Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a chromosomal inversion maintaining divergent plumage phenotypes between extensively hybridizing yellowhammers (Emberiza citrinella) and pine buntings (E. leucocephalos)

In an allopatric speciation model, populations of a species become isolated by a geographic barrier and develop reproductive isolation through genetic differentiation. When populations meet in secondary contact, the strength of evolved reproductive barriers determines the extent of hybridization and whether the populations will continue to diverge or merge back together. The yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) and pine bunting (E. leucocephalos) are avian sister species that diverged in allopatry during the Pleistocene glaciations. Though they differ greatly in plumage and form distinct genetic clusters in allopatry, these taxa show negligible mitochondrial DNA differentiation and hybridize extensively in sympatry lending uncertainty to the state of reproductive isolation in the system. To assess the strength of reproductive barriers between taxa, we examined genomic differentiation across the yellowhammer and pine bunting system. We found that extensive admixture has occurred in sympatry, indicating that reproductive barriers between taxa are weak. We also identified a putative Z chromosome inversion that underlies plumage variation in the system, with the “pine bunting” inversion form showing dominance over the “yellowhammer” form. Our results suggest that yellowhammers and pine buntings are currently at a crossroads and that evolutionary forces may push this system towards either continued differentiation or population merging. However, even if these taxa merge, recombination suppression between chromosome Z inversion forms may maintain divergent plumage phenotypes within the system. In this way, our findings highlight the important role hybridization plays in increasing the genetic and phenotypic variation as well as the evolvability of a system.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of pea shoot development and cell-type-specific responses to boron deficiency

Understanding how nutrient stress impacts plant growth is fundamentally important to the development of approaches to improve crop production under nutrient limitation. Here we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to shoot apices of Pisum sativum grown under boron (B) deficiency. We identified up to fifteen cell clusters based on the clustering of gene expression profiles and verified cell identity with cell-type-specific marker gene expression. Different cell types responded differently to B deficiency. Specifically, the expression of photosynthetic genes in mesophyll cells (MCs) was down-regulated by B deficiency, consistent with impaired photosynthetic rate. Furthermore, the down-regulation of stomatal development genes in guard cells (GCs), including homologs of MUTE and TOO MANY MOUTHS, correlated with a decrease in stomatal density under B deficiency. We also constructed the developmental trajectory of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) cells and a transcription factor (TF) interaction network. The developmental progression of SAM to MC was characterized by up-regulation of genes encoding histones and chromatin assembly and remodeling proteins including homologs of FASCIATA1 (FAS1) and SWITCH DEFECTIVE/SUCROSE NON-FERMENTABLE (SWI/SNF) complex. However, B deficiency suppressed their expression, which helps to explain impaired SAM development under B deficiency. These results represent a major advance over bulk-tissue RNA-seq analysis in which cell-type-specific responses are lost and hence important physiological responses to B deficiency are missed. The reported approach and resources have potential applications well beyond P. sativum species and could be applied to various legumes to improve their adaptability to multiple nutrient or abiotic stresses.
Pulsed ultrasound promotes secretion of anti-inflammatory extracellular vesicles from skeletal myotubes via elevation of intracellular calcium level

The regulation of inflammatory responses is an important intervention in biological function and macrophages play an essential role during inflammation. Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the human body and releases various factors which mediate anti-inflammatory/immune modulatory effects. Recently, the roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from a large variety of cells are reported. In particular, EVs released from skeletal muscle are attracting attention due to their therapeutic effects on dysfunctional organs and tissues. Also, ultrasound (US) promotes release of EVs from skeletal muscle. In this study, we investigated the output parameters and mechanisms of US-induced EV release enhancement and the potential of US-treated skeletal muscle-derived EVs in the regulation of inflammatory responses in macrophages. High-intensity US (3.0 W/cm2) irradiation increased EV secretion via elevating intracellular Ca2+ level without negative effects. Moreover, US-induced EVs suppressed expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors in macrophages. miRNA sequencing analysis revealed that miR-206-3p and miR-378a-3p were especially abundant in skeletal myotube-derived EVs. In this study we demonstrated that high-intensity US promotes the release of anti-inflammatory EVs from skeletal myotubes and exert anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages.
Multielectrode Network Stimulation (ME-NETS) demonstrated by concurrent tDCS and fMRI

