Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-talk between ERK and p38 MAPK Mediates Selective Suppression of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines by Transforming Growth Factor-β*

Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages results in the production of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which plays an important role in induction of an anti-inflammatory phenotype and resolution of inflammation. In this study, we show that TGF-β prevents pro-inflammatory cytokine production through inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB. Blockade of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling by the MEK-1/2 inhibitor PD 98059 reversed the inhibitory effects of TGF-β, suggesting that cross-talk between MAPKs is essential for this response. Further investigation indicated that TGF-β activated ERK, which in turn up-regulated MAPK phosphatase-1, thereby inactivating p38 MAPK. On the other hand, TGF-β maintained or slightly increased production of the CC chemokine MCP-1, which is regulated predominantly by AP-1. Although SB 203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, and dominant-negative p38 MAPK both increased AP-1 transcription, lack of effect of TGF-β on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated SAPK/JNK phosphorylation along with a demonstrated inhibition of TGF-β-induced AP-1 activation by dominant-negative Smad3 suggest that TGF-β-stimulated AP-1 activation was not caused by inhibition of p38 MAPK but rather through the activation of Smads. Our data provide evidence that TGF-β selectively inhibits inflammatory cytokine production through cross-talk between MAPKs.
Micropropagation of eastern white pine (Pinusstrobus L.)

Cotyledons, epicotyls, and hypocotyls from embryos and "seedlings" of Pinusstrobus formed shoots following exposure to cytokinin on a Schenk and Hildebrandt medium. Benzyladenine and 2-isopentenyladenine were both effective at inducing shoot formation but benzyladenine was 5–10 times more potent. There was no synergistic interaction between these two cytokinins. Benzyladenine concentrations of 0.5–1.0 mg L−1 gave consistently good results with cotyledons. A 2-week cytokinin exposure produced uniformly good results and longer exposures caused callusing and vitrification. Pretreating seeds with hydrogen peroxide for 3 days stimulated caulogenesis. Addition of phenolics to medium containing benzyladenine also stimulated shoot formation and di-substituted phenolics were more effective than p-hydroxybenzoic acid. A short liquid pulse with high concentrations of benzyladenine induced caulogenesis but was not as effective as the application of cytokinin through agar-solidified culture medium. Cotyledons excised .
Net soil carbon input under ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations: isotopic evidence after 4 years

Elevation of atmospheric CO2 concentration is predicted to increase net primary production, which could lead to additional C sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil C input was determined under ambient and Free Atmospheric Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) conditions for Lolium perenne L. and Trifolium repens L. grown for four years in a sandy‐loam soil. The 13C content of the soil organic matter C had been increased by 5‰ compared to the native soil by prior cropping to corn (Zea mays) for > 20 years. Both species received low or high amounts of N fertilizer in separate plots. The total accumulated above‐ground biomass produced by L. perenne during the 4‐year period was strongly dependent on the amount of N fertilizer applied but did not respond to increased CO2. In contrast, the total accumulated above‐ground biomass of T. repens doubled under elevated CO2 but remained independent of N fertilizer rate. The C:N ratio of above‐ground biomass for both species increased under elevated CO2 whereas only the C:N ratio of L. perenne roots increased under elevated CO2. Root biomass of L. perenne doubled under elevated CO2 and again under high N fertilization. Total soil C was unaffected by CO2 treatment but dependent on species. After 4 years and for both crops, the fraction of new C (F‐value) under ambient conditions was higher (P= 0.076) than under FACE conditions: 0.43 vs. 0.38. Soil under L. perenne showed an increase in total soil organic matter whereas N fertilization or elevated CO2 had no effect on total soil organic matter content for both systems. The net amount of C sequestered in 4 years was unaffected by the CO2 concentration (overall average of 8.5 g C kg−1 soil). There was a significant species effect and more new C was sequestered under highly fertilized L. perenne. The amount of new C sequestered in the soil was primarily dependent on plant species and the response of root biomass to CO2 and N fertilization. Therefore, in this FACE study net soil C sequestration was largely depended on how the species responded to N rather than to elevated CO2.
New insights on Kimberlite emplacement around the Bundelkhand Craton using integrated satellite-based remote sensing, gravity and magnetic data

