Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil and Solvent Extracts of Torch Ginger Inflorescence (Etlingera elatior Jack.)

The chemical constituents of essential oil extracted from the young inflorescence of torch ginger plant by hydrodistillation method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was analyzed. Additionally, the extracted essential oil and the crude solvent extracts (distilled water, absolute ethanol, and 50% ethanol) of the inflorescence were screened for their potential antimicrobial activities. Both the essential oil and solvent extracts exhibited antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes). Bacillus subtilis was found to be more susceptible to torch ginger inflorescence essential oil (MIC, 0.78 mg/ml) compared to others under study. Of the Gram-negative bacteria screened, only Klebsiella pneumoniae was susceptible to the essential oil (MIC, 1.56) and solvent extracts (MIC, 3.1 and 1.6 for water and 50% ethanol, respectively). However, neither the essential oil nor the extracts exhibited any activities against the screened fungi or yeasts. The results obtained clearly indicated that the oil and extracts derived from the inflorescence of torch ginger has rich antibacterial activity and possess great potential to be used as a preservative in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Modeling of Microporous Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules Operated under Partially Wetted Conditions

Gas−liquid mass transfer has been studied theoretically in a microprous hollow fiber membrane module operated under partially wetted conditions in the laminar flow regime. Dissolved oxygen removal has been used as an example for the simulation study. The mathematical model developed consists of nonlinear partial differential equations and is solved using the orthogonal collocation technique. The effect of membrane wetting pressures on the overall mass transfer performances of the module has been examined. The results indicate that under partially wetted operating mode, a maximum overall mass transfer coefficient is attainable with respect to the water velocity, which is completely different from the results obtained under both wetted and nonwetted conditions where the overall mass transfer coefficient is generally increased with water velocity. The phenomena of partial wetting of the membrane may provide an explanation to the observation that the overall mass transfer coefficient is increased to a maximum.
A novel conversion process for waste slag: synthesis of a hydrotalcite-like compound and zeolite from blast furnace slag and evaluation of adsorption capacities

The main components of blast furnace slag (BFS) are CaO, SiO2, A12O3, MgO and slight amounts of transition metals such as Fe, Ti and Mn. We successfully synthesized a hydrotalcite-like compound from BFS via a convenient chemical process: acid-leaching and precipitation. After the HCl acid-leaching process, BFS was separated into hydrated silica with 92 wt% SiO2 content and leaching solution including other components, which afforded a hydrotalcite-like compound after subsequent NaOH addition in high yield (6.2 g from 10.0 g of BFS). By means of XRD and chemical analysis, the product synthesized at 100 °C was identified to be a Ca-Al-based hydrocalumite compound with the stoichiometric molar ratio of Ca : Al : Cl = 2 : 1 : 1, incorporating other metal cations in its structure. The phosphate adsorption capacity of the raw slag was 1.5 mg P/g but increased to over 40 mg P/g when converted into the hydrotalcite-like compound, which was more than three times greater than that of conventional Mg-Al-based hydrotalcite. Furthermore, single-phase A- and X-type zeolites with high crystallinities and excellent water adsorption capacities (247 and 333 mg g−1, respectively) were successfully synthesized using the residual silica through a hydrothermal treatment for 6 h at 100 °C. This conversion process, which enables us to fabricate two different kinds of valuable materials from BFS at low cost and through convenient preparation steps, is surely beneficial from the viewpoint of economical use of BFS.
Loss Coefficients for Flow of Surfactant-Stabilized Emulsions Through Pipe Components

