Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytoremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil: Part I. Dissipation of Target Contaminants

Phytoremediation has been demonstrated to be a viable cleanup alternative for soils contaminated with petroleum products. This study evaluated the application of phytoremediation to soil from a manufactured gas plant (MGP) site with high concentrations of recalcitrant, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Two greenhouse studies investigated the potential dissipation and plant translocation of PAHs by fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the first experiment and zucchini (Curcubita pepo Raven) in the second. The MGP soil was highly hydrophobic and initially inhibited plant growth. Two unplanted controls were established with and without fertilization. In the first experiment, concentrations of PAHs decreased significantly in all treatments after 12 mo. Plant biomass and microbial numbers were statistically equivalent among plant species. PAH concentrations in plant biomass were negligible for fescue and switchgrass. In the second experiment, zucchini enhanced the dissipation of several PAHs after 90 d of treatment when compared to the unvegetated soil. Plant tissue concentrations of PAHs were not elevated in the zucchini roots and shoots, and PAHs were not detectable in the fruit.
Optimal mixing and optimal stirring for fixed energy, fixed power, or fixed palenstrophy flows

We consider passive scalar mixing by a prescribed divergence-free velocity vector field in a periodic box and address the following question: Starting from a given initial inhomogeneous distribution of passive tracers, and given a certain energy budget, power budget, or finite palenstrophy budget, what incompressible flow field best mixes the scalar quantity? We focus on the optimal stirring strategy recently proposed by Lin et al. [“Optimal stirring strategies for passive scalar mixing,” J. Fluid Mech. 675, 465 (2011)]10.1017/S0022112011000292 that determines the flow field that instantaneously maximizes the depletion of the H−1 mix-norm. In this work, we bridge some of the gap between the best available a priori analysis and simulation results. After recalling some previous analysis, we present an explicit example demonstrating finite-time perfect mixing with a finite energy constraint on the stirring flow. On the other hand, using a recent result by Wirosoetisno et al. [“Long time stability of a classi.
Estimation of the Serial Interval of Influenza

Background: Estimates of the clinical-onset serial interval of human influenza infection (time between onset of symptoms in an index case and a secondary case) are used to inform public health policy and to construct mathematical models of influenza transmission. We estimate the serial interval of laboratory-confirmed influenza transmission in households. Methods: Index cases were recruited after reporting to a primary healthcare center with symptoms. Members of their households were followed-up with repeated home visits. Results: Assuming a Weibull model and accounting for selection bias inherent in our field study design, we used symptom-onset times from 14 pairs of infector/infectee to estimate a mean serial interval of 3.6 days (95% confidence interval = 2.9–4.3 days), with standard deviation 1.6 days. Conclusion: The household serial interval of influenza may be longer than previously estimated. Studies of the complete serial interval, based on transmission in all community contexts, are a priority.
Upgrading Tests Using PSIM Tool of MPPT-PV Feedback-Current Controller

This paper presents improvement tests based in a feedback-current controller designed to Tracking Maximum Power Point in photovoltaic system (MPPT-PV). Previously, a version was developed exhibiting results satisfactory in simulation and through of a low cost prototype. Now, using a sophisticated physical model of solar cell available in PSIM program is shown other cases, considering variations both irradiation and temperature to evaluate successfully the controller. The results show that its system is suitable under dynamical changing atmospheric conditions operating with effectiveness acceptable.
Analysis and Quantitation of the β‐Amyloid Precursor Protein in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Alzheimer's Disease Patients with a Monoclonal Antibody‐Based Immunoassay

Abstract: One of the major clinical findings in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the formation of deposits of β‐amyloid protein in amyloid plaques, derived from the β‐amyloid precursor protein (β‐APP). To determine the possible use of β‐APP as a diagnostic marker for AD in CSF, a monoclonal antibody‐based immunoassay specific for this protein was developed. The assay does not differentiate between β‐APP695 and β‐APP751 forms but does preferentially recognize β‐APP751 complexed with a protease. Of the two sets of CSF samples tested, one set, obtained from living patients, gave a slightly lower level of β‐APP in AD and Parkinson's disease patients relative to controls, whereas the other set, composed of postmortem samples, showed no significant differences between the AD and control groups.
A survey for measuring and managing employee dependability with EBusiness

E-business' influences in creating transactional efficiencies, facilitating innovations, and making faster diffusion of codified knowledge seem to be revolutionary for employees. Unfortunately, no published survey focuses exclusively on examining employees' perception of dependability with e-business (EDEB). This paper presents such an instrument and reports on a pilot study based on a survey of 152 employees practicing in six international semiconductor manufacturing companies in the Hsin-Chu Science-based Industrial Park in Taiwan. After a deep exploration for the conceptualization and operationalization of employees' perception of dependability with e-business construct, procedures used in generating and purifying the employee dependability with e-business (i.e., EDEB) scale are described. The results suggest a 22-item instrument that measures six dimensions of employee dependability with e-business - information quality, system quality, usefulness, ease of use, reliability, and assurance. Evidence of the instrument's factor structure, reliability, and validity are examined next. Finally, this paper concludes a discussion of potential applications of this instrument for achieving more precision in e-business success.
Secretion of a soluble class I molecule encoded by the Q10 gene of the C57BL/10 mouse.

