Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Alterations in Old Mice Are Associated with Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Induced Toll-like Receptor 2 and 4 Signaling in Different Brain Regions

Emerging evidence implicate the ‘microbiota–gut–brain axis’ in cognitive aging and neuroinflammation; however, underlying mechanisms still remain to be elucidated. Here, we assessed if potential alterations in intestinal barrier function and microbiota composition as well as levels of two key pattern-recognition receptors namely Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4, in blood and different brain regions, and depending signaling cascades are paralleling aging associated alterations of cognition in healthy aging mice. Cognitive function was assessed in the Y-maze and intestinal and brain tissue and blood were collected in young (4 months old) and old (24 months old) male C57BL/6 mice to determine intestinal microbiota composition by Illumina amplicon sequencing, the concentration of TLR2 and TLR4 ligands in plasma and brain tissue as well as to determine markers of intestinal barrier function, senescence and TLR2 and TLR4 signaling. Cognitive function was significantly impaired in old mice. Also, in old mice, intestinal microbiota composition was significantly altered, while the relative abundance of Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria in the small and large intestines at different ages was not altered. Moreover, intestinal barrier function was impaired in small intestine of old mice, and the levels of TLR2 and TLR4 ligands were also significantly higher in both portal and peripheral blood. Furthermore, levels of TLR2 and TLR4 ligands, and downstream markers of TLR signaling were higher in the hippocampal and prefrontal cortex of old mice compared to young animals. Taken together, our results suggest that even in ‘healthy’ aging, cognitive function is impaired in mice going along with an increased intestinal translocation of TLR ligands and alterations of TLR signaling in several brain regions.
Risk Factors Associated with Loss to Follow-up Among Transgender Women Receiving HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in Chiang Mai province, Thailand

Although HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is free in Thailand, many transgender women discontinue taking it after initiation. We determined the loss to follow-up (LTFU) rate of transgender women who initiated PrEP at the Mplus Foundation, Chiang Mai, Thailand, and identified associated risk factors using Cox proportional hazard models. Of 235 partici pants who initiated PrEP, 59 (55%) out of 108 remaining participants had reactive syphilis. The LTFU rate at 6 months was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29–48%). Multivariable analysis indicates that LTFU is independently associated with age ≥ 26 years old (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.06–4.14) and reactive syphilis (aHR = 1.98; 95% CI:1.01–3.88). Delayed appointment scheduling by the PrEP providers and the syphilis clinic was associated with trans gender women having reactive syphilis, and the lockdown policy during the COVID-19 pandemic might have influenced them to discontinue PrEP and their subsequent LTFU.
The Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN) for Support of Ecological and Biological Assessments

The Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN) is an integrated network of real-time water-level monitoring, ground-elevation modeling, and water-surface modeling that provides scientists and managers with current (1999present), on-line water-depth information for the entire freshwater portion of the Greater Everglades. Presented on a 400-square-meter grid spacing, EDEN offers a consistent and documented dataset that can be used by scientists and managers to: (1) guide large-scale field operations, (2) integrate hydrologic and ecological responses, and (3) support biological and ecological assessments that measure ecosystem responses to the implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1999). The target users are biologists and ecologists examining trophic level responses to hydrodynamic changes in the Everglades.
Performance Analysis of NOMA System using Fair Power Allocation Policy

This work addresses the problem of fair power allocation policy in non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system. NOMA is the multiple access (MA) scheme where data corresponding to multiple users are superimposed at the base station (BS). Data decoding at each user is done by employing successive interference cancellation (SIC) strategy. The transmission of multiple users’ data over the same carrier enables to get a better bandwidth efficiency and high achievable capacity, which are the fundamental requirements in 5G communications and beyond. Conventionally, power allocation in NOMA is done based on channel conditions of the corresponding users. Users with weak channel conditions are allocated more power as compared to users with good channel conditions. Hence, to address the fairness, we have proposed a fair power allocation scheme. The proposed low complexity iterative algorithm is developed based on the maximization of the rate of the user with worst channel condition. Simulation results shows the significant improvement in minimum achievable rate as compared to conventional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) scheme for different number of users.
Potassium-Argon Dating: Principles, Techniques and Applications to Geochronology

