Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical, Physical and Sensory Attributes of Formed and Frozen, Baked Sweetpotato

Jumbo-size, baked sweetpotato roots of Southern Delight and Carolina Bunch (CB) cultivars were prepared as a formed, frozen product. Cultivar differences affected composition slightly. A baking regime of 204°C for 70–80 min resulted in β-carotene of 48.5 mg/100g, 2.3% greater than that at 190°C for 75–90 min. Between cultivars Hunter color values were different (p < 0.05). Color was an intense orange. Minor color changes occurred during 6 mo storage at −17°C, but no trend developed. CB produced the more acceptable product with greater purchase potential. Baking and storage exhibited minimum sensory effects.
Evaluating an Anatomy‐Specific Tool for Blooming Exam Questions

Bloom's taxonomy is commonly used to assess the cognitive level of exam questions and other course assignments. Our previous research found that ‘Blooming’ pathology exam questions was difficult when using guidelines that were not discipline‐specific. Achieving consistency in scoring required that the observers independently rank and then discuss each exam question. Although this strategy is highly reliable, it is inefficient and may impose a limit on the number of questions that can be evaluated. In addition, the discussion based style of this approach makes it problematic for outside researchers to replicate the results.
Oxford handbook of nucleic acid structure

1. [data missing] 2. Polynucleotide secondary structures: an historical perspective 3. Base and base pair morphologies, helical parameters, and definitions 4. The nucleic acid database: a research and teaching tool 5. Simulation of nucleic acid structure 6. A-DNA duplexes in the crystal 7. Helix structure and molecular recognition by B-DNA 8. The single-crystal structures of Z-DNA 9. Standard DNA duplexes and RNA-DNA hybrids in solution 10. Nucleic acid hydration 11. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies on the non Watson-Crick base associations of mismatches, modified bases, and non-duplex oligonucleotide structures 12. DNA mismatches in solution 13. Structures on nucleic acid triplexes 14. [data missing] 15. DNA bending by adenine-thymine tracts 16. Structures and interactions of helical junctions in nucleic acids 17. DNA higher-order structures 18. Crystallographic structures of RNA oligoribonucleotides and ribozymes 19. RNA structure in solution 20. Transfer RNA
PCR in Food Analysis

The aim of this chapter is to briefly present polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technologies for use in the detection and quantification of different microorganisms in foods, with an emphasis on sample preparation and evaluation of results. Furthermore, we indicate the PCR-based methods that are most commonly used for the typing of bacteria, and in the final section we provide examples of PCR application in the detection of unwanted components in foods.
Cut-and-Cover Shake Table Test Program

A series of shake table tests of a 1/9 scale shallow tunnel was performed to assess: i) overall peak dynamic response of the soil-structure system associated with different backfill conditions and thickness of overburden soil, and ii) seismic demands in terms of resultant lateral earth pressure force. The test model response was interpreted in full-scale dimensions representative of the idealized cross section of the Doyle Drive Battery Tunnel in San Francisco, CA. In the cases studied, seismic demand in terms of racking and wall bending moment increased as thickness of overburden soil increased. This trend was influenced as well by the relative stiffness between the tunnel and the surrounding soil. Overall, the tunnel lateral deformation was an outcome of the relative difference between the resultant force and its point of action on both sides of the tunnel. Finally, the test results in both model and prototype scale were compared to those estimated using a practice-oriented FHWA step-by-step procedure. In general, the FHWA procedure produced reasonable estimates for relatively lower levels of soil shear strain (i.e., cases of Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) of up to about 0.6g). For higher levels of shaking, conservatism in the FHWA estimate was noted, particularly for cases with shallow overburden soil. For such scenarios, a site specific analysis with possible numerical simulation might be of value.
Environmental forcing in a tropical estuarine ecosystem: the Palizada River in the southern Gulf of Mexico

