Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Si&#8211;N&#8211;O Films Synthesized by Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation and Deposition (PIII&amp;D) for Blood-Contacting Biomedical Applications

Silicon-Oxynitride (Si-N-O) films were fabricated on silicon wafers by silicon cathodic arc combined with plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition. The blood compatibility of the films was assessed by platelet-adhesion test and fibrinogen conformational change measurements to evaluate the viability of the materials in biomedical engineering. Significantly, a better platelet-adhesion behavior, as manifested by a smaller number and weaker aggregation as well as pseudopodium, was observed on the Si-N-O samples compared to the low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon, which is the most common material used in blood-contacting biomedical devices such as artificial heart valves. Enzyme-linked-immunoassay measurements that disclose fibrinogen conformational changes show results that are consistent with the platelets' behavior, which is believed to be involved in the activation process. The good blood compatibility of the films can be attributed to the high hydrophilicity and surface free energy arising from the Si-N, Si-N-O, and Si-O bonding states. The interfacial reactions between fibrinogen, platelets, and material surface are discussed from the perspective of thermodynamics. The promising blood compatibility of the Si-N-O films is of both scientific and commercial interests in biomedical engineering
Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability in Japan in the Context of a Shrinking and Ageing Population

With gross government debt of 219% of GDP in 2016, Japan’s fiscal situation is in uncharted territory and puts the economy at risk. In addition to raising productivity and growth, Japan needs a more detailed and credible fiscal consolidation path, including specific revenue increases and measures to control spending to restore fiscal sustainability. Spending pressures associated with rapid population ageing make reforms to contain social expenditures a priority. Local governments need to be part of the effort to contain public spending in the context of a shrinking population. Much of the consolidation, though, will have to be on the revenue side, primarily through hikes in the consumption tax rate toward the OECD average and a broadening of the personal income tax base. Fiscal consolidation should be accompanied by measures to promote inclusive growth through the tax and benefit system, in particular by introducing an earned income tax credit to assist the working poor, hiking the tax on capital income and broadening the base of the inheritance tax. This Working Paper relates to the 2017 OECD Economic Survey of Japan (www.oecd.org/eco/surveys/economic-survey-japan.htm)
Decreased Relative Diagnostic Yield of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Children With Gastroparesis

Background: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) are commonly performed in the evaluation of children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. It has been presumed, but not clarified, that gastroparesis increases the likelihood of identifying abnormalities on EGD. We sought to determine whether the presence of gastroparesis influenced the diagnostic yield of EGD in children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children who underwent both an EGD and GES within 3 months of each other for evaluation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms (eg, abdominal pain). Clinical history (symptoms, comorbidities, medications, and surgical procedures), GES results, and EGD histology reports were captured. Results: A total of 125 children (46% female) were included, of whom, 70 (56%) had gastroparesis. Thirty-three (26%) children had liquid meal GES (1.2±1.1 y of age, mean±SD) and 92 (64%) had solid meal GES (12.4±3.6 y of age). There was an overall trend toward a decreased frequency of biopsy abnormalities in those with gastroparesis (P=0.09). Those with gastroparesis identified through liquid meal GES were less likely to have reflux esophagitis on biopsy (P=0.002). Those with gastroparesis identified on solid meal GES were less likely to have gastritis (P=0.04). Symptoms, comorbidities, or medications were not predictive of GES or EGD results. Conclusions: Children with gastroparesis may be less likely to have biopsy abnormalities identified on EGD in comparison to those without gastroparesis. Further prospective, larger, and multicenter studies are needed to validate our findings.
3D echocardiographic analysis of aortic annulus for transcatheter aortic valve replacement using novel aortic valve quantification software: Comparison with computed tomography

With the increasing use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS), computed tomography (CT) remains the standard for annulus sizing. However, 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been an alternative in patients with contraindications to CT. We sought to (1) test the feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility of prototype 3DTEE analysis software (Philips) for aortic annular measurements and (2) compare the new approach to the existing echocardiographic techniques.
The Adaptor Molecule MyD88 Directly Promotes CD8 T Cell Responses to Vaccinia Virus1

Vaccinia virus (VACV) elicits a robust CD8 T cell response that plays an important role in host resistance. To date, there is little information on the molecules that are essential to generate large pools of VACV-specific effector CD8 T cells. In this study, we show that the adaptor molecule MyD88 is critical for the magnitude of primary CD8 T cell responses to both dominant and subdominant VACV epitopes. MyD88−/− mice exhibit profound reduction in CD8 T cell expansion and antiviral cytokine production. Surprisingly, the defect was not due to impaired APC function, as MyD88−/− dendritic cells matured normally and were able to promote strong CD8 T cell priming following VACV infection. Rather, adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that intrinsic MyD88-dependent pathways in CD8 T cells were critical. MyD88-deficient CD8 T cells failed to accumulate in wild-type hosts and poor expansion of MyD88-deficient VACV-specific CD8 T cells resulted after virus infection. In contrast, no defect was evident in the absence of TRIF, TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, and IL-1R. Together, our results highlight an important role for MyD88 in initial antiviral CD8 T cell responses and suggest that targeting this pathway may be useful in promoting and sustaining anti-VACV immunity.
Modification of Surface Properties of Biomaterials Influences the Ability of Candida albicans To Form Biofilms

