Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) as a Template for Laccase-Assisted Oxidation of Aniline

Polyaniline (PANi) is a conducting polymer which has been subject of intensive research on the exploitation of new products and applications. The main aim of the work is the development of a conductive bacterial cellulose (BC)-based material by enzymatic-assisted polymerization of aniline. For this, we study the role of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a template for the in situ polymerization of aniline. Bacterial cellulose was used as the supporting material for the entrapment of CMC and for the in situ oxidation reactions. The amount of CMC entrapped inside BC was optimized as well as the conditions for laccase-assisted oxidation of aniline. The new oligomers were evaluated by spectrometric techniques, namely 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF, and the functionalized BC surfaces were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and reflectance spectrophotometry. The conductivity of the developed materials was evaluated using the four-probe methodology. The oligomers obtained after reaction in the presence of CMC as template display a similar structure as when the reaction is conducted only in BC. Though, after oxidation in the presence of this template, the amount of oligomers entrapped inside BC/CMC is considerably higher conferring to the material greater electrical conductivity and coloration. The use of CMC as a template for aniline oxidation on BC seems to be a promising and cheap strategy to improve the yield of functionalization and increment the properties of the materials, namely electrical conductivity and coloration.
Let-7i-5p Regulation of Cell Morphology and Migration Through Distinct Signaling Pathways in Normal and Pathogenic Urethral Fibroblasts

microRNAs regulate subcellular functions through distinct molecular mechanisms. In this study, we used normal and pathogenic fibroblasts in pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects (PFUDD) patients. PFUDD is a common disease that could severely affect patients’ life quality, yet little is known about the molecular mechanism associated with pathogenic fibrosis in PFUDD. Our data showed that let-7i-5p performs a multi-functional role in distinct signaling transduction pathways involved in cell morphology and cell migration in both normal and pathogenic fibroblasts. By analyzing the molecular mechanism associated with its functions, we found that let-7i-5p regulates through its direct target genes involved in collagen metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, TGF-beta signaling, DNA repair and ubiquitination, gene silencing and oxygen homeostasis. We conclude that let-7i-5p plays an essential role in regulating cell shape and tissue elasticity, cell migration, cell morphology and cytoskeleton, and could serve as a potential target for clinical treatment of urethral stricture patients.
Syndecan-1-Dependent Regulation of Heparanase Affects Invasiveness, Stem Cell Properties, and Therapeutic Resistance of Caco2 Colon Cancer Cells

The heparan sulfate proteoglycan Syndecan-1 binds cytokines, morphogens and extracellular matrix components, regulating cancer stem cell properties and invasiveness. Syndecan-1 is modulated by the heparan sulfate-degrading enzyme heparanase, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms are only poorly understood. In colon cancer pathogenesis, complex changes occur in the expression pattern of Syndecan-1 and heparanase during progression from well-differentiated to undifferentiated tumors. Loss of Syndecan-1 and increased expression of heparanase are associated with a change in phenotypic plasticity and an increase in invasiveness, metastasis and dedifferentiation. Here we investigated the regulatory and functional interplay of Syndecan-1 and heparanase employing siRNA-mediated silencing and plasmid-based overexpression approaches in the human colon cancer cell line Caco2. Heparanase expression and activity were upregulated in Syndecan-1 depleted cells. This increase was linked to an upregulation of the transcription factor Egr1, which regulates heparanase at the promoter level. Inhibitor experiments demonstrated an impact of focal adhesion kinase, Wnt and ROCK-dependent signaling on this process. siRNA-depletion of Syndecan-1, and upregulation of heparanase increased the colon cancer stem cell phenotype based on sphere formation assays and phenotypic marker analysis (Side-population, NANOG, KLF4, NOTCH, Wnt, and TCF4 expression). Syndecan-1 depletion increased invasiveness of Caco2 cells in vitro in a heparanase-dependent manner. Finally, upregulated expression of heparanase resulted in increased resistance to radiotherapy, whereas high expression of enzymatically inactive heparanase promoted chemoresistance to paclitaxel and cisplatin. Our findings provide a new avenue to target a stemness-associated signaling axis as a therapeutic strategy to reduce metastatic spread and cancer recurrence.
Automatic Pose Recognition for Monitoring Dangerous Situations in Ambient-Assisted Living

