Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Luminescence rise time in self-activated PbWO 4 and Ce-doped Gd 3 Al 2 Ga 3 O 12 scintillation crystals

The time resolution of scintillation detectors of ionizing radiation is one of the key parameters sought for in the current and future high-energy physics experiments. This study is encouraged by the necessity to find novel detection methods enabling a sub-10-ps time resolution in scintillation detectors and is focused on the exploitation of fast luminescence rise front. Time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and thermally stimulated luminescence techniques have been used to study two promising scintillators: self-activated lead tungstate (PWO, PbWO4) and Ce-doped gadolinium aluminum gallium garnet (GAGG, Gd3Al2Ga3O12). A sub-picosecond PL rise time is observed in PWO, while longer processes in the PL response in GAGG:Ce are detected and studied. The mechanisms responsible for the PL rise time in selfactivated and doped scintillators are under discussion.
Prognostic Impact of Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide for Cardiac Events in Elderly Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Background: Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been reported to be useful in determining the prognosis of patients with ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathy. However, aging increases the level of plasma BNP; therefore, the prognostic impact of plasma BNP in elderly patients with congestive heart failure has not been fully established. Objective: We sought to determine whether plasma BNP could predict recurrent cardiac events in elderly patients with congestive heart failure. Methods: Forty-eight consecutive elderly patients (>65 years old) were enrolled in the present study. All patients were admitted with their first episode of congestive heart failure. Clinical characteristics, plasma BNP, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular mass index were compared between patients with and those without recurrent cardiac events. Results: During the follow-up period, twelve cardiac events were observed. The New York Heart Association functional class was signi- ficantly higher in patients with cardiac events than in those without (p < 0.05). The plasma BNP level in pa- tients with cardiac events was significantly higher than in those without (521.0 ± 156.0 vs. 126.8 ± 20.1 pg/ml, p < 0.001), despite more frequent treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (75 vs. 28%, p < 0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower and the left ventricular mass index higher in patients with cardiac events as compared with those without (38.1 ± 5.0 vs. 49.2 ± 2.4%, p < 0.05; 193.8 ± 14.3 vs. 132.6 ± 7.8 g/m2, p < 0.001, respectively). The plasma BNP was selected as an independent factor associated with cardiac events besides New York Heart Association functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular mass index using multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis (hazard ratio = 2.656, p < 0.05). The cardiac event rate was significantly higher in patients with a plasma BNP concentration >132 pg/ml using Kaplan-Meier analysis (p < 0.001). Moreover, the plasma BNP level correlated inversely with the length of time from hospital discharge to a cardiac event (r = –0.575, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Measuring the plasma BNP level before hospital discharge in elderly patients with congestive heart failure was more useful than other conventional examinations for predicting the recurrence of cardiac events.
Geometrical Based Method for the Uncertainty Quantification of Correlated Aircraft Loads

The identification of the critical load cases, aircraft configuration and flight conditions is a vital step in the aircraft design process; in particular the loads correlated at individual measurement stations, and between different stations, are of great interest. Typically, the correlation of various `Interesting Quantities', such as bending moment and torque, is described using the so called `potato plot', which are obtained by plotting Interesting Quantities time histories against each others. It is of interest to predict the effects of uncertainty in the structural and aerodynamic parameters on the correlated quantities in an efficient way. A geometrically based method is described enabling identification of probabilistic bounds for the correlated loads whilst still capturing all the information related to the critical cases. The method is demonstrated using gust loads acting on a representative civil jet aeroelastic numerical model, and very accurate yet efficient results are found in comparison to a Monte Carlo Simulation.
coaA and rts are allelic and located at kilobase 3532 on the Escherichia coli physical map

