Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlating X-Ray Fixer Induced Biochemical and Histological Renal Injuries in Wistar Rats

Renal problems are among the diseases that have fatal outcome if not diagnosed early and given proper treatment. Unfortunately renal problems are on the increase worldwide. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors can cause renal problems. One of such factors is chemical substances. This study aimed at investigating and correlating x-ray film fixer induced biochemical and histological renal injuries in wistar rats. The study was carried out between 15 July and 14 August, 2014. Eighteen (18) apparently healthy wistar rats of 20-24 weeks and weighing between 208g and 210g were randomly divided into three groups (A-C) of six rats each. Groups A and B were the experimental groups exposed to different concentrations of the fixer solution for periods ranging from 1530 days while group C served as the control group. At the end of each desired period of time, two rats were randomly selected from each group, painlessly sacrificed, the kidneys harvested and blood sample collected and examine/analyzed at the Medical Laboratory Sciences department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi Campus. Results showed raised serum urea and creatinine levels which were independent of the concentration of the developer solution in the first 15 days but concentration dependent at longer exposures. Varying histological changes were also observed, including distortion of tissue interstitial architecture, hypertrophy of the Bowmans capsule, infiltrate of inflammatory cells, loss of tubules and signs of necrosis. The biochemical and histological injuries correlated at short exposure times and low doses but showed divergence at higher doses.
Colloidal nanocrystals for photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic water splitting

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) are among the most modular and versatile nanomaterial platforms for studying emerging phenomena in different fields thanks to their superb compositional and morphological tunability. A promising, yet challenging, application involves the use of colloidal NCs as light absorbers and electrocatalysts for water splitting. In this review we discuss how the tunability of these materials is ideal to understand the complex phenomena behind storing energy in chemical bonds and to optimize performance through structural and compositional modification. First, we describe the colloidal synthesis method as a means to achieve a high degree of control over single material NCs and NC heterostructures, including examples of the role of the ligands in modulating size and shape. Next, we focus on the use of NCs as light absorbers and catalysts to drive both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), together with some of the challenges related to the use of colloidal NCs as model systems and/or technological solution in water splitting. We conclude with a broader prospective on the use of colloidal chemistry for new material discovery.
Internal force monitoring and estimation of a long‐span ring beam using long‐gauge strain sensing

The internal force information of curved beam members is important evidence for the stress state evaluation and design verification of long‐span space structure during construction. Many structural analysis methods for curved beams have been proposed, but most are used to handle the complex geometric shapes. For stress state evaluation of long‐span steel‐concrete composite (SCC) ring beam, this article presents a method that employs a sectional strain distribution model (SSDM) and a fiber model to estimate the internal force distribution depending on the long‐gauge strain. The SSDM of the ring beam used in the article is based on a mechanical model of two‐dimensional (2‐D) plane bending deformation and a three‐dimensional (3‐D) solid finite element model of curved beam members. The application range of the SSDM is defined by the divided different stress areas of ring beam based on the 3‐D solid finite element model. Combined with the established SSDM and the different stress areas, the axial force and bending moment along the span are then identified separately based on the fiber model. In consideration of field monitoring, the influence of different sensor layout on the establishment of SSDM and the result of internal force identification is discussed. The results of the numerical studies show that the proposed methodology can identify the internal force distribution accurately. Internal force of long‐span ring beam from Jiangsu Grand Theater during construction is also identified through the proposed method by using the strain monitoring data.
Estimation of a stronger heparin binding locus in fibronectin domain III14 using thermodynamics and molecular dynamics

The HEP II (Heparin-binding site II) region of fibronectin (FN) containing domain III14 plays a crucial role in cell adhesion and migration through heparin-binding on the cell surface. There are two such fibronectin heparin interacting peptide (FHIP I and FHIP II) sequences present in HEP II. However, the molecular principles by which these sites orchestrate heparin-binding processes are poorly understood. Such knowledge would have great implications in the therapeutic targeting of FN. With this aim, we have explored the binding studies of FHIP I and FHIP II with heparin using various biophysical methods. A fluorescence melting study specifically revealed the preference of heparin for domain III in FN, indicating the key contribution of FHIP I and FHIP II in heparin binding. In isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), the higher binding affinity observed for FHIP II (∼107 mol−1) compared to FHIP I (∼106 mol−1) is expected due to the presence of a superior cluster of Arg and Lys residues in FHIP II, which can facilitate specific H-bonding interactions with heparin. Based on heat capacity changes, the key role of H-bonding, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions was demonstrated in binding. Finally, the molecular docking and MD simulation results reinforced that the interaction of heparin (dodecasaccharide) is stronger and stable with the FHIP II peptide. The results described here suggest that these peptides provide all the structural and thermodynamic elements necessary for heparin-binding of HEP II of FN. Subsequently, it can be concluded that FHIP II could be a better location for therapeutic intervention in cell adhesion activity by FN.
Effects of Prior Influenza Exposure on Immunogenicity of Influenza Vaccine

