Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids and their protective effect against heavy metals in nitrogen-fixing black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Purpose: To examine the effect of various heavy metals (HMs) on phenylpropanoid pathway compounds in Robinia pseudoacacia.Methods: A series of pot culture experiments were performed to understand how the metabolic profile of phenylpropanoid compounds were affected by various HMs, such as redox-active HMs (AgNO3 and CuCl2), and non-redox-active HMs (HgCl2). Phenylpropanoid compound level was evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography.Results: The total phenylpropanoid level in leaves increased significantly in all the treated groups when compared to that in the untreated group (p < 0.05). However, a significant effect on the total phenylpropanoid levels was only found for redox-active HMs (p < 0.05), whereas non-redox-active HMs showed less accumulation. Chlorogenic acid and rutin were the two major phenylpropanoid compounds found after the plants were subjected to redox and non-redox-active HMs stress. However, when compared to these two compounds, the levels of catechin hydrate, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, and quercetin were lower. Caffeic acid level was significantly decreased in both redox and non-redox-active HMs when compared to that in the control (p < 0.05). In addition, trans-cinnamic acid accumulation was altered based on the types and concentration of HMs.Conclusion: Phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway participated in the HM tolerance process for the protection of R. pseudoacacia from oxidative damage caused by HMs, thus allowing the species to grow in highly HMs-contaminated areas. Keywords: Heavy metals, Non-redox-active metals, Phenylpropanoid compounds, Redox-active metals, Robinia pseudoacacia
Using country-level variables to classify countries according to the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases: An unsupervised machine learning approach

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians whom have provided evidence about risk factors and clinical outcomes. Research on the COVID-19 pandemic benefiting from open-access data and machine learning algorithms is still scarce yet can produce relevant and pragmatic information. With country-level pre-COVID-19-pandemic variables, we aimed to cluster countries in groups with shared profiles of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Unsupervised machine learning algorithms (k-means) were used to define data-driven clusters of countries; the algorithm was informed by disease prevalence estimates, metrics of air pollution, socio-economic status and health system coverage. Using the one-way ANOVA test, we compared the clusters in terms of number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, number of deaths, case fatality rate and order in which the country reported the first case. Results: The model to define the clusters was developed with 155 countries. The model with three principal component analysis parameters and five or six clusters showed the best ability to group countries in relevant sets. There was strong evidence that the model with five or six clusters could stratify countries according to the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (p<0.001). However, the model could not stratify countries in terms of number of deaths or case fatality rate. Conclusions: A simple data-driven approach using available global information before the COVID-19 pandemic, seemed able to classify countries in terms of the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The model was not able to stratify countries based on COVID-19 mortality data.
Designing Machine Layout Using Tabu Search and Simulated Annealing

The machine layout design (MLD) problem usually arises when a manufacturing company aimed to expand their production capacity and/or decrease the handling distances of materials or parts flow through a predefined sequence of machines for manufacturing a product. The problem is known to be Non-deterministic Polynomial (NP) hard, which is usually solved by metaheuristics such as Simulated Annealing (SA) and Tabu Search (TS). This paper presents the application of SA and TS for minimising the material handling distance associated with the layout required for manufacturing process of multiple products. A computer based machine layout designed tool was developed and tested using five datasets adopted from literature. The analysis on the computational results obtained from numerical experiments indicated that the average best so far solutions obtained from SA are marginally better than TS but the average execution times taken by TS were at least 50% faster than SA. The convergences of best so far solutions during TS iteration were quicker than those obtained from SA especially for small-and medium-size problems.
Bergenin from Cissus javana DC. (Vitaceae) root extract enhances glucose uptake by rat L6 myotubes

Purpose: To examine the glucose uptake stimulatory activity of the root extract of Cissus javana DC. (Vitaceae) in Lδ myotubes of rat, and also to identify the extract’s active principles.Methods: The methanol extract was prepared from Cissus javana tuberous roots and evaluated for glucose uptake stimulatory effects on Lδ rat muscle cells and inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase. The chemical components were isolated using several chromatographic techniques, and their structures characterized by spectroscopic methods. Each isolate was then assayed for glucose uptake stimulatory and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.Results: The extract (100 μg/ml) exhibited glucose uptake stimulatory effect (70.9 % enhancement) and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity (100 % inhibition). Through chromatographic separation, bergenin, stigmast-4-en-3-one and β-sitosterol were isolated and identified. Bergenin, at 100 μg/ml (0.3046 mM), increased glucose uptake by Lδ myotubes by 50.5 % without toxicity. At the same concentration, bergenin showed no inhibition on α-glucosidase enzyme, while stigmast-4-en-3-one and β-sitosterol exhibited 98.6 and 40.6 %, inhibition, respectively.Conclusion: This study is the first report on the chemical constituents, and the glucose uptake stimulatory and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Cissus javana DC. roots. The findings reveal the antidiabetic potential of the plant and the glucose-uptake enhancing activity of bergenin. Keywords: Cissus javana, α-Glucosidase, Antidiabetes, Rat skeletal muscle cells, Bergenin
Decentralized Reputation

