Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Composition and dynamics of potentially toxic dinoflagellates in a shallow Mediterranean lagoon

AbstractThe population dynamics of harmful microalgae was investigated in the semi-enclosed shallow lagoon, Tunis northern lagoon (South Mediterranean), during a 1-year period from January to December 2007. A total number of 16 potentially toxic dinoflagellates were identified. Density of each species was analyzed in time and space and in relation to environmental parameters. Some species such as Alexandrium catenella, A. pseudogonyaulax, A. tamarense, Dinophysis sacculus, Prorocentrum lima, P. minimum and Gonyaulax spinifera developed high cell concentrations, particularly during spring and summer seasons. Other species such as A. insuetum, A. lee, A. minutum, Coolia monotis, D. acuminata, D. caudata, D. fortii, Ostreopsis siamensis and P. concavum were detected in this coastal ecosystem, but they were rare or appeared in very low densities.Densities of the most abundant species were closely associated with spring and summer conditions, being positively correlated with water temperature and salinity. These species performed well in this lagoon, but the specific species-dependent affinity to each of the environment factors determined which organisms proliferated. The spatial distribution of the abundant species exhibited a marked increase towards the western and southern parts of the lagoon represented by sites C, D and E. Examination of the temporal distribution revealed that the species more prone to bloom are those with extensive spatial distribution and frequent presence throughout the year such as D. sacculus. Statistical analysis of D. sacculus density dynamics showed a significant difference between summer and winter assemblages. It presented a positive correlation with water temperature and salinity, but it seems to be tolerant to all levels of nutrients.
Clinical Characteristics of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Cirrhosis

Aim Cirrhosis is rare in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with a poor prognosis. This study is aimed at retrospectively analyzing our single-center experience to explore the characteristics of cirrhosis in SLE patients. Methods SLE patients with cirrhosis from 2012 to 2019 were enrolled. SLE diagnosis was rigorously confirmed by a medical record review according to the revised 1997 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE. The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was based on a combination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging criteria features. We conducted a case-control study in SLE patients complicated with the cirrhosis group and the age-, sex-, and entry-time-matched noncirrhosis group. Results A total of 21 patients with SLE cirrhosis were enrolled, 3 males and 18 females. The median age at the time of cirrhosis diagnosis was 47.3 ± 4.0 years, and the mean disease duration of SLE before cirrhosis was 4.7 ± 1.0 years. The most common initial presentation was the involvement of the hematological system in 9 patients and then skin and mucosal involvement in 5 patients, arthritis in 4 patients, and nephritis in 3 patients. Patients with cirrhosis had a significantly higher rate of hematological system involvement (thrombocytopenia and leukopenia) and worse liver function; a higher level of immune globulin G had higher mortality (p < 0.05) than patients without cirrhosis. Conclusions Cirrhosis is a rare and severe subtype of SLE with a poor prognosis. Those patients with hematological system involvement and impaired liver function should be paid more attention.
Efflux pump inhibitors in bacteria

The efficacy of antibiotherapy of infectious diseases is strongly compromised by the advent and spread of antibiotic resistance. Active efflux of cytotoxic drugs mediated by multi-drug transporters is the basis of multi-drug resistance in prokaryotic cells. Thus, inhibition of efflux pumps appears to be a promising strategy to combat multi-drug resistance pathogens. Different classes of inhibitors structurally unrelated have been patented in the last decade.
Asymmetric Amination of 4‐Methoxyphenylacetone and Its Related Compounds with Microorganisms

Asymmetric amination of 4-methoxyphenylacetone and its related compounds by microorganisms was investigated. Among 630 type culture strains, 4-methoxyphenylacetone-aminating ability was found inBrevibacterium, Chromobacterium, Flavobacterium, Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas, andSarcina spp. 4-Methoxyamphetamine produced by these microorganisms was the (S)-(+)-enantiomer.B. linens IFO 12141 was selected as the best strain. The optimum pH of amination was about 7.0, andl-alanine was the most effective aminov donor for the amination. By using this strain, 37.6 mM (S)-(+)-4-methoxyamphetamine was formed with a 94% conversion yield from 4-methoxyphenylacetone. As for substrate specificity,B. linens IFO 12141 catalysed amination of 3,4-dimethoxyphenylacetone and 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone, and formed the corresponding optically active amines.
Evolutionary trace analysis of the α‐D‐phosphohexomutase superfamily

