Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal and Annual Occurrence of Mediterranean Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Chios Island, Greece: Differences between Two Neighboring Citrus Orchards

Two orchards that contained mainly citrus and a few other hosts were monitored during 1991-1993 for Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) on the Mediterranean island of Chios, eastern central Greece. The orchards are located ≈0.5 km apart in a citrus producing plain and differ mainly in their numbers and relative abundance of apricots, sweet oranges, and bitter oranges. Overall, captures in Jackson traps baited with trimedlure were low in June and most of July and also in December and January, high from August through November, and absent from February through May. Early in the season, adult abundance was closely associated with the presence of ripe apricots, Primus anneniaca L. , and bitter oranges, Citrus aurantium L. , whereas later with the presence of sweet oranges ‘Valencia’, C. cinensis Osbeck, and also figs, Ficus carica L. , which are scattered in the area. Despite the close proximity of the 2 orchards and the bridge of hosts between them, captures started each year ≈1 mo earlier (mid-June) and the total captures were higher in the one orchard that contained apricots and several bitter oranges than in the other orchard containing a few bitter oranges. The presence of ripe bitter oranges in the former orchard kept flies from infesting sweet oranges, which were also susceptible. These results suggest that host plant composition and availability and especially the presence of highly preferred hosts create a large amount of local variation in C. capitata abundance. Implications of our findings are discussed with respect to the efficiency of the currently used trapping systems for the early detection of C. capitata and the importance of sampling fruits from preferred hosts.
Perspectives on Viral RNA Genomes and the RNA Folding Problem

Viral RNA genomes change shape as virus particles disassemble, form replication complexes, attach to ribosomes for translation, evade host defense mechanisms, and assemble new virus particles. These structurally dynamic RNA shapeshifters present a challenging RNA folding problem, because the RNA sequence adopts multiple structures and may sometimes contain regions of partial disorder. Recent advances in high resolution asymmetric cryoelectron microscopy and chemical probing provide new ways to probe the degree of structure and disorder, and have identified more than one conformation in dynamic equilibrium in viral RNA. Chemical probing and the Detection of RNA Folding Ensembles using Expectation Maximization (DREEM) algorithm has been applied to studies of the dynamic equilibrium conformations in HIV RNA in vitro, in virio, and in vivo. This new type of data provides insight into important questions about virus assembly mechanisms and the fundamental physical forces driving virus particle assembly.
Variation and Subspeciation in the Common Sunflower, Helianthus Annuus

An understanding of the origin of our cultivated plants obviously requires a knowledge of the plant's wild ancestors. Unfortunately the wild ancestors of many of our cultivated crop plants are not known and in all likelihood are extinct. The sunflower, however, is a significant exception, for the common sunflower is a wide ranging species throughout much of North America. In cultivation it is known throughout the world. It has long been recognized as a highly variable species and previously three main taxa have been recognized (Heiser, 1951c) -H. annuus var. lenticularis, the so-called wild form of western North America; H. annuus var. arnnuus, the ruderal sunflower primarily of the central United States; and H. annuus var. macrocarpus, the forms cultivated for their oily seeds. In the present paper an attempt will be made to analyze some of the wild and weed forms of the sunflower with emphasis being placed upon their variation, taxonomy, and probable evolution. A number of cultivated strains have been examined previously and preliminary remarks concerning the origin of the cultivated sunflower have been published (Heiser, 1951c). Archaeological material of the sunflower has been studied but these data have not as yet been published. After detailed considerations of the archaeological sunflowers, the cultivated races in existence today, and the wild and weed forms, we should have a fairly complete knowledge of the origin of the cultivated sunflower. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Association Between Symbolic Play and Language: A Comparison Between Typically Developing Children and Children with Down Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Language and symbolic play require the same underlying symbolic ability and develop parallel to one another. The aim of this study was to determine the association between symbolic play and vocabulary in typically developing children and children with Down syndrome in Malaysia. METHODS Twenty-five typically developing children and 25 children with Down syndrome aged between 12 and 36 months were involved in this study. They were recruited from an early intervention center and various kindergartens from the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Their play skills were assessed using the Symbolic Play Test Second Edition, and information about their vocabulary was obtained through the MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories that was filled out by their parents. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the vocabulary and symbolic play scores of children with Down syndrome compared with typically developing children. There was also a positive correlation between symbolic play scores and receptive and expressive vocabulary scores for both groups of children. CONCLUSION When providing intervention, speech-language pathologists need to promote the development of symbolic play in addition to language, given the association between the two. They should also look into introducing an augmentative and alternative communication system to the children who demonstrate age-appropriate symbolic play skills but have trouble with symbolic language production.
Blockchain and Demand Response: Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Energy Transactions Privacy

