Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glacier response to Holocene warmth inferred from in situ 10Be and 14C bedrock analyses in Steingletscher’s forefield (central Swiss Alps)

Abstract. Mid-latitude mountain glaciers sensitively respond to local summer temperature changes. Chronologies of past glacier fluctuations based on the investigation of glacial landforms therefore allows for a better understanding of warm-season climate variability at local scale. In this study, we focus on the Holocene, the current interglacial of the last 11,700 years, which remains matter of dispute regarding its temperature evolution and underlying driving mechanisms. In particular, the nature and significance of the transition from the early to mid-Holocene and of the Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM) are still debated. Here, we apply a new approach by combining in situ cosmogenic 10Be moraine and 10Be-14C bedrock dating from the same site, the forefield of Steingletscher (European Alps), and reconstruct the glacier’s millennial recession and advance periods. The results suggest that subsequent to the final deglaciation at ~10 ka, the glacier was mostly smaller than its 2000 CE extent until ~3 ka, followed by the predominant occurrence of glacier advances until the end of the Little Ice Age in the 19th century. These findings agree with existing proxy records of Holocene summer temperature and glacier evolution in the Alps, showing that glaciers throughout the region retreated beyond modern extents for most of the Early and mid-Holocene. This implies that at least the summer climate of the HTM was warmer than that of the end of the 20th century for several millennia. Further investigations are necessary to refine the magnitude of warming and the potential HTM seasonality.
What determines enterprise borrowing from Self Help Groups? A Predictive Assessment using Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms

Despite several advantages of borrowing from Self Help Groups (SHGs), why do many enterprises in India, still rely on informal lenders (MoSPI, 2020)? To answer this question, we develop a novel enterprise-village matched dataset and use a variety of Machine Learning methods to predict the choice of an enterprise between SHG and informal lenders as the major source of finance. Among them, XGBoost with an AUC of 94% has the highest predictive power. We conduct several interpretable machine learning techniques to understand village-specific determinants of enterprise borrowing from SHG. Access to urban centers including district headquarter, and socio-demographic factors such as high literacy rates and improved sex ratios in a village, play important roles in credit uptake from SHGs. Absence of financial access points, such as commercial or cooperative bank branches, does not appear to be prohibitive. We also apply XGBoost model to estimate potential demand for SHG loans among self-financed firms. Potential for SHG inclusion among these firms, remains low and skewed toward southern districts.
Aluminum nitride coatings using response surface methodology to optimize the thermal dissipated performance of light-emitting diode modules

This study optimizes the thermal dissipation ability of aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics to increase the thermal performance of light-emitting diode (LED) modulus. AlN powders are deposited on heat sink as a heat interface material, using an electrostatic spraying process. The junction temperature of the heat sink is developed by response surface methodology based on Taguchi methods. In addition, the structure and properties of the AlN coating are examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In the XPS analysis, the AlN sub-peaks are observed at 72.79 eV for Al2p and 398.88 eV for N1s, and an N1s sub-peak is assigned to N-O at 398.60eV and Al–N bonding at 395.95eV, which allows good thermal properties. The results have shown that the use of AlN ceramic material on a heat sink can enhance the thermal performance of LED modules. In addition, the percentage error between the predicted and experimental results compared the quadric model with between the linear and he interaction models was found to be within 7.89%, indicating that it was a good predictor. Accordingly, RSM can effectively enhance the thermal performance of an LED, and the beneficial heat dissipation effects for AlN are improved by electrostatic spraying.This study optimizes the thermal dissipation ability of aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics to increase the thermal performance of light-emitting diode (LED) modulus. AlN powders are deposited on heat sink as a heat interface material, using an electrostatic spraying process. The junction temperature of the heat sink is developed by response surface methodology based on Taguchi methods. In addition, the structure and properties of the AlN coating are examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In the XPS analysis, the AlN sub-peaks are observed at 72.79 eV for Al2p and 398.88 eV for N1s, and an N1s sub-peak is assigned to N-O at 398.60eV and Al–N bonding at 395.95eV, which allows good thermal properties. The results have shown that the use of AlN ceramic material on a heat sink can enhance the thermal performance of LED modules. In addition, the percentage error between the predicted and experimental results compared the quadric model with between the linear and he interaction models was found to b.
Assembly of tetraspanins, galectin-3, and distinct N-glycans defines the solubilization signature of seminal prostasomes from normozoospermic and oligozoospermic men

