Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Antioxidant Activities of Mixtures of Melastomataceae Leaves Species (M. malabathricum Linn Smith, M. decemfidum, and M. hirta) Using a Simplex Centroid Design and Their Anti-Collagenase and Elastase Properties

In this study, a simplex-centroid mixture design (SCMD) approach was used to select the optimal proportions of three different Melastomataceae leaves species (M. malabathricum, M. decemfidum, and M. hirta) extracts to determine the optimum antioxidant activities of total phenolic compound (TPC) and ABTS (2, 2′-azino-bis (ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical-scavenging activities. Twelve experimental designs were set up, consisting of points that were equally weighted mixtures of 0 to 1 components, which were pure blends (1, 0, …, 0), binary blends (1/2, 1/2, 0, …, 0), tertiary blends (1/3, 1/3, 1/3, 0, …, 0), and a control point. The in vitro anti-elastase and collagenase activities were evaluated in order to determine the anti-aging efficacy of the optimized mixture extracts. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was employed to identify the flavonoid content (rutin and quercetin) present in the optimized mixture extracts. The results showed that the best proportions of the optimum phenolic compounds and ABTS activity corresponded to 30%, 40%, and 30% of M. malabathricum, M. hirta, and M. decemfidum leaf extracts, respectively. The in vitro anti-collagenase and elastase activity evaluation of the optimized mixture extracts showed 70% inhibition against both elastase and collagenase enzymes. The HPLC analysis revealed two flavonoids (rutin and quercetin) at retention time 7.770 and 8.769 min, respectively, in the mixture extracts. This study suggests the potential exploitation of mixtures of Melastomataceae leaves (M. malabathricum, M. decemfidum, and M. hirta) as cosmetic ingredients for antioxidant and anti-wrinkles applications.
Polymorphism of 5’UTR myostatin gene indel (g.1256/TTTTA) and its association with body weight in Boerka crossbred goat

This study aimed to identify the variation of 5’UTR Myostatin (MSTN) gene and its association to body weight in Boer, Kacang, and Boerka goats. DNA samples were obtained from 149 heads of the goats from the Indonesian Goat Research Center, Sungei Putih, North Sumatera. Polymorphism identification was conducted by direct sequencing and PCR-RFLP with DraI as the restriction enzyme for indel g.1256/TTTTA. Analysis of variance for body weight was carried out using the General Linear Model (GLM). The 5’UTR MSTN gene|DraI was monomorphic in Kacang but polymorphic in Boer and Boerka. Genotype frequencies for Boer 0.40(AA), 0.43(AB), 0.17(BB); Kacang 1.00(AA); Boerka 0.53(AA), 0.37(AB), 0.10(BB). The allele frequencies for Boer 0.62(A), 0.38(B); Kacang 1.00(A); Boerka 0.72(A), 0.28(B), respectively. AB was the most frequent genotype among Boer, but AA was the most frequent in Kacang and Boerka. Indel g.1256/TTTTA has a significant effect (P<0.05) only on birth weight (BW) of Boer, but no significant effect on other bodyweight parameters both in Boer and Boerka.AA genotype has the highest BW (P<0.05) than AB, but it’s not significantly different from BB. Indel g.1256/TTTTA could be used as a genetic marker for the birth weight of Boer but not in Boerka goats.
3.7 Å cryo-EM structure of the core Centromere Binding Factor 3 complex

The Centromere Binding Factor 3 (CBF3) complex binds the third Centromere DNA Element in organisms with point centromeres, such as S. cerevisiae. It is the only essential centromere binding complex as it facilitates genetic specification of point centromeres. It is therefore the most fundamental complex of the kinetochore in these organisms and its association with centromere DNA allows association of all other kinetochore components. We have determined the atomic structure of the core complex of CBF3, comprising 3 of its 4 components, using cryo-EM. The architecture of the complex is 'U'-shaped, with a deep, strongly basic channel that is narrow at one end and wide at the other. Combining our structure and in vitro assays, we present a model for its association with centromere DNA.
Climate Change May Imperil Tea Production in the Four Major Tea Producers According to Climate Prediction Models

