Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Particle size reduction of RDX by sequential application of solvent–antisolvent recrystallization and mechanical methods

ABSTRACT Solvent–antisolvent recrystallization produced ~8 µm average size RDX particles (UF-RDX) that were subsequently subjected to mechanical methods of ultrasonication and ball-milling to find further achievable reduction in particle size. Long duration ultrasonication for 20 h and 300 rpm ball milling for 4 h of UF-RDX decreased its average particle size to ~2 µm. RDX produced by all the three processes (solvent–antisolvent recrystallization, ultrasonication and ball-milling) was similar to coarser RDX in structure and thermal decomposition behavior. However, UF-RDX produced by solvent–antisolvent recrystallization was significantly less impact sensitive than that produced by ball-milling and ultrasonication. The issues of residual solvent and the metal contamination during RDX processing were addressed by process parameter optimization. Solvent–antisolvent recrystallization and mechanical methods even when used sequentially could not bring average particle size of RDX to nano-scale.
Reproductive and developmental alterations in Biomphalaria alexandrina snails exposed to three phenolic compounds

ABSTRACT The present work aims to assess the reprotoxicity in Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and developmental and hatchability alterations of their eggs after exposure to three phenolic compounds, viz., salicylic acid, benzoic acid and pyrogallol. The half lethal concentrations (LC50) of the three tested compounds were 574, 674 and 350 mg L−1, respectively after 24 h. The tested concentrations of all compounds showed a harmful effect on development and hatchability of eggs regardless of the age of embryos. Exposure of snails to sub-lethal concentrations of salicylic acid resulted in a significant reduction in their survival rate, and ½ LC50 of both benzoic acid and pyrogallol led to a sudden death of snails after the 1st week of the experiment. Therefore, the egg laying capacity showed a noticeable impairment throughout the whole experimental period. Moreover, the hermaphrodite glands of treated snails have mirrored the deleterious effects that occurred in the total reproductive rate.
Pricing uncertainty in wine markets following the Rudy Kurniawan scandal

ABSTRACT This paper examines the impact of the Rudy Kurniawan fraudulent wine scandal on the market for wine sold at auction. Using data gathered from Wine Spectator’s Auction Highlights reports, we estimate the difference in average price per lot of wine sold at auctions before and after Mr Kurniawan’s arrest. We find a large statistically significant decrease (25–30%) in average price per lot following the arrest, with some evidence of even larger declines at Acker Merrall and Condit, the auction house most associated with the scandal.
A study on the antimicrobial activity of metal oxide nanoparticles obtained by the method of “green” synthesis

Increasing tolerance of microorganism strains to a range of antibiotics in biomedical practices has led to the need to study preparations from other classes, such as nanoparticles of metals (NPM). Biosynthesized particles with more selective and more distinct activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive strains are especially promising from this point of view. Therefore, it is quite topical to conduct a comparative study on the antimicrobial activity of nanomaterials synthesized biologically. There were synthesized nanopowders of metal oxides Co3O4 (from 20 to 100 nm) and CeO2 (from 14 nm to 500 nm) in the aqueous extract of Petroselinum crispum leaves. The microbiological test of the recombinant strain based on cells of S. typhimurium showed the most pronounced toxic effects were revealed for CeO2, which resulted in fewer cells of the test strain and lack of growth. Nanoparticles of Co3O4 found a moderate antimicrobial action.
Nutritional value of vegetable Amaranthus tricolor L. seedlings grown in Moscow region

