Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Thiazolyl Schiff Base: Antibacterial and Antifungal Effects and In Vitro Oxidative Stress Modulation on Human Endothelial Cells

Schiff bases (SBs) are chemical compounds displaying a significant pharmacological potential. They are able to modulate the activity of many enzymes involved in metabolism and are found among antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative drugs. A new thiazolyl-triazole SB was obtained and characterized by elemental and spectral analysis. The antibacterial and antifungal ability of the SB was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and against three Candida strains. SB showed good antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes and P. aeruginosa; it was two times more active than ciprofloxacin. Anti-Candida activity was twofold higher compared with that of fluconazole. The effect of the SB on cell viability was evaluated by colorimetric measurement on cell cultures exposed to various SB concentrations. The ability of the SB to modulate oxidative stress was assessed by measuring MDA, TNF-α, SOD1, COX2, and NOS2 levels in vitro, using human endothelial cell cultures exposed to a glucose-enriched medium. SB did not change the morphology of the cells. Experimental findings indicate that the newly synthetized Schiff base has antibacterial activity, especially on the Gram-negative P. aeruginosa, and antifungal activity. SB also showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Modifications in Soybean Seed Composition to Enhance Animal Feed Use and Value: Moving From a Dietary Ingredient to a Functional Dietary Component

Animal feed is the primary user of the nonoil component of soybeans. Breeding and gene modification strategies have been successfully employed to alter the seed composition of soybeans in a manner that enhances their use in animal feeds. Examples include altering amino acid profiles, fatty acid composition, oligosaccharide removal, and most notably phytic acid reduction. Such enhancements are required if soybeans are to maintain their use level in animal feeding applications. As advancements in genetic modification continue, an even greater level of animal feed applications will ensue through development of soybeans that have antimicrobial, health, and biogenic properties. Thus, soybeans in the future may not be produced as much for use as a protein feedstuff or as a source of oil, but rather for their ability to promote beneficial physiological properties or to enhance food safety.
Low-Intensity Exercise Training Increases Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), consistent with others with atherosclerotic occlusive disorders, have autonomic dysfunction (as measured by low heart rate variability [HRV]) that predisposes them to sympathetically mediated cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Exercise therapy has been shown to increase HRV in patients with coronary artery disease by increasing parasympathetic modulation of heart rate. This study quantified the circulatory and autonomic effects of a progressive, 12-week home-based, low-intensity (pain-free walking) exercise program in PAD and intermittent claudication. Participants (N = 33, mean age 67.8 8.1 years) were randomly assigned to either a walking group (n = 18), whose members performed a structured, 12-week, progressive walking program 5 days/week for 12 weeks, or a comparison group (n = 15), whose members performed usual activities. Circulatory measures (heart rate, blood pressure, and rate pressure product) and autonomic measures (HRV) were obtained at the beginning (Week 1) and end (Week 12) of the study. Minimal change in circulatory measures occurred. However, spectral analysis of HRV revealed that autonomic function improved significantly in members of the walking group; specifically, there was an increase in parasympathetic and a decrease in sympathetic modulation. Members of the walking group also significantly increased maximal walking distance. These findings suggest that a structured, low-intensity, high-frequency walking program improves autonomic function by increasing HRV in patients with PAD.
MicroRNAs as Novel Biomarkers in IBD: Characterization and Current Status

The pathophysiology of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has been intensively investigated but is still unknown. The theory that IBD is the result of an inadequate activation of the immune system to a luminal factor occurring in genetically predisposed subjects is the most widely accepted to date. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level and are involved in the regulation of many biological processes, as well as in the induction of several cancers, chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. The currently evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs are differentially expressed in diverse circumstances of the IBD course. These molecules open a new opportunity to employ as a non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and follow up. Knowing the role of miRNA in IBD will improve our knowledge of the pathogenesis. In addition, the development of miRNA-based therapeutics technologies supposes a qualitative advance in the management of IBD.
The determinants of institutional trust in Botswanas liberal democracy

Botswana is considered as a hub of good governance, and one of the least corrupt countries in Africa. Yet empirical evidence based on the Afrobarometer perception surveys from 2008 to 2014 suggests a decline in institutional trust. This study uses the 2014 Afrobarometer survey to explain trust in four political institutions namely the presidency, the ruling party, parliament and local council authorities. Theories of institutional trust suggest that trust is linked to performance of institutions on a number of key factors. But for the purposes of this study, we explain trust by perceptions on corruption, democracy, civic participation, government performance, level of education, age and location. The study finds that the level of education, perceptions on government performance, corruption and satisfaction with democracy are important in explaining trust in political institutions. However, safe for communing together to raise issues, civic participation is not important in explaining institutional trust. The argument of the study is that even though Batswana do not have a culture of civic engagement, they are critical in government performance, democracy and corruption. Key words: Botswana, democracy, political institutions, trust.
Removing holes in topological shape optimization

