Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of single and multiple soil contamination of cadmium with lead and zinc on growth, chlorophyll contents, uptake and translocation of cadmium in tomato plants

A study was carried out on the influence of increasing levels of single and multiple soil contamination with Cd, Pb and Zn (5, 15, 25 or 50 mg Cd kg−1 soil; 125, 250, 500 or 1000 mg Pb and Zn kg−1 soil) on growth, chlorophyll and Cd content of tomato plants. At a level of Cd5Pb125Zn125, Pb2+ and Zn2+ have a protective effect and decrease the phytotoxic effect of Cd2+ on tomato plant. At higher levels, growth parameters (shoot weight, root weight and chlorophyll content) are reduced parallel to the enhancement of Cd concentration. At a level of Cd15Pb250Zn250, Pb2+ and Zn2+ alleviate the unfavorable effects in triple combinations. Above the level Cd15Pb250Zn250, Pb2+ and Zn2+ interact antagonistically with Cd2+. The reduction of tissue Cd content is not always accompanied by an alleviating effect of Cd phytotoxicity. The Cd-Zn combination decreases the tissue Cd content more effectively than Cd-Pb, but its phytotoxic effect is more pronounced. The Cd toxicity depends more on free Cd ions than on total tissue Cd content. The translocation of Cd from root to leaves is higher compared to its accumulation from root to shoot.
Towards Efficient Sharing: A Usage Balancing Mechanism for Bike Sharing Systems

With the rapid development of sharing economy, massive sharing systems such as Uber, Airbnb, and bikeshare have percolated into people's daily life. The sharing economy, at its core, is to achieve efficient use of resources. The actual usage of shared resources, however, is unclear to us. Little measurement or analysis, if any, has been conducted to investigate the resource usage status with the large-scale data collected from these sharing systems. In this paper, we analyze the bike usage status in three typical bikeshare systems based on 140-month multi-event data. Our analysis shows that the most used 20% of bikes account for 45% of usage, while the least used 20% of bikes account for less than 1% of usage. To efficiently utilize shared bikes, we propose a usage balancing design called eShare which has three components: (i) a statistical model based on archived data to infer historical usage; (ii) an entropy-based prediction model based on both real-time and archived data to infer future usage; (iii) a model-driven optimal calibration engine for bike selection to dynamically balance usage. We develop an ID swapping based evaluation methodology and measure the efficiency of eShare with data from three systems including the world's largest bikeshare system with 84,000 bikes and 3,300 stations. Our results show that eShare not only fully utilizes shared bikes but also improves service quality.
Cardiac surgeons between apprehension and ethical duty in the COVID-19 pandemic

Background Cardiothoracic surgeons are facing a big challenge in their surgical practice in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. The attitude towards performing surgery is influenced by the pandemic. Setting special recommendations for safe cardiothoracic surgery is of extreme importance. Methods This was an observational cross-sectional survey that included 77 Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeons. The survey consisted of a self-administered constructed questionnaire with six sections, and was delivered as a Google Forms questionnaire (https://www.google.com/forms/about) that was sent to individuals via social networks and email. Results More than 80% of Egyptian cardiothoracic surgeons believe they and their patients are at risk. Out of all participants, none had actually been infected with COVID-19 but 26% had encountered a positive COVID-19 person in their surgical team. Although 51% were testing patients before surgery, they reported 9 confirmed cases postoperatively. Computed tomography was the most recommended investigation prior to surgery (by 69%). Most had postponed elective surgeries and only one-third of all surgeons recommended performing elective surgeries cautiously with pretesting for COVID-19 and maximizing protective measures, while more than 40% recommended not performing high-risk elective surgeries. Conclusion We are committed to the safety of our patients, ourselves, our staff, and our families. Planning for the new phase of reopening, whether total reopening or step-by-step reopening, should carefully consider how we should utilize our resources, respect social distancing, and prevent exposure to untested patients or health workers who might turn out to be an undetected positive case.
A general management model to optimize lake liming operations

