Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early rehabilitation protocol after Achilles tendon tenorraphy: ultrasonography and elastosonography difference with immobilization in cast: an observational study.

Background The incidence of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture increased, but there is no gold standard treatment. The aim of this study is to compare clinical and functional results of standard and fast rehabilitation program (immobilization and no weight bearing for 4 weeks vs early joint mobility and weight bearing). Methods 33 patients underwent to open achilles tenorraphy between January and July 2018 using Krackow suture.15 patients were enrolled and underwent fast rehabilitation program. A control group of 18 patients underwent surgery and standard protocol. The degree of sural triceps hypotrophy compared with the controlateral leg (calf circumference 4 cm below the anterior tibial tuberosity and the tibial length), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score [8], the Victorian Institute of Sports Assesement - Achilles Questionnaire (VISA-A) [9] and The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) [10] were recorded at 12 months follow up. Ultrasonography and elastosonography were used to calculate different parameters both on the operated tendon and on the contralateral. Discussion Using ultrasonography, the only significant difference was recorded in the distal depth in both groups. We detected an increase of all measures in both groups comparing surgical side to the contralateral one. Using the elastosonography, the stiffness on healthy side was increased at the proximal and medial third in standard group, even if the distal third was major in fast group. On the operated side, stiffness was more on the proximal third in fast group (not statistically significant). There was an increase of tendon size on the surgical side compared to the “basal” one using US. The only statistically significant result was at distal third, and it could be due to the fact that giving an accelerated mobilization stimulates more collagen deposition, which could be a protective factor. Furthermore, at distal third of tendon we observed a greater reduction of stiffness in the fast group compared of the standard one. The results of the post-operative assessment scales are overlapping in the two groups. Clinical and functional evidence suggest that fast rehabilitation after AT surgical repair may be a first choice of treat, especially in young and active patients, because of minor local complications and higher level of satisfaction.
REMOTE SENSING OF PHYTOPLANKTON SIZE CLASSES ON THE NORTHEAST U.S. CONTINENTAL SHELF

The size structure of phytoplankton communities influences important ecological and biogeochemical processes, including the transfer of energy through marine food webs. A variety of algorithms have been developed to estimate phytoplankton size classes (PSCs) from satellite ocean color data. However, many of these algorithms were developed for application to the open ocean, and their performance in more productive, optically complex continental shelf systems has not been fully evaluated. In this study, several existing PSC algorithms were applied in the Northeast U.S. continental shelf (NES) and assessed by comparison to in situ PSC estimates derived from a regional HPLC pigment data set. The effect of regional re-parameterization and incorporation of sea surface temperature (SST) into existing abundance-based model frameworks was investigated, and the models were validated using an independent data set of in situ and satellite matchups. Abundance-based model re-parameterization alone did not result in significant improvement in performance in the NES compared with other models, however, the inclusion of SST led to a consistent reduction in model error for all size classes. Of two absorption-based algorithms tested, the best validating approach displayed similar performance metrics to the regional abundance-based model that included SST. The SST-dependent model was applied to monthly imagery composites of the NES region for April and September 2019, and qualitatively compared with imagery from the absorption-based approach. The results indicate the benefit of considering SST in abundance-based models and the applicability of absorption-based approaches in optically dynamic regions.
Microstructure and superconducting properties of Ag-substituted YBa2-xAgxCu3O7- δ ceramics prepared by sol-gel method

Superconductor YBa 2-x Ag x Cu 3 O 7- δ in a bulk form has been developed through modified sol-gel processing. The preparation involved dissolving metal organic precursor in a mixture of propanoic acid and propylamine which then undergo for annealing at 900 °C for 5 hours and sintering at 950 °C for 5 hours. The bulk samples were characterized using X-ray diffractogram (XRD), resistivity measurement technique and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The highest T C value was found at 84 K for x=0.05. The value decrease as the Ag concentration increase. The highest J C value measured for x =0.05 were 5.977 A/cm 2 at 50 K and 4.748 A/cm 2 a 60 K. 123 phase remains as orthorhombic for all samples. SEM micrograph showed the clear grains for the pure samples and it became not visible as the Ag concentration increase.
Neuroprotective, non CBs-dependant activities of phytocannabinoids

