Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mannose-Binding Lectin 2 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Multi-Omics Analysis and Experimental Validation

Simple Summary This study focuses on understanding the role of mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its potential as a target for therapy. Our objective was to investigate the influence of MBL2 on the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma using integrated multi-omics analysis and experimental validation, with a specific emphasis on MBL2-related microRNAs. The results showed that low levels of MBL2 were associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. We also found that increasing MBL2 levels could directly inhibit HCC cell growth and spread. Furthermore, miR-34c-3p was found to be a regulator of MBL2 expression. These findings provide new insights into the development of HCC and suggest that increasing MBL2 levels could be a potential strategy for HCC treatment. Abstract Mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2), a member of the multimeric lectin family, is crucial in immune regulation and tumor development. MBL2 gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk and prognosis of various tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its functional role in HCC remains largely unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify whether MBL2 is a key regulator and a potential therapeutic target for HCC. A bioinformatics analysis revealed close relationships among MBL2 downregulation, the tumor-associated proliferation and metastasis pathway, and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironments. Lower expression of MBL2 in HCC patients was linked to an unfavorable prognosis. A cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, transwell migration assay, and wound healing assay further confirmed that the overexpression of MBL2 could directly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of HCC. Moreover, MBL2 expression was regulated by miR-34c-3p, as confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay, thereby demonstrating tumor progression in HCC cells. Thus, our study offers the first comprehensive confirmation of the role of MBL2 in the development of HCC through multi-omics analysis and experimental validation. Furthermore, miR-34c-3p was found to be an upstream mechanism of the downregulation of MBL2 expression and could be a promising therapeutic target, expanding treatment options for patients with HCC.
Can happiness be measured?

In the process of realizing the Sustainable Development Goals, the measurement of happiness has unique significance and value, which helps the government departments to avoid paying attention to economic development at the cost of subjective psychological feelings when formulating the coordinated social development of society. Happiness indicators can reflect the public's wishes and psychological state, and monitor the psychological state of society. At the same time, happiness indicators can complement economic indicators and provide a comprehensive measure of quality of life. However, each of these measures cannot claim to be accurate. We should not blindly believe these cold statistics. Fortunately, scientists have been constantly developing tools for qualitative and quantitative measurements to get closer to the 'truth about happiness'. Standing on the shoulders of these "giants", happiness is becoming clear and transparent. In this study, I will demonstrate that well-being can be measured from the concept of happiness, from the perspective of measurement direction, and highlight that well-being measurement is an essential tool to help address the sustainability challenges.
Evaluation of the Hierarchical Correspondence between the Human Brain and Artificial Neural Networks: A Review

Simple Summary Artificial neural networks, inspired by the human brain, have demonstrated human-level performance across multiple task domains, raising the exciting possibility of them returning insights to neuroscientists about the human brain. However, artificial neural networks cannot be directly compared to the brain due to inherent differences in structure and computation. Here, we review the variety of approaches that researchers have thus far taken to evaluate the correspondence between the two, organized across multiple levels of analysis (node, layer, network, and behavior). In surveying these approaches, we note some of the insights uncovered, their limitations, and future directions in a domain of research that is developing quickly and with few established standards and practices. Our aim is to provide a systemized overview and guidance toward establishing a firmer theoretical and methodological framework in this emerging field. Abstract Artificial neural networks (ANNs) that are heavily inspired by the human brain now achieve human-level performance across multiple task domains. ANNs have thus drawn attention in neuroscience, raising the possibility of providing a framework for understanding the information encoded in the human brain. However, the correspondence between ANNs and the brain cannot be measured directly. They differ in outputs and substrates, neurons vastly outnumber their ANN analogs (i.e., nodes), and the key algorithm responsible for most of modern ANN training (i.e., backpropagation) is likely absent from the brain. Neuroscientists have thus taken a variety of approaches to examine the similarity between the brain and ANNs at multiple levels of their information hierarchy. This review provides an overview of the currently available approaches and their limitations for evaluating brain–ANN correspondence.
Fractionation of Phosphorus in a Mollisol Amended with Biosolids

