Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Migration and specification of CGE-derived GABAergic cortical interneurons during mouse development

In rodents, cortical interneurons (INs) originate from the medial (MGE) and caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) according to precise temporal schedules, express a defined combination of factors, and reach their final laminar position through tangential and radial cell migration. The diversity and fate-specification of MGE-derived interneuron subtypes are well characterized however the molecular mechanisms controlling the migration and specification of CGE-derived INs are still vague. In this study, I have first investigated the migratory paths of cortical INs using a reporter line specific to the CGE, and then I have assessed the involvement of COUP-TFI and COUP-TFII, which are highly expressed in the embryonic CGE during development, in these paths. My data unravelled two major previously non-characterized migratory streams from the subpallium to the pallium: a dorsal stream (CLMS) in which CGE-derived cells migrate to the lateral GE (LGE), and a ventral one (CMMS) in which CGE-derived cells migrate to the MGE. I have characterized both streams and the already well-described caudal stream (CMS) during different stages of development and identified a series of genes expressed in the migrating cells. By inactivating COUP-TFI and/or COUP-TFII in the developing INs, these streams together with their molecular marker expression are perturbed. As a consequence, adult mutant mice have an altered distribution of interneuron subpopulations, particularly the ones derived from the CGE. Taken together, my study identified and characterized two novel CGE-derived interneuron migratory routes to the cortex and showed that COUP-TFs contribute in modulating these paths.
A Ka-band Wavemill Instrument Study for Ocean Surface Velocity Retrieval

During the last years there has been increased focus on the me asurement of ocean currents and surface velocities at sub-mesoscale resolutions. In order to obtain 2-D measurem ents, the investigations and studies have been predominant ly based on dual-beam along-track Synthetic Aperture Radar in terferometry (DBI/ATI SAR) [1], [2]. Also ESA initiated several studies based on this measurement concept, which re sulted in the development of the Wavemill concept [3], [4]. The following ESA Ocean Surface Current Mission Study ( OSCMS) has introduced two independent mission and instrument concepts in Ku-band [5], [6]. Since strong scien tific requirements on this mission, such as swath coverage and product resolution, result in large instruments, Ka-ba nd technology is a suggested solution in order to reduce the mission size. The objective of this study is the conceptu al design of a Wavemill instrument in Ka-band and its comparison to the OSCM instrument in Ku-band. Advantages of each frequency band regarding mainly the sensitivity will be identified, since the required sensitivity determin es the size of the instrument.
Material Characterization of Metal Parts Printed With Highly-Filled Polymers Fillaments: A Review

Among different Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies, Material Extrusion (MEX) is one of the most versatile and widely used, typically applied with polymers. Recently, increasing attention has been given to MEX of highly-filled polymers (HP) with metal powder, allowing low-cost conventional polymer 3D printers to fabricate parts of different kinds of metals with minor modifications. Studies have stated the benefits of metal MEX technology, but the process has some limitations, and understanding them is critical to designing a part manufactured by this procedure. After printing, post-processing steps are necessary to eliminate all traces of polymeric material, obtaining a final metallic part with 14-23% shrinkage of the total part volume, depending on printing orientation and material. The final parts' integrity is highly dependent on the filament deposition pathway, and residual stresses can distort or even crack the parts after sintering. Porosity and effects on mechanical properties are also consequences of the post-processing steps. Metal MEX parts’ mechanical properties are usually lower when compared to Metal Injection molding (MIM) and other AM technologies, such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The present paper aims to review the printing process and the characterization of materials produced by metal MEX, the most common defects, and other particularities that have been researched over the last few years. This study contributes to the emerging field of metal MEX, highlighting the main characteristics of the final parts obtained with this process.
Differentiated Instruction in Indonesian Private Kindergartens: Challenges in Implementing an Independent Curriculum

