Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Solvent Extraction with Water-in-Ok Microemulsions

Abstract This paper examines theoretically the conditions which favor enhanced extraction when a microemulsion phase containing a surfactant and a chelating agent is used as the solvent extraction organic phase. A general thermodynamic model of liquid-liquid distribution in reversed micellar systems is presented. The model treats the reversed micellar aggregates of the surfactant HA as a pseudophase and considers (a) the partition of a chelating extractant (HL) between the continuous organic phase and the reversed micellar pseudophase, (b) transfer of the metal ion Mz+ into the continuous organic phase via reaction with HA monomers, (c) partition of the Mz+-HA complex between the continuous organic phase and the reversed micellar pseudophase, (d) reaction of the Mz+ -HA complex with HL in the reversed micellar pseudophase, and (e) partition of the HL-containing complex between the reversed micellar pseudophase and the continuous organic phase. Quantitative expressions are derived that permit one to identi.
Farneseite, a new mineral of the cancrinite - sodalite group with a 14-layer stacking sequence: occurrence and crystal structure

ab S tra C t This paper reports the occurrence and the crystal structure of fantappieite, a new member of the cancrinite-sodalite group of minerals from Torre Stracciacappe, Trevignano community (Rome, Latium, Italy). The mineral occurs within a volcanic ejectum consisting of dominant sanidine with minor plagioclase, biotite, augitic clinopyroxene, andradite, and iron oxides. Fantappieite (0.7 mm as largest size) is observed within miarolitic cavities of the rock as transparent colorless crystals, showing complex morphologies and striated faces. It is non-pleochroic and uniaxial negative, nω = 1.5046(5) and ne = 1.5027(5). Dcalc is 2.471 g/cm 3 . Fantappieite is trigonal, space group P3; the cell parameters are: a = 12.8742(6), c = 87.215(3) A, V = 12518.8(9) A 3 , Z = 1. The empirical chemical formula is: (Na84.12Ca30.00K15.95Fe0.19Ti0.13Mn0.10Mg0.09)(Si99.36Al98.64)O396(SO4)30.24(CO3)0.29Cl0. 84F0.82∙5.18H2O, which corresponds to the ideal formula [Na82.5Ca33K16. 5]Σ=132(Si99Al99O396)(SO4)33·6H2O. The five strongest reflections in the X-ray powder pattern are [d in A (I %) (hkl)]: 3.70 (100) (3 0 0), 3.60 (80) (1 0 23), 2.641 (65) (0 0 33), 6.85 (60) (0 1 10), 6.40 (55) (1 1 0). The single-crystal FTIR spectrum rules out OH groups and shows the presence of H 2O and CO2 molecules, as well. The structure can be described as a stacking sequence of 33 layers of six-membered rings of tetrahedra along the c axis. The stacking sequence is ACBACABACBACBACBCACBACBACBABCBACB…, where A, B, and C represent the positions of the rings within the layers. This sequence gives rise to liottite, sodalite, and cancrinite cages, alternating along c. Sulfate groups occur within the liottite cages associated by Na, K, and Ca, while highly disordered sulfate groups are located within the sodalite cages. H 2O groups occur within the cancrinite cages, bonded to Ca and Na cations. Split positions are found for Na-Ca sites, and are related to disordering of the sulfate groups in the sodalite cages.
Video-Based Analyses of Parkinson’s Disease Severity: A Brief Review

Remote and objective assessment of the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is an area of great interest particularly since the COVID-19 crisis emerged. In this paper, we focus on a) the challenges of assessing motor severity via videos and b) the use of emerging video-based Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning techniques to quantitate human movement and its potential utility in assessing motor severity in patients with Parkinson’s disease. While we conclude that video-based assessment may be an accessible and useful way of monitoring motor severity of Parkinson’s disease, the potential of video-based AI to diagnose and quantify disease severity in the clinical context is dependent on research with large, diverse samples, and further validation using carefully considered performance standards.
Effect of SC fermentation product ( NutriTek ® ) on feed intake parameters , lactation performance , and metabolism of transition dairy cattle : Summary of journal

