Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscope Which Measures Both Constant-Height and Constant-Gap Images

We have developed a near-field scanning optical microscope which has the capability of imaging in both constant-height and constant-gap scanning modes. This microscope uses an apertureless metallic probe. The constant-gap position of the probe is controlled by regulation of the tunneling-electron current. After obtaining a constant-gap signal under the regulation at a pixel, the constant-height signal is measured at a probe height, where is the same height at every pixel. By repeating the measurement at each pixel, we got both constant-gap and constant-height images. The result shows that the two imaging modes provide different informations. The constant-gap image has higher contrast than the constant-height one. Artifacts in near-field images measured by the apertureless type microscope are also discussed.
Effect of honey dressing in the management of diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis

A meta‐analysis study to assess the effect of honey dressing (HD) in the management of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). A comprehensive literature examination till January 2023 was implemented and 1794 linked studies were appraised. The picked studies contained 882 subjects with DFUs were in the picked studies' baseline, 424 of them were using HD, and 458 were using a control. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the consequence of HD in the management of DFUs after DFU by the dichotomous and continuous styles and a fixed or random model. The HD applied to DFUs caused a significantly higher wound healing rate (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.45‐2.93, P < .001) and lower wound healing time (MD, −10.42; 95% CI, −16.27‐ −4.58, P < .001) compared with the control. The HD applied to DFUs caused a significantly higher wound healing rate and lower wound healing time compared with the control. Although precautions should be taken when commerce with the consequences since most of the picked studies for this meta‐analysis was with low sample sizes.
Evaluation of mask repair strategies via focused electron, helium, and neon beam induced processing for EUV applications

One critical area for EUV lithography is the development of appropriate mask repair strategies. To this end, we have explored etching repair strategies for nickel absorber layers and focused electron beam induced deposition of ruthenium capping layers. Nickel has higher EUV absorption than the standard TaN absorber layer and thus thinner films and improved optical quality can be realized. A thin (2.5 nm) ruthenium film is commonly used as a protective capping layer on the Mo-Si EUV multi-layer mirror which mechanically and chemically protects the multi-layers during standard mask-making procedures. The gas field ion (GFIS) microscope was used to investigate helium and neon ion beam induced etching (IBIE) of nickel as a candidate technique for EUV lithography mask editing. No discernable nickel etching was observed for helium, however transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed subsurface damage to the underlying Mo-Si multilayers. Subsequently, neon beam induced etching at 30 keV was investigated and successfully removed the 50 nm nickel absorber film. TEM imaging also revealed subsurface damage in the underlying Mo-Si multilayer. Two damage regimes were apparent, namely: 1) beam induced mixing of the Mo-Si layers and 2) nanobubble formation. Monte Carlo simulations were performed and the observed damage regimes were correlated to: 1) the nuclear energy loss and 2) a critical implant concentration. Electron beam induced deposition (EBID) was explored to deposit ruthenium capping/protective layers. Several ruthenium precursors were screened and so far liquid bis(ethylcyclopentyldienyl)ruthenium(II) was successful. The purity of the as-deposited nanodeposits was estimated to be 10% Ru and 90% C. We demonstrate a new chemically assisted electron beam purification process to remove carbon by-products and show that high-fidelity nanoscale ruthenium repairs can be realized.
A systematic review comparing the macrophage inflammatory response to hydrophobic and hydrophilic sandblasted large grit, acid‐etched titanium or titanium–zirconium surfaces during in vitro studies

Macrophages are among the first cells to interact with the dental implant surface and are critical regulators for controlling the immune response toward biomaterials. Macrophages can polarize between two main phenotypes: proinflammatory M1 macrophages and anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages. This systematic review aims to determine if a differing macrophage inflammatory response exists on hydrophilic sandblasted large grit, acid‐etched (SLActive) surfaces compared to sandblasted large grit, acid‐etched (SLA) titanium or titanium–zirconium surfaces during in vitro studies.
Ab initio model calculations to treat electron scattering from polar polyatomic targets: H2S and NH3

A parameter-free modelling of the exchange and correlation-polarization forces which play a fundamental role in describing the scattering of slow electrons from molecular targets is applied here to the calculation of total integral cross sections and differential cross sections for electron collisions with polyatomic targets: H2S and NH3. Several features of the results are discussed and analysed to try and shed more light on the physical details of the processes at hand. The present computation constitutes one of the first examples of such an analysis for the systems and appears to provide, among other things, much original information on the possible existence of low-energy, metastable negative ions of NH3 and H2S in their ground electronic states.
Characteristics of orthognathic multidisciplinary team clinics in England. Part 2: A qualitative study

