Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reinstatement of Loxogramme dictyopteris, based on phylogenetic evidence, for the New Zealand endemic fern, Anarthropteris lanceolata (Polypodiaceae, Polypodiidae)

Phylogenetic relationships of the New Zealand endemic Anarthropteris lanceolata are inferred from DNA sequences of four chloroplast genome regions, rbcL, rps4, rps4–trnS IGS, and trnL–F IGS. In addition to a broad collection of polygrammoid ferns, the sampling includes two species of the genus Dictymia, five species of the genus Loxogramme, and one sample of the monotypic genus Anarthropteris. The latter is found to be nested within Loxogramme, and we reinstate it here as Loxogramme dictyopteris, to replace Anarthropteris lanceolata. These findings are not in conflict with morphological evidence. Phylogenetic evidence implies an isolation of L. dictyopteris from its closest relatives in Malesia. The five other species of Loxogramme included in this study fall either into an Asiatic-Malesian clade or in an Afro-Madagascan-Neotropical clade.
Enhanced Onion Resistance against Stemphylium Leaf Blight Disease, Caused by Stemphylium vesicarium, by Di-potassium Phosphate and Benzothiadiazole Treatments

【In this study, we investigated the induced defense response and protective effects against Stemphylium vesicarium by application of benzothiadiazole ( $Bion^{(R)}$ ) and di-potassium phosphate salt $(K_2HPO_4)$ to onion. Onion leaves were sprayed with $Bion^{(R)}$ and $K_2HPO_4$ , then inoculated 2 days later with a virulent strain of S. vesicarium under greenhouse conditions. Disease severity and activities of peroxidase (PO), polyphenoloxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and phenol contents were evaluated in the treated leaf tissues. Reduction in the disease severity was observed in plants treated with $Bion^{(R)}$ and $K_2HPO_4$ . Onion plants treated with $Bion^{(R)}$ and $K_2HPO_4$ and inoculated with the pathogen showed significantly higher PAL activity, PO activity, and phenol contents than inoculated water-treated plants 2 days after the treatment. In conclusion, the results of this study provide evidence that application of simple non-toxic chemical solutions as di-potassium phosphate and $Bion^{(R)}$ can control Stemphylium leaf blight of onion. 】
The Influence of Study Schedules and Work on the Sleep–Wake Cycle of College Students

College students usually exhibit an irregular sleep-wake cycle characterized by great phase delays on weekends and short sleep length on weekdays. As the temporal organization of social activities is an important synchronizer of human biological rhythms, we investigated the role played by study's schedules and work on the sleep-wake cycle. Three groups of female college students were investigated: (1) no-job morning group, (2) no-job evening group, (3) job evening group. The volunteers answered a sleep questionnaire in the classroom. The effects of day of the week and group on the sleep schedules and sleep length were analyzed by a two way ANOVA for repeated measures. The three groups showed delays in the wake up time on weekends. No-job evening and morning groups also delayed bedtime, but the job evening group slept at the same time on weekdays as on weekends. Sleep length increased on weekends for morning group and job evening group, whereas the no-job evening group maintained the amount of sleep from w.
Development of high yielding synthetic maize (Zea mays L.) varieties suitable for intercropping with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The objective of the study was to select and develop high yielding synthetic maize cultivars suitable for intercropping with common bean. S1 selection method was used to extract lines from Kakamega Striga Tolerant Population (KSTP) maize and Embu population, and the best 10 lines were recombined to form synthetic maize cultivars which were evaluated against the KSTP and recommended commercial hybrid (H512) under monoculture and intercropping. The experiments were conducted in Njoro, Kenya. The study led to development of two synthetic maize cultivars (Egerton Synthetic I and Egerton Synthetic II). Egerton synthetic I had the highest light transmission to the ground and gave the highest bean yield (23% reduction over bean monocrop) under intercrop system. It was the best for intercropping with beans. Egerton synthetic II gave the highest maize grain yield (41% yield increase over KSTP). Intercropping Egerton synthetic II with beans offered the highest benefits. There was no significant difference between Egerton synthetic II and H512 in terms of grain yield. The study showed that it is possible to breed genotypes for intercropping systems. Intercropping beans with maize selected and bred for intercropping supported transgressive yielding and thus can contributed to food security
Practising social work law (4th edition)

