Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complex nonlinear dynamics of bursting of thalamic neurons related to Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is associated with bursting of the thalamic (TC) neuron, which receives the inhibitory synaptic current of the basal ganglia composed of multiple nuclei; deep brain stimulation (DBS) applied to the basal ganglia can eliminate the bursting to recover to the normal state. In this paper, the complex nonlinear dynamics for the appearance and disappearance of the bursting are obtained in a widely used theoretical model of a neuronal network. First, through a bifurcation analysis, isolated TC neurons exhibit paradoxical bursting induced from the resting state by enhanced inhibitory effect, which is different from the common view that the enhanced inhibitory effect should suppress the electrical behaviors. Second, the mechanism for the appearance of bursting is obtained by analyzing the electrical activities of the basal ganglia. The inhibitory synaptic current from the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe) induces a reduced firing rate of the subthalamic nucleus (STN); then, an excitatory synaptic current from the STN induces the bursting behaviors of the GPe. The excitatory current of STN neurons and the inhibitory current of the GPe cause bursting behaviors of the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), thus resulting in an enhanced inhibition from the GPi to the TC, which can induce the paradoxical bursting similar to the isolated TC neurons. Third, the cause for the disappearance of paradoxical bursting is acquired.The high frequency pulses of DBS induces enhanced firing activity of the STN and GPe neurons and enhanced inhibitory synaptic current from the GPe to the GPi, resulting in a reduced inhibitory effect from the GPi to the TC, which can eliminate the paradoxical bursting. Finally, the fast-slow dynamics of the paradoxical bursting of isolated TC neurons are acquired, which is related to the saddle-node and saddle-homoclinic orbit bifurcations of the fast subsystem of the TC neuron model. The results provide theoretical support for understanding the mechanism of Parkinson's disease and treatment methods such as DBS.
Electropolymerization on ITO-Coated Glass Slides of a Series of π-Extended BODIPY Dyes with Redox-Active Meso-Substituents

A series of meso-carbazole and meso-pyrene boron dipyrromethene(BDP) dyes have been synthesized using a two-step method. This simplified synthetic method did not require catalysts or oxidizing agents. Solution spectroscopic and electrochemical studies indicate that the HOMO and LUMO energies are dependent on the extent of π-conjugation associated with the pyrroles. Solution electrochemistry of the dyes in chloroform reveal film formation onto glassy carbon electrodes. Electrolysis of chloroform solutions of the dyes using indium tin oxide (ITO) glass slides as the working electrode show, using UV/vis spectroscopy, the formation of films. For two of the dyes, the BODIPY structure stays in tact upon electrolysis, exhibiting sharp absorption peaks on the ITO slides similar to that observed for the same dyes in solution.
School-based intervention impacts availability of vegetables and beverages in participants’ homes

As rates of metabolic syndrome rise, children consume too few vegetables and too much added sugar. Because children tend to eat what is available at home, the home environment plays a key role in shaping dietary habits. This secondary analysis evaluated the effects of a school-based gardening, cooking, and nutrition education intervention (TX Sprouts) compared to control on the availability of vegetables, fruit juice, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) at home. In the TX Sprouts cluster-randomized trial, 16 schools were randomized to TX Sprouts (n = 8 schools) or control (n = 8 schools) for one academic year. All schools served predominately Hispanic families with low incomes. TX Sprouts built school gardens and taught 18 lessons to all 3rd-5th grade students at intervention schools. TX Sprouts also offered monthly caregiver lessons before and/or after school. Caregivers completed questionnaires pre and post, providing demographics and information about home availability of vegetables, fruit juice, and SSBs. Summary statistics were used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of participants. Linear regression assessed the change in scores (pre to post) for the food/ beverage availability question. The model was adjusted for the caregiver’s education, employment status, child’s grade, and free or reduced-price lunch eligibility. The analytic sample included 895 participants. Compared to control, the intervention positively changed the home availability of targeted foods and beverages, largely by improving the availability of vegetables and vegetable juice. This study showed that a school gardening, nutrition, and cooking program delivered to elementary children may positively influence the home food environment.
A SNP variation in the Sucrose synthase (SoSUS) gene associated with sugar-related traits in sugarcane

