Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of chronic exposure to bisphenol A in adult female mice on social behavior, vasopressin system, and estrogen membrane receptor (GPER1)

Bisphenol A (BPA), an organic synthetic compound found in some plastics and epoxy resins, is classified as an endocrine disrupting chemical. Exposure to BPA is especially dangerous if it occurs during specific “critical periods” of life, when organisms are more sensitive to hormonal changes (i.e., intrauterine, perinatal, juvenile or puberty periods). In this study, we focused on the effects of chronic exposure to BPA in adult female mice starting during pregnancy. Three months old C57BL/6J females were orally exposed to BPA or to vehicle (corn oil). The treatment (4 μg/kg body weight/day) started the day 0 of pregnancy and continued throughout pregnancy, lactation, and lasted for a total of 20 weeks. BPA-treated dams did not show differences in body weight or food intake, but they showed an altered estrous cycle compared to the controls. In order to evidence alterations in social and sociosexual behaviors, we performed the Three-Chamber test for sociability, and analyzed two hypothalamic circuits (well-known targets of endocrine disruption) particularly involved in the control of social behavior: the vasopressin and the oxytocin systems. The test revealed some alterations in the displaying of social behavior: BPA-treated dams have higher locomotor activity compared to the control dams, probably a signal of high level of anxiety. In addition, BPA-treated dams spent more time interacting with no-tester females than with no-tester males. In brain sections, we observed a decrease of vasopressin immunoreactivity (only in the paraventricular and suprachiasmatic nuclei) of BPA-treated females, while we did not find any alteration of the oxytocin system. In parallel, we have also observed, in the same hypothalamic nuclei, a significant reduction of the membrane estrogen receptor GPER1 expression.
Robogami: A Fully Integrated Low-Profile Robotic Origami

Intelligent robotic systems that can react to unprogrammed tasks and unforeseen environmental changes require augmented "softness. " Robogami, a low-profile origami robot, addresses intrinsic (material-wise) and extrinsic (mechanism-wise) softness with its multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) body driven by soft actuators. The unique hardware of the Robogami and its submillimeter thick construction enable diverse transformations as those achievable by the paper origami. The presented Robogami shows the first fully integrated version that has all the essential components including its controller within a thin sheet. Construction of this robot is possible via precise, repeatable, and low cost planar fabrication methods often reserved for microscale fabrications. In this research, we aim at expanding the capabilities of Robogamis by embedding bidirectional actuation, sensing, and control circuit. To assess the performance of the proposed sensors and actuators, we report on the performance of these components in a single module and in the four-legged crawler robot.
Coping Strategies and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities. While psychosocial determinants were intently studied, coping strategies with stress used by IBS patients were never comprehensively reviewed. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to summarize the coping strategies used by IBS patients and to identify which tools are frequently used to measure coping strategies. METHODS According to PRISMA guidelines, we searched for articles indexed in PubMed, EBSCOhost, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. The search terms included: (coping OR coping strategies OR coping mechanism) AND (irritable bowel syndrome OR IBS). The initial search identified 756 articles. After applying all filters (human filters, excluding conference abstracts and conference papers), 96 studies remained. Finally, a total of 21 articles were included in this systematic review. RESULTS Twenty-one articles using fifteen coping instruments and six measures of quality of life were found. One was interventional, one longitudinal, and the rest were cross-sectional studies. One study was qualitative, while the rest used quantitative measures. Emotion-focused coping was associated with worse psychological outcomes, while the effect of problem-focused coping was not regularly associated with better psychological outcomes. Catastrophizing was negatively associated with health-related quality of life. Psychological distress (anxiety, depression) was significantly related to the impairment of health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION Patients with IBS cope in different ways when confronted with health and daily-life stressors. The maladaptive strategy of coping is associated with poor health-related quality of life and psychiatric comorbidities but methodological problems limit conclusions regarding the strength and nature of this association. Future research needs to focus on which strategies are most effective at reducing psychological distress in IBS patients.
Rehabilitation counsellor perceived importance and competence in assistive technology

