Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Suppressing Excessive Light Rain on Aerosol Radiative Effects and Health Risks

Global climate models (GCMs) have been used widely to study radiative forcing and health risks of aerosols. A recent study using two GCMs found that light rain plays a dominant role in controlling aerosol loading. However, “too much light rain and too little heavy rain” is a longstanding bias in GCMs. It is unclear how much light rain affects aerosol‐cloud‐radiation interactions and health risks from air pollution. Here we show that, with the correction of the rainfall intensity spectrum in the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmosphere Model version 5.3 by introducing a stochastic deep convection scheme, the reduced frequency of light rain (1–20 mm d−1) results in changes of aerosol direct radiative effects (DRE) of up to −0.5 ± 0.03 W/m2 and aerosol cloud radiative effects (CRE) of up to −0.9 ± 0.03 W/m2. The total (CRE + DRE) radiative effects of light rain‐mediated aerosol changes exceed the present‐day anthropogenic forcing of aerosols relative to preindustrial levels from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5&6) models. However, the correction of the rainfall intensity spectrum has little effect on anthropogenic aerosol forcing (defined as the radiative perturbation due to changes in aerosol concentrations between the industrial era and preindustrial levels). Due to increased exposure to fine particulates (PM2.5), the estimated global total premature mortality is much higher than previously estimated, by 300,000 ± 60,000 deaths per year, and is more severe in populous regions such as India and China. The findings in this study highlight the need to understand uncertainties in radiative effects and health risks of aerosols due to simulation biases of precipitation in GCMs.
Improving Support Ticket Systems Using Machine Learning: A Literature Review

Processing customer support requests via a support ticket system is a key-element for companies to provide support to their customers in an organized and professional way. However, distributing and processing such tickets is much work, increasing the cost for the support providing company and stretching the resolution time. The advancing potential of Machine Learning has led to the goal of automating those support ticket systems. Against this background, we conducted a Literature Review aiming at determining the present state-of-the-art technology in the field of automated support ticket systems. We provide an overview about present trends and topics discussed in this field. During the Literature Review, we found creating an automated incident management tool being the majority topic in the field followed by request escalation and customer sentiment prediction and identified Random Forrest and Support Vector Machine as best performing algorithms for classification in the field.
Visual Interpretability of Image-based Real Estate Appraisal

Explainability for machine learning gets more and more important in high-stakes decisions like real estate appraisal. While traditional hedonic house pricing models are fed with hard information based on housing attributes, recently also soft information has been incorporated to increase the predictive performance. This soft information can be extracted from image data by complex models like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). However, these are intransparent which excludes their use for high-stakes financial decisions. To overcome this limitation, we examine if a two-stage modeling approach can provide explainability. We combine visual interpretability by Regression Activation Maps (RAM) for the CNN and a linear regression for the overall prediction. Our experiments are based on 62.000 family homes in Philadelphia and the results indicate that the CNN learns aspects related to vegetation and quality aspects of the house from exterior images, improving the predictive accuracy of real estate appraisal by up to 5.4%.
Hyaluronan hydrogels, 3-dimensional scaffolds for ex vivo maintenance of human hepatic stem cells and hepatoblasts

William S. Turner: Hyaluronan Hydrogels, 3-Dimensional Scaffolds for Ex Vivo Maintenance of Human Hepatic Stem Cells and Hepatoblasts (Under the direction of Lola M. Reid, Ph.D.) Sourcing of human liver cells has remained a challenge obviating ex vivo studies of human cells and clinical therapies such as cell transplantation and assist devices using bioartificial livers. The expansion potential of human hepatic progenitors under appropriate conditions can overcome this problem, and the potential medical applications include the treatment of liver disease by cell therapies such as cell transplantation and/or bioartificial livers. Human hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs) in vivo are located in ductal plates in fetal livers and neonatal livers and in canals of Herring in pediatric and adult livers, are ~9 μm in diameter, can be isolated by immunoselection for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) or neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), and constitute ~ 0.5-1.5% of parenchymal cells in non-ischemic livers of all donor ages. They express cytokeratins 8, 18 and 19, CD133/1, CD44H, telomerase, NCAM, weakly express albumin, are negative for ICAM-1, for markers for adult liver cells (e.g. P450s), hemopoietic cells (e.g. CD45, CD34), endothelia (e.g. VEGFr, Van Willebrand Factor), and other mesenchymal cells (α-smooth muscle actin, desmin, CD146) and for α-fetoprotein (AFP). Self-replication (also called self-renewal) ex vivo occurs in hHpSCs cultured in a serum-free medium tailored for hepatic
User generated dissent : a biographic case study of peer production mechanisms on Eksisozluk.com

