Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Vapor Phase of Selected Essential Oils and Their Antifungal Activity In Vitro and In Situ against Penicillium commune, a Common Contaminant of Cheese

This study aimed to determine the in vitro and in situ antifungal activity of (14) selected essential oils (EOS), namely clove, thyme, red thyme, litsea, eucalyptus, niaouli, fennel, anise, cumin, basil, rosemary, sage, bergamot mint, and marjoram, by vapor contact against the growth of two strains of Penicillium commune (KMi–183 and KMi–402). Furthermore, to exclude the negative effect of EOs on the lactic acid bacteria (LABs) (Streptococcus spp.) on cheeses, their influence was monitored. Next, the sensory evaluation of cheese treated by EOs was evaluated. The results show that litsea and clove EOs were the most effective in the vapor phase against both tested strains. These EOs were characterized by the highest amount of α- (40.00%) and β-Citral (34.35%) in litsea and eugenol (85.23%) in clove. The antitoxicogenic activity of less effective (in growth inhibition) EOs on cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) production by the tested strains was also observed. The growth of Streptococcus spp. (ranging from 8.11 to 9.69 log CFU/g) was not affected by the EOs in treated cheese. Even though the evaluators recognized some EOs in sensory evaluation by the triangle test, they did not have a negative effect on the taste and smell of the treated cheeses and were evaluated as edible. The antifungal activity of EOs against several types of microscopic fungi and their effect on the sensory properties of treated foods needs to be further tested to achieve the most effective protection of foods from their direct contaminants.
Bistability signatures in nonequilibrium charge transport through molecular quantum dots

We investigate the transient nonequilibrium dynamics of a molecular junction biased by a finite voltage and strongly coupled to internal vibrational degrees of freedom. Using two different, numerical exact techniques, diagrammatic Monte Carlo and the multilayer multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree method, we show that the steady state current through the junction may depend sensitively on the initial preparation of the system, thus revealing signatures of bistability. The influence of the bias voltage and the transient dynamics on the phenomenon of bistability is analyzed. Furthermore, a possible relation to the phenomenon of stochastic switching in nanoelectromecanical devices is discussed.
Origin of nonclassicality: observed state versus measurement

According to Born's rule quantum probabilities are given by the overlap between the system state and measurement states. We investigate whether typical nonclassical effects such as subPoissonian statistics and quadrature squeezing should be ascribed just to the system state or to the measurement states, which are typically highly non classical by themselves: number states and infinitely squeezed states. To this end we investigate whether non classicality still holds after replacing in Born's rule number and quadrature states by classical-like states.
Vascular Risk Factors in Ischemic Stroke Survivors: A Retrospective Study in Catalonia, Spain

Background: The distribution of vascular risk factors (VRFs) and stroke management vary by geographic area. Our aim was to examine the percentage of the VRFs according to age and sex in ischemic stroke survivors in a geographical area on the Mediterranean coast of Southern Catalonia, Spain. Methods: This was a multicenter, observational, retrospective, community-based study of a cohort, the data of which we obtained from digital clinical records of the Catalan Institute of Health. The study included all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke who were treated between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2020. Patients met the following inclusion criteria: residing in the study area, age ≥ 18 years, and presenting ≥1 modifiable vascular risk factor. The exclusion criteria were as follows: death patients (non-survivors) and patients without modifiable VRFs. We collected the demographic, clinical, and VRF variables of the total of 2054 cases included, and we analyzed the data according to age groups, sex, and number of VRFs. Results: Most of the patients included were in the 55–80 age group (n = 1139; 55.45%). Of the patients, 56.48% (n = 1160) presented ≤ 2 modifiable VRFs, and the age group <55 years old (67.01%) presented more VRFs. Hypertension and (>80 years old (38.82%)) and dyslipidemia (<55 years (28.33%)) were the most prevalent VRFs. In the age group 55–80 (69.59% men), the prevalence of VRFs was higher ((3–4 VRF (42.76%) and >4 VRF (5.35%)). Conclusions: These results suggest the presence of many VRFs in people diagnosed with ischemic stroke—although with a lower percentage compared to other studies—and the need for specific individualized interventions for the control of modifiable RFs related to primary and secondary prevention of stroke.
Spin-polarized tunneling into helical edge states: Asymmetry and conductances

We consider tunneling from the spin-polarized tip into the Luttinger liquid edge state of quantum spin Hall system. This problem arose in the context of the spin and charge fractionalization of an injected electron. Renormalization of the dc conductances of the system is calculated in the fermionic approach and scattering states formalism. In the lowest order of the tunneling amplitude we confirm previous results for the scaling dependence of conductances. Going beyond the lowest order we show that the interaction affects not only the total tunneling rate, but also the asymmetry of the injected current. The helical edge state forbids the backscattering, which leads to the possibility of two stable fixed points in the renormalization group sense, in contrast to the Y-junction between the usual quantum wires.
Setting Time and Solubility of Thymol Incorporated Zinc Oxide-Guaiacol Root Canal Sealer: An in Vitro Study

