Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defective Mitochondrial Dynamics and Protein Degradation Pathways Underlie Cadmium-Induced Neurotoxicity and Cell Death in Huntington’s Disease Striatal Cells

Exposure to heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), can induce neurotoxicity and cell death. Cd is abundant in the environment and accumulates in the striatum, the primary brain region selectively affected by Huntington’s disease (HD). We have previously reported that mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) combined with chronic Cd exposure induces oxidative stress and promotes metal dyshomeostasis, resulting in cell death in a striatal cell model of HD. To understand the effect of acute Cd exposure on mitochondrial health and protein degradation pathways, we hypothesized that expression of mHTT coupled with acute Cd exposure would cooperatively alter mitochondrial bioenergetics and protein degradation mechanisms in striatal STHdh cells to reveal novel pathways that augment Cd cytotoxicity and HD pathogenicity. We report that mHTT cells are significantly more susceptible to acute Cd-induced cell death as early as 6 h after 40 µM CdCl2 exposure compared with wild-type (WT). Confocal microscopy, biochemical assays, and immunoblotting analysis revealed that mHTT and acute Cd exposure synergistically impair mitochondrial bioenergetics by reducing mitochondrial potential and cellular ATP levels and down-regulating the essential pro-fusion proteins MFN1 and MFN2. These pathogenic effects triggered cell death. Furthermore, Cd exposure increases the expression of autophagic markers, such as p62, LC3, and ATG5, and reduces the activity of the ubiquitin–proteasome system to promote neurodegeneration in HD striatal cells. Overall, these results reveal a novel mechanism to further establish Cd as a pathogenic neuromodulator in striatal HD cells via Cd-triggered neurotoxicity and cell death mediated by an impairment in mitochondrial bioenergetics and autophagy with subsequent alteration in protein degradation pathways.
Anti-democratic youth? The influence of youth cohort size and quality of democracy on young people’s support for democracy

ABSTRACT This paper aims to investigate whether a country’s youth cohort size and quality of democracy, independently and jointly predict young people’s propensity to support democracy as a political system. We use pooled data from World Values Survey Waves 5–7, comprising 81 country-waves with 25,125 observations from 39 established and new democracies, in multilevel binary logistic regression analyses. The paper finds evidence that firstly, against conventional expectations, a large youth cohort exerts a positive influence on young people’s support for democracy as a political system. Secondly, the effect of youth cohort size depends on the quality of democracy of countries: young people growing as part of the youth cohorts in established democracies show stronger propensities to support democracy than their peers in new democracies. This has implications for both theory and empirical research.
An overseas experience without traveling abroad. The effect of visual similarity on travel intention

ABSTRACT This study attempts to explore the impact of the visual similarity between domestic lookalike attractions (DLA) and foreign famous attractions (FFA) and the spillover effect of DLA that is, how visual similarity enhances tourists’ travel intention. This study also uses novelty categorization theory and construal level theory to explore the mediating roles of curiosity and psychological distance. The results of the two quantitative studies show that regardless of how visual similarity is communicated between DLA and FFA – by text or by picture – they both enhance tourists’ travel intention toward the DLA through the mediating effects of curiosity and psychological distance.
Rolling bearing fault feature selection based on standard deviation and random forest classifier using vibration signals

The precise identification of faults is vital for ensuring the reliability of the bearing’s performance, and thus, the functionality of rotary machinery. The focus of our study is on the role that feature selection plays in improving the accuracy of predictive models used for diagnosis. The study combined the Standard Deviation (STD) parameter with the Random Forest (RF) classifier to select relevant features from vibration signals obtained from bearings operating under various conditions. We utilized three databases with different bearings’ health states operating under distinct conditions. The results of the study were promising, indicating that the proposed method was not only effective but also consistent, even under time-varying conditions.
Epigenetic Alterations of Brain Non-Neuronal Cells in Major Mental Diseases

