Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CELLULASE PRODUCTION BY WILD STRAINS OF ASPERGILLUS NIGER, PENICILLIUM CHRYSOGENUM AND TRICHODERMA HARZIANUM GROWN ON WASTE CELLULOSIC MATERIALS.

Waste cellulosic materials (corncob, sawdust and sugarcane pulp) and crystalline cellulose induced cellulase production in wild strains of Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum and Trichoderma harzianum isolated from a wood-waste dump in Lagos, Nigeria. Cellulose-supplemented media gave the maximum cellulase activity of -1 0.54, 0.67 and 0.39 units mg Protein for A. niger , P. chrysogenum and T. harzianum respectively. The maximum enzyme activity for A. niger was obtained at 36 hours of cultivation, while P. chrysogenum and T. harzianum gave their optimal enzyme activities at 12 and 60 hours respectively. Of the three cellulosic wastes, best enzyme -1 activity was obtained with sawdust. Maximum enzyme activity of 0.30, 0.24 and 0.20 units mg Protein respectively was obtained with A. niger, P. chrysogenum and T. harzianum at 144 hours of cultivation using the substrate. A. niger gave the highest enzyme activity with any of the three cellulosic materials followed by P.chrysogenum. It thus appears that the use of sawdust presents the best option for low-cost commercial production of cellulase using A. niger and P. chrysogenum as discussed herewith. Keywords: Cellulolytic fungi, Cellulase activity, Low-cost enzymes, Corncob, Sawdust, Sugarcane Pulp.
Optimum Subsidy to Promote Electric Boiler Investment to Accommodate Wind Power

The increasing development of combined heat and power (CHP) plants is exacerbating the wind power curtailment problem in regional power grids during the winter heating season. Electric boilers (EBs) were proposed to be employed within CHP plants to relieve this problem. However, CHP plants usually have no incentive for investing in EBs. Therefore, CHP plants must be incentivized to make such investments through appropriate compensation from beneficiaries, i.e., government and wind farms, although this has not previously been discussed. We propose a game theory model to simulate the impact of government subsidies on EB investment. We analyzed the utilization of the involved parties with the marginal cost and average cost and applied game theory to simulate the investment decisions. Then, an approximate enumeration technique was developed to identify the optimum government subsidy. An actual case of a regional power grid in northern China was investigated to validate the proposed method. A minimum government subsidy to maximize total social benefit was calculated; this subsidy can incentivize wind farms and CHP plants to invest in and use EBs.
Monoclonal antibodies define a domain on herpes simplex virus glycoprotein B involved in virus penetration

In an earlier report (S.D. Marlin, S.L. Highlander, T.C. Holland, M. Levine, and J.C. Glorioso, J. Virol. 59: 142-153), we described the production and use of complement-dependent virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and MAb-resistant (mar) mutants to identify five antigenic sites (I to V) on herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein B (gB). In the present study, the mechanism of virus neutralization was determined for a MAb specific for site III (B4), the only site recognized by MAbs which exhibited complement-independent virus-neutralizing ability. This antibody had no detectable effect on virus attachment but neutralized viruses after adsorption to cell monolayers. These findings implied that the mechanism of B4 neutralization involved blocking of virus penetration. The remaining antibodies, which recognized sites I, II, and IV, required active complement for effective neutralization. These were further studied for their ability to impede virus infectivity in the absence of complement. Antibodies to sites I (B1 and B3) and IV (B6) slowed the rate at which viruses penetrated cell surfaces, supporting the conclusion that antibody binding to gB can inhibit penetration by a virus. The data suggest that MAbs can interfere with penetration by a virus by binding to a domain within gB which is involved in this process. In another assay of virus infection, MAb B6 significantly reduced plaque development, indicating that antibody binding to gB expressed on infected-cell surfaces can also interfere with the ability of a virus to spread from cell to cell. In contrast to these results, antibodies to site II (B2 and B5) had no effect on virus infectivity; this suggests that they recognized structures which do not play a direct role in the infectious process. To localize regions of gB involved in these phenomena, antibody-binding sites were operationally mapped by radioimmunoprecipitation of a panel of truncated gB molecules produced in transient-expression assays. Residues critical to recognition by antibodies which affect penetration by a virus (sites I, III, and IV) mapped to a region of the molecule (amino acid residues 241 to 441) which is centrally located within the external domain. Antibodies which had no effect on penetration (site II) recognized sequences distal to this region (residues 596 to 737) near the transmembrane domain. The data suggest that these gB-specific MAbs recognize two major antigenic sites which reside in physically distinct components of the external domain of gB. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Evolution and structure of sink-flow turbulent boundary layers

