Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microscale Electrochemical Corrosion of Uranium Oxide Particles

Understanding the corrosion of spent nuclear fuel is important for the development of long-term storage solutions. However, the risk of radiation contamination presents challenges for experimental analysis. Adapted from the system for analysis at the liquid–vacuum interface (SALVI), we developed a miniaturized uranium oxide (UO2)-attached working electrode (WE) to reduce contamination risk. To protect UO2 particles in a miniatured electrochemical cell, a thin layer of Nafion was formed on the surface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows a dense layer of UO2 particles and indicates their participation in electrochemical reactions. Particles remain intact on the electrode surface with slight redistribution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals a difference in the distribution of U(IV), U(V), and U(VI) between pristine and corroded UO2 electrodes. The presence of U(V)/U(VI) on the corroded electrode surface demonstrates that electrochemically driven UO2 oxidation can be studied using these cells. Our observations of U(V) in the micro-electrode due to the selective semi-permeability of Nafion suggest that interfacial water plays a key role, potentially simulating a water-lean scenario in fuel storage conditions. This novel approach offers analytical reproducibility, design flexibility, a small footprint, and a low irradiation dose, while separating the α-effect. This approach provides a valuable microscale electrochemical platform for spent fuel corrosion studies with minimal radiological materials and the potential for diverse configurations.
Personal Transport and the Greenhouse Effect

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Global Warming and Climatic Change 3. Travel, Energy Use and 'Greenhouse' Emissions 4. Business as Usual' Carbon Dioxide Emissions 5. Policy Tools 6. Prospects for 'Technical Fixes' 7. Questioning the Need to Travel 8. A 12 Point Plan for Sustainability 9. Conclusions References Index
Genetic Regulation of Human isomiR Biogenesis

Simple Summary This study investigated the cis-regulation of isomiR biogenesis in human lymphoblastoid cell lines. A total of 95 SNP–isomiR pairs demonstrated significant associations between SNPs and 5′-isomiRs, including base substitutions, trimmings, extensions, and additions. Notably, the study identified an association between rs6505162 and the 5′-extension of hsa-miR-423-3p, as well as the 5′-trimming of hsa-miR-423-5p. Additionally, the correlation of isomiR expression with breast cancer status in the TCGA dataset provided valuable insights into the genetic association with breast cancer tumorigenesis. The study also highlighted that canonical miRNAs may not be the most abundant isomiRs in human lymphoblastoid cell lines, emphasizing the role of isomiRs in biological processes. Furthermore, the presence of the allele-specific expression of miRNAs suggests the involvement of genetic variants in miRNA regulation. Abstract MicroRNAs play a critical role in regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. Variations in mature microRNA sequences, known as isomiRs, arise from imprecise cleavage and nucleotide substitution or addition. These isomiRs can target different mRNAs or compete with their canonical counterparts, thereby expanding the scope of miRNA post-transcriptional regulation. Our study investigated the relationship between cis-acting single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in precursor miRNA regions and isomiR composition, represented by the ratio of a specific 5′-isomiR subtype to all isomiRs identified for a particular mature miRNA. Significant associations between 95 SNP–isomiR pairs were identified. Of note, rs6505162 was significantly associated with both the 5′-extension of hsa-miR-423-3p and the 5′-trimming of hsa-miR-423-5p. Comparison of breast cancer and normal samples revealed that the expression of both isomiRs was significantly higher in tumors than in normal tissues. This study sheds light on the genetic regulation of isomiR maturation and advances our understanding of post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs.
Multi-Body Dynamic Analysis of Hydrostatic Bearing with the MMC Material in Micro-Nano Machining

