Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed Priming With Protein Hydrolysates Improves Arabidopsis Growth and Stress Tolerance to Abiotic Stresses

The use of plant biostimulants contributes to more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming techniques and offers a sustainable alternative to mitigate the adverse effects of stress. Protein hydrolysate-based biostimulants have been described to promote plant growth and reduce the negative effect of abiotic stresses in different crops. However, limited information is available about their mechanism of action, how plants perceive their application, and which metabolic pathways are activating. Here we used a multi-trait high-throughput screening approach based on simple RGB imaging and combined with untargeted metabolomics to screen and unravel the mode of action/mechanism of protein hydrolysates in Arabidopsis plants grown in optimal and in salt-stress conditions (0, 75, or 150 mM NaCl). Eleven protein hydrolysates from different protein sources were used as priming agents in Arabidopsis seeds in three different concentrations (0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 μl ml–1). Growth and development-related traits as early seedling establishment, growth response under stress and photosynthetic performance of the plants were dynamically scored throughout and at the end of the growth period. To effectively classify the functional properties of the 11 products a Plant Biostimulant Characterization (PBC) index was used, which helped to characterize the activity of a protein hydrolysate based on its ability to promote plant growth and mitigate stress, and to categorize the products as plant growth promoters, growth inhibitors and/or stress alleviator. Out of 11 products, two were identified as highly effective growth regulators and stress alleviators because they showed a PBC index always above 0.51. Using the untargeted metabolomics approach, we showed that plants primed with these best performing biostimulants had reduced contents of stress-related molecules (such as flavonoids and terpenoids, and some degradation/conjugation compounds of phytohormones such as cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, etc.), which alleviated the salt stress response-related growth inhibition.
Rifampicin Induces Gene, Protein, and Activity of P-Glycoprotein (ABCB1) in Human Precision-Cut Intestinal Slices

P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), an ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter, limits intestinal absorption of its substrates and is a common site of drug–drug interactions. Drug-mediated induction of intestinal ABCB1 is a clinically relevant phenomenon associated with significantly decreased drug bioavailability. Currently, there are no well-established human models for evaluating its induction, so drug regulatory authorities provide no recommendations for in vitro/ex vivo testing drugs’ ABCB1-inducing activity. Human precision-cut intestinal slices (hPCISs) contain cells in their natural environment and express physiological levels of nuclear factors required for ABCB1 induction. We found that hPCISs incubated in William’s Medium E for 48 h maintained intact morphology, ATP content, and ABCB1 efflux activity. Here, we asked whether rifampicin (a model ligand of pregnane X receptor, PXR), at 30 μM, induces functional expression of ABCB1 in hPCISs over 24- and 48-h incubation (the time to allow complete induction to occur). Rifampicin significantly increased gene expression, protein levels, and efflux activity of ABCB1. Moreover, we described dynamic changes in ABCB1 transcript levels in hPCISs over 48 h incubation. We also observed that peaks of induction are achieved among donors at different times, and the extent of ABCB1 gene induction is proportional to PXR mRNA levels in the intestine. In conclusion, we showed that hPCISs incubated in conditions comparable to those used for inhibition studies can be used to evaluate drugs’ ABCB1-inducing potency in the human intestine. Thus, hPCISs may be valuable experimental tools that can be prospectively used in complex experimental evaluation of drug–drug interactions.
Predicting Selective RNA Processing and Stabilization Operons in Clostridium spp.

