Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peptide LCGA-17 Attenuates Behavioral and Neurochemical Deficits in Rodent Models of PTSD and Depression

We have previously described the LCGA-17 peptide as a novel anxiolytic and antidepressant candidate that acts through the α2δ VGCC (voltage-gated calcium channel) subunit with putative synergism with GABA-A receptors. The current study tested the potential efficacy of acute and chronic intranasal (i.n.) LCGA-17 (0.05 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg) in rats on predator odor-induced conditioned place aversion (POCPA), a model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) that produce a range of behavioral and physiological changes that parallel symptoms of depression in humans. CUS and LCGA-17 treatment effects were tested in the sucrose preference (SPT) social interaction (SI), female urine sniffing (FUST), novelty-suppressed feeding (NSFT), and forced swim (FST) tests. Analysis of the catecholamines content in brain structures after CUS was carried out using HPLC. The efficacy of i.n. LCGA-17 was also assessed using the Elevated plus-maze (EPM) and FST. Acute LCGA-17 administration showed anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in EPM and FST, similar to diazepam and ketamine, respectively. In the POCPA study, LCGA-17 significantly reduced place aversion, with efficacy greater than doxazosin. After CUS, chronic LCGA-17 administration reversed stress-induced alterations in numerous behavioral tests (SI, FUST, SPT, and FST), producing significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Finally, LCGA-17 restored the norepinephrine levels in the hippocampus following stress. Together, these results support the further development of the LCGA-17 peptide as a rapid-acting anxiolytic and antidepressant.
Face recognition method based on Siamese networks under non-restricted conditions

Face recognition is an important part of computer vision, and has a vital role to play in public safety. In view of the problems of low accuracy and low efficiency in the case of uneven image quality and occlusion due to sudden changes in light in face recognition, we design a Siamese neural Network based Local Binary Pattern (also called LBP) and Frequency Feature Perception. The network is based on the Siamese neural network and adopts the Uniform LBP algorithm and frequency feature perception to achieve face recognition under non-restricted conditions, respectively; the LBP algorithm can eliminate the effect of lighting on the image and provide vector-level input to the network model; the frequency feature perception divides the image features into low-frequency features and high-frequency features, and compresses the low-frequency features in the Siamese neural network to increase the network’s recognition efficiency while exchanging information with high-frequency features to retain their feature data while eliminating target noise data. This maintains the recognition rate of the network and improves the computational speed of the network. Simulation experiments are conducted on the standard face datasets CASIA-WebFace, Yale-B and LFW and compared with other network models. The experimental results show that the proposed SN-LF network structure in this paper can improve the recognition accuracy of the algorithm and obtain a better recognition accuracy.
Validation of the 30-Year Framingham Risk Score in a German Population-Based Cohort

The Framingham Risk Score to predict 30-year risk (FRS30y) of cardiovascular disease (CVD) constitutes an important tool for long-term risk prediction. However, due to its complex statistical properties and the paucity of large population-based cohorts with appropriate data, validation of the FRS30y is lacking. A population-based cohort from Southern Germany (N = 3110, 1516 (48.7%) women) was followed up for a median time of 29.5 [18.7, 31.2] years. Discrimination and calibration were assessed for the original, recalibrated and refitted FRS30y version. During follow up, 620 incident CVD events (214 in women) occurred. The FRS30y showed adequate discrimination (original and recalibrated version: Area under the curve (AUC): 78.4 for women and 74.9 for men) but overestimated actual CVD risk (original version: discordance 45.4% for women and 37.3% for men, recalibrated version: 37.6% and 28.6%, respectively). Refitting showed substantial improvement in neither discrimination nor calibration. The performance of FRS30y is adequate for long-term CVD risk prediction and could serve as an important tool in risk communication, especially for younger audiences.
Long Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes after Sevoflurane Neonatal Exposure of Extremely Preterm Children: A Cross-Sectional Observationnal Study

