Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Neuropeptide Y within Paraventricular Nucleus in Electroacupuncture Inhibiting Sympathetic Activities in Hypertensive Rats

Although electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to decrease the blood pressure (BP) clinically, the underlying mechanisms are not clearly clarified. This study aimed to assess the hypothesis that EA treatment exerts a hypotensive action via suppressing sympathetic activities and modulating neuropeptide Y (NPY) function within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of hypertensive rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected for the experiment, and the hypertensive models were established by the two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) method. Then, the rats were randomly assigned to the sham group, 2K1C group, 2K1C plus EA group, and 2K1C plus sham EA group. EA treatment at the acupoints ST36 and ST40 overlying the peroneal nerves was given once a day for 30 days. The radiotelemetry system was applied to collect the arterial BP recordings. Power spectral analyses of BP variability, BP responses to ganglionic blockade, and plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine were performed to assess the changes in sympathetic nerve activity. Real-time PCR and Western blots were carried out to examine the expression of NPY system in the PVN. The responses of PVN microinjection with NPY Y1R antagonist BIBO3304 were detected to check the endogenous NPY tone. The results showed that the enhanced arterial BP and sympathetic activities were effectively reduced by 30 days of EA treatment, and baroreflex sensitivity was improved in 2K1C hypertensive rats. The level of NPY mRNA and protein expression in the PVN was markedly upregulated by EA treatment in 2K1C rats. In addition, the pressor responses of PVN microinjection with NPY Y1R antagonist BIBO3304 in 2K1C models were remarkably augmented by the EA stimulation. Our results indicate that the increased NPY expression and function in the PVN induced by EA treatment contribute to antihypertensive and sympathetic suppression on hypertensive rats. The findings may elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the acupuncture to be a potential therapeutic strategy against hypertension.
Alien Invasive Plant Effect on Soil Fauna Is Habitat Dependent

Invasive alien plants often modify the structure of native plant communities, but their potential impact on soil communities is far less studied. In this study, we looked at the impact of invasive Asian knotweed (Reynoutria spp.) on two major soil mesofauna (Collembola) and microfauna (Nematodes) communities. We expected ingress of knotweed to differentially affect faunal groups depending on their trophic position, with the lower trophic levels being more impacted than the higher trophic groups according to the closer relationship to plants for basal trophic groups. Furthermore, we expected the knotweed impact to depend on habitat type (forest vs. meadow) with more pronounced changes in abundances of soil invertebrate in invaded meadows. Plant and soil invertebrates were sampled in six sites (three forest and three meadows) in northern France in both control and invaded plots. Our results showed that the presence of knotweed strongly reduced native plant species’ diversity and abundance. Soil fauna also responded to the invasion by Asian knotweed with different responses, as hypothesized, according to trophic position or life-forms. Furthermore, abundances of several collembolan life-forms were influenced by the interaction between the factors “Habitat” and “Knotweed”. This may explain the difficulty to easily generalize and predict the consequences of plant invasion on belowground diversity, although this is of crucial importance for alleviating negative consequences and costs of biological invasion.
New Benchmark Functions for Single-Objective Optimization Based on a Zigzag Pattern

Benchmarking plays a crucial role in both development of new optimization methods, and in conducting proper comparisons between already existing methods, particularly in the field of evolutionary computation. In this paper, we develop new benchmark functions for bound-constrained single-objective optimization that are based on a zigzag function. The proposed zigzag function has three parameters that control its behaviour and difficulty of the resulting problems. Utilizing the zigzag function, we introduce four new functions and conduct extensive computational experiments to evaluate their performance as benchmarks. The experiments comprise of using the newly proposed functions in 100 different parameter settings for the comparison of eight different optimization algorithms, which are a mix of canonical methods and best performing methods from the Congress on Evolutionary Computation competitions. Using the results from the computational comparison, we choose some of the parametrization of the newly proposed functions to devise an ambiguous benchmark set in which each of the problems introduces a statistically significant ranking among the algorithms, but the ranking for the entire set is ambiguous with no clear dominating relationship between the algorithms. We also conduct an exploratory landscape analysis of the newly proposed benchmark functions and compare the results with the benchmark functions used in the Black-Box-Optimization-Benchmarking suite. The results suggest that the new benchmark functions are well suited for algorithmic comparisons.
BI24: An insight into the protective role of biologics in COVID‐19 infections: a single‐centre case series

