Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genomic evidence for contrasting patterns of host‐associated genetic differentiation across shared host‐plant species in leaf‐ and bud‐galling sawflies

Resource specialization and ecological speciation arising through host‐associated genetic differentiation (HAD) are frequently invoked as an explanation for the high diversity of plant‐feeding insects and other organisms with a parasitic lifestyle. While genetic studies have demonstrated numerous examples of HAD in insect herbivores, the rarity of comparative studies means that we still lack an understanding of how deterministic HAD is, and whether patterns of host shifts can be predicted over evolutionary timescales. We applied genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism and mitochondrial DNA sequence data obtained through genome resequencing to define species limits and to compare host‐plant use in population samples of leaf‐ and bud‐galling sawflies (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae: Nematinae) collected from seven shared willow (Salicaceae: Salix) host species. To infer the repeatability of long‐term cophylogenetic patterns, we also contrasted the phylogenies of the two galler groups with each other as well as with the phylogeny of their Salix hosts estimated based on RADseq data. We found clear evidence for host specialization and HAD in both of the focal galler groups, but also that leaf gallers are more specialized to single host species compared with most bud gallers. In contrast to bud gallers, leaf gallers also exhibited statistically significant cophylogenetic signal with their Salix hosts. The observed discordant patterns of resource specialization and host shifts in two related galler groups that have radiated in parallel across a shared resource base indicate a lack of evolutionary repeatability in the focal system, and suggest that short‐ and long‐term host use and ecological diversification in plant‐feeding insects are dominated by stochasticity and/or lineage‐specific effects.
Influence of coronal mass ejection interaction on propagation of interplanetary shocks

[1] We studied 91 interplanetary (IP) shocks associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) originating within about ±30° in longitude and latitude from the center of the Sun during 1997–2002. These CMEs cover a wide range of initial speeds of about 120 to 2400 kms−1 and they also include a special population of 25 interacting CMEs. This study provides the characteristics of propagation effects of more number of high-speed CMEs (VCME > 1500 kms−1) than the data used in earlier studies. It enables to extend the shock-arrival prediction model to high-speed CMEs. The results on comparison of IP shock speed and transit time at 1 AU suggest that the shock transit time is not controlled by its final speed but is primarily determined by the initial speed of the CME and effects encountered by it during the propagation. It is found that the CME interaction tends to slow the shock and associated CME. The deviations of shock arrival times from the empirical model are considerably large for slow (VCME 800 kms−1) CMEs. Results show that the slow and fast CMEs experience stronger effective acceleration.
On the origin of gastric tumours: analysis of a case with intramucosal gastric carcinoma and oxyntic gland adenoma

Most gastric cancers develop in inflamed gastric mucosa due to Helicobacter pylori infection, typically with metaplastic changes. However, the origins of gastric cancer remain unknown. Here, we present a case of intramucosal gastric carcinoma (IGC) and oxyntic gland adenoma (OGA) derived from spasmolytic polypeptide‐expressing metaplasia (SPEM). Early gastric cancer adjacent to a polyp was found in the upper corpus of a 71‐year‐old woman without H. pylori infection and was endoscopically resected. Histological examination showed IGC and OGA, both of which had predominant MUC6 expression. Interestingly, gastric glands with enriched MUC6‐positive mucous cells, referred to as SPEM, expanded between them. Whole‐exome sequencing analysis revealed a truncating KRAS(G12D) mutation in IGC, OGA, and SPEM. In addition, TP53 and CDKN2A mutations and a loss of chromosome 17p were found in the IGC, whereas a GNAS mutation was observed in the OGA. These results indicated that IGC and OGA originated from the KRAS‐mutated SPEM. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Some Invariant Manifolds for Functional Difference Equations with Infinite Delay

For nonlinear autonomous functional difference equations, the existence of the local stable manifolds, together with the local unstable manifolds and the local center-unstable manifolds, is shown. As an application, the principle of linearization which states that stabilities and instabilities for the zero solution of nonlinear equations can be derived from those of the zero solution of the linearized equations under some circumstances is established for functional difference equations.
Peer Victimization and Subjective Well-Being Among Chinese Adolescents: Moderated Mediation by Forgiveness and Self-Esteem