The use of amperometric express method made it possible to measure quickly and evaluate content of waterand alcohol-soluble antioxidants in extracts from Amaranthus tricolor L. plants. Accumulation of low molecular weight antioxidants: ascorbic acid, beta-cyanine (amaranthine) and the total content of antioxidants in various organs of Valentina amaranth seedlings were studied. The maximum amount of low molecular weight antioxidants accumulates in leaves, compared with roots and stems of seedlings grown in open and protected ground. In open ground conditions, amaranth leaves and stems have 1.5-fold and 2-fold increased level of ascorbic acid than seedlings grown in protected ground. But the total content of water-soluble antioxidants in leaves and roots of seedlings is lower compared to seedlings of protected ground. Minimum amount of antioxidants was found in alcohol extracts of stems and roots in open ground, while the total content of antioxidants in stems and roots was 1.6 fold higher in seedlings grown in protected soil. The content of amaranthine is comparable in the studied organs of amaranth seedlings of both cultivation variants. The data obtained allow to recommend use of leaves and stems of amaranth seedlings grown in open and protected ground (early spring and autumn), as a preventive antioxidant dietary product.
Two‐Dimensional GeP‐Based Broad‐Band Optical Switches and Photodetectors

Germanium phosphide (GeP), a typical 2D group IV–V semiconductor, has attracted significant attention due to the advantages of higher thermodynamic stability than black phosphorus (BP), widely tunable bandgap, high carrier mobility, and in‐plane anisotropy. However, its photonic and optoelectronic properties have not been extensively explored so far. Herein, large size and high‐quality GeP single bulk crystal is successfully grown by flux method and stripped into 2D nanosheets with liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) and spin‐coating methods. The broad‐band photonic and optoelectronic properties of 2D GeP nanosheets are systematically investigated. First principles calculations are performed to verify its widely tunable bandgap from 0.43 eV for bulk to 1.58 eV for monolayer. The ultrafast carrier dynamic and non‐linear optical responses are investigated by non‐degenerated pump‐probe and open‐aperture Z‐scan methods, and the results indicate that 2D GeP nanosheets can present excellent broad‐band saturable absorption properties. Furthermore, the 2D GeP nanosheets‐based broad‐band saturable absorbers (SAs) and photodetectors are demonstrated. The results indicate that 2D GeP nanosheets can be used as excellent broad‐band optical modulators and detectors, which will arouse a considerable interest in exploring novel group IV–V 2D materials for broad‐band photonic and optoelectronic applications.
Stressful Life Events Among New Nurses: Implications for Retaining New Graduates*

Studies of factors that improve job satisfaction and therefore enhance the retention of nurses have focused on workplace environment. The literature on retention and turnover includes assessments of job stress, work satisfaction, group cohesion, weekend overtime, nurse-physician collaboration, nursing leadership, management support for nursing, and staffing levels.1–4 However, some evidence exists that the greatest sources of stress, certainly an important factor in turnover, originate in personal experiences. A better understanding of personal stressors among new nurses may help nurse managers develop more effective retention strategies. Research indicates that about half of the general population suffers traumatic experiences and 25% to 46% may have had more than one traumatic experience.5–7 In the first year of their nursing career, 47% of 183 nurses reported that unspecified personal stressors were related to a lack of confidence and discomfort. The next highest stressor these nurses identified (35%) was working with a dying patient.8 Like others with a history of trauma, new nurses may be vulnerable to the effects of additional stressors. Nurses with a history of childhood or adult violence may be at increased risk for experiencing workplace violence.9,10
Short Update on C-Peptide and its Clinical Value

