Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crocin ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis in rat induced by peritoneal dialysis via Wnt5a/β-Catenin pathway

Peritoneal dialysis is used in the treatment of patients with kidney diseases. Long-term peritoneal dialysis could result in peritoneal fibrosis and recurrent peritonitis, thus leading to failure of ultrafiltration. Crocin is a bioactive carotenoid and isolated from stigma of Crocus sativus, and ameliorates pulmonary and myocardial fibrosis. The role of crocin in peritoneal fibrosis was assessed. Firstly, rats model with peritoneal dialysis was treated with 4.25% peritoneal dialysate. Results showed that injection with peritoneal dialysate induced obvious hyperplasia and increased thickness in peritoneum structure. Rats with peritoneal dialysis were injected with increasing concentrations of crocin at 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg. Crocin ameliorated the pathological changes in the peritoneum of peritoneal dialysate-induced rats. Secondly, crocin attenuated peritoneal dialysate-induced decrease of E-cadherin, increase of fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I. Moreover, crocin enhanced ultrafiltration volume and reduced glucose transport in rats model with peritoneal dialysis. Thirdly, crocin also reduced levels of Interleukin (IL)-1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF –α), and IL-6 in peritoneal tissues of rats model with peritoneal dialysis. Lastly, protein expression of Wnt5a and β-Catenin in rats model with peritoneal dialysis were also downregulated by crocin. In conclusion, crocin exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on rats model with peritoneal dialysis through inactivation of Wnt5a/β-Catenin pathway.
Compression with wildcards: Abstract simplicial complexes

Abstract Despite the more handy terminology of abstract simplicial complexes , in its core this article is about antitone Boolean functions. Given the maximal faces (=facets) of , our main algorithm, called Facets-To-Faces, outputs in a compressed format. The degree of compression of Facets-To-Faces, which is programmed using the high-level programming language Mathematica, compares favorably to both the hardwired Mathematica command BooleanConvert, and to the hardwired binary decision diagrams provided by Python. A novel way to calculate the face-numbers from the facets is also presented. Both algorithms can be parallelized and are applicable (e.g.) to reliability analysis, combinatorial topology, and frequent-set-mining.
A comparative study on the effects of adding perturbations to phenotypic parameters in genetic algorithms with a robust solution searching scheme

We have proposed a scheme that extends the application of GAs to domains that require identification of robust solutions. We called this technique GAs/RS/sup 3/: GAs with a robust solution searching scheme. In the GAs/RS/sup 3/, a perturbation is added to the phenotypic feature once for each evaluating functional value of an individual, thereby reducing the chance of selecting sharp peaks. We refer to this method as a single-evaluation mode (SEM). We introduce a natural variant of this method, a multi-evaluation mode (MEM), where perturbations are given more than one time for each evaluating functional value of an individual, and we offer comparative studies on the convergence property. The results showed that for the GAs/RS/sup 3/ with SEM the population converges to robust solutions faster than with the MEM, and as the number of evaluations increases, the convergence speed decreases. We may conclude that the GAs/RS/sup 3/ with the SEM is more efficient than with the MEM. We also introduce a variation of MEM, i.e., multi-evaluation mode with the worst value (MEM-W) and provide a mathematical analysis.
A Tensegrity-Based Inchworm-Like Robot for Crawling in Pipes With Varying Diameters

Most current in-pipe robots are usually designed for pipes of a specific size. In this letter, we propose a novel inchworm-like in-pipe robot based on the concept of tensegrity for moving in pipes with varying diameters. Firstly, a tensegrity-based robotic module capable of two kinds of shape change is designed. One kind is extension in the axial direction accompanied by contraction in the radial direction, which is the basis for the wave-like crawling movement of the in-pipe robot. The other kind is expansion in the radial direction while keeping changeless in the axial direction, enabling the module adaptable to pipes with different diameters. Then, the geometrical equilibrium configuration of the tensegrity module is determined, followed by kinematic analysis using force density method. By cascading three modules, the in-pipe crawling robot is developed. Finally, a series of experiments are performed to test the shape changeability and friction force of the tensegrity module, and the mobility, load capacity, and adaptability of the in-pipe robot. The results validate that the robot can crawl in horizontal pipes, vertical pipes, and elbow pipes under the control of a simple actuation sequence. Furthermore, the robot has the abilities to adapt to pipes with different diameters varying from 100 mm to 180 mm. It is suggested that the usage of tensegrity structures brings about higher adaptability, flexibility, and mobility to the in-pipe crawling robot.
Prunus lusitanica L. Fruits as a Novel Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Potential: Exploring the Unknown

