Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Herpetrione, a New Type of PPARα Ligand as a Therapeutic Strategy Against Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide; nevertheless, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for treating NASH until now. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is an interesting therapeutic target for treating metabolic disorders in the clinic, including NASH. Herpetrione, a natural lignan compound isolated from Tibetan medicine Herpetospermum caudigerum, exerts various hepatoprotective effects, but its efficacy and molecular mechanism in treating NASH have not yet been elucidated. Here, we discovered that herpetrione lessened lipid accumulation and inflammation in hepatocytes stimulated with oleic acid and lipopolysaccharide, and effectively alleviated NASH caused by a high-fat diet or methionine-choline-deficient diet by regulating glucolipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Mechanistically, RNA-sequencing analyses further showed that herpetrione activated PPAR signaling, which was validated by protein expression. Furthermore, the analysis of molecular interactions illustrated that herpetrione bound directly to the PPARα protein, with binding sites extending to the Arm III domain. PPARα deficiency also abrogated the protective effects of herpetrione against NASH, suggesting that herpetrione protects against hepatic steatosis and inflammation by activation of PPARα signaling, thereby alleviating NASH. Our findings shed light on the efficacy of a natural product for treating NASH, as well as the broader prospects for NASH treatment by targeting PPARα.
Rapid Assessment of Land Use Legacy Effect on Forest Soils: A Case Study on Microarthropods Used as Indicators in Mediterranean Post-Agricultural Forests

Agriculture is known to strongly influence soil functioning. Nevertheless, its long-term effects remain not well documented in the Mediterranean region, which has a long history of human land use. The “Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon” is a good illustration of these land use changes, as its territory is now covered with forests of differing ages and histories. This study investigates the effect of past land use (agricultural terraces) on microarthropods of current forest soils. In this way, Acari and Collembola of soils from ancient forests, recent forests (developed before 1958), and very recent forests (developed after 1958) were analysed. Different pedoclimatic conditions (Meso-Mediterranean vs. Supra-Mediterranean) and two contrasted seasons (winter and summer) were taken into account in mesofauna responses. A negative effect of past agricultural land use was observed on soil microarthropod abundance in very recent forests only, whatever the pedoclimatic conditions. After at least 60 years of reforestation, this negative effect was no longer observed, indicating a recovery of these communities. Land use legacy effect on oribatid mites in post-agricultural forests depended on the pedoclimatic conditions considered, suggesting that the recovery of microarthropod communities takes more time under more arid conditions. Microarthropods can be considered as good bioindicators of past land use effects depending on pedoclimatic conditions in forest soils.
Automatic near-photorealistic 3-D modelling and texture mapping for rectilinear buildings

Abstract Three-dimensional (3-D) representations of urban regions have gained much attention because of recent developments in remote sensing and computer graphics technologies. In particular, textured 3-D building reconstruction for a variety of applications has been a popular research topic in recent years. In this study, we present the reconstruction of 3-D building models along with texture selection and mapping. Extracted two-dimensional building patches and normalized digital surface model (nDSM) data are used to generate the 3-D models. To build near-photorealistic 3-D models, the acquired geo-referenced facade textures are associated with the corresponding building facades using an automated GPS-assisted approach. On the other hand, the modelling and texture mapping of the roof structures were carried out manually. The study area is composed of eight housing estates (blocks), where a total of 110 buildings were analysed. The whole study area was modelled, with facade textures, in less than 1 min of processor running time with an acceptable level of accuracy. The texture mapping was carried out using MATLAB’s Virtual Reality Toolbox™.
Cyclic fracture mechanisms in cooling basalt

