Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of physiological factors on growth, sporulation and ochratoxin A/B production of the new Aspergillus ochraceus grouping.

Recently, new species within the Aspergillus section Circumdati group responsible for ochratoxin production were reported. This study has examined the impact of interactions between water activity (aw, 0.99-0.90), temperature (20-35 °C) on growth, asexual spore production and ochratoxin A and B (OTA and OTB) on strains of each of the three species from this new grouping (A. ochraceus, A. steynii, and A. westerdijkiae) for the first time. The maximum growth occurred at 0.95 aw and 30 °C for both A. ochraceus and A. westerdijkiae, while it was at 0.99 aw and 30 °C for A. steynii. No conidial spore production occurred at 0.99 aw in cultures of A. ochraceus and A. steynii but large numbers of spores (2.3×107/cm2) were produced by A. westerdijkiae. Optimum temperature for spore production was 0.95 aw and 30 °C for A. westerdijkiae and A. ochraceus, and 0.95 aw and 35 °C for A. steynii. Quantification of OTA showed that optimum was produced at 0.99 aw, by A. steynii at 30 °C, for A. westerdijkiae at 25 °C and f.
Calorimetric and infrared spectroscopic studies of the interaction of α‐tocopherol and α‐tocopheryl acetate with phospholipid vesicles

The location of α-tocopherol and α-tocopheryl acetate in the membrane has been a subject of considerable interest, not only because of their relevant physiological function, but also for understanding their interaction with the phospholipids. We have examined this question by using reconstituted systems including dipalmitoyl-glycerophosphocholine multibilayer vesicles to which α-tocopherol and α-tocopheryl acetate were incorporated. Differential scanning microcalorimetry measurements showed that both compounds were capable of modifying the thermotropic properties of the pure phospholipid, so that the pretransition disappears at low concentrations of these terpenoid molecules. The enthalpy corresponding to the main transition decreases as the concentration of α-tocopherol increases and the transition peak is progressively shifted to lower temperatures. α-Tocopheryl acetate gave the same type of effect but less marked than in the case of α-tocopherol. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic measurements were also made on these systems and the temperature dependence of the infrared spectra was studied. A comparison of the spectroscopic data showed that, in agreement with the calorimetric results, α-tocopherol remarkably perturbs the thermotropic phase transition of dipalmitoylglycerophos-phocholine. It was concluded from a study of the CH2 stretching bands that α-tocopherol induced changes in frequency and in bandwidth parameters. However, the changes in frequency and bandwidth with respect to temperature are not concerted; this is a consequence of the existence of more than one phase in the presence of α-tocopherol. From the study of the CH2 scissoring band, it was concluded that α-tocopherol disrupts the acyl chain packing present in pure dipalmitoylglycerophosphocholine below the onset temperature of the gel-to-liquid-crystal transition. The effect of α-tocopheryl acetate is of a similar type of that of α-tocopherol but weaker with respect to these stretching and scissoring CH2 bands. Spectral changes were also found in the C=O stretching mode of the phospholipid in the presence of α-tocopherol and these changes were attributed to perturbations in the C1-C2 bonds of sn-2-acyl chains of the phospholipid. These effects were much weaker in the case of α-tocopheryl acetate; it is suggested that this may be due to a specific interaction between α-tocopherol and the polar region of the phospholipid. This interaction seems to be absent in the systems containing α-tocopheryl acetate. The different locations in the membrane of α-tocopherol and α-tocopheryl acetate that can be inferred from these results are discussed.
A natural flightless mutation in the ladybird, Harmonia axyridis

A homozygous flightless strain, obtained by selection from a laboratory population of Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), has been reared under controlled conditions since 1982 after sampling in China. The adults of this flightless strain have normal elytra and wings but drop almost vertically when they attempt to fly. The origin of this mutation, whether laboratory or natural, is discussed. As the mutation does not affect the fitness of the beetles, this flightless strain can be used in biological control. Releasing flightless adults rather than larvae should provide the potential for more continuous control of aphids by both larvae and adults.
Biogeography and ecology of the ant fauna of Madagascar (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

In the Malagasy region, 52 ant genera have been recorded, of which 48 are estimated to be indigenous. On the island of Madagascar, 41 out of 45 recorded genera are considered to be indigenous. Four genera are endemic to Madagascar and one to Mauritius. Currently, there are 383 names of described species-group taxa from the Malagasy region, and 320 from Madagascar. The level of endemism is high at the species level, >90%. The ant fauna of the Malagasy region, however, is poorly understood; an estimated two thirds of the ant species are undescribed. The diversity of ant genera on the island is comparable to that of other biogeographic regions. On the basis of generic and species level comparisons, the Malagasy fauna shows greater affinities to the Afrotropical region than to peninsular India and the Oriental region. The distinct gaps in the taxonomic and ecological composition of the fauna of Madagascar are evaluated in the context of island radiations and relict taxa. The absence of driver ants in Madagasc.
Membrane transporters for thyroid hormone

