Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiwall Carbon Nanotube–Epoxy Composites With High Shielding Effectiveness for Aeronautic Applications

Using mass-produced multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) from different providers, we have fabricated nanocomposites with high and nearly constant shielding effectiveness (SE) over a wide frequency range up to 26.5 GHz. The MWCNT weight fraction and sample thickness were lower than 10% and 2 mm, respectively. The fabrication process and percolation curves are described. A high dc conductivity of 239.1 S/m was achieved at an MWCNT loading of only 8% by weight. The effect of aspect ratio on shielding performance is addressed. By comparing the measured SE of the composite with predictions from a model of the measurement setup using Microwave Studio, the effective conductivity of the nanocomposite was determined. Since the thickness is very important for shielding analysis, the SE/unit thickness diagram was calculated by using the effective parameters of samples. The results were verified experimentally by measuring the SE of samples with different thicknesses.
Endothelial β1 integrins regulate sprouting and network formation during vascular development

β1 integrins are important regulators of vascular differentiation and development, as their endothelial-specific deletion results in embryonic lethality. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the prominent vascular abnormalities that occur in the absence of β1 integrins. Because of the early embryonic lethality of knockout mice, we studied endothelial cell and vessel development in β1-integrin-deficient murine embryonic stem cells to gain novel insights into the role of β1 integrins in vasculo-angiogenesis. We found that vessel development was strongly defective in the mutant embryoid bodies (EBs), as only primitive and short sprouts developed from clusters of vascular precursors in β1 integrin−/− EBs, whereas complex network formation of endothelial tubes was observed in wild-type EBs. The vascular defect was due to deficient β1 integrin expression in endothelial cells, as its endothelial-specific re-expression rescued the phenotype entirely. The mechanism responsible for defective vessel formation was found to be reduced endothelial cell maturation, migration and elongation. Moreover, the lower number of endothelial cells in β1 integrin−/− EBs was due to an increased apoptosis versus proliferation rate. The enhanced apoptosis and proliferation of β1 integrin−/− endothelial cells was related to the elevation of peNOS and pAKT signaling molecules, respectively. Our data demonstrate that endothelial β1 integrins are determinants of vessel formation and that this effect is mediated via different signaling pathways.
Risk Factors Associated With Opioid Medication Misuse in Community-dwelling Older Adults With Chronic Pain

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to identify physical, psychological, and social risk factors associated with opioid medication misuse among community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional research design, a confidential survey was administered at 11 outpatient clinics affiliated with the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Maryland Medical System. A sample of 163 older adults (response rate 80.7%) with chronic pain and receiving opioid medications provided demographic information and responded to survey items. Severity of pain, alcohol problems, physical disability, depressive symptoms, spirituality, social support, and social network were assessed. Descriptive statistics and exploratory regression analyses were employed to determine factors independently associated with misuse. ResultsHigher levels of pain severity and depressive symptoms, and lower physical disability scores were significantly associated with increased risk of opioid medication misuse. Alcohol problems, spirituality, social support, and social network were not associated with opioid medication misuse. DiscussionHigh pain intensity scores may indicate undertreatment of pain or may represent a rationalization to justify opioid medication use. Higher levels of depressive symptoms have been noted in the chronic pain population and may contribute to misuse of opioid medications for psychic effects. Less physically disabled persons are more likely to misuse opioid medications or older person receiving multiple medications may wish to avoid potential adverse drug effects. While there was an association between lower levels of disability and higher risk for opioid medication misuse, a causal relationship could not be determined.
Improved Multispectral Antireflection and Sensing of Plasmonic Slits by Silver Mirror

