Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The structure and surface morphology of gill filaments in the brown mussel Perna perna

The morphology of the gills of adult Perna perna were examined by stereo light-microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. While the surface morphology of each filament was similar to that previously described for Mytilus edulis, there were some subtle inter-generic differences. In M. edulis, inter-lamellar connections are reported to connect the inner and outer lamellae over the entire ventral to dorsal surface. In P. perna, the inter-lamellar connections are restricted to between the third and sixth row of cilial disks from the marginal groove. All cilia emanating from the epithelial cells of M. edulis are reportedly longer than those of their counterparts in P. perna. Further, laterofrontal cirri in M. edulis comprises 22-30 pairs of cilia, whereas in P. perna there are only 18-23 pairs. This report complements an earlier fine-structural study and completes the description of gill filaments in P. perna. These data serve as a morphological baseline for future local pollution impact studies.
Modes of Action of Pyridazinone Herbicides

Four substituted pyridazinone compounds inhibited the Hill reaction and photosynthesis in barley (Hordeum vulgare L., var. Dayton C.I. 9517). These inhibitions appeared to account for the phytotoxicity of 5-amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone (pyrazon). The pyridazinone chemicals were weaker inhibitors than 2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine (atrazine). Two substitutions onto the molecular structure of pyrazon result in a new experimental herbicide, 4-chloro-5-(dimethylamino)-2-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone (hereinafter referred to as 6706), which retains the action mechanism of pyrazon but also has two additional biological properties. It is resistant to metabolic detoxication in plants, and it possesses a second mode of action involving interference with chloroplast development. The second action is like that expressed by 3-amino-s-triazole (amitrole) and by 3,4-dichlorobenzyl methylcarbamate (dichlormate). However, the new chemical is 100 to 1000 times more effective. The trifluoromethyl substitution on the phenyl ring and the dimethyl substitution on the amine are both required to give either of the two additional physiological properties. Analogs with only one of the two substitutions behave like pyrazon rather than like 6706.
Estimación de componentes genéticos en líneas endogámicas de maíz (Zea mays L.)

La aptitud combinatoria general (ACG) y la especifica (ACE) se usan para identificar combinaciones hibridas entre lineas endogamicas con rendimiento mayor o menor que el comportamiento promedio esperado de las lineas progenitoras. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la ACG de ocho lineas y la ACE de las cruzas realizadas y la hipotesis fue que los cruzamientos entre lineas con caracteristicas contrastantes, produciran hibridos sobresalientes. En otono de 2011 se formaron las cruzas y en primavera de 2012 se evaluaron en el campo experimental en Marin, de la Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Ocho lineas endogamicas se evaluaron con un diseno experimental de bloques completos al azar y tres repeticiones. El analisis genetico se realizo con el diseno ll de apareamiento de Carolina del Norte de Comstock y Robinson. Los progenitores, considerados como machos M-16 (4.74 t ha-1), M-11 (4.60 t ha-1) y M-14 (4.21 t ha-1) y las hembras H-8 (4.26 t ha-1), H-2 (4.15 t ha-1) y H-4 (4.13 t ha-1) presentaron los efectos mayores de ACG. Los efectos mayores en ACE se observaron en las cruzas H-8xM-16 (4.99 t ha-1), H-8xM-11 (4.83 t ha-1) y H-2xM16 (4.78 t ha-1). La varianza aditiva para rendimiento de grano fue de 0.03 y supero la varianza de dominancia (-0.34); la heredabilidad en sentido estricto, fue 7.65 % y la varianza de hembras (0.0075) fue superior a la de machos (0.0012).
Impact of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Genotypes on Quantification of HCV RNA in Serum by COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Test, Abbott Antiretroviral Therapy HCV RealTime Assay, and VERSANT HCV RNA Assay

ABSTRACT The VERSANT HCV RNA 3.0 (bDNA), COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV, and Abbott ART HCV RealTime assays were compared for hepatitis C virus RNA quantification in 158 clinical specimens (genotypes 1 to 5). RNA values differed significantly between methods (P < 0.0001), and mean titer differences ranged from 0.01 to 0.50 log10 IU/ml depending on the genotypes.
A CAD-based algorithm for solving stable parameter region of fractional-order systems with structured perturbations

