Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dysregulated myokines and signaling pathways in skeletal muscle dysfunction in a cigarette smoke–induced model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Skeletal muscle dysfunction is an important extrapulmonary comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Muscle-derived cytokines (myokines) play important roles in skeletal muscle growth and function, but their contributions to skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD have not been fully understood. In the current study, by using a well-established mouse model of COPD with skeletal muscle dysfunction, we found that the expressions of Fndc5 (fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5, the precursor of irisin) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) were decreased, while myostatin (Mstn), phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (p-Erk1/2), and p-Smad3 expressions were upregulated in skeletal muscles from cigarette smoke-exposed mice and in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-stimulated C2C12 myotubes. Treatment with Smad3 or Erk1/2 inhibitors partially restored the expression of Fndc5 in CSE-stimulated C2C12 myotubes. Taken together, CSE exposure, by upregulation of p-Erk1/2, promoted the expression of Mstn, which further inhibited Fndc5 expression by the p-Smad3/PGC-1α pathway, revealing a novel regulating mechanism of myokines in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle comorbidities of COPD.
Interaction between Bean yellow mosaic virus and Botrytis fabae on Faba Bean and the Possibility of their Control by Plant Growth Promoting rhizobacteria

aba bean plants infected by Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) were more susceptible to infection by Botrytis fabae using the detached leaf method. Lesion grades, rate and extent of lesion spread as well as sporulation of B. fabae were increased on leaves infected with virus compared with healthy ones. Lesions caused by B. fabae on leaves infected by BYMV, were larger and developed more rapidly than on virus- free plants. Sporulation on lesions caused by BYMV began earlier and was more abundant than on virus-free plants. The indirect ELISA was carried-out to confirm the identity of the virus. Five strains of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), i.e. Rhizobacterin, Cerealin, Microbien, Nitrobien and Biogen were tested as foliar spraying or seed soaking for induction of systemic resistance (ISR) in faba bean plants to BYMV and B. fabae. Foliar treatment with Microbien showed higher reduction in the level of disease severity and disease incidence for either BYMV and B. fabae. Spraying faba bean with Microbien significantly increased abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) levels than the other treatments. The treatments tested increased phenolic compounds and the activities of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase in the tested plants compared to healthy materials.
Perspectives in Pharmacology Genetic Manipulation of Noradrenergic Neurons

The neurotransmitter norepinephrine has been the focus of intense investigation for nearly a century. With advances in technology come novel approaches for testing hypotheses about the physiological roles of norepinephrine and the genes involved in norepinephrine (NE) biosynthesis, metabolism, and noradrenergic signaling. Homologous recombination techniques, which generate mice deficient in specific gene prod- ucts, aid the integrated physiologist and pharmacologist in the evaluation of protein function. Mouse models lacking proteins involved in NE biosynthesis or metabolism provide tools to expand the knowledge previously gleaned from pharmacologic studies. Removal of the biosynthetic enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine- (cid:1) -hydroxylase yield animals deficient in norepinephrine and have been used to further examine the role of NE in diverse physiologic roles. Complete removal of the vesicular monoamine transporter has demonstrated that mobi- lizing neurotransmitters to vesicles is required for animal sur-vival. Lastly, the generation of animals in which the ability to remove NE from the synapse is impaired (norepinephrine transporter deficiency and extraneuronal monoamine transporter deficiency) and in which the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of NE have been removed (catechol- O -methyltrans- ferase and monoamine oxidase) has facilitated the study of the long-term physiological consequences of altered NE ho- meostasis. DBH, dopamine- (cid:1) -hydroxylase; WT, wild-type; L -aromatic amino acid decarboxylase; PNMT, phenylethanolamine-N -methyl transferase; DOPS, L -dihydroxyphenylserine; vesicular monoamine transporter; mitogen-activated protein; transporter; transporter; 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; monoamine transporter; cation transporter 3; 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium; O monoamine
Compressed Sensing for Graph Signals

In this thesis we are going to tackle the problem of estimating a sparse graph signal with an unknown frequency support set of known size K from a sampled noisy version. Not knowing the location of the non-zero Fourier coefficients and by taking a number M of samples larger than K will give us a compressed sensing problem. The Bayesian Approximate Message Passing (BAMP) algorithm is used to solve the compressed sensing problem and recover the original signal from few coefficients.
Coherence properties of a 2D trapped Bose gas around the superﬂuid transition

We measure the momentum distribution of a 2D trapped Bose gas and observe the increase of the range of coherence around the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition. We quantitatively compare our observed proﬁles to both a Hartee-Fock mean-ﬁeld theory and to quantum Monte-Carlo simulations. In the normal phase, we already observe a sharpening of the momentum distribution. This behavior is partially captured in a mean-ﬁeld approach, in contrast to the physics of the BKT transition.
Network Visibility-aware Blacklist Generation

