Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
US and UK Consumer Adoption of Cultivated Meat: A Segmentation Study

Despite growing evidence of the environmental and public health threats posed by today’s intensive animal production, consumers in the west remain largely attached to meat. Cultivated meat offers a way to grow meat directly from cells, circumventing these issues as well as the use of animals altogether. The aim of this study was to assess the overall consumer markets and a range of preferences around cultivated meat in the US and the UK relating to nomenclature, genetic modification, health enhancements, and other features. To this end, we recruited large representative samples to participate in an online survey about cultivated meat, and subsequently analyzed segments (a) in the early majority population (guided by the Diffusion of Innovations Model), (b) by generation, and (c) in the general population. Our findings showed a high level of openness (80%) in both the US and UK populations, with 40% somewhat or moderately likely to try and 40% highly likely to try. Younger generations had the greatest openness: 88% of Gen Z, 85% of Millennials, 77% of Gen X, and 72% of Baby Boomers were at least somewhat open to trying cultivated meat. All segments envisioned cultivated meat to be nearly half of their total meat intake. Findings show that consumers prefer the terms ‘cultured’ and ‘cultivated’ over ‘cell-based’ and ‘cell-cultured’ for use in a social context and on packages, even though they perceive these terms as less descriptive. The most important on-package label was one indicating government assurances, and participants preferred non-GM products over GM products. We also found that US consumers prefer nutritionally superior meat over nutritionally equivalent meat. We discuss implications for product development, messaging, and understanding the likely adoption path of this food innovation.
Silencing of Transposable Elements Mediated by 5-mC and Compensation of the Heterochromatin Content by Presence of B Chromosomes in Astyanax scabripinnis

The way in which transcriptional activity overcomes the physical DNA structure and gene regulation mechanisms involves complex processes that are not yet fully understood. Modifications in the cytosine-guanine sequence of DNA by 5-mC are preferentially located in heterochromatic regions and are related to gene silencing. Herein, we investigate evidence of epigenetic regulation related to the B chromosome model and transposable elements in A. scabripinnis. Indirect immunofluorescence using anti-5-mC to mark methylated regions was employed along with quantitative ELISA to determine the total genomic DNA methylation level. 5-mC signals were dispersed in the chromosomes of both females and males, with preferential accumulation in the B chromosome. In addition to the heterochromatic methylated regions, our results suggest that methylation is associated with transposable elements (LINE and Tc1-Mariner). Heterochromatin content was measured based on the C-band length in relation to the size of chromosome 1. The B chromosome in A. scabripinnis comprises heterochromatin located in the pericentromeric region of both arms of this isochromosome. In this context, individuals with B chromosomes should have an increased heterochromatin content when compared to individuals that do not. Although, both heterochromatin content and genome methylation showed no significant differences between sexes or in relation to the occurrence of B chromosomes. Our evidence suggests that the B chromosome can have a compensation effect on the heterochromatin content and that methylation possibly operates to silence TEs in A. scabripinnis. This represents a sui generis compensation and gene activity buffering mechanism.
Design and Experimental Study of Space Continuous Robots Applied to Space Non-Cooperative Target Capture

Space capture actuators face problems such as insufficient flexibility and electrical components that are vulnerable to extreme space environments. To address these problems, a centralized-driven flexible continuous robot based on a multiple scissor mechanism units is proposed in this study. The continuous robot body is composed of two scissor mechanism units coupled in series, and the base container’s three motors to drive the robot. The two scissor mechanism units ensure a wide range of flexible operations and the light weight of the robot. The centralized drive with three motors not only reduces the number of driving sources, but also ensures temperature control and protection of electrical components in the space environment. The kinematics and dynamics of the robot are analyzed, and the workspace and deformation performance of the robot are verified through experiments. Compared with other continuous robots, the proposed continuous robot retains the characteristics of continuous robots in a wide range of flexible operations. At the same time, the configuration is light and a small number of driving sources are used, which is suitable for extreme temperatures, vacuum, radiation, and strict resource-constrained environments in space.
Investigation of the Powder Aerosol Deposition Method Using Shadowgraph Imaging