Considerable developmental research has shown an association between peer victimization and subjective well-being among adolescents. However, the mediating processes and protective factors that constrain this association are less understood. To fill these gaps, we investigated whether self-esteem mediates the association between peer victimization and subjective well-being and whether forgiveness moderates the direct and indirect associations of peer victimization with adolescents’ subjective well-being via self-esteem. A large sample of 2,758 adolescents (Mage = 13.53 years, SD = 1.06) from 10 middle schools in China participated in this study. Participants provided data on demographic variables, peer victimization, self-esteem, forgiveness, and subjective well-being by answering anonymous questionnaires. After controlling for demographic covariates, we found that self-esteem mediated the relationship between peer victimization and subjective well-being. Furthermore, as a protective factor, forgiveness moderated the relationship between peer victimization and self-esteem. Consistent with the protective-reactive model, when adolescents experienced more peer victimization, those with higher forgiveness levels exhibited a greater decline in self-esteem, and low self-esteem was then associated with decreased subjective well-being. These findings demonstrate the utility of examining both mediating and moderating factors in this relationship and highlight the negative impact of peer victimization on adolescent self-worth and the limited role of forgiveness as a protective factor.
Extreme wind storms over Europe in present and future climate: a cluster analysis approach

Boreal winter wind storm situations over Central Europe are investigated by means of an objective cluster analysis. Surface data from the NCEP-Reanalysis and ECHAM4/OPYC3-climate change GHG simulation (IS92a) are considered. To achieve an optimum separation of clusters of extreme storm conditions, 55 clusters of weather patterns are differentiated. To reduce the computational effort, a PCA is initially performed, leading to a data reduction of about 98 %. The clustering itself was computed on 3-day periods constructed with the first six PCs using "k-means" clustering algorithm. The applied method enables an evaluation of the time evolution of the synoptic developments. The climate change signal is constructed by a projection of the GCM simulation on the EOFs attained from the NCEP-Reanalysis. Consequently, the same clusters are obtained and frequency distributions can be compared. For Central Europe, four primary storm clusters are identified. These clusters feature almost 72 % of the historical extreme storms events and add only to 5 % of the total relative frequency. Moreover, they show a statistically significant signature in the associated wind fields over Europe. An increased frequency of Central European storm clusters is detected with enhanced GHG conditions, associated with an enhancement of the pressure gradient over Central Europe. Consequently, more intense wind events over Central Europe are expected. The presented algorithm will be highly valuable for the analysis of huge data amounts as is required for e.g. multi-model ensemble analysis, particularly because of the enormous data reduction.
Betulinic acid mitigates oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis and enhances longevity in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae model

Abstract Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in certain plant species, has been reported to have several health benefits including antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. However, the mechanism by which BA confers these properties is currently unknown. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a budding yeast with a short life cycle and conserved cellular mechanism with high homology to humans, was used as a model for determining the role of BA in aging and programmed cell death (PCD). Treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exhibited significantly increased (30–35%) survivability of antioxidant (sod1Δ, sod2Δ, cta1Δ, ctt1Δ, and tsa1Δ) and anti-apoptotic (pep4Δ and fis1Δ) mutant strains when cells were pretreated with BA (30 µM) as demonstrated in spot and CFU (Colony forming units) assays. Measurement of intracellular oxidation level using the ROS-specific dye H2DCF-DA showed that all tested BA-pretreated mutants exhibited decreased ROS than the control when exposed to H2O2. Similarly, when mutant strains were pretreated with BA and then exposed to H2O2, there was reduced lipid peroxidation as revealed by the reduced malondialdehyde content. Furthermore, BA-pretreated mutant cells showed significantly lower apoptotic activity by decreasing DNA/nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation under H2O2-induced stress as determined by DAPI and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. In addition, BA treatment also extended the life span of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mutants by ∼10–25% by scavenging ROS and preventing apoptotic cell death. Our overall results suggest that BA extends the chronological life span of mutant strains lacking antioxidant and anti-apoptotic genes by lowering the impact of oxidative stress, ROS levels, and apoptotic activity. These properties of BA could be further explored for its use as a valuable nutraceutical.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1324 Protein Contributes to Mycobacterial Persistence and Causes Pathological Lung Injury in Mice by Inducing Ferroptosis

