Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical Roles of Leucine-Rich α2-Glycoprotein-1 in Cell Death and Survival Modulated by Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 and Cytochrome c

Leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1) has been shown to impact both apoptosis and cell survival, pleiotropic effects similar to one of its known ligands, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). Recent studies have given insight into the TGF-β1 signaling pathways involved in LRG1-mediated death versus survival signaling, i.e., canonical or non-canonical. Interaction of LRG1 with another ligand, extracellular cytochrome c (Cyt c), promotes cell survival, at least for lymphocytes. LRG1 has been shown to bind Cyt c with high affinity, higher than it binds TGF-β1, making it sensitive to small changes in the level of extracellular Cyt c within a microenvironment that may arise from cell death. Evidence is presented here that LRG1 can bind TGF-β1 and Cyt c simultaneously, raising the possibility that the ternary complex may present a signaling module with the net effect of signaling, cell death versus survival, determined by the relative extent to which the LRG1 binding sites are occupied by these two ligands. A possible role for LRG1 should be considered in studies where extracellular effects of TGF-β1 and Cyt c have been observed in media supplemented with LRG1-containing serum.
Including Host Availability and Climate Change Impacts on the Global Risk Area of Carpomya pardalina (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Fruit flies are a well-known invasive species, and climate-based risk modeling is used to inform risk analysis of these pests. However, such research tends to focus on already well-known invasive species. This paper illustrates that appropriate risk modeling can also provide valuable insights for flies which are not yet “on the radar. ” Carpomya pardalina is a locally important cucurbit-infesting fruit fly of western and central Asia, but it may present a risk to other temperate countries where melons are grown. MaxEnt models were used to map the risk area for this species under historical and future climate conditions averaged from three global climate models under two shared socio-economic pathways in 2030 and 2070 from higher climate sensitivity models based on the upcoming 2021 IPCC sixth assessment report. The results showed that a total of 47.64% of the world’s land mass is climatically suitable for the fly; it could establish widely around the globe both under current and future climates with host availability. Our MaxEnt modeling highlights particularly that Western China, Russia, and other European countries should pay attention to this currently lesser-known melon fly and the melons exported from the present countries. The current and expanding melon trade could offer direct invasion pathways to those regions. While this study offers specific risk information on C. pardalina, it also illustrates the value of applying climate-based distribution modeling to species with limited geographic distributions.
Connect 2 Care, a Novel Community Outreach Program for Vulnerably Housed Patients With High Acute Care Use: A Mixed-Methods Study Protocol

Introduction: Vulnerably housed individuals, especially those experiencing homelessness, have higher acute care use compared with the general population. Despite available primary care and social services, many face significant challenges accessing needed services. Connect 2 Care (C2C) is a novel transitional case management program that includes registered nurses and health navigators with complementary expertise in chronic disease management, mental health and addictions, social programs, community health, and housing, financial, transportation and legal resources. C2C bridges acute care and community services to improve care coordination. Methods and Analysis: We will perform a mixed-methods evaluation of the C2C program according to the Donabedian framework of structure, process and outcome, to understand how program structure and process, coupled with contextual factors, influence outcomes in a novel intervention. Eligible patients are homeless or unstably housed adults with complex health conditions and high acute care use. Change in emergency department visit rate 12-months after program enrolment is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include 12-month post-enrolment hospital admissions, cumulative hospital days, health-related quality of life, housing status, primary care attachment and substance use. Qualitative methods will explore experiences with the C2C program from multiple perspectives and an economic evaluation will assess cost-effectiveness. Discussion: Academic researchers partnered with community service providers to evaluate a novel transitional case management intervention for vulnerably housed patients with high acute-care use. The study uses mixed-methods to evaluate the Connect 2 Care program according to the Donabedian framework of structure, process and outcome, including an assessment of contextual factors that influence program success. Insights gained through this comprehensive evaluation will help refine the C2C program and inform decisions about sustainability and transferability to other settings in Canada.
Social Recommendation for Social Networks Using Deep Learning Approach: A Systematic Review, Taxonomy, Issues, and Future Directions

Due to the rise of social media, a vast volume of information is shared daily. Finding relevant and acceptable information has become more challenging as the Internet’s information flow has changed and more options have been available. Various recommendation systems have been proposed and successfully used for different applications. This paper presents a taxonomy of deep learning algorithms for social recommendation by examining selected papers using a systematic literature review approach. Forty-six publications were chosen from research published between 2016 and 2022 in six major online libraries. The main purpose of this research is to provide a brief review of published studies to assist future researchers in establishing new strategies in this field. The implantation of deep learning in recommender systems proved to be very effective and achieved competitive performance. Different methods and domains have been summarized to find the most appropriate method and domain.
Caracterização de materiais luminescentes nanoestruturados de composição ZnO em função do método de síntese através da incorporação de Mg

