Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cattle manure for biogas production. Does ensiling and wheat straw addition enhance preservation of biomass and methane potential?

ABSTRACT The effects of ensiling and open-air storage on the conservation of cattle manure were investigated for 120 days at laboratory scale. The impact of co-ensiling with wheat straw was assessed as well. Up to 74% of methane potential was lost during aerobic storage. Negligible energetic losses and ammonia emissions occurred during the first month of anaerobic preservation. However, inadequate chemical properties of fresh cattle manure hindered silage stabilization for extended periods, leading to 46% methane losses after 4 months. Co-ensiling of cattle manure with wheat straw enhanced biomass acidification, inducing a conservation of more than 86% of the methane potential after 4 months. Wheat straw addition suppressed ammonia production and limited the risks of losses through liquid effluent. The current study proves that long-term conservation of cattle manure can be achieved if correct management practices are used, which will undoubtedly improve the performance of biogas plants with this raw material. Highlights Ensiling enhanced biomass and methane conservation of cattle manure Ammonia emissions during storage are minimized through ensiling Co-ensiling with wheat straw stabilized biomass at elevated pH value Wheat straw addition minimized risk of losses through effluent production Silage with wheat straw conserved at least 86% of methane potential after 4 months
Spontaneous contractions in rat cardiac trabeculae. Trigger mechanism and propagation velocity

It has previously been observed that spontaneous contractions start in a region of damage of isolated right ventricular trabeculae of rat, propagate along the muscle, and induce triggered arrhythmias (Mulder, B.J.M., P.P. de Tombe, and H.E.D.J. ter Keurs. 1989. J. Gen. Physiol. 93:943-961). The present study was designed to analyze the mechanisms that lead to triggered propagated contractions (TPCs). TPCs were elicited in 29 trabeculae by stimulation with trains (2 Hz; 15-s intervals) at varied number of stimuli (n), lowered temperature (19-21 degrees C), and varied [Ca++]o (1.5-4 mM) in the superfusate. Length (SL) and shortening of sarcomeres in the muscle were measured at two sites using laser diffraction techniques; twitch force (Ft) was measured with a silicon strain gauge. Time between the last stimulus in the train and the onset of sarcomere shortening due to a TPC at a site close to the damaged end region (latency) and propagation velocity of the contraction (Vprop) were correlated with Ft. For 10 trabeculae, TPCs were calculated to start in the end region itself 586 +/- 28 ms (mean +/- 1 SEM) after the last stimulus of a train (n = 15; [Ca++]o: 1.5 mM), i.e., at the end of or after the rapid release of the damaged end during twitch relaxation. When Ft was increased by increasing either SL prior to stimulation or the afterload during twitches, methods that do not affect intracellular calcium levels, latency decreased, but Vprop remained constant. No TPC occurred when Ft was less than 20% of maximal Ft. Both increasing [Ca++]o and n increased Ft to a maximum, increased Vprop progressively (maximum Vprop, 17 mm/s), but decreased latency. These observations suggest that initiation of TPCs depends on the force developed by the preceding twitch, and therefore on the degree of stretch and subsequent rapid release of damaged areas in the myocardium, while Vprop along the trabeculae is determined by intracellular calcium concentration.
SYNERGISM OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ANTIBIOTICS WITH BIOCIDES OF NATURAL ORIGIN

