Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Significance of introgression hybridization for extension of genetic variability in recipient genome

Alien chromatin (introgressions) can be incorporated into the wheat genome either through recombination or through translocation. Lines of introgressive origin may not contain identified alien chromatin, although they appear to be changed relative to the original wheat sample by some characteristics that are registered at different levels of phenotype assessment. It has been shown numerous facts of the variability of the recipient genome of hybrid origin. They can be caused by irregular behavior of chromosomes in mitoses of somatic cells with hybrid genome, and DNA changes. Wide phenotypic variability was observed among the progeny of hybrid genomes up to appearance of phenotypic novelties. The study of DNA profiles using several methods revealed the presence of numerous genetic and epigenetic changes, including deletions, changes in gene expression, changes in the methylation pattern, and activation of retrotransposons in the recipient genome. When these changes were not directly related to alien fragments, they are considered as possible mechanisms of extension of genetic variability intra genome of hybrid origin. Transcriptomic analysis of lines of hybrid origin and parental plants using the RNA-seq analyses showed that the change of expression affected a different number of genes. The change in the expression of alien genes occurred in the direction of down-regulation, upregulation was typical for wheat genes. Phenotypic variability during introgressive hybridization can be accompanied by attenuation of the expression of an alien gene when it enters the recipient genome. That may be a consequence of the interaction between the alien gene and the genetic environment of the host genome. Today there is a lot of evidence that these mechanisms are epigenetic, which include DNA methylation, histone modification, the involvement of small RNAs in the regulation of gene expression, and the involvement of transposons. Moreover, none of these mechanisms act independently, but are a component of events, the results of which can be a change in gene expression and the appearance of a new phenotype that is not related to the expression of an alien gene.
Mechanical, Physical, and Chemical Properties of Mycelium-Based Composites Produced from Various Lignocellulosic Residues and Fungal Species

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are characterized as biodegradable materials derived from fungal species. These composites can be employed across a range of industrial applications that involve the manufacturing of packaging materials as well as the manufacturing of buildings, furniture, and various other household items. However, different fungal species and substrates can directly affect the functional properties of MBCs, which ultimately vary their potential to be used in many applications. In this study, the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of MBCs made from four different fungal species (Ganoderma fornicatum, Ganoderma williamsianum, Lentinus sajor-caju, and Schizophyllum commune) combined with three different types of lignocellulosic residues (sawdust, corn husk, and rice straw) were investigated. The results indicate that differences in both the type of lignocellulosic residues and the fungal species could affect the properties of the obtained MBCs. It was found that the MBCs obtained from sawdust had the highest degree of density. Moreover, MBCs obtained from S. commune with all three types of lignocellulosic residues exhibited the highest shrinkage value. The greatest degree of water absorption was observed in the MBCs obtained from rice straw, followed by those obtained from corn husk and sawdust. Additionally, the thermal degradation ability of the MBCs was observed to be within a range of 200 to 325 °C, which was in accordance with the thermal degradation ability of each type of lignocellulosic residue. The greatest degrees of compressive, flexural, impact, and tensile strength were observed in the MBCs of G. williamsianum and L. sajor-caju. The results indicate that the MBCs made from corn husk, combined with each fungal species, exhibited the highest values of flexural, impact, and tensile strength. Subsequently, an analysis of the chemical properties indicated that the pH value, nitrogen content, and organic matter content of the obtained MBCs were within the following ranges: 4.67–6.12, 1.05–1.37%, and 70.40–86.28%, respectively. The highest degree of electrical conductivity was observed in MBCs obtained from rice straw. Most of the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained MBCs were similar to those of polyimide and polystyrene foam. Therefore, these composites could be used to further develop relevant strategies that may allow manufacturers to effectively replace polyimide and polystyrene foams in the future.
Collisional decoherence reexamined

