Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic mechanisms involved in neuronal Bdnf gene expression in adult and aged mouse in response to cognitive stimulation

Transcription of immediate early memory genes is an essential process in brain function, regulating, among other processes, synaptic plasticity. It is well established the necessity of gene transcription in order to maintain the late phases of the long-term potentiation (LTP) and the long-term depression (LTD). Several works performed in animals subjected to different memory paradigms have shown that there are epigenetic mechanisms involved in memory genes regulation. However, little is known about the contribution of these epigenetics mechanisms in response to a single stimulus, in the adult and in the old brain. The aim of this thesis was to characterise such mechanisms in response to LTD, in order to better understand the regulation of Bdnf gene expression, and its possible relation with the aged associated learning and memory deficits. In this thesis we present that LTD stimulation triggered by low NMDA dose in young adult animals, induces the transcription of Bdnf gene from promoters I, II, IV and VI by H3K27Me3 demethylation and H3K27Me3 phosphorylation at Serine 28, leading to displacement of EZH2, the catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2. LTD not only does induce EZH2 repressor detachment, but also the dissociation of another transcriptionally repressive enzyme such as histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4). We also show that LTD enhances acetylation of histone H3K27 via pCREB/CBP. Differently from the described situation, typical of the mature brain, we present data showing that the normal singling transduction of the young upon LTD is impaired in the aged hippocampus, leading to a different basal chromatin state at Bdnf promoters in the old. The consequence of this impairment is the loss of Bdnf induction in the old when exposed to LTD, as a result of impaired HDAC4 dissociation, CBP recruitment and Histone H3K27 acetylation at Bdnf promoters. We also have observed that the loss of cholesterol at the neuronal plasma membrane, a physiological feature of the old, plays a role in these epigenetic deficits. In fact, cholesterol addition to old hippocampal slices rescued Bdnf epigenetic regulation and expression in response to LTD. Furthermore, cholesterol reduction in young adult hippocampal slices led to similar deficits to the ones found in the old animals. In further support of the cholesterol loss-epigenetic dysregulation in the old, oral administration of Voriconazole, an inhibitor of the enzyme responsible for cerebral cholesterol loss (Cyp46A1), rescued hippocampal cholesterol loss and enhanced cognitive abilities in the old animals, improving Bdnf epigenetic regulation and expression in response to LTD. These results unveil one of the mechanisms involved in the cognitive decline of the old and propose Cyp46A1 as valuable therapeutic possibility.
The evolutionary dynamics of influenza A virus within and between human hosts

A complete understanding of influenza virus evolution requires studies at all levels, as viral evolutionary dynamics may differ across spatial and temporal scales. The relative contribution of deterministic processes, such as selection, and stochastic processes, such as genetic drift, is influenced by viral effective population size. While the global evolution of influenza A virus (IAV) is dominated by the positive selection of novel antigenic variants that circulate in the tropics, much less is known about influenza virus evolution within and between human hosts. With few exceptions, most of the available data derive from studies of chronically infected, immunocompromised hosts, experimental infections with attenuated viruses, or animal models. Here we define the evolutionary dynamics of IAV in human hosts through next generation sequencing of 249 upper respiratory specimens from 200 individuals collected over 6290 person-seasons of observation. Because these viruses were collected over 5 seasons from individuals in a prospective community-based cohort, they are broadly representative of natural human infections with seasonal viruses. Within host genetic diversity was low, and we found little evidence for positive selection of minority variants. We used viral sequence data from 35 serially sampled individuals to estimate a within host effective population size of 30-50. This estimate is consistent across several models and robust to their underlying assumptions. We also identified 43 epidemiologically linked and genetically validated transmission pairs. Maximum likelihood optimization of multiple transmission models estimates an effective transmission bottleneck of 1-2 distinct genomes. Our data suggest that positive selection of novel viral variants is inefficient at the level of the individual host and that genetic drift and other stochastic processes dominate the within and between host evolution of influenza A viruses.
The tech-novation pathway from pandemic to prosperity: a post Covid-19 roadmap for African economy

