Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Cdc42 in the Insulin and Leptin Pathways Contributing to the Development of Age-Related Obesity

Age-related obesity significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and certain cancers. The insulin–leptin axis is crucial in understanding metabolic disturbances associated with age-related obesity. Rho GTPase Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of GTPases that participates in many cellular processes including, but not limited to, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, vesicle trafficking, cell polarity, morphology, proliferation, motility, and migration. Cdc42 functions as an integral part of regulating insulin secretion and aging. Some novel roles for Cdc42 have also been recently identified in maintaining glucose metabolism, where Cdc42 is involved in controlling blood glucose levels in metabolically active tissues, including skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, pancreas, etc., which puts this protein in line with other critical regulators of glucose metabolism. Importantly, Cdc42 plays a vital role in cellular processes associated with the insulin and leptin signaling pathways, which are integral elements involved in obesity development if misregulated. Additionally, a change in Cdc42 activity may affect senescence, thus contributing to disorders associated with aging. This review explores the complex relationships among age-associated obesity, the insulin–leptin axis, and the Cdc42 signaling pathway. This article sheds light on the vast molecular web that supports metabolic dysregulation in aging people. In addition, it also discusses the potential therapeutic implications of the Cdc42 pathway to mitigate obesity since some new data suggest that inhibition of Cdc42 using antidiabetic drugs or antioxidants may promote weight loss in overweight or obese patients.
Polymer Poly (Ethylene Oxide) Additive for High-Stability All-Inorganic CsPbI3−xBrx Perovskite Solar Cells

All-inorganic CsPbI3−xBrx perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are becoming increasingly mature due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, because of the poor environmental stability of the perovskite material, the device is susceptibly decomposed when exposed to moisture, high temperature, and high illumination. Therefore, a critical task is to address the problem of poor long-term stability in the environment, which serves as a significant obstacle impeding the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. This article introduces the incorporation of PEO into all-inorganic CsPbI3−xBrx perovskites with an advantageous thermal stability. PEO acts as a passivating agent near the grain boundary, and its high viscosity characteristics effectively improve the film-forming properties, leading to a substantial reduction in defects and to improving the surface uniformity. In addition, the grain boundaries that serve as water and oxygen penetration channels are filled, resulting in a substantial improvement in device stability. With 7.5 mg/mL PEO doping into CsPbI3−xBrx, the unencapsulated device maintained its original power conversion efficiency of 98% after being placed in a dark environment of 40% humidity and 25 °C for 10 days. Using PEO effectively enhanced the performance of the devices, with the highest PCE reaching 10.95%, significantly improving environmental stability.
Traveltime Approximations for Inhomogeneous Orthorhombic Media

Traveltime information is essential for anisotropy parameter estimation. We can efficiently estimate anisotropy parameters if we can relate them analytically to traveltimes. By expanding the solution of the orthorhombic eikonal equation in power series in terms of the anellipticity anisotropy parameters and a new parameter, we derive an efficient tool to estimate (scan) these parameters in inhomogeneous ellipsoid background medium. For a homogeneous orthorhombic case, the resulting new approximations provide classical non-hyperbolic moveout descriptions of traveltimes that are more accurate than other derived approximations.
Comparison of Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Hepatic and Jugular Veins of Patients with Cirrhosis

Background Systemic inflammation with elevated inflammatory cytokines is a hallmark in patients with cirrhosis and the main driver of decompensation. There is insufficient data on whether inflammatory cytokine levels differ between hepatic and jugular veins, which may have implications for further immunological studies. Methods Blood from the hepatic and jugular veins of 40 patients with cirrhosis was collected during hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurements. Serum levels of 13 inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, Int-α2, Int-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, and IL-33) were quantified by cytometric bead array. Results Cytokine levels of IFN-α2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, and IL-33 were significantly elevated in patients with decompensated cirrhosis compared to patients with compensated cirrhosis. When comparing patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH, HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg) to patients without CSPH, there were significantly enhanced serum levels of IL-6 and IL-18 in the former group. There was no significant difference between cytokine serum levels between blood obtained from the jugular versus hepatic veins. Even in subgroup analyses stratified for an early cirrhosis stage (Child-Pugh (CP) A) or more decompensated stages (CP B/C), cytokine levels were similar. Conclusion Cytokine levels increase with decompensation and increasing portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. There is no relevant difference in cytokine levels between hepatic and jugular blood in patients with cirrhosis.
Exploring Microorganisms from Plastic-Polluted Sites: Unveiling Plastic Degradation and PHA Production Potential

