Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing Muscle Mass in Elders through Diet and Exercise: A Literature Review of Recent RCTs

This study aimed to review the current evidence on the independent and combined effects of diet and exercise and their impact on skeletal muscle mass in the elderly population. Skeletal muscle makes up approximately 40% of total body weight and is essential for performing daily activities. The combination of exercise and diet is known to be a potent anabolic stimulus through stimulation of muscle protein synthesis from amino acids. Aging is strongly associated with a generalized deterioration of physiological function, including a progressive reduction in skeletal muscle mass and strength, which in turn leads to a gradual functional impairment and an increased rate of disability resulting in falls, frailty, or even death. The term sarcopenia, which is an age-related syndrome, is primarily used to describe the gradual and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass (mainly in type II muscle fibers) and function. Multimodal training is emerging as a popular training method that combines a wide range of physical dimensions. On the other hand, nutrition and especially protein intake provide amino acids, which are essential for muscle protein synthesis. According to ESPEN, protein intake in older people should be at least 1 g/kgbw/day. Essential amino acids, such as leucine, arginine, cysteine, and glutamine, are of particular importance for the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. For instance, a leucine intake of 3 g administered alongside each main meal has been suggested to prevent muscle loss in the elderly. In addition, studies have shown that vitamin D and other micronutrients can have a protective role and may modulate muscle growth; nevertheless, further research is needed to validate these claims. Resistance-based exercise combined with a higher intake of dietary protein, amino acids, and/or vitamin D are currently recognized as the most effective interventions to promote skeletal muscle growth. However, the results are quite controversial and contradictory, which could be explained by the high heterogeneity among studies. It is therefore necessary to further assess the impact of each individual exercise and nutritional approach, particularly protein and amino acids, on human muscle turnover so that more efficient strategies can be implemented for the augmentation of muscle mass in the elderly.
The proposed role of MSL-lncRNAs in causing sex lability of female poplars

Abstract Labile sex expression is frequently observed in dioecious plants, but the underlying genetic mechanism remains largely unknown. Sex plasticity is also observed in many Populus species. Here we carried out a systematic study on a maleness-promoting gene, MSL, detected in the Populus deltoides genome. Our results showed that both strands of MSL contained multiple cis-activating elements, which generated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) promoting maleness. Although female P. deltoides did not have the male-specific MSL gene, a large number of partial sequences with high sequence similarity to this gene were detected in the female poplar genome. Based on sequence alignment, the MSL sequence could be divided into three partial sequences, and heterologous expression of these partial sequences in Arabidopsis confirmed that they could promote maleness. Since activation of the MSL sequences can only result in female sex lability, we propose that MSL-lncRNAs might play a role in causing sex lability of female poplars.
From tetraploid to diploid, a pangenomic approach to identify genes lost during synthetic diploidization of Eragrostis curvula

Introduction In Eragrostis curvula, commonly known as weeping lovegrass, a synthetic diploidization event of the facultative apomictic tetraploid Tanganyika INTA cv. originated from the sexual diploid Victoria cv. Apomixis is an asexual reproduction by seeds in which the progeny is genetically identical to the maternal plant. Methods To assess the genomic changes related to ploidy and to the reproductive mode occurring during diploidization, a mapping approach was followed to obtain the first E. curvula pangenome assembly. In this way, gDNA of Tanganyika INTA was extracted and sequenced in 2x250 Illumina pair-end reads and mapped against the Victoria genome assembly. The unmapped reads were used for variant calling, while the mapped reads were assembled using Masurca software. Results The length of the assembly was 28,982,419 bp distributed in 18,032 contigs, and the variable genes annotated in these contigs rendered 3,952 gene models. Functional annotation of the genes showed that the reproductive pathway was differentially enriched. PCR amplification in gDNA and cDNA of Tanganyika INTA and Victoria was conducted to validate the presence/absence variation in five genes related to reproduction and ploidy. The polyploid nature of the Tanganyika INTA genome was also evaluated through the variant calling analysis showing the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) coverage and allele frequency distribution with a segmental allotetraploid pairing behavior. Discussion The results presented here suggest that the genes were lost in Tanganyika INTA during the diploidization process that was conducted to suppress the apomictic pathway, affecting severely the fertility of Victoria cv.
Negative refraction in multilayered metal-dielectric metamaterials with ellipse-like isofrequence surfaces