C-Peptide (“connecting” peptide – molecular formula C112H179N35O46) is a peptide made of 31 aminoacids, making the bond between A and B chains of insulin from the pro-insulin molecule. Pro-insulin is the precursor of the insulin that is synthesized in the beta-pancreatic cells. After its discovery in 1967 by Steiner et al, together with the discovery of insulin biosynthesis, C-peptide seemed to bring new benefits, having similar effects as those of insulin. Unfortunately, the subsequent studies have classified C-peptide as a biologically inactive peptide. After the ‘90s, however, both studies on animals and those on human subjects with type 1 diabetes where C-peptide had been administered showed that it played important biological parts in improving kidney function and nerve conduction velocity, as well as in increasing blood flow in muscles, skin, kidneys, thus being seen as a possible treatment for chronic complications of type 1 diabetes. Although for a long time C-peptide has been considered to be an inert biological product, recent research has emphasized its active biological function. C-peptide bonds to the membrane of certain types of cells (neuronal, endothelial, renal tubular cells, fibroblasts) through a surface receptor coupled with a G protein, and it determines multiple effects at the cellular level: it improves the quality of red cells, generating a better oxygenation of tissues; it has a vasodilator effect for muscles, skin, kidneys; it generates blood flow increase in skeletal muscles and at the skin level; it decreases glomerular hyper-filtering; it reduces albumin urinary excretion; it improves the function and structure of nerves in patients with type 1 diabetes and C-peptide deficiency, but not in healthy subjects. Therefore, C-peptide could have a therapeutic potential in preventing some of the late complications of diabetes mellitus.
Intravesical gentamicin treatment of recurrent Escherichia coli urinary tract infections in a patient with multiple antibiotic allergies

We report the case of an 81-year-old female with a longstanding history of recurrent urinary tract infections with Escherichia coli. The patient had adverse reactions to a number of antibiotics, making management very challenging. Following a review of the world literature and consultation with our department of microbiology, the patient was commenced on a one-week course of intravesical gentamicin. Following treatment, her symptoms abated, with negative urine cultures, and no adverse effects. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, leading to almost 7 million medical consultations in the United States annually.1 Recurrent UTIs can be defined as two UTIs in the last six months or three UTIs within the preceding 12 months.2 The chief pathogen causing recurrent UTIs in women is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is responsible for approximately 80% of all episodes of infection.3 Furthermore, when E. coli is the cause of the initial UTI, there is a higher risk of re-infection within the first six months.4 The predilection of E. coli in causing UTIs may be associated with the ability of uropathogenic E. coli to build intracellular bacterial communities in the urinary tract, thereby allowing to them evade host defence mechanisms.5 With regards to medical co-morbidities, diabetes mellitus has been shown to increase the risk of recurrent UTIs.6 In the case of multi-drug-resistant UTIs, effective treatment can be challenging. One potential management option can be intravesical antibiotic treatment. There is evidence (Supplementary Table 2) that intravesical gentamicin can be used to manage recurrent UTIs with multi-resistant E. coli.7–10 Work by van Nieuwkoop et al.7 demonstrated that following intravesical gentamicin management of two females suffering with recurrent UTIs, the patients were asymptomatic on follow-up, with negative cultures, and no side effects. We present the case of a patient with a history of recurrent E. coli UTIs and adverse reactions to a number of antibiotics, who was successfully managed with intravesical gentamicin.
Identification of defect species in ZnO thin films through process modification and monitoring of photoluminescent properties

Photoluminescence (PL) from defect-rich ZnO thin films was investigated in relation to transparent conductive properties. By varying the sputter deposition and post-treatment conditions, the correlation between deep-level luminescence and changes in the optical and electrical properties was examined, and the defects that were the origin of the donors and acceptors were identified. Slightly oxygen-deficient and transparent conductive films deposited on glass substrates without a supply of oxygen source gas had a resistivity of 3 × 10−3 Ω cm; these films exhibited only band edge emissions peaking at 380 nm in the PL spectra. Abundant defects were introduced through postannealing in an H2 atmosphere at 300−400 °C. The permeating H2 reacted with the O and Zn atoms constituting the crystal network, and the resulting PL spectra exhibited a continuous defect-emission band ranging from violet to red. The spectra included transitions of the conduction band (CB) → zinc vacancies (VZn) (400 nm), zinc interstitials (Zni) → valence band (VB) (440 nm), CB → oxygen vacancies (VO) (560 nm), and CB → oxygen interstitials (Oi) (620 nm). Similar PL spectra from disordered crystals were obtained by sputter deposition at 300 and 400 °C under a reducing atmosphere. The films deposited on the sapphire substrate above 300 °C were nonemissive because they were strongly oxygen deficient compared to those on the glass substrate. When the films on sapphire were postannealed, only emissions from the CB → VO transition appeared. Thus, VO is the primary defect in films on sapphire, whereas every type of intrinsic defect (Zni, Oi, VO, and VZn) builds up in ZnO films on glass. Electronically excited modifications induced by argon plasma irradiation were investigated in order to discriminate the influence from that of thermal processes. After prolonged plasma exposure, emissions corresponding to CB → VO (540 nm) and Zni → VB (420−470 nm) transitions predominated as a result of preferential sputtering of oxygen atoms. The improvement in electric conduction by the plasma treatment is attributed to hydrogen atoms trapped at newly created VO sites.
Datapoints: psychotropic drug utilization among elderly nursing home residents in the United States.