Coenzyme A (CoA) is an essential cofactor in numerous biosynthetic and energy-yielding metabolic pathways and, along with its thioesters, is a regulator of several key metabolic reactions. Pantothenate kinase is the rate-control-ling enzyme in CoA biosynthesis and is regulated by feed-back inhibition by CoA and its thioesters (12). Mutants with mutations in the structural gene (coaA) for this protein were isolated, and the allele maps to the 90-min region of the Escherichia coli linkage map (13). This region of the chromosome contains a cluster of genes encoding RNA polymer-ase, ribosomal proteins, rRNAs, and several tRNA genes (3) and has been investigated intensively. In 1966, a tempera-ture-sensitive mutation within this ribosomal cluster was identified and designated rts (6). The rts mutation has proved quite useful in the transfer of mutant ribosomal genes from one genetic background to another, and the physical rela-tionship of rts to other genes in the ribosomal cluster at 90 min of the genetic map has been defined (Fig. 1). However, the function or protein product of the rts gene has not been identified. In this report, we conclude that rts is an allele of the coaA gene. Strain ts9 (rts) was severely deficient in pantothenate
Honeycomb-like Nitrogen and Sulfur Dual-Doped Hierarchical Porous Biomass-Derived Carbon for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Honeycomb-like nitrogen and sulfur dual-doped hierarchical porous biomass-derived carbon/sulfur composites (NSHPC/S) are successfully fabricated for high energy density lithium-sulfur batteries. The effects of nitrogen, sulfur dual-doping on the structures and properties of the NSHPC/S composites are investigated in detail by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and charge/discharge tests. The results show that N, S dual-doping not only introduces strong chemical adsorption and provides more active sites but also significantly enhances the electronic conductivity and hydrophilic properties of hierarchical porous biomass-derived carbon, thereby significantly enhancing the utilization of sulfur and immobilizing the notorious polysulfide shuttle effect. Especially, the as-synthesized NSHPC-7/S exhibits high initial discharge capacity of 1204 mA h g-1 at 1.0 C and large reversible capacity of 952 mA h g-1 after 300 cycles at 0.5 C with an ultralow capacity fading rate of 0.08 % per cycle even at high sulfur content (85 wt %) and high active material areal mass loading (2.8 mg cm-2 ) for the application of high energy density Li-S batteries.
Pathway-Dependent Inhibition of Paclitaxel Hydroxylation by Kinase Inhibitors and Assessment of Drug–Drug Interaction Potentials

