Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photodynamic Therapy in Non-Gastrointestinal Thoracic Malignancies

Photodynamic therapy has a role in the management of early and late thoracic malignancies. It can be used to facilitate minimally-invasive treatment of early endobronchial tumours and also to palliate obstructive and bleeding effects of advanced endobronchial tumours. Photodynamic therapy has been used as a means of downsizing tumours to allow for resection, as well as reducing the extent of resection necessary. It has also been used successfully for minimally-invasive management of local recurrences, which is especially valuable for patients who are not eligible for radiation therapy. Photodynamic therapy has also shown promising results in mesothelioma and pleural-based metastatic disease. As new generation photosensitizers are being developed and tested and methodological issues continue to be addressed, the role of photodynamic therapy in thoracic malignancies continues to evolve.
Changes in gravitational forces induce the modification of Arabidopsis thaliana silique pedicel positioning

The laterals of both shoots and roots often maintain a particular angle with respect to the gravity vector, and this angle can change during organ development and in response to environmental stimuli. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the lateral organ gravitropic response are still poorly understood. Here it is demonstrated that the young siliques of Arabidopsis thalinana plants subjected to 3-D clinostat rotation exhibited automorphogenesis with increased growth angles between pedicels and the main stem. In addition, the 3-D clinostat rotation treatment significantly influenced the development of vascular bundles in the pedicel and caused an enlargement of gap cells at the branch point site together with a decrease in KNAT1 expression. Comparisons performed between normal and empty siliques revealed that only the pedicels of siliques with normally developing seeds could change their growth angle under the 3-D clinostat rotational condition, while the pedicels of the empty siliques lost the ability to respond to the altered gravity environment. These results indicate that the response of siliques to altered gravity depends on the normal development of seeds, and may be mediated by vascular bundle cells in the pedicel and gap cells at branch point sites.
Production of d-Aminoacylase from Alcaligenes denitrificans subsp. xylosoxydans MI-4

A bacterial strain that produces d-aminoacylase was isolated from soil and identified as Alcaligenes denitrificans subsp. xylosoxydans MI-4. l-Aminoacylase activity in this strain was only 1 to 2% of d-aminoacylase activity. d-Aminoacylase was inducibly produced. N-Acetyl-dl-leucine was the best inducer, and the d-isomer had the ability to induce the enzyme. Enzymatic resolution of N-acetyl-dl-methionine with the crude enzyme was carried out, and the d/l ratio in the resolved methionine was approximately 100/7, suggesting that resolution with crude enzymes may become possible by removing small amounts of the contaminated l-form with l-amino acid oxidase.
Fluoride Release by Glass Ionomer Cements, Compomer and Giomer

Background: To measure the amounts of fluoride released from fluoride-containing materials, four glass ionomer cements (Fuji IX, Fuji VII, Fuji IX Extra and Fuji II LC), a compomer (Dyract Extra) and a giomer (Beautifil) were used in this study. Methods: Twenty cylindrical specimens were prepared from each material. The amount of released fluoride was measured during the first week and on the days 14 and 21 by using specific fluoride electrode and an ionanalyzer. The results were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) and Tukey Kramer multiple comparison tests (p=0.05). Results: Significant differences were seen in fluoride release of different days and materials (p<0.05). The maximum cumulative fluoride release of days 1-7 was related to Fuji VII, followed by Fuji IX Extra, Fuji II LC, Fuji IX, Dyract Extra and Beautifil in descending order and this order remained the same until the 21st day. Conclusion: Fuji IX, Fuji VII, Fuji IX Extra, and Fuji II LC released higher amounts of fluoride compared to Beautifil and Dyract Extra in this study. It seems that the extent of the glass ionomer matrix plays an important role in determining the fluoride releasing ability of glass ionomer cement materials.
Structure-based viscosity model development for titania aluminosilicate slags

