Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlled and modified atmospheres influence chilling injury, fruit quality and antioxidative system of Japanese plums (Prunus salicina Lindell)

Summary Our objective was to compare the effects of controlled atmosphere (CA) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on fruit quality, chilling injury (CI) and pro- and antioxidative systems in ‘Blackamber’ Japanese plums. Matured fruit were stored for 5 and 8 weeks at 0–1 °C in normal air, CA-1 (1% O2 + 3% CO2), CA-2 (2.5% O2 + 3% CO2) and MAP (~10% O2 and 3.8% CO2). CA was more effective than MAP in retention of flesh firmness and titratable acidity during cold storage. Fruit stored in CA-1 showed reduced CI and membrane lipid peroxidation after 5 and 8 weeks of cold storage. Low O2 atmospheres appeared to limit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their efficient scavenging through the concerted action of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. The role of ascorbate–glutathione (AsA–GSH) cycle in the regulation of oxidative stress was also studied during and after storage in different atmospheres. In conclusion, optimum CA conditions delayed fruit ripening and CI through augmentation of antioxidative metabolism and suppression of oxidative processes.
A Note on the Effect of Birth Date on the Performance of Suckled Red Deer Calves and their Dams on Low-Ground Pasture

The red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) is a seasonal breeder, mating mainly in October and calving in June. This timing is advantageous to wild deer on the hill in that the relatively high nutritional demands of lactation may be met from the abundance of summer vegetation. On low-ground pastures, however, there is an earlier start to the grazing season and the deer farmer may benefit from being able to advance calving dates. Recent research work has shown that exogenous hormone therapy can advance the breeding season in female red deer (Adam and Atkinson, 1984; Adam, Moir and Atkinson, 1985; Nowak, Elmhirst Webster and Barrell, conception and hence and Rodway, 1985; Webster; and Barrell, 1985) and that conception and hence calving dates can indeed also be advanced (Adam, 1985; Adam, Moir and Atkinson, 1986). This paper reports the effects of birth date on the performance of suckled calves and their dams under farm conditions.
Nitrogen yields from New Zealand coastal catchments to receiving estuaries

Abstract A model to estimate nitrogen loads from coastal catchments to New Zealand estuaries is presented. The Sub‐Catchment to Estuary Nitrogen Yield (SCENY) model estimates total nitrogen inputs from atmospheric deposition, fertiliser application, and biological nitrogen fixation for catchments with different land use practices. Nitrogen losses in the vadose zone and aquifers were assessed, and the net nitrogen yield that enters estuaries was quantified. The model was applied to 13 sub‐catchments in the South Island, which encompass 0–91% agricultural land use. Nitrogen yields to the study estuaries ranged from 0.6 kg N ha−1 yr−1 to 17.0 kg N ha−1 yr−1, with nitrogen flux increasing directly with the percentage of agriculture in the catchment. Moreover, fertiliser contribution to nutrient loading increased proportionately with increased nitrogen yields. The model was in close agreement with other New Zealand nitrogen yield models and confirms that management of water quality for estuaries surrounded by agricultural catchments should be targeted at the local level, with improved measures for controlling fertiliser run‐off.
Two new threonine-containing metabolites from fungus Curvularia inaequalis strain HS-FG-257

Abstract Two new threonine-containing metabolites, N-[4-hydroxy-3-prenyl-benzoyl]-L-threonine (1) and N-[2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene-6-carbonyl]-L-threonine (2), were isolated from the fermentation broth of the soil fungus Curvularia inaequalis strain HS-FG-257. Their structures were elucidated through the interpretation of HR-ESIMS and extensive NMR spectroscopic data. Both compounds exhibited no cytotoxic activity against the test cell lines A549 and HCT-116. Graphical Abstract
A systematic review of the effect of platelet‐rich plasma on androgenetic alopecia of women

