Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer networked scanning electron microscope for teaching, research, and industry applications

A laboratory designed for teaching the operation of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been developed. The laboratory makes use of a computer network to allow remote operation of the SEM. Movable teaching stations, consisting of a computer, TV monitor, and joystick control, enable students to view the image on the SEM screen, move the sample, control the basic operating parameters of the microscope, and acquire X‐ray spectra. Images can also be stored on the computers for image analysis or incorporation into reports. The great advantage of the system is that it has been designed to be flexible enough to allow operation from any location that has access to the Internet. The system is relatively inexpensive and uses nonproprietary computer technology available at any computer store. While the laboratory has been designed for teaching, the concept of a multiuser SEM facility that is inexpensive and easy to install should have applications in both industrial and research settings. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SUBCULTIVATIONS, SPLITS, DOUBLINGS, AND GENERATIONS IN CULTURES OF HUMAN DIPLOID FIBROBLASTS

Mathematical expressions are provided relating subcultivations to population doublings and population doublings to generations. Account is made for the increasing number of cells which do not attach upon subcultivation as well as the increasing number of non‐dividers. The expressions reconcile published differences in longevity and reveal that the in vitro lifetime of human diploid cells measured in cell generations is far greater than previously suspected.
Preliminary phytochemical and elemental analysis of aqueous and fractionated pod extracts of Acacia nilotica (Thorn mimosa)

Acacia nilotica (Thorn mimosa) is used locally for various medicinal purposes by traditionalists and herbalists in northeastern Nigeria. Plants products have been used since ancient times in the management of various conditions. The bark of A. nilotica has been reported to be used traditionally to manage diabetes, dysentery, leprosy, ulcers, cancers, tumor of the eye, ear and testicles, induration of liver and spleen and also in treatment of various condylomas. The objective of this study is to determine the phytochemical and elemental constituents of the extracts of A. nilotica pods. Flame emission and atomic absorption spectrometry were also used to determine the presence or absence of micro- and macro-elements in the extracts. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous, ethyl acetate and N-butanol fractionated portions of the pod extracts of A. nilotica revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrate, whereas carbohydrates and tannins were the only constituent in the residue portion. Anthraquinones, alkaloids, terpene and steroids were not present in the extracts. The elemental screening revealed the presence of iron, potassium, manganese, zinc, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, cadmium and copper. Lead, arsenic and molybdenum were not detected in the pod.
Clinical manifestation of the SRSF2 gene mutation in Chinese patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

Background Spliceosome mutations have been recently identified and associated with hematological malignancies. SRSF2, one of components of the splicing machinery, has a high mutation frequency during chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, according to previous reports. However, the relevance of this finding in Chinese populations remains unknown. Methods We recruited 50 Chinese patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia to analyze the state of SRSF2 and to assess the corresponding clinical features by polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing. Results Ten of 50 patients (20%) harbored SRSF2 mutations, including five P95R, two 95H, and three P95L point mutations. The patient group was older than the wild type group (P <0.01). No significant statistical differences were observed with regard to the other clinical characteristics (sex, peripheral blood count, serum lactate dehydrogenase, karyotype, World Health Organization classification, etc.) between these two groups. Two of the patients showed an early evolution to acute myeloid leukemia. Conclusions SRSF2 mutations are frequent in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia patients, but show a relatively lower incidence in Chinese patients. Moreover, the mutation can be related to old age and an unfavorable prognosis. Our results provide valuable insights for the development of a diagnostic marker, or for the identification of a therapeutic target for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.
Characterization of JOK-1, a human gastric epithelial cell line

SummaryHuman gastric epithelial cells were isolated from samples of human gastric lining and immortalized with simian virus 40 (SV40) to generate the stable human gastric epithelial cell line “JOK-1” These cells express conventional, epithelial markers (vimentin, cytokeratin-18, occludin, N-and E-cadherins, β-catenin, ZO-1, ZO-2, mucin, epithelial specific antigen) as well as SV40 large T-antigen. These cells rapidly externalized E-cadherin in response to acidic medium, and exhibited epitheliallike barrier properties that are also regulated by media pH. In contrast, the kidney epithelial cell line “MDCK” also expresses serveral epithelial markers (vimentin, cytokeratin-18, occludin, N-and E-cadherin, β-catenin, ZO-1, ZO-2, epithelial specific antigen), but does not express mucin, or large T-antigen. However, MDCK rapidly internalize their E-cadherin from the cell surface and increase the solute flux in an acidic medium. These data suggest that the JOK-1 cell line is a potentially useful cell line for developing models of gastric epithelial function, development, and disease.
Composition and Abundance Changes of Invertebrates in Biological Activated Carbon (BAC) Filters

