Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toolkit for cellular studies of mammalian mitochondrial inorganic polyphosphate

Introduction: Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is an ancient polymer which is extremely well-conserved throughout evolution, and found in every studied organism. PolyP is composed of orthophosphates linked together by high-energy bonds, similar to those found in ATP. The metabolism and the functions of polyP in prokaryotes and simple eukaryotes are well understood. However, little is known about its physiological roles in mammalian cells, mostly due to its unknown metabolism and lack of systematic methods and effective models for the study of polyP in these organisms. Methods: Here, we present a comprehensive set of genetically modified cellular models to study mammalian polyP. Specifically, we focus our studies on mitochondrial polyP, as previous studies have shown the potent regulatory role of mammalian polyP in the organelle, including bioenergetics, via mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Results: Using SH-SY5Y cells, our results show that the enzymatic depletion of mitochondrial polyP affects the expression of genes involved in the maintenance of mitochondrial physiology, as well as the structure of the organelle. Furthermore, this depletion has deleterious effects on mitochondrial respiration, an effect that is dependent on the length of polyP. Our results also show that the depletion of mammalian polyP in other subcellular locations induces significant changes in gene expression and bioenergetics; as well as that SH-SY5Y cells are not viable when the amount and/or the length of polyP are increased in mitochondria. Discussion: Our findings expand on the crucial role of polyP in mammalian mitochondrial physiology and place our cell lines as a valid model to increase our knowledge of both mammalian polyP and mitochondrial physiology.
Efficient Degradation of Ciprofloxacin in Water over Copper-Loaded Biochar Using an Enhanced Non-Radical Pathway

The development of an efficient catalyst with excellent performance using agricultural biomass waste as raw materials is highly desirable for practical water pollution control. Herein, nano-sized, metal-decorated biochar was successfully synthesized with in situ chemical deposition at room temperature. The optimized BC-Cu (1:4) composite exhibited excellent peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation performance due to the enhanced non-radical pathway. The as-prepared BC-Cu (1:4) composite displays a superior 99.99% removal rate for ciprofloxacin degradation (initial concentration 20 mg·L−1) within 40 min. In addition, BC-Cu (1:4) has superior acid-base adaptability (3.98~11.95) and anti-anion interference ability. The trapping experiments and identification of reactive oxidative radicals confirmed the crucial role of enhanced singlet oxygen for ciprofloxacin degradation via a BC-Cu (1:4)/PMS system. This work provides a new idea for developing highly active, low-cost, non-radical catalysts for efficient antibiotic removal.
Development of Interactive Animated Multimedia-Based Learning Tools in Improving Student Learning Outcomes Healthy Food Materials

This study aims to produce interactive animated multimedia learning tools that are valid, practical, and effective in improving student learning outcomes of healthy food materials. This method used research and development with the ADDIE model and designed quasi-experiments. The population of this study was the teacher council along with grade V students of SDN Tamanbaru, SDN Kebalenan, SDN Sobo, SDN Kertosari 1, SDN Kertosari 2, and SDN Model. With samples of SDN Kebalenan (N = 28) as the experimental class and SDN Sobo (N = 28) as the control class. Assessment instruments were in the form of questionnaires, written tests, and observations. The data analysis techniques used were validity, reliability, normality, pair sample t-test, homogeneity, and independent t-test. The results showed: 1) Interactive animated multimedia devices, very feasible to use and valid with a value of 93.33%. The average reliability of 92.6 in the Excellent Reliability category; 2) Interactive animated multimedia devices, very practical with the ability to manage learning in experimental classes by 94.5% and student responses by 91.2%; 3) Interactive animated multimedia devices, very effective based on independent t-test data, with the significance value of Levene's test 0.189 > 0.05. The value of significance equality of means 0.002 < 0.05. While the statistically independent t-test group in the experimental class was 75.61 and the control class 64.86. Thus, interactive animated multimedia learning tools are valid, practical, and effective to be used in the learning process of healthy food materials.
Passive Microwave Remote Sensing of the Antarctic Ice Sheet: Retrieval of Firn Properties Near the Concordia Station

