Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Necessity for the conservation of drainage systems as last refugia for threatened damselfly species, Coenagrion ornatum

Small streams and rivulets in agricultural landscapes are among the most threatened habitats throughout Europe. Many species occurring primarily within these habitats are listed in the EC Habitats and Species Directive. One example is the damselfly Coenagrion ornatum, which was rediscovered during the last decade in the Elbe Valley (Czech Republic) after more than 40 years. The occurrence of this species, however, was observed only at highly altered sites. Several management attempts, unfortunately, had led to the local extinction instead of strengthening of existing populations, precisely because they ignored the habitat preferences of the target species. This study analysed the effects of several physiochemical and environmental characteristics of 30 ditch segments in relation to the presence and abundance of C. ornatum. The occurrence of C. ornatum was found to be positively correlated with the diversity of macrophyte vegetation and negatively with shading. Populations of C. ornatum occurred mostly in smaller, well‐warmed sections of channel, while the species clearly avoided those sections with gravel or concrete substrates. The results indicate that under certain circumstances, the ongoing utilisation of channels particularly for drainage accords with the objectives of protecting this species and could substitute for routine conservation management activities. Supplementary effective management should focus on removing overgrowing vegetation, eliminating such negative interventions to the channel as strengthening the stream bed, and encouraging the development of rich vegetation along the watercourses (e.g. by establishing buffers or overflows).
Reactions to male-favouring versus female-favouring sex differences: A pre-registered experiment and Southeast Asian replication.

Two studies investigated (1) how people react to research describing a sex difference, depending on whether that difference favours males or females, and (2) how accurately people can predict how the average man and woman will react. In Study 1, Western participants (N = 492) viewed a fictional popular-science article describing either a male-favouring or a female-favouring sex difference (i.e., men/women draw better; women/men lie more). Both sexes reacted less positively to the male-favouring differences, judging the findings to be less important, less credible, and more offensive, harmful, and upsetting. Participants predicted that the average man and woman would react more positively to sex differences favouring their own sex. This was true of the average woman, although the level of own-sex favouritism was lower than participants predicted. It was not true, however, of the average man, who - like the average woman - reacted more positively to the female-favouring differences. Study 2 replicated these findings in a Southeast Asian sample (N = 336). Our results are consistent with the idea that both sexes are more protective of women than men, but that both exaggerate the level of same-sex favouritism within each sex - a misconception that could potentially harm relations between the sexes.
Wi-SL: Contactless Fine-Grained Gesture Recognition Uses Channel State Information

In recent years, with the development of wireless sensing technology and the widespread popularity of WiFi devices, human perception based on WiFi has become possible, and gesture recognition has become an active topic in the field of human-computer interaction. As a kind of gesture, sign language is widely used in life. The establishment of an effective sign language recognition system can help people with aphasia and hearing impairment to better interact with the computer and facilitate their daily life. For this reason, this paper proposes a contactless fine-grained gesture recognition method using Channel State Information (CSI), namely Wi-SL. This method uses a commercial WiFi device to establish the correlation mapping between the amplitude and phase difference information of the subcarrier level in the wireless signal and the sign language action, without requiring the user to wear any device. We combine an efficient denoising method to filter environmental interference with an effective selection of optimal subcarriers to reduce the computational cost of the system. We also use K-means combined with a Bagging algorithm to optimize the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification (KSB) model to enhance the classification of sign language action data. We implemented the algorithms and evaluated them for three different scenarios. The experimental results show that the average accuracy of Wi-SL gesture recognition can reach 95.8%, which realizes device-free, non-invasive, high-precision sign language gesture recognition.
Colour patterns and pigmentation variability on striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba in north-western Mediterranean Sea

Studies on differences in external morphology and pigmentation patterns were historically carried out using stranded individuals or opportunistic sightings; few studies have involved sampling systematically free-ranging individuals. In order to investigate and describe main pigmentation characteristics, outlining ‘typical’ regional pigmentations, this work analysed systematic photographic information taken on free-ranging striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba. Photographs of dolphins in the Ligurian Sea were collected between May 2004 and December 2006. All individuals were described by the presence/absence of pigmentation variables and by differences in colour shades. The frequency of all the pigmentation variables analysed is stable in the population (10 ‘gene’ variables, 19 ‘allele’ variables), and remains similar between each different group of dolphins. But population presents widespread pigmentation variability between specimens, allowing identification even at single individual level. Cluster analysis also found that the majority of the pigmentations derive from two main colour patterns, called ‘mat’ and ‘pale’ patterns (fmat = 0.68; fpale = 0.12). The Bray–Curtis index showed a high variability of the intra-group pigmentation distance between groups. This resulted in a positive correlation between group size and ‘intra-group’ pigmentation distance: the distance increases rapidly up to a group size of 40 individuals. According to the results obtained, the striped dolphins seem to be concentrated in small groups in which there is a large phenotypic similarity among individuals. These small units could be associated between them to form temporary large groups observed only in pelagic waters.
TUG is a calpain-10 substrate involved in the translocation of GLUT4 in adipocytes.

