Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spin-polarized supercurrents for spintronics: a review of current progress

During the past 15 years a new field has emerged, which combines superconductivity and spintronics, with the goal to pave a way for new types of devices for applications combining the virtues of both by offering the possibility of long-range spin-polarized supercurrents. Such supercurrents constitute a fruitful basis for the study of fundamental physics as they combine macroscopic quantum coherence with microscopic exchange interactions, spin selectivity, and spin transport. This report follows recent developments in the controlled creation of long-range equal-spin triplet supercurrents in ferromagnets and its contribution to spintronics. The mutual proximity-induced modification of order in superconductor-ferromagnet hybrid structures introduces in a natural way such evasive phenomena as triplet superconductivity, odd-frequency pairing, Fulde–Ferrell–Larkin–Ovchinnikov pairing, long-range equal-spin supercurrents, π ? >-Josephson junctions, as well as long-range magnetic proximity effects. All these effects were rather exotic before 2000, when improvements in nanofabrication and materials control allowed for a new quality of hybrid structures. Guided by pioneering theoretical studies, experimental progress evolved rapidly, and since 2010 triplet supercurrents are routinely produced and observed. We have entered a new stage of studying new phases of matter previously out of our reach, and of merging the hitherto disparate fields of superconductivity and spintronics to a new research direction: super-spintronics.
On the restriction of the Fourier transform to polynomial curves

We prove a Fourier restriction theorem on curves parametrised by the mapping P(t) = (P1(t),. , Pn(t)), where each of the P1,. , Pn is a real-valued polynomial and t belongs to an interval on which each of the P1,. , Pn "resembles" a monomial.
A genetic comparison between natural and laboratory strains of Echinostoma (Trematoda) by isoenzymatic analysis

SUMMARY A comparative isoenzyme study between a natural population of Echinostoma caproni and 2 strains of E. caproni and E. togoensis, maintained for a long time in the laboratory led to the following conclusions. (1) The natural E. caproni population showed polymorphism of associated PGM and GPI genotypes. Some zymograms were identical to those of experimental strains. Allelic frequencies show that the natural population is panmictic according to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. (2) The laboratory strains were monomorphic, and interbreeding produced double-heterozygous F1 progeny, identical to those of the natural population.
The association of metabolic syndrome with left ventricular mass and geometry in community-based hypertensive patients among Han Chinese

Background: The association of metabolic syndrome (MS) with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is controversial. The objective of our study was to investigate the influence of MS on LV mass and geometry in community-based hypertensive patients among Han Chinese. Materials and Methods: This study included 1733 metabolic syndrome patients according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition and 2373 non-MS hypertension patients. LV hypertrophy was diagnosed by the criteria of LV mass ≥49.2 g/m2.7 for men and 46.7 g/m2.7 for women. LV geometric patterns (normal, concentric remodeling, concentric or eccentric hypertrophy) were calculated according to LV hypertrophy and relative wall thickness. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of MS for LV hypertrophy and LV geometry abnormality. Results: The LV mass and LV mass index were higher in the MS group than in the non-MS group. In multiple adjusted models. LV mass index, LV mass, interventricular septum, and post wall were raised with the increased number of MS disorders. MS was associated with increased LV hypertrophy risk (unadjusted OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.21-1.57); age, sex, and blood pressure (BP; adjusted OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.22-1.59). MS was also associated with increased risk of eccentric hypertrophy in male and female patients. MS was only associated with increased risk of concentric hypertrophy in female patients; and MS was not associated with concentric remodeling. Conclusion: LV mass and LV mass index were associated with the increased number of MS disorders in the Chinese community-based hypertensive population. MS was not only associated with increased LV hypertrophy risk, but also associated with concentric and eccentric LV geometry abnormality, especially in females.
Selenium Deficiency‐Induced Growth Retardation Is Associated with an Impaired Bone Metabolism and Osteopenia

Although the importance of selenium for bone metabolism is unknown, some clinical conditions such as Kashin‐Beck osteoarthropathy have been associated with selenium deficiency. Although selenium deficiency induces growth retardation in rats, it has not been established whether this growth inhibition is associated with changes in bone metabolism. We investigated the effect of selenium deficiency on bone metabolism in growing male rats fed a selenium‐deficient diet for two generations (Se−). In Se− rats, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and plasma selenium concentration were strongly reduced compared with pair‐fed selenium‐adequate rats (Se+). Weight and tail length were reduced by 31% and 13% in the Se− rats, respectively (p < 0.001). The Se− diet was associated with a 68% reduction of pituitary growth hormone (GH; p = 0.01) and a 50% reduction of plasma insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I; p < 0.001). Plasma calcium was lower and urinary calcium concentration was greater in Se− rats. This group had a 2‐fold increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] in plasma. Plasma osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridoline were reduced by 25% and 57% in the Se− rats (p < 0.001). Selenium deficiency resulted in a 23% and 21% reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur and tibia (p < 0.001) and this effect persisted after adjustment for weight in a linear regression model. A 43% reduction in trabecular bone volume of the femoral metaphysis (p < 0.001) was found in Se− rats. This experimental study shows that growth retardation induced by selenium deficiency is associated with impaired bone metabolism and osteopenia in second‐generation selenium‐deficient rats.
The Value of Information in Matching Tournaments

