Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cu(II) coordination polymer: treatment effect on catheter-associated urinary tract infectious via suppressing Staphylococcus aureus growth in vitro and in vivo

Abstract By applying the mixed-ligand approach, a new Cu(II)-based coordination polymer formulated as {[Cu2(BTC)(L)]·0.25H2O} n (1) has been successfully prepared by reaction of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O with the 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid (H4BTC) in the presence of a flexible N-donor ligand 1,6‐bis(5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)hexane (L). In biological function study, the anti-bacterial activity of compound in vitro and in vivo was evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of compound on Staphylococcus aureus was measured to evaluate the inhibitory activity against bacterial infection in vitro. The colony-forming unit number detection was conducted to confirm the protective effect of compound in the Catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Graphical Abstract A new Cu(II)-based coordination polymer has been prepared via a mixed-ligand approach. In biological function study, the anti-bacterial activity of compound in vitro and in vivo was evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration of compound on Staphylococcus aureus was measured to evaluate the inhibitory activity against bacterial infection in vitro. The colony-forming unit number detection was conducted to confirm the protective effect of compound in the Catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
Identification of a pore-forming protein from sea anemone Anthopleura dowii Verrill (1869) venom by mass spectrometry

Abstract Background: Pore-forming proteins (PFP) are a class of toxins abundant in the venom of sea anemones. Owing to their ability to recognize and permeabilize cell membranes, pore-forming proteins have medical potential in cancer therapy or as biosensors. In the present study, we showed the partial purification and sequencing of a pore-forming protein from Anthopleura dowii Verrill (1869). 17. Methods: Cytolytic activity of A. dowii Verrill (1869) venom was determined via hemolysis assay in the erythrocytes of four mammals (sheep, goat, human and rabbit). The cytotoxic activity was analyzed in the human adherent lung carcinoma epithelial cells (A549) by the cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and trypan blue staining. The venom was fractionated via ammonium sulfate precipitation gradient, dialysis, and ion exchange chromatography. The presence of a pore-forming protein in purified fractions was evaluated through hemolytic and cytotoxic assays, and the activity fraction was analyzed using the percent of osmotic protections after polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment and mass spectrometry. 18. Results: The amount of protein at which the venom produced 50% hemolysis (HU50) was determined in hemolysis assays using erythrocytes from sheep (HU50 = 10.7 ± 0.2 μg), goat (HU50 = 13.2 ± 0.3 μg), rabbit (HU50 = 34.7 ± 0.5 μg), and human (HU50 = 25.6 ± 0.6 μg). The venom presented a cytotoxic effect in A549 cells and the protein amount present in the venom responsible for producing 50% death (IC50) was determined using a trypan blue cytotoxicity assay (1.84 ± 0.40 μg/mL). The loss of membrane integrity in the A549 cells caused by the venom was detected by the release of LDH in proportion to the amount of protein. The venom was fractionated; and the fraction with hemolytic and cytotoxic activities was analyzed by mass spectrometry. A pore-forming protein was identified. The cytotoxicity in the A549 cells produced by the fraction containing the pore-forming protein was osmotically protected by PEG-3350 Da molecular mass, which corroborated that the loss of integrity in the plasma membrane was produced via pore formation. 19. Conclusion: A. dowii Verrill (1869) venom contains a pore-forming protein suitable for designing new drugs for cancer therapy.
Study of plant height as a dynamic trait by multistage phenotyping in chickpea under heat stress identifies common as well as stage specific marker–trait associations

Abstract Plant height in chickpea is a multivariate, dynamic trait, and shows differences in growth rate at different stages of plant development in different genotypes. In the majority of plant-breeding experiments, the phenotypic data on a quantitative trait measured at a fixed time point (generally at maturity) are used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. However, this method can result in missing important/major QTLs which are expressed at different time points and are not expressed at maturity. In the current study, using a set of 49 desi chickpea genotypes sown at three different durations for two successive years, we observed that heritability for plant height was highest at the 2 month stage in the normal sown trial, and at the 1 month stage in late-sown trials. However, heritability drastically declines at maturity, particularly due to heat stress with an increase in temperatures during the growing period. In the association analysis, it was also observed that almost all the marker–trait associations (MTAs) identified using endpoint phenotypes were identified using data obtained at different intervals. In addition, some novel and stage-specific MTAs were identified using phenotypic data recorded at monthly intervals. The results highlight the importance of multistage phenotyping for dynamic traits like plant height in germplasm characterization programmes.
SREVAS: Shading Based Surface Refinement under Varying Albedo and Specularity