The intracellular survival of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis, which depends on various Mtb oxidoreductases that are resistant to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) that are generated by the host during Mtb infection. Secretory protein Rv1324 is a potential virulence factor of Mtb and is a possible thioredoxin that has oxidoreductase activity against ROS and RNS during Mtb infection. ABSTRACT Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the pathogenic agent of tuberculosis (TB). Intracellular survival plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Mtb, a process that depends on an array of virulence factors for Mtb to colonize and proliferate within a host. Reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNS and ROS) are among the most effective antimycobacterial molecules generated by the host during infection. However, Mtb has evolved a number of proteins and enzymes to detoxify ROS and RNS. Secretory protein Rv1324, as a possible thioredoxin, might also have oxidoreductase activity against ROS and RNS during Mtb infection, and it is a potential virulence factor of Mtb. In this study, we investigated the biochemical properties of Mtb Rv1324 and its role in mycobacterial survival and virulence. The results showed that the Rv1324 protein had antioxidant activity and increased the survival of M. smegmatis that was exposed to ROS and RNS. In addition, Rv1324 enhanced the colonization ability of M. smegmatis in the lungs of mice. Further, mice infected with M. smegmatis harboring Rv1324 exhibited pathological injury and inflammation in the lung, which was mediated by ferroptosis. In summary, this study advances our understanding of the mechanisms of mycobacterial survival and pathogenesis, and it reveals a novel target for TB treatment. IMPORTANCE The intracellular survival of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis, which depends on various Mtb oxidoreductases that are resistant to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) that are generated by the host during Mtb infection. Secretory protein Rv1324 is a potential virulence factor of Mtb and is a possible thioredoxin that has oxidoreductase activity against ROS and RNS during Mtb infection. We investigated the biochemical properties of Mtb Rv1324 and its role in mycobacterial survival and virulence. It was confirmed that the Rv1324 protein had antioxidant activity and an increased mycobacterial resistance to ROS and RNS. In addition, Rv1324 enhanced mycobacterial persistence and induced pathological injury and inflammation in the lungs of mice by activating ferroptosis. This study advances our understanding of the mechanisms of mycobacterial survival and pathogenesis, and it reveals a novel target for TB treatment.
Is the uptake, engagement, and effectiveness of exclusively mobile interventions for the promotion of weight‐related behaviors equal for all? A systematic review

Mobile health interventions are promising behavior change tools. However, there is a concern that they may benefit some populations less than others and thus widen inequalities in health. This systematic review investigated differences in uptake of, engagement with, and effectiveness of mobile interventions for weight‐related behaviors (i.e., diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior) based on a range of inequality indicators including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020192473). Six databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Pubmed, and Web of Science) were searched from inception to July 2021. Publications were eligible for inclusion if they reported the results of an exclusively mobile intervention and examined outcomes by at least one inequality indicator. Sixteen publications reporting on 13 studies were included with most reporting on multiple behaviors and inequality indicators. Uptake was investigated in one study with no differences reported by the inequality indicators studied. Studies investigating engagement (n = 7) reported differences by age (n = 1), gender (n = 3), ethnicity (n = 2), and education (n = 2), while those investigating effectiveness (n = 9) reported differences by age (n = 3), gender (n = 5), education (n = 2), occupation (n = 1), and geographical location (n = 1). Given the limited number of studies and their inconsistent findings, evidence of the presence of a digital divide in mobile interventions targeting weight‐related behaviors is inconclusive. Therefore, we recommend that inequality indicators are specifically addressed, analyzed, and reported when evaluating mobile interventions.
Faithful SM proteins chaperone SNAREs on path to successful assembly

In eukaryotic cells, proteins are transported between membrane-bound organelles by vesicles (1). To deliver cargo, a vesicle must merge with its target organelle in a membrane fusion process catalyzed by soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sen-sitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) (2, 3). When a vesicle finds its target membrane, vesicle-anchored v-SNAREs pair with target membrane–associated t-SNAREs to form trans -SNARE complexes that zipper progressively toward the membranes (1). Energy derived from SNARE complex assembly is used to overcome the energy barrier of membrane merging (4). SNAREs, however, do not work alone and must be assisted by Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins, soluble molecules of 60 to 70 kDa (1). Despite intense studies, SM proteins stubbornly resist fully revealing their molecular secrets, baffling and fascinating researchers for decades. The prototypical isoform used in most SM protein studies is Munc18-1
Self-assembly of Ge quantum dots on Si(100)-2×1 by pulsed laser deposition

Self-assembled Ge quantum dots are grown on Si(100)-2×1 by pulsed laser deposition. The growth is studied by in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction and postdeposition atomic force microscopy. After the completion of the wetting layer, transient hut clusters, faceted by different planes, are observed. When the height of these clusters exceeded a certain value, the facets developed into {305} planes. Some of these huts become {305}-faceted pyramids as the film mean thickness was increased. With further thickness increase, dome clusters developed on the expense of these pyramids.
Use of Nasal Swab Activity to Estimate Intake in Internal Dosimetry

Abstract In addition to a review of theoretical analyses, this work presents an empirical study of nasal swab data from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) database correlated with intake obtained from plutonium internal dosimetry calculations. As a result of this work, several “intake-versus-nasal-swab” models were derived. We advocate quantitative use of nasal swab measurements in dose assessment calculations and discuss ways that this can be done. The best description of the LANL plutonium internal dose database is arguably intake = A + Bx, where A = 2.7 Bq, B = 3.8, and x = summed nasal swab activity. The geometric standard deviation was found to be 8.2. This relationship, obtained using plutonium data, should apply also for other radionuclides.
Bladder triangle amyloidosis: A case report and literature review