Paclitaxel is often used in combination with small molecule kinase inhibitors to enhance antitumor efficacy against various malignancies. Because paclitaxel is metabolized by CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, the possibility of drug–drug interactions mediated by enzyme inhibition may exist between the combining agents. In the present study, a total of 12 kinase inhibitors were evaluated for inhibitory potency in human liver microsomes by monitoring the formation of CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 metabolites simultaneously. For reversible inhibition, nilotinib was found to be the most potent inhibitor against both CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, and the inhibition potency could be explained by strong hydrogen binding based on molecular docking simulations and type II binding based on spectral analysis. Comparison of Ki values revealed that the CYP2C8 pathway was more sensitive toward some kinase inhibitors (such as axitinib), while the CYP3A4 pathway was preferentially inhibited by others (such as bosutinib). Pathway-dependent inactivation (time-dependent inhibition) was also observed for a number of kinase inhibitors against CYP3A4 but not CYP2C8. Further studies showed that axitinib had a KI of 0.93 μM and kinact of 0.0137 min−1, and the observed inactivation toward CYP3A4 was probably due to the formation of reactive intermediate(s). Using a static model, a reasonably accurate prediction of drug–drug interactions was achieved by incorporating parallel pathways and hepatic extraction ratio. The present results suggest that potent and pathway-dependent inhibition of CYP2C8 and/or CYP3A4 pathways by kinase inhibitors may alter the ratio of paclitaxel metabolites in vivo, and that such changes can be clinically relevant as differential metabolism has been linked to paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity in cancer patients.
A role for nitric oxide-mediated glandular hypofunction in a non-apoptotic model for Sjogren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To investigate a role for the inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO) in SS, an autoimmune condition characterized by salivary and lacrimal gland hypofunction resulting from failure of acinar cells to secrete. METHODS FURA-2 microfluorimetry was used to measure agonist-evoked changes of [Ca(2+)](i) in isolated mouse and human salivary acinar cells following exposure to NO donors. RESULTS NO had a biphasic effect on salivary acinar function. Acute exposure to NO (2 min) caused a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-dependent, 1-H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-sensitive increase in the Ca(2+) signal elicited in response to acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation, consistent with stimulation of ryanodine receptors by cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose. Prolonged exposure to NO (>40 min) significantly reduced the ACh-evoked Ca(2+) signal by a mechanism independent of cyclic GMP. We found no differences between the responses of human and mouse acinar cells. CONCLUSION Our data show that chronic exposure to NO, which is known to be elevated in SS, could have a role in salivary gland hypofunction. We note a similarity in the response to stimulation of salivary acinar exposed to NO and that which we have previously reported in salivary acinar cells isolated from patients with SS. We speculate that NO-mediated nitrosylation of one or more elements of the signal transduction pathway could underlie down-regulation of salivary function in SS.
Somatic mutations of the trefoil factor family 1 gene in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS There is increasing evidence that trefoil factor family 1 (TFF1) is a stabilizer of the mucous gel overlying the gastrointestinal mucosa that provides a physical barrier against various noxious agents. TFF1 knockout mice developed multiple gastric adenomas and carcinomas, suggesting that TFF1 is a gastric-specific tumor-suppressor gene. METHODS We analyzed the somatic mutations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the TFF1 gene using an intragenic polymorphic marker in 61 gastric tumors. The expression pattern of TFF1 was also examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We detected a total of 8 somatic mutations-1 (5.5%) of 18 adenomas and 7 (16.3%) of 43 carcinomas-that were all missense mutations confined to the loop I and loop II structure of TFF1. We detected LOH in 5 (1 in adenoma and 4 in cancer) of 30 (16.7%) informative gastric tumors with an intragenic polymorphic marker -2 base pairs (bp) upstream of the coding region of the TFF1 gene. Although 2 cases were noninformative, the 7 gastric cancers with mutation seemed to show the loss of the remaining allele except in 1 case, suggesting that TFF1 is a tumor-suppressor gene. We found loss of TFF1 expression in 44.2% of the gastric carcinomas, but there is no correlation between immunoreactivity and genetic alterations of the TFF1 gene. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that genetic alterations of TFF1 may lead to gastric mucosal barrier defects and contribute to the pathogenesis of gastric cancer.
Key management in ad hoc networks using self-certified public key system

As various applications of ad hoc network have been proposed, security issues have become a central concern and are increasingly important. In this paper, we propose a distributed key management approach by using the self-certified public key system and threshold secret sharing schemes. Without any assumption of prefixed trust relationship between nodes, the ad hoc network works in a self-organising way to provide the key generation and key management services using threshold secret sharing schemes, which effectively solves the problem of single point of failure. The using of self-certified public key system has the following advantages: (1) the storage space and the communication overheads can be reduced in that the certificate is unnecessary; (2) the computational costs can be decreased since it requires no public key verification; (3) there is no key escrow problem since the Certificate Authority (CA) does not know the users' private keys. As compared with the previous works, which were implemented with the certificate-based public key system and identity-based (ID-based) public key system, the proposed approach is more secure and efficient.
A novel zero-current-transition three-level DC/DC converter