The transition period in dairy cattle is characterized by many stressors, including an abrupt diet change, but yeast product supplementation can alter the rumen environment to increase dairy cattle productivity. Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) was fed from −29 ± 5 to 42 d relative to calving (RTC) to evaluate the effects on feed intake, milk production, and metabolism. Treatments were control (n = 30) or SCFP (n = 34) incorporated into a total mixed ration. Cows were individually fed 3×/d prepartum and 2×/d postpartum. Blood samples were collected once during each of the following time points RTC: d −28 to −24 (wk −4), d −14 to −10 (wk −2), d 3 to 7 (wk 1), d 12 to 16 (wk 2), and d 31 to 35 (wk 5). Liver biopsies were taken once between d −19 and d −12 (wk −3) and at 14 d in milk. Cows were milked 2×/d, and samples were taken 2 d/wk for composition analysis. Dry matter intake did not differ by treatment, but SCFP increased meals per day and decreased time between meals. Body weight (measured at enrollment, d 0, and d 42 RTC) and body condition score (scored weekly) were not affected by treatment. Milk, energycorrected milk, and fat-corrected milk yields did not differ by treatment. Milk fat concentration was greater for SCFP, with significant differences in wk 4 and 5. Milk lactose concentration tended to be greater for the control and milk urea nitrogen tended to be lesser for the control, but there were no treatment effects on milk protein concentration or somatic cell count. Assuming equal digestibility, energy balance deficit was greater for SCFP than for the control (−6.15 vs. −4.34 ± 0.74 Mcal/d), with significant differences in wk 4 and 5. Plasma concentrations of free fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, and insulin did not differ with treatment, but cholesterol was greater for SCFP. Liver triglyceride increased and liver cholesterol decreased with time. Liver triglyceride did not differ by treatment, but liver cholesterol tended to be lesser in SCFP. Relative mRNA abundance of cholesterolrelated genes (SREBF2, HMGCS1, HMGCR, MTTP, SPOB100, APOA1), FGF21, and CPT1A did not differ by treatment, but PCK1 tended to be greater for SCFP. The ketogenic transcript HMGCS2 was greater for SCFP, which aligns with SCFP increasing incidence of subclinical ketosis; however, BDH did not differ between treatments. In conclusion, SCFP supplementation increased meals per day with less time between meals, increased milk fat concentration, altered cholesterol metabolism, and increased incidence of subclinical ketosis, but early-lactation milk yield and metabolism were generally unaffected.
Nitrogen balance and dynamics as affected by water table and fertilization management in celery (Apium graveolens) cropping system of southwestern China

1 (high fertilization - HF) per rotation (about 90 d). Outputs of N were mainly as N uptake, with an average of 53.9% of total estimated output N. Crop N uptake significantly increased with an increase of N rate, but further fertilizer N inputs beyond 450 kg N ha -1 did not lead to significant increases in N uptake. The same N-fertilizer application rate produced different N balances with different water table levels. Compared with Site B, Site A reduced N leaching, gaseous N emissions, and soil N accumulation, while increased N uptake. The N balances indicate that N leaching into groundwater was comparatively low, while gaseous N emissions were the major loss pathway in the celery (Apium graveolens) cropping system, although both N leaching and gaseous N emissions decreased with the decrease of N-fertilizer rate and the increase of water table depth. Of these gaseous N emissions, NO/NO2 was the highest, followed by N2O and NH3. In low N fertilization treatment, gaseous N emissions were reduced by 75 kg N ha -1
A Systematic Review : Correlation of Study Habits and Academic Performance of Medical Students

