Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extremely Large Synthesis Array: Science and Technology

A method for joining two or more items having surfaces of thermoplastic material includes the steps of depositing an electrically-conductive material upon the thermoplastic surface of at least one of the items, and then placing the other of the two items adjacent the one item so that the deposited material is in intimate contact with the surfaces of both the one and the other items. The deposited material and the thermoplastic surfaces contacted thereby are then exposed to microwave radiation so that the thermoplastic surfaces in contact with the deposited material melt, and then pressure is applied to the two items so that the melted thermoplastic surfaces fuse to one another. Upon discontinuance of the exposure to the microwave energy, and after permitting the thermoplastic surfaces to cool from the melted condition, the two items are joined together by the fused thermoplastic surfaces. The deposited material has a thickness which is preferably no greater than a skin depth, delta s, which is related to the frequency of the microwave radiation and characteristics of the deposited material in accordance with an equation.
Pylira: deconvolution of images in the presence of Poisson noise

—All physical and astronomical imaging observations are degraded by the ﬁnite angular resolution of the camera and telescope systems. The recovery of the true image is limited by both how well the instrument characteristics are known and by the magnitude of measurement noise. In the case of a high signal to noise ratio data, the image can be sharpened or “deconvolved” robustly by using established standard methods such as the Richardson-Lucy method. However, the situation changes for sparse data and the low signal to noise regime, such as those frequently encountered in X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy, where deconvolution leads inevitably to an ampliﬁcation of noise and poorly reconstructed images. However, the results in this regime can be improved by making use of physically meaningful prior assumptions and statistically principled modeling techniques. One proposed method is the LIRA algorithm, which requires smoothness of the reconstructed image at multiple scales. In this contribution, we introduce a new python package called Pylira , which exposes the original C implementation of the LIRA algorithm to Python users. We brieﬂy describe the package structure, development setup and show a Chandra as well as Fermi-LAT analysis example.
Artificial intelligence and its applications in digital hematopathology

The advent of whole-slide imaging, faster image data generation, and cheaper forms of data storage have made it easier for pathologists to manipulate digital slide images and interpret more detailed biological processes in conjunction with clinical samples. In parallel, with continuous breakthroughs in object detection, image feature extraction, image classification and image segmentation, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming the most beneficial technology for high-throughput analysis of image data in various biomedical imaging disciplines. Integrating digital images into biological workflows, advanced algorithms, and computer vision techniques expands the biologist’s horizons beyond the microscope slide. Here, we introduce recent developments in AI applied to microscopy in hematopathology. We give an overview of its concepts and present its applications in normal or abnormal hematopoietic cells identification. We discuss how AI shows great potential to push the limits of microscopy and enhance the resolution, signal and information content of acquired data. Its shortcomings are discussed, as well as future directions for the field.
The Effects of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on the Flow in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients—Geometry in Focus

Evaluation of the effect of three dimensional (3D) coronary plaque characteristics derived from two dimensional (2D) invasive angiography images (ICA) on coronary flow determined by TIMI frame count (TFC) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been thoroughly investigated. A total of 71 patients with STEMI, and 73 with NSTEMI were enrolled after primary angioplasty. Pre- and post-PCI TFCs were obtained. From 2D images, 3D reconstruction was performed of the culprit vessel, and multiple plaque parameters were measured. In STEMI, the average post-PCI frame count decreased significantly, resulting in better flow. With regards to 2/3D parameters, no differences were found between the STEMI and NSTEMI groups. The 3D parameters in the subgroup with an increase with at least three frames resulting in worsening post-PCI flow were compared to parameters of the patients with improved or significantly not change flow (delta frame count < 3), and greater minimal luminal diameter and area was found in the worsening (increased) frame group. In STEMI 2/3D, parameters showed no correlation with worsening flow, whereas in NSTEMI, greater minimal luminal diameter and area correlated with decreased flow. We can conclude that certain 2/3D parameters can predict slower flow in ACS, resulting in the use of GP IIb/IIIa receptor blocker.
In Vitro Interactions of Amphiphilic Phosphorous Dendrons with Liposomes and Exosomes—Implications for Blood Viscosity Changes

