Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of phosphorus recovery using electrochemical struvite precipitation and comparison with iron electrocoagulation system

A batch monopolar reactor was developed for total phosphorus (TP) recovery using electrochemical struvite precipitation. This study involves the optimization of factors using response surface methodology to maximize the TP recovery. The optimal parameters for this study were found to be a pH of 8.40, a retention time of 35 min, a current density of 300 A/m2, and an interelectrode distance of 0.5 cm, resulting in 97.3% of TP recovery and energy consumption of 2.35 kWh/m3. A kinetic study for TP removal revealed that at optimum operating conditions, TP removal follows second‐order kinetics (removal rate constant(K) = 0.0117 mg/(m2·min)). The system performance was compared to the performance of an iron electrocoagulation system. The composition of the precipitate obtained during the optimal runs were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction and EDS analysis. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the magnesium precipitate revealed the presence of struvite as the only crystalline compound.
Sperm DNA damage: The possible link between obesity and male infertility, an update of the current literature

Obesity prevalence worldwide is increasing significantly. Whilst maternal obesity has clear detrimental impacts on fertility, pregnancy and foetal outcomes, more recently there has been an increasing focus on the role of paternal obesity in human fertility. Recent meta‐analyses have indicated that obesity in men negatively affects basic sperm parameters such as sperm count, concentration and motility, increases the incidence of infertility and reduces the chances of conception. Sperm DNA damage, typically characterised by DNA strand breaks and oxidation of DNA nucleotides, is a specialised marker of sperm quality that has been independently associated with recurrent miscarriage, reduced assisted reproduction success and increased mutational loads in subsequent offspring. Whilst, there are still conflicting data in humans as to the association of obesity in men with sperm DNA damage, evidence from rodent models is clear, indicating that male obesity increases sperm DNA damage. Human data are often conflicting because of the large heterogeneity amongst studies, the use of body mass index as the indicator of obesity and the methods used for detection of sperm DNA damage. Furthermore, comorbidities of obesity (i.e., heat stress, adipokines, insulin resistance, changes in lipids, hypogonadism and obstructive sleep apnoea) are also independently associated with increased sperm DNA damage that is not always modified in men with obesity, and as such may provide a causative link to the discrepancies amongst human studies. In this review, we provide an update on the literature regarding the associations between obesity in men and fertility, basic sperm parameters and sperm DNA damage. We further discuss potential reasons for the discrepancies in the literature and outline possible direct and indirect mechanisms of increased sperm DNA damage resulting from obesity. Finally, we summarise intergenerational obesity through the paternal linage and how sperm DNA damage may contribute to the transmission.
Prognostic interictal electroencephalographic biomarkers and models to assess antiseizure medication efficacy for clinical practice: A scoping review

Antiseizure medication (ASM) is the primary treatment for epilepsy. In clinical practice, methods to assess ASM efficacy (predict seizure freedom or seizure reduction), during any phase of the drug treatment lifecycle, are limited. This scoping review identifies and appraises prognostic electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers and prognostic models that use EEG features, which are associated with seizure outcomes following ASM initiation, dose adjustment, or withdrawal. We also aim to summarize the population and context in which these biomarkers and models were identified and described, to understand how they could be used in clinical practice. Between January 2021 and October 2022, four databases, references, and citations were systematically searched for ASM studies investigating changes to interictal EEG or prognostic models using EEG features and seizure outcomes. Study bias was appraised using modified Quality in Prognosis Studies criteria. Results were synthesized into a qualitative review. Of 875 studies identified, 93 were included. Biomarkers identified were classed as qualitative (visually identified by wave morphology) or quantitative. Qualitative biomarkers include identifying hypsarrhythmia, centrotemporal spikes, interictal epileptiform discharges (IED), classifying the EEG as normal/abnormal/epileptiform, and photoparoxysmal response. Quantitative biomarkers were statistics applied to IED, high‐frequency activity, frequency band power, current source density estimates, pairwise statistical interdependence between EEG channels, and measures of complexity. Prognostic models using EEG features were Cox proportional hazards models and machine learning models. There is promise that some quantitative EEG biomarkers could be used to assess ASM efficacy, but further research is required. There is insufficient evidence to conclude any specific biomarker can be used for a particular population or context to prognosticate ASM efficacy. We identified a potential battery of prognostic EEG biomarkers, which could be combined with prognostic models to assess ASM efficacy. However, many confounders need to be addressed for translation into clinical practice.
Deep Learning Denoising of Low-Dose Computed Tomography Chest Images: A Quantitative and Qualitative Image Analysis

