Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Interactions between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Trichoderma longibrachiatum Enhance Maize Growth and Modulate Root Metabolome under Increasing Soil Salinity

Trichoderma longibrachiatum sp. are free-living filamentous fungi which are common in agro-ecosystems. However, few studies thus far have examined the interaction between Trichoderma longibrachiatum and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in saline soil and their potential for improving plant stress tolerance. Here, single, dual-inoculated (T. longibrachiatum MF, AM fungal community or Glomus sp.), and non-inoculated maize (Zea may L.) were subjected to different salinity levels (0, 75, 150, and 225 mM NaCl) to test the synergistic effects of dual inoculants on maize plants in different salt stress conditions. Plant performance and metabolic profiles were compared to find the molecular mechanisms underlying plant protection against salt stress. The first experiment revealed that dual inoculation of an AM fungal community and T. longibrachiatum MF improved the biomass and K+/Na+ ratio in maize under non-saline conditions, and generally enhanced AM fungal growth in root and soil under all but the 225 mM NaCl conditions. However, MF inoculant did not influence the structure of AM fungal communities in maize roots. In the second experiment, dual inoculation of Glomus sp. and T. longibrachiatum MF increased maize plant biomass, K+/Na+ ratio, and AM fungal growth in root and soil significantly at both 0 and 75 mM NaCl conditions. We identified metabolic compounds differentially accumulated in dual-inoculated maize that may underline their enhanced maize plant tolerance to increasing soil salinity. Our data suggested that the combination of Glomus sp. and T. longibrachiatum leads to interactions, which may play a potential role in alleviating the stress and improve crop productivity in salt-affected soils.
The life and times of Pteridinium simplex

Abstract. — Pteridinium simplex is an iconic erniettomorph taxon best known from late Ediacaran successions in South Australia, Russia, and Namibia. Despite nearly 100 years of study, there remain fundamental questions surrounding the paleobiology and paleoecology of this organism, including its life position relative to the sediment–water interface, and how it fed and functioned within benthic communities. Here, we combine a redescription of specimens housed at the Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Frankfurt with field observations of fossiliferous surfaces, to constrain the life habit of Pteridinium and gain insights into the character of benthic ecosystems shortly before the beginning of the Cambrian. We present paleontological and sedimentological evidence suggesting that Pteridinium was semi-infaunal and lived gregariously in aggregated communities, preferentially adopting an orientation with the long axis perpendicular to the prevailing current direction. Using computational fluid dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that this life habit could plausibly have led to suspended food particles settling within the organism's central cavity. This supports interpretation of Pteridinium as a macroscopic suspension feeder that functioned similarly to the coeval erniettomorph Ernietta, emblematic of a broader paleoecological shift toward benthic suspension-feeding strategies over the course of the latest Ediacaran. Finally, we discuss how this new reconstruction of Pteridinium provides information concerning its potential relationships with extant animal groups and state a case for reconstructing Pteridinium as a colonial metazoan.
Supporting Leadership Factors for the Mastery of Core Competencies for College English Learners in Application-Oriented Universities in Shanghai: A Pilot Studyore Competencies for College English Learners in Application-Oriented Universities in Shanghai: A Pilot Study

Based on the theory of Synergistic Leadership (Irby et al., 2002), as well as the Framework for 21st Century Learning (P21, 2019) and related research, this research applied mixed methods with questionnaire surveys and interviews to propose the supporting leadership factors for the mastery of core competencies for College English (CE) learners in one of the application-oriented universities (AOUs) in Shanghai, China. The research objectives included: 1) to identify the elements of support systems desirable for supporting the mastery of core competencies for CE learners; 2) to determine the leadership factors expected to support the mastery of core competencies for CE learners in AOUs in Shanghai, China. The quantitative analysis was applied on the data from literature, as well as the questionnaire surveys with 428 learners and 19 instructors, whereas qualitative method analyzed the data from the interviews with one instructional leader and two professors in this AOU. In terms of the educational elements coded from literature, 39 supporting leadership factors were synthesized and proposed, categorized into synergistic leadership factors of stakeholders’ perception, leadership behavior, and external forces.
A Review of the Use of Natural Fibers in Cement Composites: Concepts, Applications and Brazilian History