Nowadays, the adoption of demand response programs is still lagging due to the prosumers’ lack of awareness, fear of losing control and privacy of energy data, etc. Programs decentralization, by adopting promising technologies such as blockchain, may bring significant advantages in terms of transparency, openness, improved control, and increased active participation of prosumers. Nevertheless, even though in general the transparency of the public blockchain is a desirable feature in the energy domain, the prosumer energy data is sensitive and rather private, thus, a privacy-preserving solution is required. In this paper, we present a decentralized implementation of demand response programs on top of the public blockchain which deals with the privacy of the prosumer’s energy data using zero-knowledge proofs and validates on the blockchain the prosumer’s activity inside the program using smart contracts. Prosumer energy data is kept private, while on the blockchain it is stored a zero-knowledge proof that is generated by the prosumer itself allowing the implementation of functions to validate potential deviations from the request and settle prosumer’s activity. The solution evaluation results are promising in terms of ensuring the privacy of prosumer energy data stored in the public blockchain and detecting potential data inconsistencies.
Value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the value of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions. METHODS Prospective cohort study that included 52 patients during a 2-year period (2016 to 2018) who underwent EBUS-TBNA. RESULTS Among the 52 individuals submitted to the procedure, 22 (42.31%) patients were diagnosed with locally advanced lung cancer (N2 or N3 lymph node involvement). EBUS-TBNA confirmed the diagnosis of metastases from other extrathoracic tumors in the mediastinum or lung in 5 patients (9.61%), confirmed small cell lung cancer in 3 patients (5.76%), mediastinal sarcoidosis in 1 patient (1.92%), and reactive mediastinal lymph node in 8 patients (15.38%); insufficient results were found for 3 patients (5.76%). Based on these results, EBUS-TBNA avoided further subsequent surgical procedures in 39 of 52 patients (75%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 86%, 100%, 100%, 77%, and 90%, respectively. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS EBUS-TBNA is a safe, effective, and valuable method. This technique can significantly reduce the rate of subsequent surgical procedures required for the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions.
Prominin‐1‐Radixin axis controls hepatic gluconeogenesis by regulating PKA activity

Prominin‐1 (Prom1) is a major cell surface marker of cancer stem cells, but its physiological functions in the liver have not been elucidated. We analyzed the levels of mRNA transcripts in serum‐starved primary WT (Prom1+/+) and KO (Prom1−/−) mouse hepatocytes using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data, and found that CREB target genes were downregulated. This initial observation led us to determine that Prom1 deficiency inhibited cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) activation and gluconeogenesis, but not cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation, in glucagon‐, epinephrine‐, or forskolin‐treated liver tissues and primary hepatocytes, and mitigated glucagon‐induced hyperglycemia. Because Prom1 interacted with radixin, Prom1 deficiency prevented radixin from localizing to the plasma membrane. Moreover, systemic adenoviral knockdown of radixin inhibited CREB activation and gluconeogenesis in glucagon‐treated liver tissues and primary hepatocytes, and mitigated glucagon‐elicited hyperglycemia. Based on these results, we conclude that Prom1 regulates hepatic PKA signaling via radixin functioning as an A kinase‐anchored protein (AKAP).
The Analgesic Effect of Electroencephalographic Neurofeedback for People With Chronic Pain: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background Chronic pain is a global health problem, affecting around 1 in 5 individuals in the general population. The understanding of the key role of functional brain alterations in the generation of chronic pain has led researchers to focus on pain treatments that target brain activity. Electroencephalographic neurofeedback attempts to modulate the power of maladaptive electroencephalography frequency powers to decrease chronic pain. Although several studies have provided promising evidence, the effect of electroencephalographic neurofeedback on chronic pain is uncertain. Objective This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence from randomized controlled trials to evaluate the analgesic effect of electroencephalographic neurofeedback. In addition, we will synthesize the findings of nonrandomized studies in a narrative review. Methods We will apply the search strategy in 5 electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL) for published studies and in clinical trial registries for completed unpublished studies. We will include studies that used electroencephalographic neurofeedback as an intervention for people with chronic pain. Risk-of-bias tools will be used to assess methodological quality of the included studies. We will include randomized controlled trials if they have compared electroencephalographic neurofeedback with any other intervention or placebo control. The data from randomized controlled trials will be aggregated to perform a meta-analysis for quantitative synthesis. The primary outcome measure is pain intensity assessed by self-report scales. Secondary outcome measures include depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality measured by self-reported questionnaires. We will investigate the studies for additional outcomes addressing adverse effects and resting-state electroencephalography analysis. Additionally, all types of nonrandomized studies will be included for a narrative synthesis. The intended and unintended effects of nonrandomized studies will be extracted and summarized in a descriptive table. Results Ethics approval is not required for a systematic review, as there will be no patient involvement. The search for this systematic review commenced in July 2020, and we expect to publish the findings in early 2021. Conclusions This systematic review will provide recommendations for researchers and health professionals, as well as people with chronic pain, about the evidence for the analgesic effect of electroencephalographic neurofeedback. Trial Registration International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42020177608; https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO/display_record. php? RecordID=177608 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/22821
Efficient Synthesis of Fmoc-ProtectedAzido Amino Acids

