Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chain extenders for polyesters. I: Addition-type chain extenders reactive with carboxyl end groups of polyesters

Effective chain extenders for linear polyesters were investigated among some bis-heterocycles, which were capable of coupling carboxyl terminals of the polyesters through addition reaction. Consequently, 2,2′-bis(2-oxazoline), 2,2′-bis(5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-oxazine) and N,N′-hexamethylenebis(carbamoyl-2- oxazoline) were found to be the most effective chain extenders. Starting from a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) having intrinsic viscosity ([η]) of 0.66 and carboxyl content (CV) of 46 eq/106 g, one could obtain polyesters with [η] of above 1.0 and CV of below 5 eq/106 g in the presence of the chain extenders. Typical reaction condition for the coupling of PET was heating PET under atmospheric nitrogen above its melting temperature with 0.5 mol % of a chain extenders only for several minutes. Bis-2-thiazolines showed no effect under the condition investigated, while in case of bis-2-imidazolines definite degradation was observed. Bis-N-acylaziridines and bisiminocarbonates resulted in some gell formation, indicative of side reactions.
Reduced hippocampal volumes and memory deficits in adolescents with single ventricle heart disease

Adolescents with single ventricle congenital heart disease (SVHD) show functional deficits, particularly in memory and mood regulation. Hippocampi are key brain structures that regulate mood and memory; however, their tissue integrity in SVHD is unclear. Our study aim is to evaluate hippocampal volumes and their associations with memory, anxiety, and mood scores in adolescents with SVHD compared to healthy controls.
Biomonitoring Findings for Occupational Lead Exposure in Battery and Ceramic Tile Workers using Biochemical Markers, Alkaline Comet Assay, and Micronucleus Test Coupled with Fluorescence in Situ Hybridisation

Abstract Manufacture of lead-containing products has long been associated with various health risks. To get an insight into the related genotoxic risks, we conducted a biomonitoring study in 50 exposed workers and 48 matched controls using a battery of endpoints that sensitively detect the extent of genome instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The levels of primary DNA damage were estimated with the alkaline comet assay, while cytogenetic abnormalities were determined with the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) cytome assay. Additionally, CBMN slides of 20 exposed and 16 control participants were subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), coupled with pancentromeric probes to establish the incidence of centromere-positive micronuclei, nuclear buds, and nucleoplasmic bridges. Blood lead levels (B-Pb) were measured with atomic absorption spectrometry. To further characterise cumulative effects of occupational exposure, we measured erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) concentrations and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in blood. We also assessed the influence of serum folate (S-folate) and vitamin B12 (S-B12) on genome stability. Compared to controls, occupationally exposed workers demonstrated significantly higher B-Pb (298.36±162.07 vs 41.58±23.02), MN frequency (18.71±11.06 vs 8.98±7.50), centromere positive MN (C+ MN) (8.15±1.8 vs 3.69±0.47), and centromere negative MN (C- MN) (14.55±1.80 vs 4.56±0.89). Exposed women had significantly higher comet tail intensity (TI) and length (TL) than control women. Furthermore, workers showed a positive correlation between age and nuclear buds and MN, between MN and years of exposure, and between S-B12 levels and TI and ALAD activity, while a negative correlation was found between TI and B-Pb. These findings suggest that occupational settings in the manufacture of lead-containing products pose significant genotoxic risks, which calls for developing more effective work safety programmes, including periodical monitoring of B-Pb and genetic endpoints.
Degradation of poly(ethylene glycol) by electrolysis during the Cu electroplating: A combined experimental and density functional theory study

The polymer additives are key factor materials in the Cu electroplating process, essential for controlled acceleration and inhibition of Cu deposition. In this study, the degradation behavior of a polymer additive—poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)—during the Cu electroplating was investigated by MALDI-TOF MS technique. The PEG was completely degraded after 4 h at a constant electric current density of 13 mA/cm2, whereas it showed no degradation without an electric field even at a very low pH (pH < 1). The pathways and energetics of PEG degradation by electrolysis in aqueous chloride medium was investigated using density functional theory calculations at the same time. It demonstrated how facile the decomposition of PEG internal radical is, which is generated via the hydrogen abstraction from PEG by hydroxyl radical formed at the anode in aqueous chloride medium under an electric field. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Fluorene‐based materials and their supramolecular properties

Fluorene-based p- conjugated polymers and oligo- mers combine several advanta- geous properties that make them well-suited candidates for appli- cations in organic optoelectronic devices and chemical sensors. This review highlights strategies to synthesize these materials and to tune their absorption and emission colors. Furthermore, methods to control their supra- molecular organization will be discussed. In many cases, a deli- cate interplay between the chem- ical structure and the processing conditions are found, resulting in a high sensitivity of both struc- tural features and optical proper- ties. V C 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J
Direct aldol reactions catalyzed by 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine lactate without solvent

