Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Characterization of PCL/HA Filament as a 3D Printing Material Using Thermal Extrusion Technology for Bone Tissue Engineering

The most common three-dimensional (3D) printing method is material extrusion, where a pre-made filament is deposited layer-by-layer. In recent years, low-cost polycaprolactone (PCL) material has increasingly been used in 3D printing, exhibiting a sufficiently high quality for consideration in cranio-maxillofacial reconstructions. To increase osteoconductivity, prefabricated filaments for bone repair based on PCL can be supplemented with hydroxyapatite (HA). However, few reports on PCL/HA composite filaments for material extrusion applications have been documented. In this study, solvent-free fabrication for PCL/HA composite filaments (HA 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% weight/weight PCL) was addressed, and parameters for scaffold fabrication in a desktop 3D printer were confirmed. Filaments and scaffold fabrication temperatures rose with increased HA content. The pore size and porosity of the six groups’ scaffolds were similar to each other, and all had highly interconnected structures. Six groups’ scaffolds were evaluated by measuring the compressive strength, elastic modulus, water contact angle, and morphology. A higher amount of HA increased surface roughness and hydrophilicity compared to PCL scaffolds. The increase in HA content improved the compressive strength and elastic modulus. The obtained data provide the basis for the biological evaluation and future clinical applications of PCL/HA material.
Transcriptome Analysis of Developing Wheat Grains at Rapid Expanding Phase Reveals Dynamic Gene Expression Patterns

Simple Summary Understanding the regulatory mechanism underlying grain development is essential for wheat improvement. The early grain expanding phase boasts critical biological events like embryogenesis and initiation of grain filling. RNA sequencing analysis of this developmental stage revealed dynamic expressions of genes related to cell division, starch biosynthesis, and hormone biosynthesis. An unbalanced expression among triads may play critical roles as shown by multiple enriched metabolic pathways. Our work demonstrated complex regulation mechanisms in early grain development and provided useful information for future wheat improvement. Abstract Grain development, as a vital process in the crop’s life cycle, is crucial for determining crop quality and yield. The wheat grain expanding phase is the early process involving the rapid morphological changes and initiation of grain filling. However, little is known about the molecular basis of grain development at this stage. Here, we provide a time-series transcriptome profile of developing wheat grain at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after pollination of the wheat landrace Chinese Spring. A total of 26,892 differentially expressed genes, including 1468 transcription factors, were found between adjacent time points. Co-expression cluster analysis and Gene Ontology enrichment revealed dynamic expressions of cell division and starch biosynthesis related structural genes and transcription factors. Moreover, diverse, differential and drastically varied expression trends of the key genes related to hormone metabolism were identified. Furthermore, ~30% of triads showed unbalanced expression patterns enriching for genes in multiple pivotal metabolic pathways. Hormone metabolism related genes, such as YUC10 (YUCCA flavin-containing monooxygenase 10), AOS2 (allene oxide synthase 2), CYP90D2 (cytochrome P450 90D2), and CKX1 (cytokinin dehydrogenase 1), were dominantly contributed by A or D homoeologs of the triads. Our study provided a systematic picture of transcriptional regulation of wheat grains at the early grain expanding phase which should deepen our understanding of wheat grain development and help in wheat yield improvement.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Dependent and -Independent Pathways Mediate Curcumin Anti-Aging Effects

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor whose activity can be modulated by polyphenols such as curcumin. AhR and curcumin have evolutionarily conserved effects on aging. Here, we investigated whether and how the AhR mediates the anti-aging effects of curcumin across species. Using a combination of in vivo, in vitro, and in silico analyses, we demonstrated that curcumin has AhR-dependent or -independent effects in a context-specific manner. We found that in Caenorhabditis elegans, AhR mediates curcumin-induced lifespan extension, most likely through a ligand-independent inhibitory mechanism related to its antioxidant activity. Curcumin also showed AhR-independent anti-aging activities such as protection against aggregation-prone proteins and oxidative stress in C. elegans and promotion of the migratory capacity of human primary endothelial cells. These AhR-independent effects are largely mediated by the Nrf2/SKN-1 pathway. Graphical Abstract
Smart cities and urban logistics: a systematic review of the literature

The concept of smart cities is seen as a key strategy to mitigate the problems generated by the rapid urbanization. Within the smart cities umbrella, the so-called smart mobility has been subject of considerable research. The systematic review reported by this article aimed to identify the most relevant applications supported by smart cities’ infrastructure with an impact in urban logistic transports. A total of 39 articles were retrieved, and the results show that the main application areas are related to solid waste management and the routing of logistic fleets, namely, to improve the last mile logistics.
Fentanyl reinstatement to discriminative cues after conflict in sign- and goal-tracking rats

