Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated Bayesian Approaches Shed Light on the Dissemination Routes of the Eurasian Grapevine Germplasm

The domestication and spreading of grapevine as well as the gene flow history had been described in many studies. We used a high-quality 7k SNP dataset of 1,038 Eurasian grape varieties with unique profiles to assess the population genetic diversity, structure, and relatedness, and to infer the most likely migration events. Comparisons of putative scenarios of gene flow throughout Europe from Caucasus helped to fit the more reliable migration routes around the Mediterranean Basin. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach made possible to provide a response to several questions so far remaining unsolved. Firstly, the assessment of genetic diversity and population structure within a well-covered dataset of ancient Italian varieties suggested the different histories between the Northern and Southern Italian grapevines. Moreover, Italian genotypes were shown to be distinguishable from all the other Eurasian populations for the first time. The entire Eurasian panel confirmed the east-to-west gene flow, highlighting the Greek role as a “bridge” between the Western and Eastern Eurasia. Portuguese germplasm showed a greater proximity to French varieties than the Spanish ones, thus being the main route for gene flow from Iberian Peninsula to Central Europe. Our findings reconciled genetic and archaeological data for one of the most cultivated and fascinating crops in the world.
On-Device detection of sentence completion for voice assistants with low-memory footprint

Sentence completion detection (SCD) is an important task for various downstream Natural Language Processing (NLP) based applications. For NLP based applications, which use the Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) from third parties as a service, SCD is essential to prevent unnecessary processing. Conventional approaches for SCD operate within the confines of sentence boundary detection using language models or sentence end detection using speech and text features. These have limitations in terms of relevant available data for training, performance within the memory and latency constraints, and the generalizability across voice assistant domains. In this paper, we propose a novel sentence completion detection method with low memory footprint for On-Device applications. We explore various sequence-level and sentence-level experiments using state-of-the-art Bi-LSTM and BERT based models for English language.
The Spatial Network Contagion of Environmental Risks Among Countries Along the Belt and Road Initiative

Under the tide of global economic integration with aggravated environmental risks caused by intensive human activities, the spatial network correlation of environmental risks has become intensified. The close exchange of activities among the countries under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will especially feel this contagion of environmental risks. Given this situation, this article analyzes the environmental risk contagion relations among the BRI countries and the characteristics of their network structure by using social network analysis (SNA). A block model is used to analyze the spatial clustering characteristics of the environmental risk contagion. Specifically, the driving factors of environmental risk contagion are analyzed through the quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) of SNA. The results of this article provide some references for the BRI to reduce the environmental risks and jointly control the environmental risk contagion, so as to assist in the promotion of a green silk road.
Stillbirth Among Patients With Diabetes in Pregnancy in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: Maternal diabetes mellitus and the resulting adverse fetal outcomes including stillbirth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are high. Thus, setting specific evidence is pivotal to plan, evaluate, and improve national preventive measures and to achieve international sustainable development goals. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was the first of its kind to estimate the pooled prevalence of stillbirth and its determinants among diabetic mothers in Ethiopia. Methods: Primary studies were exhaustively searched using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases, and gray literature found in Addis Ababa and Haramaya University online repositories was accessed. Eligible studies were selected and critically appraised for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal checklist. The overall prevalence of stillbirth among diabetic mothers was estimated using a weighted inverse random-effect model. I2 statistic was used for evidence of heterogeneity. Egger's test and funnel plot were used to check the presence of publication bias. Results: The pooled prevalence of stillbirth among diabetic mothers was 2.39 [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.20, 4.97]. Being a housewife [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.26, 3.23], maternal age of <30 years [AOR = 2.08 (95% CI: 1.02, 3.13)], and gestational age of <37 completed weeks [AOR = 9.76 (95% CI: 7.83, 11.70)] increased the risk of stillbirth among diabetic mothers. Conclusions: The national pooled prevalence of stillbirth among diabetic mothers was 2.39%. Maternal age of <30 years, gestational age of <37 completed weeks, and being a housewife were significantly associated with stillbirth. Trial registration: PROSPERO 2020: CRD4202016774.
I-V Curves of an Apigenin Dye and Their Analysis by a New Parabolic Function

A new parabolic function for I-V curves’ analysis has been proposed. The new “analytical tool” provides a simple way to describe photophysical processes at an approximately monolayer surface of a dye-sensitized solar cell. It may now be possible to estimate factors such as hole–electron recombination, surface defects, and electron diffusion at the semiconductor layer. The theoretical approach that was previously reported by our group for predicting the photovoltaic performance of potential dye sensitizers has also been validated. The experimental photovoltaic and DFT/TD-DFT data of apigenin and those of the highly rated black dyes were used for the validation.
Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies POLR2I as a Key Gene in the Pathogenesis of Hypertensive Nephropathy

