Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predation risk can modify the foraging behaviour of frugivorous carnivores: Implications of rewilding apex predators for plant–animal mutualisms

Abstract Apex predators play key roles in food webs and their recovery can trigger trophic cascades in some ecosystems. Intra‐guild competition can reduce the abundances of smaller predators and perceived predation risk can alter their foraging behaviour thereby limiting seed dispersal by frugivorous carnivores. However, little is known about how plant–frugivore mutualisms could be disturbed in the presence of larger predators. We evaluated the top‐down effect of the regional superpredator, the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus, on the number of visits and fruits consumed by medium‐sized frugivorous carnivores, as well as the foraging behaviour of identified individuals, by examining the consumption likelihood and the foraging time. We carried out a field experiment in which we placed Iberian pear Pyrus bourgaeana fruits beneath fruiting trees and monitored pear removal by frugivorous carnivores, both inside and outside lynx ranges. Using camera traps, we recorded the presence of the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the Eurasian badger Meles meles and the stone marten Martes foina, as well as the number of fruits they consumed and their time spent foraging. Red fox was the most frequent fruit consumer carnivore. We found there were fewer visits and less fruit consumed by foxes inside lynx ranges, but lynx presence did not seem to affect badgers. We did not observe any stone marten visits inside lynx territories. The foraging behaviour of red foxes was also altered inside lynx ranges whereby foxes were less efficient, consuming less fruit per unit of time and having shorter visits. Local availability of fruit resources, forest coverage and individual personality also were important variables to understand visitation and foraging in a landscape of fear. Our results show a potential trophic cascade from apex predators to primary producers. The presence of lynx can reduce frugivorous carnivore numbers and induce shifts in their feeding behaviour that may modify the seed dispersal patterns with likely consequences for the demography of many fleshy‐fruited plant species. We conclude that knowledge of the ecological interactions making up trophic webs is an asset to design effective conservation strategies, particularly in rewilding programs.
The More You Know: Sexual Knowledge as a Predictor of Sexual Well-Being

Abstract The World Health Organization (WHO), defines sexual well-being as a multifaceted construct, consisting of more than absence of disease or experiences of pleasure. Further, the WHO suggests that sexual knowledge should contribute to sexual well-being. We examined the relationship between personal sexual knowledge–knowing one’s individual sexual preferences–and sexual health knowledge–awareness of reproduction, contraception, and diseases–and sexual well-being, comprised of sexual satisfaction, assertiveness, and competence in a sample of 484 emerging adults. Personal sexual knowledge but not sexual health knowledge, was a significant predictor of sexual well-being. Further, this relationship was moderated by gender (stronger for women) but not prior sex education.
KCNQ2 and KCNQ5 form heteromeric channels independent of KCNQ3

Significance There are five KCNQ channels (KCNQ1–KCNQ5) and they are thought to either homomerize or heteromerize to form tetrameric channels. KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 are highly expressed in the brain and in particular the forebrain, the presumed site of action for many brain disorders. For the last 30 years, the prevailing view is that KCNQ potassium channels in the brain consist of KCNQ2/3 and possibly KCNQ3/5 heteromers. Here, using epitope-tagged knockin mice and split-intein–mediated protein trans-splicing experiments, we demonstrate that KCNQ2 channels form heteromers not only with KCNQ3 but also with KCNQ5 channels. Thus, our findings of unexpected KCNQ subunit composition will shift both our understanding of KCNQ genotype/phenotype relationships as well as drug screening strategies.
Validating strength‐of‐support conclusion scales for fingerprint, footwear, and toolmark impressions

In the pattern comparison disciplines such as fingerprints, footwear, and toolmarks, the results of a comparison are communicated by examiners in the form of categorical conclusions such as Identification or Exclusion. These statements have been criticized as requiring knowledge of prior probabilities by the examiners and being overinterpreted by laypersons. Alternative statements based on strength‐of‐support language have been proposed. The current study compares traditional conclusion scales against strength‐of‐support scales to determine how these new statements might be used by examiners in casework. Each participant completed 60 comparisons within their discipline, which were designed to approximate casework conditions, using either a traditional or a strength‐of‐support conclusion scale. The scale used on each trial was randomly assigned, and participants knew the scale for that trial as they began the comparison. Fingerprint examiners were much less likely to use Extremely Strong Support for Common Source than Identification. Footwear examiners treated the traditional and strength‐of‐support scales similarly, but toolmark examiners were much less likely to use Extremely Strong Support for Common Source than Identification, similar to fingerprint examiners. A separate group of fingerprint examiners used Identification less often when an expanded scale was available. The results demonstrate that expanded scales may result in the highest conclusion category being used less often by examiners when other alternatives are possible, and the term “extremely strong support” may introduce risk aversion on the part of examiners.
A Comparative and Comprehensive Characterization of Polyphenols of Selected Fruits from the Rosaceae Family