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a n-type semiconductor with a large band gap which has received considerable attention because of its optical properties and technological applications. Different methods of sample preparation, as well as the incorporation of magnesium atoms, modify the ZnO band gap, changing the intensity of the luminescence, without major changes in its crystalline structure. In this study, nanostructured ZnO samples were prepared by three different preparation methods (polymeric precursors, solvotermal and co-precipitation) and with the incorporation of different amounts of magnesium (Zn1-xMgxO). The X-ray diffraction results show that Zn1-xMgxO samples crystallized completely without the presence of secondary phases (up to 20% of magnesium) and the diffraction patterns correspond to the hexagonal wurtzite structure with space group P63mc. The characterization by scanning electron microscopy showed that the prepared samples have nanometric dimensions and that the increase of the calcination temperature causes an increase in the particle size. Results obtained with photoluminescence spectroscopy show an emission centered in the green region for all samples, which is caused by defects in the crystalline structure associated with oxygen vacancies. As the concentration of Mg increases, an increase of this emission is observed. This technique also showed an emission in the orange region at ~ 600 nm for samples prepared by co-precipitation and solvotermal due to interstitial Zn-type defects and Zn(OH)2 formation on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles, whose existence is confirmed with Raman spectroscopy measurements. Results obtained with the X-ray absorption spectroscopy technique (XANES and EXAFS) at the Zn K-edge exhibit the occurrence of oxygen vacancies and these vacancies may be related to the emission in the green region of the photoluminescence spectra. Moreover, these techniques also confirm that the incorporation of magnesium does not generate great changes in the crystalline structure.
Food consumption patterns of the urban adult population in the field practice area of a teaching hospital in Kolkata, using food frequency questionnaire

Background: Nutrition transition has replaced homemade foods with processed items that increased the prevalence of noncommunicable disease in adult population. But we know little about the food intake pattern of adults specially in urban sector. Aims: The study aimed at describing the food-consumption patterns in a sample of adults residing in urban area. Settings and Design: An observational cross-sectional study was done from April to June, 2019 at urban field practice area of a teaching hospital of Kolkata. Methods and Material: A prevalidated, pretested, 51-item, food-frequency questionnaire was applied to assess the food-consumption pattern of 110 participants. Results: Adults reported poor dietary intakes; more than half reported no consumption of green-leafy vegetables (GLV) (66.4%), other vegetables (52.8%), and fruits (63.6%). Whereas 72.7% reported consumption of three or more servings of energy-dense foods and 90.9% reported consumption of three or more servings of energy-dense beverages on previous day. Mean intake of food varied from 0.34 (SD = 0.47) for GLV to 8.19 (SD = 2.39) for cereals. Females consumed more servings of GLV, other vegetables, roots-tubers, and fruits than males. Fruit consumption was low in all age groups. Higher socioeconomic class people strikingly consumed no GLV. Conclusions: Study participants reported consumption of more energy-dense snacks, beverages than healthy food like GLV, fruits. Study findings highlight to design strategies to promote nutrition education and practical application of healthy food habits in target population group.
Comparison of demographic, clinical, spirometry, and radiological parameters between smoking and non-smoking COPD patients in rural Gujarat, India

Context: A total of 20% of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) patients are non-smokers due to preventable causes, such as biomass fuel exposure, post tuberculous sequelae, occupational exposure, air pollution, persistent chronic asthma, and genetic predisposition. Aims: To compare smokers and non-smokers with COPD. Settings and Design: An observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital on 60 patients diagnosed with COPD, (GOLD criteria), who were divided into smoker and non-smoker groups. Subjects and Methods: Demographic data, clinical profile, smoking history, and radiological data were collected and compared. Exclusion criteria were individuals having active pulmonary tuberculosis and reversible air flow limitations. Statistical Analysis Used: Using STATA 14.2, quantitative and qualitative data were presented using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 100% of smokers were male, whereas 70% of non-smokers were female. Compared to non-smokers (16.67%), smokers (26.6%) presented with higher grade of dyspnea. A statistically significant difference was seen with more smokers diagnosed as severe (40%) and very severe (30%) COPD compared to non-smokers with mild (16.67%) and moderate (46.67%) COPD (P < 0.012), Post bronchodilator FEV1 among smokers (42.63) compared to non-smokers (56.63) (P < 0.01) and decrease in FEV1 as the grade of dyspnea increased (P < 0.002). Compared to 36.67% in non-smokers, 70% smokers showed emphysematous x-rays. Conclusions: In our study we found majority of non-smokers to be female, and smokers had a higher grade of dyspnea, more severe COPD, lower post bronchodilator FEV1, and more emphysematous changes on x-rays.
Herd immunity: Deadly or defensive

