Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flexible, solid-state, ion-conducting membrane with 3D garnet nanofiber networks for lithium batteries

Significance This work describes a flexible, solid-state, lithium-ion–conducting membrane based on a 3D ion-conducting network and polymer electrolyte for lithium batteries. The 3D ion-conducting network is based on percolative garnet-type Li6.4La3Zr2Al0.2O12 solid-state electrolyte nanofibers, which enhance the ionic conductivity of the solid-state electrolyte membrane at room temperature and improve the mechanical strength of the polymer electrolyte. The membrane has shown superior electrochemical stability to high voltage and high mechanical stability to effectively block lithium dendrites. This work represents a significant breakthrough to enable high performance of lithium batteries. Beyond state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology with metallic lithium anodes to replace conventional ion intercalation anode materials is highly desirable because of lithium’s highest specific capacity (3,860 mA/g) and lowest negative electrochemical potential (∼3.040 V vs. the standard hydrogen electrode). In this work, we report for the first time, to our knowledge, a 3D lithium-ion–conducting ceramic network based on garnet-type Li6.4La3Zr2Al0.2O12 (LLZO) lithium-ion conductor to provide continuous Li+ transfer channels in a polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based composite. This composite structure further provides structural reinforcement to enhance the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. The flexible solid-state electrolyte composite membrane exhibited an ionic conductivity of 2.5 × 10−4 S/cm at room temperature. The membrane can effectively block dendrites in a symmetric Li | electrolyte | Li cell during repeated lithium stripping/plating at room temperature, with a current density of 0.2 mA/cm2 for around 500 h and a current density of 0.5 mA/cm2 for over 300 h. These results provide an all solid ion-conducting membrane that can be applied to flexible LIBs and other electrochemical energy storage systems, such as lithium–sulfur batteries.
Reduction of Selenate and Selenite to Elemental Selenium by a Pseudomonas stutzeri Isolate

A Pseudomonas stutzeri isolate rapidly reduced both selenite and selenate ions to elemental selenium at initial concentrations of both anions of up to 48.1 mM. Optimal selenium reduction occurred under aerobic conditions between pH 7.0 and 9.0 and at temperatures of 25 to 35°C. Reduction of both selenite and selenate was unaffected by a number of anions except for sulfite, chromate, and tungstate ions, which inhibited both growth and reduction.
Comparative study of colony hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotide probes and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for identification of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

On the basis of the published nucleotide sequences of the genes that code for the heat-labile toxin LTh and the heat-stable toxins STaI and STaII of human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, a 34-mer and two 33-mer oligonucleotide probes were synthesized. To compare their relative efficacies in the detection and differentiation of enterotoxigenic E. coli, a colony hybridization technique using these probes and a GM1 ganglioside enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal anti-LT and anti-ST antibodies were used with 76 strains of E. coli with known enterotoxin profiles. For further evaluation of probe specificity, the enterotoxigenic bacteria Vibrio cholerae O1 and non-O1 and Yersinia enterocolitica were examined with the colony hybridization technique. The sensitivity of colony hybridization compared favorably with that of GM1 ganglioside enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the two assays showed a high level of concordance in specific detection and differentiation of E. coli with various enterotoxin profiles (kappa = 0.906, P less than 0.00001). The probes did not hybridize with DNAs from strains of V. cholerae O1 or non-O1 or Y. enterocolitica.
Radiologist detection of microcalcifications with and without computer-aided detection: a comparative study.

AIM To compare the sensitivity and specificity of microcalcification detection by radiologists alone and assisted by a computer-aided detection (CAD) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Films of 106 patients were masked, randomized, digitized and analysed by the CAD-system. Five readers interpreted the original mammograms and were blinded to demographics, medical history and earlier films. Forty-two mammograms with malignant microcalcifications, 40 with benign microcalcifications and 24 normal mammograms were included. Results were recorded on a standardized image interpretation form. The mammograms with suspicious areas flagged by the CAD-system were displayed on mini-monitors and immediately re-reviewed. The interpretation was again recorded on a new copy of the standard form and classified according to six groups. RESULTS Forty-one out of 42 (98%) malignant microcalcifications and 32 of 40 (80%) benign microcalcifications were flagged by the CAD-system. There was an average of 1.2 markers per image. The sensitivity for malignant microcalcifications detection by mammographers without and with the CAD-system ranged from 81% to 98% and from 88% to 98%, respectively. The mean difference without and with CAD-system was 2.2% (range 0-7%). CONCLUSION No statistically significant changes in sensitivity were found when experienced mammographers were assisted by the CAD-system, with no significant compromise in specificity.
A retrospective analysis of factors associated with selection of end-of-life care and actual place of death for patients with cancer

