Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed Representation of Protein Sequence Based on Multi-Alignment Results

Protein sequence representation is a key problem for protein studies, especially for those sequence-based models. In this paper, a distributed representation model of protein sequence is proposed, which involves evolutionary information by introducing multi-alignment results. Firstly, we construct a non-redundancy protein dataset and perform multi-alignment for each protein. Then k-mer amino acids "biology corpus" was abstracted from the alignment results which are "evolutionary information" enriched. Using the "biology corpus", k-mer amino acids distributed embedding vectors could be trained according to word2vec method. We compared the amino acid pair distance derived from our produced 1-mer amino acids distributed embedding vectors with that derived from BLOSUM62; it was found that their Pearson coefficient is 0.937, showing they have strong correlation. Then we applied the obtained amino acids distributed embedding representation to protein secondary structure recognition and solubility prediction. For both of the experiments, our proposed alignment results based amino acid distributed representation outperforms that derived directly from protein sequences. Moreover, compared to those existing up-to-date algorithms, our method could get better or comparative results, on condition of only using the feature of our produced amino acid distributed vectors.
Probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 suppresses age-dependent neurodegeneration via mitochondrial beta-oxidation

The human microbiota is believed to influence health. Microbiome dysbiosis may be linked to neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease (HD). We report the ability of a probiotic bacterial strain in reversing neurodegeneration phenotypes. We show that Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 is neuroprotective in C. elegans models of ALS and HD. Our results show that neuroprotection from L. rhamnosus HA-114 is unique from other L. rhamnosus strains, and resides in its fatty acid content. Neuroprotection by L. rhamnosus HA-114 requires acdh-1/ACADSB, kat-1/ACAT1 and elo-6/ELOVL3/6, which are key fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial β-oxidation genes. Moreover, L. rhamnosus HA-114 delayed disease onset and suppressed motor neuron degeneration in an aggressive mouse model of ALS. Our data suggest that disrupted lipid metabolism contributes to neurodegeneration and that dietary intervention with L. rhamnosus HA-114 restores lipid homeostasis and energy balance through mitochondrial β-oxidation. L. rhamnosus HA-114 is suitable for human consumption opening the possibility of modifying disease progression by dietary intervention.
Treatment of Ion-Exchange Resins by Fluidized Bed Incinerator Equipped with Copper Oxide Catalyst

Thermal decomposition behavior for ion-exchange resins in air flow was examined by differential thermobalance, The resins were decomposed in three steps : first, by water evaporation; second, by functional group decomposition, and finally by base polymers combustion. Following this work, the incineration of resins was examined, using a fluidized bed incinerator with copper oxide catalyst, which had been installed at the freeboard. The resins were burned at about 750°C in fluidized bed. Any combustibles remaining in the off-gas were incinerated by catalytic oxidation at the surface of the copper oxide catalyst at 650°C. From this experiment, it was confirmed that the incineration with copper oxide catalyst is feasible for treatment of ion-exchange resins.In-situ desulfurization of nascent sulfur dioxide in fluidized bed by Ca(OH)2 was also examined, and was found effective. However, the excess Ca(OH)2 would be adsorbed on the surface of the catalyst or accumulated in pipelines, and further block the gas flow. Therefore, an advanced method for desulfurization should be developed.
Psychological effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on children and families in the UK

The implementation of measures (e.g. school closure and social distancing) to contain the spread of COVID-19 by government in numerous countries has affected millions of children and their families worldwide. However, the consequences of such measures on children’s wellbeing are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to examine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on primary school children and their families living in the UK. A total of 927 caregivers with children aged between 5 and 11 years completed an online survey which included a set of questionnaires to measure their own behaviour and emotional state as well as that of their children before and during the lockdown. Caregivers reported changes in their children’s emotional state and behaviours during the lockdown. The most frequently reported child symptom was boredom (73.8%), followed by loneliness (64.5%) and frustration (61.4%). Irritability, restlessness, anger, anxiety, sadness, worry and being likely to argue with the rest of the family was reported by more than 30% of the caregivers. During the lockdown, children spent significantly more time using screens, and less time doing physical activity and sleeping. Moreover, family coexistence during the lockdown was described as moderately difficult. More than half of the caregivers reported being moderately or seriously distressed during the lockdown and caregiver level of psychological distress was significantly related to child symptoms. The findings emphasised the importance of developing prevention programmes to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children’s and their family’s psychological wellbeing
Optimal Parameters for Hyperthermia Treatment Using Biomineralized Magnetite Nanoparticles: Theoretical and Experimental Approach