Striae on the fracture surface of columnar joints in basalt may be rationalized in the light of experimental fracture mechanics. Morphologic similarity between experimentally produced and natural fracture surfaces suggests that the striae in basalt were formed during incremental crack advances accompanying cyclic stress buildup and release in the cooling body. Fracture surfaces in a Hawaiian flow (Boiling Pots) are striated by alternating smooth (∼2.5 cm wide) and rough (∼ 1.0 cm wide) zones normal to the column axis, which suggest elastic and nonelastic failure, respectively. By analogy to laboratory studies of cyclically fatigued samples, the rough band is interpreted as representing successive stopping positions of the crack tip during fracture. Seismic studies of thermal cracking in Kilauea Iki lava lake (Hawaii) indicate that thermal fracture in cooling basalt is a discrete event, characterized by a sudden period of crack advance. Comparison between cooling units shows that thin bodies have narrow striae and column faces, while thick bodies have wide striae and column faces. This suggests the importance of relative temperature gradients (that is, cooling rates) in driving the crack advance. Observations of the sense of shear on column faces [as revealed by orientations of small platelets (fracture lances) within striae] permit a kinematic interpretation of polygon development and suggest that purely tensile opening frequently is coupled with antiplane shear during crack propagation. Striations are thus a record of the crack advance in cooling basalt; not only should they provide a new tool for the field geologist, but their interpretation should lay the basis for models that examine the coupling of the thermal and mechanical behavior in subsolidus cooling basalt.
Superposition calculation of double-K fracture parameters of concrete using wedge splitting geometry and boundary effect

Wedge splitting fracture tests are performed on concrete specimens with the maximum dimension of 1 200 mm×1 200 mm×200 mm.With the load-crack mouth opening displacement curve obtained from tests,based on linear asymptotic assumption,the double-K fracture parameters are calculated by using superposition principle of the stress intensity factor,in which the effect of vertical force and deadweight on the calculated double-K fracture parameters is taken into account when vertical component of wedge force,deadweight and support force are non-colinear with each other.The results show that the confinement of back boundary of specimen to the development of fracture process zone is responsible for the observable size effect on fracture toughness of concrete material.For small specimens with the depth of less than 600 mm,the smaller the depths of specimen are,the stronger the confinement of back boundary is and the smaller the fracture toughness is.Moreover,it is also concluded that the size-independent consistent fracture toughness can be obtained after the consideration of effect of boundary restriction.
ROLE OF SENSORY INTEGRATION IN REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH DISABILITIES: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Sensory integration (SI) theory was originally developed by A. Jean Ayres to focus on the neurological processing of sensory information. Sensory integrative therapy (SIT) or SI approach has been used for the treatment of challenged children since the 1970s. It is based on the understanding that interferences in neurological processing and integration of sensory information disrupt the construction of purposeful behaviors. According to Ayres, sensory information is not processed in isolation and, given this essential feature of the central nervous system, therapeutic intervention that incorporates sensation to affect multisensory perception will influence learning and behavior. Ayres, (1972) proposed that through the development of these sensorimotor functions and, specifically, by facilitating adaptive somatomotor responses, a person can develop learning, reading, math, visual and auditory perception, and skilled motor tasks. Treatment is designed to provide controlled sensory experiences so that an adaptive motor response is elicited. The goals of treatment are to improve sensory modulation related to behavior and attention and to increase abilities for social interactions, academic skills, and independence through better SI. The activities provided are meant to help the nervous system modulate, organize, and integrate information from the environment, resulting in future adaptive responses.
Shimeji mushrooms that look “emotional”: how appearance-motion interaction can elicit emotional state attribution to objects

Feeling that a non-human object has emotions (hereinafter referred to as “emotional state attribution”) is generally known as animacy perception. Previous studies have considered appearance and motion separately as factors that evoke emotional state attribution. Thus, if both the degree of human likeness in an object’s shape and the presence or absence of motion are considered simultaneously, we must consider whether strong emotional state attribution occurs even for objects that are not human-like in shape. In this study, we experimentally investigated the influence of human likeness in shape and movements evoking social relations on emotional state attribution, including their interaction, using three types of objects (human figure, shimeji mushroom, and match). In Experiments 1 and 2, although the human figure was rated as more human-like than the shimeji mushroom in terms of shape, emotions were attributed more strongly to the shimeji mushroom than to the human figure when accompanied by movements that evoked social relationships. The results suggest that people may attribute emotions more strongly to objects that resemble humans only to a certain extent in terms of shape when they show movements that evoke social relations.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF ZANGUL AND POSHT-E-JANGAL ANTICLINES IN NW OF LORESTAN ZONE, ZAGROS FOLD-THRUST BELT, FOR ESTIMATION OF OIL CLOSURE ON DEHRAM HORIZON

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Generative AI, learning and new literacies

