Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coral tentacle elasticity promotes an out-of-phase motion that improves mass transfer

Corals rely almost exclusively on the ambient flow of water to support their respiration, photosynthesis, prey capture, heat exchange and reproduction. Coral tentacles extend to the flow, interact with it and oscillate under the influence of waves. Such oscillating motions of flexible appendages are considered adaptive for reducing the drag force on flexible animals in wave-swept environments, but their significance under slower flows is unclear. Using in situ and laboratory measurements of the motion of coral tentacles under wave-induced flow, we investigated the dynamics of the tentacle motion and its impact on mass transfer. We found that tentacle velocity preceded the water velocity by approximately one-quarter of a period. This out-of-phase behaviour enhanced mass transfer at the tentacle tip by up to 25% as compared with an in-phase motion. The enhancement was most pronounced under flows slower than 3.2 cm s−1, which are prevalent in many coral-reef environments. We found that the out-of-phase motion results from the tentacles' elasticity, which can presumably be modified by the animal. Our results suggest that the mechanical properties of coral tentacles may represent an adaptive advantage that improves mass transfer under the limiting conditions of slow ambient flows. Because the mechanism we describe operates by enhancing convective processes, it is expected to enhance other fitness-determining transport phenomena such as heat exchange and particle capture.
Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers for Multiple Solid Tumors Using a Human Villi Development Model

The processes of embryonic development that rely on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) for the implantation of trophoblast cells are co-opted by tumors, reflecting their inherent uncontrolled characteristics and leading to invasion and metastasis. Although tumorigenesis and embryogenesis have similar EMT characteristics, trophoblasts have been shown to exhibit “physiological metastasis” or be “pseudo-malignant,” resulting in different outcomes. The gene co-expression network is the basis of embryonic development and tumorigenesis. We hypothesize that if the gene co-expression network in tumors is “off-track” from that in villi, it is more likely to develop into malignant tumors and have a worse prognosis, and we proposed the “off-track theory” for the first time. In this study, we examined gene co-expression networks in villi and multiple solid tumors. Through network functional enrichment analyses, we found that most tumors and villi exhibited a significantly enriched EMT, but the genes that performed this function were not identical. Then, we identified the “off-track genes” in the EMT-related gene interaction network using the “off-track theory,” and through survival analysis, we discovered that the risk score of “off-track genes” was associated with poor survival of cancer patients. Our study indicated that villi development is a reliable and strictly regulated model that can illuminate the trajectory of human cancer development and that the gene co-expression networks in tumor development are “off-track” from those in villi. These “off-track genes” may have a substantial impact on tumor development and could reveal novel prognostic biomarkers.
Integrate Molecular Phenome and Polygenic Interaction to Detect the Genetic Risk of Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death, and the genetic risk of which are continuously calculated and detected by association study of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the phenotype relations. However, the systematic assessment of IS risk still needs the accumulation of molecular phenotype and function from the level of omics. In this study, we integrated IS phenome, polygenic interaction gene expression and molecular function to screen the risk gene and molecular function. Then, we performed a case-control study including 507 cases and 503 controls to verify the genetic associated relationship among the candidate functional genes and the IS phenotype in a northern Chinese Han population. Mediation analysis revealed that the blood pressure, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and glucose mediated the potential effect of SOCS1, CD137, ALOX5AP, RNLS, and KALRN in IS, both for the functional analysis and genetic association. And the SNP-SNP interactions analysis by multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) approach also presented a combination effect of IS risk. The further interaction network and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that CD137 and KALRN functioning in inflammatory could play an expanded role during the pathogenesis and progression of IS. The present study opens a new avenue to evaluate the underlying mechanisms and biomarkers of IS through integrating multiple omics information.
CORRELATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS OF EARLINESS, FIBER QUALITY AND YIELD CONTRIBUTING TRAITS IN COTTON (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

