Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Electrical Mobility Spectrometer for Aerosol Size Distribution Measurement

Accurate measurements of aerosol size distribution are desirable in order to investigate atmospheric aerosol processes. In the present paper, an electrical mobility spectrometer for measurement of number- weighted particle size distribution in sub-micrometer size range is described. The spectrometer consists of a size selective inlet, an aerosol charger, an electrostatic classifier, a signal detection system, a flow arrangement system and a computer controlled interface system. Particle charging is accomplished by exposing aerosol sample to the cloud of unipolar corona ions, and then charged via ion-particle collisions. The charged aerosol passes into the electrostatic classifier, configured as coaxially cylindrical electrodes. There are two separate streams, aerosol and sheath air flows. The charged aerosols enter the analyzer column. They are then deflected radially outward and collected on electrically isolated electrometer rings, positioned at the inner surface of the outer electrode. Electrometers connected to these electrode rings measure currents corresponding to the number concentration of particles of a given mobility which is related to the particle size. Signal currents are then recorded and processed by a data acquisition system. A prototype of the spectrometer was built and experimentally tested. From preliminary test results, the spectrometer has been found to be promising for determining particle size distribution.
Species Differences in in vitro and Estimated in vivo Kinetics for Intestinal Microbiota Mediated Metabolism of Acetyl- deoxynivalenols.

SCOPE Deoxynivalenol (DON) and its acetylated derivatives 3-acetyl-DON (3-Ac-DON) and 15-acetyl-DON (15-Ac-DON) are important mycotoxins of concern in the modern food chain. METHODS AND RESULTS The present study reveals that the rate of de-acetylation in in vitro anaerobic fecal incubations decreased in the order rat > mouse > human > pig for 3-Ac-DON, and mouse > human > rat > pig for 15-Ac-DON. The ratio between the de-acetylation rate of 3-Ac-DON and 15-Ac-DON varied with the species. Scaling of the kinetic parameters to the in vivo situation resulted in catalytic efficiencies decreasing in the order human > rat > pig > mouse for 3-Ac-DON and human > pig > rat > mouse for 15-Ac-DON. The results obtained indicate that in mice 3-Ac-DON can be fully deconjugated while 15-Ac-DON cannot. In rats, pigs and humans, both 3-Ac-DON and 15-Ac-DON can be totally transformed by gut fecal microbiota during the estimated intestinal residence time. A correlation analysis between the deacetylation rate and the relative abundance of the microbiome suggests Lachnospiraceae may be involved in the deacetylation process. CONCLUSION It is concluded that interspecies differences in deacetylation of acetylated DONs exist but that in risk assessment assumption of complete intestinal deconjugation provides an adequate approach. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Atypical enhanced computed tomography signs of pancreatic cancer and its differential diagnosis from autoimmune pancreatitis.

