Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exceptional oxygen barrier performance of pullulan nanocomposites with ultra-low loading of graphene oxide

Polymer nanocomposites are increasingly important in food packaging sectors. Biopolymer pullulan is promising in manufacturing packaging films or coatings due to its excellent optical clarity, mechanical strength, and high water-solubility as compared to other biopolymers. This work aims to enhance its oxygen barrier properties and overcome its intrinsic brittleness by utilizing two-dimensional planar graphene oxide (GO) nanoplatelets. It has been found that the addition of only 0.2 wt% of GO enhanced the tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at break of pullulan films by about 40, 44 and 52%, respectively. The light transmittance at 550 nm of the pullulan/GO films was 92.3% and haze values were within 3.0% threshold, which meets the general requirement for food packaging materials. In particular, the oxygen permeability coefficient of pullulan was reduced from 6337 to 2614 mL μm m−2 (24 h−1) atm−1 with as low as 0.05 wt% of GO loading and further to 1357 mL μm m−2 (24 h−1) atm−1 when GO concentration reached 0.3 wt%. The simultaneous improvement of the mechanical and oxygen barrier properties of pullulan was ascribed to the homogeneous distribution and prevalent unidirectional alignment of GO nanosheets, as determined from the characterization and theoretical modelling results. The exceptional oxygen barrier properties of pullulan/GO nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical flexibility and good optical clarity will add new values to high performance food packaging materials.
Current Practices and Opportunities in a Resident Clinic Regarding the Care of Older Adults with Multimorbidity

Multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) affects more than half of all older adults. The American Geriatrics Society developed and published guiding principles for the care of older adults with multimorbidity in 2012. Improved clinician training in caring for older adults with multimorbidity is needed, but it is not clear what opportunities arise within clinical encounters to apply the guiding principles or how clinicians at all stages of training currently practice in this area. This project aimed to characterize current practice and opportunities for improvement in an internal medicine residency clinic regarding the care of older adults with multimorbidity.
Development and Validation of the Air Medical Prehospital Triage Score for Helicopter Transport of Trauma Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and internally validate a triage score that can identify trauma patients at the scene who would potentially benefit from helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). Summary Background Data: Although survival benefits have been shown at the population level, identification of patients most likely to benefit from HEMS transport is imperative to justify the risks and cost of this intervention. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of subjects undergoing scene HEMS or ground emergency medical services (GEMS) in the National Trauma Databank (2007–2012). Data were split into training and validation sets. Subjects were grouped by triage criteria in the training set and regression used to determine which criteria had a survival benefit associated with HEMS. Points were assigned to these criteria to develop the Air Medical Prehospital Triage (AMPT) score. The score was applied in the validation set to determine whether subjects triaged to HEMS had a survival benefit when actually transported by helicopter. Results: There were 2,086,137 subjects included. Criteria identified for inclusion in the AMPT score included GCS <14, respiratory rate <10 or >29, flail chest, hemo/pneumothorax, paralysis, and multisystem trauma. The optimal cutoff for triage to HEMS was ≥2 points. In subjects triaged to HEMS, actual transport by HEMS was associated with an increased odds of survival (AOR 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–1.36, P < 0.01). In subjects triaged to GEMS, actual transport mode was not associated with survival (AOR 1.04; 95% CI 0.97–1.11, P = 0.20). Conclusions: The AMPT score identifies patients with improved survival following HEMS transport and should be considered in air medical triage protocols.
Differential Effects of Intraoperative Positive End-expiratory Pressure (PEEP) on Respiratory Outcome in Major Abdominal Surgery Versus Craniotomy

Objectives: In this study, we examined whether (1) positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has a protective effect on the risk of major postoperative respiratory complications in a cohort of patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries and craniotomies, and (2) the effect of PEEP is differed by surgery type. Background: Protective mechanical ventilation with lower tidal volumes and PEEP reduces compounded postoperative complications after abdominal surgery. However, data regarding the use of intraoperative PEEP is conflicting. Methods: In this observational study, we included 5915 major abdominal surgery patients and 5063 craniotomy patients. Analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome was a composite of major postoperative respiratory complications (respiratory failure, reintubation, pulmonary edema, and pneumonia) within 3 days of surgery. Results: Within the entire study population (major abdominal surgeries and craniotomies), we found an association between application of PEEP ≥5 cmH2O and a decreased risk of postoperative respiratory complications compared with PEEP <5 cmH2O. Application of PEEP >5 cmH2O was associated with a significant lower odds of respiratory complications in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.39 – 0.72), effects that translated to deceased hospital length of stay [median hospital length of stay : 6 days (4–9 days), incidence rate ratios for each additional day: 0.91 (0.84 – 0.98)], whereas PEEP >5 cmH2O was not significantly associated with reduced odds of respiratory complications or hospital length of stay in patients undergoing craniotomy. Conclusions: The protective effects of PEEP are procedure specific with meaningful effects observed in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Our data suggest that default mechanical ventilator settings should include PEEP of 5–10 cmH2O during major abdominal surgery.
Hepatic steatosis and liver transplantation