Continuous monitoring of frail individuals for detecting dangerous situations during their daily living at home can be a powerful tool toward their inclusion in the society by allowing living independently while safely. To this goal we developed a pose recognition system tailored to disabled students living in college dorms and based on skeleton tracking through four Kinect One devices independently recording the inhabitant with different viewpoints, while preserving the individual’s privacy. The system is intended to classify each data frame and provide the classification result to a further decision-making algorithm, which may trigger an alarm based on the classified pose and the location of the subject with respect to the furniture in the room. An extensive dataset was recorded on 12 individuals moving in a mockup room and undertaking four poses to be recognized: standing, sitting, lying down, and “dangerous sitting. ” The latter consists of the subject slumped in a chair with his/her head lying forward or backward as if unconscious. Each skeleton frame was labeled and represented using 10 discriminative features: three skeletal joint vertical coordinates and seven relative and absolute angles describing articular joint positions and body segment orientation. In order to classify the pose of the subject in each skeleton frame we built a two hidden layers multi-layer perceptron neural network with a “SoftMax” output layer, which we trained on the data from 10 of the 12 subjects (495,728 frames), with the data from the two remaining subjects representing the test set (106,802 frames). The system achieved very promising results, with an average accuracy of 83.9% (ranging 82.7 and 94.3% in each of the four classes). Our work proves the usefulness of human pose recognition based on machine learning in the field of safety monitoring in assisted living conditions.
Altered Corticomuscular Coherence (CMCoh) Pattern in the Upper Limb During Finger Movements After Stroke

Background: Proximal compensation to the distal movements is commonly observed in the affected upper extremity (UE) of patients with chronic stroke. However, the cortical origin of this compensation has not been well-understood. In this study, corticomuscular coherence (CMCoh) and electromyography (EMG) analysis were adopted to investigate the corticomuscular coordinating pattern of proximal UE compensatory activities when conducting distal UE movements in chronic stroke. Method: Fourteen chronic stroke subjects and 10 age-matched unimpaired controls conducted isometric finger extensions and flexions at 20 and 40% of maximal voluntary contractions. Electroencephalogram (EEG) data were recorded from the sensorimotor area and EMG signals were captured from extensor digitorum (ED), flexor digitorum (FD), triceps brachii (TRI), and biceps brachii (BIC) to investigate the CMCoh peak values in the Beta band. EMG parameters, i.e., the EMG activation level and co-contraction index (CI), were analyzed to evaluate the compensatory muscular patterns in the upper limb. Result: The peak CMCoh with statistical significance (P < 0.05) was found shifted from the ipsilesional side to the contralesional side in the proximal UE muscles, while to the central regions in the distal UE muscle in chronic strokes. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in both peak ED and FD CMCohs during finger extensions between the two groups. The unimpaired controls exhibited significant intragroup differences between 20 and 40% levels in extensions for peak ED and FD CMCohs (P < 0.05). The stroke subjects showed significant differences in peak TRI and BIC CMCohs (P < 0.01). No significant inter- or intra-group difference was observed in peak CMCoh during finger flexions. EMG parameters showed higher EMG activation levels in TRI and BIC muscles (P < 0.05), and higher CI values in the muscle pairs involving TRI and BIC during all the extension and flexion tasks in the stroke group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The post-stroke proximal muscular compensations from the elbow to the finger movements were cortically originated, with the center mainly located in the contralesional hemisphere.
Assessing White Matter Pathology in Early-Stage Parkinson Disease Using Diffusion MRI: A Systematic Review

Structural brain white matter (WM) changes such as axonal caliber, density, myelination, and orientation, along with WM-dependent structural connectivity, may be impacted early in Parkinson disease (PD). Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) has been used extensively to understand such pathological WM changes, and the focus of this systematic review is to understand both the methods utilized and their corresponding results in the context of early-stage PD. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is the most commonly utilized method to probe WM pathological changes. Previous studies have suggested that DTI metrics are sensitive in capturing early disease-associated WM changes in preclinical symptomatic regions such as olfactory regions and the substantia nigra, which is considered to be a hallmark of PD pathology and progression. Postprocessing analytic approaches include region of interest–based analysis, voxel-based analysis, skeletonized approaches, and connectome analysis, each with unique advantages and challenges. While DTI has been used extensively to study WM disorganization in early-stage PD, it has several limitations, including an inability to resolve multiple fiber orientations within each voxel and sensitivity to partial volume effects. Given the subtle changes associated with early-stage PD, these limitations result in inaccuracies that severely impact the reliability of DTI-based metrics as potential biomarkers. To overcome these limitations, advanced dMRI acquisition and analysis methods have been employed, including diffusion kurtosis imaging and q-space diffeomorphic reconstruction. The combination of improved acquisition and analysis in DTI may yield novel and accurate information related to WM-associated changes in early-stage PD. In the current article, we present a systematic and critical review of dMRI studies in early-stage PD, with a focus on recent advances in DTI methodology. Yielding novel metrics, these advanced methods have been shown to detect diffuse WM changes in early-stage PD. These findings support the notion of early axonal damage in PD and suggest that WM pathology may go unrecognized until symptoms appear. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of different dMRI techniques, analysis methods, and software employed are discussed in the context of PD-related pathology.
Blocking lymphotoxin‐β receptor activation diminishes inflammation via reduced mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‐1 (MAdCAM‐1) expression and leucocyte margination in chronic DSS‐induced colitis