Aims : This study aimed to establish whether changes in setting time and solubility of the locally prepared zinc oxide-guaiacol endodontic sealer when incorporated with thymol crystals as an antibacterial agent. endodontic sealer with thymol crystals incorporated at three different concentrations (2%, 5%, and10%) were tested, For setting time test similar specimens were prepared using ring molds with an internal diameter of (10 mm) and a height of (2 mm), nearly (120±10) seconds once mixing, the sample was located on a metal block in an incubator. A Gilmore needle with a mass of (100±0.5 g) which had (2±0.1 mm measurement) was used; the period of “no indent” was noted from the start of mixing. For the solubility test, similar specimens were prepared using ring molds with an internal diameter of (20 ± 0.1 mm) and a height of (1.5 ± 0.1 mm) and digitally weighted to register the mass of each specimen before and after immersion in distilled water. Solubility was determined after 24 hours and statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, a One-Way ANOVA test, and post-hoc Duncanʼs Multiple Range Test was used. Results : The means of setting time of three experimental sealers were decreased as thymol crystal concentrations increased and the means of solubility for three experimental sealers were increased as the concentrations of thymol crystal increased. Conclusions : This
Ensemble Properties of the White Dwarf Population of the Old, Solar Metallicity Open Star Cluster Messier 67

White dwarfs (WDs) are excellent forensic tools for studying end-of-life issues surrounding low- and intermediate-mass stars, and the old, solar metallicity open star cluster Messier 67 is a proven laboratory for the study of stellar evolution for solar-type stars. In this paper, we present a detailed spectroscopic study of brighter (Mg ≤ 12.4) WDs in Messier 67, and in combination with previously published proper motion membership determinations, we identify a clean, representative sample of cluster WDs, including 13 members with hydrogen-dominated atmospheres, at least one of which is a candidate double degenerate, and 5 members with helium-dominated atmospheres. Using this sample we test multiple predictions surrounding the final stages of stellar evolution in solar-type stars. In particular, the stochasticity of the integrated mass lost by ∼1.5 solar mass stars is less than 7% of the WD remnant mass. We identify WDs likely resulting from binary evolution, including at least one blue straggler remnant and two helium-core WDs. We observe no evidence of a significant population of helium-core WDs formed by enhanced mass loss on the red giant branch of the cluster. The distribution of WD atmospheric compositions is fully consistent with that in the field, limiting proposed mechanisms for the suppression of helium atmosphere WD formation in star clusters. In short, the WD population of Messier 67 is fully consistent with basic predictions of single- and multiple-star stellar evolution theories for solar metallicity stars.
Ecological niche dynamics of three invasive marine species under the conservatism and shift niche hypotheses

Marine bioinvasions are one of the main threats to biodiversity. According to assumptions based on ecological niche models, the conservatism and equilibrium of species with the environment are vital to understanding the bioinvasion process. However, these assumptions have been evaluated primarily for terrestrial species, with few examples in marine environments. We tested the niche conservatism and niche shift hypotheses in native and invaded environments and evaluated the niche dynamics and invasion stages on three invasive marine species: the algae Asparagopsis armata and Codium fragile , and the ascidian Asterocarpa humilis . We applied the identity and background similarity tests to assess the conservatism, the principal component analysis to evaluate the niche dynamics, the Gallien et al. approach to evaluate the invasion stages, and an ensemble of model to estimate potential distribution. Findings showed that the niche equivalence hypothesis was not rejected for any of the species, indicating equivalent ecological niches. Niche similarity demonstrated that niches in native and invaded ranges were not similar as expected by chance for A. humilis and C. fragile . However, for A. armata , the populations in the native and invaded areas had a very similar environmental niche. In addition, high niche stability is evident in the niche dynamics, and so as the stabilization phase of the invasion phases of the three species; thus, studying the three species supported the hypothesis of niche conservatism. These results indicated that all three species have dispersed and are in biogeographic equilibrium within their invaded regions.
Electronic structure reconstruction by orbital symmetry breaking in IrTe2

We report an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study on IrTe2 which exhibits an interesting lattice distortion below 270 K and becomes triangular lattice superconductors by suppressing the distortion via chemical substitution or intercalation. ARPES results at 300 K show multi-band Fermi surfaces with six-fold symmetry which are basically consistent with band structure calculations. At 20 K in the distorted phase, topology of the inner Fermi surfaces is strongly modified by the lattice distortion. The Fermi surface reconstruction by the distortion depends on the orbital character of the Fermi surfaces, suggesting importance of Ir \(5d\) and/or Te \(5p\) orbital symmetry breaking.
Current Concepts and Future Applications of Non-Invasive Functional and Anatomical Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease

Over the last decades, significant advances have been achieved in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Proper non-invasive diagnosis and appropriate management based on functional information and the extension of ischemia or viability remain the cornerstone in the fight against adverse CAD events. Stress echocardiography and single photon emission computed tomography are often used for the evaluation of ischemia. Advancements in non-invasive imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have not only allowed non-invasive imaging of coronary artery lumen but also provide additional functional information. Other characteristics regarding the plaque morphology can be further evaluated with the latest modalities achieving a morpho-functional evaluation of CAD. Advances in the utilization of positron emission tomography (PET), as well as software advancements especially regarding cardiac CT, may provide additional prognostic information to a more evidence-based treatment decision. Since the armamentarium on non-invasive imaging modalities has evolved, the knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of each imaging modality should be evaluated in a case-by-case basis to achieve the best diagnosis and treatment decision. In this review article, we present the most recent advances in the noninvasive anatomical and functional evaluation of CAD.
Nontopological nature of the edge current in a chiral p -wave superconductor

The edges of time reversal symmetry breaking topological superconductors support chiral Majorana bound states as well as spontaneous charge currents. The Majorana modes are a robust, topological property, but the charge currents are non-topological--and therefore sensitive to microscopic details--even if we neglect Meissner screening. We give insight into the non-topological nature of edge currents in chiral p-wave superconductors using a variety of theoretical techniques, including lattice Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations, the quasiclassical approximation, and the gradient expansion, and describe those special cases where edge currents do have a topological character. While edge currents are not quantized, they are generically large, but can be substantially reduced for a sufficiently anisotropic gap function, a scenario of possible relevance for the putative chiral p-wave superconductor Sr$_2$RuO$_4$.
Recruiting Immunity for the Fight against Colorectal Cancer: Current Status and Challenges

Cancer immunotherapies have changed the landscape of cancer management and improved the standard treatment protocols used in multiple tumors. This has led to significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival rates. In this review article, we provide an insight into the major immunotherapeutic methods that are currently under investigation for colorectal cancer (CRC) and their clinical implementations. We emphasize therapies that are based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and adoptive cell therapy, their mechanisms of action, their advantages, and their potential in combination therapy. We also highlight the clinical trials that have demonstrated both the therapeutic efficacy and the toxicities associated with each method. In addition, we summarize emerging targets that are now being evaluated as potential interventions for CRC. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future direction for the cancer immunotherapy field.
Chemical composition of giants from two moving groups

We present the stellar parameters of 19 K-type giants and their abundances for 13 chemical elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sc, Si, Ti and V), selected from two moving groups, covering the metallicity range of −0.6 < [Fe/H] < 0.2, based on high-resolution spectra. Most of the elemental abundances show similar trends as in previous studies, except for Al, Na and Ba, which are seriously affected by evolution. The abundance ratios of [Na/Mg] increase smoothly with higher [Mg/H], and those of [Al/Mg] decrease slightly with increasing [Mg/H]. The abundance ratios of [Mg/Ba] show a distinction between these two moving groups, which is mainly induced by chemical evolution and also partly by kinematic effects. The inhomogeneous metallicity of each star from the moving groups demonstrates that these stars had different chemical origins before they were kinematically aggregated. This favours a dynamical resonant theory.
Lensing by a singular isothermal sphere and a black hole

Most galaxies host central supermassive black holes. As two galaxies merge, the black holes also merge. The final single black hole may suffer a kick due to asymmetric gravitational radiation and may not be at the centre of the galaxy; off-centre black holes may also be produced by other means such as sustained acceleration due to asymmetric jet power. We model the main galaxy as a singular isothermal sphere and the black hole as an off-centre point lens, and study the critical curves and caustics using complex notation. We identify the critical parameters that govern the transitions in the topology of critical curves, caustics and pseudo-caustics, and find that the number of images can be 2, 3, 4 and 5. We show examples of image configurations, including cases where three highly de-magnified images are found close to the centre. The perturbation on the image magnification due to the black hole scales linearly with its mass in the off-centre case, and quadratically when the black hole is at the centre. Such images are difficult to observe unless high-contrast and high-resolution imaging facilities (e.g. the Square Kilometre Array in the radio) become available.
A contextual extension of Spekkens' toy model

