Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Confirmation on the size-dependence of Young's modulus of single crystal silicon from the TEM tensile tests

With the developed process, four MEMS tensile testing chips of <110>-oriented single crystal silicon (SCS) nanobeams were achieved in one SOI wafer with thickness from 45 to 100nm. Mounting the chips onto a custom made TEM sample holder, which integrated also comb drives and force sensor beam, in-situ TEM tensile tests were carried out. The measured Young's modulus (from 74Gpa to 178Gpa) is in agreement well with our previous results of tensile tests in SEM. A simple model was constructed to explain the behaviors of the Young's modulus by tensile tests, resonance tests and pull-in tests since all datas approach to ∼75 GPa when the nanobeam's thickness close to 40nm.
Effects of Optimized Heart Failure Therapy and Anemia Correction with Epoetin β on Left Ventricular Mass in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: In chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, the presence and degree of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) correlates with mortality. Previous studies have shown that interventions, such as anemia correction or treatment of hypertension and/or chronic heart failure (CHF), can result in moderate regression of LVH. The primary objective of our study was to investigate the effects of a multi-interventional treatment strategy on LVH in HD patients. Methods and Results: In a series of 202 consecutive HD patients, we combined optimized CHF therapy, including β-blockers (BB), ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), to target doses with full anemia correction by epoetin β (hemoglobin (Hb) target males 14.5 g/dl, females 13.5 g/dl). Serial echocardiograms were recorded every 3–6 months. Mean follow-up was 3.4 ± 1.2 years. Mean Hb at baseline was 11.4 ± 1.4 vs. 14.6 ± 1.6 g/dl (p < 0.001) at study end. There was a significant reduction in left ventricular mass index (LVMI, 159 ± 65 vs. 132 ± 46 g/m2 (p < 0.001)), an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, 60 ± 15 vs. 66 ± 12% (p < 0.01)) and in NYHA class (2.8 ± 0.76 vs. 1.96 ± 0.76 (p < 0.01)) from baseline to follow-up in the overall study population. In a subgroup of 70 patients, LVMI returned to normal (169 ± 33 vs. 114 ± 14 g/m2 (p < 0.001)) after 1.4 ± 1 years. Conclusions: Our study shows that optimized CHF therapy, in combination with anemia correction to normal Hb targets, results in a significant reduction of LVH, an increase in LVEF and an improvement in NYHA class. Moreover, in contrast to previous studies, our data also demonstrate that complete regression and prevention of LVH in HD patients is possible.
Assessing the Impacts of Urbanization on Sex Ratios of Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta)

Turtles are particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of urbanization due to low mobility and a life history strategy emphasizing long generation times and high adult survival. In addition to declines directly through habitat loss, urbanization has been hypothesized to limit populations of aquatic turtles through changes in population structure, as adult females are disproportionally killed on and near roads, leading to male-biased populations, which can lead to population declines or local extirpations. The purpose of this study was to better understand how urbanization impacts the sex ratios of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) in an urban ecosystem, as empirical results linking male-biased turtle populations to roads and urbanization are mixed. Using eight years of trapping data from a long-term monitoring program in a suburb of Chicago, IL, USA, we report one of the most male-biased populations ( x ¯ = 75% male) of turtles in the USA, consistent with prevailing road mortality hypotheses. However, we found no evidence that male-biased populations were related to road density or the amount of protected area around a sampling location and found that impervious surface (a metric of urbanization) was weakly related to less male-biased populations. Our results highlight the importance of replicating ecological studies across space and time and the difficulty in assessing population structure in aquatic turtles. We suggest that active conservation measures may be warranted for the continued persistence of urban turtle populations.
Evidence for Hydraulic Vulnerability Segmentation and Lack of Xylem Refilling under Tension1[OPEN]

