Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and optimization of silicon-based electrokinetic microchip for sensitive detection of small extracellular vesicles

Detection of analyte using streaming current has been previously explored using both experimental and theoretical approaches. However, little has been done to develop a viable microchip which can be exploited to deliver a sensitive, robust, and scalable biosensor device. In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of such a device on silicon wafer using a scalable silicon microfabrication technology followed by their characterization and optimization for highly sensitive detection of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). We show that the sensitivity of the devices, estimated using a common protein-ligand pair and sEVs significantly outperforms previous reports using the same principle. Two versions of the microchips, denoted as enclosed and open-top microchip, were developed and compared aiming to discern the importance of high-pressure measurement vs easier and better surface preparation capacity. A custom-built chip-manifold allowing easy interfacing with standard microfluidic connections was also developed. By investigating different electrical, fluidic, morphological, and fluorescence measurements, we show that while the enclosed microchip with its robust glass-silicon bonding can withstand higher pressure and thus generate higher streaming current, the open-top configuration offers several practical benefits including easy surface preparation, uniform probe conjugation, and improvement in the limit of detection (LoD). We further compare two common surface functionalization strategies and show that the proposed microchip can achieve both high sensitivity for membrane protein profiling and low LoD for sEV detection. At the optimum condition, we demonstrate that the microchip can detect sEVs reaching a LoD of 104 sEV/mL, which is among the lowest in the reported microchip-based methods.
Growth of mesenchymal stem cells at the surface of silicone, mineral and plant-based oils

Bioemulsions are attractive platforms for the expansion of adherent cells in bioreactors. Their design relies on the self-assembly of protein nanosheets at liquid–liquid interfaces, displaying strong interfacial mechanical properties and promoting integrin-mediated cell adhesion. However, most systems developed to date have focused on fluorinated oils, which are unlikely to be accepted for direct implantation of resulting cell products for regenerative medicine, and protein nanosheets self-assembly at other interfaces has not been investigated. In this report, the composition of aliphatic pro-surfactants palmitoyl chloride and sebacoyl chloride, on the assembly kinetics of poly(L-lysine) at silicone oil interfaces and characterisation of ultimate interfacial shear mechanics and viscoelasticity is presented. The impact of the resulting nanosheets on the adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is investigated via immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy, demonstrating the engagement of the classic focal adhesion-actin cytoskeleton machinery. The ability of MSCs to proliferate at the corresponding interfaces is quantified. In addition, expansion of MSCs at other non-fluorinated oil interfaces, based on mineral and plant-based oils is investigated. Finally, the proof-of-concept of such non-fluorinated oil systems for the formulation of bioemulsions supporting stem cell adhesion and expansion is demonstrated.
Leveraging prior biological knowledge improves prediction of tocochromanols in maize grain

With an essential role in human health, tocochromanols are mostly obtained by consuming seed oils; however, the vitamin E content of the most abundant tocochromanols in maize grain is low. Several large-effect genes with cis-acting variants affecting mRNA expression are mostly responsible for tocochromanol variation in maize grain, with other relevant associated quantitative trait loci (QTL) yet to be fully resolved. Leveraging existing genomic and transcriptomic information for maize inbreds could improve prediction when selecting for higher vitamin E content. Here, we first evaluated a multikernel genomic best linear unbiased prediction (MK-GBLUP) approach for modeling known QTL in the prediction of nine tocochromanol grain phenotypes (12–21 QTL per trait) within and between two panels of 1,462 and 242 maize inbred lines. On average, MK-GBLUP models improved predictive abilities by 7.0 to 13.6% when compared to GBLUP. In a second approach with a subset of 545 lines from the larger panel, the highest average improvement in predictive ability relative to GBLUP was achieved with a multi-trait GBLUP model (15.4%) that had a tocochromanol phenotype and transcript abundances in developing grain for a few large-effect candidate causal genes (1–3 genes per trait) as multiple response variables. Taken together, our study illustrates the enhancement of prediction models when informed by existing biological knowledge pertaining to QTL and candidate causal genes. Core Ideas With varying levels of vitamin E activity, tocochromanols found in maize grain are essential for human health Selecting for higher vitamin E content in maize grain can be enhanced with genomic prediction Prediction models leveraging existing biological knowledge were evaluated in two panels of maize inbred lines Multikernel prediction models based on previously identified QTL improved predictive ability A multi-trait prediction model that had transcript abundances of a few large-effect causal genes performed the best
Influence of Inverter-Interfaced Renewable Energy Generators on Directional Relay and an Improved Scheme

