Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinct hippocampal mechanisms support concept formation and updating

Learning systems must constantly decide whether to create new representations or update existing ones. For example, a child learning that a bat is a mammal and not a bird would be best served by creating a new representation, whereas updating may be best when encountering a second similar bat. Characterizing the neural dynamics that underlie these complementary memory operations requires identifying the exact moments when each operation occurs. We address this challenge by interrogating fMRI brain activation with a computational learning model that predicts trial-by-trial when memories are created versus updated. We found distinct neural engagement in anterior hippocampus and ventral striatum for model-predicted memory create and update events during early learning. Notably, the degree of this effect in hippocampus, but not ventral striatum, significantly related to learning outcome. Hippocampus additionally showed distinct patterns of functional coactivation with ventromedial prefrontal cortex and angular gyrus during memory creation and premotor cortex during memory updating. These findings suggest that complementary memory functions, as formalized in computational learning models, underlie the rapid formation of novel conceptual knowledge, with the hippocampus and its interactions with frontoparietal circuits playing a crucial role in successful learning. Significance statement How do we reconcile new experiences with existing knowledge? Prominent theories suggest that novel information is either captured by creating new memories or leveraged to update existing memories, yet empirical support of how these distinct memory operations unfold during learning is limited. Here, we combine computational modeling of human learning behaviour with functional neuroimaging to identify moments of memory formation and updating and characterize their neural signatures. We find that both hippocampus and ventral striatum are distinctly engaged when memories are created versus updated; however, it is only hippocampus activation that is associated with learning outcomes. Our findings motivate a key theoretical revision that positions hippocampus is a key player in building organized memories from the earliest moments of learning.
Vitamin D is Glucoprotective in Aging Males but Not Females

Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency in older adults. However, there is a discrepancy between clinical trials in adults on the efficacy of vitamin D treatment in prediabetes and diabetes. In addition, human data indicates there may be sexual dimorphism in the effect of vitamin D deficiency on dysglycemia that is more pronounced in men. These incongruities may be due to our limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms of vitamin D in glucose homeostasis among its vast target tissues across the body. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed by low levels of a storage form of vitamin D, which may not be an accurate indicator of vitamin D status in these individuals. Thus, measuring expression levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR)-target genes across tissues involved in glucose regulation and vitamin D pathways may be a more promising marker of vitamin D status. Here we describe the sex-specific physiological effects of vitamin D supplementation in an aged, non-obese mouse model on glucose homeostasis and tissue-specific gene regulation.
PRS-Net: Interpretable polygenic risk scores via geometric learning

Polygenic risk score (PRS) serves as a valuable tool for predicting the genetic risk of complex human diseases for individuals, playing a pivotal role in advancing precision medicine. Traditional PRS methods, predominantly following a linear structure, often fall short in capturing the intricate relationships between genotype and phenotype. We present PRS-Net, an interpretable deep learning-based framework designed to effectively model the nonlinearity of biological systems for enhanced disease prediction and biological discovery. PRS-Net begins by deconvoluting the genomewide PRS at the single-gene resolution, and then it encapsulates gene-gene interactions for genetic risk prediction leveraging a graph neural network, thereby enabling the characterization of biological nonlinearity underlying complex diseases. An attentive readout module is specifically introduced into the framework to facilitate model interpretation and biological discovery. Through extensive tests across multiple complex diseases, PRS-Net consistently outperforms baseline PRS methods, showcasing its superior performance on disease prediction. Moreover, the interpretability of PRS-Net has been demonstrated by the identification of genes and gene-gene interactions that significantly influence the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. In summary, PRS-Net provides a potent tool for parallel genetic risk prediction and biological discovery for complex diseases.
Anthropogenic noise affects vocalisation properties of the territorial song of Western Australian magpies

