Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FUSED SILICA MICRO BIRDBATH SHELL RESONATORS WITH 1.2 MILLION Q AND 43 SECOND DECAY TIME CONSTANT

We report a micro-scale fused silica (FS) birdbath (BB) shell resonator with a high mechanical quality factor (Q = 1.2 million), long decay time constant (! = 43.6 s), a resonant frequency of 8.8 kHz for wineglass modes, and excellent symmetry resulting in a frequency split of only 6.7 Hz between two wineglass modes. The resonator has a volume of 41 mm 3 (radius = 2.5 mm, anchor radius = 0.5 mm, height ~ 2.1 mm). The resonator is useful in a wide range of applications, including inertial sensors, timing devices, and chemical and biological sensors.
Availability of Long‐Acting Reversible Contraception in Kansas Health Departments

PURPOSE Unintended pregnancy persists as a public health problem in the United States. Local health departments (LHDs) could play an important role in preventing unintended pregnancy by promoting and providing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC, intrauterine devices [IUDs] and implants), particularly in rural states that may lack robust family planning service infrastructure. The objective of this study was to determine availability of LARC in LHDs in Kansas. METHODS From October 2015 to January 2016, LHD administrators in Kansas were contacted to participate in a structured, cross-sectional phone survey assessing LARC availability, staff trained to place LARC, the process for obtaining LARC, and barriers to offering LARC. The main outcome measure was the proportion of Kansas LHDs offering LARC. FINDINGS Of 101 eligible LHDs, staff from 98 agreed to be interviewed (97.0%). Of 69.4% providing family planning services, 20.6% provided LARC (20.6% provided IUDs, 11.8% provided implants and IUDs, and none provided implants only). Overall, only 29.4% of LHDs reported discussing contraception routinely regardless of reason for visit. Rural health departments were less likely to offer testing for sexually transmitted infections and LARCs and less likely to have trained staff on site to insert LARCs when compared to nonrural LHDs. CONCLUSIONS LARC methods are not commonly available in Kansas LHDs. Small LHDs in a rural state like Kansas could benefit from increased capacity to provide LARC to populations with limited access to health care. An increase in funding to prevent unintended pregnancy through expanded LARC access could result in substantial state savings and lead to fewer unintended pregnancies.
Charged Residues Distribution Modulates Selectivity of the Open State of Human Isoforms of the Voltage Dependent Anion-Selective Channel

Voltage Dependent Anion-selective Channels (VDACs) are pore-forming proteins located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. They are responsible for the access of ions and energetic metabolites into the inner membrane transport systems. Three VDAC isoforms exist in mammalian, but their specific role is unknown. In this work we have performed extensive (overall ∼5 µs) Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of the human VDAC isoforms to detect structural and conformational variations among them, possibly related to specific functional roles of these proteins. Secondary structure analysis of the N-terminal domain shows a high similarity among the three human isoforms of VDAC but with a different plasticity. In particular, the N-terminal domain of the hVDAC1 is characterized by a higher plasticity, with a ∼20% occurrence for the ‘unstructured’ conformation throughout the folded segment, while hVDAC2, containing a peculiar extension of 11 amino acids at the N-terminal end, presents an additional 310-helical folded portion comprising residues 10′ to 3, adhering to the barrel wall. The N-terminal sequences of hVDAC isoforms are predicted to have a low flexibility, with possible consequences in the dynamics of the human VDACs. Clear differences were found between hVDAC1 and hVDAC3 against hVDAC2: a significantly modified dynamics with possible important consequence on the voltage-gating mechanism. Charge distribution inside and at the mouth of the pore is responsible for a different preferential localization of ions with opposite charge and provide a valuable rationale for hVDAC1 and hVDAC3 having a Cl−/K+ selectivity ratio of 1.8, whereas hVDAC2 of 1.4. Our conclusion is that hVDAC isoforms, despite sharing a similar scaffold, have modified working features and a biological work is now requested to give evidence to the described dissimilarities.
Challenges and Instructors' Intention to Adopt and Use Open Educational Resources in Higher Education in Tanzania.

