Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proterozoic ocean redox and biogeochemical stasis

The partial pressure of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere has increased dramatically through time, and this increase is thought to have occurred in two rapid steps at both ends of the Proterozoic Eon (∼2.5–0.543 Ga). However, the trajectory and mechanisms of Earth’s oxygenation are still poorly constrained, and little is known regarding attendant changes in ocean ventilation and seafloor redox. We have a particularly poor understanding of ocean chemistry during the mid-Proterozoic (∼1.8–0.8 Ga). Given the coupling between redox-sensitive trace element cycles and planktonic productivity, various models for mid-Proterozoic ocean chemistry imply different effects on the biogeochemical cycling of major and trace nutrients, with potential ecological constraints on emerging eukaryotic life. Here, we exploit the differing redox behavior of molybdenum and chromium to provide constraints on seafloor redox evolution by coupling a large database of sedimentary metal enrichments to a mass balance model that includes spatially variant metal burial rates. We find that the metal enrichment record implies a Proterozoic deep ocean characterized by pervasive anoxia relative to the Phanerozoic (at least ∼30–40% of modern seafloor area) but a relatively small extent of euxinic (anoxic and sulfidic) seafloor (less than ∼1–10% of modern seafloor area). Our model suggests that the oceanic Mo reservoir is extremely sensitive to perturbations in the extent of sulfidic seafloor and that the record of Mo and chromium enrichments through time is consistent with the possibility of a Mo–N colimited marine biosphere during many periods of Earth’s history.
Functional interaction between pre‐synaptic α6β2‐containing nicotinic and adenosine A2A receptors in the control of dopamine release in the rat striatum

Pre‐synaptic nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) are involved in the control of dopamine release and are putative therapeutic targets in Parkinson's disease and addiction. Since A2ARs have been reported to interact with nAChRs, here we aimed at mapping the possible functional interaction between A2ARs and nAChRs in rat striatal dopaminergic terminals.
Conjoint Fascial Sheath of the Levator and Superior Rectus Attached to the Conjunctival Fornix

The aim of this study is to elucidate the microscopic structures above the superior fornix relation to blepharoptosis operation. Eight fixed cadavers of Korean adults were used. In six cadavers, 12 orbits were explored after removal of brain. In two cadavers, histologic sections were made. Below the levator, thick fibrous sheath was covering superior rectus. According to Whitnall's description, we called the thickened portion the "conjoint fascial sheath" (CFS) of the levator and superior rectus attached to the conjunctival fornix. CFS was located 2.5 ± 0.2 mm (range, 2-8 mm) posterior to the fornix. It was 12.2 ± 2.0 mm (range, 8-14 mm) anteroposterior length and 1.1 ± 0.1 mm (range, 0.5-1.5 mm) thick. The shape was equilateral trapezoid with a longer base anteriorly. Posteriorly, it was extended from the fascia of the levator and superior rectus. Anteriorly superficial and deep extensions of CFS were continued approximately 2 mm to the superior conjunctival fornix and then 2 to 3 mm distally along and beneath the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva. Surgeons should be aware of the presence of CFS between levator and superior rectus in performing ptosis surgery.
Utility of FDG-PET for investigating unexplained plasma CEA elevation in patients with colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE To assess the potential role of positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) in patients with unexplained rising carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels after the treatment of colorectal cancer. BACKGROUND A rising CEA level after the resection of colorectal cancer is an early indicator of tumor recurrence. However, conventional imaging techniques have limited sensitivity for detecting recurrent disease in such patients. Especially after surgical intervention, FDG-PET is rapidly gaining an important role in establishing the extent of disease in the oncology patient. METHODS Twenty-two patients with abnormal CEA levels and normal results of conventional methods of tumor detection were studied with FDG-PET. The PET results were compared with pathologic findings (n = 9) and long-term radiologic and clinical follow-up (n = 13). RESULTS FDG-PET was abnormal in 17 of 22 patients. Tissue sampling was available in 7 of these 17 patients; all of these had recurrent disease. Definitive curative surgical intervention was performed in four patients. Subsequent dedicated imaging findings and clinical course confirmed the presence of extensive disease in 8 of the remaining 10 patients; the PET results in the other 2 patients were considered falsely positive. FDG-PET was negative in 5 of 22 patients. No disease was found by tissue sampling (n = 2) and clinical follow-up (n = 3). Overall, the positive-predictive value for PET was 89%, (15 of 17) and the negative-predictive value was 100% (5 of 5). CONCLUSIONS When conventional examinations are normal, FDG-PET is a valuable imaging tool in patients who have a rising CEA level after colorectal surgery.
Quality of life of patients with Diabetes Mellitus Types 1 and 2 from a referal health centre in Minas Gerais, Brazil

