Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of ionic liquids for separation of propyne from propylene: solubility and selectivity studies

Separation or removal of propyne from propylene, generated by naptha cracking process, is one of the most important processes in petrochemical industries because ppm level of propyne contained in feed olefins can serve as catalyst poisons in the polymerization of olefins. Recently, room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) were introduced as novel solvents for the separation of various gases and hydrocarbons. RTIL is a salt composed of unsymmetrical organic cation and organic/inorganic anion which melts at room temperature. Prior to the decision of material selection for the effective separation of propyne/propylene employing RTIL, solubility behaviors and selectivities of propyne and propylene in various RTILs were investigated. For the solubility of propyne and propylene in 1-R-3-methylimidazolium-based RTILs, solubility measurement, thermodynamic analysis, and computational calculation strongly imply that the solubility of propyne is controlled by a trade-off between a specific solute-solvent interaction (hydrogen bonding of propyne-anion) and non bonding interaction (solubility parameter). In contrast, the solubility of propylene seems to be much strongly dependent on non-bonding interaction (solubility parameter) closely related to the physical attractive forces as suggested by regular solution theory. Thus, to achieve high selectivity of propyne over propylene, a RTIL with smaller-size and stronger hydrogen bonding ability should be employed.Keywords: propyne, propylene, solubility, selectivity, ionic liquidsAbstrakPemisahan senyawa propuna dari propena, yang dihasilkan oleh proses fraksionasi nafta adalah salah satu proses yang paling penting dalam industri petrokimia. Kontaminan propuna yang terkandung dalam umpan olefin dapat menjadi racun katalis dalam proses polimerisasi olefin. Kini cairan ionik temperatur ruang (RTIL) diperkenalkan sebagai pelarut baru untuk pemisahan berbagai gas dan hidrokarbon. RTIL adalah garam yang terdiri dari kation organik dan anion organik/anorganik asimetrik yang meleleh pada suhu kamar. Pemilihan senyawa pelarut RTIL yang tepat untuk pemisahan propuna / propena akan dibahas dalam tulisan ini. Dalam proses pelarutan propuna dalam RTIL berbasis 1-R-3-metilimidazolium, pengukuran kelarutan, analisis termodinamika, dan pemodelan mengisyaratkan bahwa kelarutan propuna dikendalikan oleh kompromi antara interaksi spesifik solut-pelarut (ikatan hidrogen propuna-anion) dan interaksi tak mengikat (parameter kelarutan). Sebaliknya, kelarutan propena sangat bergantung pada interaksi tak mengikat (parameter kelarutan) yang erat hubungannya dengan ikatan fisik seperti dipaparkan dalam teori larutan biasa (regular solution theory). Dengan demikian, untuk mencapai selektivitas tinggi terhadap propuna dibandingkan dengan propena, disarankan untuk menggunakan senyawa RTIL dengan ukuran molekul lebih kecil yang memiliki ikatan hidrogen lebih kuat.Kata Kunci: propuna, propena, kelarutan, absorpsi, cairan ionik
Path Tracking Control of Autonomous Vehicles Subject to Deception Attacks via a Learning-Based Event-Triggered Mechanism

This article investigates the problem of event-triggered secure path tracking control of autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) under deception attacks. To relieve the burden of the shareable vehicle communication network and to improve the tracking performance in the presence of deception attacks, a learning-based event-triggered mechanism (ETM) is proposed. Different from existing ETMs, the triggering threshold of the proposed mechanism can be dynamically adjusted with conditions of the latest vehicle state. Each vehicle in this study is deemed as an agent, under which a novel control strategy is developed for these autonomous agents with deception attacks. With the assistance of Lyapunov stability theory, sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee the stability and stabilization of the overall system. Finally, a simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Identification of the Key Regulatory Genes Involved in Elaborate Petal Development and Specialized Character Formation in Nigella damascena (Ranunculaceae)

Extensive transcriptomic and functional analyses of elaborate petal development and specialized character formation in Nigella damascena point to the mechanisms underlying lateral organ diversification in plants. Petals can be simple or elaborate, depending on whether they have lobes, teeth, fringes, or appendages along their margins, or possess spurs, scales, or other types of modifications on their adaxial/abaxial side, or both. Elaborate petals have been recorded in 23 orders of angiosperms and are generally believed to have played key roles in the adaptive evolution of corresponding lineages. The mechanisms underlying the formation of elaborate petals, however, are largely unclear. Here, by performing extensive transcriptomic and functional studies on Nigella damascena (Ranunculaceae), we explore the mechanisms underlying elaborate petal development and specialized character formation. In addition to the identification of genes and programs that are specifically/preferentially expressed in petals, we found genes and programs that are required for elaborate rather than simple petal development. By correlating the changes in gene expression with those in petal development, we identified 30 genes that are responsible for the marginal/ventral elaboration of petals and the initiation of several highly specialized morphological characters (e.g., pseudonectaries, long hairs, and short trichomes). Expression and functional analyses further confirmed that a class I homeodomain-leucine zipper family transcription factor gene, Nigella damascena LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY1 (NidaLMI1), plays important roles in the development of short trichomes and bifurcation of the lower lip. Our results not only provide the first portrait of elaborate petal development but also pave the way to understanding the mechanisms underlying lateral organ diversification in plants.
Events associated with DNA replication disruption are not observed in hydrogen peroxide-treated Escherichia coli