Shape-from-shading and stereo vision are two complementary methods to reconstruct 3D surface from images. Stereo vision can reconstruct the overall shape well but is vulnerable in texture-less and non-Lambertian areas where shape-from-shading can recover fine details. This paper presents a novel, generic shading based method to refine the surface generated by multi-view stereo. Different from most of the shading based surface refinement methods, the new development does not assume the ideal Lambertian reflectance, known illumination, or uniform surface albedo. Instead, specular reflectance is taken into account while the illumination can be arbitrary and the albedo can be non-uniform. Surface refinement is achieved by solving an objective function where the imaging process is modeled with spherical harmonics illumination and specular reflectance. Our experiments are carried out using images of indoor scenes with obvious specular reflection and of outdoor scenes with a mixture of Lambertian and specular reflections. Comparing to surfaces created by current multi-view stereo and shape-from-shading methods, the developed method can recover more fine details with lower omission rates (6.11% vs. 24.25%) in the scenes evaluated. The benefit is more apparent when the images are taken with low-cost, off-the-shelf cameras. It is therefore recommended that a general shading model consisting of varying albedo and specularity shall be used in routine surface reconstruction practice.
Innovative technique for analysis of wastewater contaminants using hyperspectral imaging

Accurate, fast, quantitative on-site analysis of wastewater is an environmental necessity. Therefore, we report a quantitative spectroscopic study in order to analyse organic contaminants in wastewater. For this purpose, two spectroscopy-based techniques were utilised and their results are compared. The first technique is ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) spectrophotometry. This technique is a standard laboratory technique, however, it is inappropriate for working in the field. Besides, the analysis results of the standard laboratory technique display low accuracy in detecting small concentrations of wastewater contaminants such as methylene blue (< 20 ppm). Accordingly, there is a need for another technique to overcome the shortcomings of UV/vis spectrophotometry. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combines imaging and spectrometry. HSI works on-site since it is portable and easy to operate. The analysis of the data acquired by HSI showed a higher efficacy in accurately detecting both low (< 20 ppm) and high concentrations (> 50 ppm) of water contaminants such as methylene blue and methyl orange. For verification, Pearson correlation coefficients were computed between the concentration of contaminants and their absorbance for all the operating spectral bands. The results of the two techniques were statistically compared using Bland and Altman’s limit of agreement. This study showed that HSI is potentially a promising technique for the analysis of wastewater contaminants on-site.
Earnings pressure and R&D cut: the moderating effects of family control and debt

Purpose This study aims to analyze the link between earnings pressure and R&D cut as well as the moderating effects of family control and debt. Design/methodology/approach In total, 6,130 firm-year observations of Taiwanese-listed firms were used to test the hypotheses by using a panel data regression with fixed effects estimation. Findings The study reveals that earnings pressure is positively related to R&D cut, and this relationship can be softened when having the presence of family control and debt. Research limitations/implications This study is conducted based on some conditions: data collection comes from a single source, earnings pressure mainly comes from analysts, R&D intensity is significant among industries, debt is a given condition to managers. Future studies, thus, are suggested to use other approaches to have further information and extend the knowledge without these conditions. Practical implications Under the pressure of meeting analyst forecast, managers have more opportunities to flourish their priority on improving temporary profits rather than implementing R&D investments with costly budget but unpredictable outcomes. In addition to responding to the positive effect of earnings pressure on trimming long-term corporate investments, this study also found some corporate governance mechanisms to soften the managerial short-termism behavior. Originality/value The findings partially contribute to broadening the existing knowledge base on the impact of earnings pressure on corporate activities and how some mechanisms serve as moderators.
Identification of Bacterial and Fungal Communities in the Roots of Orchids and Surrounding Soil in Heavy Metal Contaminated Area of Mining Heaps

Orchids represent a unique group of plants that are well adapted to extreme conditions. In our study, we aimed to determine if different soil contamination and pH significantly change fungal and bacterial composition. We identified bacterial and fungal communities from the roots and the surrounding soil of the family Orchidaceae growing on different mining sites in Slovakia. These communities were detected from the samples of Cephalanthera longifolia and Epipactis pontica from Fe deposit Sirk, E. atrorubens from Ni-Co deposit Dobšiná and Pb-Zn deposit Jasenie and Platanthera bifolia by 16S rRNA gene and ITS next-generation sequencing method. A total of 171 species of fungi and 30 species of bacteria were detected from five samples of orchids. In summary, slight differences in pH of the initial soils do not significantly affect the presence of fungi and bacteria and thus the presence of the studied orchids in these localities. Similarly, the toxic elements in the studied localities, do not affect the occurrence of fungi, bacteria, and orchids. Moreover, Cortinarius saturatus, as a dominant fungus, and Candidatus Udaeobacter as a dominant bacterium were present in all soil samples and some root samples. Finally, many of these fungal and bacterial communities have the potential to be used in the bioremediation of the mining areas.
Analysis and Research on the Comprehensive Performance of Vehicle Magnetorheological Regenerative Suspension