Direct, noninvasive observations of embolism formation and repair reveal a lack of refilling under negative pressure and a xylem hydraulic vulnerability segmentation in grapevine. The vascular system of grapevine (Vitis spp.) has been reported as being highly vulnerable, even though grapevine regularly experiences seasonal drought. Consequently, stomata would remain open below water potentials that would generate a high loss of stem hydraulic conductivity via xylem embolism. This situation would necessitate daily cycles of embolism repair to restore hydraulic function. However, a more parsimonious explanation is that some hydraulic techniques are prone to artifacts in species with long vessels, leading to the overestimation of vulnerability. The aim of this study was to provide an unbiased assessment of (1) the vulnerability to drought-induced embolism in perennial and annual organs and (2) the ability to refill embolized vessels in two Vitis species X-ray micro-computed tomography observations of intact plants indicated that both Vitis vinifera and Vitis riparia were relatively vulnerable, with the pressure inducing 50% loss of stem hydraulic conductivity = −1.7 and −1.3 MPa, respectively. In V. vinifera, both the stem and petiole had similar sigmoidal vulnerability curves but differed in pressure inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (−1.7 and −1 MPa for stem and petiole, respectively). Refilling was not observed as long as bulk xylem pressure remained negative (e.g. at the apical part of the plants; −0.11 ± 0.02 MPa) and change in percentage loss of conductivity was 0.02% ± 0.01%. However, positive xylem pressure was observed at the basal part of the plant (0.04 ± 0.01 MPa), leading to a recovery of conductance (change in percentage loss of conductivity = −0.24% ± 0.12%). Our findings provide evidence that grapevine is unable to repair embolized xylem vessels under negative pressure, but its hydraulic vulnerability segmentation provides significant protection of the perennial stem.
Class-D power amplifier with RF pulse-width modulation

Single-ended (monopolar) and push-pull (bipolar) power amplifiers (PAs) are based upon complementary class-D PAs. The radio-frequency pulse-width modulation (RFPWM) waveform is produced in software and downloaded to a programmable-waveform generator. The PAs operate at 500 kHz and produce peak outputs of 100 W (monopolar) and 187 W (bipolar) with 85-percent efficiency. These amplifiers exhibit excellent linearity; IM products for single-tone AM and two-tone signals are about 40 dB below the desired sidebands. High efficiency is maintained over a dynamic range of 13 to 15 dB. This results in average efficiencies of 84 percent for signals with peak-to-average ratios up to 6 dB and 80 percent for a peak-to-average ratio of 10 dB. RFPWM also produces a clean output spectrum in which the spurious products are well removed from the desired signal.
Priority setting for new technologies in medicine: qualitative case study

Abstract Objective: To describe priority setting for new technologies in medicine. Design: Qualitative study using case studies and grounded theory. Setting: Two committees advising on priorities for new technologies in cancer and cardiac care in Ontario, Canada. Participants: The two committees and their 26 members. Main outcome measures: Accounts of priority setting decision making gathered by reviewing documents, interviewing members, and observing meetings. Results: Six interrelated domains were identified for priority setting for new technologies in medicine: the institutions in which the decision are made, the people who make the decisions, the factors they consider, the reasons for the decisions, the process of decision making, and the appeals mechanism for challenging the decisions. Conclusion: These domains constitute a model of priority setting for new technologies in medicine. The next step will be to harmonise this description of how priority setting decisions are made with ethical accounts of how they should be made.
The importance of FLT3 mutational analysis in acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Activating mutations in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), including internal tandem duplications (ITDs) and tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations, are common in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FLT3-ITD is a negative prognostic factor that remains prognostically relevant even after intensive chemotherapy and/or stem cell transplant. FLT3 testing was historically viewed as being purely prognostic; however, with the advent of FLT3 inhibitors, it will likely be seen as both prognostic and predictive. The multikinase inhibitor midostaurin, in combination with chemotherapy, is the first targeted agent to significantly prolong survival in patients with newly diagnosed FLT3-mutated AML and was recently approved by health authorities. Recently, the European LeukemiaNet recommended FLT3 testing (both TKD and ITD) for all patients with AML, with results required within 3 days. The need for optimized, multigene platform testing incorporating FLT3 mutations will increase as knowledge of interactions between FLT3 and other myeloid-relevant mutations grows.
Spatial Data Usage, Spatial Thinking and Spatial Knowledge Generation: The Case of Planning Practitioners in Arequipa, Peru

