Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Design and Optimization Approach for Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA) Based on MOST Scattering Parameters and the gm/ID Ratio

This work presents a new design methodology for radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits based on a unified analysis of the scattering parameters of the circuit and the gm/ID ratio of the involved transistors. Since the scattering parameters of the circuits are parameterized by means of the physical characteristics of transistors, designers can optimize transistor size and biasing to comply with the circuit specifications given in terms of S-parameters. A complete design of a cascode low noise amplifier (LNA) in MOS 65 nm technology is taken as a case study in order to validate the approach. In addition, this methodology permits the identification of the best trade-off between the minimum noise figure and the maximum gain for the LNA in a very simple way.
Room Temperature In-Situ Synthesis of Inorganic Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals Sol Using Ultraviolet Polymerized Acrylic Monomers as Solvent and Their Composites with High Stability

As a kind of promising optoelectrical material, all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) have attracted much attention, due to their excellent optoelectrical characteristics, in recent years. However, their synthesis approaches require rigorous conditions, including high temperature, eco-unfriendly solvent or complex post-synthesis process. Herein, to overcome these issues, we reported a novel facile room temperature in-situ strategy using ultraviolet polymerizable acrylic monomer as solvent to synthesis CsPbX3 nanocrystals without a complex post-synthesis process. In this strategy, adequate soluble precursors of Cs, Pb and Br and reaction terminating agent 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) were used. The obtained CsPbBr3 nanocrystals showed a high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) of 87.5%. The corresponding polymer composites, by adding light initiator and oligomer under ultraviolet light radiation, performed excellent stability in light, air, moisture and high temperature. The reaction process and the effect of the reaction terminating agent have been investigated in detail. This strategy is a universal one for synthesizing CsPbX3 nanocrystals covering visible light range by introducing HCl and ZnI2.
Molecular identification and prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex amongst people living with HIV in Osun state, Nigeria.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has created a special niche for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in humans as a result of the defect/reduction in cell mediated immunity. M. tuberculosis still responsible for most cases of death due to infectious diseases after HIV. In this study, prevalence of M. tuberculosis was determined in people living with HIV in Osun state of Nigeria with identification of culture positive isolates by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 160 samples were collected from people living with HIV with mean age of 36.8 years old of age (Median -34; age range 16 – 68; 95% confidence interval – 2.49) after seeking ethical approval from the Ministry of Health, Osun State. The result of the microscopy by ZN stain showed that 40 (25%) of the 160 samples were positive for acid fast bacilli while culture on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium revealed that 30 (18.75%) of the samples processed, grew organism that conformed to the characteristics of M. tuberculosis complex. Polymerase chain reaction for IS6110 was used to confirm the identity of the colonies on LJ slope as M. tuberculosis complex while the PCR for 260 bp of Rv1255c was used in identifying M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis represented 92% of the M. tuberculosis complex. The prevalence of M. tuberculosis among people living with HIV was found to be 15% after PCR identification. The effects of socio-demographic factors on the prevalence of TB were analysed. Occupation was found to be associated with the proportional distribution of TB in people living with HIV (X2 = 14.85; p Key words: Molecular identification, Polymerase chain reaction, M ycobacterium tuberculosis complex; Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Prevalence, HIV, Nigeria
The First Knockout Mouse Model of Retinoblastoma

The retinoblastoma susceptibility gene (RB1) was the first tumor suppressor gene identified in humans (Friend, et al., 1986) and the first tumor suppressor gene knocked out by targeted deletion in mice (Jacks, et al., Clarke, et al., Lee, et al., 1992). Children with a germline mutation in one of their RB1 alleles are likely to experience bilateral multifocal retinoblastoma; however, mice with a similar disruption of Rb1 do not develop retinoblastoma. The absence of a knock-out mouse model of retinoblastoma has slowed the progress toward developing new therapies and identifying secondary genetic lesions that occur after disruption of the Rb signaling pathway. Several advances have been made, over the past several years, in our understanding of the regulation of proliferation during retinal development (Zhang, et al., 2004; Dyer J, 2004; Dyer, Cepko, 2001) and we have built upon these earlier studies to generate the first nonchimeric knock-out mouse model of retinoblastoma. These mice are being used as a preclinical model to test new therapies for retinoblastoma and to elucidate the downstream genetic events that occur after inactivation of Rb1 or its related family members.
Low‐Voltage Heterojunction Metal Oxide Transistors via Rapid Photonic Processing