Abstract Background In this study, we investigated the effects of prior influenza exposure on vaccine-elicited humor immune responses to circulating influenza variants. Method We randomly selected 360 participants in previous clinical trials stratified by age. Blood samples were collected and tested by hemagglutination-inhibition tests during the 2015–2016 influenza seasons in China. The antigenic map was plotted and antigenic distance was calculated. Results Subjects with H1-priming had higher cross-reactive antibodies titers against A/JiangsuTinghu/11019/2015(H3N2) compared with subjects with B-priming did (Padjusted = .038). Subjects with H1-priming also had higher cross-reactive antibodies titers against A/Jiangsu Qinhuai/11059/2015(H3N2) than subjects with both H1 and B priming (Padjusted = .036). Nevertheless, subjects with no H1 and B-priming had higher cross-reactive antibodies titers against A/Jiangsu Qinhuai/11059/2015(H3N2) than subjects with both H1 and B priming (Padjusted = .012). Antigenic distance was well matched with serological results. Moeover, age-specific differences in human postvaccination responses against the identical circulating strain was noted. In addition, children had the most cross-reactive response to both H3N2 and B-yamagata subtypes. Conclusions Our results suggest that prior exposure to H1 or B influenza virus may influence cross-reactivity of H3-specific postvaccination responses and consequently could influence the vaccine effectiveness. Our findings also support that there are age-specific differences in human postvaccination responses.
Melting a high 3He/4He source in a heterogeneous mantle

Parameterized models of mantle flow and melting are used to examine two problems in ocean‐island and mid‐ocean ridge basalt (OIB, MORB) geochemistry: (1) the causes of variations in He, Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes with one another and with age of the surrounding seafloor and (2) the origin of geochemical distinctions between OIB and MORB. We assume the mantle is a mixture of different isotopic components that have different solidus temperatures and are expressed in magmas to varying degrees depending on mantle temperature, lithospheric thickness, and shallow mantle flow. Isotopic variations along the Hawaiian hot spot chain support the possibility that lithospheric thickness controls magma composition primarily by limiting the melting of the most refractory, depleted mantle (DM) component. For Hawaii and a collection of other hot spots, calculations of melt extraction trajectories reproduce the strong correlations often seen among Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopes together with the more variable and weaker correlations involving 3He/4He. The latter are predicted to be a direct consequence of only one mantle component with high 3He/4He. We show that both OIB and MORB can arise out of the same heterogeneous mantle layer if three conditions are met: the high‐3He/4He source begins melting deeper than DM, DM is ≥85% of the mantle, and the concentration of He in the high‐3He/4He source is comparable to that in DM.
Fault identification and severity analysis of rolling element bearings using phase space topology

This article presents the application of phase space topology and time-domain statistical features for rolling element bearing diagnostics in rotating machines under variable operating conditions. The results indicate very promising performance in identifying various faults with virtually perfect accuracy, recall, and precision. A comparison with the envelope analysis method is performed to show the superior performance of the proposed approach. In addition, the results demonstrate an outstanding prediction rate for the fault diameter of bearing defects.
The search for a long-run aid and growth relationship: Pitfalls and findings

In this paper we investigate the relationship between per capita income and foreign aid for a panel of131 (alternatively 52) recipient countries over the period 1960 to 2006 by employing annual data and 5-year averages. Reliance on standard panel estimation techniques (such as 2-ways FE estimation, panel GMM and SUR estimation) points to some pitfalls (impossibility of possible cointegration between aid and growth, autocorrelation of the error terms, endogeneity of the variables) that must be dealt with panel time series techniques (such as panel unit root test, panel cointegration tests, a panel Granger causality test and panel dynamic feasible generalized least squares estimation (DFGLS). Estimations with DFGLS show that aid has an insignificant or a minute negative significant impact on per capita income. This result holds for countries with above- and below-average aid-to-GDP ratios, for countries with different levels of human development, with different income levels and from different regions of the world. It can be shown that by not controlling for autocorrelation, one erroneously attributes to aid a larger, significant negative impact on per capita income. We also find that aid has a significant positive (even though) small impact on investment, but a negative and significant impact on domestic savings (crowding out) and the real exchange rate (appreciation).
Facile synthesis of cysteine–functionalized graphene quantum dots for a fluorescence probe for mercury ions

