Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current-Driven Magnetization Switching in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

Current-driven magnetization switching in low-resistance Co40Fe40B20/MgO/Co40Fe40B20 magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) is reported. The critical-current densities Jc required for current-driven switching in samples annealed at 270 and 300°C are found to be as low as 7.8×105 and 8.8×105 A/cm2 with accompanying tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) ratios of 49 and 73%, respectively. Further annealing of the samples at 350°C increases TMR ratio to 160%, while accompanying Jc increases to 2.5×106 A/cm2. We attribute the low Jc to the high spin-polarization of tunnel current and small MsV product of the CoFeB single free layer, where Ms is the saturation magnetization and V the volume of the free layer.
NESTING AND FEEDING TREE SELECTION IN THE ENDANGERED WHITE-BACKED WOODPECKER, DENDROCOPOS LEUCOTOS LILFORDI

Abstract The White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) is one of the rarest European woodpeckers and its populations have declined markedly during the last century in many European countries. The objective of our study was to investigate the selection of nesting and feeding trees by the subspecies D. l. lilfordi, a field not previously investigated. We conducted this study in a mountain area of central Italy characterized by wide and homogeneous tracts of beech- (Fagus sylvatica) forested slopes. The rate at which we detected the species was highly correlated with the mean trunk dbh of the stand; the more mature the stand, the greater the number of woodpecker detections. The White-backed Woodpecker was dependent upon trees that were mature, dead, or in an advanced degree of decay for both nesting and foraging. The habitat specialization of the species suggests that forest stand management should promote longer harvesting rotations, preserve dead and decaying trees, create new foraging sites, and prevent excessive fragmentation of forested landscapes.
A Diagnosis Testbench of Analog IP Cores for Characterization of Substrate Coupling Strength

A diagnosis testbench of analog IP cores characterizes their coupling strengths against on-chip environmental disturbances, specifically with regard to substrate voltage variations. The testbench incorporates multi-tone digital noise generators and a precision waveform capture with multiple probing channels. A prototype test bench fabricated in a 90-nm CMOS technology demonstrates the diagnosis of substrate coupling up to 400MHz with dynamic range of more than 60dB. The coefficients of noise propagation as well as noise coupling on a silicon substrate are quantitatively derived for analog IP cores processed in a target technology, and further linked with noise awared EDA tooling for the successful adoption of such IP cores in SoC integration.
Generation and regulation of human CD4+ IL-17-producing T cells in ovarian cancer

Despite the important role of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, their prevalence and the mechanisms by which they are generated and regulated in cancer remain unclear. Here, we report the presence of a high percentage of CD4+ Th17 cells at sites of ovarian cancer, compared with a low percentage of Th17 cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors and cancer patients. Analysis of cytokine production profiles revealed that ovarian tumor cells, tumor-derived fibroblasts, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) secreted several key cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β, which formed a cytokine milieu that regulated and expanded human IL-17-producing T-helper (Th17) cells. We further show that IL-1β was critically required for the differentiation and expansion of human Th17 cells, whereas IL-6 and IL-23 may also play a role in the expansion of memory Th17 cells, even though IL-23 levels are low or undetectable in ovarian cancer. Further experiments demonstrated that coculture of naïve or memory CD4+ T cells with tumor cells, APCs, or both could generate high percentages of Th17 cells. Treatment with anti-IL-1 alone or a combination of anti-IL-1 and anti-IL-6 reduced the ability of tumor cells to expand memory Th17 cells. Thus, we have identified a set of key cytokines secreted by ovarian tumor cells and tumor-associated APCs that favor the generation and expansion of human Th17 cells. These findings should accelerate efforts to define the function of this important subset of CD4+ T cells in the human immune response to cancer.
Reliability and validity of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID).