Magnetorheological (MR) regenerative suspension system can not only achieve excellent comprehensive suspension performance but also effectively recover and utilize vibration potential energy, which has been a research hotspot in the field of vehicle engineering. In this paper, for the 1/4 vehicle’s MR regenerative suspension system parallel with a tubular permanent magnet linear motor (TPMLM), the dynamic model of the MR semi-active suspension system and the TPMLM finite element model are established separately to form a joint simulation platform. The simulation analysis of the comprehensive suspension performance and regeneration performance under different road excitations is performed. The results show that installing TPMLM does not change the natural resonance frequency of the suspension system, which ensures good driving comfort and handling stability. At the same time, it has considerable regeneration power. This research can provide a reference for the stability analysis and popularization of the vehicle’s MR regenerative suspension system.
Specific N‐demethylation of verapamil by cytochrome P450 from Streptomyces griseus ATCC 13273

Norverapamil, the N‐demethylated derivative of verapamil, is a novel promising leading compound for attenuating multidrug resistance with less side effects compared with verapamil. However, the efficient synthetic method for norverapamil is absent. In this study, an innovative biotechnological method based on enzymatic catalysis was presented for the high‐efficient production of norverapamil. CYP105D1, a cytochrome P450 from Streptomyces griseus ATCC 13273, was identified to carry out a one‐step specific N‐demethylation of verapamil along with putidaredoxin reductase (Pdr) and putidaredoxin (Pdx) as the redox partner. Docking calculations rationalized the specific N‐demethylation observed in experiment and identified important amino acid residues for verapamil binding. Furthermore, a CYP105D1‐based whole‐cell system in E. coli BL21(DE3) was established and optimized for highly efficient N‐demethylation of verapamil. The bioconversion rate of verapamil by the whole cell system came up to 60.16% within 24 hours under the optimized conditions. These results demonstrated the high potential of CYP105D1‐based biocatalytic system for norverapamil production.
Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Notospermus geniculatus

Abstract In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Notospermus geniculatus, was recovered through Illumina sequencing data. This complete mitochondrial genome of N. geniculatus is 15,180 bp in length and has a base composition of A (14.4%), T (41.3%), C (14.6%), G (29.6%), demonstrating a bias of higher AT content (55.7%) than GC content (44.2%). The mitochondrial genome contains a typically conserved structure among Lineidae mitogenomes, encoding 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 23 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), and a control region (D-loop region). All PCGs were located on the H-strand. ND4L gene and ND4 gene were overlapped by 6 bp. The whole mt genome of N. geniculatus and other Protostomia mitogenomes (17 species, in total) were used for phylogenetic analysis. The result indicated N. geniculatus has the closest relationship with Lineus viridis (FJ839919.1) and clustered within Heteronemertea Clade, which representing a distinct order.
A Fruitful Endeavor: Scent Cues and Echolocation Behavior Used by Carollia castanea to Find Fruit

Frugivores have evolved sensory and behavioral adaptations that allow them to find ripe fruit effectively, but the relative importance of different senses in varying foraging scenarios is poorly known. Within Neotropical ecosystems, short-tailed fruit bats (Carollia: Phyllostomidae) are abundant nocturnal frugivores, relying primarily on plants of the genus Piper as a food resource. Previous research has demonstrated Carollia employ olfaction and echolocation to locate Piper fruit, but it is unknown how their sensory use and foraging decisions are influenced by the complex diversity of chemical cues that fruiting plants produce. Using wild C. castanea and their preferred food, Piper scintillans, we conducted behavioral experiments to test two main hypotheses: (1) foraging decisions in C. castanea are primarily driven by ripe fruit scent and secondarily by vegetation scent, and (2) C. castanea re-weight their sensory inputs to account for available environmental cues, such that bats rely more heavily on echolocation in the absence of adequate scent cues. Our results suggest that C. castanea requires olfactory information and relies almost exclusively on ripe fruit scent to make foraging attempts. Ripe fruit scent is chemically distinct from vegetation scent in P. scintillans, with a greater abundance of β-caryophyllene, germacrene D and β-elemene, and a few unique compounds. Although variation in echolocation call parameters was independent of scent cue presence, bats emitted longer and more frequent echolocation calls in trials where no fruit scent was present. Altogether, these results highlight the adaptations, plasticity, and potential constraints in the sensory system of neotropical fruit bats. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Little is known about the relative importance of different senses and which plant cues are most important for fruit location by frugivores. We conducted behavioral experiments on short-tailed fruit bats (Carollia castanea), which use a combination of olfaction and echolocation to find ripe fruit, and their preferred food source (Piper scintillans) to test (1) which plant scent cues drive food selection and (2) if bats alter their echolocation behaviors based on which scent cues are present. We find that C. castanea rely almost exclusively on ripe fruit scent to forage, and echolocate more frequently when fruit scent is absent. Ripe fruit scent is chemically different from vegetation scent in P. scintillans, potentially providing a clear signal of food availability to mutualistic bats. These results highlight the sensory adaptations and behavioral flexibility of fruit bats as they navigate the cues provided by fruiting plants.
Temporary Immersion Bioreactors: Establishment of Cassava

