Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adsorption and Post Adsorption Behavior of Schwertmannite with Various Oxyanions

The adsorption and post adsorption behavior of schwertmannite with various oxyanions were investigated for clean-up contaminated water with hazardous oxyanions and safe disposal of spent schwertmannite. The result of adsorption experiments showed that the maximum capacities of oxyanions adsorption onto schwertmannite are 1.023, 0.934, 0.723 and 0.313 mmol/g for arsenate, phosphate, chromate and selenate, respectively. Based on the differences in the adsorption capacities, the selectivity of oxyanion adsorption on schwertmannite decreases as the order: arsenate ≥ phosphate > chromate >> selenate. Change in the Zeta potential after adsorption by arsenate, phosphate and chromate were very different from those after adsorption by selenate and of the original schwertmannite. This difference implies that the adsorption mechanism on schwertmannite with arsenate, phosphate and chromate is different from that with selenate and sulfate. Arsenate, phosphate, and chromate ions form inner-sphere complexes with the surface of schwertmannite, while selenate and sulfate ions form outer-sphere complexes with the surface of schwertmannite. Based on a comparison with anion adsorption, strong base anions form inner-sphere complexes, which induce a strong adsorption with schwertmannite as well as it is conducive to high adsorption capacity. From the results of aging experiments, schwertmannite with sulfate and selenate changed to a more stable phase, goethite, in a short time, whereas there is no change in the XRD patterns of schwertmannite with arsenate and phosphate after 30 days. The stability of schwertmannite after the adsorption increased in the following order: sulfate ≌ selenate « chromate ≌ arsenate. The solubility of schwertmannite with different oxyanions was calculated according to solid solution theory. The solubility of schwertmannite decreased after adsorption of oxyanions with high selectivity. It is concluded that oxyanions with high selectivity can stabilize schwertmannite by decreasing the solubility of the schwertmannite after adsorption of the oxyanions.
Herbivory enhances leaky sex expression in the dioecious herb Mercurialis annua

Plant reproductive traits are widely understood to be responsive to the selective pressures exerted by pollinators, but there is also increasing evidence for an important role of antagonists such as herbivores in shaping these traits. Many dioecious species show leaky sex expression, with males and females occasionally producing flowers of the opposite sex. Here we show that leaky sex expression in both males and females of the wind-pollinated dioecious herb Mercurialis annua (Euphorbiaceae) is enhanced in response to simulated herbivory, increasing the probability and the degree of leakiness in both sexes. We also found that leakiness was greater in larger females but not in larger males. We discuss hypotheses for a possible functional link between herbivory and leaky sex expression, and consider what herbivory-induced leakiness might imply for the evolutionary ecology of plant reproductive systems, especially the breakdown of dioecy and the evolution of hermaphroditism.
Flexible use of memory by food-caching birds

Memory is used by animals to influence navigational decisions, and neural activity in memory-related brain regions correlates to spatial variables. However, navigation is a rich behavior that contains a mix of memory-guided and memory-independent strategies. Disentangling the contribution of these strategies to navigation is therefore critical for understanding how memory influences behavioral output. To address this issue, we studied the natural spatial behavior of the chickadee, a food-caching bird. These birds hide food items at concealed, scattered locations and retrieve their caches later in time. We designed an apparatus that allows chickadees to cache and retrieve food while navigating in a laboratory arena. This apparatus enabled detailed, automated, and high-throughput tracking of key behavioral variables – including caches, retrievals, and investigations of cache sites. We built probabilistic models to fit these behavioral data using a combination of various mnemonic and non-mnemonic factors. We find that chickadees use some navigational strategies that are independent of cache memories, including opportunistic foraging and spatial biases. They combine these strategies with spatially precise and long-lasting memories of which sites contain caches and which sites they have previously checked and found to be empty. These memories are used in a context-dependent manner. During caching, chickadees avoid sites that already contain food. During retrieval, they are instead attracted to such occupied sites. These results show that a single memory can be used flexibly by a chickadee to achieve at least two unrelated behavioral goals. Our apparatus enables studying this flexibility in a tractable spatial paradigm.
OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF L-GLUTAMINASE WITH MIXED SUBSTRATE BY SOLID STATE FERMENTATION USING Aspergillus wentii MTCC 1901