The threat of accelerating climate change on species distribution now and in the future is a topic of increasing research interest. However, little work has been undertaken to assess how shifting climates will affect the suitability of tea cultivation. Therefore, we used MaxEnt modelling to project the impact of current and future climatic scenarios on the potential distribution of tea across the four tea-producing countries of China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka. Projections were made for the years 2050 and 2070 with three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) using seven bioclimatic predictors under three global circulation models (GCMs). The current and future habitat suitability for tea predicted by the models produced a high accuracy rate, with high areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) for all tested RCPs under the three GCMs for the four countries. The mean true skill statistic (TSS) values for tea in Sri Lanka, Kenya, India and China were 0.80, 0.91, 0.91, and 0.74, respectively. The kappa values (k) of the current and future models for all four countries ranged from 0.40 to 0.75, which indicates that the overall performance of the model was good. The precipitation seasonality and annual precipitation were found to be the most influential variables in Sri Lanka and India, respectively, while annual mean temperature was the most effective contributor for determining the suitability of habitat for tea in Kenya and China. An important proviso is that some existing tea-growing areas will face reduced suitability for future tea cultivation suggesting that by 2050 there will be a drastic reduction in the optimal suitability by averages of 26.2%, 14%, and 4.7% in Kenya, Sri Lanka and China, respectively. The optimal suitability will be reduced by 15.1%, 28.6% and 2.6% in Kenya, Sri Lanka and China, respectively, by 2070. India displays an advantage in projected future climates as it gains optimal suitability areas of 15% by 2050 and 25% by 2070.
Can Control of Glyphosate Susceptible and Resistant Conyza sumatrensis Populations Be Dependent on the Herbicide Formulation or Adjuvants?

In this work, we studied the effect of three glyphosate formulations (isopropylamine, ammonium and potassium salts) and two non-ionic adjuvants on the resistance response of two resistant (R1, R2) and one susceptible population of the highly invasive Asteraceae, Conyza sumatrensis, from Southern France vineyards. Only in R1, an amino acid substitution (Pro106Thr) was found in the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS). The two adjuvants, in a similar fashion, significantly reduced GR50 values for every population and glyphosate formulation. Without adjuvants, glyphosate as potassium salt was the only formulation able to significantly reduce the GR50 values of every population. For every population, the two adjuvants improved, indistinguishably, leaf retention of the herbicidal solution and the potassium salt formulation led to the highest retention, both with and without the adjuvant added. Uptake responses paralleled those of retention and adjuvant addition was more effective in increasing foliar uptake of the lower performing formulations (isopropylamine and ammonium salts). The allocation pattern of glyphosate among plant compartments was only dependent on population, with R2 retaining most glyphosate in the treated leaf, clearly suggesting the occurrence of a Non-Target Site Resistance (NTSR) mechanism. Results indicate that control of weed populations possessing NTSR mechanisms of resistance to glyphosate may be improved through adequate selection of formulation and adjuvant use.
Concrete slab ford crossing – An anthropogenic factor modifying aquatic invertebrate communities

Unimproved fords provide an easy and inexpensive method of stream crossing. However, vehicles compact the stream bottom and flatten the banks. One simple and relatively permanent solution to this problem is the use of concrete slabs, which can hinder the movement of fish and invertebrates, especially in the presence of low water levels. Although the impact of fords on the stream invertebrate fauna seems clear, there is little available data on this topic, as most reports instead focus on water quality. The impact of a concrete slab ford on the invertebrate fauna of a foothill stream was examined which led to the hypothesis that the benthic invertebrates inhabiting the ford and stream sections immediately upstream and downstream of the crossing would differ significantly from those at a non-transformed natural site. Results revealed that the invertebrate fauna in the vicinity of the ford was altered over relatively long stream sections. The ford disrupted the natural balance between deposition and erosion, with the former dominating above the ford and the latter dominating below the crossing. In small streams, where there are often several similar crossings, this effect would likely be multiplied. The ford's interference in the stream's natural balance between deposition and erosion caused a change in the grain size of the substrate and altered the available organic matter, which directly affected the qualitative and quantitative composition of the macrozoobenthos. As the habitat becomes more homogeneous, the community of invertebrates becomes less diverse. Our results can support management decisions for erosion control.
Genetic diversity in populations of Brazil nut