Purpose of reviewAction and metabolism of thyroid hormones are intracellular events, which require their uptake across the plasma membrane. Cellular uptake of thyroid hormone is mediated by transporters, and recently, some of these transporters have been identified at the molecular level. Here we review the biochemistry, molecular biology, and clinical relevance of these transporters. Recent findingsIodothyronine transporters have been identified among the members of different transporter families, including Na/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, different (Na-independent) organic anion transporting polypeptides, the L-type amino acid transporters, and monocarboxylate transporter-8. Two transporters are particularly interesting: organic anion transporting polypeptide-1C1, which shows a high affinity for T4 and T3 and is almost exclusively expressed in brain, and monocarboxylate transporter-8, which is a very active iodothyronine transporter with a slight preference for T3 and is abundantly expressed in different tissues, including brain. Organic anion transporting polypeptide-1C1 is probably important for T4 transport across the blood-brain barrier and that monocarboxylate transporter-8 for T3 uptake in neurons. Recently, mutations in MCT8, which is located on the X chromosome, were identified in male patients with severe psychomotor retardation and elevated serum levels of T3. SummaryRecent studies have greatly increased our knowledge about the identity of thyroid hormone transporters and in particular their physiologic relevance. The dramatic consequences of mutations in monocarboxylate transporter-8 represent a novel mechanism of thyroid hormone resistance due to inhibited cellular entry of the hormone.
Nutritional Effects of Boron on Growth and Development of the Sunflower

1. Sunflower plants showed typical boron-deficiency symptoms promptly upon transfer from complete nutrient solution to one deficient in boron. 2. Plants transferred from complete nutrient solution to distilled water developed symptoms typical of boron deficiency. Upon supplying these with a dilute solution of boric acid, 0.5 p.p.m. of boron, partial recovery occurred. 3. Boron was found necessary for growth of the stem tips and roots. Inconclusive evidence was obtained that the leaves of plants were heavier if the plants were deprived of boron during the later part of the growth period. 4. The stem tips of the minus-boron plants contained a smaller percentage of ash. Elsewhere in the plant, differences in percentage of ash could not be observed. 5. No difference in the percentage calcium in the ash of the stem tips of the plus- and minus-boron plants could be observed. The ash of the leaves of the minus-boron plants contained more calcium, and the ash of the stem, roots, and entire plant contained less. 6. Available evidence supports the hypothesis that boron, because of its importance in the maintenance of the vascular system, is instrumental in regulating the distribution of materials through the various parts of the plant. The calcium determinations are in accord with the view that there is a relationship between boron availability to the plant and the utilization of calcium.
Understanding the Folding Mechanism of an α-Helical Hairpin†

The α-helical hairpin is the fundamental building block of the widespread helix−turn−helix DNA binding motif. With two antiparallel helices connected by a reverse turn, the α-helical hairpin structure may be regarded as a “supersecondary structural element” and, therefore, could exhibit rather unique folding properties. So far, the folding mechanism of α-helical hairpins has not been studied in detail and remains elusive. Herein, we examine the effects of the turn, the hydrophobic cluster, and a disulfide cross-linker on the folding kinetics of a designed α-helical hairpin, Z34C, using an infrared temperature-jump (T-jump) method in conjunction with site-specific mutagenesis. Our results show that Z34C folds with an ultrafast rate (∼4.0 × 105 s-1) and support a folding mechanism in which the rate-limiting step corresponds to the formation of the reverse turn. On the other hand, the hydrophobic cluster and the disulfide cross-linker appear to largely stabilize the native state but not the folding transitio.
Effects of Cyperus rotundus Extract on Spatial Memory Impairment and Neuronal Differentiation in Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the older population and characterized by progressive memory and cognitive impairment. Cyperus rotundus, a traditional medicinal herb, has analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory effects and also used to increase memory in Islamic traditional medicine. This study was designed to consider the effects of C. rotundus extract on memory impairment and neurogenesis in the Beta-Amyloid rats' model. Materials and Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7) for the evaluation of baseline training performance in the Morris water maze test. Then, amyloid-beta (Aβ1-42) was injected in animal hippocampal CA1 bilaterally in four groups. The first probe trial was performed 21 days after Aβ injection. Then, 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of C. rotundus extract were administered to three Aβ-injected groups for 1 month; after that, the second probe trial was performed, and rats were sacrificed after 28 days of the second probe trial. The neurogenesis was detected in the hippocampus, by immunohistochemical staining. Results: This study showed that spatial memory increased in the behavioral test in AD treated group with C. rotundus extract, compared with the AD group (P = 0.02). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that neuronal differentiation has been occurred in the hippocampus in the AD-treated group with C. rotundus extract compared with the AD group (P = 0.01). Conclusions: This study showed that C. rotundus extract, repaired spatial memory impairment in the Aβ rats, through increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which could be related to the flavonoid components in the extract.
Plasma antioxidants and oxidative stress status in obese women: correlation with cardiopulmonary response