The pressure drop characteristics of surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions during flow through pipe components (globe valve, sudden expansion and sudden contraction) were investigated. The oil concentration was varied from 0 to 72.48% by volume. The emulsions were Newtonian up to an oil concentration of 46.9% by volume. At higher values of oil concentration, the emulsions exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour. The loss coefficients were determined from the measured pressure profiles upstream and downstream of the valve and fittings. The loss coefficient data were plotted as a function of Reynolds number. In the case of the non-Newtonian emulsions, the generalized Reynolds number was used. The loss coefficients for the sudden expansion and sudden contraction were found to be constant over a wide range of Reynolds numbers. These values were also comparable to the values reported in the literature for singe-phase Newtonian fluids. The loss coefficient for the globe valve was constant at high Reynolds number but varied significantly at Reynolds numbers less than about 100.
True Boiling Point Extended Curve of Vacuum Residue Through Molecular Distillation

Abstract Molecular distillation is a separation process that explores high vacuum, operation at reduced temperatures, and low exposition of the material at the operating temperature. The term vacuum residue (heavy petroleum fractions) refers to the bottom of the vacuum distillation, which has an atmospheric equivalent temperature (AET) above 540°C. For the assay of the properties of petroleum and petroleum products, the use of the true boiling point (TBP) distillation analysis is accepted as a common practice; however, for heavy petroleum fractions, some difficulties appear for determination of TBP of these petroleum fractions. The objective of this work is to develop a new and a more appropriated method to extend the TBP curve to use it for characterizing vacuum residue of heavy petroleum. The falling film molecular distillator was used. The results showed that it is possible to extend the TBP curve through molecular distillation process with very good precision.
CHARACTERIZATION OF Cr(II) AND Cr(III) ACETATE AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING UV-vis SPECTROPHOTOMETRY AND 1H NMR

Aqueous solutions of Cr(II) acetate monohydrate dimer, Cr(III) acetate hydroxide, and commercial Cr(III) acetate 50% active were monitored for 720 h using UV-vis spectrophotometry,1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and chromium speciation. The chromium solutions experienced changes in the UV-vis spectra and 1H NMR behavior with time that can be used to study their kinetics. These changes are governed by temperature and concentration. Cr(III) acetate hydroxide and Cr(III) acetate 50% active solutions exhibit similar spectra and 1H NMR behavior. Cr(II) acetate solutions have comparatively stable spectra, but experience the most significant 1H NMR changes. At the experimental conditions of this work, aging of solutions in bulk did not favor the oxidation of Cr(II) or Cr(III) to Cr(VI).
Fume Hood Performance: Slot Settings and Containment Testing

Abstract Fume hoods are provided with adjustable upper, lower, and sometimes middle slots. Slot adjustments affect the fraction of air exhausted through the different slots, which in part can determine the concentration of contaminants in different strata within the hood. Since fume hoods are used to contain particulate aerosols and chemical vapors, dioctylphthalate (DOP) and sulfur hexafluoride were used as surrogates to evaluate the effect of slot settings and sash heights on aerosol and vapor containment. While slot position had little effect on the release of sulfur hexafluoride outside the fume hood, opening the upper slot from 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) to 5 cm (2 inches) increased the release of DOP tenfold to thirtyfold depending on sash height. In a variable air volume hood, lowering the sash height decreased the total volume of air exhausted and increased the contaminant (DOP) concentration inside the fume hood. A narrow upper slot and wide lower slot were found to be optimal, while the practice of lo.
SKP1-like protein, CrSKP1-e, interacts with pollen-specific F-box proteins and assembles into SCF-type E3 complex in ‘Wuzishatangju’ (Citrus reticulata Blanco) pollen

