Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in the remote sensing of insects

Remote sensing has revolutionised many aspects of ecological research, enabling spatiotemporal data to be collected in an efficient and highly automated manner. The last two decades have seen phenomenal growth in capabilities for high‐resolution remote sensing that increasingly offers opportunities to study small, but ecologically important organisms, such as insects. Here we review current applications for using remote sensing within entomological research, highlighting the emerging opportunities that now arise through advances in spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. Remote sensing can be used to map environmental variables, such as habitat, microclimate and light pollution, capturing data on topography, vegetation structure and composition, and luminosity at spatial scales appropriate to insects. Such data can also be used to detect insects indirectly from the influences that they have on the environment, such as feeding damage or nest structures, whilst opportunities for directly detecting insects are also increasingly available. Entomological radar and light detection and ranging (LiDAR), for example, are transforming our understanding of aerial insect abundance and movement ecology, whilst ultra‐high spatial resolution drone imagery presents tantalising new opportunities for direct observation. Remote sensing is rapidly developing into a powerful toolkit for entomologists, that we envisage will soon become an integral part of insect science.
Mathematical modeling of Notch dynamics in Drosophila neural development

ABSTRACT Notch signalling is a well-conserved signalling pathway that regulates cell fate through cell-cell communication. A typical feature of Notch signalling is ‘lateral inhibition’, whereby two neighbouring cells of equivalent state of differentiation acquire different cell fates. Recently, mathematical and computational approaches have addressed the Notch dynamics in Drosophila neural development. Typical examples of lateral inhibition are observed in the specification of neural stem cells in the embryo and sensory organ precursors in the thorax. In eye disc development, Notch signalling cooperates with other signalling pathways to define the evenly spaced positioning of the photoreceptor cells. The interplay between Notch and epidermal growth factor receptor signalling regulates the timing of neural stem cell differentiation in the optic lobe. In this review, we summarize the theoretical studies that have been conducted to elucidate the Notch dynamics in these systems and discuss the advantages of combining mathematical models with biological experiments.
Motivation and willingness to increase physical activity for dementia risk reduction: Cross-Sectional UK survey with people aged 50 and over

Abstract Objective:Tackling modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity currently represents the only way to reduce the increasing prevalence of dementia worldwide. This study aimed to investigate attitudes to increasing physical activity to reduce risk of dementia in people over 50. Methods Attitudes to increasing physical activity to reduce risk of dementia were assessed in a national online survey promoted via online forums and public adverts. The Motivation to Change Behaviour for Dementia Risk Reduction (MOCHAD-10) scale examined motivation for lifestyle change. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of willingness and motivation to increase physical activity. Results Data from 3,948 individuals showed most people were moderately/very physically active (80%). People more likely to be physically active had better health and education, were older, male, and had a partner. People willing to increase physical activity (73%) were more likely to be younger, non-White, underweight, had better health and lifestyles, and had experience caring for someone with dementia. People with higher levels of motivation to change lifestyle (MOCHAD-10 subscales) were more likely to be female, younger, in poorer physical/mental health, had lower perceived mental activity, and were a carer for someone with dementia. Conclusion Men and those with better health status were more physically active. Those who exercised less and those who were more motivated to increase physical activity were not necessarily able to be physically active. Multisectoral public health strategies should seek to use the high motivation levels among this group to mitigate the barriers related to physical activity for dementia risk reduction.
The phenomenon of thunderstorm asthma in Bavaria, Southern Germany: a statistical approach

ABSTRACT Higher incidences of asthma during thunderstorms can pose a serious health risk. In this study, we estimate the thunderstorm asthma risk using statistical methods, with special focus on Bavaria, Southern Germany. In this approach, a dataset of asthma-related emergency cases for the study region is combined with meteorological variables and aeroallergen data to identify statistical relationships between the occurrence of asthma (predictand) and different environmental parameters (set of predictors). On the one hand, the results provide evidence for a weak but significant relationship between atmospheric stability indices and asthma emergencies in the region, but also show that currently thunderstorm asthma is not a major concern in Bavaria due to overall low incidences. As thunderstorm asthma can have severe consequences for allergic patients, the presented approach can be important for the development of emergency strategies in regions affected by thunderstorm asthma and under present and future climate change conditions.
Sun Sign in the Ultrasound Diagnosis and Activity Assessment of Morphea