Background To analyze the atypical enhanced computed tomography (CT) signs of pancreatic cancer (PC) and compare them with those of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) to explore the differential diagnosis value of CT. Methods The clinical data of 36 AIP (AIP group) and 38 PC patients (PC group), who were admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to June 2020 and confirmed by surgical biopsy or hormone therapy, were retrospectively analyzed. Participants in both groups were examined by CT, the imaging signs of the 2 groups were analyzed, and the results of CT examination were compared. Results In the PC group, the density of the lesions on the CT scan was mostly reduced, the pancreas was not swollen, and the kidneys were not involved. The bile duct wall was thickened with a sausage-like appearance, enveloped edges were rare, blood vessels were invaded, lymph nodes were enlarged, and the pancreatic duct was truncated. The findings of the AIP group were the opposite. The difference in the proportion of participants with the above-mentioned CT features between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The shape of the lesions in the AIP group was mainly elongated, of uneven density, and the density of enhanced scanning was medium to high. The predominant shape of the lesions in PC participants was spherical, and the density was uniform. The enhanced scan was mainly low-density. The difference in shape and density between the 2 groups was also statistically significant (P<0.05). The CT values of the plain scan, intravenous phase, and delayed phase in the AIP group were significantly higher than those in the PC group (P<0.05). Conclusions The imaging signs of AIP and PC overlap. Examination with CT is of great value in the differential diagnosis between AIP and PC. Familiarity with and mastery of the CT signs of AIP and PC can help to improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and provide a reliable basis for patients' follow-up treatment.
Profiling and Integrated Analysis of the ERCC6-regulated circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network in Lens Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT Purpose: To explore the regulatory role of ERCC6 in the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network using a cellular ERCC6 overexpression model (OE-ERCC6) in lens epithelial cells. Methods: The expression profiles of circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs were determined by RNA-seq, and a regulatory circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed via bioinformatics. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were used for the functional annotation of circRNA host genes, differentially expressed (DE) genes, and miRNA targets. Results: The DE molecules between the OE-ERCC6 and control groups included 269 circRNAs, 241 miRNAs and 3500 mRNAs. We validated 5 selected DE reads of circRNAs (hsa_circ_0001009, hsa_circ_0002024, hsa_circ_0004592, hsa_circ_0001900 and hsa_circ_0001017). Subsequent bioinformatics analysis revealed that the DE circRNAs are mainly involved in oxidative stress- and cell death-related signaling pathways. Finally, a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network focusing on DNA damage and cell death, which involved 5 circRNAs, 13 miRNAs and 107 mRNAs, was constructed. Conclusion: We constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network that is regulated by ERCC6. DE circRNAs have the potential to become therapeutic targets related to the lens lesions observed in ARC. The establishment of related in vivo and in vitro models could be a future direction to confirm these hypotheses.
Echocardiography evaluation of bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension: a retrospective observational cohort study

Background Echocardiography has poor accuracy in grading the severity of pulmonary hypertension (PH) compared to cardiac catheterization. However, the relationship between degree of PH and prognostic outcomes remains uncertain. Our primary objective was to determine whether echocardiogram-assessed PH severity is associated with mortality and hospital readmission in the first year of life. Methods A retrospective cohort study of infants born less than 32 weeks of gestational age with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) underwent echocardiography was performed. Echocardiograms were performed at 36–38 weeks postmenstrual age. Data during hospitalization and post-discharge collected at 1-year age were analyzed with cox regression models and logistic regression models to identify the association of PH severity with mortality and readmission. Area under curve (AUC) was calculated to examine the accuracy of these models to reflect the likelihood of outcomes. Results Fifty-six of 237 (23.6%) infants were diagnosed as PH. Moderate and severe PH was significantly associated with mortality during the first one year of life (moderate PH vs. none HR =26.58, 95% CI: 4.40–160.78, P<0.001; severe PH vs. none HR =36.49, 95% CI: 5.65–235.84, P<0.001). Male, preeclampsia and inhaled nitric oxide were also associated with mortality. Mild PH was significantly associated with readmission (OR =2.42, 95% CI: 1.12–5.26, P=0.025), but not associated with mortality (HR =2.09, 95% CI: 0.43–10.18, P=0.36). The PH severity model based on echocardiography accurately informed mortality (AUC 0.79). Conclusions Echocardiogram-assessed PH severity is associated with prognostic outcomes, including mortality and readmission in very preterm infants with BPD. The severity of PH based on echocardiography is a potential predictor of mortality in the first year of life.
Testing a computational model of subjective well-being: a preregistered replication of Rutledge et al. (2014)