The α‐D‐phosphohexomutase superfamily is composed of four related enzymes that catalyze a reversible, intramolecular phosphoryl transfer on their sugar substrates. The enzymes in this superfamily play important and diverse roles in carbohydrate metabolism in organisms from bacteria to humans. Recent structural and mechanistic studies of one member of this superfamily, phosphomannomutase/phosphoglucomutase (PMM/PGM) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have provided new insights into enzyme mechanism and substrate recognition. Here we use sequence–sequence and sequence–structure comparisons via evolutionary trace analysis to examine 71 members of the α‐D‐phosphohexomutase superfamily. These analyses show that key residues in the active site, including many of those involved in substrate contacts in the P. aeruginosa PMM/PGM complexes, are conserved throughout the enzyme family. Several important regions show class‐specific differences in sequence that appear to be correlated with differences in substrate specificity exhibited by subgroups of the family. In addition, we describe the translocation of a 20‐residue segment containing the catalytic phosphoserine of phosphoacetylglucosamine mutase, which uniquely identifies members of this subgroup.
Predicting satisfaction and intentions to use online food delivery: What really makes a difference?

ABSTRACT Online food delivery (OFD) is no longer a new concept for the majority of Americans. Large food delivery companies make millions in revenues and those numbers are expected to increase. This study was conducted to investigate customer intentions to use OFD services through the evaluation of satisfaction, food quality, and OFD service quality. The OFD service quality was assessed via e-SELFQUAL dimensions, and included perceived control, service convenience, customer service, and service fulfillment. The study determined that food quality, control, customer service, and service fulfillment affect customer satisfaction in online food delivery services. Customer satisfaction showed a strong positive impact on behavioral intentions to use OFD.
Environmental correlates of assemblages of fishes in the Tilostoc River of central Mexico

Abstract Ordination, correlation, and regression analyses were used to identify trophic and taxonomic distributional patterns of fishes in the Tilostoc River (located west of Valle de Bravo Lake in the Middle Balsas Basin, central Mexico) and associations of these patterns with environmental variables. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis indicated that trophic and taxonomic assemblages corresponded similarly to measured environmental gradients, especially elevation and velocity of currents. We also compared the trophic structure of assemblages of fishes of the Tilostoc River to that of Terreros Creek, a temperate system of similar size and species richness but with a taxonomically different group of species. The two basins were significantly different, indicating strong historical constraint on trophic structure. Our trophic matrix for Tilostoc River was strongly correlated with the taxonomic matrix.
Differentiating microbial taxonomic and functional responses to physical disturbance in bulk and rhizosphere soils

The rhizosphere is an important hotspot of soil microbial activity, diversity, and functions. Despite being a microbial hotspot, studies have seldom addressed the differences in the response of the microbial community in bulk and rhizosphere soils to domestic animal disturbance. Here, we investigated grassland disturbance by physical uprooting behaviours of Tibetan pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) on bacterial taxonomy and functions in three soil types: Histosols, Fluvisols, and Gleysols which are dominant on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. We found that after 8 years of continued disturbance, compared to the undisturbed sites, disturbance consistently reduced rhizosphere bacterial α diversity (by 34.6% on average), restructured taxonomic communities, and weakened their carbon substrate utilization capacities in all soil types. The relative abundance of the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteriodetes increased, but the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Nitrospirae decreased in the rhizosphere under disturbance. In contrast, most detected taxonomic changes in bulk soils were minor, and their changing directions were divergent among studied soil types. Compared to the undisturbed, carbon utilization potential by rhizosphere microbes decreased under disturbance and the decrease extent was stronger (by 30.4% on average) than that in bulk soil. The strengthened environmental filtering, imposed by the significant reduction of soil water‐holding capacity and nutrient contents as well as the physical destruction of soil aggregates after disturbance, provided mechanistic insight into the extensive microbial restructuring within the rhizosphere. These results may have implications for recognizing changed root‐microbe interactions and ecological processes in disturbed soils for better understanding soil ecology under intensified herding activities.
Mutation of Residue Arginine18 of Cytochrome b559α-Subunit and its Effects on Photosystem II Activities in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