The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants because of their antioxidant properties. The antioxidative properties of cannabinoids suggest a therapeutic use as neuroprotective agents in limiting neurological damage. The antioxidative properties of cannabinoids suggest a therapeutic use as neuroprotective agents: these treatments should not only aim to alleviate specific symptoms but also attempt to delay/arrest disease progression and to repair the damaged structures. The studies reported in the present review support the view that the cannabinoid signalling system is a key modulatory element in the activity of the basal ganglia. This idea is supported by different anatomical, electrophysiological, pharmacological and biochemical data. Furthermore, these studies indicate that the cannabinoid system is impaired in different neurological disorders that directly or indirectly affect the basal ganglia, which supports the idea of developing novel pharmacotherapies with compounds that selectively target specific elements of the cannabinoid system.
Isolation of chloroplasts from marine microalgae Isochrysis galbana Parke suitable for organelle lipid composition analysis

Background: Marine microalgae, Isochrysis galbana Parke, is an important diet microalgal species with high nutritional value. Different from other unicellular microalgae, its cell contains two chloroplasts which are the major sites for lipid synthesis. Results: Here, we optimized a chloroplast isolation approach suitable for I. galbana Parke, and evaluated the purity and integrity of the isolated chloroplasts by microscopic observations and biochemical assays. The chloroplast lipids were sequenced by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Glycolipids were the main chloroplast lipids, and DGDG, MGDG, and SQDG were the most abundant glyceroglycolipids. DGMG and SQMG were not observed among the chloroplast lipids. In addition, DG was the most abundant neutral lipid. A part of fatty acyl R1/R2 with MGMGs, DGDGs, MGDGs, SQDGs, PEs, and PCs were not found in chloroplasts. The fatty acid proportion of chloroplast lipids were increased, decreased, or remained unchanged compared with the whole-cell. Conclusions: This newly developed isolation approach was a simple and reliable method to isolate chloroplasts with high integrity and purity. Collectively, our findings show that such an isolation approach may be used in studies on many different aspects of chloroplast biology, and offers a useful reference for isolation of chloroplast from other marine microalgae.
A Comparative Study of Lipid Profile in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women with and without Diabetes

Menopause and aging are associated with changes in circulating gonadal steroid hormones, insulin sensitivity, body composition, and also lifestyle and social coordinates. The physiological changes that occurs during menopause is a shift towards a more atherogenic lipid profile. After the cessation of menses, researchers have found an increase in plasma triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Lack of estrogen is an essential contributory factor in the derangement of lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The deleterious impact of diabetes mellitus in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is greater in postmenopausal women compared to men. Hence, in this study lipid profile were analysed in pre and postmenopausal women with and without Type 2 Diabetes. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride were increased in postmenopausal women with and without diabetes. It is also observed in this study diabetes exacerbates the dyslipidaemia indicating increased cardiovascular risks in women with diabetes.
Microbial Distribution and Antibiotic Susceptibility in Patients with Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections of the Extremities in North-Eastern China

Background For complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTIs), inappropriate initial anti-infective treatment often leads to treatment failure. The microbial distribution in patients with extremities’ cSSTIs has been rarely reported. Moreover, whether gram-negative bacteria (GNB) should be covered in addition to gram-positive bacteria (GPB) has been always a difficult issue in the treatment of cSSTIs. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the microbial distribution and antibiotic susceptibility in 149 hospitalized patients with extremities’ SSTIs, and discussed the risk factors of extremities’ cSSTIs caused by GNB. Results 188 strains of pathogens were isolated, including 113 strains of GPB (64.9%), 61 strains of GNB (32.4%), and 5 strains of fungi (2.7%). Diabetes mellitus (OR=3.606, P =0.034), SSTI severity [moderate infection (OR=19.499, P <0.0001), severe infection (OR=20.114, P <0.0001)], and necrotizing infection (OR=6.064, P <0.0001) were risk factors of extremities’ cSSTIs caused by GNB. For patients with risk factors, ceftazidime, cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam and carbapenems could be empirical anti-infective agents. Conclusions The results of our study showed that the most common bacteria identified in cSSTIs of the extremities were GPB. For patients with risk factors of extremities’ cSSTIs caused by GNB, the coverage of GNB should be taken into account.
Interaction Effects of Predominantly Linear and Branched Waxes on Yield Stress and Elastic Modulus of Waxy Oils

