Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Silencing of Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4 (Angptl4) Decreases Inflammation, Extracellular Matrix Degradation, and Apoptosis in Osteoarthritis via the Sirtuin 1/NF-κB Pathway

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequently observed condition in aged people. OA cartilage is characterized by chondrocyte apoptosis, chondrocyte inflammation, and hyperactive catabolism of extracellular matrix. However, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Recent data has shown that Angptl4, a multifunctional cytokine, is involved in the regulation of inflammatory and apoptosis responses in different tissues. This study is aimed at defining the role of Angptl4 in the development of OA. We employed X-ray analysis, safranin O-fast green (S-O) staining, and hematoxylin staining to evaluate histomorphological characteristics in the knee joint of mice. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot assays, immunofluorescence staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed to analyze the changes in gene and protein expression. Mechanically, our data demonstrated that Angptl4 knockdown improved the degradation of extracellular matrix and reduced TNF-α-mediated chondrocyte inflammation and apoptosis by suppressing sirtuin 1/NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, animal studies showed that the suppression of Angptl4 expression might alleviate OA development. In conclusion, our findings revealed the underlying mechanisms of Angptl4 regulation in chondrocytes and its potential value in the treatment of OA.
Fermi's Mystery Sources: Methods for Classification and Association

Unassociated Fermi-LAT sources provide a population with discovery potential. We discuss efforts to find new source associations for this population, and summarize the successes to date. We discuss how the measured gamma-ray properties of associated LAT sources can be used to describe the gamma-ray behavior of more-numerous source classes. Using classification techniques exploiting only these gamma-ray properties, we separate the LAT 2FGL catalog sources into pulsar and AGN candidates.
Nexus between Twitter-based sentiment and tourism sector performance amid COVID-19 pandemic

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps taken to contain its spread resulted in a decline in tourism sector stock prices. Using linear and quantile regressions, we examine the impact of Twitter-based investor sentiment for COVID-19 and Twitter-based sentiment towards uncertainty on the performance of tourism stocks. The findings indicate a heterogenous effect of tweets and Twitter economic uncertainty on tourism sector equity returns with a major impact on the lower quantiles.
Early outcome of total abdominoplasty in thirty cases

Background: Abdominoplasty, a popular cosmetic surgery, has improved in recent years. Kelly helped minimize abdominal fat and skin. Medical institutions are diagnosing and treating obesity at an increasing pace. The research aimed to examine early post-abdominoplasty outcomes.Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out from July 2014 to April 2015. Patients admitted at the plastic surgery department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and different private hospitals in Dhaka with excess abdominal skin and abdominal wall laxity due to various reasons like previous pregnancy or massive weight reduction were the study population. A total of 30 cases that fulfilled the enrolment criteria were selected from the study population.Results: Most of the patients (26, 86.67%) were female, 76% of them were married. The mean age at the time of operation was 41.3 years. The overall complication rate was 40% with few major complication (4, 13.33%) and the maximum portion was minor (9, 30%). The most frequent was seroma (3, 10%), infection (2, 6.67%), hematoma (2, 6.67%), wound dehiscence (1, 3.33%), partial flap loss (2, 6.67%) and umbilical stenosis (1, 3.33%), epidermolysis (1, 3.33%), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (1, 3.33%). Patients’ satisfaction was scored as very good (19, 66.3%), good (9, 30%), satisfactory (2, 6%). No patient scored his satisfaction as poor or very poor.Conclusions: Abdominoplasty is safe and comfortable. Patients were happy with the treatment and had improved symptoms with little health hazards. There were mild problems, especially with wound healing. Minor difficulties were simply treated in an office.
A Randomized Clinical Study of the Plaque Removal Efficacy of a Novel Manual Toothbrush With Micro-Pulse Bristles on Fixed Orthodontic Patients

Background Fixed orthodontic appliances on tooth surfaces, such as brackets and bands, complicate oral hygiene and increase plaque accumulation, contributing to gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. While manual toothbrushes are an essential part of oral hygiene, there is little clinical evidence to demonstrate how effective manual toothbrushes with novel designs are at removing plaque from orthodontic patients. This study aims to evaluate three types of manual toothbrushes (Pulsar, conventional flat trim (C-TB), and orthodontic type (O-TB)) for their efficacy in plaque removal among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Methodology The study followed the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. It was a three-treatment, three-period, examiner-blinded crossover clinical trial conducted with a single brushing exercise. Twenty-four subjects were randomized to one of three different bristle designs (Pulsar, C-TB, and O-TB). The primary outcome measure was the difference (baseline minus post-brushing) in plaque scores assessed using the Turesky-Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index during each study period. Results Of the 27 subjects enrolled in the study, 24 met the inclusion criteria and completed all three periods of the study. The mean age was 19.58 ± 1.55 years, with a range of 18-23 years. The differences between treatments in plaque score reduction after brushing were statistically significant (p-value <0.001). The treatment differences were statistically significant (p-value <0.001), favoring the C-TB toothbrush and the O-TB over the Pulsar design. On the contrary, the difference between the O-TB and C-TB types was not statistically significant. Conclusions C-TB and O-TB remove significantly more plaque than Pulsar toothbrushes after a single brushing exercise. Nevertheless, the C-TB tested in this study was more effective in removing dental plaque than the O-TB in patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. Considering the limitations of this study, additional research is required before evidence-based advice concerning the relative performance of the Pulsar toothbrushes in fixed orthodontic patients can be proven.
Sheffield Economic Series

