Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wild grass isolates of Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) spp. from Germany can cause blast disease on cereal crops

Pathogens that cause destructive crop diseases often infect wild host plants. However, surveys of major plant pathogens tend to be skewed towards cultivated crops and often neglect the wild hosts. Here, we report an emerging disease threat generated by the blast fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) spp. in central Europe. We found that this notoriously devastating plant pathogen infects the wild grasses foxtail millet (Setaria spp.) and crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) in south-western Germany, a region previously deemed unfavorable for blast disease. Using phenotypic characterization and genomic analyses, we determined that the observed disease symptoms are associated with the Setaria spp. -infecting lineage of M. oryzae and its sister species Magnaporthe grisea. We showed that M. oryzae isolates can infect barley and wheat, thus highlighting the risk of pathogen spread to crops. In addition, M. oryzae isolates which co-occur in natural populations display compatible mating types and variable candidate effector gene content, which may enhance the pathogen’s adaptive potential. Our findings stress the risk of blast fungus infections expanding into European cereal crops through migration and host jumps. This underlines the importance for pathogen surveillance not only on cultivated crops, but also on wild host plants. Author Summary Wild plant species are often overlooked during pathogen virulence surveys. However, many of the diseases we observe in crops are a consequence of host jumps from wild to cultivated plant species. This is reminiscent of zoonotic diseases, where host jumps from wild animals to humans result in new disease outbreaks. Here, we report that the notoriously devastating blast fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) spp. occurs on wild grasses in south-western Germany. This region, which is at the center of the European cereal belt, has so far been viewed as having unfavorable climatic conditions for the blast disease. The newly identified blast fungus isolates have the capacity to infect wheat and barley cultivars, highlighting the risk of the disease spreading to staple cereal crops. In addition, there is potential for sexual recombination in local populations, which may increase the evolutionary potential of the fungus and might facilitate host jumps to cereal crops. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for surveillance of plant diseases on both wild hosts and crops.
Polycomb response elements reduce leaky expression of Cas9 under temperature-inducible Hsp70Bb promoter in Drosophila melanogaster

Heat shock inducible expression of genes through the use of heat inducible promoters is commonly used in research despite leaky expression of downstream genes of interest without targeted induction (i.e. heat shock). The development of non-leaky inducible expression systems are of broad interest for both basic and applied studies, to precisely control gene expression. Here we characterize the use of Polycomb response elements and the inducible Heat shock protein 70Bb promoter, previously described as a non-leaky inducible system, to regulate Cas9 endonuclease levels and function in Drosophila melanogaster after varying both heat shock durations and rearing temperatures. We show that Polycomb response elements can significantly reduce expression of Cas9 under Heat shock protein 70Bb promoter control using a range of conditions, corroborating previously published results. We further demonstrate that this low transcript level of heat-induced Cas9 is sufficient to induce mutant mosaic phenotypes. Incomplete suppression of an inducible Cas9 system by Polycomb response elements with no heat shock suggests that further regulatory elements are required to precisely control Cas9 expression and abundance.
Measurement of the Flux of Charged Hadrons at Sea-Level

The flux of charged hadrons has been measured at sea level with an iron calorimeter of depth 960 g cm-2; the geometric factor was about 0.7 m2 sr. The total running time was 1.6*106 s. An upper limit to the flux of all hadrons has been obtained in the energy range 500<E<10000 GeV. It does not support the observation of a 'step' in the spectrum at about 3000 GeV.
Cryptic functional diversity in ant tandem runs

Ants have evolved diverse recruitment methods to guide colony members to valuable resources, such as food or nest sites. One of these methods, tandem running, consists of an informed leader directly guiding a naive follower every step of the way from nest to resource. Although this behavior appears superficially similar in the different ant taxa in which it has independently evolved, this similarity could conceal underlying functional and mechanistic differences. Here we present a combined network and information-theoretic analysis, which reveals fundamental differences in the tandem recruitment between two distantly related ant genera, Temnothorax and Diacamma. Temnothorax uses tandem running to recruit additional recruiters, whereas Diacamma uses it principally to move the passive majority of the colony, a task that Temnothorax accomplishes with a different behavior, social carrying. Accordingly, the structure of the tandem run recruitment networks of Diacamma was different from those of Temnothorax, with Diacamma networks more closely resembling the social carrying networks of Temnothorax. Furthermore, an information-theoretic analysis of the spatial trajectories of leaders and followers revealed that Diacamma tandem runs lack bidirectional information flow, the signature of route-learning in Temnothorax tandem runs. These results suggest that Diacamma uses tandem runs not to share information, but to transport nestmates. By quantifying the cryptic diversity of communication behavior, this study increases the resolution of our understanding of animal societies.
An empirical study of the effect of granting multiple tries for online homework

