Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EMPIRICAL MODELING OF DRYING PROCESS FOR APPLE (CV. GRANNY SMITH) SLICES AT DIFFERENT AIR TEMPERATURES

This study investigated and modeled the drying kinetics of Granny Smith variety apples at five different temperatures from 40 to 80C, with an air flow of 2.0 ± 0.1 m/s and load density of 4.4 kg/m2. Prior to mathematical modeling of the drying process, desorption isotherm was determined using the Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer equation. Empirical equations used for modeling the drying kinetics were Newton, Henderson-Pabis, Page and Modified Page models. The fit quality obtained with each model was evaluated using statistical tests (determination coefficient, sum squared error, root mean square errors and chi-square). The kinetic parameters values were between 0.0046–0.0115/min for k1; 0.0050–0.0129/min for k2; 0.0006–0.0039/min for k3; and 0.0041–0.0090/min for k4. When comparing experimentally obtained values with those calculated from the models, it was shown that the best fit on the data was obtained employing the Modified Page model based on the statistical tests used for evaluation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION The main value of this study is the application of the proposed mathematical models using Newton, Henderson-Pabis, Page and Modified Page equations in food dehydration, which can be considered as a basis for an estimation of drying time in this kind of industry. The study of drying kinetics of apple cv. Granny Smith arouses technological and commercial interest, since this product is worldwide and extensively used in prepared foods including snack preparations, whole-grain breakfast foods and functional food among others. In addition, dried apples and other dried fruit exports (raisins and prunes) from Chile have become very important for the economy of the country, thanks to Free Trade Treaties. The major markets for these products include the U.S.A. , the European community and Japan.
The nutritional management of people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A national survey of dietitians.

BACKGROUND People living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) face many challenges to taking adequate nutrition. Growing evidence links weight loss with negative prognostic outcomes. We aimed to explore the practice of dietitians in the UK with regards the nutritional management of ALS. METHODS A national online survey was disseminated via professional groups, social media, and newsletters to UK healthcare professionals, between September and November 2018. The survey examined the nutritional management of ALS. Dietitian responses are reported in this paper. RESULTS In total, 130 dietitians responded to the survey. Two thirds reported that ALS comprised less than a 20% of their total patient caseload. Fourty two percent reported that nutritional screening took place in their organisation. Half of dietitians reported that patients were referred for dietetic assessment at 'about the right time' although 44% reported referrals were made too late. The majority (83%) of dietitians used resting energy expenditure predictive equations not validated in ALS. When setting weight goals, dietitians reported most frequently recommending weight maintenance if the patients BMI was 18.5-25kg/m2 (72%), 25-30kg/m2 (98%), and over 30kg/m2 (79%). In addition, 43% reported that people with ALS were not weighed frequently enough. CONCLUSIONS While the importance of early nutritional assessment is recognised, the timeliness of dietetic input and on-going monitoring of nutritional status in ALS care might not currently be ideal. Dietitians report using energy requirement predictive equations and setting weight goals that may not promote positive outcomes. Further research is required to understand the optimal nutritional management of ALS.
Subthalamic low-frequency oscillations predict vulnerability to cocaine addiction

