Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probing negatively charged and neutral excitons in MoS2/hBN and hBN/MoS2/hBN van der Waals heterostructures

High-quality van der Waals heterostructures assembled from hBN-encapsulated monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides enable observations of subtle optical and spin-valley properties whose identification was beyond the reach of structures exfoliated directly on standard SiO2/Si substrates. Here, we describe different van der Waals heterostructures based on uncapped single-layer MoS2 stacked onto hBN layers of different thicknesses and hBN-encapsulated monolayers. Depending on the doping level, they reveal the fine structure of excitonic complexes, i.e. neutral and charged excitons. In the emission spectra of a particular MoS2/hBN heterostructure without an hBN cap we resolve two trion peaks, T1 and T2, energetically split by about 10 meV, resembling the pair of singlet and triplet trion peaks (T S and T T ) in tungsten-based materials. The existence of these trion features suggests that monolayer MoS2 has a dark excitonic ground state, despite having a ‘bright’ single-particle arrangement of spin-polarized conduction bands. In addition, we show that the effective excitonic g-factor significantly depends on the electron concentration and reaches the lowest value of −2.47 for hBN-encapsulated structures, which reveals a nearly neutral doping regime. In the uncapped MoS2 structures, the excitonic g-factor varies from −1.15 to −1.39 depending on the thickness of the bottom hBN layer and decreases as a function of rising temperature.
POLY(p-PHENYLENE SULFIDE)—AN OVERVIEW OF AN IMPORTANT ENGINEERING THERMOPLASTIC

Abstract Among the various high temperature polymers, those based on aromatic units, such as poly(2, 6-dimethylphenylene oxide) (PPO), poly(pheny1ene sulfide) (PPS), poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), and poly(ether sulfone) (PES), have attracted much attention in the last few years due to their good thermal and chemical resistance. One of these polymers, PPS, is also an important high strength/high temperature engineering thermoplastic that is finding increasing use in technological applications such as molding resins, fibers, and matrices for thermoplastic composites. PPS consists of para-phenylene units alternating with sulfide linkages. The first known report of its synthesis was by Grenvesse in 1898 [1]. However, interest in the synthesis of PPS only began in 1948 when Macallum 121 described the preparation of phenylene sulfide polymers by the melt reaction of p-dichlorobenzene with sodium carbonate and sulfur. Further investigation on the synthesis of PPS by Lenz and coworkers [3–5], and later by Edmo.
Thermodynamic parameters for the binding of ATP by protonated open-chain polyamines

The thermodynamic parameters of formation of ATP–protonated polyamine (ethylenediamine, 1,3-diaminopropane, putrescine, cadaverine, diethylenetriamine, spermidine, triethylenetetramine, spermine, tetraethylenepentamine and pentaethylenehexamine) complexes at 25 °C have been studied by potentiometry (H+-glass electrode and direct calorimetry). The formation constants of species for two, as yet untested, systems are also included. The thermodynamic parameters were obtained for all the systems studied from log K and ΔH0 values. It was found that ATP-protonated amine complexes are stabilized entropically. Empirical charge–stability relationships are shown
Improved Isolation Procedures for Okadaic Acid Group Toxins from Shellfish (Mytilus edulis) and Microalgae (Prorocentrum lima)

Okadaic acid (OA) group toxins may accumulate in shellfish and can result in diarrhetic shellfish poisoning when consumed by humans, and are therefore regulated. Purified toxins are required for the production of certified reference materials used to accurately quantitate toxin levels in shellfish and water samples, and for other research purposes. An improved procedure was developed for the isolation of dinophysistoxin 2 (DTX2) from shellfish (M. edulis), reducing the number of purification steps from eight to five, thereby increasing recoveries to ~68%, compared to ~40% in a previously reported method, and a purity of >95%. Cell densities and toxin production were monitored in cultures of Prorocentrum lima, that produced OA, DTX1, and their esters, over ~1.5 years with maximum cell densities of ~70,000 cells mL−1 observed. Toxin accumulation progressively increased over the study period, to ~0.7 and 2.1 mg L−1 of OA and DTX1 (including their esters), respectively, providing information on appropriate harvesting times. A procedure for the purification of OA and DTX1 from the harvested biomass was developed employing four purification steps, with recoveries of ~76% and purities of >95% being achieved. Purities were confirmed by LC-HRMS, LC-UV, and NMR spectroscopy. Additional stability observations led to a better understanding of the chemistry of these toxins.
A multicenter observational study on Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) in advanced cancer and myeloma patients of a cancer network in North-Western Italy

