Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lattice dynamics and phase transitions in KNbO3 and K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics

Phonons in both ceramic samples KNbO3 (KN) and K0.5Na0. 5NbO3 (KNN-50) were investigated from 10 to 900 K by means of Raman, infrared, and THz spectroscopy. First-order transitions from cubic to tetragonal phases were detected at about 755 K (in KN) and 710 K (in KNN-50), where the first component of the polarization appears. Transitions from the tetragonal to the orthorhombic phases take place around 510 and 475 K, respectively. The last transitions from orthorhombic to rhombohedral phases are strongly first-order type. TC is shifted from 200 K in KN to about 90 K in KNN-50. All Raman active modes below 200 cm-1. disappear in KN but not in KNN-50. The overdamped soft mode present at high temperatures in the THz range changes its dielectric strength at each phase transition (when the corresponding component jumps to higher frequencies) and abruptly disappears from THz spectra in the rhombohedral phase, because it stiffens up to 200 cm-1. This mode has lower frequency and higher dielectric strength in KNN-50.
M cells in the follicle-associated epithelium of the rabbit conjunctiva preferentially bind and translocate latex beads.

PURPOSE This study investigates the presence of M cells in the rabbit conjunctiva. Resolving whether the conjunctiva contains M cells is important, because at other mucosal sites, these antigen sampling cells are known to initiate the mucosal immune response and to act as a site of entry for opportunistic pathogens. METHODS Fluorescent 0.2-microm polystyrene latex beads were either instilled into the conjunctival sac for 20 to 120 minutes in vivo or applied to flat mounts in vitro. Specimens were assessed by epi-fluorescence stereomicroscopy, widefield fluorescence microscopy, confocal scanning laser microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Latex beads preferentially bound to a subpopulation of cells in the epithelium overlying mucosal lymphoid follicles in the fornix region. At 4 degrees C, the beads were associated with the apical surface of cells that had longer, more irregular microvilli than the surrounding epithelial cells. Within 20 minutes of an in vivo exposure, latex beads were internalized by the follicle-associated epithelial cells and with time moved into the underlying follicle region. After 120 minutes of in vivo exposure, latex beads could be found in cervical lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the follicle-associated epithelium of the rabbit conjunctiva contains a cell with morphologic characteristics and the ability to bind and translocate latex beads, which make it indistinguishable from antigen sampling M cells in the rabbit cecum and tonsils. Consistent with its hypothesized antigen sampling role, beads that have been translocated by this cell are rapidly transferred to cervical lymph nodes.
Investigations on the reliability of storage battery array with high capability

With the development of industries of electrical power, communication, railway transportation, and traffic management, the large capacity battery systems have been widely used. Based on theoretical evaluation of systemic MTTF(Mean Time To Failure) and reliability, some combined methods are suggested to evaluate the reliability of battery systems. As a result, it is demonstrated that the reliability of the parallel-series system is superior to both series-parallel system and the combination of series and parallel systems. The findings in the present work provide important guidelines in the design and installation of future construction and the renovation of existing large storage battery systems.
Malignancy: Identification of Predictors of Disease Status and Progression in Patients with Myeloma (MM).

Multiple studies have attempted to recognize the best markers of disease activity and outcome in myeloma (MM). Our objective was to identify the best variables that can reflect MM disease status. Design and methods: The data obtained from all the following tests were included in the analysis: serum levels of the 2 growth factors known to be crucial for MM growth (i.e. IL-6, and sIL-6R), routine peripheral blood data (Hb%, serum calcium, albumin, CRP, B2m, LDH) and bone marrow plasma cell (BMPC)%, as well as the age and sex of patients. The study was conducted on 21 cases of MM under chemotherapy (aged 48-74 years; M/F = 13/8) and 12 matched normal individuals. The patients were categorized into 2 groups according to their clinical status: Group#1 (n = 16; cases in plateau/stable phase), and Group#2 (n = 5; advanced/refractory cases). Results: Student t-test confirms that serum IL-6 and sIL-6R are the most statistically different variables upon comparing cases in plateau phase (Group#1) with those of advanced disease (Group#2). Stepwise discriminant analysis of data has resulted in a function that is composed of the 2 most salient variables (i.e. serum IL-6, sIL-6R). The proposed function was highly significant (p = 0.0000) with Wilk's Lambda = 0.02538. The diagnostic capability of the proposed function was very high (percent of grouped cases that were classified correctly= 100%). Conclusion: measurement of serum IL-6 and sIL-6R gives the best prediction of disease activity in patients with MM.
Weight status, energy-balance behaviours and intentions in 9-12-year-old inner-city children.