Abstract The present study attempts a conjugate analysis of satellite-based remote sensing, gravity, and magnetic data for evaluation of structures and tectonic for new insights on Kimberlite emplacement around the Bundelkhand Craton. Initially, Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI) data has been enhanced using high-pass filtering for the delineation of lineaments. A combined lineament density map has been prepared from the processed Landsat image, Bouguer gravity, and RTP (Reduction to pole) magnetic data, which are further correlated with the reported Kimberlite/Lamproite pipes. The depth to the lithospheric Mantle of the study area has been estimated from EIGEN6C4 Bouguer gravity data using the Parker-Oldenburg algorithm. The association of the reported Kimberlite/Lamproite pipes in the study area have been analyzed with the i) composite lineament density map, ii) different mantle blocks of high and low Moho depths, iii) lithospheric mantle density, and iv) tectonic setting. Some new potential zones for Kimberlite/Lamproites emplacement have been identified based on the integrated analysis of the above mentioned parameters.
Modeling of frequency containment reserve prices with econometrics and artificial intelligence

The forecasting of prices for electricity balancing reserve power can essentially improve the trading positions of market participants in competitive auctions. Having identified a lack of literature related to forecasting balancing reserve prices, we deploy approaches originating from econometrics and artificial intelligence and set up a forecasting framework based on autoregressive and exogenous factors. We use SARIMAX models as well as neural networks with different structures and forecast based on a rolling one-step forecast with reestimation of the models. It turns out that the naive forecast performs reasonably well but is outperformed by the more advanced models. In addition, neural network approaches outperform the econometric approach in terms of forecast quality, whereas for the further use of the generated models the econometric approach has advantages in terms of explaining price drivers. For the present application, more advanced configurations of the neural networks are not able to further improve the forecasting performance.
Provisioning Behavior of Male and Female Indigo Buntings

Abstract The provisioning behavior of male and female songbirds varies among species, but most species exhibit biparental care. Our objective was to examine the provisioning behavior of male and female Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea), a species where males are reported to provide little or no parental care. Nests (n = 16) were video-taped during the 9-day nestling period and provisioning rates of adult buntings subsequently quantified. Provisioning rates of female buntings varied with nestling age, with 7–9-day old nestlings fed at higher rates than 1–6-day old nestlings. This increase was likely because of the increasing energy demands of nestlings. Male buntings provisioned nestlings at only three of 16 nests (18.8%), and primarily on days 7–9 post- hatching. Given the apparent relationships among paternal care, mating systems, and habitat characteristics, high-quality habitat may be an important factor contributing to reduced levels of paternal care by male buntings, along with opportunistic polygyny. Highly productive habitats with plentiful food resources may allow one parent to successfully care for young. Although habitats occupied by Indigo Buntings are apparently of sufficient quality to have favored a reduction in male parental care, variation in territory quality may require the contributions of some males to enhance nestling survival.
Current Status of Magnetic Resonance on Saliva for Oral and Dental Health Early Diagnosis

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of biomolecules has recently gained attention for clinical diagnosis. Its combination with saliva collection and analysis can promote early disease detection and monitoring, by identifying biomarkers of specific underlying pathology or disease as detected in saliva. With this novel, non-invasive technique, certain salivary biomarkers have been linked to dental and periodontal tissues pathology, as well as to specific head and neck cancer malignancies. At present, diagnostic biomarkers are still in need for further identification (e.g., diagnosis and monitoring of Sjogren’s syndrome), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been found to be a promising technique to compliment the current analytic methodology. Moreover, this article reports on the various data collection and analysis parameters used in the literature. Protocol standardization is yet to be established not only for the laboratory procedures, but also for the clinical sample collection. Herein, we review the current status of utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance in order to further support data on health associated biomarkers, and we also propose a saliva sampling scheduling protocol with the potential to be used in the clinical and experimental setting for standardization of the testing methodology.
Developing suppressive soil for root diseases of soybean with continuous long-term cropping of soybean in black soil of Northeast China

