Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Regulates Maternal T-Helper Cytokine Production in Infertile Women

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is associated with reproductive failure. However, the relationship between VD and maternal immunity remains unclear. We investigated the clinical efficacy of VD in maternal T-helper (Th) cytokines in 276 infertile women and examined for Th1 and Th2 cells based on the deficient, insufficient, and sufficient serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]VD) levels (<12, 12–30, and >30 ng/mL, respectively). Most infertile women had a low-level of VD (87.3%). Immunological tests of pre-/post-VD supplementation were performed in patients who were deficient and insufficient in VD. Of 23 patients, 11 (47.8%) exhibited sufficient VD levels after supplementation. Th1/Th2 cell ratio in patients with insufficient VD was significantly decreased after supplementation (p = 0.004). After supplementation, serum 25(OH)VD levels of the patients: 11 in the sufficient group showed significant decreases in Th1 cell level and Th1/Th2 cell ratio (p = 0.032 and 0.010, respectively), whereas no significant differences in Th1/Th2 cell ratio were recognized in the insufficient group. Furthermore, mid-luteal endometrial biopsies (n = 18) were processed for primary cultures and measured interferon [IFN]-γ and interleukin [IL]-4 in condition media. Decidualizing cultures with 1,25-dihydroxvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2VD) decreased IFN-γ. Sufficient VD supplementation in women with insufficient VD may optimize maternal T-helper cytokines during pregnancy via rebalancing the Th1/Th2 cell ratio.
The State of Knowledge about Nutrition Sources of Vitamin D, Its Role in the Human Body, and Necessity of Supplementation among Parents in Central Poland

The percentage of children with vitamin D deficiency in Poland is alarming. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge about sources of food and the function of vitamin D, as well as the frequency of its supplementation. A survey was conducted among the parents of children from Central Poland attending primary schools, and a questionnaire containing mainly open-ended questions was used to collect the data. Most mothers knew at least one of the functions of vitamin D in the body but had a low level of knowledge about its dietary sources. Only a small group of respondents supplemented themselves and their children with vitamin D. Statistically significant influences on the level of knowledge about the functions and sources of vitamin D were place of residence (i.e., better knowledge in the countryside) and mothers’ level of education (i.e., the better educated, the greater knowledge). In the case of monthly income level, such impact was observed only in relation to the knowledge of vitamin D functions. Concerning the frequency of supplementation, only maternal level of education had a statistically significant effect (i.e., the higher the education level, the higher the frequency of supplementation). In addition, mothers who were aware of functions of vitamin D and nutritional sources, significantly more frequently supplemented vitamin D.
Computational and biochemical studies of isothiocyanates as inhibitors of proteasomal cysteine deubiquitinases in human cancer cells

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are natural chemoprotective products found abundantly in cruciferous vegetables. However, the cancer‐relevant targets and molecular mechanisms of ITCs remain unclear. We hypothesize that ITCs, as electrophiles, can interact with the catalytic triads (CYS, HIS, and ASP) of the proteasomal cysteine deubiquitinases USP14 and UCHL5, ultimately inhibiting their activities. In the current study, we exploited this possibility by performing both computational docking and biochemical validation assays using human breast and prostate cancer cell models. Docking results suggest that benzyl isothiocyanate, phenethyl isothiocyanate, and DL‐sulforaphane are more potent inhibitors of UCHL5 than USP14, and these ITCs could interact with the catalytic triads of UCHL5 and USP14. Indeed, ubiquitin vinyl sulfone assay confirmed the inhibitory activity of each ITC on the ubiquitin‐binding activity of UCHL5 and USP14. We also found that inhibition of USP‐14 and UCHL5 activities by the ITCs caused increased levels of USP14 and UCHL5 proteins, but not the third 19S‐deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), POH1/RPN11, suggesting feedback loop activation and further supporting that ITCs are inhibitors of proteasomal cysteine DUBs. Associated with DUB inhibition by ITCs, ubiquitinated proteins were significantly increased, accompanied with induction of apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation and suppression of cell invasion. Our findings of ITCs as proteasomal cysteine DUB inhibitors should provide insightful information for designing, discovering and developing potent, specific 19S‐DUB inhibitors for cancer therapies.
Geophysical Prospection of Underground Water in the Desert by Means of Electromagnetic Interference Fringes

