Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large scale patterns and trophic structure of southern African rocky shores: the roles of geographic variation and wave exposure

In this study we revise the biogeographic delimitation, and large-scale patterns of community structure of the intertidal rocky shores of southern Africa. We use binary (presence/absence) and per-species biomass data collected at fifteen localities and thirty-seven different rocky sites, encompassing the shores of southern Namibia, South Africa and southern Mozambique. Multivariate analyses revealed that the shores of southern Africa (south of 25°) can be divided into three main biogeographic provinces: the west coast or Namaqua province, the south coast or Agulhas province and the east coast or Natal province. The biomass structure of the intertidal rocky shores communities of southern Africa varied at a large scale, corresponding to biogeographic differences, while local-scale variation accorded with the intensity of local wave action. The average biomass of west coast communities was on average significantly greater than that of the south and east provinces. At a local scale, the community biomass on exposed shores was an order of magnitude greater than on sheltered shores, within all biogeographic provinces. Semi-exposed shores exhibited intermediate average biomass. The trophic structure of these communities varied significantly with wave action: autotrophs, filter-feeders and invertebrate predators were more prevalent on wave exposed than sheltered shores, whereas grazers were more abundant on sheltered and semi-exposed shores. Exposed shores were consistently dominated by far fewer species than semi-exposed and sheltered shores, independently of biogeographic differences. Within all biogeographic provinces semi-exposed and sheltered shores were more diverse than exposed shores. West coast intertidal communities therefore had high levels of biomass, but were consistently species-poor. Several working hypotheses that could explain these large and small-scale patterns are presented.
Clinical Features, Treatment Choices and in-Hospital Outcome of Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Eastern Region of Nepal: A Hospital-Based Study

Background Patients with Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have different modes of presentation, treatment options and outcomes which vary across the different population. There is a paucity of data about the clinical characteristics of acute STEMI from the eastern part of Nepal. Our study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcome of patients with acute STEMI at a tertiary care center of the eastern part of Nepal. Materials and Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study on 214 patients who presented in the emergency room or coronary care unit of Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital from August 2018 to July 2019. Demographic features, risk factors, duration of symptoms before presentation, different treatment options offered and the in-hospital outcome were noted. Results The male to female ratio was 2.14. The most common symptom was chest pain (97.0%) followed by sweating 78.0%, breathlessness 29.0%, nausea or vomiting 24.8 %, etc. The most common regional territory involved was the anterior wall (48.1%) followed by the Inferior wall (42.5 %), posterior wall (5.1 %). The majority (71.3%) presented within 12 hours after symptom onset. Hypertension was the most frequent (40.2%) risk factor followed by Smoking (39.7%), diabetes mellitus (35.0%) and dyslipidemia (34.6%). Among patients eligible for primary PCI 76.6% underwent PCI, 22.0% were managed conservatively. Total mortality among patients managed with primary PCI was 3% as compared to medical therapy (14.8%). Heart failure prevalence was less with primary PCI (12.1%) compared to medical therapy (29.6%) Conclusion The majority of patients presented with typical symptoms in a reasonably early period (12 hrs) and the in-hospital outcome was better with primary PCI. Hence, efforts should be made to offer primary PCI to the majority of patients in the peripheral part of our country.
Antioxidants in the apoplast and symplast of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) leaves: seasonal variations and responses to changing ozone concentrations in air

