Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional requirement of the Arabidopsis importin-α nuclear transport receptor family in autoimmunity mediated by the NLR protein SNC1

IMPORTIN-α3/MOS6 (MODIFIER OF SNC1, 6) is one of nine importin-α isoforms in Arabidopsis that recruit nuclear localization signal (NLS)-containing cargo proteins to the nuclear import machinery. IMP-α3/MOS6 is required genetically for full autoimmunity of the nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptor mutant snc1 (suppressor of npr1-1, constitutive 1) and MOS6 also contributes to basal disease resistance. Here, we investigated the contribution of the other importin-α genes to both types of immune responses, and we analyzed potential interactions of all importin-α isoforms with SNC1. By using reverse-genetic analyses in Arabidopsis and protein-protein interaction assays in N. benthamiana we provide evidence that among the nine α-importins in Arabidopsis, IMP-α3/MOS6 is the main nuclear transport receptor of SNC1, and that IMP-α3/MOS6 is required selectively for autoimmunity of snc1 and basal resistance to mildly virulent Pseudomonas syringae in Arabidopsis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Specific requirement for the Arabidopsis α-importin MOS6 in snc1-mediated autoimmunity is explained by selective formation of MOS6-SNC1 nuclear import complexes.
IMSC-EIoTD: Identity Management and Secure Communication for Edge IoT Devices

The Internet of things (IoT) will accommodate several billions of devices to the Internet to enhance human society as well as to improve the quality of living. A huge number of sensors, actuators, gateways, servers, and related end-user applications will be connected to the Internet. All these entities require identities to communicate with each other. The communicating devices may have mobility and currently, the only main identity solution is IP based identity management which is not suitable for the authentication and authorization of the heterogeneous IoT devices. Sometimes devices and applications need to communicate in real-time to make decisions within very short times. Most of the recently proposed solutions for identity management are cloud-based. Those cloud-based identity management solutions are not feasible for heterogeneous IoT devices. In this paper, we have proposed an edge-fog based decentralized identity management and authentication solution for IoT devices (IoTD) and edge IoT gateways (EIoTG). We have also presented a secure communication protocol for communication between edge IoT devices and edge IoT gateways. The proposed security protocols are verified using Scyther formal verification tool, which is a popular tool for automated verification of security protocols. The proposed model is specified using the PROMELA language. SPIN model checker is used to confirm the specification of the proposed model. The results show different message flows without any error.
The use of negative-pressure wound therapy over a cultured epithelial autograft for full-thickness wounds secondary to purpura fulminans in an infant

Purpura fulminans is a serious condition that can result in severe morbidity in the pediatric population. Although autologous skin grafts remain the gold standard for the coverage of partial- to full-thickness wounds, they have several limitations in pediatric patients, including the lack of planar donor sites, the risk of hemodynamic instability, and the limited graft thickness. In Singapore, an in-house skin culture laboratory has been available since 2005 for the use of cultured epithelial autografts (CEAs), especially in burn wounds. However, due to the fragility of CEAs, negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings have been rarely used with CEAs. With several modifications, we report a successful case of NPWT applied over a CEA in an infant who sustained 30% total body surface area full-thickness wounds over the anterior abdomen, flank, and upper thigh secondary to purpura fulminans. We also describe the advantages of using NPWT dressing over a CEA, particularly in pediatric patients.
Thymol‐Loaded Biogenic Silica Nanoparticles in an Aquatic Environment: The Impact of Particle Aggregation on Ecotoxicity

Thymol, a monoterpene phenol, is used as a natural biocide. To circumvent its chemical instability, we propose use of thymol‐loaded biogenic silica nanoparticles (BSiO2#THY NPs); however, the toxicity of this system for aquatic organisms is unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the toxicogenetic effects induced by thymol, BSiO2 NP, and BSiO2#THY on Artemia salina and zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages. We also investigated the impact of BSiO2 aggregation in different exposure media (saline and freshwater). Based on the median lethal concentration at 48 h (LC5048h), BSiO2#THY (LC5048h = 1.06 mg/L) presented similar toxic potential as thymol (LC5048h = 1.03 mg/L) for A. salina, showing that BSiO2 had no influence on BSiO2#THY toxicity. Because BSiO2 aggregated and sedimented faster in A. salina aqueous medium than in the other medium, this NP had lower interaction with this microcrustacean. Thus, BSiO2#THY toxicity for A. salina is probably due to the intrinsic toxicity of thymol. For zebrafish early life stages, BSiO2#THY (LC5096h = 13.13 mg/L) was more toxic than free thymol (LC5096h = 25.60 mg/L); however, BSiO2 NP has no toxicity for zebrafish early life stages. The lower aggregation of BSiO2 in the freshwater medium compared to the saline medium may have enhanced thymol's availability for this aquatic organism. Also, BSiO2#THY significantly induced sublethal effects as thymol, and both were genotoxic for zebrafish. In conclusion, although BSiO2#THY still needs improvements to ensure its safety for freshwater ecosystems, BSiO2 NP seems to be a safe nanocarrier for agriculture. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:333–341. © 2020 SETAC
Genetic Parameters for Age at First Calving and First Calving Interval of Beef Cattle

