Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deposition of two natural clays on a Pt surface using potentiostatic and spin-coating techniques: a comparative study

Abstract Two natural clays (kaolinite and montmorillonite) were deposited onto a platinum electrode surface using two deposition techniques and under different experimental variables. For both clays, the percentages of surface coverage (%y) were optimized in the 75-96% range. A greater surface coverage was observed at higher temperatures for both clays, which confirms the endothermic nature of the deposition process. The maximum surface coverage (96%) was achieved for kaolinite. The surface coverage of kaolinite on a platinum electrode was constant for deposition times between 6 and 20 h. A surface coverage of 91% with montmorillonite particles was achieved. There was a very small increase in surface coverage by increasing the concentration of clay in the modified solution. The maximum surface coverage was observed under acidic conditions and smaller coverage values were reported for neutral and basic solutions. For both clays, a complete surface coverage for the electrode surface was achieved using the spin-coating technique. The experimental variables that affect the deposition of the clay, such as the stoichiometric ratio of clay/PVC and centrifugation speed and time, were studied and optimized to obtain full surface coverage. The spincoating method achieved the required durability and stability for the modified-electrode. The characterization showed that the metallic surface chemistry of the platinum electrode was totally suppressed. Both modified electrodes were found to be useful for determination of Ag(I) ion with a detection limit as small as 1.00×10-10 м. The analytical precision was also satisfactory (RSD <5.0%).
Particle production in interactions of 200 GeV/nucleon oxygen and sulfur nuclei in nuclear emulsion.

Oxygen and sulfur nuclei with energies of 200 GeV/nucleon have been allowed to interact in nuclear emulsions exposed at CERN. These emulsions have been scanned with a minimum bias so that essentially all the interactions occurring were detected. Nearly 1000 interactions of each projectile have been analyzed. We present results on the multiplicity distributions, the pseudorapidity distributions, and the fragmentation of the projectile and target nuclei. It is shown that the mean number of intranuclear collisions in each interaction, calculated from a superposition model, provides a useful parameter for organizing the data. We conclude that there are no significant deviations even at these energies from models, such as the VENUS model, describing the interactions as being the superposition of individual nucleon-nucleon collisions.
In primiparous sows, plasma insulin-like growth factor-I can be affected by lactational feed intake and dietary energy source and is associated with luteinizing hormone.

During a 21-day lactation period, 48 primiparous sows were fed a fat- or a starch-rich diet (131 g fat and 183 g starch + sugar x kg(-1) vs. 31 g fat and 351 g starch + sugar x kg(-1)) at a high or a low level of feeding (44 vs. 33 MJ net energy per day) according to a factorial design. Blood samples were collected at days 7, 14, 21, 22 (weaning), 24, 25, 26, and 27 post-partum (p.p.). IGF-I levels were higher with the starch-rich than with the fat-rich diet at days 7, 21, 22, and 24 p.p. Plasma IGF-I concentrations on day 22 p.p. were positively related with LH pulse frequency on day 22 p.p. and the height of the pre-ovulatory LH surge. Sows with low body weight at farrowing and high lactational body weight loss had lower plasma IGF-I concentrations than others, before and after weaning. These results indicate that IGF-I concentrations are affected by both feeding level and dietary energy source and are related to the secretion of LH. Furthermore, body weight at farrowing interacts with lactational body weight loss to affect IGF-I concentrations.
Collaborative Brokerage, Generative Creativity, and Creative Success

Analyzing data on utility patents from 1975 to 2002 in the careers of 35,400 collaborative inventors, this study examines the influence of brokered versus cohesive collaborative social structures on an individual's creativity. We test the hypothesis that brokerage—direct ties to collaborators who themselves do not have direct ties to each other—leads to greater collaborative creativity. We then test interaction hypotheses on the marginal benefits of cohesion, when collaborators have independent ties between themselves that do not include the individual. We identify the moderators of brokerage and argue for contingent benefits, based on the interaction of structure with the attributes, career experiences, and extended networks of individuals and their collaborators. Using a social definition of creative success, we also trace the development of creative ideas from their generation through future use by others. We test the hypothesis that brokered ideas are less likely to be used in future creative efforts. The results illustrate how collaborative brokerage can aid in the generation of an idea but then hamper its diffusion and use by others.
Cure trends in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: is it time for a revised concept of cure?

