Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Centaurus A: Exploring the Nature of the Hard X-Ray/Soft Gamma-Ray Emission with INTEGRAL

The question of the origin of the hard X-ray/soft gamma-ray emission in Centaurus A (Cen A) persists despite decades of observations. Results from X-ray instruments suggest a jet origin since the implied electron temperature (kT e ) would cause runaway pair production in the corona. In contrast, instruments sensitive to soft gamma rays report electron temperatures indicating that a coronal origin may be possible. In this context, we analyzed archival INTEGRAL/IBIS-ISGRI and SPI data and observations from a 2022 Cen A monitoring program. Our analysis did not find any spectral variability. Thus we combined all observations for long-term average spectra, which were fit with a NuSTAR observation to study the 3.5 keV–2.2 MeV spectrum. Spectral fits using a CompTT model found kT e ∼ 550 keV, near runaway pair production. The spectrum was also well described by a log-parabola to model synchrotron self-Compton emission from the jet. Additionally, a spectral fit with the 12 yr catalog Fermi/LAT spectrum using a log-parabola can explain the data up to ∼3 GeV. Above ∼3 GeV, a power-law excess is present, which has been previously reported in LAT/H.E. S.S. analysis. However, including a coronal spectral component can also describe the data well. In this scenario, the hard X-rays/soft gamma rays are due the corona and the MeV to GeV emission is due to the jet.
Effects of Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 on immune responses of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) to Newcastle disease vaccines

Abstract Background: The development of proper immune responses to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccines is important in controlling the disease. Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) is involved in regulating the immune system. Aims: The current study evaluated the effects of EcN on immune responses to ND live vaccines in Japanese quails. Methods: A total of 150 one-day-old quails were divided into three equal groups. Groups A and B received 107 and 106 CFU/ml/day of EcN, respectively, sprayed on their diets, while group C received 1 ml/day of PBS. All birds were vaccinated with B1 and Lasota vaccines at 10 and 20 days of age, respectively. Serum samples were collected in order to assay the levels of IgA and certain cytokines, including IL4, IFN-α, and IFN-γ, as well as antibody titers to NDV by HI and ELISA methods. Results: No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in serum IgA and IFN-α levels among the groups. However, concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-4 in 42-day-old chicks in group A were significantly (P<0.05) higher than in both other groups. After 15 days of the second vaccination, the mean HI titer following NDV was significantly higher in group A than group C. Groups B and C showed significantly lower HI titer than group A after 22 days of the second vaccination. Mean ELISA titer to NDV was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group A than in groups B and C after 22 days of the second vaccination. Conclusion: It seems that the spraying of 107 CFU/ml/day of EcN on quail diets enhances the immune response to NDV vaccines by increasing serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension drugs can partially restore altered angiogenic capacities in bmpr2‐silenced human lung microvascular endothelial cells

Abstract Mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (bmpr2) gene and signaling pathway impairment are observed in heritable and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In PAH, endothelial dysfunction is currently handled by drugs targeting the endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), nitric oxide (NO), and prostacyclin (PGI2) pathways. The role of angiogenesis in the disease process and the effect of PAH therapies on dysregulated angiogenesis remain inconclusive. We aim to investigate in vitro whether (i) bmpr2 silencing can impair angiogenic capacity of human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs) and (ii) PAH therapies can restore them. The effects of macitentan (ET‐1), tadalafil (NO), and selexipag (PGI2), on BMPRII pathway activation, endothelial barrier function, and angiogenesis were investigated in bmpr2‐silenced HLMVECs. Stable bmpr2 silencing resulted in impaired migration and tube formation in vitro capacity. Inhibition of ET‐1 pathway was able to partially restore tube formation in bmpr2‐silenced HLMVECs, whereas none of the therapies was able to restore endothelial barrier function, no deleterious effects were observed. Our findings highlight the potential role of BMPRII signaling pathway in driving pulmonary endothelial cell angiogenesis. In addition, PAH drugs display limited effects on endothelial function when BMPRII is impaired, suggesting that innovative therapeutic strategies targeting BMPRII signaling are needed to better rescue endothelial dysfunction in PAH.
Application of protection motivation theory to study the factors that influence disaster recovery planning: An empirical investigation