: The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity among and within populations of Brazil nut by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism markers. Five populations with 30 plants each of the state of Amazonas, Brazil, two populations from the Farm Aruanã (Aruanã Carolina and Aruanã Brastor), in Itacoatiara, one from the municipality of Parintins and two from the municipality of Manaus (Instituto Federal do Amazonas - IFAM and Manaus Airport) were evaluated. Four primer combinations were used and 306 polymorphic bands (93.3%) were obtained. Genetic differentiation within and among populations was tested by analysis of molecular variance. The presence of genetic divergence was greater within populations (51.88%) than among populations (48.11%) and the F st value was 0.48. Two groups were formed by interpopulation grouping: the first consisted of populations from plantations in Aruanã Carolina, Aruanã Brastor and Manaus IFAM, and the second of natural populations from Parintins and Manaus Airport.
20 years of research on Arctic and Indigenous cultures in Nordic tourism: a review and future research agenda

ABSTRACT Through a critical reading of previous research, this article explores local and indigenous cultures in the context of Nordic Arctic tourism and how its consequences have been researched in Nordic tourism research. We show that experiences with, practices of and controversies over the representation and presence (or absence) of local and indigenous culture in tourism take on very many different meanings and shapes across the Nordic Arctic. This, we argue, calls for situated and sensitive ways of doing research. With a focus on Sámi, Nenets in Russia and Greenlandic Inuit, we discuss the current state of indigenous and Arctic culture in Nordic Tourism before looking closer into how Nordic tourism scholarship has addressed the relations between indigenous culture and tourism in the Arctic. We conclude by proposing three trajectories for tourism research and tourism development, which further supplement and diversify ongoing research.
Transparency, trust, and integrated assessment models: An ethical consideration for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Following the trenchant criticism of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report concerning the lack of transparency in integrated assessment models (IAMs), much attention has been given to addressing this issue in the preparation of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). The issue of IAM transparency has been an ongoing concern for approximately two decades regarding the cloaking of value‐laden assumptions and output uncertainties. Due to the opaque nature of IAMs, the credibility of modeling results and the associated policy recommendations are patently limited, with policymakers inevitably having reservations as to the robustness of modeling outcomes given the deficit of information regarding the underlying assumptions. In an attempt to address the issue of a lack of transparency concerning IAM usage by the IPCC, a database containing the climate mitigation scenario ensemble which underpinned the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C was made publicly available, the IAMC 1.5°C Scenario Explorer database. Despite this database, the omission of critical model input data and accompanying supporting documentation from its content fails to fulfill its raison d'être, that is to say, to ensure reproducibility and transparency. If the issue of IAM transparency is not fully addressed in the upcoming AR6 with respect to the provision of IAM input data, accompanied by supporting documentation, then the IPCC will have failed to meet its own declared commitment for this assessment cycle.
Metabolomics in Fraxinus excelsior; identification and validation of biochemical markers for tolerance to ash dieback.

Ash dieback, a forest epidemic caused by the invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, threatens ash trees throughout Europe. Within Fraxinus excelsior populations, a small proportion of genotypes show a low susceptibility to the pathogen. We compared the metabolomes from a cohort of low-susceptibility ash genotypes, to a cohort of high-susceptibility ash genotypes. This revealed two significantly different chemotypes. A total of 64 candidate metabolites associated with reduced or increased susceptibility in the chemical families: secoiridoids, coumarins, flavonoids, phenylethanoids and lignans. Increased levels of two coumarins, fraxetin and esculetin, were strongly associated with reduced susceptibility to ash dieback. Both coumarins inhibited the growth of H. fraxineus in vitro when supplied at physiological concentrations thereby validating their role as markers for low susceptibility to ash dieback. Similarly, fungal growth inhibition was observed when the methanolic bark extract of low-susceptibility ash genotypes was supplied. Our findings indicate the presence of constitutive chemical defense barriers against ash dieback in ash.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the horned lizard Phrynosoma blainvillii (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from California, USA

