Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SH2 Domain-Containing Phosphatase-SHP2 Attenuates Fibrotic Responses through Negative Regulation of Mitochondrial Metabolism in Lung Fibroblasts

Background: We have previously shown that SHP2 downregulation may predispose fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts and proposed a role for SHP2 downregulation in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Recent data have shown that SHP2 localizes to the mitochondrial intercristae, and its overexpression enhances mitochondrial metabolism leading to oxidative stress and senescence. Objective: To determine the effect of SHP2 on fibrotic responses. Methods and Results: Primary mouse lung fibroblasts derived from mice carrying a conditional knock-in mutation (D61G/+), rendering the SHP2 catalytic domain constitutively active, had reduced proliferation (1.6-fold, p < 0.05), migration (2-fold, p < 0.05), as well as reduced responsiveness of TGFB-1 induced fibroblasts-to-myofibroblasts differentiation, compared to wild-type ones. Electron microscope analysis revealed that SHP2 D61G/+ mouse lung fibroblasts were characterized by mitochondrial abnormalities, including swollen mitochondria with disrupted electron-lucent cristae and an increased number of autophagosomes compared to wild-type ones. SHP2 D61G/+ MLFs exhibited increased protein levels of autophagy markers, including LC3B-II and p-62, evidence that was confirmed by immunofluorescence analysis. Mitochondrial function analysis revealed that stable (genotype D61G/+) overexpression of SHP2 led to impaired mitochondrial function, as assessed by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (1.29-fold, p < 0.05), coupling efficiency (1.82 fold, p < 0.05), oxygen consumption rate (1.9-fold, p < 0.05), and increased reactive oxygen species production both at baseline (1.75-fold, p < 0.05) and following H2O2 stimulation (1.63-fold, p < 0.05) compared to wild-type ones (SHP2+/+). SHP2 D61G/+ mouse lung fibroblasts showed enhanced AMPK activity, as well as decreased activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway, potentially leading to ineffective mitochondrial metabolism and increased autophagy. Conclusions: SHP2 attenuates fibrotic responses in fibroblast cell lines through negative regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and induction of autophagy. SHP2 activation may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with fibrotic lung diseases.
Silk and its composites for humidity and gas sensing applications

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein largely used in the textile industry with applications in bio-medicine, catalysis as well as in sensing materials. SF is a fiber material which is bio-compatible, biodegradable, and possesses high tensile strength. The incorporation of nanosized particles into SF allows the development of a variety of composites with tailored properties and functions. Silk and its composites are being explored for a wide range of sensing applications like strain, proximity, humidity, glucose, pH and hazardous/toxic gases. Most studies aim at improving the mechanical strength of SF by preparing hybrids with metal-based nanoparticles, polymers and 2D materials. Studies have been conducted by introducing semiconducting metal oxides into SF to tailor its properties like conductivity for use as a gas sensing material, where SF acts as a conductive path as well as a substrate for the incorporated nanoparticles. We have reviewed gas and humidity sensing properties of silk, silk with 0D (i.e., metal oxide), 2D (e.g., graphene, MXenes) composites. The nanostructured metal oxides are generally used in sensing applications, which use its semiconducting properties to show variation in the measured properties (e.g., resistivity, impedance) due to analyte gas adsorption on its surface. For example, vanadium oxides (i.e., V2O5) have been shown as candidates for sensing nitrogen containing gases and doped vanadium oxides for sensing CO gas. In this review article we provide latest and important results in the gas and humidity sensing of SF and its composites.
SOME QUALITATIVE RESULTS FOR THE LINEAR THEORY OF BINARY MIXTURES OF THERMOELASTIC SOLIDS

In this paper we study the linear thermodynamical problem of mixtures of thermoelastic solids. We use some results of the semigroup theory to obtain an existence theorem for the initial value problem with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. Continuous dependence of solutions upon the initial data and body forces is also established. We finish with a study of the asymptotic behavior of solutions of the homogeneous problem.
Output regulation for sampled‐data feedback control systems: Internal model principle and H 8 servo controller synthesis (Invited)

