Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Culturally Safe Falls Prevention Program for Inuvialuit Elders in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada: Considerations for Development and Implementation

RÉSUMÉ La théorie postcoloniale a été utilisée dans cette étude pour identifier les recommandations actuelles en matière de prévention des chutes qui sont proposées par les programmeurs locaux en prévention des chutes (PLPC), afin de réduire les taux de chutes chez les aînés inuvialuits à Inuvik, dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest (Canada), et en vue de comprendre comment co-créer avec les participants des programmes de prévention des chutes qui soient culturellement sûrs pour les aînés inuvialuits. Les résultats ont montré que les aînés inuvialuits et les PLPC à Inuvik recommandent d’ajouter aux programmes existants des évaluations et des modifications environnementales, de l’activité physique et de la formation pour les aînés et les soignants. Pour que les programmes de prévention des chutes soient culturellement sûrs, les aînés considéraient aussi que ces programmes devraient inclure les stratégies suivantes : établir des liens de confiance et des relations au sein de la communauté, intégrer des interventions autochtones et non autochtones dans ces programmes, et assurer une formation sur les pratiques culturellement sécuritaires. ABSTRACT Using post-colonial theory, we sought to determine what current falls prevention recommendations are offered by local falls prevention programmers (LFPPs) to reduce fall rates among Inuvialuit Elders in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada, and to understand how falls prevention programs for Inuvialuit Elders can be co-created with participants to be culturally safe. The findings showed that Inuvialuit Elders and LFPPs in Inuvik recommend adding environment assessments and modifications, physical activity, and education for Elders and caregivers to existing programs. They also felt that for culturally safe falls prevention programs to occur, LFPPs must include the following strategies: establishing trust and rapport within the community, including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous interventions in falls prevention programs, and training others on cultural safety practices. INUVIALUIT TRANSLATION† Using poscolonial tamna atughulugu kanuk pangma katagumagata ilthuakniahulugu ukautigikangat tamani inunaktuat kataguruat katalaikulgi havatuat [LFPP] kataaipyakuvlugi utukanat tavraniituat lnuvialuit inuniaktuat luvingmi. tamanituat NWTmi Canatami iltchugilugu kanuk katangnik iltchugitkuvlgu havaktuat tamatkununga utukannait inuvialuit ikayukiguting tamakunuga havaktuanun tamani inuniaktuat pakitchuatguk utukananin tapkualu LFPP inuvingmi tamani nunami inuuniaktuat inuilu hutgautngnik kanuglu ilihautilugit utukanat tamaniittualu ilihautinik tavranituanik,tamanilu inuuniahynik nakuruanik havaunanik pilthanaitchuanik havaguting tamakunani LFPP sililugu ukpignaktuanikinilani tamnicgimaitchualu inuit katirutigilugu tana katangnatuak pitchilnak tamani ilihautigilugu nakuruanik hunaichuaanik ililugu ilipialugu tamanianugnaicguaniktamakunga niapiktuguruanun tamani utukanat
Effectiveness of dexmedetomidine for delirium and its impact on hemodynamics in critically ill patients

Aim/Background: Delirium is common in critically ill patients. For its treatment along with other sedatives, dexmedetomidine has also been prescribed by the clinicians. However, the outcomes with its use are less well-defined by any study in local population. We aimed to study its effectiveness for delirium and the impact on hemodynamics in critically sick patients of our population. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional, prospective observational study conducted on 212 participants after ethical review committee approval at our hospital. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) scores were recorded before starting dexmedetomidine and within one hour of starting the drug. More than 10% decrease in heart rate (HR) or systolic or diastolic blood pressure was considered as an impact on hemodynamic parameters. An achievement of RASS of -2 was considered as effectiveness of drug. Results: There was a mean drop of HR by 13.78 ± 18.58 beats/min (14.49%) after starting dexmedetomidine. Mean systolic blood pressure drop was 10.99 ± 20.67 mmHg (9.16%), and mean drop in diastolic blood pressure was 4.958 ± 12.53 mmHg after dexmedetomidine use. The mean value of RASS score achieved on dexmedetomidine was -2. Conclusion: Our study concluded the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine as light sedation for delirium. It significantly impacted on hemodynamic parameters. Its impact on heart rate was more pronounced as compared to systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
Thermodynamic Parameters of Specific and Nonspecific Protein-DNA Binding

