Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Current Density Modeling of Non-Invasive Eye and Brain Electrical Stimulation Using Phosphene Thresholds

Because current flow cannot be measured directly in the intact retina or brain, current density distribution models were developed to estimate it during magnetic or electrical stimulation. A paradigm is now needed to evaluate if current flow modeling can be related to physiologically meaningful signs of true current distribution in the human brain. We used phosphene threshold measurements (PTs) as surrogate markers of current-flow to determine if PTs, evoked by transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), can be matched with current density estimates generated by head model-based computer simulations. Healthy, male subjects (n=15) were subjected to three-staged PT measurements comparing six unilateral and one bilateral stimulation electrode montages according to the $10/20$ system: Fp2-Suborbital right (So), Fp2-right shoulder (rS), Fp2-Cz, Fp2- O2, So-rS, Cz-F8 and F7-F8. The stimulation frequency was set at 16 Hz. Subjects were asked to report the appearance and localization of phosphenes in their visual field for every montage. Current density models were built using multi-modal imaging data of a standard brain, meshed with isotropic conductivities of different tissues of the head using the SimBio and SCIRun software packages. We observed that lower PTs were associated with higher simulated current levels in the unilateral montages of the model head, and shorter electrode distances to the eye had lower PTs. The lowest mean PT and the lowest variability were found in the F7-F8 montage ( $95\pm 33~\mu \text{A}$ ). Our results confirm the hypothesis that phosphenes are primarily of retinal origin, and they provide the first in vivo evidence that computer models of current flow using head models are a valid tool to estimate real current flow in the human eye and brain.
Laser-Induced Graphene-Functionalized Field-Effect Transistor-Based Biosensing: A Potent Candidate for COVID-19 Detection

Speedy and on-time detection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is of high importance to control the pandemic effectively and stop its disastrous consequences. A widely available, reliable, label-free, and rapid test that can recognize tiny amounts of specific biomarkers might be the solution. Nanobiosensors are one of the most attractive candidates for this purpose. Integration of graphene with biosensing devices shifts the performance of these systems to an incomparable level. Between the various arrangements using this wonder material, field-effect transistors (FETs) display a precise detection even in complex samples. The emergence of pioneering biosensors for detecting a wide range of diseases especially COVID-19 created the incentive to prepare a review of the recent graphene-FET biosensing platforms. However, the graphene fabrication and transfer to the surface of the device is an imperative factor for researchers to take into account. Therefore, we also reviewed the common methods of manufacturing graphene for biosensing applications and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. One of the most recent synthesizing techniques - laser-induced graphene (LIG) - is attracting attention owing to its extraordinary benefits which are thoroughly explained in this article. Finally, a conclusion highlighting the current challenges is presented.
Status and prospects of Ohmic contacts on two-dimensional semiconductors

In recent years, two-dimensional materials have received more and more attention in the development of semiconductor devices, and their practical applications in optoelectronic devices have also developed rapidly. However, there are still some factors that limit the performance of two-dimensional semiconductor material devices, and one of the most important is Ohmic contact. Here, we elaborate on a variety of approaches to achieve Ohmic contacts on two-dimensional materials and reveal their physical mechanisms. For the work function mismatch problem, we summarize the comparison of barrier heights between different metals and 2D semiconductors. We also examine different methods to solve the problem of Fermi level pinning. For the novel 2D metal-semiconductor contact methods, we analyse their effects on reducing contact resistance from two different perspectives: homojunction and heterojunction. Finally, the challenges of 2D semiconductors in achieving Ohmic contacts are outlined.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of S1PR1 leads to chaperone BiP-mediated import to the endoplasmic reticulum

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), upon serine–threonine phosphorylation, undergo recycling or degradation. Anwar et al. demonstrate a new fate of GPCRs, exemplified by tyrosine phosphorylated sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (Y143S1PR1), which through its interaction with BiP, is routed to the endoplasmic reticulum where it dysregulates S1P-induced Ca2+ signaling and barrier function.
Mechanocatalytic Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Ammonia from Its Elements Down to Atmospheric Pressure

Abstract Ammonia synthesis via the high‐temperature and high‐pressure Haber‐Bosch process is one of the most important chemical processes in the world. In spite of numerous attempts over the last 100 years, continuous Haber‐Bosch type ammonia synthesis at room‐temperature had not been possible, yet. We report the development of a mechanocatalytic system operating continuously at room‐temperature and at pressures down to 1 bar. With optimized experimental conditions, a cesium‐promoted iron catalyst was shown to produce ammonia at concentrations of more than 0.2 vol. % for over 50 hours.
Response of Amazonian forests to mid‐Holocene drought: A model‐data comparison