Background Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an economically significant crop for both the sugar and biofuel industries. Breeding sugarcane cultivars with high-performance agronomic traits is the most effective approach for meeting the rising demand for sugar and biofuels. Molecular markers associated with relevant agronomic traits could drastically reduce the time and resources required to develop new sugarcane varieties. Previous sugarcane candidate gene association analyses have found single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with sugar-related traits. This study aims to validate these associated SNP markers of six genes, including Lesion simulating disease 1 (LSD), Calreticulin (CALR), Sucrose synthase 1 (SUS1), DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase (RH), KANADI1 (KAN1), and Sodium/hydrogen exchanger 7 (NHX7), in a diverse population in 2-year and two-location evaluations. Methods After genotyping of seven targeted SNP markers was performed by PCR Allelic Competitive Extension (PACE) SNP genotyping, the association with sugar-related traits and important cane yield component traits was determined on a set of 159 sugarcane genotypes. The marker-trait relationships were validated and identified by both t-test analysis and an association analysis based on the general linear model. Results The mSoSUS1_SNPCh10. T/C and mSoKAN1_SNPCh7. T/C markers that were designed from the SUS1 and KAN1 genes, respectively, showed significant associations with different amounts of sugar-related traits and yield components. The mSoSUS1_SNPCh10. T/C marker was found to have more significant association with sugar-related traits, including pol, CCS, brix, fiber and sugar yield, with p values of 6.08 × 10−6 to 4.35 × 10−2, as well as some cane yield component traits with p values of 1.61 × 10−4 to 3.35 × 10−2. The significant association is consistent across four environments. Conclusion Sucrose synthase (SUS) is considered a crucial enzyme involved in sucrose metabolism. This marker is a high potential functional marker that may be used in sugarcane breeding programs to select superior sugarcane with good fiber and high sugar contents.
Influence of Breast Cancer Extracellular Vesicles on Immune Cell Activation: A Pilot Study

Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex system composed of different cellular components that contribute to tumor growth and sustenance. The ability of the tumor to interact with the immune system through extracellular vesicles (EVs) represents a fundamental challenge for the scientific community to shed light on the intricate system that the tumor develops to escape the body’s control. In our study, we investigate a possible specific immune cell activation towards releasing EVs and whether such activation could differ between different breast cancer subtypes or cellular 2D/3D model growth. Our data, although preliminary, aim to shed light on the effect of TME on the anti-tumor immune component to further develop personalized approaches in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Abstract Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. It is well known that breast cancer shows significant alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is composed of a variety of immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, that have a key role in tumor development or anti-tumor responses in breast cancer patients. Luminal B (BT474) and triple-negative breast cancer (HS578T) cell lines were cultured in 2D and 3D model systems. PMBCs from healthy donors were isolated and treated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) from monolayer and spheroids of BT474 and HS578T and analyzed using cytofluorimetric approaches. We observed that EVs can alter the activation and presence of CD335+/CD11b+ NK cells. EVs derived from BT474 and HS578T cells trigger the activation and, simultaneously, a reduction in the percentage of CD335+/CD11b+ NK cells. In addition, EVs derived from BT474 also significantly reduce CD39+ T-regulatory (T-reg) cells. Our preliminary data suggest that using EVs to treat tumors could potentially alter components of the immune system, which causes hyperactivation of specific cell types and can lead to aggressive growth. These data will guide the designing of new personalized diagnostic approaches based on in-depth study of the TME.
When patches grow themselves: from analogy to autocatalytic processes, the relevance of ecological nucleation for restoration practices

Choosing restoration strategies may depend on ecosystem's stability properties. When degraded ecosystems do not self‐perpetuate, natural regeneration can lead to system recovery, and restoration interventions are often designed to accelerate the natural regeneration process. However, when degraded systems self‐perpetuate, reestablishing functional ecosystems depends on overcoming resistance thresholds that impede recovery. In both scenarios, concentrating restoration efforts in patches of the desired state may enhance ecosystem recovery. Introducing patches of a desired state has been motivated by two frameworks: autocatalytic nucleation and the analogy to nucleation. When restoration depends on overcoming resistance thresholds, autocatalytic nucleation lowers restoration barriers by initiating a local positive feedback mechanism that is only successful when desired patches are introduced above a critical patch size. In contrast, the analogy to nucleation accelerates natural regeneration whereby desired patches interact with landscape scale factors often through directed dispersal. We compare nucleation frameworks, and discuss their applications for restoration practices.
TOWARDS MULTILEVEL MODELLING OF TRAIN PASSING EVENTS ON THE STAFFORDSHIRE BRIDGE

We suggest a multilevel model, to represent aggregate train-passing events from the Staffordshire bridge monitoring system. We formulate a combined model from simple units, representing strain envelopes (of each train passing) for two types of commuter train. The measurements are treated as a longitudinal dataset and represented with a (low-rank approximation) hierarchical Gaussian process. For each unit in the combined model, we encode domain expertise as boundary condition constraints and work towards a general representation of the strain response. Looking forward, this should allow for the simulation of train types that were previously unobserved in the training data. For example, trains with more passengers or freights with a heavier payload. The strain event simulations are valuable since they can inform further experiments (including FEM calibration, fatigue analysis, or design) to test the bridge in hypothesised scenarios.
Reviewing Accountability Mechanisms in Nepal’s 2015 Earthquake Reconstruction