ABSTRACT Candida albicans biofilms form on indwelling medical devices (e.g., denture acrylic or intravenous catheters) and are associated with both oral and invasive candidiasis. Here, we determined whether surface modifications of polyetherurethane (Elasthane 80A [E80A]), polycarbonateurethane, and poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET) can influence fungal biofilm formation. Polyurethanes were modified by adding 6% polyethylene oxide (6PEO), 6% fluorocarbon, or silicone, while the PET surface was modified to generate hydrophilic, hydrophobic, cationic, or anionic surfaces. Formation of biofilm was quantified by determining metabolic activity and total biomass (dry weight), while its architecture was analyzed by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The metabolic activity of biofilm formed by C. albicans on 6PEO-E80A was significantly reduced (by 78%) compared to that of biofilm formed on the nonmodified E80A (optical densities of 0.054 ± 0.020 and 0.24 ± 0.10, respectively; P = 0.037). The total biomass of Candida biofilm formed on 6PEO-E80A was 74% lower than that on the nonmodified E80A surface (0.46 ± 0.15 versus 1.76 ± 0.32 mg, respectively; P = 0.003). Fungal cells were easily detached from the 6PEO-E80A surface, and we were unable to detect C. albicans biofilm on this surface by CSLM. All other surface modifications allowed formation of C. albicans biofilm, with some differences in thearchitecture. Correlation between contact angle and biofilm formation was observed for polyetherurethane substrates (r = 0.88) but not for PET biomaterials (r = −0.40). This study illustrates that surface modification is a viable approach for identifying surfaces that have antibiofilm characteristics. Investigations into the clinical utility of the identified surfaces are warranted.
Magneto-Thermal Modeling of Second-Generation HTS for Resistive Fault Current Limiter Design Purposes

Coated conductors (CCs) are very promising for the design of novel and efficient resistive fault current limiters (FCLs). However, a detailed knowledge about their thermal and electromagnetic behaviors in the presence of over-critical currents is crucial for their improvement. In this context, we performed finite-element magneto-thermal modeling of CCs under over-critical current on several geometries. Accordingly, we have investigated the influence of the physical properties of stabilizer and substrate on the thermal stability to improve the high-temperature superconductor (HTS)-FCL design. All simulations were performed using COMSOL Multiphysics, a commercial finite-element package, which has a built-in coupling between the thermal and electrical equations, allowing us to compute both quantities simultaneously during the solving process. Our results allow us to determine the current threshold to achieve thermal stability of HTS FCLs made with CCs.
Cytoarchitecture and ultrastructure of the avian ectostriatum: Afferent terminals from the dorsal telencephalon and some nuclei in the thalamus

The cytoarchitecture, ultrastructure, and afferent terminals in the ectostriatal complex of the Japanese quail were examined. The complex consists of the central core (Ec) and peripheral belt (Ep). Terminals in the complex were categorized into three main groups according to the shape of synaptic vesicles: S(spherical), P(pleomorphic), and F(flat). S terminals are further classified into three types: Ss, small terminals which have densely packed vesicles and a long active zone and are presynaptic to large spines; Sm, medium‐sized to large terminals which have a relatively short active zone and contact dendritic spines, trunks, and somata; Sl, large terminals which have many mitochondria and cored vesicles and form synapses only with somata. Some of the Sm terminals are derived from myelinated axons. The Sl terminals are frequently combined with gap junctions as so‐called mixed synapses. The P terminal occasionally surrounds an axon hillock, making symmetric synaptic contacts. The F terminals often cover a wide area of the soma. A few gap junctions are also recognized between adjacent somata.
Effect of capping agent on the particle size of CdSe nanoparticles.

