Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple Linear Regression Modeling Predicts the Effects of Surface Water Chemistry on Acute Vanadium Toxicity to Model Freshwater Organisms

Multiple linear regression (MLR) modeling has been successfully used to predict how water chemistry variables influence the toxicity of cationic metals to aquatic organisms, but no MLR model exists for vanadium (V). Recent research has indicated that an increase in pH (from 6 to 9), or high concentrations of sodium (473 mg Na+/L), increase V toxicity to Daphnia pulex. In contrast, increases in alkalinity (>100 mg as CaCO3) and sulfate (>100 mg SO42–/L) reduce V toxicity. How these variables influence V toxicity to Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) was still unknown. Our results show that increasing pH from 6.2 to 8.9 tended to decrease the 96‐h median lethal concentration (LC50) for V toxicity to O. mykiss by 9.6 mg V/L. An alkalinity increase from 71 to 330 mg/L as CaCO3 tended to increase the 96‐h LC50 by 3.3 mg V/L, whereas when SO42− rose from 150 to 250 mg/L, the LC50 significantly increased by 0.3 mg V/L followed by a significant decrease of 1 mg V/L when SO42− was >250 mg/L. Sodium (between 100 and 336 mg/L) showed no effect on V toxicity to O. mykiss. The toxicity patterns for O. mykiss were similar to those observed for D. pulex, except for that of SO42−, potentially indicating different mechanisms of V uptake or regulation in the 2 species. The LC50s and associated water chemistry were combined to develop an MLR model for O. mykiss and D. pulex. Alkalinity and pH modified V toxicity to both species, whereas SO42− influenced V toxicity to D. pulex. Overall, MLR models should be considered for creating new local benchmarks or water quality guidelines for V. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1737–1745. © 2020 SETAC
Size Structure of Fagus grandifolia, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Celtis occidentalis Populations in a Wetland Forest in Campbell County, Kentucky

ABSTRACT Size structure of a tree population not only reflects its past history but also how it is likely to change in the future. Three species, all located in a wetland forest in northern Kentucky near the Ohio River, were examined. This forest is part of a network of newly established permanent plots in North America, and the acquisition of baseline data for this network is critical. The Fagus grandifolia (American beech) population was the dominant species in a mature stand of approximately 1 ha, while the Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip-poplar) and Celtis occidentalis (hackberry) populations were located in an adjacent second-growth stand (also ca. 1 ha) that has developed over the past 50 years. F. grandifolia had a close fit to a power law function, but the deviations from the function suggest that the population is not currently reproducing fast enough to replace itself. L. tulipifera, on the other hand, had a bell-shaped size distribution, indicating that it is no longer reproducing and will decrease in importance over time. C. occidentalis had a very close fit to a power law function, suggesting it will maintain itself at current levels in the future. Current F. grandifolia levels in the younger secondary stand suggest that it will increase its importance in the future and will come to resemble the population in the mature stand.
Marital Hypnotherapy: A Session with Milton Erickson with Commentary

ABSTRACT Hypnosis has primarily been used to treat individual problems. Occasionally, it has been applied to couples’ problems such as infertility. We present a transcript of a treatment session of Dr. Milton Erickson in which he works with a married couple and interpret his techniques. We emphasize the following principles. Dr. Erickson’s assessment was brief, just long enough to determine a general target. He used hypnotic induction to build responsiveness. He used evocative communication. He seeded ideas that, when presented later, had a powerful impact. He moved in small, strategic steps. The main intervention was designed to elicit dormant resources and adaptive states. He followed through, providing suggestions on how to use these resources. In presenting this case and our analysis of it, we highlight some of Dr. Erickson’s methods and conceptualization of several intervention techniques.
Marine-Derived Surface Active Agents: Health-Promoting Properties and Blue Biotechnology-Based Applications

Surface active agents are characterized for their capacity to adsorb to fluid and solid-water interfaces. They can be classified as surfactants and emulsifiers based on their molecular weight (MW) and properties. Over the years, the chemical surfactant industry has been rapidly increasing to meet consumer demands. Consequently, such a boost has led to the search for more sustainable and biodegradable alternatives, as chemical surfactants are non-biodegradable, thus causing an adverse effect on the environment. To these ends, many microbial and/or marine-derived molecules have been shown to possess various biological properties that could allow manufacturers to make additional health-promoting claims for their products. Our aim, in this review article, is to provide up to date information of critical health-promoting properties of these molecules and their use in blue-based biotechnology (i.e., biotechnology using aquatic organisms) with a focus on food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical/biomedical applications.
Improvements to the Sink Strength Theory Used in Multi-Scale Rate Equation Simulations of Defects in Solids

