Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Classification of human physical activity based on the raw accelerometry data via spherical coordinate transformation

Human health is strongly associated with person’s lifestyle and levels of physical activity. Therefore, characterization of daily human activity is an important task. Accelerometers have been used to obtain precise measurements of body acceleration. Wearable accelerometers collect data as a three-dimensional time series with frequencies up to 100Hz. Using such accelerometry signal, we are able to classify different types of physical activity. In our work, we present a novel procedure for physical activity classification based on the raw accelerometry signal. Our proposal is based on the spherical representation of the data. We classify four activity types: resting, upper body activities (sitting), upper body activities (standing) and lower body activities. The classifier is constructed using decision trees with extracted features consisting of spherical coordinates summary statistics, moving averages of the radius and the angles, radius variance and spherical variance. The classification accuracy of our method has been tested on data collected on a sample of 47 elderly individuals who performed a series of activities in laboratory settings. The achieved classification accuracy is over 90% when the subject-specific data are used and 84% when the group data are used. Main contributor to the classification accuracy is the angular part of the collected signal, especially spherical variance. To the best of our knowledge, spherical variance has never been previously used in the analysis of the raw accelerometry data. Its major advantage over other angular measures is its invariance to the accelerometer location shifts.
Ethical decision-making for children with neuromuscular disorders in the COVID-19 crisis

The sudden appearance and proliferation of coronavirus disease 2019 has forced societies and governmental authorities across the world to confront the possibility of resource constraints when critical care facilities are overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of grievously ill patients. As governments and health care systems develop and update policies and guidelines regarding the allocation of resources, patients and families affected by chronic disabilities, including many neuromuscular disorders that affect children and young adults, have become alarmed at the possibility that they may be determined to have less favorable prognoses due to their underlying diagnoses and thus be assigned to lower priority groups. It is important for health care workers, policymakers, and government officials to be aware that the long-term prognoses for children and young adults with neuromuscular disorders are often more promising than previously believed due to a better understanding of the natural history of these diseases, benefits of multidisciplinary supportive care, and novel molecular therapies that can dramatically improve the disease course. Although the realities of a global pandemic have the potential to require a shift from our usual, highly individualistic standards of care to crisis standards of care, shifting priorities should nonetheless be informed by good facts. Resource allocation guidelines with the potential to affect children and young adults with neuromuscular disorders should take into account the known trajectory of acute respiratory illness in this population and rely primarily on contemporary long-term outcome data.
Remote nongenetic optical modulation of neuronal activity using fuzzy graphene

Significance Modulation of cellular electrophysiology helps develop an understanding of cellular development and function in healthy and diseased states. We modulate the electrophysiology of neuronal cells in two-dimensional (2D) and 3D assemblies with subcellular precision via photothermal stimulation using a multiscale fuzzy graphene nanostructure. Nanowire (NW)-templated 3D fuzzy graphene (NT-3DFG) nanostructures enable remote, nongenetic photothermal stimulation with laser energies as low as subhundred nanojoules without generating cellular stress. NT-3DFG serves as a powerful toolset for studies of cell signaling within and between in vitro 3D models (human-based organoids and spheroids) and can enable therapeutic interventions. The ability to modulate cellular electrophysiology is fundamental to the investigation of development, function, and disease. Currently, there is a need for remote, nongenetic, light-induced control of cellular activity in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) platforms. Here, we report a breakthrough hybrid nanomaterial for remote, nongenetic, photothermal stimulation of 2D and 3D neural cellular systems. We combine one-dimensional (1D) nanowires (NWs) and 2D graphene flakes grown out-of-plane for highly controlled photothermal stimulation at subcellular precision without the need for genetic modification, with laser energies lower than a hundred nanojoules, one to two orders of magnitude lower than Au-, C-, and Si-based nanomaterials. Photothermal stimulation using NW-templated 3D fuzzy graphene (NT-3DFG) is flexible due to its broadband absorption and does not generate cellular stress. Therefore, it serves as a powerful toolset for studies of cell signaling within and between tissues and can enable therapeutic interventions.
The effects of allelic variation at the Mla resistance locus in barley on the early development of Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei and host responses