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common disease associated with hair loss in both females and males. Given the high prevalence of AGA and limited therapeutic methods and the high cost of hair transplantation and ease of use or platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) therapies, this systematic review study was conducted to evaluate the effect of PRP on AGA of women. In this systematic review study, English‐language articles were searched on PubMed, ISI web of knowledge, and Google Scholar by the end of 2019 with a combination of keywords. Finally, six articles were evaluated. The total number of subjects in this systematic review study was 92 people in six studies. All studies were clinical trials. Most of the studied had been conducted as a pilot study. Follow‐up period for patients varied from 6 to 12 months. Except for one study, other studies have reported a positive therapeutic effect for PRP. The major limitation of the studies was the pilot nature and small sample size of these studies. According to the limited studies included in this systematic review, PRP treatment had a positive effect on the improvement of AGA, increasing hair density, and improving hair diameter in affected women.
In smiles we trust? Smiling in the context of antisocial and borderline personality pathology

Research suggests that people behave more cooperatively towards those who smile and less cooperatively towards those with personality pathology. Here, we integrated these two lines of research to model the combined effects of smiles and personality pathology on trust. In two experiments, participants read vignettes portraying a person with either borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or no personality pathology. These portrayals were paired with a brief video clip that showed a person with either a neutral expression or a smile. Participants then played a Trust game with the “person” presented using each vignette and video clip combination. In Experiment 1, rates of trust were lower in response to the borderline and antisocial personality disorder vignettes compared with the control vignette. Interestingly, the effect of smiles was dependent upon personality. Although participants were more trusting of smiling confederates portrayed as having borderline personality disorder or no pathology, they were less trusting of confederates portrayed as having antisocial personality disorder if they smiled. In Experiment 2, run with a second set of personality vignettes, rates of trust were lower in response to both personality disorder vignettes and higher in response to smiles with no significant interaction. Together, these results suggest that information regarding both the current emotional state as well as the personality traits of a partner are important for creating trust.
Purification and biochemical characterization of a Ca 2+ - independent, thermostable and acidophilic α-amylase from Bacillus sp. RM16

Bacillus sp. RM16 was isolated from a hot spring in Karachi and screened for the production of α- amylase. The enzyme was obtained after 72 h cultivation of strain in Luria broth containing 1% starch (w/v). Enzyme Amy RM16 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by a series of sequential steps including precipitation with ammonium sulfate at 70% saturation, Q-Sepharose, Phenyl Sepharose and reversed phase chromatography. The purified enzyme is made up of a single polypeptide chain of 66 kDa as established by a combination of SDS-PAGE and zymographic analysis. In our experimental conditions, a total yield of 1.35% with specific activity of 6380U/mg was obtained providing 17 fold final purification of the enzyme. Biochemical characterization of the Amy RM16 such as optimum temperature and pH, substrate specificity and enzymatic susceptibilities towards different metal ions and inhibitors were also performed. Results of these studies revealed that, the enzyme is active at wide temperature range with optimum activity at 80°C and retained 85% of the activity for 3 h at 50°C and around 50% of remaining activity for 1 h at 80°C. The enzyme showed optimum activity at pH 5.0. On the other hand, Ca +2 and EDTA (1 to 5 mM) did not significantly affect the enzyme activity. The main substrate for the enzyme was found to be starch but it could also hydrolyze raw starch, dextrin, γ-cyclodextrin and pullulan. Key words: Ca 2+ -independent, Bacillus sp, thermostable α-amylases, low pH profile, enzyme, raw starch digestion, HPLC.
Long-Distance Caregivers: What are Their Experiences with Formal Care Providers?

ABSTRACT Objectives Extensive literature has documented the experiences of informal caregivers and their interactions with formal care providers, yet this research is almost entirely limited to caregivers who live near their care-recipients. This study aims to describe long-distance caregivers’ (LDC) experiences (e.g., satisfaction and challenges) with formal care providers. Subgroup differences were examined based on the care-recipient’s (CR) dementia status and residential setting (community versus residential care). Methods Data were collected from 296 LDCs (M age = 56.64, SD = 12.40) categorized into four subgroups based on CR dementia status and residential setting. Participants rated their overall satisfaction, satisfaction with communication and information, and described challenges faced in their interactions with formal care providers. Results Challenges related to formal care providers were significantly greater and satisfaction significantly lower among LDCs of CRs in residential care, irrespective of dementia status, when compared to LDCs of CRs in the community. Conclusions This study provides insights into the experiences of a growing segment of the caregiver population managing care from a distance, specifically in their interactions with formal care providers. Clinical Implications The results of this study point to the possible necessity for the development of novel interventions to improve and enhance communication and collaboration between FCPs and informal caregivers.
Nests of Phacellodomus rufifrons (Wied, 1821) (Aves: Furnariidae) as sleeping shelter for a solitary bee species (Apidae: Centridini) in southeastern Brazil

