Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SHEPARD-----On the Status of"Direct" Psychophysical Measurement

Whether the water in a pot feels cold, cool, warm, or hot depends both on how long the pot has been on the fire and how long the testing hand has been in from the cold. In the recognition of such primitive facts one can discern the beginnings of both physics and psychophysics. The fundamental invariances of physics began to emerge in pure, mathematically expressible form only when it became possible (a) to refine the scale of descriptive labels that could be applied to an object under study (e.g., from four such crude labels as "cold," "cool," "warm," and "hot" to a hundred or more distinguishable
DISTRIBUTION AND PREDICTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUITABILITY OF SERGENTOMYIA GEMMEA AND SERGENTOMYIA BARRAUDI (DIPTERA: PSYCHODIDAE) IN THAILAND

In Thailand, epidemiology of leishmaniasis, a neglected vector-borne disease, is not clearly understood. Identification of proven biological sandfly vectors is crucial to prevent and control the disease; however, vectors of leishmaniasis still remain unclear and have yet to be confirmed. Sergentomyia is the most predominant genus of which DNA of Leishmania martiniquensis were detected in the gut of S. barraudi and S. gemmea suggesting these species could possibly serve as potential vectors in Thailand. This study predicted environmental suitability and geographic range of S. gemmea and S. barraudi in Thailand. Localities of S. gemmea and S. barraudi from published articles of sandflies in Thailand were mapped and ecological niche models were created to estimate distribution, the first predictive geographic distribution in Thailand of S. gemmea and S. barraudi, and influencing environmental factors, revealing S. gemmea commonly resided in peridomiciliary areas surrounded with orchards, palm and rubber plantations in the southern region, while S. barraudi could be found in many regions of the country. The distribution of these species was limited by similar habitat suitability; however, certain bioclimatic variables conferred comparatively beneficial fitness to S. barraudi. The study provides the first preliminary picture and understanding of the geographic distribution and associated environmental factors that could be vital in future studies of the role of S. gemmea and S. barraudi as potential biological vectors of Leismania in Thailand.
Enhanced external counterpulsation ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and elevates exercise tolerance in patients with coronary artery disease

Purpose Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a new non-drug treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the long-term effect of EECP on endothelial dysfunction and exercise tolerance, and the relationship between the changes in the endothelial dysfunction and exercise tolerance in the patients with coronary heart disease are still unclear. Methods A total of 240 patients with CAD were randomly divided into EECP group (n = 120) and control group (n = 120). All patients received routine treatment of CAD as the basic therapy. Patients in the EECP group received 35 1-h daily sessions of EECP during 7 consecutive weeks while the control group received the same treatment course, but the cuff inflation pressure was 0–10 mmHg. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistance index (RI), and inner diameter (ID) of the right carotid artery were examined using a Color Doppler Ultrasound and used to calculate the fluid shear stress (FSS). Serum levels of human vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and human angiotensin 2 (Ang2) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Exercise load time, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), metabolic equivalent (METs), anaerobic threshold (AT), peak oxygen pulse (VO2max/HR) were assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise tests. Results After 1 year follow-up, the EDV, PSV, ID, and FSS were significantly increased in the EECP group (P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively), whereas there were no significant changes in these parameters in the control group. The serum levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 were elevated in the EECP and control groups (all P < 0.05). However, the changes in VEGF and VEGFR2 were significantly higher in the EECP group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The serum level of Ang2 was decreased in the EECP group (P < 0.05) and no obvious changes in the control group. As for exercise tolerance of patients, there were significant increases in the exercise load time, VO2max, VO2max/HR, AT and METs in the EECP group (all P < 0.05) and VO2max and METs in the control group (all P < 0.05). Correlation analyses showed a significant and positive correlations of VEGF and VEGFR2 levels with the changes in FSS (all P < 0.001). The correlations were still remained even after adjustment for confounders (all Padjustment < 0.001). Linear regression displays the age, the medication of ACEI (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) or ARB (angiotensin receptor blockers), the diabetes and the changes in VEGF and VEGFR2 were positively and independently associated with the changes in METs after adjustment for confounders (all Padjustment < 0.05). Conclusion The data of our study suggested that EECP is a useful therapeutic measurement for amelioration of endothelial dysfunction and long-term elevation of exercise tolerance for patients with coronary heart disease. Clinical trial registration [http://www.chictr. org.cn/], identifier [ChiCTR1800020102].
A heterozygous mutation in NOTCH3 in a Chinese family with CADASIL

