Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Data-Driven Topology Optimization with Multiclass Microstructures using Latent Variable Gaussian Process

The data-driven approach is emerging as a promising method for the topological design of multiscale structures with greater efficiency. However, existing data-driven methods mostly focus on a single class of microstructures without considering multiple classes to accommodate spatially varying desired properties. The key challenge is the lack of an inherent ordering or “distance” measure between different classes of microstructures in meeting a range of properties. To overcome this hurdle, we extend the newly developed latent-variable Gaussian process (LVGP) models to create multi-response LVGP (MR-LVGP) models for the microstructure libraries of metamaterials, taking both qualitative microstructure concepts and quantitative microstructure design variables as mixed-variable inputs. The MR-LVGP model embeds the mixed variables into a continuous design space based on their collective effects on the responses, providing substantial insights into the interplay between different geometrical classes and material parameters of microstructures. With this model, we can easily obtain a continuous and differentiable transition between different microstructure concepts that can render gradient information for multiscale topology optimization. We demonstrate its benefits through multiscale topology optimization with aperiodic microstructures. Design examples reveal that considering multiclass microstructures can lead to improved performance due to the consistent load-transfer paths for micro- and macro-structures.
Inspection of real and imputed genotypes reveled 76 SNPs associated to rear udder height in Holstein cattle

Objective: This paper presents the obtained result of a study that realizes to associate a set of real and imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotypes to the rear udder height in Holstein cows. Materials and methods: Forty-six Holstein cows from an arid zone of Mexico were phenotyped and genotyped for this study. Blood samples were used for DNA extraction, genotyping was performed with the Illumina BovineLD Bead chip which interrogates 6,912 SNPs genome-wide, and imputation was performed using the Findhap software. After QC filters, a total of 22,251 high quality and informative SNPs were inspected. Results: The results showed the detection of 76 significant SNPs throughout the complete genome. Significant SNPs fall inside 111 Quantitative Loci Traits related to protein percentage, milk yield, and fat, among others, in chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, and 29. Similarly, results confirm that a genotype imputation is a convenient option for genome-wide covering when selecting economic traits with low-density real SNP panels. Conclusion: This study contributes to establishing a low-cost and profitable strategy for applying genomic selection in developing countries.
A Cretaceous Cusk-Eel (Teleostei, Ophidiiformes) from Italy and the Mesozoic Diversification of Percomorph Fishes

Cusk-eels of the order Ophidiiformes are a morphologically diverse assemblage of eel-like, elongate, posteriorly tapering percomorph fishes that occur worldwide in marine waters, from tropical reef areas to the deep sea. The about 400 extant and fossil species included in the ophidiiform clade are arranged into two main lineages, Bythitoidei and Ophidioidei, based on reproductive biology and the position of the anterior nostrils. The anatomy and phylogenetic relationships of these fishes are largely unknown, and the fossil record has not provided substantial information about the earliest phases of their evolutionary history. †Pastorius methenyi, new genus and species, the oldest member of the Ophidiiformes based on articulated skeletal remains, is described herein based on a single specimen collected from the Campanian-Maastrichtian organic-rich laminated limestone of the Liburnica Formation outcropping near the village of Trebiciano, north-eastern Italy. The comparative analysis of osteological and meristic features indicates that †Pastorius methenyi is characterized by at least one of the probable ophidiiform synapomorphies (exclusion of the supraoccipital from the posterior cranial margin by substantial posterodorsal extension of the exoccipitals) and exhibits a unique combination of characters, including a posteriorly broadly expanded maxilla; supramaxilla present; eight branchiostegals; 39 vertebrae; first neural spine shorter than those following; neural arch of first vertebra feebly connected to the first vertebral centrum though a narrow pedestal of bone; anterior abdominal vertebrae ostensibly lacking expanded ribs; caudal skeleton with ostensibly fused first preural, first ural centrum, first uroneural, and ventral hypural plate, and ostensibly fused second ural centrum and dorsal hypural plate, autogenous parhypural, and two epurals; caudal fin free, with 13 rays; a single ossified supraneural located in front of the second neural spine; and notably reduced number of dorsal- and anal-fin rays. †Pastorius is placed as the sister-group of all recent bythitoids, even if some features might indicate that it represents the sister-group of all ophidiiforms. †Pastorius provides the first unequivocal evidence that percomorphs with very elongate and compressed bodies were in existence in the Cretaceous, indicating that this group was characterized by a very high disparity and a vast diversification of bodyplans well before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction.
Brain CT Findings in Patients with First-Onset Seizure Visiting the Emergency Department in Mashhad, Iran

