Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Domain wall profiles in Co/Ir$_n$/Pt(111) ultrathin films: influence of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction

We perform a study of domain walls in Co/Ir$_n$/Pt(111) (n = 0,1,.,6) films by a combined approach of first-principles calculations and spin dynamics simulations. We determine the tensorial exchange interactions and the magnetic anisotropies for the Co overlayer in both FCC and HCP geometries, depending on the number of Ir buffer layers. We find strong ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor isotropic exchange interactions between the Co atoms and an out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy for the films in FCC geometry. Our simulations show that the magnetic domain walls are of N\'eel type, and their rotational sense (chirality) is changed upon the insertion of an Ir buffer layer as compared to the pristine Co/Pt(111) system. Our spin dynamics simulations indicate a twisting of the spins with respect to the planar domain wall profile on the triangular lattice. We discuss this domain wall twisting using symmetry arguments and in terms of an appropriate micromagnetic continuum model considering extra energy terms compared to the available literature.
Chromosomal similarities and differences among three sibling species of the Acalles echinatus group (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Cryptorhynchinae)

In order to clarify the taxonomic position of three sibling species of weevils from the Acalles echinatus group, A. echinatus, A. fallax and A. petryszaki, cytogenetic relationships are investigated by studying the mitotic and meiotic chromosomes, including the localisation of heterochromatin by C-banding, as well as the localisation of NORs by silver impregnation. These sources of data are congruent and strongly support that the examined species are closely related. All examined species are characterised by a karyotype of the same chromosome number and sex determination system but with different morphology of chromosomes. All the analysed features, such as the centromeric index, relative length, Cbands and NORs, show that the structure of the karyotype of A. echinatus is more similar to that of A. petryszaki, whereas the karyotype of A. fallax is divergent. The higher chromosome number (2n = 30) in relation to the modal formula in Curculionidae (2n = 22) suggests that karyotype evolution in these species could have occurred by centric fissions of metacentric elements leading to acrocentry.
The correlation of plasma microRNA-200 family expressions with risk and disease severity of lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether plasma microRNA-200 family expressions could serve as diagnostic biomarkers in patients with lupus nephritis (LN), and their association with disease severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS 101 adult LN patients and 100 adult health volunteers were recruited in our study. A blood sample was obtained from all participants, and total RNA was extracted from plasma. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the relative expression of microRNA (miRNA). SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score was calculated to evaluate the overall disease severity. RESULTS Plasma miR-200b-5p, miR-141-5p, and miR-200c-5p expressions were decreased in LN patients compared to that in health controls (HCs). Multivariate logistic regression model revealed that plasma miR-200b-5p, miR-141-5p, and miR-200c-5p expressions were independent protective factors for predicting LN states. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of miR-200b-5p, miR-141-5p, and miR-200c-5p, and they revealed good diagnostic value with the area under curve (AUC) of 0.748, 0.748, 0.723, respectively. When miR-200b-5p, miR-141-5p, and miR-200c-5p are combined each other, the AUC increased to 0.936, suggesting a great diagnostic value of LN. Also, plasma miR-141-5p was observed to be negatively associated with serum creatinine and SLEDAI score, and the inverse correlations were found of miR-200c-5p with SLEDAI score, as well as miR-200b-3p with proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS Circulating miR-200b-5p, miR-141-5p, and miR-200c-5p expressions could be served as novel and convincing diagnostic biomarkers for LN.
Exploring the biogeophysical limits of global food production under different climate change scenarios

Abstract. An adapted Earth system model is used to investigate the limitations that future climate and water availability impose on the potential expansion and productivity of croplands. The model maximizes the cropland area under prevailing climate conditions and accounts for an optimized, sustainable irrigation practice, thus allowing us to consider the two-way feedback between climate and agriculture. For three greenhouse gas concentration scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5), we show that the total cropland area could be extended substantially throughout the 21st century, especially in South America and sub-Saharan Africa, where the rising water demand resulting from increasing temperatures can largely be met by increasing precipitation and irrigation rates. When accounting for the CO 2 fertilization effect, only a few agricultural areas have to be abandoned owing to declines in productivity, while increasing temperatures allow for the expansion of croplands even into high northern latitudes. Without the CO 2 fertilization effect there is no increase in the overall cropland fraction during the second half of the century but areal losses in increasingly water-stressed regions can be compensated for by an expansion in regions that were previously too cold. However, global yields are more sensitive and, without the benefits of CO 2 fertilization, they may decrease when greenhouse gas concentrations exceed the RCP4.5 scenario. For certain regions the situation is even more concerning and guaranteeing food security in dry areas in Northern Africa, the Middle East and South Asia will become increasingly difficult, even for the idealized scenarios investigated in this study.
Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament of the Lumbar Spine: A Case Series

