Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of acteoside on the expressions of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 in the diabetic nephropathy mice

Objective: Immune inflammatory cells and cytokines play an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Acteoside has been reported to regulate the inflammation and immune response. The study aims to investigate the effects of acteoside on the expressions of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 on nephropathy in diabetic mice. Methods: C57BL/6J mice in the model group were given a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (150 mg/kg). Model mice were divided randomly into two groups: 5 without treatment, 5 treated with acteoside. After continuous administration for 8 weeks, serum, urine, and kidney tissue were collected, then, ralated biochemical parameters, pathological characteristics and MCP-1 and TGF-β1 mRNA or protein were detected. The NRK-52E cells were divided into three groups as follows: the normal control group (NC group), the high glucose group (HS group), the high glucose+acteoside group (HS+ACT group). The expressions of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 in the mRNA and protein levels were assessed with RT-PCR, western blot and ELISA. Results: The expressions of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 were significantly enhanced in DN group and dramatically reduced after acteoside treatment. Compared with those in NC group, the expressions of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 in NRK-52E cell of HS group were significantly enhanced, while both were significantly decreased in HS+ACT group compared with HS group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Acteoside has protective effects on DN via inhibiting the expressions of MCP-1 and TGF-β1.
Narrowly defined taxa on a global scale: The phylogeny and taxonomy of the genera Catriona and Tenellia (Nudibranchia, Trinchesiidae) favours fine‐scale taxonomic differentiation and dissolution of the “lumpers & splitters” dilemma

By applying morphological and molecular data on two genera of the nudibranch molluscs it is shown that the tension between taxonomic practice and evolutionary processes persists. A review of the related genera Catriona and Tenellia is used to demonstrate that the fine‐scale taxonomic differentiation is an important tool in the integration of morphological and molecular data. This is highlighted by the hidden species problem and provides strong argument that the genus must be kept as a maximally narrowly‐defined entity. Otherwise, we are forced to compare a highly disparate species under the putatively lumped name “Tenellia”. We demonstrate this in the present study by applying a suite of delimitation methods and describing a new species of Tenellia from the Baltic Sea. The new species possesses fine‐scale morphological distinguishing features, which were not investigated before. The true, narrowly defined genus Tenellia represents a peculiar taxon with a clearly expressed paedomorphic characters and predominantly brackish‐water habitats. The phylogenetically related genus Catriona, of which three new species are described here, clearly demonstrates different features. A lumping decision to call many morphologically and evolutionary different taxa as “Tenellia” will downgrade the taxonomic and phylogenetic resolution of the entire family Trinchesiidae to just a single genus. The dissolution of the dilemma of “lumpers & splitters”, which still significantly affects taxonomy, will further help to make systematics a true evolutionary discipline.
Depression, anxiety, and insomnia among Peruvian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the frequency of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and their respective associated factors in students of Peruvian universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Students from 15 Peruvian universities (Private universities: 10, public universities: 5) participated, 72.3% located in Lima city, and the remaining fraction located in other cities of the country. The evaluation of depression, anxiety, and insomnia was performed with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), “Generalized anxiety disorder” (GAD-7), and “Insomnia Severity Index” (ISI), respectively. Data collection was carried out from June to September 2021. Results: A total of 792 students with a median age of 22 years (Q3=23, Q1=21) participated. Of the sample, 58% (n=459) presented depression, 52.7% (n=417) anxiety, and 47.1% (n=373) presented insomnia. Female students had a higher risk for the development of symptoms of depression (ORa=1.55, CI9%: 1.16-2.08), anxiety (ORa=1.90, CI95%: 1.42-2.55), and insomnia (ORa=1.42, CI95%: 1.06-1.92). The presence of a history of any medical illness was associated with a higher risk of depression (ORa=1.78, CI95%: 1.22-2.60), anxiety (ORa=1.82, CI95%: 1.26-2.63), and insomnia (ORa=1.79, CI95 %:1.24-2.58).
Assessment of Bearing Heat Generation Prediction by the Program ADORE With Respect to Experimental Results and SHABERTH Predictions

This work details the heat generation analysis of a turbine aero-engine main-shaft bearing using the computer program Advanced Dynamics Of Rolling Elements (ADORE). The empirical models used for traction and churning heat generation are detailed. The predictions of ADORE are shown to demonstrate the differing contributions of traction and churning to total heat generation at different load/speed regimes. These results are then compared with experimental results. In addition, the results of ADORE are also compared with results from the well-known bearing analysis program SHABERTH (Shaft Bearing Thermal Analysis). The comparisons showed good agreement between ADORE and the experimental results for loads between 13.35 and 53.40 kN and speeds between 1.8 and 2.2 MDN. The results also showed under prediction of heat generation by SHABERTH in this regime. Limitations of both programs were identified and speculated to include limitations in the empirical models due to the lack of available experimental traction data at high speeds/loads. Finally, recommendations for future research are provided which will likely provide significant improvements in the ability to predict bearing heat generation in turbine aero-engine applications. © 2017 ASME
Accelerated Aging in Cyclophilin B–Deficient Mice Downstream of p21‐Cip1/Waf1