Rationale Discriminative stimuli (DS) are cues that predict reward availability. DS are resistant to extinction and motivate drug seeking even after long periods of abstinence. Previous studies have demonstrated that sign tracking (ST) and goal tracking (GT) individual differences in Pavlovian approach to food cues predict distinct vulnerabilities to CS and DS reinstatement of cocaine seeking, respectively. Compared to goal-trackers, sign-trackers show heightened CS relapse even after electric barrier induced abstinence. We do not know whether DS relapse persists after electric barrier induced abstinence, or whether tracking-related relapse vulnerabilities generalize to models of opioid relapse. Objectives We sought to determine if DS-induced reinstatement of fentanyl seeking persists in the presence of reduced adverse consequences after electric barrier-induced abstinence. We also aimed to determine whether tracking differences predict the magnitude of DS-induced reinstatement of fentanyl seeking after electric barrier-induced abstinence. Methods First we used Pavlovian lever autoshaping (PLA) training to determine sign-, goal- and intermediate tracking groups in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. We then trained rats in a DS model of intermittent fentanyl self-administration, and extinguished drug seeking by imposing an electric barrier of increasing intensity. We then measured the level of DS-induced reinstatement in the presence of a reduced electric barrier intensity. Results We report that DS produce large increases in fentanyl seeking after electric barrier induced abstinence. Contrary to our expectations, the magnitude of the DS induced reinstatement effect was not related to tracking group. Conclusions Discriminative stimuli powerfully motivate opioid seeking, despite continued aversive consequences. Individual differences in Pavlovian approach do not predict the level of DS reinstatement to fentanyl seeking after conflict induced abstinence.
Correlation between Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Level and Various Prostatic Diseases on Biopsies: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: The prostate is a pear-shaped glandular organ that adds part of fluid to semen. The prostate consists of stromal and glandular components. Prostate needle biopsy is performed either transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided or transurethral routes. PSA is a glycoprotein produced by secretory cells. Normally the PSA levels are less than 4.0ng/ml. Aim: The main aim of the study is to find out the correlation between various pathological lesions occur in the prostate and serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level. Study Design: A retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology,Saveetha Medical college and Hospital, between January 2019 and December 2019. Methodology: A retrospective study of 84 prostatic biopsies for a period of 1 year in the year 2019 was carried out. All specimens subjected for histopathological examination and the relevant clinical data and Serum PSA values correlation was done. Results: Commonest age group being 61-70 years. Difficulty in micturition was the most common presentation . Most common lesion found was Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy(BPH) constituting 67 cases (71.42%) followed by BPH with prostatitis 17 cases (20.23%), adenocarcinoma 6 cases (7.14%) and 1 case of Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN) (1.19%). BPH patients, had S.PSA levels in the range of 4.1-15 ng/ml. Three cases of adenocarcinoma showed very high levels of S.PSA (>100 ng/ml) with the Gleason score of 9(5+4). Conclusion: Both benign and malignant pathologies can cause an increase in serum PSA levels, but the chances of finding malignancy increases with rising values of PSA. But in the management of prostatic cancer the histopathological diagnosis and grading plays a definitive role.
Quality assessment of chukar partridge (A. chukar) eggs during different conditions (time, turning and position) of storage

Abstract The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of storage length, turning frequency and egg position on internal quality traits of chukar eggs obtained from 56-week-old chukar partridges under the same nutrition and management conditions. A total of 720 eggs were collected and assigned to 36 subgroups according to storage length (7, 14, 21, and 28 d), turning frequency (0, 1, and 24 per day) and egg position (pointed end up, blunt end up and horizontal). As a result of the study, almost all the internal quality traits of chukar eggs were negatively affected by lengthening of storage period especially 21 days and longer (p < 0.001). Internal egg quality traits weren’t statistically affected by turning frequency except yolk index (p < 0.01). An improvement was observed in Haugh unit, albumen index and heigh of eggs stored with pointed end up (p < 0.001). Some significant interactions occurred among all internal egg quality traits which were mostly dependent on the eggs stored horizontally, extended storage time more than 21 days and egg turning during storage. The results and interactions showed that internal quality traits would be preserved well for the eggs stored less than 21 days with the position of pointed end up independent of turning. If the storage period was to exceed 21 days, the eggs should be positioned horizontally and turning should be applied to preserve the quality of chukar eggs.
Selection of Primer–Template Sequences That Bind with Enhanced Affinity to Vaccinia Virus E9 DNA Polymerase

