Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dielectric, Conductance and Pyroelectric Characterization of MWCNT:PVDF Nanocomposite Thin Films for Multiple Device Applications

Through this communication dielectric, pyroelectric, and conductance properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite thin films with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) embedded in it, as a function of temperature and frequency are reported. Samples, ranging from 15 – 280 microns in thickness, were measured in the temperature range of 20 to 90°C and in frequencies range of 50Hz to 110MHz. The samples were prepared by the cost effective and yet simple, solution casting technique. Measurements indicate that at constant temperatures, the real dielectric constant decreases at lower frequencies, stays steady at low frequencies but rises at higher frequencies towards the strong resonance. The dielectric loss, a particular concern as it is inversely related to the conductance, decreases also at lower frequencies but rise at higher frequencies with a steeper slope in each case. Additionally, pyroelectric coefficient is measured in the same temperature range and results show higher values compared to addition of silver nano particles in PVDF thin films and provided preliminary evidence of the causative microscopic response mechanism. Our MWCNT:PVDF thin films yield higher figures of merit than that indicated by pure PVDF thin films and results indicate a usage of MWCNT:PVDF thin films in infrared uncooled sensors and vidicon technology.
A Review of the Impact of Maternal Obesity on the Cognitive Function and Mental Health of the Offspring

Globally, more than 20% of women of reproductive age are currently estimated to be obese. Children born to obese mothers are at higher risk of developing obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and asthma in adulthood. Increasing clinical and experimental evidence suggests that maternal obesity also affects the health and function of the offspring brain across the lifespan. This review summarizes the current findings from human and animal studies that detail the impact of maternal obesity on aspects of learning, memory, motivation, affective disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and neurodegeneration in the offspring. Epigenetic mechanisms that may contribute to this mother–child interaction are also discussed.
Association Between Physician Online Rating and Quality of Care

Background Patients are increasingly using physician review websites to find “a good doctor. ” However, to our knowledge, no prior study has examined the relationship between online rating and an accepted measure of quality. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the association between online physician rating and an accepted measure of quality: 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rate following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods In the US states of California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania—which together account for over one-quarter of the US population—risk-adjusted mortality rates are publicly reported for all cardiac surgeons. From these reports, we recorded the 30-day mortality rate following isolated CABG surgery for each surgeon practicing in these 5 states. For each surgeon listed in the state reports, we then conducted Internet-based searches to determine his or her online rating(s). We then assessed the relationship between physician online rating and risk-adjusted mortality rate. Results Of the 614 surgeons listed in the state reports, we found 96.1% (590/614) to be rated online. The average online rating was 4.4 out of 5, and 78.7% (483/614) of the online ratings were 4 or higher. The median number of reviews used to formulate each rating was 4 (range 1-89), and 32.70% (503/1538) of the ratings were based on 2 or fewer reviews. Overall, there was no correlation between surgeon online rating and risk-adjusted mortality rate (P=.13). Risk-adjusted mortality rates were similar for surgeons across categories of average online rating (P>.05), and surgeon average online rating was similar across quartiles of surgeon risk-adjusted mortality rate (P>.05). Conclusions In this study of cardiac surgeons practicing in the 5 US states that publicly report outcomes, we found no correlation between online rating and risk-adjusted mortality rates. Patients using online rating websites to guide their choice of physician should recognize that these ratings may not reflect actual quality of care as defined by accepted metrics.
Neuronal activity mediated regulation of glutamate transporter GLT‐1 surface diffusion in rat astrocytes in dissociated and slice cultures