The development of Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei isolate CC1 was followed on the susceptible barley variety Pallas, and the near-isogenic resistant varieties, P-01 (Mla1), P-02 (Mla3), P-03 (Mla6) and P-04B (Mla7). The development of CC1 was examined in relation to the host’s cellular resistance responses, papilla formation and hypersensitive cell death, and to the transcription of five barley defence-related genes. The infection type exhibited by each variety was positively correlated with the time of CC1 developmental arrest and with the timing of the hypersensitive response, indicating a positive role for hypersensitive cell death in Mla resistance. On P-01 and P-03, a rapid hypersensitive response in the epidermis was associated with a higher percentage of germlings arrested in their development at the haustorial stage. On P-02 and P-04B, a slower hypersensitive response was associated with haustoria, and more elongating secondary hyphae were formed. There was a later, and more extensive combined epidermal and mesophyll hypersensitive response associated with elongating secondary hyphae on these two varieties. A significant papilla response by P-03 corresponded to a larger number of germlings being arrested at the secondary lobed stage on this variety. In general, defence gene transcript levels were lower in Pallas than in the four resistant varieties. Levels of defence gene transcripts were often greater in tissues where a larger number of cells were undergoing hypersensitive cell death, suggesting an association between defence gene expression and the hypersensitive response.
Song Variability and the Response To Conspecific Song and To Song Models of Different Frequency Contents in Males of the Bushcricket Requena Verticalis (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)

Variability in the temporal structure of the song has been investigated for the Australian bushcricket Requena verticalis (Listroscelidinae: Tettigoniinae: Orthoptera). Chirp interval and chirp duration of an individual male vary between two days. Males differ in their readiness to call. Sporadic singers sing consistently only in the presence of another calling conspecific or when acoustically stimulated, while steady singers call readily under acoustic isolation. Sporadic as well as steady singers change their chirp interval in the presence of another calling conspecific. Steady and sporadic singers are able to differentiate between 16 and 28 kHz, the two main frequency components of the song. There is evidence that the effect of the natural song on the temporal pattern of the call may be due to the 28 kHz frequency component. Individual variation in the temporal parameters is within 0.1 s, and the changes caused by acoustic stimulation are of similar magnitude. Further studies are necessary to evaluate if males and/or females uses these differences to discriminate between conspecifics.
Implications of the Russian roundwood export tax for the Russian and global wood products sectors

Abstract Russia is the world's largest exporter of roundwood, mainly to China, Finland and Japan. The Russian government recently announced an increase in its export tax on softwood roundwood from the present 6.5% of export product value to 80% by January 2009. The effects of this policy on the world forest sector to 2020 were simulated with the Global Forest Products Model. The predicted results were lower Russian roundwood exports and prices, lower global wood supply and higher world roundwood prices. In response, the USA, Germany and New Zealand would increase production and export of roundwood. Major consumers of Russian roundwood would suffer a reduction in production and export of wood products. By 2020 Russian harvests and roundwood exports would be 49 million m3 (19%) and 51 million m3 (50%) lower, respectively. The price of roundwood in Russia would be 16% lower. This would encourage a modest increase in Russian forest product production: 1–3% higher. However, Russian export revenues would be US $3.4 billion (23%) lower as growth in processed exports would fail to offset reduced roundwood export revenue. Value added in all manufacturing sectors would be US $225 million higher in Russia, while it would be US $1.3 billion lower in Finland and US $728 million lower in China. Owing to the tax on exports the Russian forest stock would be 1 billion m3 (0.3%) higher in 2020.
Engagement with and delivery of the 'parkrun practice initiative' in general practice: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND The parkrun practice initiative, a joint collaboration between parkrun and the Royal College of General Practitioners, was launched to encourage general practices to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and staff through participating in local 5 km parkrun events. Why and how practices engage with the initiative is unknown. AIM To investigate engagement with and delivery of the parkrun practice initiative in general practice. DESIGN AND SETTING Mixed methods study conducted from April-July 2019 comprising an online survey of all registered parkrun practices, and interviews and a focus group with practice staff in the West Midlands. METHOD The designated contacts at 780 registered parkrun practices were invited to complete an online survey. A purposive sample of parkrun practice staff and non-registered practice staff took part either in semi-structured interviews or a focus group, with transcripts analysed thematically. RESULTS Of the total number of parkrun practices, 306 (39.2%) completed the survey. Sixteen practice staff (from nine parkrun practices and four non-registered practices) took part in either semi-structured interviews (n = 12) or a focus group (n = 4). Key motivators for becoming a parkrun practice were: to improve patient and staff health and wellbeing, and to become more engaged with the community and enhance practice image. Practices most commonly encouraged patients, carers, and staff to take part in parkrun and displayed parkrun flyers and posters. Challenges in implementing activities included lack of time (both personal and during consultations) and getting staff involved. Where staff did engage there were positive effects on morale and participation. Non-registered practices were receptive to the initiative, but had apprehensions about the commitment involved. CONCLUSION Practices were keen to improve patient and staff health. Addressing time constraints and staff support needs to be considered when implementing the initiative.
Transferability and model evaluation in ecological niche modeling: a comparison of GARP and Maxent

