Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climate influences bill shape diversification in cavity-excavating birds

The remarkable structural and functional diversity of the avian bill serves as an ideal system to understand how ecological and environmental factors influence morphological diversification under physically demanding tasks. For example, in cavity-excavating birds where the bill experiences tremendous physical stresses, climate and habitat affect the mechanical properties of available nesting substrates and therefore can potentially influence the shape and performance of bills. Few studies have focused on the entire avian bill, a complex structure consisting of the rhamphotheca and bony core of the upper and lower mandibles, which may evolve as independent modules or as a single integrated unit. Here, we examined patterns and drivers of bill shape diversification in barbets using micro-computed tomography of museum study skins. We employed landmark-based geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods to study the influence of climatic conditions, integration and phylogenetic constraints on bill shape diversification. Asian and African barbets have explored distinct maxillary shape spaces without corresponding change in mandibular shape after correcting for phylogenetic non-independence. Additionally, maxillary shape for both rhamphotheca and bony components was significantly correlated with climate variables and exhibited signatures of allometric scaling. All four bill components, however, covaried with each other and have evolved in a gradual and integrated fashion, exhibiting late-stage shape disparity. Through these findings, our study offers crucial insights into how ecological behaviors impact morphological evolution of complex, multifunctional features.
SRF transcriptionally regulates the oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton during CNS myelination

Myelination of neuronal axons is essential for nervous system development. Myelination requires dramatic cytoskeletal dynamics in oligodendrocytes, but how actin is regulated during myelination is poorly understood. We recently identified serum response factor (SRF)—a transcription factor known to regulate expression of actin and actin regulators in other cell types—as a critical driver of myelination in the aged brain. Yet, a major gap remains in understanding the fundamental role of SRF in oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Here we show that SRF is required cell autonomously in oligodendrocytes for myelination during development. Combining ChIP-seq with RNA-seq identifies SRF-target genes in OPCs and oligodendrocytes that include actin and other key cytoskeletal genes. Accordingly, SRF knockout oligodendrocytes exhibit dramatically reduced actin filament levels early in differentiation, consistent with its role in actin-dependent myelin sheath initiation. Together, our findings identify SRF as a transcriptional regulator that controls the expression of cytoskeletal genes required in oligodendrocytes for myelination. This study identifies a novel pathway regulating oligodendrocyte biology with high relevance to brain development, aging, and disease. Highlights Developmental CNS myelination requires the transcription factor SRF in oligodendrocytes. SRF targets actin and actin-regulatory but not myelin related genes. SRF drives oligodendrocyte actin cytoskeleton dynamics during early stages of myelination.
Bitter taste receptor-stimulated nitric oxide innate immune responses are reduced by loss of CFTR function in nasal epithelial cells and macrophages

Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors identified on the tongue but expressed all over the body, including in airway cilia and macrophages, where T2Rs serve an immune role. T2R isoforms detect bitter metabolites (quinolones and acyl-homoserine lactones) secreted by gram negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF). T2R activation by bitter bacterial products triggers calcium-dependent nitric oxide (NO) production. In airway cells, the NO increases mucociliary clearance and has direct antibacterial properties. In macrophages, the same pathway enhances phagocytosis. Because prior studies linked CF with reduced NO, we hypothesized that CF cells may have reduced T2R/NO responses. Using qPCR, immunofluorescence, and live cell imaging of air-liquid interface cultures, we found primary nasal epithelial cells from both CF and non-CF patients exhibited similar T2R expression, localization, and calcium signals. However, CF cells exhibited reduced NO production also observed in immortalized CFBE41o-CF cells and non-CF 16HBE cells CRISPR modified with CF-causing mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). NO was restored by VX-770/VX-809 corrector/potentiator pre-treatment, suggesting reduced NO in CF cells is due to loss of CFTR function. In nasal cells, reduced NO correlated with reduced ciliary and antibacterial responses. In primary human macrophages, inhibition of CFTR reduced NO production and phagocytosis during T2R stimulation. Together, these data suggest an intrinsic deficiency in T2R/NO signaling caused by loss of CFTR function that may contribute to intrinsic susceptibilities of CF patients to P. aeruginosa and other gram-negative bacteria that activate T2Rs.
The recovery of plant community composition following passive restoration across spatial scales

