Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser processing of titanium: oxide formation for electronic applications

The formation of laser-induced oxide layers on titanium surfaces has been widely investigated for coloring and marking applications. Complex titanium-based oxides exhibiting multiple phases can be achieved through laser patterning. Laser processing offers several advantages in that discrete areas can be modified leading to patterns with differing optical and electronic properties. To date, most research has focused on the formation and thickness control of TiO2, a wide bandgap semiconductor (~ 3.2 eV), as a means to control coloration. However, for many applications, including photodetectors and photocatalysts, a semiconductor oxide with a narrow bandgap (< 1 eV) is preferred to allow for strong absorption into the mid-IR. Other oxides and sub-oxides such as Ti2O3 have been identified as a byproduct of laser surface processing. In addition to its narrow bandgap, bulk Ti2O3 offers the unique property of having a semiconductor-metal transition at around 150 – 200°C where resistivity switches over an order of magnitude. Because of these properties, we investigate the optimization of laser processing conditions using picosecond and femtosecond laser irradiation to form Ti2O3. The effect of laser fluence, scan speed, pulse frequency, and sample chamber pressure will be discussed. Additionally, Ti2O3 thin films were grown via pulsed laser deposition to study structural phase purity, where the effect of growth temperature on optical and electrical properties is explored.
AGA Clinical Practice Update on Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Expert Commentary

Description The purpose of this AGA Institute Clinical Practice Update is to rapidly review the emerging evidence and provide timely expert recommendations regarding the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This expert commentary was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee (CPUC) and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely perspective on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership, and underwent internal peer review by the CPUC and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology.
Chest Imaging in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 Infection - A Case Series

Abstract COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-19) is a zoonotic illness first reported in the city of Wuhan, China in December 2019, and is now officially a global pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization. The infection is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 infected patients can be asymptomatic carriers or present with mild-to-severe respiratory symptoms. Imaging, including computed tomography is not recommended to screen/diagnose COVID-19 infections, but plays an important role in management of these patients, and to rule out alternative diagnoses or coexistent diseases. In our multicenter case series, we outline the clinical presentations and illustrate the most common imaging manifestations in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Efficacy of trifluralin and halosulfuron for weed management in white bean

Abstract: A total of six field experiments were conducted in southwestern Ontario over a 3-yr period (2016, 2017, 2018) to evaluate the efficacy of trifluralin and halosulfuron applied preplant incorporated (PPI) for weed management in white bean. Trifluralin, halosulfuron, and trifluralin + halosulfuron applied PPI caused as much as 2%, 6%, and 8% white bean injury, respectively. Weed interference delayed maturity and reduced white bean yield 56% compared with the weed-free control. Weed interference with trifluralin and halosulfuron applied alone reduced white bean seed yield as much as 35% and 29%, respectively; however, white bean seed yield with the trifluralin + halosulfuron tankmixes was similar to the weed-free control. Trifluralin, halosulfuron, and trifluralin + halosulfuron applied PPI provided 6%–12%, 75%–92%, and 71%–95% control of velvetleaf; 89%–95%, 93%–98%, and 96%–99% control of pigweed species; 5%–18%, 82%–96%, and 90%–97% control of common ragweed; 90%–97%, 81%–97%, and 95%–99% control of common lambsquarters; 23%–43%, 55%–88%, and 83%–96% control of flower-of-an-hour; 4%–25%, 94%–100%, and 95%–100% control of wild mustard; 96%–100%, 18%–45%, and 97%–100% control of barnyardgrass; and 92%–98%, 21%–40%, and 93%–98% control of green foxtail, respectively. Results indicated that low rates of trifluralin tank-mixed with halosulfuron has the potential to control problematic weeds and improve white bean yields in Ontario.
Time-Associated Effect of Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Behaviors and Breastfeeding

