Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Luminescence of argon in a spatially stabilized mono-filamentary dielectric barrier micro-discharge: spectroscopic and kinetic analysis

The experimental work reported here is devoted to the temporal behaviour of a mono-filamentary dielectric barrier discharge in pure argon, from 100 to 700 Torr. A sinusoidal voltage supply is used, its frequency ranging from 10 to 90 kHz. An anode avalanche followed by a cathode streamer as well as the spatial stability of the micro-discharge is clearly seen in successive 3-ns snapshots in the visible range. Near the cathode, its diameter is about 0.2 mm, at 400 Torr. The electrical characteristics of the discharge are also evaluated, in particular the breakdown voltage and the energy deposited in the micro-discharge. The light output in the vacuum ultraviolet range is essentially due to the second continuum of argon, centred at 130 nm. The kinetic study of this continuum shows that primary excitation of the lowest argon atomic 4s and 4s' states is practically achieved after 120 ns since beyond that time the luminescence decay of the second continuum is fairly described by only two exponential terms. So collisions between excited states, electronic collisions, and recombination of ionic species do not contribute significantly to this luminescence, after 120 ns. Surprisingly, we do not observe the contribution of the Ar(3P1) resonant state in the production of the argon excimers. The radiative lifetime of the Ar2[1u(3P2)]low v excimer ((3.18 ± 0.03) µs) and the three-body rate constant relative to the decay of the Ar(3P2) metastable state ((13.2 ± 0.9) Torr−2 s−1) leading to the formation of Ar2[1u(3P2)], are estimated. These results are consistent with those found from the literature. A simple kinetic scheme is proposed for times later than 120 ns.
Investigation of Iron and Zinc Concentrations in Human Milk in Correlation to Maternal Factors: An Observational Pilot Study in Poland

The aim of this study was to evaluate iron and zinc concentrations in the mature human milk (HM) and to investigate the relationship between these concentrations and maternal factors. HM samples were collected between 4–6 weeks postpartum from 32 healthy, exclusively breastfeeding mothers. The assessment of dietary intake during breastfeeding was based on a food frequency questionnaire and three-day dietary records. Nutritional status of participants was assessed with body mass index and body composition analysis, measured with bioelectrical impedance. HM intake was assessed with infants’ weighting, whereas iron and zinc contents in HM were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The median intake of HM was 492.5 mL (466–528.5) and the concentrations of HM iron and zinc were 0.33 mg/L (0.26–0.46) and 2.12 mg/L (1.97–2.45), respectively. Maternal total zinc and iron intake (diet + supplementation) was positively correlated with their concentrations in HM. Consumption frequency of meat, vegetables and legumes was revealed to be a significant factor influencing zinc concentration in HM. Regarding iron, it was the consumption frequency of meat, fish and seafood, vegetables and legumes, nuts and seeds. The intake of iron from HM was low, and after assuming a mean fractional iron absorption, it was only 0.038 mg/d. Our results show that maternal diet influences iron and zinc content in HM, suggesting that adequate intake of food rich in investigated minerals may be a positive factor for their concentrations in HM.
Thermal acclimation of tropical coral reef fishes to global heat waves

As climate-driven heat waves become more frequent and intense, there is increasing urgency to understand how thermally sensitive species are responding. Acute heating events lasting days to months may elicit acclimation responses to improve performance and survival. However, the coordination of acclimation responses remains largely unknown for most stenothermal species. We documented the chronology of 18 metabolic and cardiorespiratory changes that occur in the gills, blood, spleen, and muscles when tropical coral reef fishes are thermally stressed (+3.0°C above ambient). Using representative coral reef fishes (Caesio cuning and Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus) separated by >100 million years of evolution and with stark differences in major life-history characteristics (i.e. lifespan, habitat use, mobility, etc.), we show that exposure duration illicited coordinated responses in 13 tissue and organ systems over 5 weeks. The onset and duration of biomarker responses differed between species, with C. cuning – an active, mobile species – initiating acclimation responses to unavoidable thermal stress within the first week of heat exposure; conversely, C. quinquelineatus – a sessile, territorial species – exhibited comparatively reduced acclimation responses that were delayed through time. Seven biomarkers, including red muscle citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, blood glucose and hemoglobin concentrations, spleen somatic index, and gill lamellar perimeter and width, proved critical in evaluating acclimation progression and completion, as these provided consistent evaluation of thermal responses across species.
Lack of clinical relevance of blood clonality in primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma

to chrome, nickel, colophonium, mercapto-mix and thiomersal was confirmed by patch-testing, but the rash was not controlled after avoidance. Cutaneous biopsies showed acanthosis, parakeratotic hyperkeratosis and spongiosis with lymphocytic and eosinophilic perivascular dermal infiltrates, predominantly made of CD4+ lymphocytes (CD4:CD8 ratio of 5:1), consistent with eczema. Decreased levels of IgM and IgG (5.45 g/L; normal <7 g/L) with low IgG3 were detected. Flow cytometry showed a reduced CD19/CD45 ratio and marked CD4+ cell activation (47.5%; normal <4%). All secondary causes of hypogammaglobulinaemia were excluded. Anti-nuclear factor and total IgE were normal. The final diagnosis was CVID associated with chronic dermatitis, a well-known clinical presentation. Systemic steroids were ineffective. Treatment with cyclosporine (150 mg/d) slightly improved the patient. We started treatment with dupilumab with a loading dose of 600 mg, followed by 300 mg every two weeks. Within one month, the dermatitis and pruritus were controlled, and the EASI score improved from 41.10 to 1.20 and the SCORAD from 75.40 to 12.52 after two months of treatment (figure 1). Thereafter, the patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins to prevent secondary infections. CVID has been associated with recurrent eczema [5]. This relationship is based on clinical appearance and absence of response after allergen avoidance. In cases of severe eczema associated with CVID, first-line treatment relies on topical steroids, while second-line is based on systemic immunosuppressants (such as cyclosporine), exposing patients to a higher risk of sepsis or adverse drug reactions, in particular, in our patient, with a complex history of bone sepsis. In Europe, dupilumab is indicated only for severe atopic dermatitis, but there is no label for immunodeficiencies. Our patient presented with eczema without a history of atopy; the biopsy showed infiltration with eosinophils and CD4+ T-cells, suggesting lymphoid-related eosinophilia. Eosinophils can induce T-cell activation and IL4 or IL13 secretion, which could be responsible for an exacerbated Th2 response and eczema-like eruption [6]. Our case suggests that the inhibition of IL-4 and IL-13 downregulates the pathway responsible for non-atopic eczema-like eruption more efficiently than cyclosporine. Of note, dupilumab improves other eosinophilic dermatoses (such as bullous pemphigoid), suggesting that it can inhibit the final process of eosinophilic dermatosis without acting directly on eosinophil activation; it may thus be regarded as a very interesting treatment in CVID patients presenting with recurrent infections often associated with recalcitrant eczematous eruptions [7].
Patient satisfaction and comfort after a full-arch immediate loaded prosthesis.

The aim of this study was to assess oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients before, during and after completion of implant-supported full-arch immediate loading rehabilitation according to the Columbus Bridge Protocol (CBP). 25 patients with compromised dentition were rehabilitated according to the CBP and were assessed for OHRQoL using 4 questionnaires specifically realized for this study and inspired to the OHIP (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire. Patients assessed themselves before surgery, during the healing period (1 week and 2 months after surgery) and after definitive prosthodontic treatment (4 months after surgery). The questionnaires specifically investigated patients' pain, confort, home oral hygiene habits, satisfaction related to esthetics, masticatory ability, phonetics and general satisfaction toward the treatment.Patients reported an improvement of OHRQoL after full-arch immediate loading rehabilitation. A statistically significant improvement in aesthetic and chewing ability was found. After 4 months 92% of the patients did not feel tense with their smile, 96% did not show problems to relate with other people or smiling, 92% did not show difficulty to eat some foods. Phonetics was found to be a critical issue, especially in the intermediate phase of healing. One week after surgery the percentage of patients who was very satisfied with phonetics slightly decreased from 48% to 36%. The assessment of patients' OHRQoL related to full-arch immediate loading implant therapy exhibited a significant improvement of their quality of life. The questionnaires herein presented could be an effective tool to evaluate patients' reaction to oral rehabilitation.
The Lys 280 → Gln mutation mimicking disease‐linked acetylation of Lys 280 in tau extends the structural core of fibrils and modulates their catalytic properties

Amyloid fibrillar aggregates isolated from the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases invariably have post‐translational modifications (PTMs). The roles that PTMs play in modulating the structures and polymorphism of amyloid aggregates, and hence their ability to catalyze the conversion of monomeric protein to their fibrillar structure is, however, poorly understood. This is particularly true in the case of tau aggregates, where specific folds of fibrillar tau have been implicated in specific tauopathies. Several PTMs, including acetylation at Lys 280, increase aggregation of tau in the brain, and increase neurodegeneration. In this study, tau‐K18 K280Q, in which the Lys 280 → Gln mutation is used to mimic acetylation at Lys 280, is shown, using HX‐MS measurements, to form fibrils with a structural core that is longer than that of tau‐K18 fibrils. Measurements of critical concentrations show that the binding affinity of monomeric tau‐K18 for its fibrillar counterpart is only marginally more than that of monomeric tau‐K18 K280Q for its fibrillar counterpart. Quantitative analysis of the kinetics of seeded aggregation, using a simple Michaelis–Menten‐like model, in which the monomer first binds and then undergoes conformational conversion to β‐strand, shows that the fibrils of tau‐K18 K280Q convert monomeric protein more slowly than do fibrils of tau‐K18. In contrast, monomeric tau‐K18 K280Q is converted faster to fibrils than is monomeric tau‐K18. Thus, the effect of Lys 280 acetylation on tau aggregate propagation in brain cells is expected to depend on the amount of acetylated tau present, and on whether the propagating seed is acetylated at Lys 280 or not.
Novel Concise Synthesis of (−)-Clausenamide