Abstract The output regulation problem for sampled‐data feedback systems is considered in a general setup. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived based on the state‐space approach in the lifted domain. The results are applied to synthesis problems for servo systems based on H 8 control. The validity is demonstrated by a design example of repetitive control.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Living Standards: Addressing the Challenges of Nowcasting Unprecedented Macroeconomic Shocks with Scant Data and Uncharted Economic Behavior

We present a methodological approach with relatively low information requirements to quantify the impact of large, unprecedented macroeconomic shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic on living standards across the income distribution. The approach can be produced quickly and, contrary to other "fast-delivery" exercises, does not assume that income losses are proportional across the income distribution, a feature that is critical to understanding the impact on poverty and inequality. Our method is sufficiently flexible to refine the projected effects of the shock as more information becomes available. We illustrate with data from the four largest countries in Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, and discuss the estimated effect of COVID-19 on inequality and poverty. We also present the guidelines for adapting our framework to different countries and economic shocks © 2023, Lustig et al
Integrated Weed Management in Direct Seeded Rice

In field experiment, anilofos and thiobencarb each in combination with 2. 4–0. cyhalofopbutyl or hand weeding were evaluated alongwith two hand weedings and unweeded control during kharif 1995 and 1996 at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur. Pre-emergence (pre-ern.) application of anilofos and thiobencarb each supplemented by one hand weeding at −5 days after sowing (DAS) were found comparable to two hand weedings in reducing dry matter of weeds and enhancing grain yield of direct seeded rice. Among herbicide combinations, pre-em, application of anilofos or thiobencarb followed by post-em application of cyhalofopbutyl was found to be more effective than 2, 4–0 in direct seeded rice. Nitrogen saving to the extent of 17.13 kg/ha was observed due to weed management under hand weeding.
Molecular Profiling of Inflammatory Processes in a Mouse Model of IC/BPS: From the Complete Transcriptome to Major Sex-Related Histological Features of the Urinary Bladder

Animal models are invaluable in the research of the pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a chronic aseptic urinary bladder disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects women. Here, a mouse model of IC/BPS was induced with multiple low-dose cyclophosphamide (CYP) applications and thoroughly characterized by RNA sequencing, qPCR, Western blot, and immunolabeling to elucidate key inflammatory processes and sex-dependent differences in the bladder inflammatory response. CYP treatment resulted in the upregulation of inflammatory transcripts such as Ccl8, Eda2r, and Vegfd, which are predominantly involved in innate immunity pathways, recapitulating the crucial findings in the bladder transcriptome of IC/BPS patients. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway was analyzed in detail, and the JAK3/STAT3 interaction was found to be most activated in cells of the bladder urothelium and lamina propria. Sex-based data analysis revealed that cell proliferation was more pronounced in male bladders, while innate immunity and tissue remodeling processes were the most distinctive responses of female bladders to CYP treatment. These processes were also reflected in prominent histological changes in the bladder. The study provides an invaluable reference dataset for preclinical research on IC/BPS and an insight into the sex-specific mechanisms involved in the development of IC/BPS pathology, which may explain the more frequent occurrence of this disease in women.
Stakeholder Opinions on the Issues of the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District and Policy Alternatives

