Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous mirror-symmetry breaking induces inverse energy cascade in 3D active fluids

Significance Turbulence provides an important mechanism for energy redistribution and mixing in interstellar gases, planetary atmospheres, and the oceans. Classical turbulence theory suggests for ordinary 3D fluids or gases, such as water or air, that larger vortices can transform into smaller ones but not vice versa, thus limiting energy transfer from smaller to larger scales. Our calculations predict that bacterial suspensions and other pattern-forming active fluids can deviate from this paradigm by creating turbulent flow structures that spontaneously break mirror symmetry. These results imply that the collective dynamics of swimming microorganisms can enhance fluid mixing more strongly than previously thought. Classical turbulence theory assumes that energy transport in a 3D turbulent flow proceeds through a Richardson cascade whereby larger vortices successively decay into smaller ones. By contrast, an additional inverse cascade characterized by vortex growth exists in 2D fluids and gases, with profound implications for meteorological flows and fluid mixing. The possibility of a helicity-driven inverse cascade in 3D fluids had been rejected in the 1970s based on equilibrium-thermodynamic arguments. Recently, however, it was proposed that certain symmetry-breaking processes could potentially trigger a 3D inverse cascade, but no physical system exhibiting this phenomenon has been identified to date. Here, we present analytical and numerical evidence for the existence of an inverse energy cascade in an experimentally validated 3D active fluid model, describing microbial suspension flows that spontaneously break mirror symmetry. We show analytically that self-organized scale selection, a generic feature of many biological and engineered nonequilibrium fluids, can generate parity-violating Beltrami flows. Our simulations further demonstrate how active scale selection controls mirror-symmetry breaking and the emergence of a 3D inverse cascade.
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Investigation of the Power Vector in Astigmatism: The Yamagata Study (Funagata)

Purpose: To investigate how age and other factors affect astigmatism in Japanese adults over a period of 5 years. Methods: We included 512 Japanese participants who had undergone systemic and ophthalmological examinations both in 2005–2007 and in 2010–2012 in Funagata town, Yamagata, Japan. Astigmatism was evaluated using power vector analyses, where J0 represents the power of orthogonal astigmatism. Positive values of J0 indicate with-the-rule astigmatism, whereas negative values indicate against-the-rule (ATR). Results: In this cross-sectional investigation, J0 represented the power of orthogonal astigmatism, and multivariate regression revealed that both J0 and corneal J0 (cJ0) declined with increasing age (both P < 0.001). In a longitudinal investigation spanning 5 years, the mean amounts of change (&Dgr;) in J0 and &Dgr;cJ0 were −0.045 ± 0.308 and −0.072 ± 0.278, respectively. This confirmed an ATR shift with increasing age in most individuals. The age-divided distribution of the magnitude of differences indicated that older age was associated with a larger astigmatic change over a 5-year period in both the cornea and the entire eye. Using multivariate logistic regression, we observed that older age at baseline was a risk factor for low &Dgr;J0, indicating a large shift toward ATR astigmatism. Conclusions: We confirmed that a refractive and keratometric shift toward ATR astigmatism occurs with aging. Older age at baseline was also associated with a larger magnitude of astigmatic changes over the subsequent 5 years.
New‐age ideas about age‐old sex: separating meiosis from mating could solve a century‐old conundrum

Ever since Darwin first addressed it, sexual reproduction reigns as the ‘queen’ of evolutionary questions. Multiple theories tried to explain how this apparently costly and cumbersome method has become the universal mode of eukaryote reproduction. Most theories stress the adaptive advantages of sex by generating variation, they fail however to explain the ubiquitous persistence of sexual reproduction also where adaptation is not an issue. I argue that the obstacle for comprehending the role of sex stems from the conceptual entanglement of two distinct processes – gamete production by meiosis and gamete fusion by mating (mixis). Meiosis is an ancient, highly rigid and evolutionary conserved process identical and ubiquitous in all eukaryotes. Mating, by contrast, shows tremendous evolutionary variability even in closely related clades and exhibits wonderful ecological adaptability. To appreciate the respective roles of these two processes, which are normally linked and alternating, we require cases where one takes place without the other. Such cases are rather common. The heteromorphic sex chromosomes Y and W, that do not undergo meiotic recombination are an evolutionary test case for demonstrating the role of meiosis. Substantial recent genomic evidence highlights the accelerated rates of change and attrition these chromosomes undergo in comparison to those of recombining autosomes. I thus propose that the most basic role of meiosis is conserving integrity of the genome. A reciprocal case of meiosis without bi‐parental mating, is presented by self‐fertilization, which is fairly common in flowering plants, as well as most types of apomixis. I argue that deconstructing sex into these two distinct processes – meiosis and mating – will greatly facilitate their analysis and promote our understanding of sexual reproduction.
Acute Tocolysis for Uterine Activity Reduction in Term Labor: A Review