Currently, antibiotic therapy remains the primary method for treating infectious diseases in humans. Nevertheless, its effectiveness is rapidly decreasing due to the widespread emergence of resistant pathogens, necessitating the exploration of new treatment options. One potential approach involves the use of antibiotics in combination with other natural compounds. Aim of the review was to summarize the literature data on the synergy of the antimicrobial action of combinations of antibiotics with various biocides against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic microorganisms. The analysis of literature data has shown that promising compounds for use in combinations with antibiotics include essential oils, other plant components, antimicrobial peptides (both natural and synthetic), and microbial surfactants. In the majority of studies, the researchers calculated the fractional inhibitory concentration index, confirming the synergistic antimicrobial activity of antibiotics and the mentioned compounds. The use of natural biocides in combination with commercial antibiotics, particularly against Gram-negative (including methicillin-resistant) Staphylococcus species and Gram-positive microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumannii), enabled to consider these mixtures not only as effective antimicrobial agents but as one of the ways to reduce the effective concentration of antibiotics as well. It should be noted that in the presented studies, the researchers only observed the synergy of antimicrobial activity between a combination of antibiotics and other biocides, without emphasizing the potential mechanisms of interaction between the components of the complex. This likely depended on various factors, including the qualitative composition of natural compounds. Therefore, it was important to continue research not only on the synergy of antimicrobial activity in compound mixtures but also on the underlying mechanisms of their interaction. This would provide insights to enhance their effectiveness in combating resistant microorganisms.
Discrete Dubins Paths

A Dubins path is a shortest path with bounded curvature. The seminal result in non-holonomic motion planning is that (in the absence of obstacles) a Dubins path consists either from a circular arc followed by a segment followed by another arc, or from three circular arcs [Dubins, 1957]. Dubins original proof uses advanced calculus; later, Dubins result was reproved using control theory techniques [Reeds and Shepp, 1990], [Sussmann and Tang, 1991], [Boissonnat, C\'er\'ezo, and Leblond, 1994]. We introduce and study a discrete analogue of curvature-constrained motion. We show that shortest "bounded-curvature" polygonal paths have the same structure as Dubins paths. The properties of Dubins paths follow from our results as a limiting case---this gives a new, "discrete" proof of Dubins result.
The Minimum Number of Nonnegative Edges in Hypergraphs

An $r$-uniform $n$-vertex hypergraph $H$ is said to have the Manickam-Miklos-Singhi (MMS) property if for every assignment of weights to its vertices with nonnegative sum, the number of edges whose total weight is nonnegative is at least the minimum degree of $H$. In this paper we show that for $n>10r^3$, every $r$-uniform $n$-vertex hypergraph with equal codegrees has the MMS property, and the bound on $n$ is essentially tight up to a constant factor. This result has two immediate corollaries. First it shows that every set of $n>10k^3$ real numbers with nonnegative sum has at least $\binom{n-1}{k-1}$ nonnegative $k$-sums, verifying the Manickam-Miklos-Singhi conjecture for this range. More importantly, it implies the vector space Manickam-Miklos-Singhi conjecture which states that for $n \ge 4k$ and any weighting on the $1$-dimensional subspaces of $\mathbb{F}_{q}^n$ with nonnegative sum, the number of nonnegative $k$-dimensional subspaces is at least ${n-1 \brack k-1}_q$. We also discuss two additional generalizations, which can be regarded as analogues of the Erdős - Ko - Rado theorem on $k$-intersecting families.
Alternative Splicing at the Intersection of Biological Timing, Development, and Stress Responses[OPEN]

High-throughput sequencing for transcript profiling in plants has revealed that alternative splicing (AS) affects a much higher proportion of the transcriptome than was previously assumed. AS is involved in most plant processes and is particularly prevalent in plants exposed to environmental stress. The identification of mutations in predicted splicing factors and spliceosomal proteins that affect cell fate, the circadian clock, plant defense, and tolerance/sensitivity to abiotic stress all point to a fundamental role of splicing/AS in plant growth, development, and responses to external cues. Splicing factors affect the AS of multiple downstream target genes, thereby transferring signals to alter gene expression via splicing factor/AS networks. The last two to three years have seen an ever-increasing number of examples of functional AS. At a time when the identification of AS in individual genes and at a global level is exploding, this review aims to bring together such examples to illustrate the extent and importance of AS, which are not always obvious from individual publications. It also aims to ensure that plant scientists are aware that AS is likely to occur in the genes that they study and that dynamic changes in AS and its consequences need to be considered routinely.
Engagement of TLR2 Does not Reverse the Suppressor Function of Mouse Regulatory T Cells, but Promotes Their Survival1

