Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A physiology-based model of bile acid metabolism shows altered tissue concentrations after drug administration and in specific genotype subgroups

Drug-induced liver injuries (DILI) are an important issue in drug development and patient safety and often lead to termination of drug-development programs or late withdrawals of drugs. Since DILI events are hard to diagnose in preclinical settings, a need for alternative prediction methods such as computational modeling emerges. Impairment of bile acid (BA) metabolism, known as cholestasis, is a frequent form of DILI. Being rather a systemic then a single organ related disease, whole-body physiology-based modeling is a predestined approach for cholestasis modeling. The objectives of the presented study were 1) the development of a physiology-based model for human bile acid metabolism, 2) model validation and characterization for a virtual population, and 3) prediction and quantification of the effects of genetic predispositions and drug interaction on bile acid metabolism. The developed physiology-based bile acid (PBBA) model is based on the standard PBPK model of PKSim® and describes the bile acid circulation in a healthy reference individual. Active processes such as the hepatic synthesis, gallbladder emptying upon meal intake, transition through the gastrointestinal tract, reabsorption into the liver, distribution within the body, and excretion are included. The kinetics of active processes for the surrogate BA glycochenodeoxycholic acid were fitted to time-concentration profiles of blood BA levels reported in literature. The robustness of our PBBA model is underlined by the comparison of simulated plasma BA concentrations in a virtual population of 1,000 healthy individuals with reported data. In addition to plasma concentrations, the PBBA model allows simulations of BA exposure in relevant tissues like the liver and can therefore enhance the mechanistic understanding of cholestasis. This feature was used to analyse the reported increased risk of cholestatic DILI in Benign Recurrent Intrahepatic Cholestasis type 2 (BRIC2) patients. Simulations of the PBBA model suggest a higher susceptibility of BRIC2 patients towards cholestatic DILI due to BA accumulation in hepatocytes. Apart from these intrinsic effects, drug-interactions and their effect on the systemic bile acid metabolism were simulated by combining the PBBA model with a drug PBPK model of cyclosporine A (CsA). The results of which confirmed the reported higher risk of developing DILI as a consequence of CsA intake. Altogether, the presented model enhances our mechanistic understanding of cholestasis, allows the identification of drug-interactions leading to altered BA levels in blood and organs, and could be used to prevent clinical cases of cholestasis and enhance patient safety.
Proximate, physical and chemical composition of leaves and seeds of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) from Central Malawi: A potential for increasing animal food supply in the 21st century

The nutritive composition of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) leaves and seeds were evaluated for their possible inclusion in livestock feed formulation because of the limited availability of conventional protein concentrates like soybean (Glycine max) seeds. Moringa seeds contained 50.70 g kernels and 19.03 g hulls per 100 seeds representing 72.71 and 27.29% as a fraction of the whole seed, respectively. The 100 seeds contained 28.48 and 20.71% oil as a fraction of kernels and seeds, respectively. Moringa leaves had 22.60±0.17% crude protein, 11.24±0.17% ash, 13.40± 0.25% crude fat, 8.07±0.17% crude fiber and 44.69±0.41% carbohydrates. The seeds revealed 28.56±0.41% crude protein, 5.37±0.11% ash, 34.92±0.17% crude fat, 7.90±0.27% crude fiber and 23.27±0.65% carbohydrates. Raw kernel recorded 37.86±0.38% crude protein, 4.60±0.13% ash, 41.18±0.06% crude fat, 4.80±0.23% crude fiber and 11.55±0.37% carbohydrate whereas roasted kernel registered 38.25±0.32% crude protein, 5.36±0.19% ash, 41.06±0.14% crude fat, 6.55±0.34% crude fiber and 8.78±0.60% carbohydrate. Raw kernel meal registered the highest calculated gross energy of 5.6±0.0 Mcal/kg DM and metabolisable energy of 4.4±0.0 Mcal/kg DM, compared to seed and leaves meals. The calculated fatty acid (g/kg DM) was the highest (329.5±0.5) in raw kernel compared to 107.2±2.0 in leaves, 279.3±1.4 in seed and 328.5±1.1 in roasted kernel meal. Titratable acidity (as oleic acid) ranged from 0.36±0.0 at pH 6.42±0.0 to 3.8±0.0 at pH 6.35±0.0 for raw kernel and leaves meal, respectively. Phosphorus concentration (mg/100 g DM) ranged from 427.6±0.0 to 873.9±0.0 for leaves and raw kernel meals. This research indicated that both seeds and leaves are rich in nutrients and could be potential replacements of conventional livestock feed ingredients to ease the feed/food crises in Malawi. Key words: Moringa (Moringa oleifera), raw kernel, roasted kernel, crude protein, livestock production, Malawi.
Extreme events driving year-to-year differences in gross primary
productivity across the US

