Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heavy Mg Doping to Form Reliable Rh Reflective Ohmic Contact for 278 nm Deep Ultraviolet AlGaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes

We investigated the electrical property of reflective non-alloyed Rh contacts to p-Al0.45Ga0. 55N contact layers and the performance of 278 nm flip-chip (FC) LEDs with the Rh and Ni/Au contacts as a function of Mg concentration. The three contact layers contained Mg concentration of 5.7 × 1019 cm−3 (sample A), 1.0 × 1020 cm−3 (sample B), and 1.4 × 1020 cm−3 (sample C). The Rh contacts to the sample A showed non-ohmic behaviour, while the samples B and C were ohmic with contact resistivity of 3.2 × 10−1 and 3.4 × 10−2 Ωcm2, respectively. The FC-LEDs with the sample A, B, and C with the Rh contacts yielded forward voltages of 7.26, 6.24, and 6.30 V, and output power of 10.46, 10.85, and 10.44 mW at 50 A cm−2, respectively, whereas that with the sample C (Ni/Au contact) gave 6.51 V and 6.26 mW. The FC-LEDs with p-Al0.55Ga0. 45N (sample D) and p-Al0.61Ga0. 39N (sample E) contact layers (with Mg dopant of 8.0 × 1019 cm−3) displayed forward voltage of 7.41 and 8.72 V at 50 A cm−2 and output power of 11.88 and 15.25 mW, respectively. The Wall-plug efficiency of the sample C, D, and E was estimated to be 3.31, 3.21, and 3.50%, respectively. These results show FC-LEDs fabricated with highly Mg-doped p-AlGaN and Rh contact demonstrate reliable performance upon operating at 100 A cm−2.
FORECASTING OF THE STATE OF THE SMALL ARAL SEA BASED ON OPEN DATA SOURCES

The study of the dynamics of the level and volume of water in the Aral Sea is an urgent scientific task due to the need to understand the mechanisms of natural and anthropogenic processes that have induced a radical change in its water and salt balance over the past 60 years. In particular, the study of the dynamics of water balance components in the basin of the Small Aral Sea is the most important task when planning scenarios for water use in the region. In the proposed work, based on the methods of machine learning (for the implementation of computational functions in the program), two statistical models were developed: a forecast model for the monthly values of river flow in the Syrdarya river and the forecast of variability of the water volume of the Small Aral Sea. Based on the simulation results, forecasts were made for the values of the Syrdarya drainage and the water volume of the Small Aral Sea. In conditions of low availability of field observations data, the operational estimates of the water balance component are the most important source of information on the changes occurring in the basin under investigation. The proposed technique can also be used to obtain initial conditions in experiments on hydrodynamic modeling, as well as to calculate climatic scenarios for the development of the hydrological system of the Aral Sea.
Cut-off points of anthropometric markers associated with hypertension in the Brazilian population: National Health Survey, 2013

Abstract Objective To identify cut-off points for waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and BMI associated with hypertension in the Brazilian adult and elderly population. Design Cross-sectional study. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off points of WC, WHtR and BMI in the prediction of hypertension. Those who had systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg and those who reported use of antihypertensive medication were considered hypertensive. Setting Brazil. Participants Participants from the National Health Survey, the Brazilian household-based survey conducted in 2013, of both sexes and age ≥20 years. Results Cut-off points for WC and WHtR increased with age in both sexes. WC cut-off limits ranged between 88·0 and 95·9 cm in men and between 85·0 and 93·2 cm in women. For WHtR, cut-off scores ranged from 0·51 to 0·58 for men and from 0·53 to 0·61 for women. Additionally, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for all age and sex groups was greater than 0·60 while the lower limit of the AUC 95 % CI for both WC and WHtR was not less than 0·50. The performance of BMI was similar to that of indicators of fat location. Conclusions All analysed anthropometric indicators had similar performance in identifying hypertension in the Brazilian population.
Compact MIMO antenna using stepped impedance resonator‐based metasurface for 5G and WIFI applications