S-ribonuclease (S-RNase)-based self-incompatibility (SI) mechanisms have been extensively studied in Solanaceae, Rosaceae and Plantaginaceae. S-RNase-based SI is controlled by two closely related genes, S-RNase and S-locus F-box (SLF), located at a polymorphic S-locus. In the SI system, the SCF-type (SKP1-CUL1-F-box-RBX1) complex functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex for ubiquitination of non-self S-RNase. Pummelo (Citrus grandis) and several mandarin cultivars are suggested to utilize an S-RNase-based SI system. However, the molecular mechanism of the non-S-factors involved in the SI reaction is not straightforward in Citrus. To investigate the SCF-type E3 complex responsible for the SI reaction in mandarin, SLF, SKP1-like and CUL1 candidates potentially involved in the SI reaction of ‘Wuzishatangju’ (Citrus reticulata Blanco) were identified based on the genome-wide identification and expression analyses. Sixteen pollen-specific F-box genes (CrFBX1-CrFBX16), one pollen-specific SKP1-like gene (CrSKP1-e) and two CUL1 genes (CrCUL1A and CrCUL1B) were identified and cloned from ‘Wuzishatangju’. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and in vitro binding assays showed that five CrFBX proteins could bind to CrSKP1-e, which is an ortholog of SSK1 (SLF-interacting-SKP1-like), a non-S-factor responsible for the SI reaction. Luciferase complementation imaging (LCI) and in vitro binding assays also showed that CrSKP1-e interacts with the N-terminal region of both CrCUL1A and CrCUL1B. These results indicate that CrSKP1-e may serve as a functional member of the SCF-type E3 ubiquitin ligase complex in ‘Wuzishatangju’.
Ambient assisted living technology‐mediated interventions for older people and their informal carers in the context of healthy ageing: A scoping review

There is a growing demand for health and social care services to provide technology‐mediated interventions that promote the health and well‐being of older people with health or care needs and of their informal carers. The objectives of this study were to scope and review the nature and extent of prior intervention studies involving ambient assisted living technology‐mediated interventions for older people and their informal carers, and how and in what ways (if any) the goals and aims of these interventions reflected the domains of the World Health Organization framework for healthy ageing.
Stabilization of YMnO3 in a Perovskite Structure as a Thin Film

Using pulsed laser deposition (PLD), metastable perovskite YMnO3 films were grown from a hexagonal YMnO3 target. The stabilization of the metastable phase is a result of the structural similarity between it and the perovskite substrates. X-ray and electron diffraction confirm the films' epitaxial nature but evince that the orientation and residual strains depend on the substrate. The implication of these findings is that PLD is a simple synthetic approach to stabilizing new, more complex, metastable perovskites.
Mapping suitable great ape habitat in and around the Lobéké National Park, South‐East Cameroon

Abstract As a result of extensive data collection efforts over the last 20–30 years, there is quite a good understanding of the large‐scale geographic distribution and range limits of African great apes. However, as human activities increasingly fragment great ape spatial distribution, a better understanding of what constitutes suitable great ape habitat is needed to inform conservation and resource extraction management. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) inhabit the Lobéké National Park and its surrounding forest management units (FMUs) in South‐East Cameroon. Both park and neighboring forestry concessions require reliable evidence on key factors driving great ape distribution for their management plans, yet this information is largely missing and incomplete. This study aimed at mapping great ape habitat suitability in the area and at identifying the most influential predictors among three predictor categories, including landscape predictors (dense forest, swampy forest, distance to water bodies, and topography), human disturbance predictors (hunting, deforestation, distance to roads, and population density), and bioclimatic predictor (annual precipitation). We found that about 63% of highly to moderately suitable chimpanzee habitat occurred within the Lobéké National Park, while only 8.4% of similar habitat conditions occurred within FMUs. For gorillas, highly and moderately suitable habitats occurred within the Lobéké National Park and its surrounding FMUs (82.6% and 65.5%, respectively). Key determinants of suitable chimpanzee habitat were hunting pressure and dense forest, with species occurrence probability optimal at relatively lower hunting rates and at relatively high‐dense forest areas. Key determinants of suitable gorilla habitat were hunting pressure, dense forests, swampy forests, and slope, with species occurrence probability optimal at relatively high‐dense and swampy forest areas and at areas with mild slopes. Our findings show differential response of the two ape species to forestry activities in the study area, thus aligning with previous studies.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 indirectly damages kidney structures