Drug delivery by dendron-based nanoparticles is widely studied due to their ability to encapsulate or bind different ligands. For medical purposes, it is necessary (even if not sufficient) for these nanostructures to be compatible with blood. We studied the interaction of amphiphilic dendrons with blood samples from healthy volunteers using standard laboratory methods and rheological measurements. We did not observe clinically relevant abnormalities, but we found a concentration-dependent increase in whole blood viscosity, higher in males, presumably due to the formation of aggregates. To characterize the nature of the interactions among blood components and dendrons, we performed experiments on the liposomes and exosomes as models of biological membranes. Based on results obtained using diverse biophysical methods, we conclude that the interactions were of electrostatic nature. Overall, we have confirmed a concentration-dependent effect of dendrons on membrane systems, while the effect of generation was ambiguous. At higher dendron concentrations, the structure of membranes became disturbed, and membranes were prone to forming bigger aggregates, as visualized by SEM. This might have implications for blood flow disturbances when used in vivo. We propose to introduce blood viscosity measurements in early stages of investigation as they can help to optimize drug-like properties of potential drug carriers.
Quantum Zeno effect in cavity quantum electrodynamics : Experimental proposal with nonideal cavities and detectors

We propose an experiment with two coupled microwave cavities and a "tunneling" photon observed by the passage of Rydberg atoms. We model the coupled cavities as in Ref. \cite{art1} and include dissipative effects as well as limited detection efficiency. We also consider realistic finite atom-field interaction times and provide for a simple analytical expression for the photon "tunneling" probability including all these effects. We show that for sufficiently small dissipation constants the effect can be observed with current experimental facilities.
Production of the English “sh” by L2 Thai Learners: An Acoustic Study

L2 sound production might vary in accordance with factors such as the vowel context and L2 experience held. This study investigates the production of the English “sh” by L2 Thai learners via acoustic analysis. The target sounds in this study were those in the initial position in three vowel contexts: high, low and back. The data were drawn from 48 subjects who were Thai undergraduate students. This sample was divided between two groups: high-experienced and low-experienced. All read the stimuli with the target sound in a carrier phrase. From this, their production was acoustically analysed with six acoustic measurements; duration, peak location, centroid, SD, skewness and kurtosis. The findings show that the English /ʃ/ produced by the high-experienced group was different from the English [ʃ] produced by the low-experienced group in many acoustic measurements. Furthermore, the English [ʃ] produced by the low-experienced group was found not to be different from the Thai [tɕʰ] in many acoustic aspects. These findings suggest that L2 experience supports L2 speech production. They also showed the effect of vowel context in relation to peak location and duration, as suggests the consideration of vowel context in the teaching of the L2 speech sounds.
Financial Network Analysis on the Performance of Companies Using Integrated Entropy–DEMATEL–TOPSIS Model

In this paper, we propose a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model by integrating the entropy–DEMATEL with TOPSIS model to analyze the causal relationship of financial ratios towards the financial performance of the companies. The proposed model is illustrated using the financial data of the companies of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). The financial network analysis using entropy–DEMATEL shows that the financial ratios such as debt to equity ratio (DER) and return on equity (ROE) are classified into the cause criteria group, whereas current ratio (CR), earnings per share (EPS), return on asset (ROA) and debt to assets ratio (DAR) are categorized into the effect criteria group. The top three most influential financial ratios are ROE, CR and DER. The significance of this paper is to determine the causal relationship of financial network towards the financial performance of the companies with the proposed entropy–DEMATEL–TOPSIS model. The ranking identification of the companies in this study is beneficial to the investors to select the companies with good performance in portfolio investment. The proposed model has been applied and validated in the portfolio investment using a mean-variance model based on the selection of companies with good performance. The results show that the proposed model is able to generate higher mean return than the benchmark DJIA index at minimum risk. However, short sale is not allowed for the applicability of the proposed model in portfolio investment.
Identification, genetic diversity, and comparative evolution of the striped snakehead Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) in Wallacea, Indonesia

