Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3D Microscale Heat Transfer Model of the Thermal Properties of Wood-Metal Functional Composites Based on the Microstructure

This study presents a model for simulating the microscopic heat transfer processes in a wood-metal composite material. The model was developed by analyzing the microstructure of experimental samples comprising a melted alloy impregnated in a wood matrix. According to the thermal parameters of the materials and the boundary conditions, an analytical model of microscale heat transfer was established using Abaqus finite element analysis software. The model was validated experimentally by comparing temperature curves obtained via simulation and experiments; the resulting correlation coefficient was 0.96557. We then analyzed the temperature distribution of the composite material with different cell geometries and heat transfer conditions (heat transfer direction and applied temperature). The thermal properties of the unit cell models were in good agreement with the general trends predicted by several heat transfer equations. This study provides a method for analyzing the microscale heat transfer process in wood-based composites. In addition, the model framework characteristics can be used to evaluate the heat transfer mechanism of impregnated modified wood.
The Prevalence of Wilson’s Disease: An Update

In 1984, Scheinberg and Sternlieb estimated the prevalence of Wilson’s disease to be 1:30,000 based on the limited available data. This suggested a large number of overlooked cases with potentially fatal consequences. The “Scheinberg‐Sternlieb Estimate” is still widely used, although more recent clinical and genetic studies of higher quality are now available. In the present study, we included these data to update the prevalence estimate.
Mumps virus infection disrupts blood‐testis barrier through the induction of TNF‐α in Sertoli cells

Mumps virus (MuV) has high tropism to the testis and may lead to male infertility. Sertoli cells are the major targets of MuV infection. However, the mechanisms by which MuV infection impairs male fertility and Sertoli cell function remain unclear. The present study elucidated the effect of MuV infection on the blood‐testis barrier (BTB). The transepithelial electrical resistance of MuV‐infected mouse Sertoli cells was monitored, and the expression of major proteins of the BTB was examined. We demonstrated that MuV infection disrupted the BTB by reducing the levels of occludin and zonula occludens 1. Sertoli cells derived from Tlr2–/– and Tnfa–/– mice were analyzed for mediating MuV‐induced impairment. TLR2‐mediated TNF‐α production by Sertoli cells in response to MuV infection impaired BTB integrity. MuV‐impaired BTB was not observed in Tlr2–/– and Tnfa–/– Sertoli cells. Moreover, an inhibitor of TNF‐α, pomalidomide, prevents the disruption of BTB in response to MuV infection. FITC‐labeled biotin tracing assay confirmed that BTB permeability and spermatogenesis were transiently impaired by MuV infection in vivo. These findings suggest that the disruption of the BTB could be one of the mechanisms underlying MuV‐impaired male fertility, in which TNF‐α could play a critical role. —Wu, H. , Jiang, X. , Gao, Y. , Liu, W. , Wang, F. , Gong, M. , Chen, R. , Yu, X. , Zhang, W. , Gao, B. , Song, C. , Han, D. Mumps virus infection disrupts blood‐testis barrier through the induction of TNF‐α in Sertoli cells. FASEB J. 33, 12528–12540 (2019). www.fasebj. org
Process Hiding by Virtual Machine Monitor for Attack Avoidance

As attacks to computers increase, protective software is developed. However, that software is still open to attacks by adversaries that disable its functionality. If that software is stopped or disabled, the risk of damage to the computer increases. Protections of that software are proposed however existing approaches are insufficient or cannot use those software without modification. To decrease the risk and to address these problems, this paper presents an attack avoidance method that hides process from adversaries who intend to terminate essential services. The proposed method complicates identification based on process information by dynamically replacing the information held by a kernel with dummy information. Replacing process information makes identifying the attack target difficult because adversaries cannot find the attack target by seeking the process information. Implementation of the proposed method with a virtual machine monitor enhances the security of the mechanism itself. Further, by implementing the proposed method with a virtual machine monitor, modification to operating systems is unnecessary.
Structural Insights into Catalytic Relevances of Substrate Poses in ACC-1

ACC-1 is a plasmid-encoded class C β-lactamase identified in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli. ACC-1-producing bacteria are susceptible to cefoxitin, whereas they are resistant to oxyimino cephalosporins. Here, we depict crystal structures of apo ACC-1, adenylylated ACC-1, and acylated ACC-1 complexed with cefotaxime and cefoxitin. ABSTRACT ACC-1 is a plasmid-encoded class C β-lactamase identified in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli. ACC-1-producing bacteria are susceptible to cefoxitin, whereas they are resistant to oxyimino cephalosporins. Here, we depict crystal structures of apo ACC-1, adenylylated ACC-1, and acylated ACC-1 complexed with cefotaxime and cefoxitin. ACC-1 has noteworthy structural alterations in the R2 loop, the Ω loop, and the Phe119 loop located along the active-site rim. The adenylate covalently bonded to the nucleophilic serine reveals a tetrahedral phosphorus mimicking the deacylation transition state. Cefotaxime in ACC-1 has a proper conformation for the substrate-assisted catalysis in that its C-4 carboxylate and N-5 nitrogen are adequately located to facilitate the deacylation reaction. In contrast, cefoxitin in ACC-1 has a distinct conformation, in which those functional groups cannot contribute to catalysis. Furthermore, the orientation of the deacylating water relative to the acyl carbonyl group in ACC-1 is unfavorable for nucleophilic attack.
Implementation of Open Textbooks in Community and Technical College Biology Courses: The Good, the Bad, and the Data