Environmental characteristics of the fluvial–deltaic–lagoon–estuarine system of the Palizada River were determined by the assessment of physical, environmental and hydrological variability. Environmental information comprised daily time series of precipitation (1971–85), Usumacinta River discharge (1948–94), sea level (1956–91) and wind patterns (1984–87). Hydrology was studied by weekly measurement of salinity, transparency,temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH at 18 stations during 19 months (September 1985 to March 1987). Water temperature reflected the climatic seasons: dry, rainy and winter frontal storms (‘Nortes’). During the rainy season fresh water dominated the whole area, but during the dry season a salt wedge entered as far as Del Este Lagoon.Northern winds allowed saline water to reach intermediate regions and occasionally the upstream freshwater head of the estuary. There are annual, 6-month and 3.2-month oscillations in the environmental records: the annual signal is modulated by precipitation, fluvial discharge and sea level; the 6-month signal has an implicit periodicity driven by the changes in the wind direction that affect all other parameters; and the 3.2-month period seems to be modulated by the rainy, dry and ‘Nortes’ seasons. Cluster analysis identified eight ecological regions based on the hydrological variables. Resumen. Las caracteristicas ambientales del sistema fluvio–deltaico–lagunar estuarino del Rio Palizada fueron determinadas a traves del estudio de su variabilidad fisica, ambiental e hidrologica. La informacion ambiental comprende series de tiempo diarias de precipitacion pluvial (1971–85), descarga fluvial del Rio Usumacinta (1948-94), nivel del mar (1956–91) y direccion y velocidad del viento (1984–87). La hidrologia comprende mediciones semanales de salinidad, transparencia, temperatura, oxigeno disuelto y pH en 18 estaciones durante 19 meses (Septiembre de 1985 a Marzo de 1987). La temperatura del agua refleja las estaciones climaticas: secas, lluvias y frentes invernales (‘Nortes’). Durante la epoca de lluvias el agua dulce predomina en toda el area, sin embargo durante la estacion de secas la cuna salina llega hasta la Laguna del Este. Los vientos del norte promueven el avance del agua salina a las regiones intermedias y ocasionalmente hasta la cabecera del estuario. Las oscilaciones ambientales muestran periodos anuales, semestrales y de 3.2 meses: el ciclo anual esta modulado por la precipitacion pluvial, la descarga fluvial y el nivel del mar; el ciclo semestral tiene una periodicidad implicita gobernada por cambios en la direccion del viento que afecta los demas parametros y el ciclo de 3.2 meses parece estar modulado por las estaciones climaticas de lluvias, secas y nortes. Los analisis Cluster basados en las variables hidrologicas permiten la identificacion de ocho regiones ecologicas.
Seipin—still a mysterious protein?

Cells store excess energy in the form of lipid droplets (LDs), a specialized sub-compartment of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network. The lipodystrophy protein seipin is a key player in LD biogenesis and ER-LD contact site maintenance. Recent structural and in silico studies have started to shed light on the molecular function of seipin as a LD nucleator in early LD biogenesis, whilst new cell biological work implies a role for seipin in ER-mitochondria contact sites and calcium metabolism. In this minireview, I discuss recent insights into the molecular function of seipin.
COVID-19 experiences of small-scale fishing households: The case of Lake Victoria, Kenya

Introduction The impact of COVID-19 on small-scale fishing communities is of great concern given the importance of aquatic foods in trade, nutrition and livelihoods. Using a case study of Lake Victoria, augmented by published literature, we examine the socioeconomic dynamics and severity of COVID-19 impacts on Kenyan fishing communities. Methods A household level questionnaire was administered through phone interviews on a monthly basis from June 2020 to May 2021, including a focus group discussion in July 2021. Results We find that multifold fear of COVID-19 infection and control measures were present and varied across case rates and stringency of control measures. Fishers and traders reported being affected by disease control measures that limited market access and their ability to fish overnight. In spite of these worries, and contrary to what has been reported in the published literature regarding impacts observed in the early months of the pandemic, we see stable participation in fishing and fish trading over time despite the pandemic. Food insecurity was high before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but did not substantially shift with the pandemic. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Kenyan fishing and fish trading households adopted diverse strategies to cope and balance generating income to provide for their families and staying safe. Our results underscore the need to understand ways in which acute pandemic impacts evolve over time given that effects are likely heterogeneous across small-scale fishing communities.
Are digital services the right solution for empowering smallholder farmers? A perspective enlightened by COVID-19 experiences to inform smart IPM