Abstract Purpose Assistive technology (AT) has received much attention for its capacity to improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities. While AT can be promising, the high AT abandonment issue persists. Rehabilitation counsellors are considered important in solving such an issue. However, how to effectively prepare rehabilitation counsellors to provide AT services remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the field experience of rehabilitation counsellors and identify the most relevant AT knowledge and skills to the profession. Method A survey that explores rehabilitation counsellors perceived AT importance and competence was used. A total of 237 rehabilitation counsellors in the United States were recruited via the email listserv provided by Commission on Rehabilitation Counsellor Certification. Results The results indicated that while rehabilitation counsellors considered AT important to them, they felt ill-prepared in providing such services. Of the three subscales, the ability to use AT was rated with the highest importance and the knowledge of AT was rated with the lowest competence. Conclusion Although it is impossible for rehabilitation counsellors to know every aspect of the AT services, five training areas were identified to be a priority. Specifically, these five areas include training to improve rehabilitation counsellors’ (a) awareness of AT benefit, (b) knowledge and skill of AT assessment, (c) knowledge of computer based AT and the use of social media, (d) skill in using AT to increase service accessibility, and (e) ability to assist clients decision making that addresses both physical and psychological needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION •Confirm the importance of AT in rehabilitation counselling practices. •Recognise the limited AT competence amongst rehabilitation counsellors. •Identify five areas for more AT training that improve rehabilitation counsellors’ •Awareness of AT benefit, •Knowledge and skill of AT assessment, •Knowledge of computer based AT and the use of social media, •Skill in using AT to increase service accessibility, and •Ability to assist clients decision making that addresses both physical and psychological needs.
High-Speed Hover-Capable Morphing Micro Air Vehicle

The design, fabrication, and testing of a hybrid micro air vehicle capable of morphing between a high-hover-endurance rotary-wing mode and a high-cruise-speed fixed-wing mode is described. The micro air vehicle can efficiently perform a mission comprising outdoor flight to a target, followed by indoor surveillance and a return to the launch point. In addition, the micro air vehicle can function as a multirole platform, capable of flying exclusively as a fixed-wing or a rotary-wing vehicle. The key design drivers were 1) minimizing power required to hover, 2) ensuring static longitudinal stability in fixed-wing mode, and 3) minimizing the change in geometry between flight modes. Configuration trade studies were performed using blade element momentum theory for the rotary-wing mode and modified lifting-line theory for the fixed-wing mode. Design drivers for the rotary-wing mode and fixed-wing mode were often conflicting, and the selection of the final vehicle planform was primarily based on longitudinal sta.
Building up a clinical microbiota profiling: a quality framework proposal

Abstract Extensive characterization of the human microbiota has revealed promising relationships between microbial composition and health or disease, generating interest in biomarkers derived from microbiota profiling. However, microbiota complexity and technical challenges strongly influencing the results limit the generalization of microbiota profiling and question its clinical utility. In addition, no quality management scheme has been adapted to the specificities of microbiota profiling, notably due to the heterogeneity in methods and results. In this review, we discuss possible adaptation of classical quality management tools routinely used in diagnostic laboratories to microbiota profiling and propose a specific framework. Multiple quality controls are needed to cover all steps, from sampling to data processing. Standard operating procedures, primarily developed for wet lab analyses, must be adapted to the use of bioinformatic tools. Finally, requirements for test validation and proficiency testing must take into account expected discrepancies in results due to the heterogeneity of the processes. The proposed quality management framework should support the implementation of routine microbiota profiling by clinical laboratories to support patient care. Furthermore, its use in research laboratories would improve publication reproducibility as well as transferability of methods and results to routine practice.
An adaptive seam tracker for welding heavy-section aluminum

Robotic welding systems which cannot adapt in real time to changes in the joint geometry along the weld seam and to the seam position itself have only limited success in many welding applications, due to heat distortion of the weldment or to an overall shift in the weld seam caused by fixturing errors. A solution to this problem requires the application of some form of adaptive joint geometry sensing system for guidance of the welding torch. Research is described that addresses the general aluminum welding problem by integrating a laser-based part-profiling sensor with a welding robot. An adaptive system is being developed that is referred to as ARTIST (Adaptive Real-Time Intelligent Seam Tracker). An IBM PC/AT-compatible microcomputer serves as the system supervisor, commands the motion of the robot, directs and processes the sensor scans, and establishes the required weld parameters. The programming language used in the microcomputers is C, chosen primarily for its flexibility and high execution speed. The host robot is a Unimate 760 Series electric six-axis articulated arm, using a VAL II controller. >
Jumping in lantern bugs (Hemiptera, Fulgoridae)