Concentrations of the antioxidants ascorbate and glutathione were measured in the apoplast of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) leaves and in leaf tissue. During early leaf development, reduced ascorbate (ASC) was almost absent from the apoplast, whereas levels of oxidized ascorbate (DHA) were high. Less than 20% of the apoplastic ascorbate was reduced. ASC increased towards midsummer, reaching top levels of about 4 mol m -3 apoplast volume in July and August. Reduction increased to 60-75% in summer. Neither DHA reductase nor glutathione was detected in the apoplast of beech leaves. Levels of apoplastic ascorbate were compared with ambient concentrations of ozone in air. Statistical analysis indicated a significant interrelation between atmospheric ozone and apoplastic ascorbate. In midsummer of 1993, contents of DHA were increased in the apoplast when ozone concentrations were high. Apoplastic ASC was also positively correlated with ambient ozone concentrations, but with a delay of 3 to 7d. In leaf tissue, levels of ascorbate were between 17 and 21 μmol g -1 FW in summer. Except for late April and November, more than 95% of the intracellular ascorbate was reduced. Glutathione contents were lowest during the summer. Oxidation was increased in spring and autumn, when apoplastic ascorbate was also largely oxidized. Usually, 80 to 90% of the glutathione was reduced. During the summer, intracellular concentrations of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were increased, with a delay of about 1d following periods of high ambient ozone concentrations. The transitory accumulation of GSSG may be explained by slow enzymatic regeneration of glutathione.
Aperfeiçoamentos em métodos de otimização sem derivadas

Este trabalho propoe melhorias para alguns metodos de otimizacao deterministica sem derivadas, em especial, para metodos de otimizacao unidimensional e para o metodo Nelder-Mead simplex. Em relacao a primeira contribuicao, neste trabalho e proposto um framework de otimizacao unidimensional baseado nos conceitos de padroes-(v, a), que por sua vez sao usados para a caracterizacao de multimodalidade de funcoes nao lineares. Baseado nisso, o framework e capaz de mapear multiplos minimos ao longo do processo iterativo atraves de recortes sucessivos do intervalo de busca sempre que um maximo local e encontrado. O framework proposto e acoplado com o metodo da secao aurea, dando origem a um novo metodo de otimizacao unidimensional denominado multimodal golden section, que herda as propriedades de convergencia do metodo subjacente. Alguns experimentos numericos conduzidos ilustram a caracteristica multimodal do framework desenvolvido. Ja em relacao a segunda contribuicao, este trabalho propoe o uso de um operador lexicografico como forma de tratamento de restricoes de caixa e de desigualdade para o classico metodo Nelder-Mead simplex. Alem disso, uma nova estrategia de inicializacao do simplex inicial e proposta, de modo a evitar uma degeneracao prematura. As modificacoes propostas nao alteram a estrutura original do algoritmo. Alguns experimentos sao conduzidos e os resultados sao comparados com estrategias tradicionais de inicializacao do simplex e de tratamento de restricoes, demonstrando as principais caracteristicas da contribuicao.
Radiation Interception, Partitioning and Use in Grass –Clover Mixtures

Mixed swards of perennial ryegrass /white clover were grown in competition under controlled environmental conditions, at two temperatures and with different inorganic nitrogen supplies. The swards were studied after canopy closure, from 800 to 1200 °C d cumulative temperatures. Clover contents did not vary significantly during the period. A simulation model of light interception was used to calculate light partitioning coefficients and radiation use efficiencies for both components of the mixture in this controlled environment experiment. Additionally, this same radiative transfer model was applied to the field data from Woledge (1988) (Annals of Applied Biology112: 175 –186) and from Woledge, Davidson and Dennis (1992) (Grass and Forage Science47: 230 –238). The measured and simulated values of light transmission, at different depths in the mixed canopy, were highly correlated (P<0.001) with more than 80% of the total variance explained. The daily average of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception in a natural environment was estimated from simulations, for the field and controlled environment data. Under these conditions, white clover captured significantly more light per unit leaf area than perennial ryegrass at low, but not at high, nitrogen supply. In the controlled environment experiment, the radiation use efficiency of the legume was lower than that of its companion grass. For both species, radiation use efficiency was negatively correlated with the mean irradiance of the leaf. The role of a compensation between light interception and light use for stabilizing the botanical composition of dense grass –clover swards is discussed.
Ethnobotany of India.

