Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuromodulation for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: Systematic Review of Mechanisms and In Vivo Highlights

While denervation can occur with aging, peripheral nerve injuries are debilitating and often leads to a loss of function and neuropathic pain. Although injured peripheral nerves can regenerate and reinnervate their targets, this process is slow and directionless. There is some evidence supporting the use of neuromodulation to enhance the regeneration of peripheral nerves. This systematic review reported on the underlying mechanisms that allow neuromodulation to aid peripheral nerve regeneration and highlighted important in vivo studies that demonstrate its efficacy. Studies were identified from PubMed (inception through September 2022) and the results were synthesized qualitatively. Included studies were required to contain content related to peripheral nerve regeneration and some form of neuromodulation. Studies reporting in vivo highlights were subject to a risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The results of 52 studies indicate that neuromodulation enhances natural peripheral nerve regeneration processes, but still requires other interventions (e.g., conduits) to control the direction of reinnervation. Additional human studies are warranted to verify the applicability of animal studies and to determine how neuromodulation can be optimized for the greatest functional restoration.
Beaver Dams and Fallen Trees as Ecological Corridors Allowing Movements of Mammals across Water Barriers—A Case Study with the Application of Novel Substrate for Tracking Tunnels

Simple Summary To cross barriers in their habitats, animals often use specific corridors, and some of them may be created by other species, such as beavers (Castor canadensis and Castor fiber). Their dams on rivers may act as bridges for land mammals, but their importance is largely unknown. We investigated the function of beaver dams using tracking tunnels with kinetic sand to collect animal tracks. We assessed its suitability for this purpose since it has never been used as a tracking medium before. We placed those tunnels on dams, fallen trees (logs), and floating rafts and found that kinetic sand perfectly preserved the tracks of small carnivores, allowing easy identification, whereas shrews and rodents smaller than rats could only be detected but not recognised. The highest activity of mammals was observed on dams, as they may provide shelter, which allows safe travel and even residence. A slightly higher diversity was found on logs due to the visits of carnivores, which prefer leaving their scats in exposed places as markings. Our results reveal another function of the beaver as a creator of habitats for other animals and provide a novel tool for monitoring mammal activity. Abstract Physical obstacles within animal habitats create barriers to individual movements. To cross those barriers, specific corridors are used, some of them created by keystone species such as Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber). Their dams on rivers may also increase habitat connectivity for terrestrial mammals, but the significance of that function has never been quantified. To investigate this, we placed tracking tunnels on beaver dams, fallen trees, and—as a control—on floating rafts. Additionally, we tested kinetic sand as a novel substrate for collecting tracks and found the paws of small mustelids precisely imprinted in that medium, allowing easy identification. However, we needed to lump all shrews and rodents smaller than water voles (Arvicola amphibius) into one category as they can only be detected but not identified. The highest mammalian activity was observed on dams, as they may provide shelter, offering protection from predators during a river crossing or permanent residence, and even the opportunity to hunt invertebrates. Slightly higher diversity was found on logs because of a higher proportion of mustelids, which select exposed locations for scent marking. Our results increase our body of knowledge about the beaver as an ecosystem engineer and provide a novel tool for the monitoring of mammal activity.
Diversity in Socioecological Niches in the Andes (DISENIA): an isotope-based project

Abstract This new project studies the diversity of socioecological niches across the agropastoral transition in the Andes, utilising a multi-isotope approach to track human territories and allocate subsistence tasks. During the agropastoral period, we discriminate different diachronic niches with varying extents of maize farming and altitudinal mobility.
Mixed Edge Activators in Ibuprofen-Loaded Transfersomes: An Innovative Optimization Strategy Using Box–Behnken Factorial Design

Transfersomes have been highlighted as an interesting nanotechnology-based approach to facilitate the skin delivery of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, the properties of these nanosystems still need to be improved to enable knowledge transfer to the pharmaceutical industry and the development of more efficacious topical medicines. Quality-by-design strategies, such as Box–Behnken factorial design (BBD), are in line with the current need to use sustainable processes to develop new formulations. Thus, this work aimed at optimizing the physicochemical properties of transfersomes for cutaneous applications, by applying a BBD strategy to incorporate mixed edge activators with opposing hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB). Tween® 80 and Span® 80 were used as edge activators and ibuprofen sodium salt (IBU) was selected as the model drug. After the initial screening of the IBU solubility in aqueous media, a BBD protocol was implemented, and the optimized formulation displayed appropriate physicochemical properties for skin delivery. By comparing the optimized transfersomes to equivalent liposomes, the incorporation of mixed edge activators was found to be beneficial to upgrade the storage stability of the nanosystems. Furthermore, their cytocompatibility was shown by cell viability studies using 3D HaCaT cultures. Altogether, the data herein bode well for future advances in the use of mixed edge activators in transfersomes for the management of skin conditions.
Observational characteristics of atmospheric fluctuations with a time scale of a month

