Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age-Dependent Sex Differences in Perineuronal Nets in an APP Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease Are Brain Region-Specific

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, which disproportionately affects women. AD symptoms include progressive memory loss associated with amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and dismantled synaptic mechanisms. Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are important components of the extracellular matrix with a critical role in synaptic stabilisation and have been shown to be influenced by microglia, which enter an activated state during AD. This study aimed to investigate whether sex differences affected the density of PNNs alongside the labelling of microglia and Aβ plaques density.We performed neurochemistry experiments using acute brain slices from both sexes of the APPNL-F/NL-F mouse model of AD, aged-matched (2–5 and 12–16 months) to wild-type mice, combined with a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) and hippocampal CA1, which are vulnerable during early AD pathology, were investigated and compared to the presubiculum (PRS), a region unscathed by AD pathology. The highest density of PNNs was found in the LEC and PRS regions of aged APPNL-F/NL-F mice with a region-specific sex differences. Analysis of the CA1 region using multiplex-fluorescent images from aged APPNL-F/NL-F mice showed regions of dense Aβ plaques near clusters of CD68, indicative of activated microglia and PNNs. This was consistent with the results of WGCNA performed on normalised data on microglial cells isolated from age-matched, late-stage male and female wild-type and APP knock-in mice, which revealed one microglial module that showed differential expression associated with tissue, age, genotype, and sex, which showed enrichment for fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that sex-related differences contribute to a disrupted interaction between PNNs and microglia in specific brain regions associated with AD pathogenesis.
Is ‘Centre of Volume’ a robust indicator of changes in snowmelt timing?

The centre of volume (COV), or the hydrograph centroid, is a measure of streamflow timing that is a widely used indicator of the effects of warmer temperatures on the hydrology of snowmelt streams. The COV was originally developed as a measure of land‐use effects, and its response is affected by several factors other than temperature, particularly total run‐off. A ‘toy’ model is used to demonstrate some of these effects, and these effects are also shown for streamflow data from Canada's Reference Hydrologic Basin Network. These deficiencies indicate that COV is neither specific nor robust as an indicator. Although these effects might be overcome by streamflow decomposition, the use of COV as an indicator of snowmelt timing should be avoided. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro-endemism pattern and Wolbachia infection of Quedius obliqueseriatus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae), a montane rove beetle endemic of the North-Western Caucasus

We conducted an integrative taxonomic study of a forest floor dwelling montane rove beetle Quedius obliqueseriatus Eppelsheim, 1889. It is one of many endemic species of the North-Western Caucasus, a region considered a global biodiversity hotspot. Examination of the morphological characters in 93 specimens of Q. obliqueseriatus and phylogenetic assessment of the COI barcode for 28 of them, revealed that this species in fact consists of two distinct (p-distance of 4.0%) allopatric lineages, western and eastern. They subtly differ in the structure of the aedeagus, which was not noticed in the previous revision of this species. Nuclear DNA markers (H3, ITS1, ITS2, Wg and 28S) sampled in both lineages, did not show any divergence. Variation of the non-genitalic morphological characters, such as body size or coloration, is continuous across both lineages. Discovery of microendemic lineages within an endemic rove beetle species highlights how little is understood about the patterns and drivers of endemism in arthropods of the North-Western Caucasus. We refrained from the description of a new species due to shortage of data from the area where newly discovered western and eastern lineages meet. As Q. obliqueseriatus was found to be largely infected with Wolbachia, we gave a review of this infection among insects and other arthropods and its impact on speciation. Finally, we described our method of removal of the WolbachiaCOI amplicon by endonuclease restriction enzyme in order to get the desired beetle amplicon from infected specimens.
Water Quality Assessment of Selected Boreholes in Federal University Dutse Campus North-West, Nigeria

The present study was conducted to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of water sampled from different boreholes on the campus of Federal University Dutse. Water samples were collected from six (6) different boreholes. Physicochemical parameters; pH, Electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature were measured in-situ. pH, EC and temperature ranged from 6.53¬7.80, 422.0¬690µ/cm and 31.0¬33. 0ºC respectively. Turbidity, total hardness and nitrite (NO2) were found to be in the range of 0.01¬41.2NTU, 51.3¬102.6mg/L and 0.001¬0.06mg/L respectively. Bacteriological analysis also revealed the presence of E. coli in four (4) of the assessed boreholes. Upon comparison with water quality standards of World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ), it was found that some of the parameters were above the permissible standards for potable water that is fit for human consumption. It is therefore recommended that all stakeholders entrusted with water quality management should be actively involved in ensuring that all public serving boreholes are subjected to appropriate water quality tests with a view to ascertaining its quality so as to adequately advise on its consumption status. Water quality inspectors should be sent on regular basis to the tertiary institutions in the state for routine check-up.
Pore scale spatial analysis of two immiscible fluids in porous media

