Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exact Thermodynamic Correspondence between a Lattice Model Microemulsion and Simpler Spin Systems

The Wheeler-Widom lattice mixture of three bifunctional molecules AA, BB and ab with finite interactions is analysed. It is shown that the model's properties are exactly obtainable in terms of those of the spin-1 Ising magnet. When the character of AA as "water" BB as "oil" and ab as "surfactant" is gradually emphasized, the microemulsion and liquid-crystalline properties develop from those of conventional mixtures. Amongst the former we have the Kahlweit scheme for three-phase coexistence, Winsor-type phase progressions and surfactant-film–supported microstructures.
Bactericidal Efficacy and Mechanisms of Non-Electrolytic Slightly Acidic Hypochlorous Water on Pseudomonas fragi and Pseudomonas fluorescens

Chilled pork is frequently contaminated with Pseudomonas fragi and Pseudomonas fluorescens. In this study, the bactericidal efficacy and mechanisms of non-electrolytic slightly acidic hypochlorous water (NE-SAHW) against two strains of these two species were evaluated. The results showed that the antibacterial efficacy of NE-SAHW was positively correlated with the concentration level of NE-SAHW and negatively correlated with the initial populations of the strains. The strains of small populations were completely inhibited when provided with each level of NE-SAHW. The killed cells of P. fragi were 0.94, 1.39, 4.02, and 5.60 log10 CFU/mL, respectively, and of P. fluorescens they were 1.21, 1.52, 4.14, and 5.74 log10 CFU/mL, respectively, when the initial populations of the strains were at high levels (about 7 log10 CFU/mL). Both strains were completely killed within 12 s with the available chlorine concentration (ACC) of 50 mg/L of NE-SAHW. Morphological changes in both cells were observed by using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and it was discovered that the cell membranes were damaged, which led to the leakage of the intracellular substances, including K+, nucleic acid, and protein. In terms of the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results, NE-SAHW destroyed the structures of membrane proteins and cell structure proteins, and influenced the composition of polysaccharides. The bacteria were definitely dead after treatment by NE-SAHW compared to the control according to the results of flow cytometry. These results demonstrated the potential bactericidal property of NE-SAHW when applied to the meat and other food sterilization industries.
Direct Application of 3-Maleimido-PROXYL for Proving Hypoalbuminemia in Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The Potential Diagnostic Method of Determining Albumin Instability and Oxidized Protein Level in Severe COVID-19

Oxidative stress and the albumin oxidized form can lead to hypoalbuminemia, which is a predisposing factor for reduced treatment effectiveness and an increased mortality rate in severe COVID-19 patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the application of free radical 3-Maleimido-PROXYL and SDSL-EPR spectroscopy in the in vitro determination of ox/red HSA in serum samples from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Venous blood was collected from patients intubated (pO2 < 90%) with a positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 and controls. At the 120th minute after the incubation of the serum samples from both groups with the 3-Maleimido-PROXYL, the EPR measurement was started. The high levels of free radicals were determined through the nitroxide radical TEMPOL, which probably led to increased oxidation of HSA and hypoalbuminemia in severe COVID-19. The double-integrated spectra of 3-Maleimido-PROXYL radical showed a low degree of connectivity due to high levels of oxidized albumin in COVID-19 patients. The low concentrations of reduced albumin in serum samples partially inhibit spin-label rotation, with Amax values and ΔH0 spectral parameters comparable to those of 3-Maleimido-PROXYL/DMSO. Based on the obtained results, we suggest that the stable nitroxide radical 3-Maleimido-PROXYL can be successfully used as a marker to study oxidized albumin levels in COVID-19.
Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations on Compact Manifolds

Nonlinear Schr̈ odinger equations have been studied by mathematicians for about thirty years. However, most of the contributions concern the equation on the whole Euclidean space, with the notable exception of J. Bourgain’s contributions on tori. In the case of general Riemannian manifolds, the interaction of geometry with nonlinear operations leads to new phenomena, particularly if the manifold is compact. I shall review the state of the art concerning the Cauchy problem on such manifolds, and I shall describe optimal results on spheres, where new estimates on spherical harmonics play a crucial role.
Is Size All That Matters? New Predictors of Complications and Bleeding in Renal Angiomyolipoma

