Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Performance of Hot Mix Asphalt with High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Fine Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (FRAP) Content

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the applications of recycled mixtures with a high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content. However, many government departments are hesitant about the applications of that due to being worried about the durability of its pavement, and few findings has been reported in terms of the percentage of fine reclaimed asphalt pavement (FRAP, 0~5 mm) in recycled mixtures. In this paper, 25% or more RAP by the weight of aggregates is defined as high RAP and high FRAP refers to 10% or more FRAP by the weight of aggregates. This paper examines the laboratory performances of mixtures with high RAP (30%, 40%, and 50%) and FRAP (10%, 15%, and 20%). Performance evaluations have been conducted by conventional tests, including the low-temperature bending test, fatigue test, and the moisture susceptibility test. The results show that with the increasing RAP and FARP contents, 41% (30-R-10) to 63% (50-R-15) of virgin asphalt can be saved, both the low-temperature and fatigue performance decrease, and the moisture performance firstly increases and then decreases. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) in terms of low-temperature and moisture performance show that RAP contents in recycled mixtures have a significant effect on the performance, while the effect of FRAP contents on the performance of recycled mixtures is insignificant.
Could platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio be a predictor for contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with acute coronary syndrome?

Abstract Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is acute renal failure observed after administration of iodinated contrast media during angiographic or other medical procedures. In recent years, many studies have focused on biomarkers that recognize CIN and/or predict its development in advance. One of the many biomarkers studied is the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation between PLR level and CIN. Methods: Relevant studies were searched in PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science until September 15, 2018. Case-control studies reporting admission PLR levels in CIN and non-CIN group in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were included. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated to assess the association between PLR level and CIN using a random-effect model. Results: Six relevant studies involving a total of 10452 ACS patients (9720 non-CIN controls and 732 CIN patients) met our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of 6 case-control studies showed that PLR levels were significantly higher in CIN group than those in non-CIN group (WMD = 33.343, 95%CI = 18.863 to 47.823, P < .001, I2 = 88.0%). Conclusion: For patients with ACS after contrast administration, our meta-analysis shows that on-admission PLR levels in CIN group are significantly higher than those of non-CIN group. However, large and matched cohort studies are needed to validate these findings and assess whether there is a real connection or just an association.
Facet-Specific Photocatalytic Degradation of Organics by Heterogeneous Fenton Chemistry on Hematite Nanoparticles.

Hematite nanoparticles are abundant in the photic zone of aquatic environments, where they play a prominent role in photocatalytic transformations of bound organics. Here we examine the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) by visible light using two different structurally well-defined hematite nanoparticle morphologies. In addition to detailed solids characterization and aqueous kinetics measurements, we also exploit species-selective scavengers in electron paramagnetic spectroscopy (EPR) to sequester specific reaction channels and thereby assess their impact. Photodegradation rates for nanoplates dominated by {001} facets and nanocubes dominated by {012} facets were 0.13 and 0.7 h-1, respectively, and turn over frequencies for the active sites on {001} and {012} were 7.89 × 10-3 and 3.07× 10-3 s-1, yielding apparent activation energies of 17.13 and 24.94 kcal/mol within the energetic span model. Facet-specific differences appear directly linked not with the simple aerial cation site density but instead with their extent of undercoordination. By establishing this linkage, the findings lay a foundation for predicting the photocatalytic degradation efficiency for the myriad of possible hematite nanoparticle morphologies, and more broadly help unveil key reactions at the interface that may govern photocatalytic organic transformations in natural and engineered aquatic environments.
Enzymatic Reactions in a Lab-on-Valve System: Cholesterol Evaluations

The micro sequential injection analysis / lab-on-valve (µSIA-LOV) system is a miniaturized SIA system resulting from the implementation of a lab-on-valve (LOV) atop of the selection valve. It integrates the detection cell and the sample processing channels into the same device, promoting the reduction of reagent consumption and waste generation, the improvement of the versatility, and the reduction of the time of analysis. All of these characteristics are really relevant to the implementation of enzymatic reactions. Additionally, the evaluation of cholesterol in serum samples is widely relevant in clinical diagnosis, since higher values of cholesterol in human blood are actually an important risk factor for cardiovascular problems. An automatic methodology was developed based on the µSIA-LOV system in order to evaluate its advantages in the implementation of enzymatic reactions performed by cholesterol esterase, cholesterol oxidase and peroxidase. Considering these reactions, the developed methodology was also used for the evaluation of cholesterol in human serum samples, showing reliable and accurate results. The developed methodology presented detection and quantification limits of 1.36 and 4.53 mg dL−1 and a linear range up to 40 mg dL−1. This work confirmed that this µSIA-LOV system is a simple, rapid, versatile, and robust analytical tool for the automatic implementation of enzymatic reactions performed by cholesterol esterase, cholesterol oxidase, and peroxidase. It is also a useful alternative methodology for the routine determinations of cholesterol in real samples, even when compared with other automatic methodologies.
Adenovirus major core protein condenses DNA in clusters and bundles, modulating genome release and capsid internal pressure