Loss of bone mass and strength is a common problem of advanced age in humans. Defective bone is also a primary finding in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic condition most commonly caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the type I collagen genes. Although altered collagen has been proposed to correlate with cellular processes that underlie aging, the causal relationships between them in vivo have not yet been completely explored. Whether aging plays a promoting role in OI development or whether OI contributes to aging, also remains unknown. The PpiB gene encodes cyclophilin B (CypB), a prolyl isomerase residing in the endoplasmic reticulum required for normal assembly of collagen. Germline deletion or mutations of CypB in mice or humans cause autosomal recessive OI (type IX). Here, we show that mice lacking CypB develop early onset of aging‐associated phenotypes, including kyphosis, fat reduction and weight loss, as well as abnormal teeth, skin, and muscle. Elevated senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐Gal) activity was observed in fat tissues and in bone marrow–derived multipotent stromal cells. Protein levels of the cyclin‐dependent kinase (cdk)‐inhibitor p21‐Cip1/Waf1, a well known senescence marker, were significantly elevated in CypB‐deficient primary cells and mouse tissues. Importantly, loss of p21 in CypB knockout mice attenuated SA‐β‐Gal activity and delayed the development of kyphosis. In addition, less adipose tissue depot and higher SA‐β‐Gal activity were observed in a second OI model, Cola2oim mutant mice. A potential upregulation of p21 was also revealed in a limited number of these mice. These findings suggest that some of the features in OI patients may be mediated in part through activation of the p21‐dependent pathway, one of which is closely associated with senescence and aging. This study provides new mechanistic insight into relationships between OI and aging and raises the possibility of using senolytics drugs to treat OI in the future. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A new method to predict the in-hospital outcome of multi-trauma patients: R-GAP

Objective: Awareness of the severity of trauma and the outcome of patients can help physicians decide how long to treat patients. The objective of this study is to design a new score (R-GAP: Revised-GCS, Age, Pressure) for multi-trauma patients and determine its predictive value concerning in-hospital outcome of these patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in the emergency ward of Imam Reza (AS) and Shohada hospitals (referral centers for trauma patients) affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from 2019 to 2020. The sample size of this study was estimated to be 2000 people. Required information was collected and the final diagnosis of the patients was recorded. The hospital outcome was recorded at the time of discharge. Patients’ outcome was also recorded using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) system. Based on the obtained data, GAP, R-GAP, new trauma score (NTS) scores were also collected and their results were compared with the designed model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression were used to analyze the predictive value of the scores. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 34.09 (± 15.23) years. The highest outcome of patients based on the GOS system was recovery, moderate disability, and severe disability with 1309 cases (54.9%), 743 cases (31.2%), and 212 cases (8.9%), respectively. The mean of GAP, R-GAP, and NTS scores were 21.83 (± 3.1), 21.47 (± 3.4), and 21.27 (± 3.3), respectively. The intensity of GAP, R-GAP, and NTS in most subjects was low with 2143 cases (89.9%), 1994 cases (83.6%), and 2138 cases (89.7%). Among the significant variables included in the regression model, O2sat, primary GCS, GAP, R-GAP, and NTS with modulation on other variables, significantly equalized the mortality chance by 0.416, 0.622, 0.595, 0.601, 0.637, respectively (P value<0.001). Conclusion: According to the study results, it seems that GAP, R-GAP, and NTS respectively, have the highest strength of predictive value in the survival of patients with multiple traumas. It is suggested that a comprehensive study be conducted to better estimate this issue.
Beyond Human-Centred Design: Supporting a New Materiality in the Internet of Things, or How to Design When a Toaster is One of Your Users

Abstract This paper challenges the assumption that humans should naturally be given primacy over non-human actors in the design process. New technological capabilities are starting to give non-human actors (e.g. networked objects) decision-making ability, thereby allowing for an active form of agency. This move will only grow in sophistication in the future and has the potential to be profoundly disruptive to both the design process and wider society. Using Donald A. Norman’s fundamental characteristics of user-centred design, ideas informing the Internet of Things, and philosophies around New Materialism, this paper argues that the fundamental assumptions that underpin the act of designing need to be reassessed.
Validation of the UK English Oxford cognitive screen-plus in sub-acute and chronic stroke survivors

