Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved forest classification in the northern Lake States using multi-temporal Landsat imagery

Forest classifications using single date Landsat TM data have been only moderately successful in separating forest cover types in the northern Lake States region. Few regional forest classifications have been presented that achieve genus or species level accuracy. We developed a more specific forest cover classification using TM data from early summer in conjunction with four MSS dates to capture phenological changes of different tree species. Among the 22 forest types classified, multi-temporal image analysis aided in separating 13 types. Of greatest significance, trembling aspen, sugar maple, northern red oak, northern pin oak, black ash, and tamarack were successfully classified. The overall classification accuracy was 83.2 percent and the forest classification accuracy was 80.1 percent. This approach may be useful for broad-scale forest cover monitoring in other areas, particularly where ancillary data layers are not available.
Cryphonectria carpinicola discovered in Japan: first report of the sexual state on Carpinus tree

Cryphonectria carpinicola is an ascomycetous fungus that has been regularly found in its asexual form on European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) in Europe over the past two decades. Here we describe the discovery of C. carpinicola in Japan and report for the first time its sexual state on Carpinus species. No symptomatic trees were observed, but stromata were found saprotrophically on broken branches of Carpinus species on the forest floor. The sexual structures of C. carpinicola resembled that of other Cryphonectria species and strongly resembled those of the closely related species C. radicalis. A phylogenetic tree based on the internal transcribed spacer sequences showed monophyly for the Japanese and European isolates of C. carpinicola. Further studies on the distribution and host range of C. carpinicola in Japan and on the life history strategies of this fungus are needed.
Geriatric Surgery Produces a Hypoactive Molecular Phenotype in the Monocyte Immune Gene Transcriptome

Surgery is a major challenge for the immune system, but little is known about the immune response of geriatric patients to surgery. We therefore investigated the impact of surgery on the molecular signature of circulating CD14+ monocytes, cells implicated in clinical recovery from surgery, in older patients. We enrolled older patients having elective joint replacement (N = 19) or spine (N = 16) surgery and investigated pre- to postoperative expression changes in 784 immune-related genes in monocytes. Joint replacement altered the expression of 489 genes (adjusted p < 0.05), of which 38 had a |logFC| > 1. Spine surgery changed the expression of 209 genes (adjusted p < 0.05), of which 27 had a |logFC| > 1. In both, the majority of genes with a |logFC| > 1 change were downregulated. In the combined group (N = 35), 471 transcripts were differentially expressed (adjusted p < 0.05) after surgery; 29 had a |logFC| > 1 and 72% of these were downregulated. Notably, 21 transcripts were common across procedures. Thus, elective surgery in older patients produces myriad changes in the immune gene transcriptome of monocytes, with many suggesting development of an immunocompromised/hypoactive phenotype. Because monocytes are strongly implicated in the quality of surgical recovery, this signature provides insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the immune response to surgery and warrants further study as a potential biomarker for predicting poor outcomes in older surgical patients.
Carbon balance and climate change in boreal forests

Most scientists agree that the global climate is changing as a consequence of humancaused perturbations to global biogeochemical cycles, especially the carbon cycle (IPCC 2001a). In addition, the impacts of these changes are becoming increasingly evident (IPCC 2001b). The boreal forest biome is one of the Earths ecosystems most affected by the changing climate (IPCC 2001a; Gitay et al. 2001). The forests in this 799
Modeling the dissolved organic carbon output from a boreal mire using the convection‐dispersion equation: Importance of representing sorption

In this paper we present a model of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and fluxes in mire water based on the convection‐dispersion equation. The dynamics of sorbed, potentially soluble organic carbon (SPSOC) in the peat matrix are simulated in parallel with DOC. First, the model is applied solely to stagnant water conditions in order to interpret the results of laboratory peat incubations, with the focus on sorption processes. Some important model parameters are derived using literature data complemented by information from new incubation experiments. Second, the model is fully applied to simulate the DOC concentrations in the outlet of a steam draining a small headwater mire in northern Sweden during the period 1993–2001. A relatively good model fit (mean bias error (MBE) = −0.6–2.2 mg L−1, Willmott index of agreement d > 0.7 for the daily concentrations) was found for all the categories of stream discharge, except periods with very low flow (q < 0.3 mm d−1). When seeking explanations for the interannual variability in DOC concentrations, we, like previous authors, could find the influence of temperature, flow path, and intensity. However, the model has helped to demonstrate that the system also has a “memory”: the store of sorbed, potentially soluble organic carbon in a year affects the DOC concentrations and fluxes in the following year.
Human estimation of slope, distance, and height of terrain in simulated lunar conditions

