Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pivotal Role of TGF-β/Smad Signaling in Cardiac Fibrosis: Non-coding RNAs as Effectual Players

Unintended cardiac fibroblast proliferation in many pathophysiological heart conditions, known as cardiac fibrosis, results in pooling of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the heart muscle. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) as a pivotal cytokine/growth factor stimulates fibroblasts and hastens ECM production in injured tissues. The TGF-β receptor is a heterodimeric receptor complex on the plasma membrane, made up from TGF-β type I, as well as type II receptors, giving rise to Smad2 and Smad3 transcription factors phosphorylation upon canonical signaling. Phosphorylated Smad2, Smad3, and cytoplasmic Smad4 intercommunicate to transfer the signal to the nucleus, culminating in provoked gene transcription. Additionally, TGF-β receptor complex activation starts up non-canonical signaling that lead to the mitogen-stimulated protein kinase cascade activation, inducing p38, JNK1/2 (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2), and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2) signaling. TGF-β not only activates fibroblasts and stimulates them to differentiate into myofibroblasts, which produce ECM proteins, but also promotes fibroblast proliferation. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important regulators of numerous pathways along with cellular procedures. MicroRNAs and circular long ncRNAs, combined with long ncRNAs, are capable of affecting TGF-β/Smad signaling, leading to cardiac fibrosis. More comprehensive knowledge based on these processes may bring about new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for different cardiac disorders.
Glia-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Role in Central Nervous System Communication in Health and Disease

Glial cells are crucial for the maintenance of correct neuronal functionality in a physiological state and intervene to restore the equilibrium when environmental or pathological conditions challenge central nervous system homeostasis. The communication between glial cells and neurons is essential and extracellular vesicles (EVs) take part in this function by transporting a plethora of molecules with the capacity to influence the function of the recipient cells. EVs, including exosomes and microvesicles, are a heterogeneous group of biogenetically distinct double membrane-enclosed vesicles. Once released from the cell, these two types of vesicles are difficult to discern, thus we will call them with the general term of EVs. This review is focused on the EVs secreted by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia, aiming to shed light on their influence on neurons and on the overall homeostasis of the central nervous system functions. We collect evidence on neuroprotective and homeostatic effects of glial EVs, including neuronal plasticity. On the other hand, current knowledge of the detrimental effects of the EVs in pathological conditions is addressed. Finally, we propose directions for future studies and we evaluate the potential of EVs as a therapeutic treatment for neurological disorders.
Species-Specific Responses of Root Morphology of Three Co-existing Tree Species to Nutrient Patches Reflect Their Root Foraging Strategies

Root foraging strategies of plants may be critical to the competition for nutrient resources in the nutrient patches, but little is known about these of co-existing tree species in subtropical regions. This study aimed to elucidate root foraging strategies of three co-existing tree species in nutrient heterogeneous soils by exploring their root distribution, root morphology, photosynthates allocation and nutrient accumulation. Seedlings of the three tree species [moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), and masson pine (Pinus massoniana)] were grown for 8months under one homogeneous soil [uniform nitrogen (N) plus phosphorus (P)] and three heterogeneous soils (localized N supply, localized P supply, or localized N plus P supply). The biomass, root morphological parameters (i.e., root length and root surface area), specific root length (SRL), non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs, i.e., mobile sugar and starch) in roots, total N and total P of plants were measured. The plasticity and distribution of root system were analyzed by calculating the root response ratio (RRR) and root foraging precision (FP), respectively. The results are as follows (i) Chinese fir tended to forage more N by promoting root proliferation in the N-rich patch, while root proliferation of bamboo and pine did not change. For P, bamboo absorbed more P by promoting root proliferation in the P-rich patch. The total P content of Pine and Chinese fir under localized P supply treatment remain the same despite the fact that the root length in the P-rich patch and the FP increased. (ii) Chinese fir foraged more N by increasing root length and decreasing SRL in the NP-rich patch; bamboo foraged more N and P by increasing root length and SRL in the NP-rich patch. The FP and foraging scale (FS) of both bamboo and Chinese fir were significantly improved under localized N plus P treatment. (iii) The concentrations of NSC were positively correlated with root morphological plasticity for moso bamboo and Chinese fir. Our results indicated that higher morphological plasticity is exhibited in moso bamboo and Chinese fir than masson pine in nutrient heterogeneous soils, allowing them to successfully forage for more nutrients.
REVIEW ON ADVANCES OF SENSORS BASED ON FIBER LOOP RING-DOWN SPECTROSCOPY

