Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential of Different Enzyme Immobilization Strategies to Improve Enzyme Performance

Enzyme biocatalysis plays a very relevant role in the development of many chemical industries, e.g., energy, food or fine chemistry. To achieve this goal, enzyme immobilization is a usual pre-requisite as a solution to get reusable biocatalysts and thus decrease the price of this relatively expensive compound. However, a proper immobilization technique may permit far more than to get a reusable enzyme; it may be used to improve enzyme performance by improving some enzyme limitations: enzyme purity, stability (including the possibility of enzyme reactivation), activity, specificity, selectivity, or inhibitions. Among the diverse immobilization techniques, the use of pre-existing supports to immobilize enzymes (via covalent or physical coupling) and the immobilization without supports [enzyme crosslinked aggregates (CLEAs) or crystals (CLECs)] are the most used or promising ones. This paper intends to give the advantages and disadvantages of the different existing immobilization strategies to solve the different aforementioned enzyme limitations. Moreover, the use of nanoparticles as immobilization supports is achieving an increasing importance, as the nanoparticles versatility increases and becomes more accessible to the researchers. We will also discuss here some of the advantages and drawbacks of these non porous supports compared to conventional porous supports. Although there are no universal optimal solutions for all cases, we will try to give some advice to select the optimal strategy for each particular enzyme and process, considering the enzyme properties, nature of the process and of the substrate. In some occasions the selection will be compulsory, for example due to the nature of the substrate. In other cases the optimal biocatalyst may depend on the company requirements (e.g., volumetric activity, enzyme stability, etc).
Proton RBE models: commonalities and differences

Uncertainties in the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of protons remains a major barrier to the biological optimisation of proton therapy. While a constant value of 1.1 is widely used in treatment planning, extensive preclinical in vitro and in vivo data suggests that proton RBE is variable, depending on proton energy, target tissue, and endpoint. A number of phenomenological models have been developed to try and explain this variation, but agreement between these models is often poor. This has been attributed to both the models’ underlying assumptions and the data to which they are fit. In this brief note, we investigate the underlying trends in these models by comparing their predictions as a function of relevant biological and physical parameters, to determine where models are in conceptual agreement or disagreement. By doing this, it can be seen that the primary differences between models arise from how they handle biological parameters (i.e. α and β from the linear–quadratic model for photon exposures). By contrast, when specifically explored for linear energy transfer-dependence, all models show extremely good correlation. These observations suggest that there is a pressing need for more systematic exploration of biological variation in RBE across different cells in well-controlled conditions to help distinguish between these different models and identify the true behaviour.
Patch-seq: Past, Present, and Future

Single-cell transcriptomic approaches are revolutionizing neuroscience. Integrating this wealth of data with morphology and physiology, for the comprehensive study of neuronal biology, requires multiplexing gene expression data with complementary techniques. To meet this need, multiple groups in parallel have developed “Patch-seq,” a modification of whole-cell patch-clamp protocols that enables mRNA sequencing of cell contents after electrophysiological recordings from individual neurons and morphologic reconstruction of the same cells. In this review, we first outline the critical technical developments that enabled robust Patch-seq experimental efforts and analytical solutions to interpret the rich multimodal data generated. We then review recent applications of Patch-seq that address novel and long-standing questions in neuroscience. These include the following: (1) targeted study of specific neuronal populations based on their anatomic location, functional properties, lineage, or a combination of these factors; (2) the compilation and integration of multimodal cell type atlases; and (3) the investigation of the molecular basis of morphologic and functional diversity. Finally, we highlight potential opportunities for further technical development and lines of research that may benefit from implementing the Patch-seq technique. As a multimodal approach at the intersection of molecular neurobiology and physiology, Patch-seq is uniquely positioned to directly link gene expression to brain function.
A 3D Plasmonic Crossed-Wire Nanostructure for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering and Plasmon-Enhanced Fluorescence Detection

In this manuscript, silver nanowire 3D random crossed-wire woodpile (3D-RCW) nanostructures were designed and prepared. The 3D-RCW provides rich “antenna” and “hot spot” effects that are responsive for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effects and plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF). The optimal construction mode for the 3D-RCW, based on the ratio of silver nanowire and control compound R6G, was explored and established for use in PEF and SERS analyses. We found that the RCW nanochip capable of emission and Raman-enhanced detections uses micro levels of analysis volumes. Consequently, and SERS and PEF of pesticides (thiram, carbaryl, paraquat, fipronil) were successfully measured and characterized, and their detection limits were within 5 μM~0.05 µM in 20 µL. We found that the designed 3D plasmon-enhanced platform cannot only collect the SERS of pesticides, but also enhance the fluorescence of a weak emitter (pesticides) by more than 1000-fold via excitation of the surface plasmon resonance, which can be used to extend the range of a fluorescence biosensor. More importantly, solid-state measurement using a 3D-RCW nanoplatform shows promising potential based on its dual applications in creating large SERS and PEF enhancements.
Driving and cognitive function in people with stroke and healthy age-matched controls

