Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Solution Grade Biostable Polyurethane Elastomer: ChronoFlex® AR

olyether based polyurethanes have been widely used in medical P devices due to their excellent blood compatibility. However, these polymers have been shown to biodegrade by a mechanism known as Biologically-Induced Environmental Stress Cracking (BI-ESC). BI-ESC appears to occur in vivo when macrophages attach themselves to the surfaces of ether-based polyurethanes and enzymatically degrade the polymer surface, leading to microcracking and potential catastrophic failure. ’
Cytogenetic Nomenclature: Changes in the ISCN 2013 Compared to the 2009 Edition

The latest edition of the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature, ISCN 2013, has recently been published following a thorough revision of the 2009 issue and the incorporation of suggestions from the community by the current standing committee. This review will highlight the multiple nomenclature changes in the respective chapters of the 2013 version compared to the previous version of the ISCN published in 2009. These highlights are meant as a guide for the cytogeneticist to assist in the transition in the use of this updated nomenclature for describing cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic findings in both clinical and research reports.
Evoluating Factors Influenced on Consumer Perception towards Online Banking Services - A Study

: The research study was an attempt to identify the consumer perception level on online banking i.e. security, privacy ,usefulness of online banking and quality of internet for online banking in Hyderabad. Mainly the study attempts identified perception behaviours of online banking were examined for that, respondents are selected from major city i.e. and sample size was 110 and tested via percentages and multiple regression by using SPSS 20.0 Version. The results of the study showed that online banking is positively affected on consumer perception. Based on the results , this study can be considered and mush useful as a best pioneer in this new area of banking sector.
Trichomonas vaginalis. II. Laboratory investigations in trichomoniasis.

Trichomonas vaginalis was first described byDonne (1836), who observed theorganism inpurulent secretions inbothwomen andmen, andstated that itwas not presentinnormalvaginal secretions. T.vaginalis was successfully cultured invitroby Lynch(1915), andthere havesince beenanumberof publications containing descriptions ofthemorpho- logical, epidemiological, andpathological aspectsof trichomonal infestation (Trussell, 1947; Whittington, 1957;Burch, Rees,andReardon, 1959a; Frostand Honigberg, 1962;Niekerk, 1963;Honigberg and King,1964;Nielsen, Ludvik, andNielsen, 1966). Therewas no effective therapy forTrichomonas infection untilthediscovery of metronidazole (Flagylg) by Durel,Roiron, Siboulet, andBorel (1960). Thisgreattherapeutic advanceledto the needforimprovedmethodsof demonstrating T.vaginalis insecretions. The simplest andmost rapid methodisdirect microscopy ofunstained wet preparations inwhichtheactively movingorganism isreadily recognized. However, sincethedevelop- mentofsuitable mediaithasbeenfoundthatculture isthemost sensitive method(Whittington, 1957; Burch,Rees,and Reardon, 1959b;Petri, 1962; Lowe,1965;Hess,1969). Routine culture ofT.vaginalis hasbeencarried out intheNeisseria Department oftheStatens Seruminstitut, Copenhagen, since1962,and a methodoftesting thesensitivity to metronidazole hasbeendeveloped concurrently.
Development and Characterization of a Three-Dimensional Organotypic Human Vaginal Epithelial Cell Model1

