Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the impacts of predecessor rain events on flood hazard in a changing climate

This study, for the first time, investigates the physical association between Predecessor Rain Events (PREs) and peak runoff generation in seven catchments over the Upper Mahanadi River basin (UMRB), India. A statistical–dynamical framework is developed to assess the compounding impact of PREs (as preconditioned events) versus riverine floods during both retrospective and projected climate. Based on models' fidelity to capture historical climatology, we select four out of nine Global Climate Models (GCMs) during historical (1980–2005), and the three projected time windows, that is, near future (2010–2039), mid‐century (2040–2069), and the far future (2070–2099) planning horizons with RCP8.5 emission scenario. We assess changes in compound flood hazards in historical versus projected periods using a newly proposed Bivariate Hazard Ratio (BHR) index, which represents the ratio between bivariate return periods during the projected versus the historical time windows. Assessing bivariate return periods (characterized by ‘AND’ operator) of rainfall‐driven compound floods shows decreased flood hazard in the mid‐century and far‐future planning horizons. Accounting ranges of uncertainty from climate model simulations and the propagation of uncertainty across the numerical model chain, overall we show considering PRE as the covariate, floods in larger catchments show an increase in compound flood hazard in the projected period.
Pre-entrepreneurship social status and research and development investment decision: Evidence from Chinese private enterprises

Social status is seen as an important topic in management and organisational sciences. Despite the extensive research on the upper echelons of management, little is known about the influence of social status on R&D investment decisions. We examine the effects of pre-entrepreneurial social status on R&D investments based on imprinting theory, using 2000–2014 data for 20,177 Chinese private small- and medium-sized enterprises. The results reveal that entrepreneurs with an upper and lower social status show a stronger tendency to make R&D investments than middle-class counterparts. The findings are robust to various sensitivity tests. In addition, we explore the moderating influences of political capital and institutional environment, both of which enhance the positive relationship between social status and R&D investments. Our study finds that social status has a lasting and varying impact on decisions to engage in innovation behaviours. The findings contribute to research on Chinese firm innovation and offer key implications for social status and imprinting theorising.
RNA-Seq Analysis of the Key Long Noncoding RNAs and mRNAs Related to the Regulation of Acute Heat Stress in Rainbow Trout

Simple Summary At present, climate warming is a very serious environmental problem. A sudden and large increase or decrease in temperature is likely to cause stress response in animals. Rainbow trout is a kind of cultured cold-water fish, which is very sensitive to high temperature. Therefore, it is very vulnerable to heat waves during production. The current study found that the behavior, antioxidant capacity, and natural immune function of rainbow trout under acute heat stress were significantly enhanced in the early stages of stress response, but its anti-stress ability decreased with an increase in stress intensity and duration. Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed that some non-coding RNAs could competitively bind to target genes, and jointly participate in metabolism, apoptosis, and the immune regulation of rainbow trout under stress environments. In conclusion, our study can lay a theoretical foundation for the breeding of heat-resistant rainbow trout varieties. Abstract As the global climate warms, more creatures are threatened by high temperatures, especially cold-water fish such as rainbow trout. Evidence has demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a pivotal role in regulating heat stress in animals, but we have little understanding of this regulatory mechanism. The present study aimed to identify potential key lncRNAs involved in regulating acute heat stress in rainbow trout. lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles of rainbow trout head kidney were analyzed via high-throughput RNA sequencing, which exhibited that 1256 lncRNAs (802 up-regulation, 454 down-regulation) and 604 mRNAs (353 up-regulation, 251 down-regulation) were differentially expressed. These differentially expressed genes were confirmed to be primarily associated with immune regulation, apoptosis, and metabolic process signaling pathways through Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis and coding-noncoding co-expression network analysis. These results suggested that 18 key lncRNA-mRNA pairs are essential in regulating acute heat stress in rainbow trout. Overall, these analyses showed the effects of heat stress on various physiological functions in rainbow trout at the transcriptome level, providing a theoretical basis for improving the production and breeding of rainbow trout and the selection of new heat-resistant varieties.
Exploring the Origin of Maximum Entropy States Relevant to Resonant Modes in Modern Chladni Plates

The resonant modes generated from the modern Chladni experiment are systematically confirmed to intimately correspond to the maximum entropy states obtained from the inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation for the square and equilateral triangle plates. To investigate the origin of maximum entropy states, the inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation is modified to consider the point interaction coming from the driving oscillator. The coupling strength associated with the point interaction is characterized by a dimensionless factor α. The δ potential of the point interaction is numerically modelled by a truncated basis with an upper index N. The asymptotic behavior for the upper index N is thoroughly explored to verify that the coupling strength of α = 1.0 can make the theoretical resonant modes agree excellently with the maximum entropy states as N→∞. It is further authenticated that nearly the same resonant modes can be obtained by using a larger coupling strength α when a smaller upper index N is exploited in the calculation.
Ribozyme Assays to Quantify the Capping Efficiency of In Vitro-Transcribed mRNA