A compact metasurface‐based multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna using the stepped impedance resonator (SIR) for 5G and WIFI applications is investigated in this article. The SIR patch unit‐cells are periodically etched on the two sides of a thin PCB substrate. As a result, the metal‐insulator‐metal (MIM) capacitor as the series left‐hand (LH) capacitor is introduced into the right‐handed transmission line (RH‐TL). Besides, the RH inductor could be easily adjusted through the SIR patch. Based on the dispersion relation of the metamaterial‐inspired SIR TL, a compact metasurface antenna is proposed and analyzed. A 3‐cell MIMO antenna with a reduced oversize of 0.48 λ0 × 1.34 λ0 × 0.05 λ0 (with λ0 being the free‐wavelength at 4.7 GHz.) for WIFI application is proposed and fabricated. Good agreement between measurement and simulation has been observed. Wide impedance bandwidth (covering 4.68‐5.75 GHz, 20.5%) and good isolation (all below −25 dB) are achieved. The measured peak gain and radiation efficiency are greater than 7.8 dBi and 90%, respectively. Owing to a compact antenna configuration, wide bandwidth (covering both 5G sub‐6GHz and WIFI bands), good radiation performance, and an easy fabrication process, this antenna is well suited for 5G or/and 5 GHz WIFI application in the base station.
Costunolide enhances sensitivity of K562/ADR chronic myeloid leukemia cells to doxorubicin through PI3K/Akt pathway

Costunolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, a small molecular monomer extracted from Inula helenium, has been reported to possess antiproliferative effects on several cancer cell lines. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of costunolide on sensitivity of K562/ADR chronic myeloid leukemia cells to doxorubicin. The antiproliferative effect of costunolide was assessed by CCK‐8 assay. Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to examine the mechanisms of antileukemia action. Costunolide dramatically enhanced doxorubicin‐induced antiproliferative activity against K562/ADR cells through inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway, activation of caspases 3, cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase, and downregulation of p‐glycoprotein expression. These results demonstrate that costunolide may be a potent therapeutic agent against CML.
“Let me heare … if thou canst say”: The Utility of the Prayer Book Catechism (1549–1604)

This article explores the catechism in the Book of Common Prayer, shedding light on the emergence of instructional writing from oral instruction. The 1549 text evinces qualities of preliterate oral communication identified by Ong. By contrast, the 1604 addendum reveals a trend toward modern plain style, which is even more pronounced in the 1647 Westminster Shorter Catechism. The evidence indicates the oral features were useful to the text’s technical aims. What Ramist plain style gains in precision and objectivity comes at the cost of other useful features, such as reiteration, contextualization, and agonism, which (in Tannen's phrase) involve a greater relative focus on interpersonal involvement between speaker and auditor/ reader.
Nanobody-based CAR T cells that target the tumor microenvironment inhibit the growth of solid tumors in immunocompetent mice

Significance Despite its success in treating hematological cancers, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy does not so easily eliminate solid tumors. Solid tumors generally develop in a highly immunosuppressive environment and are difficult to target, mostly due to a lack of tumor-specific antigen expression, but other factors contribute as well. This study develops a strategy to target multiple solid tumor types through markers in their microenvironment. The use of single-domain antibody (VHH)-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells that recognize these markers circumvents the need for tumor-specific targets. VHH-based CAR T cells that target the tumor microenvironment through immune checkpoint receptors or through stroma and ECM markers are effective against solid tumors in syngeneic, immunocompetent animal models. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been successful in clinical trials against hematological cancers, but has experienced challenges in the treatment of solid tumors. One of the main difficulties lies in a paucity of tumor-specific targets that can serve as CAR recognition domains. We therefore focused on developing VHH-based, single-domain antibody (nanobody) CAR T cells that target aspects of the tumor microenvironment conserved across multiple cancer types. Many solid tumors evade immune recognition through expression of checkpoint molecules, such as PD-L1, that down-regulate the immune response. We therefore targeted CAR T cells to the tumor microenvironment via the checkpoint inhibitor PD-L1 and observed a reduction in tumor growth, resulting in improved survival. CAR T cells that target the tumor stroma and vasculature through the EIIIB+ fibronectin splice variant, which is expressed by multiple tumor types and on neovasculature, are likewise effective in delaying tumor growth. VHH-based CAR T cells can thus function as antitumor agents for multiple targets in syngeneic, immunocompetent animal models. Our results demonstrate the flexibility of VHH-based CAR T cells and the potential of CAR T cells to target the tumor microenvironment and treat solid tumors.
AN ANALYSIS OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION WITH RENEWABLE RESOURCES IN GERMANY

