Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GENETIC STABILITY AND DIVERSITY IN YIELD COMPONENTS OF SOME WHEAT GENOTYPES THROUGH SEASONS AND HEAT STRESS UNDER DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

Genetic stability and diversity are two of the key factors for the improvement of many crop plants. A major challenge for plant breeders is selection of high yielding genotype with wide adaptation. Therefore, thirty six wheat genotypes were evaluated under two locations (Sohag and Aswan, Egypt) on favorable and late sowing date during winter seasons of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 to estimate its performance and stability parameters. The wide range of weather conditions resulted in a broad variation of mean yields, ranging from 6.59 t/ha in favorable sowing date to 4.99 t/ha in late sowing date as heat stress. The combined analysis of variance showed that the flag leaf area, days to heading, spike length, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield were significantly influenced by years, locations, sowing dates and genotypes. Mean environmental grain yield ranged from 2.70 t/ha to 9.27 t/ha. The results showed that sowing at the favorable date increased all studied traits. The 36 genotypes showed diversity for the slopes of the joint regression. Genotypes No. 5, 6, 14, 19, 20, 22, 24 and 32 exhibited stability for grain yield and useful in the breeding program in developing new wheat genotypes with tolerance to heat stress conditions. Positive correlation was found between bi and x for days to heading, spike length, number of kernels/spike, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield (0.89**, 0.50**, 0.07, 0.13 and 0.51**), respectively. This might be due to adaptation of these genotypes to wide differences in climatic conditions which prevailed at the two studied locations. The best genotypes in terms of both favorable and heat stress indicating that selecting for improved yield potential may increase yield in wide range of environments.
Steady object tracking based on online sample mining

Tracking methods based on Correlation Filter have been constantly improved in tracking accuracy and robustness. However, it still challenged in background clutter, rotation changes and occlusion, the drift of the model was one of the main reasons. In this paper, we propose an online sample training method based on Gaussian Mixture Model. The maximum response value, obtained from the convolution of samples and filters, is used to judge the availability of the online samples, which is able to reduce the interference of wrong online samples. Then, through Gaussian Mixture Model, samples are classified to strengthen the diversity of the sample set, which can avoid model drift effectively. Besides, we also propose a model update criterion to enhance the stability of the tracker, and heighten the efficiency of calculation. This criterion is determined by changes of target in scale and displacement. We perform comprehensive experiments on three benchmarks: OTB100, VOT2016 and VOT-TIR2016. Comparing with other trackers, our tracker has better robustness in the condition of background clutter, rotation change and occlusion. Moreover, its speed also maintains real-time performance.
The in vitro cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative damage potential of dapagliflozin, on cultured human blood cells

Abstract Objectives Dapagliflozin (DAPA), is a potent SGLT-2 inhibitor for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. DAPA has a good clinical and biological tolerance profile. However little information is available on its potential effects on cultured human blood cells. The evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxicity, genotoxicity potential and antioxidant/oxidant activity of DAPA in primary human whole blood cell cultures was aimed in this study. Materials and methods Cell viability was measured by the MTT [3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assays. The antioxidant/oxidant activity was determined by measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS) levels. To assess the genotoxicity of DAPA, chromosomal aberration (CA) frequencies were determined. Results MTT and LDH release assay exhibited that exposure to different doses of DAPA did not changed significantly the proliferation of cells. The results of TAC and TOS assays were showed that TAC level was elevated while TOS level did not altered in DAPA-treated cells. Moreover, any increase in the frequency of CA did not found on cultures blood cells. Conclusion These data indicate that DAPA has not cytotoxic and genotoxic potential in cultured human blood cells, also, induces the increasing antioxidant activity.
Detection of AmpC β-lactamases in Escherichia coli using different screening agars