The gradient based topological optimization tools introduced during the last ten years tend naturally to modify the topology of a domain by creating small holes inside the domain. Once these holes have been created, they usually remain unchanged, at least during the topological phase of the optimization algorithm. In this paper, a new asymptotic expansion is introduced which allows to decide whether an existing hole must be removed or not for improving the cost function. Then, two numerical examples are presented: the first one compares topological optimization with standard shape optimization, and the second one, issued from a lake oxygenation problem, illustrates the use of the new asymptotic expansion.
Limb Muscle Formation Signals 917 Involvement of Muscle Connective Tissue in Muscle Patterning

Classically, somites have been the preparation of choice for the study of muscle development, while the limb bud is the preferred model of axis formation. Nevertheless, the limb bud offers some experimental advantages for muscle studies. This review describes the successive events involved in limb muscle formation during embryonic development, the properties of the key marker molecules and resumes our current knowledge of the signalling pathways involved.
Characterization of Inorganic Elements within PM2.5 and PM10 Fractions of Fly Ashes from Coal-Fired Power Plants

ABSTRACTIn this study 15 fly ash samples were collected from 15 large-scale coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) in China. The samples were then re-suspended through PM2.5 and PM10 inlets and analyzed for the contents of 39 inorganic elements (IEs) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results show that the particle size distributions for the 15 FAs samples exhibited bimodal patterns. The Ʃ39IEs (g g–1) for the PM2.5 (0.292–0.564) in all the 15 CFPPs were higher than that of PM10 (0.269–0.403). Except for Cu, all the other 38 IEs were more enriched in the PM2.5 with the PM2.5/PM10 ratios being 1.06–1.73. Considering 13 heavy metals, the same orders occurred between PM2.5 and PM10 with Al >> Cr > Zn > Mn > Cu > V > Pb > Sn > Co > As > Sb > Tl > Cd. More attention should be paid to the high contents of Cr in both PM2.5 (1310 mg g–1) and for PM10 (1240 mg g–1) from all 15 CFPPs. 23 IEs for PM10 and 26 IEs for PM2.5 had the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) values higher than 0, indicating different pollution levels for them. On the other hand, there was moderate to extreme levels of pollution for Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb, Sn, Sb, Tl, Cd and Al based on Igeo values. The element profiles for PM2.5 or PM10 from 15 CFPPs were similar based on low coefficients of divergence for PM2.5 (0.254 ± 0.038) and PM10 (0.244 ± 0.054) according to the comparison between any two CFPPs. Most elements with low relative enrichment factors (REF) as less than 0.70 or 0.70–1.30 indicated no or weak condensation occurred for them during coal combustion, while Cr, Cu, Zn, Sn, W and Pb had REF values higher than 1.30 indicated that significant condensation occurred for these elements.
Detection of Propaganda Using Logistic Regression

Various propaganda techniques are used to manipulate peoples perspectives in order to foster a predetermined agenda such as by the use of logical fallacies or appealing to the emotions of the audience. In this paper, we develop a Logistic Regression-based tool that automatically classifies whether a sentence is propagandistic or not. We utilize features like TF-IDF, BERT vector, sentence length, readability grade level, emotion feature, LIWC feature and emphatic content feature to help us differentiate these two categories. The linguistic and semantic features combination results in 66.16% of F1 score, which outperforms the baseline hugely.
FLOWS AT THE EDGE OF AN ACTIVE REGION: OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

Upflows observed at the edges of active regions have been proposed as the source of the slow solar wind. In the particular case of Active Region (AR) 10942, where such an upflow has been already observed, we want to evaluate the part of this upflow that actually remains confined in the magnetic loops that connect AR 10942 to AR 10943. Both active regions were visible simultaneously on the solar disk and were observed by STEREO/SECCHI EUVI. Using Hinode/EIS spectra, we determine the Doppler shifts and densities in AR 10943 and AR 10942 in order to evaluate the mass flows. We also perform magnetic field extrapolations to assess the connectivity between AR 10942 and AR 10943. AR 10943 displays a persistent downflow in Fe xii. Magnetic extrapolations including both ARs show that this downflow can be connected to the upflow in AR 10942. We estimate that the mass flow received by AR 10943 areas connected to AR 10942 represents about 18% of the mass flow from AR 10942. We conclude that the upflows observed on the edge of active regions represent either large-scale loops with mass flowing along them (accounting for about one-fifth of the total mass flow in this example) or open magnetic field structures where the slow solar wind originates.
Teachers Without Borders

