Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Operational National Weather Service Gridded Flash Flood Guidance over the Arkansas Red River Basin

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service (NWS) flash flood warnings are issued by Weather Forecast Offices and are underpinned by information from the Flash Flood Guidance (FFG) system operated by the River Forecast Centers (RFCs). This study focuses on the quantitative evaluation and limitations of the FFG system using reported flash flood cases in 2010 and 2011. The flash flood reports were obtained from the NWS Storm Event database for the Arkansas‐Red Basin RFC (ABRFC). The current FFG system at the ABRFC provides gridded flash flood guidance (GFFG) system using the NWS Hydrology Laboratory‐Research Distributed Hydrologic Model to translate the upper zone soil moisture to estimates of Soil Conservation Service Curve Numbers. Comparisons of the GFFG and real‐time Multisensor Precipitation Estimator‐derived Quantitative Precipitation Estimate for the same duration and location were used to analyze the success of the system. Typically, the six‐hour duration was characterized by higher probability of detection values than the three‐hour duration, which highlights the difficulty of hydrologic process estimation for shorter time scales. The current system does not take into account physical characteristics such as land use, including irrigated agricultural farm and urban areas, hence, overly dry soil moisture estimates over these areas can lower the success rate of the GFFG product.
Wind Energy Modeling over West Africa

Wind Energy remains one of the few bright spots in renewable energy in the 21stCentury. Wind farms can provide clean, renewable energy to homes, businesses and the agricultural sector. Though Wind energy is the fastest growing component of renewable energy sources, it is highly fluctuating in time and space due to the intermittent nature of near-surface winds. Understanding of uncertainties in short-term prediction of wind energy is becoming increasingly important for a variety of issues, such as integration into an electricity supply system, local energy balancing, and management of energy resources. To overcome the shortfall of high resolution in-situ regional wind observations for wind resources assessment in West Africa, the wind conditions have been estimated utilizing the next-generation mesoscale numerical weather prediction system, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of (WRF) Model in wind prediction over two regions in West Africa. The present case study shows that the model has performed reasonably well over Dakar, Senegal. On the other hand, the model performance over Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso was unsatisfactory.
Haematopoietic cell‐derived exosomes in cancer development and therapeutics: From basic science to clinical practice

Abstract Background The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a specialised niche involving intercellular communication among cancer cells and various host cells. Among the host cells, the quantity and quality of immune cells within the TME play essential roles in cancer development and management. The immunologically suppressive, so‐called ‘cold’ TME established by a series of tumour–host interactions, including generating immunosuppressive cytokines and recruiting regulatory host immune cells, is associated with resistance to therapies and worse clinical outcomes. Main body Various therapeutic approaches have been used to target the cold TME, including immune checkpoint blockade therapy and adoptive T‐cell transfer. A promising, less explored therapeutic strategy involves targeting TME‐associated exosomes. Exosomes are nanometer‐sized, extracellular vesicles that transfer material from donor to recipient cells. These particles can reprogram the recipient cells and modulate the TME. In particular, exosomes from haematopoietic cells are known to promote or suppress cancer progression under specific conditions. Understanding the effects of haematopoietic cell‐secreted exosomes may foster the development of therapeutic exosomes (tExos) for personalised cancer treatment. However, the development of exosome‐based therapies has unique challenges, including scalable production, purification, storage and delivery of exosomes and controlling batch variations. Clinical trials are being conducted to verify the safety, feasibility, availability and efficacy of tExos. Conclusion This review summarises our understanding of how haematopoietic cell‐secreted exosomes regulate the TME and antitumour immunity and highlights present challenges and solutions for haematopoietic cell‐derived exosome‐based therapies.
Influence of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Motor Planning: A Resting-State and Task-State EEG Study

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) shows a potential regulatory role for motor planning. Still, existing research mainly focuses on behavioral studies, and the neural modulation mechanism needs to be clarified. Therefore, we designed a multi-condition (active or sham, pre or under, difficult or easy, left-hand or right-hand) motor planning experiment to explore the effect of online tVNS (i.e., tVNS and tasks synchronized). Twenty-eight subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to active and sham groups. Both groups performed the same tasks in the experiment and separately collected task-state EEG and 5-min eye-open resting-state EEG. The results showed that the changes in event-related potential (ERP) and movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) amplitudes were more significant for the left-hand difficult task (LD) under active-tVNS. According to the power spectrum results, active-tVNS significantly modulated the activities of the contralateral motor cortex at beta and gamma bands in the resting state. The functional connectivity based on partial directed coherence (PDC) showed significant changes in the parietal lobe after active-tVNS. These findings suggest that tVNS is a promising way to improve motor planning ability.
Smectite-Illite Transition in Barbados Accretionary Wedge Sediments: Tem and Aem Evidence for Dissolution/Crystallization at Low Temperature