Abstract. Solar-Induced chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) has previously been shown to strongly correlate with gross primary productivity (GPP), however this relationship has not yet been quantified for the recently launched TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI). Here we use a Gaussian mixture model to develop a parsimonious relationship between SIF from TROPOMI and GPP from flux towers across the conterminous United States (CONUS). The mixture model indicates the SIF-GPP relationship can be characterized by a linear model with two terms. We then estimate GPP across CONUS at 500-m spatial resolution over a 16-day moving window. We find that CONUS GPP varies by less than 4 % between 2018 and 2019. However, we observe four extreme precipitation events that induce regional GPP anomalies: drought in west Texas, flooding in the midwestern US, drought in South Dakota, and drought in California. Taken together, these events account for 28 % of the year-to-year GPP differences across CONUS.
Luminous Crown Residual Vs. Bright Space Segment: Characteristical Structures for the Intermittent Positive and Negative Leaders of Triggered Lightning

We identify and investigate the intermittent propagation of upward positive and negative leaders in rocket‐triggered lightning based on comprehensive observations of fine time‐resolved optical, current, and electromagnetic fields. There is an abrupt luminous crown blooming due to the achievement of a positive leader step, after which the channel weakens and the head degrades. During the positive leader pausing, residual structure is recognized at area of previous luminous crown blooming, in the form of a floating segment. Our observation point to a possible mechanism that it connects with the positive leader head, causing a forward‐step and a sharp current pulse. This is to some extent similar to negative leader stepping, in which the space leader emerges and connection between the space leader and the channel head occurs. The generation of clustered space leaders give rise to negative channel branching, but the residual structure in positive leader just leads to individual step.
ZnO-SiO2 and Zn2SiO4 Synthesis Utilizing Oil Palm Leaves for Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye in Aqueous Solution

A new approach was developed for the green synthesis of ZnO-SiO2 composite and Zn2SiO4 using zinc nitrate and sustainable silica precursor, oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaves (OPL). The products were synthesized at two different reaction temperatures through calcination in an open-air furnace at 500 and 1000 °C, respectively, and further identified with an X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis. The composite indicated by the presence of peaks at 2θ = 31.7°, 34.4°, 36.3°, 47.6°, 56.6°, and 62.9°, corresponds to ZnO and also revealed amorphous SiO2 at 2θ = 21°. Conversely, Zn2SiO4 was acknowledged at 2θ 25.6°, 31.50°, 34.0°, 39.5°, 48.9°, 56.5° and 65.6°, with crystalline silica at 2θ = 21.9°. The results showed the morphology of both products exhibited similar agglomeration based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Both products (ZnO-SiO2 composite and Zn2SiO4) possessed the capacity to degrade methylene blue (MB) under sunlight irradiation with efficiency of 85.9% and 69.3%, respectively.
Thermochemical Treatment of Sewage Sludge Ash (SSA)—Potential and Perspective in Poland