We compared predictive success in two common algorithms for modeling species' ecological niches, GARP and Maxent, in a situation that challenged the algorithms to be generalthat is, to be able to predict the species' distributions in broad unsampled regions, here termed transferability. The results were strikingly different between the two algorithmsMaxent models reconstructed the overall distributions of the species at low thresholds, but higher predictive levels of Maxent predictions reflected overfitting to the input data; GARP models, on the other hand, succeeded in anticipating most of the species' distributional potential, at the cost of increased (apparent, at least) commission error. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) tests were weak in discerning models able to predict into broad unsampled areas from those that were not. Such transferability is clearly a novel challenge for modeling algorithms, and requires different qualities than does predicting within densely sampled landscapesin this case, Maxent was transferable only at very low thresholds, and biases and gaps in input data may frequently affect results based on higher Maxent thresholds, requiring careful interpretation of model results.
Silicone sheets and new gels to treat hypertrophic scars and keloids: A short review

Silicone dressings have been used to treat hypertrophic scars and keloids since 1983. This treatment modality is considered to be safe and efficacious, leading to a progressive improvement in scar color, size, erythema, pliability, pain, and itching. Its mechanism of action is due to the hydration of the skin corneal layer; and modulating the cell signaling between fibroblasts and keratinocytes, mediated by cytokines. Silicone dressings are considered first line treatments for hypertrophic scars and keloids. Silicone gels were developed later, in order to help treating those scars in areas such as the scalp or joints, where fixing the silicone sheets would be a more difficult task, or on the face, where a silicone dressing would be cosmetically undesirable to most. Similar to silicone sheets, silicone gels have also proved to help treating and preventing hypertrophic scars and keloids. A new silicone gel combined with hypochlorous acid has recently been developed to help in treating scars. Hypochlorous acid acts as a biocide and anti‐inflammatory agent, therefore, it has also been used in post procedure, on recent traumatic scars or on nonepithelized skin. This manuscript reviews the use of silicone dressings, silicone gels, and combined gels to treat scars.
Protecting HaCaT cells from ionizing radiation using persimmon tannin-Aloe gel composite

Abstract Context Persimmon tannin (extract of Diospyros kaki L.f [Ebenaceae]) and Aloe gel (extract of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. [Asphodelaceae]) are known as anti-radiation agents. However, radiation resistance of the persimmon tannin-Aloe gel composite remains inconclusive. Objective To investigate the capacity of the persimmon tannin-Aloe gel composite to protect against ionising radiation at the cellular level. Materials and methods HaCaT (human epidermal keratinocytes) cells were pre-treated with PT-A-1 (the mass ratio of persimmon tannin and Aloe gel was 2:1) or the single component (persimmon tannin or Aloe gel) at various concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 μg/mL. Control group: medium with no HaCaT cells), and then radiated with X-rays (radiation dose: 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 Gy). Cell viability, cell apoptosis, and radiation-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were analysed by CCK-8, Hoechst 33258 staining/flow cytometry, and 2′,7′-dichlorfluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, respectively, for 12 or 24 h incubation after radiation. Results The optimal radiation dose and post-radiation incubation period were determined to be 8 Gy and 12 h. CCK-8 activity detection showed that the cell activity was 77.85% (p < 0.05, IC50 = 55.67 μg/mL). The apoptotic rate was the lowest (4.32%) at 200 μg/mL of PT-A-1 towards HaCaT cells. ROS production was the most effectively suppressed by 200 μg/mL PT-A-1 towards HaCaT cells. Discussion and conclusions The persimmon tannin-Aloe gel composite has good radioprotective effect, and which will facilitate its clinic application as a potential natural anti-radiation agent in future.
Chemical renal denervation-induced upregulation of the ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis attenuates blood pressure elevation in spontaneously hypertensive rats

ABSTRACT Objective Evidence has shown that the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/Mas axis plays an important role in the control of hypertension. Thus, we hypothesized that chemical renal denervation (RDN) could reduce blood pressure by regulating the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/Mas axis in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Methods Twelve rats were randomly divided into sham group and chemical RDN group. All the rats were sacrificed 4 weeks later. Plasma samples were collected to measure the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activities and reactive oxygen species levels by radioimmunoassay, chromatometry and ELISA. Paraventricular nucleus (PVN) tissues were collected to examine the expression of the components of the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/Mas axis by western bolt and immunofluorescence. Results The systolic blood pressure (169.33 ± 7.50 vs 182.67 ± 7.00 mmHg, p < .05) and the diastolic blood pressure (97.50 ± 4.68 vs 109.33 ± 4.41 mmHg, p < .05) in the RDN group were obviously lower than the baseline levels, whereas the opposite results were observed in the sham group. The RDN group exhibited a significant reduction in the plasma ROS (91.59 ± 13.12 vs 72.34 ± 11.76 U/ml, p < .05) and NADPH oxidase (171.86 ± 1.14 vs 175.75 ± 1.74 nmol/ml, p < .001) compared with the sham group, while the plasma eNOS (3.47 ± 0.42 vs 2.49 ± 0.51 U/ml, p < .05) and NO (55.92 ± 8.10 vs 43.53 ± 4.58 μmol/L, p < .05) were increased. The expression of the components of the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/Mas axis was upregulated while the expression of the components of the ACE/Ang II/AT1 R axis was downregulated in the plasma and PVN in the RDN group. Conclusion Our findings suggested that the reduction in blood pressure was regulated by chemical RDN-induced upregulation of the components of the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/Mas axis.
Characterization of centrin genes from Ochromonas danica (Chrysophyceae) and Scytosiphon lomentaria (Phaeophyceae)

