Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paraprobiotic derived from Bacillus velezensis GV1 improves immune response and gut microbiota composition in cyclophosphamide-treated immunosuppressed mice

Paraprobiotics that benefit human health have the capacity to modulate innate and adaptive immune systems. In this study, we prepared the paraprobiotic from Bacillus velezensis GV1 using the heat-killing method and investigated its effects on immunity and gut microbiota in vitro and in vivo. The morphology of inactivated strain GV1 was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Treatment with GV1 promoted nitric oxide production and augmented cytokine (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) expression and secretion in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, the strain GV1 could alleviate cyclophosphamide monohydrate (CTX)-induced immunosuppression by reversing spleen damage and restoring the immune organ index, as well as by increasing the expression of immune-related cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and IL-2) in the spleen and thymus, respectively. Furthermore, GV1 treatment dramatically healed the CTX-damaged colon and regulated gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial families (Lactobacillaceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Coriobacteriaceae) and decreasing that of harmful bacterial families (Desulfovibrionaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Staphylococcaceae). Thus, the heat-killed GV1 can be considered a potential immunoregulatory agent for use as a functional food or immune-enhancing medicine.
A Post-Pandemic New Normal for Interest Rates in Emerging Bond Markets? Evidence from Chile

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers intensely debated the extent of the decline in the steady-state short-term real interest rate—the so-called equilibrium or natural rate of interest. Given the recent sharp increase in interest rates, we revisit this question in an emerging bond market context and offer a Chilean perspective using a dynamic term structure finance model estimated directly on the prices of individual Chilean inflation indexed bonds with adjustments for bond-specific liquidity risk and real term premia. We estimate that the equilibrium real rate in Chile fell about 2 and a half percentage points in the 2003-2022 period and has remained low since then.
Beyond the Early Stage of Post-suburbanization: Evidence from Urban Spatial Transformation in Jabodetabek Metropolitan Area

In the theory of urban transformation, there has been growing attention to the development of metropolitan outskirts. While the debate of the post-suburbanization process has already settled, the knowledge on the development beyond is still questionable. This paper examines the urban spatial pattern transformation beyond the Jabodetabek Metropolitan Area post-suburbanization. We use the medium and large enterprise (MLE) data from the economic census (EC) and population data from village potential census (PODES) with two cross sectional times of reference. The 2005 and 2006 data are assumed to represent the post-suburbia situation, and the 2014 and 2016 data represents the situation beyond. We analyzed the extent of which post-suburban spatial pattern in JMA would develope by utilizing the Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) method. The result shows that the polycentric urban structure of JMA has strengthened. The low order service function which was previously clustered in suburban areas is recentralized in the urban core, leaving the manufacturing sector as the main function in the post-suburbia. It is implied that the post-suburban status has reached a steady state for a long term before its next transformation. Those transformations are followed by the shift in population dynamics, whereas workers tend to polarize based on the proximity to their job location. The findings recall further study regarding the post-suburban commuting pattern.
Source Apportionments of Aerosols and Their Direct Radiative Forcing and Long‐Term Trends Over Continental United States

Due to U.S. air pollution regulations, aerosol and precursor emissions have decreased during recent decades, while changes in emissions in other regions of the world also influence U.S. aerosol trends through long‐range transport. We examine here the relative roles of these domestic and foreign emission changes on aerosol concentrations and direct radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere over the continental United States. Long‐term (1980–2014) trends and aerosol source apportionment are quantified in this study using a global aerosol‐climate model equipped with an explicit aerosol source tagging technique. Due to U.S. emission control policies, the annual mean near‐surface concentration of particles, consisting of sulfate, black carbon, and primary organic aerosol, decreases by about −1.1 (±0.1)/−1.4 (±0.1) μg/m3 in western United States and −3.3 (±0.2)/−2.9 (±0.2) μg/m3 in eastern United States during 2010–2014, as compared to those in 1980–1984. Meanwhile, decreases in U.S. emissions lead to a warming of +0.48 (±0.03)/+0.46 (±0.03) W/m2 in western United States and +1.41 (±0.07)/+1.32 (±0.09) W/m2 in eastern United States through changes in aerosol direct radiative forcing. Increases in emissions from East Asia generally have a modest impact on U.S. air quality but mitigated the warming effect induced by reductions in U.S. emissions by 25% in western United States and 7% in eastern United States. As U.S. domestic aerosol and precursor emissions continue to decrease, foreign emissions may become increasingly important to radiative forcing over the United States.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in urban soils of Glasgow, UK

