Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are Natural Compounds a Promising Alternative to Synthetic Cross-Linking Agents in the Preparation of Hydrogels?

The main aim of this review is to assess the potential use of natural cross-linking agents, such as genipin, citric acid, tannic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, and vanillin in preparing chemically cross-linked hydrogels for the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Chemical cross-linking is one of the most important methods that is commonly used to form mechanically strong hydrogels based on biopolymers, such as alginates, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, collagen, gelatin, and fibroin. Moreover, the properties of natural cross-linking agents and their advantages and disadvantages are compared relative to their commonly known synthetic cross-linking counterparts. Nowadays, advanced technologies can facilitate the acquisition of high-purity biomaterials from unreacted components with no additional purification steps. However, while planning and designing a chemical process, energy and water consumption should be limited in order to reduce the risks associated with global warming. However, many synthetic cross-linking agents, such as N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylates, epichlorohydrin, and glutaraldehyde, are harmful to both humans and the environment. One solution to this problem could be the use of bio-cross-linking agents obtained from natural resources, which would eliminate their toxic effects and ensure the safety for humans and the environment.
Visual function impairment in patients suffering from visually induced motion sickness. A preliminary observational longitudinal study

Abstract Objective Visually induced Motion Sickness (VIMS) is a side effect induced by the physical motion of the person or visual motion that adversely affects otherwise individuals and decreases safety in situations that require high levels of concentration. The exact mechanisms behind the emergence of VIMS are still unknown but can be triggered by direct or indirect stimuli due to mismatches in the visual-vestibular autonomic pathways. The aim of this preliminary study was to explore the presence of visual dysfunctions in patients suffering from VIMS and then evaluate the potential role of a customized visual training (VT) on their perceived sickness symptoms. Methods A total of 9.675 medical records of patients who referred motion sickness were reviewed; 455 patients with a diagnosis of VIMS were included. A total of 95 patients (86 females and 9 males, mean age of 37,68 ± 9.20 years) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. Two evaluation sessions were carried out immediately before (T0) and after 16 weeks (T1) of visual training (VT). The main goal of VT was to facilitate the visual center-periphery integration. VT was performed 1 day/week/16 weeks under therapist supervision in the Optometric centre and 5 days/week/16 weeks at home without supervision. Results The within-subjects comparison at times T0–T1 showed significant improvement of the symptoms in all the included patients. Conclusion Our results support the hypothesis that patients suffering from VIMS may present also a visual function impairment that can increase the dizziness-related symptoms. Furthermore, visual training can help patients with VIMS and visual dysfunction in reducing capture discomfort, stomach awareness, and nausea.
Terahertz optical and electrical properties of hydrogen-functionalized carbon nanotubes

This study characterized hydrogen-functionalized carbon nanotube films and compared their characteristics before and after they were hydrogen functionalized, using terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy. Reduction of the power absorption of the samples was observed with hydrogen functionalization. To analyze the experimental results, the effective medium approximation (EMA) was adopted. Through the EMA, the effective plasma frequencies, damping rates, and other physical parameters located in the THz region were determined. In this way, decreases in the plasma frequencies and the damping rates were observed after hydrogen functionalization, which implies a decrease in the carrier density.
CELLULAR AUTOMATA FOR THE NETWORK RESEARCHER

Cellular automata (CA) can be used in simulations of network processes and network evolution by identifying adjacent vertices in a network with neighboring cells in a CA. However, there are restrictions on networks that can be represented by two dimensional CAs. For example, the degree of a vertex, the maximum number of unconnected neighbors, and the maximum size of a clique, are limited. Moreover, a high degree of transitivity is built into the two dimensional CA. Increasing the number of dimensions beyond two relaxes all the constraints. Moreover, the reduced transitivity of higher dimensional CAs allows us to vary in a systematic way the “localness” of the connections. Thus, we can examine the differences between strong (local and transitive) versus weak (non-transitive) ties, a difference that Granovetter and others have shown to be important. The paper offers equations describing how maximum degree, maximum clique size, maximum number of unconnected neighbors, and transitivity vary with the dimensions of the CA.
The Robust Inference for the Cox Proportional Hazards Model