An experimental and theoretical investigation of turbulent boundary layers developing in a sink-flow pressure gradient was undertaken. Three flow cases were studied, corresponding to different acceleration strengths. Mean-flow measurements were taken for all three cases, while Reynolds stresses and spectra measurements were made for two of the flow cases. In this study attention was focused on the evolution of the layers to an equilibrium turbulent state. All the layers were found to attain a state very close to precise equilibrium. This gave equilibrium sink flow data at higher Reynolds numbers than in previous experiments. The mean velocity profiles were found to collapse onto the conventional logarithmic law of the wall. However, for profiles measured with the Pitot tube, a slight ‘kick-up’ from the logarithmic law was observed near the buffer region, whereas the mean velocity profiles measured with a normal hot wire did not exhibit this deviation from the logarithmic law. As the layers approached equilibrium, the mean velocity profiles were found to approach the pure wall profile and for the highest level of acceleration Π was very close to zero, where Π is the Coles wake factor. This supports the proposition of Coles (1957), that the equilibrium sink flow corresponds to pure wall flow. Particular interest was also given to the evolutionary stages of the boundary layers, in order to test and further develop the closure hypothesis of Perry, Marusic & Li (1994). Improved quantitative agreement with the experimental results was found after slight modification of their original closure equation.
Mangiferin prevents diabetic nephropathy progression in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most severe diabetic microangiopathies and accounting for approximately one‐third of all cases of end‐stage renal disease. In the present study, we investigated the effect of mangiferin, a polyphenol from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. or Mangifera indica L. , on diabetic nephropathy and the possible mechanisms by using a developed diabetic nephropathy rat model and cultured rat mesangial cells. Serum‐advanced glycation end‐products level, malonaldehyde level, sorbitol concentration of red blood cell, 24 h albuminuria excretion were significantly decreased, whereas activity of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and creatinine clearance rate were increased by mangiferin. Blood glucose level remained unaffected. Mangiferin significantly inhibited glomerular extracellular matrix expansion and accumulation and transforming growth factor‐beta 1 overexpression in glomeruli of diabetic nephropathy rats. Moreover, mangiferin was observed to inhibit proliferation of mesangial cells induced by high glucose and the overexpression of collagen type IV of mesangial cells induced by advanced glycation end products. In summary, mangiferin could significantly prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy and improve renal function. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and characterization of a modified T‐flask bioreactor for continuous monitoring of engineered tissue stiffness

Controlling environmental conditions, such as mechanical stimuli, is critical for directing cells into functional tissue. This study reports on the development of a bioreactor capable of controlling the mechanical environment and continuously measuring force‐displacement in engineered tissue. The bioreactor was built from off the shelf components, modified off the shelf components, and easily reproducible custom built parts to facilitate ease of setup, reproducibility and experimental flexibility. A T‐flask was modified to allow for four tissue samples, mechanical actuation via a LabView controlled stepper motor and transduction of force from inside the T‐flask to an external sensor. In vitro bench top testing with instrumentation springs and tissue culture experiments were performed to validate system performance. Force sensors were highly linear (R2 > 0.998) and able to maintain force readings for extended periods of time. Tissue culture experiments involved cyclic loading of polyurethane scaffolds seeded with and without (control) human foreskin fibroblasts for 8 h/day for 14 days. After supplementation with TGF‐β, tissue constructs showed an increase in stiffness between consecutive days and from the acellular controls. These experiments confirmed the ability of the bioreactor to distinguish experimental groups and monitor tissue stiffness during tissue development. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 2010
Application of off-the-shelf stereo-cameras for the 3D assessment of morphometric variations caused by rhinoplasty

Abstract The present paper shows how a non-invasive and low-cost photogrammetric stereo device allows the assessment of morphometric variations of the nose following rhinoplasty. Six female patients, aged between 24 and 37 years, underwent 3D stereo-photogrammetric scanning. Three-dimensional computerised models were generated, extracting also information related to the coordinates of facial landmarks, distances between landmarks, angles, in pre- and postoperative situation. Two kinds of analysis were carried out: (i) statistical correlation between size variations and (ii) morphometric analysis, including General Procrustes Analysis (GPA), Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Warping. The study shows the usefulness of the stereo-photogrammetric facial digitisation for morphometric analysis of the human face. Three-dimensional computerised models are also an important tool for the assessment of the surgeon’s performance in the event of dispute between doctor and patient. Moreover, confirmation of the PCA as an analytical tool for the identification of components characterising the morphometric structure of the nose is highlighted.
A 1000-Volt planar micro-supercapacitor by direct-write laser engraving of polymers

