Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photoregulation and photodamage in Schefflera arboricola leaves adapted to different light environments

Leaves of the subtropical understorey shrub Schefflera arboricola Hayata growing in full sunlight had higher specific leaf weight, higher chlorophyll a/b ratios, lower total chlorophyll content and a threefold higher xanthophyll cycle pigment content than leaves growing in a naturally shaded, but sunfleck-punctuated, environment. A number of measurements, all made in situ and during natural day/night cycles, were taken as follows: current photochemical capacity (F-v/F-m after 10 min dark-adaptation), size and epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle, CO2 gas exchange and determination of the D1 synthesis rate. In sun leaves the lowest daily F-v/F-m was found to be approximately 0.6, the change from maximum correlating with an increase in zeaxanthin. Daily changes in zeaxanthin were partly due to de novo synthesis and turnover. We suggest that sun leaves can dissipate most of the excess light energy absorbed safely via the photoprotective xanthophyll cycle. D1 synthesis rates did not correlate with photosynthetic photon flux density or F-v/F-m. The shade leaves had high F-v/F-m values and constant photosynthetic rates throughout the day except during sunflecks, when photosynthetic rates increased and D1 synthesis accelerated, all without a substantial decrease in F-v/F-m. It seems that leaves of S. arboricola adapted to natural shade conditions can use sunflecks to contribute significantly to their productivity. The third leaf type investigated was from greenhouse-grown plants of S. arboricola after exposure to full sunlight. These leaves showed a rapid and large reduction in F-v/F-m (to 0.3), which neither correlated with zeaxanthin formation nor recovered within the same day. From long-term effects following full sunlight exposure of greenhouse-grown plants we suggest that this F-v/F-m reduction actually reflects photodestruction.
The Effects of Flavonoid Allelochemicals from Knapweeds on Legume–Rhizobia Candidates for Restoration

Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) and Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) are allelopathic weeds invasive in North American grasslands. Both species contain at least one phytotoxic flavonoid root exudate with demonstrated negative influences on other plants. Previous findings indicated that Silky lupine (Lupinus sericeus), among other legumes, was relatively resistant to Spotted knapweed invasion and allelochemistry. We hypothesized that legume species may exhibit resistance to flavonoids in knapweed root exudates and may serve as candidate species for management efforts. Because legumes form symbiotic relationships with rhizobia, these bacteria must also be evaluated for allelochemical resistance before legumes can be recommended for restoration. In this study, we examined four legume species for effects of 7,8‐benzoflavone (from Russian knapweed) and (±)‐catechin (from Spotted knapweed) on rhizosphere interactions involving legume roots and associated rhizobia. Pure cultures of four rhizobia strains exhibited varied responses when grown with 7,8‐benzoflavone or (±)‐catechin. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and its bacterial symbiont, Sinorhizobium meliloti, exhibited allelochemical resistance that varied with (±)‐catechin concentration when grown in vitro. Four legume species were grown under greenhouse conditions. Plants that were inoculated and nodulated generally exhibited no response to 7,8‐benzoflavone or (±)‐catechin treatments. Plants that were not inoculated exhibited stronger responses. Therefore, inoculation and nodulation may confer resistance to allelochemicals. These results, when coupled with previous research and field observations, suggest that legumes may not be susceptible to knapweed allelopathy and may be good choices in restoration of knapweed infestations when inoculated, particularly on sites with low soil nitrogen.
Positive association between Bromelia balansae (Bromeliaceae) and tree seedlings on rocky outcrops of Atlantic forest

Abstract: Plant facilitation can improve the diversity of plant communities in several ecosystems, especially in stressful environments. The establishment of tree species on rocky outcrops can be limited by several biotic and abiotic factors. The richness and abundance of forest trees species on rocky outcrops surrounded by a large forest remnant in south Brazil were correlated with the cover of Bromelia balansae, a spiny stoloniferous species commonly occurring at forest–grassland transitions. Sixty plots were established on three flat rocky outcrops (20 in each). In each plot the coverage of bromeliads was estimated into three classes (0%, 1–50% and 51–100%) and all seedlings (individuals 10–30 cm in height) were counted and identified. ANOVAs with randomization tests were performed to establish the effect of different bromeliad cover classes on the richness and abundance of seedlings. The cover of bromeliads was positively related to the richness and abundance of young pioneer tree species. Evidence suggests that B. balansae can act as a nurse plant for tree seedlings, but manipulative experiments are needed to confirm this.
Low Temperature and Insect Activity

