Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active Heat Acclimation Does Not Alter Muscle–Tendon Unit Properties

ABSTRACT Purpose Heat acclimation (HA) is recommended before competing in hot and humid conditions. HA has also been recently suggested to increase muscle strength, but its effects on human’s muscle and tendon mechanical properties are not yet fully understood. This study investigated the effect of active HA on gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle–tendon properties. Methods Thirty recreationally active participants performed 13 low-intensity cycling sessions, distributed over a 17-d period in hot (HA = ~38°C, ~58% relative humidity; n = 15) or in temperate environment (CON = ~23°C, ~35% relative humidity; n = 15). Mechanical data and high-frame rate ultrasound images were collected during electrically evoked and voluntary contractions pre- and postintervention. Shear modulus was measured at rest in GM, and vertical jump performance was assessed. Results Core temperature decreased from the first to the last session in HA (−0.4°C ± 0.3°C; P = 0.015), while sweat rate increased (+0.4 ± 0.3 L·h−1; P = 0.010), suggesting effective HA, whereas no changes were observed in CON (both P ≥ 0.877). Heart rate was higher in HA versus CON and decreased throughout intervention in groups (both P ≤ 0.008), without an interaction effect (P = 0.733). Muscle–tendon unit properties (i.e., maximal and explosive isometric torque production, contractile properties, voluntary activation, joint and fascicular force–velocity relationship, passive muscle, and active tendon stiffness) and vertical jump performance did not show training (P ≥ 0.067) or group–training interaction (P ≥ 0.232) effects. Conclusions Effective active HA does not alter muscle–tendon properties. Preparing hot and humid conditions with active HA can be envisaged in all sporting disciplines without the risk of impairing muscle performance.
Influence of alloying elements on the structure and corrosion resistance of galvanized coatings

61.10. Nz, 68.35. Fx, 68.37. Hk, 81.15. –z, 81.65. Kn Carbon steel samples were galvanized by the hot-dip method in zinc baths containing 0.5 or 1 wt% alumi-num, copper, tin, nickel, and/or lead. Bath temperature ranged from 450 to 480 °C. The samples were examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The influence of the alloying elements on the formation of the different phases and on the diffusion pro-cess is discussed. In order to study the kinetics and the mechanism of corrosion of these materials, corro-sion experiments were carried out in a simulated environment of accelerated atmospheric corrosion condi-tions, for which a special chamber (Salt Spray Chamber – Alternative Climate Test Chamber) of type SC-450 was used. The corroded samples were examined using optical microscopy, SEM and XRD. Chloride and oxide phases, which penetrated the materials to different depths from the surface, were revealed. Fi-nally, useful conclusions were drawn which help to control the factors of the corrosion behavior of the examined materials in a marine atmosphere.
Electrically induced scattering textures in smectic A phases and their electrical reversal

An electro-optic display mechanism is described which uses a smectic A liquid crystal of positive dielectric anisotropy. Information can be written on the display, stored there without a sustaining voltage i.e. has a memory, and subsequently can be erased electrically. The erase mechanism involves a dielectric re-orientation of the smectic molecules, and the writing mechanism involves a turbulent scattering state that resembles nematic dynamic scattering. The turbulent state is characterised by large rotating vortices whose plane of motion is orthogonal to the field direction. The conditions required to obtain scattering at the lowest practical threshold voltage are discussed.
Establishment and Verification of a Predictive Nomogram for New Vertebral Compression Fracture Occurring after Bone Cement Injection in Middle‐Aged and Elderly Patients with Vertebral Compression Fracture

New vertebral compression fracture (NVCF) occurring after bone cement injection in middle‐aged and elderly patients with vertebral compression fracture is very common. Preoperative baseline characteristics and surgical treatment parameters have been widely studied as a risk factor, but the importance of the patients' laboratory indicators has not been thoroughly explored. We aimed to explore the relationship between laboratory indicators and NVCF, and attempt to construct a clinical prediction model of NVCF together with other risk factors.
Dopamine supersensitivity psychosis and delay of clozapine treatment in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia

Both the underutilization of clozapine and treatment resistance of patients to clozapine are serious problems worldwide. Identifying clinical markers predicting response to clozapine would help clinicians more effectively utilize clozapine treatment. The present study retrospectively assessed dopamine supersensitivity psychosis (DSP) in addition to other measures such as age at disease onset and delay of clozapine introduction for a total of 47 treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) patients. The response to clozapine was judged with CGI-C at 1 and 2 years from clozapine introduction. Results revealed that the DSP group tended to have a longer delay between designation of TRS and introduction of clozapine and continued to have slightly more severe psychopathology after treatment with clozapine, showing only slight improvement. The logistic regression analysis showed that the age at disease onset was the only significant indicator, predicting responsiveness to clozapine: patients with an onset age <20 years had a significantly better response to clozapine than patients with an onset age ≥20 years. The present study suggests that DSP might be related to a longer delay in clozapine introduction and the persistence of refractory symptoms despite clozapine treatment, whereas early age of disease onset might be related to a better response to clozapine.
Gender differences in empathy and clinical symptoms in chronic schizophrenia patients: a large sample study based on a Chinese Han population