There is a major concern for the fate of Amazonia over the coming century in the face of anthropogenic climate change. A key area of uncertainty is the scale of rainforest dieback to be expected under a future, drier climate. In this study, we use the middle Holocene (ca. 6000 years before present) as an approximate analogue for a drier future, given that palaeoclimate data show much of Amazonia was significantly drier than present at this time. Here, we use an ensemble of climate and vegetation models to explore the sensitivity of Amazonian biomes to mid‐Holocene climate change. For this, we employ three dynamic vegetation models (JULES, IBIS, and SDGVM) forced by the bias‐corrected mid‐Holocene climate simulations from seven models that participated in the Palaeoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project 3 (PMIP3). These model outputs are compared with a multi‐proxy palaeoecological dataset to gain a better understanding of where in Amazonia we have most confidence in the mid‐Holocene vegetation simulations. A robust feature of all simulations and palaeodata is that the central Amazonian rainforest biome is unaffected by mid‐Holocene drought. Greater divergence in mid‐Holocene simulations exists in ecotonal eastern and southern Amazonia. Vegetation models driven with climate models that simulate a drier mid‐Holocene (100–150 mm per year decrease) better capture the observed (palaeodata) tropical forest dieback in these areas. Based on the relationship between simulated rainfall decrease and vegetation change, we find indications that in southern Amazonia the rate of tropical forest dieback was ~125,000 km2 per 100 mm rainfall decrease in the mid‐Holocene. This provides a baseline sensitivity of tropical forests to drought for this region (without human‐driven changes to greenhouse gases, fire, and deforestation). We highlight the need for more palaeoecological and palaeoclimate data across lowland Amazonia to constrain model responses.
An overview of current alternative models in the context of ocular surface toxicity

The 21st century has seen a steadily increasing social awareness of animal suffering, with increased attention to ethical considerations. Developing new integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA) strategies is an Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) goal to reduce animal testing. Currently, there is a lack of alternative models to test for ocular surface toxicity (aside from irritation) in lieu of the Draize eye irritation test (OECD guideline No. 405) performed in rabbits. Five alternative in vitro or ex vivo methods have been validated to replace this reference test, but only in combination. However, pathologies like Toxicity‐Induced Dry Eye (TIDE), cataract, glaucoma, and neuropathic pain can occur after exposure to a pharmaceutical product or chemical and therefore need to be anticipated. To do so, new models of lacrimal glands, lens, and neurons innervating epithelia are required. These models must take into account real‐life exposure (dose, time, and tear film clearance). The scientific community is working hard to develop new, robust, alternative, in silico, and in vitro models, while attempting to balance ethics and availability of biological materials. This review provides a broad overview of the validated methods for analyzing ocular irritation and those still used by some industries, as well as promising models that need to be optimized according to the OECD. Finally, we give an overview of recently developed innovative models, which could become new tools in the evaluation of ocular surface toxicity within the scope of IATAs.
Elevated temperature may reduce functional but not taxonomic diversity of fungal assemblages on decomposing leaf litter in streams

Mounting evidence points to a linkage between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (B‐EF). Global drivers, such as warming and nutrient enrichment, can alter species richness and composition of aquatic fungal assemblages associated with leaf‐litter decomposition, a key ecosystem process in headwater streams. However, effects of biodiversity changes on ecosystem functions might be countered by the presumed high functional redundancy of fungal species. Here, we examined how environmental variables and leaf‐litter traits (based on leaf chemistry) affect taxonomic and functional α‐ and β‐diversity of fungal decomposers. We analysed taxonomic diversity (DNA‐fingerprinting profiles) and functional diversity (community‐level physiological profiles) of fungal communities in four leaf‐litter species from four subregions differing in stream‐water characteristics and riparian vegetation. We hypothesized that increasing stream‐water temperature and nutrients would alter taxonomic diversity more than functional diversity due to the functional redundancy among aquatic fungi. Contrary to our expectations, fungal taxonomic diversity varied little with stream‐water characteristics across subregions, and instead taxon replacement occurred. Overall taxonomic β‐diversity was fourfold higher than functional diversity, suggesting a high degree of functional redundancy among aquatic fungi. Elevated temperature appeared to boost assemblage uniqueness by increasing β‐diversity while the increase in nutrient concentrations appeared to homogenize fungal assemblages. Functional richness showed a negative relationship with temperature. Nonetheless, a positive relationship between leaf‐litter decomposition and functional richness suggests higher carbon use efficiency of fungal communities in cold waters.
Solid-state bioprocessing of sugarcane bagasse with Auricularia fuscosuccinea for phenolic compounds extraction

