Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stress evolution in southern California and triggering of moderate‐, small‐, and micro‐size earthquakes

We calculate the evolution of stresses in southern California, extending the study of Deng and Sykes [1997] by increasing from 6 to 36 the number of earthquakes for which coseismic changes in stress are computed and by expanding from M≥6 to M≥1.8 the range of magnitudes M of events whose focal mechanism solutions are examined in the context of the evolving stress field. The cumulative stress on a given date is calculated with respect to an arbitrary zero baseline just before the 1812 Wrightwood earthquake. By taking into account the long-term stress loading associated with 98 fault segments and coseismic stress changes for 36 significant earthquakes, our calculations indicate that more than 85% of M≥5 earthquakes from 1932–1995 occurred in regions of positive change in Coulomb failure function (ΔCFF). Most of the remaining about 15% earthquakes that occurred in areas of negative ΔCFF fall very close to boundaries between positive and negative ΔCFF, some of which are sensitive to the less well controlled slip distributions of the earliest historic events. Calculations also show that from 1981 until just before the 1992 Landers earthquake more than 85% of small- (M≥3) and micro-size (M≥1.8) shocks in the Seeber and Armbruster [1995] catalog with mechanisms involving either NW trending right-lateral or NE trending left-lateral strike-slip faulting occurred in regions of positive ΔCFF. The ratio of encouraged to all small- and micro-size events reaches a high value of about 88% if an apparent coefficient of friction μ between 0.0 and 0.6 is used. The highest percentage of earthquakes occurred in areas where stress is about 1 MPa above the 1812 baseline. Most (66%) events occurred in regions of ΔCFF between 0.0 and 2.0 MPa. The upper limit indicates that the approximate range of stress variation in the earthquake cycle is of the order of 2.0 MPa. The fact that the locations of most moderate-, small-, and micro-size earthquakes are still related to stress changes remaining from large historical events might be used to constrain slip distribution of some of those earthquakes and to constrain the locations of future significant events.
Role of extracellular transaldolase from Bifidobacterium bifidum in mucin 1 adhesion and aggregation 2

19 The ability of bifidobacteria to establish in the intestine of mammals is among 20 the main factors considered to be important for achieving probiotic effects. The role of 21 surface molecules from Bifidobacterium bifidum taxon in mucin adhesion capability and 22 the aggregation phenotype of this bacterial species was analyzed. Adhesion to the 23 human intestinal cell line HT29 was determined for a collection of twelve B. bifidum 24 strains. In four of them, B. bifidum LMG13195, DSM20456, DSM20239, and A8, the 25 involvement of surface-exposed macromolecules in the aggregation phenomenon was 26 determined. The aggregation of B. bifidum A8 and DSM20456 was abolished after 27 treatment with proteinase K, this effect being more pronounced for the strain A8. 28 Furthermore, a mucin binding assay of B. bifidum A8 surface proteins showed a high 29 adhesive capability for its transaldolase (Tal). The localization of this enzyme on the 30 surface of B. bifidum A8 was unequivocally demonstrated by immunogold electron 31 microscopy experiments. The gene encoding Tal from B. bifidum A8 was expressed in 32 Lactococcus lactis and the protein was purified to homogeneity. The pure protein was 33 able to restore the auto-aggregation phenotype of proteinase K-treated B. bifidum A8 34 cells. A recombinant L. lactis strain, engineered to secrete Tal, displayed a mucin 35 binding level over three times higher than the strain not producing the transaldolase. 36 These findings suggest that Tal, when exposed on the cell surface of B. bifidum , could 37 act as an important colonization factor favoring its establishment in the gut.
PRMT5 regulates DNA repair by controlling the alternative splicing of key histone-modifying enzymes

