Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental Validation of a Rodent PET Scanner Prototype Based on a Single LYSO Crystal Tube

Improving sensitivity and spatial resolution in small animal positron emission tomography imaging instrumentation constitutes one of the main goals of nuclear imaging research. These parameters are degraded by the presence of gaps between the detectors. The present manuscript experimentally validates our prototype of an edge-less preclinical PET system based on a single LYSO:Ce annulus with an inner diameter of 62 mm and ten outer facets of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$26\times52$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm<sup>2</sup>. Scintillation light is read out by arrays of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$8\times8$ </tex-math></inline-formula> SiPMs coupled to the facets, using a projection readout of the rows and columns signals. The readout provides an accurate depth of interaction (DOI). We have implemented a calibration that mitigates the DOI-dependency of the transaxial and axial impact coordinates, and the energy photopeak gain. An energy resolution of 23.4 ± 1.8% was determined. The average spatial resolution of 1.4 ± 0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.4 mm FWHM were achieved for the radial and axial directions, respectively. We found a peak sensitivity of 3.8% at the system center, and a maximum NECR at 40.6 kcps for 0.27 mCi. The image quality (IQ) was evaluated using reconstructed images of an array of sources and the NEMA IQ phantom was also studied.
Synthesis of CoFeO mixed oxides via an alginate gelation process as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for lignin depolymerization in water

A catalytic oxidative fragmentation of a lignin dimer and polymer extracted from wheat straw was successfully performed under eco-friendly conditions: 10% O2/N2 as the oxidizing agent, water as the solvent (pH ≈ 7), and Co3O4, Fe2O3 and CoFeO mixed oxides as heterogeneous catalysts and at temperatures of T = 150 °C and 200 °C. These catalysts unexpectedly showed tunable selectivity that directly depends on the composition of the selected bimetallic nanoparticles. High selectivity for benzoic acid and alkylbenzene (above 50%) was observed over Co50–Fe50 at 200 °C. Under similar conditions, the conversion of wheat organosolv lignin over Co50–Fe50 at 150 °C for 4 h yielded up to 50 wt% of monomeric species (based on dry lignin) and up to 19% of aromatic molecules with high selectivity to aromatic aldehydes (syringaldehyde and vanillin), up to 60%. An important fraction of water-soluble oligomers, with low molecular weights, was also formed during the catalytic treatment. The oxide nanomaterials were readily separated from the residual lignin during the recyclability test. The yield and the product distribution can be tuned by choosing the oxidation parameters: temperature, reaction time, oxygen partial pressure, solvent and catalyst charges.
Preparation method of high-purity olaparib

The invention discloses a preparation method of high-purity olaparib. The preparation method comprises: subjecting 2-fluoro-5-[(4-oxo-3,4-dihydrophthalazine-1-yl)methyl] benzoic acid as a starting material to activation and aminolysis crystallization to obtain high-purity olaparib, wherein the activation refers to adding carbonyldiimidazole activating agent into a solution containing 2-fluoro-5-[(4-oxo-3,4-dihydrophthalazine-1-yl)methyl] benzoic acid to obtain active amide intermediate; with separation and purification, subjecting the active amide intermediate to direct aminolysis crystallization with 1-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)piperazine to obtain the olaparib. The purity of the olaparib prepared by the method is greater than 99.8 %, and the process is simple, high in yield, low in cost and more suitable for industrial production.
Borderline Magnetism: How Adding 
Mg
 to Paramagnetic 
CeCo3
 Makes a 450-K Ferromagnet with Large Magnetic Anisotropy

A recent experimental study~\cite{tej-CeCo3-Mg} on paramagnetic CeCo$_3$ finds that Magnesium alloying induces a ferromagnetic transition with intrinsic properties large enough for permanent magnet applications. Here we explain these surprising results \textit{via} a first principles study of the electronic structure and magnetism of Magnesium-alloyed CeCo$_3$. We find the origin of this Magnesium-induced ferromagnetic transition to be Stoner physics - the substantial increase in the Fermi-level density-of-states $N(E_F)$ with Mg alloying. Interestingly, the magnetic anisotropy arises primarily from the Ce $4f$ orbital, suggesting the viability of Ce for the generation of magnetic anisotropy in permanent magnets. These results offer a new route to the discovery of permanent magnet materials and provide fundamental insight into the magnetic properties of these alloys.
Comparison Between Internal Jugular and Upper Arm Peripheral Veins Approach in Insertion of Totally Implantable Central Venous Ports