655 P drug use has been a concern because of extensive misuse of these agents in nursing homes. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 made a significant impact on the use and monitoring of psychotropic agents in nursing homes (1). However, limited recent data exist regarding overall psychotropic drug use patterns in nursing homes. The objective of this national study was to examine overall psychotropic drug use patterns among elderly nursing home residents. This study involved a cross-sectional analysis of the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (NNHS), a nationally representative sample survey that includes detailed prescription utilization data of medications administered in the 24 hours before the interview and those taken by the residents on a regular basis for the past month (2). The study sample included elderly nursing home residents aged 65 years or older. Descriptive weighted analysis, including 95% confidence intervals (CIs), was used to examine prevalence patterns of psychotropic use. According to the 2004 NNHS, an estimated . 83 million (CI=.82–.85) elderly nursing home residents received at least one psychotropic medication, for an overall prevalence of 63.2% (CI= 62.2%–64.2%). As reported in Figure 1, antidepressant agents were the most prescribed psychotropic class (46.2% of all elderly nursing home residents), followed by antipsychotics (24.8%) and anxiolytics (12.6%). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most commonly prescribed antidepressant agents (31.1% of residents). Second-generation antipsychotic agents were used by 23.5% of residents. With respect to anxiolytics and sedatives, short-acting benzodiazepines were the most highly prescribed agents (8.1% of residents). Long-acting benzodiazepines were given to 3.4% of residents. The study found that nearly twothirds of elderly nursing home resiPsychotropic Drug Utilization Among Elderly Nursing Home Residents in the United States
SP3-76 Incidence and persistence of obesity in Brazilian adults from body mass index at end of adolescence

Introduction The prevalence of obesity has increased among adults living in developed or developing countries. In Brazil, obesity among adults reached at least 10% of population in 2008–2009. This study estimates the incidence and persistence of overweight or obesity in adults according to nutritional status at end of adolescence. Methods Former and present self-reported anthropometric data come from VIGITEL 2006 to 2009 (acronym in Portuguese for System of Health Surveillance by Phone) and include 61 985 cases from individuals aged 21 to 39 years. Nutritional status was classified according to WHO systems. The RR for obesity was calculated according to level of education. Results For individual with normal BMI at 20 years incidence of overweight is 40% among male and 30% among female. For individuals with pre-obese BMI at 20 years the incidence of obesity is 5.4 higher among male and 4.7 higher among females than that for normal BMI at 20 years. Persistence of overweight is estimated in 91% of males and 81% of females. For individuals with pre-obese BMI at 20 years the incidence of obesity is 5.4 higher for males and 4.7 higher for females than that for normal BMI at 20 years. Persistence of obesity from 20 years to present is about 60% among males and 49% among females. RR of present obesity among college degree vs <4 years of school education, both with normal BMI at 20 years, is 0.56 for males and 0.26 for females. Conclusion Higher level of education is associated with a lower incidence and persistence of obesity among adults, especially among females.
Key Organic Acids in Indigenous Plants in Thailand

