Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
N-electron ground state energies of a quantum dot in magnetic field.

Using single-electron capacitance spectroscopy, we map the magnetic field dependence of the ground state energies of a single quantum dot containing from 0 to 50 electrons. The experimental spectra reproduce many features of a noninteracting electron model with an added fixed charging energy. However, in detailed observations deviations are apparent: Exchange induces a two-electron singlet-triplet transition, self-consistency of the confinement potential causes the dot to assume a quasi-two-dimensional character, and features develop which are suggestive of the fractional quantum Hall effect
The clinical relevance of Wilms Tumour 1 (WT1) gene mutations in acute leukaemia

Recurrent genetic aberrations are important predictors of outcome in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Numerous novel molecular abnormalities have been identified and investigated in recent years adding to the risk stratification and prognostication of conventional karyotyping. Mutations in the Wilms Tumour 1 (WT1) gene were first described more than a decade ago but their clinical significance has only recently been evaluated. WT1 mutations occur in approximately 10% of adult AML patients at diagnosis and are most frequent in the cytogenetically normal (CN) AML subgroup. These mutations appear to confer a negative prognostic outcome by increasing the risk of relapse and death. Mutation frequency is higher in pediatric patients and also appears to confer a negative impact on relapse and survival. Herein, we discuss the importance of WT1 mutations in AML. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperoxia improves maximal exercise with the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

The effects of hyperoxia on maximal exercise while breathing from a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) were studied in 25 males. Each participant completed three graded exercise tests (GXT) for the assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (Vdot;O 2max): two with 20.95 ± 0.28% O2 and the third (GXT40) while breathing hyperoxia (40.64 ± 1.29% O2). No significant differences were found between the two normoxic tests, except for a 16W increase in maximal power output (POmax) in the second trial (GXT21). Compared to GXT21, hyperoxia significantly increased Vdot;O 2max and POmax by 10.0 ± 3.8% and 10.2 ± 7.1%, respectively. This was likely due to an increase in O2 delivery as suggested by the significantly higher oxyhemoglobin saturation. The increase in Vdot;O 2max with hyperoxia was similar to the increase in carbon dioxide production (9.3 ± 6.5%). No other significant differences were found at maximal exercise. However, at the intensity that elicited Vdot;O 2max in GXT21, pulmonary ventilation and SCBA mask pressure were significantly lower during GXT40, suggesting a decrease in the work of breathing. These findings could have significant implications for occupations that involve heavy work with SCBA.
Not your ordinary yeast: non-Saccharomyces yeasts in wine production uncovered.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae and grape juice are 'natural companions' and make a happy wine marriage. However, this relationship can be enriched by allowing 'wild' non-Saccharomyces yeast to participate in a sequential manner in the early phases of grape must fermentation. However, such a triangular relationship is complex and can only be taken to 'the next level' if there are no spoilage yeast present and if the 'wine yeast' - S. cerevisiae - is able to exert its dominance in time to successfully complete the alcoholic fermentation. Winemakers apply various 'matchmaking' strategies (e.g. cellar hygiene, pH, SO2 , temperature and nutrient management) to keep 'spoilers' (e.g. Dekkera bruxellensis) at bay, and allow 'compatible' wild yeast (e.g. Torulaspora delbrueckii, Pichia kluyveri, Lachancea thermotolerans and Candida/Metschnikowia pulcherrima) to harmonize with potent S. cerevisiae wine yeast and bring the best out in wine. Mismatching can lead to a 'two is company, three is a crowd' scenario. More than 40 of the 1500 known yeast species have been isolated from grape must. In this article, we review the specific flavour-active characteristics of those non-Saccharomyces species that might play a positive role in both spontaneous and inoculated wine ferments. We seek to present 'single-species' and 'multi-species' ferments in a new light and a new context, and we raise important questions about the direction of mixed-fermentation research to address market trends regarding so-called 'natural' wines. This review also highlights that, despite the fact that most frontier research and technological developments are often focussed primarily on S. cerevisiae, non-Saccharomyces research can benefit from the techniques and knowledge developed by research on the former.
Selektive interne Radiotherapie (SIRT) beim hepatozellulären Karzinom

