Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mass Spectrometry to Determine Intracellular Concentrations of Antiretroviral Drugs From chemistry to clinical application

We have developed a new method based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-fl ight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for analysis of zidovudine-triphosphate and (deoxy)nucleotide-triphosphates, which ultimately can be used for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) treatment monitoring in HIV-1 infected children and adults. Four diff erent matrices were compared for sensitivity and reproducibility of zidovudine-triphosphate detection and anthranilic acid mixed with nicotinic acid (AA/ NA) was selected as most suitable matrix. Solutions of zidovudine-triphosphate, ATP, and dGTP were detected up to 0.5 fmol per sample. Furthermore, intracellular zidovudine-triphosphate, ATP, and dGTP were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Zidovudine-triphosphate, ATP, and dGTP yield identical mass spectra, however MALDI-TOF post source decay analysis can be used for discrimination between these compounds. We conclude that this method based on MALDI-TOF MS can be used for analysis of intracellular zidovudine-triphosphate and (deoxy)nucleotide-triphosphates in PBMCs. AZT-triphosphate analysis using MALDI-TOF 19
Power Semiconductor Device Education: Which Topics and What Depth

Power electronics is a significant enabling technology in many areas of electrical engineering and the introduction of wide bandgap power devices utilizing silicon carbide and gallium nitride will make it even more important and pervasive in the future. In developing the power electronics workforce going forward, two major questions arise concerning power semiconductor devices. First what device topics should be covered and second what should be the depth of the topical coverage? One example discussed in the paper are the power semiconductor device topics are taught at the undergraduate and graduate level at the University of Minnesota and to what depth. The topical details of a graduate level device physics and device design course at the graduate level are also considered.
Comparative Analysis on the Haematological Parameters and Antioxidant Levels of Parboiled and Un-Parboiled Dichlorvos (DDVP)-Treated Beans

This study comparatively evaluates the haematological and antioxidant effects of differently prepared (parboiled and un-parboiled) beans treated with sniper (i.e. a dichlorvos insecticide) and fed to wistar albino rats. Thirty (30) male wistar albino rats of known body weight were assigned into six (6) groups of 5 each. The groups received: 70 g and 30 g of un-parboiled beans (groups 1 & 2), 70 g and 30 g (groups 3 & 4) of parboiled beans compounded in the pellets as feed stock, beans only and standard feed for a period of 30 days. The rats were euthanized, and blood samples were collected after the termination of the study. Dichlorvos significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of the antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT) in the groups fed with un-parboiled beans unlike the groups fed with parboiled beans which were non-significantly decreased. There was significant increase in the malondialdehyde concentration of the groups fed with un-parboiled beans. Dose dependent variations were seen in the packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and platelet. But a reduced concentration of red blood cell count (RBC) for the un-parboiled groups and an increase in the parboiled group were seen, although both were not significant (P < 0.05).
Exploring the potential of N-acylated chitosan for the removal of toxic pollutants from wastewater

Modified chitosan was prepared by chemical derivatisation using caproyl and palmitoyl fatty acid chains. The performance of the materials on the removal of phosphates in aqueous solutions was evaluated through a series of batch adsorption experiments. The phosphate adsorption studies showed enhanced adsorption efficiencies for caproyl chitosan (63%) and for palmitoyl chitosan (71%) in aqueous solutions containing phosphate at a pH of 6.2. The pristine and modified chitosans showed increases in the removal efficiency at an optimal solution pH of 4. The adsorption kinetics studies performed on palmitoyl-chitosan indicated that a contact time of approximately 30 minutes is required to reach equilibrium at solution concentrations ranging from 10-20 mg/l. Co-existing anions such as nitrates and sulphates do affect the phosphate removal efficiency of modified chitosans in aqueous solutions. This study demonstrates that modified chitosans has the potential of being used as a rigid and degradable material for water treatment.
The Adherens Junction Interactome and the Role of Vinculin in Cytoskeletal Integration at the Cardiomyocyte ICD

