Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lebanon’s Native Oenological Saccharomyces cerevisiae Flora: Assessment of Different Aspects of Genetic Diversity and Evaluation of Winemaking Potential

A total of 296 isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae sampled from naturally fermenting grape musts from various locations in Lebanon were typed by interdelta fingerprinting. Of these, 88 isolates were compared with oenological strains originating from various countries, using microsatellite characterization at six polymorphic loci. These approaches evidenced a large diversity of the natural oenological Lebanese flora over the territory as well as in individual spontaneous fermentations. Several cases of dominance and perenniality of isolates were observed in the same wineries, where fermentations appeared to involve lineages of sibling isolates. Our work thus evidenced a “winery effect” on strains’ relatedness. Similarly, related or identical strains were also detected in vicinal wineries, suggesting strain circulation within small geographical areas and a further “vicinity effect”. Moreover, and despite its diversity, the Lebanese flora seemed interrelated, on the basis of microsatellite loci analysis, in comparison to worldwide communities. We finally tested the ability of 21 indigenous strains to act as potential starters for winemaking. Seven of them passed our pre-selection scheme and two of them at least may be good candidates for use provided pilot-scale assays confirm their suitability.
New Insights into the Development and Morphogenesis of the Cardiac Purkinje Fiber Network: Linking Architecture and Function

The rapid propagation of electrical activity through the ventricular conduction system (VCS) controls spatiotemporal contraction of the ventricles. Cardiac conduction defects or arrhythmias in humans are often associated with mutations in key cardiac transcription factors that have been shown to play important roles in VCS morphogenesis in mice. Understanding of the mechanisms of VCS development is thus crucial to decipher the etiology of conduction disturbances in adults. During embryogenesis, the VCS, consisting of the His bundle, bundle branches, and the distal Purkinje network, originates from two independent progenitor populations in the primary ring and the ventricular trabeculae. Differentiation into fast-conducting cardiomyocytes occurs progressively as ventricles develop to form a unique electrical pathway at late fetal stages. The objectives of this review are to highlight the structure–function relationship between VCS morphogenesis and conduction defects and to discuss recent data on the origin and development of the VCS with a focus on the distal Purkinje fiber network.
Differential Tolerance and Seasonal Adaptation to Temperature and Salinity Stress at a Dynamic Range Boundary Between Estuarine Gastropods

Insight into how coastal organisms will respond to changing temperature and salinity regimes may be derived from studies of adaptation to fluctuating estuarine environments, especially under stressful range-edge conditions. We characterized a dynamic range boundary between two estuarine sea slugs, Alderia modesta (distributed across the North Pacific and North Atlantic) and Alderia willowi, known from southern and central California. The species overlap from Bodega Bay to San Francisco Bay, where populations are dominated by A. modesta after winter rains but by A. willowi after peak summer temperatures. Laboratory assays confirmed superior tolerance to low salinity for the northern species, A. modesta: encapsulated embryos developed at 8 ppt, larvae survived at 4–6 ppt, and adults survived repeated exposure to 2 ppt, salinities that reduced development or survival for the same stages of A. willowi. Adults did not appreciably differ in their high-temperature threshold, however. Each species showed increased tolerance to either temperature or salinity stress at its range margin, indicating plasticity or local adaptation, but at the cost of reduced tolerance to the other stressor. At its northern limit, A. willowi became more tolerant of low salinity during the winter rainy season, but also less heat tolerant. Conversely, A. modesta became more heat resistant from spring to summer at its southern limit, but less tolerant of low salinity. Trade-offs in stress tolerance may generally constrain adaptation and limit biotic response to a rapidly changing environment, as well as differentiating species niches.
Local Adaptation in Marine Foundation Species at Microgeographic Scales

Nearshore foundation species in coastal and estuarine systems (e.g., salt marsh grasses, mangroves, seagrasses, corals) drive the ecological functions of ecosystems and entire biomes by creating physical structure that alters local abiotic conditions and influences species interactions and composition. The resilience of foundation species and the ecosystem functions they provide depends on their phenotypic and genetic responses to spatial and temporal shifts in environmental conditions. In this review, we explore what is known about the causes and consequences of adaptive genetic differentiation in marine foundation species over spatial scales shorter than dispersal capabilities (i.e., microgeographic scales). We describe the strength of coupling field and laboratory experiments with population genetic techniques to illuminate patterns of local adaptation, and we illustrate this approach by using several foundation species. Among the major themes that emerge from our review include (1) adaptive differentiation of marine foundation species repeatedly evolves along vertical (i.e., elevation or depth) gradients, and (2) mating system and phenology may facilitate this differentiation. Microgeographic adaptation is an understudied mechanism potentially underpinning the resilience of many sessile marine species, and this evolutionary mechanism likely has particularly important consequences for the ecosystem functions provided by foundation species.
An improved hierarchical clustering routing algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks based on the integration of space-air-ground network