ABSTRACT Quality of life (QoL) characteristics are important in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM 1 and 2). Aim: Evaluate QoL and DM-associated factors among diabetic patients. Methods: Patients attending a University Hospital were interviewed about their sociodemographic, clinical and QoL characteristics, with QoL measured via the EQ-5D. Descriptive analysis, correlation, linear regression, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: 346 patients took part, comprising 67% women, 59% with DM2, and 32% DM1. DM 1 patients had a mean QoL score of 0.7369, with retinopathy, depression, dyslipidemia and a serious hypoglycemic crisis significantly reducing QoL. Patients with DM type 2 had a mean QoL score of 0.6582, with hypertension, neuropathy, depression, cancer and dyslipidemia significantly reducing QoL. Reduced QoL also correlated with a lack of physical exercise. Males with both DM1 and 2 had a better QoL than females. Conclusion: Need for better disease monitoring and control combined with effective activities to improve self-care, reduce complications and improve patients’ QoL.
The Lived Experience of Afghan Women Refugees in Three Metropolitan Areas of the Southeastern US: A Phenomenological Study

The global refugee crisis has reached epic proportions. Statistics from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR, 2016) reported that in 2015 a record 65.3 million people worldwide, or 39,976 people per day, were displaced, either within their native countries or as asylees and refugees. Afghanistan, from 1980-2014, was the country with the largest number of outgoing refugees and it now ranks third in the world. At the opposite end of the continuum the United States remains the primary host country for refugees, asylees, and resettled refugees from all countries, including Afghanistan. The refugee experience is fraught with challenges from life in the native country to the decision to leave to the resettlement process in the US. The author has had a longstanding interest in Afghanistan and the Afghan refugees. Understanding the lived experience of the women refugees is important for nurses and other healthcare professionals who will eventually care for the women. This study used a phenomenological approach to make sense of and find meaning in this experience. The study also used the intersectionality feminist theory to explore ways in which the Afghan women refugees may be marginalized in the US. The women have demonstrated resilience and strength in coping with this traumatic life event and their stories deserve to be heard. Table of
WW Domain-containing Protein YAP Associates with ErbB-4 and Acts as a Co-transcriptional Activator for the Carboxyl-terminal Fragment of ErbB-4 That Translocates to the Nucleus*

The ErbB-4 receptor protein-tyrosine kinase is proteolytically processed by membrane proteases in response to the ligand or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate stimulation resulting in the cytoplasmic fragment translocating to the cell nucleus. The WW domain-containing co-transcriptional activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) associates physically with the full-length ErbB-4 receptor and functionally with the ErbB-4 cytoplasmic fragment in the nucleus. The YAP·ErbB4 complex is mediated by the first WW domain of YAP and the most carboxyl-terminal PPXY motif of ErbB-4. In human tissues, we documented the expression of YAP1 with a single WW domain and YAP2 with two WW domains. It is known that the COOH-terminal fragment of ErbB4 does not have transcriptional activity by itself; however, we show here that in the presence of YAP its transcriptional activity is revealed. There is a difference in the extent of transactivation activity among YAP isoforms: YAP2 is the stronger activator compared with YAP1. This transactivation is abolished by mutations that abrogate the YAP·ErbB4 complex formation. The unphosphorylatable mutation that increases the nuclear localization of YAP increases transcription activity. The COOH-terminal fragment of ErbB-4 and full-length YAP2 overexpressed in cells partially co-localize to the nucleus. Our data indicate that YAP is a potential signaling partner of the full-length ErbB4 receptor at the membrane and of the COOH-terminal fragment of ErbB-4 that translocates to the nucleus to regulate transcription.
6.5 kV 4H-SiC PiN Diodes without Bipolar Degradation

