Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma selenium in patients with cirrhosis

Plasma selenium concentration is decreased in patients with cirrhosis and, based on this finding, it has been suggested that patients with cirrhosis are selenium deficient. We measured plasma selenium concentration and the two plasma selenoproteins, glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx‐3) and selenoprotein P, in the plasma of patients with cirrhosis of Child classes A, B, and C and in control subjects. Plasma selenium declined in proportion to the severity of the cirrhotic condition, as indicated by the Child class. Selenoprotein P, which originates largely in the liver, declined in a similar manner. Plasma glutathione peroxidase activity increased, and GSHPx‐3 originates in the kidney. Selenium in the non‐selenoprotein pool, shown by others to be largely selenomethionine in albumin, declined. Thus, although plasma selenium is decreased in patients with cirrhosis, the increase in plasma glutathione peroxidase activity, which occurs in them, suggests that patients with cirrhosis do not have selenium deficiency.
SMEs Craft Industry Application of Resource Based View: Capabilities Role of SMEs Performance

This study examines whether Resource Based View (RBV) theory can be applied in SMEs sector. Superior capabilities are key determinants for sustainable competitive advantage. Not only big firms, but also SMEs need to find what capabilities that determine their competitiveness. This study focused on the internal capabilities of SMEs that may explain their performance. Internal capabilities are translated into innovation, marketing, and learning capabilities. Using survey method collected from SMEs owners/managers, this research examines internal capabilities and performance relationships. Using PLS-SEM, the study revealed that innovation, marketing and learning capabilities are significantly influence SMEs performance. In addition, marketing capability also positively influence innovation capability. This research provides empirical finding that capabilities are also applicable to SMEs in emerging countries. Based on the findings from this study, RBV approach can be used to identify capabilities that determine SMEs performance. With capabilities, SMEs may sustain their competitive advantage.
Localization of self antigen : implications for antigen presentation to T cells

Self serum proteins are processed and bound to class II MHC molecules on antigen presenting cells (APC), such as macrophages, in vivo. The self protein C5 (the fifth component of complement) is used as a model antigen to investigate w hether or not peptides derived from proteins synthesized by macrophages themselves are presented by class II MHC molecules to T cells. Intracellular proteins are not generally presented in the context of class II MHC molecules, although there are exceptions to this described in transfected or virally infected cells. When C5 expression is restricted to macrophages, there is no evidence that this self antigen is presented. The aim of this project was to determine why macrophages do not present their self-synthesized C5 in the context of class n MHC. The possibilities include:(1) macrophages do not synthesize C5 (2) macrophage synthesized C5 is not immunogenic (3) compartmentalization prevents intracellular C5 peptides from binding to class II (4) extracellular C5 does not reach the required concentration (5) macrophages are not able to activate resting T cells C5(+) macrophages were found to synthesize C5. C5 secreted in vitro by macrophages could be presented by macrophages to a T cell hybrid in vitro, when given exogenously in an appropriate form (captured by specific antibody). C5 immunoprecipitated from macrophage cultures could initiate a C5 specific antibody response in C5(-) mice. In contrast to dendritic cells (DC), macrophages pulsed with C5 were not efficient in priming C5 specific T cells in vivo. Thus although presentation of this self antigen can be demonstrated in vitro, there is no consequence of presentation detected in vivo. This is due to a num ber of factors, namely: the localization, concentration and form of the antigen; the ability of APC to take up antigen; and the ability of that APC to activate naive T cells.
An Inventory for Alternate Conceptions among First-Semester General Chemistry Students

This manuscript (i) presents the Chemical Concepts Inventory (CCI), an inventory that faculty can use to judge for themselves the extent of several common alternate conceptions among their students; (ii) demonstrates that students come to general chemistry with a variety of the alternate conceptions described in the chemical and science education research literature; and (iii) shows that a traditional general chemistry course results in only modest improvements in understanding of basic concepts. The incorrect concepts include inappropriate ideas about atoms and molecules, microscopic behavior, heat and temperature, chemical formulas, gases, and other qualitative concepts—concepts that form the foundation of several topics of first-semester college chemistry.The inventory is a multiple choice instrument composed of one- and two-tiered nonmathematical questions based on alternate conceptions reported in the science education literature. Administration of the inventory before the first semester of a two-sem.
Influence of cloud-radiation interaction on simulating tropical intraseasonal oscillation with an atmospheric general