Human impacts have led to dramatic biodiversity change which can be highly scale-dependent across space and time. A primary means to manage these changes is via passive (here, the removal of disturbance) or active (management interventions) ecological restoration. The recovery of biodiversity, following the removal of disturbance is often incomplete relative to some kind of reference target. The magnitude of recovery of ecological systems following disturbance depend on the landscape matrix, as well as the temporal and spatial scales at which biodiversity is measured. We measured the recovery of biodiversity and species composition over 27 years in 17 temperate grasslands abandoned after agriculture at different points in time, collectively forming a chronosequence since abandonment from one to eighty years. We compare these abandoned sites with known agricultural land-use histories to never-disturbed sites as relative benchmarks. We specifically measured aspects of diversity at the local plot-scale (α-scale, 0.5m2) and site-scale (γ-scale, 10m2), as well as the within-site heterogeneity (β-diversity) and among-site variation in species composition (turnover and nestedness). At our α-scale, sites recovering after agricultural abandonment only had 70% of the plant species richness (and ∼30% of the evenness), compared to never-ploughed sites. Within-site β-diversity recovered following agricultural abandonment to around 90% after 80 years. This effect, however, was not enough to lead to recovery at our γ-scale. Richness in recovering sites was ∼65% of that in remnant never-ploughed sites. The presence of species characteristic of the never disturbed sites increased in the recovering sites through time. Forb and legume cover declines in years since abandonment, relative to graminoid cover across sites. Synthesis. We found that, during the 80 years after agricultural abandonment, old-fields did not recover to the level of biodiversity in remnant never-ploughed sites at any scale. β-diversity recovered more than α-scale or γ-scales. Plant species composition recovered, but not completely, over time, and some species groups increased their cover more than others. Patterns of ecological recovery in degraded ecosystems across space and long time-scales can inform effective, targeted active restoration interventions and perhaps, lead to better outcomes.
Adolescent ethanol exposure promotes mechanical allodynia and alters dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens shell

Excessive alcohol consumption in adolescence can disrupt neural development and may augment pain perception. Recent studies have shown that the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell is involved in mediating pain sensitivity after peripheral inflammation in rodent models of chronic pain and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Interestingly, there have been very few studies examining the impact of chronic ethanol exposure during adolescence on pain sensitivity in adulthood. Therefore, in this project we investigated the impact of adolescent chronic intermittent ethanol (aCIE) exposure on mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, given the involvement of the NAc shell in pain processing and chronic ethanol mediated changes, we measured changes in accumbal dopamine kinetics during protracted withdrawal. We found that both male and female aCIE rats show mechanical allodynia during withdrawal; however, only male rats exhibit thermal hyperalgesia during protracted withdrawal. Furthermore, male and female aCIE rats show greater evoked tonic dopamine release, maximal rate of dopamine reuptake, and dopamine affinity to the dopamine transporter in the NAc shell compared to controls. With phasic stimulation, aCIE rats also showed greater dopamine release compared to air exposed rats. These data suggest that aCIE exposure exacerbates pain sensitivity during withdrawal. Furthermore, based on prior literature, it is possible that the increased pain sensitivity may be driven, at least in part, by augmented dopamine kinetics in the NAc shell observed in the current study.
ENHANCED MAGNETIC COMPRESSIBILITY AND ISOTROPIC SCALE INVARIANCE AT SUB-ION LARMOR SCALES IN SOLAR WIND TURBULENCE

