Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SIRT1 induction in the skeletal muscle of male mice partially preserves limb muscle mass but not contractile force in response to androgen deprivation

In males, the factors that decrease limb muscle mass and strength in response to androgen deprivation are largely unknown. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) protein levels are lower in the limb muscle of male mice subjected to androgen deprivation. The present study aimed to assess whether SIRT1 induction preserved limb muscle mass and force production in response to androgen deprivation. Physically mature male mice containing an inducible muscle‐specific SIRT1 transgene were subjected to a sham or castration surgery and compared to sham and castrated male mice where the SIRT1 transgene was not induced. SIRT1 induction partially preserved whole‐body lean mass, tibialis anterior (TA) mass and triceps surae muscle mass in response to castration. Further analysis of the TA muscle showed that muscle‐specific SIRT1 induction partially preserved limb muscle soluble protein content and fibre cross‐sectional area. Unilateral AAV9‐mediated SIRT1 induction in the TA muscle showed that SIRT1 partially preserved mass by acting directly in the muscle. Despite those positive outcomes to limb muscle morphology, muscle‐specific SIRT1 induction did not preserve the force generating capacity of the TA or triceps surae muscles. Interestingly, SIRT1 induction in females did not alter limb muscle mass or limb muscle strength even though females have naturally low androgen levels. SIRT1 also did not alter the androgen‐mediated increase in limb muscle mass or strength in females. In all, these data suggest that decreases in SIRT1 protein in the limb muscle of males may partially contribute to the loss of limb muscle mass in response to androgen deprivation.
Minor clone of del(17p) provides a reservoir for relapse in multiple myeloma

The deletion of chromosome 17p (del(17p)) is considered a crucial prognostic factor at the time of diagnosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, the impact of del(17p) on survival at different clonal sizes at relapse, as well as the patterns of clonal evolution between diagnosis and relapse and their prognostic value, has not been well described. To address these issues, we analyzed the interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH) results of 995 newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients and 293 patients with MM at their first relapse. Among these patients, 197 had paired iFISH data at diagnosis and first relapse. Our analysis of paired iFISH revealed that a minor clone of del(17p) at relapse but not at diagnosis was associated with poor prognosis in MM (hazard ratio for median overall survival 1.64 vs. 1.44). Fifty-six and 12 patients developed one or more new cytogenetic abnormalities at relapse, mainly del(17p) and gain/amp(1q), respectively. We classified the patients into six groups based on the change patterns in the clonal size of del(17p) between the two time points. Patients who did not have del(17p) during follow-up showed the best outcomes, whereas those who acquired del(17p) during their disease course, experienced compromised survival (median overall survival: 61.3 vs. 49.4 months; hazard ratio =1.64; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-2.56; P<0.05). In conclusion, our data confirmed the adverse impact of a minor clone of del(17p) at relapse and highlighted the importance of designing optimal therapeutic strategies to eliminate high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (clinicaltrials gov. identifier: NCT04645199).
A Performance Comparison of PSO based MPPT Algorithms for Various Partial Shading Conditions

Background/Objectives: PV array being shaded partially by buildings, trees or passing clouds is common. This makes the P-V curve of the PV system complex with more than one peak. MPPT algorithm capable of consistently detecting the global peak within a short duration of time is essential. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Lately Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm has been used for Maximum Power Point (MPP) tracking due to its ability to locate the MPP irrespective of its location in the P-V curve. This paper evaluates and compares the performance of the basic PSO algorithm and the modified PSO algorithms for ten different shading patterns. Findings: The basic PSO algorithm is compared with three modified PSO algorithms - PSO algorithm with random numbers eliminated, PSO algorithm with linearly varying constants and PSO algorithm with fixed maximum iterations. The basic PSO algorithm gives good results but random numbers in the algorithm tends to make the convergence time random for the same shading pattern and makes hardware implementation difficult. The PSO algorithm with random numbers eliminated overcomes this disadvantage and is found to give good results. But the convergence time is a little higher and varies with shading pattern. The PSO algorithm with fixed maximum iterations gives good performance with shorter and fixed convergence time. Application/Improvements: PSO algorithm with fixed maximum iterations thus improves the responsiveness of the algorithm to rapidly changing patterns of shading.
Lockdown during the early phase of Covid-19 – effects on specialized mental health services and vocational activities for patients with psychotic disorders

