Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toward Unifying Global Hotspots of Wild and Domesticated Biodiversity

Global biodiversity hotspots are areas containing high levels of species richness, endemism and threat. Similarly, regions of agriculturally relevant diversity have been identified where many domesticated plants and animals originated, and co-occurred with their wild ancestors and relatives. The agro-biodiversity in these regions has, likewise, often been considered threatened. Biodiversity and agro-biodiversity hotspots partly overlap, but their geographic intricacies have rarely been investigated together. Here we review the history of these two concepts and explore their geographic relationship by analysing global distribution and human use data for all plants, and for major crops and associated wild relatives. We highlight a geographic continuum between agro-biodiversity hotspots that contain high richness in species that are intensively used and well known by humanity (i.e., major crops and most viewed species on Wikipedia) and biodiversity hotspots encompassing species that are less heavily used and documented (i.e., crop wild relatives and species lacking information on Wikipedia). Our contribution highlights the key considerations needed for further developing a unifying concept of agro-biodiversity hotspots that encompasses multiple facets of diversity (including genetic and phylogenetic) and the linkage with overall biodiversity. This integration will ultimately enhance our understanding of the geography of human-plant interactions and help guide the preservation of nature and its contributions to people.
Neutrophil recruitment by chemokines Cxcl1/KC and Cxcl2/MIP2: Role of Cxcr2 activation and glycosaminoglycan interactions

Chemokines play a crucial role in combating microbial infection by recruiting blood neutrophils to infected tissue. In mice, the chemokines Cxcl1/KC and Cxcl2/MIP2 fulfill this role. Cxcl1 and Cxcl2 exist as monomers and dimers, and exert their function by activating the Cxcr2 receptor and binding glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Here, we characterized Cxcr2 G protein and β‐arrestin activities, and GAG heparan sulfate (HS) interactions of Cxcl1 and Cxcl2 and of the trapped dimeric variants. To understand how Cxcr2 and GAG interactions impact in vivo function, we characterized their neutrophil recruitment activity to the peritoneum, Cxcr2 and CD11b levels on peritoneal and blood neutrophils, and transport profiles out of the peritoneum. Cxcl2 variants compared with Cxcl1 variants were more potent for Cxcr2 activity. Native Cxcl1 compared with native Cxcl2 and dimers compared with native proteins bound HS with higher affinity. Interestingly, recruitment activity between native Cxcl1 and Cxcl2, between dimers, and between the native protein and the dimer could be similar or very different depending on the dose or the time point. These data indicate that peritoneal neutrophil recruitment cannot be solely attributed to Cxcr2 or GAG interactions, and that the relationship between recruited neutrophils, Cxcr2 activation, GAG interactions, and chemokine levels is complex and highly context dependent. We propose that the ability of Cxcl1 and Cxcl2 to reversibly exist as monomers and dimers and differences in their Cxcr2 activity and GAG interactions coordinate neutrophil recruitment and activation, which play a critical role for successful resolution of inflammation.
Core muscles’ endurance in flexible flatfeet: A cross - sectional study

Objective: Flexible flatfoot is a common deformity in adults that has been thought to be a causative factor of a lot of lower limb injuries and back pain. Core muscles act as stabilizers for the trunk and weak core places a person at greater risk of low back pain and lower limb injuries. We aimed to compare the core muscles’ endurance between individuals with and without flatfeet. Methods: Thirty subjects with bilateral flexible flatfeet (study group) were compared with thirty healthy subjects (control group). Navicular drop test was used to evaluate the medial longitudinal arch. Modified back extensors, modified flexion and lateral muscles’ endurance tests were used to evaluate the endurance of the core muscles. Results: The lateral muscles’ endurance time in the flatfeet group was found to be significantly lower than that of the healthy group on both sides (p=0.0001). However, no significant difference was found in the trunk flexors’ (p=0.15) and trunk extensors’ (p=0.27) endurance time between both groups. Conclusions: Impairment of the lateral core muscles’ endurance was observed in subjects with bilateral flexible flatfeet which may predispose to low back pain and other lower limb injuries in those subjects.
Parasitism in wild and managed populations of the almond pollinator Osmia cornuta Latr. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