This paper introduces the principles and techniques of underground water prospection in the desert by means of electromagnetic interference fringes. Part I formulates the ''Variable Frequency Interference Method" while Part II deals with the ''Variable Distance Interference Method. " Samples of interference patterns obtained at two places in the Egyptian deserts are shown. The water table at one of these places is known from actual boring. Interpretation of the interference patterns and the proposed method of calculation of the water table depend upon a knowledge of the average dielectric constant of the propagational medium together with a single interference pattern determined by either of the methods in Part I or Part II. A good degree of agreement existed between the derived results and the actual water table.
Breakdown studies in compressed gases

THE superior dielectric strength of compressed gases, their low dielectric loss, their low dielectric constant, their low cost, and the fact that they are self-healing make them very promising insulating media. Compressed-gas insulation has been used in precision condensers where low dielectric loss is essential; it has been tried in other types of equipment such as transformers; it has been suggested for electric power cables where the low dielectric constant is of considerable importance; and recently it has found interesting and important application in the production of very high voltages by electrostatic means for use in X ray and nuclear physics work.
Perceptions of self and other: Social judgments and gaze patterns to videos of adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder

Neurotypical adults often form negative first impressions of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and are less interested in engaging with them socially. In contrast, individuals with autism spectrum disorder actively seek out the company of others who share their diagnosis. It is not clear, however, whether individuals with autism spectrum disorder form more positive first impressions of autistic peers when diagnosis is not explicitly shared. We asked adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder to watch brief video clips of adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder and answer questions about their impressions of the individuals in the videos. Questions were related to participants’ perceptions of the social skills of the individuals in the video, as well as their own willingness to interact with that person. We also measured gaze patterns to the faces, eyes, and mouths of adolescents in the video stimuli. Both participant groups spent less time gazing at videos of autistic adolescents. Regardless of diagnostic group, all participants provided more negative judgments of autistic than neurotypical adolescents in the videos. These data indicate that, without being explicitly informed of a shared diagnosis, adolescents with autism spectrum disorder form negative first impressions of autistic adolescents that are similar to, or lower than, those formed by neurotypical peers.
Fundamental Limitations of Small Antennas

A capacitor or inductor operating as a small antenna is theoretically capable of intercepting a certain amount of power, independent of its size, on the assumption of tuning without circuit loss. The practical efficiency relative to this ideal is limited by the "radiation power factor" of the antenna as compared with the power factor and bandwidth of the antenna tuning. The radiation power factor of either kind of antenna is somewhat greater than (1/6π) (Ab/l2) in which Ab is the cylindrical volume occupied by the antenna, and l is the radianlength (defined as 1/2π wavelength) at the operating frequency. The efficiency is further limited by the closeness of coupling of the antenna with its tuner. Other simple formulas are given for the more fundamental properties of small antennas and their behavior in a simple circuit. Examples for 1-Mc. operation in typical circuits indicate a loss of about 35 db for the I.R. E. standard capacitive antenna, 43 db for a large loop occupying a volume of 1 meter square by 0.5 meter axial length, and 64 db for a loop of 1/5 these dimensions.
The Civil Aeronautics Administration VHF Omnirange

This report describes the development of a vhf-omnirange system, operating in the frequency band of 112 and 118 mc. The range furnishes magnetic-bearing information with respect to the range station, and provides definite track guidance between the station and any point within its service area. The omnirange produces two 30-cps signals: one is constant in phase and independent of the aircraft's position, and the other varies in relative phase directly in accordance with the magnetic bearing of the aircraft from the station. A phase-measuring device in the receiver enables the pilot to determine his magnetic bearing with respect to the station, and to select and fly a range course on any desired magnetic bearing. The accuracy of the system, including the receiver plus ground equipment, in operation at the Civil Aeronautics Administration Experimental Station, Indianapolis, Indiana, is approximately 1.5 degrees. The ground equipment has been in continuous operation for more than 3 years. The vhf omnirange has been selected as part of the common Civil-Military System, Transition Program, as recommended by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics.
PPARγ Controls Ectopic Adipogenesis and Cross-Talks with Myogenesis During Skeletal Muscle Regeneration

