Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Laser Melting of Nanocrystalline Au

The mechanisms and kinetics of short pulse laser melting of single crystal and nanocrystalline Au films are investigated on the basis of the results of simulations performed with a model combining the molecular dynamics method with a continuum-level description of the laser excitation and subsequent relaxation of the conduction band electrons. A description of the thermophysical properties of Au that accounts for the contribution of the thermal excitation of d band electrons is incorporated into the model and is found to play a major role in defining the kinetics of the melting process. The effect of nanocrystalline structure on the melting process is investigated for a broad range of laser fluences. At high fluences, the grain boundary melting in nanocrystalline films results in a moderate decrease of the size of the crystalline grains at the initial stage of the laser heating and is followed by a rapid (within several picoseconds) collapse of the crystal structure in the remaining crystalline parts of t.
Bone mineral status in children with cow milk allergy

To investigate bone mineral status in children with verified cow milk allergy for more than 4 yr compared with a large reference population of 343 local healthy controls. Whole body bone mineral content (BMC), projected bone area and bone mineral density (BMD) were determined by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry in nine children (8–17 yr old, one girl and eight boys). All children had cow milk allergy for more than 4 yr. All children had asthma and was treated with corticosteroids. BMC and BMD were reduced for age (p < 0.01). Height for age was significantly reduced (p < 0.01), indicating ‘short’ bones. BMC for bone area was borderline reduced (p = 0.05), indicating reduced bone mineralization. The growth of the children was reduced compared with there parents and siblings (p < 0.01), and the bone age was retarded (mean 1.4 yr, p < 0.01). Calcium consumption calculated from food intake was about 25% of the recommended. All laboratory tests were normal. Short bones were the main reason for reduced BMC and BMD for age in children with cow milk allergy, but a borderline low BMC for bone area indicated reduced bone mineralization of the bones. A supplementation of calcium to children with cow milk allergy is recommended.
Stochastic Look-Ahead Economic Dispatch With Variable Generation Resources

With the continuing growth of renewable penetration in power systems, it becomes increasingly challenging to manage the operational uncertainty at near-real-time stage via deterministic scheduling approaches. This paper explores the necessity, benefits and implementability of applying stochastic programming to security constrained economic dispatch (SCED). We formulate a stochastic look-ahead economic dispatch (LAED-S) model for near-real-time power system operation. A concept of uncertainty responses is introduced to assess the power system economic risk with respect to net load uncertainties. This concept offers the system operator a simple yet effective gauge to decide whether a stochastic approach is more desirable than a deterministic one. For an efficient stochastic dispatch algorithm, an innovative hybrid computing architecture is proposed. It leverages the progressive hedging algorithm and the L-shaped method. Numerical experiments are conducted on a practical 5889-bus system to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Oral Lactoferrin Results in T Cell–Dependent Tumor Inhibition of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma In vivo

Purpose: Human lactoferrin is a naturally occurring glycoprotein that inhibits cancer growth. Our purpose was to evaluate recombinant human lactoferrin as a chemotherapeutic agent against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Experimental Design: Controlled experiments both in vitro and in the murine model evaluating both the effect and mechanism of lactoferrin on cancer growth. Results: In both human and murine cell lines, lactoferrin induced dose-dependent growth inhibition. Using flow cytometric analysis, lactoferrin was shown to induce G1-G0 growth arrest. This arrest seemed to be modulated by down-regulation of cyclin D1. In the in vitro model, luminex data revealed that lactoferrin inhibited cellular release of proinflammatory and prometastatic cytokines, including interleukin-8, interleukin-6, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Lactoferrin up-regulated the cellular activation of nuclear factor-κB within 4 h of cellular exposure. In C3h/HeJ mice implanted with SCCVII tumors, orally delivered lactoferrin inhibited tumor growth by 75% compared with control mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of harvested tumors revealed up to 20-fold increases of lymphocytes within treated animals. When mice were depleted of CD3+ cells, all lactoferrin-induced tumor inhibition was abrogated. Conclusion: We conclude that human recombinant lactoferrin can inhibit the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via direct cellular inhibition as well as systemically via immunomodulation. Our data support the study of human lactoferrin as an immunomodulatory compound with therapeutic potential.
p31comet Induces Cellular Senescence through p21 Accumulation and Mad2 Disruption