Phosphorus (P) recovery from sewage sludge ash (SSA) is one of the most promising approaches of phosphate rock substitution in mineral fertilizers and might be a sustainable way to secure supply of this raw material in the future. In the current investigation, the process of thermochemical treatment of SSA was applied to SSA coming from selected mono-incineration plants of municipal sewage sludge in Poland (Cracow, Gdansk, Gdynia, Lodz, Kielce and Szczecin). The Polish SSA was thermochemically converted in the presence of sodium (Na) additives and a reducing agent (dried sewage sludge) to obtain secondary raw materials for the production of marketable P fertilizers. The process had a positive impact on the bioavailability of phosphorus and reduced the content of heavy metals in the obtained products. The P solubility in neutral ammonium citrate, an indicator of its bioavailability, was significantly raised from 19.7–45.7% in the raw ashes and 76.5–100% in the thermochemically treated SSA. The content of nutrients in the recyclates was in the range of 15.7–19.2% P2O5, 10.8–14.2% CaO, 3.5–5.4% Na2O, 2.6–3.6% MgO and 0.9–1.3% K2O. The produced fertilizer raw materials meet the Polish norms for trace elements covered by the legislation: the content of lead was in the range 10.2–73.1 mg/kg, arsenic 4.8–22.7 mg/kg, cadmium 0.9–2.8 mg/kg and mercury <0.05 mg/kg. Thus, these products could be potentially directly used for fertilizer production. This work also includes an analysis of the possibilities of using ashes for fertilizer purposes in Poland, based on the assumptions indicated in the adopted strategic and planning documents regarding waste management and fertilizer production.
Density, Demography, and Microhabitat of Campeloma Decampi (Gastropoda: Viviparidae)

ABSTRACT Campeloma decampi, the Slender Campeloma, is a federally endangered snail endemic to the Tennessee River drainage in Alabama, U.S.A. We studied a population in Round Island Creek, Limestone County, in July, 2010, to obtain information about density, microhabitat, and demography. The overall mean density at the site was 49.2/m2 (± 14.4 SE), but the distribution was highly clumped. We used generalized linear models and multi-model inference to examine the response of snail density to seven microhabitat explanatory variables. The greatest densities were associated with shallow, low-flow areas with silt and clay near the stream margin. Shell heights ranged from 4.3–34.7 mm, and the size distribution appeared to be composed of three cohorts possibly representing age 0+ recruits, age 1+ individuals, and individuals ≥2 years of age. The population was dominated by small individuals (4-12 mm; modal size class = 6 mm), and individuals >20 mm made up only 7% of the population. This size distribution suggests that parturition occurs over a protracted period from late winter to summer and that most individuals produce only one or two broods in their lifetime; however, additional sampling and information about life span are needed to more conclusively describe the reproductive strategy.
Dental Caries in Children With and Without Cleft Palate: A case Control Study

Sivesh Sangar1, Vignesh Ravindran*1, Visalakshi Ramanathan2 1Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai-77, Tamil Nadu, India 2Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Saveetha University, Chennai-77, Tamil Nadu, India
CHARACTERIZATION OF TANK 16H ANNULUS SAMPLES PART II: LEACHING RESULTS

