Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ barriers to caring for patients with COVID‐19: a qualitative systematic review

Aim The aim of this qualitative systematic review is to identify and synthesize qualitative studies of frontline nurses’ experiences and challenges when caring for patients with COVID‐19 in hospitals. Background This review is the first qualitative systematic review of nurses’ experiences since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020. Understanding nurses’ experiences with COVID‐19 is important because nurses are among the most vital of healthcare workers. Methods This study used a qualitative systematic review methodology with thematic synthesis to analyse the included studies. Five databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were searched from January to mid‐August 2020, and 25 abstracts were screened. Based on inclusion criteria, this qualitative systematic review included nine studies. Results Five themes were identified as barriers to COVID‐19 care by 133 hospital‐based nurses: limited information about COVID‐19, unpredictable tasks and challenging practices, insufficient support, concerns about family, and emotional and psychological stress. Conclusions The five barriers identified in this review should be overcome to improve nurses’ experiences and, in turn, the quality of care patients with COVID‐19 receive. Implications for nursing and health policy The findings from this review can be used to reform current healthcare and hospital‐support systems for populations with COVID‐19. They can also be used to point towards areas of research interested in improving frontline nursing. Finally, nursing leaders, healthcare policymakers and governments should use these findings to better support the nursing workforce in the current or a future pandemic.
Capturing the diversity of the human milk microbiota through culture-enriched molecular profiling: a feasibility study.

Previous human milk studies have confirmed the existence of a highly diverse bacterial community using culture-independent and targeted culture-dependent techniques. However, culture-enriched molecular profiling of milk microbiota has not been done. Additionally, the impact of storage conditions and milk fractionation on microbiota composition is not understood. In this feasibility study, we optimised and applied culture-enriched molecular profiling to study culturable milk microbiota in eight milk samples collected from mothers of infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Fresh samples were immediately plated or stored at -80°C for two weeks (short-term frozen). Long-term samples were stored at -20°C for more than six months. Samples were cultured using 10 different culture media and incubated both aerobically and anaerobically. We successfully isolated major milk bacteria including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Bifidobacterium from fresh milk samples, but were unable to culture any bacteria from the long-term frozen samples. Short-term freezing shifted the composition of viable milk bacteria from the original composition in fresh samples. Nevertheless, the inter-individual variability of milk microbiota composition was observed even after short-term storage. There was no major difference in the overall milk microbiota composition between milk fractions in this feasibility study. This is among the first studies on culture-enriched molecular profiling of the milk microbiota demonstrating the effect of storage and fractionation on milk microbiota composition.
Neural-Networks-Based Prescribed Tracking for Nonaffine Switched Nonlinear Time-Delay Systems

In this article, by using the neural-networks (NNs) separation and approximation technique, an adaptive scheme is presented to deliver the prescribed tracking performance for a class of unknown nonaffine switched nonlinear time-delay systems. The nonaffine terms are indifferentiable and the controllability condition is not required for each subsystem, which allows the considered tracking problem to not be efficiently solved by the traditional adaptive control algorithms. To solve the problem, NNs are utilized to separate and approximate the nonaffine functions, and then the dynamic surface control and convex combination method are utilized to construct a controller and a switching strategy. In addition, an adaptive law is considered for each subsystem to reduce the conservativeness. Under the designed controller and switching strategy, all the signals of the resulting closed-loop system are bounded, and the tracking performance is achieved with a prescribed level.
Comparative Analysis of the Ecological Succession of Microbial Communities on Two Artificial Reef Materials

Concrete and wood are commonly used to manufacture artificial reefs (ARs) worldwide for marine resource enhancement and habitat restoration. Although microbial biofilms play an important role in marine ecosystems, the microbial communities that colonize concrete and wooden ARs and their temporal succession have rarely been studied. In this study, the temporal succession of the microbial communities on concrete and wooden AR blocks and the driving factors were investigated. The composition of the microbial communities underwent successive shifts over time: among the six dominant phyla, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Gracilibacteria significantly decreased in wood, as did that of Cyanobacteria in concrete. Operational taxonomic units (OTU) richness and Shannon index were significantly higher in concrete than in wood. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination placed the microbial communities in two distinct clusters corresponding to the two substrate materials. The macrobenthic compositions of concrete and wood were broadly similar and shifted over time, especially in the first five weeks. The Shannon index of the microbial communities in concrete and wood increased significantly with the organism coverage. The results provide fundamental data on microbial community succession during the initial deployment of ARs and contribute to understanding the ecological effects of ARs.
Dynamic Evidence of the Multiplicity Mechanism in Methyl tert-Butyl Ether Reactive Distillation