We designed, fabricated and evaluated 6.5 kV SiC PiN diodes. In order to suppress process-induced basal plane dislocation (BPD) in SiC PiN diodes, we improved the fabrication processes. The Ir-Vr measurements showed that the breakdown voltage was over 9 kV at room temperature (25 °C). The leakage currents (Ileak) at 6.5 kV are as low as 5.9×10-6 mA/cm2 (25 °C) and 9.7×10-5 mA/cm2 (150 °C). The maximum recovery loss among our switching test results was 6.7 mJ at 150 °C, 60 A. Moreover, the diodes fabricated on BPD-free area are very stable during applying 20 A current for 8~1000 h. Photoluminescence (PL) observation and KOH etching indicated that no BPD generated during improved fabrication processes.
The Palliative Care Quality Network: Improving the Quality of Caring.

OBJECTIVE Describe the establishment of the palliative care quality network (PCQN) with guidance on how teams can develop similar collaborations. BACKGROUND In the current healthcare environment, palliative care (PC) teams must be able to demonstrate value and provide efficient care while supporting the clinicians who provide that care. DESCRIPTION The PCQN is a national quality improvement (QI) collaborative comprised of specialty PC teams from a diverse range of hospitals across the United States Results: PCQN members identified five core activities to support PC teams. 1) Collection of standardized data: 23 core items and 22 optional data elements document patient demographics, consultation characteristics, processes of care, and clinical outcomes. 2) Data analyses with benchmarking including reports generated in real time providing summary, trend, member comparison, and cross-tab analyses. 3) QI collaborative; QI initiatives have addressed pain management, surrogate decision-making, spiritual screening, and anxiety assessment. 4) Education and personal development provided through monthly conference calls, a listserv, PCQN website, and twice-yearly conferences. 5) Financial analysis; a software program enables PC teams to calculate the financial impact of the care provided. CONCLUSIONS The central tenet of the PCQN is to improve quality of care for patients with serious illness and their families, increase the efficient use of healthcare resources, and support growth and sustainability of PC programs. Building and tending to this community takes time to ensure engagement of all members and remain responsive to evolving needs of patients, families, PC teams, and stakeholders.
ARACHNOID DIVERTICULA ASSOCIATED WITH ANTERIOR CRANIAL BASE TUMORS: TECHNICAL CASE REPORT

INTRODUCTION Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diverticula are uncommonly associated with anterior cranial base tumors. When they occur, they often complicate the surgical management of these tumors via a transsphenoidal approach. This report examines the effectiveness of transsphenoidal surgery in the treatment of these rare entities. METHODS We performed a review of four sellar and parasellar tumors (three pituitary adenomas and one chordoma) that contained an arachnoid diverticulum communicating with the intracranial subarachnoid space. RESULTS One of these tumors (a prolactinoma) was successfully treated medically and regressed dramatically in size; the remaining three were treated by transsphenoidal resection. In all of the operative cases, the tumor was successfully resected with no endocrinological or neurological deficit. An intraoperative CSF leak was encountered in each operative case and was treated by packing the sella with an abdominal fat graft. One patient returned to the operating room for a CSF leak repair. No instances of infection, meningitis, or other major complications occurred. Sellar and parasellar tumors associated with arachnoid diverticula can be successfully treated using transsphenoidal surgery. CONCLUSION Preoperative anatomic localization of the CSF diverticulum, as well as anticipatory planning for an intraoperative CSF leak are essential. Whenever possible, it is probably wise to preserve the arachnoidocele rather than to rupture it intentionally, obliterating the dead space within the sella in either situation.
Why do only some people who support parties actually join them? Evidence from Britain

Abstract What makes people join a political party is one of the most commonly studied questions in research on party members. Nearly all this research, however, is based on talking to people who have actually joined parties. This article simultaneously analyses surveys of members of political parties in Britain and surveys of non-member supporters of those same parties. This uniquely enables us to model the decision to join parties. The results suggest that most of the elements that constitute the influential ‘General Incentives Model’ are significant. But it also reveals that, while party supporters imagine that selective benefits, social norms and opposing rival parties’ policies are key factors in members’ decisions to join a party, those who actually do so are more likely to say they are motivated by attachments to their party’s values, policies and leaders, as well as by an altruistic desire to support democracy more generally.
Rapid enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgG antibodies against

