Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water diversion and pollution interactively shape freshwater food webs through bottom-up mechanisms

Water diversion and pollution are two pervasive stressors in river ecosystems that often co‐occur. Individual effects of both stressors on basal resources available to stream communities have been described, with diversion reducing detritus standing stocks and pollution increasing biomass of primary producers. However, interactive effects of both stressors on the structure and trophic basis of food webs remain unknown. We hypothesized that the interaction between both stressors increases the contribution of the green pathway in stream food webs. Given the key role of the high‐quality, but less abundant, primary producers, we also hypothesized an increase in food web complexity with larger trophic diversity in the presence of water diversion and pollution. To test these hypotheses, we selected four rivers in a range of pollution subject to similar water diversion schemes, and we compared food webs upstream and downstream of the diversion. We characterized food webs by means of stable isotope analysis. Both stressors directly changed the availability of basal resources, with water diversion affecting the brown food web by decreasing detritus stocks, and pollution enhancing the green food web by promoting biofilm production. The propagation of the effects at the base of the food web to higher trophic levels differed between stressors. Water diversion had little effect on the structure of food webs, but pollution increased food chain length and trophic diversity, and reduced trophic redundancy. The effects at higher trophic levels were exacerbated when combining both stressors, as the relative contribution of biofilm to the stock of basal resources increased even further. Overall, we conclude that moderate pollution increases food web complexity and that the interaction with water abstraction seems to amplify this effect. Our study shows the importance of assessing the interaction between stressors to create predictive tools for a proper management of ecosystems.
Gelatin methacryloyl as environment for chondrocytes and cell delivery to superficial cartilage defects

Cartilage damage typically starts at its surface, either due to wear or trauma. Treatment of these superficial defects is important in preventing degradation and osteoarthritis. Biomaterials currently used for deep cartilage defects lack appropriate properties for this application. Therefore, we investigated photo‐crosslinked gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA) as a candidate for treatment of surface defects. It allows for liquid application, filling of surface defects and forming a protective layer after UV‐crosslinking, thereby keeping therapeutic cells in place. gelMA and photo‐initiator lithium phenyl‐2,4,6‐trimethyl‐benzoylphosphinate (Li‐TPO) concentration were optimized for application as a carrier to create a favorable environment for human articular chondrocytes (hAC). Primary hAC were used in passages 3 and 5, encapsulated into two different gelMA concentrations (7.5 wt% (soft) and 10 wt% (stiff)) and cultivated for 3 weeks with TGF‐β3 (0, 1 and 10 ng/mL). Higher TGF‐β3 concentrations induced spherical cell morphology independent of gelMA stiffness, while low TGF‐β3 concentrations only induced rounded morphology in stiff gelMA. Gene expression did not vary across gel stiffnesses. As a functional model gelMA was loaded with two different cell types (hAC and/or human adipose‐derived stem cells [ASC/TERT1]) and applied to human osteochondral osteoarthritic plugs. GelMA attached to the cartilage, smoothened the surface and retained cells in place. Resistance against shear forces was tested using a tribometer, simulating normal human gait and revealing maintained cell viability. In conclusion gelMA is a versatile, biocompatible material with good bonding capabilities to cartilage matrix, allowing sealing and smoothening of superficial cartilage defects while simultaneously delivering therapeutic cells for tissue regeneration.
Dynamic modeling of the Milner continuously variable transmission - The basic kinematics

In the Milner continuously variable transmission altering the axial separation between two moveable halves of the outer race set allows the radial position of the planet balls to vary, along with the contact positions on the inner and outer races and, hence, the transmission ratio changes. An inelastic analytical model implemented in SIMULINK is presented which allows the component positions, speeds, forces, and torques to be calculated. Use of a free body approach for individual components allows both individual and coupled component motions to be studied. Examples of the steady-state results and experimental verification are presented. Use of the model for dynamic investigations and to improve future versions of the transmission is discussed.
Feeling of Ownership over an Embodied Avatar's Hand Brings About Fast Changes of Fronto-Parietal Cortical Dynamics