Launched in November 2022, OpenAI’s ChatGPT garnered over 100 million users within two months, sparking a surge in research and concern over potential risks of extensive AI experiments. The article, originating from a conference presentation by Tsinghua University and NTHU, Taiwan, provides a nuanced overview of Generative AI. It explores the classifications, applications, governance challenges, societal implications, and development trajectory of Generative AI, emphasizing its transformative role in employment and education. The piece highlights ChatGPT’s significant impact and the strategic adaptations required in various sectors, including medical education, engineering, information management, and distance education. Furthermore, it explores the opportunities and challenges associated with incorporating ChatGPT in educational settings, emphasizing its support in facilitating personalized learning, developing 21st-century competencies, fostering self-directed learning, and enhancing information accessibility. It also illustrates the integration of ChatGPT and text-to-image models in high school language courses through the lens of new literacies. The text uniquely integrates three layers of discourse: introductions to Generative AI by experts, scholarly debates on its merits and drawbacks, and practical classroom applications, offering a reflective snapshot of the current and potential states of Generative AI applications while emphasizing the interconnected discussions across various layers of discourse.
The Effectiveness of Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen in Combination with Skin Defensil Plus® as an Anti-inflammatory Agent against Ultraviolet Radiation

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause tanning and sunburn in the short-term; nevertheless, continued exposure to UV on unprotected skin will promote premature aging and gene mutation that leads to malignancy. Photoaging caused by sun exposure can happen through inflammation and reactive oxygen species pathway. Defensil plus® consists of natural plant ingredients that have an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity to protect the skin from UV exposure. Sunscreen with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties will reduce the unwanted effect of UV radiation, such as tanning and sunburn. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the combination of titanium dioxide (TiO2) sunscreen with defensil plus® against UV radiation. METHODS: This was an experimental research design with pre- and post-test design approaches. Twenty subjects consisting of ten males and ten females with an average age of 23 years old, participated in this study. We conducted an experimental study with two groups. Group A was the TiO2+ defensil plus® group; Group B was the TiO2 group. The skin protection effect was compared by examining the erythema and melanin indexes using Mexameter® on day 0, post-radiation days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7. Data Analysis using an independent t-test if the data distribution is expected, while the Mann–Whitney test is used if it does not meet the normality assumption. Data were considered significant with p < 0.05. RESULTS: Melanin index decreased significantly from day 1 to 7 in the group that was given TiO2 + defensil plus® compared to the group that was only given TiO2 (p = 0.003). The erythema index gradually decreased and significantly different in the group given TiO2 application (p = 0.036). + defensi plus® compared to the group given TiO2 after 3rd day of application (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Application of sunscreen with TiO2 + defensil plus® is effective in response to UV radiation, as demonstrated by lower erythema and melanin indexes than those treated with TiO2 sunscreen alone, thus could protect the skin from UV radiation. Many studies showed that green and black tea (polyphenols) ameliorate adverse skin reactions following UV exposure.
Disease activity in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) is defined as presence of relapses, gadolinium enhancing lesions and/or new or enlarging lesions on MRI. It is associated with efficacy of immunomodulating therapies (IMTs) in primary progressive MS (PPMS). However, a thorough review on disease activity in PPMS is lacking. In relapsing remitting MS, the prevalence of activity decreases in more contemporary cohorts. For PPMS, this is unknown. Aim To review disease activity in PPMS cohorts and identify its predictors. Methods A systematic search in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of science Core Collection, COCHRANE CENTRAL register of trials, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR was performed. Keywords included PPMS, inflammation, and synonyms. We included original studies with predefined available data, extracted cohort characteristics and disease activity outcomes and performed meta-regression analyses. Results We included 34 articles describing 7,109 people with PPMS (pwPPMS). The weighted estimated proportion of pwPPMS with overall disease activity was 26.8% (95% CI 20.6–34.0%). A lower age at inclusion predicted higher disease activity (OR 0.91, p = 0.031). Radiological activity (31.9%) was more frequent than relapses (9.2%), and was predicted by longer follow-up duration (OR 1.27, p = 0.033). Year of publication was not correlated with disease activity. Conclusion Inflammatory disease activity is common in PPMS and has remained stable over the last decades. Age and follow-up duration predict disease activity, advocating prolonged monitoring of young pwPPMS to evaluate potential IMT benefits.
Case Report: Upper limb superficial venous thrombosis associated with oral contraceptives mimicking soft tissue mass