The primary function of the heart is to contract and pump oxygenated blood throughout the body. Coordinated contraction between individual cardiomyocytes requires mechanical and electrical coupling through a specialized adhesive structure called the intercalated disc (ICD). The ICD joins cardiomyocytes and is comprised of adherens junctions (AJ), desmosomes, and gap junctions. The core of the AJ is the cadherin-catenin complex and it links the myofibrils of neighboring cells. Much work has been performed in epithelial cells to study the role of force in regulating complex formation and ligand recruitment. However, the range and scale of forces experienced in epithelial cells is far less than what is produced in the heart, yet the same molecules are responsible to maintain adhesion and tissue integrity. Our studies sought to understand the specialization of the AJ in cardiomyocytes to uncover mechanisms of resilience in tissues. Our group used proximity based proteomics and mass spectrometry to investigate the N-cadherin interactome in primary neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes. We found that cardiomyocytes share core molecular components compared to epithelial cells, however, they recruit a host of unique adapter proteins. Additionally, we demonstrated cross-talk between the ICD and the Z-disk that was previously unreported. From our proximity proteomics data set, I chose to investigate two characterized AJ ligands previously studied in epithelial cells for their roles in mechanotransduction. I found that both vinculin and afadin are localized at the ICD and can be selectively enriched through the introduction of N-cadherin:E-catenin fusion constructs. With these constructs, I determined that vinculin enhances the stability of AJs and is necessary and sufficient to link the AJ to the myofibril network. Lastly, I demonstrated that vinculin recruitment is necessary to drive the maturation of the ICD by recruiting desmosomes. Our work demonstrates that tissue-specific differences in the AJ interactome give rise to its specialization and that the known E-catenin ligand, vinculin, plays an integral role in bridging the AJ-myofibril interface. Together, these data provide a repository for future work into novel ICD proteins and a novel function for vinculin, providing insight for declining cardiomyocyte function and remodeling in disease states.
Potential and promisingness of technical options for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation in Southeast Asian countries

ABSTRACT Paddy fields are considered as one of the most important sources of anthropogenic methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. While several technical options have been proposed to reduce these emissions, gaps in data and information based on application of these options in the field are a key barrier to scaling-up. To address these gaps, we conducted a review of literature to analyze the potential of technical options in Southeast Asia (SEA). Using screening criteria based on reliability of experimental data, 31 region-specific cases were selected for the analysis. A meta-analysis indicated that water management options, including single and multiple drainage approaches such as alternative wetting and drying (AWD), significantly reduced CH4 emissions by 35% as a mean effect size (95% confidential interval: 41–29%), as well as the combined effects of CH4+N2O (net GWP) by 29% (36–23%). The effect on reducing CH4 emissions in the dry season was significantly larger than that in the wet season. Application of biochar reduced both CH4 and N2O emissions by 20% (40% to −7%), while significantly increased rice yield by 28% (8–52%). Other options such as removal of rice straw from the previous crop, composting rice straw and manure, application of sulfate-containing fertilizer, and soil drying in the fallow season also have recognized potential to reduce emissions but require further data and consideration of possible trade-offs. Based on the analysis of mitigation potential, promising technical options were assessed by considering together with constraints and additional co-benefits in order to provide a useful guide for policy makers and rice value chain operators in SEA countries for adopting mitigation options in rice cultivation to tackle climate change and enhance agriculture sector sustainability.
Novel methodologies for the catalytic synthesis of amides

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Changes in the Thickness of Median Nerves Due to Excessive Use of Smartphones

