Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using plant extracts

Here is an effort to present the rapid, reliable and eco-friendly synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) by green biogenic approach. The method uses aqueous extracts of Betel leaf, Hibiscus leaf, Lantana camara and nuts of bitter guard as reducing as well as stabilizing agent. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal reduction (microwave irradiation) of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) using aqueous extracts of plant materials mentioned above. The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed by using UV-Visible spectra. Gaussian curves with absorbance peaks were obtained between 500 nm to 600 nm which confirms to similar previous investigations. Bioreduction of 0.5 mM and 1mM HAuCl4 by varying gold salt and extract ratio were investigated. Approximate sizes of synthesized GNPs were predicted using Mie Plot software according to which they vary in the range of 26-63nm.
A heterogeneity test for fine‐scale genetic structure

For organisms with limited vagility and/or occupying patchy habitats, we often encounter nonrandom patterns of genetic affinity over relatively small spatial scales, labelled fine‐scale genetic structure. Both the extent and decay rate of that pattern can be expected to depend on numerous interesting demographic, ecological, historical, and mating system factors, and it would be useful to be able to compare different situations. There is, however, no heterogeneity test currently available for fine‐scale genetic structure that would provide us with any guidance on whether the differences we encounter are statistically credible. Here, we develop a general nonparametric heterogeneity test, elaborating on standard autocorrelation methods for pairs of individuals. We first develop a ‘pooled within‐population’ correlogram, where the distance classes (lags) can be defined as functions of distance. Using that pooled correlogram as our null‐hypothesis reference frame, we then develop a heterogeneity test of the autocorrelations among different populations, lag‐by‐lag. From these single‐lag tests, we construct an analogous test of heterogeneity for multilag correlograms. We illustrate with a pair of biological examples, one involving the Australian bush rat, the other involving toadshade trillium. The Australian bush rat has limited vagility, and sometimes occupies patchy habitat. We show that the autocorrelation pattern diverges somewhat between continuous and patchy habitat types. For toadshade trillium, clonal replication in Piedmont populations substantially increases autocorrelation for short lags, but clonal replication is less pronounced in mountain populations. Removal of clonal replicates reduces the autocorrelation for short lags and reverses the sign of the difference between mountain and Piedmont correlograms.
Genetic basis of the neurovirulence of pseudorabies virus

Lomniczi et al. (J. Virol. 49:970-979, 1984) have shown previously that two attenuated vaccine strains of pseudorabies virus have a similar deletion in the short unique (US) region of the genome. The region which is deleted normally codes for several translationally competent mRNAs. As expected, these mRNAs are not formed in the cells infected with the vaccine strains. The function specified by these mRNAs is thus not necessary for growth in cell culture. Using intracerebral inoculation of 1-day-old chicks as a test system, we have attempted to determine whether a gene within the region that is missing from the attenuated strains specifies functions that are required for the expression of virulence. An analysis of recombinants between the Bartha vaccine strain and a virulent pseudorabies virus strain (having or lacking a thymidine kinase gene [TK+ or TK-]) revealed the following. None of the recombinant plaque isolates that were either TK- or which had a deletion in the US was virulent. Not all recombinant plaque isolates which were both TK+ and had an intact US were virulent. These results indicate that both thymidine kinase activity and an intact US were necessary but not sufficient for the expression of virulence. Marker rescue experiments involving cotransfection of the Bartha strain DNA and a restriction fragment spanning the region of the genome that was missing from the Bartha strain resulted in the isolation of virions to which an intact US had been restored. These virions were not virulent but had an improved ability to replicate in the brains of chicks compared with that of the parental nonrescued Bartha strain. Our results show that genes in the US region, which are missing from the Bartha strain, were necessary for virulence but that this strain was also defective in other genes required for the expression of virulence. Thus, the virulence of pseudorabies virus, as measured by intracerebral inoculation into chicks, appears to be controlled multigenically.
The FinO protein of IncF plasmids binds FinP antisense RNA and its target, traJ mRNA, and promotes duplex formation

Most of the genes required for the conjugative transfer of DNA are encoded by the 33 kb transfer (tra) operon of F‐like conjugative plasmids. Transcription of the tra operon is positively regulated by the TraJ transcriptional activator which, in turn, is negatively regulated by the FinOP fertility inhibition system. The FinOP system consists of an antisense RNA, FinP, and a 21.2 kDa protein, FinO, which together inhibit TraJ expression. Previously, it has been demonstrated that FinO increases the in vivo stability of the FinP RNA in the absence of the traJ mRNA target. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we have shown that FinO is an RNA‐binding protein that binds to one of the two stem‐loops in FinP and to its complementary structure in traJ mRNA. This interaction presumably protects FinP RNA from degradation in vivo and increases the rate of formation of the FinP‐ traJ mRNA duplex fivefold. Thus, TraJ expression appears to be influenced by a unique RNA‐protein interaction that precedes duplex formation between the FinP anti‐sense RNA and its target traJ mRNA.
An improved algorithm for transmission in heterogeneous cellular networks

