Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adsorption Properties of Ce5(BDC)7.5(DMF)4 MOF

In this article we report on the spectroscopic and adsorptive studies done on Ce(III)-based MOF possessing, upon desolvation, open metal sites, and a discrete surface area. The Ce-based MOF was synthesized from terephthalic acid linker (H2BDC) and Ce3+ cations by the classical solvothermal method. Preliminary powder X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the obtained materials corresponded to the ones reported by other authors. Spectroscopic techniques, such as XAS and in situ FTIR with probe molecules were used. In situ FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful removal of DMF molecules within the pore system at temperatures above 250 °C. Moreover, the use of CO as a probe molecule evidenced the presence of a Ce3+ open metal sites. Detailed volumetric and calorimetric CO2 adsorption studies are also reported.
Attribution of oral cancer in the Sudan to Toombak dipping

Background: Toombak dipping-a form of smokeless tobacco-is highly prevalent in the Sudan. Materials and methods: For a case–control study, we selected oral cancer cases (n = 98) and controls (n = 98) at the Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital. They were directly interviewed using a validated and a reliable instrument. For descriptive statistics, χ 2 test was used for determining the odds ratio (OR) measuring the association between exposed and non-exposed. The effects of the confounding factors were tested by multivariate logistic regression analyses. The attributable risk of this agent in oral carcinogenesis was evaluated. Results: Significant risks for Toombak dipping (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.7–8.6) and cigarette smoking (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2–6.2) were found. The site of Toombak dipping and the tumor location showed positive correlation. The attribute risk for exclusive dippers was found to be 93% and 67% in females and males, respectively, whereas the adjusted attributable risk was 70.1%. The remaining 20–30% risks were attributed to other risk factors. Conclusion: In the Sudan, Toombak dipping is a major risk factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma. We were able to demonstrate a high attributable risk to this agent in oral carcinogenesis.
Parasitization of bats by bat flies (Streblidae) in fragmented habitats

Parasites represent a large fraction of the world's biodiversity. They control host population sizes and contribute to ecosystem functioning. However, surveys on species diversity rarely include parasitic species. Bats often present traits favoring parasite diversity, such as large home ranges, long life spans, and large colonies. The most conspicuous bat parasites are the highly host‐specific, blood‐sucking bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae, Nycteribiidae). Recent studies have found a direct effect of habitat alteration on the abundance of bat species. We expected, therefore, that changes in the host community in response to anthropogenic habitat modification will also result in changes in the associated parasite community. We captured bats in three different habitats in Central Panama between 2013 and 2015. We recorded information on prevalence and intensity of bat fly parasitization of the seven most commonly captured bat species. Prevalence and intensity were both significantly influenced by roost type, abundance, and host sex and age. We found that habitat variables and matrix type significantly influenced the prevalence and intensity of parasitization, while the direction of the responses was host species‐ and parasite species‐specific. In general, roosting conditions and behavior of host bats appear to be fundamental in explaining changes in prevalence and intensity of parasitization between different habitat types, as bat flies are bound to the roost during their reproductive cycle. Habitat alterations affect next to the host community composition also the availability of possible roost structures as well as microclimatic conditions, which all three reflect in parasitization.
MR-Based Mapping of Cerebral Hemodynamics in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is the most common cause of stroke in children, which follows the exhaustion of vasodilatory capacity known as cerebrovascular reserve. Cerebrovascular reserve may be impaired in SCD due to chronic anemia and endothelial dysfunction, which may place SCD children at an increased risk for stroke. Therefore, we set out to assess cerebrovascular reserve in children with SCD using MR-based measures of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). We demonstrated that SCD children with a greater severity of anemia have higher cerebral blood flow and lower CVR. In addition, we have shown that SCD children on hydroxyurea or transfusion treatments have reduced severity of anemia and greater CVR than untreated patients. These results suggest that SCD children with greater severity of anemia access more of their cerebrovascular reserve in an attempt to maintain adequate oxygen supply and hydroxyurea or transfusion-treated patients have increased reserve, which may be beneficial in stroke prevention.
Systems biology informed deep learning for inferring parameters and hidden dynamics

