Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frailty among middle-aged and older women and men in India: findings from wave 1 of the longitudinal Ageing study in India

Objectives Few studies have examined frailty in Indian adults, despite an increasing population of older adults and an escalating burden of chronic diseases. We aimed to study the prevalence and correlates of frailty in middle-aged and older Indian adults. Setting Cross-sectional data from Wave 1 of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, conducted in 2017–2018 across all states and union territories, were used. Participants The final analytical sample included 57 649 participants aged 45 years and above who had information on frailty status. Primary outcome measure The deficits accumulation approach to measuring frailty was employed, creating a frailty index between 0 and 1, based on 40 deficits. Individuals with a frailty index of 0.25 or more were defined as ‘frail’. Results Prevalence of frailty among 45+ adults was 30%. 60+ women were two times as likely to be frail compared with 60+ men, after adjusting for a wide range of sociodemographic, economic and lifestyle factors. The sex difference was more pronounced in adults aged 45–59 years. Odds of hospitalisation in the last 12 months, and having falls in the past 2 years, were two times as high in frail adults compared with non-frail adults. Frail middle-aged and older adults had 33% and 39% higher odds, respectively, of having poor cognition than non-frail adults. The relative increase was higher in women for all three outcomes, although not statistically significant. Conclusions There needs to be careful consideration of sex differences when addressing frailty, particularly for optimising frailty interventions. Frailty, although typically assessed in older adults, was shown in this study to be also prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes in middle-aged Indian adults. More research into assessment of frailty in younger populations, its trajectory and correlates may help develop public health measures for prevention of frailty.
Effects of internalised racism and internalised homophobia on sexual behaviours among black gay and bisexual men in the USA: a systematic review protocol

Introduction Black gay and bisexual men are overburdened by HIV in the USA. While the socioecological model has been applied to understand potential mechanisms of HIV acquisition among black gay and bisexual men, there is mixed evidence on the impact of internalised stigma on HIV risk among this population. This systematic review protocol paper outlines the systematic review being conducted to determine the relationship between internalised racism, internalised homophobia and engagement in sexual behaviour, which puts individuals at risk for HIV infection. Methods and analysis For the review, we will conduct a systematic review of the literature, summarise and critique published scholarly literature on the associations between forms of internalised stigma and sexual behaviours among black gay and bisexual men. We will conduct a systematic search of published qualitative and quantitative research studies published during and after 1993. The searches will be conducted in Ovid Medline, Ovid APA PsycInfo and EBSCO SocINDEX databases. Studies will be included if they were conducted in the USA, with samples that comprised African American/black cisgender gay, bisexual, queer and other men who have sex with men, measured internalised racism and/or internalised homophobia, and assessed sexual behaviour risk for HIV acquisition. Ethics and dissemination No ethical approval will be required for this review. We will report our findings using the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Findings of this review may offer new opportunities to study internalised mechanisms impacting outcomes and to identify research gaps and spur additional queries in the group most disproportionately impacted by HIV.
Nonlinear glasses-based microstructured or step-index optical fibers: mid-IR supercontinuum generation and IR spectroscopy applications

We present an overview of the fabrication process and characterization of germanate, germanate-tellurite and tellurite microstructured fibers or step-index fibers with different index contrasts. For microstructured fibers, we exploit the generated SC for methane spectroscopy measurements in the mid-infrared by means of the supercontinuum absorption spectroscopy technique. We demonstrate also an ageing process of microstructured fibers in ambient atmosphere. For stepindex fibers, several compatible core/cladding glasses were explored for fiber manufacturing with a dehydration process, allowing the drawing of low-OH tellurite fibers. We report both numerical and experimental demonstrations supercontinuum (SC) generation in these fibers. Finally we report our latest results in the generation of SC until 5.3 μm in a step-index tellurite fiber.
Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search with a Constant-Time Feasibility Test for the Dial-a-Ride Problem

In the dial-a-ride problem (DARP), user-specified transport requests from origin to destination points have to be served by a fleet of homogeneous vehicles. The problem variant we consider aims at finding a set of minimum-cost routes satisfying constraints on vehicle capacity, time windows, maximum route duration, and maximum user ride times. We propose an adaptive large neighborhood search (ALNS) for its solution. The key novelty of the approach is an exact amortized constant-time algorithm for evaluating the feasibility of request insertions in the repair steps of the ALNS. In addition, we use two optional improvement techniques: a local-search based, intra-route improvement of routes of promising solutions using the Balas-Simonetti neighborhood, and the solution of a set-partitioning model over a subset of all routes generated during the search. With these techniques, the proposed algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in terms of solution quality. New best solutions are found for several benchmark instances.
Spectral analysis of galaxies in the ultraviolet

