Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON THE PROCESS OF PELLETING SALIX VIMINALIS DEPENDING ON HUMIDITY AND GRANULATION

Materials that have a lignocellulosic structure (wood, straw, sawdust, tree bark, etc.) represent important energy resources. Their main disadvantage is represented by the fact that they have very low density, which leads to difficulties in the process of handling, transport, storage, and in consequence they have increased the production costs. These drawbacks can be improved by compacting (densifying) the material at very high pressures, thus obtaining solid biofuels with a uniform structure, such as pellets. The paper presents a series of experimental research conducted on the process of compacting wood biomass from Salix viminalis, in the form of pellets, using an experimental installation, following two of the parameters with the highest influence on the pelleting process: humidity and granulation of the raw material.
HiTea: a computational pipeline to identify non-reference transposable element insertions in Hi-C data

Hi-C is a common technique for assessing three-dimensional chromatin conformation. Recent studies have shown that long-range interaction information in Hi-C data can be used to generate chromosome-length genome assemblies and identify large-scale structural variations. Here, we demonstrate the use of Hi-C data in detecting mobile transposable element (TE) insertions genome-wide. Our pipeline HiTea (Hi-C based Transposable element analyzer) capitalizes on clipped Hi-C reads and is aided by a high proportion of discordant read pairs in Hi-C data to detect insertions of three major families of active human TEs. Despite the uneven genome coverage in Hi-C data, HiTea is competitive with the existing callers based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) data and can supplement the WGS-based characterization of the TE insertion landscape. We employ the pipeline to identify TE insertions from human cell-line Hi-C samples. HiTea is available at https://github.com/parklab/HiTea and as a Docker image.
The succinate dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli: resolution as a major membrane‐bound immunogen possessing covalently bound flavin

Succinate dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.99.1) is a key component of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic electron transport systems. This membrane-bound flavoprotein catalyses the oxidation of succinate to fumarate and transfers reducing equivalents to the respiratory chain. The succinate dehydrogenase from both mammalian and yeast mitochondria [1,2] and from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum [3,4] have been well characterized. The properties of similar enzymes from two Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis [5] and Micrococcus lysodeikticus [6] have also been described. However, the succinate dehydrogenase of the model Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli has proved more refractory to detailed analysis [7,81. A relatively new and productive approach to the study of bacterial membranes and their constituents is that based upon the high-resolution two-dimensional technique of crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). Recently, a complex CIE reference profile was established for membranes of E. coli ML308-225. In the course of these studies, many of the 50 or so resolved antigens were characterized but no antigen displaying succinate dehydrogenase activity was detected, despite its earlier resolution in other systems (reviewed in [9]). We have pursued the immunochemical approach to the study of bacterial succinate dehydrogenase, and in this paper report on the CIE analysis of membranes derived from cells of E. coli ML308-225 grown aerobically in the presence of the ( rad io labe led) F A D / F M N precurso r [14C]riboflavin. We show that two previously unidentified antigens (Nos. 22 and 23) of the CIE reference profile [10,11] possess covalently bound flavin a feature characteristic of succinate dehydrogenase isolated from other sources [1], and that both express succinate dehydrogenase activity under appropriate conditions. Some of the molecular properties of these two flavoenzymes are documented in a companion paper [12]. A preliminary account of this work has been presented [13].
The Littorina Transgression in the Western Baltic Sea as Indicated by Subfossil Chironomidae (Diptera) and Cladocera (Crustacea).

Subfossil remains of chironomids, cladocerans and foraminifers found in four sediment cores from the Vejsnaes Basin, Neustadt Bay, Mecklenburg Bay, and Kiel Fjord were analyzed. The faunal assemblages from below the Littorina Transgression horizon represented a rich cladoceran and chironomid fauna typical of freshwater habitats. Above the transgression horizon chydorids disappeared, foraminifers appeared and the diverse chironomid fauna was replaced by an assemblage of three taxa, Clunio marinus, Chironomus salinarius, and Cricotopus/Halocladius, which are typical of brackish/marine conditions.
Distribution of Delphinidae (Cetacea) in relation to sea surface temperatures off Eastern and Southern New Zealand

