Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Low-Cost, Single-Layer, Dual Circularly Polarized Antenna for Millimeter-Wave Applications

This letter presents a low-cost, single-layer, dual circularly polarized (CP) series-fed antenna based on the sequential rotation technique for millimeter-wave (MM-wave) applications. The series-fed working form endows the proposed antenna with more compact structure and lower ohmic, dielectric losses caused by the feeding network compared with parallel-fed antennas. The curved microstrip transmission lines are adopted as radiation elements; therefore, the whole antenna can be etched on a single-layer laminate using standard printed circuit board technology. These characteristics make the antenna a competitive candidate for MM-wave applications. To validate the proposed design, a dual-CP antenna operating at 30 GHz is fabricated. Based on the measurement, the proposed antenna has a 3 dB gain bandwidth of 1.97 GHz, the measured $| {{S_{21}}} |$ is lower than −20 dB, and the axial ratios are lower than 3 dB in the aforementioned frequencies.
Maternal obesity and the human milk metabolome: associations with infant body composition and postnatal weight gain.

BACKGROUND Maternal obesity is a risk factor for childhood obesity; this is a major public health concern given that ∼40% of pregnant women are either overweight or obese. Whether differences in milk composition in lean compared with obese women contribute to childhood obesity is unclear. OBJECTIVES We aimed to analyze relationships between maternal obesity and human milk metabolites, infant body composition, and postnatal weight gain. METHODS This was a prospective study in which mothers intending to breastfeed exclusively, and their newborn infants, were enrolled at delivery (n = 35 mother-infant pairs). We excluded mothers with diabetes, other medical conditions, or pregnancy complications. Participants were grouped by maternal prepregnancy BMI <25 (lean) or ≥25 kg/m2 (overweight/obese). We analyzed infant body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and used untargeted liquid chromatography-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure the milk content of 275 metabolites at 1 and 6 mo postpartum. RESULTS At 1 mo postpartum, 10 metabolites differed between overweight/obese and lean groups with nominal P < 0.05, but none was altered with a false discovery rate <0.25. Many differentially abundant metabolites belonged to the same chemical class; e.g., 4/10 metabolites were nucleotide derivatives, and 3/10 were human milk oligosaccharides. Milk adenine correlated positively with both continuously distributed maternal BMI and with infant adiposity and fat accrual. Analysis of milk composition at 6 mo postpartum revealed 20 differentially abundant metabolites (P < 0.05) in overweight/obese compared with lean women, including 6 metabolites with a false discovery rate of <0.25. At both 1 and 6 mo, human milk abundance of 1,5-anhydroglucitol, which has not previously been described in milk, was positively associated with maternal BMI. CONCLUSIONS Maternal obesity is associated with changes in the human milk metabolome. While only a subset of metabolites correlated with both maternal and infant weight, these point to potential milk-dependent mechanisms for mother-child transmission of obesity. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as NCT02535637.
Obstacle Avoidance for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Using Visual Features in Unknown Environments

Obstacle avoidance for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in GPS-denied environments is swiftly gaining popularity in the research community. Our proposed method relies solely on the scene structure that the frontal monocular camera of a UAV acquires and performs a lightweight predictive operation for the next course of maneuver. The object's relative size on the image plane continues to increase as the UAV moves toward it. Assuming that the object contains many scale-invariant visual keypoints, we can use the increase in the Euclidean distance for each, from the centroid of all the keypoints in successive frames, to measure the depth of the obstacle. In this regard, we compute some scale-invariant keypoints in the field of view (FoV) and monitor the Euclidean distance expansion with the movement of the UAV to estimate the obstacle's position. We conducted several rounds of experiments with varying obstacles to reveal the accuracy of our proposed system.
Sensitive effect of linker histone binding mode and subtype on chromatin condensation

Abstract The complex role of linker histone (LH) on chromatin compaction regulation has been highlighted by recent discoveries of the effect of LH binding variability and isoforms on genome structure and function. Here we examine the effect of two LH variants and variable binding modes on the structure of chromatin fibers. Our mesoscale modeling considers oligonucleosomes with H1C and H1E, bound in three different on and off-dyad modes, and spanning different LH densities (0.5–1.6 per nucleosome), over a wide range of physiologically relevant nucleosome repeat lengths (NRLs). Our studies reveal an LH-variant and binding-mode dependent heterogeneous ensemble of fiber structures with variable packing ratios, sedimentation coefficients, and persistence lengths. For maximal compaction, besides dominantly interacting with parental DNA, LHs must have strong interactions with nonparental DNA and promote tail/nonparental core interactions. An off-dyad binding of H1E enables both; others compromise compaction for bendability. We also find that an increase of LH density beyond 1 is best accommodated in chromatosomes with one on-dyad and one off-dyad LH. We suggest that variable LH binding modes and concentrations are advantageous, allowing tunable levels of chromatin condensation and DNA accessibility/interactions. Thus, LHs add another level of epigenetic regulation of chromatin.
Circularly Polarized Multibeam Antenna Array of ME Dipole Fed by 5 × 6 Butler Matrix