—Volumetric Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have become a major concern for network operators, as they endanger the network stability by causing severe congestion. Access Control Lists (ACLs), and especially blacklists, have been widely studied as a way of distributing ﬁltering mechanisms at network entry points to alleviate the effect of DDoS attacks. Different blacklist generation approaches, as proposed in the literature, are dependent on the information available on the network trafﬁc. Nonetheless, the collection of trafﬁc information comes at a cost that increases with the level of detail. To study the impact of the level of detail available, we formulate three scenarios. Each scenario describes a typical collection granularity used by operators. We then deﬁne blacklist generation algorithms corresponding to each granularity. Scenarios are evaluated with a mix of real legitimate and generated attack trafﬁc. The evaluation shows that the amount of information does have an impact on the attack ﬁltering results, and that one should choose the blacklist generation algorithms in regard of the available level of detail. Experiments also show that having more information does not always translate to more efﬁcient ﬁltering.
Multiobjective Optimization of a Double-Side Linear Vernier PM Motor Using Response Surface Method and Differential Evolution

This paper designs a double-side linear vernier permanent-magnet motor, which incorporates the merits of high thrust force capability, high power factor, and high efficiency. Since the parameters of the motor are very sensitive and the high thrust force capability comes along with the high force ripple, a framework of multiobjective optimization is proposed to improve the overall motor performances. The sensitivity analysis is used to select significant variables and the multiobjective differential evolution with ranking-based mutation operator is conducted with the response surface models to generate the Pareto solution set. The electromagnetic performances of the optimal motor are compared with the initial motor by simulating step by step based on finite-element analysis. Finally, a prototype motor is manufactured and the experimental results validate the improved motor performances.
Maternal PUFA Status but Not Prenatal Methylmercury Exposure Is Associated with Children (cid:1) s Language Functions at Age Five Years in the Seychelles 1,2

Evidence from the Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study suggests that maternal nutritional status can modulate the relationship between prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure and developmental outcomes in children. The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal PUFA status was a confounding factor in any possible associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and developmental outcomes at 5 y of age in the Republic of Seychelles. Maternal status of (n-3) and (n-6) PUFA were measured in serum collected at 28 wk gestation and delivery. Prenatal MeHg exposure was determined in maternal hair collected at delivery. At 5 y of age, the children completed a comprehensive range of sensitive developmental assessments. Complete data from 225 mothers and their children were available for analysis. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed Preschool Language Scale scores of the children improved with increasing maternal serum DHA [22:6(n-3)] concentrations and decreased with increasing arachidonic acid [20:4(n-6)] concentrations, albeit verbal intelligence improved with increasing (n-6) PUFA concentrations in maternal serum. There were no adverse associations between MeHg exposure and developmental outcomes. These ﬁndings suggest that higher ﬁsh consumption, resulting in higher maternal (n-3) PUFA status, during pregnancy is associatedwith beneﬁcial developmental effects rather than detrimental effects resulting from the higher concomitant exposures of the fetus to MeHg. The association of maternal (n-3) PUFA status with improved child language development may partially explain the authors (cid:1) previous ﬁnding of improving language scores, as prenatal MeHg exposure increased in an earlier mother-child cohort in the Seychelles where maternal PUFA status was not measured. J. Nutr. 142: 1943–1949, 2012.
BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Annotation: The article analyzes the main competitive advantages of implementing blockchain technology in logistics and supply chain management. The essence of the blockchain, the features of its functioning and the prospects for its use in transport and logistics activities are revealed The directions of using blockchain in the transport and logistics activities of foreign and Russian companies are highlighted. Identified barriers preventing the implementation of blockchain technology in the activities of transport and logistics companies.
Category-1 caesarean section , airways and Julius

References 1. Rodney G, Ball DR. Not just monitoring; a strategy for managing neuromuscular blockade. Anaesthesia 2015; 70: 1105–9. 2. Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland. Recommendations for standards of monitoring during anaesthesia and recovery 2015. Anaesthesia 2016; 71: 85–93. 3. Dubois PE, Mulier JP. A review of the interest of sugammadex for deep neuromuscular blockade management in Belgium. Acta Anaesthesiologica Belgica 2013; 64: 49–60. 4. Murphy GS, Szokol JW, et al. Residual neuromuscular blockade and critical respiratory events in the postanesthesia care unit. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2008; 107: 130–7.
An intutionistic approach based on failure mode and effect analysis for prioritizing corrective and preventive strategies