We rederive the quantum master equation for the decoherence of a massive Brownian particle due to collisions with lighter particles from a thermal environment. Our careful treatment avoids the occurrence of squares of Dirac {delta} functions. It leads to a decoherence rate that is smaller by a factor of 2{pi} compared to previous findings. This result, which is in agreement with recent experiments, is confirmed both by a physical analysis of the problem and by a perturbative calculation in the weak-coupling limit.
Massive Star Formation and Evolution in Starburst Galaxies: Mid-infrared Spectroscopy with the ISO Short Wavelength Spectrometer

We present new Infrared Space Observatory Short Wavelength Spectrometer data for a sample of 27 starburst galaxies, and with these data we examine the issues of formation and evolution of the most massive stars in starburst galaxies. Using starburst models which incorporate time evolution, new stellar atmosphere models for massive stars, and a starburst model geometry derived from observations of the prototypical starburst M82, we model the integrated mid-infrared line ratio [Ne III](15.6 μm)/[Ne II](12.8 μm). This line ratio is sensitive to the hardness of the stellar energy distribution and therefore to the most massive stars present. We conclude from our models, with consideration of recent determinations of the stellar census in local, high-mass star-forming regions, that the [Ne III]/[Ne II] ratios we measure are consistent with the formation of massive (~50-100 M☉) stars in most starbursts. In this framework, the low nebular excitation inferred from the measured line ratios can be attributed to aging effects. By including estimates of the ratio of infrared-to-Lyman continuum luminosity for the galaxies in our sample, we further find that most starbursts are relatively short-lived (106-107 yr), only a few O star lifetimes. We discuss a possible cause of such short events: the effectiveness of stellar winds and supernovae in destroying the starburst environment.
Advanced Practice Providers as Leaders of a Rapid Response Team: A Prospective Cohort Study

In view of the shortage of medical staff, the quality and continuity of care may be improved by employing advanced practice providers (APPs). This study aims to assess the quality of these APPs in critical care. In a large teaching hospital, rapid response team (RRT) interventions led by APPs were assessed by independent observers and intensivists and compared to those led by medical residents MRs. In addition to mortality, the MAELOR tool (assessment of RRT intervention), time from RRT call until arrival at the scene and time until completion of clinical investigations were assessed. Process outcomes were assessed with the crisis management skills checklist, the Ottawa global rating scale and the Mayo high-performance teamwork scale. The intensivists assessed performance with the handoff CEX recipient scale. Mortality, MAELOR tool, time until arrival and clinical investigation in both groups were the same. Process outcomes and performance observer scores were also equal. The CEX recipient scores, however, showed differences between MRs and APPs that increased with experience. Experienced APPs had significantly better situational awareness, better organization, better evaluations and better judgment than MRs with equal experience (p < 0.05). This study shows that APPs perform well in leading an RRT and may provide added quality over a resident. RRTs should seriously consider the deployment of APPs instead of junior clinicians.
Empathy or Escape? Examining Alternative Mechanisms Underlying Responses to Disgust-Evoking Charity Appeals Over Time

Abstract Disgust-evoking imagery is often used in charity advertising. Although research suggests disgust has negative effects on prosocial behavior, few studies examine charity appeals. The current two-factor, between-participants experiment compared immediate and delayed responses to disgust versus nondisgust appeals. Immediately following exposure, disgust reduced self-reported message attention and empathy. Yet participants exposed to disgust anticipated greater difficulty forgetting the message, which motivated immediate giving, and they reported thinking about the message more following exposure, which motivated delayed giving. Empathy remained relatively stable under disgust, exceeding the comparison condition over time. Results suggest a nuanced process whereby disgust affects charitable behavior.
Rad1 and Rad10 Tied to Photolyase Regulators Protect Insecticidal Fungal Cells from Solar UV Damage by Photoreactivation