The influence of cloud-radiation interaction in simulating the tropical intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) is examined using an aqua planet general circulation model (GCM). Two types of simulation are conducted: one with prescribed zonal mean radiation and the other with fully interactive clouds and radiation. In contrast to the fixed radiation case, where the ISO is simulated reasonably well, the cloud-radiation interaction significantly contaminates the eastward propagation of the ISO by producing small-scale disturbances moving westward with the easterly basic winds. The small-scale disturbances are persistently excited by a strong positive feedback through interaction between cumulus-anvil clouds and radiation. The longwave interaction is shown to play a bigger role in contaminating the ISO than the shortwave interaction does. The anvil clouds reduce the longwave cooling significantly in the lower troposphere while releasing latent heating in the upper troposphere. To moderate the strong cloud-radiation feedback, the large-scale condensation scheme in the GCM is modified by reducing the autoconversion timescale, needed for cloud condensates to grow up to rain drops. In addition, upper air ice cloud contents are reduced to change the cloud albedo. These modifications make a more realistic simulation of the ISO similar to the observed.
The transformation of cleavage politics The 1997 Stein Rokkan lecture

In this lecture I discuss the development of the social divisions in Western Europe and their translation into politics. I successively take up the three aspects embraced by the notion of ‘cleavages’ – their structural base, the political values of the groups involved, and their political articulation. My main argument is that the decline of traditional cleavages does not necessarily signify the end of structuration of politics by social divisions. There is ample empirical evidence for the existence of a new social division between two segments of the new middle class, which has important consequences for politics. This new social division is shown to be closely linked to the new ‘value cleavage’ although it is not able to fully account for the enormous political implications which contrasting value-orientations have today. Finally, I suggest that the political articulation of both the transformed class structure and the new configuration of values is strongly shaped by the political legacy of traditional cleavages.
Adsorption and Diffusion of VO2+ and VO2 + across Cation Membrane for All‐Vanadium Redox Flow Battery

A method based on a selectivity coefficient and the Nernst‐Planck equation is proposed to determine diffusion coefficients of vanadium ions across a cation exchange membrane in VO2+/H+ and VO2 +/H+ systems. This simplified method can be applied to high concentrations of vanadium ions. Three cation exchange membranes were studied. The logarithmic value of the selectivity coefficient was linearly dependent on the molar fraction of vanadium ions in solution. The diffusion coefficient of vanadium ions decreased with decreasing water content. The membrane with the lowest diffusion coefficient was selected as a battery separator and showed the lowest capacity loss of the studied membranes.
Heat transfer at the subcooled‐scraped surface with/without phase change

Continuous heat extraction is important for the process of freeze concentration of aqueous solutions, in which water is removed as solid ice. Three typical unsteady heat transportation patterns were distinguished at the subcooled surface of a scraped-surface heat exchanger (SSHE) in this study. They were found in different stages of freeze concentration. Experimental measurement of the heat-transfer coefficient in an SSHE showed that the overall heat-transfer coefficient of stage III, which was characterized by ice formation on the cooler surface, was about 1.5 times higher than stage I, where no ice formed. Although the ice layer (also known as ice fouling) on a heat exchanger surface may be considered disadvantageous for heat transfer, the initial ice formation actually boosted up the heat transportation in an SSHE. The mechanism analysis and mathematical modeling of this phenomenon, however, have not been found in the literature. A mathematical model is developed and a unified expression of the heat-transfer coefficient in an SSHE with/without phase change is presented. The model predicts a step increase of heat transfer occurs at the onset of ice formation and the maximum heat-transfer coefficient exists in a narrow range right after reaching the freezing point. These are consistent with the experimental results of this study.
Effects of Surfactants on Water Transport in W1/O/W2 Emulsions

