Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multivariate finite-support phase-type distributions

Abstract We introduce a multivariate class of distributions with support I, a k-orthotope in $[0,\infty)^{k}$ , which is dense in the set of all k-dimensional distributions with support I. We call this new class ‘multivariate finite-support phase-type distributions’ (MFSPH). Though we generally define MFSPH distributions on any finite k-orthotope in $[0,\infty)^{k}$ , here we mainly deal with MFSPH distributions with support $[0,1)^{k}$ . The distribution function of an MFSPH variate is computed by using that of a variate in the MPH $^{*} $ class, the multivariate class of distributions introduced by Kulkarni (1989). The marginal distributions of MFSPH variates are found as FSPH distributions, the class studied by Ramaswami and Viswanath (2014). Some properties, including the mixture property, of MFSPH distributions are established. Estimates of the parameters of a particular class of bivariate finite-support phase-type distributions are found by using the expectation-maximization algorithm. Simulated samples are used to demonstrate how this class could be used as approximations for bivariate finite-support distributions.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Grafted with Hyperbranched Polymer Shell via SCVP

A self-condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP) strategy via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was employed to grow hyperbranched macromolecules on the surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The MWNT surface fixed with ATRP initiators [MWNT-COOCH2CH2OCOC(CH3)2Br, MWNT-Br] was prepared by reaction of MWNT-COCl with excess of 2-hydroxyethyl 2‘-bromoisobutyrate. Then, using the MWNT-Br as polyfunctional initiator (B*f), hyperbranched macromolecules were covalently grafted on MWNTs by self-condensing vinyl polymerization of 2-((bromobutyryl)oxy)ethyl acrylate (BBEA, AB* inimer) via the ATRP process. The resultant products were characterized by FT-IR, NMR, and TEM. TGA measurements showed that the weight ratio of the as-grown hyperbranched polymers on the MWNT surfaces reached 80%. The as-prepared MWNTs grafted with hyperbranched polymers exhibit relatively good dispersibility in organic solvents such as THF and chloroform.
Impact of enhanced personal protective equipment on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the use of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare workers in patient-facing roles. We describe the impact on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE consistently. Methods We conducted a single-centre, cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE. A web-based questionnaire was disseminated to evaluate the effects on individuals’ physical and mental well-being. Physical and mental impact was assessed through a visual analogue scale. Results Prospective analysis of the views of 72 respondents is reported. 63.9% were women and 36.1% were men. Physical impact included exhaustion, headache, skin changes, breathlessness and a negative impact on vision. Communication difficulties, somnolence, negative impact on overall performance and difficulties in using surgical instrumentation were reported. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the undeniable negative impact on the front-line healthcare workers using enhanced PPE and lays the ground for larger multicentric assessments given for it to potentially be the norm for the foreseeable future.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) Cross-Linkers for in Vivo Injectable Hydrogels

New poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) derivatives containing different pendant chemoselective functionalities have been prepared for the in situ formation of hydrogels at physiological conditions. Particularly, incorporations of thiol, cysteine 1,2-aminothiol, and aminooxy side chains to PVA were performed for the first time by direct coupling of the protected nucleophilic functionalities to PVA’s hydroxyl groups via carbamate linkages followed by acidic deprotection. In the second approach, PVA was first derivatized to a low degree (3%) with amino groups which were used to quantitatively react with different N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of carboxylic acids containing maleimide, α-iodoacetyl, or acrylate thiophilic functionalities. The utility of the amino-derivatized PVA was also demonstrated for further functionalization with semicarbazide terminated side chains. The ability of the new PVA derivatives to act as multifunctional cross-linking agents was examined in the course of in situ cross-linking reactions wit.
Factors Associated with Ocular and Extraocular Recovery in 143 Patients with Sarcoid Uveitis

Background: Sarcoidosis is one of the leading causes of uveitis. To date, no studies have assessed the factors specifically related with recovery in ocular sarcoidosis. In this study, we aimed to determine factors associated with ocular and extraocular recovery in patients with sarcoid uveitis. Methods: A retrospective study of sarcoid uveitis, with a three-year minimum follow-up in Lyon University Hospital between December 2003 and December 2019. Patients presented biopsy-proven sarcoidosis or presumed sarcoid. Recovery was defined by a disease-free status, spontaneously or despite being off all treatments for three years or more. Results: 143 patients were included: 110 with biopsy-proven and 33 with presumed sarcoid uveitis. Seventy-one percent were women, the median age at presentation was 53 years, and 71% were Caucasian. Chronic uveitis was the main clinical presentation (75%), mostly panuveitis (48%) with bilateral involvement (82%). After a median follow-up of 83.5 months, recovery was reported in 26% of patients. In multivariable analysis, Caucasian ethnicity (p = 0.007) and anterior uveitis (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with recovery, while increased intraocular pressure was negatively associated (p = 0.039). Conclusion: In this large European cohort, one quarter of patients recovered. Caucasian ethnicity and anterior uveitis are associated with ocular and extraocular recovery.
Uranyl Surface Complexes in a Mixed-Charge Montmorillonite: Monte Carlo Computer Simulation and Polarized XAFS Results