The aim of this study was to determine the performance of both cefotaxime and ceftazidime containing agars on the specificity and sensitivity for chromosomal AmpC-hyperproducing and plasmid AmpC harboring Escherichia coli compared to ESBL-producing E. coli and E. coli without ESBL, pAmpC or cAmpC hyperproduction. Second, we evaluated the influence of adding cefoxitin to these agars for detection of both chromosomal AmpC-hyperproducing and plasmid AmpC harboring E. coli. Four different homemade screening agars with cefotaxime (1mg/L), ceftazidime (1mg/L), cefotaxime (1mg/L) with cefoxitin (8mg/L), and ceftazidime (1mg/L) with cefoxitin (8mg/L) were compared to each other for the identification of AmpC producing E. coli. A total of 40 isolates with plasmid encoded AmpC β-lactamases, 40 isolates with alterations in the promoter/attenuator region of the AmpC gene leading to hyperproduction of the β-lactamase, 40 isolates with ESBL genes and 39 isolates lacking both a AmpC and ESBL genotype were used to test the four agars. The sensitivity and specificity were 100% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 96.1% to 100%) and 48.1% (95% CI 38.6%-60.2%), respectively, for the cefotaxime agar; 100% (95% CI 96.1% to 100%) and 49.41% (95% CI 39.8%-61.4%), respectively, for the ceftazidime agar; 96.3% (95% CI 89.1% to 99.2%) and 77.2% (95% CI 66.7%-85.2%) respectively, for the cefotaxime with cefoxitin agar; 98.8% (95% CI) 92.6% to 99.6%) and 81.0% (95% CI 70.9%-88.3%) respectively, for the ceftazidime agar with cefoxitin. The main reason for false-positive results were ESBL-harboring strains that grew on various agars; therefore, the specificity of each agar reported here was influenced mainly by the proportion of ESBL isolates tested. In conclusion addition of cefoxitin to cefotaxime and ceftazidime containing agars had little influence on sensitivity, but increased specificity for the detection of AmpC in E. coli.
The Impact-Tensile Behavior of Cementitious Composites Reinforced with Carbon Textile and Short Polymer Fibers

The paper at hand focuses on the tensile behavior of ductile cementitious composites reinforced with short, randomly distributed, polymer fibers and a continuous carbon textile under quasi-static and impact loading. Strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCCs) made of high strength fine-grained matrix with the addition of a 2% volume fraction of 6 mm-long ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers and as-spun poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO-AS) fibers, respectively, were reinforced with one layer of carbon textile, which corresponds to a 0.68% volume fraction. The same fine-grained matrix reinforced with carbon textile only served as the reference material. The synergetic action of the two reinforcement types was investigated in uniaxial tension tests on composite specimens, as well as by means of single-yarn pullout tests at displacement rates of 0.05 mm/s in a hydraulic testing machine, and 8 m/s in a tensile split Hopkinson bar. The specimen’s deformations, the formation of cracks, and the fracture processes were monitored optically and subsequently evaluated using digital image correlation (DIC).
Standing genetic variation and chromosomal rearrangements facilitate local adaptation in a marine fish

Population genetic theory states that adaptation most frequently occurs from standing genetic variation, which results from the interplay between different evolutionary processes including mutation, chromosomal rearrangements, drift, gene flow and selection. To date, empirical work focusing on the contribution of standing genetic variation to local adaptation in the presence of high gene flow has been limited to a restricted number of study systems. Marine organisms are excellent biological models to address this issue since many species have to cope with variable environmental conditions acting as selective agents despite high dispersal abilities. In this study, we examined how, demographic history, standing genetic variation linked to chromosomal rearrangements and shared polymorphism among glacial lineages contribute to local adaptation to environmental conditions in the marine fish, the capelin (Mallotus villosus). We used a comprehensive dataset of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (25,904 filtered SNPs) genotyped in 1,359 individuals collected from 31 spawning sites in the northwest Atlantic (North America and Greenland waters). First, we reconstructed the history of divergence among three glacial lineages and showed that they diverged from 3.8 to 1.8 MyA. Depending on the pair of lineages considered, historical demographic modelling provided evidence for divergence with gene flow and secondary contacts, shaped by barriers to gene flow and linked selection. We next identified candidate loci associated with reproductive isolation of these lineages. Given the absence of physical or geographic barriers, we thus propose that these lineages may represent three cryptic species of capelin. Within each of these, our analyses provided evidence for large Ne and high gene flow at both historical and contemporary time scales among spawning sites. Furthermore, we detected a polymorphic chromosomal rearrangement leading to the coexistence of three haplogroups within the Northwest Atlantic lineage, but absent in the other two clades. Genotype-environment associations revealed molecular signatures of local adaptation to environmental conditions prevailing at spawning sites. Altogether, our study shows that standing genetic variation associated with both chromosomal rearrangements and ancestral polymorphism contribute to local adaptation in the presence of high gene flow.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK-3) involvement in regulation of mouse embryonic stem cell fate

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Clustering and Principal Component Analysis of Nerica Mutant Rice Lines Growing Under Rainfed Condition