Cesarean Delivery (CD) is a surgical procedure made through mother's abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. In the United States, about 33% of deliveries are through CD; in China, an overall hospital-based rate of CD was 41.1% in 2016 [1,2]. This procedure is helpful when a vaginal delivery is likely putting the baby's or mother's life at risk; however, most women after CD experience low rate of long-term breastfeeding with certain mental disorders [3,4]. Thus, CD emerges as a global health issue for the mothers and babies.
A new c-polymorph of chlorprop- amide: 4-chloro-N-(propylamino- carbonyl)benzenesulfonamide

Institute of Solid State Chemistry and Mechanochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kutateladze 18, Novosibirsk 128, 630128 Russian Federation, REC-008, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova 2, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 Russian Federation, and Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev Avenue 9, Novosibirsk 90, 630090 Russian Federation Correspondence e-mail: tanya@xray.nsu. ru
Pathogenicity indices of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from Iranian poultry flocks in Iran

BACKGROUND: Newcastle disease (ND) is caused by serotype I of avian paramyxoviruses. The ND virus (NDV) strains are conveniently grouped as velogenic, mesogenic, lentogenic, and nonpathogenic-intestinal pathotypes. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the pathogenicity indices of the isolated NDVs from poultry flocks in Iran. METHODS: Samples were provided from poultry flocks in different provinces of Iran and prepared for NDV isolation. From many isolated NDVs, 12 isolates belonged to 10 provinces with highly populated poultry farms which were selected for this study. A clone for each of these virus isolates was generated using limiting dilution procedure. Then, the mean death time (MDT), intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI), and intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) were determined for each virus clone and compared with those of standard virulent strains such as Hertz 33.56 and Texas GB. RESULTS: The results showed that the pathogenicity indices of the NDVs in the present study ranged from 41.6 60 hr for MDT, 1.76 1.91 for ICPI, and 2.68 2.88 for IVPI indicate which the velogenic type of our viruses. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggested that the very virulent NDVs currently circulating in Iranian poultry flocks are close to and even more virulent than standard virulent NDVs. Isolation, identification, pathotype determination, and molecular characteriz-ation of Iranian NDVs may help authorities to make right decisions to reduce the risks posing the Iranian poultry industry.
Study of the genetic diversity of plant parasitic nematodes on bananas and plantains in Central and West Africa.

In the framework of studying the genetic diversity of major parasitic nematodes of bananas and plantains in West and Central Africa, the Centre Africain de Recherches sur Bananiers et Plantains (CARBAP) started a project, which brought together research institute of Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, France and university of Dschang . The targeted activities were mapping of major nematodes, estimation of damages, morphological and molecular characterization by AFLP and study of the pathogenicity of the nematodes. The results reported here include the distribution, damage and morphological characterization. In the three countries, 5 species were recorded viz: Radopholus similis, Helicotylenchus multicinctus, Meloidogyne spp. , Hoplolaimus pararobustus and Pratylenchus coffeae. In addition to these, species, Pratylenchus goodeyi was found in the high altitude provinces of Cameroon (>800 metres). Among these species, the most damaging were R. similis, P. coffeae and P. goodeyi. The indices of root necrosis observed were 60% for Gabon, 50-80% in 6 out of the 7 provinces surveyed in Cameroon and 21% in the East province of Cameroon, which appeared to be relatively less infested due to little movement of planting materials. The results obtained on morphological characteristics showed that there were little significant differences on characteristics such as position of the vulva and total body length of females between populations of P. coffeae in Gabon and those of Cameroon.
A Case Report of Hypertensive Emergency and Intracranial Hemorrhage Due to Intracavernosal Phenylephrine