A modified SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) pr,otocol (referred to as PT SELEX) was used to select primer–template (P/T) sequences that bound to the vaccinia virus polymerase catalytic subunit (E9) with enhanced affinity. A single selected P/T sequence (referred to as E9-R5-12) bound in physiological salt conditions with an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (KD,app) of 93 ± 7 nM. The dissociation rate constant (koff) and binding half-life (t1/2) for E9-R5-12 were 0.083 ± 0.019 min−1 and 8.6 ± 2.0 min, respectively. The values indicated a several-fold greater binding ability compared to controls, which bound too weakly to be accurately measured under the conditions employed. Loop-back DNA constructs with 3′-recessed termini derived from E9-R5-12 also showed enhanced binding when the hybrid region was 21 nucleotides or more. Although the sequence of E9-R5-12 matched perfectly over a 12-base-pair segment in the coding region of the virus B20 protein, there was no clear indication that this sequence plays any role in vaccinia virus biology, or a clear reason why it promotes stronger binding to E9. In addition to E9, five other polymerases (HIV-1, Moloney murine leukemia virus, and avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptases (RTs), and Taq and Klenow DNA polymerases) have demonstrated strong sequence binding preferences for P/Ts and, in those cases, there was biological or potential evolutionary relevance. For the HIV-1 RT, sequence preferences were used to aid crystallization and study viral inhibitors. The results suggest that several other DNA polymerases may have P/T sequence preferences that could potentially be exploited in various protocols.
StudentsÃ¢â¬â¢ learning creativity by the implementation of contextual-based learning in the subject of natural science

One of the competencies needed by students in understanding science concepts is learning creativity. Reality shows that science learning in schools still experience various obstacles. One of which is the low learning creativity of students. The purpose of this study is to develop student learning creativity through contextual-based science learning. This study is an experimental study with a research sample consisting of two classes. The instrument used to measure students' learning creativity was an essay test. The data analysis used was t-test. The results of the analysis obtained a significant value (2-tailed) of 0.000, in the value was less than 0.05, so it is concluded that Ho is rejected or Ha is accepted, which interprets that the application of contextual-based learning can increase student learning creativity.
The Effect of Gamified Flipped Classroom on the Improvement of Vocabulary Learning of Iranian Pre-Intermediate EFL Learners

The current study aimed to improve vocabulary learning by using gamification in the flipped classroom context. To this end, all of the study’s population comprised high school learners at two high schools in Roodan, a city in Hormozgan, Iran. The participants were divided into three classes, class A consisting of 40 students, class B comprising 40 students, and class C consisting of thirty learners. All learners were female. In order to ensure that the learners were homogeneous, the Preliminary English Test (PET) was applied. Class A was chosen as the experimental group (gamified flipped classroom), whereas classes B and C were chosen as the control groups. Data were collected through the vocabulary and placement tests. Results indicate that gamification in the flipped context could have a significant effect on vocabulary improvement. This study suggests certain implications for English teachers, policymakers, and material developers. As a new teaching model, it offers a new method of vocabulary teaching.
InSAR Modeling and Deformation Prediction for Salt Solution Mining Using a Novel CT-PIM Function

Deformation prediction for a salt solution mining area is essential to mining environmental protection. The combination of Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) technique with Probability Integral Method (PIM) has proven to be powerful in predicting mining-induced subsidence. However, traditional mathematical empirical models (such as linear model or linear model combined with periodical function) are mostly used in InSAR approaches, ignoring the underground mining mechanisms, which may limit the accuracy of the retrieved deformations. Inaccurate InSAR deformations will transmit an unavoidable error to the estimated PIM parameters and the forward predicted subsidence, which may induce more significant errors. Besides, theoretical contradictory and non-consistency between InSAR deformation model and future prediction model is another limitation. This paper introduces the Coordinate-Time (CT) function into InSAR deformation modeling. A novel time-series InSAR model (namely, CT-PIM) is proposed as a substitute for traditional InSAR mathematical empirical models and directly applied for future dynamic prediction. The unknown CT-PIM parameters can be estimated directly via InSAR phase observations, which can avoid the error propagation from the InSAR-generated deformations. The new approach has been tested by both simulated and real data experiments over a salt mine in China. The root mean square error (RMSE) is determined as ±10.9 mm, with an improvement of 37.2% compared to traditional static PIM prediction method. The new approach provides a more robust tool for the forecasting of mining-induced hazards in salt solution mining areas, as well as a reference for ensuring the environment protection and safety management.
Interventions to Improve Child Physical Activity in the Early Childhood Education and Care Setting: An Umbrella Review

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are a key setting to support improvements in the physical activity of young children. This umbrella review gathered and synthesised systematic review evidence of the effectiveness of interventions in the ECEC setting on the physical activity levels of children aged 0–6. We also mapped the current evidence to the existing ECEC sector-specific physical activity practice recommendations. Five electronic databases were searched to identify systematic reviews that evaluated the impact of any ECEC-based interventions on the physical activity levels (e.g., moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, total physical activity) of children aged 0–6. One reviewer extracted data on intervention effectiveness and quality of the reviews, checked by a second reviewer. Ten reviews were included. Overall, the majority of the reviews found interventions delivered in ECEC improved child physical activity. Across reviews, the impact of six intervention strategies were identified, mapped to four (of eight) broad recommendations (i.e., providing opportunity, offering educator training, educators promoting the benefits of physical activity, creating a physical activity-promoting environment). The impact of the majority of recommendations, however, did not have systematic review evidence. Further investigation of the effectiveness of ECEC-based physical activity strategies is required to demonstrate support for the existing recommended practices.
Corporate governance mechanisms and earnings quality: Is firm size a moderation variable?