The ionic liquid, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine lactate ([TMG][Lac]), was used as a recyclable catalyst for direct aldol reactions at room temperature without any solvent. The results demonstrated that good chemo- and regio-selectivity could be achieved, and the ionic liquid can be easily recovered and recycled without considerable decrease of activity. The protocol is green and effective for producing β-hydroxyl ketones.
Antigen-Specific T-Cell Activation Distinguishes between Recent and Remote Tuberculosis Infection

Rationale: Current diagnostic tests fail to identify individuals at higher risk of progression to tuberculosis disease, such as those with recent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, who should be prioritized for targeted preventive treatment. Objectives: To define a blood-based biomarker, measured with a simple flow cytometry assay, that can stratify different stages of tuberculosis infection to infer risk of disease. Methods: South African adolescents were serially tested with QuantiFERON-TB Gold to define recent (QuantiFERON-TB conversion <6 mo) and persistent (QuantiFERON-TB+ for >1 yr) infection. We defined the ΔHLA-DR median fluorescence intensity biomarker as the difference in HLA-DR expression between IFN-γ+ TNF+ Mycobacterium tuberculosis–specific T cells and total CD3+ T cells. Biomarker performance was assessed by blinded prediction in untouched test cohorts with recent versus persistent infection or tuberculosis disease and by unblinded analysis of asymptomatic adolescents with tuberculosis infection who remained healthy (nonprogressors) or who progressed to microbiologically confirmed disease (progressors). Measurements and Main Results: In the test cohorts, frequencies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis–specific T cells differentiated between QuantiFERON-TB− (n = 25) and QuantiFERON-TB+ (n = 47) individuals (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.00). ΔHLA-DR significantly discriminated between recent (n = 20) and persistent (n = 22) QuantiFERON-TB+ (0.91; 0.83–1.00); persistent QuantiFERON-TB+ and newly diagnosed tuberculosis (n = 19; 0.99; 0.96–1.00); and tuberculosis progressors (n = 22) and nonprogressors (n = 34; 0.75; 0.63–0.87). However, ΔHLA-DR median fluorescent intensity could not discriminate between recent QuantiFERON-TB+ and tuberculosis (0.67; 0.50–0.84). Conclusions: The ΔHLA-DR biomarker can identify individuals with recent QuantiFERON-TB conversion and those with disease progression, allowing targeted provision of preventive treatment to those at highest risk of tuberculosis. Further validation studies of this novel immune biomarker in various settings and populations at risk are warranted.
Conceptual Framework to Guide Early Diagnosis Programs for Symptomatic Cancer as Part of Global Cancer Control

Diagnosing cancer earlier can enable timely treatment and optimize outcomes. Worldwide, national cancer control plans increasingly encompass early diagnosis programs for symptomatic patients, commonly comprising awareness campaigns to encourage prompt help-seeking for possible cancer symptoms and health system policies to support prompt diagnostic assessment and access to treatment. By their nature, early diagnosis programs involve complex public health interventions aiming to address unmet health needs by acting on patient, clinical, and system factors. However, there is uncertainty regarding how to optimize the design and evaluation of such interventions. We propose that decisions about early diagnosis programs should consider four interrelated components: first, the conduct of a needs assessment (based on cancer-site–specific statistics) to identify the cancers that may benefit most from early diagnosis in the target population; second, the consideration of symptom epidemiology to inform prioritization within an intervention; third, the identification of factors influencing prompt help-seeking at individual and system level to support the design and evaluation of interventions; and finally, the evaluation of factors influencing the health systems’ capacity to promptly assess patients. This conceptual framework can be used by public health researchers and policy makers to identify the greatest evidence gaps and guide the design and evaluation of local early diagnosis programs as part of broader cancer control strategies.
Purification, Characterization, and Antiproliferative Activity of a Single‐Chain Lectin from Vicia palaestina (Fabaceae) Seeds

Vicia palaestina Boiss. is an annual herb that grows in dry areas of eastern Mediterranean countries. It belongs to section Cracca subgenus Vicilla, which is characterized by having a high content in the non‐protein amino acid canavanine. The seeds from some of these vetches are also rich in lectins. The purification and characterization of a single‐chain lectin from the seeds of V. palaestina is described here. This lectin was the most abundant protein in albumin extracts. It has affinity for the glycoconjugate N‐acetylgalactosamine and inhibits proliferation of the cancerous Caco‐2 and THP‐1 cell lines. In addition to their high nutritional value, the seeds from V. palaestina represent a source of lectins with health promoting and pharmacological potential because of their antiproliferative activity.
The Maillard Reaction as Source of Meat Flavor Compounds in Dry Cured Meat Model Systems under Mild Temperature Conditions