Abstract Analysis of Phrynosoma blainvillii Gray from Marina, Monterey County, California, using 150 bp paired-end Illumina sequences (Illumina, San Diego, CA) resulted in the assembly of its complete mitogenome. The mitogenome is 16,946 bp in length and contains a putative origin of light strand replication (OL), control region, 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA, and 13 protein-coding genes. Its content and organization are similar to other Squamata. Phylogenetic analysis of P. blainvillii resolves it in a clade with P. sherbrookei Nieto-Montes de Oca, Arenas-Moreno, Beltrán-Sánchez & Leaché, sister in position to Uma notata Baird. Mitochondrial marker analysis of P. blainvillii from Marina shows that it belongs to a coastal Santa Lucia Mountain Range haplogroup that is distinct from other populations of P. blainvillii in California.
Cinnamon extract enhances the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and arrests the proliferation of human colon cancer cell line, HCT-116

ABSTRACT The effect of cinnamon bark extract on the proliferative potential of a human-origin colon cancer cell line, HCT-116 was evaluated. The extract was prepared by hydro-distillation and subjected to High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for phytochemical evaluation. Colon cancer cell line-HCT 116 was treated with cinnamon extract and its effect on proliferation was evaluated using MTT assay. The effect of extract on mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species, and superoxide production were examined using fluorescent staining protocols Rhodamine-123, DCHF-DA, and MitoSOX. GC-MS analysis showed that cinnamon extract contains cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl esters, trans-calamenene, and other unidentified components. The cinnamon extract possessed cytotoxicity at very low concentrations. MMP decreased, while Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and superoxide production were enhanced with increasing concentrations of the extract in vitro. These observations indicate the potential of cinnamon extract use as a part of the food regime in patients suffering from gastric and colon cancer.
Can Polyelectrolyte Mechanical Properties be Directly Modulated by an Electric Field? A Molecular Dynamics Study

Multifunctionality in polymers facilitates their application in emerging technologies. Electrical fields are a preferred stimulus because of the speed and ease of application to bulk polymers. While a wide range of electrically triggered actuators are developed, and electrically controlled adhesion between gels is demonstrated, modification of bulk mechanical properties via electrical stimuli remains elusive. Polymers with covalently incorporated ionic charge (polyelectrolytes) should be well suited to achieving this goal since the mechanical properties depend on electrostatic interactions and these charges are intrinsically susceptible to electric fields. Molecular dynamics simulations are utilized here to investigate whether electric fields can modulate the mechanical properties of polyelectrolytes and to understand the governing mechanisms. Mechanical property modulation by electric field is found to be sensitive to the charge distribution—charges must be tightly attached to the polymer backbone, and responsivity is greater if a single backbone contains both positive and negative charges. The dominant mechanisms are reorientation and stretching of the polymer chains, which also elongate the ionic clusters to maintain strong electrostatic interactions throughout deformation. These insights are critical for future experimental realization of polymers with electric field regulated mechanical properties.
Study on 800 V traveling-wave tube

A slow-wave structure (SWS) named micro-strip angular log-periodic meander-line is proposed for a low operating voltage vacuum amplifier. It evolves from the logarithmic spiral by cutting off a fan-shaped part and connecting the ends alternately. This letter reports the electromagnetic characteristics of this kind of SWS, and the beam-wave interaction is calculated by means of the particle-in-cell (PIC) method. From our calculation, this kind of traveling-wave tube can give 26 W output power with the 3 dB frequency range of 27-46 GHz, while the operating voltage is 809 V only. Moreover, the maximum gain and interaction efficiency are about 26.5 dB and 21.7%, respectively. Through power combination of SWSs of this kind, power of hundreds of watts can be output.
Cell type identity determines transcriptomic immune responses in Arabidopsis thaliana roots