While the post-colonial African economy remains the poorest performing economy globally, the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic has further gravely aggravated its precarious position in the world. This study reflects on the multiple impacts of Covid-19 on African economy and suggests a pathway for its revitalization in the post Covid-19 environment. Undoubtedly, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought the world to a temporary halt, with its attendant bruises mostly notable on the economies of almost all African countries. This paper empirically analyse the incapacitation of African states in providing some strategic responses to the economic wreckages caused by the pandemic. Using technological-determinism as a theoretical framework, this study suggests the technological-innovation pathway as a bridge between the pandemic-induced economic circumstances and prosperity for Africa. Sequentially, the five junctions on the pathway splits as pulling, recovery, innovations, growth, and sustainability (PRIGS), but, however, the kernel of the discussion revolves around the commodification of innovation (technology) for Africa’s economic growth and development. This study concludes, the five junctions on the PRIGS’ highway absorbs the current developmental challenges of African states and hence, recommends an alternative roadmap for Africa, in its long-term quest and vision for development
Classification of Haploid and Diploid Maize Seeds based on Pre-Trained Convolutional Neural Networks

Analysis of agricultural products is an important area that is widely emphasized today. In this context, with the development of technology, computer-aided analysis systems are also being developed. In this study, a system has been proposed for classifying maize seeds as haploid and diploid using pre-trained convolutional neural networks. For this purpose, AlexNet, GoogLeNet, ResNet-18, ResNet-50, and VGG-16 pre-trained models have been used as feature extractors for the haploid and diploid seed classification process. In the first stage, the deep features of haploid and diploid maize seeds have been obtained in these models. The features have been taken from different layers of network architecture. Instead of softmax classifier in the last layer of the network, classifiers based on decision tree, k-nearest neighbor, and support vector machine have been used. According to the classification results with these features, the achievements in network architectures and classifier methods have been observed. The experiments have been carried out on a publicly available dataset consisting of 3000 haploid and diploid maize seed images. The experimental results revealed that the developed classification systems demonstrate a remarkable performance.
Study on the Correlation between Partial Discharge Energy and SF6 Decomposition Gas Generation

In this paper, the amount of SF6 decomposition gases due to the partial discharge (PD) was studied in the SF6 gas-insulated transformer. The long-term PD degradation experiment was performed while controlling the discharge magnitude using the surface discharge, and the gas generation amount was measured by using gas chromatography for SO2F2, SOF2, SO2, CO, and CF4. In addition, to investigate the relationship between the partial discharge energy and the decomposed gas generation amount, partial discharge energy was calculated by a data processing program and converted to the unit of joule per mole. With the finite element method (FEM), the electric field distribution and SF6 gas decomposition mechanism were explained for the partial discharge energy effect on the gas generation. This study helps understand the relationship between the partial discharge energy and the decomposed gas generation ratio with the experimental results and can be used for the diagnosis of PD and maintenance process for the gas-insulated transformers.
Machine Learning and Algorithmic Pairs Trading in Futures Markets

This study applies machine learning methods to develop a sustainable pairs trading market-neutral investment strategy across multiple futures markets. Cointegrated pairs with similar price trends are identified, and a hedge ratio is determined using an Error Correction Model (ECM) framework and support vector machine algorithm based upon the two-step Engle–Granger method. The study shows that normal backwardation and contango do not consistently characterize futures markets, and an algorithmic pairs trading strategy is effective, given the unique predominant price trends of each futures market. Across multiple futures markets, the pairs trading strategy results in larger risk-adjusted returns and lower exposure to market risk, relative to an appropriate benchmark. Backtesting is employed and results show that the pairs trading strategy may hedge against unexpected negative systemic events, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining profitable over the period examined.
Roles of biting preference and insecticide resistance in determining malaria transmission heterogeneity in The Gambia

vi CONTENTS . vii LIST OF TABLES . xi TABLE OF FIGURES . xiii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xvi 1 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW . 1 1.
Planning for a 100% renewable energy system for the Santiago Island, Cape Verde

Ensuring the supply of affordable energy, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are some of the priorities of the governments of several countries. The pursuit of these energy goals has triggered interest in the exploration and usage of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), which can be particularly appropriate for island systems as is the case of Cape Verde. This work proposes a generation expansion planning model for Cape Verde considering a 20 years’ period. Different scenarios were analysed, each one representing a possible RES contribution for electricity production, reaching a 100% RES share. The results demonstrate that the increase of the RES in the system will lead to an increase of the total cost of energy. However, both CO2 emissions and external energy dependency of the country significantly decrease. The seasonality of the RES resources, and in particular of wind power is shown to be one of the most important challenges for the effective uptake of such a renewable power system. While the proposed model allowed already to present some useful scenarios, it becomes also evident the need to expand the analysis, and the paper concludes with directions for future research.
Purinergic Regulation of Breathing in Cane toads (Bufo marinus)