A 1000V, high-voltage planar micro-supercapacitor directly fabricated on a flexible polymer substrate has been demonstrated to successfully power an electrostatic cantilever microresonator for more than 1 minute. Direct-write laser engraving of Kapton tape (polyimide) was used to fabricate each 200V micro-supercapacitor rapidly in a single step at ambient condition for the first time. To actuate the microresonator, five 200V micro-supercapacitors were connected in series to attain a 1000V output in a stable and safe manner. We demonstrated that laser engraving is a highly feasible and cost-effective technique for fabricating very high-voltage energy storage devices that are portable, flexible, and lightweight.
Effects of Thermal Radiation and Chemical Reaction on MHD Free Convection Flow past a Flat Plate with Heat Source and Convective Surface Boundary Condition

This paper analyzes the radiation and chemical reaction effects on MHD steady two-dimensional laminar viscous incompressible radiating boundary layer flow over a flat plate in the presence of internal heat generation and convective boundary condition. It is assumed that lower surface of the plate is in contact with a hot fluid while a stream of cold fluid flows steadily over the upper surface with a heat source that decays exponentially. The Rosseland approximation is used to describe radiative heat transfer as we consider optically thick fluids. The governing boundary layer equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations, which are then solved numerically by employing fourth order Runge-Kutta method along with shooting technique. The effects of various material parameters on the velocity, temperature and concentration as well as the skin friction coefficient, the Nusselt number, the Sherwood number and the plate surface temperature are illustrated and interpreted in physical terms. A comparison of present results with previously published results shows an excellent agreement.
Part 1: The Theoretical Basis for Recovery-Oriented Management of Substance Use Disorders in Primary Care

AbstractThere is strong evidence in the literature that screening and brief counseling interventions are effective in detecting alcohol problems and decreasing alcohol consumption among patients in primary care settings but somewhat weaker evidence regarding screening and brief intervention for drug problems. In 2014, two published studies made news and caused concern among proponents of substance Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs, when their authors concluded that brief interventions were not effective for decreasing drug use among primary care patients identified through screening, and advised that widespread adoption of screening and brief intervention for drug use was not warranted.An evaluation of the theoretical foundations for evidence-based SBIRT services was conducted to produce possible explanations for why traditional SBIRT works well for individuals with unhealthy alcohol use but not as well for those with more serious substance use disorders, including drug use and alcohol/drug dependence. Smith and Liehr’s evaluation framework for middle-range theory was utilized to analyze the Chronic Care Model, which was featured prominently in early SBIRT literature, and the newer Recovery Management model, which provides a philosophical framework for organizing modern addictions services and quality-of-life enhancements (Part 1 of this two-part series). Programs are more likely to succeed if guided by theory, and examination of relevant components of theory-based interventions can be useful in developing practical strategies for meeting program objectives. A new, theory-based, recovery-oriented framework for primary care SBIRT is introduced in Part 2 (“SBIRT+RM(C): A Proposed Model for Recovery-Oriented Primary Care”).
The impact of Salmonella Enteritidis on lipid accumulation in chicken hepatocytes

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) is a public health concern and infected chickens serve as a reservoir that potentially transmits to humans through food. Although SE seldom causes systemic disease in chickens, virulent SE strains can colonize in intestines and lead a persistent infection of the liver. The liver is the primary organ for lipid metabolism in chickens and the site for production and assembly of main components in yolk. We performed a time-course experiment using LMH-2A cells that were infected with SE and co-incubated with β-oestradiol to evaluate if SE infection affected lipid metabolism and subsequently changed lipoprotein formation for egg yolk. The results indicated that lipid accumulation significantly increased in infected LMH-2A cells while the viability of these cells was only slightly decreased. The mRNA expressions of lipid transportation and most lipogenetic genes including sterol regulatory element binding protein 1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty-acid synthase, long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) II were significantly up-regulated while the expression of lipogenetic-related stearoyl-CoA denaturase 1 was down-regulated. Moreover, decline in lipid transportation of hepatocytes was evidenced by the down-regulation of oestrogen receptor α which promotes VLDLy formation, an increase of intra-cellular accumulation of Apoprotein B (ApoB) protein, and a decrease of cellular excretion of VLDL protein. Conclusively, SE infection could elevate lipid synthesis and reduce lipid transportation in the chicken hepatocytes. These changes may lead excessive lipid accumulation in liver and slower lipoprotein deposition in yolk.
Proposed zone standards for interpretation of fortimicin A disk diffusion tests

Fortimicin A microdilution tests and disk diffusion tests (10-, 30-, and 50-micrograms disks) were performed with 454 selected bacterial strains. Tests with 30-micrograms disks were preferred, with zone standards of less than or equal to 14 mm of resistant strains (minimal inhibitory concentration, greater than 16 micrograms/ml) and greater than or equal to 17 mm for susceptible strains (minimal inhibitory concentration, less than 16 micrograms/ml).
To scale or not to scale: the principles of dose extrapolation

