Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Physics and Slow Physics in the Nonlinear Dansgaard–Oeschger Relaxation Oscillation

AbstractThe Dansgaard–Oeschger (D-O) relaxation oscillation that governed glacial climate variability during marine isotope stage 3 has been accurately simulated using a high-resolution coupled climate model. Here the authors present additional detailed analyses of both the slow physics transition between warm and cold states and the fast physics transition between cold and warm states of the D-O cycle. First, the authors demonstrate that the mechanisms active during the slow transition from interstadial to stadial conditions involves the continuous flux of thick and old sea ice from the Arctic basin into the North Atlantic subpolar gyre region along the East Greenland Current. During this slow physical process, the freshwater input from sea ice melting as it moves over the surface of the warm ocean restratifies the high-latitude North Atlantic and leads to a significant reduction in the rate of North Atlantic Deep Water formation. A detailed freshwater budget and hydrography analysis is also presented to.
Seasonal and Regional Patterns of Future Temperature Extremes: High‐Resolution Dynamic Downscaling Over a Complex Terrain

The combined impacts of projected/simulated climate change and variability on temperature extremes over a complex topographical terrain along the eastern Mediterranean are assessed in this study. High‐resolution dynamical temperature downscaling is conducted for the past (2008) and the near future (until 2050) during eight extreme hot and dry years under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used for the downscaling process with two nested resolutions of 9 and 3 km, forced by the global High‐Resolution Atmospheric Model (HiRAM) at a resolution of 25 km. Climate indices resultant from daily simulated temperature illustrate considerable changes in daily maximum summer and minimum winter temperature extremes during the future simulated years in comparison with the historic 2008 selected as reference and control period. While average yearly temperatures increase in both scenarios and most regions as expected, the seasonal variability is forecasted to intensify even more significantly resulting in colder winter and warmer summer conditions. Moreover, the interseasonal variability was most pronounced in the years with the highest averaged temperatures. A notable increase in the annual incidence of hot nights and heat wave events relative to 2008 conditions is also expected. The orographic complexity resulted in significant regional differences, with the most affected regions experiencing more than a doubling of extreme indices during the hottest and driest years of near‐future decades. This strong spatial variability highlights the need for high‐resolution downscaling.
The dynamic history of plastid genomes in the Campanulaceae sensu lato is unique among angiosperms

Significance Photosynthesis in plants occurs in the chloroplast, which is one developmental form of the eukaryotic plastid that evolved endosymbiotically from a cyanobacterium. During their algal ancestry, most plastid genes were transferred to the nucleus or otherwise lost, and genome architecture and organization stabilized prior to the origin of land plants. The plastid genome in some groups of plants subsequently became dynamic, which prompts the question: Why? This study shows that the extensive rearrangements in Campanulaceae plastid genomes include dozens of newly inserted protein-coding genes that likely originated from the nucleus. Better understanding of this unique evolutionary potential of Campanulaceae plastids to acquire new DNA may help bioengineers incorporate genes into plastids of other plants. Why have some plants lost the organizational stability in plastid genomes (plastomes) that evolved in their algal ancestors? During the endosymbiotic transformation of a cyanobacterium into the eukaryotic plastid, most cyanobacterial genes were transferred to the nucleus or otherwise lost from the plastome, and the resulting plastome architecture in land plants confers organizational stability, as evidenced by the conserved gene order among bryophytes and lycophytes, whereas ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms share a single, 30-kb inversion. Although some additional gene losses have occurred, gene additions to angiosperm plastomes were previously unknown. Plastomes in the Campanulaceae sensu lato have incorporated dozens of large ORFs (putative protein-coding genes). These insertions apparently caused many of the 125+ large inversions now known in this small eudicot clade. This phylogenetically restricted phenomenon is not biogeographically localized, which indicates that these ORFs came from the nucleus or (less likely) a cryptic endosymbiont.
Predicting Web Development Effort Using a Bayesian Network

OBJECTIVE - The objective of this paper is to investigate the use of a Bayesian Network (BN) for Web effort estimation. METHOD - We built a BN automatically using the HUGIN tool and data on 120 Web projects from the Tukutuku database. In addition the BN model and node probability tables were also validated by a Web project manager from a well-established Web company in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The accuracy was measured using data on 30 projects (validation set), and point estimates (1-fold cross-validation using a 80%-20% split). The estimates obtained using the BN were also compared to estimates obtained using forward stepwise regression (SWR) as this is one of the most frequently used techniques for software and Web effort estimation. RESULTS - Our results showed that BN-based predictions were better than previous predictions from Web-based cross-company models, and significantly better than predictions using SWR. CONCLUSIONS - Our results suggest that, at least for the dataset used, the use of a model that allows the representation of uncertainty, inherent in effort estimation, can outperform other commonly used models, such as those built using multivariate regression techniques.
Central Role of Ferrous/Ferric Iron in the Ultraviolet B Irradiation-mediated Signaling Pathway Leading to Increased Interstitial Collagenase (Matrix-degrading Metalloprotease (MMP)-1) and Stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) mRNA Levels in Cultured Human Dermal Fibroblasts*

