Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of N+ ion implantation at different temperatures on nanostructural modifications and characteristics of Al alloy surface

Abstract Thick (3.0 mm) Al samples (7049 an alloy with 15 elements) were implanted by N+ ions of 30 keV energy and fluence of 5 × 10 17 N+ cm−2 at different temperatures. The surface modification of the samples was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis. XRD spectra of the samples clearly showed the formation of different phases of AlN. Crystallite sizes (coherently diffracting domains) obtained from AlN diffraction lines showed that at a certain substrate temperature the crystallite size decreases considerably. AFM images showed the formation of grains on Al samples, and it was observed that both grain size and sample surface roughness first decrease and then increase with temperature (i.e. a minimum at a certain temperature is observed). In addition at this temperature, a minimum of intensity is also observed for the intensity of different phases of AlN and the intensity ratio of AlN (200)/AlN (311). This phenomenon is similar to those obtained for thin films and pure metal foils though the sample studied in this work is an Al alloy and the minimum for Al occurred at a value three times larger than that reported for the above cases. Alloy nature of this sample with 14 elements is responsible for the observed results because they may act as defects. Results may also be affected by the residual gases, substrate temperature, dissociation of water in the chamber and the ion energy. Results also showed that the processes of Al nitride and Al oxide formations are competing with each other; decrease of aluminium nitride phases are associated with increase of aluminium oxide phases.
Assessing speech, language and communication difficulties in children referred for ADHD: A qualitative evaluation of a UK child and adolescent mental health service

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neuropsychiatric disorders and is highly comorbid with speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCDs). However, it is unclear how often SLCDs are identified in ADHD referrals in routine practice and whether there are unidentified SLCDs within this population. Method: A thematic analysis was conducted on a random sample of case notes from 18 referrals for ADHD made to a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) in London, United Kingdom. Analyses aimed to identify (a) the types of SLCDs detected during assessment, (b) at which point of the episode of care these SLCDs were suspected and (c) whether a referral or consultation was made to a speech and language therapist (SLT) for further evaluation. Results: Out of 18 cases investigated, 15 were found to have possible SLCDs based on case notes and reports provided by external agencies. However, only four were referred by CAMHS for further assessment. It is unclear what, if any, steps other external agencies took. Themes describing types of SLCDs, comorbidities and the process of identification are discussed. Conclusion: The analysis of this service’s case notes revealed a range of different routes to the identification of SLCDs, and it was unclear what steps were taken as a result of assessment. A limitation is that this is just one service and the results may not generalise. However, given the similarity in practitioner training received across the country and that practitioners move from service to service, there are grounds for repeating the study in other services. We recommend a more structured approach to identifying SLCDs and recording assessment and treatment decisions made.
Good Agreement Between Transabdominal and Endoscopic Ultrasound of the Pancreas in Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract Purpose We aimed to evaluate the agreement of single criteria and dedicated scores from transabdominal ultrasound of the pancreas (US) compared to standards by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods In this observational cohort study performed in a tertiary care center, US and EUS were performed in 110 patients referred for suspected CP. Based on the Mayo score, 52 patients were diagnosed with CP. The sonographic findings obtained by both methods were registered. The number of criteria was counted and scored according to the Rosemont score. Results Agreement between the number of detected US and EUS criteria was substantial (ICC = 0.74 [0.61–0.83]. Adding Rosemont weighting improved the agreement (ICC = 0.88 [0.81–0.92]). Regarding individual criteria, the agreement was substantial for the detection of calcifications (κ = 0.86) and moderate for cysts and irregular or dilated pancreatic duct (κ = 0.42–0.58). Agreement for the other criteria was poorer (κ≤ 0.40). The diagnostic performance indices [95 % CI] of US for diagnosing CP (using Mayo score as reference standard) were for the unweighted score: Sensitivity: 0.65 [0.51–0.78], specificity: 0.97 [0.87–1.00]; and for Rosemont score: Sensitivity: 0.75 [0.61–0.86], specificity: 0.95 [0.83–0.99]. Conclusion The agreement between US and EUS for the unweighted and weighted scores was substantial. For the features calcifications, cysts and main pancreatic duct (MPD) changes, agreement was moderate to substantial. For the other detected US criteria, the agreement with EUS was too poor to be clinically relevant.
The PLA/ZIF‐8 Nanocomposite Membranes: The Diameter and Surface Roughness Adjustment by ZIF‐8 Nanoparticles, High Wettability, Improved Mechanical Property, and Efficient Oil/Water Separation

