Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stagonolides J and K and Stagochromene A, two New Natural Substituted Nonenolides and a New Disubstituted Chromene-4,5-Dione Isolated from Stagonospora cirsii S-47 Proposed for the Biocontrol of Sonchus arvensis.

Two new natural 10-membered macrolides (1, 2) and one chromene-4,5-dione derivative (3), named stagonolides J and K, and stagochromene A respectively, were isolated from the phytopathogenic fungus Stagonospora cirsii S-47, together with two known compounds, stagonolide A (4) and herbarumin I (5). Stagonolides J and K, and stagochromene A were characterized as (5E,7R*,8S*,9R*)-7,8-dihydroxy-9-propyl-5-nonen-9-olide, (5E,7R,9S)-7-hydroxy-9-propyl-5-nonen-9-olide and (2R*,3R*)-3-hydroxy-2-propyltetrahydro-2H-chromene-4,5(3H,4aH)-dione respectively by spectroscopic (mostly by NMR and ESIMS) data. Compounds 1-5 showed different rates of phytotoxic activity on punctured leaf discs of Sonchus arvensis. The antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antiprotozoal activity of isolated compounds was also evaluated. Based on our data, stagonolide K and herbarumin I can be proposed as a potential scaffold for the development of a new natural herbicide and estimated as possible selection/quality markers of a bioherbicide based on S. cirsii, while stagonolide A can be considered as a mycotoxin.
Effect of High-Dose Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Atherosclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT), the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT), reported that high-dose marine omega-3 fatty acids (OM3) significantly reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, yet the mechanisms responsible for this benefit remain unknown. To test the hypothesis that high-dose OM3 is anti-atherosclerotic, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCT of high-dose OM3 on atherosclerosis. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019125566). PubMed, Embase, Cochran Central Register for Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched using the following criteria: adult participants, high-dose OM3 (defined as ≥3.0 g/day, or in Japan 1.8 g/day and purity ≥90%) as the intervention, changes in atherosclerosis as the outcome, and RCTs with an intervention duration of ≥6 months. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates across studies. Among the 598 articles retrieved, six articles met our criteria. Four RCTs evaluated atherosclerosis in the coronary and two in the carotid arteries. High-dose OM3 significantly slowed the progression of atherosclerosis (standardized mean difference −1.97, 95% confidence interval −3.01, −0.94, p < 0.001). The results indicate that anti-atherosclerotic effect of high-dose OM3 is one potential mechanism in reducing CVD outcomes demonstrated in the REDUCE-IT trial.
Parenting, self-regulation, and treatment adherence in pediatric chronic headache: A self-determination theory perspective

This study examined parenting factors associated with children’s self-regulation and physician-rated treatment adherence using a self-determination theory framework in pediatric chronic headache. Participants were 58 children and adolescents (aged 10–17 years), who underwent initial and follow-up multidisciplinary evaluation at a headache clinic, and their mothers. Regression analyses showed that higher maternal autonomy support and structure were significantly related to children’s lower treatment-related reactance and higher adherence. Maternal controllingness had associations in the opposite directions. Children’s fear of pain was related to maternal controllingness. Results suggest the importance of parents’ provision of clear expectations and engaging children in treatment problem-solving and decision-making.
AFLP and SRAP markers linked to the mj gene for root-knot nematode resistance in cucumber

Nematoides causadores de galhas (Meloidogyne spp.) em raizes de pepino Cucumis sativus L. ) sao de ocorrencia mundial. Marcadores moleculares ligados ao gene mj que confere resistencia a M. javanica em pepino podem auxiliar na selecao de plantas em programas de melhoramento genetico. Cem AFLP (EcoRI-MseI) e 112 SRAP foram usados para a selecao de parentais resistentes e susceptiveis, por meio de polimorfismos, para o desenvolvimento de marcadores moleculares ligados ao gene mj. Entre 100 oligonucleotideos iniciadores para AFLP, 92 geraram fragmentos amplificados de DNA e dois produziram candidatos a marcadores (E-ATT/M-CAA e E-AAC/M-CTG). Os dois fragmentos amplificados foram clonados e sequenciados. Oligonucleotideos iniciadores sintetizados a partir das sequencias de nucleotideos obtidas nao produziram fragmentos polimorficos entre os parentais. Alem disso, as sequencias de nucleotideos nao contem sitios de restricoes ou delecoes que possam ser convertidos em marcadores CAPS ou SCAR. As duas sequencias de nucleotideos obtidas para os marcadores polimorficos AFLP foram usadas primeiramente para sintetizar os oligonucleotideos iniciadores especificos D1F, D1R, D17F e D17R. Oligonucleotideos iniciadores senso e antisenso para SRAP foram usados em combinacoes com os quatro oligonucleotideos iniciadores especificos para identificacao de polimorfismos entre os parentais. Dentre 112 combinacoes testadas, 11 geraram polimorfismos entre individuos parentais. O programa MapMaker Exp 3.0 foi usado para analise desses 11 marcadores. Foram identificados dois marcadores inseridos no gene mj nas distancias de 16.3 e 19.3 cM. Os resultados indicam que esses marcadores podem ser usados para o desenvolvimento de marcadores moleculares para o gene mj.
Optimization of Protease and Amylase Production by Rhizopus oryzae Cultivated on Bread Waste Using Solid-State Fermentation