When we look at our body parts, we are immediately aware that they belong to us and we rarely doubt about the integrity, continuity, and sense of ownership of our body. Despite this certainty, immersive virtual reality (IVR) may lead to a strong feeling of embodiment over an artificial body part seen from a first-person perspective (1PP). Although such feeling of ownership (FO) has been described in different situations, it is not yet understood how this phenomenon is generated at neural level. To track the real-time brain dynamics associated with FO, we delivered transcranial magnetic stimuli over the hand region in the primary motor cortex (M1) and simultaneously recorded electroencephalography (EEG) in 19 healthy volunteers (11 male/8 female) watching IVR renderings of anatomically plausible (full-limb) versus implausible (hand disconnected from the forearm) virtual limbs. Our data show that embodying a virtual hand is temporally associated with a rapid drop of cortical activity of the onlookers' hand region in the M1 contralateral to the observed hand. Spatiotemporal analysis shows that embodying the avatar's hand is also associated with fast changes of activity within an interconnected fronto-parietal circuit ipsilateral to the brain stimulation. Specifically, an immediate reduction of connectivity with the premotor area is paralleled by an enhancement in the connectivity with the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) which is related to the strength of ownership illusion ratings and thus likely reflects conscious feelings of embodiment. Our results suggest that changes of bodily representations are underpinned by a dynamic cross talk within a highly-plastic, fronto-parietal network. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Observing an avatar's body part from a first-person perspective (1PP) induces an illusory embodiment over it. What remains unknown are the cortical dynamics underpinning the embodiment of artificial agents. To shed light on the physiological mechanisms of embodiment we used a novel approach that combines noninvasive stimulation of the cortical motor-hand area and whole-scalp electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings in people observing an embodied artificial limb. We found that just before the illusion started, there is a decrease of activity of the motor-hand area accompanied by an increase of connectivity with the parietal region ipsilateral to the stimulation that reflects the ratings of the embodiment illusion. Our results suggest that changes of bodily representations are underpinned by a dynamic cross talk within a fronto-parietal circuit.
TCQA, A Natural Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivative Attenuates H2O2-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis by Suppressing Phosphorylation of MAPKs Signaling Pathway

Abstract 1,3,5-Tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid is a caffeoylquinic acid derivative isolated from the roots of Arctium lappa L. Our previous studies have revealed that the ethyl acetate extract of the roots of A. lappa L. and the caffeoylquinic acids contained in it possess antioxidant properties, especially 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and explore the underlying mechanism. We found that 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid prevented the decline of cell viability and excessive release of lactate dehydrogenase induced by hydrogen peroxide. In addition, Hoechst 33 342 staining and Annexin V-PI double staining showed that 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal cell apoptosis. 1,3,5-Tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid reduced the excessive production of intracellular reactive oxygen species, decreased the malondialdehyde content, and improved the activity of superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid restored the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in SH-SY5Y cells induced by hydrogen peroxide. 1,3,5-Tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid downregulated the overexpression of proapoptotic proteins, including Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 as well as promoted the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Moreover, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases induced by hydrogen peroxide was inhibited by 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid. Pretreatment with 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid also promoted the activation of phosphorylated Akt. Taken together, these findings suggest that 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid exerts protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal apoptosis. In addition, inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and the activation of Akt are implicated in the antioxidant activity of 1,3,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, giving new insight in searching for a compound with antioxidant activity for the treatment of oxidative stress-associated neurological diseases.
Flare‐up of generalized pustular psoriasis combined with systemic capillary leak syndrome after coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccination

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is characterized by acute flare‐ups induced by various factors, but few reports have described GPP onset or flare‐up induced by vaccination. To our knowledge, only three such cases following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination have been reported. We herein report a case of GPP flare‐up after COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination. A 65‐year‐old man with GPP controlled by infliximab presented with widespread pustular erythema, fever, and malaise following his second COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination. A skin eruption was apparent at the injection site. He also exhibited systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS), which responded rapidly to secukinumab and systemic corticosteroids. Two biopsies, one of which was of the injection site, revealed not only findings typical of GPP, but also a dermal mixed‐cell infiltration with eosinophils, and microthrombi in the small dermal vessels. The latter findings have been observed in cutaneous lesions induced by both COVID‐19 infection and vaccination. This is the first case of a GPP flare‐up accompanied by SCLS induced by a COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine. Also, this is the first flare‐up induced by the second vaccine dose, and the first such report including detailed histological data, including for the injection site.
An undergraduate laboratory experiment with real‐world applications: Utilizing templateless polymerase chain reaction and real‐time polymerase chain reaction to test for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA

We present a course‐embedded undergraduate research module that involves real‐time polymerase chain reaction testing for the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in environmental samples. A positive control RNA was constructed and two RNA extraction methods were compared and a range of primers were available to compare. Using a combination of published protocols, we assembled a successful project that illustrated a topical exercise similar to real‐world assay development. The exercise is aimed at upper‐level undergraduates and requires 3 weeks of laboratory periods. The students were able to design and test experimental protocols, while learning about RNA detection. This project could be utilized in upper‐level classes including molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or for independent research projects.
Predicting infectivity: comparing four PCR‐based assays to detect culturable SARS‐CoV‐2 in clinical samples

