Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of microsphere solidification time in the solvent evaporation process

The aim of this work was to define the time of microsphere solidification during the solvent evaporation process. Microspheres were prepared by the solvent evaporation method, using acetone/liquid paraffin solvent system, ketoprofen as a model drug and Eudragit RS as a matrix polymer. Two sets of experiments were performed—in the first one the initial temperature of the emulsion system was 5°C and in the second one 25°C. In each set, two batches of microspheres were compared at constant emulsion stirring rate 250 and 1000 rpm and intermediate batches where the emulsion stirring rate was lowered from 1000 to 250 rpm at pre-defined times after the beginning of the inner phase solvent evaporation. By comparison of the properties of these microspheres, an insight was obtained into the mechanism of microspheres formation. The criterion for determination of microsphere solidification time was the resemblance between the microsphere properties of the batches prepared by stirring rate change and the batch prepared by constant stirring at 1000 rpm. A stirring rate change after the solidification has no influence on microsphere properties, that means that they are the same as of the batch prepared by constant stirring at 1000 rpm. The results of the sieve analysis and particle size distribution of microspheres show that the time of microspheres solidification is in the interval between 15–20 min if the initial temperature is 5°C and between 10–20 min if the initial temperature is 25°C. From the release profiles of ketoprofen, one can infer that the times of solidification for both initial temperatures are a bit lower. The microscopic pictures, which enable one to follow the processes in the system, confirmed the result obtained by the sieve analysis. In spite of its inability to distinguish between single particles and agglomerates, the sieve analysis enabled one to determine the actual time of solidification, while the drug release determination was not sensitive enough to trace small differences in surface area due to particles aggregation.
Shigella as a Foodborne Pathogen and Current Methods for Detection in Food

Shigella, the causative agent of shigellosis or “bacillary dysentery,” has been increasingly involved in foodborne outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Emerging Infections Program, Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), Shigella was the third most reported foodborne bacterial pathogen in 2002. Foods are most commonly contaminated with Shigella by an infected food handler who practices poor personal hygiene. Shigella is acid resistant, salt tolerant, and can survive at infective levels in many types of foods such as fruits and vegetables, low pH foods, prepared foods, and foods held in modified atmosphere or vacuum packaging. Survival is often increased when food is held at refrigerated temperatures. Detection methods for Shigella include conventional culture methods, immunological methods, and molecular microbiological methods. Conventional culture of Shigella in foods is often problematic due to the lack of appropriate selective media. Immunological methods for Shigella have been researched, yet there is only one commercially available test kit. Molecular microbiological methods such as PCR, oligonucleotide microarrays, and rep-PCR have also been developed for the detection and identification of Shigella. This manuscript reviews the general characteristics, prevalence, growth and survival, and methods for detection of Shigella in food.
RFID-based system for school children transportation safety enhancement

This paper presents a system to monitor pick-up/drop-off of school children to enhance the safety of children during the daily transportation from and to school. The system consists of two main units, a bus unit and a school unit. The bus unit the system is used to detect when a child boards or leaves the bus. This information is communicated to the school unit that identifies which of the children did not board or leave the bus and issues an alert message accordingly. The system has a developed web-based database-driven application that facilities its management and provides useful information about the children to authorized personal. A complete prototype of the proposed system was implemented and tested to validate the system functionality. The results show that the system is promising for daily transportation safety.
Program Development Issues in Nonprofit and Civil Society Studies: Learning from One University’s Experience

Abstract This article examines one university’s efforts to institutionalize a graduate nonprofit curriculum. It does so through the lens of situational analysis and with an eye to five key challenges that have dogged the effort—operating in an inauspicious organizational environment, creating an interdisciplinary program in a discipline-rich context, securing a praxis analytical focus and shared pedagogical stance, ensuring a comparative analytical focus, and developing a sustainable balance between student needs and expert claims. These concerns are examined for what might be learned from each that may hold broader significance for nonprofit curriculum design, program development, and implementation. While some of these conditions are unique, what they suggest about the challenges for those seeking institutionalization of nonprofit curricula are not. The essay seeks to suggest how and why that might be so. The paper argues that, regardless of the case-specific factors at play in the present analysis, would-be nonprofit program builders would be wise to be attentive to their operating context, to the nature of existing program curricula and organizational cultures, and to the clear specification of their own curricular aims.
Reported in vivo splice‐site mutations in the factor IX gene: Severity of splicing defects and a hypothesis for predicting deleterious splice donor mutations

