Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age-Related Diazinon Toxicity Impact on Blood Glucose, Lipid Profile and Selected Biochemical Indices in Male Rats

Background: Diabetes and its complications are age-related diseases. Low-grade inflammation plays the main role in the aging processes. Diazinon (DZN), an organophosphate pesticide, has been found to induce metabolic disturbances. Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the impact of DZN on age-related changes on inflammatory cells, blood glucose concentration, lipid profile, and liver and kidney function indices in adult and aged rats. Methods: Male rats (2 and 16 month old) were orally administrated with DZN (15 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Then the blood was obtained for measuring inflammatory cells, lipid profile, glucose and serum biochemical indices such as liver enzymes, albumin, total protein, creatinine (Cr), urea, and uric acid in the serum of adult and aged male rats. Results: DZN increased the blood levels of glucose and the percentage of lymphocytes and also serum levels of TChol, TG, LDL-c, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, Cr, urea, and uric acid in the adult and aged rats versus the aged matched control rats (p< 0.001). A marked reduction in HDL-c levels, total protein, albumin, and in the percentage of neutrophils were seen in the adult and aged animals exposed to DZN versus the aged matched control rats. DZN also increased the levels of LDL-c and ALT in the aged rats versus adult animals. Conclusion: The present study indicated that DZN can cause metabolic disturbance. However, the age-dependent effects of DZN on metabolic indices were not be confirmed by the present data.
Soil organic carbon storage of paddy soils in China using the 1:1,000,000 soil database and their implications for C sequestration

Organic carbon storage in agricultural soils plays a key role in the terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle. Paddy soils support important croplands in many parts of the world, especially in Asia. A thorough understanding of organic carbon storage in Chinese paddy soils would be helpful to both greenhouse gases emission and carbon sequestration studies. This paper examines soil organic carbon density (SOCD) and storage (SOCS) of paddy soils in China using the newly compiled 1:1,000,000 digital soil map of China as well as data from 1490 paddy soil profiles. Results show that paddy soils in China cover about 45.7 M ha, nearly 1.5 times more than the results of other studies. In China, the mean SOCD of paddy soils at a depth of 0–100 cm is 111.4 t C ha−1, with a SOCS of 5.1 Pg. These results are 66–75% higher than studies from other scientists. However, the mean SOCD of paddy soils from 0 to 20 cm is 37.6 t C ha−1, with a SOCS of 1.7 Pg, which is 89% higher than studies from other scientists.
Stochastic mRNA Synthesis in Mammalian Cells

Individual cells in genetically homogeneous populations have been found to express different numbers of molecules of specific proteins. We investigated the origins of these variations in mammalian cells by counting individual molecules of mRNA produced from a reporter gene that was stably integrated into the cell's genome. We found that there are massive variations in the number of mRNA molecules present in each cell. These variations occur because mRNAs are synthesized in short but intense bursts of transcription beginning when the gene transitions from an inactive to an active state and ending when they transition back to the inactive state. We show that these transitions are intrinsically random and not due to global, extrinsic factors such as the levels of transcriptional activators. Moreover, the gene activation causes burst-like expression of all genes within a wider genomic locus. We further found that bursts are also exhibited in the synthesis of natural genes. The bursts of mRNA expression can be buffered at the protein level by slow protein degradation rates. A stochastic model of gene activation and inactivation was developed to explain the statistical properties of the bursts. The model showed that increasing the level of transcription factors increases the average size of the bursts rather than their frequency. These results demonstrate that gene expression in mammalian cells is subject to large, intrinsically random fluctuations and raise questions about how cells are able to function in the face of such noise.
Comparing Satellite and Ground-Based Measurements of Environmental Suitability for Vector Mosquitoes in an Urban Landscape