Root pathogens are a major threat in global crop production and protection strategies are required to sustainably enhance the efficiency of root immunity. Our understanding of root immunity is still limited relative to our knowledge of immune responses in leaves. In an effort to reveal the organisation of immunity in roots, we undertook a cell type-specific transcriptome analysis to identify gene networks activated in epidermis, cortex and pericycle cells of Arabidopsis roots upon treatment with two immunity elicitors, the bacterial microbe-associated molecular pattern flagellin, and the endogenous damage-associated molecular pattern Pep1. Our analyses revealed that both elicitors induced immunity gene networks in a cell type-specific manner. Interestingly, both elicitors did not alter cell identity-determining gene networks. Using sophisticated paired motif promoter analyses, we identified key transcription factor pairs involved in the regulation of cell type-specific immunity networks. In addition, our data show that cell identity networks integrate with cell immunity networks to activate cell type-specific immune response according to the functional capabilities of each cell type. Material Distribution Footnote The author responsible for distribution of materials integral to the findings presented in this article in accordance with the policy described in the Instructions for Authors (www.plantcell.org) is: Patrick Schäfer (p.schafer@warwick.ac.uk).
Can morphological and behavioral traits predict the foraging and feeding dynamics of social arachnids?

Abstract Complex social insect species exhibit task specialization mediated by morphological and behavioral traits. However, evidence of such traits is scarce for other social arthropods. We investigated whether the social pseudoscorpion Paratemnoides nidificator exhibits morphologically and behaviorally specialized individuals in prey capture. We measured body and chela sizes of adult pseudoscorpions and analyzed predation processes. Larger individuals spent more time moving through the colony and foraging than smaller pseudoscorpions. Individuals that captured prey had increased body and absolute chelae sizes. Although larger individuals had relatively small chelae size, they showed a higher probability of prey capture. Larger individuals manipulated prey often, although they fed less than smaller pseudoscorpions. Individuals that initiated captures fed more frequently and for more time than the others. Natural selection might be favoring individuals specialized in foraging and colony protection, allowing smaller and less efficient adults to avoid contact with dangerous prey. To our knowledge, there is incipient information regarding specialized individuals in arachnids, and our results might indicate the emergence of a morphologically specialized group in this species.
Advancing the social identity theory of leadership: A meta-analytic review of leader group prototypicality

This research advances a social identity approach to leadership through a meta-analysis examining four novel hypotheses that clarify the nature and impact of leader group prototypicality (the extent to which a leader is perceived to embody shared social identity). A random-effects meta-analysis (k = 128, N = 32,834) reveals a moderate-to-large effect of prototypicality that holds across evaluative and behavioral outcomes. The effect is stronger (a) when prototypicality is conceptualized as the ideal-type rather than the average group member, (b) for stronger prototypes (indexed by group longevity), and (c) for group members in formal rather than nonformal leadership roles. The effect is not contingent on group prototypicality entailing differentiation from other (out)groups. Additionally, results provide meta-analytic evidence of widely examined key factors: follower group identification (which enhances the relationship) and leader group-serving behavior (which attenuates the relationship). Building on these findings, we outline the implications for the next wave of theoretical and empirical work.
A Modified Algorithm for Model-Based Matching Using Hausdorff Distance

In image processing and pattern recognition,it is a key technique to detect regions of interested in test image and extract them from test image.Because Hausdorff distance is robust to object occlusion,image noise,and clutter,etc,model-based matching using Hausdorff distance is one of the most common approaches.In order to reduce the computational complexity of the approach above,improve efficiency,a modified algorithm that can efficiently detect model image in test image is proposed in this paper with the same accuracy as the one unmodified.Finally,the proposed algorithm is applied to image matching on a single image and a video sequence,with good visual and objective matching efficiency results.