Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electron small polarons and bipolarons in LiNbO3

An overview of the properties of electron small polarons and bipolarons is given, which can occur in the congruently melting composition of LiNbO3 (LN). Such polarons influence the performance of this important optical material decisively. Since coupling to the lattice strongly quenches the tunnelling of free small polarons in general, they are easily localized at one site even by weak irregularities of a crystal. The mechanism of their optical absorptions is thus shared with those of small polarons localized by binding to selected defects. It is shown that the optical properties of free electrons in LN as well as those bound to NbLi antisite defects can be attributed consistently to small polarons. This is extended to electron pairs forming bipolarons bound to NbLi–NbNb nearest neighbours in the LN ground state. On the basis of an elementary phenomenological approach, relying on familiar concepts of defect physics, the peak energies, lineshapes, widths of the related optical absorption bands as well as the defect binding energies induced by lattice distortion are analysed. A criterion universally identifying small polaron absorption bands in oxide materials is pointed out. For the bipolarons, the dissociation energy, 0.27 eV, derived from a corresponding study of the mass action behaviour, is shown to be consistent with the data on isolated polarons. Based on experience with simple O− hole small polaron systems, a mechanism is proposed which explains why the observed small polaron optical absorptions are higher above the peak energies of the bands than those predicted by the conventional theory. The parameters characterizing the optical absorptions are seen to be fully consistent with those determining the electrical conductivity, i.e. the bipolaron dissociation energy and the positions of the defect levels as well as the activation energy of mobility. A reinterpretation of previous thermopower data of reduced LN on the basis of the bipolaron model confirms that the mobility of the free polarons is activated by 0.27 eV. On the basis of the level scheme of the bipolarons as well as the bound and free polarons the temperature dependence of the electronic conductivity is explained. The polaron/bipolaron concept also allows us to account for the concentrations of the various polaron species under the combined influence of illumination and heating. The decay of free and bound polarons dissociated from bipolarons by intense short laser pulses of 532 nm light is put in the present context. A critical review of alternative models, being proposed to explain the mentioned absorption features, is given. These proposals include: single free polarons in the (diamagnetic) LN ground state, oxygen vacancies in their various conceivable charge states, quadpolarons, etc. It is shown why these models cannot explain the experimental findings consistently.
Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients presenting to a functional medicine clinic

This study explores the relationship of 25-hydroxylvitamin D blood levels in 106 randomly selected patient files with diagnosed type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (t2DM) who enrolled in a functional medicine diabetes reversal program from a chiropractic clinic located in Annapolis, Maryland, USA. Using a conservative recommendation for normal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of 32 ng/ml, insufficiency level of 20 - 30 ng/ml, and deficiency level et al. (2011) determined the optimal concentration of serum 25OHD to be 40 ng/ml in order to optimize insulin sensitivity. In our sample 100/ 106 (94%) had vitamin D levels at or below this optimal cut-off level. BMI was negatively correlated with vitamin D; that is, the greater the BMI of the patient the less their vitamin D level. Both obesity and hypovitaminosis D are each mutually exclusive predictors for t2DM. Obesity and vitamin D deficiency may work synergistically to propel an individual into the diseased state of t2DM. As this study demonstrates that the majority of people with t2DM suffer from inadequate amounts of vitamin D, vitamin D testing should be routine for all people at risk for t2DM, prediabetics and those currently suffering with t2DM in order to elevate levels sufficiently to improve insulin sensitivity and improve long-term outcomes.
Adversity Quotient and Defense Mechanism of Secondary School Students

The present study was conducted to explore the relationship between Adversity Quotient (AQ) and Defense Mechanism (DM) of secondary school students. The aim of the study was to ascertain relationship between Adversity Quotient and Defense mechanism i. e. Turning against object (TAO), Projection (PRO), Turning against self (TAS), Principalisation (PRN) and Reversal (REV). Another aim of the study was to find out whether there exist any difference between the level of AQ and DM of boys and girls. The sample included 156 girls and 152 boys (aged from 13 years to 15 years) selected randomly from Uran region of Raigad District, Maharashtra State, India. Inventory by Dr. N. R. Mrinal and Dr. Uma Mrinal was used for data collection of Defense Mechanism. Online Adversity Quotient profile ® tool by Dr. Paul Stoltz was used for data collection of Adversity Quotient. Data analysis revealed that there is no correlation between Adversity Quotient and Defense Mechanism of secondary school students. Data analysis also revealed that there are no significant differences in the level of AQ and Defense mechanism of boys and girls.
Expression of intracellular adhesion molecule 1 by activated hepatic stellate cells