Insects are cold blooded, and their metabolism and activity is very greatly influenced by the temperature of their bodies, which temperature is almost entirely dependent on that of the surrounding environment. A low temperature inhibits activity, and a higher temperature usually stimulates the animal. The range over which any species can survive is limited above and below by lethal temperatures, and within this range lies the much narrower zone of normal activity. Most insects can for instance survive exposure to a much lower temperature than that at which activity ceases. Certain terms used for conciseness in this paper require definition. The “chill-coma temperature” (Belehradek 1935) is the temperature at which the insect is immobilized by the cold. The “cold-death point” is the temperature below which exposure is lethal. It appears that if there is one single factor more than any other which controls the distribution of an insect, it is the temperature below which activity never normally takes place. Insect distribution and survival is no doubt greatly affected by such factors as lethal high and low temperatures and unfavourable atmospheric humidity, but if, in any region, the temperature does not rise sufficiently often above that at which the normal activity of a species begins, that species will cease to exist although all other conditions are favourable to life. In temperate regions climatic conditions are seldom sufficiently extreme actually to kill many insects, but numerous species are unable to live actively or breed successfully there.
The green hydra symbiosis. III. The biotrophic transport of carbohydrate from alga to animal

Pulse and pulse-chase experiments were used to study the movement of photosynthetically fixed 14C from alga to animal tissue in green hydra. The pool of mobile carbohydrate (maltose) was small, turned over rapidly and was preferentially fed with newly fixed carbon. Transport between the symbionts could also occur in darkness, and in this case the mobile maltose pool was fed from algal polysaccharide reserves. The specific activity of the maltose released by freshly isolated algae varied considerably according to experimental conditions. Cultured symbionts from European hydra do not release maltose and homogenates of animal tissue were ineffective in restoring this property. Contaminating host tissue could not be completely removed from freshly isolated symbionts during their isolation, and the possible effects that this may have on maltose release are considered. [14C]maltose received from the alga is rapidly metabolized in animal tissue. All the major animal fractions incorporate 14C, with most accumulating in glycogen. Under standard conditions, green hydra have higher glycogen: protein ratios than aposymbionts and starvation causes an immediate utilization of glycogen in both forms. There was no good evidence that the animal can regulate carbon transport according to its requirements. Preliminary experiments suggest that the degree of transport is determined primarily by the amount of surplus photosynthate available to algal symbionts and not by any capacity of the animal to regulate algal release.
Resolving Conflict Situations in Reddit Community Driven Discussion Platform

The subject of conflict nature of the Reddit community driven discussion platform has been considered. The Reddit section entitled “ Unpopular Opinion ” has been selected, as it is a base for the most conflicting users ’ comments. The comments to the conflict situations have been discovered by means of linguistic markers and manipulative contexts. Phrases and sentences marked with manipulative, implicit or explicit nature of utterance have been found and grouped. The algorithm of sequence of step analysis concerning the Reddit social network comment system has been considered. The linguistic markers of the most contradictory posts have been analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC).
Effects of Water Temperature on Interspecific Competition between Juvenile Bull Trout and Brook Trout in an Artificial Stream

Abstract The distribution and abundance of bull trout Salvelinus confluentus is influenced by a number of factors, including the presence of nonnative brook trout S. fontinalis, and populations are in decline across the native range. Where sympatric, bull trout are more likely to persist in higher-elevation, cooler streams. To test the hypothesis that competition between juveniles of these species is independent of water temperature, behavioral observations were made of each species in artificial streams. Two temperature (8°C and 15°C) and three density (4.1, 8.2, and 4.1 fish of each species/m2) treatments were used. The results support the contention that bull trout are competitively disadvantaged in warmer water. In warm water, bull trout significantly increased intraspecific agonism. Temperature and density did not influence intraspecific brook trout behavior; however, brook trout tended to increase interspecific agonism in warm water. In mixed-species treatments, brook trout agonism was positively as.
Uptake of aluminium by plant cells

SUMMARY The question of intracellular or extracellular primary lesion in the Al toxicity syndrome is unresolved. One of the crucial points for answering that question is quantification of Al fluxes across the plasma membrane within seconds or minutes of exposure of roots to Al, i.e. concurrent with or preceding the first symptoms of Al toxicity. A review of the available literature on Al uptake shows that there is abundant information on Al accumulation in root tissues only after the relatively prolonged uptake period, ranging from 30 min to over 24 h. Most of these reports either assume or claim explicitly that intracellular Al was measured, even though Al ions are bound strongly to negative charges in the apoplasm. Therefore, an effective and complete desorption of apoplasmic Al after the uptake period is crucial for measurements of intracellular Al. However, published studies do not seem to have desorbed cell-wall-bound Al appropriately. Recent studies with giant algal cells of Chara corallina, where physical separation of cell wall and cytoplasm after the uptake period can be achieved surgically, showed that desorption of Al from the apoplasm, even employing a wider variety of desorbents and more stringent conditions than in any of the previously published reports, cannot be achieved completely within 5 h. Consequently, measured rates of uptake of Al across the plasma membrane of intact Chara cells employing the cell wall/cytoplasm separation technique are up to several orders of magnitude lower than previously published values in which cell-wall Al was attributed to the transmembrane uptake component. Although there is no doubt that Al does cross the plasma membrane, no information exists about which Al species or complexes take part in the transmembrane flux, mainly because of complexities inherent in Al speciation at the solution/ion exchanger (i.e. the cell wall and the membrane) interface. Similarly, it is not known which membrane transporters are involved in transport of Al across the plasma membrane. The Al-resistant plant genotypes generally accumulate less Al in the root tips than do the Al-sensitive genotypes. No direct relationship, however, appears to exist between increased organic acid extrusion as a mechanism of resistance to Al and decreased transmembrane flux of Al. Al-accumulator plant species accumulate relatively large amounts of Al in their tissues without having a greater Al uptake rate than non-accumulator genotypes. Progress in deciphering structural and functional aspects of transport of Al across the plasma membrane of intact plant cells will rely on using giant algal cells in which physical separation of the cell wall and the cytoplasm can be achieved, because, at present, there is no reliable quantitative method which can overcome problems presented by a relatively large apoplasmic Al pool remaining after desorption of intact root cells of higher plants.
A Framework for Exploring and Modelling Neural Architecture Search Methods