Abstract Exposure to mosquito-borne diseases is influenced by landscape patterns and microclimates associated with land cover. These influences can be particularly strong in heterogeneous urban landscapes where human populations are concentrated. We investigated how land cover and climate influenced abundances of Ae. albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Norman, Oklahoma (United States). From June–October 2019 and May–October 2020 we sampled mosquitoes along an urban-rural gradient using CO2 baited BG Sentinel traps. Microclimate sensors at these sites measured temperature and humidity. We mapped environmental variables using satellite images from Landsat, Sentinel-2, and VIIRS, and the CHIRPS rainfall dataset. We also obtained meteorological data from the closest weather station. We compared statistical models of mosquito abundance based on microclimate, satellite, weather station, and land cover data. Mosquitoes were more abundant on trap days with higher temperature and relative humidity. Rainfall 2 wk prior to the trap day negatively affected mosquito abundances. Impervious surface cover was positively associated with Cx. quinquefasciatus and tree cover was negatively associated with Ae. albopictus. Among the data sources, models based on satellite variables and land cover data had the best fits for Ae. albopictus (R2 = 0.7) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (R2 = 0.51). Models based on weather station or microclimate data had weaker fits (R2 between 0.09 and 0.17) but were improved by adding land cover variables (R2 between 0.44 and 0.61). These results demonstrate the potential for using satellite remote sensing for mosquito habitat analyses in urban areas.
Transform and rift structure of Paleogene crust near Resolution Ridge, Tasman Sea, southwest New Zealand

Multibeam bathymetry, seismic reflection, magnetic anomaly, and gravity anomaly data show that most of the Resolution Ridge System is Tasman Sea oceanic crust, deformed by Eocene rift faulting associated with the initiation of the modern Australia‐Pacific plate boundary. Resolution Ridge, the most eastern ridge of the system, is inferred to be continental crust that was plucked from the southwest corner of the Campbell Plateau during Eocene rift propagation. Rift propagation proceeded through sequential northward steps between weak points in the lithosphere: young fossil spreading centers, fracture zones, and the western margin of the continental Campbell Plateau. Fracture zones guided the large‐scale geometry of the rift, but there is not always a close surface correspondence between transform and rift faults. This may be because transform faults were subvertical, whereas rift faults evolved to be moderately dipping. The very good correspondence of fracture zones, rift faults, and magnetic anomalies from the Resolution Ridge System with their conjugates southwest of the Campbell Plateau allows precise prerift reconstruction of the Australia‐Pacific plate boundary at a time (circa 48 Ma) of significant global plate reorganization and profound change in Pacific plate motion. This precise plate reconstruction better constrains plate motion chains that connect the Pacific and Indo‐Atlantic hemispheres, thus contributing to debate of global scientific issues such as what caused the bend in the Emperor‐Hawaii seamount chain.
The safety profile of Haemophilus influenzae type b–Neisseria meningitidis serogroups C and Y tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (HibMenCY)

The safety profile of HibMenCY was compared with licensed Hib conjugate vaccines in a pooled analysis that included more than 8,500 subjects who were administered a four-dose series of HibMenCY or commercially available Hib vaccines at 2, 4, 6 and 12–15 mo of age in two primary vaccination and two fourth dose phase 3 studies. In all studies, HibMenCY or Hib vaccine was co-administered with age-appropriate, routinely recommended vaccines. In one primary and one fourth dose study (n = 4180), local and general symptoms were solicited using diary cards for 4 d after each dose. Serious adverse events (SAEs) and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) indicating new onset of chronic disease (NOCD), rash, and conditions prompting Emergency Room (ER) visits were reported from dose 1 until 6 mo after dose 4. The incidences of solicited local and general symptoms were similar following HibMenCY and commercially available Hib vaccines. For some solicited symptoms (pain at the injection site and irritability), rates were lower in the HibMenCY group compared with the Hib control group (p value < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the incidences of SAEs, NOCDs, rash, or AEs leading to ER visits, with the exceptions of anemia and viral gastroenteritis, which occurred significantly less frequently in those receiving HibMenCY than those receiving commercially available Hib vaccines. In this pooled safety analysis, the safety profile of HibMenCY was similar to the safety profile of licensed monovalent Hib vaccines, despite the addition of meningococcal antigens. These studies are registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov NCT00345579 (primary vaccination study), NCT00345683 (fourth dose vaccination study) and NCT00289783 (primary and fourth dose vaccination studies)
Effects of reforestation on near‐surface saturated hydraulic conductivity in a managed forest landscape, southern Ontario, Canada