A rapid ELISA was developed for the detection of specific IgG against Micropolyspora faeni and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and compared with counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) in twenty‐seven patients with suspected farmer's lung disease (FLD). Seventeen patients had precipitins to M. faeni or T. vulgaris or both, and ten had no precipitins. The optimum conditions for each step in the ELISA were determined: pre‐equilibration of reagents at 370C and vigorous agitation during incubation enabled the total test time required for the procedure to he reduced to 4 hr. A serum dilution of 10‐fold produced good differentiation between CIE‐positive and ‐negative sera. Little correlation was seen between CIE and ELISA for either M. faeni or T. vulgaris antigens in tests with sera from patients with precipitins: high readings were often recorded in ELISA where no precipitins had been detected with the same antigen. Positive‐ negative discrimination of unknown sera in ELISA was achieved through the inclusion of CIE‐positive and ‐negative reference sera in each test run. Thirteen CIE‐positive sera were classed as positive in ELISA with the M. faeni antigen while eight of thirteen CIE‐positive sera were positive in ELISA with the T. vulgaris antigen. For both antigens, four CIE‐negative sera were recorded as positive in ELISA.
Higher thermoelectric performance of Zintl phases (Eu0.5Yb0.5)1−xCaxMg2Bi2 by band engineering and strain fluctuation

Significance The search for high-efficiency thermoelectric materials encompasses many classes of semiconductors. Zintl phases are attractive thermoelectric materials for thermoelectric applications. Here, we report the high thermoelectric performance of the rarely studied bismuth (Bi)-based Zintl phases (Eu0.5Yb0.5)1−xCaxMg2Bi2 with the record figure-of-merit ZT as high as 1.3 at 873 K. This ZT value is, to our knowledge, the highest ever reported in CaAl2Si2-based structures, especially compared with the best antimony (Sb)-based YbZn0.4Cd1. 6Sb2 compound. Because Sb-based Zintl compounds have been studied for many decades, this Bi-based Zintl phase with high thermoelectric properties could be a good thermoelectric material candidate in the future. Complex Zintl phases, especially antimony (Sb)-based YbZn0.4Cd1. 6Sb2 with figure-of-merit (ZT) of ∼1.2 at 700 K, are good candidates as thermoelectric materials because of their intrinsic “electron–crystal, phonon–glass” nature. Here, we report the rarely studied p-type bismuth (Bi)-based Zintl phases (Ca,Yb,Eu)Mg2Bi2 with a record thermoelectric performance. Phase-pure EuMg2Bi2 is successfully prepared with suppressed bipolar effect to reach ZT ∼ 1. Further partial substitution of Eu by Ca and Yb enhanced ZT to ∼1.3 for Eu0.2Yb0. 2Ca0.6Mg2Bi2 at 873 K. Density-functional theory (DFT) simulation indicates the alloying has no effect on the valence band, but does affect the conduction band. Such band engineering results in good p-type thermoelectric properties with high carrier mobility. Using transmission electron microscopy, various types of strains are observed and are believed to be due to atomic mass and size fluctuations. Point defects, strain, dislocations, and nanostructures jointly contribute to phonon scattering, confirmed by the semiclassical theoretical calculations based on a modified Debye–Callaway model of lattice thermal conductivity. This work indicates Bi-based (Ca,Yb,Eu)Mg2Bi2 is better than the Sb-based Zintl phases.
Urates in exhaled breath condensate as a biomarker of control in childhood asthma

