Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extração, embebição e germinação de sementes de tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the extraction and imbibition period on the germination of tucuma (Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer, Arecaceae) seeds. After cleaning and drying the pyrenes, the endocarp was broken and removed to liberate the seeds that, before sowing, were soaked in water for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days. The germination was superior to 58%, confirming the possibility of extracting the endocarp without damaging the viability of the seeds. The seeds submitted to nine days of soaking, had a moisture content of 30%, obtained better germination (70%) and index of germination velocity, with mean time of germination of 104 days. The removal of the endocarp and the soaking of seeds accelerated and increased the germination.
Utilization of DOC from seagrass rhizomes by sediment bacteria: 13C-tracer experiments and modeling

Seagrasses are widely recognized as contributing to net ecosystem primary production and to supporting heterotrophy in estuarine systems. We investigated the linkage between seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) rhizosphere carbon exudation and sediment bacteria. In microcosms, we sim- ulated summer conditions and enriched the water column DIC (dissolved inorganic carbon) pool with 13 C, then followed the tracer into the sediment porewater DOC (dissolved organic carbon) and the bacterial biomarkers (phospholipid fatty acids, PLFAs). Subsequently, we developed an inverse analysis of the seagrass microcosm system and calculated the flux of carbon between biological and geochemical compartments. After 18 d, the bacterial pool was enriched by about Δ +4‰, while the DOC pool was enriched by about Δ +50 to +60‰. We estimate that about 15 to 30% of gross primary production was exuded from the root/rhizome and that this accounts for about 41 to 61% of the car- bon required by sediment bacteria. Mineralization of detrital seagrass leaf material or refractory sea- grass DOC rhizodeposition may account for the other 38 to 59% of the bacterial carbon demand. We suggest that the sediment bacteria in the seagrass rhizosphere rapidly utilize labile DOC and, conse- quently, build up 13 C label in the refractory DOC pool. Our results conclusively show a direct linkage between seagrass carbon exudation and sediment biogeochemical processes.
Fall experience and cognitive function in middle aged and elderly population

Abstract This study estimates the association between the fall experience in the last 2 years and cognitive function and further evaluate the differences in this association between men and women and across different age groups. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing from 2006 to 2016 was used and 9279 research samples were included at baseline in 2006. To analyze the association between fall experience for the last 2 years and cognitive function, generalized estimating equation model and chi-square test were used. After adjusting for all confounders, those with fall experience were significantly associated with cognitive decline. With non-fall experience as reference: fall experience, B = −0.013 (P = .017). In the 64 years or less group, fall experience was significantly associated with cognitive decline (P-value: 0.006) to those with non-fall experience. In male group, with non-fall experience as reference: fall experience, B = −0.017 (P = .041). Fall experience in the last 2 years is associated with cognitive decline, especially in those 64 years or less and male group. Therefore, self-reported screening for fall experience might aid population-based prevention strategies for cognitive decline, especially in 64 years or less and male.
Treatment of hypothyroidism using Korean medicine: 2 case reports

Abstract Introduction: Hypothyroidism, the most common endocrine disease, comprises a deficiency of thyroid hormone, causing coldness, fatigue, and dysmenorrhea. Here, we report the improvement of hypothyroidism symptoms and thyroid hormone level normalization by using Korean herbal medicine and acupuncture therapy. Patient concerns: A 30-year-old woman (Case 1) presented at the clinic with continuous seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, accompanied by dysmenorrhea. A 55-year-old woman (Case 2) presented with symptoms of coldness of the limbs and fatigue. Diagnosis: Both patients were diagnosed with “Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity” and hypothyroidism after serum thyroid function tests. Interventions: Both patients received herbal medicine decoction, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture therapy. Outcomes: Korean medicine improved the symptoms of hypothyroidism and significantly normalized thyroid-stimulating hormone and free-thyroxine levels. Conclusion: These outcomes suggest that Korean medicine may be effective for resolution of hypothyroidism; however, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Soybean Light Interception and Yield Response to Row Spacing and Biomass Removal