L-Glutaminase, an amidohydrolase enzyme has been a choice of interest in the treatment of leukaemia since the discovery of its anti-tumour properties. Because it is a potent anti leukemic agent and a flavor-enhancing agent used in the food industry, many researchers have focused their attention on L-glutaminase. L-Glutaminase is majorly produced by micro organisms including bacteria, yeast and fungi. In the present study, production of L-Glutaminase from fungi, Aspergillus wentii was reported. Solid state fermentation was followed in the study for the enzyme production using different agro-industrial by products which include coconut oil cake, sesame oil cake, groundnut oil cake and neem oil cake. Out of them potential substrates were screened and used as mixed substrate. Mixed substrate was selected by mixing coconut oil cake and sesame oil cake in different compositions. The best composition, 1.25gm coconut oil cake and 3.75gm sesame oil cake was selected. Effect of process parameters namely temperature, pH, incubation time, moisture content, inoculum volume on enzyme production was investigated. Also effect of supplementary carbon sources, nitrogen sources, metal ions and glutamine concentration was studied and their optimum conditions were determined. The organism produced high levels of enzyme at an optimum temperature of 28C and optimum pH 7.0, after 120h of incubation with 40% inoculum volume and 50% moisture content. Enhanced production was obtained on addition of 1% W/V D-glucose, peptone, magnesium sulphate and 1% W/W glutamine as supplements which showed an increase to four folds. Using this optimized media components and parameters; the L-Glutaminase activity 496U/gds was obtained.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in LTP induced by mild theta-burst stimulation in hippocampal slices from young male rats: from weaning to adulthood

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a highly studied cellular process yet determining the transduction and GABAergic pathways that are the essential vs. modulatory for LTP elicited by theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in the hippocampal CA1 area is still elusive, due to the use of different TBS intensities, patterns, or different rodent/cellular models. We now characterized the developmental maturation and the transduction and GABAergic pathways required for mild TBS-induced LTP in hippocampal CA1 area in male rats. LTP induced by TBS (5×4) (5 bursts of 4 pulses delivered at 100Hz) lasted for up to 3h and was increasingly larger from weaning to adulthood. Stronger TBS patterns - TBS (15×4) or three TBS (15×4) separated by 6 min induced nearly maximal LTP not being the best choice to study the value of LTP-enhancing drugs. LTP induced by TBS (5×4) in young adults was fully dependent on NMDA receptor and CaMKII activity but independent of PKA or PKC activity. Furthermore, it was partially dependent on GABAB receptor activation and was potentiated by GABAA receptor blockade and less by GAT-1 transporter blockade. AMPA GluA1 phosphorylation on Ser831 (CaMKII target) but not GluA1 Ser845 (PKA target) was essential for LTP expression. The phosphorylation of the Kv4.2 channel was observed at Ser438 (CaMKII target) but not at Thr602 or Thr607 (ERK/MAPK pathway target). This suggests that cellular kinases like PKA, PKC or kinases of the ERK/MAPK family although important modulators of TBS (5×4)-induced LTP may not be essential for its expression in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. Graphical abstract LTP induced by theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in young adult male rat hippocampal CA1 area is increasingly more robust with the number of bursts and number of spaced TBS trains. LTP induced by TBS shows developmental maturation increasing potentiation from weaning to adulthood. Expression of LTP induced by mild TBS (5×4) in young adults requires NMDA receptor and CaMKII activity and AMPA Ser831 phosphorylation, but not PKA or PKC activity, and is likely curtailed by Kv4.2 Ser438 phosphorylation.
Simultaneous hybrid genome sequencing of Vermamoeba vermiformis and its Dependentiae endosymbiont Vermiphilus pyriformis