Abstract : As NASA's Vision for Space Exploration seeks to explore mountainous regions near the southern pole, astronauts will require accurate navigational assistance. Current and future technology will likely be available; however, the human's own perception of the terrain may affect their confidence in these instruments and be necessary during emergency situations. These unique lunar conditions are expected to affect human perception: the lack of an atmosphere, the non-Lambertian regolith reflectance properties, the lack of familiar objects, and the physiological effects of reduced gravity. This project examines the inherent errors humans make when judging the slope, distance, and height of terrain, both on the Earth in a lunar-like environment and on the Moon using photographs from the Apollo missions. Five experiments were conducted in field and Virtual Reality (VR) environments. The effects of true slope, true distance, and sun elevation on slope estimates were determined using visual and motor responses in a lunar-like Utah environment and reproduced in a VR environment using synoptically viewed images in two body positions, under normal and lunar Gz loading conditions. The effects of true slope, distance, and body position on slope, distance, and height estimates of synoptically viewed Apollo panoramic images were measured and compared to measurements obtained from topographical maps. Systematic and random errors were determined for all estimates. Slope estimate comparisons were made between lunar-like and lunar terrain and also between lunar hills and craters. Slope was significantly overestimated in the field study. were significantly greater at lower sun elevations and closer distances in the Lunar-like VR Study. Lunar distance estimates varied largely and slope estimation errors were significantly greater for craters than for hills. A new relationship between hill shape and perceived steepness was also discovered.
Computational analyses of RPIA gene mutation causing Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase deficiency: a rarest known metabolic disorder in humans

The main aim of current study was to perform in silico functional analysis of all reported RPIA mutations. In silico analysis was done using different tools i.e. trRosetta tool, Autodock Vina, PatchDock and iMODS. Among all the reported mutations, lowest percentage identity of 4.69% with wild-type protein was shown by splice site mutation, while highest percentage identity of 78.78%, was shown by p.Ser61Val mutation. In protein-substrate docking, wild-type protein was docking with substrate with 11 different bonds. However in case of mutant protein highest interaction with substrate molecule was shown by mutant p.Ile257Thr proteins via 13 different bonds, while lowest interaction was noted in mutant p.Asn255Ilefs17Term protein via 5 bonds. From the results, it was concluded that the binding of RPIA with ribose 5-phosphate is altered by the type of amino acid substitution, as well as the nature and number of bonds, which are capable to influence its biological activity.
Prograded foredunes of Western Australia's macro‐tidal coast – implications for Holocene sea‐level change and high‐energy wave impacts

The Holocene evolution of the Canning Coast of Western Australia has largely been overlooked so far mainly due to its remoteness and low population density. We report on new data from a sequence of foredunes inside the macro‐tidal Admiral Bay, 110 km southwest of Broome. Based on sediment cores, differential global positioning system (dGPS)‐based elevation transects, and stratigraphical analyses on outcrops of the relict foredunes, we aim at reconstructing Holocene coastal changes and relative sea levels (RSLs), as well as identifying and dating imprints of extreme‐wave events. Sedimentary analyses comprise the documentation of bedding structures, foraminiferal content and macrofaunal remains, grain size distribution, and organic matter. The chronological framework is based on 26 carbon‐14 accelerator mass spectrometry (14C‐AMS) datings.
Progression of Non-Significant Mitral and Tricuspid Regurgitation after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Regurgitation

Little is known about the natural history of non-significant mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (MR and TR) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for aortic regurgitation (AR). We retrospectively analyzed 184 patients (median age 64 (IQR, 55–74) years, 76.6% males) who underwent SAVR for AR. Subjects with significant non-aortic valvulopathies, prior/concomitant valvular interventions, or congenital heart disease were excluded. The cohort was evaluated for MR/TR progression and, based on the latter’s occurrence, for echocardiographic and clinical indices of heart failure and mortality. By 5.8 (IQR, 2.8–11.0) years post-intervention, moderate or severe MR occurred in 20 (10.9%) patients, moderate or severe TR in 25 (13.5%), and either of the two in 36 (19.6%). Patients who developed moderate or severe MR/TR displayed greater biventricular disfunction and functional limitation and were less likely to be alive at 7.0 (IQR, 3.4–12.1) years compared to those who did not (47.2 vs. 79.7%, p < 0.001). The emergence of significant MR/TR was associated with preoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter, symptomatic heart failure, and above-mild MR/TR as well as concomitant composite graft use, but not with baseline echocardiographic measures of biventricular function and dimensions, aortic valve morphology, or procedural aspects. In conclusion, among patients undergoing SAVR for AR, significant MR/TR developed in one fifth by six years, correlated with more adverse course, and was anticipated by baseline clinical and echocardiographic variables.
Non-medical prescription drug use in Serbia: Results from the national survey on lifestyles: Substance abuse and gambling

