Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arc Tracking Control in Insulation Systems for Aeronautic Applications: Challenges, Opportunities, and Research Needs

Next generation aircrafts will use more electrical power to reduce weight, fuel consumption, system complexity and greenhouse gas emissions. However, new failure modes and challenges arise related to the required voltage increase and consequent rise of electrical stress on wiring insulation materials, thus increasing the risk of electrical arc appearance. This work performs a critical and comprehensive review concerning arc tracking effects in wiring insulation systems, underlying mechanisms, role of materials and possible mitigation strategies, with a special focus on aircraft applications. To this end an evaluation of the scientific and technological state of the art is carried out from the analysis of theses, research articles, technical reports, international standards and white papers. This review paper also reports the limitations of existing insulation materials, standard test methods and mitigation approaches, while identifying the research needs to comply with the future demands of the aircraft industry.
Impacts of copper and lead exposure on prokaryotic communities from contaminated contrasted coastal seawaters: the influence of previous metal exposure.

Our understanding of environmental factors controlling prokaryotic community is largely hampered by the large environmental variability across spatial scales (e.g. trace metal contamination, nutrient enrichment, physico-chemical variations) and the broad diversity of bacterial pre-exposure to environmental factors. In this article, we investigated the specific influence of copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) on prokaryotic communities from the uncontaminated site, using mesocosm experiments. In addition, we studied how pre-exposure (i.e. life history) affects communities, with reference to previous metal exposure on the response of three prokaryotic communities to similar Cu exposition. This study showed a stronger influence of Cu contamination than Pb contamination on prokaryotic diversity and structure. We identified 12, and 34 bacterial families and genera, respectively, contributing to the significant differences observed in community structure between control and spiked conditions. Taken altogether, our results point towards a combination of direct negative responses to Cu contamination and indirect responses mediated by interaction with phytoplankton. These identified responses were largely conditioned by the previous exposure of community to contaminants.
Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objectives: To investigate the safety, feasibility, and possible adverse events of single-dose human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Design: Prospective phase I clinical trial. Setting: Medical center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Patients: Moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with a Pao2/Fio2 ratio less than 200. Interventions: Scaling for doses was required by Taiwan Food and Drug Administration as follows: the first three patients received low-dose human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (1.0 × 106 cells/kg), the next three patients with intermediate dose (5.0 × 106 cells/kg), and the final three patients with high dose (1.0 × 107 cells/kg) between December 2017 and August 2019. Measurements and Main Results: Nine consecutive patients were enrolled into the study. In-hospital mortality was 33.3% (3/9), including two with recurrent septic shock and one with ventilator-induced severe pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. No serious prespecified cell infusion-associated or treatment-related adverse events was identified in any patient. Serial flow-cytometric analyses of circulating inflammatory biomarkers (CD14+CD33+/CD11b+CD16+/CD16+MPO+/CD11b+MPO+/CD14dimCD33+) and mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD26+CD45–/CD29+CD45–/CD34+CD45–/CD44+CD45–/CD73+CD45–/CD90+CD45–/CD105+CD45–/CD26+CD45–) were notably progressively reduced (p for trend < 0.001), whereas the immune cell markers (Helper-T-cellCD3+CD4+/Cytotoxity-T-cellCD3+CD8+/Regulatory-T-cellCD4+CD25+FOXp3+) were notably increased (p for trend < 0.001) after cell infusion. Conclusions: The result of this phase I clinical trial showed that a single-dose IV infusion of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells was safe with favorable outcome in nine acute respiratory distress syndrome patients.
Spatial–Semantic and Temporal Attention Mechanism-Based Online Multi-Object Tracking

Multi-object tracking (MOT) plays a crucial role in various platforms. Occlusion and insertion among targets, complex backgrounds and higher real-time requirements increase the difficulty of MOT problems. Most state-of-the-art MOT approaches adopt the tracking-by-detection strategy, which relies on compute-intensive sliding windows or anchoring schemes to detect matching targets or candidates in each frame. In this work, we introduce a more efficient and effective spatial–temporal attention scheme to track multiple objects in various scenarios. Using a semantic-feature-based spatial attention mechanism and a novel Motion Model, we address the insertion and location of candidates. Some online-learned target-specific convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were used to estimate target occlusion and classify by adapting the appearance model. A temporal attention mechanism was adopted to update the online module by balancing current and history frames. Extensive experiments were performed on Karlsruhe Institute of Technologyand Toyota Technological Institute (KITTI) benchmarks and an Armored Target Tracking Dataset (ATTD) built for ground-armored targets. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieved outstanding tracking performance and met the actual application requirements.
A Review and Perspective of eDNA Application to Eutrophication and HAB Control in Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems

Changing ecological communities in response to anthropogenic activities and climate change has become a worldwide problem. The eutrophication of waterbodies in freshwater and seawater caused by the effects of human activities and nutrient inputs could result in harmful algae blooms (HABs), decreases water quality, reductions in biodiversity and threats to human health. Rapid and accurate monitoring and assessment of aquatic ecosystems are imperative. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis using high-throughput sequencing has been demonstrated to be an effective and sensitive assay for detecting and monitoring single or multiple species in different samples. In this study, we review the potential applications of eDNA approaches in controlling and mitigating eutrophication and HABs in freshwater and marine ecosystems. We use recent studies to highlight how eDNA methods have been shown to be a useful tool for providing comprehensive data in studies of eutrophic freshwater and marine environments. We also provide perspectives on using eDNA techniques to reveal molecular mechanisms in biological processes and mitigate eutrophication and HABs in aquatic ecosystems. Finally, we discuss the feasible applications of eDNA for monitoring biodiversity, surveying species communities and providing instructions for the conservation and management of the environment by integration with traditional methods and other advanced techniques.
Effects of high doses of glucocorticoids on insulin-mediated vasodilation in the mesenteric artery of rats

Several pathological conditions predict the use of glucocorticoids for the management of the inflammatory response; however, chronic or high dose glucocorticoid treatment is associated with hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance and can be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the vascular responsiveness and inflammatory profile of mesenteric arteries of rats treated with high doses of glucocorticoids. Wistar rats were divided into a control (CO) group and a dexamethasone (DEX) group, that received dexamethasone for 7 days (2mg/kg/day, i.p.). Blood samples were used to assess the lipid profile and insulin tolerance. Vascular reactivity to Phenylephrine (Phe) and insulin, and O2•-production were evaluated. The intracellular insulin signaling pathway PI3K/AKT/eNOS and MAPK/ET-1 were investigated. Regarding the vascular inflammatory profile, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-18 were assessed. Dexamethasone-treated rats had decreased insulin tolerance test and endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by insulin. eNOS inhibition caused vasoconstriction in the DEX group, which was abolished by the ET-A antagonist. Insulin-mediated relaxation in the DEX group was restored in the presence of the O2. - scavenger TIRON. Nevertheless, in the DEX group there was an increase in Phe-induced vasoconstriction. In addition, the intracellular insulin signaling pathway PI3K/AKT/eNOS was impaired, decreasing NO bioavailability. Regarding superoxide anion generation, there was an increase in the DEX group, and all measured proinflammatory cytokines were also augmented in the DEX group. In addition, the DEX-group presented an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and total cholesterol (TC) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. In summary, treatment with high doses of dexamethasone promoted changes in insulin-induced vasodilation, through the reduction of NO bioavailability and an increase in vasoconstriction via ET-1 associated with generation of O2•- and proinflammatory cytokines.
Age attenuates the T‐type CaV3.2‐RyR axis in vascular smooth muscle

Caveolae position CaV3.2 (T‐type Ca2+ channel encoded by the α‐3.2 subunit) sufficiently close to RyR (ryanodine receptors) for extracellular Ca2+ influx to trigger Ca2+ sparks and large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel feedback in vascular smooth muscle. We hypothesize that this mechanism of Ca2+ spark generation is affected by age. Using smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from mouse mesenteric arteries, we found that both Cav3.2 channel inhibition by Ni2+ (50 µM) and caveolae disruption by methyl‐ß‐cyclodextrin or genetic abolition of Eps15 homology domain‐containing protein (EHD2) inhibited Ca2+ sparks in cells from young (4 months) but not old (12 months) mice. In accordance, expression of Cav3.2 channel was higher in mesenteric arteries from young than old mice. Similar effects were observed for caveolae density. Using SMAKO Cav1.2−/− mice, caffeine (RyR activator) and thapsigargin (Ca2+ transport ATPase inhibitor), we found that sufficient SR Ca2+ load is a prerequisite for the CaV3.2‐RyR axis to generate Ca2+ sparks. We identified a fraction of Ca2+ sparks in aged VSMCs, which is sensitive to the TRP channel blocker Gd3+ (100 µM), but insensitive to CaV1.2 and CaV3.2 channel blockade. Our data demonstrate that the VSMC CaV3.2‐RyR axis is down‐regulated by aging. This defective CaV3.2‐RyR coupling is counterbalanced by a Gd3+ sensitive Ca2+ pathway providing compensatory Ca2+ influx for triggering Ca2+ sparks in aged VSMCs.
Mapping p38α mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling by proximity‐dependent labeling

Mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling is central to multiple cellular responses and processes. MAP kinase p38α is the best characterized member of the p38 MAP kinase family. Upstream factors and downstream targets of p38α have been identified in the past by conventional methods such as coimmunoprecipitation. However, a complete picture of its interaction partners and substrates in cells is lacking. Here, we employ a proximity‐dependent labeling approach using biotinylation tagging to map the interactome of p38α in cultured 293T cells. Fusing the advanced biotin ligase BioID2 to the N‐terminus of p38α, we used mass spectrometry to identify 37 biotin‐labeled proteins that putatively interact with p38α. Gene ontology analysis confirms known upstream and downstream factors in the p38 MAP kinase cascade (e.g., MKK3, MAPKAPK2, TAB2, and c‐jun). We furthermore identify a cluster of zinc finger (ZnF) domain‐containing proteins that is significantly enriched among proximity‐labeled interactors and is involved in gene transcription and DNA damage response. Fluorescence imaging and coimmunoprecipitation with overexpressed p38α in cells supports an interaction of p38α with ZnF protein XPA, a key factor in the DNA damage response, that is promoted by UV irradiation. These results define an extensive network of interactions of p38α in cells and new direct molecular targets of MAP kinase p38α in gene regulation and the DNA damage response.
Lexical frequency affects functional activation and accuracy in picture naming among older and younger adults.

As individuals age, they experience increased difficulties producing speech, especially with infrequent words. Older adults report that word retrieval difficulties frequently occur and are highly frustrating. However, little is known about how age affects the neural basis of language production. Moreover, age-related increases in brain activation are often observed, yet there is disagreement about whether such increases represent a form of neural compensation or dedifferentiation. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine if there are age-related differences in functional activation during picture naming and whether such differences are consistent with a compensatory, dedifferentiation, or hybrid account that factors in difficulty. Healthy younger and older adults performed a picture-naming task with stimuli that varied in lexical frequency-our proxy for difficulty. Both younger and older adults were sensitive to lexical frequency behaviorally and neurally. However, younger adults performed more accurately overall and engaged both language (bilateral insula and temporal pole) and cognitive control (bilateral superior frontal gyri and left cingulate) regions to a greater extent than older adults when processing lower frequency items. In both groups, poorer performance was associated with increases in functional activation consistent with dedifferentiation. Moreover, there were age-related differences in the strength of these correlations, with better performing younger adults modulating the bilateral insula and temporal pole and better performing older adults modulating bilateral frontal pole and precuneus. Overall, these findings highlight the influence of task difficulty on fMRI activation in older adults and suggest that as task difficulty increases, older and younger adults rely on different neural resources. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Correction of Bcl‐x splicing improves responses to imatinib in chronic myeloid leukaemia cells and mouse models

Imatinib mesylate (IM) resistance has become a major clinical problem for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). It is known that Bcl‐x splicing is deregulated and is involved in multiple malignant cancer initiation and chemotherapy resistance, including CML. The aim of the present study was to correct the abnormal splicing of Bcl‐x in CML and investigate the subsequent malignant phenotype changes, especially response to IM. The aberrant Bcl‐x splicing in CML cells was effectively restored using vivo‐Morpholino Antisense Oligomer (vMO). CCK‐8 cell viability assay and flow cytometry showed that restoring of Bcl‐x splicing increases IM‐induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of K562 cells. Moreover, a more significant similar phenomenon was observed in imatinib‐resistant CML cell lines K562/G01. Finally, establishment of CML xenograft model had also proved that correcting Bcl‐x splicing in vivo can also enhance the anti‐tumor effect of IM. Our findings suggest that vMO co‐operating with IM can effectively increase the sensitivity of CML cells to IM both in vitro and in vivo, and Bcl‐x splicing could become good candidates for chemotherapy‐sensitized target in IM‐resistant CML.
Ultrasonographic Changes of Major Salivary Glands in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome

We aimed to evaluate the changes over time in salivary gland (SG) abnormalities by ultrasound (US) in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Patients with pSS (n = 70) and idiopathic sicca syndrome (n = 18) underwent baseline salivary gland ultrasound (SGUS) scans, and follow-up scans two years later. The semi-quantitative SGUS score (0–48) and intraglandular power Doppler signal (PDS) were assessed. We found that in the pSS group, the SGUS scores for total SGs and bilateral parotid glands significantly increased after the median 23.4-months follow-up. SGUS scores either worsened, improved, or were stable in 18.6%, 2.9%, and 78.6% of patients with pSS, respectively. The median changes from baseline in SGUS scores for total and parotid glands were +1.0 and +0.5, respectively. None of the SGUS scores changed significantly in the controls. The variables of homogeneity and hypoechoic showed a statistically significant progression of SGUS scores. In pSS patients, the baseline and follow-up PDS scores were significantly higher in the “worsening” group than in the “no change/improvement” group. Overall, the structural abnormalities in major SGs assessed using SGUS remained stable in patients with pSS. At the 2-year follow-up, SGUS scores worsened in 18.6% of patients with pSS. Intra-glandular hypervascularity was associated with the worsening of SG abnormalities.
Divergent response of low‐ versus high‐threshold motor units to experimental muscle pain

