Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da qualidade da água da bacia do rio Pirapó – Maringá, Estado do Paraná, por meio de parâmetros físicos, químicos e microbiológicos - DOI: 10.4025/actascitechnol.v30i1.3199

This work had as objective to monitor water quality in the Pirapo River basin, which is the main supply source to the city of Maringa, Parana State, and adjacent regions. Five sampling spots were established downstream from the main creeks and streams of the basin. Sample collection was carried out periodically at the central point of the river section, collected monthly, during the period from April/2005 to April/2006. Water quality was evaluated using indicators established by Conama Resolution no. 357/2005. During an evaluation of the parameters, it was possible to indicate that there are two main polluting sources. The first is soil exploitation extending until the river’s edges, which has no gallery forests, leading to sediments and nutrients fallout into the water body, mainly during the rainy periods. The second source is the dumping of domestic sewage, pointed as responsible for the elevated levels of organic matter and coliforms.
Development of a Closed Form Nonlinear Predictive Control Law Based on a Class of Wiener Models

Nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is increasingly being used for controlling microscale and system-on-chip devices, which exhibit complex and very fast dynamics. For effective control of such systems it is necessary to develop computationally efficient approaches for solving the NMPC problem. In this work, a Wiener type model has been used for capturing dynamics of multivariable nonlinear systems with fading memory. The resulting discrete nonlinear state space model is used to generate multistep predictions and formulate an unconstrained NMPC problem. A closed form solution to this problem is constructed analytically using the theory of solutions of quadratic operator polynomials. The effectiveness of the resulting quadratic control law is demonstrated by conducting simulation studies on a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system, which exhibits fast dynamics and input multiplicity behavior. The quadratic control law is expected to control the PEMFC at its optimum (singular) operating poi.
Synthesis, Electrochemistry and Antitumor Activity of 1'H, 3'H(Me)-spiro-((aza)benzimidazoline-2', 3-(1,2-diferrocenylcyclopropenes)), 2-(1,2-Diferrocenylvinyl)benz- and Azabenzimidazoles

A new method of synthesis of 2-(1,2-diferrocenylvinyl)benz- and azabenzimidazoles (3a-f), (4a-f) and 1’H,3’H(Me)-spiro-[(aza)benzimidazoline-2’,3-(1,2-diferrocenylcyclopropenes)] (5a-f) via reactions of diferrocenyl(methylsulfanyl)cyclopropenylium iodide (1) with aromatic o-diamines (2a-f) in the presence of Et3N (80°C - 82°C) is described. The structures of the resultant compounds are established using IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The structure of one compound, cis-2-(1,2-diferrocenylvinyl)-1-methylbenzimidazole (3b), is confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemical properties of compounds 3a, 3b, 3d and 5f are investigated using cyclic square wave voltammetry. Two electrochemical processes (I-II), attributed to oxidation of the ferrocene moieties, and the values of E0’(I), E0’(II), DE0’(II-I) and comporportionation constant Kcom are reported. The bioactivities of seven compounds 3a, 3c-f, 5d, 5f are evaluated. Compound 5f is the most active compound with a modest cytotoxic activity against six human cancer cell lines: U-251 (glioma), PC-3 (prostate cancer), K-562 (leukemia), HCT-15 (colon cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer) and SKLU-1 (lung cancer).
Determination of chromium(III) and chromium(VI) in river water by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after sorption preconcentration in a microwave field

A rapid and sensitive method for the differential determination of CrIII and CrVI in river water is described. Chromium species can be separated by sorption on a polymeric Detata sorbent containing conformationally flexible aminocarboxylic groups. Preconcentration using either static or dynamic conditions is possible. Microwave heating energy was used to promote the sorption. Quantitative sorption of CrIII was achieved at pH 7, and that of CrVI at pH 3; hence, complete isolation of the two forms of Cr is possible. The optimum conditions (flow rate and sorbent volume) for sorbent extraction of CrIII and CrVI were evaluated. The technique developed is based on the ability of the sorbent to preconcentrate Cr rapidly under dynamic conditions in the presence of a microwave field. Determination of Cr by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry is possible either after desorption or directly in the sorbent phase. The detection limit (based on the 3s criterion) is 30 ng l–1; the technique is characterized by high reproducibility.
Identification and analysis of short open reading frames (sORFs) in the initially annotated noncoding RNA LINC00493 from human cells.

