Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ammonia as Fuel for Low-Carbon Spark-Ignition Engines of Tomorrow's Passenger Cars

Faced with the problem of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning toward a greater use of renewable energies, ammonia, as an energy carrier, is increasingly seen as a potential “green” fuel for transportation, in particular marine applications. However, its combustion characteristics (high minimum ignition energy and auto-ignition temperature, low combustion speed in comparison to usual hydrocarbon fuels) are drawbacks that have so far limited its use. Due to the evolution of different pollutant standards for road transportation, spark-ignition engines and thus the combustion process itself have been subjected to many changes over the last 20 years (e.g., gasoline direct injection, downsizing). The objective of this article is to discuss the potential of ammonia as a fuel for spark-ignition engines, thanks to the studies carried out so far and to point out directions for future work.
Genetic Basis of Antigenic Variation of SAT3 Foot-And-Mouth Disease Viruses in Southern Africa

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to be a major burden for livestock owners in endemic countries and a continuous threat to FMD-free countries. The epidemiology and control of FMD in Africa is complicated by the presence of five clinically indistinguishable serotypes. Of these the Southern African Territories (SAT) type 3 has received limited attention, likely due to its restricted distribution and it being less frequently detected. We investigated the intratypic genetic variation of the complete P1 capsid-coding region of 22 SAT3 viruses and confirmed the geographical distribution of five of the six SAT3 topotypes. The antigenic cross-reactivity of 12 SAT3 viruses against reference antisera was assessed by performing virus neutralization assays and calculating the r1-values, which is a ratio of the heterologous neutralizing titer to the homologous neutralizing titer. Interestingly, cross-reactivity between the SAT3 reference antisera and many SAT3 viruses was notably high (r1-values >0.3). Moreover, some of the SAT3 viruses reacted more strongly to the reference sera compared to the homologous virus (r1-values >1). An increase in the avidity of the reference antisera to the heterologous viruses could explain some of the higher neutralization titers observed. Subsequently, we used the antigenic variability data and corresponding genetic and structural data to predict naturally occurring amino acid positions that correlate with antigenic changes. We identified four unique residues within the VP1, VP2, and VP3 proteins, associated with a change in cross-reactivity, with two sites that change simultaneously. The analysis of antigenic variation in the context of sequence differences is critical for both surveillance-informed selection of effective vaccines and the rational design of vaccine antigens tailored for specific geographic localities, using reverse genetics.
Immune-Related Adverse Events and Corticosteroid Use for Cancer-Related Symptoms Are Associated With Efficacy in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Anti-PD-(L)1 Blockade Agents

Background: Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have been associated with improved efficacy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving anti-PD-(L)1 blockade agents, while the concurrent use of corticosteroids seems to worsen it. We evaluated outcomes in advanced NSCLC patients treated with anti-PD-(L)1 blockade agents in relation to the presence of irAEs and the reasons for using corticosteroids: whether for palliative cancer-related reasons or for the management of irAEs. Methods: Clinical outcomes in advanced NSCLC patients treated with anti-PD-(L)1 blockade agents were calculated with regard to the presence of irAEs and the use of corticosteroids. A landmark analysis was performed to avoid immortal time bias due to the time-dependent nature of irAEs. Results: Out of a total of 267 patients, the 56.9% of patients who experienced irAEs had significantly improved outcomes. In the landmark analysis, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.4 months for patients with irAEs vs. 4.1 months for patients without irAEs (p < 0.001), while median overall survival (OS) was 28.2 vs. 12.5 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Likewise, objective response and disease control rates were significantly higher in patients experiencing irAEs: 48.6 vs. 22.8% and 77.1 vs. 39.6% (p < 0.001), respectively. Median OS was significantly shorter for patients receiving ≥10 mg of prednisone equivalent daily for cancer-related symptoms than for the rest of patients (<10 mg prednisone equivalent daily or for management of irAEs): 6 vs. 15.9 months (p < 0.001). Conclusions: IrAEs were associated with improved efficacy in advanced NSCLC patients when a landmark analysis was applied. Patients receiving corticosteroids had significantly poorer outcomes when they were used for cancer-related symptoms.
The Relevance of Ecological Transitions to Intelligence in Marine Mammals

