Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatially resolved optical absorption spectroscopy of single- and few-layer MoS2 by hyperspectral imaging

The possibility of spatially resolving the optical properties of atomically thin materials is especially appealing as they can be modulated at the micro- and nanoscale by reducing their thickness, changing the doping level or applying a mechanical deformation. Therefore, optical spectroscopy techniques with high spatial resolution are necessary to get a deeper insight into the properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Here we study the optical absorption of single- and few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) in the spectral range from 1.24 eV to 3.22 eV (385 nm to 1000 nm) by developing a hyperspectral imaging technique that allows one to probe the optical properties with diffraction limited spatial resolution. We find hyperspectral imaging very suited to study indirect bandgap semiconductors, unlike photoluminescence which only provides high luminescence yield for direct gap semiconductors. Moreover, this work opens the door to study the spatial variation of the optical properties of other 2D systems, including non-semiconducting materials where scanning photoluminescence cannot be employed.
Psychological distress in men with breast cancer.

PURPOSE This article reports the first United Kingdom study to examine the prevalence of psychological distress in men with breast cancer and the factors associated with increased distress. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred and sixty-one men with breast cancer completed a cross-sectional questionnaire that included measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms, cancer-specific distress, body image, coping, information and support needs, and clinical and demographic variables. RESULTS Clinical levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms were reported by 6% and 1% of men, respectively, while 23% reported high levels of cancer-specific distress. Anxiety was most strongly associated with avoidance coping and fear and uncertainty about the future (42% of the variance in anxiety scores, P < .001). Depressive symptoms were associated with altered body image (35% of the variance, P < .001). Body image, avoidance coping, referral to the study by a clinician, fear and uncertainty, and wanting to receive more gender-specific information together explained 51% of the variance in cancer-related distress (P < .001). Clinical and demographic factors did not account for a significant proportion of the variance in any of the distress measures. CONCLUSION Although the prevalence of clinical anxiety and depressive symptoms were low in this sample, almost a quarter of men experienced traumatic stress symptoms specific to breast cancer. Potential risk factors for distress include the use of avoidant coping strategies, negative body image, feelings of fear and uncertainty in relation to breast cancer, and unmet information needs. Suggestions are made for improving the information and support available to men with breast cancer.
Estimation of whole-body capillary transport parameters from osmotic transient data.

A mathematical model has been developed of short-term, extrarenal, whole-body fluid volume regulation. The Kedem and Katchalsky equations are used to describe rapid movements of crystalloid and colloid solutes and water between five fluid compartments. Simulation results showing rapid cell volume changes following a hyperosmotic crystalloid infusion demonstrated the necessity of considering the effect of cellular water shifts in osmotic transient experiments. From measurements of plasma volume and osmolality in acutely nephrectomized dogs subjected to isosmotic and hyperosmotic NaCl infusions and with the model, six parameters related to capillary membrane transport of water and NaCl were estimated. The mean capillary filtration capacity from six experiments was estimated as 0.01 ml.min-1.mmHg-1.100 g-1 of dog. This increased about threefold due to the hyperosmolality. Mean values of capillary diffusion capacity and osmotic reflection coefficient for NaCl were 0.37 cm3.s-1.100 g-1 and 0.087, respectively. These results support the use of the osmotic transient approach and a mathematical model to study the role of microvascular transport in whole-body fluid volume regulation.
Comparison of outcome predictions made by physicians, by nurses, and by using the Mortality Prediction Model.