In this work we develop a privacy-preserving reputation scheme for collaborative systems such as P2P networks in which peers can represent themselves with different pseudonyms when interacting with others. All these pseudonyms, however, are bound to the same reputation token, allowing honest peers to maintain their good record even when switching to a new pseudonym while preventing malicious ones from making a fresh start. Our system is truly decentralized. Using an append-only distributed ledger such as Bitcoin's blockchain, we show how participants can make anonymous yet verifiable assertions about their own reputation. In particular, reputation can be demonstrated and updated effectively using efficient zkSNARK proofs. The system maintains soundness, peer-pseudonym unlinkability as well as unlinkability among pseudonyms of the same peer. We formally prove these properties and we evaluate the efficiency of the various operations, demonstrating the viability of our approach.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF PERCEIVED AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP ON ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT THROUGH THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL TRUST

This study aimed to investigate the effect of perceived authentic leadership on organizational commitment through the mediating role of organizational trust was performed. The population included an all employees of the Bank Ghavamin branch management in West Tehran in 2016 (N=380). The sample size using Morgan table 180 was estimated. We Perceived authentic leadership questionnaire to measure the variables of perceived authentic leadership and Allen and Meyer (1991) Questionnaire (Nahian and Marlowe, 1997) was used. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were confirmed. Software for the analysis of the research hypotheses, structural equation modeling approach based on partial least squares was used that the findings confirm hypotheses.
Dynamic analysis of a guyed mast with uncertainties on the stiffness and the nominal wind velocity

Nowadays the use of guyed structures as support for telecommunication antennas (radio, TV, internet, cell signals) is a practice widely adopted. The location of guyed masts is preferred in open zones, but the low cost and easy of assembly are making more and more common to find them in city areas. Nevertheless, detailed studies of the dynamic response of the structural system under natural actions, as wind or earthquake are not frequent, despite the potential of adverse impact, particularly in the quality of the transmission. The reduced order models are useful tools, since the resolution of the full formulation is computationally demanding. In this work, the dynamic response of a guyed mast is analyzed under wind load action. The simplified structural model consists of a beam-column model accounting for the second order effect due to axial loads and one guy. The guy is represented by an extensible cable governed by nonlinear equations. The nonlinear dynamics of a similar model are studied by Gattulli and Lepidi [1]. The wind load is calculated from the wind velocity field, which is derived considering temporal and spatial correlations by means of the Spectral Representation Method [2]. The resulting governing system is discretized using finite elements and a reduced order model is afterwards developed using vibration modes as a basis. The tower stiffness can vary due the reinforcement of the structure. Since it is not easy to foresee their behavior, an uncertainty quantification study appears necessary to obtain more realistic results. Because the nonlinear structures show special sensitivity to dynamic loads, the mean value of wind velocity (used to construct the wind loads) is also considered as a stochastic parameter. The distribution of the selected stochastic parameters is adopted according the Principle of Maximum Entropy [3]. Then Monte Carlo simulations are performed. As results, first, the dynamic behavior of the structure is observed from a deterministic point of view: as expected the wind mean velocity has a higher impact on the response than the tower stiffness. Additionally, is observed that the dynamic response varies in a very nonlinear fashion even for small changes in the parameters. Next, the results are statistically processed. The probability distributions (pdf) of the results are observed accounting for each parameter separately. Furthermore both parameters were considered stochastic by means of a joint distribution. In all the cases, the tower stiffness shows a very small influence on the response, suggesting that is not a parameter of interest for reinforcement or retrofitting.
Running as a Woman? Candidate Presentation in the 2018 Midterms

The record high number of women who ran for the U.S. Congress during the midterm elections led many journalists to proclaim 2018 as another “Year of the Woman. ” Although not every female candidate was successful, this large number of women running for office provides the opportunity to advance our understanding of the ways in which women present themselves to their voters. Using the “Biography” pages of more than 1,500 2018 congressional campaign websites, we use a structural topic model to examine how these candidates present themselves to their constituencies. In doing this, we find great variance in the presentation styles of women running for Congress in 2018. We also find that prior political experience, more so than gender, is the primary driver in influencing how candidates (both men and women) present themselves. Experienced candidates use similar styles that highlight their past political work while amateur candidates are more likely to use “values-driven” language.
Zostera noltii extract lowers blood glucose and restores vascular function in diabetic rats