Anthropogenic noise is considered one of the most serious forms of pollution globally and has been shown to have negative effects on the distribution, behaviour, cognition and reproductive success of animal species worldwide. One of the most well researched impacts of anthropogenic noise is its effect on acoustic communication. Animals may adjust the rate, amplitude, duration, and/or frequency of their acoustic signals to better maintain communication when anthropogenic noise is present. In this study, we combine behavioural focals, amplitude measurements and audio recordings to investigate how female Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis) alter the acoustic features of their territorial song (known as a carol) when anthropogenic noise is present. Magpies reduced the rate at which they carolled when loud anthropogenic noise was present, and increased their peak frequency during anthropogenic noise, but, contrary to our hypotheses did not alter the amplitude, duration, or other frequency parameters of their carols. Results from this study add to the growing body of literature documenting changes to the vocal behaviour of wildlife in the presence of anthropogenic noise and highlights the importance of investigating multiple acoustic parameters to understand how species adjust their vocalisations in response to this pollutant.
Prosaposin is cleaved into saposins by multiple cathepsins in a progranulin-regulated fashion

Prosaposin (PSAP) is a lysosomal protein that plays a key role in sphingolipid metabolism. PSAP is cleaved into four bioactive disulfide-rich peptides, saposins A, B, C, and D, that catalyze sphin-golipidases to promote sphingolipid breakdown. Considering the key role of PSAP and saposins in sphingolipid metabolism and the existence of genetic mutations in PSAP associated with juve-nile-onset lysosomal storage and adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases, maintaining optimal levels of PSAP and saposins is crucial for proper lysosomal function and sphingolipid homeosta-sis. Despite this, the mechanism by which saposins are released from PSAP, and thus available to modulate sphingolipidases, sphingolipid homeostasis, and downstream lysosomal function, is not well understood. Here, we performed a comprehensive study to identify lysosomal enzymes which regulate prosaposin cleavage into saposins. In vitro cleavage assays identified multiple enzymes that can process human prosaposin into multi- and single-saposin fragments in a pH-dependent manner. We confirmed the role of cathepsins D and B in PSAP processing and showed that these and several previously unidentified lysosomal proteases (cathepsins E, K, L, S, V, G and AEP/LGMN) are able to process PSAP in distinctive, pH-dependent manners. In addition, we have demonstrated a novel role for progranulin (PGRN) in the regulation of PSAP cleavage. We found that PGRN and multi-granulin fragments (MGFs) directly regulate the cleavage of PSAP by cathepsin D. With this study, we have identified that multiple cathepsins, PGRN and MGFs work in concert to produce saposins under different conditions, which could present novel opportunities to modulate saposin levels in disease.
Studies on germplasm of Juglans by EST-SSR markers.

Eighteen EST-SSR primer pairs were used to amplify SSR fragments for 8 Sect. Rhysocayon samples,14 Sect. Cardiocaryon samples,28 Sect. Juglans samples in Juglans L. and 4 C. illinoinensis samples in Carya Nutt. The 18 pairs of EST-SSR primers generated a total of 110 alleles. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 10,and averaged 6.1. The observed heterozygosity(Ho)of 18 EST-SSR loci ranged from 0.057 to 0.574,and averaged 0.323. The value of allelic polymorphism information content(PIC)ranged from 0.3723 to 0.8795,and averaged 0.6890. The average percentage of available loci amplified in C. illinoinensis,Sect. Rhysocayon,Sect. Cardiocaryon,J. regia and J. sigillata samples are 87.5%,96.3%,98.8%,100% and 99.8%,respectively. It showed that the EST-SSR had good transferability among species in Juglans L. and Carya Nutt. In the dendrogram,the samples clustered clearly among species or sect. in Juglans L. and Carya Nutt,and the result accorded with the conventional taxonomy. In J. regia,the samples could be clustered into 3 ecological types,namely Xinjiang walnut,Huabei walnut and Tibet walnut. The walnut samples from Shaanxi clustered together with those from Beijing,Shandong and Henan. It indicated that Shaanxi walnuts and Huabei walnuts probably belonged to the same ecological type. In J. sigillata,‘Jinshajiang 1’,‘Jinshajiang 2’and‘Yongping Tie-walnut 1’clustered together as the group of J. sigillata. But the other two samples of J. sigillata,named‘Santai’and ‘Lijiang tie-walnut 1’,clustered together with‘Lijiang walnut 1’and Tibet walnuts. It indicated that,‘Lijiang walnut 1’should belong to Tibet walnut ecological type,and some samples of J. sigillata have closely relationship with Tibet walnuts. J. sigillata and J. regia live together,which possibly lead to some offspring of J. sigillata coming from J. Sigillata × J. regia.
Genomic Exploration of Insulin-like Proteins in Arthrospira platensis SPKY1