Objectives The factors associated with end-of-life (EOL) care that patients with cancer selected and actual place of death (POD) is less elucidated. We analysed how specific EOL care, especially anticancer therapies, selected by patients with pancreatic carcinoma affected their POD in Japan. Setting A retrospective cohort study using clinical records of a single institute. Participants This study included 433 advanced or recurrent patients with pancreatic carcinoma who had completed standard chemotherapies and were receiving hospice care in the National Cancer Center Hospital between April 2008 and April 2011. Outcome measures We analysed statistical association factors, demographic information, geographical differences, medical environment, EOL care selection, along with actual POD using logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 433 patients, 147 selected palliative care units (PCUs) as the POD; 229, hospital; and 57, home with hospice care. POD selection was associated with several factors. Notably, EOL care selection, especially the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), is associated with POD selection (death in PCU; OR=0.23, p=0.02). Conclusions This study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to unveil that EOL care selection is associated with POD in Japan. Certain factors such as gender, medical environment and EOL care selection might influence the POD. Patients who pursue aggressive anticancer therapies, such as CAM use, were possibly deprived of a chance of early reference to a PCU.
Experimental Investigation of Piezoresistive Effect in p-Type 4H–SiC

This letter presents for the first time the piezoresistive effect in p-type 4H–SiC. Longitudinal and transverse p-type 4H–SiC piezoresistors with a doping concentration of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10^{18}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>cm<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{-3}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> were fabricated along [<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1\overline {1}00$ </tex-math></inline-formula>] directions. Ni/Al electrodes annealed at 1000 °C showed a good ohmic contact, and then, the longitudinal and transverse gauge factors were found to be as high as 31.5 and −27.3, respectively. The large gauge factors, attributed to the change of valance energy bands upon application of mechanical strain, and the linear relationship between the resistance change versus induced strain demonstrate the potential of p-type 4H–SiC for mechanical sensing applications.
How do parents' child-feeding behaviours influence child weight? Implications for childhood obesity policy.

BACKGROUND Parents have some responsibility for children's dietary habits and they are often the focus of public health interventions designed to improve children's diets and thereby reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity. The current UK interventions promote awareness of healthy food choices, but offer little guidance for parents on child-feeding behaviours. METHODS A review of recent literature regarding child-feeding behaviours and child weight. RESULTS Parents report using a wide range of child-feeding behaviours, including monitoring, pressure to eat and restriction. Restriction of children's eating has most frequently and consistently been associated with child weight gain. Furthermore, there is substantial evidence for a causal relationship between parental restriction and childhood overweight. CONCLUSIONS Parents may inadvertently promote excess weight gain in childhood by using inappropriate child-feeding behaviours. We recommend the development of interventions to increase awareness of the possible consequences of inappropriate child-feeding behaviours. Parents who are concerned about their child's weight will also require guidance and support in order to adopt more appropriate child-feeding behaviours.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of hypothermia on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nimodipine in rabbits

Objective To investigate the effect of hypothermia on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nimodipine in rabbits using in vivo and in vitro methods. Methods Five healthy New Zealand rabbits received a single dose of nimodipine (0.5 mg/kg) intravenously under normothermic and hypothermic conditions. Doppler ultrasound was used to monitor cerebral blood flow, vascular resistance, and heart rate. In vitro evaluations of protein binding, hepatocyte uptake and intrinsic clearance of liver microsomes at different temperatures were also conducted. Results Plasma concentrations of nimodipine were significantly higher in hypothermia than in normothermia. Nimodipine improved cerebral blood flow under both conditions, but had a longer effective duration during the hypothermic period. Low temperature decreased the intrinsic clearance of liver microsomes, with no change in protein binding or hepatocyte uptake of nimodipine. Conclusion Nimodipine is eliminated at a slower rate during hypothermia than during normothermia, mainly due to the decreased activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes. This results in elevated system exposure with little enhancement in pharmacological effect.
Protective effect of female gender–related factors on muscle force‐generating capacity and fragility in the dystrophic mdx mouse

Introduction: The dystrophic features in hindlimb skeletal muscles of female mdx mice are unclear. Methods: We analyzed force‐generating capacity and force decline after lengthening contraction‐induced damage (fragility). Results: Young (6‐month‐old) female mdx mice displayed reduced force‐generating capacity (−18%) and higher fragility (23% force decline) compared with female age‐matched wild‐type mice. These 2 dystrophic features were less accentuated in young female than in young male mdx mice (−32% and 42% force drop). With advancing age, force‐generating capacity decreased and fragility increased in old (20 month) female mdx mice (−21% and 57% force decline), but they were unchanged in old male mdx mice. Moreover, estradiol treatment had no effect in old female mdx mice. Conclusions: Female gender–related factors mitigate dystrophic features in young but not old mdx mice. Further studies are warranted to identify the beneficial gender‐related factor in dystrophic muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Role of granulosa and theca cell interactions in ovarian follicular maturation