This letter discusses the retrieval of important thermal and physical properties of the Antarctic firn via spaceborne microwave radiometry focusing on the Concordia station. Previous studies have indicated that microwave radiometer measurements are sensitive to important properties of the firn from its surface down to deep isothermal ice. Expanding on those work, yearlong Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) and Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) radiometer measurements over the Concordia station have been used to create brightness temperature spectrograms, i.e., brightness temperatures versus month and frequency, and these spectrograms have been used to retrieve subsurface density and temperature properties of the firn using a plausible forward radiation model. It has been found that utilizing the wide microwave spectrum and long-term measurements, density variations due to internal firn layering, as well as seasonal temperature variations in the near-surface firn can be accurately estimated. In addition, densification of the firn with depth and the deep firn temperature can be retrieved with adequate ancillary data. The results mainly suggest that when deployed with other instruments, such as ground penetrating radars, wideband microwave radiometers can be useful for characterization of ice sheets in future polar remote sensing missions.
Knowledge-Guided and Machine-Learning-Assisted Synthesis for Series-Fed Microstrip Antenna Arrays Using Base Element Modeling

The complexity of the series-fed microstrip antenna array (SFMAA) synthesis problem increases rapidly with increasing element number. When dealing with complex practical SFMAA synthesis problems, conventional ideal antenna-based and electromagnetic (EM) full-wave simulation-based methods are trapped in performance degradation and time-consuming iteratively “cut-and-try” processes. Machine-learning-assisted (MLA) methods face the “curse of dimensionality,” leading to significantly increased training and prediction times and reduced prediction performance. Here, base element (BE) modeling is used to develop a knowledge-guided and MLA synthesis method for SFMAAs. First, the similarity of BEs with different locations and dimensions is explored using knowledge-guided classification. Then, a cosine-domain learning method with low computational costs is introduced. Next, array synthesis, microwave network cascades, and MLA optimization approaches are used to design SFMAAs. This hybrid knowledge-guided and data-driven method greatly facilitates the synthesis process, achieving low training and prediction times and high accuracy. Furthermore, synthesis applications with three types of SFMAAs and various practical design goals are utilized to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, the designed antenna prototypes are fabricated, and the measured results show excellent agreement with the simulation results.
A 7000‐year high‐resolution lake sediment record from coastal central Chile (Lago Vichuquén, 34°S): implications for past sea level and environmental variability

We present a 7‐ka environmental reconstruction based on sedimentological and geochemical data from Lago Vichuquén, a coastal eutrophic lake in central Chile (34°48′S, 72°03′ W, 4 m a.s.l.). A relatively shallow and restricted marine environment with low productivity, high detrital input and dominant anoxic conditions in the Vichuquén Basin occurred from 7.0 to 6.5 cal ka BP. Rapid onset of a Holocene marine transgression at 6.5 cal ka BP favoured deeper and more biologically productive environments that existed until 2.8 cal ka BP. Bioproductivity changes during the mid‐Holocene (6.5–4.2 cal ka BP) were related to upwelling dynamics controlled by the intensity of the South‐east Pacific Anticyclone (SPA). Periods with lower organic productivity and dominant anoxic conditions reflect an increased intensity of SPA (increased upwelling) and decreased precipitation. A shift at ∼4.0 cal ka BP reflects the onset of modern Southern Westerly Winds and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation patterns. Tectonic uplifting and geormorphological activity (dune advancement) are possible reasons behind the Vichuquén Basin closure at ∼1.2 cal ka BP, leading to a low bioproductivity lacustrine environment which has developed until the present. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Technical and Managerial Competencies in Improving the Quality of Regional Tax Revenue Administration Using Multiple Linear Regression

: Competence of Civil Servants consists of three categories, namely technical competence, managerial competence, and socio-cultural competence. Previous research found that technical competence and managerial competence did not provide a good contribution to regional tax services. This study will examine the role of technical competence and managerial competence on the quality of regional revenue administration services. The research design uses a quantitative method conducted from April to May 2023 at the Regional Revenue of the KendariMunicipality Government with a purposive sampling technique of 50 employees. The data collection instrument uses a questionnaire which is then analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study show a Correlation Coefficient Value (R) of 0.858 and an R2 Value of 0.725. This finding means that both partially and simultaneously, technical competence and managerial competence have a strong role positive and significant in improving the quality of regional revenue administration services. This study is limited to two independent variables only, so the researcher suggests that future research should examine the role of other variables such as socio-cultural.
Fallibility of Palaeo-Channels as Groundwater Potential Zones in a Part of Thar Desert

Integrated analysis of field data indicates that the Thar desert had a longer network of drainage in the past. Saraswati had been one of the major rivers. Aerial photointerpretation has been useful in definite identification of Kantli palaeo-channels in areas adjacent to the Aravalli hills. Signatures of palaeo-channels on space imagery are sometimes misleading as similar reflections are recorded from dunal depressions also and, hence. must not be thought of as indicating groundwater potential zones.
Abnormal Cholesterol Metabolism and Lysosomal Dysfunction Induce Age-Related Hearing Loss by Inhibiting mTORC1-TFEB-Dependent Autophagy