Introduction A high body fat coupled with low cardiopulmonary fitness and an increase in oxidative stress has been connoted as contributing factors in developing cardiovascular comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between antioxidants and oxidative stress status with cardiopulmonary responses in women of different body mass index (BMI). Subjects and Methods Eighty female adults were recruited and divided into three groups; normal weight (n = 23), overweight (n = 28) and obese (n = 29), according to their BMI. Blood samples were obtained prior to cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Plasma samples were separated by centrifugation and analysed for enzymatic antioxidant activity including catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Non-enzymatic antioxidant activities were assessed using 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays. To evaluate the oxidative stress status of subjects, levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, the by-product of lipid peroxidation, were measured. Cardiopulmonary responses were analysed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) which involved 15 various parameters such as peak oxygen consumption, metabolic equivalents and respiratory exchange ratio. Results The obese group had significantly lower ABTS radical scavenging and FRAP activities than the normal weight group. A higher catalase activity was observed in the obese group than the normal weight group. Spearman’s correlation showed an inverse relationship between catalase and peak oxygen consumption, while partial correlation analysis showed inverse correlations between superoxide dismutase and respiratory frequency, ABTS activity and oxygen pulse, and between ABTS activity and cardiac output. Conclusion Our results demonstrate a lower cardiovascular fitness and antioxidant capacity in obese women; the higher catalase activity may be a compensatory mechanism. The negative correlations found between these two parameters may indicate the potential effect of antioxidants on the cardiopulmonary system and deserve further analysis in a larger population. Nevertheless, this study provides the basis for future studies to further explore the relationships between redox status and cardiopulmonary responses. This can potentially be used to predict future risk of developing diseases associated with oxidative stress, especially pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.
Soil resources and the growth and nutrition of tree seedlings near harvest gap - forest edges in interior cedar-hemlock forests of British Columbia

Observations of tree seedlings with chlorotic foliage and stunted growth near harvest gap – forest edges in interior cedar–hemlock forests inspired a study addressing the following questions: (1) Do seedling foliar chemistry, foliar nitrogen (N) versus growth relationships, and fertilizer responses suggest N-limited seedling growth? (2) Are patterns in soil characteristics consistent with N limitation, and can interrelationships among these characteristics infer causality? Our results suggest that seedling growth near gap–forest edges was colimited by N and light availability. Soil mineral N and dissolved organic N (DON) concentrations, in situ net N mineralization, and water generally increased from forest to gap, whereas N mineralization from a laboratory incubation and total N and carbon did not vary with gap–forest position. Interrelations among variables and path analysis suggest that soil water and total soil N positively affect DON concentration and N mineralization, and proximity to mature gap–for.
Accumulation of phosphorylated IκBα and activated IKK in nodes of Ranvier

Aims: Nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) is an ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that modulates inducible gene transcription crucial for the regulation of immunity, inflammatory processes, and cell survival. In the mammalian nervous system, constitutive NF‐κB activation is considered to promote neuronal cell survival by preventing apoptosis. Increasing evidence suggests a critical role for NF‐κB activation in acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, a striking enrichment of phosphorylated IκBα (pIκBα) and activated IKappaB Kinase (IKK), two key components of the NF‐κB activation pathway, was demonstrated in the axon initial segment (AIS) of neurons. As the AIS shares fundamental features with nodes of Ranvier (NR), we examined whether pIκBα and activated IKK are also enriched in NR. Methods: Double‐immunofluorescence labelling was performed with vibratome sections of the rodent central and peripheral nervous system. Sections were analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and preembedding electron microscopy. Results: Here we report a remarkable accumulation of pIκBα and activated IKK in NR in the central and peripheral nervous system. Immunolabelling for both proteins extended from NR into the adjacent paranode. pIκBα predominantly accumulated within the cytoplasm and was associated with fasciculated microtubules. This association was confirmed by electron microscopy. By comparison, activated IKK preferentially clustered beneath the cytoplasmic membrane. Conclusion: In conclusion, the coincident accumulation of pIκBα and activated IKK in AIS and NR suggests that these specific axonal compartments contribute to neuronal NF‐κB activation.
Patterns of haemolymph vitellogenin and ovarian vitellin in the German cockroach, and the role of Juvenile Hormone