The COVID-19 pandemic, surprised many through its impact on the food systems, resulting in collapses in the food production value chains and in the integrated pest disease management sector with fatal outcomes in many places. However, the impact of COVID-19 and the digital experience perspective on Integrating Pest Management (IPM) is still yet to be understood. In Africa, the impact was devastating, mostly for the vulnerable smallholder farm households, who were rendered unable to access markets to purchase inputs and sell their produce during the lockdown period. By using a holistic approach the paper reviews different Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), digitalization, and how this enhanced the capacity of smallholder farmers resilient, and inform their smart-IPM practices in order to improve food systems' amidst climate change during and in the post-COVID-19 period. Different digital modalities were adopted to ensure continuous food production, access to inputs and finances, and selling surplus production among others. This was largely possible by using ICTs to deliver these needed services digitally. The study shares contributions and capacity perspectives of ICTs for empowering smallholder farmers to boost the resilience of their food systems based on COVID-19 successful experiences. Thus digital solutions must be embraced in the delivery of extension service on pest management and good agronomic practices, money transfers for purchasing inputs, receiving payment for sold farm produce, and markets information exchange. These are key avenues through which digital solutions strategically supported smallholder-based food systems through the pandemic.
Supplementary Data for “Sequence and annotation of the 369-kb NY-2A and the 345-kb AR158 viruses that infect Chlorella NC64A”: Appendix A: Gene Names b002R – b797R

Viruses NY-2A and AR158, members of the family Phycodnaviridae, genus Chlorovirus, infect the fresh water, unicellular, eukaryotic, chlorella-like green alga, Chlorella NC64A. The 368,683-bp genome of NY-2A and the 344,690-bp genome of AR158 are the two largest chlorella virus genomes sequenced to date; NY-2A contains 404 putative protein-encoding and 7 tRNA-encoding genes and AR158 contains 360 putative protein-encoding and 6 tRNA-encoding genes. The protein-encoding genes are almost evenly distributed on both strands, and intergenic space is minimal. Two of the NY-2A genes encode inteins, the large subunit of ribonucleotide reductase and a superfamily II helicase. These are the first inteins to be detected in the chlorella viruses. Approximately 40% of the viral gene products resemble entries in the public databases, including some that are unexpected for a virus. These include GDP-d-mannose dehydratase, fucose synthase, aspartate transcarbamylase, Ca transporting ATPase and ubiquitin. Comparison of NY-2A and AR158 protein-encoding genes with the prototype chlorella virus PBCV-1 indicates that 85% of the genes are present in all three viruses.
Biogeography of Nicotiana section Suaveolentes (Solanaceae) reveals geographical tracks in arid Australia

Aim Nicotiana section Suaveolentes is largely endemic to Australia but includes one species endemic to Africa, one to New Caledonia and Tongatupa, and one to the Marquesas Islands in the Pacific. Other sections of Nicotiana are found in the New World. In Australia, Suaveolentes is widespread across the continent, with many taxa adapted to the Eremean zone. We aim to analyse the biogeography of the Australian clade, both to shed light on the evolution of the group and to determine general area relationships that provide insight into the history of the arid‐zone biota.
Breaking down the cellular responses to type I interferon neurotoxicity in the brain

Since their original discovery, type I interferons (IFN-Is) have been closely associated with antiviral immune responses. However, their biological functions go far beyond this role, with balanced IFN-I activity being critical to maintain cellular and tissue homeostasis. Recent findings have uncovered a darker side of IFN-Is whereby chronically elevated levels induce devastating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative pathologies. The underlying causes of these ‘interferonopathies’ are diverse and include monogenetic syndromes, autoimmune disorders, as well as chronic infections. The prominent involvement of the CNS in these disorders indicates a particular susceptibility of brain cells to IFN-I toxicity. Here we will discuss the current knowledge of how IFN-Is mediate neurotoxicity in the brain by analyzing the cell-type specific responses to IFN-Is in the CNS, and secondly, by exploring the spectrum of neurological disorders arising from increased IFN-Is. Understanding the nature of IFN-I neurotoxicity is a crucial and fundamental step towards development of new therapeutic strategies for interferonopathies.
The molecular basis of the ethanol-stress response in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

