Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review: Dye sensitised solar cells

Abstract Solar energy can be harvested either by deriving directly from sunlight or by indirect methods. A variety of technologies have been developed to harness solar energy. Among them, utilisation of solar energy by solar cell is an important and effective method and has a high potential in the commercial market. Based on the techniques and materials used to fabricate solar cell, the solar cells are classified into three generations. First generation solar cells are the larger, silicon based photovoltaic cells. The disadvantages of these solar cells are limited availability of silicon, requires expensive manufacturing technologies and higher energy photons are wasted as heat. The second generation solar cells are called thin film solar cells, which are significantly cheaper than previous generation cells but have lower efficiencies. The third generation solar cells are still in the research phase, but the results are promising and encouraging. Generally, third generation cells include nanocrystalline solar cells and dye sensitised solar cells, they do not have the p–n junction as in traditional solar cells. Third generation solar cells provide a technically and economically credible alternative concept to present day p–n junction solar cells. In the present study, the technology of the dye sensitised solar cell is introduced with a short description about the operating principle of the cell. After this, a more detailed study is carried out about the dye sensitised solar cell, taking into account the key steps involved in photovoltaic energy conversion and also the other important fundamental operational aspects of the solar cell physics and chemistry.
Prognostic Impact of Immune Microenvironment in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Tumor-Infiltrating CD10+ Neutrophil/CD20+ Lymphocyte Ratio as an Independent Prognostic Factor

Introduction: We previously reported the prognostic significance of the lung adenocarcinoma immune microenvironment. In this study, we preformed comprehensive analysis of immune markers and their associations with prognosis in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: We reviewed surgically resected, solitary lung squamous cell carcinoma patients (n = 485; 1999–2009) who were randomly split into a training cohort (n = 331) and validation cohort (n = 154). We constructed tissue microarrays and performed immunostaining for CD3, CD45RO, CD8, CD4, FoxP3, CD20, CD68, CXCL12, CXCR4, CCR7, interleukin-7 receptor, and interleukin-12 receptor &bgr;2. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Analysis of single immune cell infiltration revealed that high tumor-infiltrating CD10+ neutrophils were associated with worse prognoses in the training cohort (p = 0.021). Analysis of biologically relevant immune cell combinations identified that patients with high CD10+ neutrophil and low CD20+ lymphocyte had a significantly worse OS (5-year OS, 42%) than those with other combinations of CD10 and CD20 (5-year OS, 62%; p < 0.001); this was confirmed in the validation cohort (p = 0.032). For the multivariate analysis, high CD10/low CD20 immune cell infiltration was an independent predictor of OS in both the training cohort (hazard ratio = 1.61, p = 0.006) and the validation cohort (hazard ratio = 1.75; p = 0.043). Conclusion: High CD10+/low CD20+ immune cell infiltration ratio is a significant prognostic factor of lung squamous cell carcinoma. Immunomodulatory therapy of tumor-specific neutrophil and B-lymphocyte responses may have applicability in the treatment of lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Topical influence modeling via topic-level interests and interactions on social curation services

Social curation services are emerging social media platforms that enable users to curate their contents according to the topic and express their interests at the topic level by following curated collections of other users' contents rather than the users themselves. The topic-level information revealed through this new feature far exceeds what existing methods solicit from the traditional social networking services, to greatly enhance the quality of topic-sensitive influence modeling. In this paper, we propose a novel model called the topical influence with social curation (TISC) to find influential users from social curation services. This model, formulated by the continuous conditional random field, fully takes advantage of the explicitly available topic-level information reflected in both contents and interactions. In order to validate its merits, we comprehensively compare TISC with state-of-the-art models using two real-world data sets collected from Pinterest and Scoop.it. The results show that TISC achieves higher accuracy by up to around 80% and finds more convincing results in case studies than the other models. Moreover, we develop a distributed learning algorithm on Spark and demonstrate its excellent scalability on a cluster of 48 cores.
Bio-Energy Retains Its Mitigation Potential Under Elevated CO2

