Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insect herbivory in climber–host shrubs associations: Benefit or detriment?

Spatial proximity between different plant species could modify the sign (positive or negative) of plant–herbivore interaction. The chance of a plant being detected and colonized by herbivorous insects depends not only on the plant's own traits but also on the identity of the neighbouring plants that grow with it. The closest proximity between plants occurs in climbers and their host. We conducted a field experiment to assess the effect of spatial association between a climber plant, Vicia nigricans (Fabaceae), and two host shrubs, Berberis buxifolia (Berberidaceae) and Schinus patagonica (Anacardiaceae), on insect herbivory levels, reproductive output and growth. The presence and identity of the host shrubs affected the herbivory levels of the climber V. nigricans, but not the reproductive output. For the climber, the probability of being attacked by insects could depend on the characteristics of the host shrub. Taking the opposite perspective, climber association affected different traits of the host shrubs. The association with the climber decreased leaf damage (positive), tended to decrease leaf production (negative) and did not affect reproductive output (neutral). Our findings suggest that spatial association between plant species could change the sign of the interactions between plants and insects affecting different traits. By taking into account the perspective of both plants involved in the association, this study shows and emphasizes that plant–animal interactions strongly depend on the community context.
Diabetic Kidney Disease: Challenges, Advances, and Opportunities

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Regardless of intensive treatments with hyperglycemic control, blood pressure control, and the use of renin-angiotensin system blockades, the prevalence of DKD remains high. Recent studies suggest that the spectrum of DKD has been changed and many progresses have been made to develop new treatments for DKD. Therefore, it is time to perform a systemic review on the new developments in the field of DKD. Summary: Although the classic clinical presentation of DKD is characterized by a slow progression from microalbuminuria to macroalbuminuria and by a hyperfiltration at the early stage and progressive decline of renal function at the late stage, recent epidemiological studies suggest that DKD patients have a variety of clinical presentations and progression rates to ESRD. Some DKD patients have a decline in renal function without albuminuria but display prominent vascular and interstitial fibrosis on renal histology. DKD patients are more susceptible to acute kidney injury, which might contribute to the interstitial fibrosis. A large portion of type 2 diabetic patients with albuminuria could have overlapping nondiabetic glomerular disease, and therefore, kidney biopsy is required for differential diagnosis for these patients. Only a small portion of DKD patients eventually progress to end-stage renal failure. However, we do not have sensitive and specific biomarkers to identify these high-risk patients. Genetic factors that have a strong association with DKD progression have not been identified yet. A combination of circulating tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)1, TNFR2, and kidney injury molecular 1 provides predictive value for DKD progression. Artificial intelligence could enhance the predictive values for DKD progression by combining the clinical parameters and biological markers. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors should be added to the new standard care of DKD patients. Several promising new drugs are in clinical trials. Key Messages: Over last years, our understanding of DKD has been much improved and new treatments to halt the progression of DKD are coming. However, better diagnostic tools, predictive markers, and treatment options are still urgently needed to help us to better manage these patients with this detrimental disease.
NMR characterization of a heterocomplex formed by distamycin and its analog 2-ImD with d(CGCAAGTTGGC):d(GCCAACTTGCG) : preference for the 1:1:1 2-ImD:Dst:DNA complex over the 2:1 2-ImD:DNA and the 2:1 Dst:DNA complexes

The minor-groove binder distamycin (Dst), its pyrrole-imidazole-pyrrole analog, 2-imidazole-distamycin (2-ImD), and the oligonucleotide d(CGCAAGTTGGC):d(GCCAACTTGCG) were found to form a 1:1:1 2-ImD-Dst:DNA complex. As characterized by 2D NOE spectroscopy combined with molecular modeling, one 2-ImD and one Dst molecule bind simultaneously in a head-to-tail orientation contacting the minor groove of the central AAGTT:AACTT site. The 2-ImD ligand lies along the AAGTT strand with the imidazole nitrogen of the ligand specifically interacting with the guanine amino group. The distamycin ligand lies along the AACTT strand. The molecular structure of the 1:1:1 2-ImD:Dst:DNA complex is very similar to those of the complexes formed between two 2-ImD molecules (2:1 2-ImD:DNA complex) or two distamycin molecules (2:1 Dst:DNA complex) and the same oligonucleotide duplex. Competition titrations confirm that the 1:1:1 2-ImD:Dst:DNA complex forms preferentially over the 2:1 2-ImD:DNA complex, as well as over the newly discovered 2:1 Dst:DNA complex. These results indicate that (i) the hydrogen-bond-accepting imidazole nitrogen of the 2-ImD ligand in the 1:1:1 2-ImD:Dst:DNA complex is responsible for the strand-specific recognition of a GC base pair, (ii) the availability of a single hydrogen bond acceptor on the ligand molecule per guanine amino group enhanced both specificity and affinity of DNA binding, and (iii)more » different distamycin-like ligands can be combined in the 2:1 binding motif to expand the range of DNA sequences that can be specifically recognized through the minor groove. 18 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs. « less
Optimization of Perfluoropolyether-Based Gas Diffusion Media Preparation for PEM Fuel Cells