ABSTRACT Concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), total petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in 84 near-surface soils (5–20cm depth) taken from a 255km2 area of Glasgow in the Clyde Basin, UK, during July 2011. Total petroleum hydrocarbon range was 79–2,505mgkg–1 (mean 388mgkg–1; median 272mgkg–1) of which the aromatic fraction was 13–74 % (mean 44 %, median 43 %) and saturates were 28–87 % (mean 56 %, median 57 %). ∑16 PAH varied from 2–653mgkg–1 (mean 32.4mgkg–1; median 12.5mgkg–1) and ∑31 PAH range was 2.47–852mgkg–1 (mean 45.4mgkg–1; median 19.0mgkg–1). ∑PCBtri-hepta range was 2.2–1052μgkg–1 (mean 32.4μgkg–1; median 12.7μgkg–1) and the ∑PCB7 range was 0.3–344μgkg–1 (mean 9.8μgkg–1; median 2.7μgkg–1). The concentration, distribution and source of the persistent organic pollutants were compared with those found in urban soils from other cities and to human health assessment criteria for chronic exposure to chemicals in soil. Total concentrations encountered were generally similar to other urban areas that had a similar industrial history. Benzo[a]pyrene concentrations were assessed against four different land use scenarios (irrespective of current land use) using generic assessment criteria resulting in six of 84 samples exceeding the residential criteria. Isomeric PAH ratios and relative abundance of perylene suggest multiple and environmentally modified pyrogenic PAH sources, inferred to be representative of diffuse pollution. ∑PCB7 concentrations were exceeded in 10 % of sites using the Dutch target value of 20μgkg–1. PCB congener profiles were environmentally attenuated and generally dominated by penta-, hexa- and hepta-chlorinated congeners.
Laser Cutting of Austenitic Stainless Steel with a High Quality Laser Beam

Lappeenranta University of Technology Department of Mechanical Engineering Author: Catherine Wandera Title: Laser Cutting of Austenitic Stainless Steel with a High Quality Laser Beam Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science in Technology, 2006 108 pages, 69 figures, 4 tables and 3 appendices Examiner 1: Professor Veli Kujanpää Examiner 2: Professor Flemming O. Olsen Supervisor: Docent Antti Salminen
Evidence for survival in a Middle Jurassic plesiosaur with a humeral pathology: What can we infer of plesiosaur behaviour?

Studying bone pathology frequently provides insights into an animal’s life, not only in terms of aetiology, but also how resulting limitations affected its behaviour and giving insight into potential survival strategies. A pectoral girdle of the plesiosaur, Cryptoclidus eurymerus, with the left forelimb damaged provides an opportunity to study posttrauma survival in the Middle Jurassic. Landmark data and macroscopic examination of the limb and associated scapulocoracoid are used to show that the damage was the result of an injury and not due to developmental pathology. Loss of the proximal humeral surface was associated with filigree modelling and periosteal reaction, which would have resulted in disruption of the adjacent scapulocoracoid surface rendering it functionally ineffective. This would have precluded its use in a power stroke or in providing directional locomotion. Healing of the pathology shows that it was possible for the plesiosaur not only to survive, but somehow to compensate for the loss of its limb. It is likely to have either corrected using hind-limb propulsion with the forelimbs compromised, or that the hindlimbs took a more active role in propulsion. The pectoral girdle of this specimen is smaller than would be expected for an adult C. eurymerus and the bones are thinner, indicating that the diet of the animal may have been restricted. The existence of healed tooth impacts on the dorsal aspect of the humerus suggests that the exostosis at the joint resulted from a pliosauroid or large crocodilian attack on the left flipper. Bruce M. Rothschild. The Carnegie Museum, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232 and West Virginia University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, P.O. Box 9100, Morgantown, WV 265069600. spondylair@gmail.com Neil D.L. Clark. The Hunterian, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK. neil.clark@glasgow.ac.uk Clare M. Clark. New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 2ER, Scotland, UK. c.clark. 1@research.gla. ac.uk Rothschild, Bruce M. , Clark, Neil D.L. , and Clark, Clare M. 2018. Evidence for survival in a Middle Jurassic plesiosaur with a humeral pathology: What can we infer of plesiosaur behaviour? Palaeontologia Electronica 21.1. 13A 1-11. https://doi.org/10.26879/719 palaeo-electronica.org/content/2018/2182-plesiosaur-humeral-pathology Copyright: April 2018 Palaeontological Association. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0), which permits users to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format, provided it is not used for commercial purposes and the original author and source are credited, with indications if any changes are made. creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ ROTHSCHILD, CLARK, & CLARK: PLESIOSAUR HUMERAL PATHOLOGY
Delineating the structural controls on the genesis of iron oxide–Cu–Au deposits through implicit modelling: a case study from the E1 Group, Cloncurry District, Australia