Biological Activated Carbon Filter (BACF) could provide ideal habitats for invertebrates, which may leads to aesthetic problems and adverse health effects on drinking water.The invertebrates in BACF in a water plant of south China have been studied from Sep. 2006 to Sep. 2007. 23 species (genera or group) of invertebrates were found. The Dominating organism group was rotifer , others included Copepoda, Cladocera, Oligochaeta, Nauplii and Nematoda. The average density of invertebrates in collected filtrate was 6.8 times as many as that in main ozonation water. After BAC filters were used for 13 months, the density of invertebrates in the filtrate, the carbon layer and the BACF collecting main increased by 3~17 times. There were abundant invertebrates in carbon layers, in which the maximum value up to 52645 ind. /kg. Water temperature (WT) is a important factor of affecting the growth of invertebrates in BAC filters. These results indicate that a complex food chain may establishes and result in potential risk of invertebrates to the safety of drinking water in BAC filter.
High phylogenetic diversity of the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) at two mitochondrial DNA markers

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Bouché), is the most common flea species found on cats and dogs worldwide. We investigated the genetic identity of the cosmopolitan subspecies C. felis felis and evaluated diversity of cat fleas from Australia, Fiji, Thailand and Seychelles using mtDNA sequences from cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and II (cox2) genes. Both cox1 and cox2 confirmed the high phylogenetic diversity and paraphyletic origin of C. felis felis. The African subspecies C. felis strongylus (Jordan) is nested within the paraphyletic C. felis felis. The south East Asian subspecies C. felis orientis (Jordan) is monophyletic and is supported by morphology. We confirm that Australian cat fleas belong to C. felis felis and show that in Australia they form two distinct phylogenetic clades, one common with fleas from Fiji. Using a barcoding approach, we recognize two putative species within C. felis (C. felis and C. orientis). Nucleotide diversity was higher in cox1 but COX2 outperformed COX1 in amino acid diversity. COX2 amino acid sequences resolve all phylogenetic clades and provide an additional phylogenetic signal. Both cox1 and cox2 resolved identical phylogeny and are suitable for population structure studies of Ctenocephalides species.
Patient-specific finite element modeling of bones

Finite element modeling is an engineering tool for structural analysis that has been used for many years to assess the relationship between load transfer and bone morphology and to optimize the design and fixation of orthopedic implants. Due to recent developments in finite element model generation, for example, improved computed tomography imaging quality, improved segmentation algorithms, and faster computers, the accuracy of finite element modeling has increased vastly and finite element models simulating the anatomy and properties of an individual patient can be constructed. Such so-called patient-specific finite element models are potentially valuable tools for orthopedic surgeons in fracture risk assessment or pre- and intraoperative planning of implant placement. The aim of this article is to provide a critical overview of current themes in patient-specific finite element modeling of bones. In addition, the state-of-the-art in patient-specific modeling of bones is compared with the requirements for a clinically applicable patient-specific finite element method, and judgment is passed on the feasibility of application of patient-specific finite element modeling as a part of clinical orthopedic routine. It is concluded that further development in certain aspects of patient-specific finite element modeling are needed before finite element modeling can be used as a routine clinical tool.
Physiology and analysis of the electrocardiographic T wave in mice

The murine electrocardiogram (ECG) is a valuable tool in cardiac research, although the definition of the T wave has been a matter of debate for several years potentially leading to incomparable data. By this study, we seek to make a clear definition of the murine T wave. Moreover, we investigate the consequences of performing QT interval correction in anaesthetized mice.
Recent Contributions Of The Statistical Physics In The Research Of Banking, Stock Exchange And Foreign Exchange Markets

This paper proposes a framework for exploring the main research approaches of the financial markets, conducted in the past years by statistical physics specialists. It, also, presents the global financial developments in the last few years, as well as a review of the most important steps in the development of the physical and mathematical modelling of the socioeconomic phenomena. In this regard, we analysed research findings published in the notable international journals. Our research demonstrated that the econophysical models developed in the past few years for the description of the financial phenomena and processes do not provide satisfactory results for the construction of complete solutions able to answer the nowadays financial challenges. We believe that research instrumentation of statistical physics has developed significantly lately and the research approaches in this field should continue and should be enhanced.
The Transmembrane Segment of Ryanodine Receptor Contains an Intracellular Membrane Retention Signal for Ca2+ Release Channel*