A hydrophobic perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based polymer, namely Fluorolink® P56, was studied instead of the commonly used polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), in order to enhance gas diffusion media (GDM) water management behavior, on the basis of a previous work in which such polymers had already proved to be superior. In particular, an attempt to optimize the GDM production procedure and to improve the microporous layer (MPL) adhesion to the substrate was carried out. Materials properties have been correlated with production routes by means of both physical characterization and electrochemical tests. The latter were performed in a single PEM fuel cell, at different relative humidity (namely 80% on anode side and 60%/100% on cathode side) and temperature (60 °C and 80 °C) conditions. Additionally, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed in order to assess MPLs properties and to determine the influence of production procedure on cell electrochemical parameters. The durability of the best performing sample was also evaluated and compared to a previously developed benchmark. It was found that a final dipping step into PFPE-based dispersion, following MPL deposition, seems to improve the adhesion of the MPL to the macro-porous substrate and to reduce diffusive limitations during fuel cell operation.
Développement et caractérisation d'anticorps monoclonaux dirigés contre le complexe de fusion de la protéine d'enveloppe du virus VIH-1

Envelope glycoprotein is the primary target for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine design. The N-terminal and the C-terminal regions of the gp41 interact with each other to form six helix bundle which is responsible for the fusion between the viral membrane and the target cell membrane. Monoclonal antibodies that disrupt the formation of the six helix bundle inhibit the HIV fusion. During the last decade, several human monoclonal antibodies of potent antiviral capacity for neutralizing primary isolates of different clades have been developed. The most broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were screened from HIV-1 seropositive patients and recognized linear epitopes within the membrane proximal region of gp41. In this study, we developed a stable transfected eucaryot cell line expriming a well folded complex. Three mAbs against HIV-1 gp41 were prepared in mice. Our results show that the three mAbs were able to neutralize and inhibit the HIV-1 infection. Two of the mAbs bound to the recombinant folded gp140 and recognized HR1/HR2 regions while one of them recognized linear epitope within the HR2. Interestingly, the results showed that the three mAbs could inhibit the syncytium formation and block the interaction between the HR1 and the HR2 region
Cardiomyocytes derivés à partir de cellules souches embryonnaires ou adultes : leçons tirées des modèles "in vitro"

La therapie cellulaire comme traitement des maladies cardiaques a ouvert une nouvelle direction de recherche qui implique la generation de cardiomyocytes "in vitro" a partir de cellules souches embryonnaires ou adultes et leur injection dans le myocarde afin d'en ameliorer la fonction. Les modeles de cariogenese "in vitro" (cellules souches carcinomateuses et embryonnaires de souris et cellules souches embryonnaires humaines) permettent l'etude des mecanismes fondamentaux de la cardiogenese. Par ailleurs, l'existence de cellules souches cardiaques d'un cote et de cellules souches de la moelle osseuse ou du muscle squelettique, ainsi que leur potentiel de se differencier en cellules de phenotypes inattendus, pose la question de leur possible utilisation en therapie cellulaire. Nous avons donc compare les specificites propres des cellules souches embryonnaires et adultes concernant leur potentiel de differenciation en cardiomyocytes et resumons ce que ces modeles "in vitro" nous ont appris sur les mecanismes de differenciation cardiaque.
Forest patches in tropical landscapes.

"While tropical forests are being cleared at an alarming rate, the clearing is rarely complete and is often not permanent. A considerable amount of tropical forest exists as remnants that have significant value both for the conservation of biological diversity and for meeting the needs of local people.This volume brings together world-renowned scientists and conservationists to address the biological and socio-economic value of forest remnants and to examine practical efforts to conserve those remnants. An outgrowth of a year-long study by the policy program at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, "Forest Patches in Tropical Landscapes" provides a broad overview of theory and practice, and will help foster both interdisciplinary research and more effective approaches to tropical conservation and development.
Spatial Analysis of the Rural-Urban Structure of the Spanish Municipalities

The rural–urban dichotomy is one of the most debated topics by the scientific community in territorial issues. In addition, many public entities and scientific studies have established the distinctive elements of rural and urban spaces by relating the decline of the rural ones with factors such as aging, low birthrate, the primary sector, unemployment, or poverty, among others. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to spatially study the current model of territorial organization of Spanish urban and rural municipalities as well as their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. To this end, GIS (Geographic Information System) tools were used to carry out a spatial autocorrelation (SA) analysis and to identify homogeneous groups of the variables considered. In conclusion, there are different demographic and socioeconomic realities in Spain, an urban one located on the coast with a positive situation and, on the other hand, a regressive reality composed of rural municipalities, among which there are villages whose situation is worrying, mainly located in the north of Spain.
A semantic and social‐based collaborative recommendation of friends in social networks