Galaxy SEDs contain a wealth of information about their stellar populations with the UV region tracing their hot component. In young populations this hot component comes from luminous O and B-type stars whereas, in old populations a hot component can be produced after sufficient mass loss, a phenomenon known as the UV upturn. The UV region of galaxies remains relatively unexplored and models lack calibration due to the paucity of observational data. However, by investigating features seen in the UV region it may be possible to explore both types of population with the potential to find indicators that can differentiate between the two. I exploit stellar population models of absorption line indices in the mid-UV (from 2000 3200Å) to study the spectra of massive galaxies. The central aim is to investigate the occurrence at high redshift of the UV upturn, i.e. the increased UV emission due to old stars observed in massive galaxies and spiral bulges in the local Universe. I use a large sample (∼ 275,000) of z ≥ 0.6 massive (log(M∗/M⊙)& 11) galaxies taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS). I use both individual spectra and stacks and employ a suite of models including a UV contribution from old populations, spanning various effective temperatures, fuel consumptions, and metallicities. By investigating the effect of the UV upturn on the strength of mid-UV indices I find a subset that are able to differentiate between old and young UV ages; Mg I, Fe I, and BL3096. I find evidence for old stars contributing to the UV in massive galaxies, rather than star formation. The data favour models with low/medium upturn temperatures (10,000 25,000K) consistent with local galaxies, depending on the assumed metallicity, and with a larger fuel ( f ∼ 6.5 · 10−2M⊙). Models with only one temperature are favoured over models with a temperature range, which would be typical of an extended horizontal branch.
Coarse-graining models for molecular dynamics simulations of FCC metals

In this paper, four coarse-graining (CG) models are proposed to accelerate molecular dynamics simulations of FCC metals. To this aim, at first, a proper map between beads of the CG models and atoms of the all-atom (AA) system is assigned, afterwards mass of the beads and the parameters of the CG models are determined in a manner that the CG models and the original all-atom model have the same physical properties. To evaluate and compare precision of these four CG models, different static and dynamic simulations are conducted. The results show that these CG models are at least 4 times faster than the AA model, while their errors are less than 1 percent.
A New Design of Membership-Function-Dependent Controller for T-S Fuzzy Systems Under Imperfect Premise Matching

This paper examines the problem of membership-function-dependent controller design for a class of discrete-time T-S fuzzy systems. Based on the partition method of premise variable space, the original T-S fuzzy model is equivalently converted into a piecewise-fuzzy system. Then, by employing some staircase functions, the continuous membership functions are approximated by a series of discrete values via which the information of membership functions is brought into the stability analysis to reduce the design conservatism. With piecewise-Lyapunov functions, the approaches to the piecewise-fuzzy state feedback and observer-based output feedback controller design are proposed, respectively, in terms of linear matrix inequalities such that the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable with a prescribed $\mathcal {H}_{\infty }$ performance level. It is shown that the membership functions of the fuzzy model and fuzzy controllers are not necessarily the same, which allows more design flexibility. Finally, two illustrative examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the developed methods.
Sensitivity Analysis of Multiobjective Optimization Problems with Parameterized Quasi-Variational Inequalities

ABSTRACT This paper mainly establishes the sensitivity analysis of a multiobjective optimization problem with parameterized quasi-variational inequalities (QVIs). Using the (regular) coderivative of the associated epigraphical multifunction, the (regular) subdifferentials of the efficient frontier maps are estimated, which involve the (regular) coderivatives of the solution mapping to the parameterized QVIs. Under the linear independent constraint qualification, the defined auxiliary set-valued mappings in the parameterized QVIs are clam. The detailed formulae of subdifferentials of the efficient frontier maps are obtained and examples are simultaneously provided for analyzing and illustrating the obtained results.
Fast X-ray detection using a CCD for application in a scanning transmission X-ray microscope

This paper presents a setup for the fast detection of soft x-rays using a high speed camera as multimodal detector for application in the AnImaX scanning transmission x-ray microscope (STXM). AnImaX is a flexible endstation for combining scanning and full field microscopy for the XUV beamline P04 at PETRA III. While using the scanning mode there is the additional option to gather fluorescence spectra for each scanned pixel. Because of the brilliance of the P04 beamline, fast image acquisition is possible and in consequence demands a fast and efficient data management.
Combining spectral and texture features in hyperspectral image analysis for plant monitoring