Macphail’s comparative approach to intelligence focused on associative processes, an orientation inconsistent with more multifaceted lay and scientific understandings of the term. His ultimate emphasis on associative processes indicated few differences in intelligence among vertebrates. We explore options more attuned to common definitions by considering intelligence in terms of richness of representations of the world, the interconnectivity of those representations, the ability to flexibly change those connections, and knowledge. We focus on marine mammals, represented by the amphibious pinnipeds and the aquatic cetaceans and sirenians, as animals that transitioned from a terrestrial existence to an aquatic one, experiencing major changes in ecological pressures. They adapted with morphological transformations related to streamlining the body, physiological changes in respiration and thermoregulation, and sensory/perceptual changes, including echolocation capabilities and diminished olfaction in many cetaceans, both in-air and underwater visual focus, and enhanced senses of touch in pinnipeds and sirenians. Having a terrestrial foundation on which aquatic capacities were overlaid likely affected their cognitive abilities, especially as a new reliance on sound and touch, and the need to surface to breath changed their interactions with the world. Vocal and behavioral observational learning capabilities in the wild and in laboratory experiments suggest versatility in group coordination. Empirical reports on aspects of intelligent behavior like problem-solving, spatial learning, and concept learning by various species of cetaceans and pinnipeds suggest rich cognitive abilities. The high energy demands of the brain suggest that brain-intelligence relationships might be fruitful areas for study when specific hypotheses are considered, e.g., brain mapping indicates hypertrophy of specific sensory areas in marine mammals. Modern neuroimaging techniques provide ways to study neural connectivity, and the patterns of connections between sensory, motor, and other cortical regions provide a biological framework for exploring how animals represent and flexibly use information in navigating and learning about their environment. At this stage of marine mammal research, it would still be prudent to follow Macphail’s caution that it is premature to make strong comparative statements without more empirical evidence, but an approach that includes learning more about how animals flexibly link information across multiple representations could be a productive way of comparing species by allowing them to use their specific strengths within comparative tasks.
Genomic Characteristics Distinguish Geographically Distributed Dehalococcoidia

Dehalococcoidia (Dia) class microorganisms are frequently found in various pristine and contaminated environments. Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and single-cell amplified genomes (SAGs) studies have substantially improved the understanding of Dia microbial ecology and evolution; however, an updated thorough investigation on the genomic and evolutionary characteristics of Dia microorganisms distributed in geographically distinct environments has not been implemented. In this study, we analyzed available genomic data to unravel Dia evolutionary and metabolic traits. Based on the phylogeny of 16S rRNA genes retrieved from sixty-seven genomes, Dia microorganisms can be categorized into three groups, the terrestrial cluster that contains all Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas strains, the marine cluster I, and the marine cluster II. These results reveal that a higher ratio of horizontally transferred genetic materials was found in the Dia marine clusters compared to that of the Dia terrestrial cluster. Pangenome analysis further suggests that Dia microorganisms have evolved cluster-specific enzymes (e.g., dehalogenase in terrestrial Dia, sulfite reductase in marine Dia) and biosynthesis capabilities (e.g., siroheme biosynthesis in marine Dia). Marine Dia microorganisms are likely adapted to versatile metabolisms for energy conservation besides organohalide respiration. The genomic differences between marine and terrestrial Dia may suggest distinct functions and roles in element cycling (e.g., carbon, sulfur, chlorine), which require interdisciplinary approaches to unravel the physiology and evolution of Dia in various environments.
Upregulation of C Terminus of Hsc70-Interacting Protein Attenuates Apoptosis and Procoagulant Activity and Facilitates Brain Repair After Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) could highly induce coagulopathy through breaking the dynamic balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis systems, which may be a major contributor to the progressive secondary injury cascade that occurs after TBI. Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) inhibition is reported to exert neuroprotection in TBI, making it a potential regulatory target involved in TBI-induced coagulation disorder. PTEN level is controlled in a major way by E3 ligase-mediated degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. The C terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP) has been shown to regulate proteasomal degradation and ubiquitination level of PTEN. In the present study, CHIP was overexpressed and knocked down in mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3) and tissues during the early phase of TBI. In vitro cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, migration capacity, and invasion capacity were determined. The changes of procoagulant and apoptosis molecules after TBI were also detected as well as the micrangium density and blood–brain barrier permeability after in vivo TBI. In vitro results demonstrated that CHIP overexpression facilitated bEnd.3 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and downregulated cell apoptosis and the expressions of procoagulant molecules through promoting PTEN ubiquitination in a simulated TBI model with stretch-induced injury treatment. In vivo experiments also demonstrated that CHIP overexpression suppressed post-TBI apoptosis and procoagulant protein expressions, as well as increased microvessel density, reduced hemorrhagic injury, and blood–brain barrier permeability. These findings suggested that the upregulation of CHIP may attenuate apoptosis and procoagulant activity, facilitate brain repair, and thus exerts neuroprotective effects in TBI.
Dissolved and Particulate Primary Production and Subsequent Bacterial C Consumption in the Southern East China Sea

