Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shifts in spring phenophases, frost events and frost risk for woody plants in temperate China

In light of recent warming trends around the world, a growing concern is that the timing of spring phenophases in plants will occur earlier and that plants will therefore suffer from spring last-frost events more often. The changes in frost risks could have significant implications for agricultural and forestry systems. In this study, we investigated whether plant phenophases changed at a higher or lower rate compared to potentially damaging spring frost events in the temperate monsoon area of China. Based on phenological data derived from the Chinese phenological observation network and meteorological data from 15 study sites, changes in first-leaf dates and first-flowering dates for 12 deciduous woody plants were analyzed in comparison to last-frost dates. The results show that plant phenophases in spring advanced by a mean trend of -0.17 d yr(-1) from 1963 to 2011. Over the same period, last-frost dates advanced at a rate of -0.23 d yr(-1) (-0.51 to 0.10 d yr(-1)). Because the spring frost risk is decided by the relationship between last-frost date and plant phenophases in spring, the frost index, defined as the difference in days between the onset of spring phenophases and the last-frost date, was used to assess the frost risk. The significantly increased frost index (0.087 d yr(-1), p < 0.01) suggests that the frost risk of plant phenophases in the study area declined over the nearly half-century study period. These findings provide the basis for tackling frost risk in the region.
Behavioral and Neural Correlates of Visual Working Memory Reveal Metacognitive Aspects of Mental Imagery

Abstract Mental imagery (MI) is the ability to generate visual phenomena in the absence of sensory input. MI is often likened to visual working memory (VWM): the ability to maintain and manipulate visual representations. How MI is recruited during VWM is yet to be established. In a modified orientation change-discrimination task, we examined how behavioral (proportion correct) and neural (contralateral delay activity [CDA]) correlates of precision and capacity map onto subjective ratings of vividness and number of items in MI within a VWM task. During the maintenance period, 17 participants estimated the vividness of their MI or the number of items held in MI while they were instructed to focus on either precision or capacity of their representation and to retain stimuli at varying set sizes (1, 2, and 4). Vividness and number ratings varied over set sizes; however, subjective ratings and behavioral performance correlated only for vividness rating at set size 1. Although CDA responded to set size as was expected, CDA did not reflect subjective reports on high and low vividness and on nondivergent (reported the probed number of items in mind) or divergent (reported number of items diverged from probed) rating trials. Participants were more accurate in low set sizes compared with higher set sizes and in coarse (45°) orientation changes compared with fine (15°) orientation changes. We failed to find evidence for a relationship between the subjective sensory experience of precision and capacity of MI and the precision and capacity of VWM.
Production of Red Wine Polyphenols as Ingredient for the Food and Pharmaceutical Industry

A selected reverse osmosis based industrial process was developed and validated at pilot plant scale for pro- ducing red wine polyphenols dealcoholized and/or concentrated solutions and pastes, starting from red wine as raw material. These ingredients can be used for making new functional products for the food and beverages industry. Comparison with competitive technologies is made, accounting for energy consumption and process operating parameters to avoid damage to the RWP antioxidant functionality. In addition criteria for selecting between different available raw materials and different possible products are discussed with reference to up-stream and down-stream operations, dietary reference intake (DRI) and shelf-life of each ingredients.
Stochastic nucleosome disassembly mediated by remodelers and histone fragmentation

We construct and analyze monomeric and multimeric models of the stochastic disassembly of a single nucleosome. Our monomeric model predicts the time needed for a number of histone-DNA contacts to spontaneously break, leading to dissociation of a non-fragmented histone from DNA. The dissociation process can be facilitated by DNA binding proteins or processing molecular motors that compete with histones for histone-DNA contact sites. Eigenvalue analysis of the corresponding master equation allows us to evaluate histone detachment times under both spontaneous detachment and protein-facilitated processes. We find that competitive DNA binding of remodeling proteins can significantly reduce the typical detachment time but only if these remodelers have DNA-binding affinities comparable to those of histone-DNA contact sites. In the presence of processive motors, the histone detachment rate is shown to be proportional to the product of the histone single-bond dissociation constant and the speed of motor protein procession. Our simple intact-histone model is then extended to allow for multimeric nucleosome kinetics that reveal additional pathways of disassembly. In addition to a dependence of complete disassembly times on subunit-DNA contact energies, we show how histone subunit concentrations in bulk solution can mediate the disassembly process by rescuing partially disassembled nucleosomes. Moreover, our kinetic model predicts that remodeler binding can also bias certain pathways of nucleosome disassembly, with higher remodeler binding rates favoring intact-histone detachment.
Sustainability and range management in the Patagonian steppes