BACKGROUND:Reports on ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the lumbar spine have so far been limited. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate surgically documented cases of lumbar OPLL at our facility to clarify its characteristics and analyze clinical outcomes. METHODS:During the past 27 years, 6192 patients underwent operations for degenerative lumbar spine diseases. Of these, we selected surgically treated lumbar OPLL patients from our database to analyze the clinical and radiological disease characteristics. Surgical results were classified according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale. RESULTS:Only 10 patients underwent surgery for lumbar OPLL: 6 men and 4 women (mean age 44.1 years). Among these, OPLL developed in 4 patients at multiple vertebral body levels and in 6 at a single level. Coexisting lumbar disc herniation was observed in 4 patients. Although the rate of maximum canal stenosis brought about by OPLL was relatively high (mean 45.1%), unilateral radicular symptoms were the most frequently observed, and only 2 patients exhibited typical lumbar claudication caused by the canal stenosis. Two patients underwent surgery via an anterior approach and 8 via a posterior approach. The mean preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score was 7.9, which improved to 17.8 postoperatively. No neurological deterioration caused by surgery was observed in any case. CONCLUSION:Although the frequency of lumbar OPLL requiring surgical treatment was remarkably low, its clinical condition varies greatly among patients depending on the localization and degree of ossification. To achieve a better surgical outcome, precise diagnosis with computed tomography and an appropriate surgical approach are important.
A Modified Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network Model Based on Genetic Algorithm to Predict the Flow Behavior of 5754 Aluminum Alloy

In order to predict flow behavior and find the optimum hot working processing parameters for 5754 aluminum alloy, the experimental flow stress data obtained from the isothermal hot compression tests on a Gleeble-3500 thermo-simulation apparatus, with different strain rates (0.1–10 s–1) and temperatures (300–500 °C), were used to construct the constitutive models of the strain-compensation Arrhenius (SA) and back propagation (BP) artificial neural network (ANN). In addition, an optimized BP–ANN model based on the genetic algorithm (GA) was established. Furthermore, the predictability of the three models was evaluated by the statistical indicators, including the correlation coefficient (R) and average absolute relative error (AARE). The results showed that the R of the SA model, BP–ANN model, and ANN–GA model were 0.9918, 0.9929, and 0.9999, respectively, while the AARE of these models was found to be 3.2499–5.6774%, 0.0567–5.4436% and 0.0232–1.0485%, respectively. The prediction error of the SA model was high at 400 °C. It was more accurate to use the BP–ANN model to determine the flow behavior compared to the SA model. However, the BP–ANN model had more instability at 300 °C and a true strain in the range of 0.4–0.6. When compared with the SA model and BP–ANN model, the ANN–GA model had a more efficient and more accurate prediction ability during the whole deformation process. Furthermore, the dynamic softening characteristic was analyzed by the flow curves. All curves showed that 5754 aluminum alloy showed the typical rheological characteristics. The flow stress rose rapidly with increasing strain until it reached a peak. After this, the flow stress remained constant, which demonstrates a steady flow softening phenomenon. Besides, the flow stress and the required variables to reach the steady state deformation increased with increasing strain rate and decreasing temperature.
Differences over 12 Years in Food Portion Size and Association with Excess Body Weight in the City of São Paulo, Brazil

Although changes in Brazilian diet have occurred over the last decades, there is no evidence about differences in food portion sizes (FPS) over time. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association of FPS with excess body weight (EBW), and to monitor differences in the population from São Paulo, Brazil, from 2003 to 2015. Data came from three cross-sectional population-based studies with 5270 individuals aged ≥12 years in 2003, 2008, and 2015. Dietary data were obtained from 24-h recalls. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between FPS and EBW. Over the years, there was a diverse variation in FPS, with an increase in some groups (white meat, salted snacks, coffee/tea, eggs) and decrease in others (rice, red meat, sweets, pasta, sandwiches, cold cuts). The percentage of people reporting the intake of six food groupings (rice, white meat, sweets, fruits, commercial juices, toasts/biscuits) increased in the period. In this population, EBW was associated with larger FPS of 11 of the 30 food groupings investigated (cold cuts, fried snacks, fruit and commercial juices, pizza, red meat, rice, salted snacks, soft drinks, soups, sugar). These findings could support future interventions and policies for optimal food intake in Brazil.
Injectable Nanocurcumin-Formulated Chitosan-g-Pluronic Hydrogel Exhibiting a Great Potential for Burn Treatment