Abstract Sugarcane bagasse is a natural source of phenolic compounds. However, these compounds are bound to lignocellulose components, reducing their ability to function as good antioxidants. These linkages are hydrolyzed by enzymes like β-glucosidases, increasing free phenolics. Auricularia is a food-grade genus capable of producing β-glucosidases. The aim of this work was (I) to determine naturally occurring species of Auricularia and (II) to obtain phenolic compounds through the solid-state bioprocessing of sugarcane bagasse. We have successfully isolated five strains that were assigned to the taxon A. fuscosuccinea. We determined β-glucosidase activity by fluorescence plate assay of the five isolated strains and adjusted an optimal temperature for mycelial growth at 30 °C. A. fuscosuccinea LBM 243 was chosen for solid-state bioprocessing of sugarcane bagasse. β-glucosidase activity (12.2 ± 0.62 U l−1) and protein content (51.58 ± 6.26 mg l−1) were highest on day 20 of culture. The maximum value of total phenolic content (507.5 ± 9.05 mg l−1) was obtained at day 20 and antioxidant capacity (34.44% ± 11.20) was highest at day 10, both in ethanolic extracts. The best performance of ethanol against methanol extraction in this work is highlighted considering ethanol to be a safe, efficient, and low-cost solvent.
Constructing 3D Interconnected Si/SiOx /C Nanorings from Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane.

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) is a family of organic/inorganic hybrid materials with specific molecular symmetry, and shows great potential in the structural design of nanomaterials. Here, a "bottom-up" strategy is designed to fabricate 3D interconnected Si/SiOx /C nanorings (NRs) via AlCl3 -assisted aluminothermic reduction using dodecaphenyl cage silsesquioxane (T12 -Ph) as the building block. In this process, AlCl3 acts as both a liquid medium for reduction, and significantly as the catalyst to the cross-linking of phenyl groups in T12 -Ph. The obtained Si/SiOx /C NRs exhibits uniform diameter of ≈165 nm and well distribution of C and Si elements. The unique ring-like structure of Si/SiOx /C NRs makes it have great application potential in the field of lithium ion batteries. Notably, Si/SiOx /C NRs exhibits superior high-rate capacity and good cycle stability when used as anode for LIBs. More excitingly, Si/SiOx /C NRs can deliver a high reversible capacity of 517.9 mA h g-1 at ultra-low temperature of -70 °C, and the capacity retention as high as ≈50% of that at 25 °C. This work not only broadens structural design of carbon-based nanomaterials but also provides more possibilities for the application of POSS.
Grit and consequence

Grit is implicated in several biological phenomena—it wears teeth, it fractures teeth, it drives tooth evolution, it elicits complex manual manipulations—any one of which could be described as a central topic in evolutionary anthropology. But what is grit? We hardly know because we tend to privilege the consequences of grit (it is abrasive) over its formal features, all but ignoring crucial variables such as mineral composition, material properties, and particle geometry (size, angularity), not to mention natural variation in the habitats of primates and their food surfaces. Few topics have animated so much debate and invited such cool indifference at the same time. Our goal here is to shine a light on grit, to put a philosophical lens on the nature of our discourse, and to call attention to large empirical voids that should be filled and folded into our understanding of primate natural history and evolution.
Association Between Time to Endovascular Therapy and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion

Objective To characterize the association of onset to puncture time (OPT) with clinical outcomes among patients with acute basilar artery occlusion receiving endovascular therapy (EVT) in clinical practice. Methods Using the EVT for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion (BASILAR) study, we identified consecutive patients with acute basilar artery occlusion receiving EVT in 47 comprehensive stroke centers in China from January 2014 to May 2019. The primary outcome was favorable functional outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale score [mRS] 0–3) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included function independence (mRS 0–2), mortality, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. The associations of OPT with clinical outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression (OPT as a categorical variable) and restricted cubic spline regression (OPT as a continuous variable). Results Among 639 eligible patients, the median age was 64 years, and median OPT was 328 minutes (interquartile range 220–490). Treatment within 4–8 hours and 8–12 hours was associated with lower rates of favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.40–0.98] and 0.47 [95% CI, 0.23–0.93], respectively) compared with treatment within 4 hours. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis showed that the OPT had L-shaped associations with favorable outcome (pnonlinearity = 0.028) and functional independence (pnonlinearity = 0.025), with significant benefit loss throughout the first 9 hours, but then appeared relatively flat. The odds of mortality increased relatively for OPT up to 9 hours, but then leveled off (pnonlinearity = 0.042). The association between symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and OPT was not significant. Conclusion Among patients with acute basilar artery occlusion in routine practice, earlier treatment with EVT was associated with better outcomes throughout the first 9 hours after onset, but benefit may sustain unchanged afterwards. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class II evidence that for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to basilar artery occlusion, earlier EVT is associated with better outcomes.
Daily associations between sleep and stressors in nurses with and without children