Background: Non-medical prescription drug use (NMPDU) of anti-anxiety medications is a growing public health concern. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of the use of anti-anxiety medications, as well as the factors associated with the NMPDU of these medications among adults in Serbia. Materials and methods: The study is a secondary analysis of the data from the National Survey on Lifestyles in Serbia - Substance Abuse and Gambling, conducted in 2014 and 2018, with 7,385 participants. Results: The prevalence of prescription only use of anti-anxiety medications was 13.5% (995/7,385), while the prevalence of the non-medical prescription drug use was 5.04% (372/7,385). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed an association between non-medical prescription use of anti-anxiety medications and the female sex (OR: 3.23), the age between 35 and 44 years (OR: 1.91), the age between 45 and 54 years (OR: 2.40), or the age between 55 and 64 years (OR: 2.97), reporting a low (OR: 2.40) or average (OR:1.67) satisfaction with health status, being a smoker (OR: 1.62), having moderate (OR: 2.35) or high (OR: 4.56) psychological distress, and having a low/moderate risk for pathological gambling (OR: 1.86). Conclusion: There is a clear need for the inclusion of health care professionals and media in the education of patients on the risks of self-medication, medication exchange, or illegal purchase of these medications.
Exploration of Immune Targets for Type 1 Diabetes and Latent Autoimmune Disease Immunotherapy

Abstract Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that destroys pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin in the islets of Langerhans. The risk of developing T1D is influenced by environmental factors, genetics, and autoantibodies. Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a type of T1D that is genetically and phenotypically distinct from classic T1D. This review summarizes the accumulated information on the risk factors for T1D and LADA, and immunotherapy trials that offer insights into potential future combined therapeutic interventions for both T1D and LADA to slow the rate of islet cell loss and preserve beta cell function. Future research should also focus on improving intervention doses, conducting more thorough examinations of intervention responders, and/or combining minimally effective single-target immunotherapies to slow the rate of islet cell loss and preserve beta cell function.
Transcriptome Analysis of Cisplatin, Cannabidiol, and Intermittent Serum Starvation Alone and in Various Combinations on Colorectal Cancer Cells

Platinum-derived chemotherapy medications are often combined with other conventional therapies for treating different tumors, including colorectal cancer. However, the development of drug resistance and multiple adverse effects remain common in clinical settings. Thus, there is a necessity to find novel treatments and drug combinations that could effectively target colorectal cancer cells and lower the probability of disease relapse. To find potential synergistic interaction, we designed multiple different combinations between cisplatin, cannabidiol, and intermittent serum starvation on colorectal cancer cell lines. Based on the cell viability assay, we found that combinations between cannabidiol and intermittent serum starvation, cisplatin and intermittent serum starvation, as well as cisplatin, cannabidiol, and intermittent serum starvation can work in a synergistic fashion on different colorectal cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we analyzed differentially expressed genes and affected pathways in colorectal cancer cell lines to understand further the potential molecular mechanisms behind the treatments and their interactions. We found that synergistic interaction between cannabidiol and intermittent serum starvation can be related to changes in the transcription of genes responsible for cell metabolism and cancer’s stress pathways. Moreover, when we added cisplatin to the treatments, there was a strong enrichment of genes taking part in G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Identification of lncRNAs associated with uterine corpus endometrial cancer prognosis based on the competing endogenous RNA network

Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) is one of the major malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. However, there are limitations in the currently available diagnostic approaches for UCEC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in regulating biological processes as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in tumors. To study the potential of lncRNAs as non-invasive diagnostic tumor markers, RNA-sequencing dataset of UCEC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to identify differentially expressed genes. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed by differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs and miRNAs. Pathway enrichment and functional analysis for the mRNAs in the constructed ceRNA network provide the direction of future research for UCEC by demonstrating the most affected processes and pathways. Seven potential lncRNA biomarkers (C20orf56, LOC100144604, LOC100190940, LOC151534, LOC727677, FLJ35390, LOC158572) were validated in UCEC patients by quantitative real-time PCR. Notably, LOC100190940 and LOC158572 were identified as novel RNA molecules with unknown functions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that the combined 7 lncRNAs had a high diagnostic value for UCEC patients with area under curve (AUC) of 0.941 (95% CI: 0.875-0.947). Our study highlights the potential of the validated 7 lncRNAs panel as diagnostic biomarkers in UCEC, providing new insights into the UCEC pathogenesis.
Race and Human Diversity: A Biocultural Approach

