Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular and morphological discrimination of selected plum seedlings for rootstock breeding

ABSTRACT Plum seedlings are extensively used as rootstocks for stone fruits except P. cerasus. Genetic diversity in seedlings used for rootstocks might result in variation of scion performance and subsequently non-uniform orchards. This study aimed on investigating variation among several Iranian plum genotypes sampled from seedlings grown for grafting. Thirty-five 3- to 4-year-old seedlings were characterized using 28 quantitative and qualitative traits, as well as 22 RAPD markers. Results of the morphological study revealed remarkable variability in studied traits. Genotypes were separated into three different groups according to their height using cluster analysis performed by Ward’s clustering method based on morphological data. Twenty two RAPD primers from 120 screened produced 195 polymorphic reproducible bands (86.75% polymorphism). According to the similarity matrix, the lowest similarity was obtained between the genotype Tansgol (control) and S4-13 and the highest similarity between S11-25 and S11-26. According to the cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficients and the UPGMA method at a similarity level of 0.56, the genotypes were divided into six sub-clusters. Significant association between eight morphological traits with RAPD markers was found by marker association analysis done using multiple linear regressions. The application of the methodology in screening elite genotypes is discussed. STRESZCZENIE Siewki śliwy znajdują szerokie zastosowanie jako podkładki dla wielu drzew pestkowych, z wyjątkiem wiśni (P. cerasus). Zastosowanie odmiennych genetycznie podkładek może skutkować zmianami w rozwoju zrazów i tym samym uzyskaniem niepożądanej zmienności roślin w sadzie. Celem badań była ocena zmienności wybranych genotypów śliwy, stosowanych w Iranie jako podkładki drzew pestkowych. Trzydzieści pięć trzy- i czteroletnich siewek scharakteryzowano na podstawie analizy 28 cech morfologicznych i przy użyciu wybranych starterów RAPD. Na podstawie oceny morfologicznej i analizy wyników metodą Warda genotypy podzielono na trzy grupy. W reakcjach z 22 starterami RAPD uzyskano 195 produktów polimorficznych, stanowiących 86,75% wszystkich wygenerowanych produktów. Najmniej spokrewnione były genotypy Tansgol i S4-13, a najbardziej S11-25 i S11-26. Analiza wyników amplifikacji oparta na teście Jaccarda i metodzie UPGMA wykazała obecność sześciu podgrup w obrębie analizowanych siewek. Stwierdzono także korelacje między ośmioma cechami morfologicznymi i wynikami uzyskanymi w reakcjach RAPD. Możliwość zastosowania opisanych metod do oceny genotypów podkładek elitarnych jest dyskutowana.
Explaining Interethnic Cooperation

Though both journalists and the academic literature on ethnic conflict give the opposite impression, peaceful and even cooperative relations between ethnic groups are far more common than is large-scale violence. We seek to explain this norm of interethnic peace and how it occasionally breaks down, arguing that formal and informal institutions usually work to contain or “cauterize” disputes between individual members of different groups. Using a social matching game model, we show that local-level interethnic cooperation can be supported in essentially two ways. In spiral equilibria, disputes between individuals are correctly expected to spiral rapidly beyond the two parties, and fear of this induces cooperation “on the equilibrium path. ” In in-group policing equilibria, individuals ignore transgressions by members of the other group, correctly expecting that the culprits will be identified and sanctioned by their own ethnic brethren. A range of examples suggests that both equilibria occur empirically and have properties expected from the theoretical analysis.
Overexpression of PKMz Alters Morphology and Function of Dendritic Spines in Cultured

Protein kinase M zeta (PKMz), an atypical isoform of protein kinase C (PKC), has been implicated in long-term maintenance of neuronal plasticity and memory. However, the cellular machinery involved in these functions has yet to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of PKMz overexpression on the morphology and function of cortical neurons in primary cultures. Transfection with a plasmid construct expressing the PKMz gene modified the distribution of spine morphologies and reduced spine length, while leaving total spine density and dendritic branching unchanged. A significant increase in magnitude but not frequency of miniature excitatory post synaptic currents was detected in the PKMz overexpressing cells. These results suggest that PKMz is involved in regulation of dendritic spine structure and function, which may underlie its role in long-term synaptic and behavioral plasticity.
Coeure Survey: Fiscal and Monetary Policies after the Crises

