Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antigestagens Mediate the Expression of Decidualization Markers, Extracellular Matrix Factors and Connexin 43 in Decidualized Dog Uterine Stromal (DUS) Cells

Simple Summary Adequate embryo-maternal communication is essential for a successful pregnancy. In the dog, this interaction is intimately associated with maternal stroma-derived decidual cells, the only cell population in the canine placenta expressing the nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR) and, therefore, sensitive to the circulating progesterone levels. Prepartum decrease of progesterone or clinical application of PGR blockers (antigestagens, e.g., aglepristone and mifepristone) induce placental release of luteolytic factors and terminate pregnancy. However, the importance of progesterone for decidual cells functionality has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of PGR blockers on the expression of markers of decidualization and cellular viability, as well as on epithelial and mesenchymal factors in in vitro decidualized dog uterine stromal (DUS) cells. Decidualization increased the expression of the respective markers, including factors involved in cell growth and prostaglandin synthesis. Their expression was suppressed by the application of antigestagens. Additionally, the expression of factors involved in tissue remodeling and cell-cell communication was increased, and antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects were induced in decidualized cells. Altogether, progesterone signaling appears to be crucial for modulating decidual cells physiology and biological activity, and thus for the maintenance of pregnancy. Abstract Feto-maternal communication in the dog involves the differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells. As the only placental cells expressing the nuclear progesterone (P4) receptor (PGR), decidual cells play crucial roles in the maintenance and termination of pregnancy. Accordingly, to investigate possible PGR-mediated mechanisms in canine decidual cells, in vitro decidualized dog uterine stromal (DUS) cells were treated with functional PGR-blockers, mifepristone and aglepristone. Effects on decidualization markers, epithelial and mesenchymal factors, and markers of cellular viability were assessed. Decidualization increased the expression of PTGES, PGR, IGF1, and PRLR, along with ECM1, COL4 and CX43, but downregulated IGF2. DUS cells retained their mesenchymal character, and the expression of COL4 indicated the mesenchymal-epithelial transformation. Antigestagen treatment decreased the availability of PTGES, PRLR, IGF1 and PGR. Furthermore, antigestagens decreased the mRNA and protein expression of CX43, and transcriptional levels of ECM1 and COL4. Additionally, antigestagens increased levels of activated-CASP3 (a proapoptotic factor), associated with lowered levels of PCNA (a proliferation marker). These data reveal important aspects of the functional involvement of PGR in canine decidual cells, regarding the expression of decidualization markers and acquisition of epithelial-like characteristics. Some of these mechanisms may be crucial for the maintenance and/or termination of canine pregnancy.
Productively accelerating positron emission tomography image reconstruction on graphics processing units with Julia

Research in medical imaging is hampered by a lack of programming languages that support productive, flexible programming as well as high performance. In search for higher quality imaging, researchers can ideally experiment with novel algorithms using rapid-prototyping languages such as Python. However, to speed up image reconstruction, computational resources such as those of graphics processing units (GPUs) need to be used efficiently. Doing so requires re-programming the algorithms in lower-level programming languages such as CUDA C/C++ or rephrasing them in terms of existing implementations of established algorithms in libraries. The former has a detrimental impact on research productivity and requires system-level programming expertise, and the latter puts severe constraints on the flexibility to research novel algorithms. Here, we investigate the use of the Julia scientific programming language in the domain of PET image reconstruction as a means to obtain both high performance (portability) on GPUs and high programmer productivity and flexibility, all at once, without requiring expert GPU programming knowledge. Using rapid-prototyping features of Julia, we developed basic and performance-optimized GPU implementations of baseline maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) positron emission tomography (PET) image reconstruction algorithms, as well as multiple existing algorithmic extensions. Thus, we mimic the effort that researchers would have to invest to evaluate the quality and performance potential of algorithms. We evaluate the obtained performance and compare it to state-of-the-art existing implementations. We also analyse and compare the required programming effort. With the Julia implementations, performance in line with existing GPU implementations written in the low-level, unproductive programming language CUDA C is achieved, while requiring much less programming effort, even less than what is needed for much less performant CPU implementations in C++. Switching to Julia as the programming language of choice can therefore boost the productivity of research into medical imaging and deliver excellent performance at a low cost in terms of programming effort.
Static allometry of a threat device that is not a weapon: wing spots in male Heterandrium fallax (Hymenoptera Agaonidae)

