Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Animal Fat Wastes for Biodiesel Production

Our society is highly dependent on petroleum for its activities. However, petroleum is a finite source and causes several environmental problems such as rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. About 90% is used as an energy source for transportation, heat and electricity generation, being the remaining sources used as feedstocks in the chemical industry (Carlsson, 2009). As demands for energy are increasing and fossil fuels are limited, research is directed towards alternative renewable fuels (Bhatti et al., 2008). High petroleum prices and the scarcity of known petroleum reserves demand the study of other sources of energy. In this context, agroindustrial wastes (animal fats, wood, manure) play an important role as energetic materials. Oils and fats are basically triacylglycerols (TAG) composed of three long-chain fatty acids. These triacylglycerols have higher viscosity and therefore cannot be used as fuel in common diesel engines. In order to reduce viscosity, triacylglycerols are converted into esters by transesterification reaction. By this means, three smaller molecules of ester and one molecule of glycerin are obtained from one molecule of fat or oil. Glycerin is removed as by-product and esters are known as biodiesel (Fazal et al., 2011). Biodiesel fuels are attracting increasing attention worldwide as a blending component or a direct replacement for diesel fuel in vehicle engines. Biodiesel consists of a mixture of fatty acid (chain length C14-C22) alkyl esters, derived from a renewable lipid feedstock, such as vegetable oil or animal fat. In the case when methanol or ethanol are used as reactants, it will be a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) or fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), respectively. However, methanol is commonly and widely used in biodiesel production due to its low cost and availability. Other alcohols such as isopropanol and butyl may also be used. A key quality factor for the primary alcohol is the water content, which interferes with the transesterification reactions and can result in poor yields and high level of soap, free fatty acids (FFA) and TAG in the final fuel (Demirbas, 2009a; Lam et al., 2010). Biodiesel is a low-emission diesel substitute fuel made from renewable resources and waste lipid. The most common way to produce biodiesel is through transesterification, especially
The ambivalence of trust/distrust in innovative team

Trust and distrust are separate and distinct constructs and they can coexist. However, distrust in team has been researched less than has trust, and few researches have been done on the dynamics of ambivalence of trust and distrust within innovative team and the relation with innovative team performance. Most of the trust-related research appears to position trust as a variable that has direct (main) effects on work group process and performance. But there are still some researchers argue that trust could operate on group performance indirectly through a moderating role. Following Dirks, we will analyze whether trust/distrust will moderate the relationship between constructive controversy and team innovation. In other words, trust increases the likelihood that determinants of constructive controversy will actually result in favorable innovation; distrust decreases the likelihood.
Language Contact: Morphosyntactic Analysis of Surzhyk Spoken in Central Ukraine

The term ‘surzhyk’ comes from Russian denoting a mixture of wheat and rye flour; adulterated wheat flour (Ushakov 1940). Now Surzhyk is used to denote the Russian-Ukrainian language mixture. The word has a negative connotation and opposes the language mixture with varieties of language perceived as pure, such as the standard variety. According to Bilaniuk (2004), current public discourse associates Surzhyk with parochialism, lack of education, and a low culture. The purpose of this research is to categorize this spoken linguistic variety by examining its morphosyntactic structure, and to identify what elements in the data are indicative of language mixing and what can be attributed to other contact phenomena such as codeswitching and lexical borrowing. Although in public discourse the term Surzhyk is used broadly to indicate anything from occasional borrowing to language mixing, in this paper I will give a more precise characterization of Surzhyk by evaluating its structure with respect to two language classification models: Matrix Language Frame model (Myers-Scotton 2002) and Auer’s continuum (1999). Since there exist some other Ukrainian dialects not generated by contact with Russian, ethnographers and anthropologists use the term Surzhyk to indicate a language variety in which the grammar of Ukrainian — phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexicon — contains Russian-influenced elements which are not present in the Standard Ukrainian language (Flier 1998, Bilaniuk 2004). Long coexistence of Ukrainian and Russian and language policies implemented by the Russian Empire and the Soviet government created favorable conditions for development of the mixed language variety. In the second section of the paper I will identify the differences between Russian and Ukrainian that are relevant for the analysis of Surzhyk. In the third part I will highlight previous research done on Surzhyk. In the fourth part I will describe two theoretical models which will be used for the analysis of Surzhyk. In the fifth part of the paper I will introduce the methodology of the research (5.1); detail the analysis of Surzhyk collected in Central Ukraine (5.2) by examining agreement markers (5.2.1), verbal derivational affixes (5.2.2), discourse markers (5.2.3), verbs of motion (5.2.4); and talk about codeswitching versus lexical
Milestones in normal tissue radiation biology over the past 50 years: From clonogenic cell survival to cytokine networks and back to stem cell recovery