The presence of the cap structure on the 5′-end of in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA determines its translation and stability, underpinning its use in therapeutics. Both enzymatic and co-transcriptional capping may lead to incomplete positioning of the cap on newly synthesized RNA molecules. IVT mRNAs are rapidly emerging as novel biologics, including recent vaccines against COVID-19 and vaccine candidates against other infectious diseases, as well as for cancer immunotherapies and protein replacement therapies. Quality control methods necessary for the preclinical and clinical stages of development of these therapeutics are under ongoing development. Here, we described a method to assess the presence of the cap structure of IVT mRNAs. We designed a set of ribozyme assays to specifically cleave IVT mRNAs at a unique position and release 5′-end capped or uncapped cleavage products up to 30 nt long. We purified these products using silica-based columns and visualized/quantified them using denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) or liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Using this technology, we determined the capping efficiencies of IVT mRNAs with different features, which include: Different cap structures, diverse 5′ untranslated regions, different nucleoside modifications, and diverse lengths. Taken together, the ribozyme cleavage assays we developed are fast and reliable for the analysis of capping efficiency for research and development purposes, as well as a general quality control for mRNA-based therapeutics.
First fossil evidence of Indian tulip tree

ABSTRACT Thespesia populnea (L) Sol. ex Corrêa (Malvaceae), known as the Indian tulip tree, is a well-known fast-growing, economically and ecologically important evergreen species in the tropical forests of India. However, no reliable fossil evidence of Thespesia has been reported from the Cenozoic sediments of India so far. Here, we document for the first time a well-preserved leaf impression similar to extant leaves of Indian tulip tree from the latest Neogene (Pliocene: Rajdanda Formation) sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. The leaf specimen has a broadly ovate mesophyllous blade, with a conspicuous acuminate apex (drip-tip), a cordate base, a stout petiole, actinodromous primary veins and brochiododromous secondary veins. We recognise the new fossil species Thespesia neopopulnea Hazra, Mahato and Khan sp. nov. The recovery of this species and other earlier-described evergreen taxa from the same formation, suggests the existence of tropical, warm and humid climatic conditions during the depositional period.
Surgical management of choledocholithiasis: a single institutional experience

Background: Choledocholithiasis is the 2nd most common complication of gallbladder stone disease and its incidence increases with age. There are different modalities of treatment ranging from endoscopic techniques to open and minimally invasive surgery. However, the single best modality has remained a point of major speculation. This study was undertaken to evaluate various modalities of surgical treatments undertaken at our institute.Methods: A retrospective analysis of all the patients who underwent surgery for common bile duct stones during the study period was done. The parameters analyzed were epidemiological data, clinical parameters, surgical details and any complications.Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study with a M:F ratio of 1:1. The most common presenting complaint was pain abdomen and the majority, were post ERCP failure cases. The common cause for failure was multiple or impacted stones. Majority of the patients underwent an open surgery and a drainage procedure in the form of choledochoduodenostomy was added. Laparoscopic exploration showed advantage in form of shorter hospital stay, early return to activity. There were no instances of retained or missed stones and the complications were limited to wound complications.Conclusions: In the era of advanced endoscopy, surgery still holds an eminent place in the management of choledocholithiasis. With growing expertise, the complication and clearance rates are better than endoscopy. Laparoscopic exploration can be the single best treatment for patients with both cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis.
Genomic Analysis Reveals Subdivision of Black Rats (Rattus rattus) in India, Origin of the Worldwide Species Spread

In contrast to the detailed and globally extensive studies on the spread of the commensal black rat, Rattus rattus, there has been relatively little work on the phylogeography of the species within India, from where this spread originated. Taking a genomic approach, we typed 27 R. rattus samples from Peninsular India using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) method. Filtering and alignment of the FASTQ files yielded 1499 genome-wide SNPs. Phylogenomic tree reconstruction revealed a distinct subdivision in the R. rattus population, manifested as two clusters corresponding to the east and west coasts of India. We also identified signals of admixture between these two subpopulations, separated by an Fst of 0.20. This striking genomic difference between the east and west coast populations mirrors what has previously been described with mitochondrial DNA sequencing. It is notable that the west coast population of R. rattus has been spread globally, reflecting the origins of commensalism of the species in Western India and the subsequent transport by humans worldwide.
Improving Transboundary Drought and Scarcity Management in the Iberian Peninsula through the Definition of Common Indicators: The Case of the Minho-Lima River Basin District