Higher education in Tanzania like in many other Sub-Saharan countries suffers from unavailability of quality teaching and learning resources due to lack of tradition, competence, and experience to develop such resources. Nevertheless, there are thousands of open educational resources (OER) freely available in the public domain that can potentially improve the quality of existing resources or help to develop new courses. The uptake and reuse of these resources in higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania has been very low. The study applied the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model to elicit instructors’ intention to adopt and use OER in teaching. The paper also investigated challenges that hinder instructors to adopt and use OER. A sample of 104 instructors selected randomly from five HLIs was collected and tested against the research model using regression analysis. The study found effort expectancy had significant positive effect on instructors’ intention to use OER while performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social influence did not have significant effect. Challenges that were found to hinder instructors to adopt and use OER are discussed. The findings of this study will help those who are involved in OER implementation to find strategies that will maximize OER adoption and usage in higher education in Tanzania.
The effects of phosphorus limitation on carbon metabolism in diatoms

Phosphorus is an essential element for life, serving as an integral component of nucleic acids, lipids and a diverse range of other metabolites. Concentrations of bioavailable phosphorus are low in many aquatic environments. Microalgae, including diatoms, apply physiological and molecular strategies such as phosphorus scavenging or recycling as well as adjusting cell growth in order to adapt to limiting phosphorus concentrations. Such strategies also involve adjustments of the carbon metabolism. Here, we review the effect of phosphorus limitation on carbon metabolism in diatoms. Two transcriptome studies are analysed in detail, supplemented by other transcriptome, proteome and metabolite data, to gain an overview of different pathways and their responses. Phosphorus, nitrogen and silicon limitation responses are compared, and similarities and differences discussed. We use the current knowledge to propose a suggestive model for the carbon flow in phosphorus-replete and phosphorus-limited diatom cells. This article is part of the themed issue ‘The peculiar carbon metabolism in diatoms’.
Label-free reflectance hyperspectral imaging for tumor margin assessment: a pilot study on surgical specimens of cancer patients

Abstract. A label-free, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) approach has been proposed for tumor margin assessment. HSI data, i.e., hypercube (x,y,λ), consist of a series of high-resolution images of the same field of view that are acquired at different wavelengths. Every pixel on an HSI image has an optical spectrum. In this pilot clinical study, a pipeline of a machine-learning-based quantification method for HSI data was implemented and evaluated in patient specimens. Spectral features from HSI data were used for the classification of cancer and normal tissue. Surgical tissue specimens were collected from 16 human patients who underwent head and neck (H&N) cancer surgery. HSI, autofluorescence images, and fluorescence images with 2-deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]-D-glucose (2-NBDG) and proflavine were acquired from each specimen. Digitized histologic slides were examined by an H&N pathologist. The HSI and classification method were able to distinguish between cancer and normal tissue from the oral cavity with an average accuracy of 90%±8%, sensitivity of 89%±9%, and specificity of 91%±6%. For tissue specimens from the thyroid, the method achieved an average accuracy of 94%±6%, sensitivity of 94%±6%, and specificity of 95%±6%. HSI outperformed autofluorescence imaging or fluorescence imaging with vital dye (2-NBDG or proflavine). This study demonstrated the feasibility of label-free, HSI for tumor margin assessment in surgical tissue specimens of H&N cancer patients. Further development of the HSI technology is warranted for its application in image-guided surgery.
The spin structure of magnetic nanoparticles and in magnetic nanostructures

The present thesis provides an extensive and original contribution to the investigation of magnetic nanoparticles regarding synthesis and structural characterization using advanced scattering methods in all length scales between the atomic and mesoscopic size range. Particular emphasis is on determination of the magnetic structure of single nanoparticles as well as preparation and characterization of higher dimensional assemblies thereof. The unique physical properties arising from the finite size of magnetic nanoparticles are pronounced for very small particle sizes. With the aim of preparing magnetic nanoparticles suitable for investigation of such properties, a micellar synthesis route for very small cobalt nanoparticles is explored. Cobalt nanoparticles with diameters of less than 3 nm are prepared and characterized, and routes for variation of the particle size are developed. The needs and limitations of primary characterization and handling of such small and oxidation-sensitive nanoparticles are highlighted and discussed in detail. Comprehensive structural and magnetic characterization is performed on iron oxide nanoparticles of ∼ 10 nm in diameter. Particle size and narrow size distribution are determined with high precision. Investigation of the long range and local atomic structure reveals a particle size dependent magnetite maghemite structure type with lattice distortions induced at the particle surface. The spatial magnetization distribution within these nanoparticles is determined to be constant in the particle core with a decrease towards the particle surface, thus indicating a magnetic dead layer or spin canting close to the surface. Magnetically induced arrangements of such nanoparticles into higher dimensional assemblies are investigated in solution and by deposition of long range ordered mesocrystals. Both cases reveal a strong dependence of the found structures on the nanoparticle shape (spheres, cubes, and heavily truncated cubes). Nanospheres and nanocubes form closed packed mesocrystals and a short range ordered hard spheres interaction potential in dispersion. In addition, the arrangements of the cuboidal nanoparticles exhibit a strong tendency of face to face oriented attachment, which may result from van der Waals interaction of the cubic facets. Mesocrystals of aged nanocubes with higher degree of truncation reveal a structural transition between the structures of nanocubes and nanospheres.
Material and Mode Dispersion in GeO2·B2O3·SiC2 Glasses