This research was carried for the coproduction of two industrial enzymes: α-amylase and protease via SSF by Rhizopus oryzae on humidified bread waste. Fermentation time, inoculum size, initial moisture content, salt solutions, and the thickness of the substrate were investigated one by one. Fungus culture was carried out in sterile aluminum trays, and pH was adjusted to 5.5. The main results showed that the highest levels of enzyme production were obtained at 120 h, 65% relative humidity, height media of 1 cm, 105 spore/g, and M-9 solution (g/L): NaH2PO4, 12.8; KH2PO4, 3; NaCl, 0.5; NH4Cl, 1; MgSO4 7H2O, 0.5; CaCl2 2H2O, 0.01. α-Amylase (100 U/g) and protease (2400 U/g) produced by SSF from Rhizopus oryzae (CH4) on BW as substrate are of great interest in industries and could be valorized as enhancers of the bread making process.
The growing season carbon balance of a sub-boreal clearcut 5 years after harvesting using two independent approaches to measure ecosystem CO2 flux

From 27 June to 3 September 1999, CO2 fluxes from a 5-year-old, 84.15-ha vegetated clearcut in sub-boreal British Columbia were measured using a Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB) system and a second approach (the com- ponent model) that was based on scaled up CO2-flux measurements from belowground and plants (spruce seedlings and representative deciduous species). Over the 69-day study period both methods estimated the site to be a small sink for CO2 (-22.4 and -85 g C·m -2 , respectively). Differences between the sink size of the two approaches largely resulted from a divergence in the data after 7 August when the BREB data indicated a switch from sink to source approxi- mately 14 days in advance of the same change from sink to source seen in the component model data. The main com- ponents of the CO2 flux within the clearcut were belowground respiration (338 g C·m -2 ) and deciduous plant photosynthesis (-375 g C·m -2 ). The conifer seedlings were only a minor component in overall CO2 flux over the grow- ing season (-48 g C·m -2 ). The small overall sink estimated for the site for the approximately 2.5-month growing period would likely have been surmounted by the belowground respiration if the yearly CO2 fluxes had been taken into ac- count. For example, an additional 68 g C·m -2 was added to the atmosphere from 3 to 23 September (based on belowground respiration data only), after deciduous plants senesced. This source alone was enough to push the site from a sink to a source for CO2.
Carbon nanocapsules: blocking materials inside carbon nanotubes

Filled carbon nanotubes are of increased interest due to their potential in a wide variety of applications including drug delivery systems, data storage and nano-electronic devices. Bulk filling of carbon nanotubes always results in samples containing a large amount of unwanted material external to the SWNT walls. For the envisaged applications of filled carbon nanotubes it is necessary to remove the external materials whilst preserving the material encapsulated in the SWNTs. We have observed that this can be achieved by closing the ends of the SWNTs or by using fullerenes to “cork” open-ended SWNTs. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Low-Cost Strain Gauge Displacement Sensor Fabricated via Shadow Mask Printing

This work presents a cost-effective shadow mask printing approach to fabricate flexible sensors. The liquid-state sensing material can be directly brushed on a flexible substrate through a shadow mask. The ink leakage issue which often occurs in printed electronics is addressed with a custom taping scheme. A simple thermal compression bonding approach is also proposed to package the functional area of the sensor. To verify the feasibility and robustness of the proposed fabrication approach, a prototyped strain gauge displacement sensor is fabricated using carbon ink as the sensing material and a flexible polyimide (PI) film as the substrate. Once the substrate is deformed, cracks in the solidified ink layer can cause an increased resistance in the conductive path, thus achieving function of stable displacement/strain sensing. As a demonstration for displacement sensing application, this sensor is evaluated by studying its real-time resistance response under both static and dynamic mechanical loading. The fabricated sensor shows a comparable performance (with a gauge factor of ~17.6) to those fabricated using costly lithography or inkjet printing schemes, while with a significantly lower production cost.
Exploring the Conformational Space of Bcl-2 Protein Variants: Dynamic Contributions of the Flexible Loop Domain and Transmembrane Region