We propose and demonstrate an improved multiband antireflection from plasmonic slits array using an opaque metal mirror. The introduced mirror could enhance the optical field coupling and confinement, and therefore produce intensified plasmonic resonances in comparison with those of the open slit built by the dielectric substrate. The sharp triple-band nearunity antireflection is with a high scalability at optical frequencies via tuning the structural parameters. High-performance sensing measurements with a remarkably improved sensitivity (S ~ 1.5 λ nm/refractive index unit) and a high signal-to-noise ratio of the spectral intensity difference (AR > 57%) and with a large slope of 18.6%/nm are achieved based on this subdiffraction-limit (λ/5) structure. This proposed scheme and findings hold potential applications, including high-efficiency subtractive polychromatic filtering and ultracompact biosensing.
Nasal Lavage in Pregnant Women with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Study

Background: Nasal rinsing appears particularly suitable in the management of pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis since no deleterious effects on the fetus are to be expected. However, to date, no studies have specifically investigated this option. Methods: Pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis were randomized to intranasal lavage with hypertonic saline solution 3 times daily (n = 22) versus no local therapy (n = 23) during a 6-week period corresponding to the pollen season. Patients were invited to keep a daily record of rhinitis symptoms (rhinorrea, obstruction, nasal itching and sneezing), to record consumption of oral antihistamine and to undergo rhinomanometry. Results: The rhinitis score was similar at study entry but a statistically significant improvement in this score was observed in the study group during all subsequent weeks (p < 0.001 for weeks 2–6). The mean number of daily antihistamines use per patient per week was significantly reduced at weeks 2, 3 and 6 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Baseline rhinomanometry performed at week 1 showed similar nasal resistance in the study and control groups. In contrast, a statistically significant difference emerged in the 2 following evaluations. At week 3, nasal resistance in the study and control groups was 0.96 ± 0.44 and 1.38 ± 0.52 Pa/ml/s, respectively (p = 0.006). At week 6, it was 0.94 ± 0.38 and 1.35 ± 0.60 Pa/ml/s, respectively (p = 0.006). No adverse effect was reported in the active group. Conclusions: Nasal rinsing is a safe and effective treatment option in pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Diagnostic efficiency, embryonic development and clinical outcome after the biopsy of one or two blastomeres for preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

BACKGROUND Preimplantation genetic diagnosis or screening (PGD, PGS) involves embryo biopsy on Day 3. Opting for one- or two-cell biopsy is a balance between the lowest risk for misdiagnosis on the one hand and the highest chance for a pregnancy on the other hand. METHODS A prospective controlled trial was designed and 592 ICSI cycles were randomly assigned to the one-cell (group I) or the two-cell group (group II). Primary outcomes were diagnostic efficiency and embryonic development to delivery with live birth (analysed by cycle). The false-positive rate for the PCR cycles is presented as a secondary outcome (analysed by embryo). RESULTS A strong significant correlation was observed between embryonic developmental stage on Day 3 and post-biopsy in vitro development on Day 5 (P < 0.0001). The influence of the intervention on Day 3 was less significant (P = 0.007): the biopsy of one cell is less invasive than the biopsy of two cells. PCR diagnostic efficiency was 88.6% in group I and 96.4% in group II (P = 0.008). For the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) PGD cycles no significant difference in efficiency was obtained (98.2 and 97.5% in group I and II, respectively). Similar delivery rates with live birth per started cycle were obtained [58/287 or 20.2% in group I versus 52/303 or 17.2% in group II, P = 0.358; the absolute risk reduction = 3.05%; 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.24, 9.34]. Post-PGD PCR reanalysis showed six false positives in 97 embryos (6.2%) in group II and none in group I (91 embryos reanalysed). No false negatives were found. CONCLUSIONS While removal of two blastomeres decreases the likelihood of blastocyst formation, compared with removal of one blastomere, Day 3 in vitro developmental stage is a stronger predictor for Day 5 developmental potential than the removal of one or two cells. The biopsy of only one cell significantly lowers the efficiency of a PCR-based diagnosis, whereas the efficiency of the FISH PGD procedure remains similar whether one or two cells are removed. Delivery rates with live birth per started cycle were not significantly different.
Guidelines for pathologic diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma: 2012 update of the consensus statement from the International Mesothelioma Interest Group.