Purpose of reviewHepatic steatosis in liver transplantation has been linked to primary nonfunction, poor initial graft function, and poor graft and patient survival. Several investigations have determined that severe steatosis is a contraindication to liver transplantation. However, grafts with moderate steatosis, despite having initial poor graft function, recover and demonstrate good graft survival. As the need for organs increases and the availability of suitable donors decreases, the use of marginal donors has become necessary. This review focuses on clinical and experimental studies published in the last year with regard to steatosis and liver transplantation. Recent findingsIn reviewing the literature, it has become apparent that strategies aimed at identifying donor and recipient risk factors in association with steatosis are important in optimizing outcomes. These same principles also apply to living related liver transplantation, with particular attention to the donor selection process. Experimental data on steatosis have provided interesting insights into the mechanisms of ischemia reperfusion injury and possible strategies to eliminate the risk of using such organs. SummaryAs researchers continue to examine practices in both deceased and living related liver transplantation, there are several animal studies that can provide insight into the mechanisms of injury and offer possible strategies to use such organs in the future.
Essentials of the Exotic Pet Practice

Abstract Exotic pet practice is an exciting but demanding field in veterinary medicine. The decision to enter this field should be made only after careful consideration of some of the unique challenges and responsibilities of this type of practice. This article covers the considerations to be made when choosing species to see as patients, specific challenges for the exotic pet practitioner, legal and ethical issues regarding exotic species, sources of patients, development of a network for referral veterinarians, and a discussion of education for the veterinarian, staff, and clients. Also covered are suggestions for additions to the physical plant as well as recommendations for surgical, anesthetic, treatment, and examination equipment. There is an extensive list of additional recommended sources of information in the forms of texts, publications, organizations, and internet sites included at the end of the article.
Characteristics and Effectiveness of an Intensive Military Outpatient Treatment Program for PTSD

This study describes the characteristics and global effectiveness of treatment of a military intensive outpatient treatment program for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thirty-nine military personnel completed treatment outcome questionnaires. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in depression and PTSD symptoms after the participants completed 3 weeks of intensive outpatient therapy. The findings have clinical and research implications for the length, intensity, and focus of PTSD treatment.
Training Tomorrow's Doctors to Safeguard the Patients of Today: Using Medical Student Simulation Training to Explore Barriers to Recognition of Elder Abuse

In recognition of the fact that elder abuse is a global problem that doctors underrecognize and underreport, a simulation training session for undergraduate medical students was developed. The primary objective of this qualitative study was to examine barriers to and drivers of medical students making a diagnosis of elder abuse in simulated practice, with the goal of refining teaching methods and informing future teaching sessions for other clinical teachers. Third‐year medical students (Newcastle University, United Kingdom) undertook a simulation scenario with a high‐fidelity mannequin representing an elder abuse victim. After the simulation scenario, students underwent a semistructured debriefing. A tripartite approach to data collection was employed that included audio recordings of the simulation, data sheets capturing students' thoughts during the scenario, and postscenario debriefing. A different researcher analyzed each data set in isolation before discussions were held to triangulate findings from the data sets. Forty‐six students undertook the scenario; none declined to participate. A number of barriers to students diagnosing elder abuse were identified. Students held a low index of suspicion for elder abuse and were overly optimistic regarding the etiology of the individual's injuries. Students lacked the confidence to raise concerns about possible elder abuse, believing that certainty was required before doing so. There was widespread confusion about nomenclature. These findings provide clinical teachers with important topic areas to address in future teaching sessions. Simulation, as a method to teach about elder abuse in a reproducible and immersive fashion, is recommended to clinical teachers.
Medication Discrepancies and Shared Decision‐Making

