Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbonaceous material production from vegetable residue and their use in the removal of textile dyes present in wastewater

This paper presents the adsorption results of acid, basic, direct, vat, and reactive-type dyes on carbonaceous adsorbent materials prepared starting off vegetable residue such as Opuntia ficus indica and Casimiroa edulis fruit wastes. The adsorbents prepared from Opuntia ficus indica waste were designated: TunaAsh, CarTunaT, and CarTunaQ. The materials obtained from Casimiroa edulis waste were named: CenZAP, CarZAPT, and CarZAPQ. TunaAsh and CenZAP consist of ashes obtained at 550 °C; CarTunaT and CarZAPT consist of the materials carbonized at 400 °C; lastly, CarTunaQ and CarZAPQ consist of chemically activated carbons using H3PO4 at 400 °C. Only the chemically activated materials were washed with distilled water until a neutral pH was obtained after their carbonization. All materials were ground and sieved to obtain a particle size ranging from 0.25 to 0.84 mm. The static adsorption results showed that both ashes and chemically activated carbon are more efficient at dye removal for both vegetable residues. For TunaAsh and CarTunaQ, removal rates of up to 100% in the cases of basic, acid, and direct dyes were achieved. Regarding wastewater containing reactive dyes, the efficiency ranged from 60 to 100%. For vat effluents, it ranged from 42 to 52%. In the case of CenZAP and CarZAPQ, it was possible to treat reactive effluents with rates ranging between 63 and 91%. Regarding vat effluents, it ranged from 57 to 68%. The process of characterization for all materials was done using scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy.
Video-Based Facial Micro-Expression Analysis: A Survey of Datasets, Features and Algorithms

Unlike the conventional facial expressions, micro-expressions are involuntary and transient facial expressions capable of revealing the genuine emotions that people attempt to hide. Therefore, they can provide important information in a broad range of applications such as lie detection, criminal detection, etc. Since micro-expressions are transient and of low intensity, however, their detection and recognition is difficult and relies heavily on expert experiences. Due to its intrinsic particularity and complexity, video-based micro-expression analysis is attractive but challenging, and has recently become an active area of research. Although there have been numerous developments in this area, thus far there has been no comprehensive survey that provides researchers with a systematic overview of these developments with a unified evaluation. Accordingly, in this survey paper, we first highlight the key differences between macro- and micro-expressions, then use these differences to guide our research survey of video-based micro-expression analysis in a cascaded structure, encompassing the neuropsychological basis, datasets, features, spotting algorithms, recognition algorithms, applications and evaluation of state-of-the-art approaches. For each aspect, the basic techniques, advanced developments and major challenges are addressed and discussed. Furthermore, after considering the limitations of existing micro-expression datasets, we present and release a new dataset — called <italic>micro-and-macro expression warehouse</italic> (MMEW) — containing more video samples and more labeled emotion types. We then perform a unified comparison of representative methods on CAS(ME)<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^2$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:msup><mml:mrow/><mml:mn>2</mml:mn></mml:msup></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="liu-ieq1-3067464.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> for spotting, and on MMEW and SAMM for recognition, respectively. Finally, some potential future research directions are explored and outlined.
Synthesis and Properties of Polymer Containing 1,3,4-Oxadiazole and Azobenzene Units

A novel conjugated polymer containing azobenzene and 1,3,4-oxadiazole units(LPOXD) was synthesized.The structure of the LPOXD was charactered by FT-IR,UV-Vis,1H NMR,GPC,TGA and DSC.The results indicate that the intrinsic viscosity of the LPOXD is 0.02960 L/g,and its Mw and molecular mass distribution or polydispersity index(PDI) values are 8500 g/mol and 1.55,respectively.A 5% mass loss of the LPOXD occurred at 290 ℃. The glass-transition temperature(Tg) is 92.8 ℃. The introduction of long side chain of alkoxy significantly improved LPOXD' s solubility in common organic solvents such as chloroform,tetrahydrofuran,and so on.Furthermore,the optical and electrochemical properties of the LPOXD were investigated throughly by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy,fluorescence emission spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.The results indicate that the azobenzene in the LPOXD involve a trans-cis photoisomerization under the radiation of 365 nm UV light.A wide fluorescence peak of the LPOXD appeared in the wavelength range of blue and purple light under excitaion at 350 nm.Cyclic voltammetry reveals that the LUMO and HOMO energies of the LPOXD are-5.96 eV and-3.17 eV,respectively.
Use of endpoints in multiple myeloma randomized controlled trials over the last 15 years: A systematic review

