Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of community participation in the effectiveness of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve management: evidence and reflections from two parallel global surveys

SUMMARY Biodiversity management has traditionally followed two contradictory approaches. One champions ecosystem protection through rigorous law enforcement and exclusion of humans. The other promotes community-based sustainable use of natural resources. Participatory conservation, a major paradigm shift, nowadays strongly guides the concept of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BRs). In this paper, the rationale for community participation, and the perception of its effectiveness among BR managers are analysed. Within the World Network of BRs (553 sites in 107 countries) diverse participatory approaches are being tried to advance community-based natural resource management (CBNRM). Data from two parallel surveys, involving managers from 276 BRs worldwide, reveal how far this participation paradigm shift has really occurred, and its influence on managers’ self-evaluated effectiveness. There is substantial regional disparity, although in general BR managers endorse inclusive conservation, despite critical implementation hurdles. The process of participatory conservation carries new dangers for effective biosphere reserve management, when the aspirations of communities and other stakeholders do not ‘fit’ with a predetermined interpretation of sustainable development.
Regulation of Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ergosterol is an essential component of fungal cell membranes that determines the fluidity, permeability and activity of membrane-associated proteins. Ergosterol biosynthesis is a complex and highly energy-consuming pathway that involves the participation of many enzymes. Deficiencies in sterol biosynthesis cause pleiotropic defects that limit cellular proliferation and adaptation to stress. Thereby, fungal ergosterol levels are tightly controlled by the bioavailability of particular metabolites (e.g., sterols, oxygen and iron) and environmental conditions. The regulation of ergosterol synthesis is achieved by overlapping mechanisms that include transcriptional expression, feedback inhibition of enzymes and changes in their subcellular localization. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the sterol regulatory element (SRE)-binding proteins Upc2 and Ecm22, the heme-binding protein Hap1 and the repressor factors Rox1 and Mot3 coordinate ergosterol biosynthesis (ERG) gene expression. Here, we summarize the sterol biosynthesis, transport and detoxification systems of S. cerevisiae, as well as its adaptive response to sterol depletion, low oxygen, hyperosmotic stress and iron deficiency. Because of the large number of ERG genes and the crosstalk between different environmental signals and pathways, many aspects of ergosterol regulation are still unknown. The study of sterol metabolism and its regulation is highly relevant due to its wide applications in antifungal treatments, as well as in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Disease and Yield Responses to Fungicides Among Peanut Cultivars Differing in Reaction to Sclerotinia Blight1

Abstract Peanut cultivars with different disease reactions to Sclerotinia blight received a variable number of applications of iprodione at 1.12 kg/ha or fluazinam at 0.56 kg/ha to determine the most efficient management program. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) cultivar x treatment interactions occurred for each fungicide. In two trials with iprodione, two applications reduced disease incidence for the susceptible cultivar Okrun from 62 to 27% as compared to the control, and increased yield from 2034 to 2581 kg/ha. Three applications did not improve disease control or increase yield as compared to two applications. Iprodione did not affect disease incidence or yields of the moderately resistant cultivar Spanco (9%, 2475 kg/ha) or the resistant cultivar Tamspan 90 (3%, 2903 kg/ha). In three other trials, fluazinam reduced disease incidence in one or more trials and increased yields across trials for all cultivars. Two applications provided the best disease control for Okrun as disease incidence was reduced from 77 .
WOODPECKER ABUNDANCE AND HABITAT USE IN THREE FOREST TYPES IN EASTERN TEXAS