The lymphotoxin‐β receptor (LTβR) pathway is critical for maintenance of organized lymphoid structures and is involved in the development of colitis. To investigate the mechanisms by which LTβR activation contributes to the pathology of chronic inflammation we used a soluble LTβR‐Ig fusion protein as a competitive inhibitor of LTβR activation in the mouse model of chronic colitis induced by oral administration of dextran sulphate sodium. Strong expression of LTβ which constitutes part of the LTα1β2 ligand complex was detected in colonic tissue of mice with chronic colitis. Treatment with LTβR‐Ig significantly attenuated the development and histological manifestations of the chronic inflammation and reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. Moreover, LTβR‐Ig treatment significantly down‐regulated mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‐1 (MAdCAM‐1) expression, leading to reduced leucocyte rolling and sticking in postcapillary and collecting venules and reduced extravasation into the intestinal mucosa as quantified by in vivo fluorescence microscopy. Thus, LTβR pathway inhibition ameliorates DSS‐induced experimental chronic colitis in mice by MAdCAM‐1 down‐regulation entailing reduced lymphocyte margination and extravasation into the inflamed mucosa. Therefore, a combined treatment with reagents blocking T cell‐mediated perpetuation of chronic inflammation such as LTβR‐Ig together with direct anti‐inflammatory reagents such as TNF inhibitors could constitute a promising treatment strategy for chronic colitis.
Mating system variation among individual ramets in a Douglas-fir seed orchard

Proportions of outcrossed progeny (ti) in five ramets of five clones with variable floral phenology and pollen production were investigated in a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seed orchard. Estimates of ti were significantly heterogeneous among the five ramets, ranging in value from 0.50 to 1.07. Variation in corresponded well with variation among ramets in floral biology. Ramets that flowered much earlier than other individuals in the orchard and (or) had a high degree of synchrony in timing of male and female flowering produced the lowest .
COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF VEGETABLE OILS AND THEIR BLENDS AFTER FRYING

Physical properties of six commonly used oils and three blends consisting of three oils in each blend were studied after three successive frying of ‘poories’(fried snack from flattened dough of refined wheat flour). The changes in viscosity, CIE trans-reflectance color and related parameters, UV-Visible spectra and UV-spectra of oil samples in solvent system (chloroform:methanol; 2:1, v/v) were studied. The results showed that viscosity and color of the oils changed to a much higher extent after first frying than subsequent fryings. The hue angle followed a similar trend. Changes in the UV-spectra in the solvent system indicated an increase in the formation of conjugated compounds after successive fryings. Peroxide values (PV) also increased after frying. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) plots of the data indicated that among oils examined groundnut oil and soy oil in combination with other oils were preferred for frying. Use of small amounts of unrefined oils (filtered) such as mustard oil or sesame oil which have a high content of natural antioxidants was beneficial as formation of conjugated compounds and increase in peroxide value was minimized after successive frying using blended oils.
The influence of interaction with forest on cognitive function

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate whether forest experience had a positive impact on cognitive function. Cognitive function refers to a person's ability to intellectually process by which one becomes aware of, perceives, or comprehends ideas. It involves all aspects of perception, thinking, reasoning, and remembering. Sixty university students participated in this study. We compared the restorative effects on cognitive functioning of interactions with forest versus urban environments. To measure participants’ cognitive function and mood state, Trail Making Test B and Profile of Mood States were used in this study. The results of this study indicated that participants’ cognitive function was significantly improved when they walked in forest (i.e. time taken to complete the task was shortened by more than 7 seconds), but not when they walked downtown. In addition, participants’ mood also positively changed when they walked in forest. The results of this study confirmed Kaplan's attention restoration theory (ART). ART has emphasized the importance of cognitive functions from interaction with natural environments such as forests.
Path following for underactuated surface vessels with disturbance compensating predictive control