Abstract UV irradiation induces pyrimidine dimers that block polymerases and disrupt the replisome. Restoring replication depends on the recF pathway proteins which process and maintain the replication fork DNA to allow the lesion to be repaired before replication resumes. Oxidative DNA lesions, such as those induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are often thought to require similar processing events, yet far less is known about how cells process oxidative damage during replication. Here we show that replication is not disrupted by H2O2-induced DNA damage in vivo. Following an initial inhibition, replication resumes in the absence of either lesion removal or RecF-processing. Restoring DNA synthesis depends on the presence of manganese in the medium, which we show is required for replication, but not repair to occur. The results demonstrate that replication is enzymatically inactivated, rather than physically disrupted by H2O2-induced DNA damage; indicate that inactivation is likely caused by oxidation of an iron-dependent replication or replication-associated protein that requires manganese to restore activity and synthesis; and address a long standing paradox as to why oxidative glycosylase mutants are defective in repair, yet not hypersensitive to H2O2. The oxygen-sensitive pausing may represent an adaptation that prevents replication from occurring under potentially lethal or mutagenic conditions.
Dramatic clinical response to dabrafenib plus trametinib in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic

SUMMARY Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is the rarest tumor of the thyroid gland, representing less than 2% of clinically recognized thyroid cancers. Typically, it has an extremely rapid onset, fatal outcomes in most cases, and a median overall survival of 3 to 10 months despite aggressive multidisciplinary management. The presence of targetable mutations in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma patients is an opportunity for treatment when conventional therapeutics approaches are not effective, a frequent situation in the majority of patients. We present our experience in the management of a patient with unresectable anaplastic thyroid cancer who had a remarkable and rapid response to treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib during the COVID-19 pandemic. After four weeks of dabrafenib 150 mg twice daily plus trametinib 2 mg daily, he showed a dramatic reduction of the cervical mass around 90%. Nearly eight weeks under treatment with dabrafenib plus trametinib, the patient remains with minimal locoregional disease without distant metastases.
Orexin Modulation of VTA Dopamine Neuron Activity: Relevance to Schizophrenia

Abstract Background The hippocampus is a region consistently implicated in schizophrenia and has been advanced as a therapeutic target for positive, negative, and cognitive deficits associated with the disease. Recently, we reported that the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) works in concert with the ventral hippocampus to regulate dopamine system function; however, the PVT has yet to be investigated as target for the treatment of the disease. Given the dense expression of orexin receptors in the thalamus, we believe these to be a possible target for pharmacological regulation of PVT activity. Methods Here we used the methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) rodent model, which displays pathological alterations consistent with schizophrenia to determine whether orexin receptor blockade can restore ventral tegmental area dopamine system function. We measured dopamine neuron population activity, using in vivo electrophysiology, following administration of the dual orexin antagonist, TCS 1102 (both intraperitoneal and intracranial into the PVT in MAM- and saline-treated rats), and orexin A and B peptides (intracranial into the PVT in naïve rats). Results Aberrant dopamine system function in MAM-treated rats was normalized by the systemic administration of TCS 1102. To investigate the potential site of action, the orexin peptides A and B were administered directly into the PVT, where they significantly increased ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron population activity in control rats. In addition, the direct administration of TCS 1102 into the PVT reproduced the beneficial effects seen with the systemic administration in MAM-treated rats. Conclusion Taken together, these data suggest the orexin system may represent a novel site of therapeutic intervention for psychosis via an action in the PVT.
Protective effects of non‐catalytic proteins on endoglucanase activity at air and lignin interfaces