One hundred years of grazing by domestic herbivores hampered the ecological sustainability of the Patagonian steppes. We propose three management-related factors of such ecosystem degradation: (1) overestimation of carrying capacity of the rangelands, (2) inadequate distribution of animals in very large, heterogeneous paddocks, and (3) year-long continuous grazing. We suggest that these three management factors interact with the highly selective grazing habit of sheep generating a pattern of grazing heterogeneity at three scales: landscape, community, and population. Grazing differs in intensity among areas of the same paddock, among plant species, and even among individuals of the same species. As a consequence, the most palatable species within a patch are almost continuously subjected to a very high frequency of defoliation in the most preferred areas, which increases the mortality of the most preferred individuals of these forage species. We review the available ecological knowledge and range management technologies that may contribute to revert degradation. A quick assessment of both the availability and spatial heterogeneity of forage resources is now possible with the aid of remote sensing. Range assessment will allow to estimate the carrying capacity of each paddock, and separate different vegetation units. From information on the phenology of the different vegetation units it is possible to decide the timing of grazing and/or resting periods of single paddocks. Rotational grazing methods allow for a recovery of the most preferred species and for a reduction of the heterogeneity of defoliation at the three mentioned levels. Research efforts are needed to develop warning systems, improve the productivity and use efficiency of meadows, and design and evaluate grazing methods for the most arid areas of the region.
Lipidization as a tool toward peptide therapeutics

Abstract Peptides, as potential therapeutics continue to gain importance in the search for active substances for the treatment of numerous human diseases, some of which are, to this day, incurable. As potential therapeutic drugs, peptides have many favorable chemical and pharmacological properties, starting with their great diversity, through their high affinity for binding to all sort of natural receptors, and ending with the various pathways of their breakdown, which produces nothing but amino acids that are nontoxic to the body. Despite these and other advantages, however, they also have their pitfalls. One of these disadvantages is the very low stability of natural peptides. They have a short half-life and tend to be cleared from the organism very quickly. Their instability in the gastrointestinal tract, makes it impossible to administer peptidic drugs orally. To achieve the best pharmacologic effect, it is desirable to look for ways of modifying peptides that enable the use of these substances as pharmaceuticals. There are many ways to modify peptides. Herein we summarize the approaches that are currently in use, including lipidization, PEGylation, glycosylation and others, focusing on lipidization. We describe how individual types of lipidization are achieved and describe their advantages and drawbacks. Peptide modifications are performed with the goal of reaching a longer half-life, reducing immunogenicity and improving bioavailability. In the case of neuropeptides, lipidization aids their activity in the central nervous system after the peripheral administration. At the end of our review, we summarize all lipidized peptide-based drugs that are currently on the market.
The Turkish Tourism Product: Differentiation and Competitiveness

ABSTRACT This paper analyzed tourism resources in Turkish cities. As part of research methodology, a content analysis of official tourism web sites of Turkish cities was conducted. Further, tourism officials in Turkish cities were surveyed to identify their descriptions of the cities they promote. Research results indicate that although Turkey is well-known for its summer destinations, most Turkish cities promote a variety of tourism resources including history, culture, thermal (hot-spa), nature and urban tourism resources. According to the results of content analysis, hot springs are promoted in 51 cities and 12 cities are promoted as thermal tourism destinations. Research findings indicate that combined themes should be used in marketing of Turkish tourism product considering the richness of the country's tourism potential.
CONSTRUCTION AND INTERPRETATION OF A DIGITAL THERMAL INERTIA IMAGE

An image representing the thermal inertia in the vicinity of Pisgah Crater and Lavic Lake in Southern California has been generated from visible, near IR, and thermal images taken from aircraft. Construction of the thermal inertia image required radiometric calibration and geometric rectification of the acquired images as well as registration to a topographic map. The Kahle thermal model used in the construction of the thermal inertia image requires specification of albedo, topographic slope and slope azimuth, diurnal temperature range and local meteorological conditions. Albedo information was derived from the visible image; digital topographic information was computed from digitized stereo aerial photographs; and thermal ranges were calculated by subtracting the predawn from the afternoon thermal image data. Our computed values of thermal inertia were in close agreement with published values for simular surface materials. Thermal inertia provides complementary information to conventional images of reflected solar radiation for use in lithologic mapping. /Author/
BACTERIA IN WATER AND SEDIMENTS OF GUARATUBA BAY, PARANÁ, BRAZIL