We study a two-sided, one-to-one matching market with a nite number of agents, candidates and rms . There is incomplete information on both sides of the market and, a priori, candidates are uncertain about their own characteristics. We present a model and methods that allow to analyze the value of information in matching tournaments in which agents engage in wasteful signaling to compete for match partners. A higher information level of market participants has two, possibly opposing, eects. It increases expected total match output but may also increase investments in wasteful signaling. Overall welfare may be decreasing but we identify conditions under which it is increasing. We characterize and compare the socially optimal and candidate optimal levels of information. We nd that, if the number of candidates is large enough, the candidate optimal level is below the socially optimal information level. JEL classication: C78, D82, D83
LEPROSY THERAPY, PAST AND PRESENT: CAN WE HOPE TO ELIMINATE IT?

Leprosy remains an important problem globally. Timely detection of new cases and prompt treatment with MDT continue to be the main intervention strategies. We review the various issues related to classification, treatment, drug resistance and the possible steps to eliminate the disease in the near future. The need for newer anti leprosy agents has been felt and various agents like fluroquinolones, macrolides and minocycline have all been tried in various combinations and duration. Uniform MDT in all leprosy patients might be a logical one too. Drug resistance can be identified by PCR based DNA sequence analysis which saves much time. Drugs like thalidomide analogues, pentoxifylline, selective cytokine inhibitory drugs have proved effective in controlling type-2 reaction in leprosy patients. New drugs for leprosy reactions are still needed. Far from being eliminated as a public health problem, leprosy still causes a considerable long term morbidity in both developing and developed world. New treatment and the optimal length of MDT requires further research. We need genome based technology to address the unresolved issues of transmission of M. leprae.
Inhibition of P‐glycoprotein function by tannic acid and pentagalloylglucose

We studied the effects of tannic acid and 1(β),2,3,4,6‐penta‐O‐galloyl‐D‐glucose (pentagalloylglucose), one of the components of tannic acid, on the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) function in multidrug‐resistant P‐gp over‐expressing KB‐C2 cells. Both tannic acid and pentagalloylglucose markedly elevated the accumulation of P‐gp substrates, rhodamine 123 and daunorubicin, by inhibiting their efflux. A 19‐fold increase in cellular rhodamine 123 was observed for tannic acid at 60 μM (85 μg mL−1) and a 21‐fold increase was observed for pentagalloylglucose at 100 μM (94 μg mL−1). The increasing effects of these compounds in the accumulation were much larger than that of (‐)epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (EGCG), which has been revealed to have a prominent inhibitory effect on P‐gp compared with other flavonoids. Analysis of verapamil‐stimulated ATPase activity in membrane vesicles expressing human P‐gp suggested that inhibition of P‐gp function by tannic acid and pentagalloylglucose was at least partly due to ATPase inhibition of P‐gp. The findings also suggested that the presence of a large number of galloyl groups in polyphenols strengthens the interaction with regulatory regions in P‐gp.
Effect of the Magnetostrictive Layer on Magnetoelectric Properties in Lead Zirconate Titanate/Terfenol‐D Laminate Composites

Magnetoelectric laminate composites of piezoelectric/magnetostrictive materials were prepared by stacking and bonding together a PZT disk and two layers of Terfenol-D disks with different directions of magnetostriction. These composites were studied to investigate (i) dependence on the magnetostriction direction of the Terfenol-D disk and (ii) dependence on the direction of the applied ac magnetic field. Three different types of assemblies were prepared by using two types of disks: one with magnetostriction along the radial direction, the other with magnetostriction along the thickness direction. The maximum magnetoelectric voltage coefficient (dE/dH) of 5.90 V/cm·Oe was obtained for a design where the composite was made by two Terfenol-D layers with a radial magnetostriction direction.
Effects of Deforestation and Forest Degradation on Forest Carbon Stocks in Collaborative Forests, Nepal