Renewable energy sources are typically interfaced to the grid using power electronics, which can cause their fault current characteristics to display significant low-frequency harmonics and unbalanced sequence impedances. Such current characteristics can lead to the operation failure of fault-component-based directional relays. To demonstrate the influence of inverter-interfaced renewable energy generators (IIREGs) on directional relays in detail, analytical expressions for the IIREG equivalent positive- and negative-sequence superimposed impedances are derived in this paper. Considering various factors, the angular characteristics of the sequence superimposed impedances are investigated. Based on these attributes, it can be concluded that fault-component-based directional relays may be unable to operate in some circumstances. A novel high-frequency impedance-based protection scheme is proposed to manage the adaptability problem by determining the fault direction due to a stable impedance angle. The theoretical analysis and the proposed scheme are tested and verified through real time digital simulation and field testing data.
Effective Audit Committee and Financial Reporting Quality: the Mediating Effect of Audit Quality:Evidence from KSA

The purpose -This study aims to examine the mediating effect of audit quality on the relationship between the effective audit committee and financial reporting quality. Design/ methodology/ approach - The research uses multiple regression analysis to test the relationship between the effective audit committee and financial reporting quality. The sample consists of 77 non-financial firms listed on the Saudi stock market between 2014 and 2021. Findings – Empirical findings show that studies on effective audit committees and financial reporting quality displayed mixed results. The study findings indicate that audit quality has a mediation effect on the relationship between audit committee characteristics (more oversized Audit Committee, financial expertise, frequent meetings, gender diversity, independent members) and financial reporting quality. The study findings indicate that a change in audit committee effectiveness brings a change in audit quality, and a difference in audit quality brings a shift in financial reporting quality. Practical implications - This study has important implications for regulators and policymakers to address the conflict between insiders and outsiders by promoting a higher standard of financial reports. The study also may be useful to investors, aiding them in financial deci-sion-making and helping all stakeholders understand and trust the fairness and quality of financial information. In addition, it helps to understand the role that an effective audit committee plays in external audit quality and financial reporting quality. Finally, the study also contributes by bringing a new perspective on how external audit quality engages in monitoring by requesting financial reporting quality. Originality / value – The main contribution of the current paper is to examine the audit fees (audit quality) as a potential mediating variable between the effective audit committee and financial reporting quality.
Mid-Holocene reinforcement of North Atlantic atmospheric circulation variability from a western Baltic lake sediment record

Abstract. Knowledge about the timing, amplitude and spatial gradients of Holocene environmental variability in the circum-Baltic region is key to understanding its responses to ongoing climate change. Based on a multi-dating and proxy approach, we reconstruct changes in productivity using total organic carbon (TOC) contents in sediments of Lake Kälksjön (KKJ) from west–central Sweden spanning the last 9612 (+255/-114) years. An exception is the period from 1878 CE until today, in which sedimentation was dominated by anthropogenic lake level lowering and land use. In-lake productivity was higher during periods of warmer winters with shortened ice cover and prolonged growing seasons. A multi-millennial increase in productivity throughout the last ∼ 9600 years is associated with progressively warmer winters in northwestern Europe, likely triggered by the coinciding increase in Northern Hemisphere winter insolation. Decadal to centennial periods of higher productivity in KKJ tend to correspond to warmer winters during a more positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) polarity, as reconstructed for the last 8000 years. In consequence, we assume our decadal to centennial productivity record from KKJ sediments for the complete ∼ 9600 years to provide a qualitative record of NAO polarity. A shift towards higher productivity variability at ∼ 5450 cal a BP is hypothesized to reflect a reinforcement of NAO-like atmospheric circulation variability, possibly driven by more vigorous changes in North Atlantic deep-water formation.
Relationship between Financial Development and Income Inequality for Turkey and Selected Countries with Similar

Purpose: The study’s primary purpose is to investigate the validity of the Financial Kuznets Curve hypothesis for 15 selected upper and middle-income countries in terms of middle and upper-income group countries. In this context: Income inequality using annual data for the period 2002-2018 of 15 countries, including Turkey, Brazil, Belarus, Armenia, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Paraguay, Peru, Russian Federation and Thailand.Methodology: The relationship between income inequality and financial development was examined by panel data analysis. At the same time, as in similar studies in the literature, growth, inflation and foreign trade variables, which are among the main variables related to the subject, were also included in the research.Findings: As a result of the findings, results were obtained that support the inverted-U hypothesis between income inequality and financial development.
Investigating Social Vulnerability in Flood Prone Areas