Males of the agaonid wasp Heterandrium fallax have wing spots that they display during aggressive encounters near the ostioles of syconia of the fig Ficus pertusa, apparently in competition for the opportunity to copulate with emerging females. In accord with predictions of the “functional allometry hypothesis” for the allometry of structures that are under sexual selection as threat devices and that do not function as weapons, larger males tended to have proportionally larger wing spots. Some smaller males lacked spots, and smaller males were less likely to be collected near female emergence sites or to show antennal damage that probably results from male fights.
Short Video Viewing, and Not Sedentary Time, Is Associated with Overweightness/Obesity among Chinese Women

Previous studies have found that the relationship between sedentary time (ST) and overweightness/obesity is unclear. The association between sedentary behavior and overweightness/obesity may depend on the type of sedentary behavior engaged in. Nowadays, in older Chinese adults, especially females, short video viewing (SVV) is the most popular leisure sedentary behavior. However, the association between SVV and overweightness/obesity remains to be determined. This study aimed to examine the associations between ST and SVV and overweightness/obesity in Chinese community-dwelling older women. A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Physical Activity and Health in Older Women Study was carried out in this study. A total of 1105 older Chinese women aged 60–70 years were included. SVV was estimated using a self-reported questionnaire, and ST was objectively measured using a tri-axial accelerometer. Overweightness/obesity indicators, including body fat ratio (BFR), fat mass (FM), visceral fat mass (VFM), subcutaneous fat mass (SFM), trunk fat mass (TFM), and limb fat mass (LFM), were assessed using multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis. The covariates included socio-demographic data and a range of health-related factors. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between ST and SVV and overweightness/obesity. ST was significantly positively associated with all indicators of overweightness/obesity; however, the associations disappeared after adjusting for moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). A higher SVV time was associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05 to 0.32), BFR (β = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.56), FM (β = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.61), VFM (β = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.16), SFM (β = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.45), TFM (β = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.39), and LFM (β = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.23) in the fully adjusted models. Compared with non-food short videos, short food videos had a greater effect on overweightness/obesity. SVV was an independent risk factor for overweightness/obesity. A reduction in SVV (especially the food category) rather than ST might be an effective way to prevent overweightness/obesity when incorporated in future public health policy formulations.
Bioconversion of Keratin Wastes Using Keratinolytic Microorganisms to Generate Value-Added Products

The management of keratinous wastes generated from different industries is becoming a major concern across the world. In each year, more than a billion tons of keratin waste is released into the environment. Despite some trials that have been performed and utilize this waste into valuable products, still a huge amount of keratin waste from different sources is a less explored biomaterial for making valuable products. This indicates that the huge amount of keratin waste is neither disposed properly nor converted into usable products rather thrown away to the environment that causes environmental pollution. Due to the introduction of this waste associated with different pathogenic organisms into soil and water bodies, human beings and other small and large animals are affected by different diseases. Therefore, there is a need for modern and ecofriendly approaches to dispose and convert this waste into usable products. Hence, the objective of this review is to give a concise overview regarding the degradation of keratin waste by biological approaches using keratinase producing microorganisms. The review also focuses on the practical use of keratinases and the economical importance of bioconverted products of keratinous wastes for different applications. Various researches have been studied about the source, disposal mechanisms, techniques of hydrolysis, potential use, and physical and chemical properties of keratin wastes. However, there is negligible information with regard to the use of keratin wastes as media supplements for the growth of keratinolytic microorganisms and silver retrieval from photographic and used X-ray films. Hence, this review differs from other similar reviews in the literature in that it discusses these neglected concerns.
A review of climate change effects on practices for mitigating water quality impacts

Water quality practices are commonly implemented to reduce human impacts on land and water resources. In series or parallel in a landscape, systems of practices can reduce local and downstream pollution delivery. Many practices function via physical, chemical, and biological processes that are dependent on weather and climate. Climate change will alter the function of many such systems, though effects will vary in different hydroclimatic and watershed settings. Reducing the risk of impacts will require risk-based, adaptive planning. Here, we review the literature addressing climate change effects on practices commonly used to mitigate the water quality impacts of urban stormwater, agriculture, and forestry. Information from the general literature review is used to make qualitative inferences about the resilience of different types of practices. We discuss resilience in the context of two factors: the sensitivity of practice function to changes in climatic drivers, and the adaptability, or relative ease with which a practice can be modified as change occurs. While only a first step in addressing a complex topic, our aim is to help communities incorporate consideration of resilience to climate change as an additional factor in decisions about water quality practices to meet long-term goals.
High-Gain Dual-Band Dual-Sense Circularly Polarized Spiral Series-Fed Patch Antenna

