Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ferroelastically protected polarization switching pathways to control electrical conductivity in strain-graded ferroelectric nanoplates

Charged domain walls have rarely been observed in ferroelectric materials because of instability by large electrostatic energy. In this work, the authors have stabilized charged domain structures by ferroelastic clamping and manipulated resultant electric conductance in ferroelectric nanomaterials. Ferroelectric nanoplates subjected to compressive misfit strain at the bottom but less external stress on the sidewalls exhibit a radial-quadrant in-plane ferroelectric domain structure that is electrostatically unstable but emerges due to the flexoelectric effect associated with the misfit strain relaxation. They report that significant electronic conduction occurs near the edge of a ferroelectric nanoplate and the enhanced electronic conduction can be suppressed by 180${}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ polarization switching in a reversible way.
Parental stress and dyadic consensus in early parenthood among mothers and fathers in Sweden.

BACKGROUND Parental stress can negatively affect the parent-child relationship and reduce the well-being of the whole family. Family disagreement is associated with parental divorce and with psychological problems in children. AIMS The aim was to examine perceived parental stress and draw comparisons among mothers and among fathers, in relation to educational level, parental experience, existence of a parental role model and sense of coherence. The aim was also to examine perceived dyadic consensus and its association with perceived parental stress within couples. METHODS Questionnaires were completed by 320 mothers and 315 fathers at 1 week and 18 months post-partum. The Swedish Parenthood Stress Questionnaire, the Sense of Coherence Scale and the Dyadic Consensus Subscale were used. RESULTS Low education, lack of a role model and poor sense of coherence promoted stress in mothers in the subareas social isolation and spouse relationship problems, while lack of a role model and poor sense of coherence promoted stress in fathers in the subarea social isolation. Furthermore, parental experiences promoted stress among mothers in the subarea incompetence while this was not seen among fathers. Mothers perceived a higher level of dyadic consensus than fathers in the items recreational activities, friends, aims and life goals, time spent together, and decisions regarding career and personal development. Household tasks was the only item where fathers perceived a higher level of dyadic consensus than mothers. Additionally, there were associations between perceived parental stress and dyadic consensus in several items and in the total score. CONCLUSIONS To promote parents' health and family stability, health professionals should consider factors affecting stress and stress reactions, and take gender roles into account.
Quantitative Nano-imaging of Cells with a High Energy X-ray Cryo Nano-probe

Metals, present in trace concentrations such as iron, copper and zinc, play a fundamental role in all forms of life. They are essential as enzyme cofactors or cell metabolism regulators. An accurate localization and quantification of these elements in terms of molarity or mass fraction, in two-dimension (2D) and three-dimension (3D), is needed to enrich our understanding of their potential roles in relevant physiological mechanisms, as well as in pathological processes. This requires the appropriate analytical tools with sufficient chemical sensitivity and high spatial resolution at the intra-cellular level.
Improved Therapeutic Responses in a Xenograft Model of Human B Lymphoma (Namalwa) for Liposomal Vincristine versus Liposomal Doxorubicin Targeted via Anti-CD19 IgG2a or Fab′ Fragments