ABSTRACT Subjective well-being changes over time. While the causes of these changes have been investigated extensively, few attempts have been made to capture these changes through computational modelling. One notable exception is the study by Rutledge et al. [Rutledge, R. B. , Skandali, N. , Dayan, P., & Dolan, R. J. (2014). A computational and neural model of momentary subjective well-being. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(33), 12252–12257. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1407535111], in which a model that captures momentary changes in subjective well-being was proposed. The model incorporates how an individual processes rewards and punishments in a decision context. Using this model, the authors were able to successfully explain fluctuations in subjective well-being observed in a gambling paradigm. Although Rutledge et al. reported an in-paper replication, a successful independent replication would further increase the credibility of their results. In this paper, we report a preregistered close replication of the behavioural experiment and analyses by Rutledge et al. The results of Rutledge et al. were mostly confirmed, providing further evidence for the role of rewards and punishments in subjective well-being fluctuations. Additionally, the association between personality traits and the way people process rewards and punishments was examined. No evidence for such associations was found, leaving this an open question for future research.
Psychological mediators of exercise adherence among older adults in a group-based randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE To examine the psychological mediators of exercise adherence among older adults in a group-based physical activity randomized controlled trial. METHOD Older adults (≥65 years) were randomized to one of three conditions as part of the "GrOup-based physical Activity for oLder adults" (GOAL) randomized controlled trial. These included similar age same gender (SASG) and similar age mixed gender (SAMG) exercise programs that were informed by the tenets of self-categorization theory, and a "standard" mixed age mixed gender (MAMG) exercise program. Participants represented a subgroup (n = 483, Mage = 71.41 years) from the larger trial (n = 627) who completed measures of the trial's putative psychological mediators (i.e., group cohesion and affective attitudes) over the course of the 24-week exercise programs. RESULTS Piecewise latent growth modeling revealed different trajectories between participants in the two intervention conditions (SASG, SAMG) when compared with the comparison MAMG condition with regard to perceptions of group cohesion and affective attitudes. Results of subsequent cross-lagged panel modeling revealed that better program adherence in the two intervention conditions, when compared with the referent MAMG condition, was mediated by perceptions of group cohesion. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide insight into how the two intervention programs differentially strengthened perceptions of group cohesion and affective attitudes over time. Consistent with self-categorization theory, the results also shed light on the role of group cohesion, in particular, as a psychological mechanism of action to promote older adults' exercise adherence behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Density Functional Theory Study of Infrared and Ultraviolet Spectra of Urea L-Malic Acid

Urea L-malic acid, a new second order nonlinear optical crystal, was studied using density functional theory (DFT). PBEPBE/6-31+G(d,p) method, the optimal method for comparing the results from the several DFT methods, was chosen to study the molecular structure. Infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectra were obtained and compared with experiments. The ultraviolet-visible spectrum was also analyzed by the molecular orbital population. The geometries, and the infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectra in water were studied using DFT methods in combination with the polarized continuum model to predict the perturbations by the solvent effect.
Early augmentation by using neuromodulation in psychiatric disorder: a kaleidoscopic view

Abstract Early augmentation is a relatively newer concept in the management of psychiatric disorders. In managing psychiatric disorders, augmentation strategies are commonly used after failed attempts of optimization of a dose of the medications and then switching to another medication. Neuromodulation methods are recommended by traditional treatment recommendations as augmenting strategies (mostly) in managing treatment-resistant/refractory cases of psychiatric disorders. Late in the process of therapy, several of these techniques are applied to the patient. However, using different neuromodulation techniques, early augmentation of the ongoing pharmacological or psychological treatment may be achieved, resulting in early symptom reduction or remission and early return to work by resuming functionality. The length of the symptomatic cycle may be shortened by early augmentation. There are several potential challenges to adopting an early augmentation strategy in clinical practice. This article discusses the concept and evidence of early augmentation strategy in managing psychiatric disorder by using neuromodulation technique and potential challenges before it.
Magnetic Ordering in HoAsO4 Investigated by Means of Specific Heat and Spectroscopic Measurements

