Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Origin of Magnetism in γ-FeSi2/Si(111) Nanostructures

Magnetism has recently been observed in nominally nonmagnetic iron disilicide in the form of epitaxial γ-FeSi2 nanostructures on Si(111) substrate. To explore the origin of the magnetism in γ-FeSi2/Si(111) nanostructures, we performed a systematic first-principles study based on density functional theory. Several possible factors, such as epitaxial strain, free surface, interface, and edge, were examined. The calculations show that among these factors, only the edge can lead to the magnetism in γ-FeSi2/Si(111) nanostructures. It is shown that magnetism exhibits a strong dependency on the local atomic structure of the edge. Furthermore, magnetism can be enhanced by creating multiple-step edges. In addition, the results also reveal that edge orientation can have a significant effect on magnetism. These findings, thus, provide insights into a strategy to tune the magnetic properties of γ-FeSi2/Si(111) nanostructures through controlling the structure, population, and orientation of the edges.
Fabrication of photonic crystals using a spin-coated hydrogen silsesquioxane hard mask

We present a method for creating a hard mask for the dry etching of microphotonic structures and devices. We demonstrate that spin-on glass [hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ)] has sufficient dry etch resistance to allow the creation of high-quality, deeply etched photonic crystals. Furthermore, HSQ is a more favorable hard mask for the creation of active devices than plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition (PECVD) silica, as less damage is incurred. It is also an economic and convenient replacement for PEVCD in photonic crystal fabrication. We examine this method and show that it can create photonic crystals of equivalent quality to those created using PEVCD masking.
The Acute Effects of a Relative Dose of Pre-Sleep Protein on Recovery Following Evening Resistance Exercise in Active Young Men

The purpose of the present study was to assess the acute effects of pre-sleep consumption of isocaloric casein protein (CP), CP and whey protein (BLEND), or non-caloric control (CTRL) at a dose relative to lean body mass (LBM) on recovery following an evening lower-body resistance exercise (RE) bout. Fifteen active and previously resistance-trained males (age: 21 ± 1 years, body fat: 14.2 ± 2.7%) participated in this randomized, single-blind, crossover study. Participants performed an evening lower-body RE bout and were provided with 0.4 g/kg/LBM of whey protein (WP) supplement post-RE. A single dose of 0.6 g/kg/LBM of CP, 0.4 g/kg/LBM of CP and 0.2 g/kg/LBM WP (BLEND), or CTRL was consumed 30 min prior to sleep. Measurements of perceived recovery (visual analogue scales (VAS) for recovery, soreness, and fatigue), appetite (VAS for hunger, satiety, and desire to eat), as well as pressure-pain threshold (dolorimeter), average power, and peak torque (isokinetic dynamometry) of the right thigh muscles were assessed the following morning. Main effects of time were seen for all recovery variables (perceived recovery: F2,28 = 96.753, p < 0.001, hp2 = 0.874; perceived fatigue: F2,28 = 76.775, p < 0.001; hp2 = 0.846; perceived soreness: F2,28 = 111.967, p < 0.001; hp2 = 0.889). A main effect of supplement was only seen for perceived recovery (F2,28 = 4.869; p = 0.015; hp2 = 0.258), with recovery being 6.10 ± 2.58 mm greater in CP vs. BLEND (p = 0.033) and 7.51 ± 2.28 mm greater in CP than CTRL (p = 0.005). No main effects of supplement were seen in measures of perceived soreness, or fatigue (F2,28 ≤ 2.291; p > 0.120; hp2 ≤ 0.141). No differences between supplements were found in perceived next-morning hunger (p = 0.06), satiety (p ≥ 0.227), or desire to eat (p = 0.528). Main effects of supplement were seen between BLEND and CP vs. CTRL for measures of pain-pressure threshold at the rectus femoris (F2,28 = 9.377; p = 0.001; hp2 = 0.401), the vastus lateralis (F2,28 = 10.887; p < 0.001; hp2 = 0.437), and the vastus medialis (F2,28 = 12.113, p < 0.001; hp2 = 0.464). Values of peak torque and average power were similar between all supplement groups at 60°/sec (F1.309,18.327 ≤ 1.994; p ≥ 0.173; hp2 ≤ 0.125), 180°/s (F2,28 ≤ 1.221; p ≥ 0.310; hp2 ≤ 0.080), and 300°/sec (F2,28 ≤ 2.854; p ≥ 0.074; hp2 ≤ 0.169). Pre-sleep consumption of CP and BLEND at a dose relative to LBM may enhance perceived overnight recovery to a greater extent than CTRL as a result of less muscle soreness the following morning after an acute evening RE bout.
Improving Stress Management and Sleep Hygiene in Intelligent Homes

