Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS FOR DETERMINATION OF REDUCED AND OXIDISED ASCORBATE AND GLUTATHIONE IN ROOTS AND LEAF SEGMENTS OF Zea mays PLANTS EXPOSED TO Cd AND Cu

The concentration of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbate and glu- tathione in tissues is one of the major plant responses to biotic and many abiotic stresses, including metals. Therefore, it is crucial to develop the most effective methods for simul- taneous quantitative analysis of these antioxidants. Capillary zone electrophoresis allows relatively fast and effective analysis. The aim of the paper was to apply and optimise the capillary electrophoresis conditions for simultaneous determination of glutathione, glu- tathione disulphide, ascorbate, and dehydroascorbate in small plant tissue samples ex- posed to copper and cadmium. The method ensures good linearity and reproducibility, with correlation coefficients 0.988 for ascorbate and 0.999 for glutathione and glutathione disulphide, and with detection limits approximately 2.50, 0.65 and 0.50 ppm, respectively. Cu stress was found to increase the ascorbate concentration and glutathione content in leaves, while Cd increased glutathione in the oldest leaf segments and root.
Strengthening Wellness for Food Insecure Students: Altruism, Spirituality, and Academic Performance

STRENGTHENING WELLNESS FOR FOOD INSECURE STUDENTS: ALTRUISM, SPIRITUALITY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE Bridget Kathryn Weikel Old Dominion University, 2019 Director: Dr. Chris R. Glass Strengthening Wellness for Food Insecure Students; Altruism, Spirituality and Academic Performance is a quantitative methods study using a mediated analysis with structural equation modeling to test the extent to which wellness dimensions mediate the relationship between food insecurity and student grade point average. Student food insecurity is a growing concern at higher education institutions across the United States (Cady, 2014; Goldrick-Rab & Cook, 2011; Maroto, Snelling & Linck, 2015) with food insecurity rates ranging from 14% to 59% in recent studies (Freudenberg, Manzo, Jones, Kwan, Tsui & Gagnon, 2011; Patton-Lopez, LopezCevallos, Cancel-Tirado & Vazquez, 2014). This phenomenon on college campuses is also reporting negative impacts on students’ wellness (El Zein, 2017a; Gallegos, Ramsey & Ong, 2014) and academic performance (El Zein, 2017a; Maroto, Snelling & Linck, 2015). While higher education institutions have begun to address this concern with food pantries and social services, the purpose of this study is to examine the role of student wellness in the relationship between food insecurity and academic performance. The methodological approach for this study includes a mediation analysis with structural equation modeling as well as an exploratory factor analysis which determined factor loadings for items related to the nine dimensions of wellness in the study: social, emotional, physical, financial, occupational, environmental, cultural, spiritual, and intellectual. Findings from the study identify 48% of the sample report some type of food insecurity within the last twelve
SPRASA, a novel protein: an investigation into the expression profile, evolutionary conservation and the association with infertility

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Adventitious rooting in apple rootstock MM.106: Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth regulators

Summary To assess the efficacy of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for improving the rooting and growth of hardwood cuttings of apple rootstock MM.106, three mycorrhizal species (Sclerocystis dussi, Glomus intraradices, and G. fasciculatum) were tested. Rootstock cuttings from each AMF inoculation treatment were then treated, or not treated, with the rooting hormone, indole 3-butyric acid (IBA), or a rooting inhibitor, cinnamic acid (CA) each at 2.5 g l–1. Cuttings that had not been inoculated with AMF or treated with either growth regulator served as controls. The results indicated that, after 90 d, cuttings inoculated with any of the three AMF alone, or in combination with 2.5 g l–1 IBA had significantly higher percentages of rooting and growth than the untreated controls. The combined application of AMF plus 2.5 g l–1 CA also improved the rooting percentage, which was significantly higher than in the untreated controls. Thus, the positive response to AMF inoculation was further improved when combined with 2.5 g l–1 IBA.
A new frog family (Anura: Terrarana) from South America and an expanded direct-developing clade revealed by molecular phylogeny

Three frogs of a new species found in cloud forests on two nearby mountains in Guyana were included in a molecular phylogeny of 17 nuclear and mitochondrial genes (10,739 aligned sites) that revealed that their closest relative is Terrarana (Brachycephalidae, Craugastoridae, Eleutherodactylidae, and Strabomantidae) and their next-closest relative is Hemiphractidae (marsupial frogs). We place these frogs in a new family, genus, and species which is strongly supported as the basal clade within Terrarana: Ceuthomantidae n. fam. , Ceuthomantis smaragdinus n. gen, n. sp. Morphological evidence supports the placement of two other species from the Guiana Highlands, Pristimantis aracamuni (BarrioAmoros & Molina) and P. cavernibardus (Myers & Donnelly), in the new family and genus. This close phylogenetic relationship of terraranans and marsupial frogs, nearly all of which have direct development, supports an hypothesis that direct development evolved early in the evolution of this huge clade (~1000 species), for which we propose the unranked taxonomic epithet Orthobatrachia.
Senescence in natural populations of mammals

