Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical and Biological Studies of Nepeta asterotricha Rech. f. (Lamiaceae): Isolation of Nepetamoside

The n-butanolic extract, from an Iranian specimen of Nepeta asterotricha Rech. f. (NABE), displayed anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774A.1 macrophages, which reduced nitrites and cytokines production. Bioassay guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of four iridoid glycosides, including a new one known as nepetamoside (1), one hexenyl-diglycoside, and some polyphenol and flavonoid components. None of the isolated iridoid components displayed significant effects on nitrites formation in an in vitro LPS-induced model of inflammation, thus suggesting that the plant anti-inflammatory effect is probably due to a synergistic action among its constituents.
Oxygen-enhanced MRI Is Feasible, Repeatable, and Detects Radiotherapy-induced Change in Hypoxia in Xenograft Models and in Patients with Non–small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: Hypoxia is associated with poor prognosis and is predictive of poor response to cancer treatments, including radiotherapy. Developing noninvasive biomarkers that both detect hypoxia prior to treatment and track change in tumor hypoxia following treatment is required urgently. Experimental Design: We evaluated the ability of oxygen-enhanced MRI (OE-MRI) to map and quantify therapy-induced changes in tumor hypoxia by measuring oxygen-refractory signals in perfused tissue (perfused Oxy-R). Clinical first-in-human study in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was performed alongside preclinical experiments in two xenograft tumors (Calu6 NSCLC model and U87 glioma model). Results: MRI perfused Oxy-R tumor fraction measurement of hypoxia was validated with ex vivo tissue pathology in both xenograft models. Calu6 and U87 experiments showed that MRI perfused Oxy-R tumor volume was reduced relative to control following single fraction 10-Gy radiation and fractionated chemoradiotherapy (P < 0.001) due to both improved perfusion and reduced oxygen consumption rate. Next, evaluation of 23 patients with NSCLC showed that OE-MRI was clinically feasible and that tumor perfused Oxy-R volume is repeatable [interclass correlation coefficient: 0.961 (95% CI, 0.858–0.990); coefficient of variation: 25.880%]. Group-wise perfused Oxy-R volume was reduced at 14 days following start of radiotherapy (P = 0.015). OE-MRI detected between-subject variation in hypoxia modification in both xenograft and patient tumors. Conclusions: These findings support applying OE-MRI biomarkers to monitor hypoxia modification, to stratify patients in clinical trials of hypoxia-modifying therapies, to identify patients with hypoxic tumors that may fail treatment with immunotherapy, and to guide adaptive radiotherapy by mapping regional hypoxia.
Long-term Exposure to Ozone and Cause-Specific Mortality Risk in the U.S.

RATIONALE Many studies have linked short-term exposure to ozone (O3) with morbidity and mortality, but epidemiological evidence of associations between long-term ozone exposure and mortality is more limited. OBJECTIVES We investigated associations of long-term (annual or warm season average) O3 exposure with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, a large prospective cohort of U.S. adults with 17 years of follow-up from 1995 to 2011. METHODS The cohort (N=548,780) was linked to census tract-level estimates for O3. Associations between long-term O3 exposure (averaged values from 2002-2010) and multiple causes of death were evaluated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for both individual- and census tract-level covariates, as well as potentially confounding co-pollutants and temperature. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Long-term annual average exposure to O3 was significantly associated with deaths due to cardiovascular disease (per 10 ppb, HR=1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06), ischemic heart disease (HR=1.06; 95% CI: 1.02-1.09), respiratory disease (HR=1.04; 95% CI: 1.00-1.09), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.03-1.15) in single-pollutant models. The results were robust to alternative models and adjustment for co-pollutants (fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide), although some evidence of confounding by temperature was observed. Significantly elevated respiratory disease mortality risk associated with long-term O3 exposure was found among those living in locations with high temperature (p-interaction<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study found that long-term exposure to O3 is associated with increased risk for multiple causes of mortality, suggesting that establishment of annual and/or seasonal federal O3 standard(s) are needed to more adequately protect public health from ambient O3 exposures.
Distribution and Evolution of Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase Gene Clusters in the Ceratocystidaceae