is for This dependence may become dose-limiting in a combinatorial we report that PRMT5 depletion or inhibition impairs homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair, leading to DNA damage accumulation, p53 activation, cell cycle arrest and cell death. symmetrically dimethylates histone and non-histone substrates, including several components of the RNA splicing machinery. We find that PRMT5 depletion or inhibition induces aberrant splicing of the multifunctional epigenetic and DNA repair factor TIP60/KAT5, which selectively affects its lysine acetyltransferase activity and leads to impaired HR. As HR-deficiency sensitizes cells to PARP inhibitors, we demonstrate here that PRMT5 and PARP inhibitors have synergistic effects on acute myeloid leukemia cells. qRT-PCR and splicing PCR, flow cytometry experiments, in vitro acetylation assays, lentiviral transduction of primary cells and colony formation assays, and cell viability experiments. and and analyzed IF experiments. the lentiviral vectors and performed cell viability experiments. lentiviruses western blots. and analysis of the Bliss synergy experiments. Prmt5fl/fl;Vav1-Cre, Prmt5fl/fl;ER-Cre
Shock‐induced changes in density and porosity in shock‐metamorphosed crystalline rocks, Haughton impact structure, Canada

Abstract– Shock metamorphism can occur at transient pressures that reach tens of GPa and well over 1000 °C, altering the target material on both megascopic and microscopic scales. This study explores the effects of shock metamorphism on crystalline, quartzofeldspathic basement material from the Haughton impact structure on Devon Island, Arctic Canada. Shock levels were assigned to samples based on petrographic examination of main mineral phases. Conventional shock classification schemes proved to incompletely describe the Haughton samples so a modified shock classification system is presented. Fifty‐two crystalline bedrock samples from the clast‐rich impact melt rocks in the crater, and one reference site outside of the crater, were classified using this system. The shock levels range from 0 to 7 (according to the new shock stage classification proposed here, i.e., stages 0–IV after the Stöffler classification), indicating shock pressures ranging from 0 to approximately 80 GPa. The second aspect of this study involved measuring bulk physical characteristics of the shocked samples. The bulk density, grain density, and porosity were determined using a water displacement method, a bead displacement method, and a Hepycnometer. Results suggest a nonlinear, negative correlation between density and shock level such that densities of crystalline rocks with original densities of approximately 3 g cm−3 are reduced to <1.0 g cm−3 at high shock levels. The results also show a positive nonlinear correlation between porosity and shock level. These data illustrate the effect of shock on the bulk physical characteristics of crystalline rocks, and has implications for assessing the habitability of shocked rocks.
Erythropoietin, Iron Depletion and Relative Thrombocytosis: A Possible Explanation for Hemoglobin-Survival Paradox in Chronic Kidney Disease

Background— High doses of human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to achieve hemoglobin levels above 13 g/dL in chronic kidney disease appear associated with elevated mortality. Study Design— We conducted logistic regression and survival analyses in a retrospective cohort of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients to examine the hypothesis that the induced iron depletion with resultant relative thrombocytosis may be a possible contributor to the link between the high rHuEPO dose associated hemoglobin ≥13 g/dL and mortality. Setting & Participants— The national database of a large dialysis organization (DaVita) with 40,787 MHD patients during July to December 2001 and their survival up to July 2004 were examined. Predictors— Hemoglobin level, platelet count and administered rHuEPO dose during each calendar quarter. Outcomes & other Measurements— Case-mix adjusted 3-year all-cause mortality; and measures of iron stores including serum ferritin and iron saturation ratio (ISAT). Results— Higher platelet count was associated with lower iron stores and higher prescribed rHuEPO dose. Compared to hemoglobin of 12-13 g/dL, hemoglobin ≥13 g/dL was associated with increased mortality in the presence of relative thrombocytosis, i.e., platelet count ≥300,000/μl, (case-mix adjusted death-rate ratio [RR]: 1.21, 95% confidence limits [CL]: 1.02–1.44, P=0.03) as opposed to the absence of relative thrombocytosis (RR: 1.04, 95% CL: 0.98–1.08, P=0.13). Prescribed rHuEPO dose >20,000 units/week was associated with higher likelihood of iron depletion (ISAT<20%) and relative thrombocytosis (case-mix adjusted odds ratio: 2.53 [CL: 2.37– 2.69] and 1.36 [CL: 1.30–1.42], respectively, p<0.001) and increased mortality over 3 years (death-rate ratio of 1.59, CL: 1.54, 1.65, p<0.001). Limitations— Our results may incorporate uncontrolled confounding. Achieved hemoglobin may have different mortality-predictability than targeted hemoglobin. Conclusions— Iron depletion and associated relative thrombocytosis might contribute to increased mortality when administering high rHuEPO doses to achieve hemoglobin ≥13 g/dL in MHD patients. Randomized trials are needed to test these observational associations.
Evidence for preindustrial variations in the marine surface water carbonate system from coralline sponges