A circularly polarized multibeam antenna array based on magnetoelectric (ME) dipole is proposed, which is fed by a substrate integrated waveguide 5 × 6 Butler matrix. There are two points that are key to completing the design—the wide axial-ratio (AR) beamwidth antenna element and the appropriate beamforming network. By adjusting the shape of the radiation patch of ME dipole, the amplitude of the orthogonal field becomes flatter at a wide angle, and the phase difference is maintained at 90°; hence, an antenna element with a wide 3 dB AR beamwidth can be achieved. In order to ensure the generation of normal beam, a 5 × 6 Butler matrix using the 3 × 3 Butler matrix is selected as the beamforming network. The proposed structure operates in the range of 27.5–28.5 GHz and generates five circularly polarized beams that cover the range of ±40°. The gain of all these beams is approximately 12.5 dBi.
Catalytic triad heterogeneity in S51 peptidase family: Structural basis for functional variability

Peptidase E (PepE) is a nonclassical serine peptidase with a Ser‐His‐Glu catalytic triad. It is specific for dipeptides with an N‐terminal aspartate residue (Asp‐X dipeptidase activity). Its homolog from Listeria monocytogenes (PepElm) has a Ser‐His‐Asn “catalytic triad. ” Based on sequence alignment we predicted that the PepE homolog from Deinococcus radiodurans (PepEdr) would have a Ser‐His‐Asp “catalytic triad. ” We confirmed this by solving the crystal structure of PepEdr to 2.7 Å resolution. We show that PepElm and PepEdr lack the Asp‐X dipeptidase activity. Our analyses suggest that absence of P1 pocket in the active site could be the main reason for this lack of typical activity. Sequence and structural data reveal that the PepE homologs can be divided into long and short PepEs based on presence or absence of a C‐terminal tail which adopts a β‐hairpin conformation in the canonical PepE from Salmonella enterica. A long PepE from Bacillus subtilis with Ser‐His‐Asp catalytic triad exhibits Asp‐X dipeptidase activity. Whereas the three long PepEs enzymatically characterized till date have been found to possess the Asp‐X dipeptidase activity, the three enzymatically characterized short PepEs lack this activity irrespective of the nature of their catalytic triads. This study illuminates the structural and functional heterogeneity in the S51 family and also provides structural basis for the functional variability among PepE homologs.
Chlorothalonil induces oxidative stress and reduces enzymatic activities of Na+/K+-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase in gill tissues of marine bivalves

Chlorothalonil is a thiol-reactive antifoulant that disperses widely and has been found in the marine environment. However, there is limited information on the deleterious effects of chlorothalonil in marine mollusks. In this study, we evaluated the effects of chlorothalonil on the gill tissues of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas and the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis after exposure to different concentrations of chlorothalonil (0.1, 1, and 10 μg L−1) for 96 h. Following exposure to 1 and/or 10 μg L−1 of chlorothalonil, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased in the gill tissues of C. gigas and M. edulis compared to that in the control group at 96 h. Similarly, glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly affected in both bivalves after chlorothalonil exposure. The chlorothalonil treatment caused a significant time- and concentration-dependent increase in the activity of enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), in the antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, 10 μg L−1 of chlorothalonil resulted in significant inhibitions in the enzymatic activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). These results suggest that chlorothalonil induces potential oxidative stress and changes in osmoregulation and the cholinergic system in bivalve gill tissues. This information will be a useful reference for the potential toxicity of chlorothalonil in marine bivalves.
TRPM7 channels mediate spontaneous Ca2+ fluctuations in growth plate chondrocytes that promote bone development