Background: Intracavernosal injection of phenylephrine is a commonly used therapy for ischemic priapism and is typically well tolerated with few severe adverse side effects. We report a case of intracranial hemorrhage related to hypertensive emergency due to intracavernosal phenylephrine. Case Report: A 43-year-old Caucasian man with history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus type I, end-stage renal disease status post a combination kidney-pancreas transplant, and recurrent idiopathic priapism presented to emergency department with an episode of priapism. His home medications were lisinopril, metoprolol tartrate, mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and tacrolimus. After local injection of 2 rounds (1 hour apart) of 100 µg phenylephrine into each corpus cavernosa, priapism resolved. Within 5 minutes, the patient had headaches, dyspnea, and excruciating chest pain. His blood pressure (BP) was noted to be 240/130 mm Hg but normalized spontaneously within few minutes. During this period, he developed new-onset right arm and leg weakness and found to have intracranial hemorrhage in the midbrain. Conclusion: A careful review for pharmacologic interactions should be performed prior to intracavernosal phenylephrine administration, and close monitoring should occur after its administration.
N-Acetyl Serotonin Alleviates Oxidative Damage by Activating Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Signaling in Porcine Enterocytes

Apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells following oxidative stress is a major cause of mucosal barrier dysfunction and is associated with the pathogenesis of various gastrointestinal diseases. Although L-tryptophan (Trp) is known to improve intestinal integrity and function, a beneficial effect of N-acetyl serotonin (NAS), a metabolite of Trp, on the apoptosis of enterocytes and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the present study, we showed that porcine enterocytes treated with 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), a metabolite of lipid peroxidation, led to upregulation of apoptotic proteins, including Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and reduction of tight junction proteins. These effects of 4-HNE were significantly abrogated by NAS. In addition, NAS reduced ROS accumulation while increasing the intracellular concentration of glutathione (GSH), and the abundance of the Nrf2 protein in the nucleus and its downstream target proteins. Importantly, these protective effects of NAS were abrogated by Atra, an inhibitor of Nrf2, indicating a dependence on Nrf2 signaling. Taken together, we demonstrated that NAS attenuated oxidative stress-induced cellular injury in porcine enterocytes by regulating Nrf2 signaling. These findings provide new insights into a functional role of NAS in maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
A Prime-Boost Immunization Strategy with Vaccinia Virus Expressing Novel gp120 Envelope Glycoprotein from a CRF02_AG Isolate Elicits Cross-Clade Tier 2 HIV-1 Neutralizing Antibodies

Development of new immunogens eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is a main priority for the HIV-1 vaccine field. Envelope glycoproteins from non-B-non-C HIV-1clades have not been fully explored as components of a vaccine. We produced Vaccinia viruses expressing a truncated version of gp120 (gp120t) from HIV-1 clades CRF02_AG, H, J, B, and C and examined their immunogenicity in mice and rabbits. Mice primed with the recombinant Vaccinia viruses and boosted with the homologous gp120t or C2V3C3 polypeptides developed antibodies that bind potently to homologous and heterologous envelope glycoproteins. Notably, a subset of mice immunized with the CRF02_AG-based envelope immunogens developed a cross-reactive neutralizing response against tier 2 HIV-1 Env-pseudoviruses and primary isolates. Rabbits vaccinated with the CRF02_AG-based envelope immunogens also generated potent binding antibodies, and one animal elicited antibodies that neutralized almost all (13 of 16, 81.3%) tier 2 HIV-1 isolates tested. Overall, the results suggest that the novel CRF02_AG-based envelope immunogens and prime-boost immunization strategy elicit the type of immune responses required for a preventive HIV-1 vaccine.
Studies on the Two-Step Aging Process of Fe-Based Shape Memory Single Crystals