Beauveria bassiana serves as a main source of global fungal insecticides, which are based on the active ingredient of formulated conidia vulnerable to solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and restrained for all-weather application in green agriculture. The anti-UV proteins Rad1 and Rad10 are required for the nucleotide excision repair (NER) of UV-injured DNA in model yeast, but their anti-UV roles remain rarely exploredin filamentous fungi. Here, Rad1 and Rad10 orthologues that accumulated more in the nuclei than the cytoplasm of B. bassiana proved capable of reactivating UVB-impaired or UVB-inactivated conidia efficiently by 5h light exposure but incapable of doing so by 24 h dark incubation (NER) if the accumulated UVB irradiation was lethal. Each orthologue was found interacting with the other and two white collar proteins (WC1 and WC2), which proved to be regulators of two photolyases (Phr1 and Phr2) and individually more efficient in the photorepair of UVB-induced DNA lesions than either photolyase alone. The fungal photoreactivation activity was more or far more compromised when the protein–protein interactions were abolished in the absence of Rad1 or Rad10 than when either Phr1 or Phr2 lost function. The detected protein–protein interactions suggest direct links of either Rad1 or Rad10 to two photolyase regulators. In B. bassiana, therefore, Rad1 and Rad10 tied to the photolyase regulators have high activities in the photoprotection of formulated conidia from solar UV damage but insufficient NER activities in the field, where night (dark) time is too short, and no other roles in the fungal lifecycle in vitro and in vivo.
Five-dimensional gauge theories from shifted web diagrams

In previous works (arXiv:1610.07916, arXiv:1711.07921, arXiv:1807.00186) we studied a class of toric Calabi-Yau threefolds which engineer six-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories with gauge group $U(N)$ and adjoint matter. The K\"ahler moduli space of these manifolds can be extended through flop transformations to include regions which are described by so-called shifted toric web diagrams. In this paper we analyse gauge theories that are engineered by these shifted toric web diagrams and argue that in specific limits, some of the them engineer five-dimensional quiver gauge theories with gauge group $G\subset U(N)$ and with fundamental and bi-fundamental matter. We discuss several examples in detail and describe how the matter sector is obtained from the six-dimensional parent theory.
Melatonin Attenuates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Injury by Upregulating LncRNA NEAT1 in HT22 Hippocampal Cells

More research is required to understand how melatonin protects neurons. The study aimed to find out if and how long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) contributes to melatonin’s ability to defend the hippocampus from H2O2-induced oxidative injury. LncRNAs related to oxidative injury were predicted by bioinformatics methods. Mouse hippocampus-derived neuronal HT22 cells were treated with H2O2 with or without melatonin. Viability and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Hoechst33258. RNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Bioinformatics predicted that 38 lncRNAs were associated with oxidative injury in mouse neurons. LncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) was related to H2O2-induced oxidative injury and up-regulated by melatonin in HT22 cells. The knockdown of NEAT1 exacerbated H2O2-induced oxidative injury, weakened the moderating effect of melatonin, and abolished the increasing effect of melatonin on the mRNA and protein level of Slc38a2. Taken together, melatonin attenuates H2O2-induced oxidative injury by upregulating lncRNA NEAT1, which is essential for melatonin stabilizing the mRNA and protein level of Slc38a2 for the survival of HT22 cells. The research may assist in the treatment of oxidative injury-induced hippocampal degeneration associated with aging using melatonin and its target lncRNA NEAT1.
Europium(III)-Doped Gadolinium(III) Complex for High-Sensitivity Temperature Sensing in the Physiological Range

A new Eu3+-doped Gd3+ complex of formula [Eu0.0135Gd0. 9865(pta)3me-phen] was synthesized and structurally characterized (Hpta = benzoyltrifluoroacetone, me-phen = 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline). The photoluminescence study revealed that when the compound was excited at RT, under a 457 nm continuous laser, the material exhibited high luminescence due to the antenna effect of the ligands, as well as a good balance between the phosphorescence from the spin-forbidden triplet (from the organic ligands), and the characteristic lanthanide f-f transitions. The ratio between the previous emissions drastically changed when the sample was heated up to 62 °C inside a tubular furnace. This ratio was investigated using the luminescence intensity ratio method, to analyze the capabilities of the sample as a temperature sensor. The relative sensitivity reached a maximum of 11.4 °C−1 %, maintaining a detection limit below 0.15 °C for the whole temperature range.
Fostering science interests through head-mounted displays