Abstract We have developed an in vitro human vaginal epithelial cell (EC) model using the innovative rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor technology that recapitulates in vivo structural and functional properties, including a stratified squamous epithelium with microvilli, tight junctions, microfolds, and mucus. This three-dimensional (3-D) vaginal model provides a platform for high-throughput toxicity testing of candidate microbicides targeted to combat sexually transmitted infections, effectively complementing and extending existing testing systems such as surgical explants or animal models. Vaginal ECs were grown on porous, collagen-coated microcarrier beads in a rotating, low fluid-shear environment; use of RWV bioreactor technology generated 3-D vaginal EC aggregates. Immunofluorescence and scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed differentiation and polarization of the 3-D EC aggregates among multiple cell layers and identified ultrastructural features important for nutrient absorption, cell-cell interactions, and pathogen defense. After treatment with a variety of toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cytokine production was quantified by cytometric bead array, confirming that TLRs 2, 3, 5, and 6 were expressed and functional. The 3-D vaginal aggregates were more resistant to nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a contraceptive and previous microbicide candidate, when compared to two-dimensional monolayers of the same cell line. A dose-dependent production of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, biomarkers of cervicovaginal inflammation, correlated to microbicide toxicity in the 3-D model following N-9 treatment. These results indicate that this 3-D vaginal model could be used as a complementary tool for screening microbicide compounds for safety and efficacy, thus improving success in clinical trials.
Buckling Analysis of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes under Torsional and Axial Combined Loading by Finite Element Method

In This paper, Buckling phenomenon of single walled carbon nanotubes under torsional and axial combined loading by finite element method is investigated. Models are constructed via an individual structural model in Ansys software. CNTs hexagon geometrical structure is simulated by means of porous shell. Single walled carbon nanotubes of zigzag (12,0) and (21,0)with various aspect ratios (length to diameter ratio) are selected and they are subjected to torsional and axial combined loads. In this study, the effects of radius, length and aspect ratio on the critical buckling loads are investigated. Numerical results indicate that with increment of length and aspect ratio, the critical buckling loads will decrease generally. Also diagrams show that In lengths greater than 5 nm, nanotubes (21,0) will endure more critical buckling loads relative to nanotube (12,0). This result is followed by the increase in surface area by increasing the diameter of the nanotube. In this study the changes trend of critical buckling loads In terms of the different variables is good agreement with previous studies.
Isolation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere DNA-binding protein, its human homolog, and its possible role as a transcription factor

A protein that binds specifically to Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere DNA element I was purified on the basis of a nitrocellulose filter-binding assay. This protein, termed centromere-binding protein 1 (CP1), was heat stable and renaturable from sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and assays of eluates from SDS gels indicated a molecular weight of 57,000 to 64,000. An activity with similar specificity and stability was detected in human lymphocyte extracts, and analysis in SDS gels revealed a molecular weight of 39,000 to 49,000. CP1-binding sites occurred not only at centromeres but also near many transcription units, for example, adjacent to binding sites for the GAL4-positive regulatory protein upstream of the GAL2 gene in S. cerevisiae and adjacent to the TATA element of the adenovirus major late promoter. A factor (termed USF) that binds to the latter site and stimulates transcription has been isolated from HeLa cells by others.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in children: A comparative evaluation of caregiver reports and physician judgement

Abstract Adherence to antiretroviral (ART) therapy, as reported by children caregivers, was investigated and compared with physicians’ estimates of adherence. Two parallel structured questionnaires were administered to caregivers of 129 HIV-infected children and to their physicians in seven different Italian reference centers. Doses omitted in the last four days were recorded. Perfect adherence (>95% of prescribed doses taken in the last four days before interview) was reported by caregivers of 103 (79%) children. Five children (5%) omitted one dose of any ART drug in four days and were considered adherent. Low (<95 but >80% of doses) and poor (<80% of doses) adherence were reported by 15 (12%) and six (5%) caregivers, respectively. Forty-eight children (37%) were judged to be non-adherent by their physicians, including 35 children who were receiving all the prescribed doses according to caregivers. The physicians identified eight out of the 21 non-adherent children as adherent. Non-adherence estimates by physicians closely correlated with poor clinical conditions. These data indicate that adherence is a major problem but there is a clear discrepancy between caregiver reports and physician judgement. The results underline the need of close surveillance of adherence in HIV-positive children in order to evaluate the effectiveness of ART therapy.
Comparison of Proportional Hazards and Accelerated Failure Time Models in the Accelerated Life Tests

