Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Electronic Properties of π‐Conjugated Self‐Assembled Monolayers

The modification of electrode surfaces by depositing self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) provides the possibility for controlled adjustment of various key parameters in organic and molecular electronic devices. Most important among them are the work function of the electrode and the relative alignment of its Fermi level with the conducting states in the SAM itself and with those in a subsequently deposited organic semiconductor. For the efficient application of such interface modifications it is crucial to reach a proper understanding of the relation between the chemical structure of a molecule, its molecular electronic characteristics, and the properties of the SAM formed by such molecules. Over the past years, quantum‐mechanical calculations have proven to be a valuable tool for reaching a fundamental understanding of the relevant structure–property relations. Here, we provide a review over the field and report on recent progress in the modeling of the interfacial electronic properties of π‐conjugated SAMs. In addition to the insight that can be gained from simple electrostatic considerations, we focus on the quantum‐mechanical description of the roles played by substituents, molecular backbones, chemical anchoring groups, and the packing density of molecules on the surface. Furthermore, we explicitly address the energy‐level alignment at the interface between a prototypical organic semiconductor and a SAM‐covered metal electrode and describe an approach suitable for extending the metallic character of the substrate onto the monolayer.
Cytokine gene expression at the maternal – fetal interface after somatic cell nuclear transfer pregnancies in small ruminants

The present retrospective study investigated pregnancy rates, the incidence of pregnancy loss and large offspring syndrome (LOS) and immune-related gene expression of sheep and goat somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) pregnancies. We hypothesised that significantly higher pregnancy losses observed in sheep compared with goat SCNT pregnancies are due to the increased amounts of T-helper 1 cytokines and proinflammatorymediators at thematernal–fetal interface. Sheep and goat SCNT pregnancies were generated using the same procedure. Control pregnancies were established by natural breeding. Although SCNT pregnancy rates at 45 days were similar in both species, pregnancy losses between 45 and 60 days of gestation and the incidence of LOSwere significantly greater in sheep than in goats. At term, the expression of proinflammatory genes in sheep SCNT placentas was increased, whereas that in goats was similar to that in control animals. Genes with altered expression in sheep SCNT placentas included cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL2RA), cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28), interferon gamma (IFNG), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 10 (IL10), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) and chemokine (C-X-Cmotif) ligand 8 (CXCL8). Major histocompatibility complex-I protein expression was greater in sheep and goat SCNT placentas at term than in control pregnancies. An unfavourable immune environment is present at the maternal–fetal interface in sheep SCNT pregnancies. Additional keywords: assisted reproductive technology, cloning, large offspring syndrome, livestock species, pregnancy loss. Received 12 March 2015, accepted 16 September 2015, published online 14 October 2015
Imaging and biodistribution of Her2/neu expression in non‐small cell lung cancer xenografts with 64Cu‐labeled trastuzumab PET

Non‐small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) overexpress the Her2/neu gene in approximately 59% of cases. Trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, interferes with Her2 signaling and is approved for the treatment of Her2/neu overexpressing breast cancer. However, its therapeutic use in Her2/neu overexpressing NSCLC remains obscure. The present study aimed to determine the role of 64Cu‐labeled trastuzumab positron emission tomography (PET) for non‐invasive imaging of Her2/neu expression in NSCLC. Trastuzumab was conjugated with the bifunctional chelator 1, 4, 7, 10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1, 4, 7, 10‐tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and radiolabeled with 64Cu. The molecular specificity of DOTA‐trastuzumab was determined in NSCLC cell lines with Her2/neu overexpression (NCI‐H2170) and negative expression (NCI‐H520). Imaging of Her2/neu expression was performed in NCI‐H2170 tumor‐bearing mice with 64Cu‐DOTA‐trastuzumab PET and 64Cu‐DOTA‐IgG. In vitro studies revealed specific binding of DOTA‐trastuzumab in the Her2/neu positive NCI‐H2170 cells, while no binding was seen in the Her2/neu negative NCI‐H520 cell line. Biodistribution and PET studies revealed a significantly high accumulation of 64Cu‐DOTA‐trastuzumab in the Her2/neu overexpressing NCI‐H2170 tumor at 24 and 48 h post‐injection (21.4 ± 1.4% and 23.2 ± 5.1% injection dose/gram (% ID/g), respectively). PET imaging of Her2/neu negative NCI‐H520 tumors showed much less uptake of 64Cu‐DOTA‐trastuzumab (4.0% ID/g). The NCI‐H2170 tumor uptake of 64Cu‐DOTA‐trastuzumab was significantly higher than that of 64Cu‐DOTA‐IgG (P < 0.0001). 64Cu‐DOTA‐trastuzumab showed a very clear image of a Her2/neu positive tumor and appeared to be effective as a PET tracer for imaging of Her2/neu gene expression in NSCLC, suggesting its potential clinical use for identifying patients that might benefit from trastuzumab‐based therapy.
The effect of eccentric contraction velocity on quadriceps oxygen dynamics