Small consensus sequences have been defined for RNA splicing, but questions about splicing in humans remain unanswered. Analysis of germline mutations in the factor IX gene offers a highly advantageous system for studying the mutational process in humans. In a sample of 860 families with hemophilia B, 9% of independent mutations are likely to disrupt splicing as their primary mode of action. This includes 26 splicing mutations reported herein. When combined with the factor IX splice mutations reported by others, at least 104 independent mutations have been observed, 80 of which are single base substitutions within the splice donor and splice acceptor consensus sequences. After analysis of these mutations, the following inferences emerge: (1) the susceptibility of a splice donor sequence to deleterious mutation depends on the degree of similarity with the donor consensus sequence, suggesting a simple “5‐6 hypothesis” for predicting deleterious vs. neutral mutations; (2) the great majority of mutations that disrupt the splice donor or splice acceptor sequences result in at least a 100‐fold decrement in factor IX coagulant activity, indicating that the mutations at these sites generally function as an on/off switch; (3) mutations that create cryptic splice junctions or that shorten but do not interrupt the polypyrimidine tract in the splice acceptor sequence can reduce splicing by a variable amount; and (4) there are thousands of potential donor‐acceptor consensus sequence combinations in the 38‐kb factor IX gene region apparently not reduced by evolutionary selective pressure, presenting an apparent paradox; i.e., mutations in the donor and acceptor consensus sequences at intron/exon splice junctions can dramatically alter normal splicing, yet, appropriately spaced, good matches to the consensus sequences do not predispose to significant amounts of alternative splicing. Hum Mutat 13:221–231, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
English proficiency and earnings of U.S. immigrants

Every year thousands of immigrants come to the United States and look to join the labor force. Most of these immigrants have a first language that is not English. This study analyzes how wage income, business and farm income, and investment income are affected by English proficiency in 2004, 2009, and 2014. I use data from the American Community Survey and a log-linear econometric model to explore this relationship. I conclude that wage income and business and farm income had a positive relationship with English proficiency in 2004, 2009, and 2014 whereas investment income only had a significant positive relationship with English proficiency in 2004. The results should encourage immigrants to enroll in English courses to make higher earnings. It should also encourage the U.S. to provide accessible and affordable English programs to immigrants to help them better perform in the labor market. 2 Proceedings of the Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics, Vol. 1 [2019], Art. 2 https://scholarworks.uni. edu/jucie/vol1/iss1/2
The UBX domain: a widespread ubiquitin-like module.

The UBX domain is an 80 amino acid residue module that is present typically at the carboxyl terminus of a variety of eukaryotic proteins. In an effort to elucidate the function of UBX domains, we solved the three-dimensional structure of the UBX domain of human Fas-associated factor-1 (FAF1) by NMR spectroscopy. The structure has a beta-Grasp fold characterised by a beta-beta-alpha-beta-beta-alpha-beta secondary-structure organisation. The five beta strands are arranged into a mixed sheet in the order 21534. The longer first helix packs across the first three strands of the sheet, and a second shorter 3(10) helix is located in an extended loop connecting strands 4 and 5. In the absence of significant sequence similarity, the UBX domain can be superimposed with ubiquitin with an r.m.s.d. of 1.9 A, suggesting that the two structures share the same superfold, and an evolutionary relationship. However, the absence of a carboxyl-terminal extension containing a double glycine motif and of suitably positioned lysine side-chains makes it highly unlikely that UBX domains are either conjugated to other proteins or part of mixed UBX-ubiquitin chains. Database searches revealed that most UBX domain-containing proteins belong to one of four evolutionarily conserved families represented by the human FAF1, p47, Y33K, and Rep8 proteins. A role of the UBX domain in ubiquitin-related processes is suggested.
GPR55 ligands promote receptor coupling to multiple signalling pathways

Background and purpose: Although GPR55 is potently activated by the endogenous lysophospholipid, L‐α‐lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), it is also thought to be sensitive to a number of cannabinoid ligands, including the prototypic CB1 receptor antagonists AM251 and SR141716A (Rimonabant®). In this study we have used a range of functional assays to compare the pharmacological activity of selected cannabinoid ligands, AM251, AM281 and SR141716A with LPI in a HEK293 cell line engineered to stably express recombinant, human GPR55.
The Changing Role of the State in Development

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Water polygons in high‐resolution protein crystal structures