JEAN-MICHEL GAIIARD,I DOMINIQUE A1An,2 DOMINQUE PONTIER,I NIGEL G. YoCCoz, '-3 AND DANIEL E. L. PRomisLow4-5 'Laboratoire de Biometrie, Genetique et Biologie des Populations, URA 243, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France 2Laboratoire de Socio-Ecologie, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France 3Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo 3, Norway 4Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
Effect of Cover Crop Residues on White Grubs and Adults of Heteronychus bituberculatus (Coleoptera: Dynastidae) and on the Damage They Cause to Upland Rice

Black beetles (Heteronychus spp., Coleoptera: Dynastidae) are significant pests of upland rice in the Central Highlands of Madagascar, particularly in some conservation agriculture (CA) systems. On the other hand, certain species of cover crops used in CA systems may have a suppressive effect on black beetle populations or reduce the damage they cause to rice plants. Between 2009 and 2011, we conducted a laboratory study on the possible effects of adding dried ground plant parts (hereafter ‘residues’) to the soil on larvae (white grubs) and adults (black beetles) of Heteronychus bituberculatus. Ten cover crop species were tested: Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria grahamiana, Desmodium intortum and Vicia villosa (Fabaceae); Brachiaria ruziziensis and Eleusine coracana (Poaceae); Cosmos caudatus and Tagetes minuta (Asteraceae); Cleome hirta (Capparaceae); and Raphanus sativus (Brassicaceae). Adding residues of C. grahamiana, E. coracana and C. caudatus resulted in significantly higher larval mortality than in the control treatments, while residues of R. sativus had a marginally significant effect. Adding residues of C. grahamiana, C. caudatus, C. hirta, T. minuta and R. sativus significantly reduced damage caused by adult black beetles.
Hematologic adaptation to the subterranean environment by the naked mole-rat, Heterocephalus glaber (Ctenohystrica: Heterocephalidae)

One method burrowing animals are hypothesized to use in adapting to the presumed hypoxic subterranean environment is increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. A number of recent studies have examined hematologic parameters in laboratory-reared naked mole-rats, but not in animals living under natural atmospheric conditions. To our knowledge, blood chemistry parameters have never been systematically assessed in a fossorial mammal. In this study we examined the blood of wild naked mole-rats in Kenya and Ethiopia to determine whether their blood chemistry differs significantly from naked mole-rats born and living in captivity. We also compared our results to published values for hystricomorphs, other subterranean rodents, and surface-dwelling rodents of similar size.
Expression of Survivin and APC in Kuding tea ursolic acid induced human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell apoptosis

Objective To investigate the effects of Kuding tea ursolic acid on apoptosis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) cells and expression of survivin and(adenomatous polyosis coli,APC) protein,providing evidence for pathogenic study of preventive effect of Kuding tea on NPC. Methods Human NPC cells were cultured with ursolic acid at a concentrations of 10,20,40,80 and 100 μmol/L for 24 h.Flow cytometry was applied to assess apoptosis induced by ursolic acid,while Western blot was used to measure the expression of survivin and APC protein. Results Significant apoptosis was observed in cells treated with ursolic acid.Increase of APC and reduction of surviving were revealed after treatment. Conclusion The ursolic acid from Kuding tea inhibits proliferation of human NPC cell,possibly via up-regulation of APC.
Adansonia digitata L. : a review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae) is a multi-purpose tree species native to Africa. Its fruit pulp has very high vitamin C content (ffi ten times that of orange), and can be used in seasoning, as an appetizer and to make juices. Seeds contain appreciable quantities of crude protein, digestible carbohydrates and oil, whereas they have high levels of lysine, thiamine, Ca and Fe. They can be eaten fresh or dried, ground into flour and thus added to soups and stews. Processing eliminates a number of anti-nutritional factors present in the seed. Baobab leaves are superior in nutritional quality to fruit pulp, and contain significant levels of vitamin A. The leaves are a staple for many populations in Africa, and are eaten fresh or dried. Several plant parts have interesting anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and baobab has been used extensively since ancient times in traditional medicine. Key words: Baobab, Adansonia digitata L. , traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, anti-nutritional factors
Haematobiochemical and pathological changes in experimental Escherichia coli infection in broiler chicks