In todayʼs information intensive and networked world, Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) is a critical and significant activity. However, DRP does not always receive the attention it deserves. Therefore, it is critical to examine the factors that influence the undertaking of DRP. A model on DRP was developed using the theoretical lens of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Drawing from PMT literature and using the information technology disaster recovery planning (ITDRP) construct developed by Shropshire and Kadlec (2009), a research model was created in which perceived severity and vulnerability, intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, fear, response efficacy, self-efficacy, and response costs are the determinants of ITDRP. The results of an Exploratory Factor Analysis indicated issues of conceptual overlap of items of perceived severity with other factors and therefore, the variable perceived severity was dropped from the model. Based on a Principal Components Analysis, the items of ITDRP were consolidated into three factors: (1) identification, recovery, and back-up procedures; (2) procedures for the DRP plan, human resources, and physical facilities; and (3) offsite storage. Three regression models were formed with these three factors as the dependent variables. The regression results showed that self-efficacy and response costs were significant and consistent predictors of ITDRP. These results are consistent with previous studies that used PMT in other contexts.
Protein restriction slows the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice

Abstract Over the last decade, it has become evident that dietary protein is a critical regulator of metabolic health and aging. Low protein diets are associated with healthy aging in humans, and we and others have shown that dietary protein restriction (PR) extends the lifespan and healthspan of mice. Here, we examined the effect of PR on metabolic health and the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the 3xTg mouse model of AD. We found that PR has metabolic benefits for 3xTg mice and non-transgenic controls of both sexes, promoting leanness and glycemic control in 3xTg mice. We found that PR induces sex-specific alterations in circulating metabolites and in the brain lipidome, downregulating sphingolipid subclasses including ceramides, glucosylceramides, and sphingomyelins in 3xTg females. Consumption of a PR diet starting at 6 months of age reduced AD pathology in conjunction with reduced mTORC1 activity, increased autophagy, and had cognitive benefits for 3xTg mice. Finally, PR improved the survival of 3xTg mice. Our results demonstrate that PR slows the progression of AD at molecular and pathological levels, preserves cognition in this mouse model of AD, and suggests that PR or pharmaceutical interventions that mimic the effects of this diet may hold promise as a treatment for AD.
The waters of the Earth

ABSTRACT Hydrology is considered in the context of the solar system, the water-related cycles of geophysics, the human environment, and international scientific cooperation. Global water balances and dynamic hydrological models are briefly described. The existence of different levels of description of hydrological phenomena is referred to and recent attempts to formulate hydrological laws at basin scale briefly reviewed.
Prediction of Adverse Events Risk in Patients with Comorbid Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder Using Electronic Medical Records by Deep Learning Models

Background Prediction of high-risk events in mental disorder patients is crucial. In our previous study, we developed a deep learning model: DeepBiomarker by using electronic medical records (EMR) to predict suicide related event (SRE) risk in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. Methods We applied DeepBiomarker2 through data integration of multimodal information: lab test, medication, co-morbidities, and social determinants of health. We analyzed EMRs of 5,565 patients from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center with a diagnosis of PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD) on risk of developing an adverse event (opioid use disorder, SREs, depression and death). Results DeepBiomarker2 predicted whether a PTSD + AUD patient will have a diagnosis of any adverse events (SREs, opioid use disorder, depression, death) within 3 months with area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) of 0.94. We found piroxicam, vilazodone, dronabinol, tenofovir, suvorexant, empagliflozin, famciclovir, veramyst, amantadine, sulfasalazine, and lamivudine to have potential to reduce risk. Conclusions DeepBiomarker2 can predict multiple adverse event risk with high accuracy and identify potential risk and beneficial factors. Our results offer suggestions for personalized interventions in a variety of clinical and diverse populations.
C5aR1 blockade reshapes immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade therapy in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