A hybrid sequencing approach, using short and long reads sequencing, was employed for characterizing the genomes of the free-living amoeba host Vermamoeba vermiformis, along with its Dependentiae endosymbiont Vermiphilus pyriformis. The amoeba host reconstructed nuclear genome is 39.5 Mb, and its full mitochondrial genome is 61.7 kb. The closed, circular genome of the Dependentiae endosymbiont Vermiphilus pyriformis, naturally infecting V. vermiformis is 1.1 Mb.
Structuring time: The hippocampus constructs sequence memories that generalize temporal relations across experiences

The hippocampal-entorhinal region supports memory for episodic details, such as temporal relations of sequential events, and mnemonic constructions combining experiences for inferential reasoning. However, it is unclear whether hippocampal event memories reflect temporal relations derived from mnemonic constructions, event order, or elapsing time, and whether these sequence representations generalize temporal relations across similar sequences. Here, participants mnemonically constructed times of events from multiple sequences using infrequent cues and their experience of passing time. After learning, event representations in the anterior hippocampus reflected temporal relations based on constructed times. Temporal relations were generalized across sequences, revealing distinct representational formats for events from the same or different sequences. Structural knowledge about time patterns, abstracted from different sequences, biased the construction of specific event times. These findings demonstrate that mnemonic construction and the generalization of relational knowledge combine in the hippocampus, consistent with the simulation of scenarios from episodic details and structural knowledge.
The effects and mechanisms of acids on the health of piglets and weaners – a review

Abstract The rearing of piglets is the most difficult period in the pigs’ production because of their poorly developed digestive system and the low activity of digestive enzymes. Problems in nutrition and stress cause some disorders in the functioning of the digestive system leading to diarrhea and the mortality of piglets. Starting in 2006 in the EU, a total ban on antibiotics in their use as growth promoters was introduced. Since then, new and safe feed additives have been sought in order to replace antibiotics. Organic and inorganic acids as well as their salts were recognized as effective and safe additives. Due to their properties, they can improve feed palatability and digestibility, reduce the buffer capacity of feed, impact the development and functioning of the pig’s digestive system and improve the health and growth parameters. However, the effectiveness of acids is related to their qualitative and quantitative share in the feed additive. In this review, some strategies for using organic acids, their mixtures and also some new multi-component products will be discussed.
Spatially-Resolved Integrated Precipitation-Surface-Groundwater Water Isotope Mapping From Crowd Sourcing: Toward Understanding Water Cycling Across a Post-glacial Landscape

Isotopic analyses of δ18O and δ2H of water in the context of the hydrologic cycle have allowed hydrologists to better understand the portioning of water between the different water domains. Isoscapes on a large spatial scale have been created to show isotopic variation in waters as a function of elevation, temperature, distance to coast, and water vapor source. We present the spatial and temporal isotopic results of precipitation, surface water, and groundwater of an ongoing study across Massachusetts, USA in order to establish an isotopic baseline for the region. This represents one of the most comprehensive and detailed isotopic studies of water across a 10,000 sq mi area that has exhaustively sampled important components of the terrestrial hydrologic cycle (precipitation, groundwater, and surface waters). We leverage the support of volunteers and citizen scientists to crowd source samples for isotopic analysis. The database consists of water samples from 14 precipitation sites, 409 ground water sites and 516 surface water sites across the state of Massachusetts, USA. The results indicate that groundwater isotopic composition ranges from δ18O −11 to −4‰ surface water ranges from δ18O −13 to −3.84‰ and precipitation ranges from δ18O −17.88 to −2.89‰. On a first order, the small bias of mean groundwater (−8.7‰) and surface water (−8.0‰) isotopes compared to precipitation δ18O (−7.6‰) supports that groundwater recharge and surface water storage effects through the hydrologic year impact the isotopic composition of surface and groundwater. While differences are distinct, they are larger than previously reported values, but still suggest more importance of summer precipitation than previously acknowledged. On average seasonal amplitudes of precipitation (2.7‰), surface water (1.13‰), and groundwater (~0‰) of the region demonstrate young water fractions of surface water to be 40% with groundwater ~0%. Results demonstrate that mean δ18O in precipitation, surface water and groundwaters are more enriched in heavy isotopes in areas near the coast, than the interior and western portion of Massachusetts. The hope is for this dataset to become an important tool for water management and water resource assessment across the region.
Physiological Sympathetic Activation Reduces Systemic Inflammation: Role of Baroreflex and Chemoreflex

