Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Situ and Ex Situ Characterization of the Microstructure Formation in Ni-Cr-Si Alloys during Rapid Solidification—Toward Alloy Design for Laser Additive Manufacturing

Laser beam-based deposition methods such as laser cladding or additive manufacturing of metals promises improved properties, performance, and reliability of the materials and therefore rely heavily on understanding the relationship between chemical composition, rapid solidification processing conditions, and resulting microstructural features. In this work, the phase formation of four Ni-Cr-Si alloys was studied as a function of cooling rate and chemical composition using a liquid droplet rapid solidification technique. Post mortem x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and in situ synchrotron microbeam X-ray diffraction shows the present and evolution of the rapidly solidified microstructures. Furthermore, the obtained results were compared to standard laser deposition tests. In situ microbeam diffraction revealed that due to rapid cooling and an increasing amount of Cr and Si, metastable high-temperature silicides remain in the final microstructure. Due to more sluggish interface kinetics of intermetallic compounds than that of disorder solid solution, an anomalous eutectic structure becomes dominant over the regular lamellar microstructure at high cooling rates. The rapid solidification experiments produced a microstructure similar to the one generated in laser coating thus confirming that this rapid solidification test allows a rapid pre-screening of alloys suitable for laser beam-based processing techniques.
Highly Transparent Gatable Superconducting Shadow Junctions.

Gate tunable junctions are key elements in quantum devices based on hybrid semiconductor-superconductor materials. They serve multiple purposes ranging from tunnel spectroscopy probes to voltage-controlled qubit operations in gatemon and topological qubits. Common to all is that junction transparency plays a critical role. In this study, we grow single crystalline InAs, InSb, and InAs1-xSbx nanowires with epitaxial superconductors and in-situ shadowed junctions in a single-step molecular beam epitaxy process. We investigate correlations between fabrication parameters, junction morphologies, and electronic transport properties of the junctions and show that the examined in-situ shadowed junctions are of significantly higher quality than the etched junctions. By varying the edge sharpness of the shadow junctions we show that the sharpest edges yield the highest junction transparency for all three examined semiconductors. Further, critical supercurrent measurements reveal an extraordinarily high ICRN, close to the KO-2 limit. This study demonstrates a promising engineering path towards reliable gate-tunable superconducting qubits.
Transforming Growth Factor- β1 Induces Phenotypic Modulation of Human Lung Fibroblasts to Myofibroblast Through a c-Jun-NH2-Terminal Kinase-Dependent Pathway

Myofibroblasts play an important role in the fibrogenic process of pulmonary fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is well known to induce the phenotypic modulation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts; however, the intracellular signal regulating induction of the myofibroblastic phenotype of human lung fibroblasts (HLF) has not been determined. In the present study, we examined the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily in inducing the phenotypic modulation of HLF to myofibroblasts characterized by alpha-smooth-muscle actin expression, in order to clarify this issue. The results showed that: (1) TGF-beta1 caused the phenotypic modulation of HLF to myofibroblasts in a dose- and a time-dependent manner; (2) TGF-beta1 induced increases in c-Jun-NH2- terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) phosphorylation and activity; (3) the inhibitors CEP-1347, SB 203580, and PD 98059 attenuated TGF-beta1-induced JNK, p38 MAPK, and Erk activity, respectively; and (4) CEP-1347, but not SB 203580 or PD 98059, attenuated the TGF-beta1-induced phenotypic modulation of HLF to myofibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that TGF-beta1 is capable of inducing the myofibroblastic phenotype of HLF, and that JNK regulates the phenotypic modulation of TGF-beta1-stimulated HLF to myofibroblasts.
Program of Active Consumer Engagement in Self‐Management in Epilepsy: Replication and extension of a self‐management randomized controlled trial