ABSTRACT The decision to return to driving is both complex and difficult. It is often made with clinician support, perhaps on the basis of results from standardized paper and pencil tests, and less frequently an assessment of on-road driving. However, the resources required and inherent reliability and validity challenges suggest that greater use of computerization and driving simulation may play a useful role in the assessment process. In this study, thirty-six age-matched healthy and post-stroke drivers completed standard psychometric assessments (including NART, MMSE, BADS, IADL), computer delivered cognitive assessments (including SART, N-Back, Simple Reaction Time), as well as simulated and on-road assessments of driving. While significantly different in terms of psychometric and computer-based assessments, the healthy and post-stroke drivers who completed the on-road test did not differ. In contrast, driving in the portable simulator showed impaired driving, on some but not all driving manoeuvres, for those who failed the on-road test or had voluntarily ceased to drive. These results are discussed in terms of the implications they have for the multi-faceted nature of driving as a skill, and the need to involve simulation when assessing fitness to drive.
University of Birmingham Editorial for the special issue From Nanoinformatics to Nanomaterials Risk Assessment and Governance

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Trade-Off between Operating Time and Energy Consumption in Pulsed Electric Field Electrodialysis: A Comprehensive Simulation Study

Electrodialysis (ED) has been recently introduced in a variety of processes where the recovery of valuable resources is needed; thus, enabling sustainable production routes for a circular economy. However, new applications of ED require optimized operating modes ensuring low energy consumptions. The application of pulsed electric field (PEF) electrodialysis has been demonstrated to be an effective option to modulate concentration polarization and reduce energy consumption in ED systems, but the savings in energy are usually attained by extending the operating time. In the present work, we conduct a comprehensive simulation study about the effects of PEF signal parameters on the time and energy consumption associated with ED processes. Ion transport of NaCl solutions through homogeneous cation-exchange membranes is simulated using a 1-D model solved by a finite-difference method. Increasing the pulse frequency up to a threshold value is effective in reducing the specific energy consumption, with threshold frequencies increasing with the applied current density. Varying the duty cycle causes opposed effects in the time and energy usage needed for a given ED operation. More interestingly, a new mode of PEF functions with the application of low values of current during the relaxation phases has been investigated. This novel PEF strategy has been demonstrated to simultaneously improve the time and the specific energy consumption of ED processes.
Corrosion Behavior of Reinforcing Steel Undergoing Stray Current and Anodic Polarization

Different concrete structures (viaducts, bridges, or tunnels) in the neighborhoods of railways may be subject to the stray current leaking from the rails. In these cases, the reinforcing rebars embedded in concrete act as conductors, “pick up” the stray current, and can corrode. For simulating the stray current-induced corrosion of metals, most researchers just supplied anodic polarization on samples. However, stray current induces both cathodic polarization and anodic polarization. This work experimentally justifies the different effects of stray current and anodic polarization on reinforcing steel embedded in mortar. A comparison between stray current and anodic polarization effects on the corrosion behavior of embedded steel is performed for both fresh (24 hour-cured) and hardened matrix (28 day-cured) in chloride-free (Cl-free) and chloride-containing (Cl-containing) environments. It is found that in all studied conditions, anodic polarization leads to a significantly different electrochemical performance of the steel rebar compared to the stray current. Hence, anodic polarization cannot reflect all the effects of stray current, and therefore, it has limited significance for simulating stray current. It is also clarified that the curing regimes and starting time of the stray current play significant roles in the formation of a corrosion product layer on the steel surface.
Differences between trends in atmospheric CO2 and the reported trends in anthropogenic CO2 emissions