Abstract Purpose People with psychotic disorders may be particularly vulnerable to adverse effects from restrictions implemented to limit the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health professionals may also be at risk of adverse effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of potential changes in accessibility, quality of care and vocational activity on people with psychotic disorders and the impact on clinicians working in these conditions. Materials and methods Patients and clinicians in specialized mental health services for psychotic disorders answered questionnaires regarding changes in treatment, quality of treatment, vocational activity, and well-being. Data was analyzed with nonparametric tests. Results Inpatients appeared more influenced by the restrictions than outpatients, however, quality of treatment was regarded relatively unaffected. Clinicians seemed satisfied working under these conditions, though a larger portion of clinicians reported changes in treatment compared to patients. The patients who reported being affected by changes in vocational activity tended to report negative effects, but the majority reported being unaffected. Conclusion Overall, patients and clinicians appeared to cope well with the changes they experienced in accessibility, quality of care and vocational activity during the early phases of the pandemic.
Safety, Feasibility, and Acceptability of a Multisite Individualized Exercise Intervention for People with Multiple Myeloma

ABSTRACT Introduction High rates of disease- and treatment-related symptoms, such as bone lesions, in people with multiple myeloma (MM) create uncertainty on the safety and feasibility of exercise. This study determined the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of an individualized exercise medicine program for people with MM at any disease stage. Methods A multisite, randomized waitlist-controlled trial was conducted of an individualized, high-intensity aerobic, resistance, and impact-loading exercise program. The exercise sessions were supervised twice weekly by accredited exercise physiologists, with one additional unsupervised session per week, for 12 wk. Safety was determined by number of adverse and serious adverse events. Feasibility outcome measures were study eligibility, recruitment, adherence, and attrition. Acceptability was determined by qualitative interviews and subjective levels of enjoyment. Results Of 203 people with MM screened, 88% were eligible, with 34% accepting participation (60 people) and 20% attrition for the between-group analysis, meeting a priori criteria (≥25% and <25%, respectively). No adverse or serious adverse events attributed to testing and/or exercise training were reported. Attendance at supervised exercise sessions was 98%, with 45% completion of the home-based exercise sessions. Adherence rates were 35%, 63%, and 34% for the aerobic, resistance, and impact-loading protocols, with 55%, 80%, and 37% of participants meeting a priori criteria (75% of protocol). Acceptability of the exercise program was high (mean, 82%; 95% confidence interval, 78%–87%) and highly supported by qualitative responses. Conclusions An individualized, high-intensity aerobic, resistance, and impact-loading exercise medicine program is safe and acceptable, and feasible by some measures for people with MM. Adherence to the prescribed exercise protocols was limited by comorbidities and disease symptoms. Strategies to improve unsupervised exercise completion are warranted in this population.
Problematic Internet Use in adolescents: New psychometric evidence for the Spanish short form of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has become a worldwide problem in recent years. Among screening instruments for PIU, the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) is perhaps the most widely used. Psychometric properties of the full CIUS are not convincing, however, and the short form (CIUS‐S) has shown promising results, albeit limited to the English version, with little evidence in Spanish. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to study the psychometric properties of the CIUS‐S scores in a large sample of Spanish adolescents.
In silico Identification and Characterization of Conserved miRNAs and their Targets in Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) Expressed Sequence Tags

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) is an often cross pollinated legume crop (2n = 2x = 22) with genome size 808 Mb conferring 48,680 genes. In India, pigeon pea is cultivated in an area of 3.88 mha contributing to total production of 3.29 mt with average productivity of 849 kg/ha (Agricultural statistics at a glance, 2014). Pigeon pea serve has a multipurpose crop with unique benefits like firewood, fence, thatch and making baskets from its byproducts apart from economic yield. The decomposition of fallen leaves will enrich soil with nutrients and also symbiotic nitrogen fixation increases fertility (Varshney et al., 2010). The nutritional benefits include 45 % dietary fibers, 23 % protein, 7 % calcium, trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. Despite of many advantages, pigeon pea has remained “orphan legume crop” with less genetic improvement (Varshney et al., 2009). Recognizing its importance, substantial amount of genomic resources have been generated, largely owing to the efforts of International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 2 (2017) pp. 1214-1224 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Structural and functional studies of PCNA from African swine fever virus