Abstract Proteins that bind preferentially to specific recognition sites on DNA also bind more weakly to nonspecific DNA. We have studied both specific and non-specific binding of the EcoRI and BamHI restriction endonucleases, and determined enthalpic and entropic contributions to binding free energy (ΔG°bind) using both the van't Hoff method and isothermal titration calorimetry. Specific binding is characterized by a strongly negative ΔC°p and can be either enthalpy-driven or entropy-driven, depending on temperature. Nonspecific binding has ΔC°p ≈ 0 and is enthalpy-driven. A strongly negative ΔC°p is the ‚thermodynamic signature’ of site-specific binding, because it reflects the characteristics of a tight complementary recognition interface: the burial of previously hydrated nonpolar surface and restriction of configurational-vibrational freedoms of protein, DNA, and water molecules trapped at the protein-DNA interface. These factors are absent in nonspecific complexes. We probed the contributions to ΔC°p by varying the sequence context surrounding the recognition site. As ΔG°bind improves, ΔC°p' ΔH° and ΔS° all become more negative, and there is a linear correlation between ΔH° and ΔS° (enthalpy-entropy compensation). Because these context variations do not change the protein-base or protein-phosphate contacts, the hydrophobic contribution or the number of trapped water molecules at the interface, we conclude that a better sequence context improves the ‚goodness of fit’ in the interface and and thus increases the magnitude of the negative configurational-vibrational contribution to ΔC°p.
Comparative study of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly ethyleneimine-plasmid DNA microparticles prepared using double emulsion methods

Controlled release of plasmid DNA (pDNA) from biodegradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles has the potential to enhance transgene expression. However, barriers to this approach include limited encapsulation efficiency, pDNA damage during fabrication and confinement of the microparticles inside phagolysosomal compartments. Combining PLGA with poly ethyleneimine (PEI) can improve protection of pDNA during fabrication, increase encapsulation efficiencies and impart the PLGA microparticles with the capacity to escape the phagolysosomal compartments. This study compares three promising formulation methods for preparing PLGA PEI pDNA microparticles and evaluates for buffering capacity, cellular uptake, transfection efficiency and toxicity. In the first method, PLGA PEI pDNA microparticles are prepared by entrapping pDNA in blended PLGA/PEI using the double emulsion water-in-oil-in-water solvent evaporation technique (PA). In a second approach, PEI-pDNA polyplexes are prepared and then entrapped in PLGA microparticles using a double emulsion solvent evaporation method (PB). Microparticles prepared using formulation methods PA and PB are then compared against PLGA microparticles with PEI conjugated to the surface using carbodiimide chemistry (PC); 0.5% PVA is identified as the optimum concentration of surfactant for generating the strongest transfection efficiencies. N:P ratios of 5 and 10 are selected for preparation of each group. Gel electrophoresis demonstrates that all PLGA microparticle formulations have strong pDNA binding capacity. An MTT assay shows that in vitro cytotoxicity of PLGA PEI microparticles is significantly lower than PEI alone. PLGA PEI pDNA microparticles mediate higher cellular uptake efficiency and consequently higher transgene expression than unmodified PLGA microparticles in COS7 and HEK293 cells. Preparing PEI-pDNA polyplexes prior to entrapment in PLGA microparticles (PB) results in the highest pDNA loading. This is 2.5-fold higher than pDNA loading in unmodified PLGA microparticles. PLGA PEI pDNA microparticles prepared using method PB generates the strongest transfection efficiencies, which are 500-fold higher than unmodified PLGA pDNA microparticles in HEK293 cells and 1800-fold higher in COS-7 cells. The highest transfection efficiencies generated from microparticles prepared using method PB is achieved using an N:P ratio of 5.
Distribution of Mercury and Other Heavy Metals in Bottom Sediments of the Middle Odra River (Germany/Poland)