The application of mean-field rate theory equations have proven to be a versatile method in simulating defect dynamics and temporal changes in the microstructure of materials. The reliability and usefulness of the method, however, depends critically on the defect interaction parameters used. In this study, we show that the main interaction parameter, the sink strength, intrinsically depends on the detrapping, or the dissociation process itself. We present a theory on how to determine the appropriate sink strengths. The correct sink strength required for a detrapping defect, is considerably larger than the values commonly used, and thus should not be neglected.
Effects of plant hormones on white clover mosaic potexvirus double-stranded RNA

The double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) produced during the replication of white clover mosaic potexvirus (WClMV) in the primary leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris during the 10 days following inoculation were investigated. Replication of a large dsRNA fragment (dsRNA 1) occurred within 24 h of inoculation and probably represents the replicative form of the genomic RNA. A second dsRNA fragment (dsRNA 5) appeared at day 3, and four other dsRNAs were detected from day 5; the putative functions of these are unknown, however their appearance coincided with a rapid increase in virus titre. Hormone treatments that inhibited virus replication altered the production of these dsRNAs. Dihydrozeatin, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid inhibited production of all dsRNAs except dsRNA 1, while 1-amino-1-cyclopropane carboxylic acid reduced the levels of dsRNAs produced but did not alter the pattern of expression.
An integrative translational framework for chemical induced neurotoxicity – a systematic review

Abstract Many chemicals in day-to-day and industrial usage have the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and develop neurotoxicity in humans. There are numerous in vitro, in vivo, epidemiological and in silico studies developed to test the neurotoxicity of such chemicals. This systematic review summarized the endpoints and biochemical markers generated from in vitro models, organism-based models, human studies and in silico tools and how they are used to translate the data for risk assessment of neurotoxic chemicals. Increased evidence about different biomarkers through genomics and proteomics has developed data related to genes and proteins facilitating some understanding about the molecular mechanism of neurotoxicity. Fluid-based biomarkers such as those found in serum, plasma and urine from human studies act as indirect endpoints for neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, with improvement in knowledge of molecular mechanisms and different biomarkers, there is a potential to develop a translational platform that can integrate the biological data from different studies mechanistically and thereby translated across intra and interspecies for neurotoxicity assessment. Further, this review proposed an integrative translational framework combining experimental and in silico studies like toxicokinetic models and integrative systems biology to assess the chemicals for neurotoxicity. This framework can be used to predict the inherent risk of neurotoxicity and extend to such chemicals where less experimental data exists.
Phenolic Extraction of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Induces Caspase-Dependent and Caspase-Independent Apoptosis through the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and the Activation of Intrinsic Mitochondrial Pathway in Human Melanoma Cells

Abstract Moringa oleifera Lam. has long been used to treat many diseases, including diabetes, aging, inflammatory, and cancer. Many studies have revealed that the crude extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves possesses anticancer property. Therefore, in this study, the extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was fractionated using different solvents to figure out the most effective fraction for anti-proliferative effect on melanoma cells. Methanol extract (MO-ME), hexane fraction (MO-HE), chloroform fraction (MO-CH), ethyl acetate fraction (MO-EA), and water-soluble fraction (MO-WA) of Moringa oleifera leaves were prepared. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The anti-proliferative activity on melanoma cells and normal cells was investigated using WST-1 assay. The apoptotic activity was assessed by testing DNA condensation, DNA fragmentation, and phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. The expression of apoptosis-related genes, the mitochondrial depolarization, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were then examined to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this regard, MO-ME, MO-EA, and MO-CH inhibited the proliferation of both A375 human melanoma cells and A2058 human melanoma cells, but had little effect on WS1 normal human skin fibroblasts and primary normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). Among fractions, the phenolic-rich MO-EA markedly inhibited the growth of A375 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The anti-proliferation was supposed to be mediated via apoptosis, which was demonstrated by the significant increase of condensed chromatin, DNA fragmentation, and PS externalization. The apoptosis was stimulated by enhanced ROS production and reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. MO-EA activated Bax while reducing Bcl-2 expression, leading to an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The mechanisms of cell death involved in activation of Caspase-3/7 and Caspase-9 (Caspase-dependent pathway), activation, and translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) into the nucleus (Caspase-independent pathway). Our study indicated that the phenolic-rich fraction exerted significant anticancer effects on melanoma cells in vitro which involved in Caspase-dependent and Caspase-independent apoptosis pathways mediated by mitochondrial ROS. These results provided a fundament for the using of phenolic-rich fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves to treat skin cancer effectively.
The zone model: A conceptual model for understanding the microenvironment of chronic wound infection