Material and mode dispersion in fibers made from glasses in the system GeO2-B2O,3-SiO2 have been calculated using refractive index dispersion results for these glasses. Refractive indices were measured on bulk glass specimens using the minimum deviation method at wavelengths from 0.4358 to 1.0830 μm. The resultant data were then fitted to a 3-term Sellmeier dispersion relation for each glass composition. The fitted equations and a recent theory on the relation of the optimum index profile in a graded index optical waveguide to pulse dispersion were used to calculate the exponent α, which characterizes the shape of the profile, for several practical fiber models. The most effective profile shape for reducing pulse dispersion is a function of wavelength, composition, and fictive temperature. The present data were used elsewhere to predict accurately the optimum profile for minimization of pulse dispersion in several fiber systems consisting of germanium borosilicate glasses.
CYLINDRICAL PHASED DIPOLES ARRAY FOR HYPERTHERMIA OF DEEP-SITUATED TUMORS

The treatment of deep-situated malignant tumors is often a difficult problem in which the purpose is to reduce the size of completely remove a tumor by using one or more modalities. The traditional methods are: radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Hyperthermia is another method which is used alone or coupled with other methods of cancer treatment. Hyperthermia is a heating of the tumor that makes it more sensitive to chemotherapy or radiation therapy and leads to it thermal damage. Temperature range for hyperthermia treatment is from 42.5 °C to 45 °C. It is important to prevent heating of healthy tissues and to produce sufficient heating at the site of a deep-situated tumor. This kind of hyperthermia is called the local hyperthermia. The electromagnetic field in 100-200 MHz frequency range is optimal for heating of deep-situated tumors. The system for local hyperthermia of cancer was simulated. This system is based on cylindrical phased array consisting of multiple dipole antennas with operating frequency 150 MHz. The electric fields and specific absorption rate distributions are calculated in cut of tissue-equivalent phantom. Shown that electric field can be focused in desirable region by means of varying of amplitudes and phases of each dipole. The advantages of using combined therapy of common hyperthermia with chemotherapy or radiation therapy are discussed.
Fundamental Latency Limits for D2D- Aided Content Delivery in Fog Wireless Networks

Device-to-Device (D2D) communication can support the operation of cellular systems by reducing the traffic in the network infrastructure. In this paper, the benefits of D2D communication are investigated in the context of a Fog-Radio Access Network (F-RAN) that leverages edge caching and fron-thaul connectivity for the purpose of content delivery. Assuming offline caching, out-of-band D2D communication, and an F-RAN with two edge nodes and two user equipments, an information-theoretically optimal caching and delivery strategy is presented that minimizes the delivery time in the high signal- to- noise ratio regime. The delivery time accounts for the latency caused by fronthaul, downlink, and D2D transmissions. The proposed optimal strategy is based on a novel scheme for an X -channel with receiver cooperation that leverages tools from real interference alignment. Insights are provided on the regimes in which D2D communication is beneficial.
Diabetes in Childhood and Adolescence.

BACKGROUND The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in childhood and adolescence is steadily rising and now stands at 22.9 new cases per year per 100 000 persons up to age 15. METHODS This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search, with special attention to the current German S3 guideline on diabetes in childhood and adolescence. RESULTS Polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss are the characteristic presenting symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The acutely presenting patient needs immediate stabilization because of the danger of rapid metabolic decompensation (risk of keto - acidosis, 21.1%). Long-term insulin therapy can be delivered either by subcutaneous injection or by an insulin pump. The goals of treatment are the near-normalization of glucose metabolism (HbA1c <7.5%), the avoidance of acute complications (hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis), the reduction of diabetes-specific sequelae (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia), unrestricted participation in age-appropriate everyday activities, and normal physical and psychosocial development. Children and adolescents with diabetes need individualized treatment with frequent adjustments and holistic overall care so that these goals can be effectively met. CONCLUSION Every physician must be able to diagnose the initial presentation of diabetes and to initiate the first steps in its management. The patient should be referred as soon as possible to a diabetes team that has experience in the treatment of children and adolescents.
High Urban Breeding Densities Do Not Disrupt Genetic Monogamy in a Bird Species