Sleeping shelters for male Centris (Trachina) fuscata Lepeletier, 1841 (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Centridini) were found in nests of the ovenbird Phacellodomus rufifrons (Wied, 1821) (Furnariidae) in an area of Cerrado (Brazilian savanna), in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, in September 2003. Each day, male bees departed from the shelter early in the morning, returning to them late in the afternoon. Interactions among males were aggressive when two or more males returned simultaneously to the shelter, and lasted until all of them had either occupied a shelter inside the nest stick-matrix or left the nest proximity. Nests occupied by bird families apparently were preferred by bees, as well as those located nearest to a massive food source, a flowering tree Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth, 1823 (Fabaceae). This note emphasizes a very uncommon type of sleeping shelter and its importance for bees. Keywords: Centris (Trachina), sleeping shelter, male aggregation, Brazilian savanna.
Phylogeny of the fish leeches (Oligochaeta, Hirudinida, Piscicolidae) based on nuclear and mitochondrial genes and morphology

The phylogeny of the Piscicolidae was analysed from combined 18S rDNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO‐I), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit I (ND‐I) and morphological data using parsimony. A worldwide distribution of Piscicolidae was represented for the first time. While the family Piscicolidae was supported as a monophyletic group, the traditional subfamilies based on morphology were not supported. The Platybdellinae was polyphyletic and formed four distinct clades, and Bathybdella sawyeri did not group with any other platybdellins. The Piscicolinae was also polyphyletic, also forming four distinct clades. The pontobdellin genus Stibarobdella was shown to be the basal taxon within the Piscicolidae; however, the Pontobdellinae was found to be paraphyletic if Oxytonostoma was included. The genera Aestabdella, Austrobdella, and Malmiana were found to be paraphyletic; the genera Calliobdella, Cystobranchus, and Platybdella were found to be polyphyletic. The species Myzobdella lugubris was not found to be monophyletic. It is proposed that Oxytonostoma be transferred out of the Pontobdellinae, that Aestabdella be synonymized with Pterobdella, that Calliobdella vivida be returned to Cystobranchus, that Gonimosobdella be synonymized with Cystobranchus, and that Piscicolaria be synonymized with Myzobdella. The synonymy of Malmiana and Heptacyclus is confirmed, with Heptacyclus having priority. Piscicola milneri is confirmed to be a separate species from Piscicola geometra.
Bite force and its relationship to jaw shape in domestic dogs

ABSTRACT Previous studies based on two-dimensional methods have suggested that the great morphological variability of cranial shape in domestic dogs has impacted bite performance. Here, we used a three-dimensional biomechanical model based on dissection data to estimate the bite force of 47 dogs of various breeds at several bite points and gape angles. In vivo bite force for three Belgian shepherd dogs was used to validate our model. We then used three-dimensional geometric morphometrics to investigate the drivers of bite force variation and to describe the relationships between the overall shape of the jaws and bite force. The model output shows that bite force is rather variable in dogs and that dogs bite harder on the molar teeth and at lower gape angles. Half of the bite force is determined by the temporal muscle. Bite force also increased with size, and brachycephalic dogs showed higher bite forces for their size than mesocephalic dogs. We obtained significant covariation between the shape of the upper or lower jaw and absolute or residual bite force. Our results demonstrate that domestication has not resulted in a disruption of the functional links in the jaw system in dogs and that mandible shape is a good predictor of bite force. Summary: Variation in bite force in dogs is driven by their extreme morphological variation. The covariation with skull shape suggests strong functional relationships within the masticatory system despite strong artificial selection.
Arterial Hypertension and Plasma Glucose Modulate the Vasoactive Effects of Nitroso-Sulfide Coupled Signaling in Human Intrarenal Arteries