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to (1) investigate the possibility to use urates in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as a biomarker of airway inflammation and control in childhood asthma and (2) explore their association with other biomarkers of airway inflammation and clinical indices of asthma control (Asthma Control Test [ACT], quality of life [PAQLQ], lung function, prn beta-agonist use, time from last exacerbation [TLE]. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 103 consecutive patients (age 6–18 years) divided in groups of uncontrolled ([NC], n = 53) and controlled asthma ([C], n = 50). Measured lung function and biomarkers included: spirometry, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), exhaled NO (FENO), pH and urates in EBC and exhaled breath temperature (EBT). Results: Statistically significant differences were found between groups for EBC urates, EBC pH and EBT (NC versus C: EBC urates, median [IQR], µmol/L; 10 [6] versus 45 [29], p < 0.001; EBC pH, mean [SD], 7.2 [0.17] versus 7.33 [0.16], p = 0.002; EBT mean [SD], °C; 34.26 [0.83], versus 33.90 [0.60], p = 0.014). EBC urates showed significant association with TLE and FENO (r = 0.518, p < 0.001; r = 0.369, p = 0.007, respectively) in NC, and EBC pH (r = 0.351, p < 0.001), FEV1 (r = 0.222, p = 0.024), ACT (r = 0.654, p < 0.001), PAQLQ (r = 0.686, p < 0.001) and prn salbutamol use (r = −0.527, p < 0.001) in all asthmatics. Conclusion: In our study, EBC urates were found to be the best single predictor of asthma control and underlying airway inflammation. Our results provide evidence supporting the potential utility to use EBC urates as an additional non-invasive biomarker of control in childhood asthma.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha p55 Receptor Is Important for Development of Memory Responses to Blood-Stage Malaria Infection

ABSTRACT Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is associated with malarial pathology in both humans and mice. In Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi (AS) infections, the production of TNF-α and reactive metabolites from macrophages are also thought to play a role in controlling acute parasitemia. Since many of the biological functions of TNF-α are effected through the p55 receptor (p55R), mice made defective in this receptor via a targeted gene disruption (p55R−/−) have been used to study its involvement in the immune response against P. chabaudi chabaudi and in the pathology associated with this infection. In the absence of the p55R, mice could overcome their primary infection, although higher acute-blood-stage parasitemias and more significant recrudescences were observed. Hypoglycemia, hypothermia, loss of erythrocytes, and loss of body weight, which occur transiently in this infection, were exacerbated by the lack of the p55R, but the differences were small, suggesting that other factors affect these symptoms. In contrast to wild-type (WT) mice, a second challenge infection in p55R−/− mice resulted in a course of infection similar to a primary infection. The malaria-specific immunoglobulin G antibody response of p55R−/− mice was lower than that of WT mice and was not increased by the second challenge infection. These data suggest that p55R−/− mice do not develop an efficient memory B-cell response against malarial infection and that this antibody response is important in immunity to reinfection.
Overexpression of the obesity hormone leptin in human colorectal cancer

Background: Leptin is an adipocyte-derived neurohormone, high levels of which are found in obese individuals. Leptin controls energy expenditure, acting in the brain, and regulates different processes in peripheral organs. Recent studies have suggested that leptin may be involved in cancer development and progression. Aims: To analyse leptin expression in human colorectal cancer as well as in colorectal mucosa and colorectal adenomas. Methods: Leptin expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 166 colorectal cancers, 101 samples of colorectal mucosa and 41 adenomas. Leptin concentration in colorectal cancer was correlated with selected clinicopathological features. Results: Immunoreactivity for leptin was observed in 51.2% (85/166) of primary colorectal cancers. In adenomas leptin expression was observed in 14.6% (6/41) of studied cases. In normal mucosa, leptin was present at low levels, except in tumour bordering areas where its concentration appeared to reflect levels in the adjacent cancer tissue. Leptin expression in colorectal cancer significantly correlated with tumour G2 grade (p = 0.002) as well as with histological type (adenocarcinoma) of tumours (p = 0.044). Conclusions: Results indicate that leptin is overexpressed in human colorectal cancer, which suggests that the hormone might contribute to colorectal cancer development and progression.
Short-Term Visual Performance of Novel Extended Depth-of-Focus Contact Lenses: Erratum.

1. Tilia D, Bakaraju RC, Chung J, Sha J, Delaney S, Munro A, Thomas V, Ehrmann K, Holden BA. Short-term visual performance of novel extended depth-of-focus contact lenses. Optom Vis Sci 2016;93:435Y44. FIGURE 4. Clarity-of-vision (distance, intermediate, and near) and overall vision satisfaction ratings for medium-high presbyopes. Medium presbyopes wore EDOFL in the dominant eye, EDOFH in the non-dominant eye, and AOPM in both eyes. High presbyopes wore EDOFM and AOPH in both eyes. Error bars = 1 SD, *p = 0.068, p = 0.004, p = 0.013, p = 0.003. 1040-5488/16/9306-0656/0 VOL. 93, NO. 6, P. 656 OPTOMETRY AND VISION SCIENCE Copyright * 2016 American Academy of Optometry