Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous band-gap narrowing and carrier-lifetime prolongation of organic–inorganic trihalide perovskites

Significance The emergence of organic–inorganic hybrid lead triiodide perovskite materials promises a low-cost and high-efficiency photovoltaic technology. Although the high-power conversion efficiency of this technology has been successfully demonstrated, further improvement appears to be limited without further narrowing the band gap while also retaining or even synergistically prolonging the carrier lifetime. We report a synergistic enhancement in both band gap narrowing and carrier-lifetime prolongation (up to 70% to ∼100% increase) of organic–inorganic hybrid lead triiodide perovskite materials under mild pressures below ∼0.3 GPa. This work could open new territory in materials science, and new materials could be invented using the experimental and theoretical guidelines we have established herein. The organic–inorganic hybrid lead trihalide perovskites have been emerging as the most attractive photovoltaic materials. As regulated by Shockley–Queisser theory, a formidable materials science challenge for improvement to the next level requires further band-gap narrowing for broader absorption in solar spectrum, while retaining or even synergistically prolonging the carrier lifetime, a critical factor responsible for attaining the near-band-gap photovoltage. Herein, by applying controllable hydrostatic pressure, we have achieved unprecedented simultaneous enhancement in both band-gap narrowing and carrier-lifetime prolongation (up to 70% to ∼100% increase) under mild pressures at ∼0.3 GPa. The pressure-induced modulation on pure hybrid perovskites without introducing any adverse chemical or thermal effect clearly demonstrates the importance of band edges on the photon–electron interaction and maps a pioneering route toward a further increase in their photovoltaic performance.
The Ascorbate Transporter of Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT The sgaTBA genes of Escherichia coli encode a putative 12-transmembrane α-helical segment (12 TMS) transporter, an enzyme IIB-like protein and an enzyme IIA-like protein of the phosphotransferase system (PTS), respectively. We show that all three proteins as well as the energy-coupling PTS proteins, enzyme I and HPr, are required for the anaerobic utilization and uptake of l-ascorbate in vivo and its phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphorylation in vitro. The transporter exhibits an apparent Km for l-ascorbate of 9 μM and is highly specific. The sgaTBA genes are regulated at the transcriptional level by the yjfQ gene product, as well as by Crp and Fnr. The yjfR gene product is essential for l-ascorbate utilization and probably encodes a cytoplasmic l-ascorbate 6-phosphate lactonase. We conclude that SgaT represents a novel prototypical enzyme IIC that functions with SgaA and SgaB to allow phosphoryl transfer from HPr(his-P) to l-ascorbate via the phosphoryl transfer pathway: PEP → enzyme I-P → HPr-P → IIA-\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\stackrel{\mathrm{SgaA}}{\mathrm{P}}\) \end{document} → IIB-\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\stackrel{\mathrm{SgaB}}{\mathrm{P}}\) \end{document}\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\stackrel{\textstyle{\mathrm{IIC^{SgaT}}}}{{\rightarrow}}\) \end{document}l-ascorbate-6-P.
CHAPTER 1 Acute cyanide toxicity

• Cyanide intoxication can result from diet, fires, alternative and standard medical treatments, industrial exposure, and intentional exposure (e.g., suicide, homicide, terrorism). • Cyanide blocks the oxidative respiration pathway, impeding oxygen usage within tissues; the major metabolic pathway results in the formation of less toxic thiocyanate. • Across species, long-term effects of cyanide post-exposure include a range of behavioral and neurological dysfunction, such as Parkinsonism. • Antidotal treatments for acute cyanide toxicity may significantly reduce adverse sequelae and provide a better quality of life post-exposure.
The changing funerary world of Roman Cyrene

Abstract This paper discusses the deep transformation of the monumental funerary culture of Cyrene during the Roman period. For the first time the problem is analysed in its complex entirety, identifying elements of Roman tombs and looking for possible dating clues. The quantitative data from a survey in the Southern Necropolis are used for a statistical analysis, looking for the relationship between portrait-busts/niches and other burial features. A chronological view of this period in the necropolis is attempted, together with a discussion of the evolution and the cultural significance of tomb-types. The picture is also contextualised within what we know of the socio-historical framework from other sources.
The Chaco Wood Project: The Chronometric Reappraisal of Pueblo Bonito

