Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Rotary Valve Leakage on Pneumatic Conveying Performance

A new theoretical air leakage model was developed for both conventional and high-pressure rotary valves. Different sizes of rotary valves (D = 250 and 300 mm) and a single-slit apparatus were tested over a wide range of conditions (N = 0 to 30 rpm; Δp v = 0 to 300 kPa; c = 0.10 to 0.25 mm). All the model predictions were found to be within ±6% of the experimental data. This was a dramatic improvement compared with all previous models and even suppliers' curves, where errors were found to be between − 48% and + 39%. A new centrifugal vent hopper also was developed to maximize the removal of air leakage and, hence, feed rate capacity. Based on data from three products (130 µm Poly Powder, fibrous perlite, and 10 µm ground powder), the new vent hopper was found to increase feed rate and conveying capacity by at least a factor of two.
Shape Factor of the Spinal Cord: A Possible Predictor of Surgical Outcome for Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumors in the Thoracic Spine

Study Design: Retrospective diagnostic analysis. Objectives: To establish a new predictor of surgical outcome after surgery for intradural extramedullary spinal tumor (IDEMT) in the thoracic spine, we introduced shape factor (SF), a mathematical description of the morphology of the spinal cord. SF was calculated by dividing object area by the square of perimeter. Materials and Methods: Forty-three consecutive patients with IDEMT, detected by magnetic resonance imaging at the thoracic level with myelopathic signs, were included. Preoperative transverse cross-sectional area (CSA) and perimeter of the spinal cord (perimeter) at the level of maximal compression were measured. SF was calculated as 4π × CSA/(perimeter)2. The association between clinicoradiological factors and surgical outcome of IDEMT was statistically analyzed. Results: Mean CSA, perimeter, and SF were 27.8 ± 15.8 mm2, 28.8 ± 6.1 mm, and 0.385 ± 0.14, respectively. A histogram distribution revealed that perimeter and SF, but not CSA, fit the normal distribution. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups according to postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (mJOA). [group F (favorable): n = 32, mJOA ≥ 9; group UF (unfavorable): n = 11, mJOA < 9). Group UF had significantly lower mean CSA and SF. In univariate analysis of possible predictive factors for IDEMT surgery, greater age, lower preoperative mJOA, and lower SF were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome. In multivariate analysis, lower SF was the only significant predictor of postoperative outcome (odds ratio = 2.66, 95% CI 1.10–6.39, p = 0.0115). Conclusion: Measurements of CSA and perimeter, followed by calculation of SF, may provide valuable quantitative information for the outcome of surgery for IDEMT.
The simultaneous in-situ generation of aldehydes and phosphorus ylides. A convenient multi-step one-pot olefination protocol

Li a-(dimethylamino)alkoxides resulting from the nucleophilic addn. of an organolithium reagent to DMF are basic enough to deprotonate alkyltriphenylphosphonium salts suspended in THF. The aldehydes, liberated by the spontaneous decompn. of the resulting a-amino alcs. (hemi-aminals), undergo a Wittig reaction with the simultaneously generated P ylides to afford olefins in excellent overall yields. This in situ method offers the unique advantage in its applicability to labile aldehydes which otherwise would become prey to (Z/E)-isomerization or self-condensation processes. [on SciFinder (R)]
The MDM2 inducible promoter folds into four-tetrad antiparallel G-quadruplexes targetable to fight malignant liposarcoma

Abstract Well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) is a malignant neoplasia hard to diagnose and treat. Its main molecular signature is amplification of the MDM2-containing genomic region. The MDM2 oncogene is the master regulator of p53: its overexpression enhances p53 degradation and inhibits apoptosis, leading to the tumoral phenotype. Here, we show that the MDM2 inducible promoter G-rich region folds into stable G-quadruplexes both in vitro and in vivo and it is specifically recognized by cellular helicases. Cell treatment with G-quadruplex-ligands reduces MDM2 expression and p53 degradation, thus stimulating cancer cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Structural characterization of the MDM2 G-quadruplex revealed an extraordinarily stable, unique four-tetrad antiparallel dynamic conformation, amenable to selective targeting. These data indicate the feasibility of an out-of-the-box G-quadruplex-targeting approach to defeat WDLPS and all tumours where restoration of wild-type p53 is sought. They also point to G-quadruplex-dependent genomic instability as possible cause of MDM2 expansion and WDLPS tumorigenesis.
Nanoseconds field emitted current pulses from ZrC needles and field emitter arrays