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the orthodontist’s perspective of the strengths and weaknesses of their current multidisciplinary team (MDT) design for orthognathic treatment. Participants and methods: This was a qualitative study using online interviews of orthodontic consultants across England. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. This was the second part of a two-part study, where the first part, an online questionnaire survey, identified the variation in design of orthognathic MDTs across England and was the source of the 19 participants for this study. Results: Seven themes were identified that influenced the design of orthognathic MDTs across England. Close working relationship with the team, access to closed surgery space to conduct the MDT and access to 3D planning were identified as definite strengths of some MDT clinics. Lack of a team psychologist and long waiting lists were identified as weaknesses of some orthognathic MDTs. Teaching and training within MDT clinics were highlighted as a strength of MDTs where surgery spaces were not restricted due to the pandemic. Finally, there was general agreement about revising the orthognathic minimum dataset for records collection as it was not thought to be in the patient’s best interest. Conclusion: This study was able to identify key areas considered to be determinants of a successful orthognathic MDT design from the orthodontic consultant’s perspective. Orthodontic consultants across England prioritised the need for a psychologist in the orthognathic MDT to improve the effectiveness of these clinics.
Low-order models for the flow in a differentially heated cavity

The proper orthogonal decomposition (P.O.D.) is applied to the flow in a differentially heated cavity. The fluid considered is air, and the aspect ratio of the cavity is 4. At a fixed Rayleigh number, P.O. D. empirical functions are extracted, and low-dimensional models are built and compared to the numerical simulation. Generally speaking, low-D models provide a coarse picture of the flow, which is also quick, cheap, and easy to understand. They can help pinpoint leading instability mechanisms. They are potentially key players in a number of applications such as optimization and control. Our goal in this study is to determine how well the flow can be represented by very low-dimensional models. Two moderately complex situations are examined. In the first case, at some distance from the bifurcation point, the dynamics can still be reduced down to two modes, although it is necessary to account for the effect of higher-order modes in the model. In the second case, farther away from the bifurcation, the flow is chaotic. A ten-dimensional model successfully captures the essential dynamics of the flow. The procedure was seen to be robust. It clearly illustrates the power of the P.O. D. as a reduction tool.The proper orthogonal decomposition (P.O.D.) is applied to the flow in a differentially heated cavity. The fluid considered is air, and the aspect ratio of the cavity is 4. At a fixed Rayleigh number, P.O. D. empirical functions are extracted, and low-dimensional models are built and compared to the numerical simulation. Generally speaking, low-D models provide a coarse picture of the flow, which is also quick, cheap, and easy to understand. They can help pinpoint leading instability mechanisms. They are potentially key players in a number of applications such as optimization and control. Our goal in this study is to determine how well the flow can be represented by very low-dimensional models. Two moderately complex situations are examined. In the first case, at some distance from the bifurcation point, the dynamics can still be reduced down to two modes, although it is necessary to account for the effect of higher-order modes in the model. In the second case, farther away from the bifurcation, the flow i.
Iron affects localization of Ght5 in fission yeast

Abstract Iron is an essential cofactor for eukaryotic cells, as well as a toxic metal under certain conditions. On the other hand, glucose is the preferred energy and carbon source by most organisms and is an important signaling molecule in the regulation of biological processes. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the Ght5 hexose transporter, known as a high affinity glucose transporter, is required for cell proliferation in low glucose concentrations. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of iron stress on the Ght5 hexose transporter under glucose repression and derepression conditions. The effect of iron stress on the expression profile of the ght5 gene was analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blot. The localization of the Ght5-mNeonGreen fusion protein examined with confocal microscopy. Our results revealed that iron stress had an inhibitory effect on ght5 expression, and it altered Ght5 localization on the cell surface, causing it to accumulate in the cytoplasm.
Impact of Social Isolation and Digital Divide on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Patients with Mental Health Disorders during COVID-19: A Multiple Case Study

Abstract The positive relationship between social connections and mental health and wellbeing has been widely documented. During the initial stage of the pandemic, COVID-19 associated restrictions had given rise to social isolation that had a negative effect on individuals’ mental health and wellbeing, particularly among patients with preexisting mental health disorders. To abridge physical distance, digital technology had become a primary method of communication and social engagement. However, not everyone had access to internet and devices required to connect online due to the digital divide, especially among marginalized populations. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore experiences of social isolation and the digital divide among patients with mental health disorders, and its impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Our findings revealed that social isolation was the major contributing factor to the intensification of mental health symptoms, while the digital divide (e.g., financial constraints and low proficiency in digital technology) was recognized as a barrier to making social connections via digital technologies. Nurses should engage with communities and policymakers in developing strategies to address the social determinants of health disparities during the current pandemic, other disruptive pandemics and beyond.
Natural killer cells suppress human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cancer cell survival and tumor growth