The time series of 500 mb heights and 1,000-500 mb thickness at a network of points over the Northern Hemisphere are filtered in a way which extracts those disturbances with periods in the range 15 to 60 days. Such disturbances are shown to have a maximum amplitude in latitudes 60 to 70 degrees north and be strongly influenced geographically. They are closely linked to the phenomenon of blocking.
Thermal modeling of the active Centaur P/2004 A1 (LONEOS)

Context. The Centaurs are a dynamical class of minor bodies in the Solar System, moving on chaotic orbits with perihelion lying between Jupiter and Neptune orbits. P/2004 A1 (LONEOS) is a recently discovered object belonging to this class, observed at the TNG telescope in La Palma (Canary Islands) when it was at the heliocentric distance Rh of 5.54 AU, but it already displayed a welldeveloped coma and a long, sharp tail-like structure. Aims. We want to investigate whether it is possible to explain the strong activity of this body in terms of the usual sublimation mechanisms. Methods. We simulated the thermal evolution of LONEOS using a nucleus thermal evolution and differentiation model and took into account that it is being injected for the first time on an inner orbit as a consequence of a close encounter with Saturn experienced in 1992. Results. We show that, considering its peculiar dynamical history, it is possible to explain the activity of this Centaur with the sublimation of very volatile ices.
Elemental Composition and Implications on Brown Rice Flour Biofortified with Selenium

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most economically and socially important cereals in the world. Several strategies such as biofortification have been developed in a way eco-friendly and sustainable to enhance crop productivity. This study implemented an agronomic itinerary in Ariete and Ceres rice varieties in experimental fields using the foliar application of selenium (Se) to increase rice nutritional value. At strategic phases of the plant’s development (at the end of booting, anthesis, and at the milky grain stage), they were sprayed with sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). In the first foliar application plants were sprayed with 500 g Se·ha−1 and in the remaining two foliar applications were sprayed with 300 g Se·ha−1. The effects of Se in the level of micro and macronutrients in brown grains, the localization of Se in these grains, and the subsequent quality parameters such as colorimetric characteristics and total protein were considered. After grain harvesting, the application of selenite showed the highest enrichment in all grain with levels reaching 17.06 µg g−1 Se and 14.28 µg g−1 Se in Ariete and Ceres varieties, respectively. In the Ceres and Ariete varieties, biofortification significantly affected the K and P contents. Regarding Ca, a clear trend prevailed suggesting that Se antagonizes the uptake of it, while for the remaining elements in general (except Mn) no significant differences were noted. Protein content increased with selenite treatment in the Ariete variety but not in Ceres. Therefore, it was possible to conclude, without compromising quality, that there was an increase in the nutritional content of Se in brown rice grain.
Toward a coherent framework for the control of planar biped locomotion

Planar, underactuated, biped walkers form an important domain of application for hybrid dynamical systems. This dissertation presents the design of controllers that induce exponentially stable dynamic walking for general planar biped robots that have one degree of freedom greater than the number of available actuators during the single support phase. The within-step control action creates an attracting invariant set—a two-dimensional zero dynamics submanifold of the full hybrid model—whose restriction dynamics admits a scalar linear time invariant return map. Exponentially stable periodic orbits of the zero dynamics correspond to exponentially stabilizable orbits of the full model. Thus, walking controllers may be designed via the two-dimensional zero dynamics. A convenient parameterization of the hybrid zero dynamics is imposed through the choice of a class of output functions. Parameter optimization is used to tune the hybrid zero dynamics in order to achieve closed-loop, exponentially stable walking with low energy consumption, while meeting natural kinematic and dynamic constraints. Two additional control features are developed: (1) the ability to compose controllers that induce walking at a, fixed average walking rate to obtain walking at several, discrete average walking rates with guaranteed stability during the transitions; and (2) the ability to regulate the average walking rate to a continuum of values. The general theory developed in the dissertation is experimentally verified on a five-link prototype walker, consisting of a torso and two legs with knees.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in the soil-plant nexus: Sources, uptake, and toxicity

