Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Edge modes for flexural waves in quasi-periodic linear arrays of scatterers

We present a multiple scattering analysis of robust interface states for flexural waves in thin elastic plates. We show that finite clusters of linear arrays of scatterers built on a quasi-periodic arrangement support bounded modes in the two-dimensional space of the plate. The spectrum of these modes plotted against the modulation defining the quasiperiodicity has the shape of a Hofstadter butterfly, which previous works suggest that might support topologically protected modes. Some interface states appear inside the gaps of the butterfly, which are enhanced when one linear cluster is merged with its mirror reflected version. The robustness of these modes is verified by numerical experiments in which different degrees of disorder are introduced in the scatterers, showing that neither the frequency nor the shape of the modes is altered. Since the modes are at the interface between two one-dimensional arrays of scatterers deposited on a two-dimensional space, these modes are not fully surrounded by bulk gaped materials, so that they are more suitable for their excitation by propagating waves. The generality of these results goes beyond flexural waves, since similar results are expected for acoustic or electromagnetic waves.
Experimental Demonstrations of Coherence de Broglie Waves Using Sub-Poisson Distributed Coherent Photon Pairs

Recently, a new interpretation of quantum mechanics has been developed for the wave nature of a photon, where determinacy in quantum correlations becomes an inherent property without the violation of quantum mechanics. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a direct proof of the wave natures of quantum correlation for the so-called coherence de Broglie waves (CBWs) using sub-Poisson distributed coherent photon pairs obtained from an attenuated laser. The observed experimental data coincides with the analytic solutions and the numerical calculations. Thus, the CBWs pave a road toward deterministic and macroscopic quantum technologies for such as quantum metrology, quantum sensing, and even quantum communications, that are otherwise heavily limited due to the microscopic non-determinacy of the particle nature-based quantum mechanics.
Yb2O3/Au Upconversion Nanocomposites with Broad-Band Excitation for Solar Cells

Luminescent upconversion (UC) is a promising way to harvest near-infrared (NIR) sunlight and improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells. However, most of efficient upconversion phosphors (UCPs) are based on 4f–4f transitions of rare earth (RE) ions, which have only a narrower excitation band matching with sun spectrum. To solve this significant problem, we designed and fabricated a novel kind of efficient UC nanocomposites, Yb2O3/Au, in which the upconversion luminescence (UCL) of Yb2O3 was a white broad band that originated from electron–hole recombination, and the excitation bands were expanded at least a range of 770–980 nm through the energy transfer (ET) from anisotropic gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to the Yb2O3 host. To our knowledge, the direct ET from the noble metal to the lanthanide phosphors has never been evidenced. Exploring Yb2O3/Au as the upconverter of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), NIR photovoltaic response was successfully demonstrated as proof-of-concept.
T cells drive negative feedback mechanisms in cancer associated fibroblasts, promoting expression of co-inhibitory ligands, CD73 and IL-27 in non-small cell lung cancer

ABSTRACT The success of immune checkpoint therapy shows tumor-reactive T cells can eliminate cancer cells but are restrained by immunosuppression within the tumor micro-environment (TME). Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the dominant stromal cell in the TME and co-localize with T cells in non-small cell lung cancer. We demonstrate the bidirectional nature of CAF/T cell interactions; T cells promote expression of co-inhibitory ligands, MHC molecules and CD73 on CAFs, increasing their production of IL-6 and eliciting production of IL-27. In turn CAFs upregulate co-inhibitory receptors on T cells including the ectonucleotidase CD39 promoting development of an exhausted but highly cytotoxic phenotype. Our results highlight the bidirectional interaction between T cells and CAFs in promoting components of the immunosuppressive CD39, CD73 adenosine pathway and demonstrate IL-27 production can be induced in CAF by activated T cells.
HPA-axis activity and the moderating effect of self-esteem in the context of intimate partner violence in Cameroon

ABSTRACT Background: The experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) is stressful. One objective way to monitor it is to assess victims’ stress response by measuring the concentration of their salivary cortisol, the major stress hormone released by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Objective: We investigated how the IPV experienced by women in Cameroon affects their stress levels and those of their children. Method: We recruited 50 mother–child dyads exposed to IPV and a control group of 25 mother–child dyads. All mothers completed questionnaires, including the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale to assess IPV, the Sense of Coherence Scale, and the Self-Esteem Scale, to assess their psychological resources. Mothers were asked to collect 3 saliva samples from themselves and 3 from their children on a single weekday: immediately after waking up, 30 minutes after waking up, and 45 minutes after waking up. The total cortisol secretion over the first hour after awakening was determined by calculating the area under the curve with respect to the ground (AUCg). Results: Mothers exposed to IPV exhibited higher total post-awakening cortisol concentrations compared with those in the control group. However, no significant difference was found between exposed and non-exposed children. In addition, higher IPV, specifically injuries, was significantly and positively associated with greater AUCg among mothers exhibiting lower self-esteem. When self-esteem was high, however, no significant effect of IPV on AUCg was observed. Conclusions: Of particular clinical significance is that self-esteem can modulate the stress levels of women exposed to IPV, a valuable insight into the development of effective psychosocial interventions to support IPV victims in sub-Saharan Africa. HIGHLIGHTS Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) experience extreme stress through elevated cortisol levels. Our results showed that higher cortisol levels was associated with lower self-esteem and a lower sense of coherence, thus implying that self-esteem may serve as a moderator.
Identification of failure modes in safety related nuclear structures for missile impact