Background: Study habits can be defined as the normal routine act of studying which also has an influence on cognitive process. Many activities are included in study habits i.e. management of time, selecting a desired study environment, setting goals, strategies for appropriate note taking and organizing the study routine. There is dependency of study habits on academic performance. A good study pattern has a great contribution towards academic performance of student as it develops a sense of working more effectively, efficiently and ultimately leading to higher scores and experiencing lesser stress in the process. Researchers claimed that study habit is one of the reasons in achieving academic success and that a relationship exist between study habits and academic performance. Therefore, the aim of this review is to find the correlation of study habits and academic performance of medical students. Materials and Methods: Literature review regarding correlation of study habits and academic performance was conducted using databases i.e. PubMed, Ovid, Cinahl and Google Scholar. In this review only the articles published in English language from 2010 2020 were retrieved.
State of mineral nutrition and heavy metals distribution in aboveground biomass of poplar clones

The state of mineral nutrition as well as accumulation and translocation of selected heavy metals As, Cr, Hg, and Pb were evaluated in poplar clones Robusta (Populus x euramericana) and I-214 (Populus x euramericana). These clones are characterized by fast growth and biomass production of relatively high quality. Soil water quantity and its dynamics is one of the most important factors for growth of poplar clones, in relation to their high transpiration and nutrient transport. The research was conducted in two locations in eastern and three in western Slovakia. The poplars were grown on alluvial plains continuously influenced by ground waters from surrounding rivers. Differences in As, Cr, and Pb concentrations were recorded among the locations only, whereas between these single-clones no differences were confirmed. Different accumulation patterns were found for some elements (Ca, K, Si) in poplars compared to those of softwood (spruce) and hardwood (beech) species. The mineral elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Si) were accumulated in above-ground parts as follows: stem > “small-wood”/bark > wood. Cr was the most represented risk element in biomass, while Hg reached the highest concentrations and in contrast to essential elements was accumulated predominantly in wood. A potential source of Hg was soil/water environment.
Comparative sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 suggests its high transmissibility and pathogenicity

Aim: Because the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 is newly introduced to humans, we aimed to understand the unique features of its genome and proteins, crucial for high transmissibility and disease severity. Materials & methods: The available genome and protein sequences of SARS-CoV-2 with known human and nonhuman CoV were analyzed using multiple sequence alignment programs. Results: Our analysis revealed some unique mutations in SARS-CoV-2 spike, ORF1a/b, ORF3a/3b and ORF8. The most interesting ones were in the spike angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor binding-motif and generation of a furin-like cleavage site as well as deletions of ORF3a ‘diacidic motif’ and the entire ORF3b. Conclusion: Our data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 has diverged from SARS-CoV-1 but is most close to bat-SL-CoV. Unique mutations in spike and ORF3a/b proteins strongly endorse its adaptive evolution, enhanced infectivity and severe pathogenesis in humans.
Clinical and genetic findings in Italian patients with sector retinitis pigmentosa

Purpose To describe clinical and genetic features in a series of Italian patients with sector retinitis pigmentosa (sector RP). Methods Fifteen patients with sector RP were selected from the database of Hereditary Retinal Degenerations Referring Center of Careggi Hospital (Florence, Italy). Eleven patients from five independent pedigrees underwent genetic analysis with next-generation sequencing (NGS) confirmed with Sanger sequencing. The diagnosis of sector RP was based on the detection of topographically limited retinal abnormalities consistent with corresponding sectorial visual field defects. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus color pictures as well as fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), full-field electroretinography (ERG), and 30–2 Humphrey visual field (VF) data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results For the 30 eyes, the mean BCVA was 0.05 ± 0.13 logMAR, and the mean refractive error was −0.52 ± 1.89 D. The inferior retina was the most affected sector (86.7%), and the VF defect corresponded to the affected sector. FAF showed a demarcation line of increased autofluorescence between the healthy and affected retina, corresponding on SD-OCT to an interruption of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) band in the diseased retina. Dark-adapted ERG amplitudes were decreased in comparison to normative values. In five unrelated families, the sector RP phenotype was associated with sequence variants in the RHO gene. The same mutation c.568G>A p.(Asp190Asn) was found in nine patients of four families. Conclusions Typical sector RP is a mild form of RP characterized by preserved visual acuity with limited retinal involvement and, generally, a more favorable prognosis than other forms of RP.
Phenols and Carbon Compounds as Efficient Organic Catalysts for Reversible Chain Transfer Catalyzed Living Radical Polymerization (RTCP)