It has been known that arginine is used as the basic amino acid in the α-subunit of cytochrome b559 (Cyt b559) except histidine. However, previous studies have focused on the function of histidine in the activities of photosystem (PS) II and there are no reports regarding the structural and/or functional roles of arginine in PSII complexes. In the present study, two arginine18 (R18) mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were constructed using site-directed mutagenesis, in which R18 was replaced by glutamic acid (E) and glycine (G). The results show that the oxygen evolution of the PSII complex in the R18G and R18E mutants was approximately 60% of wild-type (WT) levels and that, after irradiation at high light intensity, oxygen evolution for the PSII of mutants was reduced to zero compared with 40% in WT cells. The efficiency of light capture by PSII (Fv/Fm) of R18G and R18E mutants was approximately 42%–46% that of WT cells. Furthermore, levels of the α-subunit of Cyt b559 and PsbO proteins were reduced in thylakoid membranes compared with WT. Overall, these data suggest that R18 plays a significant role in helping Cyt b559 maintain the structure of the PSII complex and its activity, although it is not directly bound to the heme group.
Longevity trend risk over limited time horizons

Abstract We consider various aspects of longevity trend risk viewed through the prism of a finite time window. We show the broad equivalence of value-at-risk (VaR) capital requirements at a p-value of 99.5% to conditional tail expectations (CTEs) at 99%. We also show how deferred annuities have higher risk, which can require double the solvency capital of equivalently aged immediate anuities. However, results vary considerably with the choice of model and so longevity trend-risk capital can only be determined through consideration of multiple models to inform actuarial judgement. This model risk is even starker when trying to value longevity derivatives. We briefly discuss the importance of using smoothed models and describe two methods to considerably shorten VaR and CTE run times.
Growth, variations and age criteria in Apodemus agrarius (Pallas, 1771)

Na materiale 1210 osobnikow myszy polnej Apodemus agrarius zlowionych w ciągu dwoch lat na terenie parku miejskiego w Warszawie, zbadano wzrost i starzenie sie osobnikow na podstawie 9 pomiarow ciala i czaszki oraz starcia zebow i ciezaru suchej masy soczewki oka. Stwierdzono, ze najbardziej rownolegle z wiekiem myszy i najmniej zaleznie od warunkow środowiska i fizjologii osobnika zmienia sie stopien starcia zebow i ciezar suchej masy soczewki.
Nutritional quality of Metamysidopsis insularis Brattegard (Crustacea: Mysidacea)

In natural conditions the mysid Metamysidopsis insularis is commonly found in the littoral lagoon of Margarita Island (Venezuela). It is used as live food in the marine fish culture. However, its nutritional quality is not well documented. In the present study we analysed the nutritional value (total protein, carbohydrate and lipids profile) of M. insularis. The mysids were collected in La Restinga lagoon (Margarita Island, Venezuela). Levels of total proteins, lipids and carbohydrates were 700 ± 28.5, 160 ± 13.9 and 20 ± 0.90 gk g )1 respectively. The lipids classes were 427 ± 2, 106 ± 98, 287 ± 113 and 179 ± 87 for phospholipids, triglycerides, cholesterol and cholesterol esters respectively. The fatty acids profile, determined by gas chromatography, showed important concentration of fatty acids for the metabolism of marine organism, such as 16:0, 18:0, 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 18:4-3, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3; attaining levels of 27.49% in PUFA n-3 and 2.92% in n-6. The relation of eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid was 2.1 ± 0.15. The results support the use of M. insularis as food for species of fish and crustaceans under culture conditions.
Robust Secure Beamforming and Power Splitting for Millimeter-Wave Cognitive Satellite–Terrestrial Networks With SWIPT