To assess the relationship of wax chemical structure and viscoelastic properties of waxy gels, model oils composed of single and blended waxes were prepared at a fixed concentration of 7.5 wt % and then gelled. The investigation encompassed four different well-characterized commercial paraffin waxes, solubilized in a mineral oil matrix. Previous rheological measurements pointed out that these systems reproduce essential features of crude oil gels (e.g., gel-like mechanical response) when gelled. Among the employed waxes, two are predominantly linear, whereas the others are nonlinear branched molecules. The waxes were molecularly characterized to aid in the investigation by means of GC-FID, 13C NMR, DSC, FT-IR, and XRD. Rheological properties were measured via a controlled-stress rheometer by oscillatory shear experiments. Polarized light microscopy was adopted for morphological characterization of precipitated crystals. It was found that yield stress and elastic modulus at linear viscoelastic region are h.
Associations of Different Media Activities With Behavioral Strengths and Difficulties and School Performance in Adolescents: a Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: This study investigates the times adolescents engage in different media activities (including entertaining and educational activities) and explores associations with behavioral strengths and difficulties and school grades. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 664 10- to 18-year-old adolescents (350 boys, 314 girls) participating in the LIFE Child study in Germany. Participants completed questionnaires on their media use, on strengths and difficulties (using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), and on their school grades in mathematics and first language. Associations of the times engaged in different media activities via mobile phone or computer (traditional communication, social media use, gaming, playing learning games, watching videos, and searching for information) with behavioral strengths/difficulties and school grades were assessed using linear regression analyses (adjusting for age, gender, and socioeconomic status). Results: With the exception of playing learning games, each media activity was followed for almost one hour per day, with high inter-relations between the single activities. Gaming, watching videos, social networking, traditional communication, and playing learning games were significantly associated with more behavioral difficulties in at least one domain (emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer-relationship problems, prosocial behavior) and with lower school grades. Searching for information showed the weakest associations with behavioral difficulties and no association with school grades. In a multivariate analysis, searching for information was associated with fewer behavioral difficulties. Conclusions: Using media to search for information might weaken the adverse effects of other media activities on school performance and behavioral adjustment.
Solving life-cycle problems with biometric risk by artificial insurance markets

We study canonical consumption-savings problems of an individual involving uninsurable biometric risk. These problems are important in many applications from insurance economics and actuarial science. Since biometric risk is uninsurable, closed-form solutions do not exist and thus the problems must be approached by numerical methods. We propose a powerful approach where the solution is obtained by optimizing over a parametrized family of consumption strategies. In settings with mortality risk, critical illness risk, and habit formation, our solution method outperforms the well-established finite-difference approach both in run time and in precision. Our method also delivers a precision measure and closed-form representations of the optimal controls.
ROOM CATEGORIZATION USING SIMULTANEOUS LOCALIZATION AND MAPPING AND CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK

Robotic industries are growing faster than in any other era with the demand and rise of in home robots or assisted robots. Such a robot should be able to navigate between different rooms in the house autonomously. For autonomous navigation, the robot needs to build a map of the surrounding unknown environment and localize itself within the map. For home robots, distinguishing between different rooms improves the functionality of the robot. In this research, Simultaneously Localization And Mapping (SLAM) utilizing a LiDAR sensor is used to construct the environment map. LiDAR is more accurate and not sensitive to light intensity compared to vision. The SLAM method used is Gmapping to create a map of the environment. Gmapping is one of the robust and user-friendly packages in the Robotic Operating System (ROS), which creates a more accurate map, and requires less computational power. The constructed map is then used for room categorization using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Since CNN is one of the powerful techniques to classify the rooms based on the generated 2D map images. To demonstrate the applicability of the approach, simulations and experiments are designed and performed on campus and an apartment environment. The results indicate the Gmapping provides an accurate map. Each room used in the experimental design, undergoes training by using the Convolutional Neural Network with a data set of different apartment maps, to classify the room that was mapped using Gmapping. The room categorization results are compared with other approaches in the literature using the same data set to indicate the performance. The classification results show the applicability of using CNN for room categorization for applications such as assisted robots.
Monetary Policy, User Cost and Inequality: Homeowners versus Renters

User costs of housing are a major part of a household’s expenditure. I empirically investigate the heterogeneous impact of an unanticipated expansionary monetary policy on housing markets and household tenurial decision by exploiting the user cost of housing channel. Drawing on a Swiss household panel data and daily interest rate futures, I find that the less financially constrained households are 3.45 percentage points more likely to become homeowners in case of unexpected decrease of 100 basis points in 3-month CHF Libor. The households in the upper income quartile with pillar 3a savings benefit the most in case of an unanticipated negative monetary policy shock. The real user cost expenses of renting also benefits significantly by a decrease of on average 19% from an unexpected expansionary monetary policy. Single family houses do not benefit from the shocks in the monetary policy. The findings highlight the importance of apartments and multifamily housing.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) Analysis and Morphological Studies on Nannochloropsis Oculata and Tetraselmis Chuui