A six-step synthesis of (−)-clausenamide is described. Optically pure (R,E)-1,3-diphenylallylic alcohol was acetylated and then subjected to an Ireland-Claisen rearrangement, giving the γ,δ-unsaturated acid, which underwent a substrate-induced stereoselective bromolactonization to afford the expected all-equatorial substituted bromo-δ-lactone. An unusual chemo-selective aminolysis of the lactone resulted in the formation of a γ,δ-epoxy-amide in stereospecific manner. Base-promoted cyclization of this intermediate and the subsequent Davis oxidation furnished the synthesis, delivering the final product in >99% ee and up to 34% overall yield.
Polymer Nanoparticles and Nanomotors Modified by DNA/RNA Aptamers and Antibodies in Targeted Therapy of Cancer

Polymer nanoparticles and nano/micromotors are novel nanostructures that are of increased interest especially in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. These structures are modified by antibodies or nucleic acid aptamers and can recognize the cancer markers at the membrane of the cancer cells or in the intracellular side. They can serve as a cargo for targeted transport of drugs or nucleic acids in chemo- immuno- or gene therapy. The various mechanisms, such as enzyme, ultrasound, magnetic, electrical, or light, served as a driving force for nano/micromotors, allowing their transport into the cells. This review is focused on the recent achievements in the development of polymer nanoparticles and nano/micromotors modified by antibodies and nucleic acid aptamers. The methods of preparation of polymer nanoparticles, their structure and properties are provided together with those for synthesis and the application of nano/micromotors. The various mechanisms of the driving of nano/micromotors such as chemical, light, ultrasound, electric and magnetic fields are explained. The targeting drug delivery is based on the modification of nanostructures by receptors such as nucleic acid aptamers and antibodies. Special focus is therefore on the method of selection aptamers for recognition cancer markers as well as on the comparison of the properties of nucleic acid aptamers and antibodies. The methods of immobilization of aptamers at the nanoparticles and nano/micromotors are provided. Examples of applications of polymer nanoparticles and nano/micromotors in targeted delivery and in controlled drug release are presented. The future perspectives of biomimetic nanostructures in personalized nanomedicine are also discussed.
Development of Polythiourethane/ZnO-Based Anti-Fouling Materials and Evaluation of the Adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida glabrata Using Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy

The attachment of bacteria and other microbes to natural and artificial surfaces leads to the development of biofilms, which can further cause nosocomial infections. Thus, an important field of research is the development of new materials capable of preventing the initial adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms. In this work, novel polymer/particle composite materials, based on a polythiourethane (PTU) matrix and either spherical (s-ZnO) or tetrapodal (t-ZnO) shaped ZnO fillers, were developed and characterized with respect to their mechanical, chemical and surface properties. To then evaluate their potential as anti-fouling surfaces, the adhesion of two different pathogenic microorganism species, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida glabrata, was studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our results show that the adhesion of both S. aureus and C. glabrata to PTU and PTU/ZnO is decreased compared to a model surface polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). It was furthermore found that the amount of both s-ZnO and t-ZnO filler had a direct influence on the adhesion of S. aureus, as increasing amounts of ZnO particles resulted in reduced adhesion of the cells. For both microorganisms, material composites with 5 wt. % of t-ZnO particles showed the greatest potential for anti-fouling with significantly decreased adhesion of cells. Altogether, both pathogens exhibit a reduced capacity to adhere to the newly developed nanomaterials used in this study, thus showing their potential for bio-medical applications.
Assessing the Development of Fine Motor Control in Elementary School Children Using Drawing and Tracing Tasks

Adequately quantifying fine motor control is imperative for understanding individual motor behavior development and mastery. We recently showed that using different tasks to evaluate fine motor control may produce different results, suggesting that multiple measures for fine motor control may be evaluating different skills and/or underlying processes. Specifically, drawing behavior may depend on internal cueing, whereas tracing depends more on external cueing. To better understand how an individual develops a certain preference for cueing, we evaluated fine motor control in 265 typically developing children (aged 6–11) by measuring their accuracy for both drawing and tracing a circle. Our results first confirmed that there was no significant correlation between tracing and drawing task performances during this phase of development and, secondly, showed a significant developmental improvement in tracing, especially between 2nd and 3rd graders, whereas drawing ability improved only moderately. We discuss the potential roles of attentional focus and cognitive development as possible influencing factors for these developmental patterns. We conclude that using both a drawing and tracing task to evaluate fine motor control is rapid, economic and valuable for monitoring motor development among elementary school children.
Highly Ordered TiO2 Nanotube Arrays with Engineered Electrochemical Energy Storage Performances