The development of social media technologies has greatly enhanced social interactions. The proliferation of social platforms has generated massive amounts of data and a considerable number of persons join these platforms every day. Therefore, one of the current issues is to facilitate the search for the most appropriate friends for a given user. We focus in this article on the recommendation of users in social networks. We propose a novel approach which combines a user‐based collaborative filtering (CF) algorithm with semantic and social recommendations. The semantic dimension suggests the close friends based on the calculation of the similarity between the active user and his friends. The social dimension is based on some social‐behavior metrics such as friendship and credibility degree. The novelty of our approach concerns the modeling of the credibility of the user, through his/her trust and commitment in the social network. A social recommender system based on this approach is developed and experiments have been conducted using the Yelp social network. The evaluation results demonstrated that the proposed hybrid approach improves the accuracy of the recommendation compared with the user‐based CF algorithm and solves the sparsity and cold start problems.
Prioritizing marine invasive alien species in the European Union through horizon scanning

The disproportionately low presence of marine species in the list of invasive alien species (IAS) of Union concern of the European Union (EU) Regulation 1143/2014 does not fully acknowledge the threat they pose to the EU marine environment. In this study, the first EU‐scale Horizon Scanning (HS) focusing on marine alien species was performed, aiming to deliver a ranked list of species that should be of high priority for risk assessment (Article 5 of the EU IAS Regulation). Species absent from or with a limited distribution in EU marine waters were targeted. In total, 363 alien species were initially screened for HS by a panel of experts, including a broad range of taxonomic groups. Species were scored for their likelihood of arrival, establishment, spread, and impact in EU waters. A consensus workshop ranked 267 species, including a subset of 26 prioritized species. These species are considered to be mainly introduced by shipping (fouling and ballast water), via the Suez Canal, and aquaculture activities. The 26 priority species were also scrutinized in terms of feasibility of their management; 18 of them were suggested for performing risk assessments on the basis of the EU IAS Regulation. Since biological invasions are dynamic and connected with accelerated globalization and diversified human activities, we recommend HS to be repeated periodically to review the species already listed and assess new ones.
Essential Oil-Bearing Grasses : The genus Cymbopogon

When enjoying a southeast asian soup or cup of herbal tea, we are really savoring the flavor of lemongrass. Similarly, the sweet aroma of mosquito-repelling lotions comes from the citronella oil present in them. Fine perfumes, candles, and herbal pillows with the pleasing smell of rose are often in fact scented with palmarosa. Providing an in-depth look at their history and production,nEssential Oil Bearing Grasses: The genusCymbopogonnprovides a comprehensive review of these economically important grasses. A detailed examination of chemical constituents and market trends, the book explores the cosmetic, medicinal, and nutritional uses of the plant. It covers the botany, taxonomy, chemistry, and biogenesis of the oils, and their extraction and analytical methods, biotechnology, storage, legislation, and trade. Highlighting industrial uses for the grasses in this genus, the book also includes coverage of the physiological and ecophysiological considerations. It presents a comprehensive overview of most of the cultivated and wild species of cymbopogons.
Molecular Detection of Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae by Quantitative PCR

SUMMARY. Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae (subspecies IIIa) is most frequently associated with reptiles but is also a bacterial pathogen of poultry, primarily of young turkeys where it induces septicemia, neurologic signs, and increased mortality. Arizonosis clinical cases in broiler chickens have recently been documented in the United States, driving the development of a rapid, molecular-based diagnostic for this subspecies. S. enterica subsp. arizonae is a genetically distinct subgroup of S. enterica, primarily diagnosed through culture followed by serotyping or biochemical identification, which are costly in both time and laboratory resources. Real-time/quantitative PCR offers rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella sp. in laboratory and diagnostic samples; however, no such methodology exists to differentiate S. enterica subsp. arizonae from other Salmonella sp. In this study, we designed a quantitative PCR assay for S. enterica subsp. arizonae. The assay is able to differentiate S. enterica subsp. arizonae from other S. enterica subspecies, including S. enterica subsp. diarizonae (IIIb), and other non-Salmonella bacteria. Validation, including 56 different S. enterica subsp. arizonae serovars, demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. This assay provides a rapid diagnostic option for suspected cases of arizonosis in poultry.
The Correlation between Hematological Parameters and Transcranial Color Doppler (TCD) with Severity of Acute Ischemic Stroke A Cross-Sectional Study