Introduction: Cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an autosomal-dominant systemic vascular disease that primarily involves small arteries. Patients with CADASIL experience migraines, recurrent ischemic strokes, cognitive decline, and dementia. The NOTCH3 gene, which is located on chromosome 19p13.12, is one of the disease-causing genes in CADASIL. Herein, we investigate the genetic and phenotypic features in a Chinese CADASIL family with heterozygous NOTCH3 mutation. Methods and Results: In the family, the proband suffered from dizziness, stroke, and cognitive deficits. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated symmetrical white matter lesions in the temporal lobe, outer capsule, lateral ventricle, and deep brain. Whole-exome sequencing identified a known missense mutation in the proband, c.397C>T (p.Arg133Cys), which was identified in his son and granddaughter using Sanger sequencing. The proband’s younger brother and younger sister also have a history of cognitive impairment or cerebral infarction, but do not have this genetic mutation, which may highlight the impact of lifestyle on this neurological disease. Conclusion: We identified a known CADASIL-causing mutation NOTCH3 (c.397C>T, p.Arg133Cys) in a Chinese family. The clinical manifestations of mutation carriers in this family are highly heterogeneous, which is likely a common feature for the etiology of different mutations in CADASIL. Molecular genetic analyses are critical for accurate diagnosis, as well as the provision of genetic counselling for CADASIL.
Review of acoustical and optical techniques to measure absolute salinity of seawater

The salinity of seawater is of fundamental importance in climate studies, and the measurement of the variable requires high accuracy and precision in order to be able to resolve its typically small variations in the oceans with depth and over long-time scales. This is currently only possible through the measurement of conductivity, which has led to the definition of a Practical Salinity scale. However, seawater is also composed of a large number of non-conducting substances that constitute salinity anomalies. Differences of the ratios of the constituents of sea salt from the Reference Composition may also change salinity anomalies. The establishment of formulae for calculating the thermodynamic properties of seawater has led to the definition of the concept of Absolute Salinity (S A), which includes such anomalies and is similar in approach to the notion of density. Although the routine in situ measurement of S A is still a huge challenge, numerous developments based on acoustic techniques, but above all, refractometry, interferometry or complex fiber optic assemblies, have been tested for this purpose. The development of monolithic components has also been initiated. The measurement of the refractive index by these techniques has the advantage of taking into account all the dissolved substances in seawater. This paper reviews the difficulties encountered in establishing theoretical or empirical relations between S A and the sound velocity, the refractive index or the density, and discusses the latest and most promising developments in S A measurement with a particular focus on in situ applications.
Transcription factors regulating the specification of brainstem respiratory neurons

Breathing (or respiration) is an unconscious and complex motor behavior which neuronal drive emerges from the brainstem. In simplistic terms, respiratory motor activity comprises two phases, inspiration (uptake of oxygen, O2) and expiration (release of carbon dioxide, CO2). Breathing is not rigid, but instead highly adaptable to external and internal physiological demands of the organism. The neurons that generate, monitor, and adjust breathing patterns locate to two major brainstem structures, the pons and medulla oblongata. Extensive research over the last three decades has begun to identify the developmental origins of most brainstem neurons that control different aspects of breathing. This research has also elucidated the transcriptional control that secures the specification of brainstem respiratory neurons. In this review, we aim to summarize our current knowledge on the transcriptional regulation that operates during the specification of respiratory neurons, and we will highlight the cell lineages that contribute to the central respiratory circuit. Lastly, we will discuss on genetic disturbances altering transcription factor regulation and their impact in hypoventilation disorders in humans.
The Thermal Expansion of Pure Metals: Copper, Gold, Aluminum, Nickel, and Iron

