Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatic Premalignant Alterations Triggered by Human Nephrotoxin Aristolochic Acid I in Canines

Aristolochic acid I (AAI) existing in plant drugs from Aristolochia species is an environmental human carcinogen associated with urothelial cancer. Although gene association network analysis demonstrated gene expression profile changes in the liver of human TP53 knock-in mice after acute AAI exposure, to date, whether AAI causes hepatic tumorigenesis is still not confirmed. Here, we show that hepatic premalignant alterations appeared in canines after a 10-day AAI oral administration (3 mg/kg/day). We observed c-Myc oncoprotein and oncofetal RNA-binding protein Lin28B overexpressions accompanied by cancer progenitor-like cell formation in the liver by AAI exposure. Meanwhile, we found that forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) was robustly phosphorylated, thereby shuttling into the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Furthermore, utilizing microarray and qRT-PCR analysis, we confirmed that microRNA expression significantly dysregulated in the liver treated with AAI. Among them, we particularly focused on the members in let-7 miRNAs and miR-23a clusters, the downstream of c-Myc and IL6 receptor (IL6R) signaling pathway linking the premalignant alteration. Strikingly, when IL6 was added in vitro, IL6R/NF-κB signaling activation contributed to the increase of FOXO1 phosphorylation by the let-7b inhibitor. Therefore, it highlights the new insight into the interplay of the network in hepatic tumorigenesis by AAI exposure, and also suggests that anti-premalignant therapy may be crucial for preventing AAI-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 9(4); 324–34. ©2016 AACR.
Conjugate observations on board a satellite and on the ground of a remarkable MLR‐like event

Electromagnetic waves observed by low‐altitude satellites and on the ground have sometimes – when represented as a frequency‐time spectrogram – a form of several nearly parallel and almost equidistant clearly defined lines at frequencies between 1 and 8 kHz. These may drift in frequency and they are usually called Magnetospheric Line Radiation (MLR). Although they have been known for a long time, their origin is still unclear. We present an experimental study using both ground‐based and satellite data, showing for the first time a detailed analysis of the simultaneous observations of an MLR‐like event on the ground and in the conjugate region. We demonstrate that the individual lines forming the event result (at least in this particular case) from elements reflected between the northern and southern hemispheres.
Pacific‐North America plate boundary reorganization in response to a change in relative plate motion: Offshore Canada

The transition from subduction in Cascadia to the transform Queen Charlotte fault along western Canada is often drawn as a subduction zone, yet recent studies of GPS and earthquake data from northern Vancouver Island are not consistent with that model. In this paper we synthesize seismic reflection and gravity interpretations with microseismicity data in order to test models of (1) microplate subduction and (2) reorganization of the preexisting strike‐slip plate boundary. We focus on the critical region of outer Queen Charlotte Sound and the adjacent offshore. On much of the continental shelf, several million years of subsidence above thin crust are a counterindicator for subduction. An undated episode of compression uplifted the southernmost shelf, but subsidence patterns offshore show that recent subduction is unlikely to be responsible. Previously unremarked near‐vertical faults and a mix of extensional and compressional faults offshore indicate that strike‐slip faulting has been a significant mode of deformation. Seismicity in the last 18 years is dominantly strike‐slip and shows large amounts of moment release on the Revere‐Dellwood fault and its overlap with the Queen Charlotte fault. The relative plate motion between the Pacific and North American plates rotated clockwise ∼6 Ma and appears to have triggered formation of an evolving array of structures. We suggest that the paleo‐Queen Charlotte fault which had defined this continental margin retreated northward as offshore distributed shear and the newly formed Revere Dellwood fault propagated to the northwest.
Measurement and modeling of laser range profiling of small maritime targets