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important second messengers for the induction of several genes in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation has recently been shown to generate lipid peroxidation products and hydroxyl radicals (HO⋅) with detrimental long term effects like cancer formation and premature aging of the skin. Here, we addressed the question of whether ferric/ferrous iron via the generation of ROS may mediate the UVB response, finally leading to connective tissue degradation, a hallmark in carcinogenesis and aging. Therefore, we studied the involvement of iron and ROS in the modulation of Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) activity, c-jun and c-fos mRNA levels, key signaling steps in the transcriptional control of matrix-degrading metalloprotease (MMP)-1/interstitial collagenase and MMP-3/stromelysin-1 after UVB irradiation of human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. The iron-driven generation of lipid peroxides and hydroxyl radicals were identified as early events in the downstream signaling pathway of the UVB response leading to a 15-fold increase in JNK2 activity, a 3.5-fold increase in c-jun, to a 6-fold increase in MMP-1, and a 3.8-fold increase in MMP-3 mRNA levels, while virtually no alteration of c-fos mRNA levels were observed. Diminished generation of reactive oxygen species resulted in a significant reduction of JNK2 activity, c-jun, MMP-1, and MMP-3 mRNA levels after UVB irradiation compared with UVB-irradiated cells. Collectively, we have identified the iron-driven Fenton reaction and lipid peroxidation as possible central mechanisms underlying signal transduction of the UVB response.
Integrated Ground Reaction Force Sensing and Terrain Classification for Small Legged Robots

We present the design and implementation of a miniature tactile sensing array for ground reaction force measurements in small legged robots. Dynamic ground pressure data from the sensors were collected using a small two-legged runner and used to train a support vector machine (SVM) terrain classifier. Results show that tactile sensing data, in combination with information about the motor torque and robot gait, are sufficient to distinguish among hard, slippery, grassy and granular terrain types with >90% accuracy in a single stride. The most useful classifier features include stride frequency, peak motor torque, and peak and average tactile sensor readings.
Double true umbilical cord knots coexisting with a nuchal cord with successful fetal outcome: A case report

Umbilical nodes and cords play a crucial role in fetal development and are essential for the transfer of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and the fetus. Sonographic diagnosis of umbilical nodes and cords has become an integral part of prenatal care, allowing for the early detection of abnormalities and potential complications. The umbilical cord is a vital structure connecting the fetus to the placenta, providing essential nutrients and oxygen for fetal growth and development. Sonographic examination of the umbilical cord and its associated nodes has become an indispensable tool in prenatal care, enabling the early detection of abnormalities and potential complications. This review aims to analyze the current literature on sonographic diagnosis of umbilical nodes and cords, highlighting the key points and advancements in this field. A 37-year-old booked G4P2+1A2 Nigerian woman was registered for prenatal tertiary health care at 12 weeks of gestation. The booking investigations were normal and the booking packed cell volume was 37%. She was compliant with scheduled clinic visits and routine drugs. Pregnancy was carried to term uneventfully. Elective cesarean section was successfully performed at 38 weeks of gestation owing to the patient’s prior history of third-degree perineal tear. The intraoperative findings included a loose cord around the neck of the baby and double true knots along the length of the 65 cm umbilical cord. The baby was delivered with appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration (APGAR) scores of 7 in the first minute, 9 in the fifth minute, and the birth weight was 3.0 kg. Mother and baby were discharged 48 h postpartum in stable clinical condition. Although the presence of true double umbilical knots is rare, its coexistence with the nuchal cord is even rarer. There are risk factors associated with true umbilical knots. The possible risk factor implicated in this index case is the gender of the fetus and maternal multiparity. True umbilical knots are usually associated with certain fetal negative outcomes of pregnancy. There are currently no evidence-based treatment options available.
Brain-computer interface training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with chronic severe hemiparesis: Proof of concept study.