This systematic review delves into the critical domain of accountability mechanisms in the context of service providers, particularly in post-disaster reconstruction efforts. By employing a thematic analysis approach, the study evaluates various dimensions of accountability, including participation, transparency, feedback mechanisms, coordination, and institutional arrangements. The findings underscore the prevalent exclusion of vulnerable groups during decision-making processes, necessitating concerted efforts to promote inclusivity and representation. Additionally, the centralized nature of post-disaster reconstruction authority impedes local-level decision-making and responsiveness, emphasizing the urgency of empowering local governments and communities. The review reveals a dearth of empirical research on accountability practices at the local level, highlighting the need for further investigations and evidence-based studies. Despite positive aspects such as heightened participation and transparency, addressing identified gaps and challenges is essential to ensure more inclusive, responsive, and effective reconstruction processes.
Observing Urban Soil Pollution Using Magnetic Susceptibility

Pollution of urban soils dramatically reduces life and environmental quality. The most common pollutants are heavy metals and organic contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyl. Main source of these pollutants is fossil fuels which are pervasive in urban and/or industrialized areas. Identifying type and intensity of the pollution is essential to prepare an effective hazard mitigation plan. The study has been focused on the determining the distribution of pollutants in Denizli city center. The magnetic susceptibility measurements and chemical analysis are performed at several locations. The low frequency magnetic values are differing significantly over the study area. They are concentrated at the northern and southeastern parts of the study area. The spatial distribution of the PLI proved that the industrial area showed very high anomalous. They mainly come from magnetic particle sources in the area. Scattering patterns of Fe, Pb, Cu, Cr and Ni are compatible with the susceptibility maps and the topography. The highest concentration of Ni, Cr, Pb and Cu oxides elements are observed near the major roads and close to the industrial enterprises in the northern part of the city. High correlations are documented between low frequency magnetic susceptibility and Fe, Si, Pb and Cr. The method can effectively be employed for monitoring the urban soil pollution.
Effect of Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion Depth on Speech Perception Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Objective: The suitable electrode array choice is broadly discussed in cochlear implantation surgery. Whether to use a shorter electrode length under the aim of structure preservation versus choosing a longer array to achieve a greater cochlear coverage is a matter of debate. The aim of this review is to identify the impact of the insertion depth of a cochlear implant (CI) electrode array on CI users’ speech perception outcomes. Databases Reviewed: PubMed was searched for English-language articles that were published in a peer-reviewed journal from 1997 to 2022. Methods: A systematic electronic search of the literature was carried out using PubMed to find relevant literature on the impact of insertion depth on speech perception. The review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines of reporting. Studies in both, children and adults with pre- or postlingual hearing loss, implanted with a CI were included in this study. Articles written in languages other than English, literature reviews, meta-analyses, animal studies, histopathological studies, or studies pertaining exclusively to imaging modalities without reporting correlations between insertion depth and speech outcomes were excluded. The risk of bias was determined using the “Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions” tool. Articles were extracted by 2 authors independently using predefined search terms. The titles and abstracts were screened manually to identify studies that potentially meet the inclusion criteria. The extracted information included: the study population, type of hearing loss, outcomes reported, devices used, speech perception outcomes, insertion depth (linear insertion depth and/or the angular insertion depth), and correlation between insertion depth and the speech perception outcomes. Results: A total of 215 relevant studies were assessed for eligibility. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed further. Seven studies found no significant correlation between insertion depth and speech perception outcomes. Fifteen found either a significant positive correlation or a positive effect between insertion depth and speech perception. Only 1 study found a significant negative correlation between insertion depth and speech perception outcomes. Conclusion: Although most studies reported a positive effect of insertion depth on speech perception outcomes, one-third of the identified studies reported no correlation. Thus, the insertion depth must be considered as a contributing factor to speech perception rather than as a major decisive criterion. Registration: This review has been registered in PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42021257547), available at https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO/.
New Insights into Polymorphisms in Candidate Genes Associated with Incidence of Postparturient Endometritis in Ossimi Sheep (Ovis aries)