Functional suppression of spindle checkpoint protein activity results in apoptotic cell death arising from mitotic failure, including defective spindle formation, chromosome missegregation, and premature mitotic exit. The recently identified p31comet protein acts as a spindle checkpoint silencer via communication with the transient Mad2 complex. In the present study, we found that p31comet overexpression led to two distinct phenotypic changes, cellular apoptosis and senescence. Because of a paucity of direct molecular link of spindle checkpoint to cellular senescence, however, the present report focuses on the relationship between abnormal spindle checkpoint formation and p31comet-induced senescence by using susceptible tumor cell lines. p31comet-induced senescence was accompanied by mitotic catastrophe with massive nuclear and chromosomal abnormalities. The progression of the senescence was completely inhibited by the depletion of p21Waf1/Cip1 and partly inhibited by the depletion of the tumor suppressor protein p53. Notably, p21Waf1/Cip1 depletion caused a dramatic phenotypic conversion of p31comet-induced senescence into cell death through mitotic catastrophe, indicating that p21Waf1/Cip1 is a major mediator of p31comet-induced cellular senescence. In contrast to wild-type p31comet, overexpression of a p31 mutant lacking the Mad2 binding region did not cause senescence. Moreover, depletion of Mad2 by small interfering RNA induced senescence. Here, we show that p31comet induces tumor cell senescence by mediating p21Waf1/Cip1 accumulation and Mad2 disruption and that these effects are dependent on a direct interaction of p31comet with Mad2. Our results could be used to control tumor growth. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(3):371–82)
Modification of spasticity by transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury

Abstract Context/objective To examine the effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) on lower-limb spasticity. Design Interventional pilot study to produce preliminary data. Setting Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria. Participants Three subjects with chronic motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) who could walk ≥10 m. Interventions Two interconnected stimulating skin electrodes (Ø 5 cm) were placed paraspinally at the T11/T12 vertebral levels, and two rectangular electrodes (8 × 13 cm) on the abdomen for the reference. Biphasic 2 ms-width pulses were delivered at 50 Hz for 30 minutes at intensities producing paraesthesias but no motor responses in the lower limbs. Outcome measures The Wartenberg pendulum test and neurological recordings of surface-electromyography (EMG) were used to assess effects on exaggerated reflex excitability. Non-functional co-activation during volitional movement was evaluated. The timed 10-m walk test provided measures of clinical function. Results The index of spasticity derived from the pendulum test changed from 0.8 ± 0.4 pre- to 0.9 ± 0.3 post-stimulation, with an improvement in the subject with the lowest pre-stimulation index. Exaggerated reflex responsiveness was decreased after tSCS across all subjects, with the most profound effect on passive lower-limb movement (pre- to post-tSCS EMG ratio: 0.2 ± 0.1), as was non-functional co-activation during voluntary movement. Gait speed values increased in two subjects by 39%. Conclusion These preliminary results suggest that tSCS, similar to epidurally delivered stimulation, may be used for spasticity control, without negatively impacting residual motor control in incomplete SCI. Further study in a larger population is warranted.
Trigeminal neuralgia (part II): Factors affecting early pharmacotherapeutic outcome

Aims We conducted a cohort study to examine demographic and clinical features associated with the pharmacotherapeutic outcome in classical trigeminal neuralgia (CTN) patients. Methods Patients with a clinical profile indicating a diagnosis of CTN, as per the International Headache Society’s published classification, were enrolled prospectively. Demographic and pain-related characteristics were carefully collected. For the purposes of the study, patients with features such as autonomic signs and longer attack duration were included. All patients were then initiated on a standardised and accepted stepped pharmacotherapeutic protocol for the management of CTN. Initial pain scores and prospectively collected pain scores from pain diaries were used to assess the treatment outcome, with a ≥50% reduction considered significant. Results A total of 86 patients were seen, of whom five had an underlying disorder that could account for the pain. The study cohort therefore consisted of 81 patients, and based on attack duration these were divided into short (≤2 minutes, n = 61) and long (>2 minutes, n = 20) groups, for further analysis. The features of these patients and a discussion on the differential diagnosis have been presented in part 1 of this report. Employing an accepted stepped pharmacotherapeutic protocol for the management of CTN, significant improvement was more frequent in the short (74%) than in the long attack group (50%, p = 0.05). In the short attack group there were statistically significant associations between a poor treatment response and longer disease duration, the presence of autonomic signs and atypical pain descriptors for pain quality (p < 0.05). Conclusion This report supports previous findings that prolonged disease duration and autonomic signs are negative prognostic indicators. The present study now adds long attack duration as a further negative prognostic sign.
When My Child Was Born: Cross-Cultural Reactions to the Birth of a Child with Cleft Lip and/or Palate