In this article, we investigate robust secure beamforming and power splitting for multiuser secondary terrestrial networks with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer, which coexist with primary satellite networks in the same millimeter-wave bands. In particular, a base station is equipped with a uniform planar array, and a secondary user (SU) employs a power-splitting-type receiver. Under an angle-based channel state information (CSI) error model, we formulate an optimization problem with the aim to maximize the minimal worst-case achievable secrecy rate among all SUs, while satisfying the quality-of-service (QoS) constraints for each SU, the interference limit for a primary satellite earth station, and the power consumption limit for the base station. To handle the intractable problem, we propose an iterative algorithm based on a series of approximations and a concept of the convex hull. Specifically, the former is for jointly designing secure beamformers and power splitting ratios, and the latter is for ensuring robustness to the angle-based CSI uncertainty. Furthermore, we analyze the computational complexity of this algorithm and extend the proposed scheme for solving a weighted sum secrecy rate maximization problem. Numerical results validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed scheme compared to the existing approaches, and obtain an insight into different robust designs.
Sequence-based species delimitation in the Balkan Bythinella Moquin-Tandon, 1856 (Gastropoda: Rissooidea) with general mixed Yule coalescent model

Three sets of sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) from a spring snail Bythinella representing all the Balkans (63 sequences), Greece (78 sequences), and Romania (136 sequences), were used to infer maximum likelihood ultrametric trees. The trees were used to run General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) analyses assuming single threshold and multiple threshold models. For the single threshold model the threshold value was identical (0.00248 substitution per site) for each data set; for the multiple one the threshold value varied widely for the Balkan tree. Despite the same threshold value, the distinctness of the same lineages varied among trees, mostly due to differences in the models of substitution inferred for each set of sequences, but also due to different proportions of singletons in the data sets. The inferred numbers of ML entities, theoretically equalling the numbers of species, compared with all the biological evidence available so far, were overestimated in Romanian and Greek trees, but realistic in the tree for all the Balkans.
Recent Advances in Chitosan-Based Metal Nanocomposites for Wound Healing Applications

Chitosan (CS) has been extensively studied as a natural polymer, in the field of wound repair, due to its useful properties, which include a lack of toxicity and stimulation, excellent biological affinity, degradability, and promotion of collagen deposition. However, inferior mechanical strength and moderate antibacterial properties are the drawbacks restricting its further clinical application. Many researchers have adopted the use of nanotechnology, in particular metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), in order to improve the mechanical strength and specific antibacterial properties of chitosan composites, with promising results. Furthermore, chitosan naturally functions as a reducing agent for MNPs, which can also reduce cytotoxicity. Thus, CS, in combination with MNPs, exhibits antibacterial activity, excellent mechanical strength, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has great potential to accelerate the process of wound healing. This review discusses the current use of CS and MNPs in wound healing and emphasises the synergy and the advantages for various applications in wound healing.
Inflorescence typology in setaria p.beauv. (poaceae, paniceae): With 7 figures