Woodpeckers were censused in 60 fixed-radius (300 m) circular plots (divided into eight 45? -arc pie-shaped sectors) in mature forests (60-80 years-old) of three forest types (20 plots per type) in eastern Texas: bottomland hardwood forest, longleaf pine (Pinus palus- tris) savannah, and mixed pine-hardwood forest. A total of 2242 individual woodpeckers of eight species was detected in 144 h of censusing. Vegetation characteristics in plot sectors with and without woodpeckers were compared. Woodpecker presence and abundance were primarily associated with the occurrence of large snags and logs. Red-bellied Woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus) were the most abundant and widespread species, especially in areas containing more hardwoods than pines. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) were the least abundant and most habitat-restricted woodpecker, occurring only in the longleaf pine savannah. Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) were the most evenly distributed species among the forest types, but occurred primarily in mature forests with large snags and logs. Bottomland hardwood forests were important for Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus), Red- headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (Sphyr- apicus varius) during the fall and winter, and for Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) during the summer and winter. The Hairy Woodpecker (P. villosus) was most frequently encountered in areas of recent disturbance in the mixed pine-hardwood forests, especially in fall. Vocal imitation of a Barred Owl (Strix varia) increased the number of woodpecker de- tections by 71%. Received 14 Jan. 1997, accepted 10 May 1997.
Exosomal miR‐1255b‐5p targets human telomerase reverse transcriptase in colorectal cancer cells to suppress epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition

Cancer cells undergo epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to hypoxia. Exosomes produced in tumor microenvironments carry microRNAs (miRNAs) that affect proliferation, metastasis, and EMT. Hypoxic regulation of EMT is associated with telomerase content and stability, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We identified a targeting relationship between tumor‐suppressing miR‐1255b‐5p and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) via clinical screening of serum samples in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. EMT suppression via exosomal miR‐1255b‐5p delivery was investigated by assessing hTERT expression, Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, and telomerase activity. We revealed that hypoxia directly affected exosomal miR‐1255b‐5p content, the delivery of which between CRC cells significantly impacted cell invasion, EMT‐related protein expression, and telomerase stability. Specifically, miR‐1255b‐5p suppressed EMT by inhibiting Wnt/β‐catenin activation via hTERT inhibition. Hypoxia reduced exosomal miR‐1255b‐5p secretion by CRC cells, thereby increasing hTERT expression to enhance EMT and telomerase activity. In a mouse CRC model, hypoxic exosomes containing overexpressed miR‐1255b‐5p attenuated EMT, tumor progression, and liver metastasis. Our results suggest the antitumor role of miR‐1255b‐5p and its involvement in the regulation of hTERT‐mediated EMT. We propose that miRNA‐targeted regulation of telomerase is a promising therapeutic strategy for future CRC treatment.
Interfering Effects of In Vitro Fertilization and Vitrification on Expression of Gtl2 and Dlk1 in Mouse Blastocysts

Background Embryo vitrification is a key instrument in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). However, there is increasing concern that vitrification adversely affects embryo development. This study intends to assess the effect of vitrification on developmental competence, in addition to expressions of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) gene trap locus 2 (Gtl2) and its reciprocal imprinted gene delta-like homolog 1 (Dlk1), in mouse blastocysts. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, we have designed three experimental groups: control (fresh blas- tocysts collected from superovulated mice), in vitro fertilization (IVF; blastocysts derived from IVF) and vitrification (IVF derived blastocysts subjected to vitrification/warming at the 2-cell stage). Quantitative reverse transcription pol- ymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess the expression levels of Gtl2 and Dlk1 in the blastocysts. Results The results showed that vitrification group had significantly lower blastocyst and hatching rates compared to the IVF group (P<0.037) and (P<0.041), respectively. Gtl2 was down-regulated and Dlk1 was up-regulated following the IVF and vitrification (P<0.05). Conclusion These results suggested that IVF and vitrification disturbed genomic imprinting and lncRNA gene expres- sions, which might affect the health of IVF children.
Mid- and long-term outcome of Salter’s, Pemberton’s and Dega’s osteotomy for treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Early diagnosis and early treatment have become the gold standard for management of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Surgery is required in case of failed initial treatment. Innominate pelvic osteotomy of Salter (SIO), Pemberton’s pericapsular osteotomy (PPO) and Dega’s acetabuloplasty (DA) are among the most used procedures. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the past 57 years in order to assess the mid- and long-term outcome of these techniques. Methods: Studies met inclusion criteria if they: (1) reported at least 5 cases treated by 1 of the abovementioned surgical techniques; (2) included children aged between 1 and 8 years; (3) surgical indication was late detected DDH or a failed initial treatment; (4) presented a minimal follow-up of 24 months; (5) reported the radiological score of Severin and/or the clinical score of McKay. Clinical and radiological outcomes were dichotomised into favourable and unfavourable outcome and weighted summary rates were determined using meta-analysis models. Results: From a total of 7391 articles, 48 level of evidence grade IV articles were included in our review. A total of 2143 cases with a mean follow up of 112.4 months were included. Pooled Severin score indicated a statistically better outcome for PPO and DA compared to SIO (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.002, respectively). By dichotomising the results in favourable and unfavourable outcome, PPO showed the best results (p = 0.0002 vs. SIO, p = 0.01 vs. DA). Pooled McKay score showed a statistically better outcome for PPO and DA compared to SIO (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.03, respectively) as well as better outcomes for PPO compared to DA (p = 0.01). By dichotomising the results in favourable and unfavourable, PPO showed the best results. Conclusions: Even if our review demonstrates slightly better radiological and clinical results with the PPO, the currently available and limited data do not allow for clear recommendation towards one of these techniques.
OPUS-TASS: a protein backbone torsion angles and secondary structure predictor based on ensemble neural networks