Purpose: Monoclonal antibody-mediated targeting of liposomal anticancer drugs to surface antigens expressed on malignant B cells can be an effective strategy for treating B-cell malignancies. In a murine model of human B-cell lymphoma, we have made in vitro and in vivo comparisons of long-circulating sterically stabilized (Stealth) immunoliposome (SIL) formulations of two anticancer drugs, vincristine (VCR) and doxorubicin (DXR), with different mechanisms of action and drug release rates. Experimental Design: SIL formulations of VCR or DXR were conjugated to the monoclonal antibody anti-CD19 (SIL[αCD19]) or its Fab′ fragments (SIL[Fab′]). Specific binding of SILs to Namalwa cells was studied using radiolabeled liposomes, and cytotoxicities of DXR- or VCR-loaded SILs were quantitated by a tetrazolium assay. Pharmacokinetic and drug leakage experiments were performed in mice using dual-labeled liposomes, and the therapeutic responses of SILs were evaluated in a Namalwa (human B lymphoma) cell xenograft model. Results: SIL[αCD19] or SIL[Fab′] had higher association with and cytotoxicity against Namalwa cells than nontargeted liposomes. SIL[Fab′] had longer circulation times than SIL[αCD19], and VCR had faster release rates from the liposomes than DXR. SIL formulations of either VCR or DXR had significantly better therapeutic outcomes than nontargeted liposomes or free drugs. SILs loaded with VCR were superior to those loaded with DXR. SIL[Fab′] had better therapeutic outcomes than SIL[αCD19] for the drug DXR but were equally efficacious for the drug VCR. Conclusions: Treatment of a B lymphoma model with single injections of anti-CD19-targeted liposomal formulations of VCR resulted in high levels of response and long-term survivors. Responses to anti-CD19-targeted liposomal DXR were more modest, although the longer circulation times of SIL[Fab′] versus SIL[αCD19] led to superior therapeutics for DXR-loaded immunoliposomes.
When to replace aging transformers

Transformers play critical roles in delivering power to distribution equipment for homes, commercial establishments and industrial facilities. Sudden failure of a transformer can have many serious repercussions leading to loss of power for a few minutes to hours. There are instances an outage could last for weeks because of system configuration, such as a simple radial system or the transformer was the single point failure. In industrial complexes an outage lasting a few minutes could lead to loss opportunities as well as millions of dollars in lost production and start up costs. Many older transformers have been in operation for more than 80 years without failure or major problems. Although there have been recent failures of units producing fires and explosions resulting in the release of toxic and combustible gases as well as smoke into the atmosphere; also OSHA has levied fines because of the type of incident. Many transformers in the petrochemical industry now fall under OSHA 1910.119, Mechanical Integrity regulations due to probability of catastrophic failure during power loss, resulting in release of highly hazardous chemicals. Transformers tanks containing more than 10,000 pounds of aggregates in some cases fall underneath the 1910.119 as well as 1910.269 regulations. Mineral oil in transformers is used as a media for cooling and insulating parts within close proximity. Mineral oil has a NFPA flammability rating of 1, indicating it is slightly flammable with a health rating of 1 as well, indicating a slight health hazard. However, during fault conditions mineral oil can be hazardous to your health and the environment. The purpose of this paper is to provide information and insight related to repair or outright replacement of aging transformers containing mineral oil under fault conditions such as the production of combustible gases. This paper will explain how oil sampling, gas analyses, internal inspection and testing were used to determine which required replacing or simple repairs. It will explain the use of standards such as IEEE C57 guidelines, to determine loading, hours of operation, degradation and other tests used to evaluate conditions and suitability for future operation of transformers. It will discuss the use of insulation power factor, Furan and other tests to help predict remaining life in transformers. It will discuss life cycles and vintage of transformer produced in the 1950's versus those manufactured for our facility after 1990. There will be discussions about methods, local repair shops employed to test and evaluate transformer incoming conditions and suitability for future service.
Vitamins for chronic disease prevention in adults: scientific review.

CONTEXT Although vitamin deficiency is encountered infrequently in developed countries, inadequate intake of several vitamins is associated with chronic disease. OBJECTIVE To review the clinically important vitamins with regard to their biological effects, food sources, deficiency syndromes, potential for toxicity, and relationship to chronic disease. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION We searched MEDLINE for English-language articles about vitamins in relation to chronic diseases and their references published from 1966 through January 11, 2002. DATA EXTRACTION We reviewed articles jointly for the most clinically important information, emphasizing randomized trials where available. DATA SYNTHESIS Our review of 9 vitamins showed that elderly people, vegans, alcohol-dependent individuals, and patients with malabsorption are at higher risk of inadequate intake or absorption of several vitamins. Excessive doses of vitamin A during early pregnancy and fat-soluble vitamins taken anytime may result in adverse outcomes. Inadequate folate status is associated with neural tube defect and some cancers. Folate and vitamins B(6) and B(12) are required for homocysteine metabolism and are associated with coronary heart disease risk. Vitamin E and lycopene may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Vitamin D is associated with decreased occurrence of fractures when taken with calcium. CONCLUSIONS Some groups of patients are at higher risk for vitamin deficiency and suboptimal vitamin status. Many physicians may be unaware of common food sources of vitamins or unsure which vitamins they should recommend for their patients. Vitamin excess is possible with supplementation, particularly for fat-soluble vitamins. Inadequate intake of several vitamins has been linked to chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis
A PVT-tracking metastability detector for asynchronous ADCs

