Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of scanning electron diffraction in the transmission electron microscope for the characterisation of dislocations in minerals

Abstract We present an application of scanning electron diffraction for the characterisation of crystal defects in olivine, quartz and phase A (a high pressure hydrated phase). In this mode, which takes advantage of the ASTAR™ module from NanoMEGAS, a slightly convergent probe is scanned over the sample with a short acquisition time (a few tens of ms) and the spot patterns are acquired and stored for further post-processing. Originally, orientation maps were constructed from automatic indexing at each probe location. Here we present another application where images are reconstructed from the intensity of diffraction spots, producing either so-called ‘virtual’ bright- or dark-field images. We show that these images present all the characteristics of contrast (perfect crystal or defects) of conventional transmission electron microscopy images. Data are acquired with a very short time per probe location (a few tens of milliseconds), this technique appears very attractive for the characterisation of beam-sensitive materials. However, as the acquisition is done at a given orientation, fine tuning of the diffraction conditions at a given location for each reflection is not possible. This might present a difficulty for some precise, quantitative contrast analysis.
Vinorelbine Plus Platinum in Patients with Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Prior Anthracycline and Taxane Treatment

AbstractCurrently, there is no preferred standard chemotherapy regimen available for patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC) and no cohort studies on the efficacy of vinorelbine plus platinum (NP) regimen in patients with mTNBC who failed to anthracyclines and/or taxanes have been reported. We present the single-center, retrospective experience of NP regimen in a total of 41 patients with mTNBC.All patients were treated with NP regimen, main combination used was vinorelbine-cisplatin in 34 patients (82.9%). The median follow-up was 36.8 months. Objective response rate was 34.1% (n = 14) in the whole study group. Three patients experienced complete response (7.3%), 11 patients acquired partial response (26.8%), stable disease was observed in 14 patients (34.1%), and 10 patients (24.4%) had progressive disease. Response evaluation was not applicable in 3 patients who received the treatment of NP regimen after surgical removal of the metastatic lesions. The median overall survival and progression-free survival were 18.9 months (95% confidence interval, 15.6–22.1 months) and 6.7 months (95% confidence interval, 2.9–10.5 months), respectively. The main adverse events were grade 3/4 neutropenia (n = 20, 48.8%) and grade 1/2 gastrointestinal toxicity (n = 20, 48.8%). NP regimen is active and tolerable in patients with mTNBC pretreated with anthracyclines and/or taxanes. Therefore, among other chemotherapy regimens, NP combination may provide a rational treatment option for this patient subset.
Effects of ocean acidification on the dissolution rates of reef-coral skeletons

Ocean acidification threatens the foundation of tropical coral reefs. This study investigated three aspects of ocean acidification: (i) the rates at which perforate and imperforate coral-colony skeletons passively dissolve when pH is 7.8, which is predicted to occur globally by 2100, (ii) the rates of passive dissolution of corals with respect to coral-colony surface areas, and (iii) the comparative rates of a vertical reef-growth model, incorporating passive dissolution rates, and predicted sea-level rise. By 2100, when the ocean pH is expected to be 7.8, perforate Montipora coral skeletons will lose on average 15 kg CaCO3 m−2 y−1, which is approximately −10.5 mm of vertical reduction of reef framework per year. This rate of passive dissolution is higher than the average rate of reef growth over the last several millennia and suggests that reefs composed of perforate Montipora coral skeletons will have trouble keeping up with sea-level rise under ocean acidification. Reefs composed of primarily imperforate coral skeletons will not likely dissolve as rapidly, but our model shows they will also have trouble keeping up with sea-level rise by 2050.
Atypical parkinsonism in the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe: Etiological role of the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor annonacin

On the French West Indian island of Guadeloupe, atypical parkinsonian patients represent two‐thirds of all cases of parkinsonism, which is exceptionally frequent compared to epidemiological data from European countries where atypical parkinsonism accounts for only approximately 5% of all cases. The clinical entity was a unique combination of levodopa‐resistant parkinsonism, tremor, myoclonus, hallucinations, REM sleep behavior disorder and fronto‐subcortical dementia. Based on the presence or the absence of supranuclear gaze palsy, two subgroups of patients were distinguished. In patients with oculomotor signs that came to autopsy, neuronal loss was found to predominate in the substantia nigra and the striatum but other brain areas were also affected, including the frontal cortex. In addition, tau‐containing lesions were detected throughout the brain. Epidemiological data suggested a close association of the disease with the regular consumption of soursop, a tropical annonaceous plant. Experimental studies performed in midbrain cell cultures identified annonacin, a selective mitochondrial complex I inhibitor contained in the fruit and leaves of soursop, as a probable etiological factor. Consistent with this view, chronic administration of annonacin to rats through Alzet osmotic minipumps showed that annonacin was able to reproduce the brain lesions characteristic of the human disease. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
An Information Based Sensor Management Method for Multitarget Tracking