Purpose To assess deep learning denoised (DLD) computed tomography (CT) chest images at various low doses by both quantitative and qualitative perceptual image analysis. Methods Simulated noise was inserted into sinogram data from 32 chest CTs acquired at 100 mAs, generating anatomically registered images at 40, 20, 10, and 5 mAs. A DLD model was developed, with 23 scans selected for training, 5 for validation, and 4 for test. Quantitative analysis of perceptual image quality was assessed with Structural SIMilarity Index (SSIM) and Fréchet Inception Distance (FID). Four thoracic radiologists graded overall diagnostic image quality, image artifact, visibility of small structures, and lesion conspicuity. Noise-simulated and denoised image series were evaluated in comparison with one another, and in comparison with standard 100 mAs acquisition at the 4 mAs levels. Statistical tests were conducted at the 2-sided 5% significance level, with multiple comparison correction. Results At the same mAs levels, SSIM and FID between noise-simulated and reconstructed DLD images indicated that images were closer to a perfect match with increasing mAs (closer to 1 for SSIM, and 0 for FID). In comparing noise-simulated and DLD images to standard-dose 100-mAs images, DLD improved SSIM and FID. Deep learning denoising improved SSIM of 40-, 20-, 10-, and 5-mAs simulations in comparison with standard-dose 100-mAs images, with change in SSIM from 0.91 to 0.94, 0.87 to 0.93, 0.67 to 0.87, and 0.54 to 0.84, respectively. Deep learning denoising improved FID of 40-, 20-, 10-, and 5-mAs simulations in comparison with standard-dose 100-mAs images, with change in FID from 20 to 13, 46 to 21, 104 to 41, and 148 to 69, respectively. Qualitative image analysis showed no significant difference in lesion conspicuity between DLD images at any mAs in comparison with 100-mAs images. Deep learning denoising images at 10 and 5 mAs were rated lower for overall diagnostic image quality (P < 0.001), and at 5 mAs lower for overall image artifact and visibility of small structures (P = 0.002), in comparison with 100 mAs. Conclusions Deep learning denoising resulted in quantitative improvements in image quality. Qualitative assessment demonstrated DLD images at or less than 10 mAs to be rated inferior to standard-dose images.
Effects of dietary zinc chloride hydroxide and zinc methionine on the immune system and blood profile of healthy adult horses and ponies

ABSTRACT The effects of dietary zinc on the immune function of equines have not been evaluated in detail so far. In the present study, eight healthy adult ponies and two healthy adult horses were fed a diet supplemented with either zinc chloride hydroxide or zinc methionine in six feeding periods of four weeks each (according to maintenance zinc requirement, 120 mg zinc/kg dry matter, and 240 mg zinc/kg dry matter, for both dietary zinc supplements, respectively). All animals received the six diets, with increasing amounts of zinc chloride hydroxide in the feeding periods 1–3, and with increasing amounts of zinc methionine in the feeding periods 4–6. At the end of each feeding period, blood samples were collected for a blood profile and the measurement of selected immune variables. Increasing dietary zinc chloride hydroxide doses increased the glutathione concentrations in the erythrocyte concentrate and the glutathione peroxidase activity in the erythrocyte lysate, decreased the numbers of total leukocytes and granulocytes in the blood, and also decreased the interleukin-2 concentrations in the plasma of the animals. The dietary supplementation of increasing doses of zinc methionine enhanced the mitogen-stimulated proliferative activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and decreased the glutathione concentrations in the erythrocyte concentrate and the glutathione peroxidase activity in the plasma of the animals. The percentage of blood monocytes with oxidative burst after in vitro stimulation with E. coli decreased with increasing dietary zinc concentrations, independently of the zinc compound used. The blood profile demonstrated effects of the zinc supplements on the red blood cells and the bilirubin metabolism of the horses and ponies, which require further investigation. Overall, high doses of dietary zinc modulate the equine immune system, for the most part also depending on the zinc compound used.
Two-agent cooperative search using game models with endurance-time constraints