This paper presents a metastability detection circuit to improve the bit-error-rate (BER) of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) which use the asynchronous operation. In comparison with conventional metastability detectors (MDETs), the proposed replica-type MDET is more helpful to improve the BER with better immunity to process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. The proposed MDET can effectively detect the metastability and output a flag signal for asynchronous ADC operation. To verify the proposed MDET circuit, a comparator is evaluated in a 90nm CMOS technology. The simulation results show that the proposed PVT-tracking MDET can maintain both speed and accuracy requirements for asynchronous ADCs.
Blepharospasm and the modulation of cortical excitability in primary and secondary motor areas

Background: Traditionally, benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is considered a disorder caused by basal ganglia dysfunction. Electrophysiologic and brain imaging studies suggest pathologic changes in excitability in the primary motor cortex (MC), anterior cingulate (AC), and secondary motor areas, such as premotor (PMC) and supplementary motor cortices (SMA). Methods: In this pilot study of 7 patients with BEB, we experimentally reduced cortical excitability of 4 areas: MC (first dorsal interosseus area), PMC, SMA, and AC, each with 3 noninvasive techniques: low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (lfrTMS), continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Primary outcome was the clinical effects on blepharospasm (blink rate observation by an investigator blinded to the intervention and subjective rating by the patient); secondary outcome was the blink reflex recovery curve (BRR). Results: lfrTMS resulted in a significant improvement over all 4 brain areas for physician rating, patient rating, and BRR, whereas cTBS and tDCS showed only trends for improvement in physician rating, but no improvements for patient rating and BRR. lfrTMS had a significantly higher effect over AC than MC for physician rating, but no differences were seen for other pairwise comparisons of stimulated brain areas. Conclusions: Electrophysiologic and clinical improvements by functional inhibition of the medial frontal areas using low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation suggests that hypersensitivity of the anterior cingulate is directly or indirectly involved in the pathophysiology of benign essential blepharospasm. Inhibition of these areas using low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could provide a therapeutic tool and is worthy of a larger study.
Human papillomavirus type 16 transformation of primary human embryonic fibroblasts requires expression of open reading frames E6 and E7

Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16) early genes were tested for their ability to transform primary human embryonic fibroblasts (WI38) or to extend the life span of the fibroblasts. The expression plasmids containing the transcriptional unit for the HPV-16 subgenomic DNA fragments controlled by the simian virus 40 promoter were introduced into WI38 cells with the aid of neomycin selection, and the drug-resistant cells that survived long-term culture were characterized. The fragments containing E6E7 open reading frames (ORFs) intact were found to be capable of extending the life span of WI38 cells. From the results obtained with frameshift mutations in either ORF and from those obtained by cotransfection with the separate plasmids containing E6 and E7 ORFs, it was concluded that HPV-16 transformation (extension of the life span) of human fibroblasts requires expression of genes E6 and E7.
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against ultraviolet B radiation injury in rats

Exposure of skin to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces photo-damage. Ultraviolet B (UVB) is the major component of UV radiation which induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plays an important role in photo-damage. Hydrogen gas reduces ROS and alleviates inflammation. In this study, we sought to demonstrate that hydrogen-rich saline has the effect on skin injuries caused by UVB radiation. UVB radiation was irradiated on female C57BL/6 rats to induce skin injury. Hydrogen-rich saline and nitrogen-rich saline were administered to rats by intraperitoneal injection. Skin damage was detected by microscope after injury. UVB radiation had a significant affection in tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels, tissue superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide activity. Hydrogen-rich saline had a protective effect by altering the levels of these markers and relieved morphological skin injury. Hydrogen-rich saline protected against UVB radiation injury, possibly by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Moral Hazard, Asymmetric Information and IPO Lockups