OBJECTIVE To investigate the concurrent validity and reliability of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID), a short structured diagnostic interview for DSM-IV and ICD-10 psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. METHOD Participants were 226 children and adolescents (190 outpatients and 36 controls) aged 6 to 17 years. To assess the concurrent validity of the MINI-KID, participants were administered the MINI-KID and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) by blinded interviewers in a counterbalanced order on the same day. Participants also completed a self-rated measure of disability. In addition, interrater (n = 57) and test-retest (n = 83) reliability data (retest interval, 1-5 days) were collected, and agreement between the parent version of the MINI-KID and the standard MINI-KID (n = 140) was assessed. Data were collected between March 2004 and January 2008. RESULTS Substantial to excellent MINI-KID to K-SADS-PL concordance was found for syndromal diagnoses of any mood disorder, any anxiety disorder, any substance use disorder, any ADHD or behavioral disorder, and any eating disorder (area under curve [AUC] = 0.81-0.96, kappa = 0.56-0.87). Results were more variable for psychotic disorder (AUC = 0.94, kappa = 0.41). Sensitivity was substantial (0.61-1.00) for 15/20 individual DSM-IV disorders. Specificity was excellent (0.81-1.00) for 18 disorders and substantial (> 0.73) for the remaining 2. The MINI-KID identified a median of 3 disorders per subject compared to 2 on the K-SADS-PL and took two-thirds less time to administer (34 vs 103 minutes). Interrater and test-retest kappas were substantial to almost perfect (0.64-1.00) for all individual MINI-KID disorders except dysthymia. Concordance of the parent version (MINI-KID-P) with the standard MINI-KID was good. CONCLUSIONS The MINI-KID generates reliable and valid psychiatric diagnoses for children and adolescents and does so in a third of the time as the K-SADS-PL.
Establishment of a Novel Chondrocytic Cell Line N1511 Derived From p53‐Null Mice

We established a clonal chondrocytic cell line N1511 derived from rib cartilage of a p53‐null mouse. N1511 cells proliferated in polygonal shape and elicited differentiation at confluence when treated with combination of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 and insulin or parathyroid hormone (PTH) and dexamethasone. BMP‐2/insulin‐treated cells became refractile without forming cartilaginous nodules and reached terminal differentiation, became positive for alizarin red staining, and developed considerable ALP activity. In contrast, PTH/dexamethasone‐treated cells formed Alcian blue‐positive nodules but remained negative for alizarin red staining and ALP activity. Northern blot analysis revealed that BMP‐2/insulin‐treated cells sequentially expressed type II, IX, and X collagens, whereas PTH/dexamethasone‐treated cells slowly expressed type II collagen and then type IX, and they did not exhibit type X collagen expression. These results show that BMP‐2/insulin treatment induces full differentiation toward hypertrophy, whereas treatment with PTH/dexamethasone slows and limits differentiation. Recovery of p53 expression in N1511 cells by transient transfection inhibited cell proliferation, suggesting that cell proliferation could be regulated with p53 in this cell line. These results indicate that N1511 is the only cell line with known genetic mutation, which undergoes multiple steps of chondrocyte differentiation toward hypertrophy, and because proliferation could be regulated by expression of p53, N1511 could be an excellent model for studies of chondrogenesis, the function of p53, and genetic engineering of cartilage tissue.
Regulation by complement C3a and C5a anaphylatoxins of cytokine production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