The present research presents a comprehensive characterization of polyphenols from peach, pear, and plum using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS), followed by the determination of their antioxidant potential. Plums showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC; 0.62 mg GAE/g), while peaches showed the highest total flavonoid content (TFC; 0.29 mg QE/g), also corresponding to their high scavenging activities (i.e., DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and TAC). In all three fruit samples, a total of 51 polyphenolic compounds were tentatively identified and were mainly characterized from hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxyphenylpentanoic acids, flavanols, flavonols, and isoflavonoids subclasses. Twenty targeted phenolic compounds were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA). The plum cultivar showed the highest content of phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, 11.86 mg/100 g), whereas peach samples showed the highest concentration of flavonoids (catechin, 7.31 mg/100 g), as compared to pear. Based on these findings, the present research contributes and complements the current characterization data of these fruits presented in the literature, as well as ensures and encourages the utilization of these fruits in different food, feed, and nutraceutical industries.
Comparing the Radiologic and Functional Outcome of Radial Shortening Versus Capitate Shortening in Management of Kienböck’s Disease

Background: Kienböck’s disease is the avascular necrosis of the lunate bone. There is no consensus on the treatment strategy to avoid joint deterioration. This trial is conducted to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of radial shortening and capitate shortening techniques, in patients with avascular necrosis of lunate. Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Kienböck’s disease who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into radial shortening and capitate shortening groups and treated by allocated technique. Physical examination and radiologic evaluations were performed before and 6 and 12 months after the operation. Results: A total of 52 patients (52 wrists) of stage II or III Kienböck’s disease were assessed for eligibility, 12 patients in the radial shortening group, and 17 patients remained until the end of the study. Patients in both groups achieved a satisfactory outcome, with no report of postoperative complications. None of the outcome measures, ranges of motion, grip, and pinch strengths were significantly different between the groups. The outcome was not considerably different in patients with positive or negative ulnar variances who were treated by capitate shortening technique. Conclusions: The capitate shortening technique which is performed through a smaller incision, and takes less time as compared with radial shortening can be advantageous for patients with stage II or III Kienböck’s disease regardless of the ulnar variance. This method can be as effective as classical methods such as radial shortening in improving clinical and functional symptoms after surgery while causing fewer complications.
Driving E3 Ligase Substrate Specificity for Targeted Protein Degradation: Lessons from Nature and the Laboratory.

Methods to direct the degradation of protein targets with proximity-inducing molecules that coopt the cellular degradation machinery are advancing in leaps and bounds, and diverse modalities are emerging. The most used and well-studied approach is to hijack E3 ligases of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. E3 ligases use specific molecular recognition to determine which proteins in the cell are ubiquitinated and degraded. This review focuses on the structural determinants of E3 ligase recruitment of natural substrates and neo-substrates obtained through monovalent molecular glues and bivalent proteolysis-targeting chimeras. We use structures to illustrate the different types of substrate recognition and assess the basis for neo-protein-protein interactions in ternary complex structures. The emerging structural and mechanistic complexity is reflective of the diverse physiological roles of protein ubiquitination. This molecular insight is also guiding the application of structure-based design approaches to the development of new and existing degraders as chemical tools and therapeutics. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 91 is June 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Cannabis as a potential compound against various malignancies, legal aspects, advancement by exploiting nanotechnology and clinical trials