1 1.1 Study Region . 2 1.2 Vegetation and Flora . 4 1.3 Ethnic Diversity . 5 1.4 Utilization Aspects of Ethnobotanical Knowledge . 6 1.5 General Reviews on Ethnobotany of India . 10
Chemosensory Recognition of Its Lizard Prey by the Ambush Smooth Snake, Coronella austriaca

Abstract The Smooth Snake, Coronella austriaca, is an ambush predator that waits for its main prey, the Wall Lizard, Podarcis muralis, inside dark rock crevices where lizards retreat. Pheromonal secretions of lizards could be used by snakes to select foraging sites but also during predatory episodes when identifying lizards under conditions of low visibility is beneficial. We used cotton applicators labeled with lizard scent to determine whether Smooth Snakes can discriminate the chemical cues of Wall Lizards. We also asked whether snakes could discriminate between male and female lizards, or detect male scents before female ones, which could indicate differential susceptibility of the sexes to predation. The greater tongue-flick rate in response to Wall Lizard scent than to deionized water or cologne indicated that C. austriaca is able to discriminate the chemical cues of Wall Lizards, but it did not discriminate between the sexes of lizard prey.
Regulation of the self-renewal vs. differentiation decision in the C.elegans germline

Adult stem cells are the basis of our reproductive potential, of tissue growth and maintenance, and of wound healing and regeneration. Ageing phenotypes such as hair loss or brittle bones in fact reflect the gradual decline of the proliferative capacities of adult stem cells with time. On the other hand, stem cells that proliferate too fast to provoque diseases such as cancer. Understanding the molecular players regulating the decision of stem cells to divide or differentiate is therefore of prime importance to treat conditions caused by stem cell dysfunction. Many pathways that regulate the maintenance and differentiation of stem cells, as well as features distinguishing stem cells from their more committed progeny, are known today, among them the conserved Notch signaling pathway. How these molecules instruct stem cell identity is however largely unknown. C.elegans germline stem cells, which are maintained by Notch signaling, constitute an excellent model to study the regulation of stem cell identity. C.elegans is amenable to genetic manipulation, to gene knockdown by RNAi, and to transgenesis. Additionally, the C.elegans germline can be readily monitored in live animals through the transparent cuticle as well as dissected for gene expression studies or immunofluorescence. Here, we use these tools to identify genes that respond to Notch signaling in germline stem cells. We find that many Notch responsive genes reside on the X chromosome. In the following, we uncover a crosstalk between Notch signaling and the C.elegans Polycomb proteins MES-2,-3,-4, and -6, which are known to repress X linked genes in the germline. Additionally, we identify a role of the CIP/KIP cell cycle inhibitor CKI-2 in the self-renewal versus differentiation decision of C.elegans germline stem cells. We find that CKI-2 is a key target of two conserved stem cell regulators, the RNA binding proteins FBF/Pumilio and MEX-3. Particularly FBF/Pumilio proteins have been implied in stem cell regulation in many organisms, and in C.elegans are required to maintain stem cells during adulthood. Key targets among the mRNAs targeted by FBF/Pumilio proteins have however remained elusive. We demonstrate that both MEX-3 and FBF/Pumilio proteins associate with the cki-2 3’UTR, that FBF/Pumilio binding elements are required for 3’UTR mediated regulation in vivo, and that regulation of CKI-2 by FBF/Pumilio contributes to the maintenance of germline stem cells.
Competitive coexistence in spatially structured environments: a synthesis

Theoretical developments in spatial competitive coexistence are far in advance of empirical investigations. A framework that makes comparative predictions for alternative hypotheses is a crucial element in narrowing this gap. This review attempts to synthesize spatial competition theory into such a framework, with the goal of motivating empirical investigations that adopt the comparative approach. The synthesis presented is based on a major axis, coexistence in spatially homogeneous vs. heterogeneous competitive environments, along which the theory can be organized. The resulting framework integrates such key concepts as niche theory, spatial heterogeneity and spatial scale(s) of coexistence. It yields comparative predictions that can guide empirical investigations.
DETECTION OF LISTERELLA INFECTION IN WILD RODENTS, INSECTIVORA AND IXODES TICKS