The existence and explanation of steady-state multiplicity in methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) reactive distillation have been addressed by several authors. Recently, Schrans et al. (Comput. Chem. Eng. 1996b, 20, S1609−S1614) analyzed the dynamic behavior of a rigorous dynamic model and verified the presence of multiple solutions. This paper shows how the mechanistic explanation given by Hauan et al. (Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 1995, 34 (3), 987−991) may be used to interpret and predict dynamic behavior when the reactive distillation column is subject to input disturbances.
Capacitive Field-Effect Biosensor Studying Adsorption of Tobacco Mosaic Virus Particles

Plant virus-like particles, and in particular, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles, are increasingly being used in nano- and biotechnology as well as for biochemical sensing purposes as nanoscaffolds for the high-density immobilization of receptor molecules. The sensitive parameters of TMV-assisted biosensors depend, among others, on the density of adsorbed TMV particles on the sensor surface, which is affected by both the adsorption conditions and surface properties of the sensor. In this work, Ta2O5-gate field-effect capacitive sensors have been applied for the label-free electrical detection of TMV adsorption. The impact of the TMV concentration on both the sensor signal and the density of TMV particles adsorbed onto the Ta2O5-gate surface has been studied systematically by means of field-effect and scanning electron microscopy methods. In addition, the surface density of TMV particles loaded under different incubation times has been investigated. Finally, the field-effect sensor also demonstrates the label-free detection of penicillinase immobilization as model bioreceptor on TMV particles.
Effect of Structural Build-Up on Interlayer Bond Strength of 3D Printed Cement Mortars

Understanding the relationship between the intrinsic characteristics of materials (such as rheological properties and structural build-up) and printability and controlling intrinsic characteristics of materials through additives to achieve excellent printability is vital in digital concrete additive manufacturing. This paper aims at studying the effects of material’s structural build-up on the interlayer bond strength of 3DPC with different time gaps. Structural build-up can indirectly affect the interlayer bond strength by affecting the surface moisture of concrete. Based on the structural build-up of 3DPC, a new parameter, maximum operational time (MOT), is proposed, which can be considered as the limit of time gap to ensure high interlayer bond strength. Slump-retaining polycarboxylate superplasticizer (TS) slightly slows down the physical flocculation rate, but increases the maximum operational time of the cement paste. Nano clay significantly increases the sort-term structural build-up rate and has the function of internal curing and water retaining. Composite with nano-clay and TS can reduce the loss of surface moisture of 3D printed layers, prevent the formation of interface weak layer, and increase the interlayer bond strength between printed layers. This contribution can provide new insight into the design of 3D-printed ink with good extrudability, outstanding buildability, and excellent interlayer bond strength.
Symbitron Exoskeleton: Design, Control, and Evaluation of a Modular Exoskeleton for Incomplete and Complete Spinal Cord Injured Individuals

In this paper, we present the design, control, and preliminary evaluation of the Symbitron exoskeleton, a lower limb modular exoskeleton developed for people with a spinal cord injury. The mechanical and electrical configuration and the controller can be personalized to accommodate differences in impairments among individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). In hardware, this personalization is accomplished by a modular approach that allows the reconfiguration of a lower-limb exoskeleton with ultimately eight powered series actuated (SEA) joints and high fidelity torque control. For SCI individuals with an incomplete lesion and sufficient hip control, we applied a trajectory-free neuromuscular control (NMC) strategy and used the exoskeleton in the ankle-knee configuration. For complete SCI individuals, we used a combination of a NMC and an impedance based trajectory tracking strategy with the exoskeleton in the ankle-knee-hip configuration. Results of a preliminary evaluation of the developed hardware and software showed that SCI individuals with an incomplete lesion could naturally vary their walking speed and step length and walked faster compared to walking without the device. SCI individuals with a complete lesion, who could not walk without support, were able to walk with the device and with the support of crutches that included a push-button for step initiation Our results demonstrate that an exoskeleton with modular hardware and control allows SCI individuals with limited or no lower limb function to receive tailored support and regain mobility.
Design Strategy for the EPR Tumor-Targeting of 1,2-Bis(sulfonyl)-1-alkylhydrazines