The closure of Tank 16H will require removal of material from the annulus of the tank. Samples from Tank 16H annulus were characterized and tested to provide information to evaluate various alternatives for removing the annulus waste. The analysis found all four annulus samples to be composed mainly of Si, Na, and Al and lesser amounts of other elements. The XRD data indicate quartz (SiO{sub 2}) and sodium aluminum nitrate silicate hydrate (Na{sub 8}(Al{sub 6}Si{sub 6}O{sub 24})(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}. 4H{sub 2}O) as the predominant crystalline mineral phases in the samples. The XRD data also indicate the presence of crystalline sodium nitrate (NaNO{sub 3}), sodium nitrite (NaNO{sub 2}), gibbsite (Al(OH){sub 3}), hydrated sodium bicarbonate (Na{sub 3}H(CO{sub 3}){sub 2}. 2H{sub 2}O), and muscovite (KAl{sub 2}(AlSi{sub 3}O{sub 10})(OH){sub 2}). Based on the weight of solids remaining at the end of the test, the water leaching test results indicate 20-35% of the solids dissolved after three contacts with an approximately 3:1 volume of water at 45 C. The chemical analysis of the leachates and the XRD results of the remaining solids indicate sodium salts of nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, and possibly carbonate/bicarbonate make up the majority of the dissolved material. The majority of these salts were dissolved in the first water contact and simply diluted with each subsequent water contact. The water leaching removed large amounts of the uranium in two of the samples and approximately 1/3 of the {sup 99}Tc from all four samples. Most of the other radionuclides analyzed showed low solubility in the water leaching test. The oxalic acid leaching test result indicate approximately 34-47% of the solids in the four annulus samples will dissolve after three contacts with an approximately 3:1 volume of acid to solids at 45 C. The same sodium salts found in the water leaching test comprise the majority of dissolved material in the oxalic acid leaching test. However, the oxalic acid was somewhat more effective in dissolving radionuclides than the water leach. In contrast to the water leaching results, most constituents continued to dissolve during subsequent cycles of oxalic acid leaching. The somewhat higher dissolution found in the oxalic acid leaching test versus the water leaching test might be offset by the tendency of the oxalic acid solutions to take on a gel-like consistency. The filtered solids left behind after three oxalic acid contacts were sticky and formed large clumps after drying. These two observations could indicate potential processing difficulties with solutions and solids from oxalic acid leaching. The gel formation might be avoided by using larger volumes of the acid. Further testing would be recommended before using oxalic acid to dissolve the Tank 16H annulus waste to ensure no processing difficulties are encountered in the full scale process.
Parasites Mediate Condition-Dependent Sexual Selection for Local Adaptation in a Natural Insect Population

Condition-dependent sexual selection has been suggested to reduce mutation load, and sexual selection might also accelerate local adaptation and promote evolutionary rescue through several ecological and genetic mechanisms. Research on condition-dependent sexual selection has mainly been performed in laboratory settings, while data from natural populations are lacking. One ecological factor that can cause condition-dependent sexual selection is parasitism. Here, we quantified ectoparasite load (Arrenurus water mites) in a natural population of the common bluetail damselfly (Ischnura elegans) over 15 years. We estimated parasite-mediated sexual selection in both sexes and investigated how parasite resistance and tolerance changed over time and influenced population density. Parasites reduced mating success in both sexes, but the effects were stronger in males than in females. The male fitness advantage of carrying fewer parasites was higher under experimental low-density conditions than under high-density field conditions, suggesting that male-male competition could reduce parasite-mediated sexual selection. We further show that population density declined during the study period, while parasite resistance and male fitness tolerance (fecundity) increased, suggestive of increasing local adaptation against parasites and ongoing evolutionary rescue. We suggest that condition-dependent sexual selection can facilitate population persistence and promote evolutionary rescue by increasing local adaptation against parasites.
The Replication and Spread of Functional Food Messages: The Influence of Personalities on Internet Meme Behavior

The term Internet memes was coined to describe the phenomenon of replicating and spreading messages via social media. This study explores individual personality traits in relation to Internet meme behavior in the context of online news about functional foods based on the expectancy-confirmation process, and also the correlates between value perception and consequential behavior. An online convenience sample was used to collect data by posting on LINE, the instant communication tool, and a total of 343 questionnaires were returned, 252 valid questionnaires were used for structural equation modeling and hypothesis verification. The results found that: (1) Neuroticism was positively related and Extraversion was negatively related to value expectation for consuming functional foods; (2) The food value for health expectation participants can predict replication and usage satisfaction; (3) The usage satisfaction and replicative behavior can predict the frequency of spread messages. The results suggest that consumers with Neuroticism will need to reduce processes of Internet memes to online fake news about functional food.
How Did GVC-Trade Respond to Previous Health Shocks? Implications for COVID-19