Abstract The agricultural sector is increasingly dependent upon the use of plastic products to enhance productivity. In addition to many incidental inputs, plastic fragments are progressively accumulating in soil following the degradation of plastic products. Microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, <1 µm) in agricultural soils have caused substantial concerns recently. The insidious interactions between plants, soil, and MPs/NPs in the agricultural environment could affect soil health, crop productivity, and threaten food safety and human health. Importantly, finer NPs can be taken up by plants, induce oxidative stress and negatively affect plant growth. Even though interactions of MPs/NPs with plants in the plant-soil nexus have been reported, a comprehensive review of the state of knowledge is lacking, which hinders continued progress in this emerging field. This review aims to fill the gap by extensively summarizing MPs/NPs sources in agriculture, techniques to investigate, impact on soil properties and accumulation in the plants. The synergistic effect of organic and inorganic co-contaminants and MPs/NPs are highlighted due to the widespread presence of these chemicals in agricultural soils. This review also presented possible mechanisms of MPs/NPs phytotoxicity. Although new information is emerging there is a paucity of data on the fate and impact of MPs/NPs in the plant-soil nexus. More efforts are needed to elucidate the fate and impact of MPs/NPs in agricultural soils to gain a deeper understanding of their health and safety implications. Graphical abstract
Electronic specific heat of two-band layered superconductors: Analysis within the generalized two-band α model

The generalized two-band \ensuremath{\alpha} model of superconductivity is consistently developed by taking into account the interband electron-phonon interaction. The model is applied to calculate the electronic contribution to the specific heat, superconducting gaps, and electron-phonon coupling constants of the multiband layered superconductors MgB${}_{2}$ and Ba(Fe${}_{0.925}$Co${}_{0.075}$)${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$. For both compounds, the energy gaps and electron-phonon coupling constants are determined, and the temperature behavior of the specific heat is obtained that describes the experimental data well. It is shown that the well-known two-band \ensuremath{\alpha} model that assumes independent bands is formally valid only in the case of relatively strong interband scattering in the band with a smaller gap.
Book reviews: Mathematics and democracy: the case for quantitative literacy

The goal of the National Council on Education and the Disciplines (NCED) is to advance a vision that will unify and guide efforts to strengthen K–16 education in the United States. In pursuing this aim, NCED especially focuses on the continuity and quality of learning in the later years of high school and the early years of college. From its home at The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, NCED draws on the energy and expertise of scholars and educators in the disciplines to address the school–college continuum. At the heart of its work is a national reexamination of the core literacies—quantitative, scientific, historical, and communicative— that are essential to the coherent, forward-looking education all students deserve. Founded in 1945, the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement of excellence in education through the identification of critical needs and the development of effective national programs to address them. This combination of analysis and translation into action is the Foundation's unique contribution. Its programs include fellowships for graduate study, professional development for teachers, educational opportunities for women and minorities, relating the academy to society, and national service.
Prescription Patterns of New Use of Fixed-Dose Combination Inhalers in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Long-Acting β2 Agonists Plus Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists versus Long-Acting β2 Agonists Plus Inhaled Corticosteroids

Background The clinical guideline recommends use of long-acting β2 agonists/long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LABA/LAMA) or long-acting β2 agonists/inhaled corticosteroids (LABA/ICS) combination therapies for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The fixed-dose combination (FDC) inhalers of LABA/LAMA and LABA/ICS were reimbursed in Taiwan in 2015 and in 2002, respectively. This study aimed to examine prescription patterns of new use of either FDC therapy in real-world practice. Methods We identified COPD patients who initiated LABA/LAMA FDC or LABA/ICS FDC between 2015 and 2018 from a population-based Taiwanese database with 2 million, randomly sampled beneficiaries enrolled in a single-payer health insurance system. We compared number of LABA/LAMA FDC and LABA/ICS FDC initiators in each calendar year, from different hospital accreditation levels, and cared for by different physician specialties. We also compared baseline patient characteristics between LABA/LAMA FDC and LABA/ICS FDC initiators. Results A total of 12,455 COPD patients who initiated LABA/LAMA FDC (n=4019) or LABA/ICS FDC (n=8436) were included. Number of LABA/LAMA FDC initiators increased apparently (n=336 in 2015 versus n=1436 in 2018), but number of LABA/ICS FDC initiators decreased obviously (n=2416 in 2015 versus n=1793 in 2018) over time. The preference of use of LABA/LAMA FDC varied across clinical environments. The proportions of LABA/LAMA FDC initiators were more than 30% in the setting of non-primary care clinics (eg, medical centers) and in the services of chest physicians; but were only less than 10% in primary care clinics and non-chest physicians’ services (eg, family medicine physicians). LABA/LAMA FDC initiators appeared to be older, male, to have more comorbidities, and to utilize resources more frequently compared to LABA/ICS FDC initiators. Conclusion This real-world study found evident temporal trends, variations in healthcare provider, and differences in patient characteristics among COPD patients who initiated LABA/LAMA FDC or LABA/ICS FDC.
Factors associated with hypertension among diabetic patients in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2021: case-control study