Summary Records of four species of Delphinidae, Delphinus delphis, Lissodelphis peroni, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, and Lagenorhynchus cruciger in waters to the east and south‐east of New Zealand are discussed in relation to surface temperatures. In this region D. delphis appears to be largely confined north of the Subtropical Convergence and a minimum surface temperature of about 14°c, and near New Zealand from Hawke Bay southward in the warm water of the East Cape Current; L. peroni to the Subtropical Convergence and the subantarctic water to the south of it, between surface temperatures of 9°c and 16°c; L. obscurus to the immediate vicinity of the Subtropical Convergence and surface temperatures in summer of about 14° to 15°c, and L. cruciger across the Antarctic Convergence region, in a surface temperature range of 2° to 9°c.
Assessment of vegetation structure and human impacts in the protected area of Alédjo (Togo)

Protected areas constitute strategy for biodiversity conservation. Unfortunately, these sanctuaries of biodiversity are submitted to a high human pressure in Togo. This study carried out in the Aledjo protected area, aimed to make an analysis of various forms of human footprints and their impact on its plant resources. Methodological approach was based on forest inventory completed by inquiries. Ninety-four wooded species belonging to 35 families were counted. Floristic data analysis showed that seven species: Isoberlinia doka Craib & Stapf, Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalz. , Berlinia grandiflora (Vahl) Hutch. & Dalz. , Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. , Zanha golungensis Hiern, Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss. , Pentadesma butyracea Sabine was prominent. Five vegetation types were identified: riparian forests, dry forests, open forests, savanna woodlands, tree/shrub savannas with variable structural characteristics. The diversity indices in these plant communities are well significant and indicate a good distribution of species in the area. Several human activities such as fuel wood, fruits and medicinal plants gathering, carbonization, pasture were found within the protected area. Local authorities and associations are involved in the management of the protected area, but the participation of local populations needs to be improved. Resume Les aires protegees constituent une strategie de conservation de la biodiversite. Malheureusement, au Togo, ces sanctuaires de biodiversite sont soumis a de fortes pressions humaines. Cette etude, realisee dans l'aire protegee d'Aledjo, visait a faire une analyse des diverses formes d'empreintes humaines et de leurs impacts sur ses ressources vegetales. L'approche methodologique s'est basee sur un inventaire forestier, complete par des enquetes. Nous avons denombre 94 especes ligneuses, appartenant a 35 familles. L'analyse des donnees floristiques a mis en evidence sept especes dominantes, a savoir Isoberlinia doka Craib & Stapf, Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalz. , Berlinia grandiflora (Vahl) Hutch. & Dalz. , Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. , Zanha golungensis Hiern, Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss. et Pentadesma butyracea Sabine. Nous avons identifie cinq types de vegetation: les forets galeries, les foret seches, les forets claires, les savanes boisees et des savanes arborees/arbustives avec des caracteristiques structurales variables. Les indices de diversite dans les communautes vegetales sont eleves et indiquent une bonne distribution des especes dans l'aire. On a releve dans l'aire protegee plusieurs activites humaines, comme la collecte de bois de feu, de fruits et de plantes medicinales, la carbonisation et le pâturage. Des autorites et des associations locales sont impliquees dans la gestion de l'aire protegee, la participation des populations locales etre amelioree.
Biological Activities of Alkaloids from Pseuduvaria setosa.

Abstract Two dioxoaporphine alkaloids, N-methylouregidione (1) and ouregidione (2), and two oxoaporphine alkaloids, liriodenine (3) and oxostephanine (4), were isolated from the aerial part of Pseuduvaria setosa (King) J. Sinclair. All four alkaloids displayed antituberculosis activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with 3 as the most active at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 µg/ml. Compound 3 was also the only alkaloid isolated from this plant that displayed antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum with the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.8 µg/ml. Compounds 3 and 4 were strongly cytotoxic to both epidermoid carcinoma (KB) and breast cancer (BC) cell lines, whereas 2 was moderately active against BC cells. Both 1 and 2 were active against small cell lung cancer (NCI-H187) cell line and were able to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation with stimulation indices (SI) of more than 1.
Effects of Ramadan fasting on male judokas’ performances in specific and non-specific judo tasks