In this article, the problem of two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) cooperatively searching an unknown region is addressed. The search region is discretized into hexagonal cells and each cell is assumed to possess an uncertainty value. The UAVs have to cooperatively search these cells taking limited endurance, sensor and communication range constraints into account. Due to limited endurance, the UAVs need to return to the base station for refuelling and also need to select a base station when multiple base stations are present. This article proposes a route planning algorithm that takes endurance time constraints into account and uses game theoretical strategies to reduce the uncertainty. The route planning algorithm selects only those cells that ensure the agent will return to any one of the available bases. A set of paths are formed using these cells which the game theoretical strategies use to select a path that yields maximum uncertainty reduction. We explore non-cooperative Nash, cooperative and security strategies from game theory to enhance the search effectiveness. Monte-Carlo simulations are carried out which show the superiority of the game theoretical strategies over greedy strategy for different look ahead step length paths. Within the game theoretical strategies, non-cooperative Nash and cooperative strategy perform similarly in an ideal case, but Nash strategy performs better than the cooperative strategy when the perceived information is different. We also propose a heuristic based on partitioning of the search space into sectors to reduce computational overhead without performance degradation.
Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 exacerbates cardiac fibrosis by regulating fatty acid‐binding protein 5

The activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) leads to overproduction of collagens and subsequently cardiac fibrosis. However, the regulatory mechanism of CF function in the process of cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. This work investigated the function of polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1)/nuclear receptor NR4A1 (Nur77)/fatty acid‐binding protein 5 (FABP5) axis in myocardial fibrosis.
Computational Analysis of Vortex Structures Induced by a Synthetic Jet to Control Separated Flows

The vortex structure of a separated flow over a backward-facing step controlled by a synthetic jet is investigated by using an implicit large-eddy simulation with a high-order compact difference scheme. The computation results show that mixing in the shear layer is not enhanced, when the flow is controlled at the normalized frequency of 2.0 based on the height of backward-facing step. In this case the separation length is similar to that in the case without flow control because weak and short periodic vortices are induced by the synthetic jet, and they weakly interact with the shear layer and diffuse in the recirculation region. On the other hand, the separation length becomes 20% shorter when the flow is controlled at F+h = 0.2 than that in the case without flow control. Strong two-dimensional vortices generated from the synthetic jet interact with the shear layer, which increases the periodic component of the Reynolds stress within that layer. These vortices are deformed into three-dimensional structure.
Recycling inflow method for simulations of spatially evolving turbulent boundary layers over rough surfaces

ABSTRACTThe technique by Lund et al. to generate turbulent inflow for simulations of developing boundary layers over smooth flat plates is extended to the case of surfaces with roughness elements. In the Lund et al. method, turbulent velocities on a sampling plane are rescaled and recycled back to the inlet as inflow boundary condition. To rescale mean and fluctuating velocities, appropriate length scales need be identified and for smooth surfaces, the viscous scale lν = ν/uτ (where ν is the kinematic viscosity and uτ is the friction velocity) is employed for the inner layer. Different from smooth surfaces, in rough wall boundary layers the length scale of the inner layer, i.e. the roughness sub-layer scale ld, must be determined by the geometric details of the surface roughness elements and the flow around them. In the proposed approach, it is determined by diagnosing dispersive stresses that quantify the spatial inhomogeneity caused by the roughness elements in the flow. The scale ld is used for rescali.
The optionality of particle shift

