Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Our Experience over 20 Years: Antimicrobial Peptides against Gram Positives, Gram Negatives, and Fungi

Antibiotic resistance is rapidly increasing, and new anti-infective therapies are urgently needed. In this regard, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may represent potential candidates for the treatment of infections caused by multiresistant microorganisms. In this narrative review, we reported the experience of our research group over 20 years. We described the AMPs we evaluated against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungi. In conclusion, our experience shows that AMPs can be a key option for treating multiresistant infections and overcoming resistance mechanisms. The combination of AMPs allows antibiotics and antifungals that are no longer effective to exploit the synergistic effect by restoring their efficacy. A current limitation includes poor data on human patients, the cost of some AMPs, and their safety, which is why studies on humans are needed as soon as possible.
Molecular Machines and Microrobots: Nanoarchitectonics Developments and On-Water Performances

This review will focus on micromachines and microrobots, which are objects at the micro-level with similar machine functions, as well as nano-level objects such as molecular machines and nanomachines. The paper will initially review recent examples of molecular machines and microrobots that are not limited to interfaces, noting the diversity of their functions. Next, examples of molecular machines and micromachines/micro-robots functioning at the air-water interface will be discussed. The behaviors of molecular machines are influenced significantly by the specific characteristics of the air-water interface. By placing molecular machines at the air-water interface, the scientific horizon and depth of molecular machine research will increase dramatically. On the other hand, for microrobotics, more practical and advanced systems have been reported, such as the development of microrobots and microswimmers for environmental remediations and biomedical applications. The research currently being conducted on the surface of water may provide significant basic knowledge for future practical uses of molecular machines and microrobots.
The ARTS of p53-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis

ABSTRACT The tumor-suppressive activity of p53 is largely attributed to its ability to induce cell death, including apoptosis, through transcription-dependent and transcription-independent mechanisms. On the one hand, nuclear p53 transcriptionally activates the expression of a myriad of pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family genes, such as NOXA, PUMA, BID, BAD, BIK, BAX, etc., whereas it inactivates the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL1, leading to mitochondrial apoptosis. On the other hand, cytoplasmic p53 also promotes mitochondrial apoptosis by directly associating with multiple BCL-2 family proteins in the mitochondria. Apoptosis-related protein in TGF-β signaling pathway (ARTS), a mitochondria-localized pro-apoptotic protein encoded by an alternative spliced variant of the SEPT4 gene, triggers apoptosis by facilitating proteasomal degradation of BCL-2 and XIAP upon pro-apoptotic stimuli. We recently identified SEPT4/ARTS as a new p53 target gene in response to genotoxic stress. ARTS in turn binds to p53, drives its mitochondrial localization, and enhances the interaction between p53 and BCL-XL, thereby promoting mitochondrial apoptosis. This review will illustrate the mechanisms of p53-induced mitochondrial apoptosis, offer some recently discovered new insights into the functions of ARTS in regulating mitochondrial cell death, and discuss the clinical significance of ARTS in cancer and non-cancer diseases.
PageRank and HodgeRank on Ethereum Transactions: A Measure for Social Credit

Mathematical ranking plays a critical role in the era of the internet and bigdata. Google's PageRank is well-known as a trillion-dollar algorithm. Definitely, algorithmic ranking frameworks are found on every search engine. In this paper, the article shall investigate how PageRank can be applied in the blockchain space to build up reliable and verifiable social credit and reputation systems. It is expected to provide a measure of credibility complementary and parallel with FICO, which is not applicable for individuals lacking credit information in financial institutions. Moreover, the approach proposes an unbiased method of interpreting and measuring real social interaction and reputation ranking on a blockchain network. The authors envision a future of payment based on cryptocurrencies (especially stable coins) and digital fiats; thus the proposed credit scoring framework shall be helpful for P2P credit and lending networks, possibly for decentralized finance (Defi) applications.
Simulation driven inferences for multiply imputed longitudinal datasets *