This study focuses on the analysis of a linear hydrostatic bearing using harmonic frequency response and harmonic response simulations. The aim is to evaluate the feasibility of replacing the existing alloy steel material with a metal matrix composite (MMC) in terms of its performance and dynamic characteristics for both the base and carriage parts. The simulation results indicate that the MMC material exhibits higher resonant frequencies and improved damping capabilities compared to the structural steel material. The higher resonant frequencies observed in the MMC material are attributed to its stiffness and structural properties. These properties contribute to increased natural frequencies and improved vibration damping characteristics. This suggests that incorporating the MMC material in the bearing design could enhance motion control, improving the ability to precisely control and manipulate the movement of components or systems. In the context of ultraprecision machining applications, incorporating the MMC material in the hydrostatic bearing design can also lead to a more accurate and controlled motion, resulting in improved precision and finer machining outcomes. The displacement analysis confirms that both materials meet the specifications provided by the manufacturer, supporting the viability of using MMC as an alternative. However, further experimental validation and considerations of material feasibility, manufacturing factors, and cost-effectiveness are necessary before implementing the MMC material in practical applications. Overall, this research highlights the potential benefits of MMC in the design of linear hydrostatic bearings, paving the way for enhanced performance in ultraprecision machining processes.
A Comparative Study of Ethanol and Citric Acid Solutions for Extracting Betalains and Total Phenolic Content from Freeze-Dried Beetroot Powder

This research compares the extraction of betalains (betacyanin and betaxanthin) and total phenolic content using citric acid and aqueous–ethanol solutions. The aim is to find an environmentally sustainable alternative solvent for extracting these compounds from dried beetroot powder. Using citric acid solution as a solvent offers several benefits over ethanol. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits, making it a safe and environmentally friendly choice for certain extraction processes. Moreover, the use of citric acid as solvent offers biodegradability, non-toxicity, non-flammability, and is cost effective. A full factorial design and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to assess the effects of extraction parameters (extraction time (5–30 min), extraction temperature (20, 30, 40 °C), pH of citric acid solution (3, 4, 5) and ethanol concentration (10, 20, 30% v/v)). The yield was determined spectrophotometrically and expressed as mg/g of dry powder. The results showed that citric acid solution yielded 85–90% of the ethanolic extract under identical conditions. The maximum yields of betacyanin, betaxanthin, and total phenolic content in citric acid solution were 3.98 ± 0.21 mg/g dry powder, 3.64 ± 0.26 mg/g dry powder, and 8.28 ± 0.34 mg/g dry powder, respectively, while aqueous–ethanol yielded 4.38 ± 0.17 mg/g dry powder, 3.95 ± 0.22 mg/g dry powder, and 8.45 ± 0.45 mg/g dry powder. Optimisation resulted in maximum extraction yields of 90% for betalains and 85% for total phenolic content. The study demonstrates the potential of citric acid as a viable alternative to polar organic solvents for extracting phytochemicals from plant material, providing comparable results to aqueous–ethanol. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models outperformed RSM in predicting extraction yields. Overall, this research highlights the importance of exploring bio-solvents to enhance the environmental sustainability of phytochemical extraction.
The Key Role of Empathy in the Relationship between Age and Social Support

Aging involves several changes depending on genetic and behavioral factors, such as lifestyle and the number and quality of social relationships, which in turn can be influenced by empathy. Here, the change in the perceived social support across the lifespan as a function of empathy was investigated, considering the mediating role of empathy after controlling for gender and education. In total, 441 people (18–91 years old) filled in the Italian short version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ6), as well as the Empathy Questionnaire (EQ), and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET). The mediation analyses with ISEL-12 showed that age and the EQ fully mediated the relationship between age and appraisal, belonging, and tangible scores. Further, the EQ fully mediated only the relationship between age and SSQ6-People. These results showed that empathic skills are key in the relationships between age and social support. This suggests that empathy can trigger social support and, ultimately, well-being if stimulated across the lifespan, especially from a young age; this would help to form the socio-emotional competence across the years as a sort of cushion that can be useful in the older to fulfill active aging.
Low Complexity Detection for QCM-MIMO Using MSRE Aided Proximal Algorithm