The ryanodine receptor (RyR) is a large homotetrameric protein with a hydrophobic domain at the C-terminal end that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane and forms the conduction pore of a Ca2+ release channel. Our previous studies showed that RyR expressed in heterologous cells localized to the ER membrane. Confocal microscopic imaging indicated that the ER retention signal is likely present within the C-terminal portion of RyR, a region that contains four putative transmembrane segments. To identify the amino acid sequence responsible for ER retention of RyR, we expressed fusion proteins containing intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), various fragments of RyR, and green fluorescent protein (GFP) in Chinese hamster ovary and COS-7 cells. ICAM is a plasma membrane-resident glycoprotein and serves as a reporter for protein trafficking to the cell surface membrane. Imaging analyses indicated that ICAM-GFP fusion proteins with RyR sequence preceding the four transmembrane segments, ICAM-RyR-(3661–3993)-GFP, and with RyR sequence corresponding to transmembrane segments 1, 2, and 3, ICAM-RyR-(4558–4671)-GFP and ICAM-RyR-(4830–4919)-GFP, were localized to the plasma membrane; fusion proteins containing the fourth transmembrane segment of RyR, ICAM-RyR-(4913–4943)-GFP, were retained in the ER. Biochemical assay showed that ICAM-RyR-GFP fusion proteins that target to the plasma membrane are fully glycosylated, and those retained in the intracellular membrane are core-glycosylated. Together our data indicate that amino acids 4918–4943 of RyR contain the signal sequence for ER retention of the Ca2+ release channel.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Portal Hypertension Following Pancreatic Islet Autotransplantation

A patient undergoing subtotal pancreatectomy and intraportal islet tissue autotransplantation for chronic pancreatitis developed severe portal hypertension (49 cm of H2O) and acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In an attempt to identify the cause of these problems, portal pressure and the activities of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems were studied in dogs undergoing intraportal autotransplantation of islet tissue. Following intraportal injection of the pancreatic tissue in five control dogs, the portal pressure rose to a maximum of 43.2 cm of H2O ± 2.4 and major coagulation abnormalities occurred. The mean hematocrit value fell to 18% ± 8.6, the mean platelet count to 218,000 ± 31,000, the mean plasma fibrinogen to 40 mg/dl ± 18, and the mean euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) to 25 min ± 4. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) became prolonged (233 sees ± 30) and significant quantities of fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products (FDP-fdp) (1:128 ± 32) appeared. These changes indicate the development of DIC probably secondary to significant amounts of tissue thromboplastin detected in the tissue homogenate infused at time of autotransplantation. In a group of seven dogs in whom heparin and Trasylol (aprotinin) were added to the pancreatic tissue at the time of transplantation, portal pressure rose only to a peak of 28.3 cm of H2O ± 3.6 and no significant abnormalities occurred in mean hematocrit value, plasma fibrinogen, platelet count or ECLT. Minor prolongation of PTT occurred secondary to the activity of heparin. FDP-fdp (1:16) were present transiently during tissue injection. Four patients in whom heparin and Trasylol were added to the pancreatic tissue at the time of autotransplantation developed only minor elevations of portal pressure (mean 15.5 cm of H2O) without intravascuiar coagulopathy.
The impact of building renovation with heat pumps to competitiveness of district heating: Estonian district heating pricing system needs more flexibility

The European Union (EU) and the whole world are striving towards less polluting and more efficient energy use and production. For that the EU has set targets for 2020, and has envisioned plans for 2030 and even 2050. In 2015, world leaders have agreed to reduce emission of greenhouse gases in the Paris summit. EU sees as one of the measures to fulfil these targets the development of district heating (DH). DH is an economical and environmentally friendly and a very convenient way to supply heat to end consumers. DH is especially popular in Nordic countries where there is high demand for heating due to colder climate, but it has a huge potential also elsewhere in Europe. Estonia is committed to comply with those targets. The actions of market participants in the energy field have been motivated greatly by subsidies and grants. There are different measures targeting on one hand building energy performance and on the other hand energy delivery and production efficiency and implementation of renewables. This paper analyses how those measures work together and shows shortcomings of the policies and measures developed separately for each target. It becomes clear that to develop successful policy it is necessary to look at the whole system, including the pricing principles, not just its parts alone.
A Microfluidic Platform for Characterization of Protein–Protein Interactions

Traditionally, expensive and time consuming techniques such as mass spectrometry and Western Blotting have been used for characterization of protein-protein interactions. In this paper, we describe the design, fabrication, and testing of a rapid and inexpensive sensor, involving the use of microelectrodes in a microchannel, which can be used for real-time electrical detection of specific interactions between proteins. We have successfully demonstrated detection of target glycoprotein-glycoprotein interactions, antigen-antibody interactions, and glycoprotein-antigen interactions. We have also demonstrated the ability of this technique to distinguish between strong and weak interactions. Using this approach, it may be possible to multiplex an array of these sensors onto a chip and probe a complex mixture for various types of interactions involving protein molecules.
Pathways and Subcellular Compartmentation of NAD Biosynthesis in Human Cells