The anisotropic nature of solar wind magnetic turbulence fluctuations is investigated scale by scale using high cadence in situ magnetic field measurements from the Cluster and ACE spacecraft missions. The data span five decades in scales from the inertial range to the electron Larmor radius. In contrast to the inertial range, there is a successive increase toward isotropy between parallel and transverse power at scales below the ion Larmor radius, with isotropy being achieved at the electron Larmor radius. In the context of wave-mediated theories of turbulence, we show that this enhancement in magnetic fluctuations parallel to the local mean background field is qualitatively consistent with the magnetic compressibility signature of kinetic Alfvén wave solutions of the linearized Vlasov equation. More generally, we discuss how these results may arise naturally due to the prominent role of the Hall term at sub-ion Larmor scales. Furthermore, computing higher-order statistics, we show that the full statistical signature of the fluctuations at scales below the ion Larmor radius is that of a single isotropic globally scale-invariant process distinct from the anisotropic statistics of the inertial range.
RNA degradation heavily impacts mRNA co-expression

Co-expression of genes measured with single-cell RNA sequencing is extensively utilized to understand the principles of gene regulation within and across cell types and species. It is assumed that the presence of correlation in gene expression values at the single-cell level demonstrates the existence of common regulatory mechanisms. However, the regulatory mechanisms that should lead to observed co-expression at an mRNA level often remain unexplored. Here we investigate the relationship between processes upstream and downstream of transcription (i.e., promoter architecture and coordination, DNA contact frequencies and mRNA degradation) and pairwise gene expression correlations at an mRNA level. We identify that differences in mRNA degradation (i.e., half-life) is a pivotal source of single-cell correlations in mRNA levels independently of the presence of common regulatory mechanisms. These findings reinforce the necessity of including post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms in the analysis of gene expression in mammalian cells.
Generalized parton distributions from domain wall valence quarks and staggered sea quarks

Moments of the generalized parton distributions of the nucleon, calculated with a mixed action of domain wall valence quarks and asqtad staggered sea quarks, are presented for pion masses extending down to 359 MeV. Results for the moments of the unpolarized, helicity, and transversity distributions are given and compared to the available experimental measurements. Additionally, a selection of the generalized form factors are shown and the implications for the spin decomposition and transverse structure of the nucleon are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding systematic errors in the lattice calculation and exploring a variety of chiral extrapolations.
The Fear Economy: A Theory of Output, Interest, and Safe Assets

This paper presents a fear theory of the economy, based on the interplay between fear of rare disasters and the interest rate on safe assets. To do this, I study the macroeconomic consequences of government-administered interest rates in the neoclassical real business cycle model. When the government has the power to fix the safe real interest rate, the gap between the `sticky real safe rate' and the ̀ neutral rate' can generate far-reaching aggregate distortions. When fear exogenously rises, the demand for safe assets rise and the neutral rate falls. If the central bank does not lower the safe rate by the same amount, savings rise leading to a decline in consumption and aggregate demand. The same mechanism works in reverse, when fear falls. Quantitatively, I show that a single fear factor can simultaneously (i) generate cross-correlations in output, labor, consumption, and investment consistent with the postwar US economy; and (ii) generates variation in equity prices, bond prices, and a large risk premium in line with the asset pricing data. Six novel insights emerge from the model: (1) actively regulating the safe interest rate (in both directions) can mitigate the fluctuations generated by fear cycles; (2) recessions will be deeper and longer when central banks accept the zero lower bound and are unwilling to use negative rates; (3) a commitment to use negative rates in recessions—even if never implemented—raises both the shortand long-run real neutral rates, and moderates the business cycle; (4) counter-cyclical fiscal policy can act as disaster insurance and be expansionary by reducing fear; (5) quantitative easing can be narrowly effective only when fear is high at the lower bound; and (6) when fear is high, especially at the lower bound, policies that boost productivity also help fight recessions. JEL Classification Numbers: E3, E4, E5, E6, G1, G01
Meshing of Spiny Neuronal Morphologies using Union Operators