Chomsky a developpe des principes d'economie derivationnelle qui stipulent que les derivations les plus simples sont preferees par rapport aux plus complexes, ce qui implique l'impossibilite de mouvements optionnels. En examinant les constructions verbe-particule en anglais, en norvegien et en islandais, l'A. etablit ici qu'il existe bien une optionalite au niveau syntaxique. Il montre egalement qu'une idee forte de l'economie peut etre conservee en apportant quelques ajustements a sa metrique. Lorsque deux phrases sont derivees par un mouvement, chacun des deux mouvements rend l'autre non necessaire, et aucun n'est plus economique que l'autre. Ainsi, un mouvement est obligatoire, mais l'economie ne determine pas lequel
Broadband phase retarder based on one-dimensional photonic crystal containing mu-negative materials

The phase shift upon reflection from one-dimensional photonic crystal composed of alternating layers of mu-negative materials and positive-index materials is numerically investigated. It is found that the phase difference between TE and TM reflected waves can remain constant in a rather wide frequency range within the single-negative gap of the proposed structure. Such property can be used to design broadband phase retarder. By varying the incident angle, the phase difference of the retarder can be adjusted from 0 to π, while the working frequency range of the retarder remains almost unchanged. Moreover, by varying the scaling factor or the thickness ratio of the two constituent materials, the working frequency range of the phase retarder can be conveniently tuned.
Plasma Lipidomic n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Type 2 Diabetes Risk in the EPIC-Potsdam Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE Evidence on plasma n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and type 2 diabetes risk is inconsistent. We examined the associations of lipid class–specific PUFA concentrations with type 2 diabetes risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In the prospective European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam cohort (nested case-cohort study: subcohort 1,084 participants, 536 participants with type 2 diabetes, median follow-up 6.5 years), we measured plasma 18:2, 20:3, and 20:4 concentrations in 12 lipid (sub)classes, likely reflecting the plasma concentrations of linoleic acid (18:2n-6), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3n-6), and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6). The Δ-5 desaturase (D5D) activity was estimated as the 20:4/20:3 ratio. Associations with diabetes were estimated with Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Higher concentrations of 18:2 were inversely associated with type 2 diabetes risk, particularly in lysophosphatidylcholines (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 SD 0.53; 95% CI 0.23–1.26) and monoacylglycerols (HR 0.59; 0.38–0.92). Higher concentrations of 20:3 in phospholipid classes phosphatidylcholines (HR 1.63; 1.23–2.14), phosphatidylethanolamines (HR 1.87; 1.32–2.65), and phosphatidylinositol (HR 1.40; 1.05–1.87); free fatty acids (HR 1.44; 1.10–1.90); and cholesteryl esters (HR 1.47; 1.09–1.98) were linked to higher type 2 diabetes incidence, and these associations remained statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. Higher 20:4 concentrations were not associated with risk. The estimated D5D activity in phospholipids and cholesteryl esters was associated with lower type 2 diabetes risk. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the D5D-encoding FADS genes explained relatively high proportions of variation of estimated D5D activity in those lipid classes. CONCLUSIONS Plasma n-6 PUFAs were associated differently with type 2 diabetes, depending on fatty acid and the lipid class.
Local Entropy Descriptor of Motion History Image for Human Action Recognition

Human action recognition is one of the most promising research areas at the moment. In this paper, we present an entropy based effective approach to recognize human activities from video sequences. Our approach provides a new description directly from Motion History Image (MHI) which is an efficient real-time representation for human action. Local entropy of pixels in MHI is computed to characterize the texture of motion filed. It helps to match the moment-based feature statistically. In an evaluation of this on well established benchmark data sets, we achieve high recognition rates. Using the popular Weizmann data set, we achieve the best accuracy of 98.9% in a leave-one-out cross validation procedure. Using the well-known KTH data set, we evaluate the robustness of the proposed approach over different scenarios. As a result, this new method is computationally efficient, robust with respect to appearance variation, and straight forward to be applied as it builds itself on well established and understandable concepts.
In vivo photoacoustic molecular imaging with simultaneous multiple selective targeting using antibody-conjugated gold nanorods