Simple phenols and hydrocarbons were used as novel and efficient organic catalysts for reversible chain transfer catalyzed living radical polymerization (RTCP). This is the first use of oxygen- and carbon-centered compounds as catalysts of living radical polymerization. The catalysts include such common compounds as phenol itself, phenol-based antioxidants for foods and resins (e.g., 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT)), phenol-based natural antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E), and dienes (e.g., 1,4-cyclohexadiene). Their cheapness, excellent environmental safety, and ease of handing may be quite attractive in practice. The catalysts were highly active and tolerant to functional groups. The required amounts of the catalysts were typically as small as 100−500 ppm, yielding low-polydispersity polymers (Mw/Mn ∼ 1.1−1.4) at moderate temperatures (40−100 °C), where Mw and Mn are weight- and number-average molecular weights, respectively. A wide variety of functional monomers with alkyl, aryl, hydroxyl, poly(et.
Single Radiation‐Induced Grafting Method for the Preparation of Two Proton‐ and Lithium Ion‐Conducting Membranes

Two distinct types of polymer electrolyte membranes for conducting protons and lithium ions have been prepared by a radiation-induced grafting method. The polymer electrolyte precursor (PVDF-g-PS) is obtained by the simultaneous grafting of styrene onto poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) followed by one of the two specific treatments. This includes sulfonation with a chlorosulfonic acid/dichloromethane mixture to obtain proton (H+)-conducting membranes, or activation with LiPF6/EC/DC liquid electrolyte to obtain lithium ion (Li+)-conducting membranes. The chemical structure of the obtained electrolyte membranes is verified by FT-IR spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry is used to examine the changes in the crystallinity and the thermal properties of both lectrolyte membranes during the preparation process. The thermal stability of both electrolyte membranes is also evaluated using thermal gravimetrical analysis. The obtained polymer electrolyte membranes achieve superior conductivity values: 1.61 x 10-3 S.cm-1 for Li_ and 5.95 x 10-2 S.cm-1 for H+ at room temperature at a polystyrene content of 50%. The result of this work suggest that high quality H+- and Li+- conducting membranes can be obtained using a single radiation-induced grafting method.
SORPTION OF STEROIDAL HORMONES BY TWO IOWA SOIL MATERIALS: DETECTION AND MODELING

The estrogenic hormones, for example, 17&bgr;-estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1), are regarded as some of the most potent of natural endocrine-disrupting compounds. At levels of a few nanograms per liter, E2 and E1 can interfere with normal sexual development in some aquatic species and could impose as yet unknown hazards to ecosystems. Both E2 and E1 have been added to soil through livestock waste from concentrated animal feeding operations. However, the fate and transport of these compounds in soils are not easily predicted, partly as a result of analytical challenges at low environmental concentrations and because of a weak understanding of adsorption mechanisms at the water-soil interface. Estradiol and E1 adsorption experiments were carried out by batch tests with two Iowa soil materials, Hanlon sand and Zook silty clay. Residual estrogen concentrations in the aqueous phase were determined by solid-phase extraction and derivatization, followed by quantification using gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry. Aqueous estrogenic concentrations were measured, and uptake by the soil materials was calculated assuming mass balance. The adsorption data were fit by both the Freundlich and linear models, and partition coefficients, Kd and Koc, were determined for each case. Over the entire range of concentrations studied, the linear model fit the sorption data well. Yet, at low equilibrium concentrations that could be determined by gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry, the nonlinear Freundlich model provided a better fit.Abbreviations-E1: estrone; E2: 17&bgr;-estradiol; EI+: positive electron ionization; GC: gas chromatography; MS: mass spectrometry; NCI: negative chemical ionization; PFBCl: pentafluorobenzoyl chloride; SPE: solid-phase extraction
A systematic literature review of economic evaluations of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in east and southeast Asia (2006-2019)