In this study, the nanoparticles of metal–organic framework ZIF‐8 are incorporated into the poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to prepare the nanocomposite electrospun membrane. The diameter and the surface roughness of the fibers can be successfully controlled by increasing the content of ZIF‐8 in the membranes. The prepared PLA/ZIF‐8 membranes have increased oil wettability and significantly improved mechanical property compared with pure PLA membrane. The tensile strength, stain at break of PLA/ZIF‐8 membrane with 0.5 wt% ZIF‐8 are increased to 5.02 MPa and 88.81% compared to 2.77 MPa and 57.89% for pure PLA membranes, respectively. The PLA/ZIF‐8 membranes are proved to be good candidate for oil/water separation with high efficiency because of the fast oil wetting ability, the roughness of fibers, and the adsorption effect of the porous ZIF‐8 nanoparticles.
Generative Adversarial Talking Head: Bringing Portraits to Life with a Weakly Supervised Neural Network

This paper presents Generative Adversarial Talking Head (GATH), a novel deep generative neural network that enables fully automatic facial expression synthesis of an arbitrary portrait with continuous action unit (AU) coefficients. Specifically, our model directly manipulates image pixels to make the unseen subject in the still photo express various emotions controlled by values of facial AU coefficients, while maintaining her personal characteristics, such as facial geometry, skin color and hair style, as well as the original surrounding background. In contrast to prior work, GATH is purely data-driven and it requires neither a statistical face model nor image processing tricks to enact facial deformations. Additionally, our model is trained from unpaired data, where the input image, with its auxiliary identity label taken from abundance of still photos in the wild, and the target frame are from different persons. In order to effectively learn such model, we propose a novel weakly supervised adversarial learning framework that consists of a generator, a discriminator, a classifier and an action unit estimator. Our work gives rise to template-and-target-free expression editing, where still faces can be effortlessly animated with arbitrary AU coefficients provided by the user.
Dispersion Effects of Fiber Bending Performed on Microstructured Fiber

This paper deals with dispersion effects resulting from fiber bending performed on microstructured fiber. It is theoretically possible to achieve significant negative chromatic dispersion by fiber bending. Bending of photonic crystal fiber, performed at specific conditions, can result in coupling modes and non-standard dispersion properties. The presented knowledge should be taken into account during the design of photonic crystal fibers immune to bending. For example, the potential tune of the operating wavelength by the reason of bending should be avoided. Minimum values of negative chromatic dispersion and of a minimumdispersion wavelength can be controlled by the value of bending radius. Among others, dispersion diagrams obtained for different bending and for different air-filling fraction are presented.
Multipolar interference effects in nanophotonics

Scattering of electromagnetic waves by an arbitrary nanoscale object can be characterized by a multipole decomposition of the electromagnetic field that allows one to describe the scattering intensity and radiation pattern through interferences of dominating multipole modes excited. In modern nanophotonics, both generation and interference of multipole modes start to play an indispensable role, and they enable nanoscale manipulation of light with many related applications. Here, we review the multipolar interference effects in metallic, metal–dielectric and dielectric nanostructures, and suggest a comprehensive view on many phenomena involving the interferences of electric, magnetic and toroidal multipoles, which drive a number of recently discussed effects in nanophotonics such as unidirectional scattering, effective optical antiferromagnetism, generalized Kerker scattering with controlled angular patterns, generalized Brewster angle, and non-radiating optical anapoles. We further discuss other types of possible multipolar interference effects not yet exploited in the literature and envisage the prospect of achieving more flexible and advanced nanoscale control of light relying on the concepts of multipolar interference through full phase and amplitude engineering. This article is part of the themed issue ‘New horizons for nanophotonics’.
Complex cytogeographical patterns reveal a dynamic tetraploid–octoploid contact zone

Cytotype distribution patterns are crucial for evaluating ecological processes involved in polyploid establishment and evolution. We explore cytotype diversity and distribution in contact zones of a tetraploid–octoploid plant. Complex contact zones and high cytogenetic diversity in natural populations were observed. Tetraploids and octoploids show geographical separation and habitat similarity suggesting that mixed-ploidy populations are subject to frequency-dependent selection, although the existence of reproductive barriers may enable cytotype coexistence. The detection of hexaploids in different points of the distribution indicates that unreduced gamete formation and hybridization occur and might be involved with recurrent polyploid formation and gene flow between cytotypes.
In‐loop flow [11C]CO2 fixation and radiosynthesis of N,N′‐[11C]dibenzylurea

