Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of monthly three-dimensional radar-echo characteristics to sampling frequency

Estimates of any precipitation characteristics based on temporally sparse observations entail uncertainty because of the natural variability of rainfall in space and time. This study measures the sampling-related uncertainties of monthly mean reflectivity profile and surface rainfall distribution. Radar and rain gauge data collected during the 1993/94 monsoon season at Darwin, Australia, are used to show the sensitivity of monthly three-dimensional radar-echo and precipitation characteristics to the frequency of observation. The data are partitioned into convective, stratiform, and anvil components according to the horizontal and vertical structure of the echoes. The analyses of this Study reveal the expected trend that the uncertainties of estimated precipitation characteristics using infrequent, observations scale with rainfall amount. The results have implications for climatological studies using spaceborne observation platforms revisiting a given area intermittently. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite radar, which will revisit a given 500 km by 500 km region approximately twice daily, will likely encounter significant problems in estimating the vertical profile of radar reflectivity in the tropics. Monthly mean reflectivity statistics (based on observations within 150 km of the Darwin radar) exhibit a sampling-related uncertainty of about 20 % in both rain and snow. In addition, the radar signal of the TRMM satellite will be highly attenuated below the 0°C level, and the precipitation radar will be insensitive to reflectivity less than about 20 dBZ. Therefore, the spaceborne radar will have an obscured view of the vertical precipitation structure. Reliable reflectivity statistics based on TRMM satellite radar data may be obtained primarily within an altitude range of about 5-7.5 km-an altitude range though that is important for cloud electrification because of the mixed-phase Precipitation processes taking place there. The sampling uncertainty, signal attenuation, and radar sensitivity vary with precipitation type. Moreover, estimation of the convective rain fraction will be compromised by uncertainties in the echo classification as well as a choice of Z - R relation. These results imply the importance of information collected by ground validation site radars to improve upon TRMMf satellite estimates of precipitation characteristitcs and the derived vertical profile of lattent heating.
Relationship between Serum Levels of Selenium and Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Thyroid cancer is one of the most malignant tumors and a serious threat to human health. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is critical for thyroid function. Since the relationship between Se and thyroid cancer remains unclear, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the relationship. A total of five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane library) were searched for case-control studies and cohort studies on serum levels of Se and thyroid cancer published up to 13 July 2022. Seven articles consisting of 10 case-control studies and comprised of 2,205 subjects met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. From the 10 selected studies, pooled analysis indicated that thyroid cancer patients had lower serum levels of Se than healthy controls [standardized mean difference = −1.25, 95% confidence interval = (−2.07, −0.44), P = 0.003]. Our meta-analysis supports a significant relationship between serum levels of Se and thyroid cancer.
The pulmonary vasculature in lethal COVID-19 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at single-cell resolution

Abstract Aims Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection causes COVID-19, which in severe cases evokes life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Transcriptome signatures and the functional relevance of non-vascular cell types (e.g. immune and epithelial cells) in COVID-19 are becoming increasingly evident. However, despite its known contribution to vascular inflammation, recruitment/invasion of immune cells, vascular leakage, and perturbed haemostasis in the lungs of severe COVID-19 patients, an in-depth interrogation of the endothelial cell (EC) compartment in lethal COVID-19 is lacking. Moreover, progressive fibrotic lung disease represents one of the complications of COVID-19 pneumonia and ARDS. Analogous features between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and COVID-19 suggest partial similarities in their pathophysiology, yet, a head-to-head comparison of pulmonary cell transcriptomes between both conditions has not been implemented to date. Methods and results We performed single-nucleus RNA-sequencing on frozen lungs from 7 deceased COVID-19 patients, 6 IPF explant lungs, and 12 controls. The vascular fraction, comprising 38 794 nuclei, could be subclustered into 14 distinct EC subtypes. Non-vascular cell types, comprising 137 746 nuclei, were subclustered and used for EC-interactome analyses. Pulmonary ECs of deceased COVID-19 patients showed an enrichment of genes involved in cellular stress, as well as signatures suggestive of dampened immunomodulation and impaired vessel wall integrity. In addition, increased abundance of a population of systemic capillary and venous ECs was identified in COVID-19 and IPF. COVID-19 systemic ECs closely resembled their IPF counterparts, and a set of 30 genes was found congruently enriched in systemic ECs across studies. Receptor–ligand interaction analysis of ECs with non-vascular cell types in the pulmonary micro-environment revealed numerous previously unknown interactions specifically enriched/depleted in COVID-19 and/or IPF. Conclusions This study uncovered novel insights into the abundance, expression patterns, and interactomes of EC subtypes in COVID-19 and IPF, relevant for future investigations into the progression and treatment of both lethal conditions.
The generality of cryptic dietary niche differences in diverse large-herbivore assemblages

