Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nuclear Fusion in Yeast and Plant Reproduction

Nuclear fusion is essential for the sexual reproduction of various organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi. During the life cycle of flowering plants, nuclear fusion occurs three times: once during female gametogenesis and twice during double fertilization, when two sperm cells fertilize the egg and the central cell. Haploid nuclei migrate in an actin filament-dependent manner to become in close contact and, then, two nuclei fuse. The nuclear fusion process in plant reproduction is achieved through sequential nuclear membrane fusion events. Recent molecular genetic analyses using Arabidopsis thaliana showed the conservation of nuclear membrane fusion machinery between plants and the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These include the heat-shock protein 70 in the endoplasmic reticulum and the conserved nuclear membrane proteins. Analyses of the A. thaliana mutants of these components show that the completion of the sperm nuclear fusion at fertilization is essential for proper embryo and endosperm development.
Experiments on the relation between freezebond and ice rubble strength, part I: shear box experiments

The freeze-bond effects on the resistance of floating ice ridges and their deformation process is investigated. The results from 14 shear box tests are presented in this paper (part I) together with a preliminary analyse. Part II gives results from individual freeze-bond tests and a comparison between experimental and numerical shear box tests. The rubble was composed of 60 x 40 x 22 mm saline ice blocks. Freeze-bonds with three different strength levels were created in the rubble by submerging it during 0 min, 10 min and 20 hours. The rubble was tested in a 600 x 600 x 40 mm Plexiglas shear box with vertical confinements of 0.9, 3 and 20 kPa. Observations show that the rubble failure initiates by freezebonds breaking. The analyses show that increased freeze-bond strength contributes to higher peak shear stress in the rubble primary failure mode and to the formation of large “block assemblies” when the rubble is breaking. This deformation pattern contributes to an increased dilatation. In the secondary failure mode, the rubble peak shear stress is higher for the tests with the long submersion times, which however present lower freeze bond strength. It is explained by the higher presence of slush between the blocks and the degraded surface of the ice increasing the friction between the blocks.
Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles aggravate septic acute kidney injury via delivering ARF6

Circulating plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) mostly originate from platelets and may promote organ dysfunction in sepsis. However, the role of platelet-derived EVs in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) remains poorly understood. The present study extracted EVs from the supernatant of human platelets treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then, we subjected PBS-EVs or LPS-EVs to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mice in vivo or LPS-stimulated renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) in vitro. Our results indicated that LPS-EVs aggravate septic AKI via promoting apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. Further, ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) was identified as a differential protein between PBS-EVs and LPS-EVs by quantitative proteomics analysis. Mechanistically, ARF6 activated ERK/Smad3/p53 signaling to exacerbate sepsis-induced AKI. LPS upregulated ARF6 in RTECs was dependent on TLR4/MyD88 pathway. Both genetically and pharmacologically inhibition of ARF6 attenuated septic AKI. Moreover, platelets were activated by TLR4 and its downstream mediator IKK controlled platelet secretion during sepsis. Inhibition of platelet secretion alleviated septic AKI. Collectively, our study demonstrated that platelet-derived EVs may be a therapeutic target in septic AKI.
Viscoelastic jet instabilities studied by direct numerical simulations

Direct numerical simulations of spatially evolving submerged jets with viscoelastic FENE-P ﬂuids at high Reynolds numbers are performed to investigate the development of inertioelastic shear-layer and jet-column instabilities. An analysis of the ﬂow structures, mean and ﬂuctuating velocities, and spectra of perturbation energy at several positions of the ﬂow shows that viscoelasticity has a destabilizing effect at the linear region of perturbation growth but a stabilizing effect at the nonlinear regime. At the linear regime, shorter waves are destabilized ﬁrst and as the Weissenberg number Wi is increased this effect is propagated towards longer waves until most modes become more unstable. The frequency domain of instability is increased by a factor larger than four for the jet at the highest Wi. At the nonlinear regime, thin sheets of highly stretched polymers at the shear-layer region lead to a suppression of the local velocity gradient and to the formation of additional inﬂection points in the base ﬂow velocity proﬁle. This is accompanied by lower rates of perturbation growth and a decrease of the characteristic Strouhal number of the jet column mode at the end of the potential core by a factor of 1.8 for the highest Wi jet. The physical mechanisms that explain the observed phenomena are offered but the need for a nonlinear stability theory that also accounts for nonparallel base ﬂow effects is highlighted. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevFluids.
Changes in floristic composition of Quercus coccifera macchia after fire in the Çukurova region (Turkey)

