Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of key effects causing weak performance of allergen analysis in processed food matrices

The weaker performance of generally used analytical methods for allergen analysis in processed foods can be connected to protein denaturation. To understand the nature of protein denaturation processes, experimental but realistic model matrices (corn starch based mixture, hydrated dough, and heat treated cookies) were developed that contain a defined amount of milk, egg, soy, and wheat proteins individually or in combination. The protein subunit composition was investigated in every processing phase, i.e. after mixing, dough formation, and baking. SDS-PAGE measurements were carried out to monitor the protein distribution of sample food matrices in non-reducing and reducing gels. The results clearly show that the highly decreased protein solubility is caused by denaturation, aggregation, or complex formation, which are the most significant factors in poorer analytical performances. Solubility can only partly be improved with the application of reducing agents or surfactants, and the rate of improvement is .
Role of Hetero-Halogen (F···X, X = Cl, Br, and I) or Homo-Halogen (X···X, X = F, Cl, Br, and I) Interactions in Substituted Benzanilides

A series of halogen-substituted benzanilides have been synthesized and characterized, and crystallization studies directed toward generation of polymorphs have been performed to delineate the importance of interactions involving halogens. The effect of halogen substitution on the molecular conformation and supramolecular packing has been investigated. The N−H···O H-bond is a key structure-directing element acting in conjunction with C−H···O and C−H···π interactions. In addition, it is of importance to note that organic fluorine prefers Type I F···F contacts, whereas Cl, Br, and I prefer Type II contacts. Hetero-halogen···halogen interactions on the other hand are predominately of Type II geometry, and this is due to the greater polarizability of the electron density associated with the heavier halogens. It is of importance to evaluate the contributing role of these interactions in crystal structure packing and the co-operativity associated with such interactions in the solid state.
Study on Preparation of Coal Gangue-Based Geopolymer Concrete and Mechanical Properties

College of Information Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China Guangxi Key Laboratory of Embedded Technology and Intelligence, Guilin 541006, China Guangxi Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China College of Civil Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin 123000, China
Transcriptomic signature on Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome patients, reveals an increased interferon response as a hallmark of critically ill patients

New World hantaviruses are important human pathogens that can cause a severe zoonotic disease called hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). HCPS patients can progress quickly to a severe condition with respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock that can be fatal in 30% of the cases. The role of the host's immune responses in this progression towards HCPS remains elusive. In this study, 12 patients hospitalized with severe HCPS were analyzed using a transcriptome approach combined with clinical laboratory data to gain a better insight into factors associated with a severe clinical course. Patients were further classified in two levels of severity, a first group that required mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs (VM+VD) and a second group that also needed ECMO or died (ECMO/Fatal). Their transcriptional profile was compared during acute (early and late) and convalescent phases. Our results showed that overexpression of the interferon response is correlated with a worse (ECMO/Fatal) outcome and an increased viral load and proinflammatory cytokines in the early-acute-phase. This report provides insights into the differences in innate immune activation between severe patients that associates with different clinical outcomes, using a non-biased approximation.
Differential Deep Brain Stimulation Sites and Networks for Cervical vs. Generalized Dystonia

Dystonia is a debilitating disease with few conservative treatment options but many types of isolated dystonia can be effectively treated using deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the internal pallidum. While cervical and generalized forms of isolated dystonia have been targeted with a common approach to the posterior third of the nucleus, large-scale investigations between optimal stimulation sites and potential network effects in the two types of dystonia have not been carried out. Here, we retrospectively investigate clinical results following DBS for cervical and generalized dystonia in a multi-center cohort of 80 patients. We model DBS electrode placement based on pre- and postoperative imaging and introduce a novel approach to map optimal stimulation sites to anatomical space. Second, we analyse stimulation in context of a detailed pathway model of the subcortex to investigate the modulation of which tracts accounts for optimal clinical improvements. Third, we investigate stimulation in context of a broad-lense whole-brain functional connectome to illustrate potential multisynaptic network effects. Finally, we construct a joint model using local, tract- and network-based effects to explain variance in clinical outcomes in cervical and generalized dystonia. Our results show marked differences in optimal stimulation sites that map to the somatotopic structure of the internal pallidum. We further highlight that modulation of the pallidofugal main axis of the basal ganglia may be optimal for treatment of cervical dystonia, while pallidothalamic bundles account for effects in generalized dystonia. Finally, we show a common multisynaptic network substrate for both phenotypes in form of connectivity to cerebellum and somatomotor cortex. Our results suggest a multi-level model that could account for effectivity of treatment in cervical and generalized dystonia and could potentially help guide DBS programming and surgery, in the future.
Disentangling Catalytic Activity at Terrace and Step Sites on Selectively Ru-Modified Well-Ordered Pt Surfaces Probed by CO Electro-oxidation