The calpain-10 (CAPN10) protease is implicated in the translocation of the glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), which is retained in the Golgi matrix via the Tether containing a UBX domain for GLUT4 (TUG) protein. Insulin stimulation induces the proteolytic processing of TUG, which leads to the translocation of GLUT4 to the cell membrane. We tested whether TUG is a CAPN10 substrate. Proteolysis of TUG by calpains was assessed using a cell-free system containing calpain-1 and TUG. In situ proteolysis of TUG by calpains was demonstrated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the presence of insulin, or calpain inhibitors to modulate calpain activity. Proteolysis of TUG by CAPN10 was confirmed using transient or stable silencing of CAPN10 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Calpains proteolyzed the C-terminus of TUG in vitro. In adipocytes, insulin-induced cleavage of TUG was correlated with the activation of calpains. Treatment with calpain inhibitors reduced TUG cleavage, resulting in impaired GLUT4 translocation without altering Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, CAPN10 but not calpain-1 or calpain-2 colocalized with GLUT4 in the absence of insulin, and their colocalization was reduced after stimulation with insulin. Finally, we demonstrated that CAPN10 knockdown reduced the proteolysis of TUG without altering the phosphorylation of Akt or the expression of the Usp25m protease. Thus, our results provide evidence that the TUG protein is cleaved by CAPN10 to regulate GLUT4 translocation.
Health from the Hive: 5% Propolis Mouth Wash as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Chronic Generalized Gingivitis-A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Gingival diseases affect 80% of the adult population in India and are considered to be plaque initiated inflammatory conditions with the presence of pathogenic bacteria. The term, Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums or gingiva. Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease if left untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Thus it can eventually lead to loss of teeth. It is a well-known fact that all periodontitis are initiated by gingivitis. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of 5% propolis mouth wash in chronic generalized gingivitis and also to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of 5% propolis mouth wash with respect to the chlorhexidine mouth wash. Method: A total of 45 randomly selected patients (lottery method) between the age group of 18-70 years were selected for the study and grouped as follows: Group I with 15 patients who were treated with 5% propolis mouth wash. Group II with 15 patients were treated with chlorhexidine mouth wash controlled group and Group III with 15 patients were treated with normal saline (placebo). Result: The results indicated that there was a significant improvement in clinical parameters (p<0.05) in group 1 at the end of the study. Conclusion: Our study data showed that propolis mouthwash is more effective than other mouth washes on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. The study suggests that propolis can be used as a natural mouthwash, an alternative to chemical mouthwashes, e.g., chlorhexidine.
Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensisδ‐ endotoxins toward the potato aphid in an artificial diet bioassay

Recent investigations indicated that Bacillus thuringiensis delta‐endotoxins (DET) possess aphidicidal activity in an artificial diet bioassay. Crystalline preparations of CryIIA, CryIIIA and CryIVD solubilized in a slightly alkaline sucrose/amino acid diet clearly imparted toxicity toward adults of potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) (Homoptera: Aphididae) after 4–5 days of continuous feeding. No obvious feeding deterrence was noted in these assays, as copious honeydew was produced and aphids often died in a feeding position. CryIIIA which was solubilized in aphid diet, but filtered to remove spores or crystalline toxin lacked aphidicidal activity. Spores from an acrystalliferous strain (EG2205) were not toxic by themselves at 7.75 × 105 spores/ml aphid diet, but did restore toxicity to the filtered CryIIIA solution. Therefore, low levels of spores may be very effective in concert with DET for aphicidal activity. Results also clearly demonstrated that a suspension of crystalline CryIIIA alone, without spores, exhibited toxicity. Therefore, DET may be more toxic to the aphids when imbibed as a fine suspension, perhaps indicating the need for slow solubilization into the aphid midgut.
Analytical methods for defining standclearcut edge effects demonstrated for N mineralization