TLRs are a class of conserved pattern recognition receptors that are used by cells of the innate immune system. Recent studies have demonstrated the expression of TLRs on both human and mouse T cells raising the possibility that TLRs play a direct role in adaptive immunity. TLR2 is activated primarily by bacterial wall components including peptidoglycan and lipoproteins. Several studies have shown that mouse regulatory T (Treg) cells express TLR2 and claimed that engagement of TLR2 by synthetic ligands reversed their suppressive function. In contrary, enhancement of Treg function was observed following engagement of TLR2 on human Treg. We have reexamined the expression and function of TLR2 on mouse Treg purified from Foxp3-GFP knock-in mice. TLR2 ligation by TLR2 agonist, the synthetic bacterial lipoprotein Pam3CSK4, enhanced the proliferative responses of both conventional T cells and Treg in response to TLR stimulation in the absence of APC. Treatment of Foxp3+ Treg with Pam3CSK4 did not alter their suppressive function in vitro or in vivo and did not reduce their level of Foxp3 expression. An additional effect of TLR2 stimulation of Treg was induction of Bcl-xL resulting in enhanced survival in vitro. Treatment of mice with the TLR2 agonist enhanced the Ag-driven proliferation of Treg in vivo, but did not abolish their ability to suppress the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Development of methods to selectively stimulate TLR2 on Treg may lead to a novel approaches for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Meiotic spindle morphogenesis in in vivo and in vitro matured mouse oocytes: insights into the relationship between nuclear and cytoplasmic quality.

BACKGROUND This work addresses the hypothesis that events occurring within the follicle soon after the LH surge are essential for coordinating morphogenesis of the spindle and cytoplasm in mouse oocytes matured in vivo (IVO); we further tested whether in vitro maturation (IVM) fails to support these events. METHODS Oocytes collected at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h post-hCG or after IVM were analyzed for chromatin, nuclear lamina, microtubules (MTs) and centrosomal proteins by conventional fluorescence and confocal microscopy. In addition, these parameters were monitored in oocytes maintained in 50 microM roscovitine, followed by IVM, or in oocytes retrieved at 1.5 and 5 h post-hCG in vivo and cultured up to 16 h. RESULTS A G2/M delay was observed in IVO oocytes based upon persistence of cytoplasmic MTs, nuclear lamina and centrosomes at the cortex; rapid meiotic progression in IVM oocytes was related to loss of these markers, indicating that a global activation of MPF occurred in culture. Also, maturating-promoting factor (MPF) inactivation resulted in cultured oocytes that exhibited IVO characteristics after drug removal. IVO-like characteristics were also exhibited by oocytes retrieved at 5 but not at 1.5 h after hCG treatment, even though these oocytes were subsequently cultured. CONCLUSIONS The results emphasize the importance of coupling MT remodeling and cell cycle components during oocyte maturation to achieve a balanced coordination of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation that under physiological conditions occurs within the first 5 h of LH stimulation.
16S rRNA Phylogenetic Investigation of the Candidate Division “Korarchaeota”

ABSTRACT The environmental distribution and phylogeny of “Korarchaeota,” a proposed ancient archaeal division, was investigated by using the 16S rRNA gene framework. Korarchaeota-specific primers were designed based on previously published sequences and used to screen a variety of environments. Korarchaeota 16S rRNA genes were amplified exclusively from high temperature Yellowstone National Park hot springs and a 9°N East Pacific Rise deep-sea hydrothermal vent. Phylogenetic analyses of these and all available sequences suggest that Korarchaeota exhibit a high level of endemicity.
Laboratory investigation

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Premorbid Cognitive Deficits in Young Relatives of Schizophrenia Patients

Neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia (SZ) are thought to be stable trait markers that predate the illness and manifest in relatives of patients. Adolescence is the age of maximum vulnerability to the onset of SZ and may be an opportune “window” to observe neurocognitive impairments close to but prior to the onset of psychosis. We reviewed the extant studies assessing neurocognitive deficits in young relatives at high risk (HR) for SZ and their relation to brain structural alterations. We also provide some additional data pertaining to the relation of these deficits to psychopathology and brain structural alterations from the Pittsburgh Risk Evaluation Program (PREP). Cognitive deficits are noted in the HR population, which are more severe in first-degree relatives compared to second-degree relatives and primarily involve psychomotor speed, memory, attention, reasoning, and social-cognition. Reduced general intelligence is also noted, although its relationship to these specific domains is underexplored. Premorbid cognitive deficits may be related to brain structural and functional abnormalities, underlining the neurobiological basis of this illness. Cognitive impairments might predict later emergence of psychopathology in at-risk subjects and may be targets of early remediation and preventive strategies. Although evidence for neurocognitive deficits in young relatives abounds, further studies on their structural underpinnings and on their candidate status as endophenotypes are needed.
Gastrointestinal toxicity in elderly osteoarthritis patients treated with NSAIDs

AbstractPurpose: The elderly are at increased risk for gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity during treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Previous studies have suggested that nabumetone is associated with fewer perforations, ulcers, and bleeds (PUBs) than older NSAIDs in the general arthritis population. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the risk of upper GI PUBs associated with nabumetone and various comparator NSAIDs in elderly patients with osteoarthritis. Methods: Because GI PUBs associated with NSAID use are not common, the results of seven randomized, double-blind studies carried out in the US, Canada, and UK were pooled to compare the safety and efficacy of nabumetone and various comparator NSAIDs in an elderly subset of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Outpatients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee or hip presenting to a rheumatologist's practice were eligible for enrolment. All studies had a treatment duration of 3-6 months. These studies were pooled and a retrospective analysis of the frequency of upper GI PUBs for each treatment group was performed. Elderly were defined as age ≥ 65. Results: A total of 2613 patients with OA were treated with nabumetone (1308) or comparator NSAIDs (1305). Of the nabumetone-treated patients, 47% (614/1308) were ≥65 years of age and of the patients treated with comparator NSAIDs, 50% (655/1305) were ≥ 65 years. The raw frequency of PUBs in the elderly population was 0% (0/614) for patients treated with nabumetone and 1.1% (7/655) in patients treated with comparator NSAIDs (p < 0.02 by a Fisher's Exact Test). This was equivalent to 0 in approximately 243.5 patient-years of exposure with nabumetone compared with 7/263.8 or 2.7 per 100 patient-years of exposure with comparator NSAIDs. Six of the seven comparator PUBs were classified as complications and one was an uncomplicated peptic ulcer. Conclusions: In this analysis of PUBs in an elderly population with osteoarthritis, nabumetone use was associated with significantly fewer PUBs and significantly fewer complications than were the comparator NSAIDs used in these studies.
The influence of Investment Efficiency on Financial Performance

The purpose of this research is to see how investment efficiency can increase profitability. This research was conducted as a from of population gap seen in previos studies, so this study aims to re-examine the effect of investment efficiency on finansial performance. The novelty inthis research is to analyze the direct influence between investment efficiency on financial performance. This research uses a quantitative approach with secondary data. The population of this study is companies indexed LQ45 in the 2018-2022 period, the sample of this study is 27 companies with 135 observation that meet the criteria. This research was tested using multiple linear regression analyze using the Eviews application with the result that investment efficiency cannot affect financial performance
Microsatellite variation reveals high levels of genetic variability and population structure in the gorgonian coral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae across the Bahamas