The ion channel TRPM7 mediates Ca2+ fluctuations in growth plate chondrocytes that are needed for proper bone growth. Ca2+ fluctuations promote growth plate chondrogenesis In the growth plates of long bones, ordered arrays of chondrocytes proliferate, mature, secrete cartilage matrix, and then undergo apoptosis. The cartilage matrix is subsequently replaced with trabecular bone. Because Ca2+ signaling is implicated in chondrogenesis in vitro, Qian et al. performed Ca2+ imaging of live chondrocytes in slices of embryonic mouse femurs. Growth plate chondrocytes generated spontaneous Ca2+ fluctuations that depended on the cation channel TRPM7. Experiments in bone slices and in cultured metatarsal bones in which Trpm7 was conditionally knocked out indicated that Trpm7-mediated Ca2+ fluctuations were required for the proper development of chondrocytes and bone outgrowth. Furthermore, chondrocyte-specific knockout of Trpm7 in mice caused defects in chondrocyte Ca2+ fluctuations, growth plate morphology, and bone outgrowth. During endochondral ossification of long bones, the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes cause them to be arranged into layered structures constituting the epiphyseal growth plate, where they secrete the cartilage matrix that is subsequently converted into trabecular bone. Ca2+ signaling has been implicated in chondrogenesis in vitro. Through fluorometric imaging of bone slices from embryonic mice, we demonstrated that live growth plate chondrocytes generated small, cell-autonomous Ca2+ fluctuations that were associated with weak and intermittent Ca2+ influx. Several genes encoding Ca2+-permeable channels were expressed in growth plate chondrocytes, but only pharmacological inhibitors of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7) reduced the spontaneous Ca2+ fluctuations. The TRPM7-mediated Ca2+ influx was likely activated downstream of basal phospholipase C activity and was potentiated upon cell hyperpolarization induced by big-conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. Bones from embryos in which Trpm7 was conditionally knocked out during ex vivo culture exhibited reduced outgrowth and displayed histological abnormalities accompanied by insufficient autophosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in the growth plate. The link between TRPM7-mediated Ca2+ fluctuations and CaMKII-dependent chondrogenesis was further supported by experiments with chondrocyte-specific Trpm7 knockout mice. Thus, growth plate chondrocytes generate spontaneous, TRPM7-mediated Ca2+ fluctuations that promote self-maturation and bone development.
Tunable Bandpass-to-Bandstop Quasi-Yagi–Uda Antenna With Sum and Difference Radiation Patterns

A design of the double-element E-plane quasi-Yagi–Uda antenna is proposed offering two different radiation patterns and reconfigurable bandpass-to-bandstop frequency-tunable responses. The double-element antenna covers a wide frequency range that is exploited for the realization of the tunable operation modes. This is achieved by the integration of a pair of bandpass-to-bandstop filters, each of which can be reconfigured using two varactor diodes and one p-i-n diode. The p-i-n diode serves the function of switching between bandpass and bandstop states, and the varactors facilitate the frequency tunability for both states of operation. The bandpass filter provides a continuous frequency tuning function with a minimum rolloff rate of 57 dB/GHz and out-of-band transmission coefficient <−12 dB. The bandstop filter provides a continuous tuning function with in-band zero <−13 dB and out-of-band pole >−1 dB. Importantly, the reconfigurable filtering functionality of the two-element antenna is preserved when fed by a wideband hybrid coupler to produce both the sum and difference radiation patterns. To obtain a high beam symmetry, the antenna elements are fed by the difference (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Delta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) signal to produce the directive radiation pattern and they are fed by the sum (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Sigma $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) port to produce the null in the main radiation direction. The experimental results validate this concept with a measured tunability of 50.0% for the bandpass state and 50.4% for the bandstop state.
Ku/Ka Dual-Band Dual-Polarized Shared-Aperture Beam-Scanning Antenna Array With High Isolation

This paper describes the design and realization of a Ku/Ka dual-band shared-aperture beam-scanning antenna array based on the concept of structure reuse. The antenna consists of four Ku-band linear antenna arrays implemented by the substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) and four Ka-band linear antenna arrays. To increase the aperture utilization efficiency, the Ku-band antenna is employed as some sidewalls of the Ka-band antenna. Thanks to this compact topology, the element spacing at two frequency bands is able to meet the requirement of a wide-angle beam scan. Both feeding networks of these two arrays are designed by proper SIW power dividers through the printed circuit board fabrication process. In addition, the self-filtering characteristic of the antenna, the orthogonal polarization, and the optimal layout of the array are employed to ensure the high channel isolation between the two antennas operating at different frequency bands over the whole beam scan range. The isolation between antennas is better than 28 and 70 dB at the Ku-band and Ka-band, respectively, scanning up to even 40°. The proposed shared-aperture concept and the design results have been validated by the experimental results.
Paxillin-dependent regulation of apical-basal polarity in mammary gland morphogenesis