Objective: To compare across cultures the maternal reactions toward the birth of children with cleft lip and/or palate. Design: An adaptation of When My Child Was Born, a Likert-type scale designed to assess reactions to the birth of a child, was used to survey the target populations. Setting: The surveys were administered between February 2006 and February 2008 at four hospitals: the Faculty of Medicine Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Sappasitprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand; the No. 5 Affiliated Hospital to Xinjiang Medical College, Urumqi, China; and Santa Monica Hospital, Pereira, Colombia. Participants: Thai (n = 22), Chinese (n = 25), Uygur (n = 15), and Colombian (n = 36) biological mothers completed the survey. A historical cohort of American mothers (n = 99) was used for comparison. Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary study outcome measure was the mean maternal affect score, which was calculated from the individual responses of study participants. Results: The mean maternal affect scores for the Thai, Chinese, Uygur, and Colombian mothers were 3.68 ± 0.38, 2.97 ± 0.52, 3.40 ± 0.47, and 3.51 ± 0.61, respectively. The American cohort score was 3.44 ± 0.67. Analysis of variance testing indicated that these groups were not equal (p < .0001). There were statistically significant differences between groups (p < .05). Conclusions: Maternal reactions to the birth of cleft children are different across cultures. These differences must be considered when administering care on international surgical missions.
Diagnostic delay in women with pain and endometriosis

Background. Women with endometriosis claim that delayed diagnosis is a problem. Anglo‐American studies have shown a delay from 3 to 11 years between the onset of pain symptoms and the final diagnosis of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to find the time difference between the onset of pelvic pain symptoms and the final diagnosis of endometriosis among Norwegian patients.
Resistance training-induced increases in muscle mass and performance in ponies.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether 8 wk of progressive resistance exercise training would produce increases in strength and changes in foreleg muscle characteristics indicative of hypertrophy in ponies. Two mature 3- to 6-yr-old, male ponies (188 +/- 16 kg) were taught to carry sheets of lead over their saddle region (wither) while walking on a level treadmill at 1.9 m.s-1. This initial familiarization period was followed by 8 wk of training (3 d per wk), in which the ponies performed a series of progressive sets of weight carrying to fatigue. Each workout started with a 2-min walk at 1.9 m.s-1 followed by sets of weight carrying. The ponies carried 44.5 kg for the first set with increases of 22.3 kg per set until fatigue. Weights were applied and then removed for 60-90 s between sets using a chain hoist and sling apparatus. Measurements of forelimb girth, body weight, and total weight carried were recorded at each workout session. Ultrasound measurement of the diameters of the superdigital flexor muscles and muscle biopsies were performed before and after the 8-wk training period. Eight weeks of resistance training resulted in significant increases in peak weight carried (260%, P < 0.05) and total weight carried (1525%, P < 0.05) during each workout. Forelimb girth increased 12 +/- 1% (P < 0.05) with a corresponding 19 +/- 3% (P < 0.05) increase in muscle cross-sectional diameter. There were no changes (P > 0.05) in Type I muscle fiber area; however, there was a nonsignificant 26% increase in Type IIA+IIB fiber area. These data suggest that 8 wk of progressive resistance exercise training increase strength and cause changes in muscle size and characteristics consistent with hypertrophy.
Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Patients Up to 3 Years of Age Who Have Esotropic Duane Retraction Syndrome

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report the results of botulinum toxin (BOTOX®, Allergan) type A (BTA) bilateral injection in the treatment of Duane retraction syndrome (DRS) type 1 in patients aged up to 3 years. Methods: We studied the results of BTA bilateral injection in eight consecutive patients with DRS type 1 and esotropia in primary gaze. Average follow-up was 74 ± 71 months. The main variables analyzed were horizontal and vertical deviation and face turn. Patients were anesthetized with nitrous oxide (N2O). A mean dosage of 5.6 ± 1.8 IU (range 2.5–7.5 IU) of botulinum toxin diluted in 0.9% saline solution was injected under electromyography control in each medial rectus muscle. Results: Seven patients had one affected eye and one patient had bilateral involvement. The mean preoperative esotropia was 32 ± 10 prism diopters (PD). Three patients (37.5%) had also a vertical deviation. All patients had face turn ranging between 15° and 45° before BTA injection. In the last follow-up, 4 patients were orthotropic (50%), 1 (12.5%) had 3 PD exotropia and 3 (37.5%) had esotropia averaging 25 PD mean. The 3 esotropic patients needed surgical correction. Vertical strabismus improved in 3 patients achieving complete resolution in one of these patients. Two patients, without vertical strabismus before the BTA injection, developed a 5-PD vertical deviation, one of them required surgery. Face turn improved in all patients. Conclusion: Botulinum toxin injection is an alternative treatment for patients with DRS type 1 presents esotropia and face turn in children up to 3 years of age.
Continuing Medical Education in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: The Challenge of the Nineties *

Summary: The Obligatory Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RACOG) which is linked to time‐limited certification has now been in operation for over a decade. Its somewhat unique features have attracted widespread interest both nationally and internationally and may be seen as part of an international movement towards obligatory CME in Western Medicine. However, the programme should also be seen as just a part of the educational responses necessary as the medical profession moves into the 1990s, particularly for those of us in the discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Analysis and development of the hydraulic secondary regulation system based on the CPR