Averaged annual accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere, dCa/dt, has been slowing from peak growth in 2002/2003 associated with anomalous climate-induced emissions at high northern latitudes. This slowing is widespread but determined with greatest certainty in the largest well-mixed portion of the global troposphere (30◦S–90◦S). We rely on atmospheric mixing for global integration and selection of atmospheric data for spatial representativeness. Prior to 2002/2003, after empirical adjustment for perturbations associated with ENSO and volcanic activity (EV), dCa/dt increases are well represented by linear regression, using direct monitoring records from 1990 or 1965, also from preindustrial times using archived air. In contrast,modelled atmospheric trends due to reported emissions dCE/dt (assuming historically consistent oceanic and terrestrial uptake mechanisms), agree with dCa/dt or dCa/dt-EV up until 1990, are near-stable through the 1990s and increase by 29% between 2000 and 2008. Using atmospheric constraints based on trends in both dCa/dt-EV and interhemispheric gradient, the differences between trends in dCE/dt and atmospheric CO2 growth are most simply explained as an artefact of underestimating 1994–2003 emissions by around 6%. This is achieved with a near constant post-1965 airborne fraction; otherwise unusually complicated sink changes are required for the period.
Auditive beta stimulation as a countermeasure against driver fatigue.

OBJECTIVE Fatigue in road traffic can occur after long driving times or during night-time driving and can lead to a dangerous decrease in vigilance or microsleep. As a countermeasure, the effectiveness of brain stimulation by means of frequency-modified music is investigated. Small frequency shifts between two different sounds simultaneously perceived by both ears (e.g. 400 and 418 Hz) stimulate the brain to increase activity in the stimulated range (e.g. 18 Hz). METHODS The effects of acoustic brain entrainment (ABE) in the EEG beta range (12-20 Hz) were compared to placebo during day and night driving (n = 40 each) in 80 subjects. The effects were examined at the subjective (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, KSS), physiological (EEG) and performance level (test battery for attention testing, TAP). The test drive took place on the motorway. Sequence of events with measurement times: Preparation in the laboratory (60 min; TAP & KSS), driving (90 min day/ 180 min night; KSS every 30 min), beta/placebo stimulation while driving (20 min), rest (20 min; TAP & KSS), driving (60 min; KSS every 30 min), end of driving (40 min; TAP & KSS). EEG was recorded continuously (Fz, Cz, Pz, C3, C4) and analyzed for 10 min time windows. RESULTS The subjective fatigue rating in the KSS decreased significantly after ABE compared to placebo. This was still significant about 100 minutes after stimulation. The ABE led to a significant increase in EEG beta activity compared to placebo. This was still significant about 80 minutes after stimulation. Furthermore, the ABE led to a significant decrease in theta activity compared to placebo. This was still significant about 70 minutes after stimulation and was more pronounced during daytime driving. Faster reaction times were observed for the ABE compared to the placebo condition during day and night driving. The faster reaction times were partly significant for the ABE still 80 minutes after stimulation. CONCLUSION Positive effects of ABE during driving could be demonstrated on the subjective, physiological and performance level. The effect was more pronounced during the day than at night. No negative side effects of Beta Stimulation were observed. The stimulation in the beta frequency range led to an increase of beta activity in the EEG.
Transgenic expression of late embryogenesis abundant proteins improves tolerance to water stress in Drosophila melanogaster

ABSTRACT Four lines of Drosophila melanogaster were created that expressed transgenes encoding selected late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins originally identified in embryos of the anhydrobiote Artemia franciscana. The overall aim was to extend our understanding of the protective properties of LEA proteins documented with isolated cells to a desiccation-sensitive organism during exposure to drying and hyperosmotic stress. Embryos of D. melanogaster were dried at 57% relative humidity to promote a loss of 80% tissue water and then rehydrated. Embryos that expressed AfrLEA2 or AfrLEA3m eclosed 2 days earlier than wild-type embryos or embryos expressing green fluorescent protein (Gal4GFP control). For the third instar larval stage, all Afrlea lines and Gal4GFP controls experienced substantial drops in survivorship as desiccation proceeded. When results for all Afrlea lines were combined, Kaplan–Meier survival curves indicated a significant improvement in survivorship in fly lines expressing AfrLEA proteins compared with Gal4GFP controls. The percent water lost at the LT50 (lethal time for 50% mortality) for the AfrLEA lines was 78% versus 52% for Gal4GFP controls. Finally, offspring of fly lines that expressed AfrLEA2, AfrLEA3m or AfrLEA6 exhibited significantly greater success in reaching pupation, compared with wild-type flies, when adults were challenged with hyperosmotic stress (NaCl-fortified medium) and progeny forced to develop under these conditions. In conclusion, the gain of function studies reported here show that LEA proteins can improve tolerance to water stress in a desiccation-sensitive species that normally lacks these proteins, and, simultaneously, underscore the complexity of desiccation tolerance across multiple life stages in multicellular organisms. Summary: Expression of transgenic late embryogenesis abundant proteins in embryos and third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster improves survival after exposure to desiccation and hyperosmotic stress.
Design and Application of Mixed Natural Gas Monitoring System Using Artificial Neural Networks