Fe50Ni28Co17Al11.5Ta2. 5 single crystals oriented along the [001] direction were investigated in order to establish the influence of two-step aging conditions on superelastic properties. The homogenized and quenched single crystalline material was subjected to a combination of high-temperature and low-temperature heat treatment at 973 K for 0.5 h and at 723 K for various aging times, respectively. As a result, fine and coherent γ’ precipitates were formed. Using diffraction of high energy synchrotron radiation, the volume fraction of γ’ precipitates was computed while their size was determined by high resolution TEM analysis. Compared with one-step heat treatment, the two-step aging process enables control of the precipitate size in a more accurate way. Moreover, it allows one to obtain a higher volume fraction of precipitates without increasing their size significantly. The obtained coherent γ’ precipitates ranged in size from 5 to 8 nm; that considerably improved mechanical properties. The highest superelastic response was obtained for single crystals aged at 973 K for 0.5 h followed by aging at 723 K for 3 h. The single crystals treated with such conditions exhibited a superelastic strain of 15% in which the mechanical martensite stabilization was substantially suppressed.
The Impact of Parental Diabetes on the Prevalence of Childhood Obesity.

Background: Obesity among children and adolescents is a worldwide public health concern. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) incidence are increasing, with heredity and socioeconomic status as possible risk factors. How these factors affect the risk of childhood obesity remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between obesity and parental diabetes among 12-year-olds in Sweden, and how it relates to parental education level. Methods: We used data collected within the Exploring the Iceberg of Celiacs in Sweden (ETICS) study, a cross-sectional multicenter national screening study for celiac disease in 12-year-old children. Relative risk (RR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated for the association between parental diabetes and obesity, also stratifying for gender and highest parental education. Results: Among 11,050 children, for both children with parental T1D and T2D, 31% of the children were overweight or obese, compared with 21% among other children. Comparing those with parental T1D with those without parental T1D within gender, boys had a statistically significant higher risk [RR 1.6 (95% CI 1.3-2.0)], and girls had a nonsignificant increased risk [RR 1.3 (95% CI 0.95-1.8)], of being overweight. For children with parental T2D, both boys and girls had a statistically significant increased risk of 1.5. Parental education showed no sign of influencing the RRs. Conclusions: Parental diabetes is associated with an increased risk of overweight among children, independent of parental education. Concomitant parental diabetes and overweight should be particularly alarming criteria when prioritizing preventive interventions at an early age.
Post-cataract Surgery Fungal Endophthalmitis: Management Outcomes and Prognostic Factors

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe the clinical and microbiological features, management outcomes, and prognostic factors of visual improvement in post-cataract surgery fungal endophthalmitis. Methods: We evaluated 17 patients with culture-confirmed fungal endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. Data were collected regarding intravitreal antibiotics and antifungals, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), intraocular lens (IOL) explantation, and scleral-fixated IOL (SFIOL) implantation. Clinical outcomes were recorded in terms of visual acuity and management strategies. Results: PPV was performed as a primary procedure at first presentation in three eyes. Fourteen eyes (82.3%) received intravitreal voriconazole. IOL explantation was performed in four eyes, followed by an SFIOL implantation in three eyes. Six eyes additionally presented with keratitis. At the final follow-up, cases having visual acuity ≥6/60 doubled from 17.6% to 35.3%. Eyes receiving antifungals had a trend toward worse visual outcome. Conclusions: Corneal involvement in addition to endophthalmitis and the presence of Aspergillus terreus were found to be poor prognostic markers.
Prediction of seasonal patterns of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus RNA detection in the U.S. swine industry

We developed a model to predict the cyclic pattern of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) RNA detection by reverse-transcription real-time PCR (RT-rtPCR) from 4 major swine-centric veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) in the United States and to use historical data to forecast the upcoming year’s weekly percentage of positive submissions and issue outbreak signals when the pattern of detection was not as expected. Standardized submission data and test results were used. Historical data (2015–2017) composed of the weekly percentage of PCR-positive submissions were used to fit a cyclic robust regression model. The findings were used to forecast the expected weekly percentage of PCR-positive submissions, with a 95% confidence interval (CI), for 2018. During 2018, the proportion of PRRSV-positive submissions crossed 95% CI boundaries at week 2, 14–25, and 48. The relatively higher detection on week 2 and 48 were mostly from submissions containing samples from wean-to-market pigs, and for week 14–25 originated mostly from samples from adult/sow farms. There was a recurring yearly pattern of detection, wherein an increased proportion of PRRSV RNA detection in submissions originating from wean-to-finish farms was followed by increased detection in samples from adult/sow farms. Results from the model described herein confirm the seasonal cyclic pattern of PRRSV detection using test results consolidated from 4 VDLs. Wave crests occurred consistently during winter, and wave troughs occurred consistently during the summer months. Our model was able to correctly identify statistically significant outbreak signals in PRRSV RNA detection at 3 instances during 2018.
Maternal Adverse Outcomes in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Their Association with Serum Adiponectin and Redox Markers