This paper presents a novel zero-current-transition (ZCT) PWM three-level (TL) DC/DC converter. By adding an auxiliary circuit at the secondary side, not only all the main switches and auxiliary switch can achieve ZCS in the entire load ranges, but also realizes soft communication for the output rectifier diodes. Furthermore, the voltage stress of the main switches at the primary side is just half of the input voltage due to its three-level topology, it is suit for the application of high voltage. Simulation and a 1.5kw, 100kHz prototype are performed to verify the theoretical analysis.
Safety and Efficacy of Dulaglutide, a Once Weekly GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an increasingly common endocrine disorder that is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and tissue compartment abnormalities, including macrovascular and microvascular complications. More than 90% of patients with T2D will be diagnosed and treated in the primary care setting. One of the relatively recent additions to the increasing array of approved antidiabetic medications is the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist class. Mechanisms of action for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists include: 1) stimulation of insulin secretion through β-cells, though only when glucose levels are elevated (hence, minimizing risk for hypoglycemia); 2) blunting of glucagon secretion; 3) increased satiety; and 4) decreased rate of release of gastric contents into the small intestine, thereby reducing glycemic load. Recent T2D treatment guidelines encourage individualization of therapy. Many patients still do not achieve optimal glycemic control. Therefore, other treatment options are important. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed and MEDSCAPE to retrieve abstracts and articles pertinent to topics discussed in this review. Original research articles, reviews, and clinical trial manuscripts were identified based on relevance. Only English language articles were considered. Results: In 3 phase 3 registration trials in patients with T2D, once-weekly dulaglutide demonstrated superior efficacy at the primary endpoint to metformin as monotherapy, to sitagliptin as add-on to metformin, and to exenatide twice daily as add-on to metformin and pioglitazone. The safety profile of dulaglutide in these trials is similar to currently available glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, characterized predominantly by gastrointestinal symptoms (ie, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). Based on these results, once-weekly dulaglutide should be a relevant additional treatment option for the management of T2D.
Motivational climate, goal orientation, perceived sport ability, and enjoyment within Finnish junior ice hockey players

The aim of this study was to investigate the relations among situational motivational climate, dispositional approach and avoidance achievement goals, perceived sport ability, and enjoyment in Finnish male junior ice hockey players. The sample comprised 265 junior B‐level male players with a mean age of 17.03 years (SD = 0.63). Players filled questionnaires tapping their perceptions of coach motivational climate, achievement goals, perceived sport ability, and enjoyment. For the statistical analysis, players were divided into high and low perceived sport ability groups. Multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed an indirect path from task‐involving motivational climate via task‐approach goal to enjoyment. Additionally, SEM demonstrated four other direct associations, which existed in both perceived ability groups: from ego‐involving motivational climate to ego‐approach and ego‐avoidance goals; from ego‐approach goal to ego‐avoidance goal; and from task‐avoidance goal to ego‐avoidance goal. Additionally, in the high perceived sport ability group, there was an association from task‐involving motivational climate to enjoyment. The results of this study reveal that motivational climate emphasizing effort, personal development and improvement, and achievement goal mastering tasks are significant elements of enjoyment in junior ice hockey.
Short-Term Ingestion of a High Protein Diet Increases Liver and Kidney Mass and Protein Accretion but not Cellularity in Young Pigs

Abstract Increased visceral organ mass raises the energy cost of maintenance in animals. To determine the nutritional factors that affect organ size during growth and development, we studied 12 genetically obese 4-week-old pigs for 14 days. The piglets had free access to either a control (17% protein) or a high protein (34%) diet. They were sacrificed after 14 days and their empty gastrointestinal tracts, livers, and kidneys were weighed and samples were analyzed for protein and DNA concentrations. The absolute and relative (percentage of body weight) weights of liver and kidneys were greater in high protein than control piglets: liver (313 vs 246 g, SD = 24, P < 0.09; 3.61% vs 3.18%, SD = 0.04, P < 0.01); kidneys (57 vs 41 g, SD = 4, P < 0.04; 0.66% vs 0.55%, SD = 0.02, P < 0.01). Protein content was greater in high protein than control pigs in both liver (48.2 vs 34.0 g, SD = 3.4, P < 0.03) and kidneys (6.0 vs 4.6 g, SD = 0.5, P < 0.06). Liver and kidney total DNA were unaffected by diet in both groups. The protein to DNA ratio was greater in high protein than control pigs in both liver (45.4 vs 39.0, SD = 0.6, P < 0.01) and kidneys (26.6 vs 24.9, SD = 0.4, P < 0.02). We conclude that when weaned pigs have free access to a high protein diet (2 x requirement) for 2 weeks, liver and kidney protein accretion increases, suggesting cell hypertrophy, with no clear evidence of cell hyperplasia. [P.S. E.B. M. 1993, Vol 203]
The changing characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement in the transcatheter aortic valve implantation era

Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is thought to change the characteristics and outcome of patients with aortic stenosis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). We investigated the difference in clinical characteristics and outcomes of SAVR patients in the TAVI era. Methods Two cohorts of consecutive patients undergoing isolated SAVR for severe tricuspid aortic stenosis, in 4 years before (period-1) and 4 years after (period-2) the introduction of TAVI were analysed. Primary endpoint of 1-year mortality by Cox proportional hazard models was analysed. Secondary endpoints included 1-year, 30-day mortality and adverse perioperative events. Results The study consisted of 207 patients in period-1 and 200 in period-2. Mean age was 74.9 ± 9.6 and 73.5 ± 9.4 years in periods 1 and 2, respectively. Mean EuroSCORE was 11.5 ± 10.3 during period-1 vs. 8.4 ± 7.2 during period-2 (P = 0.001). One-year mortality decreased from 15.5 to 7.5% (P = 0.013). Composite of major adverse perioperative complications dropped from 12.6 to 6% (P = 0.027). EuroSCORE was an independent predictor of 30-day and 1-year mortality in period-1 (P < 0.005 for both) and not in period-2. Chronic pulmonary disease and preoperative atrial fibrillation were also independent predictors of 1-year mortality in period-1 only, although lower haemoglobin predicted mortality in both periods. Conclusion We show a dramatic decrease in 1-year mortality and adverse perioperative events in patients undergoing SAVR for severe aortic stenosis during recent years. This change is likely related to selection of lower-risk patients for AVR in the TAVI era.
Can we measure quality in design and do we need to?

The new usability agenda is driving empirical and experimental studies into a growing range of quality criteria such as engagement, user experience, and aesthetics. Some see this as a positive move to theorise about the nature of good design qualities, and to objectively test such hypotheses on the new usability theme. However, others (e.g. [1], [2]) have argued for interpretation-based inquiry into user engagement and experience on the grounds that such phenomena can only be understood by investigations into contexts of use which defy quantitative approaches. Many in the design community would agree with them and go further to argue that quality in design is a matter of creativity and can not be measured or theorised per se; instead, research should focus on understanding and improving the process of design. This panel will debate the tensions between these positions and explore possible common ground between them as a contribution towards the research agenda that is being debated in the DIS conference series.
Management of nut allergy influences quality of life and anxiety in children and their mothers

Cummings AJ, Knibb RC, Erlewyn‐Lajeunesse M, King RM, Roberts G, Lucas JSA. Management of nut allergy influences quality of life and anxiety in children and their mothers. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 586–594. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Recurrence of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis in a young adult patient after bilateral single-lung transplantation

Background. Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by hemoptysis, diffuse pulmonary infiltration, and anemia. Diagnosis requires a detailed clinical history and transbronchial lung biopsy (TLB). Methods and Results. A 19-year-old man developed progressive dyspnea, hemoptysis, and anemia. The chest x-rays showed bilateral opacities. IPH was diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings and TLB. The patient was treated with corticosteroidal therapy. His respiratory function worsened, and he underwent lung transplantation in 1997. The pathological examination on native lungs confirmed the previous histologic diagnosis. In 2000, the patient again developed hemoptysis, fever, and hypoxemia. A recurrence of the disease was established by TLB. Conclusions. This is the first report of recurring IPH. The possibility of recurrent IPH raises the question whether these patients should be disqualified from lung transplantation. This question is unanswerable because incidence of recurrence, time course, and impact on the graft function are presently unknown and unpredictable.