Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis for the explanation of the exponential growth of polyelectrolyte multilayers

The structure of poly(l-lysine) (PLL)/hyaluronan (HA) polyelectrolyte multilayers formed by electrostatic self-assembly is studied by using confocal laser scanning microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance, and optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy. These films exhibit an exponential growth regime where the thickness increases exponentially with the number of deposited layers, leading to micrometer thick films. Previously such a growth regime was suggested to result from an “in” and “out” diffusion of the PLL chains through the film during buildup, but direct evidence was lacking. The use of dye-conjugated polyelectrolytes now allows a direct three-dimensional visualization of the film construction by introducing fluorescent polyelectrolytes at different steps during the film buildup. We find that, as postulated, PLL diffuses throughout the film down into the substrate after each new PLL injection and out of the film after each PLL rinsing and further after each HA injection. As PLL reaches the outer layer of the film it interacts with the incoming HA, forming the new HA/PLL layer. The thickness of this new layer is thus proportional to the amount of PLL that diffuses out of the film during the buildup step, which explains the exponential growth regime. HA layers are also visualized but no diffusion is observed, leading to a stratified film structure. We believe that such a diffusion-based buildup mechanism explains most of the exponential-like growth processes of polyelectrolyte multilayers reported in the literature.
How Do Residents Spend Their Shift Time? A Time and Motion Study With a Particular Focus on the Use of Computers

Purpose To understand how much time residents spend using computers compared with other activities, and what residents use computers for. Method This time and motion study was conducted in June and July 2010 at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center with seven residents (first-, second-, and third-year) on the general medicine service. An experienced observer shadowed residents during a single day shift, captured all their activities using an iPad application, and took field notes. The activities were captured using a validated taxonomy of clinical activities, expanded to describe computer-based activities with a greater level of detail. Results Residents spent 364.5 minutes (50.6%) of their shift time using computers, compared with 67.8 minutes (9.4%) interacting with patients. In addition, they spent 292.3 minutes (40.6%) talking with others in person, 186.0 minutes (25.8%) handling paper notes, 79.7 minutes (11.1%) in rounds, 80.0 minutes (11.1%) walking or waiting, and 54.0 minutes (7.5%) talking on the phone. Residents spent 685 minutes (59.6%) multitasking. Computer-based documentation activities amounted to 189.9 minutes (52.1%) of all computer-based activities time, with 128.7 minutes (35.3%) spent writing notes and 27.3 minutes (7.5%) reading notes composed by others. Conclusions The study showed that residents spent considerably more time interacting with computers (over 50% of their shift time) than in direct contact with patients (less than 10% of their shift time). Some of this may be due to an increasing reliance on computing systems for access to patient data, further exacerbated by inefficiencies in the design of the electronic health record.
Sympathetic deactivation by growth hormone treatment in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

AIMS We examined the effects of growth hormone administration on the sympathetic nervous system in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. BACKGROUND Growth factor therapy is emerging as a new potential option in the treatment of heart failure. Although growth hormone provides functional benefit in the short term, it is unknown whether it affects the sympathetic nervous system, which plays a role in the progression of heart failure. METHODS Seven patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy received 3 months treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (0.15-0.20 IU.kg-1.week-1). Standard medical therapy was unchanged. Myocardial norepinephrine release, both at rest and during submaximal physical exercise, plasma aldosterone, and plasma volume were measured before and after growth hormone treatment. Myocardial norepinephrine release was assessed from arterial and coronary venous plasma concentrations of unlabelled and tritiated norepinephrine and coronary plasma flow (thermodilution). RESULTS Growth hormone induced a significant fall in myocardial norepinephrine release in response to physical exercise (from 180 +/- 64 to 99 +/- 34 ng.min-1; P < 0.05). Basally, plasma aldosterone was 189 +/- 28 and 311 +/- 48 pg.ml-1 in the supine and upright position, respectively, and fell to 106 +/- 16 (P < 0.01) and 182 +/- 29 pg.ml-1 (P < 0.05) after growth hormone therapy. Growth hormone increased plasma volume from 3115 +/- 493 ml to 3876 +/- 336 ml (P < 0.05), whereas serum sodium and potassium concentrations were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS The data demonstrate that growth hormone administration to patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy reduces myocardial sympathetic drive and circulating aldosterone levels. This neurohormonal deactivation may be relevant to the potential, long-term use of growth hormone in the treatment of patients with heart failure.
Proposal of Alternative Typology of Social Economy