CONTEXT Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an uncommon tumor that can be difficult to diagnose. OBJECTIVE To provide updated practical guidelines for the pathologic diagnosis of MM. DATA SOURCES Pathologists involved in the International Mesothelioma Interest Group and others with an interest in the field contributed to this update. Reference material includes peer-reviewed publications and textbooks. CONCLUSIONS There was consensus opinion regarding (1) distinction of benign from malignant mesothelial proliferations (both epithelioid and spindle cell lesions), (2) cytologic diagnosis of MM, (3) key histologic features of pleural and peritoneal MM, (4) use of histochemical and immunohistochemical stains in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MM, (5) differentiation of epithelioid MM from various carcinomas (lung, breast, ovarian, and colonic adenocarcinomas, and squamous cell and renal cell carcinomas), (6) diagnosis of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, (7) use of molecular markers in the diagnosis of MM, (8) electron microscopy in the diagnosis of MM, and (9) some caveats and pitfalls in the diagnosis of MM. Immunohistochemical panels are integral to the diagnosis of MM, but the exact makeup of panels used is dependent on the differential diagnosis and on the antibodies available in a given laboratory. Immunohistochemical panels should contain both positive and negative markers. It is recommended that immunohistochemical markers have either sensitivity or specificity greater than 80% for the lesions in question. Interpretation of positivity generally should take into account the localization of the stain (eg, nuclear versus cytoplasmic) and the percentage of cells staining (>10% is suggested for cytoplasmic membranous markers). These guidelines are meant to be a practical reference for the pathologist.
Mitotic Count is not Predictive of Clinical Behavior in Hidradenoma Papilliferum of the Vulva: A Clinicopathologic Study of 19 Cases

Although it is generally recognized that some benign sweat gland neoplasms may show appreciable mitotic activity, there are few reports of its quantitative analysis in specific tumor types or of its correlation with clinical behavior. The presence of a large number of mitoses in a sweat gland tumor for which the histologic criteria of malignancy are not well defined, particularly in association with nuclear abnormalities, may produce a considerable diagnostic challenge. We recently encountered such a problem in a putative case of hidradenoma papilliferum. Therefore, we have undertaken a retrospective clinicopathologic study of 19 cases originally diagnosed as hidradenoma papilliferum or probable hidradenoma papilliferum, with a particular emphasis on the relationship of the mitotic index to clinical behavior.The age range of the cases was 41 to 92 years (mean 56.8 years). In all cases in which the margins could be evaluated, the tumors were well circumscribed (15/15), but in 4 cases circumscription could not be assessed because the specimen was fragmented. All showed focal mild nuclear pleomorphism. Mitoses were present in both epithelial and myoepithelial cells. The mitotic index varied from 0 to 5.3 mitoses/mm2 (0 to 13 mitoses per 10 high power fields (hpf); 1 hpf=0.246 mm2), with a mean of 2.4/mm2 (6/10 hpf) and a median of 0.8/mm2 (2/10 hpf). No atypical mitoses were identified. The proliferative fraction (MIB-1 index) correlated with the mitotic index (correlation coefficient 0.94; P<0.0001) and varied from 1% to 10.5% (mean 3.9%, median 3.0%). There were no recurrences or metastases over a mean period of 8 years. Consequently, we have shown that the mitotic index in these lesions can be variable and often high, but it does not predict a more aggressive outcome.
Blockade of caspase‐1 increases neurogenesis in the aged hippocampus