One challenge facing students today is high textbook costs, which pose a particularly difficult obstacle at community and technical colleges, where students typically have lower incomes and textbooks constitute a larger proportion of the overall cost of education. To address this, many advocate for using open-source textbooks, which are free in a digital format. However, concerns have been raised about the quality and efficacy of open textbooks. We investigated these concerns by collecting data from general biology classes at four community and technical colleges implementing traditionally published (non-open) and open textbooks. We compared student outcomes, textbook utilization methods, and perceptions of textbooks in these courses. In generalized linear statistical models, book type (open vs. non-open) did not significantly influence measured student outcomes. Additionally, survey results found that students and faculty perceived the open textbook as equal in quality to other textbooks. However, results also suggested that student textbook use did not always align with faculty expectations. For example, 30% of students reported reading their textbooks compared with 85% of faculty expecting students to read the textbook. Finally, faculty who implemented open textbooks expected the textbook to be used more often for reference and review compared with faculty who use traditional textbooks.
Purified β-glucans of Different Molecular Weights Enhance Growth Performance of LPS-challenged Piglets via Improved Gut Barrier Function and Microbiota

Simple Summary Beta-glucan is currently under consideration as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics for the sustainable pig production industry in China. Modulating intestinal function by β-glucan treatment in young pigs is one potential way of decreasing disease susceptibility and presumably increasing growth performance. In the present study, as a newly developed commercial product, β-glucans have proved to modulate gut function, and have improved growth performance in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets. The present study aimed to determine the mechanisms involved inβ-glucan of low and high molecular weight mediated growth alterations in weaned piglets. The results confirmed that β-glucans isolated from Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 could improve growth performance in weaned piglets and they showed intestinal modulatory properties via different mechanisms in regulating the mucosal barrier function and microbial populations between two different molecular weight β-glucans. Abstract This study investigated β-glucan derived from Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 with high (2000 kDa) and low (300 kDa) molecular weight (MW) to compare their effects on growth performance and gut function in LPS-induced weaned piglets. Changes in jejunal morphology, mucosal barrier function, microbial populations, and fermentation in the piglets were determined. Data showed that β-glucan prevented body weight loss in LPS challenged piglets. Supplementation with both β-glucan fractions improved jejunal morphology. Compared to low MW, β-glucan of high MW generally up-regulated transcripts of ZO-1, MUC1, and MUC2 in jejunal mucosa to a lesser extent. Mucosal D-lactate, diamine oxidase, and anti-oxidation index were effectively resumed in β-glucan treatment. Both β-glucan diets provoked the emergence of a balanced microbiota and a richer concentration of volatile fatty acids in the colon. The richest community of bifidobacterium and concentration of butyrate emerged after feeding β-glucan with high MW. Results suggested that the effect of Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 β-glucans on the gut-modulatory function is largely linked to their MW. Low MW β-glucan mainly improved the mucosal barrier function in the jejunum, while high MW β-glucan had profound effects on the microbial community and fermentation in the hindgut of piglets.
How can schistosome circulating antigen assays be best applied for diagnosing male genital schistosomiasis (MGS): an appraisal using exemplar MGS cases from a longitudinal cohort study among fishermen on the south shoreline of Lake Malawi

Abstract We provide an update on diagnostic methods for the detection of urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) in men and highlight that satisfactory urine-antigen diagnostics for UGS lag much behind that for intestinal schistosomiasis, where application of a urine-based point-of-care strip assay, the circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) test, is now advocated. Making specific reference to male genital schistosomiasis (MGS), we place greater emphasis on parasitological detection methods and clinical assessment of internal genitalia with ultrasonography. Unlike the advances made in defining a clinical standard protocol for female genital schistosomiasis, MGS remains inadequately defined. Whilst urine filtration with microscopic examination for ova of Schistosoma haematobium is a convenient but error-prone proxy of MGS, we describe a novel low-cost sampling and direct visualization method for the enumeration of ova in semen. Using exemplar clinical cases of MGS from our longitudinal cohort study among fishermen along the shoreline of Lake Malawi, the portfolio of diagnostic needs is appraised including: the use of symptomatology questionnaires, urine analysis (egg count and CCA measurement), semen analysis (egg count, circulating anodic antigen measurement and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis) alongside clinical assessment with portable ultrasonography.
Confusion, dissociation and bizarre behaviour as the onset of an early Susac syndrome