The inventory and analysis of 4,294 pieces of wood remaining in Pueblo Bonito are described. This site, long a keystone for interpreting the Chacoan Phenomenon in the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico, reveals a fascinating history in the procurement, use, and reuse of wood through time. The long use of the site portrays a complex picture of wood procurement for construction from the A.D. 800s through the early A.D. 1100s, and its reuse in both prehistoric and historic times. Major construction periods are tree-ring dated to the mid-A.D. 800s, between A.D. 1047 and 1049, and between A.D. 1077 and 1082. Many of the construction events appear causally related to decade-long wet periods, when food surplus could accumulate. The use of wood at Pueblo Bonito mirrors a larger system of cultural behavior important for our interpretation of the development and demise of the Chacoan system.
Cell-autonomous involvement of Mab21l1 is essential for lens placode development

The mab-21 gene was first identified because of its requirement for ray identity specification in Caenorhabditis elegans. It is now known to constitute a family of genes that are highly conserved from vertebrates to invertebrates, and two homologs, Mab21l1 and Mab21l2, have been identified in many species. We describe the generation of Mab21l1-deficient mice with defects in eye and preputial gland formation. The mutant mouse eye has a rudimentary lens resulting from insufficient invagination of the lens placode caused by deficient proliferation. Chimera analyses suggest that the lens placode is affected in a cell-autonomous manner, although Mab21l1 is expressed in both the lens placode and the optic vesicle. The defects in lens placode development correlate with delayed and insufficient expression of Foxe3, which is also required for lens development, while Maf, Sox2, Six3 and PAX6 levels are not significantly affected. Significant reduction of Mab21l1 expression in the optic vesicle and overlying surface ectoderm in Sey homozygotes indicates that Mab21l1 expression in the developing eye is dependent upon the functions of Pax6 gene products. We conclude that Mab21l1 expression dependent on PAX6 is essential for lens placode growth and for formation of the lens vesicle; lack of Mab21l1 expression causes reduced expression of Foxe3 in a cell-autonomous manner.
A new VAD framework using statistical model and human knowledge based empirical rule

This paper presents a new voice activity detection (VAD) framework that is based on the empirical rules and statistical models. First, the VAD framework detects the candidate endpoints efﬁciently in the time domain with empirical rules which are based on the human knowledge and the nature of the speech continuousness, and then it conﬁrms the candidate endpoints in the transform domain with different conﬁrmation schemes for beginning-point and ending-point. Particularly in the transform domain, a new algorithm called sliding-window double-layer conﬁrmation (SWDC) is proposed and employed to conﬁrm the endpoint accurately, and sensitive data, which is used for GMM training, are proposed for our detection scheme. The experiments show that the proposed VAD framework achieves better performances in various environmental conditions.
PERFIL DOS USUÁRIOS ATENDIDOS NO SERVIÇO DE EMERGÊNCIA EM UM HOSPITAL UNIVERSITÁRIO EM PERNAMBUCO

Objetivo: Conhecer o perfil dos usuarios atendidos na sala vermelha de um Hospital Universitario de Pernambuco. Metodos: Estudo descritivo, exploratorio e quantitativo, realizado no setor do atendimento de emergencia de um Hospital Universitario de Pernambuco, utilizando como fonte de dados o Livro de Registro dos atendimentos diarios, coletados de janeiro a junho de 2013. Os dados foram organizados em uma planilha no programa Microsoft Office Excel® 2010. Logo apos, foram apresentados em grafico e tabelas, confrontando os resultados com a literatura. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes atendidos e do sexo masculino, entre 20 e 29 anos, procedentes da mesma cidade, onde esta localizado o hospital, e vitimas de causas externas, principalmente acidentes motociclisticos. Conclusoes: A populacao economicamente ativa foi a mais atingida pelas causas externas, o que pode desencadear despesas elevadas para o Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS). Espera-se que o estudo sirva de subsidio para implantacoes de politicas publicas municipais e regionais.
Repeated stimulation of cultured networks of rat cortical neurons induces parallel memory traces

