Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Silicon Surface Passivation by Al2O3 Films Grown by Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition Using Low-Cost Precursors

A key concern for the integration of Al2O3 films deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in the photovoltaic industry is its high cost of precursors. This cost can be reduced by replacing conventional semiconductorgrade trimethylaluminium (TMA) with cheaper solar-grade TMA. In this study, Al2O3 films were grown on SoLayTec’s InPassion LAB spatial ALD reactor and the level of surface passivation was investigated on both n-type and p-type Czochralski-grown silicon wafers. High effective lifetimes were obtained for Al2O3 films deposited by both grades of TMA, with little difference between the two. Further investigations revealed a lower interface defect density for solargrade TMA and only very small differences in the fixed charge density between the two grades of TMA. These results show that low-cost solar-grade TMA can be utilised for the passivation of n-type and p-type c-Si surfaces.
Effects of β-glucan and inulin consumption on postprandial appetite, energy intake and food consumption in healthy females: A randomized controlled trial

Background: To date, several researchers have investigated the association between dietary fibre consumption and satiety. However, there is no study that includes both inulin and β-glucan to compare energy intake (EI) and satiety ratings. Aim: The current study investigated the effects of two dietary fibres, β-glucan and inulin, on satiety and food intake. Methods: The study was carried out among 24 woman over 18 years of age. The dietary fibres β-glucan (6 g/day) or inulin (6 g/day) were consumed by participants for five weeks. On the first and fifth week visits, the participants consumed a standard breakfast followed by an ad libitum test meal. Appetite was assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS) before and after breakfast. EI was measured at the test meal using plate waste. Results: Both dietary fibres significantly reduced the VAS scores of hunger, prospective food consumption and desire to eat, and increased satiety compared with the control group. However, the area under curve data for the VAS scores did not exhibit a significant difference. Significant reductions in EI and anthropometric values between the first and fifth week measures were observed in both dietary fibre groups. Statistically significant changes occurred in the body weight [-1.25 (1.27) kg], body mass index [-0.41 (0.42) kg/m2], waist circumference [-1.25 (1.04) cm] and waist/hip ratio [-0.01(0.01)] in the β-glucan group, whereas a statistically significant change occurred in body fat percentage in the inulin group [-2.16% (7.49)]. Conclusions: Overall, these findings demonstrate that the participants consuming β-glucan over the course of the five weeks had less EI, felt less hunger and had more satiety.
Causal Inference with Multilevel Data: A Comparison of Different Propensity Score Weighting Approaches

Abstract Propensity score methods are a widely recommended approach to adjust for confounding and to recover treatment effects with non-experimental, single-level data. This article reviews propensity score weighting estimators for multilevel data in which individuals (level 1) are nested in clusters (level 2) and nonrandomly assigned to either a treatment or control condition at level 1. We address the choice of a weighting strategy (inverse probability weights, trimming, overlap weights, calibration weights) and discuss key issues related to the specification of the propensity score model (fixed-effects model, multilevel random-effects model) in the context of multilevel data. In three simulation studies, we show that estimates based on calibration weights, which prioritize balancing the sample distribution of level-1 and (unmeasured) level-2 covariates, should be preferred under many scenarios (i.e., treatment effect heterogeneity, presence of strong level-2 confounding) and can accommodate covariate-by-cluster interactions. However, when level-1 covariate effects vary strongly across clusters (i.e., under random slopes), and this variation is present in both the treatment and outcome data-generating mechanisms, large cluster sizes are needed to obtain accurate estimates of the treatment effect. We also discuss the implementation of survey weights and present a real-data example that illustrates the different methods.
Repairing recruitment processes with sound technology to accelerate habitat restoration.

Humanity's ambitions to revive ecosystems at large scales require solutions to move restoration efforts beyond the small scale. There are increasing calls for technological solutions to reduce costs and facilitate large-scale restoration through use of emerging technologies using an adaptive process of research and development. We show how technological enrichment of marine soundscapes may provide a solution that repairs the recruitment process to accelerate the recovery of lost marine habitats. This solution would solve the problems of current practice that largely relies upon natural recruitment processes, which carries considerable risk where recruitment is variable or eroded. By combining the literature with laboratory experiments, we describe evidence for 'highways of sound' that convey navigable information for dispersing life-stages in search for adult habitat. We show that these navigational cues tend to be silenced as their habitat is lost, creating negative feedbacks that hinders restoration. We suggest that reprovisioning soundscapes using underwater technology offers the potential to reverse this feedback and entice target organisms to recruit in greater densities. Collective evidence indicates that the application of soundscape theory and technology may unlock the recruitment potential needed to trigger the recruitment of target organisms and the natural soundscapes they create at large scales.
PrimPol‐mediated repriming facilitates replication traverse of DNA interstrand crosslinks

DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) induced by endogenous aldehydes or chemotherapeutic agents interfere with essential processes such as replication and transcription. ICL recognition and repair by the Fanconi Anemia pathway require the formation of an X‐shaped DNA structure that may arise from convergence of two replication forks at the crosslink or traversing of the lesion by a single replication fork. Here, we report that ICL traverse strictly requires DNA repriming events downstream of the lesion, which are carried out by PrimPol, the second primase‐polymerase identified in mammalian cells after Polα/Primase. The recruitment of PrimPol to the vicinity of ICLs depends on its interaction with RPA, but not on FANCM translocase or the BLM/TOP3A/RMI1‐2 (BTR) complex that also participate in ICL traverse. Genetic ablation of PRIMPOL makes cells more dependent on the fork convergence mechanism to initiate ICL repair, and PRIMPOL KO cells and mice display hypersensitivity to ICL‐inducing drugs. These results open the possibility of targeting PrimPol activity to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy based on DNA crosslinking agents.
More Than Just Adolescence: Differences in Fatigue Between Youth With Cerebral Palsy and Typically Developing Peers

Objective To quantify differences in fatigue and disordered sleep between adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and their typically developing peers. A secondary aim was to investigate the association between fatigue and disordered sleep in adolescents with CP. Methods A convenience sample of 36 youth with CP aged 10–18 years was matched for age and sex with 36 typically developing peers. The Fatigue Impact and Severity Self-Assessment (FISSA), the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) fatigue profile, and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) were collected. Results Higher fatigue was reported in participants with CP than in their typically developing peers based on the FISSA total score (mean paired difference=19.06; 99% confidence interval [CI], 6.06–32.1), the FISSA impact subscale (mean paired difference=11.19; 99% CI, 3.96–18.4), and the FISSA Management and Activity Modification subscale (mean paired difference=7.86; 99% CI, 1.1–14.6). There were no differences between groups in the PROMIS fatigue profile (mean paired difference=1.63; 99% CI, -1.57–4.83) or the SDSC total score (mean paired difference=2.71; 99% CI, -2.93–8.35). Conclusion Youth with CP experienced significantly more fatigue than their peers as assessed by a comprehensive measure that considered both general and diagnosis-specific concerns. Sleep did not differ between youth with CP and their typically developing peers. These findings underscore the need to consider the clinical management of fatigue across the lifespan of individuals with CP to prevent the associated deterioration of functional abilities.
Biomechanical Effects of a 6-Week Change-of-Direction Technique Modification Intervention on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Abstract Dos'Santos, T, Thomas, C, Comfort, P, and Jones, PA. Biomechanical effects of a 6-week change-of-direction technique modification intervention on anterior cruciate ligament injury risk. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2133–2144, 2021—The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of a 6-week change-of-direction (COD) technique modification intervention on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk (i.e., multiplanar knee joint loads) during 45° (CUT45) and 90° (CUT90) side-step cutting. A nonrandomized, controlled 6-week intervention study was administrated. Fifteen male multidirectional sport athletes formed the intervention group (IG) who participated in two 30-minute COD technique modification sessions per week, whereas 12 male multidirectional sport athletes formed the control group and continued their normal training. Subjects performed 6 trials of the CUT45 and CUT90 task whereby pre-to-post intervention changes in lower-limb and trunk kinetics and kinematics were evaluated using three-dimensional motion and ground reaction force analysis. Two-way mixed analyses of variance revealed no significant interaction effects of group for CUT45 and CUT90 multiplanar knee joint loads (p ≥ 0.116, η2 ≤ 0.096); however, considerable individual variation was observed (positive (n = 5–8) and negative responders (n = 7–8)). Based on IG group means, COD technique modification resulted in no meaningful reductions in multiplanar knee joint loads. However, individually, considerable variation was observed, with “higher-risk” subjects generally responding positively, and subjects initially considered “low-risk” tending to increase their multiplanar knee joint loads, albeit to magnitudes not considered hazardous or “high-risk. ” Change-of-direction technique modification training is a simple, effective training method, requiring minimal equipment that can reduce knee joint loads and potential ACL injury risk in “higher-risk” subjects without compromising performance.
Red light-induced kumquat fruit colouration is attributable to increased carotenoid metabolism regulated by FcrNAC22.