In filamentous fungi, genes in secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways are generally clustered. In the case of those pathways involved in nonribosomal peptide production, a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene is commonly found as a main element of the cluster. Large multifunctional enzymes are encoded by members of this gene family that produce a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds. In this research, we applied genome-based identification of nonribosomal peptide biosynthetic gene clusters in the family Ceratocystidaceae. For this purpose, we used the whole genome sequences of species from the genera Ceratocystis, Davidsoniella, Thielaviopsis, Endoconidiophora, Bretziella, Huntiella, and Ambrosiella. To identify and characterize the clusters, different bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches, as well as PCR-based methods were used. In all genomes studied, two highly conserved NRPS genes (one monomodular and one multimodular) were identified and their potential products were predicted to be siderophores. Expression analysis of two Huntiella species (H. moniliformis and H. omanensis) confirmed the accuracy of the annotations and proved that the genes in both clusters are expressed. Furthermore, a phylogenetic analysis showed that both NRPS genes of the Ceratocystidaceae formed distinct and well supported clades in their respective phylograms, where they grouped with other known NRPSs involved in siderophore production. Overall, these findings improve our understanding of the diversity and evolution of NRPS biosynthetic pathways in the family Ceratocystidaceae.
Symptoms of hypochondriasis in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Prevalence, Treatment Outcome, and Relationship with Metacognition

The study aimed to examine symptoms of hypochondriasis in relation to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), by investigating the prevalence of hypochondriacal symptoms in OCD, the effect hypochondriacal symptoms has on OCD treatment outcome, and how OCD treatment affects hypochondriacal symptoms. Another objective of the study was to explore the role of metacognition in symptoms of hypochondria. A sample of 313 patients with a primary diagnosis of OCD and 382 community controls were compared on the Whiteley Index of hypochondriasis, the Metacognitions Questionnaire, and the Yale-Brown Obsessive- Compulsive Scale. Results showed that the prevalence of hypochondriasis symptoms was 30.7% in the OCD sample, significantly higher than in the control group. Furthermore, symptoms of hypochondria did not have a significant effect on OCD treatment outcome. Hypochondriacal symptoms improved moderately following OCD treatment. Finally, symptoms of hypochondriasis were found to be moderately correlated with metacognition and improvement in hypochondriasis was associated with changes in metacognitive beliefs. Implications for treatment and future research is discussed.
Medial temporal lobe atrophy on MRI in dementia with Lewy bodies

Objective: To investigate whether medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) on MRI is less frequent in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) compared with AD and vascular dementia (VaD), and to determine the diagnostic utility of MTA in the differential diagnosis of dementia. Method:— Coronal T1-weighted 1.0-T MR images were acquired in patients with DLB (consensus criteria; n = 26; mean age, 75.9 years), AD (National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke–Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association; n = 28; mean age, 77.4 years), VaD (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke–Association Internationale pour la Recherche et l’Enseignement en Neurosciences; n = 24; mean age, 76.9 years), and normal control subjects (n = 26; mean age, 76.2 years). Cognitive function was assessed using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), and MTA was rated visually using a standardized scale. Results: MTA was more frequent and severe in all dementia groups compared with control subjects (AD, 100%; VaD, 88%; DLB, 62%; control subjects, 4%; p < 0.001). Comparing dementia groups, MTA scores were significantly lower in DLB than AD (p = 0.002), with a trend toward less atrophy in DLB compared with VaD (p = 0.07). The absence of MTA had a specificity of 100% and 88% for separating DLB from AD and VaD respectively, and a sensitivity of 38%. In patients with DLB, MTA increased with age (r = 0.58, p = 0.002), and in all dementia patients MTA correlated with memory impairment (combined memory score, r = −0.34, p = 0.003) but not total CAMCOG score or other subscales. Conclusion: Patients with DLB have significantly greater MTA than control subjects but significantly less than those with AD. The authors confirmed that the presence of MTA is useful in detecting AD but less useful in differentiating between dementias. However, in the differentiation of DLB from AD and VaD, the absence of MTA is highly suggestive of a diagnosis of DLB.
Transient Analysis of Chopper-Fed DC Series Motor

The paper deals with the transient analysis of a de series motor, controlled by a chopper with time-ratio control (TRC) or current-limit (CLC) control with square-wave output voltage. Three methods of transient analysis are derived for TRC control and compared with regard to accuracy and usefulness. The methods require much less computation time than is necessary for a step-by-step solution of the system differential equations, for different intervals of the chopper cycle. Two of the methods can be used for deriving transfer functions of the time-ratio chopper-controlled de series motor for small-signal perturbations around a steady-state point.
User-centered evaluation of question answering systems

With the rapid growth of the Internet and database technologies in recent years, question answering systems (QAS) have emerged as important applications. As most evaluation models focus on system-centered evaluation, user-centered evaluation has attracted little attention. Although many QAS have been implemented, little work has been done on the development of a user-centered evaluation for QAS. User-centered evaluation is used to understand a userpsilas needs and identify important dimensions and factors in the development of an information system in order to improve its acceptance. The purpose of this study is to develop a user-centered evaluation model for QAS from the userpsilas perspective. The proposed user-centered evaluation model provides a framework for the design of question answering systems from the userpsilas perspective to enhance user satisfaction and acceptance of QAS.
Probing Protein Electrostatics with a Synthetic Fluorescent Amino Acid