Sevoflurane, a volatile anesthetic, is used when extremely preterm neonates (EPT) undergo painful procedures. Currently, no existing studies analyze sevoflurane’s long-term effects during the EPT’s immediate neonatal period. Our primary objective was to compare the EPT’s neurocognitive development regardless of any sevoflurane exposure prior to 45 weeks corrected gestational age (GA). We analyzed those live discharges, less than 28 weeks GA, who were either exposed, unexposed, and/or multiply exposed to sevoflurane before 45 weeks GA. All data were obtained from a cross-sectional multicenter study (GPQoL study, NCT01675726). Children, both exposed and non-exposed to sevoflurane, were sampled using a propensity-guided approach. Neurological examinations (Touwen), cognitive and executive functions (WISC IV, NEPSY, Rey figure), and assessments when the children were between 7 and 10 years old, were correlated to their neonatal sevoflurane exposure. There were 139 children in the study. The mean gestational age was 26.2 weeks (±0.8) GA and the mean birth weight was 898 g (±173). The mean age of their evaluation was 8.47 years old (±0.70). Exposure to sevoflurane to the mean corrected age 27.10 (3.37) weeks GA had a significant correlation with cerebral palsy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 6.70 (CI 95%: 1.84–32.11)) and other major disorders (cerebral palsy and/or severe cognitive retardation) (aOR: 2.81 [95% CI: 1.13–7.35]). Our results demonstrate the possibility of long-term effects on EPT infants who had a sevoflurane exposure before 45 weeks corrected GA. However, these results will require further confirmation by randomized controlled trials.
A Natural History of Erectile Dysfunction in Elderly Men: A Population-Based, Twelve-Year Prospective Study

There is a wide variation in the development and course of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, which confirms the need for prospective studies. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among the general male population at the baseline (n = 359) and in a follow-up survey (n = 218) 12 years later. The prospective 12-year study included 189 men. ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 62.0 years at the baseline, while at the 12-year follow-up it was 71.6 years. The crude prevalence of ED was 61.6% at the baseline and 78.9% at the follow-up, and the prevalence tended to increase with age. All of the men aged 75 years or more had at least mild ED. The incidence of ED in every thousand person years was 53.5. A total of 54.5% of the men experienced ED progression, while 39.2% reported no changes in erectile function, and 6.3% experienced ED regression during the 12-year study. The likelihood of ED progression was higher in the older compared with younger age group (odds ratio, OR 5.2 (95% CI: 1.1–26.2)), and the likelihood of ED regression was lower among men with increased depression symptoms (OR 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1–0.6)) and among men with a decreased interest in their sexual life (OR 0.1 (95% CI: 0.0–0.6)). Lifestyle factors such as the consumption of alcohol and smoking were not significantly associated with ED.
A machine learning approach to predict crime using time and location data

Recognizing the patterns of criminal activity of a place is paramount in order to prevent it. Law enforcement agencies can work effectively and respond faster if they have better knowledge about crime patterns in different geological points of a city. The aim of this paper is to use machine learning techniques to classify a criminal incident by type, depending on its occurrence at a given time and location. The experimentation is conducted on a dataset containing San Francisco’s crime records from 2003 2015. For this supervised classification problem, Decision Tree, Gaussian Naive Bayes, k-NN, Logistic Regression, Adaboost, Random Forest classification models were used. As crime categories in the dataset are imbalanced, oversampling methods, such as SMOTE and undersampling methods such as Edited NN, Neighborhood Cleaning Rule were used. Solving the imbalanced class problem, the machine learning agent was able to categorize crimes with approximately 81% accuracy.
Land-subsidence susceptibility mapping: assessment of an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system–genetic algorithm hybrid model