Abstract Spatial thinking and spatial knowledge generation in decision-making are still not mature fields of study in planning research, despite these being crucial elements in addressing the issues of the twenty-first-century city. This article contributes to their understanding by exploring their interrelationships with spatial data usage. Through storylines, it analyzes the arguments that planning practitioners offer in support of infrastructure-led decisions in Arequipa (Peru), before and after spatial data usage. The article concludes that spatial data usage improve spatial thinking to different extents, yet suggests aligning spatial data generation and the inclusion of GIS-based spatial analyses with the spatial knowledge needed by routine planning practice.
Serological Investigation on Leptospirosis in Clinically Ailing Goats

1 Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Navsari Agricultural University, Eru cross road, Navsari-396 450, Gujarat, India. 2 Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Navsari Agricultural University, Eru cross road, Navsari-396 450, Gujarat, India 3 TVCC, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Navsari Agricultural University, Eru cross road, Navsari-396 450, Gujarat, India. 4 Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Navsari Agricultural University, Eru cross road, Navsari-396 450, Gujarat, India *Corresponding author
Relationship between reactive nitrogen intermediates and total immunoglobulin E, soluble CD21 and soluble CD23: comparison between cerebral malaria and nonsevere malaria

To search for evidence of a protective role of the CD23/NO pathway against cerebral malaria, concentrations of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) and sCD21, total immunoglobulin (Ig)E and sCD23 were compared between 17 cases of cerebral malaria and 33 controls. The geometric mean of sCD23 concentration was higher among cerebral malaria cases than among controls (optical density 2643/1495, P = 0·01). The ratio between sCD21 and sCD23 was significantly lower in cerebral malaria cases than in controls (0·67 ± 0·02 versus 0·77 ± 0·02, respectively, P = 0·009). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that, among cerebral malaria cases, there was a clear correlation between RNI and both IgE (P = 0·007) and sCD21 (P < 0·0001). Among controls, there was a strong negative correlation between RNI and sCD23 concentrations (r = −0·61, P < 0·0001). However, multivariate analysis unmasked the fact that, in controls, there was also a positive correlation between RNI and IgE (P = 0·045). Logistic regression showed that increased RNI concentrations were associated with a cerebral malaria adjusted odds ratio of 1·05 per unit increase [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·006–1·1, P = 0·02] and that an increased ratio between sCD21 and sCD23 was associated with protection from cerebral malaria (adjusted OR = 0·00001 per unit increase (95% CI 0–0·03, P = 0·005). These different immunological profiles suggest that, among controls, the CD23/NO pathway was chronically stimulated whereas, in cerebral malaria, its stimulation was acute, which could explain why some patients developed cerebral malaria and others did not.
Can transcranial direct current stimulation be useful in differentiating unresponsive wakefulness syndrome from minimally conscious state patients?

PURPOSE Disorders of consciousness (DOC) diagnosis relies on the presence or absence of purposeful motor responsiveness, which characterizes the minimally conscious state (MCS) and the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), respectively. Functional neuroimaging studies have raised the question of possible residual conscious awareness also in clinically-defined UWS patients. The aim of our study was to identify electrophysiological parameters, by means of a transcranial magnetic stimulation approach, which might potentially express the presence of residual networks sustaining fragmentary behavioral patterns, even when no conscious behavior can be observed. METHODS We enrolled 25 severe DOC patients, following post-anoxic or traumatic brain injury and 20 healthy individuals (HC) as control group. Baseline electrophysiological evaluation evidenced, in comparison to HC, a partial preservation of cortical effective connectivity and excitability in clinically defined MCS, whereas these components were absent in clinically defined UWS. Then, we applied an anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) protocol over the orbitofrontal cortex. RESULT a-tDCS was able to boost cortical connectivity and excitability in all HC, MCS, and to unmask such excitability/connectivity in some UWS patients. CONCLUSION a-tDCS could be useful in identifying residual connectivity markers in clinically-defined UWS, who may lack of purposeful behavior as a result of a motor-output failure.
Dalbavancin and telavancin: novel lipoglycopeptides for the treatment of Gram-positive infections

