Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The CD22-IGF2R interaction is a therapeutic target for microglial lysosome dysfunction in Niemann-Pick type C

Description An oligodendrocyte-derived protein in cerebrospinal fluid impairs microglial lysosome function. Human-specific interaction Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by autosomal recessive mutations in NPC1 or NPC2. Previous data showed that CD22 is increased in the brain of patients with NPC. Now, Pluvinage et al. studied the role of CD22 in NPC pathophysiology and showed that, whereas CD22 is expressed in microglia in mice, oligodendrocytes seem to be the major source of CD22 in the human brain. Blocking the interaction of CD22 with its partner on microglia, IGF2R, reduced lysosome dysfunction in patient-derived microglia-like cells. The CD22-IGF2R interaction represents a potential therapeutic target for treating NPC-mediated cellular abnormalities. Lysosome dysfunction is a shared feature of rare lysosomal storage diseases and common age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, are particularly vulnerable to lysosome dysfunction because of the phagocytic stress of clearing dying neurons, myelin, and debris. CD22 is a negative regulator of microglial homeostasis in the aging mouse brain, and soluble CD22 (sCD22) is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC). However, the role of CD22 in the human brain remains unknown. In contrast to previous findings in mice, here, we show that CD22 is expressed by oligodendrocytes in the human brain and binds to sialic acid–dependent ligands on microglia. Using unbiased genetic and proteomic screens, we identify insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) as the binding partner of sCD22 on human myeloid cells. Targeted truncation of IGF2R revealed that sCD22 docks near critical mannose 6-phosphate–binding domains, where it disrupts lysosomal protein trafficking. Interfering with the sCD22-IGF2R interaction using CD22 blocking antibodies ameliorated lysosome dysfunction in human NPC1 mutant induced pluripotent stem cell–derived microglia-like cells without harming oligodendrocytes in vitro. These findings reinforce the differences between mouse and human microglia and provide a candidate microglia-directed immunotherapeutic to treat NPC.
Achilles Tendon Ruptures in Middle-Aged Rats Heal Poorly Compared With Those in Young and Old Rats

Background: Achilles tendon ruptures are painful and debilitating injuries and are most common in middle-aged patients. There is a lack of understanding of the underlying causes for increased rupture rates in middle-aged patients and how healing outcomes after a rupture might be affected by patient age. Therefore, the objective of this study was to define age-specific Achilles tendon healing by assessing ankle functional outcomes and Achilles tendon mechanical and histological properties after a rupture using a rat model. Hypothesis: Rats representing the middle-aged patient population would demonstrate reduced healing capability after an Achilles tendon rupture, as demonstrated by a slower return to baseline ankle functional properties and inferior biomechanical and histological tendon properties. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Fischer 344 rats were categorized by age to represent young, middle-aged, and old patients, and Achilles tendon ruptures were induced in the right hindlimb. Animals were allowed to heal and were euthanized at 3 or 6 weeks after the injury. In vivo functional assays and ultrasound imaging were performed throughout the healing period, and ex vivo tendon mechanical and histological properties were assessed after euthanasia. Results: Rats representing middle-aged patients displayed reduced healing potential compared with the other age groups, as they demonstrated decreased recovery of in vivo functional and ultrasound assessment parameters and inferior mechanical and histological properties after an Achilles tendon rupture. Conclusion: These findings may help explain the increased rupture rate observed clinically in middle-aged patients by suggesting that there may be altered tendon responses to daily trauma. Clinical Relevance: The results provide novel data on age-specific healing outcomes after an Achilles tendon rupture, which underscores the importance of considering a patient’s age during treatment and expectations for outcomes.
Ionic EAP Actuators with Electrodes Based on Carbon Nanomaterials

Flexible polymer-based actuators, often also called artificial muscles, are an essential part of biomimetic systems that mimic the movement principles of animal world creatures. The most used electrode material to force the actuator move is an ensemble of noble metal nanoparticles in the electroactive polymer surface. Noble metal electrodes have enough electrical conductivity and elasticity and are not subjected to oxidation. However, high cost of such electrodes and their tendency to cracking dictate the need for searching other materials, primarily carbon ones. The review considers several options for this search. For example, carbon nanotubes and graphene have excellent properties at the level of a single individually taken nanotube or graphene sheet. However, conservation of these properties in structurally imperfect film electrodes requires a separate study. In addition, there are problems of compatibility of such electrodes with the polymers that requires cumbersome technologies, e.g., hot pressing, which complicates the production of the actuator as a whole. The review concerns the technology options of manufacturing actuators and the results obtained on their basis, both including hot pressing and avoiding this procedure. In particular, the required level of the graphene oxide reduction in hydrazine provides sufficient adhesion at rather high electrical conductivity of the graphene film. The ability to simultaneous achieving these properties is a nontrivial result, providing the same level of actuation as with expensive noble metal electrodes. Actuators that additionally require greater lifetime resource should be obtained in other ways. Among them are using the graphdiyne electrodes and laser processing of the graphene electrodes.
Change of Ruminoreticular Temperature and Body Activity before and after Parturition in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) Cows