Morphea, a localized form of scleroderma, is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the skin. Color Doppler Ultrasound has been reported as a reliable tool to assess the activity of the disease. With histologically confirmed cases, this case series describes a new ultrasound sign consisting of a hyperechoic halo surrounding superficial subcutaneous veins of the extremities in transverse view, named the sun sign. This sign can help diagnose morphea in the inflammatory phase and correlate in pathology with perivascular infiltrates surrounding superficial subcutaneous veins.
miRNA Profiling of Hungarian Regressive Wilms’ Tumor Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Samples by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Background Wilms’ tumor is a common renal malignancy of early childhood with a generally favorable prognosis depending upon histological subtype. It is becoming increasingly clear that differences in miRNA (microRNA) expression signature represent important clues helping us predict a tumor’s response to chemotherapy. In our study, we aimed to reveal miRNAs deregulated in regressive Wilms’ tumors from FFPE (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) samples, also showing whether such samples are reliable miRNA sources in Wilms’ tumor. Material/Methods Samples from 8 Hungarian patients (3 males, 5 females, aged 1 to 7 years) were analyzed by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR). A PCR array was used in a pilot experiment, and selected miRNAs (miR-128-3p, miR-184, miR-194-5p, miR-203a) were studied in the rest of the samples using individual primers. Results miR-194-5p was underexpressed in all tumor samples. miR-184 and miR-203a were underexpressed in 7 cases, the exception being a case with a high ratio of necrotic blastemal tissue. Results obtained with miR-128-3p are difficult to interpret due to varying directions of expression changes. Conclusions We conclude that a downregulation of miR-184, miR-194-5p, and miR-203a expression is observed in both regressive and blastemal tumors, but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm whether the degree of their underexpression correlates with the number of blastemal elements in a sample. In most of our FFPE samples aged up to 9 years, RNA extraction provided miRNA with quantity and quality sufficient for qRT-PCR-based analysis, emphasizing the relevance of pathological archives as miRNA sources in future studies.
Performance evaluation of dual-ended readout PET detectors based on BGO arrays with different reflector arrangements

Objective: Dual-ended readout depth-encoding detectors based on bismuth germanate (BGO) scintillation crystal arrays are good candidates for high-sensitivity small animal positron emission tomography used for very-low-dose imaging. In this paper, the performance of three dual-ended readout detectors based on 15 × 15 BGO arrays with three different reflector arrangements and 8 × 8 silicon photomultiplier arrays were evaluated and compared. Approach: The three BGO arrays, denoted wo-ILG (without internal light guide), wp-ILG (with partial internal light guide), and wf-ILG (with full internal light guide), share a pitch size of 1.6 mm and thickness of 20 mm. Toray E60 with a thickness of 50 μm was used as inter-crystal reflector. All reflector lengths in the wo-ILG and wf-ILG BGO arrays were 20 and 18 mm, respectively; the reflectors in the wp-ILG BGO array were 18 mm at the central region of the array and 20 mm at the edge. By using 18 mm reflectors, part of the crystals in the wp-ILG and wf-ILG BGO arrays worked as internal light guides. Main results: The results showed that the detector based on the wo-ILG BGO array provided the best flood histogram. The energy, timing and DOI resolutions of the three detectors were similar. The energy resolutions full width at half maximum (FWHM value) based on the wo-ILG, wp-ILG and wf-ILG BGO arrays were 27.2 ± 3.9%, 28.7 ± 4.6%, and 29.5 ± 4.7%, respectively. The timing resolutions (FWHM value) were 4.7 ± 0.5 ns, 4.9 ± 0.5 ns, and 5.0 ± 0.6 ns, respectively. The DOI resolution (FWHM value) were 3.0 ± 0.2 mm, 2.9 ± 0.2 mm, and 3.0 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. Over all, the wo-ILG detector provided the best performance.
Phosphorylation of CREB at Serine 142 and 143 Is Essential for Visual Cortex Plasticity

Abstract The transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is involved in a myriad of cellular functions in the central nervous system. For instance, the role of CREB via phosphorylation at the amino-acid residue Serine (Ser)133 in expressing plasticity-related genes and activity-dependent neuronal plasticity processes has been extensively demonstrated. However, much less is known about the role of CREB phosphorylation at Ser142 and Ser143. Here, we employed a viral vector containing a dominant negative form of CREB, with serine-to-alanine mutations at residue 142 and 143 to specifically block phosphorylation at both sites. We then transfected this vector into primary neurons in vitro or intracortically injected it into mice in vivo, to test whether these phosphorylation events were important for activity-dependent plasticity. We demonstrated by immunohistochemistry of cortical neuronal cultures that the expression of Arc, a known plasticity-related gene, requires triple phosphorylation of CREB at Ser133, Ser142, and Ser143. Moreover, we recorded visually-evoked field potentials in awake mice before and after a 7-d period of monocular deprivation (MD) to show that, in addition to CREB phosphorylation at Ser133, ocular dominance plasticity (ODP) in the visual cortex also requires CREB phosphorylation at Ser142/143. Our findings suggest that Ser142/143 phosphorylation is an additional post-translational modification of CREB that triggers the expression of specific target genes and activity-dependent neuronal plasticity processes.
On the pervasive effect of word frequency in metamemory

