Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of NADH/NADPH oxidase 4 by angiotensin II induces podocyte apoptosis

Background Angiotensin II induces glomerular and podocyte injury via systemic and local vasoconstrictive or non-hemodynamic effects including oxidative stress. The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from podocytes may participate in the development of glomerular injury and proteinuria. We studied the role of oxidative stress in angiotensin II-induced podocyte apoptosis. Methods Mouse podocytes were incubated in media containing various concentrations of angiotensin II at different incubation times and were transfected with NADH/NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) or angiotensin II type 1 receptor for 24 hours. The changes in intracellular and mitochondrial ROS production and podocyte apoptosis were measured according to the presence of angiotensin II. Results Angiotensin II increased the generation of mitochondrial superoxide anions and ROS levels but suppressed superoxide dismutase activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner that was reversed by probucol, an antioxidant. Angiotensin II increased Nox4 protein and expression by a transcriptional mechanism that was also reversed by probucol. In addition, the suppression of Nox4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced the oxidative stress induced by angiotensin II. Angiotensin II treatment also upregulated AT1R protein. Furthermore, angiotensin II promoted podocyte apoptosis, which was reduced significantly by probucol and Nox4 siRNA and also recovered by angiotensin II type 1 receptor siRNA. Conclusion Our findings suggest that angiotensin II increases the generation of mitochondrial superoxide anions and ROS levels via the upregulation of Nox4 and angiotensin II type 1 receptor. This can be prevented by Nox4 inhibition and/or antagonizing angiotensin II type 1 receptor as well as use of antioxidants.
Role of incoherent scattering on energy filtering in nanostructured thermoelectric generators

The physics of energy filtering in electronic transport through nanoscale barriers is a fundamental aspect in the context of electronic engineering of nanostructured thermoelectrics. In the context of thermoelectric generators, it aims to engineer the Seebeck coefficient to favorably increase the power factor and ultimately the power generated. In this work, we employ the incoherent non-equilibrium Green's function formalism to investigate in detail the physics of energy filtering and how it leads to a direct enhancement in power generation across nanostructured thermoelectrics featuring a single planar energy barrier. In particular, we reinforce that the enhancement in the generated power via energy filtering at a particular operating efficiency is a characteristic of incoherent scattering and is absent in ballistic devices. In such cases, by assuming an energy dependent relaxation time, $\tau(E)=kE^r$, we show that there exists a minimum value $r_{min}$ for which the thermoelectric power generation is enhanced and thereby leading to a degradation in power generation for $r<r_{min}$. For bulk generators, we delve into the details of intermode scattering and show that such scattering processes between electrons in higher energy modes and lower energy modes have a finite contribution to the enhancement in the generated power. We also discuss realistic aspects such as finite width of energy barriers and imperfect energy filtering due to partial reflections. In particular, we show that such imperfect filtering and partial transmission of electrons near the top of the barrier affects the enhancement in the generated power drastically in the high efficiency regime of operation. Analysis of the results obtained in this work should provide general design guidelines for nanostructured enhancement in power generation via energy filtering.
Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Sunset Yellow FCF for cats and dogs, ornamental fish, grain‐eating ornamental birds and small rodents (Sensient Colours Europe GmbH)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Sunset Yellow FCF for cats, dogs, ornamental fish, grain‐eating ornamental birds and small rodents when used as an additive that adds or restores colour in feedingstuffs. Sunset Yellow FCF is considered safe for the target species at the following concentrations in complete feed: 165 mg/kg for cats, 198 mg/kg for dogs, 733 mg/kg for ornamental fish, 24 mg/kg for grain‐eating ornamental birds and 750 mg/kg for small rodents. In the absence of adequate information, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude neither on the eyes and skin irritation potential of Sunset yellow FCF, nor on its skin sensitisation potential. Exposure by inhalation is considered to be unlikely. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive.
CRLH-SIW-based leaky wave antenna with low cross-polarisation for Ku-band applications

A novel composite right/left-handed substrate integrated waveguide (SIW)-based leaky wave antenna (LWA) is proposed. Square-ring-slot radiators are adopted to introduce series capacitor as well as the energy leakage, and four grounded vias within the slot ring contribute to part of the shunt inductor. Moreover, low cross-polarisation levels in the beam scanning plane are achieved due to the differential excitations of the radiators located along the centre line of the SIW working at TE10 mode. The antenna is fabricated and measured. Both simulated and measured results show that the proposed antenna is a balanced LWA operating in the frequency band 13.5-17.8 GHz. Continuous beam scanning characteristic is acquired within the scanning region -57° to +30°. In addition, low cross-polarisation levels less than -27 dB are obtained, and measured results are in good agreement with simulated ones.
Building material stock analysis is critical for effective circular economy strategies: a comprehensive review

