Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of 4-arylazo-2-(N-pyrazolylcarboxamido)thiophene disperse dyes for dyeing of polyester and their antibacterial evaluation

The current article aims to synthesize some new arylazo-thiophenes for dyeing polyester fabrics and screen their antimicrobial activities. The new 4-arylazo-2-(N-pyrazolylcarboxamido)-thiophene dyes 4a–e were prepared by the reaction of 2-acetyl-2-arylazo-thioacetanilide derivative 1 with 2-chloro-N-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)acetamide derivative 2. The structures of these prepared analogues were established via Fourier-transform infrared and 1H/13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The synthesized dyestuffs were applied to polyester fabrics after establishing the optimal dyeing conditions at 130 ºC, high pressure, 3% shade, and liquor ratio 20:1 at pH 5. Furthermore, the dyed fabrics obtained under these optimal conditions resulted in proper colorfastness toward washing, rubbing, sublimation and perspiration, and were adequate for light fastness. They showed respectable antibacterial effectiveness against two bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Salmonella typhimurium (Gram-negative) bacteria. The dyed fabric with dye 4d displayed the best antibacterial activities with percentage reduction of 88% and 76% against S. aureus and S. typhimurium bacteria, respectively.
Solutions to the chronic wounds problem in Australia: A call to action

Background: Chronic wounds are a silent epidemic in Australia. They are an under-recognised public health issue, and their significant health and economic impact is underestimated. Evidence-based practice in wound care has significant health and economic benefits, yet there are still considerable evidence–practice gaps. Methods: Stakeholders attended a national forum to refine and prioritise solutions to the chronic wounds problem in Australia. A survey was administered to identify key priorities and recommendations. Results: Stakeholders agreed on 17 recommendations and strategies to improve the outcomes of Australians with chronic wounds. The identified priorities for immediate action were to raise awareness of the significance of chronic wounds, and to make chronic wounds a strategic priority for governments. The Chronic Wounds Solutions Collaborating Group was established to encourage, support and monitor action on the implementation of these recommendations. Conclusions: Large health and economic gains can be achieved with modest investments in evidence-based strategies for the prevention and control of chronic wounds in Australia. We call for a critical and sustained national effort to prevent and treat chronic wounds in Australia. Urgent action is needed at all levels if Australia is to reduce the significant preventable burden of chronic wounds and improve patient outcomes.
The determination of the content of betaine in plant growth promoter of seaweed by colorimetry

To determine the content of betaine in plant growth promoter of seaweed , the colorimetry has been established on the fact that betaine could be deposited by ammonium reinecke, ammonium tetrathiocyanatodiammine- chromate specificly in an acidic environment and the complex shows optical absorption at 525 nm. The determination conditions , the stability of complex and recovery of the added standard were also studied. The interrelating coefficient of the standard curve was 0.9985 and average recovery rate was 99.07 %. Betaine was detected in seven samples . The content in sample 1 was found a minimum as 0.619 3 mg/g and the content in sample 6 was found a maximum as 120.416 3 mg/g. The method proves to be a quick, simple , accurate method and satisfactory in determing the content of betaine in plant growth promoter of seaweed.
Influence of roasting, gamma ray irradiation and microwaving on ruminal dry matter and crude protein digestion of cottonseed

Abstract The aim of the current study was to compare the effect of different physical processing methods including roasting at 140 °C for 15 (R15) or 30 minutes (R30), gamma ray irradiation (γ-irradiation) at doses of 15 (γ15), 30 (γ30) and 45 (γ45) kGy, and microwaving at 800 W for 2 (MW2), 4 (MW4) and 6 minutes (MW6) of whole cottonseed (WCS) on ruminal degradation. In vitro crude protein (CP) digestibility and gossypol contents were compared as well. In situ experiment was conducted on three permanent rumen-fistulated bulls. Gossypol content was decreased among treatments (p < 0.05). The lowest degradation rate of protein in rumen was obtained for γ45 treatment. The rate of degradation of the potentially degradation fraction was decreased for both dry matter (DM) (p = 0.002) and CP (p = 0.006) with different treatments. The lowest values for effective degradation in all passage rates were obtained with γ45. Both microwaving and γ irradiation showed difference for CP effective degradability parameter. The greatest value of in vitro CP digestibility (p < 0.05) was observed for a dose of 45 kGy gamma-irradiated cottonseed compared to untreated WCS. Based on the results, γ ray irradiation with 45 kGy was the most effective processing method in both reducing the gossypol content and escaping the protein through rumen for WCS in ruminant nutrition.
Detailed Modelling of the Masonry Unit-Mortar Interface Using Hygrothermal Simulation

