Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Segmental durations in connected‐speech signals: Current results

Two types of analyses have been performed on the measured durations of recordings produced by six talkers reading two scripts of approximately 300 words each. The texts, the combined visual–auditory marking technique, and preliminary results were reported earlier by Crystal and House [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 72, 705–716 (1982)]. The average durations and standard deviations of various classes of speech sounds, as well as individual speech sounds, have been determined and segmental measurements are compared to earlier data and to various pertinent published reports. The histograms of the measured durations of various sounds and categories have been fitted with distributions which are, equivalently, the exit‐probability sequence for a Markov chain or the impulse response of an IIR digital‐filter network.
CRISPR-Induced Loss of Connexin 43 Expression Sensitizes KRAS Mutant Cells to Cisplatin

Gap Junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is often dysregulated in cancers, and this dysregulation has been shown to have pro-tumorigenic effects. Connexins (Cxs) are transmembrane proteins that make up gap junctions. Previous studies have indicated that RNA interference (RNAi)-based suppression of Cx43 increases cellular resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. Interestingly, we found that the loss of Cx43 expression induced by the CRISPR-Cas9 technology sensitizes cells to cisplatin in a KRAS mutant-dependent manner.
Global Fit of Torsional-Rotational Transitions in the Ground and First Excited Torsional States of Methanol

Abstract Methanol data for νt = 0 (below the barrier) and νt = 1 (straddling the barrier) have been treated, using a program based on the formalism of Herbst et al. (J. Mol. Spectrosc.108, 42-57, 1984). Altogether, 909 microwave lines (mostly assigned a 50 kHz measurement uncertainty) and 197 tunable far-infrared lines (mostly assigned 100 or 200 kHz uncertainties) in the range K ≤ 12, J ≤ 20 and 5549 Fourier-transform far-infrared lines (assigned an uncertainty of 0.0002 cm−1 = 6 MHz) in the range K ≤ 14, J ≤ 20 have been globally fit to give a unitless weighted standard deviation of 1.032, using 56 adjustable and 8 fixed parameters. Some difficulties remain in fitting high K and Jb-type tunable far-infrared lines. Although these difficulties may arise from deficiencies in the model, it also seems possible that some measurement problems still remain in the tunable far-infrared data set. Apart from the high K and J difficulties with this latter data set, a very satisfactory fit has been achieved, leading us to the conclusion that up through the first excited torsional level, a traditional one-dimensional internal rotation model is capable of accurately describing methanol energy levels, without consideration of other large-amplitude-motion effects, such as those arising, for example, when the OH bending vibration carries the molecule to a C3ν configuration and the internal rotation barrier vanishes.
Fault‐tolerant control using command‐filtered adaptive back‐stepping technique: Application to hypersonic longitudinal flight dynamics

In this paper, the adaptive back‐stepping controller is investigated for a class of strict‐feedback systems using the command filter technique. Adaptive laws are designed for updating the controller parameters when both the plant parameters and actuator‐failure parameters are unknown. Furthermore, the auxiliary dynamics is developed to deal with the input constraints. Closed‐loop stability and asymptotic‐state tracking are ensured. The method is applied to the longitudinal dynamics of a generic hypersonic aircraft in the presence of actuator faults and input constraints. Based on the parameter estimation, the command‐filtered adaptive back‐stepping control is presented. Simulation results on the control‐oriented model show that the proposed approach achieves good tracking performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi-objective optimization of water distribution networks based on non-dominated sequencing genetic algorithm

Due to the conflict between reducing cost and improving water supply performance, how to select the appropriate pipe diameter is a current challenge. In this paper, the problem is transformed into a multi-objective optimization problem, and the evolutionary genetic optimization algorithm is used to solve the problem to determine the optimal selection of pipe diameter in the pipe network. To solve this problem, the evolutionary genetic algorithm was coupled with EPANET hydraulic simulation software in Python environment. The results show that NSGA-II and NSGA-III perform better in two typical case tests. Moreover, the increase of the objective functions will lead to an increase in the amount of data in the optimal solution set, and will affect the optimal value of each objective function. That shows that the balance between the economy and reliability of water supply can be successfully found by coupling the hydraulic model and the multi-objective optimization algorithm, which can provide an auxiliary decision for enterprises.
Race, Toxic Exposures, and Environmental Health: The Contestation of Lupus among Farmworkers

Extant research has established that low-wage workers of color are at higher risk for occupational exposures. While the medical sociology literature regarding contested illness provides insights into the dynamics surrounding workplace exposures, some environmental illnesses such as lupus have gotten scant analytical attention. This is a significant gap because women of color, who are more likely to hold these high-risk jobs, are disproportionately affected by the disease. We examine a case of pesticide exposure among Black women farmworkers in Florida. We investigate how race and occupation intersect to shape lived experiences with toxics and what role race plays in the process of contesting exposures and illness. Our data include in-depth interviews (N = 36), media coverage, and archival materials. Our findings indicate that race-related factors played an important part in shaping the farmworkers’ experiences with exposures, illness, and interaction with elite actors.
Potential SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors of cytidine derivatives: Molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, ADMET, and POM analyses for the identification of pharmacophore sites