During systems consolidation, memories are spontaneously replayed favoring information transfer from hippocampus to neocortex. However, at present no empirically supported mechanism to accomplish a transfer of memory from hippocampal to extra-hippocampal sites has been offered. We used cultured neuronal networks on multielectrode arrays and small-scale computational models to study the effect of memory replay on the formation of memory traces. We show that input-deprived networks develop an activity⇔connectivity balance where dominant activity patterns support current connectivity. Electrical stimulation at one electrode disturbs this balance and induces connectivity changes. Intrinsic forces in recurrent networks lead to a new equilibrium with activity patterns that include the stimulus response. The new connectivity is no longer disrupted by this stimulus, indicating that networks memorize it. A different stimulus again induces connectivity changes upon first application but not subsequently, demonstrating the formation of a second memory trace. Returning to the first stimulus does not affect connectivity, indicating parallel storage of both traces. A computer model robustly reproduced experimental results, suggesting that spike-timing-dependent plasticity and short time depression suffice to store parallel memory traces, even in networks without particular circuitry constraints.
Enhancing PrEP Access for Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objective:Implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs for populations with highest incidence is critical to reducing new infections in the United States. Black and Latino men who have sex with men (BLMSM) are disproportionately burdened by HIV. We examined differences in perceived barriers and facilitators to PrEP access for BLMSM compared with other men who have sex with men (MSM). Method:MSM who met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for PrEP (n = 491) completed measures of barriers and facilitators to PrEP at the systems, provider, and individual levels. Multivariate analyses examined differences by race/ethnicity, adjusting for other sociodemographic factors. Results:Compared with other MSM, BLMSM (56% of the sample) were more likely to have public insurance and to access health care via public clinics [adjusted odds ratio(aOR) 3.2, P < 0.001; aOR 2.4, P < 0.01]. BLMSM were more likely to regard having to talk to their doctor about their sex life as a barrier to PrEP (aOR 3.7, P < 0.001) and were less likely to endorse agency in medical decision making (aOR 0.58, P < 0.001). BLMSM were more likely to report PrEP stigma (aOR 2.3, P < 0.001) and concerns regarding PrEP efficacy (aOR 1.6, P < 0.05). BLMSM were more likely to consider access to free sexual health care (aOR 2.1, P < 0.01) and additional supportive services, eg, counseling (aOR 3.1, P < 0.001) or text-based support (aOR 2.9, P < 0.001) to be significant facilitators of PrEP use. Conclusions:Findings suggest specific points of multilevel intervention to increase PrEP access for BLMSM and increase representation of BLMSM along the PrEP continuum of care.
Do Agonistic Interactions Underlie the Segregation and Relative Abundances between Two Loxosceles Species (Araneae: Sicariidae)?

ABSTRACT The medically important spiders Loxosceles intermedia Mello-Leitão and Loxosceles laeta (Nicolet) are segregated in Curitiba, southern Brazil, where L. intermedia is more abundant and widespread than L. laeta. Because they share similar microhabitat preferences and wander in search of web sites, agonistic encounters are likely to occur. The purposes of this study were to describe agonistic interactions and interpret their consequences for the relative abundances and spatial segregation of L. intermedia and L. laeta. Experimental contests were performed between residents and intruders. Asymmetries between contestants included sex, age, species, weight, and residence status. Nine behavioral categories were defined. Through discriminant analyses, it was possible to differentiate spider sex, species, and residence based on their agonistic behaviors. Intruders, juveniles, and L. intermedia individuals were better characterized by exploratory behaviors, whereas L. laeta females were differentiated by aggressiveness. By performing a multiple logistic regression, with winning or defeat as a dependent variable of sex, age, species, size, weight, and residence, it was possible to say that residents and L. intermedia individuals had the highest winning odds in contests,whereas juveniles had lower winning odds than adults. Advantages of the prior residence may help to explain the predominance of L. laeta in old colonization sites, whereas the higher winning odds of L. intermedia and less aggressive behavior toward conspecifics may lead to a successful establishment of dense populations in new sites. A better understanding of agonistic interactions as a mechanism of spacing, segregation, and species replacement among spiders may be helpful for control purposes.
Signal degradation by second-order polarization-mode dispersion and noise