Abstract Background Empathy is social cognition and reduced empathy in schizophrenia (SCZ) has been noted; however, whether there are gender differences in empathy remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore this issue by examining a large sample of the population with SCZ. Methods We recruited 987 SCZ patients (M/F = 638/349). The empathy was assessed by The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was adopted to assess their clinical psychiatric symptoms and their ability to recognise the facial emotions of others was assessed by the Pictures Of Facial Affect (POFA). Results Female SCZ patients had higher IRI total score than male patients. In male patients, Pearson correlation analysis showed that empathy was negatively correlated with PANSS total score and negative symptom subscale scores, but positively correlated with anger identification. In female patients, IRI total score was negatively correlated with PANSS total score as well as its positive and negative symptom subscale scores (all p < 0.05). Conclusion There are gender differences in the empathy of SCZ patients, with female patients having greater empathy and a correlation with their clinical symptoms. This gender difference may provide potential clinical value for the treatment of SCZ. KEY POINTS Female SCZ were more likely to empathise than males; Female patients had more severe clinical symptoms than males; There were gender differences in the association between certain specific clinical presentations and empathy. In future studies, it may be useful to investigate gender differences in schizophrenia empathy for the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.
Structural and optical variation of pseudoisocyanine aggregates nucleated on DNA substrates

Coherently coupled pseudoisocyanine (PIC) dye aggregates have demonstrated the ability to delocalize electronic excitations and ultimately migrate excitons with much higher efficiency than similar designs where excitations are isolated to individual chromophores. Here, we report initial evidence of a new type of PIC aggregate, formed through heterogeneous nucleation on DNA oligonucleotides, displaying photophysical properties that differ significantly from previously reported aggregates. This new aggregate, which we call the super aggregate (SA) due to the need for elevated dye excess to form it, is clearly differentiated from previously reported aggregates by spectroscopic and biophysical characterization. In emission spectra, the SA exhibits peak narrowing and, in some cases, significant quantum yield variation, indicative of stronger coupling in cyanine dyes. The SA was further characterized with circular dichroism and atomic force microscopy observing unique features depending on the DNA substrate. Then by integrating an AlexaFluorTM 647 (AF) dye as an energy transfer acceptor into the system, we observed mixed energy transfer characteristics using the different DNA. For example, SA formed with a rigid DNA double crossover tile (DX-tile) substrate resulted in AF emission sensitization. While SA formed with more flexible non-DX-tile DNA (i.e. duplex and single strand DNA) resulted in AF emission quenching. These combined characterizations strongly imply that DNA-based PIC aggregate properties can be controlled through simple modifications to the DNA substrate’s sequence and geometry. Ultimately, we aim to inform rational design principles for future device prototyping. For example, one key conclusion of the study is that the high absorbance cross-section and efficient energy transfer observed with rigid substrates made for better photonic antennae, compared to flexible DNA substrates.
The attentional boost effect overcomes dual-task interference in choice-response tasks

Dual-task interference often arises when people respond to an incoming stimulus according to an arbitrary rule, such as choosing between the gas pedal and the brake when driving. Severe interference from response selection yields a brief “Psychological Refractory Period,” during which a concurrent task is put on hold. Here, we show that response selection in one task does not always hamper the processing of a secondary task. Responding to a target may paradoxically enhance the processing of secondary tasks, even when the target requires complex response selection. In three experiments, participants encoded pictures of common objects to memory while simultaneously monitoring a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) of characters or colours. Some of the RSVP stimuli were targets, requiring participants to press one of the two buttons to report their identity; others were distractors that participants ignored. Despite the increased response selection demands on target trials, pictures encoded with the RSVP targets were better remembered than those encoded with the RSVP distractors. Contrary to previous reports and predictions from dual-task interference, the attentional boost from target detection overcomes increased interference from response selection.
Thermal Expansion Characteristics In [001]-Oriented PMN-0.32PT Single Crystals