The hepatic stellate cell (HSC), following a fibrogenic stimulus, is transformed from a quiescent to an activated cell. HSC activation results in numerous changes in cellular morphology, cellular metabolism, and in the pattern of gene expression. Many of the changes that are observed in activated HSCs in animal models of hepatic fibrosis are also seen when these cells are activated by culturing on plastic. These changes include morphological changes to a myofibroblast‐ like cell with the appearance of smooth muscle α‐actin, a loss of the retinol stores, an increase in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and increases in extracellular matrix production, including a dramatic increase in type I collagen. To identify additional genes that are induced or suppressed during HSC activation, we used the differential polymerase chain reaction (PCR) display technique. Using this technique, we isolated a complementary DNA (cDNA) fragment for the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1). Northern blotting confirmed that the ICAM‐1 messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed in HSCs activated by culture, but not in quiescent, freshly isolated HSCs. The presence of ICAM‐1 protein was demonstrated in culture‐activated HSCs, but not in quiescent cells by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. A functional assay was performed, demonstrating that lymphocytes will adhere to activated HSCs and that treatment of these cells with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) increases lymphocyte adherence. Furthermore, ICAM‐1 mRNA levels were increased in HSCs activated in rats in vivo after 1 week of bile duct ligation (BDL). Together, these data indicate that ICAM‐1 expression is induced following HSC activation and that the HSC may have a direct role in the transmigration of leukocytes from the hepatic sinusoid to sites of tissue damage during the inflammatory response in the liver.
Inhibition of vimentin synthesis and disruption of intermediate filaments in simian virus 40-infected monkey kidney cells

The organization, synthesis, and phosphorylation of vimentin were studied at various times after infection of monkey kidney cells with simian virus 40. Late after infection (between 36 and 48 h postinfection) there is a dramatic reduction in vimentin synthesis that is paralleled by a specific disruption of the intermediate filament network. At the same time there is no apparent alteration of the organization or the synthesis of the actin-containing filaments and of the microtubules. The inhibition of vimentin synthesis is also reflected by the level of vimentin mRNA activity in the infected cells, as assayed in a cell-free in vitro translation system, and vimentin mRNA concentration as revealed by RNA blot hybridization to cloned vimentin cDNA. The level of vimentin phosphorylation also decreases dramatically but at a much earlier time after infection (between 14 and 24 h postinfection), when mitosis in the infected cells is blocked. Although the decrease in vimentin synthesis in simian virus 40-infected cells is paralleled by the alterations in the organization of the intermediate filament network, the phosphorylation of vimentin correlates with the cell cycle, as it does in other systems. A possible feedback control mechanism of vimentin synthesis by alterations in the organization of the intermediate filament network is discussed.
Chromatin Tethering of Incoming Foamy Virus by the Structural Gag Protein

Retroviruses hijack cellular machineries to productively infect their hosts. During the early stages of viral replication, proviral integration relies on specific interactions between components of the preintegration complex and host chromatin‐bound proteins. Here, analyzing the fate of incoming primate foamy virus, we identify a short domain within the C‐terminus of the structural Gag protein that efficiently binds host chromosomes, by interacting with H2A/H2B core histones. While viral particle production, virus entry and intracellular trafficking are not affected by mutation of this domain, chromosomal attachment of incoming subviral complexes is abolished, precluding proviral integration. We thus highlight a new function of the structural foamy Gag protein as the main tether between incoming subviral complexes and host chromatin prior to integration.
Consultation and Teaming: Problem Solving among Educators, Parents, and Support Personnel

This article examines the nature and use of consultation and in-school teams in the delivery of psychoeducational services for children experiencing difficulties in school. Underlying both consultation and school-based teams is an explicit problem-solving process that has been shown to facilitate problem resolution for a target child and can also advance the knowledge of the adults who participate in the process. Practical, step-by-step illustrations of problem solving within a consultative relationship are provided and extended to team problem solving. Research literature supporting these practices also is briefly reviewed.
Lung protein leakage in feline septic shock.

The aim of the present study was to explore lung microvascular leakage of protein and water in a feline model of septic shock, using a double isotope technique with external gamma camera detection and gravimetric lung water measurements. The experiments were performed on artificially ventilated cats. One group of cats (n = 8) was given an infusion of live Escherichia coli bacteria, and another group (n = 5) served as a control group receiving saline. Plasma transferrin was radiolabeled in vivo with indium-113m-chloride, and erythrocytes were labeled with technetium-99m. The distribution of these isotopes in the lungs was continuously measured with a gamma camera. A normalized slope index (NSI) was calculated, indicative of the transferrin accumulation corrected for changes in local blood volume that reflect protein leakage. In the septic group there was a protein leakage after bacterial infusion, with a NSI of 39 x 10(-4) +/- 5 x 10(-4) min-1 (mean +/- SEM), and the PaO2 diminished from 21 +/- 1 to 9.5 +/- 1 kPa. In control cats a slight protein leakage with a NSI of 9 +/- 10(-4) +/- 2 x 10(-4) min-1 was detected, probably caused by the operative procedure, but PaO2 did not change. Wet-to-dry-weight ratios of postmortem lungs were not significantly different between the groups. It was concluded that an intravenous infusion of live E. coli bacteria induces a lung capillary protein leakage without increased lung water and a concomitantly disturbed gas exchange. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mechanisms of motor‐evoked potential facilitation following prolonged dual peripheral and central stimulation in humans