This paper presents improvements to a coverage algorithm that we previously proposed for use in heterogeneous cellular networks, with the improved algorithm being referred to as the modified coverage algorithm. The modified coverage algorithm maintains the coverage advantages provided by the previous coverage algorithm; that is, users can be covered by the network in any scenario and unnecessary power consumption can be avoided through the use of the algorithm. The modified coverage algorithm also mitigates the sole disadvantage of the previous coverage algorithm, that is, its inability to meet users' transmission rate requirements, instead ensuring that the respective transmission rate requirements of all users can be typically met. According to the simulation results, compared with the previous coverage algorithm, the modified coverage algorithm improves the average transmission rate significantly (especially when the traffic volume is low) at the small expense of a slightly increased outage ratio under high traffic volumes; however, based on our design, the users who face an increase in the outage ratio are of lower priority. As a result, the system's overall performance is at an acceptable level.
Delayed neurotrophin treatment supports auditory neuron survival in deaf guinea pigs

As key factors in the development and maintenance of the auditory system, neurotrophins can prevent auditory neuron degeneration when applied within three to five days of deafening. We tested each of the neurotrophins BDNF, NT-3, NT-4/5 and NGF for their ability to support auditory neuron survival following a two-week period of deafness in guinea pigs, when ∼15% auditory neuron degeneration has already occurred. Although delayed, the treatment with each neurotrophin prevented further degeneration with similar efficacy.
P2B-9 Delta-Sigma Beamforming with Parallel Modulation

Using delta-sigma A/D converters in a digital beam- former is a method for achieving compactness at the cost of a higher rate for sampling and processing. For medical ultrasound imaging, the required sampling rate can be higher than 300 MHz. We suggest using a parallel modulation technique to attain comparable sample resolution at a much lower rate or higher resolution at the same rate. This technique is favorable to using higher-order modulators because it does not compromise stability. We also show how the parallel modulation can be combined with synthetic aperture imaging techniques for creating a more compact solution.
Psychometric Properties of the Functional Capacity Card Sort for Caregivers of People With Dementia

Caregiver appraisal influences care decisions and may place the person with dementia at risk. The Functional Capacity Card Sort (FCCS) was developed to determine caregiver appraisal. The objective of this study was to examine FCCS psychometric properties and utility, using data from a cross-sectional study (N = 86). The FCCS had moderately positive association (convergent validity) with a related activities of daily living (ADL) index (r = .43, p < .0001), weak negative association (discriminant validity) with an unrelated neuropsychiatric symptom index (r = −.14, p = .16), and strong caregiver agreement (interrater reliability) in ranking cards from high to low function, Kendall’s W(5, 72) = 0.83, p = . 0001. When compared with occupational therapy assessment, the FCCS distinguished caregiver concordant estimation (17%), underestimation (22%), and overestimation (61%) of function. The FCCS is a valid and reliable tool used in conjunction with formal assessment to identify caregiver over- or underestimation, which has implications for patient safety and caregiver education.
Dynamic model of onset and propagation of fracture.

A two-dimensional model of steady-state crack propagation, in which the stress acting on the fracture surface includes a dissipative term, exhibits a dissipation-dependent effective threshold for fracture. The crack creeps very slowly at external stresses just above the Griffith threshold, and makes an abrupt transition to propagation at roughly the Rayleigh wave speed at higher stresses. When heating due to dissipation is taken into account, the model may exhibit a maximum in the crack propagation speed as a function of applied stress.
A low-complexity bit error rate estimation algorithm for wireless digital receivers

This paper deals with the estimation of the bit error rate inside a WCDMA digital receiver. We propose a hybrid algorithm which primarily is based on a simple signal to noise estimator and whose performance is enhanced by using an estimator of the probability density function. Our algorithm proves to have performances required by the specifications, while still maintaining a low complexity, making it suitable for implementation on a digital signal processor.
Assessment of Long-Term Vasoplegia Induced by Brachial Plexus Block: A Favorable Effect for Hemodialysis Angioaccess Surgery?