Background Incidence of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) related to cancer and myeloma treatments is undetermined, with scarce data varying from 2 to 7.8/million/year in limited investigated populations. A 9-years [2009-2018] regional-wide survey was conducted, deploying the North-Western Italy Cancer Network (“Rete Oncologica Piemonte e Valle d’Aosta”), to assess number and main characteristics of MRONJ cases among myeloma/cancer patients, within a population of 4.5 million inhabitants. Material and Methods MRONJ cases were collected retrospectively from January 2009 to June 2015; from July 2015 to December 2018, data were collected prospectively. Number of new MRONJ cases per year, underlying disorder, drug(s) administered, treatment duration, site and onset timing of MRONJ were detailed. Results 459 MRONJ cases were identified. Primary diseases were breast cancer (46%), prostate cancer (21%), myeloma (19%), and other types of carcinoma (14%). Patients received antiresorptive treatment either alone (399; 88.47%) or in combination with biological agents (52; 11.53%); 8 patients (1.7%) received only antiangiogenic drugs. Zoledronic acid [388] and denosumab [59] were the most frequently administered drugs. Mandible was involved in 296 (64,5%) cases. Number of new MRONJ cases was stable from 2009 to 2015, with a mean of 51.3 cases per year (raw incidence: 11.6/million/year), declining in the 2016-2018 years to 33.3 cases per year (raw incidence: 7.5/million/year). Conclusions With such discrepancy of cases overtime being partially explicable, number of new MRONJ cases per year are consistent with those observed in a previous study [2003-2008] in the same region, being instead higher than those reported in other populations. Key words:Osteonecrosis of the jaw, bisphosphonates, zoledronic acid, denosumab, antiangiogenic drug, incidence.
Influences of Electron Donor, Bicarbonate, and Sulfate on Bioreduction Processes and Manganese/Copper Redistributions among Minerals in a Water-Saturated Sediment

Bioreduction processes have profound influences on mobility and bioavailability of metals in soils and sediments. In this study, a series of microcosm studies were conducted to investigate bioreduction progresses (ferric iron and sulfate reduction) and their influences on manganese and copper element redistributions with the change of microbial community under various geochemical conditions. Results indicated that ethanol stimulated higher rates of bioreduction processes than acetate did. High-concentration bicarbonate and sulfate addition inhibited iron reduction but not sulfate reduction. Sequential extraction revealed that the exchangeable and carbonate bonding-iron were increased in ethanol amendment, whereas those of copper were decreased. The elevated bicarbonate concentration and sulfate addition both influenced the mobility and redistribution of metals. 16S rRNA analysis indicated that ethanol amendment stimulated the growths of microbial iron and sulfate reducer. A high concentration of bicarbonate suppressed the growth of iron reducer Geobacteraceae, but showed limited effect on sulfate reducers. This study concluded that geochemical conditions such as electron donor, bicarbonate and sulfate concentration influenced the microbial community and led to changes in bioreduction processes and metal distributions in the anerobic sediments.
Assessment of glucocorticoid tapering in large vessel and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides.