Hygrothermal models are important tool for assessing the risk of moisture-related decay mechanisms in historic masonry structures. However, there are significant uncertainties in the process related to material properties, boundary conditions and quality of construction that effect confidence in the model’s predictions compared to measured values. This paper examines one potential source of uncertainty; the imperfect nature of mortar joints in masonry walls, exemplified by such things as open joints, hairline cracks and imperfect bonds at the interface between mortar and unit. These are rarely considered in hygrothermal modelling in detail, where perfect interfaces are typically inferred. The premise is that at this interface, liquid transport behaviour is more similar to that of a fracture than that of a bundle of capillaries. These fractures of varying heights (or aperture) can affect transport into and out of the plane of the wall (perpendicular plane) and impede the liquid transport between mortar and the masonry unit (in-plane). This could lead to the “effective” moisture transport being different than what would be predicted using measured bulk material properties. A more detailed method for modelling this interface, borrowing techniques from the field of geohydrology is presented which demonstrates the effect that detailed modelling of the mortar joint has on moisture transport in masonry. A brick wall with cement mortar is studied. A two-dimensional hygrothermal model was created to demonstrate the effect of increased liquid conductivity into the wall cause by fractures.
Combined Use of Diagnostic Fumarate Addition Metabolites and Genes Provides Evidence for Anaerobic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation in Contaminated Groundwater

The widespread use of hydrocarbon-based fuels has led to the contamination of many natural environments due to accidental spills or leaks. While anaerobic microorganisms indigenous to many fuel-contaminated groundwater sites can play a role in site remediation (e.g., monitored natural attenuation, MNA) via hydrocarbon biodegradation, multiple lines of evidence in support of such bioremediation are required. In this study, we investigated two fuel-contaminated groundwater sites for their potential to be managed by MNA. Microbial community composition, biogeochemical indicators, fumarate addition metabolites, and genes diagnostic of both alkane and alkyl-monoaromatic hydrocarbon activation were assessed. Fumarate addition metabolites and catabolic genes were detected for both classes of hydrocarbon biodegradation at both sites, providing strong evidence for in situ anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation. However, relevant metabolites and genes did not consistently co-occur within all groundwater samples. Using newly designed mixtures of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) primers to target diverse assA and bssA genes, we measured assA gene abundances ranging from 105–108 copies/L, and bssA gene abundances ranging from 105–1010 copies/L at the sites. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of investigating fuel-contaminated sites using both metabolites and genes diagnostic of anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation for different classes of hydrocarbons to help assess field sites for management by MNA.
Life Conditions during COVID-19 Lockdown and Mental Health in Spanish Adolescents

Spanish children were locked down for 72 days due to COVID-19, causing severe disruption to their normal life. The threat posed by COVID-19 continues and clinicians, administrators, and families need to know the life conditions associated with more psychological problems to modify them and minimize their effect on mental health. The goal was to study the life conditions of adolescents during lockdown and their association with psychological problems. A total of 226 parents of 117 girls and 109 boys (mean age: 13.9; Standard deviation: 0.28) from the community that were participants in a longitudinal study answered an online questionnaire about life conditions during lockdown and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Stepwise regression analyses controlling by previous reports of SDQ were performed. Conduct, peer, prosocial, and total problems scores increased after lockdown. After adjusting for previous measures of psychopathology, worse adolescents’ mental health during COVID-19 lockdown was associated with unhealthy activities, worsening of the relationships with others, and dysfunctional parenting style. It seems important to mitigate psychological stress in a situation of isolation due to a state of emergency by keeping the adolescent active and maintaining their daily habits and routines in a non-conflictive atmosphere and give support to parents.
The Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Marine Natural Products from Leptolyngbya, a Chemically Endowed Genus of Cyanobacteria

Leptolyngbya, a well-known genus of cyanobacteria, is found in various ecological habitats including marine, fresh water, swamps, and rice fields. Species of this genus are associated with many ecological phenomena such as nitrogen fixation, primary productivity through photosynthesis and algal blooms. As a result, there have been a number of investigations of the ecology, natural product chemistry, and biological characteristics of members of this genus. In general, the secondary metabolites of cyanobacteria are considered to be rich sources for drug discovery and development. In this review, the secondary metabolites reported in marine Leptolyngbya with their associated biological activities or interesting biosynthetic pathways are reviewed, and new insights and perspectives on their metabolic capacities are gained.
Comparison of influenza type A and B with COVID‐19: A global systematic review and meta‐analysis on clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings

We compared clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, radiographic signs and outcomes of COVID‐19 and influenza to identify unique features. Depending on the heterogeneity test, we used either random or fixed‐effect models to analyse the appropriateness of the pooled results. Overall, 540 articles included in this study; 75,164 cases of COVID‐19 (157 studies), 113,818 influenza type A (251 studies) and 9266 influenza type B patients (47 studies) were included. Runny nose, dyspnoea, sore throat and rhinorrhoea were less frequent symptoms in COVID‐19 cases (14%, 15%, 11.5% and 9.5%, respectively) in comparison to influenza type A (70%, 45.5%, 49% and 44.5%, respectively) and type B (74%, 33%, 38% and 49%, respectively). Most of the patients with COVID‐19 had abnormal chest radiology (84%, p < 0.001) in comparison to influenza type A (57%, p < 0.001) and B (33%, p < 0.001). The incubation period in COVID‐19 (6.4 days estimated) was longer than influenza type A (3.4 days). Likewise, the duration of hospitalization in COVID‐19 patients (14 days) was longer than influenza type A (6.5 days) and influenza type B (6.7 days). Case fatality rate of hospitalized patients in COVID‐19 (6.5%, p < 0.001), influenza type A (6%, p < 0.001) and influenza type B was 3%(p < 0.001). The results showed that COVID‐19 and influenza had many differences in clinical manifestations and radiographic findings. Due to the lack of effective medication or vaccine for COVID‐19, timely detection of this viral infection and distinguishing from influenza are very important.
Advances in cancer biomarkers : from biochemistry to clinic for a critical revision

Prelims. - I Generality. - II Tumor markers-a critical revision. - Enzymes. - Hormones. - Oncofetal proteins. - Cytokeratins. - Carbohydrate markers. - Blood group antigens. - Genetic markers. - Various protein markers. - III Perspectives. - The role of Circulating tumor Cells as tumor markers. - Index.
Misspecification tests in econometrics

Misspecification tests play an important role in detecting unreliable and inadequate economic models. This book brings together many results from the growing literature in econometrics on misspecification testing. It provides theoretical analyses and convenient methods for application. The main emphasis is on the Lagrange multiplier principle, which provides considerable unification, although several other approaches are also considered. The author also examines general checks for model adequacy that do not involve formulation of an alternative hypothesis. General and specific tests are discussed in the context of multiple regression models, systems of simultaneous equations, and models with qualitative or limited dependent variables.
Biopsy-Controlled Non-Invasive Quantification of Collagen Type VI in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the MECANO Trial

The PRO-C6 assay, a reflection of collagen type VI synthesis, has been proposed as a non-invasive early biomarker of kidney fibrosis. We aimed to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between plasma and urine PRO-C6 and proven histological changes after kidney transplantation. The current study is a post-hoc analysis of 94 participants of the MECANO trial, a 24-month prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled trial aimed at comparing everolimus-based vs. cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. PRO-C6 was measured in plasma and urine samples collected 6 and 24 months post-transplantation. Fibrosis was evaluated in biopsies collected at the same time points by Banff interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) scoring and collagen staining (Picro Sirius Red; PSR); inflammation was evaluated by the tubulo-interstitial inflammation score (ti-score). Linear regression analyses were performed. Six-month plasma PRO-C6 was cross-sectionally associated with IF/TA score (Std. β = 0.34), and prospectively with 24-month IF/TA score and ti-score (Std. β = 0.24 and 0.23, respectively) (p < 0.05 for all). No significant associations were found between urine PRO-C6 and any of the biopsy findings. Fibrotic changes and urine PRO-C6 behaved differentially over time according to immunosuppressive therapy. These results are a first step towards non-invasive fibrosis detection after kidney transplantation by means of collagen VI synthesis measurement, and further research is required.
A Comparative Analysis of Hybrid Deep Learning Models for Human Activity Recognition

Recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) led to effective methods and tools for analyzing the human behavior. Human Activity Recognition (HAR) is one of the fields that has seen an explosive research interest among the ML community due to its wide range of applications. HAR is one of the most helpful technology tools to support the elderly’s daily life and to help people suffering from cognitive disorders, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, etc. It is also very useful in areas such as transportation, robotics and sports. Deep learning (DL) is a branch of ML based on complex Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) that has demonstrated a high level of accuracy and performance in HAR. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) are two types of DL models widely used in the recent years to address the HAR problem. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of their integration in recognizing daily activities, e.g., walking. We analyze four hybrid models that integrate CNNs with four powerful RNNs, i.e., LSTMs, BiLSTMs, GRUs and BiGRUs. The outcomes of our experiments on the PAMAP2 dataset indicate that our proposed hybrid models achieve an outstanding level of performance with respect to several indicative measures, e.g., F-score, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Assessing the Binding of Venoms from Aquatic Elapids to the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Orthosteric Site of Different Prey Models