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in diabetic patients is nearly twice that of non-diabetic patients. The presence of both hypertension and diabetes accelerates complications and raises the risk of death. Thus, identifying determinants of hypertension in diabetic patients is critical for preventing the development of devastating acute and chronic complications, as well as diabetes-related death. Methods and materials: A case-control study was carried out in public hospitals of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. To select study participants, a systematic random sampling technique was used. The KOBO toolbox was used to collect data, which was then exported to the IBM SPSS version 25 software package for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with hypertension in diabetes patients, and variables in the multivariable logistic regression analysis with a P value less than 0.05 were declared significantly associated at a 95% CI. Results: In this study, age greater than or equal to 50 years [adjusted odd ratio (AOR)=4.08, 95% CI (1.41, 11.82)], higher body mass index [AOR=3.23, 95% CI (1.40, 7.66)], and higher waist to hip ratio [AOR=2.15, 95% CI (1.12, 4.13)] were significantly associated with hypertension in diabetic patients. Conclusions: This study found that factors associated with hypertension among diabetic patients included older age (>50 years), a high waait to st#to#hip ratio, and a higher body mass index. The concerned health authorities and healthcare providers in the study area should focus on those identified factors to prevent hypertension among diabetic patients.
The GEWEX Water Vapor Assessment: Results from Intercomparison, Trend, and Homogeneity Analysis of Total Column Water Vapor

AbstractThe Global Energy and Water Cycle Exchanges project (GEWEX) water vapor assessment’s (G-VAP) main objective is to analyze and explain strengths and weaknesses of satellite-based data records of water vapor through intercomparisons and comparisons with ground-based data. G-VAP results from the intercomparison of six total column water vapor (TCWV) data records are presented. Prior to the intercomparison, the data records were regridded to a common regular grid of 2° × 2° longitude–latitude. All data records cover a common period from 1988 to 2008. The intercomparison is complemented by an analysis of trend estimates, which was applied as a tool to identify issues in the data records. It was observed that the trends over global ice-free oceans are generally different among the different data records. Most of these differences are statistically significant. Distinct spatial features are evident in maps of differences in trend estimates, which largely coincide with maxima in standard deviations from t.
Feeding Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma to Pigs Reduces African Swine Fever Virus Load in Infected Pigs and Delays Virus Transmission—Study 1

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of feeding spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) to pigs infected with African swine fever virus (ASFV). Two groups of twelve weaned pigs each were fed with CONVENTIONAL or 8% SDPP enriched diets. Two pigs (trojans)/group) were injected intramuscularly with the pandemic ASFV (Georgia 2007/01) and comingled with the rest of the pigs (1:5 trojan:naïve ratio) to simulate a natural route of transmission. Trojans developed ASF and died within the first week after inoculation, but contact pigs did not develop ASF, viremia, or seroconversion. Therefore, three more trojans per group were introduced to optimize the ASFV transmission (1:2 trojan:naïve ratio). Blood, nasal, and rectal swabs were weekly harvested, and at end of the study ASFV-target organs collected. After the second exposure, rectal temperature of conventionally fed contact pigs increased >40.5 °C while fever was delayed in the SDPP contact pigs. Additionally, PCR Ct values in blood, secretions, and tissue samples were significantly lower (p < 0.05) for CONVENTIONAL compared to SDPP contact pigs. Under these study conditions, contact exposed pigs fed SDPP had delayed ASFV transmission and reduced virus load, likely by enhanced specific T-cell priming after the first ASFV-exposure.
Quantitative Analysis of Diffusion Properties of White Matter Fiber Tracts: A Validation Study

Introduction: White matter fiber bundles of the human brain form a spatial pattern defined by the anatomical and functional architecture. We have developed an integrated set of tools for novel analysis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) that is complementary to regionand voxel-based processing. Using the new methods, statistical analysis of diffusion properties of specific fasciculi of interest can be performed along tracts which form geodesic curves in 3D space. Such complex regions are otherwise not accessible by user-defined region of interest (ROI) analysis. Fiber tracts of interest are extracted from DTI tensor data using existing tractography. The resulting sets of streamlines are further processed by modeling white matter tracts via streamline clustering and arc-length parametrization. Finally, we calculate statistics of diffusion tensor properties within cross-sections and along tracts. A major concern of clinical research is reliability and reproducibility of procedures. We present a validation study of our novel processing based on 6 repeated DTI scans of the same subject, with slight change of head position. An average DTI is calculated by averaging all 6 scans after rigid body alignment. Tensor properties including FA, ADC, and the three eigenvalues λ1, λ2, λ3, are compared. The analysis is applied to 3 callosal bundles and the uncinate fasciculus, but only one callosal bundle is used for illustration below.