This fully revised fourth edition of a well-respected textbook seeks to build social workers' confidence in legal interpretation and implementation - practitioners must not only know the law; they must also have a critical appreciation of its implications for human rights, civil liberties and social justice. With a focus on promoting knowledge and skills in recognising, locating and articulating legal issues, it also demonstrates how the law can be used to inform practice standards and deliver positive outcomes for service users. This is essential reading for Social Work Law modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Practitioners and educators will also find it an invaluable resource to guide them through a complex, yet vital, aspect of their work.
Discussion: Re: Nagase et al.: Neurospheres From Human Adipose Tissue Transplanted Into Cultured Mouse Embryos Can Contribute to Craniofacial Morphogenesis: A Preliminary Report

R esearch efforts in regenerative medicine have been accelerated by the demonstration that adult stromal cells, both bone marrowand adipose-derived, are capable of differentiation along mesodermal lineages, including that of bone, cartilage, adipose tissue, and muscle. Recent investigations have also probed the potential of these stromal cells to be induced along neuronal lineages, namely, neurons or their supporting glial cells. Research in this field is heavily debated, particularly regarding the potential of adult stromal cells to undergo transdifferentiation into neurons. Nevertheless, the potential applications of neuronal regeneration are broad. Apropos to the reconstructive surgeon, there are approximately 50,000 peripheral nerve procedures performed in the United States annually, during which the surgeon is not infrequently required to use autologous grafts to bridge nerve deficits. The ability to regenerate nerves would allow the surgeon to circumvent the limitation of tissue quantity and morbidities accompanying the use of nerve allografts. The potential benefits of neuronal regeneration, however, could be far-reaching in medicine. Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, are estimated to occur with a prevalence rate of approximately 1% in individuals between the ages of 65 and 69 years. Approximately 700,000 strokes occur annually in the United States. In 2003, there were more than 12,000 spinal cord injuries reported in the United States. The regeneration of neuronal tissue using adult stromal cells, although laden with controversy, offers the potential for dramatic improvements in therapy for injured or diseased neuronal tissue. Initial in vitro studies engendered much excitement about the potential of adult stromal cells to contribute to neuronal regeneration. Woodbury et al described neuronal differentiation of adult rat and human bone marrow stromal cells after exposure to
A comparative seasonal pollution assessment study on Ennore Estuary with respect to metal accumulation in the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus

Abstract Environmental pollution is currently a major concern due to unorganised and increased industrialization and urban development. In the Tamilnadu state of India, on the Bay of Bengal, lies the Ennore estuary, which is an important industrial centre. The main industries in the region include a fertilizer company, refineries, a rubber factory, paint industry and a thermal power station. Investigations into the seasonal pollution impacts on the distribution of various metals in the waters of the Ennore estuary, situated in North Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, and the concentrations of some of the toxic metals in the tissue of the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus L. , inhabiting in the same estuary were conducted during the period of April 2004 to March 2006. The results were compared to those of the Kovalam estuary, which is unpolluted. In the water at one sample site of the Ennore estuary, heavy metal concentrations ranged between: Pb 0.15-0.23, Hg 0.05-0.06, Cd 0.01-0.03, and Cr 3.33-1.093 ppm for summer and monsoon seasons, and were significantly related to the seasonal rains (p<0.01). In contrast, heavy metal concentrations in the Kovalam estuary ranged between: Pb 0.043-0.039, Hg non-detectable-0.001, Cd 0.01-0.098, and Cr 0.063-0.052 ppm, and were not significantly related to the rainy season. The metal concentrations found in the muscle tissues of Mugil cephalus L. , at the same site on the Ennore estuary were: Fe 11.06 ±0.29, Zn 1.67 ±0.14, Cr 2.98 ±0.15, and Pb 1.26 ±0.11 ppm, which were also significantly related to season (p<0.01). The metal concentrations in fish inhabiting the Kovalam estuary were: Fe 2.17 ±0.15, Zn 0.42 ±0.05, Cr 0.63 ±0.04, and Pb 0.31 ±0.04, and showed no significant seasonal difference. The highest metal concentrations found in the tissues of the Ennore estuary fish which lead to the oxidative stress and shorten the lifespan of the fish are postulated to primarily result from anthropogenic activities and effluent discharge from the local industrial activities.
Plant species identity and arbuscular mycorrhizal status modulate potential nitrification rates in nitrogen‐limited grassland soils

1. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and ammonia oxidizers (AO) represent key soil microbial groups regulating nitrogen (N) cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Both utilize soil ammonium‐N reserves for N assimilation, whilst the latter, through autotrophic nitrification, drive ammonia oxidation to highly mobile nitrate‐N.
Avian Pneumovirus infection in turkey and broiler farms in Italy: a virological, molecular and serological field survey

Abstract Avian Pneumovirus (APV) is the casual agent of Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT), and also causes a respiratory infection in chickens, which can result in Swollen Head Syndrome. A survey of APV infection in Italian turkey and broiler farms, in a highly populated area of Northern Italy (Verona Province) is reported. Nine turkey farms and 6 broiler farms were sampled. Sixteen birds from each group were doubly swabbed from the choanal cleft for virus isolation on tracheal organ cultures (TOC) and RT nested PCR (A and B type specific) using extracted RNA. At the same time blood samples were collected for a blocking ELISA serological assay. The broiler samples for virological assays were treated with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) antiserum raised against serotypes prevalent in the areas sampled, thus avoiding competitive growth of IBV on TOC. Ciliostasis on TOC was taken as the indicator of the presence of the virus, and confirmation was by indirect immunofluorescence. APV was isolated and detected by RT-PCR in 19 day-old turkeys, and in 34, 42 and 48 day-old broilers. All APV strains were found to be type B. All turkeys of more than 4 weeks old were APV positive by ELISA. APV infection was found to be widely spread in the area sampled and the protocol used for virus isolation was shown to be effective. Turkey rhinotracheitis first appeared in Italy in the late 1980s, and the APV isolates involved were subsequently characterised as B types. Our results confirm APV B type to be present in Italy, but the limited findings to date need to be extended by further surveys of other Italian regions.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Responses in Young Leaves of Mulberry Plants Grown Under Nitrogen, Phosphorus or Potassium Deficiency

The aim of this study was to associate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with induced antioxidant responses and disturbed cellular redox environment in the nitrogen-(N), phosphorus-(P), or potassium-(K) deficient mulberry (Morus alba L. var. Kanva-2) plants. The indicators of oxidative stress and cellular redox environment and antioxidant defense-related parameters were analyzed. Deficiency of N, P or K suppressed growth, accelerated senescence, and decreased concentrations of chloroplastic pigments and glutathione. Lipid peroxidation and activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase were also increased in these N, P, or K deprived plants. Concentration of hydrogen peroxide increased in plants deficient in N or P. Deficiency of N or P particularly altered the cellular redox environment as indicated by changes in the redox couples, namely ascorbic acid/total ascorbate decreased in P-, glutathione sulfydryl/total glutathione decreased in N-, and increased in P-deficient plants. Activity staining of native gels for superoxide dismutase revealed increased activity as indicated by increased intensity of bands, and induction of few new isoforms in P- and K-deficient plants. Differences in the patterns of superoxide dismutase isoforms and redox status (ascorbic acid/total ascorbate and glutathione sulfydryl/total glutathione) indicate that N-, P-, or K-deficiency altered antioxidant responses to varying extents in mulberry plants.
A floral‐derived attractant for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