Abstract Land-subsidence (LS) is a common geo-hazard in many regions of the world. The overexploitation of subsurface and ground water, followed by collapse of underground cavities, is one of the mechanisms that cause LS. Optimal prediction of LS is difficult due to limitations in monitoring, surveying and information about the mechanism and process of LS. Therefore, LS susceptibility mapping (LSSM) is crucial to prevent and reduce the economic damage of natural and manmade catastrophes. This study in the Isfahan Province, Iran, aimed to map LS susceptibility using a hybrid model of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system–genetic algorithm (ANFIS–GA) and three stand-alone machine-learning (ML) models: support vector machine, maximum entropy and ANFIS. In total, 155 LS historical points were collected, and 12 LS conditioning factors (LSCFs) were compiled for each site. These factors were elevation, slope, aspect, topographic wetness index, plan curvature, distance to stream, drainage density, groundwater withdrawal, lithology, distance to fault, normalized difference vegetation index and land use and land cover. These data were input into the models in five training-to-validation sample ratios, designated D1 (90:10), D2 (80:20), D3 (70:30), D4 (60:40) and D5 (50:50). The importance of these variables to the occurrence of LS was calculated using a random forest algorithm. Algorithm performance was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve analysis and the results show ANFIS–GA to be the optimal model, with average training and validation AUC values of 0.9644 and 0.9416, respectively. The results demonstrate that LSSMs can be effectively prepared to support decision makers in land use planning and allocation through the development of suitable management strategies.
Experimental research on synergistic drag reduction of cationic surfactant and nonionic polymer

Abstract The coupling of surfactant and polymer can weaken their shortcomings, improve drag reduction rate, and enhance the stability of drag reduction. This paper takes the cationic surfactant octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and the nonionic polymer polyethylene oxide as the research objects, and uses the coaxial cylinder system of Anton Paar MCR102 to study the synergistic drag reduction of cationic surfactant and nonionic polymer. The experimental results show that cationic surfactants and nonionic polymers has obvious synergistic drag reduction. Compared with 800 ppm OTAC/NaSal solution or 40 ppm PEO solution, the drag reduction increases by 61.49% and 19.78%, respectively. Moreover, the drag reduction rate of the mixed solution is not monotonically increasing with the surfactant concentration. When the OTAC/NaSal concentration reaches polymer saturation point of 1200 ppm, the drag reduction rate of the mixed solution reaches the maximum value of 14.09% and the drag reduction rate increases by 34.15%; when the concentration of OTAC/NaSal is less than 1200 ppm, the drag reduction rate increases with the increase of the concentration of cationic surfactant; however, when the concentration of OTAC/NaSal is greater than 1200 ppm, the drag reduction rate is basically stable. In addition, the shear resistance of the mixed solution is significantly enhanced.
Suppression of Sulfate-Induced Expansion with Lime–Silica Fume Blends

Sulfate-induced expansion resulting from the formation of ettringite in sulfate-bearing soil stabilised with calcium-based stabilisers is a problematic issue with technical and economic implications. Thus, this research examines the viability of the co-addition of lime (L) and silica fume (S) at varying binder dosages (4, 6, and 10 wt%), with a view of establishing the optimum blend of L–S for suppressing the ettringite-induced expansion of artificially high sulfate-dosed soil (kaolinite-K and gypsum-G). To do so, a series of laboratory specimens, designed using different gypsum and lime concentrations, were investigated using unconfined compression strength (UCS), linear expansion, and derivative thermo-gravimetric analysis (DTG) as the main criteria for the examination. The research outcomes indicated that the increasing substitution of L with S induces a gradual reduction on the UCS and linear expansion at binder levels of 4 and 6 wt%, while its usage in a high binder level (10 wt%), can yield an expansion reduction, with no compromise on the UCS performance. Therefore, silica fume has the potential for restricting ettringite formation and suppressing the expansion, of which 3L7S is the optimum blending ratio for suppressing the expansion.
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of the Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Cultivar “Mateur” as Affected by Partial Root Drying Irrigation