Introduction: Stroke survivors are routinely screened for cognitive impairment with tools that often fail to detect subtle impairments. The Oxford Cognitive Screen-Plus (OCS-Plus) is a brief tablet-based screen designed to detect subtle post-stroke cognitive impairments. We examined its psychometric properties in two UK English-speaking stroke cohorts (subacute: <3 months post-stroke, chronic: >6 months post-stroke) cross-sectionally. Patients and methods: This study included 347 stroke survivors (mean age = 73 years; mean education = 13 years; 43.06% female; 74.42% ischaemic stroke). The OCS-Plus was completed by 181 sub-acute stroke survivors and 166 chronic stroke survivors. All participants also completed the Oxford Cognitive Screen (OCS) and a subset completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and further neuropsychological tests. Results: First, convergent construct validity of OCS-Plus tasks to task-matched standardized neuropsychological tests was confirmed (r > 0.30). Second, we evaluated divergent construct validity of all OCS-Plus subtasks (r < 0.19). Third, we report the sensitivity and specificity of each OCS-Plus subtask compared to neuropsychological test performance. Fourth, we found that OCS-Plus detected cognitive impairments in a large proportion of those classed as unimpaired on MoCA (100%) and OCS (98.50%). Discussion and conclusion: The OCS-Plus provides a valid screening tool for sensitive detection of subtle cognitive impairment in stroke patients. Indeed, the OCS-Plus detected subtle cognitive impairment at a similar level to validated neuropsychological assessments and exceeded detection of cognitive impairment compared to standard clinical screening tools.
Common Agency Equilibria with Discrete Mechanisms and Discrete Types

This paper characterizes the equilibrium sets of an intrinsic common agency game with discrete types and direct revelation mechanisms. After presenting a general algorithm to find the pure-strategy equilibria of this game, we use it to characterize these equilibria when the two principals control activities which are complements in the agent’s objective function. Some of those equilibria may entail allocative inefficiency. For the case of substitutes, we demonstrate non-existence of such equilibria with direct mechanisms, but existence may be obtained with indirect mechanisms. Finally, we relax the equilibrium concept and analyze quasi-equilibria. We show that existence is then guaranteed and characterize the corresponding allocations.
Theoretical evaluation of the measurement accuracy of fiber Bragg grating strain sensors within randomly filled asphalt mixtures based on finite element simulation

Strain sensor is a crucial component in pavement response monitoring, and its measuring accuracy is vital to the evaluation and prediction of pavement performance. However, measurement variability and biases are unavoidable in nature due to the inherent granular characteristics of the asphalt mixture and the inclusion of the embedded strain sensor, respectively. In this study, a certain amount of 4‐point bending beams, which were filled with random aggregates and asphalt mortar utilizing the finite element method, were constructed to represent the variability of the conventional dense asphalt mixture AC‐13. Fiber Bragg grating sensor models of various lengths, anchor radii, and encapsulating moduli were then inserted into these bending beams to analyze the inclusion effect of the embedded strain sensor. The simulation results illustrated the diverse effects of the different geometries and moduli of embedded sensors on the stress and strain states of the asphalt mixture. From a purely theoretical perspective, a calibration equation was proposed between the theoretical value that represented the equivalent strain of the asphalt mixture and the measured value that was calculated from the sensor model. Multifactor variance analysis and multiple comparison procedure were applied to evaluate the measurement accuracy and to optimize the geometries and moduli of sensors. This research provides a basis for optimizing strain sensors employed in asphalt pavements and offers a novel insight toward the response measurement for granular materials.
Interactive Effect of Grape Seed Nanoparticle Extract and Resistance Training on Antioxidant System Function in Myocardial Infarction Rat Model

Background: The use of herbal supplements and exercise to treat chronic diseases and metabolic disorders is a common practice. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of grape seed nanoparticle extract and resistance training on SOD, MDA, and NRF-1 expression in the myocardial infarction rat model. Methods: In this experimental trial, 25 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) control, (2) MI, (3) RT + MI, (4) GS + MI, and (5) RT + MI + GS. Resistance training was performed for eight weeks and five sessions per week. Also, 150 mg of grape seed extract was gavage daily. One-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test was used to compare groups at the P ≤ 0.05. Results: Resistance training with grape seed significantly increased NRF-1 gene expression (P = 0.001) and SOD (P = 0.01) compared to MI grope. While resistance training with grape seed significantly reduced MDA compared to the MI group (P = 0.01). Conclusions: It seems that resistance training with grape seed consumption has a more positive effect on increasing NRF-1 gene expression and improving the antioxidant system in the heart tissues of rats with myocardial infarction rather than using each alone.
Research and development of weld tracking system based on laser vision