A texture enhanced spectral analysis framework is proposed for classifying hyperspectral images of plants of different conditions. Differentiating different plant conditions is important to precision agriculture as it helps detect diseases and stresses and optimise growth control. Advanced machine learning techniques are used to identify distinctive features in the spectral domain of hyperspectral images. In addition, texture properties are explored in the sub-band images. The framework integrates these two levels of properties at both feature extraction and classifying decision stages. The main crux of the work lies in the use of the significant spectral and texture features and a decision fusion mechanism to enhance the image properties, thus improving classification accuracy. Two hyperspectral datasets, originated from proximal hyperspectral systems, were used in the evaluation and significant improvements in classification accuracy achieved.
The components of an electrical synapse as revealed by expansion microscopy of a single synaptic contact

Most nervous systems combine both transmitter-mediated and direct cell-cell communication, known as ‘chemical’ and ‘electrical’ synapses, respectively. Chemical synapses can be identified by their multiple structural components. Electrical synapses are, on the other hand, generally defined by the presence of a ‘gap junction’ (a cluster of intercellular channels) between two neuronal processes. However, while gap junctions provide the communicating mechanism, it is unknown whether electrical transmission requires the contribution of additional cellular structures. We investigated this question at identifiable single synaptic contacts on the zebrafish Mauthner cells, at which gap junctions coexist with specializations for neurotransmitter release and where the contact defines the anatomical limits of a synapse. Expansion microscopy of these contacts revealed a detailed map of the incidence and spatial distribution of proteins pertaining to various synaptic structures. Multiple gap junctions of variable size were identified by the presence of their molecular components. Remarkably, most of the synaptic contact’s surface was occupied by interleaving gap junctions and components of adherens junctions, suggesting a close functional association between these two structures. In contrast, glutamate receptors were confined to small peripheral portions of the contact, indicating that most of the synaptic area works as an electrical synapse. Thus, our results revealed the overarching organization of an electrical synapse that operates with not one, but multiple gap junctions, in close association with structural and signaling molecules known to be components of AJs. The relationship between these intercellular structures will aid in establishing the boundaries of electrical synapses found throughout animal connectomes and provide insight into the structural organization and functional diversity of electrical synapses.
An optogenetic approach to control and monitor inflammasome activation

Inflammasomes are multiprotein platforms which control caspase-1 activation, leading to the processing of proinflammatory cytokines into mature and active cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, and to pyroptosis through the cleavage of gasdermin-D (GSDMD). Inflammasomes assemble upon activation of specific cytosolic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). They converge to the nucleation of apoptosis-associated speck-like containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC) to form hetero-oligomers with caspase-1. Studying inflammasome encoding activities remains challenging because PAMPs and DAMPs are sensed by a large diversity of cytosolic and membranous PRRs. To bypass the different signals required to activate the inflammasome, we designed an optogenetic approach to temporally and quantitatively manipulate ASC assembly (i.e. in a PAMP- or DAMP-independent manner). We reveal that controlling light-sensitive oligomerization of ASC is sufficient to recapitulate the classical features of inflammasomes within minutes, and enabled us to decipher the complexity of volume regulation and pore opening during pyroptosis. Overall, this approach offers interesting perspective to decipher PRR signaling pathways in the field of innate immunity.
Ribosomal Protein SA (RPSA) is required for localized translation and sarcomere maintenance

Cardiomyocyte sarcomeres contain localized ribosomes, but the factors responsible for their localization and the significance of localized translation are unknown. Using proximity labeling, we identified Ribosomal Protein SA (RPSA) as a Z-line protein. In cultured cardiomyocytes, the loss of RPSA led to impaired local protein translation and reduced sarcomere integrity. By employing CAS9 expressing mice along with adeno-associated viruses expressing CRE recombinase and single-guide RNAs targeting Rpsa, we knocked out RPSA in vivo and observed mis-localization of ribosomes and diminished local translation. These genetic mosaic mice with RPSA knockout in a subset of cardiomyocytes developed dilated cardiomyopathy, featuring atrophy of RPSA-deficient cardiomyocytes, compensatory hypertrophy of unaffected cardiomyocytes, left ventricular dilation, and impaired contractile function. We demonstrate that RPSA C-terminal domain is sufficient for localization to the Z-lines. These findings highlight RPSA as a ribosomal factor responsible for ribosome localization to the Z-line, facilitating local translation and sarcomere maintenance.
Hippocampal timestamp for goals

