Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Complementation of ATP Synthase Deficiency Due to Dysfunction of TMEM70 Assembly Factor in Rat

Mutations of the TMEM70 gene disrupt the biogenesis of the ATP synthase and represent the most frequent cause of autosomal recessive encephalo-cardio-myopathy with neonatal onset. Patient tissues show isolated defects in the ATP synthase, leading to the impaired mitochondrial synthesis of ATP and insufficient energy provision. In the current study, we tested the efficiency of gene complementation by using a transgenic rescue approach in spontaneously hypertensive rats with the targeted Tmem70 gene (SHR-Tmem70ko/ko), which leads to embryonic lethality. We generated SHR-Tmem70ko/ko knockout rats expressing the Tmem70 wild-type transgene (SHR-Tmem70ko/ko,tg/tg) under the control of the EF-1α universal promoter. Transgenic rescue resulted in viable animals that showed the variable expression of the Tmem70 transgene across the range of tissues and only minor differences in terms of the growth parameters. The TMEM70 protein was restored to 16–49% of the controls in the liver and heart, which was sufficient for the full biochemical complementation of ATP synthase biogenesis as well as for mitochondrial energetic function in the liver. In the heart, we observed partial biochemical complementation, especially in SHR-Tmem70ko/ko,tg/0 hemizygotes. As a result, this led to a minor impairment in left ventricle function. Overall, the transgenic rescue of Tmem70 in SHR-Tmem70ko/ko knockout rats resulted in the efficient complementation of ATP synthase deficiency and thus in the successful genetic treatment of an otherwise fatal mitochondrial disorder.
Evaluation of Dose-Dependent Obesity and Diabetes-Related Complications of Water Chestnut (Fruit of Trapa japonica) Extracts in Type II Obese Diabetic Mice Induced by 45% Kcal High-Fat Diet

Background and Objectives: The currently used pharmacological agents for metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes have several limitations and adverse effects; thus, there is a need for alternative therapeutic drugs and health functional foods. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the pharmacological effects of water chestnut (fruit of Trapa japonica) extracts (WC: 50–200 mg/kg) for type II diabetes using a 45% Kcal high-fat diet (HFD)-fed type II obese diabetic mice model for a period of 84 days, and the effects were compared to those of metformin (250 mg/kg). Results: Increases in body weight, serum biochemical indices such as triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and blood urea nitrogen, increases in antioxidant defense system enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα1 and AMPKα2) in the liver tissue and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα2 mRNA, leptin, and C/EBPα) in the adipose tissue were observed in the HFD control group. The WC (50 mg/kg)-administered group showed no significant improvements in diabetic complications. However, HFD-induced obesity and diabetes-related complications such as hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), oxidative stress, activity of antioxidant defense systems, and gene expressions were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited and/or normalized by oral administration of WC (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), particularly at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that WC at an appropriate dose could be used to develop an effective therapeutic drug or functional food for type II diabetes and various associated complications, including NAFLD.
Direct oral anticoagulants‐Remove versus Taipan snake venom time for detection of a lupus anticoagulant in patients taking oral direct factor Xa inhibitors

The optimal method of detecting a lupus anticoagulant (LA) for patients taking direct factor Xa inhibitor (DFXaI) direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) remains controversial. Methods include charcoal adsorption of the DOACs to allow testing with the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and dilute Russell viper venom time (dRVVT), or use of the DFXaI‐insensitive Taipan snake venom time (TSVT) and Ecarin time (ET) assays on neat plasma.
Método para a avaliação do impacto de edificações no acesso à iluminação natural em vizinhanças urbanas aplicado em cenários virtuais