We have analyzed the interstitial water (ISW) structures in 1500 protein crystal structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank that have greater than 1.5 Å resolution with less than 90% sequence similarity with each other. We observed varieties of polygonal water structures composed of three to eight water molecules. These polygons may represent the time‐ and space‐averaged structures of “stable” water oligomers present in liquid water, and their presence as well as relative population may be relevant in understanding physical properties of liquid water at a given temperature. On an average, 13% of ISWs are localized enough to be visible by X‐ray diffraction. Of those, averages of 78% are water molecules in the first water layer on the protein surface. Of the localized ISWs beyond the first layer, almost half of them form water polygons such as trigons, tetragons, as well as expected pentagons, hexagons, higher polygons, partial dodecahedrons, and disordered networks. Most of the octagons and nanogons are formed by fusion of smaller polygons. The trigons are most commonly observed. We suggest that our observation provides an experimental basis for including these water polygon structures in correlating and predicting various water properties in liquid state.
A planar dual fed UWB monopole antenna with polarization diversity for cognitive radio sensing

A dual fed compact ultra-wideband microstrip monopole antenna with reconfigurable polarisation capability is presented. By having two feeds to excite the patch from two different locations, the polarisation can be changed from vertical to horizontal. The level of coupling between the input ports can be significantly reduced if the two 50 Ω feed lines are from different transmission line technology (e.g. One is coplanar waveguide -CPW and the other is Microstrip -MS). The RF switches used for simulating the switching mechanism are currently copper bridges, for proof of concept. Simulation results of refelction coefficient for each port, transmission coefficient between the two ports, radiation patterns, and peak gain are all presented featuring very good performance. The proposed antenna can be very helpful in cognitive radio (CR) systems by decreasing the potential for signals to be undetected due to polarisation blindness when sensing the surrounding RF environment.
Kyphoplasty does not maintain all restored height postoperatively: a prospective, comparative study.

From January to December 2008, balloon kyphoplasty was performed on 45 consecutive female patients with primary single-segment vertebral compression fractures as an inpatient procedure. All of the treated vertebral bodies were located within the thora-columbar region (T11-L2). Demographic data such as age, body mass index, fracture age, hospital stay, lumbar spine bone mineral density, and amount of bone cement injected per vertebrae were recorded. Patients were analyzed clinically by ambulatory status and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Lateral radiographs were used to measure changes in anterior vertebral height. Mean anterior vertebral height increased from 58.9%+/-12.50% pre-kyphoplasty to 79.8%+/-7.12% post-kyphoplasty (P<.001). Two groups were defined based on the percentage of height restoration achieved: group A (18 patients) with a height restoration of at least 20%, and group B (27 patients) with a height restoration of 0% to 19.99% post-kyphoplasty. Mean anterior vertebral height restored in groups A and B was 28.2%+/-7.2% and 12.1%+/-6.2%, respectively (P<.05). Four patients in group A and none in group B had height loss at the treated vertebral level (P<.05). Both VAS and ambulatory status were improved after treatment (P<.05) with no significant difference between the 2 groups. Kyphoplasty can restore the collapsed vertebral height, but patients with greater height restoration were more vulnerable to a loss of corrected height.
Comparison of AHP and a Utility-Based Theory Method for Selected Vertical and Horizontal Forest Structure Indicators in the Sustainability Assessment of Forest Management in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, Madrid Region

This paper compares two pairwise comparison methods, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and a utility theory based method (UTB method), for sustainability assessment in forest management at the local level. Six alternatives were ranked, corresponding to six different types of forest management in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park in the Madrid Region in Spain. The methods were tested by postgraduate students enrolled in a “Decision Support Systems” course at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Three sustainability indicators were considered: structural diversity, timber yield, and amount of biomass. The utility theory based method was the first to be compared, which is implemented in the computer program SILVANET. For each pair of alternatives, the students were asked which one they considered to be more sustainable. In the case of the Analytic Hierarchy Process, the students compared the indicators and the alternatives for each indicator. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient indicated that there was no correlation between the rankings for most of the students. The results revealed that the convergence in opinion in the AHP method was higher than in the utility based method for a low number of participants, and distinguished the differences between the alternatives more accurately. However in the case of the UTB method, the participants considered sustainability as a whole and made a more context-based comparison.
Pathologic Response to Short Intensified Taxane-free Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Highly Proliferative Operable Breast Cancer

ObjectivesBreast cancer treatment relies on 3 major phenotypical subtypes, including the triple-negative (TN), HER2-positive, and hormone receptor-positive (estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor+) ones. We retrospectively determined the clinical and pathologic response rates to intensified taxane-free neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to these phenotypical classes in a series of patients with highly proliferative operable breast cancer, and examined the patterns of recurrence. MethodsPatients with early breast cancer with highly proliferative (S-phase fraction >4%) operable tumors of >3 cm received 4 cycles of intensified neoadjuvant chemotherapy with high-dose cyclophosphamide (doxorubicin 70 mg/m2 d1, cyclophosphamide 700 mg/m2 d1/d8, and 5 FU 700 mg/m2 d1−d5) every 3 weeks. ResultsFifty-five patients were included in the analysis. Patients with TN phenotype experienced a high pathologic complete response (pCR) rate to intensified chemotherapy in comparison with patients with HER2-positive and estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor+ tumors (47%, 0%, and 12%, respectively). Forty percent of patients with TN breast cancer recurred after a median follow-up of nearly 11 years, but only 22% of those achieving a pCR. ConclusionsA high pCR rate to short intensified neoadjuvant chemotherapy with high-dose cyclophosphamide was achieved in patients with operable highly proliferative TN breast cancer, and pCR was associated with a low rate of recurrence.
Application of metamaterials in near field UHF-RFID readers