The efficient two-step synthesis of Fmoc-protected L-azidoalanine and L-azidohomoalaninefrom readily available Fmoc-protected asparagine and glutamine,respectively, is reported. The synthetic route proceeds in goodyield, requires no extra purification steps, and can be carriedout on gram scale. The resulting azido amino acids are of sufficientpurity for solid-phase peptide synthesis, as demonstrated in thesynthesis of a model pentapeptide.
Mycobacterium smegmatis Bacteria Expressing Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Specific Rv1954A Induce Macrophage Activation and Modulate the Immune Response

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the intracellular pathogen causing tuberculosis, has developed mechanisms that endow infectivity and allow it to modulate host immune response for its survival. Genomic and proteomic analyses of non-pathogenic and pathogenic mycobacteria showed presence of genes and proteins that are specific to M. tb. In silico studies predicted that M.tb Rv1954A is a hypothetical secretory protein that exhibits intrinsically disordered regions and possess B cell/T cell epitopes. Treatment of macrophages with Rv1954A led to TLR4-mediated activation with concomitant increase in secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-12 and TNF-α. In vitro studies showed that rRv1954A protein or Rv1954A knock-in M. smegmatis (Ms_Rv1954A) activates macrophages by enhancing the expression of CD80 and CD86. An upregulation in the expression of CD40 and MHC I/II was noted in the presence of Rv1954A, pointing to its role in enhancing the association of APCs with T cells and in the modulation of antigen presentation, respectively. Ms_Rv1954A showed increased infectivity, induction of ROS and RNS, and apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Rv1954A imparted protection against oxidative and nitrosative stress, thereby enhancing the survival of Ms_Rv1954A inside macrophages. Mice immunized with Ms_Rv1954A showed that splenomegaly and primed splenocytes restimulated with Rv1954A elicited a Th1 response. Infection of Ms_Rv1954A in mice through intratracheal instillation leads to enhanced infiltration of lymphocytes in the lungs without formation of granuloma. While Rv1954A is immunogenic, it did not cause adverse pathology. Purified Rv1954A or Rv1954A knock-in M. smegmatis (Ms_Rv1954A) elicited a nearly two-fold higher titer of IgG response in mice, and PTB patients possess a higher IgG titer against Rv1954A, also pointing to its utility as a diagnostic marker for TB. The observed modulation of innate and adaptive immunity renders Rv1954A a vital protein in the pathophysiology of this pathogen.
Assessment of arterial stiffness and epicardial adipose tissue thickness in predicting the subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

ABSTRACT Objective Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disease. Recognition of subclinical atherosclerotic vascular changes before clinical manifestation in an asymptomatic population is important for risk stratification and optimal management, which finally leads to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine the risk of premature subclinical atherosclerosis by evaluating epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and arterial stiffness parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods We performed a prospective study of 60 consecutive patients meeting modified New York criteria for AS compared to 60 controls matched for age and sex. Patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors were excluded. Arterial stiffness parameters and EATT (examined via echocardiography) values of all patients and control groups were measured. Results There was no difference between basal characteristic and echocardiographic parameters in patients with AS and in the control group. EATT and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were higher in the AS patients compared to the control group. EATT was 5.74 ± 1.22 mm and 4.91 ± 1.21 mm (p < .001) and PWV was 9.90 ± 0.98 m/s and 6.46 ± 0.83 m/s (p = .009) in the AS and control groups, respectively. Also, PWV was significantly correlated with EATT, age, and central blood pressure in patients with AS. Conclusions EATT and PWV, markers of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, were significantly higher in patients with AS than the control group. In addition, in this study, it has been shown that there is a significant relationship between PWV and EATT in patients with AS.
Assessment of privacy and security perception of biometric technology case study of Kaduna state tertiary academic institutions