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the optimum targets for antiviral drug design and development. The hydroxyl groups of cytidine structures were modified with different aliphatic and aromatic groups to obtain 5´-O-acyl and 2´,3´-di-O-acyl derivatives, and then, these derivatives were employed in molecular modeling, antiviral prediction, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, pharmacological and POM studies. Density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G++ level analyzed biochemical behavior and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) of the modified cytidine derivatives. The antiviral parameters of the mutated derivatives revealed promising drug properties compared with those of standard antiviral drugs. Molecular docking has determined binding affinities and interactions between the cytidine derivatives and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. The modified derivatives strongly interacted with prime Pro620 and Lys621 residues. The binding conformation and interactions stability were investigated by 200 ns of molecular dynamics simulations and predicted the compounds to firmly dock inside the RdRp binding pocket. Interestingly, the binding residues of the derivatives were revealed in high equilibrium showing an enhanced binding affinity for the molecules. Intermolecular interactions are dominated by both Van der Waals and electrostatic energies. Finally, the pharmacokinetic characterization of the optimized inhibitors confirmed the safety of derivatives due to their improved kinetic properties. The selected cytidine derivatives can be suggested as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. The POM Theory supports the hypothesis above by confirming the existence of an antiviral (Oδ-—O’δ-) pharmacophore site of Hits.
Atom-chip Bose-Einstein condensation in a portable vacuum cell (4 pages)

A {sup 87}Rb Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) is produced in a portable atom-chip system less than 30x30x15 cm, where the ultrahigh vacuum is maintained by a small, 8 L/s, ion pump and nonevaporable getter. An aluminum nitride chip with lithographically patterned copper is used to seal the vacuum system, provide the electrical feedthroughs, and create the magnetic trap potentials. All cooling and trapping processes occur 0.6-2.5 mm from ambient laboratory air. A condensate of about 2000 {sup 87}Rb atoms in F=2,m{sub F}=2 is achieved after 4.21 s of rf forced evaporation. A magneto-optical trap lifetime of 30 s indicates the vacuum near the chip surface is about 10{sup -10} torr. This work suggests that a chip-based BEC-compatible vacuum system can occupy a volume of less than 0.5 L.
SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling subunit Smarca4/BRG1 is essential for female fertility

Abstract Mammalian folliculogenesis is a complex process that involves the regulation of chromatin structure for gene expression and oocyte meiotic resumption. The SWI/SNF complex is a chromatin remodeler using either Brahma-regulated gene 1 (BRG1) or BRM (encoded by Smarca4 and Smarca2, respectively) as its catalytic subunit. SMARCA4 loss of expression is associated with a rare type of ovarian cancer; however, its function during folliculogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, we describe the phenotype of BRG1 mutant mice to better understand its role in female fertility. Although no tumor emerged from BRG1 mutant mice, conditional depletion of Brg1 in the granulosa cells (GCs) of Brg1fl/fl; Amhr2-Cre mice caused sterility, whereas conditional depletion of Brg1 in the oocytes of Brg1fl/fl;Gdf9-Cre mice resulted in subfertility. Recovery of cumulus-oocyte complexes after natural mating or superovulation showed no significant difference in the Brg1fl/fl;Amhr2-Cre mutant mice and significantly fewer oocytes in the Brg1fl/fl;Gdf9-Cre mutant mice compared with controls, which may account for the subfertility. Interestingly, the evaluation of oocyte developmental competence by in vitro culture of retrieved two-cell embryos indicated that oocytes originating from the Brg1fl/fl;Amhr2-Cre mice did not reach the blastocyst stage and had higher rates of mitotic defects, including micronuclei. Together, these results indicate that BRG1 plays an important role in female fertility by regulating granulosa and oocyte functions during follicle growth and is needed for the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. Summary Sentence Conditional depletion of Brahma-regulated gene 1 in granulosa cells early in follicle development and in oocytes results in sterile and subfertile phenotypes, respectively. Graphical Abstract
Quality by Design in Downstream Process Development of Romiplostim