Microsphere-based radioembolization represents a new generation of therapeutics in interventional oncology. The intrahepatic application of radioactive microspheres via the hepatic artery allows locoregional therapy of diffuse or multifocal liver tumors, for which to date systemic therapy was the only remaining option. The current standard for this selective internal radiotherapy or radioembolization is yttrium-90 glass or resin microspheres. This review discusses the indications, the technique, and the therapeutic results of microsphere-based radioembolization.
A Preliminary Study of Eat and Bite Scores for One School Year in Bermuda: Increased Early Anorexic Measures Related to Socio-Economic Factors

Background: Bermuda is a unique heterogeneous ethnic population in which it is possible to study the interaction of ethnicity, culture, gender and economic factors that influence abnormal eating attitudes. Method: A cross-sectional survey of 836 adolescents, one total school year in Bermuda. The BITE and EAT self-report questionnaires were administered in a classroom setting. The analysis was for caseness and for total scores. Caseness represents possible developing anorexic or bulimic eating disorder pathology for this non-adult population. Results: 7.3% fulfilled EAT caseness, 0.24% fulfilled BITE caseness. There was no gender or ethnic difference for caseness. Multivariate analysis for EAT caseness found Odds Ratios of 2.89 (95% CI 1.37, 6.11) for Manual maternal job status. Conclusion: Despite the limitation of a questionnaire analysis, lower socioeconomic status increases the risk of possible eating disorder pathology in this adolescent population. Developing anorexic eating attitudes were more prevalent compared to bulimic attitudes for schoolchildren in this unique cultural setting.
Effect of Heme Iron Valence State on the Conformation of Cytochrome c and Its Association with Membrane Interfaces

Recently cytochrome c has been mentioned as an important mediator in the events of cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis. To investigate the influence of charged interfaces on the conformation of cytochrome c, the CD and magnetic circular dichroic behavior of ferric and ferrous cytochromec in homogeneous medium and in phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine/cardiolipin and dicetylphosphate liposomes was studied in the 300–600 and 200–320 nm wavelength region. EPR spectra demonstrate that the association of cytochrome c with membranes promotes alterations of the crystal field symmetry and spin state of the heme Fe3+. The studies also include the effect of Pi, NaCl, and CaCl2. Magnetic circular dichroism and CD results show that the interaction of both ferrous and ferric cytochrome cwith charged interfaces promotes conformational changes in the α-helix content, tertiary structure, and heme iron spin state. Moreover, the association of cytochrome c with different liposomes is sensitive to the heme iron valence state. The more effective association with membranes occurs with ferrous cytochromec. Dicetylphosphate liposomes, as a negatively charged membrane model, promoted a more pronounced conformational modification in the cytochrome c structure. A decrease in the lipid/protein association is detected in the presence of increasing amounts of CaCl2, NaCl, and Pi, in response to the increase of the ionic strength.
Toxicological Characteristics of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Developmental Toxicity, Carcinogenicity, and Mutagenicity

It is generally accepted that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) play a role in a variety of adverse health effects in an intact organism or its progeny as a consequence of changes in the endocrine system. Primary toxic effects of EDCs were reported to be related to infertility, reduction in sperm count, and teratogenicity, but other important toxic effects of EDCs such as carcinogenicity and mutagenicity have also been demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to systematically analyze the toxicological characteristics of EDCs in pesticides, industrial chemicals, and metals. A comprehensive literature survey on the 48 EDCs classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was conducted using a number of databases which included Medline, Toxline, and Toxnet. The survey results revealed that toxicological characteristics of EDCs were shown to produce developmental toxicity (81%), carcinogenicity (79%, when positive in at least one animal species; 48%, when classified based on IARC evaluation), mutagenicity (79%), immunotoxicity (52%), and neurotoxicity (50%). Regarding the hormone-modulating effects of the 48 EDCs, estrogenic effects were the most predominant in pesticides, while effects on thyroid hormone were found for heavy metals. EDCs showing estrogen-modulating effects were closely related to carcinogenicity or mutagenicity with a high degree of sensitivity. Systematic information on the toxicological characteristics of the EDCs will be useful for future research directions on EDCs, the development of new screening methods, legal regulation, and for investigations of their mechanism of action.
Expression and Characterization of Endochitinase C from Serratia marcescens BJL200 and Its Purification by a One-Step General Chitinase Purification Method

In this study we cloned, expressed, purified, and charaterized chitinase C1 from Serratia marcescens strain BJL200. As expected, the BJL200-ChiC1 amino acid sequence of this strain was highly similar to sequences of ChiC1 identified in two other strains of S. marcescens. BJL200-ChiC1 was overproduced in E. coli by the T7 expression system, and purified by a one-step hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) with phenyl-sepharose. BJL200-ChiA and BJL200-ChiB had an approximately 30-fold higher k cat and 15 fold-lower K m than BJL200-ChiC1 for the oligomeric substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-N-N′-N″-triacetylchitotrioside, while BJL200-ChiC1 was 10–15 times faster than BJL200-ChiB and BJL200-ChiA in degrading the polymeric substrate CM-chitin-RBV. BJL200-ChiC1 degradation of β-chitin resulted in a range of different chito-oligosaccharides (GlcNAc)2 (main product), GlcNAc, (GlcNAc)3, (GlcNAc)4, and (GlcNAc)5, indicating endo activity. The purification method used for BJL200-ChiC1 in this study is generally applicable to family 18 chitinases and their mutants, including inactive mutants, some of which tend to bind almost irreversibly to chitin columns. The high specificity of the interaction with the (non-chitinous) column material is mediated by aromatic residues that occur in the substrate-binding clefts and surfaces of the enzymes.
Integrons and gene cassettes: a genetic construction kit for bacteria.

The battle between humans and microbes has been waged since time immemorial. For a brief period, following the discovery and development of the main groups of anti biotics, mankind appeared to gain the upper hand against the legion of bacteria responsible for much morbidity and mortality among humans and their domestic animals, but the advantage was illusory, because the bacteria were quietly and efficiently evolving and acquiring resistance genes and resistance gene arrays that provided them with protection against the pharmacopoeia of antibiotics deployed to contain them.
Development of a Combined Steering Torque Overlay and Differential Braking Control for Side Crash Prevention

This paper presents an algorithm for side crash prevention systems using a combined steering torque overlay and differential braking control. This system prevents lane changes when a driver attempts to lane change despite existence of a neighboring vehicle in the blind spot. For this purpose, the system needs some technologies for detecting a vehicle in blind spot, judging driver's lane change intention and controlling a vehicle to avoid side crash. In this paper, we focus on judging driver's intention and controlling a vehicle. The proposed system was evaluated via human driver model-in the loop simulation.
M theory duality and BPS extended supergravity

We discuss toroidal compactifications of maximal supergravity coupled to an extended configuration of BPS states which transform consistently under the U-duality group. Under certain conditions this leads to theories that live in more than eleven space-time dimensions, with maximal supersymmetry but only partial Lorentz invariance. We demonstrate certain features of this construction for the case of nine-dimensional N=2 supergravity.
Exploring the climatic impact of the continental vegetation on the Mezosoic atmospheric CO 2 and climate history