Durante o periodo diurno, a iluminacao natural pode ser uma aliada para promover a reducao do consumo energetico com fontes artificiais. Entretanto, o acesso a este recurso e dificultado a medida que as cidades aumentam a densidade construida, elevando a taxa de ocupacao e altura das edificacoes. Tendo em vista este panorama, objetivou-se neste trabalho desenvolver um metodo para investigar o impacto de edificacoes no acesso a iluminacao natural com a abordagem estatica em vizinhancas a partir de parâmetros e tecnicas de avaliacao presentes na literatura da area, seguido de analises utilizando cenarios virtuais para ilustracao da aplicacao do metodo. A metodologia desta pesquisa, que envolve a construcao de um metodo, esta dividida em seis etapas: escolha dos parâmetros de analise, definicao do raio de abrangencia da vizinhanca, modelagem e simulacao, definicao dos tipos de impactos, definicao dos cenarios virtuais e analise dos dados dos cenarios. Para avaliar os impactos, comparou-se a diferenca em percentagem do FLDV – Fator de Luz Diurna Vertical dos cenarios originais e dos cenarios com a insercao de uma edificacao na vizinhanca. Os resultados das simulacoes nos estudos de caso apontam para a configuracao do ambiente urbano com diferentes formas arquitetonicas entre as edificacoes vizinhas e parcelamentos irregulares, para que os impactos adversos em relacao a iluminacao natural na vizinhanca sejam minimizados.
An Assessment of Battery and Hydrogen Energy Storage Systems Integrated with Wind Energy Resources in California

This exploratory investigation examined energy storage technologies that can potentially enhance the operation of wind power and other intermittent renewable energy systems. The authors conducted economic and environmental analyses of four energy storage options: (1) lead acid batteries, (2) zinc bromine (flow) batteries, (3) a hydrogen electrolyzer and fuel cell storage system, and (4) a hydrogen storage option where the hydrogen was used for fueling hydrogen powered vehicles. These were considered under two wind penetration scenarios (2010 and 2020) at four California sites that are likely to experience significant wind farm development. Analysis with NREL’s HOMER model showed that, in most cases, energy storage systems were not well utilized until higher levels of wind penetration were modeled (i.e., 18% penetration in Southern California in 2020). In the scenarios, hydrogen storage became more cost-effective than battery storage at higher levels of wind power production, and using the hydrogen to refuel vehicles was more economically attractive than reconverting the hydrogen to electricity. The overall value proposition for energy storage used in conjunction with intermittent renewable power sources depends on multiple factors. The initial qualitative assessment found the various energy storage systems to be environmentally benign, except for emissions from the manufacture of some battery materials.
Texture analysis of CT images based on machine learning to identify whether adrenal cortical adenoma is functional or not

Background: The detection rates and surgical resection rates of adrenal incidentaloma are increasing, but malignant tumors only account for 10%-15%. Taking adrenal cortical adenomas (ACA) as an example, this paper aims to explore if texture analysis of preoperative computed tomography (CT) images based on machine learning can reliably identify if ACA are functional.Methods: The clinical and imaging data were collected retrospectively for 75 patients with adrenal cortical adenoma confirmed by surgery and pathology in our hospital from November 2018 to November 2020. MaZda image analysis software was used to segment image data and extract features. Support vector machine (SVM) was used to create an image omics model to predict the functionality of the ACA. Lastly, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the performance of the radiohistology model.Results: Four histological models were developed (models 1-4, which represent plain scan, arterial enhancement, venous enhancement and delayed scan, respectively). All models 1-4 showed a good ability to distinguish between functional and non-functional ACA in the training sample, with an average AUC of 0.96, 0.91, 0.91 and 0.88, respectively.Conclusion: Texture analysis of CT images using machine learning can effectively identify whether adrenal cortical adenoma is functional.
A Review of Current Design and Construction Practice for Road Kerbs and a Sustainability Analysis

