Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Laccase, Peroxidase, and Polyphenol Oxidase on a Single Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

Abstract Laccase, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase are widely distributed in both plants and micro-organisms. Among these enzymes, the identification of one particular activity in the presence of the others is often difficult as enzymes can often oxidise the same substrates. A method is described, that is suitable to differentiate the three activities on the same polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The method is based on the use of two substrates, 4-aminoN,N-diethylaniline and 4-tert-butyl-catechol, so that coloured spots appear corresponding to the different activities. Moreover, a comparison among different mushroom species belonging to the same genus is reported using the described method.
Lake Ice-Water Classification of RADARSAT-2 Images by Integrating IRGS Segmentation with Pixel-Based Random Forest Labeling

Changes to ice cover on lakes throughout the northern landscape has been established as an indicator of climate change and variability, expected to have implications for both human and environmental systems. Monitoring lake ice cover is also required to enable more reliable weather forecasting across lake-rich northern latitudes. Currently, the Canadian Ice Service (CIS) monitors lakes using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical imagery through visual interpretation, with total lake ice cover reported weekly as a fraction out of ten. An automated method of classification would allow for more detailed records to be delivered operationally. In this research, we present an automatic ice-mapping approach which integrates unsupervised segmentation from the Iterative Region Growing using Semantics (IRGS) algorithm with supervised random forest (RF) labeling. IRGS first locally segments homogeneous regions in an image, then merges similar regions into classes across the entire scene. Recently, these output regions were manually labeled by the user to generate ice maps, or were labeled using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. Here, three labeling methods (Manual, SVM, and RF) are applied after IRGS segmentation to perform ice-water classification on 36 RADARSAT-2 scenes of Great Bear Lake (Canada). SVM and RF classifiers are also tested without integration with IRGS. An accuracy assessment has been performed on the results, comparing outcomes with author-generated reference data, as well as the reported ice fraction from CIS. The IRGS-RF average classification accuracy for this dataset is 95.8%, demonstrating the potential of this automated method to provide detailed and reliable lake ice cover information operationally.
Efficacy of combine use of biocontrol agents on control of Sclerotium rolfsii and Rhizoctonia solani of Capsicum annuum

Abstract Rhizobacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens CA05, Pseudomonas putida CA28 and Bacillus subtillis CA32 which showed antagonism in a Petri plate assay were tested singly and in combination for their biological control efficacy against Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii under greenhouse conditions. The bacteria were applied to the seeds before seeding and to the root system prior to transplanting. Two disease assessment criteria were used in this study. All bacterial treatments significantly decreased the disease severity of C. annuum observed up to 30 days after transplanting and the magnitude of the protection was similar when assessed in terms of number of plants which remained healthy during the experimental period. Combining B. subtillis with either Pseudomonads strains gave enhanced control. However, the combined application of two Pseudomondas strains did not improve the plant protection. When the plants were assessed by using a stem-lesion index, none of the Pseudomonads strains either alone or in combination significantly protected the plants from the both pathogens. But the application of B. subtilis alone and in combination with either Pseudomonads strains exerted biocontrol. The R. solani and S. rolfsii populations were dramatically reduced after 30 days of transplanting in bacterial treated pots compared to the controls indicating the biocontrol ability of these rhizobacteria. Therefore, the results show that a combination of B. subtilis with Pseudomondas strains can lead to greater plant protection against R. solani and S. rolfsii than the biocontrol exhibited by these strains used separately. Because of the results observed in this study the importance of disease assessment criteria in evaluating biological control agents is emphasized.
Bacteriological quality of effluents from the University Clinics of Kinshasa treated in UASB

The analysis of wastewater from the University Clinics of Kinshasa has shown that they are filled in considerable proportion the total germs, total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Staphylococci (Staphylococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus); the Enterobacteriaceae (Entérobacter agglomerans, Entérobacter cloaceae, Providencia, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris) multi-resistant to antibiotics, responsible for nosocomial infections. As a result of a treatment by UASB, it was noted a total reduction of germs (total germs from 10.6x 10 CFU/L to 32x10 CFU/L; 2.1x 10 CFU/L of total coliforms to 0 CFU/L and from 1.5x10 CFU/L of faecal coliforms to 0 CFU/L), and an elimination to 100% of Entérobacter which proves the effectiveness of the UASB system for the treatment of effluents from the hospital environments.
A deep dive into the ancestral chromosome number and genome size of flowering plants.