Quadrature channel modulation aided multiple input multiple output (QCM-MIMO) system is an optimistic approach to realize the demand for high data under ultra-low latency communication scenarios for fifth generation (5G) and beyond wireless communication systems. However, the modulated and transmitted symbol vector in QCM-MIMO is sparse in nature due to the independent transmission of in-phase and quadrature-phase components through different channel fade realizations. Hence, detecting the sparse transmitted symbol vector at the base station (BS) becomes challenging compared to conventional MIMO systems. This letter proposes a minimum support recovery error aided proximal algorithm based detection (MSREPD) method for low-complexity symbol detection in uplink QCM-MIMO system. The error performance of the proposed detection method is theoretically analyzed and corroborated through simulation results. It is observed that the proposed MSREPD method outperforms several state-of-the-art techniques in terms of bit error rate performance and computational complexity under both perfect and imperfect channel state information scenarios and reaches near-maximum likelihood error performance.
Evaluation of Cartilage Integrity Following Administration of Oral and Intraarticular Nifedipine in a Murine Model of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) ranks as the prevailing type of arthritis on a global scale, for which no effective treatments are currently available. Arterial hypertension is a common comorbidity in OA patients, and antihypertensive drugs, such as nifedipine (NIF), may affect the course of OA progression. The aim of this preclinical study was to determine the effect of nifedipine on healthy and OA cartilage, depending on its route of administration. In this study, we used the destabilization of medial meniscus to develop a mouse model of OA. Nifedipine was applied per os or intraarticularly (i.a.) for 8 weeks to both mice with OA and healthy animals. Serum biomarker concentrations were evaluated using the Luminex platform and alterations in the knee cartilage were graded according to OARSI histological scores and investigated immunohistochemically. Nifedipine treatment per os and i.a. exerted protective effects, as assessed by the OARSI histological scores. However, long-term nifedipine i.a. injections induced the deterioration of healthy cartilage. Lubricin, cartilage intermediate layer matrix protein (CILP), collagen type VI (COLVI), CILP, and Ki67 were upregulated by the nifedipine treatment. Serum biomarkers MMP-3, thrombospondin-4, and leptin were upregulated in the healthy groups treated with nifedipine, while only the levels of MMP-3 were significantly higher in the OA group treated with nifedipine per os compared to the untreated group. In conclusion, this study highlights the differential effects of nifedipine on cartilage integrity, depending on the route of administration and cartilage condition.
Serum and Fecal 3-Bromotyrosine Concentrations in Dogs with Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy: Clinical Parameters and Histopathological Changes

Simple Summary This study aimed to examine the diagnostic sensitivity of 3-bromotyrosine (3-BrY) and compare serum and fecal 3-BrY concentrations between dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) that showed pathological changes in biopsy samples of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A weak correlation was found between serum C-reactive protein and serum 3-BrY concentrations, but no correlation was observed between the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index and serum or fecal 3-BrY concentrations. No significant difference in 3-BrY concentrations was found in biological samples between dogs with CIE who had various GI pathological changes. It is worth noting that dogs with CIE often have increased 3-BrY concentrations in both their serum and fecal samples. However, these 3-BrY elevations may not accurately reflect the severity of GI histological findings. Abstract Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) in dogs involve the infiltration of gastrointestinal tissue with inflammatory cells. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity of serum and fecal 3-bromotyrosine (3-BrY) concentrations in dogs with CIE. The difference in 3-BrY concentrations in dogs with different gastrointestinal (GI) pathological changes was also assessed. In total, 68 dogs with CIE were enrolled in the study. The median serum 3-BrY concentration was 3.3 µmol/L, while the median 3-day mean and maximum fecal 3-BrY concentrations were 38.9 and 63.2 mmol/g of feces, respectively. The median serum C-reactive protein concentration was 45.0 mg/L. The median 3-day mean and maximum fecal α1-proteinase inhibitor concentrations were 6.1 and 9 µg/g of feces, respectively. Increased 3-BrY concentrations were observed in 90.9% of CIE dogs based on serum concentrations, 75.8% based on mean fecal concentrations, and 69.4% based on maximum fecal concentrations. A weak correlation (ρ = 0.31, p < 0.0118) was found between serum CRP and serum 3-BrY concentrations. There was no correlation between the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index and serum or fecal 3-BrY concentrations (p > 0.05). Additionally, no significant difference in serum or fecal 3-BrY concentrations was found among CIE dogs with different GI pathological changes (p > 0.05). In conclusion, dogs with CIE have increased 3-BrY concentrations in serum and fecal samples. However, 3-BrY concentrations may not accurately indicate the severity of gastrointestinal inflammation.
Comparative Study of Preparation and Electrochemical Properties of Nb4C3Tx (T = –OH, –F, or =O) and (Nb0.8Ti0.05V0.05Zr0.05Ta0.05)4C3Tx (T = –OH, –F, or =O) MXenes