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eccentric contraction velocity on quadriceps oxygen dynamics. Fifteen healthy male volunteers were tested eccentrically at 60 and 180 ◦ /s for a duration of 30 s. A probe for near infrared spectroscopy was placed on the rectus femoris allowing determination of muscle oxygenation (MO) levels and blood volume (BV). Higher MO and BV levels were observed at higher compared to the lower velocity. These results suggest that during eccentric knee extension at slow muscle contraction velocity, mechanical compression directed toward blood vessels is augmented resulting in blood flow disturbances and further evolving into hypoxic state within muscle tissues.
Dermatoglyphics-A New Diagnostic Tool in Detection of Dental Caries among Deaf and Mute Children.

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics is the study of dermal ridge configurations on palmar and plantar surfaces of hands and feet. Dermal ridges and craniofacial structures are both formed during 6-7 th week of intra-uterine life, therefore hereditary and environmental factors leading to dental caries may also cause peculiarities in fingerprint patterns. Objective: This study evaluates the dermatoglyphic peculiarities and caries experience of Deaf and Mute children. Design: A total of 100 school children aged 6-16 years were selected using purposive and simple random sampling. Their fingerprints were recorded with duplicating ink and caries experience was clinically assessed by dmft/DMFT index. Results: Mann-Whitney test revealed statistical association between whorl patterns and loop patters in caries and caries free group (P<0.001). The frequency of whorls was found to be more in caries group and the frequency of loops more in caries free group. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics could be an appropriate method to explore the possibility of a non-invasive and an early predictor for dental caries and hearing impairment in children so as to initiate the preventive oral health measures at an early age.
Prognostic significance of Notch 3 gene expression in ovarian serous carcinoma

The Notch signaling pathway is an important cell signaling system, which regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, and is aberrantly activated in a wide range of cancer, including ovarian cancers. However, it remains unclear as to whether Notch signaling plays a role in the progression and prognosis of ovarian cancer. We examined the mRNA and protein expression of Notch 3, Jagged 1, and Jagged 2 in 98 ovarian epithelial tumors via real‐time PCR and in 175 tumors with immunohistochemical analysis, and then correlated their expression levels with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival. In this study, we detected high levels of Notch3 mRNA and protein expression especially in serous ovarian carcinomas compared to their benign counterparts, accompanied by a positive correlation with the expressions of Jagged 1 and Jagged 2. High levels of Notch 3 mRNA expression (>2‐fold than that of benign tumor) were noted in 63% of the serous carcinomas (mean level: 17‐fold, P = 0.032). Additionally, Notch 3 protein overexpression was significantly associated with advanced stage (P = 0.0008), lymph node (P = 0.001), and distant metastasis (P = 0.003). Notably, high Notch 3 mRNA and protein expressions were correlated with chemoresistance (P = 0.033) and poor overall survival (P = 0.027, P = 0.042) in these patients. Our results indicate that the Notch 3 signaling pathway is involved in the tumor progression of ovarian serous carcinoma, and higher Notch 3 expression may be an independent poor prognostic factor in this subset of tumors. (Cancer Sci 2010)
The Salvinia Paradox: Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Hydrophilic Pins for Air Retention Under Water