This paper demonstrates a dual-band circularly polarized (CP) two-dimensional (2D) series-fed patch array antenna. The CP rotating sense in each band is opposite to each other, which makes them well-suited for the downlink and uplink in satellite applications. The antenna can be designed to achieve a very high gain with a simple feeding structure using spiral microsip line, which can be integrated on a single-layered substrate. A theoretical framework for this type of antennas has been developed, which facilitates an efficient and fast design procedure requiring minimal computational resource. A prototype has been fabricated and measured, showing operating bandwidths (overlapped 10-dB return loss, 3-dB gain, 3-dB axial ratio bandwidths) of about 7% and 5%, realized broadside gains of 21.5 and 22 dBic at 12 and 14 GHz bands, respectively. This is an outstanding performance considering that the antenna profile is only 0.03 free-space wavelength (at 12 GHz) and the ratio between two operating frequencies is very tight accounting to only 1.17.
Functional Devices from Bottom-Up Silicon Nanowires: A Review

This paper summarizes some of the essential aspects for the fabrication of functional devices from bottom-up silicon nanowires. In a first part, the different ways of exploiting nanowires in functional devices, from single nanowires to large assemblies of nanowires such as nanonets (two-dimensional arrays of randomly oriented nanowires), are briefly reviewed. Subsequently, the main properties of nanowires are discussed followed by those of nanonets that benefit from the large numbers of nanowires involved. After describing the main techniques used for the growth of nanowires, in the context of functional device fabrication, the different techniques used for nanowire manipulation are largely presented as they constitute one of the first fundamental steps that allows the nanowire positioning necessary to start the integration process. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these manipulation techniques are discussed. Then, the main families of nanowire-based transistors are presented; their most common integration routes and the electrical performance of the resulting devices are also presented and compared in order to highlight the relevance of these different geometries. Because they can be bottlenecks, the key technological elements necessary for the integration of silicon nanowires are detailed: the sintering technique, the importance of surface and interface engineering, and the key role of silicidation for good device performance. Finally the main application areas for these silicon nanowire devices are reviewed.
Cows’ Milk Allergy-Associated Constipation: When to Look for It? A Narrative Review

Constipation is a very common disorder, mostly functional in nature, that may persist for years in up to 35–52% of children. Food allergy prevalence, severity and persistence are increasing over time, and cows’ milk protein is the commonest food allergen recognised to affect gastrointestinal motility in children. There is mounting evidence of the role of cows’ milk (CM) allergy (CMA) in children with constipation. With this narrative review, we aim to provide clinicians with an updated and critical overview of food allergy-associated constipation. We searched Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Library, using keywords related to the topic. Only reviews and studies including children aged 0–17 years that were published in English were considered. Constipation has been reported in 4.6% of infants with CMA; the prevalence of food allergy underlying chronic constipation in children resistant to conventional treatment and presenting to tertiary clinics ranges between 28% and 78%. The identification of predisposing risk factors and of a specific phenotype of food allergy-induced constipation remains elusive. No allergic tests, radiological or motility investigations achieve sufficient sensitivity and specificity to screen children for CMA-related constipation. A 4-week cows’ milk protein (CMP) elimination diet may be considered for children with chronic constipation resistant to conventional treatment and who lack alarm sign/symptoms of organic diseases. In subjects with ameliorated symptoms on CMP elimination, the diagnosis of CMA should be confirmed by a food challenge to avoid an unnecessary protracted diet.
Federated Learning for Intrusion Detection in the Critical Infrastructures: Vertically Partitioned Data Use Case

One of the challenges in the Internet of Things systems is the security of the critical data, for example, data used for intrusion detection. The paper research construction of an intrusion detection system that ensures the confidentiality of critical data at a given level of intrusion detection accuracy. For this goal, federated learning is used to train an intrusion detection model. Federated learning is a computational model for distributed machine learning that allows different collaborating entities to train one global model without sharing data. This paper considers the case when entities have data that are different in attributes. Authors believe that it is a common situation for the critical systems constructed using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, when industrial objects are monitored by different sets of sensors. To evaluate the applicability of the federated learning for this case, the authors developed an approach and an architecture of the intrusion detection system for vertically partitioned data that consider the principles of federated learning and conducted the series of experiments. To model vertically partitioned data, the authors used the Secure Water Treatment (SWaT) data set that describes the functioning of the water treatment facility. The conducted experiments demonstrate that the accuracy of the intrusion detection model trained using federated learning is compared with the accuracy of the intrusion detection model trained using the centralized machine learning model. However, the computational efficiency of the learning and inference process is currently extremely low. It is explained by the application of homomorphic encryption for input data protection from different data owners or data sources. This defines the necessity to elaborate techniques for generating attributes that could model horizontally partitioned data even for the cases when the collaborating entities share datasets that differ in their attributes.
Problems and Verification System of Probiotics as Livestock-environment Improving Agent Produced and Circulated