Wireless sensor network (WSN) has become one of the most important technologies in the 21st century because of its low energy and low cost. In order to reduce the energy consumption of WSN nodes and improve the network lifetime, this paper proposes a hierarchical clustering routing protocol for WSN. Firstly, according to the cluster head decision factors, the algorithm constructs the cluster head decision matrix after parameter standardization. By assigning weight to each decision factor, the cluster head decision matrix based on weight is given. By calculating the distance between the candidate node and the ideal best point the ideal worst point, the first k nodes are selected as the cluster head nodes. In order to reduce the energy consumption of the cluster head nodes, this algorithm will also select a node in the cluster as the intra-cluster network node to realize the transmission of cluster head fusion data to be transmitted to the base station. The simulation results show that this method can reduce the energy consumption of sensor nodes to the maximum and prolong the network lifetime.
Genetic coupling of life-history and aerobic performance in juvenile Atlantic salmon

The physiological underpinnings of life history adaptations in ectotherms are not well understood. Theories suggest energy metabolism influences life history variation via modulation of resource acquisition. However, the genetic basis of this relation and its dependence on ecological conditions, such as food availability, have rarely been characterized, despite being critical to predicting the responses of populations to environmental changes. The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is an emerging wild model species for addressing these questions; strong genetic determination of age-at-maturity at two unlinked genomic regions (vgll3 and six6) enables the use of complex experimental designs and tests of hypotheses on the physiological and genetic basis of life-history trait variation. In this study, we crossed salmon to obtain individuals with all combinations of late and early maturation genotypes for vgll3 and six6 within full-sib families. Using more than 250 juveniles in common garden conditions, we tested (i) whether metabolic phenotypes (i.e., standard and maximum metabolic rates, and absolute aerobic scope) were correlated with the age-at-maturity genotypes and (ii) if high vs. low food availability modulated the relationship. We found that salmon with vgll3 early maturation genotype had a higher aerobic scope and maximum metabolic rate, but not standard metabolic rate, compared to salmon with vgll3 late maturation genotype. This suggests that physiological or structural pathways regulating maximum oxygen supply or demand are potentially important for the determination of age-at-maturity in Atlantic salmon. Vgll3 and six6 exhibited physiological epistasis, whereby maximum metabolic rate significantly decreased when late maturation genotypes were present concurrently in both loci compared to other genotype combinations. The growth of the feed restricted group decreased substantially compared to the high food group. However, the effects of life-history genomic regions on metabolic phenotypes were similar in both feeding regimes, indicating a lack of genotype-by-environment interactions. Our results indicate that aerobic performance of juvenile salmon may affect their age-at-maturity. The results may help to better understand the mechanistic basis of life-history variation, and the metabolic constrains on life-history evolution.
Defining the components of the miRNA156-SPL-miR172 aging pathway in pea and their expression relative to changes in leaf morphology

The timing of developmental phase transitions is crucial for plant reproductive success, and two microRNAs (miRNA), miR156 and miR172, are implicated in the control of these changes, together with their respective SQUAMOSA promoter binding-like (SPL) and APETALA2 (AP2)-like targets. While their patterns of regulation have been studied in a growing range of species, to date they have not been examined in pea (Pisum sativum), an important legume crop and model species. We analysed the recently-released pea genome and defined nine miR156, 21 SPL, four miR172, and five AP2-like genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the SPL genes in pea, Medicago and Arabidopsis confirmed the eight previously defined clades, and identified a ninth potentially legume-specific SPL clade in pea and Medicago. Among the PsSPL, 14 contain a miR156 binding site and all five AP2-like transcription factors in pea include a miR172 binding site. Phylogenetic relationships, expression levels and temporal expression changes identified PsSPL2a/3a/3c/6b/9a/9b/13b/21, PsmiR156d/j and PsmiR172a/d as the most likely of these genes to participate in phase change in pea. Comparisons with leaf morphology suggests that vegetative phase change is unlikely to be definitively marked by a change in leaflet number. In addition, the timing of FT gene induction suggests that the shift from the juvenile to the adult vegetative phase may occur within fourteen days in plants grown under inductive conditions, and calls into question the contribution of miR172/AP2 to the floral transition. This work provides the first insight into the nature of vegetative phase change in pea, and an important foundation for future functional studies.
The loss of enzymatic activity of the PHARC‐associated lipase ABHD12 results in increased phagocytosis that causes neuroinflammation

