Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vaccination using mutated receptor binding domains of SARS-CoV-2: Evidence for partial immune escape but not serotype formation

Introduction SARS-CoV-2 has developed a number of Variants of Concern (VOC) with increased infectivity and/or reduced recognition by neutralizing antibodies specific for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. Extended studies of other viruses have shown that strong and broad viral escape from neutralizing serum antibodies is typically associated with the formation of serotypes. Methods To address the question of serotype formation for SARS-CoV-2 in detail, we generated recombinant RBDs of VOCs and displayed them on virus-like particles (VLPs) for vaccination and specific antibody responses. Results As expected, mice immunized with wild type (wt) RBD generated antibodies that recognized wt RBD well but displayed reduced binding to VOC RBDs, in particular those with the E484K mutation. Unexpectedly, however, antibodies induced by the VOC vaccines typically recognized best the wt RBDs, often more than the homologous VOC RBDs used for immunization. Hence, these data do not reveal different serotypes but represent a newly observed viral evolution, suggesting a unique situation where inherent differences of RBDs are responsible for induction of neutralizing antibodies. Discussion Therefore, besides antibody (fine) specificity, other qualities of antibodies (e.g. their affinity) determine neutralizing capability. Immune escape of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs only affects a fraction of an individual’s serum antibodies. Consequently, many neutralizing serum antibodies are cross-reactive and thus protective against multiple current and future VOCs. Besides considering variant sequences for next generation vaccines, broader protection will be achieved with vaccines that induce elevated titers of high-quality antibodies.
A relationship between weak attentional control and cognitive distortions, explained by negative affect

People high in negative affect (anxiety or depression) show cognitive distortions, specific thinking errors which contribute to the maintenance of their condition. It is thought that weak attentional control is a risk factor for negative affect and emotional disorders, because weak attentional control exaggerates the expression of attentional bias, another cognitive feature of emotional disorders. We wondered whether weak attentional control might similarly exaggerate the expression of cognitive distortions. In two samples of students from Turkey and the UK, we found that weak attentional control was indeed related to cognitive distortions, but this relationship was explained by both variables’ relationships with negative affect. This suggests that weak attentional control, while related to negative affect, does not necessarily exaggerate all of its cognitive features. There seems to be a limit on the affective consequences of poor attentional control, which may limit its clinical usefulness as a risk factor for emotional disorders.
Zinc Oxide Nanowire Forest for Pool Boiling Heat Transfer

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire forest is applied for the electronics cooling by means of pool boiling heat transfer. The forest was composed of lengthwise grown backbone and branched nanowires, which were highly dense and tree-like hierarchical structures. The platinum heater and resistance temperature detector were fabricated by microfabrication on one side of silicon chips and nanowire forest was synthesized on the other side. The superheat and heat flux were evaluated at steady state while the voltage in the heater was increased gradually. The heat flux gradually increased linearly with superheat at the initial stage of heating due to convective heat transfer and abruptly increased once the coolant started to boil. It seemed that the nanowire forest played a role of increased bubble nucleation sites with superhydrophilic nature leading to enhancement of boiling heat transfer. This sheds light on application of nanostructured surface as an effective electronics cooling by boiling heat transfer.
Transparent Conducting Al-Doped ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Thin films of ZnO:Al have been deposited on glass substrates by a pulsed laser deposition technique employing an ArF laser ( λ=193 nm). For all experiments, a repetition rate of 10 Hz, an energy density of 1 J/cm2, and an irradiation time of 20–30 min (12000–18000 shots) were assumed. Optical transmittance of around 90% was observed in the visible region of the spectrum for the 150–200 nm thick film. Resistivities of 1.43×10-4 Ω·cm and 5.62×10-4 Ω·cm were obtained at substrate temperatures of 300°C and room temperature, respectively.
Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Associates with New-Onset Chronic Kidney Disease in the General Population