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), which develops in response to ultraviolet irradiation exposure, is among the most common cancers. CSCC lesions can be removed by surgical excision, but 4.5% of these cancers reappear as aggressive and therapy‐resistant tumors. CSCC tumors display a high mutation burden, and tumor frequency is dramatically increased in immune‐suppressed patients, indicating a vital role for the immune system in controlling cancer development. Natural killer cells (NK cells) play a key role in cancer immune surveillance, and recent studies suggest that NK cells from healthy donors can be expanded from peripheral blood for use in therapy. In the present study, we test the ability of ex vivo expanded human NK cells to suppress the CSCC cell cancer phenotype and reduce tumor growth. We expanded human NK cells from multiple healthy donors, in the presence of IL‐2, and tested their ability to suppress the CSCC cell cancer phenotype. NK cell treatment produced a dose‐dependent reduction in SCC‐13 and HaCaT cell spheroid growth and matrigel invasion and induced SCC‐13 and HaCaT cell apoptosis as evidenced by increased procaspase 9, procaspase 3, and PARP cleavage. Moreover, two important CSCC cell pro‐cancer signaling pathways, YAP1/TAZ/TEAD and MEK1/2‐ERK1/2, were markedly reduced. Furthermore, tail‐vein injection of NK cells markedly suppressed the growth of SCC‐13 xenograft tumors in NSG mice, which was also associated with a reduction in YAP1 and MEK1/2‐P levels and enhanced apoptosis. These findings show that NK cell treatment suppresses CSCC cell spheroid formation, invasion, viability, and tumor growth, suggesting NK cell treatment may be a candidate therapy for CSCC.
EFFECTS OF MISSPECIFYING AN EXPLANATORY VARIABLE ON COEFFICIENTS OF DETERMINATION IN LOGISTIC REGRESSION

Normal 0 21 false false false TR X-NONE X-NONE Misspecifying an explanatory variable is a common problem in logistic regression as it is for all members of generalized linear models. Categorizing a continuous explanatory variable, using wrong functional form of an explanatory variable and omitting an explanatory variable from the model are commonly made misspecifications in logistic regression analysis. Studies show that all of these cases cause a loss in efficiency for test statistics. In this paper, the effects of these types of misspecification on asymptotic relative efficiency of different coefficients of determination are investigated. All calculations and comparisons are based on extensive simulation study using bootstrap methods /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normal Tablo"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
Preterm birth and asthma and COPD in adulthood: a nationwide register study from two Nordic countries

Background Preterm birth affects lungs in several ways but few studies have follow-up until adulthood. We investigated the association of the entire spectrum of gestational ages with specialist care episodes for obstructive airway disease (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) at age 18–50 years. Methods We used nationwide registry data on 706 717 people born 1987–1998 in Finland (4.8% preterm) and 1 669 528 born 1967–1999 in Norway (5.0% preterm). Care episodes of asthma and COPD were obtained from specialised healthcare registers, available in Finland for 2005–2016 and in Norway for 2008–2017. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for having a care episode with either disease outcome. Results Odds of any obstructive airway disease in adulthood for those born at <28 or 28–31 completed weeks were 2–3-fold of those born full term (39–41 completed weeks), persisting after adjustments. For individuals born at 32–33, 34–36 or 37–38 weeks, the odds were 1.1- to 1.5-fold. Associations were similar in the Finnish and the Norwegian data and among people aged 18–29 and 30–50 years. For COPD at age 30–50 years, the OR was 7.44 (95% CI 3.49–15.85) for those born at <28 weeks, 3.18 (95% CI 2.23–4.54) for those born at 28–31 weeks and 2.32 (95% CI 1.72–3.12) for those born at 32–33 weeks. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia in infancy increased the odds further for those born at <28 and 28–31 weeks. Conclusion Preterm birth is a risk factor for asthma and COPD in adulthood. The high odds of COPD call for diagnostic vigilance when adults born very preterm present with respiratory symptoms. In this population-based study of 2.4 million people from Finland and Norway, adults born preterm were at higher risk for asthma and COPD at ages 18–50 years. The risks were observed across all gestational ages before full term in a dose-response manner. https://bit.ly/3YqnUGe
A Theoretical Investigation of the Effect of Aerosol Pollutants on Shortwave Flux Divergence in the Lower Troposphere