Quantum systems show contextuality. More precisely, it is impossible to reproduce the quantum-mechanical predictions using a non-contextual realist model, i.e., a model where the outcome of one measurement is independent of the choice of compatible measurements performed in the measurement context. There has been several attempts to quantify the amount of contextuality for specific quantum systems, for example, in the number of rays needed in a KS proof, or the number of terms in certain inequalities, or in the violation, noise sensitivity, and other measures. This paper is about another approach: to use a simple contextual model that reproduces the quantum-mechanical contextual behaviour, but not necessarily all quantum predictions. The amount of contextuality can then be quantified in terms of additional resources needed as compared with a similar model without contextuality. In this case the contextual model needs to keep track of the context used, so the appropriate measure would be memory. Another wa.
Visualization of the flow profile inside a thinning filament during capillary breakup of a polymer solution via particle image velocimetry and particle tracking velocimetry

We investigated the flow profile of a polymer solution in a thinning capillary bridge. Fluorescent tracer particles with a diameter of 3 μm were used to visualize the flow. The cylindrical shape of the filament introduced strong optical abberations that could be corrected for, and we were able to characterize the flow in filaments with a thickness ranging from 150 to 30 μm. In the first regime when the filament was still sufficiently large, we used a PIV algorithm to deduce the flow field. At later stages when the number of particles in the observation plane decreased a PTV algorithm was used. The main two results of our measurements are as follows. First, the flow profile at the formation of the cylindrical filament is highly inhomogeneous and there is only flow in the outer parts of the filament. Second, we find that in most parts of the regime, where the temporal radius of the thinning filament can be fitted with an exponential law the flow indeed is purely extensional.
Enhanced electron mixing and heating in 3‐D asymmetric reconnection at the Earth's magnetopause

Electron heating and mixing during asymmetric reconnection are studied with a 3‐D kinetic simulation that matches plasma parameters from Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft observations of a magnetopause diffusion region. The mixing and heating are strongly enhanced across the magnetospheric separatrix compared to a 2‐D simulation. The transport of particles across the separatrix in 3‐D is attributed to lower hybrid drift turbulence excited at the steep density gradient near the magnetopause. In the 3‐D simulation (and not the 2‐D simulation), the electron temperature parallel to the magnetic field within the mixing layer is significantly higher than its upstream value in agreement with the MMS observations.
Do Young People Perceive E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco as Less Harmful Than Traditional Cigarettes? A Survey from Poland

New tobacco and nicotine-containing products are gaining more popularity among young people. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence in the perception of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco among young people in Poland and to assess the factors that are positively correlated with this perception. A cross-sectional study covering almost 12,000 adolescents aged 13–18 was carried out in January and February 2020. Data were collected through a detailed questionnaire recommended for monitoring tobacco use by adolescents. The results of the study showed that 52.2% and 61.9% of young people perceive e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as less harmful compared to traditional cigarettes, respectively. The risk of perceiving these products as less harmful than smoking was higher among older adolescents, males, those who used these products, had a family member who used e-cigarettes/heated tobacco products and those who were exposed to tobacco advertising. Our study indicates the need to consider the coexistence of traditional smoking, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco and its impact on the assessment of the harmfulness of these products. More research is needed to better understand how perceptions of the harmfulness of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco affect their subsequent use.
Dust and star formation properties of a complete sample of local galaxies drawn from the Planck Early Release Compact Source Catalogue

We combine Planck High Frequency Instrument data at 857, 545, 353 and 217 GHz with data from Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), Spitzer, IRAS and Herschel to investigate the properties of a well-defined, flux-limited sample of local star-forming galaxies. A 545 GHz flux density limit was chosen so that the sample is 80 per cent complete at this frequency, and the resulting sample contains a total of 234 local, star-forming galaxies. We investigate the dust emission and star formation properties of the sample via various models and calculate the local dust mass function. Although single-component-modified blackbodies fit the dust emission longward of 80 μm very well, with a median β = 1.83, the known degeneracy between dust temperature and β also means that the spectral energy distributions are very well described by a dust component with dust emissivity index fixed at β = 2 and temperature in the range 10–25 K. Although a second, warmer dust component is required to fit shorter wavelength data, and contributes approximately a third of the total infrared emission, its mass is negligible. No evidence is found for a very cold (6–10 K) dust component. The temperature of the cold dust component is strongly influenced by the ratio of the star formation rate to the total dust mass. This implies, contrary to what is often assumed, that a significant fraction of even the emission from ∼20 K dust is powered by ongoing star formation, whether or not the dust itself is associated with star-forming clouds or ‘cirrus’. There is statistical evidence of a free–free contribution to the 217 GHz flux densities of ≲20 per cent. We find a median dust-to-stellar mass ratio of 0.0046; and that this ratio is anticorrelated with galaxy mass. There is good correlation between dust mass and atomic gas mass (median Md/MHI=0.022), suggesting that galaxies that have more dust (higher values of Md/M*) have more interstellar medium in general. Our derived dust mass function implies a mean dust mass density of the local Universe (for dust within galaxies), of 7.0 ± 1.4 × 105 M⊙ Mpc−3, significantly greater than that found in the most recent estimate using Herschel data.