Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Form-closure caging grasps of polygons with a parallel-jaw gripper

SUMMARY Parallel-jaw gripper finds wide applications in various industrial sectors. In this paper, we mainly focus on the problem of form closure caging grasps of polygons with a parallel-jaw gripper equipped with four fingers. The form closure caging grasp is helpful for the fingers placements and contact region selections of a pneumatic gripper, as it is less sensitive to fingers misplacements. We firstly prove that there is always a path from a cage to a form closure grasp of the object that never breaks the cage, as long as the attractive region constructed in the configuration space has a local minimum. If such a minimum cannot be found, we further adjust the fingers arrangements to produce the form closure grasp. Meanwhile, we also develop an algorithm to compute the initial cage of the form closure grasp. Simulations of the grasping process witness the effectiveness of the above analysis results.
Gold Nanorod‐Assembled PEGylated Graphene‐Oxide Nanocomposites for Photothermal Cancer Therapy

Gold nanorod‐attached PEGylated graphene‐oxide (AuNR‐PEG‐GO) nanocomposites were tested for a photothermal platform both in vitro and in vivo. Cytotoxicity of AuNR was reduced after encapsulation with PEG‐GO along with the removal of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) from AuNR by HCl treatment. Cellular internalization of the CTAB‐eliminated AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites was examined using dark‐field microscopy (DFM), confocal Raman microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To determine the photothermal effect of the AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites, A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells were irradiated with Xe‐lamp light (60 W cm−2) for 5 min after treatment with the AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites for 24 h. Cell viability significantly decreased by ~40% when the AuNR‐PEG‐GO‐encapsulated nanocomposites were irradiated with light as compared with the cells treated with only the AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites without any illumination. In vivo tumor experiments also indicated that HCl‐treated AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites might efficiently reduce tumor volumes via photothermal processes. Our graphene and AuNR nanocomposites will be useful for an effective photothermal therapy.
Disinfection of Escherichia Coli Gram Negative Bacteria Using Surface Modified TiO2: Optimization of Ag Metallization and Depiction of Charge Transfer Mechanism

The antibacterial activity of silver deposited TiO2 (Ag‐TiO2) against Gram negative Escherichia coli bacteria was investigated by varying the Ag metal content from 0.10 to 0.50% on the surface of TiO2. Ag depositions by the photoreduction method were found to be stable. Surface silver metallization was confirmed by EDAX and XPS studies. Photoluminescence studies show that the charge carrier recombination is less for 0.1% Ag‐TiO2 and this catalyst shows superior bactericidal activity under solar light irradiation compared to Sol gel TiO2 (SG‐TiO2) due to the surface plasmon effect. The energy levels of deposited Ag are dependent on the Ag content and it varies from −4.64 eV to −1.30 eV with respect to the vacuum energy level based on atomic silver to bulk silver deposits. The ability of electron transfer from Ag deposit to O2 depends on the position of the energy levels. The 0.25% and 0.50% Ag depositions showed detrimental effect on bactericidal activity due to the mismatch of energy levels. The effect of the EROS (External generation of the Reactive Oxygen Species by 0.1% Ag‐TiO2) and IROS (Interior generation of Reactive Oxygen Species within the bacteria) on the bactericidal inactivation is discussed in detail.
Perceptions of school-aged women in northeast Scotland on sex education: A focus group study

Abstract Aim To investigate the current attitudes and behaviour of young women towards formal sex education and informal sources of sexual health advice. Method Qualitative research methods were adopted in the form of focus group discussions, which included questions on sex education, sexual health campaigns and informal sources of sexual health information and advice. The group interviews were recorded. A content analysis of the transcriptions was undertaken to identify the key themes and concepts. Results Five focus groups were conducted in formal secondary-school settings and one in a community education centre. In total 31 young women aged 16–18 years participated in the study. Results showed that participants viewed the delivery of sex education as outdated and often ineffective. Teachers are not deemed to be effective providers of sex education and external healthcare facilitators are preferred. The main sources of sexual health information and advice for young women are friends, older sisters and girls' magazines, with parents and school nurses generally regarded as poor sources. Current sexual health campaigns are ineffective in targeting young people, with many unable to report any that are running at present, or the messages they try to portray. Conclusions Young women view sexual intercourse as a normal activity for adolescents to partake in. This study suggests that those working in the health and education sectors should listen to the ideas and views of young people when planning and providing sexual health education, as the current provision of sex education is perceived to be ineffective by young people in fulfilling their needs.
Taxane induced pneumonitis in a case of carcinoma esophagus treated with chemo-radiation: Case report and review of literature