In the accelerated tests, the importance of correct failure analysis must be strongly emphasized. Understanding the failure mechanisms is requisite for designing and conducting successful accelerated life test. Under this presumption, a rational method must be identified to relate the results of accelerated tests quantitatively to the reliability or failure rates in use conditions, using a scientific acceleration transform. Most widely used models for relating the results of accelerated tests quantitatively to the reliability or failure rates in use conditions are an accelerated failure time model and a proportional hazards model. The purpose of this research is to compare the usability of the accelerated failure time model and proportional hazards model in the accelerated life tests.
Deletion of σ54 (rpoN) Alters the Rate of Autolysis and Biofilm Formation in Enterococcus faecalis

ABSTRACT Transcription initiation is a critical step in bacterial gene regulation and is often controlled by transcription regulators. The alternate sigma factor (σ54) is one such regulator that facilitates activator-dependent transcription initiation and thus modulates the expression of a variety of genes involved in metabolism and pathogenesis in bacteria. This study describes the role of σ54 in the nosocomial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis. Biofilm formation is one of the important pathogenic mechanisms of E. faecalis, as it elevates the organism's potential to cause surgical site and urinary tract infections. Lysis of bacterial cells within the population contributes to biofilm formation by providing extracellular DNA (eDNA) as a key component of the biofilm matrix. Deletion of rpoN rendered E. faecalis resistant to autolysis, which in turn impaired eDNA release. Despite the significant reduction in eDNA levels compared to the parental strain, the rpoN mutant formed more robust biofilms as observed using laser scanning confocal microscopy and Comstat analysis, indicating and emphasizing the presence of other matrix components. Initial adherence to a polystyrene surface was also enhanced in the mutant. Proteinase K treatment at early stages of biofilm development significantly reduced the accumulation of biofilm by the rpoN mutant. In conclusion, our data indicate that other factors in addition to eDNA might contribute to the overall composition of the enterococcal biofilm and that the regulatory role of σ54 governs the nature and composition of the biofilm matrix.
Towards analysis of sustainable export-oriented agriculture: Exploring land-use data and cge modelling in New Zealand

Despite New Zealand’s continuing development, agriculture remains a major sector of the economy, and the vast majority of farm and food production is exported. The accelerating intensification of farming in New Zealand over recent decades raises concern over the current sustainability of New Zealand farming, and whether it can remain so in the future. Livestock’s impact on the environment, especially water availability and pollution and GHG emissions, is an important domestic policy issue in New Zealand given its high share of economy-wide emissions. It has also become a trade policy issue with the growing trend for foreign buyers and policy makers to place emphasis on ‘green’ and environmentally-friendly livestock production. Therefore there is an imperative for New Zealand to work towards sustainable export-oriented agricultural production. The paper compares official GHG emissions data for New Zealand with those in the GTAP database and notes some major discrepancies. We next explain why we do not use the GTAP AEZ data for New Zealand, but instead adopt a New Zealand-specific system of land environment classification. From these data, we derive values to substitute for the GTAP AEZ data. We modify the standard GTAP model to incorporate several land classes, and run two illustrative simulations. Further research plans are presented.
War and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children: A Review

The stress and traumas of war are unpredictable in their assault upon the human body, mind, and spirit. Children who live in war zones may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A child with PTSD develops symptoms such as intense fear, disorganized and agitated behavior, emotional numbness, anxiety or depression, after being directly exposed to or witnessing an extreme traumatic situation involving threatened death or serious injury, or hearing about such an event involving a family member. Treatment includes community and family support and psychotherapy.
Hybrid-Excited Flux-Switching Permanent-Magnet Machines With Iron Flux Bridges

