Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early-TIPS Versus Current Standard Therapy for Acute Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis Patients: A Systemic Review With Meta-analysis

Background The survival of early placement (within 72h after admission) of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (early-TIPS) in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is controversial. Objectives We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis to assess whether early-TIPS could improve survival in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding. Methods A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library published before 25 June 2019 for eligible studies that compared early-TIPS with a combination of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and pharmacotherapy in the therapeutic effect in AVB patients. Results A total of five studies with 1,754 participants were enrolled. The early-TIPS demonstrated a significant improvement in prevention of treatment failure (OR=0.11,95%CI=0.05-0.23), 6-weeks mortality (OR=0.24,95%CI=0.13-0.46), rebleeding within 6 weeks (OR=0.21,95%CI=0.12-0.36), rebleeding within 1 year (OR=0.16,95%CI=0.07-0.36), new or worsening ascites (OR=0.33,95%CI=0.21-0.53), except in encephalopathy (OR=1.29,95%CI=0.996-1.67). For 1-year mortality, a significant prior effect was also observed in early-TIPS (OR=0.64,95%CI=0.46-0.90), and the beneficial effect in Child-Pugh C patients (OR=0.35,95%CI=0.18-0.68) was equal to Child-Pugh B patients (OR=0.34,95%CI=0.25-0.58). No difference in liver transplantation and mortality caused by liver failure was observed. Conclusions Early covered-TIPS could be recommended for the management of AVB patients in cirrhosis demonstrating a significant improvement in treatment failure, both short- and long-term mortality, rebleeding risk, and new or worsening ascites compared to standard therapy, especially for high-risk AVB patients. It will also apply to patients with Child-Pugh A until solutions to prevent hepatic encephalopathy in future research are found.
Identification of Anti-tuberculosis Compounds From Aurone Analogs

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains has made tuberculosis (TB) control more difficult. Aurone derivatives have demonstrated promising anti-bacterial activities, but their effects against Mtb have not been thoroughly determined. In this study, we aimed to develop anti-TB compounds from aurone analogs. We used a fluorescent protein tdTomato labeled Mtb CDC1551 strain to screen 146 synthesized aurone derivatives for effective anti-TB compounds. The 9504, 9505, 9501, 9510, AA2A, and AA8 aurones inhibited the growth of Mtb with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 25, 25, and 50 μM, respectively. We also examined cytotoxicities of the six leads against the human liver cell line HepG2, the primate kidney cell line Vero and human monocyte THP-1 derived macrophages. Three of the aurone leads (9504, 9501, and 9510) showed low cytotoxic effects on all three cell lines and high Mtb inhibitory efficacy (selectivity index > 10). Aurone 9504, 9501, AA2A, or AA8 significantly reduced the Mtb load in the lungs of infected mice after a 12-days treatment. We determined that the aurone leads inhibit Mtb chorismate synthase, an essential enzyme for aromatic acid synthesis. Our studies demonstrate the promise of synthetic aurones as novel anti-TB therapeutics.
Study on Debenzylation of Pentabenzylpentaza[3,3,3]Propellane

Azapropellanes have been extensively studied for their special application. Debenzylation of pentabenzylpentaaza[3,3,3]propellane was studied in this paper. The N-benzyl groups were removed by catalytic hydrogen transfer under the mild conditions with simple process. The yield of the debenzylation product was lower. Their structures of all compounds were confirmed by spectra.
Resistance to Chloride Penetration of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Modified Using Treated Coarse Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Fibres

This paper presents a study that aimed to assess the chloride penetration depth of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) modified by using treated coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), adding polyolefin (PO) or polypropylene (PP) fibre and comparing with normal concrete. The coupling effects of the treated RCA and fibres on the chloride penetration of RAC were analysed after two different curing regimes (i.e. normal and seawater) and tested at different curing ages (i.e. 90, 180 and 300 days). Results showed that the inclusion of treated coarse RCA can reduce porosity, thereby decreasing the chloride penetration of RAC. However, the coupling effects of treated coarse RCA and fibre, especially on the use of PO fibre, can enhance the results.
Multiscale Simulation of the Stress-Strain State of Low Carbon Steel Strip Processed by Asymmetric Rolling