Differentiated instruction facilitates learning based on students’ unique interests, preparedness for learning, and learning profiles. Many teachers lack a comprehensive understanding of differentiated instruction, particularly in kindergarten. Teachers used to employ Student Worksheets to facilitate learning. This study aims to: (1) the implementation of differentiated instruction at an Indonesian private kindergarten, (2) the factors that facilitate the instruction’s implementation, and (3) the efforts to deal with any challenges encountered during the implementation of the instruction. This study employed a qualitative case study design to capture a phenomenon comprehensively and contextually by gathering data directly from the subject under investigation. The study was executed at Aisyiyah Kindergarten, Sukorejo, Indonesia. It is the only Indonesian kindergarten in Sukorejo that incorporates an independent curriculum called Sekolah Penggerak. Teachers implement holistic-integrative learning design to differentiate instructional activities. Learning media containing STEAM Loose parts were utilized to determine various factors that may facilitate or impede the instruction. Factors that facilitate instruction include the learning environment, media utilization, teachers’ creativity, the student-teacher relationship, the implementation of teaching techniques, students’ psychological well-being, and community support beyond the school setting. The inhibitory factors encompass a scarcity of learning resources, students’ lack of preparedness for learning, a shortage of teachers, and inadequate infrastructure. This study revealed that the school tried to address the challenges by collaborating with the community inside and outside the school, such as with student guardians, the foundation administrator, and related agencies
Reactive and Mixing Processes Governing Ammonium and Nitrate Coexistence in a Polluted Coastal Aquifer

A comprehensive hydrochemical, stable isotope and microbial analyses characterisation has been performed to evaluate the sources of groundwater, nitrogen pollution and degradation processes occurring in an industrial polluted coastal aquifer in the framework of a complex hydrodynamic system. The coexistence of ammonium and nitrate has been observed in almost all the investigated monitoring wells, reaching maximum values of 100 and 200 mg/L for both species. Chloride and potassium concentration coupled with groundwater stable isotopes data show the influence of local and urban recharge and the occurrence of seawater intrusion in areas near the coastline. δ15N–NH4+ values ranging between −4.9 and +14.9% suggest that different processes such as partial nitrification of ammonium, probably anammox activities and sorption, are occurring at the site. The isotope data for NH4+ also showed the existence of the remnant of an old fertilizer plume in the downgradient area. The nitrate isotope data ranging between +9 and +46% and +6 and +26% for δ15N–NO3− and δ18O–NO3−, respectively, suggest that nitrate content is attenuated by denitrification and probably annamox. The fast groundwater flow field is one of the reasons for the coexistence of NH4+ and NO3− in groundwater, since both compounds can penetrate the reducing zone of the aquifer. The influence of leakage of sewage pipelines on the aquifer cannot be discerned due to the complexities of the nitrogen attenuation processes, also influenced by pumping activities.
Identification of IGF-1 Effects on White Adipose Tissue and Hippocampus in Alzheimer’s Disease Mice via Transcriptomic and Cellular Analysis

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) stands as the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by a multitude of pathological manifestations, prominently marked by the aggregation of amyloid beta. Recent investigations have revealed a compelling association between excessive adiposity and glial activation, further correlating with cognitive impairments. Additionally, alterations in levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) have been reported in individuals with metabolic conditions accompanied by memory dysfunction. Hence, our research endeavors to comprehensively explore the impact of IGF-1 on the hippocampus and adipose tissue in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. To address this, we have conducted an in-depth analysis utilizing APP/PS2 transgenic mice, recognized as a well-established mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease. Upon administering IGF-1 injections to the APP/PS2 mice, we observed notable alterations in their behavioral patterns, prompting us to undertake a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of both the hippocampal and adipose tissues. Our data unveiled significant modifications in the functional profiles of these tissues. Specifically, in the hippocampus, we identified changes associated with synaptic activity and neuroinflammation. Concurrently, the adipose tissue displayed shifts in processes related to fat browning and cell death signaling. In addition to these findings, our analysis enabled the identification of a collection of long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs that exhibited significant changes in expression subsequent to the administration of IGF-1 injections. Furthermore, we endeavored to predict the potential roles of these identified RNA molecules within the context of our study. In summary, our study offers valuable transcriptome data for hippocampal and adipose tissues within an Alzheimer’s disease model and posits a significant role for IGF-1 within both the hippocampus and adipose tissue.
Determination of the urban heat island intensity in villages and its connection to land cover in three European climate zones