Skeletal muscle is a regenerative tissue which can repair damaged myofibers through the activation of tissue-resident muscle stem cells (MuSCs). Many muscle diseases with impaired regeneration cause excessive adipose tissue accumulation in muscle, alter the myogenic fate of MuSCs, and deregulate the cross-talk between MuSCs and fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), a bi-potent cell population which supports myogenesis and controls intra-muscular fibrosis and adipocyte formation. In order to better characterize the interaction between adipogenesis and myogenesis, we studied muscle regeneration and MuSC function in whole body Pparg null mice generated by epiblast-specific Cre/lox deletion (PpargΔ/Δ). We demonstrate that deletion of PPARγ completely abolishes ectopic muscle adipogenesis during regeneration and impairs MuSC expansion and myogenesis after injury. Ex vivo assays revealed that perturbed myogenesis in PpargΔ/Δ mice does not primarily result from intrinsic defects of MuSCs or from perturbed myogenic support from FAPs. The immune transition from a pro- to anti-inflammatory MuSC niche during regeneration is perturbed in PpargΔ/Δ mice and suggests that PPARγ signaling in macrophages can interact with ectopic adipogenesis and influence muscle regeneration. Altogether, our study demonstrates that a PPARγ-dependent adipogenic response regulates muscle fat infiltration during regeneration and that PPARγ is required for MuSC function and efficient muscle repair.
THE DECISIONS OF ENGINEERING DESIGN

Two examples of plant design are described and an abstract model of the process of design is suggested. The model is used to discuss the search for possible solutions, the strategies for their examination, and the rules for choosing between them. It seems likely that the model applies only to problems requiring novel solutions and not to those for which the form of solution is known, but the choice of parameters to meet conflicting objectives is difficult.
Traveling-Wave Tube Experiments at Millimeter Wavelengths with a New, Easily Built, Space Harmonic Circuit

A new slow-wave circuit structure for traveling-wave tubes consists of a ridged rectangular waveguide with a series of transverse slots in the broad wall opposite the ridge. This structure can be fabricated easily in sizes small enough for use at millimeter wavelengths if the slotted wall is prepared either by winding a grid or by photo-etching the slots in a thin metal sheet. Demountable traveling-wave tubes were constructed in which an electron beam was coupled to space-harmonics of waves traveling on such a circuit. Using a circuit whose slotted wall was fabricated by the photo-etching technique, forward-wave interaction and backward-wave oscillations were obtained in a wavelength band centered at 5.4 mm. With structures whose slotted walls were prepared by grid winding, backward-wave oscillators were made which performed in wavelength bands centered at 5.1 mm and at 3.6 mm.
Coplanar pHEMT MMIC frequency multipliers for 76-GHz automotive radar

For 76-GHz transmitters, two coplanar monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) frequency multipliers were realized in a 0.15-μm pHEMT technology on GaAs. A 38/76-GHz frequency doubler achieved a state-of-the-art output power of 10 dBm for a 16-dBm input signal and a maximum conversion gain of -4 dB. For a 19/76-GHz frequency quadrupler, a high conversion gain of -7.5 dB for an input power of 8 dBm and a saturated power of 4 dBm was demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first reported W-band one-stage frequency quadrupler based on HEMT technology.
Influence of Absorbed Water and Temperature on Tan Delta and Dielectric Constant of Oil-Impregnated Paper Insulation