ABSTRACT Lantern bugs are amongst the largest of the jumping hemipteran bugs, with body lengths reaching 44 mm and masses reaching 0.7 g. They are up to 600 times heavier than smaller hemipterans that jump powerfully using catapult mechanisms to store energy. Does a similar mechanism also propel jumping in these much larger insects? The jumping performance of two species of lantern bugs (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, family Fulgoridae) from India and Malaysia was therefore analysed from high-speed videos. The kinematics showed that jumps were propelled by rapid and synchronous movements of both hind legs, with their trochantera moving first. The hind legs were 20–40% longer than the front legs, which was attributable to longer tibiae. It took 5–6 ms to accelerate to take-off velocities reaching 4.65 m s−1 in the best jumps by female Kalidasa lanata. During these jumps, adults experienced an acceleration of 77 g, required an energy expenditure of 4800 μJ and a power output of 900 mW, and exerted a force of 400 mN. The required power output of the thoracic jumping muscles was 21,000 W kg−1, 40 times greater than the maximum active contractile limit of muscle. Such a jumping performance therefore required a power amplification mechanism with energy storage in advance of the movement, as in their smaller relatives. These large lantern bugs are near isometrically scaled-up versions of their smaller relatives, still achieve comparable, if not higher, take-off velocities, and outperform other large jumping insects such as grasshoppers.
Fast Collision Detection and Deformation of Soft Tissue in Virtual Surgery

In the virtual scene of robot assisted virtual surgery simulation system, the surgical instruments achieve complex motion following the haptic devices and the soft tissue deforms continuously under interaction forces. In order to meet the rapidity of collision detection, an algorithm based on changeable direction hull bounding volume hierarchy is proposed. Strategy of combining surface model with body model is developed for soft tissue deformation. Skeleton sphere model of soft tissue is built. Deformation can be achieved based on mass-spring theory after matching collision information with the skeleton sphere model. The experiments show that the proposed collision detection method implements faster speed compared with fixed direction hull algorithm and soft tissue deforms through combination of collision information with sphere model.
Improving Rater Calibration in Aviation: A Case Study

The assessment of pilot performance relies on systematic observation and assessment by a single trained rater or instructor/evaluator (I/E). Because of the importance of aviation safety, it is imperative that the rating and evaluation processes used by these I/Es yield reliable and valid data. This article describes a case study focused on improving the reliability and validity of crew assessment at a commercial carrier. The process for improving reliability involved the evaluation of current training methods, the construction and evaluation of 5 metrics for assessing interrater reliability, and a standardized process for using these metrics to train I/Es. A separate set of interventions was developed and implemented to improve structural validity. Data collected from 2 fleets in this airline during a 3-year period indicate aspects of reliability and validity that should be the focal points of continuing I/E training.
tsRFun: a comprehensive platform for decoding human tsRNA expression, functions and prognostic value by high-throughput small RNA-Seq and CLIP-Seq data

Abstract tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA), a novel type of regulatory small noncoding RNA, plays an important role in physiological and pathological processes. However, the understanding of the functional mechanism of tsRNAs in cells and their role in the occurrence and development of diseases is limited. Here, we integrated multiomics data such as transcriptome, epitranscriptome, and targetome data, and developed novel computer tools to establish tsRFun, a comprehensive platform to facilitate tsRNA research (http://rna.sysu.edu.cn/tsRFun/ or http://biomed.nscc-gz.cn/DB/tsRFun/). tsRFun evaluated tsRNA expression profiles and the prognostic value of tsRNAs across 32 types of cancers, identified tsRNA target molecules utilizing high-throughput CLASH/CLEAR or CLIP sequencing data, and constructed the interaction networks among tsRNAs, microRNAs, and mRNAs. In addition to its data presentation capabilities, tsRFun offers multiple real-time online tools for tsRNA identification, target prediction, and functional enrichment analysis. In summary, tsRFun provides a valuable data resource and multiple analysis tools for tsRNA investigation.
Design of Microstrip Patch Filter Antenna Based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide High-Order Mode Feeding

In order to achieve high integration and performance of the antenna at the same time, this paper proposes a dual layer filter antenna based on a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity and a microstrip patch. The antenna first uses the ground coplanar waveguide (GCPW) structure at the bottom of the SIW to feed and excite the high-order TE210 mode of the SIW, then etches a rectangular slot at the intersection of two quasi TE110 modes to feed the microstrip patch and excite the TM10 mode of the patch. By simultaneously exciting two modes, a high gain filter antenna is formed. The simulation results show that within the passband of the antenna, the average gain is as high as 7dBi, which has a good filtering effect.
New broadband dual‐printed inverted L‐shaped monopole antenna for tri‐band wireless applications