Moral hazard and asymmetric information have both been proposed as the motive behind the use of IPO lockup provisions, with each receiving empirical support in the literature. Rather than consider them to be mutually exclusive motivations, we hypothesize that each is dominant for a different set of firms. We provide novel empirical support for the underwriter certification hypothesis then use this hypothesis to categorize the firms in our sample. Firms that are certified by a reputable underwriter see a reduction in the severity of asymmetric information relative to other firms and therefore will be more likely to see moral hazard as the friction that motivates the use of the lockup provision. For those firms that are unable to obtain high reputation underwriter certification it is relatively more likely that asymmetric information is the motivation for the use of the lockup provision. Based on this separation of firms we introduce and provide empirical support for a novel set of hypotheses concerning the lockup period.
A Study of 28 GHz, Planar, Multilayered, Electrically Small, Broadside Radiating, Huygens Source Antennas

Two 28 GHz, planar, electrically small Huygens source antennas are presented that are broadside radiating and are based on multilayer PCB technology. The designs seamlessly integrate electric Egyptian axe dipole and magnetic capacitively loaded loop near-field resonant parasitic elements with a coax-fed dipole radiator. Both linearly polarized (LP) and circularly polarized (CP) systems are demonstrated. The simulations of the LP system indicate that it is electrically small: ka = 0.961; has peak realized gains and front-to-back ratios (FTBRs) in the range from, respectively, 3.77 to 4.54 dBi and 7.16 to 33.92 dB; and radiation efficiencies higher than 81.14% over its entire 2.14%, −10-dB fractional impedance bandwidth (FBW−10dB). A prototype was fabricated and tested; the measured and simulated results are in good agreement. The CP system exhibits similar properties: ka = 0.942; 1.41% FBW−10dB with a 0.47% 3-dB axial ratio fractional bandwidth; and peak realized gain, FTBR, and radiation efficiency values equal to 2.03 dBi, 26.72 dB, and 73.4%, respectively. To confirm their efficacy for on-body applications, the specific absorption rate values of both the LP and CP Huygens source antennas were evaluated and found to be very low.
Chlamydia abortus Pmp18.1 Induces IL-1β Secretion by TLR4 Activation through the MyD88, NF-κB, and Caspase-1 Signaling Pathways

The polymorphic membrane protein D (Pmp18D) is a 160-kDa outer membrane protein that is conserved and plays an important role in Chlamydia abortus pathogenesis. We have identified an N-terminal fragment of Pmp18D (designated Pmp18.1) as a possible subunit vaccine antigen. In this study, we evaluated the vaccine potential of Pmp18.1 by investigating its ability to induce innate immune responses in dendritic cells and the signaling pathway(s) involved in rPmp18.1-induced IL-1β secretion. We next investigated the immunomodulatory impact of VCG, in comparison with the more established Th1-promoting adjuvants, CpG and FL, on rPmp18.1-mediated innate immune activation. Finally, the effect of siRNA targeting TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p50, and Caspase-1 mRNA in DCs on IL-1β cytokine secretion was also investigated. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were stimulated with rPmp18.1 in the presence or absence of VCG or CpG or FL and the magnitude of cytokines produced was assessed using a multiplex cytokine ELISA assay. Expression of costimulatory molecules and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) was analyzed by flow cytometry. Quantitation of intracellular levels of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB p50/p65), and Caspase-1 was evaluated by Western immunoblotting analysis while NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation was assessed by confocal microscopy. The results showed DC stimulation with rPmp18.1 provoked the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and upregulated expression of TLRs and co-stimulatory molecules associated with DC maturation. These responses were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) enhanced by VCG but not CpG or FL. In addition, rPmp18.1 activated the expression of MyD88, NF-κB p50, and Caspase-1 as well as the nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 in treated DCs. Furthermore, targeting TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p50, and Caspase-1 mRNA in BMDCs with siRNA significantly reduced their expression levels, resulting in decreased IL-1β cytokine secretion, strongly suggesting their involvement in the rPmp18.1-induced IL-1β cytokine secretion. Taken together, these results indicate that C. abortus Pmp18.1 induces IL-1β secretion by TLR4 activation through the MyD88, NF-κB as well as the Caspase-1 signaling pathways and may be a potential C. abortus vaccine candidate. The vaccine potential of Pmp18.1 will subsequently be evaluated in an appropriate animal model, using VCG as an immunomodulator, following immunization and challenge.
Feeling the beat where it counts: fostering multi-limb rhythm skills with the haptic drum kit