For thousands of years, brewers and winemakers have used the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce alcoholic beverages by fermentation of carbohydrates in grains, but recent large-scale industrial processes create an environment in which the microorganisms are stressed and unable to perform satisfactorily. Ethanol stress is one of the major physiological stresses encountered in industrial fermentations and is therefore the principal focus of investigations described in this thesis.
Reliability Assessment of Season-of-Capture Determination from Archaeological Otoliths

Ahslnlt"f. -A tedlllique involving microscopic cxaminalion of otolith growlh I.ones has bcen comlllonly used by ilreha. :ologislS idong the CO,ISt of California In cstil11ille season-of-caplure of prehisloric lishes and 10 inkr th. : seasoll of site lise. A tesl of olOlith edgc analysis lechniques was perfonllell on Illmkrn utoliths hy eSlirn,lIing season-of-caplure for otolilhs with knowll dales of l,,:apture. Suc­ l'cssful identitil'alioll of season-of-cilpture was tow. even in a best l,,:ase scenario with the age-validaled spoiled sand b,ISS (PI/ro/abrax IIIOnllal(dil.\·f'ia/ll.~),clllpha­ si/. ing lhe suhjeclivity of lhis kind of analysis alld inherent variahililY of growlh I.one forlllalion in otoliths. Alteralion of the ololith millrix frolll ell vi ron mental fal:tors further l,,:omplicilles lhe de lenni nation for ilrdlilcolngil. :al ololiths. hut surf­ perches (family Elllhinlol:idae) hold promisc for future studies. This stlldy hilS calkll inlo questioll the validity of protocols thilt hilVC not lItilized age validated otolith l:olkclions illld hegs cauliol] when estinlilling season-of-l'aptllrc from oto­ liths.
Biomarkers for biosensors to monitor space-induced cardiovascular ageing

Human presence in space has uncovered several health concerns related to the space environment that need to be addressed for future space missions. The hostile space environment includes radiation and microgravity that cause various pathophysiological effects. Among them are conditions related to the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system shows a dysfunctional and deconditioning state, similar to ageing on Earth, once exposed to the space environment. As we aim for longer space missions to the Moon, Mars, and thus into deep space, better understanding, monitoring, and development of countermeasures for these accelerated ageing processes are necessary. Biomarkers and their integration into biosensors therefore become important tools to understand the underlying mechanisms, develop countermeasures and monitor accelerated cardiovascular ageing. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of the space environment and its effects on the human cardiovascular system. We list the known potential cardiovascular ageing biomarkers relevant to space along with our current knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular ageing. We also explore in more details about the various biosensors used, their specifications, and how lab-on-a-chip systems are crucial to the development of these biosensors for tracking cardiovascular ageing during upcoming space missions.
Diaphorina citri y la enfermedad Huanglongbing: una combinación destructiva para la producción citrícola