Abstract We derive the asymptotic distribution of the maximum partial likelihood estimator β for the vector of regression coefficients β under a possibly misspecified Cox proportional hazards model. As in the parametric setting, this estimator β converges to a well-defined constant vector β*. In addition, the random vector n 1/2(β – β*) is asymptotically normal with mean 0 and with a covariance matrix that can be consistently estimated. The newly proposed robust covariance matrix estimator is similar to the so-called “sandwich” variance estimators that have been extensively studied for parametric cases. For many misspecified Cox models, the asymptotic limit β* or part of it can be interpreted meaningfully. In those circumstances, valid statistical inferences about the corresponding covariate effects can be drawn based on the aforementioned asymptotic theory of β and the related results for the score statistics. Extensive studies demonstrate that the proposed robust tests and interval estimation procedures.
Stabilization of Active Fault Tolerant Control Systems with Imperfect Fault Detection and Diagnosis

In active Fault Tolerant Control Systems (FTCSs), a Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) algorithm is used to monitor system performance, detect the occurrence of faults and estimate post-fault system parameters. Usually, estimation techniques employed by the FDD algorithm will provide system parameters with some inaccuracies. As a result, the system to be controlled will include parameter uncertainties. In this paper, exponential stabilization of FTCSs for systems with time-varying unknown-but-bounded parameter uncertainties is considered. In particular, an algorithm that provides a necessary and sufficient condition for exponential stabilization in the mean square is derived. The stabilizing controller is calculated, based on the solutions of matrix Riccati-like algebraic equations. Several interesting special cases are derived from the general result. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the theoretical developments.
On a method for constructing Bergman kernels

Abstract We establish a method of constructing kernels of Bergman operators for second-order linear partial differential equations in two independent variables, and use the method for obtaining a new class of Bergman kernels, which we call modified class E kernels since they include certain class E kernals. They also include other kernels which are suitable for global representations of solutions (whereas Bergman operators generally yield only local representations).
A Compressible Model for the Simulation of Moist Mountain Waves

Abstract A two-dimensional, nonlinear, nonhydrostatic model is described which allows the calculation of moist airflow in mountainous terrain. The model is compressible, uses a terrain-following coordinate system, and employs lateral and upper boundary conditions which minimize wave reflections. The model's accuracy and sensitivity are examined. These tests suggest that in numerical simulations of vertically propagating, highly nonlinear mountain waves, a wave absorbing layer does not accurately mimic the effects of wave breakdown and dissipation at high levels in the atmosphere. In order to obtain a correct simulation, the region in which the waves are physically absorbed must generally be included in the computational domain (a nonreflective upper boundary condition should be used as well). The utility of the model is demonstrated in two examples (linear waves in a uniform atmosphere and the 11 January 1972 Boulder windstorm) which illustrate how the presence of moisture can influence propagating waves.
Composition and grain size effects on the structural and mechanical properties of CuZr nanoglasses

Nanoglasses (NGs), metallic glasses (MGs) with a nanoscale grain structure, have the potential to considerably increase the ductility of traditional MGs while retaining their outstanding mechanical properties. We investigated the effects of composition on the structural and mechanical properties of CuZr NG films with grain sizes between 3 to 15 nm using molecular dynamics simulations. Results indicate a transition from localized shear banding to homogeneous superplastic flow with decreasing grain size, although the critical average grain size depends on composition: 5 nm for Cu36Zr64 and 3 nm for Cu64Zr36. The flow stress of the superplastic NG at different compositions follows the trend of the yield stress of the parent MG, i.e., Cu36Zr64 yield/flow stress: 2.54 GPa/1.29 GPa and Cu64Zr36 yield/flow stress: 3.57 GPa /1.58 GPa. Structural analysis indicates that the differences in mechanical behavior as a function of composition are rooted at the distinct statistics of prominent atomic Voronoi polyhedra. T.
Multi‐level incomplete factorizations for the iterative solution of non‐linear finite element problems

