Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Report olutionary Relationships among Ants , Bees , and Wasps

Eusocial behavior has arisen in few animal groups, most notably in the aculeate Hymenoptera, a clade comprising ants, bees, and stinging wasps [1–4]. Phylogeny is crucial to understanding the evolution of the salient features of these insects, including eusociality [5]. Yet the phylogenetic relationships among the major lineages of aculeate Hymenoptera remain contentious [6–12]. We address this problem here by generating and analyzing genomic data for a representative series of taxa. We obtain a single well-resolved and strongly supported tree, robust to multiple methods of phylogenetic inference. Apoidea (spheciform wasps and bees) and ants are sister groups, a novel finding that contradicts earlier views that ants are closer to ectoparasitoid wasps. Vespid wasps (paper wasps, yellow jackets, and relatives) are sister to all other aculeates except chrysidoids. Thus, all eusocial species of Hymenoptera are contained within twomajor groups, characterized by transport of larval provisions and nest construction, likely prerequisites for the evolution of eusociality. These two lineages are interpolated among three other clades of wasps whose species are predominantly ectoparasitoids on concealed hosts, the inferred ancestral condition for aculeates [2]. This phylogeny provides a new framework for exploring the evolution of nesting, feeding, and social behavior within the stinging Hymenoptera.
Juvenile Scars and Future Inequality Assessing the Impact of Youth Unemployment on Earnings Inequality in Germany using Structured Additive Distributional Regression

In this paper, we analyse the impact of unemployment spells during youth on conditional earnings distributions in Germany in 2013. For the estimation of the conditional earnings distributions, we propose the use of structured additive distributional regression. We consider full-time working, part-time working and unemployed individuals, both male and female. We find that long-term unemployment during youth exhibits scarring that induces a negative effect on the wage distribution of the individual beyond its mean. Transcending the individual level, a counterfactual elevation of unemployment during youth is shown to have detrimental effects on that generation’s earnings distribution, not only in terms of per capita earnings but also in terms of inequality and polarisation measures applied to the aggregate earnings distribution. JEL-Classification: C13, C21, D31, J24, J31, J42, J45, N34
SPE-184825-MS Impact of Well Interference on Shale Oil Production Performance : A Numerical Model for Analyzing Pressure Response of Fracture Hits with Complex Geometries

The effect of well interference through fracture hits in shale reservoirs needs to be investigated because hydraulic fracturing is abundantly used in the development of unconventional oil and gas resources. Although numerous pressure tests have proven the existence of well interference, relatively few physical models exist to quantitatively simulate the pressure response of well interference. The objective of the present study is to develop a numerical, compositional model in combination with an embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) to simulate well interference. Through non-neighboring connections, the EDFM can properly handle complex fracture geometries such as non-planar hydraulic fractures and a large amount of natural fractures. Based on public data for Eagle Ford shale oil, we build a reservoir model including up to three horizontal wells and five fluid pseudocomponents. The simulation results show that the connecting hydraulic fractures play a more important role than natural fractures in declining bottomhole pressure (BHP) of the shut-in well. Matrix permeability has a relatively minor impact on pressure drawdown and well productivity remains little affected due to the overall low permeability used. The BHP pressure decline profiles change from convex to concave when the conductivity of the connecting fractures increases. At early times, the BHP of the shut-in well decreases when the number of natural fractures increases. At later times, the natural fracture density has a lesser impact on the pressure response and no clear trend. The opening order of neighboring wells affects the well interference intensity between the target shut-in well with the surrounding wells. After a systematic investigation of pressure drawdown in the reservoir we formulate practical conclusions for improved production performance.
Blood Vessel Segmentation and Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy Images using Gradient Operator and Statistical Analysis

Retinal blood vessel detection in fundus images is a challenging task. Widely spread blood vessels in diabetic retinopathy effected fundus images can not be accurately segmented using conventional gradient-based edge detection techniques. Accurate detection of blood vessels can give better classification for decisive diagnosis at different stages of diabetic retinopathy. The proposed blood vessel segmentation technique is a combination of gradient and morphological operators. The fundus images are preprocessed using a localphase-based enhancement technique to highlight the blood vessels from the background image. Further, detected edges are made connected using an averaging filter. Area occupied by the blood vessels provides a biomarker to classify fundus images into normal, prolific diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and non-prolific diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). The classification is achieved using ANOVA test. The ANOVA test classified with the 91% accuracy for normal, 92.7% for PDR, and 87.8% for NPDR images, respectively. These results are compared with conventional Canny and Prewitt edge detection techniques and the proposed method outperforms both.
Effects of Catechin, Quercetin and Taxifolin on Redox Parameters and Metabolites Linked with Renal Health in Rotenone-toxified Rats.