To access correlation between both hematological profile and Transcortical Color Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography with stroke severity by using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2016. Hematological profiles (hemoglobin count [Hb], hematocrit [Hct], platelet, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]), TCD ultrasound measurements (mean flow velocity [MFV], peak systolic [PS], end-diastolic velocity [EDV], and pulsatility index [PI]) on middle cerebral artery (MCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA), and severity of stroke according to NIHSS score was measured. Both hematological profiles and TCD ultrasound measurements were compared with stroke severity, then test of correlation was conducted. There were 90 patients enrolled in this study. Positive correlation between NIHSS score with Hb (r = 0.519), Hct (r = 0.481), and ESR (r = 0.519). On TCD measurements, negative correlation was found between NIHSS score with MFV and PS on both MCA (r = - 0.615 and r = - 0.336, respectively) and ICA (r = -0.570 and r = - 0.596, respectively), and end-diastolic velocity on ICA (r = -0.477). Positive correlation was found between NIHSS score and pulsatility index on MCA (r = 0.568). There is positive correlation between NIHSS score with hematological parameters (Hb, Hct, and ESR) and PI on MCA. Negative correlation was found between NIHSS score with MFV and PS on both MCA and ICA, and EDV on ICA. The strongest correlation was found to be MFV on MCA.
Predicting Intention to Participate in Socially Responsible Collective Action in Social Networking Website Groups

The present study uses the belief-desire-intention (BDI) model to predict group members’ intentions (“we-intention”) to participate in using a social networking site (SNS) for collective action. Participants reported their beliefs about social influence processes, including their beliefs about subjective norms, group norms, and social identity; they also reported their beliefs about using an SNS for a charitable collective action, which was perceived as corporate social responsibility (CSR). The study applied an integrated research framework in the context of the Facebook group “KolorujeMY,” a group with an interest in supporting social causes in Poland. Our structural equation modeling results indicate that social identity has a positive and direct effect on we-intention to use SNS for collective action and that perceived CSR also had a positive and significant impact on we-intention. Similarly, we found that desire has a positive and significant effect on we-intention to use SNS for collective action. Our results also indicate that desire partially mediates the relationship between social influence beliefs and we-intention. Overall, this study provides insight into the understanding of the impact of social influence processes, the role of desire, and perceived CSR beliefs in terms of predicting we-intentions in a social networking environment.
Interactions of pyrethroids with the voltage-gated sodium channel

Pyrethroid insecticides act on the voltage-gated sodium channel and mutations of the channel can confer resistance in many insect species. For example, the kdr (LI014F) mutation found in domain IIS6 and the super-kdr (M918T) mutation found in the IIS4-S5 linker of the insect Drosophila melanogaster para sodium channel reduces the sensitivity of the channel to pyrethroids. Two mutations found in different pyrethroid-resistant strains of Bemisia tabaci were incorporated individually into the para wild type sodium channel of Drosophila and expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes to investigate their effect on pyrethroid sensitivity. Voltage clamp assays showed that the M918V mutation conferred a 16-fold and a 800-fold reduction in para sensitivity to deltamethrin and permethrin respectively. The T929V mutation, caused a 2600-fold reduction in para channel sensitivity to deltamethrin. A T929M mutation, which at the equivalent residue position in the human skeletal muscle sodium channel causes Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis in humans, gave similar deltarnethrin insensitivity. All three mutations reduced the sensitivity of para channel populations by reducing the number of channels in the open state, to which deltamethrin and permethrin bind preferentially, and by reducing the affinity of the pyrethroid for the channel. The rat IIA voltage-gated sodium channel, which is approximately 4500-fold less sensitive to pyrethroids than the insect para sodium channel, has an isoleucine at the equivalent super-kdr residue. Replacement of this with either methionine or cysteine, increased the sensitivity of the channel to deltamethrin >80-fold and to pennethrin by 150-fold. These mutations highlight possible locations of pyrethroid binding sites and give insights into the mechanisms by which pyrethroids modify sodium channel behaviour. Kdr and super-kdr mutations are found in the housefly and a DNA diagnostic was used to show that the genotypes present in field populations reflected the selection pressure imposed by different insecticide regimes.
Heterogeneous Domain Generalization Via Domain Mixup

One of the main drawbacks of deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNN) is that they lack generalization capability. In this work, we focus on the problem of heterogeneous domain generalization which aims to improve the generalization capability across different tasks, which is, how to learn a DCNN model with multiple domain data such that the trained feature extractor can be generalized to supporting recognition of novel categories in a novel target domain. To solve this problem, we propose a novel heterogeneous domain generalization method by mixing up samples across multiple source domains with two different sampling strategies. Our experimental results based on the Visual Decathlon benchmark demonstrates the effectiveness of our proposed method.