ABSTRACT High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC), with a modest response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy, is densely infiltrated by M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T (Treg) cells. The complement C5a/C5aR1 axis contributes to the programming of the immunosuppressive phenotype of TAMs in solid tumors and represents a promising immunomodulatory target for treating HGSCs. Here, we aimed to identify the relevance of C5aR1 in prognosis, immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy response in HGSCs. The expression and relationship of C5aR1 with tumor-infiltrating immune cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry in the training cohort (n = 120) and fresh HGSC tissues (n = 36). Transcriptomic analyses of the xenografts delineated the mechanisms driving the immunomodulatory activity of PMX53, an orally bioavailable C5aR1 inhibitor. Therapeutic relevance was confirmed in ex vivo tumor cultures and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. C5aR1 expression independently predicted dismal prognosis and was linked to the immunoevasive subtype of HGSC, characterized by increased infiltration of pro-tumor cells (Treg cells, M2-polarized macrophages, and neutrophils) and impaired CD8+T functions. PMX53 antagonized subcutaneous tumor growth, modulated immunosuppressive mechanisms and synergized with aPD-1 in several tumor types. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed predominant C5aR1 expression in TAMs, with an immunosuppressive-related expression signature in C5aR1+TAMs. Furthermore, the combination of C5aR1 and PD-L1 was associated with specific molecular characteristics and matched clinical response annotations. Therefore, the abundance of C5aR1 could predict an inferior prognosis in HGSCs, and incorporating PD-L1 may serve as a novel predictive biomarker to guide therapeutic options.
Influence of Spinopelvic Alignment on the Clinical Outcomes Following Decompression Surgery for Lumbar Stenosis

Introduction The role of sagittal spinopelvic alignment in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients and its potential influence on post-decompression surgery outcomes is a topic of growing interest. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a prevalent degenerative condition, and with an aging population, the frequency of surgical interventions for LSS has risen. While decompression surgery aims to relieve symptoms, the potential impact of preoperative spinopelvic alignment on postoperative results remains controversial. This study examined the correlation between sagittal spinopelvic parameters and clinical outcomes in LSS patients undergoing decompression surgery. Methods This study included 100 patients with LSS who underwent decompression surgery between 2021 and 2023 and 100 healthy individuals as a control group. The LSS group comprised 50 men and 50 women, with a mean age of 55.8±12.41 years, while the control group consisted of 50 men and 50 women, with a mean age of 55.17±13.39 years. Sagittal spinopelvic alignment parameters, including pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch, and sagittal vertical axis, were assessed preoperatively. Postoperative clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores. Results In the cohort of 200 participants, 100 were diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and 100 were healthy controls. Both groups had an equal gender distribution (50 males and 50 females). The mean age was 55.8 (±12.4) years for the LSS group and 55.2 (±13.4) years for the control group. Among the analyzed radiographic parameters, only lumbar lordosis (LL) levels showed a significant difference between groups, notably lower in the LSS group (p=0.020). Preoperative VAS scores in LSS patients averaged 7.58±1.32, which postoperatively dropped to 2.22±1.95 (p<0.001). Similarly, ODI (%) declined from a preoperative average of 55.76±11.65 to 18.62±18.17 postoperatively (p<0.001). Patients with postoperative ODI levels exceeding 20% had higher preoperative scores and significantly altered radiographic measurements. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated PT as the most predictive radiographic parameter, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.945. Multivariate logistic regression pinpointed PT and LL as key predictors associated with increased risks for postoperative Oswestry disability levels exceeding 20%. Conclusion Our study suggests that sagittal spinopelvic alignment plays an important role in the development and progression of LSS. Addressing sagittal alignment may be crucial for achieving optimal clinical outcomes after decompression surgery. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the relationship between sagittal alignment and LSS.
A Study of the Role of Daytime Land–Atmosphere Interactions on Nocturnal Convective Activity in the Southern Great Plains during CLASIC