1. Budnitz DS, Lovegrove MC, Shehab N et al. Emergency hospitalizations for adverse drug events in older Americans. N Engl J Med 2011;365:2002–2012. 2. Kongkaew C, Noyce PR, Ashcroft DM. Hospital admissions associated with adverse drug reactions: A systematic review of prospective observational studies. Ann Pharmacother 2008;42:1017–1025. 3. Leendertse AJ, Van Den Bemt PMLA, Poolman JB et al. Preventable hospital admissions related to medication (HARM): Cost analysis of the HARM study. Value Health 2011;14:34–40. 4. Marcum ZA, Amuan ME, Hanlon JT et al. Prevalence of unplanned hospitalizations caused by adverse drug reactions in older veterans. J Am Geriatr Soc 2012;60:34–41. 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) Matrix of E-code Groupings [online]. Available at http://www.cdc. gov/injury/wisqars/ecode_matrix. html Accessed June 15, 2015. 6. Lucado J, Paez K, Elixhauser A. Medication-Related Adverse Outcomes in U.S. Hospitals and Emergency Departments, 2008. Statistical Brief 109. Washington, DC: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2011. 7. Miguel A, Azevedo LF, Lopes F et al. Methodologies for the detection of adverse drug reactions: Comparison of hospital databases, chart review and spontaneous reporting. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2013;22:98–102. 8. Isetts BJ, Schondelmeyer SW, Artz MB et al. Clinical and economic outcomes of medication therapy management services: The Minnesota experience. J Am Pharm Assoc 2008;48:203–214. 9. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare Learning Network, ICD-10-CM Classification Enhancements [on-line]. Available at http://www.cms. gov/Medicare/Coding/ICD10/downloads/icd-10quickrefer.pdf Accessed June 15, 2015. 10. Reynolds M, Hickson M, Jacklin A et al. A descriptive exploratory study of how admissions caused by medication-related harm are documented within inpatients’ medical records. BMC Health Serv Res 2014;14:257.
Control of zinc oxide nanowire array properties with electron-beam lithography templating for photovoltaic applications

Hydrothermally synthesized zinc oxide nanowire arrays have been used as nanostructured acceptors in emerging photovoltaic (PV) devices. The nanoscale dimensions of such arrays allow for enhanced charge extraction from PV active layers, but the device performance critically depends on the nanowire array pitch and alignment. In this study, we templated hydrothermally-grown ZnO nanowire arrays via high-resolution electron-beam-lithography defined masks, achieving the dual requirements of high-resolution patterning at a pitch of several hundred nanometers, while maintaining hole sizes small enough to control nanowire array morphology. We investigated several process conditions, including the effect of annealing sputtered and spincoated ZnO seed layers on nanowire growth, to optimize array property metrics—branching from individual template holes and off-normal alignment. We found that decreasing template hole size decreased branching prevalence but also reduced alignment. Annealing seed layers typically improved alignment, and sputtered seed layers yielded nanowire arrays superior to spincoated seed layers. We show that these effects arose from variation in the size of the template holes relative to the ZnO grain size in the seed layer. The quantitative control of branching and alignment of the nanowire array that is achieved in this study will open new paths toward engineering more efficient electrodes to increase photocurrent in nanostructured PVs. This control is also applicable to inorganic nanowire growth in general, nanomechanical generators, nanowire transistors, and surface-energy engineering.
Digital laser printing of metal/metal-oxide nano-composites with tunable electrical properties

We study the electrical properties of aluminum structures printed by the laser forward transfer of molten, femtoliter droplets in air. The resulting printed material is an aluminum/aluminum-oxide nano-composite. By controlling the printing conditions, and thereby the droplet volume, its jetting velocity and duration, it is possible to tune the electrical resistivity to a large extent. The material resistivity depends on the degree of oxidation which takes place during jetting and on the formation of electrical contact points as molten droplets impact the substrate. Evidence for these processes is provided by FIB cross sections of printed structures.
Avaliação histológica da próstata de cães adultos sexualmente intactos

The prostates of 30 not castrated old dogs with or without clinical symptoms of prostatic disease were histologically evaluated. It was observed the incidence of possible changes in the gland. Among the changes, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was the most common diagnosis, accounting for 85.6% (n=24), followed by chronic prostatitis, 64.3% (n=18), dysplasia of the glandular epithelium, 42.8% (n=12), atrophy of the glandular epithelium, 39.3% (n=11), focal inflammatory infiltrate, 25% (n=7), focal glandular dilation, 21.4% (n=6), acute prostatitis, 7.1% (n=2), squamous metaplasia, 3.6% (n=1), metastasis of systemic neoplasia, 3.6% (n=1), and prostatic abscess, 3.6% (n=1). Because the lack of symptoms in most of dogs with prostatic changes, the specific clinic exams in routine, as rectal palpation and ultrasonography, are very important to early diagnosis and treatment of dogs with prostatic disease.
Using the Model of Human Occupation with Homeless Mentally Ill Clients

Since the introduction of community care, the care of mentally Ill people has transferred from hospitals to community settings and has thus resulted in an Increase in the number of people with special housing needs. This development, coupled with the high incidence of mental health problems in the homeless population generally, is problematic for community-based mental health workers because the needs of these people are complex and the demand on services becomes greater. The emerging role of the occupational therapist in this field of care is considered and the model of human occupation Is proposed as a useful theoretical framework to conceptualise the complex needs of this client group.
NMR relaxation induced by iron oxide particles: testing theoretical models