SUMMARYThe potential threat of parasites to Osmia cornuta populations managed for almond pollination was analysed. Rates of parasitism were measured in both managed and wild trapnested populations. Only two parasites, the drosophilid fly Cacoxenus sp. , and the cleptoparasitic mite Chaetodactylus osmiae, were found in wild populations, but their rates of parasitism rarely exceeded 10%. Cacoxenus was never found in managed populations, but the torymid wasp Monodontomerus obsoletus caused serious damage in some populations when bee cocoons were made accessible by extricating them from nesting materials in the laboratory. Chaetodactylus osmiae was also present in managed populations but in low numbers. In 1991, a population of O. cornuta was released in an almond orchard. As opposed to other releases in which ‘clean’ populations were used, in this release some cells infested with C. osmiae, Cacoxenus sp. , and M. obsoletus were intentionally introduced with the bee population. No cell was reparasitized by Caco.
Paediatric Burkitt lymphoma patient‐derived xenografts capture disease characteristics over time and are a model for therapy

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) accounts for almost two‐thirds of all B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) in children and adolescents and is characterised by a MYC translocation and rapid cell turnover. Intensive chemotherapeutic regimens have been developed in recent decades, including the lymphomes malins B (LMB) protocol, which have resulted in a survival rate in excess of 90%. Recent clinical trials have focused on immunochemotherapy, with the addition of rituximab to chemotherapeutic backbones, showing encouraging results. Despite these advances, relapse and refractory disease occurs in up to 10% of patients and salvage options for these carry a dismal prognosis. Efforts to better understand the molecular and functional characteristics driving relapse and refractory disease may help improve this prognosis. This study has established a paediatric BL patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) resource which captures and maintains tumour heterogeneity, may be used to better characterise tumours and identify cell populations responsible for therapy resistance.
On the Discrete-Input Continuous-Output Memoryless Channel Capacity of Layered ACO-OFDM

Layered Asymmetrically Clipped Optical Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (LACO-OFDM) has been proposed for optical communications and has attracted much attention, thanks to its flexibility in terms of power vs. spectral efficiency. In this article, we propose algorithms for optimizing the Discrete-input Continuous-output Memoryless Channel (DCMC) capacity of LACO-OFDM. Then, an algorithm is proposed for maximizing the capacity for twin-layer LACO-OFDM by optimizing the power sharing between the layers. This is followed by the conception of a more general algorithm applicable to LACO-OFDM having an arbitrary number of layers. Numerical results are provided for quantifying the capacity improvement attained by the proposed algorithm. Moreover, an adaptive scheme is proposed for adjusting the number of layers to be used for maximizing the capacity at different SNRs.
Antenatal and perinatal outcomes of refugees in high income countries

Abstract Objectives The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted a marked trend for worse pregnancy-related indicators in migrants, such as maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, poor mental health and suboptimal care. The aim of this study was to determine whether such adverse outcomes occurred in refugees who moved to high income countries by comparing their antenatal and perinatal outcomes to those of non-immigrant women. Methods A literature search was undertaken. Embase and Medline databases were searched using Ovid. Search terms included “refugee”, “pregnan*” or “neonat*”, and “outcome”. Results The search yielded 194 papers, 23 were included in the final analysis. All the papers included were either retrospective cohort or cross-sectional studies. The refugees studied originated from a wide variety of source countries, including Eritrea, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Refugee women were more likely to be socially disadvantaged, but less likely to smoke or take illegal drugs during pregnancy. Refugee women were more likely to have poor, late, or no attendance at antenatal care. Miscarriages and stillbirth were more common amongst refugee women than non-refugees. Perinatal mortality was higher among refugees. Conclusions Despite better health care services in high income countries, refugee mothers still had worse outcomes. This may be explained by their late or lack of attendance to antenatal care.
The Relationship Between Living Alone and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Gay Men: The Moderating Role of Age

ABSTRACT Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older gay men. It is likely this relationship strengthens as gay men age, due to social isolation and fewer family supports. This study investigated whether the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms was moderated by age among older gay men. A community sample of 270 Australian gay men aged 60 to 91 years (M = 68.81, SD = 8.69) completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Results supported the moderation model. The Johnson-Neyman analysis indicated that living alone was associated with depressive symptoms among gay men aged older than 66.28 years. Results imply that gay men older aged in their mid-sixties and older who live alone are at increased risk of depressive symptoms, and are a group of men that need targeted interventions to reduce depressive symptoms.
Exploratory Research on the Relationship between Human Gut Microbiota and Portal Hypertension