This review critically evaluates the efficacy of different tocolytics in reducing uterine pressure and contractions in term labor. The available evidence supports the use of beta-adrenergic-receptor agonists such as terbutaline or ritodrine; they appear to have an immediate and comparable profound effect on uterine activity in term labor. However, the preferred type of beta-adrenergic receptor agonist and dosage are unclear. The oxytocin receptor antagonist atosiban has a high specificity for the uterus with limited or no systemic effects and could therefore be an attractive alternative for use in term labor. The evidence on the tocolytic potency of a single bolus of atosiban for tocolysis in term labor is encouraging but limited and needs further research. Moreover, atosiban lacks United States Food and Drug Administration approval. Literature documenting efficacy and safety of nitroglycerin or magnesium sulfate in term labor is far from convincing. The theoretical basis for the use of tocolytics for nonreassuring intrapartum fetal heart rate patterns is to reduce the aggravating influence of uterine contractions. However, the clinical evidence that tocolytics in term active labor are actually beneficial in improving neonatal outcome is very limited. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to outline the available literature pertaining to tocolysis for term labor and appraise the effectiveness of various tocolytics in term labor.
Effect of Dimerization on the Dynamics of Neurotransmitter:Sodium Symporters

Dimerization is a common feature among the members of the neurotransmitter:sodium symporter (NSS) family of membrane proteins. Yet, the effect of dimerization on the mechanism of action of NSS members is not fully understood. In this study, we examined the collective dynamics of two members of the family, leucine transporter (LeuT) and dopamine transporter (DAT), to assess the significance of dimerization in modulating the functional motions of the monomers. We used to this aim the anisotropic network model (ANM), an efficient and robust method for modeling the intrinsic motions of proteins and their complexes. Transporters belonging to the NSS family are known to alternate between outward-facing (OF) and inward-facing (IF) states, which enables the uptake and release of their substrate (neurotransmitter) respectively, as the substrate is transported from the exterior to the interior of the cell. In both LeuT and DAT, dimerization is found to alter the collective motions intrinsically accessible to the individual monomers in favor of the functional transitions (OF ↔ IF), suggesting that dimerization may play a role in facilitating transport.
Twenty years later, the cognitive portrait of openness to reconciliation in Rwanda

With this work, we intended to draw a cognitive portrait of openness to reconciliation. No study had yet examined the potential contribution of high-level cognitive functioning, in addition to psychological health, to explaining attitudes towards reconciliation in societies exposed to major trauma such as post-genocide Rwanda. We measured the contribution of general cognitive capacity, analytical thinking, and subjective judgements. Our results show that higher cognitive capacity is not associated with greater openness to reconciliation. On the other hand, proneness to think analytically about the genocide predicts more favorable attitudes towards reconciliation. The latter effect is associated with more tempered judgements about retrospective facts (e.g., number of genocide perpetrators) and prospective events (e.g., risk of genocide reoccurrence). This work establishes the importance of cognitive functioning in the aftermath of political violence: A better understanding of the influence of information processing on openness to reconciliation may help improve reconciliation policies and contribute to reducing risks of conflict reoccurrence.
Is Shame Hallucinogenic?

Research into the causes of “hearing voices,” formally termed auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), has primarily focused on cognitive mechanisms. A potentially causative role for emotion has been relatively neglected. This paper uses historical and contemporary case studies of AVH to tentatively generate the hypothesis that shame can be a causal factor in the onset of AVH. Other sources of support for the generation of this hypothesis are then sought. First, evidence is examined for a role of shame in the etiology of post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that is characterized by phenomena related to AVH (intrusions and dissociation) and in which a substantial minority of sufferers report AVH. Second, the effect on AVH of a psychological therapy specifically designed to counteract shame (Compassion Focused Therapy) is noted. The hypothesis generation process is then expanded to propose mechanisms that could mediate a relation between shame and AVH. It is proposed that employing absorbed or avoidant strategies to deal with shame may lead to AVH through mediating mechanisms such as rumination, suppression, and dissociation. Evolutionary reasons for a relation between shame and AVH are also proposed, including that AVH may be an evolved mechanism to encourage self-protective behaviors in the wake of trauma. It is concluded that existing research supports the generation of this paper's hypothesis, which is now worthy of dedicated empirical testing.
Tanshinol Alleviates Osteoporosis and Myopathy in Glucocorticoid-Treated Rats