We studied the floristic changes in Quercus coccifera macchia after a fire that occurred in 1986. Floristic changes in the study area were observed during the first five years and the fourteenth year after the fire. Most of the pre-fire species (98.6%) returned back within the first three years after the fire. In the fifth year, the species similarity in the burned and unburned areas was 93.8%, and the vegetation nearly reached the prefire physiognomy. At the end of the fourteenth year, no significant differences in terms of floristic composition and physiognomy were observed.
Prevalence Rates of Arterial Hypertension According to the Threshold Criteria of 140/90 or 130/80 mmHg and Associated Cardiometabolic and Renal Factors: SIMETAP-HTN Study

Background and objectives: Arterial hypertension (HTN) is the leading preventable cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) and death from all causes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence rates of HTN diagnosed according to the threshold diagnostic criteria 130/80 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg, to compare blood pressure (BP) control, and to evaluate their associations with cardiovascular diseases and cardiometabolic and renal risk factors. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in primary care with a population-based random sample: 6588 people aged 18.0–102.8 years. Crude and adjusted prevalence rates of HTN were calculated. BP control was compared in HTN patients with and without ASCVD or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Their associations with cardiovascular diseases and cardiometabolic and renal factors were assessed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Adjusted prevalence rates of HTN diagnosed according to 140/90 and 130/90 criteria were 30.9% (32.9% male; 29.7% female) and 54.9% (63.2% male; 49.3% female), respectively. BP < 130/80 mmHg was achieved in 60.5% of HTN patients without ASCVD or CKD according to 140/90 criterion, and 65.5% according to 130/80 criterion. This BP-control was achieved in 70% of HTN patients with ASCVD and 71% with CKD, according to both criteria. Coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, diabetes, prediabetes, low glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hyperuricemia, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, overweight, and increased waist-to-height ratio were independently associated with HTN according to both criteria. Conclusions: Almost a third of the adult population has HTN according to the 140/90 criterion, and more than half according to the 130/90 criterion, with a higher prevalence in men. The main clinical conditions associated with HTN were heart failure, diabetes, CHD, low eGFR, and obesity.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects to Alleviate Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-Induced Colitis via Microbiome Restoration

Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) has been shown to have a variety of bioactivities. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of WPH on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice. The results indicated that WPH intervention for 37 days was effective in delaying the development of colonic inflammation, and high doses of WPH significantly inhibited weight loss (9.16%, n = 8, p < 0.05), protected the colonic mucosal layer, and significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in mice with colitis (n = 8, p < 0.05). In addition, WPH intervention was able to up-regulate the short-chain fatty acids secretion and restore the gut microbiome imbalance in mice with colitis. Notably, high-dose WPH intervention increased the relative abundance of norank_f_Muribaculaceae by 1.52-fold and decreased the relative abundance of Romboutsia and Enterobacter by 3.77-fold and 2.45-fold, respectively, compared with the Model group. WPH intervention protected colitis mice mainly by reversing the microbiome imbalance and regulating the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I pathway. This study showed that WPH has anti-inflammatory activity and a promising colitis management future.
Dietary Supplementation with Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb) Benth Fruits to Fattening Rabbits