The tissue-specific expression and epigenetic dysregulation of many genes in cells derived from the postmortem brains of patients have been reported to provide a fundamental biological framework for major mental diseases such as autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. However, until recently, the impact of non-neuronal brain cells, which arises due to cell-type-specific alterations, has not been adequately scrutinized; this is because of the absence of techniques that directly evaluate their functionality. With the emergence of single-cell technologies, such as RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and other novel techniques, various studies have now started to uncover the cell-type-specific expression and DNA methylation regulation of many genes (e.g., TREM2, MECP2, SLC1A2, TGFB2, NTRK2, S100B, KCNJ10, and HMGB1, and several complement genes such as C1q, C3, C3R, and C4) in the non-neuronal brain cells involved in the pathogenesis of mental diseases. Additionally, several lines of experimental evidence indicate that inflammation and inflammation-induced oxidative stress, as well as many insidious/latent infectious elements including the gut microbiome, alter the expression status and the epigenetic landscapes of brain non-neuronal cells. Here, we present supporting evidence highlighting the importance of the contribution of the brain’s non-neuronal cells (in particular, microglia and different types of astrocytes) in the pathogenesis of mental diseases. Furthermore, we also address the potential impacts of the gut microbiome in the dysfunction of enteric and brain glia, as well as astrocytes, which, in turn, may affect neuronal functions in mental disorders. Finally, we present evidence that supports that microbiota transplantations from the affected individuals or mice provoke the corresponding disease-like behavior in the recipient mice, while specific bacterial species may have beneficial effects.
Multitarget Respiration Monitoring Based on Cumulative Phase Gradient Approach

Simultaneous measurements of multitarget vital signs have been quite challenging for radar-based noncontact vital signs monitoring. This letter presents a novel cumulative phase gradient approach (CPGA) for accurate estimates of multitarget respirations without either range or beam discrimination in a single-input single-output (SISO) radar sensor. The signal model of multitarget respiration is first provided, and then a CPGA is developed to accurately estimate multitarget respirations from the observed mixtures by exploiting the underlying periodicity of the respiration waveforms. The proposed method provides average estimated error rates around 3% in the experiment with closely located three human targets within range resolution, and demonstrates its significant superiorities over other methods.
Study on Corrosion Behavior and Mechanism of Ultrahigh-Strength Hot-Stamping Steel Based on Traditional and Compact Strip-Production Processes

Hot-stamping steel is a type of high-strength steel that is mainly used in key safety components such as the front and rear bumpers, A-pillars, and B-pillars of vehicles. There are two methods of producing hot-stamping steel, i.e., the traditional process and the near net shape of compact strip production (CSP) process. To assess the potential risks of producing hot-stamping steel using CSP, the microstructure and mechanical properties, and especially the corrosion behavior were focused on between the traditional and CSP processes. The original microstructure of hot-stamping steel produced by the traditional process and the CSP process is different. After quenching, the microstructures transform into full martensite, and their mechanical properties meet the 1500 MPa grade. Corrosion tests showed that the faster the quenching speeds, the smaller the corrosion rate of the steel. The corrosion current density changes from 15 to 8.6 μA·cm−2. The corrosion resistance of hot-stamping steel produced by the CSP process is slightly better than that of traditional processes, mainly since the inclusion size and distribution density of CSP-produced steel were both smaller than those of the traditional process. The reduction of inclusions reduces the number of corrosion sites and improves the corrosion resistance of steel.
Modelling of the Fate of 137Cs and 90Sr in the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant Cooling Pond before and after the Water Level Drawdown

During the accident in April 1986, the Cooling Pond (CP) of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) was heavily contaminated by fuel particles and radionuclides of cesium-137 (137Cs) and strontium-90 (90Sr). Starting from the end of 2014, a gradual decrease of the CP water level began leading to the transformation of the whole reservoir into eight separate sectors and raising the concern of the fate of 137Cs and 90Sr in the future. In this study, two mathematical models were applied to reproduce radioactive contamination of the CP from 1986 to 2021 and to provide a forecast of 137Cs and 90Sr concentrations in the CP water from 2022 to 2030. The hydrodynamic model THREETOX provided three-dimensional (3D) currents in the CP corresponding to hydrological conditions before and after water level drawdown, and these currents were used in the box model POSEIDON-F for the long-term simulations of the changes in 137Cs and 90Sr concentrations in water, bottom sediments, and biota. Seasonal changes in the distribution coefficient (Kd) describing the partition of 137Cs between water and sediments were considered in the box model, which allowed us to reproduce the observed variations of concentration. Calculated concentrations of 137Cs and 90Sr in water and freshwater fish occupying different trophic levels agreed well with measurements for the entire post-accident period. After the water level drawdown, concentrations of 137Cs in the CP water slightly increased in all eight sectors, while 90Sr concentrations significantly increased in sectors close to ChNPP, which was explained by an additional 90Sr source when comparing the simulation results and measurement data. Using the model forecast from 2022 to 2030, we predict that the concentration of both radionuclides will gradually decrease in new water bodies of the Cooling Pond except in the northern sectors, where the suggested additional source of 90Sr will lead to a stabilization of 90Sr concentrations.
Searching geometry-aware pants decomposition in different isotopy classes