The effects of oil-soluble and water-soluble surfactants on water transport rates in W1/O/W2 emulsions under osmotic pressure were studied at the single-globule level by using capillary video-microscopy technique. By changing the constitution of the internal aqueous compartment W1, the intervening oil O, and the outer aqueous suspending phase W2, these effects were further studied for different controlling water transport mechanisms. Experiments were conducted at visual contact, when water is mainly transported via hydrated surfactants, and at no visual contact, in which case water migration occurs primarily in the forms of spontaneously emulsified droplets and reverse micelles. Water transport rates were found to rise linearly with increasing oil-soluble surfactant concentration in the oil phase over a significant range, irrespective of the transport mechanism, though the effects are more pronounced when water is transported via hydrated surfactants. In contrast to the system-stabilizing effect of the oi.
Characterisation of poly(acrylamide) in solution

Using a set of laboratory poly(acrylamide) samples in the molecular weight region Mw = 5.105 to Mw = 6.106 the following relations have been established, the polymer concentration c given in g/cm3: ([η], intrinsic viscosity; s0, sedimentation constant) Mainly based on light scattering experiments a more detailed description on molecular dimensions and solution structure of PAAm/H2O and PAAm/ethylene glycol systems is given. In both systems the relation a = 3v − 1 (a and v being the exponents of the intrinsic viscosity — and root-means-square end-to-end distance — molecular weight functions) holds.
ThT as an instrument for testing and investigation of amyloid and amyloid-like fibrils

Thioflavin T (ThT) is known to have a very low quantum yield in water solutions itself and in the presence of native and denatured proteins and their amorphous aggregates, but to form a highly fluorescent complex with amyloid and amyloid-like fibrils. A new view on ThT spectral characteristics and mechanism of interaction with amyloid fibrils was elaborated on the basis of experimental studies of solvent polarity and viscosity influence on ThT absorption, excitation and fluorescence spectra and results of quantum-chemical calculations. It was shown that presence of the methyl group at nitrogen atom in benzthiazole ring makes nonplanar conformation of ThT energetically profitable and decreases barrier of intramolecular rotation of benzthiazole and aminobenzole rings relative to each other. Due to this ThT represents a dynamic set of molecules with differently perturbed systems of π-conjugated bonds. Possibility of torsional oscillations of ThT fragments relative to each other coupled with intramolecular charge transfer in the excited state permits to refer ThT to the class of molecular rotors. The significant, by three orders, increase of quantum yield of ThT when incorporated in amyloid and amyloid-like fibrils is caused by restriction of torsional oscillations of ThT fragments relative to each other.
The profiles of sex Steroid Hormones in females of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and their correlation with ovarian growth

The sex steroid hormones includes17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and progesterone (P) were studied during the annual cycle of gonadal maturation. The pituitary gland secretes gonadotropin hormone which is used as monitor and control on the secretion steroid hormones from the theca and granulose cells of follicular oocyte. The annual fluctuated in 17β-estradiol (E2) is correlated with the degree of maturation state in the ovary of grass carp as vitellogenesis ceased and the ova reached to the final maturation state, the concentration of E2 decreased to the minimum level 109ng/ml. The testosterone (T) level among the other sex steroid hormones plays an essential role in the sexual maturation. Testosterone (T) fluctuated through the maturation cycle and reached the lowest value at immature state of gonad and measured 1.5ng/ml, however this value gradually increased and peaked in ripe stage to 2.2ng/ml. The value of T decreased to 1.5ng/ml in atretic stage. The fluctuated in the total T level in the serum of grass carp seem to be inconsistent with fluctuation of E2. Progesterone (P) peaked in maturing ovary and measured 12.9 ng/ml and then decreased to 9.2 in ripe stage. Both Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) play an important role during the annual cycle for growth oocyte and is necessary for maturation and successful in propagation process.
FTIR Studies of Doped PMMA ‐ PVC Blend System