Simple Summary Reproductive performance of beef cows affects the profitability of beef production systems. Heritability of fertility traits is generally low, which means that there is a great influence of the nongenetic environmental factors. Selection based on breeding value is an effective way to improve fertility traits, and the knowledge of genetic parameters is necessary for this approach. In this study, the two most common fertility traits—the age at first calving and first calving interval are evaluated. It was found that genetic parameters and genetic correlation between these two traits differ according to population structure (multi-breed population, the population of Aberdeen Angus, and Charolais breed). A breeding strategy should be developed within a breed. Abstract The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for age at first calving (AFC) and first calving interval (FCI) for the entire beef cattle population and separately for the Charolais (CH) and Aberdeen Angus (AA) breeds in the Czech Republic. The database of performance testing between the years 1991 and 2019 was used. The total number of cows was 83,788 from 11 breeds. After editing, the data set contained 33,533 cows, including 9321 and 4419 CH and AA cows, respectively. The relationship matrix included 85,842 animals for the entire beef population and 24,248 and 11,406 animals for the CH and AA breeds, respectively. A multibreed multitrait animal model was applied. The estimated heritability was low to moderate. Genetic correlations between AFC and FCI varied depending on the breeds from positive to negative. Differences between variance components suggest that differences between breeds should be considered before selection and breeding strategy should be developed within a breed.
Is there a role for the IGF system and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical adenomas? A preliminary case-control study.

Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are very common and mostly they are non-functioning adenomas (NFA). NFAs are often associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Several biomarkers, including certain growth factors, may participate in the pathogenesis of metabolic changes in patients with adrenal adenomas. Patients with NFA and age-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. Data on age, gender, presence of metabolic syndrome or its components were obtained for each subject. Blood samples were obtained and glycemia, insulinemia, lipid profile, and selected growth factor levels were measured. Forty-three patients with NFA and 40 controls were included in the study. Differences were not found in the metabolic syndrome and its components prevalence or in the biochemical profile between patients and the control group. Significant differences were noticed in the levels of IGF1, IGF2, and IGFBP3 (p=0.016, p=0.005, p=0.004, respectively), but there were no differences in VEGF or EGF concentrations. In NFA patients, an association between glycemia and EGF levels was present (p=0.026). No significant correlations between tumor size and insulin or growth factor concentrations were present in AI patients. Significantly higher serum IGF1, IGF2, and IGFBP3 concentrations in NFA patients may support the role of the IGF axis in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical lesions. No correlation between IGFs or IGFBP3 and parameters of glucose or lipid metabolism was found. Present results may support the role of the growth hormone axis rather than hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical adenomas.
Review of Sustainable Grid‐Independent Renewable Energy Access in Remote Communities of India

In the last decade India has seen an increase in the adoption of solar energy‐based technologies by consumers, which has been supported by various government efforts and policies. The rural areas and low‐income households that lack a proper electricity supply have emerged as a market for solar off‐grid technologies, with private developers increasing their market base slowly in this group. This has promulgated the need to restructure the decentralized energy sector. Existing literature points out the suitability of solar off‐grid in such markets; the present study investigates the challenges that have hindered its growth. The study reviews the concept of poverty with respect to the energy sector and analyzes methods of determining poor energy access in the present scenario. It emphasizes the need to understand and reconceptualize policy instruments in order to make solar off‐grid a powerful tool in tackling energy demand and providing adequate energy access. It further explores the causes of energy disconnects and how grid‐independent solar energy is a technological solution of utmost relevance and in consonance with the idea of sustainable development. For a successful venture, both consumer behavior and marketer objectives are important determinants. The work also provides insights into various models, tools, factors, and social constructs that affect consumer perception and subsequently demand. Over the course of the study, it has been revealed how private players and entrepreneurs are tapping the wrong solar market, leading to misappropriation of solar energy technologies. The suggested improvements and recommendations of the present study from the analysis can serve as a guide for policy makers, technological innovators, and financial stakeholders. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:364–375. © 2020 SETAC
The Application of Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Derivatives for Supercapacitors