Buildings account for the largest share of accumulated materials and waste globally. Tracking the material composition, quantity and location of these materials, known as building material stock analysis (MSA), is a first step in enabling the reuse or repurposing of materials, key strategies of the circular economy. While the number of building MSAs is growing, there is a need to coalesce methods, data and scope. Therefore, in this work, we reviewed and evaluated 62 journal and conference articles on MSA of buildings from different angles including scope, boundaries, archetype classification, material intensity determination, approaches (i.e. bottom-up, top-down, remote sensing) and quantity of materials to identify barriers, gaps and opportunities in this area along with its implications for decision-making, policy and regulations. We cataloged the three major approaches of MSAs and discuss their advantages and shortcomings. We also created a comprehensive directory of building archetypes, references and materials for future researchers. As expected, most of the studies estimated that concrete had the largest mass compared with other materials; however, mass-based distribution of materials showed significant variations in different building stocks across the world. Also, embedded plastics and their types remain under-represented in current studies. A major barrier to MSA is related to a lack of information on physical attributes and geographic information system, design and construction data. Policy makers can play a role in mitigating data barriers through instituting regulations that enforce the reporting of building-related data during the permitting process. Furthermore, outcomes of building MSA can help policy makers when considering incentives for design and construction that utilize these abundant building materials.
Community dynamics of complex starter cultures for Gouda-type cheeses and its functional consequences

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are used as starter and adjunct cultures for the production of artisanal and industrial fermented milk products such as yoghurt and cheese. Artisanal fermentations is propagated with the transfer of an inoculum from old batch of fermented food to the new batch (back-slopping) to initiate the fermentation with the activity of the indigenous microbiota present in the inoculum. In industrial production, these inocula with indigenous microbiota are replaced with the starter cultures that contain lower numbers of LAB species for better controlled fermentation process and consistent final product quality. Cheese manufacturing is still performed in both artisanal ways and with the use of starter cultures. Gouda cheese starter cultures constitute several strains from the subspecies of Lactococcus lactisand Leuconostocs mesenteroidesin different combinations. The mixed and undefined type of starter culture may harbour variable number of strains that contribute unique functionalities to the cheese manufacturing process. Therefore, understanding, controlling and predicting the cheese manufacturing processes require the determination of strain level diversity in the starter culture, their collective and specific metabolic complement, and their activity throughout the cheese manufacturing process, including the interactions between the strains. The first two studies that are covered in this thesis describes the development of a high resolution AFLP fingerprinting tool allowing the discrimination of closely related strains in the starter culture and the subsequent analysis of the microbial community of Gouda cheese starter with this implemented technique and with metagenomics. Furthermore, the thesis includes the development of another tool to selectively amplify DNA only from live fraction of the microbial community in cheese using propidium monoazide (PMA), which is required to study community dynamics with culture independent approaches. The last study in the thesis describes the effects of the variation in propagation regime on the community composition of a mixed starter culture and connects the composition change to the functionalities that impact on flavour development during cheese manufacturing. Overall, the approaches presented in this thesis are intended to eventually enable accurate prediction and control of the cheese manufacturing process using (un)defined starter cultures, but may also allow rational design and development of new starter cultures.
50/60 Hz Power Grid Noise as a Skin Contact Measure of Textile ECG Electrodes

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most commonly measured biosignals. In particular, textile electrodes allow for the measuring of long-term ECG without skin irritation or other discomforts for the patient. Such textile electrodes, however, usually suffer from insufficient or unreliable skin contact. Thus, developing textile electrodes is impeded by the often-complicated differentiation between signal artifacts due to moving and breathing and artifacts related to unreliable skin contact. Here, we suggest a simple method of using 50/60 Hz power grid noise to evaluate the skin contact of different textile electrodes in comparison with commercial glued electrodes. We use this method to show the drying of wetted skin under an embroidered electrode as well as sweating of the originally dry skin under a coated electrode with high water vapor resistance.
A Novel Morphological Analysis based Approach for Dynamic Detection of Inflected Gujarati Idioms