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a common psychiatric disorder associated with high costs for healthcare systems as patients may repeatedly ask for different, often not effective, interventions. BDD symptoms are more prevalent in patients with dermatological conditions than in the general population, but there are no large sample studies comparing the prevalence of BDD symptoms between patients with dermatological conditions and healthy skin controls.
Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Spontaneous Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease in an Interleukin-2 Receptor α−/− Transgenic Mouse Model Using Targeted Microbubbles

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong inflammatory disorder with relapsing–remission cycles, which is currently diagnosed by clinical symptoms and signs, along with laboratory and imaging findings. However, such clinical findings are not parallel to the disease activity of IBD and are difficult to use in treatment monitoring. Therefore, non-invasive quantitative imaging tools are required for the multiple follow-up exams of IBD patients in order to monitor the disease activity and determine treatment regimens. In this study, we evaluated a dual P- and E-selectin-targeted microbubble (MBSelectin) in an interleukin-2 receptor α deficient (IL-2Rα−/−) spontaneous chronic IBD mouse model for assessing long-term anti-inflammatory effects with ultrasound molecular imaging (USMI). We used IL-2Rα−/− (male and female on a C57BL/6 genetic background; n = 39) and C57BL/6 wild-type (negative control; n = 6) mice for the study. USMI of the proximal, middle, and distal colon was performed with MBSelectin using a small animal scanner (Vevo 2100) up to six times in each IL-2Rα−/− mouse between 6–30 weeks of age. USMI signals were compared between IL-2Rα−/− vs. wild-type mice, and sexes in three colonic locations. Imaged colon segments were analyzed ex vivo for inflammatory changes on H&E-stained sections and for selectin expression by immunofluorescence staining. We successfully detected spontaneous chronic colitis in IL-2Rα−/− mice between 6–30 weeks (onset at 6–14 weeks) compared to wild-type mice. Both male and female IL-2Rα−/− mice were equally (p = 0.996) affected with the disease, and there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in USMI signals of colitis between the proximal, middle, and distal colon. We observed the fluctuating USMI signals in IL-2Rα−/− mice between 6–30 weeks, which might suggest a resemblance of the remission-flare pattern of human IBD. The ex vivo H&E and immunostaining further confirmed the inflammatory changes, and the high expression of P- and E-selectin in the colon. The results of this study highlight the IL-2Rα−/− mice as a chronic colitis model and are suitable for the long-term assessment of treatment response using a dual P- and E-selectin-targeted USMI.
Rapid and predictable genome evolution across three hybrid ant populations

Hybridization is frequent in the wild but it is unclear whether admixture events lead to predictable outcomes and if so, at what timescale. We show that selection led to correlated sorting of genetic variation in less than 50 generations in three hybrid Formica aquilonia × F. polyctena ant populations. Removal of ancestry from the species with the lowest effective population size happened repeatedly in all populations, consistent with purging of deleterious load. This process was modulated by recombination rate variation and the density of functional sites. Moreover, haplotypes with signatures of positive selection in either species were more likely to fix in hybrids. These mechanisms led to mosaic genomes with comparable ancestry proportions. Our work demonstrates predictable evolution over short timescales after admixture in nature.
Early Crop-Type Mapping Under Climate Anomalies