Field experiments were set up in 1991 to test if suppressive soil to soybean root diseases could be developed with continuous long-term soybean cropping in black soil of Northeast China. Based on the field observation in 2007, 2009, and 2011, soybean root growth was promoted, and the severities of root disease were reduced in a field with continuous long-term cropping with soybean. Population densities of the pathogens (Fusarium spp. and Heterodera glycines) in the soybean cropping field were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than rotation of soybean with wheat or corn. Higher levels of biological control agents (Trichoderma harzianum, Pochonia chlamydosporia, or Paecilomyces lilacinus) also were found in the long-term soybean cropping field. Therefore, continuous long-term cropping of soybean in black soil of Northeast China could develop suppressive soil to soybean root diseases.
Molecular characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from animal products in a city of Northern Brazil

Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen causes listeriosis, a fatal disease in about 30% of cases that affects mainly immunocompromised persons. The aim of this research was to characterize L. monocytogenes pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) types isolated from meat products collected at public markets in Araguaina city, TO. Sixty samples of raw ground beef and frescal sausage were analyzed during the second half of 2008. Five out of 30 samples (16.7%) of raw ground beef tested positive for L. monocytogenes, three of which were classified as serotype 1/2b and two as serotype 4b. Among the 30 samples of sausage collected, two strains of L. monocytogenes were isolated (6.7%), one of them belonging to serotype 1/2a and the other belonging to serotype 1/2b. The restriction enzymes used were ApaI and SmaI. Similarities among the strains were determined by Dice coefficient. The macro restriction profile obtained by using SmaI enzyme allowed the distribution of seven strains in two clusters, two pulsotypes and two subtypes. The result indicates that L. monocytogenes isolates, belonging to serotype 4b, 1/2a and 1/2b, are strongly correlated within the same serotype group, and in some cases among different serotypes, suggesting that they have a common source.
Richness and Distribution of Salvia Subg. Calosphace (Lamiaceae)

Premise of research. Salvia is one of the most species-rich genera in the world. Its outstanding diversity and subcosmopolitan distribution have prevented the preparation of a modern comprehensive monograph and reevaluation of its classification. As phylogenetic efforts advance to untangle the evolutionary relationships of Salvia, the need for a solid taxonomic footing is increasingly imperative. Accordingly, we present an updated checklist of the species richness and distribution of Salvia subg. Calosphace, which constitutes more than half of the diversity of the genus. Methodology. A preliminary checklist of the species of Salvia subg. Calosphace was compiled through examination of the literature and online databases; this was revised and discussed by the authors in order to retrieve a consensus list. The distribution of each species by country or territory as well as by biome was also recorded from the sources consulted; affinities in composition were visualized with the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean based on a dissimilarity matrix (Sørensen’s index). Pivotal results. Salvia subg. Calosphace comprises 580 species; 30 were qualified as unresolved and require further analysis. The countries with the highest species richness are Mexico (295 spp.), Peru (77 spp.), Colombia (60 spp.), Brazil (58 spp.), Guatemala (49 spp.), and Ecuador (41 spp.). The affinity in species composition between countries and between biomes is explained mainly by geographical proximity. Conclusions. The updated list of the species of Salvia subg. Calosphace will help to guide sampling for phylogenetic analyses, enabling the achievement of a more stable and solid phylogenetic hypothesis. At the same time, it is a potentially important tool for underpinning discussions toward a new sectional classification of the lineage.
Symbol positions-based Slepian-Wolf coding with application to distributed video coding

