Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wheat powdery mildew resistance: from gene identification to immunity deployment

Powdery mildew is one of the most devastating diseases on wheat and is caused by the obligate biotrophic phytopathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt). Due to the complexity of the large genome of wheat and its close relatives, the identification of powdery mildew resistance genes had been hampered for a long time until recent progress in large-scale sequencing, genomics, and rapid gene isolation techniques. Here, we describe and summarize the current advances in wheat powdery mildew resistance, emphasizing the most recent discoveries about the identification of genes conferring powdery mildew resistance and the similarity, diversity and molecular function of those genes. Multilayered resistance to powdery mildew in wheat could be used for counteracting Bgt, including durable, broad spectrum but partial resistance, as well as race-specific and mostly complete resistance mediated by nucleotide-binding and leucine rich repeat domain (NLR) proteins. In addition to the above mentioned layers, manipulation of susceptibility (S) and negative regulator genes may represent another layer that can be used for durable and broad-spectrum resistance in wheat. We propose that it is promising to develop effective and durable strategies to combat powdery mildew in wheat by simultaneous deployment of multilayered immunity.
Previsão e Análise de Causalidade para Medição do Risco de Mercado (Forecasting and Causality Analysis for Market Risk Quantification)

A aplicacao de metricas de risco na EDP e fundamental nao so para apoio a decisao sobre operacoes de Trading no mercado de electricidade e de combustiveis, como tambem, na tomada de decisoes no âmbito do Plano de Negocios com base numa avaliacao periodica do nivel de risco de grandezas importantes (como o cashflow ou o resultado antes de impostos). A existencia de operacoes internacionais expoe a empresa a novas variaveis de risco (por exemplo, a novos câmbios via consolidacao de empresas cujos resultados sao contabilizados em moedas estrangeiras), criando uma rede de interligacoes entre os varios factores de risco, que importa compreender. A Gestao do Risco deve ser dotada de instrumentos que lhe permitam antever a evolucao dos principais riscos de mercado a que a empresa se encontrara exposta, num horizonte temporal adequado. A medicao do risco pressupoe uma adequada compreensao da funcao de distribuicao probabilistica de cada variavel, nomeadamente, na analise da media, volatilidade ou quantis, bem como, da correlacao entre os varios factores de risco. Com este proposito, foi desenvolvido o projecto de Previsao e Analise de Causalidade (PAC) com o objectivo de produzir previsoes robustas atraves do desenvolvimento de modelos de previsao inovadores, na area dos metodos semi-parametricos e nao-parametricos. Os modelos aqui apresentados sao desenhados especificamente para previsao de tendencias, volatilidades e correlacoes. Applying risk metrics at EDP is a fundamental task to support not only the trading decisions at the electricity and commodities markets, but also, the decisions underlying the elaboration of the Business Plan via periodic assessments on the risk of major financial indicators (such as cash flow or earnings before taxes). The international operations generate new risk factors for the company (for instance, exposure to new FX risk due to consolidation of businesses that operate under foreign currencies), creating a network of associations among the different risk factors that must be adequately understood. The Risk Management activity should possess advanced tools, able to predict the time evolution of the main market risks to which the company is exposed. Risk quantification requires a thorough understanding of the probability distribution function of each variable, namely, with respect to the mean, volatility and quantiles, or the several correlations among different risk factors. Given this purpose, we have designed the Forecasting and Causality Analysis (PAC) project, which aims to produce robust forecasts by developing innovative forecasting methods using semi-parametric and non-parametric statistical frameworks. The present methods are specifically addressed to forecast trends, volatilities and correlations.
Impact of Calcineurin Inhibitor-Based Immunosuppression Maintenance During the Dialysis Period After Kidney Transplant Failure on the Next Kidney Graft Outcome: A Retrospective Multicenter Study With Propensity Score Analysis