Taxanes are the preferred chemotherapy (CT) modality in treatment of carcinoma esophagus. Taxane use is associated with toxicities such as myelosuppression, neuropathy and musculoskeletal effects. Pneumonitis arising with the use of taxanes is a relatively rare and less explored entity. The present case report addresses this phenomenon in a patient who received Neoadjuvant and concurrent treatment with taxane and presented with symptoms and signs of pneumonitis. Patient initially presented with flu like symptoms and dyspnea that was unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. She presented 12 days after, the completion of concurrent CT-Radiotherapy. Despite all the measures, she ultimately succumbed to the pneumonitis. In any such case of development of pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease/fibrosis related symptoms and signs in relation to CT-RT, taxane induced pneumonitis should be kept in the differential diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of this entity to appropriately manage such a rare and life-threatening occurrence.
Effective Photoprotection of Human Skin against Infrared A Radiation by Topically Applied Antioxidants: Results from a Vehicle Controlled, Double‐Blind, Randomized Study

Infrared A radiation (IRA) from solar sunlight contributes to photoaging of human skin, e.g. by upregulating MMP‐1 expression in dermal fibroblasts, indicating the need for photoprotection of human skin against IRA. Up to now, however, there has been no controlled study to show that effective protection of human skin against IRA radiation is possible. Here, we have conducted a randomized, controlled, double‐blinded prospective study in 30 healthy volunteers to assess the capacity of an SPF 30 sunscreen versus the same sunscreen supplemented with an antioxidant cocktail containing grape seed extract, vitamin E, ubiquinone and vitamin C to protect human skin against IRA radiation‐induced MMP‐1 upregulation. As expected, exposure to IRA radiation significantly upregulated MMP‐1 expression, as compared to unirradiated skin, and this response was significantly reduced, if the SPF30 sunscreen plus the antioxidant cocktail had been applied prior to IRA radiation. In contrast, treatment of human skin with the SPF30 sunscreen alone did not provide significant protection. These results indicate that topically applied antioxidants effectively protect human skin against IRA radiation and that regular sunscreens need to be supplemented with specific antioxidants in order to achieve IRA photoprotection.
SOME CHANGES IN THE CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF THE BLOOD FOLLOWING A MARATHON RACE: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPOGLYCEMIA

Last year we 1 studied a group of runners who participated in the American marathon race of 25 miles, which takes place annually in Boston, April 19. In general, it was found that men who had been doing long distance running for many years did not develop hypertrophy of the heart as indicated by roentgen-ray examination. Furthermore, directly after the race, the heart was found to be somewhat contracted rather than dilated. The vital capacity of the lungs was measured and did not seem to bear any particular relation to the running ability of the contestants, and on the average it was not increased over the normal figure for men who live comparatively nonathletic lives. This year the usual distance of 25 miles was extended to 26 miles and 385 yards, the occasion being the final Olympic tryout. The examinations this year were made to see what changes occurred in
The Effect of Surface Charge Saturation on Heat‐induced Aggregation of Firefly Luciferase

We present here the effect of firefly luciferase surface charge saturation and the presence of some additives on its thermal‐induced aggregation. Three mutants of firefly luciferase prepared by introduction of surface Arg residues named as 2R, 3R and 5R have two, three and five additional arginine residues substituted at their surface compared to native luciferase; respectively. Turbidimetric study of heat‐induced aggregation indicates that all three mutants were reproducibly aggregated at higher rates relative to wild type in spite of their higher thermostability. Among them, 2R had most evaluated propensity to heat‐induced aggregation. Therefore, the hydrophilization followed by appearing of more substituted arginine residues with positive charge on the firefly luciferase surface was not reduced its thermal aggregation. Nevertheless, at the same condition in the presence of charged amino acids, e.g. Arg, Lys and Glu, as well as a hydrophobic amino acid, e.g. Val, the heat‐induced aggregation of wild type and mutants of firefly luciferases was markedly decelerated than those in the absence of additives. On the basis of obtained results it seems, relinquishment of variety in charge of amino acid side chains, they via local interactions with proteins cause to decrease rate and extent of their thermal aggregation.
Structure determination of two new trichothecenes from a halotolerant fungus Myrothecium sp. GS‐17 by NMR spectroscopy

Two new trichothecenes, named 8α‐hydroxyroridin H and myrothecin A, along with six known compounds, 8α‐acetoxy roridin H, isororidin K, verrucarin A, verrucarin J, verrucarin L and 8α‐acetoxy verrucarin L, were isolated from the fermentation broth of a halotolerant fungus Myrothecium sp. GS‐17, which was separated from the soil sample of a salina. Structure elucidation and NMR signal assignments were achieved on the basis of spectroscopy. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 were active against plant pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protoporphyrin IX‐Functionalized AgSiO2 Core–Shell Nanoparticles: Plasmonic Enhancement of Fluorescence and Singlet Oxygen Production