Fiber loop ring-down spectroscopy (FLRDS) is an absorption spectroscopic and detection technique. It makes use of an optical cavity, which not only realizes a long effective path length through a sample, but also eliminates the effects of fluctuations of the light intensity. In this article, research advances of FLRDS used for sensors, such as concentrations of gas, pressure, strain, and refractive index are presented. According to its different sensing properties, the working principles and the performances of each application in sensors are introduced in detail. Finally, the key problems of FLRDS in sensing technology are concluded and the future research directions are discussed.
Application of Laser Microirradiation in the Investigations of Cellular Responses to DNA Damage

Since the laser has been invented it has been highly instrumental in ablating different parts of the cell to test their functionality. Through induction of damage in a defined sub-micron region in the cell nucleus, laser microirradiation technique is now established as a powerful real-time and high-resolution methodology to investigate mechanisms of DNA damage response and repair, the fundamental cellular processes for the maintenance of genomic integrity, in mammalian cells. However, irradiation conditions dictate the amounts, types and complexity of DNA damage, leading to different damage signaling responses. Thus, in order to properly interpret the results, it is important to understand the features of laser-induced DNA damage. In this review, we describe different types of DNA damage induced by the use of different laser systems and parameters, and discuss the mechanisms of DNA damage induction. We further summarize recent advances in the application of laser microirradiation to study spatiotemporal dynamics of cellular responses to DNA damage, including factor recruitment, chromatin modulation at damage sites as well as more global damage signaling. Finally, possible future application of laser microirradiation to gain further understanding of DNA damage response will be discussed.
Characterizing Pathways of Non-oral Prescription Stimulant Non-medical Use Among Adults Recruited From Reddit

Objective: Prescription stimulant non-medical use (NMU) is a national predicament. While the risks of prescription stimulant NMU have been considered, less is known about non-oral use. To focus on this gap, a sample of adults with non-oral prescription stimulant NMU within the last 5-years was recruited. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the pathways and substance transitions associated with prescription stimulant NMU and non-oral prescription stimulant NMU in this unique sample of adults. Methods: Adults (n = 225) reporting non-oral prescription stimulant NMU within the last 5 years were recruited to complete an online survey by banner ads placed on the Reddit website between February and September 2019. After completion of the survey, a second study consisting of an in-depth telephone interview was conducted with 23 participants: interviews took place between July and September 2019. Data reported here include substance, route of administration and class transitions, as well as qualitative data from the interviews. Results: Approximately 1 in 5 began their substance use trajectory with prescription stimulants (19.1%). Other than marijuana, most exposures to illicit substances occurred after both initial prescription stimulant NMU and initial non-oral prescription stimulant NMU. The most frequently reported route of administration transition was from oral use to snorting (n = 158, 70.2%), however, other route of administration transitions included oral use to injection drug use (n = 14, 6%). In-depth interviews elaborated upon these transitions and indicated that prescription stimulant NMU was consequential to substance use pathways. Conclusions: Oral prescription stimulant NMU was a precursor to non-oral prescription stimulant NMU. Non-oral prescription stimulant NMU was a precursor to illicit substance use, suggesting that prescription stimulant NMU impacts substance use pathways and revealing opportunities for intervention.
How Do Movement Patterns in Weightlifting (Clean) Change When Using Lighter or Heavier Barbell Loads?—A Comparison of Two Principal Component Analysis-Based Approaches to Studying Technique