The neural strategies behind the control of force during muscle pain are not well understood as previous research has been limited in assessing pain responses only during low‐force contractions. Here we compared, for the first time, the behaviour of motor units recruited at low and high forces in response to pain. The results showed that motor units activated at low forces were inhibited while those recruited at higher forces increased their activity in response to pain. When analysing lower‐ and higher‐threshold motor unit behaviour at high forces we observed differential changes in discharge rate and recruitment threshold across the motor unit pool. These adjustments allow the exertion of high forces in acutely painful conditions but could eventually lead to greater fatigue and stress of the muscle tissue.
Investigation of Potential Genetic Biomarkers and Molecular Mechanism of Ulcerative Colitis Utilizing Bioinformatics Analysis

Objectives To reveal the molecular mechanisms of ulcerative colitis (UC) and provide potential biomarkers for UC gene therapy. Methods We downloaded the GSE87473 microarray dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between UC samples and normal samples. Then, a module partition analysis was performed based on a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), followed by pathway and functional enrichment analyses. Furthermore, we investigated the hub genes. At last, data validation was performed to ensure the reliability of the hub genes. Results Between the UC group and normal group, 988 DEGs were investigated. The DEGs were clustered into 5 modules using WGCNA. These DEGs were mainly enriched in functions such as the immune response, the inflammatory response, and chemotaxis, and they were mainly enriched in KEGG pathways such as the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, and complement and coagulation cascades. The hub genes, including dual oxidase maturation factor 2 (DUOXA2), serum amyloid A (SAA) 1 and SAA2, TNFAIP3-interacting protein 3 (TNIP3), C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL1), solute carrier family 6 member 14 (SLC6A14), and complement decay-accelerating factor (CD antigen CD55), were revealed as potential tissue biomarkers for UC diagnosis or treatment. Conclusions This study provides supportive evidence that DUOXA2, A-SAA, TNIP3, CXCL1, SLC6A14, and CD55 might be used as potential biomarkers for tissue biopsy of UC, especially SLC6A14 and DUOXA2, which may be new targets for UC gene therapy. Moreover, the DUOX2/DUOXA2 and CXCL1/CXCR2 pathways might play an important role in the progression of UC through the chemokine signaling pathway and inflammatory response.
Fragmented QRS is associated with intraventricular dyssynchrony and independently predicts nonresponse to cardiac resynchronization therapy—Systematic review and meta‐analysis

Fragmented QRS (fQRS) is postulated to be associated with ventricular dyssynchrony and might be able to predict a nonresponse to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aim to assess whether fQRS can be a marker of intraventricular dyssynchronies in patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy and whether it is an independent predictor of nonresponse in patients receiving CRT.
Comparative evaluation of accuracy of pulse oximeters and factors affecting their performance in a tertiary care intensive care unit

Introduction: Pulse oximetry is a widely used tool , unfortunately there is a paucity of data investigating its accuracy in intensive care units and if they are able to meet mandated FDA criteria as claimed by them in critically ill patients Aim: To assess Bias, precision and accuracy of pulse oximeters used in intensive care units and factors affecting them. Setting: A prospective cohort study in intensive care unit of a tertiary referral centre. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort of 129 patients were included. Pulse oximetry and blood gas were simultaneously done. Pulse oximetry was done using two in-house pulse oximetres: Nonin9600 and Philips-SuresignsVM8 . All physiological variables like Hb, Lactate, use of vasopressors, Blood pressure were recorded. Arterial Blood gas sample was treated as gold standard. Bland Altman curves were constructed to determine Bias and limits of agreement. Effect of physiological variables on Bias and difference between performance characteristics of Bias was determined using SPSS Results: Pulse oximetry overestimated arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) by 1.44+2.64 % . There was negative correlation between Bias and SaO2(r =-0.32, p = 0.0001) and positive correlation with lactate( r =0.16, p= 0.04). The Philips pulse oximeter had significant higher bias and variability than Nonin pulse oximeter. (2.49 + 2.99 versus 0.46 + 1.68, mean difference = 1.98 ,95% C.I. = 1.53 – 2.43 , p value = Conclusion: Pulse oximetry overestimates SaO2. Bias tends to increase with rising lactate and hypoxia. There is heterogeneity in performance of various pulse oximetry devices in ICU.
Technical Brief: Community engagement for CMAM [community-based management of acute malnutrition].

The Coverage Monitoring Network is supporting partners to develop practical guidelines which demystify community engagement and break it down into more manageable phases This technical brief outlines the objectives and components of each phase acting as a handy checklist for partners to assess the extent and completeness of their community engagement strategies. Following these guidelines will allow partners to better position themselves in their interactions with targeted communities.