The use of natural lignocellulosic fibers has become popular all over the world, as they are abundant, low-cost materials that favor a series of technological properties when used in cementitious composites. Due to its climate and geographic characteristics, Brazil has an abundant variety of natural fibers that have great potential for use in civil construction. The objective of this work is to present the main concepts about lignocellulosic fibers in cementitious composites, highlighting the innovation and advances in this topic in relation to countries such as Brazil, which has a worldwide prominence in the production of natural fibers. For this, some common characteristics of lignocellulosic fibers will be observed, such as their source, their proportion of natural polymers (biological structure of the fiber), their density and other mechanical characteristics. This information is compared with the mechanical characteristics of synthetic fibers to analyze the performance of composites reinforced with both types of fibers. Despite being inferior in tensile and flexural strength, composites made from vegetable fibers have an advantage in relation to their low density. The interface between the fiber and the composite matrix is what will define the final characteristics of the composite material. Due to this, different fibers (reinforcement materials) were analyzed in the literature in order to observe their characteristics in cementitious composites. Finally, the different surface treatments through which the fibers undergo will determine the fiber–matrix interface and the final characteristics of the cementitious composite.
Gastro-Protective Effect of Fermented Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in a Rat Model of Ethanol/HCl-Induced Gastric Injury

The present research purposed to examine the gastro-protective effect of Glycine max (L.) Merr. fermented using Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. delbrueckii Rosell-187 (Gastro-AD®) on ethanol/HCl-induced gastric damage, specifically on gastric acid secretion. After oral supplementation of Gastro-AD® to Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats with ethanol/HCl-induced gastric damage, we determined that Gastro-AD® attenuated the gastric mucosal lesion, hemorrhage and gastric acid secretion induced by ethanol/HCl. In addition, we observed that the Gastro-AD® treatment increased the serum prostaglandin E2 level and decreased the levels of gastric acid secretion-related receptors in both gastric tissues and primary gastric parietal cells. Furthermore, it decreased the levels of inflammatory factors, including serum histamine and expression of p-IκB, p-p65, iNOS and COX-2 and the activity of apoptotic signaling pathways, including those involving p-JNK, Bcl2/Bax, Fas, FADD, caspase-8 and caspase-3, in the stomach of the ethanol/HCl-treated rats. Thus, we suggest that Gastro-AD® supplementation may reduce ethanol/HCl-induced gastric acid secretion and prevent gastric injury.
Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures: Patient-Related Outcome Measurements after Seven Years of Function

Denture wearers often complain about jeopardized function and reduced quality of life due to lack of prosthesis’ retention. Implant-retained mandibular overdentures, on two non-connected implants (2IOD) are well-proven solutions to overcome these issues. We prospectively assessed 69 patients and scrutinized clinical records until at least seven years of function. Thirty-six were retained on Locator® Abutments (LA) and thirty-tree on Ball Abutments (BA). Both systems were compared regarding the type, amount, and total cost of required maintenance. One implant was lost, yielding 98.7% survival after seven years. In total, 438 technical issues occurred: 121 (27.35%) in BA and 317 (72.4%) in LA. Out of these, 343 events (78%) were solved chairside: 191 (43.6%) were replacements of retention caps, 113 (25.8%) were minor acrylic repairs, 26 (5.9%) pressure ulcers had to be relieved, and 13 (3%) were related to abutments. LA required 179 insert replacements compared to 12 in the BA group. The overall initial treatment cost was EUR 3850 (base year of the analysis: 2003). The average total maintenance cost in relation to the initial cost for the LA and BA groups was 19.11 (range 0–82.24%) and 18.91% (range 0–113.26%) respectively (p = 0.540). Conclusions: The seven-year maintenance costs for a 2IOD is acceptable when the patient is regularly checked and professionally maintained. Most events are easily solvable chairside, but a few patients required more expensive interventions, regardless of the type of attachment used.
Isolation and Characterization of Cat Olfactory Ecto-Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Simple Summary Cat’s health is impacted by several diseases and lesions for which cell therapy could be an interesting treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells or adult stem cells are found in developed tissue. Olfactory mucosa contains stem cells called olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells which have already been isolated from various animals as dogs and horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of collecting olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells in cats. For that purpose, four cats were biopsied; the cells were collected and characterized. They show stemness features and differentiation capabilities as all the other mammals previously studied. Therefore, olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells could be a promising tool for feline regenerative medicine. Abstract The olfactory mucosa contains olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) which show stemness features, multipotency capabilities, and have a therapeutic potential. The OE-MSCs have already been collected and isolated from various mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of collecting, purifying and amplifying OE-MSCs from the cat nasal cavity. Four cats were included in the study. Biopsies of olfactory mucosa were performed on anesthetized animals. Then, the olfactory OE-MSCs were isolated, and their stemness features as well as their mesodermal differentiation capabilities were characterized. Olfactory mucosa biopsies were successfully performed in all subjects. From these biopsies, cellular populations were rapidly generated, presenting various stemness features, such as a fibroblast-like morphology, nestin and MAP2 expression, and sphere and colony formation. These cells could differentiate into neural and mesodermal lineages. This report shows for the first time that the isolation of OE-MSCs from cat olfactory mucosa is possible. These cells showed stemness features and multilineage differentiation capabilities, indicating they may be a promising tool for autologous grafts and feline regenerative medicine.
Amyloid Beta Oligomers-Induced Ca2+ Entry Pathways: Role of Neuronal Networks, NMDA Receptors and Amyloid Channel Formation

