Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rat Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Protect H9C2 Cells from Cellular Senescence via a Paracrine Mechanism

Objectives: Cellular senescence may play an important role in the pathology of heart aging. We aimed to explore whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) could inhibit cardiac cellular senescence via a paracrine mechanism. Methods: We collected iPSC culture supernatant, with or without oxidative stress, as conditioned medium (CM) for the rat cardiomyocyte-derived cell line H9C2. Then we treated H9C2 cells, cultured with or without CM, with hypoxia/reoxygenation to induce cellular senescence and measured senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, G1 cell proportion and expression of the cell cycle regulators p16INK4a, p21Waf1/Cip1 and p53 at mRNA and protein levels in H9C2 cells. In addition, we used Luminex-based analysis to measure concentrations of trophic factors in iPSC-derived CM. Results: We found that iPSC-derived CM reduced SA-β-gal activity, attenuated G1 cell cycle arrest and reduced the expression of p16INK4a, p21Waf1/Cip1 and p53 in H9C2 cells. Furthermore, the CM contained more trophic factors, e.g. tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor, than H9C2-derived CM. Conclusions: Paracrine factors released from iPSCs prevent stress-induced senescence of H9C2 cells by inhibiting p53-p21 and p16-pRb pathways. This is the first report demonstrating that antisenescence effects of stem cell therapy may be a novel therapeutic strategy for age-related cardiovascular disease.
Towards macroscopic modeling of electro-thermo-mechanical couplings in PEDOT/PSS: Modeling of moisture absorption kinetics

Towards macroscopic modeling of electro-thermo-mechanical couplings in PEDOT/PSS: Modeling of moisture absorption kinetics Lyazzat Zhanshayeva Organic conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), is widely recognized for its electro-actuation mechanism and is used in exible electronics. Its high potential as actuator is based on a strong coupling between chemical, mechanical and electrical properties which directly depends on external stimuli. There is no model today to describe the interplay between moisture absorption, mechanical expansion and electrical stimulus. Elucidating the role of each component in the e ective actuation properties is needed to further optimize and tailor such materials. The objective of this thesis is to develop a macroscopic model to describe water sorption kinetics of the PEDOT:PSS lm. We used gravimetric analysis of pure PEDOT:PSS lm of three di erent thicknesses to investigate absorption kinetics over a broad range of temperatures and relative humidities. Our results revealed that the moisture uptake of PEDOT:PSS lm does not follow Fickian di usion law due to the retained amount of water after desorption process. We used an existing di usion-reaction model to describe this behavior, and COMSOL Multiphysics and MATLAB softwares to implement it. We observed that the generic model we used in our work could predict polymer behavior with 95% accuracy. However, our model was not able to properly represent the data at very high relative humidity at low temperature, which was attributed to the excessive swelling of the lm. Also, we examined a relation between the moisture content of PEDOT:PSS and its mechanical strain and electrical conductivity. The results presented here are 5 the rst step towards a general multiphysics electro-thermo-mechanical description of PEDOT:PSS based actuators.
High-Electron Mobility Graphene Channel Transistors for Millimeter-Wave Applications

Abstract : SiCN deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) vapor is studied. During PECVD, hydrogen is used as a carrier gas in addition to HMDS vapor. This becomes an advantage in the graphene process because hydrogen has cleaning effect on graphene surface. To verify this effect, SiCN gate stack is applied to the graphene FETs on SiC substrates. FETs with SiCN gate stack exhibit clearer ambipolar characteristics than FETs with conventional SiN gate stack.
Finite Element Analysis of Impact Loaded Polymer Composites Side Door Anti intrusion Bar

Reducing the weight of vehicles is crucial for fuel economy correspondingly CO2 emissions. Therefore, Automobile manufacturers are constantly working on lightweight materials alternatively. Crashworthiness is another principal task for the car manufacturers. For this purpose, additional parts exist in the car body, such as frontal crash bumper beams, crash boxes, and side door antiintrusion bars. In the presented study, the side door anti-intrusion bar was selected to analyze with different composite materials to compare to existing steel models by using Finite Element Method (FEM). The same geometry but different thickness for Glass and Carbon fiber reinforced thermoset, and thermoplastic composites were applied in the FEM simulations. Selected material properties were obtained from the literature. Simulation results were compared to find highest bending rigidity and energy absorption capability of the anti-intrusion bar in the same boundary conditions and loading. Analyzed antiintrusion bar's CAD data and mesh structures were obtained by using CATIA and HyperMesh commercial software respectively. Abaqus dynamic/explicit FEM analysis were performed to obtain impact behavior of the anti-intrusion bars. The results showed that polymer composites had enough strength, rigidity and energy absorption capability to replace the existing steel model by reducing weight considerably. Keyword: Side door impact, Anti-intrusion Bar, Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites, Lightweight materials
Texture development during cross rolling of a dual-phase Fe–Cr–Ni alloy: experiments and simulations