The detection and classification of small surface targets at long ranges is a growing need for naval security. Laser range profiling offers a new capability for detecting and classifying such targets even if they appear as point (transversally unresolved) targets in radar or passive/active imaging EO sensors. Modifying a conventional laser range finder to have a higher range resolution can this increase it’s value as a sensor. Laser range profiles will reveal basic reflecting structures on the ship. The best information is obtained for profiles along the ship. Several range profiles from different aspects will increase the classification performance. If many aspects angles are possible a tomographic reconstruction of the ship may be done. We have used high resolution (sub cm) laser radar based on time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) to acquire range profiles from different small model ships. The collected waveforms are compared with simulated wave forms based on 3 D models of the ships. A discussion of the classification accuracy based on the number of waveforms from different aspect angles is done as well as the influence of the reflectivity from different parts of the ship is made. The results are discussed with respect to the potential performance of modified laser range finder measuring on real ships and the combination with active imaging.
Negative Selection of Human Germinal Center B Cells by Prolonged BCR Cross-linking By Laurent Galibert, Nicolas Burdin, Clarisse Barth~l~my,

Summary The antigen receptors on T and B lymphocytes can transduce both agonist and antagonist signals leading either to activation/survival or anergy/death. The outcome of B lymphocyte antigen receptor (BCk) triggering depends upon multiple parameters which include (a) antigen concentration and valency, (b) duration of BCP,. occupancy, (c) receptor affinity, and (d) B cell differentiation stages. Herein, using anti-immunoglobulin K and k light chain antibodies, we analyzed the response of human naive, germinal center (GC) or memory B cells to BCR crosslinking regardless of heavy chain Ig isotype or intrinsic BCR specificity. We show that after CD40-activation, anti-BCR. (K+k) can elicit an intracellular calcium flux on both GC and non-GC cells. However, prolonged BCP, cross-linking induces death of CD40-activated GC B cells but enhances proliferation of naive or memory cells. Anti-K antibody only kills K + GC B cells without affecting surrounding k + GC B cells, thus demonstrating that BCR-mediated killing of GC B lymphocytes is a direct effect that does not involve a paracrine mechanism. BCR-mediated killing of CD40-activated GC B cells could be partially antagonized by the addition of IL-4. Moreover, in the presence of IL-4, prestimulation through CD40 could prevent subsequent anti-Ig-mediated cell death, suggesting a specific role of this combination in selection of GC B cells. This report provides evidence that in human, susceptibility to BCP, killing is regulated along peripheral B cell differentiation pathway.
Cell-free Circulating miRNA Biomarkers in Cancer

Considerable attention and an enormous amount of resources have been dedicated to cancer biomarker discovery and validation. However, there are still a limited number of useful biomarkers available for clinical use. An ideal biomarker should be easily assayed with minimally invasive medical procedures but possess high sensitivity and specificity. Commonly used circulating biomarkers are proteins in serum, most of which require labor-intensive analysis hindered by low sensitivity in early tumor detection. Since the deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is associated with cancer development and progression, profiling of circulating miRNAs has been used in a number of studies to identify novel minimally invasive miRNA biomarkers. In this review, we discuss the origin of the circulating cell-free miRNAs and their carriers in blood. We summarize the clinical use and function of potentially promising miRNA biomarkers in a variety of different cancers, along with their downstream target genes in tumor initiation and development. Additionally, we analyze some technical challenges in applying miRNA biomarkers to clinical practice.
Detection of antibodies against Borrelia afzelii spirochete in stallions from Kocevje region

In the period February 2000? August 2001, sera from horses from the Dolnja Briga farm, Koeevje, were examined for the presence of antibodies against Borrelia afzelii (B. afzelii), one of the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis. B. afzelii-specific antibodies in horse sera were detected by an indirect ELISA test. Results obtained from the sera were compared and a significant increase in the percentage of seropositive animals before and after pasturing in the endemic area has been observed.
Trees never rest: the multiple facets of hydraulic redistribution