[Purpose] The present study was intended to examine the effect of excessive use of smartphones on the carpal tunnel and median nerve in the wrist. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire was used to determine the degree of addiction to smartphones in 125 normal adults who used smartphones; then, ultrasonography of the median nerve, Phalen’s tests, and reverse Phalen’s tests were conducted on the subjects. [Results] Based on the results of the experiment, the thickness of the median nerve did not change in relation to duration of smartphone use per day, duration of continuous smartphone use, periods of the use of smartphones, or the degree of addiction; however, statistically significant shortening of time to wrist tingling was identified in the Phalen’s tests and reverse Phalen’s tests conducted to examine clinical symptoms. [Conclusion] In conclusion, excessive use of smartphones may act as a cause to trigger carpal tunnel syndrome due to pressure on the carpal tunnel in the wrist joint; thus, precautions are necessary when using smartphones.
Development of atomic force microscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy for investigating electronic devices

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate electronic devices. In general, under observation using an optical microscope, it is difficult to position the cantilever at an arbitrary scan area of an electronic device with a microstructure. Thus, a method for positioning the cantilever is necessary to observe electronic devices. In this study, we developed an AFM/SEM system to evaluate an electronic device. The optical beam deflection (OBD) unit of the system was designed for a distance between the SEM objective lens and a sample surface to be 2 cm. A sample space large enough to place an actual device was created, using a scan unit fabricated with three tube scanners. The scanning ranges of the scan unit are 21.9 µm × 23.1 µm in the XY plane and of 2.5 µm for the Z axis. The noise density in the OBD unit was measured to be 0.29 pm/Hz0.5, which is comparable to noise density values reported for commercial AFM systems. Using the electron beam of SEM, the electron beam induced current (EBIC) is generated from a p–n junction of a semiconductor. Using the EBIC, the cantilever was positioned at the p–n-junction of a Si fast recovery diode (FRD). In addition, scanning capacitance force microscopy (SCFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KFM) were combined with the AFM/SEM system. The SCFM and KFM signals were in qualitative agreement with the expected carrier density distribution of the p and n-regions of the Si-FRD.Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate electronic devices. In general, under observation using an optical microscope, it is difficult to position the cantilever at an arbitrary scan area of an electronic device with a microstructure. Thus, a method for positioning the cantilever is necessary to observe electronic devices. In this study, we developed an AFM/SEM system to evaluate an electronic device. The optical beam deflection (OBD) unit of the system was designed for a distance between the SEM objective lens and a sample surface to be 2 cm. A sample space large enough to place an actual device was created, using a scan unit fabricated with three tube scanners. The scanning ranges of the scan unit are 21.9 µm × 23.1 µm in the XY plane and of 2.5 µm for the Z axis. The noise density in the OBD unit was measured to be 0.29 pm/Hz0.5, which is comparable to noise density values reported for commercial AFM systems. Using the electron beam of SEM, the .
Effect of Glow-discharge Hydrogen Plasma Treatment on Zinc Oxide Layers Prepared through Pulsed Electrochemical Deposition and via SILAR Method

In this work, we investigated the effect of glow-discharge H2 plasma treatment on ZnO layers deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates through low temperature aqueous solution growth, namely, via a pulsed electrochemical deposition and by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. It is shown that the crystal structure, surface morphology, chemical composition and optical properties obtain some destructive changes after plasma processing due to the creation of oxygen vacancies Vo and H-related defects, and additionally, because of the zinc oxide etching by the glowdischarge H2 plasma through reduction of zinc oxide and evaporation of Zn from the surface. Nevertheless, our investigations show quite good stability of the ZnO layers to the plasma-induced radiation and chemical impacts under high total H2 fluence received by every ZnO/FTO sample ~ 8·1018 cm – 2.
differential effects of excess potassium and sodium on plant growth and betaine accumulation in sugar beet

