Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Searching for a cell-based therapeutic tool for haemophilia A within the embryonic foetal liver and the aorta-gonads-mesonephros (AGM) region.

The development of new strategies based on cell therapy approaches to correct haemophilia A (HA) requires further insights into new cell populations capable of producing coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) and presenting stable engraftment potential. The major producers of FVIII in the adult are liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and in a lesser degree bone marrow (BM)-derived cells, both of which have been shown to ameliorate the bleeding phenotype in adult HA mice after transplantation. We have previously shown that cells from the foetal liver (FL) and the aorta-gonads-mesonephros (AGM) hematopoietic locations possess higher LSEC engraftment potential in new-born mice compared to adult-derived LSECs, constituting likely therapeutic targets for the treatment of HA in neonates. However less is know about the production of FVIII in embryonic locations. Q-PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to assess the relative level of FVIII production in different embryonic tissues and at various developmental stages, identifying the FL and AGM region from day 12 (E12) as prominent sources of FVIII. Furthermore, FL-derived VE-cad + CD45 - Lyve1 +/- endothelial/endothelial progenitor cells, presenting vascular engraftment potential, produced high levels of F8 ribonucleic acid compared to CD45 + blood progenitors or Dlk1 + hepatoblasts. In addition, we show that the E11 AGM explant cultures expanded cells with LSEC repopulation activity, instrumental to further understand signals for in vitro generation of LSECs. Taking into account the capacity for FVIII expression, culture expansion and new-born engraftment potential, these results support the use of cells with foetal characteristics for correction of FVIII deficiency in young individuals. has been applied to the identification of FVIII-producing locations in the developing embryo. Here we describe an extensive analysis of F8 transcript production in different embryonic/foetal tissues during development, identifying a predominant window of F8 RNA expression at E12 in AGM cells and FL derived VE-cad + CD45 - Lyve1 + and VE-cad + CD45 - Lyve1 - cell populations. In addition, it was shown that cultures of AGM explants can expand cells with LSEC engraftment potential, providing a framework to further analyse molecular mechanisms involved in the emergence/expansion of cells with LSEC potential. marrow-derived cells serve proangiogenic macrophages but not endothelial cells in wound healing.
Effects of Saffron and its Active Constituents, Crocin and Safranal, on Prevention of Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcers in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Rats

Background: Saffron is the dried stigmata of the flowers of saffron (Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae). Saffron is well known for the treatment of gastric disorders in traditional medicine. Objectives: In the search for new potential antiulcer agents, the effects of the ethanol extract of saffron and its active constituents crocin and safranal as compared with omeprazole against gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin in non-diabetic and streptozocin diabetic rats were studied. Methods: The effects of pretreatment with saffron extract (25, 100 or 250 mg/kg, p.o.), crocin (2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) and safranal (0.25, 2, 5 ml/kg, p.o.) and omeprazole (30 mg/kg, p.o.) 30 min before administration of indomethacin (40 mg/kg, p.o. in non-diabetic rats and 15 mg/kg, p.o. in diabetic rats) on gastric lesions, increase of lipid peroxidation and decrease of glutathione levels induced by indomethacin in non-diabetic and diabetic rats were evaluated. Results: Saffron extract, crocin, safranal and omeprazol prevented the gastric lesions, increase of lipid peroxidation and decrease of glutathione levels induced by indomethacin in non-diabetic and diabetic rats as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The effects of saffron extract, crocin and safranal on the gastric ulcer index, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels were comparable to omeprazole. Conclusions: Saffron, crocin and safranal may prevent the gastric mucosa damage due to their antioxidant properties by increasing the gluthatione levels and diminishing the lipid peroxidation in the rat gastric mucosa.
Seismic bearing capacity of shallow foundations near slopes using the upper-bound method

Abstract The seismic bearing capacity factors of spread and embedded foundations near slopes have been analytically investigated. The pseudo-static approach was used and the seismic forces consisted of a horizontal load applied to the foundation and the inertia of the soil mass. The upper-bound method of limit analysis was employed and a non-symmetrical failure mechanism was proposed. This mechanism comprises a triangular active wedge, a logarithmic spiral shear zone and a passive wedge. The shear transfer coefficient was introduced to calculate the seismic bearing capacity of spread foundations with variable shear transfer at the base of foundations. The validity of the results from the present analysis was confirmed by comparing with the results proposed by other investigators. Finally, the lowest upper-bound solutions of the seismic bearing capacity factors of shallow foundations near slopes were presented in the form of design charts for practical use in geotechnical engineering. It has been shown that the seismic bearing capacity factors reduce considerably with the increase of horizontal seismic coefficient. In addition, the magnitude of bearing capacity factors decreases further with increase in slope inclination and increase with the embedment and the distance of slope crest from the beginning of loading.
First record of squamate reptiles from the Oligocene of South America