Germany has an experience of renewable energy policies that encourages their usage, achieving technological migration and the redesign of its power generation matrix, achieving 112 GW of renewable resources at 2017. The research presents an analysis between the energy policies and the electricity statistics, the results forecast a date in which they will reach the goal of 50% of annual generation of total electric power by renewable sources, a goal set in 2012.
Influence of feedlot manure amendments on dissolved organic carbon in runoff during transition from continuous to legacy applications1

Abstract: Little research has compared land application of stockpiled (SM) or composted (CM) beef feedlot manure with straw (ST) or wood-chip (WD) bedding on loss of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in runoff. We conducted a 6 yr (2013–2018) rainfall simulation-runoff study and utilized surface (0–5 cm) soil collected from a long-term (since 1998) field experiment on a clay loam soil in southern Alberta, Canada. The treatments consisted of SM or CM with ST or WD bedding applied at 13, 39, and 77 Mg·ha−1 (dry weight), as well as an unamended control and mineral fertilizer treatment. Surface soil was collected from all treatments after 15–17 (C15, C16, and C17; 2013–2015) continual annual applications and then after one to three legacy years (L1–L3, 2016–2018) after manure applications were first discontinued in 2015. The soil was packed into runoff trays, and flow-weighted mean concentrations (FWMCs) and mass loads of DOC in runoff water were determined during rainfall simulations. Mean DOC losses were generally significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower for CM with ST bedding compared with the other manure type – bedding treatments in certain years and were consistent with this amendment having the lowest total carbon (C) content. The total C content of the amendments explained 92% of the variation in DOC concentration. Termination of long-term manure applications reduced FWMCs by 85%–91% and mass loss by 76%–89% from the C17 to L3 year. Therefore, our findings suggested that composting manure with ST or discontinued long-term manure application may reduce DOC loss in runoff.
Penis morphology facilitates identification of cryptic African bat species

Africa hosts a high number of bat species, many of which have been poorly studied. Among African vesper bats (Vespertilionidae), some species are morphologically similar to each other, hampering identification in the field. Consequently, basic information on these species' population dynamics, distributions, or behaviors is vague and/or incorrectly documented. Among some Vespertilionidae, variation in flaccid penis shape enables species identification. This variation in morphology is thought to have resulted from sexual selection operating on the erect penis. Furthermore, in the context of strong postcopulatory competition, divergence in sperm traits may have evolved among closely related species. These male reproductive characters have hitherto not been investigated in southern African vespertilionid bats. In this study, we present the morphology of flaccid penis, erect penis, and sperm, of six small vesper species, based on the prediction that these characters have evolved sufficiently toward different optima to allow species discrimination. Species identification based solely on the morphological characters of the penis entirely matched species identification based on traditional (craniodental) characters. We illustrate penis morphology of these species to assist with field identifications for future ecological, conservation, or behavioral studies. Sperm morphology was sufficient to discriminate between the different genera, but could not reliably separate Neoromicia nana, Ne. zuluensis, and Ne. capensis. Hence, we demonstrate that these difficult to identify species can be readily distinguished based on traits directly observable in the field and on living animals, which will lead to more focused field studies on these otherwise morphologically cryptic species. Finally, our comparisons of penis morphology support the suggestion that Hypsugo anchietae is better placed within the genus Neoromicia.
'Hands-off/poised' or 'Hands-on' method among Chinese midwives: A cross-sectional survey.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To determine midwives' preference for "Hands-on" and "Hands-off/poised" methods and to explore the impact factors. BACKGROUND With the increasing rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries, great controversy surrounds the "Hands-on" or "Hands-off" method during childbirth to decrease obstetric anal sphincter injuries incidence. Without regular records and related research, determining the use of this technique in China is difficult. DESIGN This study used a quantitative study design, following the EQUATOR guidelines (STROBE). METHODS A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted using respondent-driven sampling across 31 provinces in China from 1st October 2017-31st December 2017. A total of 6,425 midwives were involved. Descriptive analyses, chi-square test and binary logistic regression were undertaken. RESULTS A total of 5,225 questionnaires were returned; 55.8% of the participants preferred the "Hands-off/poised" method. The impact factors included hospital categories, total work experience in a birth unit in years, theoretical education and skill training. In the study, for situations with increased OASI risk, 100% of the midwives in the "Hands-off" group expressed willingness to change to the "Hands-on" method whether there was concern about impending obstetric anal sphincter injuries. CONCLUSION The "Hands-off/poised" method is heavily practised by Chinese midwives. However, majority of the midwives adopt "Hands-on" method in the face of high risk for obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Further studies are needed to determine the association between obstetric anal sphincter injuries rate and perineal management for low-risk birth. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The result indirectly illustrates the application of "Hands-off/poised" technique in China and provides evidence for the international midwifery organisation to understand the status of Chinese midwifery to some extent. It also provides the latest data for further study of these two methods and the study of the relationship between hands-off/poised method and obstetric anal sphincter injuries.
Chemokine Receptor 7 is Essential for Coxiella burnetii Whole-Cell Vaccine Induced Cellular Immunity but Dispensable for Vaccine Mediated Protective Immunity.