Abstract Tanshinol is a major water-soluble active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether tanshinol has potential therapeutic effects against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and glucocorticoid-induced myopathy. Ninety-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups: a control group, a model group, and three model groups treated with 25 or 50 mg/kg of tanshinol, or calcitriol. All model groups received prednisone acetate for 90 days to induce glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Afterwards, all animals underwent a surgical procedure to induce bone defects at the right proximal tibia. Prednisone treatment was stopped after surgery, but tanshinol or calcitriol treatment was continued to the endpoint. At the experimental endpoint, compared to the model group, 25 mg/kg tanshinol could significantly reverse glucocorticoid-induced loss of bone mineral density by 12.5 %, while enhancing mechanical bone strength, causing a significant 11 % increase in trabecular number, and reducing trabecular separation by 28 %. In addition, tanshinol improved the bone microarchitecture and prevented glucocorticoid-induced bone loss by promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption. Moreover, results of bone defect repair and muscle weight measurements revealed that tanshinol accelerated the bone fracture healing process and attenuated muscle atrophy caused by glucocorticoid. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis showed a 1-fold upregulation in mRNA levels of transforming growth factor beta and roughly 6-fold increases in vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression in calluses from the tanshinol groups. Tanshinol also preserved muscular ubiquitin mRNA levels from glucocorticoid-induced elevation. These findings demonstrate the potential benefits of tanshinol against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and glucocorticoid-induced myopathy, which warrants further investigation in future studies.
Morphological and Reproductive Characterization in Hyacinth Bean, Lablab Purpureus (L.) Sweet Germplasm with Clinically Proven Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Traits for Use as a Medicinal Food

The hyacinth bean, Lablab purpureus, is used throughout Asia and Africa for human food and medicine with potential to be a source of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Hyacinth bean accessions were grown in Griffin, Georgia, from 2002 to 2004 and characterized for agronomic traits including branching, foliage, plant size, days to 50% maturity, and seed reproduction. The plants regenerated a range reaching more than 4,000 seeds. Assessment of variation was determined using principal component analysis. This paper also discusses evidence from literature reviews regarding clinical trials supporting possible uses of various hyacinth bean phytochemicals as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Hyacinth bean seeds and pods could be used as famine food worldwide where humans suffer from malnourishment and disease. The purposes of this study are to characterize regenerating hyacinth bean genetic resources for branching, foliage, plant size, days to 50% maturity, seed production, and flower traits, as well as to discuss evidence from clinical trials supporting potential uses of various hyacinth bean containing phytochemicals as medicinal food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.
Comparison of the mechanical and wear behaviour of aluminium alloy with homogeneous and functionally graded silicon nitride composites

Abstract Homogeneous and functionally graded LM25 aluminium (Al) composites were fabricated by incorporating silicon nitride (10 wt%, 40 µm) particles through liquid metallurgy and centrifugal casting, respectively. The performance of these composites was compared with unreinforced alloy. The microstructural behaviour of the surfaces of unreinforced alloy, homogeneous composite and functionally graded composite (outer, middle and inner surfaces) were examined through optical microscopy. These surfaces were also evaluated for mechanical properties. An abrasive wear test was conducted on all these surfaces to determine their effect on wear rate. The microstructural results revealed a particle-rich region at the outer surface of the functionally graded composite material and uniform dispersion of reinforcement particles in the homogeneous composite. The outer region of the functionally graded composite showed greater hardness and the homogeneous composite displayed higher tensile strength. The abrasive wear rate increased with an increase in load and decreased with an increase in speed, and the particle-rich outer surface showed a lower wear rate. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a particle-rich outer surface of functionally graded composite with fewer scratches. Therefore, higher wear resistance was observed at the outer periphery of functionally graded composites and this property can be well-utilised in automotive tribo-components such as in cylinder liners for improved performance.
A Difficult Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study of the Daily Lives of Young Men Diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis

OBJECTIVES The majority of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are young men, and there is limited knowledge about how these men live their everyday lives with the disease. The aim of the present study was to generate knowledge and an understanding of how this group of patients live from day to day, and how they meet the challenges they face in relation to their disease. METHODS The study was based on a qualitative research design and consisted of semi-structured interviews with men diagnosed with AS. The men were recruited from a rheumatological hospital in Denmark. The study's theoretical framework was grounded in critical psychology, and the analysis was based on Kvale and Brinkmann's meaning condensation. RESULTS The five men interviewed were 21-37 years old. At the time of the interview, the participants had been diagnosed with AS for an average of 2.6 years, with an average time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of 5.4 years. The analysis resulted in the following three themes: 'Daily living and psychological reactions', 'A difficult diagnosis' and 'Working life and identity'. CONCLUSIONS It took a long time to make the correct diagnosis, and the period before diagnosis was characterized by great uncertainty regarding the men's prospects. In addition, physical limitations, depression and stress had an inhibitory impact on the men's everyday lives. It was important for the men to stay in the work force and to be able to change their career direction, which was necessary for the men whose jobs involved hard physical work. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron deficiency and preoperative anaemia in patients scheduled for elective hip‐ and knee arthroplasty – an observational study