Carotenoids play vital roles in the colouration of plant tissues and organs, particularly fruits; however, the regulation of carotenoid metabolism in fruits during ripening is largely unknown. Here, we show that red light (RL) promotes fruit colouration by inducing accelerated degreening and carotenoid accumulation in kumquat fruits. Transcriptome profiling reveals that a NAC family transcription factor, FcrNAC22 is specifically induced in RL-irradiated fruits. FcrNAC22 localizes to the nucleus, and its gene expression is up-regulated as fruits change colour. Results from dual luciferase, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) indicate that FcrNAC22 directly binds to and activates the promoters of three genes (i.e. FcrLCYB1, FcrBCH2 and FcrNCED5) encoding key enzymes in carotenoid metabolic pathway. Moreover, FcrNAC22 overexpression in citrus and tomato fruits as well as in citrus callus enhances expression of a dozen of carotenoid biosynthetic genes including the aforementioned three, accelerates plastid conversion into chromoplasts, and promotes colour change. Knock down of FcrNAC22 expression in transient transformed citrus fruits attenuates fruit colouration induced by red light. Taken together, our results demonstrate that FcrNAC22 is an important transcription factor that mediates RL-induced fruit colouration via upregulation of carotenoid metabolism in citrus and perhaps in other plants.
Cytocompatible cellulose nanofibers from invasive plant species Agave americana L. and Ricinus communis L.: a renewable green source of highly crystalline nanocellulose

In this study, the fibers of invasive species Agave americana L. and Ricinus communis L. were successfully used for the first time as new sources to produce cytocompatible and highly crystalline cellulose nanofibers. Cellulose nanofibers were obtained by two methods, based on either alkaline or acid hydrolysis. The morphology, chemical composition, and crystallinity of the obtained materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The crystallinity indexes (CIs) of the cellulose nanofibers extracted from A. americana and R. communis were very high (94.1% and 92.7%, respectively). Biological studies evaluating the cytotoxic effects of the prepared cellulose nanofibers on human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells were also performed. The nanofibers obtained using the two different extraction methods were all shown to be cytocompatible in the concentration range assayed (i.e., 0–500 µg/mL). Our results showed that the nanocellulose extracted from A. americana and R. communis fibers has high potential as a new renewable green source of highly crystalline cellulose-based cytocompatible nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
Structure of NaGaH4(D4)*

The crystal structure of complex hydrides NaGaD^, NaGaH^ and NaGaH.2 gD^ . have been studied by neutron diffraction at temperatures 320, 295 and 80 K. The hydrides show the CaSO^-type orthorhombic structure, the coordinates and thermal parameters of all the atoms have been determined. The thermal vibrations of Na and H(D) atoms and the elementary cell volume decrease strongly with dropping temperature. The substitution of deuterium by hydrogen results in a sharp increase of thermal vibrations of Na and H atoms and in 1.5% gain in the cell volume.
Tracking Control of Unknown and Constrained Nonlinear Systems via Neural Networks With Implicit Weight and Activation Learning

For systems with irregular (asymmetric and positively-negatively alternating) constraints being imposed/removed during system operation, there is no uniformly applicable control method. In this work, a control design framework is established for uncertain pure-feedback systems subject to the aforementioned constraints. By introducing a novel transformation function and with the help of auxiliary constraining boundaries, the original output-constrained system is augmented to unconstrained one. Unknown nonlinearity is approximated by neural networks (NNs) with not only neural weight updating but also activation online adjustment. The resultant control scheme is able to deal with constraints imposed or removed at some time moments during system operation without the need for altering control structure. When applied to high-speed trains, the developed control scheme ensures position tracking under speed constraints, simulation demands, and confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Quantification of the Proportion of Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes among Imported Malaria Patients According to the Degree of Semi-Immunity on Population Level: An Ecological Study

ABSTRACT. The protective effect of semi-immunity to alleviate clinical complications of malaria remains incompletely understood. This ecological study quantified the proportion of unfavorable clinical outcomes among patient populations with imported malaria as a function of the reported proportion of absent semi-immunity in a patient population. Group-level proportions were extracted from published studies on imported malaria. Linear regression analyses demonstrate a consistent positive trend between the average proportion of absent semi-immunity in patient populations of imported malaria and the proportion of unfavorable clinical outcomes therein. Regression equations provide a group-level estimate of attributable fractions of clinical complications resulting from absent semi-immunity to malaria.
Advancing estuarine ecological forecasts: seasonal hypoxia in Chesapeake Bay