In 2008, two articles in Wound Repair and Regeneration changed the clinical perspective on chronic wounds. They stated that chronic wounds that do not heal contain bacterial biofilms and that these biofilms may be one of the reasons for the nonhealing properties of the wounds. However, we still do not understand the exact role biofilms play in the halted healing process, and we are not able to successfully treat them. The reason for this could be that in vivo biofilms differ substantially from in vitro biofilms, and that most of the knowledge about biofilms originates from in vitro research. In this article, we introduce the zone model as a concept for understanding bacterial behavior and the impact of the microenvironment on both the host and the bacteria. Until now, identification of bacteria, gene expression, and postscript regulation have been looking at a bulk of bacteria and averaging the behavior of all the bacteria. As the zone model dictates that every single bacterium reacts to its own microenvironment, the model may facilitate the planning of future research with improved clinical relevance. The zone model integrates physiology and biology from single cells, microbial aggregates, local host response, surrounding tissue, and the systemic context of the whole host. Understanding the mechanisms behind the actions and reactions by a single bacterium when interacting with other neighboring bacteria cells, other microorganisms, and the host will help us overcome the detrimental effects of bacteria in chronic wounds. Furthermore, we propose use of the terminology “bacterial phenotype” when describing the actions and reactions of bacteria, and the term “biofilms” to describe the morphology of the bacterial community.
Registration of LD00-2817P soybean germplasm line with resistance to soybean cyst nematode from PI 437654

The soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] germplasm line LD00-2817P (Reg. No. GP-367, PI 658519) was developed at the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station at Urbana, IL. The objective of the breeding effort that resulted in this release was the combining of high yield with soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) resistance from underutilized resistance sources. LD00-2817P was selected from the cross 'Ina' x 'Dwight' as a F4:5 line. The line was tested for yield and other agronomic traits in 56 field environments and for resistance to 14 SCN populations in inoculated greenhouse tests. The line was released because it combines high yield performance with SCN resistance originating from plant introduction (PI) 437654. This PI 437654 source confers resistance to many SCN HG Types, especially HG Type 2.5. 7 (equivalent to Races 1 and 5), which is becoming more common in the midwestern USA. LD00- 2817P has a relative maturity of 4.5 and is being released as a germplasm line because of its usefulness as a parent for soybean breeders developing new cultivars with HG Type 2.5. 7 resistance.
The inheritance of resistance in rye to Puccinia recondita f. sp. secalis and f. sp. tritici

The inheritance of seedling resistance to isolate RLR 213/78 of rye leaf rust (Puccinia recondita f. sp. secalis) and race 30 of wheat leaf rust (P. recondita f. sp. tritici Rob.) was investigated in six inbred lines of rye (Secale cereale). Inbred line UM8116 was used as the susceptible parent in crosses. Inbred lines UM8003, UM8071 and UM8301 each have a single gene and UM8336 and UM8340 each have two genes for resistance to rye leaf rust. For resistance to wheat leaf rust UM8071 has a single gene, UM8003 and UM8340 each have two genes and UM8301 and UM8336 each have three genes. UM8295 is heterogeneous for reaction to both rusts. One of the genes in UM8340 may condition resistance to both rusts. The genes for resistance to RLR 213/78 appear to be independently inherited while some of the genes conferring resistance to race 30 may be identical or very closely linked. The potential of rye as a source of disease resistance for wheat and triticale improvement is discussed.Key words: Secale cereale, disease.
Seasonal pattern of insect abundance in the Brazilian cerrado

In Brazil, a severe dry season lasting for approximately 5 months and frequent fires make life difficult for cerrado insects. In certain aspects, the cerrado can be considered to be an understudied ecosystem; even basic information such as knowledge about the annual peak in abundance of different insect orders is unknown. Insect abundance patterns have only been investigated for a few groups in the cerrado region. Thus, our study concerns the temporal distribution of insect abundance in the savanna-like vegetation of the central Brazilian cerrado (sensu stricto) in Distrito Federal. The region has a well-defined, long dry season between May and September. The insects were sampled by window, malaise tent and pitfall traps within 1 year. We used a multiple linear regression to analyse the relationship between abundance of insects of each order and climate variables. A total of 50 127 individuals from 15 orders was collected. The orders were Coleoptera (26%), Hymenoptera (23%), Diptera (20.5%), Isoptera (20%), Homoptera (4%), Lepidoptera (4%), Orthoptera (1.5%) and Hemiptera (1%). The abundance of Diptera, Homoptera, Lepidoptera and Orthoptera was randomly distributed over time, Isoptera peaked in the first half of the wet season, Coleoptera and Hemiptera in the second half of the wet season and Hymenoptera in each season. A significant correlation was found only between Coleoptera and delayed climatic variables. There were no obvious trends that might help explain the abundance patterns observed. The study provides baseline information about phenological patterns of insect abundance and permits evaluation of this group as a resource for various food chains and different trophic levels.
Size and Shape-Dependent Antimicrobial Activities of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles: A Model Study as Potential Fungicides