For the past years, many researchers and engineers have been developing and optimising deep neural networks (DNN). The process of neural architecture design and tuning its hyperparameters remains monotonous, time-consuming, and do not always ensure optimal results. In his regard, the automatic design of machine learning (AutoML) has been widely utilised, and neural architecture search (NAS) has been actively developing in recent years. Despite meaningful advances in the field of NAS, a unified, systematic approach to explore and compare search methods has not been established yet. In this paper, we aim to close this knowledge gap by summarising search decisions and strategies and propose a schematic framework. It applies quantitative and qualitative metrics for prototyping, comparing, and benchmarking the NAS methods. Moreover, our framework enables categorising critical areas to search for better neural architectures.
Student suggestions for addressing heavy episodic drinking

Abstract Objective This study examines student suggestions for other students, campuses, and society to address heavy episodic drinking (HED) and associated harms. Participants: Included 110 post-secondary students (27 males, 83 females), ages 17 to 30 years, from five universities across four Canadian provinces. Method: Purposeful sampling was used to screen in participants who drank in excess of Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines. As part of a larger study, focus groups were held with qualifying students examining HED behaviors, suggestions and potential barriers to addressing HED among post-secondary students. Results: Suggestions included providing earlier education on harms, receiving messages from respected peers and adults, and teaching how to drink in moderation. Barriers included peer pressure, not knowing own limits, and post-secondary drinking culture. Conclusions: Campuses might not be using the most effective methods to reduce HED, may be facing unknown barriers, and need to understand perspectives of students in order to reduce HED.
Genomic Epidemiology, Evolution, and Transmission Dynamics of Porcine Deltacoronavirus

Abstract The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has shown once again that coronavirus (CoV) in animals are potential sources for epidemics in humans. Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging enteropathogen of swine with a worldwide distribution. Here, we implemented and described an approach to analyze the epidemiology of PDCoV following its emergence in the pig population. We performed an integrated analysis of full genome sequence data from 21 newly sequenced viruses, along with comprehensive epidemiological surveillance data collected globally over the last 15 years. We found four distinct phylogenetic lineages of PDCoV, which differ in their geographic circulation patterns. Interestingly, we identified more frequent intra- and interlineage recombination and higher virus genetic diversity in the Chinese lineages compared with the USA lineage where pigs are raised in different farming systems and ecological environments. Most recombination breakpoints are located in the ORF1ab gene rather than in genes encoding structural proteins. We also identified five amino acids under positive selection in the spike protein suggesting a role for adaptive evolution. According to structural mapping, three positively selected sites are located in the N-terminal domain of the S1 subunit, which is the most likely involved in binding to a carbohydrate receptor, whereas the other two are located in or near the fusion peptide of the S2 subunit and thus might affect membrane fusion. Finally, our phylogeographic investigations highlighted notable South-North transmission as well as frequent long-distance dispersal events in China that could implicate human-mediated transmission. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution and dispersal of PDCoV that contribute to our understanding of the critical factors involved in CoVs emergence.
Snacking on whole almonds for 6 weeks improves endothelial function and lowers LDL cholesterol but does not affect liver fat and other cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy adults: the ATTIS study, a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background There is convincing evidence that daily whole almond consumption lowers blood LDL cholesterol concentrations, but effects on other cardiometabolic risk factors such as endothelial function and liver fat are still to be determined. Objectives We aimed to investigate whether isoenergetic substitution of whole almonds for control snacks with the macronutrient profile of average snack intakes, had any impact on markers of cardiometabolic health in adults aged 30–70 y at above-average risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods The study was a 6-wk randomized controlled, parallel-arm trial. Following a 2-wk run-in period consuming control snacks (mini-muffins), participants consumed either whole roasted almonds (n = 51) or control snacks (n = 56), providing 20% of daily estimated energy requirements. Endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation), liver fat (MRI/magnetic resonance spectroscopy), and secondary outcomes as markers of cardiometabolic disease risk were assessed at baseline and end point. Results Almonds, compared with control, increased endothelium-dependent vasodilation (mean difference 4.1%-units of measurement; 95% CI: 2.2, 5.9), but there were no differences in liver fat between groups. Plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations decreased in the almond group relative to control (mean difference −0.25 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.45, −0.04), but there were no group differences in triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, liver function enzymes, fetuin-A, body composition, pancreatic fat, intramyocellular lipids, fecal SCFAs, blood pressure, or 24-h heart rate variability. However, the long-phase heart rate variability parameter, very-low-frequency power, was increased during nighttime following the almond treatment compared with control (mean difference 337 ms2; 95% CI: 12, 661), indicating greater parasympathetic regulation. Conclusions Whole almonds consumed as snacks markedly improve endothelial function, in addition to lowering LDL cholesterol, in adults with above-average risk of CVD. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02907684.
Evolving concepts on the role of dyslipidemia, bioenergetics, and inflammation in the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most widespread and disabling neurological conditions, accounting for half of all neuropathy cases worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, no approved disease modifying therapies exist. There is now a growing body of evidence that DPN secondary to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents different disease processes, with T2DM DPN best understood within the context of metabolic syndrome rather than hyperglycemia. In this review, we highlight currently understood mechanisms of DPN, along with their corresponding potential therapeutic targets. We frame this discussion within a practical overview of how the field evolved from initial human observations to murine pathomechanistic and therapeutic models into ongoing and human clinical trials, with particular emphasis on T2DM DPN and metabolic syndrome.
Effects of elevated carbon dioxide on leaf gas exchange and growth of cork-oak (Quercus suber L) seedlings