Non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate activity of targeted brain regions. Whether tDCS can reliably and repeatedly modulate intrinsic connectivity of entire brain networks is unclear. We used concurrent tDCS-MRI to investigate the effect of high dose anodal tDCS on resting state connectivity within the Arcuate Fasciculus (AF) network, which spans the temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes and is connected via a structural backbone, the Arcuate Fasciculus (AF) white matter tract. Effects of high-dose tDCS (4mA) delivered via a single electrode placed over one of the AF nodes (single electrode stimulation, SE-S) was compared to the same dose split between multiple electrodes placed over AF-network nodes (multielectrode network stimulation, ME-NETS). While both SE-S and ME-NETS significantly modulated connectivity between AF network nodes (increasing connectivity during stimulation epochs), ME-NETS had a significantly larger and more reliable effect than SE-S. Moreover, comparison with a control network, the Inferior Longitudinal Fasciculus (ILF) network suggested that the effect of ME-NETS on connectivity was specific to the targeted AF-network. This finding was further supported by the results of a seed-to-voxel analysis wherein we found ME-NETS primarily modulated connectivity between AF-network nodes. Finally, an exploratory analysis looking at dynamic connectivity using sliding window correlation found strong and immediate modulation of connectivity during three stimulation epochs within the same imaging session.
Characterization of cotton virus A, a novel and distinct member of the genus Caulimovirus with endogenous viral elements in Gossypium spp

The complete genome sequence of cotton virus A, a new virus infecting cotton (Gossypium spp.), was determined using high-throughput sequencing, PCR and rolling circle amplification. The 7,482-nt genome is a circular dsDNA molecule that codes for six open reading frames similar to other members of the Caulimovirus genus (family Caulimoviridae) but presenting key genome organization differences. P3, P5 and P6 are presumed movement, coat, and reverse transcriptase proteins, respectively. P1, P2 and P4 showed no homology to virus proteins. Endogenous viral elements were found in G. hirsutum and G. tomentosum, but not in G. barbadense, G. arboreum, or G. herbaceum.
Including the Invisible Fraction in Whole Population Studies: a Guide to the Genetic Sampling of Unhatched Bird Eggs

Early embryo mortality has recently been proven to be a significant component of avian reproductive failure. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing eggs which have suffered early embryo mortality from unfertilised eggs, this cause of reproductive failure has historically been underestimated and overlooked. We describe methods for recognising and collecting undeveloped, unhatched eggs from wild bird populations, identifying and isolating embryonic material in unhatched eggs, and efficiently extracting DNA from those samples. We test these methods on unhatched eggs collected from the field which have undergone post-mortem incubation. We obtained DNA yields from early-stage embryos that are sufficient for a wide range of molecular techniques, including microsatellite genotyping for parentage analysis and sex-typing. The type of tissue sample taken from the egg affected downstream DNA yields and microsatellite amplification rates. Species-specific microsatellite markers had higher amplification success rates than cross-species markers. We make key recommendations for each stage of the sampling and extraction process and suggest improvements potential and protocol modifications. Genetic and possibly genomic analysis of embryos that die early in development has the potential to advance many fields. The methods described here will allow a more in-depth exploration of the previously overlooked causes of early embryo mortality in wild populations of birds, including threatened species.
A new algorithm for reliability evaluation of telecommunication networks with link-capacities

This paper presents a fast and efficient algorithm for reliability evaluation of telecommunication networks with link capacities.A system is considered reliable only if it successfully transmits at least the reauired system capacity from the transmitter to the receiver station.The algorithms we give differ from the traditional method and convert the traditional 2 step algorithm into 1 step algorithm.Algorithm Ⅰ starts from any valid group as its initial valid group,and all valid groups are generated from it and disjoint.Algorithm Ⅱ is a doal algorithm of algorithm I.Also we give a counter example to show that the algorithm in \ can lead to leave out valid group.
Hexokinase regulates Mondo-mediated longevity via the PPP and organellar dynamics

The transcriptional complex Mondo/Max-like, MML-1/MXL-2, acts as a convergent transcriptional regulatory output of multiple longevity pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans. These transcription factors coordinate nutrient sensing with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism across the evolutionary spectrum. While most studies have focused on the downstream outputs, little is known about the upstream inputs that regulate these transcription factors in a live organism. Here, we found that knockdown of various glucose metabolic enzymes decreases MML-1 localization in the nucleus and identified two hexokinase isozymes, hxk-1 and hxk-2, as the most vigorous regulators of MML-1 function. Upon hexokinase knockdown, MML-1 redistributes to mitochondria and lipid droplets (LD) and concomitantly, transcriptional targets are downregulated and germline longevity is abolished. Further, we found that hxk-1 regulates MML-1 through mitochondrial β-oxidation, while hxk-2 regulates MML-1 through modulating the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and its coordinated association with lipid droplets. Similarly, inhibition of the PPP rescues mammalian MondoA nuclear translocation and transcriptional function upon starvation. These studies reveal how metabolic signals and organellar communication regulate a key convergent metabolic transcription factor to promote longevity.
Cortical facilitation of tactile afferents during the preparation of a body weight transfer when standing on a biomimetic surface