Mathematical models of biological reactions at the system-level lead to a set of ordinary differential equations with many unknown parameters that need to be inferred using relatively few experimental measurements. Having a reliable and robust algorithm for parameter inference and prediction of the hidden dynamics has been one of the core subjects in systems biology, and is the focus of this study. We have developed a new systems-biology-informed deep learning algorithm that incorporates the system of ordinary differential equations into the neural networks. Enforcing these equations effectively adds constraints to the optimization procedure that manifests itself as an imposed structure on the observational data. Using few scattered and noisy measurements, we are able to infer the dynamics of unobserved species, external forcing, and the unknown model parameters. We have successfully tested the algorithm for three different benchmark problems. Author summary The dynamics of systems biological processes are usually modeled using ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which introduce various unknown parameters that need to be estimated efficiently from noisy measurements of concentration for a few species only. In this work, we present a new “systems-informed neural network” to infer the dynamics of experimentally unobserved species as well as the unknown parameters in the system of equations. By incorporating the system of ODEs into the neural networks, we effectively add constraints to the optimization algorithm, which makes the method robust to noisy and sparse measurements.
Cost Comparison of Socket-Suspended and Bone-Anchored Transfemoral Prostheses

Introduction This observational study compared historical costs for provision of socket prostheses with simulated costs for bone-anchored prostheses (BAPs). Materials and Methods The costs of transfemoral socket prostheses and BAP were extracted from the Queensland Artificial Limb Service's regulatory documentation according to K-levels and estimated for low-cost, budget, and high-cost limb options. Total costs including labor and parts after 6-year funding cycles were cross-compared for each socket and BAP fitting option. Results Labor and attachment costs were reduced by 18% and 79%, respectively, for all BAP options compared with any socket fitting. BAP was more economical by $18,200, $7,000, and $1,600 when fitted with low-cost, budget, and high-cost options, respectively, compared with sockets for K4. The low-cost limb was the only economical option compared with all sockets above K2. Other BAP options were uneconomical compared with socket fitting below K4. Discussion Suppliers of conventional prosthetic components can strongly impact the overall costs. Interestingly, manufacturers of BAP could play a decisive role given the cost of specific parts (e.g., connectors, protective devices). Conclusions The proposed approach for cost assessments could assist funding organizations worldwide working toward the development of fair and equitable financial assistance programs for individuals choosing BAP.
UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI EKSTRAK DAUN TANAMAN TEMBELEKAN (Lantana camara Linn) DARI BEBERAPA TINGKAT KEPOLARAN PELARUT

Penelitian tentang ekstrak daun tembelekan menggunakan berbagai tingkat kepolaran sebagai antibakteri telah dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui senyawa antibakteri dalam daun tembelekan (Lantana camara Linn) bersifat polar, semipolar atau nonpolar, serta daya hambat ekstrak daun tembelekan terhadap bakteri gram positif (Staphylococcus pyogenesis dan Micrococcus luteus) dan bakteri gram negative (Vibrio cholera dan Shigella dysenteriae). Metode ekstraksi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini, yaitu metode maserasi dengan 3 tingkat polaritas pelarut yang dimulai dari pelarut nonpolar (n­-heksan), diikuti dengan pelarut semipolar (etil asetat) dan pelarut polar (etanol). Uji daya hambat ekstrak terhadap bakteri uji dilakukan menggunakan metode sumur difusi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak etanol memberikan daya hambat tertinggi pada gram postif (Staphylococcus pyogenesis dan Micrococcus luteus) dan bakteri gram negative (Vibrio cholera dan Shigella dysenteriae) berturut-turut 20,89, 12, 18,56, dan 5,33 mm serta menunjukkan bahwa daun tembelekan mengandung senyawa antibakteri yang bersifat nonpolar, semipolar, dan polar.Kata Kunci : Tembelekan, ekstrak, daya hambat, antibakteri.
Privatization and Business Groups: Evidence from the Chicago Boys in Chile