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz-Euphorbiaceae) is one of the most important crops for world agriculture. It is the main source of many family’s calorie intake and contributes toward food security. Its cultivation is necessitated sterile vegetative propagules with essential physiological and genetic quality, which can be obtained by plant tissue culture techniques. However, the maintenance of in vitro propagation processes requires automation, making large-scale production feasible. This work aimed at developing protocols for the establishment of cassava cultivation in Temporary Immersion Bioreactors (TIBs). Two nutrient media (MS medium reduced to half-strength of the salt concentration and the same formulation plus 4,43µM of 6-Benzylaminopurine [BAP]) and different culture cycles were evaluated in Bioreactors (15 minutes of immersion and 4 hours of stationary phase [15M4H]; 15 minutes of immersion and 8 hours of stationary phase [15M8H]). The establishment of culture in bioreactors was promising. Based on our results, the use of MS medium without growth regulators was more effective for shoot formation; there were differences in the 15M4H cycle when growth regulators were used. However, the 15M8H cycle had better performance in both treatments: with or without growth regulators. The use of culture medium without BAP led to better rooting; calli formation increased when BAP was used. The present research investigation indicated the use of MS medium reduced to half- strength the salt concentration without the presence of growth regulator and the use of the culture cycle constituted by 15 minutes immersion and 8-hour intervals in stationary phase was effective for Cassava cultivation in TIBs.
Combined use of cardiopulmonary ultrasound in the diagnosis of pulmonary edema in patients with heart failure: a retrospective analysis.

Background Heart failure (HF) is generally complicated with pulmonary edema (PE), the early diagnosis and treatment is essential. We aimed to evaluate the effects of combined use of cardiopulmonary ultrasound in the diagnosis of PE in HF patients, to provide reference for the management of HF. Methods HF patients treated in our hospital from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 were included. All patients underwent echocardiography and lung ultrasonography, and analyzed the characteristics of patients and related detected results. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the potential risk factors. And the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was conducted to compare the predictive value of factors. Results A total of 183 HF patients were included, the incidence of PE in HF patients was 62.84%. Logistic regression analyses indicated that NT-proBNP (OR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.28-5.04), LAVI (OR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.02-4.45), E/e' (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 0.13-2.28), SPAP (OR 1.35, 95% CI: 0.02-2.84) were the independent risk factors for PE in patients with HF (all P<0.05). The AUC of NT-proBNP, LAVI, E/e' and SPAP were 0.705, 0.668, 0.674 and 0.691 respectively. NT-proBNP ≥8,842.37 ng/L, LAVI ≥42.14 mL/m2, E/e' ≥19.20, SPAP ≥38.16 mmHg were the independent risk factors for PE in patients with HF (all P<0.05). Conclusions Combined use of cardiopulmonary ultrasound is beneficial to the early diagnosis of PE in patients with HF, and early interventions are needed for those patients with risk factors.
High rates of agricultural gypsum affect the arbuscular mycorrhiza fungal community and coffee yield

: High rates of agricultural gypsum, above the recommended levels, have been used on a regular basis to deepen plant roots and to alleviate recurrent water stress in Cerrado areas. However, very little is known about the consequences of this practice to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether or not applying high rates of agricultural gypsum affects the mycorrhizal fungi community, glomalin content and coffee yield. The study rates were: 0; 3.5; 7.0; 14 and 56 t · ha -1 of agricultural gypsum applied in the planting row of the coffee plantation on top of the previous recommended gypsum application. Samples were collected for analysis at the depths of 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm at the end of dry and rainy seasons of the year. In the coffee plantation, 16 AMF species were identified. Gigaspora sp. and Glomus macrocarpum were dominant in all situations. The rate of 7 t · ha -1 favored greater diversity of AMF species and the rate of 56 t · ha -1 reduced AMF diversity and mycorrhizal colonization in deeper layers. In the rainy season, there was a linear decrease of easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP) levels as the agricultural gypsum rate was increased. Coffee yield was reduced with the highest gypsum rate (56 t · ha -1 ), even though the coffee plantation had higher phosphorus contents in beans and leaves. This may have resulted from a number of reasons, including a negative effect on the AMF community.