Introduction Regarding the complications and costs of CT imaging for patients, this study aimed at investigating the necessity of CT scans in patients visiting the emergency unit with first-onset seizure. Methods One hundred patients who had experienced their first seizure were enrolled. Their CT scan was studied, and based on the radiology report, the type of probable pathologies and their percentage were determined. Results The patient’s mean age was 39.78±17.43 yrs. CT scan abnormalities were reported in 27 cases as follows: nonspecific senile changes in 11 (40.7%), encephalomalacia in 3 (11.1%), acute infarct in 5 (18.5%), lacunar infarct in 3 (11.1%), mass-like lesion in 4 (14.8%) and cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) evidence in 1 (3.7%). Acute infarct and mass-like lesions were seen together in the CT scan of one patient. In only 9 of the 27 abnormal CT scans, the findings were in accordance with seizure consisting of an acute infarct, mass-like lesion, and CVT evidence. Discussion It seems that performing a CT scan in all patients referring to the emergency department with a first-onset seizure is not necessary.
Exploring the Relationship Between Maternal Circulating Hormones and Gestational Weight Gain in Women Without Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Central homeostatic regulation of fat stores is attenuated during pregnancy, to allow for adequate fat deposition to support fetal development and lactation. What factors particular to pregnancy facilitate fat accumulation, and why gestational weight gain (GWG) is so variable, are not clear. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the associations between GWG and circulating hormones with known effects on appetite and growth. Methods Women without obesity (body mass index, BMI <30 kg/m2), with a healthy singleton pregnancy, were recruited at the time of delivery by elective Caesarean section at a tertiary obstetric hospital. Women with preterm (<37 weeks) delivery and smokers were excluded. Maternal blood was collected at the time of delivery for measurement of fasting oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin, insulin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3. Comparisons were made between women who gained weight within the range recommended by Institute of Medicine guidelines for normal weight women (11.5–16 kg; n=34) and those who gained excessive weight (>16 kg; n=35) during pregnancy. Analysis of covariance was carried out using multiple linear regression to test the effect of GWG group on biochemical parameters, accounting for pre-pregnancy BMI. Results The 69 participants had a mean age of 34.6 ± 4.3 years, and pre-pregnancy BMI of (23.3 ± 1.8 kg/m2), with no significant differences between groups in pre-pregnancy weight, BMI, age, birthweight or parity. Mean GWG was 14.0 ± 1.3 kg in the “recommended” group and 19.6 ± 3.2 kg in the “excessive” group. Leptin was significantly higher (43.4 ± 21.6 vs 33.4 ± 15.0 ng/mL, p=0.03) and prolactin tended to be lower (159.5 ± 66.1 vs 194.0 ± 85.6 ng/mL, p=0.07) at delivery in women with excessive (vs recommended) GWG. No other circulating factors were found to differ between groups. The between-group difference in leptin remained after adjustment for pre-pregnancy BMI in multiple linear regression and quantile regression analyses. Conclusion In women without obesity, leptin remains a marker of adiposity during pregnancy. GWG was not associated with other circulating hormones with effects on appetite and growth.
MiR-34a Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Targeting lncRNA MCM3AP-AS1