The Odra is the second largest river in Poland, running from the Czech Republic through a large part of Poland before entering the Baltic Sea. Its catchment area has been heavily polluted by anthropogenic emissions. Our data document an intensive anthropogenic impact on the abundance of heavy metals in bottom sediments of the middle part of the Odra. Normalized heavy metal concentrations in sediments and indices of geoaccumulation (I geo ) indicate that this area is polluted by various metals, especially mercury, cadmium and zinc. The ranges of their concentrations vary as follows: Hg 0.12-2.99 mg/kg, Cd 2.93-7.87 mg/kg, Pb 21.2-163 mg/kg, Cu 11.5-88.3 mg/kg, Zn 28.0-471 mg/kg, Cr 1.57-47.5 mg/kg, Ni 5.10-19.1 mg/kg, Fe 1493-37972 mg/kg and Mn 47.6-1242 mg/kg.
CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICAS E QUÍMICAS DE CAFÉS TORRADOS E MOÍDOS EXÓTICOS E CONVENCIONAIS

O presente trabalho refere-se a pesquisa de dois cafes exoticos comercializados no Brasil: o cafe Jacu, proveniente do estado de Espirito Santo, e o cafe Civeta procedente da Indonesia (cujos frutos maduros sao ingeridos e “processados” no trato digestivo de animais). Suas caracteristicas quimicas e fisicas foram comparadas as de cafes torrados e moidos comerciais brasileiros (Tradicional, Superior ou Premium e Gourmet). Os valores referentes a composicao centesimal, teor de cafeina (1,04 a 1,45%) e solidos soluveis totais (24,50 a 32,23%) de todas as amostras atenderam aos limites preconizados pela legislacao brasileira. Os cafes exoticos, Jacu e Civeta, apresentaram os maiores e menores parâmetros de cor, respectivamente (L* = 20,46 e 11,55; h* = 58,13 e 51,06 e C* = 21,00 e 14,85). Os maiores teores (media de 35,21 mg em equivalente de acido galico/g amostra) de compostos fenolicos totais foram verificados nos cafes Tradicional e Premium. Os cafes Jacu e Gourmet apresentaram os maiores teores de 5-ACQ (media de 0,65%) e de trigonelina (media 0,63 g/100 g amostra) e os menores teores de acido nicotinico (media de 0,022 g/100 g amostra). O cafe Premium continha os maiores teores de acucar total (1,37 g glicose/100 g amostra) e o cafe Tradicional mostrou o maior teor de acucares redutores (0,27 g sacarose/100 g amostra). O cafe Gourmet apresentou a maior acidez titulavel total (171,13 mL NaOH 0,1 N/100 g amostra) e o Premium a menor (121,31 mL NaOH 0,1 N/100 g amostra).
Evaluation of serum analytes in pregnant and non-pregnant dairy cows as indicators of pregnancy

This study was conducted to reveal the dynamics of haematological indicators in pregnant and non-pregnant dairy cows. Sixty multiparous healthy dairy cows were divided into four groups based on the length of time they had been pregnant, namely first, second and third trimesters, and non-pregnant (n=15 each). Blood was collected from each animal, and serum was harvested and stored at -20 °C for biochemical profiling. Concentrations of serum total oxidants (TOC), ceruloplasmin oxidase (CpO) and triiodothyronine (T3) were higher (P <0.05) during the third trimester compared with non-pregnant cows. Serum arylesterase (Ary) concentration was lower (P <0.05) during the second and the third trimesters compared with the non-pregnant cows. The concentration of serum total homocysteine (tHcy) was higher (P <0.05) the third trimester compared with the first and the second trimesters. The concentrations of serum total antioxidants (TAC), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), thyroxine (T4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were not different in the pregnant and the non-pregnant cows. Thus, TOC, Ary, CpO, tHcy and T3 could be taken as biological markers to assess the progression of pregnancy and to develop management tools to improve health status during late gestation in dairy cows Keywords: ceruloplasmin, hepatic enzymes, late gestation, triiodothyronine
Effects of A‐site ionic size variation on the magnetic and transport properties of (PrxSm1–x)2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1)