Chromosome number and genome variation in flowering plants has stimulated a blossoming number of speculations about the ancestral chromosome number of angiosperms, but estimates so far remain equivocal. We used a probabilistic approach to model haploid chromosome number (n) changes along a phylogeny embracing more than 10 thousands taxa, to reconstruct the ancestral chromosome number of the common ancestor of extant angiosperms and the most recent common ancestor for single angiosperm families. Independently, we carried out an analysis of 1C genome size evolution, including over 5 thousands taxa. Our inferences revealed an ancestral haploid chromosome number for angiosperms n = 7, a diploid status, and an ancestral 1C = 1.73 pg. For 160 families, inferred ancestral n are provided for the first time. Both descending dysploidy and polyploidy played crucial roles in chromosome number evolution. While descending dysploidy is equally distributed early and late across the phylogeny, polyploidy is detected mainly towards the tips. Similarly, also 1C genome size significantly increases (or decreases) in late-branching lineages. Therefore, no evidence exists for a clear link between ancestral chromosome numbers and ancient polyploidization events, suggesting that further insights are needed to elucidate the organization of genome packaging into chromosomes.
Assessing the Applicability of Mobile Laser Scanning for Mapping Forest Roads in the Republic of Korea

Forest roads are an essential facility for sustainable forest management and protection. With advances in survey technology, such as Light Detection and Ranging, forest road maps with greater accuracy and resolution can be produced. This study produced a 3D map for establishment of a forest road inventory using a Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) device mounted on a vehicle in four study forest roads in Korea, in order to review its precision, accuracy and efficiency based on comparisons with mapping using Total Station (TS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). We counted the points that consist of the cloud data of the maps to determine the degree of precision density, and then compared this with 50 points at 20-m intervals on the centerlines bisecting the widths of the study forest roads. Then, we evaluated the relative positional accuracy of the MLS data based on three criteria: the total length of each forest road; the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) obtained from coordinate values of the MLS and TS surveys compared to the GNSS survey; and the ratios of the centerlines extracted by the MLS and TS surveys overlaid to the buffer zone by the GNSS survey. Finally, we estimated the time and cost per unit length for producing the map to examine the efficiency of MLS mapping compared to the other two surveys. The results showed that the point cloud data acquired by the MLS survey on the study forest roads had very high precision and so is sufficient to produce a 3D forest road map with high-precision density and a low RMSE value. Although the equipment rental cost is somewhat high, the fact that information targeting on all spatial elements of forest roads can be obtained with a low cost of labor is a benefit when evaluating the efficiency of MLS survey and mapping. Our findings are expected to provide a quantitative assessment of both maintaining sustainable effectiveness and preventing potential environmental damage of forest roads.
Use of electron microscopy to study platelets and thrombi

ABSTRACT Electron microscopy has been a valuable tool for the study of platelet biology and thrombosis for more than 70 years. Early studies using conventional transmission and scanning electron microscopy (EM) provided a foundation for our initial understanding of platelet structure and how it changes upon platelet activation. EM approaches have since been utilized to study platelets and thrombi in the context of basic, translational and clinical research, and they are instrumental in the diagnosis of multiple platelet function disorders. In this brief review, we provide a sampling of the many contributions EM based studies have made to the field, including both historical highlights and contemporary applications. We will also discuss exciting new imaging modalities based on EM and their utility for the study of platelets, hemostasis and thrombosis into the future.
On-Demand Channel Bonding in Heterogeneous WLANs: A Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach

In order to meet the ever-increasing traffic demand of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), channel bonding is introduced in IEEE 802.11 standards. Although channel bonding effectively increases the transmission rate, the wider channel reduces the number of non-overlapping channels and is more susceptible to interference. Meanwhile, the traffic load differs from one access point (AP) to another and changes significantly depending on the time of day. Therefore, the primary channel and channel bonding bandwidth should be carefully selected to meet traffic demand and guarantee the performance gain. In this paper, we proposed an On-Demand Channel Bonding (O-DCB) algorithm based on Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) for heterogeneous WLANs to reduce transmission delay, where the APs have different channel bonding capabilities. In this problem, the state space is continuous and the action space is discrete. However, the size of action space increases exponentially with the number of APs by using single-agent DRL, which severely affects the learning rate. To accelerate learning, Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) is used to train O-DCB. Real traffic traces collected from a campus WLAN are used to train and test O-DCB. Simulation results reveal that the proposed algorithm has good convergence and lower delay than other algorithms.
Broilers divergently selected for digestibility differ for their digestive microbial ecosystems

