Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An insect serotonin receptor mediates cellular immune responses and its inhibition by phenylethylamide derivatives from bacterial secondary metabolites

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine: 5-HT) is a biogenic monoamine that mediates immune responses and modulates nerve signal in insects. Se-5HTR, a specific receptor of serotonin, has been identified in the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. It is classified into subtype 7 among known 5HTRs. Se-5HTR was expressed in all developmental stages of S. exigua. It was expressed in all tested tissues of larval stage. Its expression was up-regulated in hemocytes and fat body in response to immune challenge. RNA interference (RNAi) of Se-5HTR exhibited significant immunosuppression by preventing cellular immune responses such as phagocytosis and nodulation. Treatment with an inhibitor (SB-269970) specific to 5HTR subtype 7 resulted in significant immunosuppression. Such immunosuppression was also induced by bacterial secondary metabolites derived from Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus. To determine specific bacterial metabolites inhibiting Se-5HTR, this study screened 37 bacterial secondary metabolites with respect to cellular immune responses associated with Se-5HTR and selected 10 potent inhibitors. These 10 selected compounds competitively inhibited cellular immune responses against 5-HT and shared phenylethylamide (PEA) chemical skeleton. Subsequently, 46 PEA derivatives were screened and resulting potent chemicals were used to design a compound to be highly inhibitory against Se-5HTR. The designed compound was chemically synthesized. It showed high immunosuppressive activities along with specific and competitive inhibition activity for Se-5HTR. This study reports the first 5HT receptor from S. exigua and provides its specific inhibitor designed from bacterial metabolites and their derivatives. Author Summary Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine: 5-HT) plays a crucial role in mediating nerve and immune signals in insects. Interruption of 5-HT signal leads to malfunctioning of various insect physiological processes. Se-5HTR, a 5-HT receptor of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, was identified and classified as subtype 7 (5-HT7) of 5-HT receptors. A specific inhibitor (SB-269970) for 5-HT7 highly inhibited immune responses such as phagocytosis and nodulation mediated by Se-5HTR. Two entomopathogenic bacteria, Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, could secrete potent inhibitors against immune responses mediated by 5-HTR. Bacterial secondary metabolites were screened against Se-5HTR-mediating immune responses. Most of resulting compounds shared phenylethylamide (PEA) chemical skeleton. Subsequent screening using PEA derivatives supported the importance of this chemical skeleton. Based on their relative inhibitory activities, a compound was designed and synthesized. This novel compound possessed high inhibitory activities against Se-5HTR-mediating immune responses and exhibited competitive inhibition with 5-HT.
The Role of Opioids in Pain Management in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review Article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. Pain is one of the most generally experienced symptoms by CKD patients. Pain management is a key clinical activity; nonetheless, insufficient pain management by health professionals keeps it up. Opioids as pain relievers are a class of naturally-derived and synthetic medications. They act through interactions with receptors in peripheral nerves. Numerous pharmacokinetic alterations happen with aging that influence drug disposition, metabolism, and quality of life. Acetaminophen alone, or combined with low-potency opioid dose is regarded as the safest pain-relieving choice for CKD. Morphine and codeine are probably eluded in renal impairment patients and used with excessive carefulness. Tramadol, oxycodone, and hydromorphone can be used by patient monitoring, while methadone, transdermal fentanyl, and buprenorphine seem to be safe to use in older non-dialysis patients with renal impairment. Consistent with the available literature, the main aim of this review was to explore the occurrence of chronic pain and its opioid treatment in CKD patients. According to this review, more and well-made randomized controlled trials are necessary to find appropriate opioid doses and explore the occurrence of side effects.
Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer's Disease: In Vitro Therapeutic Effect of Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Extracellular Vesicles

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by abnormal protein aggregation, deposition of extracellular β-amyloid proteins (Aβ), besides an increase of oxidative stress. Amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) should have a therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders, mainly through a paracrine effect mediated by extracellular vesicles (EV). Here, we examined the effect of EV derived from human AFSCs (AFSC-EV) on the disease phenotypes in an AD neuron primary culture. We observed a positive effect of AFSC-EV on neuron morphology, viability, and Aβ and phospho-Tau levels. This could be due to the apoptotic and autophagic pathway modulation derived from the decrease in oxidative stress. Indeed, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were reduced, while GSH levels were enhanced. This modulation could be ascribed to the presence of ROS regulating enzymes, such as SOD1 present into the AFSC-EV themselves. This study describes the ROS-modulating effects of extracellular vesicles alone, apart from their deriving stem cell, in an AD in vitro model, proposing AFSC-EV as a therapeutic tool to stop the progression of AD.
High Field Carrier Transport Properties of Al0.45Ga0.55N