Kerb is an integral part of road infrastructure and performs several important functions, including providing stability to the edges of the road and providing effective drainage. Their performance can significantly influence the behaviour and service life of a road. The design conditions, construction materials and their sustainability can be important to assess from an asset management and sustainable construction point of view even though this area has been paid limited research attention in the past. This paper reviews the available literature on the design and construction considerations for kerbs and critically analyses them with a special focus on sustainable construction practice. The different materials commonly used around the world for the construction of kerb in terms of their properties, failure and available design guidelines have been discussed along with their management practice. Special situations, such as expansive soil movement and tree root-related problems, have also been considered, and the current guidelines for designing in such situations have also been discussed. A carbon footprint and sustainability analysis has been conducted on the current practice of using natural aggregate concrete and compared against several potential alternatives. The review of the design process indicated that the current practice relies on over-simplified design procedures and identified scopes for improvement, especially with the incorporation of mechanical behaviour of the material being used in construction. The carbon footprint and sustainability analysis indicated that the use of alternative materials could result in significant savings in the kerb construction industry’s carbon footprint.
Testing and analysis of magnetorheological fluid sedimentation in a column using a vertical axis inductance monitoring system

This study investigates the sedimentation of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) in a vertical column using a vertical axis inductance monitoring system (VAIMS). The particle concentration (i.e., particle volume fraction) of MRF samples consisting of carbonyl iron powder in a silicone carrier fluid was monitored as a function of column height for 156 h with a measurement nominally every 12 h. In addition, the extent and concentration gradients in four distinct sedimentation zones were monitored: supernatant zone, original concentration zone, variable concentration zone, and sediment zone. In order to obtain the settling velocity of the MRF with respect to particle concentration, MRF samples with different volume fractions (i.e., 15, 19, 26, 30 and 40 vol%) were synthesized, and mudline (i.e., the boundary between clarified supernatant fluid zone and the original concentration zone below) descent of each sample was measured using both the VAIMS and visual observation. In this study, three different settling velocity models (i.e., Vesilind, Richardson and Zaki, and Dick models) were considered in order to capture settling velocity as a function of concentration. Vesilind’s settling velocity model was found to be most suitable for the MRF sample in our study, and the setting velocity distribution in the vertical column could be measured for each MRF sample. Based on Kynch’s sedimentation analysis, the mass balance equation was obtained and integrated with Vesilind’s settling velocity model to obtain the concentration propagation velocity. In addition, the solids flux within the fluid column was obtained to provide insight in sedimentation stability as a function of particle concentration.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Effect of Erythrophelum suaveolens Seeds Essential Oil on Aspergillus flavus Isolated from Locally Purchased Maize (Zea mays) Seeds In Abuja, Nigeria

Aspergillus flavus is ubiquitous and it is responsible for attacking and contamination of maize and the use of organic substances to arrest the proficiency of A. flavus is quiet limited, this study therefore aimed at evaluating the phytochemical composition and antifungal effect of Erythrophelum suaveolens seed essential oil on A. flavus isolated from locally purchased maize seeds in Abuja. Extraction of an essential oil of the grinded seeds of E. suaveolens isolation through hydro-distillation method and petroleum ether as solvent utilizing clevenger apparatus. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of E. suaveolens seed oil was determined. Swabbing using sterile cotton swabs in a potato dextrose Agar (PDA) plates with 8hrs old broth culture of the A. flavus and a sterile cork borer used in making wells at the center of the culture plate at room temperature for 2hrs for diffusion to take place, this was done in triplicate to determine antifungal effect of the seed oil. The plates were incubated at 28ºC for 48hrs to measure the diameter of the inhibition zones. The results show that tannins, steroids, terpenoids, balsams, and cardiac glycosides were present in the plant seeds oil after 48 hrs, the triplicate shows an inhibitory diameter zone of 1.8, 1.7 and 1.4cm respectively. The plant seed essential oil had higher antifungal potency towards A. flavus isolated from maize seeds and presence of some bioactive compound.
Traditional Posterior Load Carriage: Ergonomic Assessment and Intervention Efficacy

