Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE MORPHOLOGY AND COMPOSITION OF ISOLATED PLANT CUTICLES

Summary The morphology of the inner and outer surfaces of cuticular membranes of mono- and dicotyledonous leaves and fruits was studied with the scanning electron microscope. Variations in surface structure are related to differences in thickness and composition of the membranes. Delicate leaf membranes have fine ridges and simple stomata, well-developed membranes, thick V-shaped ridges and heavily cutinized stomata. Fruit membranes show deep ridges and extensive secondary cutinization. The most heavily cutinized structures occur in membranes which yield high proportions of 10,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic or 9,10,18-trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid which suggests that the membrane thickness and the complexity of the structural features are associated with the degree of hydroxylation of the constituent cutin acids. The relationship between the structure and composition of the cuticular membrane and the type and growth habit of the plant is discussed.
To leave or not to leave? Understanding the support for the United Kingdom membership in the European Union: Identity, attitudes towards the political system and socio-economic status

This article proposes a decision model of the British support for leaving the European Union (EU) that includes both identity aspirations, attitudes towards the political system and economic interest and test it on the Understanding Society 6th, 7th and 8th surveys. Current studies tend to interpret the British Euroscepticism as a combination of attachment to British identity, lack of economic opportunities and dissatisfaction with the political class. Using this approach where factors are additive, it is not possible to account for the substantial portion of socio-economically advantaged individuals which prefer to leave the EU, and for those who, despite their low attachment to their British identity, the relatively high educational level and satisfaction with domestic democracy, prefer to leave the EU. I use a theoretical approach which considers both economic and cultural considerations as rational considerations and conceptualise their interaction in terms of trade off. I use classification tree analysis to evaluate the relative importance of the main explanatory factors and of their interaction. The results show that the negative evaluation of the political system makes certain groups, which otherwise tend to support European integration, lean towards Euroscepticism. It helps to explain the Euroscepticism of those who are less attached to their British identity and of advantaged classes. The results have also showed that anti-establishment attitudes are not associated with disadvantaged socio-economic groups. The dissatisfaction with domestic democracy is relevant mostly for the advantaged classes, and the lack of political efficacy affects equally the attitudes of advantaged and disadvantaged groups. Last, disadvantaged groups’ support for European integration is driven by identity aspirations not by economic interest.
PARALLEL PHYLOGENIES: RECONSTRUCTING THE HISTORY OF HOST‐PARASITE ASSEMBLAGES

Abstract— A method for reconstructing the history of a host‐parasite assemblage is described. This method has the advantage of making explicit the relationship between the host and parasite trees, and it allows a visually intuitive representation of that history. It also enables host switches to be incorporated as an explanation of the observed pattern of host‐parasite associations, without the spurious overestimates of the number of host switches that can be obtained using Brooks parsimony analysis (BPA). Reconstructions that maximize the number of cospeciation events have the greatest explanatory power and are hence preferred over reconstructions with fewer cospeciation events. A heuristic algorithm to find a single maximal reconstruction, and an exact algorithm to find all such reconstructions are presented. Two empirical applications of the method are given.
Detecting new generations of threats using attribute-based attack graphs

In recent years, the increase in cyber threats has raised many concerns about security and privacy in the digital world. However, new attack methods are often limited to a few core techniques. Here, in order to detect new threat patterns, the authors use an attack graph structure to model unprecedented network traffic. This graph for the unknown attack is matched to a pre-known threat database, which contains attack graphs related to each known threat. The main challenge is to associate unknown traffics to a family of known threats. For this, the authors utilise random walks and pattern theorem. The authors utilise the pattern theorem and apply it to a set of proposed algorithms for detecting new generations of malicious traffics. Under the assumption of having a proper threat database, the authors argue that for each unknown threat, which belongs to a family of threats, it is possible to find at least one matching pattern with high matching rate and sensitivity.
Single-Particle Tracking with Scanning Non-Linear Microscopy

This study describes the adaptation of non-linear microscopy for single-particle tracking (SPT), a method commonly used in biology with single-photon fluorescence. Imaging moving objects with non-linear microscopy raises difficulties due to the scanning process of the acquisitions. The interest of the study is based on the balance between all the experimental parameters (objective, resolution, frame rate) which need to be optimized to record long trajectories with the best accuracy and frame rate. To evaluate the performance of the setup for SPT, several basic estimation methods are used and adapted to the new detection process. The covariance-based estimator (CVE) seems to be the best way to evaluate the diffusion coefficient from trajectories using the specific factors of motion blur and localization error.
COVID-19 Global Risk: Expectation vs. Reality