Burn wound healing is a complex multifactorial process that relies on coordinated signaling molecules to succeed. Curcumin is believed to be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent; therefore, it can prevent the prolonged presence of oxygen free radicals which is a significant factor causing inhabitation of optimum healing process. This study describes an extension of study about the biofunctional nanocomposite hydrogel platform that was prepared by using curcumin and an amphiphilic chitosan-g-pluronic copolymer specialized in burn wound healing application. This formular (nCur-CP, nanocomposite hydrogel) was a free-flowing sol at ambient temperature and instantly converted into a nonflowing gel at body temperature. In addition, the storage study determined the great stability level of nCur-CP in long time using UV-Vis and DLS. Morphology and distribution of nCur in its nanocomposite hydrogels were observed by SEM and TEM, respectively. In vitro studies suggested that nCur-CP exhibited well fibroblast proliferation and ability in antimicrobacteria. Furthermore, second- and third-degree burn wound models were employed to evaluate the in vivo wound healing activity of the nCur-CP. In the second-degree wound model, the nanocomposite hydrogel group showed a higher regenerated collagen density and thicker epidermis layer formation. In third degree, the nCur-CP group also exhibited enhancement of wound closure. Besides, in both models, the nanocomposite material-treated groups showed higher collagen content, better granulation, and higher wound maturity. Histopathologic examination also implied that the nanocomposite hydrogel based on nanocurcumin and chitosan could enhance burn wound repair. In conclusion, the biocompatible and injectable nanocomposite scaffold might have great potential to apply for wound healing.
Role of eosinophils in airway inflammation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COPD is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In some patients with COPD, eosinophils contribute to inflammation that promotes airway obstruction; approximately a third of stable COPD patients have evidence of eosinophilic inflammation. Although the eosinophil threshold associated with clinical relevance in patients with COPD is currently subject to debate, eosinophil counts hold potential as biomarkers to guide therapy. In particular, eosinophil counts may be useful in assessing which patients may benefit from inhaled corticosteroid therapy, particularly regarding exacerbation prevention. In addition, several therapies targeting eosinophilic inflammation are available or in development, including monoclonal antibodies targeting the IL5 ligand, the IL5 receptor, IL4, and IL13. The goal of this review was to describe the biologic characteristics of eosinophils, their role in COPD during exacerbations and stable disease, and their use as biomarkers to aid treatment decisions. We also propose an algorithm for inhaled corticosteroid use, taking into consideration eosinophil counts and pneumonia history, and emerging eosinophil-targeted therapies in COPD.
Carbon assimilation and transfer through kelp forests in the NE Atlantic is diminished under a warmer ocean climate

Global climate change is affecting carbon cycling by driving changes in primary productivity and rates of carbon fixation, release and storage within Earth's vegetated systems. There is, however, limited understanding of how carbon flow between donor and recipient habitats will respond to climatic changes. Macroalgal‐dominated habitats, such as kelp forests, are gaining recognition as important carbon donors within coastal carbon cycles, yet rates of carbon assimilation and transfer through these habitats are poorly resolved. Here, we investigated the likely impacts of ocean warming on coastal carbon cycling by quantifying rates of carbon assimilation and transfer in Laminaria hyperborea kelp forests—one of the most extensive coastal vegetated habitat types in the NE Atlantic—along a latitudinal temperature gradient. Kelp forests within warm climatic regimes assimilated, on average, more than three times less carbon and donated less than half the amount of particulate carbon compared to those from cold regimes. These patterns were not related to variability in other environmental parameters. Across their wider geographical distribution, plants exhibited reduced sizes toward their warm‐water equatorward range edge, further suggesting that carbon flow is reduced under warmer climates. Overall, we estimated that Laminaria hyperborea forests stored ~11.49 Tg C in living biomass and released particulate carbon at a rate of ~5.71 Tg C year−1. This estimated flow of carbon was markedly higher than reported values for most other marine and terrestrial vegetated habitat types in Europe. Together, our observations suggest that continued warming will diminish the amount of carbon that is assimilated and transported through temperate kelp forests in NE Atlantic, with potential consequences for the coastal carbon cycle. Our findings underline the need to consider climate‐driven changes in the capacity of ecosystems to fix and donate carbon when assessing the impacts of climate change on carbon cycling.
Crushing of dolutegravir fixed-dose combination tablets increases dolutegravir exposure