Phagocytosis is an important evolutionary conserved process, essential for clearing pathogens and cellular debris in higher organisms, including humans. This well-orchestrated innate immunological response is intricately regulated by numerous cellular factors, important amongst which, are the immunomodulatory lysophosphatidylserines (lyso-PSs) and the pro-apoptotic oxidized phosphatidylserines (PSs) signaling lipids. Interestingly, in mammals, both these signaling lipids are physiologically regulated by the lipase ABHD12, mutations of which, cause the human neurological disorder PHARC. Despite the biomedical significance of this lipase, detailed mechanistic studies and the specific contribution of ABHD12 to innate processes like phagocytosis remain poorly understood. Here, by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence approaches, using the murine model of PHARC, we show, that upon an inflammatory stimulus, activated microglial cells in the cerebellum of mice deficient in ABHD12 have an amoeboid morphology, increased soma size, and display heightened phagocytosis activity. We also report that upon an inflammatory stimulus, cerebellar levels of ABHD12 increase to possibly metabolize the heightened oxidized PS levels, temper phagocytosis and in turn control neuroinflammation during oxidative stress. Next, to complement these findings, using biochemical approaches in cultured microglial cells, we show that the pharmacological inhibition and/or genetic deletion of ABHD12 results in increased phagocytic uptake in a fluorescent bead uptake assay. Together, our studies provide compelling evidence that ABHD12 plays an important role in regulating phagocytosis in cerebellar microglial cells, and provides a possible explanation, as to why human PHARC subjects display neuroinflammation and atrophy in the cerebellum.
Key Drivers of Ecological Assembly in the Hindgut of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) when Fed with a Macroalgal Supplemented diet – How Robust Is the Gut to Taxonomic Perturbation?

The microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract of any species is shaped by internal and external cues in addition to random events which can be difficult to disentangle from a range of interacting variables. Estimating ecological assembly processes can help elucidate these factors. In our study, farmed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were fed a diet of 10% macroalgae supplement (Ulva rigida species [ULVA] or Ascophyllum nodosum [ASCO] or a non-amended control diet [CTRL]) over a 12-week period and the ecological assembly processes quantified. The CTRL samples showed selection (variable selection - divergence in communities related to selective environmental conditions) as a key assembly process, while dispersal limitation (limited movement results in divergent communities through stochastic processes) was a driver of the gut microbiome for fish fed the macroalgae supplemented diet at Week 12 (i.e., ASCO and ULVA). Fish from the ASCO grouping diverged into ASCO_N (normal) and ASCO_LG (lower growth), where ASCO_LG individuals found the diet unpalatable. The recruitment of new taxa over time was altered in the ASCO_LG fish, with the gut microbiome showing phylogenetic under dispersion (nepotistic recruitment of species). Finally, the gut microbiome (CTRL and ULVA only) showed increasing robustness to taxonomic disturbance over time and an increase in functional redundancy. This study advances our understanding of the ecological assembly and succession in the hindgut of juvenile Atlantic cod across dietary regimes. Understanding the processes driving ecological assembly in the gut microbiome, in fish research specifically, could allow us to manipulate the microbiome for improved health or resilience to disease for improved aquaculture production.
Using telehealth consultations for healthcare provision to patients from racial/ethnic minorities: A systematic review

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a rapid adoption of telehealth consultations, potentially creating new barriers to healthcare access for racial/ethnic minorities. This systematic review explored the use of telehealth consultations for people from racial/ethnic minority populations in relation to health outcomes, access to care, implementation facilitators and barriers, and satisfaction with care. Materials and Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Five major databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Screening, full-text review, quality appraisal and data extraction were all completed independently and in duplicate. A convergent integrated approach to data synthesis was applied with findings reported narratively. Results: A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. Telehealth-delivered interventions were mostly effective for the treatment/management of physical and mental health conditions including depression, diabetes and hypertension. In several studies, telehealth improved access to care by providing financial and time benefits to patients. Technological difficulties were the main barriers to effective telehealth consultation, although overall satisfaction with telehealth-delivered care was high. Discussion Telehealth-delivered care for racial/ethnic minorities offers promise across a range of conditions and outcomes, particularly when delivered in the patient preferred language. However, telehealth may be problematic for some due to cost and limited digital and health literacy. Conclusion: The development and implementation of guidelines, policies and practices in relation to telehealth consultations for racial/ethnic minorities should consider the barriers and facilitators identified in this review to ensure existing health disparities are not exacerbated.
On Early Bronze Age Levantine combed vessels: the view from the south

In memory of Jean-Paul Thalmann This paper presents evidence relating to the Early Bronze Age combed vessels of southern Canaan, based mainly on data from Tel Yarmuth. Neglected in previous studies on ‘Combed Ware’, this evidence confirms that combing should be considered as merely a ‘geste technique’. It further suggests that combing and ‘Metallic Ware’ are two distinct aspects with a different spatial and chronological distribution. The practice of combing emerged during EB II in its original core area of northern Canaan and the central Levant, in a milieu of incipient urbanism. In EB III, it spread to southern Canaan, in a context of growing inter-regional exchanges, and to the northern Levant, in the framework of the development of maritime connections between Egypt, Byblos and Ebla.
High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography of Four Sterols in a Medicinally Important Grass Species – Heteropogon contortus (L.) Beauv.