The properties of the electron source define the ultimate limit of the beam quality in linear accelerators such as free electron lasers (FELs). The goal is to develop an electron gun delivering beam emittance lower than the current state of the art. Such a gun should reduce the cost and size of an x-ray FEL (XFEL). In this article we present two concepts of field emitter cathodes which could potentially produce low emittance beam. The first challenging parameter for such cathode is to emit peak current as high as 5 A. This is the minimum current requirement for the XFEL concept from Paul Scherrer Institut (http://leg.web.psi.ch). Maximum currents of 0.12 and 0.58 A have been reached, respectively, with field emitter arrays and single needle cathodes. Laser assisted field emission gave encouraging results to reach even higher peak current and to prebunch the beam.
Diffusion-based determination of protein homodimerization on reconstituted membrane surfaces

The transient interactions between cellular components, particularly on membrane surfaces, are critical in the proper function of many biochemical reactions. For example, many signaling pathways involve dimerization, oligomerization, or other types of clustering of signaling proteins as a key step in the signaling cascade. However, it is often experimentally challenging to directly observe and characterize the molecular mechanisms such interactions—the greatest difficulty lies in the fact that living cells have an unknown number of background processes that may or may not participate in the molecular process of interest, and as a consequence, it is usually impossible to definitively correlate an observation to a well-defined cellular mechanism. One of the experimental methods that can quantitatively capture these interactions is through membrane reconstitution, whereby a lipid bilayer is fabricated to mimic the membrane environment, and the biological components of interest are systematically introduced, without unknown background processes. This configuration allows the extensive use of fluorescence techniques, particularly fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. In this review, we describe how the equilibrium diffusion of two proteins, K-Ras4B and the PH domain of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk), on fluid lipid membranes can be used to determine the kinetics of homodimerization reactions.
Can open data increase younger generations’ trust in democratic institutions? A study in the European Union

Scholars and policy makers are giving increasing attention to how young people are involved in politics and their confidence in the current democratic system. In a context of a global trust crisis in the European Union, this paper examines if open government data, a promising governance strategy, may help to boost Millennials’ and Generation Z trust in public institutions and satisfaction with public outcomes. First, results from our preliminary analysis challenge some popular beliefs by revealing that younger generations tend to trust in their institutions notably more than the rest of the European citizens. In addition, our findings show that open government data is a trust-enabler for Millennials and Generation Z, not only through a direct link between both, but also thanks to the mediator role of citizens’ satisfaction. Accordingly, public officers are encouraged to spread the implementation of open data strategies as a way to improve younger generations’ attachment to democratic institutions.
Phase-related differences in egg production of the migratory locust regulated by differential oosorption through microRNA-34 targeting activinβ

Outbreaks of locust plagues result from the long-term accumulation of high-density egg production. The migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, displays dramatic differences in the egg-laid number with dependence on population density, while solitarious locusts lay more eggs compared to gregarious ones. However, the regulatory mechanism for the egg-laid number difference is unclear. Herein, we confirm that oosorption plays a crucial role in the regulation of egg number through the comparison of physiological and molecular biological profiles in gregarious and solitarious locusts. We find that gregarious oocytes display a 15% higher oosorption ratio than solitarious ones. Activinβ (Actβ) is the most highly upregulated gene in the gregarious terminal oocyte (GTO) compared to solitarious terminal oocyte (STO). Meanwhile, Actβ increases sharply from the normal oocyte (N) to resorption body 1 (RB1) stage during oosorption. The knockdown of Actβ significantly reduces the oosorption ratio by 13% in gregarious locusts, resulting in an increase in the egg-laid number. Based on bioinformatic prediction and experimental verification, microRNA-34 with three isoforms can target Actβ. The microRNAs display higher expression levels in STO than those in GTO and contrasting expression patterns of Actβ from the N to RB1 transition. Overexpression of each miR-34 isoform leads to decreased Actβ levels and significantly reduces the oosorption ratio in gregarious locusts. In contrast, inhibition of the miR-34 isoforms results in increased Actβ levels and eventually elevates the oosorption ratio of solitarious locusts. Our study reports an undescribed mechanism of oosorption through miRNA targeting of a TGFβ ligand and provides new insights into the mechanism of density-dependent reproductive adaption in insects.
Life course learning experiences and infant feeding practices in rural Rwanda

Abstract Most studies about infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are often perceived as an individual choice depending on mothers' or caregivers' knowledge or attitudes and are focused on mothers' failure rather than successes in adequately feeding their children. However, the role of life course experiences in IYCF is less investigated. Applying a Salutogenic Model of Health, this study on 14 mothers looks at women's life course learning experiences shaping appropriate IYCF practices during the first year of child's life in a rural district of Rwanda. Transcripts from in‐depth interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results indicate that positive social interaction with parents or grandmothers during childhood such as sharing meals, parental role models for dietary choices and cooking skills gained by participating in household food preparation played a role in shaping appropriate IYCF practices. Negative experiences during childhood also had a positive influence on IYCF practices for some participants by converting life course constraints into learning opportunities. Motherhood increased mothers' sense of responsibility over their children's health and nutrition. Moreover, mothers' participation in community cooking classes and role modelling approach were strong avenues that enabled their learning through positive interactions and encouragement. Nutrition promotion interventions should consider tailoring nutrition advice to the complexity of mothers' life course experiences by creating opportunities for positive learning experiences of appropriate IYCF practices.
Modelling Processes and Products in the Cereal Chain