The present investigations were designed to determine genotypic, phenotypic correlation coefficients and path analysis between seed cotton yield, earliness, fiber and yield contributing traits in 53 cotton cultivars. Heritability and genetic advance was computed to determine the selection procedure for the material studied . Maximum value of GCV% and PCV % was observed in CLCuV% and seed cotton yield. Maximum broad sense heritability was found in traits like FS (99%) followed by BW (98%) GOT% (97%) and FF (96%). Moderate estimates of heritability were found for nodes to 1 st fruiting branch (35%) monopodia per plant, (34%) and sympodia per plant (43%). Regarding correlation studies seed cotton yield have positive genotypic correlation with bolls per plant, plant height, boll weig ht, staple length and strength, earliness index and GOT%. Path coefficient analysis results revealed that the traits like earliness index% showed maximum positive direct effect on yield (0.63) followed by days taken to 1 st square (0.17), GOT% (0.16) plant height (0.15), boll weight (0.15) and sympodia per plant (0.11). The traits like EI% and boll weight showed positive correlation, higher heritability estimates and positive direct effect on yield thus may be used as selection criteria to increase yield.
How Children’s Cognitive Reflection Shapes Their Science Understanding

Learning science requires contending with intuitions that are incompatible with scientific principles, such as the intuition that animals are alive but plants are not or the intuition that solids are composed of matter but gases are not. Here, we explore the tension between science and intuition in elementary school–aged children and whether that tension is moderated by children’s tendency to reflect on their intuitions. Our participants were children between the ages of 5 and 12 years (n = 142). They were administered a statement-verification task, in which they judged statements about life and matter as true or false, as well as a children’s Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT-D), in which they answered “brain teasers” designed to elicit an intuitive, yet inaccurate, response that could be corrected upon further reflection. Participants also received a tutorial on the scientific properties of life or matter, sandwiched between two blocks of the statement-verification task. We found that performance on the statement-verification task, which pitted scientific conceptions against intuitive conceptions (e.g., “cactuses are alive”), was predicted by performance on the CRT-D, independent of age. Children with higher levels of cognitive reflection verified scientific statements more accurately before the tutorial, and they made greater gains in accuracy following the tutorial. These results indicate that children experience conflict between scientific and intuitive conceptions of a domain in the earliest stages of acquiring scientific knowledge but can learn to resolve that conflict in favor of scientific conceptions, particularly if they are predisposed toward cognitive reflection.
The Challenges of Smart Tourism: A Case of Bucharest

Abstract The advancement of technology makes smart devices and their applications ever more popular and complex. Tourism is an area where varied and numerous services are required, hence this diversity resulted in a multitude of smart applications and smart systems designed to enhance tourist‘s satisfaction. The present paper investigates the concept of Smart Tourism in the scientific literature and how it can be applied for mobile applications, with particular focus on the most popular Smart Tourism apps for Bucharest. Following the analysis of these apps according to the theoretical framework applied, recommendations for improvement of Bucharest Smart Tourism mobile applications are provided.
A Systematic Review of Imaging Studies in the Combined and Inattentive Subtypes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: Insights to underlying neural mechanisms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have emerged from neuroimaging research; however, the neural mechanisms that distinguish ADHD subtypes remain inconclusive. Method: We reviewed 19 studies integrating magnetic resonance imaging [MRI; structural (sMRI), diffusion, functional MRI (fMRI)] findings into a framework exploring pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the combined (ADHD-C) and predominantly inattentive (ADHD-I) ADHD subtypes. Results: Despite equivocal structural MRI results, findings from fMRI and DTI imaging modalities consistently implicate disrupted connectivity in regions and tracts involving frontal striatal thalamic in ADHD-C and frontoparietal neural networks in ADHD-I. Alterations of the default mode, cerebellum, and motor networks in ADHD-C and cingulo-frontoparietal attention and visual networks in ADHD-I highlight network organization differences between subtypes. Conclusion: Growing evidence from neuroimaging studies highlight neurobiological differences between ADHD clinical subtypes, particularly from a network perspective. Understanding brain network organization and connectivity may help us to better conceptualize the ADHD types and their symptom variability.
Classificazioni ed Indici del Clima, in Rapporto Alla Vegetazione Forestale Italiana