The powder aerosol deposition method (PAD) is a vacuum-based spray coating technology. It allows for production of highly dense coatings at room temperature, especially of brittle-breaking materials. This yields new options for coating substrate materials that even melt at low temperatures. The film formation mechanism is called room temperature impact consolidation (RTIC). The occurrence of this mechanism is strongly linked to the gas jet used in the process. The velocity and direction of the particles in the gas jet forming between the nozzle orifice and the substrate are the main factors influencing the quality of the coating. This dependency aimed to be elaborated with a measurement setup and coating experiments and is shown in this work. We investigated the gas jet formation using a shadow optical imaging system. Regions of different gas density are visualized by this technique. Several parameter sets, in particular gas flow rates and chamber pressures, were investigated. In addition, coatings were produced on glass substrates with the same parameters. As a coating material, the superconducting ceramic-like magnesium diboride (MgB2) was chosen. A correlation between shadow images and thickness profiles of the coatings shows how the gas jet formation affects the uniformity of thickness. Shadow optical images provide valuable information on the flight direction of the particles and allow validation of simulation results.
GAT1 Gene, the GATA Transcription Activator, Regulates the Production of Higher Alcohol during Wheat Beer Fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Uncoordinated carbon-nitrogen ratio in raw materials will lead to excessive contents of higher alcohols in alcoholic beverages. The effect of GAT1 gene, the GATA transcription activator, on higher alcohol biosynthesis was investigated to clarify the mechanism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulating higher alcohol metabolism under high concentrations of free amino nitrogen (FAN). The availability of FAN by strain SDT1K with a GAT1 double-copy deletion was 28.31% lower than that of parent strain S17, and the yield of higher alcohols was 33.91% lower. The transcript levels of the downstream target genes of GAT1 and higher alcohol production in the double-copy deletion mutant suggested that a part of the effect of GAT1 deletion on higher alcohol production was the downregulation of GAP1, ARO9, and ARO10. This study shows that GATA factors can effectively regulate the metabolism of higher alcohols in S. cerevisiae and provides valuable insights into higher alcohol biosynthesis, showing great significance for the wheat beer industry.
Efficacy and Safety of Anlotinib in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Real-World Study