Arizona has been at the forefront of groundwater management since the establishment of the Groundwater Management Act in 1980. The Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD) is a groundwater management mechanism that facilitates development in regions of Central Arizona where the use of groundwater is limited by law. Several stakeholders have raised concerns about some of the CAGRD’s operations; however, stakeholders have yet to agree on the definition of the problems, let alone how the CAGRD might be improved. This study uses statistical and inductive thematic content analysis of a survey to determine (1) the CAGRD issues that stakeholders view as problems and (2) whether opinions differ significantly among different stakeholder groups. This study also uses deductive thematic content analysis to examine semi-structured interviews with CAGRD experts in order to find potential solutions to the CAGRD-related issues that are considered problems by stakeholders. The survey results show that long-term uncertainties related to the availability of renewable water supplies and hydrologic disconnect, where groundwater pumping and replenishment take place in different sub-basins, are stakeholders’ chief concerns. Sector affiliation and CAGRD membership status are associated with stakeholders’ opinions on some, but not all, questions. The potential policy changes offered address problems identified by stakeholders. This research will inform forthcoming policy discussions regarding groundwater management in Central Arizona as the state’s decision makers look to improve the CAGRD in the context of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.
Abundance and Biodiversity of Benthic Infauna at Seagrass Ecosystem in Three Small Islands of Northern Papua, Indonesia: Liki Island, Meossu Island and Befondi Island

One of the ecological roles of seagrass ecosystems is as a habitat for marine organisms. Benthos is a group of marine biota that lives on the bottom of the waters and can be found in seagrass ecosystems. This study aims to inventory the diversity of benthic organisms in seagrass ecosystems in Liki, Befondi and Meossu island. This research is part of the second leg of the Nusa Manggala Expedition which was held in 2018 on Liki Island, Meossu and Befondi, the northern waters of Papua. Benthos data was collected using cores at 0 m, 50 m and 100 m on the line transect. The results of this study indicate that the highest density of seagrass is on Liki Island. In addition, 33 species of benthic organisms were found on Liki Island, 42 species on Meossu Island and 20 species on Befondi Island. The highest abundance and diversity of benthic organisms was found on Meossu Island. The dominant benthic organisms come from the gastropod class with the species having the highest abundance, Euplica scripta. Based on this research, it is suspected that there is a relationship between the condition of the seagrass ecosystem and the abundance and diversity of benthos.
Biological aspects, exploitation rates, and spawning potential ratio of scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini Griffith & Smith, 1834) in Lampung Bay waters, Indonesia

The scalloped hammerhead shark is an endangered species that is listed in CITES Appendix II. Information on the biological aspects, exploitation rate, and spawning potential ratio of scalloped hammerhead sharks are very limited, especially in Lampung Bay waters. These data were important to find solutions and the best management to sustain the scalloped hammerhead sharks in Indonesia, especially in Lampung Bay waters. The aim of this study is to investigate the biological aspects, exploitation rates, and spawning potential ratios of scalloped hammerhead sharks in Lampung water. Scalloped hammerhead shark samples were collected from the catch of bottom gillnet in Kalianda Fish Landing Place, Lampung Province. Enumerators collected biometric data (length and weight) of 332 scalloped hammerhead sharks from July to November 2020. Biological aspects include distribution of length, length-weight (L-W) relationships, length at first capture, and length at first maturity. The utilization rate was calculated using the exploitation rate (E) and the estimated SPR based on length data. The results show that the length of scalloped hammerhead sharks ranged from 37.5 to 173.0 cm FL. Most of the samples fish had not spawned yet or were immature (Lc =47.1 cm FL; Lm =89.4 cm FL). The growth pattern of scalloped hammerhead sharks was allometrically negative. Scalloped hammerhead sharks have natural mortality of 0.18/year, while fishing mortality was 1.08/year. The fishing status of scalloped hammerhead sharks in Lampung Bay was fully exploited (E=0.85), and the stocks were in a recruitment overfishing condition. These findings indicate that effective management is required to ensure the sustainability of scalloped hammerhead sharks in Lampung Bay waters, such as adjusting mesh size, fishing season, and avoiding capture in the nursery area.
Inverse and oscillatory magnetoresistance in Fe(001)/MgO/Cr/Fe magnetic tunnel junctions