The Program of Active Consumer Engagement in Self‐Management in Epilepsy (PACES) is an evidenced‐based self‐management intervention for adults with epilepsy. Prior randomized controlled trial (RCT) data show that PACES reduces depression and improves self‐management, self‐efficacy, and quality of life for 6 months postprogram. The objective of this study was to replicate a PACES RCT with key extensions: more diverse patient pool from community‐based epilepsy centers; option for telephone‐based participation; and longer follow‐up (12 months with booster support for intervention group), to examine duration of impact and inform dissemination and implementation.
Endovascular Intervention Versus Surgery in Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in Equipoise

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose— The benefits of endovascular intervention over surgery in the treatment of ruptured aneurysms of anterior circulation remains uncertain. Recently, published studies did not find superiority of endovascular intervention, challenging earlier evidence from a clinical trial. The earlier evidence also had a higher than average proportion of patients in good clinical status, leading to uncertainty about external validity of earlier trials. Methods— We performed a systematic review of studies after 2005 under a protocol published in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Primary outcomes were posttreatment rebleeding and adverse events (procedural complications). Secondary outcomes were dependency at 3 to 6 and 12 months, delayed cerebral ischemia, and seizures. Results— Rebleeding was more frequent after endovascular intervention (Peto OR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.29–3.70]; 3104 participants; 15 studies; I2=0%, Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation: very low certainty of evidence). Fewer adverse events were reported with the endovascular intervention (RR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.53–0.95]; 1661 participants; 11 studies; I2=14%, Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation: low certainty of evidence). Three to six months dependency (RR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.73–0.93]; 4081 participants; 18 studies; I2=15%, Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation: low certainty of evidence) and 12-month dependency (RR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.66–0.86]; 1981 participants; 10 studies; I2=0%, Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation: low certainty of evidence) were lower after endovascular intervention. Conclusions— This study found consistent results between recent studies and the earlier evidence, in that endovascular intervention results in lower chance of dependency compared with surgery for repair of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. A lower proportion of patients in good clinical status in this review supports the application of the earlier evidence. Registration— URL: https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO. Unique identifier: CRD42018090396.
Effect of strain origin on siderophore production in Vibrio harveyi isolates

A total of 92 isolates of Vibno harveyi (as identified by ribotyping) were tested for siderophore activity on a modified chrome azurol sulphate agar. Whilst 4 isolates failed to grow, of the remaining 88 strains, 78.4 % were positive for the production of siderophores. There was no correlation between siderophore production and length of time since isolation. There were significant differences between the host groups from which the bacteria were isolated (F = 3.23, df = 3.85; p < 0.05). The colony halos produced by environmental isolates (halo to colony ratio = 2.7) and fish isolates (halo ratio = 2.4) were significantly larger than the halos from invertebrate isolates (halo ratio = l . G ) . Pathogen~city in an Atlantic salmon bioassay was barely significantly related to siderophore production (t = -1.87, df = 64; p < 0.1). The maximal non-inhibitory levels of 2,2'-dipyridyl showed no association with siderophores ( t = -1.65, df = 30; p > 0.05) nor with pathogenicity (t = 0.16, df = 87; p > 0.05). Siderophores must be considered a virulence factor in piscine infecting V harveyi but not in strains infecting invertebrates.
Toll-Like Receptor Signaling and Immune Regulatory Lymphocytes in Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis is known to be initiated by periodontal microbiota derived from biofilm formation. The microbial dysbiotic changes in the biofilm trigger the host immune and inflammatory responses that can be both beneficial for the protection of the host from infection, and detrimental to the host, causing tissue destruction. During this process, recognition of Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) by the host Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an essential role in the host–microbe interaction and the subsequent innate as well as adaptive responses. If persistent, the adverse interaction triggered by the host immune response to the microorganisms associated with periodontal biofilms is a direct cause of periodontal inflammation and bone loss. A large number of T and B lymphocytes are infiltrated in the diseased gingival tissues, which can secrete inflammatory mediators and activate the osteolytic pathways, promoting periodontal inflammation and bone resorption. On the other hand, there is evidence showing that immune regulatory T and B cells are present in the diseased tissue and can be induced for the enhancement of their anti-inflammatory effects. Changes and distribution of the T/B lymphocytes phenotype seem to be a key determinant of the periodontal disease outcome, as the functional activities of these cells not only shape up the overall immune response pattern, but may directly regulate the osteoimmunological balance. Therefore, interventional strategies targeting TLR signaling and immune regulatory T/B cells may be a promising approach to rebalance the immune response and alleviate bone loss in periodontal disease. In this review, we will examine the etiological role of TLR signaling and immune cell osteoclastogenic activity in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. More importantly, the protective effects of immune regulatory lymphocytes, particularly the activation and functional role of IL-10 expressing regulatory B cells, will be discussed.
Mechanics and energetics of medusan jet propulsion