Superhydrophobic surfaces are of high scientiﬁc and economic interest because of their remarkable properties. [1–3] However, the best and most efﬁcient surfaces known so far evolved in plants (e.g. Lotus) and animals. [4–6] Whereas superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning are well explored in biological and technical surfaces, [7] little attention was given to their air-retaining properties under water. Air-retaining surfaces are of great technological, economic and ecological interest, e.g., for low friction ﬂuid transport and drag reducing ship coatings. [8,9] Here, we show the sophisticated surface design of the ﬂoating water fern Salvinia offering a novel mechanism for long-term air-retention. The hierarchical architecture of the leaf surface is dominated by complex elastic eggbeater-shaped hairs coated with nanoscopic wax crystals. But, surprisingly, the terminal cells of each hair lack the wax crystals and form evenly distributed hydrophilic patches, covering about 2% of the otherwise completely superhydrophobic leaf surface. We demonstrate that these hydrophilic patches stabilize the air layer by pinning the air–water interface to the tips of the eggbeater hairs. This prevents the loss of air caused by formation and detachment of gas bubbles due to instabilities especially in a turbulent ﬂow environment. The unique combination of hydrophilic patches on superhydrophobic surfaces (‘‘Salvinia Effect’’) provides a promising concept for the development of a coating with long-term air-retention properties.
Poly (γ, L‐glutamic acid)‐cisplatin bioconjugate exhibits potent antitumor activity with low toxicity: A comparative study with clinically used platinum derivatives

We have recently synthesized a new platinum derivative, poly (γ, L‐glutamic acid)‐cisplatin conjugate (γ‐PGA‐CDDP), and shown that it displayed remarkable antitumor activity against breast tumor in a mouse model. The purpose of this study is to systematically compare this new drug with three platinum derivatives currently used in the clinic: cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin. Here, we show that γ‐PGA‐CDDP displays impressive antitumor activity over the current clinically used platinum drugs. More interestingly and more importantly, γ‐PGA‐CDDP conjugate significantly reduces cytotoxicity, mitigates oxidative stress and improves antioxidative capability in vivo. Animals treated with γ‐PGA‐CDDP display the same profile of body weight as the control animals, while the tumors in γ‐PGA‐CDDP‐treated animals are significantly suppressed compared with those treated with carboplatin and oxaliplatin. Our data suggest that γ‐PGA could be used as an effective carrier for drug delivery and that γ‐PGA‐CDDP conjugate may have potential therapeutic applications in human cancers that are sensitive to treatment with CDDP‐based chemotherapy such as ovarian cancer. (Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 2476–2482)
Nonmedical Complications of Diagnostic Workup for Dementia

Testing for patients presenting with dementias can lead to diagnosis of disorders that can contribute to cognitive dysfunction, and to improvement, stabilization, or slowed deterioration in some demented patients. However, possible benefits must be balanced against possible costs. The present recommendations for workup of patients with dementia includes some tests with only marginal benefits, and a more limited workup may be as effective. This case demonstrates how important it is to be sensitive as well to possible effects on family relationships of demented patients. When we evaluate and treat demented patients, the dependence of the demented patient on the caregiver and the emotional and physical stresses experienced by many caregivers make it important to consider the patient and caregiver as a system vulnerable to many potential risks.
Awareness and Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders among Primary School Teachers in India.