The heat capacity, optical absorption spectrum, and Zeeman effect of HoAsO4 have been measured at low temperatures. The specific heat shows a lambda anomaly at TN = = (0.557 ± 0.005) K which has to be attributed to a magnetic phase transition from the paramagnetic to the antiferromagnetic state. The anomaly is superimposed on a large contribution from the nuclear hyperfine interaction of holmium. Spectroscopic measurements indicate that the lowest lying crystal field state of the Ho3+ ions in HoAsO4 is a doublet Γ5 (gc = 15.3 ± 0.3) and that the first excited state is a singlet Γ1 at about 7.5 cm−1. The magnetic interaction in HoAsO4 has the form of Ising interaction. A simple two sublattice structure with magnetic moment direction along the optical axis is proposed for the ordered state. Assuming this structure, an estimation of exchange interaction to nearest (nn), next nearest (nnn), and third nearest (tnn) neighbours was performed. It shows that the contributions to the total exchange field of the nn and nnn are nearly compensated by those of tnn. Dipole–dipole interaction was found to be dominant for the antiferromagnetic ordering in HoAsO4. Die spezifische Warme, das optische Absorptionsspektrum und der Zeeman-Effekt von HoAsO4 wurden bei tiefen Temperaturen gemessen. Die spezifische Warme zeigt bei TN = (0,557 ± 0,005) K eine lambda-formige Anomalie, die einem magnetischen Phasen-ubergang vom paramagnetischen zum antiferromagnetischen Zustand zugeordnet werden mus. Die Anomalie ist von einem starken Beitrag uberlagert, der von der Hyperfeinwechselwirkung der Holmium-Ionen herruhrt. Spektroskopische Messungen zeigen, das der energetisch tiefste Kristallfeldzustand von Ho3+ in HoAsO4 ein symmetrieentartetes Dublett Γ5 (gc = 15,3 ± 0,3) ist. Der erste angeregte Zustand ist ein Singulett Γ1 bei etwa 7,5 cm−1. Die magnetischen Wechselwirkungen in HoAsO4 haben die Form einer Ising-Wechselwirkung. Es wird eine einfache Zwei-Untergitter-Struktur mit magnetischen Momenten parallel zur optischen Achse vorgeschlagen. Unter Annahme dieser Struktur wurden die Beitrage der nachsten, ubernachsten und drittnachsten Nachbarn zur Austauschwechselwirkung abgeschatzt. Das Ergebnis zeigt, das sich die Beitrage der verschiedenen Nachbarn nahezu kompensieren. Die Gesamtwechselwirkung kann fast ausschlieslich durch den Dipol-Anteil erklart werden.
Too rigid to fold: Carotenoid-dependent decrease in thylakoid fluidity hampers the formation of chloroplast grana

Abstract In chloroplasts of land plants, the thylakoid network is organized into appressed regions called grana stacks and loosely arranged parallel stroma thylakoids. Many factors determining such intricate structural arrangements have been identified so far, including various thylakoid-embedded proteins, and polar lipids that build the thylakoid matrix. Although carotenoids are important components of proteins and the lipid phase of chloroplast membranes, their role in determining the thylakoid network structure remains elusive. We studied 2D and 3D thylakoid network organization in carotenoid-deficient mutants (ccr1-1, lut5-1, szl1-1, and szl1-1npq1-2) of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to reveal the structural role of carotenoids in the formation and dynamics of the internal chloroplast membrane system. The most significant structural aberrations took place in chloroplasts of the szl1-1 and szl1-1npq1-2 plants. Increased lutein/carotene ratio in these mutants impaired the formation of grana, resulting in a significant decrease in the number of thylakoids used to build a particular stack. Further, combined biochemical and biophysical analyses revealed that hampered grana folding was related to decreased thylakoid membrane fluidity and significant changes in the amount, organization, and phosphorylation status of photosystem (PS) II (PSII) supercomplexes in the szl1-1 and szl1-1npq1-2 plants. Such changes resulted from a synergistic effect of lutein overaccumulation in the lipid matrix and a decreased level of carotenes bound with PS core complexes. Moreover, more rigid membrane in the lutein overaccumulating plants led to binding of Rubisco to the thylakoid surface, additionally providing steric hindrance for the dynamic changes in the level of membrane folding.
Preparation and optical properties of nano-sized ZnO colloidal particles using NH3 gas as volatile catalyst