In this issue of Haematologica, Gatta et al. describe cure trends for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were diagnosed between 1982 and 2002, analyzing data obtained from various cancer registries across Europe. [1][1] The good news is that the projected proportion
Magnetic resonance noise measurements and signal‐quantization effects at very low noise levels

The well‐known noise distributions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data (Rayleigh, Rician, or non‐central chi‐distribution) describe the probability density of real‐valued (i.e., floating‐point) signal intensities. MR image data, however, is typically quantized to integers before visualization or archiving. Depending on the scaling factors applied before the quantization and the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), very low noise levels with substantial artifacts due to the quantization process can occur. The purpose of this study was to analyze the consequences of the signal quantization, to determine the theoretical absolute lower limit for noise measurements in discrete data, and to evaluate an improved method for noise and SNR measurements in the presence of very low noise levels. Image data were simulated with original noise levels of between 0.02 and 2.00. Noise measurements were performed based on the properties of background and foreground data using the conventional approach, which exploits the standard deviation or mean value of the signal, and a maximum‐likelihood approach based on the relative frequencies of the observed discrete signal intensities. Substantial deviations were found for the conventionally determined noise levels, while noise levels comparable to or lower than the quantization error can be accurately estimated with the proposed maximum‐likelihood approach. Magn Reson Med 60:1477–1487, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a Plasmid-Encoded Gene fromHaemophilus ducreyi Which Confers NAD Independence

ABSTRACT Members of the family Pasteurellaceae are classified in part by whether or not they require an NAD supplement for growth on laboratory media. In this study, we demonstrate that this phenotype can be determined by a single gene, nadV, whose presence allows NAD-independent growth of Haemophilus influenzae andActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. This gene was cloned from a 5.2-kb plasmid which was previously shown to be responsible for NAD independence in Haemophilus ducreyi. When transformed intoA. pleuropneumoniae, this cloned gene allowed NAD-independent growth on complex media and allowed the utilization of nicotinamide in place of NAD on defined media. Sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1,482 bp that is predicted to encode a protein with a molecular mass of 55,619 Da. Compared with the sequence databases, NadV was found to have significant sequence homology to the human pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor PBEF and to predicted proteins of unknown function identified in the bacterial species Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Shewanella putrefaciens, Synechocystis sp. , Deinococcus radiodurans, Pasteurella multocida, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. P. multocida and A. actinomycetemcomitans are among the NAD-independent members of the Pasteurellaceae. Homologues of NadV were not found in the sequenced genome of H. influenzae, an NAD-dependent member of thePasteurellaceae, or in species known to utilize a different pathway for synthesis of NAD, such as Escherichia coli. Sequence alignment of these nine homologues revealed regions and residues of complete conservation that may be directly involved in the enzymatic activity. Identification of a function for this gene in thePasteurellaceae should help to elucidate the role of its homologues in other species.
The Importance of Learning Style in End-User Training

The importance of effective training in ensuring the success of end-user computing (EUC) has been emphasized by several researchers in information systems. A vast amount of evidence from research in related areas such as educational psychology suggests that individual differences, such as learning style, may affect users learning about a new EUC software package. This article reports the findings of a series of studies that examine the influence of a novice's learning style in learning typical EUC tools such as spreadsheets and electronic mail. A consistent pattern of findings emerges that indicates that learning modes is an important predictor of learning performance, both by itself and in interaction with training methods. The findings suggest that in the design of training, it is essential to match training methods to individual difference variables. Based on these findings, guidelines are recommended for IS professionals involved in EUC training and further research directions are discussed.
Non‐heart beating organ donation: overview and future perspectives

New indications for organ transplantation combined with a stagnating number of available donor grafts have severely lengthened the waiting list for almost all types of transplantations. This has led to a renewed interest in non‐heart beating (NHB) donation, as a possible solution to bridge the gap between supply and demand. In this review, we present an overview of current NHB donation practice, outcome, existing problems and future perspectives. We focus on possible improvements in donor management, recipient care and new methods of organ preservation that may be better suited for these marginal organs. Successful institution of NHB protocols depends on adapting current transplantation practice at all levels, which is one of the greatest challenges for researchers and professionals in this interesting re‐emerging field.
Do Echocardiographic Parameters Predict Mortality in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease?

