Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The microstructure and rheology of a model, thixotropic nanoparticle gel under steady shear and large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS)

The microstructure-rheology relationship for a model, thermoreversible nanoparticle gel is investigated using a new technique of time-resolved neutron scattering under steady and time-resolved large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) flows. A 21 vol. % gel is tested with varying strength of interparticle attraction. Shear-induced structural anisotropy is observed as butterfly scattering patterns and quantified through an alignment factor. Measurements in the plane of flow show significant, local anisotropy develops with alignment along the compressional axis of flow, providing new insights into how gels flow. The microstructure-rheology relationship is analyzed through a new type of structure-Lissajous plot that shows how the anisotropic microstructure is responsible for the observed LAOS response, which is beyond a response expected for a purely viscous gel with constant structure. The LAOS shear viscosities are observed to follow the “Delaware-Rutgers” rule. Rheological and microstructural data are successfully compared across a broad range of conditions by scaling the shear rate by the strength of attraction, providing a method to compare behavior between steady shear and LAOS experiments. However, important differences remain between the microstructures measured at comparatively high frequency in LAOS experiments and comparable steady shear experiments that illustrate the importance of measuring the microstructure to properly interpret the nonlinear, dynamic rheological response.The microstructure-rheology relationship for a model, thermoreversible nanoparticle gel is investigated using a new technique of time-resolved neutron scattering under steady and time-resolved large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) flows. A 21 vol. % gel is tested with varying strength of interparticle attraction. Shear-induced structural anisotropy is observed as butterfly scattering patterns and quantified through an alignment factor. Measurements in the plane of flow show significant, local anisotropy develops with alignment along the compressional axis of flow, providing new insights into how gels flow. The microstructure-rheology relationship is analyzed through a new type of structure-Lissajous plot that shows how the anisotropic microstructure is responsible for the observed LAOS response, which is beyond a response expected for a purely viscous gel with constant structure. The LAOS shear viscosities are observed to follow the “Delaware-Rutgers” rule. Rheological and microstructural data are succ.
Planar loops with prescribed curvature: existence, multiplicity and uniqueness results

Let k : C → R be a smooth given function. A k-loop is a closed curve u in C having prescribed curvature k(p) at every point p ∈ u. We use variational methods to provide sufficient conditions for the existence of k-loops. Then we show that a breaking symmetry phenomenon may produce multiple k-loops, in particular when k is radially symmetric and somewhere increasing. If k > 0 is radially symmetric and non increasing we prove that any embedded k-loop is a circle, that is, round circles are the only convex loops in C whose curvature is a non increasing function of the Euclidean distance from a fixed point. The result is sharp, as there exist radially increasing curvatures k > 0 which have embedded k-loops that are not circles.
Dust Models with Tight Abundance Constraints

The reference abundance of the interstellar medium (the abundances of heavy elements in both the grains and the gas) is perhaps as low as 65% of solar, rather than solar as has been widely assumed in the past. Furthermore, ≈38% of the solar C/H is now known to be in the gas rather than in grains. The evidence for these statements is reviewed. These reductions in the amounts of heavy elements available for grains have profound significance for the nature of interstellar dust. Models to fit the new and much tighter abundance constraints are presented. They consist of small graphite particles (to produce the 217.5 nm bump), some small silicate particles, and composite grains containing carbon (either amorphous, hydrogenated amorphous, or graphitic), silicates, oxides, and possibly vacuum. Only the nature and size distribution of the larger grains (a > 0.05 μm) are constrained by the reference abundance because these grains contain most of the mass. This paper assumes that in the ISM all elements other than H and He are reduced by a factor ZISM/Z☉. The minimum values of ISM ZISM/Z☉ are achieved with one form of amorphous carbon (AMC). It can fit the usually accepted value of the extinction per H atom with a C/H=155×10-6 (ppM) in the grains, including those producing the 217.5 nm feature. This abundance is ~42% of a commonly accepted solar value. About 183 ppM of “organic refractory” or 200 ppM of a heavily hydrogenated carbon are required, corresponding to ZISM/Z☉ = 0.88 and 0.95, respectively. If ZISM /Z☉ < 0.81, one or more of the basic observational parameters [the A(V)/N(H) of the diffuse ISM, the cosmic C/H ratio, or the C/H in the gaseous ISM] must be changed from its currently accepted best value. When all of the basic parameters are relaxed by 1 ρ, an AMC model can fit ZISM /Z☉ = 0.68. Models with AMC in the composite grains fit ZISM /Z☉ = 0.58 if the parameters are relaxed by 2 σ. Compact grains (no vacuum) and those with 80% vacuum require more solid materials than those with 45% vacuum. If the Sun is, indeed, richer in heavy elements than the ISM, this paper strengthens the evidence from interstellar polarization that large interstellar grains are not extremely fluffy. The strengths of the 9.7 and 18 μm “silicate” bands provide a serious objection to the assumption that all elements are reduced uniformly from solar abundances. They seem to require at least the solar abundance of Si. Possibly some oxides can alleviate this problem.
Binary shape coding using finite automata