Metal‐enhanced processes arising from the coupling of a dye with metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely reported. However, few studies have simultaneously investigated these mechanisms from the viewpoint of dye fluorescence and photoactivity. Herein, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is grafted onto the surface of silver core silica shell NPs in order to investigate the effect of silver (Ag) localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on PpIX fluorescence and PpIX singlet oxygen (1O2) production. Using two Ag core sizes, we report a systematic study of these photophysical processes as a function of silica (SiO2) spacer thickness, LSPR band position and excitation wavelength. The excitation of Ag NP LSPR, which overlaps the PpIX absorption band, leads to the concomitant enhancement of PpIX fluorescence and 1O2 production independently of the Ag core size, but in a more pronounced way for larger Ag cores. These enhancements result from the increase in the PpIX excitation rate through the LSPR excitation and decrease when the distance between PpIX and Ag NPs increases. A maximum fluorescence enhancement of up to 14‐fold, together with an increase in photogenerated 1O2 production of up to five times are obtained using 100 nm Ag cores coated with a 5 nm thick silica coating.
Chagas' disease, African trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniasis

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease), African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), and leishmaniasis are caused by protozoan parasites primarily transmitted to humans by insects. These illnesses are major public health problems in many developing countries. Development of effective programs for reducing transmission of these pathogens has been difficult, and treatment continues to be problematic. American trypanosomiasis is widespread in almost all Latin American countries, and transmission by insects and through transfusion of blood donated by infected persons causes many thousands of new cases each year. Research involving novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of Chagas' disease is being done in many countries, but recent achievements in the laboratory have not yet resulted in major changes in the way this illness is diagnosed or treated. Similarly, our understanding of the immunology of leishmaniasis and the genetics of the organisms that cause its three forms has expanded greatly in recent years, but this new knowledge has not found its way into practical applications. In contrast, the approval this past year of eflornithine, the first new drug for African trypanosomiasis in decades, offers the hope of markedly reduced mortality due to the West African form of sleeping sickness. Even with the addition of eflornithine to the group of drugs useful for African trypanosomiasis, however, a need persists for less toxic agents that are effective when given for shorter periods. Rational drug design projects involving the most recent technologies from several disciplines may provide the next generation of drugs for the treatment of African trypanosomes and other protozoa that cause human diseases.
Reflex BRAF testing in thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy with equivocal and positive interpretation: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND The BRAF V600E mutation has been reported in 50%-80% of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cases and is highly specific for PTC. Reflex BRAF testing may improve the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) tests having equivocal cytologic interpretations and provide prognostic information that helps guide management in patients with PTC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Cases with equivocal thyroid FNA readings (indeterminate and suspicious for PTC) or a positive diagnosis for PTC and concomitant BRAF mutation analysis were included in this prospective study. BRAF mutation analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction combined with single-strand conformation polymorphism gel electrophoresis using lavage fluid obtained from needle rinsing. The results of histopathologic follow-up were correlated with the cytologic interpretations and BRAF status. RESULTS One hundred fifty-seven FNAs with equivocal or positive cytologic interpretations were eligible for the study. All but one (99.4%) FNAs were found to have sufficient DNA quality and quantity for the assay. Based on the follow-up diagnosis of nodules after surgical resection, the sensitivity for diagnosing PTC was 63.3% with cytology alone and 80.0% with the combination of cytology and BRAF testing, respectively. No false positives were noted with either cytology or BRAF mutation analysis. All PTCs with extrathyroidal extension and of tall-cell variant were postive for BRAF mutation. CONCLUSIONS BRAF V600E mutation analysis can be easily performed on cytologic preparation using lavage fluids obtained from needle rinsing. By combining morphologic evaluation and BRAF testing, there is a substantial improvement in the preoperative identification of PTC when compared with cytology alone. Patients with equivocal cytologic diagnosis and BRAF V600E mutation are candidates for total thyroidectomy ± central lymph node dissection.
Nutrition support and treatment of motility disorders in critically ill patients ‐ Results of a survey on German intensive care units