Baroreflex and chemoreflex act through the autonomic nervous system, which is involved with the neural regulation of inflammation. The present study reports the effects of reflex physiological sympathetic activation in endotoxemic rats using bilateral carotid occlusion (BCO), a physiological approach involving the baroreflex and chemoreflex mechanisms and the influence of the baroreceptors and peripheral chemoreceptors in the cardiovascular and systemic inflammatory responses. After lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, the arterial pressure was recorded during 360 min in unanesthetized rats, and serial blood samples were collected to analyze the plasma cytokine levels. BCO elicited the reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system, providing the following outcomes: (I) increased the power of the low-frequency band in the spectrum of the systolic arterial pressure during the BCO period; (II) reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma, including the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the interleukin (IL)-1β; (III) increased the plasma levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, 90 min after LPS administration. Moreover, selective baroreceptor or chemoreceptor denervation deactivated mechanosensitive and chemical sensors, respectively, and decreased the release of the LPS-induced cytokine but did not alter the BCO modulatory effects. These results show, for the first time, that physiological reflex activation of the sympathetic circuit decreases the inflammatory response in endotoxemic rats and suggest a novel function for the baroreceptors as immunosensors during the systemic inflammation.
CD36 Senses Dietary Lipids and Regulates Lipids Homeostasis in the Intestine

Dietary lipids absorbed in the intestine are closely related to the development of metabolic syndrome. CD36 is a multi-functional scavenger receptor with multiple ligands, which plays important roles in developing hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. In the intestine, CD36 is abundant on the brush border membrane of the enterocytes mainly localized in proximal intestine. This review recapitulates the update and current advances on the importance of intestinal CD36 in sensing dietary lipids and regulating intestinal lipids uptake, synthesis and transport, and regulating intestinal hormones secretion. However, further studies are still needed to demonstrate the complex interactions between intestinal CD36 and dietary lipids, as well as its importance in diet associated metabolic syndrome.
Destination Management: The Influence of Local Food

Abstract This study investigates tourist attitudes to local food on destination choice, travel motivation, satisfaction and perceived object-related and existential authenticity. Additionally, the mediating effects of authenticity on these relationships is also examined. A quantitative survey (n = 368) by questionnaire was conducted. Data was analysed using factor analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to show that tourist attitudes to local food influence destination choice, satisfaction and perceptions of object-related and existential authenticity. Furthermore, it was found that existential authenticity, rather than object-related authenticity had a greater impact on the relationships between tourist attitudes to local food and destination choice, travel motivation and satisfaction. A clear and influential relationship between tourists’ attitudes to local food and travel behaviour was found. Tourists want an existential authentic local food experience where they can be actively involved. Destinations should emphasise unique regional specialities and highlight the experiential value of local food.
A study on the modification of electroosmotic consolidation theory using electric potential distributions