Summary The purpose of this study was to research which of some classifications and indexes of the climate is preferable for a delimitation of the forestal vegetation zones in Italy. The Author, after a short account (chap. 1st) of the best known systems of classification and synthesis about the climate, delineates briefly (chap. 2nd) the characteristic aspects of the Italian forestal vegetation and of its distribution, elaborating then (pages 27, 28) a table of the climatical dominant types in Italy according to Koppen and de Martonn's schemes. In the third chapter the A. proceeds, making a comparative examination of Pavari (1916) and Rubner's (1934) classifications and of Lang's (1915–20), de Martonne's (1926), Amann's (1929), Emberger's (1930–33), Gams's (1931–32), Kotilainen's (1933) indexes; the elements for the calculation of other indexes named in the first chapter were not available. Such an examination, made on the basis of the climatical data (Tab. I) of 474 Italian stations, whose vegetation ha.
Urban-Rural Inequities in Acute Stroke Care and In-Hospital Mortality

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose: The rural-urban life-expectancy gap is widening, but underlying causes are incompletely understood. Prior studies suggest stroke care may be worse for individuals in more rural areas, and technological advancements in stroke care may disproportionately impact individuals in more rural areas. We sought to examine differences and 5-year trends in the care and outcomes of patients hospitalized for stroke across rural-urban strata. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using National Inpatient Sample data from 2012 to 2017. Rurality was classified by county of residence according to the 6-strata National Center for Health Statistics classification scheme. Results: There were 792 054 hospitalizations for acute stroke in our sample. Rural patients were more often white (78% versus 49%), older than 75 (44% versus 40%), and in the lowest quartile of income (59% versus 32%) compared with urban patients. Among patients with acute ischemic stroke, intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy use were lower for rural compared with urban patients (intravenous thrombolysis: 4.2% versus 9.2%, adjusted odds ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.51–0.59], P<0.001; endovascular therapy: 1.63% versus 2.41%, adjusted odds ratio, 0.64 [0.57–0.73], P<0.001). Urban-rural gaps in both therapies persisted from 2012 to 2017. Overall, stroke mortality was higher in rural than urban areas (6.87% versus 5.82%, P<0.001). Adjusted in-patient mortality rates increased across categories of increasing rurality (suburban, 0.97 [0.94–1.0], P=0.086; large towns, 1.05 [1.01–1.09], P=0.009; small towns, 1.10 [1.06–1.15], P<0.001; micropolitan rural, 1.16 [1.11–1.21], P<0.001; and remote rural 1.21 [1.15–1.27], P<0.001 compared with urban patients. Mortality for rural patients compared with urban patients did not improve from 2012 (adjusted odds ratio, 1.12 [1.00–1.26], P<0.001) to 2017 (adjusted odds ratio, 1.27 [1.13–1.42], P<0.001). Conclusions: Rural patients with stroke were less likely to receive intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular therapy and had higher in-hospital mortality than their urban counterparts. These gaps did not improve over time. Enhancing access to evidence-based stroke care may be a target for reducing rural-urban disparities.
Primary productivity of a Hevea forest in the Ivory Coast

model based on determined experimental equations. Carbon dioxide flux density above the forest is measured by the energy balance method coupled with the Bowen ratio. This ratio, /3, and the ratio of photochemical heat flux density for C0 2 fixation to latent heat flux density, f, are determined from vertical profiles of points. The light-CO 2 assimilation response curve of the Hevea forest, in relation to rain distribution and solar radiation avail-
Neural Correlates of Fixated Low- and High-level Scene Properties during Active Scene Viewing

