Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determining and Comparing Neutron Spectra at Taiwan Photon Source before and after the Installation of Local Injection Shielding

Abstract Accurate neutron spectrum measurements at light source facilities are difficult to perform because of relatively low and time-varying neutron intensities. A homemade Bonner cylinder spectrometer was used to determine the energy spectra of neutrons outside the lateral shielding wall of the Taiwan Photon Source before and after the installation of local injection shielding. The spectrometer, similar to the design of conventional Bonner spheres, features (1) highly sensitive neutron detection and (2) a wide-range response to neutrons with energies up to the GeV range. Neutron measurements were conducted by intentionally parking the injected 3-GeV electrons at the septum of the storage ring. On the basis of high-fidelity FLUKA simulations, neutron spectra at the measurement location under the experimental conditions were obtained and adopted as an initial guess for spectrum unfolding. The neutron spectra determined before and after the local shielding were comprehensively compared in terms of their intensities and characteristics. The local shielding resulted in overall reductions of approximately 44% and 38% in total neutron flux and dose rate, respectively. Both before and after the local shielding, high-energy neutrons (>10 MeV) were the dominant component of the radiation field, which contributed approximately 30% to 35% of the total neutron flux and 55% to 59% of the total neutron dose rate.
Distinct Roles of Acidophiles in Complete Oxidation of High-Sulfur Ferric Leach Product of Zinc Sulfide Concentrate

A two-step process, which involved ferric leaching with biologically generated solution and subsequent biooxidation with the microbial community, has been previously proposed for the processing of low-grade zinc sulfide concentrates. In this study, we carried out the process of complete biological oxidation of the product of ferric leaching of the zinc concentrate, which contained 9% of sphalerite, 5% of chalcopyrite, and 29.7% of elemental sulfur. After 21 days of biooxidation at 40 °C, sphalerite and chalcopyrite oxidation reached 99 and 69%, respectively, while the level of elemental sulfur oxidation was 97%. The biooxidation residue could be considered a waste product that is inert under aerobic conditions. The results of this study showed that zinc sulfide concentrate processing using a two-step treatment is efficient and promising. The microbial community, which developed during biooxidation, was dominated by Acidithiobacillus caldus, Leptospirillum ferriphilum, Ferroplasma acidiphilum, Sulfobacillus thermotolerans, S. thermosulfidooxidans, and Cuniculiplasma sp. At the same time, F. acidiphilum and A. caldus played crucial roles in the oxidation of sulfide minerals and elemental sulfur, respectively. The addition of L. ferriphilum to A. caldus during biooxidation of the ferric leach product proved to inhibit elemental sulfur oxidation.
Temporally consistent species differences in parasite infection but no evidence for rapid parasite‐mediated speciation in Lake Victoria cichlid fish

Parasites may have strong eco‐evolutionary interactions with their hosts. Consequently, they may contribute to host diversification. The radiation of cichlid fish in Lake Victoria provides a good model to study the role of parasites in the early stages of speciation. We investigated patterns of macroparasite infection in a community of 17 sympatric cichlids from a recent radiation and 2 older species from 2 nonradiating lineages, to explore the opportunity for parasite‐mediated speciation. Host species had different parasite infection profiles, which were only partially explained by ecological factors (diet, water depth). This may indicate that differences in infection are not simply the result of differences in exposure, but that hosts evolved species‐specific resistance, consistent with parasite‐mediated divergent selection. Infection was similar between sampling years, indicating that the direction of parasite‐mediated selection is stable through time. We morphologically identified 6 Cichlidogyrus species, a gill parasite that is considered a good candidate for driving parasite‐mediated speciation, because it is host species‐specific and has radiated elsewhere in Africa. Species composition of Cichlidogyrus infection was similar among the most closely related host species (members of the Lake Victoria radiation), but two more distantly related species (belonging to nonradiating sister lineages) showed distinct infection profiles. This is inconsistent with a role for Cichlidogyrus in the early stages of divergence. To conclude, we find significant interspecific variation in parasite infection profiles, which is temporally consistent. We found no evidence that Cichlidogyrus‐mediated selection contributes to the early stages of speciation. Instead, our findings indicate that species differences in infection accumulate after speciation.
Disinfection of contaminated metal implants with an Er:YAG laser

