Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GPX4-Regulated Ferroptosis Mediates S100-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Hepatitis Associated with the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the liver. Oxidative stress triggered by reactive oxygen radicals is a common pathophysiological basis for the pathogenesis of many liver diseases, and ferroptosis is associated with the toxic accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The signaling transduction pathways responsible for iron processing and lipid-peroxidation mechanisms are believed to drive ferroptosis. However, the specific mechanisms regulating ferroptosis remain unclear. The aims of this investigation were to identify the possible effector functions of ferroptosis, based on glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) regulation in an S100-induced autoimmune hepatitis mouse model and hepatocyte injury models. The S100 liver antigen-induced AIH mouse model was used to detect ferroptotic biomarkers using western blotting. Upregulated levels of cyclooxygenase2 (COX2) and Acyl-Coenzyme A synthase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were observed in the S100-induced AIH model group, while levels of GPX4 and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) were downregulated (P < 0.05). The expression profiles of COX2, ACSL4, GPX4, and FTH1 were restored following the administration of ferrostatin-1. In addition, Nrf2 and HO-1 levels in the S100-induced AIH model mice after treatment with ferrostatin-1 were downregulated compared to the nonferrostatin-1-treated S100-induced AIH model mice (P < 0.05). Moreover, COX2 and ACSL4 levels were significantly upregulated, with significant FTH1 downregulation, in the AIH model mice when liver-specific GPX4 was silenced using AAV8 constructs. These data indicate that inhibition of ferroptosis significantly ameliorated the influence of AIH on the Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway, and that ferroptosis may act as an initiator or intermediate mediator leading to AIH.
Understanding the sensory characteristics of edible insects to promote entomophagy: A projective sensory experience among consumers

In recent years, a remarkable number of studies have investigated sensory characteristics, such as flavor and texture, of edible insect and insect-based foods, their contribution to consumers’ attitudes toward edible insects are important in consumer appeal and their willingness to try eating insects in the future. This paper addresses the problem of describing the sensory characteristics aof edible insect and insect-based foods in terms of preferences. To this end, we conducted a study to explore the representations of sensory experiences related to an insect-based dish involving a voluntary sample of 154 consumers. The quasi-experiment, which we have called projective sensory experience (PSE), follows a two-step procedure. In the first step, we asked the participants to imagine tasting an insect-based dish and then to rate, from 1 (imperceptible) up to 10 (very perceptible), the following taste-olfactory sensations: Sapidity, Bitter tendency, Acidity, Sweet, Spiciness, Aroma, Greasiness-Unctuosity, Succulence, Sweet, Fatness, Persistence. In the second step, we asked our interviewees to indicate, through a specific check-list, which was the most disturbing and least disturbing taste-olfactory sensation imagined. We collected data from May to July 2020 by using an anonymous on-line questionnaire. Results could help understand the sensory characteristics of “insects as food” that should be used or avoided, for example, in communication aimed at promoting familiarity with edible insects and improving the acceptability of insects as a novel food.
Heavily-loaded wideband helix traveling wave tube

The experimental work for a wideband (6-18GHz) helix TWT with a heavy ceramic loading has been carried out at SNU. The well known issues of this kind of TWT are the maximum allowed 2/sup nd/ harmonic level at the lower frequency range and minimum allowed efficiency at the higher frequency range. The "negative" dispersion of a helical slow-wave structure (SWS) is a key concept to ensure a successful operation in wideband helix TWT. In this study, an unconventional "positive phase-velocity-tapering" with an unequal ceramic rod was employed to enhance the second harmonic level at the lower frequencies and efficiency at the higher frequencies. The dispersion and the interaction impedance of the structure were predicted by a 3-D HFSS code.
Mean Velocity and Decay Characteristics of the Near- and Far-Wake of a Compressor Rotor Blade of Moderate Loading

This paper reports the experimental study of the three-dimensional characteristics of the mean velocity in the wake of a moderately loaded compressor rotor blade. The measurements were taken with a three-sensor hot-wire probe rotating with the rotor. The wake was surveyed at several radial and axial stations. The loading was found to have substantial effect and this was reflected not only in the axial and tangential components, but also in the radial component. The radial velocities were found to be high very near the trailing-edge and this exhibits the characteristics prevalent in a trailing vortex system. The static pressures across the wake were measured using a direction insensitive spherical head static-stagnation pressure probe. The static pressure was found to be higher inside the wake. These and other measurements are reported and correlated in this paper.Copyright © 1979 by ASME
New Perspectives on Diagnosing Psoriatic Arthritis by Imaging Techniques