Several engineering applications give rise quite naturally to linearized FE systems of equations possessing a multi‐level structure. An example is provided by geomechanical models of layered and faulted geological formations. For such problems the use of a multi‐level incomplete factorization (MIF) as a preconditioner for Krylov subspace methods can prove a robust and efficient solution accelerator, allowing for a fine tuning of the fill‐in degree with a significant improvement in both the solver performance and the memory consumption. The present paper develops two novel MIF variants for the solution of multi‐level symmetric positive definite systems. Two correction algorithms are proposed with the aim of preserving the positive definiteness of the preconditioner, thus avoiding possible breakdowns of the preconditioned conjugate gradient solver. The MIF variants are experimented with in the solution of both a single system and a long‐term quasi‐static simulation dealing with a multi‐level geomechanical application. The numerical results show that MIF typically outperforms by up to a factor 3 a more traditional algebraic preconditioner such as an incomplete Cholesky factorization with partial fill‐in. The advantage is emphasized in a long‐term simulation where the fine fill‐in tuning allowed for by MIF yields a significant improvement for the computer memory requirement as well. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monochromatic and chromatic aberrations of the thin refractive variable-focus lens

We present an approach to an analysis of the third order monochromatic and chromatic aberrations of thin refractive fluid lenses with a variable focal length. A detailed theoretical analysis is performed for a simple variable-focus lens and formulas are derived for an optical design of such lenses. Aberration coefficients of the third order of the variable-focus lens can be completely characterized by three parameters which depend only on refractive indices of fluids forming the variable-focus lens. The calculations are provided for Varioptic lens Arctic-416. Potential applications for a primary optical design of modern liquid lens-based optical systems are emphasized.
Trait-Based Method of Quantitative Assessment of Ecological Functional Groups in the Human Intestinal Microbiome

Simple Summary Understanding what functions can be performed by members of the human gut microbial community and how they are interconnected can be very useful for the comprehension of this ecosystem’s function in human health and disease. Here, we propose an original approach to derive this information from metatranscriptomes and test it on publicly available data. The main idea is to develop an ecosystem-centric method aimed at quantitatively assessing the activity of particular groups of microorganisms associated with crucial functions performed by the human gut microbiota, such as the production of butyrate and acetate, the reduction of sulfate, and the decomposition of mucin—the key component of the intestinal mucus layer. The proposed method provides more information about the structure and properties of the analyzed ecosystem than other similar methods. We believe that such a strategy has great potential for biomedical research and potential applications in clinical medicine. Abstract We propose the trait-based method for quantifying the activity of functional groups in the human gut microbiome based on metatranscriptomic data. It allows one to assess structural changes in the microbial community comprised of the following functional groups: butyrate-producers, acetogens, sulfate-reducers, and mucin-decomposing bacteria. It is another way to perform a functional analysis of metatranscriptomic data by focusing on the ecological level of the community under study. To develop the method, we used published data obtained in a carefully controlled environment and from a synthetic microbial community, where the problem of ambiguity between functionality and taxonomy is absent. The developed method was validated using RNA-seq data and sequencing data of the 16S rRNA amplicon on a simplified community. Consequently, the successful verification provides prospects for the application of this method for analyzing natural communities of the human intestinal microbiota.
Diversity and Spread of Acetolactate Synthase Allelic Variants at Position 574 Endowing Resistance in Amaranthus hybridus in Italy