Nephrotoxicity, with the attendant risk of progression to kidney failure, is a growing problem in many parts of the world. Current orthodox treatment options for nephrotoxicity and kidney failure are limited and there is need for alternative or complementary approaches. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of three structurally related flavonoids, catechin, quercetin and taxifolin on renal redox and metabolite biochemical disturbances in rotenone intoxicated animals. Male Wistar rats were administered 1.5 mg/kg rotenone (s.c.) for ten days followed by post-treatment with catechin (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg), quercetin (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) and taxifolin (0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) (s.c.), for 3 days. Renal redox indices and levels of renal-related metabolites (creatinine, urea and uric acid) were assessed after sacrifice of animals. Catechin, quercetin and taxifolin significantly attenuated rotenone-induced effects on oxidative stress markers and metabolites linked to renal health. Quercetin was clearly more effective than catechin. The activity demonstrated by taxifolin, despite being administered at the lowest doses, was compelling. The results highlight the potential of these phytochemicals in the management of renal dysfunction. The findings additionally suggest a correlation between the structure of the flavonoids and their activity but also indicate that additional structural considerations beyond conventionally acknowledged ones may be involved.
Inverse probability weighted Cox model in multi-site studies without sharing individual-level data

The inverse probability weighted Cox proportional hazards model can be used to estimate the marginal hazard ratio. In multi-site studies, it may be infeasible to pool individual-level datasets due to privacy and other considerations. We propose three methods for making inference on hazard ratios without the need for pooling individual-level datasets across sites. The first method requires a summary-level eight-column risk-set table to produce the same hazard ratio estimate and robust sandwich variance estimate as those from the corresponding pooled individual-level data analysis (reference analysis). The second and third methods, which are based on two bootstrap re-sampling strategies, require a summary-level four-column risk-set table and bootstrap-based risk-set tables from each site to produce the same hazard ratio and bootstrap variance estimates as those from their reference analyses. All three methods require only one file transfer between the data-contributing sites and the analysis center. We justify these methods theoretically, illustrate their use, and demonstrate their statistical performance using both simulated and real-world data.
Intra- and inter-rater reliability of Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity in stroke.

OBJECTIVE The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) is recommended for evaluation of sensorimotor impairment post stroke, but the item-level reliability of the scale is unknown. The study aims to determine intra- and inter-rater reliability of the FMA-UE at item-, subscale- and total score level in patients with early subacute stroke. DESIGN Intra/inter-rater reliability. SUBJECTS Sixty consecutively included patients with stroke (mean age 65.9 years) admitted to Central Military Hospital of Colombia, Bogota. METHODS Two physiotherapists scored FMA-UE independently on 2 consecutive days within 10 days post stroke. A rank-based statistical method for paired ordinal data was used to assess the level of agreement, systematic and random disagreements. RESULTS Systematic disagreements either in position or concentration were detected in 4 items of the shoulder section. The item level intra- and inter-rater agreement was high (79-100%). The 70% agreement was also reached for the subscales and the total score when 1-3-point difference was accepted. CONCLUSION The FMA-UE is reliable both within and between raters in patients with stroke in the early subacute phase. A wider international use of FMA-UE will allow comparison of stroke recovery between regions and countries and thereby potentially improve the quality of care and rehabilitation in persons with stroke worldwide.
Early production of offspring by in vitro fertilization using first-wave spermatozoa from prepubertal male mice

Mature male mice (aged 10–12 weeks or older) are conventionally used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in order to achieve high fertilization rates (e.g., > 70%). Here, we sought to determine the earliest age at which male mice (C57BL/6J strain) can be used efficiently for producing offspring via IVF. Because we noted that the addition of reduced glutathione (GSH) to the IVF medium significantly increased the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa from prepubertal males, we used this IVF protocol for all experiments. Spermatozoa first reached the caudal region of the epididymides at day 35; however, they were unable to fertilize oocytes. Caudal epididymal spermatozoa first became competent for oocyte fertilization at day 37, albeit at a low rate (2.9%). A high fertilization rate (72.0%) was obtained at day 40, and 52.4% of the embryos thus obtained developed into offspring after embryo transfer. Moreover, we found that corpus epididymal spermatozoa in prepubertal mice could fertilize oocytes; however, the fertilization rates were always < 50%, regardless of the age of the males. Caput epididymal spermatozoa failed to fertilize oocytes irrespective of the age of the males. Therefore, we propose that caudal epididymal spermatozoa from male mice aged 40 days can be efficiently used for IVF, to obtain offspring in the shortest attainable time. This protocol will reduce the turnover time required for the generation of mice by ~1 month compared with that of the conventional IVF protocol.
Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular studies for determination of wound age and vitality in rats