Plant-based pathogenic microbes hinder the yield and quality of food production. Plant diseases have caused an increase in food costs due to crop destruction. There is a need to develop novel methods that can target and mitigate pathogenic microbes. This study focuses on investigating the effects of luteolin tetraphosphate derived silver nanoparticles (LTP-AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (LTP-AuNPs) as a therapeutic agent on the growth and expression of plant-based bacteria and fungi. In this study, the silver and gold nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature using luteolin tetraphosphate (LTP) as the reducing and capping agents. The synthesis of LTP-AgNPs and LTP-AuNP was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and size distribution. The TEM images of both LTP-AgNPs and LTP-AuNPs showed different sizes and shapes (spherical, quasi-spherical, and cuboidal). The antimicrobial test was conducted using fungi: Aspergillus nidulans, Trichaptum biforme, Penicillium italicum, Fusarium oxysporum, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, while the class of bacteria employed include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter freundii as Gram (−) bacteria, and Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus epidermidis as Gram (+) bacterium. The antifungal study demonstrated the selective size and shape-dependent capabilities in which smaller sized spherical (9 nm) and quasi-spherical (21 nm) AgNPs exhibited 100% inhibition of the tested fungi and bacteria. The LTP-AgNPs exhibited a higher antimicrobial activity than LTP-AuNPs. We have demonstrated that smaller sized AgNPs showed excellent inhibition of A. nidulans growth compared to the larger size nanoparticles. These results suggest that LTP-AuNP and LTP-AgNPs could be used to address the detection and remediation of pathogenic fungi, respectively.
Assessment of Functional Activities in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease Using a Simple and Reliable Smartphone-Based Procedure

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to functional impairment. In order to monitor the progression of the disease and to implement individualized therapeutic approaches, functional assessments are paramount. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of PD on balance, gait, turn-to-sit and sit-to-stand by means of a single short-duration reliable test using a single inertial measurement unit embedded in a smartphone device. Study participants included 29 individuals with mild-to moderate PD (PG) and 31 age-matched healthy counterparts (CG). Functional assessment with FallSkip® included postural control (i.e., Medial-Lateral (ML) and Anterior-Posterior (AP) displacements), gait (Vertical (V) and Medial-Lateral (ML) ranges), turn-to-sit (time) and sit-to-stand (power) tests, total time and gait reaction time. Our results disclosed a reliable procedure (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.58–0.92). PG displayed significantly larger ML and AP displacements during the postural test, a decrease in ML range while walking and a longer time needed to perform the turn-to-sit task than CG (p < 0.05). No differences between groups were found for V range, sit-to-stand test, total time and reaction time (p > 0.05). In conclusion, people with mild-to-moderate PD exhibit impaired postural control, altered gait strategy and slower turn-to-sit performance than age-matched healthy people.
Which demographic traits determine population growth in the invasive brown seaweed Sargassum muticum?

1 Life‐history traits commonly associated with plant invasiveness are vegetative reproduction or r‐selected traits such as short generation times and high rates of reproduction and individual growth. 2 We used matrix modelling to assess which demographic traits are important for the population growth of an invasive seaweed lacking vegetative reproduction and whether demographic and life‐history strategies shift with increased dominance of the invader. The vital rates of one of the most successful invading seaweeds, Sargassum muticum, were investigated monthly for 2 years in intertidal pools dominated by the native brown seaweed Cystoseira humilis and by S. muticum, respectively. In order to speculate about the demographic mechanisms that determine invasiveness of S. muticum, and as the study sites were recently colonized, we assumed that C. humilis and S. muticum pools are proxies for early and late phases of invasion, respectively. 3 Both deterministic and stochastic matrix models showed positive rates of population growth, and rates were significantly higher in the pools dominated by S. muticum than in the ones dominated by C. humilis, indicating demographic changes with invader dominance. The variability of population growth rates and of reproductive and elasticity values of S. muticum was higher in the pools dominated by C. humilis, suggesting invader‐driven stabilization of environmental conditions. Generation times of the species increased with invader dominance, supporting invader‐stabilized environmental conditions. 4 Elasticity analyses revealed that the most important demographic trait for population growth rate at both levels of invader dominance was the persistence of the non‐fertile adult fronds rather than reproduction or growth. No major shifts in the life‐history strategy of S. muticum between levels of invader dominance were detected. 5 Synthesis. This study suggests that the invasiveness of S. muticum, a perennial invader without vegetative reproduction, relies on K‐ rather than r‐selected traits and without drastic changes in life‐history strategy between phases of invasion.