Hypertensive nephropathy (HN), mainly caused by chronic hypertension, is one of the major causes of end-stage renal disease. However, the pathogenesis of HN remains unclarified, and there is an urgent need for improved treatments. Gene expression profiles for HN and normal tissue were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A total of 229 differentially co-expressed genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis and differential gene expression analysis. These genes were used to construct protein–protein interaction networks to search for hub genes. Following validation in an independent external dataset and in a clinical database, POLR2I, one of the hub genes, was identified as a key gene related to the pathogenesis of HN. The expression level of POLR2I is upregulated in HN, and the up-regulation of POLR2I is positively correlated with renal function in HN. Finally, we verified the protein levels of POLR2I in vivo to confirm the accuracy of our analysis. In conclusion, our study identified POLR2I as a key gene related to the pathogenesis of HN, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HN.
A Multilayer Graph Approach for Predicting Computer Network Cyber-attacks

Today's society is heavily oriented towards digitalization, which increasingly affects the management of cities and services. This process is performed through the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm, from which arise problems related to security. In this scenario, based on the continuous exchange of information on the network, an increasingly significant role is played by systems able to guarantee data security. Protecting the modern Computer Networks could be a very complex task. In this paper, a methodology based on three graphic models (Context Dimension Tree, Ontology and Bayesian Network) is proposed. Three different models are used which use context representation and probabilistic approaches to predict cyber-attacks. The paper proposes, in fact, the use of Bayesian networks built through an ontological definition of the problem dropped on a certain context represented by a Context Dimension Tree. The proposed approach has been experimented in a real scenario providing satisfactory results
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Acclimation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Against Nitric Oxide Stress

The acclimation mechanism of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to nitric oxide (NO) was studied by exposure to S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a NO donor. Treatment with 0.1 or 0.3 mM SNAP transiently inhibited photosynthesis within 1 h, followed by a recovery, while 1.0 mM SNAP treatment caused irreversible photosynthesis inhibition and mortality. The SNAP effects are avoided in the presence of the NO scavenger, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-l-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO). RNA-seq, qPCR, and biochemical analyses were conducted to decode the metabolic shifts under NO stress by exposure to 0.3 mM SNAP in the presence or absence of 0.4 mM cPTIO. These findings revealed that the acclimation to NO stress comprises a temporally orchestrated implementation of metabolic processes: (1). modulation of NADPH oxidase (respiratory burst oxidase-like 2, RBOL2) and ROS signaling pathways for downstream mechanism regulation, (2). trigger of NO scavenging elements to reduce NO level; (3). prevention of photo-oxidative risk through photosynthesis inhibition and antioxidant defense system induction; (4). acclimation to nitrogen and sulfur shortage; (5). attenuation of transcriptional and translational activity together with degradation of damaged proteins through protein trafficking machinery (ubiquitin, SNARE, and autophagy) and molecular chaperone system for dynamic regulation of protein homeostasis. In addition, the expression of the gene encoding NADPH oxidase, RBOL2, showed a transient increase while that of RBOL1 was slightly decreased after NO challenge. It reflects that NADPH oxidase, a regulator in ROS-mediated signaling pathway, may be involved in the responses of Chlamydomonas to NO stress. In conclusion, our findings provide insight into the molecular events underlying acclimation mechanisms in Chlamydomonas to NO stress.
Methyl Jasmonate and Sodium Nitroprusside Jointly Alleviate Cadmium Toxicity in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Plants by Modifying Nitrogen Metabolism, Cadmium Detoxification, and AsA–GSH Cycle

The principal intent of the investigation was to examine the influence of joint application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 10 μM) and a nitric oxide–donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 100 μM) to wheat plants grown under cadmium (Cd as CdCl2, 100 μM) stress. Cd stress suppressed plant growth, chlorophylls (Chl), and PSII maximum efficiency (Fv/Fm), but it elevated leaf and root Cd, and contents of leaf proline, phytochelatins, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide, as well as the activity of lipoxygenase. MeJA and SNP applied jointly or singly improved the concentrations of key antioxidant biomolecules, e.g., reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid and the activities of the key oxidative defense system enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, dehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase. Exogenously applied MeJA and SNP jointly or singly also improved nitrogen metabolism by activating the activities of glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, and nitrate and nitrite reductases. Compared with individual application of MeJA or SNP, the combined application of both showed better effect in terms of improving plant growth and key metabolic processes and reducing tissue Cd content, suggesting a putative interactive role of both compounds in alleviating Cd toxicity in wheat plants. Main findings The main findings are that exogenous application of methyl jasmonate and nitric oxide–donor sodium nitroprusside alleviated the cadmium (Cd)–induced adverse effects on growth of wheat plants grown under Cd by modulating key physiological processes and up-regulating enzymatic antioxidants and the ascorbic acid–glutathione cycle–related enzymes.
Chronic, Multi-Site Recordings Supported by Two Low-Cost, Stationary Probe Designs Optimized to Capture Either Single Unit or Local Field Potential Activity in Behaving Rats