We propose an optimization framework to compute the desirable pants decomposition of surfaces. A pants decomposition partitions a surface into a set of genus-0 sub-patches with 3 boundaries. Any surface with non-trivial topology admits infinitely many pants decompositions that are isotopically inequivalent. We traverse different classes of pants decompositions to search for the optimal one with the pre-determined geometric criterion. Our proposed framework is general, and can be used to construct different suitable segmentations according to different applications. We also generalize this algorithm for consistent decomposition of multiple surfaces, which can be used to construct compatible cross-surface parameterization.
Emergence of taurine as a therapeutic agent for neurological disorders

Taurine is a sulfur-containing, semi-essential amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. It alternates between inflammation and oxidative stress-mediated injury in various disease models. As part of its limiting functions, taurine also modulates endoplasmic reticulum stress, Ca2+ homeostasis, and neuronal activity at the molecular level. Taurine effectively protects against a number of neurological disorders, including stroke, epilepsy, cerebral ischemia, memory dysfunction, and spinal cord injury. Although various therapies are available, effective management of these disorders remains a global challenge. Approximately 30 million people are affected worldwide. The design of taurine formation could lead to potential drugs/supplements for the health maintenance and treatment of central nervous system disorders. The general neuroprotective effects of taurine and the various possible underlying mechanisms are discussed in this review. This article is a good resource for understanding the general effects of taurine on various diseases. Given the strong evidence for the neuropharmacological efficacy of taurine in various experimental paradigms, it is concluded that this molecule should be considered and further investigated as a potential candidate for neurotherapeutics, with emphasis on mechanism and clinical studies to determine efficacy.
Fluxmètre à ultrasons

A major concern in waste water management is the po llutant flow measurement. In the frame of a RITEAU project initiated in 2003, a flowmeter is de veloped by the IMFS, in collaboration with industri al partners, IRH Environnement and ULTRAFLUX, and othe r research institutions, CRAN and ENGEES. The project’s final goal is the realisation of an u ltrasonic device measuring both water flow and concentration of suspended sediments. Current prototype consists of an immersible tight f rame containing transducers and acquisition electronics linked to an external platform in charg e of data analysis and storage. After instrument description, measurements results wi l be presented. Sewer velocity profiles will be shown and analysed. Granulometric concentration est imation method will be described and wastewater collector data will be shown. Mots-clefs : Ultrasons, vélocimétrie, granulométrie
Nutritional Management of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer—A Comprehensive Review

While surgical therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is showing improvement with the advancement of reconstruction techniques, the focus in these patients should also be shifting to supportive pre and aftercare. Due to the highly sensitive and anatomically complex region, these patients tend to exhibit malnutrition, which has a substantial impact on their recovery and quality of life. The complications and symptoms of both the disease and the therapy usually make these patients unable to orally intake food, hence, a strategy should be prepared for their nutritional management. Even though there are several possible nutritional modalities that can be administrated, these patients commonly have a functional gastrointestinal tract, and enteral nutrition is indicated over the parenteral option. However, after extensive research of the available literature, it seems that there is a limited number of studies that focus on this important issue. Furthermore, there are no recommendations or guidelines regarding the nutritional management of HNC patients, pre- or post-operatively. Henceforth, this narrative review summarizes the nutritional challenges and management modalities in this particular group of patients. Nonetheless, this issue should be addressed in future studies and an algorithm should be established for better nutritional care of these patients.
Strategies for the Generation of Gene Modified Avian Models: Advancement in Avian Germline Transmission, Genome Editing, and Applications

Avian models are valuable for studies of development and reproduction and have important implications for food production. Rapid advances in genome-editing technologies have enabled the establishment of avian species as unique agricultural, industrial, disease-resistant, and pharmaceutical models. The direct introduction of genome-editing tools, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system, into early embryos has been achieved in various animal taxa. However, in birds, the introduction of the CRISPR system into primordial germ cells (PGCs), a germline-competent stem cell, is considered a much more reliable approach for the development of genome-edited models. After genome editing, PGCs are transplanted into the embryo to establish germline chimera, which are crossed to produce genome-edited birds. In addition, various methods, including delivery by liposomal and viral vectors, have been employed for gene editing in vivo. Genome-edited birds have wide applications in bio-pharmaceutical production and as models for disease resistance and biological research. In conclusion, the application of the CRISPR system to avian PGCs is an efficient approach for the production of genome-edited birds and transgenic avian models.
SE_SPnet: Rice leaf disease prediction using stacked parallel convolutional neural network with squeeze‐and‐excitation