We review the recent literature on macroeconomic stabilisation policy, with a particular focus on two major challenges that are particular to the post-crisis land- scape. These are, first, how to provide meaningful economic stimulus when the zero lower bound on nominal interest rates is binding. Second, how to design a stabilisation policy for the Eurozone that will remedy the large macroeconomic imbalances among member states.
METHADONE POISONING IN CHILDREN AND SOME FACTORS AFFECTING IT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN TABRIZ, NORTHWEST OF IRAN

Introduction: Children may be intentionally or unintentionally exposed to any substance. Substance poisoning is one of the most important emergency interventions in children that cause a great number of deaths each year. Regarding the importance of this issue and recent increase in number of poisoning cases, a study with the aim of investigating cases of substance poisoning and factors involved in emerging them was carried out in Children Hospital of Tabriz.Materials and Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on hospitalized children with substance poisoning diagnosis during two years. The data was collected through referring to patients’ case and using demographic information questionnaire and symptoms checklist. The data was analyzed using SPSS 13, descriptive statistics, T test, chi- square and spearman tests.Results: During two years, 97 children with the mean age of 48 months were hospitalized due to substance poisoning. 59.3% of the study population consisted of boys and 40.7% of girls. Drowsiness, decreased level of consciousness, vomiting and pin point pupil were the most common symptoms recorded in children. The relationship between the type of substance and parents’ addiction was statistically significant. However, there was no significant relationship between intentional and unintentional poisoning and parents’ addiction.Conclusion: Non-specific package, unsafe keeping, and shortage of people’s knowledge are among the most important factors involved in Methadone poisoning in children. Delivering clear information about the fatal effect of this drug on children by health- care personnel especially doctors seems necessary.
Ab Initio Study of the Electronic and Vibrational Properties of 1-nm-Diameter Single-Walled Nanotubes

The electronic structure, band gap, density of states of the (8,8), (14,0) and (12,3) single-walled carbon nanotubes by the SIESTA (Spanish Initiative for Electronic Simulations with Thousands of Atoms) method in the framework density-functional theory (DFT) with the generalized gradients approximation (GGA) were studied. Also, we studied the vibrational properties of the (8,8) and (14,0) nanotubes. Only the calculated relaxed geometry for (12,3) nanotube show significant deviations from the ideal rolled graphene sheet configuration. The electronic transition energies of van Hove singularities were studied and compared with previous results. The calculated band structures, density of states and dispersion curves for all tubes were in good agreement with theoretical and experimental results.
Peptide markers for the HIV-1 neutralizing antibody 4E10

Monoclonal antibodies 2F5 and 4E 10 neutralize a broad range of HIV1 isolates. The epitopes for both antibodies are located in the membrane proximal region (MPR) of gp41, which is highly conserved among HIV-1 isolates. Attempts to use peptides or fusion proteins bearing the MPR as vaccines have failed, in that they produce antibodies that bind to gp41, but do not neutralize HIV1. Thus, 2F5 and 4E10 are unique among MPR-binding antibodies in their ability to neutralize the virus. The purpose of the work presented here is to identify peptides that are specific for 4E10, with the goal of producing a vaccine that elicits antibodies having 4ElO's unique, virus-neutralizing properties. A panel of phage-displayed random peptide libraries was screened with 4E10, and two distinct peptides were identified. One is a "linear" peptide that is homologous to the native 4E10 epitope in the MPR, and the other is a "cyclic" peptide that bears no homology to the MPR. Binding of these peptides to 4E10 was optimized through the construction of two "doped" libraries that are based on each peptide's sequence. Clones isolated from both libraries bound more strongly to 4ElO than to the corresponding parental clone. Alignment of the peptide sequences from multiple clones isolated from the linear doped library revealed shared residues that are presumably important for binding. The consensus sequence they form aligns with the previously mapped 4ElO epitope in the MPR, and extends beyond that sequence. The cyclic peptide provides an alternative mechanism of binding to 4E10, and as a ligand, may reveal its unique structural features. Both the linear and cyclic peptides are specific markers for 4E10, as sera of HIV1 infected people that bind to the 4ElO MPR epitope do not bind to either the linear or cyclic peptides. Thus, two types of peptide, which bind tightly and specifically to the neutralizing MAb 4E10, have been isolated and optimized. They have revealed the MPR epitope for 4ElO in more detail, and have served as specific serum markers for 4ElO. In future, they will be tested as leads for a vaccine that targets the production of 4E10-like antibodies.
The Impact of an Interactive Ray Diagram Teaching Module in Enhancing Grade 11 Learners’ Conceptual Understanding of Image Formation in a Plane Mirror