Significance The diversity of ungulates in African savannas has inspired generations of biologists to investigate how similar species coexist, which requires that each be limited by different factors. Resource partitioning is key to understanding this diversity, but prevailing theories of competition and coexistence disregard the taxonomic identity of food items. Using high-resolution data on thousands of large-herbivore diets from 10 savannas, we identify several apparent generalities. Sympatric herbivore species eat different plants in differing proportions, and variation in the strength of these differences supports the hypothesis that interspecific competition and species’ traits interact to shape diet composition and food web topology. We conclude that partitioning of food plant species, while difficult to detect, contributes to the niche differences that stabilize coexistence.
Seismic risk prioritization of a large portfolio of dams: Revisited

The development of potential failure mode analysis and risk analysis has greatly improved the state-of-practice for the safety of dams. Risk analysis are well developed in many industries (such as building design, medicine, and insurance) and has greatly advanced in the dams industry over the last 40 years. Engineers and scientists are now deeply investigating and thinking about failure mechanisms associated with operating dams and the probabilities of dam failures. As such, the condition of dams and the risks associated with their operation are now being portrayed better than ever before to dam safety officials and decision-makers. Accurate and adequate risk analyses for a portfolio of dams is extremely important in today’s environment to manage limited budgets and potentially save (or redirect) expensive rehabilitations to identified and critical needs. The goal is to reduce risks of a portfolio of dams in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This article provides a review on risk-based dam terminology and bridging the semi-quantitative and numerical simulation. Moreover, a review of the current state-of-practice for prioritizing a large portfolio of dams subjected to seismic loadings and potential risks is provided. As a potential application, the seismic risk of the 18 dams (which have been experienced relatively large earthquakes) all over the world is evaluated. The semi-quantitative approach is contrasted with finite element model for one of the selected dams.
FGF21 controls hepatic lipid metabolism via sex-dependent interorgan crosstalk

The liver regulates energy partitioning and use in a sex-dependent manner, coupling hepatic substrate availability to female reproductive status. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hepatokine produced in response to metabolic stress that adaptively directs systemic metabolism and substrate use to reduce hepatic lipid storage. Here we report that FGF21 altered hepatic transcriptional and metabolic responses, and reduced liver triglycerides, in a sex-dependent manner. FGF21 decreased hepatic triglycerides in obese male mice in a weight loss–independent manner; this was abrogated among female littermates. The effect of FGF21 on hepatosteatosis is thought to derive, in part, from increased adiponectin secretion. Accordingly, plasma adiponectin and its upstream adrenergic receptor → cAMP → exchange protein directly activated by cAMP signaling pathway was stimulated by FGF21 in males and inhibited in females. Both ovariectomized and reproductively senescent old females responded to FGF21 treatment by decreasing body weight, but liver triglycerides and adiponectin remained unchanged. Thus, the benefit of FGF21 treatment for improving hepatosteatosis depends on sex but not on a functional female reproductive system. Because FGF21 provides a downstream mechanism contributing to several metabolic interventions, and given its direct clinical importance, these findings may have broad implications for the targeted application of nutritional and pharmacological treatments for metabolic disease.
Association Between COPD Symptoms and Psychological Distress Among Farmers

Background: Farmers have an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and psychological distress. The potential role of psychological distress in worsening COPD symptoms has been reported among the general population, but no studies have examined this relationship among farmers with COPD, which is the purpose of this study. Methods: This study used the data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Farmers reporting both psychological distress and COPD symptoms were included in this study (n = 239). Both unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions were used to explore the association among psychological distress, age, health status, smoking, and COPD symptoms, with crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs reported. Findings: The unadjusted analysis suggested that COPD symptoms were significantly associated with psychological distress among farmers (OR = 2.05 [1.18, 3.58]). While adjusted models showed the significant association between COPD symptoms and psychological distress among farmers after controlling for smoking, age, and health status (adjusted OR = 2.08 [1.10, 4.01]). Conclusion/Implications for Practice: These results suggest that psychological distress is associated with an increased risk of COPD symptoms in farmers, which is consistent with observations from studies in non-farmers. Occupational health professionals need to provide screen for COPD among farmers as well as psychological distress screening and mental health promotion among farmers with COPD.
Radiosynthesis and validation of [18 F]Fluoroestradiol in a Synthra plus research platform for use in routine clinical practice.