The DNA sequence of the Q10 genes appears to be highly conserved amongst strains of mice and has only been found to be transcribed in the liver. An examination of the nucleotide sequence of the exon that normally encodes the transmembrane domain of class I molecules suggested that the Q10 gene encodes a secreted protein. We have established this by showing that L cells transformed with an expression vector containing the Q10 gene secrete a class I molecule which was identified with an antiserum raised against a peptide predicted by the Q10 transmembrane exon. Both the L cell‐derived Q10 molecule and a class I protein immunoprecipitated from serum with this anti‐peptide antiserum have mol. wts. of approximately 38 000; the Q10 molecule secreted by L cells is heterogeneous in mol. wt. This heterogeneity was drastically reduced after endoglycosidase F treatment, suggesting that Q10 molecules secreted into the serum by the liver may be glycosylated differently from those secreted by L cells. Endoglycosidase F treatment of both the L cell and serum forms of the soluble molecule yielded two products with mol. wts. of approximately 32 000 and 35 000; this is consistent with the observation that the predicted Q10 protein sequence has two potential glycosylation sites. In contrast to previous published results, the Q10 molecule reacted with rabbit anti‐H‐2 antisera which is consistent with its greater than 80% homology to the classical transplantation antigens.
Adaptive spatiotemporal changes in morphology, anatomy, and mechanics during the ontogeny of subshrubs with square-shaped stems.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Plant stems can be regarded as fiber-reinforced structures characterized by anatomical heterogeneity, mechanical anisotropy, and adaptability to changing internal and external constraints. Our study focused on adaptive spatiotemporal changes in morphology, anatomy, and mechanical properties during the ontogeny of Leonurus cardiaca L. (Lamiaceae) internodes, proving considerable functional adaptability. METHODS Four-point bending tests and torsional tests were carried out on the same internodes to measure flexural and torsional stiffness. Axial and polar second moments of area for entire cross sections and for individual tissues were determined from transverse stem sections immediately after testing. Based on these data, additional relevant mechanical parameters such as bending elastic modulus, torsional modulus and twist to bend ratio were calculated. KEY RESULTS Leonurus cardiaca is characterized by a square-shaped hollow stem in transverse section with an outer frame of various strengthening tissues and an inner ring of parenchyma. Statistical analyses of axial and polar second moment of area, flexural stiffness, torsional stiffness, bending elastic modulus, and torsional modulus revealed significant differences for all comparisons with respect to spatial resolution (two adjacent internodes) and temporal resolution (in June before flowering and in September after fruit formation). The twist to bend ratios of the internodes, however, always remain in the same range. CONCLUSIONS With respect to spatiotemporal development, stems of the subshrub L. cardiaca show a marked increase in flexural and torsional stiffness during ontogeny. Strikingly, changes in stem mechanics are more influenced by variations in mechanical tissue properties than by changes in relative proportion of different tissue types.
Misalignment of PLP/DM20 Transmembrane Domains Determines Protein Misfolding in Pelizaeus–Merzbacher Disease

A large number of genetic diseases have been associated with truncated or misfolded membrane proteins trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In the ER, they activate the unfolded protein response, which can trigger cell death. Hence, a better understanding of protein misfolding features might help in developing novel therapies. Here, we have studied the molecular basis of Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease, a leukodystrophy defined by mutations of the PLP1 gene and ER retention of two encoded tetraspan myelin proteins, PLP and DM20. In mouse oligodendroglial cells, mutant isoforms of PLP/DM20 with fewer than all four transmembrane (TM) domains are fully ER retained. Surprisingly, a truncated PLP with only two N-terminal TM domains shows normal cell-surface expression when coexpressed with a second truncated PLP harboring the two C-terminal TM domains. This striking ability to properly self-align the TM domains is disease relevant, as shown for the smaller splice isoform DM20. Here, the increased length of TM domain 3 allows for compensation of the effect of several PLP1 point mutations that impose a conformational constraint onto the adjacent extracellular loop region. We conclude that an important determinant in the quality control of polytopic membrane proteins is the free alignment of their TM domains.
Rapid Up-regulation of HKT1, a high-affinity potassium transporter gene, in roots of barley and wheat following withdrawal of potassium