Biomass removal effects on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] light interception and yield under different row spacings have not been documented. Objectives for this study were to evaluate biomass re moval, light interception, seed yield, and yield components of soybean under seven clipping treatments. Treatments in this study were clipping at V5. R1. R4, V5 + R1, V5 + R4, R1 + R4, and V5 + R1 + R4, and a control in 18- or 20-cm and 76-cm rows. In 1998, a dry year, biomass removal exhibited a negative linear relationship with seed yield in narrow rows (r 2 = 0.62). A row spacing-clipping interaction was observed. In wide rows, clipping at V5 or R1 produced a compensatory response by increasing yield 12 and 5%, respectively. Generally, soyhean in 76-cm rows maintained seed yield by adjusting the number of pods or seed weight, except when clipping occurred at V5 + R4 or at three growth stages. In 1999, under severe moisture stress, row spacing influenced seed yield. Averaged across clipping treatments, narrow rows yielded 16% more (301 vs. 254 g m -2 ) than wide rows. Generally, soybean yield declined as clipping timing was delayed and as clipping frequency increased in narrow rows, except when clipping occurred at V5 + R1. Clipping at V5 and V5 - R1 did not affect yield in wide rows. All other clipping treatments suffered yield reductions ranging from 20 to 58%. A quadratic relationship (R 2 = 0.83) was observed between biomass removal and seed yield.
Highly Sensitive, Breathable, and Flexible Pressure Sensor Based on Electrospun Membrane with Assistance of AgNW/TPU as Composite Dielectric Layer

Pressure sensors have been widely used in electronic wearable devices and medical devices to detect tiny physical movements and mechanical deformation. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate desirable, comfortable wearing, and highly sensitive as well as fast responsive sensors to capture human body physiological signs. Here, a new capacitive flexible pressure sensor that is likely to solve this problem was constructed using thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer rubber (TPU) electrospinning nanofiber membranes as a stretchable substrate with the incorporation of silver nanowires (AgNWs) to build a composite dielectric layer. In addition, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were painted on the TPU membranes as flexible electrodes by screen printing to maintain the flexibility and breathability of the sensors. The flexible pressure sensor could detect tiny body signs; fairly small physical presses and mechanical deformation based on the variation in capacitance due to the synergistic effects of microstructure and easily altered composite permittivity of AgNW/TPU composite dielectric layers. The resultant sensors exhibited high sensitivity (7.24 kPa−1 within the range of 9.0 × 10−3 ~ 0.98 kPa), low detection limit (9.24 Pa), and remarkable breathability as well as fast responsiveness (<55 ms). Moreover, both continuously pressing/releasing cycle over 1000 s and bending over 1000 times did not impair the sensitivity, stability, and durability of this flexible pressure sensor. This proposed strategy combining the elastomer nanofiber membrane and AgNW dopant demonstrates a cost-effective and scalable fabrication of capacitive pressure sensors as a promising application in electronic skins and wearable devices.
Effect of Tassel Removal on Grain Yield of Corn (Zea mays L.) 1

In three of five cases, tassel removal from corn (Zea mays L.) at or near tassel emergence increased grain yields. The increase was larger and more consistent at higher populations. When leaf tissue was removed with the tassel, yields were decreased, although this effect was smaller at higher populations. A large portion of the yield response from detasseling resulted from the elimination of tassel light interception. Simulated small tassel size (produced by tassel side branch removal) resulted in increased grain yields.
Context Aware Robot Assistance Applying Reinforcement Learning to Make Pepper Offer Help to a Human Memory Player

In this thesis the question is examined, whether it is possible to equip the humanoid robot Pepper with learning means to adapt to social circumstances. Therefore, a reinforcement learning algorithm was designed and implemented on Pepper. To evaluate the practicability and possibility of learning from a task-oriented social interaction, the robot was put in a shared spatial environment together with a human. The task was to find all corresponding pairs in a Memory game with as less card turns as possible. Although results from the conducted evaluation study show that learning from social interaction is basically possible, the implemented algorithm is only of limited use and needs several improvements.
Estimates of body mass for fossil giant ground squirrels, genus Paenemarmota