Purpose Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is the most common benign renal tumor. Whilst generally asymptomatic, they can cause life-threatening bleeding. Selective angioembolization (SAE) may be used to treat large symptomatic and asymptomatic AMLs. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SAE for symptomatic and asymptomatic renal AMLs and determine characteristics that predict spontaneous bleeding. Patients and Methods Data were retrospectively collected from a prospectively maintained database from July 2011 to April 2022. Patients were included if AML was >4cm and they underwent subsequent SAE. Follow-up imaging was analyzed to calculate mean reduction in AML size. Clinical notes were reviewed to analyze lesion characteristics including vascularity, fat content and presence of aneurysm as well as post-procedural complications. Results 26 patients with 30 AMLs were identified. Interval of follow-up imaging ranged from 1 to 60 months. 25 AMLs were embolized electively with 5 emergency embolizations performed for bleeding. Mean reduction in AML volume was 41% at 3 months (p=0.013) and 63% at 12 months (p=0.007). All 5 bleeding AMLs had a rich vascularity with 60% also having either aneurysms or a low fat content. Complications included post-embolic syndrome (n=9), segmental renal parenchyma devascularization (n=3), acute bleeding requiring re-embolization (n=2), nephrectomy for ongoing bleeding (n=1) and delayed bleeding managed conservatively (n=1). No deterioration in renal function was observed. Conclusion SAE is an effective procedure for managing symptomatic and asymptomatic renal AML, with minimal significant complications. AML vascularity, fat content and aneurysms may be useful characteristics to assess future risk of bleeding in patients with renal AML.
1 Crop Breeding and Applied Biotechnology - 23(1): e43802313, 2023 Estimation of mean performance and heterosis in cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) based hybrids in cabbage

: The successful transfer of R-cytoplasm (Ogura)-induced cytoplasmic male sterility has aroused great interest in the development of hybrids in cab-bage. An experiment was conducted from 2018 to 2020 to study the per se performance and estimate heterosis in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capi - tata L.), This crop is highly cross-pollinated; thus, exploitation of heterosis is an additional advantage. The experimental material consisted of an F 1 population of 18 crosses, resulting from three lines (CMS) crossed with six testers in a Line × Tester design, plus a standard check (Pusa Cabbage Hybrid-1). The per se performance and estimates of heterosis of the cross combinations L1 × T2, L2 × T2, L2 × T5, L3 × T2 and L3 × T5 were high for various horticultural parameters. Hence, after multilocation testing, these parents and crosses can be released to substitute existing cabbage varieties/hybrids.
The Role of Glutathione in Prevention of COVID-19 Immunothrombosis: A Review

Immunothrombosis has emerged as a dominant pathological process exacerbating morbidity and mortality in acute- and long-COVID-19 infections. The hypercoagulable state is due in part to immune system dysregulation, inflammation and endothelial cell damage, as well as a reduction in defense systems. One defense mechanism in particular is glutathione (GSH), a ubiquitously found antioxidant. Evidence suggests that reduction in GSH increases viral replication, pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and thrombosis, as well as decreases macrophage-mediated fibrin removal. The collection of adverse effects as a result of GSH depletion in states like COVID-19 suggest that GSH depletion is a dominant mechanism of immunothrombosis cascade. We aim to review the current literature on the influence of GSH on COVID-19 immunothrombosis pathogenesis, as well as the beneficial effects of GSH as a novel therapeutic for acute- and long-COVID-19.
The Integrated Consideration of Vaccine Platforms, Adjuvants, and Delivery Routes for Successful Vaccine Development