Squamata are known from South America since the Cretaceous, but their fossil record has an occurrence gap between the late Eocene and early Miocene. Fossils recovered from the Sarmiento Formation (Deseadan South American Land Mammal Age, late Oligocene) at Cabeza Blanca (45°S) partially fill this interval. The squamates recovered from Cabeza Blanca include both lizards (an indeterminate Iguanidae and a probable Iguaninae) and snakes (Madtsoiidae). If these taxonomic assignments are correct, the presence of an Iguaninae at such a latitude is unexpected because these lizards are presently absent from Argentine territory. The madtsoiid, here referred to Madtsoia, would extend the Cenozoic record of this genus back to around 16 Ma. The squamate fauna from Cabeza Blanca is compatible with warm and humid environments inferred for the Patagonian Deseadan.
A new approach to laser heating in high pressure mineral physics

Single crystals of olivine, forsterite, and enstatite were heated to over 2,000 K between 100 and 250 kbar with a 120 W CO{sub 2}-laser in a diamond anvil cell using a hydrostatic, inert gas pressure medium. The conversion to some of their high pressure polymorphs, {beta}-phase, {gamma}-phase, perovskite, majorite, ilmenite, and clinoenstatite yielded single crystals large enough to obtain high quality Raman spectra, thus providing a quick, economic, and precise method to measure phase diagrams without pressure quenching. The phase boundaries between olivine or forsterite and {beta}-phase and between {gamma}-phase and perovskite were accurately bracketed. Preliminary results on the latter transition are within the P-T uncertainties of previous measurements using multi-anvil devices, constraining the temperature at 670 km depth to 1,900 {plus minus} 100 K, which is about 300 K higher than using their best estimate of the phase boundary. The unquenchable phase of MgSiO{sub 3}-clinopyroxene was synthesized at {approximately}170 kbar; Raman spectra show that this phase is of C2/c symmetry. Its stability field is between 50 and {approximately} 165 kbar at ambient temperature. MgSiO{sub 3} perovskite was synthesized above 230 kbar and {approximately}2,000 K. Raman spectra were measured from 75 to 470 kbar. Above 370 kbar, two modes disappearmore » and two others change slope with pressure, suggesting a change in symmetry from Pbnm at room temperature. « less
Blood biomarkers and treatment response in major depression

ABSTRACT Introduction: Millions of people worldwide suffer from depression, but despite advances in pharmacological therapies, many patients do not experience symptomatic remission or treatment response, even after treatments with several medications. As such, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that can not only predict the treatment response but also allow a rational selection of optimal therapy for each patient. Areas covered: This review examines the recent findings, coming from different ‘omic sciences,’ in human blood-based biomarkers associated with antidepressant treatment response with particular attention on genetic/epigenetic and biochemical biomarkers. Specific emphasis will be placed on key molecules related to neuroplasticity and inflammation because of their involvement in the pathophysiology of depression and antidepressant response. Expert commentary: Biomarker identification is still an ongoing work. Indeed, to date, no biomarkers have sufficiently proven specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility to be used in the clinical setting. However, ‘omic’ approaches hold great promise in identifying multiple features for predicting antidepressant response, making a personalized treatment strategy possible for each patient, and thereby assist with quick and efficacious responsiveness. It is thus necessary that future studies take an integrative approach that includes clinical assessment, environment influences, and molecular and biological biomarkers.
A New Alligatorid from the Lower Eocene Green River Formation of Wyoming and the Origin of Caimans

ABSTRACT Tsoabichi greenriverensis, tax. nov., is based on cranial and postcranial remains from the lower Eocene (Wasatchian) Green River Formation of Wyoming. Casts of additional material in private collections include the complete skeleton of an immature specimen. It has abrupt supratemporal fenestral rims, extensive supraoccipital exposure on the skull table, and bipartite ventral osteoderms. The nasals are reduced to a thin anterior process as they approach the external naris, and the rim of the naris extends beyond the dorsal surface of the snout as a thin crest. There was no ‘spectacle’ between the orbits, but there are three distinct craniocaudally elongate ridges between the orbits. The parietal extends to the posterior margin of the skull table on either side of the large V-shaped dorsal exposure of the supraoccipital. Some of the dorsal osteoderms are mediolaterally elongate and bear two dorsal keels. A close relationship with caimans is supported by a parsimony analysis, although its precise position is unclear and some of the characters supporting a caimanine relationship also occur in poorly known Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary alligatoroids. A possible close relationship with Paleosuchus (the living dwarf caimans) would imply a very complex biogeographic scenario with multiple dispersals between the Americas during the Tertiary.
Estimating Long-Term Drainage at a Regional Scale Using a Deterministic Model