Rodent models of cognitive behavior have greatly contributed to our understanding of human neuropsychiatric disorders. However, to elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings of such disorders or impairments, animal models are more useful when paired with methods for measuring brain function in awake, behaving animals. Standard tools used for systems-neuroscience level investigations are not optimized for large-scale and high-throughput behavioral battery testing due to various factors including cost, time, poor longevity, and selective targeting limited to measuring only a few brain regions at a time. Here we describe two different “user-friendly” methods for building extracellular electrophysiological probes that can be used to measure either single units or local field potentials in rats performing cognitive tasks. Both probe designs leverage several readily available, yet affordable, commercial products to facilitate ease of production and offer maximum flexibility in terms of brain-target locations that can be scalable (32–64 channels) based on experimental needs. Our approach allows neural activity to be recorded simultaneously with behavior and compared between micro (single unit) and more macro (local field potentials) levels of brain activity in order to gain a better understanding of how local brain regions and their connected networks support cognitive functions in rats. We believe our novel probe designs make collecting electrophysiology data easier and will begin to fill the gap in knowledge between basic and clinical research.
The Institutional Dimension of Integration in Marine Spatial Planning: The Case of the Dutch North Sea Dialogues and Agreement

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) literature identifies various dimensions of integration to deal with fragmented, sectoral, and ad hoc approaches to managing various uses offshore. However, the spatial dimension of MSP has receded into the background, the dimensions of integration remain ill-defined, and there is a lack of appreciation for the institutional changes that these integration efforts induce and require. Moreover, in light of the urgency of energy transition, offshore wind farms (OWF) are often prioritized over other interests in MSP practice. This paper uses the case of the Dutch North Sea Dialogues (NSD) to explore to what extent actors during the NSD pursued formal and informal institutional change to progress the various dimensions of integration in line with the normative principles of MSP to improve spatial integration between OWF and other interests at sea. The NSD provided an, initially temporary, platform that proved key for stakeholders to pursue subsequent formal and informal institutional changes that progressed integration in MSP. While formal institutional changes were achieved during the NSD, informal institutional changes also proved fundamental in progressing various dimensions of integration. The NSD shows that incremental institutional change can be effective in progressing integration, but also shows the limits to this approach. The place-based and temporal dimensions of integration require additional attention because this is where stakeholders most notably rely on existing institutional frameworks and conflicts are most prominent.
New Contributions to the Diversity of Hypotrichous Ciliates: Description of a New Genus and Two New Species (Protozoa, Ciliophora)

Ciliated protists (ciliates) are extremely diverse and play important ecological roles in almost all kinds of habitats. In this study, two new hypotrichs, Wilbertophrya sinica n. g. and n. sp. and Bakuella xianensis n. sp. , from China are investigated. Wilbertophrya n. g. can be separated from related genera mainly by the combination of lacking a buccal cirrus, pretransverse cirri, and caudal cirri, while possessing frontoterminal cirri. Analyses based on morphological and molecular data confirm the validity of the species, W. sinica n. sp. , which is characterized as follows: body 50–115 μm × 15–35 μm in vivo; midventral complex comprises four or five cirral pairs only and terminates above mid-body; three frontal, two frontoterminal cirri, and two to four transverse cirri; about 15 macronuclear nodules; colorless cortical granules sparsely distributed. Another new species, B. xianensis n. sp. , was isolated from a freshwater wetland and is defined as follows: body 115–150 μm × 40–65 μm in vivo; about 70 macronuclear nodules; dark-brownish cortical granules in groups; midventral complex comprises 8–12 cirral pairs forming a row that terminates posteriorly in mid-body region and two or three short midventral rows that are continuous with the row of midventral pairs; three frontal, four to six frontoterminal, and three to five fine transverse cirri; three bipolar dorsal kineties. Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequence data suggest that the new genus Wilbertophrya n. g. belongs to an isolated clade, which might represent an undescribed taxon at the family level, whereas B. xianensis n. sp. groups with several congeners and members of other related genera are within the core urostylids.
From Believing to Doing: The Association Between Leadership Self-Efficacy and the Developmental Leadership Model