This work presented Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of Al 0.45 Ga 0.55 N to investigate the carrier transport properties in the high electric field region including impact ionization. The simulation investigates both electron and hole considering two non-parabolic conduction band and valence band respectively. The carriers’ drift velocity, energy and occupancy are simulated with respect to electric field at room temperature. The electron drift velocity peak at 2.70 × 10 7 cm/s with the electric field of 240 kV/cm. The electron starts to excite to higher valley at 170 kV/cm and has a spike in energy at 700 kV/cm due to the occurrence of impact ionization. The impact ionization rates are computed using modified Keldysh equation and it is shown that hole impact ionization rate is higher than that of electron for Al 0.45 Ga 0.55 N. This work also presents the impact ionization coefficient with hole dominating the impact ionization process above the electric field of 2.6 MV/cm.
Right-Wing YouTube: A Supply and Demand Perspective

YouTube is the most used social network in the United States and the only major platform that is more popular among right-leaning users. We propose the “Supply and Demand” framework for analyzing politics on YouTube, with an eye toward understanding dynamics among right-wing video producers and consumers. We discuss a number of novel technological affordances of YouTube as a platform and as a collection of videos, and how each might drive supply of or demand for extreme content. We then provide large-scale longitudinal descriptive information about the supply of and demand for conservative political content on YouTube. We demonstrate that viewership of far-right videos peaked in 2017.
Adolescent Perceptions Of Large-Scale Social Distancing Policies

The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions of adolescence towards large-scale social distancing based on the adaptation typology of Robert K. Merton and to know the potential for deviations by late adolescents during large-scale social distancing. This research uses descriptive quantitative method. The sampling technique used purposive sampling where the sample taken was adolescents aged 17-20 years. Data collection techniques in this study using a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used is descriptive and percentage techniques. Based on the research results it can be concluded, first, that all respondents have positive perceptions of large-scale social distancing. This can be seen from the results is 82.67% of respondents chose conformity. 9.33% of respondents chose innovation, and 8.00% of respondents chose ritualism. Second, the potential factor causing the deviation is economic factors, the desire to exercise and the effectiveness of the implementation of large-scale social distancing .
A simulation-based approach to improve decoded neurofeedback performance

The neural correlates of specific brain functions such as visual orientation tuning and individual finger movements can be revealed using multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) of fMRI data. Neurofeedback based on these distributed patterns of brain activity presents a unique ability for precise neuromodulation. Recent applications of this technique, known as decoded neurofeedback, have manipulated fear conditioning, visual perception, confidence judgements and facial preference. However, there has yet to be an empirical justification of the timing and data processing parameters of these experiments. Suboptimal parameter settings could impact the efficacy of neurofeedback learning and contribute to the ‘non-responder’ effect. The goal of this study was to investigate how design parameters of decoded neurofeedback experiments affect decoding accuracy and neurofeedback performance. Subjects participated in three fMRI sessions: two ‘finger localizer’ sessions to identify the fMRI patterns associated with each of the four fingers of the right hand, and one ‘finger finding’ neurofeedback session to assess neurofeedback performance. Using only the localizer data, we show that real-time decoding can be degraded by poor experiment timing or ROI selection. To set key parameters for the neurofeedback session, we used offline simulations of decoded neurofeedback using data from the localizer sessions to predict neurofeedback performance. We show that these predictions align with real neurofeedback performance at the group level and can also explain individual differences in neurofeedback success. Overall, this work demonstrates the usefulness of offline simulation to improve the success of real-time decoded neurofeedback experiments.
Diseño Distribuido de un Sistema de Mapeo y Localización basado en visión para un Robot Móvil

In this paper we present a distributed architecture for the S-PTAM stereo SLAM system. This architecture is developed on the ROS framework, separating the localization and mapping threads in two independent ROS nodes. The distributed SLAM system is ideal for mobile robots with low computing power since it allows the onboard location module and the mapping module -which has a higher computing costto be executed in a base station, taking maximum advantage of the processing available onboard. For the validation of the system, Creative Commons Reconocimiento-NoComercial 4.0 Internacional
One-dimensional nanomaterials in lithium-ion batteries

