Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemorheological Monitoring of Cross-Linking in Slide-ring Gels Derived From α-cyclodextrin Polyrotaxanes

Despite hundreds of studies involving slide-ring gels derived from cyclodextrin (CD)-based polyrotaxanes (PRs), their covalent cross-linking kinetics are not well characterized. We employ chemorheology as a tool to measure the gelation kinetics of a model slide-ring organogel derived from α-cyclodextrin/poly (ethylene glycol) PRs cross-linked with hexamethylenediisocyanate (HMDI) in DMSO. The viscoelastic properties of the gels were monitored in situ by small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) rheology, enabling us to estimate the activation barrier and rate law for cross-linking while mapping experimental parameters to kinetics and mechanical properties. Gelation time, gel point, and final gel elasticity depend on cross-linker concentration, but polyrotaxane concentration only affects gelation time and elasticity (not gel point), while temperature only affects gelation time and gel point (not final elasticity). These measurements facilitate the rational design of slide-ring networks by simple parameter selection (temperature, cross-linker concentration, PR concentration, reaction time).
Accuracy of CT perfusion ischemic core volume and location estimation: A comparison between four ischemic core estimation approaches using syngo.via

Background and objective Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is widely used in the evaluation of acute ischemic stroke patients for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). The stability of CTP core estimation is suboptimal and varies between software packages. We aimed to quantify the volumetric and spatial agreement between the CTP ischemic core and follow-up infarct for four ischemic core estimation approaches using syngo.via. Methods We included successfully reperfused, EVT-treated patients with baseline CTP and 24h follow-up diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) (November 2017–September 2020). Data were processed with syngo.via VB40 using four core estimation approaches based on: cerebral blood volume (CBV)<1.2mL/100mL with and without smoothing filter, relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF)<30%, and rCBF<20%. The follow-up infarct was segmented on DWI. Results In 59 patients, median estimated CTP core volumes for four core estimation approaches ranged from 12–39 mL. Median 24h follow-up DWI infarct volume was 11 mL. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed moderate–good volumetric agreement for all approaches (range 0.61–0.76). Median Dice was low for all approaches (range 0.16–0.21). CTP core overestimation >10mL occurred least frequent (14/59 [24%] patients) using the CBV-based core estimation approach with smoothing filter. Conclusions In successfully reperfused patients who underwent EVT, syngo.via CTP ischemic core estimation showed moderate volumetric and spatial agreement with the follow-up infarct on DWI. In patients with complete reperfusion after EVT, the volumetric agreement was excellent. A CTP core estimation approach based on CBV<1.2 mL/100mL with smoothing filter least often overestimated the follow-up infarct volume and is therefore preferred for clinical decision making using syngo.via.
The impact of cognitive reserve in the recovery of chronic encephalopathy associated with traumatic brain injury

The onset of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) symptoms varies from person to person, with the cognitive reserve (CR) being considered one factor that may influence the age of onset. CR is defined as "the adaptability that helps to explain differential susceptibility of cognitive abilities or day-to-day function to brain aging, pathology or insult" [1]. It is considered that different processes (such as relevant lifetime exposures, education, leisure activities, occupational achievements) can influence a person's CR, not just fetal development or genetic factors. If the patient exhibits symptoms of CTE, the long-term rehabilitation continues to minimize its impact on the patient's life and his family. In conclusion, cognitive reserve and rehabilitation in CTE require future studies to fully understand the pathophysiological mechanisms.
Augmentation cystoplasty and extracellular matrix scaffolds

Background: Augmentation cystoplasty (AC) with autogenous ileum remains the current gold standard surgical treatment for many patients with end-stage bladder disease. However, the presence of mucus-secreting epithelium within the bladder is associated with debilitating long-term complications. Currently, decellularised biological materials derived from porcine extracellular matrix (ECM) are under investigation as potential augmentation scaffolds. Important biomechanical limitations of ECMs are decreased bladder capacity and poor compliance after implantation. Methodology/PrincipalFindings: In the present ex vivo study a novel concept was investigated where a two-fold increase in ECM scaffold surface-area relative to the resected ileal segment was compared in ovine bladder models after AC. Results showed that bladder capacity increased by 40 6 4% and 37 6 11% at 10 mmHg and compliance by 40.4 6 4% and 39.7 6 6% ( D P=0–10 mmHg) after AC with ileum and porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM) respectively (p , 0.05). Comparative assessment between ileum and UBM demonstrated no significant differences in bladder capacity or compliance increases after AC (p . 0.05). Conclusions: These findings may have important clinical implications as metabolic, infective and malignant complications precipitated by mucus-secreting epithelium are potentially avoided after augmentation with ECM scaffolds.
Biotic Indicators for Ecological State Change in Amazonian Floodplains