Abstract Paenemarmota Hibbard and Schultz, 1948 includes 3 species of giant ground squirrels within Marmotini (Rodentia, Sciuridae) from the Late Miocene and Pliocene of central and western North America. We developed skeletal and dental models for estimating body mass across modern species of Marmotini and apply these models to Paenemarmota. The most reliable models for estimating body mass of modern species (on the basis of length and width of femur, lengths of p4 and P4) generally yielded lower estimates of body mass for Paenemarmota than less reliable models (on the basis of lengths of m1, m2, M1, and M2). Models that were most reliable across modern species yielded 2 nonoverlapping estimates for P. barbouri Hibbard and Schultz, 1948: 9.5–9.8 kg on the basis of femur dimensions, and 14.4–16.2 kg on the basis of lengths of premolars. On the basis of lengths of premolars, P. mexicana (Wilson 1949) closely resembled P. barbouri in estimated mass (14.4–15.7 kg), but P. sawrockensis (Hibbard 1964) was smaller (10.0–12.4 kg). These large ground squirrels probably differed in mass-dependent biological attributes from all modern marmotines.
Immunological Mechanisms in Inflammation-Associated Colon Carcinogenesis

Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are at an increased risk of developing colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Chronic inflammation positively correlates with tumorigenesis. Similarly, the cumulative rate of incidence of developing CAC increases with prolonged colon inflammation. Immune signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin (IL)-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and IL-23/T helper 17 cell (Th17), have been shown to promote CAC tumorigenesis. In addition, gut microbiota contributes to the development and progression of CAC. This review summarizes the signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis following colon inflammation to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms in CAC tumorigenesis.
Epidemiology, characteristics and treatment of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and incidence of high disease activity: Real world evidence based on German claims data

Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, immune mediated disease of the central nervous system, with Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) being the most common type. Within the last years, the status of high disease activity (HDA) has become increasingly important for clinical decisions. Nevertheless, little is known about the incidence, the characteristics, and the current treatment of patients with RRMS and HDA in Germany. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the incidence of HDA in a German RRMS patient population, to characterize this population and to describe current drug treatment routines and further healthcare utilization of these patients. Methods A claims data analyses has been conducted, using a sample of the InGef Research Database that comprises data of approximately four million insured persons from around 70 German statutory health insurances (SHI). The study was conducted in a retrospective cohort design, including the years 2012–2016. Identification of RRMS population based on ICD-10 code (ICD-10-GM: G35.1). For identification of HDA, criteria from other studies as well as expert opinions have been used. Information on incidence, characteristics and current treatment of patients with RRMS and HDA was considered. Results The overall HDA incidence within the RRMS population was 8.5% for 2016. It was highest for the age group of 0–19 years (29.4% women, 33.3% men) and lowest for the age group of ≥ 50 years (4.3% women, 5.6% men). Mean age of patients with RRMS and incident HDA was 38.4 years (SD: 11.8) and women accounted for 67.8%. Analyses of drug utilization showed that 82.4% received at least one disease-modifying drug (DMD) in 2016. A percentage of 49.8% of patients received drugs for relapse therapy. A share of 55% of RRMS patients with HDA had at least one hospitalization with a mean length of stay of 13.9 days (SD: 18.3 days) in 2016. The average number of outpatient physician contacts was 28.1 (SD: 14.0). Conclusions This study based on representative Germany-wide claims data from the SHI showed a high incidence of HDA especially within the young RRMS population. Future research should consider HDA as an important criterion for the quality of care for MS patients.
Evaluation of a management decision rule for a New Zealand rock lobster substock

The performance of a proposed management ‘decision rule’–an algorithm that specifies management actions when specified criteria are met–was evaluated by exploring the impact of different choices for three decision-rule parameters on the ability of the rule to achieve management objectives. To do this, forward simulations from an age-structured assessment model for the substock of red rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) off southern New Zealand were used. The size of this substock is currently estimated to be about one-third of BMSY (the level of vulnerable biomass that would produce maximum sustainable yield), and the management goal is to rebuild it to BMSY. A target rebuilding trajectory to BMSY was generated by allowing the model population to rebuild under the current catch regime with constant recruitment. The decision rule is based on comparison of observed catch per unit effort (CPUE) to predicted CPUE. Process and observation errors, each with a coefficient of variation of 20%, were introduced, and five values were used for each of the three parameters of the rule. The decision rule was effective in removing all instances of failure to rebuild and all excessively slow rebuilding trajectories. The decision rule was also applied to an arbitrarily depressed starting substock size, and the conclusions were the same.
Coastal bottlenose dolphins from southeastern Australia are Tursiops aduncus according to sequences of the mitochondrial DNA control region