Since 1905, when Rutherford first suggested that the trans formation rates of radioactive nuclides might be used to determine the ages of rocks and minerals, nearly every naturally occurring radioisotope has been investigated for its possible use in geological age measurement. That the effort has been worthwhile is attested by the wide variety of radioactive dating methods now available to earth scientists. Of these, probably none has awider range of applicability or has proven more useful th an the potassium-argon method. Although first suggested as a geological clock about thirty years ago, the potassium-argon method has been in more or less routine use in geology for little more than a decade. Nevertheless, the growth of potassium-argon dating has been phenomenal, and in spite of its relative youth the technique is now widely used. Today literally thousands of potassium-argon age measurements are made each year by more than fifty laboratories through-out the world. More than ever, the earth scientist needs to understand the principles, the fundamental assumptions, the limitations, and the potential uses of this important method. This book is an outgrowth of apamphlet entitled Potassium-Argon Dating: A Summary of Principles and Techniques, written in 1965 and circulated within the Geologic Division of the U.S. Geological Survey. The pamphlet was written in response to requests from a number of our colleagues who desired to increase their knowledge of potassium-argon dating. What they needed was a brief and simple explanation of the principles and techniques of potassium-argon dating with emphasis on the practical questions of what the method can and cannot do. The pamphlet was our answer to that need. Since the pamphlet was distributed, we have been repeatedly urged to expand the work into publishable form and to add references, examples, and additional illustrations.
Cell type–specific attenuation of brassinosteroid signaling precedes stomatal asymmetric cell division

Significance Stomata, the gas exchange pores in plant epidermis, are formed by series of cell divisions and cell-fate transitions. Stomatal development is tightly controlled by endogenous and environmental cues. The BIN2 kinase, a key negative regulator of brassinosteroid signaling controls stomatal development, but the role of brassinosteroid hormones remains unclear. Here, through mapping the single-cell transcriptome of stomatal lineage in Arabidopsis after activation of brassinosteroid signaling with either exogenous hormones or the plant-specific BIN2 inhibitor, bikinin, we showed that the scaffold proteins POLAR and PL1 insulate BIN2 from brassinosteroid-mediated inactivation specifically in stomatal precursors. Our study reveals how different cell types interpret hormonal signals to initiate cell type–specific responses and correct cell patterning.
Evolution mechanism of the low-carbon MgO-based alkali-activated system under different heat-treatment conditions

Magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) gel is the main product of MgO-based alkali-activated system (MAAS). The molecular structure and phase changes of M-S-H gel at different temperatures were characterised. The results showed that the initial MgO:SiO2 affected the Mg:Si ratio and the binding water content of M-S-H gel. With the decrease of Mg:Si ratio, the proportion of structural water in the gel decreases. Compared with structured water, the change of free water can more accurately characterise the content of M-S-H gel in the system. Below 600°C, the molecular structure and phase composition are relatively stable. When the temperature reached 1000°C, M-S-H gel transfers from amorphous phase to crystallized phase. The study characterised the evolution of MASS under different heat treatment conditions.
COVID-19 in 16 West African Countries: An Assessment of the Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 after Four Epidemic Waves

ABSTRACT. West Africa faced the COVID-19 pandemic in early March 2020 and, as of March 31, 2022, had more than 900,000 confirmed cases and more than 12,000 deaths. During this period, SARS-CoV-2 genomes evolved genetically, resulting in the emergence of distinct lineages. This review was conducted to provide the epidemiological profile of COVID-19, the mutational profile of SARS-CoV-2, and the dynamics of its lineages in the 16 west African countries by analyzing data from 33 studies and seven situation reports. For a more complete representation of the epidemiology and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, we used reliable public data in addition to eligible studies. As of March 31, 2022, the 16 west African countries experienced four epidemic waves with variable intensities. Higher mortality was noted during the third wave with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.9%. After these four epidemic waves, Liberia recorded the highest CFR (4.0%), whereas Benin had the lowest CFR (0.6%). Through mutational analysis, a high genetic heterogeneity of the genomes was observed, with a predominance of mutations in the spike protein. From this high mutational rate, different lineages emerged. Our analysis of the evolutionary diversity allowed us to count 205 lineages circulating in west Africa. This study has provided a good representation of the mutational profile and the prevalence of SARS CoV-2 lineages beyond the knowledge of the global epidemiology of the 16 African countries.
Advances in Treatment and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cohort Study of Older Adult Survivors of Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether there are differences in the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of older adult survivors of breast cancer (BC) diagnosed in different time periods and to gain insight into whether advances in BC treatment have improved HRQOL. SAMPLE & SETTING Three cohorts of older adult survivors of BC diagnosed before 1995, from 1996 to 2005, and from 2006 to 2015 were examined using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey linked databases. METHODS & VARIABLES HRQOL was measured using the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey. Mean cohort HRQOL scores were compared using analysis of variance, then multivariate regression models were used to examine the effects of cohort membership and covariates on mental and physical HRQOL. RESULTS Adjusted mean HRQOL scores trended significantly lower with each successive cohort. Higher comorbidity count and increased functional limitations were negatively associated with HRQOL, and income, education level, and better general health perceptions were positively associated with HRQOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Regardless of time since diagnosis, older survivors of BC are at risk for poor HRQOL and should be regularly assessed. Maximizing HRQOL requires consideration of the survivor's resources, comorbidities, and functional limitations when planning care.
Oblique Impact-induced (Shock-related) Shearing and Frictional Melting in Pultusk (H5) Chondrite