Purpose Loco-regional anesthesia, along with the neurosensitive inhibition causes arterial and venous vasodilatation, that could be of interest for vascular access surgery. We evaluated the long term vasoplegia persistence after brachial plexic block. Methods Five patients submitted to brachial plexus block for an orthopedic procedure have been observed. Both radial arteries, that of the blocked arm and the opposite as a control, were analyzed by ultrasound examination, at time 0 and 360 minutes after anesthesia induction. All patients were treated with the same anesthesiologic protocol: axillary approach, use of an electroneurostimulator, injection 10 ml of ropivacain 7.5% + 10 ml of mepivacain 2%. The parameters evaluated from the arterial ultrasound flowmetry were: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI). Results. No modification of the arterial flow were observed in the control arm at 0 and 360'after block induction. The blocked arm instead showed a significant decrease of the resistive index, stable at 360minutes. Conclusions The vasoplegia accompaning plexic block lasted 6 hours after anesthesia induction. Whereas this longstanding haemodynamic effect is beneficial for early patency of vascular access for hemodialysis, needs to be ascertained by further investigations.
Determinants of Survival After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Review of our first 180 consecutive patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital shows that the over-all surgical mortality was 5.5%. Mortality in patients not in shock at the time of operation was 2.3%. The only major determinant of surgical survival appeared to be adequacy of left ventricular contraction, as indicated primarily by an ejection fraction above 40%. Of 116 patients operated on for relief of chronic angina pectoris or the intermediate coronary syndrome, 71% were free of angina 6 to 24 months (average 8.9) after surgery. The aggregate operative and late mortality in this group during the period of follow-up was 4.3%.
Risk of schizophrenia in second-generation immigrants: a Danish population-based cohort study

Background. Urban birth, a risk factor for schizophrenia, is more frequent among second-generation immigrants. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the increased risk for schizophrenia found in second-generation immigrants is explained by the degree of urbanization of birthplace and/or factors related to parentage, such as geographic origin or history of residence abroad during upbringing. Method. Using data from the Danish Civil Registration System (CRS), we established a population-based cohort of 2·0 million Danes (persons born in Denmark). Schizophrenia in cohort members was identified by cross-linkage with the Danish Psychiatric Central Register. Results. The relative risk of developing schizophrenia was 1·93 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·79–2·08] and 2·96 (95% CI 2·49–3·51) among persons with one or both parents foreign-born respectively compared to native Danes. Adjustment for urbanization of birthplace and parental characteristics reduced these risks slightly. However, urbanization had a lesser effect in second-generation immigrants than in Danes. History of residence abroad was a risk factor for schizophrenia, regardless of whether parents were foreign-born or native Danes. Conclusion. The increased risk found in second-generation immigrants cannot be explained by urbanization or parental characteristics pertaining to age, mental illness, geographic origin or residence abroad during a child's upbringing.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for Hip and Knee Replacements.

BACKGROUND Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs or hip and knee replacements have had a significant effect on streamlining patient care with shorter stays, no increase in complications, and improved outcomes including reduced mortality. PURPOSE To compare outcomes following the introduction of an ERAS program for hip and knee replacements developed at our institution with a historical cohort of patients. METHODS ERAS protocols were developed at our institution for patients undergoing hip and knee joint replacements. Key aspects were changes in preadmission, a new education session, improved management of perioperative anemia, standardized anesthetic guidelines, day of surgery mobilization, and improved discharge planning. The results of the first 18 months (528 consecutive patients) were compared with those of a historical cohort of 507 patients from the 18 months prior to their introduction. RESULTS In the ERAS group, the mean age was 68.3 years for patients who underwent hip replacement and 70.4 years for patients who underwent knee replacement. Thirty-two percent of patients were ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) Grades III and IV. The average preoperative Oxford score was 11. The average length of stay (ALOS) fell from 5.6 to 4.3 days for patients who underwent hip replacement and from 5.7 to 4.8 days for patients who underwent knee replacement (p < .001). Ninety-six percent of patients were discharged home. The 30-day readmission rate increased from 3.2% to 5.5% (p = .065). Six-month Oxford knee scores were higher in the ERAS group (39.8 vs. 36.3, p = .03). There was no increase in mortality or early revision rate. CONCLUSIONS Substantial reductions in ALOS can be gained with the introduction of ERAS protocols, with high patient satisfaction and no increase in complications in a consecutive unselected group of public hospital patients. This requires a multidisciplinary approach and a strong clinical input.
Multibody Simulation of the Dynamic Behaviour of a Hybrid Leg-Wheel Ground Mobile Robot

The paper presents the results of multibody simulations of the step-climbing process of a small-scale ground mobile robot for surveillance and inspection, named Mantis. Mantis is a hybrid leg-wheel robot, characterized by a main body equipped with two actuated wheels and two praying mantis rotating legs; a rear frame with two idle wheels is connected to the main body by a vertical revolute joint for steering; a second revolute joint allows the rear axle roll. The main hindrance to indoor inspection by means of small-scale robots is the presence of steps and stairs; therefore the shape of the Mantis rotating legs is specially conceived to overcome square steps. Multibody simulation is a useful tool to assess the influence of the geometric parameters of the robot on the efficiency of the step-climbing process in the design phase, and to coordinate properly the motion of wheels and legs in the development of automatic guidance systems. Simulation results are presented, discussed and also compared with the real behaviour of the robot prototype.
Beta-galactosidase activity and lactose utilization in Aspergillus nidulans.