In recent years, modelling techniques have become more frequently adopted in the field of food processing, especially for cereal-based products, which are among the most consumed foods in the world. Predictive models and simulations make it possible to explore new approaches and optimize proceedings, potentially helping companies reduce costs and limit carbon emissions. Nevertheless, as the different phases of the food processing chain are highly specialized, advances in modelling are often unknown outside of a single domain, and models rarely take into account more than one step. This paper introduces the first high-level overview of modelling techniques employed in different parts of the cereal supply chain, from farming to storage, from drying to milling, from processing to consumption. This review, issued from a networking project including researchers from over 30 different countries, aims at presenting the current state of the art in each domain, showing common trends and synergies, to finally suggest promising future venues for research.
Flow field -flow fractionation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The feasibility of trace metal speciation in proteins directly using flow field-flow fractionation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (FlFFF-ICP-MS) was investigated. The effect on the separation of the FlFFF system cross flow rate was demonstrated for a carbonic anhydrase and alcohol dehydrogenase mixture. Preliminary studies with FlFFF-ICP-MS were applied to several protein standards including metallothionein, carbonic anhydrase, ceruloplasmin, alcohol dehydrogenase, and thyroglobulin. Cadmium was detected in metallothionein; copper and zinc in carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and ceruloplasmin, and iodide in thyroglobulin.
Tear ATG5 as a Potential Novel Biomarker in the Diagnosis of Sjögren Syndrome

Autophagy has been suggested to have an important role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren syndrome (SS). We previously identified that autophagy related 5 (ATG5) was elevated in the tear and conjunctival epithelial cells of SS dry eyes (DE) compared to non-SS DE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of tear ATG5 as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis of SS. To confirm this hypothesis, we evaluated the tear ATG5 concentration, and other ocular tests (Schirmer I, tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface staining (OSS) score, ocular surface disease index (OSDI)) in SS and non-DE, and compared their diagnostic performance to discriminate SS from non-SS DE. Tear ATG5 showed the greatest area under the curve (AUC = 0.984; 95% CI, 0.930 to 0.999) among the tests, and a 94.6% sensitivity and 93.6% specificity at a cutoff value of >4.0 ng/mL/μg. Our data demonstrated that tear ATG5 may be helpful as an ocular biomarker to diagnose and assess SS. In the future, the diagnostic power of tear ATG for SS should be validated.
Modeling and Analysis of a Three-Terminal-Memristor-Based Conservative Chaotic System

In this paper, a three-terminal memristor is constructed and studied through changing dual-port output instead of one-port. A new conservative memristor-based chaotic system is built by embedding this three-terminal memristor into a newly proposed four-dimensional (4D) Euler equation. The generalized Hamiltonian energy function has been given, and it is composed of conservative and non-conservative parts of the Hamiltonian. The Hamiltonian of the Euler equation remains constant, while the three-terminal memristor’s Hamiltonian is mutative, causing non-conservation in energy. Through proof, only centers or saddles equilibria exist, which meets the definition of the conservative system. A non-Hamiltonian conservative chaotic system is proposed. The Hamiltonian of the conservative part determines whether the system can produce chaos or not. The non-conservative part affects the dynamic of the system based on the conservative part. The chaotic and quasiperiodic orbits are generated when the system has different Hamiltonian levels. Lyapunov exponent (LE), Poincaré map, bifurcation and Hamiltonian diagrams are used to analyze the dynamical behavior of the non-Hamiltonian conservative chaotic system. The frequency and initial values of the system have an extensive variable range. Through the mechanism adjustment, instead of trial-and-error, the maximum LE of the system can even reach an incredible value of 963. An analog circuit is implemented to verify the existence of the non-Hamiltonian conservative chaotic system, which overcomes the challenge that a little bias will lead to the disappearance of conservative chaos.
The Food Environments of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in East and Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review

Fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption benefits the health of populations. This can be especially the case in locations which have undergone significant changes in their food environments, such as East and Southeast Asian countries. This current systematic review is the first to study the food environments—facilitators, barriers, and moderators—associated with FV consumption in East and Southeast Asia. We consulted five electronic academic databases of English peer-reviewed papers published between 2010 and 2020 and found 31 studies. Results of these studies show that individuals strongly perceive FVs as being high-quality and safe, and having trust in their benefits. Food businesses with modernized systems have significantly fostered the consumption of FVs. A main barrier to FV consumption, however, is financial concerns, exacerbated by food businesses with FV unavailability and urbanization-induced FV price inflation and dietary patterns. Demographics and shopping patterns further hinder FV consumption. The fragmented and conditionalized findings of the 31 studies require standardized FV consumption measurements. Unlike the impact of FV consumption determinants and their interactions in Western countries, those in Asia, particularly countries other than China, have been substantially understudied. Therefore, as the research gaps in studies of food environments and FV consumption in East and Southeast Asia urgently demand scholarly attention, this paper proposes recommendations that favour the consumption of FVs.
Determination of chloramphenicol in chicken muscle by high performance liquid chromatography and UV-diode array detection

Abstract A rapid and sensitive method for the determination of chloramphenicol in chicken muscle tissue is described. The method consists of mixing of the ground sample with anhydrous sodium sulphate and acetonitrile, followed by centrifugation and liquid-liquid partition of the supernatant with n-hexane. The acetonitrile extract is evaporated to dryness and the residue dissolved in dichloromethane. Purification was achieved by solid phase extraction silica cartridge and the chloramphenicol is eluated with a acetonitrile/water mixture (20%). Analysis is performed by high-performance liquid chromatography and Diode-Array detection where the peak's identity can be confirmed by comparing retention time and UV-spectra with external standard. Linearity was studied up to 30 ng injected amount. Mean recoveries from spiked chicken muscle samples were 78.3% with a variation coefficient of 5.77%. The detection limit was 0.01 mg/kg. All the examined samples (50) proceeding from Spanish slaughterhouses turned out to .
Assessing the Severity of Traumatic Brain Injury—Time for a Change?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been described to be man’s most complex disease, in man’s most complex organ. Despite this vast complexity, variability, and individuality, we still classify the severity of TBI based on non-specific, often unreliable, and pathophysiologically poorly understood measures. Current classifications are primarily based on clinical evaluations, which are non-specific and poorly predictive of long-term disability. Brain imaging results have also been used, yet there are multiple ways of doing brain imaging, at different timepoints in this very dynamic injury. Severity itself is a vague concept. All prediction models based on combining variables that can be assessed during the acute phase have reached only modest predictive values for later outcome. Yet, these early labels of severity often determine how the patient is treated by the healthcare system at large. This opinion paper examines the problems and provides caveats regarding the use of current severity labels and the many practical and scientific issues that arise from doing so. The objective of this paper is to show the causes and consequences of current practice and propose a new approach based on risk classification. A new approach based on multimodal quantifiable data (including imaging and biomarkers) and risk-labels would be of benefit both for the patients and for TBI clinical research and should be a priority for international efforts in the field.
Coordination chemistry of rare earth metal complexes with coumarin-based imines: ecofriendly synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, DNA cleavage, pesticidal, and nematicidal activity evaluations

Coordination and biocidal aspects of lanthanide(III) complexes with 3-formyl-4-chlorocoumarin hydrazinecarbothioamide (L1H) and 3-formyl-4-chlorocoumarin hydrazinecarboxamide (L2H) are described with the support of elemental analyses, molecular weight, melting point, and molar conductance determinations along with the IR, 1H NMR, EPR, UV spectral, and X-ray powder diffraction studies. The spectral data suggest that the ligands are monobasic bidentate, coordinating through nitrogen and sulfur/oxygen. The isolated products are colored solids, soluble in DMSO, DMF, and methanol. All the complexes are monomeric, as indicated by their molecular weight determinations. Conductivity measurements in dry DMF show them to be non-electrolytes. The antimicrobial, DNA cleavage, pesticidal, and nematicidal activities were examined and are discussed.
Ambient particulate pollution during Chinese Spring Festival in urban Lanzhou, Northwestern China

Abstract The effect of firework displays on ambient particulate pollution in a typical valley city in Northwestern China was evaluated based on high temporal resolution atmospheric particle size distribution (10–10 000 nm) data and particle mass concentrations in different sizes obtained during 25th January – 24th February, 2013. Firework displays have significant impact on particle number concentrations in accumulation mode (100–1 000 nm), especially in 200–500 nm, as well as PM1 mass concentrations. The hourly mean number concentration in 200–500 nm and PM1 mass concentration during the peak hour of firework displays were 11 800.2 ± 2 548.0 cm–3 and 214.1 ± 31.2 μg m−3, which are approximately 6 times and 2 times of that before the festival, respectively, with a maximum10–min mean number concentration in size range 100–1 000 nm reaching 3.8 × 104 cm−3 on the New Year's Eve (00:10 BT 10th February, 2013). It was estimated that local emissions and firework displays contributed 74.6% and 37.0%, respectively, to the number concentration of particles less than 1 000 nm. On short–time scale, the contribution of firework displays on local particulate pollution is obvious and should not be ignored, especially on fine particulate pollution.