The effects of long-term NaCl and KCl treatment on plant growth and betaine accumulation were investigated in sugar beet. Leaf fresh weight of the plants treated with 300 mM KCl and NaCl for 15 days were declined when compared with the control plants. Photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content and magnesium content were decreased in the plants treated with 300 mM KCl, whereas these values were essentially maintained in the control and 300 mM NaCl treated plants. K+ content in 300 mM KCl treated plants were significantly higher than the Na+ content in the 300 mM NaCl treated plants. These effects were more severe in developing leaves than the mature leaves. Betaine and choline monooxygenase (CMO) accumulation levels were increased in plants exposed to 300 mM KCl and NaCl treatment, with a higher increase in NaCl treated plants. The betaine/Na+ ratio increased during the 300 mM NaCl treatment but remained constant during the KCl treatment. Results indicate the presence of a better adaptive system to high NaCl than KCl in developing leaves of sugar beet.
A Doxycycline Inducible HEK-293 Model for the Characterization and Screening of ∂3β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

A Doxycycline Inducible HEK-293 Model for the Characterization and Screening of ∂3β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Ashley Diana Sego Neuroscience Center, BYU Master of Science Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are found widely throughout the body. Like all members of the cys-loop family of receptors, nAChRs are composed of five protein subunits, each with a large extra-cellular domain and four transmembrane domains. Together these subunits form a binding domain, transmembrane pore, and selectivity filter. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, formed exclusively from α2-10 and β2-4 subunits, can form in many arrangements and stoichiometries. Each arrangement can have varying binding affinities and channel kinetics, resulting in great modulatory control. α3 and β2 subunit mRNA is found in CA1 interneurons in the stratum radiatum and stratum oriens of the rat hippocampus, and in surprising expression frequency and ratios. Further study of α3 and β2 subunit mRNA injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes yields interesting results about the potential for two α3β2 subtypes. These results were in intriguing, and prompted further study to better characterize and screen the α3β2 nAChR. In order to do so, a model was needed where the α3β2 nAChR could be studied in a more physiologically relevant mammalian environment, with consistent control over α3 and β2 subunit expression ratios, and sufficient protein expression and functionality. To this end, we created a doxycycline inducible HEK-293 cell line, stably transfected with the genetic sequences for the α3 and β2 subunits and NACHO, a transmembrane protein of the neuronal endoplasmic reticulum, which has been shown to mediate the assembly of α3β2 and other nAChRs. This new model is able to induce expression various ratios between α3 and β2 subunits in a consistent, manner, proving to be valuable tool in the characterization and screening of the α3β2 nAChR.
Precise Tailoring of Ir-FeOx Interfaces for Improved Catalytic Performance in Preferential Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide in Hydrogen

Preferential oxidation of CO in H2 (PROX) has been regarded as the most promising on-board approach to remove the trace levels of CO (~1%) presenting in hydrogen fuels and thus to protect the Pt electrodes of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) against CO poisoning. However, development of an active and selective catalyst towards CO oxidation in a broad low temperature range remains challenging due to the competitive hydrogen oxidation reaction. Here we report that selective deposition of FeOx overcoat onto SiO2 supported Ir nanoparticles using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, allows precisely tailoring Ir-FeOx interfaces for optimizing catalytic performance in the PROX reaction. Compared to the uncoated Ir/SiO2 sample, FeOx-coated Ir/SiO2 samples exhibited remarkable activity enhancements, where we observed a volcano trend of the improved activity as a function of the numbers of FeOx ALD cycles. The optimized catalytic performance was achieved on a 1.5 nm Ir/SiO2 sample with two cycl.
Synthesis of a Novel Catalyst MnO/CNTs for Microwave-Induced Degradation of Tetracycline

Microwave-induced catalytic degradation (MICD) has been considered as one of the most prospective approaches to remove organic contaminants from water. High-performance catalysts, ideally offering efficient degradation ability, are essential to this process. This work reports the fabrication of manganese oxide on carbon nanotubes (MnO/CNTs) as an efficient catalyst under microwave irradiation (MI) to remove tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solution. The hybrid MnO/CNTs structure shows excellent performance in TC degradation. Combining experimental characterization and theoretical calculations, synergistic mechanisms are revealed: (i) Strong MnO/CNTs interaction stabilizes Mn(II) through interfacial bonding; (ii) high-spin states associated with low coordinated Mn(II) play a major role in MICD; and (iii) superoxide radicals (•O2−) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) induced by microwave input are identified as the major active species.
Mixed and multipoint finite element methods for rotation-based poroelasticity

