Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retinitis Pigmentosa Results in Neurodegeneration Concomitant With Neuroinflammation, Extracellular Matrix Disorganization and the Upregulation of Neuroprotective Pathways in Glial Cells and Neurons

BackgroundHereditary retinal degenerations like retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are amongst the leading causes of blindness in younger patients. To enable in vivo investigation of cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for photoreceptor cell death and to allow testing of therapeutic strategies that could prevent retinal degeneration, animal models have been created. Here, we in-depth characterized the transgenic VPP mouse model, a genetic model for autosomal dominant RP. MethodsWe examined the degree of photoreceptor degeneration and studied the impact of the VPP transgene-induced retinal degeneration on the transcriptome level of the retina using next generation RNA sequencing (RNASeq) analyses followed by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). We furthermore identified cellular subpopulations responsible for some of the observed dysregulations using in situ hybridizations, immunofluorescent staining and 3D reconstruction. ResultsOne month-old VPP mice showed a significantly higher number of apoptotic photoreceptor cells that resulted in a significantly thinner ONL in three months-old VPP mice, concomitant with an increase in reactivity of microglia and Müller cells. By RNASeq analysis we identified 9,256 dysregulated genes and six significantly associated gene modules in the subsequently performed WGCNA. Gene ontology enrichment showed, amongst others, dysregulation of TGF-β regulated extracellular matrix organization, factors of the (ocular) immune system/response and apoptosis. ConclusionThe predominant effect pointed towards induction of neuroinflammation and the upregulation of neuroprotective pathways like TGF-β, G-protein activated and VEGF signaling that were significantly associated with the VPP transgene-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Thus, modulation of these processes might represent new therapeutic options to delay the degeneration of photoreceptors in diseases like RP.
Performance Evaluation of CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models on Heatwaves in Korea and Associated Teleconnection Patterns

This study assesses the performance of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) models for simulating summer heatwaves in Korea during a historical simulation period (1979–2014) using four diagnostic indices that represent the teleconnection mechanism of summer heatwaves in Korea. Four skill metrics are used for the model evaluation, namely, relative error (RE), interannual variability skill‐score (IVS), correlation coefficient (CC), and total ranking (TR) based on daily maximum temperature (TMAX) in Korea and the four diagnostic indices. The results show that the REs of CMIP5 models do not differ significantly from those of the CMIP6 models while the IVSs in the CMIP6 models are significantly improved compared with the CMIP5 models. Observations show that the heatwave circulation index (HWCI) contributes more to the interannual variability in TMAX in Korea than that of the Indian Monsoon Rainfall Index (IMRI), indicating that the teleconnection from the northwestern Pacific is more important than that from northwestern India. Interestingly, the CMIP6 models simulate this property better than the CMIP5 ensemble. The higher TR of CMIP6 models than CMIP5 supports that CMIP6 models are better overall in simulating heatwaves in Korea and the associated diagnostic indices.
Known triazole fungicides – a new trick

Tebuconazole and propiconazole were converted into salts by reaction with inorganic and organic acids. Numerous novel salts were obtained as a result, many of which could be characterized as protic ionic liquids. Their thermal stability and biological activity against fungal species Fusarium culmorum, Microdochium nivale, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea (in concentration range from 10 up to 1000 ppm) were assessed in the framework of this study. The evaluation revealed that high antifungal activity of the synthesized tebuconazole- and propiconazole-based salts, which may be classified as new triazole fungicides, was preserved. Physical properties of the obtained salts have changed significantly, thus creating new application possibilities of known triazole fungicides.
The Role of Toxic Leadership and Perceived Organizational Support on Academic Staff’s Psychological Distress