Methods: We identified 50 patients who underwent totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAP) implantation in the arm (25 patients) or chest (25 patients) between November 2015 and November 2017. Implantation via an upper arm (cephalic or basilic) occurred through venous cut down, the internal jugular vein was performed using percutaneous technique.1 All approaches were under fluoroscopic guidance. Early, postoperative complications were evaluated. During follow up, self-compliance and quality of life were assessed as well.
Reduced non-Gaussianity by 30 s rapid update in convective-scale numerical weather prediction

Abstract. Non-Gaussian forecast error is a challenge for ensemble-based data assimilation (DA), particularly for more nonlinear convective dynamics. In this study, we investigate the degree of the non-Gaussianity of forecast error distributions at 1 km resolution using a 1000-member ensemble Kalman filter, and how it is affected by the DA update frequency and observation number. Regional numerical weather prediction experiments are performed with the SCALE (Scalable Computing for Advanced Library and Environment) model and the LETKF (local ensemble transform Kalman filter) assimilating phased array radar observations every 30 s. The results show that non-Gaussianity develops rapidly within convective clouds and is sensitive to the DA frequency and the number of assimilated observations. The non-Gaussianity is reduced by up to 40 % when the assimilation window is shortened from 5 min to 30 s, particularly for vertical velocity and radar reflectivity.
Distribution and Functions of Monodehydroascorbate Reductases in Plants: Comprehensive Reverse Genetic Analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana Enzymes

Monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR) is an enzyme involved in ascorbate recycling. Arabidopsis thaliana has five MDAR genes that encode two cytosolic, one cytosolic/peroxisomal, one peroxisomal membrane-attached, and one chloroplastic/mitochondrial isoform. In contrast, tomato plants possess only three enzymes, lacking the cytosol-specific enzymes. Thus, the number and distribution of MDAR isoforms differ according to plant species. Moreover, the physiological significance of MDARs remains poorly understood. In this study, we classify plant MDARs into three classes: class I, chloroplastic/mitochondrial enzymes; class II, peroxisomal membrane-attached enzymes; and class III, cytosolic/peroxisomal enzymes. The cytosol-specific isoforms form a subclass of class III and are conserved only in Brassicaceae plants. With some exceptions, all land plants and a charophyte algae, Klebsormidium flaccidum, contain all three classes. Using reverse genetic analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants lacking one or more isoforms, we provide new insight into the roles of MDARs; for example, (1) the lack of two isoforms in a specific combination results in lethality, and (2) the role of MDARs in ascorbate redox regulation in leaves can be largely compensated by other systems. Based on these findings, we discuss the distribution and function of MDAR isoforms in land plants and their cooperation with other recycling systems.
Novel Defense Mechanisms in the Armor of the Scales of the “Living Fossil” Coelacanth Fish

Here, experiments and analysis revealing the unique defense mechanisms of the coelacanth, a lobe‐finned fish termed a “living fossil”, are reported, as it was considered to be extinct until 1938, but extant for 400 million years. This defense is provided by primitive elasmoid scales having a rare double‐twisted Bouligand structure of lamellae which provides extraordinary resistance to deformation without failure. Distinct from other elasmoid scales, the collagen fibrils in the coelacanth fish scales form bundles which are embedded in a matrix comprising fibers arranged perpendicular to the layered (double‐twisted Bouligand) structure that provide added rigidity and resistance to deformation. Using in situ synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering during uniaxial tensile testing, the deformation mechanisms of the collagen are identified in terms of fibril stretching, reorientation, sliding, bending, and delamination. The unique structure of the coelacanth scales, distinct from modern elasmoid scales such as the carp, provides a variety of mechanisms to arrest cracking, making it an outstanding damage‐tolerant material to resist predator attacks.
Effect of milling parameters on the dispersion characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in transition metal oxides