BACKGROUND Critical care nurses must collaborate with physicians, patients, and patients' families when making decisions about aggressiveness of care. However, few studies address nurses' ability to predict outcomes. OBJECTIVES To compare predictions of survival outcomes made by nurses, by physicians, and by using the Mortality Prediction Model. METHODS Predictions of survival and function and attitudes toward aggressiveness of care based on the predictions were recorded on questionnaires in the emergency department by emergency and intensive care unit physicians and by intensive care unit nurses at the time of admission to the unit between February and September 1995 for 235 consecutive adult nontrauma patients. Scores on the Mortality Prediction Model were calculated on admission. Data on 85 of the 235 patients were analyzed by using descriptive, chi 2, and correlational statistics. Nurses' predictions of function were compared with patients' actual outcomes 6 months after admission. RESULTS Nurses' predictions of survival were comparable to those of emergency physicians and superior to those obtained by using the objective tool. Years of nursing experience had no relationship to attitudes toward aggressiveness of care. Nurses accurately predicted functional outcomes in 52% of the followed-up cases. Intensive care physicians were more accurate than nurses and emergency physicians in predicting survival. All predictions made by clinicians were superior to those obtained by using the model. CONCLUSIONS Nurses can predict survival outcomes as accurately as physicians do. Greater sensitivity and specificity are necessary before clinical judgment or predictive tools can be considered as screens for determining aggressiveness of care.
Potential Role of Vitamin D3 Compared with Rho-Kinase Inhibitor (Fasudil) on L-NAME – Induced Hypertension in Rabbits

Cardiovascular function is mainly controlled by the reninangiotensin system, which affects blood vessel tone. Inappropriate activation of the renin-angiotensin system can lead to hypertension. In light of emerging evidence of a widespread global problem of vitamin D deficiency, there has been increasing interest concerning the role of vitamin D in hypertension. Little attention has been paid to the effect of Rho-kinase inhibitor on increased Angiotensin II and the vascular dysfunction of nitric oxide-deficient hypertension. This study aimed to investigate whether the Rho-kinase inhibitor showed beneficial effect on the vascular dysfunction of the NG-NitroL-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rabbits, as well as to compare the differential effects of fasudil and Vitamin D on vascular function. Rabbits were divided into five groups; Control, L-NAME, Fasudil, Vitamin D and combination of fasudil and vitamin D. Blood pressure, Biochemical analysis including; NO, GSH, MDA, HDL, LDL, TG, Total cholesterol and LDH were estimated. Pathological study including; Ventricular/Total body weigh ratio, histopathological study of the aorta and ventricular muscles was done. It was found that chronic NOS inhibition not only induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy, but also impaird the vascular function. Vitamin D exhibited higher antihypertensive, antihyperlipedimic and antioxidant activity, improved the attenuated vasoconstriction, and possessed a greater beneficial effect on aortic thickness than rho-kinase inhibitor.
The Green Economy: Functional Domains and Theoretical Directions of Enquiry

The green economy is a highly complex construct in terms of its attempts to integrate economic, environmental, and social concerns, the wide range of actors involved, its material outcomes, and the forms of governance needed to regulate processes of economic greening. As such, it poses new empirical and theoretical challenges for social science research on socioenvironmental futures. This paper has two main aims. The first is to survey the emergent features and functional domains of the green economy. The second is to consider theoretical tools that might be used to analyse the drivers and processes shaping the green economy. Focusing on literature on sociotechnical transitions, ecological modernisation, the ‘green’ cultural economy, and postpolitical governance, we argue that understanding the functional and spatial heterogeneity of the green economy necessitates a multitheoretical approach. We then explore how combining branches of research on socioenvironmental governance can lead to theoretically and ontologically richer insights into the drivers, practices, and power relations within the green economy. In so doing, we respond to calls for socioeconomic research on environmental change which is neither just empirical nor bound to one theoretical outlook to the detriment of understanding the complexity of socioenvironmental governance and human–nature relations.
Implementation of Hierarchical Control in DC Microgrids

DC microgrids are becoming popular in low-voltage distribution systems due to the better compatibility with photovoltaic panels, electric vehicles, and DC loads. This paper presents a practical dc microgrid developed in the Water and Energy Research Laboratory (WERL) in the Nanyang University of Technology, Singapore. The coordination control among multiple dc sources and energy storages is implemented using a novel hierarchical control technique. The bus voltage essentially acts as an indicator of supply-demand balance. A wireless control is implemented for the reliable operation of the grid. A reasonable compromise between the maximum power harvest and effective battery management is further enhanced using the coordination control based on a central energy management system. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control strategies have been tested by a DC microgrid in WERL.
The Determinants of Loyalty in Online Commerce – An Exploratory Study in India