There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among manual material handling (MMH) workers. However, limited investigations have been undertaken among one large group of workers using a particular MMH method called traditional posterior load carriage (PLC). Such load carriage is typically done without the use of an assistive device (e.g., backpack) in developing countries, and involves exposure to known risk factors for MSS such as heavy loads, non-neutral postures, and high levels of repetition. The current work was completed to investigate the characteristics of the PLC task and physical effects on workers, and to evaluate a practical intervention that may help improve the task. The first study investigated, through structured interviews with 108 workers, the types, prevalence, and impacts of MSS. PLC workers incur a relatively high MSS burden, primarily in the lower back, but also in the feet, knees, shoulders, and neck. These MSS were reported to interfere with daily activity, but only few workers sought medical treatment. Workers suggested several task improvements including the use of a belt, hook, or backpack/frame, and changes in the carriage method. The second and third study investigated, in a laboratory setting involving nine healthy males, the effects of load mass and size, and the use of a simple intervention, respectively, on factors related to low back pain risks during PLC. Increasing load mass caused increased torso flexion, lumbosacral flexion moment, abdominal muscle activity, and torso movement stability in the frontal plane. Increasing load size also caused higher torso flexion, peak torso angular velocity and acceleration, and abdominal muscle activity. Complex interactive effects of load mass and size were found on paraspinal muscle activity and slip risk. The intervention, involving a simple frame to support a load, and use with a higher load placement was found to be potentially beneficial as indicated by reduced lumbosacral moment and ratings of perceived discomfort in several anatomical regions compared to the traditional PLC. Outcomes of this research can facilitate future ergonomic guidelines and interventions to improve working conditions and occupational health and safety for PLC workers.
MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN GURU DALAM MENYUSUN TES HASIL BELAJAR AKHIR SEMESTER MELALUI WORKSHOP DI KKG GUGUS 02 KECAMATAN SUMBERMALANG TAHUN 2014/2015

Abstrak . Guru merupakan faktor dominan dalam proses belajar mengajar, oleh karena itu meningkatkan kemampuan guru mutlak dilakukan agar terjadi peningkatan kemampuan di dalam mengelola proses pembelajaran. Salah satu indikator yang menunjukkan bahwa seorang guru tersebut mampu menyusun tes telah banyak dilakukan seperti mengikuti penataran dan pelatihan lainnya. Dari hasil evaluasi terhadap kedua bentuk upaya tersebut ditemukan belum banyak memberikan sumbangan terhadap profesional guru. P enelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjawab bagaimana upaya meningkatkan kemampuan guru dalam menyusun tes hasil belajar akhir semester melalui workshop di KKG Gugus 02 Kecamatan Sumbermalang Tahun 2014/2015 . Penelitian ini dilaksanakan melalui workshop menyusun tes dengan jumlah guru 12 orang guru yang diikutkan dalam workshop yang mengajar sebagai guru kelas IV, V , dan VI di KKG Gugus 02 Kecamatan Sumbermalang tahun 2014/2015. Penelitian ini melakukan penilaian satu kali siklus. Tes sudah selesai dianalisis dan dinilai berdasarkan 2 parameter yang telah ditetapkan. Untuk mengetahui aktivitas guru dalam bekerja maka peneliti melengkapi dengan panduan observasi yang meliputi : 1) Silabus, 2) RPP, 3) Buku pengangan, 4) format kisi – kisi tes , 5) Kesiapan mental yang masing – masing diberikan skor 1 – 4. Memalui workshop pula dapat meningkatkan kemampuan guru dalam menyusun tes profesional, hal ini terlihat pada kegiatan siklius pertama rata rata nilai 70,67. Tes dikatakan layak apabila minimal 65% kriteria bisa terpenuhi. Dengan demikian pada siklus pertama 100% guru sudah mampu menyusun tes hasil belajar akhir semester genap. Dari hasil penelitian yang dilaksanakan melalui workshop maka peneliti dapat menyimpulkan bahwa kemampuan guru kelas IV, V , dan VI di KKG Gugus 02 Kecamatan Sumbermalang 2014/2015 dalam menyudun tes hasil belajar akhir semester dapat meningkat. Kata kunci : Tes hasil belajar, Workshop
National Assessment of Energy Storage for Grid Balancing and Arbitrage: Phase 1, WECC