Vaccines have proven to be the most cost-efficient and reasonable way to fight and exterminate virulent pathogens. Vaccines can be designed using a variety of platforms including inactivated/attenuated pathogen or subunits of it. The most recent COVID mRNA vaccines have employed nucleic acid sequences for the antigen of interest to combat the pandemic. Different vaccine platforms have been chosen for different licensed vaccines which all have shown their ability to induce durable immune responses and protection. In addition to platforms, different adjuvants have been used to strengthen the immunogenicity of vaccines. Among the delivery routes, intramuscular injection has been the most common for vaccination. In this review, we present a historical overview of the integrated consideration of vaccine platforms, adjuvants, and delivery routes in the success of vaccine development. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of each choice in the efficacy of vaccine development.
Kinematics of the HH 111 Jet from the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph

We present a long-slit spectrum of the Herbig-Haro object HH 111, obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope. This spectrum has a spectral resolution of ≈50 km s-1, so it gives a good picture of the kinematical properties of the observed object at very high angular resolution. We find that some of the knots along the jet are associated with sudden drops in the radial velocity (modulus), confirming that the emission from the knots is formed in shocks. We interpret the observed position-velocity diagrams in terms of a model of a jet from a variable source, and we attempt to carry out a reconstruction of the ejection velocity variability necessary for reproducing the observed kinematical structure.
Phylogenetic revision of Echinolaophonte Nicholls (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae T. Scott) including the establishment of two new genera and two new species

The record of a new species of Echinolaophonte Nicholls, 1941 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) from Jeju Island (Korea) formed the basis for a detailed and exhaustive phylogenetic revision of the genus. Comparison of all 15 species currently assigned to Echinolaophonte (including the new Korean species) revealed that its current composition cannot be maintained. The phylogenetic relationships within Echinolaophonte were elucidated through the analysis of 135 morphological characters and the inclusion of four outgroups. As a result, four species were removed from Echinolaophonte and placed in two new genera: Parechinolaophontegen. nov. for E. tropica Ummerkutty, 1970 and Pseudechinolaophontegen. nov. for E. minuta Cottarelli & Forniz, 1991, E. mordoganensis Kuru, Sönmez & Karaytug, 2019 and E. veniliae Cottarelli, Forniz & Bascherini, 1992. Echinolaophonte longantennata Apostolov, 1990 had to be excluded from the analysis, due to the fragmentary and imprecise description. Accordingly, the phylogenetic relationships of the ten species remaining in Echinolaophonte are clarified. The new Korean species is described as Echinolaophonte musasp. nov. Furthermore, the subspecies E. armiger f. briani Lang, 1965 is elevated to species rank as E. briani Lang, 1965. A detailed phylogenetic discussion is provided and a key to the species of Echinolaophonte is given.
An invariant subspace technique for anti-windup synthesis

We discuss anti-windup synthesis for linear systems with input saturation. In particular, we discuss algorithms that induce an invariant subspace for the dynamic behavior of the mismatch between the constrained and unconstrained closed-loops. The dynamics in this invariant subspace are identical to the behavior of the plant with input saturation starting at the origin, stabilized by linear state feedback and driven by the mismatch between the unconstrained input and this input passed through a saturation function. In the static case, the state feedback gains are determined from a finite (perhaps empty) set of gains that are completely determined by the nominal controller. In the dynamic case, the state feedback gains are free design parameters.
Potential of artificial intelligence in the risk stratification for and early detection of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third most lethal cancer in the United States, with a 5-year life expectancy of 11%. Most symptoms manifest at an advanced stage of the disease when surgery is no longer appropriate. The dire prognosis of PDAC warrants new strategies to improve the outcomes of patients, and early detection has garnered significant attention. However, early detection of PDAC is most often incidental, emphasizing the importance of developing new early detection screening strategies. Due to the low incidence of the disease in the general population, much of the focus for screening has turned to individuals at high risk of PDAC. This enriches the screening population and balances the risks associated with pancreas interventions. The cancers that are found in these high-risk individuals by MRI and/or EUS screening show favorable 73% 5-year overall survival. Even with the emphasis on screening in enriched high-risk populations, only a minority of incident cancers are detected this way. One strategy to improve early detection outcomes is to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into biomarker discovery and risk models. This expert review summarizes recent publications that have developed AI algorithms for the applications of risk stratification of PDAC using radiomics and electronic health records. Furthermore, this review illustrates the current uses of radiomics and biomarkers in AI for early detection of PDAC. Finally, various challenges and potential solutions are highlighted regarding the use of AI in medicine for early detection purposes.
Evaluation of the Sensitivity of Prominent Biomarkers Involvement in Diagnosing the Severity of Lung Damage in Patients with COVID-19