This study discusses the use of a deterministic model, at a regional scale, when the soils have small heterogeneity. Long-term soil drainage was simulated on 3500 ha in Beauce (France), taking into account variation in soil thickness, agricultural practices, and climate characteristics for a 32-yr period. The model was based on a numerical solution of Richards' equation, using a finite element method. Hydraulic properties were determined at four sites that are 4 km apart. The results show a small variability of hydraulic parameters, with coefficient of variation (CV) ranges from 1 to 16% for the α parameter, the empirical constant n, the saturated water content θ s , and the residual water content θ r and from 60 to 75% for the saturated hydraulic conductivity K s . Hence, the spatial and temporal variability of drainage are mainly related to soil thickness, agricultural practices, and climate characteristics. Assigning small spatial variability to hydraulic properties, we analyzed the role of soil thickness and initial water content (IWC), induced by agricultural practices and climate characteristics, on drainage prediction. Five IWC were defined: 100, 90, 80, 70, and 55% of field capacity (FC). Fonr soil thicknesses were studied: 30, 60, 100, and 150 cm. The IWC appeared as a significant factor in drainage prediction for 60% of the 32 yr, regardless of soil thickness. Soil thickness became the most significant factor (20% of the 32 yr) for low IWC. The model was spatially extrapolated by combining the calculated drainage (which varied with soil thickness and IWC) and the spatial distribution of crops and soil thickness classes. Simulated drainage was closely related (r = 0.90) to groundwater recharge during the 32 yr, indicating that the model could be applied to other areas with appropriate parameters.
Origins of Extreme Climate States during the 1982–83 ENSO Winter

Abstract The origin of extreme climate states during the exceptional 1982–83 El Nino event has continued to be a source of controversy and debate. On the one hand, empirical analyses of extratropical climate patterns during past El Nino events suggests the observed anomalies during 1982–83 were consistent with tropical forcing. On the other hand, the large amplitude of those anomalies have not been replicated in atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) simulations for that period performed as part of the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP). It has recently become apparent, however, that the sea surface boundary conditions used to drive the multitude of AMIP simulations were deficient, in that at least 30% of available tropical Pacific SST observations were discarded in the analysis cycle due to excessive trimming constraints. It is shown from a reanalysis of the sea surface temperatures that the observed east equatorial Pacific waters were 1.5°C warmer than original estimates. In order to.
Active remodeling of chromatin and implications for in-vivo folding

Recent high resolution experiments have provided a quantitative description of the statistical properties of interphase chromatin at large scales. These findings have stimulated a search for generic physical interactions that give rise to such specific statistical conformations. Here, we show that an active chromatin model of in-vivo folding, based on the interplay between polymer elasticity, confinement, topological constraints and active stresses arising from the (un)binding of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling proteins gives rise to steady state conformations consistent with these experiments. Our results lead us to conjecture that the chromatin conformation resulting from this active folding optimizes information storage by co-locating gene loci which share transcription resources.
Effects of Hypopressive Exercise on Posterior Back Chain Kinematics and Pulmonary Function in Professional Female Basketball Players.

CONTEXT Hypopressive exercise (HE) has been used as an alternative lumbo-pelvic injury prevention program and claimed to be a means of respiratory and flexibility improvement. However, the possible effects of HE on athletic populations and physical performance remain unclear. OBJECTIVE Examine the effects of a HE program on posterior back chain kinematics, thoracic mobility, pulmonary function, and lower lumbar pain in female basketball players over an 8-week training period. DESIGN Prospective (1) baseline, (2) midpoint (4 wk), and (3) after 8 weeks. SETTING Sports field. PARTICIPANTS A total of 17 professional female basketball players (mean age 20.7 y, SD: 3.50; body mass index, 21.71, SD: 1.69). INTERVENTION Participants performed 8 HE weekly sessions of 30 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Back chain kinematics was assessed with the sit and reach and finger to floor test, and back pain was assessed through numerical rating scale. Respiratory parameters were assessed by spirometry and through thoracic mobility. RESULTS The analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the 3 measurement periods for thoracic mobility (P > .01); forced expiratory volume in the first second (P < .05) while no statistical differences were found for the rest of spirometry outcomes. Significant differences were also revealed between baseline and after the intervention for the sit and reach test (P > .01), peak expiratory flow (P = .01), and forced expiratory volume in the first 25 seconds (P = .04). Also, significant differences between weeks were found in levels of lumbar pain (P = .003) and the finger to floor test (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that a HE program can improve posterior back chain and chest wall kinematics as well as lower lumbar pain levels. However, no gains seem to be observed for the majority of pulmonary variables except for peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in the first seconds.
Control of detachment geometry on lateral variations in exhumation rates in the Himalaya: Insights from low‐temperature thermochronology and numerical modeling