High stress levels and sleep deprivation may cause several mental or physical health issues, such as depression, impaired memory, decreased motivation, obesity, etc. The COVID-19 pandemic has produced unprecedented changes in our lives, generating significant stress, and worries about health, social isolation, employment, and finances. To this end, nowadays more than ever, it is crucial to deliver solutions that can help people to manage and control their stress, as well as to reduce sleep disturbances, so as to improve their health and overall quality of life. Technology, and in particular Ambient Intelligence Environments, can help towards that direction, when considering that they are able to understand the needs of their users, identify their behavior, learn their preferences, and act and react in their interest. This work presents two systems that have been designed and developed in the context of an Intelligent Home, namely CaLmi and HypnOS, which aim to assist users that struggle with stress and poor sleep quality, respectively. Both of the systems rely on real-time data collected by wearable devices, as well as contextual information retrieved from the ambient facilities of the Intelligent Home, so as to offer appropriate pervasive relaxation programs (CaLmi) or provide personalized insights regarding sleep hygiene (HypnOS) to the residents. This article will describe the design process that was followed, the functionality of both systems, the results of the user studies that were conducted for the evaluation of their end-user applications, and a discussion about future plans.
A Low-Power 12-Bit 20 MS/s Asynchronously Controlled SAR ADC for WAVE ITS Sensor Based Applications

A low power 12-bit, 20 MS/s asynchronously controlled successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to be used in wireless access for vehicular environment (WAVE) intelligent transportation system (ITS) sensor based application is presented in this paper. To optimize the architecture with respect to power consumption and performance, several techniques are proposed. A switching method which employs the common mode charge recovery (CMCR) switching process is presented for capacitive digital-to-analog converter (CDAC) part to lower the switching energy. The switching technique proposed in our work consumes 56.3% less energy in comparison with conventional CMCR switching method. For high speed operation with low power consumption and to overcome the kick back issue in the comparator part, a mutated dynamic-latch comparator with cascode is implemented. In addition, to optimize the flexibility relating to the performance of logic part, an asynchronous topology is employed. The structure is fabricated in 65 nm CMOS process technology with an active area of 0.14 mm2. With a sampling frequency of 20 MS/s, the proposed architecture attains signal-to-noise distortion ratio (SNDR) of 65.44 dB at Nyquist frequency while consuming only 472.2 µW with 1 V power supply.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among patients with chronic Chagas disease

The increase in life expectancy and the migration of individuals with Chagas disease (ChD) from rural to urban centers exposes them to the development of chronic-degenerative abnormalities that may increase the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of MetS and its components in individuals with chronic ChD. This is a cross-sectional study with 361 patients of both sexes, aging >18 years, followed at a national reference center (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). MetS diagnosis followed the International Diabetes Federation 2005 criteria. The association between the variables was determined through logistic regression models. The mean age was and 60.7±10.8 years. About half (56.2%) were female and the majority self-reported their race as mulatto (59.8%). The percentage of individuals with MetS was 40.4%. The variables independently associated with MetS were age (OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.04–1.09), high education levels (OR 0.36; 95%CI 0.17–0.79) and cardiac form with heart failure (OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.17–0.68). Therefore, a high prevalence of MetS was found in this Brazilian chronic ChD cohort. The identification of the associated factors can facilitate the development of effective approaches for preventing and managing MetS in ChD patients.
Environmental Clonal Spread of Azole-Resistant Candida parapsilosis with Erg11-Y132F Mutation Causing a Large Candidemia Outbreak in a Brazilian Cancer Referral Center