In this research investigation on milling parameters to achieve uniform dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was conducted. High-energy ball milling (HEBM) technique was adopted to disperse 1 wt. % MWCNTs in titanium and manganese oxides with ball to powder ratio (BPR) of 10:1 at 6 and 9 hours milling times. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the as-received MWCNTs and admixed composite powders. The results indicated that HEBM was an effective route to disperse MWCNTs in transition metal oxides. In addition, the characteristics of admixed powders evidently showed that the increase of milling time effectively dispersed the MWCNTs in titanium and manganese oxide respectively, however deformation of sidewalls of MWCNTs was observed due to harsh milling conditions that resulted on non-sp2 defects in the MWCNTs.
Cu doped AlSb polycrystalline thin films

Cu-doped AlSb polycrystalline films were grown on quartz glass by magnetron co-sputtering.The structural,morphological and electrical properties of the films were studied.The incorporation of copper atoms can result in the increase of lattice constants,and annealing is helpful to eliminate this deformation.Cu-doped AlSb films exhibit weak n-type conductivity.The results show that the doping effect has a close relationship with the annealing process,meaning that the position of Cu atom in AlSb polycrystalline films might influence the doping effect.
Epigenomic and Transcriptomic Prioritization of Candidate Obesity-Risk Regulatory GWAS SNPs

Concern about rising rates of obesity has prompted searches for its genetic risk determinants in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Most genetic variants that contribute to the increased risk of a given trait are probably regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, identifying plausible regulatory SNPs is difficult because of their varied locations relative to their target gene and linkage disequilibrium, which makes most GWAS-derived SNPs only proxies for many fewer functional SNPs. We developed a systematic approach to prioritizing GWAS-derived obesity SNPs using detailed epigenomic and transcriptomic analysis in adipose tissue vs. heterologous tissues. From 50 obesity-related GWAS and 121,064 expanded SNPs, we prioritized 47 potential causal regulatory SNPs (Tier-1 SNPs) for 14 gene loci. A detailed examination of seven of these genes revealed that four (CABLES1, PC, PEMT, and FAM13A) had Tier-1 SNPs that might regulate alternative use of transcription start sites resulting in different polypeptides being generated or different amounts of an intronic microRNA gene being expressed. HOXA11 and long noncoding RNA gene RP11-392O17.1 had Tier-1 SNPs in their 3’ or promoter region, respectively, and strong preferences for expression in subcutaneous vs. visceral adipose tissue. ZBED3-AS1 had two intragenic Tier-1 SNPs, each of which might contribute to mediating obesity risk through modulating long-distance chromatin interactions. We conclude that prioritization of regulatory SNP candidates should focus on their surrounding epigenetic features in a trait-relevant tissue. Our approach not only revealed especially credible novel regulatory SNPs, but also helped evaluate previously highlighted obesity GWAS SNPs that were candidates for transcription regulation.
Responsabilidad social empresarial hacia los empleados: el caso de una PYME colombiana

Un numero creciente de aportes han puesto en relieve la importancia que ha tenido la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial en cada uno de los grupos de interes y su accionar en organizaciones. El numero de Pequenas Y Medianas Empresas en Colombia y en el mundo cada vez es mas grande, y su acogida a los paradigmas empresariales cada vez son mas diferentes. Las investigaciones han demostrado que la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial y su relacion con las Pequenas y Medianas empresas es limitada, y mas aun, si ellos consideran la percepcion de los empleados, como uno de los principales grupos de interes. En ese sentido, este trabajo determina, basado en un estudio de caso representativo en Colombia, si las practicas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial lideradas por las Pequenas Y Medianas Empresas son percibidas por los empleados.
The Role of Skin Tests in the Prevention and Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Platinum Agents in Gynecological Cancer: A Single-Center Italian Retrospective Study