Background:This paper reports on one part of a larger study which aimed at testing the effectiveness of an interactive optics teaching module in enhancing Grade 11 learners’ conceptual understanding of reflection. The focus of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a part of the interactive optics teaching module in enhancing learners’ conceptual understanding about the characteristics of the image formed in a plane mirror.Materials and methods:The sample consisted of 70 learners, selected from one school in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Within the quasi-experimental design, the data were collected from four relevant questions of the questionnaire (designed for the larger study). Results:Findings indicated that the designed teaching module was effective in enhancing learners’ understanding of image formation by a plane mirror.Conclusions:A teaching approach which included the ray diagram approach as in the present study could not be located in any of the previous studies. The sequentially-arranged questions designed to create cognitive conflict led the learners to create a stronger conceptual understanding of the characteristics of the image formed in a plane mirror.
The GOME-type Total Ozone Essential Climate Variable (GTO-ECV) data record from the ESA Climate Change Initiative

Abstract. We present the new GOME-type Total Ozone Essential Climate Variable (GTO-ECV) data record which has been created within the framework of the European Space Agency's Climate Change Initiative (ESA-CCI). Total ozone column observations – based on the GOME-type Direct Fitting version 3 algorithm – from GOME (Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment), SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY), and GOME-2 have been combined into one homogeneous time series, thereby taking advantage of the high inter-sensor consistency. The data record spans the 15-year period from March 1996 to June 2011 and it contains global monthly mean total ozone columns on a 1°× 1° grid. Geophysical ground-based validation using Brewer, Dobson, and UV–visible instruments has shown that the GTO-ECV level 3 data record is of the same high quality as the equivalent individual level 2 data products that constitute it. Both absolute agreement and long-term stability are excellent with respect to the ground-based data, for almost all latitudes apart from a few outliers which are mostly due to sampling differences between the level 2 and level 3 data. We conclude that the GTO-ECV data record is valuable for a variety of climate applications such as the long-term monitoring of the past evolution of the ozone layer, trend analysis and the evaluation of chemistry–climate model simulations.
Comparison and validation of sampling strategies for the molecular microbial analysis of surface microlayers.

A range of sampling methods are available to sample the sea surface microlayer, including mesh screens (MS), glass plates (GP), hydrophobic (PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene) and hydrophilic (PC, polycarbonate) membranes. We compared bacterial community structures in surface microlayer samples and in subsurface water (0.4 m) collected using the above sampling methods. Samples were collected from the Tyne Estuary and analysed using DGGE of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Samples collected using GP and MS were similar to subsurface water samples. Samples collected using PTFE and PC showed distinct differences compared to samples collected using GP and MS and subsurface samples. Membranes sample within the proposed depth range of the actual sea surface microlayer while GP and MS collect deeper samples which therefore also contain subsurface water. There is therefore clear evidence that GP and MS samplers under-represent the surface microlayer. Bacterial and archaeal communities were compared in sea surface microlayer and subsurface samples collected with PC from 3 sites in the Pacific Ocean. Samples were analysed using DGGE of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes. Bacterial communities in samples collected from the sea surface microlayer at 2 sites on either side of Oahu Island were more similar to each other than to their cognate subsurface samples. Archaeal communities did not show a distinct surface microlayer effect. Data presented here clearly indicate that Bacteria respond significantly to this sea surface microlayer environment and further support the use of PC in sampling surface microlayers.
Effects of Dietary Bamboo Charcoal on the Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Fattening Pigs