Nanoscale engineering of regular structured materials is immensely demanded in various scientific areas. In this work, vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays were grown by self-organizing electrochemical anodization. The effects of different fluoride ion concentrations (0.2 and 0.5 wt% NH4F) and different anodization times (2, 5, 10 and 20 h) on the morphology of nanotubes were systematically studied in an organic electrolyte (glycol). The growth mechanisms of amorphous and anatase TiO2 nanotubes were also studied. Under optimized conditions, we obtained TiO2 nanotubes with tube diameters of 70–160 nm and tube lengths of 6.5–45 μm. Serving as free-standing and binder-free electrodes, the kinetic, capacity, and stability performances of TiO2 nanotubes were tested as lithium-ion battery anodes. This work provides a facile strategy for constructing self-organized materials with optimized functionalities for applications.
Strongyloides stercoralis and other intestinal parasites in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs in northern Iran: a closer look at risk factors

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and other intestinal parasites in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs in northern Iran and to investigate related risk factors. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among 494 patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (n=188) and those treated with prolonged corticosteroid administration (n=306). All fresh fecal samples were examined using the direct wet-mount, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, and agar plate culture techniques. RESULTS In total, 16.8% of patients were positive for at least 1 intestinal parasite; the helminthic and protozoan infection rates were 5.1% and 12.3%, respectively. The infection rate was significantly higher in corticosteroid-treated individuals (19.6%) than cancer patients (12.2%) (p<0.05). The prevalence rate of S. stercoralis among patients receiving chemotherapy and those treated with corticosteroids were 4.3% and 5.2%, respectively. The prevalence rate of S. stercoralis infection was significantly higher in older patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Strongyloidiasis is one of the most common parasites among patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs in northern Iran. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of these patients are necessary to minimize the complications of severe strongyloidiasis.
A New Perspective of Urban–Rural Differences: The Impact of Social Support on the Mental Health of the Older Adults: A Case from Shaanxi Province, China

With the increase in aging in China, the health problems of older adults, especially mental health problems, have become a concern for the whole society. This article selected urban and rural older adults and analyzed the impact of social support on their mental health using a binary logistic model. It was found that under the current urban–rural dichotomy, the effects of social support on the mental health of urban and rural older adults are significantly different. In social support, first, the fairness and satisfaction with the social security system only had a significant effect on the mental health of urban older adults and had no significant effect on the rural older adults. Second, the closeness of contact with grassroots community workers had a significant impact on the mental health of older adults in urban and rural areas. From informal social support, the mental health of rural older adults was mainly influenced by the support of their children, reflecting the influence of the traditional culture of “filial piety”. Furthermore, the mental health of urban older adults was mainly influenced by neighborhood support, reflecting the importance of “close neighbors are better than distant relatives”. Based on the results of the empirical study, this article suggests that to promote the mental health of older adults, we should start by strengthening the formal social support system, establishing high-quality community service facilities, and emphasizing the role of informal social support.
Effect of Liming on the Plant Availability and Distribution of Zinc and Copper among Soil Fractions

Abstract Information on the redistribution of applied micronutrients into different fractions as a result of lime application is important to predict plant accumulation of nutrients and to select appropriate chemical extraction procedures for evaluation of micronutrient availability. The present work was carried out to study the influence of liming on the availability and redistribution of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) among soil fractions. Additionally, the effect of liming was evaluated on the recovery of these micronutrients by different chemical extractants (Mehlich‐1, Mehlich‐3, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA), which were correlated with Zn and Cu concentrations in corn (Zea mays L.) plants and soil fractions (exchangeable, organic matter, amorphous iron oxides, and crystalline iron oxides). The results showed that Zn added to soil samples that did not receive lime was retained mainly in the exchangeable and organic matter fractions. The liming resulted in distribution of Zn into iron oxides and as a result decreased the plant accumulation of Zn. Mehlich‐3 was the most efficient extractant to predict the plant accumulation of Zn in the acid soils, whereas DTPA was the most efficient in the limed soils. The oxide crystalline fraction was the major fraction responsible for retaining Cu in the soils. However, Cu added to soil was distributed mainly into organic matter. Mehlich‐3 was the most suitable extractant for predicting the bioavailability of Cu in limed or unlimed soils.