We report a combined experimental and theoretical study of uranyl complexes that form on the interlayer siloxane surfaces of montmorillonite. We also consider the effect of isomorphic substitution on surface complexation since our montmorillonite sample contains charge sites in both the octahedral and tetrahedral sheets. Results are given for the two-layer hydrate with a layer spacing of 14.58 Å. Polarized-dependent X-ray absorption fine structure spectra are nearly invariant with the incident angle, indicating that the uranyl ions are oriented neither perpendicular nor parallel to the basal plane of montmorillonite. The equilibrated geometry from Monte Carlo simulations suggests that uranyl ions form outer-sphere surface complexes with the [O=U=O]2+ axis tilted at an angle of ~45° to the surface normal.
Electricity, Heat, and Gas Load Forecasting Based on Deep Multitask Learning in Industrial-Park Integrated Energy System

Different energy systems are closely connected with each other in industrial-park integrated energy system (IES). The energy demand forecasting has important impact on IES dispatching and planning. This paper proposes an approach of short-term energy forecasting for electricity, heat, and gas by employing deep multitask learning whose structure is constructed by deep belief network (DBN) and multitask regression layer. The DBN can extract abstract and effective characteristics in an unsupervised fashion, and the multitask regression layer above the DBN is used for supervised prediction. Then, subject to condition of practical demand and model integrity, the whole energy forecasting model is introduced, including preprocessing, normalization, input properties, training stage, and evaluating indicator. Finally, the validity of the algorithm and the accuracy of the energy forecasts for an industrial-park IES system are verified through the simulations using actual operating data from load system. The positive results turn out that the deep multitask learning has great prospects for load forecast.
Efficacy and safety of cold versus hot snare polypectomy for small (5–9 mm) colorectal polyps: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Resection techniques for small polyps include cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and hot snare polypectomy (HSP). This study compared CSP and HSP in 5–9 mm polyps in terms of complete resection and adverse events. Methods This was a multicenter, randomized trial conducted in seven Spanish centers between February and November 2019. Patients with ≥ 15–9 mm polyp were randomized to CSP or HSP, regardless of morphology or pit pattern. After polypectomy, two marginal biopsies were submitted to a pathologist who was blinded to polyp histology. Complete resection was defined as normal mucosa or burn artifacts in the biopsies. Abdominal pain was only assessed in patients without < 5 mm or > 9 mm polyps. Results 496 patients were randomized: 237 (394 polyps) to CSP and 259 (397 polyps) to HSP. Complete polypectomy rates were 92.5 % with CSP and 94.0 % with HSP (difference 1.5 %, 95 % confidence interval –1.9 % to 4.9 %). Intraprocedural bleeding occurred during three CSPs (0.8 %) and seven HSPs (1.8 %) (P = 0.34). One lesion per group (0.4 %) presented delayed hemorrhage. Post-colonoscopy abdominal pain presented similarly in both groups 1 hour after the procedure (CSP 18.8 % vs. HSP 18.4 %) but was higher in the HSP group after 5 hours (5.9 % vs. 16.5 %; P = 0.02). A higher proportion of patients were asymptomatic 24 hours after CSP than after HSP (97 % vs. 86.4 %; P = 0.01). Conclusions We observed no differences in complete resection and bleeding rates between CSP and HSP. CSP reduced the intensity and duration of post-colonoscopy abdominal pain.
Local Porosity Measurement From Scanning Electron Microscopy Images in the Backscattered Electrons Mode

Abstract Abstract We propose a method to measure the local porosity of porous samples from scanning electron microscopy images in the backscattered electron mode. The porous samples are impregnated with a polymer resin and observed in polished cross sections. Image intensities are calibrated with intensities from pure resin and the bulk phase. The calibration model is justified with Monte Carlo simulations on perfectly homogeneous virtual samples. Uncertainties in measured porosity are given as a function of uncertainties on physical properties of the resin and the bulk phase and on measured signals. The methodology is applied to a series of heterogeneous alumina catalyst supports with varying porosities. A good agreement is found between the averaged local porosity by scanning electron microscopy and global porosity determined by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The use of local porosity statistics allowed the quantitative characterization of the porosity fluctuations of these supports that appeared to be linked with their preparation parameters.
Flow structure and combustion characteristic of 65 t/h oil-shale-fired circulating fluidized bed riser. 1. Dense phase