—The Gujarati language is primarily spoken by Gujarati people living in the state of Gujarat, India. It is the medium of communication in the state of Gujarat. In the Gujarati language, ‘rudhiprayog’ i.e. idiom is a very much popular form of expression. It represents the real flavour of the Gujarati language. The idiom is a group of words saying one thing literally but means something else when we explored it in context. Like Gujarati verbs, idioms can be written in many forms. Due to different morphological forms of the same Gujarati idiom, Gujarati idiom identification is a challenging task for any machine translation system (MTS). Accordingly many forms also make idiom translation more complicated. In the current paper, Gujarati idioms in their different inflected forms are collected, analyzed and classified based on ending words. After classifying idioms, their base or root forms are identified. Base idiom form and their possible idioms forms are morphologically analyzed and rules are generated based on the relationship between base form and possible inflected forms of idioms. These rules are used to generate possible idiom forms from the base idiom form. Gujarati idiom in any valid inflected form can be dynamically detected from the Gujarati input text using the proposed novel morphological analysis based approach. The results are encouraging enough to implement the proposed model of rules for natural language processing tasks as well as a machine translation system for Gujarati language idioms.
Managing Musculoskeletal and Kidney Aging: A Call for Holistic Insights

Abstract Aging represents a major concern, with a two-fold increase in individuals >65 years old by 2040. Older patients experience multiple declines in condition, with overlapping concerns. Fractures, frailty and falls remain underestimated events in routine practice. They are shared by numerous conditions and diseases, such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia and undernutrition, which mostly feature low evolution and are silent. In this review, we focused on musculoskeletal decline in older individuals who also have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which promotes fractures and falls. We aimed to highlight the need for a global approach for musculoskeletal and kidney aging. Although strategies limiting falls remain controversial, the need for an early diagnosis can limit these declines and allow for specific treatment of bone fragility in addition to non-pharmacological approaches. The emergence of senolytic agents offers new hope for preventing musculoskeletal disorders. This scoping review describes these overlapping silent diseases, provides evidence for their global understanding and management, and sheds light on new therapeutic directions.
Expression of yes-associated protein, β-catenin and smoothened, and their clinical significance in invasive breast cancer

The expression profile and role of yes-associated protein (YAP) in occurrence and development of breast cancer is ambiguous. The present study aimed to explore the relationship among the YAP, β-catenin and smoothened (SMO) signaling pathways to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of invasive breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein expression levels of YAP, β-catenin and SMO in tumor, tumor-adjacent and normal breast tissue. The possible association between the expression levels of these three proteins and the clinicopathological features of patients with breast cancer was then analyzed by the χ2 test. The protein expression of YAP was found to be downregulated, whilst β-catenin and SMO expression were found to be upregulated in tumor tissues as compared with that in normal breast tissues. In addition, the expression of YAP in breast cancer tissues was found to be associated with that of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), progesterone and estrogen receptors. By contrast, the protein expression of β-catenin and SMO in breast cancer tissues was only associated with HER2. There was a negative correlation between the expression of YAP and SMO protein in breast cancer tissues. Compared with that in the changes in each of YAP, β-catenin and SMO protein expression levels individually, their combined changes in expression were demonstrated to associate significantly with the tumor histological grade. To conclude, data from the present study suggest that the combined protein expression of YAP, β-catenin and SMO can be used as a prognostic indicator for the treatment of invasive breast cancer.
Adaptive Wide-Area Load Shedding Scheme Based on the Sink and Source Concept to Preserve Power System Stability

In this article, a novel wide-area scheme is proposed based on a new sink and source area (SSA) concept. The SSA concept identifies the sink and source regions using a limited number of system voltage phasors. These voltage phasors can be easily transmitted to the control center using a few number of phasor measurement units (PMUs). The SSA idea is used to determine the priority of load buses or regions in the load shedding procedure. Since the SSAs are directly dependent to the generation and load distributions among the resource and demands, they vary over the time. The load shedding locations identified by SSA will accordingly change, which makes more technical sense versus selection of fixed candidates regardless of the real-time operation status. Furthermore, the amount of load shedding is adaptively determined based on the comprehensive analysis of interaction characteristics between load buses. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated on two networks under various realistic scenarios. The simulation studies’ results reveal promising operation of the proposed approach comparing to that of other load shedding techniques. Moreover, the required number of PMUs and communication infrastructure are presented and the impact of communication link delay on the proposed algorithm is investigated.
Facial Micro-Expression Recognition Based on Deep Local-Holistic Network