Extremely accurate determinations of the linear thermal expansions have been made interferometrically from \char22{} 196\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C to temperatures about +400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C for Al and +700\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C for Fe, Ni, Cu and Au. The relationship between true thermal coefficient of expansion and temperature conforms very well to the Grueneisen-Debye theory when values are chosen for the Debye characteristic temperatures which turn out to agree well with those chosen to achieve agreement with the Debye theory of specific heats. Our values for these characteristic temperatures are: 410\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Ni, 420\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Fe, 400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Al, 325\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Cu, and 190\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Au. The magnetic Curie temperature for Ni is found to be 352\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. In plotting true coefficient of thermal expansion versus temperature Simon and Bergmann found a horizontal plateau at about 175\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 235\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Ni and Fe; but we do not confirm this.
Complex (multispecies) livestock keeping: Highland agricultural strategy in the northern Horn of Africa during the Pre-Aksumite (1600 BCE–400 BCE) and Aksumite (400 BCE–CE 800) periods

The earliest settlements and states in the Horn of Africa were founded in mid to high-elevation areas by farmers and herders who were pioneers in agriculture and herding. Even today, places between mid- and high-elevation remain densely populated. The ancient Pre-Aksumites and Aksumites (1600 cal BCE–800 cal CE) of the north Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands established one of the most powerful states in the Horn of Africa in these high elevation areas through control of long-distance trade and intensive and extensive agriculture. However, despite the fact that agriculture was a significant source of wealth and subsistence for these ancient polities, there has been little research into the agricultural strategies of Pre-Aksumite and Aksumite societies. Using archaeological and faunal data collected from the site of Mezber dating from 1600 cal BCE to 400 cal CE, as well as prevsiously published data, this article provides zooarchaeological evidence for the earliest farming practices in the Horn of Africa. The research demonstrates a resilient highland agricultural strategy based on multispecies animal and plant resources, similar to most tropical agricultural systems today. A second important strategy of Pre-Aksumite farmers was the incorporation of both indigenous and exogenous plants and animals into their subsistance strategies. The Mezber site also offers one of the most thoroughly collected data to support multispecies farming practice in the north Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands.
Novel targets in renal fibrosis based on bioinformatic analysis

Background: Renal fibrosis is a widely used pathological indicator of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), and renal fibrosis mediates most progressive renal diseases as a final pathway. Nevertheless, the key genes related to the host response are still unclear. In this study, the potential gene network, signaling pathways, and key genes under unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model in mouse kidneys were investigated by integrating two transcriptional data profiles. Methods: The mice were exposed to UUO surgery in two independent experiments. After 7 days, two datasets were sequenced from mice kidney tissues, respectively, and the transcriptome data were analyzed to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were executed. A Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed based on an online database STRING. Additionally, hub genes were identified and shown, and their expression levels were investigated in a public dataset and confirmed by quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) in vivo. Results: A total of 537 DEGs were shared by the two datasets. GO and the KEGG analysis showed that DEGs were typically enriched in seven pathways. Specifically, five hub genes (Bmp1, CD74, Fcer1g, Icam1, H2-Eb1) were identified by performing the 12 scoring methods in cytoHubba, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that the hub genes could be served as biomarkers. Conclusion: A gene network reflecting the transcriptome signature in CKD was established. The five hub genes identified in this study are potentially useful for the treatment and/or diagnosis CKD as biomarkers.
Key brain cell interactions and contributions to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, with the two major hallmarks being the deposition of extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Additionally, early pathological events such as cerebrovascular alterations, a compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction, culminate in neuron loss and cognitive deficits. AD symptoms reflect a loss of neuronal circuit integrity in the brain; however, neurons do not operate in isolation. An exclusively neurocentric approach is insufficient to understand this disease, and the contribution of other brain cells including astrocytes, microglia, and vascular cells must be integrated in the context. The delicate balance of interactions between these cells, required for healthy brain function, is disrupted during disease. To design successful therapies, it is critical to understand the complex brain cellular connections in AD and the temporal sequence of their disturbance. In this review, we discuss the interactions between different brain cells, from physiological conditions to their pathological reactions in AD, and how this basic knowledge can be crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Silicon inhibits gummosis by promoting polyamine synthesis and repressing ethylene biosynthesis in peach