Improving the digestive efficiency of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus) could reduce organic waste, increase the use of alternative feed not used for human consumption and reduce the impact of feed in production costs. By selecting chicken lines divergently for their digestive efficiency, we showed previously that digestive efficiency is under genetic control and that the two resulting divergent lines, D+ (high digestive efficiency or “digestibility +”) and D- (low digestive efficiency or “digestibility -”), also differ for the abundance of specific bacteria in their caeca. Here we perform a more extensive census of the bacteria present in the digestive microbiota of 60 chickens selected for their low apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn-) or high (AMEn+) digestive efficiency in a [D+ x D-] F8 progeny of 200 individuals. We sequenced the 16S rRNA genes of the ileal, jejunal and caecal microbiotas, and compared the compositions and predicted functions of microbiotas from the different intestinal segments for 20 AMEn+ and 19 AMEn- birds. The intestinal segment of origin was the main factor structuring the samples. The caecal microbiota was the most impacted by the differences in digestive efficiency, with 41 bacterial species with abundances differing between highly and poorly efficient birds. Furthermore, we predicted that the caecal microbiota of efficient birds might be enriched in genes contributing to the degradation of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) from non-starch polysaccharides. These results confirm the impact of the genetic selection led on digestibility on the caecal microbiota taxonomic composition. They open the way toward the identification of specific, causal genes of the host controlling variations in the abundances of bacterial taxons.
Niphatesines E–H, new pyridine alkaloids from the Okinawan marine sponge Niphates sp.

Four new mono-3-alkyl-substituted pyridine alkaloids, niphatesines E–H (1–4), possessing oxime methyl ether or methoxyamine functionality have been isolated from the Okinawan marine sponge Niphates sp. and the structures elucidated by spectral and chemical means. These pyridine alkaloids exhibited cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities.
Size ‐ fecundity relationships, mating behaviour, and larval release in the New Zealand paddle crab, Ovalipes catharus (White 1843) (Brachyura: Portunidae).

Abstract A logarithmically increasing relationship was found between fecundity (F) and carapace width in mm (CW) [Ln(F) = 1.81439 + 2.44173 × Ln(CW)] with a slightly better statistical fit being produced with an exponential relation [Ln(F) = 9.79540 + 0.03325 × CW]. The relation between fecundity and drained body weight in g (BWg) was equally well described by both a simple linear relation [F = 25630.76 + 2552.12 × BWg], and a logarithmic relation [Ln(F) = 8.58960 + 0.85978 × Ln(BWg)]. Although all curves were highly statistically significant the precision of prediction was limited as a wide range of fecundities was observed for any given size. Large females (100 mm) would have an expected fecundity per batch of eggs of approximately 500 000. No relation was found between mean egg size and carapace width, nor were there significant relations between development stage and egg size, or between development stage and fecundity. Male paddle crabs carry pre‐moult females for up to eight days prior to the female.
Modeling human epigenetic disorders in mice: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Silver-Russell syndrome

ABSTRACT Genomic imprinting, a phenomenon in which the two parental alleles are regulated differently, is observed in mammals, marsupials and a few other species, including seed-bearing plants. Dysregulation of genomic imprinting can cause developmental disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS). In this Review, we discuss (1) how various (epi)genetic lesions lead to the dysregulation of clinically relevant imprinted loci, and (2) how such perturbations may contribute to the developmental defects in BWS and SRS. Given that the regulatory mechanisms of most imprinted clusters are well conserved between mice and humans, numerous mouse models of BWS and SRS have been generated. These mouse models are key to understanding how mutations at imprinted loci result in pathological phenotypes in humans, although there are some limitations. This Review focuses on how the biological findings obtained from innovative mouse models explain the clinical features of BWS and SRS. Summary: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) can be caused by various (epi)genetic lesions leading to the dysregulation of genomic imprinting. This Review focuses on the mouse models used to understand how such perturbations contribute to the human BWS/SRS phenotypes.
Transcriptome-wide organization of subcellular microenvironments revealed by ATLAS-Seq

Abstract Subcellular organization of RNAs and proteins is critical for cell function, but we still lack global maps and conceptual frameworks for how these molecules are localized in cells and tissues. Here, we introduce ATLAS-Seq, which generates transcriptomes and proteomes from detergent-free tissue lysates fractionated across a sucrose gradient. Proteomic analysis of fractions confirmed separation of subcellular compartments. Unexpectedly, RNAs tended to co-sediment with other RNAs in similar protein complexes, cellular compartments, or with similar biological functions. With the exception of those encoding secreted proteins, most RNAs sedimented differently than their encoded protein counterparts. To identify RNA binding proteins potentially driving these patterns, we correlated their sedimentation profiles to all RNAs, confirming known interactions and predicting new associations. Hundreds of alternative RNA isoforms exhibited distinct sedimentation patterns across the gradient, despite sharing most of their coding sequence. These observations suggest that transcriptomes can be organized into networks of co-segregating mRNAs encoding functionally related proteins and provide insights into the establishment and maintenance of subcellular organization.
Ion-Exchange Properties of Isolated Cell Walls of Brown Algae: The Interstitial Solution