A broadband printed monopole antenna is proposed for digital communication systems (DCS‐1800), personal communication services (PCS1900), and international mobile telecommunication (IMT‐2000) tri‐band mobile devices. The proposed antenna is composed of two inverted L‐shaped monopoles, and they are back‐to‐back shorted by the center strip of a coplanar waveguide feed. To improve bandwidth and impedance matching, a small gap is introduced in one of the L‐shaped monopoles. As a result, the dual‐monopoles with almost the same size can resonate at two different frequencies with the improved bandwidth and impedance matching. Once two frequencies are close to each other by adjusting the position of the gap, a broadband operation can be achieved to cover DCS, PCS, and IMT tri‐bands. To demonstrate the proposed design, simulated and measured results are presented and discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 278–280, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22107
Digital circuit analysis of insulated shallow extension silicon on void (ISESOV) FET for low voltage applications

This paper investigates the potential of ISESOV architecture for low-voltage digital applications. A circuit analysis is performed for ISESOV MOSFET in terms of voltage transfer curve (VTC), supply current and noise margin and switching speed. These results are also compared with the ISE, SOV and bulk MOSFET architectures. Further improvement in the characteristic of inverter in terms of VTC and noise margin is observed by incorporating the gate stack architecture. The impact of Dual Material Gate architecture on the inverter performance has been also studied through exhaustive device simulations and it can be concluded that. ISESOV is a promising candidate for future digital applications as compared to ISE, SOV and bulk because it combines the advantages of both ISE and SOV architectures.
Warming has a minor effect on surface soil organic carbon in alpine meadow ecosystems on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

The alpine meadow ecosystem on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is very sensitive to warming and plays a key role in regulating global carbon (C) cycling. However, how warming affects the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool and related C inputs and outputs in alpine meadow ecosystems on the QTP remains unclear. Here, we combined two field experiments and a meta‐analysis on field experiments to synthesize the responses of the SOC pool and related C cycling processes to warming in alpine meadow ecosystems on the QTP. We found that the SOC content of surface soil (0–10 cm) showed a minor response to warming, but plant respiration was accelerated by warming. In addition, the warming effect on SOC was not correlated with experimental and environmental variables, such as the method, magnitude and duration of warming, initial SOC content, mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation. We conclude that the surface SOC content is resistant to climate warming in alpine meadow ecosystems on the QTP.
Interfacing management information systems with practical restaurants in UK hospitality degree programmes

The use of practical teaching restaurants as experiential learning resources is widely practised in UK institutions offering hospitality management programmes at undergraduate degree level. Surveys the extent to which students are permitted to make management decisions in such teaching restaurants. While some institutions give students considerable freedom to manage their restaurants, others give little opportunity to experience a realistic work environment. The use of computerized management information systems (MIS) to support decision making is widespread, but there are still many unpursued opportunities open to institutions. Concludes that unless students are given the opportunity to manage their teaching restaurants and also are provided with the information systems to help guide their decisions, teaching restaurants are not fulfilling their potential as an experiential learning resource.
Peptide GAM immunoadsorption in anti‐PLA2R positive autoimmune membranous nephropathy. The PRISM trial

Membranous nephropathy associated with anti‐PLA2R autoantibody is a significant cause of nephrotic syndrome worldwide. Treatment remains empiric with a significant side‐effect burden despite an increase in our understanding of the disease. We studied the effect of selectively removing this pathogenic autoantibody using immunoadsorption in adult patients with biopsy proven anti‐PLA2R membranous nephropathy. This was a multicenter, single‐arm prospective clinical trial carried out in the United Kingdom. Twelve patients underwent five consecutive sessions of peptide GAM immunoadsorption with 12 months follow‐up. Primary outcome was anti‐PLA2R titer at week 2. Secondary outcomes were safety and tolerability of therapy, antibody profile, and change in proteinuria, renal excretory function, serum albumin, total immunoglobulin, and quality of life at weeks 12, 24, and 52. Patients were also stratified by the presence or absence of the high‐risk allele (heterozygous or homozygous for HLA‐DQA1*05). Median pretreatment anti‐PLA2R was 702.50 U/mL, 1045.00 U/mL at week 2 (P‐value .023) and 165.00 U/mL at week 52 (P‐value .017). The treatment was well tolerated and safe. Two patients required rescue immunosuppression during the follow‐up period. There was a significant improvement in serum albumin with a median at baseline of 20.50 g/L rising to 25.00 g/L at week 52 (P‐value <.001). There was no statistical difference over the follow‐up period in proteinuria or renal function. Patients in possession of a high‐risk allele saw improvement in anti‐PLA2R titers, possibly representing a cohort more likely to benefit from immunoadsorption. Immunoadsorption therapy is a safe treatment and well‐tolerated treatment in anti‐PLA2R positive autoimmune membranous nephropathy.