Abstract : Listerellosis was discovered in a natural state in field mice (Microtus arvalis Pall.) - 8 finds, in a water rat (Arvicola terrestris L.) - one find, in a water shrew (Neomys fodiens Schrb.) - one find, and in a common shrew (Sorex araneus L.) - one find. One strain of L monocytogenes was isolated from pubescent ticks, Dermacentor pictus Herm. , taken from healthy cows. All of the isolated strains, by morphological, cultural, tinctorial, biochemical and antigenic properties, were completely similar to each other and fully corresponded to Listeria monocytogenes (Mur., Wb et Sw.). The strains possessed an express pathogenicity for field mice, white mice and rabbits. For the first two types of animals the minimum lethal dose in a subcutaneous infection amounted to 10-100 thousand microbic cell. The established phenomenon of natural incidence of listerellosis in rodents and insectivora, which are widely spread in nature, and also in ticks, increases the knowledge concerning the epizootology and epidemiology of this little investigated disease.
Recomendaciones nutricionales para pacientes hospitalizados con infección respiratoria grave (IRAG) sospechosa o confirmada por COVID-19

Durante estas tres decadas del cuidado continuo de pacientes hospitalizados hemos reconocido la fisiopa-tologia de la respuesta metabolica al estres y la afectacion de los enfermos desde la activacion molecular de la sepsis, hasta el compromiso hemodinamico y neurologico del shock, ofreciendo soporte nutricional para obtener mejores resultados para la salud y la vida de nuestros pacientes, mediante recomendaciones que han sido comprobadas en poblaciones heterogeneas con diversas presentaciones en la practica clinica. En esta revision de la literatura proponemos sugerencias sobre la intervencion nutricional en el paciente con SARS-CoV2 o COVID-19
Common waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) interference in soybean

Abstract Common waterhemp has become a problem weed species in Midwest soybean production. Determining the critical interference period after soybean and common waterhemp emergence is necessary for the implementation of weed control practices before soybean seed yield loss occurs. Field experiments were conducted during 1996, 1997, and 1998 to determine the influence of duration of common waterhemp interference on soybean seed yield. Removal of common waterhemp 2 wk after soybean unifoliolate leaf expansion resulted in soybean seed yield equivalent to a season-long weed-free control. Delaying common waterhemp removal until 4 wk after soybean unifoliolate leaf expansion resulted in decreased soybean seed yield. Allowing common waterhemp interference to persist 10 wk after soybean unifoliolate leaf expansion reduced soybean seed yield by an average of 43% over 3 yr. These results suggest that soybean producers should implement common waterhemp management strategies earlier than 4 wk after soybean unifoliolate leaf expansion in order to reduce the potential loss of soybean seed yield. Nomenclature: Acifluorfen; sethoxydim; common waterhemp, Amaranthus rudis Sauer. AMATA; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Pioneer 9362’, ‘Pioneer 9363’.
Colocalization of β‐adrenergic receptors and caveolin within the plasma membrane

The rapid amplification of β‐adrenergic receptor signaling involves the sequential activation of multiple signaling molecules ranging from the receptor to adenylyl cyclase. The prevailing view of the agonist‐induced interaction between signaling molecules is based on random collisions between proteins that diffuse freely in the plasma membrane. The recent identification of G protein α‐ and βγ‐subunits in caveolae and their functional interaction with caveolin suggests that caveolae may participate in G protein‐coupled signaling. We have investigated the potential interaction of β‐adrenergic receptors with caveolin under resting conditions. β1‐ and β2‐adrenergic receptors were recombinantly overexpressed in COS‐7 cells. Caveolae were isolated using the detergent‐free sucrose gradient centrifugation method. β1‐ and β2‐adrenergic receptors were localized in the same gradient fractions as caveolin, where Gsα‐ and βγ‐subunits were detected as well. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated the colocalization of β‐adrenergic receptors with caveolin, indicating a nonrandom distribution of β‐adrenergic receptors in the plasma membrane. Using polyhistidine‐tagged recombinant proteins, β‐adrenergic receptors were copurified with caveolin, suggesting that they were physically bound. Our results suggest that, in addition to clathrin‐coated pits, caveolae may act as another plasma membrane microdomain to compartmentalize β‐adrenergic receptors. J. Cell. Biochem. 75:64–72, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Fast Running” and “Real Time” Model Creation and Calibration of a High Performance S.I. Engine