Dissolved primary production (DPP), particulate primaryproduction (PPP), and the subsequent bacterial production (BP) and respiration (BR) were reported for the first time in the NW Pacific. The study area of the subtropical southern East China Sea covers different water types, including oligotrophic Kuroshio and Taiwan Strait waters, as well as nutrient-rich China coastal and upwelled Kuroshio subsurface waters. On an areal basis, DPP and PPP ranged from 67–1649 and 160–1182 mgC m–2 d–1, respectively, showing high values in the upwelling area. The contribution of DPP to total primary production (percent extracellular release; PER) averaged 40.8 ± 12.2% with >50% in the upwelling stations. The BP and BR ranged from 48–245 and 709–2822 mgC m–2 d–1, respectively, showing patterns similar to those of primary production. Bacterial growth efficiency (BGE) averaged 5.7 ± 1.4%, representing the lower end of global ocean values. Phytoplankton and bacteria were well coupled in the upwelling area, whereas primary production could not sustain the bacterial carbon demand (BCD) at other stations. The slope of the log–log relationship between DPP and PPP was >1, indicating that the microbial loop may receive relatively less organic carbon supply in the future warmer, less productive ocean.
Potential of Microfluidics and Lab-on-Chip Platforms to Improve Understanding of “prion-like” Protein Assembly and Behavior

Human aging is accompanied by a relevant increase in age-associated chronic pathologies, including neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. The appearance and evolution of numerous neurodegenerative diseases is paralleled by the appearance of intracellular and extracellular accumulation of misfolded proteins in affected brains. In addition, recent evidence suggests that most of these amyloid proteins can behave and propagate among neural cells similarly to infective prions. In order to improve understanding of the seeding and spreading processes of these “prion-like” amyloids, microfluidics and 3D lab-on-chip approaches have been developed as highly valuable tools. These techniques allow us to monitor changes in cellular and molecular processes responsible for amyloid seeding and cell spreading and their parallel effects in neural physiology. Their compatibility with new optical and biochemical techniques and their relative availability have increased interest in them and in their use in numerous laboratories. In addition, recent advances in stem cell research in combination with microfluidic platforms have opened new humanized in vitro models for myriad neurodegenerative diseases affecting different cellular targets of the vascular, muscular, and nervous systems, and glial cells. These new platforms help reduce the use of animal experimentation. They are more reproducible and represent a potential alternative to classical approaches to understanding neurodegeneration. In this review, we summarize recent progress in neurobiological research in “prion-like” protein using microfluidic and 3D lab-on-chip approaches. These approaches are driven by various fields, including chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology, and they serve to facilitate the development of more precise human brain models for basic mechanistic studies of cell-to-cell interactions and drug discovery.
Causal Effects of Genetically Determined Metabolites on Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. However, the etiology of PCOS remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal effects of genetically determined metabolites (GDMs) on the risk of PCOS. We used summary level data of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 486 metabolites (n = 7,824) as exposure and a PCOS GWAS consisting of 4,138 cases and 20,129 controls as the outcome. Both datasets were obtained from publicly published databases. For each metabolite, a genetic instrumental variable was generated to assess the relationship between the metabolite and PCOS. For MR analysis, we primarily used the standard inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, while three additional methods—the MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR-PRESSO (pleiotropy residual sum and outlier) methods—were performed as sensitivity analyses. Results: Using genetic variants as predictors, we observed a robust relationship between epiandrosterone sulfate (EPIA-S) and PCOS (PIVW = 0.0186, PMR−Egger = 0.0111; PWeighted−median = 0.0154, and PMR−PRESSO = 0.0290). Similarly, 3-dehydrocarnitine, 4-hydroxyhippurate, hexadecanedioate, and β-hydroxyisovalerate may also have causal effects on PCOS development. Conclusions: We identified metabolites that might have causal effects on PCOS development. Our study emphasizes the role of genetic factors underlying the causal relationships between metabolites and PCOS and provides novel insights through the integration of metabolomics and genomics to better understand the mechanisms involved in human disease pathogenesis.
Cultured Meat and Australia's Generation Z