Estudou-se, na Baia de Guaratuba, a variabilidade temporal e espacial do bacterioplâncton em relacao a variacao da mare, e a variacao espacial do bacteriobentos. Foram analisadas a variabilidade de bacterias heterotroficas totais, biomassa bacteriana, bacterias heterotroficas cultivaveis halofilas e halofobas, coliformes totais e Escherichia coli. Os parâmetros bioticos foram correlacionados com a salinidade, temperatura, pH, seston, transparencia da agua, oxigenio dissolvido, granulometria e clorofila. Os resultados mostraram que na agua, nos dois periodos de mare, os valores de salinidade, pH e oxigenio dissolvido foram mais elevados nas estacoes externas da baia. Os demais parâmetros foram mais elevados nas regioes abrigadas e nas estacoes internas. No sedimento observou-se uma correlacao positiva entre as heterotroficas totais, a biomassa bacteriana, as halofobas, a materia orgânica e o carbonato de calcio nas estacoes internas. Nas estacoes localizadas na entrada da baia puderam ser observados valores elevados de silte, argila e bacterias halofilas. Na parte mais interna da baia foram registrados valores extremamente altos de areia e E. coli. Os resultados mostraram que na agua, apesar da inversao da mare, e no sedimento, os valores mais elevados de bacterias foram encontrados nas estacoes internas ou abrigadas da baia. Palavras chave: bacterias; agua; sedimento; Baia de Guaratuba; coliformes.
20 DAYS OF MODERATE SIMULATED ALTITUDE EXPOSURE

To investigate the effect of altitude exposure on running economy (RE), 22 elite distance runners ( V (cid:6) O 2max 72.8 ± 4.4 ml.min -1 . kg -1 ; training volume 128 ± 27 km.wk -1 ) homogenous for V (cid:6) O 2max and training were assigned to one of three groups; live-high (simulated altitude 2000-3100 m) train-low (natural altitude 600 m; LHTL), live-moderate train-moderate (natural altitude 1500-2000 m; LMTM) or live-low train-low (natural altitude 600 m; LLTL) for a period of 20 d. RE was assessed during three sub-maximal treadmill runs at 14, 16 and 18 km.h -1 prior to and at the completion of each intervention. O 2 consumption ( V (cid:6) O 2 ), ventilation ( V (cid:6) E ), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration [La] were determined during the final 60 s of each run, while haemoglobin mass (Hb mass ) was measured on a separate occasion. All testing was performed under normoxic conditions ~600 m. V (cid:6) O 2 (L.min -1 ) averaged across the three sub-maximal running speeds was 3.3% lower ( p =0.005), after LHTL compared with either LMTM or LLTL. V (cid:6) E , RER, HR and Hb mass were not significantly different after the three interventions. There was no evidence of an increase in [La] after the LHTL intervention suggesting that the lower aerobic cost of running was not attributable to an increased anaerobic energy contribution. Furthermore, the improved RE could not be explained by a decrease in V (cid:6) E , by preferential use of carbohydrate as a metabolic substrate, nor was it related to any change in Hb mass . We conclude that 20 d LHTL at simulated altitude improved the RE of elite distance runners.
Relationship between external and internal structures in deciduous teeth: a multidisciplinary study.

AIM The different dental structures of deciduous teeth have always been regarded with great interest in endodontics and restorative dentistry. Nevertheless, there are still few investigations on the morphology of deciduous teeth compared to the permanent ones, due to the difficulty in obtaining sound deciduous teeth suitable for measurement. The aim of this research is to evaluate and compare the internal and external structures of deciduous teeth from completely preserved hominid findings, using X-ray and micro-CT examination. METHODS Samples were photographed using a digital camera and were then analysed by X-ray and micro-CT. Different parameters of external and internal structures were calculated to obtain a normalisation coefficient, called the P-factor. CONCLUSION There is a constant correlation between external and internal structure, regardless of gender, type, shape or arch sector.
Treatment of Polyester Wastewater by Steam extracting-anaerobic-biological contact oxidation-air flotation Technology

The paper introduced the application of the steam extracting-anaerobic-biological contact oxidation-air flotation in treatment engineering of the polyester wastewater,analyzed and summarized the experience in designing and running of the project.Engineering practice and process analysis shows that the steam extracting are used for the pre-treatment of high concentrated polyester wastewater,and toxic aldehyde can be removed to ensure the stable operation of the follow-up biochemical treatment.The removal rates of COD for the whole process can reach as high as 98.7%. The standard emission was realized and the part of wastewater after treatment can be reused.The whole process had some advantages such as stabilization and high efficiency,which bring good economic benefit and societal benefit to the company.
Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in Tlaxcala, Mexico

Abstract Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are widely recognised as two prevalent sexually transmitted infections that can have detrimental effects on women’s reproductive health. Previous research has concentrated on studying high-risk populations, resulting in limited epidemiological data regarding the general population. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of CT and NG among women attending public primary health care in Tlaxcala, Mexico. The study sample included 2,396 women already participating in the cervical cancer screening programme, from July to November 2014. After obtaining informed consent, the CT and NG tests were conducted on cervical samples, using a nucleic acid amplification test. We estimate the prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Women who tested positive were promptly notified and provided with appropriate treatment. In our study population, CT and NG prevalences were 3.2 (95% CI: 2.6–4.0) and 0.01 (95% CI: 0.01–0.03), respectively. CT prevalence was higher in younger women (age < 40), although the results indicate a low prevalence; due to the potentially significant impact of CT and NG on women’s health, we require adequate surveillance, and guaranteeing rapid referral to the correct treatment is a priority for the control of these diseases.
EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) in 2023