Clonal outbreaks due to azole-resistant Candida parapsilosis (ARCP) isolates have been reported in numerous studies, but the environmental niche of such isolates has yet to be defined. Herein, we aimed to identify the environmental niche of ARCP isolates causing unremitting clonal outbreaks in an adult ICU from a Brazilian cancer referral center. C. parapsilosis sensu stricto isolates recovered from blood cultures, pericatheter skins, healthcare workers (HCW), and nosocomial surfaces were genotyped by multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT). Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by the EUCAST (European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) broth microdilution reference method and ERG11 was sequenced to determine the azole resistance mechanism. Approximately 68% of isolates were fluconazole-resistant (76/112), including pericatheter skins (3/3, 100%), blood cultures (63/70, 90%), nosocomial surfaces (6/11, 54.5%), and HCW’s hands (4/28, 14.2%). MLMT revealed five clusters: the major cluster contained 88.2% of ARCP isolates (67/76) collected from blood (57/70), bed (2/2), pericatheter skin (2/3), from carts (3/7), and HCW’s hands (3/27). ARCP isolates were associated with a higher 30 day crude mortality rate (63.8%) than non-ARCP ones (20%, p = 0.008), and resisted two environmental decontamination attempts using quaternary ammonium. This study for the first time identified ARCP isolates harboring the Erg11-Y132F mutation from nosocomial surfaces and HCW’s hands, which were genetically identical to ARCP blood isolates. Therefore, it is likely that persisting clonal outbreak due to ARCP isolates was fueled by environmental sources. The resistance of Y132F ARCP isolates to disinfectants, and their potential association with a high mortality rate, warrant vigilant source control using effective environmental decontamination.
Differential Subcellular Distribution of Cytokinins: How Does Membrane Transport Fit into the Big Picture?

Cytokinins are a class of phytohormones, signalling molecules specific to plants. They act as regulators of diverse physiological processes in complex signalling pathways. It is necessary for plants to continuously regulate cytokinin distribution among different organs, tissues, cells, and compartments. Such regulatory mechanisms include cytokinin biosynthesis, metabolic conversions and degradation, as well as cytokinin membrane transport. In our review, we aim to provide a thorough picture of the latter. We begin by summarizing cytokinin structures and physicochemical properties. Then, we revise the elementary thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of cytokinin membrane transport. Next, we review which membrane-bound carrier proteins and protein families recognize cytokinins as their substrates. Namely, we discuss the families of “equilibrative nucleoside transporters” and “purine permeases”, which translocate diverse purine-related compounds, and proteins AtPUP14, AtABCG14, AtAZG1, and AtAZG2, which are specific to cytokinins. We also address long-distance cytokinin transport. Putting all these pieces together, we finally discuss cytokinin distribution as a net result of these processes, diverse in their physicochemical nature but acting together to promote plant fitness.
Hydrophilic and Functionalized Nanographene Oxide Incorporated Faster Dissolving Megestrol Acetate