The upward movement of water due to transpiration stops when soil water potential (Ψs) drops below leaf water potential (ΨL). Under these circumstances, water can move in any direction in the plant‐soil continuum through the passive conduits of roots and stems towards the lowest Ψs. This is generally termed as hydraulic redistribution (HR), but the positioning and orientation of the driving water potential gradient may vary. Any experimental method that can measure bi‐directional and low flows in the sapwood of roots and stems will be suitable to detect HR. Using one approach for measuring sap flow (the heat field deformation technique, HFD) in several forest species and sites across Europe, we were able to provide evidence on different types of HR: vertical hydraulic redistribution (VHR), horizontal hydraulic redistribution (HHR), foliar uptake (FU) and tissue dehydration (TD). VHR is the vertical water movement through roots in response to water potential differences between deep and topsoil, either hydraulic lift or hydraulic descent. HHR is the lateral water movement through roots in response to horizontal water potential gradients, namely under localised irrigation. FU is the water movement from crown to soil through stems when the crown is wetted by foggy weather. TD is the downward movement of water in stems or roots from above‐ground tree tissues to soil under prolonged drought or frost. Results from direct sap flow measurements indicated the vectoral and widespread nature of HR, a phenomenon of paramount importance for overall physiology and ecohydrology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SAID/SAPS‐related VLF waves and the outer radiation belt boundary

We explore Cluster and CRRES observations of plasmaspheric broadband hiss‐like VLF emissions related with subauroral ion drifts/polarization streams (SAID/SAPS) to numerically simulate losses of energetic outer zone electrons due to wave‐particle interactions. These emissions represent a distinctive subset of substorm/storm‐related VLF activity in the region co‐located with substorm injected energetic ions. Significant values of pitch‐angle diffusion coefficients suggest that SAID/SAPS‐related VLF waves could be responsible for the alteration of the outer radiation belt boundary during (sub)storms.
New archaeo‐stratigraphic data for the TD6 level in relation to Homo antecessor (Lower Pleistocene) at the site of Atapuerca, north‐central Spain

The sediments of the TD6 level of Gran Dolina Cave at Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain, consist of a series of mud flows with angular clasts. The TD6 deposit has two parts: an upper part, known as the Aurora stratum, which yields Homo antecessor remains, and a lower part with rather homogeneous sediment. The excavation of TD6 level did not reveal a sequence of diachronic occupations. Instead, the contextual and stratigraphic studies permitted us to describe and delimit the micro‐units forming the TD6 deposit. The study of the distribution of archaeological remains based on vertical archaeological profiles, using an archaeo‐stratigraphic method, allowed us to document the occurrence of a series of archaeological levels within the apparent homogeneous deposit. Variations in the density of archaeological remains along the archaeo‐stratigraphic levels permitted us to define two occupational cycles in TD6. These cycles seemingly show increased activities through time, culminating in the Aurora level with the presence of cannibalized Homo antecessor remains. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dayside auroral configurations: Responses to southward and northward rotations of the interplanetary magnetic field

We report specific types of daytime auroral activities occurring in response to certain rotations of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The IMF rotations we focus on consist of a sharp southward turning from an initial northward orientation, followed by slower rotations back to an intermediate state, which is dominated by the By component (small Bz). When the IMF turned from north to south, the day side auroral configuration changed from one typical of northward conditions to one typical of southward conditions. The type 2 cusp aurora in the north (∼78°–79°magnetic latitude) was replaced by activation of a sequence of moving auroral forms (type 1 cusp aurora) at lower latitudes, each form appearing at the equatorward boundary of the previous one, resulting in ∼100- to 200-km total displacements of the auroral equatorward boundary in the cusp region during intervals of ∼5- to 10-min duration. This auroral activity is accompanied by enhancement of ionospheric convection and onset of magnetic bays on the ground. Since southward rotations of the IMF are expected to give rise to enhancements of the magnetopause reconnection rate, we conclude that these auroral/convection events represent distinct ionospheric signatures of such reconnection rate enhancements. When the IMF turned partially northward again, into an intermediate state, the aurora responded as expected, i.e., the equatorward auroral displacement was halted or reversed, and the type 2 aurora reappeared. The coexistence of the types 1 and 2 cusp auroras in the intermediate state is interpreted in terms of the simultaneous occurrence of reconnections at low and high magnetopause latitudes. The dynamical configurations of particle precipitation and ionospheric convection in the cusp region in such cases are discussed.
Responses of pearl millet (Pennisetum flaucum) to varying sowing date and variety at Bagauda, Kano State, Nigeria.

