Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of (Cd,Zn)S Buffer Layers for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Panels Fabricated by Chemical Bath and Surface Deposition Methods

Scale-up to large-area Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar panels is proving to be much more complicated than expected. Particularly, the non-vacuum wet-chemical buffer layer formation step has remained a challenge and has acted as a bottleneck in industrial implementations for mass-production. This technical note deals with the comparative analysis of the impact on different methodologies for the buffer layer formation on CIGS solar panels. Cd(1-x)ZnxS ((Cd,Zn)S) thin films were prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD), and chemical surface deposition (CSD) for 24-inch (37 cm × 47 cm) patterned CIGS solar panel applications. Buffer layers deposited by the CBD method showed a higher Zn addition level and transmittance than those prepared by the CSD technique due to the predominant cluster-by-cluster growth mechanism, and this induced a difference in the solar cell performance, consequently. The CIGS panels with (Cd,Zn)S buffer layer formed by the CBD method showed a 0.5% point higher conversion efficiency than that of panels with a conventional CdS buffer layer, owing to the increased current density and open-circuit voltage. The samples with the CSD (Cd,Zn)S buffer layer also increased the conversion efficiency with 0.3% point than conventional panels, but mainly due to the increased fill factor.
The Bradyzoite: A Key Developmental Stage for the Persistence and Pathogenesis of Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous parasitic protist found in a wide variety of hosts, including a large proportion of the human population. Beyond an acute phase which is generally self-limited in immunocompetent individuals, the ability of the parasite to persist as a dormant stage, called bradyzoite, is an important aspect of toxoplasmosis. Not only is this stage not eliminated by current treatments, but it can also reactivate in immunocompromised hosts, leading to a potentially fatal outcome. Yet, despite its critical role in the pathology, the bradyzoite stage is relatively understudied. One main explanation is that it is a considerably challenging model, which essentially has to be derived from in vivo sources. However, recent progress on genetic manipulation and in vitro differentiation models now offers interesting perspectives for tackling key biological questions related to this particularly important developmental stage.
CgCmk1 Activates CgRds2 To Resist Low-pH Stress in Candida glabrata

An acidic environment is the main problem in the production of organic acids in C. glabrata. The present study reports that the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase CgCmk1 positively regulates CgRds2 to increase intracellular ATP content, membrane permeability, and resistance to low-pH stress. Hence, the transcription factor CgRds2 may be a potential target for improving the acid stress tolerance of C. glabrata during the fermentation of organic acids. The present study also establishes a new link between the calcium signaling pathway and energy metabolism. ABSTRACT In Candida glabrata, the transcription factor CgRds2 has been previously characterized as a regulator of glycerophospholipid metabolism, playing a crucial role in the response to osmotic stress. Here, we report that CgRds2 is also involved in the response to pH 2.0 stress. At pH 2.0, the deletion of CgRDS2 led to reduced cell growth and survival, by 33% and 57%, respectively, compared with those of the wild-type strain. These adverse phenotypes resulted from the downregulation of genes related to energy metabolism in the Cgrds2Δ strain at pH 2.0, which led to a 34% reduction of the intracellular ATP content and a 24% decrease in membrane permeability. In contrast, the overexpression of CgRDS2 rescued the growth defect of the Cgrds2Δ strain and increased cell survival at pH 2.0 by 17% compared with that of the wild-type strain, and this effect was accompanied by significant increases in ATP content and membrane permeability, by 42% and 19%, respectively. Furthermore, we found that the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) CgCmk1 physically interacts with the PAS domain of CgRds2, and CgCmk1 is required for CgRds2 activation and translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus under pH 2.0 stress. Moreover, CgCmk1 is critical for CgRds2 function in resistance to pH 2.0 stress, because cells of the Cgrds2-pas strain with a disrupted CgCmk1-CgRds2 interaction exhibited impaired energy metabolism and membrane permeability at pH 2.0. Therefore, our results indicate that CgCmk1 positively regulates CgRds2 and suggest that they promote resistance to low-pH stress by enhancing energy metabolism and membrane permeability in C. glabrata. IMPORTANCE An acidic environment is the main problem in the production of organic acids in C. glabrata. The present study reports that the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase CgCmk1 positively regulates CgRds2 to increase intracellular ATP content, membrane permeability, and resistance to low-pH stress. Hence, the transcription factor CgRds2 may be a potential target for improving the acid stress tolerance of C. glabrata during the fermentation of organic acids. The present study also establishes a new link between the calcium signaling pathway and energy metabolism.
Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Family: A Stress Hormone-Receptor System’s Emerging Role in Mediating Sex-Specific Signaling

No organ in the body is impervious to the effects of stress, and a coordinated response from all organs is essential to deal with stressors. A dysregulated stress response that fails to bring systems back to homeostasis leads to compromised function and ultimately a diseased state. The components of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, an ancient and evolutionarily conserved stress hormone-receptor system, helps both initiate stress responses and bring systems back to homeostasis once the stressors are removed. The mammalian CRF family comprises of four known agonists, CRF and urocortins (UCN1–3), and two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF1 and CRF2. Evolutionarily, precursors of CRF- and urocortin-like peptides and their receptors were involved in osmoregulation/diuretic functions, in addition to nutrient sensing. Both CRF and UCN1 peptide hormones as well as their receptors appeared after a duplication event nearly 400 million years ago. All four agonists and both CRF receptors show sex-specific changes in expression and/or function, and single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with a plethora of human diseases. CRF receptors harbor N-terminal cleavable peptide sequences, conferring biased ligand properties. CRF receptors have the ability to heteromerize with each other as well as with other GPCRs. Taken together, CRF receptors and their agonists due to their versatile functional adaptability mediate nuanced responses and are uniquely positioned to orchestrate sex-specific signaling and function in several tissues.
Caffeine: a boon or bane

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the sources of caffeine and its utilization in different food products, along with its impact on human health in terms of benefits and adverse effect. Design/methodology/approach The papers reviewed were selected based on the following key descriptors such as caffeine, sources, trends of consumption, utilization, benefits and adverse effects, regulation and labelling. Findings There are many physiological effects of caffeine on respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive and central nervous system. It has a positive effect in reducing the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and liver injury and, at the same time, in improving mood, psychomotor performance and immune response. On the other hand, the negative effects of caffeine include addiction, cancer, heart diseases, insomnia, gastrointestinal disturbances and intoxication. As caffeine, when taken in large amount, is harmful, therefore as per the regulatory bodies, its concentration should not exceed the set limit, and its presence needs to be listed on the label of that particular food product. In a nutshell, it can be said that caffeine acts as a boon as well as bane because it possesses both beneficial and adverse effects. Originality/value This is a unique and comprehensive review that will provide a brief overview of sources, utilization, healthful as well as harmful effect of caffeine to the readers.
KLF5 Is Crucial for Androgen-AR Signaling to Transactivate Genes and Promote Cell Proliferation in Prostate Cancer Cells

Androgen/androgen receptor (AR) signaling drives both the normal prostate development and prostatic carcinogenesis, and patients with advanced prostate cancer often develop resistance to androgen deprivation therapy. The transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) also regulates both normal and cancerous development of the prostate. In this study, we tested whether and how KLF5 plays a role in the function of AR signaling in prostate cancer cells. We found that KLF5 is upregulated by androgen depending on AR in LNCaP and C4-2B cells. Silencing KLF5, in turn, reduced AR transcriptional activity and inhibited androgen-induced cell proliferation and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, KLF5 occupied the promoter of AR, and silencing KLF5 repressed AR transcription. In addition, KLF5 and AR physically interacted with each other to regulate the expression of multiple genes (e.g., MYC, CCND1 and PSA) to promote cell proliferation. These findings indicate that, while transcriptionally upregulated by AR signaling, KLF5 also regulates the expression and transcriptional activity of AR in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells. The KLF5-AR interaction could provide a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Marginal Liver Grafts and the Role of Hypothermic Machine Perfusion: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) constitutes a significant source of morbidity and mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The allograft is metabolically impaired during warm and cold ischemia and is further damaged by a paradox reperfusion injury after revascularization and reoxygenation. Short-term and long-term complications including post-reperfusion syndrome, delayed graft function, and immune activation have been associated with IRI. Due to the current critical organ shortage, extended criteria grafts are increasingly considered for transplantation, however, with an elevated risk to develop significant features of IRI. In recent years, ex vivo machine perfusion (MP) of the donor liver has witnessed significant advancements. Here, we describe the concept of hypothermic (oxygenated) machine perfusion (HMP/HOPE) approaches and highlight which allografts may benefit from this technology. This review also summarizes clinical applications and the main aspects of ongoing randomized controlled trials on hypothermic perfusion. The mechanistic aspects of IRI and hypothermic MP—which include tissue energy replenishment, optimization of mitochondrial function, and the reduction of oxidative and inflammatory damage following reperfusion—will be comprehensively discussed within the context of current preclinical and clinical evidence. Finally, we highlight novel trends and future perspectives in the field of hypothermic MP in the context of recent findings of basic and translational research.
Acute effects of breaking up prolonged sedentary time on cardiovascular disease risk markers in adults with paraplegia

Elevated levels of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers are highly prevalent in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Breaking up prolonged sedentary time with short, regular bouts of physical activity can reduce postprandial glucose and lipid levels in able‐bodied individuals. The effects in people with paraplegia are unknown. The study aims were to examine the acute postprandial glucose (primary aim), lipid, blood pressure, and psychological responses (secondary aims) to breaking up prolonged sedentary time in individuals with paraplegia. This was a randomized crossover design trial. Fourteen participants with paraplegia (age 51 ± 9 years, trunk fat mass 44.3 ± 7.7%) took part in the following two, 5.5‐hour conditions: (1) uninterrupted sedentary time (SED), and (2) sedentary time interrupted with 2 minutes of moderate‐intensity arm crank ergometer physical activity every 20 minutes (SED‐ACT). Standardized breakfast and lunch test meals were consumed during each condition. The outcomes were compared between conditions using linear mixed models. Glucose area under the curve (AUC) was significantly lower during the lunch postprandial period in SED‐ACT vs SED (incremental AUC 1.9 [95% CI 1.0, 2.7) and 3.0 [2.1, 3.9] mmol/L∙2.5 hour, respectively, P = . 015, f = 0.34). There were no differences between conditions for the breakfast or total 5.5 hours postprandial periods (P > .05). Positive affect was higher in SED‐ACT than SED (P = .001). Breaking up prolonged sedentary time acutely attenuates lunch postprandial glucose and improves positive affect in people with paraplegia. This may have clinical relevance for reducing CVD risk and improving psychological well‐being in this population.
Pembrolizumab plus standard neoadjuvant therapy for high-risk breast cancer (BC): Results from I-SPY 2.

506Background: Pembro is an anti-PD-1 antibody with single agent activity in HER2– metastatic BC. I-SPY 2 is a multicenter, phase 2 platform trial which evaluates novel neoadjuvant therapies; the primary endpoint is pathological complete response (pCR, ypT0/Tis ypN0). We report current efficacy results, with final results at ASCO. Methods: Patients (pts) with invasive BC ≥2.5 cm by exam or ≥2 cm by imaging are assigned weekly paclitaxel x 12 (control) +/- an experimental agent, followed by doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide x 4. Combinations of hormone-receptor (HR), HER2, & MammaPrint (MP) status define the 8 signatures studied. MP low HR+ BC is excluded. Adaptive randomization is based on each arm’s Bayesian probability of superiority over control. Graduation by signature is based on an arm’s Bayesian predictive probability of a successful 1:1 randomized phase 3 trial with a pCR endpoint. We provide raw & Bayesian estimated pCR rates adjusted for covariates, time effects over the course of the trial, & serial.
Physiological responses in trained Standardbred horses to forage diets, transport and housing

This thesis describes the effects of forage-only and forage-oats diets, different levels of crude protein intake, road transport and different housing systems on body weight, fluid shifts, metabolic response and exercise response in trained Standardbred horses. A total of 28 horses participated in the research. Body weight was significantly higher on the forage-only diet (mean 496 kg) than the forage-oats diet (mean 492 kg) in one study, but a 12 h feed deprivation period diminished the small increase in body weight on the forage-only diet. The forage-only diet resulted in lower plasma protein concentration, indicating greater potential to use an internal fluid compartment to maintain plasma volume. In another study assessing these two diets and transportation, there were no differences between the diets (forage-only 502 kg, forage-oats 501 kg). There was also no effect of high crude protein intake (160% of recommended level) on response to exercise, but the intake was high enough to increase plasma urea. High protein intake also increased water excretion through faeces and urine and thereby exerted an unnecessary load on the racing horse. Overall, the forage-only diet decreased exercise-induced effects on extracellular fluid regulation. Aerobic energy supply was elevated during exercise following a period of road transport and forage-only diet further increased the usage of fat (acetate) as energy substrate. However, this positive effect on aerobic energy supply needs to be studied further in terms of transport timing and duration, in order to confirm whether this can be used as an efficient part of pre-race preparations It was found that keeping the horses in an active group housing system had positive effects on appetite and recovery of energy balance and post-race joint swelling compared with housing in a conventional box stall system. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that a forage-only diet and a free-range housing system are good management options for racing Standardbred horses and can form part of a sustainable horse management system that supports performance, health and animal welfare.
Robustness and Evolution of Scale-Free Networks in Biology

The prevalence of scale-free networks in multiple biological systems (such as metabolic, proteomic, and genomic networks) raises the question of what brings about the spontaneous formation of networks with power-law degree distributions. One suggested explanation relates to the robustness of scale-free networks in response to random attacks, which would be analogous to gene or metabolite removal as a result of destructive mutations. However, there are doubts to the actual resistance of scale-free networks to such attacks. Here, we simulate both random and targeted attacks on ErdösRényi and scale free networks and show that, although resistance to node failure may distinguish scale-free networks, the biological relevance of this fact may be limited.
Collective narcissism and in-group satisfaction predict different reactions to the past transgressions of the in-group

In-group identification is necessary for in-group members to take responsibility for the past transgressions of the in-group. However, even among high identifiers, the reactions to reminders of the in-group’s transgression may differ depending on the beliefs members hold about their in-group. Results of a cross-sectional study (N = 441), indicate that collective narcissism (i.e., a belief that the in-group’s importance is not sufficiently recognized by others) versus in-group satisfaction (i.e., a belief that the in-group is of high value and a reason to be proud of) have opposite unique associations with the evaluation of the artistic value of films referring to Polish involvement in pogroms during the Second World War (Ida and The Aftermath, a proxy of an attitude towards knowledge about past national transgressions). Collective narcissism predicted lower, whereas in-group satisfaction predicted higher, perceived artistic value of the films. Those unique relationships could only be observed when the positive association between collective narcissism and in-group satisfaction was partialled out.
INTRAVENOUS PARACETAMOL, MORPHINE AND THEIR COMBINATION FOR POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AFTER RELEASE OF POST BURN NECK CONTRACTURES

Maintenance of air way in cases of opioid induced-postoperative respiratory depression is not easily accomplished after release of neck contracture due to neck immobility and bulky dressing done by surgeon to secure the grafted skin and possible difficult intubation. We aimed to evaluate and compare the use of intravenous paracetamol to replace or to reduce morphine requirements for more safe postoperative pain management after release of post burn neck contractures. Thirty patients undergoing surgical release of post burn neck contractures were randomly allocated into 3 groups (n=10 each) where patients received immediately after extubation one of the following medications: Paracetamol 1G IX (P group), morphine 0.1 mg/kg (M group), both morphine 0.05rnglkg and paracetamol 1Gm (P-M group). Efficacy parameters were subjective pain scores, sedation and satisfaction scores, number of patients required and total dose of rescue boluses of morphine (3mg) and time to first request of analgesia. Repeated measures ANOVA and t-test were used for comparisons through SPSS software. No statistically significant difference were found between P, M and P-M groups regarding pain (except in first 15 min. in PACU) and satisfaction scores, with significantly less sedation score in P group. Time to first request for rescue analgesia was significantly longer in M and P-M groups compared with P group. Adverse events (respiratory depression and nausea or vomiting) were more frequent in morphine group. We concluded that I.V paracetamol could effectively reduce morphine requirements by 60% or even replace it with less incidence of adverse events and more safer course during postoperative pain management after release of post burn neck contracture in adults. However, it would be better if we started paracetamol earlier before extubation. Bas J Surg, March, 12, 2006
Spontaneous Regression of a Suspected Temporal lobe Glioblastoma Multiforme and its Re-appearance at a Different Site

Background : Spontaneous regression of cancer is rarely seen in brain tumors. We report a spontaneous regression of a suspected temporal lobe glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and its re-appearance at a different site within a period of six months. Case Report : A 45 year old male presented with complaint of headache since four months and nausea, vomiting and blurring of vision since last one month. Radiological imaging was suggestive of a right temporal lobe lesion most probably high grade glioma. The patient did not undergo surgery due to personal reasons. He presented again, six months later, with exaggeration of previous symptoms. Fresh radiological imaging revealed a right parietal lobe lesion with no lesion in the previous site. Patient underwent surgery and histopathological examination was suggestive of grade IV glioblastoma. Conclusion : Spontaneous regression of a glioblastoma, to our knowledge, has never been reported in the world literature. This case report highlights the need to look for newer aspects of tumor biology in GBM.
Stochastic Analysis for Context Modeling

: Models of the physical environment play an important role in supporting Model Based Engineering (MBE). This paper describes how fundamental principles of thermodynamics and statistical physics can be applied to create compact parameterized models capable of statistically capturing the patterns exhibited in wide range of environmental contexts. Such models will allow more efficient and systematic assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of candidate designs than is possible using benchmark datasets or test tracks, and this can play an important role in using computer simulation to produce better designs of complex cyber-physical systems more quickly, affordably, and reliably. This is the first in a series of papers on the statistical description of natural processes. Subsequent papers in this series will treat specific examples in greater detail than provided in this overview.
Social Media Trends among Pakistani University Students

In this 21st century, social networking sites have evolved rapidly and universally. In Pakistan, there were times when social media were considered a deed of redundant and lazy youth. But now, social media is becoming a little more than just a sharing and communication tool; it is very influential in fact. This present quantitative inquiry aimed to uncover the popularity of different social networking sites among Pakistani university students. Also, this study explored the role of social media in students’ academics. This study included 956 university students (371 male, 584 female), and recorded their perceptions through a questionnaire developed by the researchers. The data were analysed by using ttest, Correlation, and ANOVA tests. The findings revealed the trends of social media and reasons for students using social media. The students revealed their use of social websites was not only entertainment, but also communication with classmates and teachers. The students were not sure whether social networking sites helped in improving their grades, however, their grades were neither negatively affected by the use of social networking sites.