The effects of average A‐site ionic size on magnetic and transport properties have been studied in (PrxSm1–x)2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) manganites with fixed carrier concentration. An effect of average A‐site ionic radius () with the Pr substitution has been clearly observed in the continuous changes of ferromagnetic transition temperature and metal–insulator transition temperature. The change of the resistivity with the x was explained by a variation in the hopping integral between Mn3+ and Mn4+, which is dependent on the Mn‐O‐Mn bond angle affected by the average A‐site ionic size. Remarkably, the Sm‐doped manganites showed an antiferromagnetic transition by the rare‐earth moments below 50 K as well as the ferromagnetic transition by Mn moments at a higher temperature. A phase diagram of (PrxSm1–x)2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) was successfully constructed on the basis of magnetic and transport studies. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
BSA immobilization on amine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Immobilization of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on surface-modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) has been performed by two different double-step immobilization approaches. The first approach consists of preparation of SPION by controlled chemical coprecipitation in the presence of BSA solution, whereas the second approach includes preliminary surface modification of SPION with an amine group using a coupling agent of 3-aminepropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS). Both procedures are followed by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminepropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) activation with sequential immobilization of the layer of BSA. Additionally, an attempt to modify the surface of SPION with amine and carboxylic groups is undertaken by using l-aspartic acid (LAA). TEM shows that the particle size varies in the range 10−15 nm and does not change significantly after the coating process. The presence of BSA and amine groups on the surface of SPION is confirmed by FT-IR. Magnetic properties are investigated .
Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Fluorescent Properties of Two Cd(II) Coordination Polymers Based on 2-(1H-imidazole-1-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole

In the presence of KBr and Na2S2O3, two new coordination polymers, {[Cd2(μ2-Br)2Br2(H2O)2(imb)2]·2H2O}n (1) and {[Cd(S2O3)(imb)]·2DMF}n (2), have been prepared through the reactions of Cd(NO3)2 with 2-(1H-imidazole-1-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (imb). A structural study reveals that 1 displays 1-D chain structure constructed by bromine anions and imb ligands bridging Cd(II) ions. While 2 exhibits a 2-D network structure in which the thiosulfate groups coordinate to Cd(II) ions with O and S atoms simultaneously. Additionally, their IR and fluorescent properties are investigated.
Effect of droplet size on the rheology of emulsions

The effect of droplet size on the rheological behavior of water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions was investigated using a controlled-stress rheometer. Results indicate that the droplet size has a dramatic influence on emulsion rheology. Fine emulsions (water-in-oil or oil-in-water) have much higher viscosities and storage moduli than the corresponding coarse emulsions. The shear-thinning effect is much stronger in the case of fine emulsions. When coarse droplets are replaced by fine droplets (keeping total volume fraction of the dispersed phase constant), the resulting emulsion exhibits a minimum in rheological properties (viscosity, storage and loss moduli, time constant) at a certain proportion of fine droplets. However, the minimum in viscosity occurs only at low shear stresses. At high stresses, the viscosity of the mixed emulsion increases as the proportion of fine droplets increases. The study of the aging effect on the rheological behavior shows that water-in-oil emulsions age much more rapidly than the oil-in-water emulsions.
Mössbauer 119Sn and XPS spectroscopy of Sn2P2S6 and SnP2S6 crystals

The monoclinic Sn2P2S6 and rombohedral layered SnP2S6 crystals have been investigated by 119Sn Mössbauer and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies. By comparing the isomer shift, quadrupole splitting and binding energies for Sn 3d and 4d core levels in these crystals with such parameters for the metal tin and for different tin compounds it was found that in the Sn2P2S6 crystals Sn existed in the Sn2+ oxidation state and in the SnP2S6 crystals – in the Sn4+ state. Temperature dependences of the isomer shift and Debye–Waller factor satisfied the Debye model in the temperature interval of 6 – 300 K for the SnP2S6 crystals but deviated from such behavior at T > 250 K for Sn2P2S6 crystals. This peculiarity together with specific character of the temperature dependence of the quadrupole splitting were related to the role of the stereoactive Sn 5s2 lone pair electrons in the determined by three‐well potential mechanism of the second order ferroelectric phase transition at 337 K in Sn2P2S6 crystals. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural Phase Transition of Di-Block Polyampholyte

Abstract We have performed both conventional canonical molecular dynamics (MD) and multicanonical MD (MMD) simulations for a single di-block polyampholyte in vacuum to investigate possible structural phase transitions. The conventional canonical MD simulation for temperature T∗ > 0.05 gives reliable results, since these are independent of the initial conformation. The MMD simulation results for temperature T∗ > 0.05 are in good agreement with those of the conventional canonical MD simulation. Glassy-like states are obtained when quenched into temperatures below T∗ > 0.05 with a straight chain structure as an initial conformation. On the other hand a spherical double helical structure is obtained when the temperature is gradually lowered to T∗ > 0.01. Also we find a stretched double helical structure at T∗ ∼ 0.01 which changes to the spherical double helical structure by annealing and quenching.
Engineered Infiltration Systems for Urban Stormwater Reclamation