Although urban heat islands (UHIs) have been found in many cities throughout the world, work on smaller settlements is still limited, especially concerning variations connected to climate zones. Meteorological stations are often regarded as rural when located in a village or small town, and any temperature bias is assumed negligible. In this paper, we therefore present air temperature variations and their connection to land cover in 3 European villages, boreal Haparanda, temperate Geisenheim, and Mediterranean Cazorla, all of them hosting long temperature records that might be biased. The villages were equipped with temperature sensors, and the surrounding areas were digitized to compare UHI effects and to evaluate the contribution of land cover on local cooling and warming. This sensor network reveals significant village UHIs in all 3 climate zones, with seasonal maximum intensities decreasing from north (1.4°C) to south (0.9°C). During summer, urban warming is most emphasized in minimum temperatures in boreal Haparanda and temperate Geisenheim but weakest in Mediterranean Cazorla, presumably because of limited plant transpiration due to high insolation and drought stress. Urban warming is correlated with building density in all 3 settlements and shows little seasonal variation. Even though the mountain river passing Cazorla substantially cools ambient temperatures at distances <100 m, mitigation of warming through water bodies is limited in the Central and Northern European sites. Our results suggest to treat rural instrumental station data with care and to avoid using data recorded in villages as unbiased reference records to adjust measurements from larger cities.
Unveiling the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches for diabetic nephropathy: insights from panvascular diseases

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) represents a significant microvascular complication in diabetes, entailing intricate molecular pathways and mechanisms associated with cardiorenal vascular diseases. Prolonged hyperglycemia induces renal endothelial dysfunction and damage via metabolic abnormalities, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby compromising hemodynamics. Concurrently, fibrotic and sclerotic alterations exacerbate glomerular and tubular injuries. At a macro level, reciprocal communication between the renal microvasculature and systemic circulation establishes a pernicious cycle propelling disease progression. The current management approach emphasizes rigorous control of glycemic levels and blood pressure, with renin-angiotensin system blockade conferring renoprotection. Novel antidiabetic agents exhibit renoprotective effects, potentially mediated through endothelial modulation. Nonetheless, emerging therapies present novel avenues for enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating the disease burden. A precision-based approach, coupled with a comprehensive strategy addressing global vascular risk, will be pivotal in mitigating the cardiorenal burden associated with diabetes.
Does the immune stimulant Amplimune® modulate humoral and cytokine responses to commercial bovine respiratory disease vaccines in cattle?