This study aimed to examine the effects of Ramadan on judokas’ performances in specific and non-specific tasks performed in the afternoon. Twelve male black belt judokas voluntarily participated in this study. The experimental design consisted of two testing phases: the fourth week of Ramadan (FWR) and five weeks after Ramadan (AR). At each phase, the judokas performed two test sessions. During the first one, they performed the squat jump (SJ), the countermovement jump (CMJ), and then, a maximal graded cycle test to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). During the second one, the judokas carried out a specific judo test. All tests were performed in the afternoon (i.e. 16:00 h). The results showed that jump heights measured in the SJ (p < 0.05) and the CMJ (p < 0.05) were significantly lower during the FWR than AR. Likewise, VO2max (p < 0.05) and peak heart rate recorded during the specific judo test (p < 0.001) were significantly higher AR with respect to the FWR. Moreover, the number of uchi-komi performed in the specific judo test was significantly lower during the FWR compared to AR (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that Ramadan leads to impairment in judokas’ physical performances during generic and specific judo tests performed in the afternoon.
Ancestry of KNOX genes revealed by bryophyte (Physcomitrella patens) homologs

Summary • Structural and phylogenetic studies of KNOX genes identified in the bryophyte Physcomitrella patens are reported here, to provide insights into the evolution of class 1 and class 2 KNOX genes. • Three KNOTTED1 -like homeobox ( KNOX ) genomic clones were isolated and sequenced from P. patens . Corresponding cDNAs from a library, prepared from mRNA transcripts isolated from gametophytic tissues, were also sequenced. • Conceptual translation and analysis of the bryophyte coding sequences revealed a domain pattern and secondary structures typical of higher plant KNOX proteins. Intron number and positions within the genes were also highly conserved between moss and angiosperm loci, providing further support for their homology. Structural and phylogenetic analyses indicated that moss clones ( MKN2 and MKN4 ) represent class 1 KNOX genes and the remaining clone ( MKN1–3 ) is a class 2 KNOX gene. • We conclude that the observed protein domain pattern is encoded by homeobox genes that evolved after separation of the plant lineage from that of fungi and animals, and must have been present in the common ancestor to mosses and seed plants. It is proposed that gene duplication and diversification, which created class 1 and 2 KNOX gene subfamilies, occurred after separation of this common ancestor from its algal progenitor (since a characterized algal KNOX gene cannot be assigned to class 1 or 2), but before the moss and higher plant lineages diverged.
TrkB activation in Parvalbumin interneurons orchestrates cortical plasticity

Critical period plasticity during early postnatal life is followed by a consolidated state through the maturation of interneuron networks and development of perineuronal nets (PNN) surrounding parvalbumin (PV) interneurons. However, critical period-like plasticity can be induced in the adult brain (iPlasticity). Over a shorter time scale, PV interneurons can alternate between high and low plasticity states (PV-plasticity) to regulate memory encoding and consolidation. We now show that iPlasticity and PV-plasticity in the adult visual cortex are induced by the activation of TrkB neurotrophin receptors in PV interneurons. Optical activation of TrkB specifically in PV interneurons switches adult cortical networks into a state of elevated plasticity within minutes. The activation changes PV properties characterized by ocular dominance plasticity and reduced PV and PNN expression. Our results show that TrkB activity within PV interneurons is essential for iPlasticity and orchestrates plasticity states within adult cortical networks.
Understory vegetation as a forest ecosystem driver: evidence from the northern Swedish boreal forest

Vegetation research in boreal forests has tended to focus on the tree component, while little attention has been paid to understory components such as dwarf shrubs, mosses, and reindeer lichens. However, the productivity of understory vegetation is probably comparable to that of the trees. We review recent research in the boreal forest of northern Sweden to highlight the ecological importance of understory vegetation, both in the short term by influencing tree seedling regeneration, and in the longer term by affecting belowground processes such as decomposition, nutrient flow, and buildup of soil nutrients. Wildfire resulting from lightning strike is a primary determinant of understory vegetation, and as such is a major driver of forest community and ecosystem properties. Forest management practices that alter the fire regime and the composition of understory vegetation may have long-term consequences for both conservation goals and commercial forest productivity.
Heparin inhibits cellular invasion by SARS-CoV-2: structural dependence of the interaction of the surface protein (spike) S1 receptor binding domain with heparin