Although Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is a prominent approach that has been used with convenience as the most popular risk definition and evaluation tool related to a system, a product, or a service, it has several deficiencies. This study addresses these deficiencies and proposes a new intuitionistic approach, which combines FMEA and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) by implementing a new intuitionistic scale. Intuitionistic FMEA‐WASPAS can handle uncertainty, vagueness, and hesitancy of the risk evaluation process and provides flexibility for risk assessment. In this study, rankings of corrective‐preventive strategies for failure modes (FMs) are obtained by the proposed approach. To compute Intuitionistic Fuzzy Risk Priority Numbers, occurrence, severity, detection, cost, duration of exposure, and system safety factors are used. A numerical example is also illustrated to present the practicality and effectiveness of the Intuitionistic FMEA‐WASPAS approach.
Analyzing the Regret of Online Classiﬁcation Algorithms Using Feature Selection from Stacked Denoising Autoencoders

Feature learning (or representation) is a widely-known challenge in machine learning algorithms. In this report we attempt to tackle this issue using a well known method known as stacked denoising autoencoders - neural networks trained to reconstruct the original output in such a fashion that reduces the dimensionality of the input space. We then transfer this smaller dimensionality input to an online setting where the feature reduction is constantly tuned by incoming examples. We show the performance when compared to a traditional online classiﬁer, and further analyze the regret and mistake bound of such algorithms with respect to the number of training instances. Finally, we see how these measures scale and whether they agree with their respective theoretical bounds.
What are the characteristics of “good” apps for young children? Perceptions of industry stakeholders

Young children have become keen users of mobile digital devices. The “hAPPy kids” project mapped the views of different stakeholders - parents, children and industry - on the characteristics of “good” apps - that is, safe and beneficial for the development of children - and on the criteria for selecting and developing them. This article presents the perceptions of industry stakeholders such as digital content developers and broadcasters, policy-makers, and experts from the fields of Education and Psychology, gathered from 17 interviews with a purposive sample. They are aware of the demands of parents - learning and safety - and of children - fun and entertainment. They try to address both, and also value technical aspects of user experience.
An integrated cascode DE power amplifier for RF calibration system towards measurement of bio‐sensor applications

The integrated cascode DE power amplifier for RF calibration system toward measurement of bio‐sensor applications is presented in this paper. The proposed architecture includes cascode class‐D and class‐E amplifier stages that could provide better calibration accuracy in terms of wide bandwidth, power efficiency, high gain, minimum group delay, and lowest calibration system. The achieved high performance of proposed amplifier overcomes conventional measurement issues toward bio‐sensor application. The inductive π‐shape matching network drives RF input to class‐D stage and provides wide bandwidth of operation. While class‐E stage with T‐shape matching network maintains stable gain and high efficiency in desired band of operation. The performance of the CMOS proposed amplifier is executed in RF ADS simulator along with fabricated chip using commercial TSMC 65 nm manufacturing process. The simulated and measured data achieves Ku band (12 GHz to 18 GHz) with almost flat gain of 30 dB. The DE amplifier provides an output and saturated power of 17 dBm with highest power efficiency of 45%. The measured calibration factor at maximum resonant frequency of 13.5 GHz achieves best value of less than 2 dB within input power range of −50 dBm to 0 dBm. The lowest calibration factor provides best accuracy along with the other parameters and could be beneficial toward bio‐sensor measurement in the various applications. The calculated area of the fabricated chip is as 0.45*0.45mm2 where class‐E consuming area of 38% and class‐D of 44%. The fabricated chip consumes less power consumption of 3.2 mW under power supply of 1 V.
360-Degree Polarization Scanning with the Diversity of Boresight and Conical Patterns Switching

A novel reconfigurable antenna with the capability of 360-degree polarization scanning and the diversity of boresight and conical radiation patterns switching is presented in this paper. Each shorting-post is connected and controlled by a PIN diode to achieve the desired distribution of electric field null(s) in the substrate, where transverse magnetic (TM) modes switching between TM11 and TM02 can be accordingly realized corresponding to boresight and conical patterns. The antenna is analyzed in a cavity model, which, in terms of electric field, theoretically explains the generation of TM11 and TM02 resonant modes, and provides the audience with an innovative method of designing pattern reconfigurable antennas for the applications such as multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), wireless body sensor network (WBSN), Wi-Fi and WiMAX. The proposed antenna is with a competitive radius of 0.32 λg. The antenna structure is very easy to be fabricated. The measurement shows that the antenna can realize a boresight and conical pattern reconfiguration at 2.4 GHz with a gain of 6 dBi and efficiency of 86.7% (boresight mode), and 4.39 dBi and efficiency of 82.4% (conical mode).
Asymmetrizing cost and density of vertex-transitive cubic graphs