In this practitioner protocol, the optimization of the radiochemical synthesis of [18 F]fluoroestradiol (FES) on the Synthra RNplus research automated platform is described in detail and a QC summary of three validation productions is presented. In comparison to published synthesis methods developed on other platforms, the yield was considerably improved (40-45% ndc). The other important improvement is the reduction of the required concentration of H2 SO4 avoiding the production of high concentrations of acidic vapors that can deteriorate the module. Purification was achieved by solid phase extraction and the required adaptation of an external heating plate to the module to evaporate the ethanol is also described. The product was obtained with high radiochemical purity and fulfilled all the requirements of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP). The final product is formulated as a sterile, pyrogen-free solution suitable for human injection. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of FES production using this type of module.
LncRNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 aggravates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through activating early growth response‐1/RNA binding motif protein 25 axis

Ischemic stroke is a major global health issue. Ischemia and subsequent reperfusion results in stroke‐related brain injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEATa and early growth response 1 (EGR1) are involved in ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury). In this study, we aimed to explore the roles of NEAT1/EGR1 axis as well as its downstream effector RNA binding motif protein 25 (RBM25) in cerebral IR injury. Oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were used to establish in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral IR injury, respectively. According to our data, NEAT1, EGR1, and RBM25 levels were elevated in OGD/R‐exposed SK‐N‐SH and SH‐SY5Y cells and cerebral cortex of MCAO mice. NEAT1, EGR1, or RBM25 knockdown effectively reduced infarct volumes and apoptosis, and improved neurological function. Mechanistically, NEAT1 directly interacted with EGR1, which restrained WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1)‐mediated ubiquitination of EGR1 and subsequently caused EGR1 accumulation. EGR1 bound to RBM25 promoter and transcriptionally activated RBM25. Rescue experiments indicated that RBM25 overexpression abolished the therapeutic effects of NEAT1 knockdown. In conclusion, this work identified a novel NEAT1/EGR1/RBM25 axis in potentiating brain injury after IR insults, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
Squalene in oil-based adjuvant improves the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 RBD and confirms safety in animal models

COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of vaccines against its etiologic agent, SARS-CoV-2. However, the emergence of new variants of the virus lead to the generation of new alternatives to improve the current sub-unit vaccines in development. In the present report, the immunogenicity of the Spike RBD of SARS-CoV-2 formulated with an oil-in-water emulsion and a water-in-oil emulsion with squalene was evaluated in mice and hamsters. The RBD protein was expressed in insect cells and purified by chromatography until >95% purity. The protein was shown to have the appropriate folding as determined by ELISA and flow cytometry binding assays to its receptor, as well as by its detection by hamster immune anti-S1 sera under non-reducing conditions. In immunization assays, although the cellular immune response elicited by both adjuvants were similar, the formulation based in water-in-oil emulsion and squalene generated an earlier humoral response as determined by ELISA. Similarly, this formulation was able to stimulate neutralizing antibodies in hamsters. The vaccine candidate was shown to be safe, as demonstrated by the histopathological analysis in lungs, liver and kidney. These results have shown the potential of this formulation vaccine to be evaluated in a challenge against SARS-CoV-2 and determine its ability to confer protection.
ADAM17-mediated EGFR ligand shedding directs macrophage-promoted cancer cell invasion

Macrophages in the tumor microenvironment have a substantial impact on tumor progression. Depending on the signaling environment in the tumor, macrophages can either support or constrain tumor progression. It is therefore of therapeutic interest to identify the tumor-derived factors that control macrophage education. With this aim, we correlated the expression of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM) proteases, which are key mediators of cell-cell signaling, to the expression of protumorigenic macrophage markers in human cancer cohorts. We identified ADAM17, a sheddase upregulated in many cancer types, as a protein of interest. Depletion of ADAM17 in cancer cell lines reduced the expression of several protumorigenic markers in neighboring macrophages in vitro as well as in mouse models. Moreover, ADAM17–/– educated macrophages demonstrated a reduced ability to induce cancer cell invasion. Using mass spectrometry–based proteomics and ELISA, we identified heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF) and amphiregulin, shed by ADAM17 in the cancer cells, as the implicated molecular mediators of macrophage education. Additionally, RNA-Seq and ELISA experiments revealed that ADAM17-dependent HB-EGF ligand release induced the expression and secretion of CXCL chemokines in macrophages, which in turn stimulated cancer cell invasion. In conclusion, we provide evidence that ADAM17 mediates a paracrine EGFR-ligand-chemokine feedback loop, whereby cancer cells hijack macrophages to promote tumor progression.
When action prediction grows old: An fMRI study