Objective The relationship between gut microbiota and portal hypertension remains unclear. We investigated the characteristics of the gut microbiota in portal hypertension patients with esophago-gastric varices and liver cirrhosis. Methods Thirty-six patients (12 patients with portal hypertension, 12 healthy controls, and 12 non-cirrhosis patients) were enrolled in this university hospital study. Intestinal bacteria and statistical analyses were performed up to the genus level using the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism method targeting 16S ribosomal RNA genes, with diversified regions characterizing each bacterium. Results Levels of Lactobacillales were significantly higher (p=0.045) and those of Clostridium cluster IV significantly lower (p=0.014) in patients with portal hypertension than in other patients. This Clostridium cluster contains many butanoic acid-producing strains, including Ruminococcace and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Clostridium cluster IX levels were also significantly lower (p=0.045) in portal hypertension patients than in other patients. There are many strains of Clostridium that produce propionic acid, and the effects on the host and the function of these bacterial species in the human intestine remain unknown. Regarding the Bifidobacterium genus, which is supposed to decrease as a result of cirrhosis, no significant decrease was observed in this study. Conclusion In the present study, we provided information on the characteristics of the gut microbiota of portal hypertension patients with esophago-gastric varices due to liver cirrhosis. In the future, we aim to develop probiotic treatments following further analyses that include the species level, such as the intestinal flora analysis method and next-generation sequencers.
A Localized Phage-Based Antimicrobial System: Effect of Alginate on Phage Desorption from β-TCP Ceramic Bone Substitutes

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a prosthetic material commonly used as a bone substitute to repair osteoarticular diseases and injuries. In this type of bone reconstruction surgery, antibiotics remain the common preventive and therapeutic treatment for bacterial infection. Nevertheless, the emergence of multi-resistant strains requires complimentary or alternative treatments. Today, one of the promising alternative approaches is phage therapy. Phages are bacterial viruses that have several advantages over chemotherapy, such as the specificity of bacterial strain, the absence of side effects, and a rapid response. In this work, we studied the impact of alginate hydrogels for overlaying λvir-phage-loaded β-TCP ceramic bone substitutes, delaying the phage desorption. The results show that the use of a 1% alginate–CaCl2 hydrogel overlapping the β-TCP ceramic pellets leads to higher initial phage concentration on the material and extends the released time of phages to two weeks when compared with control pellets. These alginate-coated biomaterials also generate faster bacterial lysis kinetics and could therefore be a good practical prosthetic device for bone and joint surgeries by allowing local treatment of bacterial infections with phage therapy for a longer period of time.
Serum vitamin D levels in relation to abdominal obesity: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of epidemiologic studies

Although several observational studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and risk of central obesity, the results were inconsistent. We performed a dose–response meta‐analysis on epidemiologic studies that evaluated the association of vitamin D status and abdominal obesity in adults. A systematic search was carried out of all published articles, up to May 2020, in five electronic databases, including MEDLINE (Pubmed), EMBASE, Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) (Web of science), Scopus and Google scholar. Forty‐one observational studies reported odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for abdominal obesity in relation to serum vitamin D levels in adults were included in the analysis. Using a random effects model, the overall effect size was calculated. Combining 44 effect sizes from 36 cross‐sectional studies with 257,699 participants revealed that the highest versus the lowest serum vitamin D level was significantly associated with a 23% decreased odds of abdominal obesity (OR: 0.77; 95% CI [0.71, 0.83]). This inverse association was significant in almost all subgroups based on different covariates. Dose–response analysis showed that each 25 nmol/L increase in serum vitamin D was related to 8% reduced risk of abdominal obesity (OR: 0.92; 95% CI [0.85, 0.99]). When we confined the analysis to 23 effect sizes from 17 studies with representative population (242,135 participants), the same results were obtained (OR: 0.79; 95% CI [0.71, 0.87]). Dose–response analysis indicated that each 25 nmol/L increase in blood vitamin D levels was linked to 10% decreased central adiposity risk in representative populations (OR: 0.90; 95% CI [0.82, 0.99]). This meta‐analysis of epidemiologic studies revealed that serum vitamin D level was inversely associated with risk of abdominal obesity in adults, in a dose–response manner. The same findings were obtained in representative populations. Further prospective studies are required to examine the causal association between serum vitamin D levels and abdominal obesity.
Pioglitazone alleviates cisplatin nephrotoxicity by suppressing mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis via SIRT1/p53 signalling

Pioglitazone (PIO) attenuates cisplatin nephrotoxicity whereas the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Apoptosis is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and SIRT1 activation can decrease cell apoptosis in cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Therefore, we explored whether the protective effect of PIO in cisplatin nephrotoxicity is achieved by suppressing mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis through SIRT1/p53 signalling regulation. Cell viability, apoptosis, survival rate, renal pathology and function were examined. Moreover, we also analysed the expression of SIRT1, Acetyl‐p53, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and apoptosis‐related protein in vivo and in vitro. Pioglitazone treatment significantly increased cell viability, promoted SIRT1‐p53 interaction, upregulated Bcl‐2 expression, activated SIRT1 and elevated mitochondrial ATP synthesis after cisplatin treatment. However, PIO decreased the generation of ROS, opening of mPTP, dissipation of MMP and translocation of cytochrome c after cisplatin treatment. Pioglitazone also reduced the activation of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9, lowered the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2, attenuated kidney pathological damage and dysfunction, down‐regulated the expression of Acetyl‐p53, PUMA‐α and Bax and abated cell apoptosis after cisplatin treatment. The SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527, clearly reversed the protective effects of PIO. These results implied PIO attenuated cisplatin nephrotoxicity by suppressing mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis through regulating SIRT1/p53 signalling.
Electric Field Induced Liquified Mass Transport Phenomenon in Chromium Thin Films on Application of an Alternating Potential

