Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Small-for-Gestational-Age: An Insight into the Placental Molecular Biomarkers

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) are two metabolic-related diseases that could affect women during pregnancy. Considering that the chorionic villi (CVs) are crucial structures for the feto-maternal exchange, the alterations in their conformation have been linked to an imbalanced metabolic environment of placenta. In this study, a multidisciplinary approach has been carried out to describe the changes occurring in the placental CVs of GDM and SGA patients. The results revealed higher levels of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) and catalase (CAT), especially in the GDM placentae, which could be correlated with the hyperglycemic environment characteristic of this pathology. Furthermore, spectroscopy and histologic analyses revealed that both pathologies modify the placental lipid composition altering its structure. However, SGA induces lipid peroxidation and reduces collagen deposition within the CVs. Since the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in placentation and different metabolic activities, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV-1) were analyzed. No changes have been observed either at general or specific levels in the CVs comparing control and pathological samples, suggesting the non-involvement of the cannabinoid system in these two pathologies.
Role of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Frailty

Frailty is a clinical condition closely related to aging which is characterized by a multidimensional decline in biological reserves, a failure of physiological mechanisms and vulnerability to minor stressors. Chronic inflammation, the impairment of endothelial function, age-related endocrine system modifications and immunosenescence are important mechanisms in the pathophysiology of frailty. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are considered important contributors of the endothelium homeostasis and turn-over. In the elderly, EPCs are impaired in terms of function, number and survival. In addition, the modification of EPCs’ level and function has been widely demonstrated in atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, which are the most common age-related diseases. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the role of EPCs in frailty. Initially, we describe the endothelial dysfunction in frailty, the response of EPCs to the endothelial dysfunction associated with frailty and, finally, interventions which may restore the EPCs expression and function in frail people.
Assay development and inhibition of the Mt-DprE2 essential reductase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

DprE2 is an essential enzyme in the synthesis of decaprenylphosphoryl-β-d-arabinofuranose (DPA) and subsequently arabinogalactan, and is a significant new drug target for M. tuberculosis . Two compounds from the GSK-177 box set, GSK301A and GSK032A, were identified through Mt-DprE2-target overexpression studies. The Mt-DprE1-DprE2 complex was co-purified and a new in vitro DprE2 assay developed, based on the oxidation of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cofactor of DprE2 (NADH/NADPH). The Mt-DprE1-DprE2 complex showed interesting kinetics in both the DprE1 resazurin-based assay, where Mt-DprE2 was found to enhance Mt-DprE1 activity and reduce substrate inhibition; and also in the DprE2 assay, which similarly exhibited substrate inhibition and a difference in kinetics of the two potential cofactors, NADH and NADPH. Although, no inhibition was observed in the DprE2 assay by the two GSK set compounds, spontaneous mutant generation indicated a possible explanation in the form of a pro-drug activation pathway, involving fgd1 and fbiC.
Absolute photoionization cross section of K+ ions from the 3p to the 3s threshold

The absolute photoionization cross section of ground state K+ ions has been measured from the 3p threshold to above the 3s threshold (31-49 eV) by VUV radiation using a merged ion-photon beam set-up. The cross section, which reaches a maximum value of 32 Mb ±10% at 31.8 eV and then decreases with energy, is in overall good agreement with absolute measurements by Peart and Lyon, but the present investigation also reveals the 3s3p6np 2P (n = 4-6) resonances and eliminates a previously unassigned structure at 35.5 eV. The energies, widths and shape parameters of the autoionizing 2P resonances are determined and compared with recent data from dual-laser plasma measurements and with theoretical predictions. The present experimental set-up will allow absolute photoionization cross sections 0.1 Mb to be measured, making it possible to measure the absolute photoionization cross sections of ions of astrophysical importance.
Immunomodulatory Potency of Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj) Leaf Extract in Heteropneustes fossilis against Oomycete Pathogen, Aphanomyces invadans

Aphanomyces invadans is an aquatic oomycete pathogen and the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) in fresh and brackish water fish, which is responsible for severe mortalities and economic losses in aquaculture. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop anti-infective strategies to control EUS. An Oomycetes, a fungus-like eukaryotic microorganism, and a susceptible species, i.e., Heteropneustes fossilis, are used to establish whether an Eclipta alba leaf extract is effective against the EUS-causing A. invadans. We found that treatment with methanolic leaf extract, at concentrations between 50–100 ppm (T4–T6), protects the H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. These optimum concentrations induced anti-stress and antioxidative response in fish, marked by a significant decrease in cortisol and elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in treated animals, as compared with the controls. We further demonstrated that the A. invadans-protective effect of methanolic leaf extract was caused by its immunomodulatory effect and is linked to the enhanced survival of fingerlings. The analysis of non-specific and specific immune factors confirms that methanolic leaf extract-induced HSP70, HSP90 and IgM levels mediate the survival of H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. Taken together, our study provides evidence that the generation of anti-stress and antioxidative responses, as well as humoral immunity, may play a role in protecting H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. It is probable that E. alba methanolic leaf extract treatment might become part of a holistic strategy to control EUS in fish species.
Extending the Naming Game in Social Networks to Multiple Hearers Per Speaker

