Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Pattern of Flavonoid Content and Related Enzyme Activities in Leaves of Ginkgo biloba L.

The contents of flavonoids and other related components, in addition to the activities of related enzymes, such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), chalcone synthase (CHS), and UDP-glucose:flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT), were determined in Ginkgo biloba L. leaves during leaf development. The results indicated that POD activity increased gradually in the early stages and reached its first activity peak in the beginning of Jul., the second one in late Aug., and the third one (the highest peak) in the middle of Oct. The changes in POD activity were irregular, and its activity was maintained at a low level in the early stages. However, it increased rapidly from the middle of Sep., and reached its highest value in the middle of Oct. Three peaks were obtained for PAL activity. The first peak, with the highest value was in early to middle Jul. The second one, with the lowest value, was in late Aug., and the last one, with a higher value and the longest period, was after the middle of Sep. UFGT activity had a speedy increase in the early stages and continued to increase after May. However, the net increase remained low. CHS activity was enhanced during all stages and showed two obvious peaks. The first time was in early Jul., and the other, with a higher value, was in the middle of Nov. Although PAL activity had a close relationship with the flavonoid content, no notable correlation could be identified between them. A significant correlation between CHS activity and the flavonoid content showed that CHS was one of the key enzymes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. The relationship between flavonoid content and other related enzymes is discussed in this study.
Temporal Pattern Analysis of Local Rainstorm Events in China During the Flood Season Based on Time Series Clustering

Similar to the rainfall depth, duration and intensity, the temporal pattern is also an important characteristic of rainstorm events. Studies have shown that temporal patterns will influence runoff modelling, flash flood warning thresholds as well as urban and infrastructure flood inundation simulations. In this study, a time series clustering method using dynamic time warping (DTW) as similarity measurement criteria is proposed to analyze rainfall temporal patterns. Compared with the existing approaches, it can better reflect the real rainfall processes. Based on this novel method, five representative temporal patterns were extracted from 13,299 rainstorm events during the flood season in China. Through the analysis of their statistical characteristics, the disaster-causing risks of each temporal pattern were compared. Furthermore, we found that for rainstorm events whose durations are less than 24 h, the rainfall is mainly concentrated in 3 to 6 h, which proposes higher requirements for the design of flood control and drainage projects compared with those using average intensities of 12 or 24 h as design standards. Finally, through regional analysis, we found that the rainfall depth, intensity and peak value are affected by the macroclimate. However, the temporal patterns are not strongly related to the macroclimate but are more likely to be affected by the local climate and topography, which needs further studies at smaller scales.
La estadística en los medios de comunicación como detonante del miedo en estudiantes Universitarios Colombianos

El artículo expondrá algunos resultados relacionados con el estudio y comprensión del sesgo de la disponibilidad en el campo de la Educación Estadística desde una perspectiva crítica social. Se diseñó y aplicó en un grupo de control y tratamiento un instrumento de indagación que consistía en un conjunto de preguntas sobre los miedos que sienten estudiantes universitarios en relación con el cambio climático, la seguridad social, la estabilidad económica, la violencia e inseguridad; y que pueden ser exacerbados por los medios de comunicación.
Initial Evidence for Increased Weather Salience in Autism Spectrum Conditions

Weather is important to all people, including vulnerable populations (those whose circumstances include cognitive processing, hearing, or vision differences; physical disability; homelessness; and other scenarios and factors). Autism spectrum conditions affect information processing and areas of neurological functioning that potentially inhibit the reception of hazardous weather information and are of particular concern for weather messengers. People on the autism spectrum tend to score highly in tests of systemizing, a psychological process that heavily entails attention to detail and revolves around the creation of logical rules to explain things that occur in the world. This article reports the results of three preliminary studies examining weather salience—psychological attention to weather—and its potential relationships with systemizing in autistic people. Initial findings suggest that enhanced weather salience exists among autistic individuals relative to those without the condition and that this may be related to systemizing. These findings reveal some possible strategies for communicating weather to autistic populations and motivate future work on a conceptual model that blends systemizing and chaos theory to better understand weather salience.
Flow Diverter Stents in the Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms Less than 5 mm.