Abstract. Irmawati, Meimulya, Tassakka ACMAR, Nadiarti, Rukminasari N, Kadriah IAK, Nasrullah H, Alimuddin. 2022. Identification, genetic diversity, and comparative evolution of the striped snakehead Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) in Wallacea, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 3327-3337. Striped snakehead, Channa striata populations have declined in some areas of Wallacea. This study aimed to identify the species, analyze the genetic diversity, and trace the evolutionary relationships of snakeheads in the Wallacea region with snakeheads in other geographic areas. This study was identifying all specimens in this study as C. striata. The Wallacean C. striata sequences comprised three haplotypes with five polymorphic sites (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs). No mutations were detected in the COI nucleotides of C. striata in the Tempe Lake complex, Patampanua River, and Bojo River; therefore, they belonged to the same haplotype. The C. striata from the Tangkoli tertiary drainage had unique haplotypes that differed from other C. striata haplotypes. The intraspecific genetic distance within C. striata was low while the interspecific genetic distance within the genus Channa was quite large, indicating that mutation rates are quite high in the genus Channa. Haplotype evolution showed that C. striata in Wallacea shared a common ancestral pathway with C. striata in Kalimantan, Java, and Bali and had a different ancestral pathway with C. striata in Lampung (Sumatra). The nucleotide composition of the C. striata COI gene followed the general pattern of the Teleostei and the Pisces superclass (T>C>A>G) with the G+C base percentage lower than the A+T percentage. The data from this study will be useful as a basis for designing germplasm conservation strategies and designing strategies to maintain C. striata populations and develop strains to meet future needs.
Ham Tourism in Andalusia: An Untapped Opportunity in the Rural Environment

Iberian ham is a food product of great quality endorsed by Protected Denominations of Origin, which is beginning to be marketed as a tourist product, and visits to pastures, ham dryers, etc., are becoming tourist attractions in the rural areas of Andalusia. In this research, a factor analysis with VARIMAX rotation is carried out to determine the factors that influence the development of ham tourism. Five components are determined, of which the supply factor is one of the most important. Pull factors are highlighted as the local gastronomy and heritage, among others, and push factors include visiting dryers, pastures, and ham museums. Based on these results and the descriptive analysis of the profile of the ham tourist, it is found that the ham tourist is very satisfied with the visit made, and that the tourist would repeat the experience. However, it is observed that it is necessary to create routes combined with other better known gastronomic products, such as wine, and carry out marketing campaigns to publicize this tourist product in the national and international market, because at present it is local tourists who perform this type of tourism.
RADIATIVE MECHANISMS IN GRB PROMPT EMISSION

Motivated by the Fermi gamma-ray space telescope results, in recent years immense efforts were given to understanding the mechanism that leads to the prompt emission observed. The failure of the optically thin emission models (synchrotron and synchrotron self Compton) increased interest in alternative models. Optically thick models, while having several advantages, also face difficulty in capturing several key observables. Theoretical efforts are focused in two main directions: (1) mechanisms that act to broaden the Planck spectrum; and (2) combining the optically thin and optically thick models to a hybrid model that could explain the key observables.
CD44 Depletion in Glioblastoma Cells Suppresses Growth and Stemness and Induces Senescence

Simple Summary The hyaluronan receptor CD44 has an important role in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) progression, but the precise mechanisms have not been elucidated. We have analyzed U251MG glioma cells, expressing CD44 or not, and grown in stem cell-like enriched spheres. Our results revealed that CD44 is important for cell growth and stemness, and for the prevention of senescence. Analysis by RNA sequencing revealed that CD44 is important for the interaction with the hyaluronan-enriched microenvironment. In addition, CD44 depletion impairs certain gene signatures, such as those for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms and PDGF receptors, as well as signatures related to hypoxia, glycolysis, and anti-tumor immune responses. Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor, characterized by enhanced proliferation and invasion, as well as increased vascularization and chemoresistance. The expression of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 has been shown to correlate with GBM progression and poor prognosis. Here, we sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which CD44 promotes GBM progression by knocking out (KO) CD44, employing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in U251MG cells. CD44-depleted cells exhibited an impaired proliferation rate, as shown by the decreased cell numbers, decreased Ki67-positive cell nuclei, diminished phosphorylation of CREB, and increased levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p16 compared to control cells. Furthermore, the CD44 KO cells showed decreased stemness and increased senescence, which was manifested upon serum deprivation. In stem cell-like enriched spheres, RNA-sequencing analysis of U251MG cells revealed a CD44 dependence for gene signatures related to hypoxia, the glycolytic pathway, and G2 to M phase transition. Partially similar results were obtained when cells were treated with the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, which inhibits CD44 cleavage and therefore inhibits the release of the intracellular domain (ICD) of CD44, suggesting that certain transcriptional responses are dependent on CD44-ICD. Interestingly, the expression of molecules involved in hyaluronan synthesis, degradation, and interacting matrix proteins, as well as of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms and PDGF receptors, were also deregulated in CD44 KO cells. These results were confirmed by the knockdown of CD44 in another GBM cell line, U2990. Notably, downregulation of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) impaired the hypoxia-related genes and decreased the CD44 protein levels, suggesting a CD44/hyaluronan feedback circuit contributing to GBM progression.
scGENA: A Single-Cell Gene Coexpression Network Analysis Framework for Clustering Cell Types and Revealing Biological Mechanisms