Presently, sterols like stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, campesterol, and ergosterol are identified and quantified from leaves, stem, and inflorescence of Heteropogon contortus. (L.) Beauv (family: Poaceae) from Rajasthan, India, using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). H. contortus is reported with various medicinal properties. In the present study, a HPTLC–densitometric method was developed for the quantification of sterols by using toluene-methanol-formic acid (9:1:0.3 v/v) as the mobile phase. Post-derivatization of the plates was done by using freshly prepared anisaldehyde–sulfuric acid, heated at 110–120°C and scanned at 530 nm absorbing wavelength. The maximum contents of stigmasterol, campesterol, and ergosterol were estimated in inflorescence extracts (11.64 ± 017, 19.90 ± 0.18, and 16.64 ± 0.81 mg g−1 of dry wt. w/w, respectively), whereas β-sitosterol was found maximum in leaves, i.e., 56.52 ± 1.25 mg g−1 of dry wt (w/w). This HPTLC method is found to be simple, precise, specific, sensitive, and accurate. It can be easily used in the routine quality control of raw materials.
A NEW STATE-OF-CHARGE ESTIMATION METHOD FOR VALVE REGULATED LEAD ACID BATTERIES

In this paper, a new improved coulomb counting method is proposed to estimate the State-of-Charge (SOC) of a 12V valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery. The conventional coulomb counting method estimates the SOC with a high error rate for high discharge current. Experimental results show the error in the conventional SOC estimation is as high as 16% for higher discharge currents. This error in the SOC estimation is due to the underestimation of the battery capacity. To compensate this error, a new charging coefficient is proposed. The inclusion of this charging coefficient could accurately estimate the SOC of the battery during the charging process.
Influence of the excited state lifetimes on the photoacoustic signal

In this paper we discuss the influence of the excited state lifetimes of molecules onto the photoacoustic signal generation. Usually, photoacoustic signal generation is performed either with nanosecond laser pulses or modulation frequencies in the MHz up to the GHz regime. The molecules’ singlet relaxation times typically lie in the order of nanoseconds, while triplet lifetimes can be considerably longer. As both time scales, i.e. the laser pulse duration used for excitation and the relaxation times, lie in the same order of magnitude there exists an influence of the excited state lifetimes onto the photoacoustic signal generation. Here, we theoretically discuss at which frequencies this influence becomes significant and what impact this has on the performance and optimum design of photoacoustic microscopes.
Determination of Matric Suction and Saturation Degree for Unsaturated Soils, Comparative Study - Numerical Method versus Analytical Method

Matric suction is a soil parameter which influences the behaviour of unsaturated soils in both terms of shear strength and permeability. It is a necessary aspect to know the variation of matric suction in unsaturated soil zone for solving geotechnical issues like unsaturated soil slopes stability or bearing capacity for unsaturated foundation ground. Mathematical expression of the dependency between soil moisture content and it’s matric suction (soil water characteristic curve) has a powerful character of nonlinearity. This paper presents two methods to determine the variation of matric suction along the depth included between groundwater level and soil level. First method is an analytical approach to emphasize one direction steady state unsaturated infiltration phenomenon that occurs between the groundwater level and the soil level. There were simulated three different situations in terms of border conditions: precipitations (inflow conditions on ground surface), evaporation (outflow conditions on ground surface), and perfect equilibrium (no flow on ground surface). Numerical method is finite element method used for steady state, two-dimensional, unsaturated infiltration calculus. Regarding boundary conditions there were simulated identical situations as in analytical approach. For both methods, was adopted the equation proposed by van Genuchten-Mualen (1980) for mathematical expression of soil water characteristic curve. Also for the unsaturated soil permeability prediction model was adopted the equation proposed by van Genuchten-Mualen. The fitting parameters of these models were adopted according to RETC 6.02 software in function of soil type. The analyses were performed in both methods for three major soil types: clay, silt and sand. For each soil type were concluded analyses for three situations in terms of border conditions applied on soil surface: inflow, outflow, and no flow. The obtained results are presented in order to highlight the differences/similarities between the methods and the advantages / disadvantages of each one.