This master course thesis has been developed at POWERTECH Engineering S.R. L. , an important engineering consulting company, specialized in the field of 1D and 3D CFD analysis, in collaboration with Aston Martin Lagonda, a renowned high end performance car manufacturer. Computational fluid dynamics has become a fundamental tool in the development and optimization of new engines, by allowing a significant reduction in the need for physical testing, which in turn reduces costs and cuts time to market. This is why this project was developed using GT-POWER, a leading edge 1D CFD software, which also includes extensive tools for vehicle simulation. The subject of this thesis is a high specific output, V6, turbocharged, S.I. engine currently under development at Aston Martin Lagonda, which will equip a future, high performance hybrid vehicle. One peculiarity of this engine is that it includes an electrically assisted turbocharger. This is an important feature as it allows, not only to improve the transient performance of the engine, but also to generate power that can be used in the electric portion of the hybrid powertrain. The starting point of this project was the detailed model of the aforementioned engine and the main objective was the reduction of this model to a real time model that could be integrated into its respective vehicle model. Vehicle models commonly use map based engine models, which can run simulations very fast but lack predictive capability, thus delivering potentially less accurate results when the vehicle is tested in many different operating conditions. Integrating a detailed engine model into the vehicle model would significantly improve model predictivity and accuracy but at the cost of increasing its run time to unacceptable levels. Hence the need for a real time model which trades a small amount of accuracy for a reduced real time factor, providing the optimal compromise. As an intermediary step towards RT reduction, the initial detailed model was first reduced to a fast running model, both for the purposes of being a reference point with respect to accuracy versus RTF, and because it was requested by AML for use in standalone performance analyses. Finally, the reduced and calibrated real time model was setup to run transient simulations. In particular, it was tested on the WLTC and an equivalent lap of the Nurburgring. This step was carried-out to ensure the model would be able to perform driving cycle simulations, once integrated into the vehicle model.
Cellulose decomposing fungi and cellulase activity as affected by amistar and moncut fungicides

Spray application of the two fungicides; Amistar (25% Azoxystrobin) and Moncut (25% Flutolanil) on faba bean plants in the field exhibited an inhibitive effect on the total and individual counts of cellulose decomposing fungi associated with roots and shoots of plants. The inhibitive effect of these fungicides depended mainly on the fungicide concentration. The inhibitive effect was increased with the increase in fungicide concentration at different periods of treatment. Forty four fungal isolates representing 35 species and 2 varieties belonging to 19 genera were screened for their abilities to produce exo-β-1,4 glucanase and endo-β-1,4 glucanase enzymes. All fungal isolates tested had the ability to produce cellulase enzymes, but with variable degrees. For exo-β-1, 4 glucanase, six isolates (represent 13.7% of total isolates) showed high cellulase activity. However, twenty one isolates (47.7% of total isolates) were found to be moderate in their cellulase activity. The remaining isolates (17 isolates, represent 38.6% of total isolates) were low producers of cellulase. For endo-β-1, 4 glucanase enzyme, five isolates (represent 11.4% of total isolates) showed high cellulase activity and twenty one isolates (47.7% of total isolates) had moderate ability to produce cellulase. The remaining isolates (18 isolates, represent 40.9% of total isolates) were low producers of cellulase. When these fungicides (at 100-800 ppm) were incorporated individually into the liquid culture medium specified for growth and an extracellular cellulase production was exerted an inhibitive effect on both mycelial growth and cellulase production of Aspergillus flavus var. columnaris, A. fumigatus, A. ochraceous, Mucor hiemalis and Trichoderma harzianum. Key words: Fungicides, faba bean, cellulose decomposing fungi, cellulase enzymes.
First Efficient Synthesis of Chlorogenic Acid

The first efficient synthesis of chlorogenic acid (1) was achieved in four steps (three purifications) from quinic acid (2). The overall yield was 65%. The key intermediate was quinic acid bisacetonide (6), selectively prepared by a modified kinetic acetalization protocol. Esterification of 6 with caffeic acid chloride (3) afforded ester 12. Cleavage of all the protecting groups of 12 was accomplished in one step under acidic conditions. The progress of the hydrolysis was monitored by MALDI-MS.