Abstract Some viruses package dsDNA together with large amounts of positively charged proteins, thought to help condense the genome inside the capsid with no evidence. Further, this role is not clear because these viruses have typically lower packing fractions than viruses encapsidating naked dsDNA. In addition, it has recently been shown that the major adenovirus condensing protein (polypeptide VII) is dispensable for genome encapsidation. Here, we study the morphology and mechanics of adenovirus particles with (Ad5-wt) and without (Ad5-VII-) protein VII. Ad5-VII- particles are stiffer than Ad5-wt, but DNA-counterions revert this difference, indicating that VII screens repulsive DNA-DNA interactions. Consequently, its absence results in increased internal pressure. The core is slightly more ordered in the absence of VII and diffuses faster out of Ad5-VII– than Ad5-wt fractured particles. In Ad5-wt unpacked cores, dsDNA associates in bundles interspersed with VII-DNA clusters. These results indicate that protein VII condenses the adenovirus genome by combining direct clustering and promotion of bridging by other core proteins. This condensation modulates the virion internal pressure and DNA release from disrupted particles, which could be crucial to keep the genome protected inside the semi-disrupted capsid while traveling to the nuclear pore.
Detection of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus Genome in Newborn Piglets Affected by Congenital Tremor and High Pre-weaning Mortality.

Recently, piglets from a high-health status farm began exhibiting congenital tremors, high pre-weaning mortality and incidence of splayed legs. Postmortem histological examination identified a small number of scattered white matter vacuoles in the cerebellum and underlying brainstem of affected piglets. Presence of potential viral sources associated with this neurologic condition was initially infirmed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV), porcine teschovirus, and porcine sapelovirus. Using metagenomic analysis, APPV was identified as the main microbial species in serum obtained from piglets affected by congenital tremor. These piglets had higher pre-weaning mortality rates (46.4% vs 15.3%) and incidence of splayed legs (33.0 % vs 0.8 %) compared to unaffected piglets. Piglets affected by congenital tremor had higher viral titer (P < 0.15) and larger birth weights (P < 0.05) compared to normal litter-mates. Whole genome sequencing and genome assembly of the novel APPV strain (MK728876) was carried out using Oxford Nanopore and related bioinformatics pipelines. Phylogenic analysis demonstrated that this strain along with other completely sequenced APPV strains were grouped into two clades, both including strains inducing congenital tremor. Strains appear to cluster based on region but there were still significant differences within regions. Future research needs to address potential under-diagnosis due to genetic diversity but also to understand mode of transmission, variation in virulence, and the role of host genetics in APPV susceptibility.
A homogenous mixed coating enabled significant stability and capacity enhancement of iron oxide anodes for aqueous nickel-iron batteries.

A unique homogenous MoO2 and carbon mixed coating on an iron oxide anode using simple electrodeposition is put forward. The resulting hybrid anode exhibits great enhancement in cycling stability and capacity. By pairing with a Ni0.49Cu0. 51O cathode, a new 1.2 V nickel-iron battery is further assembled, delivering high power density.
Medical knowledge infused convolutional neural networks for cohort selection in clinical trials

OBJECTIVE In this era of digitized health records, there has been a marked interest in using de-identified patient records for conducting various health related surveys. To assist in this research effort, we developed a novel clinical data representation model entitled medical knowledge-infused convolutional neural network (MKCNN), which is used for learning the clinical trial criteria eligibility status of patients to participate in cohort studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we propose a clinical text representation infused with medical knowledge (MK). First, we isolate the noise from the relevant data using a medically relevant description extractor; then we utilize log-likelihood ratio based weights from selected sentences to highlight "met" and "not-met" knowledge-infused representations in bichannel setting for each instance. The combined medical knowledge-infused representation (MK) from these modules helps identify significant clinical criteria semantics, which in turn renders effective learning when used with a convolutional neural network architecture. RESULTS MKCNN outperforms other Medical Knowledge (MK) relevant learning architectures by approximately 3%; notably SVM and XGBoost implementations developed in this study. MKCNN scored 86.1% on F1metric, a gain of 6% above the average performance assessed from the submissions for n2c2 task. Although pattern/rule-based methods show a higher average performance for the n2c2 clinical data set, MKCNN significantly improves performance of machine learning implementations for clinical datasets. CONCLUSION MKCNN scored 86.1% on the F1 score metric. In contrast to many of the rule-based systems introduced during the n2c2 challenge workshop, our system presents a model that heavily draws on machine-based learning. In addition, the MK representations add more value to clinical comprehension and interpretation of natural texts.
Application of custom anatomy-based nerve conduits on rabbit sciatic nerve defects: in vitro and in vivo evaluations