To examine the role that energy storage could play in mitigating the impacts of the stochastic variability of wind generation on regional grid operation, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) examined a hypothetical 2020 grid scenario in which additional wind generation capacity is built to meet renewable portfolio standard targets in the Western Interconnection. PNNL developed a stochastic model for estimating the balancing requirements using historical wind statistics and forecasting error, a detailed engineering model to analyze the dispatch of energy storage and fast-ramping generation devices for estimating size requirements of energy storage and generation systems for meeting new balancing requirements, and financial models for estimating the life-cycle cost of storage and generation systems in addressing the future balancing requirements for sub-regions in the Western Interconnection. Evaluated technologies include combustion turbines, sodium sulfur (Na-S) batteries, lithium ion batteries, pumped-hydro energy storage, compressed air energy storage, flywheels, redox flow batteries, and demand response. Distinct power and energy capacity requirements were estimated for each technology option, and battery size was optimized to minimize costs. Modeling results indicate that in a future power grid with high-penetration of renewables, the most cost competitive technologies for meeting balancing requirements include Na-S batteries and flywheels.
Reported Changes in Eating Habits Related to Less Healthy Foods and Beverages during the COVID-19 Pandemic among US Adults

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered stress, anxiety, and disruption to many individuals’ daily lives, which might impact eating habits. Objective: To examine changes in eating habits related to less healthy foods and beverages during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants/setting: Authors used SummerStyles data gathered in June 2020 among 3916 US adults (≥18 years). Main outcome measures: The outcome of interest was the reported frequency of consuming more (1) unhealthy snacks and desserts including chips, cookies, and ice cream and (2) sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) like regular soda, fruit drinks, sports/energy drinks, sweetened coffee/teas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were categorized as Never/Rarely, Sometimes, or Often/Always. Explanatory variables were sociodemographics, weight status, and census regions. Statistical analyses performed: We used multinomial regressions to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for Sometimes or Often/Always consuming more unhealthy snacks/desserts (vs. Never/Rarely); and Sometimes or Often/Always more SSBs (vs. Never/Rarely). Results: Overall, 36% of adults reported sometimes consuming more unhealthy snacks/desserts; 16% did so often/always. Twenty-two percent of adults reported sometimes drinking more SSBs; 10% did so often/always. Factors significantly associated with higher odds of reporting often/always consuming more unhealthy snacks/desserts were younger adults (AOR range = 1.51–2.86 vs. adults ≥65 years), females (AOR = 1.58 vs. males), non-Hispanic Black (AOR = 1.89 vs. non-Hispanic White), lower household income (AOR = 2.01 for <USD 35,000 vs. ≥USD 100,000), and obesity (AOR = 1.56 vs. underweight/healthy weight). Factors significantly associated with odds of Often/Always drinking more SSBs were being younger (AOR range = 2.26–4.39 vs. adults ≥65 years), non-Hispanic Black (AOR = 3.25 vs. non-Hispanic White), Hispanic (AOR = 1.75 vs. non-Hispanic White), non-Hispanic Other race/ethnicity (AOR = 2.41 vs. non-Hispanic White), lower education (AOR = 2.03 for ≤high school; AOR = 1.80 for some college vs. college graduate), lower household income (AOR range = 1.64–3.15 vs. ≥USD 100,000), and obesity (AOR = 1.61 vs. underweight/healthy weight). Conclusions: Consuming more sugary foods and SSBs during the first phase of the pandemic was higher in younger adults, lower-income adults, people of racial/ethnic minority groups, and adults with obesity. Dietary shifts to less healthy foods and drinks may influence metabolic health if sustained long-term. Implementing strategies to support individual’s healthy eating habits during the ongoing pandemic and the pandemic recovery may benefit health and wellness.
Human resource practices in public and private sector bank

Human Resource is considered to be very crucial in the organization's well-being. Presently organizations have started realizing that Human Resources are the most important of all assets based on the emerging values of humanization. The success of any organization in long term depends on the human resource. Human Resource Development in a growing economy like India is the need of the time and undoubtedly, banking sector is the most effective instrument for India's economic development, for which developing Human Resources for this sector has become essential to achieve the national objectives.