Electrostatics affect virtually all aspects of protein structure and activity and are particularly important in proteins whose primary function is to stabilize charge. Here we introduce a fluorescent amino acid, Aladan, which can probe the electrostatic character of a protein at multiple sites. Aladan is exceptionally sensitive to the polarity of its surroundings and can be incorporated site-selectively at buried and exposed sites, in both soluble and membrane proteins. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements of Aladan residues at different buried and exposed sites in the B1 domain of protein G suggest that its interior is polar and heterogeneous.
Embossed Membranes with Vascular Patterns Guide Vascularization in a 3D Tissue Model

The vascularization of three-dimensional (3D) tissue constructs is necessary for transporting nutrients and oxygen to the component cells. In this study, a vacuum forming method was applied to emboss a vascular pattern on an electrospun membrane so that guided vascular structures could develop within the construct. Two- or six-layer constructs of electrospun membranes seeded with endothelial cells and pericytes were stacked and subcutaneously implanted into mice. Blood vessel formation in the implanted constructs with six alternating layers of flat membranes and membranes embossed with a blood vessel pattern was observed after two weeks of implantation. The formation of blood vessels was observed along the embossed blood vessel pattern in the structure of the embossed membrane laminated at four weeks and eight weeks. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) were highly expressed in the vascularized structures. Therefore, we demonstrated that a structure capable of producing a desired blood vessel shape with electrospun membranes embossed with a blood vessel pattern can be manufactured, and that a variety of structures can be manufactured using electrospun membranes in the tissue engineering era.
Role of pulses in ultra wideband systems

UWB pulses are the unique labels of UWB systems. This paper investigates the role of pulse systematically and highlights the central position of the pulse in UWB systems. Four system properties related closely to the pulse are discussed: propagation properties, capacity, interference to existing systems and performance of correlation receivers. The properties of pulses which function directly on every aspect are highlighted. Novel viewpoint is provided for the evaluation of capacity and interference. Suggestions are given on the pulse design, with emphasis on the whole system performance.
Cloning, 3D Modeling and Expression Analysis of Three Vacuolar Invertase Genes from Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz)

Vacuolar invertase is one of the key enzymes in sucrose metabolism that irreversibly catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose to glucose and fructose in plants. In this research, three vacuolar invertase genes, named MeVINV1-3, and with 653, 660 and 639 amino acids, respectively, were cloned from cassava. The motifs of NDPNG (β-fructosidase motif), RDP and WECVD, which are conserved and essential for catalytic activity in the vacuolar invertase family, were found in MeVINV1 and MeVINV2. Meanwhile, in MeVINV3, instead of NDPNG we found the motif NGPDG, in which the three amino acids GPD are different from those in other vacuolar invertases (DPN) that might result in MeVINV3 being an inactivated protein. The N-terminal leader sequence of MeVINVs contains a signal anchor, which is associated with the sorting of vacuolar invertase to vacuole. The overall predicted 3D structure of the MeVINVs consists of a five bladed β-propeller module at N-terminus domain, and forms a β-sandwich module at the C-terminus domain. The active site of the protein is situated in the β-propeller module. MeVINVs are classified in two subfamilies, α and β groups, in which α group members of MeVINV1 and 2 are highly expressed in reproductive organs and tuber roots (considered as sink organs), while β group members of MeVINV3 are highly expressed in leaves (source organs). All MeVINVs are highly expressed in leaves, while only MeVINV1 and 2 are highly expressed in tubers at cassava tuber maturity stage. Thus, MeVINV1 and 2 play an important role in sucrose unloading and starch accumulation, as well in buffering the pools of sucrose, hexoses and sugar phosphates in leaves, specifically at later stages of plant development.
State class timed automaton of a time Petri net

In this paper, we propose a method for building the state class graph of a bounded time Petri net (TPN) as a timed automaton (TA). We consider bounded TPN, whose underlying net is not necessarily bounded. We prove that the obtained TA is timed-bisimilar to the initial TPN. The number of clocks of the automaton is much lower than with other methods available. It allows us to check real-time properties on bounded TPN with efficient TA model-checkers. We have implemented the method, and give some experimental results in this paper, illustrating the efficiency of the algorithm in terms of clock number.
Copper Iodide Interlayer for Improved Charge Extraction and Stability of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Nickel oxide (NiO) is one of the most promising and high-performing Hole Transporting Layer (HTL) in inverted perovskite solar cells due to ideal band alignment with perovskite absorber, wide band gap, and high mobility of charges. At the same time, however, NiO does not provide good contact and trap-free junction for hole collection. In this paper, we examine this problem by developing a double hole transport configuration with a copper iodide (CuI) interlayer for efficient surface passivation. Transient photo-current (TPC) measurements showed that Perovskite/HTL interface with CuI interlayer has an improved hole injection; CuI passivation reduces the concentration of traps and the parasitic charge accumulation that limits the flow of charges. Moreover, we found that CuI protect the HTL/perovskite interface from degradation and consequently improve the stability of the cell. The presence of CuI interlayer induces an improvement of open-circuit voltage VOC (from 1.02 V to 1.07 V), an increase of the shunt resistance RSH (100%), a reduction of the series resistance RS (−30%), and finally a +10% improvement of the solar cell efficiency.
Effect of Slat and Gap Width of Slatted Concrete Flooring on Sow Gait Using Kinematics Analysis