This paper investigates the educational attainment of young people between the ages of sixteen and eighteen after having entered full-time post-compulsory education. In particular we focus on the educational attainment and labour market trajectory of ‘underachievers’: young people who have chosen to remain in full-time education at age sixteen, despite not gaining the widely recognised U.K. academic benchmark of five GCSE grades A*-C. Our results suggest that the best route to educational success for young people considered as of lower ability at age 16 is through the FE college where they catch-up with their ‘more able’ counterparts by age 18. Social Research Council (ESRC) acknowledged. The data kindly provided Social and Community Planning Research. The author also wishes to thank, and Steve and the Human Resource Economics Study Group their useful comments on an earlier draft. Sarah Steve Mosley and Karl for their valued
Isolation and Characterization of Endophytic Fungi from Halophytes in Mangrove Community, Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria

This study aimed at the isolation and characterizion of endophytic fungi inhabiting halophytes (Nypa fruticans and Rhizophora racemosa) growing in mangrove ecosystem of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The physico-chemical parameters of the rhizospheric soils revealed EC (5.11, 5.41 and 5.01 dS/m), pH (5.1, 5.0 and 5.2), Na (2.26, 2.28 and 2.15 Cmol/kg) respectively. The identified strains were categorized into the phyla Ascomycota. At the genus level, Aspergillus (16 strains) accounted for the highest proportion followed by Penicillium (13 strains) and Fusarium (8 strains). The genera of the endophytic fungi isolated from the halophytic plants were Talaromyces, Aspergillus, Neosartorya, Purpureocillium, Fusarium and Penicillium. The six species isolated and characterized were; Talaromyces albobiverticillius (1), Aspergillus aculeatus (2), Aspergillus fumigatus (3), Fusarium equiseti (4) and Penicillium citrinum (5 and 6). The result from this study demonstrates the existence of fungal endophytes which have great potential in plant productivity. Additionally, this work creates a baseline study in the said study area; this will enable further researches emphasizing the importance of endophytic fungi in agricultural sectors as an eco-friendly biofertilizer to improve plant growth performance and defense as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers which have detrimental effects on both plants and the environment.
Characteristics of Bali Bull (Bos Sondaicus) Sexed Sperms with Freeze Dry Egg White at Different Incubation Time

The development of reproductive technology for the separation of spermatozoa with X and Y chromosomes, which is better known as sexing, can be carried out in vitro using various methods, one of which is using freeze dry egg whites. This study aims to determine the quality of semen based on incubation time. This study used four types of treatment, namely P0 = No Incubation, P1 = Incubation 30 minutes, P2 = Incubation 45 minutes, P3 = Incubation 60 minutes with six replications. Parameters observed were the quality of spermatozoa macroscopically (volume, odor, color and consistency) and microscopically (motility, abnormality, concentration, intact plasma membrane, intact acrosome cap). Y using descriptive statistical test. The results of analysis of variance that sexing spermatozoa using freeze dry egg whites at different incubation times showed a significant effect (P<0.05) on intact plasma membrane (IPM), intact acrosomal membrane (IAM), but had no significant effect P>0.05) on concentration, motility, and abnormalities. Evaluation of fresh Bali cattle spermatozoa showed results that were in accordance with the standards for further examination of semen sexing. Incubation time of 30 minutes in the sexing process of spermatozoa caused a significant decrease in motility and concentration, meanwhile, IPM and IAM of sexed spermatozoa experienced a significant decrease in incubation time of 60 minutes, but the decrease was still within the normal range for spermatozoa. to be used in the artificial insemination process. Keywords: Sexing, incubation, concentration, motility, abnormality, intact plasma membrane, intact acrosome caps.
K-Band Polarimetric Imaging of S187 IR and S233

