Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Performance Antenna Array with Patch Antenna Elements

In this paper, a high-gain multilayer 2 £ 2 antenna array for the application of WLAN (wireless local area network) AP (access point) is presented. The antenna array consists of four square patch antenna elements fabricated on FR4 substrate. The FR4 substrate is with air gap to the ground plane. By adjusting the thickness of FR4 substrate and geometry of antenna array the maximum gain of array can be achieved. The proposed antenna is designed, fabricated and tested. The measured 10dB return loss impedance bandwidth is around 14.2% (2:30 » 2:65GHz). The gain of simulated and tested antenna array is about 13dBi. The radiation e-ciency for 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6GHz are all larger than 65% at 2.4GHz band. The 3dB beamwidth for E-plane and H-plane is about 30 - . The test results of power gain and return loss are agreed with that of simulation.
Cigarette Smoke or Motor Vehicle Exhaust Exposure Induces PD-L1 Upregulation in Lung Epithelial Cells in COPD Model Rats

Abstract A high smoking-independent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence is observed in lung cancer patients. However, the underlying connection between these two diseases still remains unclear. Cigarette smoking and ambient air pollution are common risk factors for COPD and lung cancer. In this study, we established rat COPD model through exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) or motor vehicle exhaust (MVE). The model rats developed COPD-like phenotypes, manifested as lung functions decline, lung inflammation, emphysema-like alveolar enlargement and airway remodeling. The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a factor contributing to immune escape of tumor cells, was overexpressed in lungs from COPD model rats, though more severe COPD phenotypes did not bring with further PD-L1 overexpression in lung. The upregulations of proinflammatory cytokines and PD-L1 were also observed in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B upon treatment with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or diesel-related particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5, SEM1650b). The inflammatory cytokines produced in BEAS-2B cells reflected the PD-L1 levels. Furthermore, ERK1/2, a kinase mediating PD-L1 upregulation in premalignant bronchial cells or NSCLC cells, and STAT1/3, which was reportedly associated with PD-L1 expression in lung tumors, were activated in COPD rats’ lungs or in BEAS-2B cells treated with CSE or PM2.5. Therefore, we proposed that inflammation associated PD-L1 overexpression in airway epithelial cells could be the underlying factor facilitating lung cancer incidence in COPD.
Long non-coding RNA DHRS4 antisense RNA 1 inhibits ectopic endometrial cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in endometriosis by regulating microRNA-139-5p expression

ABSTRACT Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic gynecological syndrome. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs participate in the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of DHRS4 antisense RNA 1 (DHRS4-AS1) in endometriosis. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to determine the relationship between DHRS4-AS1, microRNA (miR)-139-5p, and arrestin domain-containing 3 (ARRDC3). Furthermore, the expression of DHRS4-AS1 and miR-139-5p in ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EC-ESCs) and endometriosis tissues was examined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Additionally, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration and invasion of EC-ESCs, respectively. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were further utilized to determine cleaved-Caspase 3, Caspase 3, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression levels. Compared with the EN group, DHRS4-AS1 levels were lower and miR-139-5p levels were higher in EC-ESCs and tissues obtained from patients with endometriosis. Functional assays validated that DHRS4-AS1 targets miR-139-5p, with ARRDC3 being a downstream target of miR-139-5p. Rescue experiments demonstrated that DHRS4-AS1 inhibited EC-ESC proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis, by targeting miR-139-5p in endometriosis. cleaved-Caspase3 expression level and the cleaved-Caspase 3/Caspase 3 ratio increased, while the expression levels of MMP-9 decreased, after transfection with DHRS4-AS1 overexpression plasmids; however, the effects induced by DHRS4-AS1 overexpression could be partially reversed by co-transfection with the miR-139-5p mimic. The current study demonstrates that the DHRS4-AS1/miR-139-5p/ARRDC3 axis participates in the regulation of EC-ESC function. Graphical abstract
Minimum vehicle slip path planning for automated driving using a direct element method

In the UK, the number of fatal accidents on rural roads is approximately double that on urban roads. Statistics have also shown that accidents on rural roads decreased less than on other road types. The narrow width and complex geometry are less forgiving to drivers’ mistakes. A potential remedy for this problem is automated driving in which the ability to plan -in real time- safe and feasible paths is essential. The literature review of recently proposed path planning methods has revealed that most of them utilise either forward simulations of a vehicle dynamics model or describe a priori mathematically a reference path. In this paper, the weaknesses of the reviewed methods are discussed and a new path planning method that belongs to the latter category is presented. The method is based on a direct element concept and as shown and discussed is extremely versatile. It is unique in the sense that for the first time it facilitates the prediction of the maximum vehicle slip angle and the definition of a reference path that minimises it. Contrary to other methods it is very flexible in defining arbitrary boundary and intermediate conditions. The overall computational cost as analysed is very small. Simulations illustrate its performance and comparisons with other methods highlight its strengths.
Decline in biological soil crust N-fixing lichens linked to increasing summertime temperatures