The prevalence of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes (T2DM), has reached epidemic levels globally, significantly impacting populations across various countries, including India. This study aimed to explore the potential of A. platensis SPKY1 in producing insulin as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional insulin sources. Water samples were collected from the Ennore estuary in Chennai, India
Facilitating the Influence on Adopting E-Wallets: an Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Approach

Understanding the factors that influence consumers&#39; payment choices is crucial for the advancement of e-commerce and digital transactions. This research investigates the correlation between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived credibility, and self-efficacy in shaping these decisions, shedding light on pivotal aspects of consumer behavior in the digital landscape. A comprehensive investigation was conducted with the participation of 250 Malaysians through an online questionnaire hosted on Google Forms using judgemental sampling technique. The findings underscore a significant positive relationship between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived credibility, and self-efficacy, exerting considerable influence on the adoption of e-wallets among Malaysian consumers. The study illuminates the substantial contribution of these factors to the wider acceptance of e-payment systems and the standardization of e-commerce system architecture. By delving into consumer self-efficacy and information confidentiality, this research enriches understanding across various dimensions of e-commerce, offering valuable insights for businesses operating in the digital realm. Future research endeavors could explore additional facets of consumer behavior in the e-commerce landscape. Investigating the evolving dynamics of digital transactions, analyzing emerging payment technologies, and delving deeper into the interplay between consumer preferences and technological advancements could provide further insights into optimizing strategies for online businesses.
Anthropogenic causes of copepod mortality and bacterial decomposition of copepod carcasses

Although zooplankton carcasses can be quite prevalent within aquatic systems, they have largely been overlooked in most zooplankton population studies. Anthropogenic stressors can potentially increase the overall abundance of carcasses on a local scale. Once a carcass is present within a system, the fate of its biomass is of considerable interest as it may be remineralized within the water column or transported to depth. Through the collection of field samples I assessed the possibility of an anthropogenic stressor (boat-generated turbulence) as a potential source of non­ consumptive mortality. I also conducted a series of laboratory experiments to monitor the decomposition of representative crustacean and non-crustacean zooplankton carcasses and determined the fate of carcass-derived organic matter. Higher carcass abundances were found within boat wakes than outside boat wakes, indicating that boat-generated turbulence could have induced non-consumptive mortality of zooplankton. Copepod carcasses decomposed at a much faster rate than rotifer carcasses, suggesting that crustacean zooplankton carcasses would likely be decomposed within the water column and support bacterial production while non-crustacean zooplankton could serve as a transport mechanism of high quality POM to depth. ANTHROPOGENIC CAUSES OF COPEPOD MORTALITY AND BACTERIAL DECOMPOSITION OF COPEPOD CARCASSES CHAPTER
AI-Enhanced Innovation Ambidexterity: The Role of IC, DC, and Innovation Orientation in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Dynamic challenges and opportunities mark the global pharmaceutical industry, necessitating firms to effectively balance innovation ambidexterity—simultaneously exploring new opportunities while exploiting existing resources. This study investigates the complex interplay of Intellectual Capital (IC), Dynamic Capabilities (DC), and innovation orientation (IO) in driving innovation ambidexterity in the Egyptian pharmaceutical industry. A quantitative methodology was utilised, collecting data via a questionnaire survey administered to experts working in the pharmaceutical industry. The study generated and evaluated hypotheses to investigate the links between IC, DC, innovation ambidexterity, and the moderating effect of IO. The findings reveal that IC significantly influences innovation ambidexterity, highlighting the critical role of knowledge resources. DC mediate the relationship between IC and innovation ambidexterity, emphasising the importance of a firm's capacity to sense and seize opportunities. Furthermore, IO moderates the relationship between IC and innovation ambidexterity, showcasing the contextual relevance of firms' innovation focus. This study contributes to our understanding of innovation ambidexterity in the pharmaceutical industry and underscores the importance of IC in fostering this capability. Firms are encouraged to invest in IC and cultivate DC to successfully navigate the evolving pharmaceutical landscape. The moderating effect of IO suggests the need for tailored strategies based on firms' specific contexts. The implications of this research extend to organisations striving to achieve innovation ambidexterity in dynamic industries.
Restoration of the endangered Cumberland elktoe (Alasmidonta atropurpurea) and Cumberland bean (Villosa trabalis) (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Tennessee and Kentucky