Abstract Various preclinical and clinical studies exhibited the potential of cannabis against various diseases, including cancer and related pain. Subsequently, many efforts have been made to establish and develop cannabis-related products and make them available as prescription products. Moreover, FDA has already approved some cannabis-related products, and more advancement in this aspect is still going on. However, the approved product of cannabis is in oral dosage form, which exerts various limitations to achieve maximum therapeutic effects. A considerable translation is on a hike to improve bioavailability, and ultimately, the therapeutic efficacy of cannabis by the employment of nanotechnology. Besides the well-known psychotropic effects of cannabis upon the use at high doses, literature has also shown the importance of cannabis and its constituents in minimising the lethality of cancer in the preclinical models. This review discusses the history of cannabis, its legal aspect, safety profile, the mechanism by which cannabis combats with cancer, and the advancement of clinical therapy by exploiting nanotechnology. A brief discussion related to the role of cannabinoid in various cancers has also been incorporated. Lastly, the information regarding completed and ongoing trials have also been elaborated.
Deep learning resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging lateralization of temporal lobe epilepsy

Localization of focal epilepsy is critical for surgical treatment of refractory seizures. There remains a great need for noninvasive techniques to localize seizures for surgical decision‐making. We investigate the use of deep learning using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS‐fMRI) to identify the hemisphere of seizure onset in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients.
Rapid Replacement of SARS-CoV-2 Variants by Delta and Subsequent Arrival of Omicron, Uganda, 2021

Genomic surveillance in Uganda showed rapid replacement of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 over time by variants, dominated by Delta. However, detection of the more transmissible Omicron variant among travelers and increasing community transmission highlight the need for near–real-time genomic surveillance and adherence to infection control measures to prevent future pandemic waves.
Quantification of Lanthanides in a Molten Salt Reactor Surrogate Off-Gas Stream Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

To enable the deployment of molten salt reactor technology, the development of off-gas treatment systems and advanced monitoring tools capable of operating with high temperatures and radiation fields while delivering near real-time information is necessary. This study aims to fulfill this requirement and proposes laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for monitoring molten salt aerosol streams. A sheath gas measuring method was developed to protect optical elements from aerosol particles and to ensure a relatively constant aerosol stream for measurement. An aqueous system was studied to demonstrate the utility of LIBS for monitoring possible fission products in an aerosol stream: Gd, Nd, and Sm up to 2000 parts per million (ppm). A calibration model was built using partial least squares (PLS) regression with five, six, and nine latent variables for Gd, Nd, and Sm, respectively. This calibration model successfully estimated the concentrations of three test samples, which were validated with inductively charged plasma optical emission spectroscopy measurements at a 99.9% confidence interval. To enhance these models, a genetic algorithm was used to filter the spectra before entering the PLS model, thereby limiting the spectral features being regressed to those with greater correlations to concentration. This allowed for the number of latent variables used in the PLS models to be reduced to four, three, and three for Gd, Nd, and Sm, respectively. Lastly, the genetic algorithm-filtered PLS models were used to predict the concentrations of the aerosol stream on a real-time dataset and resulted in a 73%, 18%, and 25% improvement in root mean squared error of prediction compared to the original PLS models developed. Graphical Abstract
Support Axial Force Servo System in Deep Excavation Deformation Control

Combined with the engineering practices of deep and large excavations of Shanghai Wheelock Square,the divisional unloading method was put forward as the control measure.And in the north division,which is adjacent to metro tunnel,This paper researched and developed the support axial force servo system to control the lateral deformations.The monitoring date shows,by using this system,the lateral and settlement deformation of metro tunnel were under 4 mm and 2 mm,the lateral deformation of diaphragm wall was under 13.5 mm.The application of this system was successful,and it was the first application in China.
Application of Grey System Theory to Select Optimum Heating Model

This paper proposed multi-objective synthesis effect measure method of gray system on basis of heating pattern optimization selection problem.Grey system theory and grey strategy method are introduced.Comparing with each kind of heating pattern in economics,environment and technology,a good effect is achieved and it provides a new qualitative method for optimum selection of heating pattern.
MFPS_CNN: Multi‐filter Pattern Scanning from Position‐specific Scoring Matrix with Convolutional Neural Network for Efficient Prediction of Ion Transporters

In cellular transportation mechanisms, the movement of ions across the cell membrane and its proper control are important for cells, especially for life processes. Ion transporters/pumps and ion channel proteins work as border guards controlling the incessant traffic of ions across cell membranes. We revisited the study of classification of transporters and ion channels from membrane proteins with a more efficient deep learning approach. Specifically, we applied multi‐window scanning filters of convolutional neural networks on almost full‐length position‐specific scoring matrices for extracting useful information. In this way, we were able to retain important evolutionary information of the proteins. Our experiment results show that a convolutional neural network with a minimum number of convolutional layers can be enough to extract the conserved information of proteins which leads to higher performance. Our best prediction models were obtained after examining different data imbalanced handling techniques, and different protein encoding methods. We also showed that our models were superior to traditional deep learning approaches on the same datasets as well as other machine learning classification algorithms.
Live‐cell imaging elaborating epidermal invasion and vascular proliferation/colonization strategy of Verticillium dahliae in host plants