BACKGROUND Dutch youth health care promotes four so-called energy-balance behaviours for the prevention of obesity: increasing physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviour and sugar-containing drinks, and eating breakfast. However, data on the prevalence of these behaviours and intentions to engage in them among primary schoolchildren is limited, especially for multi-ethnic, inner-city populations. The present study aimed to provide these data and explore differences according to socio-demographic characteristics and weight status. METHODS Data on behaviours and accompanying intentions were collected using classroom questionnaires. Stature and body weight were measured by trained staff. Twenty primary schools in Rotterdam participated. Data on 1095 9-12 year olds (81.7% response rate) were available for analysis. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between behaviours (favourable or unfavourable), intentions (positive or not), gender, age, ethnicity, neighbourhood income level and weight status. RESULTS The prevalence of being overweight was 30.4%, including 9.0% obesity. Engagement in energy-balance behaviours varied from 58.6% for outdoor play (>1 h previous day) to 85.9% for active transportation to school (day of survey). The highest positive intentions were reported for taking part in sports (83.9%), and lowest for reducing computer time (41.3%). Small differences in behaviours and intentions according to socio-demographic characteristics were found, most notably a lower engagement in physical activity by girls. Skipping breakfast and total number of energy-balance behaviours were associated with being overweight. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of being overweight among Dutch inner-city schoolchildren is high. A general rather than a differentiated approach is needed to improve engagement in energy-balance behaviours among inner-city schoolchildren.
Pulmonary C Fibers Modulate MMP-12 Production via PAR2 and Are Involved in the Long-Term Airway Inflammation and Airway Hyperresponsiveness Induced by Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Children with acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection often develop sequelae of persistent airway inflammation and wheezing. Pulmonary C fibers (PCFs) are involved in the generation of airway inflammation and resistance; however, their role in persistent airway diseases after RSV is unexplored. Here, we elucidated the pathogenesis of PCF activation in RSV-induced persistent airway disorders. PCF-degenerated and intact mice were used in the current study. Airway inflammation and airway resistance were evaluated. MMP408 and FSLLRY-NH2 were the selective antagonists for MMP-12 and PAR2, respectively, to investigate the roles of MMP-12 and PAR2 in PCFs mediating airway diseases. As a result, PCF degeneration significantly reduced the following responses to RSV infection: augmenting of inflammatory cells, especially macrophages, and infiltrating of inflammatory cells in lung tissues; specific airway resistance (sRaw) response to methacholine; and upregulation of MMP-12 and PAR2 expression. Moreover, the inhibition of MMP-12 reduced the total number of cells and macrophages in bronchiolar lavage fluid (BALF), as well infiltrating inflammatory cells, and decreased the sRaw response to methacholine. In addition, PAR2 was upregulated especially at the later stage of RSV infection. Downregulation of PAR2 ameliorated airway inflammation and resistance following RSV infection and suppressed the level of MMP-12. In all, the results suggest that PCF involvement in long-term airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness occurred at least partially via modulating MMP-12, and the activation of PAR2 might be related to PCF-modulated MMP-12 production. Our initial findings indicated that the inhibition of PCF activity would be targeted therapeutically for virus infection-induced long-term airway disorders. IMPORTANCE The current study is critical to understanding that PCFs are involved in long-term airway inflammation and airway resistance after RSV infection through mediating MMP-12 production via PAR2, indicating that the inhibition of PCF activity can be targeted therapeutically for virus infection-induced long-term airway disorders.
A public database of macromolecular diffraction experiments.