ABSTRACT Establishing apical-basal epithelial cell polarity is fundamental for mammary gland duct morphogenesis during mammalian development. While the focal adhesion adapter protein paxillin is a well-characterized regulator of mesenchymal cell adhesion signaling, F-actin cytoskeleton remodeling and single cell migration, its role in epithelial tissue organization and mammary gland morphogenesis in vivo has not been investigated. Here, using a newly developed paxillin conditional knockout mouse model with targeted ablation in the mammary epithelium, in combination with ex vivo three-dimensional organoid and acini cultures, we identify new roles for paxillin in the establishment of apical-basal epithelial cell polarity and lumen formation, as well as mammary gland duct diameter and branching. Paxillin is shown to be required for the integrity and apical positioning of the Golgi network, Par complex and the Rab11/MyoVb trafficking machinery. Paxillin depletion also resulted in reduced levels of apical acetylated microtubules, and rescue experiments with the HDAC6 inhibitor tubacin highlight the central role for paxillin-dependent regulation of HDAC6 activity and associated microtubule acetylation in controlling epithelial cell apical-basal polarity and tissue branching morphogenesis. Summary: During mammary gland morphogenesis, paxillin regulates HDAC6 activity and microtubule acetylation to control cell polarization, cell shape and ductal branching.
Prevalence of hypothyroidism among chronic kidney disease patients in security force hospital (SFH) in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Impairment in kidney function leads to disturbed thyroid physiology. All levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis may be involved, including alterations in hormone production, distribution, and excretion, and even CKD progress with hypothyroidism. Aim of Work: To assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism among chronic kidney disease patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in the nephrology department of security forces hospital from January 2015 to February 2018. Biochemical tests (includes blood urea, serum creatinine, PTH, total T4, TSH) were carried out to all participants. Results: Out of 255 CKD patients in the present study, 166 patients had no hypothyroidism, 43 had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 46 had hypothyroidism. The percentage of hypothyroidism among CKD patients was 34.9%, including dialysis patients and 17.66% after exclusion. Out of 24 peritoneal dialysis patients in the current study (P = 0.03), 7 had subclinical hypothyroidism and another 7 had hypothyroidism. In addition, out of 139 hemodialysis patients (P = 0.02), 20 patients had subclinical hypothyroidism and 18 had hypothyroidism. The majority (67.36%) of CKD patients were in CKD stage 5 and had no hypothyroidism (45.10%). Only 29 (11.37%) patients in CKD stage 5 had hypothyroidism and 28 (10.89%) patients had subclinical hypothyroidism. T4 was higher in nondialysis patients, whereas TSH and PTH were higher in dialysis patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypothyroidism among chronic kidney disease patients was high and increased with the decrease in estimated GFR.
INVESTIGATION AND MODELLING OF LOAD SHEDDING AND ITS MITIGATION USING HYBRID RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM

This paper outlines a solution to the problem of load shedding by integrating the renewable energy source (RES) with the conventional power grid. The case study is presented for the electricity sector of Pakistan having energy crisis. The proposed method provides a localized and practical solution to mitigate the effect of load shedding that arises due to an imbalance between the power supply and the demand. Grid stability is ensured by the assistance of photovoltaic (PV) and battery banks to avoid critical frequency disturbance. Investigations are carried out to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity by dynamic frequency control with the help of a centralized energy management system (CEMS). It is envisaged that the proposed solution can be applied to increase the generation capacity on an immediate basis which is not possible through conventional sources.
The Mindfulness App Trial for Weight, Weight-Related Behaviors, and Stress in University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background University students are at risk of weight gain during their studies. Key factors related to weight gain in this population include unhealthy weight-related behaviors because of stress. Mindfulness holds promise for weight management. However, there has not been any previous trial that has explored the effectiveness of a student-tailored mindfulness app for stress, weight-related behaviors, and weight. There is limited evidence that current mindfulness apps use evidence-based mindfulness techniques. A novel app was developed that combined evidence-based, mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindful eating (ME) techniques that were tailored to university students, with student-relevant themes for targeting weight behaviors, weight, and stress. Objectives The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of a student-tailored mindfulness app for weight, weight-related behaviors, and stress. Testing this app in a rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT) for these outcomes is a novelty and contribution to this emerging field. Methods A 2-arm RCT of an 11-week duration was undertaken at the University of Queensland. Students were either randomized to the mindfulness app (n=45) or to a behavioral self-monitoring electronic diary (e-diary; n=45) for diet and exercise. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in weight, stress, mindfulness, ME, physical activity, and eating behaviors between both groups. Results Neither the mindfulness app group nor the e-diary group lost weight and there were no differences between the groups at follow-up. The mindfulness app group had significantly lower stress levels (P=.02) (adherers only), lower emotional eating (P=.02), and uncontrolled eating (P=.02) as well as higher mindfulness (P≤.001) and ME levels overall (P≤.001). The e-diary group had higher metabolic equivalents of moderate activity levels (P≤.01). However, the effect sizes were small. Regular adherence to mindfulness exercises in the app was low in the group. The majority of students (94%) liked the app and found it to be acceptable. Compared with other exercises, the most helpful reported meditation was the short breathing exercise observing the breath (39.4% [13/33] preferred it). This was the first RCT that tested a mindfulness app for weight and weight-related behaviors in students. The modest level of user adherence likely contributes to the lack of effect on weight loss. However, there was a small, albeit promising, effect on weight-related eating behavior and stress. Conclusions A mindfulness app demonstrated effectiveness for stress, eating behaviors, mindfulness, and ME, but the effect sizes were small. Future studies should be conducted over longer periods of time and with greater participant compliance. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Trial Registry ACTRN12616001349437; https://www.anzctr. org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx? id=371370 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/761cc2K6ft)