Biometric authentication technology are being increasingly used for many applications. Since such technology requires high level human interaction, effective implementation and acceptability of such system depends on users' perception, particularly, in the area of system safety and privacy. This study was conducted using a survey design accomplished through the use of a descriptive rating, Likert‐type survey instrument. Quantitative data were collected from participants in four tertiary academic institutions and Statistical Package for Social Science version 23 was used for data analysis. The survey focuses on three universities and a polytechnic situated in Kaduna metropolis. Deliberate sampling technique was used in selecting the four academic institutions, stratified random sampling technique was used in administering the survey instrument to 50 respondents from each institutions. The survey sampled 200 participants. Result from the study revealed the importance of considering users' perception before the implementation of biometric system. Major factors that significantly influence perception in this study are users' knowledge of biometric system and gender. Furthermore, 99.5% of the respondents show that public enlightenment and formulation of appropriate legal guidelines to back the use of biometric information will instil confidence in users of biometric technology.
Effects of repeated menstrual pain on empathic neural responses in women with primary dysmenorrhea across the menstrual cycle

Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) is cyclic menstrual pain in the absence of pelvic anomalies, and it is thought to be a sex‐hormone related disorder. Existing study has focused on the effects of menstrual cramps on brain function and structure, ignoring the psychological changes associated with menstrual pain. Here we examined whether pain empathy in PDM differs from healthy controls (HC) using task‐based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Fifty‐seven PDM women and 53 matched HC were recruited, and data were collected at the luteal and menstruation phases, respectively. During fMRI scans, participants viewed pictures displaying exposure to painful situations and pictures without any pain cues and assessed the level of pain experienced by the person in the picture. Regarding the main effect of the pain pictures, our results showed that compared to viewing neutral pictures, viewing pain pictures caused significantly higher activation in the anterior insula (AI), anterior cingulate cortex, and the left inferior parietal lobule; and only the right AI exhibited a significant interaction effect (group × picture). Post‐hoc analyses confirmed that, relative to neutral pictures, the right AI failed to be activated in PDM women viewing painsss pictures. Additionally, there was no significant interaction effect between the luteal and menstruation phases. It suggests that intermittent pain can lead to abnormal empathy in PDM women, which does not vary with the pain or pain‐free phase. Our study may deepen the understanding of the relationship between recurrent spontaneous pain and empathy in a clinical disorder characterized by cyclic episodes of pain.
Economic threat heightens conflict detection: sLORETA evidence

Abstract Economic threat has far-reaching emotional and social consequences, yet the impact of economic threat on neurocognitive processes has received little empirical scrutiny. Here, we examined the causal relationship between economic threat and conflict detection, a critical process in cognitive control associated with the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Participants (N = 103) were first randomly assigned to read about a gloomy economic forecast (Economic Threat condition) or a stable economic forecast (No-Threat Control condition). Notably, these forecasts were based on real, publicly available economic predictions. Participants then completed a passive auditory oddball task composed of frequent standard tones and infrequent, aversive white-noise bursts, a task that elicits the N2, an event-related potential component linked to conflict detection. Results revealed that participants in the Economic Threat condition evidenced increased activation source localized to the ACC during the N2 to white-noise stimuli. Further, ACC activation to conflict mediated an effect of Economic Threat on increased justification for personal wealth. Economic threat thus has implications for basic neurocognitive function. Discussion centers on how effects on conflict detection could shed light on the broader emotional and social consequences of economic threat.
Duration of antimicrobial therapy for Gram-negative infections

Purpose of review The potential benefits on antimicrobial resistance emergence, incidence of antibiotic-related adverse effects, and health costs have pushed to shorten therapeutic courses for Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) infections. However, the safety of this approach is still under investigation. This review gathers recent contributions to the evaluation of the impact on antimicrobial resistance and clinical outcome of shorter therapeutic courses against GNB infections, and highlights data on the modern approach of adjustable antibiotic duration. Recent findings Recent advances include data on the safety of 7-day treatment of uncomplicated Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream infections with favorable early 48-h evolution. A promising innovative approach with individualized treatment duration arises, supported by recently published results on GNB bacteremia evaluating fixed antibiotic durations and an adaptive antibiotic duration driven by blood levels of C-reactive protein. Summary Recent literature illustrates a strong trend towards shortened antibiotic durations in GNB infections, illustrated by lately published data in GNB bacteremia and ongoing studies in GNB ventilator-associated pneumonia. However, short antibiotic course for specific situations, such as immunodeficiency, drug-resistance, and inadequate source control should be handled with caution because of lack of supportive data.