AIM We evaluated the safety and efficacy of flow diverter (FD) stents in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms less than 5 mm. MATERIAL AND METHODS We treated 66 aneurysms in 43 patients with aneurysms less than 5 mm. Of the patients, 29 were females and 14 males (mean age: 50.2 years). Headache was the most frequent symptom. In 8 patients the aneurysms were recanalized and these had been treated with coils or stent-assisted coiling. All aneurysms were in the anterior circulation. In the treatment, one of the SILK, Pipeline, Derivo or FRED FD stents was used for each patient. Neurointerventional stent medication (double antiplatelet) was used. All patients were investigated for new ischemic lesions with diffusion-weighted imaging one day later. The first follow-up angiogram was planned 3-6 months later. RESULTS The treatment was technically successful in all patients. Minor complications occurred in 3 patients (7%). In one patient, thrombus inside the SILK was seen and was relieved with tirofiban. The second patient bled from the right common femoral artery entrance, which was operated on. In the third patient, the complication was technical. All patients were discharged without any neurological deficit. The mean follow-up period was 26 (6-52) months. Of the aneurysms, 64 (97.0%) were completely closed. CONCLUSION The FD treatment of cerebral, anterior circulation small aneurysms less than 5 mm is effective and safe.
Can School Children Support Ecological Research? Lessons from the Oak Bodyguard Citizen Science Project

Scientific knowledge in the field of ecology is increasingly enriched by data acquired by the general public participating in citizen science (CS) programs. Yet, doubts remain about the reliability of such data, in particular when acquired by schoolchildren. We built upon an ongoing CS program, Oak Bodyguards, to assess the ability of schoolchildren to accurately estimate the strength of biotic interactions in terrestrial ecosystems. We used standardized protocols to estimate attack rates on artificial caterpillars and insect herbivory on oak leaves. We compared estimates made by schoolchildren with estimates made by professional scientists who had been trained in predation and herbivory assessments (henceforth, trained scientists), and trained scientists’ estimates with those made by professional scientists with or without expertise (untrained) in predation or herbivory assessment. Compared with trained scientists, both schoolchildren and untrained professional scientists overestimated attack rates, but assessments made by the latter were more consistent. Schoolchildren tended to overestimate insect herbivory, as did untrained professional scientists. Raw data acquired by schoolchildren participating in CS programs therefore require several quality checks by trained professional scientists before being used. However, such data are of no less value than data collected by untrained professional scientists. CS with schoolchildren can be a valuable tool for carrying out ecological research, provided that the data itself is acquired by professional scientists from material collected by citizens.
Identification of traits for nitrogen use efficiency in oilseed rape (Brassica Napus L.)

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) receives high inputs of Nitrogen (N) fertiliser while N uptake and N harvest index are low. This results in high residual soil N which leaches to water bodies and contributes to greenhouse emissions. Such negative environmental impact could be reduced by better understanding the genetic basis of N metabolism in oilseed rape and designating relevant traits for varietal selection towards high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) at low N fertiliser inputs. In this study the doubled haploid population (TNDH) from a cross between the Chinese semi-winter variety Ningyou7 and the UK winter variety Tapidor was analysed for N physiology and Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapped for relevant traits. Quantitative Trait Loci were mapped in two N treatments over two consecutive field trials for architectural traits such as plant height, foot length, pod number and chlorophyll content in bracts and leaves; yield and yield component traits such as plant biomass, seed yield, harvest index and N metabolism (seed, plant and total N concentration, N uptake, utilisation and use efficiencies and N harvest index). A larger number of QTL were detected at High N than at Low N. In total 49 QTL were detected at High N versus 44 in Low N during 2005/06, while in 2007/07, 72 versus 62 QTL were detected at High and Low N respectively. Most QTL for different traits were treatment specific. Novel QTL for agronomic traits specific at Low N were identified. The correlations between traits were also studied through QTL co-localisations, particularly for relationships between seed yield, N uptake and N use efficiency. Seven chromosomal regions are discussed for potential candidate genes. Additionally, QTL reproducibility, interval mapping and composite interval mapping, QTL x environment interactions and phenotypic plasticity in oilseed rape are also discussed.
Persian-Speaking Teachers’ Perspectives on Methods and Materials for Teaching English as an International Language

Despite the global spread of English, it seems that voices from Persian-speaking teachers concerning English as an international language (EIL) teaching methods and materials are underrepresented. The present study set out to explore how nonnative Persian-speaking English language teachers respond to the increasing global dominance of EIL and native- and non-native-speakers’ language norms within the general paradigm of ELT. Questionnaires and interviews were used to explore 210 teachers’ beliefs about language teaching materials and methods in the context of EIL. Findings showed that the teachers noticed the need to expose English language learners to both native and nonnative varieties of English. Furthermore, the teachers acknowledged the significance of using standard English for language instruction. They seemed to be open to nonnative varieties of English, as they expressed their concern for what is communicatively acceptable. Findings contribute to our understanding of requisite language pedagogy in the EIL context.
Variability on urinary excretion of chlorogenic acid compounds and metabolites in humans after overnight fasting and under controlled diets