Centrin, the EF‐hand Ca2+‐binding protein is localized at the basal apparatus of flagella and in centrioles in many eukaryotic cells. In the present study, centrin genes of the heterokont algae have been clarified for the first time. We isolated and analyzed cDNA and genomic DNA of centrin genes from the crysophycean alga Ochromonas danica Prings (UTEX LB1298) and the brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Lyngbye) Link. The centrin gene of Ochromonas contained an open reading frame of 163 amino acids. The deduced protein, named Odcen, exhibited 85%, 78% and 59% homology to Chlamydomonas, human and Arabidopsis centrin, respectively. The centrin genes of Scytosiphon contained an open reading frame of 164 amino acids. The deduced protein, named Slcen, exhibited 84%, 77% and 59% homology to Chlamydomonas, human and Arabidopsis centrin, respectively. Both Odcen and Slcen possessed N‐terminal extensions before the conserved amino acid among various centrins, four EF‐hand domains and an aromatic amino acid at the C‐terminus. Southern blot hybridization suggested that the centrin gene occurs as a single copy gene in both Ochromonas and Scytosiphon genomes. Comparison of the sequence of the cDNA and the genomic DNA revealed that the Odcen gene was split into three fragments by introns and Slcen gene consisted of five fragments. The junctions of all introns of both genes conformed to the GT–AG rule. The introns of Slcen gene were considerably long and, as a result, the Slcen gene was approximately seven times longer than Odcen gene.
Advances in studies on ion transporters involved in salt tolerance and breeding crop cultivars with high salt tolerance

Soil salinity is a global major abiotic stress threatening crop productivity. In salty conditions, plants may suffer from osmotic, ionic, and oxidative stresses, resulting in inhibition of growth and development. To deal with these stresses, plants have developed a series of tolerance mechanisms, including osmotic adjustment through accumulating compatible solutes in the cytoplasm, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging through enhancing the activity of anti-oxidative enzymes, and Na+/K+ homeostasis regulation through controlling Na+ uptake and transportation. In this review, recent advances in studies of the mechanisms of salt tolerance in plants are described in relation to the ionome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, and the main factor accounting for differences in salt tolerance among plant species or genotypes within a species is presented. We also discuss the application and roles of different breeding methodologies in developing salt-tolerant crop cultivars. In particular, we describe the advantages and perspectives of genome or gene editing in improving the salt tolerance of crops.
AP-TSS: A New Method for the Analysis of RNA Expression from Particular and Challenging Transcription Start Sites

Alternative promoter usage involved in the regulation of transcription, splicing, and translation contributes to proteome diversity and is involved in a large number of diseases, in particular, cancer. Epigenetic mechanisms and cis regulatory elements are involved in alternative promoter activity. Multiple transcript isoforms can be produced from a gene, due to the initiation of transcription at different transcription start sites (TSS). These transcripts may not have regions that allow discrimination during RT-qPCR, making quantification technically challenging. This study presents a general method for the relative quantification of a transcript synthesized from a particular TSS that we called AP-TSS (analysis of particular TSS). AP-TSS is based on the specific elongation of the cDNA of interest, followed by its quantification by qPCR. As proof of principle, AP-TSS was applied to two non-coding RNA: telomeric repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) from a particular subtelomeric TSS, and Alu transcripts. The treatment of cells with a DNA methylation inhibitor was associated with a global increase of the total TERRA level, but the TERRA expression from the TSS of interest did not change in HT1080 cells, and only modestly increased in HeLa cells. This result suggests that TERRA upregulation induced by global demethylation of the genome is mainly due to activation from sites other than this particular TSS. For Alu RNA, the signal obtained by AP-TSS is specific for the RNA Polymerase III-dependent Alu transcript. In summary, our method provides a tool to study regulation of gene expression from a given transcription start site, in different conditions that could be applied to many genes. In particular, AP-TSS can be used to investigate the epigenetic regulation of alternative TSS usage that is of importance for the development of epigenetic-targeted therapies.