The purpose of this study was to investage the effects of dietary bamboo charcoal on the carcass characteristics and meatquality of fattening pigs. Fifty four crossed pigs of 61.0±1.0 kg body weight (BW) were grouped and housed in 6 animals(3 barrows and 3 gilts) per pen and 3 replications per treatment. The basal diet (C) was supplied with 0.3% bamboo charcoalas treatment 1 (T1) and 0.6 % as treatment 2 (T2). The pigs were fed that experimental diet for 42 days, thereafter 10 long-issimus dorsi (LD) per treatment were randomly collected at the time the pigs reached an average weight of 110.0±5.0 kg.The carcass weight, backfat thickness, and the carcass grade were better (p 0.05) by the supplemented bamboo charcoal. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with bamboo charcoalimproved the carcass grade and fatty acids composition of pork meat from fattening pigs, where the composition of unsat-urated fatty acids was increased, but that of saturated fatty acids was decreased.Key words: bamboo charcoal, carcass grade, meat quality, pigs
Factors Influencing Special Education Teachers' Mathematics Teaching Efficacy.

This research examined the relationship between secondary special education teachers’ mathematics teaching efficacy and the number of years of teaching experience, years of coteaching experience, and number of math content coursework taken at the undergraduate level. Students with special needs continue to score significantly lower than their general education peers on Virginia’s standards of learning mathematics tests. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational research design was used in this study. The targeted sample consisted of approximately 120 collaborating special education teachers in two school districts in southeastern Virginia. The Mathematics Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (MTEBI) was measure mathematics teaching efficacy and teacher mathematics content knowledge was measured by a survey of courses taken. A Spearman’s rho correlation test was used to determine if a statistically significant relationship existed among the variables. The study found a positive relationship between mathematics teaching efficacy and years of mathematics co-teaching experience rs = . 451, p = . 01 and a positive relationship between mathematics teaching efficacy and total math courses taken rs = . 297, p = . 014. There was no relationship found between mathematics teaching efficacy and years of teaching experience. Results support increased efforts are needed to provide content specific education for special education teachers in the area of secondary mathematics.
Breeding season and productivity of monk parakeets in Cordoba, Argentina

ABsrRAcr. -We studied the breeding productivity of populations of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), at Arroyito and Jesus Maria, C6rdoba province, Argentina. In Arroyito, nests were in introduced eucalyptus trees, whereas in Jesus Maria nesting was entirely in native tree species. Egg laying started on around 1 November, although onset of breeding varied significantly among years within a three-week period. Start of egg laying within the populations was extended for nine weeks on average. The percentage of occupied nest chambers found with eggs was significantly higher at Arroyito (91%) than at J. Maria (overall mean 53%). At Arroyito, mean first clutch size was significantly higher (6 eggs) than at J. Maria (5.4 eggs). Replacement and second clutches were significantly smaller than the first clutches in both areas. Hatching success did not differ between areas (58%, both combined) but differed significantly among years at J. Maria. A higher percentage of nestlings reached fledging age at Arroyito (53%) than at J. Maria (42%). Mean number of young fledged per breeding pair was 2.2 at Arroyito and 1.4 (overall) at J. Maria (range: 0.5-2.3). The apparent preference exhibited by Monk Parakeets for nesting in eucalyptus trees against low native vegetation could be a result of the higher productivity of breeding pairs in the former habitat. The Monk Parakeet has a lower fledging and breeding success than other parrots. Due to its large clutch size, however, it has one of the largest productivities among psittacids. Received I Aug. 1991, accepted 1 Feb. 1992.
Geothermics of the Pannonian basin and its bearing on the neotectonics.