Abstract This study is aimed at evaluating shortwave effects of aerosol pollutants in the lower troposphere (surface to 2 km). We have solved the radiative transfer equation for a plane-parallel atmosphere of infinite extent in the horizontal but inhomogeneous and of finite extent in the vertical. The vertical inhomogeneity is due to the presence of a non-uniform aerosol distribution, and a non-uniform concentration distribution of absorbing gases. The shortwave spectrum is divided into a sufficient number of intervals to simulate absorption characteristics of various atmospheric gases. The equation of radiative transfer is solved for these spectral intervals taking into account all orders of scattering. Simulations have been made, using several representative vertical distributions of aerosols, typical aerosol values of refractive indices, and various size distribution functions. The analyses of these results indicate that the spectrally integrated flux divergence in the lower troposphere is highly depen.
Targeting translation: A review of preclinical animal models in the development of treatments for chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy

The expanding use of chemotherapy in curative cancer treatment has simultaneously resulted in a substantial and growing cohort of cancer survivors with prolonged disability from chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN is associated with several commonly prescribed chemotherapeutics, including taxanes, platinum‐based drugs, vinca alkaloids, bortezomib and thalidomide. These distinct classes of chemotherapeutics, with their varied neurotoxic mechanisms, often cause patients to suffer from a broad profile of neuropathic symptoms including chronic numbness, paraesthesia, loss of proprioception or vibration sensation and neuropathic pain. Decades of investigation by numerous research groups have provided substantial insights describing this disease. Despite these advances, there is currently no effective curative or preventative treatment option for CIPN and only the dual serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Duloxetine is recommended by clinical guidelines for the symptomatic treatment of painful CIPN.
HEAO 3 observations of the Crab pulsar

The Crab pulsar (PSR 0531+21) is the only pulsar which has been observed throughout almost the entire electromagnetic spectrum from 0.5 keV to over 2000 GeV. In general, the emission from the Crab nebula and its pulsar has been remarkably constant in time (except for the pulsations). However, several recent observations, especially of gamma-ray line emission, indicate possible time variations. The present investigation is concerned with the data obtained with the HEAO C-1 experiment. The data have been studied with the hope of finding information regarding a number of questions, taking into account the existence of line emission from the pulsar, the variation of the shape of the light curve with time, and the spectral variations as a function of pulsar phase. The spectrum of the total phase-averaged pulsed emission is found to be consistent with a single power-law spectrum from 50 keV to 10 MeV.
Therapeutic effect and mechanism of Daikenchuto in a model of methotrexate-induced acute small intestinal mucositis

Background Daikenchuto (DKT) has positive therapeutic effects on improving various gastrointestinal disorders. The present study investigated whether or not DKT has a potential therapeutic effect on chemotherapy-induced acute small intestinal mucositis (CIM) in a rat model. Methods Intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg methotrexate (MTX) every 3 days for a total of 3 doses was used for induction of CIM in a rat model. The MTX and DKT-MTX groups were injected with MTX as above from the first day, and the DKT-MTX and DKT groups were administered 2.7% DKT via the diet at the same time. The rats were euthanized on day 15. Results The DKT-MTX group showed an improvement in the body weight and conditions of gastrointestinal disorders as well as increased levels of diamine oxidase in plasma and in the small intestinal villi. The pathology results showed that small intestinal mucosal injury in the DKT-MTX group was less severe than that in the MTX group. Immunohistochemistry for myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for TGF-β1 and HIF-1α showed that DKT attenuated peroxidative damage. The crypts in the DKT-MTX group contained more Ki-67-positive cells than MTX group. The zonula occluden-1 and claudin-3 results showed that DKT promoted repair of the mucosal barrier. RT-qPCR for the amino acid transporters EAAT3 and BO+AT also confirmed that DKT promoted mucosal repair and thus promoted nutrient absorption. Conclusion DKT protected against MTX-induced CIM in a rat model by reducing inflammation, stimulating cell proliferation, and stabilizing the mucosal barrier.
Challenges with the discovery of RNA-based therapeutics for flaviviruses

ABSTRACT Introduction Flaviviruses are emerging or reemerging pathogens that have caused several outbreaks throughout the world and pose serious threats on human health and economic development. RNA-based therapeutics are developing rapidly, and hold promise in the fight against flaviviruses. However, to develop efficient and safe therapeutics for flaviviruses, many challenges remain unsolved. Areas covered In this review, the authors briefly introduced the biology of flaviviruses and the current advances in RNA-based therapeutics for them. Furthermore, the authors list the challenges and possible solutions in this area. Finally, the authors give their opinion on the development and future of RNA-based therapeutics for flaviviruses. Expert opinion With the rapid development of structural biology, the crystal structures of flavivirus proteins may lay the foundation for future rational drug design. Studies regarding the interactions between the flavivirus and the host will also be invaluable to inhibitor design. Researchers should maintain the current momentum to bring about safe and effective anti-flavivirus drugs to licensure through joint efforts of academia, government, and industry.