Aiming at the shortcomings of low real-time, low applicability, and low welding precision of automatic welding system, a seam tracking system based on laser vision is designed. Use the laser vision sensor to collect the weld image and transmits it to the industrial control computer for processing. Using a median filter to eliminate noise impacts such as arc and splash. Then, this paper focuses on the combination of an improved image threshold segmentation algorithm is used to solve the optimal threshold to obtain the binary image. And the information of laser stripe and the background are separated, overcomes the problems that the researchers have encountered before, such as the unrecognized global optimal solution, and the inaccuracy of the segmentation caused by system jitter. Finally, combined with the improved upper and lower average method, least square method, and Hough transform, the weld feature points are identified and more ideal real-time weld tracking is realized. The experimental results show that the method can accurately track the weld feature points, and improve the detection speed.
Causal inference for planning randomised critical care trials: Protocol for a scoping review

Randomised clinical trials in critical care are prone to inconclusiveness owing, in part, to undue optimism about effect sizes and suboptimal accounting for heterogeneous treatment effects. Planned predictive enrichment based on secondary critical care data (often very rich with respect to both data types and temporal granularity) and causal inference methods may help overcome these challenges, but no overview exists about their use to this end.
Transformer fault diagnosis based on an improved sine cosine algorithm and BP neural network

The operation state evaluation and fault location of transformer is one of the technical bottlenecks restricting the safe operation of power grid. To improve the accuracy of transformer fault diagnosis, a hybrid intelligent method based on the improved sine cosine algorithm and BP neural network (ISCA-BP) is developed. First, the cloud model is introduced into the sine cosine algorithm (SCA) to determine the conversion parameter of each individual, so as to balance the global search and local exploitation capabilities. After that, six popular benchmark functions are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Finally, on the basis of the dissolved gas analysis technology, the improved SCA algorithm is employed to find the optimal weight and threshold parameters of BP neural network, and the transformer fault classification model is established. Simulation results indicate that the improved SCA algorithm exhibits strong competitiveness. Furthermore, compared with the BP neural network optimized by sine cosine algorithm (SCA-BP) and BP neural network, ISCA-BP method can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of transformer faults. The proposed intelligent method can provide a valuable reference idea for transformer fault classification.
Connectivity impairment of cerebellar and sensorimotor connector hubs in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Cognitive and movement processes involved integration of several large-scale brain networks. Central to these integrative processes are connector hubs, brain regions characterized by strong connections with multiple networks. Growing evidence suggests that many neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders are associated with connector hub dysfunctions. Using a network metric called functional connectivity overlap ratio, we investigated connector hub alterations in Parkinson’s disease. Resting-state functional MRI data from 99 patients (male/female = 44/55) and 99 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (male/female = 39/60) participating in our cross-sectional study were used in the analysis. We have identified two sets of connector hubs, mainly located in the sensorimotor cortex and cerebellum, with significant connectivity alterations with multiple resting-state networks. Sensorimotor connector hubs have impaired connections primarily with primary processing (sensorimotor, visual), visuospatial, and basal ganglia networks, whereas cerebellar connector hubs have impaired connections with basal ganglia and executive control networks. These connectivity alterations correlated with patients’ motor symptoms. Specifically, values of the functional connectivity overlap ratio of the cerebellar connector hubs were associated with tremor score, whereas that of the sensorimotor connector hubs with postural instability and gait disturbance score, suggesting potential association of each set of connector hubs with the disorder’s two predominant forms, the akinesia/rigidity and resting tremor subtypes. In addition, values of the functional connectivity overlap ratio of the sensorimotor connector hubs were highly predictive in classifying patients from controls with an accuracy of 75.76%. These findings suggest that, together with the basal ganglia, cerebellar and sensorimotor connector hubs are significantly involved in Parkinson’s disease with their connectivity dysfunction potentially driving the clinical manifestations typically observed in this disorder.
A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF SUB-FAMILY PANICOIDEAE OF GRASSES IN ROHILKHAND REGION OF UTTER PRADESH INDIA

Rohilkhand region is a part of north-west Uttar Pradesh where grasses are found wild as well as in cultivated state. During the investigation 86 grass species under 4 tribes of sub-family Panicoideae were recorded from different climatic conditions. Tribe Paniceae showed maximum representation of grass species with 45. Two tribes namely Arundinelleae and Paspaleae are poorly represented in the study area.
Psychosocial Functioning and Occupational Participation among Adolescent Children of Parents with Mental Illness: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract There is limited focus on children of parents with mental illness (COPMI). This study explored the psychosocial functioning and occupational participation of COPMI. We used a mixed methods study design where parents’ perceptions about the adolescent’s psychosocial functioning were measured quantitatively, followed by qualitative interviews with some of the adolescents. Results indicated close to average levels of psychosocial functioning among the adolescents while the qualitative findings suggested some issues related to their emotional well-being. Limitations of this study include fewer participants and psychosocial functioning of the adolescents being measured through parents’ perceptions.