A conceptual model is introduced describing the spatial distribution of two immiscible fluids in the pore space of sphere packings. The model is based on the ideal soil concept of homogeneous arrangement of identical spheres but is generalized to include random packing. It quantitatively analyzes the interfacial area between wetting and nonwetting fluids and between the fluids and the solid spheres, as a function of the saturation degree. These relationships depend on the packing arrangement of the spheres, the sphere radius, and the fluid-solid contact angle. The model focuses on the region of low saturation of the wetting phase, where the wetting phase is comprised of pendular rings. When the nonwetting phase appears as ganglia, the model assumes single-chamber ganglia. Three-dimensional graphical illustrations are provided. Three potential applications are pointed out: (1) to quantify the water-air interface in the unsaturated zone; (2) to analyze connate water interfacial area in petroleum reservoirs and to assess the effect of surfactants during enhanced oil recovery; and (3) to estimate the interface between groundwater and floating nonaqueous phase liquids above the water table.
Identification of biomarkers associated with immune scores in diabetic retinopathy

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) causes irreversible visual impairment in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Immunity played a crucial role in DR. Nevertheless, the triggering mechanism of DR was not yet thorough enough. Herein, we aim to identify the immune-associated genes as biomarkers associated with immune scores that can distinguish early DR from DM without DR. Methods In this study, total RNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from 15 non-proliferative DR patients and 15 DM patients without DR were collected and the transcriptome sequencing data were extracted. Firstly, the target genes were obtained by intersecting the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were screened by “limma”, and the module genes (related to immune scores), which were screened by “WGCNA”. In order to screen for the crucial genes, three machine learning algorithms were implemented, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to obtain the diagnostic genes. Moreover, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to understand the function of diagnostic genes, and analysis of the proportions of immune cells and their association with diagnostic genes was performed to analyze the pathogenesis of DR. Furthermore, the regulatory network of TF–mRNA–miRNA was built to reveal the possible regulation of diagnostic genes. Finally, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to verify the mRNA level of diagnostic genes. Results A total of three immune-associated diagnostic genes, namely, FAM209B, POM121L1P, and PTGES, were obtained, and their expression was increased in PBMC samples of DR, and qRT-PCR results confirmed these results. Moreover, the functions of these genes were associated with immune response. The expression of POM121L1P and PTGES was significantly negatively associated with naive B cells, and the expression of FAM209B was significantly negatively associated with immature dendritic cells. Moreover, ESR1 could regulate both FAM209B and PTGES. Conclusion This study identified three immune-associated diagnostic genes, FAM209B, POM121L1P, and PTGES, as biomarkers associated with immune scores in DR for the first time. This finding might proffer a novel perspective of the triggering mechanism of DR, and help to understand the role of immune-associated genes in the molecular mechanism of DR more deeply.
Three varieties of sense-B-noise, a novel cause of inappropriate shocks in patients treated with a subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator

Early publication date: June 18, 2023 INTRODUCTION The subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD), located outside the cardiovascular system, has been developed to provide primary or secondary protection against sudden cardiac death. That feature allows for a reduction in the rate of lead-related complications and infections, typical of transvenous systems. For that reason, S-ICD therapy expanded worldwide. It was adopted in Poland in 2014 [1] and is successfully used nowadays in selected patients not requiring cardiac pacing [2]. Nonetheless, a significant rate of inadequate shocks due to oversensing of T-waves, noise, and myopotentials remains an issue despite improvements in sensing algorithms. Sensing and detection of the device rely on three electrical poles – two on the lead (distal sensing ring A and proximal sensing ring B) and the third on the can. Signals recorded between any two of them are called sensing vectors (primary [B to can], secondary [A to can], or alternate [A to B]). Recently, a novel clinical entity of inappropriate sensing has been identified in some of S-ICD recipients despite no apparent mechanical lead failure. It was named “sense-B-noise”, as it is related to sensing vectors involving sensing ring B (primary or alternate). Clinical presentation is related to oversensing of noise in ECG signals, and inappropriate shocks delivered by the device. The phenomenon has been so far described in one series of six cases, where intermittent signal saturation, diminished QRS amplitudes, and disappearance of the artifacts after the inappropriate shock were deemed typical of that new entity [3]. Those characteristics may be important for differential diagnosis with other possible reasons for inappropriate shocks, such as, for example, electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Direct observations of seasonal exchange through the Bab el Mandab Strait