Large intra‐ and inter‐individual variabilities have been observed in previous studies evaluating polyphenols bioavailability in humans. The present study evaluated the intra‐ and inter‐individual variations on the urinary excretion of chlorogenic acids (CGA) and metabolites in adults (n=12), in 5 separate days, after 10h fasting and a 48h controlled phenolic free‐diet. A total of 22 compounds (359.74 ± 197.90 μmol) were identified in urine by HPLC/MS, including 6 CGA and 16 phenolic acids, varying from 1 to 10 fold for the same subject intra‐day. Only 0.36 ± 0.35 μmol of total CGA were excreted in urine, varying from 1 to 7 fold for the same subject intra‐day. A large inter‐individual variation was also observed for all compounds. The largest variation was observed for p‐coumaric acid, followed by 4‐caffeoylquinic and 3‐(4’‐hydroxyphenyl) propionic acids, whereas benzoic, hippuric and 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acids showed the lowest variation. The patterns of CGA and metabolites excretion were also remarkably different among subjects, but remained similar in different days for the same subjects. Concluding, the inter‐individual variability on CGA metabolism seems to be more expressive when compared to intra‐individual variability. Our results also suggest the need for long washout periods for CGA and that their metabolization routs may vary according to individuals, which should be thoroughly investigated. Financial Support: CNPQ and FAPERJ.
Pedogenic Processes in a Posidonia oceanica Mat

Scientists studying seagrasses typically refer to their substratum as sediment, but recently researchers have begun to refer to it as a soil. However, the logistics of sampling underwater substrata and the fragility of these ecosystems challenge their study using pedological methods. Previous studies have reported geochemical processes within the rhizosphere that are compatible with pedogenesis. Seagrass substratum accumulated over the Recent Holocene and can reach several meters in thickness, but studies about deeper layers are scarce. This study is a first attempt to find sound evidence of vertical structuring in Posidonia oceanica deposits to serve as a basis for more detailed pedological studies. A principal component analysis on X-Ray Fluorescence-elemental composition, carbonate content and organic matter content data along a 475 cm core was able to identify four main physico-chemical signals: humification, accumulation of carbonates, texture and organic matter depletion. The results revealed a highly structured deposit undergoing pedogenetical processes characteristic of soils rather than a mere accumulation of sediments. Further research is required to properly describe the substratum underneath seagrass meadows, decide between the sediment or soil nature for seagrass substrata, and for the eventual inclusion of seagrass substrata in soil classifications and the mapping of seagrass soil resources.
Combined Effects of Water Deficit, Exogenous Ethylene Application and Root Symbioses on Trigonelline and ABA Accumulation in Fenugreek

Secondary metabolites (SMs) have high economic impact thanks to their exploitability in chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Trigonella foenum-graecum has an importance due to the production of bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical values. Among them, the alkaloid trigonelline is known for its role in the treatment of different human diseases. SM accumulation is influenced by environmental factors but is modulated by the application of exogenous compounds. Ethephon, a precursor of the phytohormone ethylene, was already used to influence SM accumulation. Our work is aimed at evaluating the accumulation of trigonelline and the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) when three factors were combined: i) two levels of water regimes (well-watered and water deficit), ii) ethephon treatments and iii) inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)-based inoculum also leading to nodulation. The content of trigonelline and ABA was significantly affected by symbioses, showing high accumulation in AM-colonized plants irrespective of the water regimes applied. In terms of trigonelline accumulation with respect to ethephon treatments, while symbiotic plants showed a dose-dependent trend, non-symbiotic plants showed a significantly difference only when 550 ppm of ethephon was applied. In conclusion, our work provides new information on the effects of both ethephon and symbioses on plant growth and accumulation of valuable compounds, such as trigonelline, in fenugreek.
Isolation of Hyaluronic Acid from Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) Eyeball