Introduction MCM3AP-AS1 has been characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA in several types of cancer, while its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of MCM3AP-AS1 in NPC. Patients and Methods Paired NPC tissues and non-tumor tissues were collected from 55 NPC patients. Expression of MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-34a in paired tissues was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Interactions between MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-34a were analyzed by overexpression experiments. The roles of MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-34a in regulating NPC cell proliferation and apoptosis were explored by cell proliferation assay and cell apoptosis assay, respectively. Results Our bioinformatics analysis showed that MCM3AP-AS1 may be targeted by miR-34a, which is a well-studied tumor suppressor miRNA. In this study, we showed that miR-34a was downregulated and MCM3AP-AS1 was upregulated in NPC. An inverse correlation between the expression of MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-34a was found across NPC tissue samples. High expression level of MCM3AP-AS1 and low levels of miR-34a in NPC tissues predicted the poor survival. In NPC cells, overexpression of MCM3AP-AS1 did not affect the expression of miR34a, while overexpression of miR-34a led to downregulated MCM3AP-AS1. Cell proliferation and apoptosis assay showed that overexpression of miR-34a reduced the enhancing effects of overexpressing MCM3AP-AS1 on cell proliferation and the inhibitory effects on cell apoptosis. Conclusion MiR-34a inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human NPC by targeting MCM3AP-AS1.
Metformin and Micronutrient Status in Type 2 Diabetes: Does Polypharmacy Involving Acid-Suppressing Medications Affect Vitamin B12 Levels?

Abstract Metformin is the first-choice drug in uncomplicated type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and is effective in improving glycaemic control. It is the most widely prescribed oral antidiabetic medicine and has a good safety profile. However, there is an abundance of evidence that metformin use is associated with decreased Vitamin B12 status, though the clinical implications of this in terms of increased risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy are debated. There is growing evidence that other B vitamins, vitamin D and magnesium may also be impacted by metformin use in addition to alterations to the composition of the microbiome, depending on the dose and duration of therapy. Patients using metformin for prolonged periods may, therefore, need initial screening with intermittent follow-up, particularly since vitamin B12 deficiency has similar symptoms to diabetic neuropathy which itself affects 40–50% of patients with T2DM at some stage. Among patients with T2DM, 40% are reported to experience symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), of whom 70% use oral antidiabetic medications. The most common medications used to treat GORD are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antagonists of histamine selective H2 receptors (H2RAs), both of which independently affect vitamin B12 and magnesium status. Research indicates that co-prescribing metformin with either PPIs or H2RAs can have further deleterious effects on vitamin B12 status. Vitamin B12 deficiency related to metformin and polypharmacy is likely to contribute to the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy which may frequently be under-recognised. This review explores current knowledge surrounding these issues and suggests treatment strategies such as supplementation.
Natural Population Dynamics and Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus

textabstractStaphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen capable of causing a wide range of infections, from relatively mild skin infections such as folliculitis and furunculosis to life-threatening conditions, including sepsis, deep abscesses, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, and infective endocarditis (1, 2). S. aureus belongs to the genus Staphylococcus, which contains more than 30 species. In human beings, the most clinically relevant species are S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. lugdunensis, and S. saprophyticus, of which S. aureus is by far the most virulent. In contrast to most Staphylococcus species, S. aureus is capable of being pathogenic in the absence of predisposing host conditions such as immunosuppression or the presence of foreign body material.
Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Se Nanoparticles Upon Coating with Recombinant Spider Silk Protein eADF4(κ16)