Abstract. In this contribution, we continue our exploration of the factors defining the Mesozoic climatic history. We improve the Earth system model GEOCLIM designed for long term climate and geochemical reconstructions by adding the explicit calculation of the biome dynamics using the LPJ model. The coupled GEOCLIM-LPJ model thus allows the simultaneous calculation of the climate with a 2-D spatial resolution, the coeval atmospheric CO2, and the continental biome distribution. We found that accounting for the climatic role of the continental vegetation dynamics (albedo change, water cycle and surface roughness modulations) strongly affects the reconstructed geological climate. Indeed the calculated partial pressure of atmospheric CO2 over the Mesozoic is twice the value calculated when assuming a uniform constant vegetation. This increase in CO2 is triggered by a global cooling of the continents, itself triggered by a general increase in continental albedo owing to the development of desertic surfaces. This cooling reduces the CO2 consumption through silicate weathering, and hence results in a compensating increase in the atmospheric CO2 pressure. This study demonstrates that the impact of land plants on climate and hence on atmospheric CO2 is as important as their geochemical effect through the enhancement of chemical weathering of the continental surface. Our GEOCLIM-LPJ simulations also define a climatic baseline for the Mesozoic, around which exceptionally cool and warm events can be identified.
Coping with stigma and discrimination: evidence from mental health service users in England

Aims. Mental health stigma and discrimination are significant problems. Common coping orientations include: concealing mental health problems, challenging others and educating others. We describe the use of common stigma coping orientations and explain variations within a sample of English mental health service users. Methods. Cross-sectional survey data were collected as part of the Viewpoint survey of mental health service users’ experiences of discrimination (n = 3005). Linear regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with the three stigma coping orientations. Results. The most common coping orientation was to conceal mental health problems (73%), which was strongly associated with anticipated discrimination. Only 51% ever challenged others because of discriminating behaviour, this being related to experienced discrimination, but also to higher confidence to tackle stigma. Conclusions. Although stigma coping orientations vary by context, individuals often choose to conceal problems, which is associated with greater anticipated and experienced discrimination and less confidence to challenge stigma. The direction of this association requires further investigation.
Analysis of harmonic distortion of asymmetric self-cascode association of SOI nMOSFETs operating in saturation

This paper presents an experimental analysis of the harmonic distortion of asymmetric self-cascode (A-SC) association of SOI transistors. This goal is achieved by comparing the A-SC to the symmetric self-cascode (S-SC) configuration with different channel lengths. The non-linearity data have been obtained by applying the Integral Function Method to experimental measurements, for the evaluation of the total and third-order harmonic distortion. The results show that the asymmetric self-cascode provides lower total harmonic distortion than S-SC for all studied channel length associations. If a target distortion level is fixed, the A-SC enables an increase of input signal amplitude. On the other hand, smaller input signal amplitude and distortion are verified in the A-SC when fixing the output amplitude.
Spinal fusion in duchenne muscular dystrophy: A multidisciplinary approach

We studied 27 Duchenne muscular dystophy patients having spinal fusion for scoliosis. One patient died intraoperatively of cardiac arrest; all others have done well with no instances of malignant hyperthermia, postoperative ventilatory system dependence, pneumothorax, persisting infection, neurologic damage, nonunion, or pain. The anesthetic management included primarily intravenous general anesthetics with minimal myocardial depressant effects, avoiding succinylcholine and inhalation agents. Preoperative cardiac studies aided anesthetic management intra‐operatively. There was analmost universal sinus tachycardia. Holter monitoring defined 4 fo 16 with ventricular premature beats, 4 of 16 with atrial premature beats, and no ventricular tachycardia or atrial flutter or fibrillation. Echocardiogram demonstrated mitral prolapse in 2 of 22, frequent abnormal systolic performance with abnormal shortening fraction < 28% in 7 of 16, and reduced rate‐corrected velocity of fiber shortening in 9 of 15. Afterload was elevated in 7 of 15. The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) preoperatively was 45.3 ± 15.9% with continuing diminution to 28.7 ± 14.9% at 3.3 ± 2.2 years after surgery. The main benefit of surgical stabilization is the relative ease and comfort of wheelchair seating compared with those nonoperated patients who develop progressive deformity. We have not seen lasting improvement or stabilization in FVC following surgery as decreasing function is related primarily to muscle weakness.
Associations Among Everyday Stress, Critical Life Events, and Sexual Problems