Two–dimensional MXene synthesized from MAX phase ceramic has good electrical conductivity, promising to be used as electrodes. In this study, Nb4C3Tx (T = –OH, –F, or =O) MXene and low–entropy (Nb0.8Ti0.05V0.05Zr0.05Ta0.05)4C3Tx (T = –OH, –F, or =O) MXene were prepared by etching Nb4AlC3 and (Nb0.8Ti0.05V0.05Zr0.05Ta0.05)4AlC3 ceramics in the HF acid at 60 °C. By investigating the electrochemical properties of lithium batteries, it was found that the Nb4C3Tx and (Nb0.8Ti0.05V0.05Zr0.05Ta0.05)4C3Tx could provide the specific capacities of 163.7 mAh·g−1 and 130 mAh·g−1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A·g−1, respectively, and maintain the coulombic efficiency close to 100%, good for the utilization of electrodes in lithium batteries.
The Relationship between Axis Length Difference and Refractive Error in Unilateral Myopic Anisometropic Children Treated with Orthokeratology

Purpose To explore the correlation between the axial length (AL) difference (myopic and nonmyopic eye) and the refractive error in children with unilateral myopia anisometropia (UMA) and to elucidate its clinical application in the process of Ortho-K lenses review following nonstop wearing. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 70 children with UMA (age, 8–15 years) whose myopic eyes were treated with Ortho-K lenses. The spherical equivalent refractive errors (SERE) of the myopic eye ranged from −0.75 D to −4.25 D, and astigmatism was no less than −1.50 D. In addition, SERE of nonmyopic eyes were no less than −0.50 D. AL, and the refractive data of both eyes were measured at baseline. A multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the AL difference and refractive error, and paired t-test was used to analyze the changes in AL in both eyes. Results Every 1 mm axial length change corresponds to −1.627 D (95% CI: −1.921 D, −1.333 D; P < 0.001) change in refractive error in children. The association between the AL change and the degree of myopia did not change with age (P=0.751). Among the 70 subjects, 51 (72.86%) had myopia in the right eye, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) for myopia occurring in the right eye was 62.4%–83.3%. The paired t-test showed that the average AL growth was significantly slower in myopic eyes treated with Ortho-K lenses than in nonmyopic eyes (t = 9.805, P < 0.001). Conclusion Every 1 mm AL change would cause an average refractive error increase. Age did not influence the association between AL changes and the degree of myopia. The right eye is more likely to be affected in children with UMA. The Ortho-K lens treatment slowed down the growth of AL in the myopic eye in children with UMA.
Characterization of imazamox-resistant shattercane (Sorghum bicolor L.) populations from Kansas