Cyclotron‐produced carbon‐11 is a highly valuable radionuclide for the production of positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers. It is typically produced as relatively unreactive carbon‐11 carbon dioxide ([11C]CO2), which is most commonly converted into a more reactive precursor for synthesis of PET radiotracers. The development of [11C]CO2 fixation methods has more recently enabled the direct radiolabelling of a diverse array of structures directly from [11C]CO2, and the advantages afforded by the use of a loop‐based system used in 11C‐methylation and 11C‐carboxylation reactions inspired us to apply the [11C]CO2 fixation “in‐loop. ” In this work, we developed and investigated a new ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) loop‐based [11C]CO2 fixation method, enabling the fast and efficient, direct‐from‐cyclotron, in‐loop trapping of [11C]CO2 using mixed DBU/amine solutions. An optimised protocol was integrated into a proof‐of‐concept in‐loop flow radiosynthesis of N,N′‐[11C]dibenzylurea. This reaction exhibited an average 78% trapping efficiency and a crude radiochemical purity of 83% (determined by radio‐HPLC), giving an overall nonisolated radiochemical yield of 72% (decay‐corrected) within just 3 minutes from end of bombardment. This proof‐of‐concept reaction has demonstrated that efficient [11C]CO2 fixation can be achieved in a low‐volume (150 μL) ETFE loop and that this can be easily integrated into a rapid in‐loop flow radiosynthesis of carbon‐11–labelled products. This new in‐loop methodology will allow fast radiolabelling reactions to be performed using cheap/disposable ETFE tubing setup (ideal for good manufacturing practice production) thereby contributing to the widespread usage of [11C]CO2 trapping/fixation reactions for the production of PET radiotracers.
Combined Effect of Ultrasound Stimulations and Autoclaving on the Enhancement of Antibacterial Activity of ZnO and SiO2/ZnO Nanoparticles

This study investigates the antibacterial activity (ABA) of suspensions of pure ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and mesoporous silica doped with ZnO (ZnO-UVM7), as well as electrospun nanofibers containing those nanoparticles. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these two materials were also determined under the same conditions. The results showed a concentration-dependent effect of antibacterial nanoparticles on the viability of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Moreover, the combination of the stimulations and sterilization considerably enhanced the antimicrobial activity (AMA) of the ZnO suspensions. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) solutions in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) were mixed with different contents of nanoparticles and spun into nonwoven mats by the electrospinning process. The morphology of the mats was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of nanoparticles contained in the mats was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained PLA-based mats showed a fibrous morphology, with an average diameter ranging from 350 to 450 nm, a porosity above 85%, but with the nanoparticles agglomeration on their surface. TGA analysis showed that the loss of ZnO-NPs increased with the increase of ZnO-NPs content in the PLA solutions and reached 79% for 1 wt % of ZnO-NPs, which was mainly due to the aggregation of nanoparticles in solution. The ABA of the obtained PLA mats was evaluated by the dynamic method according to the ASTM standard E2149. The results showed that, above an optimal concentration, the nanoparticle agglomeration reduced the antimicrobial efficiency of PLA mats. These mats have potential features for use as antimicrobial food packaging material.
Mechanical behaviour of Twinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP) steels

TWinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP) steels are single phase austenitic alloys that successfully combine the properties of high strength and ductility. Thus, TWIP steels are an ideal candidate material for applications where the absorption of energy is required, such as armour or automotive crash safety systems. The TWIP effect arises due to the formation of thin lenticular deformation twins during straining. These twins act as strong barriers to dislocation movement. This results in a dynamic grain refinement process, leading to an increasing work hardening capacity and superior ductility. This thesis presents work carried out to develop our understanding of the mechanical properties and the micromechanics of twinning in a TWIP steel during deformation. In-situ X-ray synchrotron diffraction loading experiments were conducted to investigate the evolution of deformation texture, lattice strain and peak width during deformation at quasi static strain rates. The lattice strain evolution indicated that twinning occurs very early during deformation and remarkably initiates before the macroscopic yield point. In addition, the insitu experimental observations were modelled successfully using an elasto-plastic self consistent (EPSC) model. The armour capabilities of the material was investigated using Hopkinson pressure bar and blast testing. The characteristics of twinning were found to be dependent on the strain rate. Fewer active twin systems were observed at high strain rates (i.e. >1000 s−1) while the twins were relatively thicker compared to those observed at lower strain rates. TWIP steels have not obtained widespread use particularly in the automotive sector due to their relatively low yield stress compared to alternative advanced high strength steels. Cold rolling and annealing was performed on the as-received TWIP steel to explore alloy strengthening using a grain refinement mechanism. The influence of initial grain size on twinning was investigated and a critical twin stress of 50 MPa at the single crystal limit was determined.
Good social skills despite poor theory of mind: exploring compensation in autism spectrum disorder