This study addresses the question of how stress is linked to sexual problems among women and men in close relationships. Psychological symptoms, relationship quality, internal daily stress (i.e., originating within the couple such as conflicts, worry for the partner), external daily stress (i.e., stress arising outside the couple such as job stress, stressful relatives, and so forth), and critical life events were examined with regard to their association with different sexual problems. The results support the hypotheses that (1) there is an incremental effect of stress on sexual problems after controlling for psychological symptoms and relationship quality, and that (2) it is primarily internal daily stress and in some cases critical life events rather than external daily stress that are related to sexual problems, particularly hypoactive sexual desire in women and men, sexual aversion in women, vaginismus in women, and premature ejaculation in men. Our findings indicate that the treatment of these sexual problems should address relationship issues and include a focus on helping individuals improve their stress management skills within their couple relationship.
[Evaluation of selected vascular active factors in patients after myocardial infarction subjected to cardiac rehabilitation].

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process that develops in the coronary arteries. Clinically active agents such as proinflammatory interleukins, TNF-α, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (including TIMP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), are important factors in the development of acute coronary syndromes. AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of cardiac rehabilitation (stage II) on the concentration of selected vascular active factors (IL- 1, IL-6, TIMP-1, VEGF). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study involved 24 patients after ACS who underwent complex cardiac rehabilitation (stage II) in the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Medical University of Lodz. The study involved 20 men and 4 women aged 42-78 years (average age 58.75 ± 8.45 years). The ELISA method was used in the vascular endothelial cell assay using readymade sets for determining individual molecules: Human Quantum ELISA Kit (DTM100; R & D Systems, BIOKOM, Poland), Human VEGF Quantikine ELISA Kit (DVE00; R & D Systems, BIOKOM, Poland) Human IL-1 beta / IL-1F2 Quantikine ELISA Kit (DLB50; R & D Systems, BIOKOM, Poland), Human IL-6 Quantikine ELISA Kit (D6050, R & D Systems, BIOKOM, Poland). TIMP-1 concentration is expressed in ng / ml, VEGF in pg / ml, IL-1 in pg / ml, IL-6 pg / ml. The results of the study were analyzed statistically at significance level p <0,05. RESULTS There was no significant effect of cardiac rehabilitation on vascular endothelial factors: TIMP-1, VEGF, IL-6. Significant effect of cardiac rehabilitation was observed on the increase of IL-1 concentration (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS The absence of post-cardiac rehabilitation in patients after ACS, significant changes in vascular endothelial activity, confirm the hypothesis that adequate physical effort does not involve changes in blood concentrations and justifies perception of rehabilitation as a safe and risk-free intervention.
Growth Discordancy in Appropriate for Gestational Age, Term Twins

We compared 14 term (37 weeks or more), discordant (15% or more birth weight difference), but not growth-retarded (2500 g or larger) twin pairs with 28 randomly selected term and appropriate for gestational age twin pairs without discordancy. The comparison of the two subgroups showed no significant difference in maternal age, parity, gestational age, incidence of maternal hypertension, or perinatal outcome. It is suggested that discordancy is not a risk factor when the twin pair has reached term and the lighter twin weighs at least 2500 g.
Review article: methodological standards in radiographer plain film reading performance studies.

The objectives of this paper are to raise awareness of the methodological standards that can affect the quality of radiographer plain-film reading performance studies and to determine the frequency with which these standards are fulfilled. Multiple search methods identified 30 such studies from between 1971 and the end of June 1999. The percentage of studies that fulfilled criteria for the 10 methodological standards were as follows. (1) Performance of a sample size calculation, 3%; (2) definition of a normal and abnormal report, 97%; (3) description of the sequence of events through which films passed before reporting, 94%; (4) analysis of individual groups of observers within a combination of groups, 50% (5) appropriate choice of reference standard, 80%; (6) appropriate choice of arbiter, 57%; (7) appropriate use of a control, 22%; (8) analysis of pertinent clinical subgroups, e.g. body areas, patient type, 44%; (9) availability of data for re-calculation, 59%; and (10) presentation of indeterminate results, 69%. These findings indicate variation in the application of the methodological standards to studies of radiographer's film reading performance. Careful consideration of these standards is an essential component of study quality and hence the validity of the evidence base used to underpin radiographic reporting policy.