Abstract Background The objectives were to characterize Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods Kidney biopsy samples in two Caucasian patients and one African with COVID-19 AKI were investigated. Results All patients had a high-level non-selective glomerular proteinuria. SARS-CoV-2 samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) assay were all-negative, as well as for virus particles in the kidney by electron microscopy. The three patients and patients with other AKI did not differ significantly with regard to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 kidney staining. Conclusions The kidney damage particularly in Caucasians in COVID-19 seems to be an AKI, possibly by the systemic inflammatory response.
Percutaneous triangular stabilization of type 3 and type 4 fragility fractures of the pelvis usually leads to fracture healing despite high revision rates

This is a monocentric, retrospective study to analyze radiological findings as well as perioperative and postoperative complications in patients who underwent percutaneous triangular stabilization of type 3 and type 4 fragility fractures of the pelvis. From August 2017 to December 2018, 20 patients were treated surgically. Thirteen patients (65%) were followed-up and received a CT scan of the pelvis after an average time of 14.8 months. A total of 5 patients (38%) had to undergo revision surgery, 2 patients (15%) immediately, 3 patients (23%) in the interval. In 84.6% no fracture line was visible in the sacrum. Fracture healing of the anterior pelvic ring was observed in all cases. Our results show that percutaneous triangular stabilization of type 3 and type 4 fragility fractures of the pelvis usually leads to fracture healing. Radiological signs of loosening were observed in 62%, an implant removal due to symptomatic loosening was necessary in 23%.
Pharmacokinetic properties of the temozolomide perillyl alcohol conjugate (NEO212) in mice

Abstract Background NEO212 is a novel small-molecule anticancer agent that was generated by covalent conjugation of the natural monoterpene perillyl alcohol (POH) to the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ). It is undergoing preclinical development as a therapeutic for brain-localized malignancies. The aim of this study was to characterize metabolism and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of NEO212 in preclinical models. Methods We used mass spectrometry (MS) and modified high-performance liquid chromatography to identify and quantitate NEO212 and its metabolites in cultured glioblastoma cells, in mouse plasma, brain, and excreta after oral gavage. Results Our methods allowed identification and quantitation of NEO212, POH, TMZ, as well as primary metabolites 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AIC) and perillic acid (PA). Intracellular concentrations of TMZ were greater after treatment of U251TR cells with NEO212 than after treatment with TMZ. The half-life of NEO212 in mouse plasma was 94 min. In mice harboring syngeneic GL261 brain tumors, the amount of NEO212 was greater in the tumor-bearing hemisphere than in the contralateral normal hemisphere. The brain:plasma ratio of NEO212 was greater than that of TMZ. Excretion of unaltered NEO212 was through feces, whereas its AIC metabolite was excreted via urine. Conclusions NEO212 preferentially concentrates in brain tumor tissue over normal brain tissue, and compared to TMZ has a higher brain:plasma ratio, altogether revealing favorable features to encourage its further development as a brain-targeted therapeutic. Its breakdown into well-characterized, long-lived metabolites, in particular AIC and PA, will provide useful equivalents for PK studies during further drug development and clinical trials with NEO212.
The effects of the recombinant YeaZ of Vibrio harveyi on the resuscitation and growth of soil bacteria in extreme soil environment