To specify the impact of polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) on optical signal transmission, formulas are derived both for the effective pulse broadening and the eye-opening penalty up to second order. Furthermore, a probability density function of the Q factor is set up due to second-order PMD and amplified spontaneous emission noise. The relations are verified by numerical simulations.
Changes in Membrane Fatty Acid Composition ofPediococcus sp. Strain NRRL B-2354 in Response to Growth Conditions and Its Effect on Thermal Resistance

ABSTRACT Membrane fatty acid composition and thermal resistance (D value) of Pediococcus sp. were determined for mid-exponential-phase (ME) and stationary-phase (ST) cells grown in tryptic soy broth (TSB) and tryptone-glucose-yeast extract (TGY) at 28 and 37°C. As the cells entered the stationary phase of growth, the unsaturated fatty acid, C18:1 n11c, produced during the exponential phase of growth was converted to its cyclic form, C19:0 Δ9c. This shift in membrane fatty acid composition was accompanied by an increase in the D values of this bacterium. Data from this study suggest that the membrane fatty acid composition of Pediococcus sp. is dependent on the growth conditions and that membrane fatty acid composition plays a critical role in thermal resistance. Thermal inactivation curves ofPediococcus sp. cells grown in TGY at 28°C indicated the presence of a cell population that is heterogeneous in thermal resistance. The growth of this bacterium in TGY at 37°C and in TSB at 28 and 37°C resulted in cell populations that were uniform in thermal resistance with a lag time for thermal inactivation. Thermal inactivation curves of ME and ST cultures were similar. The data presented here suggest that the cell population’s uniformity of thermal inactivation is independent of the growth phase of the culture.
Effects of Controlled Dynamic Disc Distraction on Degenerated Intervertebral Discs: An in Vivo Study on the Rabbit Lumbar Spine Model

Study Design. An in vivo study on the rabbit lumbar spine model. Objectives. Effects of temporary dynamic distraction on intervertebral discs were studied on the lumbar spine rabbit model to characterize the changes associated with disc distraction and to evaluate feasibility of temporary disc distraction to previously compressed discs in order to stimulate disc regeneration. Summary of Background Data. Studies have shown that accelerated degeneration of the intervertebral disc results from altered mechanical loading conditions. The development of methods for the prevention of disc degeneration and the restoration of disc tissue that has already degenerated are needed. Methods. New Zealand white rabbits (n = 32) were used for this study. The rabbits were randomly assigned to one of five groups. In 12 animals, the discs were first loaded for 28 days using a custom-made external loading device to stimulate disc degeneration. After 28 days loading time, the discs in six animals were distracted for 7 days and in six animals for 28 days using the same external device, however, modified as dynamic distraction device. In six animals, the discs were distracted for 28 days without previous loading; and in six animals, the discs were loaded for 28 days and afterwards the loading device removed for 28 days for recovery without distraction. Six animals were sham operated. The external device was situated; however, the discs remained undistracted and they also served as controls. After 28 to 56 days loading and distraction time, the animals were killed and the lumbar spine was harvested for examination. Disc height, disc morphology, cell viability, relative neutral zone, and tangent modulus were measured. Results. After 28 days of loading, the discs demonstrated a significant decrease in disc space. Histologically, disorganization of the architecture of the anulus occurred. The number of dead cells increased significantly in the anulus and cartilage endplate. These changes were re-versible after 28 days of distraction. The disc thickness increased significantly as compared with the specimens from the 28 days loading group without distraction. Histologically, the discs showed signs of tissue regeneration after 28 days of distraction. The number of dead cells decreased significantly in comparison with the loaded discs without distraction. The flexibility of compressed discs was higher than of compressed/distracted discs. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that disc regeneration can be induced by axial dynamic distraction in the rabbit intervertebral disc. The decompressed rabbit intervertebral discs showed signs of tissue recovery on a biologic, cellular, and a biomechanical level after 28 days of distraction.
P4B-4 Local Harmonic Motion for In Vivo Focused Ultrasound Surgery Monitoring

