Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corona Discharge Characteristics under Variable Frequency and Pressure Environments

More electric aircrafts (MEAs) are paving the path to all electric aircrafts (AEAs), which make a much more intensive use of electrical power than conventional aircrafts. Due to the strict weight requirements, both MEA and AEA systems require to increase the distribution voltage in order to limit the required electrical current. Under this paradigm new issues arise, in part due to the voltage rise and in part because of the harsh environments found in aircrafts systems, especially those related to low pressure and high-electric frequency operation. Increased voltage levels, high-operating frequencies, low-pressure environments and reduced distances between wires pose insulation systems at risk, so partial discharges (PDs) and electrical breakdown are more likely to occur. This paper performs an experimental analysis of the effect of low-pressure environments and high-operating frequencies on the visual corona voltage, since corona discharges occurrence is directly related to arc tracking and insulation degradation in wiring systems. To this end, a rod-to-plane electrode configuration is tested in the 20–100 kPa and 50–1000 Hz ranges, these ranges cover most aircraft applications, so that the corona extinction voltage is experimentally determined by using a low-cost high-resolution CMOS imaging sensor which is sensitive to the visible and near ultraviolet (UV) spectra. The imaging sensor locates the discharge points and the intensity of the discharge, offering simplicity and low-cost measurements with high sensitivity. Moreover, to assess the performance of such sensor, the discharges are also acquired by analyzing the leakage current using an inexpensive resistor and a fast oscilloscope. The experimental data presented in this paper can be useful in designing insulation systems for MEA and AEA applications.
Physical, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of Hybrid Cyrtostachys renda/Kenaf Fiber Reinforced with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT)-Phenolic Composites

Adequate awareness of sustainable materials and eco-legislation have inspired researchers to identify alternative sustainable and green composites for synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites in the automotive and aircraft industries. This research focused on investigating the physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of different hybrid Cyrtostachys renda (CR)/kenaf fiber (K) (10C:0K, 7C:3K, 5C:5K, 3C:7K, 0C:10K) reinforced with 0.5 wt% MWCNT–phenolic composites. We incorporated 0.5 wt% of MWCNT into phenolic resin (powder) using a ball milling process for 25 h to achieve homogeneous distribution. The results revealed that CR fiber composites showed higher voids content (12.23%) than pure kenaf fiber composites (6.57%). CR fiber phenolic composite was more stable to the swelling tendency, resulting in the lowest percentage of swelling rate (4.11%) compared to kenaf composite (5.29%). The addition of kenaf fiber into CR composites had improved the tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The highest tensile and flexural properties were found for weight fraction of CR and kenaf fiber at 5C:5K (47.96 MPa) and 3C:7K (90.89 MPa) composites, respectively. In contrast, the highest impact properties were obtained for 0C:10K composites (9.56 kJ/m2). Based on the FE-SEM image, the CR fiber lumen was larger in comparison to kenaf fiber. The lumen of CR fiber was attributed to higher void and water absorption, lower mechanical properties compared to kenaf fiber. 5C:5K composite was selected as an optimal hybrid composite, based on the TOPSIS method. This hybrid composite can be used as an interior component (non-load-bearing structures) in the aviation and automotive sectors.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory Model for Biochar Additions to Soil

Stabilizing the global climate within safe bounds will require greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to reach net zero within a few decades. Achieving this is expected to require removal of CO2 from the atmosphere to offset some hard-to-eliminate emissions. There is, therefore, a clear need for GHG accounting protocols that quantify the mitigation impact of CO2 removal practices, such as biochar sequestration, that have the potential to be deployed at scale. Here, we have developed a GHG accounting methodology for biochar application to mineral soils using simple parameterizations and readily accessible activity data that can be applied at a range of scales including farm, supply chain, national, or global. The method is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of current empirical data, making it a robust method that can be used for many applications including national inventories and voluntary and compliance carbon markets, among others. We show that the carbon content of biochar varies with feedstock and production conditions from as low as 7% (gasification of biosolids) to 79% (pyrolysis of wood at above 600 °C). Of this initial carbon, 63–82% will remain unmineralized in soil after 100 years at the global mean annual cropland-temperature of 14.9 °C. With this method, researchers and managers can address the long-term sequestration of C through biochar that is blended with soils through assessments such as GHG inventories and life cycle analyses.
25(OH)-Vitamin D alleviates neonatal infectious pneumonia via regulating TGFβ-mediated nuclear translocation mechanism of YAP/TAZ