A set S of vertices in a graph G with nontrivial automorphism group is asymmetrizing if the identity mapping is the only automorphism of G that preserves S as a set. If such sets exist, then their minimum cardinality is the asymmetrizing cost ρ ( G ) of G . For ﬁnite graphs the asymmetrizing density δ ( G ) of G is the quotient of the size of S by the order of G . For inﬁnite graphs δ ( G ) is deﬁned by a limit process. Many classes of inﬁnite graphs with δ ( G ) = 0 are known, but seemingly no inﬁnite vertex transitive graphs with δ ( G ) > 0. Here, we construct connected, inﬁnite vertex transitive cubic graphs of asymmetrizing density δ ( G ) = 1 n 2 n +1 for each n ≥ 1. We also construct ﬁnite vertex transitive cubic graphs of arbitrarily large asymmetrizing cost. The examples are Split Praeger–Xu graphs, for which we provide another characterization. This contrasts with our results for vertex transitive cubic graphs that have one arc orbit or are so-called synchronously connected graphs with two arc orbits. For them we show that ρ ( G ) is either ≤ 5 or inﬁnite. In the latter case δ ( G ) = 0.
Knee Diameter and Cross-Section Area Measurements in MRI as New Promising Methods of Chondromalacia Diagnosis-Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Chondromalacia often affects the knee joint. Risk factors for the development of cartilage degenerative changes include overweight, female sex and age. The use of radiological parameters to assess the knee joint is rarely reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: The study involved 324 patients, including 159 (49%) women and 165 (51%) men, with an age range between 8–87 years (mean: 45.1 ± 20.9). The studied group had a body mass index (BMI) in the range of 14.3–47.3 (mean: 27.7 ± 5.02). A 1.5 Tesla and 3.0 Tesla (T) MRI scanner was used to assess the cartilage of the knee joint using the Outerbridge scale. The radiological parameters analyzed were the Insall–Salvati index, knee surface area, knee AP (antero-posterior) maximal diameter and knee SD (sinistro-dexter) maximal diameter. Results: Parameters such as the knee surface area, knee AP maximal diameter and knee SD maximal diameter showed a significant correlation with Outerbridge Scale (p < 0.014). The age of the patients showed a significant correlation with each knee parameter (p < 0.004). Results of knee AP and SD maximal diameter measurements strongly depended on BMI level. Conclusions: A significant relationship was found between the knee surface area, knee AP maximal diameter and knee SD maximal diameter and the advancement of chondromalacic changes in the knee joint, age and BMI.
Modeling, Stability, and Design of the Single-Phase SOGI-Based Phase-Locked Loop Considering the Frequency Feedback Loop Effect

For single-phase grid-connected inverters, the second-order generalized integrator-based phase-locked loop (SOGI-PLL) is widely used for good harmonics attenuation and frequency adaptability. However, existing studies usually neglect the frequency feedback loop in the modeling and design process, and thus, the potential instability caused by the frequency feedback loop is not well explained. Besides, the improper design of SOGI-PLL can lead to the inverter instability both under ideal and weak grid conditions. Therefore, by fully considering the coupling of the frequency feedback loop, this article establishes an accurate model for SOGI-PLL. Furthermore, effects of different PLL parameters on behaviors of both the SOGI-PLL itself and the inverter are studied, based on which a graphical method for PLL parameters design is proposed. As proved, the frequency feedback loop can deteriorate the stability and performance of both SOGI-PLL itself and inverter system, especially if rapid transient is expected. The modeling method is also extended to the low-pass filter-SOGI-PLL and the improved parameters design is discussed. Experimental results verify the correctness of the proposed PLL model and the abovementioned analysis results. The proposed model is helpful to deeply reveal the instability mechanism and provides a reference for the PLL design under nonideal grid conditions.
Effect of Electroacupuncture on Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Peripheral Blood after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion/Reperfusion in Rats Based on Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

Previous fundamental and clinical research has shown that electroacupuncture (EA) at the acupoints of Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) can successfully alleviate motor dysfunction following stroke. Additionally, it has been discovered that gut microbiota and their metabolites play an essential role in stroke. However, the relationship between the metabolites of gut microbiota and the efficacy of EA is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of EA at LI11 and ST36 in the treatment of motor dysfunction after middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in model rats by comparing the differences and correlation between different short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the recovery of motor function. The results indicated that EA at LI11 and ST36 acupoints enhanced the neurological function, motor function, and infarct volume of MCAO/R rats. The levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, and total SCFAs were considerably lower in the MCAO/R group than in the sham group (P < 0.05). Acetic acid, propionic acid, and total SCFA concentrations were substantially higher in the MCAO/R + EA group than in the MCAO/R group (P < 0.05). Finally, Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the propionic acid concentration was substantially favorably connected with the duration on the rotarod (r = 0.633 and P < 0.05) and highly negatively correlated with the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) (r = −0.698 and P < 0.05) and the percentage of cerebral infarct volume (r = −0.729 and P < 0.05). Taken together, these findings indicate that the increase in propionic acid may be one of the mechanisms and targets of EA at LI11 and ST36 acupoints to improve poststroke motor dysfunction in MCAO/R rats.