Solution‐processed metal oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs) represent a promising technology for applications in existing but also emerging large‐area electronics. However, high process temperatures and lengthy annealing times represent two remaining technical challenges. Different approaches aiming to address these challenges have been proposed but progress remains modest. Here, the development of high electron mobility metal oxide TFTs based on photonically converted Al2O3/ZrO2 and In2O3/ZnO bilayers acting as the high‐k dielectric and electron‐transporting channel, respectively is described. Sequential solution‐phase deposition and photonic processing lead to low substrate temperature (<200 °C) while minimizing the overall process time to less than 60 s without compromising the quality of the formed layers. The bilayer Al2O3/ZrO2 dielectric exhibits low leakage current density (10−6 A cm−2 at 1 MV cm−1), high geometric capacitance (≈120 nF cm−2) and breakdown electric field of ≈1 MV cm−1. Combining Al2O3/ZrO2 with a photonically converted In2O3/ZnO heterojunction channels, results in TFTs with high electron mobility (19 cm2 V−1 s−1), low operation voltage (≤2 V), high current on/off ratio (>106), and low subthreshold swing (108 mV dec−1), that can be manufactured even onto thermally sensitive polymer substrates. The work is a significant step toward all‐photonic processed metal oxide electronics.
Service quality dimensions as predictors of customer satisfaction and loyalty in the banking industry: moderating effects of gender

Purpose The link between service quality and customer satisfaction has been well established; however, there are strong reasons to believe that gender moderates the effects of service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction. This study aims to uncover gender-based heterogeneity pertaining to the link between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction in the context of banking services. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a survey design. Data is collected from 282 customers of banks in Mauritius. Because of the prediction-oriented aim of the present study, the partial least squares-structural equation modeling technique is used to test a set of relevant hypotheses. Findings The results provide mixed findings and the moderating effect of gender is found to be statistically significant for one service quality dimension but not for the other two. The permutation and partial least squares-multigroup analysis tests both support the hypothesis that gender moderates the relationship between environment quality and customer satisfaction. Research limitations/implications Only customer satisfaction has been included as a mediator of service quality and customer loyalty link. Previous studies have identified other relevant constructs, such as image and the perceived value, as mediators. Future studies could consider including these constructs when testing gender’s moderating effects. Finally, given the significant moderating effect of gender, which suggests that the satisfaction of male customers depends to a larger extent on environmental quality, there is a need to further explore the specific expectations of male customers with this particular component of bank services. Practical implications The results show that male and female customers react differently to quality stimuli in the context of bank services has important managerial implications. It is highly recommended that banks develop differential strategies for both male and female customers. Originality/value The primary contribution of this study focuses on exploring the moderating effect of gender on the relationships between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction among bank customers.
miR-217-5p regulates myogenesis in skeletal muscle stem cells by targeting FGFR2

MicroRNA-217-5p (miR-217-5p) has been implicated in cell proliferation; however, its role in skeletal muscle stem cells (SkMSCs) remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the roles of miR-217-5p in the biological characteristics of SkMSCs. SkMSCs were identified by cell surface markers using flow cytometry. The present study observed that miR-217-5p mimics accelerated the proliferation and suppressed the differentiation in SkMSCs. In addition, the results of the present study revealed that fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) was a target of miR-217-5p, as miR-217-5p bound directly to the 3′-untranslated region of FGFR2 mRNA, resulting in increased FGFR2 mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the present study suppressed the expression of FGFR2 in SkMSCs using a selective FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 and detected the efficiency of inhibition by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. miR-217-5p levels were positively associated with FGFR2 expression, which was upregulated and accelerated the proliferation of SkMSCs compared with that of the miR-NC group. Collectively, these results demonstrated that miR-217-5p may act as a myogenesis promoter in SkMSCs by directly targeting FGFR2 and may regulate the myogenesis of these cells.
Evaluation of functionalized reduced graphene oxide upgraded with gold nanoparticles as a hybrid nanocatalyst for the solvent-free oxidation of cyclohexene by molecular oxygen

In the present study, the allylic oxidation of cyclohexene is investigated using molecular oxygen as an oxidant under environment-friendly conditions in the presence of rGO-dithiooxamide/Au hybrid nanocatalyst (rGO = reduced graphene oxide). This hybrid catalyst comprises nanometric spherical gold particles supported on dithiooxamide-functionalized rGO. The structure of the prepared hybrid catalyst was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. The catalytic activity results were found to be dependent on pressure, the amount of hybrid nanocatalyst, reaction time, and temperature. In addition, an 85% conversion and 85% selectivity to 2-cyclohexene-1one were obtained under optimized reaction conditions. The catalytic activity over a recycled catalyst (rGO-dithiooxamide/Au) remained at a satisfactory state after at least five cycles.
Sustainability of Mussel (Mytilus Galloprovincialis) Farming in the Po River Delta, Northern Italy, Based on a Life Cycle Assessment Approach