Reforestation of previously deforested landscapes often increases soil organic matter content and porosity as the plantation forest ages, leading to increased soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (KH). However, the time required for a reforested soil's KH to recover to that of the original forest differs considerably between locations because of variations in forest, climatic and soil properties. We examined a chronosequence of sites on similar soils in a managed forest landscape in southern Ontario, Canada, ranging from open fields deforested in the late 19th century, through red pine (Pinus resinosa) stands of varying age, to 100+ year‐old mixed conifer–hardwoods. Soil texture, organic matter content, bulk density, KH, and overstory and understory forest characteristics were measured. For sites with similar soil textures, there was a general increase in KH in the following sequence: open fields → red pine plantations → mixed conifer–hardwood stands. There were no significant changes in near‐surface organic matter contents or soil bulk densities with forest age, and neither factor was related to temporal changes in KH. Temporal trends in KH were associated with increased understory density with forest age, suggesting that increases in KH were driven by understory root development and greater macroporosity. It may take ~25 years before reforestation begins to affect soil infiltration characteristics at the stand scale and at least 40 years following planting before the KH of soils under red pine plantations begins to equal that for undisturbed mixed conifer–hardwood stands. This recovery may be assisted by management activities such as thinning of red pine stands, which promotes understory development.
Late Quaternary (Stage 2 and 3) Meltwater and Heinrich Events, Northwest Labrador Sea

Abstract Two major meltwater events are documented in cores from the NW Labrador Sea. One occurred ca. 20,000 14C yr B.P. in association with deposition of a major detrital carbonate unit. Both prior to and after this event, δ18O values of near-surface planktonic foraminifera were 4.5%, indicating fully enriched glacial values. A younger event (ca. 14,000 14 C yr B.P.) is characterized by a dramatic change in δ18O from 4.5 to 2.0% and coincided with the retreat of ice from the outer SE Baffin Shelf, possibly into Hudson Strait. These meltwater events coincide with Heinrich (H) layers 1 and 2 from North Atlantic sediments. The 14,000 14C yr B.P. meltwater event indicates that the eastern margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet also underwent rapid retreat at approximately the same time as other ice sheet margins around the NE North Atlantic. A third major detrital carbonate event at the base of HU87-033-009, possibly correlative with Heinrich layer 3, occurred ca. 33,960 ± 675 14 C yr B.P.; however, this is older than the accepted date for H-3 of 27,000 14C yr B.P. and may be H-4.
Smell and taste disorders

Smell and taste disorders can markedly affect the quality of life. In recent years we have become much better in the assessment of the ability to smell and taste. In addition, information is now available to say something about the prognosis of individual patients. With regard to therapy there also seems to be low but steady progress. Of special importance for the treatment is the ability of the olfactory epithelium to regenerate.
Overview of the Field Test of Innovative On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems during the La Pine National Demonstration Project

This paper presents an overview of the field test results of the La Pine National Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Demonstration Project (La Pine Project). The main objective of the field test was to identify innovative on-site wastewater treatment systems that reduce the amount of nitrogen discharged to groundwater. The aquifer underlying the La Pine subbasin of the upper Deschutes River Watershed is shallow and unconfined and provides the drinking water source for the region’s population. The project also evaluated septic tank and sand filter performance in order to provide baseline information on the impacts of conventional systems on the aquifer. The performance of nitrogen reducing treatment technologies are compared to septic tank and sand filter performance, the State of Oregon’s residential waste strength definition, and La Pine Project performance criteria. The study found that several systems can effectively reduce typical water quality parameters (5-day biochemical oxygen demand, total suspen.
Assessing the Impact of Transgenerational Epigenetic Variation on Complex Traits