Social conventions govern numerous behaviors of humans engaging in day-to-day activities from how they greet to languages they speak. The classical Naming Game algorithm has been defined with inherently sequential semantics where agents engage in pairwise interactions and reach global consensus in the absence of any outside coordinating authority. In this paper, we extend the classic Naming Game to multiple hearers per speaker in each conversation even while allowing simultaneous “speaking” and “hearing”. We simulate the impact on the number of conversations for convergence by varying the number of hearers and investigate the impact of multiple network types and agent population sizes on the global convergence. The results show that our extended model combining simultaneous conversations and multiple hearers per speaker per conversation makes the words diffuse at a much faster rate and leads to significantly faster consensus formation.
Importance Sampling for CoVaR Estimation

Measuring systemic risk has been an important problem in financial risk management. The CoVaR, as one of the commonly used systemic risk measures, could capture the tail dependency of the losses between financial institutions and financial systems. CoVaR is estimated via several statistical methods like quantile regression. In this paper, considering the complexity of the constituent securities in the financial institution and financial systems, we propose a simulation approach to estimate the CoVaR. We investigate the use of importance sampling to reduce the variance of the CoVaR estimator, and propose an efficient importance sampling distribution based on large deviation principles. We also illustrate the effectiveness of our approach via numerical experiments.
Adiponectin Paradox More Evident in Non-Obese Than in Obese Patients with Diabetic Microvascular Complications

Aims/Introduction Adiponectin is generally regarded as a beneficial molecule, protecting against insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, and its serum levels are low in individuals with obesity as well as in those with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, several clinical studies have shown associations between high adiponectin values and major health concerns. These conflicting findings are termed the “adiponectin paradox”. Similarly, these paradoxical adiponectin elevations were observed in patients with diabetic microvascular complications. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify differences in factors, including adiponectin, related to diabetic vascular complications between non-obese and obese patients. Materials and Methods Study patients with T2DM were non-obese (n=197) or obese (n=197), matched by a propensity score model adjusted with age and gender. Independent factors for each of the microvascular complications were determined using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results The prevalence of nephropathy was high in obese T2DM patients. In addition to long diabetes duration, elevated adiponectin was a common characteristic of patients with microvascular complications. Logistic regression analyses for microvascular complications revealed adiponectin to be highly related to retinopathy (odds ratio [OR], 1.138; 95%confidence intervals [CI], 1.004–1.289, p<0.001), nephropathy (OR, 1.192; CI, 1.077–1.319, p<0.001) and neuropathy (OR, 1.217; CI, 1.071–1.384, p<0.001), in non-obese patients. In contrast, the association between adiponectin values and complications was modest in obese patients. Conclusion Adiponectin regulation in response to vascular damage differed between non-obese and obese patients, suggesting that adiponectin regulation is compromised by fat accumulation. Assuming that paradoxical elevation of adiponectin in vascular damage is a compensatory response, we speculate that responsive upregulation might be insufficient in obese patients. These newly-recognized differences in adiponectin values might lead to novel insights into adiponectin regulation and our understanding of the adiponectin paradox.
Influence of Artifacts Induced by Dental Implants on The Detection of Vertical Root Fractures in Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Scans. An in-Vitro Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of implant metal artifacts on the detection of vertical root fracture of teeth adjacent to dental implants. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted single-rooted teeth were randomly divided into vertical root fracture (VRF) and non-fractured groups (NVF) (n=30). Root fracture was induced in VFR, then teeth were positioned in the right and left posterior areas of epoxy-resin mandible model mesial and distal to two titanium implants. Three CBCT scan protocols were done: roots without implants, roots with implant without artifact reduction and roots with implant with artifact reduction. The images were evaluated by three observers. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC), diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Results: Statistically significant difference was found in diagnostic accuracy of CBCT of vertical root fracture for all test groups with highest accuracy in group without implant (p =0.022). Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant difference between accuracy of group without implants and group with implants and without algorithm (p=0.019). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were higher in group without implant but there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups. Conclusions: Implant metal artifacts influenced the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for detection of vertical root fracture but still high levels were achieved and all image possessed high diagnostic quality. Artifact reduction tool improved the accuracy and specificity and can be recommended when the teeth involved are near dental implant.
The Response of Performance Metrics for Binary Forecasts to Hedging that Approaches Random Change