Surrogate endpoints are being used more frequently in randomized controlled trials, even though they do not consistently corelate with patient outcomes. We systemically evaluated the use of surrogate endpoints in multiple myeloma randomized controlled trials over the past 15 years. We searched three databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane) for multiple myeloma randomized controlled trials from January 1, 2005 to December 30, 2019. The primary outcome of our study was the proportion of randomized controlled trials that used overall survival as their primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes included the use of surrogate endpoints, and trends over time, and whether they differed based on study sponsorship. We included 151 randomized controlled trials in our analysis. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) in 17 (11.3%) of studies, progression free survival (PFS) or event‐defined endpoints in 91 studies (60.3%) and response‐based endpoints in 44 studies (29.1%). Quality of life was a primary endpoint in only three studies (2%). The use of OS as a primary endpoint decreased from 28.5% of trials from 2005 to 2009 to 5.5% from 2015 to 2019. There has been a decrease in the clinically meaningful endpoint of OS over the past 15 years in multiple myeloma randomized controlled trials. Use of quality of life as a primary endpoint remains exceedingly low. It remains paramount to recognize that the use of surrogate endpoints is imperfect, and care based upon them requires constant physician and patient re‐analysis.
Advances in Chemical Amplification Resist Systems

The chemical amplification concept proposed in 1982 to boost resist sensitivities is now well accepted by the lithography community, which stems not only from high sensitivities that chemical amplification resist systems can offer but also from additional benefits of high contrasts and unexpectedly high resolution capabilities. The design flexibility and versatility that the use of acid as a catalytic species offers are another attractive feature of chemical amplification, giving rise to a birth of an entire family of advanced resist systems. Manufacture and prototype fabrication of DRAM's by deep UV lithography have been accomplished with use of chemical amplification resists. However, some process problems uniquely associated with chemical amplification resists have surfaced recently, which include their latent image instability due to their sensitivity toward minute amounts of air-borne contaminants. This paper reviews recent advances made in our laboratory in the field of chemical amplification resist systems and discusses 1) influence of residual casting solvent on absorption of NMP by polymer films, 2) effects of polymer end groups on resist sensitivity, and 3) new imaging mechanisms based on acid-catalyzed dehydration.
CircKDM4C upregulates P53 by sponging hsa‐let‐7b‐5p to induce ferroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia

To investigate the role of circKDM4C in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the expression of circKDM4C, hsa‐let‐7b‐5p, and P53 was measured by qRT‐RCR. AML cell lines(K‐562 and HL‐60) were transfected correspondingly and investigated for cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities by CCK‐8, colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays, respectively. The levels of P53, ACSL4, PTGS2, GPX4, and FTH1 in the K‐562, and HL‐60 cells were measured by western blotting. Also, circKDM4C mediated regulation of ferroptosis was studied. The Phen Green SK probe and confocal laser scanning microscope were used to assess the cellular iron levels. The reactive oxygen species levels were analyzed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting using the C11‐BODIPY probe. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the putative binding sites among circKDM4C, hsa‐let‐7b‐5p, and P53. These were verified using the dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Finally, in vitro findings were also verified in vivo using the nude mice. CircKDM4C was significantly down‐regulated in AML patients. The overexpression of circKDM4C in AML cell lines inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted ferroptosis. We found that circKDM4C acts as a sponge of hsa‐let‐7b‐5p and thereby regulates p53 which is a target gene of hsa‐let‐7b‐5p. Also, the expression of circKDM4C and hsa‐let‐7b‐5p are negatively correlated, while circKDM4C and p53 are positively correlated to AML patients. Moreover, we found that circKDM4C induces ferroptosis by sponging hsa‐let‐7b‐5p which upregulates the expression of P53. This work emphasizes the role of circKDM4C in AML patients, which could be explored for the therapeutic role.
Are spousal partner perceptions of continuity and discontinuity within the relationship linked to the symptoms of acquired brain injury?