Organic acids had various health benefits such as citric acid can inhibit stone formation and break up beginning of small kidney stone. On the other hand, some organic acid showed negative health effects such as oxalic acid acts as anti-nutrients and can cause kidney stone. Most of Thai indigenous plants had sour taste; however general people believed that sour taste of plants could contain high ascorbic acid. In addition, there is limit report of organic acids and ascorbic acid in Thai indigenous plants. This study determined organic acids, ascorbic acid, pH, and total acidity in indigenous plants. Forty samples of 29 types of indigenous plants were analyzed. Results showed that young leaves of Cratoxylum formosum found the highest succinic acid (2454 ± 91 mg/100g fresh weight, FW) and high ascorbic acid (142 ± 35 mg/100g FW). Fruits of Antidesma ghaesembilla had high citric acid levels (5161 ± 109 mg/100g FW) but contained very low ascorbic acid (2 mg/100g FW). The sum of organic acids had significant and inverse correlations with pH (r = -0.680) and positive with total acidity (r = 0.672) but was not significantly correlated for ascorbic acid (r = 0.536). The sour taste of plants could derive from the sum of organic, citric, and formic acids, but not other organic and ascorbic acids. Against traditional belief, plants having a strong sour taste may not contain significantly high amounts of ascorbic acid.
A comparative study on the degradation behaviors of overcharged lithium‐ion batteries under different ambient temperatures

In the current work, a series of experiments are carried out to investigate the degradation behavior of lithium‐ion batteries during overcharge cycling, as well as the influence of ambient temperature on the degradation. In which, different charge cut‐off voltages (4.5, 4.8, and 5.0 V) and ambient temperatures (0°C, 20°C, 50°C, and 70 °C) are included. During the overcharge process, the batteries demonstrate severe temperature rises, and several key electrochemical parameters such as the charge capacity, energy density, median voltage, and resistances all increase, revealing the deterioration of heat generation and electrode kinetics. Besides that, batteries exhibit serious degradation behavior during the overcharge cycling, which is presented through the evolution of battery temperature curves, charge voltage curves, and internal resistance curves. Moreover, the severity of degradation exacerbates with the increasing overcharge degree. Finally, it is found that deep‐overcharged batteries may be more sensitive to the ambient temperature than slight‐overcharged ones, where an abusive temperature can significantly aggravate the corresponding degradation.
Holey graphene: an emerging versatile material

Holey graphene, also known as perforated graphene is formed by generating in-plane holes in basal planes of graphene based materials. By exploiting the combined advantages of holes and graphene, holey graphene based materials have attracted significant interest due to their exceptional properties such as high electrical conductivity and high surface area. These remarkable properties have enabled holey graphene based materials to outperform its pristine form (graphene) and demonstrate their applicability in versatile fields including electrical energy storage (supercapacitors and Li-ion, Li–air, Li–S and Na-ion batteries), energy conversion (electro-water splitting and dye-sensitized solar cells), water desalination, bioseparation, fuel cells, gas sensors, and hydrogen storage and dye degradation systems. As a consequence, it is important to uncover the prime properties and the related potential industrial implications of holey graphene based materials for the development of further research. Hence, in the review, the properties of emerging holey graphene-based materials and various applications including principles, design, fabrication, and engineering aspects are discussed in detail. The recent advances in the state-of-the-art hole generation methods for graphene-based materials along with their working mechanisms, associated issues/solutions, and possible future are discussed. Additionally, the review is aimed at providing critical views on the current status and prospects and generating novel ideas for the development of holey graphene-based materials as a formidable candidate for versatile applications.
Social Determinants of Diabetes Self-Management, and Diabetes Health Care Utilization in African American and Latino Men with Type 2 Diabetes.

vi Chapter 1: Introduction.1 Chapter 2: Differences in Predictors of Diabetes Self-Management and Health Care Use in Latinos and African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes.21 Chapter 3: “We Can Take Care of Ourselves”: Defining Gender Identity and Its Influence on Health Behavior Among African American and Latino Men with Type 2 diabetes.56 Chapter 4: Social Support and Integration as a Mechanism for Better Understanding the Relationship Between Race and Health Care Utilization Among Men.90 Chapter 5: Conclusion.122