The manner in which added non‐catalytic proteins during enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic substrates enhances hydrolysis mechanisms is not completely understood. Prior research has indicated that a reduction in the non‐specific adsorption of enzymes on lignin, and deactivation of enzymes exposed to air–liquid interface provide rationale. This work investigated root causes including effects of the air–liquid interface on non‐catalytic proteins, and effects of lignin on endoglucanase. Three different experimental designs and three variables (air–liquid interfacial area, the types of lignin (acid or enzymatic lignin), and the presence of non‐enzymatic protein (bovine serum albumin [BSA] or soy proteins ) were used. The results showed that acid isolated lignin adsorbed almost all endoglucanase activity initially present in supernatant, independent of air interface conditions (25 or 250 ml flasks) with the presence of BSA preventing this effect. Endoglucanase lost 30%–50% of its activity due to an air–liquid interface in the presence of lignin while addition of non‐enzymatic protein helped to preserve this enzyme's activity. Langmuir and Freundlich models applied to experimental data indicated that the adsorption increases with increasing temperature for both endoglucanase and BSA. Adsorption of the enzyme and protein were endothermic with an increase in entropy. These results, combined, show that hydrophobicity plays a strong role in the adsorption of both endoglucanase and BSA on lignin.
Corneal Stromal Regeneration Therapy for Advanced Keratoconus: Long-term Outcomes at 3 Years

Purpose: To report the 3-year clinical outcomes of corneal stromal cell therapy consisting of the intrastromal implantation with autologous adipose-derived adult stem cells (ADASCs), and decellularized or ADASC-recellularized human donor corneal laminas in advanced keratoconus. Methods: Fourteen patients were enrolled in 3 experimental groups. Group 1 (G-1) patients underwent implantation of ADASCs alone (3 × 106 cells/1 mL) (n = 5). Group 2 (G-2) patients received a 120-μm decellularized corneal stroma lamina (n = 5). Group 3 (G-3) patients received a 120-μm lamina recellularized with ADASCs (1 × 106 cells/1 mL) (n = 4). ADASCs were obtained by elective liposuction. Implantation was performed into a femtosecond pocket under topical anesthesia. Results: At 3 years, a significant improvement of 1 to 2 logMAR lines in uncorrected distance visual acuity was observed in all groups. A statistically significant decrease in corrected distance visual acuity was obtained in G-2 and G-3 (P < 0.001) when compared with that of G-1. Rigid contact lens distance visual acuity showed a statistically significant worsening in G-2 (P < 0.001) compared with that of G-1. A statistically significant increase in central corneal thickness was observed in G-2 (P = 0.012) and G-3 (P < 0.001); in the Scheimpflug corneal topography, the thinnest point was observed in G-2 (P = 0.007) and G-3 (P = 0.001) when compared with that of G-1. Conclusions: Intrastromal implantation of ADASCs and decellularized or ADASC-recellularized human corneal stroma laminas did not have complications at 3 years. The technique showed a moderate improvement in (uncorrected distance visual acuity) and (corrected distance visual acuity) in advanced keratoconus.
Mapping of microvascular architecture in the brain of an Alzheimer's disease mouse model using MRI

Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in cerebral microvasculature play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the cerebral microvascular architecture of AD transgenic (Tg) mice and compare it with that of non‐Tg mice using brain microvascular indices obtained by MRI. Seven non‐Tg mice and 10 5xFAD Tg mice were scanned using a 7‐T animal MRI system to measure the transverse relaxation rates of R2 and R2* before and after the injection of the monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticle contrast agent. After calculating ΔR2* and ΔR2, the vessel size index (VSI), mean vessel diameter (mVD), mean vessel density, mean vessel‐weighted image (MvWI) and blood volume fraction (BVf) were mapped. Voxel‐based analyses and region of interest (ROI)‐based analyses were performed to compare the indices of the non‐Tg and Tg groups. Voxel comparisons showed that BVf, mVD, VSI and MvWI were greater in the Tg group than in the non‐Tg group. Additionally, the ROI‐based analysis showed that ΔR2*, BVf, mVD, MvWI and VSI increased in several brain regions of the Tg group compared with those in the non‐Tg group. VSI and mVD increased in Tg mice; these findings indicated microvascular disruption in the brain that could be related to damage to the neurovascular unit in AD caused by cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Increased Power and Accuracy of Causal Locus Identification in Time Series Genome-wide Association in Sorghum1[OPEN]

Applying functional principal component analyses to time series genome-wide association studies increases the power and accuracy of gene identification in a sorghum association panel. The phenotypes of plants develop over time and change in response to the environment. New engineering and computer vision technologies track these phenotypic changes. Identifying the genetic loci regulating differences in the pattern of phenotypic change remains challenging. This study used functional principal component analysis (FPCA) to achieve this aim. Time series phenotype data were collected from a sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) diversity panel using a number of technologies including conventional color photography and hyperspectral imaging. This imaging lasted for 37 d and centered on reproductive transition. A new higher density marker set was generated for the same population. Several genes known to control trait variation in sorghum have been previously cloned and characterized. These genes were not confidently identified in genome-wide association analyses at single time points. However, FPCA successfully identified the same known and characterized genes. FPCA analyses partitioned the role these genes play in controlling phenotypes. Partitioning was consistent with the known molecular function of the individual cloned genes. These data demonstrate that FPCA-based genome-wide association studies can enable robust time series mapping analyses in a wide range of contexts. Moreover, time series analysis can increase the accuracy and power of quantitative genetic analyses.
In pursuit of propulsion at the nanoscale