C3a and C5a anaphylatoxins are cytokine‐like polypeptides generated during complement (C) system activation and released at the inflammatory site. They exert several biological activities through binding to the G‐protein‐coupled receptors C3aR and C5aR, respectively. Cloning and Northern blot experiments have indicated that both receptors are expressed by myeloid as well as nonmyeloid cells (e.g., endothelial and epithelial cells). To better understand the roles of C anaphylatoxins during inflammation, we investigated their effects on the expression of cytokine and chemokine genes by cultured human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC constitutively expressed both anaphylatoxin receptors, and addition of physiological concentrations of C3a or C5a (nM range) caused a strong up‐regulation of IL‐8, IL‐1β, and RANTES mRNA in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Conversely, a decrease in IL‐6 mRNA was observed, but only with C5a stimulation. These variations in mRNA levels were inhibited by pretreatment with anti‐C5aR and anti‐C3aR antibodies as well as pertussis toxin, indicating that G‐proteins are involved in anaphylatoxin‐activated signal transduction pathways. Finally, we showed that C3a and C5a both strongly activate downstream MAP kinase signaling pathways (p44 and p42 Erk kinases). —Monsinjon, T. , Gasque, P., Chan, P., Ischenko, A. , Brady, J.J., Fontaine, M. Regulation by complement C3a and C5a anaphylatoxins of cytokine production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. FASEB J. 17, 1003–1014 (2003)
Neisseria weaveri sp. nov., formerly CDC group M-5, a gram-negative bacterium associated with dog bite wounds

CDC group M-5 is a rod-shaped, gram-negative, nonmotile bacterium associated with dog bite wounds. DNA-DNA relatedness and biochemical and growth characteristics were studied for 54 strains from the collection at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One typical M-5 strain, 8142, was further studied by 16S rRNA sequencing. DNA from 40 of 53 strains showed 82 to 100% relatedness (hydroxyapatite method) to labeled DNA from strain 8142. The guanine-plus-cytosine (G + C) content in 8 of the 41 highly related M-5 strains was 50.5 to 52 mol%. These 41 strains were oxidase and catalase positive, nonfermentative, nitrite positive, nitrate negative, weakly phenylalanine deaminase positive, aerobic, and alpha-hemolytic (sheep blood). DNA from the 13 remaining strains showed only 7 to 46% DNA relatedness to strain 8142. These 13 non-M-5 strains differed from the M-5 strains in G + C content, growth characteristics, and biochemical profiles. DNA from M-5 strain 8142 was most closely related to DNA from groups EF-4b (47%) and EF-4a (45%). 16S rRNA sequence analysis placed M-5 strain 8142 in the Neisseriaceae cluster of the beta-3 subgroup of the class Proteobacteria. It was most homologous (98.4 to 98.8%) to Neisseria animalis, Neisseria flavescens, Neisseria canis, and Neisseria elongata. All data are consistent with M-5 being a new species of Neisseria, for which we propose the name Neisseria weaveri.
Interprofessional education: a review and analysis of programs from three academic health centers.

The past decade witnessed momentum toward redesigning the U.S. health care system with the intent to improve quality of care. To achieve and sustain this change, health professions education must likewise reform to prepare future practitioners to optimize their ability to participate in the new paradigm of health care delivery. Recognizing that interprofessional education (IPE) is gaining momentum as a crucial aspect of health care professions training, this article provides an introduction to IPE programs from three different academic health centers, which were developed and implemented to train health care practitioners who provide patient-centered, collaborative care. The three participating programs are briefly described, as well as the processes and some lessons learned that were critical in the process of adopting IPE programs in their respective institutions. Critical aspects of each program are described to allow comparison of the critical building blocks for developing an IPE program. Among those building blocks, the authors present information on the planning processes of the different institutions, the competencies that each program aims to instill in the graduates, the snapshot of the three curricular models, and the assessment strategies used by each institution. The authors conclude by providing details that may provide insight for academic institutions considering implementation of IPE programs.
The programming of differentiation and its control by juvenile hormone in saturniids.