Significance Understanding why some individuals become addicts while others can maintain recreational use, and how to treat these individuals, remains a challenge. Using a state-of-the-art rat model of compulsive cocaine seeking (resistance to a punishment associated with cocaine seeking), we show here that: first, subthalamic nucleus (STN) oscillatory activity during prior extended access to cocaine serves as a biomarker to predict vulnerable individuals that will compulsively seek the drug, a hallmark of addiction, and second, that in compulsive “addicted” rats, low (30 Hz) but not high (130 Hz), deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the STN efficiently reduces pathological cocaine seeking. Given that DBS approaches are currently used for neurologic and psychiatric disorders in human patients, our results provide highly translational observations. Identifying vulnerable individuals before they transition to a compulsive pattern of drug seeking and taking is a key challenge in addiction to develop efficient prevention strategies. Oscillatory activity within the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been associated with compulsive-related disorders. To study compulsive cocaine-seeking behavior, a core component of drug addiction, we have used a rat model in which cocaine seeking despite a foot-shock contingency only emerges in some vulnerable individuals having escalated their cocaine intake. We show that abnormal oscillatory activity within the alpha/theta and low-beta bands during the escalation of cocaine intake phase predicts the subsequent emergence of compulsive-like seeking behavior. In fact, mimicking STN pathological activity in noncompulsive rats during cocaine escalation turns them into compulsive ones. We also find that 30 Hz, but not 130 Hz, STN deep brain stimulation (DBS) reduces pathological cocaine seeking in compulsive individuals. Our results identify an early electrical signature of future compulsive-like cocaine-seeking behavior and further advocates the use of frequency-dependent STN DBS for the treatment of addiction.
In situ small-angle X-ray scattering reveals solution phase discharge of Li–O2 batteries with weakly solvating electrolytes

Significance Lithium–air batteries are promising next-generation energy storage devices and operate by electrodepositing insulating lithium peroxide (Li2O2). Understanding how large amounts of Li2O2 form, corresponding to large capacities, and what limits the amount is therefore paramount and requires following its structural evolution from atomic to micron scales. We demonstrate that in situ small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering together with sophisticated data evaluation provides access to these scales. This allows distinguishing the two reported competing reaction mechanisms, which are thought to be responsible for large and small capacities, respectively. We find that, surprisingly, only one pathway predominates at all conditions. On a wider perspective, we introduce a powerful tool to characterize transformations in complex multiphase materials. Electrodepositing insulating lithium peroxide (Li2O2) is the key process during discharge of aprotic Li–O2 batteries and determines rate, capacity, and reversibility. Current understanding states that the partition between surface adsorbed and dissolved lithium superoxide governs whether Li2O2 grows as a conformal surface film or larger particles, leading to low or high capacities, respectively. However, better understanding governing factors for Li2O2 packing density and capacity requires structural sensitive in situ metrologies. Here, we establish in situ small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) as a suitable method to record the Li2O2 phase evolution with atomic to submicrometer resolution during cycling a custom-built in situ Li–O2 cell. Combined with sophisticated data analysis, SAXS allows retrieving rich quantitative structural information from complex multiphase systems. Surprisingly, we find that features are absent that would point at a Li2O2 surface film formed via two consecutive electron transfers, even in poorly solvating electrolytes thought to be prototypical for surface growth. All scattering data can be modeled by stacks of thin Li2O2 platelets potentially forming large toroidal particles. Li2O2 solution growth is further justified by rotating ring-disk electrode measurements and electron microscopy. Higher discharge overpotentials lead to smaller Li2O2 particles, but there is no transition to an electronically passivating, conformal Li2O2 coating. Hence, mass transport of reactive species rather than electronic transport through a Li2O2 film limits the discharge capacity. Provided that species mobilities and carbon surface areas are high, this allows for high discharge capacities even in weakly solvating electrolytes. The currently accepted Li–O2 reaction mechanism ought to be reconsidered.
Sex- and weight-specific changes in the frequency of sweet treat consumption during early adolescence: a longitudinal study.