How do body temperature and activity change before and after parturition in pregnant cows? Changes in body temperature such as ruminal, rectal, and vaginal temperature during the parturition have been reported, but there are no results of the simultaneous observation of body temperature and activity. The aim of this study was to simultaneously confirm changes in the ruminoreticular temperature and body activity before and after parturition using the ruminoreticular bio-capsule sensor every 1 h. The 55 pregnant cows were used for the experiment, the ruminoreticular bio-capsule sensor was inserted and stabilized, and the ruminoreticular temperature and body activity were measured. The ruminoreticular temperature was lower by 0.5° from −24 h to −3 h in parturition compared to 48 h before parturition and then recovered again after parturition. Body activity increased temporarily at the time of parturition and 12 h after parturition. Therefore, the ruminoreticular temperature and body activity before and after parturition was simultaneously confirmed in pregnant cows.
Spatial Downscaling of 2-Meter Air Temperature Using Operational Forecast Data

We present a method for enhancing the spatial resolution of 2 m temperature (T 2m ) estimates. The method is based on operational forecast data supplied by the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast. From the hourly and monthly average 2-meter temperatures a vertical gradient is determined by linear fitting to the temperature data in larger areas of 1o x 1o or 2° x 2° . Validation against data from more than 8000 meteorological stations worldwide shows that the estimates of annual average temperature at these points becomes significantly more accurate when applying the vertical gradients to correct the local temperature estimates to the elevation of the stations. When the elevation difference between forecast and station is larger than 300 m, the overall mean absolute deviation of the individual stations bias values decreases from 3.44 to 1.02 o C and the root mean square deviation decreases from 4.11 to 1.42 oC. The gradients have also been applied to the ERA-Interim reanalysis data and the validation results are similar. The vertical temperature gradients will be useful for studies in many fields, including renewable energy and the study of energy performance of buildings.
Multilevel Pathways of Rural and Urban Poverty as Determinants of Childhood Undernutrition in the Philippines

ABSTRACT This paper identified and compared pathways of childhood undernutrition among 308 rural and 310 urban children from low-income households in the Philippines. Multidisciplinary analyses based on quantitative and qualitative data revealed unique urban and rural constraints accounting for differing nutritional outcomes. Urban poor families were more food secure, though vegetable avoidance and poor micronutrient adequacy were observed. Rather than mitigate threats to undernutrition, rural households’ reliance on home food agriculture heightened risk to food insecurity, as the Philippines is vulnerable to crop-destroying tropical storms. Our findings suggest the need to strengthen local governance institutions to implement context-specific multisectoral interventions.
Correlation between Co-60 and X-ray radiation-induced charge buildup in silicon-on-insulator buried oxides

Large differences in charge buildup in SOI buried oxides are observed for X-ray and Co-60 irradiations of SIMOX and Unibond transistors. The Co-60 response is typically worse than the X-ray response. These results are consistent with expectations derived from previous work on the relative charge yield versus field in thick oxides. The effects of bias configuration and substrate type on charge buildup and hardness assurance issues are explored via experiments and simulation. The worst-case bias condition is found to be either the off-state or transmission gate configuration. Simulations of the buried oxide electric field in the various bias configurations are used to illustrate the factors that affect charge transport and trapping in the buried oxides. Hardness assurance implications are discussed.
Can strategic corporate social responsibility drive corporate innovation?