This exploratory study of Gen Z consumers (n = 227) examines perceptions and opinions about cultured meat of young adults residing in Sydney, Australia. It uses an online survey and describes the findings quantitatively and through the words of the study participants. The results show that the majority (72%) of the participants are not ready to accept cultured meat; nonetheless, many think that it is a viable idea because of the need to transition to more sustainable food options and improve animal welfare. When faced with a choice between different alternatives to farmed meat, a third of the participants reject cultured meat and edible insects but accept plant-based substitutes finding them more natural. Concerns about masculinity and betraying Australia as a country of quality animal meat are also raised. A significant number of young people (28%) however are prepared to try cultured meat. Environmental and health concerns may influence a broader section of society to embrace this novelty. With its power as the emerging new consumers, Gen Z is putting the future of cultured meat under scrutiny.
Reconceptualization of system use in the context of the digital library: what are the roles of UTAUT and IS success models?

Abstract This study investigates the effect of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and DeLone and McLean information system success model (IS success model) on facets of system use for digital library systems. These facets include lean measures (e.g. frequency, duration, and intensity) and rich measures of system use (e.g. deep structure use and cognitive absorption use). The study overcomes the general description for some constructs, for instance facilitating conditions and quality, and assesses the effects of sub-constructs on system use facets, such as smart and traditional facilitating conditions. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey in three universities. Component-based structural equation modeling software was used to analyze the data and assess the research model. The findings indicate that there is variance and consistency in the antecedents that influence the facets of system use. The lean measure was predicted by performance expectancy, traditional facilitating conditions, system quality, and behavioral intention, while the rich measure, particularly deep structure use, was influenced by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, traditional facilitating conditions, system quality, and behavioral intention. Furthermore, cognitive absorption use, a rich measure, was impacted by performance expectancy, service quality, system quality, and intention. This study provides a theoretical contribution and practical implications relevant to academics and practitioners in areas related to digital library systems.
Mechanistic Insight Into the Antifungal Effects of a Fatty Acid Derivative Against Drug-Resistant Fungal Infections

The prevalence of drug-resistant pathogenic fungi is a major global health challenge. There is an urgent need for novel drugs that can exert a potent antifungal activity and overcome resistance. Newly discovered anti-fungal properties of existing compounds can potentially offer a rapid solution to address this persistent threat. We rationalized that structures which disrupt the fungal cell membrane could address the above unmet need. As fatty acids underpin the formation and stability of cell membranes, we used computational simulations to evaluate the interactions between selected short chain fatty acids and a model cell membrane. Here, we report that caprylic acid could penetrate and perturb the membrane in silico. Based on the in silico findings, we identified a derivative of this fatty acid that disrupts fungal membranes as detected using steady-state fluorescence anisotropy. We show that this fatty acid derivative is potent against a variety of fungal pathogens like Candida and Trichophyton. We further demonstrated the ability of this fatty acid derivative to potentiate some azoles in vitro and enhance the efficacy of antifungal formulations in vivo. Our data suggests the emergence of a novel therapy for effective disease management and overcoming anti-fungal drug resistance.
When Fulfillment is Not Enough: Early Childhood Teacher Occupational Burnout and Turnover Intentions from a Job Demands and Resources Perspective

ABSTRACT Research Findings: This study examined the job demands and job resources of a sample of 273 early childhood teachers in Colorado. The study explored the relationships among their job demands and resources, occupational burnout, and turnover intentions using a two-level mediated model. Study findings suggest that teachers’ emotional exhaustion and depersonalization from the work is a function of lack of job control, lack of collegial relationships within the program, and children’s behaviors that they perceived to be challenging. However, teachers also reported being more fulfilled with their work when they worked in programs in which there was a shared vision and that allowed for greater job control. Additionally, teachers who earned lower wages, held a postsecondary degree, reported greater emotional exhaustion, and who expressed less of a shared vision with their organization were more likely to indicate intentions to leave their job. Higher levels of collegiality were indirectly related to lower turnover intentions via lower levels of emotional exhaustion among teachers. Policy or Practice: Study findings can be used to inform leadership development, teacher professional development, and workforce compensation policy to foster greater organizational health, to improve teacher well-being, and to promote teacher retention.