Rice is one of the significant crops, and the early identification and prevention of its diseases are essential to ensure adequate and healthy availability to the world's growing population. The use of image processing is an encouraging method for automatic rice leaf disease identification and detection. In particular, the recent advancements indicate the effectiveness of convolutional neural network (CNN) based deep learning approaches. In this direction, the present work proposes a novel stacked parallel convolution layers‐based network (SPnet) with the squeeze‐and‐excitation (SE) architecture, named (SE_SPnet), for classifying diseased rice leaf images. The stacked parallel network block comprises four parallel convolution layers with different kernel sizes for abstractions of the global and local features. The SE block extracts feature information automatically while removing invalid ones. We compare the SE_SPnet model with state‐of‐the‐art CNN models such as VGG16, DenseNet121, and InceptionV3 based on computational effort, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, recall, and F1‐score. The experimental results show that the SE_SPnet outperforms standard CNN models for the considered rice leaf disease image datasets. In particular, the SE_SPnet achieves the highest accuracy (99.2%), sensitivity (98.2%), specificity (98.5%), precision (98.4%), recall (98.2%), and F1‐score (98.5%) while using stochastic gradient descent (with momentum) optimizer with a 0.01 learning rate. Furthermore, the SE_SPnet also exhibits to outperform when compared with some of the most recent and relevant existing works.
MCMT in the Land of

Timed networks are parametrised systems of timed automata. Solving reachability problems for this class of systems allows one to prove safety properties regardless of the number of processes in the network. Usually, these problems are attacked in the following way: the number n of processes in the network is xed and a tool for timed automata (like Uppaal) is used to check the desired property for increasing values of n. In this paper, we explain how to deal with fully parametric reachability problems for timed networks by translation into the declarative input language of mcmt, a model checker for innite state systems based on Satisability Modulo Theories techniques. We show the success of our approach on a number of standard algorithms, such as the Fischer protocol. Preliminary experiments show that fully parametric problems can be more easily solved by mcmt than their instances for a xed (and large) number of processes by other systems.
Myocardial Infarction Signs and Symptoms: Females vs. Males

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of females in the United States today, and myocardial infarction (MI) plays a role in many of these deaths. Females also present with more “atypical” symptoms than males and appear to have differences in pathophysiology underlying their MIs. Despite both differences in symptomology and pathophysiology being present in females versus males, a possible link between the two has not been studied extensively. In this systematic review, we analyzed studies examining differences in symptoms and pathophysiology of MI in females and males and evaluated possible links between the two. A search was performed for sex differences in MI in the databases PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) Complete, Biomedical Reference Collection: Comprehensive, Jisc Library Hub Discover, and Web of Science. Seventy-four articles were ultimately included in this systematic review. Typical symptoms for both ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) such as chest, arm, or jaw pain were more common in both sexes, but females presented on average with more atypical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Females with MI also presented with more prodromal symptoms such as fatigue in days leading up to MI, had longer delays in presentation to the hospital after symptom onset, and were older with more comorbidities than males. Males on the other hand were more likely to have a silent or unrecognized MI, which concurs with their overall higher rate of MI. As they age, females have a decrease in antioxidative metabolites and worsened cardiac autonomic function than male. In addition, at all ages, females have less atherosclerotic burden than mles, have higher rates of MI not related to plaque rupture or erosion, and have increased microvasculature resistance when they have an MI. It has been proposed that this physiological difference is etiologic for the male-female difference in symptoms, but this has not been studied directly and is a promising area of future research. It is also possible that differences in pain tolerance between males and females may play a role in differing symptom recognition, but this has only been studied one time where females with higher pain thresholds were more likely to have unrecognized MI. Again, this is a promising area for future study for the early detection of MI. Finally, differences in symptoms for patients with different atherosclerotic burden and for patients with MI due to a cause other than plaque rupture or erosion has not been studied and are both promising avenues to improve detection and patient care in the future.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Modification, and Applications in Food and Agriculture

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have gained significant interest in the agricultural and food industry as a means of killing or reducing the activity of microorganisms. The antibacterial properties of ZnO-NPs may improve food quality, which has a direct impact on human health. ZnO-NPs are one of the most investigated inorganic nanoparticles and have been used in various related sectors, with the potential to rapidly gain attention and increase interest in the agriculture and food industries. In this review, we describe various methods for preparing ZnO-NPs, their characterizations, modifications, applications, antimicrobial activity, testing procedures, and effects, including bactericidal and bacteriostatic mechanisms. It is hoped that this review could provide a better understanding of the preparation and application of ZnO nanoparticles in the field of food and agriculture, and promote their development to advance the field of food and agriculture.