Different aspects of the geothermics of the Pannonian basin are investigated from the viewpoint of neotectonics. A heat flow map of the basin and the surrounding region is presented. It is shown that the high heat flow of the Pannonian basin, the subsidence and maturation history of the Neogene sediments can be explained in general by Middle Miocene extension and thinning of the lithosphere. To obtain fit to the observed vitrinite reflectance data in the peripheral areas uplift and erosion had to be assumed, which started in the Late Pliocene. For the same time period a thermo-mechanical extensional model would predict thermal subsidence, therefore, the observation of this late stage uplift suggests that the thermal subsidence has been overprinted by tectonic forces, like an increase of intraplate stress. Groundwater flow in porous sedimentary rocks or in fractured rocks disturbs the geothermal field making difficult the interpretation of the heat flow in terms of simple conductive models. However, from the viewpoint of tectonics the occurrence of thermal springs is helpful, because most of the thermal springs occur along faults. Almost half of the thermal springs in Hungary are found along faults, which have been active during the Late Pliocene through Quaternary period. The relationship between the geothermics and the seismicity of the Pannonian basin has also been investigated. It is shown that the seismicity can be understood in terms of collision of the Adriatic microplate with Europe and differences in thermal state of the lithosphere. The tectonically less active Bohemian Massif, Ukrainian and Moesian Platforms form a cold rigid frame of the Pannonian basin. The Pannonian basin and the Dinarides comprise a complex seismotectonic unit. The Pannonian basin, which is characterized by high heat flow, has low to moderate seismic activity, with earthquakes occurring in the upper crust. The Dinarides, which are characterized by low heat flow, have high seismic activity and the focal depth of the earthquakes reaches 40 km. Rheological profiles constructed for the region show that in the Pannonian basin only the upper 10–14 km thick Correspondence to: L. Lenkey (lenl@freemail.hu) part of the crust has brittle strength, as opposed to the Dinarides where the brittle part of the crust is 20–24 km thick, and there is a mechanically strong layer also in the upper mantle.
Optimization of an in vitro Regeneration Protocol for Rough Lemon Rootstock ( Citrus jambhiri L.) via Direct Organogenesis

Standardization of a reproducible protocol for in vitro rough lemon rootstock mass propagation was conducted at Tigray Biotechnology Center Plc. , Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Mekelle, Ethiopia in 2015/2016 cropping season. Rough lemon is the frequently used rootstock both in the world and Ethiopia citrus fruit production, particularly in the Tigray region due to its superior performance over other rootstocks. However, seedlings produced through conventional ways are not recommended to be used in orchards due to variability problems caused by its polyembrony nature. To overcome such variations, in vitro regeneration of rough lemon rootstocks was performed using nodal segments and shoot tips as explant types. The explants were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 5% scurose and 250 mg/L streptomycin followed to surface sterilization. The most effective and reproducible auxin (NAA), cytokinin (BA) and gebrillenllic acid (GA3) for in vitro shoot and root induction in rough lemon rootstocks were determined. Almost all IBA and BA treatments resulted in almost 100% shoot induction except for at 0.0 and 0.1 mg/L IBA and at 1.5 and 2.0 BA mg/L. Nodal segments induced a higher percentage of explant response with longer shoots in a shorter period of time than shoot tips, which produced more shoots and leaves than nodal segments. The effect different BA and IBA concentrations on various parameters of proliferation were studied. Full strength medium produced more regenerated shoots and leaves per shoot than half-strength MS medium. In addition, longer shoots formed with 0.1 mg/L GA3 than culture medium without this plant growth regulator. Root length decreased with higher concentration of NAA and the longest root (2.5 ± 0.22 cm) was found in the 1.0 mg/L NAA and followed by (1.95 ± 0.22 cm) at 0.5 mg/L of NAA. The rooted plants were successfully established in the greenhouse on the substrate called coco-peat and sand, and their survival rate was found to be 98%. These results suggest that standardization of these factors can help in development of a commercially viable tissue culture system for rough lemon. Moreover, it signifies the need of plant variety based in vitro protocol development and optimization across citrus species.