Preoperative anaemia is prevalent in elderly patients scheduled for major orthopaedic surgery and is associated with increased transfusion risk and postoperative morbidity. New guidelines recommend preoperative correction of anaemia and iron deficiency in all patients with a Hb < 13 g/dl. However, iron deficiency and other causes of preoperative anaemia in hip‐ (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty are only sparsely studied.
Early‐life decline in neurogenesis markers and age‐related changes of TrkB splice variant expression in the human subependymal zone

Neurogenesis in the subependymal zone (SEZ) declines across the human lifespan, and reduced local neurotrophic support is speculated to be a contributing factor. While tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) signalling is critical for neuronal differentiation, maturation and survival, little is known about subependymal TrkB expression changes during postnatal human life. In this study, we used quantitative PCR and in situ hybridisation to determine expression of the cell proliferation marker Ki67, the immature neuron marker doublecortin (DCX) and both full‐length (TrkB‐TK+) and truncated TrkB receptors (TrkB‐TK‐) in the human SEZ from infancy to middle age (n = 26–35, 41 days to 43 years). We further measured TrkB‐TK+ and TrkB‐TK‐ mRNAs in the SEZ from young adulthood into ageing (n = 50, 21–103 years), and related their transcript levels to neurogenic and glial cell markers. Ki67, DCX and both TrkB splice variant mRNAs significantly decreased in the SEZ from infancy to middle age. In contrast, TrkB‐TK‐ mRNA increased in the SEZ from young adulthood into ageing, whereas TrkB‐TK+ mRNA remained stable. TrkB‐TK‐ mRNA positively correlated with expression of neural precursor (glial fibrillary acidic protein delta and achaete‐scute homolog 1) and glial cell markers (vimentin and pan glial fibrillary acidic protein). TrkB‐TK+ mRNA positively correlated with expression of neuronal cell markers (DCX and tubulin beta 3 class III). Our results indicate that cells residing in the human SEZ maintain their responsiveness to neurotrophins; however, this capability may change across postnatal life. We suggest that TrkB splice variants may differentially influence neuronal and glial differentiation in the human SEZ.
Identification of a Titin-Derived HLA-A1–Presented Peptide as a Cross-Reactive Target for Engineered MAGE A3–Directed T Cells

T cells engineered to express affinity-enhanced TCRs directed to a MAGE A3 peptide cross-react with a similar, but unrelated, self-peptide. Cross-Reactive Adoptive Therapy Engineering T cells with enhanced affinity to cancer targets is a promising therapy. However, one key bottleneck in this strategy is the identification of targets that are expressed on cancer cells but not on normal healthy tissue. One way to identify these antigens is by looking at the family of cancer-testis antigens, which have restricted expression in normal tissue but are frequently up-regulated in tumors. Cameron et al. now report that a T cell engineered to target one such antigen—MAGE A3—cross-reacts with a peptide from a muscle protein, Titin. The authors developed a T cell that targeted a MAGE A3 antigen for use in adoptive immunotherapy. Although extensive preclinical investigations demonstrated no off-target antigen recognition, patients who received these T cells had serious adverse events, including fatal cardiac toxicity. The authors then used amino acid scanning to search for potential cross-reactivity of these T cells with an off-target peptide and identified a peptide derived from the muscle protein Titin. Because affinity-enhanced T cells are highly potent, this cross-reactivity was likely the cause of the off-target toxicity. This study highlights methods that may be used to prevent cross-reactivity in future trials of adoptive immunotherapy. MAGE A3, which belongs to the family of cancer-testis antigens, is an attractive target for adoptive therapy given its reactivation in various tumors and limited expression in normal tissues. We developed an affinity-enhanced T cell receptor (TCR) directed to a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–A*01–restricted MAGE A3 antigen (EVDPIGHLY) for use in adoptive therapy. Extensive preclinical investigations revealed no off-target antigen recognition concerns; nonetheless, administration to patients of T cells expressing the affinity-enhanced MAGE A3 TCR resulted in a serious adverse event (SAE) and fatal toxicity against cardiac tissue. We present a description of the preclinical in vitro functional analysis of the MAGE A3 TCR, which failed to reveal any evidence of off-target activity, and a full analysis of the post-SAE in vitro investigations, which reveal cross-recognition of an off-target peptide. Using an amino acid scanning approach, a peptide from the muscle protein Titin (ESDPIVAQY) was identified as an alternative target for the MAGE A3 TCR and the most likely cause of in vivo toxicity. These results demonstrate that affinity-enhanced TCRs have considerable effector functions in vivo and highlight the potential safety concerns for TCR-engineered T cells. Strategies such as peptide scanning and the use of more complex cell cultures are recommended in preclinical studies to mitigate the risk of off-target toxicity in future clinical investigations.