This paper describes the basic components and characteristics of the hydraulic secondary regulation system based on the CPR(Common Pressure Rail), then primarily focuses on the application of the CPR in various industries combined with the advantages of the CPR which can recover energy and drive several loads independently rather than great interference with each other. Also the paper analyses the key technologies of the CPR including the exposition in the development process of the hydraulic transformer, the analysis in energy-saving components and constant pressure control of pumping station in the CPR, and then looks forward to the development prospects of the CPR.
Pedestal properties of H-modes with negative triangularity using the EPED-CH model

The EPED model has been designed to predict the pedestal height and width from a minimal set of parameters and using the stability of the pedestal region for global MHD peeling-ballooning (P-B) modes as well as local kinetic ballooning modes (KBMs). This approach has been validated for type-I ELMy H-modes and quiescent H-modes (QH) but can also be used for other types of H-modes where it usually sets an upper limit on the achievable pedestal height. Using the recently developed EPED-like model called EPED-CH and based on the equilibrium codes CHEASE and CAXE and the MHD stability code KINX, we investigate in this work the effect of negative triangularity on the pedestal structure. Our simulation results confirm the experimental results from TCV where a reduction of the pedestal height was observed when going from positive to negative top triangularity. This was interpreted as a degradation of the peeling-ballooning stability due to the closed access to the second stability region for ballooning modes in the case of negative triangularity. This effect is further enhanced by the coupling to the KBM stability criterion in EPED simulations. The novel concept of the negative triangularity tokamak (a DEMO-sized machine) is also investigated. Again a strong reduction of the pedestal height and width is observed going from positive to negative triangularity for up–down symmetric equilibria. The pedestal height is also reduced going to more up–down asymmetric cases. The beneficial effect of the global β value on the pedestal height, which is linked to the second stability access, is strongly reduced for negative triangularity.
The Multilevel and Multifaceted Character of Computer Self-Efficacy: Toward Clarification of the Construct and an Integrative Framework for Research

Despite the recent empirical interest and advances in research with regard to the construct of computer self-efficacy (CSE), the results obtained to date have, in some cases, been either equivocal or contradictory. We suggest that such results may be attributable to a general lack of attention to the dynamic, multileveled, and multifaceted nature of the computer self-efficacy construct. We offer examples from the extant CSE literature suggesting weaknesses in existing measures of the construct as well as issues associated with manipulations and the need for control of antecedent and consequent factors directly associated with CSE. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to provide a thorough review of the extant literature related to CSE; (2) to present an integrated model of empirical findings, constructed from a wide variety of disciplines, that comprehensively defines the multifaceted nature of task-specific CSE in terms of its antecedent, consequent, and moderating factors; (3) to present a conceptual model of CSE at the general versus task-specific level; and (4) to use the two models of CSE to proffer guidelines for both measurement and manipulation of the construct. Through our review of the CSE literature, we offer several thoughts regarding the nature of the empirical results obtained to date. The combined objectives serve as a basis for establishing a foundation upon which future research investigating the CSE construct can be based.
Layered cobalt(II) and nickel(II) diphosphonates showing canted antiferromagnetism and slow relaxation behavior.

Reactions of 2-(1-imidazole)-1-hydroxyl-1,1'-ethylidenediphosphonic acid (ImhedpH4) and cobalt or nickel salts under hydrothermal conditions lead to four new metal phosphonates with two types of structures: M3(ImhedpH)2(H2O)(4). 2H2O [M=Co(II) (1) and Ni(II) (2)] and M(ImhedpH3)2(H2O)2 [M=Co(II) (3) and Ni(II) (4)]. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and show a layered structure made up of M3(ImhedpH)2(H2O)4 trimer units. These trimers are connected by edge-sharing of the {Co(2)O6} octahedra, forming an undulating chain. The adjacent chains are fused through the coordination of the phosphonate oxygen atom from one chain to the Co(2) atom of the other, thus generating a two-dimensional layer containing 4-, 8-, and 16-membered rings. The imidazole groups are grafted on the two sides of the layer. Compounds 3 and 4 are also isostructural and show a mononuclear structure with extensive hydrogen bond interactions. Magnetic measurements reveal that both 1 and 2 exhibit canted antiferromagnetism at 2.6 and 5.0 K, respectively. Below these temperatures, slow relaxation is observed from the ac susceptibility measurements corresponding to the spin-glass-like behaviors.
Seismic Tomogram of the Earth's Mantle: Geodynamic Implications

Recent seismic tomography of the Earth's mantle has revealed a large-scale pattern of mantle convection comprising upwelling columnar plumes in the Pacific and Africa and downwelling planar sheets along the Circum Pacific. Upwelling and downwelling occur most extensively under the south Pacific and west Pacific, respectively. High-resolution image of plate subduction has been obtained from the dense seismic networks around Japan. Japanese seismologists are in the best position to resolve the internal structure of downwelling current as an integral part of the whole convection system.