Background Prostasomes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) abundantly present in seminal plasma, express distinct tetraspanins (TS) and galectin-3 (gal-3), which are supposed to shape their surface by an assembly of different molecular complexes. In this study, detergent-sensitivity patterns of membrane-associated prostasomal proteins were determined aiming at the solubilization signature as an intrinsic multimolecular marker and a new parameter suitable as a reference for the comparison of EVs populations in health and disease. Methods Prostasomes were disrupted by Triton X-100 and analyzed by gel filtration under conditions that maintained complete solubilization. Redistribution of TS (CD63, CD9, and CD81), gal-3, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and distinct N-glycans was monitored using solid-phase lectin-binding assays, transmission electron microscopy, electrophoresis, and lectin blot. Results Comparative data on prostasomes under normal physiology and conditions of low sperm count revealed similarity regarding the redistribution of distinct N-glycans and GGT, all presumed to be mainly part of the vesicle coat. In contrast to this, a greater difference was found in the redistribution of integral membrane proteins, exemplified by TS and gal-3. Accordingly, they were grouped into two molecular patterns mainly consisting of overlapped CD9/gal-3/wheat germ agglutinin-reactive glycoproteins and CD63/GGT/concanavalin A-reactive glycoproteins. Conclusions Solubilization signature can be considered as an all-inclusive distinction factor regarding the surface properties of a particular vesicle since it reflects the status of the parent cell and the extracellular environment, both of which contribute to the composition of spatial membrane arrangements.
Effects of GV14 Acupuncture on Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in the Basilar and Middle Cerebral Arteries and CO2 Reactivity during Hypercapnia in Normal Individuals

The Governing Vessel 14 (GV14) (Dazhui) is one of the acupuncture points referred to as “seven acupoints for stroke. ” Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research on the effects of acupuncture treatment at GV14. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture at GV14 on cerebral blood flow (CBF), especially that in the basilar artery (BA) and the middle cerebral arteries (MCA). Sixteen healthy men aged 20 to 29 years were enrolled in this study. CBF velocity and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) were measured using transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). The following were assessed: closed circuit rebreathing- (CCR-) induced carbon dioxide (CO2) reactivity, modified blood flow velocity at 40 mmHg (CV40) on BA and MCAs, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR). Observed results were obtained after comparison with the baseline evaluation. Statistically significant elevations in CO2 reactivity were recorded in the BA (3.28 to 4.70, p < 0.001) and MCAs (right: 3.81 to 5.25, p=0.001; left: 3.84 to 5.12, p=0.005) after acupuncture at GV14. The CV40 increased statistically significantly only in the BA (45.49 to 50.41, p=0.003). No change was observed in BP (106.83 to 107.08 (mmHg), p=0.335) and HR (77 to 75 (bpm), p=0.431). Acupuncture at GV14 improved CBF velocity. These results could be explained by the regulation of endothelium-dependent vessel dilation effected by acupuncture. This trial is registered with Korean Clinical Trial Registry (http://cris.nih.go.kr; registration number: KCT0004787).
Cracking it - successful mRNA extraction for digital gene expression analysis from decalcified, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded bone tissue