The trial was conducted during the 2009 wet season at Bagauda, Kano University of Science and Technology Temporary Research farm (110390N, 080200E) to determine the optimum sowing date and the most successful variety of Pearl millet for the area. The treatments were factorially combined and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and were replicated four times. It consisted of three levels of sowing dates (2nd week of July, 3rd week of July, and 4th week of July spaced at one week interval), and four varieties of pearl millet (Sosat-C88, Zativ, Zango and WRAI). It was observed that sowing date did not have significant influence on plant height, panicle weight, number of panicles per plot, panicle length, panicle diameter, and weight of 1000 grains but stover yield and grain yield per hectare were both significantly influenced by sowing date. Among the varieties, Sosat-C88 outperformed the other varieties in terms of grain yield and was at par with Zativ and Zango in Stover yield. A positive and significant correlation was observed between grain yield and some yield related characters. Key words: Sowing date, variety, yield. Pearl Millet
Identifying fertiliser management strategies to maximise nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition by wheat in two contrasting soils from Victoria, Australia

Crop yield and profitability in the dryland production systems of southern Australia are directly affected by the application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilisers. How efficiently a crop utilises applied fertiliser is affected by several factors that interact in a complex way, including: nutrient mobility, soil type and soil physicochemical and biological factors, season (including rainfall amount and distribution), and crop physiology. In addition, nutrient supply and crop demand need to synchronise both temporally and spatially if nutrient use efficiency is to be optimised. In this study, the mechanistic simulation model, ROOTMAP, was used to investigate and generate hypotheses about the implications of a range of fertiliser management strategies on the nutrient utilisation of wheat. A range of seasons and 2 commercially important soil types (a Wimmera Vertosol and a Mallee Sodosol) were considered. Simulation results showed a strong interaction between the timing and placement of N and P fertiliser, soil type, seasonal conditions, root growth, and nutrient uptake by wheat. This suggests that region-specific recommendations for fertiliser management may be superior to the ‘one size fits all’ approach typically adopted over the Wimmera/Mallee region. Fertiliser use efficiency differed between the 2 soil types, primarily because physicochemical subsoil constraints were present in the Sodosol, but not the Vertosol. These affected rooting depth, total root system size, and root distribution—notably root growth and hence foraging in the topsoil layer. The root growth response to fertiliser management strategies and seasonal rainfall was also reduced on the Sodosol compared with the Vertosol. Simulated fertiliser uptake was responsive to the placement strategy in a dry year characterised by small rainfall events, typical for the Wimmera and Mallee regions. Shallow placement (0.05 or 0.025 m) of N and P in the topsoil utilised topsoil moisture from these small rainfall events, improving crop N and P uptake. The degree of benefit differed between the 2 soil types, and placement of fertiliser was more effective than topdressing. The simulation approach used here provides a preliminary assessment of a range of fertiliser strategies for different soil type and seasonal conditions. However, because ROOTMAP does not provide direct predictions of grain yield response, simulation results need subsequent validation under field conditions before they can be used by growers.
Toxic metals in the atmosphere