Background If HIV patients are unconscious or cannot swallow tablets for other reasons, antiretroviral medication is crushed and dissolved prior to administration. Crushing can alter drug exposure, possibly leading to treatment failure, development of resistance or toxicity. Currently, there is no information about crushing of the branded fixed-dose combination of dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (Triumeq®, referred to as TRI); therefore, crushing of TRI is not recommended. Objectives To investigate whether the TRI fixed-dose combination tablet can be crushed and combined with enteral nutrition without influencing pharmacokinetics (PK). Methods We carried out an open-label, three-period, randomized, single-dose, crossover trial in 22 healthy adult volunteers. Subjects randomly received whole-tablet TRI with fasting (reference), crushed and suspended TRI with fasting or crushed and suspended TRI with oral intake of enteral nutrition. Bioequivalence criteria (80%-125% acceptance range) of AUC0-∞ and Cmax were used. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02569346. Results Crushing TRI leads to higher dolutegravir exposure (AUC0-∞: +26% and Cmax: +30%) and, if crushed TRI is combined with enteral nutrition, to a decrease in abacavir Cmax (-17%). Lamivudine concentrations were not affected as geometric mean ratios with 90% CIs fell within the 80%-125% range. Conclusions Bioequivalence could not be demonstrated for a crushed and suspended tablet or a crushed and suspended tablet with oral intake of enteral nutrition compared with whole-tablet TRI with fasting. Both scenarios led to higher dolutegravir exposure, but this did not exceed exposure after intake with food or in twice-daily dosing. In our opinion, TRI can be crushed for patients with swallowing difficulties and can be simultaneously administered with enteral nutrition.
Implicit Bias of Gradient Descent on Linear Convolutional Networks

We show that gradient descent on full-width linear convolutional networks of depth $L$ converges to a linear predictor related to the $\ell_{2/L}$ bridge penalty in the frequency domain. This is in contrast to linearly fully connected networks, where gradient descent converges to the hard margin linear support vector machine solution, regardless of depth.
A DDoS Attack Detection and Mitigation With Software-Defined Internet of Things Framework

With the spread of Internet of Things’ (IoT) applications, security has become extremely important. A recent distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack revealed the ubiquity of vulnerabilities in IoT, and many IoT devices unwittingly contributed to the DDoS attack. The emerging software-defined anything (SDx) paradigm provides a way to safely manage IoT devices. In this paper, we first present a general framework for software-defined Internet of Things (SD-IoT) based on the SDx paradigm. The proposed framework consists of a controller pool containing SD-IoT controllers, SD-IoT switches integrated with an IoT gateway, and IoT devices. We then propose an algorithm for detecting and mitigating DDoS attacks using the proposed SD-IoT framework, and in the proposed algorithm, the cosine similarity of the vectors of the packet-in message rate at boundary SD-IoT switch ports is used to determine whether DDoS attacks occur in the IoT. Finally, experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has good performance, and the proposed framework adapts to strengthen the security of the IoT with heterogeneous and vulnerable devices.
Laser ablation of copper in different background gases: comparative study by numerical modeling and experiments

A comprehensive model was developed to describe laser ablation of metals (Cu) with expansion in different background gases, i.e., He, Ne, Ar, Kr and N2. The effect of the background gas on the target heating, melting and vaporization, and on the plume expansion dynamics and plasma formation and plasma shielding, is investigated. It is found that the heavier background gases result in a slower expansion, or more confinement, of the vapour plume. Although background gases with a lower ionization potential exhibit a higher ionization degree in the plasma, this effect is of minor importance compared with the ionization of the vapour plume. Hence, the model predicts that the background gas has no significant influence on the plume temperature and electron density in the early stage of laser ablation (100 ns). Moreover, because laser absorption in the plasma mainly takes place in the vapour plume, plasma shielding is only slightly affected by the background gas. Nevertheless, the effect is large enough to yield some differences in the target evaporation depths, which are calculated to be slightly deeper for He than for Ne, Ar and Kr. These calculation results are in reasonable agreement with crater depths measured in the case of the different background gases.
Differential Resting-State Connectivity Patterns of the Right Anterior and Posterior Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortices (DLPFC) in Schizophrenia

In schizophrenia (SCZ), dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been linked to the deficits in executive functions and attention. It has been suggested that, instead of considering the right DLPFC as a cohesive functional entity, it can be divided into two parts (anterior and posterior) based on its whole-brain connectivity patterns. Given these two subregions' differential association with cognitive processes, we investigated the functional connectivity (FC) profile of both subregions through resting-state data to determine whether they are differentially affected in SCZ. Resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained from 120 patients and 172 healthy controls (HC) at 6 different MRI sites. The results showed differential FC patterns for the anterior and posterior parts of the right executive control-related DLPFC in SCZ with the parietal, the temporal and the cerebellar regions, along with a convergent reduction of connectivity with the striatum and the occipital cortex. An increased psychopathology level was linked to a higher difference in posterior vs. anterior FC for the left IFG/anterior insula, regions involved in higher-order cognitive processes. In sum, the current analysis demonstrated that even between two neighboring clusters connectivity could be differentially disrupted in SCZ. Lacking the necessary anatomical specificity, such notions may in fact be detrimental to a proper understanding of SCZ pathophysiology.