Simple Summary The housing of gestating sows is currently moving from individual stalls to group housing in most Western countries. If the design of slatted concrete floors was well studied for smaller animals such as finishing pigs, less information is available for sows. Slatted concrete floors can have negative effects on sow health, especially in connection with lameness. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal slat and gap widths of slatted concrete floors for the ease of movement of sows. After testing several combinations of slat and gap widths and quantifying the gait of walking sows using kinematics analysis, we determined that the usual 25-mm gap/125-mm slat commonly used in North America may not be optimal to facilitate the ease of movement of sows. In particular, sows’ gait was less affected by smaller gap widths. Further research is now necessary to assess the impact of floor design on behavior, lameness occurrence, performances and longevity of sows. Abstract The housing of gestating sows in groups requires sound information about the adapted design of the pen floor. Slatted concrete floors are commonly used for effective drainage of manure but can cause feet injuries and lameness. In the present study, kinematics were used to characterize the gait of 12 gilts and 12 lame sows walking in a corridor on slatted concrete floors with different combinations of slat (85, 105 or 125 mm) and gap (19, 22 or 25 mm) widths. The nine experimental floors were tested with slats in the perpendicular and parallel orientation to the direction of animal walk, according to a duplicated lattice design. Gait parameters were quantified using spatial, temporal and angular kinematics for front and rear limbs. Some parameters were significantly affected by the treatments (p < 0.05), but the effects differed between gilts and lame sows and between slat orientations. Gap width had a significant effect on parameters such as back angle, stride length, foot height, and carpal and tarsal joint angle amplitudes. Slat width significantly affected parameters such as foot height, and carpal and tarsal joint angle amplitudes. Comparisons of the different combinations of slat and gap widths revealed that slats with a width of 105–125 mm and gap width of 19–22 mm had the least effect on the gait characteristics of the gilts and sows.
The Impact of Conflict on Immunisation Coverage in 16 Countries

Background: Military conflict has been an ongoing determinant of inequitable immunisation coverage in many low- and middle-income countries, yet the impact of conflict on the attainment of global health goals has not been fully addressed. This review will describe and analyse the association between conflict, immunisation coverage and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) outbreaks, along with country specific strategies to mitigate the impact in 16 countries. Methods: We cross-matched immunisation coverage and VPD data in 2014 for displaced and refugee populations. Data on refugee or displaced persons was sourced from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) database, and immunisation coverage and disease incidence data from World Health Organization (WHO) databases. Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) databases provided additional data on national and sub-national coverage. The 16 countries were selected because they had the largest numbers of registered UNHCR "persons of interest" and received new vaccine support from Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI), the Vaccine Alliance. We used national planning and reporting documentation including immunisation multiyear plans, health system strengthening strategies and GAVI annual progress reports (APRs) to assess the impact of conflict on immunisation access and coverage rates, and reviewed strategies developed to address immunisation program shortfalls in conflict settings. We also searched the peer-reviewed literature for evidence that linked immunisation coverage and VPD outbreaks with evidence of conflict. Results: We found that these 16 countries, representing just 12% of the global population, were responsible for 67% of global polio cases and 39% of global measles cases between 2010 and 2015. Fourteen out of the 16 countries were below the global average of 85% coverage for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT3) in 2014. We present data from countries where the onset of conflict has been associated with sudden drops in national and sub-national immunisation coverage. Tense security conditions, along with damaged health infrastructure and depleted human resources have contributed to infrequent outreach services, and delays in new vaccine introductions and immunisation campaigns. These factors have in turn contributed to pockets of low coverage and disease outbreaks in sub-national areas affected by conflict. Despite these impacts, there was limited reference to the health needs of conflict affected populations in immunisation planning and reporting documents in all 16 countries. Development partner investments were heavily skewed towards vaccine provision and working with partner governments, with comparatively low levels of health systems support or civil partnerships. Conclusion: Global and national policy and planning focus is required on the service delivery needs of conflict affected populations, with increased investment in health system support and civil partnerships, if persistent immunisation inequities in conflict affected areas are to be addressed.