This study compared whole body kinematics of the clean movement when lifting three different loads, implementing two data analysis approaches based on principal component analysis (PCA). Nine weightlifters were equipped with 39 markers and their motion captured with 8 Vicon cameras at 100 Hz. Lifts of 60, 85, and 95% of the one repetition maximum were analyzed. The first PCA (PCAtrial) analyzed variance among time-normed waveforms compiled from subjects and trials; the second PCA (PCAposture) analyzed postural positions compiled over time, subjects and trials. Load effects were identified through repeated measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni-corrected post-hocs and through Cousineau-Morey confidence intervals. PCAtrial scores differed in the first (p < 0.016, ηp2 = 0.694) and fifth (p < 0.006, ηp2 = 0.768) principal component, suggesting that increased barbell load produced higher initial elevation, lower squat position, wider feet position after squatting, and less inclined arms. PCAposture revealed significant timing differences in all components. We conclude, first, barbell load affects specific aspects of the movement pattern of the clean; second, the PCAtrial approach is better suited for detecting deviations from a mean motion trajectory and its results are easier to interpret; the PCAposture approach reveals coordination patterns and facilitates comparisons of postural speeds and accelerations.
Grain Inorganic Arsenic Content in Rice Managed Through Targeted Introgressions and Irrigation Management

Arsenic (As) accumulation in rice grain is a significant public health concern. Inorganic As (iAs) is of particular concern because it has increased toxicity as compared to organic As. Irrigation management practices, such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), as well as genotypic differences between cultivars, have been shown to influence As accumulation in rice grain. A 2 year field study using a Lemont × TeQing backcross introgression line (TIL) mapping population examined the impact of genotype and AWD severity on iAs grain concentrations. The “Safe”-AWD [35–40% soil volumetric water content (VWC)] treatment did not reduce grain iAs levels, whereas the more severe AWD30 (25–30% VWC) consistently reduced iAs concentrations across all genotypes. The TILs displayed a range of iAs concentrations by genotype, from less than 10 to up to 46 μg kg–1 under AWD30 and from 28 to 104 μg kg–1 under Safe-AWD. TIL grain iAs concentrations for flood treatments across both years ranged from 26 to 127 μg kg–1. Additionally, seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified in the mapping population associated with grain iAs. A subset of eight TILs and their parents were grown to confirm field-identified grain iAs QTLs in a controlled greenhouse environment. Greenhouse results confirmed the genotypic grain iAs patterns observed in the field; however, iAs concentrations were higher under greenhouse conditions as compared to the field. In the greenhouse, the number of days under AWD was negatively correlated with grain iAs concentrations. Thus, longer drying periods to meet the same soil VWC resulted in lower grain iAs levels. Both the number and combinations of iAs-affecting QTLs significantly impacted grain iAs concentrations. Therefore, identifying more grain iAs-affecting QTLs could be important to inform future breeding efforts for low iAs rice varieties. Our study suggests that coupling AWD practices targeting a soil VWC of less than or equal to 30% coupled with the use of cultivars developed to possess multiple QTLs that negatively regulate grain iAs concentrations will be helpful in mitigating exposure of iAs from rice consumption.
Pain Control by Targeting Oxidized Phospholipids: Functions, Mechanisms, Perspectives