The intermingling of regenerated nerve fibers inside nerve grafts is the main reason for mismatched nerve fibers. This is one of the key factors affecting limb function recovery after nerve injury. Previous research has shown that the accuracy of axon regeneration can be improved by a bionic structural implant. To this aim, iodine and freeze-drying high-resolution micro-computed tomography was performed to visualize the 3D topography of the New Zealand rabbit sciatic nerve (25 mm). A series of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-custom anatomy-based nerve conduits (CANCs) were fabricated based on the anatomical structure of the nerve fascicle. The match index, luminal surface, and mechanical properties of CANCs were evaluated before implanting in a 10-mm gap of the sciatic nerve. Recovery was evaluated by histomorphometric analyses, electrophysiological study, gastrocnemius muscle weight recovery ratio, and behavioral assessments at 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. The accuracy of nerve regeneration was determined by changes in fluorescence-labeled profile number during simultaneous retrograde tracing. Our results showed that the optimal preprocessing condition for high-resolution micro-computed tomography visualization was treatment of the sciatic nerve with 40% Lugol’s solution for 3 days followed by lyophilization for 2 days. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the match index was highest in the 3-CANC group, followed by the 2-, 1-, and 4-CANC groups. The luminal surface was lowest in the 1-CANC group. Mechanical properties (transverse compressive and bending properties) were higher in the 3- and 4-CANC groups than in the 1-CANC group. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the recovery (morphology of regenerated fibers, compound muscle action potential, gastrocnemius muscle weight recovery ratio, pain-related autotomy behaviors, and range of motion) in the 3-CANC group was superior to the other CANC groups, and achieved the same therapeutic effect as the autograft. The simultaneous retrograde tracing results showed that the percentages of double-labeled profiles of the 2-, 3-, and 4-CANC groups were comparatively lower than that of the 1-CANC group, which indicates that regenerated nerve fascicles were less intermingled in the 2-, 3-, and 4-CANC groups. These findings demonstrate that the visualization of the rabbit sciatic nerve can be achieved by iodine and freeze-drying high-resolution micro-computed tomography, and that this method can be used to design CANCs with different channels that are based on the anatomical structure of the nerve. Compared with the 1-CANC, 3-CANC had a higher match index and luminal surface, and improved the accuracy of nerve regeneration by limiting the intermingling of the regenerated fascicles. All procedures were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee, Xinjiang Medical University, China on April 4, 2017 (ethics approval No. IACUC20170315-02).
Optimal Detection of Subtle Gadolinium Leakage in CSF with Heavily T2-Weighted Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Imaging

SUMMARY: Pericortical enhancement on postcontrast FLAIR images is a marker for subtle leptomeningeal blood-brain barrier leakage. We explored the optimal FLAIR sequence parameters for the detection of low gadolinium concentrations within the CSF. On the basis of phantom experiments and human in vivo data, we showed that detection of subtle pericortical enhancement can be facilitated by using a relatively long TE. Future studies should choose their FLAIR sequence parameters carefully when assessing pericortical enhancement due to subtle blood-brain barrier leakage.
Reducing the Adverse Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in IVF Women by Exercise Interventions During Pregnancy

ABSTRACT Purpose: The role of a structured program of exercise training on the low-risk pregnancy in Iranian women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) based on the reduction of gestational diabetes was examined. Method: A comparative quasi-experimental clinical trial with 170 IVF-pregnant women in two intervention and control groups was studied to monitor the training effect of physical activities in terms of walking, and aerobic, strength-conditioning, and relaxation exercises during pregnancy on the improvement of maternal and fetal health. Gestational diabetes as the main complication was evaluated with 2-h 75-g OGTT and FBS tests in 24–28 and 34- weeks’ gestation, respectively. Other adverse maternal (e.g., preeclampsia, cesarean section, and preterm delivery) and neonatal (e.g., intrauterine growth retardation, low/high birth weight, and fetal death) outcomes were determined and analyzed by statistical and regression tests. Results: A significantly lower gestational diabetes and preeclampsia rate was found in the intervened IVF-pregnant women with the maintenance of an active lifestyle. Although there was no significant difference in other negative maternal and neonatal outcomes between the two groups, lower symptoms from these complications were recorded in IVF-pregnant women trained with regular exercise activities. Conclusion: Implementing the physical activity program by IVF-women during pregnancy is an effective intervention strategy in reducing the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Modulatory effect of International Standard Scalp Acupuncture on brain activation in the elderly as revealed by resting-state fMRI