AbstractThis study examines whether and how land–atmosphere interactions can have an impact on nocturnal convection over the southern Great Plains (SGP) through numerical simulations of an intense nocturnal mesoscale convective system (MCS) on 19–20 June 2007 with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. High-resolution nested simulations were conducted using realistic and idealized land surfaces and two planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterizations (PBLp): Yonsei University (YSU) and Mellor–Yamada–Janjic (MYJ). Differences in timing and amount of MCS precipitation among observations and model results were examined in the light of daytime land–atmosphere interactions, nocturnal prestorm environment, and cold pool strength. At the meso-γ scale, land cover and soil type have as much of an effect on the simulated prestorm environment as the choice of PBLp: MYJ simulations exhibit strong sensitivity to changes in the land surface in contrast to negligible impact in the case of YSU. At the end of t.
Differential effects of acute diazepam on emotional and neutral memory tasks in acutely hospitalized depressed patients

With the hypothesis that depression affects memory through a mechanism other than that of the benzodiazepines, the present study evaluated the acute effect of diazepam 10 mg upon explicit memory in patients with major depression. A double-blind, placebo (starch 50 mg) controlled experiment was carried out with 19 patients randomly divided into diazepam (n = 10) and placebo (n = 9) groups. They were evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination, and tests were conducted for immediate and delayed (short-term) memory with emotionally toned stimuli (negative, positive, neutral), recognition, and semantic memory in visual or auditory modality. The Visual Analog Mood scale (VAMS) was applied to measure anxiety and mood changes after the administration of drugs (30 minutes and 6 hours). Higher scores in the positively toned list among patients who received diazepam were observed, at the 30-minute compared with the 6-hour evaluation. The recall index of positive words in the diazepam group was positive and significantly different from the index of the placebo group. No anterograde amnesia following diazepam was observed. The neural model of a dysfunction of limbic prefrontal cortical structures that impairs the modulation of the amygdala in major depression may explain the present results. Consequently, the action of diazepam on the amygdala, which has been proposed to be the basis of its anxiolytic action, might be altered, modifying the modulation of memory in our patients.
Hurricane Katrina flooding and oil slicks mapped with satellite imagery: Chapter 3F in Science and the storms-the USGS response to the hurricanes of 2005

A multiple-database approach that combined remotely sensed data from Radarsat-1 and Landsat Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) imagery was used to map Hurricane Katrinainduced flooding and to identify offshore oil slicks. Maps depicting the areal extent of flooding, oil slicks, and floating debris provide vital information to emergency managers for directing floodrelief efforts and the clean-up of polluted waters.
Quantifying the diffusive mass transfer of nonreactive solutes in columns of fractured saprolite using flow interruption

Subsurface transport processes of low-level radioactive contaminants at hazardous waste sites are complex due to a nonuniform distribution of pore regions in heterogeneous media. During transport, contaminant mass is continuously transferred between the various pore regions via hydraulic and concentration gradients. Our objective was to quantify the diffusive mass transfer of a nonreactive solute between the matrix porosity and preferential flow paths in fractured subsurface media. A large, undisturbed soil column (41 cm long by 17 cm diameter) of weathered, fractured shale was acquired from a proposed waste site on the Oak Ridge Reservation in eastern Tennessee. We injected a nonreactive tracer, Br - , under saturated conditions, interrupting tracer flow for a designated time, and then reinitiating flow. Experiments considered tracer injection and displacement, variations in duration of flow interruption, and variations in flux. Transport of Br - through the undisturbed medium was characterized by asymmetric breakthrough curves (BTC), indicative of preferential flow coupled with movement into the matrix. Interrupting flow resulted in decreased and increased Br - concentrations during tracer infusion and displacement, respectively, when flow was reinitiated. More pronounced concentration perturbations were observed at high fluxes and long interrupt durations. These perturbations were driven by solute concentration gradients established between pore regions as a result of preferential flow. This confirmed the importance of a diffusion contribution to the overall physical nonequilibrium mechanism that affects solute transport. Observed effluent concentrations were adequately simulated with a two-region flow interrupt model by using independently determined parameters and adjusting the mass transfer coefficient. Estimated mass transfer coefficients increased linearly with increased flux, probably due to enhanced nonequilibrium that was established between pore regions as flux increased.
Influence of thinning on carbon storage in soil, forest floor and coarse woody debris of Larix kaempferi stands in Korea