We have investigated the vasoactive effects of the coupled nitro-sulfide signaling pathway in lobar arteries (LAs) isolated from the nephrectomized kidneys of cancer patients: normotensive patients (NT) and patients with arterial hypertension (AH). LAs of patients with AH revealed endothelial dysfunction, which was associated with an increased response to the exogenous NO donor, nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). The interaction of GSNO with the H2S donor triggered a specific vasoactive response. Unlike in normotensive patients, in patients with AH, the starting and returning of the vasorelaxation induced by the end-products of the H2S-GSNO interaction (S/GSNO) was significantly faster, however, without the potentiation of the maximum. Moreover, increasing glycemia shortened the time required to reach 50% of the maximum vasorelaxant response induced by S/GSNO products so modulating their final effect. Moreover, we found out that, unlike K+ channel activation, cGMP pathway and HNO as probable mediator could be involved in mechanisms of S/GSNO action. For the first time, we demonstrated the expression of genes coding H2S-producing enzymes in perivascular adipose tissue and we showed the localization of these enzymes in LAs of normotensive patients and in patients with AH. Our study confirmed that the heterogeneity of specific nitroso-sulfide vasoactive signaling exists depending on the occurrence of hypertension associated with increased plasma glucose level. Endogenous H2S and the end-products of the H2S-GSNO interaction could represent prospective pharmacological targets to modulate the vasoactive properties of human intrarenal arteries.
A review of long-term corneal preservation techniques: Relevance and renewed interests in the COVID-19 era

The growth of eye banking in India was showing positive trends until the nation was hit by unprecedented times as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this has led to a downward spiraling in eye banking activities globally. Several measures had to be implemented to tide over the crisis and strategies planned for future to prepare for the needs of corneal transplantation. While eye banks in India have been practicing short- term and intermediate storage preservation media, there is a definite need to evolve other methods of very long-term preservation. This review discusses various methods of long term corneal preservation, their relevance and applications in the present times. We reviewed relevant medical literature in English from PUBMED with the key words “Corneal preservation”, “Cryopreservation”, “Glycerol preservation”, Gamma Irradiation”, “Eye Banking” ,”COVID-19”.
Patterns and controls of ecosystem function in longleaf pine - wiregrass savannas. I. Aboveground net primary productivity

Longleaf pine - wiregrass (Pinus palustris Mill. - Aristida stricta Michx.) woodlands occupy sites ranging from deep, xeric sandhills to the edge of wetlands in the southeastern United States. Aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) of the overstory and understory were determined for three replicate sites of three site types (xeric, intermediate, and wet-mesic) that span a wide environmental gradient. In addition, soil moisture (at 30 and 90 cm) and N mineralization (in situ buried bag incubations) were measured through an annual cycle. Longleaf pine - wiregrass ecosystems varied by nearly twofold in ANPP across complex gradients. Overstory and understory and total (overstory and understory) ANPP were positively correlated to soil moisture at 30 and 90 cm. The proportion of understory ANPP relative to the total ANPP did not increase across the environmental gradient as predicted by hypotheses that invoke niche differentiation in rooting habits of grasses and trees. Contrary to expectations, cumulative.
Efecto del glifosato sobre el crecimiento y acumulación de azúcares libres en dos biotipos de lolium perenne de distinta sensibilidad al herbicida