: The agro-physiological responses of fifteen years-old pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) trees cv. Mateur budded on P. atlantica rootstocks located in the experimental orchard of the Regional Center of Agriculture Research (CRRA, Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia) were studied. Three water treatments were applied; T0: 100% PRD during all the season), T1; 75% PRD during all the season and T2; 50% PRD during all the growing season). Vegetative growth, physiological and biochemical traits were evaluated during the growing season (2021). The leaf gas exchange parameters were determined using a portable photosynthesis system (CI-340 handheld photosynthesis system, USA). Results showed that the stressed trees (T2) presented lower photosynthetic net assimilation (An), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E). Pistachio trees showed an increase in proline and total soluble sugar content with drought in leaf tissues.
Vaccine Design against Chagas Disease Focused on the Use of Nucleic Acids

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic to Central and South America. However, it has spread around the world and affects several million people. Treatment with currently available drugs cause several side effects and require long treatment times to eliminate the parasite, however, this does not improve the chronic effects of the disease such as cardiomyopathy. A therapeutic vaccine for Chagas disease may be able to prevent the disease and improve the chronic effects such as cardiomyopathy. This vaccine would be beneficial for both infected people and those which are at risk in endemic and non-endemic areas. In this article, we will review the surface antigens of T. cruzi, in order to choose those that are most antigenic and least variable, to design effective vaccines against the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Also, we discuss aspects of the design of nucleic acid-based vaccines, which have been developed and proven to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The role of co-adjuvants and delivery carriers is also discussed. We present an example of a chimeric trivalent vaccine, based on experimental work, which can be used to design a vaccine against Chagas disease.
Mars as a time machine to Precambrian Earth

As Mars transitioned from an early Earth-like state to the cold desert planet it is today, it preserved a near pristine record of surface environments in a world without plate tectonics and complex life. The records of Mars’ Earth-like surfaces have remained largely untouched for billions of years, enabling space exploration to provide critical insights about the early days of our own planet. Here, we first review what Mars has taught us about volcanic, tectonic, and metamorphic processes in the absence of discrete plates, drawing comparisons to the terrestrial and venusian records. Then, we summarize advances in understanding its early surface environments, including impact cratering, hydrological, sedimentary, and geochemical processes. Altogether, the martian record provides a picture of early environments that were similar to modern terrestrial ones in many respects, with sediment and geochemical cycling, hydrothermal systems capable of hosting life, but with the exception that topography, sediment, and heat sources were provided by volcanoes and impact cratering rather than plate tectonics. Mars thus offers a lens through which one might catch a glimpse of Earth's infancy, provided exploration efforts continue to refine our understanding of the similarities between Earth and Mars as well as the specificities of each planet.
Respirators in Healthcare: Material, Design, Regulatory, Environmental, and Economic Considerations for Clinical Efficacy

Maintaining an ample supply of personal protective equipment continues to be a challenge for the healthcare industry, especially during emergency situations and times of strain on the supply chain. Most critically, healthcare workers exposed to potential airborne hazards require sufficient respiratory protection. Respirators are the only type of personal protective equipment able to provide adequate respiratory protection. However, their ability to shield hazards depends on design, material, proper fit, and environmental conditions. As a result, not all respirators may be adequate for all scenarios. Additionally, factors including user comfort, ease of use, and cost contribute to respirator effectiveness. Therefore, a careful consideration of these parameters is essential for ensuring respiratory protection for those working in the healthcare industry. Here respirator design and material characteristics are reviewed, as well as properties of airborne hazards and potential filtration mechanisms, regulatory standards of governmental agencies, respirator efficacy in the clinical setting, attitude of healthcare personnel toward respiratory protection, and environmental and economic considerations of respirator manufacturing and distribution.
Modulation of Metabolic Hormone Signaling via a Circadian Hormone and Biogenic Amine in Drosophila melanogaster