Two new binary shape-coding techniques that are based on finite automata methods are proposed. Both contour-based and bitmap-based approaches to shape coding are investigated using one-dimensional weighted finite automata (1D-WFA) and generalised finite automata (GFA) algorithms, respectively. We evaluate the fidelity of shape representation, using 1D-WFA and GFA methods in intraframe mode and compare the performance of the proposed coding techniques against each other and with the benchmark, context-based arithmetic encoding (CAE) of shapes used in MPEG-4. It is found that the GFA method is more suitable for video applications than 1D-WFA and therefore it is adapted to operate in interframe mode. More importantly, GFA is the first shape-coding technique reported to date that has the unique advantage of shape processing in the compressed domain. This is due to the fact that the shape representation in the compressed domain using GFA facilitates processing at the expense of less compression efficiency compared with MPEG-4 CAE. Moreover, shapes encoded using the GFA method can be decoded at any desirable resolution.
Prognostic Value of the miR-17~92 Cluster in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-17∼92 cluster members in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Six microRNAs (miRNAs)—miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-19b-1, miR-20a, and miR-92a-1—very poorly characterized in CLL patients, were chosen for the study to consider their possible role as cancer biomarkers. It is currently unclear to which extent miR-17~92 expression is related to other routinely measured CLL markers, and whether the findings can be of any clinical significance. To achieve this goal, we report the expression levels of these miRNAs detected by RT-qPCR in purified CD19+ B lymphocytes of 107 CLL patients and correlate them with existing clinical data. The study provides new evidence regarding the heterogeneity of miR-17~92 cluster members’ expression in CLL patients. Higher miR-17-5p expression was associated with unfavorable prognostic factors (i.e., 17p and 11q deletions, CD38 and ZAP-70 expression). On the other hand, miR-19a, miR-20a, and miR-92a-1 negatively correlated with these adverse factors. The presence of del(13q) as a sole aberration was associated with a significantly lower miR-17-5p as well as higher miR-19a-3p and miR-92a-1-5p expression compared to patients carrying unfavorable genetic aberrations. Particularly, miR-20a could be considered an independent favorable prognostic factor. In a multivariate analysis, high miR-20a expression remained an independent marker predicting long TTT (time to treatment) for CLL patients.
Methodological Changes in the Field of Paleogenetics

Paleogenetics has significantly changed since its inception almost forty years ago. Initially, molecular techniques available to the researchers offered minimal possibilities for ancient DNA analysis. The subsequent expansion of the scientific tool cabinet allowed for more remarkable achievements, combined has with the newfound popularity of this budding field of science. Finally, a breakthrough was made with the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and the update of DNA isolation protocols, through which even very fragmented aDNA samples could be used to sequence whole genomes. In this paper, we review the achievements made thus far and compare the methodologies utilized in this field of science, discussing their benefits and challenges.
From Nonlinear Dominant System to Linear Dominant System: Virtual Equivalent System Approach for Multiple Variable Self-Tuning Control System Analysis

The stability and convergence analysis of a multivariable stochastic self-tuning system (STC) is very difficult because of its highly nonlinear structure. In this paper, based on the virtual equivalent system method, the structural nonlinear or nonlinear dominated multivariable self-tuning system is transformed into a structural linear or linear dominated system, thus simplifying the stability and convergence analysis of multivariable STC systems. For the control process of a multivariable stochastic STC system, parameter estimation is required, and there may be three cases of parameter estimation convergence, convergence to the actual value and divergence. For these three cases, this paper provides four theorems and two corollaries. Given the theorems and corollaries, it can be directly concluded that the convergence of parameter estimation is a sufficient condition for the stability and convergence of stochastic STC systems but not a necessary condition, and the four theorems and two corollaries proposed in this paper are independent of specific controller design strategies and specific parameter estimation algorithms. The virtual equivalent system theory proposed in this paper does not need specific control strategies, parameters and estimation algorithms but only needs the nature of the system itself, which can judge the stability and convergence of the self-tuning system and relax the dependence of the system stability convergence criterion on the system structure information. The virtual equivalent system method proposed in this paper is proved to be effective when the parameter estimation may have convergence, convergence to the actual value and divergence.
HIV-HCV Incidence in Low-Wage Agricultural Migrant Workers Living in Ghettos in Apulia Region, Italy: A Multicenter Cross Sectional Study