The astrocytic GLT‐1 (or EAAT2) is the major glutamate transporter for clearing synaptic glutamate. While the diffusion dynamics of neurotransmitter receptors at the neuronal surface are well understood, far less is known regarding the surface trafficking of transporters in subcellular domains of the astrocyte membrane. Here, we have used live‐cell imaging to study the mechanisms regulating GLT‐1 surface diffusion in astrocytes in dissociated and brain slice cultures. Using GFP‐time lapse imaging, we show that GLT‐1 forms stable clusters that are dispersed rapidly and reversibly upon glutamate treatment in a transporter activity‐dependent manner. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and single particle tracking using quantum dots revealed that clustered GLT‐1 is more stable than diffuse GLT‐1 and that glutamate increases GLT‐1 surface diffusion in the astrocyte membrane. Interestingly, the two main GLT‐1 isoforms expressed in the brain, GLT‐1a and GLT‐1b, are both found to be stabilized opposed to synapses under basal conditions, with GLT‐1b more so. GLT‐1 surface mobility is increased in proximity to activated synapses and alterations of neuronal activity can bidirectionally modulate the dynamics of both GLT‐1 isoforms. Altogether, these data reveal that astrocytic GLT‐1 surface mobility, via its transport activity, is modulated during neuronal firing, which may be a key process for shaping glutamate clearance and glutamatergic synaptic transmission. GLIA 2016;64:1252–1264
Processing and Mechanical Characterization of Compression-Molded Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Biocomposite Reinforced with Aluminum Oxide

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been widely used as a bone implant material in orthopedic surgical applications in trauma due to its low coefficient of friction, good biocompatibility, and excellent wear and corrosion resistance properties in comparison to other polyolefins. But, due to the formation of wear debris, implants loosen and fail after 12–15 years of implantation. In order to enhance lifespan, the role of alumina (Al2O3) reinforcement on the mechanical properties (like hardness, elastic modulus, etc.) of compression-molded UHMWPE biocomposites is evaluated. The phase characterization (performed using X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy) of starting raw materials and composites elicited retention of starting phases in the blended powders as well as compression-molded composites. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis exhibited increases in crystallinity with alumina reinforcement by (~18%), though a ~39% improvement in the Vickers hardness was observed, when compared to that of virgin UHMWPE. The mechanical characterization showed an increase in modulus by ~6%, decrease in the tensile strength by ~20% and strain to failure from 501.63 to 486.17% with Al2O3 reinforcement. The fracture surface of tensile-tested samples showed the cyclic stress failure under tensile stress. Keywords: UHMWPE, MWCNTs, tensile properties, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
Literature review of the epidemiology of influenza B disease in 15 countries in the Asia‐Pacific region

Influenza control strategies focus on the use of trivalent influenza vaccines containing two influenza A virus subtypes and one of the two circulating influenza type B lineages (Yamagata or Victoria). Mismatches between the vaccine B lineage and the circulating lineage have been regularly documented in many countries, including those in the Asia‐Pacific region. We conducted a literature review with the aim of understanding the relative circulation of influenza B viruses in Asia‐Pacific countries. PubMed and Western Pacific Region Index Medicus were searched for relevant articles on influenza type B published since 1990 in English language for 15 Asia‐Pacific countries. Gray literature was also accessed. From 4834 articles identified, 121 full‐text articles were analyzed. Influenza was reported as an important cause of morbidity in the Asia‐Pacific region, affecting all age groups. In all 15 countries, influenza B was identified and associated with between 0% and 92% of laboratory‐confirmed influenza cases in any one season/year. Influenza type B appeared to cause more illness in children aged between 1 and 10 years than in other age groups. Epidemiological data for the two circulating influenza type B lineages remain limited in several countries in the Asia‐Pacific, although the co‐circulation of both lineages was seen in countries where strain surveillance data were available. Mismatches between circulating B lineages and vaccine strains were observed in all countries with available data. The data suggest that a shift from trivalent to quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccines could provide additional benefits by providing broader protection.
Mothers' Consumption of Soy Drink But Not Black Tea Increases the Flavonoid Content of Term Breast Milk: A Pilot Randomized, Controlled Intervention Study