Purpose Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) are promising antibacterial agents to tackle the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to fabricate Se NPs with a net positive charge to enhance their antibacterial efficacy. Methods Se NPs were coated with a positively charged protein – recombinant spider silk protein eADF4(κ16) – to give them a net positive surface charge. Their cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity were investigated, with negatively charged polyvinyl alcohol coated Se NPs as a control. Besides, these eADF4(κ16)-coated Se NPs were immobilized on the spider silk films, and the antibacterial activity of these films was investigated. Results Compared to the negatively charged polyvinyl alcohol coated Se NPs, the positively charged eADF4(κ16)-coated Se NPs demonstrated a much higher bactericidal efficacy against the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli, with a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) approximately 50 times lower than that of negatively charged Se NPs. Cytotoxicity testing showed that the eADF4(κ16)-coated Se NPs are safe to both Balb/3T3 mouse embryo fibroblasts and HaCaT human skin keratinocytes up to 31 µg/mL, which is much higher than the MBC of these particles against E. coli (8 ± 1 µg/mL). In addition, antibacterial coatings were created by immobilising the eADF4(κ16)-coated Se NPs on positively charged spider silk films and these were shown to retain good bactericidal efficacy and overcome the issue of low particle stability in culture broth. It was found that these Se NPs needed to be released from the film surface in order to exert their antibacterial effects and this release can be regulated by the surface charge of the film, such as the change of the spider silk protein used. Conclusion Overall, eADF4(κ16)-coated Se NPs are promising new antibacterial agents against life-threatening bacteria.
Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative disease, making a unique contribution to chronic pain, edema, and limited mobility of knee joint. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a common complementary therapy for KOA and has been found effective. The aim of this review is to consolidate the current knowledge about the mechanism of four interventions of TCM: acupuncture, moxibustion, herbs, and massage in treating KOA, and how they alleviate symptoms such as pain, swelling, and dysfunction. Furthermore, this review highlights that four therapies have different mechanisms but all of them can manage KOA through inhibiting inflammation, which indicates that alternative therapies should be considered as a viable complementary treatment for pain management in clinical practice.
Presence of immunoreactive β‐endorphin in human skin

Abstract: The production and its induction by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)‐derived peptides by keratinocytes has been reported, albeit not consistently. Recently we demonstrated that only under specific culturing conditions human keratinocytes are capable of producing a β‐endorphin (βE)‐like peptide with the characteristics of β‐lipotropin (βLPH). Here the presence and UV‐induction of βE‐immunoreactivity (βE‐IR) in keratinocytes in human skin in vivo was investigated. βE‐IR was detectable by immunohistochemistry in keratinocytes of the follicular matrix and to some extent in cells of sweat ducts, but was absent from epidermal keratinocytes. Absence of βE‐IR was confirmed by radioimmunoassay of HPLC‐fractionated extracts of normal epidermis. Repeated exposure to solar‐simulated UVR had no effect. This investigation is the first to demonstrate the presence of βE‐immunoreactive material in the follicular matrix of corporal hairs and in duct cells of sweat glands. The possible meaning of these results is discussed.
Biomarkers of IL-33 and sST2 and Lack of Association with Carvedilol Therapy in Heart Failure

Objective The IL-33/ST2 pathway plays a fundamental role in the cardiovascular system and can be considered as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases. ST2, as an interleukin (IL)-1 receptor family member, has transmembrane (ST2L) and soluble (sST2) isoforms. sST2 neutralizes IL-33 and thereby inhibits the cardioprotective role of IL-33/ST2L signaling pathway. Increase in sST2 level is associated with weak cardiac output and can be a predictor of mortality in heart failure (HF). Thereby, we hypothesized that there may be a relationship between the cardioprotective effects of carvedilol and sST2 and IL-3 in HF patients. Methods sST2 and IL-33 were measured in serum of 66 individuals; 22 healthy volunteers and 44 suffering from HF; among whom 25 patients received carvedilol and the other 19 patients did not receive any β-blockers. Results Lack of association between serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 was observed between HF patients and healthy individuals (2.4466 ± 0.69 vs 2.6748 ± 0.33 and 3416.6 ± 1089.1 vs 2971.6 ± 792.5, respectively). Our results indicated no significant difference between sST2 and IL-33 levels in HF patients who did not receive beta-blockers and patients receiving carvedilol (P=0.59 and P=0.97). Conclusion Our results showed a lack of association between serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 and HF. Moreover, the results do not confirm the cardioprotective mechanism of carvedilol by means of IL-33/sST2 pathway.
The importance of autonomous selfing in preventing hybridization in three closely related plant species