In this article, we demonstrate by simulations that rich imputation models for incomplete longitudinal datasets produce more calibrated estimates in terms of reduced bias and higher coverage rates without duly deflating the efficiency. We argue that the use of supplementary variables that are thought to be potential causes or correlates of missingness or outcomes in the imputation process may lead to better inferential results in comparison to simpler imputation models. The liberal use of these variables is recommended as opposed to the conservative strategy.
Overview on Latch-Up Prevention in CMOS Integrated Circuits by Circuit Solutions

In CMOS chips, the wider layout rules were traditionally applied to overcome latch-up issues. However, the chip area with wider layout rules was often enlarged, and in turn the chip cost was also increased. To effectively improve latch-up immunity without enlarging the chip area, circuit methods were therefore invented. An overview on circuit methodology used to prevent latch-up issues in CMOS integrated circuits (ICs) is presented in this article. The circuit solutions, including reducing the I/O pad trigger current, sensing the trigger current to control the power supply, and restarting the power supply through an MOS switch to shut off the latch-up current, are overviewed.
Temperature‐Induced Nonlinear Elastic Behavior in Berea Sandstone Explained by a Modified Sheared Contacts Model

Rocks commonly display a reduction in elastic modulus during an acoustic perturbation followed by a logarithmic recovery of the modulus to its original value. This nonlinear elastic behavior can also be induced by changes in temperature of the rock, although experimental data for this are sparse. In this paper, we utilize temperature perturbations to broaden our understanding of the causes and mechanisms of nonlinear elasticity in rocks. We perform laboratory experiments tracking the nonlinear response of a Berea sandstone under vacuum both during and following 10°C changes in temperature. Ultrasonic velocity decreases by up to 0.30 ± 0.02% during both temperature increases and decreases, before recovering in the following days. Continuous monitoring over a 2‐month period also reveals a longer‐term 0.78 ± 0.04% increase in velocity. To explain these observations, we modify a recent model for nonlinear elasticity based on the shearing and subsequent recreation of internal microscopic contacts. Application of this model to our data suggests that internal stresses from differential thermal expansion/contraction of mineral grains break contacts, inducing nonlinear weakening. The degree of weakening depends on the temperature gradient. Slow dynamics recovery in the ∼10 hr following a temperature change likely results from the recreation of broken contacts due to nanoscopic adhesive forces. In contrast, the long‐term velocity increase results from evaporation of bound water from clay minerals. In addition to furthering our understanding of nonlinear elasticity in rocks, our results imply that sudden changes of temperature in shallow crustal environments will induce nonlinear weakening that persists for hours to days.
Electron Conductive and Transparent Hydrogels for Recording Brain Neural Signals and Neuromodulation

Recording brain neural signals and optogenetic neuromodulations open frontiers in decoding brain neural information and neurodegenerative disease therapeutics. Conventional implantable probes suffer from modulus mismatch with biological tissues and an irreconcilable tradeoff between transparency and electron conductivity. Herein, a strategy is proposed to address these tradeoffs, which generates conductive and transparent hydrogels with polypyrrole‐decorated microgels as cross‐linkers. The optical transparency of the electrodes can be attributed to the special structures that allow light waves to bypass the microgel particles and minimize their interaction. Demonstrated by probing the hippocampus of rat brains, the biomimetic electrode shows a prolonged capacity for simultaneous optogenetic neuromodulation and recording of brain neural signals. More importantly, an intriguing brain–machine interaction is realized, which involves signal input to the brain, brain neural signal generation, and controlling limb behaviors. This breakthrough work represents a significant scientific advancement toward decoding brain neural information and developing neurodegenerative disease therapies.
Challenging Journalistic Authority in the Networked Affective Dynamics of #Chemnitz