Introduction: The Pultusk metorite fell in January 1868 in Poland. It is classified as an H5 ordinary chondrite, however displays a brecciated texture with H4 and H5 clasts [e.g. 1]. It represents shock stage S3 in shock classification [2], based on deformation of olivine crystals, occurrences of opaque veins, and rarely connected melt pockets. Many specimens have discernible dark and light clasts. Darkening may result from dispersion of the metals and sulfides due to shock processes [3] or due to high strain–rate shear deformation [4, 5, 6]. Based on optical microscopy and high–resolution X –ray computed tomographic (CT) images, deformation of meteorite in vicinity of darkened zone was investigated
Robust $H_{\infty }$ Control for T–S Fuzzy Systems With State and Input Time-Varying Delays via Delay-Product-Type Functional Method

This paper investigates the problem of robust <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$</tex-math></inline-formula> control for a class of nonlinear systems with state and input time-varying delays. The nonlinearity is presented by a continuous-time Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model with parameter uncertainties. A sufficient asymptotic stability condition is first proposed by constructing a delay-product-type augmented Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and utilizing an extended reciprocally convex matrix inequality together with a Wirtinger-based integral inequality. Then, a state feedback controller is derived that guarantees the closed-loop fuzzy system being asymptotically stable with an <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$</tex-math></inline-formula> performance index. Finally, four numerical examples are given to reveal the effectiveness and merits of the developed new design techniques.
Jounce Bumper Modelling Using Finite Element Analysis

Jounce bumpers act as suspension limiters during impact. They prevent the suspension from getting into kinematic singularity situation during shock impacts due to potholes, curbs, and debris on the road. A Jounce bumper is manufactured of hyperplastic materials to make use of the viscoelasticity characteristics allowing it to be a better absorber that minimizes transmitted forces to the vehicle body for failure prevention. Therefore, it is essential to create accurate models for reliable and practical bumpers testing and design optimization before manufacturing. In this work, we will provide a modelling approach to evaluate the static performance of some traditional jounce bumpers. The model accuracy was evaluated using standard bumper tests and found to have a good agreement.
Energizing Cold Load: Demand After a Full System Outage

It takes power to generate power; this is particularly important after a blackout. For a restoration to be successful following partial or total system outages, a restoration plan must be organized, put into action, and tested as required by reliability organizations. High impact events, such as natural disasters and cyber-attacks, are known to cause outages lasting anywhere from minutes to several days, affecting the electric grid's infrastructure and delaying restoration efforts. Restoring load after a prolonged interruption-generally referred to as cold load pickup-requires additional power which can exceed equipment's rating and restricts grid operators from simultaneously re-energizing the affected area. This paper implements a load model that considers the effects of cold load for synthetic cases to improve the level of detail in modeling black start procedures. A blackstart scenario where cold load effects are considered is compared with a case (baseline) where cold load is not present.
Functional outcome of intramedullary nailing of the femoral shaft fracture

Background & Objective: A common fracture is a femoral shaft fracture. The advantages of intramedullary interlocking nails make them the method of choice for treating femoral shaft fractures. These benefits include a small incision, minimal dissection, decreased rates of infection, nonunion, and malunion, shorter hospital stays and rehabilitation periods, excellent union, rotational stability and length maintenance, rapid recovery, and early weight-bearing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the functional findings from femoral shaft fracture intramedullary nailing. Material and Methods: This was a hospital- based, longitudinal, observational study. All patients with femoral shaft fractures admitted at UCMS-TH, Bhairahawa from the Emergency Department managed surgically from October 2019 to March 2020 were included in the study. Femoral shaft fractures with age ≥ 16 years were included while open fractures (Gustalio and Anderson type 2 and 3), pathological fractures,congenital anomaly of the affected limb, previous fracture of the affected limb were excluded. All the patients were managed surgically and followed for at least 6 months. The outcome was measured by the Thoresen scoring system at the end of 6 months. Results: In this study of 30 cases, the mean age was 30.47 years, male and female ratio of 2:1, the left side was affected in 18 cases, RTA was the most common mode of injury. Most of the cases were Winquist and Hansen type 2 and AO type 32B. In the majority of the cases, 27 cases (90%) had no complication while superficial infection in 2 cases and shortening was seen in 1 case. We found excellent results in 86.7% cases, good in 10% cases and fair in 3.3% cases. Conclusion: The excellent functional outcome in terms of alignment and range of motion obtained in this study in the majority of patients makes this technique more reliable. The method of choice for femoral shaft fracture in adults was due to its low complication rate, high incidence of union, shorter hospital stay and early mobility.
Assessment of UAS Photogrammetry and Planet Imagery for Monitoring Water Levels around Railway Tracks