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis dramatically decreases with increasing age, and it has been proposed that this decline contributes to age‐related memory deficits. Central inflammation contributes significantly to the decrease in neurogenesis associated with ageing. Interleukin‐1β is a proinflammatory cytokine initially synthesized as an inactive precursor that is cleaved by caspase‐1 to generate the biologically active mature form. Whether IL‐1β affects neurogenesis in the aged hippocampus is unknown. Here we analysed cells positive for 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU; 50 mg/kg) in animals in which cleavage of IL‐1β was inhibited by the caspase‐1 inhibitor Ac‐YVAD‐CMK (10 pmol). Aged (22 months) and young (4 months) rats received Ac‐YVAD‐CMK for 28 days intracerebroventricularly through a brain infusion cannula connected to an osmotic minipump. Starting on day 14, animals received a daily injection of BrdU for five consecutive days. Unbiased stereology analyses performed 10 days after the last injection of BrdU revealed that the total number of newborn cells generated over a 5‐day period was higher in young rats than in aged rats. In addition, there was a 53% increase in the number of BrdU‐labelled cells of the aged Ac‐YVAD‐CMK‐treated rats compared to aged controls. Immunofluorescence studies were performed to identify the cellular phenotype of BrdU‐labelled cells. The increase in BrdU‐positive cells was not due to a change in the proportion of cells expressing neuronal or glial phenotypes in the subgranular zone. These findings demonstrate that the intracerebroventricular administration of Ac‐YVAD‐CMK reversed the decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis associated with ageing.
Association of Age-Related Hearing Loss With Cognitive Function, Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance Epidemiologic research on the possible link between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and cognitive decline and dementia has produced inconsistent results. Clarifying this association is of interest because ARHL may be a risk factor for outcomes of clinical dementia. Objectives To examine and estimate the association between ARHL and cognitive function, cognitive impairment, and dementia through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources and Study Selection A search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and SCOPUS from inception to April 15, 2016, with cross-referencing of retrieved studies and personal files for potentially eligible studies was performed. Keywords included hearing, cognition, dementia, and Alzheimer disease. Cohort and cross-sectional studies published in peer-reviewed literature and using objective outcome measures were included. Case-control studies were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis One reviewer extracted and another verified data. Both reviewers independently assessed study quality. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses of study-level characteristics were performed. Main Outcomes and Measures Hearing loss measured by pure-tone audiometry only and objective assessment measures of cognitive function, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Cognitive function outcomes were converted to correlation coefficients (r value); cognitive impairment and dementia outcomes, to odds ratios (ORs). Results Forty studies from 12 countries met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 36 unique studies with an estimated 20 264 unique participants were included in the meta-analyses. Based on the pooled maximally adjusted effect sizes using random-effects models, a small but significant association was found for ARHL within all domains of cognitive function. Among cross-sectional studies, a significant association was found for cognitive impairment (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.39-2.89) and dementia (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.24-4.72). Among prospective cohort studies, a significant association was found for cognitive impairment (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.09-1.36) and dementia (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02-1.59) but not for Alzheimer disease (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.72-4.00). In further analyses, study, demographic, audiometric, and analyses factors were associated with cognitive function. Vascular dysfunction and impaired verbal communication may contribute to the association between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Conclusions and Relevance Age-related hearing loss is a possible biomarker and modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Additional research and randomized clinical trials are warranted to examine implications of treatment for cognition and to explore possible causal mechanisms underlying this relationship.
Web-based irrigation management for open canals using Wireless Sensor Networks

The paper demonstrates a Wireless Sensor Network configuration that is used for managing crop irrigation from open canals using water pumps. The system comprises water level sensors attached to main irrigation canals, as well as flow sensors attached to water pumps. Each sensor is connected to a solar-powered wireless Zigbee module to form a sensor node. All sensor nodes are connected to a Zigbee gateway that collects sensor data periodically and sends it to web server using GPRS connection. The back-end of the system consists of a web server linked to a database to keep track of irrigation water level at all main and auxiliary canals. The amount of water used for each area of land is also monitored and compared to the optimum amount according to crop type. A prototype of the proposed system has been implemented, deployed and tested at a typical village in delta of Egypt, where a severe problem of fair distribution of irrigation water is encountered.
Uncertainties and Recommendations