The primary mechanism of gene flow in marine sessile invertebrates is larval dispersal. In Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae, a commercially important Caribbean gorgonian coral, a proportion of the larvae drop to the substratum within close proximity to the maternal colony, and most matings occur between individuals in close proximity to each other. Such limited dispersal of reproductive propagules suggests that gene flow is limited in this gorgonian. In this study, we characterized the population genetic structure of P. elisabethae across the Bahamas using six microsatellite loci. P. elisabethae was collected from 18 sites across the Bahamas. Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium due to deficits of heterozygotes within populations were detected for all 18 populations in at least one of the six screened loci. Levels of genetic structure among populations of P. elisabethae were high and significant. A distance analysis placed populations within three groups, one formed by populations located within Exuma Sound, a semi‐isolated basin, another consisting of populations located outside the basin and a third group comprising two populations from San Salvador Island. The patterns of genetic variation found in this study are concordant with the life‐history traits of the species and in part with the geography of the Bahamas. Conservation and management plans developed for P. elisabethae should considered the high degree of genetic structure observed among populations of the species, as well as the high genetic diversity found in the San Salvador and the Exuma Sound populations.
Corrigendum to: “On the strength of Ramsey's Theorem for pairs”

Several proofs given in [2] contain significant errors or gaps, although to our knowledge all results claimed there are provable. The needed corrections are described below. All references are to [2] unless otherwise stated, and we adopt the notation and terminology ofthat paper. 1 . Lemma 7. 1 0 asserts that the principles D\ and SRT^ are equivalent over RCAo. However, the proof that D\ implies SRT2 has a hidden application of B£! J and thus is actually carried out in RCA0 + BLĻ The problem is that, in the construction of H by adding one element at a time, each element c added to H must form a pair of the appropriate color with all previously chosen elements. To get the existence of such a c one seems to need BS^. This gap was recently closed by Chong, Lempp, and Yang, who showed in [3], Theorem 1.4, that, in RCA0, D^ implies BT%, and hence Dl implies SRT^. 2. Lemma 7.1 1 asserts that RT^ is equivalent to SRT^ & COH over RCA0. However, the proof given there that RT2 implies COH in RCAo is seriously flawed. This was pointed out by Joseph Mileti and later by Jeffrey Hirst. A proof that RT2 implies COH in RCAo + IS2 can easily be extracted from the proof of Theorem 12.5. Mileti, and simultaneously Lempp and Jockusch, observed that it is possible to eliminate the use of IS2 by effectively bounding in terms ofk the number of changes in the characteristic function of A when it is restricted to A^, so that proving that this number is finite requires only Si -induction. Thus, it is provable in RCAo that RT^ implies COH, and hence that RT^ is equivalent to SRT^ & COH. 3. Joseph Mileti pointed out a gap in the proof of the claim at the bottom of page 50 that a certain computable 2-coloring of pairs C is "jump universal" in the sense that for every C -homogeneous set A and every computable coloring C, there exists an infinite C-homogeneous set B with Bf 0', and let A be an infinite homogeneous set for C. Let d be the degree of A! , so that d » 0' . Let C be any computable 2-coloring of pairs. We must show that C has an infinite homogeneous set with jump of degree at most d. Let c be a degree with d » O 07, and let a be a degree with a' = c. Since
The Effect of Foam Rolling on Recovery Between two Eight Hundred Metre Runs

Abstract With the increased popularity of foam rolling as a means of recovery, it is important to establish the exact manner in which the practice is useful. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of foam rolling on recovery between two 800 m runs. Sixteen trained males (mean ± sd; age, 20.5 ± .5 yr; average 800 m treadmill run time, 145.2 ± 1.8 s) participated in the study, using a randomized, crossover design. The subjects completed two 800 m runs on a treadmill, separated by a 30 min rest, during which time a foam rolling protocol or passive rest period was performed. The speed of each run was as fast as possible. Subjects had access to speed controls, but were blinded to the actual speed. Blood lactate concentration and V. $\it V^{. }$ CO2 were measured prior to and following each run. Stride length, 800 m run time, and hip extension were measured during each run. V. $\it V^{. }$ CO2, stride length, 800 m run time, and hip extension were not significantly different between conditions (p > .05). For blood lactate, no statistical interaction was found between condition and time (p > .05). Foam rolling between two 800 m runs separated by 30 min performed by trained male runners does not alter performance.