Negative refraction in multilayered metal-dielectric metamaterials is usually based on negative refractive indices or hyperbolic-like isofrequency surfaces. In this study, we reveal that ellipse-like isofrequency surfaces can also lead to negative refraction. This phenomenon is theoretically demonstrated by analyzing the group velocities of refracted beams based on the exact transfer-matrix method and verified by numerical simulation based on the finite-element method. The corresponding physics mechanism is investigated through the energy flow of the ellipse-like modes in the metallic and dielectric layers. The results are also compared with the case of energy flow of hyperbolic-like modes. Moreover, negative double refraction is realized because negatively refracted beams can be enabled by ellipse-like and hyperbolic-like isofrequency surfaces simultaneously.
Sonic and kinetic phase transitions with applications to Chapman–Jouguet deflagrations

We consider an n × n system of hyperbolic conservation laws and focus on the case of strongly underdetermined sonic phase boundaries. We propose a Riemann solver that singles out solutions uniquely. This Riemann solver has two features: it selects phase boundaries by means of an exterior function and it allows compound waves. Then we prove the global existence of weak solutions to the Cauchy problem. Applications to Chapman–Jouguet deflagrations are given. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of an innovative ecophotonics/illumination engineering education program for grades 6-12

National Optical Astronomy Observatory's Education and Public Outreach Group has created pedagogically-sound science enrichment programs for grades 3-12 that embed both active and problem-based learning in the areas of eco-photonics and illumination engineering. As launching points into activities and fodder for later discussion, film clips are incorporated from The City Dark, an award-winning, feature documentary about light pollution and the disappearing night sky. The goal is to solve this global eco-photonics challenge with responsible illumination engineering. An outline of the usage of the film clips is presented with activities, kit materials and pedagogical justification for the scope and sequence.
Morphology of primary feathers in two falcon species

Primary feathers allow birds to fly; however, morphology and material properties of theses feathers vary in different bird species. We therefore analysed both morphology and material properties of primary feathers in two raptor species, the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) which is the fastest vertical flyer known, and the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanoindentation. The program AutoCAD was used for the computation of the moments of inertia. The reduced E-modulus of the cortex of the rachis of the first, fifth, and tenth primary were measured at proximal (10% of total rachis length), central (50%) and distal (75%) cross-sections. In all cross sections the kestrel showed higher E-moduli than the peregrine falcon (values varied between 6.7 and 9.1 GPa). In the primaries, values increased from proximal to central but decreased distally. Looking at the hardness, the kestrel had higher values than the peregrine falcon yet again. The main differences occurred in the first primary. Values ranged between 0.17 and 0.4 GPa. SEM studies revealed that the tenth primary was more stable in the peregrine falcon, featuring more hamuli than the kestrel at all analysed positions and longer hamuli at the distal positions. The higher moments of inertia found in the peregrine falcon caused a much higher bending stiffness in this species. Values were 4.4 to 9.1 times larger in the peregrine falcon than in the kestrel. Because the given structures are responsible for the stability of the feather face it seems that the feathers of F. peregrinus are more robust than those of F. tinnunculus. Even when considering the higher body mass of the peregrine falcon compared to the kestrel (3.4 times), the determined stability of the feather compensates for this problem.
Indirect measurement of upper limb load for users of four-wheeled mobility aids based on torque sensors

Assistive walking devices are widely used, and the four-wheeled walker (FWW) is one of the most commonly used assistive devices to improve the stability and walking ability of users. In order to study the changes in upper limb joint torques when users use the FWW in their daily life, we developed a torque sensor-based FWW instrumentation system to monitor and collect force and torque information from the wrist and to build the corresponding biomechanical model. In this experiment, experimental data were collected from 10 healthy young people under six assisted walking modes. The upper limb kinematic data were collected and processed by Vicon Nexus software, and the angular conversion was performed to obtain an upper limb kinematic model consistent with FWW-assisted walking. Based on the kinematic data, the internal joint torques of the upper limb in three clinical planes were determined using the inverse kinematic method. The results show that there are significant differences in the joint angles and joint torques of the human upper extremity under different assisted walking patterns of difficulty that require the user's attention during assisted walking to prevent additional injuries. The standardized data provided by this experiment will help people to improve the usage of FWW and further optimize the FWW mechanics.
Comprehensive Analysis of BR Receptor Expression under Hormone Treatment in the Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.)