Coralline sponge skeletons are excellent tools for reconstructing the carbon isotope history of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in tropical surface waters. Carbon isotope records from coralline sponges clearly reflect the industrial 12C increase in atmospheric CO2 with a precision that permits quantitative interpretations. We find from a set of δ13C records of four Caribbean sponge specimens that the isotopic response of surface water DIC to the changing isotopic composition of atmospheric CO2 varied dynamically during the last century, depending on the rate of atmospheric change. Three of our sponges provide 600 year long δ13C records. For the first time, we can reconstruct surface water δ13CDIC for the full history of the industrial CO2 release as well as the preceding preindustrial period back to the beginning of the Little Ice Age. This provides a well‐founded estimate of the anthropogenically uninfluenced, preindustrial background level of surface water 13C/12C ratios. Our records show small but systematic variations that appear to be linked to the climate fluctuations of the Little Ice Age.
COVID-19 self-testing in Nigeria: Stakeholders’ opinions and perspectives on its value for case detection

Background COVID-19 testing coverage is limited in Nigeria. Access to rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detection self-testing kits may help improve the detection of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases and increase the country’s low rate of SARS-CoV-2 testing. Before implementing self-testing in Nigeria, assessing the population’s perceptions regarding this approach is imperative. In mid-2021, an exploratory cross-sectional qualitative research was conducted to investigate stakeholders’ values and preferences for SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in Nigeria. Methods In-person and online semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare workers, representatives of civil society, and potential implementors of self-testing delivery programs were used to explore values and perceptions around access to conventional provider-initiated COVID-19 testing. Topics included the public’s values in relation to SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, the safe and effective use of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, and likely actions upon receiving a positive SARS-CoV-2 self-test result. A thematic analysis approach was applied. Results The 58 informants (29 female) reported that Nigeria has limited availability of conventional provider-delivered SARS-CoV-2 testing. While just a few informants were familiar with SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, they generally supported using self-testing as an approach that they felt could assist with early case detection and improve access to testing. Concerns relating to the use of self-testing mainly related to the ability of low-literate individuals to use and interpret the self-tests, the affordability of self-tests, equity of access, and the availability of healthcare system support for those who self-test positive. Conclusion Although the Nigerian public perceive multiple benefits associated with access to SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, the perceived inefficiency of the national health service delivery system may limit the access of users of the kits to psychosocial and clinical support. Nevertheless, in Nigeria, where COVID-19 vaccine coverage is low and the risk of further waves of COVID-19 is high, self-testing may assist in the prompt detection of cases and contribute to halting the spread of the virus.
Variations in K/Th on Mars

[1] K/Th determined by the Mars Odyssey Gamma Ray Spectrometer varies by a factor of 3 on Mars (3000 to 9000), but over 95% of the surface area has K/Th between 4000 and 7000. K/Th is distinctly lower than average in some areas, including west of Olympus Mons in the Amazonis Planitia, the region around Memnonia Fossae, Chryse Planitia, southeastern Arabia Terra, Syrtis Major Planum, and northwest of Apollinaris Patera. On the other hand, K/Th is distinctly higher than average in other areas, including the central part of Valles Marineris and the surrounding highlands, and in the northern part of Hellas. The generally modest variation in K/Th may be explained by inherent variations in igneous rocks and by variations in the extent of aqueous alteration.
Differential regulation of cytokine and receptor transcript expression in human corneal and limbal fibroblasts by epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, platelet-derived growth factor B, and interleukin-1 beta.