Circulating levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) have been associated with acute kidney injury and the severity and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study investigated its potential utility as a biomarker for the risk of new-onset CKD in a population-based cohort study. Individuals without CKD at baseline (n = 4660) who participated in the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) prospective population-based cohort study in the Netherlands were included. Baseline plasma NGAL concentrations were investigated for their associations with new-onset CKD, defined as a composite outcome of an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, urinary albumin excretion (UAE) > 30 mg/24-h, or both. Mean (±SD) plasma NGAL concentrations were 104.0 (±34.7) μg/L and median eGFR was 96 [IQR: 85.3–105.8] mL/min/1.73 m2. After median follow-up of 8.3 [IQR: 7.8–8.9] years, 467 participants developed new-onset CKD. Plasma NGAL concentrations were significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset CKD (hazard ratio [HR] per doubling 1.35 [95% CI: 1.11–1.63], p = 0.002), even after adjustment for potentially confounding factors (1.37 [1.09–1.73], p = 0.007) except baseline eGFR (1.09 [0.86–1.37], p = 0.490). In secondary analyses, plasma NGAL concentrations were significantly associated with new-onset CKD as defined by eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 alone (adjusted HR per doubling 2.54 [1.69–3.80], p < 0.001), which was abrogated after adjustment for eGFR (1.05 [0.69–1.59], p = 0.828), also when UAE > 30 mg/24-h was set as individual outcome (1.05 [0.82–1.35], p = 0.705). Higher plasma NGAL concentrations are associated with an increased risk of developing CKD in the general population. This association is dependent on renal function, and mainly driven by new-onset CKD as defined by renal function decline.
Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes Mellitus: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Diagnostic Options

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the main microvascular complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sometimes, this could already be present at the time of diagnosis for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while it appears in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) almost 10 years after the onset of the disease. The impairment can involve both somatic fibers of the peripheral nervous system, with sensory-motor manifestations, as well as the autonomic system, with neurovegetative multiorgan manifestations through an impairment of sympathetic/parasympathetic conduction. It seems that, both indirectly and directly, the hyperglycemic state and oxygen delivery reduction through the vasa nervorum can determine inflammatory damage, which in turn is responsible for the alteration of the activity of the nerves. The symptoms and signs are therefore various, although symmetrical painful somatic neuropathy at the level of the lower limbs seems the most frequent manifestation. The pathophysiological aspects underlying the onset and progression of DN are not entirely clear. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the most recent discoveries in the pathophysiological and diagnostic fields concerning this complex and frequent complication of diabetes mellitus.
Forward current transport mechanisms in Ni/Au-AlGaN/GaN Schottky diodes

The forward current transport mechanisms in Ni/Au-AlGaN/GaN Schottky diodes are studied by temperature dependent current-voltage (T-I-V) measurements from 298 to 473 K. The zero-bias barrier height qϕBn and ideality factor values determined based on the conventional thermionic-emission (TE) model are strong functions of temperature, which cannot be explained by the standard TE theory. Various transport models are considered to analyze the experimental I-V data. The fitting results indicate that the increased current at low bias is due to the trap-assisted tunneling with an effective trap density of about 8.8 × 106 cm−2, while the high-bias current flow is dominated by the TE transport mechanism, accompanied by a significant series resistance effect. By fitting the high-forward-bias I-V characteristics, the effective qϕBn values with a small negative temperature coefficient are obtained. The temperature dependence of the saturation tunneling current and qϕBn is finally explained by considering the thermall.
Ion beam deposition and structural characterization of GMR spin valves

NiO exchange-biased "bottom" spin valves of the type NiO/NiFe/Co/Cu/Co/NiFe and FeMn exchange-biased "top" spin valves of the type NiFe/Co/Cu/Co/NiFe/FeMn were deposited by ion-beam deposition (except the NiO layer). Their magnetic properties, magneto-transport, and microstructures are characterized and compared with corresponding GMR spin valves deposited by dc magnetron sputtering. High-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction reveal microstructural differences between ion-beam-deposited and dc magnetron sputtered spin valves. In particular, film texture, surface morphology, GMR ratio, exchange bias, interlayer coupling strength, and coercivity vary widely, but property-structure-processing correlation can be identified. A GMR ratio of /spl sim/9.7% was obtained on random textured NiO exchange-biased bottom spin valves by ion-beam deposition.
An overview of the genetic basis of epidermolysis bullosa in Brazil: discovery of novel and recurrent disease‐causing variants

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genodermatosis that encompasses a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders classified in four major types: EB simplex (EBS), junctional EB (JEB), dystrophic EB (DEB) and Kindler syndrome. Our aim was to characterize recurrent and novel mutations associated to EB in a sample of Brazilian patients. Eighty‐seven patients (25 EBS, 4 JEB and 58 DEB) were studied. We performed a next‐generation sequencing‐based multigene panel through ion torrent technology including 11 genes: KRT5, KRT14, PLEC, TGM5, LAMA3, LAMB3, LAMC2, COL17A1, ITGB4, COL7A1, and FERMT1. A total of 72 different pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified, 32 of them are novel. The causal variant was detected in 82 patients (efficiency of 94.3%). Pathogenic variants in the residue 125 of KRT14 were identified in 32% of all EBS patients. In DEB patients, four COL7A1 variants were quite frequent, some of them clustered in specific Brazilian regions. Our study extends the spectrum of known mutations in EB and describes, for the first time, the genetic profile of EB patients from Brazil.
Underwater magnetic field measurement error compensation based on improved mayfly algorithm