The current study examined the association between leadership self-efficacy and the developmental leadership model. The purpose was to better understand how leadership training transfers to facets of developmental leadership. This was tested in a cross-sectional design with military commanders in the Swedish Armed Forces. The results show that the sub-domain of leader self-control efficacy (the cognitive and emotional ability to remain composure) did not predict developmental leadership, but that leader assertiveness efficacy (the ability to make rational decisions) predicted the two dimensions of the exemplary model, and inspiration and motivation in the developmental leadership model. One possibility is that leader self-control efficacy can be what enables the individual to function within an extreme context, but leader assertiveness efficacy can be what most determines the leadership performance within that context. The possibility for mediatory analyses in further research is discussed.
In vitro Effect of Harmine Alkaloid and Its N-Methyl Derivatives Against Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent and neglected zoonotic global diseases caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The current pharmacological treatments show clinical limitations, and therefore, the search for new drugs is an urgent need in order to eradicate this infection. Due to their intrinsic biological activities, β-carboline (βC) alkaloids might represent a good alternative that deserves further investigations. In this context, the in vitro anti-T. gondii activity of three βCs, harmine (1), 2-methyl-harminium (2), and 9-methyl-harmine (3), was evaluated herein. Briefly, the three alkaloids exerted direct effects on the parasite invasion and/or replication capability. Replication rates of intracellular treated tachyzoites were also affected in a dose-dependent manner, at noncytotoxic concentrations for host cells. Additionally, cell cycle analysis revealed that both methyl-derivatives 2 and 3 induce parasite arrest in S/M phases. Compound 3 showed the highest irreversible parasite growth inhibition, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 1.8 ± 0.2 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 17.2 at 4 days post infection. Due to high replication rates, tachyzoites are frequently subjected to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). This highly toxic lesion triggers a series of DNA damage response reactions, starting with a kinase cascade that phosphorylates a large number of substrates, including the histone H2A.X to lead the early DSB marker γH2A.X. Western blot studies showed that basal expression of γH2A.X was reduced in the presence of 3. Interestingly, the typical increase in γH2A.X levels produced by camptothecin (CPT), a drug that generates DSB, was not observed when CPT was co-administered with 3. These findings suggest that 3 might disrupt Toxoplasma DNA damage response.
A New High-Throughput-Screening-Assay for Photoantimicrobials Based on EUCAST Revealed Unknown Photoantimicrobials in Cortinariaceae

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest health and subsequent economic threat humanity faces. Next to massive global awareness campaigns, governments and NGOs alike stress the need for new innovative strategies to treat microbial infections. One of such innovative strategies is the photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) in which the synergistic effects of photons and drugs are exploited. While many promising reports are available, PACT – and especially the drug-design part behind – is still in its infancy. Common best-practice rules, such as the EUCAST or CLSI protocols for classic antibiotics as well as high-throughput screenings, are missing, and this, in turn, hampers the identification of hit structures. Hit-like structures might come from synthetic approaches or from natural sources. They are identified via activity-guided synthesis or isolation strategies. As source for new antimicrobials, fungi are highly ranked. They share the same ecological niche with many other microbes and consequently established chemical strategies to combat with the others. Recently, in members of the Cortinariaceae, especially of the subgenus Dermocybe, photoactive metabolites were detected. To study their putative photoantimicrobial effect, a photoantimicrobial high-throughput screening (HTS) based on The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) was established. After validation, the established HTS was used to evaluate a sample set containing six colorful representatives from the genus Cortinarius (i.e., Cortinarius callisteus, C. rufo-olivaceus, C. traganus, C. trivialis, C. venetus, and C. xanthophyllus). The assay is built on a uniform, light-emitting diode (LED)-based light irradiation across a 96-well microtiter plate, which was achieved by a pioneering arrangement of the LEDs. The validation of the assay was accomplished with well-known photoactive drugs, so-called photosensitizers, utilizing six distinct emission wavelengths (λexc = 428, 478, 523, 598, or 640 nm) and three microbial strains (Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli). Evaluating the extracts of six Cortinarius species revealed two highly promising species, i.e., C. rufo-olivaceus and C. xanthophyllus. Extracts from the latter were photoactive against the Gram-positive S. aureus (c = 7.5 μg/ml, H = 30 J/cm2, λ = 478 nm) and the fungus C. albicans (c = 75 μg/ml, H = 30 J/cm2, λ = 478 nm).