Background and objective: To evaluate the current clinical attitude in enteral nutrition support and motility disorders in adult critically ill patients on German intensive care units. Methods: A total of 1493 questionnaires, including 25 items on the medical environment, treatment of motility disorders and enteral nutrition, were sent to German intensive care units in September 2005. Responses were collected during a 2‐month period. Results: A total of 593 questionnaires were returned (response rate 41%). The intensive care units were mainly led by anaesthesiologists (63%) or internists (17%). Standard nutrition protocols were used in 44%. Feeding was mainly started as a combined enteral‐parenteral regimen (70%). Early enteral nutrition was performed in 58% using a volume of 250‐500 mL (66%) and increased by 200‐400 mL day−1 (55%). It was mainly delivered by gastric tube (76%) via continuous pump systems (72%) with short interruption intervals of <4 h (86%). Enteral nutrition solutions were mainly standard polymeric formulae (86%). Modified solutions for diabetics and those with renal or liver failure were uncommonly used; immunonutrition did not play a role. Prokinetic agents, especially metoclopramide, laxatives and neostigmine, were routinely used (39%). Further therapeutic options in motility dysfunction included purgative enemas (96%), gastrografin (72%) and colon massage (39%). Conclusions: The concept of early enteral nutrition has been well established and approved in German intensive care units, though the recommendations only meet level C criteria in the current ESPEN guidelines. The current survey may serve for further updates on practical nutrition support in intensive care medicine.
Solving Blue Light Riddles: New Lessons from Flavin‐binding LOV Photoreceptors

Detection of blue light (BL) via flavin‐binding photoreceptors (Fl‐Blues) has evolved throughout all three domains of life. Although the main BL players, that is light, oxygen and voltage (LOV), blue light sensing using flavins (BLUF) and Cry (cryptochrome) proteins, have been characterized in great detail with respect to structure and function, still several unresolved issues at different levels of complexity remain and novel unexpected findings were reported. Here, we review the most prevailing riddles of LOV‐based photoreceptors, for example: the relevance of water and/or small metabolites for the dynamics of the photocycle; molecular details of light‐to‐signal transduction events; the interplay of BL sensing by LOV domains with other environmental stimuli, such as BL plus oxygen‐mediating photodamage and its impact on microbial lifestyles; the importance of the cell or chromophore redox state in determining the fate of BL‐driven reactions; the evolutionary pathways of LOV‐based BL sensing and associated functions through the diverse phyla. We will discuss major novelties emerged during the last few years on these intriguing aspects of LOV proteins by presenting paradigmatic examples from prokaryotic photosensors that exhibit the largest complexity and richness in associated functions.
Antiphotoaging effect of chitooligosaccharides on human dermal fibroblasts

In the present study, the effect of 3–5 kDa chitooligosaccharide (COS) on homeostasis between the expression of collagen‐degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagen synthesis was investigated using ultraviolet (UV)‐A irradiated dermal fibroblasts.
In thyroidectomized patients with thyroid cancer, a serum thyrotropin of 30 μU/mL after thyroxine withdrawal is not always adequate for detecting an elevated stimulated serum thyroglobulin.

BACKGROUND The thyrotropin (TSH) level or duration of thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) required to detect stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) monitoring is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the TSH cutoff of >30 μU/mL as a means to detect stimulated Tg ≥2 ng/mL after THW (THW-Tg≥2), and sensitivity of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire for detecting hypothyroid symptoms. METHODS This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study done at a tertiary academic medical center. Forty-seven patients with DTC undergoing their first Tg stimulation or after previously abnormal Tg stimulation had weekly measurements of TSH and Tg during the 4 weeks THW, and repeated questionnaire assessments. RESULTS TSH did not reach a plateau in any patient, and in those whose Tg did not remain undetectable, Tg continued to rise. Seventy-five percent of patients had an undetectable Tg <0.2 ng/mL at baseline (95% were <0.5 mg/mL) with 16% remaining undetectable throughout THW. The majority of patients (72.7% and 97.8%) achieved TSH >30 μU/mL by 3 and 4 weeks THW, respectively. Of the 15 patients with maximum stimulated THW-Tg≥2, 38% were detected before the minimal TSH >30 μU/mL cutoff. At 2 weeks THW, 3 had a TSH>30 μU/mL, and none of them had Tg ≥2 ng/mL. At 3 weeks THW, 11 had a TSH >30 μU/mL, and 64% of them had Tg ≥2 ng/mL. Only 60% were detected at 3-week THW regardless of their TSH level. Eighty-six percent were detected by TSH 60-<80 μU/mL. Conversely, all patients whose serum Tg was <0.2 ng/mL when their serum TSH was >20 μU/mL did not achieve a THW-Tg≥2. CONCLUSION The minimal TSH cutoff of >30 μU/mL was inadequate to detect many patients with final stimulated THW-Tg≥2 during complete THW. TSH >80-100 μU/mL was a better cutoff, achieved in only 53% after 4-week THW. Conversely, we propose a preliminary THW-stopping rule for ending THW early in selected patients. In patients with a Tg <0.2 ng/mL when TSH >20 μU/mL, all had a final stimulated Tg ≤2 ng/mL, potentially saving qualifying patients 40% of THW duration compared to 4-week THW. FACIT-F correlated with TSH, but was not sensitive to detect mild hypothyroidism.