The evolution of an aquatic lifestyle from land dwelling venomous elapids is a radical ecological modification, bringing about many evolutionary changes from morphology to diet. Diet is an important ecological facet which can play a key role in regulating functional traits such as venom composition and prey-specific targeting of venom. In addition to predating upon novel prey (e.g., fish, fish eggs and invertebrates), the venoms of aquatic elapids also face the challenge of increased prey-escape potential in the aquatic environment. Thus, despite the independent radiation into an aquatic niche on four separate occasions, the venoms of aquatic elapids are evolving under convergent selection pressures. Utilising a biolayer interferometry binding assay, this study set out to elucidate whether crude venoms from representative aquatic elapids were target-specific to the orthosteric site of postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor mimotopes of fish compared to other terrestrial prey types. Representatives of the four aquatic lineages were: aquatic coral snakes representative was Micrurus surinamensis;, sea kraits representative was Laticauda colubrina; sea snakes representatives were two Aipysurus spp. and eight Hydrophis spp; and water cobras representative was Naja annulata. No prey-specific differences in crude venom binding were observed from any species tested, except for Aipysurus laevis, which showed slight evidence of prey-potency differences. For Hydrophis caerulescens, H. peronii, H. schistosus and M. surinamensis, there was a lack of binding to the orthosteric site of any target lineage. Subsequent testing on the in vitro chick-biventer cervicis muscle preparation suggested that, while the venoms of these species bound postsynaptically, they bound to allosteric sites rather than orthosteric. Allosteric binding is potentially a weaker but faster-acting form of neurotoxicity and we hypothesise that the switch to allosteric binding is likely due to selection pressures related to prey-escape potential. This research has potentially opened up the possibility of a new functional class of toxins which have never been assessed previously while shedding light on the selection pressures shaping venom evolution.
Protein-Water and Water-Water Long-Time Relaxations in Protein Hydration Water upon Cooling—A Close Look through Density Correlation Functions

We report results on the translational dynamics of the hydration water of the lysozyme protein upon cooling obtained by means of molecular dynamics simulations. The self van Hove functions and the mean square displacements of hydration water show two different temperature activated relaxation mechanisms, determining two dynamic regimes where transient trapping of the molecules is followed by hopping phenomena to allow to the structural relaxations. The two caging and hopping regimes are different in their nature. The low-temperature hopping regime has a time scale of tenths of nanoseconds and a length scale on the order of 2–3 water shells. This is connected to the nearest-neighbours cage effect and restricted to the supercooling, it is absent at high temperature and it is the mechanism to escape from the cage also present in bulk water. The second hopping regime is active at high temperatures, on the nanoseconds time scale and over distances of nanometers. This regime is connected to water displacements driven by the protein motion and it is observed very clearly at high temperatures and for temperatures higher than the protein dynamical transition. Below this temperature, the suppression of protein fluctuations largely increases the time-scale of the protein-related hopping phenomena at least over 100 ns. These protein-related hopping phenomena permit the detection of translational motions of hydration water molecules longly persistent in the hydration shell of the protein.
The Diet and Dentition of Isistius brasiliensis, with Remarks on Tooth Replacement in Other Sharks

Twenty-two central Pacific specimens of the pelagic shark Isistius brasiliensis were captured by midwater trawls and plankton nets operated at night. Eight specimens were dissected; their anatomy was typically squalid and their diet consisted principally of squid. Some stomachs contained swallowed mandibular teeth in quantities sufficient to indicate that the entire mandibular dentition was shed as a unit. One Isistius had both
Shape Memory Polymer Foams Synthesized Using Glycerol and Hexanetriol for Enhanced Degradation Resistance

Shape memory polymer foams have been used in a wide range of medical applications, including, but not limited to, vessel occlusion and aneurysm treatment. This unique polymer system has been proven to shape-fill a void, which makes it useful for occlusion applications. While the shape memory polymer foam has superior performance and healing outcomes compared to its leading competitors, some device applications may benefit from longer material degradation times, or degradation-resistant formulations with increased fibrous encapsulation. In this study, biostable shape memory polymer foams were synthesized, and their physical and chemical properties were characterized as an initial evaluation of feasibility for vascular occlusion applications. After characterizing their shape memory behavior in an aqueous environment, degradation of this polymer system was studied in vitro using accelerated oxidative and hydrolytic solutions. Results indicated that the foams did not lose mass under oxidative or hydrolytic conditions, and they maintained high shape recovery in aqueous in vitro models. These degradation-resistant systems have potential for use in vascular occlusion and other wound healing applications that benefit from permanent, space-filling shape memory behavior.
Comparison of the Loop Technique With Incision and Drainage for Skin and Soft Tissue Abscesses: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis

Cutaneous abscesses are common presentations to the emergency department. While the primary treatment for most abscesses is conventional incision and drainage (CID), this is painful and can lead to multiple return visits. The loop drainage technique (LDT) has been proposed as an alternate, less‐invasive approach to abscess management. The primary outcome of this study was to compare LDT with CID for skin and soft tissue abscesses.