A theoretical model is developed to describe the mechanics and energetics of medusae which swim by jet propulsion. The model leads to four generalizations: (i) The acceleration reaction, not drag, is the dominant fluid force experienced by swimming medusae. (ii) There exist behaviors such as contraction time and relative duration of the relaxation of contraction phases which maximize the velocity and efficiency and minimize the cost of locomotion during normal swimming. Also, escape performance is maximized with certain behaviors. Existing data for medusae show that many operate near these optima. (iii) The ratio of efficiency to cost of locomotion is a reasonable measure of swimming behavior and provides a means to study the relationships between swimming behavior and size, (iv) For medusae of a particular shape exhibiting a particular swimming behavior there exists a unique size which maximizes the ratio of efficiency to cost of locomotion.
In Situ FTIR Spectroscopic Monitoring of the Formation of the Arene Diazonium Salts and Its Applications to the Heck–Matsuda Reaction

This study depicts the use of a fiber-optic coupled Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) probe for the in-depth study of arene diazonium salt formation and their utilization in the Heck–Matsuda reaction. The combination of these chemical reactions and in situ IR spectroscopy enabled us to recognize the optimum parameters for arene diazonium salt formation and to track the concentrations of reactants, products and intermediates under actual reaction conditions without time consuming HPLC analysis and the necessity of collecting the sample amid the reaction. Overall advantages of the proposed methodology include precise reaction times as well as identification of keto enol tautomerization in allylic alcohols supporting the ‘path a’ elimination mechanism in the Heck–Matsuda reaction.
The contribution of syndemic conditions to cardiovascular disease risk

ABSTRACT The syndemic conditions of low education, childhood maltreatment, depression, HIV, alcohol and cocaine use, and obesity have been established as independent risk factors for cardiovascular risk, but research examining the association between syndemic conditions and cardiovascular risk in high-risk populations is lacking. A total of N = 503 participants underwent an ultrasound of the carotid artery to assess for atherosclerotic plaque. Participants, HIV-infected (n = 202) and HIV-uninfected (n = 301) with and without a history of cocaine use, were a mean age of 36.13 years (SD = 9.51); 50% were male, and 62% were African-American. Each syndemic condition was associated with 8% greater odds of atherosclerotic plaque (OR = 1.08), 9% greater odds of systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.09), and 10% greater odds of diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.10). Multilevel research, interventions, and public policy initiatives are needed to activate stakeholders at each level to maximize their impact at a community level among populations with high rates of syndemic conditions.
Cross-validation of non-memory-based embedded performance validity tests for detecting invalid performance among patients with and without neurocognitive impairment