The reproductive success of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) is strongly dependent on the availability of carbohydrates in the environment and the ability of the mosquitoes to locate them. The most significant source of carbohydrates for mosquitoes is nectar from flowering plants, which mosquitoes locate by their volatile compounds. The aim of our work was to identify plant volatile compounds that elicit a behavioral response in Ae. aegypti, which may be included in a mosquito trap for surveillance and/or control purposes. Landing‐preference bioassays were performed with plants of three species—Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. (Lamiaceae), Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae), and Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. (Brassicaceae)—as lures and toxic sugar baits as landing markers. Mosquitoes landed only on L. maritima. Freshly cut inflorescences of L. maritima elicited a positive flight response in both sexes of mosquitoes. The analysis of the compounds in the static head space of L. maritima was performed by solid phase microextraction (SPME). Of the single volatile compounds tested, acetophenone was attractive and 1‐octanol caused a flight aversive response. These findings are relevant as there are no reported plant‐derived compounds attractive to A. aegypti. As both the male and female mosquitoes sugar feed, traps baited with plant odors are able to lure the whole adult population, making it an interesting option for including in future mosquito surveillance traps.
Detection of nifH Sequences in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr.)

To detect N2-fixing bacteria in a plant without using culture methods, nifH gene segments were amplified with degenerate primers from DNA extracted from stems of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and leaves of pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr.). Sequences of the nifH clones were homologous to those of bacteria in the genera Bradyrhizobium, Serratia, and Klebsiella. The bacteria with nifH sequences homologous to those of the three genera may be promising candidates for predominant endophytic diazotrophs in sugarcane and pineapple, because these sequences were commonly detected in samples from different host plants, which were collected at different locations. On the other hand, no nifH sequence related to Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, which is an endophytic N2-fixing bacterium and had been previously isolated from sugarcane, was detected in sugarcane. This indicates the absence or the presence of few G. diazotrophicus in the stems of the sugarcane plants used in the current study.
Pooled testing with replication as a mass testing strategy for the COVID-19 pandemics

During the COVID-19 pandemic it is essential to test as many people as possible, in order to detect early outbreaks of the infection. Present testing solutions are based on the extraction of RNA from patients using oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs, and then testing with real-time PCR for the presence of specific RNA filaments identifying the virus. This approach is limited by the availability of reactants, trained technicians and laboratories. One of the ways to speed up the testing procedures is a group testing, where the swabs of multiple patients are grouped together and tested. In this paper we propose to use the group testing technique in conjunction with an advanced replication scheme in which each patient is allocated in two or more groups to reduce the total numbers of tests and to allow testing of even larger numbers of people. Under mild assumptions, a 13 × average reduction of tests can be achieved compared to individual testing without delay in time.
Nuances of Mechanisms and Their Implications for Evolution of the Versatile β-Lactamase Activity: From Biosynthetic Enzymes to Drug Resistance Factors

β-Lactamases of classes A and C are believed to have evolved from bacterial enzymes involved in biosynthesis of the peptidoglycan, the so-called penicillin-binding proteins. All these enzymes undergo acylation at an active-site serine by β-lactam antibiotics as a common feature. However, the fate of the acyl-enzyme species is different for β-lactamases and penicillin-binding proteins; deacylation is rapid for the former, whereas it is slow for the latter. It is believed that the acquisition of the ability to deacylate the acyl-enzyme intermediate led to the evolution of β-lactamase activity, which is indispensable for the survival of bacteria in the face of challenge by β-lactam antibiotics. The mechanisms of deacylation of acyl-enzyme intermediates for β-lactamases are examined as a means to investigate structural factors in evolutionary descendency of classes A and C of β-lactamases from penicillin-binding proteins. It is known that in class A β-lactamases the hydrolytic water approaches the acyl-enzyme.
The effect of free ammonia nitrogen, pH and supplementation with oxygen on the growth of South African abalone, Haliotis midae L. in an abalone serial‐use raceway with three passes