Abstract. The concentrations of fat body and haemolymph vitellogenin and ovarian vitellin during the first gonadotropic cycle of the cockroach Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera, Blattellidae) have been studied. For these purposes, a polyclonal antibody against B. germanica vitellogenin and vitellin has been obtained, and an ELISA to quantify these proteins has been developed. Ovarian vitellin levels follow a pattern which parallels those of basal oocyte growth and Juvenile Hormone production by the corpora allata. This suggests that Juvenile Hormone regulates vitellogenin uptake into oocytes. Fat body and haemolymph vitellogenin levels give cyclic and parallel patterns. However, the cycle of Juvenile Hormone appears delayed with respect to that of vitellogenin. We suggest that the production of Juvenile Hormone, although cyclic in profile, does not modulate alone the cycle of vitellogenin. At least a supplementary mechanism, apparently independent of Juvenile Hormone, may be involved in the decline of vitellogenin production at the end of the vitellogenic cycle.
Polymorphic Compressed Replication of Columnar Data in Scale-Up Hybrid Memory Systems

In-memory database systems adopting a columnar storage model play a crucial role with respect to data analytics. While data is completely kept in-memory by these systems for efficiency, data has to be stored on a non-volatile medium for persistence and fault tolerance as well. Traditionally, slow block-level devices like HDDs or SSDs are used which, however, can be replaced by fast byte-addressable NVRAM nowadays. Thus, hybrid memory systems consisting of DRAM and NVRAM offer a great opportunity for column-oriented database systems to persistently store and to efficiently process columnar data exclusively in main-memory. However, possible DRAM and NVRAM failures still necessitate the protection of primary data. While data replication is a suitable means, it increases the NVRAM endurance problem through increased write activities. To tackle that challenge and to reduce the overhead of replication, we propose a novel Polymorphic Compressed Replication (PCR) mechanism representing replicas using lightweight compression algorithms to reduce NVRAM writes, while supporting different compressed formats for the replicas of one column to facilitate different database operations during query processing. To show the feasibility and applicability, we developed an inmemory column-store prototype transparently employing PCR through an abstract user-space library. Based on this prototype, our conducted experiments show the effectiveness of our proposed PCR mechanism.
Cluster-Type Photovoltaic Inverter Resonance Suppression Method Based on Adaptive Notch

Due to the non-negligible impedance of the long-distance transmission line, the string-type photovoltaic inverter cluster system will resonate with the impedance of the grid in the weak grid. Aiming at this problem, a resonance suppression method based on adaptive notch is proposed. The method firstly designs the traditional notch transfer function as a biquad function, and introduces the adjustment coefficients m1 and m2 to obtain different notch depths and bandwidths. QPR (Quasi-Proportional Resonant) controller is adopted, and the grid impedance observation module is introduced, the impedance of each inverter side and QPR controller parameters are adjusted in real time and the calculated resonance frequency is fed back to the notch frequency. The resonance peak is eliminated, and the system resonance is effectively suppressed. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by Matlab/Simulink simulation.
Zinc Vanadate Micro-Nano Flowers Prepared by A New Method and Its Magnetic Properties

We report on the synthesis of zinc vanadate nanostructures using electrochemistry assisted laser ablation in liquid (ECLAL) method for the first time. ECLAL was thought to be newly developed one-step approach for synthesis of simple polyoxometalates without catalyst and complex chemicals under the ambient environment. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were used to study the morphology and structure information of the prepared material. These results show that zinc vanadates are well assembled into 3D micro-nano flowers shape and each unit is actually composed of many ultrathin sheets with large specific surface area. Furthermore, we employ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Raman scattering spectroscopy to reveal the molecular information of the as-synthesized products, and UV-vis spectrophotometer to study the optical absorption properties of the as-synthesized products. The MPMS test indicates that the Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O nanostructures display the ferromagnetic properties at room or low temperature. Moreover, the physical and chemical mechanisms of the synthesis of the zinc vanadates are also pursued upon ECLAL.
Visible and Infrared Image Fusion Using Convolutional Dictionary Learning with Consensus Auxiliary-Auxiliary Coupling

To preserve details of source visible images and target of source infrared images, infrared and visible image fusion method based on convolutional dictionary learning with common auxiliary coupling is proposed in our paper. First, dictionary filters are obtained using convolutional dictionary learning with ADMM consensus. Then, each test visible-infrared images are decomposed into low-pass and high-pass components, and the sparse coefficient is structured using a convolutional sparse representation. Finally, image reconstruction is performed to obtain the fusion results. In comparison with the ASR-based algorithm, our method produces an improvement of 2.10% and 0.05% in QTE and QNCIE, respectively. The experimental results show that our fusion algorithm offers the advantages of higher clarity, contrast and information entropy than that of conventional algorithms.