PURPOSE To explore further the significance of three patterns of cytokine dialogues that have been characterized between human corneal and limbal epithelial cells and fibroblasts. METHODS Northern hybridization of the transcript expression of type I cytokine receptors (EGFR, IL-1R, and PDGFR-beta), type II cytokines (bFGF, LIF, and TGF-beta 1), and type III cytokines (HGF and KGF) by human corneal and limbal fibroblasts was conducted under the modulation of TGF-alpha, PDGF-BB, IL-1 beta, and EGF (type I cytokines). The mechanism of upregulation by IL-1 beta was studied further with respect to proto-oncogene expression and under the treatment of cycloheximide and actinomycin D. RESULTS Results showed that EGF upregulated LIF and HGF but downregulated KGF and M-CSF. Unlike EGF, TGF-alpha upregulated additional EGFR, PDGFR-beta, bFGF, and TGF-beta 1, suggesting that although they share the same EGFR, TGF-alpha, which is produced by epithelium, is more effective in activating fibroblasts than EGF, which is present in tears. The upregulation of PDGF-BB was similar to that of TGF-alpha, except that it further stimulated IL-8, supporting their synergistic roles in promoting wound healing. Uniquely, IL-1 beta upregulated KGF expression by limbal fibroblasts more than corneal fibroblasts and IL-8 and M-CSF expression, but it downregulated PDGFR-beta. In IL-1 beta, the upregulation of cytokines and receptors was preceded by the upregulation of c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc, and it was inhibited by actinomycin D. Its upregulation of LIF was superinduced, but the upregulation of bFGF and KGF was inhibited, and that of the rest was not affected by cycloheximide. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that epithelial cells under stress or injury (producing IL-1) might preferentially activate limbal epithelial stem cells indirectly by fibroblasts and simultaneously might promote inflammation during wound healing.
SOME STUDIES ON ANCHOR PLATES IN SAND

A number of laboratory tests on pullout resistances of square and rectangular model anchors made of aluminium plates in loose sand have been taken up for this investigation. The main purpose of this paper is to present some recent model test results for square and rectangular plates in sand at constant compactive effort and outlines the pullout resistance of anchor plates with a vertical axis of different sizes and a load displacement relationship of the model tests. Moreover, the ultimate anchor resistance has been expressed in terms of nondimensional force coefficient and breakout factor. For rectangular and square anchors, the breakout factor increases with relative depth of embedment ratio to a certain extent and then tends to approximately constant at greater depths. The critical embedment ratio for rectangular anchors is about five while there is no meaningful results in case of square anchors. An attempt has also been focussed to understand the basic behavior of embedded anchors. The depth of embedment, size of anchors and the relative density of the sand are also important factors in this investigation.
Efimov physics: a review

This article reviews theoretical and experimental advances in Efimov physics, an array of quantum few-body and many-body phenomena arising for particles interacting via short-range resonant interactions, that is based on the appearance of a scale-invariant three-body attraction theoretically discovered by Vitaly Efimov in 1970. This three-body effect was originally proposed to explain the binding of nuclei such as the triton and the Hoyle state of carbon-12, and later considered as a simple explanation for the existence of some halo nuclei. It was subsequently evidenced in trapped ultra-cold atomic clouds and in diffracted molecular beams of gaseous helium. These experiments revealed that the previously undetermined three-body parameter introduced in the Efimov theory to stabilise the three-body attraction typically scales with the range of atomic interactions. The few- and many-body consequences of the Efimov attraction have been since investigated theoretically, and are expected to be observed in a broader spectrum of physical systems.
Ldb1- and Rnf12-dependent regulation of Lhx2 controls the relative balance between neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the retina