The exposure of microorganisms to conventional plastics is a relatively recent occurrence, affording limited time for evolutionary adaptation. As part of the EU-funded project BioICEP, this study delves into the plastic degradation potential of microorganisms isolated from sites with prolonged plastic pollution, such as plastic-polluted forests, biopolymer-contaminated soil, oil-contaminated soil, municipal landfill, but also a distinctive soil sample with plastic pieces buried three decades ago. Additionally, samples from Arthropoda species were investigated. In total, 150 strains were isolated and screened for the ability to use plastic-related substrates (Impranil dispersions, polyethylene terephthalate, terephthalic acid, and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate). Twenty isolates selected based on their ability to grow on various substrates were identified as Streptomyces, Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas spp. Morphological features were recorded, and the 16S rRNA sequence was employed to construct a phylogenetic tree. Subsequent assessments unveiled that 5 out of the 20 strains displayed the capability to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, utilizing pre-treated post-consumer PET samples. With Priestia sp. DG69 and Neobacillus sp. DG40 emerging as the most successful producers (4.14% and 3.34% of PHA, respectively), these strains are poised for further utilization in upcycling purposes, laying the foundation for the development of sustainable strategies for plastic waste management.
First record of the early Mesozoic sphenodontian Clevosaurus (Lepidosauria: Rhynchocephalia) from the Southern Hemisphere

An incomplete skull of a small sphenodontian lepidosaur from the upper part of the Stormberg Group of southern Africa is referable to Clevosaurus Swinton, 1939. It is most closely related to C. bairdi from the McCoy Brook Formation (Lower Jurassic) of Nova Scotia (Canada) and C. mcgilli from the Dark Red Beds of the Lower Lufeng Formation (Lower Jurassic) of Yunnan (China). The new specimen is important because it represents the first record of Clevosaurus from the Southern Hemisphere. Like many other taxa of Early Jurassic continental tetrapods (crocodylomorph archosaurs, dinosaurs, synapsids), Clevosaurus had an apparently Pangaean distribution.
Exploiting Multihoming Capabilities in 5G-Enabled IoT Nodes

5G communications allow the integration of different wireless technologies to exploit the added value of multihoming scenarios. Furthermore, in connection with the Internet of Things (IoT), multi-homed nodes are very interesting, since it allows one to address new challenges and adapt the usage of communication technologies to new requirements imposed by the location of each deployment, the available energy resources on each node, and the IoT application itself. There are available commercial wireless nodes that embed and handle multiple interfaces. Terms such as seamless and transparent communications as well as technology integration fit well within the 5G standards. However, in practice, these wireless nodes are basically relayed in one of these wireless technologies when connected, and in the case of using other interfaces, their usage is not coordinated. In this context, we propose and implement a novel and efficient heterogeneous interface selection algorithm for multihoming and integrative communications using commercial products by performing local decisions on a per-packet basis, analysing different issues and approaches from a practical point of view, both hardware and software. We compare our proposal with other alternatives, highlighting the opportunities by exploiting these multihoming features in 5G-enabled IoT nodes.
Usage of directional common image gathers for shallow seismic source localization

Accurate localization of shallow subsurface seismic events recorded by an array of receivers might be challenging given the near-surface complexity and its inadequate spatial sampling, low velocities, and limited frequency content. A novel approach that performs a joint localization and velocity analysis is presented. In this study, we utilize non-conventional migrated common image gathers as a tool for velocity and location analysis, based on the diffractive nature of the source. Only when the correct velocity model is used energy from all receivers is coherently focused at the true subsurface location. However, if the used model or CIG location is wrong, the migrated event does not have a flat moveout. The effectiveness of this technique is greatly improved by the use of vertical arrays of receivers. Through synthetic and real data examples, we show the usefulness of the method in a fully automatic workflow.
Field observations of shallow freeze and thaw processes using high‐frequency ground‐penetrating radar