There are some key drivers that favor deforestation and forest degradation. Consequently, levels of carbon stock are affected in different parts of same forest types. But the problem lies in exploring the extent of the effects on level of carbon stocking. This paper highlights the variations in levels of carbon stocks in three different collaborative forests of same forest type i.e. tropical sal (Shorea robusta) forest in Mahottari district of the central Terai in Nepal. Three collaborative forests namely Gadhanta-Bardibas Collaborative Forest (CFM), Tuteshwarnath CFM and BankeMaraha CFM were selected for research site. Interview and workshops were organized with the key informants that include staffs, members and representatives of CFMs to collect the socio-economic data and stratified random sampling was applied to collect the bio-physical data to calculate the carbon stocks. Analysis was carried out using statistical tools. It was found five major drivers namely grazing, fire, logging, growth of invasive species and encroachment. It was found highest carbon 269.36 ton per ha in GadhantaBardibash CFM. The findings showed that the levels of carbon stocks in the three studied CFMs are different depending on how the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation influence over them.
Prevalence of parafunctional habits and temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms in patients attending a tertiary headache clinic.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the most prevalent forms of headache in a tertiary outpatient service, and to assess the frequency of associated parafunctional habits and temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms (TMD). METHOD All new patients referred to the Headache Outpatient Service in UNIMES during 2008 were prospectively assessed by the neurologist and the dental surgeon. RESULTS Eighty new patients were assessed; chronic migraine and episodic migraine without aura were the most prevalent conditions, accounting for 66.3% of all cases. There was significantly higher use of analgesics/days for the chronic migraine patients. The prevalence of parafunctional habits was 47.5% and the prevalence of TMD symptoms was 35%. CONCLUSION The high prevalence of primary headaches, parafunctional habits and TMD symptoms and the inadequate use of analgesic drugs suggest that primary healthcare units need further training in the field of headache and orofacial pain.
Country of birth, socioeconomic factors, and risk factor control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a Swedish study from 25 primary health‐care centres

Few large‐scale studies have examined the association between sociodemographic factors and the probability of reaching the recommended levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA$_{\rm{1c}}$) and blood lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim was to investigate whether sociodemographic characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes affected the odds that they would reach recommended levels of blood lipids and HbA$_{\rm{1c}}$.
Non-radiative wireless energy transfer with single layer dual-band printed spiral resonator

Accomplishing equilibrium in terms of transfer efficiency for dual-band wireless energy transfer (WET) system remains as one of key concerns particularly in the implementation of a single transmitter device which supports simultaneous energy and data transfer functionality. Three stages of design method are discussed in addressing the aforementioned concern. A single layer dual-band printed spiral resonator for non-radiative wireless energy transfer operating at 6.78 MHz and 13.56 MHz is presented. By employing multi-coil approach, measured power transfer efficiency for a symmetrical link separated at axial distance of 30 mm are 72.34% and 74.02% at the respective frequency bands. When operating distance is varied between 30 mm to 38 mm, consistency of simulated peak transfer efficiency above 50% is achievable.
In-hospital outcome of acute myocardial infarction (st segment elevation type) in diabetics and non-diabetics.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the in-hospital mortality and complications of acute myocardial infarction in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. DESIGN Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Coronary Care Unit and Cardiology Ward of Nishtar Hospital, Multan from 1st October 2002 till 15th May 2003. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four hundred and forty-eight (448) consecutive patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were studied while they were admitted to the hospital. Patients were divided into two groups of diabetics and non-diabetics depending on the presence of diabetes mellitus. In-hospital mortality and complications were compared between the two groups by Chi-square method. RESULTS Diabetic patients presented in more advanced Killip class as 32(26.7%) patients presented in Killip class II, 13(10.8%) patients presented in Killip class III and 6(5%) patients presented in Killip class IV. In the non-diabetic group, 68(20.7%), 24(7.3%) and 11(3.4%) patients presented in these Killip classes respectively (p<0.042). The total in-hospital mortality was 17%. Mortality was 28(23.3%) in diabetics and 48(14.6%) in non-diabetics (p<0.03). In-hospital mortality was almost double in diabetics as compared to non-diabetics. Mechanical complications were observed in 42(35%) patients in diabetic group and 80(24.4%) patients in non-diabetic group. Left ventricular failure was the most commonly observed mechanical complication. Electrical complications were observed in 84(70%) diabetic and 162(49.4%) non-diabetic patients (p<0.205). CONCLUSION In patients with acute myocardial infarction, presence of diabetes mellitus was associated with worse in-hospital outcome leading to increased mortality and complications as compared to non-diabetic patients.
Global Secretome Characterization of Herpes Simplex Virus 1-Infected Human Primary Macrophages