The farming of abalone, Haliotis midae L. , can be intensified in serial-pass systems, but water re-use increases the concentration of NH3 (free ammonia nitrogen, FAN) and reduces water pH. Changing the percentage dietary protein from 33% to 26% reduced the concentration of FAN (F42, 252 = 2.79; P < 0.0001) in a serial-pass system and did not reduce weight gain (F1, 12 = 1.09; P = 0.31) or length gain (F1, 12 = 1.08; P = 0.31). Low water pH was the most important variable to contribute to a reduction in abalone growth (weight gain: F1, 19 = 64.5; P < 0.0001; r2 = 0.76; length gain: F1, 19 = 41.9; P < 0.0001; r2 = 0.67). In addition, supplemental oxygen (103% saturation) improved length gain (t = 3.45, P = 0.026) in abalone exposed to an average FAN concentration of 2.43 ± 1.1 μg L−1) and an average pH value of 7.6 ± 0.13, relative to a treatment with no oxygen supplementation. Thus, in an abalone serial-use raceway with three passes, FAN was not the first growth-limiting variable. It is suggested that future studies should examine the major causes of reduced water pH in serial-use systems and their effect on the growth and health of H. midae.
Textural and Other Quality Properties of Instant Fried Noodles as Affected by Some Ingredients

ABSTRACT The effects of varying the proportion of three noodle dough components (water, gum, and starch) on the texture (maximum load and strain at break), amount of fat absorbed, and percent rehydration of instant fried noodles were studied. The Instron Universal testing machine was used to measure noodle texture, whereas quality attributes were determined using fat absorption and rehydration parameters. The results showed that changes in maximum load, strain at break point, fat absorption, and rehydration% of instant noodles depended on interactions between the ingredients. Increasing the gum content, starch content (for amounts >4% kg/kg of flour) and moisture content (35–40% kg/kg of flour) enhanced the elasticity and extensibility of cooked instant fried noodles. Addition of starch decreased fat absorption but showed mixed effect on rehydration%. The effect of gum addition at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% on fat absorption was significant but reduced considerably or showed a reverse effect at higher starch addi.
Influence of seeding date and harvest stage on yields and essential oil composition of three cultivars of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) grown in Nova Scotia

Experiments were conducted in two locations in Nova Scotia, Canning and Truro, during 2001 and 2002 to determine the effect of seeding date and harvest stage on productivity and composition of essential oil from Anethum graveolens L. ‘Mesten, Dukat’ and ‘Hercules’. Delayed seeding generally reduced yields and altered the concentration of some essential oil components. Both dill seed and dill weed oil from this study had compositions similar to commercially available oil and reported dill oil compositions. The seed oil had moderate to high carvone content (17.9–64.0%) as is desired for the international market. Carvone content in oil increased as the plants matured. Lower yields and essential oil yields were obtained from cv. Hercules compared with the other two cultivars. Herbage yields and essential oil content were typical for the plant species; seed yields were below average, but there is potential to increase these yields through different seeding dates, harvest dates and investigation into optimum nu.
Nutritional and Medicinal Importance of Pleurotus Mushrooms: An Overview

Mushrooms of Pleurotus genus are popularly consumed all over the world due to their taste, flavor, high nutritional values, and some medicinal properties. Several species of this genus are rich in proteins with essential amino acids, physiologically important polysaccharides and essential fatty acids, dietary fibers, important minerals, and some vitamins. Because of these nutritional composition and the presence of some other active ingredients, these mushrooms have been reported to have anticancer, antihypercholesterolemic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiobesity, hepatoprotective, antiaging, antimicrobial, antiallergic, and antioxidant activities. The high nutritional value and potential medicinal uses suggest that the Pleurotus mushrooms are important functional foods or nutraceuticals.