With the COVID‐19 pandemic caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 now in its second year, there remains an urgent need for diagnostic testing that can identify infected individuals, particularly those who harbor infectious virus. Various RT–PCR strategies have been proposed to identify specific viral RNA species that may predict the presence of infectious virus, including detection of transcriptional intermediates (e.g., subgenomic RNA [sgRNA]) and replicative intermediates (e.g., negative‐strand RNA species). Using a novel primer/probe set for detection of subgenomic (sg)E transcripts, we successfully identified 100% of specimens containing culturable SARS‐CoV‐2 from a set of 126 clinical samples (total sgE CT values ranging from 12.3 to 37.5). This assay showed superior performance compared to a previously published sgRNA assay and to a negative‐strand RNA assay, both of which failed to detect target RNA in a subset of samples from which we isolated live virus. In addition, total levels of viral RNA (genome, negative‐strand, and sgE) detected with the WHO/Charité primer‐probe set correlated closely with levels of infectious virus. Specifically, infectious virus was not detected in samples with a CT above 31.0. Clinical samples with higher levels of viral RNA also displayed cytopathic effect (CPE) more quickly than those with lower levels of viral RNA. Finally, we found that the infectivity of SARS‐CoV‐2 samples is significantly dependent on the cell type used for viral isolation, as Vero E6 cells expressing TMRPSS2 extended the analytical sensitivity of isolation by more than 3 CT compared to parental Vero E6 cells and resulted in faster isolation. Our work shows that using a total viral RNA Ct cutoff of > 31 or specifically testing for sgRNA can serve as an effective rule‐out test for the presence of culturable virus.
G-Quadruplexes and the DNA/RNA helicase DHX36 in health, disease, and aging

G-Quadruplex (G4) DNA (G4 DNA) and RNA (G4 RNA) are secondary nucleic acid structures that have multiple roles in vital cellular processes. G4 DNA- and RNA-binding proteins and unwinding helicases associate with and regulate G4s during virtually all processes that involve DNA and RNA. DEAH-Box helicase 36 (DHX36), a member of the large DExD/H box helicase family, enzymatically unwinds both G4 DNA and G4 RNA. By exerting its G4 helicase function, DHX36 regulates transcription, genomic stability, telomere maintenance, translation and RNA metabolism. This review will provide an overview of G4s and DHX36, including DHX36’s potential role in neuronal development and neurodegeneration. We conclude with a discussion of the possible functions of G4s and DHX36 in the aging brain.
Associations between early marriage and preterm delivery: Evidence from lowland Nepal

Preterm delivery (<37 weeks gestation) is the largest cause of child mortality worldwide. Marriage and pregnancy during adolescence have been associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. We investigate independent associations of age at marriage and age at first pregnancy with preterm delivery in a cohort of women from rural lowland Nepal.
Modeling initial breakdown pulses of CG lightning flashes

Electric field change waveforms of initial breakdown pulses (IBPs) in cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lightning flashes were recorded at ten sites at Kennedy Space center, Florida, in 2011. Six “classic” IBPs were modeled using three modified transmission line (MTL) models called MTLL, MTLE, and MTLK. The locations of the six IBPs were obtained using a time‐of‐arrival method and used as inputs for the models; the recorded IBP waveforms from six to eight sites were used as model constraints. All three models were able to reasonably fit the measured IBP waveforms; the best fit was most often given by the MTLE model. For each individual IBP, there was good agreement between the three models on several physical parameters of the IBPs: current risetime, current falltime, current shape factor, current propagation speed, and the total charge moment change. For the six IBPs modeled, the ranges, mean values, and standard deviations of these quantities are as follows: current risetime [4.8–25, (12 ±6)] μs, current falltime [15–37, (25 ±6)] μs, current speed [0.78–1.8, (1.3 ±0.3)]×108 m/s, and charge moment change [0.015–0.30, (0.12 ±0.10)] C km. Currents in the MTLL and MTLE models moved a negative charge −Q downward and deposited an equivalent positive charge +Q along their paths; the mean Q values were 0.35 C for MTLL and 0.71 C for MTLE. MTLK model deposited negative charge along its lower path and positive charge along its upper path with mean values of 0.27 C.
Analyzing an industry in change: the Irish software manual printing industry

This article is concerned with the application in a case study of three inter-related theoretical issues: new perspectives on technological change, learning organizations, and the question of market versus hierarchy in the relationships between firms. The case study is of the software manual printing industry in Ireland, and its relationship with the major, international software companies.
Knowledge Management: Systems and Processes