In forensic medicine, it is vital to verify with the best attainable accuracy once injuries occurred during vital or post‐mortem conditions. An immunohistochemical study was carried out to examine the time‐dependent expression of macrophage‐specific gene CD68 (cluster of differentiation 68), alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in different skin wound timings (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days) in rats. Histopathological studies were performed to assess the wound age and vitality. Eighteen male albino Wister rats (weighing 170‐200 g) were used for wound induction. Rats (n = 3) were euthanised at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days from the starting point of wound induction. Histopathological examination showed that the epidermal re‐epithelialisation was completed 14 days after skin incision. The inflammatory phase was recorded during the first 3 days of healing and reached the maximum levels at 5 days, then declined after 7 days, and completely removed at 14 days. The beginning of the proliferative phase was dated to day 3 and the peak at days 5 and 7. The initiation of the granulation tissue formation and remodelling phase of the healing process was observed 5 days after wounding. By immunohistochemical staining, negative VEGF gene expressions at early stages (0‐3 days) were observed, as well as neither CD68+ macrophages nor α‐SMA+ myofibroblast cells were detected. By increasing the wound ages (5‐7 days), granulation tissue and angiogenesis were observed, with the migration of macrophages and fibroblast, which expressed VEGF, CD68, and α‐SMA positive reaction. Time‐dependent expression of the above markers suggested that they would be useful indicators for the determination of wound age. Both VEGF and transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGFb1) mRNA levels were determined in different skin wound ages. The transcription of TGFb1 and VEGF increased shortly after wounding, until post‐wounding day 7. It then declined constantly, reaching minimal values on day 14.
Sequence capture phylogenomics of historical ethanol‐preserved museum specimens: Unlocking the rest of the vault

Natural history collections play a crucial role in biodiversity research, and museum specimens are increasingly being incorporated into modern genetics‐based studies. Sequence capture methods have proven incredibly useful for phylogenomics, providing the additional ability to sequence historical museum specimens with highly degraded DNA, which until recently have been deemed less valuable for genetic work. The successful sequencing of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) from historical museum specimens has been demonstrated on multiple tissue types including dried bird skins, formalin‐fixed squamates and pinned insects. However, no study has thoroughly demonstrated this approach for historical ethanol‐preserved museum specimens. Alongside sequencing of “fresh” specimens preserved in >95% ethanol and stored at −80°C, we used extraction techniques specifically designed for degraded DNA coupled with sequence capture protocols to sequence UCEs from historical museum specimens preserved in 70%–80% ethanol and stored at room temperature, the standard for such ethanol‐preserved museum collections. Across 35 fresh and 15 historical museum samples of the arachnid order Opiliones, an average of 345 UCE loci were included in phylogenomic matrices, with museum samples ranging from six to 495 loci. We successfully demonstrate the inclusion of historical ethanol‐preserved museum specimens in modern sequence capture phylogenomic studies, show a high frequency of variant bases at the species and population levels, and from off‐target reads successfully recover multiple loci traditionally sequenced in multilocus studies including mitochondrial loci and nuclear rRNA loci. The methods detailed in this study will allow researchers to potentially acquire genetic data from millions of ethanol‐preserved museum specimens held in collections worldwide.
Evaluation of two wheelchair hand rim models: contact pressure distribution in straight line and curve trajectories

Abstract Manual wheelchairs are essential for people with disabilities or limited mobility. However, manual propulsion causes biomechanical loads, including contact pressures on the palms of the hands. The hand rim design has received little attention over time, remaining almost unchanged since its creation. This study investigated how two different designs of such devices – one standard and another with a contoured design – influence the contact pressure on the surface of the hands. The procedures included a figure-of-eight shape propulsion task on a regular floor, using both models on a wheelchair. A pressure-mapping system coupled with a pair of fabric gloves recorded the data. The results show that the contoured hand rim provides lower pressure in most of the analysed regions. Considering that manual propulsion is performed during a considerable part of the day as a routine activity, improving the hand rim interface may benefit the user’s comfort and safety during wheelchair use. Practitioner summary: The design of the hand rim used in wheelchair propulsion influences the contact pressure on the hands. Conventional round tube rims tend to concentrate high levels of pressure on the distal phalanges and metacarpal regions. A contoured design generally provides better stability and promotes the distribution of pressure. Abbreviations: AT: assistive technology; kPa: kilopascal
Development of Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Resting Heart Rate Over Time: Findings From the OGHMA Study

