Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a Multi-Epitope Recombinant Protein for the Diagnosis of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis

Background: Iran is one of the endemic areas of Mediterranean Visceral Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by Leishmania infantum. In this work, we examined whether Proteína quimérica 10 (PQ10) recombinant protein is suitable for immunological diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis. Methods: The study was carried out in Tarbiat Modares University during 2016–2018. The coding sequence of PQ10 recombinant protein was sub-cloned in pET28 expression vector and was commercially synthesized by GENERAY Biotechnology, China. Sequencing with proper primers was done, the expression, optimization of expression and protein purification were performed, and the purified recombinant protein was confirmed by western blot. The efficacy of PQ10 for serodiagnosis was evaluated with 50 positive and 50 negative serum samples, which confirmed by the direct agglutination test and collected from individuals living in the visceral leishmaniasis endemic areas of Iran. ELISA was performed with the PQ10 recombinant protein. Results: The 95% CI sensitivity of ELISA that was evaluated with sera from naturally infected individuals was 84%. The 95% CI specificity value of the ELISA determined with sera from healthy individuals (50 serum samples) and from individuals with other infectious diseases was 82%. The 95% CI positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were exterminated 82.35% and 83.67%, respectively. Conclusion: We have used a recombinant synthetic protein to improve serodiagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis. PQ10 could be useful for diagnosis of asymptomatic cases, as well as in the early phase of infections.
Cloud FPGA Security with RO-Based Primitives

Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) are common primitives that can increase the security of user logic on FPGAs. They are typically constructed using Ring Oscillators (ROs). However, PUF and TRNG primitives are not currently available on Cloud FPGAs as some commercial Cloud FPGA providers prohibit deploying ROs implemented using Lookup Tables (LUTs). To aid in bringing RO-based PUFs and TRNGs to commercial Cloud FPGAs, this work implements and evaluates PUFs and TRNGs built using ROs that incorporate latches and flip-flops. The primitives are tested on Amazon's commercial F1 Cloud FPGAs. The designs are the first constructive uses of ROs in Cloud FPGAs and are available under an open-source license.
Biodiscovery of Potential Antibacterial Diagnostic Metabolites from the Endolichenic Fungus Xylaria venustula Using LC–MS-Based Metabolomics

Simple Summary In this study, we determined the bioactivities and chemical natures of three species of lichen Usnea and their associated endolichenic fungi (ELF) through metabolomics. We found significant differences in the antibacterial activities and the metabolites produced by the host lichen and its ELF, with the latter targeting a wider scope of organisms. We also discovered potential key metabolites produced by ELF that are yet to be reported. This study shows the application of metabolomics in rapidly identifying bioactive metabolites that are of significance in the discovery of new drugs. Abstract Three species of the lichen Usnea (U. baileyi (Stirt.) Zahlbr. , U. bismolliuscula Zahlbr. and U. pectinata Stirt. ) and nine associated endolichenic fungi (ELF) were evaluated using a metabolomics approach. All investigated lichen crude extracts afforded antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 0.0625 mg/mL), but none was observed against Escherichia coli, while the ELF extract Xylaria venustula was found to be the most active against S. aureus (MIC: 2.5 mg/mL) and E. coli (MIC: 5 mg/mL). X. venustula was fractionated and tested for to determine its antibacterial activity. Fractions XvFr1 to 5 displayed bioactivities against both test bacteria. Selected crude extracts and fractions were subjected to metabolomics analyses using high-resolution LC–MS. Multivariate analyses showed the presence of five secondary metabolites unique to bioactive fractions XvFr1 to 3, which were identified as responsible for the antibacterial activity of X. venustula. The p-values of these metabolites were at the margin of significance level, with methyl xylariate C (P_60) being the most significant. However, their high variable importance of projection (VIP) scores (>5) suggest these metabolites are potential diagnostic metabolites for X. venustula for “dual” bioactivity against S. aureus and E. coli. The statistical models also showed the distinctiveness of metabolites produced by lichens and ELF, thus supporting our hypotheses of ELF functionality similar to plant endophytes.
The Prognostic Value of PD-1/PD-L1 Expression on Tumor Cells and Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol

Aim Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. However, the role of immune checkpoint molecules, especially Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), in the progression of CRC remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis will investigate the prognostic significance of PD-1/PD-L1 expression on tumor-infiltrating immune cells and tumor cells in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods This protocol has been prospectively registered in the PROSPERO (registration NO. CRD42020156233). A comprehensive electronic search on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), Embase and ProQuest will be conducted using a combination of MeSH terms of "programmed cell death 1", "programmed cell death ligand 1", "colorectal" and "cancer" between 1 January 1990 and 31 March 2021 with no language limitation. Two independent reviewers will perform study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort studies will be used to assess the risk of bias. In the case of sufficient data, either random or fixed-effect models, will be used for meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity will be evaluated by chi-squared test with and the I2 statistic. "Funnel plot", "Begg's statistical test", and "Egger's statistical test and graph" will be used to assess publication bias. Stata V.13 software will be employed for meta-analysis. Results According to the meta-analysis of the aggregated data from the relevant primary studies, the relationship between expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and prognostic parameters, including progression-free survival and overall survival, will be reported. Conclusion The results of the current study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Processing of Chemical Solution Deposited Ca-Modified PbTiO3 Films for High Frequency Components and Dynamic Random Access Memories

Diol-based sol-gel processes have been used for the synthesis of calcium modified lead titanate, CaxPb1 - xTiO3 (PCT), solutions with x = 0.5. Single perovskite films have been obtained on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/(100)Si substrates. Dielectric properties of the films have been measured to evaluate their applicability in dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) and high frequency (HF) components.
Setaria cervi (Filarioidea, Onchocercidae) undressing in ungulates: altered morphology of developmental stages, their molecular detection and complete sequence cox1 gene

Abstract This work introduces new morphological and molecular information on the filaroid nematode Setaria cervi (Rudolphi, 1819) obtained from 13 infected game ungulates out of 96 dissected. The hosts comprised the following: a single moose (Alces alces), ten red deer (Cervus elaphus) and two sika deer (Cervus nippon) originating from the western and northern regions of the Czech Republic. Based on the complete sequences of the gene encoding mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), all 20 females and four males belonged to the species S. cervi. We detected three developmental female stages (adult fertile females, juvenile L5 females and L4 female larvae) differing in size and some morphological traits as the subtle structure of peribuccal crown and shape and features of tail knob. Such differences were described in detail for the first time. The phylogenetic relationships within the family Onchocercidae have been evaluated using new information on the cox1 sequence of S. cervi (maximum likelihood method, GTR + I + G model). In accordance with the latest phylogenetic studies, the present analysis confirmed the ancient separation of the subclass Setariinae from the remaining two onchocercid lineages Dirofilariinae and Onchocerinae.
An ASTM Standard Practice for Testing Fixed-Wavelength Photometric Detectors Used in Liquid Chromatography

A standard testing procedure has been devised for fixed-wavelength photometric detectors (FWPD) used in liquid chromatography. The need for this procedure, the objectives for developing it, and the means for accomplishing the objectives are outlined. Salient details of the procedure are discussed including the determination of nine characteristics of FWPDs. After an evaluation by ten laboratories, the revised procedure was balloted and revised again according to ASTM procedures (1). The final revised version is now available from ASTM as Standard Practice E 685 (2).
Plasma‐Assisted Atomic Layer Deposition of Palladium

A method is presented for the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of palladium using remote hydrogen plasma as the reducing source and agent. Palladium was deposited on iridium, tungsten and silicon at 80 °C using a remote inductively coupled hydrogen plasma with palladium(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate as the precursor. In the case of the Pd film grown on Ir, the carbon and fluorine content were significantly reduced compared to previous thermal ALD results. Use of remote plasma eliminated the noble metal substrate requirement needed for thermal ALD, enabling films to be grown on W and Si. Ultra-thin Pd films grown on W and Si possessed a nearly random texture from reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) measurements. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images showed very different surface morphologies for the different substrates suggesting very different substrate film interactions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicate high quality Pd films for all substrates, suggesting the substrate temperature was low enough to prevent dissociation of the hfac ligand and adequate C and F scavenging by the atomic hydrogen. The remote hydrogen plasma source results in the loss of selectivity but growth is evident on every surface used including surfaces that do not react strongly with the Pd precursor and are not catalytic towards the dissociation of molecular hydrogen.
Determination of Nitrogen in Milk by Microdiffusion of Kjeldahl Digests

Abstract Recovery of ammonia from ammonium sulfate solutions. (.01 M to .0005 M ) by a modified Conway microdiffusion procedure did not differ significantly from recovery by micro-Kjeldahl distillation. Total and whey-protein nitrogen concentrations of milk were determined by microdiffusion and microdistillation of Kjeldahl digests. Protein values by microdiffusion and microdistillation for 38 samples of milk from individual cows (3.38 and 3.42%) and 40 samples of acid-prepared whey (.87 and .88%) did not differ significantly although results by microdiffusion were consistently lower (1 to 3%) than microdistillation values. The correlation coefficient for the two methods was . 99. Recovery of nitrogen by the microdiffusion procedure is influenced by the digestion catalyst. The microdiffussion procedure provides a means of reducing work time while maintaining the quantitative accuracy of the micro-Kjeldahl distillation.
Catalytic Carbon Monoxide Oxidation Over Copper/Silica Nanocatalysts