Purpose: To illustrate the progress in normal tissue radiation biology over the last five decades and its impact on radiotherapy. Materials and methods: Major milestones over the last 50 years and their consequences for radiation oncology are described: The identification of clonogenic cell survival and the (target) stem cell concept, the dissociation between early and late responding tissues with regard to dose fractionation and development of the linear-quadratic model, characterisation of the effect of overall treatment time, the definition of retreatment tolerance. Current knowledge of mechanisms of radiation pathogenesis is a basis for most recent approaches for amelioration of normal tissue effects. Results: Advances in radiobiological research in normal tissues in the last 50 years have had a major impact on radiation oncology. This includes the linear-quadratic model to adjust doses in altered fractionation protocols, and quantitation of repopulation processes to avoid toxicities in accelerated regimen. Based on new insights into the pathogenesis of normal tissue radiation effects, promising strategies for their modulation, e.g., with cytokines or by stem cell therapy, have been developed. Conclusions: Research on radiobiology with relevant in vivo models, and relevant treatment protocols is essential for the further progress in radiation oncology.
Optical transparency of a heterogeneous pan-European network

We have experimentally shown that the physical design of a transparent network should be tailored to both the network topology and the network traffic matrix. For a pan-European network for which 85% of the traffic was shorter than 2000 km, almost all connections may be transparent; with very simple engineering rules (erbium-doped fiber amplifiers only, no power equalization except for the per-band equalization in the node, constant static dispersion management whatever the ingress and egress nodes, and whatever the wavelength.). We have also experimentally shown how dispersion management should take into account unavoidable inaccuracies that are to be found in the field.
On-line patterned wafer thickness control of chemical-mechanical polishing

We present a gauge study of an on-line metrology system for chemical-mechanical polishing and a 600 wafer run by run (RbR) control experiment enabled by on-line wafer measurement. The variability, reliability, and accuracy of the on-line metrology system are found to be very good. We show that a simple control approach provides a root-mean-squared error of less than 100 A. In contrast, using pilot wafers and sheet film equivalents to control a process results in a 39% decrease in performance, and that using fewer sites may increase variability and lead to an incorrect controlled thickness. We outline how an 8%–80% improvement in throughput, as well as several reductions in cost of ownership, are possible using on-line metrology in conjunction with run by run control.
Role of specific simian virus 40 sequences in the nuclease-sensitive structure in viral chromatin

A nuclease-sensitive region forms in chromatin containing a 273-base-pair (bp) segment of simian virus 40 DNA encompassing the viral origin of replication and early and late promoters. We have saturated this region with short deletion mutations and compared the nuclease sensitivity of each mutated segment to that of an unaltered segment elsewhere in the partially duplicated mutant. Although no single DNA segment is required for the formation of a nuclease-sensitive region, a deletion mutation (dl45) which disrupted both exact copies of the 21-bp repeats substantially reduced nuclease sensitivity. Deletion mutations limited to only one copy of the 21-bp repeats had little, if any, effect. A mutant (dl135) lacking all copies of the 21- and 72-bp repeats, while retaining the origin of replication and the TATA box, did not exhibit a nuclease-sensitive region. Mutants which showed reduced nuclease sensitivity had this effect throughout the nuclease-sensitive region, not just at the site of the deletion, indicating that although multiple determinants must be responsible for the nuclease-sensitive chromatin structure they do not function with complete independence. Mutant dl9, which lacks the late portion of the 72-bp segment, showed reduced accessibility to BglI, even though the BglI site is 146 bp away from the site of the deletion.
A 68-kDa Kinase and NADPH Oxidase Component p67 Are Targets for Cdc42Hs and Rac1 in Neutrophils (*)

Cdc42Hs and Rac1 are members of the Ras superfamily of small molecular weight (p21) GTP binding proteins. Cdc42Hs induces filopodia formation in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts while Rac1 induces membrane ruffling. Rac1 also activates superoxide production by the components (cytochrome b, p40, p67, and p47) of the neutrophil oxidase. To isolate target proteins involved in these signaling pathways, we have probed proteins from neutrophil cytosol immobilized on nitrocellulose with Cdc42Hs labeled with [-P]GTP. Cdc42Hs probe detected binding protein(s) of 66-68 kDa in neutrophil cytosol. Rac1 probe also detected the 66-68-kDa proteins, suggesting the possibility that p67 may be a binding protein for both of these p21 proteins. Indeed, Cdc42Hs and Rac1 were found to bind specifically to purified recombinant p67 but not the other oxidase components. A 68-kDa Cdc42Hs binding protein was purified from neutrophil cytosol and found to be related to the recently described p65 kinase from brain. These results suggest that the p68 kinase and p67 are targets for Cdc42Hs and Rac1 in neutrophils.
The effects of proximity to a subtidal channel on habitat utilization of intertidal oyster reefs