With the advance of precision medicine, the availability of tumor tissue for molecular analysis has become a limiting factor. This is particularly the case for bone metastases which are frequently occurring in cancer types such as prostate cancer. Due to the necessary decalcification process it was long thought that transcriptome analysis will not be feasible from decalcified formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (DFFPE) in a large manner. Here we demonstrate that mRNA extraction from DFFPE is feasible, quick, robust and reproducible and that decalcification does not hamper subsequent gene expression analysis. This might assist in implementing transcriptome analysis from DFFPE into every day practice.
Screening and Identification of Antidepressant Active Ingredients from Puerariae Radix Extract and Study on Its Mechanism

Objective. Depression is a common mental disease with long course and high recurrence rate. Previous studies showed that Puerariae Radix and its extracts have powerful antidepressant effects in recent years. The study proposed an integrated strategy, combining network pharmacology and molecular pharmacology experiment to investigate the mechanisms of the antidepressant active ingredients from Puerariae Radix. Methods. TCMSP database, GeneCards database, Venny 2.1, UniProt database, STRING database, Cytoscape 3.7. 2, and Metascape database were used to screen the active chemical components, antidepressant-related genes, and core targets, convert the abbreviated gene names in batch, search and predict the interaction between proteins, and construct the PPI network of Puerariae Radix. KEGG pathway and GO biological process enrichment and biological annotation were used to select antidepressant core gene targets. The MTT method was used to detect the effect of puerarin on the damage of PC12 cells induced by corticosterone. The DCFH-DA probe and ROS assay kit were utilized to detect the production of ROS in PC12 cells. PI/Annexin V was used to detect the apoptotic rate of puerarin on PC12 cells. Western blotting was used to verify the regulation of puerarin on the key targets of AKT1, FOS, CASP3, STAT3, and TNF-α in PC12 cells. Results and Conclusion. Eight main active components, 64 potential antidepressant gene targets, and 15 core antidepressant gene targets were obtained. 35 signaling pathways and 52 biological processes related to antidepressant effect of Puerariae Radix were identified. Puerarin was the active ingredient derived from Puerariae Radix which exhibited the antidepression effect by improving the viability of cell, reducing cell apoptosis, regulating ROS production, increasing protein expressions of AKT1 and FOS, and reducing protein expressions of CASP3, STAT3, and TNF-α. The study revealed the pharmacodynamic material basis and possible antidepressant mechanism of Puerariae Radix and provided new theoretical basis and ideas for antidepressant research.
Intraspecific genetic variability and diurnal activity affect environmental DNA detection in Japanese eel

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis with species-specific primer/probe sets is promising as a tool to quantify fish abundance and distribution. Nevertheless, several factors could reduce the accuracy of this method. Here, we aimed to analyze whether intraspecific variability and diel activity rhythm affect eDNA detection in Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica). For this purpose, we performed tank experiments focusing on two points. First, we assessed the effects of base pair sequences with probe region polymorphism on eDNA detection. Next, we evaluated the influences of diel rhythm, activity, and individual differences in eDNA release rate on eDNA concentration. We examined the base pair sequences of the probe regions of 20 individuals and found genetic mismatches in two of them. The eDNA concentration was estimated to be much lower in these variants than it was in the other individuals. We conducted a rearing experiment on four non-variant individuals to explore the influences of diel activity and inter-individual differences in eDNA detection. Nocturnal eel activity was reflected in the eDNA detection but the inter-individual differences remained large. The observed weak positive correlations between eDNA concentration and activity suggest that eDNA emission is highly dependent on basal metabolism. The present study suggests that consideration of polymorphic sites at the probe region and diel activity rhythms should improve the accuracy and precision of abundance estimation through eDNA. Such fine-tuning is applicable not only for eels but also for other fishes to be targeted by eDNA technology.
Effect of EG00229 on Radiation Resistance of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