The impact induced failures in RC depends on the stiffness and mass ratio of the impactor and target, the pulse duration and drop height. Besides there are complexities due to concrete heterogeneity, inelastic response in different regimes and strain rate sensitivity. The paper evolves a transient dynamic finite element analysis procedure for reinforced concrete slabs subjected to hammer impact for explaining the observed crushing, cracking, flexural, punching shear and mixed failures based on fracture energy model. The numerical simulation of reinforced concrete slab impacted with cylindrical drop hammer as reported in experiment by Zineddin and Krauthammer [1] was carried out using ABAQUS/Explicit finite element code to explain various failure modes. It is shown that the realistic impact behavior of reinforced concrete slabs can be simulated through the present numerical procedure, which accounts for the fracture energy based softening model with due consideration to the above failure modes. It is illustrated that the failure modes can be numerically predicted through identifiable parameters such as the point of inflection and stress based criteria.
The complete chloroplast genome of Pleione maculata, an orchid with important ornamental value and medicinal value

Abstract Pleione maculata is an epiphytic orchid with significant ornamental value and medicinal value. Here, we report the first complete chloroplast genome of P. maculata. The circular genome was 158,394 bp in length and consisted of a pair of inverted repeats (IR 26,646 bp), which were separated by a large single copy region (LSC 86,603 bp) and a small single copy region (SSC 18,499 bp). It contained 135 genes, including 89 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNAs and 8 rRNAs. Phylogenetic analysis of cp genomes from 41 species of Orchidaceae revealed that all species of Pleione formed one monophyletic clade and P. maculata was located at the base of the genus with high bootstrap values (≥99.1%).
KSI-301: antibody biopolymer conjugate in retinal disorders

KSI-301 is a new intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody biopolymer conjugate under investigation for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular oedema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Preclinical and early clinical trials so far have shown promising results in retinal vascular diseases. When using anti-VEGF agents for treatment of retinal disorders, the frequency of injections and follow-up visits has increased the treatment burden, greatly affecting the treatment outcome. There are new anti-VEGF agents in the horizon with extended duration of action, durability, safety profile and efficacy, which seem to address the above issues. PubMed search and Medline search were performed on newer anti-VEGF agents, KSI-301, antibody biopolymer conjugate in retina, KODIAK KSI-301, DAZZLE study, GLEAM study, GLIMMER study, GLOW study and BEACON study. This review article showcases the biophysical properties and ongoing trials related to KSI-301. Moreover, we discuss the efficacy and safety profile of KSI-301 on the basis of the results of available trials.
A new analysis approach for single nephron GFR in intravital microscopy of mice

Background: Intravital microscopy is an emerging technique in life science with applications in kidney research. Longitudinal observation of (patho-)physiological processes in living mice is possible in the smallest functional unit of the kidney, a single nephron (sn). In particular, effects on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) - a key parameter of renal function - can be assessed. Methods: After intravenous injection of a freely filtered, non-resorbable, fluorescent dye in C57BL/6 mice, a time series was captured by multiphoton microsopy. Filtration was observed from the glomerular capillaries to the proximal tubule (PT) and the tubular signal intensity shift was analyzed to calculate the snGFR. Results: Previously described methods for snGFR analysis relied on two manually defined measurement points in the PT and the tubular volume was merely estimated in 2D images. We present an extended image processing workflow by adding continuous measurement of intensity along the PT in every frame of the time series using ImageJ. Automatic modelling of actual PT volume in a 3D dataset replaced 2D volume estimation. Subsequent data analysis in R, with a calculation of intensity shifts in every frame and normalization against tubular volume, allowed exact assessment of snGFR by linear regression. Repeated analysis of image data obtained in healthy mice showed a striking increase of reproducibility by reduction of user interaction. Conclusions: These improvements in image processing and data analysis maximize the reliability of a sophisticated intravital microscopy technique for the precise assessment of snGFR, a highly relevant predictor of kidney function.
A Cardiac Protection of Germinated Brown Rice During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery and Simulated Myocardial Ischemia