Infections related to orthopedic procedures are considered particularly severe when implantation materials are used, because effective treatments for biofilm removal are lacking. In this study, the relatively new approach for infection control by using an erbium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Er:YAG) laser was tested. This laser vaporizes all water containing cells in a very effective, precise, and predictable manner and results in only minimal thermal damage. For preliminary testing, 42 steel plates and 42 pins were seeded with mixed cultures. First, the minimally necessary laser energy for biofilm removal was determined. Subsequently, the effectiveness of biofilm removal with the Er:YAG laser and the cleansing of the metal implants with octenidine‐soaked gauze was compared. Then, we compared the effectiveness of biofilm removal on 207 steel pins from 41 patients directly after explantation. Sonication and scanning electron microscopy were used for analysis. Laser fluences exceeding 2.8 J/cm2 caused a complete extinction of all living cells by a single‐laser impulse. Cleansing with octenidine‐soaked gauze and irradiation with the Er:YAG laser are both thoroughly effective when applied to seeded pins. In contrast, when explanted pins with fully developed biofilms were analyzed, we found a significant advantage of the laser procedure. The Er:YAG laser offers a secure, complete, and nontoxic eradication of all kinds of pathogens from metal implants without damaging the implant and without the possible development of resistance. The precise noncontact removal of adjacent tissue is a decisive advantage over conventional disinfectants. Therefore, laser irradiation could become a valuable method in every debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention procedure.
Dietary patterns and depressive symptoms among Iranian women

We aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms among 217 Iranian women aged 20–45 years. In this study, dietary intake was assessed using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A principal component analysis was applied to detect the major dietary patterns. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess the depressive symptoms. Two major dietary patterns were identified: the “semi-Mediterranean” dietary pattern and the “western” dietary pattern. Participants with the “western” dietary pattern had a higher rate of depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). However, the “semi-Mediterranean” dietary pattern had no significant association with the depressive symptoms.
Association Between Formulary Coverage and Use of Abuse-Deterrent Prescription Opioids, Risk for Abuse or Overdose, and Associated Healthcare Resource Utilization.

Background Significant public health concerns exist regarding the misuse and abuse of prescription opioids. Abuse-deterrent formulation (ADF) opioids may be leveraged as an important tool for combating the current opioid crisis. Objectives To evaluate the relationships between ADF opioid formulary coverage and the ADF utilization rate, the risk for opioid abuse or overdose, opioid abuse or overdose-related healthcare resource utilization, and medical costs within a calendar year. Methods This cross-sectional multiyear panel study included adults prescribed an opioid medication in 2015 or 2016. We analyzed the medical and pharmacy claims linked to health plan benefit design data. An ADF opioid-including reformulated oxycodone hydrochloride (HCl) controlled-release (CR; reformulated OxyContin), morphine sulfate and naltrexone HCl extended-release (ER; Embeda), and hydrocodone bitartrate ER (Hysingla ER)-was considered covered if it was listed on the health plan's formulary. Generalized linear models were used to assess the association between ADF opioid formulary coverage and the study outcomes. Results Of 1,350,607 eligible patients, those enrolled in health plans with coverage of ADF opioids were more likely to fill a prescription for an ADF opioid than those enrolled in plans that did not cover ADF opioids. The risk for opioid abuse or overdose was significantly lower among patients enrolled in plans with broader ADF coverage (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-0.95 for oxycodone HCl CR only vs no ADF coverage; adjusted OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.67-0.73 for oxycodone HCl CR plus ≥1 ADF opiods vs no ADF; adjusted OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.73-0.81 for oxycodone HCl CR plus ≥1 ADF opiods vs oxycodone HCl CR only; all P <.0001). Approximately 15% and 25% reductions in the opioid abuse or overdose-related hospitalization rate and medical costs were observed for those in the oxycodone HCl CR plus ≥1 ADF opioids coverage group versus those without ADF opioid coverage. Conclusions Broad formulary coverage of ADF opioids is associated with reduced rates of opioid abuse or overdose in real-world managed care populations. Health plan administrators and policymakers may consider improving the formulary coverage of ADF opioids as a strategy to ensure appropriate patient access to necessary pain medications while mitigating risk for opioid abuse or overdose.
Anxiety and Depression Disorders in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Lomé (Togo)