ABSTRACT Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) belongs to the DNA sliding clamp family. Via interacting with various partner proteins, PCNA plays critical roles in DNA replication, DNA repair, chromatin assembly, epigenetic inheritance, chromatin remodeling, and many other fundamental biological processes. Although PCNA and PCNA-interacting partner networks are conserved across species, PCNA of a given species is rarely functional in heterologous systems, emphasizing the importance of more representative PCNA studies. Here, we report two crystal structures of PCNA from African swine fever virus (ASFV), which is the only member of the Asfarviridae family. Compared to the eukaryotic and archaeal PCNAs and the sliding clamp structural homologs from other viruses, AsfvPCNA possesses unique sequences and/or conformations at several regions, such as the J-loop, interdomain-connecting loop (IDCL), P-loop, and C-tail, which are involved in partner recognition or modification of sliding clamps. In addition to double-stranded DNA binding, we also demonstrate that AsfvPCNA can modestly enhance the ligation activity of the AsfvLIG protein. The unique structural features of AsfvPCNA can serve as a potential target for the development of ASFV-specific inhibitors and help combat the deadly virus. IMPORTANCE Two high-resolution crystal structures of African swine fever virus proliferating cell nuclear antigen (AsfvPCNA) are presented here. Structural comparison revealed that AsfvPCNA is unique at several regions, such as the J-loop, the interdomain-connecting loop linker, and the P-loop, which may play important roles in ASFV-specific partner selection of AsfvPCNA. Unlike eukaryotic and archaeal PCNAs, AsfvPCNA possesses high double-stranded DNA-binding affinity. Besides DNA binding, AsfvPCNA can also modestly enhance the ligation activity of the AsfvLIG protein, which is essential for the replication and repair of ASFV genome. The unique structural features make AsfvPCNA a potential target for drug development, which will help combat the deadly virus. Two high-resolution crystal structures of African swine fever virus proliferating cell nuclear antigen (AsfvPCNA) are presented here. Structural comparison revealed that AsfvPCNA is unique at several regions, such as the J-loop, the interdomain-connecting loop linker, and the P-loop, which may play important roles in ASFV-specific partner selection of AsfvPCNA. Unlike eukaryotic and archaeal PCNAs, AsfvPCNA possesses high double-stranded DNA-binding affinity. Besides DNA binding, AsfvPCNA can also modestly enhance the ligation activity of the AsfvLIG protein, which is essential for the replication and repair of ASFV genome. The unique structural features make AsfvPCNA a potential target for drug development, which will help combat the deadly virus.
Hepatic Bile Formation: Developing a New Paradigm

In 1959, Ivar Sperber contrasted bile formation with that of urine and proposed that water flow into the canalicular conduit is in response to an osmotic, not a hydrostatic, gradient. Early attempts to support the hypothesis using a bile acid, sodium taurocholate, and the hormone secretin to stimulate bile flow led to conflicting data and a moratorium on attempts to further develop the initial proposal. However, current data amplify the initial proposal and indicate both paracellular and transcellular water flow into hepatic ductules and the canalicular conduit in response to an osmotic gradient. Also, the need to further modify the initial proposal became apparent with the recognition that bile acid aggregates (micelles), which form in the canalicular conduit, generate lecithin-cholesterol vesicles that contain water unrelated to an osmotic gradient. As part of this development is the recent introduction of the fluorescent localization after photobleaching technique for direct determination of hepatic duct flow and clarification of the role of biomarkers such as mannitol and polyethylene glycol 900. With the new paradigm, these biomarkers may prove useful for quantifying paracellular and transcellular water flow, respectively. Significance Statement It is essential to identify and characterize all the sites for water flow during hepatic bile formation to obtain more precision in evaluating the causes and possible therapeutic approaches to cholestatic syndromes. Updating the Sperber proposal provides a new paradigm that addresses the advances in knowledge that have occurred.
Distance Metrics in Variant Graphs

The traditional, linear representation of the genetic information in populations cause a loss of data, as it can not fully represent sites where the sequences differ. Conversely, a graph may incorporate the variation, thereby providing a mean of utilizing more information in the analysis of genetic differences between populations. This thesis deals with the quantification of the differences between two population graphs. Three ways of measuring the distance between population graphs are presented. The first way counts unique variants and compares them to the total number of variants. The second calculates the graph edit distance. The third specifies two probability models regarding the genotype distribution at each variant, and then calculates the Bayes factor at each location. The three distance measures are tested on data describing variations in the human genome. Six populations of humans from distinct geographical areas are represented in the data. The distance measures seem to give similar conclusions about the relative distances among pairs of populations. In order to place the distances in a context, they are evaluated using permutation tests. The permutation tests report significant results for all pairs of populations except one. Additionally, this is the pair that is given the shortest distance by all distance measures. In general, the methods and ideas presented in this thesis allow more genetic information to be included in the study of relationships between groups. As such, it may prosper to become more accurate than traditional designs.
Absolute norms on vector lattices

Recall that a norm and monotone if and monotone if If the norm is both absolute and monotone, itis called a Riesz norm. It is easy to show that a norm is Riesz if and only if whenever A Banach lattice is a vector lattice equipped with a complete Riesznorm.
The habit plane of 〈a〉-type dislocation loops in α-zirconium: an atomistic study

Abstract We use both a model of dislocation energy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the habit planes of 〈a〉-type dislocation loops, while cascade simulations are produced to investigate the effect of irradiation on those loops. Vacancy and interstitial loops are artificially created on perfect prism planes in MD, and they reorient to their preferred habit planes during a relaxation stage. The statistics presented in stereographic projections show that the preferred habit planes are close to the prism plane , consistent with experimental data from the literature. We also confirm that the angle between the Burgers vector and the loop’s plane is a useful parameter when identifying the stability of 〈a〉-type dislocation loops.
InfoCNF: An Efficient Conditional Continuous Normalizing Flow with Adaptive Solvers