Predictions of one’s future memory performance—judgements of learning (JOLs)—are based on the cues that learners regard as diagnostic of memory performance. One of these cues is word frequency or how often words are experienced in the language. It is not clear, however, whether word frequency would affect JOLs when other cues are also available. The current study aims to close this gap by testing whether objective and subjective word frequency affect JOLs in the presence of font size as an additional cue. Across three experiments, participants studied words that varied in word frequency (Experiment 1: high and low objective frequency; Experiment 2: a whole continuum from high to low objective frequency; Experiment 3: high and low subjective and objective frequency) and were presented in a large (48pt) or a small (18pt) font size, made JOLs, and completed a free recall test. Results showed that people based their JOLs on both word frequency and font size. We conclude that word frequency is an important cue that affects metamemory even in multiple-cue situations.
The alerting expression of microRNA-411 predicts clinical prognosis and regulates tumor progression of glioblastoma

ABSTRACT Glioblastoma is a malignant intracranial tumor with indispensable growth. Identification of biomarkers associated with the progression of tumors could benefit the clinical therapy of and improve patient’s survival. miR-411 has been reported to play a role in other cancers, while its function in glioblastoma has been explored in the present study. The expression of miR-411 was evaluated in glioblastoma tissues (collected from 108 glioblastoma patients) and cells by polymerase chain reaction. The clinical significance of miR-411 was estimated with a series of statistical analyses. The biological function of miR-411 in the cellular processes of glioblastoma was assessed by cell counting kit 8 and Transwell assay. The expression of miR-411 was significantly reduced in glioblastoma, which was associated with the Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) and Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) status of patients. miR-411 was identified as an independent prognostic indicator that correlated with the poor prognosis of patients. miR-411 suppressed the growth, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells via modulating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). miR-411 participated in the development of glioblastoma and function as a prognostic biomarker. miR-411 functions as a tumor suppressor, which provides a novel potential therapeutic target for glioblastoma.
Ketogenic diet: A promising neuroprotective composition for managing Alzheimer's diseases and its pathological mechanisms.

Ketogenic diet and ketone bodies gained significant attention in recent years due to their ability to influence the specific energy metabolism and restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis that can help in hindering the progression of many metabolic diseases including diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Ketogenic diet consists of high fat and low carbohydrate contents which makes the body glucose deprived and rely on alternative sources (ketone bodies) for energy. It has been initially designed and supplemented for the treatment of epilepsy and later its influence on many energy-deriving biochemical pathways made it a highly sorted food supplement for many metabolic diseases and even by healthy individuals for body building and calorie restriction. Among the reported therapeutic action over a range of diseases, neurodegenerative disorders especially Alzheimer's disease gained the attention of many researchers and clinicians because of its potency and its easier supplementation as a food additive. Complex pathology and multiple influencing factors of Alzheimer's disease make exploration of its therapeutic strategies a demanding task. It was a common phenomenon that energy deprivation in neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, to progress rapidly. The ability of ketone bodies to stabilize the mitochondrial energy metabolism makes it a suitable intervening agent. In this review, we will discuss various research progress made with regards to ketone bodies/ketogenic diet for management of Alzheimer's disease and elaborate in detail about the mechanisms that are influenced during their therapeutic action.
Integration of multiple imaging platforms to uncover cardiovascular defects in adult zebrafish

Abstract Aims Mammalian models have been instrumental in investigating adult heart function and human disease. However, electrophysiological differences with human hearts and high costs motivate the need for non-mammalian models. The zebrafish is a well-established genetic model to study cardiovascular development and function; however, analysis of cardiovascular phenotypes in adult specimens is particularly challenging as they are opaque. Methods and results Here, we optimized and combined multiple imaging techniques including echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and micro-computed tomography to identify and analyse cardiovascular phenotypes in adult zebrafish. Using alk5a/tgfbr1a mutants as a case study, we observed morphological and functional cardiovascular defects that were undetected with conventional approaches. Correlation analysis of multiple parameters revealed an association between haemodynamic defects and structural alterations of the heart, as observed clinically. Conclusion We report a new, comprehensive, and sensitive platform to identify otherwise indiscernible cardiovascular phenotypes in adult zebrafish.
Influence of environmental variation on spatial distribution and habitat-use in a benthic foraging marine predator