We have used reflection profiles and common‐midpoint (CMP) soundings with 900 MHz ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) to monitor freezing and thawing processes during winter seasonal periods at two separate sites located in Ontario, Canada. GPR responds to the large contrast in dielectric permittivity between liquid water and ice. The profiles reveal the long‐term development of a very shallow (<0·5 m) soil frost zone overlying unfrozen wet substratum. During the course of the winter season, long‐term travel time analysis yielded physical properties of the frozen and unfrozen layers as well as the spatial distribution of the base of the soil frost zone. Short‐term shallow thawing events overlying frozen substratum formed a dispersive waveguide for both the CMP and reflection profile surveys. Inversion of the dispersive wavefields for the CMP data yielded physical property estimates for the thawed and frozen soils and thawed layer thickness. We have shown that GPR can be used to monitor very shallow freezing and thawing events by responding to changes in the relative dielectric permittivity of the soil water phase (e.g. liquid water vs ice). The non‐invasive collection of such data permits interpretation of dynamic temporal and spatial freeze–thaw events, which are important for characterizing a range of hydrological processes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peritoneal Metastasis: A Dilemma and Challenge in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary The peritoneum, a common metastatic site of colorectal cancer (CRC), has a high incidence and poor prognosis that makes it difficult to diagnose early. Peritoneal metastasis (PM) depends on the synergistic action of multiple molecules and the regulation of various components of the tumor microenvironment. A multidisciplinary combination approach is still recommended for treating the disease currently. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) may benefit patients with CRC-PM, but further clinical trials and higher-level evidence-based medical evidence are needed. Abstract Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is a common mode of distant metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC) and has a poorer prognosis compared to other metastatic sites. The formation of PM foci depends on the synergistic effect of multiple molecules and the modulation of various components of the tumor microenvironment. The current treatment of CRC-PM is based on systemic chemotherapy. However, recent developments in local therapeutic modalities, such as cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC), have improved the survival of these patients. This article reviews the research progress on the mechanism, characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of CRC-PM, and discusses the current challenges, so as to deepen the understanding of CRC-PM among clinicians.
Navigating the Storm: Managing Fetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in a High-Risk Pregnancy

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a rare, life-threatening condition causing significant thrombocytopenia and bleeding with the risk of developing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). It results from maternal immunizations against fetal platelet antigens. Here, we report a case of a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation who presented to the hospital with a low platelet count of 90 th/mm3 and was found to have anti-human platelet antigen (HPA) 1a, 2b antibodies. She was treated with a weekly infusion of IV immunoglobulins. However, her condition was complicated by the development of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, which was treated promptly with a platelet transfusion and intravenous magnesium. Even though the child had severe thrombocytopenia and its associated complications, there were no signs of post-delivery thrombocytopenia or any other adverse effects. This case report highlights the importance of the antenatal management of the FNAIT to prevent severe fetal complications, such as ICH.
When and how can we predict adaptive responses to climate change?

Abstract Predicting if, when, and how populations can adapt to climate change constitutes one of the greatest challenges in science today. Here, we build from contributions to the special issue on evolutionary adaptation to climate change, a survey of its authors, and recent literature to explore the limits and opportunities for predicting adaptive responses to climate change. We outline what might be predictable now, in the future, and perhaps never even with our best efforts. More accurate predictions are expected for traits characterized by a well-understood mapping between genotypes and phenotypes and traits experiencing strong, direct selection due to climate change. A meta-analysis revealed an overall moderate trait heritability and evolvability in studies performed under future climate conditions but indicated no significant change between current and future climate conditions, suggesting neither more nor less genetic variation for adapting to future climates. Predicting population persistence and evolutionary rescue remains uncertain, especially for the many species without sufficient ecological data. Still, when polled, authors contributing to this special issue were relatively optimistic about our ability to predict future evolutionary responses to climate change. Predictions will improve as we expand efforts to understand diverse organisms, their ecology, and their adaptive potential. Advancements in functional genomic resources, especially their extension to non-model species and the union of evolutionary experiments and “omics,” should also enhance predictions. Although predicting evolutionary responses to climate change remains challenging, even small advances will reduce the substantial uncertainties surrounding future evolutionary responses to climate change.
Nonlinear model-predictive driving control of ICE vehicles equipped with CVTs via relaxation of switching behaviours

In this study, a design method of driving controller based on nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is presented for internal-combustion-engine (ICE) vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). The clutch-engaged and -released modes and engine-on and -off modes are considered, along with the engine-braking effect. The switching characteristics of the vehicle system dynamics are relaxed into continuous transitions. This allows for the use of standard NMPC software packages to solve the NMPC problem. Numerical examples indicate that the designed controller is capable of achieving real-time driving control based on NMPC.
Relationships between seasonal rainfall in East Africa and the Southern Oscillation

Teleconnections between the Southern Oscillation and seasonal rainfall over East Africa during the period 1923–1984 were investigated using correlation methods. The results from the study indicated significant negative zero lag correlations between Southern Oscillation and seasonal rainfall over parts of East Africa during the months of October—December. Maximum correlations were concentrated along the coast and over some western parts. Peak values in the range — 0.6 were, however, centred along central and northern coastal regions. During the months of July—September significant positive zero lag correlations in the range of 0.5 were observed over some western parts. Low zero lag correlations were, however, obtained over most of the regions with the January—May and annual rainfall records. The computed lagged correlation values displayed characteristics similar to those observed from the zero lag correlations. Highest month to month persistences were again centred within October/November when significant lag correlations persisted for time lags greater than 2 months at some locations. It was, however, noted that although there were some relationships between the Southern Oscillation and seasonal rainfall over parts of East Africa, some of the extreme wet and dry episodes were not related to the Southern Oscillation.
Timing of the Cenozoic "Great Hydration" event beneath the Colorado Plateau: Th-Pb dating of monazite in Navajo volcanic field metamorphic eclogite xenoliths