Abstract Riverine floodplains are biologically diverse and productive ecosystems. Although tropical floodplains remain relatively conserved and ecologically functional compared to those at higher latitudes, they face accelerated hydropower development, climate change, and deforestation. Alterations to the flood pulse could act synergistically with other drivers of change to promote profound ecological state change at a large spatial scale. State change occurs when an ecosystem reaches a critical threshold or tipping point, which leads to an alternative qualitative state for the ecosystem. Visualizing an alternative state for Amazonian floodplains is not straightforward. Yet, it is critical to recognize that changes to the flood pulse could push tropical floodplain ecosystems over a tipping point with cascading adverse effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. We characterize the Amazonian flood pulse regime, summarize evidence of flood pulse change, assess potential ecological repercussions, and provide a monitoring framework for tracking flood pulse change and detecting biotic responses.
Soil warming during winter period enhanced soil N and P availability and leaching in alpine grasslands: A transplant study

Alpine meadows are strongly affected by climate change. Increasing air temperature prolongs the growing season and together with changing precipitation patterns alters soil temperature during winter. To estimate the effect of climate change on soil nutrient cycling, we conducted a field experiment. We transferred undisturbed plant-soil mesocosms from two wind-exposed alpine meadows at ~2100 m a.s. l. to more sheltered plots, situated ~300–400 m lower in the same valleys. The annual mean air temperature was 2°C higher at the lower plots and soils that were normally frozen at the original plots throughout winters were warmed to ~0°C due to the insulation provided by continuous snow cover. After two years of exposure, we analyzed the nutrient content in plants, and changes in soil bacterial community, decomposition, mineralization, and nutrient availability. Leaching of N and P from the soils was continuously measured using ion-exchange resin traps. Warming of soils to ~0°C during the winter allowed the microorganisms to remain active, their metabolic processes were not restricted by soil freezing. This change accelerated nutrient cycling, as evidenced by increased soil N and P availability, their higher levels in plants, and elevated leaching. In addition, root exudation and preferential enzymatic mining of P over C increased. However, any significant changes in microbial biomass, bacterial community composition, decomposition rates, and mineralization during the growing season were not observed, suggesting considerable structural and functional resilience of the microbial community. In summary, our data suggest that changes in soil temperature and snow cover duration during winter periods are critical for altering microbially-mediated processes (even at unchanged soil microbial community and biomass) and may enhance nutrient availability in alpine meadows. Consequently, ongoing climate change, which leads to soil warming and decreasing snow insulation, has a potential to significantly alter nutrient cycling in alpine and subalpine meadows compared to the current situation and increase the year-on-year variability in nutrient availability and leaching.
Barriers and facilitators to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) practices in Southern Africa: A scoping review

A healthy and a dignified life experience requires adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) coverage. However, inadequate WaSH resources remain a significant public health challenge in many communities in Southern Africa. A systematic search of peer-reviewed journal articles from 2010 –May 2022 was undertaken on Medline, PubMed, EbscoHost and Google Scholar from 2010 to May 2022 was searched using combinations of predefined search terms with Boolean operators. Eighteen peer-reviewed articles from Southern Africa satisfied the inclusion criteria for this review. The general themes that emerged for both barriers and facilitators included geographical inequalities, climate change, investment in WaSH resources, low levels of knowledge on water borne-diseases and ineffective local community engagement. Key facilitators to improved WaSH practices included improved WaSH infrastructure, effective local community engagement, increased latrine ownership by individual households and the development of social capital. Water and sanitation are critical to ensuring a healthy lifestyle. However, many people and communities in Southern Africa still lack access to safe water and improved sanitation facilities. Rural areas are the most affected by barriers to improved WaSH facilities due to lack of WaSH infrastructure compared to urban settings. Our review has shown that, the current WaSH conditions in Southern Africa do not equate to the improved WaSH standards described in SDG 6 on ensuring access to water and sanitation for all. Key barriers to improved WaSH practices identified include rurality, climate change, low investments in WaSH infrastructure, inadequate knowledge on water-borne illnesses and lack of community engagement.
Prevalence of hearing loss among patients with type 2 diabetes