Abstract Texture development during multi-step cross rolling of a dual-phase Fe–Cr–Ni alloy has been investigated. X-ray diffraction was used to investigate changes in crystallographic texture of both the constituent phases (austenite and ferrite) through changes in orientation distribution function. After deformation, rotated brass (rotated along φ1, i.e. the sample normal direction ND), along with a weak cube texture was observed in austenite, while a strong rotated cube texture was obtained in ferrite. Texture was also simulated for various strains using a co-deformation model by self-consistent visco-plastic (VPSC) formulation. Simulations showed strong rotated brass texture in austenite and a strongly rotated cube, α-fibre (sample rolling direction RD //<1 1 0>) and γ-fibre (ND //<1 1 1>) in ferrite after highest strain (εt = 1.6). VPSC models could not effectively capture the change in crystallographic texture during cross rolling. In ferrite, simulations showed an overestimation of γ-fibre component and an underestimation of rotated cube component. Simulated texture of austenite, on the other hand, showed an overestimation of rotated brass with an absence of cube component. The results are rationalised based on the possible role of shear banding and activation of non-octahedral slip system during cross rolling, both of which are not incorporated in conventional VPSC models.
MicroRNA-15b Suppresses Th17 Differentiation and Is Associated with Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis by Targeting O-GlcNAc Transferase

IL-17–producing Th17 cells have gradually become considered as key factors in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the involvement of certain microRNAs in the development of MS has been reported, their role in Th17-driven autoimmunity is still poorly understood. In this study, we identified microRNA (miR)-15b as an important factor in Th17-associated effects and determined that the expression of miR-15b is significantly downregulated in MS patients and in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Overexpression of miR-15b alleviated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, whereas knockdown of miR-15b aggravated it. We demonstrated that miR-15b suppressed Th17 differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. We also found that O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase is a potential target of miR-15b, enabling it to affect the transcriptional regulation of retinoic acid–related orphan receptor γT through O-linked N-acetylglucosamine glycosylation of NF-κB. These results contribute to the importance of miR-15b in Th17 differentiation and the pathogenesis of MS.
MicroRNA in Control of Gene Expression: An Overview of Nuclear Functions

The finding that small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are able to control gene expression in a sequence specific manner has had a massive impact on biology. Recent improvements in high throughput sequencing and computational prediction methods have allowed the discovery and classification of several types of ncRNAs. Based on their precursor structures, biogenesis pathways and modes of action, ncRNAs are classified as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs or esiRNAs), promoter associate RNAs (pRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and sno-derived RNAs. Among these, miRNAs appear as important cytoplasmic regulators of gene expression. miRNAs act as post-transcriptional regulators of their messenger RNA (mRNA) targets via mRNA degradation and/or translational repression. However, it is becoming evident that miRNAs also have specific nuclear functions. Among these, the most studied and debated activity is the miRNA-guided transcriptional control of gene expression. Although available data detail quite precisely the effectors of this activity, the mechanisms by which miRNAs identify their gene targets to control transcription are still a matter of debate. Here, we focus on nuclear functions of miRNAs and on alternative mechanisms of target recognition, at the promoter lavel, by miRNAs in carrying out transcriptional gene silencing.
The graph and network theory as a tool to model and simulate the dynamics of infectious diseases

Abstract In this paper, we consider the utilization of the graph and network theory in the field of modeling and simulating the dynamics of infectious diseases. We describe basic principles and tools and show how we can use them to fight against the spread of this phenomenon. We also present our software solutions that can be used to support decision-making activities.
Mycophenolate mofetil for lupus nephritis: an update

Renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus carries significant morbidity and mortality. Intensive immunosuppression to dampen kidney inflammation timely and maintenance therapy to prevent renal flares is necessary to reduce the long-term risk of renal failure. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has emerged to be the first-line treatment of lupus nephritis for its better safety profile compared with cyclophosphamide. In controlled trials, MMF is non-inferior to cyclophosphamide for induction therapy but is superior to azathioprine as maintenance therapy. Although biologics have shown promise in refractory lupus nephritis, combining MMF with a number of novel biological agents does not enhance the therapeutic efficacy. Recently, low-dose combination of MMF and tacrolimus has been shown to be more efficacious than intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide in inducing remission of lupus nephritis in Chinese patients. Therapeutic monitoring of the serum mycophenolic acid level to enhance the efficacy of MMF in lupus nephritis is being explored.
An alternative parameterisation for binary-lens caustic-crossing events

Aims. Microlensing events are being discovered and alerted by the two survey teams OGLE and MOA at an increasing rate. Around ten percent of these events involve binary lenses. Such events potentially contain much information on the physical properties of the observed binary systems, which can then be used for e.g. statistical studies on binary objects in the Galactic disk or bulge. However, such events are usually not straightforward to study, because the model equations are strongly non-linear and there are many local minima that can fool the search for the best solution if the parameter space is not inspected with great care. In this work an alternative parameterisation for the binary lens fitting problem is proposed, in which the parameters involved are defined to represent as closely as possible the caustic-crossing features observed in most binary lens light curves. Furthermore, we work out an extension of the method in order to make use of the straight line fold caustic approximation, when the latter applies for both the caustic entry and exit. Methods. We introduce an alternative parameterisation in order to confine the exploration of the parameter space to regions where the models only involve caustic crossing at the dates seen in the light curve. Results. We find that the proposed parameterisation provides more robustness to the light curve fitting process, in particular in avoiding a code to get stuck in false minima.
Quasi-Relativistic Center-of-Mass Variables in Applications

Collective center-of-mass variables are introduced in the Lagrangian formalism of the relativistic classical mechanics of directly interacting particles. It is shown that the transition to the Hamiltonian formalism leads to the Bakamjian-Thomas model. The quantum-mechanical system consisting of two spinless particles is investigated. Quasi-relativistic corrections to the discrete energy spectrum are calculated for some Coulomb-like interactions having field theoretical analogues.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Brain Orexin Promotes Obesity Resistance

Resistance to obesity is becoming an exception rather than the norm, and understanding mechanisms that lead some to remain lean in spite of an obesigenic environment is critical if we are to find new ways to reverse this trend. Levels of energy intake and physical activity both contribute to body weight management, but it is challenging for most to adopt major long-term changes in either factor. Physical activity outside of formal exercise, also referred to as activity of daily living, and in stricter form, spontaneous physical activity (SPA), may be an attractive modifiable variable for obesity prevention. In this review, we discuss individual variability in SPA and NEAT (nonexercise thermogenesis, or the energy expended by SPA) and its relationship to obesity resistance. The hypothalamic neuropeptide orexin (hypocretin) may play a key role in regulating SPA and NEAT. We discuss how elevated orexin signaling capacity, in the context of a brain network modulating SPA, may play a major role in defining individual variability in SPA and NEAT. Greater activation of this SPA network leads to a lower propensity for fat mass gain and therefore may be an attractive target for obesity prevention and therapy. Obesity and individual variability Obesity is a condition defined by a chronic excess of body fat 1 and is positively correlated with shorter life expectancy, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease. 2 Obesity has become a public health issue, as its incidence in adults and children has increased in the last two decades across both developed and underdeveloped societies. 3–5 Humans show large variation in their susceptibility to obesity, which is determined by both environmental and genetic factors. 6–9 A major factor in determining this variability is physical activity, and specifically a component of overall energy expenditure known as nonexercise induced thermogenesis (NEAT). 10–12 NEAT includes all forms of energy ex-Re-use of this article is permitted in accordance with the Terms and Conditions set out at http://wiley onlinelibrary.com/onlineopen#OnlineOpen Terms penditure not associated with formal exercise, such as standing and fidgeting. 10,13–15 The complementary concept of spontaneous physical activity (SPA) is used to describe " any type of physical activity that does not qualify as voluntary exercise. " 16,17 Both SPA and NEAT have a heredability component. 17,18 SPA and NEAT are not interchangeable but are complementary concepts: NEAT refers to energy expenditure while SPA describes the types of physical activity that result in NEAT. …
Metabolomic Studies of Oral Biofilm, Oral Cancer, and Beyond