Cystenine–functionalized graphene quantum dots (cys–GQDs) were synthesized by a simple and facile method, which involves chemical bond formation between L-cysteine and the graphene quantum dots (GQDs) prepared by the carbonization of citric acid. The obtained cys–GQDs show a strong green fluorescence and a uniform lateral size distribution with high crystallinity. The cys–GQDs are further demonstrated as highly sensitive and selective fluorescence probes for Hg2+. In the Hg2+ detection process, the cys–GQDs shows significant fluorescence quenching through a charge transfer process within the cys–GQDs and Hg2+ complex.
Die Attach of Power Devices Using Silver Sintering - Bonding Process Optimization and Characterization

Silver sintering is becoming an attractive alternative to soldering, especially for high temperature applications. Indeed, the increase in operating temperature requires new soldering alloys with even higher melting points. Silver sintering, on the contrary, is a solution which only require moderate (<300°C) process temperature. In this paper, we present the implementation of a die attach technique based on sintering of some silver paste, with a special focus on the practical considerations. A good quality bond can be achieved by paying attention to the assembly process.
Control for Reheat Steam Temperature of Power Plant Based on Particle SwarmOptimization

The model of reheat steam temperature of power plant has characteristics such as large delay and large inertia, the traditional PID control is difficult to achieve good results. his paper presents a new PSO with random acceleration factors and verifies its validation , also, this paper presents a new control method, uses the modified PSO to identify the model, tunes parameters SIMTH-PID control based on particle swarm optimization and the results of identification. The simulation results show that the method is more effective than the traditional PID control. KeyWords-Particle swarm optimization, Reheat steam temperature, Identification
Towards successful implementation of ePortfolios in blended learning

Within its E-learning strategy developed in July 2007, the University of Zagreb defined that it would establish and maintain the ePortfolio system at the University and/or at the faculties belonging to the University. According to the report of the Office for E-Learning at the University of Zagreb, 11 of its faculties have announced a plan for conducting other activities defined by the E-learning strategy, among which is ePortfolio. To date several researches within the Centre for E-Learning have dealt with certain professional aspects of ePortfolio, such as the functionalities of tools that support ePortfolio. However, comprehensive research has neither been conducted by the Centre nor any university in Croatia. Therefore, the ePortfolio experience at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics (FOI), which belongs to the University of Zagreb, represents a very valuable contribution to supporting and developing lifelong learning in Croatia. This paper presents the most important steps in the process of ePortfolio implementation at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics. In the paper all the key aspects are considered and shown for the first time as a concept in its entirety: from a pilot project to its successful implementation at the course level.
The impact of the River Odra on the phytoplankton composition and biomass in the Pomeranian Bay

The article is based on the analysis of phytoplankton samples collected in the Pomeranian Bay during five cruises in the years 1993, 1996 and 1997. In each season a number of phytoplankton assemblages were formed under the impact of the hydrological and hydrochemical conditions gradually changing along an axis from the outlets of the Szczecin Lagoon towards the open sea. The most distinct assemblages could be described as ‘river-mouth’, ‘open-Bay’ and ‘open-sea’ assemblages. The highest phytoplankton biomass was noted near the mouth of the Świna Strait in the ‘river-mouth’ assemblages, where the concentration of chlorophyll a was 4 to 5 five times higher in comparison with the ‘open-sea’ values. The phytoplankton biomass in the ‘open-Bay’ assemblages was roughly twice as high as that in the ‘open-sea’ assemblages. Because of the high N:P ratio in the Odra waters, phosphorus was very probably the factor limiting phytoplankton primary production in the Pomeranian Bay during periods of intensified inflow of riverine waters. * This work was supported by the Foundation for Polish-German Co-operation in Warsaw, grant 1567/94/LN. 404 S. Gromisz, Z. Witek, T. Mackiewicz The species dominating the phytoplankton of the Pomeranian Bay during the present study were found to be the same as those recorded in this region 40 years earlier.
Explaining the Disposition Bias among Investors: The Mediatory Role of Personality, Financial Literacy, Behavioral Bias and Risk Tolerance

Investors are frequently subjected to cognitive error. They often sell stocks that have increased in value, while keeping stocks that have dropped in value. We proposed a theoretical framework explaining what factors affect this disposition bias and how. According to the proposed theory, Disposition bias is affected through risk tolerance, financial literacy, and behavioural biases. Lower risk tolerance and low financial literacy can aggravate disposition bias. We also proposed that personality factors such as Superego, Parsimony, Orderliness, and Obstinacy also influences both the level of financial literacy as well as behavioural biases that in turn affect disposition bias. Empirical validity was established by conducted a survey using close ended questionnaire. Data was collected from 182 investors trading through 3 brokerage firms in Karachi. Confirmatory factor analysis and structured equation modelling were used for analysis. The results suggested that financial literacy significantly affect all behavioural biases (except Representativeness) as well as Disposition Bias. Higher financial literacy will tend to show less disposition bias and they better can make portfolio decision. Similarly, risk tolerance also affects disposition biases as a risk-averse investor will tend to show more disposition bias. Among the behavioural factors, Anchoring, overconfidence, and loss aversion affect disposition biases. Overconfidence also seems to affect risk tolerance. Personality traits like superego and parsimony seem to affect almost all the behavioural biases. Similarly, superego and parsimony affect risk tolerance. Similarly, Superego and obstinacy affected financial literacy. This finding will help investors to better manage their portfolio by mitigating these biases.
Hearing , Cognition , and Motivation in Everyday Life : The Framework for Understanding Effortful Listening