BACKGROUND Protective immunity against Coxiella burnetii infection is conferred by vaccination with virulent (PI-WCV), but not avirulent (PII-WCV) whole-cell inactivated bacterium. The only well characterized antigenic difference between virulent and avirulent C. burnetii is they have smooth and rough LPS respectively. METHODS Mice were vaccinated with PI-WCV and PII-WCV, humoral and cellular responses were evaluated using protein chip microarrays and ELIspots, respectively. Dendritic cells (DCs) maturation after stimulation with PI-WVC and PII-WVC was evaluated using flow cytometry. Vaccine/challenge studies were performed to validate the importance of the receptor CCR7. RESULTS Other than specific antibody response to PI-LPS, similar antibody profiles were observed but significantly higher IgG titers after vaccination with PI-WCV. Furthermore, higher frequency of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells were detected in mice immunized with PI-WCV. PI-WCV stimulated DCs displayed significantly higher levels of CCR7 and migratory ability to secondary lymphoid organs. Challenge-protection studies in wild type and CCR7 deficient mice confirmed that CCR7 is critical for PI-WCV induced cellular immunity. CONCLUSIONS PI-WVC stimulates protective immunity to C. burnetii in mice through stimulation of migratory behavior in DCs, for protective cellular immunity. Additionally, the humoral immune response to LPS is an important component of protective immunity.
Tracing the Evolution of the Plastome and Mitogenome in the Chloropicophyceae Uncovered Convergent tRNA Gene Losses and a Variant Plastid Genetic Code

The tiny green algae belonging to the Chloropicophyceae play a key role in marine phytoplankton communities; this newly erected class of prasinophytes comprises two genera (Chloropicon and Chloroparvula) containing each several species. We sequenced the plastomes and mitogenomes of eight Chloropicon and five Chloroparvula species to better delineate the phylogenetic affinities of these taxa and to infer the suite of changes that their organelle genomes sustained during evolution. The relationships resolved in organelle-based phylogenomic trees were essentially congruent with previously reported rRNA trees, and similar evolutionary trends but distinct dynamics were identified for the plastome and mitogenome. Although the plastome sustained considerable changes in gene content and order at the time the two genera split, subsequently it remained stable and maintained a very small size. The mitogenome, however, was remodeled more gradually and showed more fluctuation in size, mainly as a result of expansions/contractions of intergenic regions. Remarkably, the plastome and mitogenome lost a common set of three tRNA genes, with the trnI(cau) and trnL(uaa) losses being accompanied with important variations in codon usage. Unexpectedly, despite the disappearance of trnI(cau) from the plastome in the Chloroparvula lineage, AUA codons (the codons recognized by this gene product) were detected in certain plastid genes. By comparing the sequences of plastid protein-coding genes from chloropicophycean and phylogenetically diverse chlorophyte algae with those of the corresponding predicted proteins, we discovered that the AUA codon was reassigned from isoleucine to methionine in Chloroparvula. This noncanonical genetic code has not previously been uncovered in plastids.
A systematic review and cost analysis of repeat colonoscopies due to inadequate bowel cleansing in five European countries