Hybrid-excited machines utilize the synergies of permanent magnet (PM) and wound field machines. Flux-switching PM machines have emerged as an attractive machine type due to the fact that the excitation sources are located in the stator allowing a simple robust rotor whilst providing high torque density. This paper proposes topologies of hybrid-excited flux-switching PM machines incorporating iron flux bridges to enhance the effectiveness of the field coil excitation. A simple lumped parameter magnetic circuit model is developed to predict the effect of adjusting various parameters. Two-dimensional finite-element analysis has also been used to predict the machine performance, while a prototype machine has been built and tested to validate the predicted results.
An Evaluation of the Modified Diagnostic Criteria for DIC Established by the Japanese Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis

Objective: We evaluated the modified diagnostic criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which was published by the Japanese Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (JSTH) in 108 patients with suspected infectious DIC. Material and methods: The diagnoses of the patients were as follows: DIC (n = 63), pre-DIC (n = 22), and non-DIC (n = 45). The efficacy of the diagnostic criteria for DIC was evaluated using a receiver–operating characteristic analysis. Results: Although the area under the curve for global coagulation test (GCT) scores in the diagnosis of “DIC” was high that for the diagnosis of “DIC and pre-DIC” was low, suggesting that the addition of antithrombin (AT), soluble fibrin (SF)/thrombin–AT complex (TAT), and reduced platelet count (PLT) values was required to diagnose “DIC and pre-DIC. ” Using GCT score with the AT, SF/TAT, and reduced PLT values, the cutoff value of the DIC score for the diagnosis of “DIC and pre-DIC” was 5 points. Discussion and conclusion: The modified JSTH’s diagnostic criteria for DIC, which used the GCT score and the reduced PLT, AT, and TAT/SF values, were useful for diagnosing “DIC and pre-DIC. ”
HIV-1 Nef Impairs Heterotrimeric G-protein Signaling by Targeting Gαi2 for Degradation through Ubiquitination*

Background: HIV Nef disrupts chemotaxis of immune cells by targeting multiple steps. Results: Nef recruits AIP4 E3 ligase, to ubiquitinate Gαi2 of heterotrimeric G-proteins for subsequent lysosomal degradation. Conclusion: Nef impedes chemokine-signaling events via degradation of Gαi2. Significance: Impaired G-protein signaling by HIV Nef-expressing lymphocytes probably contributes to immune dysfunction in AIDS. The HIV Nef protein is an important pathogenic factor that modulates cell surface receptor trafficking and impairs cell motility, presumably by interfering at multiple steps with chemotactic receptor signaling. Here, we report that a dominant effect of Nef is to trigger AIP4 E3 ligase-mediated Gαi2 ubiquitination, which leads to Gαi2 endolysosomal sequestration and destruction. The loss of the Gαi2 subunit was demonstrable in many cell types in the context of gene transfection, HIV infection, or Nef protein transduction. Nef directly interacts with Gαi2 and ternary complexes containing AIP4, Nef, and Gαi2 form. A substantial reversal of Gαi2 loss and a partial recovery of impaired chemotaxis occurred following siRNA knockdown of AIP4 or NEDD4 or by inhibiting dynamin. The N-terminal myristoyl group, 62EEEE65 motif, and 72PXXP75 motif of Nef are critical for this effect to occur. Nef expression does not affect a Gqi5 chimera where the five C-terminal residues of Gq are replaced with those of Gαi2. Lysine at position 296 of Gαi2 was identified as the critical determinant of Nef-induced degradation. By specifically degrading Gαi2, Nef directly subverts leukocyte migration and homing. Impaired trafficking and homing of HIV Nef-expressing lymphocytes probably contributes to early immune dysfunction following HIV infection.
Community-centric engagement: lessons learned from privacy awareness intervention design