Although considerable progress has been made with the chemistry of juvenile hormone (Dahm, Roeller & Trost, 1968), studies on its mechanism of action in immature insects are still in a preliminary stage. Much of the recent work has been interpreted as showing an effect of juvenile hormone on the morphogenetic program through which an insect passes in the course of its ontogeny (Williams, 1961). It is the purpose of this paper to describe three studies which illustrate the complex nature of this developmental program in saturniid moths. Materials and Methods The saturniids ( Antheraea polyphemus, Samia cynthia and Hyalophora cecropia ) used in the present study were reared or purchased from dealers in the United States and England. Staging of animals was carried out by examining the state of the epidermis and the differentiation of adult structures through the pupal cuticle as described by Schneiderman & Williams (1954).
Informational Continuity Is Integral for Successful Transition of Adolescents to Adult Care

To the Editor: Recent reports have suggested that in spite of rheumatology-specific research in the area, there remained a need for further research and development of transitional care for adolescents reaching adulthood, as highlighted in an editorial and paper in this journal1,2. In the United States, “Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition” have been defined by the federally funded national resource center on transition (Got Transition)3. McManus, et al recently reported a study that observed improvements in all 6 transition quality indicators when these elements were addressed in the clinical setting4. Informational continuity is 1 of several continuities recognized as important in transitional care5 and is reflected in several of the core elements referred to above3,4. Although a medical summary3 as described in core element No. 4 was ranked in the top 2 aspects of successful transition by adult physicians6, … Address correspondence to Dr. N. Chanchlani, Department of Rheumatology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK. E-mail: nchanchlani{at}doctors.org. uk
Exhaled Nitric Oxide is Related to Bronchial Eosinophilia and Airway Hyperresponsiveness to Bradykinin in Allergen-Induced Asthma Exacerbation

Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been associated with bronchial eosinophilia and with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in mild stable asthma. We previously demonstrated in a large project that allergen exposure is able to raise FeNO and to worsen AHR to bradykinin. We postulated that allergen-induced increase in FeNO could be related to heightened mucosal eosinophils and AHR to bradykinin in atopic asthma. We performed a new immunohistochemical analysis on bronchial biopsy specimens, previously obtained from the same large project, in order to assess the number of mucosal eosinophils (EG-2+ cell) and other inflammatory cells at 48 hours after diluent and allergen exposures. Inflammatory cell counts were related to FeNO and AHR to BK (expressed as logPD20 bradykinin). In 10 atopic mild asthmatics, we found that the numbers of EG-2+ and CD4+ cells in bronchial submucosa were significantly increased after allergen compared to the respective counts after diluent (p < 0.01). EG-2+ cells in the bronchial submucosa were negatively correlated with logPD20 bradykinin only after allergen challenge (rho = −0.709, p = 0.027). We also found a positive strong correlation between EG-2+ cells and FeNO values in atopic asthmatics at 48 hours after both diluent (rho = 0.746, p = 0.017) and allergen (rho = 0.644, p = 0.049) challenge. FeNO values negatively correlated with responsiveness to bradykinin only after allergen challenge (rho = −0.675, p = 0.039). This study indicates that after allergen exposure heightened level of exhaled NO may reflect augmented airway eosinophilic inflammation and airway responsiveness to bradykinin indicating loss of asthma control.
Analytical and numerical methods of calibration for preferential attachment randon graphs

Methods of random graphs growing with nonlinear preferential attachment rule, which have the required distributions of vertices and edges attachment degrees are developed. Application of these methods allows us to generate random graphs, which adequately simulate growing stochastic networks — social, information, transport and many others. Examples of application for the developed methods are given.
High‐precision determination of lithium and magnesium isotopes utilising single column separation and multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Rationale Li and Mg isotopes are increasingly used as a combined tool within the geosciences. However, established methods require separate sample purification protocols utilising several column separation procedures. This study presents a single‐step cation‐exchange method for quantitative separation of trace levels of Li and Mg from multiple sample matrices. Methods The column method utilises the macro‐porous AGMP‐50 resin and a high‐aspect ratio column, allowing quantitative separation of Li and Mg from natural waters, sediments, rocks and carbonate matrices following the same elution protocol. High‐precision isotope determination was conducted by multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICPMS) on the Thermo Scientific™ NEPTUNE Plus™ fitted with 1013 Ω amplifiers which allow accurate and precise measurements at ion beams ≤0.51 V. Results Sub‐nanogram Li samples (0.3–0.5 ng) were regularly separated (yielding Mg masses of 1–70 μg) using the presented column method. The total sample consumption during isotopic analysis is <0.5 ng Li and <115 ng Mg with long‐term external 2σ precisions of ±0.39‰ for δ7Li and ±0.07‰ for δ26Mg. The results for geological reference standards and seawater analysed by our method are in excellent agreement with published values despite the order of magnitude lower sample consumption. Conclusions The possibility of eluting small sample masses and the low analytical sample consumption make this method ideal for samples of limited mass or low Li concentration, such as foraminifera, mineral separates or dilute river waters.
Is a Critical Interval of the Circadian Pacemaker at Dusk Responsive to Light and Melatonin Responsible for the Timing of Estrus in the Romney Marsh Ewe?