Abstract Iron oxide–Cu–Au (IOCG) deposits encompass a range of ore body shapes, including strata-bound replacement ores and hydrothermal breccias. We use the implicit method to make a detailed three-dimensional geological model of a strata-bound IOCG in the Cloncurry District, the E1 Group, to elucidate structural controls on mineralization. This model is compared with the nearby, world-class, Ernest Henry breccia-hosted IOCG deposit. Cu–Au mineralization in the E1 Group occurs as structurally controlled, mainly strata-bound, replacement bodies hosted in metasedimentary and metavolcaniclastic rocks intercalated with barren meta-andesite. Replacement bodies in the E1 Group conform to a series of NNW-plunging folds formed in regional D2 during peak metamorphism. Folding was followed by local D3/regional D4 shortening, which formed a dextral, transpressional Riedel brittle to ductile system along the regional Cloncurry Fault Zone. Modelling suggests that much of the Cu–Au mineralization is controlled by synthetic R structures associated with this Riedel system. The deformation sequence at Ernest Henry is comparable, but differences in host rock rheology, permeability and fluid pressure may explain the variation in ore body types and total Cu–Au resource between the two deposits. The results carry implications for other districts containing these styles of IOCG mineralization.
Implementation of a robust optical flow method for color images

We analyse the inﬂuence of colour information in optical ﬂow methods. Typically, most of these techniques compute their solutions using grayscale intensities due to its simplicity and faster processing, ignoring the colour features. However, the current processing systems have minimized their computational cost and, on the other hand, it is reasonable to assume that a colour image oﬀers more details from the scene which should facilitate ﬁnding better ﬂow ﬁelds. The aim of this work is to determine if a multi-channel approach supposes a quite enough improvement to justify its use. In order to address this evaluation, we use a multi-channel implementation of a well-known TV-L 1 method. Furthermore, we review the state-of-the-art in colour optical ﬂow methods. In the experiments, we study various solutions using grayscale and RGB images from recent evaluation datasets to verify the colour beneﬁts in motion estimation.
Enhanced Diaphragm Muscle Function upon Satellite Cell Transplantation in Dystrophic Mice

The diaphragm muscle is essential for breathing, and its dysfunctions can be fatal. Many disorders affect the diaphragm, including muscular dystrophies. Despite the clinical relevance of targeting the diaphragm, there have been few studies evaluating diaphragm function following a given experimental treatment, with most of these involving anti-inflammatory drugs or gene therapy. Cell-based therapeutic approaches have shown success promoting muscle regeneration in several mouse models of muscular dystrophy, but these have focused mainly on limb muscles. Here we show that transplantation of as few as 5000 satellite cells directly into the diaphragm results in consistent and robust myofiber engraftment in dystrophin- and fukutin-related protein-mutant dystrophic mice. Transplanted cells also seed the stem cell reservoir, as shown by the presence of donor-derived satellite cells. Force measurements showed enhanced diaphragm strength in engrafted muscles. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of cell transplantation to target the diseased diaphragm and improve its contractility.
Model-based quantification of nitrate-nitrogen leaching considering sources of uncertainty

More precise determination of nitrate-nitrogen losses is still required because of high variations regarding inorganic and/or organic N fertilization, portions of harvest amounts and residues, and associated C and N transformations in soil and plant. The nitrate-nitrogen leaching in agricultural soils is the dominating process of an unwanted nitrogen loss, esp. under winter mild, humid climate and artificial drainage. In the course of this thesis, (I) the general applicability of the process-based model CoupModel (Jansson and Karlberg, 2010) was investigated at first by means of a baseline scenario in the form of a temporary red clover catch crop (undersown in winter wheat) without considering uncertainties arising from model parameterization. (II) Within different approaches of automated model optimization, a number of sensitive input parameters were selected to vary between predefined ranges. Both the Bayesian approach and the Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) were tested on mown permanent grassland. As one result, the GLUE approach was chosen because of its more universal applicability to investigate the impact of input-parameter uncertainties on (III) soil water balance and (IV) nitrate-nitrogen leaching under different silage maize cultivations. Furthermore, impact of undersown annual grass on the soil water balance and its efficiency to reduce the nitrate-nitrogen leaching under silage maize were evaluated. The combination of uncertainties arising from measurements and model parameterization suggested that common guide values for the nitrate-nitrogen leaching are hardly reliable without considering tolerable variations.
Efficiency of rLb6H recombinant protein from Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis for the detection of canine visceral leishmaniasis