Prunus lusitanica L. , also known as Portuguese laurel or locally known as ‘azereiro’, is a rare species with ornamental and ecological value. Only two studies regarding the bioactivity and chemical composition of its leaves were reported to date. Thus, the present study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the phenolic profile, through HPLC-PAD-ESI-MS/MS (high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry), as well as the radical scavenging capacity, through ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl), and the reducing power (FRAP, ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays, of P. lusitanica fruits during a 4-year study. In total, 28 compounds were identified and quantified in the fruits, including 21 hydroxycinnamic acids (60.3%); 2 flavan-3-ols (27.9%), 2 anthocyanins (10.5%), 2 flavonols (1.0%), and 1 secoiridoid (0.3%). High antioxidant capacity was observed, with ABTS values ranging from 7.88 to 10.69 mmol TE (Trolox equivalents)/100 g fw (fresh weight), DPPH values from 5.18 to 8.17 mmol TE/100 g fw, and FRAP values from 8.76 to 11.76 mmol TE/100 g fw. According to these results, it can be concluded that these are rich sources of phenolic compounds with very promising antioxidant capacity and, therefore, with potential applications in the food and/or phytopharmaceutical sectors.
Do Online Firms Individualize Search Results? An Empirical Analysis of Individualization on Amazon

Online markets offer sellers access to buyers’ information and, thus, the potential to alter prices and products accordingly. In light of this, we undertook an empirical analysis to test for individualization on Amazon.com. We collect data from individuals recruited to shop for household items. Our results indicate evidence of individualization of search results and net prices (via coupons). We found, contrary to what was expected, that demographic, geolocation, and account information play an insignificant role in individualization of search results. Thus, we conclude that individualization is based on more dynamic information, e.g., online browsing behavior. This highlights the fact that sellers’ need for (and use of) buyer information goes beyond the simple information accessible from the buyers’ accounts to a more rigorous monitoring of buyers’ online behavior.
An Overview of Pentatricopeptide Repeat (PPR) Proteins in the Moss Physcomitrium patens and Their Role in Organellar Gene Expression

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are one type of helical repeat protein that are widespread in eukaryotes. In particular, there are several hundred PPR members in flowering plants. The majority of PPR proteins are localized in the plastids and mitochondria, where they play a crucial role in various aspects of RNA metabolism at the post-transcriptional and translational steps during gene expression. Among the early land plants, the moss Physcomitrium (formerly Physcomitrella) patens has at least 107 PPR protein-encoding genes, but most of their functions remain unclear. To elucidate the functions of PPR proteins, a reverse-genetics approach has been applied to P. patens. To date, the molecular functions of 22 PPR proteins were identified as essential factors required for either mRNA processing and stabilization, RNA splicing, or RNA editing. This review examines the P. patens PPR gene family and their current functional characterization. Similarities and a diversity of functions of PPR proteins between P. patens and flowering plants and their roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of organellar gene expression are discussed.
Erythro–Magneto–HA–Virosome: A Bio-Inspired Drug Delivery System for Active Targeting of Drugs in the Lungs

Over the past few decades, finding more efficient and selective administration routes has gained significant attention due to its crucial role in the bioavailability, absorption rate and pharmacokinetics of therapeutic substances. The pulmonary delivery of drugs has become an attractive target of scientific and biomedical interest in the health care research area, as the lung, thanks to its high permeability and large absorptive surface area and good blood supply, is capable of absorbing pharmaceuticals either for local deposition or for systemic delivery. Nevertheless, the pulmonary drug delivery is relatively complex, and strategies to mitigate the effects of mechanical, chemical and immunological barriers are required. Herein, engineered erythrocytes, the Erythro–Magneto–Hemagglutinin (HA)–virosomes (EMHVs), are used as a novel strategy for efficiently delivering drugs to the lungs. EMHV bio-based carriers exploit the physical properties of magnetic nanoparticles to achieve effective targeting after their intravenous injection thanks to an external magnetic field. In addition, the presence of hemagglutinin fusion proteins on EMHVs’ membrane allows the DDS to anchor and fuse with the target tissue and locally release the therapeutic compound. Our results on the biomechanical and biophysical properties of EMHVs, such as the membrane robustness and deformability and the high magnetic susceptibility, as well as their in vivo biodistribution, highlight that this bio-inspired DDS is a promising platform for the controlled and lung-targeting delivery of drugs, and represents a valuable alternative to inhalation therapy to fulfill unmet clinical needs.
Cloud Removal Based on SAR-Optical Remote Sensing Data Fusion via a Two-Flow Network

Optical remote sensing imagery plays an important role in observing the Earth's surface today. However, it is not easy to obtain complete multitemporal optical remote sensing images because of the cloud cover, how reconstructing cloud-free optical images has become a big challenge task in recent years. Inspired by the remote sensing fusion methods based on the convolutional neural network model, we propose a two-flow network to remove clouds from optical images. In the proposed method, synthetic aperture radar images are used as auxiliary data to guide optical image reconstruction, which is not influenced by cloud cover. In addition, a novel loss function called content loss is introduced to improve image quality. The ablation experiment of the loss function also proves that content loss is indeed effective. To be more in line with a real situation, the network is trained, tested, and validated on the SEN12MS-CR dataset, which is a global real cloud-removal dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed method is better than other state-of-the-art methods in many indicators (RMSE, SSIM, SAM, and PSNR).
An economic analysis of maximally representative allocations