MOTIVATION Predictions of protein backbone torsion angles (ϕ and ψ) and secondary structure from sequence are crucial subproblems in protein structure prediction. With the development of deep learning approaches, their accuracies have been significantly improved. To capture the long-range interactions, most of studies integrate bidirectional recurrent neural networks into their models. In this study, we introduce and modify a recently proposed architecture named Transformer to capture the interactions between the two residues theoretically with arbitrary distance. Moreover, we also take advantage of multi-task learning to improve the generalization of neural network by introducing related tasks into the training process. Similar to many previous studies, OPUS-TASS uses an ensemble of models and achieves better results. RESULTS OPUS-TASS uses the same training and validation sets as SPOT-1D. We compare the performance of OPUS-TASS and SPOT-1D on TEST2016 (1213 proteins) and TEST2018 (250 proteins) proposed in SPOT-1D paper, CASP12 (55 proteins), CASP13 (32 proteins) and CASP-FM (56 proteins) proposed in SANIT paper, and a recently released PDB structures collected from CAMEO (93 proteins) named as CAMEO93. On these 6 test sets, OPUS-TASS achieves consistent improvements in both backbone torsion angles prediction and secondary structure prediction. On CAMEO93, for SPOT-1D, the mean absolute errors for ϕ and ψ predictions are 16.89 and 23.02, respectively, and the accuracies for 3 and 8-state secondary structure predictions are 87.72% and 77.15%, respectively. In comparison, OPUS-TASS achieves 16.56 and 22.56 for ϕ and ψ predictions, and 89.06% and 78.87% for 3 and 8-state secondary structure predictions, respectively. In particular, after using our torsion angles refinement method OPUS-Refine as the post-processing procedure for OPUS-TASS, the mean absolute errors for final ϕ and ψ predictions are further decreased to 16.28 and 21.98. AVAILABILITY The training and the inference codes of OPUS-TASS and its data are available at https://github.com/thuxugang/opus_tass. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Gradient-Enhanced Modelling of Damage for Rate-Dependent Material Behaviour—A Parameter Identification Framework

The simulation of complex engineering components and structures under loads requires the formulation and adequate calibration of appropriate material models. This work introduces an optimisation-based scheme for the calibration of viscoelastic material models that are coupled to gradient-enhanced damage in a finite strain setting. The parameter identification scheme is applied to a self-diagnostic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer, where so-called mechanophore units are incorporated within the polymeric microstructure. The present contribution, however, focuses on the purely mechanical response of the material, combining experiments with homogeneous and inhomogeneous states of deformation. In effect, the results provided lay the groundwork for a future extension of the proposed parameter identification framework, where additional field-data provided by the self-diagnostic capabilities can be incorporated into the optimisation scheme.
Low-Dose Radiation Exposure with 56MnO2 Powder Changes Gene Expressions in the Testes and the Prostate in Rats