The impact of immunosuppressive therapy (IS) strategies after kidney transplant failure (KTF) on potential future new grafts is poorly established. We assessed the potential benefit of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based IS maintenance throughout the dialysis period on the outcome of the second kidney transplant (KT). We identified 407 patients who underwent a second KT between January 2008 and December 2018 at four French KT centers. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to control for potential confounding. We included 205 patients with similar baseline characteristics at KTF: a total of 53 received at least CNIs on the retransplant day (G-CNI), and 152 did not receive any IS (G-STOP). On the retransplant date, G-STOP patients experienced a longer pretransplant dialysis time, were more often hyperimmunized, and underwent more expanded-criteria donor KTs than G-CNI patients. During the second KT follow-up period, rejection episodes were similar in both groups. The 10-year survival rates without death and dialysis were 98.7% and 59.5% in G-CNI and G-STOP patients, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, CNI-based IS maintenance was associated with better survival (hazard ratio: 0.08; 95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.58, p = 0.01). CNI-based IS maintenance throughout the dialysis period after KTF may improve retransplantation outcomes.
SAOCOM-CS - A passive companion to SAOCOM for single-pass L-band SAR interferometry

The European Space Agency (ESA) is exploring the technical feasibility and the scientific value of the receive-only SAOCOM-CS satellite to be launched with Argentina's L-band SAR satellite SAOCOM. The two satellites would fly in formation, with SAOCOM acting as an illuminator, enabling for the first time single-pass SAR interferometry at L-band. In order to be ready for launch with SAOCOM-1B, the companion satellite is built from components with high technology readiness. This paper presents the current status of preparation and outlines the mission timeline, system concept, instrument architecture and SAR performance, including the links to science applications.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in the Elderly: Peculiar Features and Challenges for a Proper Phenotyping Approach

(1) Introduction. Although pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) usually affects young people with a low cardiovascular risk profile, progressive epidemiologic changes have been providing a codified phenotype of elderly subjects with PAH and increased risk predictors for left heart disease. We therefore conducted a systematic review to describe the current knowledge and characteristics of elderly individuals with PAH and further insights concerning their prognostic outcomes and therapeutic response. (2) Methods. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for publications evaluating the epidemiology, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of PAH in elderly subjects. (3) Among the 74 publications initially retrieved, 16 full-text articles were selected for the present systematic review. Compared to their younger counterparts, elderly individuals with PAH showed greater clinical deterioration, reduced exercise capacity, and worse prognostic outcomes, as well as less response to PAH-targeted therapy and higher rates of PAH drug discontinuation. (4) Conclusions. Demographic changes over time contributed to define a peculiar PAH phenotype in elderly patients, with an increased burden of cardiovascular comorbidities and distinctive features compared to young patients. Further investigations are needed in order to better clarify the nosologic criteria, and management in this subset population.
Genome-wide identification of the heat shock transcription factor gene family in two kiwifruit species

High temperatures have a significant impact on plant growth and metabolism. In recent years, the fruit industry has faced a serious threat due to high-temperature stress on fruit plants caused by global warming. In the present study, we explored the molecular regulatory mechanisms that contribute to high-temperature tolerance in kiwifruit. A total of 36 Hsf genes were identified in the A. chinensis (Ac) genome, while 41 Hsf genes were found in the A. eriantha (Ae) genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the clustering of kiwifruit Hsfs into three distinct groups (groups A, B, and C). Synteny analysis indicated that the expansion of the Hsf gene family in the Ac and Ae genomes was primarily driven by whole genome duplication (WGD). Analysis of the gene expression profiles revealed a close relationship between the expression levels of Hsf genes and various plant tissues and stress treatments throughout fruit ripening. Subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that GFP-AcHsfA2a/AcHsfA7b and AcHsfA2a/AcHsfA7b -GFP were localized in the nucleus, while GFP-AcHsfA2a was also observed in the cytoplasm of Arabidopsis protoplasts. The results of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that the majority of Hsf genes, especially AcHsfA2a, were expressed under high-temperature conditions. In conclusion, our findings establish a theoretical foundation for analyzing the potential role of Hsfs in high-temperature stress tolerance in kiwifruit. This study also offers valuable information to aid plant breeders in the development of heat-stress-resistant plant materials.
Brown Fat and Nutrition: Implications for Nutritional Interventions

