Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast detection of a protozoan pathogen, Perkinsus marinus, using AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

Antibody-functionalized, Au-gated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) were used to detect Perkinsus marinus. The antibody was anchored to the gate area through immobilized thioglycolic acid. The AlGaN/GaN HEMT drain-source current showed a rapid response of less than 5 s when the infected solution was added to the antibody-immobilized surface. The sensor can be recycled with a phosphate buffered saline wash. These results clearly demonstrate the promise of field-deployable electronic biological sensors based on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs for Perkinsus marinus detection.
A NONPARAMETRIC TEST FOR I(0)

There is frequently interest in testing that a scalar or vector time series is I(0), possibly after first-differencing or other detrending, while the I(0) assumption is also taken for granted in autocorrelation-consistent variance estimation. We propose a test for I(0) against fractional alternatives. The test is nonparametric, and indeed makes no assumptions on spectral behaviour away from zero frequency. It seems likely to have good efficiency against fractional alternatives, relative to other nonparametric tests. The test is given large sample justification, subjected to a Monte Carlo analysis of finite sample behaviour, and applied to various empirical data series.
Simulated random packing of equal spheres

PACS, a computer program to simulate very slow settling of rigid equal spheres into a randomly packed bed, is described. Simulated packings of 6,000, 10,000, and 15,000 spheres are anisotropic. Mean void fraction is 0.42 and mean number of nearest neighbours 6.0. There are numerous cases of four spheres arranged in a tetrahedron, but no larger ordered regions. These findings, plus local voidage, distribution of circles in a section, angular distribution, and radial distribution are compared to theoretical and experimental results.
On the temperature and the interstellar nature of coronal gas observed by Copernicus

More detailed scans of ions expected in interstellar absorption at temperatures of 100,000 to 1 million K have been made with Copernicus in five stars: Alpha Vir, Beta Cen, Lambda Sco, Mu Col, and HD 28497. Preliminary data show that the absorption due to O VI is stationary compared with the velocities of stellar absorption in the spectrum of the spectroscopic binary Lambda Sco, thus demonstrating its nonstellar nature. Ionization temperatures interpreted using steady-state or time-dependent assumptions yield values of 280,000 to 700,000 K. There is some evidence that a range of temperatures consistent with this spread may in fact exist in Alpha Vir. For this limited sample of data, there is no clear evidence for a generic association of low-column-density H2 and the O VI absorption. It is concluded that the O VI absorption refers to regions with temperatures exceeding 250,000 K. The only UV diagnostic for the gas appears to be the O VI features, though C IV may be useful in some cases.
New tritium and deuterium measurements in atmospheric hydrogen

Tritium and deuterium analysis were made on samples of atmospheric hydrogen collected in 1961. A positive correlation exists between tritium and deuterium. The heaviest samples yield a value of about +18% S.M. O.W. for atmospheric hydrogen. The deuterium concentration of the industrial hydrogen varies from ? 18% to ? 22%. The industrial hydrogen is partially ascribed to hydrogen from automobile exhaust gas. The corrected tritium concentration in atmospheric hydrogen continues to increase, doubling every two years. Several large tritium peaks are correlated with Soviet weapons tests. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1966. tb00234.x
Comparing Dynamic Equilibrium Economies to Data

This paper studies the properties of the Bayesian approach to estimation and comparison of dynamic equilibrium economies. Both tasks can be performed even if the models are nonnested, misspecified, and nonlinear. First, the authors show that Bayesian methods have a classical interpretation: asymptotically the parameter point estimates converge to their pseudotrue values, and the best model under the Kullback-Leibler will have the highest posterior probability. Second, they illustrate the strong small sample behavior of the approach using a well-known application: the U.S. cattle cycle. Bayesian estimates outperform maximum likelihood results, and the proposed model is easily compared with a set of BVARs.
Behavior of the eigenphase sum near a resonance

It is shown that for an isolated resonance in a multichannel problem the sum of the eigenphases delta/sub n/ satisfies the usual formula appropriate for the elastic phase shift: . sigma. /sub n/delta/sub n/ = . delta. /sup 0/ + tan/sup -1/ (GAMMA/2(E/sub 0/ - E)). The parameter GAMMA is the total width of the resonance.
Curcumin modulation of L-dopa and rasagiline-induced neuroprotection in rotenone model of Parkinson’s disease