When deploying online homework in physics courses, an important consideration is how many tries learners should be allowed to solve numerical free-response problems. While on the one hand, this number should be large enough to allow learners mastery of concepts and avoid copying, on the other hand, granting too many allowed tries encourages counter-productive behavior. We investigate data from an introductory calculus-based physics course that allowed different numbers of tries in different semesters. It turns out that the probabilities for successfully completing or abandoning problems during a particular try are independent of the number of tries already made, which indicates that students do not learn from their earlier tries. We also find that the probability for successfully completing a problem during a particular try decreases with the number of allowed tries, likely due to increased carelessness or guessing, while the probability to give up on a problem after a particular try is largely independen.
Total variation regularization for large-scale X-ray tomography

A new large-scale computational total variation regularization algorithm is introduced and tested with examples arising from X-ray tomography with sparsely sampled data. The total variation penalty term is discretized using a basis of discontinuous functions. The approach is motivated by discontinuous Galerkin methods and leads to an additional term of the jump part of total variation. The proposed algorithm combines the usage of the jump part with a subgradient descent scheme. A comparison is provided with the gradient-based projected Barzilai-Borwein method which uses a smoothly approximated total variation penalty. The above two methods are examples of total variation regularization algorithms that can be applied to large-scale tomographic problems in reasonable computation time. A comparison between the methods shows that they use roughly equal computational resources and that the new method produces somewhat blockier reconstructions. Although the test problems are two-dimensional, both methods can be applied to three-dimensional situations as well.
A Comprehensive Dataset of Brazilian Fact-Checking Stories

In recent years, digital platforms have become a powerful means for large scale information diffusion world-wide, particularly in Brazil. Understanding key aspects driving the misinformation diffusion process is of paramountimportance to the design and implementation of new tools to automatically detect misinformation content. In this scenario, fact-checking performed by high credibility agencies provide rich labeled data, which is fundamental to build tools capable of detecting and mitigating the effects of misinformation. This paper opens a novel dataset, referred to as FactCenter, to the research community, containing fact-check instances collected from 6 different Brazilian fact-checking agencies. This dataset has 11 647 fact-check instances, covering several topics and domains. We present an initial analysis of the data collected, enriched by data from Facebook, which demonstrates the potential of our repository for future studies.
Towards a Deception Detection Framework for Social Media

The democratization of communication media has had significant consequences for military command and control. Never before have adversaries had such free and direct access to our local populations allowing for influence through propaganda, disinformation and deception. In fact, social media platforms can help target messages to the exact demographic desired, while keeping attribution hidden. Commanders have been reluctant to embrace the new communication technologies which has resulted in playing catch up. Meanwhile, our opponents have infiltrated our communication spaces and ‘ recruited’ thousands of followers who spread their messages unwittingly. This paper will present a new research framework for deception that will help overcome the issues of attribution of message originators. Concentrating on uncovering narratives, methods and intent rather than individuals alleviates many ethical problems of social media analytics within western societies. The framework will help to guide research on deception detection and increase assessment confidence for intelligence analysts and public affairs involved in the ongoing information environment clashes of power and politics.
The diagnostic value of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α in identifying different chronic heart failure phenotypes

Background Despite advances in diagnosing and treating chronic heart failure (HF), the underlying mechanisms in different HF phenotypes remain unclear. Mitochondrial energy metabolism is crucial in HF etiology. Our study aimed to explore the value of metabolic-associated biomarker peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) in identifying different HF phenotypes. Methods A total of 172 participants were enrolled in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and were subsequently divided into four groups based on the European Society of Cardiology HF management guideline: the non-HF control (Control, N = 46), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, N = 54), heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF, N = 22), and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, N = 50) groups. Each participant’s baseline data were recorded, blood samples were taken, and echocardiography was conducted. The level of PGC1α expression was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The receiver operative characteristics (ROC) curve was further established in the four groups to assess the diagnostic value for overall HF and each HF phenotype with the calculation of the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results PGC1α expression was significantly increased in HF patients (315.0 ± 69.58 nmol/L) compared to non-HF participants (233.3 ± 32.69 nmol/L). Considering different HF phenotypes, PGC1α expression was considerably higher in the HFmrEF group (401.6 ± 45.1 nmol/L)than in the other two phenotypes (299.5 ± 62.27 nmol/L for HFrEF and 293.5 ± 56.37 nmol/L for HFpEF, respectively). Furthermore, the AUCs of PGC1α in overall HF and each HF phenotype were all over 0.8, showing the ideal diagnostic value. Additionally, we provided the cut-off criteria for clinical use, which needs further validation. There was no significant correlation between PGC1α and N-terminal (NT)-prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)/blood glucose, suggesting that PGC1α might exert a unique function in HF yet in a different pattern. Conclusion We discovered that PGC1α could be used as a potential biomarker for differentiating HF patients from those without HF and for distinguishing HFmrEF from HFrEF and HFpEF.
Decoupling of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock industrial development: Evidence from China Agricultural Green Development Modern Zone