In selective RNA processing and stabilization (SRPS) operons, stem–loops (SLs) located at the 3′-UTR region of selected genes can control the stability of the corresponding transcripts and determine the stoichiometry of the operon. Here, for such operons, we developed a computational approach named SLOFE (stem–loop free energy) that identifies the SRPS operons and predicts their transcript- and protein-level stoichiometry at the whole-genome scale using only the genome sequence via the minimum free energy (ΔG) of specific SLs in the intergenic regions within operons. As validated by the experimental approach of differential RNA-Seq, SLOFE identifies genome-wide SRPS operons in Clostridium cellulolyticum with 80% accuracy and reveals that the SRPS mechanism contributes to diverse cellular activities. Moreover, in the identified SRPS operons, SLOFE predicts the transcript- and protein-level stoichiometry, including those encoding cellulosome complexes, ATP synthases, ABC transporter family proteins, and ribosomal proteins. Its accuracy exceeds those of existing in silico approaches in C. cellulolyticum, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium thermocellum, and Bacillus subtilis. The ability to identify genome-wide SRPS operons and predict their stoichiometry via DNA sequence in silico should facilitate studying the function and evolution of SRPS operons in bacteria.
Toward Consistent Observational Constraints in Climate Predictions and Projections

Observations facilitate model evaluation and provide constraints that are relevant to future predictions and projections. Constraints for uninitialized projections are generally based on model performance in simulating climatology and climate change. For initialized predictions, skill scores over the hindcast period provide insight into the relative performance of models, and the value of initialization as compared to projections. Predictions and projections combined can, in principle, provide seamless decadal to multi-decadal climate information. For that, though, the role of observations in skill estimates and constraints needs to be understood in order to use both consistently across the prediction and projection time horizons. This paper discusses the challenges in doing so, illustrated by examples of state-of-the-art methods for predicting and projecting changes in European climate. It discusses constraints across prediction and projection methods, their interpretation, and the metrics that drive them such as process accuracy, accurate trends or high signal-to-noise ratio. We also discuss the potential to combine constraints to arrive at more reliable climate prediction systems from years to decades. To illustrate constraints on projections, we discuss their use in the UK's climate prediction system UKCP18, the case of model performance weights obtained from the Climate model Weighting by Independence and Performance (ClimWIP) method, and the estimated magnitude of the forced signal in observations from detection and attribution. For initialized predictions, skill scores are used to evaluate which models perform well, what might contribute to this performance, and how skill may vary over time. Skill estimates also vary with different phases of climate variability and climatic conditions, and are influenced by the presence of external forcing. This complicates the systematic use of observational constraints. Furthermore, we illustrate that sub-selecting simulations from large ensembles based on reproduction of the observed evolution of climate variations is a good testbed for combining projections and predictions. Finally, the methods described in this paper potentially add value to projections and predictions for users, but must be used with caution.
Simulation ab initio de spectres UV-visibles

UV-visible response factors are commonly used in analytical chemistry in order to evaluate the different compound proportions of a mix. Particularly popular in the industrial field, most of the time these factors are difficult to obtain, mainly when implicated compounds are difficult to isolate or to synthesize. In this context, theoretical chemistry and more precisely Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) — could be a useful asset able to give rapid answers. In order to obtain this type of information, a study focused on UV-visible spectroscopy is needed. This study underlines the TD-DFT capacity to simulate at the same time the position of the absorption bands and to provide information related to quantification. Along these lines, some new density functionals were developed in order to try to increase the accuracy of the method from a structural point of view or property simulation like excitation energies. All in all, many models were tested — some of them were developed — in order to reproduce with the best accuracy the band shape of UV-visible absorption spectra. Not only focused on absorption, this study also tries to model fluorescence, showing the useful role of theoretical chemistry in science and in industry.
Climate Change Can Drive a Significant Loss of Suitable Habitat for Polylepis quadrijuga, a Treeline Species in the Sky Islands of the Northern Andes