In this study, the authors will show that coding the positions of the symbols, instead of their values, can be a good way to implement efficient Slepian–Wolf (SW) coding and can reduce the complexity of both the encoder and the decoder. The authors will also propose a practical distributed video coding (DVC) system that exploits this idea. This system will use binary maps to indicate the positions of the most probable symbols, instead of separating them into bitplanes. Simulations show that this position-based SW coding allows a simple and more efficient DVC system with improved rate-distortion performance, compared to the bitplane-based DVC system that uses the same side information. The memory requirements at the encoder are reduced by about 50% and the number of channel coding operations is also reduced. This DVC system also allows to use an easy way to control quantisation, reduces the decoding latency, and allows fast parallel decoding.
Seasonal Pattern of Phototrophic Picoplankton in the Eutrophic Coastal Waters of the Northern Adriatic Sea

The abundance and vertical distribution of picophytoplankton were investigated twice a month from March to December 1990, at two stations in the eutrophicated shallow waters of the Northern Adriatic sea. Cyanobacteria and autotrophic eukaryotic cells were enumerated by epifluorescence microscopy. High abundances of picophytoplankton were observed (3.8 × 10 7 cells L −1 , mean value) at both stations. Picophytoplankton cell numbers were highest in late spring-summer (2.3-3.8 × 10 8 cells L −1 ). Cyanobacteria outnumbered eukaryotes on average by nearly an order of magnitude; however, the ratio of eukaryotic picoplankton to cyanobacteria increased in autumn and winter (.)
Differentiation of Seasonal Generations of Field Voles on Bone Adhesion Lines

Klevezal G. A. , Pucek M. & Malafeeva E. P., 1985: Differentiation of seasonal generations of field voles on bone adhesion lines. Acta theriol. , 30, 23: 349—358 [With 2 Tables & Plate VI] Examination was made of the histological structure of the mandibular bones of 191 field voles, Microtus agrestis (Linnaeus, 1761), belonging to the spring (n=104) and autumn generation (n=87). Animals of known age were obtained from laboratory breeding. A description is given of variations with the voles' age in the formation of adhesion lines. The same material was arranged in calendar order. The frequency of individuals with different bone structure (of different age) was examined in different months, which showed that during the summer-autumn period it was possible to distinguish between individuals of the spring and autumn generations in samples from natural populations, although such differentiation was possible only in part of the material at other times of the year. [Kolcov's Inst, of Developmental Biology, USSR Acad. Sci., 26 Vavilov Str. , 117334 Moscow, USSR (GAK, EPM), and Mammals Res. Inst. , . Polish Acad. Sci., 17-230 Bialowieza, Poland (MP)]
Identification of Photobionts from the lichen family Physciaceae using algal-specific ITS rDNA sequencing

Abstract The identity of photobionts from 20 species of the Physciaceae from different habitats and geographical regions has been determined by ITS rDNA sequence comparisons in order to estimate the diversity of photobionts within that lichen group, to detect patterns of specificity of mycobionts towards their photobionts and as a part of an ongoing study to investigate possible parallel cladogenesis of both symbionts. Algal-specific PCR primers have been used to determine the ITS rDNA sequences from DNA extractions of dried lichens that were up to 5 years old. Direct comparisons and phylogenetic analyses allowed the assignment of Physciaceae photobionts to four distinct clades in the photobiont ITS rDNA phylogeny. The results indicate a diversity within the genus Trebouxia Puymaly and Physciaceae photobionts that is higher than expected on the basis morphology alone. Physciaceae photobionts belonged to 12 different ITS lineages of which nine could unambiguously be assigned to six morphospecies of Trebouxia. The identity of the remaining three sequences was not clarified; they may represent new species. Specificity at the generic level was low as a whole range of photobiont species were found within a genus of Physciaceae and different ranges were detected. The photobionts of Physcia (Schreb.) Michaux were closely related and represented one morphospecies of Trebouxia, whereas the algal partners of Buellia De Not and Rinodina (Ach.) Gray were in distant lineages of the ITS phylogeny and from several Trebouxia morphospecies. Photobiont variation within a genus of Physciaceae may be due to phylogeny, geographical distance or because photobionts from neighbouring lichens were taken (“algal sharing“). At the species level Physciaceae mycobionts seem to be rather selective and contained photobionts that were very closely related within one morphospecies of Trebouxia.
Stoichiometry of tetragonal and hexagonal FexSe: phase relations