ABSTRACT Introduction Embedded performance validity tests (PVTs) allow for continuous and economical validity assessment during neuropsychological evaluations; however, similar to their freestanding counterparts, a limitation of well-validated embedded PVTs is that the majority are memory-based. This study cross-validated several previously identified non-memory-based PVTs derived from language, processing speed, and executive functioning tests within a single mixed clinical neuropsychiatric sample with and without cognitive impairment. Method This cross-sectional study included data from 124 clinical patients who underwent outpatient neuropsychological evaluation. Validity groups were determined by four independent criterion PVTs (failing ≤1 or ≥2), resulting in 98 valid (68% cognitively impaired) and 26 invalid performances. In total, 23 previously identified embedded PVTs derived from Verbal Fluency (VF), Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop (SCWT), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were examined. Results All VF, SCWT, and TMT PVTs, along with WCST Categories, significantly differed between validity groups (ηp2 =.05-.22) with areas under the curve (AUCs) of.65-. 81 and 19-54% sensitivity (≥89% specificity) at optimal cut-scores. When subdivided by impairment status, all PVTs except for WCST Failures to Maintain Set were significant (AUCs =.75–94) with 33-85% sensitivity (≥90% specificity) in the cognitively unimpaired group. Among the cognitively impaired group, most VF, TMT, and SCWT PVTs remained significant, albeit with decreased accuracy (AUCs =.65-.76) and sensitivities (19-54%) at optimal cut-scores, whereas all WCST PVTs were nonsignificant. Across groups, SCWT embedded PVTs evidenced the strongest psychometric properties. Conclusion VF, TMT, and SCWT embedded PVTs generally demonstrated moderate accuracy for identifying invalid neuropsychological performance. However, performance on these non-memory-based PVTs from processing speed and executive functioning tests are not immune to the effects of cognitive impairment, such that alternate cut-scores (with reduced sensitivity if adequate specificity is maintained) are indicated in cases where the clinical history is consistent with cognitive impairment. In contrast, WCST indices generally had poor accuracy.
Surveillance of OXA-244-producing Escherichia coli and epidemiologic investigation of cases, Denmark, January 2016 to August 2019

Background Carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli are increasing worldwide. In recent years, an increase in OXA-244-producing E. coli isolates has been seen in the national surveillance of carbapenemase-producing organisms in Denmark. Aim Molecular characterisation and epidemiological investigation of OXA-244-producing E. coli isolates from January 2016 to August 2019. Methods For the epidemiological investigation, data from the Danish National Patient Registry and the Danish register of civil registration were used together with data from phone interviews with patients. Isolates were characterised by analysing whole genome sequences for resistance genes, MLST and core genome MLST (cgMLST). Results In total, 24 OXA-244-producing E. coli isolates were obtained from 23 patients. Among the 23 patients, 13 reported travelling before detection of the E. coli isolates, with seven having visited countries in Northern Africa. Fifteen isolates also carried an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene and one had a plasmid-encoded AmpC gene. The most common detected sequence type (ST) was ST38, followed by ST69, ST167, ST10, ST361 and ST3268. Three clonal clusters were detected by cgMLST, but none of these clusters seemed to reflect nosocomial transmission in Denmark. Conclusion Import of OXA-244 E. coli isolates from travelling abroad seems likely for the majority of cases. Community sources were also possible, as many of the patients had no history of hospitalisation and many of the E. coli isolates belonged to STs that are present in the community. It was not possible to point at a single country or a community source as risk factor for acquiring OXA-244-producing E. coli.
Formation of Low-volatile Products and Unexpected High Formaldehyde Yield from the Atmospheric Oxidation of Methylsiloxanes.