This paper presents an information based method for sensor management based on tasking a sensor to make the measurement that maximizes the expected gain in information. The method is applied to the problem of tracking multiple targets. The underlying tracking methodology is a multiple target tracking scheme based on recursive estimation of a Joint Multitarget Probability Density (JMPD), which is implemented using particle filtering methods. The sensor management scheme is predicated on choosing to make the measurement that maximizes the expected Rényi Information Divergence (a generalization of the Kullback-Leibler divergence) between the current JMPD and the JMPD after a measurement has been made.
Multiscale Analysis of Structurally-Graded Microstructures Using Molecular Dynamics, Discrete Dislocation Dynamics and Continuum Crystal Plasticity

A multiscale modeling methodology is developed for structurally-graded material microstructures. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are performed at the nanoscale to determine fundamental failure mechanisms and quantify material constitutive parameters. These parameters are used to calibrate material processes at the mesoscale using discrete dislocation dynamics (DD). Different grain boundary interactions with dislocations are analyzed using DD to predict grain-size dependent stress-strain behavior. These relationships are mapped into crystal plasticity (CP) parameters to develop a computationally efficient finite element-based DD/CP model for continuum-level simulations and complete the multiscale analysis by predicting the behavior of macroscopic physical specimens. The present analysis is focused on simulating the behavior of a graded microstructure in which grain sizes are on the order of nanometers in the exterior region and transition to larger, multi-micron size in the interior domain. This microstructural configuration has been shown to offer improved mechanical properties over homogeneous coarse-grained materials by increasing yield stress while maintaining ductility. Various mesoscopic polycrystal models of structurally-graded microstructures are generated, analyzed and used as a benchmark for comparison between multiscale DD/CP model and DD predictions. A final series of simulations utilize the DD/CP analysis method exclusively to study macroscopic models that cannot be analyzed by MD or DD methods alone due to the model size.
Millimeter-wave Wireless LAN and its Extension toward 5G Heterogeneous Networks

Millimeter-wave (mmw) frequency bands, especially 60 GHz unlicensed band, are considered as a promising solution for gigabit short range wireless communication systems. IEEE standard 802.11ad, also known as WiGig, is standardized for the usage of the 60 GHz unlicensed band for wireless local area networks (WLANs). By using this mmw WLAN, multi-Gbps rate can be achieved to support bandwidth-intensive multimedia applications. Exhaustive search along with beamforming (BF) is usually used to overcome 60 GHz channel propagation loss and accomplish data transmissions in such mmw WLANs. Because of its short range transmission with a high susceptibility to path blocking, multiple number of mmw access points (APs) should be used to fully cover a typical target environment for future high capacity multi-Gbps WLANs. Therefore, coordination among mmw APs is highly needed to overcome packet collisions resulting from un-coordinated exhaustive search BF and to increase the total capacity of mmw WLANs. In this paper, we firstly give the current status of mmw WLANs with our developed WiGig AP prototype. Then, we highlight the great need for coordinated transmissions among mmw APs as a key enabler for future high capacity mmw WLANs. Two different types of coordinated mmw WLAN architecture are introduced. One is the distributed antenna type architecture to realize centralized coordination, while the other is an autonomous coordination with the assistance of legacy Wi-Fi signaling. Moreover, two heterogeneous network (HetNet) architectures are also introduced to efficiently extend the coordinated mmw WLANs to be used for future 5 Generation (5G) cellular networks.
Identification of a novel type II classical cadherin: Rat cadherin19 is expressed in the cranial ganglia and Schwann cell precursors during development

To identify a novel type II classical cadherin, we searched the genome database and found rat cadherin19 (cad19) with high similarity to human cadherin19. We also found nucleotide sequences corresponding to rat cad19 in mouse and chicken genomes. In situ hybridization of rat cad19 revealed that rat cad19 mRNA was initially expressed in cephalic neural crest cells, and then in the cranial ganglia, migrating trunk neural crest cells, the nascent dorsal root ganglia, and the sympathetic ganglia. Expression of cad19 overlapped with that of neural crest markers, including Sox10 and AP‐2, but cad19 expression was confined to subpopulations of the neural crest‐derived cells, those typically observed in the satellite glia at the periphery of the ganglia and Schwann cell precursors along the peripheral nerves. cad19 mRNA was not detected in cells expressing Phox2b, an epibranchial placode‐derived neurons, nor in those expressing neuronal markers such as Hu protein. These observations suggest that cad19 is expressed in neural crest‐derived, non‐neuronal cells. Although the expression of cad19 mRNA persisted in Schwann cell precursors at E14.5, it was no longer detected in maturing Schwann cells at later stages. These results suggest that cad19 is an evolutionarily conserved cadherin and may be involved in the early development of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Developmental Dynamics 232:200–208, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Survey of Bio‐Inspired and Other Alternative Architectures