One of the most common ways to combat the ecosystem effects of acid rain is liming, which can be performed in many ways, such as lake liming, wetland liming, full-scale drainage area liming, and by dosers in tributaries. This study presents results from extensive liming operations in many Swedish lakes. A practically useful management model for planning and predicting the outcome of liming is presented. The model is based on a validated, general dynamic model for radiocaesium, which has also been used with very good results for radiostrontium, different metals and phosphorus. In this work, the model is applied for calcium from liming. Lake liming can be regarded as a tracer experiment to test the dynamic model. A few of the lakes have been used for the calibrations of the model, and then the model has been validated (blind-tested) using 68 lakes for pH and 17 lakes for calcium concentrations. Results were very good or good in 97% of the cases for pH and 94% of the cases for calcium. Controls in the two lakes where the dynamic model did not give good pH predictions revealed that these two lakes were fertilized and limed a few years before this study started. If those conditions are accounted for, the model would give good results in these cases also. The model also includes submodels to calculate initial pH, and how this is related to catchment area and lake morphometric conditions, as well as target pH and how this is related to initial pH, and the large-scale, long-time influences of deposition of sulphur and other acidifying compounds from the burning of fossil fuels. In order to make the model practically useful, only variables readily accessible from maps and standard monitoring programmes have been accepted as driving variables (such as lake area and mean depth). This work also presents critical model tests (sensitivity and uncertainty analyses using Monte Carlo techniques). These tests have demonstrated that the critical part determining the predictive success of the model is related to the final calculation step where the calculated calcium concentration is transformed into a change in lake pH. It has also been demonstrated that more detailed characterizations of the catchment areas by means of drainage area zonation or Geographical Information System techniques will not increase the predictive accuracy of initial pH values, and that most lakes in the northern part of Sweden were excessively limed to pH values higher, or much higher, than the ‘natural’ or target pH. This is a waste of resources as there are many lakes, especially in the southern part of the country, which need to be limed.
Solvent‐Activated Hafnium‐Containing Zeolites Enable Selective and Continuous Glucose–Fructose Isomerisation

Abstract The isomerisation of glucose to fructose is a critical step towards manufacturing petroleum‐free chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. Herein we show that Hf‐containing zeolites are unique catalysts for this reaction, enabling true thermodynamic equilibrium to be achieved in a single step during intensified continuous operation, which no chemical or biological catalyst has yet been able to achieve. Unprecedented single‐pass yields of 58 % are observed at a fructose selectivity of 94 %, and continuous operation for over 100 hours is demonstrated. The unexpected performance of the catalyst is realised following a period of activation within the reactor, during which time interaction with the solvent generates a state of activity that is absent in the synthesised catalyst. Mechanistic studies by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, chemisorption FTIR, operando UV/Vis and 1H–13C HSQC NMR spectroscopy indicate that activity arises from isolated HfIV atoms with monofunctional acidic properties.
The interplay between PRKCI/PKCλ/ι, SQSTM1/p62, and autophagy orchestrates the oxidative metabolic response that drives liver cancer

ABSTRACT Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the consequence of chronic liver damage caused by the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To mitigate the deleterious effects of ROS, cells activate the transcription factor NFE2L2/NRF2, which is constitutively degraded through its partner KEAP1. The inactivation of KEAP1 by ROS results in the upregulation of NFE2L2, which leads to the upregulation of critical detoxifying molecules that serve to keep ROS at tolerable levels in order to maintain cell viability. It is thought that this mechanism allows cells to accumulate mutations, which together with the additional pro-tumorigenic and pro-survival effects of NFE2L2 activation, promote cancer initiation and progression. Germane to this phenomenon is macroautophagy/autophagy, which under homeostatic conditions has also been proposed to serve as a detoxifying mechanism by clearing up toxic aggregates and damaged organelles. Our recent data establish a new paradigm for the role that autophagy plays in HCC development
Knockdown of long non-coding RNA LINC00467 inhibits glioma cell progression via modulation of E2F3 targeted by miR-200a