Background and Objective: COVID-19 has engulfed the entire world, with many countries struggling to contain the pandemic. In order to understand how each country is impacted by the virus compared with what would have been expected prior to the pandemic and the mortality risk on a global scale, a multi-factor weighted spatial analysis is presented. Method: A number of key developmental indicators across three main categories of demographics, economy, and health infrastructure were used, supplemented with a range of dynamic indicators associated with COVID-19 as independent variables. Using normalised COVID-19 mortality on 13 May 2020 as a dependent variable, a linear regression (N = 153 countries) was performed to assess the predictive power of the various indicators. Results: The results of the assessment show that when in combination, dynamic and static indicators have higher predictive power to explain risk variation in COVID-19 mortality compared with static indicators alone. Furthermore, as of 13 May 2020 most countries were at a similar or lower risk level than what would have been expected pre-COVID, with only 44/153 countries experiencing a more than 20% increase in mortality risk. The ratio of elderly emerges as a strong predictor but it would be worthwhile to consider it in light of the family makeup of individual countries. Conclusion: In conclusion, future avenues of data acquisition related to COVID-19 are suggested. The paper concludes by discussing the ability of various factors to explain COVID-19 mortality risk. The ratio of elderly in combination with the dynamic variables associated with COVID-19 emerge as more significant risk predictors in comparison to socio-economic and demographic indicators.
Measurement Invariance of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) Across Seven Cross-National Representative Samples

The aim of this study was to investigate the measurement invariance of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) across seven cross-national representative samples. In this study, burnout was modeled as a second-order factor in line with the conceptual definition as a syndrome. The combined sample consisted of 10,138 participants from countries in Europe and Japan. The data were treated as ordered categorical in nature and a series of models were tested to find evidence for invariance. Specifically, theta parameterization was used in conjunction with the weighted least squares (mean- and variance adjusted) estimation method. The results showed supportive evidence that BAT-assessed burnout was invariant across the samples, so that cross-country comparison would be justifiable. Comparison of effect sizes of the latent means between countries showed that Japan had a significantly higher score on overall burnout and all the first-order factors compared to the European countries. The European countries all scored similarly on overall burnout with no significant difference but for some minor differences in first-order factors between some of the European countries. All in all, the analyses of the data provided evidence that the BAT is invariant across the countries for meaningful comparisons of burnout scores.
Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) revisited: A survey on current impression and practice in New Zealand

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The effectiveness of signs at restricting vehicle traffic: a case of seasonal closures on forest access roads

We assessed the effectiveness of signs that temporally restrict vehicle traffic on forest access roads in northeastern Ontario. The signs specifically prohibit vehicle use of roads in proximity to lakes with remote (i.e., floatplane accessible) tourism during the first 2 weeks of the regular (i.e., rifles, shotguns, and muzzle-loaders) moose (Alces alces) hunting season. Vehicle use in restricted areas was measured by counts from traffic monitoring devices during the first 4 weeks of the hunting season (2 weeks during and 2 weeks after the restriction) at 14 sites with signs and another 14 sites without signs. The results suggest that these signs limit some, but not all, traffic in areas during the first 2 weeks of moose hunting. The estimated noncompliance rate with signs was 11.7% with a 95% confidence interval of 4.5% to 24.7%.
The ups and downs of ectoine: structural enzymology of a major microbial stress protectant and versatile nutrient

Abstract Ectoine and its derivative 5-hydroxyectoine are compatible solutes and chemical chaperones widely synthesized by Bacteria and some Archaea as cytoprotectants during osmotic stress and high- or low-growth temperature extremes. The function-preserving attributes of ectoines led to numerous biotechnological and biomedical applications and fostered the development of an industrial scale production process. Synthesis of ectoines requires the expenditure of considerable energetic and biosynthetic resources. Hence, microorganisms have developed ways to exploit ectoines as nutrients when they are no longer needed as stress protectants. Here, we summarize our current knowledge on the phylogenomic distribution of ectoine producing and consuming microorganisms. We emphasize the structural enzymology of the pathways underlying ectoine biosynthesis and consumption, an understanding that has been achieved only recently. The synthesis and degradation pathways critically differ in the isomeric form of the key metabolite N-acetyldiaminobutyric acid (ADABA). γ-ADABA serves as preferred substrate for the ectoine synthase, while the α-ADABA isomer is produced by the ectoine hydrolase as an intermediate in catabolism. It can serve as internal inducer for the genetic control of ectoine catabolic genes via the GabR/MocR-type regulator EnuR. Our review highlights the importance of structural enzymology to inspire the mechanistic understanding of metabolic networks at the biological scale.
The significance of coat type in cattle