Background If biofuels are to be a viable substitute for fossil fuels, it is essential that they retain their potential to mitigate climate change under future atmospheric conditions. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration [CO2] stimulates plant biomass production; however, the beneficial effects of increased production may be offset by higher energy costs in crop management. Methodology/Main Findings We maintained full size poplar short rotation coppice (SRC) systems under both current ambient and future elevated [CO2] (550 ppm) and estimated their net energy and greenhouse gas balance. We show that a poplar SRC system is energy efficient and produces more energy than required for coppice management. Even more, elevated [CO2] will increase the net energy production and greenhouse gas balance of a SRC system with 18%. Managing the trees in shorter rotation cycles (i.e., 2 year cycles instead of 3 year cycles) will further enhance the benefits from elevated [CO2] on both the net energy and greenhouse gas balance. Conclusions/Significance Adapting coppice management to the future atmospheric [CO2] is necessary to fully benefit from the climate mitigation potential of bio-energy systems. Further, a future increase in potential biomass production due to elevated [CO2] outweighs the increased production costs resulting in a northward extension of the area where SRC is greenhouse gas neutral. Currently, the main part of the European terrestrial carbon sink is found in forest biomass and attributed to harvesting less than the annual growth in wood. Because SRC is intensively managed, with a higher turnover in wood production than conventional forest, northward expansion of SRC is likely to erode the European terrestrial carbon sink.
A generic analytical model for micro-diaphragm pumps with active valves

We present a fully analytical model for micro-diaphragm pumps with active valves, based on the peristaltic working principle. Our model is suited for very fast as well as for very slow actuation mechanisms. Therefore it can be applied to a variety of actuation principles, e.g. piezoelectric, pneumatic, thermo-pneumatic or pre-stressed shape memory actuation. We show that the dynamics of this kind of micropump can be fully described by a lumped element approach taking only the mechanical behaviour of the diaphragms and the viscous losses at the valves into account. The full flow versus frequency and backpressure characteristic is derived. Our model is capable of predicting the maximum achievable flow rate and the maximum sustainable backpressure of micro-diaphragm pumps with active valves. Different modes of operation, which are distinguished by the speed of the actuation mechanism, the pressure history inside the pump and the applied driving scheme, are identified. We show that micro-diaphragm pumps with active valves generally suffer from a linear dependence of the flow rate on the applied backpressure. This fact, which is already known from micropumps with passive valves, is remarkable, because it is in contradiction to the characteristics of macroscopic peristaltic pumps. A set of design rules for the dimensioning of the valves in dependence on the actuation force and the desired hydrodynamic characteristics (maximum flow rate and maximum sustainable backpressure) are derived. Our theoretical results are proven by experimental results of our piezoelectrically actuated micropump. A maximum flow rate of 1.4 ml min−1 and a maximum sustainable backpressure of 40 kPa were achieved.
Biogeochemical characteristics of a long-lived anticyclonic eddy in the eastern South Pacific Ocean

Abstract. Mesoscale eddies are important, frequent, and persistent features of the circulation in the eastern South Pacific (ESP) Ocean, transporting physical, chemical and biological properties from the productive shelves to the open ocean. Some of these eddies exhibit subsurface hypoxic or suboxic conditions and may serve as important hotspots for nitrogen loss, but little is known about oxygen consumption rates and nitrogen transformation processes associated with these eddies. In the austral fall of 2011, during the Tara Oceans expedition, an intrathermocline, anticyclonic, mesoscale eddy with a suboxic ( 0.5 µM), suggesting that active denitrification occurred in this water mass. Using satellite altimetry, we were able to track the eddy back to its region of formation on the coast of central Chile (36.1° S, 74.6° W). Field studies conducted in Chilean shelf waters close to the time of eddy formation provided estimates of initial O2 and N2O concentrations of the ESSW source water in the eddy. By the time of its offshore sighting, concentrations of both O2 and N2O in the subsurface oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) of the eddy were lower than concentrations in surrounding water and “source water” on the shelf, indicating that these chemical species were consumed as the eddy moved offshore. Estimates of apparent oxygen utilization rates at the OMZ of the eddy ranged from 0.29 to 44 nmol L−1 d−1 and the rate of N2O consumption was 3.92 nmol L−1 d−1. These results show that mesoscale eddies affect open-ocean biogeochemistry in the ESP not only by transporting physical and chemical properties from the coast to the ocean interior but also during advection, local biological consumption of oxygen within an eddy further generates conditions favorable to denitrification and loss of fixed nitrogen from the system.
C APTURING MUSICAL STRUCTURE USING C ONVOLU-TIONAL R ECURRENT L ATENT V ARIABLE MODEL

In this paper, we present a model for learning musical features and generating novel sequences of music. Our model, the Convolutional-Recurrent Variational Autoencoder (C-RVAE), captures short-term polyphonic sequential musical structure using a Convolutional Neural Network as a front-end. To generate sequential data, we apply the recurrent latent variational model, which uses an encoder-decoder architecture with latent probabilistic connections to capture the hidden structure of music. Using the sequence-to-sequence model, our generative model can exploit samples from a prior distribution and generate a longer sequence of music.
Distinct Effects of Type I and III Interferons on Enteric Viruses