Both elevated resting heart rate (HR) and electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG-LVH) are signs of a poor prognosis. Although elevated resting HR is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and target organ damage, the association between resting HR and the development of ECG-LVH is unclear. In the present study, 6860 subjects (4203 men, 2657 women, 19-89 years of age) without ECG-LVH at baseline were evaluated and followed for a mean duration of 3.7±1.4 years. During the follow-up period, 484 (7.1%) subjects developed ECG-LVH. Cox regression analysis revealed that each 10 beats/min increase in resting HR was associated with a 22% reduction in the development of ECG-LVH (95% confidence interval: 12%-30%, P < .0001) in men. While an increase in HR tended to be associated with the development of ECG-LVH in women, the relationship was not significant. In contrast to the concept that an elevated resting HR is a cardiovascular risk factor, these findings revealed that resting HR was negatively associated with the development of ECG-LVH in men.
Self-concept, illness acceptance and depressive and anxiety symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis

Little research has examined the relationship between self-concept and depressive and anxiety symptoms and whether this is moderated by illness acceptance in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Results of an online self-report survey completed by 515 individuals with multiple sclerosis revealed that self-concept was negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms with illness acceptance moderating the association such that individuals with highest self-concept and illness acceptance had the lowest levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Findings lend support to psychological interventions that focus on increasing illness acceptance and fostering positive self-concept in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Sociodemographic, lifestyle and metabolic predictors of all-cause mortality in a cohort of community-dwelling population: an 18-year follow-up of the North West Adelaide Health Study

Introduction Studies examining potential factors of all-cause mortality comprehensively at community level are rare. Using long-term community-based follow-up study, we examined the association of sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics, metabolic and chronic conditions, and medication and health service utilisation with all-cause mortality. Methods We followed 4056 participants, aged 18–90 years, for 18 years in the North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS). Mortality data were obtained from South Australian (SA) public hospitals and registries including SA births, deaths and marriages, the National Death Index and the NWAHS follow-up. Predictors of all-cause mortality were explored using Cox proportional hazard model, adjusting for potential confounders. We performed subgroup analyses by sex and age. Results Mean (SD) age at baseline was 50.4 (16.4) years. Less than half (47.8%) of the participants were men. A total of 64 689.7 person-years from 4033 participants with 18.7 years of follow-up were generated. The median follow-up time was 17.7 years; 614 deaths were recorded. The overall crude death rate was 9.6 (95% CI 8.9 to 10.4) per 1000 person-years. After adjusting for potential confounders, a reduced risk of mortality was significantly associated with being separated or divorced, being in the highest Socioeconomic Indexes for Areas quintile, engaging in moderate exercise, being overweight (body mass index: 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and per 10% increase in per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s. We found that the most important predictors of all-cause mortality were sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics. Sociodemographic factors were more important predictors of all-cause mortality in young age bracket compared with older people. Conclusions Socioeconomic factors were found to be the most important predictors of all-cause mortality. The study highlights the need to address the social inequalities and strengthen behavioural interventions for different subgroups of population to prevent premature deaths.
Disrupting the speech motor network: Exploring hemispheric specialization for verbal and manual sequencing using a dual-task approach.

OBJECTIVE The concept of overlapping neural networks supporting both speech production and fine motor praxis is well accepted; however, few studies have explored the lateralized behavioral characteristics of both functions when performed simultaneously. METHOD This study probes the characteristics of the dominant hemisphere by overloading cognitive processing via a novel dual-task paradigm. In 2 experiments, participants performed sets of motor and speech tasks under single-task and dual-task conditions. The sets of tasks differed as to the extent to which they relied on sequential processing, and we hypothesized that tasks more reliant on this type of processing would suffer a greater performance decrement under dual-task conditions. A reliable measure of hemispheric language dominance was obtained via functional transcranial Doppler (fTCD) ultrasound. RESULTS Speech production scores in the experimental set (i.e., sequential processing) were consistently impaired under dual-task conditions, a distinction that was not seen in the control set. Results of Experiment 2 confirm those of Experiment 1, whereby speech scores were most strongly impaired under dual-task conditions, especially in the experimental set. Motor performance suffered less than speech performance in dual-task conditions in both the experimental and control sets across both experiments. CONCLUSION Data suggest that the common processing capacity for speech and fine motor praxis can be disrupted through a dual-task paradigm. This novel behavioral data supports theories of a motor-based gestural origin for language and indicates that speech production is more sensitive to the effects of increased processing requirements than are motor skills. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Asymptomatic Pancreatic Masses : An Overview

Nowadays pancreatic masses are more and more frequently detected. In the last decades the advances in radiological techniques and the wide diffusion of cross-sectional diagnostic imaging led to an increasingly number of asymptomatic pancreatic masses detection. In few years the use of Computed Tomography (CT) imaging has increased noticeably. A significant proportion of this boost is related to its role in the diagnosis, particularly in acute care environment: the use of CT in the emergency department has increase by 4 fold in the last decade [1].