Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface-Selective Modification of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Films with Azobenzenes for In-Plane Alignment Photocontrol of Nematic Liquid Crystals

A surface of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was treated with an azobenzene acid chloride in hexane in the presence of pyridine to achieve surface-selective introduction of the photoisomerizable azo units. The surface reaction is affected by the solvent, saponification degree of PVA, structure of the acid chloride, and reaction period. Surface morphology of the modified PVA thin films was examined by means of atomic force microscopy. Under optimized reaction conditions, a PVA surface was covered with an average of about 3 azobenzene units per 1 nm 2 to afford a film with excellent flatness. The azo-modified PVA films were employed to regulate in-plane aligment of a nematic liquid crystal by irradiation with linearly polarized light of a hybrid cell which was fabricated by putting a liquid crystal between a glass plate covered with the modified PVA film and a glass plate which was treated with lecithin for a homeotropic alignment. The efficiency of the photoregularity for azimuthal reorientation of liquid crystal was markedly dependent on the molecular structure of azobenzenes. Various properties of the photoresponsive liquid cells are presented
STRUCTURED VIVA AS AN ASSESSMENT TOOL: PERCEPTIONS OF UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Objective: To document the undergraduate medical students’ perceptions regarding the structured viva as an assessment tool. Study Design: Cross sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Army Medical College, National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad from April 2013 to April 2014. Subjects and Methods: Data was collected from fourth year students of a public sector medical college. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate student’s perception regarding relevancy of viva questions to syllabus, level of comfort while being assessed and provision of adequate time to answer¸ bias or harassment by the mentors, freedom to answer in their own learning styles. Results: One hundred seventy one, fourth year students gave consent to participate in this study. Almost all of the students were satisfied after being assessed in oral structured viva exam. The results obtained were: relevancy of questions to course: 169 (98%); comfortable environment of viva room: 165 (97%); appropriate time to answer the questions: 162 (94.7%), structured viva: 132 (94.7%); welcomed upon arrival for viva: 147(86%); encouraged by examiner: 144 (84%); facilitated to answer in their own learning style: 137(80%); covered all the topics: 120 (70%); demotivated during viva: 11(6.4%) and bias during viva: 14 (8.1%) Conclusion: There is substantial need of introducing innovations in the conventional exam strategies being practiced in our medical colleges. Introducing structured viva examination, making the exam environment comfortable and adapting an appreciative inquiry approach while assessing students can greatly help them to overcome exam stress.
Photoswitch based on bacteriorhodopsin Langmuir–Blodgett films

Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) without addition of lipids were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive electrodes. A sandwich photocell with a juction structure of ITO/bR/electrolyte/ITO has been constructed in which the bR LB film was put into contact directly with an aqueous electrolyte immobilized in an agar gel. Under visible light irradiation a transient photocurrent due to a change in light intensity can be observedl showing the property of vision-imitative material. It can be used as a multiple optical switch, since it gives positive and negative transient photocurrnts during application and removal of light irradiation respectively and has a photoresponse repeatedly in the same direction when the light intensity increases or decreases stepwise. A photoalarm consisting of the bR photocell and an amplifier was set up by utilizing the switching function of the bR LB film.
Selective vibrational excitation by stimulated emission pumping

Stimulated emission pumping (SEP) is a new method for sub‐Doppler spectroscopy and efficient state‐selective preparation of highly excited rotational–vibrational levels of small molecules. The sensitivity of SEP has been examined by exciting the I2(B 0+u–X 1Σ+g) 17–0 P(38) line and stimulating the P(38) and R(36) lines of the 17–11, 17–10, and 17–9 bands. All observed effects when the two laser pulses were temporally separated could be accounted for by a master equation model.
Microscopic calculation of surface-induced second-harmonic generation in crystals of para-nitroaniline

Previous results for surface linear optical response in centrosymmetric para-nitroaniline crystals are combined with literature values for the molecular first hyperpolarizability to calculate the surface-induced quadratic response. The average surface quadratic susceptibilities for incident light at a wavelength of 803 nm are calculated to be 71 and 50×10−22 m2 V−1 for different surface terminations normal to the [001] direction, and 9 and 7×10−22 m2 V−1 for different surface terminations normal to the [101] direction (the natural cleavage plane). The latter values are three orders-of-magnitude below that determined by Kobayashi and Kotani, consistent with their evidence for bulk second-harmonic generation from a new phase at the surface.
Volume-Based Thermodynamics: A Prescription for Its Application and Usage in Approximation and Prediction of Thermodynamic Data