Abstract Critical performance ratio (CPR) expressions for the eight conditional probabilities associated with the 2 × 2 contingency table of outcomes for binary (dichotomous “yes” or “no”) forecasts are derived. Two are shown to be useful in evaluating the effects of hedging as it approaches random change. The CPR quantifies how the probability of detection (POD) must change as frequency bias changes, so that a performance measure (or conditional probability) indicates an improved forecast for a given value of frequency bias. If yes forecasts were to be increased randomly, the probability of additional correct forecasts (hits) is given by the detection failure ratio (DFR). If the DFR for a performance measure is greater than the CPR, the forecast is likely to be improved by the random increase in yes forecasts. Thus, the DFR provides a benchmark for the CPR in the case of frequency bias inflation. If yes forecasts are decreased randomly, the probability of removing a hit is given by the frequency of hits .
Laboratory astrophysics using a spare XRS microcalorimeter

The XRS instrument on Astro-E is a fully self-contained microcalorimeter x-ray instrument capable of acquiring, optimally filtering, and characterizing events for 32 independent pixels. We have recently integrated a full engineering model XRS detector system into a laboratory cryostat for use on the electron beam ion trap (EBIT) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The detector system contains a microcalorimeter array with 32 instrumented pixels heat sunk to 60 mK using an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator. The instrument has a composite resolution of 8 eV at 1 keV and 11 eV at 6 keV with a minimum of 98% quantum efficiency and a total collecting area of 13 mm2. This will allow high spectral resolution, broadband observations of plasmas with known ionization states that are produced in the EBIT experiment. Unique to our instrument are exceptionally well characterized 1000 Angstrom thick aluminum on polyimide infrared blocking filters. The detailed transmission function including the edge fine structure of these filters has been measured in our laboratory using a variable spaced grating spectrometer. This will allow the instrument to perform the first broadband absolute flux measurements with the EBIT instrument. The instrument performance as well as the results of preliminary measurements of Fe K and L shell at fixed electron energy, Fe emission with Maxwellian electron distributions, and phase resolved spectroscopy of ionizing plasmas will be discussed.
On Weyl sums over primes and almost primes

where α is a real number, k is a positive integer, e(z) = exp(2πiz), and the summation is over prime numbers. This sum was introduced as a tool in analytic number theory by I. M. Vinogradov in the late 1930’s. In 1937, Vinogradov developed an ingenious new method for estimating sums over primes and applied that method to obtain the first unconditional estimate for f(α) with k = 1. That estimate is the main novelty in his celebrated proof [25] that every sufficiently large odd integer is the sum of three primes. In the sharper form given in [27, Chapter 6], Vinogradov’s result states (essentially) that if a and q are integers satisfying
THE STATISTICAL-MECHANICS OF LEARNING A RULE

A summary is presented of the statistical mechanical theory of learning a rule with a neural network, a rapidly advancing area which is closely related to other inverse problems frequently encountered by physicists. By emphasizing the relationship between neural networks and strongly interacting physical systems, such as spin glasses, the authors show how learning theory has provided a workshop in which to develop new, exact analytical techniques.
Radio Emission from 16 Possible Supernova Remnants

Sixteen radio sources, thought to be supernova remnants, have been observed at several frequencies between 408 and 2700 MHz. These data, together with previously published observations, have been used to derive spectra for these sources. The validity of the supernova remnant classification of certain of these sources is questioned.
Influence of virtual reality on the process of personality socialization: A distance model of socialization