OBJECTIVE Brain-computer interface technology has been applied to stroke patients to improve their motor function. Event-related desynchronization during motor imagery, which is used as a brain-computer interface trigger, is sometimes difficult to detect in stroke patients. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is known to increase event-related desynchronization. This study investigated the adjunctive effect of anodal tDCS for brain-computer interface training in patients with severe hemiparesis. SUBJECTS Eighteen patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN A non-randomized controlled study. METHODS Subjects were divided between a brain-computer interface group and a tDCS- brain-computer interface group and participated in a 10-day brain-computer interface training. Event-related desynchronization was detected in the affected hemisphere during motor imagery of the affected fingers. The tDCS-brain-computer interface group received anodal tDCS before brain-computer interface training. Event-related desynchronization was evaluated before and after the intervention. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper extremity motor score (FM-U) was assessed before, immediately after, and 3 months after, the intervention. RESULTS Event-related desynchronization was significantly increased in the tDCS- brain-computer interface group. The FM-U was significantly increased in both groups. The FM-U improvement was maintained at 3 months in the tDCS-brain-computer interface group. CONCLUSION Anodal tDCS can be a conditioning tool for brain-computer interface training in patients with severe hemiparetic stroke.
Cannabinoid derivate-loaded PLGA nanocarriers for oral administration: formulation, characterization, and cytotoxicity studies

CB13 (1-Naphthalenyl[4-(pentyloxy)-1-naphthalenyl]methanone)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) were produced by nanoprecipitation and tested for their in vitro release behavior and in vitro cytotoxicity assays. The effects of several formulation parameters such as polymer type, surfactant concentration, and initial drug amount were studied. NPs had a particle size 90–300 nm in diameter. Results obtained show that the main influence on particle size was the type of polymer employed during the particle production: the greater the hydrophobicity, the smaller the particle size. In terms of encapsulation efficiency (%), high values were achieved (∼68%–90%) for all formulations prepared due to the poor solubility of CB13 in the external aqueous phase. Moreover, an inverse relationship between release rate and NP size was found. On the other hand, low molecular weight and low lactide content resulted in a less hydrophobic polymer with increased rates of water absorption, hydrolysis, and erosion. NPs showed no cytotoxicity and may be considered to be appropriate for drug-delivery purposes.
Implementation of Action Sequences by a Neostriatal Site: A Lesion Mapping Study of Grooming Syntax

The neostriatum and its connections control the sequential organization of action (“action syntax”) as well as simpler aspects of movement. This study focused on sequential organization of rodent grooming. Grooming syntax provides an opportunity to study how neural systems coordinate natural patterns of serial order. The most stereotyped of these grooming patterns, a “syntactic chain,” has a particularly stereotyped order that recurs thousands of times more often than could occur by chance. The purpose of the present study was to identify the crucial site within the striatopallidal system where lesions disrupt the syntax or serial order of syntactic grooming chains without disrupting constituent movements. Small excitotoxin lesions were made using quinolinic acid at bilateral sites within the dorsolateral, dorsomedial, ventrolateral, or ventromedial neostriatum, or in the ventral pallidum or globus pallidus of rats. An objective technique for mapping functional lesions was used to quantify cell death and to map precisely those lesions that disrupted grooming syntax. Our results identified a single site within the anterior dorsolateral neostriatum, slightly more than a cubic millimeter in size (1.3 × 1.0 × 1.0 mm), as crucial to grooming syntax. Damage to this site did not disrupt the ability to emit grooming actions. By contrast, damage to sites in the ventral pallidum and globus pallidus impaired grooming actions but left the sequential organization of grooming syntax intact. Neural circuits within this crucial “action syntax site” seem to implement sequential patterns of behavior as a specific function.
Transport of Phosphatidylserine from the Endoplasmic Reticulum to the Site of Phosphatidylserine Decarboxylase2 in Yeast

Over the past two decades, most of the genes specifying lipid synthesis and metabolism in yeast have been identified and characterized. Several of these biosynthetic genes and their encoded enzymes have provided valuable tools for the genetic and biochemical dissection of interorganelle lipid transport processes in yeast. One such pathway involves the synthesis of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and its non‐vesicular transport to the site of phosphatidylserine decarboxylase2 (Psd2p) in membranes of the Golgi and endosomal sorting system. In this review, we summarize the identification and characterization of the yeast phosphatidylserine decarboxylases, and examine their role in studies of the transport‐dependent pathways of de novo synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn). The emerging picture of the Psd2p‐specific transport pathway is one in which the enzyme and its non‐catalytic N‐terminal domains act as a hub to nucleate the assembly of a multiprotein complex, which facilitates PtdSer transport at membrane contact sites between the ER and Golgi/endosome membranes. After transport to the catalytic site of Psd2p, PtdSer is decarboxylated to form PtdEtn, which is disseminated throughout the cell to support the structural and functional needs of multiple membranes.
Key Working for Families with Young Disabled Children