ABSTRACT Neonatal infectious pneumonia (NIP) is a common infectious disease that develops in the neonatal period. The purpose of our study was to explore the potential roles of 25(OH)-Vitamin D (25-OH-VD) and its anti-inflammatory mechanism in NIP. The results showed that serum 25-OH-VD level was negatively correlated with the severity of NIP, whereas Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the severity of NIP and the levels of pneumonia markers procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) was down-regulated, while the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), nuclear YAP, and TAZ were up-regulated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of neonates with severe pneumonia. Neonates with 25-OH-VD deficiency were associated with an increased risk of NIP. In BEAS-2B cells, down-regulation of nuclear YAP and TAZ was found in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + VD group relative to the LPS-induced group. Additionally, positive rate of nuclear YAP, as detected by immunocytochemistry (ICC), and the nuclear translocation of nuclear YAP/TAZ by IFA in the LPS+VD group showed an intermediate level between that of the control and LPS-induced groups. Furthermore, the expressions of VDR and CYP27B1 were significantly increased in the LPS+VD group as compared to those in the LPS-induced group. The anti-inflammatory mechanism in NIP was achieved due to the 25-OH-VD mediating TGFβ/YAP/TAZ pathway, which suggested that using 25-OH-VD might be a potential strategy for NIP treatment.
Immunity cells in the small intestinal mucosa of newborn yaks.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the main markers of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG plasmocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells of the intestinal mucosa of newborn yaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten newborn yaks (2-4 weeks old) were choosed. Immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze the immune cell distribution and specific markers at the mRNA expression level in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. RESULTS The results showed in the epithelium, CD3-positive T lymphocyte levels were higher than other immune cell levels (P<0.05). Additionally, in the lamina propria, the number of cells positive for CD3, CD68, and signal inhibitory regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) were higher in the villi, while CD79α, IgA, and IgG cells were more common at the base of the crypt. Moreover, both in the epithelium and lamina propria, the number of CD3, CD68 and SIRPα were decreased from the duodenum to the ileum (P<0.05), additionally the number of CD79α, IgA and IgG positive cells were increased from the duodenum to the ileum of newborn yaks (P<0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of CD3ε, CD68, and SIRPα increased from the duodenum to the ileum (P<0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of CD79α, IgA, and IgG decreased from the duodenum to the ileum. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemical characterization and expression levels of immune factors in the small intestinal mucosa of newborn yaks suggest that the intestinal mucosa is an important part of the natural barrier and provides useful references for immunity functions of newborn yak intestinal mucosa.
Risk stratification of indeterminate thyroid nodules using ultrasound and machine learning algorithms

Indeterminate thyroid nodules (Bethesda III) are challenging to characterize without diagnostic surgery. Auxiliary strategies including molecular analysis, machine learning models, and ultrasound grading with Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS) can help to triage accordingly, but further refinement is needed to prevent unnecessary surgeries and increase positive predictive values.
Sexual dimorphism in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial preoptic area and suprachiasmatic nucleus in male and female tree shrews