This paper introduces a tool known as the Haptic Drum Kit, which employs four computer-controlled vibrotactile devices, one attached to each wrist and ankle. In the applications discussed here, haptic pulses are used to guide the playing, on a drum kit, of rhythmic patterns that require multi-limb co-ordination. The immediate aim is to foster rhythm skills and multi-limb coordination. A broader aim is to systematically develop skills in recognizing, identifying, memorizing, retaining, analyzing, reproducing, and composing polyphonic rhythms. We consider the implications of three different theories for this approach: the work of the music educator Dalcroze (1865-1950 [1]; the entrainment theory of human rhythm perception and production [2,3]; and sensory motor contingency theory [4]. In this paper we report on a design study; and identify and discuss a variety of emerging design issues. The study demonstrates that beginning drummers are able to learn intricate drum patterns from haptic stimuli alone
Dynamic analysis of Probabilistic Boolean Network for fMRI study in Parkinson's Disease

Probabilistic Boolean Networks (PBNs) have recently been applied to infer functional connectivity between brain regions of interested (ROIs), and to identify the existence of connectivity abnormality in Parkinson's Disease (PD). In addition to PBNs' promising application in inferring significant brain connections, PBN modeling for brain ROIs also enables researchers to study dynamic activities of the system under stochastic condition, gaining essential information regarding asymptotic behaviors of ROIs for potential therapeutic intervention in PD. In this paper, we will present a PBN model for fMRI analysis and study its asymptotic behavior. The PBN results indicate significant differences in asymptotic behaviors between PD patients and normal subjects. Hypothesizing the observed feature states for normal subject as the desired functional states, we further explore possible methods to manipulate the dynamical network behavior of PD patients in the favor of the desired states from the view of random perturbation as well as intervention.
C-type lectin Mincle is an activating receptor for pathogenic fungus, Malassezia

Mincle (also called as Clec4e and Clecsf9) is a C-type lectin receptor expressed in activated phagocytes. Recently, we have demonstrated that Mincle is an FcRγ-associated activating receptor that senses damaged cells. To search an exogenous ligand(s), we screened pathogenic fungi using cell line expressing Mincle, FcRγ, and NFAT-GFP reporter. We found that Mincle specifically recognizes the Malassezia species among 50 different fungal species tested. Malassezia is a pathogenic fungus that causes skin diseases, such as tinea versicolor and atopic dermatitis, and fatal sepsis. However, the specific receptor on host cells has not been identified. Mutation of the putative mannose-binding motif within C-type lectin domain of Mincle abrogated Malassezia recognition. Analyses of glycoconjugate microarray revealed that Mincle selectively binds to α-mannose but not mannan. Thus, Mincle may recognize specific geometry of α-mannosyl residues on Malassezia species and use this to distinguish them from other fungi. Malassezia activated macrophages to produce inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. To elucidate the physiological function of Mincle, Mincle-deficient mice were established. Malassezia-induced cytokine/chemokine production by macrophages from Mincle−/− mice was significantly impaired. In vivo inflammatory responses against Malassezia was also impaired in Mincle−/− mice. These results indicate that Mincle is the first specific receptor for Malassezia species to be reported and plays a crucial role in immune responses to this fungus.