High water levels near railway tracks can be a major factor affecting the safety of train passage. Water conditions near the tracks are normally monitored through visual inspections. However, this method is limited in spatial coverage and may not provide comparable information over time. We evaluated the utility of satellite imagery (Planet Dove constellation at 3 m pixel size) at the landscape level to assess overall water surface area along railway tracks. Comparatively, we evaluated the use of Structure- from-Motion 3D point clouds and high spatial detail orthomosaics (3 cm) generated from a commercial off-the-shelf Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) (DJI M300 RTK) for measuring vertical water level changes and extent of surface water, respectively, within the right-of-way of a railway line in Ontario, Canada, in areas prone to high water level and flooding. Test sites of varied lengths (~180 m to 500 m), were assessed four times between June and October 2021. Our results indicate that the satellite imagery provides a large-scale overview regarding the extent of open water in wetlands at long distances from the railway tracks. Analysis of the UAS derived 3D point cloud indicates that changes in water level can be determined at the centimeter scale. Furthermore, the spatial error (horizontal and vertical alignments) between the multi-temporal UAS data collections between sites was less than 3 cm. Our research highlights the importance of using consistent UAS data collection protocols, and the significant potential of commercial off-the-shelf UAS systems for water level monitoring along railway tracks.
Urban–Rural disparities in status of hypertension in northeast China: a population-based study, 2017–2019

Background To investigate the status of hypertension and related risk factor disparities between urban and rural areas of northeast China. Methods A multi-stage, stratified, and cluster random sampling method was used to conduct the cross-sectional survey in Liaoning Province in 2017–2019. Finally, included 18,796 participants (28.9% urban, 71.1% rural) aged ≥40 years. The prevalence and control rate of hypertension were estimated based on Chinese hypertension guidelines and the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines. Results The mean age of the population was 60.4±9.9 years, and 61.0% were women. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 56.8%. Compared to urban areas, hypertension was more prevalent, but the awareness, treatment, and control rates were lower in rural areas (59.2 vs 50.2, 52.5% vs 47.0%, 46.9% vs 34.9%, and 11.4% vs 3.7%, P<0.001, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis identified that the lack of exercise (odds ratio (OR), 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–1.38) in rural areas, whereas overweight/obesity (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.79–2.27) and alcohol consumption (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01–1.41) in urban areas were specific risk factors for hypertension, besides common risk factors. Under the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, the prevalence of hypertension was 80.6% (urban 76.6%, rural 82.2%), increased 1.4-fold compared with the current Chinese guidelines, with increased rates of 27.9% in urban areas and 25.7% in rural areas. Conclusion A highly diverse prevalence for hypertension was found between urban and rural areas in northeast China. Region-specific strategies targeting the prevention and management of hypertension should be highlighted.
Comparison of Growth Performance and Plasma Metabolomics between Two Sire-Breeds of Pigs in China

The Yorkshire pigs, renowned for their remarkable growth rate, low feed conversion ratio (FCR), and high meat production, emerge as a novel preference for paternal breeding. In this study, we found that purebred paternal Yorkshire pigs (PY) surpass the purebred Duroc breed in terms of growth rate. Specifically, purebred PY attain a weight of 100 kg at an earlier age compared to purebred Duroc (Male, 145.07 vs. 162.91; Female, 145.91 vs. 167.57; p-value < 0.01). Furthermore, different hybrid combinations suggest that offspring involving purebred PY exhibit superior growth performance. Compared with purebred Duroc, the offspring of purebred PY have an earlier age in days (173.23 vs. 183.54; p-value < 0.05) at the same slaughter weight. The changes of plasma metabolites of 60-day-old purebred boars in the two sire-breeds showed that 1335 metabolites in plasma were detected. Compared with Duroc, 28 metabolites were down-regulated and 49 metabolites were up-regulated in PY. Principal component analysis (PCA) discerned notable dissimilarities in plasma metabolites between the two sire-breeds of pigs. The levels of glycerol 3-phosphate choline, cytidine, guanine, and arachidonic acid increased significantly (p-value < 0.05), exerting an impact on their growth and development. According to our results, PY could be a new paternal option as a terminal sire in three-way cross system.