Sediments from depths to 670 m in the Barbados accretionary complex and transecting the décollement zone have been studied by transmission and analytical electron microscopy (TEM/AEM). The sediments consist of claystone and mudstone intercalated with layers of volcanic ash. Smectite comprises the bulk of the noncalcareous sediments and forms a continuous matrix enveloping sparse, irregular, large grains of illite, chlorite, kaolinite and mixed-layer illite/chlorite of detrital origin at all depths. The detrital origin of illite is implied by illite-smectite textural relations, well-ordered 2M polytypism, and a muscovite-like composition. K is the dominant interlayer cation in smectite at all depths, in contrast to the Na and Ca that are normally present in similar rocks.Deeper samples associated with the décollement zone contain small (up to 100 Å thick) illite packets included within still-dominant subparallel layers of contiguous smectite. AEM analyses of these packets imply illite-like compositions. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns show that this illite is the 1Md polytype. Packets display step-like terminations like those seen in illite of hydrothermal origin. The data collectively demonstrate that smectite transforms progressively to illite via a dissolution-re-crystallization process within a depleting matrix of smectite, and not by a mechanism of layer replacement. This illite seems to form at depths as shallow as 500 m and temperatures of 20°-30°C, which is in marked contrast to the much higher temperature conditions normally assumed for this transformation. This implies that the high water/rock ratios associated with the décollement zone are significant in promoting reaction.
Diel variability of photosynthetic picoplankton in the equatorial Pacific

The diel variability in cell abundance, light scatter, and pigment fluorescence of three autotrophic picoplankton groups (Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, picoeukaryotes) measured by flow cytometry was investigated in surface waters of the equatorial Pacific Ocean (5°S, 150°W) during 5 days with about 1 hour temporal resolution. The diel variability of vertical profiles was examined at the same station on days 2 and 4. Prochlorococcus division rate was also estimated from cell cycle measurements. A more limited data set was obtained at a station located in very oligotrophic waters (16°S, 150°W). All three picoplankton populations exhibited very marked diel variability. Cell division was highly synchronized but not phased identically for all three populations: Synechococcus divided first, followed 2 hours later by Prochlorococcus and 7 hours later by picoeukaryotes. Cells grew in size only once the sun had risen, but growth did continue in the dark for a short period. Growth processes occurred in parallel at the top and the bottom of the mixed layer, inducing uniform profiles for cell abundance and scatter. For chlorophyll fluorescence, in contrast, prokaryotes displayed opposite patterns during the light period between surface (decrease due to very strong quenching) and depth (increase). This created steep vertical gradients during the day that vanished at night because of convective mixing. In the top 25 m, strong light intensities (including UV radiation) had very pronounced detrimental effects on prokaryotes, especially on Prochlorococcus, inducing fluorescence quenching, slowed down growth, and retardation of DNA synthesis.
A new assessment of global mean sea level from altimeters highlights a reduction of global trend from 2005 to 2008

A new assessment of global mean sea level from altimeters highlights a reduction of global trend from 2005 to 2008 M. Ablain, A. Cazenave, G. Valladeau, and S. Guinehut CLS, Ramonville Saint-Agne, France LEGOS, OMP, Toulouse, France Received: 20 October 2008 – Accepted: 27 October 2008 – Published: 7 January 2009 Correspondence to: M. Ablain (michael.ablain@cls.fr) Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Moderate‐ and High‐Intensity Exercise Training in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Effects on Fitness and Cardiovascular Response to Exercise

Background Moderate intensity exercise training (MIT) is safe and effective for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, yet the efficacy of high intensity training (HIT) remains unknown. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of HIT compared with MIT in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were randomized to either 5 months of MIT, or 1 month of MIT followed by 4 months of progressive HIT. Peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2; Douglas bags), cardiac output (acetylene rebreathing), and arteriovenous oxygen difference (Fick equation) were measured before and after training. Left ventricular outflow gradient and volumes were measured by echocardiography. Fifteen patients completed training (MIT, n=8, age 52±7 years; HIT, n=7, age 42±8 years). Both HIT and MIT improved peak V˙O2 by 1.3 mL/kg per min (P=0.009). HIT (+1.5 mL/kg per min) had a slightly greater effect than MIT (+1.1 mL/kg per min) but with no statistical difference (group×exercise P=0.628). A greater augmentation of arteriovenous oxygen difference occurred with exercise (Δ1.6 mL/100 mL P=0.005). HIT increased left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (+17 mL, group×exercise P=0.015) compared with MIT. No serious arrhythmias or adverse cardiac events occurred. Conclusions This randomized trial of exercise training in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy demonstrated that both HIT and MIT improved fitness without clear superiority of either. Although the study was underpowered for safety outcomes, no serious adverse events occurred. Exercise training resulted in salutary peripheral and cardiac adaptations. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov; Unique identifier: NCT03335332.
In silico predictive model to determine vector-mediated transport properties for the blood–brain barrier choline transporter