Whole transcriptome analyses have revealed that mammalian genomes are massively transcribed, resulting in the production of huge numbers of transcripts with unknown functions (TUFs). Previous research has categorized most TUFs as noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) because most previously studied TUFs do not encode open reading frames (ORFs) with biologically significant lengths (>100 amino acids). Recent studies, however, have reported that several transcripts harboring small ORFs (sORFs) that encode peptides shorter than 100 amino acids are translated and play important biological functions. Here, we examined the translational capacity of transcripts annotated as ncRNAs in human cells, and identified several hundreds of ribosome-associated transcripts previously annotated as ncRNAs. Ribosome footprinting and polysome profiling analyses revealed that 61 of them are potentially translatable. Among them, 45 were non-nonsense-mediated mRNA decay targets, suggesting that they are productive mRNAs. We confirmed the translation of one ncRNA, LINC00493, by luciferase reporter assaying and western blotting of a FLAG-tagged LINC00493 peptide. While proteomic analysis revealed that the LINC00493 peptide interacts with many mitochondrial proteins, immunofluorescence assays showed that its peptide is mitochondrially localized. Our findings indicate that some transcripts annotated as ncRNAs encode peptides and that unannotated peptides may perform important roles in cells.
Relaxation processes in water: Viscosity, self‐diffusion, and spin‐lattice relaxation. A kinetic model

Experimental measurements of T1 for oxygen‐17 water in n‐heptane emissions were made in the supercooled region down to −31°C. The data were fit to the double exponential form of the rate equation with activation energies for the two processes of E1=11.85±0.57 and E2=3.54±0.08 kcal mole−1, respectively. Using transition state rate theory, activation entropies ΔS1*=35.3±2.3 and ΔS2*=4.63±0.25 cal deg−1 · mole−1 were calculated. It is proposed that both the low and high temperature reactions are kinetic processes. It is suggested that the large entropy term for the low temperature reaction indicates that the relaxation process involves the ``cooperative'' dissolution of a small cluster of hydrogen bonded molecules. An examination of the available data for viscosity and diffusion indicates that the high temperature relaxation process is the same as that for the rotational (T1) relaxation. It is suggested that this process involves the breaking of a single hydrogen bond. The question of whether the low tempera.
Differences in Brain Structural Covariance Network Characteristics in Children and Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Systematically describing the structural topological configuration of human brain during development is an essential task. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a powerful challenge for psychiatry and neuroscience researchers. In this study, we investigated variations in the structural covariance network properties of 441 patients with ASD ranging in age from 7 to 45 years and in 426 age‐matched healthy controls (HCs) using structural magnetic resonance neuroimaging from the ABIDE database. We applied a sliding window approach to study topological variation during development using comprehensive graph theoretical analysis. The main findings are as follows: (1) Cross‐sectional trajectories of the network characteristics exhibited inverted U‐shapes in both HCs and participants with ASD, with the latter exhibiting a 7‐year delay in reaching the maximum value, (2) network resilience to targeted attacks peaked at 18′ and 19′ in the HCs and at 25′ in the participants with ASD, and the weakest resilience occurred at age 7′, (3) the HCs and participants with ASD exhibited normalized mean degree differences in the right amygdala, and (4) significant differences in the network characteristics were observed in the 18′ age group at most of the densities analyzed. We used cross‐sectional analysis to infer distinct neurodevelopmental trajectories in ASD in the brain structural connectome. Our findings are consistent with the notion that adolescence is a sensitive period of brain development with strong potential for brain plasticity, offering opportunities for environmental adaptation and social integration and for increasing vulnerability. ASD may be a product of susceptibility.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Forgiveness Intervention Program with Female Acid Attack Survivors in Pakistan.

Despite the traumatic effects of acid violence on its victims, treatment options are very limited. The present study was aimed at examining the efficacy of a forgiveness intervention with female survivors of acid attack violence in Pakistan. Female acid attack victims in Pakistan were randomized to either a forgiveness group (n = 8) or a treatment-as-usual (TAU; n = 8) control group. The forgiveness group received twice-a-week forgiveness sessions for 4 months while the TAU group either received typical psychological treatment sessions for acid attack victims or no treatment. All participants were assessed on their levels of forgiveness, anger, anxiety, depression, and hope four times prior to the 4-month intervention period, twice after the intervention period, and once at the one-year follow-up. Post treatment, the forgiveness intervention group showed greater improvement in hope, anger, anxiety, and depression when compared with the TAU group. Upon further examinations, both groups improved on forgiveness from pretreatment to post-treatment, but the forgiveness group had a higher baseline. From pretreatment to the 12-month follow-up, the forgiveness group, when compared with the TAU group, showed greater improvement in all areas except for depression. This is the first study that examined the effects of a forgiveness intervention for acid attack victims in Pakistan. Results showing the improvement post treatment as well as over a one-year period post treatment are encouraging.
Hydralazine protects the heart against acute ischaemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission

Abstract Aims Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial fission induced by acute myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) has been shown to reduce myocardial infarct size. The clinically used anti-hypertensive and heart failure medication, hydralazine, is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Here, we investigated whether hydralazine confers acute cardioprotection by inhibiting Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Methods and results Pre-treatment with hydralazine was shown to inhibit both mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation induced by oxidative stress in HeLa cells. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), pre-treatment with hydralazine attenuated mitochondrial fission and cell death induced by oxidative stress, but this effect was absent in MEFs deficient in the mitochondrial fission protein, Drp1. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance studies demonstrated binding of hydralazine to the GTPase domain of the mitochondrial fission protein, Drp1 (KD 8.6±1.0 µM), and inhibition of Drp1 GTPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. In isolated adult murine cardiomyocytes subjected to simulated IRI, hydralazine inhibited mitochondrial fission, preserved mitochondrial fusion events, and reduced cardiomyocyte death (hydralazine 24.7±2.5% vs. control 34.1±1.5%, P=0.0012). In ex vivo perfused murine hearts subjected to acute IRI, pre-treatment with hydralazine reduced myocardial infarct size (as % left ventricle: hydralazine 29.6±6.5% vs. vehicle control 54.1±4.9%, P=0.0083), and in the murine heart subjected to in vivo IRI, the administration of hydralazine at reperfusion, decreased myocardial infarct size (as % area-at-risk: hydralazine 28.9±3.0% vs. vehicle control 58.2±3.8%, P<0.001). Conclusion We show that, in addition to its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, hydralazine, confers acute cardioprotection by inhibiting IRI-induced mitochondrial fission, raising the possibility of repurposing hydralazine as a novel cardioprotective therapy for improving post-infarction outcomes.
The functional assessment for control of trunk (FACT): An assessment tool for trunk function in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND The Functional Assessment for Control of Trunk (FACT) was developed to evaluate trunk function after stroke. However, only a few studies used FACT to show functional outcome. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to validate the FACT predictive ability for functional outcome following stroke and create an English version of the FACT. METHODS This retrospective, observational study was conducted with patients aged≥65 years with stroke. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median FACT score at admission: trunk impairment or high trunk function group. Multiple regression analysis was performed for Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain and FIM efficiency to examine the relationship between trunk function assessed by FACT at admission and functional prognosis. RESULTS 105 participants (mean age, 80.2±7.6, 57.1%were men) were included. Of these, 48 (45.7%) and 57 (54.3%) were categorized to the trunk impairment group and high trunk function group, respectively. FACT score at admission was associated with FIM gain (coefficient = 0.875, P = 0.001) and FIM efficiency (coefficient = 0.015, P = 0.016) after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS Trunk impairment at admission assessed by FACT could predict functional prognosis. The English version of FACT was created and further demonstrated the validity of FACT.
A Novel method for the identification and quantification of weight faltering