In heterogeneous (electro)catalysis, the overall catalytic output results from responses of surface sites with different catalytic activities, and their discrimination in terms of what specific site is responsible for a given activity is not an easy task. Here, we use the electro-oxidation of CO as a probe reaction to access the catalytic activity of different sites on high-Miller index stepped Pt surfaces with their {110} steps selectively modified by Ru at different coverages. Data from in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry evidence that Ru deposited on {110} steps modifies the surface in a nontrivial way, favoring only the electrocatalytic oxidation of CO over {111} terraces. Moreover, these {111} terraces become catalytically active throughout a large potential window. On the other hand, after the deposition of Ru on {110} steps, the partial oxidation of a CO adlayer (by stripping voltammetry and in situ FTIR potential steps) shows that those {110} steps that remain fr.
Effect of Asphaltene Concentration on the Aggregation and Precipitation Tendency of Asphaltenes

Destabilized asphaltenes can easily adhere to the oil well production equipment, the transportation pipelines, and also the refining and storage facilities, resulting in significant remediation costs. Therefore, it is of great importance to the energy industry to understand the factors that govern the kinetics of asphaltene aggregation and precipitation. In this study, the effect of asphaltene concentration on their aggregation and precipitation tendencies after their destabilization with heptane is investigated for three different types of asphaltenes. It is intuitively expected that any increase in asphaltene concentration will accelerate the precipitation kinetics after heptane addition. For asphaltene concentrations below 1 wt % in toluene, this expected trend is indeed experimentally confirmed. However, for asphaltene concentrations above 1 wt %, an increase in concentration leads to slower aggregation instead. We believe that this counterintuitive decline in the aggregation rate is due to the stabil.
Quantification of spatially varying hydrogeologic properties for a predictive model of groundwater flow in the Ogallala aquifer, northern Texas Panhandle

The Ogallala aquifer, an extensive unconfined aquifer, is the main source of agricultura.l and drinking water across the Texas Panhandle and the U.S. High Plains. After 50 yrs of water production at rates in excess of recharge, less than half of the original saturated thickness remains in parts of the aquifer in the northern Texas Panhandle. Numerical models of groundwater flow in the Ogallala are tools with which to manage the aquifer; at. least I 5 numerical groundwater-flow models have been developed for different parts of the Ogallala aquifer in Texas. Regional models of groundwater flow in the heterogeneous Ogallala aquifer should draw on as many spatially varying data as possible. Besides the basic geometry of the aquifer (top and bottom and lateral boundaries) , model input for hydraulic conductivity and recharge can be delimited using spatial attributes. Contouring hydraulic conductivity on the basis of trends in depositional systems and percentage sand and gravel in the aquifer represents both geological heterogeneity and a degree of lateral continuity not captured in simple variogram geostatistics. Recharge rates can be predicted on the basis of long-term precipitation trends and locally adjusted where soils are more or less permeable than average. The combination of mapping hydraulic conductivity using depositional systems and recharge using precipitation and soil factors minimized model calibration error to less than 5% of the hydraulic-head change across the study area. Reaching a low model calibration error with negligible parameter adjustment raises confidence in the applicability of a groundwater-flow model to aquifer management.
IAS/IFRS in Jordan: Adoption, Implementation and Determinants

This study examines the current status of accounting standards among Jordanian firms. In particular, it examines the adoption level of IAS/IFRS. In addition, it examines the implementation process in terms of difficulties and challenges. Further, the study tests empirically the effect of international institutional pressures, local legal enforcement bodies and accounting education level on accounting standards adoption level. The results of the study are based on the descriptive and multiple regression analysis technique. Based on 62 usable responses, the study reveals that the adoption level of IAS/IFRS among Jordanian firms is moderate. For example, IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosure) is the most adopted standard. This is followed by IAS 32 (Financial Instruments: Presentation) and IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) respectively, while IFRS 2 (Share-based Payment) is the least adopted standard. In general, the study reveals that the implementation process of some standards is easy such as IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosure), while others such as IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets) and IFRS 13 (Fair Value Measurement) need additional efforts to properly implement. In addition, several challenges were detected, which could prevent the proper implementation of some accounting standards such as the shortage in the governmental and IT supports. Further, the study shows that international institutional pressure and local legal enforcement bodies have a positive and significant relationship with the adoption level of accounting standards, while the effect of accounting education level is insignificant. JACPA should coordinate and collaborate with IASB and the government to offer all the necessary financial, technical and legal support for Jordanian firms to fully adopt and apply accounting standards. Several recommendations were offered for future research to enrich this vital topic in Jordan and other developing countries.
An approach to identifying young children with developmental disabilities via primary care records