Simple Summary The development of hypersensitivity reactions to platinum agents in patients with gynecological cancers limits the use of platinum re-treatment for recurrent disease. In those patients who developed a hypersensitivity reactions during treatment with platinum agents it could be safer to undergo allergy diagnosis. This approach includes the in-vivo skin tests before re-exposure to the platinum agent, especially in those patients who have to undergo a 2nd or 3rd line therapy. In our experience, skin test for platinum agents resulted in a simple and sensitive tool for the diagnosis and prevention of hypersensitivity reactions to platinum agents. In addition, this approach identified a sub-group of patients that became sensitized to the platinum agent during the previous platinum-based therapy. Abstract Background: Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR)s to platinum agents are increasing in frequency, due to their extensive use and repeated exposures in patients with increased life expectancy. The aims of our study are to analyze the frequency of both type I and type IV HSRs in patients with gynecological cancer treated with (CBDCA) carboplatin and/or (CDDP) cisplatin, to evaluate the role of skin tests in the diagnosis and prevention of HSRs. Methods: From 2011 to 2018, we evaluated 124 consecutive female patients previously treated with CBDCA and/or CDDP for gynecological cancer. All patients, including those with and without HSR to previous platinum-based therapy, underwent in-vivo skin tests for platinum agents before starting the second or more therapeutic lines. To reduce the risk of false negative results, patients with a negative skin test at the first evaluation were re-tested after 3 weeks from the platinum re-exposure. Results: Among the 124 patients evaluated, 58 (47%) experienced HSRs to at least one platinum agent: 35% were to CBDCA, 5% to CDDP, 7% to both. Fifty-six of the 58 HSRs were classified as immediate and two delayed. Skin tests confirmed an IgE-dependent mechanism in 67% of patients with immediate-HSRs to CBDCA and identified a cross-reactivity between platinum agents in 18% of patients. Moreover, among those who had never developed an HSRs during platinum-based therapy, in-vivo skin tests identified 12% of sensitized patients. Conclusions: On the basis of our findings, skin test for platinum agents is a simple and sensitive tool for the diagnosis and prevention of HSRs to CBDCA and/or CDDP and can be useful for detecting possible cross-reactivity among platinum agents.
The Emergence of the Medieval Jewish Diaspora(s) of Europe from the Ninth to the Twelfth Centuries, with Some Thoughts on Historical DNA Studies

This chapter discusses the genealogy of the European Jewish diaspora that has been relevant to the concerns of Jews and non-Jews alike, which has been continuously debated from the nineteenth century onwards. It describes the different constituents of the European Jewish diaspora that can be part of one Jewish people or distinct cultures. It also analyses the single thread of origin that can be detected for the Jews living in different parts of Europe and the chronological point Jews were found in their countries of residence. The chapter highlights the weight of non-Jewish origins in the case of the Khazars, which was reputed to be the forefathers of Ashkenazi Jewry. It considers the issues of origins, migrations, and the chronology of settlement, which have a bearing on the topic of Jewish–Christian relations.
Understanding the Exceptional Performance of Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathodes in Aqueous Electrolytes at Subzero Temperatures

Lithium‐ion batteries with aqueous electrolytes can be excellent candidates for battery applications at low temperatures. In contrast to a common misconception, aqueous lithium ion batteries can operate at several tens of degrees below the freezing point of water when high concentration electrolyte solutions are utilized. Furthermore, it is reported here that the performance of intercalation cathodes in aqueous electrolytes is quite remarkable and superior to that in common organic electrolytes at very low temperatures down to about −40 °C. Here in the performance of water‐based electrolyte solutions‐based on three low‐cost inorganic salts (LiNO3, Li2SO4, and LiCl) and that of the corresponding aqueous battery systems is studied in order to understand the rate‐limiting step at sub‐zero temperatures. It is found that the charge transfer resistance is the largest impedance contributor at low temperatures. However, layered cathodes in aqueous electrolytes do not exhibit a significant increase in the charge‐transfer resistance, or a reduction in the accessible capacity during charging until the temperature is close to the solution freezing point. This is in sharp contrast to their behavior in organic electrolytes that do not support any performance below −20 °C. This different behavior explains the dramatically superior performance of lithium ion battery cathodes in water‐based electrolytes at lower temperatures.
PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF ETORICOXIB LOADED SOLUPLUS® NANOCOMPOSITES