The aim of the article is to present an alternative proposal of division to the dominant one in the discourse of the social economy division into old and new entities of social economy, to understand and create a possibility to describe the manifestations of this social and economic phenomenon. For the purposes of this paper, the following order of definitions was adopted. Social economy is understood here as an area of interdisciplinary, theoretical considerations, whereas social entrepreneurship is defined as types of organized business practices, also going beyond the existing legal framework for social responsibility, positively evaluated in relation to social and symbolic values, meeting the requirement of economic rationality1. Social enterprises are therefore both old and new social economy entities, and other types of entities in an open market that balance their economic and social goals. The article is a development of the considerations presented in the dissertation entitled Determinants of diversity in social entrepreneurship types in Poland.
Verification of coexistence measurement methods: Radiated anechoic and open environment

With an abundance of wireless devices saturating daily life, the ability of devices to coexist among other devices is of increasing interest. While standards are starting to incorporate coexistence measurements, the robustness of coexistence measurement methods is still an area of active research. To demonstrate the robustness of the multiple test methods, a series of measurements needs to be conducted that compare a measurement methods. Ideally, if the same coexistence test is performed by use of each of the four methods, the end result should be the same. Here, we compare two popular radiated test methods: an anechoic chamber test and a radiated open-environment test. Both methods are part of the ANSI C63.27 standard. We examine the impact two of the possible environments may have on the outcome of a coexistence test. For this, we use Bluetooth low energy and Wi-Fi networks. Overviews of generalized coexistence testing and future work are also presented.
Antioxidant potential of selected Spirulina platensis preparations

Recent studies suggest that Spirulina, a unicellular blue‐green alga, may have a variety of health benefits and therapeutic properties and is also capable of acting as an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent. In this study, a cell‐free and a cell‐based test assay were used to examine the antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of four selected Spirulina platensis preparations: (1) Biospirulina, (2) SpiruComplex, a preparation with naturally bound selenium, chromium and zinc, (3) SpiruZink, a preparation with naturally bound zinc, (4) Zinkspirulina + Acerola, a preparation with naturally bound zinc and acerola powder. The cell‐free test assay used potassium superoxide as a donor for superoxide radicals, whereas the cell‐based test assay used the formation of intracellular superoxide radicals of functional neutrophils upon stimulation by phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate as a model to investigate the potential of Spirulina preparations to inactivate superoxide radicals. In accordance with the recommended daily dosage, test concentrations ranging from 50 to 1000 µg/mL were chosen. The results showed a dose‐dependent inactivation of free superoxide radicals (antioxidant effect) as well as an antiinflammatory effect characterized by a dose‐dependent reduction of the metabolic activity of functional neutrophils and a dose‐dependent inactivation of superoxide radicals generated during an oxidative burst. The results demonstrate that the tested Spirulina preparations have a high antioxidant and antiinflammatory potential. Especially SpiruZink and Zinkspirulina + Acerola might be useful as a supportive therapeutic approach for reducing oxidative stress and/or the generation of oxygen radicals in the course of inflammatory processes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics of ionomycin‐induced ascidian sperm reaction: Released and exposed sperm proteins in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis

Sperm proteins mediating sperm–egg interaction should be exhibited on the sperm surface, or exposed or released when sperm approach an egg. In ascidians (protochordates), sperm undergo a sperm reaction, characterized by enhanced sperm motility and mitochondrial swelling and shedding on contact with the vitelline coat (VC) or by treatment with Ca2+ ionophore. Here, proteomic analysis was conducted on sperm exudates and sperm surface proteins using ionomycin‐induced sperm reaction and cell‐impermeable labeling in Ciona intestinalis type A (C. robusta). In the exudate from sperm treated with ionomycin, membrane proteins including a possible VC receptor CiUrabin were abundant, indicating the release of membranous compartments during sperm reaction. Among the surface proteins XP_009859314. 1 (uncharacterized protein exhibiting homology to HrTTSP‐1) was most abundant before the sperm reaction, but XP_004227079. 1 (unknown Ig superfamily protein) appears to be most abundantly exposed by the sperm reaction. Moreover, proteins containing a notable set of domains, astacin‐like metalloprotease domain and thrombospondin type 1 repeat(s), were found in this fraction. Possible roles in fertilization as well as localizations and behaviors of these proteins are discussed.
The University of Chicago A Field Experiment Demonstrating Plant Life-History Evolution and Its Eco-Evolutionary Feedback to Seed Predator Populations Author ( s ) :