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a common pathogen infecting the majority of people worldwide at some stage in their lives. The early host response to viral infection is initiated by the cells of the innate immune response, including macrophages. Here, we have characterized the secretome of HSV-1-infected human primary macrophages using high-throughput quantitative proteomics. We identified and quantified 516 distinct human proteins with high confidence from the macrophage secretome upon HSV-1 infection, and the secretion of 411 proteins was >2-fold increased upon beta interferon (IFN-β) priming and/or HSV-1 infection. Bioinformatics analysis of the secretome data revealed that most of the secreted proteins were intracellular, and almost 80% of the proteins whose secretion increased more than 2-fold were known exosomal proteins. This strongly suggests that nonclassical, vesicle-mediated protein secretion is activated in IFN-β-primed and HSV-1-infected macrophages. Proteins related to immune and inflammatory responses, interferon-induced proteins, and endogenous danger signal proteins were efficiently secreted upon IFN-β priming and HSV-1 infection. The secreted IFN-induced proteins include interferon-induced tetratricopeptide protein 2 (IFIT2), IFIT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA), implicating that these proteins also have important extracellular antiviral functions. Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β was not released by HSV-1-infected macrophages, demonstrating that HSV-1 can antagonize inflammasome function. In conclusion, our results provide a global view of the secretome of HSV-1-infected macrophages, revealing host factors possibly having a role in antiviral defense.
Ecological Effects of Pesticide Use in The Netherlands: Modeled and Observed Effects in the Field Ditch

Abstract This study addresses the potential risks to the aquatic ecosystem posed by pesticides currently used in The Netherlands. The study used a novel method to predict aquatic exposure to pesticides based on a geographic information system (GIS) map of agricultural land use, comprising 51 crops used in open-canopy areas. Through the application of species-sensitivity distributions for aquatic organisms, in combination with rules for mixture-toxicity calculation, the modeled exposure results were transformed to risk estimates for aquatic species. The majority of the predicted risks were caused by pesticides applied to potato cropland, and approximately 95% of the predicted risk was caused by only 7 of the 261 pesticides currently used in The Netherlands. For risk verification, local toxic-risk estimates were compared with observed species composition in field ditches. The field verification study was not able to draw firm conclusions regarding the predicted impact of pesticide use on overall biodiversity. A toxicity-related shift from sensitive to more tolerant or opportunistic species could be observed for a few species.
Myocardial Infarct Size–Limiting Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning Was Not Attenuated by Oxygen Free‐Radical Scavengers in the Rabbit

BackgroundThe limiting effect of ischemic preconditioning on infarct size has been reported in canine hearts, which contain considerable amounts of xanthine oxidase, a free radicalproducing enzyme. Furthermore, a recent study suggested that free radicals generated during preconditioning may contribute to the cardioprotective effect of preconditioning. The present study examined 1) whether preconditioning limits infarct size in rabbits, which, like humans, lack myocardial xanthine oxidase and 2) whether the cardioprotective effect of PC is mediated by free radicals. Methods and ResultsA branch of the circumflex coronary artery in rabbits was occluded for 30 minutes and then reperfused for 72 hours. Myocardial infarct size and area at risk were determined by histology and fluorescent particles, respectively. Five groups were studied: an untreated control group, a preconditioned group (PC group), a high-dose superoxide dismutase SOD) -treated preconditioned group (high-dose SOD-PC group), a low-dose SOD-treated preconditioned group (low-dose SOD-PC group), and a SOD-plus-catalase-treated preconditioned group (SOD/CAT-PC group). Preconditioning was performed with four episodes of 5 minutes of ischemia and 5 minutes of reperfusion. The free radical scavengers (30,000 units/kg SOD for high-dose SOD-PC group, 15,000 units/kg SOD for low-dose SOD-PC group, and 30,000 units/kg SOD plus 55,000 units/kg catalase for SOD/CAT-PC group) were infused intravenously over 60 minutes starting 20 minutes before preconditioning. Infarct size as the percentage of area at risk was 45.1 + 3.5% (mean ± SEM) in the control group (n =11), 13.3±3.0% in the PC group (n =12), 9.7±1.8% in the high-dose SOD-PC group (n =8), 11.9±2.2% in the low-dose SOD-PC group (n =6), and 9.6±2.3% in the SOD/CAT-PC group n =6) (p <0.05 versus control for the last four values). The differences in infarct size as the percent of area at risk among the PC, high-dose SOD-PC, low-dose SOD-PC, and SOD/CAT-PC groups were not significant. Conclusion.Ischemic preconditioning delays ischemic myocardial necrosis regardless of myocardial xanthine oxidase content. Free radicals are unlikely to have a major role in the mechanism of the preconditioning in rabbits. (Circulation 1991;83:1015–1022)