Significance Across many global drylands, biocrusts form a protective barrier on the soil surface and fill many critical roles in these harsh yet fragile environments. Previous short-term research suggests that climate change and invasive plant introduction can damage and alter biocrust communities, yet few long-term observations exist. Using a globally unique long-term record of continuous biocrust surveys from a rare never-grazed, protected grassland on the US Colorado Plateau, we found lichen species diversity and cover to be negatively correlated with increasing summer air temperatures, while moss species showed more sensitivity to variation in precipitation and invasive grass cover. These results suggest that dryland systems may be at a critical tipping point where ongoing warming could result in biological soil crust degradation.
Disclosure of HIV-serodiscordant relationships and association with viral suppression: results from the Positive Plus One study

ABSTRACT Background. Little is known about the effects of disclosure of HIV-serodiscordant relationships on clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the effect of relationship disclosure on HIV viral suppression, and hypothesized that disclosure by HIV-positive and HIV-negative partners would be associated with viral suppression in the HIV-positive partner. Methods. We conducted a Canadian national online and telephone-administered survey of HIV-positive and HIV-negative partners in serodiscordant relationships. The primary outcome was self-reported viral suppression. Multivariable analyses were undertaken using Firth logistic regression. Results. We recruited 540 participants in current serodiscordant relationships (n = 228 HIV-negative; n = 312 HIV-positive). Similar proportions of HIV-positive and HIV-negative partners disclosed their relationship to healthcare professionals (82% v. 76%, p = 0.13). Among HIV-positive partners, disclosure of the relationship to healthcare professionals increased the odds of viral suppression (aOR = 4.7; CI: 2.13, 10.51) after adjusting for age, education, and relationship turmoil due to HIV. Increasing age (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.55) and education (aOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.15, 5.26) were also associated with viral suppression. Among HIV-negative partners, relationship disclosure was not associated with viral suppression and HIV-negative heterosexual men were less likely to report that their HIV-positive partners were virally suppressed (aOR = 0.24; CI: 0.09, 0.61). Conclusions. Disclosure of HIV-serodiscordant status by HIV-positive participants to healthcare professionals was associated with increased odds of viral suppression. Similar effects were not evident among HIV-negative participants. Future work should explore factors that empower relationship disclosure and incorporate them into supportive services for HIV-serodiscordant relationships.
Developing a Solution for Nasal and Olfactory Transport of Nanomaterials

With advances in nanotechnology, engineered nanomaterial applications are a rapidly growing sector of the economy. Some nanomaterials can reach the brain through nose-to-brain transport. This transport creates concern for potential neurotoxicity of insoluble nanomaterials and a need for toxicity screening tests that detect nose-to-brain transport. Such tests can involve intranasal instillation of aqueous suspensions of nanomaterials in dispersion media that limit particle agglomeration. Unfortunately, protein and some elements in existing dispersion media are suboptimal for potential nose-to-brain transport of nanomaterials because olfactory transport has size- and ion-composition requirements. Therefore, we designed a protein-free dispersion media containing phospholipids and amino acids in an isotonic balanced electrolyte solution, a solution for nasal and olfactory transport (SNOT). SNOT disperses hexagonal boron nitride nanomaterials with a peak particle diameter below 100 nm. In addition, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in an established dispersion medium, when diluted with SNOT, maintain dispersion with reduced albumin concentration. Using stereomicroscopy and microscopic examination of plastic sections, dextran dyes dispersed in SNOT are demonstrated in the neuroepithelium of the nose and olfactory bulb of B6;129P2-Omptm3Mom/MomJ mice after intranasal instillation in SNOT. These findings support the potential for SNOT to disperse nanomaterials in a manner permitting nose-to-brain transport for neurotoxicity studies.
The psychosocial antecedents of the adherence to the Mediterranean diet