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are important for plant growth and development, with BRI1 and BAK1 kinases playing an important role in BR signal transduction. Latex from rubber trees is crucial for industry, medicine and defense use. Therefore, it is beneficial to characterize and analyze HbBRI1 and HbBAK1 genes to improve the quality of the resources obtained from Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree). Based on bioinformatics predictions and rubber tree database, five HbBRI1s with four HbBAK1s were identified and named HbBRI1~HbBRL3 and HbBAK1a~HbBAK1d, respectively, which were clustered in two groups. HbBRI1 genes, except for HbBRL3, exclusively contain introns, which is convenient for responding to external factors, whereas HbBAK1b/c/d contain 10 introns and 11 exons, and HbBAK1a contains eight introns. Multiple sequence analysis showed that HbBRI1s include typical domains of the BRI1 kinase, indicating that HbBRI1s belong to BRI1. HbBAK1s that possess LRR and STK_BAK1_like domains illustrate that HbBAK1s belong to the BAK1 kinase. BRI1 and BAK1 play an important role in regulating plant hormone signal transduction. Analysis of the cis-element of all HbBRI1 and HbBAK1 genes identified hormone response, light regulation and abiotic stress elements in the promoters of HbBRI1s and HbBAK1s. The results of tissue expression patterns indicate that HbBRL1/2/3/4 and HbBAK1a/b/c are highly expressed in the flower, especially HbBRL2-1. The expression of HbBRL3 is extremely high in the stem, and the expression of HbBAK1d is extremely high in the root. Expression profiles with different hormones show that HbBRI1 and HbBAK1 genes are extremely induced by different hormone stimulates. These results provide theoretical foundations for further research on the functions of BR receptors, especially in response to hormone signals in the rubber tree.
Modeling Equatorial Ocean Circulation

Double objectif de l'article: presenter, aussi succinctement que possible, les principes de la dynamique equatoriale, et passer en revue les recents developpements en la matiere. Les differents chapitres traitent successivement: des modeles suivant leur sophistication dynamique; des solutions non forcees, des solutions forcees par des vents qui s'installent, et des solutions forcees par des vents periodiques; des directions dans lesquelles s'engage la recherche sur l'El Nino; et des solutions lineaires (avec comparaison avec celles non lineaires) vu l'importance des modeles correspondants
Cyclic style generative adversarial network for near infrared and visible light face recognition

Face recognition in the visible light (VIS) spectrum has been widely utilized in many practical applications. With the development of the deep learning method, the recognition accuracy and speed have already reached an excellent level, where face recognition can be applied in various circumstances. However, in some extreme situations, there are still problems that face recognition cannot guarantee performance. One of the most signifcant cases is under poor illumination. Lacking light sources, images cannot show the true identities of detected people. To address such a problem, the near infrared (NIR) spectrum ofers an alternative solution to face recognition in which face images can be captured clearly. Studies have been made in recent years, and current near infrared and visible light (NIR-VIS) face recognition methods have achieved great performance. In this thesis, I review current NIR-VIS face recognition methods and public NIR-VIS face datasets. I frst list public NIR-VIS face datasets that are used in most research. For each dataset, I represent their characteristics, including the number of subjects, collection environment, resolution of images, and whether paired or not. Also, I conclude evaluation protocols for each dataset, helping with further analyzing of performances. Then, I classify current NIR-VIS face recognition methods into three categories, image synthesis-based methods, subspace learning-based methods, and invariant feature-based methods. The contribution of each method is concisely explained. Additionally, I make comparisons between current NIR-VIS face recognition methods and propose my own opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. To improve the shortcomings of current methods, this thesis proposes a new model, Cyclic Style Generative Adversarial Network (CS-GAN), which is a combination of image synthesis-based method and subspace learning-based method. The proposed CS-GAN improves the visualization results of image synthesis between the NIR domain and VIS domain as well as recognition accuracy. The CS-GAN is based on the Style-GAN 3 network which was proposed in 2021. In the proposed model, there are two generators from pre-trained Style-GAN 3 which generate images in the NIR domain and VIS domain, respectively. The generators consist of a mapping network and synthesis network, where the mapping network disentangles the latent code for reducing correlation between features, and the synthesis network synthesizes face images through progressive growing training. The generators have diferent fnal layers, a to-RGB layer for the VIS domain and a tograyscale layer for the NIR domain. Generators are embedded in a cyclic structure, in which latent codes are sent into the synthesis network in the other generator for recreated images, and recreated images are compared with real images which in the same domain to ensure domain consistency. Besides, I apply the proposed cyclic subspace learning. The
Inventory and pattern of distribution of mayflies (Insecta, Ephemeroptera) in the Draa river basin, southern Morocco

The Draa river basin is located south of the High Atlas Mountain rangee in Morocco. The Ephemeroptera (mayflies) fauna of its three sub-basins: the High, Middle, and Lower Draa are poorly known. This study contributes to the knowledge of Ephemeroptera and its distribution in relation to environmental parameters in this area. The larvae of Ephemeropteran species were collected during six field campaigns in 17 sites using a Surber sampler. A total of thirteen species belonging to ten genera and five families were identified. among which seven taxa were recorded for the first time in the southern Atlas area: Baetis maurus , Baetis rhodani , Cheleocloeon dimorphicum , Cloeon simile , Procloeon stagnicola , Labiobaetis neglectus and Oligoneuriopsis skhounate . The limits of distribution of most species can be explained by the increase in water temperature and electrical conductivity especially at lower altitudes.
Improved Optimization Method for Blast Furnace Based on Robust Soft Sensor and Process Knowledge