A system of subjective scoring of cattle coats, ranging from very sleek to very woolly, is described. It has been applied to about 1600 animals, of which 500 were Hereford and Shorthorn cows and the rest their progeny from matings in four years to British breed and Zebu bulls. Consistency of scoring within and between observers is satisfactory. Highly significant differences between animals of the same breed persist through different seasons. The repeatability of coat score is 0.6 or more over intervals of up to 17 months. Effects of season, age, and sex are described. Heritability of coat score is estimated at 0.63. Coat scores are well correlated with body temperatures and respiration rates. Coat score and post-weaning growth rate of British breed calves are correlated to such a degree that coat score can be superior to a record of body weight as an estimate of growth capacity. The genetic correlation between coat score and growth rate is high in the British breeds. Evidence of the relation between coat score and growth rate in Zebu cross calves is inconclusive. The observed relationships are discussed with particular reference to their physiological causes. The results indicate the potential value of coat characters in selecting tropical beef cattle. The degree to which these results may be applicable to other populations in other environments is discussed. It is concluded that a sleek coat is important in favouring heat dissipation, but it may have even greater significance as an indicator of metabolic efficiency or of capacity to react favourably to stress.
Extensor Retinaculum Flap and Fibular Periosteum Ligamentoplasty After Failed Surgery for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Background: The anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament are 2 of the most frequently injured structures in sports, being damaged in 30% to 45% of all sports injuries. Most reconstructive procedures are successful but can deteriorate with time and can lead to low-grade radiographic degeneration. Methods: We operated on 26 consecutive patients from 2001 to 2008 who had failed previous surgical procedures for the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle, with an average of 104 (range, 75-140) months. Results: The overall functional rating was excellent in 14 ankles, good in 10, fair in 1, and poor in 1. Twenty-four patients (92.3%) were satisfied with the procedure and 15 (57.7%) were able to return to their preinjury level of activity. Local complications were detected in 2 patients who presented with skin necrosis; 1 patient developed severe reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Conclusion: Revision surgery for the management of failure after surgical treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability is under debate, and the literature is devoid of clinical studies with long-term follow-up. The technique described offers a high rate of long-term excellent and good results, with a low rate of complications and a good rate of return to preinjury level. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Effects of Habitual Caffeine Intake, Physical Activity Levels, and Sedentary Behavior on the Inflammatory Status in a Healthy Population

Low-grade chronic inflammation is associated with many chronic diseases and pathological conditions. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of regular caffeine intake, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior on the inflammatory status in healthy participants. In total, 112 men and 132 women aged 18 to 55 years and belonging to the staff and student population of the University of the Balearic Islands volunteered to participate in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers were measured. Weight, height, and body composition (bioelectrical impedance) were determined. Caffeine intake, physical activity levels and sitting time, and diet quality were determined using questionnaires. Statistical regression analysis showed that caffeine intake was a negative predictor of C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.001). Body fat percentage was positively associated with CRP (p < 0.001) and inversely associated with adiponectin (p = 0.032) and interleukin (IL)-10 levels (p = 0.001). Visceral fat was the main predictor for IL-6 (p < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p < 0.001). Sitting time was found to be the main, inverse, predictor for IL-10 (p < 0.001), and a positive predictor for TNF-α (p < 0.001). In conclusion, regular caffeine consumption induced very limited anti-inflammatory effects. Sedentary behavior and body fat accumulation induced significant pro-inflammatory effects.
Streptomyces sp. Strain MUSC 125 from Mangrove Soil in Malaysia with Anti-MRSA, Anti-Biofilm and Antioxidant Activities

There is an urgent need to search for new antibiotics to counter the growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, one of which is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Herein, we report a Streptomyces sp. strain MUSC 125 from mangrove soil in Malaysia which was identified using 16S rRNA phylogenetic and phenotypic analysis. The methanolic extract of strain MUSC 125 showed anti-MRSA, anti-biofilm and antioxidant activities. Strain MUSC 125 was further screened for the presence of secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes. Our results indicated that both polyketide synthase (pks) gene clusters, pksI and pksII, were detected in strain MUSC 125 by PCR amplification. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) detected the presence of different chemicals in the methanolic extract. Based on the GC-MS analysis, eight known compounds were detected suggesting their contribution towards the anti-MRSA and anti-biofilm activities observed. Overall, the study bolsters the potential of strain MUSC 125 as a promising source of anti-MRSA and antibiofilm compounds and warrants further investigation.
BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GONADAL INDEX OF THE BLACK OYSTER HYOTISSA HYOTIS (LINNAEUS, 1758) AT ESPIRITU SANTO GULF OF CALIFORNIA