Background It is proposed that some individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can ‘compensate’ for their underlying difficulties (e.g. in theory of mind; ToM), thus demonstrating relatively few behavioural symptoms, despite continued core cognitive deficits. The mechanisms underpinning compensation are largely unexplored, as is its potential impact on mental health. This study aimed to estimate compensation patterns in ASD, by contrasting overt social behaviour with ToM task performance, in order to compare the characteristics of ‘Low’ and ‘High’ Compensators. Methods A total of 136 autistic adolescents, from the ongoing Social Relationships Study, completed a range of cognitive tasks, the Autistic Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and a self‐report anxiety questionnaire. Participants were assigned compensation group status; High Compensators demonstrated good ADOS scores despite poor ToM performance, while Low Compensators demonstrated similarly poor ToM, accompanied by poor ADOS scores. Results High Compensators demonstrated better IQ and executive function (EF), but greater self‐reported anxiety, compared with Low Compensators. Such differences were not found when comparing individuals who had good versus poor ADOS scores, when ToM performance was good. Other core autistic characteristics (weak central coherence, nonsocial symptoms) did not differentiate the High and Low Compensators. Conclusions IQ, EF and anxiety appear to be implicated in the processes by which certain autistic young people can compensate for their underlying ToM difficulties. This tendency to compensate does not appear to reflect the severity of ‘hit’ for ASD per se, suggesting that well‐compensated individuals are not experiencing a milder form of ASD. The construct of compensation in ASD has implications for research and clinical practice.
Sliding of a single lac repressor protein along DNA is tuned by DNA sequence and molecular switching

Abstract In any living cell, genome maintenance is carried out by DNA-binding proteins that recognize specific sequences among a vast amount of DNA. This includes fundamental processes such as DNA replication, DNA repair, and gene expression and regulation. Here, we study the mechanism of DNA target search by a single lac repressor protein (LacI) with ultrafast force-clamp spectroscopy, a sub-millisecond and few base-pair resolution technique based on laser tweezers. We measure 1D-diffusion of proteins on DNA at physiological salt concentrations with 20 bp resolution and find that sliding of LacI along DNA is sequence dependent. We show that only allosterically activated LacI slides along non-specific DNA sequences during target search, whereas the inhibited conformation does not support sliding and weakly interacts with DNA. Moreover, we find that LacI undergoes a load-dependent conformational change when it switches between sliding and strong binding to the target sequence. Our data reveal how DNA sequence and molecular switching regulate LacI target search process and provide a comprehensive model of facilitated diffusion for LacI.
Taxol inhibits endosomal-lysosomal membrane trafficking at two distinct steps in CV-1 cells.

Although taxol inhibits membrane trafficking, the nature of this inhibition has not been well defined. In this study, we define the effects of taxol on endocytosis in CV-1 cells using density gradient centrifugation of membranes over sorbitol density gradients. After taxol treatment, resident endosomal enzymes and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) showed significant ( P ≤ 0.05) enrichment in membranes with properties of early endosomes ( fractions 4 and 5); the EGFR and Na+-K+-ATPase were also significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) depleted in lysosomal fractions ( fractions 10 and 11). The suggestion that taxol specifically reduces movement of endosomal constituents to lysosomes was supported by fluorescence microscopy studies revealing restriction of EGF to the peripheries of taxol-treated cells, in contrast to the perinuclear lysosomal-like distribution of EGF seen in controls. Kinetic studies with 125I-labeled EGF were also consistent with a taxol-induced block in traffic from endosomes and lysosomes after 15 min of uptake but also suggested an additional taxol-sensitive step in trafficking that involved redistribution of 125I-EGF within high-density compartments after 150 min. Related changes in cytoplasmic dynein distribution were observed within high-density compartments from taxol-treated cells, suggesting that this motor might participate in this later taxol-sensitive trafficking event. Electron microscopic examination of high-density membranes ( fraction 12) showed that taxol increased the numbers of small (<500 nm) dense vesicles, with a relative depletion of the larger (>500 nm) vesicles found in controls. These data demonstrate that disruption of endocytic events by taxol includes the early accumulation of protein and endocytic markers in endosomes and the later accumulation in a dense compartment that we propose is a subdomain of the lysosomes.
Fabrication of OCT light source by Bi2O3-B2O3 glass phosphor doped with Yb3+ and Nd3+

We investigated the spectroscopic properties of Bi 2 O 3 -B 2 O 3 based glasses doped with Yb 3+ and Nd 3+ in order to find appropriate phosphors for an optical coherence tomography (OCT) light source. We successfully obtained a wideband emission from 3·0Yb 2 O 3 -4·0Nd 2 O 3 -46·0Bi 2 O 3 -46·OB 2 O 3 -1·0Sb 2 O 3 (nominal molar composition) with a full width at half maximum of 85 nm in the wavelength region around 1000 nm. We achieved a maximum output power of 78 pW (luminescence efficiency of 1·5%) using a green light emitting diode (LED) as a photoexcitation source. The interference signal was measured by using a Michelson interferometer, and a coherence length of 5·4 μm was achieved. This value indicates that the depth resolution of the OCT with this light is twice that of conventional LEDs and super luminescent diodes. Therefore, we conclude that Bi 2 O 3 -B 2 O 3 based glass doped with Yb 3+ and Nd 3+ can be a new type of OCT light source.