Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Domain-specific Quantification of Prion Protein in Cerebrospinal Fluid by Targeted Mass Spectrometry*

PrP in cerebrospinal fluid is measured by targeted mass spectrometry using peptides across protein domains in humans and preclinical species of interest. Peptides are uniformly reduced in patients with prion disease, suggesting that dose-finding studies of PrP-lowering drugs may be most informative in presymptomatic individuals. Graphical Abstract Highlights Targeted mass spectrometry assay to quantify prion protein (PrP) in spinal fluid. Precise measurement of PrP peptide concentration across protein domains. Peptides are uniformly decreased in symptomatic prion disease patients. Assay applicable to humans and preclinical species for drug development. Therapies currently in preclinical development for prion disease seek to lower prion protein (PrP) expression in the brain. Trials of such therapies are likely to rely on quantification of PrP in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a pharmacodynamic biomarker and possibly as a trial endpoint. Studies using PrP ELISA kits have shown that CSF PrP is lowered in the symptomatic phase of disease, a potential confounder for reading out the effect of PrP-lowering drugs in symptomatic patients. Because misfolding or proteolytic cleavage could potentially render PrP invisible to ELISA even if its concentration were constant or increasing in disease, we sought to establish an orthogonal method for CSF PrP quantification. We developed a multi-species targeted mass spectrometry method based on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) of nine PrP tryptic peptides quantified relative to an isotopically labeled recombinant protein standard for human samples, or isotopically labeled synthetic peptides for nonhuman species. Analytical validation experiments showed process replicate coefficients of variation below 15%, good dilution linearity and recovery, and suitable performance for both CSF and brain homogenate and across humans as well as preclinical species of interest. In n = 55 CSF samples from individuals referred to prion surveillance centers with rapidly progressive dementia, all six human PrP peptides, spanning the N- and C-terminal domains of PrP, were uniformly reduced in prion disease cases compared with individuals with nonprion diagnoses. Thus, lowered CSF PrP concentration in prion disease is a genuine result of the disease process and not an artifact of ELISA-based measurement. As a result, dose-finding studies for PrP lowering drugs may need to be conducted in presymptomatic at-risk individuals rather than in symptomatic patients. We provide a targeted mass spectrometry-based method suitable for preclinical quantification of CSF PrP as a tool for drug development.
Analyse des processus d'écoulement lors de crues à cinétique rapide sur l'arc méditerranéen

L'objectif de la these est d'ameliorer la comprehension des processus hydrologiques lors des evenements de crues eclair. Se basant sur un modele existant (MARINE), l'etude se concentre sur les processus internes au sol. Une etape preliminaire permet, a partir de l'analyse des donnees, de confirmer l'activite du socle rocheux durant les crues eclair. Une analyse structurelle de MARINE est realisee, afin de connaitre la sensibilite des flux de subsurface aux choix structurels. Une nouvelle modelisation, plus robuste et integrant explicitement une representation des roches alterees, est mise en place. Supposant des chemins preferentiels a l'interface sol/roche, le modele donne une bonne reproduction des bassins sedimentaires. Sur les bassins granitiques, il sous-estime les recessions et, en consequence, les eventuels seconds pics de crue, montrant la necessite de representer des flux significatifs sur ces bassins, y compris dans la zone alteree.
A provincial model of Phanerozoic marine diversity

Much new empirical evidence on the levels of Phanerozoic paleoprovinciality and of species diversity within paleocommunities now permits a reevaluation of marine diversity patterns. Data on paleoprovincial patterns are assembled from the literature and evaluated by means of a stochastic computer simulation model. The simulation is based on the statistics of modern patterns of diversity and endemism extrapolated conservatively to the paleoprovincial patterns and on estimates of species duration from the fossil record. The species diversities associated with the paleoprovincial patterns are then corrected for temporal changes in species packing in communities as determined by Bambach (1977) from studies of paleocommunities. The model thus has an empirical basis throughout. Furthermore it is free of biases that can arise due to the differential preservation of taxa in space and time. The Paleozoic and Mesozoic were characterized by low provinciality and low average species diversity, on the order of 38,000 to 40,000 species, although there were significant fluctuations in standing diversities. In the Cenozoic, provinciality rose markedly, primarily through the appearance of latitudinal provincial chains, and average species diversity rose to about 240,000. Today it stands over 350,000; this is an order of magnitude greater than the Paleozoic average.
The benefits of silicon fertiliser for sustainably increasing crop productivity