Journalism as an institution is increasingly under pressure in hybrid media systems. Various far-right actors use social media platforms as a key staging ground for contesting legacy media. Drawing on affect theory and discursive institutionalism, this article empirically examines how journalistic authority was challenged on Twitter during far-right riots in the German city of Chemnitz in 2018. Through these public and networked contestations, we see the emergence of “affective publics” that form around shared and competing emotions. Through social network analysis, we examine the networked polarization around #Chemnitz. By applying in-depth textual analysis, we then untangle how far-right actors attack legacy media by strategically mobilizing and performing outrage. Based on our findings, we propose to understand journalism as an affective institution, whose authority is perpetually contested as affective publics gain agency. Such an understanding involves a profound questioning of the notion of objectivity that has been constitutive of journalism in the 20th century.
Health Technology Assessment for the Prevention of Peri-Operative Hypothermia: Evaluation of the Correct Use of Forced-Air Warming Systems in an Italian Hospital

This study investigates the implications of using a system for the maintenance of normothermia in the treatment of patients undergoing surgery, determining whether the FAW (Forced-Air Warming) systems are more effective and efficient than the non-application of appropriate protocols (No Technology). We conducted Health Technology Assessment (HTA) analysis, using both real-world data and the data derived from literature, assuming the point of view of a medium-large hospital. The literature demonstrated that Inadvertent Perioperative Hypothermia (IPH) determines adverse events, such as surgical site infection (FAW: 3% vs. No Technology: 12%), cardiac events (FAW: 3.5% vs. No Technology: 7.6%) or the need for blood transfusions (FAW: 6.2% vs. No Technology: 7.4%). The correct use of FAW allows a medium saving of 16% per patient to be achieved, compared to the non-use of devices. The Cost Effectiveness Value (CEV) is lower in the hypothesis of FAW: it enables a higher efficacy level with a contextual optimization of patients’ path costs. The social cost is reduced by around 30% and the overall hospital days are reduced by between 15% and 26%. The qualitative analyses confirmed the results. In conclusion, the evidence-based information underlines the advantages of the proper use of FAW systems in the prevention of accidental peri-operative hypothermia for patients undergoing surgery.
Elasticity of Semiflexible ZigZag Nanosprings with a Point Magnetic Moment

Kinks can appear along the contour of semiflexible polymers (biopolymers or synthetic ones), and they affect their elasticity and function. A regular sequence of alternating kink defects can form a semiflexible nanospring. In this article, we theoretically analyze the elastic behavior of such a nanospring with a point magnetic dipole attached to one end while the other end is assumed to be grafted to a rigid substrate. The rod-like segments of the nanospring are treated as weakly bending wormlike chains, and the propagator (Green’s function) method is used in order to calculate the conformational and elastic properties of this system. We analytically calculate the distribution of orientational and positional fluctuations of the free end, the force-extension relation, as well as the compressional force that such a spring can exert on a planar wall. Our results show how the magnetic interaction affects the elasticity of the semiflexible nanospring. This sensitivity, which is based on the interplay of positional and orientational degrees of freedom, may prove useful in magnetometry or other applications.
Near-Infrared Transillumination for Occlusal Carious Lesion Detection: A Retrospective Reliability Study

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of three diagnostic methods (near-infrared transillumination (NIRT), bitewing radiographs (BW), and clinical images (CI)) to detect occlusal carious lesions in a low caries risk population. This retrospective analysis included one hundred and eighty-eight occlusal surfaces, scored as sound surface, early lesion, or distinct lesion. We evaluated the agreement between and within the methods over time. Kappa statistics tested the correlation between the methods. Examiners detected occlusal early lesions more frequently with visual examination and NIRT and the same lesions were confirmed on the 2-year follow-up. Within the limitations of this study, we were able to establish that early occlusal lesions can be detected and monitored over time using NIRT and visual exam, while BW scores showed mostly sound surfaces at both examinations. NIRT combined with clinical examination can be considered appropriate to detect and monitor early enamel caries on the occlusal surface in low caries-risk populations.
A Qualitative Study to Explain the Factors Influencing Mental Health after a Flooding