Summary: When mycelia of Aspergillus nidulans are grown with lactose or galactose as the carbon source, β-galactosidase activity is induced at least 30-fold. The effect of growth conditions on the formation of the activity was investigated. The enzyme has been partially characterized: two proteins with molecular weights near 120000 and 450000 have β-galactosidase activity; present evidence suggests that these are different aggregates of the same polypeptide. A mutant, lac150, is described which grows poorly on lactose and lacks β-galactosidase activity. These two characters are determined by two unlinked genes and independently expressed. This demonstrates the existence of an alternative (and unknown) mode of lactose utilization. Although β-galactosidase activity is not required for mycelial growth on lactose, it is essential for germination of conidia with lactose as the sole carbon source. Mutants unable to form β-galactosidase activity fall into three genetic groups designated bgaA, B and C. All these mutants grow normally with lactose as sole carbon source. One mutant at the bgaA locus forms a heat-labile β-galactosidase and is presumably a structural gene lesion.
S-nitrosothiols and the S-nitrosoproteome of the cardiovascular system.

SIGNIFICANCE Since their discovery in the early 1990's, S-nitrosylated proteins have been increasingly recognized as important determinants of many biochemical processes. Specifically, S-nitrosothiols in the cardiovascular system exert many actions, including promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and regulating Ca(2+) channel function that influences myocyte contractility and electrophysiologic stability. RECENT ADVANCES Contemporary developments in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods, the development of biotin- and His-tag switch assays, and the availability of cyanide dye-labeling for S-nitrosothiol detection in vitro have increased significantly the identification of a number of cardiovascular protein targets of S-nitrosylation in vivo. CRITICAL ISSUES Recent analyses using modern S-nitrosothiol detection techniques have revealed the mechanistic significance of S-nitrosylation to the pathophysiology of numerous cardiovascular diseases, including essential hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure, among others. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Despite enhanced insight into S-nitrosothiol biochemistry, translating these advances into beneficial pharmacotherapies for patients with cardiovascular diseases remains a primary as-yet unmet goal for investigators within the field.
Optical-to-Wireless-Integration Cost Modeling

The next generation network (NGN) may be regarded as a fresh broadband architecture that best utilizes and combines the major advances in optical, wireless, and computer communication networking of the past decade. Attractive business opportunities will be opened by the NGN, but cost-effectiveness in building and operating it remains a crucial challenge that can differentiate a profitable implementation strategy from one that is merely "hype". This paper proposes a promising PON+WiMax architecture for optical-wireless-integration (OWI) and a cost model for this architecture that considers the related optimization issues. Results from initial use of this cost model compare OWI with other existing solutions for broadband access, showing superior cost-effectiveness for the OWI solution as well as the potential for further reducing capital and operating expenses.
Adherence and cytotoxicity of Entamoeba histolytica or how lectins let parasites stick around

The enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is one of the most potent cytotoxic cells known, named by Schaudinn in 1903 for its ability to destroy human tissues (53). Infection occurs when the cyst form of the parasite is ingested with contaminated food or water. After excysting to form the trophozoite in the small intestine, the amebae can colonize the bowel lumen, invade through the intestinal epithelium to cause colitis or liver abscess, or form cysts that are excreted with the stool to start a new round of infection (28). Parasite recognition of glycoconjugates plays an important role in the pathogenesis of amebiasis. Killing of host cells by E. histolytica trophozoites in vitro occurs only upon direct contact, which is mediated by an amebic adhesin which recognizes Nand 0-linked oligosaccharides (9, 35, 36, 49). This adhesin is specifically inhibited by millimolar concentrations of galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (Gal/GalNAc) (36). Avoidance of lysis by the complement membrane attack complex is also mediated by this lectin. Here we discuss recent advances in the understanding of this novel amebic adhesin.
Job Characteristics, Core Self-Evaluations, and Job Satisfaction: What's Age Got to Do with It?

There is a well-established relationship between age and job satisfaction. To date, there is little research about how many well-known predictors of job satisfaction, specifically job characteristics and core self-evaluations, may vary with age. Using a multi-worksite sample of 1,873 employed adults aged 17 to 81, this study evaluated the extent to which several job characteristics and core self-evaluations varied in their relationships with job satisfaction for workers of different ages. Findings suggest that the positive relationships between job satisfaction and skill variety, autonomy, and friendship weaken as employee age increases, while the positive relationships between job satisfaction and dealing with others, task identity, task significance, feedback, and core self-evaluations did not vary with age. The findings extend previous research by examining how the factors important for job satisfaction vary for employees of different ages.