This paper investigates the magnetic filed interference problem when the ROV equipped with a three-axis magnetometer measures the magnetic field of underwater magnetic targets within a short range, and a magnetic field compensation method based on an improved mayfly algorithm is proposed to improve the measurement accuracy of underwater magnetic field information. Firstly, a compensation model is established based on the installation error of the three-axis magnetometer and the interference magnetic field of the ROV. Then, in view of the problem that the original mayfly algorithm is easy to fall into local optimal and the convergence accuracy is poor, the Tent chaotic sequence and the Levy flight mutation strategy are introduced to improve the original mayfly algorithm. Finally, a series of magnetic field information is obtained through the three-axis magnetometer, and the original mayfly algorithm, particle swarm algorithm and improved mayfly algorithm are used to estimate the compensation parameters. The experimental results show that the improved mayfly algorithm has obtained faster convergence speed and higher compensation accuracy than others.
Numerical Simulation of a Three-Dimensional Fish-like Body Swimming with Finlets

The swimming of a 3D fish-like body with finlets is numerically investigated at Re = 1000 (the Reynolds number is based on the uniform upstream flow and the length of the fish-like body). The finlets are simply modeled as thin rigid rectangular plates that undulate with the body. The wake structures and the flow around the caudal peduncle are studied. The finlets redirect the local flow across the caudal peduncle but the vortical structures in the wake are almost not affected by the finlets. Improvement of hydrodynamic performance has not been found in the simulation based on this simple model. The present numerical result is in agreement with that of the work of Nauen and Lauder [J. Exp. Biol., 204 (2001), pp. 2251-2263] and partially supports the hypothesis of Webb [Bull. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. , 190 (1975), pp. 1-159].
Effect of extended training on /r/ and /l/ identification by native speakers of Japanese

It has been reported (1) that being exposed to the American English (AE) speaking environment in adulthood has less of an effect on the perception of AE /r/ and /l/ sounds for native speakers of Japanese than experience at younger ages, and (2) that laboratory training of those sounds on adult‐Japanese has little effect. Recently, however, Logan et al. [J. S. Logan et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 89, 874–886 (1991)] and Lively et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. (1993)] showed that identification training with natural tokens produced by multiple talkers was effective in improving Japanese listeners ability to identify /r/ and /l/. In the present paper, the effect of extended training was examined. Subjects were adult native speakers of Japanese with no experience in living abroad. The training procedure was identical to Lively et al.’s procedure, except that subjects were trained for 45 sessions and were given two midterm tests. The results showed that (1) most of the subjects, even those whose score was around 60% i.
Risk and Protective Factors for Frailty in Pre-Frail and Frail Older Adults

This study aims to evaluate the differences in body composition, physical function, and physical activity between pre-frail/frail older adults and to detect risk and protective factors against frailty and physical frailty. Fried’s criteria for frailty and physical frailty using the short-performance physical battery (SPPB) were measured in 179 older participants (75.3 ± 6.4 years old). Body weight, height, and waist, arm, and leg circumferences were obtained as body composition variables. Daily accelerometer outcomes (physical activity and inactivity) were obtained. Pre-frail participants showed overall better physical function and spent more time in physical activity and less time in long inactivity periods than frail participants (p < 0.05). Risk frailty factors were higher waist perimeter (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.032, 95%CI: 1.003–1.062), low leg performance (OR: 1.025, 95%CI: 1.008–1.043), and inactivity periods longer than 30 min (OR: 1.002, 95%CI: 1.000–1.005). Protective factors were standing balance (OR: 0.908, 95%CI: 0.831–0.992) and SPPB score (OR: 0.908, 95%CI: 0.831–0.992) for frailty, handgrip strength (OR: 0.902, 95%CI: 0.844–0.964) for physical frailty, and light (OR: 0.986, 95%CI: 0.976–0.996) and moderate-to-vigorous (OR: 0.983, 95%CI: 0.972–0.996) physical activity for both. Our findings suggest that handgrip strength, balance, and physical activity are protective frailty factors and can be monitored in pre-frail older adults. Moreover, poor lower body performance and long inactivity periods are frailty risk factors, which highlights their importance in frailty assessment.
Current and Emerging Therapies for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction in Hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a prevalent medical condition in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors and is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), if left undiagnosed and undertreated. Current guidelines identify HTG as a risk-enhancing factor and, as a result, recommend clinical evaluation and lifestyle-based interventions to address potential secondary causes of elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. For individuals with mild to moderate HTG at risk of ASCVD, statin therapy alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering medications known to decrease ASCVD risk are guideline-endorsed. In addition to lifestyle modifications, patients with severe HTG at risk of acute pancreatitis may benefit from fibrates, mixed formulation omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin; however, evidence does not support their use for ASCVD risk reduction in the contemporary statin era. Novel therapeutics including those that target apoC-III and ANGPTL3 have shown to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective for lowering TG levels. Given the growing burden of cardiometabolic disease and risk factors, public health and health policy strategies are urgently needed to enhance access to effective pharmacotherapies, affordable and nutritious food options, and timely health care services.
A dual‐time central difference finite volume scheme for interface capturing on unstructured meshes