It is predicted that climate change will strongly affect plant distributions in high elevation “sky islands” of tropical Andes. Polylepis forests are a dominant element of the treeline throughout the Andes Cordillera in South America. However, little is known about the climatic factors underlying the current distribution of Polylepis trees and the possible effect of global climate change. The species Polylepis quadrijuga is endemic to the Colombian Eastern Cordillera, where it plays a fundamental ecological role in high-altitude páramo-forest ecotones. We sought to evaluate the potential distribution of P. quadrijuga under future climate change scenarios using ensemble modeling approaches. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of future climatic projections deriving from 12 different general circulation models (GCMs), four Representative Concentration Pathways (R) emissions scenarios, and two different time frames (2041–2060 and 2061–2080). Additionally, based on the future projections, we evaluate the effectiveness of the National System of Protected Natural Areas of Colombia (SINAP) and Páramo Complexes of Colombia (PCC) in protecting P. quadrijuga woodlands. Here, we compiled a comprehensive set of observations of P. quadrijuga and study them in connection with climatic and topographic variables to identify environmental predictors of the species distribution, possible habitat differentiation throughout the geographic distribution of the species, and predict the effect of different climate change scenarios on the future distribution of P. quadrijuga. Our results predict a dramatic loss of suitable habitat due to climate change on this key tropical Andean treeline species. The ensemble Habitat Suitability Modeling (HSM) shows differences in suitable scores among north and south regions of the species distribution consistent with differences in topographic features throughout the available habitat of P. quadrijuga. Future projections of the HSM predicted the Páramo complex “Sumapaz-Cruz Verde” as a major area for the long-term conservation of P. quadrijuga because it provides a wide range of suitable habitats for the different evaluated climate change scenarios. We provide the first set of priority areas to perform both in situ and ex situ conservation efforts based on suitable habitat projections.
Biodiesel from Microalgae, Yeast, and Bacteria: Engine Performance and Exhaust Emissions

Biodiesels (fatty acid methyl esters) derived from oleaginous microbes (microalgae, yeast, and bacteria) are being actively pursued as potential renewable substitutes for petroleum diesel. Here, we report the engine performance characteristics of biodiesel produced from a microalgae (Chaetoceros gracilis), a yeast (Cryptococcus curvatus), and a bacteria (Rhodococcus opacus) in a two-cylinder diesel engine outfitted with an eddy current brake dynamometer, comparing the fuel performance to petroleum diesel (#2) and commercial biodiesel from soybeans. Key physical and chemical properties, including heating value, viscosity, density, and cetane index, for each of the microbial-derived biofuels were found to compare favorably to those of soybean biodiesel. Likewise, the horsepower, torque, and brake specific fuel consumption across a range of engine speeds also compared favorably to values determined for soybean biodiesel. Analysis of exhaust emissions (hydrocarbon, CO, CO2, O2, and NOx) revealed that all biof.
Efecto de preparados minerales sobre el crecimiento y desarrollo in vitro de Moniliophthora roreri (Cif. & Par.) Evans* Effect of mineral preparations on growth and in vitro development of Moniliophthora roreri (Cif. & Par.) Evans

The present study was developed with the aim to evaluate the fungicidal activity of mineral preparations on Moniliophthora roreri under laboratory conditions: broth visosa (CV), Bordeaux mixture plus potassium permanganate (CBP), Bordeaux mixture plues zinc sulfate and sulfate magnesium (CBS), broth sodium bicarbonate (BiS), broth silicosulfocalcico (SSC) and calcium polysulfide (PC). Two bioassays were performed; in the first, the inhibitory effect on fungal growth was assessed by the agar diffusion method, the compounds were tested at five concentrations (50, 40, 30, 20 and 10% v / v). In the second, through the cultivation technique cultivation in liquid medium in test tubes, the effect on formation and germination of fungus spores was determined; The culture medium consisted of a solution of cocoa extract plus water (1:1 v / v) to which fungus spores and 50% (v / v) of each mineral preparation were added. With the exception of BiS at 10%, mycelial growth was inhibited completely or partially by the other mineral preparations, showing statistically significant differences with control. SSC and PC preparations were the most effective in inhibiting 100% mycelial growth even at 10% concentration. The test
Titanium oxide nanotube arrays prepared by anodic oxidation method and photocatalytic degradation of chloramine phosphorus