Asymmetric rolling with different work roll circumferential speeds is a process that can be used for improvement of mechanical properties of the processed metals and alloys. Development of the model, which allow to calculate the stress-strain state occurring in the microstructure of the ferritic-pearlitic steels during asymmetric rolling, was the main objective of this paper. Macro level models do not take into account the complicated behavior of the ferritic-pearlitic microstructure in the micro scale. Therefore, development of modelling methods, which allow predicting the properties distribution in the metal volume with the behavioral features of the microstructure under the influence of the deformation, was needed. Representative Volume Element (RVE), representing ferritic-pearlitic steel microstructure, was developed. Simulations of the asymmetric rolling process were performed and local deformation of each structural component was predicted. Selected results, as well as discussion of the effect of microstructure on obtained stress and strain distributions, are presented in the paper. Results of multiscale simulation analysis of the deformation characteristics, presented in this study, can be used for optimization of the asymmetric rolling process.
Taxonomic review on east Asian lynceid conchostracans (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Laevicaudata), with redescription of lynceus biformis of Korea

Lynceid conchostracans of the order Laevicaudata in East Asia are reviewed. Validity of the three older species, Lynceus mandsuricus Daday, Lynceus biformis (Ishikawa), and Lynceus dauricus Thiele, is examined and discussed. Two species among them were acknowledged but L. dauricus was synonymized to L. biformis and redescribed and illustrated in the present paper, based on the materials collected from the rice‐fields at 15 localities in Korea.
Bioleaching Solutions Used for the Nanoparticles Biosynthesis for Uranium and Arsenic Immobilization

Bioleaching solutions from uranium and arsenic solid waste served as a source of U(VI) and As (V) ions, while plant extract from green tea (Camellia sinensis) – as a reductor for nanoparticle synthesis. Uranium dioxide and As (III) nanoparticles were formed as a product of bioreduction on the hematite and schwertmannite surfaces respectively, which resulted in an increase in the negative zeta potential with an increase in pH. It suggests, that the electrical potential depends on the presence of nanoparticles. The SEM microphotographs revealed the UO2 nanoparticles on the hematite surface.
Study on Morphology Features and Mechanical Properties of Nanofibers Films Prepared by Different Composite Electrospinning Methods

Electrospinning is an important method for preparing nanofibers, which are highly promising for applications in a wide range of fields such as purification/filtration, photoelectric devices, battery separators, catalysis and tissue engineering. These applications often use composite materials and have specific requirements for mechanical properties. Therefore, how to get nanofibers films with ideal mechanical properties by changing the composite mode is an important process problem for the given two or more materials. Based on the far-field electrospinning, this study selected polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to explore the differences of three composite methods: mixed spinning, multi-nozzle simultaneous spinning and superposition spinning. Three kinds of analysis can be seen in this study, which include morphology features, thickness measurement and mechanical properties of samples. Multi-nozzle simultaneous spinning has very limited changes. Mixed spinning and superposition spinning are beneficial to the improvement of nanofibers films morphology and mechanical properties. Among them, the composite films through superposition spinning are thinner.
Studying the Stability and Conductivity of the Composite Films via Electrospinning/Spray Process

The electrospinning/spray technique is a promising approach to fabricate composite films for many applications in flexible electronic devices. In this study, an elastic film with remarkable conductivity is synthesized by electrospinning TPU (thermoplastic polyurethanes) fibers and electrospraying graphene nanosheets into the single collector. This technique allows the graphene nanosheets to adhere uniformly to a carbon textile matrix for promoting its conductivity. But the graphene is possible to be oxidized into graphene oxide during electrospray, which is attributed to the high-voltage field, the rapid evaporation of the solvent and the full exposure to air. And the spinning fibers have the potential to induce the behavior as well. The instability of graphene during the process can make an impact on the overall conductivity and uniformity of composite films. So, we set up a series of experiments on the study of oxidization behavior of graphene and its influence on the performance of composite films. With different parameters, some samples are synthesized to conduct Raman spectroscopy analysis as well as take the measurements of overall conductivity through a 4-point probe electrical conductivity device. The oxidization behavior of graphene during the electrospinning/spray process can be well characterized by the results from the Raman spectrums. And the results of electrical conductivity measurements can provide powerful evidence to ensure the great conductivity of composite films via electrospinning/spray process.
Preparation and Properties of Graphene / Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) Composite Fibers

A novel nanocomposite fibers were prepared from poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via melt spinning and their thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. Graphite oxide and rGO were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). FT-IR spectrum of GO and rGO showed the same peak of O-H stretching of the hydroxyl and C=C stretching of aromatic rings as well as C-O stretching. The thermal stability of pristine PET and rGO/PET composite masterbatch was characterized by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal degradation temperature of PET and rGO/PET nanocomposite masterbatch was found at 413.9 °C and 418.1 °C, respectively. The mechanical properties of rGO/PET nanocomposite fibers were investigated and it was found that the mechanical properties were improved in all aspects comparing with neat PET fiber, including tensile strength, young's modulus and elongation at break.
High-Performance Liquid Crystalline Polyesters: Influence of the Synthetic Pathway on the Thermal Properties