Abstract Purpose Some partners experience their relationship with a person with brain injury as the continuation of a loving pre-injury relationship (continuity), but others feel that the pre-injury relationship has been lost and replaced with something very different (discontinuity). This study provided a quantitative test of claims arising from qualitative research that certain symptoms of the injury might contribute to the experience of discontinuity – specifically, lack of emotional warmth, reduced social interaction and aggression. Methods Fifty-three partners providing care to someone with brain injury completed questionnaires assessing continuity/discontinuity and a range of symptoms (emotional warmth, conversational ability, aggression, depression, somatic complaints, cognition, communication, aggression, and physical disability). Results Discontinuity was significantly correlated with all symptom variables except physical disability but, in a multiple regression, only the measures of emotional warmth, conversation, aggression, and depression made a significant unique contribution. Conclusions Discontinuity has been linked with relationship dissatisfaction and dysfunction, greater burden and distress, and a less person-centred approach to the provision of care. Identifying which symptoms contribute to discontinuity may enable partners to be more effectively supported in terms of how they make sense of and react to those symptoms, so that a greater sense of continuity may be retained. Implications for rehabilitation In a marriage/partnership after brain injury, some people struggle to maintain the loving relationship they shared with the person with the brain injury before the injury. This has an impact on the psychological wellbeing of the couple and on the quality of care provided. Certain symptoms of the brain injury may make it more difficult to maintain the loving pre-injury relationship. These include aggression, depression, a lack of emotional warmth within the relationship, and more general difficulties in making conversation. Caregivers dealing with these symptoms may need extra support in making sense of, and coming to terms with, these changes.
Improved synaptic functionalities of Li-based nano-ionic synaptic transistor with ultralow conductance enabled by Al2O3 barrier layer

In this study, we investigated the effect of an Al2O3 barrier layer in an all-solid-state inorganic Li-based nano-ionic synaptic transistor (LST) with Li3PO4 electrolyte/WO x channel structure. Near-ideal synaptic behavior in the ultralow conductance range (∼50 nS) was obtained by controlling the abrupt ion migration through the introduction of a sputter-deposited thin (∼3 nm) Al2O3 interfacial layer. A trade-off relationship between the weight update linearity and on/off ratio with varying Al2O3 layer thickness was also observed. To determine the origin of the Al2O3 barrier layer effects, cyclic voltammetry analysis was conducted, and the optimal ionic diffusivity and mobility were found to be key parameters in achieving ideal synaptic behavior. Owing to the controlled ion migration, the retention characteristics were considerably improved by the Al2O3 barrier. Finally, a highly improved pattern recognition accuracy (83.13%) was achieved using the LST with an Al2O3 barrier of optimal thickness.
Inverse association of plasma hydrogen sulfide levels with visceral fat area among Chinese young men: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between plasma Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) levels and visceral fat area (VFA) among Chinese young men. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study involved 156 Chinese male subjects, aged 18–45 years, who visited the First Hospital of Qinhuangdao (Hebei, China) in 2014 for annual health check-up. Participants were categorized into: low (VFA < 75.57 cm2), medium (75.57 cm2 ≤ VFA<100.37 cm2), and high (VFA ≥ 100.37 cm2) (n = 52/group). We estimated VFA and plasma H2S levels by using bioelectrical impedance analysis and a fluorescence probe-based approach, respectively. The associations of H2S with VFA and obesity anthropometric measures were assessed. Results: In the high VFA group, the body mass index (BMI, 30.4 ± 2.45 kg/m2), total body fat (TBF, 27.9 ± 3.23 kg), plasma H2S (3.5 μmol/L), free fatty acid (FFA, 0.6 ± 0.24 mmol/L), triglyceride (TG, 2.0 mmol/L), and total cholesterol (TC, 5.5 ± 1.02 mmol/L) levels were significantly higher than that of those of the low and medium VFA groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Plasma H2S levels were found to be inversely correlated with VFA, TBF, waist circumference, BMI, FFA, LnFINS, LnHOMA-IR, LnTG, TC, and LDL-C (P < 0.05). Multiple backward stepwise regression analysis revealed an inverse correlation of plasma H2S levels with FFA (β = −0.214, P = 0.005) and VFA (β = −0.429, P < 0.001), independent of adiposity measures and other confounding factors. Conclusion: VFA was independently and inversely associated with plasma H2S levels among Chinese young men. Therefore, determining plasma H2S levels could aid in the assessment of abnormal VAT distribution.
Publication trends in research on particulate matter and health impact over a 10-year period: 2009–2018