Supercapacitors (SCs), one of the most popular types of energy-storage devices, present lots of advantages, such as large power density and fast charge/discharge capability. Being the promising SCs electrode materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives have gained ever-increasing attention due to their large specific surface area, controllable porous structure and rich diversity. Herein, the recent development of MOFs-based materials and their application in SCs as the electrode are reviewed and summarized. The preparation method, the morphology of the materials and the electrical performance of various MOFs and their derivatives (such as carbon, metal oxide/hydroxide and metal sulfide) are briefly discussed. Most of recent works concentrate on Ni-, Co- and Mn-MOFs and their composites/derivatives. Conclusions and our outlook for the researches are also given, which would be a valuable guideline for the rational design of MOFs materials for SCs in the near future.
Effects of Dog-Based Animal-Assisted Interventions in Prison Population: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary Inmates usually suffer from depression, anxiety, or loss of empathy. Thus, animal-assisted therapies, and in concrete dog-based assisted therapy, were introduced in prisons in order to ameliorate the consequences of being into prison. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide an up-to-date analysis of the research on the effects of dog-based animal-assisted therapy in the prison population. Results showed that mental health, emotional control, empathy, or academic skills could be improved after dog-based assisted therapy. Most of the studies included activities related to dog training, dog caring, or activities. The duration of dog-based therapies ranged between 60 and 120 min, with the frequency being between 1 and 3 days/week. In conclusion, these potential enhancements might lead to a reduction in recidivism and violence. Abstract Background: Animal-assisted interventions, in concrete dog-assisted intervention, have been introduced in prisons to reduce recidivism as well as to improve the well-being of prisoners. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review is to provide an up-to-date analysis of the research on the effects of dog-based animal-assisted therapy in prison population. Methods: An electronic search of the literature was performed, and 20 articles were included. The PRISMA guideline methodology was employed. Results: Included studies involved a total of 1577 participants. The vast majority of protocols included activities related with dog training, dog caring, or activities, which included vocational or educational components. Duration of dog-based therapies ranged between 60 and 120 min, with the frequency being between 1 and 3 days/week. Statistically significant improvements in prisoners were observed in 13 studies. Conclusions: Dog-based animal-assisted therapy may improve anxiety, stress, recidivism, and other social variables in male or female inmates.
Four-Year Follow-Up of High versus Low Intensity Summer Treatment for Adolescents with ADHD

ABSTRACT Objective Despite an emergence of psychosocial treatments for adolescent ADHD, their long-term effects are unknown. Method We examine four-year outcomes of a randomized controlled trial (N = 218) comparing high-intensity (HI; 412 h, $4,373 per participant) versus low-intensity (LI; 24 h, $97 per participant) skills-based summer intervention delivered to adolescents with ADHD at two secondary school transitions (6th/9th grade). Quantitative and qualitative analyses evaluated group×time and group×grade×time effects on 4-year outcomes. Results Relative to LI, a single dose of HI had modest but lasting effects on teen organization skills (d =.40) and ADHD symptoms (9th grade only: d =.27 to.31) at 4-year follow-up. There was no long-term incremental effect of HI (vs. LI) for parent-teen conflict, GPA, or parent use of contingency management. Treatment appeared most effective when delivered to older adolescents (i.e., 9th versus 6th grade), suggesting the long-term impact of ADHD treatment may increase with age. Qualitative data corroborated that the primary long-term benefit of HI (vs. LI) treatment was to organization skills; many of the remaining perceived benefits were to parent and teen psychological variables (i.e., increased self-esteem, self-awareness, parental optimism). HI offered no incremental benefit to long-term educational or clinical service utilization or costs. Conclusions Modest therapeutic benefits of adolescent ADHD treatment are maintained long term. However, HI treatment did not impact outcomes that could defray the intervention’s high costs ($4,373) compared to LI treatment ($97).
Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being among Koreans

This study examined the relationship between gratitude and subjective well-being (life satisfaction, hope, and positive and negative affect) with individual demographic background (i.e., age, education level, perceived economic status, and religious affiliation) in a sample of 761 Korean adults participated from five universities in South Korea. Specifically, gratitude was still an essential element for the subjective well-being of Korean adults, although the meaning of gratitude under Confucian culture implies indebtedness and obligation. The relationship between gratitude and subjective well-being did not differ by gender. Implications for the subjective well-being of Koreans are discussed.
Structural Design and Crawling Pattern Generator of a Planar Quadruped Robot for High-Payload Locomotion

Load capacity is an important index to reflect the practicability of legged robots. Existing research into quadruped robots has not analyzed their load performance in terms of their structural design and control method from a systematic point of view. This paper proposes a structural design method and crawling pattern generator for a planar quadruped robot that can realize high-payload locomotion. First, the functions required to evaluate the leg’s load capacity are established, and quantitative comparative analyses of the candidates are performed to select the leg structure with the best load capacity. We also propose a highly integrated design method for a driver module to improve the robot’s load capacity. Second, in order to realize stable load locomotion, a novel crawling pattern generator based on trunk swaying is proposed which can realize lateral center of mass (CoM) movement by adjusting the leg lengths on both sides to change the CoM projection in the trunk width direction. Finally, loaded crawling simulations and experiments performed with our self-developed quadruped robot show that stable crawling with load ratios exceeding 66% can be realized, thus verifying the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Association of Hospital-Level Intensive Care Unit Use and Outcomes in Older Patients With Isolated Rib Fractures