The effect of Cr(001) insertion layers in Fe(001)/MgO/Cr/Fe magnetic tunneling junctions is studied from first principles. It is shown that with the increase in the Cr(001) layer thickness, the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) first decreases rapidly and then oscillates with a two-monolayer period. At some thicknesses, the oscillation leads to a sign reversal of the TMR. The oscillatory interfacial Cr moment at the Cr-MgO interface as a function of the Cr layer thickness, which arises from the layer-antiferromagnetic ordering of Cr, is the cause for the oscillatory TMR.
Whole blood DNA methylation changes are associated with anti-TNF drug concentration in patients with Crohn's disease

Background and Aims Anti-TNF treatment failure in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is common and frequently related to low drug concentrations. In order to identify patients who may benefit from dose optimisation at the outset of anti-TNF therapy, we sought to define epigenetic biomarkers in whole blood at baseline associated with anti-TNF drug concentrations at week 14. Methods DNA methylation from 1,104 whole blood samples from the Personalised Anti-TNF Therapy in Crohn's disease (PANTS) study were assessed using the Illumina EPIC Beadchip at baseline, weeks 14, 30 and 54. We compared DNA methylation profiles in anti-TNF-treated patients who experienced primary non-response at week 14 and were not in remission at week 30 or 54 (infliximab n = 99, adalimumab n = 94) with patients who responded at week 14 and were in remission at week 30 or 54 (infliximab n = 99, adalimumab n = 93). Results Overall, between baseline and week 14, we observed 4,999 differentially methylated probes (DMPs) annotated to 2376 genes following anti-TNF treatment. Pathway analysis identified 108 significant gene ontology terms enriched in biological processes related to immune system processes and responses. Epigenome-wide association (EWAS) analysis identified 323 DMPs annotated to 210 genes at baseline associated with higher anti-TNF drug concentrations at week 14. Of these, 125 DMPs demonstrated shared associations with other common traits (proportion of shared CpGs compared to DMPs) including body mass index (23.2%), followed by CRP (11.5%), smoking (7.4%), alcohol consumption per day (7.1%) and IBD type (6.8%). EWAS of primary non-response to anti-TNF identified 20 DMPs that were associated with both anti-TNF drug concentration and primary non-response to anti-TNF with a strong correlation of the coefficients (Spearman's rho = -0.94, p < 0.001). Conclusion Baseline DNA methylation profiles may be used as a predictor for anti-TNF drug concentration at week 14 to identify patients who may benefit from dose optimisation at the outset of anti-TNF therapy.
The Hazards of Imaging Spectrophotometry with Interference Filters

Narrowband-filter imaging spectrophotometry is a powerful tool for studying the spatial behavior of physical parameters, such as interstellar reddening, excitation, electron temperature, and densities or chemical abundances across extended objects such as nebulae and galaxies. We explore the hazards and technical limits of the method of spectral imaging with narrowband interference filters. We discuss the specific application of statistical errors involved in the estimation of abundance gradients from nebular line flux measurements and the impact of those errors on interpretation. We demonstrate that a sample of at least 16 H II regions is needed for a meaningful and robust description of radial abundance gradients in disk galaxies. We also discuss the systematic errors introduced by the uncertainty related to the subtraction of the underlying stellar continuum from monochromatic emission-line images; we demonstrate that the quality of subtraction of the underlying continuum is the main limit on the precision of imaging spectrophotometry with narrowband filters. Finally, we investigate the impact of selection effects on the derivation of physical parameters from measurements involving the ratio of two or more spectral lines.
Cortical thickness of the inferior parietal lobule as a potential predictor of relapse in men with alcohol dependence