Background: The incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has increased in recent years. This is because of greater awareness and newer, more effective diagnostic criteria. However in India and other developing countries ASD is underdiagnosed and awareness is poor. Objective: To assess knowledge and awareness about ASD among elementary school teachers and the variables influencing that knowledge. Methods: 326 teachers were given a self -report questionnaire and knowledge was assessed based on their response. Socio-demographic history was also elicited. Results: 95.7% of the teachers were aware of autism. Only 21% had adequate knowledge. 71 teachers had prior training on ASD. Teachers with more experience and prior training performed better. Conclusion: The teachers had poor knowledge of ASD. Teaching experience and prior training were positively correlated to knowledge.
Dangerous Double Dosing: How Naive Beliefs Can Contribute to Unintentional Overdose with Over-the-Counter Drugs

In a series of studies, consumers reviewed over-the-counter (OTC) drug packages and evaluated these drugs for concurrent use. The authors investigate whether the consumers utilized the active ingredients listed on the package and recognized the risks of double dosing when using two drugs with the same active ingredient. Both novice and expert consumers used the active ingredients to assess drug similarity, indicating that the information was accessible. However, only medically trained experts used this information to assess the risks of taking two drugs concurrently, indicating that they understood its diagnosticity or relevancy. Novices' failure to view double dosing as risky suggests that they might hold a naive belief that OTC drugs are relatively risk free; thus, the authors test interventions to increase active ingredient diagnosticity versus accessibility. One intervention considered by OTC drug manufacturers makes active ingredients more accessible on packages using icons. However, the authors found this approach alone to be ineffective, whereas interventions enhancing the diagnosticity of ingredients through public service messages or package warnings yielded promising results. Thus, interventions may benefit by going beyond accessibility to also highlight active ingredient diagnosticity.
EZH2 regulates expression of p57 and contributes to progression of ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo

In order to determine the expression pattern of EZH2 in ovarian neoplasms and assess the functions and mechanism of EZH2 in tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo, we detected the protein and mRNA expression of EZH2 and p57 in normal, benign and malignant ovarian tissues, used shRNA to knock down EZH2 expression in ovarian cancer cells and established a nude mouse xenograft model. We found EZH2 was overexpressed in ovarian tumor with the highest level expression in malignant ovarian tissues, and the variation of EZH2 expression at different pathological type/grade and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages was statistically significant. Furthermore, the EZH2 expression was inversely correlated with the p57 mRNA level in ovarian tissues. Moreover, inhibition of endogenous EZH2 increased the expression of p57 and reduced proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells. Loss of EZH2 suppresses ovarian tumor formation in vivo. Our results indicate that the EZH2 gene acts as an oncogene in tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer with the possible mechanism to suppress the anti‐oncogene p57. EZH2 is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of ovarian cancer. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 530–539)
'It's a logistical nightmare!' Recommendations for optimising human papillomavirus school-based vaccination experience.

INTRODUCTION To date, no published studies examine procedural factors of the school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program from the perspective of those involved. This study examines the factors that were perceived to impact optimal vaccination experience. METHODS Schools across Sydney were selected to reflect a range of vaccination coverage at the school level and different school types to ensure a range of experiences. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with girls; and one-on-one interviews were undertaken with parents, teachers and nurses until saturation of data in all emergent themes was reached. Focus groups and interviews explored participants' experiences in school-based HPV vaccination. Transcripts were analysed, letting themes emerge. RESULTS Themes related to participants' experience of the organisational, logistical and procedural aspects of the vaccination program and their perceptions of an optimal process were organised into two categories: (1) preparation for the vaccination program and (2) vaccination day strategies. In (1), themes emerged regarding commitment to the process from those involved, planning time and space for vaccinations, communication within and between agencies, and flexibility. In (2), themes included vaccinating the most anxious girls first, facilitating peer support, use of distraction techniques, minimising waiting time girls, and support staff. DISCUSSION A range of views exists on what constitutes an optimal school-based program. Several findings were identified that should be considered in the development of guidelines for implementing school-based programs. Future research should evaluate how different approaches to acquiring parental consent, and the use of anxiety and fear reduction strategies impact experience and uptake in the school-based setting.
Alteration in Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gelatinase Activities in Lymphoma-Bearing Dogs with Chemotherapies