Abstract Shattercane is a problematic summer annual grass weed species in regions that produce grain sorghum. Three shattercane populations (DC8, GH4, and PL8) collected from sorghum fields from northwestern Kansas survived the field-use rate (52 g ha–1) of postemergence-applied imazamox. The main objectives of this research were to 1) confirm and characterize the level of resistance to imazamox in putative imazamox-resistant (IMI-R) shattercane populations, 2) investigate the underlying mechanism of resistance, and 3) determine the effectiveness of postemergence herbicides for controlling IMI-R populations. A previously known imazamox susceptible (SUS) shattercane population from Rooks County, KS, was used. All three putative populations exhibited a 4.1-fold to 6.0-fold resistance to imazamox compared with the SUS population. The ALS gene sequences from all IMI-R populations did not reveal any known target-site resistance mutations. A pretreatment with malathion, which inhibits cytochrome P450, followed by imazamox at various doses, reversed the resistance phenotype of the PL8 population. In a separate greenhouse study, postemergence treatments with nicosulfuron, quizalofop, clethodim, and glyphosate resulted in ≥96% injury to all IMI-R populations. The lack of known ALS target-site mutations and the reversal of resistance phenotype by malathion suggest the possibility of metabolism-based resistance to imazamox in PL8 shattercane population. Nomenclature: Shattercane, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. Drummondii; grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. bicolor
Epigraphy and urban communities in early Roman Baetica. [In two volumes]

At the present time there is enormous opportunity to investigate the epigraphic assemblages of the Roman province of Baetica. The steady progression in the research and publication of the revised editions of the Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum is providing a significant new study resource for the material which takes appropriate account of the archaeological contexts of the material wherever possible. This research takes full advantage of current advances in the epigraphic discipline, and brings the benefit of a fully contextualised archaeological methodology to a study of approximately 1000 Latin inscriptions from a selection of twelve towns predominantly located across the landscape of the lower and western Guadalquivir Valley in the Comunidad Autonoma de Andalucia of southern Spain. Discussion of the place of inscriptions within Roman towns is not new, but unique to this research is the way in which the methodology contextualises the material within its appropriate spatial, historical and social context. It builds upon a background of social theory to model the relationship between human society and its material culture in an attempt to identify a series of relationships not considered before with this material. Inscriptions are meticulously analysed for patterns of common behaviour in the way that they were designed and erected. More specifically, it identifies instances where these similarities extend beyond individual settlements, and conversely where individual settlements display distinctly unique characteristics that distinguish them from the other towns studied here. An understanding of the social context of inscriptions enables us to interpret the motivations stimulating the use of inscribed monuments throughout the study region. These are key to answering the question asked by this thesis, namely how the inscriptions from the urban communities of Early Roman Baetica reflect the interconnected nature of Baetican society and provide evidence for social connectivity throughout the study region.
Antibody Cross-Reactivity in Auto-Immune Diseases

Autoimmunity is defined by the presence of antibodies and/or T cells directed against self-components. Although of unknown etiology, autoimmunity commonly is associated with environmental factors such as infections, which have been reported to increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Occasionally, similarities between infectious non-self and self-tissue antigens may contribute to immunological cross-reactivity in autoimmune diseases. These reactions may be interpreted as molecular mimicry, which describes cross-reactivity between foreign pathogens and self-antigens that have been reported to cause tissue damage and to contribute to the development of autoimmunity. By focusing on the nature of antibodies, cross-reactivity in general, and antibody–antigen interactions, this review aims to characterize the nature of potential cross-reactive immune reactions between infectious non-self and self-tissue antigens which may be associated with autoimmunity but may not actually be the cause of disease onset.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Pregnant COVID-19 Patients with Thrombophilia: A Narrative Review

Pregnancy with SARS-CoV-2 infection can raise the risk of many complications, including severe COVID-19 and maternal–fetal adverse outcomes. Additionally, endothelial damage occurs as a result of direct SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as immune system, cardiovascular, and thrombo-inflammatory reactions. In this narrative review, we focus on endothelial dysfunction (ED) in pregnancy, associated with obstetric complications, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth retardation, gestational diabetes, etc., and SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women that can cause ED itself and overlap with other pregnancy complications. We also discuss some shared mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and ED.