Purpose The potential cardio-protective property of germinated brown rice (GBR) has been revealed by ameliorating risk factors related to cardiovascular diseases. This study hypothesized that the combination of GBR and cardioplegic solution could protect the cardiomyocytes exposed to simulated ischemic reperfusion injury in vitro study and preserve cardiac function during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in animal models. Methods Primary porcine cardiomyocytes were isolated and experimented cell viability against simulated ischemic reperfusion injury. In a cardiac surgical animal model, six pigs were randomly assigned to receive the two types of cardioplegic solution: i) St. Thomas cardioplegic solution (20 cc/kg); and ii) St. Thomas cardioplegic solution plus GBR (1 mg/kg). During open-heart surgery, the aorta was cross-clamped for 20 minutes, followed by reperfusion for 1 hour. Cardiopulmonary bypass parameters were recorded until the end of the procedure. Furthermore, hemodynamic parameters and arterial blood gas characteristics of animals among groups were monitored at different time points, including baseline before cardiopulmonary bypass (T1), during cardiopulmonary bypass (T2), during aortic clamp on (T3), and aortic clamp off (T4). Results Primarily, GBR cotreatment with cardioplegic solution essentially resulted in the improvement of cell viability in primary porcine cardiomyocytes against simulated ischemic reperfusion induction. The findings from cardiac surgery demonstrated that mean arterial pressure and heart rate are constantly stable in cardioplegic solution combined with the GBR group, while the trend of potassium and lactase concentration was decreased in the animals receiving GBR group. Consistently, all parameters from arterial blood gas showed better outcomes in animals receiving GBR; however, there were no statistically significant differences between groups, except hepatic enzymes. Conclusion Therefore, GBR might exert cardio-protective effects against ischemic reperfusion injury in the porcine cardiac surgery model due to anti-inflammatory response. These protective actions of GBR may explain the benefits gained from applying GBR products as a possible therapeutic supplement on cardiac diseases.
Transfer of learning from simulated setting to the clinical setting: identifying instructional design features

Background: Transfer of learning (ToL) is the endpoint of simulation-based training (SBT). It is affected by numerous factors, which can be classified into 3 categories: learner characteristics, work environment, and training design. The first 2 have been identified to some extent in previous research. In this study, the aim was to identify the instructional design (ID) features affecting the ToL in SBT. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 covers thematic analysis of comparative studies in the field of SBT. A systematic search was performed on 6 databases of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science, and the references of related systematic reviews were also checked. In phase 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants (instructors and learners) and analyzed using directed content analysis. The results of the 2 phases were combined, and finally ID features of SBT were identified and categorized. Results: In the first phase, 121 comparative studies were reviewed and in the second phase, 17 key informants were interviewed. After combining the results of the phases, the ID features affecting the ToL in SBT were classified into 3 broad categories and 15 subcategories as follows: (1) presimulation: preparation, briefing, and teaching cognitive base; (2) underlying theories: deliberate practice, mastery learning, and proficiency-based training; (3) and methods and techniques: distributed practice, variability, increasing complexity, opportunity for practice, repetitive practice, active learning, feedback/debriefing, simulator type, and simulator fidelity. Conclusion: Although learning is transferred from the simulated setting to the clinical setting, this process is not automatic and straightforward. Numerous factors affect this transfer. The results of this research can be used in designing and evaluating the SBT programs.
The complete chloroplast genome of Platycerium wallichii (Polypodiaceae), an endangered and ornamental fern species

Abstract The complete chloroplast genome of a staghorn fern species (Platycerium wallichii) was sequenced. The total genome was 158,286 bp in length, containing four regions: large single-copy (LSC) region (79,087 bp), small single-copy (SSC) region (21,397 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRs; 28,901 bp per each). In total 129 genes were annotated including 88 coding genes, 33 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. The overall GC content of the genome is 40.5%. Phylogenetic analysis supported the monophyly of both the subfamily Platycerioideae and the genus Platycerium. The genome data provides crucial information to support the future conservation and horticulture research.
The Crystal Structure of the Chlorite Minerals