The dependence of the host on the interaction of hundreds of extracellular proteins with the cell surface glycosaminoglycan heparan sulphate (HS) for the regulation of homeostasis is exploited by many microbial pathogens as a means of adherence and invasion. The closely related polysaccharide heparin, the widely used anticoagulant drug, which is structurally similar to HS and is a common experimental proxy, can be expected to mimic the properties of HS. Heparin prevents infection by a range of viruses if added exogenously, including S-associated coronavirus strain HSR1. Heparin prevents infection by a range of viruses if added exogenously, including S-associated coronavirus strain HSR1. Here, we show that the addition of heparin to Vero cells between 6.25 - 200 μg. ml−1, which spans the concentration of heparin in therapeutic use, and inhibits invasion by SARS-CoV-2 at between 44 and 80%. We also demonstrate that heparin binds to the Spike (S1) protein receptor binding domain and induces a conformational change, illustrated by surface plasmon resonance and circular dichroism spectroscopy studies. The structural features of heparin on which this interaction depends were investigated using a library of heparin derivatives and size-defined fragments. Binding is more strongly dependent on the presence of 2-O or 6-O sulphation, and the consequent conformational consequences in the heparin structure, than on N-sulphation. A hexasaccharide is required for conformational changes to be induced in the secondary structure that are comparable to those that arise from heparin binding. Enoxaparin, a low molecular weight clinical anticoagulant, also binds the S1 RBD protein and induces conformational change. These findings have implications for the rapid development of a first-line therapeutic by repurposing heparin as well as for next-generation, tailor-made, GAG-based antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 and other members of the Coronaviridae.
Differential Susceptibilities of Wheat and Barley to Diphenyl Ether Herbicide Oxyfluorfen

Abstract Wheat is known to be relatively tolerant to diphenyl ether herbicides. Growth and physiological responses of wheat to diphenyl ether herbicide oxyfluorfen were examined in comparison with those of oxyfluorfensusceptible barley. Compared to barley, wheat was significantly less susceptible to the herbicide with preemergence and postemergence treatments. The differential susceptibilities of wheat and barley to the herbicide were more apparent with postemergence than with preemergence treatment. The effects of the herbicide on causing cellular leakage, chlorophyll loss, and lipid peroxidation were much lower in wheat than in barley leaves. Protoporphyrin IX accumulated in both wheat and barley leaves treated with oxyfluorfen, in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the magnitude of the protoporphyrin IX accumulation was much lower in wheat than in barley leaves treated with oxyfluorfen at a concentration of higher than 0.33 μM. Protoporphyrinogen oxidase from wheat leaves was found to be less susceptible to oxyfluorfen than that from barley leaves. The I 50 concentrations of oxyfluorfen on protoporphyrinogen oxidase activity were approximately 0.2 and 0.06 μM for wheat and barley etioplasts, respectively. Whereas the inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase in barley etioplasts increased with increasing concentration of oxyfluorfen, protoporphyrinogen oxidase in wheat etioplasts was not further inhibited beyond 0.33 μM oxyfluorfen concentrations. In addition, both plant species similarly responded to superoxide anion-generating paraquat and to singlet oxygen-generating rose bengal, implying that the relative tolerance of wheat to oxyfluorfen is not due to protective mechanism against active oxygen species. Our results suggest that the differential susceptibilities of wheat and barley to oxyfluorfen are at least partly due to the differential inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase by the herbicide, and thereby wheat is relatively tolerant to the herbicide.
Nitrogen and phosphorus content of some temperate and tropical freshwater fishes