Background Alcohol dependence (AD) is a disorder with a high recurrence rate that leads to a considerable public health burden. The risk of relapse appears to be related to a complex interplay of multiple factors. Herein, we aimed to explore the potential neural predictors of relapse in Chinese male patients with AD. Methods This study enrolled 58 male patients with AD who had undergone acute detoxification. General demographic information and clinical features were collected. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were used to measure cortical thickness across 34 regions of the brain. Patients were followed up at 6 months, and 51 patients completed the follow-up visit. These patients were divided into a relapser and an abstainer group. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the potential risk factors of relapse. Results Compared to abstainers, relapsers showed higher inattention and non-planning impulsivity on the 11th version of the Barratt Impulsive Scale. The cortical thicknesses of the inferior-parietal lobule were significantly greater in abstainers compared with those in relapsers. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis showed that the thickness of the inferior parietal lobule predicted relapse. Conclusions Relapsers show poorer impulse control than abstainers, and MRI imaging shows a decreased thickness of the inferior parietal lobule in relapsers. Our results indicate the thickness of the inferior parietal lobule as a potential relapse predictor in male patients with AD.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and non-liver comorbidities

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver. It is closely associated with metabolic syndrome, and patients with NAFLD often have comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. In addition to liver-related complications, NAFLD has been associated with a range of non-liver comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea. Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality in patients with NAFLD, and patients with NAFLD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than the general population. Chronic kidney disease is also more common in patients with NAFLD, and the severity of NAFLD is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep, is also more common in patients with NAFLD and is associated with the severity of NAFLD. The presence of non-liver comorbidities in patients with NAFLD has important implications for the management of this disease. Treatment of comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia may improve liver-related outcomes in patients with NAFLD. Moreover, treatment of non-liver comorbidities may also improve overall health outcomes in patients with NAFLD. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the potential for non-liver comorbidities in patients with NAFLD and should consider the management of these comorbidities as part of the overall management of this disease.
Fire frequency, as well as stress response and developmental gene control serotiny level variation in a widespread pioneer Mediterranean conifer, Pinus halepensis

Abstract Many plants undergo adaptation to fire. Yet, as global change is increasing fire frequency worldwide, our understanding of the genetics of adaptation to fire is still limited. We studied the genetic basis of serotiny (the ability to disseminate seeds exclusively after fire) in the widespread, pioneer Mediterranean conifer Pinus halepensis Mill. , by linking individual variation in serotiny presence and level to fire frequency and to genetic polymorphism in natural populations. After filtering steps, 885 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) out of 8000 SNPs used for genotyping were implemented to perform an in situ association study between genotypes and serotiny presence and level. To identify serotiny‐associated loci, we performed random forest analyses of the effect of SNPs on serotiny levels, while controlling for tree size, frequency of wildfires, and background environmental parameters. Serotiny showed a bimodal distribution, with serotinous trees more frequent in populations exposed to fire in their recent history. Twenty‐two SNPs found in genes involved in stress tolerance were associated with the presence‐absence of serotiny while 37 found in genes controlling for flowering were associated with continuous serotiny variation. This study shows the high potential of P. halepensis to adapt to changing fire regimes, benefiting from a large and flexible genetic basis of trait variation.
In situ performance and stability tests of large-area flexible polymer solar cells in the 35-km stratospheric environment

ABSTRACT Flexible organic solar cells (FOSCs) are one of the most promising power sources for aerospace aircraft due to their attractive advantages with high power-per-weight ratio and excellent mechanical flexibility. Understanding the performance and stability of high-performance FOSCs is essential for the further development of FOSCs for aerospace applications. In this paper, after systematic investigations on the performance of the state-of-the-art high-performance solar cells under thermal cycle and intensive UV irradiation conditions, in situ performance and stability tests of the solar cells in the 35 km stratospheric environment were carried out through a high-altitude balloon uploading. The encapsulated FOSCs with an area of 0.64 cm2 gave the highest power density of 15.26 mW/cm2 and an efficiency over 11%, corresponding to a power-per-weight ratio of over 3.32 kW/kg. More importantly, the cells showed stable power output during the 3-h continuous flight at 35 km and only 10% performance decay after return to the lab, suggesting promising stability of the FOSCs in the stratospheric environment.