Context Feedlot entry can be a period of stress for cattle due to transportation, altered diets and other influences. Stress can suppress host defence mechanisms. Innate immune stimulants, such as mycobacterial cell-wall fractions, attract attention for the primary objective of enhancing non-specific immune resistance of cattle against microbial diseases during periods of stress-induced susceptibility. These stimulants are also recognised for their capacity to modify responses of the adaptive immune system to vaccines. Aims This study aims to evaluate the potential for mycobacterial cell-wall fractions in Amplimune® to modify adaptive immune responses to the commercial vaccines Rhinogard® (modified live bovine alphaherpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1)) and Bovilis MH + IBR® (inactivated Mannheimia haemolytica and BoHV-1) in yearling cattle during simulated feedlot induction. Methods Fifty-four mixed-sex Angus yearling cattle were transported for 6 h on Day −1 and on Day 0. The cattle were assigned to the following six treatment groups (n = 9/group): Rhinogard plus 2 mL Amplimune, Rhinogard plus 5 mL Amplimune, Bovilis MH + IBR plus 2 mL Amplimune, Bovilis MH + IBR plus 5 mL Amplimune, Rhinogard plus 5 mL saline, and Bovilis MH + IBR plus 5 mL saline. Blood and nasal secretions were sampled at various time points following treatment and antigen-specific antibody (immunoglobulin G) responses to components of the vaccines were assessed. Interferon-γ production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to BoHV-1, Concanavalin A or media only were assessed. Key results No adverse clinical reactions were observed to administration of Amplimune and vaccines. A systemic antibody response to vaccination was observed for the Bovilis MH + IBR vaccine. Vaccine-specific antibody and cytokine responses were not modified by Amplimune. Conclusions Amplimune can be administered at the same time as Rhinogard or Bovilis MH + IBR vaccines, without undesirable effects on specific immune responses to vaccination. Implications The primary interest in using Amplimune is to potentiate non-specific immune defences as an alternative to antibiotics for the prevention and/or treatment of microbial diseases such as bovine respiratory disease in production animals. In view of its adjuvant-like activities, administration of Amplimune might also confer beneficial or detrimental effects on antigen-specific responses of the adaptive immune system to contemporaneous vaccination.
SCALABILITY ASSESSMENT AND PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION OF HYPERLEDGER FABRIC

The feature of Blockchain as distributed ledger that are shared among nodes within a computer network, renowned for its pivotal role in cryptocurrency systems by ensuring a secure and decentralized the role of transaction record which is ensured for maintenance of security and decentralization in cryptocurrency systems. The Linux Foundation host the open-source framework of private blockchain, the Hyperledger Fabric (HLF). Smart contracts are utilized for transaction management and a modular architecture of blockchain framework, providing a foundation for the development of blockchain-based applications through plug-and-play components. In the realm of distributed systems, scalability emerges as a crucial design goal for developers. The most appropriate blockchain platform for the operations of the business industry, which need for the seamless addition of more users and resources without perceptible performance loss. An assessment of scalability is required as a large number of nodes involvement in the implementation of blockchain frameworks. In this paper, the impact of system configurations such as, transaction volume, node types is focused in the transition of V2.2. 4 with the various significant issues with the architecture. The throughput, latency, processor, and memory usages are mainly analyzed based on the different number of transactions. According to the performance results of the proposed system, the scalability of the possible number of transactions and the different peer nodes can be supported in the implementation of blockchain-based system for HLF blockchain.
Spatial Distribution and Modeling of Soil Transmitted Helminthes Infection in Nigeria

Background and Objective: Soil transmitted helminthes (STH) infection affects more than two billion people worldwide with Nigeria having the highest burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the spatial and potential distribution of STHs in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Secondary data were assessed from 98 journals and the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms were extracted from them. The spatial distribution of the parasites was performed using DIVA-GIS software. The climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) and elevation variable (altitude) were used in the modeling of the parasites using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling tool. Results: The average prevalence of A. lumbricoides, Hookworms and T. trichiura in Nigeria is 25.17%, 16.86% and 9.74% respectively. Delta State (62.08%) had the highest infection of A. lumbricoides followed by Oyo (55.50%) and Kano (44.40%) while 14 states had prevalence of below 20.0%. Akwa Ibom and Kano States had the highest average prevalence of 55.80% for hookworm infections. Delta, Oyo and Benue States had prevalence of 38.08%, 35.80%, and 35.40% respectively while 22 states had prevalence of hookworm below 20.0%. T. trichiura had the least average prevalence among the three STHs. Akwa Ibom State had the highest prevalence for this parasite with 40.40% followed by Lagos, Delta and Kwara States with prevalence values of 24.85%, 24.05% and 23.37% respectively. Other states in the Federation had prevalence values of less than 12% with Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and Borno States having the least prevalence of 0.80 and 0.90% respectively. The potential distribution that reveals than southern Nigeria has been at high risk of infections. Precipitations of the wettest month, altitude, precipitation of the warmest quarter are the major environmental variables that affect the distribution of STH. Conclusion: Nigeria is characterized by varying prevalence of STHs. All states in Nigeria are endemic for STHs. Southern Nigeria was observed to have higher prevalence of STHs due to the high level of precipitation and low altitude of these regions. “The higher the altitude, the lower the prevalence of STH infections. The higher the temperature and precipitation, the higher the prevalence of STH infections.
Nannofosiles del cretácico de la cordillera Bética