Introduction. The study of the chlorite minerals was undertaken to establish the structures of some definitely known varieties and if possible to develop a means for determining what minerals are members of this group. The basis for the investigation was the structure suggested by Paul ing 1 ) . He states that the mineral is in the monoclinic base centered space group G\h with a unit cell of a0 = 5.2 — 5.3 Ä, b0 = 9.2 — 9.3 A, c0 = 14.3 — 14.4 A and β = 96°50'. This space group and also C\h have been thoroughly investigated by the writer for the suggested arrangement of mica and brucite sheets. Some other possibilities for the same space groups have been examined. The writer wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to Dr. J . W. G r u n e r for his interest and valuable advice throughout the investigation which was conducted in his laboratory at the University of Minnesota. He wishes also to express his thanks to Dr. W. F. F o s h a g of the National Museum at Washington for the fine specimens furnished and to Dr. C. S. Ross of the United States Geological Survey for another specimen of chlorite. Several X-ray diagrams were made with a Mül ler electron tube with a Cu target. Good pictures were obtained in about three hours at 25 kV. and 32 mA. for those varieties of chlorite which contain a small amount of iron. All the other X-ray diagrams were made with a modified Ksanda-type gas tube. Both Cu and Fe targets were used. For minerals having a high percentage of iron an exposure of 40—50 hours was necessary at about 30 kV. and 7 mA. using an iron target. A circular camera with a radius of 57.3 mm. was used. The powder method was used for all diagrams. Three methods of mounting the sample were employed, namely, silk thread, glass tube and
Direct and Delayed Mortality of Ceriodaphnia dubia and Rainbow Trout Following Time‐Varying Acute Exposures to Zinc

The potential for delayed mortality following short‐term episodic pollution events was evaluated by exposing cladocerans (Ceriodaphnia dubia) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to zinc (Zn) in various 1‐ to 48‐h and 1‐ to 96‐h exposures, respectively, followed by transferring the exposed organisms to clean water for up to 47 h for C. dubia and up to 95 h for trout for additional observation. For C. dubia, 1‐h exposures of up to 3790 µg Zn/L never resulted in mortality during the actual Zn exposures, but by 48 h, a 1‐h exposure to 114 µg/L, a concentration similar to the present US national water quality acute criterion for the test water conditions, ultimately killed 70% of C. dubia. With C. dubia, the speed of action of Zn toxicity was faster for intermediate concentrations than for the highest concentrations tested. For rainbow trout, pronounced delayed mortalities by 96 h only occurred following ≥8‐h exposures. For both species, ultimate mortalities from Zn exposures ≤8 h mostly presented as delayed mortalities, whereas for exposures ≥24 h, almost all ultimate mortalities presented during the actual exposure periods. With Zn, risks of delayed mortality following exposures to all concentrations tested were much greater for the more sensitive, small‐bodied invertebrate (C. dubia) than for the less sensitive, larger‐bodied fish (rainbow trout). These results, along with previous studies, show that delayed mortality is an important consideration in evaluating risks to aquatic organisms from brief, episodic exposures to some substances. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2484–2498. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Mycobacterium microti Infections in Free-Ranging Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

Infections with Mycobacterium microti, a member of the M. tuberculosis complex, have been increasingly reported in humans and in domestic and free-ranging wild animals. At postmortem examination, infected animals may display histopathologic lesions indistinguishable from those caused by M. bovis or M. caprae, potentially leading to misidentification of bovine tuberculosis. We report 3 cases of M. microti infections in free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) from western Austria and southern Germany. One diseased animal displayed severe pyogranulomatous pleuropneumonia and multifocal granulomas on the surface of the pericardium. Two other animals showed alterations of the lungs and associated lymph nodes compatible with parasitic infestation. Results of the phylogenetic analysis including multiple animal strains from the study area showed independent infection events, but no host-adapted genotype. Personnel involved in bovine tuberculosis–monitoring programs should be aware of the fastidious nature of M. microti, its pathogenicity in wildlife, and zoonotic potential.
Obesity in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis

Objective To study the link between a high body mass index (BMI) in childhood and the occurrence of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) and to compare, within the MS population, the clinical-radiologic-biological characteristics, according to BMI. Methods A case-control study comparing BMI data of 60 patients with POMS (39 girls and 21 boys) at Bicêtre Hospital with that of 113 non-neurologic controls NNCs (68 girls and 45 boys) and 18,614 healthy controls HCs (9,271 girls and 9,343 boys) was performed. Crude BMI (cBMI), residual BMI (rBMI = measured BMI − expected BMI for age), z-score (rBMI/SD), and adult equivalent categories (International Obesity Task Force ≥25 = overweight, ≥30 = obese) were assessed. Results In boys, cBMI and rBMI were significantly higher in patients with POMS compared with NNCs (cBMI: +2.9; rBMI: +2.95, p < 0.01) and HCs (cBMI: +2.04, p < 0.01). In girls, cBMI or rBMI did not differ between POMS and NNCs patients (cBMI p = 0.4; rBMI p = 0.44) but with HCs (cBMI +0.99, p < 0.01). CSF inflammatory markers increased with BMI in prepubertal patients (p < 0.01), whereas vitamin D level at diagnosis was lower in boys with higher BMI (p = 0.016). Increased BMI was not associated with clinical and radiologic disease characteristics. Conclusions Overweight and obesity are more frequently observed at diagnosis, particularly in boys with POMS compared with non-neurologic controls and French HCs. Moreover, BMI is related to initial inflammation in the CSF in prepubertal patients with POMS suggesting an interaction between excess body fat, sexual hormones, and POMS occurrence.