Business groups are the predominant organizational structure in modern Chile. This article tests the long-standing hypothesis that the privatization reform implemented by the “Chicago Boys” during the Pinochet regime facilitated the creation of new groups and hence the renovation of the country’s elites. Using new data we find that firms sold during this privatization later became part of new business groups, process aided by an economic crisis that debilitated traditional elites. Moreover, some firms were bought by Pinochet’s allies and were later used as providers of capital within groups. We conclude that privatizations can empower outsiders to replace business elites.
Reproducibility of the carotid intima-media thickness,baroreflex sensitivity, and variability in blood pressure andheart rate in normotensives and hypertensives

Reproducibility of the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness(IMT) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was studied in normotensives and hypertensives with respect to the signs of tonic and reflex autonomic control of the heart and blood pressure (BP). We studied 25 treated hypertensives and 15 healthy controls twice in period of one year. Conclusion: A decrease of BP, a decrease of short-term blood-pressure variability, and shift of the power in the spectra of SBP in the range of 0.1 Hz could be regarged as a positive effect of the therapy.
Structure of Mpro from COVID-19 virus and discovery of its inhibitors

A new coronavirus (CoV) identified as COVID-19 virus is the etiological agent responsible for the 2019-2020 viral pneumonia outbreak that commenced in Wuhan1–4. Currently there is no targeted therapeutics and effective treatment options remain very limited. In order to rapidly discover lead compounds for clinical use, we initiated a program of combined structure-assisted drug design, virtual drug screening and high-throughput screening to identify new drug leads that target the COVID-19 virus main protease (Mpro). Mpro is a key CoV enzyme, which plays a pivotal role in mediating viral replication and transcription, making it an attractive drug target for this virus5,6. Here, we identified a mechanism-based inhibitor, N3, by computer-aided drug design and subsequently determined the crystal structure of COVID-19 virus Mpro in complex with this compound. Next, through a combination of structure-based virtual and high-throughput screening, we assayed over 10,000 compounds including approved drugs, drug candidates in clinical trials, and other pharmacologically active compounds as inhibitors of Mpro. Six of these inhibit Mpro with IC50 values ranging from 0.67 to 21.4 μM. Ebselen also exhibited promising antiviral activity in cell-based assays. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of this screening strategy, which can lead to the rapid discovery of drug leads with clinical potential in response to new infectious diseases where no specific drugs or vaccines are available.
Assessment of cost effectiveness of antihistaminics in allergic rhinitis patients in rural region by Nasal cytology: a simple and inexpensive tool