This study examines the impact of toxic leadership on academic staff’s psychological distress in the Malaysian context. Also, the moderating role of perceived organizational support is explored. A questionnaire was utilized to gather the data (n=450) for this research. The multistage sampling technique combines cluster sampling and a simple random sampling involving academic staff from a public university in Malaysia. The SMART PLS-SEM version 3.2. 7. was used to analyze the data. Based on the structural model's standardized path coefficients from the PLS results, toxic leadership profoundly influenced employees' psychological distress. However, perceived organizational support was an insignificant moderator of the impact between toxic leadership and psychological distress. The empirical research findings address the gap in the overall body of literature regarding Toxic Leadership Theory, such as the psychological distress and perceived organizational support. Hence, it provides an insight into toxic leadership study that has a few examined in previous research. Toxic leadership phenomenon can be used by the organization to better understand the dark side of leadership style, improve employee knowledge about toxic leadership and emotional coping strategy. Successful preventing toxic leadership is seen as an advantage for organizations that can promote a healthy work environment and a quality leader.
Shear Wave Splitting Evidence for Keel‐Deflected Mantle Flow at the Northern Margin of the Ordos Block and Its Implications for the Ongoing Modification of Craton Lithosphere

We use 123 temporary seismic stations to determine shear wave splitting patterns beneath the northern Ordos block and its surrounding areas. The mapped pattern of anisotropy shows a dramatic arc‐shaped anisotropy contrast beneath the northeastern Ordos block that closely follows the lateral fast/slow‐velocity interface seen in a recent surface tomographic model at ~140 km depth. Both seismic anisotropy and velocity appear to demarcate the current boundary of cratonic lithosphere in the upper mantle at this depth, located >150 km south of the geological surface boundary of cratonic crust. We suggest that the craton's keel in the northeastern corner of Ordos block has already been eroded and replaced by warmer asthenospheric mantle, while the cratonic crust above this “missing” keel has yet to be destroyed by deformation and/or crustal metamorphism, thus creating the keel divot at the northeastern corner of the Ordos block. The fast polarization direction of anisotropy tends to wrap around the northeastern margin of the Ordos block, changing from predominantly NW‐SE beneath the western part of the margin to nearly E‐W beneath the east. We suggest this pattern reflects that plate motion‐related asthenosphere flow is being deflected by the cratonic keel of the Ordos block. Such keel‐deflected asthenospheric flow could enhance the erosion of the craton's keel, leading to the observed lithospheric reworking beneath this region.
Repurposed Antiviral Drugs for Covid-19 — Interim WHO Solidarity Trial Results

Abstract Background World Health Organization expert groups recommended mortality trials of four repurposed antiviral drugs — remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, and interferon beta-1a — in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Methods We randomly assigned inpatients with Covid-19 equally between one of the trial drug regimens that was locally available and open control (up to five options, four active and the local standard of care). The intention-to-treat primary analyses examined in-hospital mortality in the four pairwise comparisons of each trial drug and its control (drug available but patient assigned to the same care without that drug). Rate ratios for death were calculated with stratification according to age and status regarding mechanical ventilation at trial entry. Results At 405 hospitals in 30 countries, 11,330 adults underwent randomization; 2750 were assigned to receive remdesivir, 954 to hydroxychloroquine, 1411 to lopinavir (without interferon), 2063 to interferon (including 651 to interferon plus lopinavir), and 4088 to no trial drug. Adherence was 94 to 96% midway through treatment, with 2 to 6% crossover. In total, 1253 deaths were reported (median day of death, day 8; interquartile range, 4 to 14). The Kaplan–Meier 28-day mortality was 11.8% (39.0% if the patient was already receiving ventilation at randomization and 9.5% otherwise). Death occurred in 301 of 2743 patients receiving remdesivir and in 303 of 2708 receiving its control (rate ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 1.11; P=0.50), in 104 of 947 patients receiving hydroxychloroquine and in 84 of 906 receiving its control (rate ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.59; P=0.23), in 148 of 1399 patients receiving lopinavir and in 146 of 1372 receiving its control (rate ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.25; P=0.97), and in 243 of 2050 patients receiving interferon and in 216 of 2050 receiving its control (rate ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.39; P=0.11). No drug definitely reduced mortality, overall or in any subgroup, or reduced initiation of ventilation or hospitalization duration. Conclusions These remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, and interferon regimens had little or no effect on hospitalized patients with Covid-19, as indicated by overall mortality, initiation of ventilation, and duration of hospital stay. (Funded by the World Health Organization; ISRCTN Registry number, ISRCTN83971151; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04315948.)
Diverse Polygonal Patterned Grounds in the Northern Eridania Basin, Mars: Possible Origins and Implications