The specific mechanisms by which acupuncture affects the central nervous system are unclear. In the International Standard Scalp Acupuncture system, acupuncture needles are applied at the middle line of the vertex, anterior parietal-temporal oblique line, and the posterior parietal-temporal oblique line. We conducted a single-arm prospective clinical trial in which seven healthy elderly volunteers (three men and four women; 50–70 years old) received International Standard Scalp Acupuncture at MS5 (the mid-sagittal line between Baihui (DU20) and Qianding (DU21)), the left MS6 (line joining Sishencong (EX-HN1) and Xuanli (GB6)), and the left MS7 (line joining DU20 and Qubin (GB7)). After acupuncture, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated changes in the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations and regional homogeneity in various areas, showing remarkable enhancement of regional homogeneity in the bilateral anterior cingulate, left medial frontal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus. Functional connectivity based on a seed region at the right middle frontal gyrus (42, 51, 9) decreased at the bilateral medial superior frontal gyrus. Our data preliminarily indicates that the international standard scalp acupuncture in healthy elderly participants specifcally enhances the correlation between the brain regions involved in cognition and implementation of the brain network regulation system and the surrounding adjacent brain regions. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the China-Japan Union Hospital at Jilin University, China, on July 18, 2016 (approval No. 2016ks043).
Multifunctional Flexible Sensor Based on Laser-Induced Graphene

The paper presents the design and fabrication of a low-cost and easy-to-fabricate laser-induced graphene sensor together with its implementation for multi-sensing applications. Laser-irradiation of commercial polymer film was applied for photo-thermal generation of graphene. The graphene patterned in an interdigitated shape was transferred onto Kapton sticky tape to form the electrodes of a capacitive sensor. The functionality of the sensor was validated by employing them in electrochemical and strain-sensing scenarios. Impedance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the response of the sensor. For the electrochemical sensing, different concentrations of sodium sulfate were prepared, and the fabricated sensor was used to detect the concentration differences. For the strain sensing, the sensor was deployed for monitoring of human joint movements and tactile sensing. The promising sensing results validating the applicability of the fabricated sensor for multiple sensing purposes are presented.
The serine‐threonine kinase PIM3 is an aldosterone‐regulated protein in the distal nephron

The mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone plays a crucial role in the control of Na+ and K+ balance, blood volume, and arterial blood pressure, by acting in the aldosterone‐sensitive distal nephron (ASDN) and stimulating a complex transcriptional, translational, and cellular program. Because the complexity of the aldosterone response is still not fully appreciated, we aimed at identifying new elements in this pathway. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of the proto‐oncogene PIM3 (Proviral Integration Site of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus 3), a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the calcium/calmodulin‐regulated group of kinases, is stimulated by aldosterone in vitro (mCCDcl1 cells), ex vivo (mouse kidney slices), and in vivo in mice. Characterizing a germline Pim3−/− mouse model, we found that these mice have an upregulated Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System (RAAS), with high circulating aldosterone and plasma renin activity levels on both standard or Na+‐deficient diet. Surprisingly, we did not observe any obvious salt‐losing phenotype in Pim3 KO mice as shown by normal blood pressure, plasma and urinary electrolytes, as well as unchanged expression levels of the major Na+ transport proteins. These observations suggest that the potential effects of the loss of the Pim3 gene are physiologically compensated. Indeed, the 2 other family members of the PIM kinase family, PIM1 and PIM2 are upregulated in the kidney of Pim3−/− mice, and may therefore be involved in such compensation. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the PIM3 kinase is a novel aldosterone‐induced protein, but its precise role in aldosterone‐dependent renal homeostasis remains to be determined.
E-LEARNING VERSUS BLENDED-LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The present contribution summarizes the results of a pilot research organized within the framework of Romanian research project eMulticult, financed through the national budget for research and innovation. The research team has developed various training modules for foreign languages learning and for increasing the trainees’ intercultural sensitivity through better intercultural communication skills. These modules have been designed as specific e-content resources and implemented through a virtual platform. During one month, the students interacted with the virtual platform for knowledge acquisition, reflections on self-behaviour and self evaluation. Simultaneously they participated also to the in-class education process for validating their knowledge and particular understanding. The participants to the pilot blended-learning programme, have been invited to express their opinion on the e-education process. The results of the survey aiming at revealing the trainees’ perception on the benefits of the blended-learning are presented in this article.