Interferons (IFNs) are key host cytokines in the innate immune response to viral infection, and recent work has identified unique roles for IFN subtypes in regulating different aspects of infection. Currently emerging is a common theme that type III IFNs are critical in localized control of infection at mucosal barrier sites, while type I IFNs are important for broad systemic control of infections. The intestine is a particular site of interest for exploring these effects, as in addition to being the port of entry for a multitude of pathogens, it is a complex tissue with a variety of cell types as well as the presence of the intestinal microbiota. Here we focus on the roles of type I and III IFNs in control of enteric viruses, discussing what is known about signaling downstream from these cytokines, including induction of specific IFN-stimulated genes. We review viral strategies to evade IFN responses, effects of IFNs on the intestine, interactions between IFNs and the microbiota, and briefly discuss the role of IFNs in controlling viral infections at other barrier sites. Enhanced understanding of the coordinate roles of IFNs in control of viral infections may facilitate development of antiviral therapeutic strategies; here we highlight potential avenues for future exploration.
Pro-atherogenic mediators and subclinical atherogenesis are related to epicardial adipose tissue thickness in patients with cardiovascular risk

Objective To evaluate the relationship between pro-atherogenic biomarkers and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Plasma nitric oxide (NO), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, EAT thickness, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) were determined in patients aged >18 years who were referred for echocardiography for heart ischemia or non-ischemic diseases. Cardiovascular risk factors (Framingham score [FS] ≥ 20) were weighted. Results Hypertension, dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus were prevalent (≥55% of 40 patients). Patients with FS ≥ 20 (n = 21) showed significantly higher EAT and CIMT values. Globally, MDA, CIMT, age, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and FS were associated with EAT thickness. EAT was significantly associated with NO in patients with FS ≥ 20. Significant differences in EAT thickness were found between patients stratified by NO value, FMD, age, smoking status, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and FS. An EAT-associated atherogenic risk (CIMT ≥ 1 mm) model was statistically significant when MDA and type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Conclusion EAT thickness was associated with MDA, CIMT, age, waist circumference, HDL-C and FS globally, but with NO only in patients with FS≥20. EAT may be used to identify vascular damage stage, possibly influenced by MDA and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A contribution on modelling deformation and residual stress in 3D polycrystals

Polycrystalline materials are widely used for industrial applications. These materials are highly anisotropic with different responses under different loading conditions. This dissertation uses a crystal plasticity scheme in the finite element framework (CPFEM) to study deformation mechanisms in alumina, aluminium and stainless steel ? all polycrystalline. Four research cases in this dissertation have been presented in the form of manuscripts for publication. When possible, modelling predictions have been compared against various experimental techniques such as Diffraction Contrast Tomography (DCT), Neutron Diffraction (ND) and Electron Back Scatter Diffraction (EBSD). After an introduction (Chapter 1) and a literature review (Chapter 2) on plastic deformation and modelling techniques, the methodology and results are presented and discussed (Chapters 3 and 4). Measurements of elastic strains for individual grain families (ND) and local rotations (DCT and EBSD) are compared against corresponding predictions by the model following different loading modes. Each study reveals different degrees of agreement between predictions and measurements. The individual conclusions to each study are presented in Chapter 4. Some overall conclusions and suggestions for further work are presented in Chapter 5.
Prevalence of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection Assessed Through Viral Genome Detection in Dried Blood Spots in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

BACKGROUND/AIM Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders without a definitive etiology in most cases. Environmental factors, such as viral infections, have been linked with anomalies in brain growth, neuronal development, and functional connectivity. Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been associated with the onset of ASD in several case reports. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of congenital CMV infection in children with ASD and in healthy controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS The CMV genome was tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on dried blood spots collected at birth from 82 children (38 with ASD and 44 controls). RESULTS The prevalence of congenital CMV infection was 5.3% (2/38) in cases and 0% (0/44) in controls (p=0.212). CONCLUSION The infection rate was about 10-fold higher in patients with ASD than in the general Italian population at birth. For this reason, detection of CMV-DNA on dried blood spots could be considered in the work-up that is usually performed at ASD diagnosis to rule-out a secondary form. Given the potential prevention and treatment of CMV infection, this study could have intriguing consequences, at least for a group of patients with ASD.
The role of saliva in the control of pH changes in human dental plaque.

