (pupillometry, serology testing for GFAP, assessment of ethnic background and MR image) can be combined to offer a patient with isolated optic neuritis of unknown cause a likelihood of suffering from NMO. The latter three methods may be used to assess the risk of NMO in a patient presenting acutely with optic neuritis in the absence of any other sign of underlying disease, and may allow for the appropriate management of this condition.
Extraction of Uranium from Synthetic Nuclear Conversion Plant Waste

ABSTRACT The nuclear conversion plant operated at Necsa in the past resulted in the formation of a large amount of waste material containing ~ 50% U, which has reuse potential if the recovery thereof can be achieved. The waste material contains various impurities of which F, Ca, and Fe have been identified as the main contributing impurities after dissolution. These impurities are present in the waste material in varying concentrations and could interfere with the U recovery. During this investigation, the possibility of varying impurities being present during purification was addressed by simulating the waste material using synthetic solutions to investigate the effect of different concentrations of the main impurities, as well as nitric acid and TBP concentrations on the extraction of U. The results from this simulated approach will serve as motivation for obtaining more of the real waste samples for further investigation and confirmation of results. This was done using a statistical design of experiments approach, giving a predictive model which can be used to predict U recovery for a given waste sample composition. It was found that nitric acid had the most significant influence on U extraction, where an optimum amount (97%) was achieved in 5 M nitric acid at, or above 30% TBP. At low nitric acid concentrations, it was found that the U extraction increased with increasing TBP and decreasing F concentrations. An unexpected interaction between F and Fe was observed, which led to an increase in U extraction as the Fe concentrations were increased due to complex formation with F, which limits the amount of F available which would have decreased U extraction due to competition. Furthermore, a mathematical model was derived which describes the U extraction as a function of varying impurity, nitric acid and TBP concentrations. Optimum extraction conditions were confirmed using a feed solution containing additional impurities (Al, Na, K and Si) which are present in the waste material in concentrations above 0.5 wt %. While confirming the optimum extraction conditions, the validity of the statistical model was also confirmed from these experiments, indicating its suitability for U extraction predictions as a function of impurity concentrations.
A Review on Green Synthesis, Cytotoxicity Mechanism and Antibacterial Activity of Zno-NPs

Recently, the development of eco-friendly methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles is an important key to nanotechnology. The use of green techniques using plants for the synthesis of nanoparticles is a replacement for chemical and physical techniques, because they are hazardous. Therefore, in this paper, we refer to green synthesis method using plant extracts and cytotoxicity and antibacterial mechanisms. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have been considered with regard to unique properties such as biocompatibility, selective cytotoxicity, anti-cancer and antibacterial activity. These nanoparticles are dissolved in the medium or in the cell and zinc ions are released, these zinc ions result in zinc-mediated protein activity disequilibrium and oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species, which may have a potential mechanism of action cytotoxicity of nanoparticles. Given the selective cytotoxic effects of ZnONPs due to the presence of more ROS in cancer cells, these nanoparticles can selectively target cancer cells and can be used as an anticancer agent. On the other hand, ZnO-NPs have significant antibacterial properties. Antimicrobial mechanism of ZnO-NPs may take place through the interaction of nanoparticles with bacterial cell surface and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of zinc ions. ROS and free ions are important factors for several mechanisms, including increased membrane permeability, cell wall damage. These will weaken the mitochondria and cause oxidative stress and ultimately inhibit cell growth and cell death. Due to the selective toxicity effect against cancer cells, it can be used as a useful agent for the treatment of cancer and an alternative to antibiotics.
Size Effects in Nanocrystalline Thoria

The facile chemical precipitation method and subsequent thermal treatment were shown to be suitable for preparation of crystalline ThO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in a wide range of particle sizes (from 2.5 to 34.3 nm). The obtained NPs were investigated with X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption techniques to find out the possible size effects associated with nanocrystalline thoria. For 2.5 nm NPs, the lattice parameter of ThO2 was found to increase by up to 1.1%, in comparison with the bulk material. The decrease in the particle size was also accompanied by a significant decrease in the Th–Th coordination number.
Comparison of protective effects of carvedilol and α-tocopherol on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxocity

Background: Doxorubicin, an effective anticancer drug used to treat multiple solid tumours and childhood malignancies since many decades but its cardiac adverse effects limits its use in full therapeutic dose. The mechanism involved in cardiotoxicity is apoptosis of cardiomyocytes due to reactive oxidative stress. The study was conducted to compare the cardioprotective effects of carvedilol and α-Tocopherol and to detect myocardial injury at early stage.Methods: Cardiotoxicity was produced in a group of rabbits by single intravenous injection of doxorubicin; control group was treated with normal saline only. Third and fourth groups were pretreated with carvedilol 30 mg/kg bodyweight and α-Tocopherol 200 mg/kg bodyweight respectively for ten days before injection of doxorubicin.Results: Doxorubicin produced marked cardiotoxicity represented by raised levels of serum biomarkers (cTnI, LDH and CK-MB) and severe necrosis of cardiomyocytes on microscopic examination. Carvedilol and α-tocopherol pretreatment resulted in decreased serum levels of biomarkers and improved the histological picture of heart tissue.Conclusions: The outcome of doxorubicin chemotherapy can be made successful with the concurrent use of carvedilol or α-tocopherol. Although carvedilol has more pronounced cardioprotective effects perhaps due to its antioxidant activity in addition to antiapoptotic, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore the quantitative cTnI estimation for detection of cardiotoxicity at early stage can lead to significant economic impact in management of cancer.
Visualization of Dopant Oxygen Atoms in a Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ Superconductor