This study examined the genes related to immunity, metabolism, and antioxidants that may interact with the prevalence of postpartum endometritis in Ossimi sheep. We used fifty endometritis-positive Ossimi sheep and fifty that appeared to be normal. For the purpose of taking blood samples, each ewe had its jugular vein pierced. Nucleotide sequence differences for the immunological (alpha-2-macroglobulin, toll-like receptor 2, transforming growth factor beta, interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 3, high-mobility group box 1, Fc alpha and Mu receptor, and inducible nitric oxide synthase), metabolic (ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 20, potassium sodium-activated channel subfamily T member 2, Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4, FKBP prolyl isomerase 5, and relaxin family peptide receptor 1), and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase, NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit s5, and Heme oxygenase-1) genes were found among sheep with endometritis and those in good condition utilizing PCR-DNA sequencing. Fisher’s exact test revealed a significant difference in the probability of dispersal of all significant nucleotide changes between ewe groups with and without endometritis (p ˂ 0.01). In endometritis ewes, there was a considerable up-regulation of the expression levels of A2M, TLR2, IRAK3, HMGB1, FCAMR, iNOS, ADAMTS20, KCNT2, MAP3K4, FKBP5, RXFP1, and HMOX1. Conversely, there was a down-regulation of the genes that encode TGF-β, SOD, CAT, and NDUFS5. The kind of marker and its frequency in postparturient endometrtits significantly impacted the transcript levels of the indicators under analysis. The results validate that nucleotide changes and gene manifestation outlines in these candidates are significant predictors of the prevalence of endometritis in sheep.
International Journal of Health Geographics Open Access a Gis-driven Integrated Real-time Surveillance Pilot System for National West Nile Virus Dead Bird Surveillance in Canada

Background: An extensive West Nile virus surveillance program of dead birds, mosquitoes, horses, and human infection has been launched as a result of West Nile virus first being reported in Canada in 2001. Some desktop and web GIS have been applied to West Nile virus dead bird surveillance. There have been urgent needs for a comprehensive GIS services and real-time surveillance.
Racial and spatial interaction for neighborhood dynamics in Chicago

We look at the empirical validity of Schelling’s models for racial residential segregation applied to the case of Chicago. Most of the empirical literature has focused exclusively the single neighborhood model, also known as the tipping point model and neglected a multineighborhood approach or a unified approach. The multi-neighborhood approach introduced spatial interaction across the neighborhoods, in particular we look at spatial interaction across neighborhoods sharing a border. An initial exploration of the data indicates that spatial contiguity might be relevant to properly analyze the so call tipping phenomena of predominately non-Hispanic white neighborhoods to predominantly minority neighborhoods within a decade. We introduce an econometric model that combines an approach to estimate tipping point using threshold effects and a spatial autoregressive model. The estimation results from the model disputes the existence of a tipping point, that is a discontinuous change in the rate of growth of the non-Hispanic white population due to a small increase in the minority share of the neighborhood. In addition, we find that racial distance between the neighborhood of interest and the surrounding neighborhoods has an important effect on the dynamics of racial segregation in Chicago.
Gut microbiota and metabolites in estrus cycle and their changes in a menopausal transition rat model with typical neuroendocrine aging

Background Neuroendocrine alterations in the mid-life hypothalamus coupled with reproductive decline herald the initiation of menopausal transition. The certain feature and contribution of gut microflora and metabolites to neuroendocrine changes in the menopausal transition remain largely unknown. Methods Fecal samples of rats experiencing different reproductive stages were collected and processed for 16S rRNA and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry sequencing. The differences of gut microbiota and metabolites between young and middle-aged rats during proestrus and diestrus were analyzed, and their relationships to neuroendocrine aging were then examined. Results At the genus level, Anaeroyorax, Rikenella, Tyzzerella_3, and Atopostipes were abundant at proestrus, while Romboutsia, Turicibacter, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, CHKCI002, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010, Staphylococcus, Family_XII_AD3011_group, Ruminococcaceae UCG-011, and Christensenellaceae_R_7_group were enriched in the diestrus of middle-aged rats. DNF00809, Phocea, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 were found abundant during proestrus instead, while Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Erysipelatoclostridium, Anaeroplasma, Anaerofustis, Parasutterella, and Enterococcus were enriched at the diestrus of young female individuals. Discriminatory metabolites were identified involving 90 metabolic pathways among the animal sets, which were enriched for steroid hormone biosynthesis, arachidonic metabolism, primary bile acid synthesis, and ovarian steroidogenesis. A total of 21 metabolites lacking in hormone-associated changes in middle-aged female individuals presented positive or negative correlations with the circulating luteinizing hormone, bile acid, fibroblast growth factor 19, and gut hormones. Moreover, close correlations were detected between the intestinal bacteria and their metabolites. Conclusion This study documents specific gut microbial composition changes and concomitant shifting trends of metabolites during menopausal transition, which may initiate the gut–brain dysfunction in neuroendocrine aging.