In this chapter I have provided a brief and somewhat superficial survey of the specialized hardware developed over the last 20 years to support neurobiological models of computation. I then looked briefly at current efforts and speculated on how such hardware, especially when implemented in nanoscale electronics, could offer unprecedented compute density, possibly leading to new capabilities in computational intelligence. Also, biologically inspired models seem to be a better match to nano-scale circuits. The mix of continued Moore’s law scaling, models from computational neuroscience, and molecular scale technology portends a potential paradigm shift in how computing is done. Among other things the future of computing is probably not about discrete logic, but about the encoding, learning, and performing inference over stochastic variables. There could be a wide range of applications for devices like this in robotics, the reduction and compression of widely distributed sensor data, power management, etc. One of the leading lights of the first computer revolution saw this clearly. At the IEEE Centenary in 1984 (“The Next 100 Years,” IEEE Technical Convocation), Dr. Robert Noyce, co-founder of Intel and co-inventor of the Integrated Circuit, said: Until now we have been going the other way; that is, in order to understand the brain we have used the computer as a model for it. Perhaps it is time to reverse this reasoning: to understand where we should go with the computer, we should look to the brain for some clues.
Current Concepts Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases

From the Sabin Vaccine Institute, and George Washington University, Washington, DC (P.J.H.); Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Lymphatic Filariasis Support Centre and the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, Liverpool, United Kingdom (D.H.M.); the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, London (A.F.); the International Trachoma Initiative, New York ( J.K.); the Earth Institute at Columbia University, New York (S.E.S., J.D.S.); and the Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva (L.S.). Address reprint requests to Dr. Hotez at the Sabin Vaccine Institute and the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University and Sabin Vaccine Institute, Ross Hall 736, 2300 Eye St., NW, Washington, DC 20037, or at mtmpjh@gwumc.edu.
Measuring and changing the quality of care via national registries.

There is abundant evidence that in-hospital and postdischarge interventions can reduce the complications of stroke and can prevent future events.1 Despite ready access to published guidelines and widespread health provider awareness, guidelines are often poorly implemented in in-hospital and postdischarge environments, and risk factors are poorly controlled. The effort to close the gap between what is known and what is practiced has been the focus of several initiatives in the past decade, spearheaded by the Institute of Medicine. After large-scale quality improvement (QI) programs in cardiovascular disease demonstrated the power of a patient-focused QI registry to increase rates of adherence to national guidelines, a series of stroke QI prototypes were developed and pilot-tested.2 The original criteria for stroke performance measurement were developed through expert consensus and review of the available evidence, undertaken independently by multiple health care societies and government agencies, including the Joint Commission, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, American Medical Association, Physicians Consortium for Performance Improvement, American Academy of Neurology, Veterans Administration, National Committee for Quality Assurance, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.3 Ultimately, these measures were incorporated into the Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center certification program and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get with the Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) program. Many of these were endorsed by the National Quality Forum (Table). Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Joint Commission, and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association have pursued harmonization of measures in their programs, the Veterans Administration has developed parallel efforts integrated into a broader Veterans Administration framework of QI.4 These programs have shown that a hospital-based stroke QI program can lead to clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in measures derived from established care processes (Table). Defying the conventional wisdom, they have demonstrated that …
Role of diatoms in nickel biogeochemistry in the ocean

Dissolved nickel (Ni) typically displays a ‘nutrient‐like’ vertical profile in the ocean, with lower concentrations in surface waters and higher concentrations in deep waters, similar to other micronutrient metals such as iron and zinc. Vertical profiles of Ni show particular similarities to profiles of the macronutrients phosphate and silicic acid, suggesting that diatoms play an important role in mediating the vertical distribution of this metal. We performed synchrotron x‐ray fluorescence (SXRF) analysis on individual phytoplankton cells collected from stations in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and from nutrient‐addition incubation experiments conducted on the same cruise. Diatoms were enriched in Ni twofold to fivefold relative to picoplankton and flagellated cells. Changes in cellular quotas of Si, P and Ni observed in diatoms growing in response to Fe and Si additions were used to estimate the Ni:P (0.52 ± 0.10 mmol/mol) and Ni:Si (28 ± 13 μmol/mol) ratios of internal biomass and the frustule, respectively. Elevated internal Ni:P suggests a heightened role for urease or the Ni isoform of superoxide dismutase in diatoms (similar to cyanobacteria), while Ni associated with the frustule appears to contribute an additional 50% of cellular Ni found in the diatoms. The derived Ni:Si ratio for frustule material is comparable to Ni:Si ratios in published nutrient profiles, confirming the dominant role that diatoms play in ocean Ni biogeochemistry. While a molecular explanation for the association of Ni with frustules remains to be determined, this study demonstrates the unique biogeochemical insight that can be gained from microanalytical element analysis.
Real-time heart rate variability monitoring employing a wearable telemeter and a smartphone