ABSTRACT Based on the structure of melts, a model has been developed that estimates the viscosity of the fully liquid melts in the CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2 systems. Three kinds of tetrahedral ([SiO4]4−, [AlO4]5−, and [TiO4]4−) are considered in the titania aluminosilicate slag. According to the hole theory of melts, this model provides a link between the viscosity and the structures of the melts. The present model is capable of predicting the viscosities in the CaO–MgO-–Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2 systems with wide composition and temperature ranges above liquidus; the average of relative errors for this model was approximately 20.0%. From the model calculation results, the addition of TiO2 decrease the viscosity of slag under non-reducing atmosphere. The ability of increasing viscosity follows the order: SiO2> Al2O3> TiO2> CaO. Due to the charge compensation and unit size effect, the replacement of TiO2 by Al2O3 will result in the increase of viscosity.
Leadership Style and Patient Safety: Implications for Nurse Managers

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between nurse manager (NM) leadership style and safety climate. BACKGROUND: Nursing leaders are needed who will change the environment and increase patient safety. Hospital NMs are positioned to impact day-to-day operations. Therefore, it is essential to inform nurse executives regarding the impact of leadership style on patient safety. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was conducted in 41 nursing departments across 9 hospitals. The hospital unit safety climate survey and multifactorial leadership questionnaire were completed by 466 staff nurses. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to determine how well leadership style predicted safety climate. RESULTS: Transformational leadership style was demonstrated as a positive contributor to safety climate, whereas laissez-faire leadership style was shown to negatively contribute to unit socialization and a culture of blame. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing leaders must concentrate on developing transformational leadership skills while also diminishing negative leadership styles.
Graphene-based 2D-heterostructures for terahertz lasers and amplifiers

This paper reviews recent advances in the terahertz (THz) graphene-based 2D-heterostructure lasers and amplifiers. The linear gapless graphene energy spectrum enables population inversion under optical and electrical pumping giving rise to the negative dynamic conductivity in a wide THz frequency range. We first theoretically discovered these phenomena and recently reported on the experimental observation of the amplified spontaneous THz emission and single-mode THz lasing at 100K in the current-injection pumped graphene-channel field-effect transistors (GFETs) with a distributedfeedback dual-gate structure. We also observed the light amplification of stimulated emission of THz radiation driven by graphene-plasmon instability in the asymmetric dual-grating gate (ADGG) GFETs by using a THz time-domain spectroscopy technique. Integrating the graphene surface plasmon polariton (SPP) oscillator into a current-injection graphene THz laser transistor is the most promising approach towards room-temperature intense THz lasing.
THE NuSTAR EXTRAGALACTIC SURVEYS: INITIAL RESULTS AND CATALOG FROM THE EXTENDED CHANDRA DEEP FIELD SOUTH

We present the initial results and the source catalog from the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) survey of the Extended Chandra Deep Field South (hereafter, ECDFS)—currently the deepest contiguous component of the NuSTAR extragalactic survey program. The survey covers the full ≈30′ × 30′ area of this field to a maximum depth of ≈360 ks ( ≈ 220 ? > ks when corrected for vignetting at 3–24 keV), reaching sensitivity limits of ≈ 1.3 × 10 − 14 erg s − 1 cm − 2 ? > (3–8 keV), ≈ 3.4 × 10 − 14 erg s − 1 cm − 2 ? > (8–24 keV), and ≈ 3.0 × 10 − 14 erg s − 1 cm − 2 ? > (3–24 keV). A total of 54 sources are detected over the full field, although five of these are found to lie below our significance threshold once contaminating flux from neighboring (i.e., blended) sources is taken into account. Of the remaining 49 that are significant, 19 are detected in the 8–24 keV band. The 8–24 to 3–8 keV band ratios of the 12 sources that are detected in both bands span the range 0.39–1.7, corresponding to a photon index range of Γ ≈ 0.5 − 2.3 ? > , with a median photon index of Γ ¯ = 1.70 ± 0.52 ? > . The redshifts of the 49 sources in our main sample span the range z = 0.21 − 2.7 ? > , and their rest-frame 10–40 keV luminosities (derived from the observed 8–24 keV fluxes) span the range L 10 − 40 keV ≈ ( 0.7 − 300 ) × 10 43 erg s − 1 ? > , sampling below the “knee” of the X-ray luminosity function out to z ∼ 0.8 − 1 ? > . Finally, we identify one NuSTAR source that has neither a Chandra nor an XMM-Newton counterpart, but that shows evidence of nuclear activity at infrared wavelengths and thus may represent a genuine, new X-ray source detected by NuSTAR in the ECDFS.
Faster absorption and higher systemic bioavailability of intranasal fentanyl spray compared to oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate in healthy subjects