Simple Summary Rabbit meat is considered as a functional food. But, there are few studies directed to determine the influence of natural additives from farm to the table. This study was performed using a fruit obtained from Pithecellobium dulce to follow its effect in rabbits from farm to a fresh meat product. The use of this fruit at 5% of the diet increased the dry and organic matter digestibility of the diet and improved feed conversion rate. Also, it increased acceptance of meatballs prepared with rabbit meat obtained from that animal’s feed. Abstract Pithecellobium dulce produces a fruit used in alternative medicine that could be utilized to feed rabbits. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of the P. dulce fruit on productive performance, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product quality as well as shelf-life. Seventy-two California × English pot crossbreed rabbits (35 d age) were randomly distributed into two treatments: a control group without P. dulce and another group fed with 5% of P. dulce, and fattening for 28 d. Productive performance parameters, blood biochemistry and hematology, apparent digestibility, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product shelf-life were measured. The results indicate inclusion of 5% P. dulce improves (p < 0.05) dry and organic matter digestibility and feed conversion rate, but some serum blood enzymes were increased (p < 0.05). The a* value, hardness, and pH decreased (p < 0.05) in the group fed with P. dulce. Antioxidant properties in the meatballs were different (p < 0.05), improving shelf-life and acceptance in sensory analysis. In conclusion, the use of 0.5% of P. dulce fruits to feed fattening rabbits can be used to improve the shelf-life of rabbit meat.
Development of Wordwall-Based Assessment Instruments to Measure Higher Order Thinking Skills Science Material Temperature, Heat, and Expansion

The application of higher order thinking skills (HOTS) in evaluation aims to improve the quality of students' thinking, especially about the process of solving a problem. This study aims to develop a wordwall-based assessment instrument to measure HOTS. This study methods used the Borg and Gall development model with 8 stages covering, looking for potential and formulating problems, information gathering, product design, product design validation, design revision, small group trials, product revisions, field trials. Respondents who took the test were divided into 2, namely 25 students for small group trials and all of class VII SMPN 2 Maesan, Bondowoso for field trials. The questionnaires used in this study were interview questionnaires, validation questionnaires and tests to find out students' HOTS. The results showed that the validity of the assessment instrument was 80.99% with a valid category along with the items, and the reliability of the assessment instrument was 0.770. The analysis of the discriminating power of the items produced 3 items in the very good category, 10 items in the good category, 4 items in the sufficient category, and 3 items in the poor category. Then the difficulty level analysis produces 5 questions in the too easy category, 12 questions in the medium category, and 3 questions in the too difficult category. Based on the results of the research, the assessment instrument developed was stated to be valid and suitable for use for subsequent learning evaluations even though there were minor revisions
AdaptationtoVisuomotorTransformations:Consolidation, Interference,andForgetting

taskA,whichvariesthetimeintervalbetweentaskAandtaskB,hasbeenusedextensivelytoinvestigatetheconsolidationofmotormemory.Consolidationisdefinedasresistancetoretrogradeinterference(interferencebytaskBoninitiallearningoftaskA). Consolidationhasbeendemonstratedforsimpleskills,motorsequencing,andlearningofforcefields.Incontrast,evidence to date suggests that visuomotor learning does not consolidate. We have shown previously that adaptation to a 30° screen–cursorrotationisfasterandmorecompleteonrelearning24hrlater.Thisimprovementispreventedifa30°counter-rotationislearned5minaftertheoriginalrotation.Here,wesoughttoidentifyconditionsunderwhichrotationlearningbecomesresistanttointerferencebyacounter-rotation.Inexperiment1,wefoundthatinterferencepersistsevenwhenthecounter-rotationislearned24hraftertheinitialrotation.Inexperiment2,weremovedpotentialanterogradeinterference(interferencebytaskBonrelearningoftaskA)byintroducingwashoutblocksbeforeallofthelearningblocks.Incontrasttoexperiment1,wefoundresistancetointerference(i.e.,consolidation)whenthecounter-rotationwaslearnedafter24hrbutnotafter5min.Inexperiment3,wedoubledtheamountofinitialrotationlearningandfoundresistancetointerferenceevenafter5min.Ourresultssuggestthatpersistentinterferenceisattributabletoanterogradeeffectsonmemory retrieval. When anterograde effects are removed, rotation learning consolidates both over time and with increased initialtraining.
Influence of subduction zone structure on coastal and inland attenuation in Mexico