Abstract Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can lead to severe functional impairment and irreversible damage. The diagnosis can be difficult in early cases where the clinical exam is often scarce. The lack of a serological biomarker can lead to a considerable delay in diagnosis. In this review, we discuss the existent imaging methods that have improved the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The degree and type of musculoskeletal involvement cannot be assessed by only one imaging method. We think that a combination of methods is the best approach to evaluate both structural damage and inflammatory lesions and that ultrasound (US) could be the best tool to screen a patient when considering the diagnosis of PsA. US is an accessible, non-ionizing technique that offers information regarding active inflammation in joints, entheses, and soft tissues.
“Let Us Save Venice”—An Educational Online Maze Game for Climate Resilience

Climate resilience competencies improve people’s capacity to recognize and adopt strategies for mitigating negative climate effects. Especially concerning the built cultural heritage protection in the coastal areas, both professionals and citizens have to be prepared for water-related extreme events, such as floods, sea-level rise, and altered precipitation. Considering these challenges, the authors explore the efficiency of serious video games and describe the process of design and validation of the pilot educational online maze game “Let us save Venice”. More specifically, the main research question motivating the study is to identify what the experience factors and the mini-games are that contribute mostly to raising awareness to climate resilience and built heritage sustainability. The question implies two main research objectives: first, to explore what role user-centered game design plays in creating immersive and enjoyable educational video maze games, and second, to investigate which factors influence user experience and game playability in the design phase, and how they contribute to learnability and raising awareness. The background section of the article focuses on a preliminary study of the educational potential of serious games and introduces the EU-funded project e-Creha. Then, it explores the process of game design, development, and validation, focusing on metrics such as game learnability and game experience. The results outline the main findings that immersion, positive affect, and competence appeared to be the main experience factors contributing to raising awareness to climate resilience and built heritage sustainability. Lastly, the discussion section provides further directions for game improvement and future work.
Interventions That Successfully Reduced Adults Salt Intake—A Systematic Review

Background: Adequate sodium intake is important for lowering blood pressure and thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk and other complications. The aim of this review is to identify recent interventions around the world that have been successful in reducing salt intake. Methods: A search in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed. We include studies published in the last 10 years; randomized trials, pilot intervention without a control arm or experimental study; adult participants; and interventions that successfully reduced salt intake. Study quality was assessed. Results: We included 21 studies, 16 randomized intervention trials and five nonrandomized intervention studies. Eleven interventions described health and nutritional education, seven interventions described nutritional education plus other interventions, and three studies used salt meters to reduce sodium intake. Conclusion: Health and nutritional education, nutritional education plus other interventions and estimates of salt intake showed success in the reduction of salt consumption. There is no evidence that one type of intervention analyzed is more effective than other in reducing salt consumption, so we must analyze each in which individuals or subpopulations will have the intervention performed and use the most suitable approaches to lead to better results.
Adapting to hydrologic impacts of climate change: an international development perspective

The paper reviews important water‐related effects of climate change and assesses their impacts on developing countries and, in particular, on developing country agriculture. It assesses the relative importance of change‐driven water supply and water demand effects on agriculture and examines the concepts of vulnerability, adaptation, and adaptive capacity. It suggests some measures available to developing countries to begin the process of adaptation to the impacts of climate change and outlines a possible role for external development cooperation in that process. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time-scale analysis of quadrature Doppler ultrasound signals

Most Doppler ultrasound systems employ quadrature demodulation techniques at the detection stage. The information concerning flow direction, encoded in the phase relationship between in-phase and quadrature-phase channels, is not obvious at this stage. The complex fast Fourier transform can be used to obtain directional information in the frequency domain, as well as time–frequency analysis of Doppler signals. However, it has an inherent time–frequency resolution limitation. The wavelet transform allows the time–frequency resolution compromise to be optimised. Mapping directional information in the scale domain is also desirable. A method is described, based on the utilisation of complex wavelets and negative scales. It eliminates the intermediate processing stages for obtaining directional Doppler signals for time-scale analysis.
Investigating pre-service EFL teachers’ and teacher educators’ experience and attitudes towards online interaction tools