ABSTRACT Introduction Pneumococcal infections can lead to serious invasive diseases such as meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia, as well as milder but more common illnesses such as sinusitis and otitis media. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the inclusion of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in infant National Immunization Program (NIP) programs worldwide. Decision-makers in Asian countries planning to introduce PCVs in their respective NIP will need a comprehensive evidence of effectiveness of PCVs at the population level and economic evidence including cost-effectiveness. Areas Covered A systematic literature review (from 1/1/2016 to 10/11/2019) of PCVs in East and Southeast Asia to understand (1) the contributing factors to cost-effectiveness results of PCVs and (2) whether gaps in evidence exist suggesting why the region may have yet to implement full NIPs. Expert Opinion In East and Southeast Asia, vaccination with PCVs was found to significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity of pneumococcal diseases and was cost-effective compared to no vaccination. Study assumptions, specifically vaccine local acquisition, the inclusion or exclusion of indirect effects (serotype replacement and herd effect), cross-protection, and protection against nontypeable haemophilus influenzae and serotype 3, were the main drivers of cost-effectiveness.
Factors Influencing Clinical and MRI Outcomes of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation With Concomitant High Tibial Osteotomy for Varus Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Cartilage repair procedures using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can provide superior cartilage regeneration in the medial compartment of the knee joint when high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is performed for varus knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, few studies have reported the factors influencing the outcomes of MSC implantation with concomitant HTO. Purpose: To investigate the outcomes of MSC implantation with concomitant HTO and to identify the prognostic factors that are associated with the outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 71 patients (75 knees) were retrospectively evaluated after MSC implantation with concomitant HTO. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess cartilage regeneration. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the effect of different factors on clinical, radiographic, and MRI outcomes. Results: Clinical and radiographic outcomes improved significantly from preoperatively to final follow-up (P < .001 for all), and overall cartilage regeneration was encouraging. Significant correlations were found between clinical and MRI outcomes. However, radiographic outcomes were not significantly correlated with clinical or MRI outcomes. Patient age and number of MSCs showed significant correlations with clinical and MRI outcomes. On multivariate analyses, patient age and number of MSCs showed high prognostic significance with poor clinical outcomes. Conclusion: MSC implantation with concomitant HTO provided feasible cartilage regeneration and satisfactory clinical outcomes for patients with varus knee OA. Patient age and number of MSCs were important factors that influenced the clinical and MRI outcomes of MSC implantation with concomitant HTO for varus knee OA.
Potential of pumpkin to combat vitamin A deficiency during complementary feeding in low and middle income countries: variety, provitamin A carotenoid content and retention, and dietary reference intakes

Abstract The risk of child vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in low and middle income countries (LMICs) begins during the age range of complementary feeding (6–24 months), when children are fed complementary foods (CFs) deficient in vitamin A. However, pumpkin, a source of provitamin A carotenoids (PVACs) is widely cultivated in LMICs, but underutilized as a complementary food. Moreover, when consumed by humans, PVACs are bioconverted to retinol, the active form of vitamin A used by the body. This study evaluated the potential of pumpkin toward combating VAD by reviewing varieties of pumpkin cultivated in LMICs and their provitamin A carotenoid (PVAC) content; retention of PVACs in pumpkin during processing it as a CF; and the extent to which a CF prepared from pumpkin may meet the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for vitamin A for children aged 6–24 months old. Pumpkin may combat VAD because the varieties cultivated have high β-carotene content, it is a provitamin A biofortifiable food crop, and 100% retention of PVACs was observed when processed using home cooking methods. Feeding less than 50 g of cooked pumpkin per day meets 100% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and adequate intake (AI) of vitamin A for children 6 to 24 months old. Consumption of pumpkin may be used to complement vitamin A supplementation, fortification, and diversification of CFs with animal source foods. For better yield of pumpkin in LMICs, nutrition sensitive agricultural programmes such as biofortification and agronomic management of pumpkin need to be promoted and supported.