Cholesterol is a risk factor for age-related hearing loss (ARHL). However, the effect of cholesterol on the organ of Corti during the onset of ARHL is unclear. We established a mouse model for the ARHL group (24 months, n = 12) and a young group (6 months, n = 12). Auditory thresholds were measured in both groups using auditory brainstem response (ABR) at frequencies of 8, 16, and 32 kHz. Subsequently, mice were sacrificed and subjected to histological analyses, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), H&E, Sudan Black B (SBB), and Filipin staining, as well as biochemical assays such as IHC, enzymatic analysis, and immunoblotting. Additionally, mRNA extracted from both young and aged cochlea underwent RNA sequencing. To identify the mechanism, in vitro studies utilizing HEI-OC1 cells were also performed. RNA sequencing showed a positive correlation with increased expression of genes related to metabolic diseases, cholesterol homeostasis, and target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in the ARHL group as compared to the younger group. In addition, ARHL tissues exhibited increased cholesterol and lipofuscin aggregates in the organ of Corti, lateral walls, and spiral ganglion neurons. Autophagic flux was inhibited by the accumulation of damaged lysosomes and autolysosomes. Subsequently, we observed a decrease in the level of transcription factor EB (TFEB) protein, which regulates lysosomal biosynthesis and autophagy, together with increased mTORC1 activity in ARHL tissues. These changes in TFEB and mTORC1 expression were observed in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Treatment of ARHL mice with atorvastatin, a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, delayed hearing loss by reducing the cholesterol level and maintaining lysosomal function and autophagy by inhibiting mTORC1 and activating TFEB. The above findings were confirmed using stress-induced premature senescent House Ear Institute organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells. The findings implicate cholesterol in the pathogenesis of ARHL. We propose that atorvastatin could prevent ARHL by maintaining lysosomal function and autophagy by inhibiting mTORC1 and activating TFEB during the aging process.
Effects of forest management practices in clearings on breeding performance of the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)

The structure and quality of breeding habitats play an essential role for breeding success of individuals and thus, the viability of populations. Knowledge on habitat requirements can guide management practises to ensure optimal conditions for breeding. In this study, we investigate the effect of different habitat features and forest management strategies on the breeding performance of Red-backed Shrikes (Lanius collurio) breeding in Gribskov forest, Denmark. We found that the availability of available perches for hunting is the main predictor having a positive effect on number of breeding pairs and fledglings. It was also positively associated with the number of years that the clearing has been occupied by breeding pairs. Furthermore, clearings with grazing animals contained breeding pairs for more years than clearings without grazing, suggesting improved foraging conditions in clearings with low vegetation. Our results provide direct applications for forestry management for improving the conservation status of this species.
Can strip cropping reduce pest activity density and damage while increasing yield? A case study of organic cabbage and faba bean

This study assessed how strip cropping white cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and faba bean (Vicia faba) affects the activity density of pests – diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) – and how this affects crop yields. The setup consisted of three 270m2 plots representing monocrops of faba bean and cabbage, and a plot of alternating strips of the two. The setup was established in 2018 and 2019. Activity density of P. xylostella was determined through yellow sticky trapping and Phyllotreta spp. activity density was determined by pitfall trapping. Crop yields were determined at harvest, and foliar damage to cabbage leaves was also assessed. The results showed that strip cropping reduced the activity density of P. xylostella, but no suppression effect was observed for Phyllotreta spp. Average foliar damage to cabbage was higher in the strip crop plot, but in 2018 the yield was also higher. Average faba bean yield was lower in the strip crop plot in both years. Our results indicate potential for cabbage-faba bean strip cropping to reduce the activity density of P. xylostella but not Phyllotreta spp. and to increase cabbage yield when overall pest pressure is moderate, but at the cost of faba bean yield. The case study shows that a Brassica vegetable – legume strip cropping system has potential for pest suppression in northern conditions, but agronomic compatibility of crop plants needs attention to ensure similar or higher productivity than a monocrop system.
Dietary Vitamin D Mitigates Coronavirus-Induced Lung Inflammation and Damage in Mice