Herd immunity, the most popular idea that is floating around in the minds of the general public, has now become a household name. It is a type of indirect protection wherein communities become immune to a contagious disease and as a consequence, it is supportive to those who are vulnerable like those having an underactive immune system. It protects and reduces the need to vaccinate each and every person thus protecting even the nonvaccinated ones. No doubt herd immunity is genuine, and it can be achieved in two ways, either naturally by infection or artificially by vaccinations. [1,2]
Spectroscopic Ellipsometry and Microstructure Characterization of Photochromic Oxygen‐Containing Yttrium Hydride Thin Films

Oxygen‐containing yttrium hydride, YHx:Oy, is an inorganic phothochromic material which exhibits promising features for its application in smart windows, ophthalmic lenses, and many more. In the present work the optical properties of photochromic and non‐photochromic YHx:Oy thin films prepared by magnetron sputtering are studied by variable angle ellipsometry and spectrophotometry. These include the study of the complex refractive index, the transmittance, and luminous transmittance, as well as the reflectance of a selection of samples of diverse structural properties obtained under different deposition conditions. In the case of the photochromic YHx:Oy thin films, the refractive index in the near infrared and visible regions is found similar to the one corresponding to yttrium oxide, Y2O3. However, the YHx:Oy films exhibit a smaller band gap and hence higher absorption in the near ultraviolet than Y2O3. The photodarkening potential of the films are also quantified and characterized by the study and modeling of their optical properties before and after illumination. Our results show that photochromic YHx:Oy films, with a luminous transmittance above 80 % in the clear state, can reduce its transparency up to a 30% after 1 h illumination at 1 Sun.
Carbon additive structure influence on electrochemical double-layer capacitor electrode behavior

Electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLC) are widely used as power sources for peak load or peak generation leveling in transport and stationary applications sometimes in combination with accumulator battery. For such applications EDLC need low sensitivity (from lifetime and capacity point of view) to high current mode operation, which is usually crucial for traditional accumulators’ types. Capacity loss in high current mode operation due to both transport and resistive limitations is observed both for accumulators and supercapacitors but much less for latter due to initial low internal resistance and electrochemical reactions absence. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and nanofibers (CNF) as alternative to carbon blacks as conductive additive for electrodes are good possibility to improve high current operation both for accumulators and EDLC. This paper is devoted to investigation of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers comparison with traditional carbon black additive. CNF structure usually contains more defects and has lower aspect ratio than single-walled nanotubes but this kind of materials is less expensive than CNT, that is also important for final customer. Electrode samples with Vulcan XC72R carbon black were prepared for reference measurements. All electrode samples were tested in galvanostatic charge-discharge mode at different current levels in laboratory-scale EDLC cell, characterized by impedance spectroscopy. Obtained results showed improved high-current operation for CNT-containing electrodes. Economic estimation for different kinds of additives has also been carried out.
Prevalence, Severity, and Predictors of Poststroke Depression in a Prospective Cohort of Jordanian Patients

Poststroke depression (PSD) is common and remains a significant risk factor for poor outcomes. This prospective study is aimed at assessing the prevalence, severity, and predictors of PSD among Jordanian stroke survivors. A total of 151 patients who were consequently admitted to a tertiary teaching hospital with ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes were enrolled. Participants were screened on admission for premorbid depression using the PHQ-9 questionnaire; then, screening for PSD was repeated one and three months after stroke using the same tool. Depression prevalence at each screening was reported, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate for significant predictors. PHQ-9 scores suggestive of depression were reported by 15%, 24.83%, and 17.39% of respondents on admission and after one and three months, respectively. Scores suggesting severe depression were reported by 0.71%, 2.13%, and 6.52% of respondents, respectively. Significant predictors of PSD were having chronic kidney disease, current smoking status, moderate or severe disability (mRS score) at stroke onset, and severe dependence (BI) after one month (p values 0.007, 0,002, 0.014, and 0.031, respectively). Patients with secondary and high school education levels were less likely to get depression compared with illiterate patients (p 0.042). This study showed that nearly one in four Jordanian stroke survivors experienced PSD after one month. In contrast, while the overall PSD prevalence declined towards the end of follow-up period, patients who remained depressed showed a tendency towards higher PSD severity.
Association Between Subjective-Objective Discrepancy of Sleeping Time and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Community-Based Polysomnographic Study