Poor control of Amaranthus spp. with herbicides inhibiting acetolactate synthase (ALS) has been observed for several years in soybean fields in north-eastern Italy, but to date only a few ALS-resistant populations have been confirmed. An extensive sampling of putatively resistant Amaranthus accessions was completed in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, across an arable land area of about 3000 km2. In total, 58 accessions were tested to confirm their resistance status, recognize the Amaranthus species, identify the mutant ALS alleles endowing the resistance and determine the efficacy of 3 pre-emergence herbicides. Most accessions resulted in cross-resistance to thifensulfuron-methyl and imazamox. Genomic DNA were extracted from single seeds with a newly developed protocol; an allele-specific PCR assay revealed the presence of the 574-leucine in 20 accessions, of the 574-methionine in 22, and of both alleles in 9 accessions. The two variants showed a different spatial distribution. All resistant populations were ascribed to A. hybridus. A. hybridus resistant to ALS herbicides is well-established in this Italian region and its resistance is due to two ALS mutant alleles. Metribuzin, clomazone and metobromuron can be used as alternative herbicides to be applied in pre-emergence and they should be integrated into the management strategies to limit the spread of resistance.
Anaerobic fermentation of rice bran using rumen liquor for desirable chemical changes as animal feed

Objective: The objectives of this research are to overcome the limitations of rice bran (RB) and de-oiled rice bran (DORB) by fermentation anaerobically using inoculum from the rumen of a canulated sheep for desirable chemical changes. Materials and Methods: Initially, RB and DORB were fermented by 10% rumen liquor for 12 h at 39°C at different moisture levels (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% phosphate buffer). Again, DORB was fermented for 24, 48, and 72 h at 39°C using 10% rumen liquor at different moisture levels (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% phosphate buffer). Before and after fermentation, RB and DORB were analyzed for pH, proximate components, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total-P, inorganic-P, and phytate-P. Results: Fermentation of RB and DORB for 12 h reduced (p < 0.05) pH, crude fiber (CF),NDF, and phytate-P, but increased (p < 0.05) the content of inorganic-P. Subsequent fermentation of DORB for 24, 48, and 72 h reduced pH, CF, and NDF. Total-P of fermented DORB remained similar till 72 h fermentation (p < 0.05). But, inorganic-P increased with the increasing duration (24, 48, and 72 h) of fermentation and increased (30, 40, and 50) moisture level (p < 0.05). Alternatively, phytate-P decreased with increasing duration and moisture level (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Inoculation of rumen microbes and incubation of RB (12 h) and DORB (24 h) at room temperature reduced phytate-P and fiber content (CF and NDF) when the moisture level was up to 50%; those are the indicators to reduce the limitation of RB and DORB to use as feed for non-ruminant animals like poultry and pigs.
Room-temperature 2.5 μm InGaAsSb/AlGaAsSb diode lasers emitting 1 W continuous waves

We have characterized 2.5-μm-wavelength InGaAsSb/AlGaAsSb/GaSb two-quantum-well diode lasers that emit 1 W continuous waves from a 100-μm-wide aperture at a temperature of 12 °C. The threshold current density is 250 A/cm2, and the external quantum efficiency near threshold is 0.36. The wall–plug efficiency reaches a maximum of 12% at a current of 2 A. Operating in the pulsed-current mode, the devices output nearly 5 W at 20 °C. These lasers exhibit internal losses of about 4 cm−1 and differential series resistances of about 0.1 Ω. A broad-waveguide design lowers internal losses, and highly doped transition regions between the cladding layers and the GaSb reduces series resistance.
Infrared emission and star formation in early-type galaxies

Infrared emission from elliptical and S0 galaxies was studied to determine the extent of low-mass star formation in such early-type galaxies. It is found that the infrared colors of about one-third of the sample are consistent with ongoing star formation, although a contribution to the emission from an 'active' nucleus might play an important role in some objects. Apparently star formation has not ceased in some elliptical and S0 galaxies and may be fueled by mass loss from evolved stars or out of the rubble of galaxian mergers. Of four plausible candidate star-forming ellipticals, three show evidence for accretion and/or merger. It is also concluded that IRAS two-color diagrams are often ambiguous in determining whether or not emission arising from star formation dominates far-infrared luminosity.
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE Observations of Superluminal Motion in the M87 Jet