ABSTRACT Within online advertising, there has been remarkable growth in display advertising. Our study focuses on the publisher’s allocation of its targeted advertising inventory – to this end, we employ the Hotelling model and use maximally representative allocation in our calculations. We then determine the supremum and infimum prices of a guaranteed contract allocated to advertisers. Rather significantly, our model provides a hybrid channel strategy for a publisher that allows the traditional method of targeted advertising and real-time bidding to coexist. We thus demonstrate the difference in each strategy’s outcome. The study reveals that the revenue of the publisher increases when it employs a hybrid channel strategy. Further, advertisers can bid for real-time bidding impressions in pursuit of high user conversion and simultaneously purchase a guaranteed contract in advance to reduce risk under conditions of sufficient funding.
Fabrication of Boron-Doped Diamond Film Electrode for Detecting Trace Lead Content in Drinking Water

This work aimed to fabricate a boron-doped diamond film electrode for detecting trace amounts of lead in drinking water so as to safeguard it for the public. Available detectors suffer from high costs and complex analytical processes, and commonly used electrodes for electrochemical detectors are subject to a short life, poor stability, and secondary pollution during usage. In this work, a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode was prepared on a porous titanium substrate, and the microstructure and electrochemical properties of the BDD electrode were systematically studied. Moreover, the stripping parameters were optimized to obtain a better signal response and determine the detection index. As a result, diamond particles were closely arranged on the surface of the BDD electrode with good phase quality. The electrode showed high electrochemical activity, specific surface area, and low charge transfer resistance, which can accelerate the stripping reaction process of Pb2+. The BDD electrode presented a low detection limit of 2.62 ppb for Pb2+ under an optimized parameter set with an enrichment time of 150 s and a scanning frequency of 50 Hz. The BDD electrode also has good anti-interference ability. The designed BDD electrode is expected to offer a reliable solution for the dilemma of the availability of metal electrodes and exhibits a good application prospect in the trace monitoring of Pb2+ content in drinking water.
Studies of Chordal Ring Networks via Double Metric Dimensions

Locating the sources of information spreading in networks including tracking down the origins of epidemics, rumors in social networks, and online computer viruses, has a wide range of applications. In many situations, identifying where an epidemic started, or which node in a network served as the source, is crucial. But it can be difficult to determine the root of an outbreak, especially when data are scarce and noisy. The goal is to find the source of the infection by analysing data provided by only a limited number of observers, such as nodes that can indicate when and where they are infected. Our goal is to investigate where the least number of observers should be placed, which is similar to how to figure out the minimal doubly resolving sets in the network. In this paper, we calculate the double metric dimension of chordal ring networks C R n 1,3,5 by describing their minimal doubly resolving sets.
Influence of different establishment methods on yield and economics of rice.

Field experiments were conducted during summer seasons of 2007 and 2008 under irrigated conditions of Bhadra command area. Among the six establishment methods tried-viz., zero tillage, drum seeder, normal transplanting, transplanter (manual) method, System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and aerobic methods, SRI method recorded significantly higher grain yield (6140 kg ha−1), straw yield (9306 kg ha−1), number of total tillers (448 m−2), effective tillers (376.5 m−2),panicle length (23.5 cm), no. of seed per panicle (94.5),1000 grain weight (27.5 g),net returns (Rs 37086 ha−1) and B;C ratio (2.03) compared to other methods.
Crystallographic Texture of the Mineral Matter in the Bivalve Shells of Gryphaea dilatata Sowerby, 1816

Simple Summary A new for paleontology method has been applied to study the orientation distribution of the crystals that compose the fossils of mollusk shells. The method is based on the use of neutrons with high penetrating power and makes it possible to study bulk shells without destroying them. In this work, we studied how the habitat conditions and the process of fossilization influenced the distribution of shell crystallite orientations. It was possible to establish a relationship between the distribution of orientations and the shape of the shells. Abstract It is assumed that the crystallographic texture of minerals in the shells of recent and fossil mollusks is very stable. To check this, it is necessary to examine the shells of animals that had lain in sediments for millions of years and lived in different conditions. It is revealed that the crystallographic texture of calcite in the shells of Gryphaea dilatata from deposits from the Middle Callovian–Lower Oxfordian (Jurassic), which lived in different water areas, is not affected by habitat conditions and the fossilization process. The crystallographic texture was studied using pole figures measured by neutron diffraction. The neutron diffraction method makes it possible to study the crystallographic texture in large samples—up to 100 cm3 in volume without destroying them. The recrystallization features of the G. dilatata valve, which affect the crystallographic texture, were discovered for the first time. This is determined from the isolines appearance of pole figures. The crystallographic texture of the G. dilatata mollusks’ different valves vary depending on their shape. The pole figures of calcite in the thick-walled valves of G. dilatata, Pycnodonte mirabilis, and Ostrea edulis are close to axial and display weak crystallographic texture.
The Impact of Food Services Protocol on the Quality and Safety of Egg Served by Hospitals in Khartoum State, Sudan