Tan δ and dielectric constant at several temperatures and stresses of an oil-impregnated 0.95 density paper, suitable for use in extra-high-voltage cables, are related quantitatively to water content m from 0.08 to 4.82%. At 100 C (degrees centigrade), 100 tan δ=0.24+1.44 m2, tribution of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions from the water. At 22 C, small amounts of water have a linear effect on tan δ, a relation believed to result from the water plasticizing the cellulose. In the range 22 to 100 C, k'=3.8+0.41 m.
Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Functioning After In Utero Exposure to Triple-NRTI vs. Dual-NRTI + PI ART in a Randomized Trial, Botswana

Background: In utero exposure to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-containing antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens may be associated with poor neurodevelopmental functioning in children of HIV-infected mothers. We investigated neurodevelopmental outcomes of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children of HIV-infected women enrolled in a randomized trial of abacavir/zidovudine/lamivudine (triple-NRTI regimen) vs. lopinavir/ritonavir/zidovudine/lamivudine [dual-NRTI + protease inhibitor (PI) regimen]. Setting: The Mma Bana randomized trial was conducted in urban and rural sites in Botswana. Methods: The Mma Bana study randomized HIV-infected pregnant women with CD4 ≥200 cells per mm3 to a triple-NRTI vs. dual-NRTI + PI regimen from 26- to 34-week gestation through planned weaning at 6-month postpartum. Partway through the study, neurodevelopmental assessments were added at 24 months of age, including the Developmental Milestones Checklist, the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development third edition, Ten Questions Questionnaire, and Profile of Social Emotional Development. We evaluated differences in mean scores between the 2 arms using unadjusted and adjusted linear regression. Results: A total of 197 HEU infants (48% male) completed a neurodevelopmental assessment (101 in triple-NRTI arm and 96 in dual-NRTI + PI-exposed arm). Mean values for all neurodevelopmental outcomes were similar for children of mothers randomized to either ART regimen, with no significant differences in either unadjusted or adjusted models (estimated effect sizes ranging from −0.12 to 0.14). Conclusions: Neurodevelopmental outcomes in 24-month-old HEU children of HIV-infected mothers with baseline CD4 ≥200 were similar in those randomized to a dual-NRTI + PI–based vs. a triple-NRTI–based ART regimen, suggestive of lack of short-term toxicity. Monitoring of long-term toxicity and newer regimens is warranted.
Cerebellar atrophy and its contribution to cognition in frontotemporal dementias

Increasing evidence suggests that cerebellar damage impacts on cognitive functions. Frontotemporal dementias (FTDs) are neurodegenerative brain conditions, primarily affecting the frontal and/or temporal lobe. Three main phenotypes are recognized, each with a distinct clinical and cognitive profile: behavioral‐variant FTD (bvFTD), semantic dementia (SD), and progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA). The severity of cerebellar changes and their relation to cognition in FTD, however, remain unclear. This study aimed to establish cerebellar gray matter changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their relation to profiles of cognitive deficits in FTD subtypes.
Threshold logic

A threshold gate has binary inputs and outputs just like any other logic gate. The difference, however, is that in the threshold gate the inputs may be weighted and, eventually, a binary decision made as to whether the total weight is more or less than some reference. This principle of weighting and summing the inputs rather than simply noting the presence of all inputs as high (as in an AND gate) or one input high (as in an OR gate) is the reason that a threshold gate can tell more about the state of the inputs, thus providing greater ``logic power. '' This article gives some examples of the applicability of threshold logic, as well as an integrated-circuit approach for building arrays of versatile threshold gates. In addition, some logic designs are described and compared with conventional ECL implementations.
Effect of Dehydration on Passing Decision Making in Soccer Athletes

ABSTRACT It seems that dehydration may impair decision-making performance in athletes. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influence of dehydration on passing decision-making performance in soccer players. Method: Participants were 40 male soccer players (Mage = 22.3 ± 2.3 years) who agreed to participate in the study and were randomly assigned to the following conditions: control (CON), dehydration (DEH), and euhydration (EUH). The players played in 2 games of 90 min in duration (2 45-min halves) followed by 2 15-min halves (overtime) with and without proper hydration. The Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was considered for the analysis of passing decision making. Results: The GPAI analysis indicated effective reduction in the decision-making index in the DEH condition compared with the EUH and CON conditions, F(2, 38) = 31.4, p < . 05, ES = 0.8. Conclusions: In conclusion, dehydration may be considered a mediating factor in the passing decision-making performance of male soccer athletes.
More Velar than /g/: ConsonantCoarticulation as a Cause of Diphthongization