Drought is one of the most damaging natural hazards in the Iberian Peninsula, causing varied socioeconomic and environmental impacts. To prevent these impacts, there must be close cooperation between Portugal and Spain, as the two countries share five river basins. However, regarding drought planning and management the two countries are clearly in different stages. Portugal approved a national drought plan in 2017, while Spain has already had drought plans in place for all River Basin Districts since 2007 and approved an updated version of these plans in 2018. The Spanish drought plans currently in place foresee two sets of indicators: prolonged drought and scarcity indicators. This paper presents the definition of similar indicators for the Portuguese part of the shared Minho and Lima river basins, according to European guidelines and in common with Spain, with the aim of developing a joint international drought management plan for these basins. For the period from October 1980 to September 2017, the comparison of the indicators obtained for the Portuguese parts of the basins with the corresponding Spanish ones shows a similarity in the occurrence of drought and scarcity in both parts of the basins, although with a higher prevalence of scarcity situations in the Lima Spanish part. This work was developed in close collaboration with the River Basin District competent authorities of both countries, aiming to be a prototype for the definition of new and comparable drought and operational scarcity indicators. Therefore, this work is a starting point for the creation of common tools for integrated drought management of transboundary basins in the IP.
Protein Profiling of Pollen–Pistil Interactions in Almond (Prunus dulcis) and Identification of a Transcription Regulator Presumably Involved in Self-Incompatibility

The cultivated almond displays a gametophytic self-incompatibility system, which avoids self-fertilization, and it is controlled by a multi-allelic locus (S-locus) containing two genes specifically expressed in pistil (S-RNase) and pollen (SFB). Studies on almonds with the same S-haplotype but different phenotype pointed to the existence of unknown components in this system to explain its functioning. The increase of knowledge on this reproductive barrier would allow better management of fruit production and germplasm selection. This work proposes candidates to components of the almond gametophytic self-incompatibility system, by identifying differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) after compatible and incompatible pollen–pistil interactions in almonds with the same S-haplotype but a different incompatibility phenotype using iTRAQ and 2D-nano-LC ESI/MSMS analyses. The protein quantitation analysis revealed 895 DEPs, which were grouped into different functional categories. The largest functional group was “metabolic proteins”, followed by “stress resistance and defense proteins”, with higher up-regulation after pollination. The identity of certain DEPs, such as Thaumatin, LRR receptors, such as kinase and pathogenesis related protein PR-4, indicated that some pollen–pistil interactions in almond could have the same bases as host–parasite interactions. Furthermore, additional RT-qPCR analysis revealed the differentially expressed transcription regulator GLABROUS1 enhancer-binding protein-like (GEBPL) could be involved in the gametophytic self-incompatibility system in almond.
Influence of the hBN Dielectric Layers on the Quantum Transport Properties of MoS2 Transistors

The encapsulation of single-layer 2D materials within hBN has been shown to improve the mobility of these compounds. Nevertheless, the interplay between the semiconductor channel and the surrounding dielectrics is not yet fully understood, especially their electron–phonon interactions. Therefore, here, we present an ab initio study of the coupled electrons and phonon transport properties of MoS2-hBN devices. The characteristics of two transistor configurations are compared to each other: one where hBN is treated as a perfectly insulating, non-vibrating layer and one where it is included in the ab initio domain as MoS2. In both cases, a reduction of the ON-state current by about 50% is observed as compared to the quasi-ballistic limit. Despite the similarity in the current magnitude, explicitly accounting for hBN leads to additional electron–phonon interactions at frequencies corresponding to the breathing mode of the MoS2-hBN system. Moreover, the presence of an hBN layer around the 2D semiconductor affects the Joule-induced temperature distribution within the transistor.
Assessment of Interaction Behaviors of Cement-Emulsified Asphalt Based on Micro-Morphological and Macro-Rheological Approaches

Cement emulsified asphalt composite binder (CEACB) plays a determining role in the construction of cold recycled asphalt pavements. Understanding the interaction behaviors of cement-emulsified asphalt is very essential to promote the serviceability of CEACB. The objective of this study was to explore the interaction behaviors and mechanism of cement-emulsified asphalt associated with microstructural characteristics and to assess the interaction ability of cement-emulsified asphalt by performing macro-rheological measurements. Firstly, the physico-chemical interaction of cement-emulsified asphalt was qualitatively discussed by analyzing the difference of characteristic peaks based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Secondly, the micro-morphological evolution behaviors of CEACB attributing to the cement-emulsified asphalt interaction were investigated by using a fluorescence microscope (FM) and laser particle size analyzer (LPSA). Thirdly, the microstructural characteristics of CEACB were studied by observing the spatial network structure through the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the macro-rheological index based on dynamic rheological shear (DSR) test was proposed to evaluate the interaction ability of cement-emulsified asphalt. The results show that the cement-emulsified asphalt interaction is merely a physical blending process due to the occurrence of no new characteristic peaks in the FTIR spectrum except for cement hydration products. The cement-emulsified asphalt interaction in early-age CEACB could be reflected by the aggregation process among asphalt droplets and the adsorption action of cement particles to asphalt droplets. A reasonable ratio of cement to emulsified asphalt could promote the formation of the denser spatial network structure of CEACB along with cement hydration products growing and interweaving with asphalt films. The K-B-G* index based on macro-rheological properties of CEACB with full consideration of cement hydration process is very suitable for evaluating the interaction ability of cement-emulsified asphalt under the condition of different cement proportions and curing time. The research would provide the support for understanding the natural properties of CEACB and promote the improvement of the mechanical performance of cold recycled asphalt pavements.
Comparative analysis of immunohistochemical features of nodal versus extranodal diffuse large B cell lymphoma with respect to cell-of-origin classification