Previous studies have shown that descending inputs from the midbrain exert an inhibitory modulation on fictive breathing frequency in the cane toad (Bufo marinus) and that these inputs become strengthened during chronic hypoxia (CH). I hypothesize that adenosine (ADO) plays a role behind this inhibitory modulation, due to the fact that (1) ADO is a naturally circulating metabolite, (2) extracellular [ADO] increases significantly during CH, and (3) the adenosine 1 receptor (A1R) is the primary receptor for ADO in the brain. In this study breathing was measured by recording motor output (fictive breathing) from respiratory nerves in an isolated brainstem-spinal cord preparation superfused with artificial cerebral spinal fluid (aCSF). The results indicate that ADO inhibited fictive breathing frequency (fR) and total fictive ventilation (TFV) and that this inhibition was mediated primarily by the A1R. Transecting the midbrain caused an increase in fictive fR and TFV at hypercapnic aCSF pH levels and reduced the inhibitory modulation mediated by A1R such that A1R activation by endogenous ADO no longer influenced breathing. Collectively, the study supports a role for ADO as a factor behind the inhibitory modulation on breathing exerted by descending input from the midbrain.
Circuit-Based Electrothermal Simulation of Multicellular SiC Power MOSFETs Using FANTASTIC

This paper discusses the benefits of an advanced highly-efficient approach to static and dynamic electrothermal simulations of multicellular silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFETs. The strategy is based on a fully circuital representation of the device, which is discretized into an assigned number of individual cells, high enough to analyze temperature and current nonuniformities over the active area. The cells are described with subcircuits implementing a simple transistor model that accounts for the utmost influence of the traps at the SiC/SiO2 interface. The power-temperature feedback is emulated with an equivalent network corresponding to a compact thermal model automatically generated by the FANTASTIC tool from an accurate 3D mesh of the component under test. The resulting macrocircuit can be solved by any SPICE-like simulation program with low computational burden and rare occurrence of convergence issues.
Ludificando las ciencias: un espacio para la creación colectiva

espanolEste articulo aborda la creacion colectiva desde una triple relacion: Ludificacion, juego y videojuego, en vinculacion con las ciencias, particularmente, con la Ciencia Ciudadana. El termino Ciencia Ciudadana responde a la elaboracion de estudios cientificos que realizan ciudadanos no especializados, en colaboracion con cientificos o instituciones cientificas. Existen numerosos ejemplos de proyectos de investigacion en Ciencia Ciudadana que han sido ludificados o han desarrollado videojuegos completos. Desde este enfoque, los videojuegos y la Ludificacion se manifiestan como un engranaje para incorporar nuevos saberes, pero tambien, para crear y desarrollar investigaciones colectivas. EnglishThis article addresses the collective creation from a triple relation: gamification, game and videogame, in connection with science, particularly, with Citizen Science. The term Citizen Science responds to the elaboration of scientific studies carried out by non-specialized citizens, in collaboration with scientists or scientific institutions. There are numerous examples of research projects in Citizen Science that been gamified or have developed complete video games. From this approach, video games and gamification manifest as a gear to incorporate new knowledge, but also to create and develop collective research.
CX-5461 can destabilize replication forks in PARP inhibitor-resistant models of ovarian cancer

ABSTRACT Acquired drug resistance leads to poor clinical outcome in high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). We have demonstrated the efficacy of the novel drug CX-5461 in HGSOC is mediated through destabilization of DNA replication forks. The data highlights the potential of CX-5461 in overcoming a general mechanism of chemotherapeutic resistance.
Fibula Bone Graft Supporting Failed Posterior Rod Implants in Thoracic Spine Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Tuberculosis of the spine is a challenging illness to treat because of the prolonged time of conservative treatment and the technical difficulties of surgical intervention. The disease remains a significant public health issue in developing countries but is also returning in developed countries due to immigration and particularly in immune-compromised patients. The most common symptom reported is back pain, and the most common segment involved; is the thoracic spine. One of the essential options for treating spinal tuberculosis is a surgical intervention that comprises bone grafting. The main aims of surgical management of spinal tuberculosis comprise debridement of affected vertebrae or affected bone, decompression of spinal cord, correction of deformities caused by tuberculosis, stabilization of the spine, and more protection of the spinal cord. Neurological involvement due to Pott’s disease is quite benign if urgent decompression is achieved at the onset of the disease. Effective stabilization is indicated to offer mechanical stability in a spinal tuberculosis lesion, but many complications are still anticipated. One of the challenging complications; is implant (Rod) breakage, which may arise shortly after the operation. We report a case of young female 23-years-old, who presented with tubercles thoracic vertebral bone defects, vertebral bone fusion, and spondylodiscitis. We conclude that performing of fibula bone allograft, which placed along sides of the affected vertebrae, concurrently with filling a defected bone by pieces of an allograft, prevents the breakage of implants by giving firm base which can hold and support Rod and Screw.
The Relative Importance of Values, Social Norms, and Enjoyment-Based Motivation in Explaining Pro-Environmental Product Purchasing Behavior in Apparel Domain