Background Anlotinib is a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) independently developed by China, which can inhibit tumor angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation. The ALTER 0303 study has suggested that anlotinib improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, in the real world, the efficacy and safety of anlotinib is not clear. Although relevant retrospective studies have confirmed the efficacy and safety of anlotinib, the sample size is small. And the OS was not observed because of the follow-up time was short. Further studies are still essential to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib in patients with advanced NSCLC in real-world settings. Related studies have preliminarily shown that anlotinib combined with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) can significantly prolong the survival of patients with brain metastases of NSCLC. This study also discusses the best treatment strategies of patients with brain metastases. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 206 patients with advanced NSCLC who had treated with anlotinib. The primary endpoints were PFS and OS. The secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and safety. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were applied to evaluate the efficacy. Univariate analysis was performed by Log rank testing. Cox regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the significance of potential risk factors obtained from the univariate analysis. Results The median PFS (mPFS) was 4.0 (95% CI: 3.607–4.393) months, univariate analysis revealed that patients with longer PFS included epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-negative, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≤1, no brain metastases, no liver metastases, no adrenal metastases, or ≤2 distant metastases. Cox regression analysis indicated that patients with EGFR-negative and ECOG PS ≤1 had longer PFS. The median OS (mOS) was 8(95% CI: 6.495–9.505) months. EGFR mutation-negative, previous thoracic radiation therapy, no brain metastases, or ≤2 distant metastases were independent positive predictors of OS. The results of Cox regression indicated that the patients without previous thoracic radiation therapy (hazard ratio: 1.855; 95% CI: 1.162-2.960; p=0.010) had shortened OS. The objective response rate was 10.2%, and the disease control rate was 78.2%. The main treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were generally tolerated. All AEs observed during the trial were controlled after dose reduction or symptomatic treatments, and no death was found to be associated with anlotinib. Conclusion Anlotinib was well tolerated and effective in patients with advanced NSCLC. Patients with EGFR mutation-negative and ECOG PS ≤1 had longer PFS, and patients without previous thoracic radiation therapy (HR: 1.855, 95% CI 1.162–2.960; P = 0.010) had shorter OS. Further investigations are needed because of small sample.
Deregulation of Ca2+-Signaling Systems in White Adipocytes, Manifested as the Loss of Rhythmic Activity, Underlies the Development of Multiple Hormonal Resistance at Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Various types of cells demonstrate ubiquitous rhythmicity registered as simple and complex Ca2+-oscillations, spikes, waves, and triggering phenomena mediated by G-protein and tyrosine kinase coupled receptors. Phospholipase C/IP3-receptors (PLC/IP3R) and endothelial NO-synthase/Ryanodine receptors (NOS/RyR)–dependent Ca2+ signaling systems, organized as multivariate positive feedback generators (PLC-G and NOS-G), underlie this rhythmicity. Loss of rhythmicity at obesity may indicate deregulation of these signaling systems. To issue the impact of cell size, receptors’ interplay, and obesity on the regulation of PLC-G and NOS-G, we applied fluorescent microscopy, immunochemical staining, and inhibitory analysis using cultured adipocytes of epididumal white adipose tissue of mice. Acetylcholine, norepinephrine, atrial natriuretic peptide, bradykinin, cholecystokinin, angiotensin II, and insulin evoked complex [Ca2+]i responses in adipocytes, implicating NOS-G or PLC-G. At low sub-threshold concentrations, acetylcholine and norepinephrine or acetylcholine and peptide hormones (in paired combinations) recruited NOS-G, based on G proteins subunits interplay and signaling amplification. Rhythmicity was cell size- dependent and disappeared in hypertrophied cells filled with lipids. Contrary to control cells, adipocytes of obese hyperglycemic and hypertensive mice, growing on glucose, did not accumulate lipids and demonstrated hormonal resistance being non responsive to any hormone applied. Preincubation of preadipocytes with palmitoyl-L-carnitine (100 nM) provided accumulation of lipids, increased expression and clustering of IP3R and RyR proteins, and partially restored hormonal sensitivity and rhythmicity (5–15% vs. 30–80% in control cells), while adipocytes of diabetic mice were not responsive at all. Here, we presented a detailed kinetic model of NOS-G and discussed its control. Collectively, we may suggest that universal mechanisms underlie loss of rhythmicity, Ca2+-signaling systems deregulation, and development of general hormonal resistance to obesity.
CACNA1A Mutations Causing Early Onset Ataxia: Profiling Clinical, Dysmorphic and Structural-Functional Findings

The CACNA1A gene encodes the pore-forming α1A subunit of the voltage-gated CaV2.1 Ca2+ channel, essential in neurotransmission, especially in Purkinje cells. Mutations in CACNA1A result in great clinical heterogeneity with progressive symptoms, paroxysmal events or both. During infancy, clinical and neuroimaging findings may be unspecific, and no dysmorphic features have been reported. We present the clinical, radiological and evolutionary features of three patients with congenital ataxia, one of them carrying a new variant. We report the structural localization of variants and their expected functional consequences. There was an improvement in cerebellar syndrome over time despite a cerebellar atrophy progression, inconsistent response to acetazolamide and positive response to methylphenidate. The patients shared distinctive facial gestalt: oval face, prominent forehead, hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures and narrow nasal bridge. The two α1A affected residues are fully conserved throughout evolution and among the whole human CaV channel family. They contribute to the channel pore and the voltage sensor segment. According to structural data analysis and available functional characterization, they are expected to exert gain- (F1394L) and loss-of-function (R1664Q/R1669Q) effect, respectively. Among the CACNA1A-related phenotypes, our results suggest that non-progressive congenital ataxia is associated with developmental delay and dysmorphic features, constituting a recognizable syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.
Oncogenic Potential of the Dual-Function Protein MEX3A