A lot of progress has been made in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology research in the last decade, even so, renewed developmental efforts must be pursued to better improve energy density, capacity retention and rate capability. This review discusses the role that one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials can play towards development of next-generation LIBs. Electrode nanoengineering, interfacial kinetics and high-volume manufacturing are critical issues limiting energy density, electrochemical performance and material viability. These points are discussed, as are the advantages of deploying these nanomaterials in rechargeable LIB devices. Current data from literature is indicative of laboratory-scale success as these 1D nanomaterials display excellent capacity retention, high-rate capability and long cycle life emanating from high mechanical strength, resilience and short charge carrier diffusion distance. However, significant advances are required to translate these achievements into commercial scale deployment.
Predictors of Paediatric Influenza-like-Illness Severity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Predictors of Paediatric Influenza-like-Illness Severity During the COVID-19 Pandemic*George James Porter1 and Stephen Owens2,3Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.Department of Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom. *Indicates the corresponding author, correspondence to: g.porter2@newcastle.ac. ukWord Count: 807Respiratory viral illness is a common cause of paediatric admission in the UK. It is estimated that In an average winter in the UK, 2.4% of children under five will have a respiratory illness attributable to Influenza A alone. (1) Despite the importance of viral respiratory infection, the predictive value of symptoms, co-morbidities and viral isolation are debated. (2) For example, in an American study of 241 children presenting to hospital with influenza-like-illness (ILI) the risk of severe complications was only increased by neurological/neuromuscular disease. (3) Meanwhile, a similar British study analysing 265 paediatric H1N1-positive ILI patients each with 2 virus-negative ILI controls found that chronic lung disease, cerebral palsy, chest retractions, tachycardia, dehydration and oxygen requirement predicted adverse outcome across the two groups. (4)The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shown that surges of acute respiratory infections must be planned for by the health service. Therefore, clearer definition of the early indicators of high-risk patients could be of considerable benefit regarding resource allocation and risk stratification. Equally, few studies have taken into account demographic data (including age and ethnicity), co-morbidities and symptoms and signs at presentation simultaneously. (5) We therefore conducted a retrospective study to help identify the predictors of severity of ILI in the North East of England during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.We defined ILI as the presence of fever ≥37.8oC and one other upper respiratory symptom. A cohort of children hospitalised with ILI in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne hospitals between 01/03/2020 and 05/05/2020 was identified from trust records. Information on symptoms at presentation, past medical history, demographics and outcomes was extracted. Disease severity was approximated by admission length, oxygen usage and intensive care unit (ITU) admission. Regression modelling identified variables which impacted these outcomes.
Direct capture of products from biotransformations.

This study was carried out by Argonne National Laboratory with assistance from Oak Ridge National Laboratory under a Chemicals Plus project funded by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) Chemicals Industry of the Future program in support of the Chemical Industry Vision2020 Technology Partnership (Vision2020). The primary authors were: • Jamie Hestekin, Argonne National Laboratory, • Seth Snyder, Argonne National Laboratory, and • Brian Davison, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Four Junction Traffic Light Controller using PLC (S7-200)

Advance of a road traffic light control system using Programmable Logic Controller is the principal of the system. This system can be divided into two parts which are hardware and software. The hardware part for this system is a model of four -way junction of a traffic light. The Red, Yellow and Green are installed at each lane to represent as a traffic light signal indicator. This switches and lamps are linked to PLC. The PLC receives signal which is coming from the inputs (sensor and switch) and drives the units (lamps or relays). In the system, Siemens s7-200 PLC is used as the main controller of the traffic light system. The Step7 Micro Win software can be developed the ladder logic diagram which can control the traffic light for proposed system. So, the traffic light system can be successfully controlled by PLC.
Optimal off-ramp terminal locating strategy based on traffic safety and efficiency