Abstract The monthly variation in the biochemical composition of the digestive gland, the adductor muscle and the gonad and its relationship with the gonadal index (GI) were studied during 2 years in a wild population of Hyotissa hyotis living in the Gulf of California. Protein was the main constituent of the gonad, digestive gland and adductor muscle. Temperature (20°C to 24°C) favored the accumulation of protein in the muscle during gametogenesis. Carbohydrates and lipids were stored in the gonad, digestive gland and adductor muscle during the spring gametogenesis to support the reproduction effort. Three spawning periods were detected, one in the first year and two during the second.
The application of theory-guided oral health interventions in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Objective To explore theory-guided randomized controlled trials aimed at improving adolescents’ oral health and evaluate their effectiveness. Design Multiple library databases with search criteria for articles between 1990 and 2019. Main Outcome Measures Searched references were coded and screened for theory-guided interventions for adolescent oral health. Characteristics of each study (study sample, adopted theory, outcome measures, length of follow-up and main findings) were extracted and the quality of the eligible trials assessed. Effect sizes for theory-guided interventions for different follow-up periods were analysed and compared with traditional oral health education. Results About 2135 results were uncovered, 64 were extracted for further screening, and 10 studies were eligible for inclusion. For plaque presence outcomes, no statistical difference was observed between theory-guided interventions and traditional interventions at 3 months (MD: –5.94, 95% CI: –16.39 to 4.51). When the duration of observation was extended to over one year, a significant reduction was found (SMD: –0.25, 95% CI: –0.46 to –0.04). Conclusion Theory-guided interventions for improving oral hygiene status appear to be more effective than traditional interventions for adolescents in the long term. However, more comprehensive studies are required for validation to support the implementation and adoption of these programs in the clinical setting.
A systematic revision of Thaleops (Trilobita: Illaenidae) with new species from the middle and late Ordovician of Oklahoma and New York

Synopsis Illaenus Dalman, 1827 has long served as a wastebin for effaced trilobite species and the problem has been compounded in North America by the addition of Thaleops Conrad, 1843 and Nanillaenus Jaanusson, 1954. This study takes the first step toward defining the relationships of Laurentian taxa within this group using cladistic methods. Parillaenus Jaanusson, 1954 forms a monophyletic group based on pygidial morphology that is distinct from Illaenus. Ouranalysis indicates that Illaenus is paraphyletic and requires major revision. Thaleops is a large group of species whose monophyly is supported by an unambiguous apomorphy: the presence of long articulating facets on the pygidium that are oriented at a high angle to the anterior margin of the pygidium. All but one basal member of the clade possesses a second apomorphy, posteriorly positioned palpebral lobes. Nanillaenus is not monophyletic and is synonymised with Thaleops. Several Laurentian species originally identified as Illaenus are reassigned to Thaleops. Seventeen previously named species are revised and re‐illustrated, four of which (I. arcturus Hall, 1847; I. clavifrons Billings, 1859; I. punctatus Raymond, 1905; I. americanus Billings, 1859) are restricted to the type material. In addition, four new species, T. anusacerbissima, T. jaanussoni, T. mobydicki and T. laurentiana, are described from the Middle and Upper Ordovician Bromide and Viola Springs formations of Oklahoma and the Trenton Group of New York.
Heat acclimation of grapevine leaf photosynthesis: mezo- and macroclimatic aspects.

Heat sensitivity of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Kékfrankos) photosynthesis was studied in two vineyards (Eger-Kőlyuktető, flat; and Eger-Nagyeged hill, steep slope) with different mesoclimates and water supply conditions in two climatically different years. 2007 was drier and warmer, with higher vapour pressure deficit (VPD) than 2005. Pre-dawn water potential measurements indicated mild water deficit at the steep-sloped vineyard. In July 2005 mild water deficit enhanced the thermostability of grapevine photosynthesis, as reflected in the temperature dependence of optimal quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and in the critical temperature of initial fluorescence (F0Tc). Decreased Fv/Fm and actual quantum yield (ΔF/Fm') was recorded at most temperatures in September at the water-stressed (steep slope) site. This time, F0Tcs were also lower due to early leaf senescence. In September 2007, heat sensitivity of Fv/Fm was similar to 2005, and ΔF/Fm' indicated higher thermostability at both sites, but keeping the consistent difference between the two vineyards. The critical points of steady-state fluorescence (FsTc) were higher by 3-6°C at both vineyards in 2007 than in 2005. Although, in September thermolabile F0 signals were measured at the water-stressed vineyard, the heat sensitivity was not decreased in light adapted state, assumingly as a result of enhanced xanthophyll cycle pigment pool size. The higher xanthophyll pigments pool size (V + A + Z) in 2007 (compared to 2005) at the unstressed (flat) vineyard suggests that high temperature and VPD play a role in changing (V + A + Z)/(chl a + b), and, thus, results in higher thermostability under high light conditions.