In a public sphere wherein corporate monopolies of mass media networks prevail and antidemocratic practices suppressing the freedom of speech are the norm, the widespread adoption of the Internet in Turkey has engendered the emergence of a sphere of dissent wherein participants use social media and Web 2.0 platforms to engage in cyberactivism, participate in networked social movements, and express alternative, non-hegemonic political identities and discourses. Sozluks, a genre of content hosting platforms that can broadly be described as urban dictionaries, are unique within this ecology insofar as they rely on collaborative mechanisms to produce and organize dissent. Affording the oppurtunity to express oneself to the Turkish-speaking online audience in an anonymous manner, sozluks have become safe havens for free speech within the context of a country historically known for the censure of the press and the public sphere. Although it has been argued that engagement in spaces similar to sozluks constitute a form of digital labour, this dissertation argues that participation and the collaborative process found in sozluks constitutes a unique model of peer production. The commons-based peer-production model used by sozluks generates a constant steam of publicly accessible and at times, subversive information. User generated dissent explores communal, commons and automated aspects to the peer production mechanisms driving Eksisozluk, the oldest urban dictionary in Turkish cyberspace in a holistic manner. It attempts to link the model of collaboration found on Eksisozluk with other studies on different peer production models found elsewhere online. Opting for a mixed methodology that combines ethnographic fieldwork with a sociotechnical systems and Biography of Artefacts (BoA) approach, User generated dissent combines conventional data collection methods with using the Wayback Machine (WM) to build a longitudinal case-study to document the collaborative process that has made Eksisozluk a unique and influential actor within the ecology of Turkish cyberspace.
Does Physical Activity Application Use Promote Self-Efficacy for Exercise? A Study Among Aged People

The importance of sustained physical activity in healthy aging is well established. To achieve sustained physical activity and exercise, related self-efficacy is important. Hence, solutions to promote self-efficacy for exercise among aged people are urgently needed. Digital wellness technologies provide a potential solution, but research on their potential to promote self-efficacy for exercise is scarce and more research is needed. To address this need, this study investigates how effective is the use of a physical activity application in promoting self-efficacy for exercise among aged people. Self-efficacy levels were compared between three different time points: before taking the application into use and after 4 and 12 months of use. The results suggest that physical activity application use can be effective in promoting self-efficacy for exercise among aged people as there was an improvement in most of the self-efficacy items as well as in total self-efficacy already after 4 months of use and this improvement was sustained after 12 months of use.
Condensation of the fusion focus by the intrinsically disordered region of the formin Fus1 is essential for cell-cell fusion

Spatial accumulation of secretory vesicles underlies various cellular processes, such as neurotransmitter release at neuronal synapses [1], hyphal steering in filamentous fungi [2, 3], and local cell wall digestion preceding the fusion of yeast gametes [4]. Secretory vesicles transported on actin filaments by myosin V motors form clusters that serve as pool for local content release. During fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe gamete fusion, the actin fusion focus assembled by the formin Fus1 concentrates secretory vesicles carrying cell wall digestive enzymes [5-7]. Focus position and coalescence are controlled by local signalling and actin-binding proteins to prevent inappropriate cell wall digestion that would cause lysis [6, 8-10], but the mechanisms of focusing have been elusive. Here, we show that the regulatory N-terminus of Fus1 contains an intrinsically disordered region (IDR) that mediates Fus1 condensation in vivo and forms dense assemblies that exclude other macromolecules. Fus1 lacking its IDR fails to condense in a tight focus and causes cell lysis during attempted cell fusion. Remarkably, replacement of Fus1 IDR with a heterologous low-complexity region that forms liquid condensates fully restores Fus1 condensation and function. By contrast, replacement of Fus1 IDR with a domain that forms more stable oligomers restores condensation but poorly supports cell fusion, suggesting that condensation is tuned to yield a structure selectively permeable for secretory vesicles. We propose that condensation of actin structures by an intrinsically disordered region may be a general mechanism for actin network organisation and the selective local concentration of secretory vesicles.
ReCSAI Recursive compressed sensing artiﬁcial intelligence for confocal lifetime localization microscopy

Localization-based super-resolution microscopy resolves macromolecular structures down to a few nanometers by computationally reconstructing ﬂuorescent emitter coordinates from diffraction-limited spots. The most commonly used algorithms are based on ﬁtting parametric models of the point spread function (PSF) to a measured photon distribution. These algorithms make assumptions about the symmetry of the PSF and thus, do not work well with irregular, non-linear PSFs that occur for example in confocal lifetime imaging, where a laser is scanned across the sample. An alternative method for re-constructing sparse emitter sets from noisy, diffraction-limited images is compressed sensing, but due to its high computational cost it has not yet been widely adopted. Deep neural network ﬁtters have recently emerged as a new competitive method for localization microscopy. They can learn to ﬁt arbitrary PSFs, but require extensive simulated training data and do not generalize well. A method to efﬁciently ﬁt the irregular PSFs from confocal lifetime localization microscopy combining the advantages of deep learning and compressed sensing would greatly improve the acquisition speed and throughput of this method. Here we introduce
Vertical gradients in physiological function and resource allocation of white spruce diverge at the northern- and southern-most range extremes