Background: Preschool aged children with developmental disabilities frequently receive a diagnosis of an indicator of disability, such as developmental delay, some time before receiving a definitive diagnosis at school age, such as autism spectrum disorder. The absence of a definitive diagnosis potentially underestimates the need for support by families with young disabled children, also delaying the access of families to condition-specific information and support. Our aim was to develop a strategy to identify children with probable and potential developmental disabilities before the age of five in primary care records for a UK birth cohort, considering how the identification of only probable or potential developmental disability might influence prevalence estimates. Methods: As part of a study of the effects of caring for young children with developmental disabilities on mothers’ health and healthcare use, we developed a two-part strategy to identify: 1) children with conditions associated with significant disability and which can be diagnosed during the preschool period; and 2) children with diagnoses which could indicate potential disability, such as motor development disorder. The strategy, using Read codes, searched the electronic records of children in the Born in Bradford cohort with linked maternal and child sociodemographic information. The results were compared with national and Bradford prevalence estimates. Results: We identified 83 children with disability conditions and 394 with potential disability (44 children had a disability condition and an indicator of potential disability). Combined they produced a developmental disability prevalence of 490 per 10,000 which is above the UK estimate for developmental disabilities in children under five (468 per 10,000) and within the 419-505 per 10,000 prevalence estimated for Bradford (for children aged 0-18). Conclusions: When disability prevalence is estimated only using conditions diagnosed as developmental disabilities, most young children with developmental disabilities likely to be diagnosed at later ages will be missed.
Enhancement of Aqueous Solubility of Meloxicam using Solid Dispersions Based on Ziziphus spina-christi Gums

Aqueous solubility and gastrointestinal permeability are the key determinant of drug bioavailability. The aim of this study was to improve solubility and dissolution of Meloxicam (MLX) by solid dispersion using Ziziphus spina-christi Gums (ZSCG) as drug carrier. A 32 full factorial design was used to study the effect of selected independent variables (drug-carrier ratio and kneading time) on the quality of prepared solid dispersions and to identify the optimized formula. Compatibility between MLX and carrier was proved by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIS) and the optimized formula was compressed into tablets. Results revealed that all prepared solid dispersions showed an increase in solubility over pure MLX with 10 folds increase in solubility obtained in F7. Both formulation factors exerted a significant effect (p value less than 0.05) on solubility and practical percentage yield. Formulated tablets fulfilled all compendial specifications for quality control. Dissolution profile of formulated tablets was better than a commercial brand of MLX tablets in terms of mean dissolution time which was found to be 8.35 minutes and dissolution efficiency in 30 minutes (43.56%) for the formulated tablets. Analysis of the dissolution data indicated the best fitting with Weibull and first-order with R2 of 0.9850 and 0.9813 respectively, proving that they were immediate release tablets. In conclusion, solubility and dissolution rate of MLX was enhanced by preparing its solid dispersion using ZSCG. These results are promising for more solubility enhancement upon further characterization and modification of the extracted gums.
Physicochemical Properties of Dough and Steamed Bread Made from Regular and Whole Wheat Flour

Abstract Mantou (steamed bread) is a Chinese fermented wheat product that is cooked in steamer. Whole wheat flour (WWF) is healthier than regular wheat flour (WF). This study investigated the physicochemical properties of dough and mantou made from WF and/or WWF. Results showed that the substitution of WF by WWF resulted in stiffer and less extensible dough. Both Peleg–Normand and Wiechert models fitted well to the stress relaxation data of mantou. Increasing the substitution level of WWF led to the decrease of k1 and k2 in Peleg–Normand model as well as λ1 and λ2 in Wiechert model. Mantou with 100 % WWF had significantly higher hardness but lower cohesiveness and specific volume than regular mantou. However, free and bound phenolics and DPPH radical scavenging capacity of mantou obviously increased with the amount of WWF. Mantou with 25 % WWF had the highest overall sensory score among all mantous tested.
Atmospheric Visibility and Meteorological Characteristics of the Upper Troposphere over Selected Cities in Nigeria

Atmospheric visibility usually demonstrates some distinctive local or regional features since it is influenced by both air pollutants and meteorological parameters [7-10]. The reduction of visibility by air pollutants is mainly due to airborne Particulate Matter (PM), especially fine particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM 2.5) in the air. PM 2.5 μm can absorb or scatter the light away from the path it transferred initially, thereby obscuring the contrast of a target with sky background [11]. In addition, many meteorological parameters such as Relative Humidity (RH), Wind Speed (WS) and Wind Direction (WD), atmospheric temperature, barometric pressure, and precipitation could directly or indirectly contribute to visibility degradation [12-14]. For many decades, urban areas in Nigeria have been facing an atmospheric visibility decline due to rapid industrial development and prevailing meteorological conditions [15]. Poor visibility has adverse effects on human lives, highway crowding and delays of airplane departures, crop damage and land and aerial traffic safety [5]. Millions of pulmonary diseases, respiratory diseases, and premature deaths are caused by poor ambient air quality in developing countries, especially in a country like Nigeria where prevailing atmospheric conditions in addition to rapid urbanization process and economic development have led to a sharp increase in resource consumption and many areas are facing severe atmospheric visibility reduction challenges, which were particularly prominent in coastal and oil producing cities [16,17].
New production in the equatorial Pacific: a coupled dynamical–biogeochemical model