Within the lipidome oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) form a class of chemically highly reactive metabolites. OxPL are acutely produced in inflamed tissue and act as endogenous, proalgesic (pain-inducing) metabolites. They excite sensory, nociceptive neurons by activating transient receptor potential ion channels, specifically TRPA1 and TRPV1. Under inflammatory conditions, OxPL-mediated receptor potentials even potentiate the action potential firing rate of nociceptors. Targeting OxPL with D-4F, an apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide or antibodies like E06, specifically binding oxidized headgroups of phospholipids, can be used to control acute, inflammatory pain syndromes, at least in rodents. With a focus on proalgesic specificities of OxPL, this article discusses, how targeting defined substances of the epilipidome can contribute to mechanism-based therapies against primary and secondary chronic inflammatory or possibly also neuropathic pain.
A Comparative Assessment on Performance and Emissions Characteristics of a Diesel Engine Fumigating with Methanol, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Abstract This study has investigated the influence of partial premixing fumigation of the intake air with light fuels (LF), methanol, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and liquified petroleum gas on the engine performance and the emissions. Exhaust emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburnt hydrocarbon (UHC), and smoke density were measured and quantified. The experimental study was carried out in a single cylinder diesel engine. The experimental set-up for liquid fuel fumigation is such that the known quantity of methyl ethyl ketone is fumigated in the intake manifold using a microprocessor-controlled electronic fuel injector, and for gaseous fuel, liquefied petroleum gas is admitted into the intake manifold through a flow meter. The results of this study showed an appreciable reduction of emissions, such as oxides of nitrogen, smoke density with an increased amount of CO and HC for all fuels at fumigation mode, and a significant increase in performance during liquid fuel fumigation than liquefied petroleum gas. Emissions reductions of 48% NOx and 25% smoke density were observed for methanol fumigation whereas the reductions were 42 and 34% for MEK and a maximum of 48 and 66% for liquefied petroleum gas induction. The increase in HC emissions was 20 and 3% for methanol and MEK, respectively, at full load where it was very high for liquefied petroleum gas induction. Similarly, a maximum increase of 66% of CO for liquefied petroleum gas induction was recorded against 22% for light fuel mixtures at full load. A maximum of 7% increase in brake thermal efficiency for methanol fumigation was recorded against 3% for MEK, while 8% reduction for liquefied petroleum gas induction.
The Behavior of Divorce Rates: A Smooth Transition Regression Approach

Abstract We explore the behavior of the divorce rates in 17 OECD countries for the period 1960–2010. Many studies have found persistence in divorce rates after changes in divorce laws. We formulate a nonlinear model to explain the behavior of divorce rates, over time, after a large change in divorce rate, including changes in divorce laws.We argue that the stationary smooth transition regression (STR) approach is useful in analyzing divorce rates. We reject the persistence result and, in addition, provide evidence on asymmetries in divorce rates. This suggests that one should be careful when interpreting the effects of the changes in divorce rates (especially changes in the divorce and family laws) on divorce rates.
Finite Element Simulation of the Impedance Response of a Vascular Segment as a Function of Changes in Electrode Configuration

Abstract Monitoring a biological tissue as a three dimensional (3D) model is of high importance. Both the measurement technique and the measuring electrode play substantial roles in providing accurate 3D measurements. Bioimpedance spectroscopy has proven to be a noninvasive method providing the possibility of monitoring a 3D construct in a real time manner. On the other hand, advances in electrode fabrication has made it possible to use flexible electrodes with different configurations, which makes 3D measurements possible. However, designing an experimental measurement set-up for monitoring a 3D construct can be costly and time consuming and would require many tissue models. Finite element modeling methods provide a simple alternative for studying the performance of the electrode and the measurement set-up before starting with the experimental measurements. Therefore, in this study we employed the COMSOL Multiphysics finite element modeling method for simulating the effects of changing the electrode configuration on the impedance spectroscopy measurements of a venous segment. For this purpose, the simulations were performed for models with different electrode configurations. The simulation results provided us with the possibility of finding the optimal electrode configuration including the geometry, number and dimensions of the electrodes, which can be later employed in the experimental measurement set-up.
Comparative Study of the Energetic Electrons Registered Together with the Broad Band Emissions in Different Regions of the Ionosphere