The transition from childhood to adolescence is a sensitive period, triggering changes in health- and weight-related behaviours including eating habits which likely vary between girls and boys. We aimed to characterise the changes in the frequency of consumption of select sugary foods and drinks ('sweet treats') among 4237 Finnish girls and boys during a two-year follow-up period. Additionally, we examined four subgroups: children whose weight or waist normalised as well as children whose weight or waist circumference increased during follow-up. A food frequency questionnaire was completed at 11.1 (SD ± 0.9) and again at 13.4 (± 1.1) years of age. A sum variable sweet treat index (STI, range 0-84) captured the weekly consumption frequencies of sweet treats. From baseline to follow-up, the mean STI decreased among girls from 7.1 (95% CI 6.9, 7.3) to 6.0 (5.9, 6.2) (p < 0.001) and boys from 8.5 (8.3, 8.8) to 7.8 (7.6, 7.8) (p < 0.001), although both sexes increased their chocolate/sweets consumption: girls from 1.3 (1.3, 1.4) to 1.6 (1.5, 1.6) (p < 0.001) and boys from 1.4 (1.3, 1.4) to 1.6 (1.6, 1.7) (p < 0.001), and boys increased their soft drink consumption from 1.4 (1.3, 1.4) to 1.5 (1.4, 1.5) (p = 0.020). We found similar decreases in both the weight and waist subgroups. To conclude, the total frequency of consumption of sweet treats decreased during early adolescence. A similar trend across subgroups suggests that the frequency of consumption of sweet treats is unrelated to becoming overweight.
Preparo da para-cloroanilina: um experimento simples, rápido e barato

Experiments simple, short and efficient for experimental disciplines in undergraduate courses in Chemistry are an excellent opportunity for students to consolidate the learning of theoretical concepts in classical chemical transformations. The use of a safe reagent, of low cost and easy access is the motivation for this communication, that describes the use of trichloroisocyanuric acid - a chlorinating agent used in the treatment of swimming pool water - for the chlorination of acetanilide, an intermediate in the preparation of para-chloroaniline.
An Fc-free EGFR-specific 4-1BB-agonistic Trimerbody Displays Broad Antitumor Activity in Humanized Murine Cancer Models without Toxicity

Purpose: The induction of 4-1BB signaling by agonistic antibodies can drive the activation and proliferation of effector T cells and thereby enhance a T-cell–mediated antitumor response. Systemic administration of anti-4-1BB–agonistic IgGs, although effective preclinically, has not advanced in clinical development due to their severe hepatotoxicity. Experimental Design: Here, we generated a humanized EGFR-specific 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody, which replaces the IgG Fc region with a human collagen homotrimerization domain. It was characterized by structural analysis and in vitro functional studies. We also assessed pharmacokinetics, antitumor efficacy, and toxicity in vivo. Results: In the presence of a T-cell receptor signal, the trimerbody provided potent T-cell costimulation that was strictly dependent on 4-1BB hyperclustering at the point of contact with a tumor antigen-displaying cell surface. It exhibits significant antitumor activity in vivo, without hepatotoxicity, in a wide range of human tumors including colorectal and breast cancer cell-derived xenografts, and non–small cell lung cancer patient-derived xenografts associated with increased tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. The combination of the trimerbody with a PD-L1 blocker led to increased IFNγ secretion in vitro and resulted in tumor regression in humanized mice bearing aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the nontoxic broad antitumor activity of humanized Fc-free tumor-specific 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbodies and their synergy with checkpoint blockers, which may provide a way to elicit responses in most patients with cancer while avoiding Fc-mediated adverse reactions.
Prehospital ABC Score Accurately Forecasts Patients Who Will Require Immediate Resource Utilization