Using anodic oxidation in HF+ACOH+PEG solution at the constant voltage to deal with the titanium foil,the high-density TiO2 nanotube arrays with regular and orderly structure were prepared.The morphology of the nanotubes was characterized by SEM,and the crystal of the nanotubes was analyzed by XRD.The effect of oxidation time on the morphology and size of nanotube arrays were studied,and the current-time curve was obtained.The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by degradation of chloramine phosphorus.The ratio of degradation was measured and calculated by Molybdenum-Antimony Anti-Spectrophotometric method.The influences of annealing temperature and anodic oxidation time of solution were analyzed.The sol-gel method was used to prepare TiO2 thin film,which is used to do photocatalytic comparative experiments.
III-V Nanowire MOSFETs for mm-Wave Switch Applications

RF-switches are key components in many electronic devices as they enable routing of higher frequency signals. Increasing demands on device performance requires new technologies as well as new approaches to designs of circuits. III-V nanowire MOSFETs are a promising device technology well suited for implementation of switches. This work investigates the design trade-off’s for III-V nanowire MOSFET technology for mm-wave switch circuits. In the thesis, simulation results for three different switch designs are compared. These are a standard single-pole double throw, with one respectively two resonant pairs, and a switch that uses high internal impedance to improve the isolation. The results show figures of merits that are comparable to state-of-the-art designs and indicates the need for further work in this area as to validate the simulations with measurements on processed devices.
SYNTHESIS OF ZnO NANOPARTICLES BY SOL-

The aim of this study was to obtain and characterize ZnO nanoparticles by solgel technique. ZnCl2, Zn(NO3)2, NaOH were used as precursors for the synthesis. NaOH was dissolved in distilled water at a concentration of 1.0 M with agitation to the desired reaction temperature (50°C and 90°C). 0.5 M ZnCl2 and 0.5 M Zn(NO3)2 were added by dripping (60 and 30 min). The powder was characterized by XRD (Cu Kα), UV-Vis, and HR-TEM. Nano ZnO particles were obtained with crystallite size between 20 and 40 nm (HR-TEM and XRD). The results of UV-Vis spectrometry show that the band gap energy, given by the absorbance at 300 nm depends on the precursor used.
Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors among Women Based on the Health Belief Model and Self-Efficacy in Tanta City

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem among women that lessens the quality of life and takes up many financial assets for its prevention and treatment. The aim of the study: was to identify osteoporosis preventive behaviors among women based on the health belief model and self-efficacy in Tanta city. Subjects and method: Study design: In this study, the descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Study settings: This study was conducted in all outpatient clinics and departments of MedicalSurgical, and Orthopedic, in Tanta University Hospital. In addition, Maternal and Child Health Centers (MCH) affiliated to the Ministry of Health in Tanta city, ElGharbia Governorate, there were seven maternal, and child health centers representing five districts of Tanta city. The researchers chose these places because they had a high rate of attended women seeking different medical services. Study subjects: The studied subjects were 1200 women who attended the study settings through the study period (six months). Tools of data collection: Four tools were used by the researchers. Tool I: A structured interview schedule which it consisted of three parts: part one: Personal characteristics, part two: Osteoporosis preventing behaviors and part three: Anthropometric measurements. Tool ІІ: Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS), Tool III: -Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Test (OKAT) and Tool IV: Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale (OSES). Results: -Few percentages of the studied women assumed osteoporosis preventive behaviors, and 76.8% of them had poor knowledge about osteoporosis. For the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS), the studied women had the negative belief about their susceptibility to osteoporosis, barriers to exercise, and barriers to calcium intake. In addition, there was a significant difference between positive and negative OHBS, also positive and negative SelfEfficacy Scale (SES) P<0.05. Conclusion: Most of the studied women had a poor score of knowledge about osteoporosis, and only little percentage of them followed osteoporosis preventive behaviors. More than twothirds of the studies women had a negative osteoporosis health believe score. Recommendations: Educational programs are suggested to encourage primary health care providers to consult women at reproductive age about osteoporosis preventions. Integrate early detection and management of osteoporosis in orthopedic or rheumatology outpatient clinics in Tanta university hospital and other health facilities.
ON THE GLOBAL RIGIDITY OF SPHERE PACKINGS ON 3-DIMENSIONAL MANIFOLDS