Changes in plaque pH (Stephan curves) after sugar mouth rinses, observed by the method of Frostell [1970], may be used to test the effect of factors possibly related to caries. Relationships observed between the Stephan curves and the salivary responses (pH and flow rate) suggest that the pH of saliva is a major factor controlling plaque pH. Modification of the Stephan curve may be more readily achieved by increasing the neutralising action of the saliva than by altering the acid-producing potential of the plaque.
Investigation of Tribo-Chemistry by Means of Stable Isotopic Tracers, Part 2: Lubrication Mechanism of Friction Modifiers on Diamond-Like Carbon

A solution of glycerol monooleate (GMO) in polyalphaolefin (PAO) considerably reduced the friction between the steel and the diamond-like carbon (DLC) under boundary conditions. The combination of the material-oil-additive is of importance. Model additives composed of a stable isotope ( 2 H or 13 C) were employed to trace the additive molecule by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS). It was found that the additive interacted with DLC surfaces in the form of an ester. Inclusion of PAO in the boundary film on DLC was found by TOF-SIMS analysis.The utility of the isotopic tracer technique in tribo-chemistry was demonstrated in this study.
Biomimetic Design of Haute-Temperature Lightweight Ceramics: A Review

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are composite materials in which the properties are varied continuously from one face to the other via a compositional gradient. Functionally graded structures can be found in nature as evident in the cross-sections of bone, teeth and many plant stems, for example bamboo. Initially conceived for the purpose of thermal barrier coatings on spaceplanes, FGMs are finding more applications in other fields such as in polymers, biomedical and semiconductors. In this review, we take a look at two kinds of ceramics, carbon-carbon and fused silica, their properties and processing methods, as well as the possibility of incorporating them in a functionally graded material for use in high-temperature applications. Both carbon and fused silica have similarly low thermal expansion coefficients which will (1) allow the degree of thermal mismatch between the graded layers to be minimized and; (2) reduce the thermomechanical shock that will occur in the presence of a steep temperature gradient.
Investigation of the final stages of a P4-like coliphage infection in Escherichia coli through scanning, transmission and nano-scanning-auger electron microscopy (NanoSAM)

Enlargement of bacterial cells during bacteriophage replication has been observed in the past with T-even, Lambda and N4 bacteriophages by the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and light microscopy techniques and hypotheses explaining the enlargement of bacteriophage-infected cells have been postulated in literature. In this study, enlarged Escherichia coli cells were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after 45 min of a P4-like bacteriophage infection. These bacteria were also studied using scanning auger microscopy (SAM) in combination with anthe Argon-ion gunof a scanning Auger microscope (SAM) by which the bacteria were etched. Neither SEM nor SAM have been used during the analysis of bacteriophage infected enlarged host cells, making this study unique. The use of SAM on bacteriophage-related investigations is also novel. Small phage-like particles were observed inside the etched enlarged and etched normal bacteriophage-exposed host cells. The presence of bacteriophage-like particles inside both types of cells confirmed that the enlarged cells, which were scarce in this sample, were not artifacts of some kind such as contamination by other microorganisms. Due to the scarcity of these enlarged cells, it was concluded that a previous hypothesis on tThe enlargement of bacteriophage infected host cells coincides with previous studies reported in literature, did not apply to thebut never before with P4-like bacteriophages. used in this study. Key words: Bacteriophage, coliphage, replication cycle, Esherichia coli, Nano scanning electron microscopy.
MicroRNA Expression Profile in Conjunctival Melanoma.

PURPOSE Conjunctival melanoma (CM) is a rare disease associated with considerable mortality. As opposed to cutaneous melanoma, the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development of CM and other mucosal melanomas (MMs) are unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify tumor-specific and prognostic microRNA (miRNA) in CM and to compare the miRNA profile with that of MM. METHODS Using microarray analysis (Affymetrix) we determined the miRNA expression profile in 40 CMs compared with 7 normal conjunctival samples. Changes in miRNA expression were associated with T stage, local recurrence, metastasis, and mortality. Furthermore, the expression of six fresh frozen tissue samples of CM was compared with that of four laryngeal and sinonasal MM. RESULTS Our analysis revealed 24 upregulated and 1 downregulated miRNA in CM; several of these miRNAs have key functions in the pathogenesis and progression of cutaneous melanoma. Additionally, we identified seven upregulated miRNAs specific for stage-T1 and stage-T2 CM, whose expression was associated with increased tumor thickness (P = 0.007), and two upregulated miRNAs (miR-3687 and miR-3916) associated with an increased risk of local recurrence. No stage T3-specific miRNAs were identified. CONCLUSIONS We identified differentially expressed and potentially prognostic miRNAs in CM. Furthermore, the miRNA expression pattern of CM resembled that in MM. The identification of these differentially expressed miRNAs provides an entry point for future functional studies of miRNAs as prognostic or therapeutic targets in CM and highlights the resemblance between CM, MM, and cutaneous melanoma.