Abstract Based on cylindrical algebraic decomposition (CAD) technique, an algorithm for solving the stable parameter region of factional-order systems with structured perturbations (FOSSP) is presented. The algorithm is nonconservative and universal for fractional order systems with order 0 < α < 2. And the computational complexity of the algorithm is less than existing methods. Two examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism Is Correlated to the Progression of Disease in Patients with IgA Nephropathy: A Metaanalysis

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) displays potent vasoconstrictive effects, attenuation of fibrinolysis, and platelet activation and aggregation. Recently it was mentioned that the insertion/deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene is associated with ESRD. The lengthy course of IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) and the possibility of good outcomes without therapy suggest nontoxic therapies such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). However, the correlation between the ACE gene polymorphism and progression of IgAN still requires further approval. Here, the author performs a summative analysis on the recent previous reports on the ACE gene polymorphism and its correlation to progression of IgAN. The meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between the pattern of ACE gene polymorphism and progression of IgAN. From five available studies, 346 and 555 patients with (group 1) and without (group 2) the progression of disease are evaluated. According to this study, the frequency of DD genotype in group 1 is significant higher than group 2 (p < 0.05). In addition, the author first reports a non-significant correlation between the ethnicity and the ACE gene polymorphism.
Persistence of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T in Chaparral Vegetation and Soil

The persistence of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] and 2,4,5-T [(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] was studied in the chaparral environment. Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum H. & A.), grass and forbs, soil surface litter, and soil were sampled for up to 360 days after herbicide (4.5 kg/ha) application. Over 50% of the 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T recovered was found on soil surface litter while 18 to 31% was found on vegetation. Much less herbicide (0.1 to 0.2%) was found in soil (0 to 5 cm) than in foliage or litter. No herbicide residues were found below the 0 to 5 cm soil sample zone. Herbicide residues on foliage and litter decreased rapidly (up to 93%) within 30 days after application but remained constant thereafter until winter rainfall began. Residues of both herbicides were evident in chamise foliage (0.01 to 0.02%), surface litter (0.01 to 0.03%), and soil (0.01%) up to 360 days after application.
A Spreadsheet for the Mixing of a Row of Jets with a Confined Crossflow. Supplement

An interactive computer code, written with a readily available software program, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) is presented which displays 3 D oblique plots of a conserved scalar distribution downstream of jets mixing with a confined crossflow, for a single row, double rows, or opposed rows of jets with or without flow area convergence and/or a non-uniform crossflow scalar distribution. This project used a previously developed empirical model of jets mixing in a confined crossflow to create an Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that can output the profiles of a conserved scalar for jets injected into a confined crossflow given several input variables. The program uses multiple spreadsheets in a single Microsoft Excel notebook to carry out the modeling. The first sheet contains the main program, controls for the type of problem to be solved, and convergence criteria. The first sheet also provides for input of the specific geometry and flow conditions. The second sheet presents the results calculated with this routine to show the effects on the mixing of varying flow and geometric parameters. Comparisons are also made between results from the version of the empirical correlations implemented in the spreadsheet and the versions originally written in Applesoft BASIC (Apple Computer, Cupertino, CA) in the 1980's.
Human/Humanity, Consciousness and Universe: Informational Relation