1 Repetitive electrical peripheral nerve or muscle stimulation can induce a lasting increase in the excitability of the corticomotor projection. By pairing peripheral stimulation with transcranial magnetic brain stimulation it is possible to shorten the duration of stimulation needed to induce this effect. This ability to induce excitability changes in the motor cortex may be of significance for the rehabilitation of brain‐injured patients. The mechanisms responsible for the increases in excitability have not been investigated thoroughly. 2 Using two paired transcranial magnetic stimuli protocols we investigated the excitability of intracortical inhibitory and excitatory systems before and following a period of repetitive dual muscle and brain stimulation. The dual stimulation consisted of motor point stimulation of first dorsal interosseous (FDI; 10 Hz trains of 1 ms square waves for 500 ms) delivered at one train every 10 s, paired with single transcranial magnetic stimulation given 25 ms after the onset of the train. 3 Following 30 min of dual stimulation, motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) were significantly increased in amplitude. During this period of MEP facilitation there was no significant difference in the level of intracortical inhibition. There was, however, a significant increase in the intracortical facilitation demonstrated with paired magnetic stimuli. The increase in facilitation was seen only at short interstimulus intervals (0.8‐2.0 ms). These intervals comprised a peak in the time course of facilitation, which is thought to reflect I wave interaction within the motor cortex. 4 The relevance of this finding to the MEP facilitation seen following dual peripheral and central stimulation is discussed.
Effects of an anti-estrogen on neural estradiol binding and on behaviors in female rats.

Although the synthetic anti-estrogen, nafoxidine (Upjohn ll,100A), has been very useful in studies of the molecular actions of estradiol in the uterus, little is known about its effects on neural estradiol binding or on estrogen-influenced behaviors. In these studies we first determined the time course of changes in cytoplasmic estradiol-binding sites and in in vivo binding of [3H]estradiol by cell nuclei in the hypothalamus- preoptic area-septum of ovariectomized rats after a single injection of nafoxidine (4 mg ip in saline). We then compared these changes in neural estradiol binding with changes in two estradiol-influenced behavioral responses–female sexual behavior and suppression of eating and body weight. Nafoxidine reduced brain cytoplasmic estradiol binding sites by 80% within 6 h, and these levels remained unchanged for 4 days. One week after nafoxidine, cytoplasmic binding sites were 50% of controls, and recovery was complete by day 15. Inhibition of [3H]estradiol binding in brain cell nuclei pa.
Classification criteria for mild cognitive impairment

Objective: To evaluate the predictive validity and temporal stability of diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Background: MCI has been proposed as a nosologic entity referring to elderly persons with subclinical cognitive deficits due to incipient dementia. Classification criteria, which have been derived from small, selected clinical groups, are currently disputed, and have not yet been assessed within the general population. Methods: Subjects meeting current criteria for MCI and also age-associated cognitive decline (AACD—a similar concept that is assumed to be related to normal cognitive aging processes rather than incipient dementia) were identified within each of three waves of a longitudinal population study, which included a standardized neurologic examination. Results: In the general population, the prevalence of MCI was estimated to be 3.2% and AACD 19.3%. MCI was a poor predictor of dementia within a 3-year period, with an 11.1% conversion rate. Subjects with MCI also constituted an unstable group, with almost all subjects changing category each year. Discriminant function analysis failed to isolate a homogeneous clinical group. Subjects classified as AACD, contrary to the theoretical assumptions underlying the disorder, represented a more stable group, with a 28.6% conversion rate to dementia over 3 years (relative risk = 21.2). Conclusion: MCI criteria perform poorly when applied to a representative population sample. The authors propose modifications to current diagnostic criteria to increase their capacity to detect incipient dementia.
Use of the PFA-100™ Apparatus to Assess Platelet Function in Patients Undergoing PTCA during and after Infusion of cE3 Fab in the Presence of other Antiplatelet Agents

Summary The PFA-100™ (Dade) is a new functional whole blood analyzer, the accuracy and reliability of which have been evaluated in von Willebrand disease and during acetyl salicylate acid therapy. This new test has the advantages of rapidity and simplicity. It may be useful to monitor new antiplatelet agents, such as GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. The objective of this study was to assess the PFA-100™ in comparison with aggregometry and with the percentage of blockaded receptors GPIIb/IIIa during and after c7E3 Fab infusion in fifteen patients undergoing PTCA. Our results showed a change of closure time values from normal to abnormal within a small margin of flow cytometric values (60–75% of blockaded receptors), and moreover a variable platelet response to long-term low dose aspirin treatment in agreement with aggregometry. No influence with heparin was observed. In conclusion, this study shows that PFA-100™ may be helpful in the decision making for additional antiaggregant therapy before PTCA or in monitoring long-term GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist treatment.
Dual-Parameter Immunoflow Cytometry in Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Patients with Bladder Cancer