Brown and beige adipocytes are renowned for their unique ability to generate heat through a mechanism known as thermogenesis. This process can be induced by exposure to cold, hormonal signals, drugs, and dietary factors. The activation of these thermogenic adipocytes holds promise for improving glucose metabolism, reducing fat accumulation, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. However, the translation of preclinical findings into effective clinical therapies poses challenges, warranting further research to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the differentiation and function of brown and beige adipocytes. Consequently, research has focused on the development of drugs, such as mirabegron, ephedrine, and thyroid hormone, that mimic the effects of cold exposure to activate brown fat activity. Additionally, nutritional interventions have been explored as an alternative approach to minimize potential side effects. Brown fat and beige fat have emerged as promising targets for addressing nutritional imbalances, with the potential to develop strategies for mitigating the impact of metabolic diseases. Understanding the influence of nutritional factors on brown fat activity can facilitate the development of strategies to promote its activation and mitigate metabolic disorders.
Uncovering Red and Dusty Ultraluminous X-Ray Sources with Spitzer

We present a mid-infrared (IR) sample study of nearby ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) using multiepoch observations with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on the Spitzer Space Telescope. Spitzer/IRAC observations taken after 2014 were obtained as part of the Spitzer Infrared Intensive Transients Survey. Our sample includes 96 ULXs located within 10 Mpc. Of the 96 ULXs, 12 have candidate counterparts consistent with absolute mid-IR magnitudes of supergiants, and 16 counterparts exceeded the mid-IR brightness of single supergiants and are thus more consistent with star clusters or non-ULX background active galactic nuclei. The supergiant candidate counterparts exhibit a bimodal color distribution in a Spitzer/IRAC color–magnitude diagram, where “red” and “‘blue” ULXs fall in IRAC colors [3.6] – [4.5] ∼ 0.7 and [3.6] – [4.5] ∼ 0.0, respectively. The mid-IR colors and absolute magnitudes of four “red” and five “blue” ULXs are consistent with those of supergiant B[e] (sgB[e]) and red supergiant (RSG) stars, respectively. Although “blue,” RSG-like mid-IR ULX counterparts likely host RSG mass donors; we propose that “red” counterparts are ULXs exhibiting the “B[e] phenomenon” rather than hosts of sgB[e] mass donors. We show that the mid-IR excess from the “red” ULXs is likely due to thermal emission from circumstellar or circumbinary dust. Using dust as a probe for total mass, we estimate mass-loss rates of M ˙ ∼ 1 × 10 − 4 M ⊙ yr−1 in dust-forming outflows of red ULXs. Based on the transient mid-IR behavior and its relatively flat spectral index, α = −0.19 ± 0.1, we suggest that the mid-IR emission from Holmberg IX X-1 originates from a variable jet.
Innovative Low-Cost Composite Nanoadsorbents Based on Eggshell Waste for Nickel Removal from Aqueous Media

In a contemporary sustainable economy, innovation is a prerequisite to recycling waste into new efficient materials designed to minimize pollution and conserve non-renewable natural resources. Using an innovative approach to remediating metal-polluted water, in this study, eggshell waste was used to prepare two new low-cost nanoadsorbents for the retrieval of nickel from aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that in the first eggshell–zeolite (EZ) adsorbent, the zeolite nanoparticles were loaded in the eggshell pores. The preparation for the second (iron(III) oxide-hydroxide)–eggshell–zeolite (FEZ) nanoadsorbent led to double functionalization of the eggshell base with the zeolite nanoparticles, upon simultaneous loading of the pores of the eggshell and zeolite surface with FeOOH particles. Structural modification of the eggshell led to a significant increase in the specific surface, as confirmed using BET analysis. These features enabled the composite EZ and FEZ to remove nickel from aqueous solutions with high performance and adsorption capacities of 321.1 mg/g and 287.9 mg/g, respectively. The results indicate that nickel adsorption on EZ and FEZ is a multimolecular layer, spontaneous, and endothermic process. Concomitantly, the desorption results reflect the high reusability of these two nanomaterials, collectively suggesting the use of waste in the design of new, low-cost, and highly efficient composite nanoadsorbents for environmental bioremediation.
Global classical solutions to an evolutionary model for magnetoelasticity