The antidiabetic effect of seagrass Zostera noltii extract was investigated through a crosstalk between its antioxidant and vasoprotective properties. The extract was orally administered to alloxan-diabetic rats (50, 150, 250 mg/kg body weight). Serum glucose was determined; liver and kidney functions, body weight, total leukocyte counts were measured; liver oxidative markers were assayed. Acetylcholine, phenylephrine and 5-HT responses were tested. eNOS levels and generation of ROS in aortic tissue were quantified. The extract of Z. noltii lowered blood glucose in all tested dose levels. Extract at a concentration of 50 mg/kg failed to preserve the levels of antioxidants and did not alter lipid peroxidation whereas higher doses improved liver oxidative status. Impaired acetylcholine relaxations, augmented phenylephrine and 5-HT contractions in alloxan-diabetic aortic rings were restored by Z. noltii treatment. This recovery was accompanied by increased eNOS synthesis and a reduction in ROS generation. The extract lowers blood glucose and prevents hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction in alloxan-diabetic rats.
Diagnosis of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) Nutrient Deficiencies by Foliar Methods

Quick identification of loblolly pine nutrient deficiencies has troubled foresters who wish to increase productivity through fertilization. In the past, extensive field trials were established that did not allow for quick identification of a large number of possibly limiting nutrients in individual stands. This study used single-tree fertilization with macro-nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micro-nutrients (Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Fe, Mo) to identify deficiencies using foliar techniques in one growing season. Four study sites in TX, AL, GA, and SC were established in loblolly pine plantations at or near canopy closure. Nutrient concentrations relative to the critical level, optimal nutrient ratios, DRIS methodology, vector analysis, and changes in individual fascicle and total current year foliage weight/area were used to identify deficiencies. Phosphorus was repeatedly indicated as most limiting growth at TX while K was implicated at SC. The GA site revealed multiple deficiencies including N, K, and S. The AL site revealed only a very suspect B deficiency. Critical level methodology was effective in identifying deficiencies of N, P, and K, while B, S, and Cu appeared to be available at sufficient quantities when concentrations were below the published critical levels. Concentrations of S were especially below the critical levels and not increased by fertilization indicating that the critical levels were too high. Nutrient ratio interpretability was reduced by luxury uptake of N in comparison to other deficient nutrients. DRIS methodology was hampered by the inability to create effective comparative norms. Deficiency detection with vector analysis created problems when B and Mn displayed greater uptake relative to controls than the macro-nutrients that provided relative foliage mass increases. Resulting diagnosis indicated deficiencies when B and Mn were really taken up as luxury consumption. Vector analysis may not be as effective as its individual parts. Foliage weight/area responses detected fewer deficiencies than the other techniques. No significant foliar responses were seen at the TX or AL sites. However, K at the SC site was identified as deficient by all foliage mass variables, and multiple deficiencies were detectable at the GA site.
Generation of lipid polarity in intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells: sphingolipid synthesis in the Golgi complex and sorting before vesicular traffic to the plasma membrane

Generation of intestinal epithelial lipid polarity was studied in Caco- 2 cells. Confluent monolayers on filters incorporated the exchangeable lipid N-6-NBD-aminocaproyl-sphingosine (C6-NBD-ceramide) from liposomes. The fluorescent ceramide was converted equally to C6-NBD- glucosylceramide and C6-NBD-sphingomyelin, analogues of lipids enriched on the apical and basolateral surface, respectively, of intestinal cells in vivo. Below 16 degrees C, where vesicular traffic is essentially blocked, each fluorescent product accumulated in the Golgi area. At 37 degrees C, 50% had been transported to the cell surface within 0.5 h, as measured by selective extraction of the fluorescent lipids onto BSA in the medium ("back-exchange") at 10 degrees C. Transport to the two surfaces could be assayed separately, as a diffusion barrier existed for both NBD-lipids and BSA. C6-NBD- glucosylceramide was enriched twofold apically, whereas C6-NBD- sphingomyelin was equally distributed over both domains. Polarities did not decrease when 37 degrees C incubations were carried out in the presence of increasing BSA concentrations to trap the fluorescent lipids immediately after their arrival at the cell surface. Within 10 min from the start of synthesis, both products displayed their typical surface polarity. Lipid transcytosis displayed a half time of hours. In conclusion, newly synthesized sphingolipids in Caco-2 cells are sorted before reaching the cell surface. Transcytosis is not required for generating the in vivo lipid polarity.
Functional Loss of the γ-Catenin Gene through Epigenetic and Genetic Pathways in Human Prostate Cancer