ABSTRACT Studies have found that LINC00467 is an important regulator of cancer. However, the function of LINC00467 in glioma cell is unclear. Therefore, this experimental design based on LINC00467 to explore its mechanism of action in glioma cell. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of LINC0046 and miR-200a in glioma cell lines. MTT assay, Edru assay and Transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of LINC0046 and miR-200a on PC cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Target gene prediction and screening, luciferase reporter assays were used to validate downstream target genes for LINC0046 and miR-200a. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of E2F3. The tumor changes in mice were detected by in vivo experiments in nude mice. LINC00467 was up-regulated in glioma cells. Knockdown of LINC00467 inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of glioma cells. In glioma cells, miR-200a was significantly reduced, while E2F3 was significantly rised. LINC00467 negatively regulated the expression of miR-200a in gliomas, while miR-200a negatively regulated the expression of E2F3 in gliomas. INC00467 promoted the development of glioma by inhibiting miR-200a and promoting E2F3 expression. LINC00467 may be a potential therapeutic target for gliomas.
A brief clinical report documenting a novel therapeutic technique (MEmory Specificity Training, MEST) for depression: a summary of two pilot randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background: Depression has a profound effect on quality of life (QoL) and is associated with rumination, hopelessness and social difficulties. It is important to explore novel intervention techniques that may reduce depression, and also improve rumination, hope and QoL. Aims: In this brief clinical report, we report the findings of two pilot randomized controlled trials examining the feasibility of a potentially important novel clinical technique (MEmory Specificity Training, MEST) on depression, social problem-solving (Study 1), rumination, hope and QoL (Study 2). Method: In Study 1, Iranian women with depression (n = 24) completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II and Means-Ends Problem-Solving test at baseline, post-training and 2-month follow-up. In Study 2, female students with moderate depression (n = 24) completed the Ruminative Response Scale, Adult Hope Scale and Short-Form Health Survey at baseline and post-training. Assessors were blind to group allocation. In both studies participants were randomly assigned to MEST or a non-active control group. Results: In both studies, MEST was found to be feasible and associated with low drop-out rates and high rates of self-reported patient and group facilitator satisfaction. There was preliminary evidence that MEST may bring about clinical benefit in terms of depression, social problem-solving (Study 1), QoL, rumination and hope (Study 2). Conclusions: MEST is a promising technique in the treatment of depression.
A high-selectivity fluorescent reporter toward peroxynitrite in coexisting nonalcoholic fatty liver and drug induced liver diseases model.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-), a highly reactive species, is profoundly involved into many physiological and pathological processes. Change of the ONOO- level usually indicated the abnormal body function. Thus, it is desired to develop a highly reliable ONOO- assay to elucidate its roles in related disease environment. In this work, we have constructed a ratiometric molecule fluorescent probe RTFP toward ONOO- with high specificity by the combination strategy of probe screening and rational design method. RTFP displayed excellent detection sensitivity (detection limit: 4.0 nM) and produced a highly ratiometric emission signal (130-fold). Leveraging this probe, we showed the change of ONOO- content in the free fatty acid-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and acetaminophen-induced drug-induced liver injury (DILI) cellular model, and for the first time disclosing the involved mechanism of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) enzyme-related in the NAFLD with DILI pathological environment. Furthermore, RTFP also was utilized to visualize ONOO- fluctuation of living liver tissues in a high fat diet-caused NAFLD model. We expected that this probe may help the study of liver injury in the exploration of mechanism and signal path.
ABCA1 gene R1587K polymorphism could be associated with metabolic syndrome and increased plasma triglyceride concentration in adults from northern Mexico.

OBJECTIVES to investigate the relationship of R1587K genotypes with cardiovascular (CV) risk, metabolic syndrome (MetS), lipid profile, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, and anti-oxLDL titers. METHODS we performed a cross-sectional study in 57 northern Mexican adults with no reported diseases. The ABCA1 R1587K SNP was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using TaqMan allelic discrimination probes. We evaluated the relationship of R1587K with metabolic syndrome and clinical parameters including lipid profile, glucose and insulin, PON1 activity and concentration, anti-oxLDL antibodies, anthropometry and body-composition parameters, and the atherogenic index of plasma calculation. RESULTS our results show higher triglyceride levels in the RK + KK carriers as compared to RR carriers (p = 0.031). An association between the RK + KK genotype and the presence of MetS (OR = 4.566, 95% CI = 1.386-14.92, p = 0.010) and a tendency towards high CV risk (OR = 3.317, 95% CI = 0.910-8.611, p = 0.069) was observed in comparison to RR carriers; however, there were no differences in HDL-C levels, PON1 activity and concentration, and anti-oxLDL titers among the R1587K genotypes. CONCLUSIONS in the northern Mexican population, the ABCA1 gene R1587K SNP is present and the RK + KK genotypes are associated with MetS and increased triglyceride concentrations; therefore, it could be a CV risk biomarker. Nevertheless there is a need for further confirmation in longitudinal studies.
Evaluation of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common condition defined as chronic (at least 3 months) pain or discomfort in the pelvic region, variably associated with lower urinary tract symptoms, sexual dysfunction and psychosocial consequences with considerable impact on quality of life. Since the exact pathophysiology underlying CP/CPPS is still unknown, no specific test for a definitive diagnosis is available. The main objectives for evaluation are to exclude differential diagnoses associated with pelvic pain and to identify the individual clinical profile or “picture” relevant for a tailored treatment concept. Keystones of basic evaluation include a thorough patient history and comprehensive assessment of symptoms based on subjective outcome measures, like the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and clinical phenotyping classification systems, such as UPOINTs. Further diagnostic procedures are adapted to the patient. An effective personalized multi-modal treatment concept relies on this accurate basic evaluation and regular follow-ups to monitor treatment response with the option for modification.
Design of Wearable Antenna System on Different Materials & Their Performance Analysis at the Off and On Body Environment in terms of Impedance Matching and Radiation Characteristics

This paper aims to design textile microstrip patch antennas on three different high performance fabric materials as substrates and a conventional patch antenna on FR-4 (PCB) substrate, imposed on human body environment for wireless body area network (WBAN) applications. It also compares the performance of the designed antennas at the on and off body environment. These antennas operate on ISM 2.45 GHz frequency band. Electro textile materials, Panama fabric (e r = 2.12), Fleece (e r =2.22) and Dacron fabric (e r =3) as well as PCB material (e r =4.3) are used as the antenna substrates. A human body model having three layers (skin, fat and muscle) is then developed and the antennas are applied on this body model to investigate their characteristics and performance and also the impact of human body layers on these antennas.
Population limitation in arctic ground squirrels: effects of food and predation