A proper amount of excess oxygen plays a significant role in hole‐doped cuprate high‐Tc superconductivity. Here, the dopant oxygen in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ is directly imaged via integrated differential phase contrast combined with state‐of‐the‐art scanning transmission electron microscopy. The location of dopant oxygen is observed to be consistent with the position inferred from local strain analysis of the incommensurate structure. The influence of dopant oxygen on the local atomic lattice and electronic structure is further explored using first‐principle calculations. The dopant oxygen atoms not only aggravate the distortions of the local atomic arrangement but also alter the electronic states by transferring charge from the BiO planes to the CuO2 planes. The underlying mechanism of charge transfer is resolved. The results may also be applicable to other oxygen‐doped cuprates with high‐Tc superconductivity.
Texas Principals’ Perceptions of Professional Development Provided By the Local School District

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of Texas principals as to the degree to which their local school districts are meeting their ongoing professional development need. The study was conducted to analyze and describe the survey and interview responses of Texas principals as to their perceptions of the degree to which their local school districts provide learning experiences aligned with their needs. Texas principals’ perceptions regarding the characteristics of important and meaningful professional learning experiences were explored. The study included an analysis of the extent to which Texas principals perceive that the learning opportunities they are provided adequately meet those needs. Additionally, various factors influencing principals and their perceptions were examined. These factors included type of school, school setting, school system size, characteristics of students, and characteristics of the principals. The perceptions of school district staff development administrators were analyzed regarding topic importance, topic provision by the local district, and the usefulness of those topics. Finally, the perceptions of the principals and the staff development administrators were compared. Thirteen school districts participated in this study. Of the 273 principals surveyed, 155 completed the survey, yielding a return rate of 56.8%. One campus principal from each of the 13 districts was interviewed. Additionally, 13 district staff development administrators were surveyed and interviewed. Data analysis produced several findings. First, as a whole, principals rated the importance of each of the 22 proposed professional development topics at or above the important level. However, the degree to which local school districts provided training on those topics varied according to the size of the district and the setting of the campus. Second, the relationship between the professional development provided and the quality, or usefulness, of that school district’s training was considered strong for several of the 22 topics. Finally, principals and staff development administrators agreed on several characteristics of successful professional development efforts. This study’s findings offer implications for campus principals and school districts striving to meet the individual, campus, and district needs for professional development.
Unraveling The Beta Cell Translatome: Elucidation Of An Erk/hnrnpk/jund Axis

In type 2 diabetes, oxidative stress contributes to the dysfunction and loss of pancreatic β cells. A highly conserved feature of the cellular response to stress is the regulation of mRNA translation, however, the mechanisms underlying this process in β cells are not fully understood. Here we use TRAP-seq to examine changes in the ribosome occupancy of mRNAs during conditions associated with β cell dysfunction, leading us to identify a cohort of translationally regulated genes with 3’UTR enrichment of a cytosine-rich motif. Of particular interest was the gene encoding JUND, a transcription factor with anti-oxidant functions in other cell types but whose role in cells is unknown. Interestingly, JUND is translationally upregulated in islets exposed to high glucose and free fatty acid levels, and depletion of JUND in β cells reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by these conditions. Transcriptome assessment demonstrates that JUND regulates a cohort of genes that are commonly dysregulated during β cell dysfunction, including pro-oxidant and proinflammatory genes, consistent with this factor enhancing, rather than reducing, oxidative stress levels in cells. Further, hnRNPK, an RNA binding protein with specificity for cytosine-rich stretches, binds to the mRNA encoding JUND and is required for its post-transcriptional upregulation during metabolic stress. Although the absolute levels of hnRNPK do not change, there is a significant increase in hnRNPK phosphorylation during glucolipotoxicity. Importantly, this hnRNPK/JUND axis is activated in islets from diabetic db/db mice and in human islets exposed to metabolic stress. Finally, a series of mechanistic studies indicate that hnRNPK posttranscriptionally regulates JUND in a MEK/ERKand DDX3X-dependent manner. Thus, a translationcentric approach uncovered hnRNPK and JUND as stress-responsive factors in β cells that contribute to redox imbalance and apoptosis during pathophysiologically relevant stress. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Cell & Molecular Biology First Advisor Doris A. Stoffers
Physical education in the national curriculum

Facsimile of Section 4 Order laid before Parliament on 10 March 1992 attainment target and programmes of study the attainment target for physical education. General requirements relating to programmes of study: Key stage 1 - End of key stage statements and programme of study (general), Programmes of study (activity specific) Key stage 2 - End of key stage statements and programme of study (general), Programmes of study (activity specific) Key stage 3 - End of key stage statements and programme of study (general) Programmes of study (activity specific).