Loss or gain of DNA methylation can affect gene expression and is sometimes transmitted across generations. Such epigenetic alterations are thus a possible source of heritable phenotypic variation in the absence of DNA sequence change. However, attempts to assess the prevalence of stable epigenetic variation in natural and experimental populations and to quantify its impact on complex traits have been hampered by the confounding effects of DNA sequence polymorphisms. To overcome this problem as much as possible, two parents with little DNA sequence differences, but contrasting DNA methylation profiles, were used to derive a panel of epigenetic Recombinant Inbred Lines (epiRILs) in the reference plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The epiRILs showed variation and high heritability for flowering time and plant height (∼30%), as well as stable inheritance of multiple parental DNA methylation variants (epialleles) over at least eight generations. These findings provide a first rationale to identify epiallelic variants that contribute to heritable variation in complex traits using linkage or association studies. More generally, the demonstration that numerous epialleles across the genome can be stable over many generations in the absence of selection or extensive DNA sequence variation highlights the need to integrate epigenetic information into population genetics studies.
Belowground advantages in construction cost facilitate a cryptic plant invasion

Energetic costs of tissue construction were compared in two subspecies of Phragmites australis, the common reed – namely the primary native and introduced lineages in North America. Caplan et al. report that the introduced lineage has lower construction costs than the native under all environmental conditions assessed, driven mainly by its lower cost rhizomes. These results highlight the fact that belowground energetics, which are seldom investigated, can influence the performance advantages that drive many plant invasions. The authors also demonstrate that tissue construction costs in organs not typically assessed can shift with global change, suggesting that they may have increasingly important implications into the future.
Determination of Oxidative Stress Related Toxicity on Repeated Dermal Exposure of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Rats

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) have numerous applications, such as substitute for bone grafting, bone fillers, bioceramic coating, and dental fillings. The toxicity of these nanomaterials is of growing concern despite their significant scientific interest and promising potential in many applications. In this study, an in-house synthesized, characterized HANP of size <50 nm was investigated for the dermal toxicity. A paste of HANPs was prepared in water and applied on the dorsal side of the rats for 28 days. At the end of 28 days, blood was subjected to haematological and biochemical analysis. Gross necropsy was conducted and major organs were collected for histopathological observations. Liver from the animals was evaluated for lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes activity. It was observed that none of the animals showed any abnormality during the experimental period. Gross examination of carcasses did not reveal any abnormality in the organs examined. The results also demonstrated that there was no significant fluctuation in the level of antioxidant defense mechanisms, lipid peroxidation, and haematological and biochemical parameters. There was no histopathological lesion observed in any of the organs. Hence, it can be concluded that the synthesized HANPs were nontoxic at cellular level, when exposed dermally to rats.
Vaping versus JUULing: how the extraordinary growth and marketing of JUUL transformed the US retail e-cigarette market