Abstract Electroosmotic chemical treatment is used for ground improvement. By applying electroosmotic characteristics, water discharge through soil pores is induced; concurrently, electricity is used to facilitate the uptake of a chemical solution by the soil, thereby achieving ground improvement. This approach involves complex electrochemical mechanisms, particularly near the anode and cathode; thus, various electrochemical reactions, including electrode corrosion, electrolysis, hydrolysis, temperature increases, deposition, ion exchange, and cementation, will occur, producing losses in the applied electric potential. Previous research has demonstrated that these problematic losses in potential during electroosmosis are particularly large near the anode and cathode. However, traditional electroosmotic consolidation theory is derived from the assumption that no loss in applied potential will occur, and therefore, this theory does not address the observed issues. In this study, the results of a year of laboratory tests are presented and are placed in the context of the relevant literature; these results indicate that there are many differences between actual potential distributions and the assumptions of traditional electroosmotic consolidation theory due to the existence of losses in applied potential. These results from data compilation and experimental tests are utilized to establish a potential distribution correction model curve of electroosmotic consolidation.
Computational studies of the mitochondrial carrier family SLC25. Present status and future perspectives

Abstract The members of the mitochondrial carrier family, also known as solute carrier family 25 (SLC25), are transmembrane proteins involved in the translocation of a plethora of small molecules between the mitochondrial intermembrane space and the matrix. These transporters are characterized by three homologous domains structure and a transport mechanism that involves the transition between different conformations. Mutations in regions critical for these transporters’ function often cause several diseases, given the crucial role of these proteins in the mitochondrial homeostasis. Experimental studies can be problematic in the case of membrane proteins, in particular concerning the characterization of the structure–function relationships. For this reason, computational methods are often applied in order to develop new hypotheses or to support/explain experimental evidence. Here the computational analyses carried out on the SLC25 members are reviewed, describing the main techniques used and the outcome in terms of improved knowledge of the transport mechanism. Potential future applications on this protein family of more recent and advanced in silico methods are also suggested.
Longer-Term Omega-3 LCPUFA More Effective Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis Than Ibuprofen in a C3HeB/FeJ Tuberculosis Mouse Model

Advancement in the understanding of inflammation regulation during tuberculosis (TB) treatment has led to novel therapeutic approaches being proposed. The use of immune mediators like anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving molecules for such, merits attention. Drug repurposing is a widely used strategy that seeks to identify new targets to treat or manage diseases. The widely explored nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen and a more recently explored pharmaconutrition therapy using omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs), have the potential to modulate the immune system and are thus considered potential repurposed drugs in this context. These approaches may be beneficial as supportive therapy to the already existing treatment regimen to improve clinical outcomes. Here, we applied adjunct ibuprofen and n-3 LCPUFA therapy, respectively, with standard anti-TB treatment, in a C3HeB/FeJ murine model of TB. Bacterial loads, lung pathology, lung cytokines/chemokines and lung lipid mediators were measured as outcomes. Lung bacterial load on day 14 post-treatment (PT) was lower in the n-3 LCPUFA, compared to the ibuprofen group (p = 0.039), but was higher in the ibuprofen group than the treated control group (p = 0.0315). Treated control and ibuprofen groups had more free alveolar space initially as compared to the n-3 LCPUFA group (4 days PT, p= 0.0114 and p= 0.002, respectively); however, significantly more alveolar space was present in the n-3 LCPUFA group as compared to the ibuprofen group by end of treatment (14 days PT, p = 0.035). Interleukin 6 (IL-6) was lower in the ibuprofen group as compared to the treated control, EPA/DHA and untreated control groups at 4 days PT (p = 0.019, p = 0.019 and p = 0.002, respectively). Importantly, pro-resolving EPA derived 9-HEPE, 11-HEPE, 12-HEPE and 18-HEPE lipid mediators (LMs) were significantly higher in the EPA/DHA group as compared to the ibuprofen and treated control groups. This suggests that n-3 LCPUFAs do improve pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory properties in TB, and it may be safe and effective to co-administer as adjunct therapy with standard TB treatment, particularly longer-term. Also, our results show host benefits upon short-term co-administration of ibuprofen, but not throughout the entire TB treatment course.