Impressionistically there are (at least) three allophones of short-a in Western American speech: before oral voiced stops, before [m] and [n], and before the velar nasal [ŋ]. Compare the “normal” short-a of bad, the “nasal” vowel of bam or ban, and the long-a ([eɪ]) of bang. We provide acoustic data and statistical analysis that confirm these impressions. The change of short-a to long-a in words like bang is similar to a change that occurs in Wisconsin English. Here the same change ([æ] to [eɪ]) is found before [g] as well: [beɪg] for bag (Zeller 1997; Labov et al. (2006) document an even broader geographic distribution of this change).
An Extract Purified from the Mycelium of a Tomato Wilt-Controlling Strain of Fusarium sambucinum Can Protect Wheat against Fusarium and Common Root Rots

An approach to manage seed-transmitted Fusarium crown-foot-root rot (FCR, Fusarium spp.) and common root rot (CRR, Bipolaris sorokiniana) on wheat, avoiding environmental risks of chemicals, is seed treatments with microbial metabolites. F. sambucinum strain FS-94 that induces resistance to tomato wilt was shown by this study to be a source of non-fungitoxic wheat-protecting metabolites, which were contained in a mycelium extract purified by gel-chromatography and ultrafiltration. Plant-protecting effect of the purified mycelial extract (PME) was demonstrated in vegetation experiments using a rolled-towel assay and by small-plot field trials. To elucidate mechanisms putatively underlying PME protective activity, tests with cultured Triticum aestivum and T. kiharae cells, particularly the extracellular alkalinization assay, as well as gene expression analysis in germinated wheat seeds were used. Pre-inoculation treatments of seeds with PME significantly decreased the incidence (from 30 to 40%) and severity (from 37 to 50%) of root rots on seedlings without any inhibition of the seed germination and potentiation of deoxynivalenol (DON), DON monoacetylated derivatives and zearalenon production in FCR agents. In vegetation experiments, reductions in the DON production were observed with doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/mL of PME. Pre-sowing PME application on seeds of two spring wheat cultivars naturally infected with FCR and CRR provided the mitigation of both diseases under field conditions during four growing seasons (2013–2016). PME-induced ion exchange response in cultured wheat cells, their increased survivability, and up-regulated expression of some defensins’ genes in PME-exposed seedlings allow the suggestion of the plant-mediated character of disease-controlling effect observed in field.
Data-driven body–machine interface for the accurate control of drones

Significance The teleoperation of nonhumanoid robots is often a demanding task, as most current control interfaces rely on mappings between the operator’s and the robot’s actions, which are determined by the design and characteristics of the interface, and may therefore be challenging to master. Here, we describe a structured methodology to identify common patterns in spontaneous interaction behaviors, to implement embodied user interfaces, and to select the appropriate sensor type and positioning. Using this method, we developed an intuitive, gesture-based control interface for real and simulated drones, which outperformed a standard joystick in terms of learning time and steering abilities. Implementing this procedure to identify body-machine patterns for specific applications could support the development of more intuitive and effective interfaces. The accurate teleoperation of robotic devices requires simple, yet intuitive and reliable control interfaces. However, current human–machine interfaces (HMIs) often fail to fulfill these characteristics, leading to systems requiring an intensive practice to reach a sufficient operation expertise. Here, we present a systematic methodology to identify the spontaneous gesture-based interaction strategies of naive individuals with a distant device, and to exploit this information to develop a data-driven body–machine interface (BoMI) to efficiently control this device. We applied this approach to the specific case of drone steering and derived a simple control method relying on upper-body motion. The identified BoMI allowed participants with no prior experience to rapidly master the control of both simulated and real drones, outperforming joystick users, and comparing with the control ability reached by participants using the bird-like flight simulator Birdly.