Superparamagnetic iron oxide particles find their main application as contrast agents for cellular and molecular magnetic resonance imaging. The contrast they bring is due to the shortening of the transverse relaxation time T2 of water protons. In order to understand their influence on proton relaxation, different theoretical relaxation models have been developed, each of them presenting a certain validity domain, which depends on the particle characteristics and proton dynamics. The validation of these models is crucial since they allow for predicting the ideal particle characteristics for obtaining the best contrast but also because the fitting of T1 experimental data by the theory constitutes an interesting tool for the characterization of the nanoparticles. In this work, T2 of suspensions of iron oxide particles in different solvents and at different temperatures, corresponding to different proton diffusion properties, were measured and were compared to the three main theoretical models (the motional averaging regime, the static dephasing regime, and the partial refocusing model) with good qualitative agreement. However, a real quantitative agreement was not observed, probably because of the complexity of these nanoparticulate systems. The Roch theory, developed in the motional averaging regime (MAR), was also successfully used to fit T1 nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) profiles, even outside the MAR validity range, and provided a good estimate of the particle size. On the other hand, the simultaneous fitting of T1 and T2 NMRD profiles by the theory was impossible, and this occurrence constitutes a clear limitation of the Roch model. Finally, the theory was shown to satisfactorily fit the deuterium T1 NMRD profile of superparamagnetic particle suspensions in heavy water.
Prevention and screening

ABSTRACT Background Patients with pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure has been recently increasing in Japan. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the actual situation of asbestos exposure and the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases among Japanese general population. Materials and methods From 2006 to 2008, 9810 subjects (mean age, 57 years; 54% male and 50% smokers) underwent low-dose CT (LDCT) in 26 institutions in Japan. Then, 6286 (64.1%) subjects underwent subsequent screening after 2 years of interval. Clinical information such as history of asbestos exposure for all life was reviewed. Images were interpreted independently by 15 experts. Results Self-reported history of occupational exposure was present in 2805 (28.5%) subjects, whereas self-reported history of residential exposure was present in 1193 (12.2%) subjects although asbestos factory actually existed in 2870 (29.3%) subjects. Pleural plaque, pleural thickening, and pulmonary nodule were identified in 264 (2.7%), 245 (2.5%), and 1003 (10.2%) subjects on LDCT. However, self-reported history of asbestos exposure was not confirmed in 77 (29.2%) of 264 subjects with pleural plaque although asbestos factory actually existed in 65 (84.4%) of such 77 subjects. Pleural plaque on LDCT was significantly correlated with male (odds ratio OR, 2.32), age over 60 years (OR, 1.75), smoking (OR, 1.60), self-reported history of asbestos exposure (OR, 3.92), residential period in asbestos factory area (OR every 10 years, 1.13), and asbestos-related work period (7 work identified, OR every 10 years, 1.300-3–3.21). Moreover, lung cancer was identified in 29 (0.3%) subjects, resulting in significant correlation with age over 60 years (OR, 2.67) and pleural plaque (OR, 4.17). After repeated LDCT screening, among 6286 subjects consisting of 165 and 6121 subjects with and without pleural plaque on LDCT at baseline screening, respectively, 5 (3.0%) of 165 and 7 (0.1%) of 6121 subjects showed marked progression and new onset of pleural plaque, respectively. Again, lung cancer was identified in 8 (0.1%) subjects. Conclusion Our results indicate the potential risk of asbestos exposure among Japanese general population and the importance of public relations and enlightenment for especially residential asbestos exposure. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Wet etch methods for InAs nanowire patterning and self-aligned electrical contacts

Advanced synthesis of semiconductor nanowires (NWs) enables their application in diverse fields, notably in chemical and electrical sensing, photovoltaics, or quantum electronic devices. In particular, indium arsenide (InAs) NWs are an ideal platform for quantum devices, e.g. they may host topological Majorana states. While the synthesis has been continously perfected, only a few techniques have been developed to tailor individual NWs after growth. Here we present three wet chemical etch methods for the post-growth morphological engineering of InAs NWs on the sub-100 nm scale. The first two methods allow the formation of self-aligned electrical contacts to etched NWs, while the third method results in conical shaped NW profiles ideal for creating smooth electrical potential gradients and shallow barriers. Low temperature experiments show that NWs with etched segments have stable transport characteristics and can serve as building blocks of quantum electronic devices. As an example we report the formation of a single electrically stable quantum dot between two etched NW segments.
Production , Manufacturing and Logistics Return handling options and order quantities for single period products

Products which are sold through E-commerce or mail sales catalogues tend to have a much higher return rate than traditional products. The returns are especially problematic for seasonal products. To support decision making in these situations we study various options, which may be considered as strategic decisions, on handling the increased return flow. Closed form analytic expressions for optimal order quantities are obtained by solving the models developed for each option. Decision making guidelines on choosing between return options and some properties of the optimal solutions are presented. We also discuss estimation of the serviceable return rate in practical situations. 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.