In this paper, an industrial hot experiment was done for studying the flow structure and combustion characteristic of a 65 t/h oil-shale-fired circulating fluidized bed (CFB) dense phase. The operational characteristics of this boiler and the particle properties of crushed oil shale and circulating ash were obtained. The particle-size distribution and carbon content of solid particles within the dense phase were investigated along the horizontal direction under different boiler loads. The experimental results may be used as a reference for modeling the flow structure, combustion, heat transfer, and abrasion of the oil-shale-fired CFB dense phase. At the same time, the experimental data obtained lay a foundation for the scale-up of oil-shale-fired CFB boilers.
Effect of Dietary Flaxseed Oil Supplementation on the Redox Status, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Horses’ Blood

Simple Summary Flaxseed oils have long been used in animal feeding and human nutrition due to the beneficial effects of their biologically active substances, especially omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the replacement of soybean oil (SO) with flaxseed oil (FO) in the horses’ diet on biochemical, haematological, and redox status parameters of the blood. We found FO contributed to an improvement of lipid profile, haematological parameters of the blood and enhanced antioxidant defence mechanisms of horses. This suggests that substitution of SO with FO in the diet of horses is beneficial for their health status. Abstract This study compared the effect of two dietary vegetable oils on plasma biochemical indices, haematological parameters, and redox status of horses. Forty riding horses (20 mares and 20 stallions) of the Malopolski breed were divided equally into two groups that were similar in terms of age, sex, and body weight (on average 530 ± 30 kg). The horses received soybean oil (SO) or flaxseed oil (FO) in the amount of 25 mL per 100 kg BW/day. After 60 days, blood was collected for biochemical and haematological analyses. The results show that horses receiving FO as compared to the SO group had significantly lower plasma levels of glucose, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and triacylglycerols, as well as the activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. In turn, %HDL-TC and lactate dehydrogenase activity were significantly higher in the FO group. The inclusion of FO in the diet contributed to an increase in antioxidant indices: creatinine, vitamin C, copper, and zinc contents and also superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The level of the end product of lipid peroxidation, i.e., malonyl dialdehyde, in the FO group as compared to the SO group was significantly lower. Moreover, FO caused an elevation in red blood cell indicators, lymphocyte count and lysozymes. In conclusion, FO exerts a beneficial effect by stimulating antioxidant defence mechanisms of horses and reducing the severity of oxidative stress. FO also improved the lipid profile and haematological parameters of the blood. The replacement of SO by FO is recommended based on these findings.
The Relationships Between Prenatal Smoking Exposure and Telomere Lengths in Fetuses, Infants, and Children: A Systematic Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between prenatal smoking exposure and telomere lengths (TLs) in fetuses, infants, and children. METHODS This is a systematic review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Databases searched were Biomedical Reference Collection, MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. The latest search was on October 18, 2019. RESULTS Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and thus were reviewed. Five of the studies showed significant inverse relationships between prenatal tobacco exposure and TLs in fetuses, infants, and children. One study showed a modification effect of the postconceptual age, indicating that older fetuses with prenatal smoking exposure had shorter TLs than their counterparts. This effect was more prominent after 93 days of postconception. Another study reported a finding that was contrary to the above results, showing that the telomeres of newborns with prenatal smoking exposure were longer than those of their counterparts. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS This review shows that the impact of prenatal smoking on the health of unborn fetuses, infants, and children is an understudied area. Because of the inconsistent findings and cross-sectional study designs, more research is required, especially longitudinally studies. Nonetheless, the findings of the review provide partial evidence that prenatal smoking can potentially impact the genetic biomarker, TLs, and, thus, health of fetuses, infants, and children. The evidence confirms the current practice that pregnant women should be encouraged to stop smoking as soon as they become pregnant.
Mutational Analysis of the Nsa2 N-Terminus Reveals Its Essential Role in Ribosomal 60S Subunit Assembly