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction of nasal mucosa which is characterized by sneezing, itching, watery nasal discharge and a sensation of nasal obstruction. A characteristic feature of allergic inflammation is local accumulation of inflammatory cells including T lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils. Release of various mediators from these cells is responsible for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Accumulation of additional inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and T cells occurs in response to various chemokines. These inflammatory cells can be easily identified in nasal mucosa or secretions by performing nasal biopsies and then, preparing nasal smears to confirm the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Moreover, these methods are simple, reproducible, easy to perform and cost effective as compared to other diagnostic tests for allergic rhinitis.
Sleep and Diurnal Rest-Activity Rhythm Disturbances in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Study Objectives Accumulating evidence suggests a strong association between sleep, amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We sought to determine if: (1) deficits in rest-activity rhythms and sleep are significant phenotypes in J20 AD mice, (2) metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 inhibitors (mGluR5) could rescue deficits in rest-activity rhythms and sleep, and (3) Aβ levels are responsive to treatment with mGluR5 inhibitors. Methods Diurnal rest-activity levels were measured by actigraphy and sleep-wake patterns by electroencephalography (EEG), while animals were chronically treated with mGluR5 inhibitors. Behavioral tests were performed, and Aβ levels measured in brain lysates. Results J20 mice exhibited a 4.5 hour delay in the acrophase of activity levels compared to wild-type littermates, and spent less time in REM sleep during the second half of the light period. J20 mice also exhibited decreased NREM delta power but increased NREM sigma power. The mGluR5 inhibitor CTEP rescued the REM sleep deficit and improved NREM delta and sigma power but did not correct rest-activity rhythms. No statistically significant differences were observed in Aβ levels, rotarod performance or the passive avoidance task following chronic mGluR5 inhibitor treatment. Conclusions J20 mice have disruptions in rest-activity rhythms and reduced homeostatic sleep pressure (reduced NREM delta power). NREM delta power was increased following treatment with an mGluR5 inhibitor. Drug bioavailability was poor. Further work is necessary to determine if mGluR5 is a viable target for treating sleep phenotypes in AD. Statement of Significance Sleep disruption is evolving as an important risk factor as well as phenotype of neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. This study is novel in determining alterations in the rest-activity rhythm and sleep-wake pattern of J20 Alzheimer’s disease mice and wild type littermates. Specifically, there is a delay in acrophase with prolonged hyperactivity during the dark cycle, and reduced sleep pressure that was improved by treatment with mGluR5 inhibitor. Critical remaining knowledge gaps and future directions include testing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease drugs on rescue of sleep and rest-activity patterns in other Alzheimer’s disease models. These studies are relevant to human Alzheimer’s disease as monitoring sleep phenotypes may predict disease risk, and therapies that normalize sleep patterns may slow progression.
Canakinumab for the treatment of TNF-receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS) is a rare autoinflammatory disease. Although exact pathogenesis is still not fully understood, it is clear that IL-1β production plays a pivotal role in determining the clinical features and represent a good target for treatment. Areas covered: This review will briefly describe the characteristic of TRAPS from a clinical, genetic e biological point of view. Different treatment option will be reviewed focusing in particular on the available study demonstrating the efficacy of Canakinumab in patients with TRAPS. Expert opinion: TRAPS is a severe disease with a deep impact on patients’ quality of life. There is now strong evidence that IL-1 blockade is the best strategy in those patients and canakinumab the drug of choice.
A randomized, phase III study (FLAURA) of AZD9291, a novel EGFR-TKI, versus gefitinib or erlotinib in treatment-naïve patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and an EGFR-TKI-sensitizing mutation.

TPS8102 Background: EGFR-TKI is the recommended treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC who have an EGFR-TKI-sensitizing mutation (EGFRm). However, most patients develop resistance, and in ~60% of cases the EGFR T790M mutation is the cause. AZD9291 is an oral, potent, irreversible EGFR-TKI selective for EGFRm and T790M mutations. Preliminary data from a Phase I/II study demonstrated clinical activity and a manageable tolerability profile for AZD9291 as first-line treatment of patients with EGFRm advanced NSCLC. Methods: This Phase III, double-blind, randomized study (FLAURA, NCT02296125) is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of AZD9291 (80 mg qd, orally) versus standard of care (SoC) EGFR-TKI (gefitinib [250 mg qd, orally] or erlotinib [150 mg qd, orally]) in treatment-naive patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC. Eligible patients must have pathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma harboring an EGFR Ex19del or L858R mutation, alone or in combination with another EGFRm, determin.
Validity of the Crisis Triage Rating Scale among Attendees of a Psychiatric Emergency Department in Nigeria