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of a dual-parameter immunoflow cytometry (DPI-FCM) assay in the detection of tumor cells in barbotage specimens of bladder cancer patients. Methods: DPI-FCM is an automated method, based on the utilization of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) either used for a preselection of urothelial cells (mAb Due AUT 2) or the analysis of the expression of a differentiation antigen within the preselected urothelial cells (mAb Due ABC 3). The ratio of ABC 3-positive urothelial cells was used to discriminate between the normal and malignant state of the urothelium. At the time of examination 40 patients had endoscopically overt bladder tumors. Another 30 patients without endoscopically visible tumors were examined before routine rebiopsy. Thirty barbotage specimens from patients with diseases not related to bladder cancer were examined as controls. Results: Overall, the sensitivity of DPI-FCM in patients with endoscopically overt and invisible residual tumors was 95 and 83%, respectively, regardless of concomitant urinary tract infection. The sensitivity of DPI-FCM for both patient groups was 86, 95 and 94% for tumor grades 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The specificity of the method in 30 patients with no history of bladder cancer was 93%. Conclusions: DPI-FCM appears to be a highly reliable method of recognizing tumor cells in bladder barbotage specimens even in patients with concomitant urinary tract infection. The procedure may be of value in monitoring bladder cancer patients for tumor recurrence.
Glial cell lineage in the cerebral cortex: A review and synthesis

The present review is focused on the cell lineage relationships underlying gliogenesis in the cerebral cortex. Studies conducted both in vivo and in vitro suggest that the process of cortical gliogenesis involves a hierarchy of progressively restricted progenitor cell pools. In the cerebral cortex, as well as other areas of the central nervous system, glial cells differentiate from one another through a series of steps that can be defined at molecular, structural, and functional levels. Although the precise timing, sequence, and diversity of the steps involved in cortical gliogenesis are still not fully defined, the emerging picture suggests that both cell lineage and cell‐cell interactions play a synergetic role in the determination and maintenance of the proper blend of glial cells in the cerebrum.
Benchmarking all-atom simulations using hydrogen exchange

Significance Molecular dynamics simulations have recently become capable of observing multiple protein unfolding and refolding events in a single-millisecond–long trajectory. This major advance produces atomic-level information with nanosecond resolution, a feat unmatched by experimental methods. Such simulations are being extensively analyzed to assess their description of protein folding, yet the results remain difficult to validate experimentally. We apply a combination of hydrogen exchange, NMR, and other techniques to test the simulations with a resolution of single H-bonds. Several significant discrepancies between the simulations and experimental data were uncovered for regions of the energy surface outside of the native basin. This comparison yields suggestions for improving the force fields and provides a general method for experimentally validating folding simulations. Long-time molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are now able to fold small proteins reversibly to their native structures [Lindorff-Larsen K, Piana S, Dror RO, Shaw DE (2011) Science 334(6055):517–520]. These results indicate that modern force fields can reproduce the energy surface near the native structure. To test how well the force fields recapitulate the other regions of the energy surface, MD trajectories for a variant of protein G are compared with data from site-resolved hydrogen exchange (HX) and other biophysical measurements. Because HX monitors the breaking of individual H-bonds, this experimental technique identifies the stability and H-bond content of excited states, thus enabling quantitative comparison with the simulations. Contrary to experimental findings of a cooperative, all-or-none unfolding process, the simulated denatured state ensemble, on average, is highly collapsed with some transient or persistent native 2° structure. The MD trajectories of this protein G variant and other small proteins exhibit excessive intramolecular H-bonding even for the most expanded conformations, suggesting that the force fields require improvements in describing H-bonding and backbone hydration. Moreover, these comparisons provide a general protocol for validating the ability of simulations to accurately capture rare structural fluctuations.
Utilización de los recursos y factores que rodean el empleo de la prensa en la educación de jóvenes y adultos

El estudio realizado trata de conocer los recursos educativos que se utilizan en la formacion basica de jovenes y adultos y, en particular, las dinamicas que rodean el uso de la prensa como medio de ensenanza y aprendizaje. La investigacion recogida se desarrollo desde un planteamiento bimetodico. Se ha utilizado como instrumento de recogida de informacion el cuestionario (622 sujetos) y la entrevista (36 participantes). Como resultados y conclusiones se destaca la utilizacion de los recursos didacticos escritos en soporte impreso y se determina que la integracion curricular de la prensa es un hecho excepcional.