We hereby present experimental and theoretical insights on the use of biomineralized magnetite nanoparticles, called magnetosomes, as heat nanoinductors in the magnetic hyperthermia technique. The heating efficiency or specific absorption rate of magnetosomes extracted from Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense bacteria and immersed in water and agarose gel, was directly determined from the hysteresis loops obtained at different frequencies and magnetic field amplitudes. We demonstrate that heat production of magnetosomes can be predicted in the framework of the Stoner–Wohlfarth theory of uniaxial magnetic anisotropy subjected to significant dipolar interactions, which can be described in terms of an interaction anisotropy superimposed to that of each particle. Based on these findings, we propose optimal magnetic field amplitude and frequency values in order to maximize the heat production while keeping the undesired eddy current effects below safe and tolerable limits. The efficiency of magnetosomes as heat g.
Mental Health and Sleep Habits/Problems in Children at 3–4 Years of Age: A General Population Study

Background: Sleep is essential for mental health at all ages, but few studies have investigated the importance of sleep for mental health in early childhood. Therefore, this study examined the association between mental health and sleep habits/problems in children at 3-4 years of age. Methods: Children aged 3 to 4 years who were living in the community (n = 415; 211/204 boys/girls) were recruited in this study. Their mental health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and their sleep habits/problems were evaluated using the Child and Adolescent Sleep Checklist. Results: Based on the total difficulties score of the SDQ, the children were divided into two groups: a poor mental health group (n = 76) and a control group (n = 339). In terms of sleep habits, which included total sleep time, bedtime, wake time, and nap conditions, there were no differences between the two groups. Regarding sleep-related problems, however, anxiety before going to sleep (p = 0.026), abnormality in the circadian rhythm (p = 0.014), and sleepiness during classes outside of naptimes (p = 0.031) were significantly higher in the poor mental health group than in the control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that poor mental health status was significantly associated with sleepiness and snoring (p = 0.017 and p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions: The mental health status of 3-year-old children is associated with sleep-related problems, namely sleepiness and snoring. Healthcare providers should pay attention to children’s irregular sleep-wake patterns; moreover, interventions for appropriate sleep hygiene will reduce the psychological burden on both children and their families.
LncRNA SNHG15 facilitates development of breast cancer (BC) by upregulating c-Myc through sponging miR-451

Background: Emerging evidences suggested that LncRNA SNHG15 functioned as an oncogene to promote breast cancer (BC) progression, but the detailed mechanisms are still not fully delineated.Methods: The expression levels of the associated genes were examined by using the Real-Time qPCR and Western Blot. Dual-luciferase reporter gene system was performed to validated the potential targeting sites. Cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assay were used to measure cell proliferation, and trypan blue staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay were performed to determine cell viability and apoptosis. Cell invasion and migration were examined by transwell and wound scratch assay, respectively. The tumor-bearing mice models were established, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to examine expression and localization of Ki67 protein in tumor tissues.Results: Here we identified that LncRNA SNHG15 upregulated c-Myc to facilitate BC progression by sponging miR-451 in a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LncRNA SNHG15 and c-Myc were upregulated, while miR-451 was downregulated in BC cells and clinical tissues, compared to their normal counterparts. As expected, the Pearson correlation analysis results indicated that miR-451 negatively correlated with LncRNA SNHG15 and c-Myc, and LncRNA SNHG15 was positively relevant to c-Myc in BC tissues. Next, we validated that LncRNA SNHG15 sponged miR-451 to upregulate c-Myc in BC cells. Further gain- and loss-function experiments evidenced that LncRNA SNHG15 promoted, while miR-451 inhibited malignant phenotypes, including cell proliferation, viability, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BC cells. Interestingly, the inhibiting effects of LncRNA SNHG15 ablation on BC progression were abrogated by both silencing miR-451 and overexpressing c-Myc.Conclusions: Collectively, the present study evidenced that targeting LncRNA SNHG15/miR-451/c-Myc signaling cascade was novel to hamper BC progression, and the potential underlying mechanisms were also uncovered, which broadened our knowledge in this field, and provided potential biomarkers for BC diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical and Deep-Learning Based Quantitative Serial Chest CT Features of The COVID-19 Disease: Association with Clinical Subtypes and A Follow-Up Study