Abstract Context: Intranasal fentanyl spray (INFS) was developed for the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients using an alternative route of administration. Objective: The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and bioavailability of INFS in healthy subjects compared to oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC). Materials and methods: In a randomized, single-center, open-label, two-way crossover PK study, 24 subjects (12 male, 12 female, mean age 25.2 years) received INFS (single-dose delivery system 200 μg/100 μl) and OTFC (buccal lozenge, 200 µg). Naltrexone was given to prevent potential adverse reactions. Frequent plasma samples were taken up to 96 h and analyzed by LC-MS/MS with a lower limit of quantitation of 25 pg/ml. Primary PK parameter was the area under the fentanyl plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0–inf). Results: Compared to OTFC, a much faster absorption rate was observed for INFS which was supported by the much earlier appearance of detectable fentanyl plasma levels and a shorter Tmax. At 15 min post-dose, the mean plasma fentanyl levels reached 602 pg/ml for INFS and 29 pg/ml for OTFC. Significantly higher Cmax and AUC values were obtained with INFS compared to OTFC. Although administered for 15 min, consumption of OTFC was incomplete in many incidences (∼70%) upon visual inspection. No safety concerns were identified for fentanyl administration in combination with oral naltrexone. Discussion and conclusion: One dose of INFS gives significantly higher plasma fentanyl levels and significantly higher bioavailability than OTFC based on dose-normalized AUC.
Autophagic removal of micronuclei

Macroautophagy is known to participate in the quality control and turnover of cytoplasmic organelles, yet there is little evidence that macroautophagy targets nuclei in mammalian cells. Here, we investigated whether autophagy may target micronuclei, which arise as a result of deficient bipolar chromosome segregation in cells exposed to cell cycle perturbations. After removal of several distinct cell cycle blockers (nocodazole, cytochalasin D, hydroxyurea or SP600125), cells manifested an increase in the frequency of micronuclei (positive for histone H2B-RFP) as well as an increase in autophagic puncta (positive for GFP-LC3) over several days. A small but significant percentage of micronuclei co-localized with GFP-LC3 in autophagy-competent cells and this co-localization was lost after knockdown of ATG5 or ATG7. Electron microscopy analyses confirmed autophagic sequestration of micronuclei. "Autophagic micronuclei" (GFP-LC3+) were also decorated with p62/SQSTM1, while non-autophagic (GFP-LC3-) micronuclei where p62/SQSTM1 negative. In addition, GFP-LC3+ micronuclei exhibited signs of envelope degradation and γH2AX+ DNA damage foci, yet stained less intensively for chromatin markers, whereas GFP-LC3- micronuclei were surrounded by an intact envelope and rarely exhibited markers or DNA damage. These results indicate that micronuclei can be subjected to autophagic degradation. Moreover, it can be speculated that removal of micronuclei may contribute to the genome-stabilizing effects of autophagy.
Bojungikki-Tang for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Bojungikki-tang (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang in Chinese or Hochu-ekki-to in Japanese) is a widely used herbal prescription in traditional medicine in China, Japan, and Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Bojungikki-tang for cancer-related fatigue. Methods: A total of 40 patients with cancer-related fatigue were randomized into an experimental or a waiting list control group. Patients in the experimental group were treated with Bojungikki-tang (TJ-41) and patients in the waiting list group remained without any intervention for 2 weeks. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in fatigue level assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale of Global Fatigue (VAS-F) measuring the severity of fatigue (experimental vs control: -1.1 ± 2.1 vs 0.1 ± 0.9, P < .05) and results of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-G), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Fatigue (FACT-F), and Trial Outcome Index—Fatigue (TOI-F) also showed significant improvements (FACT-G, 3.7 ± 9.9 vs -2.4 ± 9.5, P < .05; FACT-F,F, 8.0 ± 13.6 vs -2.2 ± 14.1, P < .05; TOI-F, 6.5 ± 9.2 vs -0.5 ± 10.9, P < .05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Bojungikki-tang may have beneficial effects on cancer-related fatigue and quality of lives in cancer patients. More rigorous trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of Bojungikki-tang.
Sympathetic cardioneuropathy in dysautonomias.