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is commonly extracted from terrestrial and bacterial sources. However, due to the risk associated with animal and bacterial derived contaminants and the laborious production that tend to compromise the quality of HA, research studies have recently shifted to the exploration of HA in marine resources and the enhancement of the protocols for its production. In this study, isolation of HA from yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) eyeball was carried out through standardisation of the different steps in HA isolation, including tissue extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, precipitation with cetylpiridinium chloride (CPC) sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, filtration and diafiltration, precipitation in alkaline hydroalcoholic solution, and lyophilisation. Results revealed that the highest HA yield and purity were observed in the indirect treatment wherein the raw material was pre-treated with acetone, formaldehyde, and sodium acetate solution prior to water extraction and incubation of the mixture for 24 h. Enzymatic hydrolysis revealed that 6 h was the maximum tissue hydrolysis period. Results further showed that the optimum conditions for HA isolation were through the use of 3 % CPC:3M NaCl concentration for recovery and fractionation and a 1:3 mL.mL-1 supernatant:ethanol ratio for alcoholic precipitation. The data gathered from this study could help maximise the benefits of the tuna processing waste in the country and may open a new opportunity for more cost-effective production of a valuable bioactive compound from a natural source.
Impact of the Public Management Model on the Implementation of Urban Regeneration Policies: Evidence of the Case of the Basque Country, Spain

ABSTRACT Since 2000, urban regeneration programmes in Spain have progressively involved greater integration and complexity. As a result, the management of the regeneration process has taken on greater significance. One of the determining factors has been rehabilitation companies. The paper examines the impact of their characteristics on the implementation of the programmes. A comparison of the 22 companies in operation in the Basque Country of Spain shows that more integrated approaches are considerably greater in those municipalities in which the companies are operating. Supra-municipal organizations are more effective than municipal ones in small-scale poly-nuclear urban systems such as the Basque Country.
Role of HIF-1, Siah-1 and SKN-1 in Inducing Adiposity for Caenorhabditis elegans under Hypoxic Conditions

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia has been shown to be able to induce adiposity. However, the mechanism and factors involved in this effect still remains unclear. Hence, we sought to investigate the role of oxygensensitive factors regarding hypoxia-induced adiposity in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans . METHODS: The C. elegans were grown on nematode growth medium (NGM) agar plates seeded with Escherichia coli OP50 at 20°C. The ratio of width/body length was measured using the morphometry analysis. Fat accumulation was examined using Sudan Black methods. Protein levels of sterol binding protein (SBP)-1 were assessed by immunoblotting. Lifespan assay was performed at 20°C and was monitored every two days. RESULTS: The results showed that of all mutant used, only hif-1 mutant which did not experience an increase in the ratio of width/body length ( p >0.05) and fat accumulation ( p >0.05), indicating that hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF)-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypoxia-induced adiposity. Both siah-1 and skn-1 mutants experienced SBP-1 protein elevation ( p 0.05) further supporting that HIF-1 acts as an upstream regulator from SBP-1. CONCLUSION: In general, the results of this study provide evidences of the involvement of the transcription factor HIF-1 in inducing adiposity under the hypoxic conditions. However, we did not find the involvement of seven in absentia homolog-1 (Siah-1) and skinhead-1 (SKN-1). KEYWORDS: hypoxia, adiposity, fat, HIF-1, Siah-1, SKN-1, C. elegans
Study of serum magnesium levels in type I diabetes mellitus patients: a case control study

Introduction and background: Magnesium is involved in insulin synthesis. Some studies claim that there is hypomagnesemia in type I diabetes patients and they have implicated its use to increase insulin production, reduce the complications. This study was done to know serum magnesium levels in type I diabetes patients and whether there is any significant correlation between serum magnesium levels and glycemic control. As there are variety of results found in different studies it was important to evaluate serum magnesium levels in type I DM patients and any scope of improvement of insulin levels by its supplementation. Materials and Methods: A case control study was done involving 44 cases, 44 sex and age matched controls. All patients less than 18yrs diagnosed with type I diabetes mellitus were included in study. Serum magnesium levels in cases and controls were compared. Percentage of hypomagnesemia in both groups, correlation between HbA1c levels and serum magnesium levels in cases were calculated. Results: 27.27% of type I DM whereas 11.4% of controls had hypomagnesemia. Mean serum magnesium level in cases and normal controls were 1.83 and 1.88 respectively (p 0.8). Conclusion: Hypomagnesemia in cases was more than double as compared to controls. Although, there was no significant difference between mean serum magnesium levels in cases and controls, no significant correlation between serum magnesium and HbA1C levels was found in cases. Therefore, magnesium supplementation in type I diabetes mellitus for improvement of insulin levels is not recommended.