It is common that underactuated surface vessels sailing on the sea suffer from strong external sea disturbances, such that the large roll motion can be probably caused resulting to the bad performance of path following. In order to realize the coordinate control of the rudder roll stabilization and path following, a robust controller with roll constraints is designed by combining predictive control with disturbance observer. Firstly, the rudder angle operating range is divided in the Serret–Frenet coordination frame, and then linear models corresponding to different equilibrium can be established with heading control and roll dynamics. Secondly, considering external disturbance and unmodeled error as the lumped disturbances, the disturbance observer can be utilized to achieve the real-time feedforward compensation leading to the improved system robustness. Thirdly, the output redefinition method is adopted to transfer the original system into a new minimum phase system. Based on the receding horizon and state prediction strategies of the predictive control, the analytical control law can be obtained, and the linear programming method is used to guarantee the roll constraint for the simplified computational burden. Lastly, the simulations have been carried out to show the good performance of the proposed algorithm with the heading control and roll reduction.
Neural network control of a wheeled mobile robot based on optimal trajectories

This article is concerned with developing an intelligent system for the control of a wheeled robot. An algorithm for training an artificial neural network for path planning is proposed. The trajectory ensures steering optimal motion from the current position of the mobile robot to a prescribed position taking its orientation into account. The proposed control system consists of two artificial neural networks. One of them serves to specify the position and the size of the obstacle, and the other forms a continuous trajectory to reach it, taking into account the information received, the coordinates, and the orientation at the point of destination. The neural network is trained on the basis of samples obtained by modeling the equations of motion of the wheeled robot which ensure its motion along trajectories in the form of Euler’s elastica.
Aggressive interactions and demographic parameters in Libellula fulva (Odonata, Libellulidae)

Abstract Male aggressive interactions and demographic parameters (sex ratio, survival, abundance and life span) of the dragonfly Libellula fulva (Odonata, Libellulidae) were studied for four years at a marsh in northwestern Italy by monitoring marked individuals. Perching males attacked every dragonfly passing near the perch. However, the mean homospeciflc attack distance was significantly longer than the heterospecific one and this suggests that males were able to discriminate among species, at least partially. In some instances, aggressive males succeeded in catching and copulating with females. Release‐recapture analyses indicate that the sex ratio was very biased towards males, even though male and female capture probabilities were equal. Females had a slightly greater mortality rate than males, but this difference in adult survival is not sufficient to explain why adult females were rather rare at our study site. Life span estimates are in keeping with field observations, indicating that most males stayed alive for less than 10 days. All these results suggest a connection between interactions and demographic parameters. Male aggressive behaviour can in fact be viewed as an adaptation to a sexual environment where the time for reproduction is very short and the probability of meeting a partner is very low. Aggressions may in fact enhance males’ probabilities to catch (and copulate with) females which are flying through the site. Weather conditions influenced males’ behaviour, attack distance being significantly and positively related with light intensity. Vice‐versa, weather conditions did not influence survival, maybe because of mild temperatures and scanty rain. The aggressive behaviour of L. fulva males might be classed as territoriality. However, the classical “defence of resource approach”; seems to be scarcely appropriate here, since no resource located inside the hypothetical territory was defended, at least at the perch site.
Is sharing the TARGET respiratory tract infection leaflet feasible in routine general practice to improve patient education and appropriate antibiotic use? A mixed methods study in England with patients and healthcare professionals

Background: Patient education on treatment choices for common respiratory tract infections (RTIs) is important to encourage appropriate antibiotic use. Evidence shows that use of leaflets about RTIs can help reduce antibiotic prescribing. TARGET leaflets facilitate patient–clinician communication in consultations. Aim: To explore patient, healthcare professional (HCP) and general practice (GP) staff views on the current Treating Your Infection (TYI)-RTI leaflet and proposed new ‘antibiotic effect’ column aimed at sharing information on the limited effect antibiotics have on the duration of RTIs. Methods: Service evaluation underpinned by Com-B behavioural framework, using patient and HCP questionnaires, and GP staff interviews/focus groups. Results: Patients completed 83 questionnaires in GP waiting rooms. A lack of patient understanding about usual illness duration influenced their use of antibiotics for some RTIs. Patients provided positive feedback about the leaflet, reporting it increased their capability to self-care, re-consult when necessary and increase understanding of illness duration. Patients indicated they would value information on the difference antibiotics can make to illness duration. In total, 43 HCP questionnaires were completed and 16 GP staff participated in interviews/focus groups. Emerging themes included: barriers and facilitators to leaflet use; modifications; and future dissemination of the leaflet. GP staff stated that the ‘antibiotic effect’ column should not be included in the leaflet. Conclusion: Patient education around usual illness duration, side effects of antibiotics and back-up prescriptions gives patients a greater control of their infection management. As GP staff opposed the extra information about benefits of antibiotics on illness duration, this will not be added.