Self-generated movement shapes tactile perception, but few studies have investigated the brain mechanisms involved in the processing of the mechanical signals related to the static and transient skin deformations generated by forces and pressures exerted between the foot skin and the standing surface. We recently found that standing on a biomimetic surface (i.e., inspired by the characteristics of mechanoreceptors and skin dermatoglyphics), that magnified skin–surface interaction, increased the sensory flow to the somatosensory cortex and improved balance control compared to standing on control (e.g., smooth) surfaces. In this study, we tested whether the well-known sensory suppression that occurs during movements is alleviated when the tactile afferent signal becomes relevant with the use of a biomimetic surface. Eyes-closed participants (n = 25) self-stimulated their foot cutaneous receptors by shifting their body weight toward one of their legs while standing on either a biomimetic or a control (smooth) surface. In a control task, similar forces were exerted on the surfaces (i.e., similar skin–surface interaction) by passive translations of the surfaces. Sensory gating was assessed by measuring the amplitude of the somatosensory-evoked potential over the vertex (SEP, recorded by EEG). Significantly larger and shorter SEPs were found when participants stood on the biomimetic surface. This was observed whether the forces exerted on the surface were self-generated or passively generated. Contrary to our prediction, we found that the sensory attenuation related to the self-generated movement did not significantly differ between the biomimetic and control surfaces. However, we observed an increase in gamma activity (30–50 Hz) over centroparietal regions during the preparation phase of the weight shift only when participants stood on the biomimetic surface. This result might suggest that gamma-band oscillations play an important functional role in processing behaviorally relevant stimuli during the early stages of body weight transfer.
Exploring the influence of national music lessons on subjective well-being, self-esteem, and national identity among university students: a case study from China

This study aims to explore the influence of national music lessons on university students’ subjective well-being, self-esteem, and national identity. A Chinese university provided four national music courses spanning 8 weeks. The students’ subjective well-being, self-esteem, and national identity were measured before the commencement of the courses (T1), the fourth week of the courses (T2), and post the completion of the courses (T3). A total of 362 participants completed the Positive and Negative Affect Scales, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the National Identity Scale at T1, T2, and T3. Results indicated that national music lessons could improve university students’ subjective well-being, yet there was no effect on their national identity or self-esteem. Although high national identity and high self-esteem predicted a greater level of subjective well-being, self-esteem and national identity did not affect the influence of national music lessons on subjective well-being. National music lessons were particularly beneficial to students with low and middle levels of subjective well-being, in comparison to those with higher levels of subjective well-being. This paper verifies an efficient method to bolster students’ subjective well-being that can be conducted in educational practices.
Predictive validity of a parental questionnaire for identifying children with developmental language disorders

Background The underdiagnosis of developmental language disorder (DLD) in children is a serious problem in developing countries with limited resources. It has long been noted that the concerns parents have about their children’s health and development are richly informative, and if this information can be used for diagnosis, it may provide a means to address the problem of underdiagnosis of DLD. This study aimed to quantify the utility of parental linguistic concern questions (PLCQ) on the identification of language disorders in monolingual Spanish-speaking children in Mexico. It also explored whether a combination of biological and environmental conditions questions (BECQ) might improve the performance of a screening test to identify DLD. Methods A total of 680 monolingual Mexican Spanish-speaking children and their parents from urban areas in Mexico participated in the study. The distribution of responses to questions about DLD concerns was compared between 185 children diagnosed with DLD and 495 control subjects, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to select questions with high predictivity, based on the Akaike information criterion. The diagnostic utility of the questions was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, stratum-specific likelihood ratios (SSLRs), and changes in pretest and post-test probabilities of DLD. A similar procedure was used to explore whether adding BECQ would improve the diagnostic utility of questions about DLD concerns using data of 128 children. Results Four questions regarding parental linguistic concerns were found to be useful in identifying children with DLD. When all four concerns were present, the SSLR was 8.79, while it was only 0.27 when there were no concerns at all. The estimates of DLD probability increased from 0.12 to 0.55 at pretest and post-test. On the other hand, the BECQ did not perform as well as the PLCQ in identifying DLD, and the improvement in diagnostic performance it provided was limited to one question. Conclusion The parental questionnaire can be used as a screening tool to help in identifying children with DLD. The data presented in this study underscore the importance of considering linguistic parental concerns as part of the screening process. This is a realistic option to provide a solution to the current problem of underdiagnosis of DLD in Mexico.
Multifractal analysis of the heterogeneity of nanopores in tight reservoirs based on boosting machine learning algorithms