Continuous Normalizing Flows (CNFs) have emerged as promising deep generative models for a wide range of tasks thanks to their invertibility and exact likelihood estimation. However, conditioning CNFs on signals of interest for conditional image generation and downstream predictive tasks is inefficient due to the high-dimensional latent code generated by the model, which needs to be of the same size as the input data. In this paper, we propose InfoCNF, an efficient conditional CNF that partitions the latent space into a class-specific supervised code and an unsupervised code that shared among all classes for efficient use of labeled information. Since the partitioning strategy (slightly) increases the number of function evaluations (NFEs), InfoCNF also employs gating networks to learn the error tolerances of its ordinary differential equation (ODE) solvers for better speed and performance. We show empirically that InfoCNF improves the test accuracy over the baseline while yielding comparable likelihood scores and reducing the NFEs on CIFAR10. Furthermore, applying the same partitioning strategy in InfoCNF on time-series data helps improve extrapolation performance.
A critical assessment of the whole plant-based phytotherapeutics from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal with respect to safety and efficacy vis-a-vis leaf or root extract-based formulation

Abstract Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, popularly known as Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is well acclaimed for its health-enhancing effects, including its potent immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-tumorigenic properties. The prime biological effectors of these attributes are a diverse group of ergostane-based steroidal lactones termed withanolides. Withanones and withanosides are distributed differentially across the plant body, whereas withanolides and withanones are known to be more abundant in leaves, while withanosides are found exclusively in the roots of the plants. Standardized W. somnifera extract is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)-affirmed, however, moderate to severe toxic manifestations may occur at high dosages. Withaferin A, which also happens to be the primary bioactive ingredient for the effectiveness of this plant. There have been contrasting reports regarding the distribution of withaferin A in W. somnifera. While most reports state that the roots of the plant have the highest concentrations of this phytochemical, several others have indicated that leaves can accumulate withaferin A in proportionately higher amounts. A comprehensive survey of the available reports suggests that the biological effects of Ashwagandha are grossly synergistic in nature, with many withanolides together mediating the desired physiological effect. In addition, an assorted formulation of withanolides can also neutralize the toxic effects (if any) associated with withaferin A. This mini-review presents a fresh take on the recent developments regarding the safety and toxicity of the plant, along with a critical assessment of the use of roots against leaves as well as whole plants to develop therapeutic formulations. Going by the currently available scientific evidence, it is safe to infer that the use of whole plant formulations instead of exclusively root or leaf recipes may present the best possible option for further exploration of therapeutic benefits from this novel medicinal plant. Highlights Therapeutic potential of withanolides owes to the presence of α,β unsaturated ketone which binds to amines, alcohols, and esters and 5β, 6β epoxy group which react with side chain thiols of proteins. At concentrations above NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level), the same mechanisms contribute towards toxicity of the molecule. Although withanosides are found exclusively in roots, whole plants have higher contents of withanones and withanolides. Whole plant-based formulations have other metabolites which can nullify the toxicity associated with roots. Extracts made from whole plants, therefore can holistically impart all therapeutic benefits as well as mitigate toxicity.
Development of a fast fluid dynamics-based adjoint method for the inverse design of indoor environments

The computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based adjoint method may be appropriate for the inverse design of indoor environments, considering both accuracy and efficiency, but a single design still requires tens of hours with the use of a personal computer. To speed up the inverse design process, this study evaluated four fast fluid dynamics (FFD) models in terms of solving the Navier–Stokes equations, integration with turbulence models, and solving the adjoint equations. This study implemented the FFD solvers in OpenFOAM and validated them for predicting steady-state and transient indoor airflow. This study then validated the FFD solvers for solving the adjoint equations and the FFD-based adjoint method for inverse identification problems and inverse designs in indoor environments. The results showed that FFD was 20 times faster than CFD in predicting transient indoor airflow, and similar computational accuracy could be maintained; the FFD-based adjoint method was 4–16 times faster than the CFD-based adjoint method in the inverse design process.
Unified View on Complex Numbers and Quaternions

In this paper, a novel view on complex numbers and quaternions is presented by introducing a five-dimensional complex space which is defined as the 'union' of the complex plane C and the quaternion space H. It is demonstrated how the complex 5-space can be visualized by R 3 and by R 2 for rotations with a fixed rotation axis. In these visualizations, the al- gebraic representations of a rotation, using a complex number, quaternions, and a rotation matrix, appear in an elementary-geometric setup which is generalizing the unit circle. The definition of the complex 5-space is based on an explicit distinction of four dierent imag- inary units. The embedding of a rotation matrix into the three-dimensional view is achieved by the choice of an appropriate basis for the representing matrix of the rotation.