Diverse polygonal patterned grounds are found to occur in the Eridania basin system (a set of connecting irregular‐shaped depressions interpreted as a paleolake basin system) located in the martian highland region between Terra Cimmeria and Sirenum. We here use multiple sets of imagery to document diverse polygonal patterned grounds in the fluvio‐lacustrine deposits of the northern Eridania basin, and interpret their formation mechanisms. The combination of detailed geomorphological mapping, morphometrical analyses, and investigation of the spatial distribution of polygonal patterned grounds with other geologic features leads us to conclude that (1) desiccation process within the clay‐rich materials would primarily contribute to the formation of cracked polygons, while the ridged polygons are best explained by mineral‐filled fractures that have been cemented and variably indurated by fluids; (2) the correlation between polygon size and topography is observed in the northern smooth light‐toned basement units, which can be best explained by the concentration of salt minerals (such as sulfate) in topographic lows so that the growth of fracturing is inhibited; (3) the large polygonal ridges formed in the knobby light‐toned terrains show a spatial distribution and a trend controlled by basin‐scale compressional tectonics and influenced by preexisting topography, for example, impact structures; (4) the linear fracture‐to‐ridge gradation indicates that the polygonal ridges in chlorides might be guided by the subjacent cracks occurring within clay‐rich materials; (5) both features (cracks and ridges) in some places may have formed simultaneously and are spatially distinct due to differences in erosional states; and (6) geologic features show a wealth of information of multiple aqueous events with the evaporation of the last liquid water ponding to form the southern playa where chloride salt precipitates. Crater retention age determination for the chloride‐bearing basement unit places a lower limit for the cessation of the local aqueous events to ∼3.29 Ga, indicating that the open‐system‐style alteration by surface waters on Mars might have continued in the period of the Late Hesperian to Early Amazonian.
A new conducting polymer glucose sensor based on polythianaphthene

A glucose biosensor has been developed by entrapment of glucose oxidase in a polythianaphthene film formed onto a platinum surface. Glucose has been measured by H2O2 detection at +400 mV (vs. SCE). Electrochemical kinetic constants for the enzyme electrode have been calculated and indicated that in the unsaturated region the rate limiting step is the diffusion of the substrate through the polymer. The biosensor exhibited a linear response in the range 0.05–7.4 mmol/L with a response time of 30–60s and a relative standard deviation of 5.4%. The presence of the film onto the electrode prevents the oxidation of interfering agents such as ascorbic and uric acid. The use of additional polycarbonate membranes onto the electrode surface extended the linearity of the response allowing the probe to be used in blood glucose analysis, The amount of glucose in two control sera was measured using the biosensor. Results correlated well with the glucose nominal values.
Explainable AI Framework for Multivariate Hydrochemical Time Series

The understanding of water quality and its underlying processes is important for the protection of aquatic environments. With the rare opportunity of access to a domain expert, an explainable AI (XAI) framework is proposed that is applicable to multivariate time series. The XAI provides explanations that are interpretable by domain experts. In three steps, it combines a data-driven choice of a distance measure with supervised decision trees guided by projection-based clustering. The multivariate time series consists of water quality measurements, including nitrate, electrical conductivity, and twelve other environmental parameters. The relationships between water quality and the environmental parameters are investigated by identifying similar days within a cluster and dissimilar days between clusters. The framework, called DDS-XAI, does not depend on prior knowledge about data structure, and its explanations are tendentially contrastive. The relationships in the data can be visualized by a topographic map representing high-dimensional structures. Two state of the art XAIs called eUD3.5 and iterative mistake minimization (IMM) were unable to provide meaningful and relevant explanations from the three multivariate time series data. The DDS-XAI framework can be swiftly applied to new data. Open-source code in R for all steps of the XAI framework is provided and the steps are structured application-oriented.
Traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation in adults – A case report and literature review