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a recent high-throughput technique that can measure gene expression, reveal cell heterogeneity, rare and complex cell populations, and discover cell types and their relationships. The analysis of scRNA-seq data is challenging because of transcripts sparsity, replication noise, and outlier cell populations. A gene coexpression network (GCN) analysis effectively deciphers phenotypic differences in specific states by describing gene–gene pairwise relationships. The underlying gene modules with different coexpression patterns partially bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype. This study presents a new framework called scGENA (single-cell gene coexpression network analysis) for GCN analysis based on scRNA-seq data. Although there are several methods for scRNA-seq data analysis, we aim to build an integrative pipeline for several purposes that cover primary data preprocessing, including data exploration, quality control, normalization, imputation, and dimensionality reduction of clustering as downstream of GCN analysis. To demonstrate this integrated workflow, an scRNA-seq dataset of the human diabetic pancreas with 1600 cells and 39,851 genes was implemented to perform all these processes in practice. As a result, scGENA is demonstrated to uncover interesting gene modules behind complex diseases, which reveal biological mechanisms. scGENA provides a state-of-the-art method for gene coexpression analysis for scRNA-seq data.
Suppression of Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) by Modified Whey Proteins

Modified whey proteins with quercetin (WPI-QU) and onion extract (WPI-OE), as a control approach, could be applicable because it is available, safe and cheap. The modified whey protein isolate (WPI) with quercetin dihydrate and onion extract powder rich with quercetin were evaluated for induction of systemic resistance against Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) in pepper plants. Data of mass spectrometry illustrated that one or more of Qu isomers covalently attached to WPI. Unmodified whey protein (UWPI), WPI-QU and WPI-OE significantly decreased PMMoV concentration and severity at two weeks after inoculation. Plant height, number of leaves, and shoot fresh and dry weights were substantially increased in WPI-QU- and WPI-OE-treated pepper plants compared to the control. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and vitamin C contents were highly increased in WPI-OE-treated plants compared with other treatments. The expression levels of defense related genes (PR4, PR9, TIN1 and PIN2) were enormously elevated in WPI-OE and WPI-QU treatments using qRT-PCR. In conclusion, the results give novel insights to possible applications of the WPI–quercetin bioconjugates in designing a wide range of functional products. Moreover, this study is the first to establish the effective control of PMMoV by modified whey proteins.
Types and Clinical Profile of Unilateral Sinonasal Masses

Background: Unilateral mass in the sinonasal region is a common problem facing the otolaryngologist in daily clinical practice. There are various benign and malignant conditions originating in this area with diﬀerent clinical features depending on their nature and extent. Objectives: To evaluate the types and clinical proﬁle of unilateral sinonasal masses. Materials and methods: This study includes 60 patients who attended the outpatient clinic at Alyarmook Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, between January 2017 and April 2018. A thourough history from each patient was taken. Moreover, the clinical examination was done according to standard clinical practice. The imaging results of the nose and paranasal sinuses were documented. Then biopsy was taken from the mass at the operating room under local or general anesthesia if indicated. The specimen was sent for histopathological examination and the results were documented on the data collection sheet. The patients were divided into two groups: non-neoplastic and neoplastic according to the histopathological results. Results: Out of 60 patients, there were 36 (60%) males. The age of our cases was ranged from 6 to 79 years with a mean age of 34.20 ± 18.126 years. Non-neoplastic causes were (n=38, 63.3%) more than the neoplastic group, and the majority of them were unilateral simple polyp (n=23, 38.3%). Inverted papilloma was the most common benign tumor (n=8, 13.3%), while, squamous cell carcinoma was the commonest malignant neoplasm (n=2, 3.3%). Non-neoplastic causes were more in both sexes. The most aﬀected age group was 20-49 years (n=31, 51.7%). The non-neoplastic causes were mostly seen in the age group 20-49 years (n=22, 36.7%). There was no statistically signiﬁcant diﬀerence between the age and gender and the causes of unilateral sinonasal lesions (P-value > 0.05). Nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, and hyposmia were more in non-neoplastic than neoplastic group. While epistaxis and facial pain were found to be higher in the neoplastic group. Conclusion: Non-neoplastic masses outnumber neoplastic ones. Among non-neoplastic lesions, inﬂammatory polyps were the most common. Benign neoplasms outnumber the malignant neoplasms with inverted papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma were the most common respectively.