The IR spectroscopy study shows miscibility between PMMA-PVC blends due to hydrogen bonding between C=O of PMMA and hydrogen from CHCl of PVC. This blend system is doped by Camphor Sulphonic Acid (CSA) in the entire composition range. The doping of CSA in PVC, in PMMA and in PMMA-PVC blends shows changes in FTIR spectra. The interaction between PVC and CSA is through hydrogen bonding between C=O of CSA and CHCl of PVC. Doping PMMA with CSA, indicate an interaction between H + ion of CSA and oxygen atoms of C=O and -OCH 3 of PMMA. Whereas in PMMA-PVC blend interaction between H + ion of CSA and oxygen atom of C=O of PMMA.
A new measurement of the electron electric dipole moment using ytterbium fluoride

This thesis describes a new measurement of the electron electric dipole moment (eEDM, de) made using a pulsed beam of ytterbium fluoride (YbF) molecules. YbF molecules are used as they greatly enhance the eEDM interaction with an applied electric field. In addition they suppress interactions with magnetic fields in the plane perpendicular to the applied electric field. This is hugely beneficial for suppressing the systematic effect that limited previous atomic eEDM searches. We measure the eEDM by performing a type of separated oscillating field interferometry, wherein the direction of applied electric and magnetic fields are reversed in between pulses of the molecular beam. From a dataset of 6194 individual eEDM measurements we find de = (−2.4± 5.7stat ± 1.5syst)× 10−28 e cm. This result is consistent with zero, so we set a new upper limit of |de| < 10.6× 10−28 e cm at the 90% confidence level. A complete analysis of the dataset is given, with a thorough account of all the supplementary tests that were performed to check for systematic error. After publishing this world leading result we proceeded to upgrade the experiment to improve eEDM sensitivity and reduce certain systematic effects. This involved improving the rf polarisation along the parallel plate transmission line, shortening the rf pulse length and improving the magnetic shielding. A detailed discussion of the development and testing of the upgrades is given, including new measurements of the systematic uncertainties which will limit our next eEDM measurement.
EFFECTS OF NITRATE AND CYTOKININ ON CREEPING BENTGRASS UNDER SUPRAOPTIMAL TEMPERATURES

Heat stress reduces creeping bentgrass performance in temperate to sub-tropical climates. The research objective was to characterize effects of nitrogen (N) and cytokinin (CK) on creeping bentgrass under heat stress. In a 38°C/28°C chamber, grasses were treated with two nitrogen (2.5 and 7.5 kg N ha−1) and three CK rates (0, 10 and 100 μM) biweekly. Grass grown at high N had better turf quality, higher photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and chlorophyll concentration at d15 and 28 than low N. CK increased NDVI at d15, with Fv/Fm of the CK100 treatment being 18% higher than that of CK0 at d28. Under high N with 100 μM CK, root trans-zeatin riboside (tZR) and isopentenyl adenosine (iPA) were 160% and 97% higher than under low N without CK, respectively. These results demonstrate positive impacts of N and CK on creeping bentgrass under heat, with N playing a dominant role.
Calculated One- and Two-Electron Reduction Potentials and Related Molecular Descriptors for Reduction of Alkyl and Vinyl Halides in Water

One- and two-electron reduction potentials (E1 and E2 values) were calculated from published thermodynamic data for 39 halogenated C1 and C2 compounds, including many commonly encountered groundwater contaminants. Because reductive dehalogenation is an important pathway for their destruction under anaerobic conditions, information concerning the relevant reduction potentials may be useful for assessing the thermodynamic feasibility of a particular reaction, as well as in developing linear free energy relationships (LFERs) or other quantitative structure-activity relationships (QS ARs) that may enable prediction of rates of transformation. E1 values were calculated assuming a stoichiometry corresponding to dissociative electron transfer, which produces a carbon-centered radical and a halide ion. E2 values were calculated for both hydrogenolysis and reductive β-elimination reactions. Uncertainties in the thermodynamic data for the organohalides under consideration may introduce substantial uncertainty in the resulting E1 values. Hence, relationships between calculated E1 values and various surrogate parameters were also investigated. E1 values were correlated with lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies and carbon-halogen homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDE values), which were computed via density functional theory. Correlations were also attempted between E1 values and vertical attachment energies (VAE values), the latter representing experimental measures of the ease of reduction of a molecule to a radical anion in the gas phase. These alternate descriptors may provide a means for estimating E1. Additional studies will need to be undertaken to establish which descriptor best correlates with reactivity in environmental reductive dehalogenation.
Central Composite Design Applied to Optimize the Hydroalcoholic Extraction of Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus L.) Fruits