γ-Catenin is a cell adhesion molecule and a candidate mediator of Wnt signal transduction. We hypothesized that impaired regulation of γ-catenin through genetic and epigenetic pathways is associated with the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. To test this hypothesis, cytosine-phosphate-guanine methylation, loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and mutation status of the γ-catenin gene were analyzed in cultured prostate cancer cell lines, 180 localized prostate cancers, 69 benign prostatic hyperplasias, and 11 hormone refractory prostate cancers (HRPC). In prostate cancer cell lines (DuPro, LNCaP, ND-1, and PC3), γ-catenin mRNA transcripts were increased after 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment. In localized prostate cancer, γ-catenin expression was lower but prevalence of γ-catenin methylation was higher compared with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, γ-catenin methylation did not correlate with Gleason sum, pT category, or capsular penetration. Among localized prostate cancers with positive γ-catenin methylation, the presence of LOH at chromosome 17q21 was closely related to down-regulation of γ-catenin mRNA expression. The γ-catenin mutations were not found in localized prostate cancers, whereas six mutations were found in five HRPCs within or close to the GSK-3β consensus motif phosphorylation site, among which four HRPCs showed strong nuclear γ-catenin accumulation. In these four HRPCs, Bcl-2 expression was increased, whereas the target of the Wnt signal, c-myc , was only expressed in one HRPC. Therefore, although epigenetic γ-catenin methylation is an early event in the development of prostate cancer, simultaneous events of epigenetic cytosine-phosphate-guanine methylation and genetic LOH may be responsible for functional loss of γ-catenin. The γ-catenin mutation related to Bcl-2 overexpression has a significant effect on the pathogenesis of HRPC. This is the first report to characterize the epigenetic and genetic regulation of γ-catenin in human prostate cancer.
Invasive species cover, soil type, and grazing interact to predict long‐term grassland restoration success

Grasslands are undergoing tremendous degradation as a result of climate change, land use, and invasion by non‐native plants. However, understanding of the factors responsible for driving reestablishment of grassland plant communities is largely derived from short‐term studies. In order to develop an understanding of the factors responsible for longer term restoration outcomes in California annual grasslands, we surveyed 12 fields in Davis, CA, U.S.A. , in 2015 that were seeded with native species mixtures starting in 2004. Using field surveys, we investigated how invasive plant richness and cover, native plant richness and cover, aboveground biomass, grazing, soil type, and restoration species identity might provide utility for explaining patterns of restoration success. We found a negative relationship between invasive cover and restoration cover, which was attributed to the slow establishment of seeded species and subsequent dominance by weeds. The relationship between invasive cover and restoration cover was modified by grazing, likely due to a change in the dominance of exotic forbs, which have a more similar growing season to restoration species, and therefore compete more strongly for late season moisture. Finally, we found that soil type was responsible for differences in the identity and abundance of invasive plants, subsequently affecting restoration cover. This work highlights the value of focusing resources on reducing invasive species cover, limiting grazing to periods of adequate moisture, and considering soil type for successful long‐term restoration in California annual grasslands. Moreover, observations of long‐term restoration outcomes can provide insight into the way mechanisms driving restoration outcomes might differ through time.
A Tale of Two Islands: Some Lessons for Marine Resource Management

A comparison of two island fishing communities in the Visayas, Philippines, shows significant differences in coral-reef habitat and in diversity of selected reef-fishes, as well as important differences in fishing customs and catch composition. During the sampling months of April–May 1985, fishermen on the 72-ha Apo Island, Negros, caught more than two-thirds of their total fish-catch on the reef, whereas fishermen on the 200-ha Pamilacan Island, Bohol, caught less than 20% of their total catch on the reef during the same period. This discrepancy may be attributable to reef quality or fishing customs, or to both these factors.
Development trade-offs and socio-ecological feedbacks in the Mekong

This paper provides an analysis of development trade-offs in the Nam Xong catchment in the Mekong basin. Development strategies considered by government agencies involve expansion of mining, rubber and banana plantations, agriculture and tourism. The analysis of potential trade-offs requires considering complex socio-ecological interactions. Results from this participatory modelling exercise emphasise the relevance of two mechanisms: (1) human migration and (2) ecosystem services. People adapt to changes in livelihood conditions and inevitably the spatial dynamics of trade-offs emerges as critical. People migrate and with that spatial poverty patterns change and pressure on natural resources shifts. Changes in ecosystem services impact on local conditions (e.g. forest) and remote conditions (e.g. fish, water). From a development perspective, these two types of complex dynamics create close connections between rural locations and between rural and urban areas. Several scenarios involve replacing a forest economy many households depend on by paid labour few can depend on. Consequently, poverty is driven from rural into urban areas. Another trade-off revealed during this study is that the expansion of tourism is providing a more sustainable alternative to other development strategies. But water quality decline requires mitigation measures to make this strategy sustainable and avoid adverse impacts on fisheries.