Oral diseases are known to be closely associated with oral biofilm metabolism, while cancer tissue is reported to possess specific metabolism such as the ‘Warburg effect’. Metabolomics might be a useful method for clarifying the whole metabolic systems that operate in oral biofilm and oral cancer, however, technical limitations have hampered such research. Fortunately, metabolomics techniques have developed rapidly in the past decade, which has helped to solve these difficulties. In vivo metabolomic analyses of the oral biofilm have produced various findings. Some of these findings agreed with the in vitro results obtained in conventional metabolic studies using representative oral bacteria, while others differed markedly from them. Metabolomic analyses of oral cancer tissue not only revealed differences between metabolomic profiles of cancer and normal tissue, but have also suggested a specific metabolic system operates in oral cancer tissue. Saliva contains a variety of metabolites, some of which might be associated with oral or systemic disease; therefore, metabolomics analysis of saliva could be useful for identifying disease-specific biomarkers. Metabolomic analyses of the oral biofilm, oral cancer, and saliva could contribute to the development of accurate diagnostic, techniques, safe and effective treatments, and preventive strategies for oral and systemic diseases.
Frictional Resistance of Three Types of Ceramic Brackets

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate the static frictional resistance at the bracket/archwire interface in two recently introduced bracket systems and compare them to conventional ceramic and conventional metal bracket systems. Three variables were considered including the bracket system, archwire type and archwire angulation. Material and Methods Four bracket systems were tested in vitro: Self ligating ceramic, ceramic with metal slot and module, conventional ceramic with module and conventional metal with module. A specially constructed jig and an Instron testing machine were used to measure the static frictional resistance for 0.014 inches round and 0.018 x 0.025 inches rectangular stainless steel wires at 0° and 7° angulations. Main outcome measures: static frictional force at the bracket/archwire interface; recorded and measured in units of force (Newtons). Results Self ligating ceramic and metal slot ceramic bracket systems generated significantly less static frictional resistance than conventional ceramic bracket systems with the wire at both angulations (P < 0.05). Changing the wire from 0.014 round to 0.018 x 0.025 rectangular wire significantly increased frictional forces for metal slot ceramic and conventional metal bracket systems (P < 0.01). Increasing wire angulation significantly increased frictional resistance at the bracket/archwire interface for all four types of bracket systems tested (P < 0.001). Conclusions Compared to conventional ceramic, self ligating ceramic and metal slot ceramic bracket systems should give improved clinical performance, matching that of conventional metal brackets.
A distributed graphics system for large tiled displays

Recent interest in large displays has led to renewed development of tiled displays, which are comprised of several individual displays arranged in an array and used as one large logical display. Stanford's "Interactive Mural" is an example of such a display, using an overlapping four by two array of projectors that back-project onto a diffuse screen to form a 6' by 2' display area with a resolution of over 60 dpi. Writing software to make effective use of the large display space is a challenge because normal window system interaction metaphors break down. One promising approach is to switch to immersive applications; another approach, the one we are investigating, is to emulate office, conference room or studio environments which use the space to display a collection of visual material to support group activities. We describe a virtual graphics system that is designed to support multiple simultaneous rendering streams from both local and remote sites. The system abstracts the physical number of computers, graphics subsystems and projectors used to create the display. We provide performance measurements to show that the system scales well and thus supports a variety of different hardware configurations. The system is also interesting because it uses transparent "layers", instead of windows, to manage the screen.
A Distributed Autonomic Management Framework for Cloud Computing Orchestration

Due to constant workload growth, the infrastructure used to support cloud computing (CC) environments increases in size and complexity. As a consequence of that, human administrators are not able to monitor, analyze, plan and execute actions upon the environment, seeking goals such as the environment optimization and service level agreements fulfillment. This proposal provides an autonomic framework to create virtual machines migrations and heuristics to select hosts to be activated or deactivated when needed. Moreover, the framework proposed in this paper works in a distributed way using multi-agent systems concepts. We provide an architecture to deal with the size, heterogeneity and dynamism of CC environments. Further, our proposal was added to the CloudStack platform as a plug-in for validation and experimentation.
Development of financial markets in India

I am delighted to have the opportunity of speaking on the issue of development of financial markets along with Mr. Christian Noyer, Governor of the Banque de France. He has displayed a deep commitment to the development of financial markets over the years and we heard a very thoughtful speech from him on this subject at the Reserve Bank just two days ago. His approach to financial markets is marked by a great degree of pragmatism: as we develop financial markets we need to make sure that they serve our needs, and we have to be equally conscious of the risks that they can generate if not managed well.