In this paper, we first prove the local-in-time existence of the evolutionary model for magnetoelasticity with finite initial energy by employing the nonlinear iterative approach given in \cite{Jiang-Luo-2019-SIAM} to deal with the geometric constraint $M \in \mathbb{S}^{d-1}$ in the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation. Inspired by \cite{Lin-Liu-Zhang-CPAM2005, Lin-Zhang-2008-CPAM}, we reformulate the evolutionary model for magnetoelasticity with vanishing external magnetic field $H_{ext}$, so that a further dissipative term will be sought from the elastic stress. We thereby justify the global well-posedness to the evolutionary model for magnetoelasticity with zero external magnetic field under small size of initial data.
Synthetic Calcium–Phosphate Materials for Bone Grafting

Synthetic bone grafting materials play a significant role in various medical applications involving bone regeneration and repair. Their ability to mimic the properties of natural bone and promote the healing process has contributed to their growing relevance. While calcium–phosphates and their composites with various polymers and biopolymers are widely used in clinical and experimental research, the diverse range of available polymer-based materials poses challenges in selecting the most suitable grafts for successful bone repair. This review aims to address the fundamental issues of bone biology and regeneration while providing a clear perspective on the principles guiding the development of synthetic materials. In this study, we delve into the basic principles underlying the creation of synthetic bone composites and explore the mechanisms of formation for biologically important complexes and structures associated with the various constituent parts of these materials. Additionally, we offer comprehensive information on the application of biologically active substances to enhance the properties and bioactivity of synthetic bone grafting materials. By presenting these insights, our review enables a deeper understanding of the regeneration processes facilitated by the application of synthetic bone composites.
Gas exchange in the avocado leaves under water stress and recovery.

Net photosynthesis, transpirations, water potential, and stomatal resistance were studied in avocado leaves during stress and recovery periods. The changes in leaf gas exchange seemed to be influenced more due to drastic changes in stomatal resistance than the leaf water potential. During the period of development of water stress and its initial recovery, the leaf water potential remained steady at the same level.
Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis of Salinity Tolerance in Response to Foliar Application of β-Alanine in Cotton Seedlings

Salinity is amongst the serious abiotic stresses cotton plants face, impairing crop productivity. Foliar application of β-alanine is employed to improve salt tolerance in various crops, but the exact mechanism behind it is not yet completely understood. An advanced line SDS-01 of upland cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. was utilized to determine its salt tolerance. Foliar treatment with the β-alanine solution at different concentrations was applied to the seedlings stressed with 0.8% NaCl solution. On the 10th day of treatment, samples were collected for transcriptome and metabolome analyses. β-alanine solution at a concentration of 25 mM was found to be the best treatment with the lowest mortality rate and highest plant height and above-ground biomass under salt stress. Both differentially expressed genes and accumulated metabolites analyses showed improved tolerance of treated seedlings. The photosynthetic efficiency improved in seedlings due to higher expression of photosynthesis-antenna proteins and activation of hormones signal transduction after treatment with β-alanine. Highly expressed transcription factors observed were MYB, HD-ZIP, ARF, MYC, EREB, DELLA, ABF, H2A, H4, WRKY, and HK involved in the positive regulation of salinity tolerance in β-alanine-treated seedlings. Furthermore, compared to the control, the high accumulation of polyamines, coumarins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds in the β-alanine-treated seedlings helped regulate cellular antioxidant (glutathione and L-Cysteine) production. Hence, to improve salt tolerance and productivity in cotton, foliar application of β-alanine at the seedling stage can be a valuable management practice.
Xylem K+ loading modulates K+ and Cs+ absorption and distribution in Arabidopsis under K+-limited conditions

