Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facile synthesis of monodisperse SrAl2O4:Eu2+ cage-like microspheres with an excellent luminescence quantum yield

Commercial LED phosphors are usually prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method and a subsequent ball milling process, which often results in non-uniform size distributions, irregular shape and impurity contamination of the phosphors. In this work, the SrAl2O4:Eu2+ cage-like microspheres with a uniform size distribution and excellent photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) are prepared by an epoxide-driven sol–gel route and subsequent heat treatment in a reducing atmosphere. This unique cage-like microstructure not only makes better use of the excited light but also significantly increases the PL quenching concentration of the Eu2+ ions. The optimum internal QY of the SrAl2O4:Eu2+ cage-like microspheres is measured to be up to 94.94%, much higher than the highest internal QY (55%) of the SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphors reported so far. The approach may be readily applied to prepare other lanthanide ions doped cage-like microspheres, implying a new route for preparing highly efficient PL phosphors with regular shape and uniform particle size.
Hypogonadism in patients with acromegaly: data from the multi‐centre acromegaly registry pilot study

Because acromegaly is an uncommon disorder, epidemiological data regarding the demographics of the disease such as the prevalence of hypogonadism have been limited. In order to derive clinical and epidemiological information, including underlying hormonal factors, regarding hypogonadism in patients with acromegaly, we performed a pilot study designed to develop a multi‐centre acromegaly patient registry.
A pair of transmembrane receptors essential for the retention and pigmentation of hair

Hair follicles are simple, accessible models for many developmental processes. Here, using mutant mice, we show that Bmpr2, a known receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmps), and Acvr2a, a known receptor for Bmps and activins, are individually redundant but together essential for multiple follicular traits. When Bmpr2/Acvr2a function is reduced in cutaneous epithelium, hair follicles undergo rapid cycles of hair generation and loss. Alopecia results from a failure to terminate hair development properly, as hair clubs never form, and follicular retraction is slowed. Hair regeneration is rapid due to premature activation of new hair‐production programs. Hair shafts differentiate aberrantly due to impaired arrest of medullary‐cell proliferation. When Bmpr2/Acvr2a function is reduced in melanocytes, gray hair develops, as melanosomes differentiate but fail to grow, resulting in organelle miniaturization. We conclude that Bmpr2 and Acvr2a normally play cell‐type‐specific, necessary roles in organelle biogenesis and the shutdown of developmental programs and cell division. genesis 1–18, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Procedural Safety and Short-Term Outcome of Ambulatory Carotid Stenting

Background and Purpose— Ambulatory procedures increase patient comfort and enhance cost-effectiveness. We sought to determine the feasibility and safety of ambulatory carotid stenting. Methods— A selected group of patients was admitted and discharged the same day after the carotid stenting procedure. Immediate and short-term outcomes are reported. Results— A total of 98 ambulatory carotid stenting procedures (98 hemispheres in 92 patients) were performed. There were 66 men (72%), and the mean age was 70±9 years. Of the patients, 28% had neurological symptoms related to the treated artery within 3 months before the procedure. Sixteen percent of the patients had prior carotid endarterectomy, 4% had prior ipsilateral neck radiation, and 8% had complete occlusion of the contralateral internal carotid artery. Successful access site hemostasis was ensured in all patients with suture-mediated vascular closure devices in 96 (98%) and manual compression in 2. Clinical follow-up was available for 96% of the patients at a mean time of 6±4 months. There were no neurological events, deaths, repeated procedures, or major access site complications. Conclusions— Ambulatory carotid stenting is both safe and feasible. This approach will enhance the applicability of the procedure by increasing patient comfort and potentially reducing procedural costs.
A General Edit Distance between RNA Structures

Arc-annotated sequences are useful in representing the structural information of RNA sequences. In general, RNA secondary and tertiary structures can be represented as a set of nested arcs and a set of crossing arcs, respectively. Since RNA functions are largely determined by molecular confirmation and therefore secondary and tertiary structures, the comparison between RNA secondary and tertiary structures has received much attention recently. In this paper, we propose the notion of edit distance to measure the similarity between two RNA secondary and tertiary structures, by incorporating various edit operations performed on both bases and arcs (i.e., base-pairs). Several algorithms are presented to compute the edit distance between two RNA sequences with various arc structures and under various score schemes, either exactly or approximately, with provably good performance. Preliminary experimental tests confirm that our definition of edit distance and the computation model are among the most reasonable ones ever studied in the literature.
Efficient subtyping of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Yersinia enterocolitica is an enteropathogen that has recently and rapidly expanded over the world. There is a close correlation between the biotypes, serotypes, and phage types of the strains, making it virtually impossible to distinguish isolates of the same serotype with the classical phenotypic markers. In the present study, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to compare the NotI genomic profile (i.e., pulsotype) of 20 strains each of serotypes O:3, O:9, and O:5. Eleven, 12, and 18 different pulsotypes were obtained, respectively, indicating that this technique is very efficient for subtyping pathogenic isolates of Y. enterocolitica. Within strains of serotype O:5, PFGE differentiated two subgroups that corresponded to two biotypes (biotypes 1A and 3). Comparison of the pulsotypes of three strains of biotype 3 and serotype O:3 (referred to as 3/O:3) with those of strains 4/O:3 and 3/O:5 suggested that the pulsotype is closer to the biotype than to the serotype. The pulsotypes of five pairs of strains isolated from the same patient or siblings were also analyzed. In four pairs, the two strains displayed identical pulsotypes, indicating that PFGE might be a powerful epidemiological tool. In the fifth pair, one restriction fragment differed, suggesting that genomic polymorphism may occur in vivo in Y. enterocolitica. Finally, the in vitro genomic stabilities of one strain each of Y. enterocolitica O:3, O:9, and O:5 were investigated. The pulsotypes of 10 isolated colonies were identical within each strain, indicating that in vitro, the genome of Y. enterocolitica is much more stable than that of Y. pestis.
Density functional study of amorphous, liquid and crystalline Ge2Sb2Te5: homopolar bonds and/or AB alternation?

The amorphous, liquid and crystalline phases of the phase change material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) have been studied by means of density functional/molecular dynamics simulations. The large sample (460 atoms and 52 vacancies in the unit cell) and long simulations (hundreds of picoseconds) provide much new information. Here we extend our original analysis (2007 Phys. Rev. B 76 235201) in important ways: partial coordination numbers and radial distribution functions, bond angle distributions, new local order parameters, vibration frequencies, and the charges on atoms and vacancies. The valence band densities of states in amorphous and crystalline GST are compared with ones from x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The results for the liquid phase are new and those for the crystalline phase much expanded. GST shows pronounced AB alternation (A: Ge, Sb; B: Te), especially in its amorphous phase, and ABAB squares play a central role in the amorphous to crystalline transition. We comment on earlier speculations concerning the nature of the amorphous to crystalline transition.
Fine-scale genetic structure among genetic individuals of the clone-forming monotypic genus Echinosophora koreensis (Fabaceae).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS For rare endemics or endangered plant species that reproduce both sexually and vegetatively it is critical to understand the extent of clonality because assessment of clonal extent and distribution has important ecological and evolutionary consequences with conservation implications. A survey was undertaken to understand clonal effects on fine-scale genetic structure (FSGS) in two populations (one from a disturbed and the other from an undisturbed locality) of Echinosophora koreensis, an endangered small shrub belonging to a monotypic genus in central Korea that reproduces both sexually and vegetatively via rhizomes. METHODS Using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) as genetic markers, the spatial distribution of individuals was evaluated using Ripley's L(d)-statistics and quantified the spatial scale of clonal spread and spatial distribution of ISSR genotypes using spatial autocorrelation analysis techniques (join-count statistics and kinship coefficient, F(ij)) for total samples and samples excluding clones. KEY RESULTS A high degree of differentiation between populations was observed (phi(ST(g)) = 0.184, P < 0.001). Ripley's L(d)-statistics revealed a near random distribution of individuals in a disturbed population, whereas significant aggregation of individuals was found in an undisturbed site. The join-count statistics revealed that most clones significantly aggregate at < or = 6-m interplant distance. The Sp statistic reflecting patterns of correlograms revealed a strong pattern of FSGS for all four data sets (Sp = 0.072-0.154), but these patterns were not significantly different from each other. At small interplant distances (< or = 2 m), however, jackknifed 95% CIs revealed that the total samples exhibited significantly higher F(ij) values than the same samples excluding clones. CONCLUSION The strong FSGS from genets is consistent with two biological and ecological traits of E. koreensis: bee-pollination and limited seed dispersal. Furthermore, potential clone mates over repeated generations would contribute to the observed high F(ij) values among genets at short distance. To ensure long-term ex situ genetic variability of the endangered E. koreensis, individuals located at distances of 10-12 m should be collected across entire populations of E. koreensis.
Unilateral injection of botulinum toxin in blepharospasm: Single fiber electromyography and blink reflex study

We studied six patients affected with blepharospasm (BSP). We injected botulinum toxin (BTX) around only one eye and saline solution around the other. Clinical rating of BSP was performed. Single fiber electromyography (SFEMG), compound motor action potential (cMAP) at the orbicularis oculi muscle by stimulation of the facial nerve, blink reflex, and blink reflex recovery curve were recorded. All clinical and electrophysiological investigations were carried out before, and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after treatment. Evidence of bilateral clinical benefit was provided. Following therapy, facial cMAP decreased bilaterally and SFEMG revealed statistically significant changes on both sides while the excitability curve of blink reflex remained unmodified. The results confirm that BTX affects merely the neuromuscular junctions. The clinical and neurophysiological effects are present on both sides also for unilateral injection probably because of toxin spreading.
The IMADA-AVER Boundary Layer Experiment in the Mexico City Area

Abstract A boundary layer field experiment in the Mexico City basin during the period 24 February–22 March 1997 is described. A total of six sites were instrumented. At four of the sites, 915-MHz radar wind profilers were deployed and radiosondes were released five times per day. Two of these sites also had sodars collocated with the profilers. Radiosondes were released twice per day at a fifth site to the south of the basin, and rawinsondes were flown from another location to the northeast of the city three times per day. Mixed layers grew to depths of 2500–3500 m, with a rapid period of growth beginning shortly before noon and lasting for several hours. Significant differences between the mixed-layer temperatures in the basin and outside the basin were observed. Three thermally and topographically driven flow patterns were observed that are consistent with previously hypothesized topographical and thermal forcing mechanisms. Despite these features, the circulation patterns in the basin important for the.
The properties of cooling flows in X-ray luminous clusters of galaxies

We discuss the X-ray properties of the cooling flows in a sample of 30 highly X-ray luminous clusters of galaxies, observed using the ASCA and ROSAT satellites. We demonstrate the need for multiphase models to consistently explain the spectral and imaging X-ray data for the clusters. The mass deposition rates of the cooling flows, independently determined from the ASCA spectra and ROSAT images, exhibit good agreement and exceed 1000 M⊙ yr−1 in the largest systems. We confirm the presence of intrinsic X-ray absorption in the clusters using a variety of spectral models. The measured equivalent hydrogen column densities of absorbing material are sensitive to the spectral models used in the analysis, varying from average values of a few 1020 atom cm−2 for a simple isothermal emission model, to a few 1021 atom cm−2 using our preferred cooling flow models, assuming in each case that the absorber lies in a uniform foreground screen. The true intrinsic column densities are likely to be even higher if the absorbing medium is distributed throughout the clusters. We summarize the constraints on the nature of the X-ray absorber from observations in other wavebands. Much of the X-ray absorption may be caused by dust.
Thiosulfate Mediates Cytoprotective Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide Against Neuronal Ischemia

Background Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exhibits protective effects in various disease models including cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. Nonetheless, mechanisms and identity of molecules responsible for neuroprotective effects of H2S remain incompletely defined. In the current study, we observed that thiosulfate, an oxidation product of H2S, mediates protective effects of an H2S donor compound sodium sulfide (Na2S) against neuronal I/R injury. Methods and Results We observed that thiosulfate in cell culture medium is not only required but also sufficient to mediate cytoprotective effects of Na2S against oxygen glucose deprivation and reoxygenation of human neuroblastoma cell line (SH‐SY5Y) and murine primary cortical neurons. Systemic administration of sodium thiosulfate (STS) improved survival and neurological function of mice subjected to global cerebral I/R injury. Beneficial effects of STS, as well as Na2S, were associated with marked increase of thiosulfate, but not H2S, in plasma and brain tissues. These results suggest that thiosulfate is a circulating “carrier” molecule of beneficial effects of H2S. Protective effects of thiosulfate were associated with inhibition of caspase‐3 activity by persulfidation at Cys163 in caspase‐3. We discovered that an SLC13 family protein, sodium sulfate cotransporter 2 (SLC13A4, NaS‐2), facilitates transport of thiosulfate, but not sulfide, across the cell membrane, regulating intracellular concentrations and thus mediating cytoprotective effects of Na2S and STS. Conclusions The protective effects of H2S are mediated by thiosulfate that is transported across cell membrane by NaS‐2 and exerts antiapoptotic effects via persulfidation of caspase‐3. Given the established safety track record, thiosulfate may be therapeutic against ischemic brain injury.
Bipartite Promoter Element Required for Auxin Response1[C][W][OA]

Multiple mechanisms have been described for coordination of responses to the plant hormones auxin and brassinosteroids (Zhang et al., 2009). One unexplained phenomenon is the reliance of the auxin transcriptional response on a functional brassinosteroid pathway. In this study, we used luciferase reporters to interrogate the promoter of SMALL AUXIN-UP RNA15 (SAUR15), a well-characterized auxin and brassinosteroid early response gene in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). After identifying a minimal region sufficient for auxin response, we targeted predicted cis-regulatory elements contained within this sequence and found a critical subset required for hormone response. Specifically, reporter sensitivity to auxin treatment required two elements: a Hormone Up at Dawn (HUD)-type E-box and an AuxRE-related TGTCT element. Reporter response to brassinosteroid treatment relied on the same two elements. Consistent with these findings, the transcription factors BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1-EMS SUPPESSOR1 and MONOPTEROS (MP)/ AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR5 (ARF5) showed enhanced binding to the critical promoter region containing these elements. Treatment with auxin or brassinosteroids could enhance binding of either transcription factor, and brassinosteroid enhancement of MP/ARF5 binding required an intact HUD element. Conservation of clustered HUD elements and AuxRE-related sequences in promoters of putative SAUR15 orthologs in a number of flowering plant species, in combination with evidence for statistically significant clustering of these elements across all Arabidopsis promoters, provided further evidence of the functional importance of coordinated transcription factor binding.
Microstructural Evolution and Dynamic Partitioning Behavior in Quenched and Partitioned Steels

Direct quenching and dynamic partitioning (DQ&P) process is a promising approach and there continues to be lack of understanding concerning cooling condition in the hot strip rolling line. Here, the authors have simulated DQ&P process in low carbon Si–Mn steel using a thermal simulator. The effect of quenching temperature, relaxation process, and cooling rate on microstructure and hardness is studied. The results suggest that retained austenite is less sensitive to quenching temperature and the volume fraction of retained austenite including film‐like and blocky shape is ≈7–11%. The relaxation process leads to ferrite transformation and recovery of defects, resulting in increase in retained austenite, and reduced hardness. It is interesting that the quenching temperature and hardness do not show an inverse relation. It is important that the isothermal transformation at high quenching temperature below Ms promotes retained austenite. Moreover, the low coiling cooling rate less than 0.1 °C s−1 from quenching temperature to room temperature is adequate for carbon partitioning. In the view of thermodynamics and kinetics, an appropriate processing window of coiling temperature between 200 and 320 °C plus low cooling rate less than 0.1 °C s−1 is proposed for hot rolled DQ&P steels.
Linear time decoding of real-field codes over high error rate channels

This paper proposes a novel algorithm for decoding real-field codes over erroneous channels, where the encoded message is corrupted by sparse errors, i.e., impulsive noise. The main problem of decoding such a corrupted encoded message is to reconstruct the error vector; recently, a common way to reconstruct it is to find the sparsest solution to an underdetermined system that is constructed using a paritycheck matrix. Unlike the conventional approaches reconstructing the high-dimensional error vector directly, the proposed method crossly recovers the elements of error vector from two (or several) groups of low-dimensional equations. Compared with the traditional algorithms, the proposed method can decode an encoded message with a much higher corruption rate. Furthermore, the complexity of our method is linear, which is much lower than those of the traditional methods. The experimental results verified the high error correction ability and speed of the proposed method.
The complex of words and Nakaoka stability

We give a new simple proof of the exactness of the complex of injective words and use it to prove Nakaoka's homology stability for symmetric groups. The methods are generalized to show acyclicity in low degrees for the complex of words in "general position". Hm(§ni1;Z) = Hm(§n;Z) for n=2 > m where §n denotes the permutation group of n elements. An elementary proof of this fact has not been available in the literature. In the first section the complex C⁄(m) of abelian groups is studied which in de- gree n is freely generated by injective words of length n. The alphabet consists of m letters. The complex C⁄(m) has the only non vanishing homology in degree m (Theorem 1). This is a result of F.D. Farmer (3) who connected it to properties of the associated poset of injective words and its CW-complex. Then, considering the action of the permutation group on the alphabet, a hyperho- mology argument is used to deduce Nakaoka stability. In the second section - independent from the first - more general complexes of words are shown to have vanishing homology in low degrees. The proof is analogous to Theorem 1. A very general setting is used but the essential application is to the complex of words consisting of vectors in general position over a finite field. In fact this complex is shown to become exact in some fixed degree and fixed dimension of the vector space if only the base field has enough elements. This could be of interest for example for Suslin's GL-stability (8) which works up to now only over infinite fields.
Feasibility of caregiver-directed home-based hand-arm bimanual intensive training: A brief report

Abstract Objective: To determine feasibility of a home-based, intensive bimanual intervention with children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: Eleven children (aged 29–54 months) received 90 hours of home hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy (H-HABIT) provided by their trained caregivers. Parenting stress levels and compliance were monitored using the Parenting Stress Index and daily logs. Quality of bimanual performance and changes in performance/satisfaction of functional goals were assessed using the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), respectively, at two pretreatment baseline sessions and two posttreatment sessions (immediate and six months). Results: Ten children completed the study with caregivers completing on average 85.6 hours of H-HABIT. Daily logs indicated high caregiver compliance. Stress levels remained stable across the intervention. Children demonstrated significant improvements in the AHA and COPM. Conclusion: H-HABIT is a feasible intervention for improving hand function and merits further investigation in a randomized-control trial.