Abstract Ecological forecasts are quantitative tools that can guide ecosystem management. The coemergence of extensive environmental monitoring and quantitative frameworks allows for widespread development and continued improvement of ecological forecasting systems. We use a relatively simple estuarine hypoxia model to demonstrate advances in addressing some of the most critical challenges and opportunities of contemporary ecological forecasting, including predictive accuracy, uncertainty characterization, and management relevance. We explore the impacts of different combinations of forecast metrics, drivers, and driver time windows on predictive performance. We also incorporate multiple sets of state‐variable observations from different sources and separately quantify model prediction error and measurement uncertainty through a flexible Bayesian hierarchical framework. Results illustrate the benefits of (1) adopting forecast metrics and drivers that strike an optimal balance between predictability and relevance to management, (2) incorporating multiple data sources in the calibration data set to separate and propagate different sources of uncertainty, and (3) using the model in scenario mode to probabilistically evaluate the effects of alternative management decisions on future ecosystem state. In the Chesapeake Bay, the subject of this case study, we find that average summer or total annual hypoxia metrics are more predictable than monthly metrics and that measurement error represents an important source of uncertainty. Application of the model in scenario mode suggests that absent watershed management actions over the past decades, long‐term average hypoxia would have increased by 7% compared to 1985. Conversely, the model projects that if management goals currently in place to restore the Bay are met, long‐term average hypoxia would eventually decrease by 32% with respect to the mid‐1980s.
C/EBP homologous protein deficiency enhances hematopoietic stem cell function via reducing ATF3/ROS‐induced cell apoptosis

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in a quiescent niche to reserve their capacity of self‐renewal. Upon hematopoietic injuries, HSCs enter the cell cycle and encounter protein homeostasis problems caused by accumulation of misfolded proteins. However, the mechanism by which protein homeostasis influences HSC function and maintenance remains poorly understood. Here, we show that C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), demonstrated previously to induces cell death upon unfolded protein response (UPR), plays an important role in HSCs regeneration. CHOP−/− mice showed normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell frequencies in steady state. However, when treated with 5‐FU, CHOP deficiency resulted in higher survival rates, associated with an increased number of HSCs and reduced level of apoptosis. In serial competitive transplantation experiments, CHOP−/− HSCs showed a dramatic enhancement of repopulation ability and a reduction of protein aggresomes. Mechanistically, CHOP deletion causes reduced ATF3 expression and further leads to decreased protein aggregation and ROS. In addition, CHOP−/− HSCs exhibited an increased resistance to IR‐induced DNA damage and improved HSCs homeostasis and function in telomere dysfunctional (G3Terc−/−) mice. In summary, these findings disclose a new role of CHOP in the regulation of the HSCs function and homeostasis through reducing ATF3 and ROS signaling.
Secondary Traumatic Stress in Emergency Services Systems (STRESS) Project: Quantifying and Predicting Compassion Fatigue in Emergency Medical Services Personnel

Abstract Introduction: Compassion fatigue (CF) is defined as the acute or gradual loss of benevolence that occurs after exposure to critical incident stress. Colloquially referred to as the “cost of caring,” CF can affect an individual’s future response to stressful situations and is unhealthy for caregivers. Objective: To identify the prevalence and predictors of CF in EMS professionals. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of EMS personnel using one-stage area sampling. Nine EMS agencies recruited based on location and geographic region provided data on service area and call mix. Respondents were surveyed in-person during monthly training. The survey evaluated the relationship between CF and psychosocial factors using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Parametric and non-parametric tests were used where appropriate for the univariate analysis. Those factors significant in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariable analysis. A logistic regression was conducted to determine predictors of CF while controlling for potential confounders. Results: A total of 686 EMS personnel completed the survey. Altogether, 48% had CF, of which 50.8% were male and 14% were minorities. Compared to those without CF, more than 4 times as many respondents with CF (n = 28[8.6%] v. 7[2.0%]) self-reported as currently in counseling and over a third (n = 109[33.1%]) had considered suicide. Irrespective of the presence of CF, one in two knew another EMS professional who had completed suicide. African-American EMS professionals were 3 times more likely to have CF (OR:3.1;p = 0.009). Mean scores on the ProQOL CF subscale were 10 points higher in those with CF compared to those without (27.1[±4.34] v. 17.04[±2.9]). EMS personnel were 48% more likely to have CF if they knew an EMS provider who completed suicide (p = 0.047). Additionally, those with concomitant traumatic stress syndromes, such as vicarious trauma and burnout, were 4.61 and 3.35 times more likely to have CF, respectively. Conclusions: CF is a considerable concern for EMS professionals and there are several modifiable factors that may reduce the prevalence of this cumulative stress syndrome. Additional research should focus on causal factors and mitigation strategies, as well as the individual and agency impact of CF on the prehospital work environment.