The exchange flow between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden‐Indian Ocean through the Bab el Mandab Strait was measured continuously for 10 months, June 1995–March 1996. ADCP and temperature‐salinity chain moorings allow an unprecedented look at the magnitude and seasonal evolution of the inflow layer from the Gulf of Aden, and the high salinity outflow layer from the Red Sea. The timing, structure, and evolution of the summer season mid‐depth intrusion of cold, low salinity water into the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden is measured for the complete intrusion cycle of 1995. We unexpectedly find the deep outflow still strong in June 1995, with speeds of 0.6 m/sec and transport of 0.4 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m³/sec). From July to mid–September, the deep outflow persists but is attenuated to speeds of 0.2 m/sec and transport of 0.05 Sv. The dominant summer feature, the cold low salinity intermediate layer intrusion, persists for 3 months, occupies 70% of the water column in the Strait and carries approximately 1.7 × 1012 m³ of cold nutrient‐rich water into the Red Sea. The winter regime begins in mid‐September, is fully developed by early November, and continues to the end of our first observation interval in March 1996. Speeds in the lower layer are 0.8–1.0 m/sec and 0.4–0.6 m/sec in the upper layer. At maximum exchange in mid‐February, outflow transport reaches 0.7 Sv. Ubiquitous oscillations in current and salinity at synoptic and intraseasonal periods appear closely related to fluctuations in the along‐channel wind forcing and perhaps to coastally‐trapped waves.
Effects of Heterogeneity in Aquifer Permeability and Biomass on Biodegradation Rate Calculations—Results from Numerical Simulations

Numerical simulations were used to examine the effects of heterogeneity in hydraulic conductivity (K) and intrinsic biodegradation rate on the accuracy of contaminant plume‐scale biodegradation rates obtained from field data. The simulations were based on a steady‐state BTEX contaminant plume undergoing biodegradation under sulfate‐reducing conditions, with the electron acceptor in excess. Biomass was either uniform or correlated with K to model spatially variable intrinsic biodegradation rates. A hydraulic conductivity data set from an alluvial aquifer was used to generate three sets of 10 realizations with different degrees of heterogeneity, and contaminant transport with biodegradation was simulated with BIOMOC. Biodegradation rates were calculated from the steady‐state contaminant plumes using decrease in concentration with distance downgradient and a single flow velocity estimate, as is commonly done in site characterization to support the interpretation of natural attenuation. The observed rates were found to underestimate the actual rate specified in the heterogeneous model in all cases. The discrepancy between the observed rate and the “true” rate depended on the ground water flow velocity estimate, and increased with increasing heterogeneity in the aquifer. For a lognormal K distribution with variance of 0.46, the estimate was no more than a factor of 1.4 slower than the true rate. For an aquifer with 20% silt/clay lenses, the rate estimate was as much as nine times slower than the true rate. Homogeneous‐permeability, uniform‐degradation rate simulations were used to generate predictions of remediation time with the rates estimated from the heterogeneous models. The homogeneous models generally overestimated the extent of remediation or underestimated remediation time, due to delayed degradation of contaminants in the low‐K areas. Results suggest that aquifer characterization for natural attenuation at contaminated sites should include assessment of the presence and extent of, and contaminant concentrations in, low‐permeability areas of an aquifer.
Thermal inertia of crater‐related wind streaks on Mars

Data from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) on board the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft are used to analyze the structure of and materials comprising crater-related wind streaks. Comparisons of high-resolution TES albedo and TES-based thermal inertia values within and adjacent to the streaks allow us to constrain the properties of the streaks and gain insight into their physical structure. The majority of the analyzed Type I bright, depositional streaks are distinct from the surrounding terrain in albedo, but not in thermal inertia. We conclude that these streaks consist of thin deposits of bright material greater than ∼1 pm thick but less than 1-3 mm thick. The majority of the analyzed Type I dark, erosional streaks identified from Viking images are now indistinct from the surrounding terrain in both albedo and thermal inertia. We conclude that these streaks have been covered by a thin deposit of bright material greater than ∼1 μm thick but less than 1-3 mm thick. All of the analyzed Type II dark, depositional streaks are distinct from the surrounding terrain in both albedo and thermal inertia. We conclude that these streaks consist of deposits greater than a few centimeters thick. In this case we were also able to use the thermal inertia values to estimate the particle sizes of the deposited material; the values correspond to a broad range of sand-sized particles easily mobilized by wind, supporting the deflation/deposition theory of Type II streak formation.
Compatibility of Canadian snowfall and snow cover data