1. We examined the relative importance of food and predators in limiting Arctic ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryii plesius Richardson) populations in the boreal forest of the southwestern Yukon during the peak and early decline of a snowshoe hare cycle (Lepus americanus Erxleben). 2. Squirrels were live-trapped from 1990 to 1992 on two control grids and three experimental treatments (food addition, mammalian and avian predator exclosure, and food addition plus mammalian predator exclosure). Adult squirrels were radiocollared on all areas in 1992. 3. Food addition increased densities 3-8 times, generally increased reproductive traits (increased proportion of females lactating, doubled recruited litter sizes, resulted in earlier emergence of juveniles), increased immigration rates (but only in 1992), resulted in heavier females though not males at emergence in spring, and resulted in more rapid growth rates of juvenile males, but not of juvenile females. It had no effect on active season or overwinter survival rates. 4. Exclusion of predators had virtually no effect on any demographic variable measured, except for population densities in 1991 when they were approximately double those of the control populations. 5. Food addition plus exclusion of mammalian predators resulted in demographic changes that were comparable to those of food addition alone. 6. Thus, it appeared that food, not predators, limited ground squirrel populations at this stage of the hare cycle. However, independent of experimental treatment, active season survival of adult squirrels declined markedly from 1990 (high hare numbers) to 1992 (low hare numbers). Most of the radiocollared squirrels disappearing in 1992 were killed by predators and this was coincident with high densities of predators. In the predator exclosures, all predation mortalities resulted from avian predators which we could not exclude. 7. We conclude that both food and predators interact to limit Arctic ground squirrel populations during the peak and early decline of the hare cycle.
Dynamic measurement of oxidase activity based on oxygen consumption in open systems

Oxidases catalyze the oxidation of a variety of substrates with the concomitant reduction of molecular oxygen as a final electron acceptor. UV‐visible spectrophotometry is a simple and high‐throughput method commonly used to measure oxidase activities. However, drawbacks such as light scattering exist especially concerning the activity assessment of enzymes immobilized on supports. Monitoring of the universal cosubstrate O2 circumvents these drawbacks. This study aimed at developing a methodology that allows activity measurement of many types of oxidases based on O2 consumption applicable to various open systems. Dissolved oxygen in the reaction medium was monitored by an O2 sensor and the reaction rate was deduced from the O2 mass balance equation correcting for atmospheric diffusion. Common activity units (μMproduct min−1 or U/L) could be subsequently derived using calibration curves. The sensitivity of the method toward temperature, atmospheric pressure, and ionic strength variations was evaluated, and made it possible to define operating windows for the simplification of the proposed methodology.
A Practical Approach to Android Mobile Application Security

In parallel to rapid developments in computer technology, the number of mobile applications developed for the devices also increases. Mobile applications make life easier, but also bring some risks. These applications may create some weaknesses due to mistakes in the app development or use phase. In this study, a sample security test was performed for mobile application security awareness. This paper related to phising attacks to Android mobile users and data storage security on Android device. The sample mobile application has been decompiled. The malicious code was injected into the sample app. After the code was injected into the sample banking application developed, the user interface was modified. In addition, when the application is open, the user's credit card information is requested. After the user fills information, the credit card information is sent to a different phone number (attacker’s phone number) through an SMS. The mobile user is at risk of stealing sensitive information. This study also shows that the data stored in the device can be accessed through the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) shell commands. As a result, this paper shows that the application developer should be more careful during the development phase and the device user should be more careful during the use phase.
Downregulation of Thbs4 caused by neurogenic niche changes promotes neuronal regeneration after traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Objective Following brain injury, the neurogenic niche provides a permissive cue for iatrogenesis rather than neurogenesis; reactive astrocytes play essential roles in orchestrating this process, markedly forming a glial scar around the area of damaged brain tissue. The objective of this study was to alter the neurogenic niche at the injured cortex and study its impact on neurogenesis. Methods We constructed a stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) gradient matrix to attract reactive astrocytes to the glial scar core. Results SDF-1 reacted with the astrocytes in the injured site. By changing the neurogenic niche of the injured part of the brain after traumatic brain injury (TBI), SDF-1 downregulated thrombospondin 4 (Thbs4) promoting neuronal cell regeneration and playing a beneficial role in nerve function recovery after brain injury. Discussion The matrix we created in this study could attract and interact with reactive glial cells and, thus, we called it a glial pump. Using the glial pump, we identified a new mechanism of brain injury repair and neuronal regeneration after TBI, which relied on Thbs4 downregulation after the altered neurogenic niche promoted neuronal regeneration and functional recovery.