Molluscan shellfish aquaculture is considered a “green” industry because of the limited presence of chemicals and risk of pathogens during farming in licensed areas, which provide a safe, nutritive and healthy food source. Moreover, the environmental impact of their production is lower than all other fish animal per unit of protein. In particular, mussels’ production was the first organized mollusk aquaculture in Europe and is now one of the most extended. Italy is the second main European producer of mussels. Taking into account the relevance of the sector, Italian Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) aquaculture has been considered for a life cycle assessment (LCA), from a cradle-to-gate perspective. The mussel farms were located in the northern Adriatic Sea, close to the Po River Delta, a region traditionally vocated to bivalve aquaculture. Results have shown that the growing and harvesting phases are the most critical life cycle stages (“hotspots”) due to the production and use of boats, and the great quantity of non-recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) socks used during the yearly productive cycle. Several improvement potentials have been identified and estimated by means of a sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, regarding the principal exporting countries to Italy (Spain and Chile), the transport factors in an overall sustainability assessment have been considered, in order to compare the local and global mussels supply chain.
Seasonal changes of phospholipids in last instar larvae of rice stem borer Chilo suppressalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Phospholipids of the cell membrane have been studied from the viewpoint of how overwintering insects inhabiting temperate zones adapt to low temperature. The transition of cell membrane phospholipids from a liquid crystalline phase to a gel phase is a crucial cause of cold or freezing injuries. We determined the qualitative and quantitative changes of phospholipids in the last instar larvae of the rice stem borer in summer and winter. We found that the total amount of their phospholipids did not change significantly between summer and winter and that the sum of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) comprised about 85% of their total phospholipids. In summer, the ratio of their PE to PC was almost one, while from autumn to mid‐winter it increased and reached three in February. The fatty acid compositions of PC hardly changed, and the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids did not exceed 50%. In contrast, the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids of PE in overwintering larvae increased up to 80% as ambient temperatures fell and oleic acid mainly contributed to the high percentage of unsaturation. In the present study, the relationship between the quantitative and qualitative changes of phospholipids and adaptation of the rice stem borer to cold winter climate are discussed.
Specialization and Omnivory in Diverse Mammalian Assemblages

Abstract: Phyllostomid bats form some of the most speciose mammalian assemblages known, with more than 70 species estimated to co-occur on one site. These species encompass a dietary spectrum that ranges across several trophic levels, and many show morphological specializations for their dietary behaviour (e.g., long tongues in nectar-feeding bats). However, previously reported diets have varied among studies including assignments of species to feeding ensembles. In this study we present data that demonstrate that phyllostomid bats are opportunistic omnivores despite their specializations. We analyzed the diet of 67 phyllostomid bat species from the Neotropics based on both fecal analyses and nitrogen isotope ratios in wing tissue and found that most species complemented their primary diet with nutrients from many different food sources. From these new dietary data, we were unable to distinguish meaningful feeding ensembles of species based on diet. Thus, we argue that interspecific competition is not restricted to species within an ensemble but seems instead to occur across the entire assemblage. Our results suggest that phyllostomid species have specialized successively on distinct diets during their radiation without sacrificing their capability to exploit a variety of food types. The combination of morphological and behavioural specialization on the one hand and opportunistic omnivory on the other might promote the high diversity of phyllostomid bat assemblages. Nomenclature: Timm & LaVal, 1998; Albuja, 1999; Tirira, 1999; Baker, 2002; Muchhala, Mena & Albuja, 2005; Sánchez-Hernandez, Romero-A. & Schnell, 2005.
α5 Subunit forms functional α3β4α5 nAChRs in transfected human cells

NACHRS heterologously expressed in human cells after transient transfection with α3β4α5 or α3β4 subunit cDNAs exhibited similar sensitivities to antagonists and comparable functional channel profiles. However, the sum of two Hill equations was required for best fitting the ACh dose—current response curves after co-expression of α5, α3 and β4 subunits. One component was comparable to that obtained in α3β4-transfected cells, while the additional component, putatively attributed to an α3β4α5 nAChR population, showed a Hill coefficient > 2 and a nine-fold greater half-maximal ACh concentration (EC50). These results suggest that the α5 subunit participates in the assembly of α3β4α5 nAChRs complexes in human cells, adding a new member to the family of neuronal nicotinic receptors.
Effect of thymoquinone on Fusobacterium nucleatum-associated biofilm and inflammation