Background: Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is a pleiotropic receptor that interacts with multiple ligands and their receptors and plays a critical role in the process of tumor metastasis and radiation resistance in endothelial cells and tumor cells. In this study, we sought to investigate the mechanistic role of NRP1 in the radiation resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and the role of EG00229 (an inhibitor of NRP1) on reversing radiation resistance. Materials and Methods: A549 and H1299 NSCLC cells were used to construct radiation resistance models. Western blot, ELISA, and qRT-PCR were used to detect protein and mRNA levels of NRP1, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and molecules in signaling pathways. Immunofluorescence was used to measure changes in co-expression of NRP1 and VEGF-165 in radiation-resistant model cells. An immunoprecipitation assay was used to detect the binding capacity of NRP1 and VEGF-165. Results: We successfully created two radiation resistant models (A549RR and H1299-RR). The expression levels of NRP1, EMT-related proteins, and proteins in metastasis-related pathways were increased in NSCLC cells with radiation resistance. After adding EG00229, the expression levels and binding capacity of NRP1 and VEGF-165 proteins were significantly reduced. The expression of EMT-related proteins and proteins in metastasis-related pathways were reduced in NSCLC cells with radiation resistance. Conclusion: Our data provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms of radiation resistance and suggest that EG00229 may contribute to reversing the radiation resistance of NSCLC cells by inhibiting the binding of NRP1 and VEGF-165. Our findings could provide a novel theoretical and experimental foundation for improving the efficacy of lung cancer radiotherapy.
Phase and power modulations on the amplitude of TMS-induced motor evoked potentials

The evaluation of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs) promises valuable information about fundamental brain related mechanisms and may serve as a diagnostic tool for clinical monitoring of therapeutic progress or surgery procedures. However, reports about spontaneous fluctuations of MEP amplitudes causing high intra-individual variability have led to increased concerns about the reliability of this measure. One possible cause for high variability of MEPs could be neuronal oscillatory activity, which reflects fluctuations of membrane potentials that systematically increase and decrease the excitability of neuronal networks. Here, we investigate the dependence of MEP amplitude on oscillation power and phase by combining the application of single pulse TMS over the primary motor cortex with concurrent recordings of electromyography and electroencephalography. Our results show that MEP amplitude is correlated to alpha phase, alpha power as well as beta phase. These findings may help explain corticospinal excitability fluctuations by highlighting the modulatory effect of alpha and beta phase on MEPs. In the future, controlling for such a causal relationship may allow for the development of new protocols, improve this method as a (diagnostic) tool and increase the specificity and efficacy of general TMS applications.
Expression of cancer cell-intrinsic PD-1 associates with PD-L1 and p-S6 and predicts a good prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Aims: Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the ligand of programmed death 1 (PD-1), which is a host immunity inhibitory receptor. Expression of PD-L1 in diverse tumor types has been widely discussed, while there is little research about tumor intrinsic-PD-1. Phospho-S6 (p-S6) is an important downstream effector in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Our study was focused on investigating expression of cancer cell-intrinsic PD-1, PD-L1 and p-S6 proteins and aimed to illustrate their relationship and clinical significances in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: The expression of PD-1, PD-L1 and p-S6 proteins in tissues of NPC, non-cancerous nasopharyngeal epithelia, primary cancer and matching metastatic lesion was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Expression of PD-1, PD-L1 and p-S6 proteins and co-expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 were significantly higher in NPC (all P<0.05). The expression of PD-1 and co-expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in paired metastatic NPC were significantly increased (all P<0.01). NPC patients with positive expression of PD-L1 showed significantly higher overall survival rate (P =0.035). However, NPC patients with positive expression PD-1 and p-S6 showed significantly lower overall survival rate (P =0.031, P=0.044, respectively). Interestingly, NPC patients with co-expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 had lower overall survival rate (P=0.042). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis confirmed that positive expression of PD-L1 and p-S6 were independent prognostic factors for NPC patients. Conclusions: Expression of cancer cell-intrinsic PD-1 associates with PD-L1 and p-S6 proteins, PD-L1 might serve as a good prognostic biomarker, while p-S6 could be an independent poor prognostic biomarker for NPC patients.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Phlebotomus argentipes: Vector of Leishmania donovani in Sri Lanka