Des mesures de croissance et d'echanges gazeux ont ete menees sur des plantules de chene-liege (Quercus suber L) de 3 et 4 mois qui ont grandi avec une concentration en dioxyde de carbone de 350 μmol mol -1 ou de 700 μmol mol -1 . Dans des conditions non limitantes en eau, la photosynthese (15 μmol m -2 s -1 ) et la conductance stomatique (440 mmol m -2 s -1 ) maximales journalieres, mesurees avec la concentration de CO 2 de croissance, n'etaient pas differentes entre les deux traitements. En conditions de stress hydrique modere, la photosynthese nette etait deux fois plus elevee en CO 2 double, alors que les conductances stomatiques sont restees egales entre les deux traitements. La biomasse des jeunes chenes-lieges etait plus elevee quand ils ont pousse a 700 μmol mol -1 , le gain etant de 76 et 97 % a trois et quatre mois respectivement. La biomasse des tiges, des racines, la longueur de la tige principale et la surface foliaire totale ont ete augmentees en CO 2 double. Les ramifications des tiges et racines etaient plus nombreuses en CO 2 eleve mais aucune variation du rapport racine/tige n'a ete observee.
The CCR4-NOT complex component NOT1 regulates RNA-directed DNA methylation and transcriptional silencing by facilitating Pol IV-dependent siRNA production.

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are responsible for establishing and maintaining DNA methylation through RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway in plants. Although the siRNA biogenesis is well known, it is relatively unclear about how the process is regulated. By a forward genetic screen in Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified a mutant defective in NOT1 and demonstrated that NOT1 is required for transcriptional silencing at RdDM target genomic loci. We demonstrated that NOT1 is required for Pol IV-dependent siRNA accumulation and DNA methylation at a subset of RdDM target genomic loci. Furthermore, we revealed that NOT1 is a constituent of a multi-subunit CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex by immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry and demonstrated that the CCR4-NOT components can function as a whole to mediate chromatin silencing. Our work thus establishes that the CCR4-NOT complex regulates the biogenesis of Pol IV-dependent siRNAs and thereby facilitates DNA methylation and transcriptional silencing in Arabidopsis.
Comparative Effects of Low-and High- Glycemic Index Diets on Biochemical Variables and Organ Histology in Alloxanized Diabetic Rats

This experimentally-controlled designed study compared the effects of low -and highglycemic index diets on biochemical variables and organ histology in alloxan -induced diabetic rats (DR). Effects of low-GI (fried yam)and high-GI (roasted) diets on organ and body weights, pancreas histology, glycemic tolerance (GT) and lipid profile (LP) were determined and compared in the adult alloxan -induced (150mg/kg intraperitoneally) diabetic rats of 3 groups (8 ratseach) fed with standard rat feed (control), fried and roasted yam diets respectively for six weeks. Lipid profile and glycemic tolerance were analysed and determined using a dry-chemical automatic analyzer and oral D