Background Left ventricular function predicts cardiovascular mortality both in the general population and those with end-stage renal disease. Echocardiography is commonly undertaken as a screening test before kidney transplantation; however, there are little data on its predictive power. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients assessed for renal transplantation from 2000 to 2009. A survival analysis using demographic and echocardiographic variables was undertaken using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results Of 862 patients assessed for transplantation, 739 had an echocardiogram and 217 of 739 (29%) died during a mean follow-up of 4.2 years. In a multivariate survival analysis, increased age (P<0.0001), diabetes (P<0.0001), transplant listing status (P<0.0001), severely impaired left ventricular function (P<0.01), pulmonary hypertension and/or right ventricular dysfunction (P=0.01), and regional wall motion abnormalities (P<0.01) were associated with all-cause mortality. Combined in a score where one point was given for the presence of each of the parameters above, these factors were strongly predictive of increased mortality with a hazard ratio of 3.57, 6.80, and 44.47 for the presence of one, two, or more factors, respectively, compared with the absence of any of these factors. Conclusions In patients with end-stage renal disease, multiple easily determined echocardiographic parameters, including regional wall motion abnormalities and pulmonary hypertension and/or right ventricular dysfunction, were independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Combining these factors in a simple score may further assist in risk stratifying patients being considered for renal transplantation.
Oral fluoroquinolone use and risk of peripheral neuropathy

Objective: To quantify the risk of peripheral neuropathy (PN) with oral fluoroquinolone (FQ) use. Methods: We conducted a case-control study within a cohort of men aged 45 to 80 years in the United States followed from 2001 to 2011. Cases were defined as those with the first physician visit diagnosis of PN, polyneuropathy, or drug-induced polyneuropathy. Four controls were matched to each case by age, follow-up, and calendar time using density-based sampling. As a sensitivity analysis, we also quantified the risk of PN with finasteride use, a drug that is not expected to increase the risk of PN. Rate ratios (RRs) for current users of FQs were computed using conditional logistic regression, which was adjusted for chronic renal failure, chronic liver disease, hypothyroidism, postherpetic neuralgia, and the use of nitrofurantoin and metronidazole. Results: We identified 6,226 cases and 24,904 controls. Current users of FQs were at a higher risk of developing PN (RR = 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49–2.27). Current new users had the highest risk (RR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.56–2.74). No risk was observed for current users of finasteride (RR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.97–1.51). Conclusions: Current users, especially new users of FQs, are at a higher risk of developing PN. Despite the increase in the use of FQs, clinicians should weigh the benefits against the risk of adverse events when prescribing these drugs to their patients.
Glutamate receptors in the retina: The molecular substrate for visual signal processing

The retina converts light into neural signals that are transmitted to the higher visual centers in the brain where the perceptions of viewed objects and scenes are finally constructed. Complex processing of many different aspects of visual information, e.g., brightness, darkness, contrast, colour, motion, etc., happens already in the retina. To accomplish these tasks, the retina has developed as an intricate network of sensory and higher order neurons releasing many different kinds of neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters and a plethora of molecularly and functionally distinct receptor proteins mediating their actions, are the molecular substrate for the processing of visual information. Detailed knowledge of receptor expression is of major importance for understanding the mechanisms by which information is processed and represented in the retina. This mini-review highlights recent studies on the expression of glutamate receptors in the mammalian retina and their involvement in retinal function.
Males Are Attracted by Female Traps : A New Perspective for Management of Diabrotica speciosa ( Germar ) ( Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae ) Using Sexual Pheromone

The field responses of Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) to traps baited with adults were studied as an suggestion of the pheromone production. Firstly, an assay to settle a suitable height placement to capture D. speciosa was carried out in common beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. , field. Traps placed at 0.25-m height captured ca. 3.5 times more beetles than 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0-m traps. The responses to virgin females and males of two ages (younger = 24 to 72h and older = 72 to 120h after adult emergence), mated females and males were assessed in common bean interplanted among coffee, Coffea arabica L. , field. Virgin females baited traps captured ca. 22 times (younger) and 13 times (older females) more male beetles than control traps. Captures were ca. 70% more effective using younger females. None of the other treatments improved trap attraction. These results strongly indicated that there is a female-produced sexual pheromone in D. speciosa.
Enterovirus infections and type 1 diabetes

Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes is a typical organ-specific autoimmune disease where insulin-producing beta cells are destroyed by immune mediated mechanisms. The risk of the disease is modulated by genetic factors, mainly genes coding for human leukocyte antigens (HLA), but environmental factors are needed to trigger the process in genetically susceptible individuals. Possible viral triggers of the disease have been sought for years but their identification has been very difficult. Recently, considerable progress has been made by employing new research methods which have supported the idea that the group of enteroviruses may be particularly important in the pathogenesis. An association between enterovirus infections and type 1 diabetes was first reported 30 years ago and since then evaluated in several studies. Recent molecular studies have considerably strengthened this hypothesis by showing that enterovirus genome is present in the blood of diabetic patients. In addition, the first prospective studies have suggested that enterovirus infections may initiate the beta-cell damaging process several years before clinical diabetes is diagnosed. Ecological studies have also indicated similarities in the epidemiology of type 1 diabetes and poliomyelitis - a well-known enterovirus disease. Experimental models, like enterovirus-infected mice or in vitro-cultured beta cells, have provided important information about possible mechanisms, but still it is not known how beta cells are destroyed in human beings. The ongoing prospective studies will answer many open questions, and should the association still hold true, intervention trials will be needed to confirm causality. Even if enterovirus infections were not associated with all diabetes cases but rather with a subgroup of them, this would offer attractive possibilities to prevent the disease or part of it, for example, by an enterovirus vaccine.
THE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO SEVERE SHOCK IN A CANINE MODEL WITH A COMBINATION OF HYPERTONIC-HYPERONCOTIC SOLUTION WITH NALOXONE

ABSTRACT To evaluate the acute hemodynamic and acid-base balance effects of hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution (HHS) combined with naloxone in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock in 45 male splenectomized adult mongrel dogs, a severe controlled hemorrhagic shock (20 mmHg mean arterial pressure during 30 min) was established in the groups (n = 6) no treatment, shed blood reinfusion, hypertonic-hyperoncotic (saline-dextran) solution alone, naloxone alone (NX), or combination. Interventions included propiopromazine-pentobarbital anesthesia and installation of Swan-Ganz, femoral arterial, and urethral catheters, and exsanguination at 20 mmHg mean arterial pressure during 30 min followed by treatment and observation for 160 min. Fifteen (33%) dogs died before completing the 30-min shock period. Another 33% from the no-treatment group died during the following 90 min. Shed blood improved the cardiac index, arterial pressure, and acid-base balance. NX restored the cardiac index to less than 60% of baseline and reduced vascular resistance. Additionally, NX produced no improvement in acidosis, with 1 dog dead at 95 min posttreatment. HHS restored the cardiac index for 45 min and increased vascular resistance and arterial pressure. Acidosis was not improved. Single-dose HHS combined with naloxone resulted in a high cardiac index, oxygen consumption, and urine output with low peripheral vascular resistance (and no acute mortality) compared with untreated or single-dose groups.
Association Between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

We appreciate the constructive comments of Bugan et al on our manuscript ‘‘Association between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease. ’’ As a response to their first comment, we have performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess the independent predictors of the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) which revealed neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as the independent predictor of CAD severity; therefore, fasting glucose, highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, and creatinine values may not influence the NLR. As a response to the second comment, we have inadvertently not included height, weight, and body mass index of the study population in the manuscript; however, none of these parameters were associated with severity of CAD or NLR. As a response to the last comment, C-reactive protein (CRP) assessment was beyond the aim and scope of our study, although CRP—besides hundreds of inflammatory and hematological markers—might be correlated with the severity of CAD or NLR.
Murine pregnancy decidua produces a unique immunosuppressive molecule related to transforming growth factor beta-2.

Non-T small lymphocytic suppressor cells in murine allopregnancy release a potent immunosuppressive factor in vitro that is neutralized by rabbit anti-transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. Previous studies have suggested that the decidual suppressor factor (DSF) is smaller than TGF-beta 1, and in this paper, we show that DSF on HPLC-sieving columns also elutes later than TGF-beta 2. Nevertheless, DSF has the ability to promote anchorage-independent growth of NRK fibroblasts similar to TGF-beta s. Using turkey antibodies specific for TGF-beta 1 or beta 2, we show that DSF is related to TGF-beta 2 rather than TGF-beta 1, and this relationship was confirmed by using a panel of murine mAb to TGF-subtypes. PAGE and Western blotting showed that the TGF-beta 2-reactive molecules in HPLC-purified DSF was slightly smaller than TGF-beta 2 and approximately 20 to 23 kDa. The DSF molecule is therefore closely related to TGF-beta 2 but as released from decidua, differs in size. The TGF-beta 2-related decidual suppressor factor was also obtained from the decidua of synpregnant C.B. -17 severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) and pregnant SCID-BG (C57BL/6 background) mice, confirming the lack of T or B cell dependence of DSF production and the generality of production of a TGF-beta-related suppressor factor by decidua associated with successful pregnancy in mice.