This paper describes a central difference scheme for the prediction of flows with an interface. The interface is captured rather than tracked and the key to the current approach is a correction to the hydrostatic pressure. The correction enables the scheme to evaluate pressures at cell faces in a consistent manner so that the source term in the equations is correctly balanced at the interface and on non‐equispaced meshes. This prevents the development of large errors in the solution, which can lead to the divergence of the numerical scheme. The current approach allows interface flows to be calculated by a simple modification of existing central difference codes. Results for a number of test cases are presented, with comparisons made with both experimental data and other numerical solutions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Portuguese pre-service elementary teachers knowledge of geometric transformations: an exploratory study

No one questions the fact that teachers’ knowledge plays a crucial role in teaching. Research on teachers’ knowledge indicates that content knowledge is influential on instruction. Even though there is plenty of research on teachers’ knowledge of number and operations, the same doesn’t happen with geometry. In Portugal, a new mathematics programme for elementary school introduces geometric transformations from 1 st grade. Since this is a rather new topic in the elementary curriculum, it seems important to understand what knowledge (future) teachers have on the topic. In this paper we present findings from an exploratory study, conducted with future elementary teachers designed to evaluate their knowledge on geometric transformations.
Ultrasonic Atomic Force Microscope with Overtone Excitation of Cantilever

We propose a novel atomic force microscope (AFM) combined with ultrasonic frequency vibration of a cantilever excited at its support. This method enables both topography and elasticity imaging of stiff samples such as metals and ceramics, without a need for bonding a transducer to the sample. When the sample surface is contacted with a tip attached to the cantilever, the cantilever vibration mode is changed according to the sample properties. It is theoretically predicted that the amplitude and resonant frequency of vibration at higher-order modes are useful parameters for elasticity evaluation of stiff samples. A preliminary experimental verification of this principle is presented using a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic sample. Clear elastic contrast was successfully obtained using a soft cantilever only when it was vibrated at MHz frequency higher-order modes.
Some simple examples of symplectic manifolds

This is a construction of closed symplectic manifolds with no Kaehler structure. A symplectic manifold is a manifold of dimension 2k with a closed 2-form a such that ak is nonsingular. If M2k is a closed symplectic manifold, then the cohomology class of a is nontrivial, and all its powers through k are nontrivial. M also has an almost complex structure associated with a, up-to homotopy. It has been asked whether every closed symplectic manifold has also a Kaehler structure (the converse is immediate). A Kaehler manifold has the property that its odd dimensional Betti numbers are even. H. Guggenheimer claimed [1], [2] that a symplectic manifold also has even odd Betti numbers. In the review [3] of [1], Liberman noted that the proof was incomplete. We produce elementary examples of symplectic manifolds which are not Kaehler by constructing counterexamples to Guggenheimer's assertion. There is a representation p of Z E Z in the group of diffeomorphisms of T2 defined by (1, 0) -P4 id, (0,1 I 0o 1l where [81 ]" denotes the transformation of T2 covered by the linear transformation of R2. This representation determines a bundle M4 over T with fiber T2: M4 = T2 XZ9Z T2, where Z E Z acts on T2 by covering transformations, and on T2 by p (M4 can also be seen as R4 modulo a group of affine transformations). Let Q1 be the standard volume form for T2. Since p preserves 21, this defines a closed 2-form i2 on M4 which is nonsingular on each fiber. Let p be projection to the base: then it can be checked that S21 + P*' 1 is a symplectic form. (It is, in general, true that "'j + Kp* 21 is a symplectic form, for any closed Q'1 which is a volume form for each fiber, and K sufficiently large.) But H1 (M4) = Z @ Z @ Z, so M4 is not a Kaehler manifold. Many more examples can be constructed. In the same vein, if M2k is a closed symplectic manifold, and if N2k+2 fibers over M2k with the fundamental class of the fiber not homologous to zero in N, then N is also a symplectic manifold. If, for instance, the Euler characteristic of the fiber is not zero, this Received by the editors July 31, 1974. AMS (MOS) subject classifications (1970). Primary 57D15, 58H05. C American Mathematical Society 1976