El movimiento sistemico del glifosato esta determinado por el transporte de fotoasimilados. A su vez, la capacidad de un destino de consumir los asimilados esta condicionada por su actividad metabolica. Pese a su importancia, la relacion entre el glifosato y la sintesis de azucares en hojas fuente ha sido poco abordada. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar los efectos del glifosato sobre el crecimiento y la acumulacion de azucares libres en dos biotipos de Lolium perenne de baja y alta sensibilidad al herbicida. Se trabajo con clones de ambos tipos de plantas, en macollaje, tratados con 1.440 g e.a. ha-1 de glifosato y sin tratamiento herbicida como controles. Se evaluo periodicamente el efecto del glifosato sobre el rebrote de hojas hasta las 50 horas post-aplicacion y sobre los niveles de azucares libres totales, reductores y no reductores en hojas a 1, 2, 3 y 5 dias post-aplicacion. A partir de las 25 horas post-aplicacion, el glifosato provoco una disminucion del crecimiento del 58% en el biotipo susceptible, con una acumulacion de azucares libres superior al 90% con relacion al control, desde el primer dia post-aplicacion en adelante. La inhibicion del crecimiento, inducida por el glifosato en plantas susceptibles, no depende de la limitacion del traslado de fotoasimilados desde la parte aerea. Por tanto, la acumulacion de azucares libres en hojas podria explicarse por la caida en la tasa de crecimiento. En el biotipo de baja sensibilidad, en el que no se detecto inhibicion del crecimiento, estos efectos fueron limitados.
H∞ Tracking Control for Linear Discrete-Time Systems: Model-Free Q-Learning Designs

In this letter, a novel model-free Q-learning based approach is developed to solve the $H\infty $ tracking problem for linear discrete-time systems. A new exponential discounted value function is introduced that includes the cost of the whole control input and tracking error. The tracking Bellman equation and the game algebraic Riccati equation (GARE) are derived. The solution to the GARE leads to the feedback and feedforward parts of the control input. A Q-learning algorithm is then developed to learn the solution of the GARE online without requiring any knowledge of the system dynamics. Convergence of the algorithm is analyzed, and it is also proved that probing noises in maintaining the persistence of excitation (PE) condition do not result in any bias. An example of the F-16 aircraft short period dynamics is developed to validate the proposed algorithm.
The impact of nitrogen and organic matter on winter canola seed yield and yield components.

Canola is becoming an important oilseed crop grown in rotation with wheat in Iran. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of N fertilization and additive materials including wheat residue and compost on growth, yield and yield components of canola. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, located at Badjgah in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 growing seasons. The experimental design was split plot with three replications. Seed yield responded to the application of both compost and wheat straw and the maximum seed yield was recorded at 50 ton ha-1 of compost treatment. Increasing N caused a significant increase in seed yield. Seed yield showed a significant increase by increasing N from 0 to 100 kg ha-1 at 50 ton ha-1 compost treatment; however increasing N beyond 100 kg ha-1 had no significant effect on canola seed yield. Application of 100 kg ha-1 of N fertilizer at 50 ton ha-1 compost was adequate for optimum seed yield. Results of stepwise regression analysis showed that contribution of yield component of canola varies with change in N fertilizer and organic matter application rates. Soil organic carbon was also shown to increase following application of different types of organic matter.
Remembering the big game: social identity and memory for media events

ABSTRACT Two studies examined how memories are formed around championship sporting events, which we classify as media events. The first study employed a test-retest methodology to assess how fans of a sport recall a championship sporting event. The second study examined how fans of specific sports teams recalled two championship sporting events in which their team either won or lost. Of particular interest was the emergence of a collective memory within fan communities. We assessed memory for the event itself (event memory), with an emphasis on the emergence of a collective memory, and memory for the context in which one experienced the event (personal circumstance memory). In contrast to fans of a sport more generally, fans of a particular team recalled events involving their team with detail, converged on collective memories, and provided personal circumstance memories that met the criteria for flashbulb memories. We discuss these results in the context of social identities and the elements involved in narratives of media events. Different types of fandom, our measure of social identity, uniquely influenced the collective memories formed for essential and ancillary elements of narratives surrounding championship sporting events.
Pre-harvest sprays of different sources of calcium to improve the shelf-life ofguava

Pre-harvest spray of calcium compounds reduced physiological loss in weight and titratable acidity, while they increased TSS, reducing sugars and pectin contents. However, higher concentration of calcium nitrate was more effective than other treatments.The fruit firmness increased as the concentration of calcium increased in the fruits. Calcium nitrate delayed softening and enhanced the shelf-life of fruits.