Silicon (Si) exists in all plants grown in soil and its content in plant tissue ranges from 0.1 to 10% (Epstein, 1999). While its essentiality in plant growth has not yet been clearly established, Si is considered a nutrient of agronomic essentiality for high Si-accumulating crops such as rice and sugarcane, in that its absence causes imbalances of other nutrients resulting in poor growth, if not death of the plant (Savant et al, 1999).
FIRE EFECT ON THE SEASONAL FOREST STRUCTURE IN THE CERRADO BIOME

There are few studies on the effects of fire on the seasonal semideciduous forest of the Cerrado region. This study aimed to assess the effect of fire on Semideciduous forest fragments located in the Altamiro Moura Pacheco State Park (AMPSP). The study area is located in the central state of Goias. A total of 10 plots (50 x 20 m; 1,000 m 2 ) were drawn in the remaining forests seeking to portray two areas: area which underwent forest fire (burned area; B) and unburned area (unburned; UB). A total of 771 individuals with DBH (≥ 5 cm) were identified. A total of 303 individuals were recorded in the burned area (B), comprising 28 families, 41 genera and 47 species, while the unburned area (UB) had 468 individuals comprising 25 families, 43 genera and 50 species. The species Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan, Emmotum nitens (Benth.), Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam, Tapirira guianensis Aubl. , Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemao and Luehea candicans Mart. had the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) values and occur in both areas. The percentage of dead trees differed between the areas, where the burned area had a mortality of 12.69% and the unburned area of 7.29% in regards to the number of individuals. Density per plot was the only parameter that differed between the areas, where the burned area (B) had the lowest values. The fire affected all diameter classes, demonstrating the fragility of this vegetation type in regards to fire. The fire had a greater effect on trees in the smaller diameter classes, reducing the frequency of individuals in the burned area and changing height distribution, which may have favored the establishment of lianas and invasive species.
Winter Precipitation and Snowpack-melt with Temperature and Elevation at Solang Valley, India

Knowledge about variability of temperature, precipitation, snowpack and snowmelt with temperature and elevation are essential to prepare input data for hydrological models. The study presents characteristics and variability of these input variables during springtime at three elevations (Bhang, Solang and Dhundi stations in the Solang Valley of the western Himalaya) with respect to mean temperature (Tm) at Bhang using weekly data within a period of 27 years with initial (1982 and 1983) and later (2008 and 2009) consecutive years including decadal years 1993 and 2003. Methodology comprises of process integration using regression, simulation, cluster analysis, transformation, projection and inter-annual comparison. Study shows that temperature lapse rate (TLR) in stretches between snow-free to snow cover area (1.2°C/100 m) is more than the TLR in stretch of continued snow cover. Temperature, snowfall, rainfall and snow depth per 100 m of rise in elevation have been estimated as -1.09°C, 31.2 cm, -7.72 mm and 27.95 cm, respectively. The snowfall and rainfall mixed precipitation occurs within 0.65 and 11.5°C of weekly Tm for which distribution pattern has been developed. Temperature degree-day melt factors, determined in water equivalent term, vary between 2 and 11.5 mm°C-1d-1 and it may rise up to 13 mm°C-1d-1 for non-zero snow condition. The snow depth excess at Solang (2450 m amsl) in relation to Bhang (2190 m) has reduced by 50% over three decades while the snow depth excess at Dhundi (2950 m) from the snow depth at Bhang has increased by 15%. Furthermore, disappearance of the snow cover has been experienced earlier by 5 weeks in the region.
Investigation of aerosol effects on the Arctic surface temperature during the diurnal cycle: part 1 – total aerosol effect