CdSe nanoparticles were synthesized by green route and chemical route methods. In the green route method the samples were capped by starch and in the chemical route method the samples were capped by mercaptoacetic acid (MAA). The samples were characterized by powder X- ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both the samples showed zinc blend structure. The optical absorption spectra and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were also studied. A blue shift was seen in the absorption spectra as compared with the bulk as well as the sample capped by starch. TEM images showed agglomeration for the starch-capped sample as compared with the MAA-capped sample. The particle size for the sample capped by MAA was found to be less as compared with the starch-capped sample. A blue shift in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra was also recorded for the samples prepared by the chemical route as compared with the sample prepared by the green route as well as the bulk. The PL peak shifted towards the red side and increase in the peak intensity occurred with the change in the excitation wavelength. Change in PL intensity was observed with different pH at 685 nm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nebulized corticosteroid improves pulmonary function and outcome in experimental porcine septicemia

Nebulized beclomethasone dipropionate was administered to six anesthetized and artificially ventilated pigs at 6‐hourly intervals after infusion of live S. aureus (aerosol group). Changes in pulmonary mechanics, gas exchange and hemodynamics during an observation period of 44 h were compared with those in six pigs subjected to the same insults but given no corticosteroid (non‐treatment group). Six pigs served as controls, without sepsis or aerosol, but with the same general management (control group). The septic insult induced an acute 3‐fold increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) in the aerosol and non‐treatment group. MPAP fell to near baseline levels in the aerosol group, but remained significantly higher in the non‐treatment group. Mean systemic arterial pressure fell more in the non‐treatment than in the aerosol group, reaching its lowest level at 32 h. Pulmonary function was less affected in the aerosol group, with significantly better maintenance of arterial oxygenation, lower venous admixture and superior lung‐thorax compliance than in the non‐treatment group. Survival was significantly improved in the aerosol group. In this porcine model of septicemia‐induced adult respiratory distress syndrome, nebulized corticosteroid thus attenuated the development of respiratory failure.
Popularity, Friendship Quantity, and Friendship Quality: Interactive Influences on Children's Loneliness and Depression

A mediational model positing that the effects of popularity on children's loneliness and depression are passed through indexes of friendship experiences was tested using structural equation modeling. Children (193 3rd through 6th graders) completed a battery of sociometric and self-report questionnaires from which measures of popularity, multiple friendship dimensions (i.e., quantity and quality of best and good friendships), and loneliness and depression were derived. Confirmation of a slightly modified model supported the mediational hypothesis. Although popularity exerted no direct impact on the adjustment indexes, it strongly influenced friendship, which, in turn, affected depression through its strong association with loneliness. It appears that popularity is important for setting the stage for relationship development, but that it is dyadic friendship experiences that most directly influence feelings of loneliness and depression.
Comparative characterization of release factor RF-3 genes of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Dichelobacter nodosus

The termination of protein synthesis in bacteria requires two codon-specific release factors, RF-1 and RF-2. A gene for a third factor, RF-3, that stimulates the RF-1 and RF-2 activities has been isolated from the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Dichelobacter nodosus. In this work, we isolated the RF-3 gene from Salmonella typhimurium and compared the three encoded RF-3 proteins by immunoblotting and intergeneric complementation and suppression. A murine polyclonal antibody against E. coli RF-3 reacted with both S. typhimurium and D. nodosus RF-3 proteins. The heterologous RF-3 genes complemented a null RF-3 mutation of E. coli regardless of having different sequence identities at the protein level. Additionally, multicopy expression of either of these RF-3 genes suppressed temperature-sensitive RF-2 mutations of E. coli and S. typhimurium by restoring adequate peptide chain release. These findings strongly suggest that the RF-3 proteins of these gram-negative bacteria share common structural and functional domains necessary for RF-3 activity and support the notion that RF-3 interacts functionally and/or physically with RF-2 during translation termination.
Explaining Household Saving Rates in G7 Countries: Implications for Germany

Many propositions have been made to explain the increase in the German household saving rate since the year 2000 from an individual country perspective but most of them focus on partial aspects. This paper adds to the discussion by analysing whether factors common to other industrial countries help to explain the behaviour of the German household saving rate. We analyse the determinants of household saving rates in the G7 countries since the 1970s in a panel co-integration framework. Unlike many previous studies, our specification allows for heterogeneity in the long- and short-run parameters across countries and explicitly distinguishes between financial liberalisation effects and wealth effects. Apart from finding that income developments as well as real interest rates and inflation are influencing household savings in most countries, results suggest that wealth effects through house and stock prices play a role in many countries, notably over the more recent period. According to the model, the recent increase in the German saving rate is due to two factors: Firstly, the actual saving rate was below its estimated equilibrium level at the end of the 1990s, implying an upward correction over the medium term. Secondly, the equilibrium saving rate has moved upwards in the first half of the 2000s, largely because of declines in stock prices. Expliquer les taux d'epargne des menages dans les pays du G7 : implications pour l'Allemagne Plusieurs propositions ont ete faites pour expliquer l'augmentation du taux d'epargne des menages allemands depuis l'annee 2000 a partir d'un point de vue du pays individuel mais la plupart se focalisent sur des aspects partiels. Ce papier etoffe la discussion en analysant si des facteurs communs a d'autres pays industrialises aident a expliquer le comportement du taux d'epargne des menages allemands. Nous analysons les determinants du taux d'epargne des menages dans les pays du G7 depuis les annees 70 a l’aide du systeme de cointegration de panel. Contrairement a de nombreuses etudes precedentes, notre specification permet d'heterogeneite des parametres a long et court terme entre les pays et fait explicitement la distinction entre les effets de la liberalisation financiere et les effets de richesse. En plus de conclure que l'evolution des revenus ainsi que des taux d'interet reels et de l'inflation influent sur l'epargne des menages dans la plupart des pays, les resultats suggerent que les effets de richesse a travers les prix immobiliers et les prix des actions jouent un role dans de nombreux pays, notamment au cours de la periode plus recente. Selon le modele, deux facteurs expliquent l'augmentation recente du taux d'epargne allemande : premierement, le taux d'epargne reel a ete en-dessous de son niveau d'equilibre estime a la fin des annees 90, ce qui implique une correction a la hausse sur le moyen terme. Deuxiemement, l'equilibre du taux d'epargne s'est deplace vers le haut dans la premiere moitie des annees 2000, essentiellement en raison de la baisse des prix des actions.
Reporting by physicians of impaired drivers and potentially impaired drivers