Two glycopeptide analogues of vancomycin and teicoplanin have been developed with improved pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters. Dalbavancin was derived from teicoplanin, and telavancin is a derivative of vancomycin. The half-life of dalbavancin in humans is 147–258 h (6–11 days) allowing for weekly administration. Dalbavancin possesses more potent in vitro activity than vancomycin or teicoplanin. Dalbavancin has been investigated in uncomplicated and complicated skin and skin structure infections (SSSIs) in clinical trials and has demonstrated equivalent or superior (versus vancomycin only) efficacy versus comparators. Telavancin exhibits a dual mechanism of action, low potential for resistance development and is active against resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Clinical trials involving SSSIs have demonstrated equivalent or superior (versus vancomycin for MRSA) efficacy compared with a standard therapy. Both telavancin and dalbavancin show promise as alternative treatments for patients with serious infections caused by resistant Gram-positive pathogens.
“Messin’ With Drugs…You Could Lose Your Life”: the Effect of Victimization on Routine Activities and Risk Management

Recommended Citation Vecchio, J. Michael. 2010. “Messin’ with drugs.you could lose your life”: The effect of victimization on routine activities and risk management. In Men’s Drug Use and ReEntry Challenges in St. Louis: The Role and Impact of the Gateway Foundation, ed. Jody Miller. Research report submitted to the Gateway Foundation, the Missouri Department of Corrections, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
Use of dobutamine stress echocardiography in detecting silent myocardial ischaemia in asymptomatic diabetic patients: a comparison with thallium scintigraphy and exercise testing

Aims Silent myocardial ischaemia is frequent in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of thallium‐201 single‐photon emission computed tomography (201Tl SPECT) coupled with exercise stress testing (EST), and dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in the detection of asymptomatic coronary artery disease.
Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Stroke

OBJECTIVE To review the current role of transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of stroke. DATA IDENTIFICATION Articles examining the role of transesophageal echocardiography for evaluation of patients with stroke were identified using computer and bibliography searches. STUDY SELECTION All English-language articles that provided full details on patient selection criteria, methods, and study design were reviewed. RESULTS OF DATA ANALYSIS Cardiogenic embolism is frequently an uncertain diagnosis merely inferred by finding a potential cardiac source. Transthoracic echocardiography has had a low yield in screening unselected patients with stroke. Several series of patients with stroke have been reported comparing transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Potential cardiac sources of embolism were consistently identified in many more patients by transesophageal echocardiography. Many findings are, however, of uncertain significance; these include spontaneous echo contrast, patent foramen ovale, filamentous strands on the mitral valve, and atrial septal aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS Transesophageal echocardiography is most helpful in patients with stroke who are less than 45 years of age and in those without clinical evidence of heart disease. The indications for its use in the evaluation of stroke remain controversial. Further studies are needed using transesophageal echocardiography in patients with stroke and in control groups, not only to determine the natural history of transesophageal, echocardiographically detected abnormalities but also to evaluate treatment options.
CELLULOSE SYNTHASE INTERACTIVE1 Is Required for Fast Recycling of Cellulose Synthase Complexes to the Plasma Membrane in Arabidopsis