We developed a culture system in which two types of ovarian follicular cells were allowed to attach to opposite sides of a collagen membrane. Using this in vitro cell culture system, we studied the effects of granulosa‐ and theca‐cell interaction on the morphology, structure, and function of bovine ovarian follicular cells. In the first part of the study, we explored how the interaction between theca and granulosa cells affects the morphology and structure of the cells. This study was done using follicular cells collected from bovine ovarian follicles at the early developmental stage. Granulosa cells cultured alone were flattened, and formed a monolayer sheet. By contrast, granulosa cells cultured with theca cells were convex, and formed multilayer sheets. Theca cells cultured alone were thin, flat, and spindle‐shaped. Theca cells cultured with granulosa cells were also spindle‐shaped; however, they appeared convex and more densely packed when compared with theca cells cultured alone. In the second part of the study, the possible role of the cellular interaction in the control of differentiation and growth of granulosa and theca cells was investigated. When follicular cells were isolated from the early stage of follicular development, theca cells reduced progesterone and inhibin production by granulosa cells and augmented the growth of granulosa cells. When the cells were isolated from the late stage of follicular development, by contrast, theca cells augmented hormonal production by granulosa cells, and did not affect the growth of granulosa cells. The growth and androstenedione production by theca cells were increased by the presence of granulosa cells, irrespective of the origin of follicular cells. These results demonstrated that communication between two types of follicular cells results in reciprocal modulation of their morphology, structure, growth, and function. Cellular interactions seem to be one of the major factors controlling the differentiation and growth of the follicular cells during the follicular maturation process. In contrast to granulosa and theca cells cultured alone, cells in the coculture seemed to possess morphological and functional characteristics more similar to those of cells in the growing follicular wall in vivo. Thus, we speculate that the interaction between these two types of follicular cells is essential for the maintenance of original structure and function of the bovine follicular wall. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation in Susceptibility of Bloodstream Isolates of Candida glabrata to Fluconazole According to Patient Age and Geographic Location

ABSTRACT We examined the susceptibilities to fluconazole of 559 bloodstream infection isolates of Candida glabrata and grouped the isolates by patient age and geographic location within the United States. Susceptibility of C. glabrata to fluconazole was lowest in the Pacific (44%) and East South Central (47%) regions and was highest in the West South Central region (82%) (regions are as designated by the U.S. Bureau of the Census). Isolates from pediatric patients were virtually all susceptible to fluconazole, whereas the highest frequency of resistance was observed in isolates from patients 16 to 64 years of age.
Ruling Ideas: How Global Neoliberalism Goes Local

Neoliberal economic theories are powerful because their domestic translators make them go local, hybridizing global scripts with local ideas. This does not mean that all local translations shape policy, however. External constraints and translators' access to cohesive policy institutions filter what kind of neoliberal hybrids become policy reality. By comparing the moderate neoliberalism that prevails in Spain with the more radical one that shapes policy thinking in Romania, Ruling Ideas explains why neoliberal hybrids take the forms that they do and how they survive crises. Cornel Ban contributes to the literature by showing that these different varieties of neoliberalism depend on what competing ideas are available locally, on the networks of actors who serve as the local advocates of neoliberalism, and on their vulnerability to external coercion. Ruling Ideas covers an extended historical period, starting with the Franco period in Spain and the Ceausescu period in Romania, discusses the economic integration of these countries into the EU, and continues through Europe's Great Recession and the European debt crisis. The broad historical coverage enables a careful analysis of how neoliberalism rules in times of stability and crisis and under different political systems.
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN HAND DIMENSIONS: AN ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY IN NORTH INDIAN HARYANVI ADOLESCENTS

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Manju Bala, Associate Professor, Department Of Anatomy, Medical College, MMIMSR, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India. E-Mail: drmanju14@yahoo.in Introduction: The human hand which is the most used and versatile part of the body is of great scientific importance. Studies have established racial identification, sexual dimorphism and height and age estimation from hand dimensions for forensic applications. Materials and Methods: The present in study was conducted to observe the sex differences in hand dimensions among North Indian Haryanvi adolescent population. The study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy at MM Institute of Medical Science & Research, Mullana , Ambala (Haryana), India. Data for the study were obtained from 400 Haryanvi Adults (200 males and 200 females) aged between 21-25 years randomly selected from population of Haryana. Diseased and/or disabled hands were excluded from the study. Hand length, Hand breadth, Palm Length were measured using sliding vernier’s callipers, Hand index was calculated using formula following standard protocols. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was done in relation with gender and side. The dimensions of both hands showed significant relation with sexual dimorphism. Results: Results of our study may be useful to identify sex in medico-legal investigations and to decide man machine compatibility in designing hand tools.
Role of the vitamin C in diethylnitrosamine-induced esophageal cancer in Wistar rats.