Light availability drives vertical canopy gradients in photosynthetic functioning and carbon (C) balance, yet patterns of variability in these gradients remain unclear. We measured light availability, photosynthetic CO 2 and light response curves, foliar C, nitrogen (N) and pigment concentrations, and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) on upper and lower canopy needles of white spruce trees ( Picea glauca ) at the northern and southern extremes of the species’ range. We combined our photosynthetic data with previously published respiratory data to compare and contrast canopy C balance between latitudinal extremes. We found steep canopy gradients in irradiance, photosynthesis, and leaf traits at the southern range limit, but clear convergence across canopy positions at the northern range limit. Thus, unlike many tree species from tropical to mid-latitude forests, high latitude trees do not require vertical gradients of metabolic activity to optimize photosynthetic C gain. Consequently, accounting for self-shading is less critical for predicting gross primary productivity at northern relative to southern latitudes. Northern trees also had a significantly smaller net positive C balance than southern trees suggesting that, regardless of canopy position, low photosynthetic rates coupled with high respiratory costs may ultimately constrain the northern range limit of this widely distributed boreal species. the
Temporally integrated transcriptome analysis reveals ASFV pathology and host response dynamics

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a lethal swine hemorrhagic disease and is currently responsible for widespread damage to the pig industry. The molecular mechanisms of ASFV pathogenicity and its interaction with host responses remain poorly understood. In this study, we profiled the temporal viral and host transcriptomes in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) infected at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours with highly virulent (SY18) and low virulent (HuB20) ASFV strains. We first identified profound differences in the virus expression programs between SY18 and HuB20, while the transcriptome dynamics in host cells were dominated by infection time. Through integrated computational analysis and experimental validation, we identified differentially expressed genes and related biological processes, and elaborated differential usage of the NF-kappaB related pathways by the two virus strains. In addition, we observed that compared to the highly virulent SY18 strain, HuB20 infection quickly activates expression of receptors, sensors, regulators, as well as downstream effectors, including cGAS, STAT1/2, IRF9, MX1/2, suggesting rapid induction of a strong immune response. Lastly, we constructed a host-virus coexpression network, which shed light on pathogenic functions of several ASFV genes. Taken together, these results will provide a basis for further mechanistic studies on the functions of both viral and cellular genes that are involved in different responses. Author Summary Since it was first described in Kenya in 1921, ASF has spread across sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, the Western Europe, the Trans-Caucasus region, and the Russian Federation. Recent out-breaks have also been reported in Asia, which has devastated the pig industry, resulting in an approximately 40% reduction in pork worldwide. In the absence of effective vaccine or treatment, the mortality for infections with highly virulent strains approaches 100%, while low virulent strains causing less mortality spreads fast recently. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of ASFV pathogenicity, especially the differences between highly and low virulent strains remain poorly understood. Here, we used RNA-seq to analyze the viral and host transcriptome changes in PAMs infected with a virulent strain (SY18) or an attenuated strain (HuB20) at different stages. We found that the presence of ASFV significantly affected the cellular transcriptome profile. In addition, we did temporal and described the dynamic expression programs induced in the host cells by ASFV infection of different virulence strains. In particular, we identified differential gene expression patterns in host innate immune responses and expressed cytokines and chemokines between ASFV strains of different virulence. Our study provides new insights into ASFV pathogenicity research and novel drug or vaccine targets.
Inhibition of Aromatase by Hops, Licorice Species, and their bioactive compounds in Postmenopausal Breast Tissue

Breast cancer risk continues to rise post menopause. Endocrine therapies are employed to prevent postmenopausal breast cancer in high-risk women. However, their adverse effects have reduced acceptability and overall success in cancer preventionatural products such as hops (Humulus lupulus) and pharmacopoeial licorice (Glycyrrhiza) species, which are used for managing menopausal symptoms, have demonstrated estrogenic and chemopreventive properties. Their beneficial effects on aromatase activity and expression as important factors in postmenopausal breast carcinogenesis are understudied. The presented data show that Gycyrrhiza inflata (GI) has the highest aromatase inhibition potency among these plants. Moreover, phytoestrogens such as 8-prenylnaringenin from hops as well as liquiritigenin and 8-prenylapigenin from licorice are shown to be potent bioactives, in line with computational docking studies. 8-Prenylnaringenin, GI extract, liquiritigenin, and licochalcone A all suppress aromatase expression in postmenopausal women’s breast tissue. Collectively, these data suggest that these natural products may have breast cancer prevention potential for high-risk postmenopausal women.
Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Gastric Cancer Identifies the Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor as a Driving Factor in Gastric Cancer Progression and as a Predictor of Poor Prognosis