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the theoretical aspect of the distance model of socialization. The conducted theoretical analysis discloses the relationship between the growing popularity of virtual internet space and the emergence of new online social activities and form social interaction between individuals which proves that the internet has become a dynamic new environment of personality socialization. Based on an analysis of the theoretical provisions of socialization, the authors refine the essence of the concept of the distance socialization model. The paper gives substantiation to the provision that the distance model of socialization creates the conditions for a developing personality to express its social activity in relation to social action, inaction or social deeds through the mechanism of social expression. This distance mechanism is also present in the real social space, yet in the distance model of socialization on the web, it becomes predominantly relevant dominates and leads. The authors suggest that within the distance model of socialization, this mechanism becomes the basis for the construction of an individual’s virtual identity and its online social space as well as a foundation for the expansion of the individual's social experience in the real social space.
Identification of Genipin as a Potential Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been rising dramatically in many countries around the world. The main signatures of T2D are insulin resistance and dysfunction of β-cells. While there are several pharmaceutical therapies for T2D, no effective treatment is available for reversing the functional decline of pancreatic β-cells in T2D patients. It has been well recognized that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is an incretin hormone secreted from intestinal L-cells, plays a vital role in regulating glycemic homeostasis via potentiating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and promoting β-cell function. We found that genipin, a natural compound from Elli, can directly target intestinal L-cells, leading to the secretion of GLP-1. Incubation of the cells with genipin elicited a rapid increase in intracellular Ca2+. Inhibition of PLC ablated genipin-stimulated Ca2+ increase and GLP-1 secretion, suggesting that genipin-induced GLP-1 release from cells is dependent on the PLC/Ca2+ pathway. In vivo, acute administration of genipin stimulated GLP-1 secretion in mice. Chronically, treatment with genipin via oral gavage at 50 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks reversed hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Moreover, genipin alleviated the impaired lipid metabolism and decreased lipid accumulation in the liver of obese mice. These results suggest that naturally occurring genipin might potentially be a novel agent for the treatment of T2D and diet-induced fatty liver disease.
Extreme value theory for a class of nonstationary time series with applications

Consider a class of nonstationary time series with the form $Y_t = \mu_t + \xi_t$ where ${\xi_t}$ is a sequence of infinite moving averages of independent random variables with regularly varying tail probabilities and different scale parameters. In this article, the extreme value theory of ${Y_t}$ is studied. Under mild conditions, convergence results for a point process based on the moving averages are proved, and extremal properties of the nonstationary time series, including the convergence of maxima to extremal processes and the limit point process of exceedances, are derived. The results are applied to the analysis of tropospheric ozone data in the Chicago area. Probabilities of monthly maximum ozone concentrations exceeding some specific levels are estimated, and the mean rate of exceedances of daily maximum ozone over the national standard 120 ppb is also assessed.
Effects of Different Hamstring Eccentric Exercise Programs on Preventing Lower Extremity Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the effects and differences of various hamstring eccentric training protocols for the prevention of lower limb injuries, and we further propose a more refined hamstring eccentric training protocol for the prevention of lower limb injuries. A literature search for the effects of hamstring eccentric training on lower extremity sports injuries was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases, and the literature was searched covering the period from the date of the database’s creation to 20 August 2022. A meta-analysis of the included literature was performed using R.4. 21 for lower extremity injuries, injuries in various parts of the lower extremity, and subgroup analysis for exercise frequency, exercise cycle, and exercise population. A total of 23 randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were found to be included in the meta-analysis, and 15 of these trials, totaling 14,721 patients, were determined to be included in the overall lower extremity injury prevention effect. The analysis showed that the implementation of a hamstring eccentric training program reduced lower extremity injuries by 28%, and it resulted in a 46% decrease in hamstring injury rate and a 34% decrease in knee injury rate. The subgroup analysis revealed that the frequency of exercise was most significant in the twice-a-week exercise group, that the exercise program was most effective in preventing injuries in the 21–30-week exercise period, and that the program was most effective in preventing injuries in elite athletes and amateur adult athletic populations, compared with adolescents.
Entropy analysis of laminar-forced convection in a pipe with wall roughness

Momentum and heat transfer rates, as well as entropy generation have been numerically investigated for fully developed, forced convection, laminar flow in a micro-pipe. Compressible and variable fluid property continuity, Navier-Stokes and energy equations are solved for various Reynolds number, constant heat flux and surface roughness cases; entropy generation is discussed in conjunction with the velocity and temperature profiles, boundary layer parameters and heat transfer-frictional characteristics of the pipe flow. Simulations concentrated on the impact of wall roughness based viscous dissipation on the heat transfer behaviour and so occurring heating/cooling activity and the resulting overall and radial entropy generation.
2D/3D Non-Rigid Image Registration via Two Orthogonal X-ray Projection Images for Lung Tumor Tracking

Two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) registration is critical in clinical applications. However, existing methods suffer from long alignment times and high doses. In this paper, a non-rigid 2D/3D registration method based on deep learning with orthogonal angle projections is proposed. The application can quickly achieve alignment using only two orthogonal angle projections. We tested the method with lungs (with and without tumors) and phantom data. The results show that the Dice and normalized cross-correlations are greater than 0.97 and 0.92, respectively, and the registration time is less than 1.2 seconds. In addition, the proposed model showed the ability to track lung tumors, highlighting the clinical potential of the proposed method.