The blood–brain barrier choline transporter (BBB-ChT) may have utility as a drug delivery vector to the central nervous system (CNS). We therefore initiated molecular docking studies with the AutoDock and AutoDock Vina (ADVina) algorithms to develop predictive models for compound screening and to identify structural features important for binding to this transporter. The binding energy predictions were highly correlated with r2=0.88, F=692.4, standard error of estimate =0.775, and P-value<0.0001 for selected BBB-ChT-active/inactive compounds (n=93). Both programs were able to cluster active (Gibbs free energy of binding <−6.0 kcal*mol−1) and inactive (Gibbs free energy of binding >−6.0 kcal*mol−1) molecules and dock them significantly better than at random with an area under the curve value of 0.86 and 0.84, respectively. In ranking smaller molecules with few torsional bonds, a size-related bias in scoring producing false-negative outcomes was detected. Finally, important blood–brain barrier parameters, such as the logBBpassive and logBBactive values, were assessed to predict compound transport to the CNS accurately. Knowledge gained from this study is useful to better understand the binding requirements in BBB-ChT, and until such time as its crystal structure becomes available, it may have significant utility in developing a highly predictive model for the rational design of drug-like compounds targeted to the brain.
Enhanced chloroplastic generation of H2O2 in stress-resistant Thellungiella salsuginea in comparison to Arabidopsis thaliana

In order to find some basis of salinity resistance in the chloroplastic metabolism, a halophytic Thellungiella salsuginea was compared with glycophytic Arabidopsis thaliana. In control T.s. plants the increased ratios of chlorophyll a/b and of fluorescence emission at 77 K (F730/F685) were documented, in comparison to A.t. This was accompanied by a higher YII and lower NPQ (non-photochemical quenching) values, and by a more active PSI (photosystem I). Another prominent feature of the photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in T.s. was the intensive production of H2O2 from PQ (plastoquinone) pool. Salinity treatment (0.15 and 0.30 M NaCl for A.t. and T.s., respectively) led to a decrease in ratios of chl a/b and F730/F685. In A.t. , a salinity-driven enhancement of YII and NPQ was found, in association with the stimulation of H2O2 production from PQ pool. In contrast, in salinity-treated T.s. , these variables were similar as in controls. The intensive H2O2 generation was accompanied by a high activity of PTOX (plastid terminal oxidase), whilst inhibition of this enzyme led to an increased H2O2 formation. It is hypothesized, that the intensive H2O2 generation from PQ pool might be an important element of stress preparedness in Thellungiella plants. In control T.s. plants, a higher activation state of carboxylase ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39) was also documented in concert with the attachment of Rubisco activase (RCA) to the thylakoid membranes. It is supposed, that a closer contact of RCA with PSI in T.s. enables a more efficient Rubisco activation than in A.t.
waterpipe tobacco smoking impact on public health: implications for policy

Background: Given the increasing evidence of its negative health effects, including contribu-tions to both infectious and chronic diseases, waterpipe tobacco smoking raises public health concerns beyond even those presented by traditional smoking. Methods: Identification of Clean Indoor Air Acts (CIAAs) from each of the 50 United States and District of Columbia were retrieved and examined for inclusion of regulatory measures where waterpipe tobacco smoking is concerned. Several instances of exemption to current CIAAs policies were identified. The cumulative policy lens is presented in this study. Results: States vary in their inclusion of explicit wording regarding CIAAs to the point where waterpipe tobacco smoking, unlike traditional smoking products, is excluded from some legislation, thereby limiting authorities’ ability to carry out enforcement. Conclusion: Consistent, comprehensive, and unambiguous legislative language is necessary to prevent establishments where waterpipe tobacco smoking occurs from skirting legislation and other forms of regulatory control. Stricter laws are needed due to the increasing negative health impact on both the smoker and the bystander. Actions at both the federal and state levels may be needed to control health risks, particularly among youth and young adult populations.
Modified iPOND revealed the role of mutant p53 in promoting helicase function and telomere maintenance