The present study established the feasibility of a technique for monitoring FUS lesion formation in vivo using localized harmonic motion (LHM) measurements. Oscillatory motion was generated within tissues by induction of a periodic radiation force with a focused ultrasound (FUS) transducer. The harmonic motion was estimated using cross-correlation of RF ultrasonic signals acquired at different instances during the motion by using a co-focal diagnostic ultrasound transducer. The technique was evaluated in vivo rabbit muscle in an MR imager for simultaneous ultrasound harmonic motion tracking and MR thermometry. The calculated maximum amplitude of the induced harmonic motion before and after the lesion formation was significantly different for all the tested motion frequencies. During the FUS exposure a drop in the maximum amplitude value was observed and a threshold value could be associated to the formation of a thermal lesion. A series of controlled sonications was performed by stopping the exposure when the threshold value in LHM amplitude was reached and the apparition of a thermal lesion was confirmed by MR imaging.
Fixation Strength and Pin Tract Infection of Hydroxyapatite-Coated Tapered Pins

In a multicenter, prospective, randomized study, the biomechanical and clinical properties of the bone-pin interface were compared with standard tapered pins and hydroxyapatite-coated tapered pins implanted in patients who underwent femoral and tibial external fixation treatments. The results showed that the hydroxyapatite-coated tapered pins are clinically effective in improving the strength of fixation of the bone-pin interface. This improvement corresponded to a lower rate of pin tract infection. In the hydroxyapatite-coated pin group, there were no differences in strength of fixation between the pins removed from the infected and uninfected pin tracts. In this pin group, the mean pin extraction torque was 531 ± 225 Ncm in the infected pin tracts and 508 ± 233 Ncm in the uninfected pin tracts. In the standard pin group, the mean pin extraction torque was 73 ± 142 Ncm in the infected pin tracts and 211 ± 216 Ncm in the uninfected pin tracts. The advantages provided by the hydroxyapatite-coated pins were higher in cancellous bone than in cortical bone.
A review of the possible bacterial determinants of clinical outcome in Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori is present in 40-60% of the population and approximately 10-20% of these infected individuals suffer from a H. pylori associated disease such as peptic ulcer disease or gastric cancer. This article reviews the potential bacterial determinants responsible for and markers predictive of both the acquisition of H. pylori infection and subsequent clinical outcome; i.e., asymptomatic infection or disease. The acquisition of H. pylori infection depends on exposure (hence the increased risk in lower socioeconomic groups and developing nations) to viable bacteria with at least a functional urease gene in a susceptible host. Once infection occurs, bacterial virulence factors, including the vacuolating cytotoxin, and genes of the cag pathogenicity island, as well as nonbacterial factors may determine disease outcome. Future research is being directed at discovering other bacterial virulence factors responsible for the different clinical outcomes of H. pylori infection. This will be greatly enhanced by the recent release of the complete genome sequence of H. pylori. The determination of the relative importance of each of these recognized and other as yet unrecognized factors responsible for disease outcome will assist in the appropriate targeting of patients in the treatment of H. pylori infection.
Exposure to Maternal Voice in Preterm Infants: A Review

The mother's voice, along with other developmentally appropriate sensory events (ie, touch, light, smells), stimulates maturation of the sensory systems and helps shape normal fetal development. While vast changes in the neonatal intensive care unit have occurred over the last 2 decades, little research has addressed the loss of exposure to maternal voice for the preterm infant. To address this gap, we compared studies that directly investigated effects of exposure to maternal voice on preterm infants. Studies reviewed were conducted between 1972 and 2007. All presented recordings of maternal voice at sound levels above current recommendations, and few of the findings reached statistical significance. Some potentially positive developmental effects were indicated. Future study of the effects of exposure to maternal voice on preterm infants using recommended sound levels is needed.