[1] The Himalayan range is commonly presented as largely laterally uniform from west to east. However, geological structures, topography, precipitation rate, convergence rates, and low-temperature thermochronological ages all vary significantly along strike. Here, we focus on the interpretation of thermochronological data sets in terms of along-strike variations in geometry and kinematics of the main crustal detachment underlying the Himalaya: the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). We report new apatite fission track (AFT) ages collected along north-south transects in western and eastern central Nepal (at the latitudes of the Annapurna and Langtang massifs, respectively). AFT ages are consistently young (<3 Ma) along both N-S transects in the high-relief zone of the Higher Himalaya and increase (4 to 6 Ma) toward the south in the Lesser Himalaya. We compare our new data to published low-temperature thermochronological data sets for Nepal and the Bhutan Himalaya. We use the full data set to perform both forward and inverse thermal kinematic modeling with a modified version of the Pecube code in order to constrain potential along-strike variations in the kinematics of the Himalayan range. Our results show that lateral variations in the geometry of the MHT (in particular the presence or absence of a major crustal-scale ramp) strongly control the kinematics and exhumation history of the orogen.
Microtopographic evolution of lava flows at Cima volcanic field, Mojave Desert, California

Microtopographic profiles were measured and power spectra calculated for dated lava flow surfaces at Cima volcanic field in the eastern Mojave Desert of California in order to quantify changes in centimeter-to meter-scale roughness as a function of age. For lava flows younger than about 0.8 m.y. , roughness over all spatial scales decreases with age, with meter-scale roughness decreasing slightly more than centimeter scales. Flows older than about 0.8 m.y. show a reversal of this trend, becoming as rough as young flows at these scales. Modeling indicates that eolian deposition can explain most of the change observed in the offset, or roughness amplitude, of power spectra of flow surface profiles up to 0.8 m.y. Other processes, such as rubbling and stone pavement development, appear to have a minor effect in this age range. Changes in power spectra of surfaces older than about 0.8 m.y. are consistent with roughening due to fluvial dissection. These results agree qualitatively with a process-response model that attributes systematic changes in flow surface morphology to cyclic changes in the rates of eolian, soil formation, and fluvial processes. Identification of active surficial processes and estimation of the extent of their effects, or stage of surficial evolution, through measurement of surface roughness will help put the correlation of surficial units on a quantitative basis. This may form the basis for the use of radar remote sensing data to help in regional correlations of surficial units.
Ieee Computer Graphics and Applications 47 Depth-of-field Blur Effects for First-person Navigation in Virtual Environments Visual Blur Effects for First-person Ve Navigation the Dof Blur Effect Development and Related Work in Visual Blur Effects

I n human vision, the depth of field (DoF) is the range of distances near the focus point where the eyes perceive the image as sharp. Objects behind and in front of the focus point are blurred. DoF and its associated blur effects are well-known classic depth cues in human vision. 1 Virtual images that lack a DoF blur can sometimes look " too perfect " and therefore synthetic. System designers therefore added DoF blur effects early to computer graphics pipelines. 2 Movies also use the classic blur effects of focal-distance changes to convey sensations or otherwise capture viewers' attention. Real-time VR applications haven't yet introduced visual blur effects. We now have the programming capabilities and the processing power to compute them in real time. However, we don't know how such effects will influence user performance and subjective experience. We therefore need to develop new models of realistic visual blur effects for virtual environments (VE), taking interactivity and real-time constraints into account , and evaluate visual blur effects in terms of both VE user performance and subjective preferences. Here, we describe a novel model of dynamic visual blur for first-person VE navigation. We also report results from an experiment to study how ■ ■ the blur effect influenced gamers' performance during a multiplayer first-person-shooter (FPS) session. We use a model for dynamic visual blur that combines DoF and peripheral blur effects. For landmark research and state-of-the-art implementations relative to these topics, see the sidebar, " Development and Related Work in Visual Blur Effects " (next page). This effect simulates visual blurring by blurring the pixels of objects in front of or behind the focus point. The focus point is associated with a focal distance (fd)—the distance between the eyes (or camera) and the focus point. The lens model. We use the classic lens model introduced by Michael Potmesil and Indranil Chakra-varty. 2 In this model, the amount of blur—that is, the diameter of the circle of confusion (DCoCdep) of a point projected on screen—is Depth-of-field blur effects are well-known depth cues in human vision. Computer graphics pipelines added DOF effects early to enhance imagery realism, but real-time VR applications haven't yet introduced visual blur effects. The authors describe new techniques to improve blur rendering and report experimental results from a prototype video game implementation. VR Software and Technology DCoC D f f f f d d dof = × × …