High-affinity K+ uptake in plant roots is rapidly up-regulated when K+ is withheld and down-regulated when K+ is resupplied. These processes make important contributions to plant K+ homeostasis. A cDNA coding for a high-affinity K+ transporter, HKT1, was earlier cloned from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) roots and functionally characterized. We demonstrate here that in both barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat roots, a rapid and large up-regulation of HKT1 mRNA levels resulted when K+ was withdrawn from growth media. This effect was specific for K+; withholding N caused a modest reduction of HKT1 mRNA levels. Up-regulation of HKT1 transcript levels in barley roots occurred within 4 h of removing K+, which corresponds to the documented increase of high-affinity K+ uptake in roots following removal of K+. Increased expression of HKT1 mRNA was evident before a decline in total root K+ concentration could be detected. Resupply of 1 mM K+ was sufficient to strongly reduce HKT1 transcript levels. In wheat root cortical cells, both membrane depolarizations in response to 100 &mgr;M K+, Cs+, and Rb+, and high-affinity K+ uptake were enhanced by K+ deprivation. Thus, in both plant systems the observed physiological changes associated with manipulating external K+ supply were correlated with levels of HKT1 mRNA expression. Implications of these findings for K+ sensing and regulation of the HKT1 mRNA levels in plant roots are discussed.
A design pattern approach to bitemporal data modeling

The importance of patterns in constructing complex systems has long been recognised in other disciplines. In software engineering, for example, well-crafted object-oriented architectures contain several design patterns. Focusing on mechanisms of constructing software during system development can yield an architecture that is simpler, clearer and more understandable than if design patterns were ignored or not properly applied. In this paper, we propose a model that uses object-oriented design patterns to develop a core bitemporal conceptual model. We define three core design patterns that form a core bitemporal conceptual model of a typical bitemporal object. Our framework is known as the Bitemporal Object, State and Event Modelling Approach (BOSEMA) and the resulting core model is known as a Bitemporal Object, State and Event (BOSE) model. Using this approach, we demonstrate that we can enrich data modelling by using well known design patterns which can help designers to build complex models of bitemporal databases.
Search for critical loading condition of the spine–A meta analysis of a nonlinear viscoelastic finite element model

The relative vulnerability of spinal motion segments to different loading combinations remains unknown. The meta-analysis described here using the results of a validated L2–L3 nonlinear viscoelastic finite element model was designed to investigate the critical loading and its effect on the internal mechanics of the human lumbar spine. A Box-Behnken experimental design was used to design the magnitude of seven independent variables associated with loads, rotations and velocity of motion. Subsequently, an optimization method was used to find the primary and secondary variables that influence spine mechanical output related to facet forces, disc pressure, ligament forces, annulus matrix compressive/shear stresses and anulus fibers strain. The mechanical responses with respect to the two most-relevant variables were then regressed linearly using the response surface quadratic model. Axial force and sagittal rotation were identified as the most-relevant variables for mechanical responses. The procedure developed can be used to find the critical loading for finite element models with multi input variables. The derived meta-models can be used to predict the risk associated with various loading parameters and in setting safer load limits.
Study and minimization of the Out-phasing amplifiers nonlinearity

This paper deals with the minimization of source of nonlinearity in out-phasing amplifiers, which was widely reported in previous publications. The load modulation, produced by the lossless combiner, leads to a high sensitivity to the reactive part of the two transistors' output impedance attributed to the extrinsic parasitics. These parasitics introduce an unbalance between the two branches and contribute to the nonlinear behavior. The minimization of such parasitics allowed a significant improvement in the linearity of the amplifier
Addition of buffers to high quality alfalfa hay-based diets for dairy cows in early lactation.

Beginning 4 wk postpartum, 14 Holstein cows were paired according to expected calving date and lactation number and assigned randomly to one of two treatments in a single reversal experiment designed to study the effects of added buffers to high quality alfalfa hay-based diets. Cows were offered daily 14.5 kg of concentrate containing 0 or 2% sodium bicarbonate and . 5% magnesium oxide (as fed), plus free choice high quality alfalfa hay in a ratio of forage:grain approaching 50:50 (dry matter). No differences were in milk production, milk fat percentage, fat-corrected milk, or dry matter intake. Dry matter intake of grain was decreased with addition of buffers. Kilograms fat-corrected milk per kilogram of dry matter intake were 1.41 and 1.45 for control and buffered diets. No differences were significant for rumen pH, ammonia concentration, molar proportions of acetate and propionate, or ratio of acetate: propionate. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acids were higher for cows fed the buffered diet. No differences were in blood acid-base status or in various serum metabolites. Urine pH was 8.11 and 8.20 for control and buffered diets. Fractional urinary excretion of magnesium and sodium was greater when cows consumed the buffered diet. Diet digestibilities and rate of passage were not affected by dietary buffers. Addition of sodium bicarbonate plus magnesium oxide did not improve performance of early lactation cows fed high quality alfalfa hay as the sole forage.
Age‐related changes in rat brain monoamines release: Peculiarity of dopamine release