A design strategy for macromolecular prodrugs is described, that are expected to exhibit robust activity against most solid tumor types while resulting in minimal toxicities to normal tissues. This approach exploits the enhanced permeability, and retention (EPR) effect, and utilizes carefully engineered rate constants to selectively target tumor tissue with short-lived cytotoxic moieties. EPR based tumor accumulation (half-life ~ 15 h) is dependent upon the ubiquitous abnormal solid tumor capillary morphology and is expected to be independent of individual tumor cell genetic variability that leads to resistance to molecularly targeted agents. The macromolecular sulfonylhydrazine-based prodrugs hydrolyze spontaneously with long half-life values (~10 h to >300 h dependent upon their structure) resulting in the majority of the 1,2-bis(sulfonyl)-1-alkylhydrazines (BSHs) cytotoxic warhead being released only after tumor sequestration. The very short half-life (seconds) of the finally liberated BSHs localizes the cytotoxic stress to the tumor target site by allowing insufficient time for escape. Thus, short lifespan anticancer species are liberated, and exhibit their activity largely within the tumor target. The abnormal tumor cell membrane pH gradients favor the uptake of BSHs compared to that of normal cells, further enhancing their selectivity. The reliance on physicochemical/chemical kinetic parameters and the EPR effect is expected to reduce response variability, and the acquisition of resistance.
Himantoglossum adriaticum H. Baumann × Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge: A New Interspecific Hybrid Assessed by Barcoding Analysis

Most cultivated orchids, contributing to a worldwide highly profitable industry, are originated from tropic regions. Conversely, a considerable number of spontaneous orchids, belonging to the terrestrial orchids and widely diffused throughout the European continent, are not considered for trading due to their less gorgeous appearance and for technical difficulties in seed propagation. However, a breeding programme was undertaken aimed at developing a new hybrid between Himantoglossum adriaticum H. Baumann and H. robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge [syn. Barlia robertiana (Loisel.) Greuter] by applying techniques of anther conservation, manual pollination and in vitro asymbiotic germination of the obtained seeds. The plantlets that originated from the protocorms after seed germination were successfully acclimatised after potting in a proper medium. The parentage of the progenies of the hybridisation experiment was assessed by sequencing the Internal Transcribed Spacer assembly (ITS) and plastid barcoding markers of the parental lines and of the hybrids. The method proved to be effective in revealing the origin of the hybrids and to validate the maternal inheritance of the plastid DNA.
Chromatin phosphoproteomics unravels a function for AT-hook motif nuclear localized protein AHL13 in PAMP-triggered immunity

Significance Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) function in all eukaryotes in signaling extracellular stimuli to intracellular responses and ultimately link them to chromatin events by targeting transcription factors and chromatin remodeling complexes. In plants, MAPKs play crucial roles in immunity, development, and stress responses, but so far no attempts have been made to identify phosphorylation of chromatin-associated proteins. By using a phosphoproteomic approach on MAPK mutants, we identified a number of chromatin-associated MAPK substrates and characterize an AT-hook motif containing nuclear localized (AHL) DNA-binding protein 13 in plant immunity and demonstrate that phosphorylation regulates AHL13 protein stability and, in turn, its function in response to pathogens. In many eukaryotic systems during immune responses, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) link cytoplasmic signaling to chromatin events by targeting transcription factors, chromatin remodeling complexes, and the RNA polymerase machinery. So far, knowledge on these events is scarce in plants and no attempts have been made to focus on phosphorylation events of chromatin-associated proteins. Here we carried out chromatin phosphoproteomics upon elicitor-induced activation of Arabidopsis. The events in WT were compared with those in mpk3, mpk4, and mpk6 mutant plants to decipher specific MAPK targets. Our study highlights distinct signaling networks involving MPK3, MPK4, and MPK6 in chromatin organization and modification, as well as in RNA transcription and processing. Among the chromatin targets, we characterized the AT-hook motif containing nuclear localized (AHL) DNA-binding protein AHL13 as a substrate of immune MAPKs. AHL13 knockout mutant plants are compromised in pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-induced reactive oxygen species production, expression of defense genes, and PAMP-triggered immunity. Transcriptome analysis revealed that AHL13 regulates key factors of jasmonic acid biosynthesis and signaling and affects immunity toward Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea pathogens. Mutational analysis of the phosphorylation sites of AHL13 demonstrated that phosphorylation regulates AHL13 protein stability and thereby its immune functions.
Catalysis of the crosslinking reactions of ethylene vinyl silane copolymers using carboxylic acids and DBTDL