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third cause of cancer-related-death worldwide. Nevertheless, because GC screening programs are not cost-effective, most patients receive diagnosis in the advanced stages, when surgical options are limited because the presence of diffuse disease. Peritoneal dissemination occurs in approximately one third of patients with GC and is a strong predictor of poor outcome. Despite the clinical relevance, biological and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of peritoneal metastasis in GC remain poorly defined. To investigate this point, we conducted a high-throughput sequencing of transcriptome expression in paired samples of normal and neoplastic gastric mucosa in 31 GC patients with or without peritoneal carcinomatosis. The RNAseq analysis led to the discovery of a group of highly upregulated or downregulated genes that were differentially modulated in patients with peritoneal disease in comparison to GC patients without peritoneal involvement. Among these genes the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) and the one cut domain family member (ONECUT)2 were the only two genes that predicted survival at univariate statistical analysis. Because LIFR was the highest regulated gene we have further assessed whether this receptor plays a mechanistic role in GC dissemination. For this purpose, we have first assessed the expression of LIF, a member of IL-6 cytokine family, and LIFR in GC cell lines. Our results demonstrate that exposure of MKN45 cells to LIF, promoted a concentration-dependent proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as shown by modulation of E-cadherin/vimentin gene expression along with JAK and STAT 3 phosphorylation and acquisition of a migratory phenotype. These features were reversed by in vitro treatment with a LIFR antagonist. Together, these data provide support to the notion that development of LIF/LIFR inhibitors might have a role in the treatment of GC.
Characteristics and Impact of the rNST GABA Network on Neural and Behavioral Taste Responses

Abstract The rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST), the initial CNS site for processing gustatory information, is comprised of two major cell types, glutamatergic excitatory and GABAergic inhibitory neurons. Although many investigators have described taste responses of rNST neurons, the phenotypes of these cells were unknown. To directly compare the response characteristics of both inhibitory and noninhibitory neurons, we recorded from mice expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) under the control of GAD65, a synthetic enzyme for GABA. We observed that chemosensitive profiles of GABAergic taste neurons (G+TASTE) were similar to non-GABA taste neurons (G-TASTE) but had much lower response rates. We further observed a novel subpopulation of GABA cells located more ventrally in the nucleus that were unresponsive to taste stimulation (G+UNR), suggesting pathways for inhibition initiated by centrifugal sources. This preparation also allowed us to determine how optogenetic activation of the rNST GABA network impacted the taste responses of G-TASTE neurons. Activating rNST inhibitory circuitry suppressed gustatory responses of G-TASTE neurons across all qualities and chemosensitive types of neurons. Although the tuning curves of identified G-TASTE were modestly sharpened, the overall shape of response profiles and the ensemble pattern remained highly stable. These neurophysiological effects were consistent with the behavioral consequences of activating GAD65-expressing inhibitory neurons using DREADDs. In a brief-access licking task, concentration-response curves to both palatable (sucrose, maltrin) and unpalatable (quinine) stimuli were shifted to the right when GABA neurons were activated. Thus, the rNST GABAergic network is poised to modulate taste intensity across the qualitative and hedonic spectrum.
DNA metabarcoding of gut contents reveals key habitat and seasonal drivers of trophic networks involving generalist predators in agricultural landscapes

BACKGROUND Understanding the networks of trophic interactions into which generalist predators are embedded is key to assessing their ecological role of in trophic networks and the biological control services they provide. The advent of affordable DNA metabarcoding approaches greatly facilitates quantitative understanding of trophic networks and their response to environmental drivers. Here, we examine how key environmental gradients interact to shape predation by Lycosidae in highly dynamic vegetable growing systems in China. RESULTS For the sampled Lycosidae, crop identity, pesticide use, and seasons shape the abundance of preydetected in spider guts. For the taxonomic richness of prey, local- and landscape-scale factors gradients were more influential. Multivariate ordinations confirm that these crop-abundant spiders dynamically adjust their diet to reflect environmental constraints and seasonal availability to prey. CONCLUSION The plasticity in the diet composition is likely to account for the persistence of spiders in relatively ephemeral brassica crops. Our findings provide further insights into the optimization of habitat management for predator-based biological control practices.