5S The Fifth Eriksholm Workshop on “Hearing Impairment and Cognitive Energy” was convened to develop a consensus among interdisciplinary experts about what is known on the topic, gaps in knowledge, the use of terminology, priorities for future research, and implications for practice. The general term cognitive energy was chosen to facilitate the broadest possible discussion of the topic. It goes back to Titchener (1908) who described the effects of attention on perception; he used the term psychic energy for the notion that limited mental resources can be flexibly allocated among perceptual and mental activities. The workshop focused on three main areas: (1) theories, models, concepts, definitions, and frameworks; (2) methods and measures; and (3) knowledge translation. We defined effort as the deliberate allocation of mental resources to overcome obstacles in goal pursuit when carrying out a task, with listening effort applying more specifically when tasks involve listening. We adapted Kahneman’s seminal (1973) Capacity Model of Attention to listening and proposed a heuristically useful Framework for Understanding Effortful Listening (FUEL). Our FUEL incorporates the well-known relationship between cognitive demand and the supply of cognitive capacity that is the foundation of cognitive theories of attention. Our FUEL also incorporates a motivation dimension based on complementary theories of motivational intensity, adaptive gain control, and optimal performance, fatigue, and pleasure. Using a three-dimensional illustration, we highlight how listening effort depends not only on hearing difficulties and task demands but also on the listener’s motivation to expend mental effort in the challenging situations of everyday life.
Validity of Transformative Experiences: An Unfolding

In this article, we explore the concept of validity as it applies to transformative experiences, asking how can we know when individuals are transformed as the result of some experience? What criteria or principles might be used to assess the validity of claims made about transformation? We suggest that validity in this context—what we call transformative validity—must transcend existing understandings that emphasize validity as a “thing” to be “achieved. ” Instead, we introduce a new conceptualization of validity to the qualitative inquiry community: We suggest that transformative validity is best conceptualized as a process that centers intersubjectivity, dialogue, and recognition and is always open and rooted in uncertainty.
Clinical and radiological features of fahr’s disease: a mimicker of varied neurological manifestations

Fahr’s disease is a disorder characterized clinically by a wide spectrum of varied clinical-neurological and psychiatric manifestations occurring secondary to intracranial calcifications with subsequent neuronal cell loss. Though the disease can present in early childhood or adolescence the usual age of manifestation is around 4th-5th decades of life. We report a series of 6 Fahr’s disease cases with respect to different clinical and radiological manifestations. The details of different clinical manifestations with respect to the disease were studied. The frequency of symptoms, the radiological pattern of intracranial calcifications and the association of different parameters were studied. Progressive cognitive decline and Parkinsonism was detected in all the patients but in none of them it was the chief presenting feature. Seizure was presenting symptoms in 3 patients. Chorea was encountered in 2 patients as the presenting complaint. Mild wide-based cerebellar ataxic gait was found in only one patient but other cerebellar signs were absent. Athetosis, dyskinesia, or dystonia was present in none of our patient. CT scan revealed symmetric basal nuclei and cerebellar calcification in all patients. The disease needs a high index of suspicion and CT brain scanning should always be performed in patients younger than 50 years who present with refractory seizures, Parkinsonism and cognitive decline. However radiological findings did not predict the presentation and outcome.
Reconfigurable dual-band power amplifier based on memristor

This letter presents a reconﬁgurable dual-band power ampliﬁer based on memristor. The memristor is ﬁrst applied in the ﬁeld of RF power ampliﬁer design. Based on the basic theory of memristor, diﬀerent values of the resistance of the memristor are obtained by adding diﬀerent dc voltages on the memristor, and conversion between diﬀerent output matchingcircuitsisrealized. Thus,areconﬁgurableoutputmatchingcircuit is constructed to realize a reconﬁgurable dual-band power ampliﬁer. To verify the eﬀectiveness of the proposed method, a reconﬁgurable dual-band power ampliﬁer is designed and simulated. The simulation results show that by setting diﬀerent dc voltages of the memristor, the saturated output power of 41dBm and drain eﬃciency of more than 70% can be achieved at two frequency points of 2.0GHz and 3.0GHz, and the gain can reach 10dB.