A micro-expression is a subtle, local and brief facial movement. It can reveal the genuine emotions that a person tries to conceal and is considered an important clue for lie detection. The micro-expression research has attracted much attention due to its promising applications in various fields. However, due to the short duration and low intensity of micro-expression movements, micro-expression recognition faces great challenges, and the accuracy still demands improvement. To improve the efficiency of micro-expression feature extraction, inspired by the psychological study of attentional resource allocation for micro-expression cognition, we propose a deep local-holistic network method for micro-expression recognition. Our proposed algorithm consists of two sub-networks. The first is a Hierarchical Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network (HCRNN), which extracts the local and abundant spatio-temporal micro-expression features. The second is a Robust principal-component-analysis-based recurrent neural network (RPRNN), which extracts global and sparse features with micro-expression-specific representations. The extracted effective features are employed for micro-expression recognition through the fusion of sub-networks. We evaluate the proposed method on combined databases consisting of the four most commonly used databases, i.e., CASME, CASME II, CAS(ME)2, and SAMM. The experimental results show that our method achieves a reasonably good performance.
Kinematics of Cenozoic Shortening of the Hotan Anticline Along the Northwestern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau (Western Kunlun, China)

Kinematic constraints on the Cenozoic deformation along the northwestern edge of the Tibetan Plateau remain limited. Combining surface geological data and seismic profiles, we document the structural geometry and kinematics of the large‐scale east‐west striking Hotan anticline, along the foothills of the Western Kunlun Range. Four new balanced cross sections are constructed, and the temporal evolution of deformation is deciphered from the exceptionally well‐imaged growth strata at the front of the fold. This anticline results from a broad fault‐bend fold, subsequently deformed by a footwall duplex. The total shortening across the whole structure is relatively constant along strike, from ∼40 to ∼35 km. However, the shortening accommodated by the duplex varies laterally from ∼50–40% to 0% of the total shortening. Two distinct successive patterns of growth strata are recognized and are interpreted to be representative of deformation on the ramp anticline, followed by deformation on the duplex. The onset of deformation initiated by ∼16 Ma. Deformation of the underlying duplex began at ∼12 Ma to the west and subsequently propagated eastward. From these results, we determine a shortening rate of ∼5 mm/yr from ∼16 to ∼8–9 Ma across the Hotan thrust system, followed by a significant decrease in shortening rate, possibly down to <0.5 mm/yr. We explore the significance of this deceleration of deformation at the scale of the Western Kunlun foothills and at a broader regional scale as it may point to a regional kinematic reorganization by the late Miocene.
In vitro antiproliferative potential of crude extracts from 
Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) black seeds against prostate cancer cell lines

Black seeds from papaya plants are utilized as traditional medicine in African and Asian cultures to improve the functioning of the male reproductive system and management of prostate cancer. This study analyzed the phytochemical composition, antiproliferative activity and cytotoxicity of Carica papaya black seeds against the prostate cancer cells and Vero cells. Phytochemical screening was performed by standard procedures. Methyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay was used to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of crude extracts in prostate cancer cells against the control. Phytocompounds, namely flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides and saponins were found in the crude extracts. All papaya seeds’ extracts had antiproliferative activity towards prostate cancer cells. Ethyl acetate extract was found with higher antiproliferative activity with IC 50 of 3.64 µg/ml. The crude extracts were not toxic towards Vero cells as compared to the control. Isolation and characterization of active compounds from herein crude extracts and papaya black seeds are therefore recommended for future studies
How do nonprofit organizations (NPOs) effectively engage with the public on social media? Examining the effects of interactivity and emotion on Twitter

PurposeThis study seeks to understand the communication factors associated with effective social media for nonprofit organizations (NPOs). Specifically, the study investigated how interactive and emotional communication strategies influence public engagement in different ways, and how the effects differ by service-oriented and other types of NPOs.Design/methodology/approachUsing computer-assisted textual and emotional analyses, the authors examined the functional interactivity, contingency interactivity and emotion elements of 301,559 tweets from the 100 largest US nonprofits. Negative binomial regression was applied to test the relationships among these elements and public engagement on Twitter (i.e. likes and retweets). FindingsFindings revealed negative effects of functional interactivity on likes, negative effects of contingency interactivity on likes and retweets but a positive effect of functional interactivity on retweets. The findings also showed negative effects of emotion valence on likes and retweets but positive effects of emotion strength on likes and retweets. There were varying effects of interactivity and emotion on public engagement for service-oriented and other types of NPOs.Originality/valueThis study advances the nonprofit social media scholarship in several ways. First, this study suggests a clear yet largely ignored distinction in the effects of functional and contingency interactivity on public engagement. Second, this study is an early attempt to examine the role and impact of emotion elements in nonprofit social media success without downplaying the role of interactivity. Third, this study is one of the earliest attempts to include interaction effects for different types of NPOs. Last, this study contributes to the organizational social media use research by demonstrating the benefits of computer-assisted approaches in processing text data on social media. From a practical perspective, this study provides strategic guidelines for NPOs to design effective communication contents and improve their public engagement on social media.