Liquid crystalline (LC) copolyesters derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, terephthalic acid, and bisphenol A were synthesized under a variety of reaction conditions. Carboxylic groups in the raw materials were involved in either direct polycondensation or transesterification reactions. Protecting the carboxylic groups via methyl ester or phenyl ester formation was found to increase the yield and the molecular weight of the samples. It turned out that the maximal value of the degree of polymerization and, consequently, the highest heat resistance was observed for the samples prepared using phenyl esters of carboxylic acids.
Experimental Evaluation of Thermal Protection Properties of Volume Textile Materials

In the article research results are presented, which aim to provide evaluation of thermal protection properties of volume textile materials. However, as a result of experts wearing it has been revealed that by their operational performance their characteristicsare quite high to such materials: Holofiber, Tinsulate, Arctic, etc. At the present time to research thermal protection properties of sewing materials methods are used that can be divided into 2 groups: Methods based on the principle of steady heat mode and Methods based on the principle of unsteady (regular) mode. New device has been developed which allows to simplify both the schematic diagram and the methodological approach to experimental evaluation of thermal protection properties of volume textile materials. The corresponding experimental research were held based on the developed bicalorimeter. Study results allowed to establish heat insulation material «ArcticP» possesses the highest thermal resistance.It is located with its metallized coating facing outside. High values of thermal protection properties of this material are explained by availability of metallized coating from outer side which ensures partial heat reflection. The research was made in Don State Technical University within the framework of State Assignment of the Ministry of education and science of Russia under the project 11.9194. 2017/БЧ.
Linked Sources of Neural Noise Contribute to Age-related Cognitive Decline

Abstract Healthy aging is associated with a multitude of structural changes in the brain. These physical age-related changes are accompanied by increased variability in neural activity of all kinds, and this increased variability, collectively referred to as “neural noise,” is argued to contribute to age-related cognitive decline. In this study, we examine the relationship between two particular types of neural noise in aging. We recorded scalp EEG from younger (20–30 years old) and older (60–70 years old) adults performing a spatial visual discrimination task. First, we used the 1/f-like exponent of the EEG power spectrum, a putative marker of neural noise, to assess baseline shifts toward a noisier state in aging. Next, we examined age-related decreases in the trial-by-trial consistency of visual stimulus processing. Finally, we examined to what extent these two age-related noise markers are related, hypothesizing that greater baseline noise would increase the variability of stimulus-evoked responses. We found that visual cortical baseline noise was higher in older adults, and the consistency of older adults' oscillatory alpha (8–12 Hz) phase responses to visual targets was also lower than that of younger adults. Crucially, older adults with the highest levels of baseline noise also had the least consistent alpha phase responses, whereas younger adults with more consistent phase responses achieved better behavioral performance. These results establish a link between tonic neural noise and stimulus-associated neural variability in aging. Moreover, they suggest that tonic age-related increases in baseline noise might diminish sensory processing and, as a result, subsequent cognitive performance.
Microtubule reorganization during female meiosis in C. elegans

The female meiotic spindles of most animals are acentrosomal and undergo striking morphological changes while transitioning from metaphase to anaphase. The ultra-structure of acentrosomal spindles, and how changes to this structure correlate with such dramatic spindle rearrangements remains largely unknown. To address this, we applied light microscopy, large-scale electron tomography and mathematical modeling of female meiotic C. elegans spindles undergoing the transition from metaphase to anaphase. Combining these approaches, we find that meiotic spindles are dynamic arrays of short microtubules that turn over on second time scales. The results show that the transition from metaphase to anaphase correlates with an increase in the number of microtubules and a decrease in their average length. Detailed analysis of the tomographic data revealed that the length of microtubules changes significantly during the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. This effect is most pronounced for those microtubules located within 150 nm of the chromosome surface. To understand the mechanisms that drive this transition, we developed a mathematical model for the microtubule length distribution that considers microtubule growth, catastrophe, and severing. Using Bayesian inference to compare model predictions and data, we find that microtubule turn-over is the major driver of the observed large-scale reorganizations. Our data suggest that in metaphase only a minor fraction of microtubules, those that are closest to the chromosomes, are severed. The large majority of microtubules, which are not in close contact with chromosomes, do not undergo severing. Instead, their length distribution is fully explained by growth and catastrophe alone. In anaphase, even microtubules close to the chromosomes show no signs of cutting. This suggests that the most prominent drivers of spindle rearrangements from metaphase to anaphase are changes in nucleation and catastrophe rate. In addition, we provide evidence that microtubule severing is dependent on the presence of katanin.
Depth relationships and measures of tissue thickness in dorsal midbrain