Crop-type mapping is an important intermediate step for cost-effective crop management at the field level, as an overview of all fields with a particular crop type can be used for monitoring or yield forecasting, for instance. Our study used a data set with 2400 fields and corresponding satellite observations from the federal state of Bavaria, Germany. The study classified corn, winter wheat, winter barley, sugar beet, potato, and winter rapeseed as the main crops grown in Upper Bavaria. We additionally experimented with a rejection class "Other", which summarised further crop types. Corresponding Sentinel-2 data included the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and raw bands from 2016 to 2018 for each selected field. The influence of raw bands compared to NDVI was analysed and the classification algorithms, i.e. support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF), were compared. The study showed that the use of an index should be critically questioned and that raw bands provided a wider spectral bandwidth, which significantly improved the mapping of crop types. The results underline the use of RF with raw bands and achieved overall accuracies (OA) of up to 92%. We also predicted crop types in an unknown year with significantly different weather conditions and several months before the end of the growing season. Thus, the influence of climate anomalies and the accuracy depending on the time of prediction were assessed. The crop types of a test site and year without labels could be determined with an OA of up to 86%. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the proof-of-concept and its readiness for use in real applications.
Closed Form Expressions for the Uncertainty from Linear Detrending, and the Pricing of Weather Derivatives

Weather derivative pricing is often based on a statistical analysis of past weather data. Such data may be non-stationary, and detrending methods can be used to attempt to remove the non-stationarity in the mean. The performance of different methods can be compared by considering aspects of the distribution of errors in the predictions they make. In this paper we derive closed-form expressions for the mean error, error variance and mean square error for flat line and linear trend models in the case where the real trend is linear.
Monotone systems involving variable-order nonlocal operators

: In this paper, we study the existence and uniqueness of bounded viscosity solutions for parabolic Hamilton–Jacobi monotone systems in which the diﬀusion term is driven by variable-order nonlocal operators whose kernels depend on the space-time variable. We prove the existence of solutions via Perron’s method, and considering Hamiltonians with linear and superlinear nonlinearities related to their gradient growth we state a comparison principle for bounded sub and supersolutions. Moreover, we present steady-state large time behavior with an exponential rate of convergence.
Electrohydrodynamic airflow control along a flat plate by a DC surface corona discharge - Velocity profile and wall pressure measurements

The ability of actively control a low velocity airflow along a flat plate by a DC surface corona discharge is analyzed by measurements in a wind tunnel. Specifically, this electrohydrodynamic (EHD) actuator consists in electrodes flush mounted on the insulating surface of the plate, creating a tangential corona discharge at close vicinity of the wall in the direction of the airflow. In this paper, velocity profile and wall pressure measurements within the boundary layer of the flat plate are presented for free airstream velocity U0 up to 25 m/s (Re � 1.67 · 10 6
Herbal Use and Perceptions among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kuwait

Herbal medicine has become a popular treatment among patients with chronic diseases worldwide. Many patients with diabetes mellitus use herbal medicine without consulting their health professionals. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, pattern of use, and perceptions in type 2 diabetes patients using herbal medicine. It was conducted between 1 st January 2019 and end of June 2019 diabetes clinic in Farwaniya Hospital in Kuwait. In this cross sectional quantitative study, 350 patients were asked to complete questionnaire administered by nurses. The study found that 30.6% of sample used herbal medicine—women more than men. Black cumin (habba soda) i.e. Nigella sativa was the most common herb used by diabetic patients. The study revealed that 70% of herbal medicine users had poor glycemic control (HbA 1 c ≥ 7%). Diabetic complications were greater in herbal users than in those re-ceiving conventional therapy. The study also showed that 95.3% of herbal medicine users did not inform their treating doctors. Our conclusion was that herbal medicine users needed to increase their awareness and education about the risks and complications of herbal medicine.
Exopolysaccharide and Siderophore Production
Ability of Zn Solubilizing Bacterial Strains
Improve Growth, Physiology and Antioxidant
Status of Maize and Wheat