The accuracy and compatibility of Canadian snowfall and snow survey data were investigated in the Cold Creek research basin in southern Ontario. Problems in obtaining compatible point measurements of snowfall precipitation from gauge and ruler measurements are discussed. However, it is shown that correction of gauge measurements (MSC Nipher, Universal, Fischer and Porter) of snowfall water equivalent for catch variations caused by environmental factors, notably wind speed, results in compatible storm or seasonal totals. Accurate statistics of basin snow cover were determined from snow courses specifically sited in relation to basin land use. At the time of peak accumulation, which might occur at any time during the winter, there was a statistically significant difference in snow cover between land use categories. Mean basin snow cover was calculated by weighting the snow survey measurements in proportion to basin land use. The need to consider the effect of changing land use on snow course measurements is demonstrated. Results show that as an alternative to direct snow survey measurements, accumulated precipitation may be used to estimate snow cover up to peak accumulation. Net snow cover determined from accumulated corrected gauge data less short-term melt losses and snow evaporation was within the confidence limits of the basin mean snow cover measured during the winter. Compatible results are only achieved when precipitation measurements are corrected for gauge catch variations and snow survey data are representative of basin land use.
Find Joy in Sorrows: The Role of Hope in Buffering the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Chinese University Students in Hong Kong

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has exerted significant psychological impacts on university students who have faced drastic changes in the learning mode and suspension of classes. Despite these challenges, many students maintained subjective well-being. In this study, we examined the role of “hope” as a potential protector to maintain their subjective well-being when facing adversity during this global crisis. Specifically, we explored the mediating role of two hope components (agency thinking and pathways thinking) on the association of positive emotions and life satisfaction among Chinese university students. We conducted an online survey at a local university and recruited a total of 315 undergraduates from the humanities, creative arts, and social sciences programs through convenience sampling. Participants confirmed their informed consent and completed a set of self-administered questionnaires measuring positive emotions, hope, life satisfaction, and demographic variables. The results of mediation testing indicated that, during a global crisis such as COVID-19, positive emotions indirectly influenced life satisfaction through agency thinking rather than pathways thinking. The findings highlight the importance of agency thinking among Chinese university students in adverse situations and provide valuable insights for psychological interventions during a crisis. The article concludes by discussing possible explanations and implications of the findings in a post-pandemic world.
Self-potential and magnetic surveying of La Fournaise volcano (Réunion Island): Correlations with faulting, fluid circulation, and eruption

Self-potential (SP) and magnetic surveys have been performed on the basaltic La Fournaise volcano (Reunion Island, Indian Ocean) between 1989 and 1992. The 1992 SP mapping of the inner caldera (Enclos Fouque) reveals high relative positive SP anomalies. They are interpreted as related to a large hydrothermal system. A large SP anomaly of 2 V is centered on the terminal cone. A horseshoe-shaped positive SP anomaly intersects the cone. This anomaly outlines the main arcuate fracture zone (MFZ), oriented north-south on the cone and extending to the northeast and southeast away from the summit. The zone controls the volcano dynamism. Most of the fissure eruptions occur along this volcanotectonic axis. A second mechanical weakness axis is evidenced by a positive SP anomaly lying along a 120°N trend. Both volcanoes of the island, Piton des Neiges and later La Fournaise, have been built up along it. A large structure with reverse magnetization is found at the southeastern tip of this axis. This 120°N axis is interpreted as an old regional structure associated with a lithospheric weakness zone located beneath Reunion Island. The SP anomalies are thought to be of electrokinetic origin. In the central part of the volcano, along the MFZ, and the 120°N axis, positive SP data suggest hydrothermal upwelling caused by thermal transfer from the magma chamber and the dikes of the last eruptions. Away from the summit, SP data suggest groundwater infiltrates the massif by gravity effect. Changes of the SP with time are related to volcanic activity. The SP anomaly associated with main fracture zone has been generated by the 23 eruptions occurring between 1981 and 1992. Short-time local SP anomalies that disappear in a few months are associated with individual eruptions.
A Few Poorly Organized Men: Interreligious Violence in Poso, Indonesia by Dave McRae (review)

By analyzing the organization of violence, the book is a valuable contribution to answering the fundamental question of how interreligious violence took place in Poso, a remote and relatively unknown town during the New Order era. McRae’s analysis is built on the notion that behind the violent event was Poso’s economic disparity as a result of the religious division between Muslims and Christians in the local government. However, after close examination of Poso’s violent events, the book finds that focusing on the leaders’ “goals, motivations, and actions” (p. 10) is more revealing than economic inequality to trace the contour of violence in Poso. The leaders of both rival religious groups were main actors behind the violence, which became an end in itself to preserve one’s religious identity. The conflict in Poso had become spiritual in nature, a holy war.