Information about soil P fractions is useful to predict the bioavailability of P in soil as well as to predict the likelihood of its transport. In this study, we used a sequential fractionation procedure to investigate the forms of P in a Mollisol amended at the soil surface with biosolids (i.e., anaerobically digested sewage sludge). Soil samples from three depths (0-5, 5-20, and 20-35 cm) were collected from a Cumulic Vertic Endoaquoll in a field experiment with three biosolid application rates, two vegetation treatments [hybrid poplar-cottonwood trees (Populus × euramericana - clone NC-5326) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)], and four replications per treatment. The Hedley fractionation scheme (dividing soil P into six empirical fractions [water-soluble, NaHCO 3 -soluble inorganic and organic P; NaOH-soluble inorganic and organic P; HCI-soluble P, and residual P)] was employed. After 6 yr of continuous application of biosolids to poplar plots, the absolute concentrations of all P fractions at the 0- to 5-cm depth increased significantly (P < 0.05). Some P fractions at the 5- to 20-cm depth increased significantly, whereas at the 20-to 35-cm depth, none of the fractions was affected by biosolids amendment. At the 0- to 5-cm depth of both poplar tree and switchgrass plots, the relative concentrations of some of the P fractions (e.g., HCl-P, NaOH-OP, and residual P) decreased rather than increased. Because NaHCO 3 -IP and H 2 O-P increased in the biosolids-amended soil at rates disproportionate to their concentrations in the biosolids, we conclude that HCI-P applied with biosolids was transformed to more labile forms.
Relations between Video Game Engagement and Social Development in Children: The Mediating Role of Executive Function and Age-Related Moderation

The global proliferation of video games, particularly among children, has led to growing concerns about the potential impact on children’s social development. Executive function is a cognitive ability that plays a crucial role in children’s social development, but a child’s age constrains its development. To examine the association between video game engagement and children’s social development while considering the mediating role of executive function and the moderating role of age, a questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 431 parents. The results revealed a negative relation between video game engagement and social development in children, with executive function found to mediate this relation fully. Additionally, the negative association between video game engagement and executive function became more pronounced as children grew older. In light of these findings, it is advisable to adopt proactive strategies to limit excessive video game use, consider the developmental characteristics of children at different ages, and prioritize the promotion of executive function to facilitate social development among children.
Marine plastic pollution: using community science to address a global problem

It was once thought oceans were so vast they could not be affected by humans, but unfortunately rapid globalisation now threatens marine biodiversity. The negative effects of marine debris were recognised in the 1970s, and more recently globally acknowledged in scientific literature. We revisited the Greater Sydney region in New South Wales Australia, to research whether plastic waste on coastal beaches has reduced in recent years. This was achieved by designing a community science project in collaboration with local schools and volunteers. We discovered that plastic debris differed between beaches and strata, but was similar to Australian beaches that were sampled over a decade ago. The high correlations we found between plastic debris and both the frequency of storm-water drains and local population sizes suggested that storm-water drains may be responsible for delivering plastic waste to coastal ecosystems, and the amount of plastic debris was proportional to the size of the surrounding population. Involving local communities has the potential to rapidly raise awareness about key conservation issues to large and broad demographic audiences. Ultimately, this may inspire public and political change.
Cloud detection and derivation of cloud properties from POLDER

Abstract POLDER (POLarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances) is a new instrument devoted to the globalobservation of the polarization and directionality of solar radiation reflected by the Earth surface-atmosphere system. This radiometer has been on board the Japanese ADEOS platform since August 1996. This paper describes the main algorithms of the POLDER 'Earth radiation budget (ERB) & clouds' processing line used to derive products on a routine basis in the early phase of the mission. In addition to the bidirectional reflectance and polarization distribution functions, the main products will be the cloud optical thickness, pressure (from two different methods) and thermodynamic phase. Airborne POLDER observations support the present algorithms for the cloud detection and the derivation of cloud properties.
Wearable Devices for Gait Measurement - A Case for Textile-Based Devices

Wearable devices for gait measurement are devices worn on the body to measure the gait of the wearers. During gait measurement, several parameters are measured and the choice of parameters is influenced by the application and by extension the gait index. Two approaches have been adopted in this research. One is the provision of an overview of wearable devices for gait measurement with a bias towards textile-based “soft” smart wearable systems using information from varied academic sources and databases. The second approach is to map out key scientific research trends within the wearable device classes using the Web of Science database. The focus is to make a case for textile-based gait measurement devices and systems while exploring the key determinants of wearable gait sensor placements and application efficiency. These soft smart wearable systems describe flexible material sensor-based systems which have their sensing mechanisms based on material deformation after being subjected to stress or pressure. This study could therefore serve as an apt reference for the development of soft smart wearable gait measurement systems as it throws light on the various soft wearable gait measurement applications, the bottlenecks in soft wearable device design, opportunities for developing new devices and the merit that soft gait analysis systems possess over their hard gait measurement counterparts.
Sustainable tourism development in UK National Parks: Principles, Meaning & Practice

Tourism is revered for its ability to encourage development through the utilisation of ‘free’ natural and cultural resources. However, the benefits of tourism development are often accompanied by negative impacts which degrade the social and environmental context in which tourist interactions occur. This issue is particularly significant in national parks due to the challenges presented by their often opposing dual remit: conservation and recreational access. Sustainable tourism development has been recognised as a means of addressing this issue. However, to date, there has been a lack of research evaluating the understanding and application of sustainable tourism development within national parks. This research addresses this gap. A qualitative research strategy was adopted which utilised a multi-case study methodology involving the Yorkshire Dales and the New Forest. It employed a triangulated strategy which used primary and secondary data collection methods, adding credibility to the findings. The findings revealed that some stakeholders experienced difficulty in understanding the concept due to complex and ambiguous terminology. Consequently, the underlying principles were considered to be more significant. The meaning and operationalisation of the principles varied according to the contextually unique characteristics of destinations. Overall however, it was acknowledged that the concept should not be seen as an end-goal, but as an on-going process, with the principles embedded into planning and management processes if progress is to be achieved. This study culminates by presenting two models; the first is intended to facilitate an evaluation of the main elements affecting sustainable tourism development, namely, context, understanding and operationalisation. The second is intended for use by practitioners, to aid the identification of key principles and the elements of planning and management where these principles need to be embedded. Both models highlight the importance of contextual awareness and thus, further research is recommended to assess their relevance in other destinations.
Nd Isotopic Systematics of Chassigny

Abstract: Nd isotopes of the Chassigny SNC meteorite are reported. An age of 1.362 H.062 Ga is inferred. The 142Nd144Nd has an anomaly of 0,71H,26 epsilon which implies that the reservoir from which Chassigny was formed was depleted in LREE as early as 4,5 Ga. The positive initial 143Ndl144Nd of 15.2LO,5 epsilon also indicates an origin from a depleted resorvoir. These data strongly support the model of Jagoutz(l991)
miRNA Expression Signatures Induced by Chicken Astrovirus Infection in Chickens

miRNAs represent ubiquitous regulators of gene expression and play an important and pivotal regulatory role in viral disease pathogenesis and virus–host interactions. Although previous studies have provided basic data for understanding the role of miRNAs in the molecular mechanisms of viral infection in birds, the role of miRNAs in the regulation of host responses to chicken astrovirus (CAstV) infection in chickens is not yet understood. In our study, we applied next-generation sequencing to profile miRNA expression in CAstV-infected chickens and to decipher miRNA-targeted specific signaling pathways engaged in potentially vital virus-infection biological processes. Among the 1354 detected miRNAs, we identified 58 mature miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed in infected birds. Target prediction resulted in 4741 target genes. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that the target genes were mainly involved in the regulation of cellular processes and immune responses.
Interactive video exercise tele-rehabilitation (IVET) for stroke care in Jamaica

Stroke is a growing global public health issue in low and middle income countries, where prevalence rates for cerebrovascular events now exceed those in industrialized nations. Limited access to stroke rehabilitation, which includes prevention of physical inactivity and deconditioning to better manage risk factors for recurrent vascular events, remains a major barrier to care. In the Caribbean Community, this is compounded by population trends in aging and obesity that also require an integrative health education and nutrition program to manage the myriad metabolic risk factors that drive pan-vascular disease. To begin to address this gap, we developed Interactive Video Exercise Tele-rehabilitation (IVET) as a web-based and smart device linked technology to deliver personalized exercise rehabilitation, coupled as needed with nutrition and health education. The exercise program uses a pull down menu Avatar remotely manageable by a coach to personalize visual-motor reinforced mobility focused training, according to each individual's observed neurological and cardiopulmonary capacities. Rate and duration of exercise are adjusted to produce a measured aerobic intensity known to improve cardiovascular health. This initial report describes the IVET technology as a wireless tool for low and middle income countries, and demonstrates the exercise rehabilitation safety and performance profiles, and ratings for acceptance of the technology for 27 Jamaican adults with hemiparetic stroke.
Naphthaleneoxypropargyl-Containing Piperazine as a Regulator of Effector Immune Cell Populations upon an Aseptic Inflammation