Dorsal human midbrain contains two nuclei with clear laminar organization, the superior and inferior colliculi. These nuclei extend in depth between the superficial dorsal surface of midbrain and a deep midbrain nucleus, the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). The PAG, in turn, surrounds the cerebral aqueduct (CA). This study examined the use of two depth metrics to characterize depth and thickness relationships within dorsal midbrain using the superficial surface of midbrain and CA as references. The first utilized nearest-neighbor Euclidean distance from one reference surface, while the second used a level-set approach that combines signed distance from both reference surfaces. Both depth methods provided similar functional depth profiles generated by saccadic eye movements in a functional MRI task, confirming their efficacy for superficial functional activity. Next, the boundaries of the PAG were estimated using Euclidean distance together with elliptical fitting, indicating that the PAG can be readily characterized by a smooth surface surrounding PAG. Finally, we used the level-set approach to measure tissue depth between the superficial surface and the PAG, thus characterizing the variable thickness of the colliculi. Overall, this study demonstrates depth-mapping schemes for human midbrain that enables accurate segmentation of the PAG and consistent depth and thickness estimates of the superior and inferior colliculi.
Restricting Visual Exploration Directly Impedes Neural Activity, Functional Connectivity, and Memory

We move our eyes to explore the visual world, extract information, and create memories. The number of gaze fixations – the stops that the eyes make – has been shown to correlate with activity in the hippocampus, a region critical for memory, and with later recognition memory. Here, we combined eyetracking with fMRI to provide direct evidence for the relationships between gaze fixations, neural activity, and memory during scene viewing. Compared to free viewing, fixating a single location reduced: 1) subsequent memory, 2) neural activity along the ventral visual stream into the hippocampus, 3) neural similarity between effects of subsequent memory and visual exploration, and 4) functional connectivity among the hippocampus, parahippocampal place area, and other cortical regions. Gaze fixations were uniquely related to hippocampal activity, even after controlling for neural effects due to subsequent memory. Individual gaze fixations may provide the basic unit of information on which memory binding processes operate.
An autoregulatory switch in sex-specific phf7 transcription causes loss of sexual identity and tumors in the Drosophila female germline

ABSTRACT Maintenance of germ cell sexual identity is essential for reproduction. Entry into the spermatogenesis or oogenesis pathway requires that the appropriate gene network is activated and the antagonist network is silenced. For example, in Drosophila female germ cells, forced expression of the testis-specific PHD finger protein 7 (PHF7) disrupts oogenesis, leading to either an agametic or germ cell tumor phenotype. Here, we show that PHF7-expressing ovarian germ cells inappropriately express hundreds of genes, many of which are male germline genes. We find that the majority of genes under PHF7 control in female germ cells are not under PHF7 control in male germ cells, suggesting that PHF7 is acting in a tissue-specific manner. Remarkably, transcriptional reprogramming includes a positive autoregulatory feedback mechanism in which ectopic PHF7 overcomes its own transcriptional repression through promoter switching. Furthermore, we find that tumorigenic capacity is dependent on the dosage of phf7. This study reveals that ectopic PHF7 in female germ cells leads to a loss of sexual identity and the promotion of a regulatory circuit that is beneficial for tumor initiation and progression. Summary: Genetic and genomic approaches reveal that when misexpressed in female germ cells, the testis-specific PHF7 protein acts as an oncogene with transcriptional reprogramming activity that inappropriately activates male germ cell genes.
Cell fate coordinates mechano-osmotic forces in intestinal crypt morphogenesis

Intestinal organoids derived from single cells undergo complex crypt-villus patterning and morphogenesis. However, the nature and coordination of the underlying forces remains poorly characterized. Through light-sheet microscopy and mechanical perturbations, we demonstrate that organoid crypt formation coincides with stark lumen volume reduction, which works synergistically with actomyosin-generated crypt apical and villus basal tension to drive morphogenesis. We analyse these mechanical features in a quantitative 3D biophysical model and detect a critical point in actomyosin tensions, above which crypt becomes robust to volume changes. Finally, via single-cell RNA sequencing and pharmacological perturbations, we show that enterocyte-specific expressed sodium/glucose cotransporter modulates lumen volume reduction via promoting cell swelling. Altogether, our study reveals how cell fate-specific changes in osmotic and actomyosin forces coordinate robust organoid morphogenesis. One Sentence Summary Emergence of region-specific cell fates drive actomyosin patterns and luminal osmotic changes in organoid development