Abstract This study investigated pre-service English language teachers’ and their instructors’ experience with using online interaction tools, their views of the effectiveness of interaction tools in language development, their attitudes to implementing the tools, and the challenges they face in online interaction. The participants were 100 MA students of TEFL and 7 teacher educators at Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST). The data collection instruments included four questionnaires on experience, knowledge, attitudes, and challenges of using online interaction tools in English language classes. A semi-structured interview was also conducted to examine teacher educators’ views of online interaction. The results revealed that pre-service teachers were not aware of all online interaction tools and their effectiveness in language development; they had a positive frame of mind regarding implementing interaction tools in language classes; and their most frequent challenges included lack of adequate technical infrastructure, knowledge, and collaboration. The results also showed that teacher educators held the view that interaction tools can foster interaction according to the nature and content of a course and that they are effective for online classes, traditional classes, and outside classroom activities to enhance language learning. Some barriers, such as technical issues, inadequate pedagogical and technological knowledge, learners’ anxiety, and limited online participation were also emphasized. To construct a successful online learning community, teacher educators are recommended to enhance pre-service teachers’ awareness of online interaction tools and their implementation in English language classes.
Design Considerations for Virtual Panoramic Display (VPD) Helmet Systems

Abstract : This paper describes some of the fundamental performance and design parameters that should be considered for the successful evolution and integration of a new type of helmet mounted display (HMD) system intended for use in military aircraft cockpits/simulators. It is called a virtual panoramic display (VPD). The parameters discussed include field-of-view (FOV), exit pupil, image quality, eye relief, collimation, alignment, size, weight, system integration issues, and several others. For the first time the associated helmet system is considered as an integral subsystem that must be designed to support the requirements of the HMD. Trade-offs relating to the intended VPD applications (i.e., cockpit simulators/rotary wing aircraft), HMD design and its impact on image source and display electronics are discussed. Design issues and considerations are developed primarily from the viewpoint of the VPD system integrator.
Epithelial Wntless (Wls) regulates postnatal alveologenesis.

Alveologenesis requires the coordinated modulation of the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments to generate mature alveolar saccules for efficient gas exchange. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction during alveologenesis are poorly understood. Here, we report that Wnts produced by epithelial cells are critical for neonatal alveologenesis. Deletion of the Wnt chaperon protein Wntless homolog (Wls) disrupts alveolar formation, resulting in enlarged saccules in Sftpc-Cre/Nkx2.1-Cre; Wlsloxp/loxp mutants. Although commitment of the alveolar epithelium is unaffected, α-SMA+ mesenchymal cells persist in the alveoli accompanied by increased collagen deposition and mutants exhibit exacerbated fibrosis following bleomycin challenge. Notably, α-SMA+ cells include a significant number of endothelial cells resembling endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) which is also present in Ager-CreER; Wlsloxp/loxp mutants following early postnatal Wls deletion. These findings provide initial evidence that epithelial-derived Wnts are critical for the differentiation of the surrounding mesenchyme during early postnatal alveologenesis.
Relationships among Indicators of Metabolism, Mammary Health and the Microbiomes of Periparturient Holstein Cows

Simple Summary Parturition is the most important physiological event in the lifecycle of dairy cows; it mediates changes in the microbiota composition. However, the complete picture of the dynamics of these phenomena and how they affect health and metabolism is unknown. This study documents the composition of the microbiota in the mammary gland, on reproductive surfaces and those associated with the rectum immediately after parturition. The microbiomes of different maternal niches were different, as predicted by their different functional roles in cows. Based on the results of this research, the conclusion that the microorganisms that colonize different mucosal tissues of cows were linked to the state of systemic energy metabolism and had an impact on the health of the mammary gland cows following calving was drawn. Abstract During the period called “transition”, from the ceasing of milk production to the reestablishment of full milk production, it is postulated that the microbiota of cows undergo changes in composition driven by the fluxes in systemic energetics and that these changes appear to impact the health of cows. The primary objective of this study was to document the make-up of the microbiota in the mammary gland compared with those in the vagina and in feces in an attempt to determine any correlations between the composition of the microbiota, the impact of blood indicators of energetic metabolites and the health of the mammary gland at the time of calving. Samples were collected from 20 Holstein dairy cows immediately following calving to assess their general health and measure the microbiomes associated with each cow using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results indicated that the microbiomes found within each maternal niche were different. A set of significant negative associations between the blood energetic biomarkers (NEFAs, BHB, triglycerides and cholesterol) and the taxa Pseudomonas, Christensenellaceae and Methanobrevibacter were observed in this study. In contrast, Escherichia and Romboutsia were positively correlated with the same energetic metabolites. Therefore, it was concluded that there appears to be a set of relationships between the microorganisms that colonize several niches of cows and the sufficiency of systemic energy metabolism. Furthermore, both the microbiome and energy dynamics impact the health of the mammary gland of the host.
Vibration energy harvesting to power condition monitoring sensors for industrial and manufacturing equipment