The low reproducibility of published experimental results in many scientific disciplines has recently garnered negative attention in scientific journals and the general media. Public transparency, including the availability of `raw' experimental data, will help to address growing concerns regarding scientific integrity. Macromolecular X-ray crystallography has led the way in requiring the public dissemination of atomic coordinates and a wealth of experimental data, making the field one of the most reproducible in the biological sciences. However, there remains no mandate for public disclosure of the original diffraction data. The Integrated Resource for Reproducibility in Macromolecular Crystallography (IRRMC) has been developed to archive raw data from diffraction experiments and, equally importantly, to provide related metadata. Currently, the database of our resource contains data from 2920 macromolecular diffraction experiments (5767 data sets), accounting for around 3% of all depositions in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), with their corresponding partially curated metadata. IRRMC utilizes distributed storage implemented using a federated architecture of many independent storage servers, which provides both scalability and sustainability. The resource, which is accessible via the web portal at http://www.proteindiffraction. org, can be searched using various criteria. All data are available for unrestricted access and download. The resource serves as a proof of concept and demonstrates the feasibility of archiving raw diffraction data and associated metadata from X-ray crystallographic studies of biological macromolecules. The goal is to expand this resource and include data sets that failed to yield X-ray structures in order to facilitate collaborative efforts that will improve protein structure-determination methods and to ensure the availability of `orphan' data left behind for various reasons by individual investigators and/or extinct structural genomics projects.
Congenital cytomegalovirus: association between dried blood spot viral load and hearing loss

Aim: To investigate the relation between cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral load on dried blood spots (DBS) from newborn biochemical screening (“Guthrie”) cards, and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in congenital CMV. Design: Cross-sectional study with retrospective case-note review. Setting: Seven paediatric audiology departments in the United Kingdom. Patients: 84 children, median age 7 years: 43 with known congenital CMV, 41 with unexplained SNHL. Interventions: Half a DBS was tested for CMV DNA viral load by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Main outcome measures: Pure tone average hearing thresholds (0.5–4 kHz). Results: DBS CMV DNA viral load significantly correlated with hearing thresholds for the worse and better hearing ears (Spearman’s rank correlations: r = 0.445, p = 0.008 and r = 0.481, p = 0.004 respectively). Multivariable logistic regression showed that the effect of DBS viral load on the risk of SNHL remained important, when age and central nervous system involvement had been taken into account (odds ratio (OR) 2.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14 to 6.63, p = 0.024). The mean log DBS viral load was significantly higher in children with SNHL than in those with normal hearing (2.69 versus 1.64, 95% CI −1.84 to −0.27, p = 0.01). 8/35 (23%) children with unexplained SNHL tested positive for CMV DNA on DBS. One false positive result was obtained. Conclusion: The risk of SNHL increased with DBS viral load. Further studies should investigate whether DBS CMV testing has a role in identifying asymptomatic congenitally infected neonates at risk of SNHL, and whether antiviral treatment can reduce this risk.
Voltage‐gated transient outward currents in neurons with different firing patterns in rat superior colliculus