Chronic non-specific low back pain has an important psychological impact. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders (ADD) and factors associated to their apparition in patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain in rheumatological consultation in Lome. Patients and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted from October 1st, 2015 to 31st March 2016. This study focused on all patients suffering from common chronic low back pain without psychiatric history in the Rheumatology Ward at the Sylvanus Olympio’s Teaching Hospital of Lome and who have given their consent. The psychological evaluation was carried out through Hamilton scale. The processing, the statistical treatment and analysis of our data have been carried out using Epiinfo software, version 7.1. 5. The investigation was approved by the local Ethics Committee. Results: 48 (39 women and 09 men) out of 123 patients with chronic lower back pain presented anxiety and depressive disorders (ADD) accounting for a prevalence rate of 39%. Their average age was 50.3 years old. The most frequent ADD was: psychic anxiety (58.6%), depressive mood (51.3%), difficulties to feel asleep (47.9%) and disturbed or agitated sleep (43.1%). Factors associated with the anxiety and depressive disorders in common chronic low back pain were: female gender (p = 0.02), dependent children (p = 0.02), occupation (reseller (p = 0.002), liberal profession (p = 0.009), monthly financial income (p = 0.002), surroundings family (0.009), medical history (p = 0.0002) and pain’s intensity > 7 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: This study shows the high frequency of anxiety and depressive disorders in common chronic low back pain and their influence by socio-economic and demographic factors.
Evaluation of glycoprotein E subunit and live attenuated varicella‐zoster virus vaccines formulated with a single‐strand RNA‐based adjuvant

Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV), a human alphaherpesvirus 3, elicits both chickenpox and shingles and/or postherpetic neuralgia. A live attenuated vaccine (LAV) and glycoprotein E (gE) subunit vaccine were developed to prevent VZV‐induced diseases. We recently reported that single‐strand RNA (ssRNA) based on the intergenic region of the internal ribosome entry site of cricket paralysis virus (CrPV) is an effective adjuvant for protein‐based and virus‐like particle‐based vaccines. Here, Chinese hamster ovary expression system and an LAV from Oka/SK strains.
Programmed cell death ligand‐1: A dynamic immune checkpoint in cancer therapy