Silicon is a beneficial element for plant growth, as well as for improving plant resistance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. Gummosis is a common harmful disease in peach and is induced by many factors. However, the effect of silicon on gummosis of peach has not been determined yet. In this study, we reported that application of silicon significantly reduced gummosis by regulating biosynthesis of ethylene and polyamines in peach. Ethylene promoted the development of gummosis by inducing the expression of genes encoding cell wall degrading enzymes. While application of different types of polyamines, including spermidine and spermine, dramatically inhibited the occurrence of gummosis. Moreover, polyamines inhibited the ethylene biosynthesis by down-regulating expression of ethylene biosynthetic gene PpACS1 (1-aminocyclopropane -1-carboxylic acid synthase), as well as the enzymatic activity of ACS. We further found that application of silicon significantly restricted the development of gummosis in peach. Exogenous silicon dramatically inhibited expression of PpACS1 and the enzymatic activity of its product to reduce ethylene biosynthesis. Simultaneously, the activity of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, a key enzyme in ployamines biosynthesis, was increased by 9.85% under silicon treatment, resulting in elevated accumulation of polyamines. Thus, our data proved that application of silicon restricted gummosis development by activating ployamines biosynthesis and inhibiting ethylene synthesis in peach.
Effect of ion orbit loss on distribution of particle, energy and momentum sources into the tokamak scrape-off layer

The effect of ion orbit loss on the poloidal distribution of ions, energy and momentum from the plasma edge into the tokamak scrape-off layer (SOL) is analysed for a representative DIII-D (Luxon 2002 Nucl. Fusion 42 614) high-mode discharge. Ion orbit loss is found to produce a significant concentration of the fluxes of particle, energy and momentum into the outboard SOL. An intrinsic co-current rotation in the edge pedestal due to the preferential loss of counter-current ions is also found.
Restoration of spinal cord injury: From endogenous repairing process to cellular therapy

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts neurological pathways and impacts sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve function. There is no effective treatment for SCI currently. Numerous endogenous cells, including astrocytes, macrophages/microglia, and oligodendrocyte, are involved in the histological healing process following SCI. By interfering with cells during the SCI repair process, some advancements in the therapy of SCI have been realized. Nevertheless, the endogenous cell types engaged in SCI repair and the current difficulties these cells confront in the therapy of SCI are poorly defined, and the mechanisms underlying them are little understood. In order to better understand SCI and create new therapeutic strategies and enhance the clinical translation of SCI repair, we have comprehensively listed the endogenous cells involved in SCI repair and summarized the six most common mechanisms involved in SCI repair, including limiting the inflammatory response, protecting the spared spinal cord, enhancing myelination, facilitating neovascularization, producing neurotrophic factors, and differentiating into neural/colloidal cell lines.
Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in children and adults with alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring hair loss condition, subclassified into AA, alopecia universalis, and alopecia totalis. There are indications that people with AA experience adverse psychosocial outcomes, but previous studies have not included a thorough meta-analysis and did not compare people with AA to people with other dermatological diagnoses. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to update and expand previous systematic reviews, as well as describing and quantifying levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in children and adults with AA. Methods A search was conducted, yielding 1,249 unique records of which 93 were included. Results Review results showed that people with AA have higher chances of being diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression and experience impaired QoL. Their psychosocial outcomes are often similar to other people with a dermatological condition. Meta-analytic results showed significantly more symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with AA compared to healthy controls. Results also showed a moderate impact on QoL. These results further highlight that AA, despite causing little physical impairments, can have a significant amount on patients’ well-being. Discussion Future studies should examine the influence of disease severity, disease duration, remission and relapse, and medication use to shed light on at-risk groups in need of referral to psychological care. Systematic review registration [https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022323174].
Sex steroid priming in short stature children unresponsive to GH stimulation tests: Why, who, when and how

Despite decades of experience, the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) remains challenging, especially in peripubertal children. Failure to respond to GH stimulation tests (GHSTs) is needed to confirm GHD, but long-standing controversies regarding the number of tests needed and the interpretation of GH peaks are still a matter of debate worldwide. Diagnostic workup is even more problematic in short children with slow growth and delayed sexual development: they often exhibit low GH peaks under GHST, which often normalize as puberty progresses. Consequently, this transient suboptimal response to GHST may result in GH overtreatment, carrying both health and economic concerns. Considering the complex and bound link between GH axis and sex steroids, the use of sex steroid priming prior to GHST might be helpful in peripubertal setting. However, its use is still controversial. There is no consensus regarding patient selection, timing, dose, and preparation of sex steroids. In this review, we aim to overview the use of sex steroid priming in clinical practice, highlighting the need to develop appropriate guidelines in order to overcome diagnostic pitfalls in peripubertal age.