The extent to which evolutionary change occurs in a predictable manner under field conditions and how evolutionary changes feed back to influence ecological dynamics are fundamental, yet unresolved, questions. To address these issues, we established eight replicate populations of native common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). Each population was planted with 18 genotypes in identical frequency. By tracking genotype frequencies with microsatellite DNA markers over the subsequent three years (up to three generations, ≈5,000 genotyped plants), we show rapid and consistent evolution of two heritable plant life-history traits (shorter life span and later flowering time). This rapid evolution was only partially the result of differential seed production; genotypic variation in seed germination also contributed to the observed evolutionary response. Since evening primrose genotypes exhibited heritable variation for resistance to insect herbivores, which was related to flowering time, we predicted that evolutionary changes in genotype frequencies would feed back to influence populations of a seed predator moth that specializes on O. biennis. By the conclusion of the experiment, variation in the genotypic composition among our eight replicate field populations was highly predictive of moth abundance. These results demonstrate how rapid evolution in field populations of a native plant can influence ecological interactions.
Early Retirement: A Meta-Analysis of Its Antecedent and Subsequent Correlates

Early or voluntary retirement (ER) can be defined as the full exit from an organizational job or career path of long duration, decided by individuals of a certain age at the mid or late career before mandatory retirement age, with the aim of reducing their attachment to work and closing a process of gradual psychological disengagement from working life. Given the swinging movements that characterize employment policies, the potential effects of ER—both for individuals and society—are still controversial. This meta-analysis examined the relationships between ER and its antecedent and subsequent correlates. Our review of the literature was generated with 151 empirical studies, containing a total number of 706,937 participants, with a wide range of sample sizes (from N = 27 to N = 127,384 participants) and 380 independent effect sizes (ESs), which included 171 independent samples. A negligible ES value for antecedent correlates of early retirement (family pull, job stress, job satisfaction, and income) was obtained (which ranged from r = −0.13 to 0.19), while a fair ES was obtained for workplace timing for retirement, organizational pressures, financial security, and poor physical and mental health, (ranging from r = 0.28 to 0.25). Regarding ER subsequent correlates, poor ESs were obtained, ranging from r = 0.08 to 0.18 for the relationships with subsequent correlates, and fair ESs only for social engagement (r = −0.25). Examination of the potential moderator variables has been conducted. Only a reduced percentage of variability of primary studies has been explained by moderators. Although potential moderator factors were examined, there are several unknown or not measurable factors which contribute to ER and about which there are very little data available. The discussion is aimed to offer theoretical and empirical implications suggestion in order to improve employee's well-being.
First trimester exposure to paroxetine and risk of cardiac malformations in infants: the importance of dosage.

BACKGROUND Conflicting findings with regard to the teratogenic risks of first trimester use of paroxetine have prompted the FDA, Health Canada, and the manufacturer of the drug to issue warnings against its use during pregnancy. Given that untreated depression during pregnancy can lead to deleterious effect on the mother and her unborn fetus, data on the relationship between the dose and the range of malformations is warranted. This study attempts to quantify the association between first trimester exposure to paroxetine and congenital cardiac malformations, adjusting for possible confounders, and to quantify the dose-response relationship between paroxetine use and cardiac defects. METHODS The Medication and Pregnancy registry was used. This population-based registry was built by linking three administrative databases (RAMQ, Med-Echo, and ISQ), and includes all pregnancies in Quebec between 01/01/1997 and 06/30/2003. Date of entry in the registry is the date of the first day of the last menstrual period. To be eligible for this study, women had to: 1) be 15-45 years of age at entry; 2) be covered by the RAMQ drug plan >or=12 months before and during pregnancy; 3) be using only one type of antidepressant during the first trimester; and 4) have a live birth. Two nested case-control studies were carried out comparing the prevalence of paroxetine use in the first trimester of pregnancy to the prevalence of other antidepressant exposures during the same time period. Cases were defined as: 1) any major malformations; or 2) any cardiac malformations diagnosed in the first year of life; controls were defined as no major or minor malformations. Multivariate logistic regression techniques were used to analyze data. RESULTS Among the 1,403 women meeting inclusion criteria, 101 infants with major congenital malformations were identified; 24 had cardiac malformations. Adjusting for possible confounders, the use of paroxetine (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49-3.92), and the use of other SSRIs (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.28-2.84) during the first trimester of pregnancy did not increase the risk of congenital cardiac malformations compared with the use of non-SSRI antidepressants. When considering the dose, however, a dose-response relationship was observed, thus women exposed to >25 mg/day of paroxetine during the first trimester of pregnancy were at increased risk of having an infant with major congenital malformations (adjusted [adj] OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.19, 4.17), or major cardiac malformations (adj OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.00, 9.42). CONCLUSIONS Gestational exposure to paroxetine is associated with major congenital malformations and major cardiac malformations for only first trimester exposure above 25 mg/day.
Adiponectin produced in coronary circulation regulates coronary flow reserve in nondiabetic patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue expresses adiponectin protein, and its expression is significantly lower in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) than in those without CAD. Transcoronary adiponectin levels are significantly decreased in nondiabetic but not in diabetic patients with CAD. Adiponectin is also an important adipocytokine that is linked to insulin resistance and reduces coronary microvascular function.
Biofield detection: role of bioenergy awareness training and individual differences in absorption.