Abstract ELF/VLF waves have been registered in the outer polar cusps simultaneously with high energy electrons fluxes by the satellites Magion 4 (subsatellite to Interball 1), Polar and CLUSTER. Further, we discuss similar observations in the different regions of the ionosphere, where DEMETER registered energetic electrons. The DEMETER satellite operating on the nearly polar orbit at the altitude 650 km crossed different regions in the ionosphere. Registrations of ELF/VLF/HF waves together with the energetic electrons in the polar cusp, in the ionospheric trough and over thunderstorm areas are presented in this paper. The three satellites of ESA’s Swarm mission provide additional information on the ELF waves in the mentioned areas together with electron density and temperature. A brief discussion of the generation of these emissions by the so-called “fan instability” (FI) and beam instability is presented.
Feist, Gregory J., Roni Reiter-Palmon, and James C. Kaufman, eds. 2017. The Cambridge Handbook of Creativity and Personality Research. New York: Cambridge University Press. ix, 427 pages.

For consumers of imaginative culture—especially those who are interested in how such culture comes into being—confronting psychological themes like creativity or personality is ultimately unavoidable. Both themes celebrate individuality and are deeply characteristic of our humanity. High-level creativity involves the production of cultural contributions that are novel, useful, and surprising (Simonton 2012). Personality involves patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that vary across individuals but that coalesce into dimensions or types (Feist, Feist, and Roberts 2013). Different personalities may be associated with outcomes as divergent as criminal sociopathy, selfless devotion to one’s family, or creative achievements in the arts or sciences. While the psychological literature on personality is orders of magnitude larger than that on creativity, each boasts venerable and lively research traditions. It is striking, then, that the volume under review here is the first that specifically addresses the confluence of these two wonderfully complex and intriguing topics. The text itself consists of 21 chapters, grouped into three main sections. The first section is organized around the process and structure of the creative personality, which is pervasively characterized by the classic “Big Five” dimensions of personality: Openness to experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (OCEAN, if ESIC 2018
Degradable tough chitosan dressing for skin wound recovery

Abstract The performance of wound dressing determines the effect of wound closure and recovery. Water absorption and bacteriostasis of wound dressings play an important role in wound recovery and healing. In this study, an optimized chitosan wound dressing-tough chitosan dressing (TCS) with high water absorption, high bacteriostasis, and degradability was developed. The chemical structure of chitosan remained stable during the process of optimized treatment, and an increase in mechanical properties was obtained for the dressing. After optimization, the water absorption and antibacterial properties of the chitosan dressing were greatly improved, which is significantly better than sodium alginate dressing. The authors believe that TCS dressing with high hygroscopicity and high bacteriostasis has great potential application value in the field of wound recovery and healing.
Friederici, Angela D., foreword by Noam Chomsky. 2017. Language in Our Brain: The Origins of a Uniquely Human Capacity. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. xii, 284 pages, 61 color illustrations.

Angela Friederici’s research on the neural bases and evolution of human language follows the model proposed by Noam Chomsky—a mix of phrenology and intelligent design investigated by means of high-tech imaging techniques. Like Chomsky, she systematically ignores all counter-evidence. Nineteenth-century phrenologists claimed that various aspects of human behavior, some shared by other species, were regulated by “faculties” located in discrete areas of the neocortex, the outermost layer of the brain (e.g., Spurzheim 1815). The size of each innate faculty correlated with the development of an associated behavior. The hypothetical faculty of language was located between the eyes. Other faculties, such as piety and mathematics, were located elsewhere. Phrenology was reformulated in 1861 when Paul Broca autopsied the brains of two stroke patients who had lost the ability to talk. He attributed the deficit to damage to what has since become known as “Broca’s area,” a frontal region of the neocortex. Carl Wernicke, in 1874, attributed difficulty in speech comprehension to damage to a posterior, temporal cortical area. A cortical pathway linking Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas was postulated. At the turn of the nineteenth century, Korbinian Brodmann microscopically examined the six layers of the cortex in humans and other primates. He found that the distribution ESIC 2018