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and -9), gelatinases among MMPs, are associated with cell migration, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in human solid tumor. The prognostic value of gelatinases in canine lymphoma remains equivocal. To evaluate the relation between serum gelatinases and canine lymphoma, gelatin zymography was used to detect the levels of serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinase activities in lymphoma-bearing dogs. In this retrospective study, twenty-four canine patients with different subtypes of lymphoma were identified according to the histopathogical examination, and 10 healthy dogs were included as control. Serum samples from the lymphoma-bearing dogs were collected before and after chemotherapy. Results showed that the MMP-9 levels increased in the lymphoma-bearing dogs (median: 199.37, interquartile difference: 37.67) and decreased after a complete response was achieved (median: 140.64, interquartile difference 48.62); however, the MMP-2 levels among the controls and lymphoma-bearing dogs with treatment were similar (before: median: 138.42, interquartile difference: 35.7; complete response: median: 119.26, interquartile difference: 39.03). Both MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were higher in T-cell lymphoma than in B-cell lymphoma patients. Compared with MMP-2, changes in the level of serum MMP-9 gelatinase activity could be a prognostic factor in canine lymphoma.
Development of a Midwifery Care Model for a Rural Community

The global challenge of midwifery today is to provide care that is relevant and appropriate for those needing midwifery services. Rural communities have particular care needs and in this paper a conceptual model of midwifery care appropriate for rural Thai communities was designed and tested. The aim was to develop a midwifery care model for a rural community in an area of Southern Thailand. This mixed methods participatory action research involved qualitative and quantitative analysis of data from nurse-midwives,village health volunteers and childbearing women. Findings reveal that participants regarded the overall quality of midwifery care as fairly good and identified changes needed to improve rural midwifery care: midwifery education for the care team; service linkages and access to specialist services; psychosocial support for women and family; skills and knowledge in prevention of maternal complications; volunteers’ participation and education; and specialist clinical support for nurse-midwives.The rural midwifery care model incorporates five components: well-connected teamwork; professional development benefits; continuity of care perspective; integrated care and collaboration; and benefits for women. The implications of this study are that a similar process could be undertaken in any rural setting in any society to ensure that the core values of the community and the central concerns of those who use it are addressed. The midwifery care model developed in the Thai context could be used as a guide for nurse-midwives to effectively enhance the quality of rural midwifery care in all rural and remote area contexts.
In Situ, Label‐Free DNA Detection Using Organic Transistor Sensors

Rapid and highly sensitive PNA-DNA hybridization assays have attracted enormous attention for a wide variety of applications ranging from genotyping to molecular diagnosis. [ 1 , 2 ] Conventional optical detection systems based on microarrays and real-time PCR involve expensive detection protocols, typically requiring a fl uorescent dye and optical sources/detectors; however, this method has become the standard technique for quantifying the extent of hybridization between surface immobilized probes and fl uorophore-labeled DNA targets. Recent advances in chemical detection research, in part benefi ting from the overwhelming progress made in organic electronics, have shown great promise for a viable, low-cost alternative to current optical detection systems. [ 3 , 4 ] The utilization of organic transistor technology in chemical sensors is particularly encouraging. This simple platform allows for the fabrication of low-cost, large-area, and fl exible devices with air stability, low-power consumption, biocompatibility, and facile surface modifi cation for the detection of a wide range of analyte species. [ 5 , 6 ] Many examples exist for the detection of analyte vapors using an OTFT platform, with numerous reports addressing the ability to identify particular analytes either through the use of a fi ngerprint response [ 7 , 8 ] or by incorporating selective detection layers on functional OTFTs. [ 4 , 9 ] Few examples of chemical detection in aqueous systems have been demonstrated; however, these devices were not selective toward a particular analyte. [ 3 , 10 ] Selective in situ detection with OTFTs requires a versatile method for the immobilization of various selective molecular probes within proximity to the active transport channel. Here, we report a real-time, in situ selective detection scheme for short-chain DNA targets by employing organic transistors as the electrical read-out platform. The surfaces of the OTFTs were modifi ed with a thin maleic anhydride (MA) polymer layer