Simple Summary RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in the post-transcriptional control of gene expression, modulating the splicing, turnover, subcellular sorting and translation of (m)RNAs. Dysregulation of RBPs, for instance, by deregulated expression in cancer, disturbs key cellular processes such as proliferation, cell cycle progression or migration. Accordingly, RBPs contribute to tumorigenesis. Members of the human MEX3 protein family harbor RNA-binding capacity and E3 ligase activity. Thus, they presumably combine post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms. In this review, we discuss recent studies to emphasize emerging evidence for a pivotal role of the MEX3 protein family, in particular MEX3A, in human cancer. Abstract MEX3A belongs to the MEX3 (Muscle EXcess) protein family consisting of four members (MEX3A-D) in humans. Characteristic for MEX3 proteins is their domain structure with 2 HNRNPK homology (KH) domains mediating RNA binding and a C-terminal really interesting new gene (RING) domain that harbors E3 ligase function. In agreement with their domain composition, MEX3 proteins were reported to modulate both RNA fate and protein ubiquitination. MEX3 paralogs exhibit an oncofetal expression pattern, they are severely downregulated postnatally, and re-expression is observed in various malignancies. Enforced expression of MEX3 proteins in various cancers correlates with poor prognosis, emphasizing their oncogenic potential. The latter is supported by MEX3A’s impact on proliferation, self-renewal as well as migration of tumor cells in vitro and tumor growth in xenograft studies.
The Ruminant Farm Systems Animal Module: A Biophysical Description of Animal Management

Simple Summary Consumers are increasingly concerned about the sustainable production of food, leading producers and scientists to evaluate farming practices that preserve environmental resources, provide adequate production, and are economically viable. However, there are challenges to synthesize these results and apply them on-farm in a holistic nature. Simulation modeling of farm systems, such as the dairy system, can allow producers, industry members, and policy makers to prioritize interventions that improve sustainable outcomes. We introduce the Animal Module of the Ruminant Farm Systems (RuFaS) model—a whole farm dairy system model—and describe its use to assess the environmental impact of improved feed efficiency in dairy cows. By decreasing the amount of feed intake required to produce the same amount of milk, the RuFaS model provides estimates of the reduction in feed use, enteric methane, and manure production. Abstract Dairy production is an important source of nutrients in the global food supply, but environmental impacts are increasingly a concern of consumers, scientists, and policy-makers. Many decisions must be integrated to support sustainable production—which can be achieved using a simulation model. We provide an example of the Ruminant Farm Systems (RuFaS) model to assess changes in the dairy system related to altered animal feed efficiency. RuFaS is a whole-system farm simulation model that simulates the individual animal life cycle, production, and environmental impacts. We added a stochastic animal-level parameter to represent individual animal feed efficiency as a result of reduced residual feed intake and compared High (intake = 94% of expected) and Very High (intake = 88% of expected) efficiency levels with a Baseline scenario (intake = 100% of expected). As expected, the simulated total feed intake was reduced by 6 and 12% for the High and Very High efficiency scenarios, and the expected impact of these improved efficiencies on the greenhouse gas emissions from enteric methane and manure storage was a decrease of 4.6 and 9.3%, respectively.
Intestinal Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Enrichment of Genes Associated with Immune and Lipid Mechanisms, Favoring Soybean Meal Tolerance in High-Growth Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)