This review describes recent developments in self-propelling nano- and micro-scale swimming devices. The ability of these devices to transport nano-scale components in a fluidic environment is demonstrated. Furthermore, the adaptations needed for these devices to meet biological transport challenges such as targeted drug delivery are highlighted. Particular emphasis is placed on describing autonomously powered devices driven by asymmetrical chemical reactions. Methods to control the speed and direction of such swimming devices using external fields are described, and contrasted to recent demonstrations of statistical autonomous migrations and organisations driven by chemical gradients, inter swimmer interactions and external photo-stimulus. Finally the challenges and advantages of converting other nature inspired swimming mechanisms into realistic artificial self-powered devices are considered.
Ad-atom Kinetics on Surfactant-Covered Si(111), ab initio Calculations

We present ab initio calculations for Si ad-atom kinetics on surfactant (As, Sb) covered Si(111) considering the structures experimentally found during homoepitaxy. On As-covered Si(111), one exclusively finds islands with double-step height which always show the equilibrium (1 2 1)-structure. On the other hand, on Sb-covered Si(111) large Si islands with single-step height appear with (1 2 1)-structure, on which smaller islands nucleate which show the ( $ \sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3} $ )-structure of the Sb-covered terraces. The competition between diffusion of ad-atoms on top of the surfactant layer and incorporation into the layer by exchange with a surfactant atom, and the consequences for the island development on the different structures are discussed.
Neuroprotective effect of hypoxic preconditioning and neuronal activation in a in vitro human model of the ischemic penumbra

Objective. In ischemic stroke, treatments to protect neurons from irreversible damage are urgently needed. Studies in animal models have shown that neuroprotective treatments targeting neuronal silencing improve brain recovery, but in clinical trials none of these were effective in patients. This failure of translation poses doubts on the real efficacy of treatments tested and on the validity of animal models for human stroke. Here, we established a human neuronal model of the ischemic penumbra by using human induced pluripotent stem cells and we provided an in-depth characterization of neuronal responses to hypoxia and treatment strategies at the network level. Approach. We generated neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from healthy donor and we cultured them on micro-electrode arrays. We measured the electrophysiological activity of human neuronal networks under controlled hypoxic conditions. We tested the effect of different treatment strategies on neuronal network functionality. Main results. Human neuronal networks are vulnerable to hypoxia reflected by a decrease in activity and synchronicity under low oxygen conditions. We observe that full, partial or absent recovery depend on the timing of re-oxygenation and we provide a critical time threshold that, if crossed, is associated with irreversible impairments. We found that hypoxic preconditioning improves resistance to a second hypoxic insult. Finally, in contrast to previously tested, ineffective treatments, we show that stimulatory treatments counteracting neuronal silencing during hypoxia, such as optogenetic stimulation, are neuroprotective. Significance. We presented a human neuronal model of the ischemic penumbra and we provided insights that may offer the basis for novel therapeutic approaches for patients after stroke. The use of human neurons might improve drug discovery and translation of findings to patients and might open new perspectives for personalized investigations.
Highly Expressed Amyloid Beta-42 Of Aqueous Humor In Patients With Neovascular Macular Degeneration

ABSTRACT Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a type of macular degeneration disease, and amyloid beta (aβ) is the main component of vitreous warts in AMD patients. Neovascular AMD (nAMD) is the most serious type of AMD, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to detect the expression of aβ42 in the aqueous humor of nAMD patients and to evaluate whether aβ42 expression of aqueous humor is correlated with cognitive function in these patients. Methods: A total of 70 patients were enrolled in this study, including 50 nAMD patients (nAMD group) and 20 patients with cataract (control group). The cognitive function of the patients was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, and based on their scores, 50 patients with nAMD were divided into two subgroups: the p-nAMD group (18 nAMD patients with normal cognition) and the ci-nAMD group (32 nAMD patients with cognitive impairment). An immunofluorescence microsphere probe technique was used to detect the aβ42 expression of aqueous humor in all patients. Pearson correlation analysis was used. Results: The aβ42 expression of aqueous humor was significantly higher in the nAMD group (124.56 ± 41.93 pg/mL) as compared with the control group (82.94 ± 33.75 pg/mL; P < .01). There was no significant difference in aβ42 expression of aqueous humor between the p-nAMD group (136.42 ± 51.68 pg/mL) and ci-nAMD group (117.90 ± 34.46 pg/mL; P = .14). Conclusion: In nAMD patients, aβ42 was highly expressed in the aqueous humor but was not correlated with cognitive function.