Numerous bacteria entered the viable but non-culturable state due to the stresses of dry and salt in soils. YeaZ of Gram-negative bacteria is a resuscitation promoting factor (Rpf) homologous protein could resuscitate bacteria of natural environment in VBNC state. To investigate the promoting effect of YeaZ on the isolation of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) bacteria from soil samples in extreme environments, the recombinant YeaZ of Vibrio harveyi was prepared and added to the soil samples from volcanic soil and saline soil in Northwest China. The study has shown that YeaZ can promote the recovery and growth of soil microorganisms, and the number of cultivable bacteria in volcanic and saline soil has increased from 0.17 × 103 and 2.03 × 103 cfu⋅ml−1 to 1.00 × 103 and 5.55 × 103 cfu⋅ml−1, respectively. The 16S rDNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that YeaZ played an essential role in the increase of composition and diversity of bacteria. A total of 13 bacterial strains were isolated from the volcanic soil samples, which belong to phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Gamma-proteobacteria. Four species, including Ornithinimicrobium kibberense, Agrococcus citreus, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila and Pseudomonas zhaodongensis were found in the control group, while Micrococcus antarcticus, Kocuria rose, Salinibacterium xinjiangense, Planococcus antarcticus, Ornithinimicrobium kibberense and Pseudomonas zhaodongensis were isolated from the treatment groups (addition of YeaZ). Twenty-one strains were isolated from the saline soil samples, including eight species from the control group and thirteen species from the treatment groups, among which nine species were only found, including Bacillus oceanisediminis, Brevibacillus brevis, Paenibacillus xylanilyticus, Microbacterium maritypicum, B. subtilis, B. alcalophilus, B. niabensis, Oceanimonas doudoroffii and Zobellella taiwanensis. The results suggest that addition of YeaZ to soil samples can promote the recovery of VBNC. This method has the implications for the discovery of VBNC bacteria that have potential environmental functions.
Understanding how young people become motivated to take their human immunodeficiency virus medication (antiretroviral therapy) and how the need for adherence is communicated

Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART), the only effective treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), requires excellent long-term compliance. Poor levels of adherence to ART, especially amongst adolescents and young adults in South Africa, have been reported. Aim This study aimed to explore how young people become motivated to take their HIV medication (ART) and how the need for adherence is communicated. Setting The study was conducted in a peri-urban township in the Western Cape, South Africa. Methods A qualitative grounded theory approach was employed. Eighty young people were purposively recruited. Participant observation, focus groups and semi-structured interviews were utilised to explore how effective ART adherence messages are in motivating adherence amongst young people and how they would like ART adherence to be communicated to them. All interviews and focus groups were transcribed and analysed by using cross-comparison analysis. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were established and ethical considerations were adhered to. Results Young people’s adherence motivation was an outcome of reconnecting to one or more trusted significant other(s) from within their belonging group, who accepted and supported them, which in turn affirmed their prior belonging identities of son, daughter, other family member or close friend. This facilitated reconnection to their present and future hopes, which in turn increased their motivation to live and to adhere to treatment. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for the development of more effective communication strategies, which facilitate and support young people’s reconnection to trusted members of their belonging groups, and also help belonging group members to accept, affirm and support adherence.
Combinations of mineral and bone disorder markers and risk of death and hospitalizations in the international Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study

Abstract Background Prior studies have developed a chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) composite score based on combinations of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) that have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of clinical outcomes in the USA. We examined this association in a contemporary, international cohort of hemodialysis patients. Methods We studied 19 313 patients surviving ≥12 months in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study Phases 3–5 (2005–15) from Europe, Canada and the USA. The CKD-MBD composite score was defined as the number of markers above target levels (P, 3.5–5.5 mg/dL; Ca, 8.4–10.2 mg/dL; PTH, 150–600 pg/mL). Using Cox models, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for death and a composite event (death or hospitalization), contrasting MBD 2/3 (2–3 parameters above target) with MBD 0 (all in target), adjusted for a disease risk score (DRS). Results MBD 2/3 above target was observed in 10–14% of patients across regions and was associated with greater DRS-adjusted mortality {HR 1.41 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.82]} and composite events [HR 1.23 (95% CI 1.10–1.38)] in the USA compared with MBD 0; the mortality association was stronger for patients ≥ 65 years of age [HR 1.82 (95% CI 1.28–2.58)] compared with patients <65 years of age [HR 1.11 (95% CI 0.80–1.55)]. HRs observed in Canada and Europe were generally consistent but weaker. Estimates for MBD 2/3 outside target (above or below) were slightly lower in all regions. Conclusions Simultaneous consideration of Ca, P and PTH may help in identifying patients on dialysis with a higher risk of major clinical outcomes related to CKD-MBD.