A simple 3-D biogeochemical model is coupled to a dynamical model forced by weekly winds deduced from ERS1 scatterometer data, to simulate new production in the equation Pacific from April 1992 to June 1995. The biogeochemistry is modelled as a nitrate sink modulated by chlorophyll, using nitrate/chlorophyll regressions derived from field data. The first simulation was carried out assuming that remineralization below the euphotic layer is totally controlled by sinking particles. In the second simulation, it is shown that the simulation of nitrate and new production by the biogeochemical model is improved, in comparison with field data, by adding an explicit dissolved organic nitrogen compartment. In the equatorial band, the model simulates a nitrate-poor region (low new production) in the fresh warm pool separated from richer waters of the upwelling region by a salinity front. The zonal displacement of this salinity/nitrate front is associated with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The modelled new production and physics, both in good agreement with the field data, represent useful tools for the study of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) forage distribution in the Pacific.
Effect of walnut (Juglans regia) on quality of chevon nuggets

The walnuts were found to be very useful for the development of value added healthier chevon nuggets and various sensory and storage properties studied showed a significant changes. A total of Four different levels of walnuts (Juglans regia) (0, 5, 10 and 15%) were selected to replace lean meat in the formulation. The chevon nuggets developed were assessed for various sensory parameters. Based on these parameters, chevon nuggets containing optimum (10%) levels of walnut were selected and further studied for its storage quality. The aerobically packed nuggets at the low density with the value of 0.930 g.cm3 with control treatment of 0% levels of walnut were studied for microbiological and sensory values for a connective three weeks’ time period under the temperature regime (4±1 oC) below room temperature to evaluate storage parameters.
Inverse Classiﬁcation with Softmax Classiﬁers: Efﬁcient Optimization

In recent years, a certain type of problems have become of interest where one wants to query a trained classiﬁer. Speciﬁcally, one wants to ﬁnd the closest instance to a given input instance such that the classiﬁer’s predicted label is changed in a desired way. Examples of these “inverse classiﬁ-cation” problems are counterfactual explanations, adversarial examples and model inversion. All of them are fundamentally optimization problems over the input instance vector involving a ﬁxed classiﬁer, and it is of interest to achieve a fast solution for interactive or real-time applications. We focus on solving this problem efﬁciently for two of the most widely used classiﬁers: logistic regression and softmax classiﬁers. Owing to special properties of these models, we show that the optimization can be solved in closed form for logistic regression, and iteratively but extremely fast for the softmax classiﬁer using Newton’s method. This allows us to solve either case exactly (to nearly machine precision) in a runtime of milliseconds to around a second even for very high-dimensional instances and many classes.
Correlation Between Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Level With Pathological Grade And Risk Of Bone Metastasis In Prostate Cancer Patients

Background: Prostate cancer is most frequently diagnosed cancer of men and bone is the most common site of metastasis. There is a lack of consensus for the selection criteria for bone scan in low-risk patients. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is produced by all types of prostate tissue, is one of the most important biomarkers for detecting prostate cancer, guiding decisions about biopsies of the prostate and offering a way to monitor disease progression. Objective: The aim of this study is to correlate between PSA levels at the time of diagnosis, aggressiveness (Gleason score > 7) and bone metastasis of histologically proved prostate cancer patients. Patients and methods: This study was a Cross Sectional retrospective study collected from medical records at cancer registry archive of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine at Zagazig University Hospital from January 2014 till January 2019 on 86 prostatic cancer patients with bone metastasis Results: Mean PSA was 217.11±92.56 with range of (100.2 – 502.3), <10 was present in 8.1% of cases, 10-20 was present in 19.8%, 20-100 was present in 34.9% and >100 was present in 37.2% of cases. There was significant relation between PSA and orchidectomy (p<0.001), there was high significant relation between bone metastasis, PSA level (p<0.001) and type of PSA level (p<0.001) and there was significant positive correlation between PSA and GS score, bone metastasis, orchidectomy and ADT. Conclusion: There was strong association between the PSA level, tumor aggressiveness 9 Gleason score), and bone metastasis has been identified in patients already diagnosed as