Background: To explore the clinical features and deep-learning (DL) based quantitative CT finding’s applications and evolution as well as the correlations in COVID-19.Methods: 273 chest CT scans (median interval, 6 days) from 75 COVID-19 RT-PCT positive patients (53 moderate and 22 severe) were included. Quantification parameters, such as CT value distribution, lesion (abnormal), GGO, consolidation rates, Hellinger distance and IOU, were automatically extracted from CT images by a combination of traditional image process algorithm and DL network. Clinical characteristics were also collected and analysed.Results: The hypertension and diabetes were more common in severity. The CRP, ESP, LDH and D-dimer were higher while LYM and LYM% lower in severity (P < 0.05). The DL network was detected the lesions to obtain quantitively CT indicators, with fast to process a chest CT images (average time, 2.2s) and high overlap with radiologist. The hellinger, abnormal, GGO, consolidation rates and HU values were higher and the IOU lower in severity than moderate patients (P < 0.05). The largest AUC was 0.943, using the cutoff value of 10.5% for abnormal rate. The CT score have postive correlations with CRP, D-dimer and ESR (P < 0.05). The increased levels of ESR and D-dimer were positively correlated with abnormal, consolidation and GGO rates (P < 0.05). Investigation for quantitative CT changes were performed in three periods: 1) 1-2 weeks, CT score and abnormal rate were increased. The GGO converted to consolidation in severity; 2) 2-5 weeks, CT scores stable trend, while abnormal and GGO rates had upward trend in severity; 3) > 5weeks, CT score and abnormal rate have decreased.Conclusions: There were three phases of two patterns’ evolutionary trends in quantitative CT findings with differences in two groups, and have correlations with laboratory markers, which helpful for evaluating severity and prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
Three-Dimensional Fluid Topology Optimization and Validation of a Heat Exchanger With Turbulent Flow

The present work shows an innovative design framework for fluid Topology Optimization (TO) able to fully exploit the flexibility offered by Additive Manufacturing (AM) in the production of fluid-structure interaction systems. We present a geometry optimization method able to automatically design complex and efficient heat exchangers, adapted to maximizing fluid-structure heat transfer while minimizing turbulent flow pressure drop. The core of the method is the in-house Fluid Topology Optimization solver extended to include conjugate heat transfer problems. The TO method consists in emulating a sedimentation process inside an empty cavity in which a fluid dynamics problem is numerically solved. A design variable, in this case impermeability, is iteratively updated across the fluid dynamics domain. This mechanism leads to the formation of internal solid structures accordingly to a Lagrangian multi-objective optimization approach, adopted to include a multi-objective function. The solution of the optimization routine is the set of solidified structures, shaping the final optimized geometry. In order to match engineering applications, real conditions are implemented: an impermeability dependent thermal conductivity is included and a smoother operator is adopted to bound numerical thermal conductivity gradients across solid and fluid regions. The optimization is performed on a 3-dimensional straight duct: on the walls the temperature is constant and a coolant turbulent flow is simulated (Re 10000) inside the duct. The solver builds structures enhancing the heat transfer level between the walls of the domain and a coolant flow, by generating counter rotating vortices and complex fluid patterns. This is consistent to solution proposed in the open literature, such as v-shaped ribs, even if the geometry generated is more complex and efficient. The solution is validated with a high fidelity numerical simulation on StarCCM+, using a Detached Eddy Simulation (DES). Validation results shows higher heat transfer efficiency compared to the results present in the literature: the average Nusselt number computed on the domain walls is about 20% higher than the value obtained through experimental investigations on v-shape ribbed ducts. It is the first time that this method is applied and validated on real working conditions.
Critical Thinking Ability in EFL Students' Argumentative Essay Writing: The Difficulties and The Strategies