SUMMARY Although it has been suggested in the past that the attenuation of seismic waves along the Pacific coast of Mexico and towards the continent differs, the subject has been controversial and, as yet, unresolved. Here we re-examine this issue using more extensive and higher quality data now available. Our analysis of more than 450 local and regional (R < 400 km) records from interplate earthquakes (5.0 ≤ M w ≤ 8.0; 10 ≤ H < 30 km) shows that the Fourier spectral amplitudes at inland sites exceed those at coastal ones, especially in the frequency range of 0.3–2 Hz. We find that site or source effects are not the cause of this difference. The observed disparity of amplitudes is in fact a consequence of the efficient propagation of Lg and SmS phases along the convergence direction, as it is confirmed by numerical modelling. The simulations show that the energy radiated by interplate earthquakes is efficiently guided towards the continent by the wedge-shape geometry and the structure of the subduction zone, thus enhancing the inland wavefield beyond 100–150 km. On the contrary, for coastal paths there is a rapid drop of amplitude due to lateral heterogeneity and low crustal thickness. Corresponding to geometrical spreading terms of
Effect of Supplementation with Concentrate and Groundnut Haulm in Diets on milk yield of Dairy Azawak cows

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of feeding diet containing concentrate and graded level of groundnut haulms (GH) on the milk yield of Azawak cattle. Five concentrate-groundnut mixed diets were formulated to contain on average 15% crude protein. The ratio concentrate to groundnut was 100:0; 67:33, 50; 50, 33:67 and 0:100 respectively. Twenty Azawak multiparous lactating cow aged 5-6 years and averagely weighing 317-320 kg were randomly divided into five groups of four animals each and were allotted to the five experimental diets in a randomized complete block design. Data were collected for Dry Matter Intake (DMI), Average Daily Intake (ADI), Average Daily Weight Gain (ADWG), Total Milk Yield, Average Milk yield and Feed conversion efficiency in milk (FCEM) throughout the three months experimental period. Results indicated that the average daily weight gain was higher on diet containing 50% inclusion of groundnut haulm in concentrate diet fed to Azawak cattle. The DMI by cattle was significantly (P˂0.05) higher on diet containing 67 and 100% groundnut haulm. The ADWG of lactating cows fed concentrate mixture was significantly higher on diet containing 33 and 50% inclusion levels but the feed conversion ratio was significantly higher at 50% level of groundnut haulm inclusion level. The total milk yield, average daily milk yield, the body score condition and the feed conversion efficiency in milk were not affected by the level of Groundnut haulms in the concentrate diets, but the highest values of these parameters were obtained at 50% inclusion level. It can be recommended that concentrate diet for Azawak cattle should be supplemented with 50% legume haulm for, better body score condition, feed conversion, feed conversion efficiency of milk and enhanced milk production during the long dry season.
Clinicodemographic characteristics and prognostic role of myasthenia gravis in thymoma: Experience from a Saudi population

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to determine the clinicodemographic characteristics and the prognostic role of myasthenia gravis (MG) in thymoma. METHODS: The records of patients who underwent surgical resection of thymoma at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in the past 23 years were reviewed. Seventy thymoma patients were finally included and were then categorized based on MG status into the MG group (39 patients) and the non-MG group (31 patients). Collected data included patients' demographic characteristics, tumor characteristics, and postoperative clinical outcomes. All analyses were conducted using SPSS. The comparison between both groups was tested using the Student t-test and Chi-square test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. A P = 0.05 or less indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: Patients' age ranged from 11 to 76 years, and female predominance was observed (55.7%). Compared to the non-MG group, no difference in patients' gender was observed (P = 0.058); however, MG patients had a younger age (39.30 vs. 48.77, P = 0.0095). No difference was noted between both groups based on the World Health Organization classification (P = 0.398), but MG patients tended to present with less-advanced tumors based on the TNM classification (P = 0.039) and lower stage based on the MASAOKA staging system (P = 0.017). No significant change in tumor size (P = 0.077), resectability (P = 0.507), and adjuvant therapy (P = 0.075) were observed. MG was not significantly associated with postoperative complications, morbidity, or mortality. However, it exhibited a prognostic protective role in terms of lower recurrence (2.56% vs. 35.48%, P = 0.0001) and longer survival duration (18.62 vs. 10.21 years, P < 0.001) as compared to non-MG patients. CONCLUSIONS: MG occurrence in thymoma patients is more likely to occur at a younger age, higher TNM classification, and advanced MASAOKA stage. Although no significant association was noted between MG and complications and mortality, MG exhibited a protective role in thymoma by providing a lower recurrence rate and longer survival duration.
Histamine H4 Receptor Antagonist Ameliorates the Progression of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis via Regulation of T-Cell Imbalance