Temperature changes in the Arctic due to anthropogenic climate change are larger in magnitude than those at lower latitudes, with sea ice extent and thickness diminishing since the dawn of the satellite era. Aerosols may play a vital role in determining these changes, as the radiation reaching the Arctic surface is impacted directly by aerosol absorption and scattering, as well as the ability of aerosols to act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN). This study uses the Weather Research and Forecasting Chemistry (WRF‐Chem) model to show the impact of aerosol absorption, scattering, and CCN contribution on the Arctic surface, with a particular focus on how these effects change throughout the diurnal cycle. Part 1 of this two‐part study investigates the changes in surface temperature, radiation, and cloud properties due to the total aerosol effect in the Arctic. A suite of ensemble runs is used to develop a filtering mechanism based upon the t‐test to eliminate the effects of meteorological variability. While much has been speculated about the cooling role of aerosols, this study shows that aerosols have both a warming and cooling effect. The warming effect is prominent at night, while the cooling effect dominates during the day. In both cases, the magnitude of the effect is dependent upon aerosol concentration.
A Monte Carlo investigation of the dose distribution for new I-125 Low Dose Rate brachytherapy source in water and in different media

Abstract Permanent and temporary implantation of I-125 brachytherapy sources has become an official method for the treatment of different cancers. In this technique, it is essential to determine dose distribution around the brachytherapy source to choose the optimal treatment plan. In this study, the dosimetric parameters for a new interstitial brachytherapy source I-125 (IrSeed-125) were calculated with GATE/GEANT4 Monte Carlo code. Dose rate constant, radial dose function and 2D anisotropy function were calculated inside a water phantom (based on the recommendations of TG-43U1 protocol), and inside several tissue phantoms around the IrSeed-125 capsule. Acquired results were compared with MCNP simulation and experimental data. The dose rate constant of IrSeed-125 in the water phantom was about 1.038 cGy·h−1U−1 that shows good consistency with the experimental data. The radial dose function at 0.5, 0.9, 1.8, 3 and 7 cm radial distances were obtained as 1.095, 1.019, 0.826, 0.605, and 0.188, respectively. The results of the IrSeed-125 is not only in good agreement with those calculated by other simulation with MCNP code but also are closer to the experimental results. Discrepancies in the estimation of dose around IrSeed-125 capsule in the muscle and fat tissue phantoms are greater than the breast and lung phantoms in comparison with the water phantom. Results show that GATE/GEANT4 Monte Carlo code produces accurate results for dosimetric parameters of the IrSeed-125 LDR brachytherapy source with choosing the appropriate physics list. There are some differences in the dose calculation in the tissue phantoms in comparison with water phantom, especially in long distances from the source center, which may cause errors in the estimation of dose around brachytherapy sources that are not taken account by the TG43-U1 formalism.
Prevalença d'amiloïdosi de novo en receptors de fetges de donants amb polineuropatia amiloidòtica familiar