Internet based commerce has exploded over the last decade and a half. A large set of studies have been undertaken in the West to understand the drivers of customer loyalty in the online space. With consumer preferences varying across regions and geographies, this study aims at understanding the impact of trust and satisfaction as antecedents of behavioral and attitudinal loyalty for the consumers in a developing country. 175 respondents were surveyed on different elements involved in online purchase during the three phases of information‐search and evaluation, purchase and post‐purchase. The findings revealed a strong positive impact of trust and satisfaction on behavioral and attitudinal loyalty. Attitudinal loyalty was found to positively influence behavioral loyalty. Further, satisfaction was found to have a strong positive relationship with trust. Deviations from western findings were observed for impact of website design, assortment and security on satisfaction. The study highlights generalization of certain determinants of satisfaction, trust and loyalty while pointing towards context specificity of others. Findings should also assist the practicing community to better understand the drivers of satisfaction, trust and loyalty and thereby help them take the right steps for improving customer retention.
bFGF promotes photoreceptor cell survival in vitro by PKA‐mediated inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β and CREB‐dependent Bcl‐2 up‐regulation

Although there is substantial evidence supporting the neuroprotective efficacy of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the rodent retina there is no consensus to date as to the protective mechanism involved. We hypothesise that bFGF can assert its neuroprotective effects directly on mouse photoreceptors transduced via the activation of specific intracellular signalling pathways. In mouse photoreceptor‐derived 661W cells, bFGF promoted a rapid inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) by phosphorylation at Ser9.The effects of bFGF on GSK3β were dependent on protein kinase A (PKA) activation, as inhibition of this pathway blocked inactivation. Furthermore, bFGF protection against oxidative stress was dependent on PKA inactivation of GSK3β as PKA inhibition attenuated bFGF‐induced protection. Furthermore, transfection of cells with mutant dominant negative GSK3βS9A that cannot be phosphorylated on Ser9 also abrogated neuroprotection. Activation of the transcription factor cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB) and subsequent up‐regulation of Bcl‐2 in response to bFGF was also dependent on PKA as inhibition with H‐89 attenuated increased pCREB levels and Bcl‐2 expression. These results indicate that the protective efficacy of bFGF in mouse photoreceptors involves PKA‐dependent inactivation of GSK3β and subsequent up‐regulation of Bcl‐2 via CREB activation.
Resistance to fatigue of individual Xenopus single skeletal muscle fibres is correlated with mitochondrial volume density

The purpose of the present study was to compare the individual fatigue characteristics of isolated single skeletal muscle fibres with their mitochondrial volume density (MVD), using direct histological morphometry. Single muscle fibres (n= 14) were microdissected from lumbrical muscle of adult female Xenopus laevis, and force was measured while fibres were stimulated (tetanic contractions of 200 ms trains with 70 Hz stimuli at 9 V) at progressively increasing frequencies (2 min each at 0.25, 0.33, 0.5 and 1 contractions s−1) until fatigue (<50% initial maximal force) had been established. Following the end of the fatigue protocol, MVD was determined by electron microscopy. Time to fatigue varied among the individual fibres from 3.3 to 10 min. MVD of individual fibres ranged from 3.0 to 9.2% and was positively correlated (r= 0.93) with time to fatigue of corresponding fibres. These results, using direct histological measurements of MVD: (1) support on a single cell basis the notion that oxidative capacity is a major determinant of muscle fatigue resistance; and (2) show that the fatigue profile of a single cell can be used to predict oxidative capacity.
Flow characteristics of open vessels in zone 1 rabbit lungs.