As a contribution to the knowledge of inflorescences within the tribe Paniceae, the inflorescences of American species of Setaria are analyzed typo-logically. All the inflorescences in Setaria are polytelic and truncated. Inflorescence structure is considerably variable among species within this genus, ranging from highly developed to remarkably reduced panicle like inflorescences, both in terms of branching as well as in the relations of internode length. The main axis and the paracladia end in sterile units (setas or bristles). The spikelets are the coflorescences of paracladia lacking a paracladial zone. The pedicels can be interpreted as basal florescence internodes. The setae can be considered as a sterile part of the rachis the distal part of either the main axis or a paracladium that bears a basal spikelet. This spikelet represents the coflorescence of a paracladium of higher order than the seta. Infloreszenztypologie der Gattung Setaria P.BEAUV. (Poaceae, Paniceae) Zur Erweiterung der Kenntnisse uber die Infloreszenzen in der Tribus Paniceae, wurden die Infloreszenzen amerikanischer Arten der Gattung Setaria typologisch analysiert. Alle Infloreszenzen bei Setaria sind polytelisch und trunkat. Die Infloreszenz-Struktur ist innerhalb der Arten dieser Gattung bemerkenswert variabel, sie bewegt sich zwischen hochst entwickelt bis zu auffallend reduzierten Panikel ebenso wie bei den Infloreszenzen sowohl in Bezug auf die Verzweigung als auch im Verhaltnis der Internodien-Lange. Die Ahrchen sind die Kofloreszenzen der Parakladia, denen eine Parakladial-Zone fehlt. Die Blutenstangel konnen als basale Internodien-Bluten gedeutet werden. Die Seta lassen sich als steriler Part der Rhachis betrachten; der distale Teil ist entweder die Hauptachse oder ein Parakladium, das basale Ahrchen tragt. Die Ahrchen reprasentieren die Kofloreszenz eines Parakladiums, das von hoherer Ordnung ist als die Seta.
Adaptation Strategy and Clustering from Scratch for New Domains of Speaker Recognition

This paper investigates the domain adaptation back-end methods introduced over the past years for speaker recognition, when the mismatch between training and test data induces a severe degradation of performance. The conducted analyses lead to suggest some ways, experimentally validated, for the task of collecting in-domain data and making the most of the first data at hand. The proposed strategy helps to quickly increase accuracy of the detection, without omitting to take into account the practical difficulties of the task of data collecting in real-life situations , and without the cost and delay for forming the expected large and speaker-labeled in-domain dataset. Moreover, a new approach of artificial speaker labeling by clustering is proposed, that dispenses of collecting a preliminary annotated in-domain dataset, with a similar gain of efficiency.
The effect of interspecific competition on conifer seedling growth and nitrogen availability measured using ion-exchange membranes

During the early establishment phase, outplanted white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings are vulnerable to lethargic growth or mortality because of interspecific competition for soil nutrients, particularly N. Accurately quantifying the degree of N competition is essential for supporting effective vegetation management (VM) decisions. This study evaluated the use of in situ burials of ion-exchange membrane (IEM; Plant Root SimulatorTM-probes) for quantifying differences in soil N supply rate between different VM treatments and the relationship of this N availability index to early growth of conifer seedlings at four boreal forest sites. At most sites, the effect of noncrop N uptake on soil N availability was apparent, with smaller NH4+-N, NO3-N, and total dissolved inorganic N (DIN) supply rates in control plots than in VM plots. Total DIN supply rate was correlated (R2 = 0.60 to 0.73, P < 0.01) with seedling height, root-collar diameter, and stem volume .
Coupled Microbiological–Isotopic Approach for Studying Hydrodynamics in Deep Reservoirs: The Case of the Val d’Agri Oilfield (Southern Italy)

The studies upstream of the petroleum industry include oil and gas geological exploration and are usually focused on geological, structural, geophysical, and modeling techniques. In this research, the application of a coupled microbiological–isotopic approach was explored to assess its potential as an adequate characterization and monitoring tool of geofluids in oilfield areas, in order to expand and refine the information acquired through more consolidated practices. The test site was selected within the Val d’Agri oilfield, where some natural hydrocarbon springs have been documented since the 19th century in the Tramutola area. Close to these springs, several tens of exploration and production wells were drilled in the first half of the 20th century. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach for the analysis of fluid dynamics in complex systems, such as oilfield areas, and highlighted the capacity of microbial communities to “behave” as “bio-thermometers”, that is, as indicators of the different temperatures in various subsurface compartments.