To enable self-sustaining long-lasting wireless condition monitoring sensors, a small mechanical vibration energy harvester using electromagnetic transduction was constructed and used to harvest vibrations from large industrial pump motors and machine tool. The prototype harvester was roughly the size of a cube with 2.5 cm long sides. Power ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 mW was harvested from 15 to 30 kW water pump motors. For a machine tool, metal cutting vibrations and rapid jog events were explored as possible harvestable sources of energy. Power ranging from 0.9 to 1.9 mW was harvested during facemilling operations, and it was shown that rapid jog events could be harvested. The power levels harvested from the pump motors and machine tools are sufficient to provide the time-averaged power requirements of commercial wireless sensor nodes, enabling sensor nodes to overcome the finite life of replaceable batteries.
Missile Defense and Interceptor Allocation by

The purpose of this paper is to propose a solution methodology for a missile defense problem involving the sequential allocation of defensive resources over a series of engagements. The problem is cast as a dynamic programming/Markovian decision problem, which is computationally intractable by exact methods because of its large number of states and its complex modeling issues. We have employed a neuro-dynamic programming (NDP) framework, whereby the cost-to-go function is approximated using neural network architectures that are trained on simulated data. We report on the performance obtained using several different training methods, and we compare this performance with the optimal. N THIS paper we consider a complex dynamic interceptor allocation problem that is typical of theater missile defense (TMD). We assume that the defense allocates interceptors to counter an opponent, who has a limited inventory of ballistic missiles that can be used to attack assets (cities, air fields, etc.). Due to the limited number of missile launchers, and also due to the offense's desire to conserve its missile inventory for future contingencies, the offense typically does not launch all its mis- siles simultaneously but rather in discrete attack waves. These waves may be spaced hours apart, and there may be multiple waves per day over a period of many days. Thus, the TMD inter- ceptor allocation problem is a dynamic decision problem, since a series of decisions must be made over an extended period of time, with the consequences of a given decision affecting the subsequent decisions. The defense has an inventory of interceptors and a set of launchers. The decisions to be made concern the utilization of interceptors. Given the current attack wave, the defense must decide on how many interceptors to use against the current wave and how many to withhold for use against future waves. The number of interceptors fired per wave is constrained by
Two-Dimensional Magneto-Optic Spatial Light Modulator For Signal Processing

A 2D Magneto-optic device with high speed non-volatile random access capability is described in this paper. Drive requirements and structure are compatible with LSI technology. Pixel switching is electromagnetic, non-thermal, random access addressed by current pulses in crossed conductors deposited on the garnet. The perfection of the solid state crystal structure provides the potential for very high quality, high resolution, optical characteristics. The device has been named LIGHT-MOD™. This stands for Litton Iron Garnet H Triggered Ilagneto Optic Device.
Bicriteria sequencing for just-in-time mixed-model assembly lines

Under a Just-In-Time (JIT) pull system the sequencing of products requires the satisfaction of two main goals: (1) keeping a constant rate of usage of parts, and (2) smoothing the workload at work stations to avoid line stoppages. By using a practical observation related to JIT delivery systems we propose a two-step approach, where in the first step we consider only goal (1) by applying a benchmark heuristic. In the second step we focus on goal (2), by investigating the effectiveness of a spacing-constraint based approach, commonly used in the automotive industry, in comparison with a more general time-based one. We designed and conducted a simulation experiment based on the practical situation of final assembly lines and we found that the benchmark heuristic represents an appropriate choice for step one (based on a new performance measure that represents a lower bound on variation in parts utilization). For the second step, related to workload smoothing, the spacing-constraint based method presents better achievement than the time-based one.
Evolving positive psychology: A blueprint for advancing the study of purpose in life, psychological strengths, and resilience

ABSTRACT Much has been discovered about well-being since 1998, when positive psychology entered the lexicon. Among the wide range of areas in positive psychology, in this commentary we discuss recent discoveries on (1) distinctions between meaning in life, a sense of purpose, and happiness, (2) psychological or personality strengths and the benefits of particular combinations, and (3) resilience after exposure to adversity. We propose a series of questions about this literature with the hope that well-being researchers and practitioners continue to update their perspectives based on high-quality scientific findings and revise old views that rely on shaky empirical ground.