The molecular mechanisms underlying fish tolerance to soybean meal (SBM) remain unclear. Identifying these mechanisms would be beneficial, as this trait favors growth. Two fish replicates from 19 experimental families were fed fishmeal-(100FM) or SBM-based diets supplemented with saponin (50SBM + 2SPN) from juvenile to adult stages. Individuals were selected from families with a genotype-by-environment interaction higher (HG-50SBM + 2SPN, 170 ± 18 mg) or lower (LG-50SBM + 2SPN, 76 ± 10 mg) weight gain on 50SBM + 2SPN for intestinal transcriptomic analysis. A histological evaluation confirmed middle intestinal inflammation in the LG- vs. HG-50SBM + 2SPN group. Enrichment analysis of 665 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified pathways associated with immunity and lipid metabolism. Genes linked to intestinal immunity were downregulated in HG fish (mpx, cxcr3.2, cftr, irg1l, itln2, sgk1, nup61l, il22), likely dampening inflammatory responses. Conversely, genes involved in retinol signaling were upregulated (rbp4, stra6, nr2f5), potentially favoring growth by suppressing insulin responses. Genes associated with lipid metabolism were upregulated, including key components of the SREBP (mbtps1, elov5l, elov6l) and cholesterol catabolism (cyp46a1), as well as the downregulation of cyp7a1. These results strongly suggest that transcriptomic changes in lipid metabolism mediate SBM tolerance. Genotypic variations in DEGs may become biomarkers for improving early selection of fish tolerant to SMB or others plant-based diets.
Insight into the Surface Properties of Wood Fiber-Polymer Composites

The surface properties of wood fiber (WF) filled polymer composites depend on the filler loading and are closely related to the distribution and orientation in the polymer matrix. In this study, wood fibers (WF) were incorporated into thermoplastic composites based on non-recycled polypropylene (PP) and recycled (R-PP) composites by melt compounding and injection moulding. ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) measurements clearly showed the propagation of WF functional groups at the surface layer of WF-PP/WF-R-PP composites preferentially with WF loading up to 30%. Optical microscopy and nanoindentation method confirmed the alignment of thinner skin layer of WF-PP/WF-R-PP composites with increasing WF addition. The thickness of the skin layer was mainly influenced by the WF loading. The effect of the addition of WF on modulus and hardness, at least at 30 and 40 wt. %, varies for PP and R-PP matrix. On the other hand, surface zeta potential measurements show increased hydrophilicity with increasing amounts of WF. Moreover, WF in PP/R-PP matrix is also responsible for the antioxidant properties of these composites as measured by DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay.
Bat Flies of the Family Streblidae (Diptera: Hippoboscoidea) Host Relatives of Medically and Agriculturally Important “Bat-Associated” Viruses

Bat flies (Hippoboscoidea: Nycteribiidae and Streblidae) are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of bats. We collected streblid bat flies from the New World (México) and the Old World (Uganda), and used metagenomics to identify their viruses. In México, we found méjal virus (Rhabdoviridae; Vesiculovirus), Amate virus (Reoviridae: Orbivirus), and two unclassified viruses of invertebrates. Méjal virus is related to emerging zoonotic encephalitis viruses and to the agriculturally important vesicular stomatitis viruses (VSV). Amate virus and its sister taxon from a bat are most closely related to mosquito- and tick-borne orbiviruses, suggesting a previously unrecognized orbivirus transmission cycle involving bats and bat flies. In Uganda, we found mamucuso virus (Peribunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) and two unclassified viruses (a rhabdovirus and an invertebrate virus). Mamucuso virus is related to encephalitic viruses of mammals and to viruses from nycteribiid bat flies and louse flies, suggesting a previously unrecognized orthobunyavirus transmission cycle involving hippoboscoid insects. Bat fly virus transmission may be neither strictly vector-borne nor strictly vertical, with opportunistic feeding by bat flies occasionally leading to zoonotic transmission. Many “bat-associated” viruses, which are ecologically and epidemiologically associated with bats but rarely or never found in bats themselves, may actually be viruses of bat flies or other bat ectoparasites.