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (NRRA), located in Tennessee and Kentucky, has prepared a management plan to include restoration of its mussel fauna to historic levels. Restoration activities include propagation of juvenile mussels and relocation of adults to suitable sites in the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River (BSF) and its tributaries. This study was conducted to identify host fish for Cumberland elktoe (Alasmidonta atropurpurea) and Cumberland bean (Villosa trabalis), to determine suitable juvenile culture conditions for Epioblasma brevidens and V. trabalis, and to locate sites important to future mussel restoration efforts in the NRRA. Host fish identifications and propagation techniques were determined for two of the endangered species in the NRRA, Cumberland elktoe (Alasmidonta atropurpurea) and Cumberland bean (Villosa trabalis). Of seven host species tested, banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae) was the most suitable host fish for propagation of A. atropurpurea. Of five host species tested, fantail darters (Etheostoma flabellare) were the most suitable host fish for propagation of V. trabalis. Culture techniques to raise juvenile mussels in captivity were evaluated, using newly metamorphosed juveniles of V. trabalis and E.
Effect of ABR effluent irrigation on Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) growth and nutrient leaching.

The Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS) is an alternative sanitation technology which has been assessed for low cost on-site sanitation by the Pollution Research Group of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Its applicability is disadvantaged by the management of the effluent produced, which cannot be disposed into water bodies due to its effects on eutrophication. Baseline information on the site characteristics is important in wastewater use planning. A baseline study was done under field conditions aiming to investigate soil physical and chemical characteristics, nutrient uptake, crop growth and yield at Newlands Mashu. A factorial experiment was conducted in a split plot design with three blocks. The experimental treatments were three crops (maize, Swiss chard and dry bean) and three irrigation water sources namely tap water (TW), tap water with fertiliser (TWF) and rain-fed with fertiliser (RFF). Data collected included plant biomass, nutrient uptake, soil chemical properties (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, pH, organic C, total cations and acid saturation) and crop yield. Data was analysed using GenStat® 14th Edition (VSN International, Hemel Hempstead, UK). Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed with regard to soil pH between the three treatments. Significant increases were observed with respect to soil N, organic C (P<0.01) and Mn (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in Swiss chard biomass (fresh and dry mass) and dry bean 100 seed mass. TWF had a highest biomass with respect to Maize and dry bean. No significant differences were observed in chlorophyll content between the treatments in all the crops (P>0.05). In Swiss chard TWF treatment significant uptake of K (P<0.05) was observed. A significant uptake of Na by Swiss chard was observed in RFF treatment (P>0.05). In maize a significant uptake of K (P>0.05) was observed in TW treatment. The soil physical and chemical properties at Newlands Mashu were characterised. The residual soil fertility could support plant growth and did not have any significant effects on nutrient uptake by plants.
How much does government’s short-term response matter for explaining cross-country variation in COVID-19 infection outcomes? A regression-based relative importance analysis of 84 countries