Using difference-in-difference analysis, we examine how trade in GVC-based products may have responded to two previous health shocks - SARS and MERS. Our identification strategy exploits differences in the time period of severe incidence of each disease and in the coverage of trading partners that were more adversely affected than others. While we find no evidence for “reshoring” in response to each of these virus outbreaks, there is some evidence for “near-shoring” in the stylized facts on SARS. Empirical analysis also suggests geographical diversification of value chains - import shares from China and UAE declined during each outbreak, while MERS was accompanied by a fall in import concentration; these effects persisted over time for SARS suggesting that the associated value-chains were not resilient to these health shocks. The findings are observed at both the intensive (import value) and extensive (number of HS-6 products and export destinations) margins. The SARS effects are driven by lower-middle-income importers that were more integrated in GVCs, received more investment, were more competitive and were more reliant on the severely affected partners. We expect similar disruptions to GVC-trade from COVID-19, especially diversification away from China.
Product-level profitability analysis and decision-making: opportunities of IT application-based approach

Product portfolio management (PPM) is vital for companies to succeed. It aims to constitute a profitable entity for company products in the long-term. The extant literature on PPM is, however, lacking in IT application-based discussion, which links to the potential of IT system independent analysis and reporting. One potential application is producing accurate product-level profitability calculations. This study aims to conceptualise application-based PPM analysis and identify the related data needs. Additionally, the opportunities and risks related to the implementation of the concept are studied. The study combines a literature review with qualitative company analyses. The results aid in understanding application-based PPM analysis and clarify the related opportunities for its use. Our research appears to indicate that application-based PPM analysis has the potential to improve product portfolio-related decision-making while reducing the manual work needed for profitability reporting.
Mass-length Relationships for 3 Bee Species in Northwest Ohio

The ability to accurately estimate bee mass through measurements of intertegular distance (ITD) is an important tool for field biologists. ITD is the distance between the bases of the 2 wing tegulae on the bee’s thorax. However, the relationship between ITD and bee mass can vary based on species and sampling region. A collection of 92 bees—representing 3 species—was examined to assess the accuracy of ITD in estimating dry mass for bees in northwest Ohio. The focus was on 3 species: silky striped sweat bees (Agapostemon sericeus), honey bees (Apis mellifera), and common eastern bumble bees (Bombus impatiens). Overall, there was a positive correlation between ITD and dry mass across all individuals sampled (R2 = 0.77), but within species the degree of correlation varied significantly. The results suggest that ITD accurately estimates dry mass in silky striped sweat bees (R2 = 0.93), but the correlation weakens in common eastern bumble bees (R2 = 0.54) and is non-existent in honey bees (R2 = 0.39). Field biologists interested in using ITD to estimate bee mass should take preliminary measurements when investigating bumble bees, and should avoid ITD estimates in honey bees.
New Record of a Moray Eel, Strophidon dorsalis (Muraenidae, Anguilliformes) from Korea

A single specimen of Strophidon dorsalis (1,254 mm in total length), belonging to the family Muraenidae, was firstly collected in a fish trap off the coastal waters of Jindo Island in July 2018. It was characterized by having unpatterned body coloration, thin body, slightly rounded snout, two superorbital pores, three infraorbital pores, and six mandibular pores. This species is distinguishable from a morphologically similar species, S. sathete inhabiting the Korean waters by having three infraorbital pores ( vs. four in S. sathete ), last infraorbital pore below an anterior part of the eye (vs. below a posterior part of the eye), body depth 3.2 ~ 4.1% in total length ( vs. 1.8 ~ 3.1%), and total vertebrae 154 ~ 167 ( vs. 188 ~ 200). We add S. dorsalis to the Korean fish fauna and propose a new Korean name, “Seo-mang-gom-chi” for the species.