Lipid extraction was conducted on two marine microalgae namely, Nannochloropsis oculata and Tetraselmis chuui. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was utilized to identify the cell composition of both marine microalgae before and after the lipid extraction. The microalgae were also examined morphologically by utilizing optical microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Microscopic studies show that N. oculata as a spherical and non-motile cell, whereby, T. chuui is an oval shaped and motile cell. Also, T. chuui appears three times larger than N. oculata cells. The FT-IR analyses on cell composition dynamics demonstrate the presence of carbohydrate, lipid and protein. Significant reduction in the peak area at wavenumber 1740 cm-1 was observed after lipid extraction on microalgae which strongly suggests that lipid has been completely extracted from the microalgae. FT-IR serves as an easy, fast and reliable technique to monitor changes in biochemical composition of marine microalgae.
Utilizing Online Technology to Effectively Teach Chemistry in Secondary Education

2Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, University of Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, USA 3Department of Online Learning, University of Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, USA *Corresponding author: Malinda Wilson Gilmore, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Normal, Alabama 35762, USA, Tel: 7138227879; E-mail: malinda.gilmore@gmail.com
Electron paramagnetic resonance study of neutral Mg acceptors in β-Ga2O3 crystals

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is used to directly observe and characterize neutral Mg acceptors ( MgGa0) in a β-Ga2O3 crystal. These acceptors, best considered as small polarons, are produced when the Mg-doped crystal is irradiated at or near 77 K with x rays. During the irradiation, neutral acceptors are formed when holes are trapped at singly ionized Mg acceptors ( MgGa−). Unintentionally present Fe3+ (3d5) and Cr3+ (3d3) transition-metal ions serve as the corresponding electron traps. The hole is localized in a nonbonding p orbital on a threefold-coordinated oxygen ion adjacent to an Mg ion at a sixfold-coordinated Ga site. These MgGa0 acceptors (S = 1/2) have a slightly anisotropic g matrix (principal values are 2.0038, 2.0153, and 2.0371). There is also partially resolved 69Ga and 71Ga hyperfine structure resulting from unequal interactions with the two Ga ions adjacent to the hole. With the magnetic field along the a direction, hyperfine parameters are 2.61 and 1.18 mT for the 69Ga nuclei at.
FABRICATION OF POTASSIUM-SUBSTITUTED HYDROXYAPATITE CERAMICS VIA ULTRASONIC SPRAY-PYROLYSIS ROUTE

Biological apatite presented in bone and teeth of mammals contains various ions, such as Na, K, Mg, F and CO3 ions, in trace levels. Substitution of the above ions into hydroxyapatite (HAp) have great effect on the crystallinity, morphology, lattice parameters and stability of the apatite structure. It is known that potassium (K) in the living bone give a tremendous effect to the biomineralization process. Aim of this study is to clarify the influence of substitution of potassium into the HAp structure on the properties of powders and ceramics. In this study, we have fabricated the potassium-substituted hydroxyapatite (KAp) ceramics via an ultrasonic spray-pyrolysis route. Effect of potassium substitution on the phase, chemical composition, morphology and crystal lattice structure of HA was examined. Experimental results showed that the addition of potassium does not significantly affect the crystal phase, particle morphology and particle size. Sintered bodies fabricated from KAp powders were of single phase of HAp, and lattice constants of a-axis and c-axis increased with potassium contents. Substitution of potassium into the HAp lattice formed OH vacancies and caused grain growth. (Received Oct 19, 2017; Accepted Nov 21, 2017)
Formulation, optimization and characterization of nanostructured lipid carrier of nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is effective against many urinary tract pathogens. It acts as bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal by inhibiting DNA-RNA protein& cell wall synthesis. Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) of NFT was prepared by Hot Homogenization Process. Glyceryl Monostearate and Miglyol 812 were heated at 80ºC temperature on hot plate. In the melted lipid, drug was added with continuous stirring at high speed homogenization. Formulation NLC12B has % Entrapment efficiency 89.1 ± 0.5, PDI 0.11 ± 0.01 and mean particle size 237 ± 7nm represents narrow particle size distribution. Spherical feature of NLCs with better uniformity without aggregation of Nitrofurantoin loaded NLC was confirmed by TEM. Moreover, efficient miscibility of drug in lipids was confirmed by the absence of intense and characteristic peak of NFT in XRPD. After 6 month storage at 2-8°C there was no significant changes in the PDI as well as mean particle size.