Phlebotomus argentipes is the vector of Leishmania donovani which causes the disease leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease and a growing health problem in Sri Lanka. A proper understanding of the population genetic structure of sand fly vectors is considered important prior to planning and implementation of a successful vector control program. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the population genetic structure of sand fly vectors in Sri Lanka. Two mitochondrial genes namely Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox 1) and Cytochrome b (Cytb), and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region from the nuclear ribosomal DNA were used for molecular characterization. Analyses included maximum likelihood method, network analysis and DNA polymorphisms. The outcome revealed unique sequences of all genomic regions studied except the cox 1 gene had a relationship with sand flies isolated previously from Sri Lanka, India and Israel and cytb gene of 4 sand flies that aligned with those isolated earlier from Sri Lanka and 3 from Madagascar. Furthermore, cox 1 gene and ITS 2 region analyses based on FST values indicated a possible gene flow between the study sites whereas cytb gene analysis favoured the existence of genetically distinct populations of P. argentipes in each of the study sites. Poor population differentiation of P. argentipes, a possible consequence of a gene flow, is indeed of concern due to the risk imposed by promoting the spread of functionally important phenotypes such as insecticide resistance across the country, making future vector control efforts challenging.
A high-frequency single nucleotide polymorphism in the MtrB sensor kinase in clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis alters its biochemical and physiological properties

The DNA polymorphisms found in clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drive altered physiology, virulence, and pathogenesis in them. Although the lineages of these clinical strains can be traced back to common ancestor/s, there exists a plethora of difference between them, compared to those that have evolved in the laboratory. We identify a mutation present in ~80% of clinical strains, which maps in the HATPase domain of the sensor kinase MtrB and alters kinase and phosphatase activities, and affects its physiological role. The changes conferred by the mutation were probed by in-vitro biochemical assays which revealed changes in signaling properties of the sensor kinase. These changes also affect bacterial cell division rates, size and membrane properties. The study highlights the impact of DNA polymorphisms on the pathophysiology of clinical strains and provides insights into underlying mechanisms that drive signal transduction in pathogenic bacteria.
Biofilm microbiome in extracorporeal membrane oxygenator catheters

Despite the formation of biofilms on catheters for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), some patients do not show bacteremia. To elucidate the specific linkage between biofilms and bacteremia in patients with ECMO, an improved understanding of the microbial community within catheter biofilms is necessary. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the biofilm microbiome of ECMO catheters from adults with (n = 6) and without (n = 15) bacteremia. The microbiomes of the catheter biofilms were evaluated by profiling the V3 and V4 regions of bacterial 16s rRNA genes using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. In total, 2,548,172 reads, with an average of 121,341 reads per sample, were generated. Although alpha diversity was slightly higher in the non-bacteremic group, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, there was no difference in beta diversity between the two groups. We found 367 different genera, of which 8 were present in all samples regardless of group; Limnohabitans, Flavobacterium, Delftia, Massilia, Bacillus, Candidatus, Xiphinematobacter, and CL0-1 showed an abundance of more than 1% in the sample. In particular, Arthrobacter, SMB53, Neisseria, Ortrobactrum, Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia, Deefgae, Dyella, Paracoccus, and Pedobacter were highly abundant in the bacteremic group. Network analysis indicated that the microbiome of the bacteremic group was more complex than that of the non-bacteremic group. Flavobacterium and CL0.1, which were abundant in the bacteremic group, were considered important genera because they connected different subnetworks. Biofilm characteristics in ECMO catheters varied according to the presence or absence of bacteremia. There were no significant differences in diversity between the two groups, but there were significant differences in the community composition of the biofilms. The biofilm-associated community was dynamic, with the bacteremic group showing very complex network connections within the microbiome.