Abstract Background: Premature termination of pregnancy because of unmanageable maternal complications in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) results in adverse neonatal outcome. Identification of biochemical derangements associated with maternal complications may help in the better medical management of the mother resulting in better neonatal outcomes. Method: Healthy pregnant women (C); pregnant women with gestational hypertension (GH), and preeclampsia (late [LP] and early [EP] onset) were studied. Maternal serum redox markers and adipokines were evaluated for their association with maternal complications. Results: Adiponectin levels were significantly raised in preeclampsia groups when compared with control and GH groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were associated with eclampsia; adiponectin and TAS with HELLP syndrome; adiponectin, MDA and TAS with severe preeclampsia; and adiponectin with impaired renal function. Conclusion: We identified that increased serum adiponectin, MDA, and TAS were associated with adverse maternal outcomes.
Sublethal Radiation Affects Antigen Processing and Presentation Genes to Enhance Immunogenicity of Cancer Cells

While immunotherapy in cancer is designed to stimulate effector T cell response, tumor-associated antigens have to be presented on malignant cells at a sufficient level for recognition of cancer by T cells. Recent studies suggest that radiotherapy enhances the anti-cancer immune response and also improves the efficacy of immunotherapy. To understand the molecular basis of such observations, we examined the effect of ionizing X-rays on tumor antigens and their presentation in a set of nine human cell lines representing cancers of the esophagus, lung, and head and neck. A single dose of 7.5 or 15 Gy radiation enhanced the New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1) tumor-antigen-mediated recognition of cancer cells by NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T cells. Irradiation led to significant enlargement of live cells after four days, and microscopy and flow cytometry revealed multinucleation and polyploidy in the cells because of dysregulated mitosis, which was also revealed in RNA-sequencing-based transcriptome profiles of cells. Transcriptome analyses also showed that while radiation had no universal effect on genes encoding tumor antigens, it upregulated the expression of numerous genes involved in antigen processing and presentation pathways in all cell lines. This effect may explain the immunostimulatory role of cancer radiotherapy.
Developmental Changes in the Locus of Control in Students Attending Integrated and Non-integrated Classes during Early Adolescence in Poland

This article reports the results of a longitudinal study on the development of context-specific locus of control related to situations of success and failure in Polish adolescents. The participants were 90 primary school students, including 30 who learned in integrated classrooms and 60 who went to non-integrated classes in schools with and without an inclusive curriculum, located in Lublin, Poland. The students were surveyed during a three-year schooling period (when they were in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade). The research was carried out in the years 2016–2019. The Locus of Control Questionnaire (LOQ and LOQ-R) by Krasowicz-Kupis and Kurzyp-Wojnarska measured locus of control. These instruments measure generalized locus of control and allow the assessment of context-specific locus of control related to situations of success and failure, as well as school, parent, and peer settings. At the first stage of this study, students in non-integrated classrooms in schools without an inclusive curriculum were characterized by a more internal locus of control, both generalized and in situations of failure, compared to students of non-integrated classrooms in schools with an inclusive curriculum. At seventh grade, students of integrated classes were more external in situations related to their school activity, compared to their peers from non-integrated classrooms. Moreover, we observed developmental changes in locus of control of students from non-integrated classes but only those who attended schools with an integrated curriculum.