Edge effects are becoming an important forest management consideration, but information regarding the influence of edges on N cycling variables has not been well documented. In addition, the quantification of edge effects can benefit from the application of complementary spatial analysis methods. Forest floor N mineralization and environmental variables were intensively measured 5 years after harvest along transects crossing the north and south edges of a 1-ha clearcut, in a high-elevation Engelmann spruce  subalpine fir forest. Wavelet analysis and depth-of-edge influence (DEI) methods were used to locate and measure the spatial extent of edge effects on N mineralization. Then variance partitioning (partial redundancy analysis) was used to examine the influence of edges on N mineralization relative to the influence of other environmental factors. Initial NO3-N content and net nitrification markedly increased in the opening within 26 m of each edge. Net ammonification did not exhibit obvious edge-relate.
Impulsivity and Empathy in Dating Violence among a Sample of College Females

The predictive factors of violence between married couples or adolescents are well-known. However, less is known about the factors relating to intimate violence among college students. This study examined sociodemographic variables (age, duration of relationship, and relationship satisfaction), impulsivity, and empathy as predictors of dating violence, using data from 474 female college students from the University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample completed online the Conflict Tactics Scale 2 Short Form, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and the Short Impulsive Behavior Scale. The results indicated a higher prevalence of victimization than perpetration for psychological aggression. The obtained data showed that younger women and those in longer relationships, as well as those unsatisfied with their relationship, are more prone to experience psychological victimization or perpetration. Relationship satisfaction was also shown to be a predictor of physical perpetration causing injury. Impulsivity facets were found to have a differential weight in explaining dating violence. Empathy was shown to be a significant predictor of dating victimization, specifically “perspective taking” for psychological victimization and empathic concern for sexual victimization. These results suggest the need to develop specific interventions and prevention programs focused on relationship satisfaction, impulsivity, and empathy.
Flattening the COVID-19 Curve: The Impact of Contact Restrictions on the Infection Curve in Germany

Although Germany is coping well with the coronavirus crisis, many voices are currently being raised that fundamentally question the success of the contact restriction strategy to contain the virus. I show in this study that there is no justification for such criticism. In fact, contact restrictions have flattened the infection curve and were possibly decisive for the good German performance in the crisis.
Molecular clock analysis on five Bactrocera species flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) based on combination of COI and NADH sequences

This paper marks the first attempt at using the molecular clock analysis on five Malaysian Bactrocera species based on combined data of COI and ND1 to test the divergence times of species that infested 11 varieties of fruits and vegetables. A divergence tree was constructed to estimate the cryptic species among the five closely related Bactrocera species viz. B. (Bactrocera) and B. (Zeugodacus). Both subgenera evolved and diverged approximately 21.5933 million years ago (MYA). The particularly complex taxonomical status of the sister-species B. papayae and B. carambolae has been resolved using the divergence tree; the two separated from the others approximately 2.743 MYA, while B. papayae and B. carambolae distinctly diverged between 1.9619 and 2.2884 MYA. Additionally, Bactrocera dorsalis showed divergence at 4.1596 MYA and was distinctly separate from the B. papayae. Interestingly, the molecular clock results are congruent with the phylogenetic tree that was analysed using Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Inference. Further, the taxonomical status and host utilisation of the five Bactrocera species were also briefly discussed, which indicated that B. cucurbitae (subgenus Zeugodacus) was infesting Cucurbitaceae and B. latifrons was infesting Solanaceaea, while B. dorsalis, B. carambolae and B. papaya were infesting a wide range of fruit species. Key message Divergence time of five Malaysian Bactroceran species is reported for the first time and found congruent with the results of phylogeny based on combined data of COI and ND1 markers using MP and Bayesian analyses. This finding could prove very crucial for resolving the most crucial taxonomic conflicts in Bactrocera classification, which is highly important initially in species identification for integrated pest management (IPM) programme.
Design and Simulation of an Integrated Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for CTCs Separation and Cell Lysis