Abstract During real-world scene perception, viewers actively direct their attention through a scene in a controlled sequence of eye fixations. During each fixation, local scene properties are attended, analyzed, and interpreted. What is the relationship between fixated scene properties and neural activity in the visual cortex? Participants inspected photographs of real-world scenes in an MRI scanner while their eye movements were recorded. Fixation-related fMRI was used to measure activation as a function of lower- and higher-level scene properties at fixation, operationalized as edge density and meaning maps, respectively. We found that edge density at fixation was most associated with activation in early visual areas, whereas semantic content at fixation was most associated with activation along the ventral visual stream including core object and scene-selective areas (lateral occipital complex, parahippocampal place area, occipital place area, and retrosplenial cortex). The observed activation from semantic content was not accounted for by differences in edge density. The results are consistent with active vision models in which fixation gates detailed visual analysis for fixated scene regions, and this gating influences both lower and higher levels of scene analysis.
In situ Morphological Characterization of Hylocereus spp. (Fam.: Cactaceae) Genotypes from Antioquia and Córdoba (Colombia) Caracterización Morfológica in situ de Genotipos de Hylocereus spp. (Fam.: Cactaceae) de Antioquia y Córdoba (Colombia)

The genus Hylocereus includes many important species for human and animal nutrition, including those known as dragon fruits. Although Colombia produces yellow pitaya on a commercial scale, there have been no advances for the red pitahaya crop. This study aimed to do an in situ evaluation of genetic material of wild red pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) from three populations located in Antioquia and Cordoba; with special interest for the fruits, taking into account the desired characteristics by the market. To achieve this, 23 descriptors of stems and fruits, measurable in the field, were chosen; and 35 individuals where located, using GPS, and described. The populations were compared using mean comparison and the similarity was evaluated with cluster analysis. The stem descriptors differed in spine number, contour and margin hardness, areole distance and stem color; the first three are important for species distinction. According to the fruit descriptors, populations 1 and 2 presented similar fruits that were different from those of population 3, for almost all variables except total soluble solids content. The fruits of population 1 and 2 only differed for pulp weight. Individual 3 of population 1 presented fruits with the best characteristics for the market.
Tracing temporal and geographic distribution of resistance to pyrethroids in the arboviral vector Aedes albopictus

Background The arboviral vector Aedes albopictus became established on all continents except Antarctica in the past 50 years. A consequence of its rapid global invasion is the transmission of diseases previously confined to the tropics and subtropics occurring in temperate regions of the world, including the re-emergence of chikungunya and dengue in Europe. Application of pyrethroids is among the most widely-used interventions for vector control, especially in the presence of an arboviral outbreak. Studies are emerging that reveal phenotypic resistance and monitor mutations at the target site, the para sodium channel gene, primarily on a local scale. Methods A total of 512 Ae. albopictus mosquitoes from twelve geographic sites, including those from the native home range and invaded areas, were sampled between 2011 and 2018, and were analyzed at five codons of the para sodium channel gene with mutations predictive of resistance phenotype. Additionally, to test for the origin of unique kdr mutations in Mexico, we analyzed the genetic connectivity of southern Mexico mosquitoes with mosquitoes from home range, the Reunion Island, America and Europe. Results We detected mutations at all tested positions of the para sodium channel gene, with heterozygotes predominating and rare instance of double mutants. We observed an increase in the distribution and frequency of F1534C/L/S mutations in the ancestral China population and populations in the Mediterranean Greece, the appearance of the V1016G/I mutations as early as 2011 in Italy and mutations at position 410 and 989 in Mexico. The analyses of the distribution pattern of kdr alleles and haplotype network analyses showed evidence for multiple origins of all kdr mutations. Conclusions Here we provide the most-up-to-date survey on the geographic and temporal distribution of pyrethroid-predictive mutations in Ae. albopictus by combining kdr genotyping on current and historical samples with published data. While we confirm low levels of pyrethroid resistance in most analyzed samples, we find increasing frequencies of F1534C/S and V1016G in China and Greece or Italy, respectively. The observed patterns of kdr allele distribution support the hypothesis that on site emergence of resistance has contributed more than spread of resistance through mosquito migration/invasions to the current widespread of kdr alleles, emphasizing the importance of local surveillance programs and resistance management.
The lichen genus Physcia (Schreb.) Michx (Physciaceae: Ascomycota) in New Zealand