K′-band polarimetric images of star-forming regions S187 IR and S233 are presented. In S187 IR, a bipolar, near-infrared nebula is observed around IRAS 01202+6133, with the southern part being bright and knotty, and the northern part being faint and filamentary. The polarization pattern shows that the nebula is illuminated by a single near-infrared source, which is associated with IRAS 01202+6133. A polarization disk is found around this source with the disk plane roughly perpendicular to the axis of the bipolar nebula. We conclude that this source is the driving source of the outflow in the region. Two nebulae are detected in the S233 region. Associated with a compact infrared cluster, S233 A is roughly round in shape and shows a weak polarization pattern. The S233 B nebula shows roughly elongated geometry in the east-west direction. The polarization vectors divide it into three parts. Each part has distinctly different polarization from the others. The northeastern part of S233 B exhibits a centrosymmetric polarization pattern around a centroid, at which we locate a deeply embedded source (DES) undetected in the K′ band and shorter wavelengths. The DES is likely the exciting source of water masers and outflows in the S233 B region. The western part of the nebula shows a parallel polarization pattern, but the southeastern part displays very little polarization. Comparison of the morphology and polarization of the nebulae in different star-forming regions suggests a close relationship between the evolutionary sequence of the young stellar objects and the morphology of the associated nebulae.
Ultramarathon Evaluation above 180 km in relation to Peak Age and Performance

Background Ultramarathons with distances over 180 km might lead to different results regarding participation, performance, and age compared to shorter runs of 50 and 100 km. Objective To evaluate ultramarathons with distances above 180 km in relation to runners' peak age and performance. Method s. Verification of the quantity of competitions in runs over 180 km by continents in the period 2000 to 2020 and evaluation of the individual results of 13,300 athletes after 2010. Results Europe stood out with the largest number of organized events, followed by Asia and North America. The age peak performance (PP) in men and women averaged 45 years old with relationship between sex × years (F = 3.612, p < 0.001; η2 = 0.003). Men accounted for more than 80% of the runners and showed a reduction in PP from 2015 onwards (p < 0.001). Competitions between 180 and 240 km were the most frequent, particularly after 2016, surpassing the number of marathons over 360 km (p < 0.001). Men and women showed higher velocity in distances (p < 0.001) from 180 to 240 km when compared to 241 to 300 k m, 301 to 360 km, and >360 km courses. Conclusions The decade between 2010 and 2020 showed an increase in the number of Ultramarathon running events. Europe had the highest number. Women had low participation. Performance progression fell, a fact associated with an increase in the number of participants and not specifically related to a decline in athletic performance over the years.
The Fate of the False Vacuum. 1. Semiclassical Theory

It is possible for a classical field theory to have two homogeneous stable equilibrium states with different energy densities. In the quantum version of the theory, the state of higher energy density becomes unstable through barrier penetration; it is a false vacuum. This is the first of two papers developing the qualitative and quantitative semiclassical theory of the decay of such a false vacuum for theories of a single scalar field with nonderivative interactions. In the limit of vanishing energy density between the two ground states, it is possible to obtain explicit expressions for the relevant quantities to leading order in $h$; in the more general case, the problem can be reduced to solving a single nonlinear ordinary differential equation.
Postgraduates’ Readiness towards Online Learning during Pandemic Covid-19

The term ‘online learning’ has been widely discussed as the pandemic COVID -19 pushed all institutes of higher education to opt for the new norm in teaching and learning delivery. In this testing time, much has yet to be uncovered about how students respond towards the new norm in teaching and learning during the pandemic and one of the student factors is their readiness. Against such a backdrop, this study sought to investigate a group of postgraduates’ learning readiness towards online learning. Three read iness constructs namely a) learning preference towards online learning, b) self-directedness towards online learning and c) technology skills and computer equipment capabilities were explored in determining the respondents’ level of readiness. Employing a quantitative research design, a set of questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale was adapted from previous research for data collection. The questionnaire was distributed via online to postgraduate students (n = 140) at one faculty in a selected higher education institution in Malaysia. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the mean scores for each construct were determined. The findings reveal the respondents’ level of learning readiness in each of the construct. Despite high levels were determined on the first two constructs of readiness, the level identified for the respondents’ computer equipment capabilities highlights varying degree of online learning readiness amongst the postgraduates. These findings and their implications could assist educational stakeholders and policymakers in ensuring online learning could be leveraged effectively among postgraduates as there are evidences pointing towards the need for technical skills and support.
Tests for monotone failure rate

Abstract : Physical considerations often lead one to expect that a distribution has increasing failure rate, and knowledge of increasing failure rate is mathematically useful in solving a variety of practical problems. In this paper, a nonparametric test to determine whether a sample comes from a population possessing an increasing failure rate is proposed and investigated. The test statistic is based only on the ordering of normalized spacings between the ordered observations. The distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis of constant failure rate is known. Suitably normalized, it is shown to be asymptotically normally distributed for a wide class of alternatives. In particular, under mild assumptions, when the underlying distribution has increasing failure rate, the test statistic is asymptotically normally distributed. The test is shown to be unbiased. The criterion of asymptotic relative efficiency is used to compare the test proposed with the likelihood ratio test for Weibull alternatives and with the likelihood ratio test for Gamma alternatives. (Author)
Phytochemical screening and potential antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-melanoma activities of Rollinia dolabripetala leaves