This article is a post-hoc analysis of a prospectively collected observational study using the Prehospital Assessment of Blood Consumption (PhABC) Score to predict the need for a laparotomy or massive transfusion in trauma patients. A positive PhABC Score (≥2) demonstrated a high specificity for these resource-intensive outcomes. This makes the PhABC score a valuable way to plan and prepare resources to care for these patients in a timely fashion before exsanguination. Abstract Objectives Scoring systems, such as the Assessment of Blood Consumption (ABC) Score, are used to identify patients at risk for massive transfusion (MT, ≥10 U red blood cells in 24 hours). Our aeromedical transport helicopter uses ultrasound to perform the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) examination. Our objective was to evaluate the ability of the Prehospital ABC (PhABC) Score to predict blood transfusions and the need for emergent laparotomy. Methods Post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study of trauma patients who underwent an in-flight FAST during aeromedical transport during a 7-month period. PhABC Score was positive if ≥2 of the following were present in flight: penetrating trauma, heart rate >120 bpm, systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, or a positive abdominal FAST. The PhABC Score was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves and logistic regression. Results A total of 291 trauma patients met inclusion criteria, 23 underwent emergent laparotomy, and 12 received an MT. A positive PhABC Score predicted emergent laparotomy, with a positive predictive value of 48% and a negative predictive value of 95% (sensitivity 46%, specificity 96%, AUROC curve 0.83). A positive PhABC Score also predicted receipt of an MT with a positive predictive value of 28% and a negative predictive value of 94% (sensitivity 33%, specificity 93%, AUROC curve 0.77). Multiple logistic regression identified FAST as the most powerful contributor of the PhABC Score to the prediction of both emergent laparotomy (odds ratio 8.5, P < 0.001) and MT (odds ratio 5.9, P < 0.001). Conclusions The PhABC Score effectively predicts in-hospital resource utilization. It provides an outstanding undertriage rate from the prehospital setting, and it is helpful to improve trauma team activation, mobilize blood products, and prepare the operating room.
Risk factors for postoperative pneumonia and prognosis in lung cancer patients after surgery

Abstract Postoperative pneumonia (POP) is one of the most frequent complications following lung surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for developing POP and the prognostic factors in lung cancer patients after lung resection. We performed a retrospective review of 726 patients who underwent surgery for stages I–III lung cancer at a single institution between August 2017 and July 2018 by conducting logistic regression analysis of the risk factors for POP. The Cox risk model was used to analyze the factors influencing the survival of patients with lung cancer. We identified 112 patients with POP. Important risk factors for POP included smoking (odds ratio [OR], 2.672; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.586–4.503; P < .001), diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (40–59 vs ≥80%, 4.328; 95% CI, 1.976–9.481; P < .001, <40 vs ≥80%, 4.725; 95% CI, 1.352–16.514; P = .015), and the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score (OR, 2.304; 95% CI, 1.382–3.842; P = .001). In the Cox risk model, we observed that age (hazard ratios (HR), 1.633; 95% CI, 1.062–2.513; P = . 026), smoking (HR, 1.670; 95% CI, 1.027–2.716; P = .039), POP (HR, 1.637; 95% CI, 1.030–2.600; P = .037), etc were predictor variables for patient survival among the factors examined in this study. The risk factors for POP and the predictive factors affecting overall survival (OS) should be taken into account for effective management of patients with lung cancer undergoing surgery.
Resumed ovarian function and pregnancy in early menopausal women by whole dimension subcortical ovarian administration of platelet-rich plasma and gonadotropins

Abstract Objective: This study was designed to investigate if whole dimension subcortical ovarian administration of platelet-rich plasma with gonadotropin, in proximity to most ovarian follicles, is effective in restoring ovarian functions in women during early menopause. Methods: Platelet-rich plasma, prepared from 40 mL of autologous peripheral blood using the buffy coat method, was injected into extended subcortical area of bilateral ovaries along with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) (Gonal-F 300IU) under laparoscopic guidance. The posttreatment ovarian folliculogenesis and serum levels of FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol were followed up for 6 months at weekly to monthly intervals. IVF was carried out in women resuming ovulatory functions. Results: Twelve early menopausal women with mean age of 44.42 ± 2.84 were enrolled. After treatment, 11 women resumed their menstrual period in 37.1 ± 23.5 days. Their average serum FSH was 70.47 ± 20.92 and 26.22 ± 17.55 IU/L, luteinizing hormone was 34.81 ± 11.86 and 14.3 ± 12.8 IU/L, before and after treatment, respectively. The mid-cycle E2 was 251.1 ± 143.8 pg/mL. Ten oocyte retrievals were carried out among six participants, four of them received controlled ovarian stimulation and another two using natural ovulation cycles. Thirteen mature eggs were retrieved which were then ICSI fertilized to obtain 10 normally fertilized 2PN oocytes. Two participants had cleavage stage embryos transferred of which one achieved clinical pregnancy. Conclusions: Whole dimension subcortical ovarian administration of platelet-rich plasma with gonadotropin was shown to restore ovarian functions, at least temporarily, and could increase the probability of pregnancy using autologous oocytes in women with early menopause.
Vacancy defects in UV‐transparent HVPE‐AlN