The main objective of this research is to analyze the influence of independent commissioner, audit committee, managerial ownership, and institutional ownership on earnings quality. This study also observes the role of a firm’s size as a moderating variable. Using specific considerations, the number of the sample is reduced to 20 out of 144 companies from manufacturing companies listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange during 2013–2016. The data analysis in this research used moderating regression. The results show that managerial ownership affects positively toward quality of the earnings. The firm’s size has proven to be able to strengthen the influence of managerial ownership and institutional ownership on earnings quality. Overall, this study reveals that the implementation of good corporate governance has been obliged by the government, but the supervisory function has not been executed optimally so it is not fully able to affect earnings quality. The results of this study contribute to both investors and potential investors in investment decisions. This paper suggests considering managerial and institutional ownership and company size since the variable is proven to be able to improve earnings quality.
The Effects of Feeding Type on the Gut Microbiota of Neonates and Early Infants

Aim: To explore the effects of feeding type on the intestinal microbiota of early infants. Methods: We enrolled 100 newborns and performed stool sample sequencing analysis of the 16S rRNA gene at 3 days and 30–42 days after birth. The composition of the intestinal microbiota was analyzed. One hundred newborns were divided into three groups according to feeding type: breastfed, partially breastfed, and formula feeding. Results: In all 3 day old samples, Escherichia–Shigella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Bifidobacterium were the prominent genera and there were no statistical differences among the three groups. In the 30–42 day old samples, the prominent genera were Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia–Shigella and Bacteroides in the breastfed group; Bifidobacterium, Escherichia–Shigella, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides in the partially breastfed group; Escherichia– Shigella, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Clostridium in the formula feeding group. All genera showed statistically significant differences among the three groups (P < 0.05). By 30–42 days of age, however, microbiota from the infant stool clustered and showed significant reorganization. Microbiota were detected in all first-pass meconium samples, but their alpha diversity was low relative to that of the 30–42 day old group in all three feeding type groups. Conclusions: Intestinal microbiota in early infants differed according to feeding type. 16S sequencing technology is effective and reliable for the detection of intestinal microbiota in early infants
Effect of 12-Week Intake of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide on Sleep Quality, Fatigue, and Physical Performance in Older Japanese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Deteriorating sleep quality and physical or mental fatigue in older adults leads to decreased quality of life and increased mortality rates. This study investigated the effects of the time-dependent intake of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on sleep quality, fatigue, and physical performance in older adults. This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated 108 participants divided into four groups (NMN_AM; antemeridian, NMN_PM; post meridian, Placebo_AM, Placebo_PM). NMN (250 mg) or placebo was administered once a day for 12 weeks. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Fatigue was evaluated using the “Jikaku-sho shirabe” questionnaire. Grip strength, 5-times sit-to-stand (5-STS), timed up and go, and 5-m habitual walk were evaluated to assess the physical performance. Significant interactions were observed between 5-STS and drowsiness. 5-STS of all groups on post-intervention and drowsiness of the NMN_PM and Placebo_PM groups on mid- and post-intervention showed significant improvement compared with those in pre-intervention. The NMN_PM group demonstrated the largest effect size for 5-STS (d = 0.72) and drowsiness (d = 0.64). Overall, NMN intake in the afternoon effectively improved lower limb function and reduced drowsiness in older adults. These findings suggest the potential of NMN in preventing loss of physical performance and improving fatigue in older adults.
Improving robustness of line features for VIO in dynamic scene

The point feature, whose dynamic robustness has been widely studied, dominates in the field of visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) or visual-inertial odometry (VIO). When discussing a dynamic scene, line features are not given enough attention. This paper proposes a pre-processing step for VIO to reduce the influence of lines upon dynamic objects on system robustness and merges it into a state-of-the-art optimization-based VIO pipeline. First, it is determined whether the line feature is a potential dynamic line based upon the result of the semantic segmentation, optical flow and re-projection error. Then, instead of filtering them out, the information matrixes of these line features in the optimization function is adjusted by a weight-based method according to their tracked size. A simulated challenged visual-inertial dataset is used to evaluate the proposed algorithm against other state-of-the-art methods. The results shows that proposed method can increase robustness to dynamic scenes and make the line-based map neater and more intuitive through avoiding the drawing of dynamic line features during the mapping procedure.