Antibody‐based immunotherapies play a pivotal role in cancer research with efficient achievements in tumor suppression. Tumor survival is assisted by modulation of immune checkpoints to create imbalances between immune cells and cancer cell's environment. The modulation results in T‐cell signal inhibition ultimately inert its proliferation and activation against various tumor cells. PD‐L1, a 40 kDa transmembrane protein of B7 family, binds with PD‐1 on the membrane of T cells which results in inhibition of T‐cell proliferation and activation. PD‐L1/PD‐1 pathway has generated novel target sites for antibodies that can block PD‐L1/PD‐1 interactions. The blockage results in T‐cell proliferation and tumor cell suppression. The PD‐L1 immune checkpoint strategies’ development, expression and regulations, signal inhibitions, and developmental stages of PD‐L1/PD‐1 antibodies are briefly discussed here in this review. All this information will provide a base for new therapeutic development against PD‐L1 and PD‐1 immune checkpoint interactions and will make available promising treatment options.
The Effect of Plasma Lipids and Lipid‐Lowering Interventions on Bone Mineral Density: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Several epidemiological studies have reported a relationship between statin treatment and increased bone mineral density (BMD) and reduced fracture risk, but the mechanism underlying the purported relationship is unclear. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess whether this relationship is explained by a specific effect in response to statin use or by a general effect of lipid lowering. We utilized 400 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) robustly associated with plasma lipid levels as exposure. The outcome results were obtained from a heel estimated BMD (eBMD) genomewide association study (GWAS) from the UK Biobank and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) BMD at four body sites and fracture GWAS from the GEFOS consortium. We performed univariate and multivariable MR analyses of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and triglyceride levels on BMD and fracture. Univariate MR analyses suggested a causal effect of LDL‐C on eBMD (β = −0.06; standard deviation change in eBMD per standard deviation change in LDL‐C, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –0.08 to −0.04; p = 4 × 10−6), total body BMD (β = −0.05, 95% CI = –0.08 to −0.01, p = 6 × 10−3) and potentially on lumbar spine BMD. Multivariable MR suggested that the effects of LDL‐C on eBMD and total body BMD were independent of HDL‐C and triglycerides. Sensitivity MR analyses suggested that the LDL‐C results were robust to pleiotropy. MR analyses of LDL‐C restricted to SNPs in the HMGCR region showed similar effects on eBMD (β = −0.083; −0.132 to −0.034; p = .001) to those excluding these SNPs (β = −0.063; −0.090 to −0.036; p = 8 × 10−6). Bidirectional MR analyses provided some evidence for a causal effect of eBMD on plasma LDL‐C levels. Our results suggest that effects of statins on eBMD and total body BMD are at least partly due to their LDL‐C lowering effect. Further studies are required to examine the potential role of modifying plasma lipid levels in treating osteoporosis. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Redox Status, Biochemical Parameters and Mineral Elements Content in Blood of Turkey Hens Fed a Diet Supplemented with Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast and Two Bacillus Species

Simple Summary Interest in Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) arises from the fact that it grows on the crude glycerol fraction derived from the production of diesel oil, so that it constitutes a link between biofuel by-products and animal feed. Studies have already been conducted on the use of Yarrowia lipolytica as a factor affecting the gut microbiota and fattening efficiency of turkeys, and the results have been promising. However, it has not been clarified whether Yarrowia lipolytica yeast can improve the availability of minerals as well as metabolic processes associated with redox reactions like Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC). The research shows that, Yarrowia lipolytica yeast stimulates more effectively antioxidant processes than Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and also improves the absorption of minerals. Therefore, it may be a more effective additive than the widely used Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast in turkey feed. In addition, the experiment confirmed that the antioxidant effect of fodder yeast (especially Yarrowia lipolytica) can be enhanced by combining it with a probiotic bacteria. Hence, the combined use of yeast with a Bacillus species can be recommended in cases of the stimulation of oxidative reactions (e.g., stress or infection). Abstract The probiotic-prebiotic properties and chemical composition of Yarrowia lipolytica yeast (YL), predisposes it for use as a turkey feed additive. The aim of the study was to determine whether YL in the diet of turkeys would exert more beneficial effect by stimulating antioxidant reactions and increasing mineral availability than Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC). An additional aim of the study was to test whether the addition of a probiotic bacteria to feed containing Yarrowia lipolytica or Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast would enhance their effect. The study was conducted on turkeys from seven to 112 days of age to determine the effects of a 3% addition of YL to the diet, as an alternative to the standard SC. It was analysed whether the use of a probiotic (Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis) together with yeast would be more effective. Both the yeast (YL or SC) and the probiotic stimulated antioxidant mechanisms (increased CAT; reduced MDA), but the addition of SC was less effective. The inclusion of YL in the feed increased the plasma content of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe in the blood turkeys and lowered the content of cholesterol and triacylglycerols. The combined use of yeast (YL or SC) with a probiotic enhances the antioxidant effect while inhibiting of lipid peroxidation. The combined use of yeast with a probiotic can be recommended in cases of stimulation of oxidative reactions (e.g., stress or infection)
Proton MRI of the Lung: How to Tame Scarce Protons and Fast Signal Decay