Abstract Objective We describe a new method for identifying and quantifying the magnitude and rate of short‐term weight faltering episodes, and assess how (a) these episodes relate to broader growth outcomes, and (b) different data collection intervals influence the quantification of weight faltering. Materials and methods We apply this method to longitudinal growth data collected every other day across the first year of life in Gambian infants (n = 124, males = 65, females = 59). Weight faltering episodes are identified from velocity peaks and troughs. Rate of weight loss and regain, maximum weight loss, and duration of each episode were calculated. We systematically reduced our dataset to mimic various potential measurement intervals, to assess how these intervals affect the ability to derive information about short‐term weight faltering episodes. We fit linear models to test whether metrics associated with growth faltering were associated with growth outcomes at 1 year, and generalized additive mixed models to determine whether different collection intervals influence episode identification and metrics. Results Three hundred weight faltering episodes from 119 individuals were identified. The number and magnitude of episodes negatively impacted growth outcomes at 1 year. As data collection interval increases, weight faltering episodes are missed and the duration of episodes is overestimated, resulting in the rate of weight loss and regain being underestimated. Conclusions This method identifies and quantifies short‐term weight faltering episodes, that are in turn negatively associated with growth outcomes. This approach offers a tool for investigators interested in understanding how short‐term weight faltering relates to longer‐term outcomes.
A proof-of-concept trial of a community-based aerobic exercise program for individuals with traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the feasibility of conducting an aerobic exercise training study in a community setting for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, and controlled study. Nine participants (three moderate-to-severe and six mild TBI) were randomized to a community-based 3-month individualized aerobic exercise training program (AET). Seven participants (four moderate-to-severe, three mild TBI) were randomized to a stretching and toning program (SAT). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) level was assessed with peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) testing. Results: After 3 months of training, the AET trended toward improved VO2peak when compared with the SAT group (8% vs – 4%, p = .059) with a large effect size of 1.27. Only 50% of participants in the AET group completed more than 70% of the assigned exercise sessions. No adverse events were reported. Both the AET and SAT groups reported small improvements in self-reported mood symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and anger. Conclusions: It is feasible to conduct an exercise training study and improve CRF for persons with TBI in community settings with structured exercise protocols. However, exploring methods to enhance adherence is crucial for future exercise clinical trials to improve brain health in this population.
Navigated ultrasound-based image guidance during resection of gliomas: practical utility in intraoperative decision-making and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Intraoperative imaging is increasingly being used for resection control in diffuse gliomas, in which the extent of resection (EOR) is important. Intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) has emerged as a highly effective tool in this context. Navigated ultrasound (NUS) combines the benefits of real-time imaging with the benefits of navigation guidance. In this study, the authors investigated the use of NUS as an intraoperative adjunct for resection control in gliomas. METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed 210 glioma patients who underwent surgery using NUS at their center. The analysis included intraoperative decision-making, diagnostic accuracy, and operative outcomes, particularly EOR and related factors influencing this. RESULTS US-defined gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 57.6% of patients. Intermediate resection control scans were evaluable in 115 instances. These prompted a change in the operative decision in 42.5% of cases (the majority being further resection of unanticipated residual tumor). Eventual MRI-defined GTR rates were similar (58.6%), although the concordance between US and MRI was 81% (170/210 cases). There were 21 false positives and 19 false negatives with NUS, resulting in a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 83%, positive predictive value of 77%, and negative predictive value of 84%. A large proportion of patients (13/19 patients, 68%) with false-negative results eventually had near-total resections. Tumor resectability, delineation, enhancement pattern, eloquent location, and US image resolution significantly influenced the GTR rate, though only resectability and eloquent location were significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS NUS is a useful intraoperative adjunct for resection control in gliomas, detecting unanticipated tumor residues and positively influencing the course of the resection, eventually leading to higher resection rates. Nevertheless, resection is determined by the innate resectability of the tumor and its relationship to eloquent location, reinforcing the need to combine iUS with functional mapping techniques to optimize resections.
Fabrication of Novel Materials by the Incorporation of Nanodiamond into Plated Films

New composite materials were fabricated by the incorporation of nanodiamond into plated films. The nanodiamond content in the films was found to saturateat around 2% as the concentration in the bath was increased. It was found that a strong interaction must be induced between the nanodiamond and the deposition frontier in order to incorporate larger concentrations into the films. A content of 5.6% was achieved by the addition of surfactants and brighteners to the baths. Refinement of the nanodiamond by boiling sulfuric acid with nitrate ions was found to be necessary to achieve good reproducibility. The films with 5.6% nanodiamond content were also produced using iodide ions for the refined nanodiamond. In addition, a Ni-P-nanodiamond composite film with a 14% nanodiamond content was successfully fabricated from a bath that contained only citrate as a complexing agent. Finally, the co-deposition mechanism of nanodiamond in plated films was identified. A very low friction coefficient of 0.03-0.04 was achieved for Ni-W-P-nanodiamond plated films.
A note on the calculation of some functions in finite fields: Tricks of the Trade

Optimization of finite field arithmetic is important for the deployment of public key cryptography, particularly in the context of elliptic curve cryptography. Until now the primary concern has been operations over the prime field F p , where p is a prime. With the advent of pairing-based cryptography there arises a need to also look at optimal arithmetic over extension fields F p n for small values of n . Here we focus on the determination of quadratic residuosity and the calculation of inverses and square roots over these fields, operations often carried out in conjunction with one another. We demonstrate with a minor improvement in a hash-to-curve algorithm, and a major speed-up in the calculation of square roots in quadratic extensions.
Principal Component Global Analysis of Fluorescence and Absorption Spectra of 2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)Benzimidazole

Principal component analysis (PCA) of a series of absorption and emission spectra of 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (HBI) in aqueous solutions in the pH range from 1.11 to 12.3 and 3.85 to 9.62, respectively, reveals the presence of three contributing components both in the ground and in the excited state. The combination of PCA with global analysis (PCGA) confirms the previously proposed reaction mechanism and allows the determination of pKa values, pure component spectra, and concentration profiles of the ground- and excited-state species in spite of their strong spectral overlap. PCGA is proved to be a powerful complement to standard nonlinear least-squares analysis of physicochemical systems.
Impact of EMA regulatory label changes on hydroxyzine initiation, discontinuation and switching to other medicines in Denmark, Scotland, England and the Netherlands: An interrupted time series regression analysis

Hydroxyzine is indicated for the management of anxiety, skin and sleep disorders. In 2015, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded that hydroxyzine was pro‐arrhythmogenic and changes to the product information were implemented in Europe. This study aimed to evaluate their impact in Denmark, Scotland, England and the Netherlands.