Se ha realizado un estudio de los nannofosiles del intervalo tithonico-maastrichtiense de la cordillera betica. El estudio abarca los aspectos taxonomico, bioestratigrafico y paleoecologico- paleobiogeografico. El material investigado asciende a unas 1000 muestras, distribuidas en unas 30 secciones, realizadas en las zonas externas de la cordillera (penibetico, subbetico y unidades intermedias). Se han identificado 170 especies, agrupadas en 82 generos dentro de 18 familias. Se han diferenciado, desde el punto de vista bioestratigrafico 41 intervalos (entre zonas y subzonas) para el tithonico-maastrichtiense. De estos intervalos, una zona y once subzonas se han definido por primera vez. Desde el punto de vista de las correlaciones, se han realizado con respecto a ammonites y a foraminiferos planctonicos. Se diferencian, para el cretacico, tres intervalos en los que los factores que controlan la distribucion biogeografica de la nannoflora, son diferentes en cada caso.
Forging of metals and alloys for biomedical applications

Abstract: Processing plays a vital role in the final properties achievable in an artificial implant. The properties that are critical to an artificial implant include: comparable or higher strength and modulus to that of bone, high fatigue and wear resistance, fracture toughness and anisotropic elastic properties similar to that of bone/tissue. This chapter reviews the process of forging applied to implant materials, in particular their advantages and disadvantages in terms of achieving the desired properties. A discussion on the effect of various alloying additions on forging resistance and their impact on biocompatibility is also included, besides the various die design considerations. Finally, some of advanced methods of processing relevant to forging is discussed.
A Mendelian randomization study identifies proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases

Proteins are involved in multiple biological functions. High-throughput technologies have allowed the measurement of thousands of proteins in population biobanks. In this study, we aimed to identify proteins related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using large-scale genetic and proteomic data. We performed a two-sample cis Mendelian randomization (MR) study by selecting instrumental variables for the abundance of over 2,700 proteins measured by either Olink or SomaScan platforms in plasma from UK Biobank and the deCODE Health Study. We also used the latest publicly-available GWAS for the diseases of interest. The potentially causal effect of proteins on neurodegenerative diseases was estimated based on the Wald ratio. We tested 10,244 protein-disease associations, identifying 122 associations which were statistically significant (5% false discovery rate). Out of 57 associations (58%) tested using an instrumental variable from both Olink and SomaScan platforms, 33 (58%) were statistically significant in both platforms. Evidence of co-localisation between plasma protein abundance and disease risk (posterior probability >0.80) was identified for 46 protein-disease pairs. Twenty-three out of 46 protein-disease associations correspond to genetic loci not previously reported by genome-wide association studies. The newly-associated proteins for AD are involved in complement (C1S, C1R), microglia (SIRPA, PRSS8) and lysosomal functions (CLN5). A protein newly-associated with PD (CTF1) is involved in the interleukin-6 pathway, two proteins for ALS (TPP1, TNFSF13) are involved in lysosomal and astrocyte function, respectively, and proteins associated with MS are involved in blood-brain barrier function (TYMP, VEGFB), the oligodendrocyte function (PARP1), the structure of the node of Ranvier and function of dorsal root ganglion (NCS1, FLRT3, CDH15), and the response to viral infections including Epstein-Barr virus (PVR, WARS1). Our study demonstrates how harnessing large-scale genomic and proteomic data can yield novel insights into the role of plasma proteome in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.