In insects, adipokinetic hormone is the primary hormone responsible for the mobilization of stored energy. While a growing body of evidence has solidified the role of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in modulating the physiological and behavioral responses to metabolic stress, little is known about the upstream endocrine circuit that directly regulates AKH release. We evaluated the AKH-producing cell (APC) transcriptome to identify potential regulatory elements controlling APC activity and found that a number of receptors showed consistent expression levels, including all known dopamine receptors and the pigment dispersing factor receptor (PDFR). We tested the consequences of targeted genetic knockdown and found that APC limited expression of RNAi elements corresponding to each dopamine receptor and caused a significant reduction in survival under starvation. In contrast, PDFR knockdown significantly extended lifespan under starvation, whereas expression of a tethered PDF in APCs resulted in significantly shorter lifespans. These manipulations caused various changes in locomotor activity under starvation. We used live-cell imaging to evaluate the acute effects of the ligands for these receptors on APC activation. Dopamine application led to a transient increase in intracellular calcium in a trehalose-dependent manner. Furthermore, coapplication of dopamine and ecdysone led to a complete loss of this response, suggesting that these two hormones act antagonistically. We also found that PDF application led to an increase in cAMP in APCs and that this response was dependent on expression of the PDFR in APCs. Together, these results suggest a complex circuit in which multiple hormones act on APCs to modulate metabolic state.
School dropout as the result of a complex interplay between individual and environmental factors: A study on the perspectives of support workers

ABSTRACT School attendance problems and school dropout are recognised as a major concern by researchers, policymakers, practitioners and the wider society. Although research acknowledges the multi-faceted complexity of dropping out of school, only a limited number of studies have focused on the perspective of support workers (e.g., teachers, social workers, school management, student coaches, policymakers, researchers, labour consultants and psychologists). Using in-depth interviews with 32 support workers, this study reveals an integrated insight into the process of dropping out and its affecting factors. The results of this study provide a conceptualisation of dropping out, and 6 themes emerged from the data, shedding light on the intrapersonal, interpersonal and contextual influencing factors. The study suggests the recognition of the complex interplay of risk factors, the development of a positive discourse to overcome stigma, and the contextualisation of practice based on the holistic educational needs of students to ‘do whatever it takes’.
A fuzzy‐based method for cloud service migration using a shark smell optimization algorithm

Computation should develop and become more powerful and flexible as a result of the expansion of apps and the incorporation of novel consumers into the realm of computing systems. The potential of live virtual machine (VM) migration among various clouds is one of the growing study fields in cloud computing. It can be more important when the cloud service quality that a user is presently using deteriorates or when a new cloud service is launched that is superior in performance, quality, and pricing to the existing services. Because this problem is NP‐Hard in nature, this article proposes a method to migrate the load from an over‐loaded VMs to the active machine that is least loaded using a fuzzy‐based shark smell optimization algorithm. This algorithm is based on a shark's ability to discover prey as a strong hunter in nature, based on the shark's smell sense and motion to the odor source. The suggested optimization technique mathematically models diverse shark behaviors in the search environment, which is seawater. The CloudSim is utilized to illustrate the efficiency of the approach compared to others. The outcomes reveal that energy consumption and execution time are better than Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization algorithms.
Effects of Alcohol Intoxication on Sexual Decision-Making Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Alcohol’s Influences on Self-Control Processes

This experiment tested mechanisms linking alcohol intoxication and analogue determinants of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in a sample of 257 men who have sex with men (MSM). The two mechanisms tested were implicit approach biases toward CAI stimuli and executive working memory. Participants were randomly assigned to three conditions (water control, placebo, or alcohol) and, following beverage administration, completed a working memory task, an approach-avoidance task of sexual versus condom stimuli, and two video role-play vignettes of high-risk sexual scenarios. Sexual arousal and CAI intentions were assessed by self-report, and behavioral skills and risk exposure were derived from participants’ role-play behavior. Estimation of four path models showed that the hypothesized mechanisms were supported for the CAI intention outcome, but the findings for the skills and risk-exposure outcome were mixed. Implications for development and enhancement of HIV prevention interventions are discussed.