Changing consumption behavior can offer co-benefits in reduction of environmental issues and encouraging improvements to environmentally friendly or sustainable production. We propose a novel value-social norm-enjoyment-based motivation (VSE) model and test the factors that influence individual pro-environmental apparel purchasing behavior. Data were obtained from 353 college students in Korea and analyzed by using SEM. Our results show that individuals who endorse bio-altruistic values who engage in eco-friendly environmental behavior in apparel domain are influenced by descriptive norms and injunctive norms. Further, enjoyment-based motivation was found to be a key mediator among bio-altruistic value, descriptive norms, and injunctive norms on pro-environmental purchasing behavior. However, injunctive norms do not directly influence purchasing behavior, but rather, are integrated to enjoyment-based intrinsic motivation, then indirectly affect purchasing behavior.
Blood pressure decrease in elderly after isometric training: does lactate play a role?

This study aimed to investigate the effect of isometric handgrip (IHG) training on the blood pressure (BP) reduction in prehypertensive and hypertensive elderly people, and the possible role of lactate and redox balance. Thirty-three older (75.3±1.3 years old) were allocated to a non-exercise control (CG, n=11), prehypertensive (PHG, n=10), and hypertensive (HG, n=12) groups. PHG and HG performed a total of 8 sets of 1-min bilateral contractions at 30% maximal voluntary isometric contraction, each separated by 1-minute rest-pause. IHG training was performed for 8-week, 3 times a week on non-consecutive days. Systolic BP (SBP) and heart rate (HR) decreased post-training on PHG (-10 mm Hg; -5 bpm) and HG (-16 mm Hg; -9 bpm), respectively. Diastolic BP (DBP) decreased for HG only (-9 mm Hg) (P < 0.05). In addition, the decrease in BP occurred in parallel to a better redox balance and increased bioavailability of nitric oxide in PHG and HG (P < 0.05). Also, the variables that most present association to SBP decrease were capillary blood lactate concentration and muscle strength (P < 0.05). In summary, IHG training may be practical in improving clinical status of prehypertensive and hypertensive patients, by improving BP control, NO- bioavailability and redox balance. Further studies are required to elucidate the pathways of lactate concentration in blood-flow during exercise.
Lithosphere Mantle Density of the North China Craton

We constrain the lithospheric mantle density of the North China Craton (NCC) at both in situ and standard temperature‐pressure (STP) conditions from gravity data. The lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary (LAB) depth is constrained by our new thermal model, which is based on a new regional heat flow data set and a recent regional crustal model NCcrust. The new thermal model shows that the thermal lithosphere thickness is <120 km in most of the NCC, except for the northern and southern parts with the maximum depth of 170 km. The gravity calculations reveal a highly heterogeneous density structure of the lithospheric mantle with in situ and STP values of 3.22–3.29 and 3.32–3.40 g/cm3, respectively. Thick and reduced‐density cratonic‐type lithosphere is preserved mostly in the southern NCC. Most of the Eastern Block has a thin (90–140 km) and high‐density lithospheric mantle. Most of the Western Block has a high‐density lithospheric mantle and a thin (80–110 km) lithosphere typical of Phanerozoic regions, which suggests that the Archean lithosphere is no longer present there. We conclude that in almost the entire NCC the lithosphere has lost its cratonic characteristics by geodynamic processes that include, but are not limited to, the Paleozoic closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean in the north, the Mesozoic Yangtze Craton flat subduction in the south, the Mesozoic Pacific subduction in the east, the Cenozoic remote response to the Indian‐Eurasian collision in the west, and the Cenozoic extensional tectonics (possibly associated with the slab roll‐back) in the center.