The G-rich DNA, such as telomere, tends to form G-quadruplex (G4) structure, which slows down the replication fork progression, induces replication stress, and becomes the chromosome fragile sites. Here we described a molecular strategy that cells developed to overcome the DNA replication stress via DNA helicase regulation. The p53N236S (p53S) mutation has been found in the Werner syndrome mouse embryo fibroblast (MEFs) escaped from senescence, could be the driving force for cell escaping senescence. We revealed that the p53S could transcriptionally up-regulate DNA helicases expression, including Wrn, Blm, Timeless, Ddx, Mcm, Gins, Fanc, as well as telomere specific proteins Terf1, Pot1, through which p53S promoted the unwinding of G4 structures, and protected the cells from DNA replication stress induced by G4 stabilizer. By modified iPOND (isolation of proteins on nascent DNA) assay and telomere assay, we demonstrated that the p53S could promote the recruitment of those helicases to the DNA replication forks, facilitated the maintenance of telomere, and prevent the telomere dysfunction induced by G4 stabilizer. Interestingly, we did not observe the function of promoting G4 resolving and facilitating telomere lengthening in the cells with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome mutation-p53R172H (p53H), which suggests that this is the specific gain of function for p53S. Together our data suggest that the p53S could gain the new function of releasing the replication stress via regulating the helicase function and G4 structure, which benefits telomere lengthening. This strategy could be applied to the treatment of diseases caused by telomere replication stress.
Himalayan Water Security: A South Asian Perspective

S outh Asia has emerged during recent decades as a major theater of tension and conflict around shared rivers. The region is made up of predominantly rural, poor, and agrarian societies. While in recent years India has been showcased as an emerging economic power, the benefits of Indian economic growth have mainly been concentrated in the southern and western areas. Rural populations in eastern India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh continue to have a high concentration of poverty. Persistent agrarian poverty has heightened tension over shared rivers. Concern is also growing among South Asian states that China’s quietly but rapidly expanding dam-building activity in the Himalayan region will increase political tensions in South Asia, potentially leading to conflict. This essay explores the myriad sources of water-related tensions between India and Pakistan in the Indus Basin and between India and Nepal and Bangladesh in the Ganges Basin. The essay first reviews the nature and sources of tensions among these South Asian neighbors. It then discusses newly emerging concerns about the potential impact of Chinese activities in Tibet on the lower riparian states in South Asia.
Structural and Functional Insights from the Metagenome of an Acidic Hot Spring Microbial Planktonic Community in the Colombian Andes

A taxonomic and annotated functional description of microbial life was deduced from 53 Mb of metagenomic sequence retrieved from a planktonic fraction of the Neotropical high Andean (3,973 meters above sea level) acidic hot spring El Coquito (EC). A classification of unassembled metagenomic reads using different databases showed a high proportion of Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria (in total read affiliation), and through taxonomic affiliation of 16S rRNA gene fragments we observed the presence of Proteobacteria, micro-algae chloroplast and Firmicutes. Reads mapped against the genomes Acidiphilium cryptum JF-5, Legionella pneumophila str. Corby and Acidithiobacillus caldus revealed the presence of transposase-like sequences, potentially involved in horizontal gene transfer. Functional annotation and hierarchical comparison with different datasets obtained by pyrosequencing in different ecosystems showed that the microbial community also contained extensive DNA repair systems, possibly to cope with ultraviolet radiation at such high altitudes. Analysis of genes involved in the nitrogen cycle indicated the presence of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to N2 (narGHI, nirS, norBCDQ and nosZ), associated with Proteobacteria-like sequences. Genes involved in the sulfur cycle (cysDN, cysNC and aprA) indicated adenylsulfate and sulfite production that were affiliated to several bacterial species. In summary, metagenomic sequence data provided insight regarding the structure and possible functions of this hot spring microbial community, describing some groups potentially involved in the nitrogen and sulfur cycling in this environment.
Beyond the Hippocampus and the SVZ: Adult Neurogenesis Throughout the Brain

Convincing evidence has repeatedly shown that new neurons are produced in the mammalian brain into adulthood. Adult neurogenesis has been best described in the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ), in which a series of distinct stages of neuronal development has been well characterized. However, more recently, new neurons have also been found in other brain regions of the adult mammalian brain, including the hypothalamus, striatum, substantia nigra, cortex, and amygdala. While some studies have suggested that these new neurons originate from endogenous stem cell pools located within these brain regions, others have shown the migration of neurons from the SVZ to these regions. Notably, it has been shown that the generation of new neurons in these brain regions is impacted by neurologic processes such as stroke/ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, numerous factors such as neurotrophic support, pharmacologic interventions, environmental exposures, and stem cell therapy can modulate this endogenous process. While the presence and significance of adult neurogenesis in the human brain (and particularly outside of the classical neurogenic regions) is still an area of debate, this intrinsic neurogenic potential and its possible regulation through therapeutic measures present an exciting alternative for the treatment of several neurologic conditions. This review summarizes evidence in support of the classic and novel neurogenic zones present within the mammalian brain and discusses the functional significance of these new neurons as well as the factors that regulate their production. Finally, it also discusses the potential clinical applications of promoting neurogenesis outside of the classical neurogenic niches, particularly in the hypothalamus, cortex, striatum, substantia nigra, and amygdala.