Kloareg, B. , Demarty, M. and Mabeau, S. 1987. Ion-exchange properties of isolated cell walls of brown algae: the interstitial solution. —J. exp. Bot. 38: 1652-1662. Isolated cell walls of Pelvetia canaliculata (Dene) et Thur. , Laminaria digitata (L.) and other intertidal brown algae were equilibrated in seawater and various mixtures of sodium and calcium chlorides. After elution with distilled water, the interstitial solution was assayed for ionic composition. With respect to the external solution, it was less concentrated and contained lower proportions of divalent cations. Such modifications were related to the divalent ionic fraction and the total anion con centration of the external solution. No significant differences were found among the brown algae investigated in spite of the differing composition of their walls. Results were analysed according to the polyelectrolyte condensation model. When the concentration of the external solution was high (1000 meq dm ~ 3), experimental data were qualitatively in good agreement with the predictions of the model.
Investigating predictors of community integration in individuals after stroke in a residential setting: A longitutinal study

Aim To identify potential predictors of community integration in individuals after stroke using a residential setting-based strategy. Method A prospective cohort of post-stroke individuals was recruited from the Stroke Unit of the Roberto Santos General Hospital (UAVC-HGRS). All included individuals were aged over 18 years, received a diagnosis of ischemic stroke confirmed by neuroimaging and resided in the city of Salvador (Bahia, Brazil). Following discharge from the stroke unit, the individuals themselves, or their responsible parties, were contacted by telephone to schedule a home visit no less than three months after discharge. All subjects were examined in their homes, at which time the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) was also applied. A robust linear regression model was used to assess community reintegration using CIQ score as the outcome variable. Results A total of 124 individuals effectively fulfilled the eligibility criteria: 51.6% were females, the median (IQR) age was 63(53–69) years, 82.3% were non-white, 53.2% were married, the median (IQR) of years of schooling was 6 (4–12) and family income averaged two minimum monthly wages. Investigated individuals presented a median (IQR) NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 7 (4–12). Multivariate linear regression identified the following independent predictors of community integration: age (β = -0.095; 95% CI = -0.165 to -0.025; p = 0.008), diabetes mellitus (β = -2.348; 95% CI = -4.125 to -0.571; p = 0.010), smoking habit (β = -2.951; 95% CI = -5.081 to -0.821; p = 0.007), functional capacity upon hospital discharge (β = 0.168; 95% CI = 0.093 to 0.242; p = <0.001) and stroke severity (β = -0.163; CI = -0.318 to -0.009); p = 0.038). Conclusions Regardless of length of time since stroke, individuals present restrictions that compromise their reintegration into their respective communities. The demographic, clinical and functional factors identified herein as potential predictors should be considered when conducting regular follow-up, as well as in the rehabilitation of individuals after stroke with the purpose to identify the interventions necessary to optimize their reintegration into the community.
Anatomy And Physiology Of Speech

This book by A. M. Kaplan represents a milestone in the literature of speech pathology. For many years the need has been felt for a concise presentation of the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism. Up to now the speech therapist has been frustrated by the arduous task of piecing together information derived from many sources not particularly orientated towards speech and attempting to apply it to his particular field of work.
Shell growth and age determination of the brackish water bivalve Corbicula japonica in Lake Shinji, Japan

: Shell growth and age determination of Corbicula japonica were investigated from samples collected monthly at two sites and field growth experiments from November 1999 to November 2000 in Lake Shinji. Both specimens did not grow in winter when the water temperature was below 11°C, but grew rapidly from spring to early summer when the water temperature rose from 15°C to 30°C, before further growing slowly from summer to autumn after the main breeding period. The monthly marginal growth distribution of the samples indicated that the concentric groove on the shell surface was an annual growth ring. It is concluded that the age of C. japonica in the i-ring group when the shell growth resumed in spring was i + 0.5 (i = 1, 2, · · ·), because the first true growth ring was formed at 0–2 mm in shell length, which then faded with growth. Lee's phenomenon was observed in the age determination results, and thus the growth coefficient and the asymptotic shell length of the von Bertalanffy growth equation were not estimated from the samples. However, these parameters were estimated from the annual shell length increments of the experimental individuals, which were 0.331/year and 28.2 mm, respectively.