OBJECTIVE To measure health care providers' capacity to detect biofields before and after bioenergy awareness training in relation to individual differences in the personality trait of absorption. METHODS Twenty-seven (27) physicians, psychologists, and nurses participated in a 5-day intensive bioenergy healing training course with Rev. Rosalyn Bruyere. The course was part of the Associate Fellows Program in the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. Blindfolded participants received a 24-trial hand biofield detection test (HBDT) pretraining and post-training. The experimenter placed his or her dominant hand a few inches above the participant's left or right hand for 30-second trials. After each trial, the participant guessed which hand was being tested. Blocks contained two right- and two left-hand trials in different orders. Participants filled out Tellegen's Absorption Scale, a measure of the capacity to focus attention in tasks. RESULTS Percent HBDT accuracy for the entire sample was 50.8% (standard deviation [SD] = 12.24) at pretraining (50% is chance); accuracy increased to 55.5% (SD = 12.38) at post-training (t = p = 2.08, p < 0.05). Pretraining absorption (mean = 23.9; SD = 5.52) was significantly correlated with degree of detection accuracy increase (r = 0.42, n = 22, p < 0.05). High absorption (mean = 28.2 n = 11) participants increased to 58.3% compared to 52.7% for low absorption (mean = 19.2 n = 11) participants. CONCLUSION The findings support claims of energy healers that (1) training can improve bioenergy awareness, and (2) there are substantial individual differences in response to training.
Memory-Like CD8+ T Cells Generated during Homeostatic Proliferation Defer to Antigen-Experienced Memory Cells1

Naive T cells proliferate in response to lymphopenia and acquire the phenotypic and functional qualities of memory T cells, providing enhanced protection against infection. How well memory-like T cells generated during lymphopenia-induced homeostatic proliferation (HP)-memory differentiate into secondary memory cells and compete with Ag-experienced true-memory cells is unknown. We found that CD8+ HP-memory T cells generated robust responses upon infection and produced a secondary memory population comparable to true-memory cells in the absence of competition. However, when true-memory and HP-memory T cells competed during infection, HP-memory cells contributed less to the effector population, contracted earlier, and formed fewer secondary memory cells. Furthermore, HP- and true-memory cells demonstrated distinct chemokine receptor expression and localization within the spleen during infection, indicating differential access to signals necessary for secondary memory formation. Thus, HP-memory T cells provide protection without compromising the true-memory population. Differences in HP- and true-memory T cells may reveal the basis of competition for limited resources within the memory-T cell compartment.
Predictors of later schizophrenia and affective psychosis among attendees at a child psychiatry department

Background Schizophrenia has been linked with psychological problems in childhood but there is little information on precursors of affective psychosis. Aims To compare childhood psychological antecedents of adult schizophrenia and affective psychosis. Method Childhood item sheets, which give standardised information on signs and symptoms of mental illness in the year preceding assessment are completed for all attendees at the children's department of the Maudsley and Bethlem Royal Hospital. We examined item sheet data on individuals with an adult diagnosis of schizophrenia (n=59) or affective psychosis (n=27) and a comparison group with no adult mental illness (n=86) (all had attended the department). Results Abnormal suspiciousness or sensitivity and relationship difficulties with peers are associated with later schizophrenia. In contrast, affective psychosis is associated with childhood hysterical symptoms and disturbances in eating. Conclusions Childhood psychological precursors for schizophrenia and affective psychosis differ and do not simply reflect non-specific psychiatric disturbance in adolescence.
New and improved proteomics technologies for understanding complex biological systems: Addressing a grand challenge in the life sciences

This White Paper sets out a Life Sciences Grand Challenge for Proteomics Technologies to enhance our understanding of complex biological systems, link genomes with phenotypes, and bring broad benefits to the biosciences and the US economy. The paper is based on a workshop hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD, 14–15 February 2011, with participants from many federal R&D agencies and research communities, under the aegis of the US National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). Opportunities are identified for a coordinated R&D effort to achieve major technology‐based goals and address societal challenges in health, agriculture, nutrition, energy, environment, national security, and economic development.