Habitat use may differ with certain landscape characteristics such as patch quality and size, the presence of corridors, the connectivity of the landscape, and proximity to other habitats. In estuarine systems, intertidal oyster reefs are an important habitat whose functions may be explained by landscape theories. Proximity to other structured habitat has been shown to affect utilization of oyster reefs by both resident and transient species. Reef proximity to subtidal channels and upper intertidal areas, the source areas for transient and resident fauna, respectively, may be an important factor affecting reef utilization. This study tested whether proximity to subtidal channels influenced utilization of intertidal oyster reefs and whether microhabitat utilization varied within reef edge areas. Enhanced densities of finfish and decapods were seen around reefs at all distances compared with unstructured sandflats. Total abundances were higher over the reef interface (sand edges) compared to over shell, however smaller individuals of dominant species (juvenile Lagodon rhomboides and juvenile Leiostomus xanthurus) were found using reef interior shell to a greater extent than larger individuals, which used sand edge and sandflat areas. Reef residents showed no variation in abundance based on distance from a channel. Fundulus heteroclitus and larval L. rhomboides were the only transient species to show a distance effect, with higher abundances at reefs nearest the subtidal channel. Certain infaunal taxa were more abundant closer to channel, and total infaunal abundance was lower around reefs compared with sandflat areas in August 2005. Results indicate continuous use of reefs during tidal submergence by transients and few distance effects on associated fauna. Although patch location may not be an important consideration for restoration and management of intertidal oyster reefs over the scale examined, the presence of reefs provides habitat for associated fauna between subtidal channels and higher intertidal areas.
Improving the efficiency of variational tensor network algorithms

We present several results relating to the contraction of generic tensor networks and discuss their application to the simulation of quantum many-body systems using variational approaches based upon tensor network states. Given a closed tensor network T, we prove that if the environment of a single tensor from the network can be evaluated with computational cost κ, then the environment of any other tensor from T can be evaluated with identical cost κ. Moreover, we describe how the set of all single tensor environments from T can be simultaneously evaluated with fixed cost 3κ. The usefulness of these results, which are applicable to a variety of tensor network methods, is demonstrated for the optimization of a multiscale entanglement renormalization Ansatz for the ground state of a one-dimensional quantum system, where they are shown to substantially reduce the computation time.
Effect of Saturated Fatty Acid Consumption on Energy and Nutrient Intake and Blood Lipid Levels in Preschool Children

In this article the effects of saturated fatty acid (SFA) consumption on energy and nutrient intake, and on a range of serum lipid parameters (indicators of cardiovascular risk) are reported in a group of 110 preschool children. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: high consumption (HC), in which ≧13% (20th percentile) of total energy came from SFAs, and low consumption (LC), in which SFAs provided <13% of energy intake. Food intake was monitored for 7 consecutive days. At participating day care centers, a ‘precise individual weighing’ method was used, while a ‘food intake record’ was kept for foods taken at home. At the blood level it was found that HC subjects showed higher HDL-cholesterol levels and better HDL-cholesterol/LDL-cholesterol ratios than did LC subjects. The greater intakes of riboflavin, iodine, zinc, magnesium and calcium seen in HC subjects suggest that these may have a better nutritive status (with respect to certain nutrients) than LC subjects. The development of criteria for providing the greatest protection against cardiovascular disease, while maintaining good nutritive condition, should be the subject of future studies. This is especially important in children of preschool age since nutritional deficiencies at this stage in life can have important effects on growth and health.
Misidentification of clinical yeast isolates by using the updated Vitek Yeast Biochemical Card

The Vitek Yeast Biochemical Card (YBC) is widely used as a rapid identification (RI) (within 48 h) system for clinical yeast isolates. We compared the RI results obtained by the YBC technique with matched results obtained with the API 20C system. The RI of germ tube-negative yeasts isolated from 222 clinical specimens was performed with the YBC system, and the results were compared with those of standard identifications obtained by using the API 20C system and morphology, with additional biochemical reactions performed as required. Commonly isolated yeasts (Candida albicans [n = 29], Candida tropicalis [n = 40], Torulopsis [Candida] glabrata [n = 28], Candida parapsilosis [n = 12], and Cryptococcus neoformans [n = 14]) were generally well identified (115 of 123 [93%] identified correctly, with only C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. neoformans mis- or unidentified more than once). The RI of less commonly isolated yeasts included in the YBC database, however, was less successful (54 of 99 [55%] correct). The YBC card failed to identify 42% (10 of 24) of Candida krusei isolates, 80% (4 of 5) of Candida lambica isolates, 88% (7 of 8) of Trichosporon beigelii isolates, and 83% (10 of 12) of Cryptococcus isolates (non-C. neoformans species). For most identification failures (79%; 42 of 53) there was no identification by the end of 48 h; the other identification failures (21%; 11 of 53) gave definite but incorrect identifications. Of eight rare clinical yeast isolates not included in the Vitek database, six were correctly, not identified, while two (25%) were falsely assigned a definite RI (one Hansenula fabianii isolate was identified as Rhodotorula glutinis, and one Hansenula isolate [non-Hansenula anomala] was identified as Hansenula anomala). While the Vitek YBC rapidly and adequately identifies common yeast isolates, it fails in the RI of more unusual organisms.
The effect of sheep (Ovis aries) presence on the abundance of ticks (Ixodes ricinus)