Migrant populations are more susceptible to viral hepatitis and HIV due to the epidemiology from their country of origin or their social vulnerability when they arrive in Europe. The aims of the study are to explore the incidence of HIV and HCV in low-wage agricultural migrant workers and their knowledge, attitude, and practice with regard to HIV and HCV, as well as their sexual behaviour and risk factors. As part of the mobile clinic services, we performed a screening campaign for HIV-HCV involving migrants living in three Apulian establishments. Results: Between January 2020 and April 2021, 309 migrants (n. 272, 88% male, mean age 28.5 years) were enrolled in the study. Most of the migrants interviewed (n = 297, 96%) reported a stopover in Libya during their trip to Italy. Only 0.9% (n. 3) of migrants reported having been tested for HCV, while 30.7% (n. 95) reported being tested for HIV. Furthermore, screening tests found four migrants (1.3%) to be HIV positive and nine (2.9%) to be HCV positive. The median knowledge score was 1 (IQR 0-3; maximum score: 6 points) for HCV and 3 (IQR 1-4; maximum score: 7 points) for HIV and low use of condoms was 5% (n. 16), while more than 95% show an attitude score of 5 (IQR 5-6; maximum score:6 points) on HIV-HCV education campaigns. In a multivariate analysis, being male (OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.28–1.92), being single (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.20–2.03), being of low educational status (OR = 2.09; 95% CI 1.29–2.21), living in shantytowns for >12 months (OR = 1.95; 95% CI 1.25–2.55), and originating from the African continent (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.28–2.01) are significant predictors of poor knowledge on HCV. Our data show low knowledge, especially of HCV, confirming migrants as a population with a higher risk of infection. To develop education programmes, integrated care and screening among migrants could be an effective strategy, considering the high attitude toward these items shown in our study.
Relative Risk of Bladder and Kidney Cancer in Lynch Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder characterised by germline mutation in one of the four DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) or deletion of the EPCAM gene. LS predisposes affected individuals to an increased lifetime risk of colorectal (30–73%), endometrial (30–51%), genitourinary cancers (2–20%) and various other malignancies. Although LS-associated upper tract urothelial carcinoma cancer has been extensively investigated, evidence surrounding the role of LS in developing bladder and kidney cancer remains scarce and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to quantify the pooled relative risk of bladder and kidney cancer, summarise the existing evidence on screening and provide a useful recommendation to guide clinicians in identifying and diagnosing at risk individuals. Abstract Background: The association between Lynch syndrome (LS) and a higher risk of upper tract urothelial carcinoma is well established, but its effect on the risk of bladder and kidney cancers remains controversial. This review aimed to compare the relative risk (RR) of bladder and kidney cancer in confirmed LS germline mutation carriers compared to the general population. Methods: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar were searched on 14 July 2022 for studies published in English that reported on the rates of urological cancer in adults with confirmed LS germline mutation. The quality of included studies was assessed using Cochrane’s tool to evaluate risk of bias in cohort studies. Random effects meta-analysis estimated the pooled relative risk of bladder and kidney cancer in LS carriers compared to the general population. The quality of the overall evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Results: Of the 1839 records identified, 5 studies involving 7120 participants from 3 continents were included. Overall, LS carriers had a statistically significantly higher RR of developing bladder cancer (RR: 7.48, 95% CI: 3.70, 15.13) and kidney cancer (RR: 3.97, 95% CI: 1.23, 12.81) compared to unaffected participants (p < 0.01). The quality of the evidence was assessed as “low” due to the inclusion of cohort studies, the substantial heterogeneity, and moderate-to-high risk of bias. Conclusion: Lynch syndrome is associated with a significant increase in the relative risk of kidney and bladder cancer. Clinicians should adopt a lower threshold for germline mutation genetic testing in individuals who present with bladder cancer. Further studies evaluating the role and cost-effectiveness of novel urine-based laboratory tests are needed. High-quality studies in histologically proven renal cell carcinoma and their underlying germline mutations are necessary to strengthen the association with LS.
Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (31P MRS) and Cardiovascular Disease: The Importance of Energy