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative condition characterized by immune-mediated attacks on the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in demyelination and recurring T-cell responses. The histamine H4 receptor (H4R) is mainly expressed in cellular populations and plays a vital role in inflammation and immunological responses. The role of H4R in neurons of the CNS has recently been revealed. However, the precise role of H4R in neuronal function remains inadequately understood. The objective of this work was to investigate the impact of JNJ 10191584 (JNJ), a highly effective and specific H4R antagonist, on the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and to gain insight into the underlying mechanism involved. In this study, we examined the potential impact of JNJ therapy on the course of EAE in SJL/J mice. EAE mice were administered an oral dose of JNJ at a concentration of 6 mg/kg once a day, starting from day 10 and continuing until day 42. Afterward, the mice’s clinical scores were assessed. In this study, we conducted additional research to examine the impact of JNJ on several types of immune cells, specifically Th1 (IFN-γ and T-bet), Th9 (IL-9 and IRF4), Th17 (IL-17A and RORγt), and regulatory T (Tregs; Foxp3 and TGF-β1) cells in the spleen. In this study, we further investigated the impact of JNJ on the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, T-bet, IL-9, IRF4, IL-17A, RORγt, Foxp3, and TGF-β1 in the brain. Daily treatment of JNJ effectively reduced the development of EAE in mice. The percentages of CD4+IFN-γ+, CD4+T-bet+, CD4+IL-9+, CD4+IRF4+, CD4+IL-17A+, and CD4+RORγt+ cells were shown to decrease, whereas the percentages of CD4+TGF-β1+ and CD4+Foxp3+ cells were observed to increase in EAE mice treated with JNJ. Therefore, the HR4 antagonist positively affected the course of EAE by modulating the signaling of transcription factors. The identified results include possible ramifications in the context of MS treatment.
Carcass Traits and Merit

David G. Riley1, Chad C. Chase, Jr.2, Dwain D. Johnson3, Timothy A. Olson4, Roger L. West5, Sam W. Coleman6, William A. Phillips7, Donald E. Franke8, and Eduardo Casas9 1Research Geneticist, USDA, ARS, Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, FL 2Research Animal Scientist, USDA, ARS, Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, FL 3,4Professor, UF/IFAS, Department of Animal Sciences, Gainesville, FL 5Professor (Retired), UF/IFAS, Department of Animal Sciences, Gainesville, FL 6Research Leader, USDA, ARS, Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, FL 7Research Animal Scientist, USDA, ARS, Grazinglands Research Laboratory, El Reno, OK 8Professor, Department of Animal Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 9Research Geneticist, USDA, ARS, Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE
Moringa oleifera Use in Maintaining Oral Health and Its Potential Use in Regenerative Dentistry

Phytomedicine refers to the use of naturally derived products to cure and mitigate human conditions. Natural products have the advantages of causing minimum side effects, being biocompatible, available, and economical, with a wide array of biological activities. Reports have described the use of natural products with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to treat oral conditions and promote wound healing. Moringa oleifera, known as the “drumstick” or “horseradish” tree, is believed to have medicinal properties regarding a range of medical conditions, though there is limited information on its use in oral medicine. This narrative review focuses on the use of Moringa extracts in the management of oral conditions, including oral infections, inflammatory conditions, the remineralization of hard tissues, oral wound healing, and tissue regeneration, drawing from both in vitro and in vivo studies which indicate that the potential of Moringa extracts in supporting dentin-pulp regeneration after caries or trauma is worthy of more careful consideration.