Precise compositional analyses at spatial resolution <1 μm, combined with structure determination using bulk (i.e. powder XRD) and individual grain (i.e. EBSD) techniques, show that both β-FexSe and δ-FexSe form as solids in a two-phase field above and below the apparent peritectic temperature of 457 °C. Microstructures show that β-FexSe and δ-FexSe form together via exsolution when cooled from this two-phase field; evident when annealing time and temperature are optimised. Using a facile one-pot method with elemental Fe:Se reactant ratios ranging from 0.95 to 1.14, β-FexSe occurs as the predominant phase in association with hexagonal δ-FexSe in the temperature range 330 °C < Tmax < 750 °C, where Tmax is the sintering temperature. Maximum yield of β-FexSe occurs after sintering at Tmax > 690 °C with annealing at 420 °C for ∼24 h. We define a modified phase diagram that includes this two phase field with β-FexSe and δ-FexSe for 1.02 < x < 0.90 and a second two phase field with β-FexSe and α-Fe for 1.08 < x < 1.02. This revised phase diagram for Fe:Se ∼ 1.0 suggests that the peretectic transition nominally identified at x = 1.04 is not evident.
Biosorption of cadmium and nickel ions using marine macrophyte, Cymodocea nodosa

ABSTRACT Seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) ability to remove cadmium and nickel ions from single metal solutions was investigated in the present study. Metal ions were measured in the solution using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Various operational parameters (initial pH, biomass dose, metal ion concentration, and contact time) were tested and found to affect the uptake capacity of Cd (II) and Ni (II). More than 70% of biosorption capacity occurred in the first few minutes for both metal ions. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model were found to best fit the experimental data of Cd (II) and Ni (II) biosorption. The maximum uptake capacity (qmax) was 11.6 and 16.7 mg.g−1 for Cd (II) and Ni (II), respectively. The biosorbent was characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The infrared spectrum demonstrated that hydroxyl, carboxyl, and phenolic functional groups are the major binding sites for Cd (II) and Ni (II) metals. The ion exchange mechanism plays an important role during biosorption process as shown in EDX analysis. Our results conclude that marine macrophyte C. nodosa can be used as a low-cost biosorbent for the removal of Cd (II) and Ni (II) in wastewater.
Isovist indicators as a means to relieve pedestrian psycho-physiological stress in Hong Kong

The creation of a psychologically friendly outdoor environment has important quality-of-life implications for urban residents who live in cities with extremely high population density, such as Hong Kong. Prospect Refuge Theory is the most widely recognized theory that explains environmental emotional influence by referring to urban planning and architecture, and it can be quantified by applying isovist indicators. We aim to (a) conduct field measurements that record dynamic psycho-physiological stress, (b) calculate isovist indicators by introducing a new indicator-isovist time difference and then analyse their effects on stress, and (c) draw on findings to provide recommendations for urban planning and design. The experiment is conducted for the first time in a high-density city where 30 participants are asked to walk a predefined route. Each participant wears a portable smart band that records skin conductance response and a global positioning system (GPS) that records geographic coordinates. The results demonstrate that (1) an open space with a visual target set at a distance is the dominant factor that creates positive emotions in Hong Kong; (2) the new indicator-isovist time difference (D1) is valuable, as it is more significantly related to stress than the isovist level; (3) the living environment and cultural differences play an important role in the final result, i.e. people in Europe prefer relatively closed spaces while people in Hong Kong feel stress when the space is highly enclosed.