This primary text serves as a complete introduction to the subject of Knowledge Management, and incorporates technical as well as social aspects, concepts and principles as well as practical examples, and traditional KM approaches as well as emerging topics such as social networks, Web 2.0, and open innovation. The focus of the book is on how KM impacts organizations and individuals, and steps that should be taken to maximixe benefits, including directions for how to select, develop, and evaluate KM systems. Unlike other books in the field, "Knowledge Management: Systems and Processes" enhances the conventional exposition of KM with an in-depth discussion of the technologies used to facilitate the management of knowledge in large and small organizations. It features numerous case studies and vignettes describing practical applications of KM initiatives at leading firms and government organizations, including details such as system architecture. Written by two recognized researchers in the field, the book makes extensive use of the latest developments and examples from KM. There is an online Instructor's Manual with PowerPoint materials, solutions to end-of-chapter exercises, and test questions that is available to adoptors.
Validation of four cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma staging systems using nationwide data

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cancer worldwide with relatively low metastatic potential (2–5%). Developments in therapeutic options have highlighted the need to better identify high‐risk patients who could benefit from closer surveillance, adjuvant therapies and baseline/follow‐up imaging, while at the same time safely omitting low‐risk patients from further follow‐up. Controversy remains regarding the predictive performance of current cSCC staging systems and which methodology to adopt.
Structured presurgery prehabilitation for aged patients undergoing elective surgery significantly improves surgical outcomes and reduces cost: A nonrandomized sequential comparative prospective cohort study

Abstract Background With increasing global life expectancy, the number of major surgeries performed on aged adults invariably increases. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a structured prehabilitative program for aged colorectal cancer patients in improving short‐term surgical outcomes. Methods A prospective philanthropically sponsored Programme for Enhanced Elderly Recovery at Sengkang General Hospital (PEERS) was initiated in February 2017 for patients ≥70‐years‐old who were due to undergo elective colectomies. These patients were put through a 2‐ to 4‐week‐long program before surgery, which included geriatric assessment, nutrition supplementation, and resistance training. They were compared with patients from a similar age group before PEERS was introduced (non‐PEERS). Results Fifty‐eight patients, with a median age of 78.5 (70–93) years, were recruited from a single institution to undergo PEERS. Baseline characteristics between the groups were similar. There was no significant improvement of anthropometric and functional characteristics before and after PEERS. Duration of hospitalization was shorter in the PEERS group (9 vs 11 days, P = 0.01). Both groups had similar 30‐days’ morbidity rates (8.6% vs 17.4%, P = 0.26). The PEERS group had significant improvement in their median EuroQol‐5 Dimension score (0.70 presurgery to 0.80 6‐months’ postsurgery, P = 0.01). After multivariate analysis, the average duration of hospitalization in the PEERS group was 6.8 days shorter (P = 0.018; CI, 1.2–12.4) after adjusting for modality of surgery and complications. This represented a cost saving of USD$11,838.80. Conclusion A standardized prehabilitation program for aged adults reduced the duration of hospitalization, improved the quality of life after surgery, and reduced costs.
The severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms is higher in early‐onset than late‐onset Alzheimer’s disease

The faster rates of cognitive decline and predominance of atypical forms in early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) suggest that neuropsychiatric symptoms could be different in EOAD compared to late‐onset AD (LOAD); however, prior studies based on non‐biomarker‐diagnosed cohorts show discordant results. Our goal was to determine the profile of neuropsychiatric symptoms in EOAD and LOAD, in a cohort with biomarker/postmortem‐confirmed diagnoses. Additionally, the contribution of co‐pathologies was explored.
Rapid Dual-Task Decrements After a Brief Period of Manual Tracking in Simulated Weightlessness by Water Submersion

Objective Investigating dual-task (DT) performance during simulated weightlessness by water submersion, using a manual tracking and a choice reaction task. In contrast to previous work, we focus on performance changes over time. Background Previous research showed motor tracking and choice reaction impairments under DT and single-task (ST) conditions in shallow water submersion. Recent research analyzed performance as average across task time, neglecting potential time-related changes or fluctuations of task-performance. Method An unstable tracking and a choice reaction task was performed for one minute under ST and DT conditions in 5 m water submersion and on dry land in 43 participants. Tracking and choice reaction time performance for both tasks were analyzed in blocks of 10 seconds. Results Tracking performance deteriorated underwater compared to dry land conditions during the second half while performing one minute in DT conditions. Choice reaction time increased underwater as well, but independent of task time and type. Conclusion Tracking error increased over time when performing unstable tracking and choice reaction together. Potentially, physiological and psychological alterations under shallow submersion further strain the human system during DT operations, exceeding available recourse capacities such that DT performance deteriorated over time. Application Humans operating in simulated weightlessness underwater should be aware of substantial performance declines that can occur within a short amount of time during DT situations that include continuous tracking.