1 We investigated the electrophysiological properties of transient outward currents (TOCs) in neurons with different firing patterns, regular‐spiking, fast‐spiking and late‐spiking neurons, in the intermediate layer (SGI) of the superior colliculus using the whole‐cell patch clamp technique in slice preparations obtained from young rats (post‐natal days 17–22). 2 Analysis of inactivation kinetics and normalized amplitude revealed that TOCs in regular‐and fast‐spiking neurons had fast inactivation kinetics (decay time constants (mean ± s.e.m.) of 13.8 ± 1.5 and 11.4 ± 1.2 ms, respectively) and low current densities (36.6 ± 3.3 and 32.1 ± 4.9 pA pF−1, respectively). TOCs in late‐spiking neurons, on the other hand, displayed a wide range of both inactivation kinetics (36.7 ± 2.4 ms, with a range from 11.3 to 147.8 ms) and current density (54.0 ± 2.9 pA pF−1, with a range from 9.8 to 131.2 pA pF−1). 3 In regular‐, fast‐ and late‐spiking neurons having TOCs with slow time constants (> 50 ms, class II late‐spiking neurons), the TOCs were sensitive to 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), with IC50 values of 2.9, 2.4 and 1.2 mm, respectively. In late‐spiking neurons having TOCs with fast decay time constants (< 30 ms, class I late‐spiking neurons), the TOCs were composed of at least two 4‐AP‐sensitive components (IC50 values of 0.2 μm and 3.6 mm). 4 Class I late‐spiking neurons displayed non‐inactivating outward currents which were highly sensitive to 4‐AP. They changed their firing patterns to the regular‐spiking mode, not only in response to low concentrations of 4‐AP (< 50 μm), but also in response to dendrotoxin (200 nm), suggesting that non‐inactivating outward currents contribute to the late‐spiking property. However, the components of TOCs which were highly sensitive to 4‐AP were also sensitive to dendrotoxin. These results suggest that both or either of the two currents contribute to the late‐spiking property of class I late‐spiking neurons. 5 Although class II late‐spiking neurons also displayed non‐inactivating outward currents, the late‐spiking property was not abolished by low concentrations of 4‐AP and dendrotoxin. They changed to a regular firing pattern in response to a high concentration of 4‐AP (5 mm), suggesting that TOCs contribute to late‐spiking property of class II late‐spiking neurons. 6 The results suggest that TOCs with different properties contribute to the different firing patterns of SGI neurons.
The Impact of Prolonged pH Measurements on the Diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: 4-Day Wireless pH Studies

INTRODUCTION:Prolonged, 4-day (96 h) measurement by the wireless Bravo® system provides an opportunity to assess the variance, diagnostic reproducibility, and yield of 24- and 48-h pH and symptom association studies.METHOD:Retrospective analysis of 83 patients with suspected reflux symptoms undergoing wireless pH monitoring with the intention of 96-h measurement. Study periods were classified based on esophageal acid exposure, the DeMeester score (DMS), and the association of reflux events and symptoms (symptom index). The technical success of prolonged pH recording and diagnostic accuracy of 24-, 48-, and 72-h pH studies compared to the 96-h “gold standard” were assessed.RESULTS: Prolonged Bravo® pH studies were possible and well tolerated in routine clinical practice. Complete 96-h recordings were available for 34/83 (41%) patients. Variation in pH measurements reduced with increasing study duration (24-h 45% vs 48-h 27%, P < 0.01), but no change in reflux severity over time was observed (ANOVA, P = ns). Abnormal acid exposure was found in 7 (19%) on every test day and 21 (58%) on at least one of four test days. A diagnosis consistent with the 96-h “gold standard” was present in 22 (63%), 29 (83%), and 32 (91%) patients for 24-, 48-, and 72-h test periods, respectively, with a significant improvement of diagnostic sensitivity with study duration (P < 0.01). Similar findings were present for symptom association.CONCLUSION: Increasing the duration of pH studies progressively improves measurement variance and the diagnostic reproducibility of reflux studies. Future studies must address the impact of prolonged pH studies on clinical management.
Two-crew operations: stress and fatigue during long-haul night flights.