Nano-sized zinc oxide (ZnO) colloids were prepared by hydrolyzing zinc acetate solution with ammonia (NH3) gas as a volatile catalyst, instead of metal hydroxides such as NaOH and LiOH, which have been used previously. The procedure consists of two major steps: (1) preparing the precursor by reacting zinc acetate with ethanol, and (2) hydrolyzing the precursor to form the colloid. Hydrolysis was performed by bubbling the desired composition of NH3-N2 gas mixture into the precursor for the desired time in an ultrasonic bath. The hydrolysis conditions required for forming ZnO colloids such as the composition of the NH3-N2 gas mixture and bubbling times are examined. In addition, optical properties such as luminescence and absorption of these ZnO colloids produced via this basic hydrolysis procedure, and the effect of the residual NH3 in the suspension on colloidal stability are examined. It is found that a critical amount of dissolved NH3 to form nano-sized ZnO particles is existent, and that the luminescence intensity largely depends on the gas composition and the bubbling time. Residual NH3 remaining in the suspension greatly affects colloidal stability. But, it could be easily removed by evaporating ethanol of the solvent under reduced pressure. The resulting ZnO powder could be re-dispersed quickly and completely into ethanol. The luminescence and absorption properties of the re-dispersed colloidal suspension were almost the same as those of the original suspension. Moreover, the re-dispersed ZnO suspension was absolutely transparent for more than one month at room temperature. In other words, the colloidal stability is remarkably improved.
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of an Overseas Volunteer Mission to the Local Healthcare System

Background The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the sustainability and cost-benefit of the Operation Giving Back Bohol surgical volunteerism mission (SVM) carried out in Bohol Province, Philippines, over twelve consecutive missions. Methods This was a cost-benefit analysis of prospectively collected financial data from twelve consecutive surgical volunteerism missions held between 2006 and 2018. The overall cost of an SVM and cost per patient were the endpoints of interest. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and costs thereof were calculated for each patient undergoing surgery in the twelve SVMs. Results A mean of 112 ± 22 patients were included per year of the SVM. A statistically significant increasing trend in the overall cost of SVMs over time was found (R2 = .469; P = .014). A nonsignificant decreasing trend in the cost per patient over time was found (R2 = .007; P = .795). A total of 8811.71 DALYs were averted in the twelve SVMs. DALYs averted per year ranged between 474.02 (2009) and 969.16 (2012). Cost per a DALY averted ranged between $466.9 (2006) and $865.6 (2009). Comparison of the latter with GDP per capita showed that this SVM was “very cost-effective. ” Conclusion The SVM contributes substantially to the health care system both clinically and financially. A total of 8812 DALYs were averted in these twelve SVMs. Costs per a DALY averted did not significantly change over the mission years. Increasing the number of patients served has increased the total cost of the mission with no impact on the cost per patient.
Professionalism: microaggression in the healthcare setting

Purpose of review Microaggressions are daily commonplace, subtle behaviors and attitudes toward others that arise from conscious or unconscious bias. Not only can microaggressions affect one's access to power, resources, and opportunity, but they could also contribute to the persistent disparities faced by marginalized groups among healthcare professionals as well as patients. Recent findings Physicians, especially those in perioperative specialties, commonly have distress during their medical training. Workplace mistreatment, such as discrimination, has been commonly reported by residents across multiple specialties. Microaggressions also impact patient care as they can influence decisions of medical professionals toward a person or group of people. Summary This review offers education on the correlation of microaggression and unconscious bias to health disparities, provides tools to address microaggressions as a bystander, and outlines processes for institutional improvement.
The anurans and squamates assemblage from Final Natufian Eynan (Ain Mallaha, Israel) with an emphasis on snake-human interactions

During the Natufian period, more than 12,000 years ago, Eynan (Ain Mallaha) was an important human settlement in the Hula Valley, Israel. This study concentrates on the anuran and squamate assemblage from the ultimate stage of the Natufian period at the site, the Final Natufian. Over five thousand bones assigned to at least sixteen taxa were studied from a sampled segment of the excavated open-air site. Relative species abundance, spatial distribution, taphonomic observations and ecological considerations all pointed to the conclusion that the inhabitants of Eynan intensively exploited three large “colubrine” snakes species: the Large Whip Snake (Dolichophis jugularis), the Eastern Montpellier Snake (Malpolon insignitus) and an Eastern Four-lined Ratsnake (Elaphe cf. sauromates). These snakes were the most desired and were intensively gathered, while other snakes and lizards could have been opportunistically collected when encountered. We raise questions about whether the large “colubrines” exploitation should be interpreted as additional evidence of increasing diet breadth. We suggest challenging this line of reasoning and offer possible alternative motives.