The thermal strain on cooling and heating process during −60°C to 200°C have been measured using DIL402C dilatometer for unpoled and poled [001]-oriented PMN-0.32PT single crystal. The thermal expansion anomalies were found within a wide temperature range around 0°C. Effects of poling electric field on thermal strain for single crystals were investigated. The obvious expansion and contraction were presented at rhombohedral → tetragonal and tetragonal → cubic phase transition for poled single crystal. However, thermal expansion responses at phase transition were weak for unpoled single crystal. The thermal expansion characteristics in [001]-oriented PMN-0.32PT single crystals are discussed together with data on dielectric properties.
Modeling Organizational Adaptation as a Simulated Annealing Process

Organizations can be characterized as complex systems composed of adaptive and intelligent agents. Organizational adaptation occurs through restructuring and learning. Organizations can be modeled using a dual-level model in which restructuring is modeled as a simulated annealing process and individual learning is modeled using a stochastic learning model and boundedly rational agents. Such a model is presented, and its behavior is illustrated using a virtual experiment where the type of organizational adaptation is varied. Results suggest that the organizational design and performance relationship may be chaotic, despite the simple rules of change. Simple restructuring rules lead to a wide range of emergent organizational structures that increases with individual adaptation. Organizations locate good designs (through chance and slow change) regardless of the agents' intelligence; however, emergent designs depend on adaptability. Design features are not systematically related to performance; rather, small initial differences in design and environment can affect the emergent behavior.
Metacognitive therapy home-based self-help for anxiety and depression in cardiovascular disease patients in the UK: A single-blind randomised controlled trial

Background Anxiety and depression in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are associated with greater morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Current psychological interventions within CR have small effects based on low-quality studies of clinic-based interventions with limited access to home-based psychological support. We tested the effectiveness of adding self-help metacognitive therapy (Home-MCT) to CR in reducing anxiety and depression in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods and findings We ran a single-blind, multi-centre, two-arm RCT. A total of 240 CR patients were recruited from 5 NHS-Trusts across North West England between April 20, 2017 and April 6, 2020. Patients were randomly allocated to Home-MCT+CR (n = 118, 49.2%) or usual CR alone (n = 122, 50.8%). Randomisation was 1:1 via randomised blocks within hospital site, balancing arms on sex and baseline Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. The primary outcome was the HADS total score at posttreatment (4-month follow-up). Follow-up data collection occurred between August 7, 2017 and July 20, 2020. Analysis was by intention to treat. The 4-month outcome favoured the MCT intervention group demonstrating significantly lower end of treatment scores (HADS total: adjusted mean difference = −2.64 [−4.49 to −0.78], p = 0.005, standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.38). Sensitivity analysis using multiple imputation (MI) of missing values supported these findings. Most secondary outcomes also favoured Home-MCT+CR, especially in reduction of post-traumatic stress symptoms (SMD = 0.51). There were 23 participants (19%) lost to follow-up in Home-MCT+CR and 4 participants (3%) lost to follow-up in CR alone. No serious adverse events were reported. The main limitation is the absence of longer term (e.g., 12-month) follow-up data. Conclusion Self-help home-based MCT was effective in reducing total anxiety/depression in patients undergoing CR. Improvement occurred across most psychological measures. Home-MCT was a promising addition to cardiac rehabilitation and may offer improved access to effective psychological treatment in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. Trial registration NCT03999359.
Kidney Bioengineering for Transplantation

The kidney is an important organ for maintenance of homeostasis in the human body. As renal failure progresses, renal replacement therapy becomes necessary. However, there is a chronic shortage of kidney donors, creating a major problem for transplantation. To solve this problem, many strategies for the generation of transplantable kidneys are under investigation. Since the first reports describing that nephron progenitors could be induced from human induced pluripotent stem cells, kidney organoids have been attracting attention as tools for studying human kidney development and diseases. Because the kidney is formed through the interactions of multiple renal progenitors, current studies are investigating ways to combine these progenitors derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells for the generation of transplantable kidney organoids. Other bioengineering strategies, such as decellularization and recellularization of scaffolds, 3-dimensional bioprinting, interspecies blastocyst complementation and progenitor replacement, and xenotransplantation, also have the potential to generate whole kidneys, although each of these strategies has its own challenges. Combinations of these approaches will lead to the generation of bioengineered kidneys that are transplantable into humans.
Neural responses in macaque prefrontal cortex are linked to strategic exploration