Natural gas component analysis is one of the significant technologies in the exploitation and utilization of natural gas. A stable and accurate online natural gas monitoring system is necessary for the gas extracting industry. We have developed an online monitoring system of natural gas with a novel hardware architecture. It improves the dependability and maintainability of the system. A specific instruction set is designed to facilitate the coordination of software and hardware. To reduce the sample noise, the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) method is used to preprocess the real-time raw data of the sensor array. A tailored neural network is designed for calibration. And the relationship between the performance and the structure of the gas neural network is demonstrated to find the optimal solution for accuracy and hardware scale. The design not only focuses on the optimization of individual components but also focuses on system-level improvement. The system has been running stably for several months in the gas fields. It meets the requirements of stability, ease of use, maintainability, and online monitoring in industrial applications.
Predictors of poor reading performance in student-athletes following sport-related concussion

Abstract The goal of the current study was to determine which sport/recreation-related concussion (SRC) assessments predict academic reading performance following SRC. The study included 70 concussed students aged 14–22 years (M = 16.21, SD = 1.90) evaluated 2–30 days (M = 8.41, SD = 5.88) post-injury. SRC assessments included: Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening, and King-Devick test. The Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) comprehension subtest measured academic reading accuracy and rate. Pearson correlations examined relationships among SRC assessments and reading accuracy/rate; those assessments that significantly correlated with the NDRT were included in multiple regressions (MRs) predicting reading accuracy and reading rate. Results supported positive correlations between visual motor speed and reading accuracy (r = .31, p = .01), and near point of convergence (NPC) and reading rate (r = .30, p = .01). The MRs for reading accuracy (F = 4.61, p = .01) and reading rate (F = 4.61, p = .01) were significant, and predicted approximately 40% of the variance, with visual motor speed and NPC as the only significant predictors in both models. Symptoms were not predictive of reading accuracy or rate. The present study indicates that visual motor speed and NPC are predictive of academic reading performance after SRC, suggesting clinicians should consider these clinical outcomes to better inform academic accommodations.
Bioinformatics resources facilitate understanding and harnessing clinical research of SARS-CoV-2

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has created an unprecedented threat to public health. The pandemic has been sweeping the globe, impacting more than 200 countries, with more outbreaks still lurking on the horizon. At the time of the writing, no approved drugs or vaccines are available to treat COVID-19 patients, prompting an urgent need to decipher mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and develop curative treatments. To fight COVID-19, researchers around the world have provided specific tools and molecular information for SARS-CoV-2. These pieces of information can be integrated to aid computational investigations and facilitate clinical research. This paper reviews current knowledge, the current status of drug development and various resources for key steps toward effective treatment of COVID-19, including the phylogenetic characteristics, genomic conservation and interaction data. The final goal of this paper is to provide information that may be utilized in bioinformatics approaches and aid target prioritization and drug repurposing. Several SARS-CoV-2-related tools/databases were reviewed, and a web-portal named OverCOVID (http://bis.zju.edu.cn/overcovid/) is constructed to provide a detailed interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 basics and share a collection of resources that may contribute to therapeutic advances. These information could improve researchers' understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and help to accelerate the development of new antiviral treatments.
Treatment of Heart Failure with Mid-Range Ejection Fraction: What Is the Evidence

In this review, we briefly outline our current knowledge on the epidemiology, outcomes, and pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and discuss in more depth the evidence on current treatment options for this group of patients. In most studies, the clinical background of patients with HFmrEF is intermediate between that of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in terms of demographics and comorbid conditions. However, the current evidence, stemming from observational studies and post hoc analyses of randomized controlled trials, suggests that patients with HFmrEF benefit from medications that target the neurohormonal axes, a pathophysiological behavior that resembles that of HFrEF. Use of β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sacubitril/valsartan is reasonable in patients with HFmrEF, whereas evidence is currently scarce for other therapies. In clinical practice, patients with HFmrEF are treated more like HFrEF patients, potentially because of history of systolic dysfunction that has partially recovered. Assessment of left ventricular systolic function with contemporary noninvasive modalities, e.g., echocardiographic strain imaging, is promising for the selection of patients with HFmrEF who will benefit from neurohormonal antagonists and other HFrEF-targeted therapies.