Background and Objectives: The heart is the organ with the highest metabolic demand in the body, and it relies on high ATP turnover and efficient energy substrate utilisation in order to function normally. The derangement of myocardial energetics may lead to abnormalities in cardiac metabolism, which herald the symptoms of heart failure (HF). In addition, phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) is the only available non-invasive method that allows clinicians and researchers to evaluate the myocardial metabolic state in vivo. This review summarises the importance of myocardial energetics and provides a systematic review of all the available research studies utilising 31P MRS to evaluate patients with a range of cardiac pathologies. Materials and Methods: We have performed a systematic review of all available studies that used 31P MRS for the investigation of myocardial energetics in cardiovascular disease. Results: A systematic search of the Medline database, the Cochrane library, and Web of Science yielded 1092 results, out of which 62 studies were included in the systematic review. The 31P MRS has been used in numerous studies and has demonstrated that impaired myocardial energetics is often the beginning of pathological processes in several cardiac pathologies. Conclusions: The 31P MRS has become a valuable tool in the understanding of myocardial metabolic changes and their impact on the diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Differences in the Chemical Composition of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Nectar Explain Flower Gender Preference by Its Pollinator, Apis mellifera

Melon is a pollinator-dependent crop that relies mainly on bees to set fruits. However, manselected varieties vary in their attractiveness to flower visitors, and some flower genders and melon types may be less visited than others, harming pollination. We investigated the nectar composition of male, female and hermaphrodite flowers of 270 individuals of five commercial melons Cucumis melo (Cantaloupe, Charentais, Galia, Piel de Sapo, and Yellow), and its role in flower visit by Apis mellifera foragers. We found that melon nectar is composed mainly of sugars and amino acids such as tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and flavonoids kaempferol3-O-neohesperidoside, luteolin hexoside, and kaempferol rhamnoside. But the amount of these chemical compounds varies among the flower genders. We also developed an accurate regression model to predict the number of bee visits to melon flowers based on the nectar composition. Our results indicate that nectar composition plays little role in bee discrimination among flowers of different melon types but is essential to the honeybee choice between flower gender. The amounts of phenylalanine (49.40%) and tryptophan (12.05%) in the nectar are related to bee preference for hermaphrodite flowers. More visits to hermaphrodite flowers contribute to setting and developing well-formed fruits, increasing productivity.
Normal incidence multilayer telescope for soft X-ray beam expander

Normal incidence optics have been used with multilayers in EUV region. The 2d of the multilayers has to be equal to the wavelength of interest. At the same time, the reflectivity of the multilayers should decrease with the increase of the interfacial roughness much faster than grazing optics. In general, 2d of 10 nm is the shortest d-spacing available for multilayers in normal incidence. As a challenge of shorter wavelength application, we made NiCr/C multiplayer mirror for the laboratory use at 4.47 nm(carbon K alpha line). The main dish of the Cassegrain optics is 20 cm diameter spherical mirror and the secondary mirror is a reflector in aspherical shape to correct astigmatisms. Its focal point is placed at the X-ray source to create a broad parallel beam of 20 cm in diameter. The flux of the parallel beam is slightly less than the expected value, and gradually decreases of 40% toward the outer region. The measured parallelism is about 25 arcsec, which is a little larger than the designed value. More pricise positioning of the focal point to the X-ray generator may reduce such divergence. The beam profile through a slit shows a core of about 20 arcsec and an extended tail which might be due to scattering tail by the roughness of 0.3 nm. An application of this system is demonstrated with the Astro-E X-ray telescope. The image core is sharper but the scattering tail is considerable. Even after the subtraction of the tail, still some wing is left. This system is bright and parallel enough to examine the optical alignment much faster than previous method, while careful measurements are necessary for quantitative calibration of X-ray telescopes.
Kinetics of the Cell Cycle Arrest Biomarkers (TIMP2 and IGFBP7) for the Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is highly prevalent in critical COVID-19 patients. The diagnosis and staging of AKI are based on serum creatinine (sCr) and urinary output criteria, with limitations in the functional markers. New cell-cycle arrest biomarkers [TIMP2]*[IGFBP7] have been proposed for early detection of AKI, but their role in critically ill COVID-19 patients is poorly understood. Methods: We conducted an observational study to assess the performance of [TIMP2]*[IGFBP7] for the detection of AKI in critical COVID-19 patients admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU). We sampled urinary [TIMP2]*[IGFBP7] levels at ICU admission, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h, and compared the results to the development of AKI, as well as baseline and laboratory data. Results: Forty-one patients were enrolled. The median age was 66 years [57–72] and most were males (85%). Thirteen patients (31.7%) developed no/mild stage AKI, 19 patients (46.3%) moderate AKI, and nine patients (22.0%) severe AKI. The ICU mortality was 29.3%. sCr levels in the Emergency Department or at ICU admission were not significantly different according to AKI stage. [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP-7] urinary levels were elevated in severe AKI at 12 h after ICU admission, but not at ICU admission or 24 h or 48 h after ICU admission. Conclusion: Urinary biomarkers [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP-7] were generally increased in this population with a high prevalence of AKI, and were higher in patients with severe AKI measured at 12 h from ICU admission. Further studies are needed to evaluate the best timing of these biomarkers in this population.