This study investigated the effects of aseptic inflammation and heavy metal exposure on immune responses, as well as the potential immunomodulatory properties of the newly synthesized 1-[1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-(naphthalene-1-yloxy)but-2-ynyl]-4-methylpiperazine complexed with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Aseptic inflammation was induced by a subcutaneous injection of turpentine in rats, while heavy metal exposure was achieved through a daily administration of cadmium chloride and lead acetate. The levels of immune cell populations, including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), monocytes, and granulocytes, were assessed in the spleen. The results showed that aseptic inflammation led to decreased levels of CTL, monocytes, and granulocytes on the 14th day, indicating an inflammatory response accompanied by a migration of effector cells to the inflamed tissues. The exposure to cadmium chloride and lead acetate resulted in systemic immunotoxic effects, with reduced levels of B cells, CD4+ Th cells, monocytes, and granulocytes in the spleen. Notably, piperazine complexed with β-CD (the complex) exhibited significant stimulatory effects on CD4+, CD8+, and myeloid cell populations during aseptic inflammation, even in the presence of heavy metal exposure. These findings suggest the potential immunomodulatory properties of the complex in the context of aseptic inflammation and heavy metal exposure.
Environmental History of the Rhine-Meuse Delta: An ecological story on evolving human-environmental relations coping with climate change and sea-level rise

Part 1 - Human occupation and management of a fertile Delta CHAPTER 2 - Prehistory and early history of the Delta CHAPTER 3 - The Delta in the late middle ages (800 - 1500) CHAPTER 4 - Technical achievements in river management (1500 - 1800) CHAPTER 5 - River management after 1800: complete regulation and canalisation Part 2 - The legacy of human intervention CHAPTER 6 - Changes in the relation between man and nature CHAPTER 7 - Land use: agriculture and use of wood CHAPTER 8 - River fisheries through the ages CHAPTER 9 - Floods and flood protection CHAPTER 10 - Human intervention in the SW Delta CHAPTER 11 - Human intervention in tributaries of the large rivers Part 3 - History of industrial pollution and its control CHAPTER 12 - Changing Rhine ecosystems: pollution and rehabilitation CHAPTER 13 - Changing Meuse ecosystems: pollution and rehabilitation CHAPTER 14 - Pollution and rehabilitation of the aquatic environment in the Delta Part 4 - Ecology of biota in a man-made landscape: deterioration and rehabilitation CHAPTER 15 - River-fish fauna of the Delta CHAPTER 16 - Eelgrass wax and wane: a case study CHAPTER 17 - Exotics and invasions of plants and animals CHAPTER 18 - Changes in biodiversity: lower organisms, vegetation and flora CHAPTER 19 - Changes in biodiversity: birds and mammals and their use Part 5 - An ecological story on evolving human - environmental relations coping with climate change and sea-level rise - a synthesis CHAPTER 20 - The making of the Delta CHAPTER 21 - The future of the Delta
Large fires, fire effects and the fire-regime concept

‘Large’ fires may be declared so because of their absolute or relative area. Huge fires – with areas of more than 106 ha (104 km2) have occurred across a wide spectrum of Australian environments and are known on other continents. Such large fires are rare whereas fires with much smaller areas are common. Large fires are initiated by single or multiple ignitions and become large because of some combination of: rapid rates of spread; long ‘life’; merging, and failure of initial suppression operations. Fires as ecological ‘events’ occur within a ‘regime’ – an historical series. Both events and regimes have effects that may be discerned in terms of water, land, air or organisms. What have been regarded as the components of ‘regimes’ have differed between observers, the main issue being whether or not spatial variables need to be included; ‘area’ involvement is briefly addressed. The current trend toward fire-regime control through fuel treatment, including management (prescribed) burning, and fire suppression may be expected to continue. These trends, among others, can be expected to change fire regimes. What is regarded as ‘large’ among fires may change as the planet becomes increasingly human-dominated.
Small Mammal Inventories in the East and West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. 1. Study Areas, Methodologies, and General Results

Abstract The Eastern Arc Mountains of southeastern Kenya and Tanzania hold a rich and unique biodiversity. The most celebrated of these mountains are the East and West Usambaras. Although these massifs have been the subjects of biological study for over a century, little is known about the shrews, bats, and rodents occurring in the montane forests. Using pitfall buckets, small mammal traps, and mist-nets, between 1991 and 1993, we surveyed the small mammals in the Amani area in the East Usambara and Ambangulu area in the West Usambara to document the natural history of the local fauna. These surveys were conducted during the dry season annually between early July and early September. In this chapter, we outline the study sites, methodologies, capture rates, and other trapping details. A total of 18,563 sample-nights was accrued over the three-year study, and on these two massifs, we documented 12 crocidurine shrew, one macroscelidid elephant shrew, 19 bat, and 14 rodent species. Species accumulation curves suggest that additional trapping effort may be required in the East Usambara Mountains to have a more complete view of the local small mammal fauna. There was no significant difference in the number of individuals captured or measures of species diversity in the pitfall and trap lines that were installed in the same location during the course of this study, suggesting that repeated sampling did not negatively affect the small mammal fauna of the study areas.