From the perspective of the Informational Model of Consciousness elaborated and reported recently on the basis of the last discoveries of the quantum mechanics and astrophysics, the meeting horizon between some ancient coherent empirical models of the humanity and our modern scientific results is analyzed. These results are discussed in terms of information, as a central axis relating the universe, the human and inter-humanity connections, and consciousness as an informational tool for the exploration of the reality. Bringing into discussion the relevant recent discoveries of quantum mechanics (Higgs’ boson, disembodiment of information from the physical particles), and matter/information properties near the black holes, it is reinforced the concept of information as one of the fundamental constituent of matter and of our universe, showing that information is actually the base fabric of matter structures, living structures and universe. The huge quantity of dynamic information engaged in the living structures, particularly in the human organism, necessary to maintain the life’s functions and to allow the adaptation requirements, differentiates the living from non-living entities. It is shown that consciousness, human and universe cannot be really understood if it is not introduced on the panoramic scene a new player – dark matter, with more than 80% contribution from the matter total quantity. It is shown also that the Informational Model of Consciousness, consisting in an architecture of seven cognitive centers, converges with the ancient models of chakras, of etheric body and aura concepts, with dual Taoist concepts of universe and human body, contributing with answers to the “mind-body”, “nature or nurture” problems and even to Qualia “hard" problem, and supporting the Jung's concepts on the mind. Finally, some questions are addressed to the quantum mechanics, concerning the retro-causal effect and non-locality principle.
Quantification of CD4+ CD25+ Regulatory T Cells in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Recent animal studies have shown that regulatory T cells play a crucial role in the suppression of the immune response and that depletion of this subset of T cells might lead to development of autoimmune diseases. The aim of this work was to quantify regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+) in the peripheral blood of Omani patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and correlate these findings with the disease activity of the patients. Thirty patients with SLE, 30 patients with RA and 25 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into highly active or low active groups, depending on the disease activity. Flow cytometer was used to quantify CD4+ CD25+ T cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We found that both highly active SLE (0.242 ± 0.3) and RA (0.56 ± 0.29) patients had significantly (p<0.001) lower levels of CD4+CD25 bright T cells than did normal controls (1.74 ± 0.47%) or patients with low disease activity (SLE=1.54 ± 0.33, RA=1.829 ± 0.76). The decreased number of CD4+CD25 bright T cells during disease activity was restored in remitting phase of SLE patients. This data provides further evidence supporting the hypothesis of defect of regulatory T cells in SLE and RA patients; which may have an important implication in the context of the control of the inflammation and development of autoimmunity.
Design-Led Innovation Strategies of Family Entrepreneurs: Case-based Evidence from an Emerging Market

This paper reveals insights from an ongoing PhD study engaging with the innovation management of family owned furniture manufacturers in Turkey. The initial findings presented in this paper relate to the strategies applied in the innovation process of the first case study undertaken within the ongoing PhD. The aim of the study is to seek the entrepreneurial opportunities and challenges when achieving Design-Led Innovation (DLI) in an emerging market. The data are hoped to provide a better understanding of the factors affecting a family business to gain competitive advantage in the market through innovation. The main insight presented in this paper is that family entrepreneurs have unique decision-making processes and strategies during phases of innovation. The other key initial insight found through thematic analysis of in-depth qualitative interviews include key concepts such as vision for design awareness, strengthening existing know-how, customer-oriented strategy, and investment in knowledge.
Analysis of Flower Color Variations at Different Developmental Stages in Two Honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica Thunb.) Cultivars

Lonicera japonica Thunb. , known as Japanese honeysuckle or golden-and-silver honeysuckle, belongs to the honeysuckle family and is native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Microscopy, spectrophotometry, colorimetry, and the Royal Horticulture Society of Colorimetric Card (RHSCC) were used to compare and analyze the pigment distribution, content, and color variations in the Yujin 2 and Damaohua cultivars at different developmental stages. There were notable differences in the corolla color and the cross-section color between different developmental stages and different varieties. The lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values were calculated for each period for the two cultivars to observe variation trends. The chlorophyll content in the corollas of both cultivars showed declining trends with different rates. The chlorophyll content decreased rapidly from the young period to the two white period, and changed gradually from the two white period to the golden period. Moreover, the carotenoid content declined slightly from the young period to the silver period and rose sharply during the golden period. The ratio of these two pigment contents increased dramatically during the golden period: by 11.51 and 6.53 times in ‘Yujin 2’ and ‘Damaohua’, respectively. There were significant differences in corolla color, cross-section color, and the content of three pigments between the two varieties of honeysuckle. distribution and variation of pigments were the key factors affecting the flower color of honeysuckle. This study provides a basis for the identification and breeding of honeysuckle varieties and lays a foundation for further studies on the function and molecular mechanisms of pigments.
Behavioural species discrimination in red wood ants (Formica rufa group)

The Formica rufa group (red wood ants) currently includes six species. Nevertheless, during previous work based on molecular markers, we showed the existence of one population morphologically identified as F. lugubris, but genetically different from all other analysed populations of this species. This population could represent a cryptic species within the Swiss National Park and has been provisionally named Formica lugubris-A2. To verify our hypothesis, we conducted a behavioural test based on the ability of ants to recognize pupae of their own species when compared to those of another species. The three red wood ant species present in the Swiss National Park (F. lugubris, F. paralugubris and F. aquilonia) and the F. lugubris-A2 population were used in our study. Results indicate that the F. lugubris-A2 population differs from other F. lugubris and from all other species in the behaviour of its workers and in the way its pupae are discriminated by other species. This is in accordance with the genetic data and strengthens our hypothesis on the existence of a new cryptic red wood ant species within the Swiss National Park.
Respon pertumbuhan dan produksi tanaman jagung (Zea mays L.) terhadap sistem tanam dan pemberian pupuk kandang sapi