Background COVID-19 has become the greatest pandemic of the century. Considering the role of some hematologic and biochemical factors and their alterations due to the activity of the immune system, the current study aimed to evaluate LDH/CRP/ESR/RDW in patients with COVID-19 and their relationship with the severity of lung involvement based on CT scan findings. Methods In this cross-sectional study, some biomarkers (LDH/CRP/ESR/RDW) were measured in 158 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) or hospitalized in the infectious diseases ward of Rasoul-e-Akram and Firoozgar hospitals or attended to the outpatient clinics. The diagnosis was confirmed by a positive RT-PCR test in all patients. The severity of lung involvement was determined by CT scan findings for comparison. Data were collected and analyzed through SPSS version 22. Results Regarding the severity of lung damage according to the CT scan, 17.7% of the patients were normal, 19% had less than 25% involvement, 17% had 25% -50% involvement, 33.5% had 50% -75% involvement, and 12% had more than 75% involvement. Considering the increasing severity of lung damage based on CT scans, the levels of RDW, ESR, CRP, and LDH significantly increased in parallel. The diagnostic value of RDW (cut-off point: 12.6, Sen: 73.1% (95%CI: 65.1-79.5), Sp: 53.6% (95%CI: 45.7-61.7), ESR (cut-off point: 49, Sen: 46.9% (95%CI: 38.2-54.5)), Sp: 85.7% (95%CI: 789.-90.5)), CRP (cut-off point: 23, Sen: 62.8% (95%CI: 54.6-70.4), Sp: 77.7% (95%CI: 70.3-84.1)) and LDH (cut-off point: 550, Sen: 65.1% (95%CI: 57.2-72.5), Sp: 85.7% (95%CI: 78.9-90.5)) were significant in diagnosing the severity of lung involvement (P < 0.05). Conclusion The use of RDW, ESR, CRP, and LDH biomarkers could be effective in predicting the severity of lung damage in patients with COVID-19.
Effect of Orientation on the Steady Laminar Free Convection Heat Transfer in Power-Law Fluids from a Heated Triangular Cylinder

In this work, the influence of orientation on the steady laminar free convection heat transfer from a heated triangular cylinder (flat side facing downward and upward) in quiescent power-law fluids has been investigated. In particular, the coupled momentum and energy equations have been solved numerically over wide ranges of the relevant dimensionless parameters as: Grashof number (10 ≤ Gr ≤ 105), Prandtl number (0.72 ≤ Pr ≤ 100), and power-law index (0.3 ≤ n ≤ 1.8). The detailed flow and temperature fields in the vicinity of the heated cylinder are visualized in terms of the streamline and isotherm contours, respectively. At the next level, the influence of each of the governing parameters, namely, Grashof number (Gr), Prandtl number (Pr), and power-law index (n) on the local and average Nusselt number and drag coefficient, is examined. The flow separation was found to occur at high Grashof numbers and low Prandtl numbers, but only in shear-thickening and Newtonian fluids (n ≥ 1) for the cylinder orientated with its flat side facing upward. Over the range of conditions spanned here, for equal surface area, the rate of heat transfer and drag coefficient are always higher for the cylinder oriented with its flat side facing upward. Broadly speaking, over the range of conditions embraced here, shear-thinning fluid behaviour enhances heat transfer and shear-thickening impedes it. Finally, the present numerical values of the Nusselt number and drag coefficient have been correlated via a simple expression using a composite parameter consistent with the boundary layer analysis. Naturally, this parameter is more effective only at large values of the Grashof and Prandtl numbers, an assumption inherent in the boundary layer approximation.
An improved PMVS through scene geometric information