To investigate the biological effects of internal exposure of radioactive 56MnO2 powder, the major radioisotope dust in the soil after atomic bomb explosions, on male reproductive function, the gene expression of the testes and the prostate was examined. Ten-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to three doses of radioactive 56MnO2 powder (41–100 mGy in whole body doses), stable MnO2 powder, or external 60Co γ-rays (2 Gy). Animals were necropsied on Days 3 and 61 postexposure. The mRNA expressions of testicular marker protein genes and prostatic secretory protein genes were quantified by Q-RT-PCR. On Day 3 postexposure, the testicular gene expressions of steroidogenesis-related enzymes, Cyp17a1 and Hsd3b1, decreased in 56MnO2-exposed groups. Germ cell-specific Spag4 and Zpbp mRNA levels were also reduced. On postexposure Day 61, the Cyp11a1 gene expression became significantly reduced in the testes in the group exposed to the highest dose of 56MnO2, while another steroidogenesis-related StAR gene mRNA level reduced in the 60Co γ-rays group. There were no differences in Spag4 and Zpbp mRNA levels among groups on Day 61. No histopathological changes were observed in the testes in any group following exposure. Expression in the prostatic protein genes, including CRP1, KS3, and PSP94, significantly decreased in 56MnO2-exposed groups as well as in the 60Co γ-rays group on Day 61 postexposure. These data suggest that the internal exposure to 56MnO2 powder, at doses of less than 100 mGy, affected the gene expressions in the testis and the prostate, while 2 Gy of external γ-irradiation was less effective.
In-Situ Synthesis of Heterostructured Carbon-Coated Co/MnO Nanowire Arrays for High-Performance Anodes in Asymmetric Supercapacitors

Structural design is often investigated to decrease the electron transfer depletion in/on the pseudocapacitive electrode for excellent capacitance performance. However, a simple way to improve the internal and external electron transfer efficiency is still challenging. In this work, we prepared a novel structure composed of cobalt (Co) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded MnO nanowires (NWs) with an N-doped carbon (NC) coating on carbon cloth (CC) by in situ thermal treatment of polydopamine (PDA) coated MnCo2O4.5 NWs in an inert atmosphere. The PDA coating was carbonized into the NC shell and simultaneously reduced the MnCo2O4.5 to Co NPs and MnO NWs, which greatly improve the surface and internal electron transfer ability on/in MnO boding well supercapacitive properties. The hybrid electrode shows a high specific capacitance of 747 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and good cycling stability with 93% capacitance retention after 5,000 cycles at 10 A g−1. By coupling with vanadium nitride with an N-doped carbon coating (VN@NC) negative electrode, the asymmetric supercapacitor delivers a high energy density of 48.15 Wh kg−1 for a power density of 0.96 kW kg−1 as well as outstanding cycling performance with 82% retention after 2000 cycles at 10 A g−1. The electrode design and synthesis suggests large potential in the production of high-performance energy storage devices.
GWOVina: A grey wolf optimization approach to rigid and flexible receptor docking

Protein–ligand docking programs are indispensable tools for predicting the binding pose of a ligand to the receptor protein. In this paper, we introduce an efficient flexible docking method, GWOVina, which is a variant of the Vina implementation using the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) and random walk for the global search, and the Dunbrack rotamer library for side‐chain sampling. The new method was validated for rigid and flexible‐receptor docking using four independent datasets. In rigid docking, GWOVina showed comparable docking performance to Vina in terms of ligand pose RMSD, success rate, and affinity prediction. In flexible‐receptor docking, GWOVina has improved success rate compared to Vina and AutoDockFR. It ran 2 to 7 times faster than Vina and 40 to 100 times faster than AutoDockFR. Therefore, GWOVina can play a role in solving the complex flexible‐receptor docking cases and is suitable for virtual screening of compound libraries. GWOVina is freely available at https://cbbio.cis. um.edu. mo/software/gwovina for testing.
How do avatar attractiveness and customization impact online gamers' flow and loyalty?