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (β-CoV) betacoronavirus has posed a significant threat to global health. Despite the availability of vaccines, the virus continues to spread, and there is a need for alternative strategies to alleviate its impact. Vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone best known for its role in bone health, exhibits immunomodulatory effects in certain viral infections. Here, we have shown that bioactive vitamin D (calcitriol) limits in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 and murine coronaviruses MHV-3 and MHV-A59. Comparative studies involving wild-type mice intranasally infected with MHV-3, a model for studying β-CoV respiratory infections, confirmed the protective effect of vitamin D in vivo. Accordingly, mice fed a standard diet rapidly succumbed to MHV-3 infection, whereas those on a vitamin D-rich diet (10,000 IU of Vitamin D3/kg) displayed increased resistance to acute respiratory damage and systemic complications. Consistent with these findings, the vitamin D-supplemented group exhibited lower viral titers in their lungs and reduced levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, alongside an enhanced type I interferon response. Altogether, our findings suggest vitamin D supplementation ameliorates β-CoV-triggered respiratory illness and systemic complications in mice, likely via modulation of the host’s immune response to the virus.
Applications of Ionic Liquids in the Field of Agriculture: A Review

This review delves into the diverse applications of ionic liquids (ILs) in modern agriculture, focusing on their pivotal roles in the extraction of natural products and pesticides, as well as their substantial significance in sustainable pesticide delivery systems. The reported extraction methods include ILs and their modified materials as solvents in dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, solid-phase dispersion, and solid-phase microextraction. The study categorizes ILs according to their utility as herbicides, microbicides, food repellents, and plant growth regulators. This review investigates the use of ILs as plant immunity inducers to elevate the systemic acquired resistance in crops, thereby augmenting their intrinsic ability to defend against plant pathogens. Furthermore, the review explores the application of ILs in pesticide delivery systems, emphasizing their ability to enhance efficacy while promoting environmental sustainability. The biodegradability and toxicity aspects of ILs are also discussed, shedding light on their potential as eco-friendly alternatives in agricultural practices. In conclusion, this comprehensive overview underscores the multifaceted contributions of ILs in agriculture, from efficient extraction methods to the development of innovative and sustainable pesticide delivery systems. As the agricultural landscape evolves towards environmentally conscious practices, the integration of ILs presents a promising avenue for enhancing productivity while minimizing ecological impact. As the agricultural industry seeks innovative and sustainable solutions, the nuanced exploration of ILs in this review highlights their potential to address multiple challenges in modern farming practices.
Contributions of each of the four swimming strokes to elite 200-400 individual medley swimming performance in short and long course competitions

Objectives The relative contribution of each of the four strokes to performance, and whether these contributions differ substantially between short course and long course competitions is unclear. To clarify these issues the aim of this study was to assess the strokes that have more influence on the performance in the 200 and 400 m IM swimming performances of elite male and female swimmers, participating in major events: Olympic Games (OG) and World Championship (WC) in short-course and long-course from 2012 to 2021. Methods Data from 1,095 swimmers (501 women and 594 men) who competed in 200 and 400-m IM were obtained with a minimum level of 800 FINA points. Linear regression modelling and classification trees were employed to quantify differences between strokes and short/long course swimming. Results Regression analysis indicated that breaststroke (β = − 0.191; p < 0.000) and backstroke (β = − 0.185; p < 0.000) had a bigger effect on IM performance, with butterfly (β = − 0.101; p < 0.000) having a lesser impact. The classification trees showed threshold performance standards in terms of 50-m times in form-stroke events must be fulfilled to attain medal-winning performances. Conclusions These form-stroke standards represent important milestones for designing medal-oriented training strategies for both 200 IM and 400 m IM. Achieving a medallist position in 200 and 400 m IM requires obtaining specified lap times in butterfly, breaststroke and backstroke for males and females in long-course competitions, and breaststroke and backstroke for short-course competitions. The OG presents more exigent demands of lap times in butterfly, crawl and backstroke for IM swimmers.
Comparison of Rise in Inflammatory Markers between Laparoscopic and Open Inguinal Hernia Surgery

: Background of study: Open hernioplasty repair and the surgical stress associated with it can produce an increased inflammatory response in the patient as compared to Laparoscopic procedures. The aim of the study is to compare the inflammatory response by studying the levels of inflammatory markers in patients undergoing both open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgeries. Method: This study was conducted among patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair surgery (Both Open and Laparoscopic) at Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam. Pre - op and Post - op ESR and CRP values were measured and compared in both the open and laparoscopic repair groups. Result: Among 25 patients who underwent Open Inguinal Hernia Repair, 17 (68%) showed increase in CRP levels. Out of 25 patients who underwent laparoscopic repair, 15 (60%) showed increase in CRP levels. The mean value of CRP (6.1 mg/dl) and ESR (16mm/hr) was higher in patients who underwent open hernia repair. Conclusion: A greater increase in the inflammatory markers following open hernia repair indicates greater surgical stress and trauma caused by it, as compared to laparoscopic repair.