Flavor is amongst the major personal satisfaction indicators for meat products. The aroma of dry cured meat products is generated under specific conditions such as long ripening periods and mild temperatures. In these conditions, the contribution of Maillard reactions to the generation of the dry cured flavor is unknown. The main purpose of this study was to examine mild curing conditions such as temperature, pH and aw for the generation of volatile compounds responsible for the cured meat aroma in model systems simulating dry fermented sausages. The different conditions were tested in model systems resembling dry fermented sausages at different stages of production. Three conditions of model system, labeled initial (I), 1st drying (1D) and 2nd drying (2D) and containing different concentrations of amino acid and curing additives, as well as different pH and aw values, were incubated at different temperatures. Changes in the profile of the volatile compounds were investigated by solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GS-MS) as well as the amino acid content. Seventeen volatile compounds were identified and quantified in the model systems. A significant production of branched chain volatile compounds, sulfur, furans, pyrazines and heterocyclic volatile compounds were detected in the model systems. At the drying stages, temperature was the main factor affecting volatile production, followed by amino acid concentration and aw. This research demonstrates that at the mild curing conditions used to produce dry cured meat product volatile compounds are generated via the Maillard reaction from free amino acids. Moreover, in these conditions aw plays an important role promoting formation of flavor compounds.
Influence of non-point source pollution on water quality of Wetland Baiyangdian, China

Nine sampling sites were evenly set up in Wetland Baiyangdian. A total of 478 grab samples were tested from March 2000 to December 2008. Analysis was conducted on the changes of pH, temperature and concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5 ), ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 -N), total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) along time. Results showed that average concentrations of DO, COD and BOD 5 in the rainy season were 28%, 7% and 6% lower than those in the dry season, respectively. Average concentrations of NH 3 -N, TN and TP in the rainy season were 48%, 27% and 47% more than those in the dry season, respectively. DO concentration decreased by more than 1 mg/L in the rainy season due to non-point source pollution. These results demonstrated that non-point source pollution was a quite important pollution source to Wetland Baiyangdian. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in Wetland Baiyangdian mainly came from non-point sources. To reduce the TN and TP concentrations in the wetland, fertilizer utilization needs to be better controlled in the surrounding farmlands.
Phytases and Phytase-Labile Organic Phosphorus in Manures and Soils

Organic phosphorus (Po) hydrolysis by microbial phytases has extensively been considered in diverse biotechnological applications, including environmental protection and agricultural, animal, and human nutrition. The authors review the available information on the content of phytase-labile Po in manures and soils, as well as the environmental factors and enzyme properties affecting catalytic behavior of phytases in these environments. In addition, they have critically analyzed the present and possible future biotechnological approaches for using phytases to access phytate Po pool present in soils and manures for plant nutrition, with the concomitant reduction of runoff P in the environment.
Towards Improved Use of Vaccination in the Control of Infectious Bronchitis and Newcastle Disease in Poultry: Understanding the Immunological Mechanisms

Infectious bronchitis (IB) and Newcastle disease (ND) are two important diseases of poultry and have remained a threat to the development of the poultry industry in many parts of the world. The immunology of avian has been well studied and numerous vaccines have been developed against the two viruses. Most of these vaccines are either inactivated vaccines or live attenuated vaccines. Inactivated vaccines induce weak cellular immune responses and require priming with live or other types of vaccines. Advanced technology has been used to produce several types of vaccines that can initiate prime immune responses. However, as a result of rapid genetic variations, the control of these two viral infections through vaccination has remained a challenge. Using various strategies such as combination of live attenuated and inactivated vaccines, development of IB/ND vaccines, use of DNA vaccines and transgenic plant vaccines, the problem is being surmounted. It is hoped that with increasing understanding of the immunological mechanisms in birds that are used in fighting these viruses, a more successful control of the diseases will be achieved. This will go a long way in contributing to global food security and the economic development of many developing countries, given the role of poultry in the attainment of these goals.
Counteracting Poisoning with Chemical Warfare Nerve Agents

Abstract Phosphylation of the pivotal enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by nerve agents (NAs) leads to irreversible inhibition of the enzyme and accumulation of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which induces cholinergic crisis, that is, overstimulation of muscarinic and nicotinic membrane receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system. In severe cases, subsequent desensitisation of the receptors results in hypoxia, vasodepression, and respiratory arrest, followed by death. Prompt action is therefore critical to improve the chances of victim’s survival and recovery. Standard therapy of NA poisoning generally involves administration of anticholinergic atropine and an oxime reactivator of phosphylated AChE. Anticholinesterase compounds or NA bioscavengers can also be applied to preserve native AChE from inhibition. With this review of 70 years of research we aim to present current and potential approaches to counteracting NA poisoning.
Structure and Molecular Stacking of Anthocyanins—Flower Color Variation