Rapid recycling of cellulose synthase in plants under stress is dependent on CELLULOSE SYNTHASE INTERACTIVE1- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Plants are constantly subjected to various biotic and abiotic stresses and have evolved complex strategies to cope with these stresses. For example, plant cells endocytose plasma membrane material under stress and subsequently recycle it back when the stress conditions are relieved. Cellulose biosynthesis is a tightly regulated process that is performed by plasma membrane-localized cellulose synthase (CESA) complexes (CSCs). However, the regulatory mechanism of cellulose biosynthesis under abiotic stress has not been well explored. In this study, we show that small CESA compartments (SmaCCs) or microtubule-associated cellulose synthase compartments (MASCs) are critical for fast recovery of CSCs to the plasma membrane after stress is relieved in Arabidopsis thaliana. This SmaCC/MASC-mediated fast recovery of CSCs is dependent on CELLULOSE SYNTHASE INTERACTIVE1 (CSI1), a protein previously known to represent the link between CSCs and cortical microtubules. Independently, AP2M, a core component in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, plays a role in the formation of SmaCCs/MASCs. Together, our study establishes a model in which CSI1-dependent SmaCCs/MASCs are formed through a process that involves endocytosis, which represents an important mechanism for plants to quickly regulate cellulose synthesis under abiotic stress.
A multicenter trial of 6-mercaptopurine and prednisone in children with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Clinical experience suggests that 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is effective therapy for children with active steroid-dependent Crohn's disease (CD). We report the results of a prospective, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial evaluating the combination of 6-MP and prednisone as therapy for children with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe CD. METHODS Fifty-five children (age, 13+/-2 years) were randomized to treatment with 6-MP (1.5 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) or placebo within 8 weeks of initial diagnosis. Both groups also received prednisone (40 mg/day). Prednisone dosage adjustments were based on a defined schedule determined by the change in a subject's disease activity score, and steroid administration was discontinued as remission was achieved. Study treatment with 6-MP or placebo continued for 18 months. RESULTS Groups were comparable for age, sex, and site and activity of disease. In the 6-MP group, the duration of steroid use was shorter (P<0.001) and the cumulative steroid dose lower at 6, 12, and 18 months (P<0.01). Although remission was induced in 89% of both groups, only 9% of the remitters in the 6-MP group relapsed compared with 47% of controls (P = 0.007). Growth was comparable in both groups. No clinically significant adverse events occurred, although mild leukopenia and increases in aminotransferase activity were noted in the 6-MP group. CONCLUSIONS Addition of 6-MP to a regimen of corticosteroids significantly lessens the need for prednisone and improves maintenance of remission. 6-MP should be part of the initial treatment regimen for children with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe CD.
Appearance of the Retina With Full-Field Optical Coherence Tomography.

PURPOSE To interpret full-field optical coherence tomography (FFOCT) images of ex vivo retina. METHODS Flatmounted retinas of human, primate, pig, sheep, rat, and mouse were imaged using FFOCT. To identify retinal ganglion and amacrine cells, fixed samples immunolabeled against Tuj1 and Brn3a or live samples labeled in vitro with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were analyzed by combining FFOCT, fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM), and fluorescence-FFOCT. To investigate postmortem tissue changes, time series were acquired over 48 hours and on fresh versus fixed tissue. RESULTS With FFOCT, cell types and features such as nerve fiber bundles and RGC somas were resolved without use of contrast agents at 1-μm xyz resolution. Cell somas in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) in large mammals appeared predominantly bright with dark contours, while in rodents, GCL somas appeared dark with bright contours. RGC axon to soma junctions could be traced in the three-dimensional (3D) image stacks. Time series revealed undulation of retinal tissue samples over 48 hours, though no degradation of individual cells was detected, while paraformaldehyde fixation caused increased scattering and shrinkage. CONCLUSIONS Full-field OCT reveals micrometric morphologic detail in the retina without the use of contrast agents. We observed interspecies differences in optical properties of GCL somas. Fixation significantly alters retinal transparency hence reducing the visibility of microscopic features.