ABSTRACT Off-ramps are key nodes which connect urban elevated highways and auxiliary roads, and the distance between an off-ramp terminal and an intersection (ORTI-D) relates directly to traffic safety and efficiency. The authors introduced a new off-ramp terminal locating strategy considering traffic safety and efficiency synthetically. After building a basic VISSIM simulation model which included two-lane off-ramp, one-lane auxiliary road before the weaving area and four-lane entrance road before a no-signal intersection, the functional relationships of the LWA (Length of Weaving areas)-TIT (Time integrated time-to-collision) and the LWA-TTD (Total traffic delay) were developed. On this basis, the genetic algorithm was used to obtain the traffic safety-efficiency optimal ORTI-D and a positive correlation between the weaving proportion and the optimal ORTI-D was found. The methods developed in this paper can satisfy the requirements of off-ramps engineering design and contribute to solve traffic safety and efficiency problems in traffic management.
Change in Expression of Genes Involved in the G-Protein Signaling Pathway (GP-SP) is Associated with Voriconazole-Resistance (VCZ-R) in Aspergillus Species

statistical analysis, the and performed of the experiments, a literature search and to the final analyses of the study. ABSTRACT Background: Invasive infections due to Aspergillus species continue to be associated with a significant morbidity in immuno-compromised patients. Despite the availability of several azoles [isavuconazole (ISZ), posaconazole (POS), voriconazole (VCZ) and itraconazole (ITZ)], mortality remains high. Studies from various cancer and transplant centers around the world have reported the emergence of azole-resistance in clinical and environmental isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus . The major mechanism of high-level azole- resistance in Aspergillus species reported so far is mutation and/or overexpression of target site namely cyp51A, that encodes lanosterol demethylase of the fungal cell wall. However, some azole-resistant isolates have not exhibited either of these mechanisms, suggesting other novel non-cyp51 related mechanisms of triazole- resistance. Aim: To evaluate the possible role of G-protein signaling pathway genes in VCZ-R in Aspergillus species. Materials and Methods: CLSI based susceptibility, and cyp51 gene-specific PCR experiments were performed on wild type and specific mutant strains of Aspergillus species to analyse the phenotypic alterations and changes in triazole-susceptibility pattern in Aspergillus species. Results: Voriconazole inhibits conidiation in A. flavus, possibly through its effect on several genes involved in the GP-SP. Mutations or changes in expression of these genes contribute to VCZ-R in A. flavus. Loss of conidiation and pigmentation with switch to pure vegetative growth, exclusively by hyphal elongation, is associated with VCZ-R in A. flavus. Conclusion: Our results suggest that VCZ inhibits conidiation by targeting one of the critical genes in the G-protein pathway and specific alterations in these genes likely lead to loss of conidiation and VCZ-R in A. flavus . Cross resistance to other triazoles including POS and ISZ need to be tested as well. Based on our data we propose to continue our studies on G-protein pathway genes involved in antifungal drug resistance in Aspergillus species. This pathway needs to be further explored not only for its possible contribution to VCZ-R but also to delineate its role in pathogenesis and also as a potential antifungal drug target.
A Facilitation Cascade Enhances Local Biodiversity in Seagrass Beds

Invertebrate diversity can be a key driver of ecosystem functioning, yet understanding what factors influence local biodiversity remains uncertain. In many marine and terrestrial systems, facilitation cascades where primary foundation and/or autogenic ecosystem engineering species promote the settlement and survival of a secondary foundation/engineering species have been shown to enhance local biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. We experimentally tested if a facilitation cascade occurs among eelgrass (Zostera marina), pen clams (Atrina rigida), and community diversity in temperate seagrass beds in North Carolina, U.S.A. , and if this sequence of direct positive interactions created feedbacks that affected various metrics of seagrass ecosystem function and structure. Using a combination of surveys and transplant experiments, we found that pen clam density and survivorship was significantly greater in seagrass beds, indicating that eelgrass facilitates pen clams. Pen clams in turn enhanced local diversity and increased both the abundance and species richness of organisms (specifically, macroalgae and fouling invertebrate fauna)—the effect of which scaled with increasing clam density. However, we failed to detect an impact of pen clams on other seagrass functions and hypothesize that functioning may more likely be enhanced in scenarios where secondary foundation species specifically increase the diversity of key functional groups such as epiphyte grazers and/or when bivalves are infaunal rather than epifaunal. Our findings add to the growing amount of literature that demonstrates that secondary foundation species are important drivers of local biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Further experimentation is needed that directly examines (i) the role of functional versus overall diversity on seagrass functions and (ii) the relative importance of life-history strategy in determining when and where engineering bivalves increase biodiversity and/or functioning of seagrass beds.