Rationale: Amyloidosis is a group of benign lesions characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid proteins. Amyloidosis lesions can occur in various organs of the body, but rarely in the urinary system. Amyloidosis in the bladder trigone is extremely rare. Patient concerns: An 80-year-old female patient presented with painless whole-course gross hematuria with reddish urine and no blood clots, accompanied by right lumbar discomfort. Diagnosis: Based on the patient’s medical history and cystoscopy findings, the relevant literature was reviewed and a preoperative diagnosis of bladder tumor was made, although bladder amyloidosis was not excluded. Postoperative pathology ultimately revealed bladder amyloidosis. Interventions: The patient underwent resection of bladder tumor and ureteral stent implantation. Postoperatively, the patient was maintained on antibiotics and oral colchicine treatment. Outcomes: Two months after surgery the patient reported that the gross hematuria had disappeared, and that the right lumbar discomfort was significantly relieved. Cystoscopy showed no obvious recurrence in the operative area, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested recurrence. The patient refused partial cystectomy, and the ureteral stent was removed. Lesson: The clinical manifestations of bladder amyloidosis are nonspecific, and under cystoscopy can be easily confused with bladder tumors. Accurate diagnosis of bladder amyloidosis relies on histopathology. Transurethral resection of bladder tumors or partial cystectomy is an option for surgical treatment; the latter should be performed if the ureteral opening is involved.
Usability of the GAIMplank Video Game Controller for People With Mobility Impairments: Observational Study

Background Replacing sedentary behaviors during leisure time with active video gaming has been shown to be an enjoyable option for increasing physical activity. However, most off-the-shelf active video gaming controllers are not accessible or usable for individuals with mobility impairments. To address this requirement, a universal video game controller (called the GAIMplank) was designed and developed. Objective This study aimed to assess the usability of the GAIMplank video game controller for playing PC video games among individuals with mobility impairments. Measures of enjoyment, perceived exertion, and qualitative data on the user experience were also examined. Methods Adults (aged 18-75 years) with a mobility impairment were recruited to participate in a single testing session in the laboratory. Before testing began, basic demographic information, along with minutes of weekday and weekend physical activity, minutes of weekday and weekend video game play, and video game play experience were collected. The GAIMplank was mapped to operate as a typical joystick controller. Depending on their comfort and functional ability, participants chose to play seated in a chair, standing, or in their own manual wheelchair. Leaning movements of the trunk created corresponding action in the game (ie, lean right to move right). The participants played a total of 5 preselected video games for approximately 5 minutes each. Data were collected to assess the usability of the GAIMplank, along with self-efficacy regarding execution of game play actions, rating of perceived exertion and enjoyment for each game, and overall qualitative feedback. Results A total of 21 adults (n=15, 71% men; n=6, 29% women) completed the usability testing, with a mean age of 48.8 (SD 13.8; range 21-73) years. Overall, 38% (8/21) of adults played while standing, 33% (7/21) of adults played while seated in a chair, and 29% (6/21) played in their own manual wheelchair. Scores from the System Usability Scale indicated above average (74.8, SD 14.5) usability, with scores best for those who played seated in a chair, followed by those standing, and then individuals who played seated in their own wheelchairs. Inconsistencies in the responsiveness of the controller and general feedback for minor improvements were documented. Rating of perceived exertion scores ranged from light to moderate intensity, with the highest scores for those who played seated in a chair. Participants rated their experience with playing each game from above average to very enjoyable. Conclusions The GAIMplank video game controller was found to be usable and accessible, providing an enjoyable option for light-to-moderate intensity exercise among adults with mobility impairments. Minor issues with inconsistencies in controller responsiveness were also recorded. Following further development and refinement, the next phase will include a pilot exercise intervention using the GAIMplank system.
Biliary epithelial cells are facultative liver stem cells during liver regeneration in adult zebrafish

The liver is a highly regenerative organ, yet the presence of a dedicated stem cell population remains controversial. Here, we interrogate a severe hepatocyte injury model in adult zebrafish to define that regeneration involves a stem cell population. After near-total hepatocyte ablation, single-cell transcriptomic and high-resolution imaging analyses throughout the entire regenerative timeline reveal that biliary epithelial cells undergo transcriptional and morphological changes to become hepatocytes. As a population, biliary epithelial cells give rise to both hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. Biliary epithelial cells proliferate and dedifferentiate to express hepatoblast transcription factors prior to hepatocyte differentiation. This process is characterized by increased MAPK, PI3K, and mTOR signaling, and chemical inhibition of these pathways impairs biliary epithelial cell proliferation and fate conversion. We conclude that, upon severe hepatocyte ablation in the adult liver, biliary epithelial cells act as facultative liver stem cells in an EGFR-PI3K-mTOR–dependent manner.