Electromigration phenomenon might be employed in creation of patterns on metallic thin films in the micro range or even in the nano range dimensions [1], [2]. This paper puts forward a non- conventional form of mass transfer that has been observed in Chromium thin films under the effect of high current densities when an alternating field is applied. As it has been observed, the high density current, along with the accompanying heat generation, fuels a reaction in which the metal reacts with the ambient air and produces a fluidic compound in a ring-like manner from the electrode. Within the domain of this paper, ramp wave alternating electric field is used with the frequency ranging from 350 Hz to 700 Hz with a stepping of 50 Hz. The velocity of flow, as well as the electrical current are measured with respect to time throughout the duration of the experiment. Added to that several interesting observations were also made. The work reported in this paper will aid in apprehending the flow behavior, helping to get a better grip over the electromigration assisted nanolithography process.
Realizing Best Checkpointing Control in Computing Systems

This article considers best checkpointing control realizable in real-world systems, whose mean time between failures (MTBFs) often fluctuate. The considered control scheme is based on equating aggregate checkpointing overhead over an activity sequence of interest (θ) and the expected rework amount after a failure recovery for best checkpointing, called “CHORE” (i.e., checkpointing overhead and rework equated), where θ starts from execution resumption after failure recovery and ends after restore from the following failure. CHORE lets its inter-checkpoint intervals in θ follow a pre-determined sequence independent of MTBF to aim at performance optimality and is shown analytically to keep overall execution time overhead upper bounded. When failure occurrences are tracked during job execution for real-time MTBF estimation, an enhanced CHORE (dubbed En-CHORE) is obtained to lower checkpointing overhead by skipping certain checkpoints at the beginning of each θ before taking checkpoints with the most desirable inter-checkpoint intervals determined on-the-fly for best checkpointing control. En-CHORE can outperform optimal checkpointing (which follows a fixed inter-checkpoint interval optimized for one constant global MTBF known a prior) both under synthetic random failures with local MTBF fluctuating markedly and under real failure traces of 22 real HPC systems (whose failure rates actually fluctuate over their trace time spans).
The antioxidant capacity and macroelement content of several onion cultivars

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium contents, as well as the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in white, yellow, and red onion varieties. It is evident from the results that the highest content of all of these macroelements except phosphorus was found in the cultivar Fireball. In this cultivar, the phosphorus content was the lowest of all cultivars. The total phenolic content ranged from 1.17 to 2.10 g of gallic acid equivalents kg-1 and the antioxidant capacity ranged from 1.26 and 1.86 g of ascorbic acid equivalents kg-1 of fresh weight and was slightly higher in red onion cultivars than in white and yellow cultivars. The significant influence of color was determined by total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and macroelements except phosphorus (P < 0.05). While the season had influence on phosphorus and potassium content and on antioxidant capacity, the growing season significantly influenced the total phenolic content of the onions.
Attack Resilient Heterogeneous Vehicle Platooning Using Secure Distributed Nonlinear Model Predictive Control

Recently, vehicle platoons have offered significant enhancements in traffic management, energy consumption and safety in intelligent transportation systems. Despite the benefits brought by the platoons, they potentially suffer from insecure networks which provide the connectivity among the vehicles participating in the platoon. This paper deals with the secure control of vehicle platoons under the risk of a common cyber attack, namely Denial of Service (DoS) attack. A DoS intruder can endanger the security of platoon by jamming the communication network among the vehicles which is responsible to transmit inter-vehicular data throughout the platoon. This can potentially result in huge performance degradation or even hazardous collisions. We propose a secure distributed nonlinear model predictive control algorithm consisting of i) detection and ii) mitigation phases. The algorithm is capable of handling DoS attack performed on a platoon equipped by different communication topologies and at the same time it guarantees the desired formation control performance. Stability analysis of the attacked platoon running the given algorithm is also presented. Simulation results on a sample heterogeneous attacked platoon exploiting two-predecessor follower communication environment demonstrates the effectiveness of the method.