Objective(s): Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most incurable, chronic, and progressive neurodegenerative disorders Worldwide. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic anti-oxidant compound, has a long history in traditional medicine. We investigate the effect of curcumin on brain oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, and motor changes in rotenone-induced PD in mice. The possible modulation of the anti-parkinsonian action of drugs L-dopa and rasagiline by curcumin was also studied. Materials and Methods: Mice received rotenone 1.5 mg/kg and were treated with curcumin (150 mg/kg), L-dopa (25 mg/kg), rasagiline (1 mg/kg), L-dopa+curcumin, or rasagiline+curcumin. Striatal malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, tyrosine hydroxylase, and brain DNA fragmentations were measured. Histopathological examination of brain tissues was done. Motor coordination and behavioral tests such as wire-hanging, stair, and wood-waking tests were included. Results: Rotenone caused elevation in brain malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents, depletion of reduced glutathione accompanied by a reduction in rearing behavior, and impairment of motor activity in wire-hanging, stair, and wood-waking tests. Also, severe DNA fragmentation in the striatum, marked decrease of substantia nigra pigmented neurons, neuronal degeneration in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein reaction (GFAP) and glial cell size in the cerebral cortex were caused by rotenone. In rotenone-treated mice, brain oxidative stress was decreased by curcumin, L-dopa, rasagiline, curcumin+L-dopa, and curcumin+rasagiline. These treatments also prevented DNA fragmentation and markedly improved the motor and behavioral impairment caused by rotenone. Rotenone-induced histopathological changes were ameliorated by curcumin which had an additive effect to that of l-dopa or rasagiline. Conclusion: These data indicate that curcumin showed additive neuroprotective effects to L-dopa or rasagiline and ameliorated neurodegeneration, DNA fragmentation, and motor defects caused by rotenone in mice.
Two-point Method Applied in Field Conditions: A Feasible Approach to Assess the Load-Velocity Relationship Variables During the Bench Pull Exercise

Abstract Miras-Moreno, S, García-Ramos, A, Jukic, I, and Pérez-Castilla, A. Two-point method applied in field conditions: a feasible approach to assess the load-velocity relationship variables during the bench pull exercise. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1367–1374, 2023—This study explored the between-session reliability and concurrent validity of the load-velocity (L-V) relationship variables obtained from different methods during the Smith machine bench pull exercise. In a counterbalanced order, 23 resistance-trained male subjects performed 2 sessions against 6 different loads in one week and 2 sessions against the lightest and heaviest loads in another week. The L-V relationship variables (load-axis intercept [L0], velocity-axis intercept [v0], and area under the L-V relationship line [Aline]) were obtained using the mean and peak velocity by the standard multiple-point (all 6 loads were used for the L-V modeling), modified multiple-point (the data point that most reduced the coefficient of determination was omitted from the L-V modeling), and 2-point (only 2 loads were used for the L-V modeling) methods. The reliability of the L-V relationship variables was acceptable for all methods (within-subjects coefficient of variation [CV] = 2.09–9.21%). The standard multiple-point and 2-point methods provided greater reliability for all L-V relationship variables compared with the modified multiple-point method (CVratio ≥ 1.27), while the 2-point method provided similar (CVratio = 1.04 for Aline) or greater (CVratio = 1.50 for L0 and 1.62 for v0) reliability than the standard multiple-point method. The concurrent validity of the modified multiple-point and 2-point methods was acceptable for the L-V relationship variables (effect size ≤ 0.62; r ≥ 0.76). These results suggest that the 2-point method is not only a valid procedure but also more reliable, simpler, faster, and less prone to fatigue than multiple-point methods for assessing maximal neuromuscular capacities through the L-V relationship.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome

The novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2), also referred to as coronavirus disease 2019, has caused a global pandemic that cost more than 900,000 deaths and affected nearly 80 million Americans since the start of the pandemic in early 2020. A majority of cases have primarily been reported in the adult population. Initially, lower morbidity and mortality rates were noted in children, compared with adults. However, some pediatric patients have been shown to develop a rare, but severe complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection, referred to as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The condition has now been reported in adults as well. In this article, the origins, clinical features, pathogenesis, treatment, and latest literature on multisystem inflammatory syndrome are explored.
BV Photometry of Northern Galactic Plane Luminous Stars. II. Faint Stars in the Second Galactic Quadrant

CCD‐based BV photometry of 28 stars listed in volumes I, III, and V of the Case‐Hamburg Luminous Stars in the Northern Milky Way catalog is reported. Twenty‐four stars have B>12, including the binary‐nucleus planetary nebula M1‐2.
Menopause is associated with increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis reveals that menopausal status was associated with approximately 2.4 times higher likelihood of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The association remained significant in a sensitivity meta-analysis of studies with adjustment for age and metabolic factors, suggesting that menopausal status could be an independent risk factor for NAFLD. Abstract Importance Data are inconsistent on whether menopause is a risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objective Using systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to collect all available data to determine the association between menopause and NAFLD. Evidence Review Potentially eligible studies were identified from EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases from inception to December 2021 using a search strategy that was composed of the terms for “NAFLD” and “menopause. ” Eligible study must contain two groups of participants: one group of postmenopausal women and another group of premenopausal women. Then, the study must report the association between menopause and prevalent NAFLD. We extracted such data from each study and calculated pooled odds ratio (OR) by combining effect estimates of each study using a random-effects model. Funnel plot was used to assess for the presence of publication bias. Findings A total of 587 articles were identified. After two rounds of independent review by two investigators, 12 cross-sectional studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis of 12 studies revealed the significant association between menopause and NAFLD with a pooled OR of 2.37 (95% CI, 1.99-2.82; I2 = 73%). The association remained significant in a sensitivity meta-analysis of six studies that reported the association with adjustment for age and metabolic factors with a pooled OR of 2.19 (95% CI, 1.73-2.78; I2 = 74%). The funnel plot was fairly symmetric and was not suggestive of publication bias. Conclusions and Relevance The meta-analysis reveals that menopausal status was associated with approximately 2.4 times higher odds of NAFLD.
Radiation environment of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory

The Chandra X-ray Observatory, the x-ray component of NASA's Great Observatories, provides unprecedented subarcsecond imaging, imaging spectrometry, and high-resolution dispersive spectroscopy of cosmic x-ray sources. During the initial phase of operation, some of the focal-plane charge-coupled devices (CCDs) -- namely, the front-illuminated devices -- experienced an unanticipated increase in charge-transfer inefficiency (CTI). Investigation of this anomaly determined the root cause to be radiation damage by weakly penetrating protons, entering the telescope's aperture and scattered off the mirrors into the focal plane. Subsequent changes in operating procedures have slowed the rate of increase of the CTI of the front- illuminated CCDs to acceptable levels. There has been no measurable degradation of the back-illuminated CCDs.
Risk factors for secondary ocular hypertension in silicone oil-filled eyes following transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy – A prospective cohort study

Purpose: Our aim was to determine the various risk factors for secondary ocular hypertension (OHT) following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil (SO) injection. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed on 46 eyes of 42 patients who underwent PPV with SO injection under a single surgeon between January 2020 and July 2021. Complete ophthalmological examination including gonioscopy and Goldmann applanation tonometry was performed preoperatively and on three postoperative visits, that is, day 7, day 30, and day 90. Axial length and lens thickness were measured at baseline using immersion A-scan. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used for measuring anterior chamber depth (ACD) at baseline and at 3 months. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) (>21 mmHg) on day 7 (4.70 ± 7.754 mmHg), day 30 (5.24 ± 7.481 mmHg), and day 90 (2.39 ± 5.659 mmHg) (P<0.01 for all). Age <50 years, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), and pseudophakia had a strong association with short-term OHT on day 7. Preexisting glaucoma was the only independent risk factor for long-term OHT (day 90). Higher baseline IOP and SO emulsification also contributed to long-term OHT. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant elevation in IOP at all postoperative visits. Short-term OHT was associated with younger age (<50 years), RRD, and pseudophakia. Patients with emulsified SO in the anterior chamber, higher baseline IOP, and preexisting glaucoma were at higher risk for long-term OHT.
USP53 Regulates Bone Homeostasis by Controlling Rankl Expression in Osteoblasts and Bone Marrow Adipocytes

In the skeleton, osteoblasts and osteoclasts synchronize their activities to maintain bone homeostasis and integrity. Investigating the molecular mechanisms governing bone remodeling is critical and helps understand the underlying biology of bone disorders. Initially, we have identified the ubiquitin‐specific peptidase gene (Usp53) as a target of the parathyroid hormone in osteoblasts and a regulator of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Mutations in USP53 have been linked to a constellation of developmental pathologies. However, the role of Usp53 in bone has never been visited. Here we show that Usp53 null mice have a low bone mass phenotype in vivo. Usp53 null mice exhibit a pronounced decrease in trabecular bone indices including trabecular bone volume (36%) and trabecular number (26%) along with an increase in trabecular separation (13%). Cortical bone parameters are also impacted, showing a reduction in cortical bone volume (12%) and cortical bone thickness (15%). As a result, the strength and mechanical bone properties of Usp53 null mice have been compromised. At the cellular level, the ablation of Usp53 perturbs bone remodeling, augments osteoblast‐dependent osteoclastogenesis, and increases osteoclast numbers. Bone marrow adipose tissue volume increased significantly with age in Usp53‐deficient mice. Usp53 null mice displayed increased serum receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) levels, and Usp53‐deficient osteoblasts and bone marrow adipocytes have increased expression of Rankl. Mechanistically, USP53 regulates Rankl expression by enhancing the interaction between VDR and SMAD3. This is the first report describing the function of Usp53 during skeletal development. Our results put Usp53 in display as a novel regulator of osteoblast–osteoclast coupling and open the door for investigating the involvement of USP53 in pathologies. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Cognitive Dysfunction Biomarkers in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background/Objectives During the last years, a growing number of studies have investigated the link between cognitive dysfunction and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), highlighting the potential pathogenic role of several clinical, psychological, and biological factors. We aimed to investigate serological and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in humans and its association with cognitive dysfunction in patients with RA. Methods We performed a systematic review using PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) protocol. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from inception up to November 2021. The inclusion criteria for studies were defined based on the participants involved, type of exposure, type of comparison group, outcome of interest, and study design. Results Five original studies were included, which provided data from 428 participants. Among plasma proteins, SHH was increased and TTR was reduced in patients with mild cognitive impairment; anti–myelin basic protein and anti–myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein negatively correlated with memory, executive function, and attention. S100β negatively correlated with memory and executive functions; some lymphocyte subpopulations positively correlated with attention, memory, and executive functions. Interleukin 2 [IL-2], IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α negatively correlated with memory and positively correlated with executive functions. Interleukin 1β negatively correlated with global cognitive dysfunction and positively correlated with logical thinking. Interleukin 10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor negatively correlated with memory. Conclusion Despite the relative scarcity of studies on this subject and the heterogeneity of results, we identified possible biomarkers for cognitive deficits in the RA population. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify these associations and the establishment of possible biomarkers for cognitive deficits in RA.
The Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Menopause on Bone Mineral Density: A Longitudinal Study of Urban‐Dwelling South African Women