Multi-view based reconstruction is one of the central problems in computer vision.In recent years,many excellent algorithms have been reported,such as the PMVS by Furukawa.However,we observed that the following two aspects of the PMVS need further improvements.The first one is that the obtained normal of reconstructed point is not well consistent with its local geometry,and the problem becomes more pronounced under certain image capturing configuration such as downward-shooting or upward-shooting,a frequent practice in large scene reconstruction.The second is its inherent space and time complexity.Especially with high resolution images,its space and time loads become una? ordable.In this work,two remedies are proposed.We propose a patch adjusting trick through the scene geometric information to enhance the patch s normal estimation,and a multi-resolution expanding tactic to well balance the computational cost and the reconstruction accuracy.The experiments demonstrate the e? ectiveness and practicability of our improved algorithm.
Technologies and Innovative Methods for Precision Viticulture: A Comprehensive Review

The potential of precision viticulture has been highlighted since the first studies performed in the context of viticulture, but especially in the last decade there have been excellent results have been achieved in terms of innovation and simple application. The deployment of new sensors for vineyard monitoring is set to increase in the coming years, enabling large amounts of information to be obtained. However, the large number of sensors developed and the great amount of data that can be collected are not always easy to manage, as it requires cross-sectoral expertise. The preliminary section of the review presents the scenario of precision viticulture, highlighting its potential and possible applications. This review illustrates the types of sensors and their operating principles. Remote platforms such as satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and proximal platforms are also presented. Some supervised and unsupervised algorithms used for object-based image segmentation and classification (OBIA) are then discussed, as well as a description of some vegetation indices (VI) used in viticulture. Photogrammetric algorithms for 3D canopy modelling using dense point clouds are illustrated. Finally, some machine learning and deep learning algorithms are illustrated for processing and interpreting big data to understand the vineyard agronomic and physiological status. This review shows that to perform accurate vineyard surveys and evaluations, it is important to select the appropriate sensor or platform, so the algorithms used in post-processing depend on the type of data collected. Several aspects discussed are fundamental to the understanding and implementation of vineyard variability monitoring techniques. However, it is evident that in the future, artificial intelligence and new equipment will become increasingly relevant for the detection and management of spatial variability through an autonomous approach.
Chemical and Structural Assessment of New Dental Composites with Graphene Exposed to Staining Agents

Among the newest trends in dental composites is the use of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles to assure better cohesion of the composite and superior properties. Our research used GO to enhance several hydroxyapatite (HA) nanofiller distribution and cohesion in three experimental composites CC, GS, GZ exposed to coffee and red wine staining environments. The presence of silane A-174 on the filler surface was evidenced by FT-IR spectroscopy. Experimental composites were characterized through color stability after 30 days of staining in red wine and coffee, sorption and solubility in distilled water and artificial saliva. Surface properties were measured by optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively, and antibacterial properties wer e assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A colour stability test revealed the best results for GS, followed by GZ, with less stability for CC. Topographical and morphological aspects revealed a synergism between GZ sample nanofiller components that conducted to the lower surface roughness, with less in the GS sample. However, surface roughness variation due to the stain was affected less than colour stability at the macroscopic level. Antibacterial testing revealed good effect against Staphylococcus aureus and a moderate effect against Escherichia coli.
A mechanism for nanosecond cathode spot operation in vacuum arcs

A model for nonstationary cathode spot operation in vacuum arcs is proposed. The model takes into account increasing spot current during the spot life time. Calculations for a copper cathode indicate that the spot current density increases when the rate of rise of the spot current dI/dt increases and can exceed 10/sup 8/ A/cm/sup 2/ for dI/dt about 10/sup 11/ A/s. The plasma density is 10/sup 20/-10/sup 21/ cm/sup -3/. The plasma electron temperature T/sub e/ is about 3-4 eV when the cathode potential drop U/sub c/=15-20 V and T/sub e/ reaches 7-8 eV when the U/sub c/ fluctuates and increases up to 40-50 V. The calculated spot parameters are in the range measured in recent experiments with nanosecond time resolution. The effect of different mechanisms of electron emission (thermo-and thermo-field emission) was investigated. The self-sustained solution shows that the spot current density changes by factor 2 by using different emission mechanism in the system of equation.