Abstract Urban stormwater contains a variety of contaminants that can adversely impact receiving waters. Contaminants of greatest concern include compounds derived from paving materials and automobile tires, biocides, and pathogens. Low-impact development systems built to manage urban stormwater often utilize some form of engineered infiltration or subsurface filtration to reduce the volume of runoff leaving a developed site. Use of infiltration techniques without proper consideration of contaminants in stormwater risks further degradation of urban ecosystems and water resources. Although engineered infiltration systems also have the capacity to remove contaminants from stormwater, the potential of these systems has not yet been fully exploited or optimized. With improved designs based on known mechanisms of contaminant removal, engineered infiltration has the potential to provide reliable treatment of urban stormwater, resulting in a water resource that is safe for aquifer recharge or urban stream restor.
Dielectrometry measurements of moisture dynamics in oil-impregnated pressboard

The dielectric spectrum of pressboard, (i.e. its complex permittivity as a function of frequency), is related to its moisture content and to its temperature. Consequently it is possible to use dielectrometry measurements to measure a pressboard sample's moisture content. The complex permittivity of pressboard is measured in two different ways. The first method places the sample between two parallel metal plates, in effect creating a lossy lumped capacitor, whose complex impedance can easily be measured. The complex permittivity thus calculated is effectively averaged across the sample's bulk. The other method involves interdigitated electrodes, applied only to one surface of the sample. Since the electric field's depth of penetration is dependent on the spatial wavelength of the electrodes, different sensors can obtain information from different depths in the material, making it possible to measure spatial distributions of the dielectric properties. This can allow the study of the diffusion of water in pressboard. <<ETX>>
Electrochemical Detection of Cadmium and Lead Complexes with Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids

The Cd and Pb complexes with oxalic (OA) and citric acid (CA) were detected in model and soil solutions using cyclic and stripping voltammetry. A mixed complex consisting of Cd, Pb, and OA was found; its peak potential varied from −582.0 to −542.5 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl/KCl(3 mol L−1)). For mixed complex formation, the presence of PbOH+ species and Cd2+ in oxalic acid solution was necessary. Only the ‘simple’ complexes of CA with Pb and Cd were found in the model solution. The existence of all investigated metal complexes is confined to neutral pH range. The mixed complex was also found in real soil solutions.
Hydrogen Silsesquioxane: A Molecular Precursor for Nanocrystalline Si−SiO2 Composites and Freestanding Hydride-Surface-Terminated Silicon Nanoparticles

We report the bulk preparation of nanocrystalline Si−SiO2 (nc-Si/SiO2) composites via straightforward reductive thermal annealing of a well-defined molecular precursor, hydrogen silsesquioxane. The presented method affords quantitative yields of composite powders in large quantities. Freestanding, hydride-surface-terminated silicon nanocrystals that photoluminesce throughout the visible spectrum are readily liberated from nc-Si/SiO2 composite powders upon etching in ethanol−water solutions of hydrofluoric acid. Composites and freestanding particles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT−IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Effects of Heat Stress During Grain Filling on the Functional Properties of Flour from Fresh Waxy Maize

ABSTRACT The effects of temperature during grain filling on the quality of fresh waxy maize grain were investigated using three varieties. Plants of the selected varieties were subjected to two temperature treatments, namely, control (mean daily air temperature, 30°C) and heat stress (35°C), after artificial pollination (1–23 days after pollination). Heat stress decreased starch content and crystallinity and increased the contents of protein and protein fractions (albumin, globulin, zein, and glutenin), but it did not affect soluble sugar content in general. The effects of heat stress on grain textural characteristics were variety dependent, except for springiness, which was similar between treatments. Pasting and thermal properties were also affected by heat stress. The results suggest that heat stress during grain filling changes the composition of flour and crystalline structure of starch, thereby decreasing viscosities and enthalpies of gelatinization as well as increasing the pasting and gelatinizati.