This work proposes a mixed finite element method for the Biot poroelasticity equations that employs the lowest-order Raviart-Thomas finite element space for the solid displacement and piecewise constants for the fluid pressure. The method is based on the formulation of linearized elasticity as a weighted vector Laplace problem. By introducing the solid rotation and fluid flux as auxiliary variables, we form a four-field formulation of the Biot system, which is discretized using conforming mixed finite element spaces. The auxiliary variables are subsequently removed from the system in a local hybridization technique to obtain a multipoint rotation-flux mixed finite element method. Stability and convergence of the four-field and multipoint mixed finite element methods are shown in terms of weighted norms, which additionally leads to parameter-robust preconditioners. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical results.
Amylodextrins containing beta-glucan from oat flours and bran

Amylodextrins with soluble beta-glucan contents as high as 10% were prepared from milled oat flours and bran. The level of enzymatic conversion was measured by high performance liquid chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. The large molecular weight amylodextrin fragments containing the beta-glucan from low level amylolytic conversions were measured by gel permeation chromatography. The different elution times of the two separate enzyme conversion mixture components suggest different modes of enzyme actions. Lower molecular weight fractions are produced by the action of Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase in contrast to the action of B. stearothermophilus alpha-amylase, due possibly to dissimilar enzyme dosages. Comparisons of the amylodextrin compositions produced by B. stearothermophilus alpha-amylase and B. licheniformis alpha-amylase systems at intermediate conversion levels revealed that the B. stearothermophilus alpha-amylase gave much larger quantities of the maltohexaose component than the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase.
Nucleate boiling heat transfer performance of different laser processed copper surfaces

ABSTRACT Present study reports the nucleate pool boiling characteristics of micro structured copper surface developed by utilizing two different laser systems, namely, pulsed Nd:YAG laser and continuous wave laser. Tests are conducted at atmospheric pressure and saturation temperature by using water as pool liquid. Enhancement in heat transfer coefficients was observed over all laser processed surfaces. The maximum enhancement in heat transfer coefficient was found to be 136% and 93% for the micro structured surfaces developed by using continuous wave and pulsed laser, respectively, compared to the reference smooth surface. The enhancement in heat transfer performance of micro structured surfaces are due to the presence of surface pores, grooves and micro cavities generated due to laser melting process.
In silico approach of antidiabetic compounds from Caesalpinia crista seed through docking analysis and ADMET predictions

Caesalpinia crista (Fabaceae) is one of the herbs traditionally used as a drug for the diabetic. This study aimed to discover bioactivity of the α-caesalpin compound from Caesalpinia crista for antidiabetic based on reverse docking studies. Structures of chemical constituents of Caesalpina crista (α-caesalpin) was collected from published literature. The water molecule and ligands were removed by using PyMOL v1.7. 4.5 Software (Schrödinger). Molecular docking experiments were performed using the PyRx 0.8 software. Prediction and significant descriptors of Physicochemical Properties, Lipophilicity, Pharmacokinetics and Druglikeness properties of the compounds were predicted using Swissadme. The results showed that α-caesalpin has greater potential as an antidiabetic based on its binding affinity and intermolecular interactions. The binding affinity of α-caesalpin with NOS3 protein is -7.9, while binding affinity NOS3 with the control compound β-estradiol is -10.1. AMES Test showed that α-caesalpin is not potential mutagens and not carcinogens. Druglikeness prediction showed that α-caesalpin fulfil the rules of Lipinski, Ghose, Veber, Egan and Muegge with 0.55 Bioavailability Score.