China Agricultural Green Development Modern Zone (CAGDMZ) constitute a demonstration area for achieving green and sustainable development of Chinese agriculture. It plays a role in demonstrating high-quality agricultural development and environmental protection. As a result, a coordinated interaction among livestock greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and rapid industrial livestock evolution in the CAGDMZ is of great concern to China’s government. In this paper, we were the first to research the decoupling relationship between livestock GHG emissions and industrial development by using data from 165 CAGDMZ of China from 2010 to 2019 at different regional scales and long time series. On this basis, we further explored the factors affecting livestock GHG emissions by using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index method (LMDI). Our analysis revealed that the amount of GHG emissions from livestock in the CAGDMZ showed a rising and then declining trend. Pigs, nondairy cattle and sheep were the main targets of livestock GHG emission reductions. There were obvious spatial differences in livestock GHG emissions. 17 provinces’CAGDMZ achieved emissions reductions, but 14 provinces’ CAGDMZ increased livestock GHG emissions. The Northeast CAGDMZ had the highest livestock GHG emissions and the Eastern CAGDMZ had the largest livestock GHG deceleration. Furthermore, the decoupling status in the CAGDMZ were unstable. Most provinces or regions of the CAGDMZ maintained the economic growth of livestock while curbing the excessive growth of GHG emissions. Only a few of them achieved a win-win situation of livestock output value increase while GHG emission reduction. Moreover, the comprehensive effect showed an inverted “U” trend. Production efficiency was the most major contributor to livestock GHG emissions reductions. Economic development factor and labor scale factor were the main driving factors for increasing GHG emissions. Industrial structure factor shifted from promotion to suppression of livestock GHG emissions. Therefore, some policies to accomplish the CAGDMZ’s long-term development were proposed.
Nonlinear association of 1,5-anhydroglucitol with the prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease in chinese patients undergoing coronary angiography

Background Postprandial hyperglycemia plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study is to determine the associations of 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), which reflects circulating glucose fluctuations, with the prevalence of CAD and CAD severity in coronary angiography defined Chinese patients. Methods 2970 Chinese patients undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled. Baseline demographics and medical history data was recorded. Serum 1,5-AG levels and biochemical parameters were measured. Baseline characteristics were compared across 1,5-AG categories in diabetes (DM) and non-DM groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations of 1,5-AG with the prevalence and severity of CAD. Results Lower 1,5-AG was significantly associated with higher Gensini scores in both DM and non-DM groups. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the associations of low 1,5-AG with the prevalence of CAD, elevated Gensini score and severe CAD robustly dose-response increased from undiagnosed DM with 1,5-AG ≥ 14µg/mL to DM with 1,5-AG < 14µg/mL even after adjusting for fasting blood glucose (FBG) or Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The associations were more significant in persons with DM. Significant modification effect of DM on the relationship of 1,5-AG with elevated Gensini score was found. In addition, nonlinear relationship and threshold effects of 1,5-AG with CAD and severity were observed. Conclusion Low 1,5-AG is significantly and independently associated with CAD and CAD severity in Chinese patients undergoing coronary angiography. Measurement of 1,5-AG is useful to differentiate subjects with extensive glucose fluctuations and high CAD risks, especially in DM patients. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03072797.
A Review of free fatty acid-induced cell signaling, angiopoietin-like protein 4, and skeletal muscle differentiation