The nitrogen and phosphorus content of two temperate fishes, Rutilus rutilus and Perca fluviatilis, and six tropical fishes, Oreochromis niloticus, Cichla monoculus, Serrassalmus rhombeus, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Prochilodus brevis and Hoplias malabaricus, were investigated to test the hypothesis that variation in body P content and N:P ratio is related to body size. Regressions of %P and N:P ratios against fish size (length and mass) confirmed the hypothesis for P. fluviatilis and P. squamosissimus, suggesting that body size is an important factor driving body P content and N:P ratios in some fishes. Moreover, significant increases in %N and N:P ratio with body size was found for H. malabaricus, a common piscivorous fish of the Neotropics. Interspecific variation in %P and N:P ranged two-fold and significant differences (P < 0·05) were found among the tested species. The mean ±s.d. elemental content across all fishes (n= 170) was 10·35 ± 1·29% for N and 3·05 ± 0·82% for P, while the N:P ratio was 8·00 ± 2·14. Data on fish body nutrient content and ratio will improve parameterization of bioenergetics and mass balance models and help clarify the role of fishes in nutrient cycles in both temperate and tropical freshwaters.
Bone Strength of Height-Restricted Broilers as Affected by Levels of Calcium, Phosphorus, and Manganese

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of certain dietary minerals on humerus breaking strength of broilers grown for 7 weeks in colony cage floor pens 30 cm high or grown in regular floor pens. Data were also collected on tibia strength in the first two experiments. The following dietary factors were involved: Experiment 1 consisted of three diets with increasing amounts of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) but constant Ca:P ratio of 1.3:1.0; Experiment 2 comprised four diets with different P levels but with Ca constant at . 9%, causing the Ca:P ratio to vary from 1.8:1.0 to . 8:1.0; Experiment 3 was made up of six diets with three increasing levels of Ca and P but a constant Ca:P ratio of 1.3:1.0 and two manganese levels in a factorial arrangement. Data from all three experiments showed humerus breaking strength for broilers grown in regular floor pens to be significantly greater than for those grown in colony cage floor pens. No significant difference was found in tibia strength due to pen type. In Experiment 1, tibia and humerus breaking strengths increased as dietary Ca and P increased. In Experiment 2, humerus breaking strength maximized with dietary P at . 7 and . 9%. In the final experiment, varying manganese (Mn) caused no statistically significant differences in humerus breaking strength. There was some evidence that high Mn levels may interfere with Ca and P absorption or utilization when these minerals are at low levels. These data show slight improvements can be made in humerus strength of height-restricted birds by increasing dietary Ca and P provided a Ca:P ratio of approximately 1.3:1.0 is maintained.
Flooding to Restore Connectivity of Regulated, Large-River Wetlands Natural and controlled flooding as complementary processes along the lower Missouri River

You can always count on finding the Mississippi just where you left it last year. But the Missouri is a tawny, restless, brawling flood. It cuts corners, runs around at night, fills itself with snags and traveling sandbars, lunches on levees, and swallows islands and small villages for dessert. Its perpetual dissatisfaction with its bed is the greatest peculiarity of the Missouri. It makes farming as fascinating as gambling. You never know whether you are going to harvest corn or catfish (Fitch 1907, p. 637).
Microtopography and methane flux in boreal peatlands, northern Ontario, Canada

Fluxes of methane were measured by a static chamber technique at hummock, hollow, and lawn microtopographic locations in 12 peatland sites near Cochrane, northern Ontario, from May to October 1991. Average fluxes (mg∙m−2∙d−1) were 2.3 (SD = 1.9) at hummocks, 44.4 (SD = 49.0) at hollows, and 15.6 (SD = 12.9) at lawns. Methane flux was negatively correlated with average water table position based on the 36 locations (r2 = 0.649, p < 0.001), with hummocks having a smaller flux than hollows or lawns, where the water table depth was < 25 cm. Peat samples from a bog hummock and hollow failed to produce methane during anaerobic incubations in the laboratory; samples from a poor fen hollow produced < 1.4 μg∙g−1∙d−1. The production decreased with depth but was greater than the rates observed during the incubation of samples from an adjacent hummock. Rates of methane consumption during aerobic incubations ranged from 1 to 55 μg∙g−1∙d−1 and were greatest in the surface layers and decreased with depth. Differences in.