Humans have been shown to strategically explore. They can identify situations in which gathering information about distant and uncertain options is beneficial for the future. Because primates rely on scarce resources when they forage, they are also thought to strategically explore, but whether they use the same strategies as humans and the neural bases of strategic exploration in monkeys are largely unknown. We designed a sequential choice task to investigate whether monkeys mobilize strategic exploration based on whether information can improve subsequent choice, but also to ask the novel question about whether monkeys adjust their exploratory choices based on the contingency between choice and information, by sometimes providing the counterfactual feedback about the unchosen option. We show that monkeys decreased their reliance on expected value when exploration could be beneficial, but this was not mediated by changes in the effect of uncertainty on choices. We found strategic exploratory signals in anterior and mid-cingulate cortex (ACC/MCC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). This network was most active when a low value option was chosen, which suggests a role in counteracting expected value signals, when exploration away from value should to be considered. Such strategic exploration was abolished when the counterfactual feedback was available. Learning from counterfactual outcome was associated with the recruitment of a different circuit centered on the medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), where we showed that monkeys represent chosen and unchosen reward prediction errors. Overall, our study shows how ACC/MCC-dlPFC and OFC circuits together could support exploitation of available information to the fullest and drive behavior towards finding more information through exploration when it is beneficial.
Hypothalamic GnRH expression and pulsatility depends on a balance of prolactin receptors in the plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus

In mammals, gestation is considered a physiological hyperprolactinemia status. Prolactin (PRL) is one of the modulators of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons function. The South American plains vizcacha (Lagostomus maximus) is a unique model to study the regulation of hypothalamic GnRH neurons by direct and indirect steroid‐dependent pathways. The aim was to characterize the hypothalamic expression of endocrine markers in vizcacha during gestation as well as their response to experimental induced hyperprolactinemia. The possible involvement of PRL regulatory pathways on GnRH in the context of hypothalamic and pituitary reactivation in mid‐gestating vizcachas was discussed. Using two in vivo approaches, we determined changes in the hypothalamic expression and distribution of prolactin receptor (PRLR), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and dopamine type 2 receptor. A significant increment in the number of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons was determined in the arcuate nucleus from early to term pregnancy. On the other hand, at preoptic area, the number of both TH+PRLR+ and GnRH+PRLR+ double‐labeled neurons significantly decreased at mid‐pregnancy probably allowing the recovery of GnRH expression indicating that both types of neurons may represent the key points of PRL indirect and direct pathways modulating GnRH. Moreover, in a model of induced hyperprolactinemic vizcachas, the inhibitory effect of PRL on GnRH at both expression and delivery levels were confirmed. These results suggest the concomitant participation of both PRL regulatory pathways on GnRH modulation and pinpoint the key role of PRL on GnRH expression enabling the recovery of the hypothalamic activity during the gestation in this species.
Efficacy and safety of biologics and small molecules for psoriasis in pediatric and geriatric populations. Part II: focus on elderly patients

ABSTRACT Introduction The management of moderate-to-severe forms of psoriasis is becoming a frequent concern in geriatric age due to the higher risk to develop treatment adverse events, logistic issues, vulnerability to immune-related diseases and cancer, presence of comorbidities and the risk of drug interactions. In this context, traditional systemic treatments are often contraindicated, and biologic drugs and small molecules seem to be a valuable option. However, data on their effectiveness and safety in elderly patients are scant. Areas covered The aim of this review is to analyze the current literature in order to point out data on the efficacy and safety of biologic drugs and small molecules for the management of psoriasis in elderly patients in order to put the basis for universally shared treatment algorithm following available evidence. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used for the literature research. Expert Opinion/Commentary Our review suggests biologics and small molecules as an effective and safe option for the management of moderate-to-severe forms of psoriasis in elderly patients.
Some Geometries Associated with Parabolic Representations of Groups of Lie Type

Suppose (P, △) is an undirected graph without loops or multiple edges. We will denote by △ (x) the vertices adjacent to x and . Let (G, P) be a transitive permutation representation of a group G in a, set P, and Δ be a non-trivial self-paired (i.e. symmetric) orbit for the action of G on P X P. We identify △ with the set of all two subsets ﹛x, y﹜ with (x, y) in △. Then we have a graph (P, Δ) with G ≦ Aut (P, △), transitive on both P and △.
Redshift difference between high and low ionization emission-line regions in QSOS-evidence for radial motions

The discovery of a systematic difference between the redshifts of the emission lines arising from the different ionization zones of broad-line quasar clouds is reported. The C UFscmcapsiv, N UFscmcapsv, C UFscmcapsiii), (Fe,UFscmcapsx), (Fe UFscmcapsxi), and possibly Lyman-. cap alpha. lines are at a lower redshift than the O UFscmcapsi, Mg UFscmcapsii, and Balmer lines. Comparison with the redshifts of the narrow emission lines shows that it is the high-ionization broad emission lines that are systematically blueshifted by 600 km s/sup -1/. This blueshift together with the high degree of symmetry of the high-ionization lines strongly constrains models of the broad emission line region. The blueshifting of the strongest emission lines readily observable in high-redshift quasars will affect the number of absorption-line systems which appear to have z/sub a/bs> or =z/sub e/m.