Flooding is a deadly and expensive natural disaster. In the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides federal flood insurance, on a property-by-property basis, to residents to reduce the burden of addressing damage and property losses after a flood event. Despite this mission, in many regions of the country flood risk mapping is sparse, outdated, or undercounts the number of properties exposed to the 100-year floodplain. In addition, housing type and other sociodemographic factors can impact the ability to prepare for and adapt to natural hazard events. This study uses a high-resolution flood risk data set, FEMA undercounts and bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) models, to identify areas where high flood risk and a high proportion of properties are unaccounted for by FEMA. Then regression modeling is used within four high flood risk subregions (the Pacific Northwest, Central Appalachia, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast Atlantic Coast), to identify socially vulnerable communities in flood-prone areas. The results illustrate that undercounted regions by FEMA coincide with high flood risk and that in large swaths of the four regions socially vulnerable communities will face unprecedented challenges. In all four regions, some housing types, especially mobile homes and multifamily units correlate with high flood risk. In Appalachia, a region where FEMA systematically undercounts properties, poverty and lack of vehicle access correlate with high flood risk. These findings align with previous flood vulnerability studies yet provide a more detailed analysis of regional differences in communities vulnerable to flooding. We also identify pathways in these subregions to reduce the procedural injustice associated with the NFIP.
The Inﬂuence of Environmental and Non-Environmental Factors on Tourist Satisfaction in Halal Tourism Destinations in West Sumatra, Indonesia

: This study aims to investigate the inﬂuence of environmental and non-environmental factors on tourist satisfaction in halal tourism destinations in West Sumatra. The environmental factor is perceived environmental value. Meanwhile, non-environmental factors are halal-friendly destination performance, sustainability tourism development, and halal destination image. The survey was conducted by distributing questionnaires to 690 respondents who visited halal tourism destinations in West Sumatra. It was analyzed by using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)— Partial Least Square (PLS). The results indicate environmental factors (perceived environmental values) and non-environmental factors (halal-friendly destination performance, sustainable tourism development, and halal destination image inﬂuence tourist satisfaction. Moreover, sustainability tourism development mediates the effect of perceived environmental value on tourist satisfaction. However, sustainability tourism development does not mediate the effect of halal-friendly destination performance on tourist satisfaction. Meanwhile, the halal destination image does not moderate the effect of sustainability tourism development on satisfaction. Thus, our research can be used as a reference for tourist destination managers to increase tourist satisfaction by maintaining and managing the tourist destination environment properly.
Ring nebulae around Wolf-Rayet stars in M33

Results of a systematic search for H II ring nebulae surrounding Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars in M33 are presented. Eleven objects are found to be good candidates, while eight others are classified as possible WR ring nebulae. The WR rings in M33 are larger on average than their Galactic counterparts, but the H-alpha luminosity of most of them is comparable to the bright Galactic wind-blown bubbles. The rings are associated with WC as well as with WN stars. 38 refs.
Expression of miR-106a-5p, miR-106b-5p and TGFB1i1 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of Chemical Veterans Exposed to Sulfur Mustard with Long-Term Pulmonary Complications

Background: Sulfur mustard as a chemical warfare agent causes short and long-term pulmonary complications in its victims. MicroRNAs are known to act as remarkable regulators of biological pathways, monitoring, and treatment of diseases including respiratory problems. In this study, we investigated the expression of miR-106a-5p and miR-106b-5p, two regulators of TGF-β signaling, as well as their target molecule, TGFβ1I1, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SM-exposed individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 veterans with SM-induced pulmonary complications were examined and compared to 35 gender and age-matched healthy controls. After clinical examination and pulmonary function tests, the severity of pulmonary complications was classified. Total RNA was extracted from PBMCs and the purity of extracted RNA samples was evaluated by a NanoDrop 2000. The miR-106a-5p, miR-106b-5p, and TGFβ1I1 expression levels were measured by real-time RT-PCR. Results: The miR-106a-5p expression levels were significantly increased in both mild (P=0.015) and severe groups compared with the control group. The miR-106b-5p expression levels were considerably elevated in the severe group TGFβ1I1 expression levels were notably reduced in the severe group compared with the control group. Although, a slight decrease in TGFβ1I1 expression levels was observed in the mild group compared with the control. Conclusion: Our results indicate that exposure to sulfur mustard affects the expression of miR-106a-5p, miR-106b-5p, and their target gene, TGFβ1I1, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Considering the role of TGFβ1I1 in the regulation of TGF-β signaling, the mentioned changes might point to a potential mechanism by which SM exposure causes chronic pulmonary complications. In a ROC analysis, miR-106a-5p and miR-106b-5p potentially turned out to be a suitable diagnostic biomarker in the mild and severe categories of patients. Although, miR-106a-5p could be considered a better biomarker than miR-106b-5p.
The optical manifestation of dispersive field‐aligned bursts in auroral breakup arcs