The molecular basis of amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains controversial. Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers promote Ca2+ influx, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and apoptosis in hippocampal neurons in vivo and in vitro, but the primary Ca2+ entry pathways are unclear. We studied Ca2+ entry pathways induced by Aβ oligomers in rat hippocampal and cerebellar neurons. Aβ oligomers induce Ca2+ entry in neurons. Ca2+ responses to Aβ oligomers are large after synaptic networking and prevented by blockers of synaptic transmission. In contrast, in neurons devoid of synaptic connections, Ca2+ responses to Aβ oligomers are small and prevented only by blockers of amyloid channels (NA7) and NMDA receptors (MK801). A combination of NA7 and MK801 nearly abolished Ca2+ responses. Non-neuronal cells bearing NMDA receptors showed Ca2+ responses to oligomers, whereas cells without NMDA receptors did not exhibit Ca2+ responses. The expression of subunits of the NMDA receptor NR1/ NR2A and NR1/NR2B in HEK293 cells lacking endogenous NMDA receptors restored Ca2+ responses to NMDA but not to Aβ oligomers. We conclude that Aβ oligomers promote Ca2+ entry via amyloid channels and NMDA receptors. This may recruit distant neurons intertwisted by synaptic connections, spreading excitation and recruiting further NMDA receptors and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, leading to excitotoxicity and neuron degeneration in AD.
Investigation of direct shear strength mechanisms of steel and PVA fiber-reinforced concrete

Some mechanical properties of concrete can be improved with the addition of other materials, such as the incorporation of fibers, which results in increased tensile strength and toughness, presenting post-cracking behavior that significantly contributes to the transfer of shear stresses, especially in planes that are propitious to the formation of cracks. To evaluate the effects of the addition of fibers to concrete, in terms of the ultimate shear strength and the mechanisms that constitute it, such as cohesion between the component materials, aggregate interlock, friction and dowel action, an experimental program was carried out. Two mixtures were produced from a conventional concrete mix, with the addition of 0.5% steel fibers and 0.2% synthetic polyvinyl alcohol, PVA fibers. Specimens for direct shear testing, push-off type, were molded, with and without transverse shear reinforcement, and a steel-concrete bond condition was set as a variable. The results showed that the addition of steel fibers results in a significant increase in the shear strength of concrete, na effect not observed with PVA fibers. The aggregate interlock and cohesion mechanisms were responsible for approximately 70% of the ultimate shear strength in all the concrete tested, while the rest was attributed to friction and the dowel effect.
Towards a Non-Contact Method for Identifying Stress Using Remote Photoplethysmography in Academic Environments

Stress has become a common condition and is one of the chief causes of university course disenrollment. Most of the studies and tests on academic stress have been conducted in research labs or controlled environments, but these tests can not be extended to a real academic environment due to their complexity. Academic stress presents different associated symptoms, anxiety being one of the most common. This study focuses on anxiety derived from academic activities. This study aims to validate the following hypothesis: by using a non-contact method based on the use of remote photoplethysmography (rPPG), it is possible to identify academic stress levels with an accuracy greater than or equal to that of previous works which used contact methods. rPPG signals from 56 first-year engineering undergraduate students were recorded during an experimental task. The results show that the rPPG signals combined with students’ demographic data and psychological scales (the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory) improve the accuracy of different classification methods. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the proposed method provides 96% accuracy by using K-nearest neighbors, J48, and random forest classifiers. The performance metrics show better or equal accuracy compared to other contact methods. In general, this study demonstrates that it is possible to implement a low-cost method for identifying academic stress levels in educational environments.
Risk assessment of chanchita Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840), a newly identified non-native cichlid fish in Florida

The risk of a newly discovered non-native fish species in Florida (USA): Cichlasoma dimerus ([Heckel, 1840]; Family: Cichlidae) is assessed. Its tolerance to cold temperatures was experimentally evaluated and information on its biology and ecology was synthesized. In the cold-temperature tolerance experiment, temperature was lowered from 24 °C by increments of 1 °C per hour, mimicking a typical cold weather front. Fish lost equilibrium at a mean temperature of 7.8 °C and died at 4.7 °C. Those values are lower than most other non-native fishes from the state that have been experimentally evaluated, and it appears C. dimerus is the most cold-tolerant cichlid established in Florida. The combination of cold-temperature tolerance and other biological/ecological factors (e.g., adult size, reproduction and parental care, diet, habitat, and other behaviors) along with the geographic range and habitat diversity of specimens vouchered in museums, indicate C. dimerus may be able to invade many freshwater ecosystems in the state, including environmentally sensitive freshwater springs.
Exploring Concrete Materials Batching Behaviour of Artisans in Ghana's Informal Construction Sector