Exposure to ambient particulate matter is a major health risk factor for numerous diseases, including those of the cardiovascular and respiratory varieties. The aim of this study was to estimate the latest global research activities regarding particulate matter and health impact. We performed a bibliometric analysis of this field’s scientific publication trends over a decade (2009–2018). Publications were retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases using the search terms “particulate matter,” “fine particulate matter,” “health impact,” and their synonyms. The literature on health impact in the research fields of particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) trended to significantly increase over the decade in consideration. It appears to have been led by researchers of the United States and China. Worldwide research on particulate matter and health effects has focused primarily on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The precursors to and components of particulate matter (such as nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, sulfur dioxide, and black carbon) were also popular research topics in this field. Research on children, older adults, and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution, has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. Our findings provide the information necessary to predict unmet research topics and future research needs.
Quantum mechanics study on the selectivity of alkali metal cations by a novel fluorescent chemosensor

The selectivity of alkali metal cations (Na+ and K+) by a novel fluorescent chemosensor was investigated by quantum mechanics calculations. The binding energy calculations of the cationic complexes indicate that both of the aza-18-crown-6 rings bind Na+ more strongly than K+ and ring A favors both of Na+ and K+ comparing to ring B. The order of the stability implied by Gibbs free energy study agrees with that by binding energy calculation. Solvent effect was further investigated. Due to the large difference of solvation energies, the order of the stability of complexes changes in water.
A study of the oil-film formation in gears by electrical resistance measurements

In pursuit of information concerning the nature of lubrication in gears, measurements of the electrical resistance between the meshing teeth of rotating gears have been made using a cathode-ray oscillograph. Photographs of the trace on the screen of the cathode-ray oscillograph are shown indicating values of resistance ranging from infinity to zero. The variation of resistance depends on the load, though the resistance is always lowest where the sliding speed is highest and has its maximum value in the neighbourhood of the pitch-line where there is no sliding motion. Absolute values of film-thickness could not be determined.
Classification of chronic venous diseases based on skin temperature patterns