BACKGROUND As part of a research program concerning legal aspects of two-pilot operations on long-haul routes, the purpose of the study was to investigate two-crew extended range operations during a flight roster with two consecutive night flights and a short layover. HYPOTHESIS Present flight time regulations may not be adequate for two-crew minimum operations. METHODS The study was conducted in cooperation with a German airline company on the route Frankfurt (FRA)-Mahe (SEZ). There were 11 rotations (22 flights) that were investigated by pre-, in- and post-flight data collection each time from the two pilots. Recordings included sleep, taskload, fatigue and stress by measurement of EEG, ECG, motor activity, and subjective ratings. The average actual flight times were 9:15 h (FRA-SEZ) and 9:53 h (SEZ-FRA). All flights took place at night. The layover duration in Mahe was 13:30 h during day-time. RESULTS During layover, sleep was shortened by 2 h on average compared with 8-h baseline sleep. The two consecutive night duties resulted in a sleep loss of 9.3 h upon return to home base. Inflight ratings of taskload showed moderate grades, but for fatigue ratings an increasing level was observed. Fatigue was more pronounced during the return flight and several pilots scored their fatigue at a critical level. Motor activity, brainwave activity (occurrences of micro-events) and heart rate indicated drowsiness and a low state of vigilance and alertness during both night flights, but these effects were more pronounced during the second flight. CONCLUSIONS From the findings it is concluded that a duty roster, as conducted in this study, may impose excessive demands on mental and physiological capacity.
In vivo comparison of two through‐plane MR velocity mapping methods: Fast fourier encoding and phase mapping

Magnetic resonance imaging maps of velocity were acquired with a 1.5‐T system in 10 subjects in a plane perpendicular to the main pulmonary artery. Velocity images were successively acquired with a method developed from Fourier‐encoding velocity imaging (FEVI) principles with eight gradient steps and one excitation, and with two‐point phase‐subtraction mapping. Reconstruction in FEVI was implemented by zero‐filling interpolation around the eight gradient steps and then around the four central steps. The methods were compared by using estimates of noise in velocity measurements based on the difference between the experimental map and a smooth fitted map. For the same acquisition time, FEVI with four encoding steps was more precise in velocity measurements than phase mapping. Precision was further increased by the use of eight encoding steps, but acquisition time was doubled.
Molecular Characteristics of Strains of the Cameroon Family, the Major Group of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a Country with a High Prevalence of Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT A preliminary investigation of the genetic biodiversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains in Cameroon, a country with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, described a group of closely related M. tuberculosis strains (the Cameroon family) currently responsible for more than 40% of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases. Here, we used various molecular methods to study the genetic characteristics of this family of strains. Cameroon family M. tuberculosis strains (i) are part of the major genetic group 2 and lack the TbD1 region like other families of epidemic strains, (ii) lack spacers 23, 24, and 25 in their direct repeat (DR) region, (iii) have an identical number of repeats in 8 of 12 variable-number tandem repeats of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit (MIRU-VNTR) loci, (iv) have similar IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) multiband patterns (10 to 15 copies) with seven common IS6110 bands, (v) do not have an IS6110 element in their DR locus, and (vi) have four IS6110 elements in open reading frames (adenylate cyclase, phospholipase C, moeY, and ATP binding genes). Analysis by spoligotyping, MIRU-VNTR, and IS6110-RFLP typing methods revealed differences not observed in previous studies; polymorphism as assessed by MIRU-VNTR typing was lower than suggested by spoligotyping, and in rare cases, strains with identical IS6110-RFLP patterns had spoligotypes differing by as much as 15 spacers. Our findings confirm the recent expansion of this family in Cameroon and indicate that the interpretation of molecular typing results has to be adapted to the characteristics of the strain population within each setting. The knowledge of this particular genotype, with its large involvement in tuberculosis in Cameroon, allows greater refinement of tuberculosis transmission studies by interpreting data in the context of this geographic area.
Current response of the human body excited by an electromagnetic wave

In this paper, the human exposure to ElectroMagnetic “EM” field using the Transmission Line “TL” model has been analyzed. The body is represented as a radial network of vertical and inclined multiconductor lines. The per unit length parameters are assessed by taking into account the dimensions and electrical properties of the human body and the soil parameters. The current distribution induced in the body is assessed for general case when human is not in a close contact with the ground. For this purpose, a linear equation system, through the EM field excitation is represented with equivalent current generators, arising from TL theory is obtained. Some illustrative computational examples are presented in the paper.