In this paper, we prove the global rigidity of sphere packings on 3-dimensional manifolds. This is a 3-dimensional analogue of the rigidity theorem of Andreev-Thurston and was conjectured by Cooper and Rivin in [5]. We also prove a global rigidity result using a combinatorial scalar curvature introduced by Ge and the author in [13].
Star formation histories of brightest group galaxies in CLoGS

An important component of galaxy formation and evolution studies, is to accurately constrain the star formation histories (SFHs) of galaxies. While the SFHs of most massive early-type galaxies can be described using a single passively-evolving stellar component (Single Stellar Population [SSP]), there is a fraction of massive early-type galaxies in the centres of galaxy groups and galaxy clusters where recent star formation is observed and are better described by two or more stellar components (Composite Stellar Population [CSP]). In this project we identify and constrain possible recent star formation episodes in a sample of 23 BGGs (Brightest Group Galaxies), which is a sub-sample of the Complete Local-Volume Groups Sample (CLoGS). Most of these BGGs are in the centres of X-ray rich groups and all are closer than 80Mpc. We use archival spatially-resolved long-slit spectroscopy from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) at the McDonald Observatory, and determine whether the BGGs are better described by an SSP or a CSP using ULySS. For this, stellar population models were fit to each of the 23 galaxies. The results showed that 11 of the BGGs were better described by a CSP while 12 of the BGGs were better described by an SSP. These results must be compared to the existing X-ray and radio observations of the groups.
Schrodinger Equation for Momentum Indicator in the Stock Market

This paper is a contribution to the application of quantum finance theory. Some of the common momentum indicators include: the rate of change (or the ROC), the relative strengthindex (or the RSI), the moving average convergence divergence (or the MACD) and the stochastic indicator. It is noted that many of the known methods for computing the indicators including those not mentioned here, have mainly concentrated on the historical stock’s data spanning over weeks and months, and even at that, there is no empirical basis for most of those methods as they were mere mathematical manipulations and conjecture. Using the model based on the Schrodinger equation for the harmonic oscillator, we developed a method to compute the velocity and momentum of stock prices in a stock market. This offered a proven approach that would give financial technical analysts credible computational method using daily/current stock market data that would improve their quality of advice to potential investors and interested stakeholders. Some randomly selected equities traded on the floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange were used as our case study.
Adult Chronic Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia: Safety and Efficacy of Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists and Rituximab

Volume 2(2): 1-5 Introduction & Background Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), one of the most common acquired autoimmune bleeding disorders characterized by immune-mediated destruction and defective platelet production, which increases the risk of bleeding [1]. The pathophysiology of ITP was considered to be due only to accelerated autoantibodymediated platelet destruction in the reticuloendothelial system (RES), particularly in the spleen [2-3]. However, some evidence shows that ITP also results from defective platelet production [45]. Persistence of ITP beyond 12 months is the definition of chronic ITP [6]. Patients affected with ITP have increased risk of bleeding that may range from minor presentations such as petechiae and bruising to the most life-threatening and dangerous events such as intracranial hemorrhage, and diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [7-8]. The primary goal of the management of chronic ITP is to increase and maintain platelet count in a safe range to avoid life-threatening complications, as well as improving HRQoL. The first-line of therapies included glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), or intravenous anti-D [6,910]. However, relapse or failure to respond to these may urge to the use of other pharmacological agents and modalities, which can include a wide variety of therapies, such as splenectomy, azathioprine, rituximab, vincristine, danazol, vinca alkaloids, and cyclophosphamide [11-12].