En los ultimos cinco anos la citricultura mundial y en particular la del hemisferio occidental ha estado amenazada por el arribo, dispersion y establecimiento de un psilido procedente de la region asiatica: Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, que provoca cuantiosos danos en plantas de la familia Rutaceae, debido a que las ninfas y adultos extraen grandes cantidades de savia durante el proceso de alimentacion, lo que propicia la formacion de fumagina en la superficie de las hojas. Ademas, D. citri es un eficiente vector de la enfermedad denominada Huanglongbing, reconocida actualmente como la mas destructiva para este cultivo, al reducir la produccion sustancialmente y causar la muerte de la plantacion en un periodo de cinco anos. Se ha reconocido ya la presencia de la enfermedad en Brasil, Estados Unidos y otros paises del Caribe, lo que ha puesto en estado de alerta a la region. Diversas han sido las estrategias de lucha para enfrentar el problema, desde el uso de antibioticos para el combate del agente causal Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, la aplicacion de plaguicidas de origen quimico contra el vector, el control biologico, hasta la erradicacion de las plantas con sintomas caracteristicos o que hayan sido diagnosticadas como positivas a la enfermedad; pero lo cierto es que ninguna de ellas ha brindado una solucion eficaz hasta el momento y los paises con mas experiencia en el manejo de la misma han optado por convivir con ella y obtener frutos durante un tercio de la vida util de las plantas. En el presente trabajo se ofrece una panoramica general sobre la problematica de D. citri y el agente causal de la enfermedad, dispersion y establecimiento en nuevas areas, medidas de control adoptadas, entre otros aspectos, que sirven de complemento a la preparacion tecnica y actualizacion de productores e investigadores relacionados con la citricultura cubana
The role of ZW10 and its binding partners in chromosome segregation

Kinetochores are proteinacious structures that assemble on centromeric DNA and fulfill several important functions during chromosome segregation. They attach chromosomes to microtubules of the mitotic spindle in a bipolar fashion and monitor the state of the kinetochore-microtubule attachment. In case errors are present, a monitoring mechanism, the spindle assembly checkpoint, inhibits metaphase to anaphase transition until proper bipolar attachments are formed. The mechanics of the attachment process is poorly understood and functions of many players involved are largely unknown. The relationship between the formation of kinetochore-microtubule attachment and its monitoring by the checkpoint remains unclear. I combined an RNAi technology with the high resolution microscopy to analyze the function of six microtubule-binding proteins and a checkpoint protein complex ROD/ZW 10/Zwilch (RZZ) in chromosome segregation and spindle checkpoint signaling. I discovered a non-redundant role for CLIP170, dynein/dynactin, LIS 1 and TOG I in chromosome congression to the metaphase plate. Selective depletion of dynein/dynactin and CLIP170 from mitotic kinetochores by RNAi of ZW 10, uncovered a novel role for these proteins in the initial kinetochore-microtubule encounter. Surprisingly, my results also demonstrate that ZW10 functions in the spindle checkpoint signaling independently of previously proposed downstream player, Mad2. In addition, I identified a ZWl 0's interaction with BubRI that may suggest a possible role for ZW 10 in the checkpoint signaling pathway. Thus RZZ complex acts at the interphase of attachment and signaling at kinetochores suggesting a close link between structural establishment of kinetochore-microtubule binding and its monitoring by the spindle checkpoint, in contrary to classical thinking. Thesis supervisor: Peter K. Sorger Title: Professor of Systems Biology HMS, Professor of Biological Engineering MIT
Do Disease Clusters Predict Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults

Multimorbidity is a common occurrence among older adults and has significant ramifications on mental health. As depression is expected to become the top contributor to chronic disease burden, it is important to understand the effect of multimorbidity on depressive symptoms, and whether particular disease clusters are associated with increased depressive symptoms. The present study investigated whether chronic diseases clustered among an older adult population, and whether these clusters predicted depressive symptom severity. Secondary analyses were performed using interview data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Participants were Black, White, and Hispanic adults > 65 years of age (M=73.7, SD=5.7) who reported at least two chronic illness diagnoses (mean diagnoses = 3.1, SD = 1.2). Patterns of comorbidity were assessed using tetrachoric factor analysis and a multivariable linear regression model. Factor analysis demonstrated five disease patterns: cancers, arthritis, pulmonary, metabolic, and stress factors. Analyses demonstrated that the five factors were not predictive of increased depressive symptom severity. However, the total number of conditions was significantly associated with increased depressive symptomatology. This is likely due to the stress associated with chronic disease symptom management, and reflective of poor or unsuccessful disease management and symptom burden. These findings add to the limited body of knowledge investigating disease patterns in older adults, and help to better understand the reciprocal impact of chronic conditions on mental health.