Physicians routinely care for patients whose ability to operate a motor vehicle is compromised by a physical or cognitive condition. Physician management of this health information has ethical and legal implications. These concerns have been insufficiently addressed by professional organizations and public agencies. The legal status in the United States and Canada of reporting of impaired drivers is reviewed. The American Medical Association’s position is detailed. Finally, the Bioethics Committee of the Medical Society of the State of New York proposes elements for an ethically defensible public response to this problem.
Skill Formation, Immigration and European Integration: The Politics of the UK Growth Model

ABSTRACT While a reluctant European player now heading for the Exit, the UK was also an enthusiastic adopter of several key EU economic policies – namely, the skills and technology policies of Agenda 2020 and labour mobility. These initiatives worked with existing British policy, and structural biases, to exacerbate the already bifurcated structure of UK capitalism – between the high-paid technology and financial services sector on the one hand, and low-cost, low-wage sectors on the other hand. In particular, and central to the argument of this paper, immigration from Eastern and Central Europe after 2004 helped to sustain low-cost manufacturing and services industries by undermining firms’ incentives to invest in training. This combined with endemic failures in the UK’s skills system, which is heavily geared towards producing graduates with general skills but neglects the needs of mid and lower segments of the labour market. EU integration, therefore, exacerbated cleavages over skills between high- and low-productivity sectors and may have contributed to social divisions that led to Brexit.
Reference‐Dependent Hedging: Theory and Evidence from Iowa Corn Producers

&NA; We develop a theoretical model of optimal hedging that nests expected utility and expected target utility theories. We use this model to characterize optimal hedging with and without reference price dependence. The model's theoretical predictions are tested with a unique database consisting of every forward contract written with a major grain marketing firm by Iowa corn producers over a five‐year period. Our results suggest that a current December futures price higher than a reference price triggers hedging activity. A likely candidate for producers' reference price is a rolling average of the current futures price. We then use trading activity implied by the producers to determine if they benefit from the way they hedge. The evidence is mixed. Finally, we compare the producer forward contract data to the only publicly available data on producer hedging: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission Disaggregated Commitment of Traders Report (DCOT) for Short Hedgers. A hedge ratio constructed from the open interest in new futures contracts of the DCOT report is highly correlated with the producer hedge series in the Iowa data, providing evidence that DCOT data represent farmers' hedging behavior reasonably well. This work has important implications for future research that uses the DCOT data, and provides new evidence about producers' hedging behavior that marketing specialists and extension agents can use to enhance their educational efforts related to risk management.
Ethanol‐like discriminative stimulus effects of non- competitive n‐methyl-d‐aspartate antagonists

The discriminative stimulus effects of noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists were investigated in animals trained to discriminate 1.5g/kg (pigeons) or 1.25 g/kg (mice) ethanol from vehicle. Key-pecking of pigeons and lever responding of mice were maintained under fixed ratio schedules of mixed grain or milk reinforcement, respectively. Phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine dose- dependently substituted for the ethanol stimulus in both species, with PCP being about 10-fold more potent than ketamine. In pigeons, PCP and ketamine fully substituted for ethanol at doses that did not significantly alter rates of responding; with mice, complete substitution was accompanied by response rate-decreasing effects. In pigeons, the highly selective NMDA receptor/ionophore antagonist MK-801 also substituted for ethanol at a dose that was accompanied by reduced response rates. Compounds that did not substitute for the ethanol stimulus were cocaine (both species), the 5-HT1B receptor agonist TFMPP (pigeon), the H1 receptor antagonist hydroxyzine (mice), and the anticonconvulsants phenytoin and ethosuximide (mice). The present data show that PCP-like drugs that are antagonists of NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission share common discriminative stimulus effects with ethanol.