This paper investigated construction materials-batching behaviour of artisans in the informal construction sector in Ghana. The research was conducted in three major towns across three regions namely the Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana. A quantitative data collection approach was adopted as the primary methodology for gathering the data from the target population using cluster-sampling technique to select the sample population. The results showed that the informal construction sector in Ghana paid little attention to the standard practices and procedures in constructing residential buildings. This is due to inadequate levels of apprenticeship training to develop the skills and competence of artisans. Low-quality training duped apprentices into thinking that they were fully qualified when they were not. Furthermore, apprenticeship varied widely across construction trades and master artisans. Batching was eyeballed instead of being measured scientifically resulting in insufficient cement to the aggregate ratio in cement blocks, concrete and mortar works. Moreover, weak cement blocks often lead to poor construction and weak buildings with rising moisture content in walls, leaking roofs, cracks and structural failures.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y42 in Biofilm and Planktonic States Improves Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Modulates Gut Microbiota of Balb/c Mice

In our previous study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y42 showed some potential probiotic functions and the ability to form biofilm. The aim of this study was to compare the similarities and differences in the probiotic and physiological traits of L. plantarum Y42 in the biofilm and planktonic states. L. plantarum Y42 in the biofilm state was proven to have higher survival after passing through mimic gastrointestinal fluid, as well as excellent adhesion properties on the HT-29 cell monolayers, than those in the planktonic state. The expression of tight junction proteins (TJ proteins) of HT-29 cell monolayers treated by L. plantarum Y42 in the planktonic state increased, while similar changes were not observed in the HT-29 cells treated by the strain in the biofilm state. Furthermore, Balb/c mice were orally administered L. plantarum Y42 in the biofilm and planktonic states, respectively. Compared to the planktonic state, the oral administration of L. plantarum Y42 in the biofilm state significantly boosted IgA levels and improved the immunity of the mice. High-throughput sequencing showed that the diversity and structure of the intestinal flora of the mice were changed after the oral administration of L. plantarum Y42, including the up-regulated relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the intestinal tract of the mice, with no difference between the biofilm and planktonic states. Moreover, oral administration of L. plantarum Y42 in biofilm and planktonic states reduced the release of proinflammatory factors, to a certain extent, in the serum of the mice. The similarities and differences in the probiotic and physiological properties of L. plantarum Y42 in the biofilm and planktonic states can be contributed to the reasonable application of the strain.
Exploration of Effects of Graduated Compression Stocking Structures on Performance Properties Using Principal Component Analysis: A Promising Method for Simultaneous Optimization of Properties

This paper focuses on the comfort properties of graduated and preventive compression stockings for people who work long hours in standing postures and for athletes for proper blood circulation. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of the yarn insertion density and inlaid stitches on the performance of the compression stockings. The effects of these parameters on the thermo-physiological comfort properties were tested with standard and developed methods of testing. All compression stockings were maintained with class 1 pressure as per German standards. The structural parameters of the knitted fabric structures were investigated. The stretching and recovery properties were also investigated to determine the performance properties. The theoretical pressure was predicated using the Laplace’s law by testing the stockings’ tensile properties. The compression interface pressures of all stockings were also investigated using a medical stocking tester (MST) from Salzmann AG, St. Gallen, Switzerland. Correlation between the theoretical pressures and pressures measured using the MST system were also assessed. The current research used a multi-response optimization technique, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA), to identify the best structure based on the optimalization of the above-mentioned properties. The results also revealed that samples with higher insertion density levels exhibit better comfort properties. The results showed that sample R1 was the best sample, followed by R2 and P. In addition, all developed stocking samples exhibited better comfort properties than the control sample from the market.
Status and distribution of Arroyo Chub within its native range

The Arroyo Chub (Gila orcutti) is a small cyprinid native to coastal drainages of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. We surveyed the seven drainages historically known to support the species in 2012-2014 and again in 2019 to determine current range and distribution. We compared our results to the most recent species account we could locate (1993). We detected Arroyo Chub in 18 of the 40 streams (45%) and within six of the seven native watersheds in our 2012-2014 surveys, while our 2019 surveys located fish in all of the seven native watersheds. This native species has retreated to the headwaters in most watersheds and the number of populations have declined since the most recent species account. Non-native species, habitat loss, urbanization, water development, flood control, and drought are thought to be the primary causes of this decline.