A 47-year-old woman presented an episode of confusion and disorientation. According to remarkable psychiatric records, she had been treated for major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder; however, no other relevant background was known. After preliminary examinations, blood analysis and neurological tests were unspecific and inconclusive. Therefore, the case was treated as a possible psychiatric episode related to her previous psychiatric disorders. However, due to the atypical presentation of the case, a cerebral MRI was performed, which demonstrated multiple central lesions of the corpus callosum (‘snowball lesions’), as well as several supratentorial white matter lesions. As a result of the follow-up of the case, sensorineural hearing loss and branch retinal artery were detected, which concluded in the classic triad and the confirmation of the diagnosis of a Susac syndrome.
Treatment of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Background Several options have been proposed for the treatment of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cEHPSS) in dogs, but formal comparisons among different treatment options are currently unavailable. A previous evidence‐based review (2012) found low quality of evidence for papers assessing the treatment of cEHPSS in dogs. Objectives To assess the quality of evidence available in the treatment of cEHPSS, summarize the current state of knowledge with respect to outcome after cEHPSS management, and compare different treatment techniques. Animals Not used. Methods A bibliographic search was performed without date or language restrictions. Studies were assessed for quality of evidence (study design, study group sizes, subject enrollment quality, and overall risk of bias) and outcome measures reported (perioperative outcome, clinical outcome, and surgical or interventional outcome), all reported with 95% confidence intervals. A network meta‐analysis was performed. Results Forty‐eight studies were included. Six retrospective studies (grade 4b) compared 2 techniques and 7 were abstracts (grade 5). The quality of evidence was low and risk of bias high. Regarding surgical outcome, statistically significant superiority of ameroid constrictor over thin film band was observed (P = .003). No other comparisons were statistically significant. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The evidence base of choice of treatment of cEHPSS in dogs remains weak despite recent publications on the subject. Ameroid is superior to thin film band in causing EHPSS closure. Blinded randomized studies comparing different treatment modalities, which routinely include postoperative imaging to assess cEHPSS closure and acquired portosystemic shunt development are essential.
Modulation of Cardiovascular Function in Primary Hypertension in Rat by SKA-31, an Activator of KCa2.x and KCa3.1 Channels

The aim of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic effects of SKA-31, an activator of the small (KCa2.x) and intermediate (KCa3.1) conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, and to evaluate its influence on endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH)-KCa2.3/KCa3.1 type relaxation in isolated endothelium-intact small mesenteric arteries (sMAs) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Functional in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed on SHRs or their normotensive controls, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). SKA-31 (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) caused a brief decrease in blood pressure and bradycardia in both SHR and WKY rats. In phenylephrine-pre-constricted sMAs of SHRs, SKA-31 (0.01–10 µM)-mediated relaxation was reduced and SKA-31 potentiated acetylcholine-evoked endothelium-dependent relaxation. Endothelium denudation and inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) by the respective inhibitors l-NAME or indomethacin, attenuated SKA-31-mediated vasorelaxation. The inhibition of KCa3.1, KCa2.3, KIR and Na+/K+-ATPase by TRAM-34, UCL1684, Ba2+ and ouabain, respectively, reduced the potency and efficacy of the EDH-response evoked by SKA-31. The mRNA expression of eNOS, prostacyclin synthase, KCa2.3, KCa3.1 and KIR were decreased, while Na+/K+-ATPase expression was increased. Collectively, SKA-31 promoted hypotension and vasodilatation, potentiated agonist-stimulated vasodilation, and maintained KCa2.3/KCa3.1-EDH-response in sMAs of SHR with downstream signaling that involved KIR and Na+/K+-ATPase channels. In view of the importance of the dysfunction of endothelium-mediated vasodilatation in the mechanism of hypertension, application of activators of KCa2.3/KCa3.1 channels such as SKA-31 seem to be a promising avenue in pharmacotherapy of hypertension.
Cerebral Vascular Reactivity in Frail Older Adults with Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Background: Frailty, a state of increased vulnerability, could play a role in the progression of vascular dementia. We aim to describe the changes in cerebrovascular reactivity of older adults with frailty and vascular-type mild cognitive impairment (MCIv). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A comprehensive geriatric assessment, neuropsychological evaluation, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) was performed on 180 participants who were allocated into four groups: healthy (n = 74), frail (n = 40), MCIv (n = 35), and mixed (frail + MCIv) (n = 31). ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for the analysis of continuous variables with and without normal distribution. Multinomial logistic regression was constructed to identify associated covariates. Results: Subjects in the mixed group, compared to healthy group, were older (75.0 ± 5.9 vs 70.3 ± 5.9 years; p < 0.001), showed lower education (9.3 ± 6.4 vs 12.2 ± 4.0 years; p = 0.054), greater frequency of diabetes (42% vs 12%; p = 0.005), worse cognitive performance (z = −0.81 ± 0.94), and reduced left medial-cerebral artery cerebrovascular reactivity (0.43 ± 0.42 cm/s). The mixed group was associated with age (odds ratio (OR) 1.16, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.06–1.27; p < 0.001), diabetes (OR 6.28, 1.81–21.84; p = 0.004), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score (OR 1.34, 95% CI = 1.09–1.67; p = 0.007). Conclusions: Frailty among older adults was associated with worse cognitive performance, diabetes, and decreased cerebral blood flow.
Dorsal Hippocampus Not Always Necessary in a Radial Arm Maze Delayed Win-shift Task