Objective. Infrared thermography has the potential to complement the classification of chronic venous diseases (CVD), but lacks sophisticated insights on the association between recorded skin temperatures and the severity of CVD. This research aims to identify temperature patterns in the lower legs of patients that are distinct in specific forms of CVD, including florid ulcers. Approach. Infrared images were acquired in a clinical trial with 36 patients and segmented using a region selection algorithm. The regions were analyzed with respect to seven predefined features. The most prominent thermal features were translated into rules to classify CVD. Main results. Patients with mild forms of CVD show local increases in skin temperature by more than 1.5 °C. These regions were 2.0 °C warmer when CVD is more severe. Temperature variations of on average 0.4 °C occurred within venous leg ulcers. Furthermore, these wounds were 1.1 °C–6.3 °C colder than periwound skin. Significance. Temperature patterns characterized by differences in temperature that occur within a few centimeters or millimeters are distinct to specific stages of CVD. These patterns are present in the locations of varicose veins and tissue damages. Significance. The findings increase the body of knowledge on the potential for the early detection of CVD using infrared thermography. Applying the presented algorithms and rules, infrared thermography may become a complementary tool for the objective classification of CVD.
Low-Dose Tamoxifen for Mammographic Density Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE Tamoxifen prevents breast cancer in high-risk women and reduces mortality in the adjuvant setting. Mammographic density change is a proxy for tamoxifen therapy response. We tested whether lower doses of tamoxifen were noninferior to reduce mammographic density and associated with fewer symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS Women, 40-74 years of age, participating in the Swedish mammography screening program were invited to the 6-month double-blind six-arm randomized placebo-controlled noninferiority dose-determination KARISMA phase II trial stratified by menopausal status (EudraCT 2016-000882-22). In all, 1,439 women were accrued with 1,230 participants accessible for intention-to-treat analysis. The primary outcome was proportion of women treated with placebo, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg whose mammographic density decreased at least as much as the median reduction in the 20 mg arm. The noninferior margin was 17%. Secondary outcome was reduction of symptoms. Post hoc analyses were performed by menopausal status. Per-protocol population and full population were analyzed in sensitivity analysis. RESULTS The 1,439 participants, 566 and 873 pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively, were recruited between October 1, 2016, and September 30, 2019. The participants had noninferior mammographic density reduction following 2.5, 5, and 10 mg tamoxifen compared with the median 10.1% decrease observed in the 20 mg group, a reduction confined to premenopausal women. Severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, cold sweats, and night sweats) were reduced by approximately 50% in the 2.5, 5, and 10 mg groups compared with the 20 mg group. CONCLUSION Premenopausal women showed noninferior magnitude of breast density decrease at 2.5 mg of tamoxifen, but fewer side effects compared with the standard dose of 20 mg. Future studies should test whether 2.5 mg of tamoxifen reduces the risk of primary breast cancer.
A novel bi‐allelic loss‐of‐function mutation in STIM1 expands the phenotype of STIM1‐related diseases

STIM1, the stromal interaction molecule 1, is the key protein for maintaining calcium concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum by triggering the Store Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE). Bi‐allelic mutations in STIM1 gene are responsible for a loss‐of‐function in patients affected with a CRAC channelopathy syndrome in which severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID‐like), autoimmunity, ectodermal dysplasia and muscle hypotonia are combined. Here, we studied two siblings from a consanguineous Syrian family, presenting with muscle weakness, hyperlaxity, elastic skin, tooth abnormalities, dysmorphic facies, hypoplastic patellae and history of respiratory infections. Using exome sequencing, we have identified a new homozygous frameshift mutation in STIM1: c.685delT [p.(Phe229Leufs*12)], leading to a complete loss of STIM1 protein. In this study, we describe an unusual phenotype linked to STIM1 mutations, combining clinical signs usually observed in different STIM1‐related diseases. In particular, we confirmed that the complete loss of STIM1 function is not always associated with severe immune disorders. Altogether, our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes associated with mutations in STIM1 and opens new perspectives on the pathological mechanisms associated with a defect in the proteins constituting the SOCE complex.
A positive feedback loop between mTORC1 and cathelicidin promotes skin inflammation in rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder whose pathogenesis is unclear. Here, several lines of evidence were provided to demonstrate that mTORC1 signaling is hyperactivated in the skin, especially in the epidermis, of both rosacea patients and a mouse model of rosacea‐like skin inflammation. Both mTORC1 deletion in epithelium and inhibition by its specific inhibitors can block the development of rosacea‐like skin inflammation in LL37‐induced rosacea‐like mouse model. Conversely, hyperactivation of mTORC1 signaling aggravated rosacea‐like features. Mechanistically, mTORC1 regulates cathelicidin through a positive feedback loop, in which cathelicidin LL37 activates mTORC1 signaling by binding to Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and thus in turn increases the expression of cathelicidin itself in keratinocytes. Moreover, excess cathelicidin LL37 induces both NF‐κB activation and disease‐characteristic cytokine and chemokine production possibly via mTORC1 signaling. Topical application of rapamycin improved clinical symptoms in rosacea patients, suggesting mTORC1 inhibition can serve as a novel therapeutic avenue for rosacea.