Abstract Objective: Most previous research on the antecedents of healthy food choice has not investigated the links between these antecedents and has focused on specific food choice rather than on an overall diet. In the present study, we tested the plausibility of an integrated theoretical model aiming to explain the role of different psychosocial factors in increasing the intention to adhere to the Mediterranean Diet (MeDiet). Design: An online survey measured participants’ attitude and perceived behavioural control (i.e. rational antecedents), subjective norm (i.e. social antecedent), positive and negative anticipated emotions (i.e. emotional antecedents), food choice health and mood motives (i.e. motivational antecedents), past adherence to the MeDiet (i.e. behavioural antecedent), and intention to adhere to the MeDiet. Setting: Italy. Participants: 1940 adults: 1086 females; 854 males; mean age = 35·65; sd = 14·75; age range = 18–84. Results: Structural Equation Modelling (sem) analyses confirmed the plausibility of the proposed model. Perceived behavioural control was the strongest rational antecedent of intention, followed by the emotional (i.e. anticipated emotions) and the social (i.e. subjective norm) antecedents. Mediation analysis showed that motivational antecedents had only an indirect impact on intention via emotional antecedents. Finally, multigroup sem analysis highlighted that past adherence to the MeDiet moderated the hypothesised paths among all the study variables. Conclusions: The above findings advance our comprehension of which antecedents public communication might leverage to promote an increase in the adherence to the MeDiet.
Dendrobine modulates autophagy to alleviate ox‐LDL‐induced oxidative stress and senescence in HUVECs

Dendrobine has potential advantages in suppressing atherosclerosis (AS). FK506‐binding protein 1A (FKBP1A) is implicated in the regulation of autophagy, inflammation, and apoptosis. To reveal the mechanism by which dendrobine inhibits AS by modulating autophagy, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and senescence. An in vitro AS cell model was induced by culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL). The cells were treated with dendrobine alone or in combination with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting FKBP1A or together with 3‐methyladenine (3MA), an autophagy inhibitor. Inflammatory cytokines levels tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and IL‐1β were analyzed and oxidative stress levels were detected by the analysis of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels, followed by the analysis of apoptosis levels through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. Cell senescence was evaluated by senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase and light chain 3 (LC3) levels were detected by immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The targeting relationship of dendrobine and FKBP1A was predicted by SwissTarget, PyMol, Autodock, and Open Babel software. Dendrobine reduced the levels of proinflammation factors, oxidative stress levels, apoptosis levels, and senescence phenotype in ox‐LDL‐induced HUVECs. Besides, cell viability has an opposite change. Furthermore, there was an increase in LC3 IF tensity, and LC3‐II/I and Beclin1 expressions, and a decrease in p62 expression. However, these effects of dendrobine could be markedly destroyed by shRNA silencing FKBP1A and 3MA. Dendrobine can suppress inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and senescence via FKBP1A‐involved autophagy ox‐LDL‐treated HUVECs.
miR-26a-5p and miR-125b-5p affect trophoblast genes and cell functions important during early pregnancy

Abstract The most critical stage of pregnancy is embryo implantation, which relies on the synchronized developmental capacity of the embryo and uterine receptivity to implantation. In early pregnancy, conceptus and uterus release several factors enabling successful implantation and placentation. Molecules involved in embryo-maternal crosstalk include, but are not limited to, hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. The discovery of microRNAs (small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression) has revolutionized our understanding of many biological processes, including pregnancy. To date, numerous miRNAs have been detected in different species during pregnancy, both at the endometrial and embryonic sites. Thus, microRNAs are considered important regulators of early pregnancy events. Here, we report miR-26a-5p and miR-125b-5p effects on human and pig trophoblast cell function. Both microRNAs change the level of several genes and proteins important for proper embryo development. Moreover, miR-26a-5p stimulates porcine trophoblast proliferation and has a negative impact on its affinity to laminin. However, miR-125b-5p decreases porcine trophoblast cell migration. Our studies suggest that miR-26a-5p and miR-125b-5p can affect early pregnancy functions by regulating genes and processes important for proper conceptuses' development and progression through the implantation process. Summary Sentence miR-26a-5p and miR-125b-5p impact early pregnancy functions by regulating genes and cellular processes important for proper embryo-maternal interactions. Graphical Abstract
Chaetal arrangement and type diversity in two Magelona species (Magelonidae, Annelida) with ultrastructural details of the internal support chaetae