The highly dynamic nature of the marine environment can have a substantial influence on the foraging behaviour and spatial distribution of marine predators, particularly in pelagic marine systems. However, knowledge of the susceptibility of benthic marine predators to environmental variability is limited. This study investigated the influence of local-scale environmental conditions and large-scale climate indices on the spatial distribution and habitat use in the benthic foraging Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus; AUFS). Female AUFS provisioning pups were instrumented with GPS or ARGOS platform terminal transmitter tags during the austral winters of 2001–2019 at Kanowna Island, south-eastern Australia. Individuals were most susceptible to changes in the Southern Oscillation Index that measures the strength of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, with larger foraging ranges, greater distances travelled and more dispersed movement associated with 1-yr lagged La Niña-like conditions. Additionally, the total distance travelled was negatively correlated with the current year sea surface temperature and 1-yr lagged Indian Ocean Dipole, and positively correlated with 1-yr lagged chlorophyll-a concentration. These results suggest that environmental variation may influence the spatial distribution and availability of prey, even within benthic marine systems.
A Development Plan for the Beach Lifeguard System in Korea

ABSTRACT Kim, S. -G. and Lim, S. -M. , 2021. A development plan for the beach lifeguard system in Korea. In: Lee, J.L. ; Suh, K. -S. ; Lee, B. ; Shin, S. , and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 633–636. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This study aims to examine the problems of the beach lifeguard system in Korea and provide a plan to resolve safety and other issues faced by beachgoers and improve rescue activities. To this end, data on rescue and relevant laws were collected, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 lifeguards from different regions. The analysis results reveal that the beach lifeguard system in Korea requires the following improvements: First, administrative governance must be established for the coexistence of the public and private sectors. Second, it is necessary to promote public confidence in the lifeguard training system. Third, the work environment of lifeguards must be improved. The important findings and data from this study can be used to develop an effective lifeguard system in charge of beach safety.
Monitoring of Shoreline Change at Chollipo Beach in South Korea

ABSTRACT Yun, K. ; Lee, C.K. ; He, G. , and Park, B.W. , 2021. Monitoring of shoreline change at Chollipo Beach in South Korea. In: Lee, J.L. ; Suh, K. -S. ; Lee, B. ; Shin, S. , and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 469–473. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Natural coastal shorelines change constantly due to various phenomena such as tides, waves, and weather. Shoreline change data are important for coastal management, which deals with issues including coastal erosion and sedimentation trends and setbacks. It has been reported that Chollipo Beach in Taeangun, Chungnamdo, in the western part of South Korea, has been progressively sedimented over the past years. In this study, a photogrammetric analysis was conducted to determine the characteristics of the shoreline of Chollipo Beach over twenty years. In the analysis, photogrammetric aerial triangulation using old digital aerial images from 1986 and unmanned aerial vehicle images from 2020 were considered. In addition, network GPS surveying was performed for the acquisition of ground control points in the bundle adjustments stage. Finally, a digital surface model and mosaicked orthoimages were generated. For the analysis, contour lines and beach profiles were extracted. The analysis results show that over 25 years, the shorelines moved towards the sea by a maximum distance of 100 m and deposited sands reached a height of 1.84 m.
Analyzing Wave Height and Direction Using the Rayleigh Distribution Function

ABSTRACT Lim, C. ; Lee, J.L. , and Lee, S. , 2021. Analyzing wave height and direction using the Rayleigh distribution function. In: Lee, J.L. ; Suh, K. -S. ; Lee, B. ; Shin, S. , and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 534–538. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. As erosion changes the shape of the shoreline of South Korea, many studies have been conducted to analyze the accurate shape of the shoreline. While many factors contribute to the change of the shoreline, one of the top contributing factors is the change in wave direction. However, accurate measurements of the wave direction were not possible until recently, and studies on the wave direction are insufficient compared to the studies on the wave height and period. Although long-term wave observation data is required to analyze waves, only short-term observation data is available in Korea because observation systems have been established in Korea since 2001. Therefore, the distribution characteristics of wave direction and wave height were analyzed using long-term wave hind-cast data provided by NOAA data. It is not straightforward to find regular characteristics that determine the annual average wave direction distribution from the NOAA data. However, if the wave direction is analyzed by season, an asymmetric distribution characteristic with respect to the main direction can be found. The wave directions of four seasons in the East Sea were very similar (summer: 50°/winter: 35°), while those in the West Sea were very different (summer: 205°/winter: 300°). In this study, it was assumed that the wave height and wave direction are independent of each other. Furthermore, it was also assumed that the wave height in each wave direction has the Rayleigh distribution to propose a wave height distribution function. The Rayleigh distribution function was modified by introducing the wave direction spreading coefficient, which controls the peak, and the distribution area coefficient, which reflects the energy of each wave direction component. Finally, this function was compared with NOAA data of the East Sea and West Sea of South Korea to verify the applicability.