We study the predetermined characteristics of countries in addition to their government non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to shed light on the correlates of the variation in COVID-19 infection outcomes across countries.We conduct a systematic investigation of the validity of government responses in 84 countries by gradually adding the predetermined cultural, natural and socioeconomic factors of each country using a fixed-effect model and daily panel data. A relative importance analysis is conducted to isolate the contribution of each variable to the R2of the model.Government NPIs are effective in containing the virus spread and explain approximately 9% of the variations in the pandemic outcomes. COVID-19 is more prevalent in countries that are more individual-oriented or with a higher gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, while a country’s government expenditure on health as a proportion of GDP and median age are negatively associated with the infection outcome. The SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle and the impacts of other unobserved factors together explain more than half of the variation in the prevalence of COVID-19 across countries. The degree of individualism explains 9.30% of the variation, and the explanatory power of the other socioeconomic factors is less than 4% each.The COVID-19 infection outcomes are correlated with multivariate factors, ranging from state NPIs, culture-influenced human behaviours, geographical conditions and socioeconomic conditions. As expected, the stronger or faster are the government responses, the lower is the level of infections. In the meantime, many other factors underpin a major part of the variation in the control of COVID-19. As such, from a scientific perspective, it is important that country-specific conditions are taken into account when evaluating the impact of NPIs in order to conduct more cost-effective policy interventions.
Seismic facies analysis through musical attributes

Seismic facies analysis is a well‐established technique in the workflow followed by seismic interpreters. Typically, huge volumes of seismic data are scanned to derive maps of interesting features and find particular patterns, correlating them with the subsurface lithology and the lateral changes in the reservoir. In this paper, we show how seismic facies analysis can be accomplished in an effective and complementary way to the usual one. Our idea is to translate the seismic data in the musical domain through a process called sonification, mainly based on a very accurate time–frequency analysis of the original seismic signals. From these sonified seismic data, we extract several original musical attributes for seismic facies analysis, and we show that they can capture and explain underlying stratigraphic and structural features. Moreover, we introduce a complete workflow for seismic facies analysis starting exclusively from musical attributes, based on state‐of‐the‐art machine learning computational techniques applied to the classification of the aforementioned musical attributes. We apply this workflow to two case studies: a sub‐salt two‐dimensional seismic section and a three‐dimensional seismic cube. Seismic facies analysis through musical attributes proves to be very useful in enhancing the interpretation of complicated structural features and in anticipating the presence of hydrocarbon‐bearing layers.
Leaching Vanadium from the Spent Denitration Catalyst in the Sulfuric Acid/Oxalic Acid Combined Solvent

Huge amounts of spent denitration catalysts are produced annually as waste from the flue gas denitration process, which will cause resource waste and environmental pollution. It is important to develop an efficient method for the recovery of metals from spent denitration catalysts. In this work, the leaching of vanadium (V) from the spent denitration catalyst by the sulfuric acid/oxalic acid combined solvent was investigated. Factors that influence the leaching rate of V have been studied. Results showed that the optimal leaching rate was 95.65% by 20 wt % sulfuric acid and 0.3 mol·L–1 oxalic acid with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 20 mL·g–1 at 140 °C for 7 h. For further study of the leaching process, the leaching mechanism of V was explored subsequently. Results indicated that sulfuric acid provided a strongly acidic environment, which was beneficial to transformation, complexation, and redox reactions of V in the mixed acid leaching system. Meanwhile, oxalic acid with excellent complexation and reducing–dissolving properties promoted the formation of stable water-soluble VO2+. The “complex effect” generated from the combined acids was greatly favored for leaching V from the spent denitration catalyst.