Urbanization causes widespread endangerment of biodiversity worldwide. However, some species successfully colonize cities reaching higher densities than in their rural habitats. In these cases, although urban city dwellers may apparently be taking advantage of these new environments, they also face new ecological conditions that may induce behavioural changes. For example, the frequency of alternative reproductive behaviours such as extra-pair paternity and intraspecific brood parasitism might increase with breeding densities. Here, using a panel of 17 microsatellites, we tested whether increments in breeding densities such as those associated with urban invasion processes alter genetic monogamy in the burrowing owl Athene cunicularia. Our results show low rates of extra-pair paternity (1.47%), but relatively high levels of intraspecific brood parasitism (8.82%). However, we were not able to detect differences in the frequency at which either alternative reproductive behaviour occurs along a strong breeding density gradient. Further research is needed to properly ascertain the role of other social and ecological factors in the frequency at which this species presents alternative reproductive strategies. Meanwhile, our results suggest that genetic monogamy is maintained despite the increment in conspecific density associated with a recent urban invasion process.
Characterization of a partial-body irradiation model with oral cavity shielding in nonhuman primates

Abstract Purpose: Characterization of a novel partial-body irradiation (PBI) shielding strategy in nonhuman primates (NHP; rhesus macaques), aimed at protecting the oral cavity, with respect to various gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS) syndrome parameters as well as buccal ulceration development. Materials and methods: NHPs were irradiated using a Cobalt-60 gamma source, in a single uniform dose, ranging from 9–13 Gy and delivered at 0.60–0.80 Gy min−1. Animals were either partially shielded via oral cavity shielding (PBIOS) or underwent total-body irradiation (TBI). Results: Clinical manifestations of GI-ARS, and also radiation-induced hematology and clinical chemistry changes, following PBIOS were comparable to the PBI NHP GI-ARS model utilizing shielding of the distal pelvic limbs and were significantly milder than TBI at similar radiation doses. Nadir citrulline levels were comparable between PBIOS and TBI but signs of recovery appeared earlier in PBIOS-treated animals. The PBIOS model prevented oral mucositis, whereas the TBI model presented buccal ulcerations at all tested radiation dose levels. Conclusions: Taken together, these results suggest that the PBIOS model is a suitable alternative to traditional PBI. For GI-ARS investigations requiring orally administered medical countermeasures, PBIOS confers added value due to the prevention of oral mucositis over traditional PBI.
Review of scapular movement disorders among office workers having ergonomic risk.

BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most common health problems which affect millions of office workers. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to determine scapular positioning at rest and different anatomical planes, the assessment of pain, postural changes and the functionality of upper extremity that is caused by the lack of ergonomic principles among office workers of civil servants in TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). METHODS 183 individuals participated in the study and 2 groups were created by grand scores of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool. Scapular dyskinesis, pain of upper extremity and back, physical functions and symptoms of upper extremity, the self-rated neck disability, cervical and upper thoracic posture of workers were assessed. RESULTS The difference between pain situation and the results of upper extremity and neck disability scores of the participants among the groups was significant (p< 0.05). No significant difference has been found statistically among the postural angle values of individuals (p> 0.05). A significant statistical difference has been found among the groups when the results of Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) is examined (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Working environment and conditions cause the wrong of working posture and thus, lead individuals to spend more energy together with physical difficulty, and consequently affect general health.
Detection of EGFR, KRAS and BRAF mutations in metastatic cells from cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract Background: In lung adenocarcinoma, molecular profiling of actionable genes has become essential to set up targeted therapies. However, the feasibility and the relevance of molecular profiling from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the context of meningeal metastasis have been poorly assessed. Methods: We selected patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma harbouring metastatic cells in the CSF after cytological analysis. Seven samples from six patients were eligible for molecular testing of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS), v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mutations using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) high-resolution melting curve analysis and Sanger sequencing after DNA extraction from the cell pellets of the CSF. Results: Five patients showed mutations in one or two actionable genes, two harboured an EGFR mutation (exons 19 and 21), one only a KRAS mutation, one both EGFR and KRAS mutations and one a BRAF mutation. In all cases, the results of mutation testing provided new major information for patient management, leading to therapeutic adaptation. CSF molecular analysis identified mutations not detected in other neoplastic sites for two patients. In one case, the EGFR p.Thr790Met was identified. CSF was also the only sample available for genetic testing for almost all patients at the time of disease progression. Conclusions: When cancer cells are present in the CSF, the molecular profiling from the cell pellets is relevant, as it can detect supplemental or different mutations compared to a previous analysis of the primitive tumour or plasma cell-free DNA and allows the adaptation of the treatment strategy.