The aim of research is to explore the effect, if any, of integrating critical thinking on learners’ use of critical thinking skills in argumentative writing. The research used quasi-experimental desaign, it is include control group and experimental group. The data which has been quantitatively analyzed indicates that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group. The students’ ability to use more credible evidence, address alternative arguments, support conclusions, and maintain the logical flow of ideas in their essays did not reach a mastery level in the posttest, yet the average level they reached is reassuring in view of the short time of the training they had. The integration of critical thinking for longer periods may bring forth encouraging outcomes. Argumentative writing constitutes an important part of second-language learners' academic writing. Data analysis indicated that most participants perceived the rhetorical aspects of English argumentative writing as difficult. Data analysis also indicated that participants mainly used cognitive, social, and search strategies, whereas metacognitive strategies were used infrequently. Potential implications of the study for second-language writing instruction are discussed
Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Delirium in Older Hospitalized Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric syndrome in older hospitalized patients. Previous studies have suggested that inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the pathophysiology of delirium. However, it remains unclear whether neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an indicator of systematic inflammation, is associated with delirium. This study aimed to investigate the value of NLR as a predictor of delirium among older hospitalized patients.Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 740 hospitalized patients aged 70 years at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were collected within 24 hours after hospital admission. Delirium was assessed on admission and every 48 hours thereafter. We used the Receiver operating characteristic analysis to assess the ability of the NLR for predicting delirium. The optimal cut-point value of the NLR was determined based on the highest Youden index (sensitivity + specificity - 1). Patients were categorized according to the cut-point value and quartiles of NLR, respectively. We then used logistic regression to identify the unadjusted and adjusted associations between NLR as a categorical variable and delirium. Results: The optimal cut-point value of NLR for predicting delirium was 3.626 (sensitivity: 75.2%; specificity: 63.4%; Youden index: 0.386). The incidence of delirium was significantly higher in patients with NLR >3.626 than NLR ≤3.626 (24.5% vs 5.8%; P<0.001). Significantly fewer patients in the first quartile of NLR experienced delirium than in the 3rd (4.3% vs 20.0%; P<0.001) and 4th quartiles of NLR (4.3% vs 24.9%; P<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that NLR was independently associated with delirium.Conclusions: NLR is a simple and practical marker that can predict the development of delirium in older hospitalized patients.
Amorphous, Efficient, Room‐Temperature Phosphorescent Metal‐Free Polymers and Their Applications as Encryption Ink