Purpose Avatars are known to be influential in gaming communication. However, little is known about how avatar attractiveness and customization impact online gamers’ flow, i.e., the experience of total concentration with intrinsic enjoyment and loyalty. Grounded in social identity and flow theories, the purpose of this paper is to construct a model to explain how avatar attractiveness and customization can impact online gamers’ flow and loyalty. Design/methodology/approach The responses of 1,944 online gamers are collected. Structural equation modeling is used for analyses. Findings The analytical results indicate that avatar attractiveness and customization are positively related to avatar identification, which is positively related to flow, and then to online gamer loyalty. In addition, avatar identification and flow are important process variables in the above relations. Originality/value This study is novel in being the first attempt to apply social identity and flow theories to explain how avatar attractiveness and customization contribute to online gamers’ flow and loyalty.
Comparison of the effects of flooding vs. low-oxygen gas on pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. 'Alaska') primary roots

Flooding reduces soil oxygen necessary for root growth. In some mesophytes low levels of oxygen are mitigated by the formation of aerenchyma or expansion of intercellular spaces. But root immersion in water may have effects on roots in addition to reducing oxygen levels. At temperatures >15°C Pisum sativum primary roots develop cavities in the centers of their vascular cylinders in response to saturated or flooded conditions. In the present study we compared the response of flooded pea roots to their response to hypoxia without flooding by using an innovative system that allows separation of the gas environment of a root system from that of its shoot system. Seedlings were flooded after 4 d growth and compared to seedlings in unflooded medium and to seedlings in the gas-manipulation experiment. At 25°C in slightly moist vermiculite, roots 4 d after planting were exposed to a gas mixture with 10.5% oxygen and shoots to 20.5% oxygen and compared to normoxic controls. Oxygen levels in all containers were monitored, root growth was measured, and frequency and size of vascular cavities were determined for all treatments. Under flooding and low-oxygen gas, root growth was suppressed and vascular cavity frequency was strongly enhanced compared to controls. Significant differences in root growth responses were not seen between these differing hypoxic conditions, but low-oxygen gas caused larger cavities than flooding, which suggests flooding with water may have subtle effects different than simple hypoxia.
MAMMALIAN HAIR DIAMETER AS A POSSIBLE MECHANISM FOR HOST SPECIALIZATION IN CHEWING LICE

Abstract We examined the relationship between mammalian hair diameter and body mass at several taxonomic levels (interordinal, intrafamilial, intrageneric, and intraspecific) and showed a significant, positive allometric relationship between hair diameter and body size at all taxonomic levels examined. The allometric coefficient (α) ranged from 0.13 to 0.33. Within pocket gophers (Geomyidae), a significant positive relationship exists between hair diameter and rostral groove dimensions of their chewing lice, Geomydoecus, which use the rostral groove to grasp hairs of their host. Coupled with previous evidence of a strong allometric relationship between rostral groove width and louse body size, our findings suggest that hair diameter of the host is an important determinant of body size in chewing lice that parasitize pocket gophers.
Linking Cooperative Learning and Emotional Intelligence in Physical Education: Transition across School Stages

The present research had two complementary aims: (a) to examine the associations between cooperative learning (CL) and emotional intelligence (EI) in physical education (PE) and (b) to explore and compare the use of CL in PE in primary education (PED), secondary education (SED) and baccalaureate (BA). A total of 1332 students (682 males, 650 females) took part in the study. All participants were aged between 10 and 20 years old (M = 13.09; SD = 2.47) and belonged to 13 different schools in Southwest Spain. They completed the cooperative learning questionnaire (CLQ), referring to the PE classes, in addition to the emotional intelligence questionnaire in physical education (EIQPE). Positive and significant associations were found between CL and EI in all school stages. In addition, moderately strong associations were uncovered between CL and the different dimensions of EI: emotional recognition, emotional control and regulation and emotional empathy. Participants belonging to classrooms with larger cooperation indices presented higher levels of EI. Results also highlighted a greater use of CL in PE classes during the PED stage in comparison to the SED and BA stages. These outcomes are discussed in light of the existing literature and methodological implications are derived for teaching PE. The use of CL in PE is recommended because of its positive contribution to the affective domain through IE. This will be especially important during the SED and BA stages, where lower rates of CL were observed.