Potassium (K+) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth. The transcriptional regulation of K+ transporter genes is one of the key mechanisms by which plants respond to K+ deficiency. Among the HAK/KUP/KT transporter family, HAK5, a high-affinity K+ transporter, is essential for root K+ uptake under low external K+ conditions. HAK5 expression in the root is highly induced by low external K+ concentration. While the molecular mechanisms of HAK5 regulation have been extensively studied, it remains unclear how plants sense and coordinates K+ uptake and translocation in response to changing environmental conditions. Using skor mutants, which have a defect in root-to-shoot K+ translocation, we have been able to determine how the internal K+ status affects the expression of HAK5. In skor mutant roots, under K+ deficiency, HAK5 expression was lower than in wild-type although the K+ concentration in roots was not significantly different. These results reveal that HAK5 is not only regulated by external K+ conditions but it is also regulated by internal K+ levels, which is in agreement with recent findings. Additionally, HAK5 plays a major role in the uptake of Cs+ in roots. Therefore, studying Cs+ in roots and having more detailed information about its uptake and translocation in the plant would be valuable. Radioactive tracing experiments revealed not only a reduction in the uptake of 137Cs+ and 42K+in skor mutants compared to wild-type but also a different distribution of 137Cs+ and 42K+ in tissues. In order to gain insight into the translocation, accumulation, and repartitioning of both K+ and Cs+ in plants, long-term treatment and split root experiments were conducted with the stable isotopes 133Cs+ and 85Rb+. Finally, our findings show that the K+ distribution in plant tissues regulates root uptake of K+ and Cs+ similarly, depending on HAK5; however, the translocation and accumulation of the two elements are different.
Artificial recharge in the Las Vegas Valley: An Operational history

Artificially recharging the Las Vegas Valley (Valley) ground-water system with treated Colorado River water is one water resource management option employed by the Las Vegas Valley Water District (District) to help meet future long-term and short-term peak water demands. The District began operation of an artificial ground-water recharge program in 1988 in order to bank water for future use and to slow declining water levels. Artificial recharge occurs in the winter months, typically from October to May, when there is excess capacity in the Southern Nevada Water System (SNWS), currently a 400 Million Gallon per Day (MGD) treatment and transmission system. Treated Colorado River water is recharged into the principal aquifer through the District's existing distribution system, to a network of production wells or dual -use wells for both recharge and production. The water is then stored until recovered from the wells, during the high demand summer months. The water recovered is injected Colorado River water, however, this water is accounted against the District's groundwater rights. Credits in the artificial recharge account accrue until needed to cover pumpage in excess of permitted ground-water rights. Wells used in the program were drilled and constructed in a variety of ways, and have responded differently to artificial recharge operations. The majority of the wells now used for artificial recharge and production were completed prior to 1980, using the cable-tool drilling method, perforated in place and naturally developed. Other wells were installed using the reverse-circulation drilling method with filter packs. The District commenced drilling dedicated injection wells in 1993, to address operational concerns observed in some of the production wells. Several types of installation and drilling methods have been used to optimize injection. The types of drilling methods used for the injection wells include, reverse circulation, air-foam, cable tool and dualrotary. In 1988, two dual-use wells where used for production and artificial recharge, injecting an annual total of 1,153 acre feet of water. Since 1988 the artificial recharge program has expanded, using up to 40 wells with eight dedicated injection wells. Total water banked for future use, as of January 1, 1997 is 114,126 acre feet of water. Static water levels in the principal aquifer have risen from 10 to 40 feet in the main area of artificial recharge. Water levels in other areas of the Valley also show increases, indicating that the rise is not isolated, but is occurring throughout the principal aquifer. The artificial recharge program is currently expanding to utilize 31 dual use and 19 injection wells, for a potential capacity of 62,000 gallons per minute of injection or 45,000 acre feet per year of recharge by the fall of 1999.