The aim of this work is to present an approach to enhance the dissolution of progestin medication, megestrol acetate (also known as MEGACE), for improving the dissolution rate and kinetic solubility by incorporating nano graphene oxide (nGO). An antisolvent precipitation process was investigated for nGO-drug composite preparation, where prepared composites showed crystalline properties that were similar to the pure drug but enhanced aqueous dispersibility and colloidal stability. To validate the efficient release profile of composite, in vitro dissolution testing was carried out using United States Pharmacopeia, USP-42 paddle method, with gastric pH (1.4) and intestinal pH (6.5) solutions to mimic in vivo conditions. Pure MA is practically insoluble (2 µg/mL at 37 °C). With the incorporation of nGO, it was possible to dissolve nearly 100% in the assay. With the incorporation of 1.0% of nGO, the time required to dissolve 50% and 80% of drug, namely T50 and T80, decreased from 138.0 min to 27.0 min, and the drug did not dissolve for 97.0 min in gastric media, respectively. Additionally, studies done in intestinal media have revealed T50 did not dissolve for 92.0 min. This work shows promise in incorporating functionalized nanoparticles into the crystal lattice of poorly soluble drugs to improve dissolution rate.
Medication Treatment of Active Opioid Use Disorder in Veterans With Cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION: Although opioid use disorder (OUD) is common in patients with cirrhosis, it is unclear how medication treatment for OUD (MOUD) is used in this population. We aimed to assess the factors associated with MOUD and mortality in a cohort of Veterans with cirrhosis and OUD. METHODS: Within the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse, we developed a cohort of Veterans with cirrhosis and active OUD, using 2 outpatient or 1 inpatient International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision codes from 2011 to 2015 to define each condition. We assessed MOUD initiation with methadone or buprenorphine over the 180 days following the first OUD International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision code in the study period. We fit multivariable regression models to assess the association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with receiving MOUD and the associations between MOUD and subsequent clinical outcomes, including new hepatic decompensation and mortality. RESULTS: Among 5,600 Veterans meeting criteria for active OUD and cirrhosis, 722 (13%) were prescribed MOUD over 180 days of follow-up. In multivariable modeling, MOUD was significantly, positively associated with age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] per year: 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.07), hepatitis C virus (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.37–3.35), and other substance use disorders (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.05–2.04) negatively associated with alcohol use disorder (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52–0.95), opioid prescription (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.38–0.70), and schizophrenia (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.37–0.95). MOUD was not significantly associated with mortality (adjusted hazards ratio = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.95–1.52) or new hepatic decompensation (OR = 0.57, CI = 0.30–1.09). DISCUSSION: Few Veterans with active OUD and cirrhosis received MOUD, and those with alcohol use disorder, schizophrenia, and previous prescriptions for opioids were least likely to receive these effective therapies.
Alteration of Anticancer and Protein-Binding Properties of Gold(I) Alkynyl by Phenolic Schiff Bases Moieties

A set of five gold complexes with the general formula Au(PR3)(C≡C-C6H4-4-R′) (R = PPh3, R′ = –CHO (1), R = PCy3, R′ = –CHO (2), R = PPh3, R′ = –N=CH-C6H4-2-OH (3), R = PPh3, R′ = –N=CH-C6H4-4-OH (4), R = PCy3, R′ = –N=CH-C6H4-2-OH (5)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, 31P-NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The structures of complexes 2 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The effects of the structural modifications on the protein binding affinities and anticancer activities of the five gold complexes were assessed. Fluorescence quenching experiments to assess binding to human serum albumin (HSA) revealed that the Schiff base complexes (3, 4, and 5) had binding constants that were superior to their parent aldehyde complexes and highlighted the position of the hydroxy group because complex 4 (4-hydroxy) had a binding constant 6400 times higher than complex 3 (2-hydroxy). The anticancer activities of the complexes against the OVCAR-3 (ovarian carcinoma) and HOP-62 (non-small-cell lung) cancer cell lines showed that the Schiff bases (3–5) were more cytotoxic than the aldehyde-containing complexes (1 and 2). Notably, compound 4 had cytotoxic activity comparable to that of cisplatin against OVCAR-3, demonstrating the significance of the para position for the hydroxy group. Molecular docking studies against the enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and human serum albumin were conducted, with docking scores in good agreement with the experimental data. The current study highlights how small structural modifications can alter physiochemical and anticancer properties. Moreover, this simple design strategy using the aldehyde group can generate extensive opportunities to explore new gold(I)-based anticancer drugs via condensation, cyclization, or nucleophilic addition reactions of the aldehyde.
The Novel Technique of Uniportal Endoscopic Interlaminar Contralateral Approach for Coexisting L5-S1 Lateral Recess, Foraminal, and Extraforaminal Stenosis and Its Clinical Outcomes