Background: Children and adolescents are considered to be particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events. What are the protective factors and stressors for the mental health of the young population after extreme weather events in Germany? Methods: Nine semi-structured interviews with representatives of occupational groups providing care to children, adolescents, and political stakeholders were conducted in Simbach am Inn, a German town affected by flooding in 2016. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results: The interviews show that the parents’ dealing with what they had experienced and the concern for their relatives were the most influential stressors for children and adolescents. As protective factors, they felt that conversations with familiar people and restoring a certain “normality” were particularly important. The interviewees described both, the time of the flooding, and the time after the initial state of shock had subsided, as particularly stressful. Consequently, the experts reported on children and adolescents acutely complaining of fear, helplessness, and extreme tension. Nevertheless, the demand for psychological care increased only slightly after the flooding in Simbach am Inn. Conclusion: The social environment of children and adolescents is essential for their psychological well-being after an extreme weather event. Research, especially on children and adolescents who have already been affected, must increase in order to be able to describe influencing factors even more precisely, to protect individuals from adverse mental health effects, and to identify healthcare requirements.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by using Fusarium oxysporum and their therapeutic applications

Biological method has evolved to become an important field of nano-biotechnology due to its harmless nature, to be fast and cost-effective. Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have been the research topic for their unique properties such as diagnosing, treating, and preventing various diseases in all aspects of human life. This work aimed to establish an extracellular and intracellular synthesis of SNPs from Fusarium oxysporum, focusing on evaluating their technological potential. The SNPs thus synthesized were visually characterized by the change of colour then confirmed by Ultra-violet (UV) Visible spectroscopy. The evaluation of the antimicrobial activity against Proteus mirabilis; Streptococcus bovis; Staphylococcus epidermidis; S. aureus; Salmonella typhi; Escherichia. coli and Candida albicans showed a very effective inhibitory with 18±0.66mm as a highest value. The antioxidant activity was tested using the DPPH method, and the synthesized nanoparticles recorded a remarkable percentage of free radical scavenges at 82,12 ± 0,42%, 70,46 ± 1,53% and 72,65 ± 1,33% for aqueous fungal extract, cell filtrate and biomass, respectively. The ability of the SNPs to detect hydrogen peroxide was illustrated by discoloration of the synthetic mixture, then confirmed by decreasing towards the disappearance of the characteristic peak. Finally, the photocatalytic performance was studied by the degradation of methylene blue. This activity showed a very interesting decrease in the peak intensity characteristic of this dye. In conclusion, synthesizing SNPs using F. oxysporium has proved their important technological property for the biological activities investigated.
Vpliv pandemije covida-19 na porabo zdravil za zdravljenje bolezni mišično-skeletnega sistema in vezivnega tkiva v Sloveniji

Bolezni mišično-skeletnega sistema in vezivnega tkiva predstavljajo naraščajoč javnozdravstveni problem ter ekonomsko breme za družbo in zdravstvene sisteme. Zdravimo jih z različnimi zdravili, katere porabo spremljamo, saj nam je dragocen vir informacij o zdravstvenih, ekonomskih in socialnih značilnostih bolezni. Namen naše raziskave je bil oceniti porabo tovrstnih zdravil ter njihovo ekonomsko vrednost v obdobju od 2016 do 2020 v Sloveniji, ko je nastopila pandemija covida-19. Izvedena je bila retrospektivna opazovalna raziskava predpisovanja in porabe ambulantno predpisanih zdravil za zdravljenje bolezni mišično-skeletnega sistema in vezivnega tkiva, ki je pokazala zvišano porabo tovrstnih zdravil. Glede na farmakološke skupine se je najbolj povečala poraba zdravil z učinkom na strukturo in mineralizacijo kosti in zdravil za zdravljenje protina. Povečala se je tudi celotna vrednost zdravil v evrih. Število receptov se je v obdobju 2016‒2020 znižalo, posebej leta 2020. V prvem letu pandemije se poraba zdravil za zdravljenje bolezni mišično-skeletnega sistema in vezivnega tkiva ni zmanjšala, ampak je opažen trend naraščanja, ob siceršnjem upadu števila predpisanih receptov.
Substrate Integrated Waveguide Multiband Bandpass Filters and Multiplexers: Current Status and Future Outlook