Background: Research suggests that head ‐ mounted displays (HMD) can spark situa-tional interest when they are used to provide science learning experiences that are not possible in traditional classroom settings. However, few studies have investigated the lasting effects of using HMDs in an authentic instructional intervention. Objectives: We investigated the effects of a one ‐ time experience of a virtual field trip to Greenland in a sample of 105 middle school students. Methods: Students used either a standard 2D video (video condition; N = 50) or an HMD (HMD condition; N = 55) as part of a six ‐ lesson educational activity on the topic of climate change. Informed by social cognitive career theory (SCCT), we investigated the effects of the different conditions (video vs. HMD) on the outcomes of self ‐ efficacy, outcome expectations, interest, and science intentions across three time points. Results and Conclusions: The results showed that using the HMD ‐ based virtual field trip, compared to the video, had a positive immediate effect on self ‐ efficacy and interest, and total later effects on self ‐ efficacy, outcome expectations, and interest an average of two and a half weeks after the virtual field trip. The results suggest that HMD ‐ based virtual field trips can influence self ‐ efficacy, outcome expectations, and interest more than a video ‐ based virtual field trip when measured approximately two and a half weeks after the intervention.
Lenition in Kuwaiti Arabic: An Optimality Theory Approach

In this paper, we attempt to analyze lenition in Kuwaiti Spoken Arabic (KSA) within the framework of the Optimality Theory (OT) and following constraints proposed by Johnson (1965), Kirchner (2001), and Mustafawi (2006). Mustafawi (2006) analyzed and proposed constraints regarding the lenition of /dʒ/ to /j/ in Qatari Arabic. In this study we attempt to test the universality of these constraints (namely LAZY, LAZYRime, (LAZY/[+low])Rime, and * GG). We conclude that the constraints that regulate lenition in Qatari Arabic apply in Kuwaiti Spoken Arabic. We also propose more language-specific constraints (namely LAZY*cc, and LAZY*DL) that regulate lenition in Kuwaiti Spoken Arabic. Furthermore, we analyze the lexical exceptions that restrict the lenition of /dʒ/ to /j/ and mention three main approaches, in the literature, within OT to account for lexical exceptions. Keywords: Lenition, Optimality Theory, Germination, Double Lenition, LAZY Constraint.
Effects of Maillard Reaction on Volatile Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Cat Food Attractant

In this study, self-made cat food attractant was prepared by Maillard reaction using hydrolysate of grass carp waste as raw material and glucose and cysteine hydrochloride as substrate. Its volatile compounds, antioxidant capacity, and pet palatability were investigated. The volatile compounds of attractants were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) which showed that alcohols and aldehydes were the most volatile in self-made attractants, accounting for 34.29% and 33.52%, respectively. Furthermore, Maillard reaction could significantly increase the antioxidant activity of self-made attractant, including scavenging activity on OH and DPPH free radicals as well as the chelating ability of Fe2+. The acceptance and palatability of two kinds of cat food were studied by adding 3% self-made or commercial attractants. The results of this study also found that both attractants could remarkably improve the intake rate of cat food. However, the self-made group was significantly less than the commercial group in first smell, first bite, and feeding rate, which might be because of the absence of umami ingredients and spices in self-made attractants.
Long-Term Protein Restriction Modulates Lipid Metabolism in White Adipose Tissues and Alters Colonic Microbiota of Shaziling Pigs