Our brain must manage multiple goals that differ in their temporal proximity. Some goals require immediate attention, while others have already been accomplished, or will be relevant later in time. Here, we examined how the hippocampus represents the temporal distance to different goals using a novel space-themed paradigm during 7T functional MRI (n=31). The hippocampus has an established role in mental time travel and a system in place to stratify information along its longitudinal axis on the basis of representational granularity. Previous work has documented a functional transformation from fine-grained, detail rich representations in the posterior hippocampus to coarse, gist-like representations in the anterior hippocampus. We tested whether the hippocampus uses this long axis system to dissociate goals based upon their temporal distance from the present. We hypothesized that the hippocampus would distinguish goals relevant for ones’ current needs from those that are removed in time along the long axis, with temporally removed past and future goals eliciting increasingly anterior activation. We sent participants on a mission to Mars where they had to track goals that differed in when they needed to be accomplished. We observed a long-axis dissociation, where temporally removed past and future goals activated the left anterior hippocampus and current goals activated the left posterior hippocampus. Altogether, this study demonstrates that the timestamp attached to a goal is a key driver in where the goal is represented in the hippocampus. This work extends the scope of the hippocampus’ long axis system to the goal-mapping domain.
H2O2 sulfenylates CHE linking local infection to establishment of systemic acquired resistance

In plants, a local infection can lead to systemic acquired resistance (SAR) through increased production of salicylic acid (SA). For 30 years, the identity of the mobile signal and its direct transduction mechanism for systemic SA synthesis in initiating SAR have been hotly debated. We found that, upon pathogen challenge, the cysteine residue of transcription factor CHE undergoes sulfenylation in systemic tissues, enhancing its binding to the promoter of SA-synthesis gene, ICS1, and increasing SA production. This occurs independently of previously reported pipecolic acid (Pip) signal. Instead, H2O2 produced by NADPH oxidase, RBOHD, is the mobile signal that sulfenylates CHE in a concentration-dependent manner. This modification serves as a molecular switch that activates CHE-mediated SA-increase and subsequent Pip-accumulation in systemic tissues to synergistically induce SAR. One Sentence Summary RBOHD-generated H2O2 sulfenylates transcription factor CHE to establish systemic acquired resistance in plants.
A Proxitome–RNA–capture Approach Reveals that Processing Bodies Repress Co–Regulated Hubs

Cellular condensates are usually ribonucleoprotein assemblies with liquid– or solid–like properties. Because they lack a delineating membrane, the compositional determination of condensates is laborious. Here we set up a pipeline for proximity–biotinylation–dependent capture of RNA to investigate the RNA composition of the condensate in Arabidopsis known as the processing bodies (PBs). Using this pipeline together with in situ protein–protein interaction and RNA detection, in silico, and high–resolution imaging approaches, we studied PBs under normal and heat stress conditions. The composition of PBs in RNAs is much more dynamic than that of the total transcriptome. RNAs involved in cell wall development and regeneration, hormonal signaling, secondary metabolism/defense, and RNA metabolism were enriched in PBs. RNA binding proteins and liquid–to–solid phase transitions modulated specificity of RNA recruitment in PBs. Surprisingly, RNAs were sometimes recruited together with their encoded proteins. In PBs RNAs follow distinct fates, with small liquid-like PBs modulating RNA decay while larger ones storage. The size and properties of PBs are regulated by the actin polymerization cAMP receptor (SCAR)–WASP family verprolin homologous (WAVE) complex. SCAR/WAVE modulates signaling by shuttling RNAs between PBs and the translational machinery adjusting the ethylene signaling pathway. Heat stress leads to the storage of immunity–related RNAs in PBs by reducing PBs dynamics, suggesting why processes such as immunity malfunction under heat stress. In summary, we provide a method to identify RNAs in condensates which allowed us to reveal a mechanism for RNA fate regulation.
Block sparse linear models for learning structured dynamical systems in aeronautics

This paper addresses an aircraft dynamical system identification problem, with the goal of using the learned models for trajectory optimization purposes. Our approach is based on multi-task regression. We present in this setting a new class of estimators that we call Block sparse Lasso, which conserves a certain structure between the tasks and some groups of variables, while promoting sparsity within these groups. An implementation leading to consistent feature selection is suggested, allowing to obtain accurate models, which are suitable for trajectory optimization. An additional regularizer is also proposed to help in recovering hidden representations of the initial dynamical system. We illustrate our method with numerical results based on real flight data from 25 medium haul aircraft, totaling 8 million observations.