The auditory pathway is the main target for high levels of blood sugar. Increased glucose in diabetic patients can disrupt the auditory system physiologically and anatomically. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of hearing loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 94 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged from 40 to 80 years, were selected randomly in the present descriptive cross-sectional study for pure tone audiometry (PTA), speech discrimination score (SDS), and speech reception threshold (SRT) tests. Accordingly, patients with a hearing threshold larger than or equal to 25 dB were considered hearing-impaired according to the PTA test. In addition, the patients' speech discrimination score was measured using a list of monosyllabic words with an intensity of 40 dB or more than the SDS test. However, in the SRT test, the patients' superficial speech comprehension threshold was measured using a list of two-syllable words. Most diabetic patients had hearing loss in both right and left ears based on the PTA and SRT tests. However, they did not have hearing loss in both ears according to the SDS test. There was no correlation between the PTA, SRT, and SDS tests and blood creatinine levels in both ears (p>0.05). Nevertheless, the right ear had a positive correlation with systolic blood pressure only in the PTA test (p<0.05). The difference between the two groups of men and women with type 2 diabetes in the hearing level in the right and left ears was not statistically significant. Hearing loss is a common deficiency in diabetic patients. In addition, it seems that diabetes is an independent risk factor for the hearing loss level.
Signaling ethnic-national origin through names? The perception of names from an intersectional perspective

Different methodologies rely on names, by assuming that people clearly and solely perceive signals of ethnic-national origin from names. This study examines the perception of names from an intersectional perspective in a West-European context. Firstly, we analyze whether people perceive signals of ethnic-national origin in names. Secondly, we test the excludability assumption by analyzing whether names signal also other factors. Thirdly, we distinguish between homogenous and mixed names. For these purposes, we collected data on the perception of 180 names in Belgium of Belgian, Moroccan, Turkish, Polish and Congolese origin. It appears that respondents distinguish Belgian from non-Belgian names rather than perceiving a specific ethnic-national origin. Besides, people perceive signals about a person’s gender, religiosity, social class and educational level. This implies that scholars should be precautious with comparing discrimination against ethnic groups, if ethnic-national origin is only signaled through names. Moreover, the question arises as to what we are measuring exactly, since names contain complex signals.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Increases the Resistance of LDL to Oxidation More than Reﬁned Olive Oil in Free-Living Men with Peripheral Vascular Disease 1

Patients with peripheral vascular disease (Fontaine stage II) are characterized by ischemia of the lower extremities, atherosclerosis and alteration of blood coagulation and ﬁbrinolysis. A randomized, two-period, crossover design was used to compare the effects of extra-virgin (VO) and reﬁned olive (RO) oils on plasma lipids and lipoprotein composition and LDL oxidation susceptibility in free-living men with peripheral vascular disease. The oils differed in their antioxidant proﬁle ( (cid:97) -tocopherol: 300 vs. 200 mg/kg; phenolic compounds 800 vs. 60) and concentration but not in their fatty acid composition. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. The ﬁrst group ( n (cid:53) 12) received VO with which to freely cook all meals for 3 mo, followed by a 3-mo wash-out period; they then received RO for the ﬁnal 3 mo. The second group ( n (cid:53) 12) consumed the oils in the opposite order. Energy, fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and (cid:97) -tocopherol intakes were not different when patients consumed the two oils. Proﬁles of the major fatty acids in plasma and LDL were not different after consumption of VO and RO. The slope of the line for LDL oxidation vs. the line for copper concentration was signiﬁcantly higher after the intake of RO than after the intake of VO. Total LDL taken up by macrophages was signiﬁcantly greater when the men consumed RO rather than VO. We suggest that antioxidants present in VO may protect LDL against oxidation more than does RO in men with peripheral vascular disease. J. Nutr. 129: 2177–2183, 1999.
Engineering of macrophage targeted Punicalagin nanoparticles by computational modeling to alleviate methotrexate induced neutropenia

Punicalagin is the most bioactive polyphenols of pomegranate and has the potential to cure different ailments related to the CVS system. The current research work was envisioned to predict the targeting efficiency of punicalagin (PG) nanoparticles to the macrophages. For this, we select mannose decorated PLGA-punicalagin nanoparticles (Mn-PLGA-PG) and before formulation we predict the targeting efficiency of this nanocarrier by in-silico analysis. Authors initiated in-silico analysis on macrophage mannose receptor to be acquainted with the binding affinity. In-silico docking studies of macrophage mannose receptor and punicalagin showed binding interaction on its surface with a docking score of -4.00. PG interacts with hydrogen bonds to the charged residue ASP668 and GLY666 and polar residue GLN760 residue of Mn receptor. Mannose with a docking score of -5.811 and interacting with four hydrogen bonds to the mannose receptor of macrophage with two negatively charged residues GLU706, GLU719 also with two hydrophobic residues VAL716, PHE708 and in PLGA, it showed a -4.334-docking score. In trajectory analysis, the complex RMSD of macrophage while stabilizing the structure till 100ns, Mn receptor-PG found within the range of 4.6 Å. Initial fluctuation in RMSD noticed to 4.95 Åat 20ns which started stabilizing with timescale. In the total of 100ns, initially up to 40ns the PG (ligand) deviated to 1. 2Å after 40ns, it is noted that the ligand RMSD was almost constant and started stabilizing and at 100ns it was 1. 03Å. Findings depict that this nanocarrier could be a promising lead molecule to regulate the incidence of drug induced neutropenia.
The in ﬂ uence of the injection temperature on the recovery ef ﬁ ciency of high temperature aquifer thermal energy storage: Comment on Jeon et al., 2015