To describe the flow characteristics of vessels open in zone 1, we perfused isolated rabbit lungs with Tyrode's solution containing 1% albumin, 4% dextran, and papaverine (0.05 mg/ml). Lungs were expanded by negative pleural pressure (Ppl) of -10, -15, -20, and -25 cmH2O. Pulmonary arterial (Ppa) and venous (Ppv) pressures were varied relative to alveolar pressure (PA = 0) and measured 5-10 mm inside the pleura (i) and outside (o) of the lungs. With Ppa(o) at -2.5 cmH2O, we constructed pressure-flow (P-Q) curves at each Ppl by lowering Ppv(o) until Q reached a maximum, indicating fully developed zone 1 choke flow. Maximum flows were negligible until Ppl fell below -10 cmH2O, then increased rapidly at Ppl of -15 and -20 cmH2O, and at Ppl of -25 cmH2O reached about 15 ml.min-1.kg body wt-1. The Ppv(o) at which flow became nearly constant depended on degree of lung inflation and was 5-8 cmH2O more positive than Ppl. As Ppv(o) was lowered below Ppa(o), Ppv(i) remained equal to Ppv(o) until Ppv(i) became fixed at a pressure 2-3 cmH2O more positive than Ppl. At this point the choke flow was therefore located in veins near the pleural boundary. No evidence of choke flow (only ohmic resistance) was seen in the intrapulmonary segment of the vessels remaining open in zone 1. With Ppv(o) held roughly at Ppl, Q could be stopped by lowering Ppa(o), at which time Ppa(i) was several cmH2O above Ppv(i), showing that intrapulmonary vessel closure had occurred. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Determinants of Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting and the Implications for Earnings Quality

We examine determinants of internal control deficiencies and their effect on earnings quality using a sample of 261 firms that disclosed material weaknesses from August 2002 to November 2004. We find that material weaknesses in internal control are more likely for firms that are smaller, less profitable, more complex, growing rapidly, or undergoing restructuring. These findings are consistent with firms struggling with their financial reporting controls in the face of a lack of resources, complex accounting issues, or a rapidly changing business environment. Next, we show that firms with material weaknesses in internal control have lower earnings quality, as measured by the extent to which accruals map into cash flows. This relation is robust to the inclusion of discretionary accruals as a proxy for managerial opportunism, as well as proxies for inherent difficulty in accrual estimation (Dechow and Dichev, 2002). Thus, internal control appears to be one of the fundamental drivers of earnings quality. Furthermore, we find that earnings quality is especially poor for those material weaknesses that relate to overall company-level controls, which may be more difficult to "audit around. "
Pharmacokinetics of artemether after oral administration to healthy Thai males and patients with acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

1. The pharmacokinetics of artemether were investigated (a) in six healthy male Thai volunteers after single 200 mg oral doses and (b) in eight male Thai patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria after an initial 200 mg oral dose followed by 100 mg at 12 h then 100 mg daily for 4 days. 2. In the healthy subjects, median (range) maximum plasma concentrations of artemether of 118 (112-127) ng ml-1 were reached at 3 (1-10) h. Thereafter, drug concentrations declined monoexponentially with a median (range) t1/2.z of 3.1 (1.0-9.6) h. The median (range) AUC and MRT values were 1.10 (0.33-4.44) micrograms ml-1 h and 8.3 (3.5-20.8) h. The median Cmax value of dihydroartemisinin, an active metabolite, was 379 (162-702) mg ml-1 at 6 (2-12) h. Its median AUC value was 6.6 (0.83-38.7) micrograms ml-1 h; the apparent t1/2.z was 10.6 (4.7-19.2) h and the median MRT value was 16.0 (5.0-41.0) h. 3. In the patients, a higher Cmax value of parent drug than those observed in healthy subjects (median and range of 231 (116-411) ng ml-1), was reached at 3 (1-3) h after the first dose. Steady state was reached after the third dose (24 h) and concentrations fluctuated over the range of 36-60 ng ml-1. The respective median (range) values of AUC and t1/2.z were 5.8 (3.76-12.9) micrograms ml-1 h and 4.2 (2.5-5.3) h. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Measurements of branching fractions and time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B --> eta'K decays.