In this work, we present an electromagnetic field confinement device based on metamaterials to be used in near field RFID readers. With this device, the confinement volume can be controlled, namely, it is possible to define a large area with an intense field without radiation leakage. The proposed device shows electric field components in the three spatial directions, ensuring the tag detection in different orientations. This device presents promising behavior for its application in retail and inventory applications.
Bromovirus RNA Replication Compartment Formation Requires Concerted Action of 1a's Self-Interacting RNA Capping and Helicase Domains

ABSTRACT All positive-strand RNA viruses replicate their genomes in association with rearranged intracellular membranes such as single- or double-membrane vesicles. Brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA synthesis occurs in vesicular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane invaginations, each induced by many copies of viral replication protein 1a, which has N-terminal RNA capping and C-terminal helicase domains. Although the capping domain is responsible for 1a membrane association and ER targeting, neither this domain nor the helicase domain was sufficient to induce replication vesicle formation. Moreover, despite their potential for mutual interaction, the capping and helicase domains showed no complementation when coexpressed in trans. Cross-linking showed that the capping and helicase domains each form trimers and larger multimers in vivo, and the capping domain formed extended, stacked, hexagonal lattices in vivo. Furthermore, coexpressing the capping domain blocked the ability of full-length 1a to form replication vesicles and replicate RNA and recruited full-length 1a into mixed hexagonal lattices with the capping domain. Thus, BMV replication vesicle formation and RNA replication depend on the direct linkage and concerted action of 1a's self-interacting capping and helicase domains. In particular, the capping domain's strong dominant-negative effects showed that the ability of full-length 1a to form replication vesicles was highly sensitive to disruption by non-productively titrating lattice-forming self-interactions of the capping domain. These and other findings shed light on the roles and interactions of 1a domains in replication compartment formation and support prior results suggesting that 1a induces replication vesicles by forming a capsid-like interior shell.
Uncleaved ApoM Signal Peptide Is Required for Formation of Large ApoM/Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P)-enriched HDL Particles*

Background: ApoM overexpression generates larger nascent and plasma HDLs. Results: ApoMQ22A overexpression generates smaller nascent and plasma HDL and enhances apoM and S1P secretion as compared with apoMWT. Conclusion: ApoM secretion regulates hepatocyte S1P secretion, and its uncleaved signal peptide delays apoM secretion, promoting larger nascent and plasma HDL particle formation. Significance: ApoM signal peptide is required for large apoM/S1P-enriched HDL formation. Apolipoprotein M (apoM), a plasma sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) carrier, associates with plasma HDL via its uncleaved signal peptide. Hepatocyte-specific apoM overexpression in mice stimulates formation of both larger nascent HDL in hepatocytes and larger mature apoM/S1P-enriched HDL particles in plasma by enhancing hepatic S1P synthesis and secretion. Mutagenesis of apoM glutamine 22 to alanine (apoMQ22A) introduces a functional signal peptidase cleavage site. Expression of apoMQ22A in ABCA1-expressing HEK293 cells resulted in the formation of smaller nascent HDL particles compared with wild type apoM (apoMWT). When apoMQ22A was expressed in vivo, using recombinant adenoviruses, smaller plasma HDL particles and decreased plasma S1P and apoM were observed relative to expression of apoMWT. Hepatocytes isolated from both apoMWT- and apoMQ22A-expressing mice displayed an equivalent increase in cellular levels of S1P, relative to LacZ controls; however, relative to apoMWT, apoMQ22A hepatocytes displayed more rapid apoM and S1P secretion but minimal apoMQ22A bound to nascent lipoproteins. Pharmacologic inhibition of ceramide synthesis increased cellular sphingosine and S1P but not medium S1P in both apoMWT and apoMQ22A hepatocytes. We conclude that apoM secretion is rate-limiting for hepatocyte S1P secretion and that its uncleaved signal peptide delays apoM trafficking out of the cell, promoting formation of larger nascent apoM- and S1P-enriched HDL particles that are probably precursors of larger apoM/S1P-enriched plasma HDL.