Purpose: In practice, an increasing number of economic entities have begun to consider strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an opportunity to create a win-win situation for the organisation and the society. The existing literature has yet to soundly corroborate the role of strategic CSR in corporate innovation. This study examines the relationship between strategic CSR and innovation.Design/methodology/approach: The empirical regression models are estimated to analyse the data collected from 2817 firms yielding 18 845 firm–year observations from 2001 to 2014 in the United States.Findings/results: The findings indicate that firms with strategic CSR generate more and better innovation outputs. The positive effect is more pronounced when institutional ownership is lower, when firm size is larger, and when product market competition is more intense. In terms of economic consequences, firms with strategic CSR actually have higher commercial value and are less likely to suffer loss from failed innovation.Practical implications: To establish a sustainable relationship with stakeholders and realise the long-term development of business and society, enterprises should engage in strategic CSR in a planned manner based on their own resources and professional expertise.Originality/value: The study sheds light on a growing body of literature that investigates the real consequences of firms’ strategic CSR, and explains the growing recognition of the importance of strategic CSR.
Photoprotective Effects of a Hyperoside-Enriched Fraction Prepared from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. on Ultraviolet B-Induced Skin Aging in Human Fibroblasts through the MAPK Signaling Pathway

Ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation causes skin damage via deleterious effects including oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen degradation. The photoprotective effects of a hyperoside-enriched fraction obtained from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (H. cordata) on the attenuation of UVB-induced skin aging in human fibroblasts were investigated. The solvent-partition technique was used to establish the hyperoside-enriched fraction of H. cordata (HcEA). The active compounds identified in the H. cordata extracts were hyperoside, quercitrin, chlorogenic acid, and rutin. With regard to the photoprotective effects of H. cordata on UVB-irradiated dermal fibroblasts, HcEA and hyperoside inhibited intracellular ROS production and inflammatory cytokine secretions (IL-6 and IL-8), while increasing collagen type I synthesis along with downregulating MMP-1 gene and protein expressions. Mechanistically, the hyperoside-enriched fraction obtained from H. cordata inhibited UVB-irradiated skin aging through regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway by attenuating the activation of JNK/ERK/c-Jun in human dermal fibroblasts. The hyperoside-enriched fraction of H. cordata exerted potent anti-skin aging properties against UVB exposure. The findings of this study can be applied in the cosmetics industry, as H. cordata extract can potentially be used in pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations as a photoprotective or anti-skin aging agent.
Evaluation of Stress Generated with Different Abutment Materials and Angulations under Axial and Oblique Loading in the Anterior Maxilla: Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess and correlate the stress distribution in an anterior maxillary implant-supported prosthesis with 0°(degree), 15°, and 25° angulated titanium and zirconia abutments using a three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods Six FEA models consisting of a dentate anterior maxilla with a single bone-level implant of dimension 4.2 × 10 mm placed in the region of left maxillary central incisor and abutments of dimension 4.2 mm made of titanium and zirconia each with angulation 0° (IA and IB), 15° (IIA and IIB), and 25° (IIIA and IIIB) and ANSYS Workbench software were utilized to design a layered zirconia crown. Unilateral axial and oblique loads of 178 N were applied on the palatal aspect of the crown of left maxillary central incisor. Average von Mises stress values were evaluated in the implant and the peri-implant bone quantitatively and qualitatively. Results Stress was shown to increase with an increase in angulation in all the areas that were examined. Zirconia abutments showed lesser stress in the implant and surrounding bone than titanium abutments. When compared with the body and apex of the implant, the implant neck values were higher in all models. In between cortical and cancellous bone, the stress recorded was higher in the cortical bone. Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, straight abutments generated a more uniform and minimal stress in implant and peri-implant bone than angulated abutments. Titanium abutments generated higher stress levels than zirconia abutments. The stresses generated are directly proportional to an increase in abutment angulation, and therefore, straight abutments are most suitable for favourable stress transmission.
Modification of the Mechanical and Structural Properties of Sisal Fiber for Textile Applications

ABSTRACT Sisal fibers are reported to have outstanding textile properties including high strength, absorbency, good dye uptake, exceptional durability and abundant availability suggesting their potential in clothing applications. However, sisal fibers have not received the attention they deserve owing to their coarseness and stiffness that limit their application to non-clothing products. This study investigated potential chemical methods to modify the surface structure of sisal fibers, thereby allowing their application in clothing production. The effect of the treatment on sisal fibers was established by their mechanical properties, moisture content (M C) and regain (M R), and structural properties. The treatment produced fibers with 28.6 Tex fineness, an average length of 68.5 cm, a breaking tenacity of 385.6 mN/tex and 3.9% elongation. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that alkali treated sisal fiber had M C and M R of 10.53% and 11.77%, respectively. These parameters were comparable to most cellulosic fibers including cotton, flax and jute. The thermal stability of sisal fibers was observed to increase upon modification as studied by using a Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), whereas the Infrared spectra of both unmodified and modified fibers revealed the effect of chemical modification. These results suggest a possibility of developing sisal fibers for clothing applications.
SIMPLIFIED MODELLING OF NOVEL NON-WELDED JOINTS FOR MODULAR STEEL BUILDINGS