Antecedentes del tema: No se dispone de suficientes injertos para cubrir las necesidades de las listas de espera para trasplante hepatico. El trasplante hepatico domino (THD) utilizando higados de donantes con polineuropatia amiloidotica familiar (PAF) es una fuente adicional de organos con resultados comparables a los de los donantes cadaver. Los receptores tienen un riesgo potencial de desarrollar amiloidosis a largo plazo pero se desconoce su prevalencia real. Hipotesis: La amiloidosis de novo tras el THD con higados PAF tiene una prevalencia mas elevada de lo que indica las publicaciones de casos aislados. Objetivos: Estudiar la prevalencia real de amiloidosis de novo tras el THD cuando se utilizan higados de donantes con PAF. Evaluar la enfermedad a nivel digestivo y del sistema nervioso periferico intentando correlacionar la lesion organica con la clinica del paciente, estudiar la clinica de presentacion de la enfermedad y el tiempo transcurrido desde el THD. Metodologia: Estudio transversal de los receptores vivos de THD con injertos de donantes PAF realizados entre 1999 y 2005, a nivel del sistema digestivo (rectoscopia y biopsia rectal) y neurologico periferico (estudios electrofisiologicos; biopsia sural si son patologicos) con evaluacion clinica por especialistas. Se descartan otras causas de amiloidosis. Resultados: Se estudian 17 pacientes con edad media de 62,7 ± 2,7 anos en el momento del THD y seguimiento de 70,1 ± 2,9 meses. Donantes: edad media 36,2 ± 12 anos, 16/17 mutacion Val30Met. Tres pacientes habian referido disestesias que se habian atribuido a comorbilidades. Con la evaluacion clinica dirigida, 8 pacientes tenian algun tipo de alteracion neurologica o gastrointestinal. En 6/16 de las biopsias rectales (37%) se observo depositos de amiloide TTR positivos pero solo dos pacientes tenian diarrea. Los estudios electrofisiologicos demostraron neuropatia sensitivomotora en 4 casos, todos acompanados de clinica y con biopsia sural compatible con amiloide TTR positivo por lo que fueron diagnosticados de amiloidosis de novo postTHD (prevalencia del 23,5%); dos de estos pacientes tambien tenian amiloide en las biopsias rectales. El tiempo medio transcurrido desde el THD fue de 90,5 meses. En 4 pacientes sin neuropatia en los estudios, se realizaron biopsias surales y 2 tenian depositos de amiloide. Las biopsias surales de los pacientes con estudio electrofisiologico alterado mostraban disminucion de fibras mielinizadas con perdida importante de axones, ausencia de remielinizacion y falta de crecimiento axonal. Los dos pacientes con estudio electrofisiologico normal que presentaban depositos focales de amiloide tenian las fibras de mielina y los axones relativamente preservados. Conclusiones: 1. - La prevalencia de amiloidosis de novo tras el THD con donantes con PAF es del 23,5%, muy superior a lo reportado en la literatura y la presentacion es mucho mas precoz que en la PAF (media de 70,1 meses, aproximadamente 7,5 anos).
Un nuevo dinosaurio estiracosterno (Ornithopoda: Ankylopollexia) del Cretácico Inferior de España

El yacimiento Zorralbo I, situado en el municipio de Golmayo (Soria, Espana) perteneciente al Cretacico Inferior (Hauteriviense superior/Barremiense inferior), ha proporcionado diverso material de cuatro tipos de dinosaurios: ornitopodos, anquilosaurios (Polacanthus sp.), sauropodos (Titanosauriforme) y teropodos (Allosauroidea y Dromaeosauridae). En este trabajo se analiza el material perteneciente a un nuevo dinosaurio iguanodontido, que presenta una serie de caracteres morfologicos y biometricos que le separan de los iguanodontidos ya conocidos: el proceso coronoide del dentario es continuacion del mismo, con el ultimo alveolo dentario localizandose por delante de dicho proceso; la longitud de la escapula equivale a seis veces su anchura distal y a siete veces su anchura minima; la tuberosidad interna y el condilo ulnar del humero no estan alineados y el condilo radial se situa por encima del ulnar; en la ulna, el extremo distal es mas ancho que el proximal y tiene forma de maza; en el radio, el extremo distal tambien es mazudo; el carpo esta formado por tres elementos; la anchura de la muneca equivale al 70 % de la longitud de la mano; la formula falangeal es 1-3-3-2-(3-4); y, por ultimo, el prepubis es recto y el foramen obturador es abierto y queda semi-cubierto por una lengueta osea mesial. La suma de todos estos caracteres y las diferencias existentes entre este ejemplar y los distintos generos de iguanodontidos, llevan a la conclusion de que se trata de un nuevo y se propone para el mismo la denominacion de Magnamanus soriaensis nov. gen. nov. sp
Modelling the net traffic congestion impact of street car networks – A Melbourne, Australia case study