Neurons are characterized by thin and long interleaving arborizations in which creating accurate mesh models of their cellular membranes is challenging. While union operators are central for CAD/CAM modeling and computer graphics applications, their applicability to neuronal mesh generation has not been explored. In this work, we present the results of exploring the effectiveness of using union operators to generate high ﬁdelity surface meshes of spiny neurons from their morphological traces. To improve the visual realism of the resulting models, a plausible shape of the cell body is also realized with implicit surfaces (metaballs). The algorithm is implemented in Blender based on its Python API and is integrated into NeuroMorphoVis, a neuroscience-speciﬁc framework for visualization and analysis of neuronal morphologies. Our method is applied to a dataset consisting of more than 600 neurons representing 60 morphological types reconstructed from the neocortex of a juvenile rat. The performance of our implementation is quantitatively analyzed, and the results are qualitatively compared to previous implementation. The resulting meshes are applicable in multiple contexts including visualization and analysis of full compartmental simulations and generation of high quality multimedia content for scientiﬁc visualization and visual computing (Figure 1).
Changes of physiochemical characteristics of Al-Gadarif Sunflower Oil (GSFO) during storage and antioxidant vitamins.

: This study was carried out in order to probe the extent of oxidative alterations in Sunflower Oil (SFO), subjected to light and dark storage conditions with, and without added vitamins, over a period of 16 weeks storage. The magnitude of oxidative changes was monitored by the periodical measurement of acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, Density and color throughout storage time. The acid value of sunflower oil increased from initial value 3.74 mg KOH/g to 4.92 mg KOH/g. kept in light and 4.00 mg KOH/g kept in dark. the acid value for oil samples kept in light and dark with added vitamin C, vitamin E and equal amount mixed from vitamin C and E was decreased for 16 weeks. Like the acid value, the peroxide value of sunflower oil increased from 7.46 meq O2/kg to (9.34 and 8.62) meq O 2 /kg, for oil samples kept in the same conditions with that mentioned in acid value. Unlike the acid value, the Iodine value of sunflower oil decreased from 140.5gI2/100g oil to (97.87 and 107.73) gI 2 /100g, the initial density 0.9026 g/cm-1 was increase with added antioxidants vitamins The density values was calculated after storage time and observing in the ranges recommended by standard for edible vegetable oils. Like the density, the color of oils was not change because the oil is rich by the color pigments. However, the vitamins added of fresh sunflower oils increase the oxidation stability. Changes in acid value, peroxide value and Iodine value obtained shows that the oxidative deterioration levels of oils were different between storage conditions. The results of the present study show that light acts as a major catalyst in accelerating the development of rancidity in oils. Also, the addition of vitamins to oil can increase the oxidation stability of oils during storage. In conclusion, this study has been able to show storage in the light can affect oil stability and minimizes the potency of vitamins in oils, fats or fat-containing products. Therefore, storing in dark (packaging with material protect light) and supporting with antioxidants is the best way to maintain the quality of oils during storage and domestic uses. were acid value, peroxide value, iodine value and saponification value. The oil sample was also to GC-MS. Oil from sample was four portions labelled A, B, C and D. portion A was the control sample, portion B was mixed vitamin C, portion C was mixed with vitamin E and portion D was mixed with an equal amount of vitamin C and vitamin E. the same physical and chemical tests above were replicate to all portion at an interval of three times, average results was obtained. The same procedure was repeated to an oil samples stored in normal day light and temperature for eight weeks and sixteen weeks separately. Results were recorded and conclusion were obtained.
Delayed postoperative spinal epidural hematoma after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A case report