Abstract An assessment of the impacts of changes in climate and UV-B radiation on Arctic terrestrial ecosystems, made within the Arctic Climate Impacts Assessment (ACIA), highlighted the profound implications of projected warming in particular for future ecosystem services, biodiversity and feedbacks to climate. However, although our current understanding of ecological processes and changes driven by climate and UV-B is strong in some geographical areas and in some disciplines, it is weak in others. Even though recently the strength of our predictions has increased dramatically with increased research effort in the Arctic and the introduction of new technologies, our current understanding is still constrained by various uncertainties. The assessment is based on a range of approaches that each have uncertainties, and on data sets that are often far from complete. Uncertainties arise from methodologies and conceptual frameworks, from unpredictable surprises, from lack of validation of models, and from the use of particular scenarios, rather than predictions, of future greenhouse gas emissions and climates. Recommendations to reduce the uncertainties are wide-ranging and relate to all disciplines within the assessment. However, a repeated theme is the critical importance of achieving an adequate spatial and long-term coverage of experiments, observations and monitoring of environmental changes and their impacts throughout the sparsely populated and remote region that is the Arctic.
Two Paralogous Genes Encoding Auxin Efflux Carrier Differentially Expressed in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)

The phytohormone auxin regulates various developmental programs in plants, including cell growth, cell division and cell differentiation. The auxin efflux carriers are essential for the auxin transport. To show an involvement of auxin transporters in the coordination of fruit development in bitter gourd, a juicy fruit, we isolated novel cDNAs (referred as McPIN) encoding putative auxin efflux carriers, including McPIN1, McPIN2 (allele of McPIN1) and McPIN3, from developing fruits of bitter gourd. Both McPIN1 and McPIN3 genes possess six exons and five introns. Hydropathy analysis revealed that both polypeptides have two hydrophobic regions with five transmembrane segments and a predominantly hydrophilic core. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that McPIN1 shared the highest homology to the group of Arabidopsis, cucumber and tomato PIN1, while McPIN3 belonged to another group, including Arabidopsis and tomato PIN3 as well as PIN4. This suggests different roles for McPIN1 and McPIN3 in auxin transport involved in the fruit development of bitter gourd. Maximum mRNA levels for both genes were detected in staminate and pistillate flowers. McPIN1 is expressed in a particular period of early fruit development but McPIN3 continues to be expressed until the last stage of fruit ripening. Moreover, these two genes are auxin-inducible and qualified as early auxin-response genes. Their expression patterns suggest that these two auxin transporter genes play a pivotal role in fruit setting and development.
Pulmonary blood volume in mitral regurgitation in Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary edema and venous congestion are well-recognized signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) in advanced canine chronic mitral regurgitation (MR). However, little is known about pulmonary blood volume (PBV), blood pulmonary transit time (PTT), and the regulation of these. OBJECTIVES To measure and evaluate the relationships of PBV, forward stroke volume (FSV), and heart rate normalized blood pulmonary transit time (nPTT) in healthy dogs and dogs with MR. ANIMALS Thirty-three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; 11 healthy, 4 in modified New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, 11 in class II, and 7 in CHF. METHODS Heart rate normalized PTTs were measured by radionuclide angiocardiography. Left ventricular end diastolic and systolic diameter, left atrial/aortic root ratio, and FSV were measured by echocardiography. PBV and pulmonary blood volume index (PBVI) were calculated by established formulas. RESULTS PBVI was 308±56 (mean±SD) mL/m2 for healthy dogs, 287±51 mL/m2 in NYHA class I, 360±66 mL/m2 in Class II, and 623±232 mL/m2 in CHF (P=.0008). Heart rate normalized PTT, not FSV, was a predictor of PBV (r=0.92 and 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Increased PBV, not decreased FSV, is the main cause of increased nPTT in MR. Increased nPTT can be used as an indicator of abnormal cardiopulmonary function in dogs with MR.