Respon tanaman terhadap lingkungan merupakan faktor penting yang mempengaruhi pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui respon pertumbuhan dan produksi tanaman jagung terhadap sistem tanam dan pemberian pupuk kandang sapi. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kebun Percobaan Fakultas Pertanian UISU Gedung Johor, Medan. Penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok Faktorial dengan tiga ulangan. Perlakuan pertama adalah sistem tanam yang terdiri dari 3 taraf, yaitu: sistem tanam biasa (75 cm x 20 cm), sistem tanam lajar 4:1 (20 cm x 40 cm), dan sistem tanam lajar 2:1 (20 cm x 50 cm). Perlakuan kedua adalah dosis pupuk kandang sapi yang terdiri dari 4 taraf, yaitu: 0, 5, 10, dan 15 t/ha. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sistem tanam lajar 2:1 dan pemberian pupuk kandang sapi sebanyak 15 t/ha mampu meningkatkan pertumbuhan dan produksi tanaman jagung, sedangkan interaksi perlakuan antara sistem tanam dan dosis pupuk kandang sapi belum mampu mempengaruhi pertumbuhan dan produksi tanaman jagung.
EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY , AND CYTOTOXICITY OF EXTRACTS OF Mikania laevigata Schultz bip ( Asteraceae )

Two species of the Mikania genus (Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata), known locally as guaco, are quite similar in appearance and used interchangeably by the population used for coughs, bronchitis and inflammations. As M. glomerata is found in official compendiums, M. laevigata has been less studied. Although most studies were carried out with hydro-alcoholic extracts, guaco is popularly consumed in the form of teas and infusions, and only one study evaluating a less polar extract was found. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the solvent (water, ethanol and ether) could affect the activity of extracts of leaves of M. laevigata. These extracts were analyzed as to their coumarin content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity. The ethanol extract had the highest concentration of coumarin and the best effect on E. coli, but was also the most cytotoxic. The ether extract was less cytotoxic, but had less activity against bacteria, a low coumarin content and low antioxidant activity. The water extract wasn ́t cytotoxic under 20 mg/ml and had the highest antioxidant activity, with antibacterial activity and coumarin contents similar to the ethanol extract, confirming the popular use of water extracts of M. laevigata. Key-words: Mikania laevigata. Guaco. Coumarin. RPIF
Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the detection of the pear decline agent Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri

Pear decline (PD) is a quarantine disease causing reduced yield, stunting and dieback of pears in all pear-growing countries. The objective of this work was the development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) procedure for the detection of Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri, the causal agent of PD. Primers targeting the 16S rRNA gene of the pathogen were designed and LAMP reaction conditions were optimized for colorimetric detection with the metal indicator Eriochromeblack-T. A sample preparation procedure was developed, which enables quick and easy processing of pear leaves, shoots and roots.
Seroprevalence of major blood-borne infections among blood donors in Kano, Nigeria

Aim: To examine the seroprevalence of common blood infections among blood donors, which remains a major concern in transfusion medicine in Nigeria. Blood transfusion is one of the known therapeutic interventions that cut across a number of clinical disciplines. Materials and methods: Th e seroprevalences of human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and syphilis among 280 blood donors at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital (MMSH) were determined. Th e seroprevalences of the pathogens were determined with regard to age, sex, donor category, and occurrence of association pathogens. Between June and December 2008, 276 males (98.6%) and 4 females (1.4%), with an age range of 18-54 years, donated blood. Results: Tests showed that 54 (19.3%) donors had serological evidence of infection with at least one pathogen, while 8 (2.9%) had multiple infections. Th e seroprevalences of syphilis, HBsAg, HCV, and HIV were found to be 7.5%, 11.1%, 1.8%, and 1.4%, respectively, at the MMSH in Kano. Th e age group of 28-37 years had the highest rates of syphilis (8.7%), HBsAg (15.5%), and HIV (2.9%), while the age group of 18-27 years had the highest prevalence of HCV (2.5%). Conclusion: Th e high (19.3%) seroprevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections in blood donated at the MMSH calls for comprehensive screening of blood donors for HBsAg, HCV, HIV, and syphilis using sensitive techniques and strict selection criteria of donors.