Th-Pb dating of monazite in xenoliths of low-temperature metamorphic eclogite facies rocks from diatremes of the Navajo volcanic field in the center of the Colorado Plateau (southwest United States) yields ages of ca. 28 Ma. Because monazite is not a primary phase in basic igneous or metamorphic rocks, but introduced during metasomatism, we suggest that the fluid responsible for monazite growth was derived from prograde metamorphic dehydration reactions in serpentinites and related rocks in the subducted Farallon plate. These fluids hydrated the overlying sub-plateau lithospheric mantle, consuming garnet (thus mobilizing rare earth elements) and lowering mantle density and increasing volume, contributing to the uplift of the Colorado Plateau in early Oligocene time.
INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON MARITIME OPERATIONS AROUND THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN COAST

This paper gives an overview of the present investigation on the wave climate around the South African coast and possible trends therein, due to climate change effects on the oceans. Preliminary findings indicate that there may be long-term trends in the regional metocean climate, while sea level rise alone will greatly increase the risks and impacts associated with extreme seastorm events. The paper aims to contribute towards determining some of these risks to the port and maritime operations associated with climate change effects in the Southern African marine and coastal region.
Relationship between Working Capital Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Liquidity Risk, and Profitability on the Performance and Sustainability

The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation among working capital management, corporate social responsibility, liquidity risk, profitability, performance, and sustainability in Indonesian manufacturing companies. Data were collected from 150 companies in West Java, Indonesia, and analyzed using the PLS-SEM approach. The analysis results show working capital management, corporate social responsibility, and liquidity risk have a significant positive effect on profitability, which in turn has a positive impact on performance and sustainability. These results support the research and provide insights into the importance of managing working capital, adopting corporate social responsibility practices, and reducing liquidity risk to improve profitability, performance, and sustainability in Indonesian manufacturing companies.
Performance of growing calves supplemented with Bioplex® copper pre- or post-shipping to a feedlot.

A growing, transporting, and feedlot receiving trial was conducted to determine the benefits of Bioplex copper supplementation on the performance and health of cattle grazing winter annual pasture before and after shipping to a high-plains feedlot. Cattle were supplemented with 1.5 g of Bioplex copper (10% copper) 30 days before shipping while grazing wheat/rye/ryegrass pasture in South Arkansas. Then after arriving at the feedlot, one-half of the control (no copper) and and one-half the supplemented cattle received 1.5 g of Bioplex copper daily (2 x 2 factorial) for a 42-day receiving period. It seems that supplementation of copper deficient diets with Bioplex copper before shipping to a feedlot increased BW gain, and the BW advantage was maintained through the receiving period at the feedlot. No benefit relative to performance was recorded when Bioplex copper was fed at the feedlot. There were no signs of clinical disease at the feedlot; thus, no conclusions could be drawn considering the immune response or disease resistance of the cattle used in this trial.
Comparison of Conformations and Interactions with Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors for E. coli-Produced and Synthetic Three-Finger Protein SLURP-1

SLURP-1 is a three-finger human protein targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The recombinant forms of SLURP-1 produced in E. coli differ in added fusion fragments and in activity. The closest in sequence to the naturally occurring SLURP-1 is the recombinant rSLURP-1, differing by only one additional N-terminal Met residue. sSLURP-1 can be prepared by peptide synthesis and its amino acid sequence is identical to that of the natural protein. In view of recent NMR analysis of the conformational mobility of rSLURP-1 and cryo-electron microscopy structures of complexes of α-bungarotoxin (a three-finger snake venom protein) with Torpedo californica and α7 nAChRs, we compared conformations of sSLURP-1 and rSLURP-1 by Raman spectroscopy and CD-controlled thermal denaturation, analyzed their competition with α-bungarotoxin for binding to the above-mentioned nAChRs, compared the respective receptor complexes with computer modeling and compared their inhibitory potency on the α9α10 nAChR. The CD revealed a higher thermostability of sSLURP-1; some differences between sSLURP-1 and rSLURP-1 were observed in the regions of disulfides and tyrosine residues by Raman spectroscopy, but in binding, computer modeling and electrophysiology, the proteins were similar. Thus, sSLURP-1 and rSLURP-1 with only one additional Met residue appear close in structure and functional characteristics, being appropriate for research on nAChRs.