A field experiment was conducted at subtropical region in Bangladesh to assess the contribution of morphological traits to variability in some NERICA mutant rice lines. The experiment was conducted following RCBD with three replications. Thirty-one NERICA rice genotypes (twenty-eight mutant lines along with three parents) of advanced generations were used. Data were collected on twelve morphological traits. The results of the principal component analysis showed that the first four components account for 80% of total variation giving a clear idea of the structure underlying the variables analyzed. This result was also supported by scree test. Cluster analysis using Ward's method classified the thirty-one genotypes into five distinct groups. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters indicating the possibility of high heterosis if individuals from these clusters are cross-bred. The results of PCA were closely in line with those of the cluster analysis. These results can now be used by breeders to develop drought tolerant high yielding rice varieties and new breeding protocols for rice improvement. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(3): 327-334
Characterization of a predominant Bordetella pertussis strain isolated from Iranian patients

Introduction: Pathogen adaptation is considered as one of the important reasons for the emergence of pertussis (whooping cough). Antigenic divergence between vaccine strains and clinical isolates of Bordetella pertussis has been occurred over the years. It is suggested that the predominant genomic profile of B. pertussis has an enough capacity to spread among the population. The aim of this study was to characterize a predominant B. pertussis strain isolated from Iranian patients during 2008-2015 period. Methods: Based on the epidemiologic results of B. pertussis circulating strains in Iran, a strain named BPIP91 with predominant genomic and virulence pattern was selected from Biobank of Pasteur Institute of Iran. The antibiotic susceptibility testing was done and the growth rate of this strain was analyzed. The lethal (LD50) and safety dose of infection of BPIP91 was also determined via mice intranasal infection. Results: Our results showed that BPIP91 was susceptible to erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and rifampin antibiotics. The growth rate of BPIP91 was almost two-fold lower than the vaccine strain. In addition, the LD50 and infectious dose of BPIP91 strain were about 2 × 10 10 and 4 × 10 6 colony forming units, respectively. Conclusion: In this study we obtained the growth curve, LD50 and intranasal infectious dose of a circulating strain with predominant genomic pattern in Iran. However, further examinations including determination of immunogenicity of this native strain in animal model is needed in order to evaluate its use as a vaccine strain candidate.
Comparative Biochemical Characterization of L-Asparaginases from Four Species of Lactic Acid Bacteria

L-Asparaginase (ASNase; EC 3.5.1.1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-asparagine to L-aspartic acid and ammonia. Generally, ASNases from Escherichia coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi are used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, few studies focusing on ASNase from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been reported. The aim of this study is to characterize ASNase genes from four LAB strains: Streptococcus thermophiles, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. acidophilus, and L. sakei. ASNase genes from each strain amplified by polymerase chain reaction PCR were inserted into NdeI and XhoI sites of pET28a-(+) and cloned in E. coli BL21(DE3). Recombinant ASNases were purified using nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid column chromatography. Among the four strains, the purified recombinant ASNase from S. thermophilus exhibited the highest specific activity of 113.0 U/mg and specificity for L-asparagine. The pH and temperature ranges for S. thermophilus ASNase were pH 8.0-9.0 and 30°C-50°C, respectively. The activity of the enzyme was significantly inhibited by Ni2+. Km and kcat values were 2.91 mM and 1.53 × 102 s–1, respectively. In this study, we described the biochemical properties of ASNases from four LAB and demonstrated that ASNase from S. thermophilus has potential applications in food processing.
CHEMICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS

This study indicate the importance of some wild medicinal plants such as milk thistle seed and chicory seed. Therefore , chemical characteristies such as crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamin C and minerals contents were determined. Also ,the antioxidative properties such as phenolic compounds and flavonoid compounds and scavenging activity on DPPH free radicals were also determined. Moreover ,the possibility to use these seeds in biscuit production, where the utilization of milk thistle seed flour and chicory seed flour as replacers of wheat flour at different levels (5, 10, and 15%) to prepare biscuits rich in protein and minerals, as well as organoleptic evaluation of prepared biscuits and firmness values were also investigated. Results indicated that milk thistle seed and chicory seed have high amount of protein, ether extract, crude fiber, minerals content, vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds (antioxidants) which, could be used as alternative natural source for synthetic antioxidants in industry. The major unsaturated fatty acids in milk thistle seed and chicory seed oil are oleic and linoleic. The essential and nonessential amino acids are more abundant in milk thistle seed and chicory seed protein. Sensory evaluation of the obtained products indicated that successful replacement was 10% of both seeds . So , it could be recommended to use the investigated plant seeds in biscuit production for its nutritional concept and antioxidative effects. For these reasons, we must take in consideration to cultivate these plants on a large scale to take their advantages of their therapeutic and nutritional .
Neurogenesis and Hippocampus- and Olfactory-Dependent Learning in the Goto-Kakizaki Rat