Spatial working memory is important for foraging and navigating the environment. However, its neural underpinnings remain poorly understood. The hippocampus, known for its spatial coding and involvement in spatial memory, is widely understood to be necessary for spatial working memory when retention intervals increase beyond seconds into minutes. Here, we describe new evidence that the dorsal hippocampus is not always necessary for spatial working memory for retention intervals of 8 minutes. Rats were trained to perform a delayed spatial win shift radial arm maze task (DSWS) with an 8-minute delay between study and test phases. We then tested whether bilateral inactivation of the dorsal hippocampus between the study and test phases impaired behavioral performance at test. Inactivation was achieved through a bilateral infusion of lidocaine. Performance following lidocaine was compared to control trials, in which, sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was infused. Test performance did not differ between the lidocaine and PBS conditions, remaining high in each. To explore the possibility that this insensitivity to inactivation was a result of overtraining, a second cohort of animals received substantially less training prior to the infusions. In this second cohort, lidocaine infusions did significantly impair task performance. These data indicate that successful performance of a spatial win-shift task on the 8-arm maze need not always be hippocampally dependent.
Higher expression of the strawberry xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase genes FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 accelerates fruit ripening

Summary Fruit softening in Fragaria (strawberry) is proposed to be associated with the modification of cell wall components such as xyloglucan by the action of cell wall‐modifying enzymes. This study focuses on the in vitro and in vivo characterization of two recombinant xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) from Fragaria vesca, FvXTH9 and FvXTH6. Mining of the publicly available F. vesca genome sequence yielded 28 putative XTH genes. FvXTH9 showed the highest expression level of all FvXTHs in a fruit transcriptome data set and was selected with the closely related FvXTH6 for further analysis. To investigate their role in fruit ripening in more detail, the coding sequences of FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 were cloned into the vector pYES2 and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 displayed xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET) activity towards various acceptor substrates using xyloglucan as the donor substrate. Interestingly, FvXTH9 showed activity of mixed‐linkage glucan:xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (MXE) and cellulose:xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (CXE). The optimum pH of both FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 was 6.5. The prediction of subcellular localization suggested localization to the secretory pathway, which was confirmed by localization studies in Nicotiana tabacum. Overexpression showed that Fragaria × ananassa fruits infiltrated with FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 ripened faster and showed decreased firmness compared with the empty vector control pBI121. Thus FvXTH9 and also FvXTH6 might promote strawberry fruit ripening by the modification of cell wall components.
NOV/CCN3 induces cartilage protection by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Osteoarthritis (OA), an age‐related degenerative joint disease, is pathologically characterized by articular cartilage degeneration and synovial inflammation. Nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV or CCN3), a matricellular protein, is a primary member of the CCN family (Cyr61, Ctgf, NOV) of proteins and is involved in various inflammatory disorders. Previous studies reported that CCN3 might play a therapeutic role in OA. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we confirmed the expression of CCN3 was decreased in human and rat OA articular cartilage. Recombinant CCN3 ameliorated the IL‐1β‐induced matrix catabolism, as demonstrated by MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS5 and iNOS expression, in vitro. In addition, the degradation of cartilage matrix such as collagen 2 and aggrecan could be reversed by CCN3. Furthermore, we found CCN3 promoted autophagy as Atg5, Beclin1 and LC3‐II expression were increased. High‐mobility group box 1 was negatively correlated with CCN3 in IL‐1β‐induced osteoarthritis responses, and HMGB1 is involved in the protective effect of CCN3 in OA. Moreover, CCN3 overexpression decreased the expression of HMGB1 and reversed the IL‐1β induced MMPs production. Additionally, recombinant CCN3 or CCN3 overexpression attenuated the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway induced by IL‐1β. Our study presents new mechanisms of CCN3 in osteoarthritis and indicates that CCN3 can serve as a novel potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis.