Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Moxonidine Increases Uptake of Oxidised Low-Density Lipoprotein in Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Inhibits Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the sympatholytic drug moxonidine on atherosclerosis. The effects of moxonidine on oxidised low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake, inflammatory gene expression and cellular migration were investigated in vitro in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The effect of moxonidine on atherosclerosis was measured by examining aortic arch Sudan IV staining and quantifying the intima-to-media ratio of the left common carotid artery in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice infused with angiotensin II. The levels of circulating lipid hydroperoxides in mouse plasma were measured by ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange assay. Moxonidine administration increased oxidised LDL uptake by VSMCs via activation of α2 adrenoceptors. Moxonidine increased the expression of LDL receptors and the lipid efflux transporter ABCG1. Moxonidine inhibited mRNA expression of inflammatory genes and increased VSMC migration. Moxonidine administration to ApoE−/− mice (18 mg/kg/day) decreased atherosclerosis formation in the aortic arch and left common carotid artery, associated with increased plasma lipid hydroperoxide levels. In conclusion, moxonidine inhibited atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice, which was accompanied by an increase in oxidised LDL uptake by VSMCs, VSMC migration, ABCG1 expression in VSMCs and lipid hydroperoxide levels in the plasma.
Influence analysis of information erupted on social networks based on SIR model

In this paper, according to the similarity of chain reaction principle and the characteristics of information propagation on social network, we proposed a new word "information bomb". Based on the complex networks and SIR model, dynamical evolution equations were setup. Then methods used to evaluate the four indexes of bomb power were given, including influence breadth, influence strength, peak time and relaxation time. At last, the power of information was ascertained through these indexes. The process of information propagation is simulated to illustrate the spreading characteristics through the results. Then parameters which impact on the power of information bomb are analyzed and some methods which control the propagation of information are given.
Protein Intake in NCAA Division 1 Soccer Players: Assessment of Daily Amounts, Distribution Patterns, and Leucine Levels as a Quality Indicator

Dietary protein is required to support recovery and adaptation following exercise training. While prior research demonstrates that many athletes meet total daily protein needs, intake seems to be predominantly skewed toward the evening meal. An even distribution of protein doses of ≥0.24 g/kg BW consumed throughout the course of a day is theorized to confer greater skeletal muscle anabolism outcomes compared to a skewed pattern of intake. Protein quality is also an important dietary consideration for athletes, with the amino acid leucine seemingly serving as the primary driver of the postprandial anabolic response. The present study investigates protein consumption characteristics among a cohort of NCAA D1 soccer players and evaluates differences between male and female athletes. Athletes were instructed to complete 3-day food diaries, which were subsequently analyzed and compared to UEFA expert group-issued nutrition guidelines for soccer players. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner accounted for 81.4% of the total daily dietary protein intake. Most athletes (77.8%) ingested optimum amounts of protein at dinner but not at breakfast (11.1%) or lunch (47.2%). In addition, statistically significant sex-based differences in daily dietary protein intake, meal-specific protein amounts, and protein quality measures were detected. Findings indicate suboptimal dietary protein intake practices among the collegiate soccer athletes.
Enhanced annealing of the dislocation network under irradiation

In crystalline metals, the dislocation network is the main source of internal strain, while irradiation steadily injects new sources of internal strain (point defects, defect clusters). As a consequence, the evolution of the dislocation network is driven by irradiation. While the atomistic mechanisms by which the forcing proceeds have long been suggested, namely the partitioning of defect elimination between dislocations and other defect sinks, both in stationary or transient regimes, some of the macroscopic consequences, such as irradiation enhanced dislocation annealing and irradiation driven recrystallization, are left unexplained. In this work we show that dislocation sink strengths for point defects are altered in the presence of neighboring dislocations and their climb motion is coordinated with the dislocation microstructure. A climb model, which takes into account the dislocation network, provides the mechanism for coordinated climb, which is shown to ease dislocation annealing. In particular, we demonstrate that coordinated dislocation climb accelerates the annihilation of dislocation pairs with the opposite sign and the repulsion of dislocations of the same sign, thereby, among other things, promoting the annealing of small-angle tilt boundaries by subgrain rotation.
Construction and Validation of a Novel Prognosis Model in Colon Cancer Based on Cuproptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNAs

Colon cancer (CC) is one of the most common (6%) malignancies and leading cause of cancer-associated death (more than 0.5 million) worldwide, which demands reliable prognostic biomarkers. Cuproptosis is a novel modality of regulated cell death triggered by the accumulation of intracellular copper. LncRNAs have been reported as prognostic signatures in different types of tumors. However, the correlation between cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) and CC remains unclear. Data of CC patients were downloaded from public databases. The prognosis-associated CRLs were identified by co-expression analysis and univariate Cox. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were utilized to construct the CRLs-based prognostic signature in silico for CC patients. CRLs level was validated in human CC cell lines and patient tissues. ROC curve and Kaplan–Meier curve results revealed that high CRLs-risk score was associated with poor prognosis in CC patients. Moreover, the nomogram revealed that this model possessed a steady prognostic prediction capability with C-index as 0.68. More importantly, CC patients with high CRLs-risk score were more sensitive to eight targeted therapy drugs. The prognostic prediction power of the CRLs-risk score was further confirmed by cell lines, tissues and two independent CC cohorts. This study constructed a novel ten-CRLs-based prognosis model for CC patients. The CRLs-risk score is expected to serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and predict targeted therapy response in CC patients.
The relation between Zanstra temperature and morphology in planetary nebulae

We have created a master list of Zanstra temperatures for 373 galactic planetary nebulae based upon a compilation of 1575 values taken from the published literature. These are used to evaluate mean trends in temperature for differing nebular morphologies. Among the most prominent results of this analysis is the tendency for η=TZ(He ii)/TZ(He i) to increase with nebular radius, a trend which is taken to arise from the evolution of shell optical depths. We find that as many as 87 per cent of nebulae may be optically thin to H ionizing radiation where radii exceed ∼0.16 pc. We also note that the distributions of values η and TZ(He ii) are quite different for circular, elliptical and bipolar nebulae. A comparison of observed temperatures with theoretical H-burning tracks suggests that elliptical and circular sources arise from progenitors with mean mass 〈MPG〉≅ 1 M⊙ (although the elliptical progenitors are probably more massive). Higher-temperature elliptical sources are likely to derive from progenitors with mass ≅2 M⊙, however, implying that these nebulae (at least) are associated with a broad swathe of progenitor masses. Such a conclusion is also supported by trends in mean galactic latitude. It is found that higher-temperature elliptical sources have much lower mean latitudes 〈b〉 than those with smaller TZ(He ii), a trend which is explicable where there is an increase in 〈MPG〉 with increasing TZ(He ii). This latitude–temperature variation also applies for most other sources. Bipolar nebulae appear to have mean progenitor masses ≅2.5 M⊙, whilst jets, Brets and other highly collimated outflows are associated with progenitors at the other end of the mass range (〈MPG〉∼ 1 M⊙). Indeed it is possible, given their large mean latitudes and low peak temperatures, that the latter nebulae are associated with the lowest-mass progenitors of all. The present results appear fully consistent with earlier analyses based upon nebular scale heights, shell abundances and the relative proportions of differing morphologies, and offer further evidence for a link between progenitor mass and morphology.
The disk-halo interaction - Superbubbles and the structure of the interstellar medium

A chimney model for the Galaxy is presented and its underlying physical principles are explained. The crucial point of the model is that the Galactic disk and halo are connected by chimneys which are a consequence of superbubbles bursting out of the disk forming these collimated structures through which the global mass and energy exchange flows from disk to halo. For canonical Galaxy parameters, the chimney phase is found to be associated with a mass flow rate of 0.3-3 solar masses/yr and a global power input of 10 to the 40th to 10 to the 42nd ergs/s. 72 refs.
A DERIVATIVE TEST FOR FINITE SOLUTIONS OF GAMES

Abstract : Karlin (AD-603 995) introduced a class of payoff functions M, related to convex payoff functions, for which optimal strategies with at most a finite number of points of increase always exist. The purpose of this paper is to give a proof for all n of the theorem concerning these functions which Karlin proved for n<or=5.
Femtosecond laser-tissue interactions: Retinal injury studies

We report the first study of laser-tissue interaction in the femtosecond time regime. Retinal damage thresholds and mechanisms produced by exposure to high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses were investigated in chinchilla grey rabbits. Exposures were performed using single laser pulses of 80 fs duration at 625 nm. ED 50 injury thresholds of 0.75 and 4.5 μJ were measured using fluorescein angiographic and ophthalmoscopic visibility criteria evaluating 204 laser exposures. Ultrastructural studies including light and electron microscopy were performed on selected lesions. Results suggest that the primary energy deposition in the retina occurs in melanin, However, in contrast to laser injuries produced by longer pulses, exposures of more than 100 × threshold in the 50-100 \mu J range did not produce significantly more severe lesions or hemorrhage. This suggests the presence of a nonlinear damage limiting mechanics in tissue exposed to femtosecond laser pulses.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulations of Single Bubble Deformation and Breakup in a Shear Flow

Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is used to simulate the deformation and breakup of single bubble in a shear flow. Numerical simulations of single bubble deformation are qualitatively compared with experimental results in a shear flow. Respectively the rotation angle θ is quantitatively compared with experimental results according to different capillary numbers (Ca), which shows numerical simulations are in agreement with the experimental results and theoretical results. Finally, the breakup process of single bubble in a shear flow is simulated straightforwardly.
Estimates for complete exponential sums of special types

This paper is concerned with the exponential sums (formula here) and with Heilbronn's type exponential sums (formula here) where (and below) p is prime, m, n, a and b are integers with m > n > 0 and p [nmid ] ab, and er(x) = exp(2πix/r) as usual.
Consequences of the memoryless property for random variables

Transistors and fledged robins, along with certain other physical objects and biological organisms, share a common property: they seem not to "age. " The failure or death of the item appears to be the result of some sudden event rather than of gradual wear or deterioration. In other words, if the item has survived at least a time units, then the (conditional) probability that it survives at least an additional b units is independent of a. The item appears to "forget" how long it has survived or lived, in the sense that the probabilities for remaining life do not depend on the age of the item. Such a property is commonly called the memoryless or lack-of-memory property. We will consider the question of what sorts of distributions a memoryless random variable can have. Formally, the random variable X is said to have the memoryless property on S if for all a, b in S,
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of immunocompromised patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia: A single-center retrospective cohort study

Background Immunocompromised patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) warrant special attention because they comprise a growing proportion of patients and tend to have poor clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics and outcomes of immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with SCAP, and to investigate the risk factors for mortality in these patients. Methods We conducted retrospective observational cohort study of patients aged ≥18 years admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of an academic tertiary hospital with SCAP between January 2017 and December 2019 and compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Results Among the 393 patients, 119 (30.3%) were immunocompromised. Corticosteroid (51.2%) and immunosuppressive drug (23.5%) therapies were the most common causes. Compared to immunocompetent patients, immunocompromised patients had a higher frequency of polymicrobial infection (56.6 vs. 27.5%, P < 0.001), early mortality (within 7 days) (26.1 vs. 13.1%, P = 0.002), and ICU mortality (49.6 vs. 37.6%, P = 0.027). The pathogen distributions differed between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Among immunocompromised patients, Pneumocystis jirovecii and cytomegalovirus were the most common pathogens. Immunocompromised status (OR: 2.043, 95% CI: 1.114–3.748, P = 0.021) was an independent risk factor for ICU mortality. Independent risk factors for ICU mortality in immunocompromised patients included age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio [OR]: 9.098, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.472–56.234, P = 0.018), SOFA score [OR: 1.338, 95% CI: 1.048–1.708, P = 0.019), lymphocyte count < 0.8 × 109/L (OR: 6.640, 95% CI: 1.463–30.141, P = 0.014), D-dimer level (OR: 1.160, 95% CI: 1.013–1.329, P = 0.032), FiO2 > 0.7 (OR: 10.228, 95% CI: 1.992–52.531, P = 0.005), and lactate level (OR: 4.849, 95% CI: 1.701–13.825, P = 0.003). Conclusions Immunocompromised patients with SCAP have distinct clinical characteristics and risk factors that should be considered in their clinical evaluation and management.
Neurotrophic Factors as Regenerative Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Status, Challenges and Future Perspectives

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by acute or chronic progressive loss of one or several neuronal subtypes. However, despite their increasing prevalence, little progress has been made in successfully treating these diseases. Research has recently focused on neurotrophic factors (NTFs) as potential regenerative therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge, challenges, and future perspectives of NTFs with a direct regenerative effect in chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Various systems for delivery of NTFs, such as stem and immune cells, viral vectors, and biomaterials, have been applied to deliver exogenous NTFs to the central nervous system, with promising results. The challenges that currently need to be overcome include the amount of NTFs delivered, the invasiveness of the delivery route, the blood–brain barrier permeability, and the occurrence of side effects. Nevertheless, it is important to continue research and develop standards for clinical applications. In addition to the use of single NTFs, the complexity of chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases may require combination therapies targeting multiple pathways or other possibilities using smaller molecules, such as NTF mimetics, for effective treatment.
Fabrication of Stimuli-Responsive Quince/Mucin Co-Poly (Methacrylate) Hydrogel Matrices for the Controlled Delivery of Acyclovir Sodium: Design, Characterization and Toxicity Evaluation