In plants that are able to self‐fertilize, autonomous selfing has been hypothesized to function as an effective mechanism that prevents heterospecific mating. However, there have only been few studies that have assessed the relative and absolute contribution of different modes of selfing to total reproductive isolation acting between species. Because selfing can be expected to increase fitness costs when offspring are sired from more outcrossing sister taxa, it can be hypothesized that the contribution of post‐zygotic barriers to total reproductive isolation becomes stronger in selfing than in more outcrossing relatives. To assess the efficiency of different modes of selfing against heterospecific mating, we conducted mixed‐pollination experiments in three Centaurium species showing strong differences in mating system (i.e. delayed selfing in Centaurium erythraea, competing selfing in C. littorale and prior selfing in C. pulchellum). The contribution of selfing to total reproductive isolation was further examined by quantifying the strength of three pre‐zygotic (flowering phenology, pollinator fidelity and pollen production) and four intrinsic post‐zygotic (seed set and germination, survival and flowering capacity) barriers for each of the six species pair combinations. Although autonomous selfing as a reproductive barrier was unable to completely impede gene flow, its efficiency as a mechanism to prevents heterospecific pollination strongly depended on the mode of selfing, with prior selfing being by far the most efficient mechanism and delayed selfing only offering a limited protection against hybrid fertilization at the end of a flower's lifetime. Apart from the prevention effect of selfing, differences in pollinator fidelity and pollen production also contributed substantially to total reproductive isolation. Post‐zygotic hybrid costs were high and most prevalent for seed production and germination success. Reductions in hybrid vigour were significantly associated with the mating system of the maternal species, with the highest reductions in the most selfing C. pulchellum and the lowest reductions in predominant outcrossing C. erythraea. Synthesis. Our findings indicate that selfing may prevent species from interspecific gene flow and hybridization. The association between the capacity to self‐autonomously and hybrid vigour further suggests that selfing may foster post‐zygotic costs following hybridization.
Population dynamics of marine benthic invertebrates in Antarctic and subantarctic environments: are there unique adaptations?

Data on the growth (20 species) and productivity (19 species) of Antarctic and subantarctic macrobenthos were compiled from published and unpublished sources. Differences in the production/biomass (P/B) ratio between Antarctic, Arctic and non-polar populations were examined using a set of 363 data arrays (327 non-polar, 26 Antarctic, 10 Arctic). Each array contained annual P/B ratio, mean individual body mass, geographical latitude, water depth, bottom water temperature and the nominal variables TAXON (Mollusca, Crustacea, Polychaeta, Echinodermata) and REGION (Antarctic, Arctic, non-polar). The P/B ratio was found to vary with body mass, taxon, temperature and water depth. P/B ratios of Antarctic and Arctic populations were significantly lower than those of non-polar populations. For Antarctic populations this difference could be explained completely by the effects of temperature and water depth. The strikingly high biomass of many Antarctic benthic communities is probably related to adaptations to low and oscillating food levels, and particularly to the low maintenance energy requirement associated with the low ambient temperature.
Increased Dynamic Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuation in Primary Insomnia

The physiological mechanism underlying primary insomnia (PI) is poorly understood. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has emerged as a powerful tool to explore PI. However, previous studies ignore the dynamics of the brain activity. In the current study, we aimed to explore altered dynamic intrinsic brain activity in PI. Fifty-nine patients with PI and 47 matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent resting-state fMRI. The variance of dynamic amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (dALFF) maps across time was calculated to measure the temporal variability of intrinsic brain activity and then compared between patients with PI and HCs. As a result, patients with PI presented increased variance of dALFF in the bilateral hippocampus extending to the parahippocampus, the right putamen and the right anterior insula cortex. In addition, the variance of dALFF in the right putamen was positively correlated with Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score in PI. Our results revealed increased instability of intrinsic activity in PI.