Members of the Bcl-2 protein family regulate apoptosis through interactions with several proteins. A critical intrinsically disordered region (IDR) present in some members of the Bcl-2 family is essential for their function. Also, the structural and conformational plasticity of disordered regions is essential for the regulation of the Bcl-2 protein’s activity. Further, some proteins of the family contain transmembrane-helical regions, which anchor them into organelle membranes. Bcl-2, the archetypical member of the family, is characterized by an IDR labeled as a flexible loop domain (FLD) and a transmembrane domain (TMD). Another member of this family is the Bcl-2A1 protein, containing a TMD but lacking the FLD. To our knowledge, this is the first report which characterizes the individual and simultaneous dynamical contributions of FLD and TMD in Bcl-2 and Bcl-2A1 using molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). We examined the conformational spaces of Bcl-2, Bcl-2A1, and two artificial constructs lacking the TMD (Bcl-2ΔTM and Bcl-2A1ΔTM). As the results show, FLD and TMD stabilized each protein independently when they are present. When they coincided, such as in Bcl-2, an additive stabilizing effect is observed. This information is crucial for understanding the structural mechanisms of interaction in the Bcl-2 family.
Effect of twinning and sex on carcass weight and composition in lambs

The New Zealand Society of Animal Production in publishing the conference proceedings is engaged in disseminating information, not rendering professional advice or services. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production and the New Zealand Society of Animal Production expressly disclaims any form of liability with respect to anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the contents of these proceedings.
InvasiBES: Understanding and managing the impacts of Invasive alien species on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are amongst the most significant drivers of species extinction and ecosystem degradation, causing negative impacts on ecosystem services and human well-being. InvasiBES, a project funded by BiodivERsA-Belmont Forum for 2019–2021, will use data and models across scales, habitats and species to understand and anticipate the multi-faceted impacts of IAS and to provide tools for their management. Using Alien Species Narratives as reference, we will design future intervention scenarios focused on prevention, control and eradication of IAS in Europe and the United States, through a participatory process bringing together the expertise of scientists and stakeholders. We will also adapt current impact assessment protocols to assess both the detrimental and beneficial impacts of IAS on biodiversity and ecosystem services. This information will then be combined with maps of the potential distribution of Invasive Species of Interest in Europe under current and future climate-change scenarios. Likewise, we will anticipate areas under risk of invasion by range-shifting plants of concern in the US. Finally, focusing on three local-scale studies that cover a range of habitats (freshwater, terrestrial and marine), invasive species (plants and animals) and ecosystem services (supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural), we will use empirical field data to quantify the real-world impacts of IAS on biodiversity and ecosystem services and calculate indicators of ecosystem recovery after the invader is removed. Spatial planning tools (InVEST) will be used to evaluate the costs and benefits of species-specific intervention scenarios at the regional scale. Data, models and maps, developed throughout the project, will serve to build scenarios and models of biodiversity and ecosystem services that are relevant to underpin management of IAS at multiple scales.
VEGF188 promotes corneal reinnervation after injury

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) induces angiogenesis and vascular hyperpermeability in ocular tissues and is therefore a key therapeutic target for eye conditions in which these processes are dysregulated. In contrast, the therapeutic potential of VEGF’s neurotrophic roles in the eye has remained unexploited. In particular, it is not known whether modulating levels of any of the 3 major alternatively spliced VEGF isoforms might provide a therapeutic approach to promote neural health in the eye without inducing vascular pathology. Here, we have used a variety of mouse models to demonstrate differences in overall VEGF levels and VEGF isoform ratios across tissues in the healthy eye. We further show that VEGF isoform expression was differentially regulated in retinal versus corneal disease models. Among the 3 major isoforms — termed VEGF120, VEGF164, and VEGF188 — VEGF188 was upregulated to the greatest extent in injured cornea, where it was both necessary and sufficient for corneal nerve regeneration. Moreover, topical VEGF188 application further promoted corneal nerve regeneration without inducing pathological neovascularization. VEGF isoform modulation should therefore be explored further for its potential in promoting neural health in the eye.
Soil-borne fungi influence seed germination and mortality, with implications for coexistence of desert winter annual plants