The present study optimized the hydroalcoholic extraction conditions to maximize the anthocyanin content, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of bilberry extracts. Optimal conditions with regard to ethanol concentration (X1: 8.17–91.83% v/v), extraction time (X2: 8.27–41.73 days) and solid-to-liquid ratio (X3: 0.38–1.22, w/v) were identified using central composite design combined with response surface methodology. The results showed a good fit with the proposed second-order polynomial models for all responses (R2 > 0.964). Among the three extraction parameters, ethanol concentration had the main impact on the extraction efficiency for all responses. The optimum extraction conditions that maximized total anthocyanin content are ethanol concentration 91.83%, solid-to-liquid ratio 1.22 and extraction time 23.5 days, whereas maximum total phenolic content under the same conditions is reached after 28 days of extraction. Tristimulus colorimetry was used to evaluate color properties of bilberry extracts, and correlations were assessed between CIELab indices, anthocyanin content, phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Practical Applications Bilberries possess high antioxidant potential due to their richness in phenolics, especially anthocyanins, which occur not only in the skin but throughout the red fruit flesh. These compounds can be efficiently extracted with ethanol or aqueous-based ethanol solutions in order to obtain bilberry liqueur, a noble, full of color and flavor drink, with potential health benefits. In this study, optimum conditions for the hydroalcoholic extraction of bilberries were determined. Alcohol concentration, extraction time and solid-to-liquid ratio were the extraction parameters investigated in order to optimize the total anthocyanin content, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of bilberry extract. Optimal operating conditions to maximize the efficiency of the extraction can be used in handcrafted or industrial application.
Dynamic double layer model: Description of time dependent charging phenomena in insulators under electron beam irradiation

A theoretical model is presented which describes time dependent charging phenomena in insulators irradiated by an electron beam. This so called dynamic double layer model (DDM) is based on the simplified assumption of charge development in two axi‐symmetric cylindrical volumes at the insulator surface and at a certain depth below the surface, respectively. Important physical interaction mechanisms like the electrostatic interaction between the surface potential and emitted secondary electrons, the transport characteristics of internally generated secondary electrons in a positively charged insulator surface, as well as radiation induced electrical conductivity are included in the DDM model. Experimentally determined stationary and time dependent charging behaviour of Al2O3 single crystals (sapphire) irradiated with an electron beam between 1 and 15 keV energy can be qualitatively explained by the DDM model.
Sulfonic acid group-containing thin films prepared by plasma polymerization

Plasam polymerization of hydrocarbon/sulfure dioxide mixtures, C2H/SO2, C2H4/SO2, and CH4/SO2 mixtures, was investigated to obtain thin films containing sulfonic acid groups. Plasma polymerization of C2H2/SO2 and C2H2/SO2 mixtures gave filmlike products but that of the CH4/SO2 mixtures did not. The plasma polymers possessed much amount of sulfur and oxygen moieties with hydrocarbon chains. The sulfur moieties involved thio, sulfite, and sulfonic acid groups. This groups was a main product and reached 70–80 mol % of the total sulfur moieties. The remains (20–30 mol %) were sulfonic acid and sulfite groups. The oxygen moieties were hydroxyl and carbonyl groups with small amount of carbonxyl groups. The plasma polymers showed and hydrophilicity (the surface energy was 54–56mN/m) and good antithrombogenity.