Abstract The soilborne ascomycete fungus Verticillium dahliae causes destructive vascular wilt disease in hundreds of dicotyledonous plant species. However, our understanding of the early invasion from the epidermis to the vasculature and the prompt proliferation and colonization in the xylem tissues remains poor. To elaborate the detailed infection strategy of V. dahliae in host plants, we traced the whole infection process of V. dahliae by live‐cell imaging combined with high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy. The 4D image series demonstrated that the apex of invading hyphae becomes tapered and directly invades the intercellular space of root epidermal cells at the initial infection. Following successful epidermal invasion, the invading hyphae extend in the intercellular space of the root cortex toward the vascular tissues. Importantly, the high‐resolution microscopic and live‐cell images demonstrated (a) that conidia are formed via budding at the apex of the hyphae in the xylem vessels to promote systemic propagation vertically, and (b) that the hyphae freely cross adjacent xylem vessels through the intertracheary pits to achieve horizontal colonization. Our findings provide a solid cellular basis for future studies on both intracellular invasion and vascular colonization/proliferation during V. dahliae infection and pathogenesis in host plants.
Older adult’s longitudinal experiences of household isolation and social distancing during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract Background Due to the global pandemic, governments have enforced household isolation and social distancing to reduce infection and mortality rate. However, the impact of prolonged enforced isolation for older people who are prone to social isolation and loneliness has yet to be understood. Objectives A longitudinal study to understand the lived experience of people aged 70 and older, living in England during COVID‐19 restrictions. Methods All participants completed five qualitative telephone interviews from 20 April to 7 July 2020. The majority completed individual interviews (n = 13), whilst two participants completed these interviews as a couple. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis completed from the perspective of hermeneutic phenomenology. Results Three themes included (1) engagement and confusion with government restrictions; (2) socialisation through virtual platforms and opportunistic physical social contact; and (3) accessing health care during COVID‐19 restrictions. Conclusion Older people are committed to following government restrictions, and government campaigns need to consider the potential impact of placing an emphasis on avoiding healthcare services. Virtual platforms are supportive but not sufficient to reduce social isolation and loneliness of older people. Thus, nurses supporting older people living in the community need to understand these concepts to provide holistic care and support older people's mental and physical health. Implications for practice Nurses are ideally placed to support older people to understand the current government restrictions, when to attend acute healthcare services or to engage virtually with healthcare appointments, and to discuss the risks of physically socialising with others.
MicroRNA-30a contributes to pre-eclampsia through regulating the proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis modulation potential of mesenchymal stem cells by targeting AVEN

ABSTRACT Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-associated disease related to an unprecedented hypertension attack. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a crucial role in PE pathology. Our research was designed to illustrate the functions of microRNA-30a (miR-30a) in proliferation, apoptosis, and the potential of regulating angiogenesis in MSCs, and to analyze its potential molecular mechanisms. TargetScan software and the luciferase reporter assay were used to forecast and verify the relationship between miR-30a and AVEN. MiR-30a and AVEN expression in the decidual tissue and decidua (d)MSCs of healthy pregnant women and PE patients were assessed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2 H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and transwell assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation, growth, the cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration. Furthermore, the tube formation ability was evaluated using the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation assay. AVEN is the target gene of miR-30a. MiR-30a was upregulated in decidual tissues and dMSCs of PE patients. However, AVEN was weakly expressed, and AVEN expression was negatively related to miR-30a levels in decidual tissues and dMSCs of PE patients. Compared to the mimic control group, upregulation of miR-30a inhibited dMSC proliferation and cell growth, promoted G0/G1 phase arrest, and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the miR-30a mimic transfected dMSC culture supernatant suppressed HTR-8/SVneo cell migration ability and HUVEC tube formation ability. However, AVEN reversed these changes. In conclusion, miR-30a/AVEN may serve as a new axis for PE treatment. Graphical abstract