Sex differences in behaviour partly arise from the sexual dimorphism of brain anatomy between males and females. However, the sexual dimorphism of the tree shrew brain is unclear. In the present study, we examined the detailed distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide‐immunoreactive (VIP‐ir) neurons and fibres in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and VIP‐ir fibres in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) of male and female tree shrews. The overall volume of the SCN in male tree shrews was comparable with that in females. However, males showed a significantly higher density of VIP‐ir cells and fibres in the SCN than females. The shape of the VIP‐stained area in coronal sections was arched, elongated or oval in the lateral division (STL) and the anterior part of the medial division (STMA) of the BST and oval or round in the posterior part of the medial division of the BST (STMP). The volume of the VIP‐stained BST in male tree shrews was similar to that in females. The overall distribution of VIP‐ir fibres was similar between the sexes throughout the BST except within the STMA, where darkly stained fibres were observed in males, whereas lightly stained fibres were observed in females. Furthermore, male tree shrews showed a significantly higher intensity of Nissl staining in the medial preoptic area (MPA) and the ventral part of the medial division of the BST than females. These findings are the first to reveal sexual dimorphism in the SCN, BST and MPA of the tree shrew brain, providing neuroanatomical evidence of sexual dimorphism in these regions related to their roles in sex differences in physiology and behaviour.
Tau Protein Binding Modes in Alzheimer’s Disease for Cationic Luminescent Ligands

The bi-thiophene-vinylene-benzothiazole (bTVBT4) ligand developed for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-specific detection of amyloid tau has been studied by a combination of several theoretical methods and experimental spectroscopies. With reference to the cryo-EM tau structure of the tau protofilament (Nature2017, 547, 18528678775), a periodic model system of the fibril was created, and the interactions between this fibril and bTVBT4 were studied with nonbiased molecular dynamics simulations. Several binding sites and binding modes were identified and analyzed, and the results for the most prevailing fibril site and ligand modes are presented. A key validation of the simulation work is provided by the favorable comparison of the theoretical and experimental absorption spectra of bTVBT4 in solution and bound to the protein. It is conclusively shown that the ligand–protein binding occurs at the hydrophobic pocket defined by the residues Ile360, Thr361, and His362. This binding site is not accessible in the Pick’s disease (PiD) fold, and fluorescence imaging of bTVBT4-stained brain tissue samples from patients diagnosed with AD and PiD provides strong support for the proposed tau binding site.
Global Patterns and Climatic Controls of Dust-Associated Microbial Communities

A broad diversity of microorganisms can be found in dust, with some of these microorganisms capable of causing allergenic disease in human via inhalation or affecting plant health by acting as plant pathogens. However, the spatial variation in dust microbiomes and the environmental factors associated with this variation have not been comprehensively assessed at the global scale. ABSTRACT The ubiquity and long-range transport of the microorganisms inhabiting dust can pose a serious risk to human, animal, and plant health. The well-recognized importance of dust-associated microorganisms contrasts starkly with our limited understanding of the factors determining the variation in the composition of these communities at the global scale. Here, we provide the first insight into the global determinants of dust-associated microorganisms by quantifying the environmental factors shaping bacterial and fungal community composition in 467 outdoor settled dust samples collected from 33 countries and 6 continents. Our results show that the global variation in dust-associated bacterial and fungal community composition was, to some degree, predictable from mean annual precipitation and temperature. Notably, our results show that the fungal genera Alternaria and Aspergillus, which contain many species that can serve as triggers of allergenic disease in humans and as plant pathogens, were more abundant in drier regions. Collectively, these results highlight the key influence of climate on the global distribution of dust-associated microorganisms and provide the baseline information needed to build a more comprehensive understanding of how microbial exposures vary across the globe and in response to climate change. IMPORTANCE A broad diversity of microorganisms can be found in dust, with some of these microorganisms capable of causing allergenic disease in human via inhalation or affecting plant health by acting as plant pathogens. However, the spatial variation in dust microbiomes and the environmental factors associated with this variation have not been comprehensively assessed at the global scale. Here, we investigated the bacteria and fungi found in outdoor settled dust samples spanning 33 countries and 6 continents. Our results show that dust-associated bacteria and fungi exhibit climate-driven variability in community composition at the global scale. Our results call for the development of strategies to predict the geographic distribution of dust-associated microorganisms and to identify the potential associations between microbial exposures and the health of humans, animals, and plants.
Upregulation of REV7 correlates with progression of malignant melanoma