Background Venous thrombosis associated with the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) occurs mostly in the deep veins of the lower extremity. A lesion of the upper extremity is rare, and the majority of thrombotic events that occur in the superficial vein of the upper extremity are caused by intravenous catheters. We present a rare case of superficial venous thrombus on the upper extremity in a woman with a history of long-term OC use. Case presentation A 35-year-old woman, with an 8-year history of OC use, presented with a 2-year history of painfully palpable masses on her left forearm. The lesion mimicking soft tissue mass was confirmed to be superficial venous thrombi through ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Conservative treatment including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasoprotective agents, and aspirin was prescribed. Through consultation with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, it was confirmed that the current OCs could be discontinued, and the pain was almost relieved after conservative treatment. Conclusions If thrombotic events occur in the superficial vein of the upper extremity without intravenous catheters, detailed medical history taking and the possibility of OCs should be considered.
Genetic Polymorphisms Involved in Bladder Cancer: A Global Review

Bladder cancer (BC) has been associated with genetic susceptibility. Single peptide polymorphisms (SNPs) can modulate BC susceptibility. A literature search was performed covering the period between January 2000 and October 2020. Overall, 334 articles were selected, reporting 455 SNPs located in 244 genes. The selected 455 SNPs were further investigated. All SNPs that were associated with smoking and environmental exposure were excluded from this study. A total of 197 genes and 343 SNPs were found to be associated with BC, among which 177 genes and 291 SNPs had congruent results across all available studies. These genes and SNPs were classified into eight different categories according to their function.
3 Key Challenges in Designing Advanced Social Robotic Applications

Social robotic (SR) applications are expected to advance in the near future, which is indicated by the level of autonomy of SR, and is supported by the maturing of key technologies. However, technical, research-practice communication, and ethical challenges remain in the design of such advanced SR applications. In this paper, we start with our research cases through which we encountered and explored the challenges facing the design practice of advanced SR applications. Then we present an overview of recent design research endeavors in the HRI field and our research cases to demonstrate design research’s characteristics, focus, and approaches. Finally, we discuss how the eliciting, speculative, and communicative approaches of design research can support user investigations with the hindrances of technical limitations, communicate between basic & applied research and design practice, and engage in ethical explorations of advanced SR applications.
¿Son los caracteres estructurales de la madera de Aspidosperma quebracho- blanco Schelkt causantes de su inestabilidad? Wood anatomic features of Aspidosperma quebracho - blanco Schelkt the cause of its instability?

The appropriate end use of timber products requires knowledge of physical proprieties and their anatomical characteristics. Aspidosperma quebracho -blanco has good technological properties and finish, but presents difficulties in use because of its instability. This paper deals with a certain anatomical and structural characteristics that affect the timber behaviour. The samples were taken of ten trees from 2 sites of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. Discussion takes into account macroscopic characters like eccentricity, variable growth rings widths, spiral grain and anatomical characters juvenile wood, fibres with vestured pits. These characteristics seem to contribute to the instability of Aspidosperma timber. It is suggested the needed to determine the amount of every source of variation in the behaviour of this specie.
Effect of Fish Hydrolysate and Sodium Chloride on the Colour of Quinoa Flour Fermented by Monascus purpureus

: Monascus purpureus is a red pigment-producing fungus. In the present study, the effect of ﬁsh hydrolysate and sodium chloride on the colour of quinoa ﬂour fermented with M. pur-pureus was analysed. The colour of each sample was evaluated in CIELAB space (L*, a*, b*), in addition to the C:N ratio. The minimum fermentation time was eight days and the values of L* (44.66 ± 0.532), a* (20.27 ± 0.323), b*(17.89 ± 1.342) and a C:N ratio of 11.05 ± 0.240 were obtained. Therefore, there is an effect of supplementation on increasing the red colour of the meal. This work opened up the possibility that red quinoa ﬂour could be used as a raw material in the production of other food products.
A Novel Base Resistance Model Incorporating Base Distributive Effects Along with Emitter Length

The base resistance is a critically important parameter for bipolar transistors. Base contact width and thickness can limit the maximum emitter length that can be used in a power amplifier application. This paper presents a novel scalable base resistance model; the concept of a characteristic length to define the base resistance distributive effect along the emitter length is proposed. The new base model is in good agreement with that from traditional compact model extraction approach using extensive data set analysis and an intensive fitting algorithm. In addition, this new distributed base resistance model is based on physical electrical current mechanism, it has much better scalability for device geometries, process and material parameter changes. It also provides a guidance in the optimization of the device design. device layout. and base metallization process.