Prefabricated modular steel (PFMS) construction is a more efficient and safe method of constructing a high-quality building with less waste material and labour dependency than traditional steel construction. It is indeed critical to have a precise and valuable intermodular joining system that allows for efficient load transfer, safe handling, and optimal use of modular units' strength. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop joints using tension bolts and solid tenons welded into the gusset plate (GP). These joints ensured rigid and secure connectivity in both horizontal and vertical directions for the modular units. Using the three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analysis software ABAQUS, the study investigated the nonlinear lateral structural performance of the joint and two-storey modular steel building (MSB). The solid element FE models of joints were then simplified by introducing connectors and beam elements to enhance computational efficiency. Numerous parameters indicated that column tenons were important in determining the joint's structural performance. Moreover, with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.025, the developed connectors and beam element models accurately predicted the structural behaviour of the joints. As a result of their simplification, these joints demonstrated effective load distribution, seismic performance, and ductility while reducing computational time, effort, and complexity. The validity of the FE analysis was then determined by comparing the results to the thirteen joint bending tests performed in the reference.
A Domain-Independent Generative Adversarial Network for Activity Recognition Using WiFi CSI Data

Over the past years, device-free sensing has received considerable attention due to its unobtrusiveness. In this regard, context recognition using WiFi Channel State Information (CSI) data has gained popularity, and various techniques have been proposed that combine unobtrusive sensing and deep learning to accurately detect various contexts ranging from human activities to gestures. However, research has shown that the performance of these techniques significantly degrades due to change in various factors including sensing environment, data collection configuration, diversity of target subjects, and target learning task (e.g., activities, gestures, emotions, vital signs). This problem, generally known as the domain change problem, is typically addressed by collecting more data and learning the data distribution that covers multiple factors impacting the performance. However, activity recognition data collection is a very labor-intensive and time consuming task, and there are too many known and unknown factors impacting WiFi CSI signals. In this paper, we propose a domain-independent generative adversarial network for WiFi CSI based activity recognition in combination with a simplified data pre-processing module. Our evaluation results show superiority of our proposed approach compared to the state of the art in terms of increased robustness against domain change, higher accuracy of activity recognition, and reduced model complexity.
On Irregular, Nonlinear Waves in a Spread Sea

Safe and cost-effective production of oil and gas from offshore platforms requires robust methods to assess the reliability of the offshore structure. This assessment, in turn, requires a good understanding of the ocean environment at the location of the structure. In this paper, we examine ocean surface time-series recorded at the Shell Expro Tern platform. The objective of the analysis is to validate some of the existing theory for the behavior and properties of the ocean surface, required for design and assessment purposes. Since the sea surface can be modeled as a threedimensional, nonlinear random process, we consider different aspects of the sea's random, nonlinear, and spread nature in the following sections. The Tern platform is located in the northern North Sea, between the Shetland Isles and Norway, about 100 mi offshore, in about 170 m of water. The structure consists of a piled steel jacket and topsides, together weighing about 21,000 tonnes. Tern is equipped with a monitoring system comprised of strain gages positioned near the base of the four corner legs, a wind sensor placed on top of the derrick, two wave-height sensors at different locations, and a water-particle velocity meter attached
Meibomian Gland Morphology Changes After Cataract Surgery: A Contra-Lateral Eye Study

Purpose: To evaluate the morphology changes of meibomian glands (MGs) after cataract surgery. Setting: Hangzhou Branch of the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China. Methods: In this contra-lateral eye study, 40 patients received unilateral cataract surgery for age-related cataract. All the patients underwent the evaluation of non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) and lower tear meniscus height (TMH) before the surgery and 6 months post-operatively. The MGs were evaluated via ImageJ and Meibomian Gland Bio-image Analyzer. MG dropout, length, width, area, gland diameter deformation index (DI), and gland signal index (SI) were recorded. Results: MG length, width, area, DI, and SI were significantly decreased after cataract surgery in the study group (operated eyes, P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) and showed no significant changes in the control group (non-operated eyes) (all P > 0.05). MG loss increased more in the study group (P = 0.030), and the changes in TMH and NIBUT were not significantly different between the two eyes (both P > 0.05). Conclusion: Cataract surgery aggravated meibomian gland morphology, such as MG loss, MG length, width, area, and SI, and produced no change in NIBUT and TMH at 6 months post-operatively.