Multiband bandpass filters (BPFs) and multiplexers are essential front-end modules in the development of multifunction, multistandard, and multiband wireless communication, sensing, and positioning systems that are required in current and future intelligent electronics applications. In this paper, numerous implementation schemes and topologies of multiband BPFs and multiplexers, which have been proposed, studied, and developed so far, are holistically summarized and elaborated in terms of their merits and drawbacks. Subsequently, various technical approaches and diverse design methodologies based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology are thoroughly examined and reviewed with respect to technical features, electrical performances, and practical applications. Finally, future research and development directions and prospects of SIW multiband BPFs and multiplexers are briefly unraveled.
Restorative Effects of Observing Natural and Urban Scenery after Working Memory Depletion

According to attention restoration theory observing nature has restorative effects on cognitive components, such as working memory, after a cognitive depleting task. Additionally, urban environments are thought to have no effect or even a negative effect on cognitive restoration. Previous research has confirmed that observing actual, as well as digitally presented nature sceneries leads to more restoration of working memory capacity (WMC) than observing (digital) urban sceneries. To further investigate these findings, we conducted an experiment with 72 university students as participants. After a WMC depleting task, participants observed either digitally presented nature scenery, urban scenery or no scenery, and subsequently performed a digit span test, which was used to measure restoration of WMC. Results indicated significant higher performance on the digit span test for those who observed nature scenery in comparison to those who observed urban scenery or no scenery, thereby replicating results from previous research. Observing urban scenery was neither harmful nor helpful in terms of cognitive restoration compared to observing no scenery. These findings provide a foundation for implementing a brief intervention of observing nature in academic settings to facilitate the restoration of WMC.
Exploring the Nerve Regenerative Capacity of Compounds with Differing Affinity for PPARγ In Vitro and In Vivo

Damage to peripheral nerves can cause debilitating consequences for patients such as lifelong pain and disability. At present, no drug treatments are routinely given in the clinic following a peripheral nerve injury (PNI) to improve regeneration and remyelination of damaged nerves. Appropriately targeted therapeutic agents have the potential to be used at different stages following nerve damage, e.g., to maintain Schwann cell viability, induce and sustain a repair phenotype to support axonal growth, or promote remyelination. The development of therapies to promote nerve regeneration is currently of high interest to researchers, however, translation to the clinic of drug therapies for PNI is still lacking. Studying the effect of PPARγ agonists for treatment of peripheral nerve injures has demonstrated significant benefits. Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has reproducibly demonstrated benefits in vitro and in vivo, suggested to be due to its agonist action on PPARγ. Other NSAIDs have demonstrated differing levels of PPARγ activation based upon their affinity. Therefore, it was of interest to determine whether affinity for PPARγ of selected drugs corresponded to an increase in regeneration. A 3D co-culture in vitro model identified some correlation between these two properties. However, when the drug treatments were screened in vivo, in a crush injury model in a rat sciatic nerve, the same correlation was not apparent. Further differences were observed between capacity to increase axon number and improvement in functional recovery. Despite there not being a clear correlation between affinity and size of effect on regeneration, all selected PPARγ agonists improved regeneration, providing a panel of compounds that could be explored for use in the treatment of PNI.
Optimization of nitrogen filled capillary pinch for soft x-ray laser recombination pumping

We report new results of evaluated gain for 13.38 nm radiation created due to the inversion population on the Balmer alpha transition of hydrogen-like nitrogen. Recombination pumping in non-equilibrium plasma during the capillary pinch decay is judged. Quantitative analysis is performed in four-dimensional region of optional parameters chosen in accordance with available experimental devices: current slope dI/dt|t=0 (0.9-3.0 1012 A/s), current peak value Imax (50-100 kA), capillary radius R0 (0.16-0.25 cm) and filling atom density N0 (1.0-6.0 1017 cm-3). Requirements on the current pulse shape are stated. Diameter of the created active medium is estimated.