Background: Traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AARS) is extremely rare in adult versus pediatric populations. Patients usually present with post-traumatic neck pain and torticollis. Surgical management aims at reducing the deformity and stabilizing the spine utilizing external orthotics, and/or internal reduction/fixation. Methods: A 65-year-old female fell downstairs at home. She complained of neck pain with right-sided tenderness and torticollis. The radiographic studies and CT scan demonstrated AARS. This led to an emergent open reduction with internal fixation at the C1-C2 level. Results: We identified 25 similar cases of AARS in the English literature. Patients averaged 28.7 years of age and mostly sustained motor vehicle accidents largely treated with traction/orthotics; only six patients required surgical open reduction/internal fixation. Conclusion: In this case, the patient’s C1-C2 deformity required open reduction/internal fixation rather than bracing alone.
The Roles of Climate Extremes, Ecological Succession, and Hydrology in Repeated Permafrost Aggradation and Degradation in Fens on the Tanana Flats, Alaska

The Tanana Flats in central Alaska are a hot spot for thermokarst that is rapidly transforming the landscape. Time series analysis of high‐resolution imagery showed that permafrost degradation increased the area of three large fens by 26% from 1949 to 2018, but surprisingly permafrost also aggraded in small areas. Permafrost soils in adjacent birch forests frequently had fen peat near the surface indicating recent permafrost degradation and aggradation. We attribute groundwater as the primary driver of recent permafrost degradation, while climate extremes (especially cold, less snowy winters) caused recent permafrost aggradation, but only after ecological succession provided conditions favorable for permafrost formation. Near‐surface groundwater temperatures during early winters (2–6°C during 2011–2014) contributed to a near steady rate of lateral permafrost degradation (0.36 m/yr) over three periods. Fairbanks climate records (1904–2019) showed large ranges in mean winter temperatures (12°C) and snow depths (69 cm) between cold, less snowy winters and warm, snowy winters. During ecological succession from the collapsing margins to the fen centers over a ~250‐yr period, vegetation transitioned from aquatic forbs to shrubs and mosses, water depths decreased, and the soil carbon stock of new peat increased. These interactions among permafrost, groundwater, climate warming, and succession complicate our ability to project future ecological transitions and soil carbon changes across this dynamic boreal lowland landscape. The more frequent warm, snowy winters since 2014 and model projections for warmer winters, however, indicate that the region has crossed a tipping point where permafrost will no longer form and permafrost loss is irreversible.
Appropriate identification of age-related macular degeneration using OCT images

ABSTRACT This paper presents an automatic approach for macular degeneration diagnostic by adding pertinent features in the evaluation process. In macular abnormality identification, the manual assessment of retina in OCT scan is an error prone task, especially in the preliminary behaviour levels. The efficiency of this presence is related to experience and the attention of ophthalmologists. Thereby, different techniques of retinal-image analysis help the option of obtaining a consistent, independent and overhead all rapid diagnosis to identify macular degeneration behaviour. We propose a computerised technique based on morphological parameters and a classification scheme to categorise subjects into two topics: normal and age related to macular degeneration (AMD). The obtained results prove that the use of a support vector machine (SVM) method is an efficient way to improve recognition for fast and accurate ophthalmology diagnostic.
Phase transitions and vibrational study of Rb2SeO4·Te(OH)6 and Rb1.12(NH4)0.88SO4·Te(OH)6