High‐resolution optical observations of a substorm expansion show dynamic auroral rays with surges of luminosity traveling up the magnetic field lines. Observed in ground‐based imagers, this phenomenon has been termed auroral flames, whereas the rocket signatures of the corresponding energy dispersions are more commonly known as field‐aligned bursts. In this paper, observations of auroral flames obtained at 50 frames/s with a scientific‐grade Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor (30° × 30° field of view, 30 m resolution at 120 km) are used to provide insight into the nature of the precipitating electrons similar to high‐resolution particle detectors. Thanks to the large field of view and high spatial resolution of this system, it is possible to obtain a first‐order estimate of the temporal evolution in altitude of the volume emission rate from a single sensor. The measured volume emission rates are compared with the sum of modeled eigenprofiles obtained for a finite set of electron beams with varying energy provided by the TRANSCAR auroral flux tube model. The energy dispersion signatures within each auroral ray can be analyzed in detail during a fraction of a second. The evolution of energy and flux of the precipitation shows precipitation spanning over a large range of energies, with the characteristic energy dropping from 2.1 keV to 0.87 keV over 0.2 s. Oscillations at 2.4 Hz in the magnetic zenith correspond to the period of the auroral flames, and the acceleration is believed to be due to Alfvenic wave interaction with electrons above the ionosphere.
The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Economic Activity: Evidence from the Italian Regional System

Non-pharmaceutical interventions adopted by governments to halt the spread of Sars-Cov2 are thought to have non-trivial consequences for the economy. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the economic impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions in Italy, by taking advantage of timing differences in their implementation across regions. To achieve this, we estimate one-way and two-way fixed effects models on a large sample of Italian provinces. We also isolate a set of well-defined natural experiments in which one region goes from a lower to a higher tier of restrictions, while a neighbouring region remains in the lower tier, for which we can estimate difference-in-differences and continuous treatment models. Moreover, in order to observe whether the impact of restrictions has changed over time, we split the sample around December 2020 and replicate the analysis in each subsample. Our case studies indicate that an Italian province moving from tier 2 to tier 3 in the system of restrictions can expect a fall in mobility of between 12 and 18 percentage points. Thus, we provide evidence of the negative effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on economic activity. Finally, we provide some evidence that the effectiveness of NPIs in reducing mobility is likely to reduce over time, which has important policy implications.
The Chaperone System in Salivary Glands: Hsp90 Prospects for Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Malignant Tumors

Salivary gland tumors represent a serious medical problem and new tools for differential diagnosis and patient monitoring are needed. Here, we present data and discuss the potential of molecular chaperones as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, focusing on Hsp10 and Hsp90. The salivary glands are key physiological elements but, unfortunately, the information and the means available for the management of their pathologies, including cancer, are scarce. Progress in the study of carcinogenesis has occurred on various fronts lately, one of which has been the identification of the chaperone system (CS) as a physiological system with presence in all cells and tissues (including the salivary glands) that plays a role in tumor-cell biology. The chief components of the CS are the molecular chaperones, some of which belong to families of evolutionarily related molecules named heat shock protein (Hsp). We are quantifying and mapping these molecular chaperones in salivary glands to determine their possible role in the carcinogenetic mechanisms in these glands and to assess their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, we report recent findings on Hsp10 and Hsp90 and show that the quantitative and topographic patterns of tissue Hsp90 are distinctive of malignant tumors and differentiate benign from malignant lesions. The Hsp90 results show a correlation between quantity of chaperone and tumor progression, which in turn calls for negative chaperonotherapy, namely, elimination/inhibition of the chaperone to stop the tumor. We found that in vitro, the Hsp90 inhibitor Ganetespib is cytotoxic for the salivary gland UM-HACC-2A cell line. The drug, by interfering with the pro-survival NF-κB pathway, hampers cellular proliferation and migration, and favors apoptosis, and can, therefore, be considered a suitable candidate for future experimentation to develop a treatment for salivary gland tumors.
Weighted Student Funding and Outcomes: Implementation in 18 School Districts

ABSTRACT Over the last 20 years an increasing number of districts have implemented weighted student funding (WSF) policies that distribute resources to schools in ways that more accurately reflect the level students may require and provide principals with expanded flexibility in the use of funds. This study uses an event study model to examine whether student academic performance trends for a sample of 18 districts between 2009 and 2016 outpaced those in districts that did not implement WSF. We find a positive relationship overall between the implementation of WSF and increased math and ELA test scores for the total student population, specifically for ELA in the first year after WSF implementation. We find similar results for black students. We also see that WSF implementation is related to a decline in the disparity in ELA and math scores between white and black students. These trends, however, are a continuation of results these districts had prior to the policy.