This is the largest study to date comprising 2540 community-based participants with polysomnographic data, examining sleep underestimation and overestimation in relation to quality of life. More than one-third of participants estimated their sleeping time significantly more or less than the objective polysomnographic sleeping time. These sleep underestimators and overestimators, compared with normoestimators, reported a poor quality of life (physical and mental aspects), suggesting a substantial prevalence and mental health comorbidity of subjective-objective discrepancy in sleep. ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate the existence of a difference in quality of life (QOL) between individuals with and without significant subjective-objective discrepancy (SOD) in total sleep time (TST). Methods From the Sleep Heart Health Study 2, 2540 individuals who had completed polysomnography, a morning sleep survey, and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were included in the analyses. The participants were classified as normoestimators (estimation of TST <±60 minutes), underestimators (underestimation of TST ≥60 minutes), or overestimators (overestimation of TST ≥60 minutes). The standardized SF-36 QOL scores were compared among the three groups. An adjusted partial correlation analysis was conducted between SOD and QOL. Results Of the 2540 participants, 1617 (63.7%), 433 (17.0%), and 490 (19.3%) were assigned to the normoestimator, underestimator, and overestimator groups, respectively. The bodily pain and social functioning components of the SF-36 score were significantly lower in the underestimators than in the normoestimators, whereas the physical functioning component was significantly lower in the overestimators than in the normoestimators. The absolute value of SOD in the TST showed a significant negative correlation with the physical and mental components of the SF-36. Conclusions QOL was significantly better in the normoestimator than in the other groups and linearly correlated with the absolute value of SOD. This study suggests that a high prevalence of positive and negative sleep misperception in a community population can be a potential factor associated with poor QOL and potential comorbidities.
Supramolecular polymersomes constructed from water-soluble pillar[5]arene and cationic poly(glutamamide)s and their applications in targeted anticancer drug delivery

The development of smart and targeted drug delivery systems has promising potential to revolutionize cancer chemotherapy. Herein, supramolecular polymersomes were constructed using biocompatible water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) and cationic poly(glutamamide)s (polymer 1) with good biodegradability. Based on the host–guest complexation between WP5 and butyl-ammonium groups on polymer 1, stable supramolecular macromolecular amphiphiles were obtained, which could self-assemble into supramolecular polymersomes. Furthermore, the generated polymersomes were able to encapsulate the hydrophilic anticancer drug mitoxantrone (MTZ) to achieve MTZ-loaded polymersomes. Importantly, decorated with biotin ligands on the surface, these polymersomes exhibited good targeting ability to deliver MTZ specifically to biotin receptor-positive cancer cells. After internalization into cancer cells, the loaded MTZ was released efficiently triggered by the acidic environment-induced polymersome disassembly. Moreover, MTZ-loaded polymersomes with targeting ligands on their surface could not only enhance the anticancer efficiency of MTZ but also effectively reduce the undesirable side effects on normal cells. The present work provides a novel strategy for the construction of smart supramolecular polymersomes, which may hold potential biomedical applications in targeted drug delivery.
A Validation Study on PEPEC Based on Content-related Evidence

For the purpose of improving the overall flight English proficiency of Chinese pilots to ensure civil aviation flight safety, PEPEC expert group has conducted a series of researches in 2020 to optimize PEPEC test system. This study, employing ICAO rating scale and open-ended interview, validated PEPEC 900 Sentence Recitation optimized tasks administered in August 2020 on the basis of content-related evidence theory. The results indicate that:1) test tasks adequately represented the proposed constructs; 2) the objectives defined in each combination task were generally consistent with the test task objectives. Considering the evidence listed above, the conclusion of the study is that PEPEC 900 Sentence Recitation optimized tasks are of high validity in terms of content-related evidence.
The Improvement of Wireless Sensor Networks Node Location Algorithm in Extreme Environment

WSN is a wireless network composed of quantities of sensor nodes in a self-organizing multi-hop mode. Its used for perceive, collect and handling the information data to the monitoring center or the terminal user, to realize the communication between “people and things” and “things and things”. Among them, position fixing technology is the basic technology of many applications of WSN. The using of sensor nodes for positioning is very valuable in many practical applications. This paper introduces a modified DV-Hop location algorithm without range measurement, which has the characteristics of high positioning accuracy, low cost, low energy consumption, etc., and has important practical significance. The simulation results show that the positioning accuracy will be higher, because the process is easy to improve the calculation, does not need to add additional hardware, so it has a strong applicability.