Abstract The European Molecular Biology Laboratory's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is one of the world's leading sources of public biomolecular data. Based at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Hinxton, UK, EMBL-EBI is one of six sites of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Europe's only intergovernmental life sciences organisation. This overview summarises the latest developments in the services provided by EMBL-EBI data resources to scientific communities globally. These developments aim to ensure EMBL-EBI resources meet the current and future needs of these scientific communities, accelerating the impact of open biological data for all.
A novel risk score predicting 30-day hospital re-admission of patients with acute stroke by machine learning model.

BACKGROUND The 30-day hospital re-admission rate is a quality measure of hospital care to monitor the efficiency of the healthcare system. The hospital re-admission of acute stroke (AS) patients is often associated with higher mortality rates, greater levels of disability and increased healthcare costs. The aim of our study was to identify predictors of unplanned 30-day hospital re-admissions after discharge of AS patients and define an early re-admission risk score (RRS). METHODS This observational, retrospective study was performed on AS patients who were discharged between 2014 and 2019. Early re-admission predictors were identified by machine learning models. The performances of these models were assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS Of 7599 patients with AS, 3699 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 304 patients (8.22%) were re-admitted within 30 days from discharge. After identifying the predictors of early re-admission by logistic regression analysis, RRS was obtained and consisted of seven variables: hemoglobin level, atrial fibrillation, brain hemorrhage, discharge home, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, one and more than one hospitalization in the previous year. The cohort of patients was then stratified into three risk categories: low (RRS = 0-1), medium (RRS = 2-3) and high (RRS >3) with re-admission rates of 5%, 8% and 14%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The identification of risk factors for early re-admission after AS and the elaboration of a score to stratify at discharge time the risk of re-admission can provide a tool for clinicians to plan a personalized follow-up and contain healthcare costs.
Tat-heat shock protein 10 ameliorates age-related phenotypes by facilitating neuronal plasticity and reducing age-related genes in the hippocampus

We investigated the effects of heat shock protein 10 (HSP10) protein on memory function, hippocampal neurogenesis, and other related genes/proteins in adult and aged mice. To translocate the HSP10 protein into the hippocampus, the Tat-HSP10 fusion protein was synthesized, and Tat-HSP10, not HSP10, was successfully delivered into the hippocampus based on immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Tat-HSP10 (0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg) or HSP10 (control protein, 2.0 mg/kg) was administered daily to 3- and 21-month-old mice for 3 months, and observed the senescence maker P16 was significantly increased in aged mice and the treatment with Tat-HSP10 significantly decreased P16 expression in the hippocampus of aged mice. In novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests, aged mice demonstrated decreases in exploratory preferences, exploration time, distance moved, number of object contacts, and escape latency compared to adult mice. Treatment with Tat-HSP10 significantly improved exploratory preferences, the number of object contacts, and the time spent swimming in the target quadrant in aged mice but not adults. Administration of Tat-HSP10 increased the number of proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts in the dentate gyrus of adult and aged mice compared to controls, as determined by immunohistochemical staining for Ki67 and doublecortin, respectively. Additionally, Tat-HSP10 treatment significantly mitigated the reduction in sirtuin 1 mRNA level, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1, and postsynaptic density 95 protein levels in the hippocampus of aged mice. In contrast, Tat-HSP10 treatment significantly increased sirtuin 3 protein levels in both adult and aged mouse hippocampus. These suggest that Tat-HSP10 can potentially reduce hippocampus-related aging phenotypes.
Implanting mechanically reprogrammed fibroblasts for aged tissue regeneration and wound healing

Abstract Cell‐based therapies are essential for tissue regeneration and wound healing during aging. Autologous transplantation of aging cells is ineffective due to their increased senescence and reduced tissue remodeling capabilities. Alternatively, implanting reprogrammed aged cells provides unique opportunities. In this paper, we demonstrate the implantation of partially reprogrammed aged human dermal fibroblasts into in vitro aged skin models for tissue regeneration and wound healing. The partially reprogrammed cells were obtained using our previously reported, highly efficient mechanical approach. Implanted cells showed enhanced expression of extracellular matrix proteins in the large area of aged tissue. In addition, the implanted cells at wound sites showed increased extracellular matrix protein synthesis and matrix alignment. Transcriptome analysis, combined with chromatin biomarkers, revealed these implanted cells upregulated tissue regeneration and wound healing pathways. Collectively our results provide a novel, nongenetic, partial reprogramming of aged cells for cell‐based therapies in regenerative medicine.