Key Points Question Is a greater hospital-level tendency to admit older patients with rib fractures as an isolated injury to the intensive care unit (ICU) associated with improved outcomes for those patients? Findings In this cohort study of 23 951 patients aged 65 years and older, ICU use per trauma center varied from 0% to 92% of patients with isolated rib fractures. Greater ICU use was associated with a reduction in a composite adverse outcome of death, unplanned intubation, or pneumonia. Meaning These findings suggest that admission to an ICU may improve the outcomes of older patients with isolated chest wall injuries.
Neural stem cell–specific ITPA deficiency causes neural depolarization and epilepsy

Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) hydrolyzes inosine triphosphate (ITP) and other deaminated purine nucleotides to the corresponding nucleoside monophosphates. In humans, ITPA deficiency causes severe encephalopathy with epileptic seizure, microcephaly, and developmental retardation. In this study, we established neural stem cell–specific Itpa–conditional KO mice (Itpa-cKO mice) to clarify the effects of ITPA deficiency on the neural system. The Itpa-cKO mice showed growth retardation and died within 3 weeks of birth. We did not observe any microcephaly in the Itpa-cKO mice, although the female Itpa-cKO mice did show adrenal hypoplasia. The Itpa-cKO mice showed limb-clasping upon tail suspension and spontaneous and/or audiogenic seizure. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from entorhinal cortex neurons in brain slices revealed a depolarized resting membrane potential, increased firing, and frequent spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic current and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current in the Itpa-cKO mice compared with ITPA-proficient controls. Accumulated ITP or its metabolites, such as cyclic inosine monophosphates, or RNA containing inosines may cause membrane depolarization and hyperexcitability in neurons and induce the phenotype of ITPA-deficient mice, including seizure.
Isolation of Major Compounds and Gastroprotective Activity of Alchemilla Caucasica on Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats.

Objective The Alchemilla genus, which belongs to the Rosaceae family, is known as Lady's mantle and is commonly used in traditional medicine. This study was designed to investigate the major metabolites isolation and gastroprotective effects of Alchemilla caucasica. Materials and Methods Phytochemical studies were carried out using column chromatography on Alchemilla caucasica. The gastroprotective effect of ethanol extract of this plant was tested on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) parameters in the stomach tissue were examined. Results Quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, apigenin, and catechin were isolated from aerial parts of Alchemilla caucasica. When macroscopic ulcer index and histopathological results were analyzed, the extract at 200 mg/kg dose was found to be most effective. All doses of extract reduced MDA level and enhanced SOD activity and GSH level. Conclusion The results of this study showed that Alchemilla caucasica has significant antiulcer activity. This effect was thought to be caused by antioxidant properties of flavonoids.
Prognostic significance of pre-treatment serum Cyfra21-1 as a tumor marker in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy

Background Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a kind of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck, and its incidence is on the rise in recent years. A variety of prognostic markers for OPSCC have been reported in many studies, but they are expensive or difficult to obtain. So, we retrospectively studied the prognostic significance of cytokeratin 19 soluble fragment (Cyfra21-1) in patients with OPSCC, in order to provide theoretical basis for accurate prognosis assessment. Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological data of 85 OPSCC patients with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy (CRT) admitted from January 2010 to June 2017. Serum Cyfra21-1 levels were measured before treatment. Analyze the relationship between Cyfra21-1 and clinical pathological characteristics of patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the cut-off value of Cyfra21-1. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to conduct univariate and multivariate analysis of related prognostic factors, and to determine the factors related to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results The cutoff value for Cyfra21-1 was 2.93 ng/mL. The baseline data of patients in different Cyfra21-1 groups were balanced and comparable. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, it was found that Cyfra21-1 was associated with OS and PFS. A measurement of Cyfra21-1 ≥2.93 ng/mL indicated poor OS (P<0.001) and PFS (P=0.001). After adjusting for age and disease stage, Cyfra21-1 can independently affect the OS (HR =3.57, 95% CI: 1.60–7.99, P=0.002) and PFS (HR =2.89, 95% CI: 1.41–5.91, P=0.004) of patients with OPSCC treated with CRT. Conclusions Pre-treatment Cyfra21-1 can be used as a prognostic marker for patients with OPSCC treated with CRT, which has important clinical significance.