Background The classification of dysautonomias has been confusing, and the pathophysiology obscure. We examined sympathetic innervation of the heart in patients with acquired, idiopathic dysautonomias using thoracic positron-emission tomography and assessments of the entry rate of the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine into the cardiac venous drainage (cardiac norepinephrine spillover). We related the laboratory findings to signs of sympathetic neurocirculatory failure (orthostatic hypotension and abnormal blood-pressure responses associated with the Valsalva maneuver), central neural degeneration, and responsiveness to treatment with levodopa–carbidopa (Sinemet). Methods Cardiac scans were obtained after intravenous administration of 6-[18F]fluorodopamine in 26 patients with dysautonomia. Fourteen had sympathetic neurocirculatory failure — three with no signs of central neurodegeneration (pure autonomic failure), two with parkinsonism responsive to treatment with levodopa–carbidopa, and nine wit.
Broadband Antireflection Coating Design Performance Estimation

The application of a few basic principles, some empirical data, and experience is applied to estimate the average residual reflection expected in an AR coating as a function of bandwidth, wavelength, overall thickness, substrate index, available coating materials, and number of layers. This can be a useful tool for not only the thin film designer but also the non-designer or system engineer to predict the performance of an AR coating for a given application.
A Unique Ictal EEG Pattern in a Patient with the Coexistence of Generalized and Focal Epilepsy

The coexistence of focal and generalized epilepsy is rare. We report on a 17-year-old male with drug-resistant focal epilepsy and idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). He began to experience generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) at the age of 3 years, with a good response to phenobarbital. At the age of 14 years, he began to experience complex partial seizures (CPS). Video-electroencephalography (video-EEG) telemetry showed the coexistence of right temporal spikes and bursts of generalized spike-wave (GSW). The ictal EEG showed a unique EEG pattern characterized by a 4- to 5-second burst of GSW followed by rhythmic delta activity over the right temporal region. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed right hippocampal sclerosis. The patient underwent a right temporal lobectomy that significantly improved his seizure control. He was rendered seizure free of the complex partial seizures and improvement of the GTCS. This case illustrates a very uncommon ictal EEG pattern, and shows that the decision for surgery in patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy should not be affected by coexistent generalized epilepsy.
Industrial Management & Data Systems Explaining knowledge sharing with social capital theory in information systems development projects

Purpose – Owing to their complex and knowledge-intensive nature, information systems development (ISD) projects require effective collaboration between business and technology experts. In this regard, social capital theory may provide a valuable framework and insight into explaining knowledge sharing behavior in an ISD context. The purpose of this paper is to expand the theory of knowledge sharing as developed thus far in the ISD project context using the full-blown team social capital theory. Design/methodology/approach – The expertise and communication effectiveness of business and technology professionals were posited as antecedents of team social capital and knowledge sharing. The research model for this study integrates expertise, communication, knowledge sharing, social capital, and team performance into a structural equation modeling. The research model was empirically tested with a data set from business and technology professional pairs collected from 115 ISD project teams. Findings – The results indicated that team social capital and knowledge sharing have significant influences on team performance. Team social capital appears to have a stronger influence on knowledge sharing than business and technology expertise. Communication effectiveness and technology expertise are important antecedents to raise team social capital. Originality/value – In this study, the social capital theory is applied toward enhancing the theory of knowledge sharing in ISD project teams. General social capital construct and measures are adopted and modified into the team social capital measures and validated empirically.
Detecting and measuring small numbers of viable Coxiella burnetii.

Coxiella burnetii is an acidophilic, intracellular bacterium that causes the human disease Q fever. In some studies, it is important to distinguish between viable and nonviable C. burnetii. We compared four methods for detecting and measuring viable C. burnetii in biological samples as follows: growth in two different cell culture lines, infection of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice (leading to death) and infection of SCID mice with detection of C. burnetii in their spleen (after euthanasia at day 50 postinfection). Two isolates of C. burnetii were used ('Henzerling' and 'Arandale'). Our in-house qPCR assay for C. burnetii DNA was used as a control. SCID mouse inoculation was more sensitive than cell culture. The assay that detected C. burnetii in SCID mouse spleens was slightly more sensitive than SCID mice deaths alone. Approximately one viable C. burnetii cell could be detected by this method, making it suitable for determining the viability of C. burnetii in a sample.
The Innate Immune Response and Activation of Coagulation in α1,3-Galactosyltransferase Gene-Knockout Xenograft Recipients

Background. The role of the innate immune system in the development of thrombotic microangiopathy (TM) after α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO) pig organ transplantation in primates is uncertain. Methods. Twelve organs (nine hearts, three kidneys) from GTKO pigs were transplanted into baboons that received no immunosuppressive therapy, partial regimens, or a full regimen based on costimulation blockade. After graft failure, histologic and immunohistologic examinations were carried out. Results. Graft survival of less than 1 day was prolonged to 2 to 12 days with partial regimens (acute humoral xenograft rejection) and to 5 and 8 weeks with the full regimen (TM). Clinical or laboratory features of consumptive coagulopathy occurred in 7 of 12 baboons. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated IgM, IgG, and complement deposition in most cases. Histopathology demonstrated neutrophil and macrophage infiltrates, intravascular fibrin deposition, and platelet aggregation (TM). Grafts showed expression of primate tissue factor (TF), with increased mRNA levels, and TF was also expressed on baboon macrophages/monocytes infiltrating the graft. Conclusions. Our data suggest that (1) irrespective of the presence or absence of the adaptive immune response, early or late xenograft rejection is associated with activation of the innate immune system; and (2) porcine endothelial cell activation and primate TF expression by recipient innate immune cells may both contribute to the development of TM.
Hybrid electro-optics and chipscale integration of electronics and photonics

Taken together, theory-guided nano-engineering of organic electro-optic materials and hybrid device architectures have permitted dramatic improvement of the performance of electro-optic devices. For example, the voltage-length product has been improved by nearly a factor of 104 , bandwidths have been extended to nearly 200 GHz, device footprints reduced to less than 200 μm2 , and femtojoule energy efficiency achieved. This presentation discusses the utilization of new coarse-grained theoretical methods and advanced quantum mechanical methods to quantitatively simulate the physical properties of new classes of organic electro-optic materials and to evaluate their performance in nanoscopic device architectures, accounting for the effect on chromophore ordering at interfaces in nanoscopic waveguides.
Heritable victimization and the benefits of agonistic relationships

Here, we present estimates of heritability and selection on network traits in a single population, allowing us to address the evolutionary potential of social behavior and the poorly understood link between sociality and fitness. To evolve, sociality must have some heritable basis, yet the heritability of social relationships is largely unknown. Recent advances in both social network analyses and quantitative genetics allow us to quantify attributes of social relationships and estimate their heritability in free-living populations. Our analyses addressed a variety of measures (in-degree, out-degree, attractiveness, expansiveness, embeddedness, and betweenness), and we hypothesized that traits reflecting relationships controlled by an individual (i.e., those that the individual initiated or were directly involved in) would be more heritable than those based largely on the behavior of conspecifics. Identifying patterns of heritability and selection among related traits may provide insight into which types of relationships are important in animal societies. As expected, we found that variation in indirect measures was largely explained by nongenetic variation. Yet, surprisingly, traits capturing initiated interactions do not possess significant additive genetic variation, whereas measures of received interactions are heritable. Measures describing initiated aggression and position in an agonistic network are under selection (0.3 < |S| < 0.4), although advantageous trait values are not inherited by offspring. It appears that agonistic relationships positively influence fitness and seemingly costly or harmful ties may, in fact, be beneficial. Our study highlights the importance of studying agonistic as well as affiliative relationships to understand fully the connections between sociality and fitness.