Predicting the unfolding of others' actions (action prediction) is crucial for successfully navigating the social world and interacting efficiently. Age‐related changes in this domain have remained largely unexplored, especially for predictions regarding simple gestures and independent of contextual information or motor expertise. Here, we evaluated whether healthy aging impacts the neurophysiological processes recruited to anticipate, from the observation of implied‐motion postures, the correct conclusion of simple grasping and pointing actions. A color‐discrimination task served as a control condition to assess the specificity of the age‐related effects. Older adults showed reduced efficiency in performance that was yet not specific to the action prediction task. Nevertheless, fMRI results revealed task‐specific age‐related differences: while both groups showed stronger recruitment of the lateral occipito‐temporal cortex bilaterally during the action prediction than the control task, the younger participants additionally showed a higher bilateral engagement of parietal regions. Importantly, in both groups, the recruitment of visuo‐motor processes in the right posterior parietal cortex was a predictor of good performance. These results support the hypothesis of decreased involvement of sensorimotor processes in cognitive tasks when processing action‐ and body‐related stimuli in healthy aging. These results have implications for social interaction, which requires the fast reading of others' gestures.
Molecular dynamics study on the contribution of anisotropic phonon transmission to thermal conductivity of silicon

The analysis of the contribution of anisotropic phonon transmission to thermal conductivity is helpful to focus on high-energy phonons in heat transport. We calculated a series of anharmonic phonon properties and heat transport properties of Si by Fourier projection method from atomic trajectories. Under this theoretical scheme, we have obtained very consistent results with the experimental data through very low computational cost, especially the anharmonic phonon properties at high temperature. We carefully analyze the contribution of different phonons to thermal conductivity and the anisotropic feature of phonon. It is found that the longitudinal acoustic (LA) phonons have the special thermal broadening near the point L at the boundary of the Brillouin zone. The optical phonons cannot be safely ignored in the study of heat transport, especially the longitudinal optical phonon that shows a large contribution to thermal conductivity at room temperature. The thermal conductivity contribution of different phonons varies with temperature. The anisotropic features of the contribution of different phonons to thermal conductivity are mainly reflected in the short-wavelength phonons. Our work explains the reason why other research works have different opinions on whether LA phonon is the main contributor of thermal conductivity. These investigations also provide insights for further understanding phonon heat transport and distribution of high-energy phonons.
Fundamentals of Bistatic Radar Polarimetry Using the Poincare Sphere Transformations

Abstract : The polarization phasor approach has been applied to the theory of radar polarimetry. It is based on introduction of two mutually conjugate 2-dim. complex spaces of the polarization and phase (PP) vectors and on application of the matrix calculus to the transmission equations when using the exactly defined PP bases. The PP vectors of waves and antennas, including their PP basis vectors, are considered as phasors tangent to the polarization sphere. Owing to that approach simple canonical forms of bistatic scattering matrices and their Poincare sphere geometrical models have been obtained. It has been shown how such models, demonstrating the way of polarization and phase transformation when scattering, may be useful in various practical applications like target recognition and classification by extraction from scattering matrices parameters independent of the polarization basis. They enable also polarimetric analysis of microwave networks and can be used to synthesize scattering or propagation matrices of desired polarimetric properties.
Metformin improves neurobehavioral impairments of streptozotocin‐treated and western diet‐fed mice: Beyond glucose‐lowering effects

Brain insulin resistance has been pointed to as a possible link between diabetes and neuropsychiatric disorders; therefore, therapeutic approaches using anti‐diabetic drugs to improve insulin levels or signaling could prevent type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D)‐induced brain dysfunction. The present study aimed to determine whether metformin exerts beneficial effects on metabolic and neurobehavioral outcomes in the streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced T1D model and western diet (WD)‐induced obesity model in male Swiss mice. T1D was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg, for five consecutive days). The animals were then treated daily with saline or metformin (200 mg/kg/day, oral gavage), and a battery of tests recapitulating different neurobehavioral anomalies related to anxiogenic/depressive‐like phenotype was conducted after 18 days. WD‐induced obesity was modeled in mice by high‐fat and high‐fructose diet (HFFD) feeding for 15 days. In the sequence, control and diet‐induced obesity mice were treated daily with saline or metformin (200 mg/kg/day), and a battery of behavioral tests was performed after 17 days. STZ injection and WD feeding induced metabolic and neurobehavioral impairments in mice. Remarkably, metformin improved the metabolic and neurobehavioral parameters in WD‐induced obesity mice. Moreover, metformin ameliorated STZ‐induced neurobehavioral deficits while it failed to improve the associated metabolic impairments. The beneficial effects of metformin in STZ‐induced neurobehavioral impairments were not mediated by improving peripheral insulin signaling. Our results suggest that conventional diabetes treatment could be repurposed to simultaneously improve neurobehavioral symptoms and diabetes.