Probiotics are live organisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on hosts. The administration of direct-fed microbials (DFM) such as lactobacilli and bacillus, may be a more direct approach to beneficially alter gastrointestinal microflora than altering dietary ingredients or supplementing with growth-promoting levels of antibiotics. It is apparent that microbes have an important influence on immune development and resistance to infection; that microbes are not static colonizers of our bodies, but are dynamic, symbiotic coresidents. And it can improve the surrounding environments; decrease the malodor caused by degrade the excrement. Recently, new paradigm such as environment protection and safe food have been settled. In domestic farm house, there is a great demand for probiotics as a substitute of antibiotics for the improvement of environmental quality and the production of a competitive goods. Probiotics circulated in a country have three categories: an animal medicine permitted by national veterinary research quarantine service (NVRQS), a support feed registered in city or country house, and not-registered goods. However, lots of unqualified goods were produced and circulated. And thus, it is in urgent need of evaluating the present situation and effect of probiotics. This study was conducted to evaluate the system of a probiotics as a livestock-environment improving agents for the alternation of antibiotics and quality control of it.
Dynamic Allocation and Sharing of Millimeter-Wave Spectrum with Indoor Small Cells in Multioperator Environments toward 6G

In this article, we propose a two-level dynamic spectrum allocation and sharing (DSAS) technique to address both spectrum liberalization and spectrum flexibility for more progressive spectrum management so as to improve the countrywide spectrum utilization of the 28-GHz millimeter-wave (mmWave). More specifically, to liberalize allocating countrywide spectrum to MNOs, in level 1 (i.e., primary) spectrum allocation (PSA), each mobile network operator (MNO) is assigned with an amount of 28-GHz spectrum corresponding to its number of subscribers for a certain spectrum renewal term, whereas, to exploit spectrum flexibility, in level 2 (i.e., secondary) spectrum sharing (SSS), when no user equipment is present inside the building, the allocated spectrum to an MNO in PSA is allowed to share with small cells of another MNO in a building. We estimate the amount of spectrum for each MNO in both PSA and SSS. We derive system-level average capacity, spectral efficiency (SE), energy efficiency (EE), and cost efficiency (CE) for the proposed DSAS technique, as well as the traditional static licensed spectrum access (SLSA) technique as a baseline. In addition, we discuss the implementation perspectives of DSAS. With numerical and simulation studies on an arbitrary country with four MNOs, we evaluate and then compare the performances of both the proposed DSAS technique and the SLSA technique. It is shown that the DSAS technique can improve both the capacity and the SE by 204.78%, whereas the EE and the CE by 67.19%, over that of the SLSA technique. Finally, we show that, by applying the DSAS technique, the prospective requirements of SE and EE for sixth-generation (6G) networks can be achieved by reusing the 28-GHz spectrum to 64.86% fewer buildings of small cells than that required by the SLSA technique.
An experimental study on relationship between degradation of thyroglobulin and postmortem Interval by immunohistochemistry

objective investigate the relationship between degradation of thyroglobulin and postmortem interval(PMI). Methods Thyroid gland tissues sampled from 150 corpses with PMI within 21 days,were immunostained by Enhaced Polymer One-step(EPOS) method.Thyroglobulin-positive thyroid glands from 63 cases(PMI≤5d) were analyzed by computerized image system.The data collected were processed statistically.Results In corpses with PMI≤5d,the colloid and the follicular cells of the thyroid glands revealed positive immunostaining of different intensity,whereas in those with PMI over 13d,the tissues showed no immunoreaction.Coefficients for integral optical density,distribution density and targeted area in relation to PMI reflecting the degradation of the thyroglobulin,were 0.9794,0.9732 and 0.9884,respectively.Conclusion Degradation of thyroglobulin of thyroid glands varies with PMI,which shows a strong correlation between degradation of thyroglobulin and PMI.
PyNumDiff: A Python package for numerical differentiation of noisy time-series data

The numerical computation of derivatives is ubiquitous in every scientific discipline and engineering application because derivatives express fundamental relationships among many quantities of interest. As a result, a large number of diverse algorithms have been developed to differentiate numerical data. These efforts are challenging because, in reality, practitioners often have sparse and noisy measurements and data, which undermine the ability to estimate accurate derivatives. Among the diversity of mathematical approaches that have been formulated, many are ad hoc in nature and require significant bespoke tuning of multiple parameters to produce reasonable results. Thus, at a practical level, it is often unclear which method should be used, how to choose parameters, and how to compare results from different methods.