polymer matrices and chose Diels–Alder click chemistry as the cross-linking method. [ 10 ] This method required not only the separately synthesis of polymer and the modifi ed Br6A, but also the Diels–Alder reaction between them with extra processing to form a fi lm and remove oxygen. Meanwhile, the solubility of polymers and the modifi ed Br6A needed to be consistent. So it is necessary to develop a more facile strategy to get effi cient pure organic amorphous RTP materials in air with different phosphors. Herein, we present a general design strategy that can be used to effectively inhibit a nonradiative relaxation process and hence greatly improve the phosphorescence quantum yield of phosphors by the simple radical binary copolymerization of acrylamide and different phosphors, without extra processing, to form a fi lm or remove oxygen. As a rigid polymer matrix, polyacrylamide can effectively immobilize the phosphors. Meanwhile, hydrogen bond cross-linking between polymeric chains further strengthens this effect, which endows the materials with reversible control characteristics due to the nature of noncovalent interactions. As a result, the materials prepared in this method can engender strong RTP signals and show potential applications. To our knowledge, this kind of metalfree amorphous RTP polymer solid powder was rarely reported previously. To confi rm the universality of this copolymerization method, we prepared three different phosphorescent polymers by radical binary copolymerization, by employing acrylamide and RTP phosphors containing a 2-bromo-5-hydroxybenzaldehyde derivative, a α-bromonaphthalene derivative, and a 4-bromo1,8-naphthalic anhydride derivative, respectively (Figure S1–S3, see Supporting Information). The polymer monomers were synthesized via a few simple steps. The structures of three polymers, poly-BrBA , poly-BrNp , and poly-BrNpA are shown in Figure 1 (ratio of two monomers, m / n = 1/50). As expected, the three polymers all displayed signifi cant luminescence ( Figure 2 ). Due to the heavy-atom effect, the fl uorescence emissions of these phosphors were weak. Poly-BrBA emitted visible and strong yellow-green light under excitation with 365-nm UV light and ambient atmosphere at room temperature, with high ambient phosphorescent quantum yields (11.4%), as shown in Figure 2 a. The RTP emission spectrum of this compound (Figure 2 d) demonstrated an emission peak at 510 nm, which accorded with the crystal emission reported by previous literature. [ 5a ] Furthermore, the lifetime of the emission peak at 510 nm reached 1.15 ms (Figure 2 d, inset), which verifi ed the RTP emission. Similarly, both poly-BrNp and polyBrNpA solid powder showed excellent RTP characteristics, Amorphous, Effi cient, Room-Temperature Phosphorescent Metal-Free Polymers and Their Applications as Encryption Ink
ICP-MS determination of trace amounts of boron in high-purity quartz

Boron at parts per billion levels was determined in high-purity quartz using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The loss of boron due to volatilization during removal of the matrix was eliminated by adding mannitol. The recovery of boron was established by comparing the values obtained by external calibration with those obtained by isotope dilution. Recoveries of boron of ∼95% were obtained when the mannitol to-boron ratio was more than 10 (w/w). Using this method, the boron content of a number of high-purity quartz samples was determined.
Crystal structure of dichlorido(1,3-bis(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-1H-3λ4-imidazol-2-yl)(isoquinolinyl)palladium(IV), C28H27Cl2N3Pd

Abstract C28H27Cl2N3Pd, monoclinic (no. 15), C2/c, a = 24.7394(17) Å, b = 15.9451(11) Å, c = 27.4301(19) Å, β = 107.8650°, V = 10293.7(12) Å3, Z = 16, Rgt(F) = 0.0249, wRref(F2) = 0.1168, T = 100(2) K.
Stakeholder’s (natural) hazard awareness and vulnerability of small island tourism destinations: a case study of Malta

ABSTRACT Small island tourism destinations are particularly vulnerable to (natural) hazards, disasters and crises. Although much literature considers disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, risk mitigation and the impacts of disasters on the tourism industry, the literature on how these strategies are implemented and managed by stakeholders with vested interests is scarce. Understanding stakeholders’ awareness of threats, and their ability and knowledge to respond to sudden and/or projected natural disasters is a key dimension in helping create and implement management plans, recognised in the UNISDR goals, Hyogo and Sendai Frameworks. With tourists increasingly travelling to destinations in locations of varying risk, this paper explores the intersections of stakeholder’s (natural) hazard awareness and resulting vulnerability of small island tourism destinations utilising Malta as a case study setting, focusing on decision- and policy-making dimensions. Qualitative methods were utilised to consider hazard awareness in Malta and future management of vulnerability. Results indicate a recognition of an increasing need for integrated stakeholder collaboration, with flooding, drought and storms being the three most likely hazards to affect Malta. Key outcomes are a need for (natural) hazard awareness training and development of management plans to be implemented to benefit the general population and tourism sector.