Simple Summary The effects of prolonged protein deprivation on lipid metabolism in white adipose tissues and the gut microbiota of Shaziling pigs remain inadequately characterized. As an ideal obese model, the Shaziling pig is instrumental in studying obesity. This study was developed to examine the changes in lipid metabolism and the gut microbiota ecosystem induced by prolonged protein deficiency of Shaziling pigs and to explore the beneficial effects of low-protein diets for obesity management. After a 24-week trial, increased FABP4 mRNA abundance and PPARγ protein expression as well as decreased C/EBPα protein expression in dorsal subcutaneous adipose tissue and perirenal adipose tissue were achieved through a 20% reduction in the dietary protein level. At the same time, increased/decreased phosphorylation of AMPKα/mTOR were observed. Furthermore, reducing the protein level by 20% increased the relative abundance of the Lachnospiraceae XPB1014 group in the colon at the genus level. In summary, our findings indicated that long-term reduction in dietary crude protein by 20% positively impacted the lipid metabolism of Shaziling pigs. Abstract Obesity is a matter of concern to the public. Abundant evidence has been accumulated that nutritional intervention is a promising strategy to address this health issue. The objective of this study is to investigate alterations in the lipid metabolism in white adipose tissues and the gut microbiota of Shaziling pigs challenged by long-term protein restriction. Results showed that compared with the control group, reducing the protein level by 20% (−20%) increased the mRNA abundance of FABP4 in white adipose tissues (p < 0.05). This occurred in conjunction with increases in PPARγ protein expression. Conversely, the protein expression of C/EBPα was reduced in the −20% group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the −20% group had increased/decreased phosphorylation of AMPKα/mTOR, respectively (p < 0.05). As for the colonic gut microbiota, a 20% reduction in the protein level led to increased Lachnospiraceae XPB1014 group abundance at the genus level (p < 0.01). Collectively, these results indicated that a 20% protein reduction could modulate lipid metabolism and alter the colonic microbiota of Shaziling pigs, an approach which might be translated into a treatment for obesity.
Correlation of oxidative stress with vitamin D and glycated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a heavy disease burden and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is considered to be evolving from a complex and multifactorial metabolic disorder to an inflammatory condition. The strong link between hyperglycemia and oxidative stress has long been established. Oxidative stress leads to the generation of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species, which results in an inflammatory state, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Vitamin D is also known to affect insulin sensitivity. We aimed to correlate the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and vitamin D with oxidative stress. This cross-sectional study included 100 patients with T2DM. Oxidative stress was estimated by lipid peroxidation assay for activity of malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. HbA1c was estimated using ion-exchange chromatography. Vitamin D was estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data were analyzed using a t test. The results showed that as the duration of T2DM increased, the levels of SOD and MDA also increased. No significant correlation was found between SOD and MDA with HbA1c (P = 0.995 and 0.195) and vitamin D (P = 0.874 and 0.051), respectively.
An optical transmission spectrum of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-33 b

There has been increasing progress toward detailed characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres, in both observations and theoretical methods. Improvements in observational facilities and data reduction and analysis techniques are enabling increasingly higher quality spectra, especially from ground-based facilities. The high data quality also necessitates concomitant improvements in models required to interpret such data. In particular, the detection of trace species such as metal oxides has been challenging. Extremely irradiated exoplanets (~3000 K) are expected to show oxides with strong absorption signals in the optical. However, there are only a few hot Jupiters where such signatures have been reported. Here we aim to characterize the atmosphere of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-33 b using two primary transits taken 18 orbits apart. Our atmospheric retrieval, performed on the combined data sets, provides initial constraints on the atmospheric composition of WASP-33 b. We report a possible indication of aluminum oxide (AlO) at 3.3-σ significance. The data were obtained with the long slit OSIRIS spectrograph mounted at the 10-m Gran Telescopio Canarias. We cleaned the brightness variations from the light curves produced by stellar pulsations, and we determined the wavelength-dependent variability of the planetary radius caused by the atmospheric absorption of stellar light. A simultaneous fit to the two transit light curves allowed us to refine the transit parameters, and the common wavelength coverage between the two transits served to contrast our results. Future observations with HST as well as other large ground-based facilities will be able to further constrain the atmospheric chemical composition of the planet.