Background: Downstream processing of therapeutic recombinant proteins expressed as the IBs in E. coli is quite challenging. This study aimed to use the QbD approach for developing the multi-step downstream process of a structurally complex therapeutic Fc-Peptide fusion protein, romiplostim. Methods: For development of a successful downstream process, risk analysis and experimental designs were used to characterize the most CQAs and effects of process parameters on these quality attributes. Results: The solubilization of IBs was optimized by DoE on three parameters with a focus on solubility yield, which resulted in >75% increase of the target protein solubilization. The pH of sample was identified as CQA in AEX that might have an impact on achieving >85% host cell proteins removal and >90% host cell DNA reduction. In the refolding step, process parameters were screened. Cystine/cysteine ratio, pH, and incubation time identified as CPPs were further optimized using Box-Behnken analysis, which >85% of the target protein was refolded. The design space for further purification step by HIC was mapped with a focus on HMW impurities. After polishing by gel filtration, the final product's biological activity showed no statistically significant differences among the groups received romiplostim and Nplate®, as the reference product. Conclusion: This research presents a precise and exhaustive model for mapping the design space in order to describe and anticipate the link between the yield and quality of romiplostim and its downstream process parameters.
Facile and green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles for effective photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and real textile wastewater

Abstract Remediation of organic dyes from wastewater in textile industries is a big challenge to decreasing water pollution. This study was aimed at the preparation of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and their application as a photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), sunfix red (SR) and real textile wastewater (RTW) under both UV and visible irradiations. The ZnO NPs were synthesized with a green Thymus vulgaris leaf extract-supported approach following the calcination process. 50 mg L−1 MB and 50 mg L−1 SR dyes were completely photodegrade under UV irradiation after only 20 and 45 minutes, respectively, in the presence of 1.0 mg/mL ZnO NPs. When they are exposed to visible light, the degradation efficiency reached 91 and 75% within 60 and 120 min, respectively. Photocatalytic measurements of RTW depict that 95% (within 60 min under UV illumination) and 79% (within 90 min under visible illumination) were degraded, respectively. The enhanced photodegradation can be attributed to the narrowing of the bandgap of the ZnO NPs, high crystallinity and nearly hexagonal morphology with an average size of 20–30 nm. The present results show that ZnO NPs could potentially be applied for high-efficiency degradation of organic dyes and RTW under both UV and visible light irradiation. Novelty Statement We report for the first time, Thymus vulgaris leaf extract–assisted synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) has been applied as a photocatalytic dye and RTW degradation. Second, our synthesis approach is more facile and simple than the previous method where complex hydrothermal or solvothermal methods have been applied, which leads to a complex preparation procedure. We systematically prepared ZnO materials in taking account into the variable Thymus vulgaris/ZnO precursor ratio, different calcination temperature and time and in detail, their photocatalytic activity has been fully investigated.
Experimental design, formulation, and in-vivo evaluation of novel anticoagulant Rivaroxaban loaded cubosomes in rats model

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop novel cubosomes as an oral delivery system to improve the permeation and anti-clotting activity of Rivaroxaban (RX). The experimental design (23 full factorial design) was employed to study individual and combined impacts of the assigned formulation variables. The variables RX amount (X1), Poloxamer (PX): GMO (GMO) ratio (X2) and PX/GMO: water ratio (X3) were taken as independent factors, and their effect was examined on entrapment efficiency (Y1), particle size (Y2), and zeta potential. (Y3). The cubosomal vesicle RX-C 3 composed of RX (20 mg), PX: GMO (1:0.5 % w/w), and PX/GMO: water (1:5% w/w) is the optimised formula achieving the required prerequisites. RX-C 3 had shown a vesicle size of 91.2 ± 1.3 nm, entrapment efficiency of 96.27 ± 0.12 %, and zeta potential of −24.1 ± 0.2 mV. The in-vivo studies showed revealed good inhibition of blood clotting, where RX-C 3 significantly increased clotting time by 35% and prothrombin time by 29% compared to Rivarospire®. In conclusion, the present study suggested that oral cubosomes formulations provide prolonged delivery of Rivaroxaban.
The role of Vertebral Augmentation Procedures in the management of vertebral compression fractures secondary to multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a systemic disorder characterised by proliferation of B‐lymphocytes and plasma cells in the bone marrow. The primary aims of the management of spinal lesions in MM are pain control and fracture stabilisation. Vertebral augmentation procedures (VAP) can be subdivided into percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). BKP involves the placement of orthopaedic balloons into the fractured vertebral body, creating a void into which polymethylmethacrylate bone cement is injected. This review outlines the management of spinal lesions in patients with MM, with a focus on the comparative risks and efficacy of vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). Soft tissue masses in MM are highly radiosensitive. Bisphosphonates and newer oncological therapies have decreased the indications for palliative radiotherapy, while spinal bracing can be utilised in selected cases to provide stability. BKP and VP provide equivalent long term pain control after MM vertebral compression fractures (VCF). BKP is superior to non‐operative management and VP for restoration of vertebral body height and prevention of segmental kyphosis. Current evidence suggests a greater degree of correction of kyphotic deformity and restoration of mid vertebral height (MVH) with BKP when compared with VP. The literature supports the use of BKP even in the presence of posterior vertebral body wall (PVBW) fractures, a group previously considered a contraindication to VAP. Superior functional outcomes have been reported in patients undergoing early versus delayed BKP (<6–8 weeks). Current evidence supports a lower risk of cement extrusion with BKP than with VP, but serious complications following VAP are rare. MM spinal pathology should be managed in a multidisciplinary setting. Surgical decompression and instrumentation are rarely indicated, due to the radio‐sensitivity of soft tissue lesions in MM. BKP is a safe and effective procedure for VCF secondary to MM.
A novel rat model of denture stomatitis and the role of antibiotics in the development of the disease.