Objective: The objective of this study was to prepare and characterize etoricoxib (ECB) loaded Soluplus® nanocomposites to improve its physicochemical properties. The effect of polymer and surfactant concentration on particle size, in vitro percentage dissolution efficiency and the anti-inflammatory activity of nanocomposites were also investigated.Methods: The nanocomposites were prepared by using a freeze-drying technique. The analytical evidence for the formulation of lyophilized nanocomposites in solid state were generated and confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray powder diffractometry (XPRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro drug release profile of nanocomposites was compared with pure ECB powder.Results: The nanocomposites of ECB were contained in a nano range with particle size and zeta potential of 63.5 nm and 46.5 mv, respectively. The solubility and dissolution of the nanocomposites were significantly (p<0.001) improved as compared to ECB alone, evidenced by decreased log P values (1.90±0.002) of the nanocomposites. The characterization studies revealed the formation of amorphous nanocomposites of ECB with existence of physical interactions between drug and polymer. The anti-inflammatory activity of nanocomposites evaluated by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model demonstrated nonsignificant (p>0.05) increase in anti-inflammatory activity as compared to pure ECB.Conclusion: From the results, it could be concluded that the formation of ECB nanocomposites with Soluplus® could be an effective and alternative approach to modify the physicochemical properties of ECB.
Circuit Weight Training on Stable and Unstable Surfaces: Differences in Energy Cost, Blood Lactate and Rate of Perceived Exertion

Unstable surfaces have been used in resistance training, but there are no studies that compared energy cost between stable and unstable surfaces in circuit weight training. This study compared energy cost, post-exercise peak blood lactate and perceived exertion rate between stable surface and unstable surface. Twenty healthy men (24.65 ± 3.48 years, 1.79 ± 0.08 m, 80.61 ± 9.14 kg and 11.86 ± 3.49% body fat) participated in the study. Test and retest of 15 maximum repetitions were performed on stable and unstable surfaces to define workload. The circuit weight training consisted of one set of 15 repetitions at 80% of 15 maximum repetitions in bench press, back squat, rowing bent prone, dead-lift, shoulder press, elbow extension and elbow flexion. Energy cost was measured by indirect calorimetry during and post-circuit weight training. Peak blood lactate and perceived exertion rate were measured post-exercise. Total energy cost was higher on unstable surface compared to stable surface (70.7 ± 10.0 vs. 66.6 ± 7.8 kcal; p = 0.01), as was perceived exertion rate (8.1 ± 0.9 vs. 7.6 ± 1.3; p = 0.02). However, peak blood lactate was higher on stable than unstable surfaces (13.6 ± 2.6 vs. 12.5 ± 1.9 mmol·L−1; p = 0.05). In conclusion, circuit weight training on unstable surfaces can be performed with less weight in comparison to stable surfaces, thereby lowering mechanical stress on joints and bones, while still providing a higher metabolic impact.
Effect of Partial Oil Change on Furfural Partitioning in Oil-Paper-Pressboard Insulation System

The total/partial oil change treatment can affect the furfural partitioning in oil-paper-pressboard insulation, resulting in poor accuracy of furfural analysis. Moreover, due to the high cost of total oil change, partial oil change is more practical during transformer operation. This paper investigates the furfural partitioning in the oil-paper-pressboard insulation under partial oil change conditions. First, the initial furfural partitioning equation with non-oil change is proposed based on the obtained furfural content in oil, paper, and pressboard. Then, the modified furfural partitioning model under partial oil change condition is established by introducing a correction factor. Moreover, a preliminary correction scheme for the furfural partitioning model considering the influence of moisture and acid is provided. Finally, furfural content in oil-Kraft paper and oil-thermally upgraded Kraft (TUK) paper insulation are discussed, and results indicate that the proposed modified furfural partitioning model is not suitable for the oil-TUK paper insulation. This work can provide theoretical support for furfural analysis of oil-immersed transformers.