Background While national surveys showed declines in e-cigarette use in the USA between 2015 and 2016, recent reports indicate that JUUL, a sleekly designed e-cigarette that looks like a USB drive, is increasingly being used by youth and young adults. However, the extent of JUUL’s growth and its marketing strategy have not been systematically examined. Methods A variety of data sources were used to examine JUUL retail sales in the USA and its marketing and promotion. Retail store scanner data were used to capture the retail sales of JUUL and other major e-cigarette brands for the period 2011–2017. A list of JUUL-related keywords was used to identify JUUL-related tweets on Twitter; to identify JUUL-related posts, hashtags and accounts on Instagram and to identify JUUL-related videos on YouTube. Results In the short 3-year period 2015–2017, JUUL has transformed from a little-known brand with minimum sales into the largest retail e-cigarette brand in the USA, lifting sales of the entire e-cigarette category. Its US$150 million retail sales in the last quarter of 2017 accounted for about 40% of e-cigarette retail market share. While marketing expenditures for JUUL were moderate, the sales growth of JUUL was accompanied by a variety of innovative, engaging and wide-reaching campaigns on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, conducted by JUUL and its affiliated marketers. Conclusions The discrepancies between e-cigarette sales data and the prevalence of e-cigarette use from surveys highlight the challenges in tracking and understanding the use of new and emerging tobacco products. In a rapidly changing media environment, where successful and influential marketing campaigns can be conducted on social media at little cost, marketing expenditures alone may not fully capture the influence, reach and engagement of tobacco marketing.
Developing ultraviolet illumination of gillnets as a method to reduce sea turtle bycatch

Fisheries bycatch of marine animals has been linked to population declines of multiple species, including many sea turtles. Altering the visual cues associated with fishing gear may reduce sea turtle bycatch. We examined the effectiveness of illuminating gillnets with ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes for reducing green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) interactions. We found that the mean sea turtle capture rate was reduced by 39.7% in UV-illuminated nets compared with nets without illumination. In collaboration with commercial fishermen, we tested UV net illumination in a bottom-set gillnet fishery in Baja California, Mexico. We did not find any difference in overall target fish catch rate or market value between net types. These findings suggest that UV net illumination may have applications in coastal and pelagic gillnet fisheries to reduce sea turtle bycatch.
integrative inference of transcriptional networks by Drosophila melanogaster Predictive regulatory models in Material Supplemental

Material Supplemental http://genome.cshlp. org/content/suppl/2012/03/23/gr.127191. 111.DC1. html References http://genome.cshlp. org/content/22/7/1334.full. html#ref-list-1 This article cites 60 articles, 13 of which can be accessed free at: License Commons Creative . http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ described at as a Creative Commons License (Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License), ). After six months, it is available under http://genome.cshlp. org/site/misc/terms.xhtml for the first six months after the full-issue publication date (see This article is distributed exclusively by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
Special cases of natural analogues: The Gabon and Cigar Lake U ore deposits

Abstract The Gabon and Cigar Lake uranium deposits may be used as natural analogues for nuclear waste because they both provide information on actinide immobilization in a geological system over a very long period of time. These deposits contain high-grade uranium ores (40–60% UO2) embedded in a clay matrix. Futhermore, the Oklo and Bangombé uranium deposits in Gabon were natural nuclear fission reactors that operated 2000 Ma ago. This offers the unique opportunity to study the behaviour of fission products and actinides in a geological environment. The geological stability of the sites is one of the most important parameters that can explain the preservation of the natural reactors of Gabon and of the Cigar Lake deposit. The mineralogy of the hosted rocks and the chemical composition of the fluids are likewise important parameters. It can be shown that clays, Fe-sulphides and organic matters provide effective redox buffering and consequently play an important role in the long-term preservation of the ores. Adsorption of actinides and fission products on clays and Ti-oxides is also an important process for retention of these elements. This process is even more efficient when it is followed by the formation of coffinite, USiO4·nH2O. Coffinitization is common at the Cigar Lake deposit and in the natural reactors of Gabon. Coffinitization may be related to hydrothermal alteration (Cigar Lake) and to weathering (Bangombé).
THERMOLUMINESCENCE DATING: BETA‐DOSE ATTENUATION IN QUARTZ GRAINS

Correction factors for attenuation of beta radiation by spherical quartz grains embedded in ceramics were obtained for grain diameters ranging from 0. 005 to 10.0 mm. The calculation was based on the absorbed-dose distributions for point-isotopic beta sources listed by Berger, in conjunction with the scaling procedure developed by Cross, and included beta particles, internal conversion electrons, and Auger electrons emitted by 40 K, and the 233 Th and 238 U series.