We used positron annihilation spectroscopy to study bulk AlN single crystals grown by physical vapor transport (PVT) and hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). Unlike in previous measurements in AlN, we see a clear Alvacancy related lifetime component already at room temperature in HVPE-AlN. Overall, our results show the more UV-transparent HVPE-AlN to have higher concentration of Al-vacancy related defects than PVT-AlN, suggesting that Al-vacancies are not the origin of UV absorption in AlN. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development of a soup powder enriched with microencapsulated linseed oil as a source of omega‐3 fatty acids

The main objective of this study was to develop an optimized formulation of soup powder enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. For this purpose, the process conditions for optimizing the microencapsulation efficiency (ME) of linseed oil by spray drying were determined using the Taguchi methodology with an orthogonal array L4(23). The effect of the variables on the ME, such as wall material concentration (25 and 30%), linseed oil concentration (14 and 20%), and wall material type (gum arabic GA; and a mixture maltodextrin/GA), was evaluated. The oxidative stability of the microcapsules obtained were determined by the Rancimat method, and a morphological and size characterization of microcapsules was performed by scanning electronic microscopy, confocal microscopy, and laser diffraction. The optimization of the soup formulation was reached by means of RSM, using the central composite design, two control factors (salty taste and consistency), and 11 design points. The hedonic test was applied to measure the acceptability of the optimized formulation. Chemical characterization of optimized soup and its oxidative stability were also evaluated. This study resulted in a healthy soup enriched with omega-3 which was highly acceptable to consumers. Practical applications: Linseed oil is a healthy and nutritive oil, very rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3. In addition to protecting the oil against oxidative damage, the microencapsulation of oils in a polymeric matrix (mainly polysaccharides and proteins) also offers the possibility of controlled release of the lipophilic functional ingredient and can be useful for the supplementation of foods with PUFA. The soup powder enriched with microencapsulated linseed oil as a source of omega-3 formulated in this study will contribute to the development of foods according to the functionality requirements of current consumers and markets.
The effect of short and continuous absorbent patch application on local skin temperature underneath

Objective. By attaching absorbent patches to the skin to collect sweat, an increase in local skin temperature (T sk) underneath the patches seems unavoidable. Yet this effect has not been quantified. The present study investigates the effect of absorbent patch application on local T sk underneath. Approach. Ten healthy participants cycled for 60 min at an exercise intensity relative to their body surface area (40 W.m−2) in three environmental conditions (temperate: 25 °C 45% RH, hot-humid: 33 °C 65% RH and hot-dry: 40 °C 30% RH). The effect of short sweat sampling (i.e. from min 25–30 to min 55–60) on T sk was examined on the right scapula. T sk of the left scapula served as control. The effect of continuous sweat sampling (i.e. four consecutive 15 min periods) on T sk was examined on the right upper arm. T sk of the left upper arm served as control. Main results. Neither short nor continuous application of absorbent sweat patches affected T sk underneath the patches in the hot-humid and hot-dry condition (P > 0.05). In the temperate condition, continuous application led to a significant increase in T sk underneath the patches during the first and second minute. This increase remained throughout the experiment (1.8 ± 0.6 °C; P < 0.001). Short application of sweat patches did not affect the local T sk underneath (P > 0.05) in the temperate condition. Significance. To avoid a significant increase in local T sk underneath sweat patches, continuous application should be prevented in, especially, a temperate condition. Timely removal of sweat patches should be taken into account during longer periods of collecting sweat in field or laboratories settings.