Previous research shows that adults with children have poorer sleep overall than adults without children. Poorer sleep is associated with experiencing more frequent and severe stressors. The daily link between sleep and stressors may differ by parenting status; yet this potential difference has not been addressed, especially in nurses who provide care both at work and home. This study examined whether the sleep–stress relationship is stronger for nurses with children than those without. During 14 days of ecological momentary assessment, 60 hospital nurses (24 parents) reported their previous night's sleep characteristics upon waking. Three times daily, they also reported whether they encountered any stressors and how severe those stressors were. Associations were assessed at the within‐ and between‐person levels with parenting status as a between‐person moderator. After controlling for covariates, previous night's poorer sleep quality, lower sleep sufficiency, and shorter time in bed were associated with perceiving more frequent or severe stressors the following day. Some of these daily associations were moderated by parenting status, such that the sleep–stressor link was only significant for parents, with the magnitude of association being stronger for those with 2+ children relative to 1 child. These findings suggest that nurses with children are at greater risk for a stronger linkage between poorer sleep and greater stressor frequency and severity. A stronger sleep–stressor relationship could have compounding effects on health. Improving sleep in this group may be critical to reduce their stress and improve the quality of care across work and home.
Erratum to: GraphSynergy: a network-inspired deep learning model for anticancer drug combination prediction

Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, ocab162, https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocab162 When this paper was first published, there were a number of formatting problems in the pdf version of the paper, especially affecting the equations. The html version of the paper was correct. These errors were not due to author error, and the publisher apologizes for these errors. These errors have now been corrected online.
Specific interaction of an RNA-binding protein with the 3′-UTR of its target mRNA is critical to oomycete sexual reproduction

Sexual reproduction is an essential stage of the oomycete life cycle. However, the functions of critical regulators in this biological process remain unclear due to a lack of genome editing technologies and functional genomic studies in oomycetes. The notorious oomycete pathogen Pythium ultimum is responsible for a variety of diseases in a broad range of plant species. In this study, we revealed the mechanism through which PuM90, a stage-specific Puf family RNA-binding protein, regulates oospore formation in P. ultimum. We developed the first CRISPR/Cas9 system-mediated gene knockout and in situ complementation methods for Pythium. PuM90-knockout mutants were significantly defective in oospore formation, with empty oogonia or oospores larger in size with thinner oospore walls compared with the wild type. A tripartite recognition motif (TRM) in the Puf domain of PuM90 could specifically bind to a UGUACAUA motif in the mRNA 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of PuFLP, which encodes a flavodoxin-like protein, and thereby repress PuFLP mRNA level to facilitate oospore formation. Phenotypes similar to PuM90-knockout mutants were observed with overexpression of PuFLP, mutation of key amino acids in the TRM of PuM90, or mutation of the 3′-UTR binding site in PuFLP. The results demonstrated that a specific interaction of the RNA-binding protein PuM90 with the 3′-UTR of PuFLP mRNA at the post-transcriptional regulation level is critical for the sexual reproduction of P. ultimum.
Direct bisulphite conversion of cervical samples for DNA methylation analysis

ABSTRACT Sodium bisulphite conversion of DNA to separate methylated from unmethylated cytosines is a standard for methylation analysis. This study evaluated a direct cell conversion protocol on cervical samples as alternative to isolated genomic DNA as input. Clinician-collected cervical samples (n = 120) were subjected to a direct conversion protocol, or genomic DNA was isolated with a fixed amount used for subsequent bisulphite conversion. Converted samples were compared for ACTB control gene and methylation of FAM19A4 and miR124-2 genes using quantitative methylation-specific PCR (QIAsure Methylation Test). Direct conversion resulted in a high success rate, i.e., 119/120 (99.2%) samples reported a valid test result. ΔΔCq values of FAM19A4 and miR124-2 were significantly correlated between both protocols (Spearman Rho 0.708 and 0.763, respectively, all p-values = 0.000). Agreement between both the bisulphite protocols was demonstrated by Bland–Altman plots. A direct cell conversion protocol shows good technical and analytical performance and offers a streamlined workflow for methylation analysis.