In 1913 Willstatter made the striking observation that the same pigment can give rise to different colors. Thus, the same pigment, cyanin, is found in the blue cornflower and in the red rose. Willstatter attributed the variety of flower colors to different pH values in solution. Indeed, anthocyanin changes its color with pH; it appears red in acidic, violet in neutral, and blue in basic aqueous solution. Willstatter's pH-theory for explaining flower color variation is still to be found in major text books of organic chemistry. Very recently, however, reinvestigation has disclosed that the color variation and stabilization of anthocyanins in aqueous solution could have other causes, namely self-association, copigmentation and intramolecular sandwich-type stacking. The stacking would be mainly brought about by intermolecular or intramolecular hydrophobic interaction between aromatic nuclei such as anthocyanidins, flavones and aromatic acids. In addition, hydrogen bonds and charge transfer interactions may also be involved. The most interesting molecular complexes of anthocyanins are the metalloanthocyanins such as commelinin and protocyanin (blue cornflower pigment). These seemingly pure blue complexes each consist of six anthocyanin and six flavone molecules and two metal ions; their molecular weight is nearly 10000. A structure is proposed for commelinin.
Use of sewage sludge for manufacturing adsorbents

On demontre que la boue digeree peut etre reutilisee comme adsorbant pour la separation de vapeurs organiques (MEK, TOL et TCE) apres un traitement par pyrolyse. Les produits adsorbants fabriques ont ete caracterises par la valeur de leur surface de Brunauer, Emmett et Teller (BET), par leur activite vis-a-vis du tetrachlorure de carbone et par un test d'analyse elementaire. La determination de l'activite vis-a-vis du CCl 4 et celle de la surface BET sont toutes deux considerees comme des moyenz convenables pour estimer la capacite d'adsorption des vapeurs organiques sur des adsorbants de ce type. D'apres la surface specifique (activite du CCl 4 ou capacite d'adsorption), l'adsorbant regenere peut etre fabrique dans des conditions optimales en ajoutant ZnCl 2 a la boue traitee et en chauffant le melange
The effect of active hand movement on visually perceived depth direction

This study investigated the effect of active hand movement on the perception of 3-D depth change. In Experiment 1, the 3-D height of an object synchronously changed with the participant’s hand movement, but the 3-D height of the object was incongruent with the distance moved by the hand. The results showed no effect of active hand movement on perceived depth. This was inconsistent with the results of a previous study conducted in a similar setting with passive hand movement. It was speculated that this contradiction appeared because the conflict between the distance moved by the hand and visual depth changes were more easily detected in the active movement situation. Therefore, it was assumed that in a condition where this conflict was hard to detect, active hand movement might affect visual depth perception. To examine this hypothesis, Experiment 2 examined whether information from hand movement would resolve the ambiguity in the depth direction of a shaded visual shape. In this experiment, the distance moved by the hand could (logically) accord with either of two depth directions (concave or convex). Moreover, the discrepancy in the distances between visual and haptic perception could be ambiguous because shading cues are unreliable in estimating absolute depth. The results showed that perceived depth directions were affected by the direction of active hand movement, thus supporting the hypothesis. Based on these results, simulations based on a causal inference model were performed, and it was found that these simulations could replicate the qualitative aspects of the experimental results.
The soma-germline communication: implications for somatic and reproductive aging

Aging is characterized by a functional decline in most physiological processes, including alterations in cellular metabolism and defense mechanisms. Increasing evidence suggests that caloric restriction extends longevity and retards age-related diseases at least in part by reducing metabolic rate and oxidative stress in a variety of species, including yeast, worms, flies, and mice. Moreover, recent studies in invertebrates – worms and flies, highlight the intricate interrelation between reproductive longevity and somatic aging (known as disposable soma theory of aging), which appears to be conserved in vertebrates. This review is specifically focused on how the reproductive system modulates somatic aging and vice versa in genetic model systems. Since many signaling pathways governing the aging process are evolutionarily conserved, similar mechanisms may be involved in controlling soma and reproductive aging in vertebrates.
Secondary Peritonitis and Intra-Abdominal Sepsis: An Increasingly Global Disease in Search of Better Systemic Therapies

Secondary peritonitis and intra-abdominal sepsis are a global health problem. The life-threatening systemic insult that results from intra-abdominal sepsis has been extensively studied and remains somewhat poorly understood. While local surgical therapy for perforation of the abdominal viscera is an age-old therapy, systemic therapies to control the subsequent systemic inflammatory response are scarce. Advancements in critical care have led to improved outcomes in secondary peritonitis. The understanding of the effect of secondary peritonitis on the human microbiome is an evolving field and has yielded potential therapeutic targets. This review of secondary peritonitis discusses the history, classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and future directions of the management of secondary peritonitis. Ongoing clinical studies in the treatment of secondary peritonitis and the open abdomen are discussed.