This work purpose was to assess the safety and quality of hospital meals and services. The egg was taken in several phases of the hospital food chain (raw food, storage, preparation, processing, and display) to highlight the cause of nutrient, safety, and quality changes in patient meals in Khartoum State. Chemical composition (moisture content, ash, protein and fat percents),total titrable acidity and pH value) and microbial loads (total viable count, yeast and mould, total Coliform bacteria, Salmonella and Staphylococcus spp.) were measured at all stages. The moisture content of eggs showed a significant ( P≤ 0.05) slight decrease in private hospitals and a potential increase in government hospitals, while fat content showed a slight non-significant decrease in all samples, except for the sample taken from (D) governmental hospital, which showed a significant potential increase at the end-stage (processing and display stages), There were no significant differences ( P≤ 0.05) in ash content, titratable acidity and pH served at all hospitals in all chain stages. Total bacterial count served at hospitals, all samples showed a significant ( P≤ 0.05) decrease during food chain stages and total yeasts and moulds content served at privatized hospitals.
Semi-supervised Blindness Detection with Neural Network Ensemble

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common complication of diabetes mellitus, is a major cause of visual loss among the working-age population. Since DR vision loss is irreversible, early detection of DR is crucial for preventing vision loss in patients. However, manual detection of DR remains time costly and inefficient. In this paper, an ensemble of 6 pre-trained neural networks (including EfficientNets, ResNet, and Inception) are combined. The compatibility of different networks is tested by creating different combinations of networks and evaluating their relative performance. Pseudo-labelling is used to further increase accuracy. With a limited training data set of only 5592 images, the final neural network ensemble achieved an accuracy of 0.864.
Ecological impacts of coral gardening outplanting in the Maldives

As coral reefs continue to degrade at an alarming rate, coral restoration efforts are increasing worldwide in an attempt to keep up with the global challenge of preserving these iconic ecosystems and the many services they provide. Coral gardening, the farming and outplanting of coral fragments, is a commonly applied practice; however, regional validation is required before upscaling can be considered. This study follows up from the successful farming of fragments in mid‐water rope nurseries, by reporting on the successive outplanting of these corals. Specifically, 60 Pocillopora verrucosa colonies were outplanted to a degraded reef at different depths (1–12 m), applying three arrangement patterns (equal, clustered, random). After 1 year, 72% were considered successfully outplanted (alive and still attached), with detachment being the main challenge at wave‐impacted shallow depths, while loose coral rubble caused more partial mortality at depth. Outplanting stress was observed at 1–6 m depth, but had no impact on survival or growth. Drupella sp. predation was most common at 3 m and 79% of colonies hosted mutualistic fauna after 1 year. Outplanting significantly benefitted the reef environment with a higher fish abundance and diversity along with a higher increase in natural coral cover (H = 2.7; 6.2% increase) in comparison with the control sites. These are promising results, considering that the restoration site has shown little natural recovery in the last few years (coral cover <4%). We hope that our findings provide useful initial insights and help to guide effective restoration practices in the Maldives.
Dynamics and stellar population of the Galactic Center (French Title: Étude de la cinématique et de la population stellaire du Centre Galactique)

Le parsec central de la Galaxie a ete observe a l'aide de spectro-imagerie BEAR haute resolution spectrale (jusqu'a 21 km/s) et moyenne resolution spatiale (0,5"), dans les raies Bracket gamma (2,16 micron) et He I a 2,06 microns, et d'imagerie haute resolution. Ces donnees ont servi a etudier la population d'etoiles jeunes et massives, la structure et la dynamique des flots de gaz ionise de Sgr A Ouest. Les resultats obtenus, notamment la separation des etoiles en un groupe de 6 LBV d'une part (le complexe IRS 16) et plus de 20 Wolf-Rayet d'autre part, ainsi que la resolution de IRS 13E en un amas d'au moins 6 etoiles massives, soutiennent l'idee d'une formation des etoiles jeunes en un amas massif a distance du Centre Galactique. La vision tres detaillee de Sgr A Ouest et le modele cinematique propose du Bras Nord soutiennent l'idee que ce gaz ionise est constitue par les fronts d'ionisation de plus vastes nuages neutres etires par les forces de maree, provenant du Disque circumnucleaire.