Recently, an article by Jeon et al. (2015) [1] was published in this journal on the recovery efficiency of high temperature aquifer thermal energy storage (HT-ATES) systems in which twenty such systems were numerically simulated. The output of these simulations served as a basis for constructing a meta-model with which the recovery efficiency could be estimated without the need for full numerical simulation. In turn, this meta-model was then used for a sensitivity analysis that ranked the input parameters based on their relative influence on the recovery efficiency. We thank the authors of this article for clearly showing the potential value of such a systematic approach in the field of HT-ATES and underground thermal energy storage systems in general. In Schout et al. (2014) [2] a similar study was presented that also covered the recovery efficiency of HT-ATES systems, focusing on the
Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University Cascade RSVM in Peer-to-Peer Network Cascade RSVM in Peer-to-Peer Network

The goal of distributed learning in P2P networks is to achieve results as close as possible to those from centralized approaches. Learning models of classiﬁcation in a P2P network faces several challenges like scalability, peer dynamism, asynchronism and data privacy preservation. In this paper, we study the feasibility of building SVM classiﬁers in a P2P network. We show how cascading SVM can be mapped to a P2P network of data propagation. Our proposed P2P SVM provides a method for constructing classiﬁers in P2P networks with classiﬁcation accuracy comparable to centralized classiﬁers and better than other distributed classiﬁers. The proposed algorithm also satisﬁes the characteristics of P2P computing and has an upper bound on the communication overhead. Extensive experimental results conﬁrm the feasibility and attractiveness of this approach.
University of Birmingham Physiological and Neural Adaptations to Eccentric Exercise

Eccentric exercise is characterized by initial unfavorable effects such as subcellular muscle damage, pain, reduced fiber excitability, and initial muscle weakness. However, stretch combined with overload, as in eccentric contractions, is an effective stimulus for inducing physiological and neural adaptations to training. Eccentric exercise-induced adaptations include muscle hypertrophy, increased cortical activity, and changes in motor unit behavior, all of which contribute to improved muscle function. In this brief review, neuromuscular adaptations to different forms of exercise are reviewed, the positive training effects of eccentric exercise are presented, and the implications for training are considered.
Health Anxiety Levels and Organizational Commitment Status of Handball Players to Their Teams during Covid-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study was to investigate health anxiety levels and organizational commitment status of handball players to their teams during COVID-19 pandemic. 84 elite handball players (male=40, female=44) participated in this research. An information form was used to determine occasions and behaviors of handball players during COVID-19 pandemic. Health Anxiety Scale and Organizational Commitment Scale were performed. Data obtained were analyzed through SPSS package. In research results;there were no significant difference in health anxiety scores of handball players with regard to gender, sports type, training and wage. While male players were determined to have higher normative organizational commitment and continuation scores than female players, National players were determined to have significantly lower scores in continuation, normative and total organizational commitment scores. However, it was determined that there was a significant correlation between COVID-19, total anxiety scores and organizational commitment subdimension scores of handball players.
Food of animals: predictive equations for free-living mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Feeding rates (intake of both dry matter and fresh matter) by 79 species of mammals, 95 species of birds and 55 species of reptiles were estimated from doubly labeled water-based measurements of field metabolic rate on each species (Table 1). Allometric (scaling) regression analyses of log 10 -transformed feeding rates vs. body mass yielded statistically significant relationships for 90 different taxonomic, dietary and habitat groupings of species. The resulting exponential equations can be used to predict the daily food requirements needed to maintain energy balance for free-living mammals (Table 2), birds (Table 3), and reptiles (Table 4) with an average error of about 5% to 60%, depending on the group. The ability to predict feeding rates of terrestrial vertebrates should be useful to zoo keepers, animal nutritionists, veterinarians, pet hobbyists, wildlife zoologists, game managers, range biologists, preserve directors and planners, conservationists, paleontologists and ecosystem modelers. These equations should