The catalytic effects on the crosslinking behavior of poly(ethylene-co-vinyltrimethoxysilane) were investigated for three different catalysts: the commonly used tin-based compound dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL), a low molecular weight carboxylic acid (stearic acid), and a polymer-bound carboxylic acid [ethylene–acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer]. Film samples were prepared and stored in hot water at 90°C and analyses were performed with a decalin extraction method as well as with FTIR techniques. The DBTDL was found to strongly catalyze the first step of the crosslinking reaction, that is, the hydrolysis. Concerning the catalytic activity of the carboxylic acids, the low molecular weight stearic acid has been shown to be a much more effective catalyst than is the polymer-bound carboxylic acid (EAA). Estimations on a molar basis give approximately a factor of five between them in efficiency. The carboxylic acids probably catalyze the hydrolysis as well as the condensation step of the crosslinking. Comparing stearic acid with DBTDL shows that the latter still is the more effective catalyst on a molar basis. Different possible catalytic mechanisms for the DBTDL and acid compounds are proposed based on the Bronsted and Lewis acids' concepts. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 521–528, 1999
Polymer-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles for Protein Immobilization

Since their discovery, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have become materials with great potential, especially considering the applications of biomedical sciences. A series of works on the preparation, characterization, and application of MNPs has shown that the biological activity of such materials depends on their size, shape, core, and shell nature. Some of the most commonly used MNPs are those based on a magnetite core. On the other hand, synthetic biopolymers are used as a protective surface coating for these nanoparticles. This review describes the advances in the field of polymer-coated MNPs for protein immobilization over the past decade. General methods of MNP preparation and protein immobilization are presented. The most extensive section of this article discusses the latest work on the use of polymer-coated MNPs for the physical and chemical immobilization of three types of proteins: enzymes, antibodies, and serum proteins. Where possible, the effectiveness of the immobilization and the activity and use of the immobilized protein are reported. Finally, the information available in the peer-reviewed literature and the application perspectives for the MNP-immobilized protein systems are summarized as well.
Thirty-Year Trends in Complications in U.S. Adults With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of and trends in complications among U.S. adults with newly diagnosed diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We included 1,486 nonpregnant adults (aged ≥20 years) with newly diagnosed diabetes (diagnosed within the past 2 years) from the 1988–1994 and 1999–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We estimated trends in albuminuria (albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g), reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), retinopathy (any retinal microaneurysms or blot hemorrhages), and self-reported cardiovascular disease (history of congestive heart failure, heart attack, or stroke). RESULTS From 1988–1994 to 2011–2018, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of albuminuria (38.9 to 18.7%, P for trend <0.001) but no change in the prevalence of reduced eGFR (7.5 to 9.9%, P for trend = 0.30), retinopathy (1988–1994 to 1999–2008 only; 13.2 to 12.1%, P for trend = 0.86), or self-reported cardiovascular disease (19.0 to 16.5%, P for trend = 0.64). There were improvements in glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control in the population, and these partially explained the decline in albuminuria. Complications were more common at the time of diabetes diagnosis for adults who were older, lower income, less educated, and obese. CONCLUSIONS Over the past three decades, there have been encouraging reductions in albuminuria and risk factor control in adults with newly diagnosed diabetes. However, the overall burden of complications around the time of the diagnosis remains high.
Production and characterization of smooth, hydrogen-terminated diamond C(100)

We report the production of smooth and well‐ordered C(100) surfaces by exposure to a pure hydrogen plasma. A two domain 2×1 surface reconstruction is observed by low energy electron diffraction with half‐order spots visible using incident electrons with energies as low as 13 eV. High‐resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals a large enhancement in specular reflectivity of low energy electrons following plasma treatment. The hydrogenated surface is stable in air and free of adsorbed hydrocarbons upon insertion into ultrahigh vacuum.
Neurocognitive processing of infant stimuli in mothers and non-mothers: psychophysiological, cognitive and neuroimaging evidence

Abstract Emerging evidence indicates that mothers and non-mothers show different neurocognitive responses to infant stimuli. This study investigated mothers’ psychophysiological, cognitive and neuronal responses to emotional infant stimuli. A total of 35 mothers with 4-month-old infants and 18 control women without young children underwent computerized tests assessing neurocognitive processing of infant stimuli. Their eye gazes and eye fixations, galvanic skin responses (GSRs) and facial expressions towards infant emotional stimuli were recorded during the tasks. Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during which they viewed pictures of an unknown infant and, for mothers, their own infants. Mothers gazed more and had increased GSR towards infant stimuli and displayed more positive facial expressions to infant laughter, and self-reported more positive ratings of infant vocalizations than control women. At a neural level, mothers showed greater neural response in insula, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and occipital brain regions within a predefined ‘maternal neural network’ while watching images of their own vs unknown infants. This specific neural response to own infants correlated with less negative ratings of own vs unknown infants’ signals of distress. Differences between mothers and control women without young children could be interpreted as neurocognitive adaptation to motherhood in the mothers.