OBJECTIVES Glucocorticoids (GC) remain integral to large vessel vasculitis (LVV) and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) treatment. We aimed to assess real-world GC tapering trajectories among patients referred for LVV or AAV and identify factors associated with 'delayed' tapering. METHODS Patients first assessed at a vasculitis clinic July 2017-August 2019 for LVV or AAV and taking GC were included. Delayed tapering was defined as prednisone >10 mg above target based on tapering recommendations (2010 British Society of Rheumatology Guidelines for Giant Cell Arteritis, 2015 CanVasc AAV Recommendations). We compared characteristics of patients with delayed and appropriate tapering and assessed barriers to timely tapering though chart reviews and referring physician surveys. RESULTS 160 patients (65 LVV, 95 AAV) were taking GC at their first visit. Among the 42 (26%) patients with delayed tapering, mean daily prednisone dose was 39.2 mg (SD 14) compared to a target of 15.2 mg (SD 15). Pulse GC were administered to 19/42 (45%) patients with delayed tapering compared to 26/118 (22%) with appropriate tapering (p<0.05). Mean Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score at treatment onset and GC duration were not significantly different between the two groups. Vision loss and/or stroke was more frequent in LVV referrals who experienced delayed (9/21, 43%) vs. appropriate (6/44, 14%) tapering (p<0.05). Managing risk of vasculitis flare was the most common challenge to tapering GC among surveyed referring physicians. CONCLUSIONS In one quarter of patients referred for LVV or AAV taking GC, tapering was slower than recommended. Promoting timely tapering may reduce GC toxicity.
Association of Antioxidants Use with All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Study of the UK Biobank

Prospective studies and randomized controlled trials elucidating the impact of antioxidants supplementation on mortality risk are inconclusive. The present analysis determined association between regular antioxidants use and all-cause (primary objective), as well as cause-specific, mortality in 345,626 participants of the UK Biobank cohort using Cox proportional hazard models. All models were adjusted for confounders and multiple testing. Antioxidants users were defined as participants who indicated to regularly use at least one of the following: multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc. Median age of antioxidants users (n = 101,159) and non-users (n = 244,467) at baseline was 57 years. During 3.9 million person-years and a median follow-up of 11.5 years, 19,491 deaths occurred. Antioxidants use was not significantly associated with all-cause, cancer, and non-cancer mortality including several cancer and non-cancer subtypes. Interestingly, mortality risk from respiratory disease was significantly 21% lower among antioxidants users as compared to non-users (hazard ratio: 0.79; 95% confidence interval: 0.67, 0.92). In conclusion, the present study findings do not support recommendations for antioxidants supplementation to prevent all-cause, cancer, or non-cancer mortality on a population level. The significant inverse association between antioxidants use and respiratory disease mortality needs further study.
Severity, Progress, and Related Factors of Mood Disorders in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Retrospective Study

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, which, in turn, are risk factors for CAD. The Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) were applied for mood evaluation during hospitalization and again 3 months after discharge in 118 patients with CAD, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were conducted in the outpatient department. Of the patients diagnosed with CAD, 40 (33.9%) had depressive moods, and 51 (43.2%) had anxious moods. A family history of CAD, low Korean activity scale index (KASI), and use of beta-blockers were independent factors causing depressive mood, while lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and low KASI score were independent factors causing anxious mood. A considerable number of patients (35.7% with depressive mood and 25.0% with anxious mood) still had emotional problems after 3 months of discharge. The change values of BDI were associated with lower LVEF and longer hospital stay, while those of BAI was associated with a longer hospital stay. Since some patients had depressive and anxious moods after three months of discharge, evaluating and treating them are essential.
MRI Features Associated With the Detection of Microbial Pathogens by CT-Guided Biopsy in Septic Spondylodiscitis

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features associated with microbial pathogen detection by computed tomography (CT)–guided biopsy in patients with suspected septic spondylodiscitis. Methods For the last 10-year period, we analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent MRI and CT-guided biopsy for suspected septic spondylodiscitis. Clinical characteristics were recorded. The following MRI features were assessed: edema or contrast enhancement of the intervertebral disc, adjacent vertebrae, epidural and paravertebral space, presence of abscess, and paravertebral edema size. A positive biopsy was defined by pathogen identification on bacterial analysis or the presence of granuloma on histology. Predictors of a positive biopsy were assessed with a logistic regression model. Results We examined data for 61 patients (34 [56%] male; mean age, 59.9 ± 18.0 years); for 35 patients (57%), CT-guided biopsy was positive for a pathogen. The 4 MRI findings significantly associated with a positive biopsy were epiduritis, greater than 50% vertebral endplate edema, loss of intradiscal cleft, and abscess. The size of paravertebral edema was greater with a positive than negative biopsy (median, 15.9 [interquartile range, 11.3–21.3] vs 7.3 [4.6–12.9] mm; p = 0.004). On multivariable analysis, epiduritis was the only independent predictor of a positive biopsy (adjusted odds ratio, 7.4 [95% confidence interval, 1.7–31.4]; p = 0.006). Conclusions Epiduritis and the size of paravertebral edema on MRI are associated with detection of a microbial pathogen in suspected septic spondylodiscitis. For patients without these MRI signs, the need for further investigations such as enriched or prolonged cultures, a second CT-guided biopsy, or even surgical biopsy need to be discussed.
Will We Do If We Can? Habitual Qualitative and Quantitative Physical Activity in Multi-Morbid, Older Persons with Cognitive Impairment