The haematological, biochemical and pathological changes in experimental E. coli infection in young chicks WLL were studied. Unvaccinated broiler chicks (60) were infected with E. coli strain 02 at 14th day of age throughoral route Haematological changes revealed marked reduction in the levels of Hb and TEC, and increased PCV and TLC values were observed up to 5 weeks P1. The levels of serum enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, SGOT and SGPT were significantly increased at 3 week P1. Total serum proteins were slightly elevated while albumin values were reduced in infected group as compared to controls. Gross pathological changes in E. coli infected chicks showed perihepatitis, fibrinous pericarditis and airsacculitis during 6 DPI. Microscopically haemorrhages, congestion and perihepatitis were detected in liver Heart revealed oedema and thickening of pericardium due to exudate accumulation. Air sac membranes were thickened.
Drug poisoning management using smartphones: an apps review study based on use case classification model

Drug poisoning is the most common form of poisoning in the world. Timely and efficient management of this form of poisoning may save the life of many patients. Today, smartphone apps are widely used for various utilisations, such as for medical purposes. This study aimed to review the crucial characteristics of Android and iOS apps for drug poisoning management and categorise them by the use case classification model. Google Play and App Store were searched in December 2018 for drug poisoning apps using the keywords toxicology, poisoning, drug poisoning and drug toxicities, and resulted in 551 smartphone apps. The 17 final apps were evaluated based on the following items: platform, cost, date of update, country, app target, target group, rating and developer. The results showed that 64.7% of apps were available on both platforms and 53% were free to download. Majority of the apps (53%) were designed for medical staff and 47% were developed in the USA. In 47% of the apps, users rated a score above 4 for apps evaluation, and in 47% the last update was 1 year ago. Nine distinct use cases from the published use case classification model were found in 17 apps. The results of this study can help users select and use a reliable app for management of drug poisoning. The results also showed that 22 use cases of the 31 introduced were not considered in the development of the apps. Application of these use cases may improve the quality of drug poisoning management apps.
Response of carnation to foliar application of nitrogen

Nutrient status of carnation leaves in different planting dates, pinching methods and nitrogen levels was estimated. Maximum leaf N (2.176%), P (0.259%) and K (3.651%) was recorded in October planted crop. Leaf NPK content was higher (2.168, 0.259 and 3.628%, respectively) in single pinch method as compared to pinch and a half method. Application of nitrogen 1500 ppm resulted in maximum NPK content of leaves (2.241, 0.266 and 3.668%, respectively). A positive linear relationship was found between N content of leaves and days taken to bud formation, days taken to flowering, flower size, plant height, stem length, stem strength and flower yield m−1. The relationship between N content of leaves and calyx splitting was negative.
Effect of Rice Residue Management Techniques and Herbicides on Nutrient Uptake by Phalaris minor Retz. and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm of the Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab) during rabi seasons of 2004–05 and 2005–06 to study the effect of rice residue management techniques and weed control treatments on the growth and development of Phalaris minor and wheat. The studies revealed that surface placement of rice residues at 6 and 7 t/ha significantly reduced the dry matter accumulation and nutrient uptake by P. minor as compared to incorporation and no rice residue treatments. Grain yield and nutrient uptake by wheat were statistically similar in all rice residue management techniques. Post-emergence application of clodinafop 60 g/ha, sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha and mesosulfuron+iodosulfuron 14.4 g/ha significantly reduced the dry matter accumulation and nutrient uptake by P. minor as compared to control (unweeded). Consequently, all the herbicidal treatments recorded significantly higher grain yield and nutrient uptake by wheat as compared to control treatment.
Selenium Containing Compounds from Poison to Drug Candidates: A Review on the GPx-like Activity

Abstract : Oxidative stress results from the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as peroxides that cause dam-age to cell membranes and react with various biomolecules in mammalian cells. The selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) destroys peroxides by catalyzing their reduction to alcohols or water with the stoichiometric reductant glutathione. The effects of oxidative stress have been implicated in a variety of degenerative processes and disease states and for these reasons, there is considerable interest in the discovery of small molecule compounds that could reproduce a GPx-like ac-tivity. A review on the most recent acquisition in this area is here reported. Keywords: Selenium, selenoprots, glutathione, ROS, ebselen. INTRODUCTION For a long time selenium has been considered a poison. The first observation about the toxicity of this element dates back to 1285 when Marco Polo lost his horses crossing the Shanxi Province of Western China; this event was explained only after the discovery of selenium in 1817 by the Swedish chemist Jons Jacob Berzelius and it was ascribed to the high concentration of this element in forages growing in the re-gion that caused selenosis in livestock. Later, several studies confirmed the occurring of important disorders in animals [1, 2] and humans [3] due to selenium bioaccumulation and thereby a role in the genesis of cancer was postulated [4]. In the second half of the 20
Multi-stability in cellular differentiation enabled by a network of three mutually repressing master regulators