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious endemic disease in many tropical and subtropical countries, with a strong incidence in Brazil. The disease is transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies, with dogs being the main urban reservoirs of the parasite. The diverse clinical profile and the long incubation period are challenges for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Recombinant proteins from Leishmania spp. have been studied as antigens that can increase the accuracy of serological tests. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the recombinant protein rLb6H, from Leishmania braziliensis, in comparison to the reference antigens rK39 and rK28, from L. donovani, prioritizing the identification of subclinical infected dogs. Material and Methods: Serum IgG reactivity to rLb6H, rK28, and rK39 recombinant proteins was assessed in dogs with previously parasitological confirmation of CVL, subdivided according to their clinical status, using immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Diagnostic accuracy of each ELISA was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: While all antigens showed a better performance in detecting CVL in symptomatic dogs (SD), detection of CVL in the oligosymptomatic (OD) and asymptomatic (AD) groups was lower, but rLb6H achieved high sensitivity for asymptomatic CVL. Interestingly, the most reactive CVL samples to rK28 were barely detected by rLb6H, while the less reactive to rK28, mostly from the AD group, presented higher reactivity to rLb6H. Conclusion: The recombinant protein rLb6H showed utility in the detection of asymptomatic CVL, displaying a complementary reactivity to rK39 and rK28. Thus, these results suggest that rLb6H could be incorporated into multi-antigen strategies, to increase diagnostic accuracy of CVL.
Breast Cancer Treatment Using the Magneto-Hyperthermia Technique Associated with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids’ Supplementation and Physical Training

Breast cancer (BC) presents a growing global concern, mainly for the female population of working age. Their pathophysiology shows challenges when attempting to ensure conventional treatment efficacy without adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of magneto-hyperthermia (MHT) therapy associated with supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (w-3 PUFA) and engagement in physical training (PT) for the triple-negative BC (TNBC) model. First, we assessed the physicochemical properties of iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) in biological conditions, as well as their heating potential for MHT therapy. Then, a bioluminescence (BLI) evaluation of the best tumor growth conditions in the TNBC model (the quantity of implanted cells and time), as well as the efficacy of MHT therapy (5 consecutive days) associated with the previous administration of 8 weeks of w-3 PUFA and PT, was carried out. The results showed the good stability and potential of ION for MHT using 300 Gauss and 420 kHz. In the TNBC model, adequate tumor growth was observed after 14 days of 2 × 106 cells implantation by BLI. There was a delay in tumor growth in animals that received w-3 and PT and a significant decrease associated with MHT. This pioneering combination therapy approach (MHT, omega-3, and exercise) showed a positive effect on TNBC tumor reduction and demonstrated promise for pre-clinical and clinical studies in the future.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Radiography for Detecting Apical Root Resorption in Retention Phase of Orthodontic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This clinical study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of intraoral periapical radiography (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting external apical root resorption (EARR) in orthodontic patients during the retention phase. Methods: The research involved 41 Caucasian patients who had undergone comprehensive orthodontic treatment, with a total of 328 teeth analyzed. The Kappa values for inter- and intra-examiner agreement were high for both PR and CBCT, indicating a robust level of agreement among examiners. The study used a four-point scale for classifying EARR. Results: This study showed comparable accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity between PR and CBCT when using the most stringent criterion of “Definitely present”. The data suggested that CBCT outperformed PR when using a less stringent criterion (“Definitely present” or “Probably present”), particularly for maxillary incisors. However, overall diagnostic performance, as measured by the area under the ROC curve, showed only a slight advantage for CBCT over PR. Areas under the ROC curve range between 0.85 and 0.90 for PR and between 0.89 and 0.92 for CBCT. According to DeLong’s test, there is no evidence to conclude that the area under the ROC curve is different for PR and CBCT. Conclusions: Both PR and CBCT are accurate diagnostic tools for identifying EARR, with PR being deemed more suitable for routine clinical use due to its cost-effectiveness and lower radiation exposure. The findings emphasize the importance of considering the risk-benefit ratio when deciding on imaging modalities for monitoring EARR in orthodontic patients.
Chemical Approach to the Thermal Grill Illusion

This study proposes a novel approach to elicit the thermal grill illusion (TGI)–a phenomenon characterized by the concurrent application of hot and cold stimuli to the skin that causes sensations of pain and burning. Contrary to conventional techniques that manipulate heat physically through Peltier elements or water, our method employs chemicals, namely, capsaicin and menthol, to activate transient receptor potential ion channels. This approach perceptually conveys hot and cold sensations and synergistically induces TGI. Notably, the proposed technique offers both energy efficiency and compactness, enhancing its suitability for practical applications. We conducted three experiments to validate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. Experiment 1 aimed to ascertain the feasibility of inducing TGI by contrasting sensations produced individually and collectively by each chemical, targeting to elicit both hot and cold sensations. Experiment 2 focused on exploring the impact of temporal disparities in the application of chemicals inducing hot and cold sensations on TGI induction. Experiment 3 investigated the correlation between the positioning of stimulus sites, delivering warmth and cold sensations, and the intensity of the resultant TGI. The findings demonstrate that adjacent applications of capsaicin and menthol can successfully generate TGI. Moreover, the intensity of TGI can be modulated by varying the time interval between the applications of these two chemicals and altering the locations of the stimuli. Specifically, a more pronounced TGI was achieved by applying capsaicin on the proximal side and menthol on the distal side of the forearm. These results hold promise for practical implementations, particularly in developing itch-suppressing patches.