With stricter regulation of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) originating from fossil fuel based vehicles and industries, the use of volatile chemical products (VCPs) and the transformation mechanism of VCPs become increasingly important to quantify air quality. Volatile methylsiloxanes (VMS) are an important class of VCPs and high-production chemicals. Using quantum chemical calculations and kinetics modelling, we investigated the reaction mechanism of peroxy radicals of VMS, which are key intermediates determining the atmospheric chemistry of VMS. L2-RSiCH2O2• and D3-RSiCH2O2• derived from Hexamethyldisiloxane and Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, respectively, were selected as representative model systems. The results indicated that L2-RSiCH2O2• and D3-RSiCH2O2• follow a novel Si-C-O rearrangement-driven autoxidation mechanism, leading to the formation of low volatile silanols and high yield of formaldehyde at low NO/HO2• conditions. At high NO/HO2• conditions, L2-RSiCH2O2• and D3-RSiCH2O2• react with NO/HO2• to form organic nitrate, hydroperoxide and active alkoxy radicals. The alkoxy radicals further follow a Si-C-O rearrangement step to finally form formate esters. The novel Si-C-O rearrangement mechanism of both peroxy and alkoxy radicals are supported by available experimental studies on the oxidation of VMS. Notably, the high yield of formaldehyde is estimated to significantly contribute to formaldehyde pollution in the indoor environment, especially during indoor cleaning.
Experimentally Induced Endometritis Impairs the Developmental Capacity of Bovine Oocytes†

Abstract Uterine infection is associated with infertility in women and dairy cows, even after the resolution of infection. However, the mechanisms causing this persistent infertility are unclear. Here, we hypothesized that induced endometritis in non-lactating dairy cows would reduce the developmental competence of oocytes. Non-lactating Holstein cows received an intrauterine infusion of endometrial pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes; n = 12) or vehicle control (n = 11) on day 2 of the estrous cycle. Bacterial infusion increased expression of endometrial inflammatory mediators, and a mucopurulent discharge in the vagina confirmed the establishment of endometritis. Oocytes were collected by transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovum pickup on days 2, 24, 45, and 66 following infusion and subjected to in vitro fertilization and embryo culture. Bacterial infusion resulted in fewer cleaved oocytes developing to morulae compared to vehicle-infused controls (30.7 versus 45.0%), with the greatest effect observed in oocytes collected on day 24. Development to morula was inversely correlated with endometrial expression of IL6 on day 6. The expression of genes associated with embryo quality did not differ significantly between morulae from bacteria-infused and control cows. Artificial insemination 130 days after intrauterine infusion resulted in normal, filamentous embryos that produced interferon tau 16 days after conception in both infusion groups. This model of experimentally induced uterine infection successfully resulted in endometritis and a reduction in the proportion of oocytes that developed to morulae following in vitro fertilization. In conclusion, endometritis reduced the capacity of oocytes to develop to morulae. Summary Sentence Induction of uterine infection has a long-term impact on the oocyte, reducing the capacity of the oocyte to develop to an embryo in dairy cows. Graphical Abstract
The Type-B Cytokinin Response Regulator ARR1 Inhibits Shoot Regeneration in an ARR12-Dependent Manner in Arabidopsis[OPEN]

ARR1, a type-B ARR, is defined as an important inhibitor of in vitro shoot regeneration that modulates the expression of WUS and CLV3 in an ARR12-dependent manner, and directly activates IAA17. Exogenous cytokinin is critical for in vitro shoot regeneration. Proteins involved in the cytokinin signal transduction pathway, including type-B ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATORs (ARRs), participate in shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Some type-B ARRs (e.g., ARR1 and ARR12) promote shoot regeneration by directly activating WUSCHEL (WUS) expression; however, it is unclear how type-B ARRs inhibit shoot regeneration. Here, we show that ARR12 is a central enhancer of callus formation and shoot regeneration, whereas ARR1 is a strong inhibitor of this process that counteracts the positive effect of ARR12. ARR1 indirectly represses CLAVATA3 (CLV3) expression in an ARR12-dependent manner via competing with ARR12 for binding to the CLV3 promoter, which contributes to its ARR12-dependent inhibitory effect on callus formation and shoot regeneration. In parallel, ARR1 inhibits shoot regeneration through transcriptional activation of INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE17, an auxin response repressor gene, and the consequent indirect repression of WUS expression. Thus, type-B ARRs have diverse effects on callus formation and shoot regeneration. Our study reveals novel molecular pathways linking cytokinin signaling, the CLV3 regulator, and auxin signaling, and sheds light on the mechanism underlying cytokinin-regulated shoot regeneration.