Abstract In this work, the catalytic activity of copper/silica nanocatalysts (prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of the metal salt on nanosilica, thermally extracted from rice husk) on the oxidation of carbon monoxide is investigated. The effect of metal loading on the physico-chemical features of the prepared catalysts has been investigated by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption at −196°C, and temperature programmed reduction. The nanocatalyst loaded with 30.7 wt% CuO showed the highest surface area having newly created mesopores, with respect to the parent nanosilica. The temperature programmed reduction analysis indicated the presence of different types of copper species, including variation in their oxidation states, on the surface of the Cu20 and Cu30 catalysts. The catalytic activity on carbon monoxide oxidation at temperatures between 125 to 500°C was enhanced associated by increasing both copper oxide loading and the reaction temperature. The activity of the Cu30 catalyst at low temperatures attributed to the presence of the bulky cupric oxide species with a polar oriented (111) surface, which subsequently enhanced the catalyst surface adsorption efficiency; also, the presence of the cuprous oxide species can precede the carbon monoxide oxidation reaction through the associative (Langmuir-Hinshelwood) mechanism.
Compensation for Undefined Behaviors During Robot Task Execution by Switching Controllers Depending on Embedded Dynamics in RNN

Robotic applications require both correct task performance and compensation for undefined behaviors. Although deep learning is a promising approach to perform complex tasks, the response to undefined behaviors that are not reflected in the training dataset remains challenging. In a human–robot collaborative task, the robot may adopt an unexpected posture due to collisions and other unexpected events. Therefore, robots should be able to recover from disturbances for completing the execution of the intended task. We propose a compensation method for undefined behaviors by switching between two controllers. Specifically, the proposed method switches between learning-based and model-based controllers depending on the internal representation of a recurrent neural network that learns task dynamics. We applied the proposed method to a pick-and-place task and evaluated the compensation for undefined behaviors. Experimental results from simulations and on a real robot demonstrate the effectiveness and high performance of the proposed method.
Characterization of Blood Properties from Coagulating Blood of Different Hematocrits Using Ultrasonic Backscatter and Attenuation

The influence of hematocrit on the change of blood properties during coagulating was extensively investigated using ultrasonic integrated backscatter and attenuation. Measurements were performed with porcine blood at hematocrits ranging from 25 to 55% using a 10 MHz transducer. Results showed that both integrated backscatter and attenuation are able to sensitively differentiate various stages of blood properties during coagulating. The slopes of integrated backscatter (Sr, dB/S) and attenuation (αr, dB·cm-1·MHz-1·mS-1) are increased relative to hematocrit. The best fits for Sr and αr as a function of hematocrit (H) equal to Sr=0.0357+1.62e-0.108H and αr=0.0281+0.003H, respectively. Variations of clotting time (Ts) and reaction time (Tα), estimated respectively from ultrasonic integrated backscatter and attenuation, associated with clot formation are also increased with hematocrit. This study demonstrates that blood hematocrit is a substantial factor affecting viscosity and backscattering properties of blood during coagulation capable of being discerned by ultrasonic backscattering and attenuation.
Some Investigations of the Reaction of Activated Charcoal with Fluorine and Uranium Hexafluoride

The Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been shut down since 1969, when the fuel salt was drained from the core into two Hastelloy N drain tanks at the reactor site. Over time, fluorine (F{sub 2}) and uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) moved from the salt through the gas piping to a charcoal bed, where they reacted with the activated charcoal. Some of the immediate concerns related to the migration of F{sub 2} and UF{sub 6} to the charcoal bed were the possibility of explosive reactions between the charcoal and F{sub 2}, the existence of conditions that could induce a criticality accident, and the removal and recovery of the fissile uranium from the charcoal. This report addresses the reactions and reactivity of species produced by the reaction of fluorine and activated charcoal and between charcoal and F{sub 2}-UF{sub 6} gas mixtures in order to support remediation of the MSRE auxiliary charcoal bed (ACB) and the recovery of the fissile uranium. The chemical identity, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and potential for explosive decomposition of the primary reaction product, fluorinated charcoal, was determined.
Point-of-care ultrasonography for risk stratification of non-critical suspected COVID-19 patients on admission (POCUSCO): A prospective binational study