Zinc solubilizing bacteria can solubilize zinc oxide and make them available for plant uptake. Rhizobacteria were isolated and screened for exopolysaccharide (EPS) and siderophore production and plant growth promotion. The strains IUB2, IUB3, IUB6, IUB10 and IUB11 showed potential zinc solubilization and plant growth promotion. The maximum increase of 31% and 40% in shoot length was recorded by the strain IUB3 in maize and wheat, respectively. The strain IUB11 showed the maximum increase of wheat vs. maize; 29 vs. 32% and 40 vs. 39% in dry biomass and root length. Furthermore, maximum bacterial colonization of 53 × 10 5 CFU g -1 root in wheat found by IUB2. While in maize (81 × 10 5 CFU g -1 root) found in maize by IUB3. All the tested isolates showed positive results for the exopolysaccharides, siderophore, HCN, catalase, protease and cellulose-degrading activities. Only strains IUB2 and IUB10 showed positive results for phosphate solubilization. moreover, these strains were identified as Bacillus subtilis-IUB2, Bacillus velezensis -IUB3, Bacillus subtilis -IUB6, Bacillus vallismortis -IUB10 and Bacillus megaterium -IUB1. Our study found that inoculation of the selected zinc solubilizing bacterial strains enhanced the growth of both maize and wheat crops. Hence these strains can be utilized as biofertilizers in future.
Co and Ni Incorporated γ-Al2O3 (110) Surface: A Density Functional Theory Study

Investigation into the state and mechanisms of the active metal substitution into the γ-Al2O3 support is the basis for design of many catalysts. Periodic density functional theory (DFT) +U calculations were used to investigate the surface properties of transition metals Co3+ and Ni3+ cations substitute for the Al3+ cations of γ-Al2O3 (110) surface. It was found that the substitution energy of one Al3+ substituted by Co3+ and Ni3+ are −61 and −57 kJ/mol, respectively. The Co and Ni preferentially substitute the tetrahedral Al sites instead of the octahedral Al sites. Using thermodynamics, the Al atoms in the top layer of γ-Al2O3 (110) can be 100% substituted by Co and Ni. Ni is easier to substitute the Al atom than Co. There is no obvious structural distortion that occurs after Co and Ni substituted all the top layer Al atoms. While the band gaps of the substituted surface become narrower, resulting in the increase of surface Lewis acidity. In addition, the oxygen vacancy formation energies of the Co and Ni substituted surface are 268 and 53 kJ/mol, respectively. The results provide interface structure and physical chemistry properties of metal-doped catalysts.
Technology Acceptance as Part of the Energy Performance Gap in Energy-Efficient Retrofitted Dwellings

This paper separates technological from human capabilities with regard to the operating of advanced heating systems. Our study shows that attitudes towards using such systems are equally influenced by a system's ease of use and its related thermal comfort as perceived by the user. However, the user does not perceive either of these influences directly; they are both mediated through the latent construct “perceived usefulness”. Our results reveal that in order to maximize the technology acceptance of advanced heating systems, the focus of interventions needs to be a twofold one. It is not only perceived thermal comfort – in its technological capacity of a delivered energy service – which is relevant; an easy-to-use system is equally important. The underlying psychological theory of this paper is that of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Using an adapted version of the technology acceptance model (TAM) – the energy TAM (eTAM) – we draw on questionnaire data from a field experiment conducted in Germany. The statistical inference is based on a partial least squares patch modeling (PLS-PM) approach.
Expectations of others’ environmental behaviour and its effect on personal pro-environmental behaviour (Expectativas del comportamiento ambiental de otros y su efecto en la conducta proambiental personal)