Periodontitis affects oral tissues and induces systemic inflammation, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Subgingival plaque accumulation is a trigger of periodontitis. Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN) contributes to subgingival biofilm complexity by intercalating with early and late bacterial colonizers on tooth surfaces. In addition, inflammatory responses to FN are associated with the progression of periodontitis. Nigella sativa Lin. seed, which is known as black cumin (BC), has been used as a herbal medicine to treat ailments such as asthma and infectious diseases. The current study examined the inhibitory effect of BC oil and its active constituents, thymol (TM) and thymoquinone (TQ), on FN-associated biofilm and inflammation. FN-containing biofilms were prepared by co-cultivation with an early dental colonizer, Actinomyces naeslundii (AN). The stability and biomass of FN/AN dual species biofilms were significantly higher compared with FN alone. This effect was retained even with prefixed cells, indicating that FN/AN co-aggregation is mediated by physicochemical interactions with cell surface molecules. FN/AN biofilm formation was significantly inhibited by 0.1% TM or TQ. Confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that treatment of preformed FN/AN biofilm with 0.01% of BC, TM or TQ significantly reduced biofilm thickness, and TQ demonstrated a cleansing effect equivalent to that of isopropyl methylphenol. TQ dose-dependently suppressed TNF-α production from a human monocytic cell line, THP-1 exposed to FN, yet showed no toxicity to THP-1 cells. These results indicated that oral hygiene care using TQ could reduce FN-associated biofilm and inflammation in gingival tissue.
Characterization of fatty acid methyl ester content of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis.

(.) The presence of unsaturated branched-chain a15:1, anteisopentadecenoic acid, was highly specific for C.m. michiganensis. When the amount of a15:1 exceeded 2.56% of the total profile, the confidence level for identification was P = 0.10. Other qualitative and quantitative differences in FAMEs also were used to distinguish C.m. michiganensis from morphologically similar gram-positive bacteria that grew on semiselective media. When plotted three dimensionally, FAMEs defined a spatial relationship among strains of C.m. michiganensis. The technique was used as an accurate and rapid method for the characterization of bacteria recovered from irrigation ponds, seed, soil, transplants, and weeds
Transforming Growth Factor-β1Coregulates mRNA Expression of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Cell-Cycle-Regulating Genes in Human Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1down-regulates mRNA expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and of AhR-inducible genes in A549 cells. Here, we describe a dose-dependent inhibition of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, CYP1B1 and NADPH-quinone-oxidoreductase (NMO-1) mRNA expression as well as TCDD-induced 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in MDA-MB 231 cells. The AhR mRNA expression was not affected by TGF-β1. TGF-β-responsiveness was investigated by examining the effect on the expression of responsive genes. While TGF-β1up-regulates mRNA expression of TGF-β1and TIEG (TGF-β-inducible early gene) as well as luciferase activity of a responsive reporter plasmid in both cell lines, a down-regulation of c-myc and cyclin A mRNA expression was only found in A549 cells. Furthermore, TGF-β1inhibits only cell proliferation of A549 but not of MDA-MB 231 cells. The results show a coregulation of mRNA expression of AhR and cell-cycle regulating genes, and further indicate that the AhR may be involved in regulation of cell proliferation.
The Interrelationships among Leaf Damage, Anther Development, and Pollen Production in Cucurbita pepo ssp. texana (Cucurbitaceae)

We examined the impact of the timing of leaf damage on male function using Cucurbita pepo ssp. texana. To assess the impact of herbivory at known stages of pollen development, we determined the relationships between the position of a flower bud on a vine, its size, and the developmental stages of the pollen within the anther. Next, we examined the impact of a discrete event of simulated herbivory on flower abortion, pollen production per flower, and pollen grain size on pre‐ versus postmeiotic staminate flowers. We found that the length of the unopened corolla was useful to distinguish between pre‐ and postmeiotic staminate buds; meiosis occurred when the corolla of a flower bud was 8–10 mm long. Neither simulated herbivory nor the stage of pollen development at the time of leaf damage (pre‐ vs. postmeiosis) had an effect on the probability that a staminate flower bud would abort or on the size of mature pollen grains. However, staminate flower buds in which meiosis had already occurred responded to damage with a significant reduction in the number of mature pollen grains produced per flower.
Miniature Inverted-repeat Transposable Elements (MITEs) as Valuable Genomic Resources for the Evolution and Breeding of Brassica Crops

Transposable elements (TEs) play important roles in structural and functional diversification, genome enlargement, and speciation in plant genome. Their derivatives or small non-autonomous TEs play important roles in the alteration of homologous genes by epigenetic control or structural modification. The miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (MITE) is one of the representative non-autonomous class II TEs. MITEs include high copy members that are widely distributed and in close association with genic regions, which make MITEs useful targets and resources for in-depth understanding of genome evolution, as well as practical applications in molecular breeding. Here, we discuss the important features of MITEs, such as the identification tools of a novel MITE family, structural characterization, distribution pattern analysis, and impact on evolution in highly duplicated Brassica genome. We show the characteristics, copy numbers, and distribution patterns of 20 novel MITE families, and represent their putative roles in the evolution of the triplicated Brassica genome. We also introduce our MITE database, and discuss the utility of MITEs for developing MITE-derived markers that are useful for molecular breeding of Brassica crops.