ABSTRACT Precise control of the relative ratio of retinal neurons and glia generated during development is essential for visual function. We show that Lhx2, which encodes a LIM-homeodomain transcription factor essential for specification and differentiation of retinal Müller glia, also plays a crucial role in the development of retinal neurons. Overexpression of Lhx2 with its transcriptional co-activator Ldb1 triggers cell cycle exit and inhibits both Notch signaling and retinal gliogenesis. Lhx2/Ldb1 overexpression also induces the formation of wide-field amacrine cells (wfACs). In contrast, Rnf12, which encodes a negative regulator of LDB1, is necessary for the initiation of retinal gliogenesis. We also show that Lhx2-dependent neurogenesis and wfAC formation requires Ascl1 and Neurog2, and that Lhx2 is necessary for their expression, although overexpression of Lhx2/Ldb1 does not elevate expression of these proneural bHLH factors. Finally, we demonstrate that the relative level of the LHX2-LDB1 complex in the retina decreases in tandem with the onset of gliogenesis. These findings show that control of Lhx2 function by Ldb1 and Rnf12 underpins the coordinated differentiation of neurons and Müller glia in postnatal retina. Summary: Co-expression of Rnf12 with Lhx2 in the retina is both necessary and sufficient for Müller gliogenesis, identifying a novel molecular switching mechanism that regulates retinal neurogenesis and gliogenesis.
Flexibility in positional behavior , strata use , and substrate utilization 1 among Bale monkeys ( Chlorocebus djamdjamensis ) in response to habitat 2 fragmentation and degradation 3 4

Studies of the effects of habitat fragmentation and degradation on primate positional 25 behavior, strata use, and substrate utilization offer valuable insights into the behavioral and 26 ecological flexibility of primates whose habitats have undergone extensive anthropogenic 27 disturbance. In this study, we evaluated how positional behavior, strata use, and substrate 28 utilization differed between Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) – bamboo-eating 29 cercopithecids endemic to the southern Ethiopian Highlands – occupying continuous versus 30 fragmented forests. Bale monkeys in forest fragments (where bamboo had been degraded or 31 eradicated) spent significantly more time on the ground and in understory strata whereas those 32 in continuous forest spent significantly more time in the middle and upper strata. Bale monkeys 33 in forest fragments also spent significantly more time walking and galloping and significantly 34 less time climbing than those in continuous forest. Our results suggest that, unlike the primarily 35 arboreal Bale monkeys in continuous forest, Bale monkeys in forest fragments should be 36 characterized as semi-terrestrial. In response to habitat disturbance in fragments, we observed 37 a greater emphasis on terrestrial foraging and travel among Bale monkeys in these human 38 altered habitats, which may put them at greater risk of predation and conflict with nearby human 39 populations. Bale monkeys in fragments exhibit flexibility in their positional behavioral 40 repertoire and their degree of terrestriality is more similar to their sister taxa in Chlorocebus 41 than to Bale monkeys in continuous forest. These findings suggest that habitat alteration may 42 compel Bale monkeys to exhibit semi-terrestrial behaviors crucial for their persistence in 43 human-modified habitats. Our results contribute to a growing body of literature on primate 44 behavioral responses to anthropogenic modification of their habitats and provide information 45 that can contribute to the design of appropriate conservation management plans. 46
Footprints of storms on the sea: A view from spaceborne synthetic aperture radar

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) on board Seasat observed images of stormlike echoes on the sea in 1978. The core of these images is usually an echo-free hole which is attributed to the damping of the short (30-cm) radar detectable gravity waves by the intense rain in the storm core. Although “the beating down of waves by rain” is consistent with observations by seafarers and with the first scientific explanation of the phenomenon by Reynolds (1875), neither theory nor experiment has provided definitive support. One experiment appears to provide the key; it shows that the kinetic energy of the rain produces sufficient turbulence in a thin fresh water layer to damp 30-cm waves in 10–20 s, thus producing the echo-free hole. A sequence of positive feedbacks then serves to damp the longer waves. The angular dependence of the sea surface echo cross sections seen by Seasat SAR outside the echo-free hole indicates winds diverging from the downdraft induced by the intense rain core. The wind-generated waves and associated echoes extend out to a sharply defined gust front. The sea surface footprint thus mimics the features of a storm microburst. The variations in surface radar cross section due to a combination of rain and wind effects impacts spaceborne measurements of surface winds by scatterometry and rainfall measurements by radar. Portions of this synthesis remain speculative but serve as hypotheses for further research.