Background: Multifocal intra-and-extraspinal lumbar stenotic lesions could be decompressed with one endoscopic surgical approach, which has the advantages of functional structure preservation, technical efficacy, and safety. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 48 patients who underwent uniportal endoscopic contralateral approach due to coexisting lateral recess, foraminal, and extraforaminal stenosis at the L5-S1 level. Foraminal stenosis grade and postoperative dysesthesia (POD) were analyzed. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and MacNab criteria for evaluating pain disability and response were analyzed. Results: The foraminal stenosis grade of the treated spinal levels was grade 1 (n = 16, 33%), grade 2 (n = 20, 42%), and grade 3 (n = 12, 25%). The rate of occurrence of POD grade 2 and above, which may be related to intraoperative dorsal root ganglion (DRG) retraction injury, was revealed to be 4.2% (two with grade 2, none with grade 3). The patients showed favorable clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Uniportal endoscopic interlaminar contralateral approach is an effective procedure to resolve combined stenosis (lateral recess, foraminal, and extraforaminal region) with one surgical approach at the L5-S1 level. It may be a minimal DRG retracting and facet joint preserving procedure in foraminal and extraforaminal decompression.
Collaborative Robotic Assistant Platform for Endonasal Surgery: Preliminary In-Vitro Trials

Endonasal surgery is a minimally invasive approach for the removal of pituitary tumors (sarcomas). In this type of procedure, the surgeon has to complete the surgical maneuvers for sarcoma resection with extreme precision, as there are many vital structures in this area. Therefore, the use of robots for this type of intervention could increase the success of the intervention by providing accurate movements. Research has focused on the development of teleoperated robots to handle a surgical instrument, including the use of virtual fixtures to delimit the working area. This paper aims to go a step further with a platform that includes a teleoperated robot and an autonomous robot dedicated to secondary tasks. In this way, the aim is to reduce the surgeon’s workload so that he can concentrate on his main task. Thus, the article focuses on the description and implementation of a navigator that coordinates both robots via a force/position control. Finally, both the navigation and control scheme were validated by in-vitro tests.
Chitosan Membranes Filled with Cyclosporine A as Possible Devices for Local Administration of Drugs in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

The aim of this work is the design, preparation and characterization of membranes based on cyclosporine A (CsA) and chitosan carboxylate (CC) to be used as an implantable subcutaneous medical device for a prolonged therapeutic effect in the treatment of breast cancer. The choice to use CsA is due to literature data that have demonstrated its possible antitumor activity on different types of neoplastic cells. To this end, CsA was bound to CC through an amidation reaction to obtain a prodrug to be dispersed in a chitosan-based polymeric membrane. The reaction intermediates and the final product were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Membranes were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data obtained showed the effective formation of the amide bond between CsA and CC and the complete dispersion of CsA inside the polymeric membrane. Furthermore, preliminary tests, conducted on MDA-MB-231, a type of breast cancer cell line, have shown a high reduction in the proliferation of cancer cells. These results indicate the possibility of using the obtained membranes as an interesting strategy for the release of cyclosporin-A in breast cancer patients.
Effects of hydroxyl groups and architecture of organic polymers on polystyrene/silica nanocomposites

Transparent polystyrene/silica nanocomposites were synthesized by casting the blend solutions of polystyrene (PS) derivatives and perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) and by calcinating the blend films of PS derivatives and PHPS at 100°C for 3 h under steam. Poly(styrene-co-4-vinyl phenol)s [P(S-co-VPh)s], poly(styrene-co-hydroxymethyl styrene)s [P(S-co-HMS)s], poly(styrene-co-4-vinyl phenol)-block-PSs [P(S-co-VPh)-block-PSs], and poly(styrene-co-hydroxymethyl styrene)-block-PSs [P(S-co-HMS)-block-PSs] were used as the PS derivatives. The morphology of the microphase separation, transparency, the degree of grafting of PHPS onto PS derivatives, and surface hardness of the composites were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis, FTIR, and nanoindentation, respectively. Degrees of grafting of PHPS onto PS derivatives and transparency of the composites of P(S-co-VPh)s and P(S-co-VPh)-block-PSs were higher than those of P(S-co-HMS)s and P(S-co-HMS)-block-PSs. Surface hardness of the composites of P(S-co-VPh)-block-PS was drastically increased from 0.22 to 0.55 GPa by increasing the weight fraction of silica to 33.7%. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 1835–1847, 2005