Identifying the design principles of complex regulatory networks driving cellular decision-making remains essential to decode embryonic development as well as enhance cellular reprogramming. A well-studied network motif involved in cellular decision-making is a toggle switch—a set of two opposing transcription factors A and B, each of which is a master regulator of a specific cell fate and can inhibit the activity of the other. A toggle switch can lead to two possible states—(high A, low B) and (low A, high B)—and drives the ‘either-or' choice between these two cell fates for a common progenitor cell. However, the principles of coupled toggle switches remain unclear. Here, we investigate the dynamics of three master regulators A, B and C inhibiting each other, thus forming three-coupled toggle switches to form a toggle triad. Our simulations show that this toggle triad can lead to co-existence of cells into three differentiated ‘single positive' phenotypes—(high A, low B, low C), (low A, high B, low C) and (low A, low B, high C). Moreover, the hybrid or ‘double positive' phenotypes—(high A, high B, low C), (low A, high B, high C) and (high A, low B, high C)—can coexist together with ‘single positive' phenotypes. Including self-activation loops on A, B and C can increase the frequency of ‘double positive' states. Finally, we apply our results to understand cellular decision-making in terms of differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Th1, Th2 and Th17 states, where hybrid Th1/Th2 and hybrid Th1/Th17 cells have been reported in addition to the Th1, Th2 and Th17 ones. Our results offer novel insights into the design principles of a multi-stable network topology and provide a framework for synthetic biology to design tristable systems.
Meta-analysis reveals materiomic relationships in major ampullate silk across the spider phylogeny

Spider major ampullate (MA) silk, with its combination of strength and extensibility, outperforms any synthetic equivalents. There is thus much interest in understanding its underlying materiome. While the expression of the different silk proteins (spidroins) appears an integral component of silk performance, our understanding of the nature of the relationship between the spidroins, their constituent amino acids and MA silk mechanics is ambiguous. To provide clarity on these relationships across spider species, we performed a meta-analysis using phylogenetic comparative methods. These showed that glycine and proline, both of which are indicators of differential spidroin expression, had effects on MA silk mechanics across the phylogeny. We also found serine to correlate with silk mechanics, probably via its presence within the carboxyl and amino-terminal domains of the spidroins. From our analyses, we concluded that the spidroin expression shifts across the phylogeny from predominantly MaSp1 in the MA silks of ancestral spiders to predominantly MaSp2 in the more derived spiders' silks. This trend was accompanied by an enhanced ultimate strain and decreased Young's modulus in the silks. Our meta-analysis enabled us to decipher between real and apparent influences on MA silk properties, providing significant insights into spider silk and web coevolution and enhancing our capacity to create spider silk-like materials.
Investigation of Transformer-based Latent Attention Models for Neural Machine Translation

Current neural translation networks are based on an effective attention mechanism that can be considered as an implicit probabilistic notion of alignment. Such architectures do not guarantee a high quality alignment, even though alignments can easily be used for explainable machine translation. This work describes a latent variable attention model using the transformer architecture, where we carry out an approximate marginalization over alignments. We show that the alignment quality in transformer models can be improved by introducing a latent variable for the alignments. To study the effect of the latent model, we quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the extracted alignments from the multi-head attention. We demonstrate that this method slightly improves translation quality on four WMT 2018 shared translation tasks, as well as generating more focused alignments for better interpretability.
Detecting and distinguishing tipping points using spectral early warning signals

Theory and observation tell us that many complex systems exhibit tipping points—thresholds involving an abrupt and irreversible transition to a contrasting dynamical regime. Such events are commonly referred to as critical transitions. Current research seeks to develop early warning signals (EWS) of critical transitions that could help prevent undesirable events such as ecosystem collapse. However, conventional EWS do not indicate the type of transition, since they are based on the generic phenomena of critical slowing down. For instance, they may fail to distinguish the onset of oscillations (e.g. Hopf bifurcation) from a transition to a distant attractor (e.g. Fold bifurcation). Moreover, conventional EWS are less reliable in systems with density-dependent noise. Other EWS based on the power spectrum (spectral EWS) have been proposed, but they rely upon spectral reddening, which does not occur prior to critical transitions with an oscillatory component. Here, we use Ornstein–Uhlenbeck theory to derive analytic approximations for EWS prior to each type of local bifurcation, thereby creating new spectral EWS that provide greater sensitivity to transition proximity; higher robustness to density-dependent noise and bifurcation type; and clues to the type of approaching transition. We demonstrate the advantage of applying these spectral EWS in concert with conventional EWS using a population model, and show that they provide a characteristic signal prior to two different Hopf bifurcations in data from a predator–prey chemostat experiment. The ability to better infer and differentiate the nature of upcoming transitions in complex systems will help humanity manage critical transitions in the Anthropocene Era.