Separation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood samples and subsequent DNA extraction from these cells play a crucial role in cancer research and drug discovery. Microfluidics is a versatile technology that has been applied to create niche solutions to biomedical applications, such as cell separation and mixing, droplet generation, bioprinting, and organs on a chip. Centrifugal microfluidic biochips created on compact disks show great potential in processing biological samples for point of care diagnostics. This study investigates the design and numerical simulation of an integrated microfluidic device, including a cell separation unit for isolating CTCs from a blood sample and a micromixer unit for cell lysis on a rotating disk platform. For this purpose, an inertial microfluidic device was designed for the separation of target cells by using contraction–expansion microchannel arrays. Additionally, a micromixer was incorporated to mix separated target cells with the cell lysis chemical reagent to dissolve their membranes to facilitate further assays. Our numerical simulation approach was validated for both cell separation and micromixer units and corroborates existing experimental results. In the first compartment of the proposed device (cell separation unit), several simulations were performed at different angular velocities from 500 rpm to 3000 rpm to find the optimum angular velocity for maximum separation efficiency. By using the proposed inertial separation approach, CTCs, were successfully separated from white blood cells (WBCs) with high efficiency (~90%) at an angular velocity of 2000 rpm. Furthermore, a serpentine channel with rectangular obstacles was designed to achieve a highly efficient micromixer unit with high mixing quality (~98%) for isolated CTCs lysis at 2000 rpm.
Approaches to Dose Finding in Neonates, Illustrating the Variability between Neonatal Drug Development Programs

Drug dosing in neonates should be based on integrated knowledge concerning the disease to be treated, the physiological characteristics of the neonate, and the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of a given drug. It is critically important that all sources of information be leveraged to optimize dose selection for neonates. Sources may include data from adult studies, pediatric studies, non-clinical (juvenile) animal models, in vitro studies, and in silico models. Depending on the drug development program, each of these modalities could be used to varying degrees and with varying levels of confidence to guide dosing. This paper aims to illustrate the variability between neonatal drug development programs for neonatal diseases that are similar to those seen in other populations (meropenem), neonatal diseases related but not similar to pediatric or adult populations (clopidogrel, thyroid hormone), and diseases unique to neonates (caffeine, surfactant). Extrapolation of efficacy from older children or adults to neonates is infrequently used. Even if a disease process is similar between neonates and children or adults, such as with anti-infectives, additional dosing and safety information will be necessary for labeling, recognizing that dosing in neonates is confounded by maturational PK in addition to body size.
The current status of biological treatment for uveitis

ABSTRACT Introduction Noninfectious uveitis represents one of the leading causes of blindness in developed Countries, compromising patients’ quality of life and social functioning. The main treatment goals are the control of ocular inflammation, to avert and treat sight-threatening complications, thus preserving and/or restoring visual function. Areas covered This manuscript deals with systemic therapy with biologic drugs for noninfectious uveitis. An extensive literature search in the MEDLINE database (via PubMed) has been performed up to June 2020. The major classes of biologic molecules employed in ocular inflammatory diseases have been reviewed, focusing on TNF inhibitors, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23 inhibitors, interferons, rituximab, and abatacept efficacy and safety. An overview of most recent developments in the field has been provided as well, with reference to the experience with JAK inhibitors and with biosimilar drugs. Expert opinion The development of the concept of targeted therapy and the subsequent introduction of biologic molecules in clinical practice have revolutionized the prognosis of uveitis. The target of a rapid and sustained steroid-free remission of ocular inflammation should be pursued for all patients early in the disease course, in order to have a better chance to improve the final visual outcome.
Body mass as a predictive variable of home-range size among Italian mammals and birds

The existence of allometric relationships between home-range size and body mass was tested for 34 Italian mammals and 106 Italian birds. These allometries were investigated in relation to a carnivorous, omnivorous or herbivorous diet and, in the case of birds, also territoriality. Initially, non-phylogenetic comparative analyses were undertaken by fitting general linear models to data on average home-range size and average body mass obtained from the literature. Then, two phylogenetic trees for the studied species of mammals and birds were reconstructed and phylogenetic independent contrasts were applied in order to determine the influence of phylogeny on these relationships. For mammals, the type of diet proved to be a determining factor in defining the relationship between home-range size and body mass. Significant allometries were found with both conventional and phylogenetic analyses in all trophic groups. The results emphasized the importance of the spatial distribution of resources in understanding these allometries. For birds, conventional analysis showed significant relationships between home-range size and body mass, and pointed to the importance of both diet and territorial systems in understanding these allometries. After controlling for phylogeny, significant allometries were found only for those birds for which information on the size of their feeding territory was available. Regardless of the complexity of factors influencing the home-range size of a species, the outcomes of this study support the notion of the existence of an allometry between home-range size and body mass among Italian mammals and birds, suggesting that further developments of this area of investigation may prove worthwhile.