Emission Factors of Atmospheric Elements (J. M. Pacyna). Atmospheric Trace Elements from Natural and Anthorpogenic Sources (J. M. Pacyna). Sampling and Measurement of Trace Element Emissions from Particulate Control Devices (A.D. Shendrikar & D. S. Emsor). Smelting Operations and Trace Metals in Air and Precipitation in the Sudbury Basin, (W. H. Chan & M. A. Lusis). Emissions and Air Quality Relationships for Atmospheric Trace Metals (G. R. Cass & G. R. McRae). Quantitative Source Attribution of Metals in the Air Using Receptor Models (P. K. Hopke). Trace Metals in the Atmosphere of Rural and Remote Areas (G. B. Wiersma and C. I. Davidson). Trace Metals in the Arctic Aerosol (N. Z. Heidam). Chemical Elements as Tracers of Pollutant Transport to a Rural Area (L. Husain). Chemical Speciation and Reaction Pathways of Metals in the Atomspere, (R. M. Harrison). Characterization of Trace Metal Compounds in the Atmosphere in Terms of Density (A. Sugimae). The Sizes of Airborne Trace Metal-Containing Particles (C. I. Davidson & J. F. Osborn). Metal Solubility in Atmospheric Deposition (D. F. Gatz & L.-C. Chu). Impact of Atmospheric Inputs on the Hydrospheric Trace Metal Cycle (W. Salomons). Atmospheric Toxic Metals and Metalloids in the Snow and Ice Layers Deposited in Greenland and Antarctica from Prehistoric Times to Present (C. F. Boutron). Monitoring the Atmospheric Depostion of Metals by Use of Bog Vegetation and Peat Profiles (W. A. Glooschenko). Mercury Vapor in the Atmosphere: Three Case Studies on Emission, Deposition, and Plant Uptake (S. E. Lindberg). Biogeochemical Cycling of Organic Lead Compunds (W. R. A. De Jonghe & F. C. Adams). Airbone Lead in the Environment in France (J. Servant).
Changes in precipitation conditions in the western mediterranean over the last century

A study of precipitation variations over the western Mediterranean is given, for a period of 95 years (1891 to 1985), based on the use of Principal Component Analysis. The curves for the scores are traced and then analyzed for annual as well as seasonal precipitation. Two principal moist periods are found (1901 to 1921 and 1930 to 1941) and two principal dry periods (1922 to 1929 and 1942 to 1954). A comparison of variations in precipitation and zonal indices (ZIa) indicates that with a meridional circulation dominating over the western Mediterranean, we have an increase in precipitation; with a zonal circulation dominating we have a decrease in precipitation.
Analysis of soil disturbance associated with mandrel-driven prefabricated vertical drains using an elliptical cavity expansion theory

The installation of mandrel-driven prefabricated vertical drains and resulting disturbance of soft saturated clays are analyzed with a new elliptical cavity expansion theory. This formulated theory accounts for a concentric progression of elliptical cavities in an undrained condition and the large-strain effects in the plastic zone incorporating the modified Cam clay parameters. The total and effective stresses and excess pore water pressure in the soils surrounding the mandrel are predicted taking into account the mandrel installation rate, mandrel dimensions and the time factor. The theoretical variation of excess pore pressure is then compared with the results of large-scale consolidometer tests, which show that the estimated and measured pore pressures are almost the same. The plastic shear strain normalized by the rigidity index is then used to identify the zone of disturbance around the vertical drains. This formulation has been applied to a case history from the Muar clay region in Malaysia, and th.
A multilayered sharp interface model of coupled freshwater and saltwater flow in coastal systems: Model development and application

A quasi three-dimensional, finite difference model, that simulates freshwater and saltwater flow separated by a sharp interface, has been developed to study layered coastal aquifer systems. The model allows for regional simulation of coastal groundwater conditions, including the effects of saltwater dynamics on the freshwater system. Vertically integrated freshwater and saltwater flow equations incorporating the interface boundary condition are solved within each aquifer. Leakage through confining layers is calculated by Darcy's law, accounting for density differences across the layer. The locations of the interface tip and toe, within grid blocks, are tracked by linearly extrapolating the position of the interface. The model has been verified using available analytical solutions and experimental results. Application of the model to the Soquel-Aptos basin, Santa Cruz County, California, illustrates the use of the quasi three-dimensional, sharp interface approach for the examination of freshwater-saltwater dynamics in regional systems. Simulation suggests that the interface, today, is still responding to long-term Pleistocene sea level fluctuations and has not achieved equilibrium with present day sea level conditions.