Exploring the geological factors that affect fluid flow has always been a hot topic. For tight reservoirs, the pore structure and characteristics of different lithofacies reveal the storage status of fluids in different reservoir environments. The size, connectivity, and distribution of fillers in different sedimentary environments have always posed a challenge in studying the microscopic heterogeneity. In this paper, six logging curves (gamma-ray, density, acoustic, compensated neutron, shallow resistivity, and deep resistivity) in two marker wells, namely, J1 and J2, of the Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Jimsar Basin are tested by using four reinforcement learning algorithms: LogitBoost, GBM, XGBoost, and KNN. The total percent correct of training well J2 is 96%, 96%, 96%, and 96%, and the total percent correct of validation well J1 is 75%, 68%, 72%, and 75%, respectively. Based on the lithofacies classification obtained by using reinforcement learning algorithm, micropores, mesopores, and macropores are comprehensively described by high-pressure mercury injection and low-pressure nitrogen gas adsorption tests. The multifractal theory servers for the quantitative characterization of the pore distribution heterogeneity regarding different lithofacies samples, and as observed, the higher probability measure area of the generalized fractal spectrum affects the heterogeneity of the local interval of mesopores and macropores of the estuary dam. In the micropore and mesopore, the heterogeneity of the evaporation lake showed a large variation due to the influence of the higher probability measure area, and in the mesopore and macropore, the heterogeneity of the evaporation lake was controlled by the lower probability measure area. According to the correlation analysis, the single-fractal dimension is well related to the multifractal parameters, and the individual fitting degree reaches up to 99%, which can serve for characterizing the pore size distribution uniformity. The combination of boosting machine learning and multifractal can help to better characterize the micro-heterogeneity under different sedimentary environments and different pore size distribution ranges, which is helpful in the exploration and development of oil fields.
AgRIS: wind-adaptive wideband reconfigurable intelligent surfaces for resilient wireless agricultural networks at millimeter-wave spectrum

Wireless networks in agricultural environments are unique in many ways. Recent measurements reveal that the dynamics of crop growth impact wireless propagation channels with a long-term seasonal pattern. Additionally, short-term environmental factors, such as strong wind, result in variations in channel statistics. Next-generation agricultural fields, populated by autonomous tractors, drones, and high-throughput sensing systems, require high-throughput connectivity infrastructure, resulting in the future deployment of high-frequency networks, where they have not been deployed before. More specifically, when millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication systems, a viable candidate for 5G and 6G high-throughput solutions, are deployed for higher throughput, these issues become more prominent due to the relatively small wavelength at this frequency band. To improve coverage in the mmWave spectrum in agricultural settings, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are a promising solution with low energy consumption and high cost efficiency when compared to half-duplex active relays with multiple antennas. To ensure link resiliency under dynamic channel behavior, an adaptive RIS for broadband wireless agricultural networks (AgRIS) at mmWave band is designed in this work. AgRIS relies on output from a time-series model that forecasts the short-term wind speed based on measured wind data, which is readily available in most farms. The temporal correlation between link reliability and wind speed is demonstrated through extensive field experiments. Our simulation results demonstrate that AgRIS with a small footprint of 11 × 11 elements can help mitigate the adversarial effects of wind-induced signal level drop by up to 8 dB and provides high energy efficiency of 1 Gbits/joule.
From criminal interrogations to investigative interviews: a bibliometric study

This paper presents the results of a bibliometric study providing a comprehensive overview of the social science research conducted on criminal interrogations and investigative interviews since the 1900s. The objectives are to help researchers to further understand the research field, to better communicate research findings to practitioners, to help practitioners understand the breadth of scientific knowledge on criminal interrogations and investigative interviews, and to foster dialog between researchers and practitioners. To begin, after a brief description of Web of Science, we describe how we developed our database on criminal interrogations and investigative interviews. Then, we report the yearly evolution of articles, the journals where they were published, the research areas covered by this research field, as well as the authors, the institutions and the countries that published the most on a variety of topics related to criminal interrogations and investigative interviews. Finally, we present the most used keywords and the most cited articles, and examine the research on questionable tactics and techniques in the research field of criminal interrogations and investigative interviews. This paper ends with a critical look at the results, for the benefit of researchers and practitioners interested in criminal interrogations and investigative interviews.