This study aimed to identify determinants of quantitative dimensions of physical activity (PA; duration, frequency, and intensity) in community-dwelling, multi-morbid, older persons with cognitive impairment (CI). In addition, qualitative and quantitative aspects of habitual PA have been described. Quantitative PA and qualitative gait characteristics while walking straight and while walking turns were documented by a validated, sensor-based activity monitor. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to delineate associations of quantitative PA dimensions with qualitative characteristics of gait performance and further potential influencing factors (motor capacity measures, demographic, and health-related parameters). In 94 multi-morbid, older adults (82.3 ± 5.9 years) with CI (Mini-Mental State Examination score: 23.3 ± 2.4), analyses of quantitative and qualitative PA documented highly inactive behavior (89.6% inactivity) and a high incidence of gait deficits, respectively. The multiple regression models (adjusted R2 = 0.395–0.679, all p < 0.001) identified specific qualitative gait characteristics as independent determinants for all quantitative PA dimensions, whereas motor capacity was an independent determinant only for the PA dimension duration. Demographic and health-related parameters were not identified as independent determinants. High associations between innovative, qualitative, and established, quantitative PA performances may suggest gait quality as a potential target to increase quantity of PA in multi-morbid, older persons.
The Effect of Health Evolution Plan on Health System Responsiveness: An Experience of Health System Reform from Iran

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the Health Evolution Plan (HEP) on Health System Responsiveness (HSR) in hospitals of Hamadan, Iran. Data were collected before and after the implementation of the HEP by interviewing hospital inpatient referrals about factors relating to responsiveness. The difference between the mean responsiveness scores before (2014) and after (2018) implementation of the HEP was not significant. The study findings demonstrate that, even though one of the most important goals of the HEP was the improvement of HSR, the responsiveness of hospitals was unchanged.
Relocation of the attTn7 Transgene Insertion Site in Bacmid DNA Enhances Baculovirus Genome Stability and Recombinant Protein Expression in Insect Cells

Baculovirus expression vectors are successfully used for the commercial production of complex (glyco)proteins in eukaryotic cells. The genome engineering of single-copy baculovirus infectious clones (bacmids) in E. coli has been valuable in the study of baculovirus biology, but bacmids are not yet widely applied as expression vectors. An important limitation of first-generation bacmids for large-scale protein production is the rapid loss of gene of interest (GOI) expression. The instability is caused by the mini-F replicon in the bacmid backbone, which is non-essential for baculovirus replication in insect cells, and carries the adjacent GOI in between attTn7 transposition sites. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that relocation of the attTn7 transgene insertion site away from the mini-F replicon prevents deletion of the GOI, thereby resulting in higher and prolonged recombinant protein expression levels. We applied lambda red genome engineering combined with SacB counterselection to generate a series of bacmids with relocated attTn7 sites and tested their performance by comparing the relative expression levels of different GOIs. We conclude that GOI expression from the odv-e56 (pif-5) locus results in higher overall expression levels and is more stable over serial passages compared to the original bacmid. Finally, we evaluated this improved next-generation bacmid during a bioreactor scale-up of Sf9 insect cells in suspension to produce enveloped chikungunya virus-like particles as a model vaccine.
POTENTIAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SOME PLANT EXTRACTS AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE - INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY

Plantago major seeds, Diplotaxis acris and Schouiwa thebaica methanol extracts were evaluated for their potential hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage model. Preliminary phytochemical studies were carried out to elucidate their components. Oral administration of the methanol extract (1000 mg kg -1 ) of Plantago major seeds, Diplotaxis acris and Schouiwa thebaica significantly (P 4- induced hepatotoxicity. This was indicated by the tendency of serum enzyme activities to return toward the normal values. Moreover the histopathological changes of liver tissues induced by CCl4 were moderate to mild in methanol extract-pretreated rats. No toxic symptoms were reported in rats receiving methanol extract at doses up to 2.5 g kg -1 . Unsaturated sterols and/or triterpenes, tannins, flavonoids and carbohydrates and/or glycosides were the major active constituents of the tested plants. Keywords : hepatoprotective, medicinal plants, Plantago major, Diplotaxis acris, Schouwia thebaica African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Vol. 3(3) 2006: 1-9
The Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB‐Q): A psychometric validation study

Objectives Questionnaires used to assess women’s beliefs as a predictor of breastfeeding behaviour are not theoretically informed or tested for psychometric validity and reliability. This study conducted a psychometric evaluation of the Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB‐Q). Design A two‐phase evaluation in an online cross‐sectional questionnaire study (N = 278) and cohort study sample (N = 264). A ten‐item questionnaire was proposed to assess women’s beliefs about the benefits and efforts of breastfeeding. Methods Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed construct validity and reliability. Multivariate regression analyses assessed validity in predicting breastfeeding behaviour and experiences. Results EFA found a shortened 8‐item, 2‐factor model had good fit (χ2 = 23.3, df = 13, p < .040; CFI = .99, TLI = .99, RMSEA = .05), with significant factor loadings. Factor 1 (benefit beliefs) and factor 2 (effort beliefs) accounted for 47 and 19.4% of the explained variance and correlated moderately (r = −.40). CFA confirmed the solution in the cohort sample (χ2 = 49.6 df = 19, p < .010; CFI = .97, TLI = .96, and RMSEA = .078). Adjusted regression analyses found beliefs did not reliably predict infant feeding practices. Women’s beliefs significantly predicted the likelihood that women experienced breastfeeding as ‘much more’ positive and negative than they expected. Conclusions The eight‐item questionnaire showed good model fit with acceptable loadings, and good reliability for all subscales. The utility of the BAB‐Q at predicting breastfeeding behaviour remains unclear and unsupported by empirical evidence. Further assessments of the predictive validity of the questionnaire in longitudinal studies with diverse beliefs and infant feeding practices are required.
Acute Performance Enhancement following squats Combined With Elastic Bands on Short Sprint and Vertical Jump Height in Female Athletes.

ABSTRACT Krčmár, M, Krčmárová, B, Bakaľár, I, and Šimonek, J. Acute performance enhancement after squats combined with elastic bands on short sprint and vertical jump height in female athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The main purpose of this study was to compare back squats with and without elastic bands on sprint and vertical jump height. Fourteen female athletes (21.9 ± 2.3 years; 177.5 ± 6.36 cm; 66.2 ± 6.2 kg; 1 repetition maximum [1RM]/ body mass: 1.96 ± 0.14) agreed to participate. On 4 separate days, athletes walked freely for 5 minutes (CON), performed 3 sets of 4 repetitions at 85% of their 1RM with 20% or 30% (BAND20 or BAND30) of the total resistance originated from elastic bands, or performed 3 sets and 4 repetitions at 85% of their 1RM with an isoinertial load (ISO) before performance tests. Posttesting began 5 and 10 minutes after the last set of squats and included sprints over 3, 5, and 10-m, squat jump (SJ), and countermovement (CMJ) vertical jump height. The results of this study show that all postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols significantly improved 10-m sprint time (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). Only BAND30 significantly improved 3-m and 5-m sprint times at both times of posttesting (p < 0.01). Comparison of PAPE protocols showed a significant difference when comparing BAND30 vs. ISO in SJ height in favor of BAND30 only when the best SJ height results from both posttesting times were selected (p < 0.01, g = 1.08). The results of this study suggest that all PAPE protocols were able to enhance short sprints and vertical jump height, but it seems that there is a greater trend to achieve better performance after performing the BAND30 protocol that can be seen by higher effect sizes achieved almost in all tests compared with the other PAPE protocols.