PURPOSE To evaluate the inhibitory effect of vitamin C on the experimental esophageal carcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (NDEA). METHODS Sixty Wistar male rats aged three months, with mean weight of 210 g were employed in the study and were divided into four different groups according to the drinking drugs: group I--controls: only water, seven days a week; group II--only vitamin C, seven days a week; group III--NDEA, three days a week and water during the other four days; group IV--NDEA, three days a week and vitamin C during the other four days; group V--NDEA together with vitamin C three days a week, and only water during the other four days and group VI--NDEA together with vitamin C three days a week and vitamin C during the other four days. The dosages of NDEA were: --10 mg. /Kg/day and vitamin C--200 mg/animal/day, dissolved in drinking water. The animals were observed during 180 days and after that each one was sacrificed and its esophagus and the stomach were removed together and macro and microscopically analyzed to identify any tumors. RESULTS The largest number of tumors was observed in the group III: 48 macroscopic lesions (4.8 lesions per animal) and 23 microscopic lesions (2.3 lesions per animal). The groups that received vitamin C (groups IV, V and VI) showed smaller number of tumors: group V--0.5 macroscopic lesions and 0.3 microscopic lesions per animal and group VI--0.1 macroscopic lesions and 0.1 microscopic lesions per animal. The incidence of tumors in the groups V and VI showed statistical significance (p<0.05), when compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION The vitamin C administered together with diethylnitrosamine showed an inhibitory effect on the experimental esophageal carcinogenesis in Wistar rats.
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Regulates Basal Microvascular Tone in Humans In Vivo

Background— Nitric oxide (NO) has a pivotal role in the regulation of vascular tone and blood flow, with dysfunctional release contributing to disease pathophysiology. These effects have been attributed to NO production by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS); however, recent evidence suggests that a neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) may also be expressed in arterial vessels. Methods and Results— We undertook a first-in-humans investigation of the role of nNOS in the local regulation of vascular blood flow in healthy subjects. Brachial artery infusion of the nNOS-specific inhibitor S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC, 0.025 &mgr;mol/min to 0.2 &mgr;mol/min) caused a dose-dependent reduction in basal flow, with a 30.1±3.8% decrease at the highest dose (n=10; mean±SE; P<0.01). The effect of SMTC was abolished by coinfusion of the NO synthase substrate l-arginine but was unaffected by d-arginine. A similar reduction in basal flow with the nonselective NO synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA; 37.4±3.1%, n=10) required a 20-fold higher dose of 4 &mgr;mol/min. At doses that produced comparable reductions in basal flow, only L-NMMA (4 &mgr;mol/min) and not SMTC (0.2 &mgr;mol/min) inhibited acetylcholine-induced vasodilation; however, both SMTC and L-NMMA inhibited the forearm vasodilator response to mental stress. Conclusions— Basal forearm blood flow in humans is regulated by nNOS-derived NO, in contrast to the acetylcholine-stimulated increase in blood flow, which, as shown previously, is mediated primarily by eNOS. These data indicate that vascular nNOS has a distinct local role in the physiological regulation of human microvascular tone in vivo.
Immunohistochemical analysis of unsutured and sutured corneal wound healing.

In the unsutured partial thickness penetrating wounds of the cornea, the epithelium migrates over the wounded stromal surface prior to the onset of stromal regeneration. To determine the possible affects of the epithelial ingrowth on the organization of the stromal scar tissues, the healing of unsutured and sutured wounds was compared immunohistochemically. Immunostaining patterns for fibronectin, types III, VI and VII collagen, keratan sulfate proteoglycan (KSPG), and intermediate filament-associated protein (IFAP 130) in fibroblasts, were analyzed in unsutured and adjacent sutured keratotomy wounds in monkeys, at 2-9 weeks after surgery. At 2-4 weeks, fibronectin, type III and type VI collagen showed a lamellar interweaving pattern across unsutured wounds that was absent in sutured wounds. Type VII collagen was detected along the entire depth of regenerated stroma in unsutured wounds, but not in sutured wounds indicating that the epithelium had formerly been present in the regenerated stroma in unsutured wounds. Fibroblasts in both types of wounds expressed IFAP 130, but staining was more pronounced in sutured wounds. At 5-9 weeks, cellular re-activation, as judged from the expression for IFAP 130, was concomitant with a loss of lamellar interweaving with fibronectin, type III and type VI collagen across unsutured wounds, and proceeded in a posterior to anterior direction. In contrast, in sutured wounds, lamellar interweaving was established in anterior to posterior direction. At all postoperative times, unsutured and sutured wounds showed minimal staining for KSPG in the anterior scar. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)