Abstract The distribution of ticks is increasing in many parts of the world, including Norway. It has been suggested that this is linked to climate change while the role of different land use practices appears less clear. Here, we investigate the variation in abundance of questing ticks on the west coast of Norway and relate this to the presence of sheep, a tick host that also modifies the landscape through grazing. We found that questing tick abundance was higher in areas without sheep, suggesting that sheep alter vegetation in turn reducing tick survival. However, we cannot exclude that other mechanisms may also lead to reduced abundance of questing ticks; sheep may negatively affect the local density of red deer which is an important alternative host. In any case, sheep farming may contribute to limiting the local abundance of questing ticks and related diseases.
Periodic fever syndromes: a diagnostic challenge for the allergist

The objective was to present a case of periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA), summarize the medical literature on PFAPA, review the differential diagnosis and suggest a diagnostic approach to periodic fevers in children. A PubMed search was conducted for all case reports and series of patients with PFAPA. The references of these papers yielded further case reports. Review articles or large case series were used for sources of information regarding the other periodic fever and autoinflammatory syndromes. All cases reported as PFAPA were included in the review, even though a few of the cases may not have been accurately diagnosed. The periodic fever and autoinflammatory syndromes of childhood are a group of diseases that cause repeated febrile illnesses with various associated symptoms. Except for PFAPA, each of these diseases is caused by a known genetic mutation. Effective treatment options and long‐term prognosis varies among these syndromes. Children with periodic fever or autoinflammatory syndromes sometimes present to an Allergy/Immunology clinic for immunologic evaluation. It is important for the Allergy/Immunology specialist to be familiar with the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and treatment of these conditions.
Trade Liberalization and Wage Inequality in the Philippines

We examine the role of trade liberalization in accounting for increasing wage inequality in the Philippines from 1994 to 2000--a period over which trade protection declined and inequality increased dramatically. Using the approach of Ferreira, Leite, and Wai-Poi (2007), we find that trade-induced effects on industry wage premia and industry-specific skill premia account for an economically insignificant increase in wage inequality. A more substantial role for trade liberalization comes through trade-induced employment reallocation effects whereby reductions in protection appear to have led to a shift of employment to more protected sectors, especially services where wage inequality tended to be high to begin with. Nevertheless, the key drivers of wage inequality appear to be changes in economy-wide returns to education and changes in industry membership over and above those accounted for by our estimates of trade-induced employment reallocation effects. In order for trade liberalization to account for a relatively large portion of the increases in wage inequality, it would have to be a major determinant of the changes in economy-wide returns to education.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) A*1101-Restricted Epstein-Barr Virus–Specific T-cell Receptor Gene Transfer to Target Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinomas contain Epstein-Barr virus, with potentially immunogenic target epitopes. An HLA A*1101–restricted T-cell receptor (TCR) with specificity for LMP2 was cloned, could activate both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and inhibited tumor growth in a mouse model. Infusing virus-specific T cells is effective treatment for rare Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–associated posttransplant lymphomas, and more limited success has been reported using this approach to treat a far more common EBV-associated malignancy, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, current approaches using EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines to reactivate EBV-specific T cells for infusion take 2 to 3 months of in vitro culture and favor outgrowth of T cells targeting viral antigens expressed within EBV+ lymphomas, but not in NPC. Here, we explore T-cell receptor (TCR) gene transfer to rapidly and reliably generate T cells specific for the NPC-associated viral protein LMP2. We cloned a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) A*1101-restricted TCR, which would be widely applicable because 40% of NPC patients carry this HLA allele. Studying both the wild-type and modified forms, we have optimized expression of the TCR and demonstrated high-avidity antigen-specific function (proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine release) in both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. The engineered T cells also inhibited LMP2+ epithelial tumor growth in a mouse model. Furthermore, transduced T cells from patients with advanced NPC lysed LMP2-expressing NPC cell lines. Using this approach, within a few days large numbers of high-avidity LMP2-specific T cells can be generated reliably to treat NPC, thus providing an ideal clinical setting to test TCR gene transfer without the risk of autoimmunity through targeting self-antigens. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(10); 1138–47. ©2015 AACR.