The ribosome assembly factor Nsa2 is part of the Rea1-Rsa4-Nsa2 interconnected relay on nuclear pre-60S particles that is essential for 60S ribosome biogenesis. Cryo-EM structures depict Nsa2 docked via its C-terminal β-barrel domain to nuclear pre-60S particles, whereas the extended N-terminus, consisting of three α-helical segments, meanders between various 25S rRNA helices with the extreme N-terminus in close vicinity to the Nog1 GTPase center. Here, we tested whether this unappreciated proximity between Nsa2 and Nog1 is of functional importance. Our findings demonstrate that a conservative mutation, Nsa2 Q3N, abolished cell growth and impaired 60S biogenesis. Subsequent genetic and biochemical analyses verified that the Nsa2 N-terminus is required to target Nsa2 to early pre-60S particles. However, overexpression of the Nsa2 N-terminus abolished cytoplasmic recycling of the Nog1 GTPase, and both Nog1 and the Nsa2-N (1-58) construct, but not the respective Nsa2-N (1-58) Q3N mutant, were found arrested on late cytoplasmic pre-60S particles. These findings point to specific roles of the different Nsa2 domains for 60S ribosome biogenesis.
Aortic Stiffness Is Associated with Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients with Non-obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Objective Associations between aortic stiffness and cardiovascular disease events are mediated in part by pathways that include coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and remodeling. However, the relationship between aortic stiffness and CMD remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether aortic stiffness causes CMD as evaluated by the hyperemic microvascular resistance index (hMVRI) in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods The intracoronary physiological variables in 209 coronary arteries were evaluated in 121 patients with non-obstructive CAD (fractional flow reserve >0.80) or reference vessels. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) as a measure of aortic stiffness and atherosclerotic risk factors were also measured. Results Univariate analyses showed that hMVRI correlated with age (β=0.24, p=0.007), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; β=-0.18, p=0.048), EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) (EPA/AA) ratio (β=-0.22, p=0.014) and CAVI (β=0.30, p=0.001). A multivariate regression analysis identified CAVI (β=0.25, p=0.007) and EPA/AA ratio (β=-0.26, SE=0.211, p=0.003) as independent determinants of hMVRI. Conclusion Aortic stiffness may cause CMD in patients with non-obstructive CAD via increased coronary microvascular resistance. Aortic stiffness is associated with CMD which is evaluated as hyperemic microvascular resistance in patients with non-obstructive CAD.
Designing Splicing Digital Microfluidics Chips Based on Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane

As a laboratory-on-a-chip application tool, digital microfluidics (DMF) technology is widely used in DNA-based applications, clinical diagnosis, chemical synthesis, and other fields. Additional components (such as heaters, centrifuges, mixers, etc.) are required in practical applications on DMF devices. In this paper, a DMF chip interconnection method based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) was proposed. An open modified slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) membrane was used as the dielectric-hydrophobic layer material, which consisted of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane and silicone oil. Indium tin oxide (ITO) glass was used to manufacture the DMF chip. In order to test the relationship between the splicing gap and droplet moving, the effect of the different electrodes on/off time on the minimum driving voltage when the droplet crossed a splicing gap was investigated. Then, the effects of splicing gaps of different widths, splicing heights, and electrode misalignments were investigated, respectively. The experimental results showed that a driving voltage of 119 V was required for a droplet to cross a splicing gap width of 300 μm when the droplet volume was 10 μL and the electrode on/off time was 600 ms. At the same time, the droplet could climb a height difference of 150 μm with 145 V, and 141 V was required when the electrode misalignment was 1000 μm. Finally, the minimum voltage was not obviously changed, when the same volume droplet with different aqueous solutions crossed the splicing gap, and the droplet could cross different chip types. These splicing solutions show high potential for simultaneous detection of multiple components in human body fluids.
A Novel Approach for Effective Alteration of Morphological Features of Polyaniline through Interfacial Polymerization for Versatile Applications

Morphological characteristics of any nanomaterial are critical in defining its properties. In this context, a method to control morphological parameters of polyaniline (PANI) has been investigated by producing its composite with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Herein, we report for the first time the successful control on the physical/chemical properties of PANI composites synthesized via interfacial polymerization through functionalization of its AuNP composite component with citrate, ascorbate, glutathione (GSH), and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). A significant difference in the polymerization pattern, morphologies, and electrical properties was recognized in these composites according to the functionality of the modified AuNPs. The obtained composites of AuNPs/PANI exhibited highly diverse morphologies (e.g., nodule, hollow hemisphere, flake, and spider-web galaxy type) and electrical characteristics according to functionalization. Hence, this study is expected to offer better insight into control of the polymerization pattern of AuNP/PANI composites and their associated properties.
Rapid Profiling of the Volatilome of Cooked Meat by PTR-ToF-MS: Characterization of Chicken, Turkey, Pork, Veal and Beef Meat

This study aimed to compare the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of cooked meat from different species. Four burgers were prepared and cooked from each of 100 meat samples obtained from 100 animals of five species/categories (chicken, turkey, pork, veal and beef) sourced from five supermarkets and five local butchers. Two burgers were cooked in a water bath and two were grilled. Direct proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass-spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) analysis of the sample headspace yielded 129 mass peaks, 64 of which were tentatively identified. The results showed that turkey and chicken had the largest and the smallest total concentrations of all VOCs, respectively. Of the mammalian meats, veal and beef had greater total VOC concentrations than pork. The proportions of the amounts of all the individual VOCs differed significantly according to species. Additionally, 14 of 17 independent latent explanatory factors (LEFs) identified by multivariate analysis exhibited significant differences between meat species/categories, and therefore helped to characterize them. PTR-ToF-MS has been used for the first time for the rapid and non-invasive profiling of cooked meat of different species/categories. Knowledge of specific VOC profiles paves new avenues for research aimed at characterizing species through sensory description, at authenticating species or at identifying abnormalities or fraud.