ABSTRACT Background: Colonoscopies are carried out for a range of reasons including for the detection of colon cancer and investigation of abdominal and bowel related symptoms. Inadequate preparation can increase the burden of repeat procedures. Methods: A systematic review aimed to identify the rate of repeat colonoscopies due to inadequate bowel preparation in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The information obtained populated a decision analytic model to estimate the cost implications of inadequate bowel cleansing in the same five countries. The model explored scenarios by comparing one and two-litre polyethylene glycol-based bowel preparation. Results: The systematic review identified 14 eligible studies reporting on the proportion of patients with inadequate bowel cleansing indicated for a repeat procedure. Data were available for Italy (27.5%-35.9%), Spain (63%) and the UK (24.5%) only. The decision analytic model demonstrates that improving the proportion of adequate bowel cleansing at first colonoscopy is likely to generate cost savings. Conclusions: Based on the available evidence, increasing the proportion of people who have adequate bowel cleansing at index colonoscopy will likely have financial benefits in Italy, Spain and the UK. A paucity of data, for France and Germany, limits the robustness of conclusions in these countries.
Executive functions in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review on motor and cognitive inhibition, conflict control and cognitive flexibility

Abstract Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a syndrome characterised by mild cognitive decline, on one or more domains, but which does not compromise daily functions. Several studies have investigated the relationship between MCI and deficit in executive functions (EFs) but, unlike robust evidence in the mnestic domain, the nature of executive deficits in the MCI population remains uncertain. Objectives: This systematic review aims to evaluate EFs in patients with MCI, considering inhibition (motor and cognitive), conflict control and cognitive flexibility. Method: The databases used for the search were PUBMED, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and MEDLINE. Eligibility criteria: use of specific paradigms for EFs assessment (‘Wisconsin Card Sorting Test’, ‘Stroop Task’, ‘Go/No-Go Task’, ‘Flanker Task’); age over 65, studies published in English. Exclusion criteria: presence of dementia; psychiatric disorders; stroke; cranial trauma; inclusion of participants with MCI in groups with healthy elderly or those with dementia. Results: Fifty-five studies were selected, namely: Stroop Task (N = 30), WCST (N = 14), Go/No-Go (N = 9), Flanker Task (N = 2). Results have shown in people with MCI deficits in all the EFs considered. Conclusions: The results of this review support the applicability of the four experimental tasks examined for the study of EFs in people with MCI. These paradigms are useful in research, diagnosis and therapeutic purposes, allowing obtaining an articulated EFs profile that can compromise the daily life in elderly. These EFs are not generally evaluated by standard assessment of MCI, but their evaluation can lead to a better knowledge of MCI and help in the diagnosis and treatment.
Recent Trends in Advanced Contact Lenses

Exploiting contact lenses for ocular drug delivery is an emerging field in the area of biomedical engineering and advanced healthcare materials. Despite all the research conducted in this area, still, new technologies are in their early stages of the development, and more work must be done in terms of clinical trials to commercialize these technologies. A great challenge in using contact lenses for drug delivery is to achieve a prolonged drug release profile within the therapeutic range for various eye‐related problems and diseases. In general, desired release kinetics to avoid the initial burst release is the zero‐order kinetics within the therapeutic range. This review highlights the new technologies developed to achieve efficient and extended drug delivery. It also provides an overview of the materials and methods for fabrication of contact lenses and their mechanical and optical properties.