This study compared different conditions to establish a rat model of denture stomatitis. Immunocompetent Wistar rats were divided into two groups (N = 35): Tetracycline = administration of 0.83 mg/mL of tetracycline hydrochloride seven days before induction of denture stomatitis and Amoxicillin = administration of 0.156 mg/mL of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid four days before induction of denture stomatitis. A suspension of Candida albicans was inoculated on the palate followed by the use of a palatal device contaminated with C. albicans inoculum for four days to induce denture stomatitis. As controls, some rats were not submitted to any procedure or used a sterile palatal device for four days. The development of denture stomatitis was confirmed by visual analysis, CFU/mL count, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, and through myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) assays. Rats were euthanized right after device removal (T0), four (T4), or six (T6) days after device removal. Tetracycline improved the development of the disease, with more severe clinical signs at T0. Similar results were observed in the CFU/mL count and in the histometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Higher MPO expression was detected in the palates of the Tetracycline group (p = 0.006). Despite the subtle differences between antibiotics, tetracycline showed better results in inducing and maintaining denture stomatitis for at least four days after device removal.
A New Approach To Solving A Type Of Vibration Problem

Abstract The integral equation and the additional algebraic equations of the vibration of beams with elastic supports and elastically mounted concentrated masses are established. By applying integral equation theory, the frequency equation is derived in terms of the standard eigenvalue problem of a matrix and calculated numerically. This method converges quickly. The frequencies and mode shapes to any predetermined accuracy can be obtained theoretically.
Engineered anti-EGFRvIII targeted exosomes induce apoptosis in glioblastoma multiforme

Abstract Background The drug delivery for treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has been unsatisfactory mainly due to the drug resistance and low targeting efficiency. The selective targeting of GBM cells and using a cocktail of therapeutic agents to synergistically induce apoptosis may help enhance the drug delivery. Methods In this study, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were engineered to produce exosomes, i.e. nanosized natural vesicles presenting anti-EGFRvIII (ab139) antibody on their surface while encapsulating two apoptosis-inducing gene therapy agents, i.e. cytosine deaminase (CDA) and miR-34a. Exosomes were characterised for their size, morphology, protein content and markers using dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis, cryo-TEM, Western blotting, respectively. miR-34a overexpression and Lamp2-ab139 protein expression were analysed using real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. The armed exosomes were delivered to EGFRvIII positive GBM cells (U87EGFRvIII) as well as wild type cell line (U87), which was EGFRvIII negative. Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry in both EGFRvIII negative and positive U87 cells, receiving one gene therapy agent (either CDA or miR-34a) or a combination of them (CDAmiR). Results Spherical shape exosomes with an average diameter of 110 nm and a membrane thickness of 6.5 nm were isolated from MSCs. Lamp2-ab139 was successfully expressed on the surface of transfected cells and their secreted exosomes. Induced apoptosis rates was significantly higher in U87EGFRvIII cells than for U87 cells, indicating selectivity. The cell death rate was 6%, 9% and 12% in U87, 13%, 21% and 40% in U87EGFRvIII cells for CDA, miR-34a and CDAmiR treatment respectively, showing a higher apoptosis rate in the cells receiving both drugs compared to when single therapy was applied. Conclusion The experimental findings clearly show the improved apoptosis rate of GBM cells when treated by engineered exosomes armed with two gene therapy agents and targeted towards EGFRvIII antigen.
Methods for Tritium Production Rate Measurement in Design-Oriented Blanket Experiments

Direct and indirect methods have been developed for measurements of tritium production rates on different Li isotopes. The methods are mainly intended for design-oriented blanket experiments and are based on the activation of thin diagnostic pellets. In the direct method, the tritium activity bred from Li isotopes can be evaluated separately using two activated Li-containing pellets, measured by liquid scintillation counting. The method allows precise measurements of tritium activity in the pellet at a level of 2 Bq/g. The indirect method is based on the use of model activation reactions, 35Cl(n,α)32P and 31P(n,γ)32P, that possess a similar neutron spectrum sensitivity as direct tritium production reactions on 7Li and 6Li, respectively, and an effective measurement of the activation product of model reactions, 32P, by Cherenkov radiation counting. The reaction rate of model reactions can be calibrated in order to obtain the TPR.