The systematics of Annelida has repeatedly been changed based on morphological data, but more recently established transcriptomic approaches yielded a stable and widely accepted phylogenetic tree, placing Magelonidae and Oweniidae as sister group to all remaining annelids. This led to an increased interest in these groups in terms of morphological traits and their phylogenetic significance. As one of the most characteristic morphological characters of annelids, the chaetae of Magelonidae are well investigated regarding their shape, but phylogenetically relevant aspects like their general arrangement are still poorly studied. Furthermore, some species possess abdominal internal support chaetae that no study has addressed in detail thus far. The chaetal arrangement and position of formative sites were studied in the differently expressed parapodia of the thorax, the ninth chaetiger and the abdomen of Magelona mirabilis and Magelona johnstoni. Our results show that all chaetigers primarily bore one row of chaetae per parapodial ramus, each with a single formative site. We also present the first histological as well as ultrastructural data on the magelonid support chaetae, showing that they represent internal hooded hooks, with which they share a common chaetal sac. Their distribution within Magelonidae, however, still requires a broader examination to evaluate their presence as a convergent or homologous trait.
Integrative review of singing and music interventions for family carers of people living with dementia

Summary The majority of people living with dementia are cared for by their families. Family carers play a vital role in upholding the formal care system. Caring for a family member with dementia can be fulfilling. However, this role can have a considerable negative impact on family carers’ mental and physical health and quality of life. Several empirical research studies have recently been conducted that explore the potential benefits of music interventions for family carers of people living with dementia. Singing has been the primary musical medium employed. This article presents the first review of this literature to date. It investigates the impact of music interventions on the health and well-being of family carers of people living with dementia, and how they experience and perceive these interventions. Whittemore and Knafl’s five-stage integrative review framework was utilized: (i) problem identification; (ii) literature search; (iii) data evaluation; (iv) data analysis and synthesis; and (v) presentation of the findings. A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis and synthesis resulted in three overarching themes: impact on family carers, carer perceptions of music interventions and null quantitative findings in small studies. The review found that singing and music interventions may improve family carers’ social and emotional well-being, enhance their ability to cope and care and ameliorate the caring relationship, contributing to experiences of flourishing. However, it highlighted that this area is under-researched and pointed to the need for larger, more rigorous studies.
Remediation of endosulfan-contaminated water by hairy roots: removal and phytometabolization assessment

Abstract Although many countries banned the insecticide endosulfan, it is still an environmental pollutant. Plants metabolize the two diastereomers of the formulations known as technical grade endosulfan (TGE) by two phase I pathways: hydrolysis leading to less toxic derivatives and oxidation giving endosulfan sulfate which is as toxic as endosulfan itself. We assessed the removal, bioaccumulation and phase I metabolization of TGE from water matrices using hairy root clones (HRs) of three edible species, Brassica napus, Raphanus sativus and Capsicum annuum. B. napus and C. annuum HRs removed 86% of TGE from the bioreaction media in 2 and 96 h, respectively, whereas R. sativus HRs removed 91% of TGE within 6 h of biotreatment. In the experiments with B. napus, only endosulfan sulfate was detected in both biomass and medium, whereas R. sativus and C. annuum accumulated endosulfan sulfate and endosulfan alcohol. Besides, endosulfan lactone was detected in C. annuum reaction medium. Acute ichthyotoxicity assays toward Poecilia reticulata showed that media contaminated with TGE lethal levels did not produce mortality after the phytotreatments. This research highlights the feasibility of using HRs to evaluate plant enzymatic abilities toward xenobiotics and their potential for the design of ex situ decontamination processes.
Nurse practitioners in home-based prepalliative care demonstrate an innovative, value-based approach to end-of-life care planning

ABSTRACT Background: Nurse practitioners (NPs) demonstrate value-based, home-based primary health care (HBPC) to home-bound patients with high disease burden at reduced cost. Purpose: The research questions were as follows: (a) Does patient-centered, prepalliative care delivered by HBPC NPs decrease number of hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits and increase patient satisfaction? and (b) What are the criteria for patients to receive end-of-life (EOL) discussions by NPs? Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental, retrospective two-group design with a convenience sample of 233 HBPC patients from an academic clinical partnership compared with 234 clinic patients matched on age and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score over 4 years. Measures included signed advanced directives (ADRs), medical orders of life-sustaining treatment (MOLST) forms, number and length of home visits, hospitalizations, and ED visits after diagnosis. Chi-square analyses and general linear models using a Poisson distribution were conducted. Results: Home-based primary health care patients had higher disease burden, statistically higher CCI scores, and signed ADR and MOLST agreements more often than clinic patients with significantly fewer hospitalizations and ED visits, and longer visits with providers. Conclusions: Patients receiving HBPC for prepalliative, EOL illness benefit from more time to discuss the difficult factors surrounding access to care for those with life-threatening illnesses. Implications: Recipients of prepalliative HBPC by NPs could require fewer provider visits, hospitalizations and ED visits, patient satisfaction, and a potential decrease in health care spending at EOL.