Background Lung point-of-care ultrasonography (L-POCUS) is highly effective in detecting pulmonary peripheral patterns and may allow early identification of patients who are likely to develop an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We hypothesized that L-POCUS performed during the initial examination would identify non-severe COVID-19 patients with a high risk of getting worse. Methods POCUSCO was a prospective, multicenter study. Non-critical adult patients who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were included and had L-POCUS performed within 48 hours following admission. The severity of lung damage was assessed using the L-POCUS score based on 36 points for ARDS. The primary outcome was the rate of patients requiring intubation or who died within 14 days following inclusion. Results Among 296 participating patients, 8 (2.7%) had primary outcome. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic of L-POCUS was 0.80 [95%CI:0.60-0.94]. The score values which achieved a sensibility > 95% in defining low-risk patients and a specificity > 95% in defining high-risk patients were <1 and [≥]16, respectively. The rate of patients with an unfavorable outcome was 0/95 (0%[95%CI:0-3.9]) for low-risk patients (score=0) versus 4/184 (2.17%[95%CI:0.8-5.5]) for intermediate-risk patients (score 1-15) and 4/17 (23.5%[95%CI:11.4-42.4]) for high-risk patients (score [≥]16). In patients with confirmed COVID-19 (n=58), the AUC of L-POCUS was 0.97 [95%CI:0.92-1.00]. Conclusions L-POCUS allows risk-stratification of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. These results should be confirmed in a population with a higher risk of an unfavorable outcome.
NEAR-INFRARED EMISSION SPECTROMETRY MEASUREMENTS FOR NONINTRUSIVE SOOT DIAGNOSTICS IN FLAMES

Abstract The present study focuses on measurement of line-of-sight emission intensity spectra in the near-infrared range by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry for use in tomographic soot diagnostics. Measurements are carried out on an axisymmetric, laboratory grade, ethylene/air diffusion flame within the 1.1–1.7 μm (9000–6000 cm −1 ) spectral range. Presentation of the measurement and calibration methodology is followed by the description of noise and uncertainty assessment procedures. A novel noise characterization approach that accounts for both spectral and spatial fluctuations is introduced. Measured intensities are utilized to infer soot temperature and volume fraction profiles from an inversion technique based on gray refractive index assumption. Predictions at flame axis are found to be in reasonable agreement with properties reported in literature for similar flames, but steep volume fraction peaks at the flame edges are not sufficiently captured due to the expected effects of large beam diameter, suggesting that the present configuration requires improvement in terms of spatial resolution.
Carbene Complexes of Nonmetals

Electrophilic carbenes accept a variety of n- and π-donors. The products range from persistent ylides to matrix-isolated xenon complexes. Ylides can be viewed as carbene complexes if they regenerate carbenes thermally or undergo concerted methylene transfer reactions. According to these definitions, the present review focuses on oxonium and iodonium ylides. Transient π-complexes appear to be involved in addition reactions of carbenes with arenes (but not with alkenes). Nucleophilic carbenes form adducts with Lewis acids which are, for the most part, stable and have been well characterized structurally. Only recently attention has been directed to reversible systems. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Dense Gas Processing of Polymers

There is a growing global awareness about environmental pollution, and many sanctions and sustainable practices have been implemented. In particular, the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a practice that is being limited and minimized world-wide. These VOCs are not only damaging to the environment, but are also an occupational hazard. The polymer processing industry is known to use VOCs extensively for polymerization, fractionation, plasticization, degradation, extraction and purification. More environmentally-friendly methods to circumvent the use of these toxic and hazardous compounds are being explored. The use of dense gases in polymer processing can respond to the need for more environmentally-friendly industrial processes. Products with high-purity, sterility, and porosity can be achieved using dense gas technology (DGT). Currently, DGT has been used for different aspects of polymer processing including polymerization, micronization, and impregnation. Due to its high solubility in polymers and diffusivity, dense CO2 can penetrate and plasticize polymers, whilst impregnating them with low-molecular weight CO2-soluble compounds. The dense CO2 properties of inertness, non-toxicity, and affinity for various therapeutic compounds are specifically advantageous to the medical and biomedical industries. Biodegradable polymers and other medical-grade polymers have benefited from the application of DGT. The aim of this review was to show the versatility of dense CO2 for polymer processing applications, specifically polymerization, polymer blend preparation, drug loading and sterilization.
Gingko biloba extract and cobalt porphyrin additive to remove harmful components from cigarette smoke and reduce its toxicity

Cigarette filters were modified with a combination of gingko biloba extract and cobalt porphyrin (CGC) to remove harmful components from the cigarette smoke and reduce its toxicity. Smoke analysis results indicated that CGC eliminated up to 32% of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), 52% of N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 46% of N-nitrosoanabasine (NAB), 35% of 4-(methylnitrosamine)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), 31% of N-nitrosoanatabine (NAT), 30% of gas-phase free radicals, and 33% of solid-phase free radicals. Biological experiments, including the Ames test, neutral red cytotoxicity assay and chronic toxicity, were conducted for both CGC cigarettes and control cigarettes. Results showed that the toxicity of the CGC cigarettes was lower than those of the control cigarettes. The mechanism by which the CGC components could remove harmful components from cigarette smoke is discussed.