Objective: We performed a pilot RCT to prove the hypothesis that a controlled ingestion of polyphenol-rich beverages (soy drink, decaffeinated black tea) in nutritive dosages by nursing women has an effect on the composition (flavonoid concentration, total antioxidant capacity) of breast milk. Methods: Healthy nursing women were supplemented with either 250 mL of a soy drink (12 mg isoflavones; n = 18), 300 mL decaffeinated black tea (67 mg catechins; n = 18), or 300 mL water (n = 8, control) for 6 days. Milk samples were collected before, during, and after intervention. Flavonoid content (isoflavones/catechins, HPLC) and total antioxidant capacity of milk and test drinks in milk specimens were assessed. Results: Isoflavone content (genistein and daidzein) in breast milk increased up to 12 nmol/L after soy drink consumption; the major flavonoids constituents of black tea (catechin, epicatechin, and respective conjugates) could not be detected in milk samples. With both interventions, the total antioxidant capacity of breast milk was not affected. Conclusions: Mothers' daily consumption of a soy drink considerably increases isoflavone content of breast milk resulting in an estimated daily exposure of 9.6 nmol isoflavones in a 4-month-old suckling infant. Luminal flavanol uptake from black tea consumed by the nursing mother may be too low to affect flavanol concentrations in breast milk.
Adaptive Autoimmunity and Foxp3-Based Immunoregulation in Zebrafish

Background Jawed vertebrates generate their immune-receptor repertoire by a recombinatorial mechanism that has the potential to produce harmful autoreactive lymphocytes. In mammals, peripheral tolerance to self-antigens is enforced by Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Recombinatorial mechanisms also operate in teleosts, but active immunoregulation is thought to be a late incorporation to the vertebrate lineage. Methods/Principal Findings Here we report the characterization of adaptive autoimmunity and Foxp3-based immunoregulation in the zebrafish. We found that zebrafish immunization with an homogenate of zebrafish central nervous system (zCNS) triggered CNS inflammation and specific antibodies. We cloned the zebrafish ortholog for mammalian Foxp3 (zFoxp3) which induced a regulatory phenotype on mouse T cells and controlled IL-17 production in zebrafish embryos. Conclusions/Significance Our findings demonstrate the acquisition of active mechanisms of self-tolerance early in vertebrate evolution, suggesting that active regulatory mechanisms accompany the development of the molecular potential for adaptive autoimmunity. Moreover, they identify the zebrafish as a tool to study the molecular pathways controlling adaptive immunity.
Two types of germ cells, the sexual reproduction cycle, and the double-ring mode of plant developmental program

ABSTRACT In this viewpoint, the usages of terms for progenitor cells to meiosis and gametogenesis are discussed. Terms for 2 types of germ cells, i.e. “diploid germ cells” and “haploid germ cells” were suggested to replace “archesporial cells” and “generative cells,” respectively, in plant developmental research. This suggestion was based on 2 newly proposed concepts, the “sexual reproduction cycle” for eukaryotes, and a “double-ring mode” of plant developmental program.
Cannula Versus Sharp Needle for Placement of Soft Tissue Fillers: An Observational Cadaver Study

Background Soft-tissue fillers have become important products for facial rejuvenation. Deep fat compartments and facial bones lose volume during the natural aging process. For the most natural-looking results, deep volumetric injections at strategic sites are therefore preferred. Supraperiosteal placement is performed with a sharp needle or a non-traumatic cannula. Objectives The primary objective was to determine whether there is a difference in precision between supraperiosteal placement with a sharp needle compared with a non-traumatic cannula in cadaver specimens. A secondary objective was to analyze the safety profiles of both injection techniques. Methods Cadaver heads were injected with dye material and soft-tissue fillers at multiple aesthetic facial sites on the supraperiosteum and subsequently dissected for observation of dye and filler placement. Results The non-traumatic cannula technique resulted in product being confined to the deep anatomic layers. In contrast, with the sharp needle technique, material was placed in multiple anatomic layers, from the periosteum to more superficial skin layers. For both techniques results were consistent for all facial sites. Conclusions Although direct extrapolation from cadavers to the in vivo situation cannot be made, cannulae showed more precision in placement of product. With the sharp needle, the material was injected on the periosteum, and then migrated in a retrograde direction along the trajectory of the needle path, ending up in multiple anatomic layers. The sharp needle technique also showed a higher complication risk with intra-arterial injection occurring, even though the needle tip was positioned on the periosteum and the product was injected with the needle in constant contact with the periosteum.
Food groups and risk of colorectal cancer