This study examined the effects of thinning intensities on carbon (C) storage of soil, forest floor and coarse woody debris (CWD) in Larix kaempferi stands, Korea. Two study stands were located in Gwangneung Experiment Forest (Stand 1: 31–40 years old) and Muju (Stand 2: 51–60 years old). These stands were thinned in 2011. Each stand was divided into three plots by different thinning intensities based on removed volume: no thinning (control, 0%), moderate thinning (M, 20%), and heavy thinning (H, 30%). The C storage of soil at 0–50 cm depth, forest floor, and CWD was measured in 2011. Total C storage of H plot was significantly higher than that of control plot and M plot in Stand 1 (control: 64.6 t C ha−1, M: 62.2 t C ha−1, H: 83.7 t C ha−1). A similar tendency was also found in Stand 2; total C storage of H plot was significantly higher than that of control plot and M plot (control: 137.8 t C ha−1; M: 138.0 t C ha−1; H: 169.6 t C ha−1). Initial effects of thinning intensities on C storage were analyzed as a part of the 10-year study, and we expect to determine the correct thinning intensity that optimizes C storage of soil, forest floor, and CWD by long-term monitoring of changes in C storage at this experimental site.
Gravimetric transect of eastern Ungava Bay, northern Torngat Orogen.

Detailed gravity data, collected in the northern part of Quebec along a SW-NE transect across the northern Torngat Orogen, provide constraints on the deep structure of this segment of the orogen. The section, located in the Rae Province east of Ungava Bay, traverses the Archean gneissic terrane of the George River segment, the Early Proterozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Lake Harbour Group, the Abloviak shear zone and the granulite-facies migmatitic complex of the Burwell terrane. The Bouguer gravity profile indicates four distinct zones: (1) in the SW, a low density zone from George River to the east of Keglo Bay; (2) a zone of intermediate density further to the NE from the Lake Harbour Group extending to Abloviak Fiord; (3) a steep, narrow, Bouguer gravity gradient (positive to the N) which is prominent along the Abloviak shear zone; and (4) a high density zone in the extreme NE of the area. The gravity trend on the contoured Bouguer gravity map is NE in zones 1 and 2, where as it is E-W in zones 3 and 4 and could be correlated with a similar trend in the northern part of the Superior Province west of Ungava Bay. Short wavelength anomalies in zone 1 indicate the presence of basin-and-dome structures in the gneissic terrane. Resume La structure interne de l'orogene Torngat nous est devoilee a partir de donnees gravimetriques obtenues dans la partie septentrionale du Quebec et du Labrador, le long d'une section orientee SO-NE. Le cheminement situe sur la cote orientale de la baie d'Ungava recoupe le terrene de gneiss archeens du segment de la riviere George, les metasediments du Groupe de Lake Harbour (Proterozoϊque inferieur), la zone de cisaillement Abloviak et le terrane de Burwell, un complexe migmatitique au facies granulite. Le profil gravimetrique de Bouguer indique quatre zones distinctes : (1) dans le SO, une zone a faible densite a partir de la Riviere George jusqu'a l'est de Keglo Bay; (2) une zone de densite intermediaire plus loin vers le NE, soit a partir du groupe de Lake Harbour jusqu'au fiord Abloviak; (3) une zone etroite et montrant une pente abrupte du gradient gravimetrique de Bouguer (positif vers le N) qui predomine le long de la zone de cisaillement d'Ablcviak; et (4) une zone a tres haute densite a l'extremite NE de la region. L'orientation du patron gravimetrique est NE les zones 1 et 2 alors qu'elle est E-O dans les zones 3 et 4 et as dernieres zones pourraient se correler avec des orientations semblables dans la province du Superieur, soit a l'ouest de la Baie d'Ungava. Les anomalies de faible longueur d'onde de la zone 1 nous indiquent la presence de structure en dome et bassin dans le terrane gneissique.