Pulmonary proton MRI techniques offer the unique possibility of assessing lung function and structure without the requirement for hyperpolarization or dedicated hardware, which is mandatory for multinuclear acquisition. Five popular approaches are presented and discussed in this review: 1) oxygen enhanced (OE)‐MRI; 2) arterial spin labeling (ASL); 3) Fourier decomposition (FD) MRI and other related methods including self‐gated noncontrast‐enhanced functional lung (SENCEFUL) MR and phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) imaging; 4) dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI; and 5) ultrashort TE (UTE) MRI. While DCE MRI is the most established and well‐studied perfusion measurement, FD MRI offers a free‐breathing test without any contrast agent and is predestined for application in patients with renal failure or with low compliance. Additionally, FD MRI and related methods like PREFUL and SENCEFUL can act as an ionizing radiation‐free V/Q scan, since ventilation and perfusion information is acquired simultaneously during one scan. For OE‐MRI, different concentrations of oxygen are applied via a facemask to assess the regional change in T1, which is caused by the paramagnetic property of oxygen. Since this change is governed by a combination of ventilation, diffusion, and perfusion, a compound functional measurement can be achieved with OE‐MRI. The known problem of fast T2* decay of the lung parenchyma leading to a low signal‐to‐noise ratio is bypassed by the UTE acquisition strategy. Computed tomography (CT)‐like images allow the assessment of lung structure with high spatial resolution without ionizing radiation. Despite these different branches of proton MRI, common trends are evident among pulmonary proton MRI: 1) free‐breathing acquisition with self‐gating; 2) application of UTE to preserve a stronger parenchymal signal; and 3) transition from 2D to 3D acquisition. On that note, there is a visible convergence of the different methods and it is not difficult to imagine that future methods will combine different aspects of the presented methods.
A New Model for the Equation Describing the Cavitation Mean Depth Erosion Rate Curve

Paper present a new relation describing the curve MDER(t) which mediates the experimentally obtained values of the mean depth erosion rates. These curves are used to characterize the cavitation erosion behavioor of materials tested in the Cavitation Laboratory of Timisoara Polytechnic University. Practically the new relation is an improvement of the analytical model established in 2004 by Bordeasu and coworkers, by introducing a supplementary element, which take into consideration the shape of the zone in where the cavitation erosion rate became stable and has linear variation. These addition allow increasing the approximation of the experimental values and also putting into evidence the tiny differences between different materials (various types of stainless steels, highly alloyed bronzes etc.) which till now were considered with similar resistance. Thus, the supplementary term allow a better differentiation resulting from the chemical composition, the structure and the mechanical properties.
An epsilon‐constraint method for fully fuzzy multiobjective linear programming

Linear ranking functions are often used to transform fuzzy multiobjective linear programming (MOLP) problems into crisp ones. The crisp MOLP problems are then solved by using classical methods (eg, weighted sum, epsilon‐constraint, etc), or fuzzy ones based on Bellman and Zadeh's decision‐making model. In this paper, we show that this transformation does not guarantee Pareto optimal fuzzy solutions for the original fuzzy problems. By using lexicographic ranking criteria, we propose a fuzzy epsilon‐constraint method that yields Pareto optimal fuzzy solutions of fuzzy variable and fully fuzzy MOLP problems, in which all parameters and decision variables take on LR fuzzy numbers. The proposed method is illustrated by means of three numerical examples, including a fully fuzzy multiobjective project crashing problem.
Interface Properties of Cracked RC Beams Strengthened with Prestressed Hybrid FRP - Part II: Crack Location

This study is the second part of investigation into the interface mechanical performances of cracked reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with prestressed hybrid fiber reinforced polymer (HFRP). Four cases of difference crack location are considered by establishing finite element analysis models to discuss the effort of crack location on the interface stresses in the strengthened beams. The analysis results indicate that the flexural crack obviously changes the distributing of the interface stresses, and an abrupt increase of the stresses arise at the crack location. Moreover, when the crack location is closer from the interface end, the change rate of the stresses is larger.