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to summarize the evidence on the relationship between intake of 12 major food groups, including whole grains, refined grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts, legumes, eggs, dairy, fish, red meat, processed meat and sugar‐sweetened beverages with risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We conducted a systematic search in PubMed and Embase for prospective studies investigating the association between these 12 food groups and risk of CRC until April 2017. Summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using a random effects model for high vs. low intake categories, as well as for linear and nonlinear relationships. An inverse association was observed for whole grains (RR30g/d: 0.95, 95% CI 0.93, 0.97; n = 9 studies), vegetables (RR100g/d: 0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.98; n = 15), fruit (RR100g/d: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95, 0.99; n = 16) and dairy (RR200g/d: 0.93, 95% CI 0.91, 0.94; n = 15), while a positive association for red meat (RR100g/d: 1.12, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19; n = 21) and processed meat (RR50g/d: 1.17, 95% CI 1.10, 1.23; n = 16), was seen in the linear dose‐response meta‐analysis. Some evidence for nonlinear relationships was observed between vegetables, fruit and dairy and risk of colorectal cancer. Findings of this meta‐analysis showed that a diet characterized by high intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruit and dairy products and low amounts of red meat and processed meat was associated with lower risk of CRC.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF ASPIRIN LOADED ETHYLCELLULOSE NANOPARTICLES BY SOLVENT EVAPORATION TECHNIQUE

Aim:-In the present study Aspirin loaded Ethyl cellulose nanoparticles were prepared by solvent evaporation method in the presence of Tween 20 as emulsifying agent and ethyl acetate as organic solvent. Three formulations were prepared by varying the concentration of polymer and the influence of process parameters such as solvent mixture, composition, concentration of the emulsifying agent and speed of stirring has been examined. All the three formulations are evaluated for drug content, product yield, particle size, entrapment efficiency and loading capacity. Entrapment efficiency and loading capacity were determined by ELTEK NP 400 Ultracentrifuge. The particle size and stability of the formulations were determined by HORIBA SZ-100 series particle size analyzer. Entrapment efficiencies were found to be 93.4%, 96.2% and 98.6% and the loading capacities were found to be 32.22%, 34.6% and 35.77% respectively for F1, F2 and F3 formulations. Comparative study was performed to determine the best method for the preparation of Aspirin loaded ethyl cellulose nanoparticles. From the evaluation studies it was observed that F2 formulation was giving promising results. The average particle size of the best formulation, F2 was found to be 444.5nm and zeta potential was found to be 41.5mV. Invitro drug release studies were performed to determine the sustain release nature of the formulation and drug release was sustained up to 12hrs for nanoparticles prepared by F2 formulation.
The Effect of Epidural Steroid Injections on Bone Mineral Density and Vertebral Fracture Risk: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of Current Literature

Objective The aim of this paper is to review the available literature investigating the effect of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) on bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral fracture risk. Study design Systematic review of current literature. Methods The sources of the data were PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus. Papers included in the review were original research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Results A total of 7,233 patients (eight studies) with a mean age ranging between 49 and 74 years and an average follow-up between six and 60 months were studied. Steroids that were used included triamcinolone, dexamethasone, and methylprednisolone (MP), with a mean number of injections ranging from one to 14.7 and an average cumulative dose in MP equivalents between 80 and 8,130 mg. Epidural steroids were associated with significantly decreased BMD in four out of six included studies, and with increased risk of vertebral fracture in one out of two included studies. Significant reductions in BMD were associated with a cumulative MP dose of 200 mg over a one-year period and 400 mg over three years, but not in doses of less than 200 mg of MP equivalents for postmenopausal women and at least 3 g for healthy men. The risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis was lower in patients who were receiving anti-osteoporotic medication during the treatment course. Conclusions ESIs should be recommended with caution, especially in patients at risk for osteoporotic fractures, such as women of postmenopausal age. Anti-osteoporotic medication might be considered prior to ESI.
A 3.125 GHz four stage voltage controlled ring oscillator in 0.18 CMOS