Streetcars (trams) operating with other public transport modes such as train and bus has contributed to reduce urban traffic congestion in many cities around the world, particularly in inner cities. However, there has been no attempt to examine the net network-wide impacts of streetcar networks on vehicular traffic and congestion. This paper presents a new method for assessing the net traffic congestion effects associated with tram operations in Melbourne, Australia. These impacts are determined by comparing congestion measures in two scenarios: “with tram” and “without tram”. To investigate the positive impact of trams, it is assumed that there is a mode shift to car from trams when tram operations are removed. The congestion level increase caused by this mode shift is interpreted as the positive effect of trams. In contrast, the negative impacts of trams are explored by considering the curbside tram stop impact and the effect of reallocation of priority tram lanes on traffic flow. Findings show that the tram network in inner Melbourne results in a net 3.4% decrease in vehicle time travelled and total delay on the road network in these areas. It also contributes to reduce the number of moderately congested links by 16%. However, the impact of trams in the middle metropolitan areas is not significant due to the low density of tram routes in these areas. Areas for future research are suggested such as exploring the spatial distribution of the share of mode shift to car and the long-term effect of trams on traffic.
Soil Apparent Thermal Diffusivity Estimated by Conduction and by Conduction–Convection Heat Transfer Models

AbstractSoil heat transfer is complex, and conduction-alone models may not always perform well in estimating soil apparent thermal diffusivity. Soil apparent thermal diffusivity is related to soil temperature change propagation rates. Soil temperature data collected at the Tazhong station in China were used to examine the characteristics of soil apparent thermal diffusivity determined by three different algorithms and the sum of vertical gradient of soil apparent thermal diffusivity and apparent water flux density . The results showed that 1) soil apparent thermal diffusivity obtained with a conduction–convection algorithm had a better agreement with soil apparent thermal diffusivity obtained with a phase algorithm than with soil apparent thermal diffusivity obtained with an amplitude algorithm except for the case of = 0; 2) when > 0, , and when < 0, ; 3) for a given soil temperature phase shift, increased (decreased) with increasing logarithmic amplitude attenuation when the phase shift was larger (small.
Baltic Journal of and Physical Activity Psychometric properties and validation of the Polish adaptation Psychometric properties and validation of the Polish adaptation of the Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory(TSCI-PL) of the Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory(TSCI-PL)

Background ThepurposeofthestudywastovalidateandadapttheTraitSport-ConfidenceInventory (TSCI-PL) for use in Poland. Robin Vealey created the original tool (TSCI), which consisted of 13 self-assessment items. The phases of the adaptation procedures are described in this paper. Material/Methods 353amateurandprofessionalPolishathletestookpartinthestudy. Theparticipantsfilledin the TSCI-PL, SSCQ-PL and MSEI questionnaires as well as a short demographic survey. Results Reliability of the TSCI-PL as well as the discriminatory power of the items turned out to be high. TheinternalvalidityoftheTSCI-PLwasconfirmedusingconfirmatoryfactoranalysis, as a single factor model of TSCI-PL was well matched to the data. The criterion validity oftheTSCI-PLwasconfirmed,basedonnumerouscorrelationswithSSCQ-PLandMSEIscales. Moreover,nosignificantcorrelationordifferenceregardingageandgenderhas been noted. Conclusions ResultsconfirmedsatisfactorypsychometricpropertiesofthePolishadaptationofTSCI-PL.  Therefore, the tool is ready for use among Polish sport psychologists.
The dynamics of self-identity among Habib lovers: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of Indonesian Generation Z

This article explores the self-identity dynamics of Generation Z habib lovers in Indonesia. Habib (sing.) or habaib (pl.) is the preachers who claim descent from the Prophet Muhammad. The data were collected through 60 to 120 minutes of in-depth interviews with ten members of Habib-led assemblies identified as part of Generation Z (aged 12-27 years) selected through a purposive sampling technique. A qualitative approach was chosen, with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with the help of NVivo12 software to organize the data. Three subordinate themes emerged: the motivation to become a habib lover, searching for self-identity, and cohesiveness towards the habaib assembly. These themes are related to the formation of self-identity in Generation Z. This study concludes that the self-identity of the youth members of the community is shaped and catalyzed by the meaning of holiness of the habaib as prophet’s descents. The findings contribute to developing the concept of Muslim youth self-identity through empirical studies on adolescent self-identity formation.
A Review of Afamin as Metabolic Novel Marker of Many Diseases

: Human plasma vitamin E-binding glycoprotein afamin is mostly produced in the liver and released into the circulation . The review in this study related to a glycoprotein afamin marker that is important in many diseases Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, obesity, Gestational diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, and metabolic syndrome. Although ovarian