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents a heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies with distinct oncogenic events and clinical behavior that cannot be unraveled by morphology and immunophenotype alone. Simple biological segregation such as the Hans classifier helps to explain the heterogeneous responses to standard treatment and provides a rationale for the investigation of novel targeted therapies. Aims and Objectives: In this study, we tried to estimate immunohistochemical (IHC) features of nodal and extranodal DLBCL using cell-of-origin classification (Hans Algorithm) with the markers CD10, Bcl-6, MUM1. Materials and Methods: Blocks of the patients with a histological diagnosis of DLBCL over the past 3 years were retrieved and submitted for IHC analysis to classify into germinal center B cell type (GCB) and non-GCB type. Results: Mean age for nodal DLBL was 48.19 ± 14.68 years, extranodal were 55.7 ± 13.22 years. Mean age for GCB were 56.6 ± 15.66 years whereas for non-GCB were 51.45 ± 12.85 years. Among nodal lymphomas cervical was the most common site and among extranodal lymphomas, intestinal lymphomas were commonest (including colorectal). Relative proportion of GCB among extranodal was 28.78%, whereas in nodal DLBCL it was 16.67%, relative risk of getting GCB type DLBCL was 1.72 times higher in extranodal compared to nodal DLBCL (P = 0.081). Total positivity of MUM1 was 17%, whereas for Bcl6 and CD10 it was 29% and 15% respectively. Ki67 was considerably higher in GCB type and for extranodal DLBCL in our study. Conclusion: Proportion of extranodal GCB type DLBCL compared to nodal DLBCL is considerably higher in our study population, though it varies greatly among Asian and world data. Uniform meta-analysis and systematic review is necessary to stratify.
Multiple Ruptured Aneurysms Over Basilar Artery Fenestration: Endovascular Management

Basilar artery fenestrations (BAF) are rare vascular anomalies. Surgical intervention for aneurysms in this vascular segment is exceptionally arduous because of the complexity of the neurovascular structures in the vicinity of the brainstem. Endovascular therapy (ET) is the treatment of choice because of its safety and efficacy. Here, we report a 62-year-old female presenting with a two-day history of sudden onset severe headache, vomiting, and altered sensorium. A computed tomography (CT) and subsequent CT angiogram (CTA) revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and BAF with an aneurysm on each arm of the fenestration. Digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) with a three-dimensional rotational angiogram (3DRA) was employed before initiating ET. We used coiling and flow diversion to exclude the aneurysms from circulation. A six-month follow-up angiography reconfirmed the complete obliteration of the aneurysms. There was no focal neurological deficit.
One-Carbon Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Brain Tissue

Disruptions in one-carbon metabolism and elevated homocysteine have been previously implicated in the development of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Moreover, a PD diagnosis itself carries substantial risk for the development of dementia. This is the first study that explores alterations in one-carbon metabolism in AD and PD directly in the human brain frontal cortex, the primary center of cognition. Applying targeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we analyzed post-mortem samples obtained from 136 subjects (35 AD, 65 PD, 36 controls). We found changes in one-carbon metabolites that indicate inefficient activation of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) in AD and PD subjects with dementia, the latter seemingly accompanied by a restricted re-methylation flow. Levodopa–carbidopa is known to reduce available vitamin B6, which would explain the hindered CBS activity. We present evidence of temporary non-protein-bound homocysteine accumulation upon levodopa intake in the brain of PD subjects with dementia but not in non-demented PD subjects. Importantly, this homocysteine elevation is not related to levodopa dosage, disease progression, or histopathological markers but exclusively to the dementia status. We hypothesize that this levodopa-induced effect is a direct cause of dementia in PD in susceptible subjects with reduced re-methylation capacity. Furthermore, we show that betaine best correlates with cognitive score even among PD subjects alone and discuss nutritional recommendations to improve one-carbon metabolism function.