NAD is a vital redox carrier, and its degradation is a key element of important regulatory pathways. NAD-mediated functions are compartmentalized and have to be fueled by specific biosynthetic routes. However, little is known about the different pathways, their subcellular distribution, and regulation in human cells. In particular, the route(s) to generate mitochondrial NAD, the largest subcellular pool, is still unknown. To visualize organellar NAD changes in cells, we targeted poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity into the mitochondrial matrix. This activity synthesized immunodetectable poly(ADP-ribose) depending on mitochondrial NAD availability. Based on this novel detector system, detailed subcellular enzyme localizations, and pharmacological inhibitors, we identified extracellular NAD precursors, their cytosolic conversions, and the pathway of mitochondrial NAD generation. Our results demonstrate that, besides nicotinamide and nicotinic acid, only the corresponding nucleosides readily enter the cells. Nucleotides (e.g. NAD and NMN) undergo extracellular degradation resulting in the formation of permeable precursors. These precursors can all be converted to cytosolic and mitochondrial NAD. For mitochondrial NAD synthesis, precursors are converted to NMN in the cytosol. When taken up into the organelles, NMN (together with ATP) serves as substrate of NMNAT3 to form NAD. NMNAT3 was conclusively localized to the mitochondrial matrix and is the only known enzyme of NAD synthesis residing within these organelles. We thus present a comprehensive dissection of mammalian NAD biosynthesis, the groundwork to understand regulation of NAD-mediated processes, and the organismal homeostasis of this fundamental molecule.
N′-Acetyl-5-amino-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbohydrazonamide dihydrate

In the title compound, C7H12N6O·2H2O, the Z configuration of the hydrazone fragment is stabilized by an intramolecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bond involving one of the amino groups. In the crystal structure, the hydrazonamide molecules are connected via intermolecular N—H⋯O=C hydrogen bonds, forming C(7) chains running along [010]. The chains form sheets parallel to the (01). The chains are cross-linked by water molecules to form a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network.
[Laser photocoagulation for choroidal neovascularization developed in a patient with optic disc drusen and angioid streaks].

BACKGROUND Optic disc drusen accompanied by angioid streaks is rarely seen in Japan. Laser photocoagulation for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with angioid streaks is controversial. CASE A 45-year-old woman presented with bilateral papilledema. Clinical examination revealed optic disc drusen and angioid streaks. During the follow-up period, juxtapapillary CNV developed in both eyes. CNV in the right eye developed progressively towards the fovea and was eventually treated by laser, but the CNV in the left eye regressed spontaneously. CONCLUSION These are the first precise clinical records on optic disc drusen with angioid streaks to be reported. The outcome of laser treatment for CNV in this case was favorable, because alteration of Bruch's membrane was mild, in the form of angioid streaks.
Minimization of TCAM Usage for SDN Scalability in Wireless Data Centers

The software-defined networking (SDN) architecture has been widely deployed in data centers to support diverse cloud services. In order to provide fast access for flow table lookup, SDN switches usually use ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) to store their routing rules given by a controller. However, the number of TCAM entries is relatively small due to its high cost and high energy consumption. As traffic in data centers significantly increases, rule replacement will occur very frequently in SDN switches. As a result, massive flow setup requests are generated and cannot be processed by the controller in real time. To address the scalability issue, we propose a novel rule-reduction-based policy to minimize TCAM usage, thus alleviating the burden on the SDN controller. Specifically, we integrate the 60 GHz wireless technology into data centers and formulate a routing rule minimization problem under the hybrid architecture with wired and wireless links. The objective is to minimize the number of installed rules in switches. We then propose an efficient algorithm, with the consideration of TCAM limitations and flow sizes, to solve the problem. Results of a series of simulations show that our algorithm outperforms a well-known solution for wired data centers and two approaches for wireless data centers. The results also provide useful insights and guidelines for designing scalable SDN-based data centers.
Long and Short Term Jumps in Commodity Futures Prices: Statistical and Economic Perspectives

This paper analyzes long- and short- term jumps in commodity futures from statistical and economic perspectives. We …rst show that both commodity futures returns and convenience yields are strongly leptokurtic. Second, we propose a non-Gaussian model by adding jumps to the Schwartz-Smith (2000) model of commodity futures. Long term (permanent) and short �
The Case for De-Identifying Personal Health Information

The demand on data custodians to disclose health information for secondary purposes is increasing dramatically. These demands come from researchers, public health professionals, commercial actors, and governments. In many jurisdictions, de-identification is one set of methods that can be used to allow the use and disclosure of health information without consent. This report describes the reasons why it is desirable or necessary to de-identify health data before disclosing or using it for secondary purposes. The scenarios we consider reflect the most common conditions under which a custodian would want to de-identify the data. These include an assessment of alternatives, such as consent, on-site access, and remote access to data, the impacts of data breaches and breach notification, unplanned and unexpected uses of data by the public and private sectors, and public perception and trust.