Race and Human Diversity is an introduction to the study of Human Diversity in both its biological and cultural dimensions. This text examines the biological basis of human difference and how humans have biologically and culturally adapted to life in different environments. It critiques the notion that humans can or should be classified into a number of "biological races". Coverageincludes discussion of the following topics: Biological backgroundof human variation History of racial classification A critique of the Race Concept Ethnic disease: How race affects morbidity and morality Adapative dimensions of human variability: Life in the tropics, the arctic, and high altitude Physiology of skin color A critical history of attempts to link race and intelligence Race as a cultural construct
Digital Teaching and Children’s Engagement in Play During Emergency Remote Teaching in Indonesia Early Childhood Education Context

The implementation of an emergency remote teaching has been informed to be quite successful in some level of educations such as in primary and secondary (Rasmitadila et al., 2020), however, it seems to be a challenge for an early-stage education to conduct the learning which previously is done in a physical setting. This study aims to get deeper understanding the phenomenon of emergency remote teaching and the innovations made to and with incorporating play in the classroom to meet the needs of ‘play as the nature of learning’ for the children in ECE context through teacher’s perspectives and practices. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed to explore teachers lived experienced during emergency remote teaching in five provinces in Indonesia (indicated as red zone as per data August 2020 by WHO, 2020). Semi-structured interviews was conducted with 10 to 20 teachers from the aforementioned regions. The data was organized and analysed using inductive data analysis based on individual textural and structural organization, and further synthesis a textural and structural meanings and essence (Moustaka, 1994). The findings showed that teachers agreed that selecting, choosing, and using certain media in preparing, designing, and delivering the materials or activities as well as doing assessment have become a dynamic process. Both assessment and learning support are closely related to parent’s involvement. Overall, teachers explained that in incorporating play into the remote learning, teachers should consider some aspects, and involve parents in designing the activities and deciding the used of materials.
A forecasting model of the magnetosphere driven by an optimal solar wind coupling function

A new empirical magnetospheric magnetic field model is described, driven by interplanetary parameters including a coupling function by Newell et al. (2007), termed henceforth as “N index. ” The model uses data from Polar, Geotail, Cluster, and Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms satellites, obtained in 1995–2013 at distances 3–60 RE. The model magnetopause is based on Lin et al. (2010) boundary driven by the solar wind pressure, IMF Bz, and the geodipole tilt. The model field includes contributions from the symmetric ring current (SRC), partial ring current (PRC) with associated Region 2 field‐aligned currents (R2 FAC), tail, Region 1 (R1) FAC, and a penetrated IMF. Increase in the N index results in progressively larger magnitudes of all the field sources, the most dramatic and virtually linear growth being found for the PRC and R1 FAC. The solar wind dynamic pressure Pdyn affects the model magnetotail current in proportion to the factor Pdyn/〈Pdyn〉ζ , where the exponent ζ on the order of 0.4–0.6 steadily decreases with increasing N index. The PRC peaks near midnight at N ∼ 0 but turns duskward with growing N. At ionospheric altitudes, both R1 and R2 FAC expand equatorward with growing N and Pdyn, and the R2 zone rotates westward. Larger values of N result in a more efficient penetration of the IMF into the magnetosphere and larger magnetic flux connection across the magnetopause. Growing dipole tilt is accompanied by a persistent and significant decrease of the total current in all magnetospheric field sources.
Identification of T-Cell Epitopes Using a Combined In-Silico and Experimental Approach in a Mouse Model for SARS-CoV-2

Following viral infection, T-cells are crucial for an effective immune response to intracellular pathogens, including respiratory viruses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, diverse assays were required in pre-clinical trials to evaluate the immune response following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and assess the response following exposure to the virus. To assess the nature and potency of the cellular response to infection or vaccination, a reliable and specific activity assay was needed. A cellular activity assay based on the presentation of short peptides (epitopes) allows the identification of T cell epitopes displayed on different alleles of the MHC, shedding light on the strength of the immune response towards antigens and aiding in antigen design for vaccination. In this report, we describe two approaches for scanning T cell epitopes on the surface glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2 (spike), which is utilized for attachment and entry and serves as an antigen in many vaccine candidates. We demonstrate that epitope scanning is feasible using peptide libraries or computational scanning combined with a cellular activity assay. Our scans identified four CD8 T cell epitopes, including one novel undescribed epitope. These epitopes enabled us to establish a reliable T-cell response assay, which was examined and used in various experimental mouse models for SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. These approaches could potentially aid in future antigen design for vaccination and establish cellular activity assays against uncharacterized antigens of emerging pathogens.