Two experiments, using Romney Marsh ewes, tested for the existence and role of a critical interval of the circadian pacemaker located near dusk that may be integrally involved in the precise timing of the breeding season. Groups of Romney Marsh ewes (n = 6) were provided with exogenous melatonin by injection at dusk (Experiment 1) or by infusion at dawn or subjected to extended darkness at dawn (Experiment 2) from the winter to the summer solstice before being exposed to natural photoperiod at latitude 35° S. Other than the experi mental protocols, all animals were held in natural photoperiod. The onset of the breeding season (defined as cyclic ovarian activity as indicated by plasma progesterone monitoring) was normal in those animals treated with morning melatonin but was delayed in those animals treated with melatonin at dusk or extended darkness at dawn compared to controls in natural photoperiod (p < .01). Exogenous melatonin at dusk was associated with a phase advance of the onset of the circadian pacemaker (as measured by endogenous melatonin in acutely extended darkness); additional darkness at dawn was associated with a phase delay of both the onset and the offset of the circadian pacemaker. Exoge nous morning melatonin did not change the phase of the circadian pacemaker relative to the controls. The results are consistent with an external coincidence model of seasonal breeding in which a critical interval of the circadian pacemaker requires exposure to light during spring/summer to time estrus correctly. The proposed critical interval appears to be located near dusk in this model and is phase locked to the circadian pacemaker. The effect of the exogenous melatonin on the timing of the breeding season is similar to darkness when administered at dusk but is not equivalent to darkness at dawn. The timing of anestrus was not affected by any of the experimental treatments and may reflect a common response to an environmental influence.
Effect of peer educator-PRAGATI (PeeR Action for Group Awareness through Intervention) on knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene in adolescent school girls

Context: Majority of the adolescent girls all over the world, suffer from anxiety, shame, discomfort, and isolation during menstruation. Awareness about menstrual hygiene and health can help them to overcome this situation. Aims: The study aims to elicit the existing knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding menstruation and to assess the effectiveness of a structured training program through peer educators-PRAGATI (PeeR Action for Group Awareness through Intervention) on menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls. Subjects and Methods: This was a prospective interventional study. A structured training program through peer educators (PRAGATI) was used on adolescent females for evaluating menstrual hygiene awareness and practices through pre- and posttest. McNemar's test was used for paired nominal data and the difference between pretest and posttest was assessed by the paired t-test. Results: In the pretest, only 20.5% had adequate knowledge, 32.5% had poor knowledge, while 48.7% of girls had moderate knowledge about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Post-intervention, 56.41% girls gained adequate knowledge (an increase of ~36%), 30.76% had moderate knowledge, and only 12.8% of them (a reduction of ~20%) still had poor knowledge. The mean increase of knowledge on menstrual hygiene in pretest and posttest analysis was statistically significant with P < 0.01. Conclusion: The training by the peer educators (PRAGATI) in creating awareness about menstrual hygiene and bringing about a significant change in attitude and practice is an effective method of spreading awareness among adolescents on menstrual hygiene related sensitive issues. However, repeated sessions are required to create momentum and enthusiasm for learning new things.