Thermodynamics, as both thermochemistry and thermophysics, is fundamental and central to the science of matter and, in particular, of condensed materials. While extensive data resources for thermodynamic quantities do exist, none of the experimental, simulation, or theoretical studies can keep pace with the rate of synthesis of new materials or provide reliable data for hypothesized materials. Correlation methods can fill this gap. We describe a range of recently developed correlation methods that rely on volume to predict thermodynamic quantities. In parallel with these, thermodynamic difference rules, which describe how properties of materials (say, of a group of solvates) may be inferred from corresponding properties of materials that neighbor them in composition, have recently been reviewed.
Interlayer resonant Raman modes in few-layer MoS 2

We report two new first-order Raman modes in the spectra of few-layer MoS$_2$ at 286~cm$^{-1}$ and 471~cm$^{-1}$ for excitation energies above 2.4~eV. These modes appear only in few-layer MoS$_2$; therefore their absence provides an easy and accurate method to identify single-layer MoS$_2$. We show that these modes are related to phonons that are not observed in the single layer due to their symmetry. Each of these phonons leads to several nearly degenerate phonons in few-layer samples. The nearly degenerate phonons in few-layer materials belong to two different symmetry representations, showing opposite behavior under inversion or horizontal reflection. As a result, Raman active phonons exist in few-layer materials that have nearly the same frequency as the symmetry forbidden phonon of the single layer. We provide here a general treatment of this effect for all few-layer two-dimensional crystal structures with an inversion center or a mirror plane parallel to the layers. We show that always nearly degenerate phonon modes of different symmetry must occur and, as a result, similar pseudo-activation effects can be excepted.
Protease-promoted drug delivery using peptide-functionalized gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles functionalized with amphiphilic peptides can encapsulate Bodipy and release it by diffusion. Proteolytic cleavage of the peptide monolayer triggers the rapid release of the encapsulated Bodipy from nanoparticles to mammalian cells, representing a prototypical model of protease-promoted drug delivery using gold nanoparticles.
Application of ecological and evolutionary theory to microbiome community dynamics across systems

A fundamental aim of microbiome research is to understand the factors that influence the assembly and stability of host-associated microbiomes, and their impact on host phenotype, ecology and evolution. However, ecological and evolutionary theories applied to predict microbiome community dynamics are largely based on macroorganisms and lack microbiome-centric hypotheses that account for unique features of the microbiome. This special feature sets out to drive advancements in the application of eco-evolutionary theory to microbiome community dynamics through the development of microbiome-specific theoretical and conceptual frameworks across plant, human and non-human animal systems. The feature comprises 11 research and review articles that address: (i) the effects of the microbiome on host phenotype, ecology and evolution; (ii) the application and development of ecological and evolutionary theories to investigate microbiome assembly, diversity and stability across broad taxonomic scales; and (iii) general principles that underlie microbiome diversity and dynamics. This cross-disciplinary synthesis of theoretical, conceptual, methodological and analytical approaches to characterizing host–microbiome ecology and evolution across systems addresses key research gaps in the field of microbiome research and highlights future research priorities.
Anti-predator behaviour depends on male weapon size

Tonic immobility and escape are adaptive anti-predator tactics used by many animals. Escape requires movement, whereas tonic immobility does not. If anti-predator tactics relate to weapon size, males with larger weapons may adopt tonic immobility, whereas males with smaller weapons may adopt escape. However, no study has investigated the relationship between weapon size and anti-predator tactics. In this study, we investigated the relationship between male weapon size and tonic immobility in the beetle Gnathocerus cornutus. The results showed that tonic immobility was more frequent in males with larger weapons. Although most studies of tonic immobility in beetles have focused on the duration, rather than the frequency, tonic immobility duration was not affected by weapon size in G. cornutus. Therefore, this study is the first, to our knowledge, to suggest that the male weapon trait affects anti-predator tactics.
How Do CEO Values Influence IPO Speed? A Conceptual Analysis from the Upper Echelons Perspective

The present article addresses the important, but widely neglected subject of initial public offering (IPO) speed that indicates how rapidly a firm develops from its foundation to be publicly listed. We argue that the time that elapses between start-up and going public depends on characteristics of the CEO who tends to largely influence the timing of the IPO decision. Based on conceptual analyses that combine upper echelons theory and the five-factor model of personality traits, we reveal a complex set of propositions about the direct effects of certain CEO values on IPO speed as well as about CEO- and firm-related variables that moderate these relationships. More specifically, we propose that the degrees of the CEO’s emotional stability, extraversion, openness to experience as well as risk propensity tend to be positively associated with IPO speed, whereas the CEO’s agreeableness and conscientiousness tend to decelerate the pace of going public. These effects tend to be stronger when the CEO is the founder of the firm, holds also the position of a chairperson (CEO duality) and/or owns substantial stakes of the company’s equity. Firm size and the size of the top management team tend to weaken these direct relationships.
Radio-frequency chain selection for energy and spectral efficiency maximization in hybrid beamforming under hardware imperfections