For families with a disabled child, the usual challenges of family life can be further complicated by the need to access a wide range of services provided by a plethora of professionals and agencies. Key working aims to support children and their families in navigating these complexities ensuring easy access to relevant, high quality, and coordinated care. The aim of this paper is to explore the key worker role in relation to “being a key worker” and “having a key worker”. The data within this paper draw on a larger evaluation study of the Blackpool Early Support Pilot Programme. The qualitative study used an appreciative and narrative approach and utilised mixed methods (interviews, surveys and a nominal group workshop). Data were collected from 43 participants (parents, key workers, and other stakeholders). All stakeholders who had been involved with the service were invited to participate. In the paper we present and discuss the ways in which key working made a difference to the lives of children and their families. We also consider how key working transformed the perspectives of the key workers creating a deeper and richer understanding of family lives and the ways in which other disciplines and agencies worked. Key working contributed to the shift to a much more family-centred approach, and enhanced communication and information sharing between professionals and agencies improved. This resulted in families feeling more informed. Key workers acted in an entrepreneurial fashion, forging new relationships with families and between families and other stakeholders. Parents of young disabled children and their service providers benefited from key working. Much of the benefit accrued came from strong, relational, and social-professional networking which facilitated the embedding of new ways of working into everyday practice. Using an appreciative inquiry approach provided an effective and relevant way of engaging with parents, professionals, and other stakeholders to explore what was working well with key working within an Early Support Pilot Programme.
Nature Publishing Group Original Contributions Quantification of the Calibration Error in the Transfer Function-derived Central Aortic Blood Pressures

See reviewer commentary page 1266 Systolic and pulse pressures measured at a person's arm using a noninvasive sphygmomanometer (oscillometric brachial systo-lic blood pressure (SBP-O) and oscillometric brachial pulse pressure (PP-O), respectively) are rough estimates of the invasive brachial blood pressure values; these are themselves estimates of the invasive measurements (central systolic blood pressure (SBP-C) and central pulse pressure (PP-C), respectively) at central aorta. 1,2 Therefore, the invasive SBP-C and PP-C are better indicators of hemodynamic load and stress to the heart and large vessels than the noninvasive SBP-O and PP-O at rest, during pharmacological intervention, and after exercise. 3,4 Currently, SBP-C and PP-C can be noninvasively estimated using a generalized transfer function without the need for cardiac catheteriza-tion. 5–7 Indeed, the noninvasive SBP-C and PP-C estimated by the generalized transfer function technique have been shown to be more strongly related than SBP-O and PP-O to target organ damages and cardiovascular outcomes. 8–10 However, the accuracy of SBP-C and PP-C estimated by the generalized transfer function technique has long been questioned. 11–14 Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis of longitudinal studies suggested that SBP-C was not significantly associated with higher relative risk of clinical events when compared with SBP-O, and PP-C had a marginally but not significantly better predictive ability when compared with PP-O. 15 This may raise serious doubts on the clinical usefulness of the noninvasively estimated SBP-C and PP-C by the generalized transfer function technique, which has been increasingly used in commercially available devices. 16–18 The generalized transfer function technique reconstructs the central aortic pressure waveform from the noninvasively acquired peripheral pressure waveform using a single generalized transfer function, irrespective of age, genders, and disease states. 5–7 Individual variations from the generalized transfer function may produce errors in the estimates of SBP-C and PP-C. 19 Most of the noninvasive devices acquire a peripheral pressure waveform from radial artery using a high fidelity applanation tonometer, which may also produce errors in case Background The accuracy of the central aortic systolic (SbP-c) and pulse (PP-c) blood pressures estimated noninvasively by a generalized transfer function technique has been questioned. The purpose of the present study was to quantify precisely the impact of the input errors (differences between the oscillometric (SbP-O, dbP-O, PP-O) and invasive (SbP-b, dbP-b, PP-b) brachial systolic, diastolic, and pulse blood pressures) on the output errors (differences between the estimated and invasively measured SbP-c and PP-c).
Alterations of Na, K and Rb concentrations in Mycenaean pottery and a proposed explanation using X-ray diffraction

One of the most important reference groups for Mycenaean pottery is the Mycenae/Berbati (MB). In several studies, a second group has been identified (MBKR). The chemical compositions were similar to MB, but with important differences in the Na, K and Rb contents. The present study suggests that these differences are due to selective alteration and contamination processes that are indirectly determined by the original firing temperature. Therefore, groups MB and MBKR should be considered as a single reference group.