Our aim has been to investigate the ability of the rat brain to retain its level of neurotransmitter release over life. We have investigated the neurotransmitter release from the rat brain synaptosomes prelabeled with 3H‐DA, 3H‐NA, or 3H‐5HT, and perfused with Krebs‐Ringer medium alone (basal release) or containing a high K+, calcium ionophore, tyramine or amphetamine (evoked release). Brain areas have been dissected of animals 45 days and 4, 6, and 11 months old. The results have shown a gradual reduction of the 3H‐NA release evoked by a high K+ from 45 days to 6 months, which is stabilized until 11 months of age. The reduction rate has been relatively different from the brain areas investigated (36% for the frontal cortex and 26% for the hippocampus and cerebellar cortex). A similar reduction has been seen with 3H‐5HT released from synaptosomes of the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Surprisingly, the 3H‐DA release that was evoked by high K+ was greater in rats 11 months old than in younger rats; this effect has been seen in synaptosomes from the caudate and the frontal cortex. The calcium ionophore A23187 has shown a releasing picture similar to a high K+. When we analyzed a nonexocitotic, but probably carrier mediated, release (evoked by tyramine or amphetamine), there was reduced release of all of the above neurotransmitters from 45 days to 11 months of age. We presume that there have been adaptative changes in neurotransmitter evoked release due to changes in Ca++ utilization, as inferred from the results from calcium ionophore experiments and carrier performance. Aging seems to have preserved the extracellular neurotransmitter concentrations of Na and 5HT, compensating for the decreased carrier performance with a reduced depolarization rate of nerve terminals. DA homeostasis seems to have been altered with normal aging and may produce an elevation in extracellular DA and in its metabolite, yielding free radicals. This mechanism may play a role in degenerative changes associated with normal aging. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intermolecular Interactions of the p85α Regulatory Subunit of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase*

The regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, p85, contains a number of well defined domains involved in protein-protein interactions, including an SH3 domain and two SH2 domains. In order to investigate in detail the nature of the interactions of these domains with each other and with other binding partners, a series of deletion and point mutants was constructed, and their binding characteristics and apparent molecular masses under native conditions were analyzed. The SH3 domain and the first proline-rich motif bound each other, and variants of p85 containing the SH3 and BH domains and the first proline-rich motif were dimeric. Analysis of the apparent molecular mass of the deletion mutants indicated that each of these domains contributed residues to the dimerization interface, and competition experiments revealed that there were intermolecular SH3 domain-proline-rich motif interactions and BH-BH domain interactions mediating dimerization of p85α bothin vitro and in vivo. Binding of SH2 domain ligands did not affect the dimeric state of p85α. Recently, roles for the p85 subunit have been postulated that do not involve the catalytic subunit, and if p85 exists on its own we propose that it would be dimeric.
Resuscitative Hypothermia Protects the Neonatal Rat Brain from Hypoxic‐Ischemic Injury

The effect of 24h of hypothermic recovery on moderate hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage in P7‐rats was investigated for 42d after the insult, using magnetic resonance and histopathology. Occlusion of right common carotid artery and 90min exposure to 8% O2 at 37°C body temperature produced cytotoxic edema of 51 (±11)% brain volume (BV) and depression of brain energy metabolism (PCr/Pi) from 1.43(±0.21) to 0.14(±0.11). During recovery, the body temperature was reduced to 30°C for 24h in 36 animals, but was kept at 37°C in 34 animals. The edema waned upon reoxygenation leaving only the core lesion at 2h, but reappeared reaching a maximal extent of 11 ±8% BV under hypothermia compared to 45(±10)% under normothermia at around 24h. PCr/Pi recovered transiently within 13h and declined again to 1.07(±0.19) under hypothermia and to 0.48(±0.22) under normothermia at around 24h.
The H2O2‐Generating Enzyme, Xanthine Oxidase, Decreases Luminal Ca2+ Content of the IP3‐Sensitive Ca2+ Store in Vascular Endothelial Cells

Objective: Xanthine oxidase inhibits agonist‐stimulated Ca2+ signaling in calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells by an H2O2‐dependent mechanism. We investigated the effect of xanthine oxidase on luminal Ca2+ content of the inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3)‐sensitive Ca2+ store.