Sequence analysis of the mitochondria1 DNA control region was used to clarify the taxonomic status of two coastal bottlenose dolphin populations from southeastern Australia currently classified as Tursiops truncatus. A 368bp segment of the control region of 57 biopsy-sampled, photo-identified dolphins of Jervis Bay and Port Stephens was compared to published sequences of 2: truncatus and 1: aduncus from different oceanic regions. Sequence divergence between haplotypes from southeastern Australia and 2: aduncus was much lower than that from 2: truncatus. Analyses using two different methods of phylogenetic reconstruction unambiguously placed all haplotypes from southeastern Australia in a group composed exclusively of T. aduncus. The results strongly indicated that these two bottlenose dolphin populations belong to 2: aduncus, extending the range of the species to subtropical waters of the Western South Pacific Ocean.
Sur L'Appendix Masculina Chez Salmoneus (Decapoda, Alpheidae)

A revision of all specimens of the six species of Salmoneus extant in the Museum of Natural History of Paris has shown that there is always an appendix masculina on the second pleopod. The presence of such a character, even in ovigerous specimens, suggests the possibility of it being a characteristic of genus Salmoneus. This case is compared to that of Automate, where males lack the appendix masculina.
AGLAOTHAMNION HALLIAE COMB. NOV. AND A. COLLINSII SP. NOV. (CERAMIALES, RHODOPHYTA): RESOLUTION OF NOMENCLATURAL AND TAXONOMIC CONFUSION

Specimens from the exsiccatae Phycotheca BorealiAmericana number 698 are shown to represent two distinct species. One of them, formerly known as Callithamnion halliae, is transferred to Aglaothamnion on the basis of its uninucleate cells. The specimens exhibit distichous branching and are ecorticate. A lectotype is proposed for one of the P.B. ‐A. #698 specimens displaying these characters. Aglaothamnion halliae (Collins) comb. nov. is an earlier name for Aglaothamnion westbrookiae Rueness et L'Hardy‐Halos. The second species, together with specimens of P.B. ‐A. #1896, has radial branching and corticated axes and is described herein as a new species, Aglaothamnion collinsii. The binomial Aglaothamnion boergesenii (Aponte et Ballantine)L'Hardy‐Halos et Rueness in Aponte, Ballantine, et J. Norris is validated. A key to the tropical and warm‐temperate western Atlantic species of Aglaothamnion is presented.
Monoclonal antibody αIR‐3 inhibits non‐small cell lung cancer growth in vitro and in vivo

The ability of monoclonal antibody (mAb) αI̊‐3 to interact with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was investigated. MAb αI̊‐3 inhibited specific binding of 125I‐IGF‐I and 125I‐αI̊‐3 to a panel of 8 NSCLC cell lines with high affinity (IC50 = 200 and 50 ng/ml, respectively). 125I‐αI̊‐3 bound with high affinity (Kd = 40 ng/ml) to a single class of sites (Bmax = 8,000/cell) using NCI‐H838 cells. 125I‐αI̊‐3 was internalized when exposed to NCI‐H838 or H1299 cells at 37°C but not 4°C. αI̊‐3 immunoprecipitated major 90 and 130 kD proteins. IGF‐I stimulated and αI̊‐3 inhibited the clonal growth of NCI‐H1299 cells. αI̊‐3 slowed the growth of NCI‐H157 and H838 xenografts in nude mice. In a biodistribution study 125I‐αI̊‐3 was preferentially localized to the tumor as opposed to other organs. These data suggest that IGF‐I may be a regulatory agent in NSCLC. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Dynein assembly factor with WD repeat domains 1 (DAW1) is required for the function of motile cilia in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea

Motile cilia propel directed cell movements and sweep fluids across the surface of tissues. Orthologs of Dynein Assembly Factor with WD Repeat Domains 1 (DAW1) support normal ciliary beating by enhancing delivery of dynein complexes to axonemal microtubules. DAW1 mutations in vertebrates result in multiple developmental abnormalities and early or prenatal lethality, complicating functional assessment of DAW1 in adult structures. Planarian flatworms maintain cellular homeostasis and regenerate through differentiation of adult pluripotent stem cells, and systemic RNA‐interference (RNAi) can be induced to analyze gene function at any point after birth. A single ortholog of DAW1 was identified in the genome of the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea (Smed‐daw1). Smed‐DAW1 is composed of eight WD repeats, which are 55% identical to the founding member of this protein family (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii ODA16) and 58% identical to human DAW1. Smed‐daw1 is expressed in the planarian epidermis, protonephridial excretory system, and testes, all of which contain cells functionally dependent on motile cilia. Smed‐daw1 RNAi resulted in locomotion defects and edema, which are phenotypes characteristic of multiciliated epidermis and protonephridial dysfunction, respectively. Changes in abundance or length of motile cilia were not observed at the onset of phenotypic manifestations upon Smed‐daw1 RNAi, corroborating with studies showing that DAW‐1 loss of function leads to aberrant movement of motile cilia in other organisms, rather than loss of cilia per se. However, extended RNAi treatments did result in shorter epidermal cilia and decreased abundance of ciliated protonephridia, suggesting that Smed‐daw1 is required for homeostatic maintenance of these structures in flatworms.
Helices on Interdomain Interface Couple Catalysis in the ATPPase Domain with Allostery in Plasmodium falciparum GMP Synthetase

GMP synthetase catalyses the conversion of XMP to GMP through a series of reactions that include hydrolysis of Gln to generate ammonia in the glutamine amidotransferase (GATase) domain, activation of XMP to adenyl‐XMP intermediate in the ATP pyrophosphatase (ATPPase) domain and reaction of ammonia with the intermediate to generate GMP. The functioning of GMP synthetases entails bidirectional domain crosstalk, which leads to allosteric activation of the GATase domain, synchronization of catalytic events and tunnelling of ammonia. Herein, we have taken recourse to the analysis of structures of GMP synthetases, site‐directed mutagenesis and steady‐state and transient kinetics on the Plasmodium falciparum enzyme to decipher the molecular basis of catalysis in the ATPPase domain and domain crosstalk. Our results suggest an arrangement at the interdomain interface, of helices with residues that play roles in ATPPase catalysis as well as domain crosstalk enabling the coupling of ATPPase catalysis with GATase activation. Overall, the study enhances our understanding of GMP synthetases, which are drug targets in many infectious pathogens.
Radical Scavenging Activity of Methanol Leaf Extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus.

Abstract The antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus. Benth (Lamiaceae), cultivated in different regions of Malaysia, was determined by measuring the scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and on superoxide anion. The results showed a variation in free-radical and superoxide-anion scavenging activities of the methanol extracts ranging from 62.82 to 92.34% and 53.29 to 75.88%, respectively. Methanol extract was active, and its antioxidative potency was comparable to that of pure quercetin and higher than that of the widely used synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxylanisole (BHA). The UV and HPLC chromatographic fingerprints of the major phenolics were qualitatively similar for all the methanol leaf extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus. from various locations.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FRIENDLY MULTIPURPOSE INTEGRATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

The friendly multipurpose integration control system based on the information technology was developed for the advanced multiple and intensive agriculture. The basic design concepts of the system are user friendly and flexibility, multipurpose with the integrated management program, and remote control and mobile computing. The developed system showed the good performance on control and monitoring of agricultural facilities in the laboratory. The remote operation system was tested for actual cultivation of green onion in a plastic greenhouse. Sprinkling method of which the load on the environment was light could be realized by means of precious control. In order to improve mobility, the internet terminal i-mode was introduced into the multipurpose integration control system.