The next-generation wireless communications require reduced energy consumption, increased data rates and better signal coverage. The millimetre-wave frequency spectrum above 30 GHz can help fulfil the performance requirements of the next-generation mobile broadband systems. Multiple-input multiple-output technology can provide performance gains to help mitigate the increased path loss experienced at millimetre-wave frequencies compared with microwave bands. Emerging hybrid beamforming architectures can reduce the energy consumption and hardware complexity with the use of fewer radio-frequency (RF) chains. Energy efficiency is identified as a key fifth-generation metric and will have a major impact on the hybrid beamforming system design. In terms of transceiver power consumption, deactivating parts of the beamformer structure to reduce power typically leads to significant loss of spectral efficiency. Our aim is to achieve the highest energy efficiency for the millimetre-wave communications system while mitigating the resulting loss in spectral efficiency. To achieve this, we propose an optimal selection framework which activates specific RF chains that amplify the digitally beamformed signals with the analogue beamforming network. Practical precoding is considered by including the effects of user interference, noise and hardware impairments in the system modelling.
Sub-prime Crisis or COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis of Volatility in Indian Banking Sectoral Indices

Stock market volatility may be a function of company, industry, or world over information made public. The present study has investigated the volatility of Indian banking sectoral indices with the general banking index for two shocking events: the Sub-prime crisis and COVID-19. A comparative analysis of both the shocks leading to these indices’ volatility has been conducted using symmetric and asymmetric models. This study’s findings show that these indices’ volatile behaviour has been strong enough to persist in the market with the leverage effect present during the sub-prime crisis. This effect disappeared for Nifty Bank Indices and Private Sector Bank Indices as compared to Public Sector Undertaking Bank Indices during COVID-19 (probably because the pandemic is not over yet). With GARCH and EGARCH models, the study suggests that the investors may use the diversification approach, in the long run, to safeguard their portfolio values to survive from global shocks.
Unprovoked Mouth Gaping Behavior in Extant Crocodylia

Abstract. Unprovoked mouth gaping behavior is ubiquitous throughout 24 extant members of Crocodylia, yet information on gaping is limited. Proposed hypotheses for gaping include thermoregulation and the evaluation of potential environmental conditions. To determine temperature effects, we tracked head surface (Tsh), body surface (Tsb), and ambient (Ta) temperatures with insolation utilization and positions. To evaluate potential environmental stimuli, we tested behavioral effects (i.e., open-eye frequency) and recorded conspecific presence, day and night events, and interaction with flies and fish. We included 24 extant species representatives, with detailed assessments of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), Crocodylus siamensis, Crocodylus intermedius, Crocodylus rhombifer, and Crocodylus halli. Observations occurred during a range of Ta (3.89–32.22°C) with mean Tsh consistently higher than both Tsb and Ta across all crocodilians. Differences in Tsh and Ta were most pronounced with head in the sun. However, no significant differences in Tsh and Tsb were detected for A. mississippiensis and Cr. siamensis. Conversely, Cr. halli, Cr. intermedius, and Cr. rhombifer demonstrated statistically higher Tsh. Gaping with open eyes was more common, yet modeling suggested a relationship with closed eyes and temperature. Anecdotal observations indicated weather changes may elicit mouth gaping, and we report the second nocturnal mouth gaping observation (the first for three species). Overall, mixed results indicated unprovoked mouth gaping is a complex behavior, making it difficult to draw clear cause and effect relationships. Future research may benefit from a focus on natural history and quantitative behavioral studies.
Determinate growth is predominant and likely ancestral in squamate reptiles

Body growth is typically thought to be indeterminate in ectothermic vertebrates. Indeed, until recently, this growth pattern was considered to be ubiquitous in ectotherms. Our recent observations of a complete growth plate cartilage (GPC) resorption, a reliable indicator of arrested skeletal growth, in many species of lizards clearly reject the ubiquity of indeterminate growth in reptiles and raise the question about the ancestral state of the growth pattern. Using X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT), here we examined GPCs of long bones in three basally branching clades of squamate reptiles, namely in Gekkota, Scincoidea and Lacertoidea. A complete loss of GPC, indicating skeletal growth arrest, was the predominant finding. Using a dataset of 164 species representing all major clades of lizards and the tuataras, we traced the evolution of determinate growth on the phylogenetic tree of Lepidosauria. The reconstruction of character states suggests that determinate growth is ancestral for the squamate reptiles (Squamata) and remains common in the majority of lizard lineages, while extended (potentially indeterminate) adult growth evolved several times within squamates. Although traditionally associated with endotherms, determinate growth is coupled with ectothermy in this lineage. These findings combined with existing literature suggest that determinate growth predominates in both extant and extinct amniotes.
Alzheimer's disease-like perturbations in HIV-mediated neuronal dysfunctions: understanding mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies

Excessive exposure to toxic substances or chemicals in the environment and various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, is associated with the onset of numerous brain abnormalities. Among them, pathogens, specifically viruses, elicit persistent inflammation that plays a major role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as dementia. AD is the most common brain disorder that affects thought, speech, memory and ability to execute daily routines. It is also manifested by progressive synaptic impairment and neurodegeneration, which eventually leads to dementia following the accumulation of Aβ and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Numerous factors contribute to the pathogenesis of AD, including neuroinflammation associated with pathogens, and specifically viruses. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is often linked with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) following permeation through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and induction of persistent neuroinflammation. Further, HIV infections also exhibited the ability to modulate numerous AD-associated factors such as BBB regulators, members of stress-related pathways as well as the amyloid and Tau pathways that lead to the formation of amyloid plaques or neurofibrillary tangles accumulation. Studies regarding the role of HIV in HAND and AD are still in infancy, and potential link or mechanism between both is not yet established. Thus, in the present article, we attempt to discuss various molecular mechanisms that contribute to the basic understanding of the role of HIV-associated neuroinflammation in AD and HAND. Further, using numerous growth factors and drugs, we also present possible therapeutic strategies to curb the neuroinflammatory changes and its associated sequels.
Asymmetric contextual effects in age perception

Perception is context dependent. For example, the perceived orientation of a bar changes depending on the presence of oriented bars around it. Contextual effects have also been demonstrated for more complex judgements, such as facial attractiveness or expression, although it remains unclear how these contextual facial effects depend on the types of faces surrounding the target face. To examine this, we measured the perceived age (a quantifiable measure) of a target face in the presence of differently aged faces in the surround. Using a unique database of standardized passport photos, participants were asked to estimate the age of a target face which was viewed either on its own or surrounded by two different identity flanker faces. The flanker faces were either both younger or both older than the target face, with different age offsets between flankers and targets of ±5, ±10, ±15, ±20 years. We find that when a target face is surrounded by younger faces, it systematically appears younger than when viewed on its own, and when it is surrounded by older faces, it systematically appears older than when viewed on its own. Surprisingly, we find that the magnitude of the flanker effects on perceived age of the target is asymmetric with younger flankers having a greater influence than older flankers, a result that may reflect the participants' own-age bias, since all participants were young. This result holds irrespective of gender or race of the faces and is consistent with averaging.
HIV Rev-isited

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) proteome is expressed from alternatively spliced and unspliced genomic RNAs. However, HIV-1 RNAs that are not fully spliced are perceived by the host machinery as defective and are retained in the nucleus. During late infection, HIV-1 bypasses this regulatory mechanism by expression of the Rev protein from a fully spliced mRNA. Once imported into the nucleus, Rev mediates the export of unprocessed HIV-1 RNAs to the cytoplasm, leading to the production of the viral progeny. While regarded as a canonical RNA export factor, Rev has also been linked to HIV-1 RNA translation, stabilization, splicing and packaging. However, Rev's functions beyond RNA export have remained poorly understood. Here, we revisit this paradigmatic protein, reviewing recent data investigating its structure and function. We conclude by asking: what remains unknown about this enigmatic viral protein?
Plasma polymerized thin films of maleic anhydride and 1,2-methylenedioxybenzene for improving adhesion to carbon surfaces

Low power 2-phase AC plasma polymerization has been used to surface modify glassy carbon substrates that are used as an experimental model for carbon fibers in reinforced composites. In order to probe the role of carboxylic acid density on the interfacial adhesion strength a combination of different plasma powers and monomer compositions was used. Maleic anhydride (MAH) and 1,2-methylenedioxybenzene (MDOB) were plasma deposited separately and as mixtures to create layers with different surface compositions. In all cases the MAH was hydrolyzed to form carboxylic acid groups. Some carboxylic acid are present on the MDOB surface as a result of the fragmentation processes in the plasma. Chemical and physical changes were investigated as a function of plasma power at constant polymerization time. Surface chemistry analysis was performed with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total veflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy was used to measure the thickness of the.