REV7 is a multifunctional protein implicated in DNA damage tolerance, cell cycle control, and gene expression, and is involved in the carcinogenesis of various human tumors. It has been reported that REV7 expression is associated with ultraviolet‐induced mutagenesis; however, the role of REV7 expression in skin cancers, including malignant melanomas, remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the clinical and biological significance of REV7 in malignant melanoma. Levels of REV7 expression in human skin cancers were evaluated immunohistochemically. Positive expression of REV7 was frequently observed in malignant melanomas, as well as in squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas. Enhanced immunoreactivity to REV7 was closely linked with cell proliferation assessed by Ki‐67 labeling indexes in the three skin cancers, and was related with tumor thickness in malignant melanomas. REV7 depletion in malignant melanoma cells MEWO and G361 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. REV7 depletion also affected the expression of intracellular signaling molecules AKT and ERK in MEWO cells, resulting in downregulation of ERK signal activation. In addition, REV7 depletion facilitated sensitivity to cisplatin, but not to dacarbazine, in MEWO cells. Our results suggest that REV7 expression correlates with disease progression of malignant melanoma.
Epoxy-Based Interlocking Membranes for All Solid-State Lithium Ion Batteries: The Effects of Amine Curing Agents on Electrochemical Properties

In this study, a series of crosslinked membranes were prepared as solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) for all-solid-state lithium ion batteries (ASSLIBs). An epoxy-containing copolymer (glycidyl methacrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, PGA) and two amine curing agents, linear Jeffamine ED2003 and hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI), were utilized to prepare SPEs with various crosslinking degrees. The PGA/polyethylene oxide (PEO) blends were cured by ED2003 and PEI to obtain slightly and heavily crosslinked structures, respectively. For further optimizing the interfacial and the electrochemical properties, an interlocking bilayer membrane based on overlapping and subsequent curing of PGA/PEO/ED2003 and PEO/PEI layers was developed. The presence of this amino/epoxy network can inhibit PEO crystallinity and maintain the dimensional stability of membranes. For the slightly crosslinked PGA/PEO/ED2003 membrane, an ionic conductivity of 5.61 × 10−4 S cm−1 and a lithium ion transference number (tLi+) of 0.43 were obtained, along with a specific capacity of 156 mAh g−1 (0.05 C) acquired from an assembled half-cell battery. However, the capacity retention retained only 54% after 100 cycles (0.2 C, 80 °C), possibly because the PEO-based electrolyte was inclined to recrystallize after long term thermal treatment. On the other hand, the highly crosslinked PGA/PEO/PEI membrane exhibited a similar ionic conductivity of 3.44 × 10−4 S cm−1 and a tLi+ of 0.52. Yet, poor interfacial adhesion between the membrane and the cathode brought about a low specific capacity of 48 mAh g−1. For the reinforced interlocking bilayer membrane, an ionic conductivity of 3.24 × 10−4 S cm−1 and a tLi+ of 0.42 could be achieved. Moreover, the capacity retention reached as high as 80% after 100 cycles (0.2 C, 80 °C). This is because the presence of the epoxy-based interlocking bilayer structure can block the pathway of lithium dendrite puncture effectively. We demonstrate that the unique interlocking bilayer structure is capable of offering a new approach to fabricate a robust SPE for ASSLIBs.
Neurofilament Light Chain Is a Novel Biomarker for Major Depression and Related Executive Dysfunction