Background: In psychiatric emergencies, there is a high premium on rapid assessment and acuity categorization. The Crisis Triage Rating Scale (CTRS), a 3-item clinician-rated instrument, has been validated for assessing the severity or urgency of emotional crises in psychiatric emergency units. The CTRS also expedites the screening of patients who require hospital admission from those who are suitable for out-patient treatment. However, its utility has not been evaluated in Nigeria. Aim: This study aimed to assess the validity of the CTRS as a triage tool among patients attending a psychiatric emergency service in Nigeria. Method: The CTRS was administered to consecutively presenting patients (N=247) at the Emergency Unit of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. The ability of the CTRS to discriminate between various levels of urgency of crises and to predict the need for admission at different threshold scores, compared with clinical judgement as criterion, was determined statistically. Results: CTRS scores ranged from 3 to 15 with a mean score of 12.18 (±2.8). The optimal threshold on the CTRS for detecting emergency or urgent crises is a cut-off score of 10 as it has the best trade-off with a sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.87. At this threshold, the area under the Receiver operating characteristics curve is 0.959 (95% CI= 0.934-0.983, p<0.001). The concurrent validity of the CTRS with the Clinical Global Impairment (CGI) was also satisfactory (r=-0.62, p<0.001). Conclusion: The CTRS is a useful tool in the triaging and disposal of patients presenting to psychiatric emergency service in Nigeria.
Designing multi-scale maps: lessons learned from existing practices

ABSTRACT Mapping applications display multi-scale maps where zooming in and out triggers the display of different maps at different scales. Multi-scale maps strongly augmented the potential uses of maps, compared to the traditional single-scaled paper maps. But the exploration of the multi-scale maps can be cognitively difficult for users because the content of the maps can be very different at different scales. This paper seeks to identify the factors in the design of map content and style that increase or decrease the exploration cognitive load, in order to improve multi-scales map design. We studied sixteen existing examples of multi-scale maps to identify these factors that influence a fluid zooming interaction. Several different analyses were conducted on these sixteen multi-scale maps. We first conducted a guided visual exploration of the maps, and a detailed study of the scales of the maps, to identify general trends of good practices (e.g. the WMTS standard that defines zoom levels is widely used) and potential ways of improvement (e.g. a same map is often used at multiple successive zoom levels). Then, we focused on the visual complexity of the multi-scale maps by analyzing how it varies, continuously or not, across scales, using clutter measures, which showed a peak of complexity at zoom level 12 of the WMTS standard. Finally, we studied how buildings and roads are subject to abstraction changes across scales (e.g. at what zoom level individual buildings turn into built-up areas), which can be one of the causes of exploration difficulties. We identified some good practices to reduce the impact of abstraction changes, for instance by mixing different levels of abstraction in the same map.
Offline Brand Outcomes of Instagram: Do Cognitive Network and Self-congruity Matter?

Manuscript type: Research paper Research aims: This study aims to determine the extent to which consumers’ brand “Follows” are self-congruent due to their cognitive networks or the perception of their social network structure on Instagram. This study also examines if self-congruity results in positive offline brand outcomes when mediated by brand love. Design/Methodology/Approach: A total of 168 valid responses are collected and analysed. SPSS version 21 is used to measure the descriptive statistics and frequencies and the SMART PLS 3.0 is used as the structural model for hypothesis testing. Research findings: Results indicate that social tie strength significantly affects self-congruity while brand love is a significant mediator on the relationship between self-congruity and offline brand outcomes (brand loyalty and WoM). Of the three perceived homophily (attitude homophily, status homophily and morality homophily), findings show that morality homophily is the stronger predictor for social tie strength among consumers and their friends on Instagram. Theoretical implications: This study expands on previous literature by investigating the relationship between cognitive network influence, consumers’ self-congruity with “followed brand” and offline brand outcomes (brand love, brand loyalty and WoM), in the context of Instagram. Practitioner/Policy implications: The findings suggest that in order to target Instagram users that “follow” the brand, these brands must be categorised based on status and moral ties. Marketing intelligence and target market segmentations on Instagram can be performed by using tie-strength. Brands on Instagram should be defined based on customers’ orientation, i.e., by humanising the brand so as to create an emotional bond. Proxy measures of brand love can be used to predict repurchase intention and the likeliness of sharing through WoM. Research limitation/Implication: The homophily and social tie strength are measured based on consumers’ own perceptions with friends on Instagram. The small number of samples used may limit the generalisability of the findings. Keywords: Brand Love, Instagram, Loyalty, Self-congruity, Social Tie Strength, WoM JEL Classification: M31