A telemetry system for the measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) has been developed with a low-cost manufacturing process and a low-power consumption design. All the components and functions for the RRI measurement were implemented on a wearable telemeter which can operate for up to 10 hours with a rechargeable Li-Polymer battery, and the RRI data is stored into a smartphone via a Bluetooth wireless transmission. In a long-term measurement of a young subject that extended over 48 hours in total, the results showed a 1% probability of recurring errors. The obtained results suggest that the proposed fully-wearable system enables the continuous monitoring of HRV for both clinical care and healthcare operated by a non-expert.
ISSUES AND INNOVATIONS IN NURSING EDUCATION Effectiveness of intermediate-fidelity simulation training technology in undergraduate nursing education

Correspondence: Guillaume Alinier, BHF Project Co-ordinator, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire Intensive Care and Emergency Simulation Centre, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AB, UK. E-mail: g.alinier@herts.ac. uk ALINIER G. , HUNT B. , GORDON R. & HARWOOD C. (2006) Journal of Advanced Nursing 54(3), 359–369 Effectiveness of intermediate-fidelity simulation training technology in undergraduate nursing education Aim. The aim of this paper is to present the results of a study designed to determine the effect of scenario-based simulation training on nursing students’ clinical skills and competence. Background. Using full-scale, realistic, medical simulation for training healthcare professionals is becoming more and more common. Access to this technology is easier than ever before with the opening of several simulation centres throughout the world and the availability on the market of more sophisticated and affordable patient simulators. However, there is little scientific evidence proving that such technology is better than more traditional techniques in the education of, for example, undergraduate nursing students. Methods. A pretest/post-test design was employed with volunteer undergraduate students (n 1⁄4 99) from second year Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing programme in United Kingdom using a 15-station Objective Structured Clinical Examination. Students were randomly allocated to either a control or an experimental group. The experimental group, as well as following their normal curriculum, were exposed to simulation training. Subsequently, all students were re-tested and completed a questionnaire. The data were collected between 2001 and 2003. Results. The control and experimental groups improved their performance on the second Objective Structured Clinical Examination. Mean test scores, respectively, increased by 7Æ18 and 14Æ18 percentage points. The difference between the means was statistically significant (P < 0Æ001). However, students’ perceptions of stress and confidence, measured on a 5-point Likert scale, was very similar between
Fuzzy Immune PID Control of Hydraulic System Based on PSO Algorithm

This paper takes the permanent magnet servo motor-driven hydraulic system as the research object. The hydraulic system power source uses servo motor instead of the original asynchronous motor, becoming a new energy-saving, fast response, and easy to realize closed-loop control hydraulic power systems. Aiming at variability of the load for the hydraulic system, immune algorithm is introduced to incremental PID controller and derive control law. Using fuzzy strategy approximating antibodies inhibit adjustment function to enhance the stability and robustness of the system, and designing fuzzy immune PID controller, parameters of controller are self-optimized by particle swarm (PSO) algorithm. This controller is applied to a hydraulic system, and achieved the precise control of the system flow in a variety of typical conditions. Simulation results show that: the controller can immune modulate automatically according to the dynamic changes of load of the hydraulic system, with fast tracking, small overshoot, and strong robustness advantages.
Lassa fever: review of epidemiology and epizootiology.

The basic ecology of Lassa fever appears to involve enzootic transmission of virus in commensal populations of a single murine species, Mastomys natalensis. Virus may spill over from the rodent cycle to man by various routes. Secondary spread between humans may occur within domiciliary groups, and persons infected within the community who develop clinical disease may introduce the virus into hospital and begin a cycle of nosocomial infection.Between 1969, when Lassa fever was first described, and June 1975, the disease was recognized on 9 discrete occasions, affecting 114 persons. Over one-third of these infections were acquired by person-to-person spread within hospitals. In only one outbreak (in Sierra Leone) were the majority of cases acquired in the community. Recent observations have indicated hyperendemic disease in eastern Sierra Leone. Cases have occurred in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and serological evidence exists for activity of the virus elsewhere in West and Central Africa. Seasonal factors appear to play a role in the appearance of human cases. Attack rates have been higher in adults than in children. The source of infection and potential routes of virus transmission in the various epidemics are discussed, and perspectives for future epidemiological research are presented.