Plants are an important source of natural compounds used for medicine. The Annonaceae family exhibits a cytotoxic effect on different tumor strains and on several bacterial strains. This unprecedented study investigates the antioxidant, anti-melanoma, anti-staphylococcal and anti-streptococcal potential of hydroalcoholic extracts of Rollinia dolabripetala leaves and of 1.7 -dihydroxyxanthone and xanthone phytocompounds. The determination of the antioxidant capacity was performed by the DPPH and lipid peroxidation methods. Isolated phytochemicals xanthone and 1.7-dihydroxyxanthone were also included in cytotoxicity and antimicrobial tests. Assays for antitumor leaf potential were performed on melanoma carcinogenic cells and assays for antibacterial potential were performed on Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus 29213 (SA13), S. aureus 4075 (SA75) and Streptococcus bovis-01 (SB01) strains. The phytochemical prospection revealed the presence of flavonols, tannins and xanthones. Halo inhibition (mm) of Gram-positive SA13 was 7.00 ± 0.38. There was no inhibitory effect on SA75 and SB01 strains. The antitumor activity, expressed in the minimum lethal concentration (GI50) was in μg/mL: R. dolabripetala: 47.04, 1.7-dihydroxyxanthone: 0.98, Xanthone: 3.38, and 5-Fluorouracil: 0.24. When comparing treatments with 5-Fluorouracil, the best correlation between dosage and the inhibition rate occurs with 1.7-dihydroxy-xanthone followed by R. dolabripetala treatment. In conclusion, R. dolabripetala exhibits antioxidant, anti-staphylococcal and anti-melanoma bioactivities with 1.7-dihydroxy-xanthone exhibiting the best correlation between dosage and inhibition rate. Phytochemicals such as, flavonols, tannins and xanthone reinforce the biological results obtained. The seasonal factor in the collection of plant samples may explain the discrepancies in the phytochemical data of R. dolabripetala compared to other species of the genus.
Use of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry values to predict pregnancy in clomiphene citrate-induced intrauterine insemination cycles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry values to predict pregnancy in clomiphene citrate-induced intrauterine insemination cycles (IUI) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods: Patients with PCOS who applied to the infertility outpatient clinic between 01/06/2020 and 31/11/2021 were included in this prospective interventional study. For ovulation induction, patients used clomiphene citrate (CC) 50-150 mg daily between days 5 and 9 of the cycle. When at least one dominant follicle of 17 mm or larger was detected in serial transvaginal ultrasound controls, ovulation was triggered and IUI was performed 36 hours later. Uterine artery flow Resistance Index (RI), Pulsatility Index (PI) and systolic-diastolic ratio (S/D) were evaluated with Doppler ultrasound in all patients on the 3rd day of the cycle and on the trigger day. Uterine artery Doppler values of the group that achieved pregnancy and those who could not conceive were compared as the main outcome of the study. Results: The study was designed on 56 cycles in which IUI can be performed after ovulation induction. In these 56 cycles, 10 pregnancy were obtained and the clinical pregnancy rate was 17.9%. The pregnant and non-pregnant groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics, basal hormone levels, basal period and trigger day endometrial thickness, follicle number and mean dominant follicle diameter (p>0.005). There was no significant difference in mean uterine artery Doppler values (PI, RI and S/D) measured on the 3rd day of the cycle and on the trigger day between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups (p>0.005). Conclusion: Considering the hormonal changes in stimulated cycles and the effect of CC itself on endometrial receptivity, we think that only uterine artery Doppler values are not effective in predicting pregnancy success in CC-induced IUI cycles in patients with PCOS.
CLEoPATRA: contemporaneous lensing parallax and autonomous transient assay

The Contemporaneous LEnsing Parallax and Autonomous TRansient Assay (CLEoPATRA) space mission concept is designed to provide variable-baseline simultaneous microlensing parallax measurements for NASA’s flagship Roman Space Telescope mission and for terrestrial telescopes. We here describe the design of the mission, including discussion of our efforts to develop the means to greatly reduce the data downlink bandwidth using artificial intelligence and modern fanless GPUs, FPGAs and Tensor Processing Units. We demonstrate a reduction of data downlinked by a factor of up to 28,000 permitting communications between Earth and a small, power-limited craft in deep space. We describe radiation testing of inferencing hardware, functionality of our artificial intelligence code, compressive sensing applied to photometric lightcurves and the implementation of new, integrated optics to permit a 20cm baffled telescope to fit fully inside a small scientific spacecraft.