We report measurements of branching fractions and time-dependent CP asymmetries in B-0 -> D+D- and B-0 -> D*D-+/-(-/+) decays using a data sample that contains (772 +/- 11) x 10(6)B (B) over bar pairs collected at the Y(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We determine the branching fractions to be B(B-0 -> D+D-) = (2.12 +/- 0.16 +/- 0.18) X 10(-4) and B(B-0 -> D*D-+/-(-/+)) = (6.14 +/- 0.29 +/- 0.50) x 10(-4). We measure CP asymmetry parameters SD+D- = -1.06(-0.14)(+0.21) +/- 0.08 and CD+D- = -0.43 +/- 0.16 +/- 0.05 in B-0 -> D+D- and A(D*D) = +0.06 +/- 0.05 +/- 0.02, S-D*D = -0.78 +/- 0.15 +/- 0.05, C-D*D = -0.01 +/- 0.11 +/- 0.04, +/- Delta S-D*D = -0.13 +/- 0.15 +/- 0.04 and Delta C-D*D = +0.12 +/- 0.11 +/- 0.03 in B-0 -> D*D-+/-(-/+), where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. We exclude the conservation of CP symmetry in both decays at equal to or greater than 4 sigma significance.
Benchmarking inadvertent perioperative hypothermia guidelines with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

OBJECTIVE To improve standards of patients' care and safety, we benchmarked our practice guidelines of prevention of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia with those of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) of the United Kingdom. METHODS The study started in November 2008 and lasted for 18 months and was conducted at the Armed Forces Hospital, Wadi Al-Dawasir, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The NICE clinical guidelines (CG65) published in April 2008 were downloaded from its website. Each practiced item in our guidelines was compared with its equivalent of NICE guidelines, absent equivalent NICE guidelines on our list were immediately added and implemented. To ensure compliance, follow-up audits took place every 3 months for an 18-month period. RESULTS Benchmarking demonstrated that most steps taken in our hospital match those of NICE guidelines, except for guidelines governing the preoperative phase. This phase was added to our policy and procedures guidelines and immediately implemented. The follow-up audits carried out every 3 months showed that the incidence of hypothermia fell from a previous 1.5 to 0.3%. CONCLUSION Benchmarking is an evaluation of the current position of own practice compared to best practice to identify areas and means of performance improvement. Benchmarking must be part of quality improvement programs in healthcare. In this study, improvement in the service delivered to patients resulted in a drop in the incidence of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia.
Reversal of hemochromatosis by apotransferrin in non-transfused and transfused Hbbth3/+ (heterozygous b1/b2 globin gene deletion) mice

Intermediate beta-thalassemia has a broad spectrum of sequelae and affected subjects may require occasional blood transfusions over their lifetime to correct anemia. Iron overload in intermediate beta-thalassemia results from a paradoxical intestinal absorption, iron release from macrophages and hepatocytes, and sporadic transfusions. Pathological iron accumulation in parenchyma is caused by chronic exposure to non-transferrin bound iron in plasma. The iron scavenger and transport protein transferrin is a potential treatment being studied for correction of anemia. However, transferrin may also function to prevent or reduce iron loading of tissues when exposure to non-transferrin bound iron increases. Here we evaluate the effects of apotransferrin administration on tissue iron loading and early tissue pathology in non-transfused and transfused Hbbth3/+ mice. Mice with the Hbbth3/+ phenotype have mild to moderate anemia and consistent tissue iron accumulation in the spleen, liver, kidneys and myocardium. Chronic apotransferrin administration resulted in normalization of the anemia. Furthermore, it normalized tissue iron content in the liver, kidney and heart and attenuated early tissue changes in non-transfused Hbbth3/+ mice. Apotransferrin treatment was also found to attenuate transfusion-mediated increases in plasma non-transferrin bound iron and associated excess tissue iron loading. These therapeutic effects were associated with normalization of transferrin saturation and suppressed plasma non-transferrin bound iron. Apotransferrin treatment modulated a fundamental iron regulatory pathway, as evidenced by decreased erythroid Fam132b gene (erythroferrone) expression, increased liver hepcidin gene expression and plasma hepcidin-25 levels and consequently reduced intestinal ferroportin-1 in apotransferrin-treated thalassemic mice.