The principles of inter‐species dose extrapolation are poorly understood and applied. We provide an overview of the principles underlying dose scaling for size and dose adjustment for size‐independent differences. Scaling of a dose is required in three main situations: the anticipation of first‐in‐human doses for clinical trials, dose extrapolation in veterinary practice and dose extrapolation for experimental purposes. Each of these situations is discussed. Allometric scaling of drug doses is commonly used for practical reasons, but can be more accurate when one takes into account species differences in pharmacokinetic parameters (clearance, volume of distribution). Simple scaling of drug doses can be misleading for some drugs; correction for protein binding, physicochemical properties of the drug or species differences in physiological time can improve scaling. However, differences in drug transport and metabolism, and in the dose–response relationship, can override the effect of size alone. For this reason, a range of modelling approaches have been developed, which combine in silico simulations with data obtained in vitro and/or in vivo. Drugs that are unlikely to be amenable to simple allometric scaling of their clearance or dose include drugs that are highly protein‐bound, drugs that undergo extensive metabolism and active transport, drugs that undergo significant biliary excretion (MW > 500, ampiphilic, conjugated), drugs whose targets are subject to inter‐species differences in expression, affinity and distribution and drugs that undergo extensive renal secretion. In addition to inter‐species dose extrapolation, we provide an overview of dose extrapolation within species, discussing drug dosing in paediatrics and in the elderly.
Role of lipoprotein(a) in the development of coronary heart disease in patients with essential hypertension

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an important and independent cardiovascular risk factor, but its role in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) in hypertensives have had conflicting results. In order to study the possible role of Lp(a) in the development of coronary heart disease in hypertensive patients, we evaluated Lp(a) levels in 45 (younger than 50 years) CHD hypertensive patients, 45 patients with essential hypertension with­out CHD and 64 healthy controls. Lp(a) was measured by nephelometric assays in fresh serum samples. The levels of Lp(a) were significantly greater in CHD hypertensive patients (0.33 ±0.17 g/L) than in controls (0.18 ± 0.08 g/L) or patients with essential hypertension (0.20 ± 0.05 g/L). The levels of Lp(a) were increased more than 0.30 g/L in 46.6% of CHD hypertensive patiens, in 17.7% of hypertensive patiens and in 8.8% of controls. CHD hypertensive patients had also greater levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides than hypertensive patients and controls. HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower in CHD hypertensive patients. This study indicates that high Lp(a) levels can play a major role in the development of CHD in patients with essential hypertension. These findings suggest the great importance of identifying, among hypertensive patients, subjects with higher levels of Lp(a), who belong to a group with cardiovascular risk on the basis of their hypertension.
Turbo multicode detection with chip equalization for turbo-coded HSDPA systems

In this paper, a turbo iterative receiver structure with chip equalization is proposed for the 3G high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) system. The receiver equalizes the channel prior to the despreading and then performs two successive soft-output decisions, achieved by a soft-input soft-output (SISO) multicode detector and a SISO turbo decoder, through an iterative process. At each iteration, extrinsic information is extracted from detection and decoding stages and is then used as a priori information in the next iteration, just as in turbo decoding. Computer simulations show that the turbo iterative receiver structure for interference suppression and decoding offers significant performance gain over the traditional noniterative receiver structure.
Effects of Bovine Somatotropin (bST) Administration Combined with Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) on Embryo Quality and Pregnancy of Hanwoo (Korean Native Beef Cattle) during Commercial Embryo Transfer Program

Effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) on plasma hormonal concentration, embryo quality, and pregnancy rate were examined during the superovulation and synchronization treatment in donor and recipient cows. Hanwoos (Korean native beef cattle) were treated with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) combined with bST (CIDR+bST) or without bST (CIDR) as donor cows. The embryos recovered from donors were transferred into Holstein recipient heifers treated with bST (CIDR+bST) or without bST (CIDR) for synchronization. The correlation between IGF-I and P4 showed a positive pattern in the CIDR+bST group (r = 0.44, p<0.01), but a negative pattern was shown in the CIDR group (r = -0.59, p<0.02) at day 7 of estrous cycles. Although the number of recovered, transferable, and degenerated embryos was not different, quantities of grade 1 (excellent) embryos in CIDR+bST group were significantly higher than those of the CIDR group (p<0.01). The pregnancy rate was higher in the CIDR+bST recipient group compared to CIDR group (p<0.05), when the embryos were recovered from the donors treated with CIDR. However, the pregnancy was maintained highly in both recipient groups, when the embryos were produced by CIDR+bST treated donors. It can be concluded that bST administration combined with CIDR is an effective method for superovulation and synchronization treatment to stabilize plasma hormonal levels, to obtain excellent quality of embryos, and to get higher pregnancy rate.