In this paper, a 3.125 GHz four stage voltage controlled ring oscillator is presented. The oscillator has been designed in a 0.18 µm CMOS process with a 1.8 V supply. Behavioural simulations predict an 18% tuning range for the oscillator, with a −91 dBc/Hz phase noise at a 1 MHz offset. Its power consumption has been simulated to be only 12.6 mW.
Classification System for BilIN-1 and BilIN-2 based on Normal Nuclei-Array Model

Biliary intraepithelial neoplasm with intraductal papillary neoplasm of bile duct is known as a precursor lesion for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore, to prevent the intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, it is important to diagnose the biliary intraepithelial neoplasm. The biliary intraepithelial is classified into BilIN-1, BilIN-2, and BilIN-3 by the atypia of cell and nuclei, loss of nuclear polarity, and disorder of the arrangement of nuclei. This paper classifies BilIN-1 and BilIN-2 using the proposed features based on the Normal Nuclei-Array Model with existing features for nuclei. For showing how the proposed features to improve the accuracy of classification, the experiment is performed by using the proposed features with the existing features of nuclei. The Classifier is used multilayer neural networks with back-propagation algorithm. The experiment results show that the accuracy of classification with the existing nuclei features and proposed features is improved about 13% than the classification with only the existing nuclei features.
Gradient of structural traits drives hygroscopic movements of scarious bracts surrounding Helichrysum bracteatum capitulum

Background and Aims The capitulum of Helichrysum bracteatum is surrounded by scarious involucral bracts that perform hygroscopic movements leading to bract bending toward or away from the capitulum, depending on cell wall water status. The present investigation aimed at explaining the mechanism of these movements. Methods Surface strain and bract shape changes accompanying the movements were quantified using the replica method. Dissection experiments were used to assess the contribution of different tissues in bract deformation. Cell wall structure and composition were examined with the aid of light and electron microscopy as well as confocal Raman spectroscopy. Key Results At the bract hinge (organ actuator) longitudinal strains at opposite surfaces differ profoundly. This results in changes of hinge curvature that drive passive displacement of distal bract portions. The distal portions in turn undergo nearly uniform strain on both surfaces and also minute shape changes. The hinge is built of sclerenchyma‐like abaxial tissue, parenchyma and adaxial epidermis with thickened outer walls. Cell wall composition is rather uniform but tissue fraction occupied by cell walls, cell wall thickness, compactness and cellulose microfibril orientation change gradually from abaxial to adaxial hinge surface. Dissection experiments show that the presence of part of the hinge tissues is enough for movements. Conclusions Differential strain at the hinge is due to adaxial‐abaxial gradient in structural traits of hinge tissues and cell walls. Thus, the bract hinge of H. bracteatum is a structure comprising gradually changing tissues, from highly resisting to highly active, rather than a bi‐layered structure with distinct active and resistance parts, often ascribed for hygroscopically moving organs.
Short‐term outcome of total clipless laparoscopic cholecystectomy for complicated gallbladder stones in cirrhotic patients

Cirrhotic patients have been known to be more affected with gallstones than their non‐cirrhotic counterparts; since laparoscopy was introduced, it has been generally approved as the standard approach for cholecystectomies with the exception of end‐stage cirrhosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of clipless laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the harmonic scalpel in complicated cholelithiasis in cirrhotic patients.