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess expectation surrounding other people’s pro- and anti-environmental behaviour to see whether it bears any relation to a person’s own pro-environmental behaviours. Two studies were conducted using an Expectation of Others’ Environmental Behaviour scale. The samples comprised Mexican respondents living in Mexico City and its conurbation with average ages of 35.19 and 35.05. Both studies showed that participants believe others are unlikely to act in a pro-environmental way but are instead likely to engage in anti-environmental behaviour. Both expectations (pro- and anti-environmental behaviour) had a positive effect on the participants’ own pro-environmental behaviour. The results are discussed from the perspective of social dilemmas, as well as the possibility of a uniqueness bias.
Covid-19, Inflation, and Interest Rate: Their Influences on the Jakarta Composite Index

This study aims to determine the effect of inflation, interest rates, and the Covid-19 pandemic condition on the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) and the difference of the JCI before and after the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (LSSR). Data were collected from January to August 2020. This study evaluates the effect of inflation, interest rate, the Covid-19 Pandemic on the JCI by the t-test and regression, while the Wilcoxon Test tested the JCI before and after LSSR. The results revealed that inflation, interest rates, and the Covid-19 pandemic partially and simultaneously affected the JCI. All shares traded in the Indonesia Stock Exchange indexed by the JCI before LSSR are different from the JCI after LSSR.
Biased Estimates of Environmental Impact in the Negative Footprint Illusion: The Nature of Individual Variation

People consistently act in ways that harm the environment, even when believing their actions are environmentally friendly. A case in point is a biased judgment termed the negative footprint illusion, which arises when people believe that the addition of “eco-friendly” items (e.g., environmentally certified houses) to conventional items (e.g., standard houses), reduces the total carbon footprint of the whole item-set, whereas the carbon footprint is, in fact, increased because eco-friendly items still contribute to the overall carbon footprint. Previous research suggests this illusion is the manifestation of an “averaging-bias. ” We present two studies that explore whether people’s susceptibility to the negative footprint illusion is associated with individual differences in: (i) environment-specific reasoning dispositions measured in terms of compensatory green beliefs and environmental concerns; or (ii) general analytic reasoning dispositions measured in terms of actively open-minded thinking, avoidance of impulsivity and reflective reasoning (indexed using the Cognitive Reflection Test; CRT). A negative footprint illusion was demonstrated when participants rated the carbon footprint of conventional buildings combined with eco-friendly buildings (Study 1 and 2) and conventional cars combined with eco-friendly cars (Study 2). However, the illusion was not identified in participants’ ratings of the carbon footprint of apples (Study 1 and 2). In Studies 1 and 2, environment-specific dispositions were found to be unrelated to the negative footprint illusion. Regarding reflective thinking dispositions, reduced susceptibility to the negative footprint illusion was only associated with actively open-minded thinking measured on a 7-item scale (Study 1) and 17-item scale (Study 2). Our findings provide partial support for the existence of a negative footprint illusion and reveal a role of individual variation in reflective reasoning dispositions in accounting for a limited element of differential susceptibility to this illusion.
Does Fiscal Policy Matter for Business R&D Investment? Panel Data Evidence from Central and Eastern Europe

This paper examines the impact of fiscal policy on business investment in research and development (R&D). Panel regression models – with independent variables for the total tax and contribution rate, government appropriations and outlays for R&D, and the R&D tax subsidy rate – are set up to examine cross-country differences in business investment in R&D, with a set of control variables. The latter include, most notably, the number of full-time researchers, tertiary education attainment, the protection of intellectual property rights, governance, the long-term interest rate, and trade openness. The panel encompasses eleven countries of Central and Eastern Europe over ten years (2010–2019). The findings suggest that fiscal policy does not affect BERD, while trade openness, tertiary education attainment, and full-time researcher employment have a significant positive impact. These findings are consistent with some of the earlier studies on the effectiveness of fiscal policy in stimulating business investment, calling for greater allocation of public and private funds for R&D professional development and training programs. Implications for Central European audience: This paper used recent data for eleven Central and Eastern European countries. Therefore, the findings are directly applicable to these countries. As the paper used random-effects generalised least squares estimation for panel data, the findings can be generalised to other countries.