Postnatal skeletal muscle differentiation from quiescent satellite cells is a highly regulated process, although our understanding of the contribution of nutritional factors in myogenesis is limited. Free fatty acids (FFAs) are known to cause detrimental effects to differentiated skeletal muscle cells by increasing oxidative stress which leads to muscle wasting and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. In addition, FFAs are thought to act as inhibitors of skeletal muscle differentiation. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of FFAs on skeletal muscle differentiation remains to be elucidated. There is a clear relationship between dietary FFAs and their ability to suppress myogenesis and we propose the hypothesis that the FFA-mediated increase in angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) may play a role in the inhibition of differentiation. This review discusses the role of FFAs in skeletal muscle differentiation to-date and proposes potential mechanisms of FFA-induced ANGPTL4 mediated inhibition of skeletal muscle differentiation.
Thyroid hormone-dependent oligodendroglial cell lineage genomic and non-genomic signaling through integrin receptors

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease whereby the pathological sequelae evolve from oligodendrocytes (OLs) within the central nervous system and are targeted by the immune system, which causes widespread white matter pathology and results in neuronal dysfunction and neurological impairment. The progression of this disease is facilitated by a failure in remyelination following chronic demyelination. One mediator of remyelination is thyroid hormone (TH), whose reliance on monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) was recently defined. MCT8 facilitates the entry of THs into oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) and pre-myelinating oligodendrocytes (pre-OLs). Patients with MS may exhibit downregulated MCT8 near inflammatory lesions, which emphasizes an inhibition of TH signaling and subsequent downstream targeted pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt. However, the role of the closely related mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in pre-OLs during neuroinflammation may also be central to the remyelination process and is governed by various growth promoting signals. Recent research indicates that this may be reliant on TH-dependent signaling through β1-integrins. This review identifies genomic and non-genomic signaling that is regulated through mTOR in TH-responsive pre-OLs and mature OLs in mouse models of MS. This review critiques data that implicates non-genomic Akt and mTOR signaling in response to TH-dependent integrin receptor activation in pre-OLs. We have also examined whether this can drive remyelination in the context of neuroinflammation and associated sequelae. Importantly, we outline how novel therapeutic small molecules are being designed to target integrin receptors on oligodendroglial lineage cells and whether these are viable therapeutic options for future use in clinical trials for MS.
Motivating young adults to connect with nature for stress relief: A study in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic

It is known exposure to and connectedness with nature is beneficial for psychological wellbeing and stress relief. However, many factors hinder people, including young adults, from utilizing natural resources for healing. The present study indicates using a motivational enhancement approach and additional motivational elements in public messaging to address ambivalence toward nature exposure successfully results in favorable impacts on belief, intention, recall of positive nature elements, and perceived stress. Because this study coincided with the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan, it offers a valuable opportunity for exploring how effective the motivational indicators were at different stages of the pandemic, as well as how connectedness to nature can explain perceived stress. In measuring motivation, we captured the essential elements of mobilizing young adults to connect with nature while also exploring potential expansion of behavioral indicators. We discuss how to foster inspiration during a pandemic to enhance connectedness to nature.
Inflammatory activation of the FcγR and IFNγR pathways co-influences the differentiation and activity of osteoclasts

Osteoclasts are polykaryons formed by cell–cell fusion of highly motile progenitors of the myeloid lineage. Osteoclast activity can preserve skeletal strength and bone homeostasis. However, osteoclasts are responsible for bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fc receptors activated by IgG immune complexes (IC) can boost osteoclast differentiation and bone loss in the course of RA. In contrast, interferon (IFN) γ secreted by immune cells blocks osteoclast activation. Despite their hypothetical importance in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation in RA, the interconnection between the two pathways has not been described so far. Here, we show by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy that FcγR3 and IFNγ receptor (IFNγR) locate at close vicinity to each other on the human osteoclast surface. Moreover, the average distance increases during the differentiation process. Interestingly, FcγR and IFNγR activation shapes the position of both receptors to each other. Surprisingly, the inhibitory action of IFNγ on in-vitro human osteoclast differentiation depends on the osteoclast differentiation stage. Indeed, IFNγR activation in early osteoclast precursors completely inhibits the formation of polynucleated osteoclasts, while in premature osteoclasts, it further enhanced their fusion. In addition, gene expression analyses showed that IFNγR activation on early precursor cells but not on premature osteoclasts could induce FcγR expression, suggesting a co-regulation of both receptors on human osteoclast precursors. Phosphokinase array data of precursor cells demonstrate that the observed divergence of IFNγR signaling is dependent on the mitogen−activated protein kinase (MAPK) downstream signaling pathway. Overall, our data indicate that FcγR and IFNγR signaling pathways co-influence the differentiation and activity of osteoclasts dependent on the differentiation state, which might reflect the different stages in RA.