The use of gold nanorods for photoacoustic molecular imaging with simultaneous multiple targeting is reported. Multiple targeting is done by utilizing the tunable optical absorption property of gold nanorods. This technique allows multiple molecular signatures to be obtained by simply switching laser wavelength. HER2 and EGFR were chosen as the primary target molecules for examining two cancer cells, OECM1 and Cal27. Both in vitro and in vivo mouse model imaging experiments were performed, with contrast enhancement of up to 10 dB and 3.5 dB, respectively. The potential in improving cancer diagnosis is demonstrated.
Prolonged remission achieved with maintenance intraventricular chemotherapy in young patient with recurrent atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor

To the Editor: Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs)make up 1%–2%of childhood brain tumors and are associatedwith SMARCB1/INI1mutation.1,2 Current standard of care includes initial resection followed by intensive induction chemotherapy, followed by high-dose thiotepa and carboplatin with tandem stem cell rescues. Additionally, if appropriate, radiation is utilized either prior to or following stem cell rescue.3 This treatment regimenhas improved the survival; however, overall survival rate remains poor at 48%, and radiation therapy has been found to be a vital part of the initial treatment leading to improved survival.2 Given the young age at presentation, some patients with ATRT are unable to receive radiation as a part of their initial therapy, which subsequently increases their risk of disease recurrence.3 There may be a need for a treatment that can prolong remission status until children are old enough to receive radiation. We present a case of a 5-monthold with ATRT where prolonged remission was successfully achieved without radiation therapy using maintenance oral and intraventricular chemotherapy, with good quality of life. A previously healthy 5-month-old male presented with emesis and downward gaze. Computerized tomography (CT) scan showed cerebellar mass with obstructive hydrocephalus, for which external ventricular drain was placed emergently. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain showed a large right posterior fossa mass (Fig 1A,1B). He underwent gross total resection of the tumor, and pathology revealed a diagnosis of ATRT with SMARCB1 mutation, and later confirmed TYR subtype by methylation analysis. Germline mutation of SMARCB1 was also identified in this patient. He received intensive chemotherapywithmethotrexate, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, and cisplatin, followed by three consecutive highdose chemotherapy treatments (carboplatin and thiotepa), followed by stem cell rescues.3 At the end of therapy, there was no evidence of disease (Fig 1E,1F). However, 3 months later he developed
Jacobi-type SVD and its floating-point realization based on fast rotations

A Jacobi-type algorithm for computing SVD of a square matrix is presented. Fast rotations are used as approximate rotations. These fast rotations are closely related to CORDIC arithmetic and perform orthogonal rotation over a certain angle at a very low cost of realization. Both the computation of the approximate rotation angles and the rotation mode are performed by execution of fast rotations. A floating-point CORDIC-like architecture for realization of fast rotation operations with full arithmetic accuracy is also presented.
Novel benzothiazole derivatives as multitargeted-directed ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are multifactorial with several different pathologic mechanisms. Therefore, it is assumed that multitargeted-directed ligands (MTDLs) which interact with different biological targets relevant to the diseases, might offer an improved therapeutic alternative than using the traditional “one-target, one-molecule” approach. Herein, we describe new benzothiazole-based derivatives as a privileged scaffold for histamine H3 receptor ligands (H3R). The most affine compound, the 3-(azepan-1-yl)propyloxy-linked benzothiazole derivative 4b, displayed a Ki value of 0.012 μM. The multitargeting potential of these H3R ligands towards AChE, BuChE and MAO-B enzymes was evaluated to yield compound 3s (pyrrolidin-1-yl-(6-((5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentyl)oxy)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methanone) as the most promising MTDL with a Ki value of 0.036 μM at H3R and IC50 values of 6.7 µM, 2.35 µM, and 1.6 µM towards AChE, BuChE, and MAO-B, respectively. These findings suggest that compound 3s can be a lead structure for developing new multi-targeting anti-AD agents. Graphical abstract