Free-radical polymerization technique was adopted to fabricate a stimuli-responsive intelligent quince/mucin co-poly (methacrylate) hydrogel for the controlled delivery of acyclovir sodium. The developed hydrogel matrices were appraised using different parameters, such as drug loading (%), swelling kinetics, pH- and electrolyte-responsive swelling, and sol–gel fraction. Drug-excipient compatibility study, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis, in vitro drug release studies, drug release kinetics and acute oral toxicity studies were conducted. The results of drug loading revealed an acyclovir sodium loading of 63–75% in different formulations. The hydrogel discs exhibited pH-responsive swelling behavior, showing maximum swelling in a phosphate buffer with a pH of 7.4, but negligible swelling was obvious in an acidic buffer with a pH of 1.2. The swelling kinetics of the developed hydrogel discs exhibited second-order kinetics. Moreover, the hydrogel discs responded to the concentration of electrolytes (CaCl2 and NaCl). The results of the FTIR confirm the formation of the hydrogel via free-radical polymerization. However, the major peaks of acyclovir remain intact, proving drug-excipient compatibility. The results of the SEM analysis reveal the porous, rough surface of the hydrogel discs with multiple cracks and pores over the surface. The results of the PXRD disclose the amorphous nature of the fabricated hydrogel. The dissolution studies showed a minor amount of acyclovir sodium released in an acidic environment, while an extended release up to 36 h in the phosphate buffer was observed. The drug release followed Hixen–Crowell’s kinetics with Fickian diffusion mechanism. The toxicity studies demonstrated the non-toxic nature of the polymeric carrier system. Therefore, these results signify the quince/mucin co-poly (methacrylate) hydrogel as a smart material with the potential to deliver acyclovir into the intestine for an extended period of time.
A new approach to robust fault detection and identification

A methodology for instrument fault detection and identification (FDI) in linear dynamical systems subject to plant parameter variations or uncertainties is presented. At the heart of this approach is a robust estimator for which the necessary and sufficient conditions to its existence are outlined. The robust estimator can simultaneously estimate the unmeasurable state variables of the system for the purpose of control and provide necessary information for FDI purposes. A novel feature of this approach is that it can actually identify the shape and magnitude of the failures. The scheme allows for fast and accurate FDI, and can account for structural uncertainties and variations in the parameters of the dynamical model of the system. The overall fault tolerant control system strategy proposed is verified through simulation studies performed on the control of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft in the vertical plane. >
Structural Basis of the Interaction of the G Proteins, Gαi1, Gβ1γ2 and Gαi1β1γ2, with Membrane Microdomains and Their Relationship to Cell Localization and Activity

GPCRs receive signals from diverse messengers and activate G proteins that regulate downstream signaling effectors. Efficient signaling is achieved through the organization of these proteins in membranes. Thus, protein–lipid interactions play a critical role in bringing G proteins together in specific membrane microdomains with signaling partners. Significantly, the molecular basis underlying the membrane distribution of each G protein isoform, fundamental to fully understanding subsequent cell signaling, remains largely unclear. We used model membranes with lipid composition resembling different membrane microdomains, and monomeric, dimeric and trimeric Gi proteins with or without single and multiple mutations to investigate the structural bases of G protein–membrane interactions. We demonstrated that cationic amino acids in the N-terminal region of the Gαi1 and C-terminal region of the Gγ2 subunit, as well as their myristoyl, palmitoyl and geranylgeranyl moieties, define the differential G protein form interactions with membranes containing different lipid classes (PC, PS, PE, SM, Cho) and the various microdomains they may form (Lo, Ld, PC bilayer, charged, etc.). These new findings in part explain the molecular basis underlying amphitropic protein translocation to membranes and localization to different membrane microdomains and the role of these interactions in cell signal propagation, pathophysiology and therapies targeted to lipid membranes.
Healthy lifestyles and wellbeing reduce neuroinflammation and prevent neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders

Since the mid-20th century, Western societies have considered productivity and economic outcomes are more important than focusing on people’s health and wellbeing. This focus has created lifestyles with high stress levels, associated with overconsumption of unhealthy foods and little exercise, which negatively affect people’s lives, and subsequently lead to the development of pathologies, including neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle to maintain wellbeing may slow the onset or reduce the severity of pathologies. It is a win-win for everyone; for societies and for individuals. A balanced lifestyle is increasingly being adopted globally, with many doctors encouraging meditation and prescribing non-pharmaceutical interventions to treat depression. In psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, the inflammatory response system of the brain (neuroinflammation) is activated. Many risks factors are now known to be linked to neuroinflammation such as stress, pollution, and a high saturated and trans fat diet. On the other hand, many studies have linked healthy habits and anti-inflammatory products with lower levels of neuroinflammation and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Sharing risk and protective factors is critical so that individuals can make informed choices that promote positive aging throughout their lifespan. Most strategies to manage neurodegenerative diseases are palliative because neurodegeneration has been progressing silently for decades before symptoms appear. Here, we focus on preventing neurodegenerative diseases by adopting an integrated “healthy” lifestyle approach. This review summarizes the role of neuroinflammation on risk and protective factors of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.