Background Postoperative spinal epidural hematoma (POSEH) causes rapid neurological deficits within 24 h following the operation and can be fatal. However, some POSEH symptoms manifest three days after the operation, also known as delayed POSEH (DPOSEH). Little attention has been provided upon DPOSEH owing to its rare incidence, resulting in serious consequences upon occurrence. To date, no cases of delayed POSEH after anterior cervical surgery have been reported. Case presentation We describe a case of DPOSEH that presented with delayed neurological deficits on the fifth day after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. Methylprednisolone was administered but showed no efficacy. MR revealed low T1 and strip long T2 signals located behind discs. After emergency surgical decompression, the patient's muscle strength returned to the preoperative state. However, his muscle strength decreased again on the seventh postoperative day, and the patient's family refused further surgery. Nine months after ACDF, the patient died of septic shock and respiratory failure. Conclusions DPOSEH can occur after three days or more following anterior cervical surgery; hence, monitoring of neurological function is suggested to be extended. Complete evaluation of risk factors, timely recognition, and differentiation of neurological symptoms are required for spine surgery. In the case of DPOSEH, methylprednisolone can be administered reasonably during the transition period. However, if there is no resolution of symptoms, emergency surgery should be performed as soon as possible.
Carbon market volatility analysis based on structural breaks: Evidence from EU-ETS and China

In recent years, carbon market transactions have become more active. The number of countries participating in carbon market regulation is increasing, and the carbon market’s overall turnover continues to grow. It is important to study the features of carbon allowance price volatility for the stable development of the carbon market. This paper constructs a modified ICSS-GARCH model to analyze the volatility of carbon price returns and the dynamic characteristics of price fluctuations in the emissions trading system of the European Union (EU-ETS) and the Chinese carbon pilot markets in Hubei. The results show that fluctuations in carbon price returns have a leverage effect and that the impact of negative news on the market is stronger than that of positive news. The international climate and energy conferences, abnormal changes in traditional energy prices, and global public health emergencies all affect volatility and cause shocks to the carbon trading market. The modified ICSS-GARCH model with structural breaks can reduce the pseudovolatility of the return series to a certain extent and can improve the accuracy of the model. This research can give policymakers some implications about how to develop the carbon market and help market participants control the risks of fluctuations in carbon allowances. Regulators should enhance carbon price monitoring and focus on short-term shocks in the carbon market to reduce trading risks. The Chinese carbon market should strengthen the system design and develop carbon financial derivatives.
Population pharmacokinetics of voriconazole and initial dosage optimization in patients with talaromycosis

The high variability and unpredictability of the plasma concentration of voriconazole (VRC) pose a major challenge for clinical administration. The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetics (PPK) model of VRC and identify the factors influencing VRC PPK in patients with talaromycosis. Medical records and VRC medication history of patients with talaromycosis who were treated with VRC as initial therapy were collected. A total of 233 blood samples from 69 patients were included in the study. A PPK model was developed using the nonlinear mixed-effects models (NONMEM). Monte Carlo simulation was applied to optimize the initial dosage regimens with a therapeutic range of 1.0–5.5 mg/L as the target plasma trough concentration. A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination adequately described the data. The typical voriconazole clearance was 4.34 L/h, the volume of distribution was 97.4 L, the absorption rate constant was set at 1.1 h-1, and the bioavailability was 95.1%. Clearance was found to be significantly associated with C-reactive protein (CRP). CYP2C19 polymorphisms had no effect on voriconazole pharmacokinetic parameters. ‏Monte Carlo simulation based on CRP levels showed that a loading dose of 250 mg/12 h and a maintenance dose of 100 mg/12 h are recommended for patients with CRP ≤ 96 mg/L, whereas a loading dose of 200 mg/12 h and a maintenance dose of 75 mg/12 h are recommended for patients with CRP > 96 mg/L. The average probability of target attainment of the optimal dosage regimen in CRP ≤ 96 mg/L and CRP > 96 mg/L groups were 61.3% and 13.6% higher than with empirical medication, and the proportion of Cmin > 5.5 mg/L decreased by 28.9%. In conclusion, the VRC PPK model for talaromycosis patients shows good robustness and predictive performance, which can provide a reference for the clinical individualization of VRC. Adjusting initial dosage regimens based on CRP may promote the rational use of VRC.