ABSTRACT: Fourteen species of the lichen genus Physcia (Schreb.) Michx are recognised in the New Zealand mycobiota, viz: P. adscendens, P. albata, P. atrostriata, P. caesia, P. crispa, P. dubia, P. erumpens, P. integrata, P. jackii, P. nubila, P. poncinsii, P. tribacia, P. tribacoides, and P. undulata. Descriptions of each taxon are given, together with a key and details of biogeography, chemistry, distribution, and ecology. Physcia tenuisecta Zahlbr. , is synonymised with Hyperphyscia adglutinata, and Physcia stellaris auct. is deleted from the New Zealand mycobiota. Physcia atrostriata, P. dubia, P. integrata, and P. nubila are recorded from New Zealand for the ﬁrst time. A list of excluded taxa is appended.
Enduring physiological and reproductive benefits of enhanced flow for a stony coral

We experimentally examined the in situ, long‐term effects of flow on the coral Pocillopora verrucosa over a 2‐yr period. Eighteen coral nubbins were positioned on stages protected from the ambient flow with transparent walls. Six of the corals were exposed to “enhanced flow” with underwater pumps (15‐20 cm s‐1), while another other six were grown under “reduced‐flow” conditions (~ 1 cm s‐1), and a further six nubbins were set up as a control treatment exposed to ambient natural flow conditions on stages without walls. Mortality was 50% in the reduced‐flow experiment. Compared with the reduced‐flow and the control treatments, colonies growing in enhanced‐flow conditions developed a more compact morphology and had significantly higher chlorophyll and protein concentrations, a higher density of zooxanthellae, and, most importantly, higher reproductive output. However, corals grown in reduced‐flow conditions had lower skeleton density compared with those grown under ambient flow or enhanced flow. Flow rate had no measurable influence on average pH at the site of calcification as monitored by skeletal boron isotopic composition (δ11B). Hence, the skeletal δ11B‐pH proxy in this coral appears to be independent of flow and the biological attributes that are modulated by flow, such as zooxanthellae density, chlorophyll concentrations, and rates of photosynthesis, respiration, and calcification. Calcification site pH in all colonies was raised by +0.3 relative to ambient seawater pH. Together with light, flow should be considered a key abiotic factor determining core biological characteristics of P. verrucosa.
VIP Induces Changes in the F-/G-Actin Ratio of Schlemm's Canal Endothelium via LRRK2 Transcriptional Regulation

Purpose A previous study reported that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) can regulate the cytoskeleton of Schlemm's canal (SC) endothelium and expand the SC lumen in a rat glaucoma model. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of VIP on cytoskeleton regulation. Methods During in vivo experiments in rats, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) expression and the ratio of F-actin to G-actin (F-/G-actin) surrounding SC were examined by immunofluorescence after the application of VIP. For in vitro experiments in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, both quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blotting were performed to evaluate Sp1 and LRRK2 expression after the application of VIP (and Sp1/LRRK2 inhibitor). In addition, the F-/G-actin ratio was examined by both immunofluorescence and western blotting after the application of VIP (and LRRK2 inhibitor). Results VIP induced increases in the expression of LRRK2 both in vivo and in vitro and the nuclear translocation of Sp1 in vitro. The application of Sp1 inhibitor abolished the increase in LRRK2 expression induced by VIP in vitro. In addition, VIP changed the F-/G-actin ratio, and this effect was abolished by the LRRK2 inhibitor both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions VIP increased the expression of LRRK2, and this regulation was due to the nuclear translocation of Sp1. VIP further changed the F-/G-actin ratio and regulated the balance between the stabilization and destabilization of the F-actin architecture. This study elucidates a novel mechanism by which VIP regulates the actin cytoskeleton of SC endothelium via the Sp1–LRRK2 pathway, suggesting a potential novel treatment strategy for glaucoma.