Research suggests that the chronic hyperglycemia associated with type 2 diabetes impairs brain function a number of ways – including a reduction in adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (Beaquis et al., 2009; Lang et al., 2009;) and olfactory bulb (Lang et al., 2009; RamosRodriguez et al., 2014). To investigate these impairments, Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were tested in both a radial arm maze and the social transmission of food preference (STFP), behaviours that depend on the integrity of the dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb, sites of profound adult neurogenesis (Altman & Das, 1965; Galef and Wigmore, 1983; Morris et al., 2012). On the radial arm maze, GKs showed increased latencies to complete the task, as well as decreased correct choices. During STFP, GKs were unable to successfully discriminate between the flavoured foods provided to them, resulting in unsuccessful establishment of a food preference following social interaction. Using immunohistochemical procedures, doublecortinand Ki67positive cells were quantified to provide a measure of neurogenesis, specifically cell proliferation and survival, in these regions. These findings reveal no significant differences in the number of doublecortinand Ki67positive cells in hyperglycaemic animals. For now, the current results limit the possible mechanisms for the behavioral impairments found in the presence of chronic hyperglycaemia. Hyperglycaemia, Neurogenesis and Learning in the GK rat ii
The effect of concentrates on production traits, biochemical parameters and thyroid hormones concentration in Dubrovnik sheep fed forage based-diets

The research was carried out on 20 Dubrovnik sheep, divided into two groups. During the day, ewes and lambs were out in pasture and in the evening, after returning to the barn, ewes of group I were fed with only hay, and group II, besides hay, received 200 g corn and 100 g wheat bran. Body measurement, assessment of body condition, weighing and blood sampling were carried out in highly pregnant and lactating ewes. The addition of concentrate feed to the ewes ́ diets was justified because it improved the ewes ́ production traits (higher body weight, lower ewe weight loss per lamb, better body development indices). The significantly higher concentrations of cholesterol, beta-hydroxybutirate and thyroxine hormone in the blood of group II show that metabolic profile indicators may be considered as a good criterion for assessing their nutritional status. The research showed that the genetic potential of Dubrovnik sheep has not been fully exploited so that improved nutrition may significantly improve the ewes ́ production traits, which should guarantee the survival of this, the most endangered native Croatian breed of sheep.
The potential hazards and ecotoxicity of CuO nanoparticles: an overview

Abstract This review summarizes the underlying toxicity mechanisms of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) on the basis of various environmentally relevant test species and cells. The toxicity effects related to CuO NPs have been analyzed in bacteria, algae, drosophila, plants, aquatic animals, mammals and other models in vitro and in vivo experiments. In addition, the combined toxicity evaluation of CuO NPs is also discussed. This review reveals the following major factors driving the toxicity of CuO NPs: (i) the dissolution of NP metal ions, (ii) the size, shape and coating of NPs, and (iii) oxidative stress and nonoxidative stress mechanisms.
Contingent Valuation of Sustainable Integrated Agriculture–Aquaculture Products: The Case of Rice–Fish Farming Systems in South Korea

There has been growing acceptance in Asia that consumer participation in green consumption can lead to sustainable agriculture and aquaculture development. In this context, this study investigates how consumers’ psychological (i.e., attitudes and social norms) and socio-economic characteristics affect their willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable agricultural products. To this end, the study incorporates attitude and social norms as components of the theory of reasoned action into the contingent valuation method, thereby establishing an estimation model for consumers’ WTP. Based on an online market survey of adults in South Korea from June to July 2018, the results show that consumers’ attitudes and social norms positively affect WTP for the rice and loach produced through integrated agriculture–aquaculture (IAA). However, the variables in the model affect consumers’ WTP differently, depending on the type of IAA product. For IAA rice, both socio-economic (e.g., income) and psychological variables affect WTP. However, in the case of IAA loach, only social norms are statistically significant in affecting consumers’ WTP.
The effect of augmented reality games on English as foreign language motivation

Today, educational practices are being designed and varied due to advance of millennium generation who tend to use mobile technologies in every aspect of their lives. Accordingly, growing interest towards mobile learning in education brings several opportunities and advantages for English as foreign language teachers and learners. Augmented reality, which is another growing phenomenon on mobile devices, is a technology that incorporates digital information such as images, video, and audio into real-world spaces. As a part of mobile learning, augmented reality technique has potential to facilitate learning through enjoyment over learning tasks, engagement and motivation. Designed in descriptive survey model, this study intended to assess English as a foreign language learners’ subjective experience regarding the implementation of augmented reality-based learning materials in their language classes with a game-based approach in Anadolu University, Turkey. The analysis of the questionnaire items showed that most of the students accepted the activities in augmented learning environment highly motivating and enjoyable, which is common in augmented reality research.