The optimization of blast furnace ironmaking process will bring great economic and ecological benefit. However, due to the complicated industry environments and limits on production situations, conventional optimization methods have the difficulty to obtain optimal performance indexes. To optimize conflicting objectives of blast furnace, production quality and energy consumption, an improved optimization method based on robust soft sensor and process knowledge is proposed. This method firstly develops a robust performance index soft sensor based on the gated recurrent unit and huber loss function, which can capture the dynamics of blast furnace data and predict the points with huge fluctuation more accurately. Meanwhile, for the sake of improving the optimization efficiency, a process knowledge base is constructed to mine the knowledge of optimal cases. It is the basis of the innovative knowledge repair operator, which is embedded with the optimization algorithm to reduce the infeasible solutions in the primary population evolution and accelerate the convergence speed. Comprehensive experiments are performed in the blast furnace ironmaking process by means of the AICS platform of Alibaba cloud, resulting in the improvement of robust prediction performance and optimization convergence compared with other widely-used methods and a successful meet with industry demands of blast furnace process.
Synergistic Catalysis in Heterobimetallic Complexes for Homogeneous Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation

Two heterobimetallic Mo,M’ complexes (M’ = IrIII, RhIII) were synthesized and fully characterized. Their catalytic activity in homogeneous carbon dioxide hydrogenation to formate was studied. A pronounced synergistic effect between the two metals was found, most notably between Mo and Ir, leading to a fourfold increase in activity compared with a binary mixture of the two monometallic counterparts. This synergism can be attributed to spatial proximity of the two metals rather than electronic interactions. To further understand the nature of this interaction, the mechanism of the CO2 hydrogenation to formate by a monometallic IrIII catalyst was studied using computational and spectroscopic methods. The resting state of the reaction was found to be the metal-base adduct, whereas the rate-determining step is the inner-sphere hydride transfer to CO2. Based on these findings, the synergism in the heterobimetallic complex is beneficial in this key step, most likely by further activating the CO2.
Salt Restriction and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Improve the Responsiveness of the Small Artery in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension

For salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH), salt restriction and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are essential treatments, but their effect on the function of resistance arteries is unclear. Here, we present an intravital study to detect the effect of salt restriction and ACE inhibitors on the function of the mesenteric small artery (MSA) in SSH. Dahl salt-sensitive rats were randomized into the following groups: ACE inhibitor gavage, salt restriction, ACE inhibitor combined with salt restriction, and high-salt diet. After a 12-week intervention, the mesenteric vessels maintained their perfusion in vivo, and the changes in the diameter and blood perfusion of the MSAs to norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (ACh) were detected. Switching from a high-salt diet to a low-salt diet (i.e., salt restriction) attenuated the vasoconstriction of the MSAs to NE and promoted the vasodilatation to ACh, while ACE inhibitor improved the vasodilatation more obviously. Pathologically, changes in local ACE, AT1R, and eNOS expression were involved in these processes induced by a high-salt diet. Our study suggests that salt restriction and ACE inhibitor treatment improve high salt intake-induced MSA dysfunction in SSH, and salt restriction is a feasible and effective treatment. Our findings may provide a scientific basis for the treatment of hypertension.
Hard X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Reveals Self-Organized Structures of Electrocatalytic Nickel Oxy-Hydroxides

such as nickel and its alloys. The outstanding properties of Ni-materials do not arise from the metallic host, rather from the surface passivated with various oxidized compounds formed during the electrochemical process. This newly formed layer is responsible for the catalytic properties of the system, therefore the investigation of its evolution as function of potential and time is crucial for a deeper understanding of the overall electrochemical process. However, the characterization of the chemical environment at the topmost layer, as well as the underlying layers, is complex and requires surface sensitive techniques. Here, we show that while ambient pressure soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) allows to follow the changes of the topmost layer, characterization of the deeper layers modifications occurring during electrocatalysis requires a combination of soft-and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/HAXPES), coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The findings show how the high electrocatalytic activity of Ni (oxy)-hydroxides is directly related to the increasing water intercalation into the passivation layer, which supports the long-debated hypothesis of a water mediated OH − diffusion mechanism. High performance of the electrode is promoted by the peculiar structure of the surface, which self-organizes during the initial formation of the passivation layer enabling self-healing during electro-catalysis. Ultimately, we show how the investigation at different depths by means of XPS/HAXPES in combination with EIS allows a better understanding of the chemical changes occurring throughout the passivation layer, signaling a paradigm shift from the traditional explanation of electro-catalysis by a simple electrode material with a stable nanostructure, to a concept leaning towards a dynamic electrochemical interface.