Visualisation and Other Methods of Expression (VOME) was a research project with the main objective of developing methods of expressing a wide range of on-line privacy-related concepts. Having built this wider vocabulary, VOME was also tasked with developing a range of privacy awareness interventions for both on and off-line contexts. Examples of VOME interventions include a card trading game, participatory video and embedded on-line interaction tools. In order to develop these interventions, VOME conducted a range of user-centric and participatory design engagements in communities across the UK. Engagements included: think-out-loud technology evaluations, participatory video development, “show and tell” family workshops, participatory theatre and community art collage building. Within each of these engagements, the project used qualitative social research to ground the design of its interventions. The communities in which VOME engaged represented a broad range of social and economic demographics and demonstrated varying levels of digital literacy. During its three and half years of engagement, VOME built up a rich set of lessons learned from using such a wide range of engagement approaches. The lessons learned address a number of key topics: tension of engagement control between participants and researchers, importance of appropriately situating the engagement and limitation of participant segmentation. This short paper outlines VOME’s key findings within each of these topics.
Access to sanitation and violence against women: evidence from Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data in Kenya

Violence against women (VAW) is a serious public health and human rights concern. Literature suggests sanitation conditions in developing countries may be potential neighborhood-level risk factors contributing to VAW, and that this association may be more important in highly socially disorganized neighborhoods. This study analyzed 2008 Kenya Demographic Health Survey’s data and found women who primarily practice open defecation (OD), particularly in disorganized communities, had higher odds of experiencing recent non-partner violence. This study provides quantitative evidence of an association between sanitation and VAW that is attracting increasing attention in media and scholarly literature throughout Kenya and other developing countries.
Environmental safety of green construction and requirements of urban planning legislation

The vector that defines the strategy of innovative development of the construction industry in Russia consists in providing conditions for increasing labor productivity, reducing energy intensity and prime cost of construction process by means of introducing new institutional mechanisms that allow directing the development of the construction complex to the implementation of green construction (ecological construction) investment projects. Today, the conditions for performing green construction as an innovative and energy-efficient solution of environmental management problems are being provided in Russia taking into account modern environmental requirements. The article discusses some problems and issues of green construction, considering architecture and construction areas that are aimed at erection and operation of buildings with soft impact on the nature. In order to ensure environmental safety, the effectiveness of elaboration and implementation of investment projects for green construction should be substantiated taking into account the ecological-and-economic model of the life cycle based on the subject-oriented approach. The present scientific article defines the state and trend of green construction development in the investment-and-construction sector, analyzes environmental safety and methods of creating the innovative green building development platform. The authors recommend developing a methodological outfit to optimize the interaction of economic entities of green construction. The optimization will help to assess the effectiveness of improving the innovative green building platform and the level of environmental safety.
Ordering the Product Backlog in Agile Software Development Projects: A Systematic Literature Review

Ana Silva§, André Silva§, Thalles Araújo§, Renan Willamy¶, Felipe Ramos¶, Alexandre Costa¶, Mirko Perkusich¶, Ednaldo Dilorenzo§ §Federal Institute of Paraı́ba PB-264 Monteiro, Paraı́ba, Brazil, 58500-000 {anasilva.ifpb, tr.andreluis, thalleshenrique.na}@gmail.com, ednaldo.dilorenzo@ifpb.edu.br ¶Federal University of Campina Grande Campina Grande, Paraı́ba, Brazil, 58429-140 {renanwillamy, feliperamos, antonioalexandre, mirko.perkusich}@copin.ufcg. edu.br
Validation of the small-punch test as a technique for characterizing the mechanical properties of acrylic bone cement

Abstract This paper examines the validity of using the small-punch test technique as a means of quantifying the mechanical properties of acrylic bone cement under different test conditions. The elastic moduli calculated using the small-punch test method were compared with data measured using the international standard for acrylic bone resin, ISO 5833. Conclusions from the study indicate that the small-punch test is a reproducible miniature specimen test method that can be used to characterize the mechanical properties of retrieved acrylic bone cement as used in total joint replacement surgery. Moreover, the test conditions were found to influence the elastic modulus of acrylic bone cement. The test temperature had a greater effect on the elastic behaviour of the bone cement than the test medium.