Many states have responded to teacher shortages by granting certification to individuals traditionally prepared out-of-state; now, out-of-state prepared teachers comprise a sizable percentage of the teacher workforce in many states. We know little about these teachers, and therefore, in the present study, we estimate the effectiveness of out-of-state prepared teachers in North Carolina elementary schools. We find that out-of-state prepared teachers are significantly less effective than in-state prepared and alternative entry teachers; however, there is a substantial overlap in the distributions of effectiveness across groups. Upon testing hypotheses to explain these findings, results indicate that differences in human capital help explain out-of-state prepared teachers’ underperformance and suggest the utility of research evidence to inform state policy and local hiring decisions.
Optimal Physics Parameterization Scheme Combination of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model for Seasonal Precipitation Simulation over Ghana

Seasonal predictions of precipitation, among others, are important to help mitigate the effects of drought and floods on agriculture, hydropower generation, disasters, and many more. This work seeks to obtain a suitable combination of physics schemes of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for seasonal precipitation simulation over Ghana. Using the ERA-Interim reanalysis as forcing data, simulation experiments spanning eight months (from April to November) were performed for two different years: a dry year (2001) and a wet year (2008). A double nested approach was used with the outer domain at 50 km resolution covering West Africa and the inner domain covering Ghana at 10 km resolution. The results suggest that the WRF model generally overestimated the observed precipitation by a mean value between 3% and 64% for both years. Most of the scheme combinations overestimated (underestimated) precipitation over coastal (northern) zones of Ghana for both years but estimated precipitation reasonably well over forest and transitional zones. On the whole, the combination of WRF Single-Moment 6-Class Microphysics Scheme, Grell-Devenyi Ensemble Cumulus Scheme, and Asymmetric Convective Model Planetary Boundary Layer Scheme simulated the best temporal pattern and temporal variability with the least relative bias for both years and therefore is recommended for Ghana.
Initial tests of a new phantom for investigation of spatial resolution, partial volume effect and detectability in nuclear medicine tomography

A new phantom has been designed that can provide simultaneously different target to background activity ratios with a linearly changing diameter of lesions. The purpose of the study was to describe and perform initial measurements with the phantom aimed to characterize different nuclear medicine tomographic systems and reconstruction algorithms in their performance and behaviour concerning partial volume effect (PVE) and detectability by varying the acquisition parameters and the count statistics. The phantom has an external vessel whose outline is half-cylindrical and allows it to be incorporated into an anthropomorphic thorax phantom. The phantom itself contains 16 fillable cones with an inner diameter linearly decreasing from 16 mm to 2 mm and a wall thickness of 1 mm acrylic glass. They as well as the outer vessel were separately filled with 99mTc- and 18F-solutions respectively of different activity concentrations. The phantom was easy to fill and air bubbles could easily be avoided. Images taken using a SPECT/CT and a PET/CT system are presented as well as evaluations of PVE. The new phantom seems to be useful for comparison and optimisation of different acquisition and reconstruction parameters in nuclear medicine tomographic studies and for comparisons between various tomographic units.
Integrating Narratives into Decision Making for Complex Systems Engineering Design Problems

Engineering decision making and design requires collaboration between groups from different disciplines, each with different tools, vocabulary, and concerns. Traditional engineering decision-making tools are generally based on understanding the decision makers’ values, modeling uncertainty with probability, and selecting the alternative that maximizes utility. This rational approach to decision making may not be well understood or used by many people involved in the engineering design process. Narrative, a basic means of human communication, may aid in engineering communication and comprehension and help with decision making. Narratives include agents of change and events, and narratives usually have a timeline, purpose, and meanings that unfold over time. Systems engineering decision making can benefit from an interactive narrative system via three avenues: (i) by helping to connect the decision maker to the analysis, (ii) through the creation of engaging simulations for training and design, and (iii) by fostering consensus in problems with multiple stakeholders. This paper outlines how constructing narratives could improve engineering decision making. An illustrative example of
Red Pigment Concentrating Hormone Strongly Enhances the Strength of the Feedback to the Pyloric Rhythm Oscillator But Has Little Effect on Pyloric Rhythm Period

[PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , October 3, 2007; 27 (40): 10818-10831. J. Neurosci. J.-s. Wu, M. R. Due, K. Sasaki, A. Proekt, J. Jing and K. R. Weiss Generating Network State Dependence of Spike Timing and Neuronal Function in a Motor Pattern [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , December 1, 2007; 98 (6): 3206-3220. J Neurophysiol M. S. Kirby and M. P. Nusbaum Peptide Hormone Modulation of a Neuronally Modulated Motor Circuit [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , February 20, 2008; 28 (8): 1916-1928. J. Neurosci. K. Sasaki, J. Jing, M. R. Due and K. R. Weiss Switching in a Motor Network An Input-Representing Interneuron Regulates Spike Timing and Thereby Phase [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , June 1, 2008; 99 (6): 2844-2863. J Neurophysiol N. Spitzer, G. Cymbalyuk, H. Zhang, D. H. Edwards and D. J. Baro Frequency in Response to the Same Modulatory Challenge Serotonin Transduction Cascades Mediate Variable Changes in Pyloric Network Cycle [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , September 30, 2009; 29 (39): 12355-12367. J. Neurosci. N. D. DeLong, M. S. Kirby, D. M. Blitz and M. P. Nusbaum Comodulation of Motor Circuit Output Parallel Regulation of a Modulator-Activated Current via Distinct Dynamics Underlies
ON THE SYMMETRICAL PROPERTY OF PROCRUSTES MEASURE OF DISTANCE

Measurement the degree of difference between two matrices by using Procrustes analysis is preceded by a series of Euclidean similarity trans- formations namely translation, rotation, and dilation, performed in respected order, for gaining maximal matching. It is easy, by a counter example, to show that Procrustes measure does not obey the symmetrical property, something should be owned by any distance function. In this paper we analytically proved that normalization over configuration matrices as an additional transformation results in the satisfaction of the symmetrical property by Procrustes analysis. We also proved that normalization can be undertaken prior to or after rotation to preserve symmetrical property. Moreover, we proved that Procrustes mea- sure can be expressed in term of singular values of the matrix. We here very much exploited the characteristic of full singular value decomposition under similarity transformations.
Influence of Corporate Governance and Market Orientation on New Product Preannouncement: Evidence from Taiwan's Electronics Industry

This study examined companies’ willingness to issue new product preannouncements from the perspective of corporate governance and market orientation by applying a stratified sampling method with proportional allocation. Data collected from a questionnaire mailed to 900 companies yielded a valid sample of 127 firms in Taiwan’s electronics industry; structural equation modeling was utilized to test the model among the sample. The companies that had good corporate governance tended to demonstrate a market orientation and more willingness to share information with partners and customers; as such, they are more likely to communicate with customers and publish new product preannouncements. Thus, companies can choose to partner with firms with good corporate governance as they are more willing to share information, which is critical to companies’ strategic planning.
Theory of Valley Hall Conductivity in Graphene with Gap

The valley Hall conductivity, having opposite signs between the K and K′ valleys, is calculated in disordered monolayer graphene with gap. In ideal graphene without disorder, it is quantized into ±e2/2h within the gap and its absolute value decreases in proportion to the inverse of the Fermi energy in the band continuum. In the presence of scatterers, the Hall conductivity in the band continuum is strongly enhanced. This enhancement depends on explicit form of scattering potential even in the clean limit where the concentration and strength of scatterers are vanishingly small. Numerical calculations performed within the self-consistent Born approximation for scatterers with Gaussian potential and for charged impurities show that the valley Hall conductivity remains appreciable in the presence of large disorder and exhibits double-peak structure near zero energy.
ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT IN THE NANOMATERIALS PRODUCTION

In this study, the spray pyrolysis and hydrothermal production processes of nanostructured zinc oxide were compared in terms of health and environmental risk on a semi-industrial scale with a capacity of 2000 kg/year. For this, environmental release and human exposure to identified sources of pollution in each production process were modeled using the Chemical Screening Tool for Exposure and Environmental Release (ChemSTEER) software. Spray pyrolysis and hydrothermal were compared pairwisely by analytic hierarchy process (AHP), which is a multi-criteria decision-making model using health and environmental indicators. According to AHP results and box plot chart, hydrothermal process leads to a higher health and environmental median inverse risk compared with spray pyrolysis. Thus the synthesis of nanostructured zinc oxide by hydrothermal process is safer than spray pyrolysis. Due to the growing development of the various methods of the nanomaterials, we need to apply the safer methods and to have the least ecological risks in the production of the nanomaterials. These findings could be helpful for modifying the operation and reducing the ecological potential risks to scale up the existing pilot plant to an industrial unit.