An estimated 25% of South African women live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Antiretroviral therapy roll‐out has improved life expectancy, so many more women now reach menopause. We aimed to quantify changes in bone mineral density (BMD) during the menopausal transition in urban‐dwelling South African women with and without HIV and determine whether HIV infection modified the effect of menopause on BMD changes. A 5‐year population‐based longitudinal study recruited women aged 40–60 years residing in Soweto and collected demographic and clinical data, including HIV status, anthropometry, and BMD, at baseline and at 5‐year follow‐up. All women were staged as pre‐, peri‐, or postmenopausal at both time points. Multivariable linear regression assessed relationships and interactions between HIV infection, menopause, and change in BMD. At baseline, 450 women had mean age 49.5 (SD 5.7) years, 65 (14.4%) had HIV, and 140 (31.1%), 119 (26.4%), and 191 (42.4%) were pre‐, peri‐, and postmenopausal, respectively; 34/205 (13.6%) women ≥50 years had a total hip (TH) or lumbar spine (LS) T‐score ≤ −2.5. At follow‐up 38 (8.4%), 84 (18.7%), and 328 (72.9%) were pre‐, peri‐, and postmenopausal. Those with HIV at baseline lost more total body (TB) BMD (mean difference −0.013 [95% confidence interval −0.026, −0.001] g/cm2, p = 0.040) and gained more weight 1.96 [0.32, 3.60] kg; p = 0.019 than HIV‐uninfected women. After adjusting for age, baseline weight, weight change, and follow‐up time, the transition from pre‐ to postmenopause was associated with greater TB BMD losses in women with HIV (−0.092 [−0.042, −0.142] g/cm2; p = 0.001) than without HIV (−0.038 [−0.016, −0.060] g/cm2, p = 0.001; interaction p = 0.034). Similarly, in women who were postmenopausal at both time points, those with HIV lost more TB BMD (−0.070 [−0.031, −0.108], p = 0.001) than women without HIV (−0.036 [−0.015, −0.057], p = 0.001, interaction p = 0.049). Findings were consistent but weaker at the LS and TH. Menopause‐related bone loss is greater in women with HIV, suggesting women with HIV may be at greater risk of osteoporotic fractures. HIV services should consider routine bone health assessment in midlife women as part of long‐term HIV care delivery. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Defective jagged-1 signaling affects GnRH development and contributes to congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

In vertebrate species, fertility is controlled by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. GnRH cells arise outside the central nervous system, in the developing olfactory pit, and migrate along olfactory/vomeronasal/terminal nerve axons into the forebrain during embryonic development. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and Kallmann syndrome are rare genetic disorders characterized by infertility, and they are associated with defects in GnRH neuron migration and/or altered GnRH secretion and signaling. Here, we documented the expression of the jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway in GnRH neurons and along the GnRH neuron migratory route both in zebrafish embryos and in human fetuses. Genetic knockdown of the zebrafish ortholog of JAG1 (jag1b) resulted in altered GnRH migration and olfactory axonal projections to the olfactory bulbs. Next-generation sequencing was performed in 467 CHH unrelated probands, leading to the identification of heterozygous rare variants in JAG1. Functional in vitro validation of JAG1 mutants revealed that 7 out of the 9 studied variants exhibited reduced protein levels and altered subcellular localization. Together our data provide compelling evidence that Jag1/Notch signaling plays a prominent role in the development of GnRH neurons, and we propose that JAG1 insufficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of CHH in humans.