Abstract Background Evidence suggests that major depressive disorder is related to neuroaxonal injury and that neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a biomarker of neuroaxonal injury. In addition, proinflammatory cytokines have been reported to be associated with major depression and neuroaxonal injury. Methods Forty patients with major depression and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy control participants were enrolled for the measurement of NfL and proinflammatory cytokines and assessment of executive function. General linear models were used to examine the association between NfL levels, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and executive function. Results Patients with major depressive disorder exhibited significantly higher NfL levels (P = .007) than the control participants. NfL levels were positively related to log-transformed levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (P = .004). Higher levels of NfL (P = .002) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P = .013) were associated with greater deficits in executive function. Discussion NfL was a novel biomarker for major depressive disorder and related executive dysfunction. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of NfL in the pathophysiology of major depression and related cognitive impairment.
Preparation of Hop Estrogen-Active Material for Production of Food Supplements

In recent years, the interest in the health-promoting effects of hop prenylflavonoids, especially its estrogenic effects, has grown. Unfortunately, one of the most potent phytoestrogens identified so far, 8-prenylnaringenin, is only a minor component of hops, so its isolation from hop materials for the production of estrogenically active food supplements has proved to be problematic. The aim of this study was to optimize the conditions (e.g., temperature, the length of the process and the amount of the catalyst) to produce 8-prenylnaringenin-rich material by the magnesium oxide-catalyzed thermal isomerization of desmethylxanthohumol. Under these optimized conditions, the yield of 8-prenylnaringenin was 29 mg per 100 gDW of product, corresponding to a >70% increase in its content relative to the starting material. This process may be applied in the production of functional foods or food supplements rich in 8-prenylnaringenin, which may then be utilized in therapeutic agents to help alleviate the symptoms of menopausal disorders.
Development of HPLC Method for Catechins and Related Compounds Determination and Standardization in Miang (Traditional Lanna Fermented Tea Leaf in Northern Thailand)

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for catechins and related compounds in Miang (traditional Lanna fermented tea leaf) was developed to overcome the matrices during the fermentation process. We investigated a variety of columns and elution conditions to determine seven catechins, namely (+)-catechin, (−)-gallocatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin, (−)-epicatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin gallate, (−)-gallocatechin gallate, (−)-epicatechin gallate, as well as gallic acid and caffeine, resulting in the development of reproducible systems for analyses that overcome sample matrices. Among the three reversed-phase columns, column C (deactivated, with extra dense bonding, double endcapped monomeric C18, high-purity silica at 3.0 mm × 250 mm and a 5 µm particle size) significantly improved the separation between Miang catechins in the presence of acid in the mobile phase within a shorter analysis time. The validation method showed effective linearity, precision, accuracy, and limits of detection and quantitation. The validated system was adequate for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of seven active catechins, including gallic acid and caffeine in Miang, during the fermentation process and standardization of Miang extracts. The latter contain catechins and related compounds that are further developed into natural active pharmaceutical ingredients (natural APIs) for cosmeceutical and nutraceutical products.
Solubilization Behavior of Homopolymer in Its Blend with the Block Copolymer Displaying the Feature of Lower Critical Ordering Transition

Blending with homopolymer offers a facile approach for tuning the microdomain morphology of block copolymer, provided that the homopolymer chains are uniformly solubilized in the corresponding microdomain to swell the junction point separation. Here we studied the solubilization behavior of poly(4-vinyl pyridine) homopolymer (h-P4VP) in the lamellar microdomain formed by its blends with a poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (PEO-b-P4VP) showing the feature of lower critical ordering transition (LCOT) in terms of weaker segregation strength at lower temperature. We revealed that, while the conventional criterion of homopolymer-to-block molecular weight ratio for attaining uniform solubilization was applicable to LCOT blend, there was an excess swelling of junction point separation upon the addition of homopolymer, leading to a decrease of interdomain distance with increasing homopolymer composition. This anomalous phenomenon was attributed to the reduction of interfacial free energy due to the incorporation of P4VP homopolymer into the microdomain interface.