Calorimetry, conductivity, IR and Raman studies of the two ionic-protonic conductors Rb2SeO4·Te(OH)6 (RbSeTe) and Rb1.12(NH4)0.88SO4·Te(OH)6 (RNST) have been recorded and analyzed. These compounds crystallize in the monoclinic system, the space groups being, respectively, P21/c and P21/a for (RbSeTe) and (RNST) with four formula units in their unit cells. The main feature of these atomic arrangements is the coexistence of two independent and different types of anions in the unit cell, connected by hydrogen bonds, which insure the cohesion of the crystalline edifice. Differential scanning calorimetry traces show three peaks for both the materials, corresponding to three phase transitions, at 430, 470 and 493 K for RbSeTe and at 418, 458 and 483 K for RNST. A sudden surge in the temperature dependence of conductivity confirms the presence of the third transition, which is characterized by a high conductivity. The Raman spectra of these two materials were investigated in the range 295–600 K and IR spectra achieved at room temperature between 10 and 4000 cm−1, confirm the presence of the phase transitions and show that anionic groups coexist independently in the same crystal.
Can humic acid alleviate the adverse effect of elevated phosphorus application on yield and nutritive contents of maize grown on a calcareous soil?

Received: 29/10/2020; Accepted: 16/11/2020 DOI: 10.21608/jenvbs.2020. 48032.1112 ©2020 National Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC) GROWING maize in calcareous soils requires adequate supply of phosphorus inputs, yet excessive P-applications may affect negatively micronutrients availability in soil, including Zn. Thus, the current study evaluates the ability of humic acid (HA) to counteract the negative effects of applied P on Zn-uptake by maize plants. To achieve this aim, a field experiment was conducted in a calcareous soil (CaCO 3 =268.91 g kg) following a split plot design to study the interactions between different P-inputs (100, 125 and 150% of the recommended dose, applied in main plots) and available-Zn in presence and absence of HA (applied in sub-plots at either 2 or 4 kg HA ha). Results revealed that increasing the level of P-application raised significantly P availability and consequently its uptake by maize plants; thus, enhanced significantly plant growth parameters and grain yield. In this concern, 125% of the recommended P-dose recorded the highest partial factor productivity values. Likewise, application of HA raised significantly available-P content and improved considerably plant growth and grain yield, especially with increasing the rate of its application. On the other hand, increasing the level of P-fertilizers decreased significantly Zn-availability and uptake by plants; however, in presence of HA, this effect was counteracted. Although, this amendment recorded no significant effect on soil-Zn availability; however, it raised significantly its content in shoots but not in grains. In conclusion, HA improved significantly the productivity of maize grown on a calcareous soil. This amendment not only improved the partial factor productivity of P-fertilizer, but also increased Zn-uptake by maize plants.
The Effect of Two Types of High-Intensity Interval Training on Serum Value of GH and IGF-1 in Overweight Nurses

Background: Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 are anabolic hormones that play a vital role in the growth of various physical organs. Exercise is one of the stimuli that affect GH and IGF-1 secretion. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of two types of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on plasma levels of GH and IGF-l in overweight nurses. Methods: In this study, 27 nurses were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to three groups (9 participants for each group): 1. HIIT (type 1), including eight seconds of spring running and 12 seconds of active recovery, 2. HIIT (type 2), including a 40-meter shuttle run with maximum speed, 3. control. HIIT (type 1) was performed for four weeks, three sessions per week, each session 6 - 9 min with more than 90% HRmax. HIIT (type 2) was applied for four weeks, three sessions per week, with more than 90% HRmax. The control group did not participate in any training protocol. The serum value of GH and IGF-1 were compared in three groups. The data were analyzed by the dependent t-test and ANOVA. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the intergroup data at P ⟨ 0.05. Results: The results showed that HIIT (type 1) and (type 2) significantly increased plasma GH (P = 0.032 in group 2 and P = 0.010 in group 1) and IGF-l (P = 0.004 in group 2 and P = 10.013 in group 1) levels in nurses. The results showed a significant difference in the variables (GH and IGF-l) among HIIT (type 1), HIIT (type 2), and control groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that four weeks of adverse intermittent exercises are effective in increasing the concentration of GH and IGF-1 serum and decreased percentage body fat in young nurses with overweight, and proportional to the intensity of the exercise protocol response rate is different.