Soil-borne fungi influence coexistence of plant species in mesic environments, but much less is known about their effects on demographic processes relevant to coexistence in arid and semi-arid systems. We isolated 43 fungal strains that naturally colonize seeds of an invasive winter annual (Brassica tournefortii) in the Sonoran Desert, and evaluated the impact of 18 of them on seed germination and mortality of B. tournefortii and a co-occurring native annual (Plantago ovata) under simulated summer and winter temperatures. Fungi isolated from B. tournefortii seeds impacted germination and mortality of seeds of both plant species in vitro. Seed responses reflected host-specific effects by fungi, the degree of which differed significantly between the strains, and depended on the temperature. In the winter temperature, ten fungal strains increased or reduced seed germination, but substantial seed mortality due to fungi was not observed. Two strains increased germination of P. ovata more strongly than B. tournefortii. In the summer temperature, fungi induced both substantial seed germination and mortality, with ten strains demonstrating host-specificity. Under natural conditions, host-specific effects of fungi on seed germination may further differentiate plant species niche in germination response, with a potential of promoting coexistence. Both host-specific and non-host-specific effects of fungi on seed loss may induce polarizing effects on plant coexistence depending on the ecological context. The coexistence theory provides a clear framework to interpret these polarizing effects. Moreover, fungi pathogenic to both plant species could induce host-specific germination, which challenges the theoretical assumption of density-independent germination response. These implications from an in vitro study underscore the need to weave theoretical modeling, reductive empirical experiments, and natural observations to illuminate effects of soil-borne fungi on coexistence of annual plant species in variable desert environments.
The Oil Production Capacity of Diatoms

A considerable effort has been made to identify microalgae suitable for the development of new bio products. However, diatoms have been underexplored despite their adaptability, high versatility and high productivity. This review focuses on the potential use of diatoms to develop new bio products for industrial applications. In particular, cellular mechanisms responsible for lipid synthesis and accumulation exist in diatoms and can maximize lipid (oil) production. Since diatoms are present in various types of ecosystems, from rivers to seas and ice sheets, they are very versatile and can adapt to a range of environmental conditions. Understanding the mechanisms behind the response of diatoms to particular water conditions will significantly advance our knowledge of morphogenesis and metabolism in diatoms. In particular, by modifying diatom growth parameters, it is possible to shift their metabolism towards high lipid accumulation and storage. The versatility of diatoms could then be used to promote the development of new bio products for industrial, agricultural and pharmaceutical applications. This review discusses the distinctive features of diatoms and recent advances enabling potential industrial use of diatoms for oil production.
The inter-rater reliability of the 13-point manual muscle test in people with spinal cord injury

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the inter-rater reliability of the 13-point manual muscle test (MMT) in two upper limb muscle groups of people with tetraplegia Setting: The study was conducted at three spinal cord injury (SCI) units. Participants: Sixty people with complete or incomplete tetraplegia. Methods: The inter-rater reliability of the 13-point MMT was investigated. Strength of the elbow flexors and/or wrist extensors in people with tetraplegia was measured by two physiotherapists on the same day. Results: The weighted kappa coefficient (95% confidence interval) reflecting the agreement between the two strength assessments by two different assessors for the wrist extensors and elbow flexors were 0.96 (0.93 to 0.99) and 0.94 (0.89 to 0.99), respectively. Repeat measurements by different physiotherapists were within 1 of 13 points of each other 82% of the time for wrist extensors and 87% of the time for the elbow flexors. Conclusion: The 13-point MMT is a reliable measure of strength in the wrist extensors and elbow flexors of people with tetraplegia.
Deflation of the cosmological constant associated with inflation and dark energy

In order to solve the fine-tuning problem of the cosmological constant, we propose a simple model with the vacuum energy non-minimally coupled to the inflaton field. In this model, the vacuum energy decays to the inflaton during pre-inflation and inflation eras, so that the cosmological constant effectively deflates from the Planck mass scale to a much smaller one after inflation and plays the role of dark energy in the late-time of the universe. We show that our deflationary scenario is applicable to arbitrary slow-roll inflation models. We also take two specific inflation potentials to illustrate our results.
Constructing Price Indexes across Space and Time: The Case of the European Union

This paper considers the problem of how to construct and reconcile price indexes across space and time. Six methods for constructing price indexes on a panel are proposed along with five criteria for discriminating between them. Using these methods, spatial and temporal price indexes are computed for the 15 countrie s of the European Union (EU) over the period 1995-2000 using a panel data set constructed by merging, at a low level of aggregation, the EU’s Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) with a cross-section of OECD data. These panel price indexes are then used to test whether or not price levels and relative prices converged across the EU over this period.
Efficiency in Sequential Labor and Goods Markets

This paper studies the optimal sharing of value added between consumers, producers, and labor. We first define a constrained optimum. We then compare it with the decentralized allocation. They coincide when the price maximizes the expected marginal revenue of the firm in the goods market, an outcome of the competitive search equilibrium, and when the wage exactly offsets the congestion externality of firm entry in the labor market, which is the traditional Hosios condition. Under price and wage bargaining, this allocation is achieved under a double Hosios condition combining the logic of competitive search and Hosios efficiency. The consumer receives a share of the goodsmarket trading surplus equal to the amount of externality occasioned by its search activity and the worker receives a share of the labor match surplus to offset the externality of firm entry in the matching process. A calibration of the model to the US economy indicates that the labor market is near efficient, and free-entry of consumers leads to excess excess consumer market power in setting prices. Restoring efficiency leads to a modest change in welfare.