We present observations of the M87 jet made with the Faint Object Camera on board the Hubble Space Telescope at five epochs between 1994 and 1998. These observations reveal 10 superluminal features within the first 6'' of the jet, with eight of these having apparent speeds in the range 4c-6c. Two additional features within the first arcsecond of the jet have subluminal speeds of 0.63c and 0.84c. The latter of these, named HST-1 East, appears to emit new superluminal features moving at 6c, which subsequently fade with a half-intensity timescale of ~2 yr. The fastest speeds we observe require a Lorentz factor γ ≥ 6 for the bulk flow and a jet orientation within 19° of the line of sight, in the context of the relativistic jet model. Finding such large γ in an FR I radio source like M87 strongly supports BL Lac/FR I unification models. These large speeds help to mitigate the particle lifetime problem posed by the optical emission, as well as the jet confinement problem.
Fiber-optic lead ion sensor based on MXene film integrated michelson interference structure

Ti3C2Tx (MXene), a two-dimensional material prepared by solution etching, has abundant functional groups on its surface, which makes it have a great prospect in the field of biosensing environmental detection. In this work, a new optical fiber sensor integrated with MXene is proposed and fabricated. The sensor is constituted of a three-core fiber (TCF), a single-mode fiber (SMF), and a no-core fiber (NCF) to form a Michelson interference structure. The results indicate that MXene decorated fiber-optic sensor can detect trace lead ions (Pb2+) and has a good response to the Pb2+ solutions with the concentration of 0–100 μM. At 0.001 μM (i.e., 0.286 ppb) Pb2+, the response time is about 2 min. In addition, the fiber-optic sensor has excellent temperature, pH, and time stability. The present work provides a new idea for the detection of Pb2+ in heavy metal pollution fields.
Structural Insights of the DciA Helicase Loader in Its Relationship with DNA

DciA is the ancestral bacterial replicative helicase loader, punctually replaced during evolution by the DnaC/I loaders of phage origin. DnaC helps the helicase to load onto DNA by cracking open the hexameric ring, but the mechanism of loading by DciA remains unknown. We demonstrate by electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and biochemistry experiments that DciA, which folds into a KH-like domain, interacts with not only single-stranded but also double-stranded DNA, in an atypical mode. Some point mutations of the long α-helix 1 demonstrate its importance in the interaction of DciA for various DNA substrates mimicking single-stranded, double-stranded, and forked DNA. Some of these mutations also affect the loading of the helicase by DciA. We come to the hypothesis that DciA could be a DNA chaperone by intercalating itself between the two DNA strands to stabilize it. This work allows us to propose that the direct interaction of DciA with DNA could play a role in the loading mechanism of the helicase.
Flexible Textile-Based Sweat Sensors for Wearable Applications

The current physical health care system has gradually evolved into a form of virtual hospitals communicating with sensors, which can not only save time but can also diagnose a patient’s physical condition in real time. Textile-based wearable sensors have recently been identified as detection platforms with high potential. They are developed for the real-time noninvasive detection of human physiological information to comprehensively analyze the health status of the human body. Sweat comprises various chemical compositions, which can be used as biomarkers to reflect the relevant information of the human physiology, thus providing references for health conditions. Combined together, textile-based sweat sensors are more flexible and comfortable than other conventional sensors, making them easily integrated into the wearable field. In this short review, the research progress of textile-based flexible sweat sensors was reviewed. Three mechanisms commonly used for textile-based sweat sensors were firstly contrasted with an introduction to their materials and preparation processes. The components of textile-based sweat sensors, which mainly consist of a sweat transportation channel and collector, a signal-selection unit, sensing elements and sensor integration and communication technologies, were reviewed. The applications of textile-based sweat sensors with different mechanisms were also presented. Finally, the existing problems and challenges of sweat sensors were summarized, which may contribute to promote their further development.